History

“Therefore, my beloved brethren be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Sturgeon Valley Baptist Church, St. Albert, Alberta is a living witness to the concern of Christians living here to minister to the s1piritual needs of their community. McKernan Baptist Church, through its pastor, Don Richter, provided the initial impetus to establish a Baptist and evangelical witness. The initial meeting was called in November, 1975 in the home of Dr. and Mrs. Harvey Albrecht. The same month St. Albert was adopted as a church extension project of the ABA (Alberta Baptist Association), with denominational approval given on February 21, 1976.

Sponsoring Church

In January 1976, McKernan Baptist Church of Edmonton adopted this work and became the “mother” or sponsoring church. The assistant pastor, Len Johnson, was released to lead Bible studies once a week, as well as Sunday services to the end of June. January through March Bible studies were held in various homes.

First Service

The Sunday services began April 4, 1976. Paul Kane High School was secured for these times of worship and instruction. Mr. Larry Hannah provided direction in getting the Sunday School started. The first Sunday 79 people attended!

First Pastor

July 1, 1976 Pastor Irwin Kujat, Louise and family came to serve in St. Albert in response to the call of the local group. Irwin served the church as the senior pastor for the first ten years, resigning July 1, 1986 to purse a doctor of ministries degree.

Steps Forward

An organizational meeting was held on September 15, 1976 when the executive board was elected. That fall a constitution was adopted. At the March 20, 1977 meeting, a membership was established with 28 members.

The charter members of Sturgeon Valley Baptist church were: Harvey & Gail Albrecht, Ann Barber, David & Marlene Emilson, Richard Emilson, Wayne & Bev Gordon, Kris & Janet Graham, Larry & Dawna Hannah, Norm & Vicki Helm, Irwin & Louise Kujat, Russ Kupin, Harry & Rita Mandzie, Ian Mandzie, Leah Masliuk (nee Mandzie), Sig & Berniece Mayerske, Renee Porter, Vic & Judy Thiessen, Gordon & Marion Unger.

The first baptism was held at McKernan on April 3, 1977 when nine adults were baptized – the first anniversary of the church. Since then Sturgeon Valley Baptist Church has been incorporated in the province of Alberta and has been registered with Ottawa as a charitable organization for income tax purposes.

Affiliation

Sturgeon Valley Baptist Church was a church extension project of the Alberta Baptist Association of the North American Baptist Conference. As an extension church, we received financial support from the international office at Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois as well as from the Alberta Baptist Association. The recognition council which met on March 6, 1978 recommended that we be admitted to full membership in the ABA. This became official at the ABA annual meeting held in Medicine Hat, April 6–9, 1978. We were encouraged by prayer and the financial support of our sister churches.

Building

We purchased 1.94 acres in Woodlands in June, 1980 and began to dream in January, 1982 as to the kind of building we needed for our ministry. Construction was to begin in May. Then came delays. With interest rates over 20%, we decided to delay construction to 1983. We then went to the North American Baptist Conference Church Extension Investor’s Fund and presented our needs to sister churches. We got our loan. The financial commitment of this congregation made a start possible.

Construction of Phase I began May, 1983. We were in the building by December 4, 1983. The dedication service took place on February 12, 1984 with guest speaker Rev. Don Richter. It was an emotional and spiritual highlight with 650 persons attending.

At our congregational meeting in June 1998, we committed ourselves, as a congregation, to plan for phase two of our building program.

Administration

The administration of Sturgeon Valley Baptist Church is vested in its members. The officers and board members are elected by the membership and are responsible go the membership for their tasks. Their duties are outlined in the constitution.

Finances

All finances at Sturgeon Valley Baptist Church are accurately accounted for. The membership adopts an annual budget to cover local costs and mission outreach. Offering envelopes are made available for regular contributions. Members are encouraged to tithe.

Senior Pastor

On February 1, 1987, Pastor Gordon Denison and his wife Betty began their ministry at Sturgeon Valley Baptist Church. In June, 1991, the Denisons left our fellowship to minister at Temple Baptist in Leduc.

During the latter part of 1991, we were blessed with the service of Pastor Larry Warkentin as a interim Pastor and his wife Barb and their two sons, David and Paul.

In January, 1992, Lyle Richards and his wife Joan began their ministry at S.V.B.C. Pastor Lyle is our third senior pastor in the church’s history. Pastor Lyle resigned December 2000.
Interm Pastor Harald Froise started March 2001. – Finished August 2002.
Pastor James Mooberry accepted position as of May, 2002 Started Sept 1, 2002 resigned June 2003.
Intentional Interm Pastor Shafer Parker accepted position as of October 2003 to January 2006
Pastor Tom Anderst accepted position as of January 2006

Associate Pastor

In the fall of 1979, we extended a call to Cliff Pedersen, Gloria and family. In January, 1980 Pastor Pedersen served successfully as the Minister of Church Growth in outreach, visitation, and Bible studies. They felt called to Prince George, B.C. where Cliff serves as a senior pastor and left June 30, 1985.

In 2008, Pastor Serge Poirier came to serve at Sturgeon Valley in the role of Associate Pastor of Equipping and Ministry Support.

Youth Pastor

On September 1, 1985 Pastor Wayne Dickau and his wife Sandra came to serve at Sturgeon Valley Baptist Church. During his five years with us, Wayne served as Youth/Associate. In June, 1990, Wayne, Sandra and their new son, Joel, accepted a call to Brentview Baptist Church in Calgary.

In July, 1991, our new Director of Youth, David Groff and his wife, Patti, and family (Jon, Ron, and Valerie) arrived from Beamsville, Ontario to work with the youth of our fellowship.

November 1995 to July 1996 – Brian Kirsch
August 1996 to May 1997 – Kevin Estabrooks
December 1997 to Sepember 2003 – Pastor Brian Siewert
November 2003 to June 2005 Youth Ministry Intern – Scott Kobewka
Started July 2005 Youth Ministry Intern – Justin Morris
March 2007 Youth Pastor – Justin Morris

Christian Education Director

Miss Connie Kaiser accepted a call to our fellowship in 1989, to work in the capacity of the Director of Christian Education. This part -time position soon became full-time as Connie developed and coordinated the many programs that make up this part of our church.

Secretary

By 1987, our church felt it was necessary to employ a secretary. Mrs. Sharon Jepson, who had worked in this position as a volunteer and on a short-term contract, was hired on staff to fulfill this essential and demanding ministry.

Karen Napier started September 2000.

In 2007 we had grown enough to require a receptionist so Liz Wiebe joined us and Karen moved into the position of Administrative Assistant. Liz and her family moved to Ontario in July of 2009.

Paulette Neill joined us in September of 2009 as Receptionist.

• We Believe
  • Confession of Faith
  • Church Covenant
  • Statement of Beliefs
  • A Profile
• History