A church rich in history.

For 109+ years on the corner of Main Street (now Centre Street) and Fifth Avenue there has been a gospel witness in the Town of Hanna.

Rev. Finkbinder organized the Metropolitan Church which was German Evangelical in character. It is mentioned in the Hanna Herald that services were held on the first week of 1913 in a church building located at Main Street and Fifth Avenue.

This is considered to be the first church building in the Town of Hanna. This building also served as a school and was later moved and used for a manse. It no longer exists today.

In 1923, again under the direction of Rev. Finkbinder, Nazarene church was started on the same corner.

Because of insufficient funds only the basement and entry way were completed. This laid the foundation for the present church building.

At the same time, a number of believers were experiencing revival fires in home meetings in the Golden Hills area, twenty miles south of Hanna.

These two groups of people eventually blended together as one congregation.

In 1929, with the arrival of Pastor Albert Sauve, the property was bought from the Nazarenes and renamed Hanna Gospel Mission. Bro. R.S. Toms was beginning his evangelistic ministry, with services held in the Mission.

When Rev. Kingsfield was pastor, Irish evangelist S.K. Moffatt drew crowds.

The church was filled and they had to move to the Memorial Hall for more room. (Today's Legion Hall.)

The Basement Church had a wood sidewalk that lead to the dirt street, and for 22 years The Basement Church made all welcome. It was a lighthouse in the Town of Hanna where many searching and hurting souls found peace and safety as they gave there heart and life to Jesus Christ as the Holy Spirit poured His blessing upon them.

In 1945, under Rev. Huson, a basic shell sanctuary was added.

The new sanctuary was not completed until Frank McCrea was pastor. In the present kitchen, there was a prayer room where people spent many late nights praying, singing and feeling God's blessing. It was here, no doubt, God began to pour out His Holy Spirit upon His people.

In 1947, the church took full affiliation with the Apostolic Church of Pentecost of Canada, and became known as the Hanna Full Gospel Church.

January 1972 marked the turn of a sadder page in the Church's history, as the doors were officially closed.

The Lord in His Word, tells us of a Jubilee Year, when captives were set free, and trumpets of joy were sounded. Likewise, fifty years after the beginning of the church, the summer of 1973 saw God's Holy Spirit kindle a burden in the heart of Pastor John Franson to return to his pastorate of six years before, to reopen the doors for worship. Praise God!

During Pastor John Franson's ministry, new pews were bought from the Church of Christ in Calgary. A nursery was built in the sanctuary. Renovations in the basement began.

The wood floor was taken out and cement put in; washrooms, class rooms and kitchen were all started, and the main part completed.

The groundwork for the people who now attend was laid during this time of John Franson's ministry. Around 1974 the Craigmyle Assembly closed and joined the Hanna Assembly.

This brought more families into the church. Much of the basement work was completed when Ray Hildebrandt and Art Quist pastored in Hanna.

Renovations to the sanctuary commenced while Pastor Ed Livers was here. During Pastor's Jackshaw's ministry, a bequest was given to the church for new windows.

August 6 & 7, 1983 saw the sixtieth anniversary held in the church with as many former pastors attending as possible - Rev. Virgil Jonat, Rev. Clarence Jonat, Rev. John Franson, Bro. Vern Durksen and a daughter of Rev. Albert Sauve.

We are thankful for God's sweet presence. Our desire is to be what God would have us to be.

The church stands as a landmark within the community where spirit filled believers gather to worship God in appreciation for what Jesus Christ has done for them.

In the year 2000, under the leadership of Pastor Dean Kennedy, the name was changed to NLCF to reflect one of the main motivations of the church - to have real community - a place where all are accepted, all are welcome, young and old, all have the possibility to be ambassadors for Christ and all have a part in His church.

Today, more than 109 years later, Hanna New Life Community Fellowship continues to be a cornerstone in the community of Hanna, welcoming anyone who walks through our doors.

Pastors Brian and Debbie Cooper have a desire for the church community to seek first the kingdom of God, and to look to Him for guidance in everything. We hope that you can join us!

1923 - Rev. Pinkbinder

Mid 1920s - Rev. Sheldon

1926 - Rev. Hohn

1927 - Rev. Deverill

1928 - Rev. Cecil Ball

1929-1931 - Rev. Albert Sauve, Rev. Moodey

1931-1932 - Rev. Creighton, Rev. Willes

1932-1933 - Rev. Kingsfield

1933-1943 - Rev. Brecht

1943-1944 - Rev. Don Merritt

1944-1945 - Rev. D.C. Scott

1945-1947 - Rev. Huson

1947-1950 - Rev. Frank McCrea

1951 - Rev. Ales Henkel

1952 - Rev. Glen Bradley

1952 - Rev. Dalton Powers

1952-1953 - Rev. David Jamieson

1953-1956 - Rev. Virgil Jonat, Rev. Clarence Jonat, Rev. Hardy

1956-1957 - Rev. Alex Botha

1957-1964 - Rev. Sammy Cheek

1964-1966 - Rev. John Franson

1966-1969 - Rev. John Essler

1970-1971 - Rev. Tobin

1972 – 1973 - Closed

1973 - Bro. Vern Durksen

1973-1979 - Rev. John Franson

1979-1980 - Rev. Ray Hildebrandt

1981 - Rev. Art Quist

1981-1983 - Rev. Edward Lievers

1983-1987 - Rev. John Jackshaw

1987-2010 - Pastor Dean Kennedy

2010-2016 - Pastor Irvin Dyck

2016-2017 - Interim Pastors Linda and Kenn Parker

2017-present - Pastors Brian and Debbie Cooper

SOME OTHERS WHO HAVE MINISTERED:

R.A. Lardin, Don Metz, Marvin Fast, Bob Dawson, Rob Dean, R.E.S. Toms, S.K. Moffet