Happy Valley Moravian Celebrates 60 Years

Our youngest of Moravian churches, Happy Valley Moravian, celebrated their 60th Anniversary of their founding in October 2014.  After various celebratory activities and worship over the year, the momentous occasion culminated in a weekend of special events including a lovefeast, story-sharing, and a history tea sharing the 60 year history in pictures, stories, 1st-hand accounts, memorabilia, and readings of the ministers' diaries and records.  Visitors and members from previous years were present and the weekend climaxed with a church-wide supper at the Masonic Lodge. 

The anniversary was marked by specially made coffee mugs, pens, and shopping bags engraved with the above sketch by the beloved minister the Rev. David Dickenson from England.  Rejoicing and thanksgiving are extended to all the Moravian ministers serving this congregation including but not limited to the Revs. Peacock, Dickenson, Guerney, Robinson, Edmunds, and most recently Rev. Tasedan, and to the congregation's many devoted lay leaders over the years.  Many thanks to the Anniversary Committee for their hard work.  The greatest thanks and glory goes to Jesus Christ, our Chief Elder. 

As Happy Valley Moravian represents the most recent migration of many Labrador Inuit Moravians, inspired by the placement and building of a new air base in Labrador, the following well-documented history timeline is shared from diaries, letters, and journals.

 

The Founding of Happy Valley Moravian Church

Prior to July 1953       

Fall  1943   Family of Gilbert Saunders (Don) -  left Davis Inlet, Big Bay, and Makkovik[1]– picked up Family of John Broomfield [Walter, John, Lily [mom's sister's son]) –  and family of Thorwald Perrault [Alice, Ron, Walter], and Walters family [Eliza, Grace, Jane, Sam, Simon Ebert].[2] Families settled  at Otter Creek.[3]

By 1950   Moravians & Anglicans were holding services in the Friendship Cntr;  (Anglican-Moravian school)[4]

1952 – Scout Hall was erected and Moravian worship was held there.  Building was also used as classrooms until the joint Anglican-Moravian School could be built [1953].[5]

There was an Anglican deaconess Adams pastoral presence-(early 50s)    Anglican founding-1^st baptism.[6]

Prior to 1953 until Dec. 1954   Moravians were worshipping in Boy Scout Hut

1953

March 30   Letter requesting Mission Board of England if they would assign a minister to the Happy Valley congregation.  Visiting Anglican/United ministers only visit their own.  Minister in NWR occasionally available for special circumstances.[7]

July 23   "You will be pleased to know that we now have a regularly constituted congregation in Happy Valley Goose Bay & that the following officers have been chosen & elected:  John Broomfield, Chapel Servant, Alice Perrault-Chapel Servant, Thorwald Perrault-Elder."[8]

Two additional members elected to join them to assist John Broomfield.  Elected Elders:  Alfred Winters, Norman Edmunds.[9]

John Broomfield installed (as 'Lay Minister'?)[10]

Oct. 3   Foundation for the Moravian Church in Happy Valley.  Workers names: Norman Edmunds, Edward Andersen, Alfred Winters, Charles Broomfield & John Broomfield.[11]  [This was the reason John began his journal]

Nov. 12/13  Lumber was brought from Mud Lake by boat and landed on the river beach under a river bank some 18-20 feet high.  A gang of willing workers (21 men) came along with lanterns at night and landed it all  on top of this bank ready to be hauled by truck to where the foundation was started.[12]

Nov. 14   American Air Force donated use of truck to haul lumber to where the foundation was started.  Lumber was hauled, stacked & piled ready to use as soon as the snow goes in the spring.[13]

Nov. 20   First floor of church laid and things left until spring.  (Workers weren't available for working).[14]

1954

January 30   Meeting called by Rev. Peacock (visit).  25 members present.  Nominated Chapel Servants: Mrs. Gilbert Saunders & Mrs. Bridget Winters.[15]

February 3   Rev. F.W. Peacock (superintendent from Nain, held service to consecrate the place for the building.  Consecration done on the floor of church.[16]

February 10   W.T.Perrault elected Chairperson.  W.E.Andersen elected Vice Chair-person.[17]

June 8    Framing of church completed.[18]

September 11   Roof of church is up.[19]

December 18   Hauled the organ on a komatik from Mr. Gilbert Saunders house to the church for use until congregation can afford one.

December 19  First service in new sanctuary. Seats without backs.  A wood stove for heat. Coleman lanterns for light.  "Church was packed full with adults and children" (114). [20]  Note:  This Christmas service held on Sunday as men would be working on Christmas day.

 

References:

1.     John Broomfield         JB

2.     Minutes of Moravian Church Committee Meetings;  Alice Perrault             MMC

3.     Saunders, Don            DS

4.     Perrault, Ron             RP

5.     Arch Deacon Charlene Taylor   ADCT

6.     Crane, Jean                 JC

7.     Peacock, F.W.    Moravian Mission Letter, MML

8.     Happy Valley Town Census, October 26, 1947.                    HVC

9.     Perrault, Alice. Letter written to F.W.Peacock of Nain.  March 30, 1953                                       LETAP

10.  Perrault, Alice.  "History of Happy Valley"                                                  HHV

---

[1] Perrault, Alice.  HHV

[2] DS

[3] HHV

[4] ADCT

[5] HHV

[6] Et Al.

[7] LETAP

[8] MML

[9] MMC

[10] MMC

[11] JB

[12] Et al

[13] Et al

[14] JB

[15] MMC

[16] JB

[17] MMC

[18] JB

[19] Et al

[20] Et al

MORAVIAN SUMMER YOUTH CAMP 2013

Summer has just about come and gone, and many of our youth have grown in amazing ways while attending our Moravian youth camp on August 5th through the 9th, 2013 at Little Bay South near Hopedale.  Twelve youth ranging from 10 years to 12 years old attended under the counselor care and supervision of Sarah Jensen (friendly nurse too), Marjorie Flowers (as amazing as she is crazy), Wanda Lucy (wow of a cook & adventurer), Philip Abel (safety & overseer), and the Rev. Glenna Tasedan (music with element of clumsiness).  Our campers were amazing!  Enduring some cold weather, they participated in drama, a bible scavenger hunt, fishing & boil-up, Inuit games, cool crafts, a lot of singing & exciting bible studies.  All are looking forward to next year and the variety of experiences this camp setting provides. 

See them lovely dieners (servers) - comin' down the aisle

Hear those tea cups a'clankin - drivin people wild,

We're gonna have a lovefeast, bum,bum,bum,

Gonna have - some fun!

Slurp'in up that hot tea, -  and gnaw'in on them buns!

Song lyrics thanks to Laurel Ridge & Labrador youth

 

   Creating living sculptures

Chow time with Wanda & Sarah

enroute to fishing & boil-up

  Philip watched for the bears

  a silly moment

  Shannon & Denver

"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet..."

 Inuit game night

rising of a new day in Christ

 

We give thanks and praise to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!



A Celebration of Life and a Thanksgiving to God

"The opportunities and needs are great. Pray the Lord of the harvest."

It is with deep sadness that the Labrador Moravians say good-bye to long-time servant of Christ, Rev. Dr. Brigitte Schloss, missionary to the Labrador Moravians since 1950.  She has served many roles in and out of the church; teacher, mentor, minister, Chaplain, advocate, and friend to name a few. 

Brigitte was born in Guadau, Germany on Oct. 3, 1927, the 3rd child of Erwin Schloss (Moravian minister) and Emy nee Ruggert. On Oct. 30, 1927 she was baptized by her father. due to his Jewish origins, the family had to leave Germany in 1935 and went to Bern, Switzerland where she went to school and was confirmed by her father on April 18, 1943.  The very careful instruction he gave her was considered by Brigitte to be a blessing to her all of her life.

After 2 years of teacher training, 2 years of teaching Switzerland, she spent a year in England to learn the language with a call to serve God in the Moravian Church.  Her desire was to serve in Rajpur, yet, in 1950, she came to Labrador where she stayed until 1971.  Brigitte said "I thank God for those years in which I learned more than I could ever hope to teach and received so much more than I could give."

From 1971-81 Brigitte was in Ontario, obtained a further degree and got experience in teacher education. From 1981-1988 she coordinated the Native Teacher Education Program in Labrador.  The program aimed at helping Labradorians become qualified teachers and direct the education of their children.  "This work afforded me much time in Labrador and more joys than she could tell." 

Brigitte was installed as an Acolyte on September 4, 1988 in Nain by the Rev. Otto Dreydoppel.  From 1989 on she served Labrador Moravians who lived in St. John's, or who came to study, or were patients in the hospital, or had to spend some time at the correctional facility.  "This too was a privilege and high calling." 

Brigitte was ordained in Nain by the Bishop A. Freeman on October 3, 1995.

Brigitte stories flow from all over the Labrador province of her teaching languages and other subjects, her sense of discipline, love of education, and her passion and love for the Lord Jesus. Brigitte will be missed by many in this corner of the world, and many whom she inspired around the world.

"God has led me all the way and I learned that nothing can separate me from His love"

"Your Word is lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
Fall 2013 Brings Big News at the MCNL

With the coming of fall (amazingly, the warmth of the summer hasn't quite arrived as yet) the MCNL begins a new chapter in its history of promoting biblical literacy among all.  We will be beginning a new Bible Initiative, available without charge to all Labrador Moravians.  The Bible Initiative seeks to grow our own leadership, to grow biblical literacy especially with the vacancies of pastoral leadership, and will help to grow our existing lay leadership, new lay leadership, as well as prevent burn-out of existing leadership.
"And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit...,"  Ephesians 1:13
Phase 1 of the Bible Initiative will be an 8-month biblical survey of the Old and New Testaments in partnership with the Ockenga Institute of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.  The coursework will include online lectures, a workbook, textbooks, pastoral classes in-person, online pastoral class discussions, and "iron sharpens iron" online discussion, all leading to a certificate of completion.
If you're interested in taking the 6-week classes, you may contact MCNL Provincial Chairperson Sarah Jensen scjensen03@hotmail.com or the Rev. Glenna J. Tasedan gjtasedan@gmail.com.  

"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12

2012 MORAVIAN SUMMER YOUTH CAMP

      The 2012 Moravian Summer Youth Camp for Labrador youth ages 10 - 15 was a beautiful time of abiding in God and His creation.  The youth camp took place at the new cabin in Little Bay South (Hopedale) where the weather was perfect, the fishing ideal, and the worship and fellowship outstanding.  Seventeen youth; 3 from Happy Valley Goose Bay and 14 from Hopedale participated.  In addition to their bible study and journaling, activities that marked this camp included fishing, swimming, t-shirt tie-dying and other crafts, music, Inuit games, and watching bears from afar.  The special guest (Moses) appeared, and many new friendships were built.

      Many many thanks go out to Piercey and Francis Boas, Jim Nitsman, and to the Hopedale community for all their assistance in cooking, fixing, making things happen, and transporting the campers on their fishing excursion. 

 

 

2012 Moravian Youth Camp Campers and Counselors

LABRADOR MORAVIAN YOUTH CAMP

Hopedale, NL

August 13-17th, 2012

Youth ages 12-15 years

This year's camp includes:  bible study, crafts, drama, photography, a fishing trip, and an aboriginal day.  Discover God's Word in the midst of God's creation. 
Cost:  $75.00   Reduced air travel may be available upon requested.
Contact:  Sarah Jensen   709-933-3687 or the Rev. Glenna Tasedan  828-339-6970
Registration deadline is July 22nd.  Download/print the registration form here.

Registration for Summer Camp August 13-17, 2012       

Offered by the Moravian Church in Newfoundland and Labrador at Little Bay, near Hopedale

Head counsellors:  Sarah Jensen and Rev. Glenna Tasedan

Name:         ___________________________________      □ Boy      □ Girl

Date of birth:  ____________________

School grade (as of June 23) ________________________

Contact details of parent/guardian in case of emergency:

          Name:_________________________________

          Telephone:  ____________________________

          Address:  ______________________________

          Email address: __________________________ 

Home congregation:  □ Hopedale  □Happy Valley   □ Makkovik    □Nain
Food allergies:  ___________________________________________

Current medication:  _______________________________________

 _______________________________________________________

Medical Condition(s):  _____________________________________

________________________________________________________

MCP number:  ______________________

Any other information:  ______________________________________
__________________________________________________________

 Skills (such as ability to swim, music, etc.)  ______________________

__________________________________________________________

Name of parent / guardian (please print)  ________________________

Signature of Parent / Guardian        _____________________________
Signature of chapel servant         _______________________________

Please return this form with payment of $75.00 to "Labrador Moravian Youth Camp", c/o Sarah Jensen, Hopedale, NL

Deadline for registration is July 22nd.

The Blessing of the Putz - Happy Valley Moravian

 

Five different kinds of moss collected, Labradorite, river sand & rocks (before the freeze), driftwood - was a congregation experience.  Then, working around a very talented model train landscape artist's varied job hours, the landscape got built, the electricians created spotlights, the northern lights were airbrushed, penlights on, frankinsence added, and the figurines were delicately put in place.  We stood there all amazed.  It is a beautiful, and quietly tells the story of Emmanuel, "God with Us."

“And Behold! Wisemen came from the East.”


Last Sunday we combined a Christmas sing-along with our Putz opening and all visitors were completely mesmerized. This was a tradition in Labrador from many years ago of the Hettasch family. Thanks be to God for the effort by many who came together to begin this new tradition alive again in Labrador.
The mountain landscape was created out of plaster and foam, there is a sandy road the wisemen are traveling on with their heavy-burdened camels, the shepherds are abiding in the fields when a host of heavenly angels descend, the wisemen are visiting King Herod’s castle tent in the desert, and the holy family is resting in a cave typical of that in Jerusalem. The landscape reflects the region of Labrador with its beautiful varieties of moss and rocks, yet the star of Bethlehem came from Germany, the figurines were hand-painted in Italy and donated from a home in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
We all look forward to next year as a putz changes year to year. It is a wonderfully unique way of sharing the story of Jesus with the congregation and community, and has drawn many in the congregation together. Thanks be to God! May Christ rest upon your heart; shining His love to all the nations; bringing us hope! Please enjoy the pictures. 

 "And there were, in that country, shepherds abiding in the fields keeping watch over their flocks by night.  And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them and the glory of the Lord shone ‘round about them and they were sore afraid.  And the angel said unto them, “Fear not, for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people!"





"The wise men came to Herod and said,  “Where is he who is born King of the Jews for we have seen his star and have come to worship him.”  When Herod the King heard the news, he was troubled and all Jerusalem with him.  And he called together his chief priests and scribes and asked of them where the child was to be born.  And they said:  “In Bethlehem of Judea for thus it is written by the prophets.”  And Herod said to the wise men;  “Go and search diligently for the child and when you have found him bring me news that I may come and worship him also.”  And the wise men went their way,"

"Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace, good will toward men!"

 

Ordination of Beatrice Hope

September 25, 2011 was a proud day for the Moravian Church in Newfoundland and Labrador. At a service in Happy Valley Moravian Church, Beatrice Hope made history as the first woman from Labrador to be ordained as a Moravian minister. Beatrice graduated from Queen’s College (affiliated with Memorial University of Newfoundland), in May 2011 with a Bachelor of Theology. In May of 2010, Queen’s College presented Beatrice with the Core Values Award, given to a student who most shows the characteristics of Jesus.
Bishop Paul Graf from Wisconsin officiated at the ordination service. Members of the Provincial Board of the Moravian Church in NL and the representative from the Board of World Mission were present for the service.  Beatrice’s parents also came from Nain to share in the special event. Surrounded by her friends and family, Beatrice, well known for her singing, sang “Draw Me Nearer” as her testament of faith.
The following day, Beatrice left on the MV Northern Ranger to serve the congregation of Hopedale Moravian Church.
Congratulations, Beatrice, for persevering through the challenge of being away for the years of study, and for achieving so well in the program! Labrador Moravians look forward to her sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are all proud of Beatrice!

He Is Risen!

Brass Band in Happy Valley Moravian

The season of Lent, Holy Week and Easter is indeed a special time in the life of Moravians of Labrador.  The joy of our salvation comes to life in English and Inuktitut; through the Word of God and through Moravian hymns and anthems.  What a bless-ed journey it is each year, and it is with good reason that Moravians around the world are referred to as the "Easter People."    

This year's Lenten journey into Easter became even more alive with the beautiful music performed by the combination of the congregation musicians and the talents of Dr. Tom Gordon & his team of MUN musicians.  The Nain, Makkovik, Hopedale, and Happy Valley congregations were treated to hear some of the locally composed choral anthems of generations before, as well as beautiful Moravian hymns of an ensemble of 2 trombones, 2 trumpets and a euphonium. This heritage is truely something to be very proud of and "Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through Jesus Christ, our Lord."

MUN musicians performing at Long Term Care

Many many thanks to the Memorial University School of Music contention and we look forward to the compilation of all of Dr. Gordon's efforts forthcoming.  On behalf of the Province and each congregation, THANK YOU!

Thank you as well to all of the congregation musicians; utilizing their talents, their memories, and to all that led worship for the benefit of all.  What a blessing it is to be brothers and sisters in Christ; united one in the Name of Christ.  May blessings abound as we all come together in unity in spirit; worshipping our Sovereign Lord God.  Amen!

Labrador Provincial Synod, October 2010

The Moravian Church in Newfoundland and Labrador (MCNL) held its Provincial Synod in Happy Valley Moravian Church annex on October 22 and 23. Delegates from Happy Valley, Nain, Hopedale, and Makkovik met together, along with Labrador’s representative on the American Board of World Mission (BWM), Loren Jendro. A new Chair of the Provincial Board was elected. She is Linda Saunders-McLean of the Happy Valley Moravian Church. Other Board members include Sarah Jensen of Hopedale, Myrtle Groves of Makkovik, and Bob Lyall of Happy Valley. Nain plans to hold a congregational meeting in the near future to choose their member. Rev. Glenna Tasedan, ordained minister, automatically becomes a Board member.

Other items on the agenda were the Book of Order, which is now ready for translation and printing; reports from each congregation; and financial reports. The financial outlook looks bleak after the next five years. With the resources it has at present, MCNL can only guarantee to fund a total of two ordained ministers for about five years. By then, the grant provided by the BWM will have ended, and unless MCNL can raise more money within our province, the churches will have some hard decisions to make.
Highlights from the four congregations include:

a) Nain. The church in Nain has been registered as a heritage building (also the mission house) by the Heritage Foundation of NL. The Nain Heritage Committee has secured funds to begin renovations next year (and will continue to write proposals for the huge sums required). In the meantime, the elders feel that the building is structurally unsafe, especially when there are large numbers attending services. A motion was passed at Synod recommending that the Nain congregation find an alternate space to hold services until renovations make it safe.

b) Hopedale. The chapel servants at Hopedale were commended for the fine work they are doing in keeping the Boys and Girls Brigade going. It meets each week for educational, spiritual, musical, and physical activities. It is a great way to involve the age group that usually drops out from attending church once they ‘graduate’ from Sunday School. Not only that, five of the chapel servants obtained funds to enable them to take advantage of Alpha training in Newfoundland. These are wonderful signs of growth and dedication in the Hopedale Moravian Church.

c) Makkovik. Makkovik has been nineteen years without a resident minister, but the chapel servants have been steadfast in keeping their church going. There are at least seven persons who take turns holding services. Commendation was given to Caroline Andersen, church treasurer, for her exemplary service of record keeping for many years. Given the small population of Makkovik, the congregation is to be commended for the amount of funds they are able to raise to meet expenses.

d) Happy Valley. Happy Valley has had extensive renovations made to the minister’s house (manse) through the assistance of an outside source. It certainly improved the living conditions for our resident minister and her husband. The Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay also laid down a new water & sewer line, which greatly improved the water quality and pressure in the church annex and manse.

e) St. John’s fellowship. Rev. Dr. Brigitte Schloss sent a report from St. John’s. At the age of 83, Brigitte still visits the acute care hospitals when they call saying a Moravian is a patient. She also holds a service once a month at the chapel in the Health Science Centre. And whenever some government department invites leaders of various denominations to attend their functions, Brigitte makes sure the Moravian Church is represented. She continues to be a faithful supporter of all church work and workers in Labrador.

Gratefully yours, 
Joan Andersen, Retiring Provincial Chair

Moravian Music Festival for Youth

The Moravian Music Festival was held in Makkovik this year, from June 29 to July 2. This is the third year for the event. It was made possible thanks to a donation from Rev. Dr. Brigitte Schloss. Smaller donations were also received from Aurora Energy and Nunatsiavut Government’s Recreation Fund.

Poor flying weather played havoc with our schedule, and Nain was unable to travel at all. Christopher Guindon and four members of Nain’s school brass band plan to reschedule for late August or sometime in September. At that time they will play in church.

Rev. Glenna Tasedan of Happy Valley Moravian brought four members of her hand chimes group, and Nancy Barfoot brought four members of the Boys and Girls Brigade in Hopedale. They joined the Sunday School children of Makkovik, as well as two of Natalie Jacque’s violin students, for workshops and a concert. Besides workshops in vocal, violin, and hand chimes, Andrea Andersen of Makkovik instructed groups in use of the Inuit drum as a percussion instrument to accompany some favorite hymns chosen by the participants.

The Music Festival was dedicated to two fine musicians who served their churches for many years, but passed away in January: Amos Lyall and Inga Andersen. Amos was the former Vice Chair of the Provincial Board for the Moravian Church in Newfoundland and Labrador. He was also an acolyte for the Happy Valley Moravian, and organist on many occasions. Inga learned to play the organ in 1932 and continued to do so for over 60 years. Throughout her life, Inga served the Makkovik church well by being a Chapel Servant for many years and remained a Lifetime Chapel Servant until her death. In 2009, at the age of 95, Aunt Inga played on stage alongside her brother Jim (age 90), to visitors from a cruise ship. Her passion for music will be missed by all.

After the concert held in church on June 30, the participants were able to take part in the Canada Day activities in Makkovik, as well as tour the museum, fish plant, and walk Poet’s Path.