East Aldergrove Mennonite Brethren (MB) Church (now Ross Road Community Church) was envisioned when, sensing a desire for fellowship within their own community, a number of brethren representing 32 families from the North Abbotsford Mennonite Brethren Church (now Clearbrook MB) held frequent meetings, starting on 2 January 1947, resulting in a decision in February 1947 to purchase land for the purpose of building a sanctuary.  Almost all of the charter members lived on farms where they raised dairy cattle, chickens and also cultivated raspberries and strawberries.  The majority had little money, since 65 cents an hour was considered a fair wage.  In faith, they bought the land for $1500 (5 acres) and with John Buehler as supervisor, and then spent a further $3000 to build the basement that was then covered with roofing material.  A wood furnace provided heat and simple benches the seating. Worship services started 15 June 1947, at which time they also became an independent congregation with 80 charter members. Two years later, on 18 April 1949, the building was dedicated at a cost of $13,000.

As the congregation grew the building was expanded. In 1970 an education wing was built for $25,000. The church continued to grow and in 1977 a multipurpose building for $149,115.91 was constructed. By 1981 it was necessary to demolish & rebuild the main sanctuary. Finally in 1991 a new kitchen & education wing were built $169,000.

Not only did the church building change but what went on the inside as well. East Aldergrove services were originally held only in German. In 1959 the transition to dual English and German services began. By the late 1960s the services were entirely in English. In the mid-1980s a gradual change began from a more traditional style service to contemporary style music. In 2000 East Aldergrove changed its name to Ross Road Community Church.

Ross Road has also been involved in church planting over the years. In 1951 East Aldergrove assumed responsibility for a Sunday school ministry in the County Line area which eventually grew into an independent church, County Line Gospel Chapel, in 1958.

Bibliography

Additional Information

Address: 3160 Ross Rd., Abbotsford, BC  V4X 1G4

Phone: 604-856-2024

Website: Ross Road Community Church website

Denominational Affiliations:

British Columbia Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches

Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches

General Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches of North America

Ross Road Community Church Leading Ministers

Ross Road Community Church Membership

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

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