In 1946, Pastor Charles Dirks and his wife sensed God’s leading to build an independent Gospel Mission in Nipawin to reach people with the Good News of God’s love. They began with nine people, seven of whom were the Pastor and his family! On December 8, 1956 the ministry joined the work of the Christian and Missionary Alliance in Canada. Over the next 40 years NAC would undergo major changes. In 1971 we moved from the original building (now Coventry Funeral Home) to the church on Montgomery Drive. This would be the church’s home for the next 30 years.
Between it’s foundation and 1983, seven different pastors served the people of Nipawin Alliance. The early 80’s brought stability as Rev. Gary Jones, along with Interns and Associates, lead NAC for eleven years. By the mid 1990’s NAC was entering its 50th year and like many 50 year olds, mid-life brought struggles and new directions. Pastor Gary left in 1994 and the church underwent some challenging days and we were led by Godly men, Terry, Ed & Larry. By the 2001 the church had once again found its footing and Pastor Mike brought his gifts of administration and Pastoral Care.
December 1956 to the present…
Pastors Past & Present
1946 – 1956: Pastor Charles Dirks
1956 – 1960: Pastor Roy David
1960 – 1962: Pastor Fred Hubert
1962 – 1964: Pastor Don Scott
1964 – 1966: Pastor McVety
1966 – 1972: Pastor Ed Carlson
1972 – 1981: Pastor Wayne Berg
1981 – 1983: Pastor Eldon Thompson
1983 – 1994: Pastor Garry Jones
1984 – 1990: Pastor Steve Regier
1990 – 1994: Pastor Dan Esau
1994 – 2000: Pastor Terry Posnikoff
1994 – 2000: Pastor Ed Kirk
2001: Pastor Larry Hurst
2001 – 2006: Pastor Michael Smart
2004 – 2009: Pastor Scott Whitford
2007 – 2012: Pastor Dan Esau
2012 – 2013: Pastor Woody Ruten
2009 – 2019: Pastor James Witherow
2013 – Present: Pastor Joel Diamond
nipawin alliance church 
Hi,
My name is Sam Neufeld and am a former member of NAC, now living in Powell River, British Columbia.
I note that the Pastor of NAC from 1956 – 1960 is missing from your webb-site. His name was Roy David.
During the time Rev. Dirks was in hospital (dying of cancer), an interim person was brought-in from CBI to pastor, and also,about one month after Rev Dirk’s death. His surname was Pritchard and served about two months. ( I was 15 years old at the time and do not recall his first name).
After the funeral of Rev. Charles Dirks, Conducted by Rev. Roy Macintyre, of the Saskatoon Alliance Church, Rev. Pritchard conducted services for about one month while legal proceedings were completed. He left and Rev. Roy David was transferred from White Tail, Montana to pator the church.
Roy and Myrna had little two girls, Doreen and Darla, ages 4 and 2 respectively.
Rev. David carefully guided the small congregation from thinking independent, individual church ownership to working as part of a system and organization. Missions , Youth Work, Evangelism and Sunday School received much emphasis and the church grew from about 20 people to nearly 100. Roy and family left in 1960 to pastor the Hanna Alliance church in Alberta.
I hope these details, which I recall, will help in the church history.
Sam Neufeld
ph. 604-485-0991
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Thank you very much for letting us know! It’s always facinating to hear about those who have come before us, and to hear how people touched others’ lives. Thanks for the information! Blessings on you and your family!
– NAC
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Greetings all! I came w/ my parents, Elmer & Evelyn Anderson, when McVety was pastor (fall ’64). It was Pastor Ed Carlson & wife Doreen whom I most recall. They & their 5 kids lived in the tiny parsonage attached to back of church building; sharing a common wall but don’t recall access between. Was Pastor Ed who baptized me in the old Torch Trail swimming pool. Busy, BUSY years for Pastor Ed w/ the building program, weekly Sunday service @ small congregation in Aylsham, AYF & other duties DONE SO WELL. Ed, Doreen & family became life long friends w/ Mom & Dad, by extension us siblings too; remaining in contact until both passed. Good, GOOD years never forgotten! Thanks for the memories!
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