The Springstein Mennonite congregation at Springstein, Manitoba, began services in 1924, and was formally organized on 17 October 1938 by 17 families of the Schoewieser congregation living in Springstein. Initially these immigrants met to worship in rented facilities. In 1938 they also completed a meeting place. They became part of the Schönwieser group of churches until they became independent in 1941 and elected and ordained their own bishop. William H. Enns is considered the founding leader of the group. The congregation originated through immigration from the Soviet Union.

The group worshiped together with the Mennonite Brethren in the early years until each built its own meeting place.

In 1950 there were 156 members; in 1965, 202; in 1975, 159; in 1985, 194; in 1995, 185; in 2000, 129. The language of worship is English and German; the transition from German occurred in the 1960s.

The congregation founded Assiniboine Mennonite Mission Camp in 1949 near Headingly. They were also a part of the group which founded the Canadian Mennonite Bible College in the 1940s.

The congregation's pastoral leaders included Wilhelm Enns (1930-1940, 1941-1965), Rudy Goerzen (1948-1966), Gerhard Peters (1966-1971), Henry Neufeld (1971-1973), Ervin Siemens (1973-1974), Bruno Epp (1974-1977), Ernest Wiebe (1977-1981), Albert Durksen (1981-1989), Ernie Hildebrand (1990-1993), Elizabeth and Don Plett (1994-1999), Kathy Giesbrecht (1998-2005), Al Rempel (2001), Erwin Kroeker (2002-), Steve Plenert (2005-).

Bibliography

Additional Information

Address: Box 38, Springstein MB R0G 2N0; located at Lot 26, Queen Street, Springstein, Manitoba

Telephone: 204-735-2758

Denominational Affiliations:

Conference of Mennonites in Manitoba / Mennonite Church Manitoba

Conference of Mennonites in Canada / Mennonite Church Canada (1939-present)

General Conference Mennonite Church (1947-1999)

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