1946 – 2026 Watching Steinbach Grow: STEINBACH CHURCHES: A CENTENNIAL SERIES – Mennonite Brethren Church

APRIL 2, 1974—The Mennonite Brethren Church was organized in Russia in 1860. The life of the Steinbach congregation goes back to about the year 1923, after a new wave of immigration from Russia had taken place after the First World War.

Mennonite Brethren, when they first came to Steinbach, worshipped with the Evangelical Mennonite Brethren. But it was only a matter of time until they organized their own church.

The organizational meeting on Jan. 3, 1927 was attended by 38 brethren and seven sisters. The first leader was Mr. Gerhard Unruh. Another of the early noted ministers was Jacob W. Reimer, also remembered as a Bible teacher.

The first Mennonite Brethren church stood on the site where Grace Church now stands. The present church was built in 1947, remodelled in 1957 and an extensive education annex was added in 1970. It is located at the corner of Second Street and Lumber Ave.

Leading ministers through the years included: A. A. Regehr, J. P. Epp, H. A. Regehr, and the present leader, John D. Reimer.