Nipawin United Church

Address: 234 Centre Street; Nipawin, SK S0E 1E0

Telephone: 306-862-4108 or 306-862-3770 (fax number)

History

Soon after the turn of the century, the original settlers arrived in what is now known as the Nipawin area. Shortly after their coming, some felt the need of worship service.

The nucleus of the present United Church congregation resulted from the efforts of pioneers whose family names included Cunningham, Evans, Grandfield, Matthews, Mitchell, Nichols, Peifer, Smith, Turnbull, Dobson, and Fitzgerald. The last two families mentioned, along with others, helped found a sister church in Codette.

In 1911, Percy Menzies came from Ottawa as a student missionary and took upon himself the task of bringing the gospel message to this large area. Services were held in several of the homes, and later in the old rural Nipawin School. There followed a succession of summer students and ministers. In 1915 Ravine Bank Church was built, providing an inter-denominational church centre. 

Those who served were Messrs. Doherty, McGregor, McPherson, Irwin, Dickenson, Milne, the Reverend Geich, The Reverend Bailey, and the Reverend Thompson. These men were sent out by the Methodist and Presbyterian Churches of that day. Special mention is due to David Milne, who homesteaded in the Welland district and gave freely of his services to the church.

Services were held in the church until the advent of the railroad and a new town in December 1924. The little church was eventually sold to the Petaigan United Church congregation. With some renovations, that church still serves as a place of worship.

In January 1925, the Reverend Thompson moved from the old town to the present site. Services were held in the Reisenberg Theatre. In July, the Reverend E.R. May came as the first minister after church union was consummated in June 1925. A building committee of C.H. Peifer, W.C. Shearer, J. McFetridge, Mesdames Waldorf, Hays and T. Evans was formed, and with meagre funds but much enthusiam, the first United Church was started. In December 1926 the dedication service was held. 

In 1938 the church was renovated. A tower was built and a basement added, giving more room for the many activities of the growing congregation. In 1940 a stained glass window was placed in memory of a faithful member, Nurse Luella E. Denton. In 1949 a Hammond organ was installed, adding much to the service of worship and praise. 

As time passed, more space was needed, especially to accommodate the Sunday School. Early in 1954 it was decided to set up a building fund for the erection of a new church. The following board members form the first building committee: Messrs. Wm Botting, P.S. Hornseth, W.C. Shearer, L. Crockett, G. Partridge, H. Anders, N. Stacey, L. Jackson, and J. McDermott. Later Mesdames E. Eastman, N. Wagner, A. McDaniel, H. DeLance, and F. McDermott were added to the committee, representing other departments of the church. On June 3, 1959 the new church was dedicated. 

The old church was donated to the Armley United Church congregation and is still in use today. 

A Christian Education wing was added to accommodate the Sunday School. The addition and other renovations, completed in 1984, constitute the present structure. 

Throughout the years, many people have devoted their time and talent to the ministry of music in the church. However, there are several people who should be recognized for their dedication and length of service: the late Mrs. Cora Shearer, who directed the senior choir for over thirty years, and Mrs. Edith Potts, who was the church organist for over forty years. 

Countless persons have been a part of the history of the Nipawin United Church, some through baptism, marriage, and burial; others through leadership roles, faithful attendance, and hours of devoted service. The church has offered spiritual growth to its followers through participation in the Cradle Roll, Sunday School, Midweek groups (Messengers, Explorers, Tyros, C.G.I.T), Hi-C for the young people, Junior and Senior Choirs, the A.O.T.S. Club for men (As One That Serves), the Ladies' Aid and Women's Missionary Society which has now combined to form the U.C.W. (United Church Women's Organization). Several members of the congregation have walked through the doorway of the church and gone on to further church work - such people as Val Anderson and Barry Roberts who became ordained ministers and Dr. and Mrs. Doug Phillips who served as lay missionaries in Africa.

[ref: Bridging the Years; Nipawin Historic Society, 1988; pp. 140-142]