SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS
1968

 

Sunday School Superintendents
in Methodist and United Church

1837 — Mr. Thomas Johnston (Records prior to this lost in fire)

1889 4 Mn; W. T. Mnsgrove (a Boissevain teacher, and brother of C. C.
Musgroves) , . '

1890 — G. C. Currie

1891 — A. CIMcEwen (owner of store where Chapman’s Garage was)

1892 — W. C. Cottingham (owner of harness shop)

1893 —W. T. Musgrove

1898 — Thomas Johnston (owner of part of townsite of Boissevain)

1901 — Robert King (Mrs. C. C. Musgrove finishing term when
Superintendent resigned)

1902 — W. C. Cottingham

1904 — Thomas Johnston

1907 —— G. C. Currie

1908 — T. H. Hughes

1915 —- C. C. Musgrove

1919 — 0. Hibbert

1922 —— G. A. Culbert

1934 —-» J. A. Baskerville

1950 - 1953 — John McDonald

1964 - 1966 — Don Bold

1967 - — Henry Janzen

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Reports of Early Sunday Schools

FAI RBURN

The very earliest Sunday School of which We have knowledge,
being held in the area around Boissevain, was in 1881, and was in
the home of Mr. Sam Oke, of the Fairburn district. Our report deals
with Sunday School held in the Fairburn School, and began the first
Sunday in January, 1936. It was organized to fill the needs of boys
and g‘rls growing up in the area, but cut off from town churches by
poor roads, and long cold winters. ,

It was, by choice, an inter-denominational Sunday School organized
under the auspices of the Canadian Sunday School Mission, in the
hope that members of any Christian denomination would feel free
to attend, and join in the work. It was most fortunate that the
Pettypiece family, Miss Bernice, Miss Rhoda, and Mr. Whitney, were
willing to act as leaders — with Miss Bernice as superintendent. This
dedicated family with its high spiritual value, and deep concern for
children and their welfare, was an inspiration to all.

The aim of this Sunday School was simple — to teach the love of
God and H's Son Jesus Christ, who died for our sins — to believe in
Him, and to study His word. The services were never dull, but were
made bright and happy with stories and lively songs where the children
took part. This was enjoyed by both young and old. A wide interest
in Missions was fostered, by welcoming visitors from Mission fields in
many parts of the world. The children adopted a little missionary
of their own, the daughter of a missionary in Nigeria, and contributed
to her support for a number of years.

Over the years, an active Young People's group was also formed
where Bible study, songs, games, and handicrafts were enjOyed. Young
people from other districts joined in this venture, and at one time,
they had a very good choir.

This Sunday School was unique in many ways. The hope expressed
in it being interdenominational was realized. Friends from the Presby-
terian, Anglican and Baptist churches, from the Mennonite Brethren,
and from our own United Church, joined in the work there at various
times, mak'ng a great contribution to the Sunday School, and through
it, to the community as a whole.

Another unique feature; this Sunday School, which was first opened
that wintry January day, 1936, continued to function without inter-
rupt'on, until Fairburn School was permanently closed in the summer
of 1967. In their places an the last Sunday, as on the first, were the
well-loved superintendent Miss Bernice Pettypiece, and her equally
indispensable co-workers, Miss Rhoda Pettypiece and Mr. Whitney
Pettypiece. Thirty-one years of devoted service! Surely God’s blessing
i sted on this little country Sunday School.

BURNSIDE

In the year 1882, Burnside Sunday School was organized by the
first settlers of the district. Sunday School was held in the home of
Mr. and Mrs. John Linklater on the farm now owned by Mr. Jim
Harper, (a grandson). It continued to be held there until the church

_31_.