Ascension of Our Lord Parish – Derwent (Farms)

Ascension of Our Lord Parish in Derwent (Farms) began as a small Ukrainian Catholic community gathered around prayer in 1907 and grew into a parish built by its own people. The first Divine Liturgy was celebrated in the home of Ivan Hanasyk on December 1, 1908, by Fr. Joseph Tymochko, and the church was built in 1910 on ten hilly acres of land about 10 km southwest of Derwent; it was incorporated in 1911. The early parish had 35 members, and the faithful themselves constructed the church, with the cemetery begun on the farm of Ivan Hanasyk.

The parish’s early life was shaped by devoted families and many Basilian priests who served the community over the decades. Founding members included I. Fedechko, M. Jablonski, M. Bykewich, J. Kiziak, L. Pashulka, H. Trachuk, M. Hanasyk, H. Jaremco, I. Karpchuk, A. Zazuliak, N. Babyn, I. Wynnyk, E. Zuk, E. Wasylik, V. Syvenky, and F. Lesyk, while Mr. Ivan Hanasyk and his wife Katherine were especially remembered for their generosity toward visiting clergy. The church later burned down on August 21, 1989, and much of the parish’s historical record was lost, but its legacy remains tied to faith, sacrifice, and community effort.