By Andrea Dujardin-Flexhaug

THERE were happy memories and poignant moments during the 50th anniversary celebration of Osoyoos Baptist Church (OBC) on the Labour Day weekend. In addition to historical displays, there were speakers, a barbecue, an evening concert, a worship service and a formal dinner.

One set of memories came from long-time member Walter Siewert. “This church represents the foundation of my life,” he said during the exuberant Sunday morning service.

Born in Oliver, Siewert grew up in the Osoyoos area, attending church with his family when he was just a baby in his mother Johanna's arms. Fifty years later, Siewert happily stated: “It's a wonderful feeling. The church is growing and growing, and just doing things for the community here; and I really appreciate pastor Phil [Johnson].”

Osoyoos Baptist had small beginnings, operating as a mission station in 1935 in a small building just off Main Street. Grace Baptist Church in Kelowna provided pastoral leadership until 1960, when the Osoyoos church became self-governing.  

Cecile (Kempf) Payne remembered those early days, while looking at black and white photos set up on a board by longtime OBC member Doreen Elenko. Payne pointed to a photo of the first church where her mother taught Sunday school and played the pedal organ.

“I guess I was seven,” she said. She recalled sitting on the wooden benches every Sunday along with a small group of other worshippers, trying to stay warm by the potbellied stove. The only source of heat, it was lit early every Sunday before services, many times by her great uncle and founding member John Dietz. “There was no heating, no insulation I think. . . . It was so cold,” she recalled.

The church's most joyful season also provided fond memories.”When we would have our Christmas program with the Sunday school, there was always a huge Christmas tree, a real Christmas tree, brought in. And they would do it the German style – they would have actual candles sitting on little metal plates.”

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Several  former pastors of OBC attended the celebration, including John Wollenberg (1981-1986) and Paul Mohninger (1987-1998). Also present was the  North American Baptist Conference regional minister for B.C., Bob Krahn, who presented OBC pastor Phil Johnson with a certificate in recognition of the church's 50 years of faithfulness.

Krahn spoke about the 2009 switch in buildings between OBC and the Osoyoos Elks. The new highway location gave the church more visibility and more room for its various needs, but the new building also required a great deal of renovation.

“When I first came here, when you made the trek over to this building, I saw it when it had about 2,000 freezers in the basement and all those kinds of things. It was just almost kind of a rough shell; and to see what it looks like now . . .  this is amazing,” he remarked.

God, he added, “does the same thing . . . in us, when we come into his kingdom. It's like a little renovation project that he's got to rebuild.”

Payne also noted the upheaval involving the switching of buildings. “I did have great wonderment, but I knew that God was in charge. So I just wanted to say: Continue to be encouraged. It wasn't easy in the beginning, but, with the Lord's help, you have accomplished miracles.”

Payne added: “When I look around now, I just thank the people that have been so faithful and worked so hard.”

Visitors from out of town, cards from well wishers and new members all spoke of OBC with fondness.

Among the visitors was Zachariah Nyarza, one of a family of Sudanese refugees who had been partly sponsored by OBC to come to Canada. Now, several  years later, Nyarza spoke gratefully about the family’s new life here in Canada. “When we lived here, we see how they show us the love of Christ.”

He noted that, in Africa, the family’s life was “so tough.” However, he declared: “God have a plan for each of us. If you ask from God, God will give it to you. I just need to say thank God for what he's doing in my life and my family and the church family.”

As Krahn observed, it would have been easy for OBC “to stay where you were, planted where you were, in that little space that you [occupied].” Instead, God said to the congregation: “You've had a good adventure, but now go start another one.” Krahn added: “That's the excitement that I see for you and the congregation, and for pastor Phil as he leads you.”

November 2010