About Our Church
Poole Mennonite Church is committed to following the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. We want to be compassionate, loving and caring for everyone who comes into our lives, our homes and our church. As a committed Mennonite/Anabaptist congregation we are wanting to be peacemakers in our relationships. We are committed to having the Bible be our guide to faith and life. We welcome everyone to explore our website to see who we are, and contact us if you have further questions or ideas about life here at Poole.
Working In Various Fields
Community
The church supports a variety of community things. (ESL) English as a Second Language, Loaves & Fishes Food Bank Milverton
Mission
The church supports a variety of charities:
- BBI Benin Bible Institute
- Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS)
Youth & Children
We have a wide range of programs including Sunday School, Vacation Bible School (VBS).
Poole Women in Mission
The women meet once a month to enjoy fellowship and working together. The quilts and comforters that they make are sent overseas as well as shared locally in case of need.
Our History
The congregation was first known as the Mornington Amish Mennonite Congregation when they began meeting in homes. The congregation established in 1874 from the natural growth into the area experienced by the East Zorra, Wilmot and Wellesley Amish Mennonite settlements. In 1886 worship services were held in a building at the present location of the church. This led to a division in the Amish community; the more conservative side of the division became "Old Order" Amish. In 1947 a basement was placed under the structure. A new building was erected in 1965/66. In 1902 when a Sunday school began, Bishop Nicholas Nafziger and Ministers Peter Spenler and John Nafziger withdrew and formed what became known as the Nafziger congregation. In 1900 there were 105 members; in 1925, 111; in 1950, 250; in 1965, 278; in 1975, 327; in 1985, 390; in 1995, 320.
Our Pastoral Leaders
Pastoral leaders since 1874 have included:
Joseph Gerber (Bishop, 1874-1893)
Joseph U. Ropp (1873-1910)
Christian L. Kuepfer (1879-1886)
Andrew Kuepfer (1879-1886)
Nicholas Nafziger (1891 ;Bishop, 1896)-1902)
Peter Spenler (1891-1902)
John Nafziger (1892-1902)
Peter Boshart (1903-1927)
Christian Schultz (1905; Bishop, 1926-1952)
Christian Lichty (1940-1959)
Amos Brunk (1940-1973)
Herbert Schultz (1955-1970)
Amsey Martin (1970-1982)
Vernon Zehr (Interim, 1983)
David Brubacher (1983-1990)
Gerald Neufield (Youth Pastor 1988 - 1992)
David Rogalsky (1990-1999)
Kim Wideman (Youth Pastor 1996-2000)
Reynold Kipfer (Interim, 1999/2000)
Paul Dyck (fall of 2000 - 2015)
Kara Carter (Youth Pastor 2001 - 2008)
Amanda Mustard (Youth Pastor 2008-2012)
Julie Ellison-White (Youth Pastor 2012 - 2013)
Youth Ministry Team from Congregation (2013 - 2014)
Sean Sero (Youth Pastor 2014 - 2016)
Steve Brnjas (Interim Pastor 2015 - 2017)
Fred Redekop - (Interim Pastor 2017)
Doug Amstutz - (Fall 2017 - Jan. 2019)
Fred Redekop (Pastor of Senior Ministries Jan. 2018 - Jan. 2019, Lead Pastor Feb. 2020 - Mar. 2025)
Ken Driedger (Interim Apr 2025 to present)