Early settlers in the area around Wadena founded parishes near their farms and small communities. In 1949, it was decided to build a central parish in the town of Wadena which could serve as a district seat.
The church of the Descent of the Holy Spirit was built in 1950 on land donated by the Mayor of Wadena. It was blessed by Bishop Andrew Roborecki in 1952. In 1986, under the leadership of Fr. John Melnyk, it was decided to build a new church as Millenium Project in honour of the millennial anniversary of the conversion of Ukraine to Christianity. This beautiful new church was blessed by Bishop Basil Filevich in 1987. The people of the area continue to be devoted to the maintenance of their parish. It is served regularly from Our Lady of Perpetual Help (St. Mary’s) Parish in Yorkton.
The information provided here is taken in part from the work of Anna Maria Kowcz-Baran, Ukrainian Catholic Churches of Saskatchewan, published in 1977. This monumental historical survey can be found for sale at the Musée Ukraina Museum for $20.00.