The Village of Muenster is located in East Central Saskatchewan, just 10 kilometres (kms) east of the City of Humboldt, and 125 kms east of the City of Saskatoon. Being centrally located, Muenster is just a short drive from most major centres in Saskatchewan.
With a population of approximately 430, the sense of small-town caring accompanies the high quality of life enjoyed here. In the last 5 years, 25 or so new houses have been built in an area just south west of where this cache is placed. Muenster has a diverse assortment of businesses and a residential area that is well treed and attractively maintained.
The area was originally settled in 1903 when Benedictine monks moved to the area and built a monastery and log church, which has grown and is now known as St. Peter's Abbey and St. Peter's College.
The Village established itself adjacent to the monk's settlement and was incorporated as a Village in 1908. Muenster was named after the celebrated cathedral City of Muenster in Wesphalia, Germany. The word 'Muenster' comes from the Latin 'monasterium', meaning 'monastery'; very appropriate as it was the first monastery the Benedictines founded in Canada.
Today, Muenster is known as the 'Hub of St. Peter's Colony'.
Muenster is proud to be the home of the beautiful St. Peter's Cathedral, which attracts visitors and tourists from around the world. Built by volunteer parishioners in 1909, the Cathedral display 80 life-size portraits and 14 large sculpted stations of the cross.
Count Berthold Von Imhoff, a German-born artisan, was the artist who decorated the interior of the church in 1919. St. Peter's Cathedral was declared a Historic Site in 1985.
Another attraction adjacent to the Village is the picturesque ground and buildings of St. Peter's Abbey and St. Peter's College. The Abbey is home to the remaining Benedictine monks. The College is associated with the University of Saskatchewan and equipped to offer classes for the first two years of university. Student facilities include a gymnasium, a basketball court, two volleyball courts, a weight room, racquetball courts, a hockey rink, tennis courts, two soccer fields, and a running track.
The school within the Village covers kindergarten to grade 12 with approximately 165 students attending. Muenster School offers a full component of academic courses as well as a strong athletic program. It contains a gymnasium, a library, a modern playground, basketball court, and a large surrounding area for recreational activities. The school also has access to the grounds at St. Peter's Abbey, which includes track and field facilities and a hockey/skating arena.
Being a sports-minded community, activity in Muenster is often centered on the well-groomed ball diamonds, the two-sheet curling rink, or the hockey arena. There is also a local Community Centre, where various functions such as weddings, dances, reunions, or gatherings of any kind can be held.
There are many activities which the youth can be involved in such as piano lessons, dance clubs, skating clubs, ceramics, etc., and sports of all kinds. There is a large amount of community services organizations for young and old alike to become involved with.
Muenster has a local volunteer fire department, which serves the Village and assists adjacent fire departments in emergencies. The department consists of 12 volunteers that are available 24 hours a day.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has a detachment located in the City of Humboldt (just 10 kms from Muenster) which serves Muenster. Also located in Humboldt and available to Muenster is a hospital, a clinic, dentists, etc., and a full range of goods and services available for all needs.
Because of its close proximity to major centres, Muenster is an ideal place to live or do business, while still being considered a very safe and friendly village.