[1942–1978].
1 mm of textual records, 2 photos and 1 microfilm reel.
Administrative history
The Arnold Community Church (Arnold, BC) traces its roots to a small gathering in the home of Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Hamm in 1942. The Hamms were among several new settlers to the community that was then called Perrigo – named after John Joseph Perrigo who originally owned a large piece of land in the area. Mr. Perrigo divided up his property and invited the Mennonites to settle there, viewing them as a hardworking nationality. In these early years, about 20 people – most of whom were children – gathered in the Hamm household to worship and pray. The group was named the Perrigo MB Church, and was affiliated with the Yarrow MB Church.
In 1945, the church was renamed Arnold MB Church, after a creek that runs through part of the property. Unfortunately, however, the name change annoyed Mr. Perrigo, who had originally donated the property to the church. As a result, Mr. Perrigo demanded the church pay him $600 for the once donated land. Despite this setback, the church continued to grow, and, by the beginning of 1948, the Arnold church had 225 members. From that point on, however, membership slowly declined, as many of the young people moved away seeking opportunities outside the community.
It was not long before those who attended the first gatherings at the Hamm household began plans for a church building. Early in 1943, construction of a 30’ x 40’ basement began. Times were hard and getting the money was a challenge. Fortunately, many of the men of the church donated their labor. By July of 1944, an additional structure at the east end of the church had to be erected to accommodate the congregation’s rapid growth. Several other construction projects followed, including an upper sanctuary in 1946, a front foyer and two washrooms in 1965, a remodeling of the interior in 1977, and another addition in 1987.
Several ministers have served the congregation as leader, including the following: Johann P. Braun (1943–1948), J.J. Klassen (1949–1952), Is. P. Görtzen (1953–1957), Gustav P. Ratzlaff (1958–1965), John J. Rempel (1967), Peter C. Penner (1968–1973), Harry R. Loewen (1974–1979), Wilfred Richert (1980–1983), Syl Dirks (1984–1987), Irvin Penner (1988–1990), Mark Burch (1991–1996), Douglas Braun (1997–2000), and Robert Dyck (2002– ).
In 1988 Arnold MB Church was renamed to Arnold Community Church.
The language of worship is English. The transition from German occured in 1967.
Scope and content
This fonds contains a history of the church, a publication of their 25th anniversary bulletin, membership and family news, minutes from congregational meetings and church council meetings, testimonies of baptismal candidates, Sunday School, Christian endeavor and women’s missionary society information.
Notes
- Location: Volume 349.
- Finding aid consists of a file list.
- The records are classified under the Canadian Conference of MB Churches inventory Volume 349, and partially located on microfilm reel 59.
- Described by Shauna Hudson summer 2004. Edited by Donovan Giesbrecht September 2, 2004.
- No restrictions on access.
Textual file list
Volume 349 Date
1. History of the Arnold Mennonite Brethren Church. [197-?]
Microfilm file list
Reel 59 Date Pages
Early History. [ca. 1942] 2256–2264
*
Church Membership Register, Baptisms and Marriage Records. 1943–1952, 1952–? 2125–2358
Congregational Meeting Minutes. Mar 1942–Dec 1947 245–418
Congregational Meeting Minutes. Dec 1947–Mar 1954 419–619
Congregational Meeting Minutes. Apr 1954–Dec 1959 620–835
Congregational Meeting Minutes. Jan 1960–Oct 1967 836–1065
Congregational Meeting Minutes. Dec 1967–Oct 1978 1066–1265
Testimonies of Baptism Candidates. 1947–1948 1663–1674
Church Council Meeting Minutes. Jan 1948–Apr 1957 1266–1356
Church Council Meeting Minutes. May 1957–May 1969 1357–1556
Church Council Meeting Minutes. Aug 1969–Oct 1978 1557–1662
Young People’s Christian Endeavor. 1956–1963 1675–1806
Young People’s Christian Endeavor. 1963–1968 1807–1866
Tabea Mission Society. Oct 1966–Apr 1972 1867–1900
Women’s Mission Fellowship. Oct 1958–Apr 1969 1901–2046
Helping Hands Circle. Sep 1972–Apr 1977 2047–2124
