In Feb. 1958 Rev.Bill Dyck and Peter Epp came to Ottawa to survey the known Mennonite families living here, with the intent of establishing a Mennonite Church. The results indicated that there was little interest in establishing a formal presence. Nonetheless, Peter and Helen Wiens who lived in Ottawa since the Second World War, ensured that as Mennonite families arrived in the city they were welcomed into their home. Newcomers arrived in the Nation’s Capital knowing about the hospitality of this husband and wife team, whose openness and friendship was well known in churches as far away as Calgary, Winnipeg, Leamington, Toronto and Niagara-on-the-Lake. The hospitality of Peter and Helen proved to be the most significant factor in the formation of the original Fellowship and contributed greatly to the eventual establishment of the Ottawa Mennonite Church.

During the spring and summer of 1959 several young couples arrived to take up employment in Ottawa, either with the federal Government or in private business enterprises. These couples got to know each other through the Peter Wienses, and also began to meet with each other socially as they became established. Each family found living accommodation: some rented, a few purchased and one family had a house built. With living requirements met and networks established, the newcomers soon began to feel at home. However, a feeling persisted: that something missing, we needed a church community.

In the fall of 1959 Hilde and I purchased a home on Bangor Avenue, we hosted a house- warming and dedication service. Guests included Helmut Dyck (United Church Pastor), Peter and Helen Wiens, Rudy and Rita Penner, Neal and Shirley Dyck, Willy and Ilona Dyck, Abe Hildebrandt and a member of the Missions Committee, Rev.H.H.Epp. After the service, Rev. Epp chaired a meeting where it was decided to organize. This gathering of like-mined believers marked the beginning of the "Ottawa Mennonite Fellowship". An executive committee was elected, with Eldon Krause as Chairperson, Neal Dyck as Vice chairperson and Abe Hildebrandt as Secretary- Treasurer. A consensus emerged that we would meet every two weeks at various members’ homes. The meetings were to be held in late afternoon since the members, at that time, attended a number of churches, had young families, and this was the only time when everyone could be together.

This arrangement continued for some time, but eventually it was felt that the gatherings should be on a more formal basis - but where? The Krause home had an unfinished basement. After painting the walls, Hilde and Eldon volunteered their basement as a venue for regular Sunday morning services. Planks placed on blocks became the first Pews. It was during that transition time that the Ontario Mennonite Conference sent ministers from the Niagara and Leamington area to serve the fledgling congregation. At first the ministers came once a month and later twice a month. Because the train bringing the ministers to Ottawa typically arrived shortly before the time service was scheduled to begin, there were some tense moments.

On occasion the service had to begin late. Sometimes the minister would be someone no one in the congregation knew beforehand. Something that was not generally known was that Eldon had a book of Sermons from which he was prepared to read in the event the minister did not arrive at all. The children Sunday school was held in the Krause kitchen with Rudy Penner the teacher.

Since the congregation was officially organized, it was felt a constitution or at the very least a set of by laws needed to be developed. The process created lively discussion; even words such as "shall" or "will "received a detailed analysis as did many other aspects of the document which was completed many years later. In the meantime, we continued to grow as a church. In 1960, with the help of the Ontario Conference and the encouragement of Rev. Wichert and Rev.H.P.Epp the property at 1830 Kilborn Avenue was purchased. Undertaking the purchase of property for a church was a step of faith because by this time several of the members carried mortgages on their own homes and salaries were not high.

By the time of the purchase, the Krause basement was too small to accommodate the growing congregation, resulting in the decision to rent a school auditorium for our services and rooms for the Sunday school. During this time we were growing in membership and receiving encouragement from the other Mennonite churches in Ontario in the form of minister and singing group visits. There was a small unfinished house on the 1830 Kilborn property, where our future church home was to be built. Plans and funds were not in place to start construction of the church the decision was made to finish the house that was on the property. Finishing of this house was an opportunity to work together so that Willy and Ilona, who were looking for a place to rent, could rent this house and move in. This was a good experience. In 1961 Bill Dick came to Ottawa to study and became the half time Pastor and the following year we became a Congregation with 22 Charter members. We continued to meet in the school but started planning our Church building. In 1963 a contract was signed with an architect and a general contractor so that construction could begin. It was understood that members would perform any work that could be done by them, resulting in lowered construction costs. There were a few setbacks, such as installing an additional beam after the basement was partially completed, but we supported one another and continued. On May 22^nd,1966 the building was dedicated. By 1984 there were 92 members and in 2001 the membership had grown to 181. Since the construction of the first building it has been enlarged several times.

The early years of the Ottawa Mennonite Church were exciting and rewarding. We fondly remember the Sunday afternoon Picnics at Vincent Massey or Rockcliff Parks, the finishing of the house, the winter curling, building of a tennis court and eventual constructing of the church. Each of these activities helped bond this small group of believers and strengthen our Faith. Friendships formed then continue as strong as ever to this day.

Faith in God and friendships are underpinned by patience, and endure forever. A comment made by Peter Wiens, embodies this belief. On one occasion at the Ottawa Mennonite Church, Peter the steadfast mover behind the idea of a church declared: "Helen and I waited 30 years for this."

Note: Helen and Peter Wiens passed away in 1979 and 1986 respectively.