| Back | | | Name | First Mennonite Church |
| Address | 1305 Gordon Drive
Kelowna, BC
V1Y 3E7 |
| Phone | (250) 762-4522 |
1305 Gordon Drive, Kelowna, BC
| Fax | (250) 762-4522 |
| Website | http://www.kfmc.ca |
| History | Founding pastor, Rev Jacob A. & Helena ("Lena") Janzen. Lena passed away at age 102, Sept., 2004.
There have been several other pastors and leaders in this congregation, which yet need to be identified by this writer.
Henry Dyck [19??- ??]
Henry Epp [19?? - ??].
In the beginning, exclusively the German language was used for worship - an impetus for the establishment of an English language congregation, known as Kelowna Gospel Fellowship Church, in 1963(?). This transition was a painful time in this congregation's history.
Lorin & Jeanette Bergen gave youthful leadership to a growing period, during which time, in 1989, a new structure was built. The German language was still used during special or separate services, while English became the main language of worship and fellowship by this time.
After Bergens left, in 1993, a slow decline occurred, with several lengthy stretches without pastoral leadership, or very short tenures for pastors.
David Dyck [19??-??].
In 1997 Rev. John & Grace Kroeker offered their services to the struggling congregation. A new vitality began to emerge, with slow, steady growth in membership numbers taking place.
John served as pastor until his stroke, in March, 2001. He and Grace continued to serve energetically and joyfully, as deacons, in their retirement. An attempt to create a "Pastor Emeritus" recognition for John failed, largely due to misapprehension of the meaning & purpose of such designation, and its implications for the congregation.
Clare & Bev Neufeld began their service on June 01, 2002. During 2002-05, the congregation grew by approximately 1/3 in attendance & membership numbers, including some families with children and youth being added, attending fairly regularly, once again.
At the time of this writing, it appears that Clare's tenure & association with FMC will possibly terminate Dec 31/09. |
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