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Carman Gospel Light Church – Carman, MB

Proper Title

Carman Gospel Light Church fonds

Dates of Creation

1956–2003

Physical Description

170 cm of textual records, 1 microfilm reel, and 34 photographs

Administrative History

The Carman Gospel Light Church began in 1956 when Reverend Peter Martens was asked to investigate possibilities for new ministries in Manitoba by the Home Missions Committee of the Mennonite Brethren Conference of Manitoba. Henry Redekop, an instructor at Winkler Bible School, led the group in a rented room in Carman. The fellowship was called Carman Gospel Light Mission. That year, teachers were elected to start Sunday School, Peter Martens was asked to be the pastor and a lot was purchased. The building was completed and dedicated in 1958.

The name of the congregation was changed to the Gospel Light MB Church in 1961. In 1962, the church was received into the Manitoba and Canadian Conferences. In 1964, the church bought a lot for a parsonage, which was later sold in 1973. By 1974, the church membership had grown to the extent that three homes were used to accommodate the overflow. In 1975, a building, known as the Hut, was erected beside the old church building.

The church became self-supporting, and, in 1978, they built a new building which seated over 400 people. In 1985, the church changed its name to Carman Gospel Light Church. It closed its doors officially on 30 April 2003. A new Mennonite Brethren congregation began a year later in Carman called Friends Community Church.

The leaders of the church include Peter Martens (1956–1958), Abe Quiring (1959–1963), John Unger (1964–1966), John Block (1967–1973), Peter Doerksen (1973–1982), Mark Johnson (1983–1990), Daniel Splett (1992–1998), Terry Carter (1998–2003).

Scope and Content

This fonds consists of ten series: History (1958–2003), Constitutions (1969, 1995, 2002), Bulletins (1967–2003), Membership records (1957–2003), Annual reports (1962–1992), Congregational minutes (1957–2003), Church Council minutes (1964–2003), Committee minutes (1957–1979), Directories (1978–1997), Photographs (1981–[2000?]), and Auditors Reports (1982–1995).

Custodial History

Some of the records were microfilmed in 1978 through the work of the Historical Commission of the Mennonite Brethren Conference. Boxes 2–4 were deposited after the closure of the Carman church in 2003.

Notes

  • Volumes 415–418, 1174, 1175
  • Formerly classified under the Canadian Conference of MB Churches inventory BC504.
  • Finding aid consists of a series description and a file list.
  • Finding aid for microfilm: R89, pp. 337–1061.
  • Microfilm file list adapted from a previous finding aid by Leslie Wiebe, June 2003; boxes 2–4 described by Donovan Giesbrecht, January 19, 2005. Update by Janelle Hume, August 1, 2006.
  • Restrictions: Some restrictions apply.

Series Descriptions

I. History.
1958–2003.
4 cm of textual records and 7 pp microfilm.

  • This series consists of several historical sketches, newspaper articles, an article from Up To Now, a Story of Dufferin and Carman (1958), a letter, some photocopied pictures, statistics, anniversary materials, as well as land title, name change, and other official documents.
  • Location: Volume 415:1, 418:4, 9–12; and microfilm R89, pp. 337–344.

II. Constitutions.
1969, 1995, 2002.
2 cm of textual records; 6 pp microfilm.

  • This series consists of three church constitutions.
  • Location: Volume 418:14, and microfilm R89, pp. 345–351.

III. Bulletins.
1967–2003.
30 cm textual material.

  • This series consists of weekly bulletins.
  • Location: Volume 415:2–26, Box 3:46–56.

IV. Membership records.
[ca. 1957]–2003.
8 cm of textual records; 150 pp microfilm.

  • This series consists of a membership, baptism, burial, and marriage records. It also includes baptism statements, testimonies, obituaries, death certificates, and funeral records.
  • Location: Volume 418:2–3, 5–8, 12; and microfilm R89, pp. 352–403.

V. Annual reports.
1962–1992.
30 cm of textual records; 175 pp microfilm.

  • This series consists of annual meeting agendas, reports, financial statements, and minutes. Some of these records are mixed in with congregational and church council minutes.
  • Location: Volume 417:14–45, and microfilm R89, pp. 656–831.

VI. Congregational minutes.
1957–2003.
40 cm of textual records; 328 pp microfilm.

  • This series consists of minutes of membership meetings, as well as reports, correspondence, and financial statements included with the minutes. Some congregational minutes are mixed in with Church Council minutes.
  • Location: Volume 416:17–31, 417:1–13, and microfilm R89, pp. 404–831.

VII. Church Council minutes.
50 cm of textual records; 160 pp microfilm.

  • This series consists of Church Council minutes, as well as financial statements, reports, and correspondence included with the minutes. Some Church Council minutes are mixed in with the congregational minutes.
  • Location: Volume 415:27, 416:1–25; and microfilm R89, pp. 832–972.

VIII. Committee minutes.
1957–1979.
120 pp microfilm.

  • This series consists of Deacon Committee, Sunday School Committee, Crusade for Christ Committee, and Ladies Fellowship minutes.
  • Location: Microfilm R89, pp. 973–990, 991–1023, 1062–1095, 1024–1061.

IX. Directories.
1978–1997.
4 cm of textual records.

  • This series consists of pictorial and textual church directories.
  • Location: Volume 415:28–31, 418:15.

X. Photographs.
1981–[2000?].
34 photographs.

  • This series consist of photographs of the church building, newly baptised and transferred members, and of other church events and programs. A video documenting the inventory of the church at the time of closure is also included.
  • Location: Volume 415:32; and CMBS Photograph Collection, NP167-01.

File List

Volume 415
1. Carman Gospel Light Church History. -- 1956–1985.
2. Bulletins. -- 1964–1967.
3. Bulletins. -- 1968.
4. Bulletins. -- 1969.
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. Church Reports. -- 1964–1967.
28. Carman Gospel Light Pictorial Church Directory. -- 1980.
29. Church directory. -- 1978.
30. Church Directory. -- [19--].
31. Church Pictorial Directory. -- [1982].

Volume 416
1. Church Council minutes, financial statements, reports, and correspondence. -- 1966–1972.
2. Church Council minutes, financial statements, reports, and correspondence. -- 1972–1977.
3. Church Council minutes, financial statements, reports, and correspondence. -- 1977–1982.
4. Church Council minutes, financial statements, reports, and correspondence. -- 1983.
5. Church Council minutes, financial statements, reports, and correspondence. -- 1984.
6. Church Council minutes, financial statements, reports, and correspondence. -- 1985.
7. Church Council minutes, financial statements, reports, and correspondence. -- 1986.
8. Church Council minutes, financial statements, reports, and correspondence. -- 1987.
9. Church Council minutes, financial statements, reports, and correspondence. -- 1988.
10. Church Council minutes, financial statements, reports, and correspondence. -- 1989.
11. Church Council minutes, financial statements, reports, and correspondence. -- 1990.
12. Church Council minutes, financial statements, reports, and correspondence. -- 1991.
13. Church Council minutes, financial statements, reports, and correspondence. -- 1992.
14. Church Council minutes, financial statements, reports, and correspondence. -- 1993.
15. Church Council minutes, financial statements, reports, and correspondence. -- 1994.
16. Church Council and congregational minutes, financial statements, reports, correspondence, and a constitution. -- 1995.
17. Church Council and congregational minutes, financial statements, reports, and correspondence. -- 1996.
18. Church Council and congregational minutes, financial statements, reports, and correspondence. -- 1997.
19. Church Council and congregational minutes, financial statements, reports, and correspondence. -- 1998.
20. Church Council and congregational minutes, financial statements, reports, and correspondence. -- 1999.
21. Church Council minutes, correspondence, and memos (restricted). -- 1994, 1999–2000.
22. Church Council and congregational minutes, financial statements, reports, and correspondence. -- 2000.
23. Church Council and congregational minutes, financial statements, reports, and correspondence. -- 2001.
24. Church Council and congregational minutes, financial statements, reports, correspondence, and a constitution. -- 2002.
25. Church Council and congregational minutes, financial statements, reports, and correspondence. -- 2003.
26. Congregational minutes, financial statements, and Manitoba Conference recommendations. -- 2004.
27. Congregational minutes. -- 1957–1960.
28. Congregational minutes and financial statements. -- 1961–1964.
29. Congregational minutes and correspondence. -- 1964–1967.
30. Congregational minutes. -- 1965–1971.
31. Congregational minutes, financial statements, and reports. -- 1971–1978.

Volume 417
1. Congregational minutes and financial statements. -- 1977–1982.
2. Congregational goals report. -- 1979–1980.
3. Congregational minutes, financial statements, and reports. -- 1983.
4. Congregational minutes, financial statements, and reports. -- 1984.
5. Congregational minutes, financial statements, and reports. -- 1985.
6. Congregational minutes, financial statements, and reports. -- 1986.
7. Congregational minutes, financial statements, and reports. -- 1987.
8. Congregational minutes, financial statements, reports, and correspondence. -- 1988.
9. Congregational and Church Council minutes, financial statements, and a constitution. -- 1988–1991.
10. Congregational minutes, financial statements, and reports. -- 1991.
11. Congregational minutes, financial statements, and reports (restricted). -- 1992.
12. Congregational minutes, financial statements, reports, and correspondence (restricted). -- 1993.
13. Congregational minutes, financial statements, and reports. -- 1994.
14. Annual financial statements and congregational minutes. -- 1962.
15. Annual financial statements and membership list. -- 1963.
16. Annual meeting reports, agenda, financial statements, membership list and correspondence. -- 1964.
17. Annual meeting reports, agenda, financial statements, membership list, correspondence, and congregational minutes. -- 1965.
18. Annual meeting reports, agenda, financial statements, membership list, and correspondence. -- 1966.
19. Annual meeting reports, agenda, financial statements, membership list, and correspondence. -- 1967.
20. Annual meeting reports, minutes, financial statements, membership list, and correspondence. -- 1968.
21. Annual meeting reports, financial statements, and a constitution. -- 1969.
22. Annual meeting reports, agenda, financial statements, and a membership list. -- 1970.
23. Annual meeting reports, financial statements, and a constitution. -- 1971.
24. Annual meeting reports, agenda, financial statements. -- 1972.
25. Annual meeting reports, agenda, financial statements. -- 1973.
26. Annual meeting reports, agenda, financial statements. -- 1974.
27. Annual meeting reports and financial statements. -- 1975.
28. Annual meeting reports and financial statements. -- 1976.
29. Annual meeting reports and financial statements. -- 1977.
30. Annual meeting reports and financial statements. -- 1979.
31. Annual meeting reports, agenda, and financial statements. -- 1980.
32. Annual meeting reports. -- 1980.
33. Annual meeting reports and financial statements. -- 1981.
34. Annual meeting reports, agenda, and financial statements. -- 1981.
35. Annual meeting reports, financial statements, congregational minutes, and confessional statement on inerrancy. -- 1982.
36. Annual meeting agenda, minutes, and financial statements. -- 1983.
37. Annual meeting agenda, minutes, and financial statements. -- 1984.
38. Annual meeting agenda, minutes, and financial statements. -- 1985.
39. Annual meeting agenda, minutes, reports, and financial statements. -- 1986.
40. Annual meeting agenda, minutes, reports, and financial statements. -- 1987.
41. Annual meeting agenda, minutes, and financial statements. -- 1988.
42. Annual meeting reports, minutes, and financial statements. -- 1989.
43. Annual meeting reports, minutes, agenda, financial statements, and congregational minutes. -- 1990.
44. Annual meeting minutes, reports, and financial statements. -- 1991.
45. Attendance and offering tables and attendance graphs. -- 1972–1992.
46. Bulletins. -- 1993.
47. Bulletins. -- 1994.
48. Bulletins. -- 1995.
49. Bulletins. -- 1996.
50. Bulletins. -- 1997.
51. Bulletins. -- 1998.
52. Bulletins and calendars. -- 1999.
53. Bulletins and calendars. -- 2000.
54. Bulletins and calendars. -- 2001.
55. Bulletins and calendars. -- 2002.
56. Bulletins and calendars. -- 2003.

Volume 418
1. Pastoral job description, employment contracts, and tax documents. -- 1991–2002.
2. Baptism records. -- 1974–1994.
3. Baptism statements and testimonies (restricted). -- 1977–1998.
4. Attendance statistic. -- 1981–2003.
5. Obituaries, death certificates, and funeral records. -- 1977–2003.
6. Marriage certificates and records. -- 1965–1999.
7. Membership and transfer records. -- 1963–2003.
8. Membership register (Book 3). -- 1965–2003.
9. Historical documents, including anniversary bulletins, correspondence, and poetry, and newspaper articles. -- 1979–1981.
10. Historical sketches, newspaper articles, and Home Missions Committee report (Book 1). -- 1958–1985.
11. Official documents regarding land title, name change, building, occupancy, and insurance. -- 1978–1999.
12. Statistics, and marriage and membership records. -- 1971–2002.
13. Correspondence regarding pastoral appointments and Mark Johnson ordination [confessional] paper. -- 1960–1996.
14. Constitutions. -- 1969, 1995, 2002.
15. Pictorial directories. -- 1985, 1993, 1997.

Volume 1174
1. Auditors Reports. -- 1982–1995.
2. Remittance Forms. -- 1990–1995.

Volume 1175
1–323. Member Files containing testimonies, baptism information, membership information and marriage information (restricted). -- [1958?]–2003.

Audio-visual file list
NMV-69-01 Carman Gospel Light Church Inventory.
VHS. April 2003.

Microfilm file list

Reel 89

  • Historical Data: report given (Book I). ca. 1955–1966 337–344.
  • Constitution (Book II). 1969 345–351.
  • Church Membership Register (Book III). ca. 1957–1979 352–376.
  • Baptismal Register (Book IV). ca. 1957–1972 377–395.
  • Burial Register (Book IV). 1957–1979 396–397.
  • Marriage Register (Book V). 1962–1978 398–403.
  • Annual Reports of Congregation (Book VIII). 1971–1977 656–831.
  • Congregational Meeting Minutes, including annual reports (Book VI). Apr 1956–Nov 1970 404–570.
  • Congregational Meeting Minutes (Book VII). Nov 1971–May 1979 571–655.
  • Church Council Meeting Minutes (Book IX). Feb 1967–Feb 1977 832–972.
  • Board of Deacons Minutes (Book X). Dec 1977–Apr 1979 973–990.
  • Board of Christian Education/Sunday School Committee Minutes (Book XI). Oct 1957–Nov 1960 991–1007.
  • Board of Christian Education/Sunday School Committee Minutes (Book XI). Jan 1978–Feb 1979 1008–1023.
  • Board of Evangelism: Crusade for Christ Committee Minutes (Book XIII). Apr 1964–Jan 1966 1008–1023.
  • Women’s Missionary Society: Ladies Fellowship Minutes (Book XII). Oct 1964–Apr 1967 1024–1061.

Photograph collection

NP167-01

NP167-01:1 Baptism in Carman. This photo is of a group of newly baptised and transferred members of the Carman Gospel Light Church. Pictured are (back, l–r) George Rempel, Laurence Hildebrand, Herman Voth (assistant pastor), Peter J. Doerksen (pastor), (front) Betty Rempel (transfer), Esther Hildebrand, Cheryl Hildebrand, and Phyllis Giesbrecht. 11.5 x 8 cm [col.]. Mar 8 1981.

NP167-01:2 Baptism in Carman. This photo is of newly baptised or transferred members at Carman Gospel Light Church. Pictured with pastor Mark Johnson (right) are (l–r) Nora Heinrichs (t), Ed Heinrichs (t), Sherri Hildebrand, Rob Peters, Melanie Paetkau, Craig Johnston, and Don Giesbrecht. 12.5 x 9 cm [col.]. Mar 30 1986.

NP167-01:3 Baptism in Carman. This photo is of newly baptised or transferred members at Carman Gospel Light Church. Pictured with pastor Mark Johnson (far left) are (back, l–r) Dave Land, Rob Martin (t), Rod Hart, Pete Braun(t), Betty Braun(t), (middle) Wayne Johnston(t), Marg Johnston(t), Sylvia Martin(t), Janice Regehr, Lori Driedger, Trish Reid, Brian Reid, Mark and Sharon Johnson (t), Lisa Peters, Maureen Johnston, Mary Lynne Dick, and Ted Enns. 13 x 9 cm [col.]. Nov 27 1983.

NP167-01:4 Baptism in Carman. This photo is of newly baptised or transferred members at Carman Gospel Light Church. Pictured second from the left at the front is Karissa Drewlo. 15 x 10 cm [col.]. [Jun 4 2000?].

NP167-01:5 Baptism in Carman. This photo is of newly baptised or transferred members at Carman Gospel Light Church. Pastor Terry Carter stands at the far left [pictured third from the left is Stephanie Dunn?]. 15 x 10 cm [col.]. [ca. 1998].

NP167-01:6 Baptism in Carman. This photo is of newly baptised or transferred members at Carman Gospel Light Church. Andrea Dunn stands at the front left. Others pictured include (order unknown) Jill Reimer, Valerie Dyck, Lori Reimer, Dusty Wiebe, Rick Wiebe, and Lori, Lorissa and Randy Young. 15 x 10 cm [col.]. Dec 6 1998.

NP167-01:7 Youth at Carman. This photo is of (l–r) Steven Dick, Michele Bergen, pastor Mark Johnson, Sharon Peters, and Steven Janzen sitting together [at the Carman Gospel Light Church?]. 13 x 9 cm [b&w]. 1989.

NP167-01:8 Youth and seniors at Carman. This photo is of (l–r, front) Steven Janzen, Helena Janzen, Steven Dick, (back) Carman Gospel Light Church pastor Mark Johnson, Dorothy Peters, Terry Axdal, Sharon Peters, and Michele . . . 13 x 9 cm [b&w]. 1989.

NP167-01:9 Baptism and membership. This photo is of a newly baptised and transfer members of Carman Gospel Light Church. Pictured are (l–r) Judy Neustaedter (t), Glen Dyck (t), Terri Dyck (t), Twila Falk (b), Dorothy Lawler (b), and pastor George Baerg. 15 x 10 cm [b&w]. May 4 1997.

NP167-01:10 Installation of Terry and Reina Carter. This photo is of John Unger, Terry and Reina Carter, and Doug Wilton standing together after the installation service for the Carters at Carman Gospel Light Church. 15 x 10 cm [col.]. Sep 21 1997.

NP167-01:11 Baptism and transfer members. This photo is of newly baptised and transfer members of the Carman Gospel Light Church. Pictured are (l–r, front) Pat and Kelly Hein (t), John Maddison (t), and Jean Kitching (b), (back) pastor George Baerg, and Jerri-Ann and Mel Toews. 15 x 10 cm [col.]. Aug 10 1997.

NP167-01:12 The Mark and Sharon Johnson family. This photo is a portrait of Mark and Sharon Johnson with their children Matt, Heather, and Chris. 10.5 x 8 cm [b&w]. [1996?].

NP167-01:13 New transfer members. This photo is of (l–r) Carman Gospel Light Church pastor Terry Carter with newly transferred members Annie and Abe Bergen. 15 x 10 cm [b&w]. Jun 14 1998.

NP167-01:14 Awana boys and girls clubs. This photo is of young children with their leaders in a Sunday school room at Carman Gospel Light Church. The children were paricipating in the Awana boys and girls clubs held at the . . . 15 x 10 cm [b&w]. 1997.

NP167-01:15 A three legged race. This photo is of children and leaders participating in a three legged race at an Awana boys and girls club event. The event was held at the Carman Gospel Light Church. 15 x 10 cm [b&w]. 1997.

NP167-01:16 Singing on stage. This photo is of a group of children singing on stage at Carman Gospel Light Church. The children were participants in the Awana boys and girls clubs put on by the church. 15 x 10 cm [b&w]. 1997.

NP167-01:17 Ladies fellowship Valentine’s event. This photo is of women eating together at a Valentine’s event put on by the Carman Gospel Light Church ladies fellowship. 15 x 10 cm [b&w]. 1997.

NP167-01:18 Group photo pf the ladies fellowship. This photo is of the Carman Gospel Light Church ladies fellowship group. 15 x 10 cm [b&w]. 1997.

NP167-01:19 The Sunday School choir. This photo is of the Sunday school choir on stage at the Carman Gospel Light Church. 15 x 10 cm [b&w]. 1997.

NP167-01:20 Lined up for a meal. This photo is of people lined up for a meal at the Carman Gospel Light Church retreat. The retreat took place at Camp Arnes. 15 x 10 cm [b&w]. Mar 1997.

NP167-01:21 Sitting outdoors. This photo is of four young men sitting outdoors on a rafter beam of a cabin at Camp Arnes. The men were part of a Carman Gospel Light Church retreat to the camp. 15 x 10 cm [b&w]. Mar 1997.

NP167-01:22 A “Keenagers” meeting. This photo is of a seniors meeting at the Carman Gospel Light Church. The photo was labeled “Keenagers.” 15 x 10 cm [b&w]. 1997.

NP167-01:23 Sue Klassen at work. This photo is of Sue Klassen, Carman Gospel Light Church secretary, at work. 15 x 10 cm [b&w]. 1997.

NP167-01:24 Art Drewlo at work. This photo is of Art Drewlo, Carman Gospel Light Church janitor, at work. 15 x 10 cm [b&w]. 1997.

NP167-01:25 The youth group. This photo is of the Carman Gospel Light Church youth group standing around a classic. 15 x 10 cm [b&w]. 1997.

NP167-01:26 Children at the front of the church. This photo is of a child dedication service at Carman Gospel Light Church. 15 x 10 cm [b&w]. Apr 13 1997.

NP167-01:27 Girls having fun. This photo is of a group of girls sitting around a table together at a Carman Gospel Light Church girls clubs event. 15 x 10 cm [b&w]. 1997.

NP167-01:28 Preparing for a drama. This photo is of an actor having his make-up applied for a Carman Gospel Light Church drama production. 15 x 10 cm [b&w]. [199-?].

NP167-01:29 Celebrating with balloons. This photo is of a group of people letting helium balloons up into the air. The group stands in front of the Carman Gospel Light Church, [celebrating the congregation’s 50th anniversary?]. 15 x 10 cm [b&w]. [1996?].

NP167-01:30 The Carman Gospel Light Church building. This photo is of the Carman Gospel Light Church building. 15 x 10 cm [b&w]. 1997.

NP167-01:31 The Carman Gospel Light Church building. This photo is of the Carman Gospel Light Church building. 15 x 7 cm [b&w]. 1997.

NP167-01:32 The sanctuary. This photo is of the Carman Gospel Light Church sanctuary. 15 x 7 cm [b&w]. 1997.

NP167-01:33 The entrance way. This photo is of the Carman Gospel Light Church entrance way. 15 x 7 cm [b&w]. 1997.

NP167-01:34 The sanctuary. This photo is of the Carman Gospel Light Church sanctuary. 15 x 7 cm [b&w]. 1997.

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