Anabaptist Groups in Perth County
The following is a list of Anabaptist groups in Perth County, Ontario, Canada, in 2025. This site was launched in celebration of the 500th Anniversary of the founding of Swiss Anabaptism.
Traditional Anabaptists
Traditional Anabaptists are the followers of the old ways. The most separate of the Anabaptist groups, nearly all ride horse and buggy, and use little to no electronic technologies. Most wear plain clothes everyday, and women wear head coverings and bonnets. Salvation is defined by repentance, faith, conversion, baptism, and obedience to the end of life.
- Elmadale meetinghouse, North Perth
- Klearview meetinghouse, Perth East
- Fair Haven meetinghouse, Perth East
- -Old Colony Mennonites
Conservative Anabaptists
Conservative Anabaptists have adopted a mix of Anabaptist and Evangelical Protestant beliefs and practices. Most adhere to a form of Protestant Fundamentalism, with very literal views of Scripture. Practices include revivalism, Sunday Schools and other Protestant practices. Salvatian involves Evangelical Protestant beliefs, using born again terminology. Some Anabaptist beliefs have been maintained.
While women wear plain clothes, most men do not, although the most conservative do in church services. It is not unusual to see a woman in public in a dress and a head covering, while men often wear blue jeans and t-shirts.
Conservative Anabaptists drive cars and use most forms of technology, although some filter Internet use.
They involve themselves in global charity work largely through Christian Aid Ministries.
- -Conservative Mennonite Church in Ontario
- Bethel Conservative Mennonite Church, Perth East
- Brookside Conservative Mennonite Church, Perth East
- -Midwest Mennonite Fellowship
- Donegal Mennonite Fellowship, North Perth
Note: Fairhaven Amish Mennonite Church (Perth East), and Fellowship Haven Amish Mennonite Church (North Perth), both consider themselves to be somewhere between the Beachy Amish and the Maranatha Amish in beliefs and practices.
- -Kleine Gemeinde
- Morningview Church, Perth East
- -Church of God in Christ, Mennonite
- -Reformed Mennonites
Unaffiliated:
- -Anchor of Hope Anabaptist Fellowship, Stratford
- -Living Hope Conservative Mennonite Church, North Perth
- -Shalom Christian Fellowship, Perth East
Evangelical Anabaptists
Evangelical Anabaptists are somewhat similar to Conservative Anabaptists in beliefs and practices. However, worship can often involve styles beyond conservative a capella music, sometimes with worship teams using keyboards and guitars.
Women may wear a variety of head coverings or none at all. Men wear common clothes, including during worship.
Some Anabaptist beliefs have been maintained, although the trend is toward Evangelical Protestantism.
- -Berean Christian Fellowship, Millbank, Perth East
- -New Life Church, Milverton, Perth East
Progressive Anabaptists
Progressive Anabaptists have integrated almost fully into mainstream society, with little to no emphasis on Anabaptist beliefs, except for the active promotion of peace. Many have retained their Mennonite identities through this emphasis, as well as retaining their 'Mennonite' name and cultural identities.
Clothing is secular, including at church services. Head coverings are non-existant. Most do not restrict technology usage.
Progressive Anabaptists are very ecumenical, often involved in organizations, joint prayer and even worship with other denominations. They are also very involved in charity organizations like the Mennonite Central Committee, and they hold membership in the Mennonite World Conference.
Progressives run year round colleges and universities like Conrad Grebel on the campus of the University of Waterloo as well as Canadian Mennonite University.
- -Mennonite Church Eastern Canada
- -Ontario Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches
See Also
Perth East Amish and Mennonites
