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Agora Church, The – Halifax, NS

Proper Title

The Agora Church fonds

Dates of Creation

1994–2009

Physical Description

16 cm of textual records, 5 photographs, and 2 DVDs

Administrative History

The Agora church was formed in May 1997 in Halifax, Nova Scotia.  The church was initiated by the Canadian Board of Evangelism in an effort to establish churches in Atlantic Canada.  J.B. Robertson, along with his wife, Lorie Robertson, took on the role of church planting couple. JB, who had previously worked for Inter Varsity Christian Fellowship, would remain pastor of the church for most of its existence.

The name of the church was derived from the Greek word Agora, meaning a marketplace or a place to assemble and be involved. The goal of the church was to influence the “Agora” and to bring people into the church and a relationship with Christ. The intention was to build a community of Jesus followers through worship and nurturing, as well as by reaching out to the community through missions, volunteering and special events.  A special missions committee was formed in 2008 under the leadership of Kate Dewhurst, and the church formed a relationship with a fledgling Christian school called “Hope of Good Future Primary School” in Buwate, Uganda. Dr. Walter F. Schlech acted as correspondent and agent between the church and their contacts, Elliot and Sarah, in Uganda.

In July 2010, the church went through a huge transition when their pastor, J.B. Robertson, resigned after 13 years of ministry.  Herb and Doris Kopp stepped in as interim pastoral couple until the church officially closed its doors September 26, 2010.

Scope and Content

This fonds consists of records which show the development of the church, starting from its conception in the 1990s. The records document church members and financial reports, mission meeting minutes, videos and photos, seminars, sermons, special events and correspondence. This fonds provides a summary of the Agora’s mission and ministry, while supplying insight into the formation and foundations of a church plant community.

Custodial History

The church files were sent to the archives after the dissolution of the church and organized in July 2013.

Notes

  • Volume 1365.
  • Finding aid consists of file list.
  • Described by Kate Woltmann, August 1, 2013.
  • Related material: photo collection NP204-01; DVD collection MDV-34-1, MDV-34-2.
  • DVD recording of the final service; see MDV-50-01.

File List

Volume 1365

  1. Church bulletins, service invitations, literature about the church & alpha courses, service experience questionnaire. -- 1997–1999, [200?].
  2. Special events & activities; “A Tale of 2 Wemmicks” drama reviews, photos and photos & program; “The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Tooney” drama poster & program. -- 1999, 2008, [200?].
  3. Financial reports, statements & budgets. -- 1995–1999, 2002–2008.
  4. Covenant members, membership contracts, service attendance counts. -- 1998–1999, 2002–2004.
  5. Job descriptions, leader and volunteer outlines/roles. -- [200?], 2007.
  6. Church directories, list of church donors. -- 1998, [200?], 2003.
  7. “The Agora” Newsletters. -- [200?].
  8. Agora Building Team minutes, financial statement & reports. -- 2003.
  9. Drama scripts. -- [199?]–[200?].
  10. Meeting minutes & agendas. -- 2002–2003, 2005, 2007, [200?].
  11. Statement of Faith, Vision Statement, vision clarification. -- [200?].
  12. Church planting proposal. -- [199?].
  13. Introduction to Agora booklet & info. -- [1997].
  14. Incorporation Certificate, By-Laws. -- 1998.
  15. Missions correspondence, articles published about Agora missions. -- 2008–2009.
  16. Missions - Grant proposal for “Hope of Good Future Primary School.” -- 2008.
  17. Mission budgets & financials. -- 2008–2009.
  18. Missions minutes & decisions presented before church members. -- 2008–2009.
  19. Rental space and funding agreements. -- 1996–1997, 2000, 2007.
  20. Financial procedures and bookkeeping manual. -- 1997, 2006, [199?].
  21. Correspondence. -- 1997–2010.
  22. Seminar handouts, agendas, notes. -- 1994, [199?], [200?].
  23. Sermons. -- [200?].
  24. Agora street sign. -- [200?]. (Please note - this sign is not in the box due to its size. It is located beside the box.)
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