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Sometimes,
the church seemed to know just what the COs needed. Between 1942
and 1945, many COs worked for the BC Forestry Service. They fought
fires, planted trees, and built roads. The forestry camps were isolated
and the work was hard. If the men worked hard and if the camp boss
was in a good mood, a few men received leaves every weekend. To
give the COs some place to go, the Mennonite churches in the Fraser
Valley bought a fairly large house in Vancouver for the COs. Without
this house, many of the COs would not have been able to leave camp.
It was a Home for CO Fellowship.
“On
occasion some of the men in the BCFS for ASW, 1942-1945 obtained
weekend leaves and went to Vancouver , a novel experience with
one problem: where to stay overnight. The General Conference Mennonite
Churches of BC, primarily in the Fraser Valley, purchased a fairly
large residence in the vicinity of Fraser and 49th Avenue, to
provide a “home-away-from-home” for CO men on weekend leaves.
It accommodated approximately ten men at one time and they were
permitted to stay for two days."
“The
January 1944 issue of The Beacon carried the following
news release: ‘Centre for Conchies While on Leave. For the information
of the men in camps we wish to advise that the Mennonite churches
of Vancouver have established a home for the Alternative Service
Workers to which they can go while on leave in Vancouver . The
home is situated at 555 East 49th Street and is operated jointly
by the United Mennonite church and the Mennonite Brethren church.
Alternative Service Workers are all invited, regardless of denomination
or religions affiliation. We welcome you to spend your leisure
time here while in the city.'”
“Henry
and Susie Ewert were the house parents. Under their guidance,
the young COs were able to enjoy mixed company while on leave.
Board and room was free at first, but some recall paying $2 per
week. In a recent telephone interview Mrs. Ewert mentioned that
on occasion the fellows had to sleep three in one bed. The house
is still standing near First Mennonite Church in Vancouver."
“The
men appreciated these accommodations very much. The jolly nature
of some of the fellows helped make the stay a pleasure.… Many
COs appreciated the hospitality and fellowship and thanked the
Lord for the Ewerts.” [ASP, 32]
This
house was just one of the very practical ways in which families
and friends at home supported the conscientious objectors.
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