Monthly Archives: May 2010

In the 1870′s Mennonites, known as Die Mennonitische Gemeinde zu Chortitz, came to Canada from Russia and landed at the junction of the Red and Rat Rivers (near present day Ste. Agathe).  From there, they journeyed east and built their first church at Chortitz (present day Randolph) and established a cemetery where today, over 400 people are buried.

Interest has been expressed in restoring the cemetery and preserving it as a heritage site.  In the same way as the Israelites took stones from the riverbed to recall the crossing of the Jordan into the promised land for future generations, this cemetery is a reminder to many of their spiritual heritage.  In October 2009, the CMC Ministerial approved its designation as a Heritage Cemetery. (more…)

Louise (Reimer) Olson

A Tribute to Louise Olson, born Louise Vera Gladys Reimer, a Berliner Kehler

Too often we let our lives go by without making proper homage to the ones we love. I am taking this opportunity to share some memories and impressions of a very dear and special person to me – my grandma. Many times I have thanked God for giving me such a remarkable grandmother: she has taught me much, given me much.

My earliest memories of Grandmother begin when I was a young child growing up in southern Manitoba. Grandma and my family both lived on Boyne Street in Morris; being only a short distance away meant that we saw her quite often, sometimes more than once a day. There were also many days and nights when she hosted us youngsters. (more…)