Our History

The Beginnings of Briercrest

The story of Briercrest begins in the early 1900s, when settlers were drawn to the open prairie lands of southern Saskatchewan. The site of the present village was purchased by the Canadian National Railway (CNR) in 1911, around the same time the railway line was constructed through the area.

With the arrival of the railway came rapid growth. Homes and businesses were built, and by April 1912—when Briercrest was officially incorporated as a village—more than 100 people were already calling it home.

The name “Briercrest” was first used for a post office opened in 1902 on the farm of Captain Charles Jaques. His wife, Mrs. Jaques, chose the name after the wild roses that grew on a ridge near their home. When the village was later established, the name was carried forward in honour of those early roots.

A Century of Community

Over the years, Briercrest developed into a lively agricultural and service centre for the surrounding farms. Its residents built schools, churches, and community halls, forming the foundation for a proud and resilient rural community.

Although small in size, the village has always had a strong sense of identity and cooperation. Local volunteers, organizations, and families have kept traditions alive through community events, sports, and cultural activities.

Today, Briercrest remains home to about 155 residents, who continue to uphold the values of hard work, neighbourliness, and pride in their shared history.

The Briercrest & District Museum

Preserving the area’s past is a key part of Briercrest’s story. The Briercrest & District Museum was first established in the 1970s in the old telephone building on Main Street.

Over the years, the museum has grown and relocated several times, finding its permanent home in the former Briercrest School in 2011. The museum officially celebrated its grand opening during the community’s 100th Anniversary in June 2012.

Today, the museum’s exhibits highlight pioneer life, education, and the people who shaped the community. It serves as both a learning centre and a gathering place for residents and visitors interested in local history.

The Brier Rose Cultural Centre and Edna Jaques

One of Briercrest’s most notable historical figures is Edna Jaques, a prairie poet whose writings captured the beauty and challenges of life on the land.

Born in 1891 in Collingwood, Ontario, Edna moved to the Briercrest area with her family at the age of eleven. Her mother operated the first post office on their homestead and chose the name “Briercrest.”

Edna’s talent for writing emerged early, and over her lifetime she wrote thousands of poems, many celebrating the prairie spirit. She became a popular author and public speaker, publishing numerous collections that reached readers across Canada.

The Peachey House, a home with close ties to the Jaques family, was designated a heritage property in 2008 and now houses the Brier Rose Cultural Centre. The Centre honours Edna’s literary contributions and preserves the stories of the community’s early settlers.

Briercrest Bible College

The community’s strong religious heritage led to the founding of the Briercrest Bible School on October 19, 1935. The first classes were held in rented homes in the village, and enrollment grew quickly—from 11 students in the beginning to over 100 by 1940.

 After the Second World War, the school purchased the Caron Airport property and relocated there, becoming Briercrest Bible College. Over the decades, the institution expanded to include a high school and an elementary school for faculty families.

Today, Briercrest College and Seminary in Caronport continues to educate students from across Canada and around the world. Its name remains a lasting tribute to the small prairie community where it all began.

Briercrest Today

More than 100 years after its founding, Briercrest continues to thrive as a proud rural community with deep roots and a strong sense of identity.

Visitors can explore its museum, heritage properties, and local events, all of which celebrate the people and stories that built the village. From the scent of wild roses on the hills to the echoes of history in the old schoolhouse, Briercrest remains a place where the past and present live side by side.