1984–1985.
1 cm of textual records.
Administrative history
The Restigouche Valley Church in Campbellton, NB, began through the efforts of two Christian couples, Janice and Robert Buhr, and Steve and Shirley Gader. The couples moved to Campbellton in the Spring of 1979 to set up a medical practice. They also started hosting Bible studies and coffee fellowship meetings.
In 1983, the Gaders went to Zaire with Mennonite Brethren Missions and Services. With their departure, came two new couples, Paul and Apryl Taillon and Ron and Connie Siemens. Ron and Paul joined the medical practice, and all three couples now combined efforts to establish a fully functioning church.
The congregation was called the Restigouche Valley Church, named after the nearby Restigouche River. Its charting service was held in 2 December 1984, at the town hall. After moving six times in three years, the congregation acquired and renovated a former seafood restaurant in 1988. Youth Mission 100 workers helped with the renovations.
The church serves a community made up largely of francophone Acadians and Scottish and Irish Anglophones. It has had a strong relationship with the other Mennonite Brethren churches in Quebec and the Maritimes. Membership has remained under 50 since its inception.
The following pastoral staff have served the congregation: Siegfried Wall (1985–1996), Bob Cowan (1996–1997), Bill Jewett (1997–2003), and Joel Gagnon (2003– ).
Sources: Mennonite Reporter (4 February 1985): 12;
Mennonite Brethren Herald (27 May 1988): 72, (17 February 1989): 22, (12 September 2003): 25; Epp, Marlene.
“Restigouche Valley Church (Campbellton, NB).” Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. April 1986. Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. Retrieved 5 June 2006; “Restigouche Valley Church, Campbellton, N.B. fonds,” CMBS, volume 649:1; Canadian MB Conference Yearbooks (1985–2004).
Scope and content
This fonds consists of a photocopy of the Restigouche Valley Church Charting Service advertisement, and a three page historical sketch by Robert Buhr (1984).
Custodial history
It is unclear when the materials were donated to the archives.
Notes
- Finding aid consists of a file list
- Location: Volume 649.
- Formerly classified under the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches inventory number BG502.
- Related CMBS collections:
- Board of Evangelism fonds, volumes 138–162.
- Peter Penner fonds, volumes 1026–1027.
- Canadian MB Conference Yearbook collection, see: Board of Evangelism reports.
- Finding aid created by Donovan Giesbrecht, 5 June 2006.
- No restrictions on access.
Textual file list
Volume 649 Date
1. Historical sketch: “Campbellton, New Brunswick – A Unique Experience in Church Planting,” by Robert Buhr. 1985
2. Chartering Service advertisement.
