Leamington and Harrow
Mennonite Youth
visit Pelee Island
June 2, 1946
following account by John Wiebe 1902-1970
German-English translation by A.Koop
In May of 1945 Herman Reimer, the Pelee Island Mennonite Church Sunday School superintendent, received a letter from the Leamington Mennonite Church Youth leader, Peter Epp. At their previous meeting the Leamington youth had decided to charter the Pelee Boat for a trip to the Island in the following summer. Peter Epp had spoken to the boat’s captain, and a price of $300. was set for the approximately 300 individuals who would be participating. The Pelee Boat Captain said that the first Sunday in June would suit him best. Peter Epp asks in the letter if this day would suit the Island group, as well.
On the Sunday morning following, Peter Epp’s request was brought to the Pelee congregation. Two men, namely Herman Reimer and Ewald Wiebe, were asked to find a proper place for the picnic. They would also be responsible for supplying hot water for the meal. Three trucks and all cars would be at the dock upon the Leamington and Harrow young people’s arrival.
When the time for the picnic day drew near, however, a heavy rain had drenched the Island. This was Friday afternoon. Saturday morning it stopped raining and as I travelled from Leamington to Pelee by plane, and saw the water-covered fields there, I did not think that the youth event would take place.
Now it was Sunday. The sun shone brightly, but the air was cool. We asked: “Will they come?” But as planned, at 9;30 am, the trucks and cars were on the dock, and with a heavily loaded deck, the boat arrived at the North dock. All grumbling and uncertainty came to an end. We were all in good spirits; today the picnic would take place as planned!
As we already knew, the program would begin with the church service. Four choirs, all of which had come, would be singing. When the boat had docked, all went as planned, and in a short time, all guests, which numbered over 200 individuals, were gathered at the Town Hall on the Island’s West Side.
When all were seated, a song was sung together. During this time the two truck drivers had arrived, as well. Peter Epp opened the program with an order of the events. This was followed by an opening by John Wiebe, leader of the small Pelee Mennonite congregation, consisting of thirteen families, a total of 56 individuals. Wiebe read the first two verses of Psalm 103 and spoke briefly. This was followed by two songs by the choirs; first the Harrow choir, directed by Peter Riediger of Harrow, then the Leamington Men’s choir, directed by George Konrad of Blytheswood. The sermon was delivered by Roy Sider of Sherkston, ON, a former student of the Fort Erie Bible School – Moses chapter 5; 30: 19 and Luke 18, 18-23. This was followed by a choir’s song led by Jacob Konrad and then Gerhard Konrad’s choir sang. A mass choir song, led by Peter Riediger followed.
Harrow Pastor and Youth leader Herman Lepp made the closing remarks.
In the meantime, the weather had turned warm and sunny with very little wind. The trucks and cars were soon filled, and away we went to the picnic area located at the southeast corner of the Island, near the water, known as the flat rock area. Here the youth played ball and other games.
The water in the large cauldron had begun to boil. It was time time to eat. Soon we had divided into small groups for lunch. The program had stated that the Leamington/Harrow group needed to be at the dock at 7pm. The two group leaders shared their thanks, the boat left, and so a wonderful day had passed.
In the name of our Island group, I thank the Harrow and Leamington guests, especially the youth leaders, the speakers, the choir directors and singers, with all my heart.
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all He has done for you”.
