A CHURCH OF PRAYER Chapter 118

University Drive Alliance Church

1967 (after expansion) -1979 (move to CDA)

Throughout his days of ministry at University Drive Alliance Church, Rev. Walter Boldt often indicated how important prayer was to him. His first written request of God is "that the Head of the Church may grant us even greater blessings in the years that lie ahead." In 1962, he stated that "the spiritual pulse of the church can be measured by the interest her members take in the prayer meeting service." Three years later, he wrote, "A decline in our mid-week prayer meeting attendance is of deep concern to your pastor. Brethren, we must band together to pray if we expect the blessing of God." By 1970, Walter Boldt assessed the state of the church, listing three problem areas. Intercession was one. "The Church of Jesus Christ draws her power from her living Lord. If we are to be effective, more of our members must give themselves to the ministry of prayer."

One group that seemed to understand the need for prayer was the young people. The President of the High School youth group in 1968, Holden Bowker, stated that "young people are holding prayer meetings on Wednesday nights, joining the adults for the Alliance Men's and Women's prayer meetings and also for the communion prayer meetings." Don Gustafson, President of the College and Career group wrote, "During recent months a group of young people have been meeting together to pray that God will meet us in a new way in our Youth Fellowship. I believe that a new desire to pray and seek the mind of God is being born in the hearts of people."

As prayer was undergirding the church, various programs emerged to meet the needs of the congregation. Pioneer Girls began in 1961 with Mrs. Verna Dirks leading. This program continued to provide valuable training to the young ladies of the church into the 1980s.

They had started Christian Service Brigade under the leadership of Roy McIntyre. It served an equally important role in shaping young men for service as laymen in the church or in full-time ministry.

Another area of spiritual feeding and training was the Youth Groups. A balance of teaching, practical service and witness plus social activities made these groups very attractive.

Quizzing became a very useful tool in sharpening the minds and embedding the Word of God in the minds of those willing to invest the time and energy. The effort resulted in the quiz team winning the International Bible Quizzing Championships in1969, 1970 and 1971.

Viewing the church situation in 1969, Art Ford, secretary of the Board of Elders observed, "As a Board of Elders, we are aware of many spiritual needs in our church and would exhort our members to pray that God will visit His church and that there will be a real spiritual revival in these days of so much unbelief." Two years later, he rejoices, "Our hearts are filled with praise and thanksgiving to God for the moving of the Holy Spirit and the expressions of love which have been manifested in our midst in these days of revival."

When Dick Driedger wrote his report to the members in 1972, he notes the effect of the revival on the church. "In this my first report to the congregation, I wish to express my thanks to God for the deep work of the Holy Spirit among us. Through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, new programs have been initiated to enlarge the outreach of the church, and older, established programs have been revitalized to reach our community, and ultimately the world, for Jesus Christ."

The Music Department was a program revived and enlarged following the revival. As Walter Boldt responded to the burden to reach out to others through a television ministry, the need to develop a strong music program became evident. Reuben Balzer was hired in 1973. Under his leadership, a number of small ensembles and larger choirs formed. He established a Sacred Music School in which to provide musical training for young people. This training program lasted for two years and had between 20 - 40 students. Turning Point Singers began to develop their repertoire in 1973. They produced an LP recording of the music that they used in the Turning Point program.

Youth choirs presented musicals beginning in 1975. The "Apostle" was presented by the Youth choir that spring. The next spring, the Boys' choir presented "Sam," the Sanctuary Singers "Everlasting Life" during Easter. The Junior AYF choir took "Make it Clear" on a musical tour through Saskatchewan in 1977.

As the Turning Point television ministry was being developed in 1973, a cassette recording and copying ministry began. Al Willems used his expertise to organize and administrate this area, which became known as Turning Point Recordings. In the first year, they copied one thousand cassettes of the messages preached from the pulpit for sale. Within a year, a loaning library was set up so that shut-ins and others unable to attend the service could receive the teaching. Missionaries welcomed the cassettes that caring people in the congregation sponsored.

Trying to reach out to the community in Saskatoon and area, the Morning Worship Service was also broadcast live over a local FM station beginning in 1977.

Taking advantage of the summers in Saskatchewan, a camping ministry for Pioneer Girls and Christian Service Brigade was conducted in the 1960s. In the 1970s, Family Camps were added. They held camps at Ranger Lake, Christopher Lake and Jeanette Lake with around 110 people taking in the week of special teaching and summer activities.

Another area of the ministry included an internship program in cooperation with Canadian Bible College. The church benefited by this program as students would receive practical hands-on training with them, and often have opportunity to be hired for ministry following their education. Interns included Doug Willie, Lynette Miniely, Mike Straup, Ken Driedger, Dan McIvor, Errol Rempel, Audrey Thiessen, John Knelson, Ray Willms and Tom Fehr.

When Susan Driedger took over the leadership of the women's ministry, this program expanded. A name change indicated the change in direction for the program. "Woman Alive" provided spiritual challenge and nurturing for years to come.

Under the blessing of God, the congregation grew as people came to know Jesus as their Saviour and Lord. When the number of converts was totalled up each year, beginning in 1973, a minimum of 110, with as many as 166, came to Christ.

Such growth became a challenge to the church leadership. To handle the increase in the congregation, they started a new church plant, the Meadowlark Park (now Avalon) Alliance church, in 1973. That same year, Walter Boldt challenged his congregation to pay off the debt on the building so that monies could be freed for other uses.

Continued growth caused the church leadership to hold two services each Sunday morning beginning in 1976. As the growth continued, the Executive Board of the church began to take the necessary steps to move to a larger facility. They considered using the Centennial Auditorium, but came to the conclusion that they would have to raise the funds, buy property and build a facility that would meet the needs of the programs and people presently involved and allow adequate space for growth.

Walter Boldt challenged the congregation in 1977, "I would suggest that every Tuesday evening be set aside by all of us for special prayer. During a building program Satan often attacks a fellowship the most. We must resist him steadfast in the faith,"

When the new building was completed on Circle Drive and Preston Avenue, it was a living example of just how God had answered Walter Boldt's prayer "that the Head of the Church may grant us even greater blessings in the years that lie ahead."


Taken from an online report of the 50th anniversary of the church.