Centre for
Mennonite Brethren Studies

From our archives

This is a photo of the administration building of MBBC. It originally was called the Anna Gibson School and became the classroom/administration building when Mennonite Brethren Bible College started in 1944. In 1985 it was renamed again, this time to the A.H. Unruh building.

For more information:

Profiles of Mennonite Faith

Anna J. Thiessen: City Missionary

At the beginning of the Radical Reformation of the 16th century, Mennonites left behind the religious tradition of single men and women set apart for service to the church. Yet, at the same time, there were single women and men who devoted their lives to the church – most frequently as missionaries.

Among Mennonite Brethren one outstanding example was Anna Thiessen (26 January 1892–1 April 1977). She was one of the first Mennonite Brethren city missionaries in Canada. She spent her entire working life in Winnipeg – which for a number of years was the only city mission in Canada.