Scott St. MB Church celebrates 60 years

“Celebrating 60 Years of God’s Faithfulness” was the theme of the 60th anniversary celebration of Scott St. MB Church in St. Catharines, Oct. 17–20. The verses from Psalm 100, “Shout joyfully to the Lord . . . and His faithfulness to all generations” described the atmosphere throughout the weekend.

Charter members being presented with Commemoration booklet by Jake Klassen and moderator Frank Wiens

Scott St. MB Church was founded Oct. 17, 1943 with a charter membership of 66, under the leadership of Gerhard Epp. They first rented facilities, then built on Carleton St. The church grew. On Dec. 12, 1954, over 300 members dedicated their second and present building on Scott St. By 1964, there was a daughter church, Fairview MB Church. A second daughter congregation, Grantham MB Church, emerged in 1973. In 2000, a portion of the membership formed Gateway Christian Fellowship.

The anniversary celebration started Friday with former pastor Phil Reimer challenging a packed sanctuary full of youth from Scott St. and its sister congregations. It was an exciting and raucous kick-off to the weekend. This was followed with a homecoming breakfast Saturday morning. John Epp of Winnipeg, son of the first pastor, opened with reminiscences and prayer and former pastor Paul Fast spoke on Psalm 100, the theme text. Former members of the Glorious Gospel Choir, which had served in the radio ministry at CKTB in the early days, shared their message in song.

Saturday evening was an alumni evening. Psalm 100 was again emphasized by Scott St. moderator Frank Wiens. Vic Thiessen, moderator of the Ontario MB Conference, reminded those present that according to Psalm 1:1–3, the church is blessed and prospers when it meditates and is stayed on the Word of God. The German choir sang and four former pastors said a few words: Henry Penner, (1953–74, 1977–83, 1987–89); John Unrau (1989–94); Rudy Willms (1995–2000); and Henry Petkau (1991–92, 1995).

The charter members in attendance were given a commemoration booklet, and the seven former and four current pastors and spouses were presented with a 60th anniversary plate. The evening finished with a delightful Power Point presentation of pictures of the past sixty years.

On Sunday, guest speaker Delbert Enns, executive director of Family Life Network, Winnipeg, reminded the audience that the relationships we build are stepping stones in the church. At noon, some 400 people enjoyed a roast beef dinner. Scott St. Church began small, said Enns in the evening service, but when the church seeks God on its knees, God’s vision for the church will result. Current pastors Tom Friesen, Brad Naylor and Patrick Bartley each shared their vision for the future of the congregation. An anniversary choir sang at both services.

—Talita Krumrei