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OAKNER CHURCH HISTORY The year 1880 marked the arrival of the first known settlers in the area later known as the Oakner District. "When settlers came into a new area their first concern was to get a roof over their heads - their second was to plan for church services, and the few missionary ministers were just as anxious to serve as the people were to have them serve." First church services were held outdoors, later, in various log homes in the district until the "Old Hall" was built at the north side of township 13. With the building of Eden School, the congregation at Eden became a separate entity on January lst, 1892 and continued to meet in Eden School until 1909. The first congregational meeting was held on January 3rd, 1895 and was chaired by Rev. C. Moore. At that meeting Mr. Riddell (presumably Mr. John Riddell Senior) "read a report of the finance during the time that had elapsed since this became a separate congregation." A motion was duly moved, seconded and carried that John Riddell, John Allan and David Whyte should serve terms of three years, two years and one year respectively as managers. The building of a new church was discussed at a special "meeting of the members and adherents of the Eden Congregation" in August 1902. A site was agreed upon - 1/2 mile east and one mile north of the present site. The land was owned by D. Whyte. A building committee was appointed. At the annual meeting January 27th, 1903 the building committee was requested "to find out the possible cost of building." Money was in short supply and there was some difficulty raising the funds necessary to pay Eden's share of expenses. In February 1907 a decision was made to use envelopes in an effort to improve regular giving. Five ministers serve this "station" between 1900 and 1907. When Oakner townsite was established, a committee of the church was appointed in 1907 "to look over the townsite and choose a suitable site for a church" --- " to get plans and possible cost of a suitable building" and "if plans are suitable the committee is empowered to solicit subscriptions." In November of the same year the committee reported that $2,600.00 had been collected. During 1908, negotiations for suitable lots were continued with the Grand Trunk Pacific Development Company. The transfer of the lots (nos. I and 2) was not completed until the 25th day of March 1914 although the church was built several years before that date. The contract to construct a Presbyterian Church in the Village of Oakner is dated March 9th, 1909. It is interesting to note that the contractor, George S. Anderson was also the architect, and that work had to be completed "to the specifications and satisfaction of the architect." The amount of the contract was $2,516.00 with a five dollar penalty for each day after October lst, 1909 that the building was incomplete. The signators (trustees) for the church were: John R. Rankin, Thomas Riddell, George Y. Rankin, David Whyte and John Allan. A picnic was held July 1st, 1909, the day the corner stone was laid. Mr. Moore performed the ceremony. Supper was served, 35 cents for adults, 20 cents for children. Construction must have gone forward in good style as the church was opened officially on October 31st, 1909. No debt remained when the church was opened. The church shed, built with funds remaining plus new subscriptions, served to stable the horses of those who came to functions at church, school or rink, for many years. From the first minutes written in 1895, proper procedures were followed. Meetings were opened with prayer; motions were made, seconded and voted; minutes recorded; audited financial statements were presented; committees appointed in a proper manner and meetings were closed with the benediction. The old brown "Exercise and Dictation Book", used as a minute book from 1895 to 1922, and the source of most quotations in this brief history has deteriorated to some extent but the writing, all in ink, is clear and legible. From a small number of members in 1895, membership increases are recorded from time to time as the church family increased, with the functions expanding to meet the needs of the community. Sunday School, C.G.I.T., Trail Rangers, Young Peoples groups, W.M.S. and U.C.W. all filled a need. On the occasion of the celebration of the 50th Anniversary November lst, 1959, the program contained these words: "They builded better than they knew." This would seem to be a fitting tribute to those dedicated pioneers, ministers and church members who, over the last 90 years have provided a place of worship, and men and women to conduct and assist in that worship in the Oakner Community. At the 75th Anniversary held October 21st 1984, Rev. Herb Lynas was our minister and Les Jameson assisted. Rev. Ralph Clark was guest speaker. Special music was provided by the Sunday School, Mr. & Mrs. Henry Goertzen, Miss Ann White, Mrs. Walter Riddell and Mrs. Lloyd Anderson. **From'The Beginnings'compiled by Mrs. H.D.Brown The Oakner United Church just celebrated its 90th Anniversary on October 17, 1999. The guest speaker was Rev. Ralph Clark. The organist was Marilyn Anderson. Special music was provided by Justin & Meredith Knight, Erin Anderson, Airdrie Knight. A trumpet and saxophone duet with Gilbert Forrest and Walter Riddell accompanied by Heather Forrest closed the service. The minister at the present time is Rev. Larry Todd [ca 1999] Source: Insert Oakner United Church 90th Anniversary Program, October 17, 1999 - copy with Elaine Taylor, Olympia, WA |
