During its 65-year history in Cranbrook, the Alliance Church has been home for thousands of people.  On the August long weekend, the church is organizing a gathering of its families representing six decades of fellowship.

The roots of the local church reach back to 1948 when a small group of about 35 people expressed their interest in establishing a Christian and Missionary Church.  Meetings began in the Vance home with Pastor Gordon Blenkhorn and moved to the KP Hall.  Shortly thereafter, a construction site bunkhouse was moved from Kimberley to the corner of 13th Avenue and Baker Street, the present day location of Tangles Hair Salon near Safeway.  It faithfully served the growing congregation for 20 years.

In 1970, the congregation moved into a new building on 2nd Street South which now is home of the Dwelling Place.  Pastors Walter Love, Roy Hubert and Don Kinnie led services at this new site throughout the ‘70s, but by 1980, the need for more space became evident.

The dedication of the present location on Kootenay Street welcomed Rev. Don Kinnie and the congregation in February of 1983.  Since then, the lead pastors have included Jack Schroeder, Don Krause, Tom Nevius and Ralph Rintisch.

The CAC is welcoming back all who presently or have in the past called Cranbrook Alliance their home church. To date, folks are planning to join the celebration from Southeast Asia, Mexico, Arizona and across Western Canada.

The Family Reunion Celebration will begin on Friday evening, August 2, with a simple welcome gathering and dessert fellowship.  Slides, posters and memorabilia will trigger a host of memories for those in attendance.

On Saturday morning, an 8 a.m. pancake breakfast will allow guest to informally meet and mix over syrup slathered hotcakes, eggs and sausage.  In the early afternoon, folks will gather out at Wycliffe Park , site of the annual church gathering, for games, a barbecue and lawn chair sing along session.

Sunday morning will feature the return of Pastor Sean Campbell to bring a message and will highlight the many Cranbrook Alliance people who are serving in missions and church organizations across Canada and around the world.  The service will be followed by a lunch for registrants in the church gymnasium.

Details of the event and a plethora of old photos as well as biographies can be checked out at www.cranbrookalliance.myevent.com or through a link on the Cranbrook Alliance website.  Registration for the 65th Family Reunion is $20 per person or $60 for a family and can be completed on line or through the church office.

Above photo:  In the 1980s, the Alliance Church hosted Drive-in Church in the Tamarack Mall parking lot. It’s one of the many memories of the ministry work that will be celebrated on the August long weekend’s 65th Church Reunion.

Submitted

Article Share