Our Roots
The roots of Steinbach United Church date back to 1879 when a Presbyterian church was built in the district of Clearsprings. The log building served as a church and school for fourteen years until a new frame church was built in 1893.
In September 1905, another Presbyterian church was opened in Giroux (then called Steinbach Station) due to the growth of the community there. From 1905 until 1922 the Giroux and Clearsprings congregations were served by theology students who came out by train on weekends, staying with families and serving the community. Services were held alternately in each of the churches.
In 1925 both Giroux and Clearsprings joined the union of churches and became part of the United Church of Canada.
Members of the church who were residents of Steinbach attended services in both Clearsprings and Giroux. Eventually, a large portion of the congregation was coming from Steinbach and plans were developed to provide services all year round by introducing summer services in Clearspings/Giroux and winter services in Steinbach.
The United Church in Steinbach
In 1947 the first United Church services in Steinbach were held in the basement of Steinbach Elementary School (today the site of the City Civic Centre). When that space was no longer available, services were held in the basement of the Steinbach High School (today the Steinbach Arts Centre). From 1952-1955 services continued in Clearsprings and Giroux in summer and Steinbach in winter with Rev. Dr. McCullaugh as minister.
1956-1957 Steinbach United Church
The Chortitzer Church was purchased and moved to the south end of Main Street in Steinbach (our current location: 541 Main Street). The official opening of the Steinbach United Church took place on December 2, 1956. All memberships from Clearsprings and Giroux churches were transferred to Steinbach United Church.
1964 Bell Tower and CE Building
With a growing congregation, plans were made in 1964 for a Christian Education Building. The CE building was completed in September 1965. In 1964 Steinbach and Niverville congregations became known as the Steinbach Niverville Pastoral Charge and remained a 2 point charge until 1990.
Sod turning June 3, 1979 – Addition to front
To accommodate the growing needs of the congregation the sanctuary was expanded and the balcony eliminated. The front addition and renovation included new Sunday School space and an enlarged minister’s office. A ramp and new entrance made the sanctuary accessible in 1980.
35th Anniversary
On Sunday December 1, 1991 the congregation celebrated Steinbach United Church’s 35th Anniversary. Rev. B. Hickerson (the first minister at Steinbach United Church) was the guest speaker to a packed house and many famiiles enjoyed food and fellowship together.
50th Anniversary
2006 was the 50th Anniversary of the Steinbach United Church. In June the church had a picnic on the Giroux picnic grounds. In September, there was a fall barbeque and on December 3, 2006 the church held a celebration service.
