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Dalmeny, Sask.
Dalmeny Mennonite Brethren hold centenary


Dalmeny (Sask.) Community Church celebrated 100 years of God’s goodness and grace on October 6 and 7. The two days were filled with recalling experiences, historical reflections, rekindling friendships and thankfulness to God for His faithfulness to the members over the years. The four sessions featured grateful songs, heart-filled testimonies and challenging words for future ministry.


In September 1901, the church was organized as Ebenezer Mennonite Brethren Church. The original congregation consisted of immigrants from Nebraska and Minnesota, including the families of Johann Baerg, John Buhler, Peter K. Janzen, Dirk Thiessen, Henry A. Thiessen, Abraham Buhler, Mrs. Johann Lepp, Peter Mandtler, Bernhard B. Fast and Henry A. Bartsch. Some of the descendants of these families are still in the church today.

Abraham Buhler was elected as the first leader of the church. Worship services were conducted in various homes, including the hayloft on the Jacob Lepp farm. The first church building was erected in the summer of 1902. The west wing of the 1907 building was the original sanctuary, located at the cemetery about five miles northwest of Dalmeny. A full basement, choir loft and a larger entrance were added in 1945. The church moved to Dalmeny in 1952. The present sanctuary was built and dedicated in June 1968.

Many came to celebrate the church’s 100th anniversary, some coming from as far away as British Columbia, Ontario and the US. They came to retrace their roots and to rejoice with the current members. It became obvious that Dalmeny has been a focal point, a place of beginnings, and a training ground for many who later found other places to serve God. Beginning with a Saturday breakfast, then a Sunday Thanksgiving dinner and evening coffee times, names were placed to faces and the past became familiar.

Saturday morning reflected the church’s continued emphasis on missions. Two short-term workers shared how the Lord had led them in their recent assignments: Christy Redekop to Mali with GMU in 1998–99 and Wendy Sawatzky to Mexico with YMI in 1999–2000. Don and Frances Enns traced the sovereign hand of God while serving in Austria in the 1960s. Those who became believers at that time are now serving as leaders. Richard and Hazel Funk, the church’s adopted missionaries, are currently serving there.

Long-term missionary Emma Baerg, who served in India 1946–1978, thanked God for all the practical knowledge received in her home and church before going overseas. Henry P. and Amanda Poetker, who served in India 1952–1986, remarked on the continuing mission opportunities they encounter living in Edmonton. Amanda told about the unexpected affirmations she received from older women in the church even in her earlier years. The Poetkers still support literature and radio evangelism in India.

Saturday evening, former pastors Reuben Dirks, John D. Reimer and Rick McCorkindale gave words of encouragement. Former members spoke of the skills, love and devotion of their early Sunday school teachers and church leaders. It was here that they had come to faith in Christ and had learned to walk with Him and where the song of the Lord had begun in their hearts.

The sanctuary was full for the Thanksgiving Sunday morning service. The children’s choir sang “A Big, Big House”, a metaphor of the house we await in heaven. The congregation sang worship songs such as “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” and other songs, old and new. Pastor Gary Sawatzky read excerpts from Revelation 1-3, suggesting the Philadelphia church was a good model. Three leaders led in thanksgiving and prayer.

Expressing the church’s traditional harvest joy, a 40-voice volunteer choir sang “Sing to the Lord of Harvest” and “Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem”. In simple form, the children were told the story of the church. A mission offering was held.

Congregational praise was followed by the choir singing “The Lord is My Shepherd”, composed by a local member, Jacob B. Janzen, son of an early choir director. This led to a traditional German ode, Mache Mich Selig (“Make Me Holy”), also a famous choir piece. The choir concluded with “The King is Coming”.

Guest speaker Sylvester Dirks, a former pastor of the church and missionary, traced the great changes in 100 years. What hadn’t changed was the sinful nature of people. He reaffirmed the church’s foundational beliefs, reminded his listeners to accept the reality of cultural adjustments and highlighted three cardinal emphases for the church: (1) to be strong in doctrine; (2) to have Christian fellowship; and (3) to have a mission emphasis.

There was a special interest in the Sunday night youth service patterned after the Christian Endeavours of former years. Many older people recalled the total church involvement in these programs where they first found some of their gifts. Often such a service was evangelistic, calling for a personal decision, and emotional and social needs were nurtured.

More vocal and instrumental music followed. A Bible quiz challenged memories, and a children’s feature taught a moral lesson. Some young people presented their current style of songs and conveyed by what means their fellowship and witness had been strengthened. The celebrations ended with refreshments.

 – Waldo Lepp

A short history of Dalmeny Community Church

1901 – Ebenezer MB Church is formed, with 42 members meeting in various homes. 1908 – Youth meetings (Jugendverein) begin Sunday nights and continue until 1964. 1921 – A great revival takes place under the preaching of George Schultz; 52 are baptized. 1935 – People from Dalmeny are involved in building the first MB church in Saskatoon. 1937 – Dalmeny people help move the New Hope country church building to Warman, Sask. for use as a place of worship. 1946 – After an evangelistic campaign with David Hooge, 36 are baptized in the North Saskatchewan River. 1947 – The Canadian MB Conference is hosted in a large tent in Dalmeny. 1950 – The church grows to 246, making it the largest MB church in Saskatchewan. 1952 – The church is moved from the country to the town; the first salaried pastor is hired. 1950s – The Dalmeny band develops with many church people in it. 1964 – A major split in the church occurs. 1967 – A new church facility is built. 1970 – Deacons are no longer ordained but are commissioned. 1986 – The church is renamed Dalmeny Community Church. 1990s – There is a renewed vision for ministry in the community, including Ladies’ Time Out, children’s clubs, Friends’ Day, Alpha Bible studies and Dalmeny Days outdoor services; there is a good relationship between churches working together on VBS, Good Friday services, salad fiestas, clothing exchanges, community breakfasts and youth events; missions weekends are held and two MBMSI missionary couples are adopted; seniors minister in several smaller churches; and youth serve at Hands On and other places.  – compiled by Waldo Lepp

 

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Last modified January 9, 2002.

© 2002 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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