The first Mennonite Brethren church in Alberta was established by immigrants from Russia in 1926 in Coaldale, a southern farming community. Three years later several churches united to form a provincial conference to assist local churches in proclaiming the kingdom of God, unifying faith, stimulating vision, and enabling common ministries in areas of education and mission.

To provide young people access to educational opportunities, both local Bible schools and an Alberta Mennonite High School were established. As communities expanded and urbanization increased, the high school was closed in 1964, and in 1968 the Bible school thrust was merged with that of the Saskatchewan Conference of Mennonite Brethren churches, as both conferences assumed sponsorship of Bethany Bible Institute.

In 1996 the conference consisted of 22 churches with a total membership of more than 2,720 scattered across the province. With more than 50 per cent of the members located in urban centers, the churches also minister to the communities in which they are found through Camp Evergreen and a Mailbox Bible Club. Ministries to Native peoples have been pursued at Hobbema. In Calgary and Edmonton the churches have also ministered to East Asian people. Together the churches experience rich blessings in worship and service.

©1996-2008 by the Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. All rights reserved.

To cite this page:

MLA style: Konrad, Abram G. "Alberta Provincial Conference of the Mennonite Brethren Church." Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. 1990. Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. Retrieved 15 May 2008 <http://www.gameo.org/encyclopedia/contents/A437.html>

APA style: Konrad, Abram G. (1990). "Alberta Provincial Conference of the Mennonite Brethren Church." Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. Retrieved 15 May 2008 <http://www.gameo.org/encyclopedia/contents/A437.html>