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Elmira Mennonite Church was organized as a congregation of the Mennonite Conference of Ontario on August 31, 1924. Most of the charter members of the congregation had been members of the Floradale Mennonite Church. Our congregation is now a member of the Mennonite Church of Eastern Canada and Mennonite Church Canada.
Abraham Gingrich served as bishop and Oliver D. Snider as our pastor for the first twelve years. Others who have led Elmira Mennonite as Deacon, Pastor, Associate Pastor or Interim Pastor are: Reuben Dettwiler, Aaron Martin, Howard S. Bauman, Edwin Weber, Vernon R. Leis, Maurice Martin, Stephen Dick, Marvin Shank, Douglas Snyder, Gary Knarr, Ray Brubacher, Ken Bechtel, Mary Scheidel, Gordon Alton, Dale Bauman, Ruth Anne Laverty, Winston Martin, Renee Sauder and Johanna Wall. Currently we are served by Pastor Steven Janzen and Pastor Fred Lichti.
The original structure was built in 1924. In 1955, an educational wing was added. A new entrance with ramps, new washrooms, and a new kitchen, as well as library and classroom space were all included in the 1976 addition. In 1992, some alterations in the church basement and re-decorating the entire building resulted in an attractive and functional facility for our congregation's activities. Most recently, an extensive renovation has provided welcoming and functional office space in addition to a combined adult and children's library, refreshed classrooms and deliberate storage.
A number of members of the Elmira Mennonite Church became charter members of Bethel, Hawkesville and Zion congregations when they were organized. Elmira has also nurtured a considerable number of church leaders who are serving in various locations. |
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