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History
Friday evening was dedicated to looking into the past. John Enns, a member since 1959 and long-time minister and moderator, gave a brief history of the church:
The Mennonite settlers who came to the Clearbrook area in the early 1930s overcame many obstacles including huge stumps, burned logs and gravely soil. In fact, this part of the Valley was then known as "Poverty Flats" and "Sandy Plain." Nevertheless, God blessed the hard work of the pioneers.
At first, the settlers met for church with those of the South Abbotsford area. On Jan. 23, 1936, however, they met separately to organize the "North Abbotsford MB Church". The first meetings were held in homes. A few years later, land at the corner of Clearbrook and Old Yale roads was purchased from the municipality for $1. A modest church building was completed and dedicated in 1940.
In 1944, a 20-foot enlargement was added. Three years later, members who lived in the Aldergrove area left to organize the "East Aldergrove MB Church". Meanwhile, the original church changed its name in 1950 to Clearbrook MB Church. It continued to grow during the next 10 years. It was decided to build a new church on the same site. This building was dedicated in April, 1957. Dr. A.H. Unruh and Rev. H. Lenzmann were the speakers. The following eight years saw more growth by baptisms and church membership transfers. In 1960, Lake Errock Gospel Chapel was built, the result of Sunday school work in the Deroche and Nicomen Island area. In 1965 it became evident that the church was again too small for the large membership.
It was decided that a new congregation would be organized as soon as 75 members volunteered for the new venture. The result was the founding of "Bakerview MB Church" in 1965. God blessed both congregations in the years that followed, although the mother church sometimes lacked workers in the youth and Sunday school ministry. In 1976, it was decided to conduct a German service at 10 a.m. and an English service at 11 a.m. In 1978 and 1980, construction projects were undertaken. The church foyer was enlarged and a Christian education/office/kitchen wing was added to the existing building. 1986 was a significant year during which the church celebrated its golden jubilee. In 1991, the entire building was renovated.
Women in the church
Louise Enns, ladies' fellowship coordinator of many years, reported about the activities of the women. They began meeting in 1934 or 1935, studied the Bible, prayed, and were busy with their hands. It is said that the $700 needed to buy building material for the first church was raised by the ladies. They held a "mission sale" in the Poplar Hall.
Many thousands of quilts, baby layettes, articles of clothing, pounds of soap and rolls of bandages have been made by the ladies during the past 60 years and turned over to MCC and other missions organizations. The ladies are still active in volunteer ministry for MCC, the annual Relief Sale, Helping Hands (for missions) and the Golden Age Society. Thousands of dollars have been sent to MBM/S, MB Communications, Logos Canada and other missions agencies. Today there are three ladies fellowships which meet for Bible study, prayer and work.
A time to reminisce
On Saturday night, opportunity was given for reminiscing. First church pianist Anne Matthies told how she had hurried to the piano to play the hymns before the "Vorsanger" (song leader) had the opportunity to start the singing in the accustomed way (finding the right note without benefit of instrument and starting the singing).
Henry Wiebe shared about when he found the Lord at evangelistic meetings.
Former youth pastor and minister of music from 1980 to 1986, John H. Unger, now pastor of Richmond Park MB Church in Brandon, Man. was the main speaker at the services. He encouraged the congregation to celebrate God's faithfulness and emphasized that God does not give the same type of ministry to each church. "What if this church has many older members and many funerals? What is wrong with that?" he asked. In his thanksgiving message, he urged his listeners to start thanking God even before a prayer is answered.
Missions
John N. Klassen, veteran missionary in Germany, was the speaker at the Sunday morning German service. He emphasized God's sovereignty and His marvelous provision for His creatures.
On Sunday afternoon, pastor Jacob Pauls reviewed the church's missions activities in the past 10 years.
The break-up of the communist empire in Eastern Europe and Asian Russia created unexpected service opportunities. At first, money was enthusiastically raised for Bibles. Then Logos (Canada) was supported to train church workers in Russia. Currently, a church and church worker in Ukraine are being supported. Some members have served with Church Partnership Evangelism in Paraguay, Ukraine, Russia, India, Philippines and Zaire. Young people have helped with Basic Life Principles Institutes in Russia and the USA. Young people have conducted several vacation Bible school programs.
Over $2.5 million has been given to MBM/S and other mission societies and projects. Another $2.5 million has gone to the church budget and the B.C. and Canadian conferences in the last 10 years. This year "Evangelism Encouragers" have begun meeting twice a month for prayer and activity planning. They have passed out literature at this year's AgriFair and MCC Relief Sale. In addition, 500 copies of "Encounter" magazine are to be distributed.
In September 1995, members of the church joined with Peruvian and Paraguayan Christians for a CPE campaign in the Fraser Valley (Abbotsford area).
Music was a vital part of the celebration as choirs and singing groups of former times performed. Former church workers Walter and Irene Goerzen and George and Anne Matthies ministered with their musical talents.
The 60th anniversary was an event that encouraged and stimulated the congregation to keep up the good work in the future, knowing that God will continue to be as faithful as He has been in the past.
Katie Schmidt
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