Riverton Gospel Chapel Inc. is a registered Canadian nonprofit organization (Business No. 119120962RR0001) operating as a Christian congregation in Riverton, Manitoba. Affiliated with the Evangelical Mennonite Conference (EMC), it began in 1954 as an outreach initiative of Mennville Evangelical Mennonite Church (originally Washow Bay), initially conducting Vacation Bible School programs[5].

History

The chapel established year-round Sunday School programs by 1960 and began bi-weekly evening services. A small building was relocated to Riverton, with a larger structure dedicated in July 1961. Under Aaron D. Friesen's leadership, enrollment reached 70 students across six Sunday School classes[5].

In 1966, oversight transferred to the EMC Board of Missions, with Alfred Friesen serving as interim pastor before Edwin and Violet Wright assumed pastoral duties. Expansions included a basement addition (1967) and a new single-story building completed in December 2001[5]. Membership grew to 34 by 1980, with 50–60 weekly attendees, rising to 55 members and 75 average worship attendance by 2012[5].

Activities

The organization emphasizes communal worship, biblical teaching, and outreach. Services incorporate traditional and contemporary music, shared faith testimonies, and children's Sunday School[1][2]. Its mission prioritizes spiritual growth, obedience to scripture, and community engagement through "life-changing messages of hope"[2].

Governance

As an EMC-affiliated entity, Riverton Gospel Chapel Inc. operates under the Evangelical Mennonite Conference's doctrinal and organizational framework[5]. Registered as a charity with the Canada Revenue Agency, it complies with federal nonprofit regulations[2][4].