The community of Ethelbert is located north of Dauphin on the Canadian National Railway line. The area was settled by Ukrainian immigrants, somewhat later than the nearby areas of Ste. Rose and Gilbert Plains. A Presbyterian mission, established to serve this immigrant community, has been active in Ethelbert from the early years of the twentieth century and the community was also the site of a Woman's Missionary Society hospital from 1915 to around 1957. Appointments served from Ethelbert included Garland, Pine River, Sclater, and Cowan; a WMS dispensary also operated at Pine River from 1920 to 1946. In 1925, Rev. Ephraim Perich presided over the Ethelbert field. For many years, Ethelbert was part of a Home Missions Field and students served it during the 1940s and 1950s. Ethelbert ceased to be a Home Missions Field in 1972. Ethelbert United Church has been part of the Gilbert Plains Pastoral Charge since 1980. Previous to that, Ethelbert was involved in multi-point charge relationships with Pine River, Garland and Winnipegosis from 1958 to 1972, and with Pine River from 1972 to 1980. Sifton was also part of the Winnipegosis-Ethelbert-Pine River Charge during the 1960s. Sifton Church was closed and the building was sold in 1969. At the time of description, Ethelbert United Church is part of the Gilbert Plains-Ethelbert Pastoral Charge in Northland Presbytery.