“Christmas at Chortitz” sing-along event was back this past Saturday afternoon at the Chortitz Heritage Church in Randolph.  

Ernest Braun, from the Chortitz Heritage Church Committee, says this was the 7th year they’ve been able to host it, given that in 2020 and 2021 there were no public events like this permitted without restrictions.  

Braun notes there may have been a bit of pent-up demand for this kind of event. “It was good to be back. We haven't done this now for this for two years and now we're finally getting back into it. For some of us older people, singing in German brings us back to Christmas from our past and it's almost impossible to do that anywhere. So, to do it again was great and almost everybody who came said they were glad they had.” 

Braun says, despite the wet and icy road conditions they had a pretty full house.  

“The singing was great. The meditation by Richard Martens was thought-provoking and David Wiebe with his accordion led the singing of “Der Friedensfurst”, which ended up being quite a hit.” 

He notes the song itself is as old as the building it was sung in bringing a familiar feeling to those who sang it.

The Chortitz Hertiage Church in RandolphThe Chortitz Heritage Church in Randolph

Braun notes a bit of history behind the building and says that the site is owned by the RM of Hanover. “They hold the title and provide monetary assistance. We have a grant to keep us going. While the actual running of the church, hosting events, etc. is entrusted to a small committee of about 7 volunteers. “ 

Braun says they are currently looking for one additional board member. He is grateful for all the generous donations of time and money “so that the building can keep from freezing in winter when we are not using it. We would be happy to rent it out to a small group on a weekly basis, so that's always a possibility. We basically want to keep the doors open and we can by the volunteer work, volunteer effort, volunteer donations, and of course, the marvelous grant from the RM.”

Ernest Braun, local Mennonite HistorianErnest Braun, local Mennonite Historian

Braun notes that for 2023, the CHCC is hoping to have somebody at the church during the long weekends to provide access to the building for tours. “Maybe I'll get my Mennonite costume out and I'll do it myself and make sure the door is open. And so, if people come by, let's say they're already going to the MHV for the day, they can drop by and I can give them access to the church. I can give them a bit of background or we can have somebody else do that. But we are hoping to maybe target three or four weekends next summer and allow people to actually come into the church.” 

Braun continues, “In addition to the events that the Board plans itself, the Church is open for wedding and funeral rentals, or any special occasion. We sometimes have small groups come for a spiritual retreat or special prayer meeting, and are willing to rent the church out on a weekly basis for a small church group looking for a home.” 

Going forward, Braun says, they are working on a website that will be accessible via QR code, which will be posted on the post of the gazebo at the east end of the Church. “The Church will be a waypoint on the new Peace Trail that is being developed to run from the Mennonite Landing Site at the confluence of the Rat and Red Rivers, across country to the Dirk Willms sculpture at the Mennonite Heritage Village in Steinbach.  One trail event was held in the fall when Eden Foundation and MHV cosponsored cyclists doing a fundraising Peace Trek, with the Church as a waypoint. We anticipate that this initiative will expand in the next years.” 

Finally, he says, “Everything is done by volunteers. We never charge admission to our events, but have an arrangement with the RM of Hanover to provide income tax receipts for donations that come in from participants.” 

Braun extends his thanks to the residents of the southeast. “We are so grateful for the support of the Community that comes and support us faithfully and cheerfully and they walk out smiling, and that makes me glad.”