Our History

A book could be written about events and characters related to the St. Sebastian Archery Club in its years of existence. A book that could very well be a best seller.

The St. Sebastian Pole Archery Club, founded in 1926, can be traced back to St. Sebastian himself. Sebastian was one of the early defenders of the Christian faith during the 3rd century. He entered the Roman Army without revealing his intent to assist and protect the Christians. He became a commander of soldiers at Milan.

Sebastian's religious faith was discovered and he was condemned to death. He was tied to a tree and shot with arrows. He was left for dead. A Christian woman named Irene cared for him and he recovered. When it was found out, the Emperor ordered him clubbed to death in the Amphitheatre and buried in 288 A.D.

In medieval times in Europe, and in Belgium, his name became of great significance; so when the Archery Club in Ghent was founded in 1322, they honored him by taking St. Sebastian as their patron and the name of their club.

Roster of Membership of the St. Sebastian Archery Club of Ghent reads in continuous line from one generation to another, and there is evidence of this by the museum in Ghent devoted to archery alone. Membership in the early stages was restricted to royalty and noblemen only. Presently it is a popular and nationally known sport in Belgium, enjoyed by all classes.

Over the years 1905 through 1926, many Belgians immigrated to Canada and settled in Manitoba. They used the Belgian Club (founded 1905) as a base for socializing and pursuing their cultural activites. One of these activities was the formation of a Pole Archery Club.

For this purpose an organizational meeting was held on the 10th of February, 1926 and resulted in naming the club St. Sebastian and establishing the following first executives: President: Charles Druwé, Vice President: Arthur Nayaert, and Secretary: Camiel De Buck.

The next meeting held on the 16th of February, 1926 established rules and regulations pertaining to membership and shootings. A $10 membership fee was set and promptly paid by the following founding members:

- Archie De Cuypere, the only surviving founding member at the time of writing, was 86 years old and resided in Calgary -

The coming of spring in 1926 resulted in the first shooting season. Bows, arrows and birds were purchased in Belgium. Land had been acquired from the city of St. Boniface and a pole placed in position on what is now called Cabana Place St. Boniface.

The first shooting was at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, May 30, 1926. To mark this occasion members and other interested people were lead in parade by the Belgian Club Band from the Belgian Club to the Archery grounds.

This successful beginning was the start of many decades of this fine sport that would eventually result in clubs being formed in north western Manitoba and Dryden, Ontario. Over the years the various presidents have called meetings each month on the first Wednesday. The secretaries have recorded with care, pending and transacted business.

A significant change in recording took place in 1948. Previous to this period all recordings were in the Flemish language. This was changed to the English language due to the influx of new ethnic members other than Belgians.

Also of significant importance in 1948 was the notification from the City of St. Boniface of its intentions to develop the property on which the pole was located.

Alternate locations were investigated and with the permission of Rev. Father Vitus, the pole was relocated next to the Grotto on the Belgian Sacred Heart Church property. This tenure was terminated in 1952. The club was again faced with relocation and consequently with the renewal and fabrication of a new steel pole. The executives, in their wisdom, approached the City of St. Boniface in quest of suitable property. After numerous meetings the city granted its approval to relocate on two acres of Parks Board property off Mission Street. This was granted on an indefinite year to year lease. The move to these premises was made in 1952 and is still our present site for activities.

In May, 1954, a new Echelon of Membership was created; that of Honorary Life Member. This was awarded for outstanding and continuous service to the club. A special framed certificate is presented to the recipient at the annual Banquet. To date, eight members have been awarded these certificates (four deceased).

This condensed St. Sebastian history (1926 - 1986) has been compiled from secretarial records and as such is regarded as factful and informational. - Joe Sargeant