Our History

Introduction

As part of the program of events in celebration of Fort Garry United Church’s 50th Anniversary, Bertha B. Peterson and Rudolph F. Peterson were casually asked if they would agree to write a brief history on Fort Garry United Church.  At the annual meeting on January 31, 1971, the congregation voted to include this project as part of the planned celebrations for the church’s 50th anniversary.  In their Forward the Peterson’s acknowledge appreciation to Merle Dayment for the drawings and expressed gratitude to the people who provided information.  Their research and compilation of material culminated in the booklet entitled: “Fort Garry United Church: 1921 – 1971, 50th Anniversary”.  This webpage is in memory of all those who contributed to the booklet, and dedicated to the many volunteers who have donated their time and talents over the years to Fort Garry United Church.

Fort Garry United Church 1921-1971

This 56-page leaflet was created by members of the Fort Garry United Church to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 1971. If you’d like to read about the church’s history during that time, you can click the button below to read a pdf version of Fort Garry United Church 1921-1971.

The 1920s

In 1920, two concerned residents of Fort Garry had many discussions with their fellow residents about the lack of a local church or Sunday School in the area.  As a result of the concern raised, appeals were made in 1921 to the Winnipeg Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in Canada and to the Cooperative Committee (in Winnipeg) of the Presbyterian and Methodist Churches to help establish a new union church. Further meetings and discussions were held with residents. On November 6, 1921, United Church, Fort Garry held its first service in a corridor of the old General Byng School (Beaumont Avenue), Rev. G.E. Perry D.D. conducted the service and Mrs. A. Baird played the organ and led the singing. However, due to the cramped quarters and cold temperatures, services were soon moved to Boyce’s Store (North Drive and Pembina Highway) with special events taking place in the Municipal Hall. During the summer and autumn of 1922, the Sunday morning services had to move to Fort Garry’s Municipal Hall (corner of Chevrier and Pembina) as Boyce’s store was required for business.  All this time, the congregational women had been working with the men to achieve mutual goals in establishing a church building.  These women decided their contribution would be more effective if they were an organized group.  Thus, the Women’s Auxiliary of the United Church, Fort Garry was established.

In January, 1922, plans commenced for a new building to house this growing congregation.  The location for this new building was North Drive and Pembina Highway.  On Sunday, November 5, 1922 the first service was held at United Church, Fort Garry with 62 active members.  The building was a well-constructed, albeit modest, 28 feet x 48 feet structure.  The minister at the time was Dr. E. Leslie Pidgeon who served as Interim Moderator. United Church, Fort Garry flourished for the next few years.

Soon Sunday School classes and activities were organized and thrived.  The first Sunday School picnic was held in July 1922 at Assiniboine Park, financed by the Women’s Auxiliary.  Also, in July, Mr. E.P. Rayment succeeded Mrs. Baird as organist and a short time later became the adult choir leader as well.

In the Fall of 1923, the congregation felt it was ready for their own ordained minister and Rev. Sydney C. Studd accepted the call to United Church, Fort Garry and was instated on April 6, 1924.  Later in the year, evening services were added along with the regular Sunday morning services.

When the United Church of Canada was consummated on June 14, 1925, United Church, Fort Garry entered the union and gradually became known as Fort Garry United Church (FGUC).  However, the new name did not become predominant until January 1946 when the congregation passed a motion affirming the Church to be “Fort Garry United Church”.

During the ensuing years the church continued to grow and experience changes along the way.  In 1927 Mrs. G.M. Farwell became the church’s organist following Mr. Rayment’s resignation.  Perhaps one of the most notable achievements was that the young people of the church organized The Young People’s Union of Fort Garry United Church in 1928.  The group met twice a week with their usual Sunday class and mid-week for a devotional period and/or special event.

In 1929, a new organ was purchased.  Up to this point, the church was using an organ loaned by Augustine Presbyterian Church of Winnipeg.  As the year closed, Fort Garry United Church boasted an active membership of 63.

Throughout the first eight years of FGUC, the Women’s Auxiliary played an instrumental role in the life and work of the church.  The ladies raised funds for the purchase and maintenance of the church building, manse and furnishings for both.  The fundraisers held to accomplish their goals were very creative and profitable. These events ranged from collecting coins in small boxes in homes to quilting bees to bazaars, bake sales, and auctions to dinners.  The Auxiliary assisted the Board of Stewards with annual contributions.  The Women’s Auxiliary also expanded their activities to include visitations to the homebound, bereaved, newcomers and families with new babies.

The 1930s (Depression Years)

 This era was a decade of economic hardship across nations, including Canada; particularly on the prairies where severe drought was reducing crop yields.  The ripple effect, of course, hit Winnipeg, and Fort Garry United Church (FGUC) was not immune to the consequences.

During this difficult economic time, FGUC was under the leadership of three different ministers.  With their special qualities, and the dedicated efforts of lay ministers and FGUC supporters, regular programs were able to continue. The church also addressed the increased welfare needs in the community. In addition, FGUC answered calls from Presbytery to help people in needier areas outside its community.

The responsibilities for the finances, and maintenance of the church and the manse fell on the Board of Stewards. As its main source of income was from the members and supporters, the church found its financial situation to be critical.  As incomes fell, so did the contributions.  Consequently, the church was often in arrears requiring motions to be passed that the bills be paid ‘when funds became available’.

In 1933, the Board of Stewards devised plans to increase funds and reduce the church’s expenses.  The ‘Central Advisory Committee’ was established by the stewards and assigned a number of functions: approach the existing church groups (Women’s Auxiliary, Canadian Girls in Training, Young People’s Union, Sunday School) to set a goal for raising funds, prepare a financial budget for the year and use discretionary oversight with various programs.

A variety of fund raising events were planned and held. For example, the Women’s Auxiliary facilitated special concerts, lectures and sales.  The Auxiliary used their quilting bees to make warm bedding for the destitute families and sold some of the quilts with the revenue going toward their objective of increasing the church’s funds.  Even the Sunday School children accepted the responsibility of raising money and brought in extra funds.

The Stewards took over the janitorial duties of the church and the maintenance of the grounds during the summer months.  The envelope system for donations was producing larger returns.  By the end of the year, the Board of Stewards together with the church organizations were very effective in saving money, raising funds and reducing the deficit.  In January of 1934, the shortfall was eliminated with the voluntary gifts from the congregants present at the Annual Meeting. Rev. Harvey, Minister at the time, contributed by decreasing his already modest salary by $200.

Since many of the ways of saving or raising money were successful, they were implemented up to and including 1936.  For instance, one austerity measure was that during the winter, the church would be heated for Sunday service only, as it was impossible to provide the labour and fuel. During the week, activities in the church still carried on with participants wearing their winter outerwear indoors to keep warm.

By 1937 the young people’s groups were waning.  However, the newly appointed Rev. Lloyd C. Stinson was successful in inspiring children ages five to fourteen to attend services consistently.  At the same time, there was a newly charged movement in The Canadian Girls in Training and the Trail Rangers.  The Young People’s Union was becoming reenergized with an increased membership of 26 young people.

By the end of 1939 the financial books noted a small, but noteworthy, credit balance. Throughout this difficult decade, FGUC membership increased from 63 in 1930 to 102 at the close of 1939.

All the while, FGUC was implementing outreach programs both in Winnipeg and overseas.  For example, money or personal aid was given to the Institute for the Blind and out of town camps for needy children. Contributions were made to the United Church of Canada through the Missionary and Maintenance Fund to be directed to overseas aid.

Despite the personal economic hardships and impoverished state of FGUC, the committed and active members enjoyed the camaraderie and optimism in their church.  Many celebrations, concerts, and dinners were held during this time which bolstered fellowship.

Throughout the 1930s, Mrs. Farwell continued to play the organ for the morning services.  The choir experienced a variety of changes during this time.  It transitioned from a mixed choir to a ladies’ choir and then a girls’ choir.  As the numbers were smaller at the evening services, a choir was not present and different church members took turns playing the organ.  Then in 1939 an adult study group replaced the evening services all together.

Just as the world was emerging from the depression with unemployment rates dropping, the winds of war were sweeping over Europe.

The 1940s

As the ongoing challenges of church life were beginning to stabilize, new trials and tribulations faced Fort Garry United Church (FGUC).  Still, there was ongoing faith and devotion to our church’s welfare.  All the while, there was the time, energy and desire to celebrate goals achieved and special occasions.

In the autumn of 1939 Canada was at war and there was a sense of helplessness amongst individuals.  So, for the next while daily living proceeded as normally as possible.  Nonetheless, the ongoing faith and devotion to the Church and community welfare was demonstrated in many ways.  Several men and women from FGUC enlisted with the forces and went into active service overseas.  In 1943, the minister at the time, Rev. Sparling, initiated a Christmas letter writing campaign to these men and women.  The letters continued on a quarterly basis for the rest of the war.  The Women’s Auxiliary included small gifts at Christmas with the letters.  When the men and women returned from duty, the congregational women prepared and served a Welcome Home Dinner to 76 veterans and their families.  

Thanks to the Canadian Red Cross, the Women’s Auxiliary was able to collect boxes of materials to sew and knit garments such as scarves, toques, blankets, socks, afghans, pyjamas, quilts and prepare kits containing toiletries, needles, thread and buttons.

Some families assisted in other ways; such as opening their homes to NATO airmen who were in training. Others gave rationed food items; for example tea, coffee, butter, sugar, etc. or the ration coupons needed to purchase these items.  Many volunteered their services at the downtown hospitality centres of the United Services Organization, sitting at railway stations answering questions, and serving tea and coffee to armed forces personnel passing through Winnipeg.

On November 2, 1941 FGUC celebrated its 20th anniversary with guest minister, Rev. S.C. Studd, leading a special service.  The next evening, an anniversary dinner and program was held at the church. Professor J.H. Ellis gave a presentation on the origin and history of FGUC.

In the meantime, FGUC continued to evolve with the beginning of the Official Board of FGUC on April 7, 1942. The Board consisted of the minister, members of Session, Board of Stewards members and representatives of all key church organizations. This board assumed the responsibility of the increasing work load that had been done at full congregational meetings.

In this early part of the 1940s there was a combined effort of adults (particularly the Couples Club), young people and children to pay off the manse mortgage. By 1942 this goal was achieved. At the Annual Congregational Meeting on January 20, 1943, the Board of Stewards gave the cancelled mortgage deed to the clerk of the Session to destroy it.

When Rev. Sparling arrived at FGUC in 1942 there were no active youth groups, only “fair” attendance at Sunday School, and minimal missionary interest. He was instrumental in revitalizing the Tuxis group (a program for boys similar to scouting), the Canadian Girls in Training and the Young People’s Union.  He also reestablished Special Easter and Christmas services as well as pre-communion classes giving the church a sense of renewed life.

 At the same time, the church building on North Drive was becoming cramped due to additional demands coupled with the dramatically increasing population in the Municipality.  Then in 1944 the Board chose a Building Fund Committee and then an Advisory Committee to contemplate types and costs of suitable buildings. In the later part of the year the Board picked a Building Committee to tend to the building operations. The records indicate that due to the efforts, energy and passion of Mr. L.R. Fennell (Chair, Building Committee and Board of Stewards) the ensuing operation was very successful.

The years immediately following the war (1946-1949) brought a shift in housing and development of the catchment area for FGUC, most notably the construction of Wildwood Park.  The population grew as more young couples and young families moved into the area.  Because of this influx of new families and the change in the centre of geographical area for FGUC to serve, the congregation voted in April 1947 that the church building should be located at Point Road and Lyon Street. Presbytery agreed with the choice.

With Official Board approval, the Building Committee plans were implemented with the existing structure being moved to the new site in October 1947.  Plans included remodelling and enlarging the church in order to accommodate a new kitchen, washrooms and space for utility services such as heating.  Once the building was completed, the auditorium could hold 240 people and the church hall downstairs could hold 200.  During the time that the church was being moved and remodelled, Sunday services took place in General Steele School, across the street.  The assorted church organizations were able to meet in homes, St. Paul’s Anglican Church or stopped meeting while construction took place on the “new” church. On December 21, 1947, the first service was held at the new site.

After more than 10 years as organist, Mrs. G.M. Farwell resigned from her position in 1941.  At this time, Miss Connie Ellis took over as the regular organist until she resigned in 1947.  Mrs. W.F. McCracken continued as choir leader until she resigned in 1947.  The church records note that all three women were given tributes and expressions of gratitude.

Now FGUC was facing the task of searching for a new organist and choir leader.  The Music Committee was assigned the responsibility of filling these two positions.  In October 1947, the congregation welcomed the church’s new organist and choir leader, Mr. Clifton Worth.  Mr. Worth was requested to increase the choir to include both men and women and by the end of 1947 he had done so.  This new choir was officially organized with the election of a president, secretary-treasurer and librarian.  In the spring of 1948, the Women’s Auxiliary presented the choir with a gift of a Hammond electric organ with two manuals and a twenty-five-note pedal board to replace the two and one-half octave harmonium with two push pedals.

The church historians felt the church was very fortunate to have Mr. Worth as organist and choir leader because under his direction, the choir provided the music for Sundays, special Easter services (including two on Easter Sunday), Candlelight Carol Service at Christmas and other special events as required.  In 1970, at the time of writing the historical accounts for the 50th anniversary, Mr. Worth was still the organist and choir leader.

In 1948-49, new matching furniture was presented to the church which contributed to a dignified and beautified sanctuary. Two matching pulpit chairs were given to the church; one by Dr. W.A. Hogg in memory of his father, Rev. Hogg and the other by Mr. G. W. Farwell. Mrs. John Hallas gifted a baptismal font and Mrs. W.A. Moody presented a communion table in memory of her husband, Dr. W. A. Moody. As well, pews replaced the kitchen chairs as seating in the auditorium.

The Women’s Auxiliary was thrilled with the new luxurious kitchen as they now had hot and cold running water. Instead of a two-plate burner they now had an electric stove.  For these ladies, catering for the church functions became much easier, more resourceful and even more enjoyable.

In 1948, more space was added to the church with the construction of a new room that would serve as the Vestry, the Sunday School and for other uses as needed.

At the time Rev. Sparling began as FGUC minister, Sunday School did not have an assigned Sunday School Superintendent.  Rev. Sparling assumed this role for five years along with his expanding ministerial responsibilities.  However, as the number of children attending the church was increasing, it became paramount to find a lay Superintendent for the Sunday School.  Despite the efforts of a committee instructed to find a Superintendent in 1949, FGUC was without a Superintendent until 1951, at which time Mr. H.B. Lennox took on the role.

During 1946 and 1947, the Young People’s Union was not meeting but was regrouped in 1948. This organization had a strong program in 1948 and 1949.

In 1949 nursery, beginners, primary and junior classes began in General Byng School as an arm of the Fort Garry United Church Sunday School.

A new men’s service club (AOTS) was organized in 1949.  Their primary undertakings included organizing the father and son banquet, helping with annual congregational picnic, obtaining male Sunday School teachers, establishing three hobby groups for boys from the ages of eleven to fourteen years;, and assisting with church celebratory functions.  In order to encourage and support work with young people, the AOTS also hosted monthly educational and entertainment films, lectures on China, Boys’ Work and Youth Delinquency and Municipal Affairs.

During these post-war years Winnipeg was taking in “displaced persons” from war torn areas as well as other immigrants.  The visiting committee of the Women’s Auxiliary reached out to the newcomers in the district by helping them find work and places to live, providing necessities such furniture, bedding and clothing, and helping some to attend night schools where they could learn English.

At the end of 1949, Church records indicated there were 231 active members.  The church was evolving at a rapid rate to meet the ministerial needs of the increasing numbers of area residents and the arrival of immigrants to Winnipeg.

The 1950s

At the beginning of this decade the population of Fort Garry United Church (FGUC) service area was accelerating and would continue to do so as more baby boomers were born.  This increase in the number of children posed serious issues as the numbers were overwhelming for effective teaching in Sunday School.

Then came the flood!  Fortunately, the church was outside the flooded area and remained relatively unscathed, except for water in the basement.  Rev. and Mrs. Sparling were very active in assisting with the flood; he on the dikes and she serving at a canteen organized in the Municipal Hall (Pembina and Chevrier).  They also housed two evacuated families at the manse (923 Byng Place).  Evacuated families were not allowed to return to their homes until health officials inspected the homes for decontamination.  Many homes had to be completely restored before they passed inspection.  This reconstruction and cleanup was not finished until well into 1951.

More and more United Church families were flowing into the district, rendering the church stretched to capacity. In 1952, a Special Building Committee was selected to review the situation and develop plans that would allow FGUC to hold the increasing numbers.  One suggested sketch was a new building attached to the old building.  This would function as a church hall for Sunday School and mid-week activities.

At the same time, Rev. Sparling left FGUC to answer the ministerial call from the United Church in Virden.  A call was then presented to Rev. John V. Shaver who accepted and assumed his duties as FGUC’s new minister on October 1, 1952.

The Building Fund Campaign was initiated and with the help of a professional church-fund-raising organization, a campaign was launched requesting congregation members to make weekly pledges for a three year period.  When the pledge period was over, there was still a $25,000 shortfall in necessary funds.  In order to make up the deficit, the donors were asked to extend their pledges to the end of 1956, which they did.

MLA member, Mr. L.R. Fennell, laid the cornerstone of the new building on Sunday, January 2, 1955.  On Sunday, April 10, the two worship services (9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.) were held to a capacity crowd.  On May 16th an exciting Dedication Service was carried out, with an Open House following.  Honored guests included former pastors of FGUC with notable officials of the United Church including Rev. C.H. Whitmore, President of Winnipeg Presbytery, Rev. Hug A. McLeod, President of Manitoba Conference, and Rev. Hugh R. Percy from St. Paul’s Anglican Church.

Throughout 1954 and 1955, while construction was underway for the new building, organizations within the church met at Viscount Alexander School, St. Paul’s Anglican Church and private homes.  Some people opened their homes for Sunday School classes as well.  When the building was completed the additional space and enhanced amenities allowed for expansion of the Sunday School classes and the various organizations within the church.

In 1956, Fort Garry United Church celebrated its 35th Anniversary with a special Church Service on Sunday, November 4th.  The following evening the Women’s Federation hosted a dinner and a special program.  A comprehensive account of the Church’s first 35 years was compiled and written by Mrs. G.M. Farwell.

As the population increased west of Pembina, a Christian Education building was constructed in 1957 for the Sunday School children who had attended classes at General Byng School since 1949.  This new building officially opened in October, 1957 and was located at the corner of Windermere Avenue and Daniel Street.  For the families residing south of McGillivray Boulevard, a Sunday School was organized in 1957 and met in Ralph Maybank School. In 1958 these two groups formed new congregations; Windermere United Church and Westridge United Church (later renamed Donnelly United Church), respectively. Rev. Dr. W.E. Donnelly was the first ordained minister for (or for?) both Churches.

With the formation of these two churches, FGUC service catchment area became smaller.  However, the congregation numbers for FGUC continued to increase.  What seemed like a very roomy church in 1955 was now overflowing by 1958.  There were 669 children registered with an average of 495 attending.

During this decade the choir increased its members from 15 singers to 30.  Also, in the 1950s the Junior Choirs played an important role in the church.  In the first part of 1952, Miss Eleanor Murray led a girls’ choir during the evening service and sometimes participated in the morning services.  In the latter half of 1952, Mrs. M.J.V. Shaver took over the choir.  From 1953 – 1956, Miss Carol Horwood (now Carol Kinsman) was organist and leader of a girls’ choir.  This choir, aged 12 – 16 years assisted with the Youth Church at the evening services and sometimes helped with the morning services. Most of these choir members moved on to join the Senior Choir. When evening services were discontinued due to poor attendance, the Junior Choirs were disbanded.

In the interim, the AOTS men’s club continued operating from 1950 – 1953.  Although the men stopped meeting as a club, they continued to donate their time and energy to the Church in other ways.

The goals of the Church and Sunday School to teach and apply its basic beliefs were carried into other programs during the week for children and young people.  Four groups were supported by the Women’s Auxiliary (later known as Women’s Federation).  The first group was the Cradle Roll which was comprised of children from birth to 6 years, with well over 300 attending during the 50s. The hope was that by the age of 6 these children would go on to attend Sunday School.

The second group, Mission Band, was comprised of boys and girls from the age of six to ten years of age.  Their projects included scrapbooking for young children in hospitals.

The third group, Explorers, was comprised of girls aged nine to eleven years old.  The program was a missionary study consistent with the United Church and related to the Women’s Missionary Society.  One of the goals was to raise funds to be donated to the Society.  Other program features included the study of church missions and giving books and toys to sick children in hospitals as well as to children at God’s Lake and other Aboriginal reservations.

C.G.I.T. was the fourth group with a comparable but more advanced program than the Explorers.  This group, along with the Cradle Roll, Mission Band and Explorers raised money for the Church through teas and sales.  All four groups contributed to special worship services such as candlelight, Christmas and Easter services as well as other events.

Wolf Cubs, Boy Scouts, Brownies and Girl Guides were other mid-week groups for children and young people. The cub groups had been meeting at St. Paul Anglican Church but by 1951 the population in this catchment area was too great for St. Paul’s to handle boys from both congregations. In March 1951, Wolf Pack No. 99 was created by Mr. R.C. Neilson at Fort Garry United Church.  By 1959, 180 boys were part of the 99th Winnipeg Troop with 136 Cubs and 44 Scouts.

St. Paul Anglican Church also facilitated the Brownie program until 1951 when Fort Garry United Church started the 9th Brownie Pack. Membership in this pack remained constant through the 1950s with 30 Brownies.

In 1954 a Senior Young People’s Union commenced with a casual group. Membership stipulations later included: Grade XII standing or be at least 18 years of age.  After they attended a stipulated number of meetings, they were considered voting members.

The Young People’s Union joined the Winnipeg Young People’s Presbytery in 1955 and, then joined the recently organized South Winnipeg District Council of Young People’s Unions.  The Young People’s Union was a very active group visiting each other’s churches and playing a major role in services.  They gathered a list of songs well-liked by young people and in 1959 published the Fort Garry Young People’s Song Book which was immediately utilized.

During 1957 the Junior Young People’s Union formed and met the needs of the 65 fourteen year olds.  Similar to the Senior group of Young People, their agenda included inviting speakers to discuss missions, and the work of various service organizations; for example, the Victoria Order of Nurses.  Both groups attended other churches, some completely distinct from Fort Garry United Church.  The social part of their calendar included tobogganing, grey cup parties at the church, dances and picnics.

At the same time, the women’s “Circle” evolved into 20 circles by 1959 with over 320 members.  The women conducted fund raising events such as Spring and Fall Teas which included bazaars and home-baking sales. Revenue was given to the Women’s Auxiliary who purchased pews, carpeting and other items for the church.

Since the number of youth groups supported by the Women’s Auxiliary was swelling, they were able to provide a liaison officer to attend executive meetings of the youth groups.  This officer was able to provide moral and financial support and other assistance as needed.  The Women’s Auxiliary worked with other church groups and was represented on committees such as the Board of Stewards.

In 1950 the Municipality of Fort Garry asked for a representative from FGUC to be a member of its Social Welfare Council.  The Council’s work was twofold; firstly, to provide welfare assistance following the flood and secondly, to respond to the swelling populace in Fort Garry.  FGUC contributed to the Council’s work by collecting and donating used clothes and other items.  At Christmas time, hampers consisting of a complete family dinner and a toy for each child were put together and donated to needy families.

Rev. Shaver resigned from FGUC in 1959 to take on the role of United Church Chaplain at the University of British Columbia.  A call was offered to Rev. Donald G. Ray to be FGUC’s next minister.  Rev. Ray accepted and began his ministry on January 1, 1960.  However, it was discovered in the fall of 1959 that the manse at 93 Byng Place was in dire need of repair.  It was decided to sell this house and purchase a new manse at 116 Buxton Road for the new minister and his family.

The total number of active members at Fort Garry United Church was 693 at the close of 1959.

The 1960s and 1970s

A new year, a new decade, and a new minister faced with the enviable problem of a congregation that was ever-increasing in numbers. Rev. Ray started his ministerial work with Fort Garry United Church (FGUC) confronted by the fact that the space required for worship, Sunday School and mid-week activities was again too small.

At the same time that the congregation was growing, so was programming in the church.  A Christian Education Committee was organized to manage and provide an overall course on the Church’s Christian education work. In October of 1960, Miss Donna Patterson was chosen as full time Christian Education Director with her obligation being to ensure the Christian Education program was implemented and operational.  To accomplish this, it was determined that a Christian Education addition should be attached to the Church building.

A Building Committee was selected by the Official Board with a Finance Committee included at a later date. More than 100 members developed a Canvass Organization.  Mr. H.E.D. Stephenson was General Chairman and Mr. K.A. Stuebing was Canvas Chairman.  At the same time, a “Hostess Committee” comprised of church ladies conducted a telephone campaign to the members and church advocates, to provide information on the building campaign and the Loyalty Dinner.  These women were also hostesses at the Loyalty Dinner where attendees learned of the church’s plans and requirements.

Throughout November 1960 a profitable canvass was undertaken to secure pledges for the new wing.  In the spring of 1961, construction began on the Christian Education addition and by fall the building was completed. The Women’s Auxiliary (Women’s Federation), donated money to furnish the new building.  With the leadership of Mrs. N.H. Brand, the newly formed Furnishings Committee urged the various church committees to assist with the building’s furniture, etc. On October 29th there was a dual celebration – the opening of the Christian Education wing and the Church’s Fortieth Anniversary.

After the second Sunday service, following the opening of the new wing, a ceremony was conducted at which time Mr. W.T. Lough, Building Committee Chairman, placed the date stone at the Christian Education Building site.  The Act of Dedication was held the following Wednesday, November 1st.  The renovated original church building was given to the Hungarian United Church and relocated to their chosen Winnipeg location.

The combination of Miss Patterson’s guidance, a larger space, and improved arrangements in the Christian Education Centre, created the impetus for a rapid increase in Sunday School registration and turnout.  There was enough room for classes and the related units to meet at one time and still have enough space between them to enhance learning and allow for more sophisticated teaching methods.  At this time, training classes were developed for the teachers along with conversations on teaching materials and methods.  As well, a library was established in 1961 to supply source material for Christian Education leaders as well as for the benefit of the congregants.

In comparison to resolving the issue of the Christian Education needs, it was somewhat more straightforward to resolve the issue of overcrowding at Sunday Church Services.  During this time of growth, the addition of two, and occasionally three services a week ensured ministry to all congregants.

In 1963, Miss Donna Patterson left FGUC to assume the responsibilities of a comparable position at Knox United Church in Brandon.  Mrs. A. Veldhuis took on the role at FGUC for a short period, but she and her husband soon went to the Indian Mission at God’s Lake, Manitoba to work as missionaries.  At last in 1966, Miss Doreen Pitt took on the double role of Deaconess and Christian Education Director.  While in these positions, she accomplished a great deal both within and outside the church.  In 1970, Miss Pitt resigned to take up the position of Christian Education Director at the Dauphin United Church.

In the meantime, there was a concerted effort to encourage parents to become involved in Sunday School lessons.  The thought was that children would learn by example if parents applied the Christian beliefs and standards at home.  It was emphasized that the children were under the guidance of Church School for only 30 hours a year.  It was feared that if the children experienced attitudes and behaviours at home that were different than the teachings at Church School the prevailing values and morals established at home would win out.

By the mid-1960s, registration and attendance in Sunday School was starting to decrease; particularly amongst the older children.  The number of Sunday School children dropped from 620 in 1962 to 500 in 1965 and 220 in 1970.  This decrease reached a level considered “normal” as compared to the trend in various churches across Canada and in other countries.

General church membership during the 1960s did not encounter a concurrent dramatic change in numbers.  In 1960 the number of active members was 738 and this increased to 840 in 1963.  However, by 1970 membership had dropped to 761.

It appeared that the changing cultural lifestyle may have contributed to the declining membership in the 1970s. More women were working outside the home which had a twofold impact.  One was greater affluence which allowed families to travel and spend longer time away from home.  The other was that women now had less time and energy to give to the church due to the demands of a job plus family commitments.  With an increase in affluence came an increase in the ownership of vacation homes, which meant members spent summer months (and many Sundays) at the lake.  In addition, increased and varied options for leisure activities in the community and city competed with the events that would normally draw members to the Church.  Changes in Church related involvement was also seeing the effect in the way the age distribution in the population was changing.

The mid-week groups experienced variability in their numbers but carried on with their vital work all through the 1960s.  Part of the reason for the fluctuations was due to the changing availability of leaders.  The groups that persisted during this period were Messengers (replacing Mission Band in 1962), Explorers, and Canadian Girls in Training, Brownies and Girl Guides, Wolf Cubs and Boy Scouts.  The groups that functioned for a portion of this decade included Young People’s Union, Hi-C’s (replacing the Junior Young People’s Union in 1962), and Kairos (replacing the Senior Young People’s Union in 1964).

From its beginning stages and throughout the ensuing decades, the Senior Choir has continually given outstanding leadership in music for weekly and special services.  Their excellent work was enriched even more with the extremely generous gift of a beautiful Baldwin electronic organ from Mr. and Mrs. H.E.D. Stephenson. Mr. Clifton Worth who was the organist and choirmaster served in this role for 24 years in 1971; the same year as the Church’s 50th anniversary.

Women in Fort Garry United Church have played an integral role over the years in its growth and sustainability. They have contributed to the church under the umbrella of the Women’s Federation (Women’s Auxiliary).  In 1961, the Women’s Auxiliary and Women’s Missionary Society initiated plans and talks to officially merge at the national level. On January 1st, 1962 the United Church Women (UCW) was formally inaugurated, complete with a constitution and by-laws.  The UCW at FGUC assisted with the work of at least 10 external organizations including the Institute for the Blind, mental health patients and the Church Home for Girls.   At FGUC, in 1970, there were 12 UCW units with approximately 100 members.

Rev. Ray was a key player in the creation and work of a ‘Community Council’. This Council was made up of a group of clergymen from United, Anglican and Roman Catholic churches who gathered to talk about worrisome issues for vulnerable citizens.  Other Council members included representatives from organizations with comparable concerns; such as the Children’s Aid Society, social workers and Christian Education Directors.  The Council’s discussions revolved around issues such as welfare, affecting both the young and older community members.  On occasion, some of the “at risk” younger and older individuals met with the Council to “air their views as to the sins of omission and commission of church, state, and schools”.

From 1967 to 1970, the Session, Committee of Stewards, and official Board of Fort Garry United Church seriously contemplated reorganizing the church’s governing bodies into a single board that would be responsible for all duties performed by the three aforementioned groups.

During the year of 1968 there were significant changes for FGUC.  A congregational division of the Canadian Bible Society, led by Mrs. N. Neuman was established within FGUC.  In addition, a Staff Relations Committee was created with Mr. Arthur McLean as Chairman.  As well, in 1968, the University of Winnipeg awarded Rev. Ray with an honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree.  The congregation was thrilled to present him with a Geneva Doctorate gown.

Rev. Ray proclaimed early in 1970 that he would be taking on the role of Associate Secretary to the General Council of the United Church of Canada.  His last service was Sunday, April 26, 1970.  In the meantime, the congregation offered a call to Rev. Donald C. Frame, Trinity United Church in Edmonton.  Rev. Frame accepted the call and started his ministerial responsibilities in early August.  His induction as minister of Fort Garry United Church took place on September 21st, 1970.  Dr. Gordon Harland was interim minister during the time between Rev. Ray’s departure and Rev. Frame’s start date.

At the beginning of 1970, it was determined that the manse on Buxton Road fell below Winnipeg Presbytery standards. This house was sold, and a new manse was purchased at 38 Ruttan Bay.

Late in 1970, the Memorial Fund was proposed and in 1971 it was implemented.  The Fund allowed members and Church friends to donate to the Fund and stipulate the purpose of the donation.   The donor could also leave the use of the donation to the discretion of the Memorial Fund Committee.  A Memorial Fund book lists the donor’s name and person/persons who are commemorated. The book was placed on a lovely stand which is inscribed with: ‘Presented to Fort Garry United Church in Loving Memory of Elinora Marie Ellis by her family’.