History
Meeting Since 1947
Sensing a desire for fellowship within their own community, a number of men held frequent meetings 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, 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. But only 2 years later the building was completed at a cost of $13,000. Founding dates: January 2, 1947 Worship services started: June 13, 1947 Membership organized as independent congregation: June 13, 1947 First building completed: April 24, 1949 (just over $13,000)
Dates of later building/major expansions: 1970 - Education Wing ($25,000) 1977 - Multipurpose Building ($149,115.91) 1981 - Demolish & rebuild main sanctuary 1991 - New Kitchen & Ed.Wing ($169,000) Reaching out to the neighbouring community has been a regular part of the church's vision. Church plant – May 1959 – purchased property for Brookswood Chapel and started door- to-door collection to raise $5,000 to start the building. (Neighbourhood ministry) Sunday School ministry which grew into an independent church was also started June 8, 1958, with the John Esaus, Henry Bergens, and Dave Pauls.