Pioneer Christian Monthly - September, 1978

Elmwood Community Reformed Church, Winnipeg - 25^th Anniversary
Consistory

Title - Elmwood Community Reformed Church, Winnipeg - 25^th Anniversary

Topic - Church in Canada

It was a blessed and joyful event to see so many guests, friends, and members of the Elmwood Church gathered together to celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the church on Saturday and Sunday, June 17 and 18, 1978. The program was twofold. On Saturday a dinner followed by a well organized program and on Sunday the commemorative worship service and fellowship hour were held.

On Saturday at 6.00 P.M. the Rev. S. Wilts welcomed all and asked the blessing for a delicious dinner. All dignitaries, and speakers were seated among members to encourage closer communication and more opportunities to meet people. During the dinner no greetings were brought nor speeches held.

Immediately following the dinner the evening programme commenced. Rev. Wilts devoted the evening to God's glorification. D&. and Mrs. D. Dieleman had prepared two special anniversary songs: "All In Good Time" and "The House of the Lord". Words, music and arrangement were done by these two talented people. Mr.. F. Algera, the master of ceremonies, did an excellent job introducing the speakers and keeping the programme on schedule.

Rev. H. Franken, the first minister of the Winnipeg Reformed Church - now called Elmwood Community Reformed Church, brought greetings and reminisced a while. Mr. R. Steen, the Mayor of the City of Winnipeg, brought greetings and congratulated the congregation as well on the positive influence it had established in the city during the first twenty-five years. Rev. R. Wilts represented the Classis of Ontario, as well as the Council of the Reformed Church in Canada. His words of encouragement were appreciated. Mr. B. Van Ruiten, the Dutch Consul brought greetings on behalf of the Dutch Canadians in Manitoba. Rev. R. Katerberg, the first son of the Elmwood Community Church and chaplain at the Brandon General Hospital, brought greetings, also from the General Synod meeting from which he had just returned.

Rev. McLean, superintendent of Missions in Manitoba of the Presbyterian Church in Canada brought greetings on behalf of the Presbytery of Winnipeg. Mr. M. Grussing represented the Classis of Minnesota. He reminded us of the ups and downs the Winnipeg Church had experienced.

Rev. A. Zeilstra, Senior Pastor of the Emmanuel Community Reformed Church of Edmonton, brought a fitting message. He stressed the fact that celebrating the past is good, but we have to look ahead and celebrate Christ crucified daily. Rev. P. Vos from the Willmar Church, Minnesota has been a strong supporter of the Winnipeg Church during the past twenty-five years. He was quick to point out that without the help of the Lord and Saviour all our work is in vain. Rev. J. VanDijk represented the Winnipeg Christian Reformed Churches. He brought greetings with the wish that as Reformed Churches an attempt should be made to work together in presenting Christ to the City of Winnipeg.

Guests from British Columbia, and as far as The Netherlands and the United States were acknowledged.

The choir sang some hymns. Mrs. S. Wilts recited a poem, while some ladies of the R.C.Wpresented a short drama play entitled: "A Little Bitty Seed". Letters were read, the Anniversary Gift Scroll was explained. Gratitude was expressed to those people who had sent flowers and to those who had arranged and decorated the church hall so neatly. On different occasions Mr. Algera pointed out that the anniversary book, which had just been completed the evening before, was on sale and urged all present to purchase a copy in order to obtain the necessary autographs from dignitaries and guests. Coffee and refreshments were served immediately following the programme. All had a great time.

On Sunday at 2.30 P.M. the church service was held at the Grace Lutheran Church to commemorate the 350th denominational as well as the 25th congregational anniversary. The choir in procession sang: " 't Hijgend Hert Der Jacht Ontkomen". Rev. S. Wilts officiated and other ministers participated in the service as well. Rev. H. Franken led the Prayer of Confession, while the congregation responded. The choir sang "Love Is Surrender" and "He Is Everything To Me". Three sermonettes were given. Rev. A. Zeilstra spoke on "The Grace of God", Ephesians 2: 1-10; Rev. M. S. McLean spoke on "Our Gratitude", Ephesians 4: 1-16; and Rev. S. Wilts concluded by speaking on "God's Purpose - Our Vision", Ephesians 6: 10 - 20.

The Lord's Supper was introduced by the choir in singing: "Let Us Break Bread Together On Our Knees". The celebration of the Lord's Supper on this occasion was the highlight of the anniversary events.

Mr. Algera introduced the following dignitaries who brought greetings immediately following the service: Mr.. R. Doern, the honourable member of the Manitoba Legislative Assembly for the Elmwood Constituency; Mr. A. Skowran, councillor of the Winnipeg City Council, who represents the Elmwood Ward and is a member of the East Kildonan@anscona Community Committee; the Rev. C. Balfour, who represented the Diocese of Rupertsland Anglican Church; the Rev. A. VanEck who represented the three Christian Reformed Churches in Winnipeg; the Rev. Marnock who represented the Presbytery of Winnipeg of the Presbyterian f Church in Canada; and Mr. P. Vos from Willmar, Nhnnesota who concluded with words of encouragement for the next twenty-five years. Rev. J. Bishop was thanked for his spiritual guidance during the past years when pulpit supply was needed. He was given a complimentary copy of the anniversary booklet.

During the fellowship hour the anniversary cake in the form of a bible was cut and enjoyed by all ' It was a great experience to participate in the celebrations of this blessed anniversary event!

Please click the "Back" button of your browser to return to previous page.