Mrs. Motter’s Legacy: The Manchester Sunday School Mission

Nearly a century ago, the seed of First Evangelical Free Church was planted in Calgary’s community of Manchester. Mrs. Motter (whose first name is now known only to God) was given a burden by the Lord for the children of her neighbourhood. In 1924 there were some fifty to sixty families living in the Manchester community, but there was no Sunday School for the children to attend where they would be instructed and discipled. Mrs. Motter rented a house, and with the help of Mr. John Birch; Mr. Ronald Ross and Ms. Evelyn Bates, began teaching Sunday School to the children. This Sunday School grew in popularity and within a few short years, the rented house on Macleod Trail was too small for the number of children attending. Mrs. Motter then contacted the Calgary School Board and arranged to meet in the Manchester District School instead.

In 1936, the Manchester Sunday School Mission had the opportunity to purchase a building for $150 that could meet their needs for additional space. The Mission moved it onto a double lot on the corner of MacLeod Trail and 50th Ave S.E which the Mission had also purchased for the unbelievable sum of $50. The new space was quickly filled. In these early days, the Manchester Mission was a non-denominational Sunday School program with teachers hailing from various evangelical churches in Calgary. On Saturday nights, Mr. Keown would prepare for the Sunday School classes by lighting the stoves to heat the building for the following day and prepare the Lord’s Supper. On Sunday the doors of the mission opened at 10 a.m for Prayer and Communion and classes commenced at 11 a.m. In these early days, there were no regular church services and the majority of participants in the Sunday School program attended Westbourne Baptist Church and Knox Presbyterian Church. After about a year at the new location, several men of the Manchester Mission organized for regular evening services. Messrs. Keown, Birch, Godfrey and Dr. White were lay leaders of the new church.

By the late 1930’s, approximately 150 children were attending the Mission Sunday School and the space was proving insufficient. Classrooms were divided by homemade curtains; making teaching a noisy challenge. In 1943, a basement was constructed and a new building raised for increased classroom space. Wooden screens replaced curtains and the Sunday school continued to grow. Adult classes were introduced for men and women led by Mrs. Gustus, Mr. Godfrey and Mr. Keown.

The Manchester Gospel Mission 1946-1965

The Manchester Mission hired its first pastor in 1946, and in 1949 affiliated with the Associated Gospel Mission.  God continued to bless the work; children and adults from the neighbouring community of Windsor Park were also attending the Sunday School.  The increasing traffic on MacLeod Trail became an object of concern for the Board of the Mission as most of the children walked to Sunday School.  Mr and Mrs. Markell arranged with a Mr. Sinclair of Windsor Park for the use of his basement for Sunday School classes. The Board also arranged for a car pool to pick up children and ferry them safely across the busy street for the regular church services should they desire to attend.

        In 1954, the Board of the Manchester Gospel Mission contacted Mr. Carl Fosmark of the Evangelical Free Church regarding joining the denomination.  At this time, the North Hill Free Church amalgamated with the Manchester Mission and First Evangelical Free Church was born.  Property owned by the North Hill congregation was sold, as was one of the properties owned by the mission in Windsor Park.  A parsonage with classroom space was constructed on an additional lot on the 400 block of 54th avenue S.W in Windsor Park.  Space was always at a premium.  By the late 1950’s, the old Manchester Mission building was bursting at the seams.  The decision to construct at our current location was made, and the Manchester property was sold to the City of Calgary Electric Company.

First Evangelical Free Church 1962 to Present

Groundbreaking on the new building began in 1962, and as the walls began to rise on the new sanctuary, and the basement classrooms and fellowship hall took shape, First Evangelical Free Church met in Meadowlark Community Hall. The new building was entered with joy; but nevertheless, the new space was again constraining to the quickly growing church and a gymnasium and Educational wing were added in 1965.

        Many people have called First Free their church home over the last fifty years.  Missionaries have been commissioned near and far to bring the hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ to those who have yet to hear it. God has blessed the members and adherents of First Free allowing us the honour of praying, encouraging and contributing financially to the work of Bible translation; the preaching of the gospel; teaching of the Word and equipping Christians all over the world.  After the Lord graciously provided 50 years in our own building, we celebrated our jubilee milestone in 2012 by raising money over the course of the year to provide a church in Asia with a building.

        At home we have had the honour of seeing God work through the faithful service of many believers in various areas.  Children’s club programs such as Pioneer Girls, Christian Service Brigade, Kids Klub, Vacation Bible School and–of course–Sunday School have brought many families through our doors over the years.  Camp ministry at Southern Alberta Bible Camp, Women’s Ministry, Men’s Prayer Breakfasts, choirs, music and drama ministries, J.A.M Youth, Gamma Girls, Operation Christmas Child, J.O.Y Ministries, Young Adults, Couples Club, Stampede Breakfasts, Ice Cream Socials,  Retreats, Conferences and Church Picnics are just a sampling of some of the ways that God has worked here over the years.

        God has also allowed the congregation of First Evangelical Free Church to face a variety of challenges and difficulties over the years.  Growing pains, aging pains, and occasionally, disagreements with one another are all situations that have brought us to our knees over the years.  But through everything, our Lord has demonstrated Himself faithful and loving.  We know that each trial has been an opportunity to cling to Him, receive wisdom, trust Him more fully for the future, develop much needed perseverance and see Him provide for all our needs.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4 NIV)

        First Free has never strayed far from its educational roots as a Sunday School Mission.  It is our desire to see believers discipled, equipped and encouraged through fellowship with one another and prayer. We endeavor to rejoice with those who are rejoicing and mourn with those who are mourning (Rom. 12:15); believing that iron sharpens iron and that we are truly better together. First Free is a warm and un-intimidating community of believers.  It won’t take you long to feel comfortable.

See you at Church!