Doukhobors at Veregin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Doukhobors at Veregin |
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|---|---|
| Location | Veregin, Country |
| Established | 1904 |
The Doukhobors at Veregin is a special place in Veregin, Saskatchewan. It's known as a National Historic Site of Canada. This means it's an important spot in Canadian history. It was given this special title in 2006. You might also hear it called the National Doukhobor Heritage Village.
This site has several old buildings. They show how important Veregin was a long time ago. In the early 1900s, it was the main place for the Canadian Doukhobor people. It was their center for leaders and spiritual gatherings.
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What is the Doukhobor Heritage Village?
The Doukhobor Heritage Village is a collection of historic buildings. These buildings help us understand the Doukhobor way of life. They show how the community lived, worked, and worshipped.
The Main Prayer House
The most important building at the site is the prayer house. It was built in 1917. This large building was used for community meetings and spiritual gatherings. It was also the home of Peter Vasilevich Verigin. He was the leader for many Doukhobors.
The prayer house is a two-story building. It has many beautiful decorations. Its design shows the building styles the Doukhobors brought from Russia. Outside the building, there is a big open area. This space was used for outdoor community meetings.
Other Important Buildings
There are several other interesting buildings at the site. These include a traditional Doukhobor house and a bakery. There is also a banya, which is a type of bath house. You can also see a granary, a barn, and a blacksmith shop.
The Museum and Registration Building is another key spot. It displays many old items. One special item is Peter V. Verigin's own "Rockaway" Coach. This was a fancy carriage he used for travel.
The Statue of Leo Tolstoy
At the site, you can also find a statue of Leo Tolstoy. He was a famous Russian writer. Tolstoy helped the Doukhobors move to Canada. He supported their beliefs and their search for a peaceful life. There is also a large millstone, which was used for grinding grain.
Why is Veregin Important to Doukhobors?
Veregin was once the main office for the Community Doukhobors. Their organization was called the Christian Community of Universal Brotherhood (CCUB). This group was officially formed in 1917. Veregin was their headquarters until they moved to Brilliant, near Castlegar, British Columbia.
Even though many Doukhobors moved from Saskatchewan to British Columbia a long time ago, their years in Saskatchewan are very important to their history. This is why Doukhobor groups chose Veregin for big celebrations. They celebrated the 60th, 75th, and 100th anniversaries of their arrival in Canada. The Doukhobors first came to Canada in 1899.
