March 18th

Poole Mennonite Church Celebrates 150 Years

Poole Mennonite Church is committed to following the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. They are compassionate, loving and caring for everyone who comes into their lives, homes and church. As a committed Mennonite/Anabaptist congregation they want to be peacemakers in relationships. They are committed to having the Bible be their guide to faith and life.

They are celebrating 150 years of ministry at Poole in 2024 with an anniversary date of June 2. The congregation was first known as the Mornington Amish Mennonite Congregation when they began meeting in homes. The congregation established in 1874 from the natural growth into the area experienced by the East Zorra, Wilmot and Wellesley Amish Mennonite settlements. In 1886 worship services were held in a building at the present location of the church. This led to a division in the Amish community; the more conservative side of the division became "Old Order" Amish. In 1947 a basement was placed under the structure.

The church supports a variety of community things: (ESL) English as a Second Language, Exercise Class for seniors, Loaves & Fishes Food Bank Milverton. In 2003 the congregation assisted Mennonites from Mexico who moved into the area by providing English as a Second Language classes for the women and day care for their preschool children. The Listowel and Riverdale congregations assisted in this outreach. They have a wide range of programs including Sunday School, Vacation Bible School (VBS), Mennonite Youth Fellowship (MYF), Junior Youth, Kids Club. The women meet once a month to enjoy fellowship and working together. The quilts and comforters that they make are sent overseas as well as shared locally in case of need. They have a summer Bible School for children every year and for over 20 years we have a play for the community; their group called the People People Players.