A nearly sold-out crowd gathered at the Mennonite Heritage Village (MHV) for its 61st annual Gala on Friday evening, where warm memories, inspiring stories, and strong community support filled the room.
The evening began with mingling over hors d’oeuvres and a first look at several photographic prints up for auction later that night. Round tables were neatly arranged in the museum auditorium, setting the tone for an evening rich with heritage and connection.
Executive Director Robert Goertzen opened the night with a thoughtful welcome.
“As a heritage organization, we value the stories that we tell and the stories that we hear,” Goertzen told the crowd. “We continue to learn about this place, Manitoba, where Mennonites settled 151 years ago. We acknowledge that this village stands on historic Treaty One territory, and we are committed to building relationships with all communities in southern Manitoba.”
Goertzen also read greetings from Board Chair Willie Peters, who couldn’t attend in person. Peters expressed his appreciation for the support shown to the museum, especially during a time when other historic institutions are closing their doors.
Dinner followed consisting of a hearty and homey plate of pork tenderloin with mushroom stuffing, roasted herbed baby potatoes, dilled carrots, and peas.
After the meal, local poet and author Gareth Brandt took the podium to share a poem written in honour of the 500th anniversary of Anabaptism, a fitting tribute for an institution rooted in Mennonite history.
Senior Curator Andrea Klassen introduced the Live Auction, where local auctioneers Ron Kornelson and John Peters took bids on black-and-white photography prints donated for a 2024 hallway exhibit. A watercolour painting by Gareth Brandt and a photograph of a winter scene captured by Reg Reimer also went under the hammer. Proceeds will help fund future MHV projects.
As dessert was served, The Janzen Boys, a folk trio from Winnipeg made up of JJ Janzen and his sons Simon and Mick, played rootsy, heartfelt tunes for a very appreciative crowd.
Then came the evening’s highlight, keynote speaker and guest of honour, The Honourable Jake Epp, former Member of Parliament for Provencher (1972–1993).
Epp, now 85, spoke with warmth and a touch of nostalgia.
“If my voice sounds a little chummie, well, blame it on old age,” he said with a smile.
He pointed to a green chair displayed on the stage, the very one he used in Parliament for over 20 years. "When I retired, I had the chance to buy that chair. And now it’s here, part of this museum’s collection."
Epp took guests back in time, recalling the early days of Steinbach and his childhood home between Duerksen Printers and what is now Chicken Chef. Born on the very day World War II began, he reflected on how fortunate he was to grow up in a peaceful Canada.
“Many of you have never experienced war. You never experienced famine. You never experienced persecution,” he said. “That’s your legacy. That’s your inheritance. That’s what you celebrate at this museum. That's what we are grateful for.”
He encouraged guests to value education, learn from others, and embrace gratitude. Sharing stories from his global travels, including a moving account of meeting young Afghan girls being taught math in a shipping container, Epp reminded everyone of how education and freedom go hand-in-hand.
One of his favourite lessons.“Don’t waste your time with people who compete. Learn from those who experience life.”
Epp closed with a question he urged everyone to consider, quoting theologian Francis Schaeffer: “How shall we then live?”
As the evening wound down, guests heard updates on MHV’s ongoing and completed projects, a reminder that preserving history is both a celebration and a responsibility.
In a room filled with laughter, reflection, music, and art, it was clear the community had done more than just gather; they had connected, remembered, and embraced the future.