South Abbotsford Mennonite Church(2)
South Abbotsford Mennonite Brethren Church was the first Mennonite Brethren Church in the Fraser Valley. Established in 1932, the church has played a significant role in the community. It has a rich history of leadership, establishment of sister churches, and commitment to education. The church has also been dedicated to serving the Indo-Canadian community. With a growing congregation, it continues to be a prominent religious institution in the area.
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Situated amidst the picturesque Matsqui-Abbotsford region in British Columbia's Fraser Valley, South Abbotsford Church proudly holds the distinction of being the first Mennonite Brethren (MB) church in the region. The congregation initially gathered at the Farmers Institute Hall along Clearbrook Road. As time went on, the church split into north and south Abbotsford MB churches in 1935. The South Abbotsford Church then embarked on constructing its own place of worship at the intersection of Huntingdon and Gladwin Roads, completing it in 1936. Subsequent expansions saw the addition of towers to accommodate Sunday school rooms. As the church continued to flourish, a new sanctuary was erected at the corner of Huntingdon and Columbia Roads, which was dedicated on October 10, 1954. In the 1990s, the church experienced further growth and underwent even further expansions to accommodate the increasing number of congregants.
The church's early years were guided by Abram D. Rempel, its founding leader, who served until 1945. He was succeeded by Henry H. Nikkel, and the congregation was influenced by a series of notable leaders including Frank Janzen, Franz C. Thiessen, Jacob F. Redekop, Jacob Wedel, Jacob Bargen, Isaak Janzen, Herman Voth, and John J. Stobbe, prior to 1960. Throughout its history, South Abbotsford Church played a vital role in establishing sister churches in the area, even though it experienced a decline in membership over time.
Beyond its religious endeavors, South Abbotsford Church recognized the educational needs of the local community. In 1936, the congregation founded South Abbotsford Bible School, which later evolved into Bethel Bible School, Mennonite Brethren Bible Institute, and eventually Columbia Bible College. Additionally, in 1944, the Mennonite Educational Institute found its initial home within the church's premises.
An outstanding facet of South Abbotsford Church is its commitment to serving the Indo-Canadian community in the vicinity. In 1980, the church welcomed David and Stella Manuel, who played a pivotal role in spearheading this ministry and building upon the existing work initiated by church members.
As of 2010, the congregation boasted an impressive membership of 631, with an average attendance of 625 individuals who found solace and connection within the walls of South Abbotsford Church.
The church's early years were guided by Abram D. Rempel, its founding leader, who served until 1945. He was succeeded by Henry H. Nikkel, and the congregation was influenced by a series of notable leaders including Frank Janzen, Franz C. Thiessen, Jacob F. Redekop, Jacob Wedel, Jacob Bargen, Isaak Janzen, Herman Voth, and John J. Stobbe, prior to 1960. Throughout its history, South Abbotsford Church played a vital role in establishing sister churches in the area, even though it experienced a decline in membership over time.
Beyond its religious endeavors, South Abbotsford Church recognized the educational needs of the local community. In 1936, the congregation founded South Abbotsford Bible School, which later evolved into Bethel Bible School, Mennonite Brethren Bible Institute, and eventually Columbia Bible College. Additionally, in 1944, the Mennonite Educational Institute found its initial home within the church's premises.
An outstanding facet of South Abbotsford Church is its commitment to serving the Indo-Canadian community in the vicinity. In 1980, the church welcomed David and Stella Manuel, who played a pivotal role in spearheading this ministry and building upon the existing work initiated by church members.
As of 2010, the congregation boasted an impressive membership of 631, with an average attendance of 625 individuals who found solace and connection within the walls of South Abbotsford Church.