The history of Christ Lutheran Church, seven kilometres northwest of Spruce View, is the story of its people, the body of Christ, but more importantly an account of a faithful God, loving and preserving his people.
The history unfolds as the people, who would one day establish Christ Lutheran Church, began their long journey to Canada, leaving a war-torn homeland behind.
Some left because they were deported after Russia confiscated their land; others faced starvation or conscription into the Russian army. All came with very little but their faith.
There was a commonality among these families. All came from Eastern Europe. All ended up in or near Nisku, Alta.
It was soon discovered that there was much good land for sale in the Markerville-Craig area. Land was good and was at an excellent price: a half section for the same amount as a quarter section in Nisku.
In 1930, the first group of German settlers arrived in Craig from Nisku to work their newly purchased farms. One of the first questions the German settlers asked about the Craig district was, “Is there a Lutheran church there?”
Although ever present in the prayers and hearts of our church fathers, the building took 15 years to fully materialize. In the meantime the need to worship together was compelling. The Lord answered their prayers by continually providing a place to worship.
In the spring of 1930 the small group assembled at Dan Schmidek's home for the first church service as a congregation. The small congregation soon moved to the Craig schoolhouse, providing a more suitable facility.
Rev. August Meitler was installed as the first regular minister of the Craig congregation. He drew up a constitution, which enabled the church to become members of the Missouri Synod. In 1931 the constitution was adopted and the congregation organized under the name Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, Craig.
Land for a church and a cemetery was donated in 1936 and a temporary church building was moved onto the property in 1940. A special meeting in July 1941 finalized a plan to construct a 22- by 44-foot building with a steeple with a cross above the entrance. The church hired a carpenter to build the church for 90 cents an hour. The outside of the building was finally completed, but the inside remained unfinished. The congregation utilized their place of worship, disregarding the rough walls, shiplap floors and uncomfortable plank benches. The makeshift pews made falling asleep in church quite difficult. In fact, falling asleep often resulted in falling off the bench. The interior was completed in 1945.
By 1975 growth of the congregation necessitated a substantial addition to the church. The addition provided the congregation with a larger sanctuary and increased seating.
On Aug. 28, 1986 a vicious storm blew through the Craig district leaving in its wake decimated crops, tattered roofs and shattered glass windows. But out of the brokenness came an opportunity to glorify the Lord. Pastor Terry Lutz introduced the art of stained glass to the congregation. The first window was completed for Easter of 1988. Over the next several years stunning stained glass panels were added to almost all the church windows.
Christ Lutheran Church remains mission-minded, as were our early predecessors. For 15 years Christ and Bethany Lutheran churches presented the Easter pageant, Who will Call Him King of Kings? The cast and crew numbering 125 people worked together to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. The congregation continues to serve the community through Stephan Ministry. This specialized ministry equips and empowers lay caregivers to provide high-quality, confidential, Christ-centred care to people who are hurting. There are also those who volunteer at the Spruce View School as well as in other areas in the community.
While rural churches commonly seem to wither and disappear, God has richly blessed Christ Lutheran Church. Now, this year, on May 1, Christ Lutheran will celebrate the 85th anniversary with grateful hearts with a 3 p.m. service, which will be attended by dignitaries – including Dr. Glenn Schaffer – president of Alberta British Columbia District of Lutheran Church -- Canada, and family members of the original church charter members.
For more information on the May 1 celebration contact Fay Schatschneider 403-728-3495.
Della Branson is a Spruce View-area writer who currently lives with her family on the land where the church's original members had their first service in 1930.
