At the turn of the 20th century, religion played a crucial role as a cultural identifier, and influenced the social lives of citizens. While Waterloo Region was ethnically diverse, it was religiously diverse as well. German culture is evident from the religious breakdown of Waterloo North. German Lutherans remained the dominant religious group between 1871 and 1911, growing from a total of 5959 of the total population of 19,256 in 1871, to 11,251 of the total population 33,619 in Waterloo North in 1911. Other prominent religions in the Waterloo North in 1911 were Roman Catholics, numbering 7,223, Mennonites numbering 4,006, and Methodists numbering 2,904. While the Mennonites congregated in larger numbers outside of major town centers, they were still present as a minority in Waterloo, Berlin, and Elmira. Regardless of the religious diversity of Waterloo North there is no evidence of conflict among the groups in contrast to the situation in Germany and Europe. They were united through a common German ancestry, the nostalgic use of the German language, German cultural festivals, and the Christian faith.
(McLaughin, Ken. The Germans in Canada. Ottawa: The Canadian Historical Association,1985; Celebration of Cityhood 1912. Berlin: The German Printing and Publishing Co of Berlin, 1912; Fifth Census of Canada 1911, Volume I. C.H.Parmelee: Ottawa, 1912; Fourth Census of Canada 1901, Volume I. Ottawa: S.E.Dawson, 1902; Third Census of Canada, 1890-91. S.E.Dawson, 1893; Second Census of Canada, 1880-81. Maclean, Roger & Co: Ottawa, 1883; First Census of Canada, 1870-71. Ottawa: I.B. Taylor, 1873.)
