Central Heights Church
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Central Heights Church originated from the South Abbotsford Mennonite Brethren Church's growing congregation, leading to the establishment of a new church in 1950. Henry H. Nikkel played a significant role in its founding. The church underwent expansions over the years, including the construction of additional sanctuaries, education buildings, and a new sanctuary in 1985. Central Heights Church actively supported the establishment of other Mennonite Brethren congregations in the Abbotsford area. Central Heights Church transitioned to conducting services exclusively in English by 1959. As of 2015, the congregation had around 805 members and an average weekly attendance of 698.
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Central Heights Church emerged as a result of the South Abbotsford Mennonite Brethren Church's growing congregation, leading the members to establish a new church known initially as the Abbotsford Mennonite Brethren Church. Later renamed Central Heights Mennonite Brethren Church in 1966 and eventually Central Heights Church in 1991, the new congregation was organized in January 1950 when 197 members transferred from South Abbotsford. The pivotal figure in this founding process was Henry H. Nikkel.
The church acquired land from Henry Hooge, and construction of the sanctuary commenced in the summer of 1949. Through the collaborative efforts of dedicated volunteers, the basement was completed by January 1, 1950, providing a space for the congregation to gather. Subsequently, on April 6, 1951, the upper sanctuary was finalized.
Over the years, Central Heights Church underwent various expansions to accommodate its growing membership. In March 1966, the construction of a second sanctuary, now referred to as Nikkel Hall, was completed, and the congregation adopted the name Central Heights Mennonite Brethren Church. The original 1950 sanctuary underwent renovations in 1967, transforming it into a Christian education building. Additional improvements included the construction of an overflow area and gymnasium in 1974, followed by a two-story education wing in 1979. Finally, in 1985, a new sanctuary with a capacity of 1,578 was erected.
Central Heights Church actively participated in the establishment of other Mennonite Brethren congregations in the Abbotsford area. Notably, Northview Community Church, founded in 1980, drew several founding members from Central Heights. The congregation experienced a division in 1991, resulting in the formation of Mountain Park Community Church led by Pastor Herb Neufeld. Central Heights families also played a role in supporting the launch of Northside Community Church in Mission in 1999. Moreover, the Central Heights Korean Ministry commenced services at Central Heights in June 2000.
In April 2008, a significant incident occurred when the sanctuary's floor collapsed during a concert. As repairs were undertaken over the following two years, the congregation temporarily gathered in Nikkel Hall, conducting three weekly services. Ultimately, on June 27, 2010, the church celebrated its return to the fully restored main sanctuary with a special thanksgiving service.
Central Heights Church holds the distinction of being the first Mennonite Brethren church in the Fraser Valley to conduct services exclusively in English. Initially, services were bilingual, with English being used for evening gatherings. However, by 1959, the transition to English-only services was completed.
In 2010, Central Heights Church boasted a membership of 1,023 and an average weekly attendance of 843. By 2015, the congregation's numbers had decreased slightly to 805 members, with an average weekly attendance of 698.
The church acquired land from Henry Hooge, and construction of the sanctuary commenced in the summer of 1949. Through the collaborative efforts of dedicated volunteers, the basement was completed by January 1, 1950, providing a space for the congregation to gather. Subsequently, on April 6, 1951, the upper sanctuary was finalized.
Over the years, Central Heights Church underwent various expansions to accommodate its growing membership. In March 1966, the construction of a second sanctuary, now referred to as Nikkel Hall, was completed, and the congregation adopted the name Central Heights Mennonite Brethren Church. The original 1950 sanctuary underwent renovations in 1967, transforming it into a Christian education building. Additional improvements included the construction of an overflow area and gymnasium in 1974, followed by a two-story education wing in 1979. Finally, in 1985, a new sanctuary with a capacity of 1,578 was erected.
Central Heights Church actively participated in the establishment of other Mennonite Brethren congregations in the Abbotsford area. Notably, Northview Community Church, founded in 1980, drew several founding members from Central Heights. The congregation experienced a division in 1991, resulting in the formation of Mountain Park Community Church led by Pastor Herb Neufeld. Central Heights families also played a role in supporting the launch of Northside Community Church in Mission in 1999. Moreover, the Central Heights Korean Ministry commenced services at Central Heights in June 2000.
In April 2008, a significant incident occurred when the sanctuary's floor collapsed during a concert. As repairs were undertaken over the following two years, the congregation temporarily gathered in Nikkel Hall, conducting three weekly services. Ultimately, on June 27, 2010, the church celebrated its return to the fully restored main sanctuary with a special thanksgiving service.
Central Heights Church holds the distinction of being the first Mennonite Brethren church in the Fraser Valley to conduct services exclusively in English. Initially, services were bilingual, with English being used for evening gatherings. However, by 1959, the transition to English-only services was completed.
In 2010, Central Heights Church boasted a membership of 1,023 and an average weekly attendance of 843. By 2015, the congregation's numbers had decreased slightly to 805 members, with an average weekly attendance of 698.