For the most part, stories and books about prairie pioneers focus on the hard working homesteader, the industrious small businessperson or perhaps local political leaders.
But preachers… Holy Roller preachers… well, perhaps not so much.
Phyll Summach has written a new book about her parents, the reverends Bud and Evelyn Chartier.
Both were born and raised in the Battlefords, they married and he was sent off to conflict. After the war, they settled in the Cando area where they were essentially an updated version of the old circuit-riding preachers.
They were equal partners; both were preachers and they ministered and started Foursquare Gospel Churches in many of the small communities and reservations.
Their life was full of the ups and downs of choosing a life of service and faith over one of profit and loss. The author says she wrote the book with the same sentiment, not for profit or loss, but to help her grandkids and others who loved Bud and Ev, appreciate the legacy they left in the Battlefords and district community.
We Have Heard the Joyful Sound by Phyll Summach is a homespun, plainspoken book of tales from a life of such service.
Many people in the Battlefords may have never been in one of their services but may have enjoyed tuning into their long running radio broadcast on CJNB radio or they may have received a hospital visit and a little red bible from Ev on her North Battleford Union Hospital rounds,
It is a fine read and a loving tribute to a couple who made a difference in the Battlefords.
Book available @ truden@sasktel.
