The Springridge Mennonite Church was organized on 29 July 1927 with the name, Blumenthal Mennonite Church. It was comprised of three settlements near Pincher Creek, Alberta. Since the church language was High German and the common language of the settlers was Low German, the settlers felt a need to provide older youth with the opportunity for German language and literature studies in association with biblical studies. Classes were begun in 1935 in the church basement with an attendance of 15 students, with one dropout after a week. Special emphasis was given to musical training and choir practice devoted to singing the hymns of the church. Teacher Peter Boldt acted as advisor to the school.

The church engaged Johann Heinrich (John Henry) Görz (Goerz) from Coaldale as teacher from October 1935 through February 1936. According to one report, Görz did not return after Christmas because his wife had experienced a nervous breakdown. In 1936 he moved to British Columbia where he was also involved in the teaching and preaching ministry. In subsequent years follow-up training in German language and biblical studies for the younger generation occurred in three week sessions during the summer months, led by teachers such as Peter Boldt and Kathrina Wall Janzen. Kathrina was a graduate of the Coaldale Bible School and the German-English Academy at Rosthern, Saskatchewan.

The Bible School did not continue after 1940.

Bibliography

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