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Clearbrook Mennonite Brethren Church (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)The Clearbrook Mennonite Brethren (MB) congregation (originally known as the North Abbotsford Mennonite Brethren Church) began as a daughter church of the South Abbotsford Mennonite Brethren Church. They began their services in 1935 and originally met in the homes of various members. The congregation formally organized on 27 December 1935, with 24 members. Gerhard Rempel was the first leader, elected on 24 January 1936; he served for just over a year when fellow founder George Doerksen was elected to lead. In 1940 a plot of land was purchased from the municipality for $1.00 and on 3 November 1940 a 46 foot by 34 foot church costing $700.00 was dedicated. In 1944 a twenty foot addition was planned but due to the formation of East Aldergrove Mennonite Brethren Church (now Ross Road Community Church) in 1947, the addition was postponed. As the congregation grew it was voted upon in 1949 whether to add on to the church or construct a new building. With more than 80 percent of voters in support of a new building the planning begun. Construction began in 1956 and on 14 April 1957 the present church was dedicated. In 1950 it was decided to change the name of the church to the present name. Leaders up to 1957 included George Doerksen, Cornelius C. Peters, and Jacob J. Doerksen; assistant ministers during that time included George Rempel, D. P. Esau, C. C. Peters, G. P. Warkentin, J. J. Doerksen, J. P. Wiebe, Aron A. Toews, A. H. Wieler, and G. Giesbrecht. In 1959 a short English message was started. The church’s involvement with the work of the West Coast Children’s Mission in Sunday Schools at Nicomen Island and Deroche, which moved to Lake Errock, directly resulted in the formation of the Lake Errock Church being built in 1960. In 1962 Rev. Henry H. Janzen became the first pastor to receive a salary at $300.00 a month plus housing. In 1965 a second group divided from Clearbrook Mennonite MB to form Bakerview Mennonite Brethren Church. However, the churches continued to work together, especially in regards to youth work. On 28 March 1976 separate German and English services began. In 1978 the church foyer was increased and in 1980 an addition to the west end was built, which included additional offices and a kitchen and basement expansion. In 1991 the sanctuary and basement were renovated. Clearbrook MB has been involved in many endeavors. While it was still North Abbotsford MB its members took part in the formation of the Mennonite Educational Institute and what is now Columbia Bible College. Clearbrook MB was also involved with the starting of the Tabor Home and Sherwood Senior Citizen’s Home. Pastor George Baier was fundamental in starting the broadcasted services from Clearbrook MB. Clearbrook MB has three services on Sundays; two in English and one in German. The church has a senior’s ministry focus as well as many Lady’s groups. BibliographyCanadian Mennonite (10 August 1956): 3; (19 April 1957): 1; (26 June 1959): 13; (24 November 1961): 14. Mennonite Brethren Herald (27 May 1988): 23; (22 November 1996): 18-19. Rattlaff, Erich L., ed., A History of the Clearbrook MB Church, 1936-1986. Clearbrook, B.C., 1986: 112 pp. Additional InformationAddress: 2719 Clearbrook Rd., Abbotsford, BC, V2T 2Y9 Phone: 604-850-6607 Denominational Affiliations: British Columbia Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches General Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches of North America Clearbrook MB Church Pastors
Clearbrook MB Church Membership
©1996-2008 by the Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. All rights reserved. To cite this page:MLA style: Klager, Andrew and Hugo Friesen. "Clearbrook Mennonite Brethren Church (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)." Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. August 2006. Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. Retrieved 07 September 2008 <http://www.gameo.org/encyclopedia/contents/C564.html> APA style: Klager, Andrew and Hugo Friesen. (August 2006). "Clearbrook Mennonite Brethren Church (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)." Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. Retrieved 07 September 2008 <http://www.gameo.org/encyclopedia/contents/C564.html> Document Actions |
