Administrative History

The North Peace Mennonite Brethren Church in Fort St. John, BC, had its beginnings in 1957 through Daily Vacation Bible School outreach by the West Coast Children’s Mission. After the need for an adult ministry became apparent, Irwin and Amanda Klassen began Bible studies in the Aennofield area of town in 1960. In 1962, the British Columbia Conference Home Missions Board became involved and Peter Boschman became the pastor.

Services were first held in the Mathews Community Hall, then in homes as well as the legion building. In June 1962, the congregation became organized under the name North Peace Mennonite Brethren Church. That fall, a building program got under way and the following spring, upon completion, it was dedicated.

In 1972, a new 280-seat sanctuary was built, and in just a few years this new building was full. In July 1978, Jake Thielmann and his family accepted the call to pastor the congregation. Rapid community growth forced them to meet in the Finch School gym in the fall of 1979, and construction of a 450-seat sanctuary was started on the lot next to the school.

In 1979, David Fehr and Carl Bracewell joined the pastoral leadership team, and as of ca. 1985, membership at North Peace was 123 and in 2005 was 233. In 2010, membership was 192.

Leaders of the congregation have included the following: Irwin Klassen (1960–1962), Peter Boschman (1962–1966), Ron Bergstrom (1967), John P. Schmidt (1967–1977), Jake Thielmann (1978–1981), Leo Siemens (1982–1992), interim Wilf Richert (1992–1993), Rick Hall (1993–1997), Les Riediger (1999–2011), interim Aldon Leoppky (2012–2014), Andrew Eby (2014– ).