In the 1870’s Mennonites, known as Die Mennonitische Gemeinde zu Chortitz, came to Canada from Russia and landed at the junction of the Red and Rat Rivers (near present day Ste. Agathe). From there, they journeyed east and built their first church at Chortitz (present day Randolph) and established a cemetery where today, over 400 people are buried.
Interest has been expressed in restoring the cemetery and preserving it as a heritage site. In the same way as the Israelites took stones from the riverbed to recall the crossing of the Jordan into the promised land for future generations, this cemetery is a reminder to many of their spiritual heritage. In October 2009, the CMC Ministerial approved its designation as a Heritage Cemetery. Continue reading “CMC Heritage Project at Randolph, MB”