From Our Past & Worth Preserving

The Regional Synod Archival Committee Seeks Items From the Early Days of RCA Canada

by Hilda VanSaalduiunen

Pioneer? This was the name chosen for the monthly magazine, which had its inaugural publishing date in January 1951. Commissioned under the auspices of the Board of Domestic Missions, RCA Canada, its mission in its emerging years was to support the new immigrant and strengthen the ties between developing churches.

In Volume 1, Number 2, the editorial committee explains in detail on the inside cover page, the interpretation of the word "pioneer." A pioneer in the early middle ages in Europe was a man who in times of armed conflict dared to leave the safety of his encampment, positioned himself in a fox-hole or on an abutment, and opened the attack against the enemy.

Pioneers with their wagon trains opened the west in the USA during the 19^th century. In South Africa, during the Boer War in 1900, the word "pioneer" was used in the context of "voortrekker," which is more closely related to their language.

The artwork used on the cover page was created by a Canadian artist and portrays the role of the RCA—the pioneer (or new settler) and unfamiliar territory.

The opportunity to get acquainted with all of these historical events will be provided by the Regional Synod Archival Committee on September 19, 1998, Fall Fair Day, commemorating the years 1949 - 1954. The display will feature the pioneers or trailblazers of the RCA Canadian Work, the developing church, the role or services of the Pioneer, and the immigration work, accompanied with some of the personal accounts of immigrants.

The committee is always looking for resources: photographs, pamphlets, documents, and other items that were used in church and daily life in the beginning years. If you can provide the committee with these items, contact David Schalk (St. Catharines, Ont.), Hilde/Ed VanStaalduinen (Burlington, Ont.), Rev. R. Hartmans (Woodstock, Ont.), or Rev. J. P. Drost (Kitchener, Ont.).

The preservation of history is a great challenge. If you are interested in giving your time and energy, call Rev. J. P. Drost at (519) 749-1294.