We think that Henry and Agatha moved to Renata with Henry’s Dad Cornelius and his Mom, Helena because other Mennonites were already there. We don't really know when they arrived. It was a very beautiful fruit growing area of British Columbia. Others had settled there to grow fruit. I really think they went because the winters were so much warmer and the mosquitos so much smaller than in Manitoba. That would be my reason for leaving anyway!
The new settlers in Renata established New Church of Jerusalem in 1914 and there was no full time pastor so visiting pastors came regularly to give sermons for the congregation. My mom, Vi, remembers Reverend Zacharias. She also remembers her Mom, Agatha, teaching Sunday school. The link below mentions the reverend and other details about Renata.
The link below is to a very interesting website with information about some of the people who once lived in Renata. The Friesen sisters might want to be a part of it since they would definitely have the biggest hair.
Thank you Aaron Fitchett for finding these links and all your research!! (I think I have misplaced some of it... but will post more if I can.) If anyone has more information to provide please e-mail me at cleomahrey@hotmail.com
Now, for the good part - a blast to the past!!
 |
| Agatha, Henry, Helena & Cornelius |
 |
| Helena and Cornelius with one of the girls...? |
 |
| This picture is taken in front of their house in Renata. |
 |
| The Moyie and not sure who is in the photo. |
 |
| Here we at least have a location and date. |
 |
| So nice to see them smiling and we have a date - Feb 1942. |
 |
| Now we know where they got the idea for dressing alike during Stampede! |
 |
| I suspect this is the other side of their house. |
Reminder: E-mail me to let me know if you are attending or not!! cleomahrey@hotmail.com or friesenreunion@gmail.com
