Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches

1892–2007.
2.59 m of textual records, one microfilm reel, 2 artifacts, two pictures and five negatives.

Administrative history
In 1884, Heinrich Voth and David Dyck came to the Mennonite communities in Manitoba to familiarize themselves with the mission field. Heinrich Voth continued to visit the area once or twice annually for the next five years. These visitations bore fruit and the first MB Church in Canada was born. The first baptism was held in 1886 in the Dead Horse Creek at Burwalde. The church was organized in 1888 at Burwalde. Gerhard Wiebe came from Russia to assume leadership of the congregation. The first church building was erected in 1889 and in 1897 it was moved into the town of Burwalde. In 1895, David Dyck traveled two months by horse and wagon to take over the leadership of the church in Burwalde. Affiliated congregations were born in Kronsgart and Grossweide. These developed into new churches. The 1898 Conference of the North American churches was to be held at the church in Burwalde so it was decided to build a bigger building. In 1930, the building was remodeled, renovated, and enlarged for the third time. This building and lot was sold and a new church building was erected in Winkler in 1947 seating approximately 1000 people. In 1949, the first Bible camp was held. Between 1957–1959, the church began airing a 25-minute radio ministry. In 1978, renovations were made to enlarge the foyer and add offices for administration. The church had a 75th anniversary as well as a Centennial Celebration. A new building was built to commemorate the 100 year anniversary in 1988.

The leaders were: Heinrich Voth (1883–1887), Gerhard Wiebe (1888–1895), David Dyck (1895–1906), Johann Warkentin (1906–1931), H. S. Voth (1932–1950), G. D. Pries (1951–1954), J. H. Quiring (1955–1961), Herman Lenzmann (1962–1967), J. M. Schmidt (1968–1972), John D. Stoesz (1973–1981), Walter Janzen (1982–1985), Herb Van Bergen (1986–1988), Wally Klassen (1989–1995), George Baerg (1996), Neil Block (1997–1998).

The language of worship is English and German.

Scope and content
This fonds consists of historical data, membership, baptism and marriage registers, directories, bulletins, and news letters, annual reports, minutes from the congregational meetings, council meetings, pulpit committee, Board of Trustees, Board of Ministers and Deacons, Christian Education, Jugendverein, Missions Committee, the Mary-Martha Verein, and other smaller committees, financial and miscellaneous information. The artifacts include a photo plate used in the printing process and an centennial anniversary plate. The materials show the activities and involvements of the church and give information on individuals in the church.

Custodial history
Many of the documents were microfilmed in 1978 through the work of the Historical Commission of the Mennonite Brethren Conference. Most of the documents were brought to the archives in 1992 by Wally Klassen. A later portion came from the church in summer of 2002. Some membership information was added in 2005.

Notes

Volumes 441–442, 445–450, 452–453.
Description updated by Conrad Stoesz October 3, 2002, June 28, 2005, April 24, 2006. Microfilm file list adapted from a previous finding aid by Leslie Wiebe June 2003.
Finding aid consists of series description and a file list.
Arrangement: The records are classified under the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches inventory BC518 (series description and file list available).
Finding aid for microfilm: R90, pp 399–770, 891–947, 2293–2494; R91, pp 1–1385; R93, pp 1913–2543.
No restrictions on access.
Language: Some German.
Accession numbers: 2002-025, 2005-022, 2006-007.
Related material: CMBS photograph collection.

Series description

Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church history.
1926–1988.
5 cm of textual records and 51 pp (microfilm).

This series consists of information for a historical sketch, historical narratives, a 75th anniversary book, history of the Burwalde community, and information about the Centennial celebration. There are two pictures of the site of the first baptism in 1886 and of the son of the first baptismal candidate standing on the site of the first MB church building in Canada, five negatives featuring the site of the first baptism, and a picture of the Winkler MB Church.

Finding aid: Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church file list no. 1–5.
microfilm R90, pp 399–450.

Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church constitutions.
1931–1986.
1.5 cm of textual records and 12 pp (microfilm).

This series consists of the minutes from the constitution committee and constitutions from the years: 1931, 1962, 1970, 1980, 1981, 1985, 1986, and some undated.

Finding aid: Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church file list no. 6–7
microfilm R90, pp 451–463.

Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church membership and family records.
1892–1986, 2002–2003
52 cm of textual records and 306 pp (microfilm).

This series consists of membership transfer certificates, membership certificates, membership terminations, a church register and a church membership and marriage register.

Finding aid: Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church file list no. 8–10, 15–16, 19. -- Note: file 19 is in Box 2.
See also: "Winkler MB Church" in the Katie Peters collection.
microfilm R90, pp 464–770.

Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church baptism register.
1912–1984.
4.5 cm of textual records.

This series consists of baptism certificates, and testimonies by baptismal candidates. There are some more baptismal records in the Marriage Register series.

Finding aid: Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church file list no. 13, 17–18.

Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church marriage register.
1935–1966.
4 cm of textual records and 56 pp (microfilm).

This series consists of marriage certificates and registers, some including baptism and burial information.

Finding aid: Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church file list no. 11–12, 14.
microfilm R90, 891–947.

Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church directories.
1958–2002.
2.5 cm of textual records.

This series consists of the church directories.

Finding aid: Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church file list no. 20

Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church bulletins.
1956–2007.
28.5 cm of textual records.

This series consists of weekly bulletins (September 16, 1956; May 5, 1957; September 19, 1965; July 28, 1968; August–December, 1968, 1969–2007).

Finding aid: Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church file list no. 21–51.

Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church news letters.
1977–1991.
3.5 cm of textual records and 30 pp (microfilm).

This series consists of the Summer Breeze (1977–1978) and Pews News (1988–1991).

Finding aid: Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church file list no. 52–56.
microfilm R93, pp2513–2543.

Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church annual reports.
1944–1989.
7 cm of textual records and 259 pp (microfilm).

This series consists of the annual reports and the Jahres-Bericht.

Finding aid: Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church file list no. 57–61.
microfilm R90, pp 2293–2494; R93, pp 2010–2068.

Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church congregational meeting minutes.
1889–1989.
23 cm of textual records and 1285 pp (microfilm).

This series consists of the congregational meeting minutes.

Finding aid: Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church file list no. 62–71.
microfilm R90, pp 1007–2292.

Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church council meeting minutes.
1925–1989.
14.5 cm of textual records and 584 pp (microfilm).

This series consists of the church council meeting minutes.

Finding aid: Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church file list no. 72–80.
microfilm R91, pp 1–584.

Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church pulpit committee.
1985–1989.
0.5 cm of textual records.

This series consists of the minutes from the pulpit committee meetings.

Finding aid: Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church file list no. 81.

Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church board of trustees.
1954–1989.
5.5 cm of textual records and 158 pp (microfilm).

This series consists of the minutes from the Board of Trustees.

Finding aid: Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church file list no. 82–86.
microfilm R91, 1275–1368; R93, 2467–2512.

Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church financial statements.
1978–1986.
2.5 cm of textual records.

This series consists of financial statements and budget information.

Finding aid: Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church file list no. 87–88.

Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church board of ministers and deacons.
1969–1989.
12 cm of textual records and 324 pp (microfilm).

This series consists of the minutes from the Board of Ministers and Deacons.

Finding aid: Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church file list no. 89–94.
microfilm R93, pp 2069–2393.

Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church Christian education.
1921–1990.
7 cm of textual records and 166 pp (microfilm).

This series consists of the minutes from the Sunday School meetings, Pioneer Girls, Christian Service Brigades, and the youth committee.

Finding aid: Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church file list no. 95–102.
microfilm R91, pp 585–703, R93; pp 2394–2442.

Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church Jugendverein.
1894–1968.
11 cm of textual records and 548 pp (microfilm).

This series consists of the minutes and program notes of the Jugendverein.

Finding aid: Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church file list no. 103–108.

Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church missions.
1976–1995.
4 cm of textual records and 23 pp (microfilm).

This series consists of the minutes from the missions committee (1987–1989), the prayer, mission and extension sub-committee (1986), and the outreach/extension committee (1976–1985), and missionary correspondence (1986–1995).

Finding aid: Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church file list no. 109–113.
microfilm R93, pp 2443–2466.

Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church board of music.
1979–1989.
1 cm of textual records.

This series consists of the minutes of the board of music and the worship committee.

Finding aid: Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church file list no. 114–115.

Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church ladies fellowship.
1928–1953, 1963–1978.
4.5 cm of textual records and 112 pp (microfilm).

This series consists of the minutes from the Mary-Martha Verein, the cash ledgers for the Mary-Martha Verein and the Morning Out for Mothers Committee.

Finding aid: Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church file list no. 116–123
microfilm R91, pp 1369–1385; R93, 1913–2009.

Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church committees.
1970–1989.
22 cm of textual records.

This series consists of the minutes for the Membership committee, the Stewardship committee, Ad Hoc committee, the Needs committee, the Hospitality and Welcoming committee, the Reception committee, the Winkler and District Ministerial and the Family Life Seminar committee, the minutes concerning the start of the second church and church membership statistics.

Finding aid: Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church file list no. 124–131, 135–137.

Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church building committee.
1930–1948, 197?.
3 cm of textual records and 21 pp (microfilm).

This series consists of the building committee minutes (1946–1948), the study commission regarding building a church (197?), and building fund records (1930–1942).

Finding aid: Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church file list no. 132–134.
microfilm R91, pp 1253–1274.

Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church miscellaneous.
1975–1976.
2 cm of textual records.

This series consists of miscellaneous material and information, Information about the Emmaus Fellowship (a group that was an affiliate project of the Winkler MB Church), the Gospel of John (a booklet produced by the Winkler MB Church). The artifacts include a photo plate used in the printing process of the Winkler MB Church building with the congregation standing in front, and a centennial anniversary plate 1888-1988 of the Winkler MB Church.

Finding aid: Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church file list no. 138–140, 165.

Textual file list

Volume 441
1. History. – 1980–1985.
2. Historical Data. – 1926–1976.
3. 75th Anniversary Book. – 1963.
4. Winkler MB Centennial. – 1983–1988.
5. Miscellaneous History. – 1883–1988.
6. Constitution Committee Minutes. – 1981–1986.
7. Constitutions. – 1962–1986.
8. Transfer of Membership. – 1912–1986.
Volume 442
9. Transfer of Membership to Winkler MB Church. – alphabetical.
10. Transfer of Membership to a non-MB Church. – 1976–1987.
11. Marriage (Baptism and Burial) Register. – 1946–1976.
12. Marriage Certificates. – 1935–1950.
13. Baptism Certificates. – 1930–1945, 1974–1984.
14. Marriage and Baptismal Register. – 1956–1966.

Volume 445
15. Church Membership and Marriage Register. – 1890–1946.
16. Certificates of Death, Cancellations, Dismissals and Releases. – 1950–1975, 2002–2003.
17. Miscellaneous Church Records and Testimonies. – 1912–1950.

Note: This item used to record testimonies of baptismal candidates from 1912–1950, also contains the First Mennonite Brethren Church Register in Manitoba begun approximately in 1892. It also records baptisms from 1891–1950, member transfers 1893–1950 and deaths 1938–1944.
18. Testimonies of Baptismal Candidates. – 1933–1952.
19. Church Register. – 1893–1926.
20. Church Directories. – 1958–1978.
21. Bulletins. – 1956–1968.
22. Bulletins. – 1969.
23. Bulletins. – 1970.
24. Bulletins. – 1971.
25. Bulletins. – 1972.
26. Bulletins. – 1973.
27. Bulletins. – 1974.
28. Bulletins. – 1975.

Volume 446
29. Bulletins. – 1976.
30. Bulletins. – 1977.
31. Bulletins. – 1978.
32. Bulletins. – 1979.
33. Bulletins. – 1980.
34. Bulletins. – 1981.
35. Bulletins. – 1982.
36. Bulletins. – 1983.
37. Bulletins. – 1984.
38. Bulletins. – 1985.
39. Bulletins. – 1986.
40. Bulletins. – 1987.
41. Bulletins. – 1988.
42. Bulletins. – 1989.
43. Bulletins. – 1990.
44. Bulletins. – 1991.
45. Bulletins. – 1992.
46. Bulletins. – 1993.
47. Bulletins. – 1994.
48. Bulletins. – 1995.
49. Bulletins. – 1996.
50. Bulletins. – 1997.
51. Bulletins. – 1998.
52. Summer Breeze. – 1977–1978.
53. Pews News. – 1988.
54. Pews News. – 1989.
55. Pews News. – 1990.
56. Pews News. – 1991.
57. Annual Reports. – 1944–1954.
58. Annual Meetings. – 1955–1961.
59. Annual Reports. – 1962–1969.
60. Annual Reports. – 1970–1979.
61. Annual Reports. – 1980–1989.

Volume 447
62. Congregational Minutes. – 1889–1911.
63. Congregational Minutes. – 1910–1920.
64. Congregational Minutes. – 1920–1934.
65. Congregational Minutes. – 1934–1945.
66. Congregational Minutes. – 1945–1950.
67. Congregational Minutes. – 1950–1961.
68. Congregational Minutes. – 1961–1970.
69. Congregational Minutes. – 1971–1979.
70. Membership Meetings. – 1979–1984.
71. Membership Meetings. – 1985–1989.
72. Church Council Minutes. – 1925–1942.
73. Church Council Minutes. – 1942–1950.
74. Church Council Minutes. – 1950–1961.
75. Church Council Minutes. – 1961–1969.
76. Church Council Minutes. – 1969–1979.

Volume 448
77. Church Council Minutes. – 1979–1981.
78. Church Council Minutes. – 1982–1984.
79. Church Council Minutes. – 1985–1987.
80. Church Council Minutes. – 1988–1989.
81. Pulpit Committee. – 1985–1989.
82. Board of Trustees. – 1954–1958.
83. Board of Trustees. – 1959–1962.
84. Board of Trustees. – 1978–1980.
85. Board of Trustees. – 1975–1977.
86. Board of Trustees. – 1981–1989.
87. Financial Statements. – 1978–1986.
88. Budget. – 1981–1984.
89. Board of Ministers and Deacons. – 1969–1972.
90. Board of Ministers and Deacons. – 1973–1977.
91. Board of Ministers and Deacons. – 1978–1979.
92. Board of Ministers and Deacons. – 1980.
93. Board of Ministers and Deacons. – 1981–1985.
94. Board of Ministers and Deacons. – 1986–1989.
95. Sunday School Annual Minutes. – 1921–1933.
96. Christian Education Minutes. – 1963–1972.
97. Christian Education Minutes. – 1975–1977.
98. Christian Education. – 1978–1983.
99. Christian Education. – 1984–1990.
100. Pioneer Girls. – 1983–1989.
101. Christian Service Brigade. – 1986.
102. Youth Committee. – 1968–1982.

Volume 449
103. Jugendverein Minutes. – 1894–1908.
104. Jugendverein Minutes. – 1921–1941.
105. Jugendverein Minutes. – 1942–1952.
106. Jugendverein Minutes. – 1944.
107. Jugendverein Minutes. – 1952–1954.
108. Jugendverein Minutes. – 1952–1968.
109. Missions Committee. – 1987–1989.
110. Missionary Correspondence. – 1986–1991.
111. Missionary Correspondence. – 1992–1995.
112. Prayer, Mission and Extension Sub-Committee. – 1986.
113. Outreach/Extension Committee. – 1976–1985.
114. Board of Music. – 1979–1989.
115. Worship Committee. – 1986–1989.
116. Mary-Martha Verein. – 1928–1947.
117. Mary-Martha Verein. – 1947–1953.
118. Mary-Martha Verein. – 1963–1967.
119. Mary-Martha Verein. – 1967–1972.
120. Mary-Martha Verein. – 1972–1978.
121. Mary-Martha Cash Ledger. – 1972–1974.
122. Mary-Martha Cash Ledger. – 1955–1972.
123. Morning Out for Mothers Committee. – 1985–1987.
124. Membership Committee Minutes. – 1986–1989.
125. Second Church Minutes and Information. – 1978–1988.
126. Stewardship Committee. – 1974–1989.
127. Miscellaneous Committee Minutes. – 1970–1983.
128. Ad Hoc Committee. – 1987–1988.
129. Needs Committee. – 1988.
130. Hospitality and Welcoming Committee. – 1986–1989.
131. Reception Committee. – 1979–1989.
132. Building Committee Minutes. – 1946–1948.
133. Study Commission Re: Building. – 197?.
134. Building Funds Records. – 1930–1942.
135. Church Membership Statistics. – 1973–1989.
136. Winkler and District Ministerial. – 1973–1980.
137. Family Life Seminar Committee. – 1988–1989.
138. Miscellaneous. – 1975–1976.
139. The Gospel of John, produced by Winkler MB Church. – 1975.
140. The Emmaus Fellowship. – 1978–1980.

Volume 450
141. Financial Ledger. – 1935–1948.
142. Financial Ledger. – 1942–1948.
143. Financial Ledger. – 1949–1971.
144. Church directories and pictorial directory. – 1977–1996, 2002, 2003.
145. Search committee, Membership committee, Hospitality and Welcome committee, Reception committee. – 1990–1998.
146. Ministers and Deacons minutes. – 1986–1990.
147. Ministers and Deacons minutes. – 1991–1999.
148. Annual church reports. – 1990–1999.

Volume 452
149. Church membership meeting minutes. – 1990–1999.
150. MOM’s program (Morning Out for Moms). – 1992–1999.
151. Board of Missions minutes. – 1990–1999.
152. Board of Music and Worship minutes. – 1990–1999.
153. Board of Trustees and Finance /Administration committee. – 1990–1999.
154. Church statistics. – 1990–1999.
155. Financial statements. – 1987–1993.
156. Church council minutes. – 1990–1995.
157. Church council minutes. – 1996–1997.
158. Church council minutes. – 1989–1999.
159. Church planning calendars. – 1992–1999.
160. Schwestern Verein. – 1964–1975.
161. Schwestern Verein. – 1976–1988.
162. Schwestern Verein music. – [197-?].
163. Schwestern Verein meeting reports. – 1976–1990.
164. Schwestern Verein correspondence. – 1979–1985.
165. Mennonite Brethren Church of Winkler 1888–1988 centennial anniversary decorative plate. – 1988. – 2.2 cm high, 23 cm in diameter. Accession number 2006-007.
166. Bulletins. -- 2005.
167. Bulletins. -- 2006.
168. Bulletins (also includes monthly newsletter - Pulse) -- 2007.

Microfilm file list

Reel 90

Historical Data, summary accounts, 75th anniversary book, history of Burwalde Community (Book I). – p.399–450.
Constitutions (Book II). – one undated, 1931, 1970. – p.451–463.
Church Register (Book III). – ca.1886–ca.1926. – p.464–690.
Church Membership and Marriage Register (Book IV). – ca.1890–ca.1946. – p.691–770.
Marriage and Baptismal Register (Book VIII). – 1956–1966. – p.891–947.
Annual Reports of Congregation (Book XIV). – 1944–1954, 1957. – p.2293–2494.
Congregational Meeting Minutes (Book X). – Jan.1889–June 1934. – p.1007–1297.
Congregational Meeting Minutes (Book XI). – Sept.1934–May 1961. – p.1298–1576.
Congregational Meeting Minutes and Annual Reports (Book XII). – June 1961–Nov.1970. – p.1577–1840.
Congregational Meeting Minutes and Annual Reports (Book XIII). – Feb.1971–May 1979. – p.1841–2292.

Reel 91

Church Council Meeting Minutes (Book XV). – Nov.1925–Jan.1969. – p.1–306.
Church Council Meeting Minutes (Book XVI). – Fav.1969–Apr.1979. – p.307–584.
Board of Trustees Minutes (Book XXII). – Jan.1954–Apr.1962. – p.1275–1368.
Building Committee Minutes (Book XXI). – Mar.1946–Nov.1948. – p.1253–1274.
Board of Christian Education Minutes (Book XVIII). – Oct.1963–May 1972. – p.613–703.
Sunday School Meeting Minutes (Book XVII). – 1921–1933. – p.585–612.
Jugendverein, minutes and program notes (Book XIX). – Oct.1894–Dec.1941. – p.704–1085.
Jugendverein, minutes and program notes (Book XX). – Jan.1942–May 1968. – p.1086–1252.
Mary-Martha Verein minutes (Book XXIII). – Oct.1963–May 1965. – p.1369–1385.

Reel 93

Annual Reports of congregation (Book XXV). – 1955–1956, 1958–1961. – p.2010–2068.
Board of Trustees Minutes (Book XXIX). – Dec.1975–Dec.1977. – p.2467–2512.
Board of Ministers and Deacons Minutes (Book XXVI). – Feb.1969–Nov.1977. – p.2069–2393.
Board of Christian Education Minutes (Book XXVII). – Jan.1975–Nov.1977. – p.2394–2442.
Board of Church Extension Minutes (Book XXVIII). – Jan.1976–Oct.1977. – p.2443–2466.
Mary Martha Verein minutes (Book XXIV). – 1928–Jan.1947. – p.1913–2009.
“Summer Breeze” issues, periodical (Book XXX). – 1977?–May 1978. – p.2513–2543.