Mel?.,ol?iteHistorial?

CUTER FOR M. B. STUDIES IN CANADA77 HENDERSON HIGHWAY

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA R2L 1L1

Volume VIII, Number 4December, 1982

A Sunday school picnic of the Chinook-Sedalia congregation. The date was July 19,1932. Sunday School teacher G. G. Baergen is with the group. Photo courtesy of IreneKlassen.

The Neukircher Mennonlten Gemeindevon Chinook-Sedalia (1928-1950)By Irene Epp Klassen

Who can say of any life, a person, a com­munity, or a congregation, that it was livedin vain? The Neukircher Mennoniten (Kir­chliche) Gemeinde von Chinook-Sedalia wasborn, budded and died, perhaps a prematuredeath. But can it be said that it bore no fruit?

This is my tribute to a congregation ofwhich I was a part, and which left its imprinton me.

When, in the mid-1920s, the newly arriv­ed Mennonite immigrants sought farms inwestern Canada, there was an area in easternAlberta that became available. It extendedfrom the Saskatchewan border between themain CNR Saskatoon to Calgary line,through Chinook, in the south, and the CPRline through Consort in the north - a spanof about 40 miles. In 1926 the CNR built aspur line which dissected the area at Sedalia,and although the train ran only once a week,it did improve communication and especial­ly grain shipment tremendously.

The area had been settled about 20 yearsearlier. However, being just within the boun­dary of the infamous Palliser Triangle, it had

already shown its vacillating climatic moods,and discouraged pioneers were now eager tosell. Some of them were also eager to takeadvantage of these "ignorant greenhorns"and they did just that.

The terms of purchase - no cash down­payment, half the crop share for up to 15years, plus taxes, plus seed, plus all other ex­penses - seemed reasonable enough in thosefirst good years. Later they proved Quitedisastrous.

Before long over 300 Mennonites (about50 families) had purchased farms eitherthrough the Colonization Board or private­ly. Addresses included Chinook, Cereal, Ex­cel, Naco, Sedalia, New Brigden, Esther,and Monitor.

On March 14, 1928, the first brotherhoodmeeting was called and the Neukircher Men­noniten Gemeinde von Chinook-Sedalia wasborn. William Martens, who had been large­ly responsible for collecting all the loosely­grouped and scattered people, was given theleadership. Other ministers in the group atthat time were Heinrich Janzen, Cornelius

Penner, and Gerhard Huebert. Four morewere elected: George Harder, HeinrichDueck, Peter Regehr, and David Boese.

Rather than choose their own elder at thispoint, it was decided to call on Jacob B.Wiens, Herschel, Saskatchewan to performthose duties designated only to elders, i.e.baptism and communion.

Deacons were elected - Gerhard J.Baergen, and Tobias Schmidt (also laterGerhard Schmidt) - and these were given theresponsibility of gathering and distributingthe mission funds. A large portion of thesewere sent to Russia, but there was also someneed within the congregation.

Vorsaenger (song-leaders) were an impor­tant part of the worship, and the first oneschosen were Gerhard Schmidt and HeinrichVoth. The hymn books that were availablewere the Gesaogbucb with its chorales, andthe Dreibaod, a three part collection ofsomewhat livelier songs. It seems that thepreacher chose whichever he preferred. Hewould read a line or two and the Vorsaengerwould start the singing, the preacher read thenext few lines and so on throughout thenumerous verses. Even without notes, or anyinstrumental accompaniment, the congrega­tion always sang in four-part harmony, andthey sang well.

With high hopes and in great faith, a fully­responsible congregation stepped forth.

Because of the great distances, two majorsub-divisions were created, the South atChinook and the North at Sedalia. Thesepeople had come from many and variedbackgrounds in Russia, each person with hisown ideals, so during the following years in­ternal struggles did exist.

Although the group was mainly GeneralConference, the Mennonite Brethren and theAlliance were also represented, and theirpreachers, G. Harder, G. Huebert and C.Penner, were generally accepted. Some of themission funds were divided among the Con­ferences; there was even a baptism service forthe Mennonite Brethren; Bibelbesprechungen(Bible studies) were conducted by ministersfrom both conferences. Some rivalry aroseat times, but the people sought to settle dif­ferences amicably, since their chosen mottostated: "Let all things be done decently andin order" (I Corinthians 14:40).

(to be concluded)

Page 2

Family SludiesMHC Genealogy Sources

Conclusion

The first section of this article appearedin the June, 1982 issue of MennoniteHistorian.

MapsThese help to pinpoint origins, and create

background information for family studies.

Genealogical PublicationsGerman Mennonites like RH. Unruh, G.

Reimer, K. Kauenhofen, etc. have publish­ed useful studies on Mennonite families andnames. Unruh's valuable book on the Dutch­Prussian backgrounds of the Mennonites inRussia is still available at the Canadian Men­nonite Bible College bookstore. The Centrealso subscribes to several genealogical jour­nals which are very helpful sometimes.

Mennonite Historical Library at C.M.B.C.This may be the largest collection of Men­

nonite history materials in Canada. Most ofit can be used on loan from the library, andoffers a broad selection of information forbackground materials on family studies.

Titles useful for family studies: (bracketsshow what MHC Archives has on hand).Archiv fuer Sippenforschung (1961-1968)Baxter, Angus. In Search of Your Roots. A

Guide for Canadians Seeking TheirAncestors. Toronto, Macmillan ofCanada, 1978.

Clues (published by the American HistoricalSociety of Germans from Russia ­1973-present).

Doane, Gilbert H. Searching for YourAncestors. The How and Why of Genea­logy (Bantam Books, 1974). Paperback.

Jonasson, Eric. The Canadian genealogicalhandbook: a comprehensive guide to fin·ding your ancestors in Canada. Winnipeg,Wheatfield Press, 1978.

Mennonite Family History (1982- )Mitteilungen des ippenb ndes der Danziger

Mennoniten Familien (l926-1939?).Unruh, B.H. Die niederlaendisch-nieder­

deutschen Hintergruende der mennoni­tischen Ostwanderungen im 16., 18. und19. Jabr hundert. (Karlsruhe, Germany,(1955).

For fUl:ther details write for an article en­titled "Canadian Sources for MennoniteGenealogies - The Mennonite Heritage Cen­tre;" available free from· the MennoniteHeritage Centre archives, 600 ShaftesburyBlvd., Winnipeg, Manitoba, Can. R3P OM4.

U of M Genealogy CourseThe Continuing Education Division of the

University of Manitoba will be offering agenealogy cour e beginning on February 7,1983. The:: course will continue for 10 weeks,Monday nights from 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.

As an introductory course, the study isdesigned to "provide a basic grounding ingenealogical re earch, with emphasis onbeginning and organizing the research pro­cess." Eric Jonasson, founder and past presi­dent of the Manitoba Genealogical Societywill be tbe instructor. Tuition is $65.00.

If interested, please contact Dr. JamesB. Hartman or Eilain Stevenson at the Con­inuing Education Division. Call 261-5760 or

loll free 1-800-432-1904.

More on ReunionsA Stoe z reunion (descendants of six

toe z wbo came to anitoba 1874-80,Mary, Anna, Katharina, Jacob, Corneliusand David) was celebrated on June 19-20,1982 at lhe Winkler Bible School. It wasplanned by Mary Wiebe of Portage la Prairie

.and Ed toe z of Winnipeg. George Ungerof orton, III. has collected much materialon mo .1 of the lin of Cornelius and Jacob.

The H. . Dyck family held a reunion onugu t 14-15 in win Current, Saskat-

chewan. he Dyck family formerly re idedat Waldheim, Sask. Among the guests werepersons from Indiana and Omaha,Nebraska.

In Edenthal, Manitoba, the grandchildrenof the late Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Wiebe metlast summer at the Rempel horne. About 600Wiebe cousins attended, some from as faraway as St. John, N.B.

Research RequestsI am looking for information about the

family of Cornelius Huebert (1835-1897). Weknow that he was born at Schoenwiese inUkraine, and that he married Anna Wiebe,a widow with four girls from an eartier mar­riage. Any pictures, or other informationabout the C. Huebert family would be veryhelpful.

If you have anything, please write to:Victor HuebertR.R.2Ruthven, OntarioNOP 2GO

I am looking for information about theperformance of a song entitled "Manitoba"in the Legislative Buildings around 1927. Iunderstand that a Mennonite group, possiblyschool children, sang this song in that set­ting. The song was composed by Jonathan

Hughes Arnett in 1922 as a theme song fOlthe province of Manitoba. It appears to havebeen laught in many schools after that.

·H yOU were taught that song, andremember it, or if you can tell me somethingabout that performance at the LegislativeBuilding, write to: .

Ed Thornhillc/o Manitoba Seniors Journal1102 Childs Bldg.211 Portage Ave.Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2A2

P.S. The .melody and words of"Manitoba" were reprinted in ManitobaSeniors Journal for utumn, 1982, p. 6.

amples of the reprint are a ailable on re­quest. Enclose a tamped envelope for ananswer.

FOR SALE

First Mennonite hurcb in Saskatoon1932·1.982

The history of the congregation from itsearly beginnings to the present. 320 p.,307 photos.

Price: $25.00, plus $1.60 postage.Order from:

First ennonite Church418 Queen Sl.

Saskatoon, a katcbewanS7K OM3 .

Family Album - Patkau, Harder, Krahn

A family tree of each seven generationsof Jacob Paetkau (1759-1818); MartenHarder (l 39-1891), and Johann Krahn(1763- ? ) 320 p., 297 photos,plus stories.

Price: S40.00Order from:

Esther Patkau2206 Wiggins Ave.

Saskatoon, SaskatchewanS7J lW7

Meditations on a Placeand a Way of Life

By Ken Loewen and Margaret LoewenReimer

Selection of black and white photos byKen Loewen, with selected suitable textby Margaret Loewen Reimer. 128 p., pb.$14.95

Order from:Mennonite Heritage Centre

600 Shaftesbury Blvd.Winnipeg, Manitoba

R3P OM4

Mf;NNONITE HISTORIAN is published quarterly by the History Archives Committee of the Conference of Mennonites in Canada.It is edited by Lawrence Klippenstein. All correspondence and unpublished manuscripts should be sent to the editorial officeat 600 Shaftesbury Blvd., Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3P OM4. Subscription fee, $3.00 per year. ISSN 0700·8066.

Milestones ofFirst Mennonite Church

by Esther Patkau

Part IV (Conclusion)

The 1970s brought other changes. In July1971 Rev. Enns left the pastorate here andRev. Henry A. Wiens took his position inSeptember of the same year.

To give added space and more functionalroom, under the intitiation of the Men's Ser­vice Organization, the area between thechurch buildings and the manse was filled in,adding a pastor's office, a library, and Boardroom, a Sunday school room, and a muchappreciated lounge on the lower level. Thatwas in 1972.

The format of the services changed. In1973 two services, one all in German heldduring the Sunday School hours, followedby an all English service, was tried, and hascontinued to work well. J.J. Martens, whoat one time served as conductor for theregular choir and for many years had beena member of that choir, now in 1974 tookon the directing of a German choir.

Search was made for an assistant to aidthe pastor and in 1976 Esther Patkau was in­stalled in that position. In 1977-1978 a youngman, John Braun, was received as a pastoralapprentice to learn by experience the workof ministry. That changed his course in life,and after further training he was ordainedas a pastor in Steinbach, Manitoba, onJanuary 31, 1982.

The 19805 are indicating new blessings. InJanuary 1981 the Covenant Mennonite con­gregation began meeting, and on May 31,Robert and Ellen Krahn from this congrega­tion transferred their membership to becomecharter members there. Thus the 7th GeneralConference Mennonite Church in Saskatoonbegan.

Rev. Wiens was granted a study leave inthe fall of 1981 to spend time at the Seminaryto enrich himself and thus better to serve thechurch.

To provide better accessibility for the oneswho have disabilities, an elevator was install­ed which meant adding a few extra feet ofnew entrance on Queen Street. The dedica­tion was held December 13, 1981.

In the fall of 1981 Ken and RhondaWarkentin were hired as Ministers in Music.

As we look back over five decades of thiscongregation, we must in all humility say:Thanks be to God! It was not because of themany programs, organizations or activitiesthat this church grew; nor because of the per­sons who have served in various roles; norbecause of the contributions in money or intalents that was invested here but alonethrough the blessing and grace of the Fatherthat this congregation is what it is today.

Paul wrote it this way: "For we are God'sfellow workers ... neither the one who

plants nor the one who waters is. anything,but GOD who causes the growth." (I Cor­inthians 3:7-9). Reprinted from CburcbFamily News, Mar. 15, 1982, pp. 1-4.

Notes from Tiefengrund

by Helen L. Funk

This material was preparedfor the celebra­tion of the 70th anniversary of theTiefengrund Mennonite Congregation, heldOctober 1980.

The first church, built in 1910, was soldto the Horse Lake congregation, about 25miles northeast of Tiefengrund, for $1000.00when the second church was built in 1958.This Horse Lake congregation was one of themany outposts served faithfully by horse andbuggy or sleigh by Rev. John Regier, son ofRev. Peter Regier and uncle of the presentpastor Rev. R.A. Friesen.

The little church is beautiful. The ceilingis high and rounded ("gewolbt") made ofnarrow, varnished hardwood boards. Theacoustics are perfect "like the inside of abeautiful guitar," as Marvin Regier formerdirector of music at R.J.C., and grandsonto Elder John Regier, said. The main areais untouched, except for upkeep, also theladies' and men's rooms. The basement hasbeen arranged for accommodating meals atweddings, funerals, etc. It was recentlypainted (outside walls and roof) and is ap­preciated. A small entry to the church andbasement and a minister's study had alreadybeen added in 1945 in Tiefengrund, at therear side.

Pat Reimer, graduate of MennoniteBrethren Collegiate Institute in Winnipeg,Manitoba won first prize for an essay sub­mitted to the Heritage Commission, aCMC,in 1982. Her essay was titled "TheSignificance of the Anabaptist Vision To­day". Pat is presently a student at CMBC.Third prize winner was Audrey Falk, ofWaldheim, Saskatchewan, with an essay titl­ed "Origin of the Mennonites".

Page ~

Gnadenthal DedicatesIts Historyby Peter P. Paetkau

A special dedicatory service to unveilGnadenthal's recently published historybook took place at the new GnadenthalSchool on Sunday, December 12, 1982.

Following Paul J. Peters' welcome to thefull house assembled for the event, ProfessorJake P. Redekopp, chairman of the BookCommittee, presented the book for dedica­tion. Assisting him were representatives ofthe two church bodies which once had a placeof worship in the village. Written "in thespirit of faith, that our fathers have ex­emplified," the history of Gnadenthal wasdedicated to the glory of God by Rev. AbramA. Teichroeb (Conference of Mennonites inCanada) and Mr. Henry H. Kuhl, Sr. (Men­nonite Brethren Conference), both long-timeresidents of the village.

Noting the "commitment and dedication"that a local history book committee musthave in order "to record it at least in somemeasure," Redekopp proceeded to introducethe members of the committee. He requestedeach to face the audience, so that it couldhave a good look at them while Redekoppportrayed them in his own inimitable man­ner, and handed to each a gift copy of theGnadenthal history.

While the Committee did all the work inresearching the records of Gnadenthal's past,as well as some preliminary writing, Pro­fessor Elizabeth Peters, from the Faculty ofEducation at the University of Manitoba,was engaged to do the major editorial work.

Presenting greetings to the people assembl­ed here were Arnold Brown, MLA,Rhineland, and Rev. Peter D. Zacharias,recently ordained pastor of the BlumenorterMennonite Church. Both men emphasizedthe fact that "the book does havesignificance beyond the Gnadenthal com­munity and the Mennonite educationalcircles. "

The program concluded with the auction­ing off of the first, second and third editionsof the book by the local auctioneer BenSchellenberg.

After the auction the 15OO-copy first prin­ting went on sale for the first time. Amidstcoffee, cookies and glimpses guests couldnow see this new thing wrought in Gnaden­thaI, the pride and joy of everyone who hasever been associated with the community.The book, Gnadenthal1880 - 1980, is indeedone of the finest local histories to be publish­ed by the Mennonite community in Canada.

Note: The book can be ordered from Mrs.John Dyck, 48 Coral Cres., Winnipeg,Manitoba, Canada. The cost is $25.00 pluspostage.

Page 4

Mennonite HeritageCentre News

Goals for 1983by Lawrence Klippenstein

At the threshold of a new year we inviteall our readers to consider how a betterhistory-archives program can be developedin 1983. Four years ago in January we of­ficially opened the Mennonite Heritage Cen­tre as a symbol of a more serious effort tounderstand our heritage and to interpret itfor future generations. Fifty years agothe Conference of Mennonites inCanada asked B.J. Schellenberg to serve asarchivist so that materials for such inter­pretation would be on hand when needed.What steps shall we take now to carry for­ward this vision and this concern?

Together with you, the members of ourconstituency, we propose the following goalsfor our program at the Centre:

I. To take another look at our many at­tics, closets and old trunks, also our churchnooks and crannies, in search for valuabledocuments and other records, which shouldbe placed in the archives. We want to under­take a stronger collection program so thatadditional valuable items can be preservedin proper archival facilities. An "archives inthe attic" meeting, perhaps several, will beplanned - with more details to follow.

2. To set up a schedule for monthly publicgatherings at the Heritage Centre where con­cerns of Mennonie church life, history,literature and community development canbe considered and discussed.

3. To prepare additional finding aids andregisters for the collections already on file.Two new staff members, Marilyn Froese andMark Froese, with us since December 13,1982, will be working on this with regularmembers of the staff.

4. To complete our "Mini-Centre" forchildren. This will be a mobile display ofbooks, photographs, audio-visuals, games,etc. which we hope to loan to churches andschools for heritage education and apprecia­tion purposes. The lending library part of itis already finished, and groups are invitedto write us to obtain the list of booksavailable.

5. To provide workshops and seminarsfor interested communities in various areasof our conference. The first one this year isplanned for Leamington, in March. More in­formation will be forthcoming.

6. To provide a directory of allnewspapers, periodicals, newsletters, etc.now available at MHC. As well, a list ofholdings in the Mennonite Historical Libraryof CMBC will hopefully be completed thisyear.

7. To complete work on a second volumeof the Bote Index. The first volume cover­ing the years 1924-1947 was published in1976.

8. To enter discussions with other Men­nonite groups who might wish to work withthe program of the Mennonite Heritage Cen­tre from 1983 on.

These are some of our objectives. Natural­Iy, we will also continue to welcome visitors,and help researchers of all types as much aspossible. We want to work at the programas a part of our God-given conferenceministry to our communities and congrega­tions, and to other people as well. Our prayeris that as an interested supporter you will joinus in this endeavor in the months ahead.

Donor Acknowledgments

We are much indebted for support in re­cent months to a number of persons whohave remembered the Centre in their giving.The total of these contributions (October­December) was $1,358.00. Thank you verymuch!

Frank H. Epp, Waterloo, OntarioPeter Letkemann, Lethbridge, AlbertaElmer Reimer, Winnipeg, ManitobaJohn P. Friesen, Headingley, ManitobaHelen Janzen, Winnipeg, ManitobaS. A. Derksen, Langham, SaskatchewanB. Hoeppner, Vancouver, B.C.LaVerna Klippenstein, Winnipeg, ManitobaA. P. Toews, Furguson, MissouriEtta S. Schmitt, Goshen, IndianaEmil O. Toews, Sacramento, CaliforniaWm. Friesen, Winnipeg;' ManitobaK. Giesbrecht, Port Alberni, B.C. 'Linda Thiessen, Mather, ManitobaTina Gollan, Edmonton, AlbertaJacob Mantler, Winnipeg, ManitobaArthur B. Hoock, Langley, B.C.Jacob G. Guenter, Saskatoon, SaskatchewanAnton W. Dyck, Lowe Farm, ManitobaDonald' L. Klippenstein, Minneapolis,

MinnesotaHenry Siemens, Victoria, B.C.H.H. Goertzen, Winnipeg, Manitoba

New Staff HelpTwo CMBC graduates, Marilyn Froese

and Mark Froese of Wheatley, and St.Catharines, Ontario respectively, recentlyjoined the MHC archives staff. They will bestaying for six months under a federalgovernment employment grant. Their tasksinclude preparing inventories (e.g. ofperiodicals), microfilming, sorting, catalogu­ing and research assistance.

Rhineland MennoniteStudies Seminarby Peter B. Paetkau

A second Rhineland Mennonite Studiesseminar sponsored jointly by the ManitobaMennonite Historical Society and the Men­nonite Heritage Centre was held in Altonaon December 11, 1982.

The seminar, attended by about forty in­terested people and meeting in the EducationWing of the Altona Bergthaler Church,focused primarily on the writing of localhistory. The general theme was examined bytwo very thorough study papers, and com­plemented by reviews of two recentlypublished local histories on the Altona andGnadenthal communities of southernManitoba.

After the usual introductions and sharingof some projects by participants, Dr. JohnFriesen of CMBC, presented the first paperentitled: "Family Studies as Local History."

In his paper Dr. Friesen discussed threedifferent approaches to genealogical studies.After noting that the original purpose ofMennonite genealogical studies, begun inEurope during the 1930s, was to determinethe purity of the Mennonite lineage, he pro­ceeded to discuss more wholesome andbroader reasons for engaging in genealogicalresearch, urging genealogists to put theirstudies within the perspective of Anabaptist­Mennonite history.

Genealogy can contribute toward anunderstanding of local history by includingbeyond the context such specifics as diaries,travelogues, writings and sermons produc­ed by members of a family, Dr. Friesen said,and is merely one way of recording history.Since "it is one window into the movementof a people, one should make it as good aspossible so that the values, the beliefs andthe issues of a people can be handed on tothe next generation," he advised inconclusion.

After the discussion following the reviewof the Gnadenthal history book by Peter D.Zacharias, a second paper was read by Bet­ty L. Dueck on "How to Write LocalHistory." "I learned to research localhistory," she began, "the 'guess and by gol­ly' way." She was now going to share pro­per methods about research and writing, andso went into detail about that process, citingsome simple guidelines derived from her ownwriting experience, and in effect discussed,among other things, such matters as methodsof filing information, working with a historycommittee, gleaning information from thearchives and assembling photo collections.

Followed by some interesting reviews anddiscussion of the Altona history, a reportabout the Altbergthal School Preservationproject and reference to developing amuseum facility in Altona, the seminar con­cluded with a tour of the Friesen's printingplant.

Page 5

Mennonite and Baptist elders in Karaganda, Soviet Union visit with a "MWC" delega­tion in September, 1982. Rev. Julius Siebert, an elder of the Kirchliche Mennonite con­gregation in Karaganda is the second man from the left.

(cont. from column 1)400. Both congregations meet in the samemeetinghouse. Persistent efforts to securepermission to build a separate Kirchlichemeetinghouse have been repeatedly refused.There is yet hope, however, that such 'anundertaking will become possible.

The Baptist church in Karaganda has amembership of 1,500, of which probably 70per cent are German speaking. Many of thesepersons share a Mennonite Brethrenbackground.

In addition to visiting the two congrega­tions and the two elders in Karaganda, thedelegation also made contact in Novosibirskwith the Kirchliche Mennonite congregation.Bernhard Sawatsky, another member of thedelegation to Wichita in 1978, serves here aselder. A visiting elder, Johann Schellenbergfrom Tokmak, was also present.

Highlight of the tour was an opportunityto extend an invitation to the XI MennoniteWorld Conference, to be held in Strasbourgin 1984.

It seemed clear that such a delegationwould be possible if the Kirchliche Men­nonite were willing to seek the help of theAll-Union Council in arranging the jointdelegation. However, the Council ofReligious Affairs, and the Baptist Unionboth confirmed that the Kirchliche congrega­tions should make the selection of their fourdelegates.

The Kirchliche elders responded favorablyto the invitation and the procedural sugges­tions. Excerpted from a report by Paul N.Kraybill in MWC Newsletter, December,1982, pp. 1, 9.

~!This greeting card, wishing the receiver

best wishes for a good Christmas and a Hap­py New year, was submitted to Der Bote bya reader, David Neudorf, of West Germany.Neudorf spent some time in a Soviet prisoncamp at Vorkuta in the Soviet Arctic region.Cards like this were drawn by the inmatesand sent to friends at Christmas time.

~.

I.·

Karaganda Mennonites:Invited to Strasbourg

A long-delayed hope came to fruition inKaraganda, U.S.S.R. on September 16,1982. A Mennonite World Conferencedelegation of four persons spent one day inthat long closed city.

The delegation was comprised of CarlBrusewitz, vice presi<\ent of MWC; JacobPauls, MWC Executive Committee member;Abram Enns, pastor of Enkenbach Men­nonite Church; and Paul N. Kraybill, MWCExecutive Secretary. This visit was part ofa 12-day tour of the Soviet Union. The visitfollowed upon invitation by the All-UnionCouncil of Evangelical Christians-Baptists,host for the official delegation. A memberof the Council, Rev. Jacob Fast, served asguide for the tour.

The crowded schedule included a morn­ing gathering with 100 local ministers andleaders. Lunch followed in the home ofHeinrich Goertzen, Mennonite Brethrenleader who was part of the MWC delegationfrom the U.S.S.R. to the 1978 TenthAssembly of MWC in Wichita, Kansas.

The usual obligatory city tour was unique­ly different. Instead of visiting the typicallandmarks and memorials, the delegationwas accompanied by 15 or 20 people in a tourof the city's remarkable variety of churches.Visits were brief, but were concluded eachtime with songs, sung together by the groupbefore leaving the church building. The tourincluded the Mennonite, Pentecostal, Or­thodox, Catholic and Baptist churches. Timeconstraints prevented a visit to the Lutheranand Adventist churches.

Scheduling problems necessitated the plan­ning of two services for that evening. A jointKirchliche Mennonite and MennoniteBrethren service was held in the Mennonitemeetinghouse, and a second service was heldin the Baptist church.

Twice during that day the delegationshared in a meal with the Mennonite andBaptist leaders after church services. Theseoccasions provided opportunity for discus­sion, questions, fellowship and sharing.Among others, Julius Siebert, elder of theKirchliche Mennonite congregation, andHeinrich Goertzen,elder of the autonomousMennonite Brethren congregation, par­ticipated in the discussion.

The Mennonite Brethren church inKaraganda is an autonomous congregationand is registered. Its membership totals1,046. The Kirchliche Mennonite congrega­tion also registered, has a membership of

(cont. in column 3)

Russo-Ukrainian Studies

Page 6

MHSC

MHSC Meeting NotesThe annual meeting of Mennonite

Historical Society of Canada was held onDecember 4, 1982. Twenty persons, in­cluding the five-member executive werepresent.

The following items re: information anddecisions are of note:

* The MHSC constitution is to undergorevision. Ted Friesen of MHSC and Dr.John Friesen, of CMBC were appointed toserve. A third member will be nominated bythe Manitoba Mennonite Historical Society.

* Provincial societies reported regionalevents. Ontario will be working hard onpreparations for the Bicentennial celebra­tions in 1986. Manitoba sponsored a jointmeeting with the Manitoba Historical Societyin November. A major publication projectbeing envisioned is the publication of acritical edition (possibly four volumes) of Ar­nold Dyck writings. A brochure on the or­thography of Low German writings is beingprepared, as is a register of Mennonitecemeteries in Manitoba.

A survey of available artifacts, and a seriesof oral histories, have been completed bystudents working for MHSSA. TheSaskatchewan-Alberta society has helped toinitiate the organization of a museum socie­ty in Rosthern, Saskatchewan. Albertamembers are being encouraged to form theirown provincial organization. British Colum­bia has recently published a book RememberOur Leaders, written by G. I. Peters. Workis continuing on the Museum in Clearbrook.

* The chairman of MHSC reported thatthe papers of the Mennonite State of the ArtsConference (Toronto, June, 1982) will bepublished in the first issue of Journal ofMennonite Studies, scheduled for January,1983. The Journal is being prepared by theChair of Mennonite Studies at the Universi­ty of Winnipeg. Interested persons may writeto Dr. Harry Loewen, Chair of MennoniteStudies, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg,Manitoba.

* Frank Epp prCS{:nted information on theproposed publication of Vol. III and IV ofMennonites in Canada. Grant money will beapplied for.

• The board passed the following resolu­tions on a suggested new edition of Men­nonite Encylopedia: "That the MHSC go onrecord as strongly favoring the publicationof a new and thoroughly revised edition ofthe Mennonite Encylopedia, that it com­municate this sentiment to the Institute ofMennonite Studies and Herald Press, and af­firm its own willingness to assist in thepreparation of Canadian Mennonitematerials for the revised Encyclopedia." A

member of the MHSC will be asked to at­tend the annual meeting of IMS in January.

* MHSC has agreed to become joint spon­sor of a Jacob Y. Shantz biography beingprepared for the Bicentennial year in On­tario. Sam Steiner, Frank Epp and LornaBergey are members of a local editorial com­mittee for this project.

• It was agreed that MHSC will becomethe official sponsor of a publication portray­ing geographical distribution of Mennoniteand Brethren in Christ congregations inOntario.

* A proposal for preparing a audio visualon Canadian Mennonite archives was ac­cepted. $1500.00 was placed in the budgetfor this project to be completed in 1983.

* Frank Epp shared information aboutparticipating in the International DoukhoborIntergroup symposium held at Castlegar,B.C. in June, 1982. Lawrence Klippensteinwas also present at this symposium. It wasagreed that the Society should express itsgratitude for this invitation, and its will­ingness to remain in dialogue with theDoukhobor community of Canada.

Representatives of the provincial societiesappointed to the board of MHSC for 1983include: Gerhard I. Peters (B.C.), Dick H.Epp (Sask. Alta.), Ted Friesen (Man.), Lor­na Bergey (Ont.), Herbert Giesbrecht(member at large).

First MHS - MMHSJoint Meeting

The Manitoba Mennonite HistoricalSociety held its first joint meeting with theManitoba Historical Society on November16, 1982. About 75 persons attended a pro­gram at the Mennonite Heritage Centre, onthe CMBC campus in Winnipeg.

[n the format of the Manitoba HistoricalSociety the program featured a lecture, inthis instance, on the establishment of reservesin Southern Manitoba. A comparison waspresented with slides on the beginnings of theRoseau Indian Reserve, just east of Letellier,Manitoba, and the two Mennonite reserveson the east and west sides of the Red River.Speaker Lawrence Klippenstein noted thedifficulties of getting efficient governmentaction to carry through the arrangements ofTreaty No. I (1871) so that the boundariesof Roseau could be firmly set out (some dif­ficulties persist to the present day). For Men­nonites it was not nearly as complicated toget land settlements because "they wereamong the settlers desired by the provincein the 1870s.

Roger Townshend, researcher at TARR(Treaty and Aboriginal Rights Research)research centre, brought some up-to-date in­formation about significant recent efforts incommunity development at the RoseauReserve. Several persons were acknowledg­ed for new publications: Mary Enns, of Win­nipeg, in writing the book Mia (the story ofMrs. A. A. DeFehr), and Victor Doerksen

for his translation of a book on MB churchdevelopment in the USSR, written byHeinrich and Gerhard Woelk.

The presidents respectively of the MHSand MMHS are Shirley Smith, chief archivistat the Hudson Bay Archives in Winnipeg,and Dr. Victor Doerksen, chairman of theGerman Dept. at the University ofManitoba.

FOR SALEGrowing up Mennonite

Stories by the people. Over 150 entriesand anecdotes collected by Menno Klaus.70 p., pb.

Price: $4.50' plus postageOrder from:

Donovan FriesenBox 504

Cayuga, OntarioNOA lEO

German Canadian YearbookThe German-Canadian Yearbook informs

you about the most recent research of allGerman speaking groups and individuals,starting with Prince Rupert of the Rhine whoin 1670 became the founder of Rupert's Landand the Hudson's Bay Company (cf. Year­book VI, 1981).

Well known authors of Mennonite, and ofother German cultural groups, contribute toa variety of related concerns.

Volumes II to VI (1975-1981) are stillavailable for $19.00 a volume, incl. postagefor shipping.

Order from:Historical Society of Mecklenburg

Upper CanadaP.O. Box 193, Station "K"Toronto, Ontario M4P 2G7

MHSO GenealogyCommittee Formed

The Genealogy Committee of the Men­nonite Historical Society of Ontario held itsfirst meeting at Conrad Grebel College onThursday evening, November 18, 1982. Lor­raine Roth is chairman; Alan Dettweiler,vice-chairman; Helen Freeman, secretary.The secretary outlined the committee's goal:to record information found on tombstones,set up a filing system, promote the collectingof family pictures, and assist those who areworking on their own family histories.

Frank Epp spoke on the reasons for theexistence of a genealogy society, illustratinghis interesting lecture with his own familygenealogy. The House of Heinrich, as wellas other genealogical charts and books.

D. Douglas Millar

The material on this page was suppliedby the Mennonite Historical Society ofCanada.

VisitTHE HEART OF EUROPE

See the Church's Story

*Neuwied/Frankfurt - centres for MCC*Strassbourg, the future site of Men­nonite World Conference

*Zurich - home "town" for Zwingli andConrad Grebel

*Prague • the place of Johannes Hus*Wittenberg - cradle of the Reformation*East and West Berlin - with the Men-nonites today

*Witmarsum in Friesland - the birthplaceof Menno Simons

21 days - August 10-31, 1983

Escort: Lawrence Klippenstein,editor and historian, Winnipeg

More details from:Menno Travel Service

.851 Henderson HighwayWinnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

R2K 2L4 Ph. 334-4347

1983 is "the year of Luther"

Mennonitische RundschauMicrofilmed

The oldest Mennonite periodical publish­ed continuously under one name (105 years)is now available on microfilm. Coordinatingthe microfilming of this periodical was KenReddig, Archivist at the Center for M.B.Studies in Winnipeg.

Some I V2 years of effort went into theproject, initially to locate and collate all ex­isting copies. Principally the copies camefrom the Mennonite Historical Library,Goshen, Indiana; Mennonite Library andArchives, Newton, Kansas; and the Centerfor M.B. Studies in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

After negotiating with several companiesto take on the task of microfilming thealmost 70,000 pages, University Microfilmsof Ann arbor, Michigan was selected to com­plete the project.

The microfilming of this periodical nowmakes generally available also the first 22years of the periodical, found only in theGoshen College and Bethel College historicallibraries. The collection however, is not asyet quite complete. Some 27 separate issues,and the entire year of 1897, have not beenlocated to date. According to Ken Reddig,every effort was made to locate missingcopies both in North America and Europewithout success. Therefore, it was decidedto microfilm what was available and shouldadditional copies eventually be located, theywould be added to what has already beenmicrofilmed.

Microfilm copies of the Rundschau maynow be ordered from University Microfilms,300 North Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor,Michigan, 48106. Ken Reddig, Centre forMB Studies, Winnipeg, Man.

Book Reviews

John Hofer, David Wiebe and GerhardEns. The History of the Hutterites Elie,Manitoba, 1982. 108 p., pb. $5.00 Historyof the Hutterites Workbook, to accompanyabove. pb., 67 p., $1.50; AnSwer KeysandReview Tests to Workbook. pb., 21 p.,$1.25. Reviewed by Mark Froese, Mennonite,Heritage Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba .

The first few chapters of this book link theApostolic and Early Church with communityof goods, non-resistance, persecution andmartyrdom. These themes are the founda­tions of a continuity that followed the historyof the Hutterites from their beginnings inMoravia, through to their migration andestablishment in North America. While theseemphases are clear to the reader the tone ofthe book is even, and it does not stray intopolemics, a possible temptation given thenature of the history. Part II, deals with Hut­terites in Canada, describing the organiza­tion and development of the colonies in suchareas as agriculture, mechanization, colonyexpansion, education. As well, some of thephilosophy behind these structures isexplained.

Written primarily for use in Hutterite col­ony schools, it is interesting to examine howthe Hutterites wish to portray their historyto their children. Hutterite history receivesa fair and balanced treatment in this work.It is well organized and reads easily. Thebibliography is detailed and the suggestedreading list for children is extensive. A 'dif­ficult words' list at the end of each chapteris helpful for young readers. An accompa­nying workbook for pupils is simple andstraight forward, designed to emphasize im­portant points. The organization of both thebook and workbook should make this areliable teaching aid. As well, it is a concise,well written overview of Hutterite history forthe interested reader.

The books are available at the JamesValley Book Centre, Elie, Manitoba ROHOHO.

Mary M. Enns, Mia, The Story of aRemarkable Woman. Winnipeg, Manitoba:Christian Press, 1981, 175 p., pb., $4.95; alsohc. Gerhard Lohrenz, Mia, oder Ueber denAmur in die Freiheit. Winnipeg, Manitoba,1981, 178 p., pb. $3.95; also he. Reviewedby Clara K. Dyck, Winnipeg, Manitoba.

This is indeed the "story of a remarkablewoman," as its title emphasizes.

The Russian Revolution totally destroyedMia's stable lifestyle in a prosperous Men­nonite home and community in the Ukraine.Later, for being the daughter of a "Kulak"(wealthy landowner) she was expelled fromMedical School. Then, as governess inMoscow, she slept on a large trunk in a room

Page 7

with two other women and a man. .Russia's doors had closed. Mia .an(f a

friend fled to the Russian-Chinese border,hoping to reach America eventually.

Midst fears of discovery by Russian borderpatrols, of drowning while crossing the twokm. wide Amur River, and of guides whomight turn them in to Russian authorities atthe other side, Mia, her friend, and severalmen dared to escape Russia.

Harbin, China, had become a refuge forMennonites. Mia and Anna reached thiscomparatively safe haven without posses­sions or food, and with scarcely any money,for they had lost the little they had when theirterrified Chinese guide capsized theirmakeshift raft.

In 1931, at the age of 22, Mia finallyreached San Francisco. She had a studentvisa, but was not permitted to work.

Penniless, while learning a new languageand gaining three degrees in it, Miasiinultaneously served hundreds of congrega­tions with informative talks re - conditionsin Russia. All consequent earnings werefaithfully sent to Russia to keep her familyfrom starving. The account of these years inparticular, is a testimony to the beauty oftrue friendship in times of duress.

After two years of teaching, primarily Ger­man, she was not re-hired, due to the impen­ding war. It was 1939.

Once more she was destitute - no work,no home. Systematically, with a believingfaith, as she had approached life's problemsto date, Mia prayed to God for a husband,alerting Him to three essential characters insuch a man.

The Lord wasted no time in fulfilling herrequest, precisely, in A. A. DeFehr.

During her last illness Mia DeFehr wroteher life-story. Mary Enns drew on this ac­count, as did Rev. Gerhard Lohrenz for hisGerman version of Mia. Through the mainsources is the same, the latter contains morehistorical and anecdotal material which addsconsiderable flair and imagination. Howmuch of this is due to Mia's own writing, tothe first-person account of the Oermanbook, or to Rev. Lohrenz' interpretive geniuscannot here be determined. It does add zestto an already breath-taking story"

Book Note

.A translation of the book on MBhistory in the Soviet Union written byHeinrich and Gerbard Woelk is nowavailable in English. The title is AWilderness Journey Glimpses of the Men­nonite Church in Russia 1925-1980. Writeto the Heritage Centre for copies. Cost:$10.00

Page 8

Book Reviews (continued)Berta Bachman, Erinnergungen an

Kasachstan: Erfahrungsbericht EinerRusslanddeutschen Schriftenmissions ­Verlag, Gladbeck, 1981, Pb., 160 p.

Reviewed by Peter H. Rempel, Neuwied,West Germany.

The book is a lucid and interesting accountof the author's experiences as a youngwoman who was forceably resettled with herfellow Germans to Siberia during WW II. Itincludes a short introduction (20 pages) onher childhood and youth in the pre-warperiod, then the major section (100 pages)on the life as resettled German in Siberia dur­ing the war, and a concluding section (35pages) on the post war experiences. It is oneof the few accounts of the Germans whowere resettled to Siberia at the outset of thewar rather than before or after it.

Church or religious life is mentioned in­frequently in the first two sections but thelast sections include a longer account (25pages) of the formation of the GermanEvangelical church in Tselinograd and theministry of Pastor Bachmann, the author'shusband.

Mennonites apparently were included inthe gathering of all Tselinograd Germanswho formed the Evangelical church there.Mrs. Bachman wrote: "Auch Katholikenund Sekten Mitglieder waren uns freundlichgesonnen und opferten gern ihre Scherflein;hauptsache, es waren Deutsche!" (p. 133)Mennonites are mentioned specifically atseveral points.

I. A Mennonite widow named Goossengave 800 rubles toward the enlargement ofthe church building in 1956 (p. 135-136).

2. By 1957 the church had a full choir, alarge number of whom were Mennonites.The choir conductor had several song bookswith "Ziffern" as was the practise amongMennonites (p. 139).

3. The choir conductor, probably a Men­nonite (see point 2) was sent to the SupremeSoviet in Moscow in 1957 to complain aboutthe closure of the church building. She hada brother in Moscow whom she visited onthis occasion. She obtained permission fromthe Council of Religious Affairs for the con­gregation to worship in their church and waspromised that steps toward the registrationof the congregation would be taken (p.139-140).

The author was born in 1923 in Asarowka,a German village south-east of Kharkov. Sheworked in a factory in Voroshilovgrad, wasresettled to Kasachstan in 1941 with motherand family, and there worked on a collec­tive farm at Cherssonowka. She moved toTselinograd (Akmolinsk) after World WarII, and married Pastor Bachmann in 1956.Later they immigrated to West Germany.

Jonathan F. Wagner. Brothers Beyond theSea. National Socialism in Canada,(Waterloo: Wilfred Laurier University Press,

1981), 150 pp, hardcover, $9.00. Reviewedby George K. Epp, Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Jonathan Wagner is the first Canadianscholar to attempt a comprehensive reviewof the Nazi movement in Canada. Therehave been references to the phenomenon, butthe serious broad study of this shortlivedphenomenon in Canada was still missing. Inthe four chapters of this book, BrothersBeyond the Sea, Wagner presents evidenceand a surprisingly objective analysis of oneaspect of history of the Canadian depressionyears which some would rather forget. Butwe cannot run away from history, and thisis obviously the author's position, when heattempts to recreate the stage of the depres­sion era, to enable us to see the events froma distance. On the whole, Wagner's insightsare very helpful.

Chapter one is devoted to the study of theCanadian German community of the 1930's.The author's conclusion that the largenumber of ethnic German immigrants fromEastern Europe, who had experienced notonly communism on their own skin, but alsothe animosity and rejection by a society inwhich they lived as a minority, were veryvulnerable to the enticement of a mystical"Volk-idea" presented in one package withanti-communist, is not surprising.

Quite successfully Wagner traces in thischapter Hitler's policy toward the Germansin Canada, and the gradual change of themood among Canadian Germans from sym­pathy to enthusiasm, at least in somequarters. The thunder of "Sieg-Heil," welearn, was not restricted to Germany andmany parts of Europe; in the depression thir­ties it could also be heard in Canadian cities,including Winnipeg.

The chapter on Canada's pro-Nazis is ofparticular interest. Although it will bringback painful memories for some of the stillliving actors of that period, after fifty yearsit is definitely time to forgive, but also timefor a critical analysis of that ingloriousperiod. We cannot benefit from history if werefuse to face our mistakes. Although it isclear that the Mennonite community, withits large share in post-1917 immigration fromEastern Europe, was not directly involved inthe political movement, it is nevertheless em­barrassing to read that along with most ofthe German press in Canada, the Men­nonitische Rundschau and Der Bote are men­tioned as papers with a pro-Nazi bias.

In his last chapter Wagner discusses theopposition to the movement in Canada andthe failure of this movement. The authorpoints out that until 1937 the only serious op­position came from the Canadian JewishCongress and from communists, the twogroups most directly threatened by the Na­tional Socialists.

[n summary one could conclude from thisstudy, that if the Nazi movement failed inCanada, in spite or'the fact that "until late1937 and early 1938, the majority of Cana-

dians, both within government and without,were evidently either not interested in hear­ing about the Nazi danger or too hostiletoward those attempting to point itout ... " (Wagner, p. 121), and in spite ofthe depression and the large pool of Germanimmigrants from Eastern Europe, who couldhave been easy prey for an anti-communistideology, Canada in the 1930's was not thesoil for a Nazi movement or any otherpolitical extreme.

The author has presented us with an ob­jective study of a subject that deserves ourattention, especially at a time when na­tionalism and extremist movements are agavery much in fashion.

Other Books ReceivedNeufeld, Gerhard G. What God Has Done.

Winnipeg, Manitoba, 1982. Trans. byMargaret Neufeld. pb., 92 p. $8.00. Orderfrom: Marg Neufeld, 152 Barrington,Winnipeg, Manitoba R2M 2B2

Klaus, Menno, ed. Growing up Mennonite.Stories by the People. Vineland, Ontario,1982. pb., 72 p. $4.50

Hildebrand, Jacob. A Backward Glance.Crystal City, Manitoba, 1982. pb., 136 p.illustrated. $10.00

Lohrenz, Gerhard. The Lost Generation andOther Stories. Winnipeg, Manitoba, 1982.pb., 178 p., $9.00

Loewen, Ken and Reimer, Margaret LoewenMeditations on a Place and a Way of Life.A Book of Photographs. Winnipeg, Mani­toba: Hyperion Press, 1982. pb., 128 p.$14.95

Friesen, Bert and Epp, Frank. Partners inService. The Story of MCC Canada 1963­1982. Winnipeg, Manitoba, 1983.Pb., 76 pp. Illustrated with charts.

Redekopp, Elsa. Wish and Wonder. A Man­itoba Village Girl. Winnipeg, Manitoba,Reddell Publishing, 1982. pb., 59 p.

Plett, Delbert F. History and Events.Writings and Maps Pertaining to theHistory of the Mennonite Kleine Ge­meinde from 1866-1876. Steinbach, Mani­toba. D.F. Plett Farms, Ltd., 1982.

Schulz, Henry. Snowborne. The SiberianChronicles of Henry Schulz. Vancouver,B.C., Orca Sound Publishing, 1982. pb.,227 p. Hdc. $25.00; pb. $10.00.

Martin, Lynne. Peace Unearth. A Directoryof Canadian Peace Organizations withInternational Concerns. Winnipeg,Manitoba, 1983. 250 pp., pb. $6.00,postage included. Order from: MCC(Manitoba), 1483 Pembina Hwy., Win­nipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

Fast, Gerhard. In den Steppen Siberiens.St. Catharines, Ontario, 1957. 156 pp.,pb. $5.00 (remainder of books left by Dr.H. Heese, Rosthern, Sask.).

Note: All titles in above list, or mention­ed in book reviews may be orderedthrough the Mennonite Heritage Centre.