The United Mennonite Church of Black Creek invites the public to the launch of a new book In the Beginning—Stories of our Founders for an evening of speakers, images and history.
In the 1930s, several groups of Mennonite settlers emigrated to Black Creek from Russia, the Ukraine, and other communities in Canada and the U.S. Some of their journeys were perilous as they fled persecution and famine then faced drought and the Great Depression.
They came to Black Creek with little more than family, faith, culture and hope for a better future. Soon after arriving they met for worship in homes, but soon built two simple churches— United Mennonite and Mennonite Brethren.
These early settlers purchased “stump farms,” and gradually turned rocks and slash into productive farms.
The new book contains personal profiles of many of the early families, excerpts from memoirs and church history.
The launch will be on Nov. 10, 7 p.m. at United Mennonite Church, 2277 Enns Rd., just north of Black Creek Store, followed by refreshments and visiting.