Construction of the Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception was a slow-moving process. Designed by architect and Reverend Father Philip Ruh, the community of Cooks Creek began building their “Prairie Cathedral” Style church in 1930 – it would finally be consecrated 22 years later, in 1952. Reverend Ruh oversaw much of the construction, and helped design thirty more Ukrainian churches in Canada.

The large complex boasts a multi-storey domed cathedral, the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes and a cemetery. It is one of the largest Ukrainian Catholic Churches in Western Canada and an excellent example of the favoured church architecture. Prairie Style Cathedral churches borrow from the dynamic style and form of Ukrainian Baroque churches, visible in elements such as the nine onion-shaped domes topped by iron crosses.

Many of the architectural features of the building were made from a combination of concrete, stucco, and paint – and most of the construction process was carried out by community volunteers. A grand staircase sits at the church entrance, framed by statues of heralding angels. At the top of the stairs is an entrance porch, covered by an entablature and supported by painted Tuscan columns. The Church still operates today, and is home to a variety of community events including an annual Renaissance Fair.