September 3rd

Manigotagan Community Chapel Celebrates 65 years

On the weekend of August 2-3, Manigotagan Community Chapel celebrated 65 years as a church, serving Manigotagan and surrounding communities. Approximately 60-70 people gathered over the weekend for the celebration, which included a Saturday tour of the community and a Sunday worship service and lunch.

Manigotagan Community Chapel began services in 1957 and formally organized in 1960 as a mission of the Conference of Mennonites in Canada. In 2003, Mennonite Church Canada concluded its support of the mission, and the community rallied to continue gathering under the pastoral leadership of Norman Meade, an Indigenous elder who serves as an Anglican minister in the area (pictured, with Neill von Gunten [Bethel]). The church incorporated so that MC Canada could turn over the property to them.

“I wasn’t living in the community, but we had a house in Manigotagan that we were using on weekends,” says Norman. “The arrangement allowed me to serve as pastor from then and continues that way yet today.”

Steinbach Mennonite Church has had a relationship with Manigotagan for 55 years, and this relationship was also celebrated over the anniversary weekend. Randy Hildebrand, pastor at Springstein Mennonite Church, served for many years as pastor at Steinbach Mennonite, and he was invited to give a brief meditation based on Jesus’ words, “I am the true vine” (John 15:1). His meditation emphasized the connection the Manigotagan Community Chapel has had with God, the local community, and many others outside their community.

“The chapel was filled to the brim with community members and guests,” says Randy. “The worship service led by elder Norman Meade was filled with lots of music, sharing, and memories. Within the many stories a theme of partnership, connections, and relationship-building kept repeating itself over and over.”

Norman reflects on the relationship with Steinbach Mennonite with appreciation. “Through this ongoing partnership SMC helped us with our summer program for our children,” says Norman. “This worked out very well for us and for them for many years.” Even though this program has ended, the connections across congregations endure.

Following the Sunday worship service, there was a lunch which allowed for much visiting and laughter as people continued to share stories and memories with one another.

We give thanks to God for 65 years of faithful ministry in Manigotagan! We are grateful for the many ways congregations from northern and southern Manitoba continue to connect and support one another. Please pray for these important relationships, and consider giving to support these connections; see www.mennochurch.mb.ca/giving.