Clearbrook Mennonite Brethren Church
Clearbrook Mennonite Brethren Church, formerly known as North Abbotsford Mennonite Brethren Church, was established in 1935 as a daughter church of South Abbotsford. The church experienced growth and faced challenges, including supporting relief efforts after World War II. Over the decades much new construction and repeated renovations have been necessary to accommodate the growing congregation. Over its history the church has supported various ministries and community projects, such as educational institutes and senior care homes. The church has adapted to the changing community and offers services in both German and English. As of 2015, the congregation had 315 members, with an average weekly attendance of 185. The church celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2011, emphasizing a renewed vision for the future.
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The Clearbrook Mennonite Brethren (MB) Church, formerly known as the North Abbotsford Mennonite Brethren Church until June 1950, originated as a daughter church of the South Abbotsford Mennonite Brethren Church. In October 1935, a decision was made to divide into two congregations, leading to the formation of the North Abbotsford group. Initially, they held services in the homes of various members before formally organizing on December 27, 1935, with 24 members.
In 1936, the church purchased two acres of land on Clearbrook Road, but the location did not satisfy most members. Eventually, in 1940, a plot of land on the corner of Clearbrook Road and Old Yale Road was acquired for $1.00. The church building, measuring 46 feet by 34 feet, was dedicated on November 3, 1940, at a cost of $700. An additional 20-foot extension was added to the north end of the church in 1944.
Following World War II, the church faced challenges related to relief efforts for war-torn Europe and aiding traumatized immigrants in finding healing and acceptance. Despite these difficulties, the congregation continued to grow. In 1947, 100 members left to form East Aldergrove Mennonite Brethren Church (now Ross Road Community Church), with the North Abbotsford church providing financial support. An expansion was necessary in 1949 to accommodate the increasing membership, resulting in an addition on the south side of the church.
In 1957, construction began on a new sanctuary, facing Clearbrook Road, and the present church was dedicated on April 14, 1957. Subsequent renovations and additions took place in 1978, 1980, and 1991, improving various areas of the church.
Throughout its history, Clearbrook MB Church has supported ministries such as the Mennonite Educational Institute, the Mennonite Brethren Bible Institute (now Columbia Bible College), and Mennonite Central Committee. The church has been actively involved in community projects, including the establishment of Tabor Home and Sherwood Senior Citizen's Home. It also operates a television broadcasting ministry for shut-in individuals, including transmission to Tabor Village.
In recent years, the church has adapted to the changing community and focused on ministries for seniors, while attracting younger families seeking a more conservative style of worship. German and English language services are offered to accommodate different preferences. As of 2015, the congregation had 315 members and an average weekly attendance of 185. The church celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2011, emphasizing a renewed vision and commitment for the future.
In 1936, the church purchased two acres of land on Clearbrook Road, but the location did not satisfy most members. Eventually, in 1940, a plot of land on the corner of Clearbrook Road and Old Yale Road was acquired for $1.00. The church building, measuring 46 feet by 34 feet, was dedicated on November 3, 1940, at a cost of $700. An additional 20-foot extension was added to the north end of the church in 1944.
Following World War II, the church faced challenges related to relief efforts for war-torn Europe and aiding traumatized immigrants in finding healing and acceptance. Despite these difficulties, the congregation continued to grow. In 1947, 100 members left to form East Aldergrove Mennonite Brethren Church (now Ross Road Community Church), with the North Abbotsford church providing financial support. An expansion was necessary in 1949 to accommodate the increasing membership, resulting in an addition on the south side of the church.
In 1957, construction began on a new sanctuary, facing Clearbrook Road, and the present church was dedicated on April 14, 1957. Subsequent renovations and additions took place in 1978, 1980, and 1991, improving various areas of the church.
Throughout its history, Clearbrook MB Church has supported ministries such as the Mennonite Educational Institute, the Mennonite Brethren Bible Institute (now Columbia Bible College), and Mennonite Central Committee. The church has been actively involved in community projects, including the establishment of Tabor Home and Sherwood Senior Citizen's Home. It also operates a television broadcasting ministry for shut-in individuals, including transmission to Tabor Village.
In recent years, the church has adapted to the changing community and focused on ministries for seniors, while attracting younger families seeking a more conservative style of worship. German and English language services are offered to accommodate different preferences. As of 2015, the congregation had 315 members and an average weekly attendance of 185. The church celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2011, emphasizing a renewed vision and commitment for the future.