Plaque, cairn unveiling honours early church leader

by Elmer Heinrichs

Descendants of the earliest Mennonite settlers in the Reinland, Rosengart, Schoenwiese and other nearby villages were among those taking part in twinned historic events at Reinland and Rosengart Sat., 22 July 2000.

The program began in the community centre at Reinland, the first Mennonite church in Western Canada, commemorating the life of Ältester Johan Wiebe, founder of the Reinländer Mennonite Church (later known as the Old Colony Church). Wiebe served here from 1875-1905. Wiebe was elected Ältester in Fürstenland Colony, New Russia, aged 33 years. He decided to emigrate arriving at Fort Dufferin in 1875. That year he called a brotherhood meeting and as a result a new church was founded. In September 1876 the new meeting house at Reinland was dedicated as the new Reinländer Church. Great-grandson Cornelius E. and Mary Wiebe, of LaCrete, Alta., unveiled a plaque recognizing Wiebe and his work in the church at the community centre, the first Mennonite church built in the area.

Part two of the ceremonies took place at Rosengart five kilometres to the south near the International Boundary. Welcomed by John Martens, Rev. Zacharias spoke briefly near the graves of Johann Wiebe and his wife Judith Wall (1836-1910) and members of the church that he served.

With a congregational song "The Lord is King" (So Lange Jesus...), great-great-grandson Jake and Mary Wiebe of Swift Current Sask. unveiled a cairn at the cemetery at the edge of the village.

A Faspa back at the community centre rounded out the afternoon. Speaking a few words here was family member Elaine Wiebe; after an open mike, long-time educator, Rev. Gerhard Ens made the closing remarks.