Summary information
| Repository: | South Peace Regional Archives |
| Title: | Emmaus Lutheran Church fonds |
| Reference code: | 0266 |
| Date: | 1921-1999 (date of creation) |
| Physical description: | 5 cm textual records
39 photographs |
| Language: | English |
| Language: | German |
| Dates of creation, revision and deletion: | Processed by Mary Nutting October 2006 Added to new database June 2024 – TD |
Administrative history / Biographical sketch
Emmaus Lutheran Congregation in the North Kleskun District was officially organized on April 14, 1929. However, its beginnings go back to 1915 when the first German Lutheran pioneers, the August Kirstein and Gregart families settled in the area. Others followed from 1919-1921. In the fall of 1921, Rev. O. Walther was located at Waterhole and served North Kleskun once a month, holding services at the homes of various families. In 1923, Rev. Theo Waack succeeded Pastor Walther and held services in the North Kleskun School. In 1926, Rev. Wildgrube organized the first formal congregation with a constitution and charter members Fred Weis, Edward Steinke, Louis Steinke, Fred Klein, Ian Maxwell and Joe Huber. In 1930 a church was built and land for a cemetery and church yard donated by Louis Steinke and by Christmas that year, the first Missouri synod Lutheran Church in the Peace Country became a reality. Pastors who served the church in the coming years included Rev. R.E. Luening, Rev. Fred Gabert, Candidate Alfred Miller, Candidate A. Pluntz, Student Walter Schienbein, Candidate H. Hafner, Rev. E. George Pearce, Rev. Adolf Bickel, Rev. Edwin Regal, Vicar Donald Lutz, Rev. Kurt Bickel, Rev. Eldon Ohlinger, and Rev. Gordon Schultz. In 1935 a parsonage was completed and used until 1946. A Christian Day School opened in 1932 and terminated in 1943 with amalgamation with the North Kleskun Public School. During the sixties, the ladies of the congregation formed a branch of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League which was later disbanded. The church still maintains a congregation in 2008.
Custodial history
The records were deposited in South Peace Regional Archives by Phyllis Johnson in 2006 and by Marian Steinke in 2008.
Scope and content
The fonds consists of two small booklets and 39 copies of photographs detailing the history of the Emmaus Lutheran Church in the North Kleskun district east of Sexsmith, AB. The booklets celebrate the 50th anniversary of the church in 1979 and the dedication of the new church in 1994. Also included are copies of the Constitution in German and English, legal documents, copies of minutes 1929-1999, copies of the register of baptisms, marriages, and deaths (1916-2008); confirmations, cemetery records, miscellaneous documents and history notes and a bulletin from the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League.
Notes
Title notes
- Source of title proper: Title of fonds based on contents.
Location of originals
Original documents retained by Emmaus Lutheran Church.
Conditions governing use
Photographs were donated as digital files of varying quality. Not all photographs will be suitable for reproduction.
Access points
- Graphic material – photograph (documentary form)
- Textual record (documentary form)
- Religion (subject)
Series descriptions
| Reference code | Title | Dates | Physical description |
| 0266.01 | Item – Emmaus Lutheran Church | [1930] | 1 TIFF : b&w |
| Scope and content:
Side view of Emmaus Lutheran Church showing the main gate. This church was built ca. 1930 in the North Kleskun district. |
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| 0266.02 | Item – Emmaus Lutheran Church | [1930] | 1 TIFF : b&w |
| Scope and content:
Front view of Emmaus Lutheran Church in the North Kleskun district. Note the parsonage in the background. |
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| 0266.03 | Item – Emmaus Lutheran Church | [1950] | 1 TIFF : colour |
| Scope and content:
Early colour photograph of Emmaus Lutheran Church in the North Kleskun district northeast of Sexsmith. |
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| 0266.04 | Item – Emmaus Lutheran Church | [1980] | 1 TIFF : colour |
| Scope and content:
Exterior of Emmaus Lutheran Church as it was just prior to disuse. |
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| 0266.05 | Item – Emmaus Lutheran Church | [1980] | 1 TIFF : colour |
| Scope and content:
Interior of Emmaus Lutheran Church as it was just prior to disuse. |
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| 0266.06 | Item – Rev. Walther on Horseback | 1921 | 1 TIFF : b&w |
| Scope and content:
Rev. Walther setting out on one of his pastoral journeys on horseback. He served North Kleskun once a month in 1921-1922 . |
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| 0266.07 | Item – Lutheran Congregation, North Kleskun | 1921 | 1 TIFF : b&w |
| Scope and content:
Early services were held in the homes. This gathering is outside the Fred Weis home. |
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| 0266.08 | Item – Emmaus Lutheran Church, North Kleskun | 1931 | 1 TIFF : b&w |
| Scope and content:
Congregational gathering outside the as yet unpainted church. |
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| 0266.09 | Item – Emmaus Lutheran Church, North Kleskun | 1931 | 1 TIFF : b&w |
| Scope and content:
Congregational group in front of Emmaus Lutheran Church at North Kleskun. |
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| 0266.10 | Item – Emmaus Lutheran Church, North Kleskun | 1931 | 1 TIFF : b&w |
| Scope and content:
Congregation of Emmaus Lutheran Church leaving the church yard with horses and wagons after service. |
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| 0266.11 | Item – Emmaus Lutheran Church, North Kleskun | 1931 | 1 TIFF : b&w |
| Scope and content:
An early interior view of Emmaus Lutheran Church at North Kleskun. Note the barrel heater, the steps leading up behind the altar, the blackboard wiped clean before Sunday Service. |
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| 0266.12 | Item – Emmaus Lutheran Church, North Kleskun | 1933 | 1 TIFF : b&w |
| Scope and content:
Interior of Emmaus Lutheran Church at North Kleskun decorated for confirmation service in 1933. |
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| 0266.13 | Item – Emmaus Lutheran Church, North Kleskun | 1932 | 1 TIFF : b&w |
| Scope and content:
Interior of Emmaus Lutheran Church at North Kleskun when it served as a Christian Day School. The note on the blackboard reads: Lutheran School, Fred T. Hubert (Teacher). |
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| 0266.14 | Item – Emmaus Lutheran Church, North Kleskun | 1932 | 1 TIFF : b&w |
| Scope and content:
Some of the early church fathers: Rev. Haffner, William Steinke, Fred Weis, Henry Bilert, and William Rode. |
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| 0266.15 | Item – Church Quartet, Emmaus Lutheran | 1932 | 1 TIFF : b&w |
| Scope and content:
The church quartet: Ian Maxwell, Rev. Gabert, Ted Rode, and Slim Henke.
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| 0266.16 | Item – Emmaus Lutheran Church Congregation | [1930] | 1 TIFF : b&w |
| Scope and content:
Men and women of the Emmaus Lutheran Church Congregation outside of the unpainted church ca. 1930. |
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| 0266.17 | Item – Building the Parsonage | [1930] | 1 TIFF : b&w |
| Scope and content:
Building the parsonage at Emmaus Lutheran Church in the North Kleskun district east of Sexsmith. William Steinke, Tom Steinke, Fred Weis. |
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| 0266.18 | Item – Pastor Hafner | [1935) | 1 TIFF : b&w |
| Scope and content:
Joe and Ed Huber ready to take Pastor Hafner to the train as he is leaving for Minnesota. |
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| 0266.19 | Item – North Kleskun Minister | 1945 | 1 TIFF : b&w |
| Scope and content:
Pastor and Mrs. Adolph Bickel |
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| 0266.20 | Item – North Kleskun Lutheran Christian Day School | [1930] | 1 TIFF : b&w |
| Scope and content:
Photograph of Christian Day School students includes Gordon Steinke, Frieda Steinke, Leslie Steinke, David Steinke; Margaret Klein, Myrtle Steinke, and Theresa Rode. |
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| 0266.21 | Item – North Kleskun Lutheran Christian Day School | [1930] | 1 TIFF : b&w |
| Scope and content:
Photograph of Christian Day School students, back row l to r: Ed Huber, Roy Gouchey, Haina Kirstein, Pastor Haffner, Victor Steinke, Tom Steinke, Lester Johnson, Leonard Steinke. Front row l to r: Cliff Huber, Gilbert Huber, Robert Huber, Roy Weis, Bernice Huber, Anne Steinke. |
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| 0266.22 | Item – North Kleskun Lutheran Christian Day School | [1930] | 1 TIFF : b&w |
| Scope and content:
Photograph of Christian Day School students, back row l to r: Anne Steinke, ? , Leslie Steinke, Pastor Schienbein, Wilson Johnson, Rose Steinke, Edith Steinke. Front row l to r: Norman Steinke, Evelyn Rode, Art Steinke, Ed Huber, Bernice Huber, Victor Steinke, Gilbert Huber, Bob Huber, Roy Weis, Leonard Steinke, John Steinke. |
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| 0266.23 | Item – North Kleskun Lutheran Christian Day School | [1930] | 1 TIFF : b&w |
| Scope and content:
Photograph of Christian Day School students includes Haina Kirstein ( with bike), Roy Weis, Gilbert Huber, Roy Gouchey, Ed Huber, Cliff Huber, Bernice Huber, Anne Steinke, Lester Johnson, Victor Steinke, Bob Huber, Leonard Steinke, and Tom Steinke. |
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| 0266.24 | Item – North Kleskun Lutheran Confirmation | [1930] | 1 TIFF : b&w |
| Scope and content:
A pre-church confirmation; participants unknown. Supporting congregation on that day included Tillie Arac, Mrs. Huber Sr., Martha Steinke and Fred Weis. |
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| 0266.25 | Item – North Kleskun Lutheran Confirmation | 1933 | 1 TIFF : b&w |
| Scope and content:
Members of the North Kleskun Lutheran congregation on April 30, 1933: Mrs. Bella Morrison, Marjorie Harding, Mary Webber, Pastor Fred Gabert, Sam Webber, Ed Harding and Glen Morrison. |
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| 0266.26 | Item – North Kleskun Lutheran Confirmation | 1933 | 1 TIFF : b&w |
| Scope and content:
Group confirmed on April 30, 1933 by Fred Gabert, from left to right: Mrs. Morrison, Marjorie Harding, Mary Webber, Sam Webber, Ed Harding, Glen Morrison. |
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| 0266.27 | Item – North Kleskun Lutheran Confirmation | 1933 | 1 TIFF : b&w |
| Scope and content:
This group were all from the Northmark area and stayed with local families for perhaps six weeks while they took confirmation classes: Gotthilf Pepus, Mary Baker, ? , Albert Schock, Margaret Baker, ? , and Ed Baum. |
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| 0266.28 | Item – North Kleskun Lutheran Confirmation | 1942 | 1 TIFF : b&w |
| Scope and content:
1942 confirmation with Tommy Steinke, Ernie Klein, Ed Rode, Victor Steinke, Milbert Klein, Evelyn Rode and Anne Steinke. |
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| 0266.29 | Item – North Kleskun Lutheran Confirmation | 1937 | 1 TIFF : b&w |
| Scope and content:
June 4, 1939 confirmation with Pastor Schienbein: Wilson (Billy) Johnson, Harold Steinke, Elsie Steinke, Rose Steinke, Dick Steinke and Leslie Steinke. |
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| 0266.30 | Item – North Kleskun Lutheran Confirmation | 1933 | 1 TIFF : b&w |
| Scope and content:
April 11, 1954 confirmation with Pastor Kurt Bickel: Bill Huber, Alice Huber and Terry Steinke. |
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| 0266.31 | Item – North Kleskun Lutheran VBS | [1960] | 1 TIFF : b&w |
| Scope and content:
Vacation Bible School ca. 1960. Back row: Beverly Steinke, Brian Huber, Wade Steinke, Diane Sommerfeld, Joan Huber, Judith Johnson, Sandra Steinke, Rick Rode, Craig Rode. Middle row: Patsy Sommerfeld, Barbara Steinke, Bradley Rode, Stephanie Sommerfeld, Allan Johnson, Steven Sommerfeld, Elke Sommerfeld. Front row: Doug Gould, Wayne Huber, Kevin Rode. |
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| 0266.32 | Item – North Kleskun Lutheran VBS | [1960] | 1 TIFF : b&w |
| Scope and content:
Vacation Bible School ca. 1960. Back row: Rick Rode, Brian Huber, Wade Steinke, Kenny Steinke, Carrie Rode, Sandra Steinke, Judith Johnson, Linda Steinke, Beverly Steinke. Middle row: Craig Rode, Allan Johnson, Dale Steinke, Stephanie Sommerfeld, Barbara Steinke. Front row: Bradley Rode, Ron Rode, Wayne Huber, Doug Gould, Kevin Rode, Dean Huber, Patsy Sommerfeld, Kenny Steinke, Diane Sommerfeld, Elke Sommerfeld, Stephen Sommerfeld, Ken Gould and Arnold Johnson. |
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| 0266.33 | Item – North Kleskun Lutheran Wedding | 1928 | 1 TIFF : b&w |
| Scope and content:
Gustave Steinke and Mary Klein, married October 30, 1928, prior to the organization of Emmaus Lutheran Church. |
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| 0266.34 | Item – North Kleskun Lutheran Wedding | 1925 | 1 TIFF : b&w |
| Scope and content:
Fred Weis and Maria Goerch, with corsages on far right, were married April 23, 1925 before the organization of Emmaus Lutheran Church. |
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| 0266.35 | Item – North Kleskun Lutheran Wedding | 1938 | 1 TIFF : b&w |
| Scope and content:
Wedding of Gertrude Rode and William Meyer on June 2, 1938. Wedding took place at Emmaus Lutheran Church in the North Kleskun district east of Sexsmith. Pastor Pluntz, minister. |
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| 0266.36 | Item – North Kleskun Lutheran Cemetery | 1930 | 1 TIFF : b&w |
| Scope and content:
Gravestone of Alvina Huber, first burial in the Emmaus Lutheran Church Cemetery, established 1930. |
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| 0266.37 | Item – North Kleskun Lutheran Funeral | [1930] | 1 TIFF : b&w |
| Scope and content:
Ludwig Steinke funeral at Emmaus Lutheran Church ca. 1930. |
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| 0266.38 | Item – North Kleskun Lutheran Funeral | [1930] | 1 TIFF : b&w |
| Scope and content:
Augusta Steinke funeral at Emmaus Lutheran Church ca. 1930. |
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| 0266.39 | Item – Emmaus Lutheran Church | [1965] | 1 TIFF : colour |
| Scope and content:
Emmaus Lutheran Church in the North Kleskun district east of Sexsmith ca. 1965. |
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