Eigenhof Cemetery

EMMC has a long history in southern Manitoba. When it was birthed as Rudnerweide Gemeinde in 1937, several small churches were built in the following years to accommodate the families in the rural areas. Eigenhof seemed to be the central area for most people in that district. By the fall of 1940, the new church building was completed and dedicated, and the cemetery was established on the property.

Photo by Lil Goertzen, April 2021

In the 1970s, the growing size of prairie farms and the subsequent move to urban centers made it increasingly difficult to maintain viable rural congregations.

Eigenhof, the congregation southwest of Altona was struggling to survive. On November 17, 1969, the congregation made the decision to close the church at Christmas time. A final service was held in the spring of 1970. Most of the members joined the EMMC church in Altona.

After the final service in the spring of 1970, the building was sold and moved to Elm Creek.

Buildings can be moved, but cemeteries remain. A group of volunteers from the Altona EMMC have faithfully looked after the cemetery for many years. “We believe it is very important to continue to pay tribute and show respect to our loved ones who have passed on by keeping the cemetery looking cared for. As you all know this does not ‘just happen’”.

The cemetery is still used on a regular basis. The funds collected from the sale of plots goes towards the maintenance and upkeep of the property. This group of volunteers would welcome others in the area to assist with on-going maintenance to keep the cemetery in good condition or contribute to the costs related to the care of the cemetery.

Contact Tim Klassen, Eigenhof Cemetery Committee chair if you would like to assist either financially or by helping with the actual on-going work required. Your efforts will make a difference in preserving history.

Information taken from “Search for Renewal: The Story of the Rudnerweider/EMMC” by Jack Heppner, 1987

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This article was originally published

in The Recorder Vol 62, No. 3