Battle Creek Church

(1910-1956)

The Gospel Messenger October 1, 1910 page 629 Vol. 49 No. 40

Maple Creek. – The Brethren here in Canada, were favored with a visit from our elder, Bro. Harp, of Kenmore, N. Dak., who was called here by the Mission Board, to organize this church into a body. About Thirty letters were read, and some more are to be read.  Our church name will be Battle Creek. The church decided unanimously that Eld. George Strycker have charge of this church. Bro. J. McCartney was elected clerk; Bro. S. McCartney, treasurer; Bro. Sumner H. Strycker, Gospel Messenger agent; Sister Louisa Grower, chorister; Maria L. Swihart, church correspondent.  Bro. Harp remained with us only a short time, but he gave us three good talks. He was hurried home on account of sickness. – Maria L. Swihart, Maple Creek, Sask., Can., Sept. 17.

The Missionary Visitor August 1918 page 226-227

Battle Creek Church, Saskatchewan

Eld. George Strycker

  A brief history of the Brethren in southwestern Saskatchewan. Bro. S. E. McCartney, of Cando, N. Dak., was the first member to settle in this locality. He was appointed to accompany a committee sent out to search a country where free homes could be obtained from the government. After many miles of travel by private conveyance the committee discovered a tract of land of many thousand of acres, where the native soil remained, possibly as formed By the Great Creator. Only few people occupied the whole territory, they are known as ranchers, whose business is raising cattle, sheep and horses. The entire country was their pasture field. These strangers were by no means welcome visitors to the dwellers in the land, and many discouraging stories were told them of this country.

  But the committee decided that some one should possess the land. Who should it be? Hundreds of homeless people flocked to the land office. But each one was compelled to wait until his number was called, or appear in his turn. Many lay outside the door all night, so as to be first in the morning.

  Bro. S. E. McCartney, the writer and a few others located our present homes in 1909. The year 1910 was one of varied experiences, as people came from almost every land and country to occupy their new homes. Among the number were found members who were ready to begin work, not only in the soil but also for the Master. The first Sunday-school was held May 1, 1910, in the home of Sister M. L. Brower, with an attendance of thirty-four. Thus the work began. But being forty miles from a railroad, and so far from adjoining elders, our organization was not effected until Aug. 15, 1910, when Eld. James Harp, of Kenmare, N. Dak., came to us. His work was a great Blessing to our new territory. The membership, then we were organized, consisted of thirty members, one minister and three deacons. It was decided to adopt the name, the Battle Creek congregation. The write was chosen elder in charge.

  Already we had learned that even the best of gifts could not be obtained without sacrifice. April 3, 1910, the Lord removed the first one, Sister Strycker, from among us. Thus we found death was already in the land. The church was only in its infancy when the dreaded disease, typhoid fever, laid hold of the companion of the writer, and Sept. 25, 1910, she was called to the spirit world. We con only know the value of true Christian people as they come to our rescuer “when the storms are raging sore.”

  But better and brighter days have come. The sod has been cultivated and from forty to sixty bushels per acre of wheat are produced, and other small grain in proportion. Spiritual conditions also have taken on new life. On account of the distance from a railroad only a few Brethren, ministers, were able to visit us, but at our regular services a number were baptized. In 1916 Eld. D. M. Shorb, of Surrey, N Dak., came to assist us in a series of meetings, and as an immediate result twenty-one were baptized and one reclaimed. One of the number was absent when the enclosed picture was taken.

   In 1917 Eld D. F. Landis, of Minot, N Dak., gave no uncertain sound in a two weeks’ effort among us. While there were no additions at that time we were built up with the much-needed doctrine of a consecrated life. Our anxious minds and hearts truly rejoiced on the day of Aug. 19, of that your, for our new house of worship was then opened for dedication. Eld. Landis delivered the very appropriate message for the occasion, assisted by the writer.

  Thus, with our new building in the little town of Vidora, a new railroad through the town, and our membership quite well located, we look at our field of worship, and truly “the harvest is great but he laborers are few.”

  We have baptized twenty-six. Death has called four of our number. We are represented by twenty-three families of members, one elder, one minister and six deacons. Our total membership now is seventy-five. Ours is an evergreen Sunday-school, which proves to be much more than self-supporting, so we have set aside the first Sunday of each month for missions, beginning with March, 1917. The close of the year found $225.62 given for the advancement of the Master’s kingdom.

  Now with eight years of experience we feel the work is only begun. Let us take a view of our territory. The province of Saskatchewan is 750 miles long, 400 miles wide at the south end, and 250 miles at the north end. With the exception of few members scattered through the eastern part of the province, the territory unoccupied by the Brethren would possibly reach as far east as the Atlantic, and as far north as man is found. But to the west about twenty miles we are glad to say we join fellowship with the Pleasant Valley congregation, Alberta, and eighteen miles south we reach the Montana line and join with the Milk River Valley congregation, U. S. A.

  With only two ministers and such a Vast, unoccupied, unmeasured field, ripe unto the harvest, we come with the Macedonian call, and “Where are the reapers, who will come?” with so many opportunities who will answer the urgent call?

  Vidora, Sask.