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HomeMy WebLinkAbout810"Typewritten article, circa 1990, 18 pages; 21.7 x 28 cm; written by Joe Nighswander. A BRIEF HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE STEELES AVENUE (MARKHAM) MENNONITE CONGREGATION I INTRODUCTION Every congregation which sees itself as a Christian community will have some common characteristics. It will be composed of men, women and children who choose to meet together for fellowship with each other and for the worship of God; to learn from the Bible; and to discover together how Christian faith can be expressed and lived. On the other hand, every congregation will also have characteristics which make it unique and different from all other congregations, even in the same Conference or denomination. There will be differences in birth and beginnings; whether rural or urban; in cultural influences and expressions; in theological stance; in educational and economic experiences of its members. Some will be made up of mostly young families, others will have a good mix; some may have mostly older adults as members. Some congregations will be alive and growing; some will be static in growth and activity; others may be on the way to stagnation and eventual death. It is the purpose of this historical sketch to describe the life and times of the Steeles Avenue Mennonite congregation from its organizational birth in 1964 to its merger in 1986 with the Cedar Grove Mennonite congregation when the two congregations together formed the Rouge Valley Mennonite congregation. The story of the emergence of this congregation from the more conservative Waterloo Markham Conference; the struggles, joys and sorrows of its members through those years, and the process of the 1986 merger with Cedar Grove, is a story which possesses considerable drama and human interest. We trust a writing of this history will have educational value and will be of interest to those who read. " "- Page 2 - II BACKGROUND To understand the emergence in 1964 of the Steeles Avenue Mennonite congregation it is helpful to learn a little of the Mennonite presence since the early 1800's in the Vaughan, Markham and Stouffville areas. Most of the ethnic Mennonites in the area can trace their ancestry to emigrants from Pennsylvania who were of earlier Swiss Mennonite origin. Along the way some people of other cultural and geographic origins adopted the Mennonite faith and practice, and became a part of the Mennonites of Ontario. Common names of people whose forefathers pioneered in the Markham area and helped establish the Mennonite communities include Reesor, Hoover, Stouffer, Wideman, Burkholder, Barkey, Smith, Nighswander, Grove, Ramer, Snider, Lehman and others.. Mennonite Meetinghouses built in the early to mid 1800's were the Reesor building on the line between Markham and Pickering Townships, the Wideman building on the 8th Concession of Markham (now Highway 48), Almira on the 5th Concession (now Warden Avenue), the Altona building on the line between Pickering and Uxbridge Townships, Cedar Grove on the 10th Concession of Markham, and the Edgely building in Vaughan Twp. Members of these churches belonged to the main body of Mennonites in Ontario until the division of 1889. At that time about half of the families identified with the more conservative Wisler movement and used the Reesor, Almira and Altona buildings, while the more liberal group used the Wideman building, and for a time, shared in the use of the Altona building. For a time both groups used the Wideman building, as well. The more conservative group (later known as the Markham Waterloo Conference) alternated on Sunday mornings between the Reesor, Almira and Altona locations. It was said the rotation was like an old fashioned washing machine, with the Reesor building the pivotal point! This writer was a member of the Markham Waterloo group until the formation of the Steeles Avenue congregation in 1964. I remember the " "- Page 3 - well attended Sunday morning services, with three ministers and two deacons seated on the crowded bench behind the long pulpit. The order of service was the same each Sunday: two opening hymns, an opening meditation, another hymn and prayer, Scripture reading, a rather longish sermon, a prayer, another hymn or two before the benediction. Testimony to the sermon was given at the close by each of the ministers and deacons. There was no Sunday school or any special effort to teach the children. Mid week activities were primarily a hymn sing and occasional informal social events. Mid week Bible studies were initiated in the 1950's by persons who felt the need for such studies in addition to the Sunday sermons. The ladies met regularly to do sewing and quilting for the M.C.C. relief efforts.. There were also some informal prayer groups. There was an interest in M.C.C. and generous financial support. There was no official mission program, either in the home communities or abroad, although individual members supported the mission efforts of other denominations. Traditionally most members were farmers, although in the 1950's and 60's some were becoming involved in other vocations. Higher education was not encouraged. Increasingly the efforts of Bishop Abram Smith of this congregation in the Markham, Stouffville area, focused on maintaining the status quo, even though other ordained leaders of the group endeavoured to introduce new ideas by which a more effective witness to Christian faith could be given. Also a number of members began to develop concepts of the Church which were quite different than the Old Order ideas. III BEGINNINGS OF THE STEELES AVENUE CONGREGATION From the above mentioned background of conservative theology and the simple practical lifestyle of the Markham Waterloo Conference, the Steeles Avenue Mennonite congregation had its beginnings. " "- Page 4 - A number of members were regularly exposed to more progressive ideas of what it means to express Christian faith in meaningful ways through involvement in M.C.C., broader Mennonite Church activities; as well as through contacts with Brethren in Christ and Missionary Churches and other Christian groups. Three ministers who assisted Bishop Smith in the early 1960'e were Fred Nighswander, Cecil Reesor and Alvin Baker. Their personal struggles with more progressive understandings of Christian faith and practice were reflected in both implicit and explicit ways in their lives and their sermons. Beginning in January of 1964, a series of ""brotherhood"" meetings were held in an effort to resolve a number of somewhat contentious issues related to faith and practice. Incredibly, there are records of 38 such meetings! These meetings were held in an orderly manner, and records were kept. While feelings sometimes were intense, it is a fact that the levels of communication and understanding were quite high, and there was little animosity or ill will. Toward the latter part of 1964 it became apparent the differences could not be resolved, and uneasy agreements were reached that a large segment of the congregation, mostly younger and middle aged families, would separate from the Markham Waterloo conference. Once this decision was made the question was, ""Where do we go from here?"" Most of the approximately sixty persons who withdrew did not want to form a new Conference affiliation in the area. With the exception of Fred Nighswander and Alvin Baker and some members of their families, it was unanimous that counsel should be sought from Emerson McDowell, then pastor at the Hagerman congregation, and from Newton Gingrich, pastor of the Wideman congregation, both of the Mennonite Conference of Ontario. Both responded to the request for help with warmth and respect and a willingness to provide the badly needed leadership. There was also a consultation held with J.C. Wenger of Virginia who was in the area at the time for an M.C.C. meeting. " "- Page 5 - A lay committee of Fred Drudge, Harvey Nighswander and Herb Diller was appointed by the group to represent the new congregation in contacting the Ontario Mennonite Conference Executive, in searching for pastoral supervision and finding a place of worship. Following several congregational and committee meetings and consultation with Emerson and Newton, the first worship service was held on November 22, 1964 with sixty persons in attendance, and lay persons from the group taking worship leading responsibilities. A Sunday School was held for the children. Tentative plans for pastoral services were made, and Emerson McDowell first served the group in a worship service at the Almira church building on December 20, 1964. Lay members who took turns preaching in the early months were George Reesor, Cecil Reesor and Joe Nighswander. Initially the group met in the Almira building, and were therefore known as the ""Almira Mennonite congregation"". It was later decided the Reesor location would be a more desirable location. Because this building is immediately adjacent to Steeles Avenue, the northern boundary of Metropolitan Toronto, the new congregation adopted by consensus the name, ""Steeles Avenue Mennonite"". At a meeting of the congregation held on December 28, 1964, the following significant actions were taken: a) to meet regularly as a new congregation on Sunday mornings, and to attend and support the prayer meetings and Sunday evening worship services at Wideman, Cedar Grove and Hagerman, the other Mennonite churches in the area. b) to contact the Mennonite Conference of Ontario regarding application for affiliation as an organized congregation of the Conference. c) to organize a regular Sunday School with the necessary teachers and support persons, appointing Albert Drudge as the superintendent, and Herb Diller as treasurer. " "- Page 6 - d) to draft a letter to Bishop Abram Smith, notifying him of the withdrawal from the Markham Waterloo Conference of the new congregation. At a meeting of the congregation with Newton Gingrich held on April 4, 1965, the following excerpts are part of the minutes: ""A good discussion was held, many questions were asked. Newton stated he will be meeting with the Conference Executive and will discuss our situation there. Steps were outlined which will need to be taken to affiliate with the Mennonite Conference of Ontario. A member asked if we were ready to accept the Ontario Conference Statement of Faith, and some concern was expressed that practice sometimes falls short of the ideals upheld by the official statements. Someone suggested that we will not likely find the perfect fellowship; and, if we did and we would join, it would no longer be perfect! It was unanimously agreed that we accept in a general way the Statement of Faith, thus opening the way for initial application to join the Ontario Mennonite Conference."" At a meeting on May 9, 1965 action was taken on motion by Joe Nighswander, seconded by Norman Smith, to apply for membership as an organized congregation, in the Mennonite Conference of Ontario. At the same meeting action was taken unanimously to request Newton Gingrich to serve as part time pastor. This was done after previous discussion with Newton and with the support of the Wideman congregation of which he was pastor. At the Annual Conference sessions of the Mennonite Conference of Ontario held on Wednesday, June 2, 1965, the ""Almira Mennonite congregation"" was officially welcomed as a new congregation. Minutes excerpts include the following: ""In light of the satisfactory response of the group of Waterloo Markham Mennonites in York County to the proposal made to the Executive Committee, we the Conference Executive recommend to Conference that we accept the group as a congregation of the Mennonite Conference of Ontario. The following necessary steps were outlined: " "- Page 7 - a) Acceptance upon confession of faith through a visitation program. b) Complying in principle with the Faith and Practice and Constitution of the Conference. c) An official letter from the group requesting admission to Conference. d) Study by the Mennonite Churches of the district on the establishment of another congregation. ""Background of the request was presented by Joe Nighswander and Newton Gingrich. Reasons for the request include: a) Christian nurture of children. b) Interest in mission outreach. c) The nature of church authority. ""Newton Gingrich is consenting to provide pastoral supervision, in conjunction with Wideman congregation. ""It was moved and seconded that the Conference accept this group as a congregation in the Mennonite Conference of Ontario. Carried."" IV PASTORAL SUPERVISION, STEELES AVENUE MENNONTTF. CONGREGATION 1965 TO 1986 As we have already indicated, Emerson McDowell and Newton Gingrich gave excellent leadership to the new congregation as it became an entity during the months from November 1964 to May 1965 1. Newton Gingrich assumed the duties of part time pastoral leadership in July of 1965, continuing until April 9, 1966. Being the gifted organizer that he was, Newton was a God-send to the emerging congregation. His perceptive sensitivity to both group and personal needs of the congregation was a tremendous help during this first year. His preaching was hard hitting, clear and forthright. His recurring theme was about the dangers of legalism and the better way of self discipline and loving service. He led us to see that Christian faith is best expressed through word and deed and attitudes rather than through non conformity in dress codes and rejection of such material things as radios and television. He encouraged us to become involved in valid ways in service ministries and in vocations and professions where the love of Christ could be expressed in meaningful ways. Newton's counselling and visitation skills are still remembered and helped members grow and become more mature as Christians. " "- Page 8 - 2. At a joint meeting in January, 1966 of the Councils of the Hagerman and the Steeles Avenue congregations, it was mutually agreed, along with Newton and Emerson, that Emerson McDowell would become responsible for ongoing pastoral leadership of the new group. The transition to Emerson became effective in March of 1966. Emerson was a kindly, caring pastor who demonstrated his deep conviction that every person was a person of worth. He provided excellent leadership to the people of Steeles Avenue, constantly urging others to search out and Use their God given gifts. He preached regularly and gave active leadership until stricken with cancer in November of 1974. During the months of his illness and following his death on July 9, 1976, the congregation relied heavily on visiting speakers (including Dave Ringer of Toronto), also on Paul Martin, pastor of the Wideman congregation. Emerson is remembered affectionately as a true spiritual father to the people at Steeles. 3. In July of 1977 Paul Martin began a part time assignment as pastor and served effectively until August of 1979, when he and his wife Ruth began a leave of absence to enable Paul to take a course of study at Elkhart Biblical Seminary. Paul is remembered by the people who were members at Steeles Avenue during that time for his eloquent preaching, his love of music, his enthusiasm, and his positive affirmation of the congregation. This was very important to the Steeles people because, as time went on, some began to question whether or not a fourth Mennonite congregation was warranted in the Markham area. It is interesting to note the preaching schedule during a period of time from April 2, 1978 to August 20, 1978. In addition to Paul Martin, the following persons preached one or more times: Glen Brubacher, George Reesor, Maurice Martin, Dalton Jantzi, Jim Shantz, John Reesor, Danny Milton, David Apavoe, Bill Turner. It is obvious the people of Steeles were blessed with a variety of speakers and ideas! " "- Page 9 - 4. Following Paul Martin's announcement of study leave plans, the Steeles people again began a pastoral search. Discussion with Ralph Lebold, then Conference Minister, resulted in an invitation to Arthur and Evelvn Byer. Art had pastored at Hanover for twelve years, followed by a year of study. After prayerful consideration by both the Byers and the congregation, Art and Evelyn and their family accepted the call, moved to the Markham areas where they had both been born and raised, and Art began serving the Steeles congregation as pastor on a one half time basis on July 1, 1979. An installation service was held on July 15, 1979, with Doug Snyder of Waterloo representing the Conference. Art became known and well liked for creating a warm, relaxed atmosphere for worship, and for his down to earth, practical sermons, and enriched our lives with his own unique and special gifts. In April of 1982 Art and Evelyn announced their decision to terminate at Steeles in June of the same year. There was some feeling on the part of Art and Evelyn - perhaps especially Evelyn, that Steeles should work at integration with one of the other Markham Mennonite congregations, rather then continue on its own. Also the need because of the use of the Reesor/Steeles building by the Markham Waterloo group, to have afternoon services every third Sunday was seen as a disruptive by some. Also Art was employed part time as Director at Willowgrove and found the two jobs somewhat incompatible. These problems, however, were discussed openly and compassionately, with the result that the Byers agreed to respond positively to the invitation of the congregation to continue their ministry for another three year period, subject to a more specific job description and evaluative study of the other issues. The ""every third Sunday issue"" was identified as urgent. The possibility of the relocation of the congregation was a consideration during this time. " "- Page 10 - On January 9, 1984 a Pastoral Review was done with Arthur Byer, primarily by a committee and the Church Council, but involving the congregation through a questionnaire. General satisfaction with Art's ministry was expressed, goals were reaffirmed and articulated, and issues were discussed. During the evaluation, Art suggested he would not likely continue at Steeles beyond September of 1985, when his contract expired. Again Steeles began a search for a Pastor to shepherd the congregation. 5. In late 1984 a Congregational Profile was developed and forwarded to Herb Schultz, Conference Minister, and to the Personnel Committee of Conference. A Pastoral Search Committee was organized which worked actively with the congregation, the Conference, and a pastoral couple from the Kitchener Waterloo area. This couple expressed a high level of interest at one point, but decided later against coming to Steeles. Stephen Drudge, a young man from the Steeles congregation attending the Ontario Theological Seminary at this time, became increasingly involved in the life of the congregation. Steve began to take a turn at preaching while the Byers were pastoring, and after they terminated he agreed to take a major pastoral role on an interim basis. Following several consultations with Herb Shultz, Conference Minister at that time, it was mutually agreed by the Pastoral Search Committee and the congregation that an invitation be extended to Steve to serve as Pastor on a part time arrangement while he finished his studies. Dan Nighswander also indicated an interest in some speaking engagements while he attended at Toronto School of Theology, and served occasionally during this period. " "- Page 11 - Steve accepted this invitation, and began preaching and providing pastoral services in the summer of 1985. His first sermon as interim pastor was given on July 7. A licencing celebration was held on September 8, 1985. Steve was very much appreciated by the Steeles Avenue people. Many of his sermons focused on worship, on reaching out to others with the Good News of the Gospel, and on the issues related to spiritual and numerical growth. His preaching skills developed rapidly and well. The congregation felt very much a part of his own development as a young pastor, and there was mutual support and affirmation. Steve was helpful as, during this period of time, the congregation wrestled with the question of a merger with the Cedar Grove congregation. While it is another story, it must be mentioned here that Steve, with his wife Lynelle, in the summer of 1986, by mutual agreement of the new congregation, was installed as full time pastor of the Rouge Valley Mennonite congregation. V LIFE AND ACTIVITIES OF THE STEELES AVENUE CONGREGATION. 1965 TO 1986 1. Early Days Under the strong leadership of Newton Gingrich from July of 1965 to April of 1966, and of Emerson McDowell from April of 1966 to November of 1974, the congregation flourished, with significant spiritual growth on the part of most members, and some numerical growth on the part of the congregation. There was a high level of enthusiasm and commitment, even though some members found it somewhat traumatic to change from the Old Order legalism to the Ontario Mennonite Conference emphasis on self discipline and less isolation from the ""world"" in order to witness more effectively in word and deed. " "- Page 12 - Many members became increasingly involved in service vocations and some in service professions. There was increased involvement in the broader Mennonite Church and its boards, committees and agencies, largely in the early years, due to encouragement from Emerson and Newton, who were both heavily involved in Conference, M.C.C. and other agencies. A Steeles Avenue Mennonite ""boy"", Joe Nighswander, became Conference Moderator from 1982 to 1984. 2. During the life of the congregation, quite a number of members were also involved in local Mennonite affiliated service agencies, such as Willowgrove, Glenbrook Day Camp, Fraser Lake Camp, Parkview Home for the Aged, Parkview Apartments, The Care and Share Shoppe, Boys and Girls Clubs, the Oshawa Men's Hostel, Vacation Bible School at Ajax and Cedar Grove, Warden Woods Community Centre and 15 Tobermory (Toronto). To quote from a Congregational Profile prepared in early 1985 by George Reesor, ""During the life of the congregation many lives have been touched at Steeles Avenue Church. Our doors have been open to native people from the North, to the boat people from the East, to troubled youth from the nearby inner city, to foreign students and lonely persons who lack family and friends. Not the least of our ministry has been to our own youth and to our friends from work and school. Some of these have found faith and meaning and have moved on to service in other areas. Others may have caught a spark which still smoulders within, ready to burst forth at an opportune time. People of diverse backgrounds have found support and fellowship and make a significant contribution to our congregational life and in the community"". Non Mennonite names appearing on the attendance and membership lists from 1965 to 1986 include Forrest, Kobold, Baker, Pogue, Jennings, Turman, Ribble. There had consistently been a good mix of people in terms of background, occupation, educational levels and age groupings. " "- Page 13 - While membership remained in the 40 to 55 range, attendance sometimes reached into the 90's, or higher on special occasions. 3. Milestones of congregational life and activity include the following: - having experienced pastors Newton Gingrich, Emerson McDowell and Paul Martin guide us through the early years from 1964 to 1979. - seeing the children respond to the newly organized Sunday School classes. - a joint baptism service with Hagerman in June of 1975. A total of twenty young persons were baptized, eleven from Hagerman and nine from Steeles. - co-operation in the early days between Hagerman and Steeles M.Y.F.ers. - excellent working relationships with the Hagerman, Cedar Grove and Wideman congregations. - the trauma in 1972 when a member married a divorced person. - the trauma experienced by quite a number of members in 1972 when it became known their farms and homes were within the boundaries of land expropriated by the Federal Government for an international airport, and within the area to be purchased by the Province for the proposed city of Cedarwood. Eventually a number of families moved to other locations in Ontario such as the Listowel area. - the gradual change through the years from primarily a congregation of farmers to, by 1986, having only a very few farmers in the group. - involvement by many of the women in a Community Bible Study group, and in a Mennonite related prayer cell. - the commitment of members indicated by their willingness to serve in various ways in congregational activities. - trauma of the terminal illness of Emerson McDowell and his death on July 9, 1976. - the involvement of many members in community service projects. - several young people becoming involved in a V.S. unit in the southern United States. - annual congregational retreats at Fraser Lake, Rockwood, Ganaraska, and other locations. " "- Page 14 - - ongoing dissatisfaction with having to find alternate arrangements every third Sunday for the worship service. Alternate arrangements included meeting for worship in the afternoon, and for a time in the late 1970's and early 80's the congregation met with the Cedar Grove congregation on those Sundays. Frequently during the summer, worship services were held out of doors. - annual Christmas banquet/program celebrations attracting over 100 participants. - redecoration and major improvements to the Church building in 1980. - increasing interaction with the Cedar Grove Mennonite congregation including joint Sunday School classes, well attended Winter Bible Schools sponsored by the four Markham Mennonite congregations in the late 1970's and early 80's. - involvement in the sponsorship of several families in the M.C.C. Vietnamese refugee resettlement program, and helping them locate in Markham in 1979. - another baptism service of seven young people on August 5, 1979. - a series of congregational study/inspirational seminars led by Hubert Schwartzentruber in January of 1980. - frequent discussions through the years on the issue of long term goals for the congregation. several members in M.C.C. voluntary service in Africa, Montreal and southern United States. - regular Sunday attendance climbing to 80-90 persons in the late 1970's and early 80's. - offering revenue for F.Y. 1980/81 climbing to $38,576.44. - the development of a comprehensive congregational profile in 1984 at the suggestion of the Conference Minister, Herb Schultz. - welcoming new members by baptism and by letter of transfer from other congregations. - trauma of having fourteen persons from four families decide in 1984 to leave the Steeles congregation to other Markham Mennonite congregations and because of moving out of the area. A primary reason given was the every third Sunday problems, i.e., the church building being available on Sunday morning only two Sundays out of three. " "- Page 15 - - discussion in early 1985 on the issue of footwashing; whether, when and where. - the ongoing interest and frequent attendance of community persons. - dissatisfaction with the rather inadequate Reesor/Steeles building and little hope for major renovations or additions because it has been designated as a Historic Site by the Municipality under the Ontario Heritage Act. - The beginning of serious negotiations with Cedar Grove Mennonite toward merger of the two congregations into a new congregation. There had been some discussion in this direction, initiated by Cedar Grove, in 1969 and 1978, and at other times,so it was not a new idea. 4. The Final Milestone On February 17, 1986 Horst Rabe, Chairman of a Cedar Grove planning committee, and Joe Nighswander, Chairman of the Steeles Avenue Council met, along with their wives Freda and Elsie at the Rabe home. Out of their discussions related to declining membership in both congregations, the difficulty in carrying on full programs with fewer people, and the fact the two buildings were within three kilometers of each other, came a suggestion that the two Church Councils should begin a process of serious planning for a merger. It could well be said this was the beginning of the final milestone in the history of the Steeles Avenue Mennonite congregation, because by July of the same year, the merger was well in process and the final worship service of the Steeles Avenue Mennonite congregation as such in the historic Reesor Church building occurred on June 22, 1986. The next Sunday, June 29, 1986, was the first worship service of the new congregation, meeting in the Cedar Grove church building. " "- Page 16 - VI THE MERGER While it is really another story, a few words about the merger of the two congregations may add interest to this historical narrative. a) Following the above mentioned meeting of Horst and Freda Rabe and Joe and Elsie Nighswander on February 17, 1986, two representatives from Cedar Grove met at the new Parkview Village apartment building in Stouffville with the Steeles Avenue Council representatives, on March 17, 1986. There was good discussion and mutual sharing of the problems being experienced in both small congregations. It was also noted that Steeles had issued a call to Steve Drudge to serve as pastor, but only on a part time basis because of financial considerations. b) Two additional meetings were held on April 3, 1986 and April 27, 1986. People from both congregations attended and three options for the two congregations were identified, as follows: - a merger - one congregation joining another - shared leadership, but remaining as two congregations Especially in the April 27 meeting, the merger option and the formation of a new congregation was favoured by 80% of the people present, and a decision was made to move in that direction. Steve and others felt that the organizational issues must be decided before a pastor/leader was chosen. At this meeting a steering committee of six persons representing both congregations was chosen to begin working on the organizational issues. c) The Steering Committee was made up of Glen Brubacher, Horst Rabe, Kathy Nighswander, John Reesor, Paul Reesor, Joe Nighswander, Glenn Steiner, Lois Burkholder, Kirrk Kobold, Hugh Laurence,and met on May 1 and May 8, 1986. Hugh Laurence was chosen to serve as Chairman of this ad hoc committee. Goals for the committee were identified as follows: -setting goals for the new congregation -determining the nature of the structure -working on the process of selecting a name " "- Page 17 - - communicating well with all of the membership of both congregations. - developing a time frame for creating a new entity, -working on the leadership issue. - finding ways to involve the community in the decision to form a new congregation. - working at the relationship with the other Mennonite congregations in the Markham area. A facility committee was selected to prepare an inventory of our current facilities (both buildings), to identify the facility needs of a new congregation and to make recommendations. VII THE NEW ROUGE VALLEY CONGREGATION Subsequently a new congregation was formed and a name was chosen, The Rouge Valley Mennonite Church! Steve Drudge was installed as full time pastor of the new congregation. Initially, the attendance at Sunday worship services averaged in the 70's. As of the date of the writing of this history, average attendance is over 100 persons. VIII SUMMARY It can be truthfully said that most, if not all of the people involved through the years in the Steeles Avenue congregation, and in the formation of the new Rouge Valley congregation, have felt the power and presence of God in both their own lives and in the spiritual life of the Christian community. So, from the Markham Waterloo Conference congregation, through the years of the Steeles Avenue, Mennonite Conference of Ontario congregation, and on into the formation and rather rapid growth of the Rouge Valley, Mennonite Conference of Eastern Canada congregation, some of us as members have made the entire journey. Joyfully, many new members have become a part of the body of Christ along the way. All have experienced love, acceptance, nurture, many " "- Page 18 - challenges and the opportunity for participation in the Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. May the Name of Jesus, the Lord and Savior of the Church, be praised! J.M. Nighswander Note #l I wish to give major credit to George Reesor, who through the years gathered together copies of minutes, made notes of meetings and wrote, in 1984, a profile of the Steeles Avenue congregation. Note #2 My thanks to Steve Drudge, Paul Burkholder, George Reesor and my wife Elsie for reading a draft of this narrative and checking for accuracy Note #3 Thanks to Arlene (Diller) Raymer for doing the word processing. "