These Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints settlers were recruited by the Alberta Railway and Irrigation Company to construct irrigation works in the area funded by British interests by the family of Sir Alexander Galt.

In its early years Magrath was known as The Irrigation Capital of Canada, and later as "The Garden City" for its beautiful natural setting and plentiful trees.

Magrath also has historical links to the internationally recognized British Garden City tradition which was piloted in England during this same period.

There is a stake based in Magrath, which is composed of ten congregations (eight wards and two branches) in the town and surrounding area.

[14] As of June 2016, the total membership in the Magrath Alberta Stake was reported as 2433 members.