Difference between pages "Coaldale Mennonite Brethren Church (Coaldale, Alberta, Canada)" and "Abbotsford (British Columbia, Canada)"

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m (Text replace - "<em>Mennonite Brethren Herald</em>" to "''Mennonite Brethren Herald''")
 
 
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[[File:NP052-02-041%20Coaldale%20MB%20Church.jpg|350px|thumb|right|''Coaldale MB Church, 1938; <br />
 
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photo by C. F. Klassen<br />
 
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Source: Centre for MB Studies, Winnipeg, MB: NP052-02-041'']]
 
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[[File:Coaldalechurch3.jpg|350px|thumbnail|''Coaldale MB Church, 1939-1971, ca. 1950. <br />
 
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Creator: Henry J. Wiens (1885-1975)<br />
 
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Digitized by Hiebert Library. [http://callimachus.org/cdm/singleitem/collection/p15008coll27/id/0/rec/36 Center for Mennonite Brethren Studies]''.]]
 
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[[File:CoaldaleChurch4.jpg|350px|thumbnail|''Coaldale MB Church, 1971-present. <br />
 
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Source: [http://www.coaldalembchurch.com/about/our-history Church website]''.]]
 
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The Coaldale Mennonite Brethren Church began services and formally organized on 23 May 1926. Initially there was very rapid growth due to immigration from the [[Union of Soviet Socialist Republics|Soviet Union]]. In 1928 the first church was built, but it proved too small from the beginning. Additions were completed in 1929 and 1932. By 1939 it was necessary to build a new and still larger structure with a seating capacity of 1000. The pace of immigration declined and members began to move to [[British Columbia (Canada)|British Columbia]] or [[Ontario (Canada)|Ontario]]. Another building was erected in 1971.
 
  
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[[Enns, Klaas (1880-1955)|Klaas Enns]] is considered the founding leader of the group. Other leaders have included Frank Friesen, [[Janz, Benjamin B. (1877-1964)|B. B. Janz]], David Klassen, [[Toews, John A. (1912-1979)|J. A. Toews]], A. Dueck, A. Epp, [[Willms, Abram P. (1882-1959)|A. P. Willms]], H. Kornelsen and J. J. Unger.
+
[[File:Abbotsford.jpg|300px|thumb|right|''Source: [http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Main_Page Wikipedia Commons]'']]
  
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Coaldale is the first Mennonite Brethren church in [[Alberta (Canada)|Alberta]], as well as the largest and most prominent. The Mennonite Brethren established [[Coaldale Bible School (Coaldale, Alberta, Canada)|Coaldale Bible School]] in 1929 and [[Alberta Mennonite High School (Coaldale, Alberta, Canada)|Alberta Mennonite High School]] in 1946. The congregation also founded the [[Coaldale Hospital (Coaldale, Alberta, Canada)|Coaldale Hospital]] in 1934. he congregation sponsored the radio programs called “Gospel Bells” (1952–1968) and “Brot des Lebens” (1960–1973). The transition from German began in the 1960s.
+
Abbotsford, which describes itself as the city in the country, is located in the center of the fertile Fraser River valley, 2.5 miles (4 km) north of the [[United States of America|United States]] boundary and about 40 miles (65 km) east of Vancouver, along the Trans-Canada highway (coordinates: 49° 3′ 16.6″ N, 122° 19′ 40.8″ W). Langley is to the west, Chilliwack is to the east, and Mission is to the north. According to the 2006 Census Canada data, the area of Abbotsford has a population of 159,020. The city is the third most ethnically diverse city in Canada, after Toronto and Vancouver, with South Asians comprising nearly 19% of the population in 2006.
  
−
The 1939 building became a museum in 1995 to house artifacts related to the history of the [[Coaldale (Alberta, Canada)|town of Coaldale]].
+
It was John Cunningham Maclure (1831-1907), a British Royal Engineer sent out to British Columbia as part of a survey team, who is credited with laying out the initial 160-acre plot that was to become Abbotsford. The village of Abbotsford was incorporated in February 1924. Following a 1993 referendum, Matsqui (including the area known as Clearbrook, incorporated in 1892) and Abbotsford were officially amalgamated on 1 January 1995, as the City of Abbotsford.
−
= Bibliography =
 
−
Esau, Frieda. "The Coaldale MB Church: A Brief History." <em>MB Historical Society of Canada Newsletter</em> (Jan. 1981).
 
  
−
<em>Fiftieth Anniversary of the Coaldale Mennonite Brethren Church, May 23, 1976. </em>1976, 52 pp.
+
The first Mennonite settlers arrived in the Clearbrook area, sometimes referred to as Poverty Flats, in 1931 to locate on a plot of land that had been reserved for them by the Matsqui Municipality. Approximately a year later, on 1 May 1932, [[South Abbotsford Church (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)|South Abbotsford Mennonite Brethren (MB) Church]] was organized with [[Rempel, Abram D. (1889-1971)|Abram Rempel]] as the leader, Cornelius Enns as his assistant and Isaak Sawatzky as secretary.  The first [[Mennonite Church British Columbia|United Mennonite church]] ([[West Abbotsford Mennonite Church (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)|West Abbotsford Mennonite Church]]) was organized in November 1936 with [[Epp, Peter P. (1864-1953)|Peter P. Epp]] as the founding elder.
  
−
<em>Gedenk und Dankfeier des 25-Jaehrigen Bestehens der Coaldale Mennoniten Brueder Gemeinde am 27. Mai 1951.</em> 1951.
+
Soon after a local church base was established, Mennonites began planning for the education of their young people. On 26 September 1936 the South Abbotsford MB church began a Bible school with [[Peters, Cornelius C. (1889-1973)|C. C. Peters]] as the first instructor and 30 students enrolled. This school eventually became [[Mennonite Brethren Bible Institute (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)|Mennonite Brethren Bible Institute]]. In 1944 the South Abbotsford Church also laid the foundation for a Christian high school with instruction in Grades 9 to 11. Its very modest beginnings notwithstanding, the [[Mennonite Educational Institute (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)|Mennonite Educational Institute]] (MEI) has developed into the largest private school in the province, now offering elementary, middle and secondary education.
  
−
''Mennonite Brethren Herald'' (27 May 1988): 4; (30 June 1995): 20.
+
The United Mennonite churches established a Bible school in Coghlan, later called [[Bethel Bible Institute (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)|Bethel Bible Institute]] (BBI). In 1946 this school was relocated onto property located next to West Abbotsford Mennonite Church (now [[Level Ground Mennonite Church (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)|Level Ground Mennonite Church]]). In its history, BBI served some 500 young people from every congregation in the denomination. In 1970 this school was amalgamated with the Mennonite Brethren Bible Institute, and renamed [[Columbia Bible College (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)|Columbia Bible Institute]].
  
−
Penner, Peter. <em>No Longer at Arm's Length: Mennonite Brethren Church Planting in Canada.</em> Winnipeg, MB: Kindred Press,1987, 178 pp.
+
Mennonites in 2008 number approximately 12% of the Abbotsford population, with 15 [[British Columbia Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches|Mennonite Brethren]], 6 [[Mennonite Church British Columbia|Mennonite Church]], and one [[Church of God in Christ, Mennonite (CGC)|Church of God in Christ, Mennonite]] congregations. Mennonite entrepreneurs excel in agri-businesses, real estate and land development enterprises. Together, Mennonites operate Mennonite Educational Institute and Columbia Bible College. Further, Abbotsford is the denominational headquarters for both the [[British Columbia Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches|BC Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches]] and [[Mennonite Church British Columbia|Mennonite Church BC]]. Here too are the ministry centers for [[Board of Foreign Missions (Mennonite Brethren Church of North America)|Mennonite Brethren Missions and Service International]], the [[Mennonite Central Committee Canada|Mennonite Central Committee]] of BC, [[Communitas Supportive Care Society (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)|Communitas Supportive Care Society]] (formerly MCC Supportive Care Services) and the Mennonite Historical Society of BC. In addition, Abbotsford Mennonites are prominent in their support a range of local para-church ministries including Kinghaven, M2W2, [[Fraser Valley Gleaners (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)|Fraser Valley Gleaners]], and Gideons.
  
−
Toews, John A. <em>A History of the Mennonite Brethren Church: Pilgrims and Pioneers. </em>1975: 165-166.
+
Mennonites have become well known for their involvement in the life of the community, with representatives on both the local school board and civic government.  In 2008 the Member of Parliament for Abbotsford is a member of a local Mennonite Brethren congregation. Certainly, the people of the [[Fraser Valley (British Columbia, Canada)|Fraser Valley]] have been enriched by Mennonite music making with well-known groups as the Pacific Mennonite Children’s Choir, West Coast Mennonite Chamber Choir, Valley Festival Singers and the often acclaimed MEI choirs and bands. Prominent Mennonite musicians include Rudy Baerg, Tony Funk, Calvin Dyck, Holda Fast Redekop, Betty Suderman, Larry Nickel and Wes Janzen.
  
−
Toews, John B. <em> With Courage to Spare.</em> Hillsboro, KS, 1978.
+
See also [[Arnold (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)]].
  
−
<h3>Archival Records</h3> Church records at [http://www.mbconf.ca/mbstudies/ Centre for Mennonite Brethren Studies].
+
== Additional Information ==
−
= Additional Information =
 
−
'''Address''': 2114-18th Street, Coaldale AB T1M 1G2
 
  
−
'''Telephone''': 403-345-3636
+
=== Mennonite Congregations in Abbotsford, 2009 ===
  
−
'''Website''': [http://coaldalembchurch.com/ Coaldale MB Church]
+
{| class="wikitable"
−
 
+
|-
−
'''Denominational Affiliations:'''
+
!Congregation
−
 
+
!Denomination
−
[http://www.abmb.ca/ Alberta Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches]
+
!Founded
−
 
+
!Membership
−
[http://www.mbconf.ca/ Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches]
+
|-
−
 
+
|[[Abbotsford Church of God in Christ, Mennonite (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)|Abbotsford Church of God in Christ, Mennonite]]
−
General Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches
+
|Church of God in Christ, Mennonite
−
=== Coaldale MB Church Leading Ministers ===
+
|1948
−
                                                         
+
| 
−
{| border="1"
+
|-
 +
|[[Abbotsford Arabic Church (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)|Abbotsford Arabic Church]]
 +
|Mennonite Brethren
 +
|2000
 +
|25
 +
|-
 +
|[[Abbotsford Mennonite Fellowship (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)|Abbotsford Mennonite Fellowship]]
 +
|Mennonite Church
 +
|1996
 +
|21
 +
|-
 +
|[[Alderbrook Community Church (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)|Alderbrook Community Church]]
 +
|Mennonite Brethren
 +
|2001
 +
|40
 +
|-
 +
|[[Arnold Community Church (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)|Arnold Community Church]]
 +
|Mennonite Brethren
 +
|1943
 +
|95
 +
|-
 +
|[[Bakerview Hispanic Church (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)|Bakerview Hispanic Church]]
 +
|Mennonite Brethren
 +
|1996
 +
|39
 +
|-
 +
|[[Bakerview Mennonite Brethren Church (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)|Bakerview MB Church]]
 +
|Mennonite Brethren
 +
|1965
 +
|608
 +
|-
 +
|[[Central Heights Church (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)|Central Heights MB Church]]
 +
|Mennonite Brethren
 +
|1950
 +
|1,048
 +
|-
 +
|[[Clearbrook Mennonite Brethren Church (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)|Clearbrook MB Church]]
 +
|Mennonite Brethren
 +
|1935
 +
|312
 +
|-
 +
|[[Clearbrook Mennonite Church (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)|Clearbrook Mennonite Church]]
 +
|Mennonite Church
 +
|1952
 +
|56
 
|-
 
|-
−
!Minister
+
|[[East Abbotsford Community Church (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)|East Abbotsford Community Church]]
−
!Years
+
|Mennonite Brethren
 +
|2003
 +
| 
 
|-
 
|-
−
|[[Enns, Klaas (1880-1955)|Klaas Enns]]
+
|[[Eben-Ezer Mennonite Church (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)|Eben-Ezer Mennonite Church]]
−
| style="text-align: right;" |1926
+
|Mennonite Church
 +
|1963
 +
|403
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Franz Friesen
+
|[[Emmanuel Mennonite Church (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)|Emmanuel Mennonite Church]]
−
| style="text-align: right;" |1926-1928
+
|Mennonite Church
 +
|1980
 +
|246
 
|-
 
|-
−
|[[Janz, Benjamin B. (1877-1964)|Benjamin B. Janz]]
+
|[[Highland Community Church (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)|Highland Community Church]]
−
| style="text-align: right;" |1928-1948
+
|Mennonite Brethren
 +
|1976
 +
|57
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Peter B. Epp (interim)
+
|[[King Road Mennonite Brethren Church (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)|King Road MB Church]]
−
| style="text-align: right;" |1948
+
|Mennonite Brethren
 +
|1966
 +
|577
 
|-
 
|-
−
|[[Siemens, Jacob J. (1900-1968)|Jacob J. Siemens]]
+
|[[Lao Christian Church (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)|Lao Christian Church]]
−
| style="text-align: right;" |1948-1956
+
|Mennonite Church
 +
|1983
 +
|42
 
|-
 
|-
−
|David J. Pankratz
+
|[[Level Ground Mennonite Church (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)|Level Ground Mennonite Church]]
−
| style="text-align: right;" |1956-1973
+
|Mennonite Church
 +
|2009
 +
|178
 
|-
 
|-
−
|John Dueck
+
|[[Life Centre, The (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)|Life Centre]]
−
| style="text-align: right;" |1973-1974
+
|Mennonite Brethren
 +
|2006
 +
| 
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Rudy Heidebrecht
+
|[[Mountain Park Community Church (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)|Mountain Park Community Church]]
−
| style="text-align: right;" |1974-1996
+
|Mennonite Brethren
 +
|1991
 +
|174
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Randy Klassen (interim)
+
|[[Northview Community Church (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)|Northview Community Church]]
−
| style="text-align: right;" |1997
+
|Mennonite Brethren
 +
|1980
 +
|1,713
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Henry Willms (interim)
+
|[[Ross Road Community Church (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)|Ross Road Community Church]]
−
| style="text-align: right;" |1998
+
|Mennonite Brethren
 +
|1947
 +
|426
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Lorne Willms
+
|[[South Abbotsford Church (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)|South Abbotsford MB Church]]
−
| style="text-align: right;" |1999-2007
+
|Mennonite Brethren
 +
|1932
 +
|843
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Randy Dueck 
+
|'''Total'''
−
| style="text-align: right;" |2007-2012
+
|''' '''
 +
|''' '''
 +
|'''6,903'''
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
Most membership numbers, if available, were taken from the 2007 directories of the British Columbia Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches and Mennonite Church British Columbia.
 +
 
 +
=== Former Anabaptist / Mennonite Congregations in Abbotsford ===
 +
 
 +
{| border="1"
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Tom Allen (interim)
+
!Church
−
| style="text-align: right;" |2012-present
+
!Denomination
−
|}
+
!Founded
−
=== Coaldale MB Church Membership ===
+
!Year Dissolved / Left Conference
−
                                                 
+
!Notes
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: right;"
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
!Year
+
|[[Abbotsford Chinese Christian Church (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)|Abbotsford Chinese Christian Church]]
−
!Members
+
|Mennnonite Brethren
 +
|1990
 +
|2006
 +
|Dissolved
 
|-
 
|-
−
|1926
+
|[[Abbotsford Christian Fellowship (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)|Abbotsford Christian Fellowship]]
−
| style="text-align: right;" |25
+
|Mennnonite Brethren
 +
|1986
 +
|1993
 +
|Left conference
 
|-
 
|-
−
|1935
+
|[[Bread of Life Community (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)|Bread of Life Community]]
−
| style="text-align: right;" |346
+
|?
 +
|1973
 +
|?
 +
|  
 
|-
 
|-
−
|1939
+
|[[Central Heights Korean Ministry (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)|Central Heights Korean Ministry]]
−
| style="text-align: right;" |433
+
|Mennnonite Brethren
 +
|2003
 +
|2009
 +
|Dissolved
 
|-
 
|-
−
|1950
+
|[[Central Valley Fellowship (Bradner, Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)|Central Valley Fellowship]]
−
| style="text-align: right;" |602
+
|Non-affiliated
 +
|1984
 +
|?
 +
|Dissolved
 
|-
 
|-
−
|1955
+
|[[Christian Fellowship “Yo Soy” (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)|Christian Fellowship “Yo Soy”]]
−
| style="text-align: right;" |616
+
|Mennonite Church
 +
|1999
 +
|2003
 +
|Dissolved
 
|-
 
|-
−
|1965
+
|[[Grace Evangelical Bible Church (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)|Grace Evangelical Bible Church]]
−
| style="text-align: right;" |467
+
|Fellowship of Evangelical Bible Churches
 +
|1946
 +
| 
 +
|Denomination is no longer Mennonite
 
|-
 
|-
 +
|[[Matsqui Mennonite Brethren Church (Matsqui, British Columbia, Canada)|Matsqui MB Church]]
 +
|Mennnonite Brethren
 +
|1945
 
|1975
 
|1975
−
| style="text-align: right;" |389
+
|Dissolved
 +
|-
 +
|[[Meeting Place, The (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)|Meeting Place Fellowship]]
 +
|Mennonite Brethren
 +
|1999
 +
|2008
 +
|Dissolved
 
|-
 
|-
−
|1985
+
|[[Mount Lehman Mennonite Church (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)|Mount Lehman Mennonite Church]]
−
| style="text-align: right;" |366
+
|Mennonite Church
 +
| 
 +
| 
 +
|Never formally organized
 
|-
 
|-
−
|1995
+
|[[Olivet Church (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)|Olivet Church]]
−
| style="text-align: right;" |345
+
|Mennonite Church
 +
|1960
 +
|2007
 +
|Left conference
 
|-
 
|-
−
|2000
+
|[[Peardonville Fellowship Chapel (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)|Peardonville Fellowship Chapel]]
−
| style="text-align: right;" |335
+
|Evangelical Mennonite Conference
 +
|1970
 +
|1981
 +
|Dissolved
 +
|-
 +
|[[Peardonville Mennonite Church (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)|Peardonville Mennonite Church]]
 +
|Mennonite Church
 +
|1952
 +
|1968
 +
|Dissolved
 +
|-
 +
|Vietnamese MB Church
 +
|Mennonite Brethren
 +
| 
 +
| 
 +
|Dissolved
 +
|-
 +
|[[Vintage 242 Church (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)|Vintage 242 Church]]
 +
|Mennonite Brethren
 +
|2004
 +
|2009
 +
|Dissolved
 +
|-
 +
|[[Wellspring Christian Fellowship (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)|Wellspring Christian Fellowship]]
 +
|Mennonite Church
 +
|1989
 +
|2008
 +
|Merged with West Abbotsford to form Level Ground Mennonite Church
 
|-
 
|-
−
|2010
+
|[[West Abbotsford Mennonite Church (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)|West Abbotsford Mennonite Church]]
−
| style="text-align: right;" |304
+
|Mennonite Church
 +
|1936
 +
|2008
 +
|Merged with Wellspring Christian Fellowship to form Level Ground Mennonite Church
 
|-
 
|-
−
|2015
+
|[[West Clearbrook Community Church (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)|West Clearbrook Community Church]]
−
| style="text-align: right;" |154
+
|Mennnonite Brethren
−
|}
+
|1989
−
=== Original Article from Mennonite Encyclopedia ===
+
|1998
−
'''Vol. 1, p. 631 by J. B. Janz'''
+
|Dissolved
−
 
+
|}
−
Coaldale Mennonite Brethren Church, a member of the Northern District Conference, is located ten miles east of Lethbridge, southern Alberta. Nearly all Mennonites of this community have come from Russia since 1923. The first five immigrant families settled on "Lathrop's farm" in 1926. On 23 May 1926, 21 members met and organized this church with Klaas Enns as their temporary leader. Enns has justly been called the pioneer of the Coaldale Settlement as well as of the church. Soon the ministers Dav. Klassen, Jakob Wieler, and Frank Friesen came to Coaldale, and on 4 December 1926, F. Friesen took over the leadership of the church. The following decade was one of rapid growth, which is dearly seen from the history of the church building. In 1928 the first church was built (32 x 52 ft.), which proved too small from the beginning, so that additions had to he made in 1929 and 1932. By 1939 it became necessary to build a new and still larger church. The new structure (60 x 104 ft) has a seating capacity of about 1,000. In the last decade the flow of immigrants has decreased and a number of families have moved either to British Columbia or Ontario. The present membership (1953) of the church is 602. Church services as well as Sunday-school classes are held in the German language. The Sunday school had an enrollment of 395 children.
 
−
 
 
−
Since 1929 a Bible school provides opportunities for the training of Sunday-school teachers and other church workers. At present it has an enrollment of 100 students who receive instruction under four teachers in three classes. Young people who desire a secular education under Christian teachers attend the Alberta Mennonite High School at Coaldale.
 
−
 
 
−
The church has had capable and devoted workers, among whom B. B. Janz deserves special mention. His sacrificial services have been a great blessing not only to the local church, but also to the whole Conference and to the Mennonite people in general. Others who have faithfully served the church in various capacities are F. Friesen, David Klassen, J. A. Toews, A. Dueck, A. Epp, A. P. Willms, H. Kornelsen, and J. J. Unger. At present (1953) 13 ministers and 5 deacons serve the church. The leader is J. J. Siemens and the assistant leader is D. J. Pankratz.
 
  
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= Maps =
+
= Map =
−
[[Map:Coaldale Mennonite Brethren Church (Coaldale, Alberta)|Map:Coaldale Mennonite Brethren Church (Coaldale, Alberta)]]
+
[[Map:Abbotsford (British Columbia)|Map:Abbotsford (British Columbia)]]
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{{GAMEO_footer|hp=Vol. 1, p. 631|date=November 2012|a1_last=Janz|a1_first=J. B.|a2_last=Epp|a2_first=Marlene}}
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{{GAMEO_footer|hp=|date=October 2009|a1_last=Giesbrecht|a1_first=David|a2_last=Thiessen|a2_first=Richard D.}}
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[[Category:Churches]]
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[[Category:Places]]
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[[Category:Alberta Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches Congregations]]
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[[Category:Cities, Towns, and Villages]]
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[[Category:Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches Congregations]]
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[[Category:Cities, Towns, and Villages in British Columbia]]
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[[Category:General Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches Congregations]]
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[[Category:Cities, Towns, and Villages in Canada]]
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[[Category:Alberta Congregations]]
 
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[[Category:Canadian Congregations]]
 

Revision as of 19:09, 25 October 2017

Source: Wikipedia Commons

Abbotsford, which describes itself as the city in the country, is located in the center of the fertile Fraser River valley, 2.5 miles (4 km) north of the United States boundary and about 40 miles (65 km) east of Vancouver, along the Trans-Canada highway (coordinates: 49° 3′ 16.6″ N, 122° 19′ 40.8″ W). Langley is to the west, Chilliwack is to the east, and Mission is to the north. According to the 2006 Census Canada data, the area of Abbotsford has a population of 159,020. The city is the third most ethnically diverse city in Canada, after Toronto and Vancouver, with South Asians comprising nearly 19% of the population in 2006.

It was John Cunningham Maclure (1831-1907), a British Royal Engineer sent out to British Columbia as part of a survey team, who is credited with laying out the initial 160-acre plot that was to become Abbotsford. The village of Abbotsford was incorporated in February 1924. Following a 1993 referendum, Matsqui (including the area known as Clearbrook, incorporated in 1892) and Abbotsford were officially amalgamated on 1 January 1995, as the City of Abbotsford.

The first Mennonite settlers arrived in the Clearbrook area, sometimes referred to as Poverty Flats, in 1931 to locate on a plot of land that had been reserved for them by the Matsqui Municipality. Approximately a year later, on 1 May 1932, South Abbotsford Mennonite Brethren (MB) Church was organized with Abram Rempel as the leader, Cornelius Enns as his assistant and Isaak Sawatzky as secretary.  The first United Mennonite church (West Abbotsford Mennonite Church) was organized in November 1936 with Peter P. Epp as the founding elder.

Soon after a local church base was established, Mennonites began planning for the education of their young people. On 26 September 1936 the South Abbotsford MB church began a Bible school with C. C. Peters as the first instructor and 30 students enrolled. This school eventually became Mennonite Brethren Bible Institute. In 1944 the South Abbotsford Church also laid the foundation for a Christian high school with instruction in Grades 9 to 11. Its very modest beginnings notwithstanding, the Mennonite Educational Institute (MEI) has developed into the largest private school in the province, now offering elementary, middle and secondary education.

The United Mennonite churches established a Bible school in Coghlan, later called Bethel Bible Institute (BBI). In 1946 this school was relocated onto property located next to West Abbotsford Mennonite Church (now Level Ground Mennonite Church). In its history, BBI served some 500 young people from every congregation in the denomination. In 1970 this school was amalgamated with the Mennonite Brethren Bible Institute, and renamed Columbia Bible Institute.

Mennonites in 2008 number approximately 12% of the Abbotsford population, with 15 Mennonite Brethren, 6 Mennonite Church, and one Church of God in Christ, Mennonite congregations. Mennonite entrepreneurs excel in agri-businesses, real estate and land development enterprises. Together, Mennonites operate Mennonite Educational Institute and Columbia Bible College. Further, Abbotsford is the denominational headquarters for both the BC Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches and Mennonite Church BC. Here too are the ministry centers for Mennonite Brethren Missions and Service International, the Mennonite Central Committee of BC, Communitas Supportive Care Society (formerly MCC Supportive Care Services) and the Mennonite Historical Society of BC. In addition, Abbotsford Mennonites are prominent in their support a range of local para-church ministries including Kinghaven, M2W2, Fraser Valley Gleaners, and Gideons.

Mennonites have become well known for their involvement in the life of the community, with representatives on both the local school board and civic government.  In 2008 the Member of Parliament for Abbotsford is a member of a local Mennonite Brethren congregation. Certainly, the people of the Fraser Valley have been enriched by Mennonite music making with well-known groups as the Pacific Mennonite Children’s Choir, West Coast Mennonite Chamber Choir, Valley Festival Singers and the often acclaimed MEI choirs and bands. Prominent Mennonite musicians include Rudy Baerg, Tony Funk, Calvin Dyck, Holda Fast Redekop, Betty Suderman, Larry Nickel and Wes Janzen.

See also Arnold (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada).

Additional Information

Mennonite Congregations in Abbotsford, 2009

Congregation Denomination Founded Membership
Abbotsford Church of God in Christ, Mennonite Church of God in Christ, Mennonite 1948  
Abbotsford Arabic Church Mennonite Brethren 2000 25
Abbotsford Mennonite Fellowship Mennonite Church 1996 21
Alderbrook Community Church Mennonite Brethren 2001 40
Arnold Community Church Mennonite Brethren 1943 95
Bakerview Hispanic Church Mennonite Brethren 1996 39
Bakerview MB Church Mennonite Brethren 1965 608
Central Heights MB Church Mennonite Brethren 1950 1,048
Clearbrook MB Church Mennonite Brethren 1935 312
Clearbrook Mennonite Church Mennonite Church 1952 56
East Abbotsford Community Church Mennonite Brethren 2003  
Eben-Ezer Mennonite Church Mennonite Church 1963 403
Emmanuel Mennonite Church Mennonite Church 1980 246
Highland Community Church Mennonite Brethren 1976 57
King Road MB Church Mennonite Brethren 1966 577
Lao Christian Church Mennonite Church 1983 42
Level Ground Mennonite Church Mennonite Church 2009 178
Life Centre Mennonite Brethren 2006  
Mountain Park Community Church Mennonite Brethren 1991 174
Northview Community Church Mennonite Brethren 1980 1,713
Ross Road Community Church Mennonite Brethren 1947 426
South Abbotsford MB Church Mennonite Brethren 1932 843
Total     6,903

Most membership numbers, if available, were taken from the 2007 directories of the British Columbia Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches and Mennonite Church British Columbia.

Former Anabaptist / Mennonite Congregations in Abbotsford

Church Denomination Founded Year Dissolved / Left Conference Notes
Abbotsford Chinese Christian Church Mennnonite Brethren 1990 2006 Dissolved
Abbotsford Christian Fellowship Mennnonite Brethren 1986 1993 Left conference
Bread of Life Community ? 1973 ?
Central Heights Korean Ministry Mennnonite Brethren 2003 2009 Dissolved
Central Valley Fellowship Non-affiliated 1984 ? Dissolved
Christian Fellowship “Yo Soy” Mennonite Church 1999 2003 Dissolved
Grace Evangelical Bible Church Fellowship of Evangelical Bible Churches 1946   Denomination is no longer Mennonite
Matsqui MB Church Mennnonite Brethren 1945 1975 Dissolved
Meeting Place Fellowship Mennonite Brethren 1999 2008 Dissolved
Mount Lehman Mennonite Church Mennonite Church     Never formally organized
Olivet Church Mennonite Church 1960 2007 Left conference
Peardonville Fellowship Chapel Evangelical Mennonite Conference 1970 1981 Dissolved
Peardonville Mennonite Church Mennonite Church 1952 1968 Dissolved
Vietnamese MB Church Mennonite Brethren     Dissolved
Vintage 242 Church Mennonite Brethren 2004 2009 Dissolved
Wellspring Christian Fellowship Mennonite Church 1989 2008 Merged with West Abbotsford to form Level Ground Mennonite Church
West Abbotsford Mennonite Church Mennonite Church 1936 2008 Merged with Wellspring Christian Fellowship to form Level Ground Mennonite Church
West Clearbrook Community Church Mennnonite Brethren 1989 1998 Dissolved

Map

Map:Abbotsford (British Columbia)


Author(s) David Giesbrecht
Richard D. Thiessen
Date Published October 2009

Cite This Article

MLA style

Giesbrecht, David and Richard D. Thiessen. "Abbotsford (British Columbia, Canada)." Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. October 2009. Web. 26 Apr 2024. https://gameo.org/index.php?title=Abbotsford_(British_Columbia,_Canada)&oldid=155475.

APA style

Giesbrecht, David and Richard D. Thiessen. (October 2009). Abbotsford (British Columbia, Canada). Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. Retrieved 26 April 2024, from https://gameo.org/index.php?title=Abbotsford_(British_Columbia,_Canada)&oldid=155475.



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