← Back to Institutional Records

Portage Avenue Church – Winnipeg, MB

Proper Title

Portage Avenue Church fonds

Dates of Creation

1933–2022

Physical Description

59.6 cm of textual records, 1 microfilm reel, and digital bulletins

Administrative History

In the 1920s, the only church in Winnipeg was the North-End MB Church. This made traveling to the church difficult for the people living in the south end of Winnipeg. This group began to meet in their own part of town in a rented chapel. The church then rented a second story room but decided to move to a kindergarten room after realizing that their neighbors on the same floor were spiritualists. In 1933, a building was purchased at 344 Ross Avenue. In 1936, the congregation became independent from the North End MB Church and was officially accepted into the MB Conference. In 1940, the South End MB Church bought the former Wesley Methodist Church at William and Juno. In 1961, a new church was built on Portage Avenue at Raglan Road. The South End MB Church changed its name to Portage Avenue MB Church. This church has initiated two other fellowships. Brooklands church was developed in the early 1960s and the Westwood church was developed in 1980.

The leaders of the church included: Peter J. Kornelsen (1936–1947), Henry H. Janzen (1947–1950), Jacob P. Neufeld (1950–1961), Henry R. Baerg (1962–1969), Henry H. Voth (1970–1980), Frank C. Peters (1980–1983), Abram J. Neufeld (1983–1986), Albert Baerg (1987–1990), Roland Marsch (1991–1997), Cliff Janzen (1998-1999), Claude Pratt (1999-2006), Travis Reimer (2007-2011), George Toews (2012–2014), Jedidiah Carpentier (2015– ).

The language of worship is English.  The transition from German occurred in the 1950s.

Scope and Content

This fonds consists of information for a historical sketch, directories, pictorial membership books, weekly bulletins, newsletters, annual reports, minutes from the congregational meetings, church council meetings, board of trustees, finance committee, financial information, Sunday School information, special reports and miscellaneous documents and correspondence.

Custodial History

Some of the records were microfilmed in 1978 through the work of the Historical Commission of the Mennonite Brethren Conference.

Notes

  • Volumes 493–495, 1337, and 1341.
  • Formerly classified under the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches inventory BC525.
  • Finding aid consists of a series description and a file list.
  • Digital files stored on CMBS server @ ... Electronic Collections/Provinces/Manitoba.
  • Finding aid for microfilm: R82, pp 973–1114, 1118–1860, 1938–2343; R83, pp 98–1813.
  • Microfilm file list adapted from a previous finding aid by Leslie Wiebe June 2003.
  • Updated by Yvonne Snider-Nighswander 5 October 2011. Updated by Kate Woltmann July 16, 2013. Updated by Emma Sorensen May 30, 2018. Updated by Kieran Schellenberg, August 2020. Updated by Hannah Tao, July 6, 2022.
  • No restrictions on access.
  • Note: see also volume 454 and 457 for files on the history of the first Mennonite Brethren churches in Winnipeg: North End, North Kildonan, and South End.

Series Descriptions

I. Portage Avenue Mennonite Brethren Church history.
1983, 1986.
1 cm of textual records.

  • This series consists of information for a historical sketch and a pictorial history book on the church.
  • Finding aid: Portage Avenue Mennonite Brethren Church, Vol. 493, file no. 1.

II. Portage Avenue Mennonite Brethren Church constitutions.
undated, 2022.
0.1 cm of textual records and 45 pp; microfilm.

  • This series consists of the church constitution.
  • Finding aid: Portage Avenue Mennonite Brethren Church: Vol. 1341, file no. 11; microfilm R82, pp 973–1018.

III. Portage Avenue Mennonite Brethren Church directories.
1955, 1970, 1972, 1979, 1986.
3 cm of textual records.

  • This series consists of the church directories and pictorial membership books.
  • Finding aid: Portage Avenue Mennonite Brethren Church, Vol. 493, file nos. 2–3.

IV. Portage Avenue Mennonite Brethren Church bulletins.
1970–2022.
33.3 cm of textual records and digital files.

  • This series consists of the weekly bulletins.
  • Finding aid: Portage Avenue Mennonite Brethren Church: Vol. 493, file nos. 4–32; Vol. 494, file nos. 1–8; Vol. 1337, file nos. 1–10; Vol. 1341, file nos. 5–9
  • See also digital files.

V. Portage Avenue Mennonite Brethren Church newsletter.
1977, 1985, 1989, 1993–1997, 2008, 2012.
2 cm of textual records and 126 pp (microfilm).

  • This series consists of the church newsletters and Portage Avenue Together.
  • Finding aid: Portage Avenue Mennonite Brethren Church: Vol. 493, file no. 33; and Vol. 495, no. 55.
  • microfilm R83, pp 1687–1813.

VI. Portage Avenue Mennonite Brethren Church membership and family records.
1936–1977.
146 pp; microfilm.

  • This series consists of the membership registers – 1936–1960, and a marriage register – 1947–1977.
  • Finding aid: microfilm R82, pp 1019–1114, 1118–1280.

VII. Portage Avenue Mennonite Brethren Church annual reports.
1958–1978, 1983, 2011, 2021.
0.26 cm of textual records and 280 pp (microfilm).

  • This series consists of the annual reports and some statements of the finance committee.
  • Finding aid: Portage Avenue Mennonite Brethren Church Vol. 493, file no. 34; and Vol. 1341, file no. 10.
  • microfilm R83, 1251–1540.

VIII. Portage Avenue Mennonite Brethren Church membership meetings.
1933–1979, 1983–1986.
2 cm of textual records and 1081 pp (microfilm).

  • This series consists of the minutes from the congregational meetings as well as some annual reports.
  • Finding aid: Portage Avenue Mennonite Brethren Church Vol. 493, file nos. 35–36.
  • microfilm R82, pp 1281–1860, 1938–2343; R83, pp 1–97.

IX. Portage Avenue Mennonite Brethren Church council meetings.
1934–1979, 1983–1987.
2.5 cm of textual records and 771 pp (microfilm).

  • This series consists of the minutes from the church council meetings.
  • Finding aid: Portage Avenue Mennonite Brethren Church Vol. 493, file nos. 37–38.
  • microfilm R83, pp 98–869.

X. Portage Avenue Mennonite Brethren Church board of trustees.
1963–1979, 1984–1986.
2.5 cm of textual records and 413 pp (microfilm).

  • This series consists of the minutes from the board of trustees, finance committee and the building and grounds committee, as well as some financial information.
  • Finding aid: Portage Avenue Mennonite Brethren Church: Vol. 493, file nos. 39–41 a; Vol. 495, file no. 42.
  • microfilm R83, pp 870–1250, 1643–1686.

XI. Portage Avenue Mennonite Brethren Church board of deacons.
1974–1977.
10 pp; microfilm.

  • This series consists of the minutes from the board of deacons meetings.
  • Finding aid: microfilm R83, pp 1621–1631.

XII. Portage Avenue Mennonite Brethren Church board of Christian Education.
1964–1973.
0.15 cm of textual records and 279 pp (microfilm).

  • This series consists of the Christian Education Committee minutes and related material and an undated Sunday School attendance book.
  • Finding aid: Portage Avenue Mennonite Brethren Church Vol. 495, file no. 43.
  • microfilm R83, pp 1541–1620.

XIII. Portage Avenue Mennonite Brethren Church committees.
1978–1987.
4 cm of textual records and 10 pp (microfilm).

  • This series consists of the minutes from the evangelism committee and the administrative committee, and some special reports.
  • Finding aid: Portage Avenue Mennonite Brethren Church, Vol. 495, file nos. 44–45, 47.
  • microfilm R83, pp 1632–1642.

XIV. Portage Avenue Mennonite Brethren Church statistical reports.
1949–1969.
1 cm of textual records.

  • This series consists of the Canadian Conference statistical reports.
  • Finding aid: Portage Avenue Mennonite Brethren Church, Vol. 495, file no. 46.

XV. Portage Avenue Mennonite Brethren Church miscellaneous.
1935–1993.
2 cm of textual records.

  • This series consists of miscellaneous items, correspondence, information and correspondence about Donwood West and a newspaper clipping from the Winnipeg Free Press.
  • Finding aid: Portage Avenue Mennonite Brethren Church, Vol. 495, file nos. 48–51.

File List

Volume 493
1. History. -- 1952, 1983, 1986.
2. Directories. -- 1955, 1970, 1972, 1996.
3. Pictorial Membership Books and Anniversary Book. -- 1967–1988, 1996.
3a. Bulletins. -- 1968.
3b. Bulletins. -- 1969.
4. Bulletins. -- 1970.
5. Bulletins. -- 1971.
6. Bulletins. -- 1972.
7. Bulletins. -- 1973.
8. Bulletins. -- 1974.
9. Bulletins. -- 1975.
10. Bulletins. -- 1976.
11. Bulletins. -- 1977.
12. Bulletins. -- 1978.
13. Bulletins. -- 1979.
14. Bulletins. -- 1980.
15. Bulletins. -- 1981.
16. Bulletins. -- 1982.
17. Bulletins. -- 1983.
18. Bulletins. -- 1984.
19. Bulletins. -- 1985.
20. Bulletins. -- 1986.
21. Bulletins. -- 1987.
22. Bulletins. -- 1988.
23. Bulletins. -- 1989.
24. Bulletins. -- 1990.
25. Bulletins. -- 1991.
26. Bulletins. -- 1992.
27. Bulletins. -- 1993.
28. Bulletins. -- 1994.
29. Bulletins. -- 1995.
30. Bulletins. -- 1996.
31. Bulletins. -- 1997.
32. Bulletins. -- 1998.
33. Newsletters. -- 1977, 1985, 1989, 1993–1997, 2008.
34. Annual Reports. -- 1983.
35. Membership Meetings. -- 1983–1984.
36. Membership Meetings. -- 1985–1986.
37. Council Meetings. -- 1983–1984.
38. Council Meetings. -- 1985–1987.
39. Board of Trustees. -- 1985–1986.
40. Finance Committee. -- 1984–1986.
41. Finances. -- 1985–1986.
41 a. Purchase of South End Church. -- 1933, 1938, 1940.

Volume 494

1. Church bulletins. -- 2001.
2. Church bulletins. -- 2002.
3. Church bulletins. -- 2003.
4. Church bulletins. -- 2004.
5. Church bulletins. -- 2005.
6. Church bulletins. -- 2006.
7. Church bulletins. -- 2007.
8. Church bulletins. -- 2008.

Volume 495

42. Financial Reports. -- 1979, 1985.
43. Sunday School. -- [19--].
44. Evangelism Committee Minutes. -- 1978–1981.
45. Administrative Committee Meetings. -- 1984–1987.
46. Statistical Reports. -- 1949–1969.
47. Special Reports. -- 1984–1986.
48. Newspaper Clippings. -- 1993.
49. Donwood West. -- 1984–1986.
50. Correspondence and Miscellaneous. -- 1985–1986.
51. Miscellaneous Items. -- 1935–1984.
52. Portage Avenue Together. -- 1991–1993.
53. Chronology of the South End Church. -- 2004.
54. Constitution of the Portage Ave. Mennonite Brethren Church. -- [196-?].
55. Shirley Bergen narrates beginnings of P.A. newsletter "Bits & Bytes." -- 2012.
Golden Anniversary of the P.A.M.B. book 1936–1986. 2 copies. -- 1986.
Sixty Years of God's Grace @ P.A.M.B.  Church photo-book. -- 1996.

Volume 1337

1. Church bulletins; Bits & Bytes. -- 2009.
2. Church bulletins; Bits & Bytes. -- 2010.
3. Church bulletins; Bits & Bytes. -- 2011.
4. Church bulletins. -- 2012.
5. Financial Report and Budget. -- 2011.
6. Church bulletins, Fred Stoesz celebration of life and single letter of correspondence included. -- 2013.
7. Church bulletins. -- 2014.
8. Church bulletins, "Pull Over and Pray" Wpg. Free Press. -- 2015.
9. Church bulletins; Praise and Prayer Bulletin. -- 2016
10. Church bulletins; Schedule. -- 2017.

Volume 1341

5. Church bulletins. -- 2018.
6. Church bulletins. -- 2019.
7. Church bulletins. -- 2020.
8. Church bulletins. -- 2021.
9. Church bulletins. -- 2022.
10. Annual report. -- 2021.
11. Constitution. -- 2022.

Microfilm file list

Reel 82

  • Church Constitution (Book I). undated. pp. 973–1018.
  • Membership Register (Book II). 1936–1942. pp. 1019–1091.
  • Membership Register (Book III). 1942–1948. pp. 1092–1114.
  • Membership Register (Book IV). 1947–1949. pp. 1118–1149.
  • Marriage Register (Book VII). 1947–1977. pp. 1181–1280.
  • Membership Register (Book V). 1949–1952. pp. 1150–1160.
  • Membership Register (Book VI). 1952–1960. pp. 1161–1180.
  • Annual Reports and Statements of Finance Committee (Book XVII). 1958–1978. pp. 1251–1540.
  • Congregational Meeting Minutes (Book VIII) Jun 1933–Dec 1944. pp. 1281–1458.
  • Congregational Meeting Minutes and Annual Reports (Book IX). Dec 9, 1944–May 1969. pp. 1459–1860.
  • Congregational Meeting Minutes and Annual Reports (Book X). Apr 1970–Dec 1973. pp. 1938–2170.
  • Congregational Meeting Minutes and Annual Reports (Book XI). Jan 1974–Dec 1976. pp. 2171–2343.

Reel 83

  • Congregational Meeting Minutes and Annual Reports (Book XI). Jan 1977–Feb 1979. pp. 1–97.
  • Church Council Meeting Minutes (Book XII). Jan 1934–Jun 1954. pp. 98–273.
  • Church Council Meeting Minutes (Book XIII). Aug 1954–Nov 1973. pp. 274–593.
  • Church Council Meeting Minutes (Book XIV). Jan 1974–Mar 1979. pp. 594–869.
  • Board of Trustees Minutes (Book XV). Oct 1964–Feb 1979. pp. 870–1139.
  • Finance Committee Minutes (Book XVI). May 1963–Feb 1979. pp. 1140–1250.
  • Building and Grounds Committee Minutes (Book XXI). Jun 1974–Jan 1979. pp. 1643–1686.
  • Board of Deacons Minutes (Book XIX). Oct 1974–Nov 1977. pp.  1621–1631.
  • Christian Education Committee/Board Minutes (Book XVIII). Jun 1964–Oct 1973. pp. 1541–1620.
  • Board of Evangelism Minutes (Book XX). Jan 1978–Apr 1979. pp. 1632–1642.
  • Churchways, church newsletter (Book XXII). Feb 1977–Apr 1979. pp. 1687–1813.

Digital Files

  • Bulletins. -- 2018.
  • Bulletins. -- 2019.
  • Bulletins. -- 2020.
  • Bulletins. -- 2021.
  • Bulletins. -- 2022.
← Back to Institutional Records