1960–2003.
37.5 cm of textual records, 2 microfilm reels and 2 photos.
Administrative history
Willingdon Church in Burnaby, British Columbia, originally known as the Willingdon Mennonite Brethren Church and began in 1960. The Vancouver Mennonite Brethren Church was overcrowded and supported the building of the new 450-seat church on Willingdon Avenue, which was finished in 1961. 116 members of the Vancouver church became the core group for the Willingdon church. George Letkeman served as the first church leader until the summer of 1962, followed by George Braun who served from 1962–1966 and was the first salaried pastor.
In 1972 a new Christian Education wing was added to the church Membership had grown to 520 members with up to 700 people in attendance at two morning services. The church continued to grow rapidly and the congregation continued to add programs that were age and need specific.
In February 1982, the church dedicated a new sanctuary with seating to accommodate 1000 people. While the church worships in English, simultaneous translation is offered in several languages. As of 2002 these included Cantonese, Mandarin, French, Korean, Japanese and Russian. As of 2007 the church had an advanced technical department that provided web based services such as videos of the services.
Membership in the church in 1965 stood at 187 members; in 1975, 329; in 1985, 825; in 1993, 1153; in 2000, 1822; in 2005, 2040.
Leaders of the congregation include the following: George Letkeman (1960–1962, 1966–1968, 1970–1971), George Braun (1962–1966), Isaac Redekopp (1968–1970), Herb Neufeld (1971–1985), Carlin Weinhauer (1986–2002), John Neufeld (2002– ).
Scope and content
This fonds consists of a historical sketch, photo directory, bulletins and newsletters, newspaper article, ministry brochures, policies, membership register, annual reports, congregational, church council and board of elders meeting minutes.
Custodial history
It is unclear when the textual materials came to the archives. The microfilmed material came to the archives after a Conference wide microfilming program in ca. 1978 lead by J.B. Toews.
Notes
- Location: Volumes 357–359, microfilms 68–69.
- Description by Conrad Stoesz, February 5, 2007.
- Finding aid consists of a file list.
- No restrictions on access.
Textual file list
Volume 357 Date
1. History. 1960–1985
2. Photo Directory. ca. 197-?
3. Bulletins. 1967
4. Bulletins. 1968
5. Bulletins. 1971
6. Bulletins. 1981
7. Newsletter. 1984
8. Bulletins & Newsletter. 1985
9. Bulletins & Newsletters. 1986
10. Bulletins & Newsletters. 1987
11. Bulletins & Newsletters. 1988
12. Bulletins & Newsletters. 1989
13. Bulletins. 1990
14. Bulletins & Newsletter. 1991
15. Bulletins & Newsletters. 1992
16. Bulletins & Newsletters. 1993
17. Bulletins & Newsletters. 1994
Volume 358 Date
1. Newspaper Article – Burnaby Now. May 8, 1991
2. Ministry Brochures.
3. Bulletins & Newsletters. 1995
4. Bulletins & Newsletters. 1996
5. Bulletins & Newsletters. 1997
6. Bulletins & Newsletters. 1998
7. Bulletins & Newsletters. 1999
Volume 359 Date
1. Bulletins & Newsletters. 2000
2. Bulletins & Newsletters. 2001
3. Bulletins & Newsletters. 2002
4. Bulletins. 2003
Microfilm file list
Reel 68 Date Pages
Policies. 1978 1858–1905
Membership Register. 1978 1906–1964
Annual Reports – Church Meetings. 1963, 1965–1977 (missing 1964) 1428–1857
Congregational Meeting Minutes. Mar 1963–May 1977 680–981
Church Council Meeting Minutes. Jan 1963–Nov 1971 982–1172
Church Council Meeting Minutes. Jan 1972–May 1977 1173–1307
Board of Elders Meeting Minutes. 1977–Nov 1978 1308–1427
Church Bulletins. 1967, 1971
Reel 69 Date Pages
Family Register (Card system). 1978 1–381
