REGINA, SK—Fifteen community celebrations marked Saskatchewan’s 100th birthday, honouring the history of Christianity in Saskatchewan and bringing attention to the vital, often pivotal role churches played in the settlement of many of the province’s communities.

The story of the Christian church in Saskatchewan is filled with strength and passion, says Harold Lutzer, director of development for Canadian Revival Fellowship (CRF), which spearheaded the events. “In many cases, the first building in a new pioneer settlement was a church.

“In Regina, the first building was not a church, but hard on the heels of founding the community, a gospel tent was pitched,” Lutzer continues. “A Methodist evangelist named W. J. Hewitt preached the first sermon. The response of the people was so enthusiastic that within 10 days, a permanent Methodist church was established.”

This is just one of the stories of Christian faith and vision that CRF highlighted during the “Hope for the Nation” community celebrations that toured the province from June 27 to July 11, although there are many more.

A group of Temperance Colonists from Ontario, led by another Methodist minister, John Lake, founded Saskatoon.

Lake held his first service on bank of South Saskatchewan River on the site claimed for the brand new settlement.

Manitoba Presbyterians sent missionary James Nisbet to minister to the Native population in Saskatchewan. Nisbet founded a base of operations that became Prince Albert.

“During one of the darkest points in the province’s history, the 1885 Saskatchewan Rebellion, the church stood firm in its commitment to aid the less fortunate,” Lutzer goes on. “In fact, Bishop Grandin travelled to Ottawa in 1882 and again in 1883 on behalf of the Métis to present their plight to government officials.”

Each community celebration featured music by internationally acclaimed country artist Brenda Geneau, who sang her own composition, “Igniting Canada’s Flame.” Speaking at each event was John McGregor, a former Irish terrorist who is now the director of CRF and travels the country seeking to “rekindle God’s love.”

The events also had a strong First Nations component. Master of ceremonies Nick Nick Stonechild, who is Native, shared some of his story that involved being shuffled through 25 different foster homes during his childhood.

Meanwhile, Bert and Liz Genaille, popular gospel artists on the Native television program “Tribal Trails” also shared their message of hope and healing. “Liz tells how God changed her life when He sent two missionaries to her home one day,” says Lutzer.

The First Nations emphasis fulfilled some important goals for the celebration events, he says.

“First, we have a large number of First Nations people working with us at Canadian Revival Fellowship, so we want to raise visibility for First Nations ministry,” says Lutzer.

“The second reason is because Christian missionaries had a powerful influence on First Nations people in the early days of the province. There was a great deal of interaction between them. The missionaries often helped mediate disputes between warring Native tribes, and many times, the North West Mounted Police used Christian missionaries as principals in treaty negotiations.”

Lutzer says the overall response to the celebration events was very positive.

“Our main purpose was to draw attention to the spiritual passion that existed in the province in the early days,” he says. “That passion is missing today. Peoples’ commitment to Christ and to the church is very different now. We want people to pray for spiritual awakening.

“One hundred years ago this year, the Welsh Revival took place as result of people praying and believing God’s spirit for revival and renewal. Seventy thousand people were converted in Wales in a few weeks. The social fabric of the country was transformed. We want to see that in Saskatchewan.”

For more information on Canadian Revival Fellowship,
visit www.revivalfellow ship.com.