Two ladies gathered a few children together for some days of activities, singing and Bible stories. The community was Waterways, just a hop, skip and jump from Fort McMurray, Northern Alberta, Canada. From this humble beginning was birthed a church that is now celebrating its 60th anniversary year, 2015. NorthLife Fellowship Baptist Church (1955-2015) has been blessed of God to give witness to the gospel of Christ for six decades! Nine Senior Pastors have been at the helm of leadership since its inception. Facilities to house the congregation were erected in 1958 (Waterways), 1969 (Fort McMurray) with major additions and renovations in 1978, 1999 and 2005. In addition to the church’s active ministry to innumerable families, the compassionate heart of the congregation overflowed for the hungry, the homeless and the near homeless in the form of the Soup Kitchen and the Center of Hope.
This gathering of the nations was heightened with the development of the oil sands.
Fort McMurray, from its days as an isolated fur-trading site, has always been composed of a diverse population of peoples. This gathering of the nations was heightened with the development of the oil sands. Today this city of over 100,000 persons, including the surrounding oil sands population, has become a hub for the interaction of many cultures. This is reflected within the church as it functions in this its 60th year.
It has been said that “diamonds are forever!” As we look to the future, we have every reason to give honor to God and expect His faithfulness in the years to come. This Diamond Anniversary Year of NorthLife Fellowship Baptist Church inspires us to engage in many more exploits for souls and the Saviour!