Newton church celebrates 75th anniversary

Community Fellowship Church, formerly Newton Mennonite Brethren Church, celebrated its 75th anniversary July 26–27 together with 500 former members and friends. The theme of the weekend was “Your faithfulness continues through all generations” (Psalm 119:90). When the church chartered 75 years ago there were 24 members.

Flowers, banners, displays of historical pictures and artifacts enhanced the celebrative mood. Tours and sports activities including a golf tournament were opportunities to renew acquaintances. An open mike session emceed by former pastor Irvin Penner provided opportunities to tell stories of God’s presence.

New pastor couple Ramsy and Shannon Unruh at the Saturday concert

A Saturday evening concert featured current and former vocal and instrumental groups and a Sunday morning mass choir under the direction of Harry Funk and Fred Dyck concluded the worship service with the singing of the Hallelujah Chorus.

Former pastors Aubrey Krahn, Jake Penner and Neil Block, together with current pastor Ramsy Unruh shared the podium at various times. Guest speakers for the weekend were Abe Konrad, son of former church leader Gerhard Konrad, who admonished listeners to rejoice in God’s faithfulness, and Sam Nikkel, son of former minister Jakob Nikkel, who spoke of the church’s legacy but emphasized the mandate for the future.

A revived male quartet: (l–r) Fred Dyck, Harry Funk, Pete Loewen and Pete Wiebe

What would a gathering of Mennonites be without fellowship around food? There was a Saturday brunch and barbecue supper, as well as a traditional Mennonite lunch on Sunday.

—Marianne Mann