This article is about the early development of Ailsa Craig Boys' Farm (later Craigwood), an Ontario Mennonite and Brethren in Christ initiative. During World War II, these denominations had undertaken a variety of relief projects to express their goodwill towards a government that had honoured their theology of non-resistance by granting them conscientious objection privileges. With the waning of the world crisis, they looked for new ways to contribute to Canadian society. What better avenue than helping Ontario Social Services rebuild hurting families by providing a healthy environment for pre-delinquent boys? This initiative came increasingly under government direction, but despite an increasing dependence on public support, the Farm's Christian ethos remained foundational to its initial success.
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