Sumas Prairie Chapel
Prairie Chapel, originally known as Sumas Prairie Chapel, was established in 1951 in Abbotsford, British Columbia. It started as the Sumas Sunday School Mission, inspired by Henry H. Neufeld of Bethel Bible Institute, and grew under the leadership of the West Abbotsford Mennonite Church. The mission expanded its programs, changed its name to Prairie Chapel, and saw the introduction of Sunday morning services. It remained unaffiliated with any conference and emphasized spiritual education and community support in the Sumas Prairie area.
* * *
The mission aimed to provide a valuable opportunity for Bible school students and began holding Sunday school classes in James Killoron's home. Classes soon moved to a small house owned by the Buckerfield family. Albert "Bert" and Mary Nickel, Ruth Schellenberg, and John Bartel taught the classes initially. The West Abbotsford Mennonite Church took control of the mission in 1954, purchasing land and constructing a new building for the Christmas program that year. The official opening occurred in March 1955. While a Sunday morning service was attempted, it was later discontinued.
The Prairie Chapel experienced growth, with six Sunday school classes and a clubs program by 1955. A Daily Vacation Bible School (DVBS) was held in the summer of 1956, and attendance increased over the years. Leadership changes occurred, and in 1959, the mission was renamed Prairie Chapel. Sunday evening services and prayer meetings were introduced, and Les and Lydia Friesen took over leadership in 1960.
The early years saw teachers and drivers from the West Abbotsford congregation providing transportation for Sunday school students. In 1961, a school bus was purchased to facilitate transportation. Volunteers from West Abbotsford and Bethel Bible Institute continued to teach Sunday school and support church services. A regular Sunday morning service began in 1964, and Sunday evening services were eventually discontinued. Bert and Mary Nickel returned in 1967, with Bert assuming the role of pastor.
Prairie Chapel was incorporated as a society in 1969, and a charter service was held in 1970 with 21 charter members. The congregation remained unaffiliated with any conference. A renovation project in 1970 resulted in a new sanctuary with a seating capacity of about 150 people. Pastor Martin Gouldthorpe served from 1975 until 1989.
In 1984, a DVBS was started in the Straiton area, leading to the formation of Sumas Mountain Christian Fellowship. However, low attendance led to its discontinuation in 1989. By 1985, Prairie Chapel had 70 members and approximately 200 adherents, conducting worship services in English. The chapel has remained a symbol of dedication to spiritual education and community support in the Sumas Prairie area.
The Prairie Chapel experienced growth, with six Sunday school classes and a clubs program by 1955. A Daily Vacation Bible School (DVBS) was held in the summer of 1956, and attendance increased over the years. Leadership changes occurred, and in 1959, the mission was renamed Prairie Chapel. Sunday evening services and prayer meetings were introduced, and Les and Lydia Friesen took over leadership in 1960.
The early years saw teachers and drivers from the West Abbotsford congregation providing transportation for Sunday school students. In 1961, a school bus was purchased to facilitate transportation. Volunteers from West Abbotsford and Bethel Bible Institute continued to teach Sunday school and support church services. A regular Sunday morning service began in 1964, and Sunday evening services were eventually discontinued. Bert and Mary Nickel returned in 1967, with Bert assuming the role of pastor.
Prairie Chapel was incorporated as a society in 1969, and a charter service was held in 1970 with 21 charter members. The congregation remained unaffiliated with any conference. A renovation project in 1970 resulted in a new sanctuary with a seating capacity of about 150 people. Pastor Martin Gouldthorpe served from 1975 until 1989.
In 1984, a DVBS was started in the Straiton area, leading to the formation of Sumas Mountain Christian Fellowship. However, low attendance led to its discontinuation in 1989. By 1985, Prairie Chapel had 70 members and approximately 200 adherents, conducting worship services in English. The chapel has remained a symbol of dedication to spiritual education and community support in the Sumas Prairie area.