Waters Mennonite Church

Waters Mennonite Church is a Canadian nonprofit religious organization located in Lively, Ontario. It is part of the broader Mennonite community in Canada, known for its commitment to peace, community service, and religious fellowship.

History

The church has its origins in a vision Thomas Martin had in the early 1940s, which led him to Northern Ontario for mission work. Martin, along with his family, moved to Markstay, Ontario in 1945 and began holding Sunday schools and other religious activities in the area around Sudbury starting in 1946[1]. In 1948, the Martins, along with Mahlon and Norma Bast, relocated to Waters Township (now part of the Sudbury Regional Municipality), where they started Sunday services and other community programs in a local public school[1][4].

By 1952, a building fund was established, and the church officially adopted its name. However, due to losing access to the public school building in 1955, the congregation began constructing its own facilities, first occupying the basement in 1955 and completing the entire building by 1963[1][4].

Affiliation and Leadership

Initially affiliated with the Mennonite Conference of Ontario, the church shifted its affiliation to the United Mennonite conference in 1956. This change was motivated by discomfort with certain conventions of the Mennonite Conference, such as the requirement for baptized women to wear a prayer veil. The congregation also developed a strong relationship with the Stirling Avenue Mennonite Church in Kitchener, leading to pastoral leadership from a "Russian Mennonite" background[1].

The church has been affiliated with several Mennonite conferences over the years, including the Conference of United Mennonite Churches of Ontario and the Conference of Mennonites in Canada (now Mennonite Church Canada)[4].

Community and Membership

Waters Mennonite Church functions as a community gathering place, offering spiritual support and guidance. The church's membership has varied over the years, with notable numbers being 33 members in 1965, 57 in 1975, and maintaining around 53 members in both 1985 and 1995[4]. The church conducts its worship services in English.

Role in the Community

As a part of the Mennonite tradition, Waters Mennonite Church emphasizes values of peace, simplicity, and community service. It serves as a focal point for religious and social activities in the Lively area, contributing to the local community through its services and outreach programs.