Cedar Valley Mennonite Church, Mission, BC Source: D. Giesbrecht

The first Mennonite settlers in Mission came in 1934-1937. Nine Mennonite families began gathering together for worship services and formally organized in 1940 under the leadership of Abram J. Pankratz, their first pastor. They met in a small building on the Latter’s property on Ferndale Road and the church was named the United Mennonite Mission. In 1940 a meeting house seating 180 and measuring 30 by 24 feet was built on land donated by Abram J. Pankratz. A dedication service was held in August 1940. The members in the 1950s were largely engaged in dairying, poultry raising, and berry culture.

Construction on the second sanctuary began in 1951 when the congregation outgrew the original building. The land was donated by John Friesen. It was slowly built upon so that no debt would be incurred. Services were held in the basement until the work was completed in 1953. In 1965 Ed Goerzen was retained as the first salaried pastor. He oversaw the change from the German to the English language. This change opened the doors to the community. As a result the church soon took on a community feel. Not long after they saw the need to build a new church and a 700-seat sanctuary on the same property was constructed. It was dedicated in May 1979.

Bibliography

Additional Information

Address: 32840 Janzen Ave., Mission, BC  V2V 2T5; located 1 1/2 miles north of downtown Mission, off Cedar St.

Phone: 604-826-2445

Website: http://www.cedarvalley.ca/

Denominational Affiliations:

Mennonite Church British Columbia (1940-present)

Conference of Mennonites in Canada / Mennonite Church Canada (1940-2006)

General Conference Mennonite Church (1959-1999)

Cedar Valley Mennonite Church Leading Ministers

Cedar Valley Mennonite Church Membership

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