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The Mennonite Brethren Church of Gem, Alta. celebrated its 75th anniversary May 23. About 280 members and visitors attended.
The church was organized in 1929 with 25 families. Services were held in the local schoolhouse. By 1932 a new building was dedicated. Sunday school and youth programs and vacation Bible school were strongly emphasized from the beginning. In 1933, the church began Bethesda Bible School, which operated most years until 1957. A new church building was dedicated in 1952. It has been renovated several times as needed.
The celebration included the recitation of Ephesians 2:19–22 by the Sunday choir, and a video presentation of the stages of the church building, some baptisms, and photos of former ministers. The youth group presented a musical drama, “Believe,” and various choirs and the Prairie Gems band performed favourites.
Previous pastor J.P. Doerksen gave highlights of the past. Now was a time, he said, “to give thanks that God has used the Gem church in the past and is still using us today.”
Current pastor Barry Breker encouraged the congregation to love God and love one another. In the future, he said, the church will continue to build on the true cornerstone, which is Christ Jesus.
—Agnes Braun
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Category: Alberta MB Conference |
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