IN THE LATE 60’S CALGARY WAS GOING THROUGH A TIME OF EXPANSION AS A RESULT OF SIGNIFICANT GROWTH IN THE OIL INDUSTRY.
Communities in the South East quadrant of Calgary like Lake Bonavista grew up as a response to this growth. The Evangelical Missionary Church of Canada saw this growth and responded to it by beginning a church planting effort in that part of the city. In 1972 John and Lydia Gamble who were former Missionaries to India and were currently the District Superintendent for the denomination began this church planting work in Andrew Sibbald School.
In 1975 David and Karen Crouse came to the church as fulltime pastor and because of the church’s growth were able to start a building program in 1977 on the current site.
In 1984 Murray and Lorrie Swalm began as Associate pastor and became the Senior Pastor when David and Karen Crouse left in 1986. Over the years there have been several staff persons that have served in many capacities and have made a huge contribution to the growth of Bonavista Church.
After 36 years of faithful ministry, Murray and Lorrie Swalm have stepped down as Senior Pastor. We miss them and bless them.
In the Fall of 2021, John and Jennifer Estabrooks were welcomed to Bonavista Church as Lead Pastor. Just as they were coming up on one year our church building was set on fire. The transitions and tumult continues but God remains faithful. In the Fall of 2022, despite the fire, we were able to celebrate our 50 year anniversary (photos above). God is good!
BONAVISTA CHURCH HAS ALWAYS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE EVANGELICAL MISSIONARY CHURCH OF CANADA.
Those who attend the church come from multiple backgrounds and denominations and yet find a home here. The history of the church has been marked by a spirit of unity and grace. We desire to live out the heritage handed to us by those who have sacrificially given so much over the years.
The church has been committed to caring for their surrounding community through a variety of means such as serve day, a monthly food pantry and a weekly drop in program for parents and young children called café and play. It is our desire to live out the values of Christ in our community and to be His presence in our world.
