Administrative History

The Orchard Park Bible Church was an outgrowth of the Virgil Mennonite Brethren Church. It was founded in 1971 with 95 charter members. They met in rented facilities. In 1975, they completed their own meetinghouse. Cell groups are an important component of the life of the congregation. In 1980, the membership was 154. They continue to expand and so the meeting house was expanded in [198–?]. In 1990, the membership was 242; in 2000, it was 284; in 2005, it was 213; and in 2015, it was 201.

The leading ministers of the congregation include Victor Loewen (1971–1972, 1980), George Wichert (1972–1973), Herman Kroeker (1973–1979), Art Klassen (1979), Ernest Dyck (1980–1982), Dewayn Isaac (1982–1988), Robert Thiessen (1989–1995), Herman Neufeld (1996–1997), Derek Johnson (1998), Ray Russel (1999–2003), Henry Wiebe (interim 2004–2005), Jim Evans (2006–2014), Reid Cooke (interim 2015–2016), Lennie Fahnestock (interim 2016–2017), Trevor Peck (2017–2018).

In May 2018 a process was begun to discern the potential of merging with Cornerstone Community Church (Virgil). There were various meetings including a pulpit exchange, a joint town hall meeting, and a joint worship service. The proposal was accepted separately by each congregation on 8 July 2018.

Orchard Park’s ministry was integrated into Cornerstone’s programs. As of 9 September 2018, Cornerstone Sunday worship services have been held at the Orchard Park Campus (434 Hunter Road) and offices and week day programs continued at the Virgil Campus (1570 Niagara Stone Road).