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Coaldale, Alta.
75 years for Coaldale Mennonite Brethren Church


Coaldale (Alta.) Mennonite Brethren Church marked its 75th anniversary in May. Below is a short history of the church and its congregation, compiled by Randy Klassen.

A mass choir performing on Saturday night under the direction of John Pauls of Calgary.

In spring 1926, pioneer Klaas Enns, his three brothers and their families (36 people in all) moved to the Lathrop farm southeast of Coaldale. They had bought the farm for $53,000, with no down payment or a written agreement. The good word of these German-speaking immigrants from Russia was sufficient.

Soon other families arrived, and they quickly outgrew their small houses where they were meeting weekly for prayer and worship. They decided to move to the hayloft of the barn. Coaldale Mennonite Brethren Church was formally organized on May 23, 1926, and six weeks later, five Christians were baptized in the dugout. (From that group, Tina Enns Goerzen is still alive and a member of the church.)

The church grew rapidly as settlers saw the farming potential in the area. Two-and-a-half years later, the first church building was erected. The dedication service was held on a brutally cold day, January 27, 1929. Agnes Hubert remembers walking from Lethbridge in order to attend the service. When she returned home, her thermometer read –40 C.

During the next three years, two more additions were added. In 1939, a major building project was undertaken and the membership was up to 433. The new building (now the Gem of the West Museum) was built at a cost of $13,626 using volunteer labour; it was completed just six days before the Canadian MB Conference was to use the building for its summer convention.

The church has been active in many ministries since its inception. Many MB leaders had their beginnings at Coaldale Bible School, which was founded in 1929. Alberta Mennonite High School operated 1946–64. Two radio programs were produced between 1952–1973. The church was active in running vacation Bible school programs throughout southern Alberta, and Sunday school outreach closer to home. The church has had a choir from its first days; for many years, it had two choirs and even had an orchestra and children’s choir. The first couple to go out on full-time mission left for India in 1931. In its 75 years, at least 34 workers have gone from Coaldale to bring God’s love and His Living Word to people of other cultures, averaging over 14 years of service each, for a total of 487 years of service.

The church has had its numerical ups and downs, peaking at 616 members in 1955. There were times when the church seemed larger than life, dominating denominational life. There were times when the church defined very carefully – some would say too strictly – what it meant to live as a Christian. But throughout the years, God’s Spirit has always been alive and active among us, drawing people to Him, nurturing them and reaching out to others through the church family.

May God keep us faithful to the calling He has given: A people passionate for God’s holiness and always ready to share Jesus’ love with our neighbours.

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Last modified August 22, 2001.

© 2001 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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