A longstanding Christian women’s group hosted their last meeting on Monday, Dec. 8.
After 53 years, and hundreds of inspirational speakers, musicians, singers, and special features, the Prince Albert Christian Women’s After 5 Connection has made the decision to close. Saying goodbye was not an easy decision for the group.
“I’ve loved every minute of it,” said Vivian LaPorte, the group’s final chair. “We’ve had wonderful people here, and I hope it’s made a difference in the community, because that’s what we wanted to do, to have Jesus a part of their life, to give them hope, inspiration. but also to have a fun time.”
The group had 90 people in attendance for their final meeting at the Coronet Hotel. LaPorte emceed the final supper while Renee Lotts provided the monthly update on bible study and the village missions.
LaPorte said that it was very sad to see the end of the club.
“It’s been wonderful and yeah, it’s really hard,” she said.
In 1972, the Christian Women’s group began in Prince Albert as Stonecroft Ministries. A local woman contacted the headquarters office in Kansas City USA (which was founded in the 1930’s), and a new club was created. The organization has been through a few leadership changes before settling on the name Prince Albert Christian Women’s After 5 Connection.
A morning breakfast group was also established to accommodate those who could attend events later in the day.
Clubs derived from Stonecroft Ministries were non-denominational, non-profit Christian organizations providing opportunities to develop a relationship with God through the studies of Jesus Christ. Extending this interest, Bible study groups started around Prince Albert, where ladies could study, socialize and get to know the Christian faith better, in a relaxed atmosphere over coffee and cake.
LaPorte said that the group brought people of all denominations together.
“It makes a difference,” she said. “I’ve had people say to me, ‘it made so such a difference. I was going through such a bad time and it just made a difference.’ It kept some just connected and that was the main thing. It’s good for the community to bring all these good people together and we made friendships.”
Some members have been around since the beginning.
“There’s one lady, she says,’ what am I going to do now? I’ve been coming since 1972.’ So yeah, it’s a place to come to remember that life can be good. It’s just a wonderful thing,” LaPorte said.
Not all aspects of the group are ending. The Bible Study and Village Missions, which help churches in Saskatchewan, will continue.
“Young people need to remember Jesus. They need to know Jesus. They need to know God. They need to have something to turn to when they’re going through a really bad time,” LaPorte said.
The group’s main focus was to bring people together to help inspire hope and an investment in Christian opportunities. Keeping to the original format that Stonecroft Ministries laid out, groups would meet once a month, with a meal, a special feature, music and an inspirational speaker. Soon people attended from near and far.
The special feature each month was often themed, entertaining, and most often something from the community to peak the interest of women with diverse backgrounds and ages. Some in the history of the organization included The Irish Dancers, AlwayZ ChocolateZ by Melainie Quintal, flower arrangements by Scentiments Floral, Fine Dining by Ted Pechey, and Financial Planning by Shannen Fisher, just to name a few. The most popular by far was the “Fall Fair” held each September celebrating the harvest with plenty of produce, baking and auction items.
The final special feature was caroling, donations to Santa’s Anonymous and a draw for prizes donated called “Sacks 2nd Avenue.”
Talented musicians and singers—both local and rural—performed the music each month. The final musical performers were longtime friends of the After 5 Tim Dyck, Garry Larson and Reverend Rick Martin.
An inspirational speaker would share and tell their personal story or experience of how their Christian faith pulled them through difficult times. Many of these speakers were from Saskatchewan or neighbouring provinces.
The final speaker was Bernice McNair, who had a theme of gifts and is the lead pastor of the Open Door Community Church.
“We’ve had amazing speakers that just people leave just feeling good, feeling hopeful, feeling good, feeling blessed,” LaPorte said.
In a press release, the After 5 the Christian Women’s group thanked many people for their longevity. First the organizing volunteers on committees bringing the program to Prince Albert. They also thanked the Coronet Hotel (formally Travelodge Hotel), who has been a supporting venue for most of the 53 years.
“We say thank you to their staff and wonderful service! In appreciation of all the speakers over the years and musicians that entertained us we say “your talents were priceless and inspirational to many,” the release stated.
“Lastly, we say thank you to the hundreds of people who attended our suppers and outreach programs. We couldn’t have done it for 53 years without you being there.”
