By Stephen Thompson, Canada West Mission Centre Historian

Occasionally, historic documents simply fall into my hands, and I’m always delighted to receive them. In September, Karen Passmore from Lloydminster, Alberta, contacted me to ask if I would like a history of the church in Lloydminster, compiled by her mother, Doris Laverty (1923–2021). Naturally, I said, “Send it, please!” This four-page history is even illustrated with hand-pasted photos of people and buildings. Though too long to share in full here, I’m pleased to summarize Doris’s writing below.

On November 2 and 5, 1965, meetings were held at the home of Wes and Doris Laverty in Lloydminster, Alberta, with Seventy Eric Rowe present. They expressed their desire to worship together, and by November 14, 1965, at 10:30 a.m., the first worship service was held with Elder Alf Gregory presiding and 38 interested people in attendance. Doris listed each family present, including names that those familiar with the area will recognize: Burton, Cornish, Gregory, Johnson, Laverty, Mercer, Oates, Perkins, Stepenoff, and Woods.

After renting spaces for some time, the group decided to purchase their own building. They acquired the Jehovah’s Witness Hall at 5508 45 St. for $8,100, with their first meeting held on September 5, 1971, and a consecration service attended by over 100 people on September 12. The building was formally dedicated on June 25, 1978, with a message from Bishop Ken Fisher.

By 1984, the congregation sought a larger space and purchased another former Jehovah’s Witness Hall at 3111 51 Ave. for $140,000, moving in on November 1. Through generous donations and fundraising—including the Women’s Department’s hard work hosting suppers, teas, and crafting goods—the new building was furnished. The first service in this location was held on November 11, 1984, with Elder Fred Piedt presiding, followed by a consecration service on December 9 with a message from Seventy Glen Campbell. Final payment for this facility was made on June 30, 1990, with its dedication on January 12, 1992, led by Apostle Phil Caswell.

Over the years, due to age, health challenges, and members moving away, the congregation declined. By 1996, only a few members attended, and the final service was held in April 1997. The church property was sold on July 1, 2001, for $129,000. (As Alberta District President at the time, I worked with the Realtor, Bernie Passmore, who is married to Karen Passmore, who passed on this history to me.)

Doris’s account also highlights key people and events in the congregation’s life, including the January 12, 1992, service honouring their first pastor, Elder Alf Gregory, along with other dedicated pastors. Doris’s efforts remind us of the importance of recording and preserving our local church histories. I encourage all congregations to appoint a historian to capture these memories and events each year. We are deeply grateful to Doris for her dedication in documenting the life of Lloydminster’s Community of Christ.​

By Bob Riley and members of the pastorate team.

Chilliwack Community of Christ is celebrating 125 years of heritage in the Upper Fraser Valley. What began with five baptisms in Camp Slough in 1899 has grown into a congregation that is part of a Christian denomination active in nearly 60 countries around the world. We are also celebrating 50 years in our current facility, which is used by both our congregation and other charitable organizations that serve the community.

We invite you to celebrate this milestone with us on November 9th and 10th.

Our heritage includes individuals on the front lines, as well as men and women serving in non-combat and non-military roles. Over the years, our members and their descendants have contributed to the local community in roles such as Mayor, Fire Chief, First Responders in the fire department, and as Chilliwack Search and Rescue personnel. Others have volunteered as board members of charity groups and as Chaplains to police forces. Many of us have worked in agriculture, resource industries, construction, blue-collar, and professional endeavours.

Currently, members and friends of Community of Christ are knitting toques and mitts for distribution to Canadians who are struggling at this time. Our goal this year is to produce 250 toques. In conjunction with this, there is a sock drive aiming for 250 pairs of socks to accompany the toques. Last year, the distribution of hundreds of handmade toques was facilitated by police and security forces during their rounds among the homeless.

Without the assistance of any paid staff, or by seeking grants and donations, we have contributed thousands of dollars directly to local charities such as Chilliwack Supportive Housing. We also regularly support the Canadian NGO World Accord, an organization headquartered in Ottawa that finds effective ways to improve the lives of people in developing countries. Individual members also contribute to other agencies such as Chilliwack Soup Kitchens, Food Banks, Ruth and Naomi’s shelter, and other Canada-wide groups.​

We thank those who came before us, who have led the way and taught us how, as Christians, we can be a positive influence, seeking peace, hope, love, and joy in our communities. We continue to strive for unity in our diversity, both locally and across the country.

Join us on November 9th and 10th, 2024.

Special Guests: Art Smith and Laura Horning.

Events will include:

• Touring Saturday Afternoon
•  Spaghetti Supper Saturday 5:30 PM
• Hymn Sing with Leah Christensen treating us on the piano Saturday Evening at 7:30 PM
• Positive Uplifting Stories from Art Smith”s Field 9:45 AM Sunday
• Ministry of the Spoken Word with member of the Council of 12 Art Smith Sunday at 11:00 AM
• Pot Luck dinner and visiting Sunday 12:15

RSVP for the Spaghetti Supper: [email protected]

A moment with your Mission Centre President, by Shannon McAdam.

As our Mission Centre Conference approaches, we know you might have some last-minute questions! Here’s a Q&A from your Mission Centre President Team to make sure you’re ready, whether you’re attending in person or online:

Is it too late to come to Edmonton?
Not too late! You can still REGISTER HERE. 

Where can I find the documents for the business meeting?
You can find those in our CONFERENCE HUB.
 
How do I get the link to join on Zoom?
You’ll find the links to participate live in selected events in our CONFERENCE HUB.

Will every event be on Zoom?
No, some events will only be available in-person in Edmonton. You’ll know if a session is online if it has the “JOIN ONLINE SESSION” link in the Conference Hub.

Do I have to be a delegate to vote?
No, anyone who is a member in Canada West can have voice and vote in our conference business meeting.

I have another question that isn’t answered here, who should I ask?
You can email any member of our Mission Centre President team, or our conference coordinator, Debra.