1956–2003.
170 cm of textual records, 1 microfilm reel, and 34 photographs.
Administrative history
The Carman Gospel Light Church began in 1956 when Reverend Peter Martens was asked to investigate possibilities for new ministries in Manitoba by the Home Missions Committee of the Mennonite Brethren Conference of Manitoba. Henry Redekop, an instructor at Winkler Bible School, led the group in a rented room in Carman. The fellowship was called Carman Gospel Light Mission. That year, teachers were elected to start Sunday School, Peter Martens was asked to be the pastor and a lot was purchased. The building was completed and dedicated in 1958. The name of the congregation was changed to the Gospel Light MB Church in 1961. In 1962 the church was received into the Manitoba and Canadian Conferences. In 1964 the church bought a lot for a parsonage, which was later sold in 1973. By 1974 the church membership had grown to the extent that three homes were used to accommodate the overflow. In 1975, a building, known as the Hut, was erected beside the old church building. The church became self-supporting and in 1978 they built a new building which seated over 400 people. In 1985 the church changed its name to Carman Gospel Light Church; it closed its doors officially on 30 April 2003. A new Mennonite Brethren congregation began a year later in Carman, called the Friends Community Church.
The leaders of the church included: Peter Martins (1956–1958), Abe Quiring (1959–1963), John Unger (1964–1966), John Block (1967–1973), Peter Doerksen (1973–1982), Mark Johnson (1983–1990), Daniel Splett (1992–1998), Terry Carter (1998–2003).
Scope and content
This fonds consists of ten series:
1. History (1958–2003)
2. Constitutions (1969, 1995, 2002)
3. Bulletins (1967–2003)
4. Membership records (1957–2003)
5. Annual reports (1962–1992)
6. Congregational minutes (1957–2003)
7. Church Council minutes (1964–2003)
8. Committee minutes (1957–1979)
9. Directories (1978–1997)
10. Photographs (1981–[2000?]) and Auditors Reports (1982–1995)
Custodial history
Some of the records were microfilmed in 1978 through the work of the Historical Commission of the Mennonite Brethren Conference. Boxes 2–4 were deposited after the closure of the Carman church in 2003.
Notes
- Finding aid: Volumes 415–518. The records are classified under the Canadian Conference of MB Churches inventory BC504 (series description and file list available).
- Finding aid for microfilm: R89, pp. 337–1061.
- Microfilm file list adapted from a previous finding aid by Leslie Wiebe, June 2003; boxes 2–4 described by Donovan Giesbrecht, January 19, 2005. Update by Janelle Hume, August 1, 2006.
- Restrictions: Some restrictions apply Volume 416:12–26, 3:11–13, and 418:3.
Series description
History. – 1958–2003.
4 cm of textual records and 7 pp microfilm.
This series consists of several historical sketches, newspaper articles, an article from Up To Now, a Story of Dufferin and Carman (1958), a letter, some photocopied pictures, statistics, anniversary materials, as well as land title, name change, and other official documents.
- Location: Volume 415:1, 418:4, 9–12; and microfilm R89, pp. 337–344.
Constitutions. – 1969, 1995, 2002.
2 cm of textual records; 6 pp microfilm.
This series consists of three church constitutions.
- Location: Volume 418:14, and microfilm R89, pp. 345–351.
Bulletins. – 1967–2003.
30 cm textual material.
This series consists of weekly bulletins.
- Location: Volume 415:2–26, Box 3:46–56.
Membership records. – [ca. 1957]–2003.
8 cm of textual records; 150 pp microfilm.
This series consists of a membership, baptism, burial, and marriage records. It also includes baptism statements, testimonies, obituaries, death certificates, and funeral records.
- Location: Volume 418:2–3, 5–8, 12; and microfilm R89, pp. 352–403.
Annual reports. – 1962–1992.
30 cm of textual records; 175 pp microfilm.
This series consists of annual meeting agendas, reports, financial statements, and minutes. Some of these records are mixed in with congregational and church council minutes.
- Location: Volume 417:14–45, and microfilm R89, pp. 656–831.
Congregational minutes. – 1957–2003.
40 cm of textual records; 328 pp microfilm.
This series consists of minutes of membership meetings, as well as reports, correspondence, and financial statements included with the minutes. Some congregational minutes are mixed in with Church Council minutes.
- Location: Volume 416:17–31, 417:1–13, and microfilm R89, pp. 404–831.
Church Council minutes.
50 cm of textual records; 160 pp microfilm.
This series consists of Church Council minutes, as well as financial statements, reports, and correspondence included with the minutes. Some Church Council minutes are mixed in with the congregational minutes.
- Location: Volume 415:27, 416:1–25; and microfilm R89, pp. 832–972.
Committee minutes. – 1957–1979.
120 pp microfilm.
This series consists of Deacon Committee, Sunday School Committee, Crusade for Christ Committee, and Ladies Fellowship minutes..
- Location: Microfilm R89, pp. 973–990, 991–1023, 1062–1095, 1024–1061.
Directories. – 1978–1997.
4 cm of textual records.
This series consists of pictorial and textual church directories.
- Location: Volume 415:28–31, 418:15.
Photographs. – 1981–[2000?].
34 photographs.
This series consist of photographs of the church building, newly baptised and transferred members, and of other church events and programs. A video documenting the inventory of the church at the time of closure is also included.
- Location: Volume 415:32; and CMBS Photograph Collection, NP167-01.
Textual file list
Volume 415 Date
1. Carman Gospel Light Church History. 1956–1985
2. Bulletins. 1964–1967
3. Bulletins. 1968
4. Bulletins. 1969
5. Bulletins. 1971
6. Bulletins. 1972
7. Bulletins. 1973
8. Bulletins. 1974
9. Bulletins. 1975
10. Bulletins. 1976
11. Bulletins. 1977
12. Bulletins. 1978
13. Bulletins. 1979
14. Bulletins. 1980
15. Bulletins. 1981
16. Bulletins. 1982
17. Bulletins. 1983
18. Bulletins. 1984
19. Bulletins. 1985
20. Bulletins. 1986
21. Bulletins. 1987
22. Bulletins. 1988
23. Bulletins. 1989
24. Bulletins. 1990
25. Bulletins. 1991
26. Bulletins. 1992
27. Church Reports. 1964–1967
28. Carman Gospel Light Pictorial Church Directory. 1980
29. Church directory. 1978
30. Church Directory. [19--]
31. Church Pictorial Directory. [1982]
Volume 416 Date
1. Church Council minutes, financial statements, reports, and correspondence. 1966–1972
2. Church Council minutes, financial statements, reports, and correspondence. 1972–1977
3. Church Council minutes, financial statements, reports, and correspondence. 1977–1982
4. Church Council minutes, financial statements, reports, and correspondence. 1983
5. Church Council minutes, financial statements, reports, and correspondence. 1984
6. Church Council minutes, financial statements, reports, and correspondence. 1985
7. Church Council minutes, financial statements, reports, and correspondence. 1986
8. Church Council minutes, financial statements, reports, and correspondence. 1987
9. Church Council minutes, financial statements, reports, and correspondence. 1988
10. Church Council minutes, financial statements, reports, and correspondence. 1989
11. Church Council minutes, financial statements, reports, and correspondence. 1990
12. Church Council minutes, financial statements, reports, and correspondence. 1991
13. Church Council minutes, financial statements, reports, and correspondence. 1992
14. Church Council minutes, financial statements, reports, and correspondence. 1993
15. Church Council minutes, financial statements, reports, and correspondence. 1994
16. Church Council and congregational minutes, financial statements, reports, correspondence, and a constitution. 1995
17. Church Council and congregational minutes, financial statements, reports, and correspondence. 1996
18. Church Council and congregational minutes, financial statements, reports, and correspondence. 1997
19. Church Council and congregational minutes, financial statements, reports, and correspondence. 1998
20. Church Council and congregational minutes, financial statements, reports, and correspondence. 1999
21. Church Council minutes, correspondence, and memos (restricted). 1994, 1999–2000
22. Church Council and congregational minutes, financial statements, reports, and correspondence. 2000
23. Church Council and congregational minutes, financial statements, reports, and correspondence. 2001
24. Church Council and congregational minutes, financial statements, reports, correspondence, and a constitution. 2002
25. Church Council and congregational minutes, financial statements, reports, and correspondence. 2003
26. Congregational minutes, financial statements, and Manitoba Conference recommendations. 2004
27. Congregational minutes. 1957–1960
28. Congregational minutes and financial statements. 1961–1964
29. Congregational minutes and correspondence. 1964–1967
30. Congregational minutes. 1965–1971
31. Congregational minutes, financial statements, and reports. 1971–1978
Volume 417 Date
1. Congregational minutes and financial statements. 1977–1982
2. Congregational goals report. 1979–1980
3. Congregational minutes, financial statements, and reports. 1983
4. Congregational minutes, financial statements, and reports. 1984
5. Congregational minutes, financial statements, and reports. 1985
6. Congregational minutes, financial statements, and reports. 1986
7. Congregational minutes, financial statements, and reports. 1987
8. Congregational minutes, financial statements, reports, and correspondence. 1988
9. Congregational and Church Council minutes, financial statements, and a constitution. 1988–1991
10. Congregational minutes, financial statements, and reports. 1991
11. Congregational minutes, financial statements, and reports (restricted). 1992
12. Congregational minutes, financial statements, reports, and correspondence (restricted). 1993
13. Congregational minutes, financial statements, and reports. 1994
14. Annual financial statements and congregational minutes. 1962
15. Annual financial statements and membership list. 1963
16. Annual meeting reports, agenda, financial statements, membership list and correspondence. 1964
17. Annual meeting reports, agenda, financial statements, membership list, correspondence, and congregational minutes. 1965
18. Annual meeting reports, agenda, financial statements, membership list, and correspondence. 1966
19. Annual meeting reports, agenda, financial statements, membership list, and correspondence. 1967
20. Annual meeting reports, minutes, financial statements, membership list, and correspondence. 1968
21. Annual meeting reports, financial statements, and a constitution. 1969
22. Annual meeting reports, agenda, financial statements, and a membership list. 1970
23. Annual meeting reports, financial statements, and a constitution. 1971
24. Annual meeting reports, agenda, financial statements. 1972
25. Annual meeting reports, agenda, financial statements. 1973
26. Annual meeting reports, agenda, financial statements. 1974
27. Annual meeting reports and financial statements. 1975
28. Annual meeting reports and financial statements. 1976
29. Annual meeting reports and financial statements. 1977
30. Annual meeting reports and financial statements. 1979
31. Annual meeting reports, agenda, and financial statements. 1980
32. Annual meeting reports. 1980
33. Annual meeting reports and financial statements. 1981
34. Annual meeting reports, agenda, and financial statements. 1981
35. Annual meeting reports, financial statements, congregational minutes, and confessional statement on inerrancy. 1982
36. Annual meeting agenda, minutes, and financial statements. 1983
37. Annual meeting agenda, minutes, and financial statements. 1984
38. Annual meeting agenda, minutes, and financial statements. 1985
39. Annual meeting agenda, minutes, reports, and financial statements. 1986
40. Annual meeting agenda, minutes, reports, and financial statements. 1987
41. Annual meeting agenda, minutes, and financial statements. 1988
42. Annual meeting reports, minutes, and financial statements. 1989
43. Annual meeting reports, minutes, agenda, financial statements, and congregational minutes. 1990
44. Annual meeting minutes, reports, and financial statements. 1991
45. Attendance and offering tables and attendance graphs. 1972–1992
46. Bulletins. 1993
47. Bulletins. 1994
48. Bulletins. 1995
49. Bulletins. 1996
50. Bulletins. 1997
51. Bulletins. 1998
52. Bulletins and calendars. 1999
53. Bulletins and calendars. 2000
54. Bulletins and calendars. 2001
55. Bulletins and calendars. 2002
56. Bulletins and calendars. 2003
Volume 418 Date
1. Pastoral job description, employment contracts, and tax documents. 1991–2002
2. Baptism records. 1974–1994
3. Baptism statements and testimonies (restricted). 1977–1998
4. Attendance statistic. 1981–2003
5. Obituaries, death certificates, and funeral records. 1977–2003
6. Marriage certificates and records. 1965–1999
7. Membership and transfer records. 1963–2003
8. Membership register (Book 3). 1965–2003
9. Historical documents, including anniversary bulletins, correspondence, and poetry, and newspaper articles. 1979–1981
10. Historical sketches, newspaper articles, and Home Missions Committee report (Book 1). 1958–1985
11. Official documents regarding land title, name change, building, occupancy, and insurance. 1978–1999
12. Statistics, and marriage and membership records. 1971–2002
13. Correpondence regarding pastoral appointments and Mark Johnson ordination [confessional] paper. 1960–1996
14. Constitutions. 1969, 1995, 2002
15. Pictorial directories. 1985, 1993, 1997
Volume 1174 Date
1. Auditors Reports. 1982–1995
2. Remittance Forms. 1990–1995
Volume 1175 Date
1–323. Member Files containing testimonies, baptism information, membership information and marriage information (restricted). [1958?]–2003
Audio-visual file list
Date
NMV-69-01 Carman Gospel Light Church Inventory.
VHS. April 2003
Microfilm file list
Reel 89 Date Pages
Historical Data: report given (Book I). ca. 1955–1966 337–344
Constitution (Book II). 1969 345–351
Church Membership Register (Book III). ca. 1957–1979 352–376
Baptismal Register (Book IV). ca. 1957–1972 377–395
Burial Register (Book IV). 1957–1979 396–397
Marriage Register (Book V). 1962–1978 398–403
Annual Reports of Congregation (Book VIII). 1971–1977 656–831
Congregational Meeting Minutes, including annual reports (Book VI). Apr 1956–Nov 1970 404–570
Congregational Meeting Minutes (Book VII). Nov 1971–May 1979 571–655
Church Council Meeting Minutes (Book IX). Feb 1967–Feb 1977 832–972
Board of Deacons Minutes (Book X). Dec 1977–Apr 1979 973–990
Board of Christian Education/Sunday School Committee Minutes (Book XI). Oct 1957–Nov 1960 991–1007
Board of Christian Education/Sunday School Committee Minutes (Book XI). Jan 1978–Feb 1979 1008–1023
Board of Evangelism: Crusade for Christ Committee Minutes (Book XIII). Apr 1964–Jan 1966 1008–1023
Women’s Missionary Society: Ladies Fellowship Minutes (Book XII). Oct 1964–Apr 1967 1024–1061
Photograph collection
NP167-01 Date
NP167-01:1 Baptism in Carman.
This photo is of a group of newly baptised and transferred members of the Carman Gospel Light Church. Pictured are (back, l–r) George Rempel, Laurence Hildebrand, Herman Voth (assistant pastor), Peter J. Doerksen (pastor), (front) Betty Rempel (transfer), Esther Hildebrand, Cheryl Hildebrand, and Phyllis Giesbrecht.
11.5 x 8 cm [col.]. Mar 8 1981
NP167-01:2 Baptism in Carman.
This photo is of newly baptised or transferred members at Carman Gospel Light Church. Pictured with pastor Mark Johnson (right) are (l–r) Nora Heinrichs (t), Ed Heinrichs (t), Sherri Hildebrand, Rob Peters, Melanie Paetkau, Craig Johnston, and Don Giesbrecht.
12.5 x 9 cm [col.]. Mar 30 1986
NP167-01:3 Baptism in Carman.
This photo is of newly baptised or transferred members at Carman Gospel Light Church. Pictured with pastor Mark Johnson (far left) are (back, l–r) Dave Land, Rob Martin (t), Rod Hart, Pete Braun(t), Betty Braun(t), (middle) Wayne Johnston(t), Marg Johnston(t), Sylvia Martin(t), Janice Regehr, Lori Driedger, Trish Reid, Brian Reid, Mark and Sharon Johnson (t), Lisa Peters, Maureen Johnston, Mary Lynne Dick, and Ted Enns.
13 x 9 cm [col.]. Nov 27 1983
NP167-01:4 Baptism in Carman.
This photo is of newly baptised or transferred members at Carman Gospel Light Church. Pictured second from the left at the front is Karissa Drewlo.
15 x 10 cm [col.]. [Jun 4 2000?]
NP167-01:5 Baptism in Carman.
This photo is of newly baptised or transferred members at Carman Gospel Light Church. Pastor Terry Carter stands at the far left [pictured third from the left is Stephanie Dunn?].
15 x 10 cm [col.]. [ca. 1998]
NP167-01:6 Baptism in Carman.
This photo is of newly baptised or transferred members at Carman Gospel Light Church. Andrea Dunn stands at the front left. Others pictured include (order unknown) Jill Reimer, Valerie Dyck, Lori Reimer, Dusty Wiebe, Rick Wiebe, and Lori, Lorissa and Randy Young.
15 x 10 cm [col.]. Dec 6 1998
NP167-01:7 Youth at Carman.
This photo is of (l–r) Steven Dick, Michele Bergen, pastor Mark Johnson, Sharon Peters, and Steven Janzen sitting together [at the Carman Gospel Light Church?].
13 x 9 cm [b&w]. 1989
NP167-01:8 Youth and seniors at Carman.
This photo is of (l–r, front) Steven Janzen, Helena Janzen, Steven Dick, (back) Carman Gospel Light Church pastor Mark Johnson, Dorothy Peters, Terry Axdal, Sharon Peters, and Michele . . .
13 x 9 cm [b&w]. 1989
NP167-01:9 Baptism and membership.
This photo is of a newly baptised and transfer members of Carman Gospel Light Church. Pictured are (l–r) Judy Neustaedter (t), Glen Dyck (t), Terri Dyck (t), Twila Falk (b), Dorothy Lawler (b), and pastor George Baerg.
15 x 10 cm [b&w]. May 4 1997
NP167-01:10 Installation of Terry and Reina Carter.
This photo is of John Unger, Terry and Reina Carter, and Doug Wilton standing together after the installation service for the Carters at Carman Gospel Light Church.
15 x 10 cm [col.]. Sep 21 1997
NP167-01:11 Baptism and transfer members.
This photo is of newly baptised and transfer members of the Carman Gospel Light Church. Pictured are (l–r, front) Pat and Kelly Hein (t), John Maddison (t), and Jean Kitching (b), (back) pastor George Baerg, and Jerri-Ann and Mel Toews.
15 x 10 cm [col.]. Aug 10 1997
NP167-01:12 The Mark and Sharon Johnson family.
This photo is a portrait of Mark and Sharon Johnson with their children Matt, Heather, and Chris.
10.5 x 8 cm [b&w]. [1996?]
NP167-01:13 New transfer members.
This photo is of (l–r) Carman Gospel Light Church pastor Terry Carter with newly transferred members Annie and Abe Bergen.
15 x 10 cm [b&w]. Jun 14 1998
NP167-01:14 Awana boys and girls clubs.
This photo is of young children with their leaders in a Sunday school room at Carman Gospel Light Church. The children were paricipating in the Awana boys and girls clubs held at the . . .
15 x 10 cm [b&w]. 1997
NP167-01:15 A three legged race.
This photo is of children and leaders participating in a three legged race at an Awana boys and girls club event. The event was held at the Carman Gospel Light Church.
15 x 10 cm [b&w]. 1997
NP167-01:16 Singing on stage.
This photo is of a group of children singing on stage at Carman Gospel Light Church. The children were participants in the Awana boys and girls clubs put on by the church.
15 x 10 cm [b&w]. 1997
NP167-01:17 Ladies fellowship Valentine’s event.
This photo is of women eating together at a Valentine’s event put on by the Carman Gospel Light Church ladies fellowship.
15 x 10 cm [b&w]. 1997
NP167-01:18 Group photo pf the ladies fellowship.
This photo is of the Carman Gospel Light Church ladies fellowship group.
15 x 10 cm [b&w]. 1997
NP167-01:19 The Sunday School choir.
This photo is of the Sunday school choir on stage at the Carman Gospel Light Church.
15 x 10 cm [b&w]. 1997
NP167-01:20 Lined up for a meal.
This photo is of people lined up for a meal at the Carman Gospel Light Church retreat. The retreat took place at Camp Arnes.
15 x 10 cm [b&w]. Mar 1997
NP167-01:21 Sitting outdoors.
This photo is of four young men sitting outdoors on a rafter beam of a cabin at Camp Arnes. The men were part of a Carman Gospel Light Church retreat to the camp.
15 x 10 cm [b&w]. Mar 1997
NP167-01:22 A “Keenagers” meeting.
This photo is of a seniors meeting at the Carman Gospel Light Church. The photo was labeled “Keenagers.”
15 x 10 cm [b&w]. 1997
NP167-01:23 Sue Klassen at work.
This photo is of Sue Klassen, Carman Gospel Light Church secretary, at work.
15 x 10 cm [b&w]. 1997
NP167-01:24 Art Drewlo at work.
This photo is of Art Drewlo, Carman Gospel Light Church janitor, at work.
15 x 10 cm [b&w]. 1997
NP167-01:25 The youth group.
This photo is of the Carman Gospel Light Church youth group standing around a classic.
15 x 10 cm [b&w]. 1997
NP167-01:26 Children at the front of the church.
This photo is of a child dedication service at Carman Gospel Light Church.
15 x 10 cm [b&w]. Apr 13 1997
NP167-01:27 Girls having fun.
This photo is of a group of girls sitting around a table together at a Carman Gospel Light Church girls clubs event.
15 x 10 cm [b&w]. 1997
NP167-01:28 Preparing for a drama.
This photo is of an actor having his make-up applied for a Carman Gospel Light Church drama production.
15 x 10 cm [b&w]. [199-?]
NP167-01:29 Celebrating with balloons.
This photo is of a group of people letting helium balloons up into the air. The group stands in front of the Carman Gospel Light Church, [celebrating the congregation’s 50th anniversary?].
15 x 10 cm [b&w]. [1996?]
NP167-01:30 The Carman Gospel Light Church building.
This photo is of the Carman Gospel Light Church building.
15 x 10 cm [b&w]. 1997
NP167-01:31 The Carman Gospel Light Church building.
This photo is of the Carman Gospel Light Church building.
15 x 7 cm [b&w]. 1997
NP167-01:32 The sanctuary.
This photo is of the Carman Gospel Light Church sanctuary.
15 x 7 cm [b&w]. 1997
NP167-01:33 The entrance way.
This photo is of the Carman Gospel Light Church entrance way.
15 x 7 cm [b&w]. 1997
NP167-01:34 The sanctuary.
This photo is of the Carman Gospel Light Church sanctuary.
15 x 7 cm [b&w]. 1997
