Thirty-Five Years of the Mennonite Historical Society of Ontario By Brent Bauman Over the past eighteen years the Ontario Mennonite History, and its Mennonite predecessor Mennogespraech,has offered up articles about many aspects of Mennonite History in this province. History As the journalistic component of the Mennonite Historical Society ofOntario it has tried to fulfill the three pronged purpose of the MHSO. This issue is a little THE different than most because it steps back to take a look at the beginnings of the NEWSLETTER MHSO itself. What better time than at an anniversary to do so. The following OF THE articles use news reports of the time, and reflections of those involved to tell the MENNONITE story of how the society started thirty-five years ago. It also explains what is the HISTORICAL three pronged purpose of the MHSO. Koch has completed 27 on the MHSO Dr. J . Winfield Fretz was the first Alice years Board, ll sears as President SOCIETY OF ONTARIO President of the MHSO, serving twelve years (1965-1977). He now lives in North Newton, Kansas, and although he is now 90 years old, as of September 29, 2000, is still enjoying good health . As you will read, he is very happy how the MHSO VOLUME XVIII turned out, but his article does not tell NUMBER 2 us how much leadership he gave to the Society to shape its purpose and goals . Like all the principal characters involved, Dr. Fretz is hesitant to take personal credit for its formation and success. Others however, like Lorna L. Bergey, are quick to credit him with supplying the guidance needed to start such an organization . Lorna is an original member of the board, serving thirty-two years as Secretary (1968-2000). Her own organizational skills have also been Lorna L. Bergey, o charter member of the MHSO put to good use over the her many Board has complet ! a 32 year term a.r Secretary. years of service to the Society. It was Dr. Fretz who encouraged expanding the MHSO outside of the A complete list of those bus trips is also Waterloo County area. By using annual included inside. bus trips to outlying areas to highlight the Not to be forgotten is the role of various branches of the Amish, Swiss and Orland Gingerich who served under Russian Mennonite community, it spread Dr. Fretz as Vice President for all interest to new people about the Society those years, followed by three years as well . Over the past thirty-five years as President (1977-1980). He was very it has visited localities from Niagara to prominent in articulating the importance Zurich, the Old Order community near of forming a society to record the history Mount Forest to the St. Clair-O'Connor of Ontario Mennonites. Centre in Toronto. There was even a five day bus tour to Pennsylvania in 1983. Continued on page 14 Page 14

Continuedfrom page 13 - Why A Mennonite Historical Society? Consistency in leadership has been a strong point of the MHSO. Many people by Lorna Bergey have put years into the Society. Alice Koch spent twenty-seven years on the Thirty-five years ago, on May 8th, 1965, At the request of Earle Snyder, board, eleven as President (1981-1992). an important meeting was held at Conrad Dr. Fretz reviewed the constitution he had During her tenure a second generation Grebel College. It involved thirty-five handed out, article by article, and of the historically mindedjoined people interested in the promotion of encouraged those present to voice their the MHSO. interest and research in Ontario Menno- opinions. A committee of five was then Major projects have included the nite History. They met to hear Orland appointed to study the constitution and refurbishing of the Brubacher House Gingerich address the topic "Why a propose changes for presentation at the in Waterloo and involvement in the Mennonite Historical Society?". In his next meeting. Committee members were; restoration of Detweiler Meetinghouse speach he outlined three particular points ; Herbert Enns, Orland Gingerich, Elven in Roseville. the importance of history, the need for Shantz, Dorothy Swartzentruber and There have been a number of dramatic a historical society, and the challenge Dr. Fretz was appointed chairman. It productions and historical publications of a historical society. was decided that at the subsequent over the years to underscore the Menno- When he finished Dr. JWinfield Fretz, meeting the form of organization nite story. The New Commandment by president of Conrad Grebel College, would be decided upon. Barbara Coffman and the adaptation convened an open discussion on two The next meeting was called by the of Mabel Dunham's novel The Trail possibilities . One was an organization committee. It was held a month later on ofthe Conestoga helped tell the story representing officially incorporated June 5th at Conrad Grebel College, and of Mennonite settlement in Ontario to a church bodies such as the church con- had been publicized throughout the larger audience. And Their Time Had ferences . The other possibility was Ontario Mennonite constituency . Follow- Come and Die Fria told the Russian an organization of interested people ing the reading of the Constitution article Mennonite story, while This Land is under the auspices of a church college, by article, suggestions were made for experience . Ours detailed the Amish specifically Conrad Grebel College. changes at a number of points which The story has also been recorded It was the second suggestion which were noted by Dorothy Swartzentruber, in books, such as : The Mennonites of received strong support throughout Secretary pro tern. The Constitution, Ontario, by J. Winfrield Fretz, later the discussion. with the suggested changes, was adopted revised by Marlene Epp; and The Amish It was emphasized that Conrad Grebel by a unanimous standing vote. and Their Neighbours, by Lorraine Roth . College should have some association The Mennonite Historical Society of Not to mention the many congregational with the Society, since the archives space Ontario had become a reality. A Board and family histories written by local was there for preservation of records and of Directors elected by ballot on June 5, historians encouraged by the Society other valuable information. Most material 1965 included: Lorna Bergey of and its programs . at that time was held in private collections New Dundee; Barbara Coffman of The horizons of the MHSO have by Ontario Mennonites . It was believed Vineland; Henry Dueck of Kitchener; extended since its beginnings . There having it in a central archives, such as J . Winfield Fretz of Waterloo ; Orland are now more contacts with Mennonites Gingerich of New Hamburg ; Wilson across , initiated by joint involve- Conrad Grebel College, would be useful ment with other Mennonite historical to those interested in researching Ontario Hunsburger of Waterloo: Elven Shantz societies in the Mennonites in Canada Mennonite History. of Kitchener; Earle Snyder of Guelph; book series. It has made us aware of each Dr. Fretz observed during the meeting and Dorothy Swartzentruber o1' Kitchener. other and our histories. That fact alone there was a sense of urgency "to get shows that the Mennonite Historical organized now" and develop the Lorna Bergey is a charter member Society of Ontario has been well worth organization later. He handed out ofthe Mennonite Historical Society of the effort . sample copies of the constitution of Ontario and lives in Kitchener the Mennonite Historical Society Brent Bauman lives near Drayton and of the Mennonite General Conference is editor ol Ontario Mennonite History. with archives at Goshen College.

Ontario Mennonite History is published semi-annually by the Mennonite Historical Society of Ontario, Conrad Grebel College, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G6, and distributed to all members of the Society. It is distributed free of charge to public libraries and school libraries in Ontario, upon request. Editor: Brent Bauman Editorial Committee: Linda Huebert Hecht, Lorraine Roth, Sam Steiner, Marlene Epp Financial assistance from the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Culture is gratefully acknowledged . Inquiries, articles, book notices or news items should be directed to the Editor, Mennonite Historical Society of Ontario c/o Conrad Grebel College, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G6 TEL. (519) 885-0220, FAX (519) 885-0014 Page 1 5 Reflections on the Founding ofthe Mennonite Historical Society Of Ontario By J. Winfield Fretz

Being the first president of the Menno- time was located at Westmount Road own, and other Mennonite and Amish nite Historical Society of Ontario has and Lourdes Avenue . The names of at least groups . Without the efforts of the Menno- always been somewhat embarrassing to some of those present, I now recall, were ; nite Historical Society of Ontario over me. The reason for the embarrassment is Lorna Bergey, Douglas Millar, Herbert the nearly four decades of its existence, that I contributed so little to the nurturing Enns, Orland Gingerich, and Lorraine many individual Mennonite church of this worthwhile organization through- Roth . There were possibly others, but I members would be historically more out almost forty years of its history . don't recall their names presently . impoverished . Impoverished not only Prior to arriving in the Kitchener- If it was my suggestion that a historical about their own church's history, but also Waterloo area in 1963 as a permanent society be formed, it was my good fortune about the history of other Mennonite resident, I had made several visits to the to have been a History major studying congregations and communities . area and had a very positive impression under the well known Mennonite historian, On this latter point I speak as one of the community. This impression was C. Henry Smith, at Bluffton College . who deeply appreciated the field trips all the more confirmed during the sixteen He wrote at least four books on various to various communities outside the years of our residence and work in the aspects of Mennonite History. For both Kitchener-Waterloo area. area . It would not have been difficult to my Master's and my Ph .D . degrees I wrote I want to express a special thanks to spend the retirement of our lives there if thesies focused on Mennonite Mutual the Society for its significant efforts it had not been that our four children and Aid. These studies gave me an abiding to restore the Detweiler Meeting House. a host of brothers and sisters, as well as appreciation for History as an academic I am not certain whether the restored parents, pressuring us to return. subject, and as a lifetime subject for study building is again being used as a My one strong impression of the and for pleasurable reading and formal worship center . That would be all the formation of the Historical Society is a and informal discussion . more occasion for rejoicing . meeting that was called for the purpose The Mennonite Historical Society of of discussing a historical society. I believe Ontario's activities in its relatively short Dr. J. Winfield Fretz currently lives I am correct when I say this meeting was life span has whetted the appetite of many in North Newton, Kansas. called to be at our home which at that Ontario Mennonites in aspects of their

Historical Society Formed Reprinted from the July 6, 1965 issue of The Canadian Mennonite.

Waterloo, Ont. - On Saturday, June 5, Ontario, by helping to increase its From the discussions of those present a group of 35 interested individuals holdings and by such other aid as it became evident that there is much brought into being the Mennonite can be given, i .e., by encouraging Mennonite historical material extant Historical Society of Ontario . The donations of historical books, in Ontario . This is especially so in organizational meeting was held at pamphlets and documents of Waterloo County and in the Markham Conrad Grebel College . The stated relevance to the Mennonites and Vineland areas where Mennonites purposes of the organization are: of Ontario . have lived for 150 years. having historical docu- " The promotion of interest in and A constitution was adopted and a board Individuals ments such as old letters, diaries, deeds, the dissemination of information of nine directors elected . The names of and items of historical interest are encour- and research concerning Anabaptist- the directors are: Dorothy Swartzentruber, deposit them at the Conrad Grebel Mennonite history in general. Kitchener ; Barbara Coffman, Vineland : aged to College archives and Mennonite Orland Gingerich, New Hamburg ; " The initiation, encouragement, Historical Library . and support of research in Ontario Earle Snyder, Guelph ; Elven Shantz, The College has proper facilities for Mennonite history . Kitchener ; J. Winfield Fretz, Waterloo ; Mrs. Lorna Bergey, New Dundee ; Henry classifying, preserving, and exhibiting and support of documents . It is anticipated that " The encouragement Dueck, Kitchener ; Wilson Hunsberger, such publications in the field of Ontario the College will become a center for Waterloo . Following the election of a Mennonite history . board, Mr. Robert Trotter of Elmira Mennonite historical and sociological research and publication of materials " The support and promotion of the addressed the meeting . Mr. Trotter, Mennonite Historical Library and with Kenneth Kerr, editor of the Elmira in Ontario . the Mennonite Archives located at Signet, is engaged in the project of Conrad Grebel College, Waterloo, writing the story of Elmira . Page 16 Ontario Historical Society Held Spring Meeting In Vineland Reprinted from the May 10. 1966 issue of The Canadian Mennonite. Likely subinitti d by Dorothy Swartzentruber, MHSO Secretary 1965-1968. Vineland - The year-old Mennonite Historical Society of Ontario held its spring meeting in Vineland on April 30 at the United Mennonite Church . In the morning, in closed session, the Society's Board of Directors discussed the publication of a pamphlet and the production of a pageant to give the story of the Mennonites and Amish in Ontario in conjunction with Canada's 1967 centennial celebrations . When the recommendation was put to the larger membership in the afternoon, the Board received support for such a project. It was felt the production of a pageant represented a fine opportunity to make in impact both historically and theologically. Other business resulted in the re-election of Mrs. David Bergey, Elven Shantz, and Earle Snyder to three-year terms as directors . Presently the Society's membership stands at approximately 40. In the first Church, Vineland, April 30. Above photo shows board of directors of the Society in front of the Museum of the ; year of operation, income consisted Twenty Jordan, which the group toured. Left to right are: Dorothy Swartzentruber, Kitchener, secretary Barbara Coffinan, Vineland; Herbert Enns, Waterloo, treasurer; Elven Shantz, Kitchener; J. W. Fretz, of $82.50 from membership fees and Waterloo, president; Wilson Hunsberger, Waterloo; Mrs. David (Lorna) Bergey, New Dundee ; Harold Nigh, expenses amounted to $63 . Interested Fort Erie ; and Orland Gingerich, New Hamburg, vice-president. Missing from the picture are Henry Dueck, 10, persons, of course, are urged to become Kitchener and Earle Snyder, Guelph . Photo by Martin Burr: Published in The Canadian Mennonite May 1966 . Supplied be Conrad Grebel College Archives members. Little has been written by Ontario Mennonites about themselves in the province . Therefore, said Dr. J . W. Fretz, Groh, states westward) and the influx of new president, the MHSO has a tremendous "The first Mennonites," said the Mennonite settlers from Pennsylvania . job to do to permanently record the signi- "came without their church . In 1786 There was no ordained minister in ficant contributions made by Mennonites church in the American colonies was the new group so Samuel Meyer was to the life, culture, an ideals of Ontario. at an all-time low . . . Only seven percent of the population were members of delegated to write to the ministers of the Bedminster congregation in Bucks Niagara Peninsula Protestant churches . County . Pa . Because no one from the Two research papers were read in The Mennonite pioneers waited some- Bedminster congregation was available the afternoon concerning the coming thing like 20 years for preachers and to go to Canada, the group at the Twenty of Mennonites to the Niagara Peninsula. bishops and regular services . And when was instructed to "Proceed among This was followed by a tour of the the church was founded, many of the themselves to choose and authorize Museum of the Twenty in nearby Jordan . scattered settlements had preaching only one whom the Lord should indicate to Ivan Groh, St . Catharines, retired at long intervals of four or eight weeks." on the work of the church ." teacher, discussed the experiences of Groh contended that the Mennonites carry According to Miss Coffman, a the first Mennonite settlers . The first of the pre-Great Migration period had settlers came from Bucks County, Pa., a gloomy, pessimistic church history . meeting was held to select a minister in 1786, and located in the Jordan- By 1931 not a trace of their church was and a deacon . "Votes were cast and the Vineland-Beamsville area sometimes left in Welland County . final selection made by lot. Valentine called the Twenty . Barbara Coffman, Vineland, author of Kratz became the first minister. . .John Six Mennonite families immigrated to His Name Was John traced the history Fretz became the first deacon in Ontario." Canada in 1786 and by 1793 there were of the First Mennonite Church of the Through this unprecedented method approximately one hundred Mennonite Twenty or Vineland . It was organized in of providing church leadership came into and Quaker families scattered throughout 1801 following the Great Migration of being the first church the Twenty area three townships . 1799 (mass migration from the Atlantic also the first church in Canada . Page 1 7 From Russia to Ontario In the evening, Panelists A. A . Wall, Calendar ofMHSO Bus Trips Frank Klassen, and Jacob Penner reminis- 1966-2000 ced on immigrant experiences under the expert questioning of Moderator Dr. John April 30, 1966 - Vineland United " October 23, 1971 - Erb Street Wiebe. Wall and Klassen had come from Mennonite Church Mennonite Church, Waterloo Russia in 1925 ; Penner in 1948 . "Early Mennonites in Welland County" "Our Anabaptist Heritage" Illustrated Of great interest was Wiebe's inter- by Ivan Groh, St . Catharines lecture by Jan Gleysteen, Scottdale, view of Mrs. Tina Martens who had come "Early Mennonites in the Niagara Area" Pennsylvania . to Canada two weeks earlier with her by Barbara Coffman, Vineland . " June 3, 1972 - Steinmann "From 18-year-old son Leonard to live with Russia to Ontario" by Jane Mennonite Church, Baden Penner, relatives in Vineland . A .A.Wall, and Frank Klassen "Church History, an Exact Science" by In the last two years, reported An interview with Mrs. Tina Martens, Ira D. Landis, Leola, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Martens, the Christians at newly arrived immigrant "The Role of the Church Historian." Kimpersay experienced a lot more from Russia Panel discussion with Harold Groh, freedom in worshiping and praying Alice Koch, and Lorraine Roth . openly than formerly . June 2, 1967 - Zurich A typical Amish company meal was served : bean soup The relaxed condition came about Mennonite Church garnished with cinnamon, rice and chicken with abruptly. Two years ago, the Mennonite Mennonite Conference of Ontario Canadian Centennial program sassafrass, sweet & sour beets and bishop at Kimpersay had been jailed . "Mennonite Contributions to Life in pickles, shtrayma pie and coffee. After three months he was suddenly Canada" by Wilson Hunsberger, released without explanation and the " June 16, 1973 - Elmira Waterloo ; and Dr. Norman High, group received permission to meet for Mennonite Church . worship. "Experiences with Mennonite Illustrated Lecture "Mennonite Tourism in Waterloo County" Mrs . Martens observed that children Historical Sites in Ontario" by by Vernon Leis, Elmira . Canada in are free to learn about God in Dr. Earle Snyder, Guelph . church and school whereas in Russia the " June 1, 1974 - George Street state regards the children as "theirs" for " October 10, 1969 - Cedar Grove W-K United Mennonite Church, indoctrination with the ideology of the Mennonite Church, Markham Waterloo "Two Mennonite Cultures Meet" Communist party. "Highlights of Mennonite History in the by Dr . J. Winfield Fretz. The next public meeting of the Menno- Markham Community" by Paul "From Russia to Canada" nite Historical Society of Ontario most Burkholder, Markham . by Dr . Frank Epp. likely will be held at Conrad Grebel Visit to the Reesor Family Museum . Faspa, a typical Russian Mennonite College in the fall. It is the Society's "Folklore in the Markham Area" afternoon lunch, was served by the intention to hold two public meetings illustrated with slides from ladies of the church . annually, with the spring meeting in a Blodwen Davies collection "Life in Russia During the Revolution ." community other than Waterloo . by Lorna L. Bergey, New Dundee. Panel presentation convened by Herhert Enns .

" November 22, 1975 - Aylmer Amish Community Tour and Historical resume of the Pathway Publishing House by David Wagler. "Introduction of Amish Archives" by David Luthy.

" June 5, 1976 - George Street W-K United Mennonite Church, Waterloo Presented film "Menno's Reins" produced by Cross-Town Credit Union.

" October 18, 1976 - East Zorra Mennonite Church, Tavistock Presentation of film "The Amish : A People of Preservation.- Co-sponsored with the Western Ontario Mennonite Conference Tour leaders (left to right) Lorna Bergey and Alice Koch with members of the MHSO on a tour to Pennsylvania by the Society in 1983 to view Mennonite historical sites in Pennsylvania. Supplied by Historical Committee . Conrad Grebel College Archives. - Continued on page 18 Page 1 8

Continued from page 17 " May 6-10,1983 - Heritage Tour to " April, 1988 - St.Clair-O'Connor Philadelphia and the districts of Mennonite Centre, Toronto " June 11, 1977 - Rainham Lancaster and Franconia . "Reflections on Mennonites coming Mennonite Church to Toronto With a Mission" by "Rainham Congregation" " June 11, 1983 Osias Horst, who assumed the by Mary Hoover. - Conrad Grebel College pastorate at Danforth Mennonite "South Cayuga Congregation" Afternoon tour of "Early Mennonite Church September l . 1964 . by Earl Hauser and Lorne Fretz . Settlement in the Waterloo District ." "Experiencing Community at "Reformed Mennonite Congregation" Commentary prepared by St. Clair-O'Connor" by Jean Shantz by Catherine Daly . Lorna L. Bergey, New Hamburg. Tour of Mennonite interests in "Dunnville United Mennonite "Historical Resume of Hagey - the Toronto area . Congregation" by Susan Dyck. Wanner Mennonite Congregations" June 111, 1989 - Port Rowan " October 14,1977 - Eastwood by Eben Cressman, Kitchener. Collegiate, Kitchener :Mennonite Brethren Church Premiere Showing of filmed stage play -June 9, 1984 - Blenheim Mennonite "The Mennonite Settlement in the Port "The Trail of the Conestoga ." Retreat Centre, New Dundee Rowan area" by Catherine Thiessen "Evidence of Change in the Mennonite "Introduction to the Mennonite -June 23, 1978 - Edgley Meetinghouse, Communities in the Townships of Settlement in the Aylmer area" Black Creek Pioneer Village, North , Blandford . and by George Rempel . Toronto Blenheim" by Norman Shantz, Ayr Guided tour in afternoon by Victor Fast "The Mennonite Community at Edgley" and George Rempel. and Lorna L. Bergey, New Hamburg . by Paul Burkholder, Markham . Tour of the area. Commentary prepared Tour of Cober Brethren in Christ 9,1990 - Mapleview Church, by Alice Koch and Lorna L. Bergey, " June Meetinghouse and Quaker Ailsa Craig New Hamburg . Meetinghouse at Newmarket. "Historical Resume of Church of God in Christ (Holdeman) Mennonite " May 1f1-11, 1985 - 20th Anniversary -June 9, 1979 - Oak Street United Church Mapleview Congregation" Mennonite Church, Leamington Sessions at Conrad (rebel College by Pastor Robert Toews. "The Mennonite Community at "Why a Mennonite Historical Society "Early Settlement Memories" Leamington" by Mrs. Mary Janzen . in Ontario'?" by Orland Gingerich . by Lorne Bender Windsor. Kitchener . "Highlights in the First 20 Years of Our 7, 19811- Bertie Brethren in " June 8, 1991 - Maple View Mennonite " June Society" by Herbert Enns, Waterloo Parochial School - Mount Forest Christ Church, Stevensville and Lorraine Roth, Kitchener. "Historical Resume of Bertie Brethren "Forming a New Community" Lectures on Mennonite Folk Culture In Christ Congregation" by Isaac R. Horst, Mount Forest. in the Waterloo Community by by Abbie Sider, Stevensville Guided tour in afternoon of area Dr. J . W. Fretz, North Newton, Tour of the area directed by Ross Nigh schools, meetinghouses, farms Kansas . and Dr. Harold Nigh and industries . "Wilderness . War and Gemeinschaft June 13, 1981 - Zurich ( 1800 - 1940)." June 13, 1992 - United Mennonite Mennonite Church "Urbanization, Commercialization, Church, Vineland "The Early Mennonite & Amish Emancipation (1940 - 1985)." "Migration of Mennonites, Tunkers, Settlement at Zurich" by Gordon Erb, "Accommodation, Alienation, Quakers in the Niagara Peninsula Clarence Gascho, and Seleda Steckle . Acculturation (Century 21 )." During the Pioneer Period" by Tour of settlement by Sidney Ramer and "Mennonite Folk Art" Illustrated lecture Dr. Richard MaeMaster, Cyril Gingerich . by Nancy Lou Patterson, Fine Arts Bluffton, Ohio . Department, University of Waterloo Guided tour in afternoon of Mennonite, June 12, 1982 - Chesley Tunker, and Quaker historical sites in Mennonite Church " May 10, 1986 - Port Colborne Vineland area and Pelham Township . "The Mennonite Community at "Mennonite. Tunker, Quaker Migration Port Elgin" prepared by to Southern Niagara Peninsula" June 12, 1993 - Milverton Lorna L. Bergey, read " Lecture and tour commentary by Mennonite Church by Almeda Martin, St. Jacobs . Harold Nigh . "Mennonite Corners" by Grace Snider, "Amish Beginnings, 300 Years Ago" "Reist/Amish Division" by Levi Miller, Chesley . -June 13, 1987 - Maple View "The Mennonites in the Chesley - Goshen Indiana . Hanover Community" by Mennonite Church, Wellesley "Beginnings of the Old Order Amish in George Weber, Chesley. "Amish Settlement in the Townships of Ontario" by Lorraine Roth . Tour of "Mennonite Settlements, Wellesley and Mornington" by Past and Present. to the North and Orland Gingerich . author of "The -June 11, 1994 - Parkview Village West of the Kitchener-Waterloo Amish of Canada" written in 1972 Auditorium, Stouffville area." Commentary prepared by in commemoration of the 150th "Mennonite History in the Markham Tobias Brubacher. Elmira, and anniversary of the coming of Community" by Paul Burkholder. Alice Koch, New Hamburg . Amish from Europe to Canada . Guided tour in afternoon of area. Page 19 " June 10, 1995 - United Mennonite Educational Institute, Leamington Mennonite Historical Society ofOntario "The Mennonite Community at Leamington" Charter Members Guided tour in afternoon of area. Baechler, Elmer (deceased) Graham, Ella (deceased) " June 8, 1996 - Bloomingdale Wellesley, Ontario Vineland, Ontario Mennonite Church Barthel, Arno Groh,Ivan (deceased) "Early Settlement of Bloomingdale and RR#2 Stone Road. St.Catharines, Ontario Organization of the Congregation" Niagara-on-the Lake, Ontario Good . Milton R. by Alice Koch. Becker Max (deceased) RR 1 Breslau ON NOB 1 MO "Effects of 1870s New Mennonite and RR#2, Kitchener, Ontario High, Isaac L. (deceased) 1889 Old Order Divisions" by *Bergey Lorna L. St. Catharines, Ontario Sam Steiner. 1202-1414 King St. E. Janzen P.G . "Bloomingdale Congregation 1940- Kitchener, N2G 4T8 Vineland, Ontario 1990s" by Myron Stevanus . *Bowman, Edna (Henry, deceased) Dahl, Ed. Guided tour in afternoon of area directed 716-515 Langs Dr. Campbell Road Yarrow, B.C. by Myron Stevanus . Cambridge, ON N3H 5E4 Kinzie, Harry (deceased) Brubacher, Shannon (deceased) Cambridge, Ontario " June 14, 1997 - Fairview Waterloo, Ontario Mennonite Home Centre Joseph Leis (deceased) Auditorium, Cambridge Buschert, Donald Martin, Don 59 Askin P Kitchener "Building Community on the Frontier" l ., ON N2A I K9 40 Euclid Ave ., Waterloo, Ontario by Dr. Elizabeth Bloomfield, Guelph . Coffman, Barbara (deceased) Miller, Alice Vineland, Ontario Clarence Centre, N.Y. " June 13, 1998 - Steinmann Coffman, Lena (deceased) Plummer, Oliver (deceased) Mennonite Church Vineland, Ontario Kitchener, Ontario Launch of book "The Amish and Their Mr.& Mrs . David Coffman (deceased) *Roth, Lorraine Neighbours : The German Block, Vineland, Ontario 411-65 Westmount Rd .N . Wilmot Township, 1822-1860" by Cressman, Ella (deceased) Kitchener ON N2L 5G6 Lorraine Roth . Cambridge . Ontario Shantz, Elven (deceased) "Documenting Early Amish Settlement Cressman, Mrs. Clayton (deceased) Kitchener, Ontario in Canada" by Lorraine Roth . Moorefield, ON Snyder, Mrs. O.A . "Changes I Have Seen in the Amish (deceased) Cambridge, Ontario Community in My Lifetime" Culp . Alvin (deceased) by Glenn Zehr . Vineland, Ontario *Dorothy Swartzentruber Sauder Guided tour in afternoon of area. Hunsberger, Wilson 609-1414 King St. E. Commentary prepared by 4560 West Caanich Road Kitchener, ON N2G 4T8 Alice Koch, Lorraine Roth and 9 Victoria, B.C. V8Z 3G4 Warkentein, Dr . John E. Orland Gingerich . *Jutzi, Clara Toronto, Ontario 1007 - 1414 King St . E. Weber, Gordon S . (deceased) ' June 12, 1999 - Rouge Valley Kitchener, ON N2G 4T8 Millar, Douglas D. (deceased) Mennonite Church Enns, Herbert (deceased) 43 Duncairn Ave., Kitchener, Ontario "York County Participants in the Waterloo, Ontario Manuel Mrs. F.A. Organization of Non-Resistant Fransen, N . St . Catharines, Ontario Relief Organization, Ontario" RR#3, St.Catharines, Ontario Reaman, Dr. G.E. (deceased) by Paul Burkholder. "Freeman, Leonard Waterloo, Ontario "Formation of Organization of West Montrose, Ontario *Snyder, Mrs. Mabel Non-Resistant Relief Organization" *Fretz, Dr. J . Winfield 4 Snyder Ave. Elmira, ON N3B IY6 by Lucille Marr, Camrose, Alberta . Box 126 North Newton, Kansas 671 17 "Restoration of the Altona Meetinghouse" Snyder, Earle S. (deceased) by Joseph Nighswander. Getman, Mr .& Mrs. E. Kitchener, Ontario . Guided tour in afternoon of area. 853 Phoenix St ., South Haven MI Snyder, Wayne (deceased) Commentary by Paul Burkholder. 'Gingerich, Orland Kitchener, Ontario 30 Avalon P 1 . Apt . 302 'Weber. Alson M . -June 10, 2011(1 - Danforth Kitchener, ON N2M 4N6 607-1414 King St . E. Mennonite Church Good Viola S. Kitchener, ON N2G 4T8 "Ninety One Years of Danforth Nitliview Home, Boullee Dr. Wideman, Mrs. Leon Mennonite Church" by Bill Bryson New Hamburg, NOB 2GO Akron, N.Y. Tour in afternoon of Toronto area Coffman, Ellen (deceased) Witmer, Leslie (deceased) churches and missions . Vineland, Ontario Cambridge, Ontario

* denotes membership /965-2000 Page 21 Change and Commitment

Stirling Ave. Mennonite Church - 75th Anniversary by Jim Reusser

In the 1960's there was a popular put away the gods that your ancestors after I received the call to come to Bob Dylan song called "The Times They served beyond the River and in Egypt, Kitchener, and news of this became are a Changing ." Whether we like it or and serve the LORD. Now if you are known in the community, the pastor of a not, the world is changing, our society unwilling to serve the LORD, choose this church of another denomination greeted is changing, values are changing, and day whom you will serve, whether the me one day by saying he heard I was even the church is changing. I guess there gods your ancestors served in the region going to Canada to do foreign missions . is nothing more constant than change. beyond the River or the gods of the The next thing I should say is that As we enter a new millennium, the speed Amorites in whose land you are living; there is no such thing as objective of all change seems to accelerate . Some but as for me and my household, we will history. The past is always viewed from changes are positive. Some are negative . serve the LORD." (Joshua 24:14-15) a perspective. It is seen through a filter. Some have potential for great good or Every period in the history of God's What I may observe about the 1960's evil . Where shall we encourage change? people is a time of change . Change can and 1970's at Stirling Ave, may not be Where shall we resist change? be positive or negative . Change can what you remember, or may not have God's people have faced change in represent great good or great evil. the meaning which you give to it. every age. Near the end of the book of I was given the assignment of looking I propose to look at what I observe to Joshua, the Israelites were in a time of back at a particular time in the history be the changes going on at Stirling Ave. major change, the latest in a series of of this church - the years that I served Mennonite Church during those years. changes they had faced. as pastor - 1963-1976. 1 want to look Some of those changes were going on At this hinge point of their history, at that period of time in terms of the when we arrived. Some of them perhaps Joshua, God's faithful leader, whose life what I see as the important changes began during that time. You may view and ministry were coming to a close, going on at that time. some of the changes as positive. You called the people together so that he There are several things I should say may view others as negative . You will could speak to them one last time. He before I do that. I had a number of probably sense some of my biases. began by recalling for them their history contacts with this congregation before Nevertheless, drawing from our God had helped them escape from I came. The first time I was here was with roots, we grow into the future. slavery in cosmopolitan Egypt, a mixed the Bluffton College choir in June of One of things which surprised and multitude. God had led them as they 1950. In the summer of 1952 1 was on concerned me when we arrived in 1963 wandered in the wilderness of Sinai, staff for Bluffton College recruiting was the discovery that our Mennonite bedouins living in tents and raising students, and I spent several days here young people in Senior Public and High sheep . Change at Mount Sinai, God gave visiting Stirling Ave. Young people who School (and none were in Rockway in them the ten commandments, directions were prospective students, as well as those days) were uncomfortable and for living which shaped them into one visiting Helen Snyder who I had come embarrassed with their Mennonite people - God's people. Change again. to know in my first year in Seminary . identity . They tried to keep their friends At last, after forty years, God brought In the summer of 1953, 1 led a from discovering that they were them into the promised land. Now again voluntary service unit in Guelph and Mennonite, and they tried to blend in they were faced with change, this time Helen and I were married here in this where they would not be noticed. For learning to live as settled people, farming sanctuary by Wilfred Ulrich . Among our some. this meant not wanting to be seen the land. They were faced with even first visitors at Seminary that fall were with a particular Christian identity . For greater challenge and change . They Alson and Lorraine Weber and their boys others, it meant not wanting to be seen would need to learn how to live justly John and Jim . From 1954 to 1963 while as having another Christian identity, and faithfully as God's people, with their I pastored the Salem Mennonite church such as Intervarsity, or one of the more neighbours, in their promised land. near Kidron, Ohio we spent a week of charismatic expressions . They did not Before they could go forward, Joshua each summer here with Helen's parents have very clear understanding of what knew they needed to look back, to see and I often preached on the Sunday we it meant to be Mennonite. I am not sure from where they had come. Before they were here. about the causes of these attitudes, but could consider future goals, they needed I also need to admit that when I they were there. I suspect that what was to remember their identity . married Helen, who grew up in this true of these young people was also true Then Joshua called on the people to church, 1 inherited almost by osmosis, of some of their parents. renew their commitment to serve the her and her family's memory and inter- Rockway High School itself was going Lord God, and to give up the other pretation of the history of Stirling Ave. through some difficult times, and was not loyalties which had kept them from In November of 1962 Alson Weber always sure of its identity and mission. serving God alone. and Doug Millar came to our home in By the 1970's these attitudes had "Now therefore revere the LORD, and Ohio to invite me to consider coming to changed somewhat, and I sense that they serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness; Stirling Avenue as pastor. In the spring are very different today. Page 21 Mennonite Conference informally asked me whether it was not possible to work more closely together. Within a year, as I remember it, a meeting was called of the members of the mission committees of the Ontario, Western Ontario, and United Mennonite Conferences and Stirling Ave. to share their present programs, and their plans for future mission and service programs . This quickly led to the temporary, and then permanent, formation of what became known as the Intermennonite Mission and Service Committee. In turn, this led to the Ontario Intermennonite Conference in about 1974. These were steps on the way to what is now the Mennonite Conference of Eastern Canada (MCEC) in 1988 . But let us back up. At Stirling Ave., the opportunity was presenting itself in the 1960's for more meaningful relationships here in Ontario. For a Stirling Ave. Mennonite Church 1964 . Published in The Canadian Mennonite June 30, 1964. number of years Stirling Ave. and First Supplied by Conrad Grebel College Archives . Mennonite held a joint communion service on Good Friday. Also there was considerable congregational process at Stirling during these years, while Fred Those attitudes may be related to the missions in Philadelphia, which Cressman was congregational chair, of next set of changes to which I want to seemed like foreign and distant programs looking at our relationship with Eastern call attention - changes in the nature and to Stirling leaders. District in Pennsylvania, and asking relationships of the congregation . From However, other events in Ontario were whether we should pursue relationships 1924 until U. K. Weber retired in the increasing Stirling's relationships with with Ontario Conference, United early 1940s, Stirling Ave was without Mennonites here. The Second World War Mennonite Conference or both. formal conference relationship. It was resulted in a number of inter-Mennonite In 1970 we severed our ties with an Old Mennonite congregation out of organizations to coordinate relief activi- Eastern District, and by joining the On- fellowship with conference. Assumptions ties, peace teaching and oversight of tario Conference and the United Menno- about church government and organi- camps for Conscientious Objectors to nite Conference, became the first dual zation came from its past conference war. Since Stirling could not be conference congregation in Ontario. The relationship. Members were mostly represented by Ontario Conference, or rift which occurred in 1924 was now charter members, their children, and even by the United Mennonites, who, healed, and Stirling Ave. finally had persons who came to Stirling from other though they were General Conference, conference membership in Ontario. surrounding Mennonite churches. were at that time German speaking, The 1960's and 1970's indeed saw When Andrew Shelly came as pastor, Stirling was always represented with the significant change for Stirling in terms he quickly led Stirling into his home strength of the conferences. This put of relationships, and thus in terms of its district conference, the Eastern District Stirling Ave. leaders into contact with future direction within the larger Conference in Pennsylvania, and into the leaders of the other conferences and they Mennonite Church. General Conference Mennonite Church . began mutually to develop friendships There were also changes in our Membership in the General Conference and mutual respect and trust. worship. brought some important resources to Shortly before we came, Stirling was Evening preaching services had in Stirling : Sunday School materials; a invited by the United Mennonites to help earlier years been an important part of paper (The Mennonite), with news and them support the small church planted church life. When I came in 1963, 1 was religious articles ; and relationship to a near Sudbury. Stirling was also involved expected to preach each Sunday evening . missions program. Alice Bachert and along with three conferences - Ontario, However, there were seldom more than Leona Cressman served under the Western Ontario, and United Mennonite - 10 to 20 people present, and sometimes General Conference Mission Board. in the establishment of Conrad Grebel when the choir sang there were more in Membership in Eastern District had College in 1960. the choir loft than in the pews. When the less to offer Stirling . Delegates went Within a few months after I was suggestion was made that perhaps the once a year to eastern Pennsylvania to installed as pastor, members of the evening preaching service might be hear discussions about a seniors' home executive committees of both the Ontario dropped, one of the responses was, "if the in Frederick, Pa., and about home Mennonite Conference and the United Continued on page 22 Continuedfrom page 21 The first Ministry Team included to see how this has continued . I have often the lights are not on on Sunday evening, there Ron Rempel and Don Smucker, and always been impressed that clear about is no evangelism ." Of course, the persons shared preaching and other tasks. Mennonites who are most are those who are who did attend were not candidates for J. W. Fretz helped this to function . their commitment Mennonites, that is those who evangelism. They were the loyal seniors Congregational process changed . convinced congregational are Mennonites by conviction and choice of the church . Where the tendency in for weighty rather than by genealogy and ethnicity . However, we experimented with meetings had been the and for the little people Why look at the past? So that we can other kinds of evening activities . persons to speak . W. Fretz helped us to discover and claim who we are - our warts J. W. Fretz helped us organize area to keep silent, J for in the plenary session as well as our gifts. If we do not know meetings to discuss issues which the arrange breaks people meet in smal I groups where who we are, or where we have come church was facing . for to everyone had an opportunity to speak. from, we can hardly know where we are These were years when the congre- Lay leadership went though significant going. We draw from our roots so that we gation moved from feeling comfortable change as well. When I came there were can grow into the future . We look to the with singing mostly familiar Gospel still two deacons, the senior and the past, not to take pride in ourselves, not to songs and hymns to learning to appreciate junior deacon . Such men as Clayton see ourselves as better than anyone else, singing a wider variety of the hymns in Moss, Gordon Weber, Elven Shantz, but to remember how God has acted on the hymnal . This was also the time when carried considerable authority and were our behalf and led us. To remember how Stirling began to hire choir directors with spiritual leaders in the congregation . God has been able to use us when we more training . Howard Dyck and Ted They had roots to the beginning of the have been obedient, and to remember Baerg are two which I remember as when congregation . They were not a committee God's grace in not giving up on us enriching the music of our worship . In . but they carried their responsibilities as a we were not true to his call 1970 the older Mennonite Hymnary too, that the call from God . By the time I left, they We need to remember was replaced by The Mennonite Hymnal, Jesus Christ is much larger and had died or retired from service and a church of introducing us to many newer hymns Deacon Board had been elected . In these richer than its expression at Stirling Ave. as "606" "Praise God from whom across such - years, not only were these deacons of the It extends around the world and blessings ." all flow earlier style gone, but the pioneer pastor, twenty centuries . and installation of a past We should The purchase U. K. Weber also died . During these We cannot live in the . another step in the same . Neither can we live in pipe organ was years many of the charter members not gild the past . is the day God gives us musical direction . died and ties to the early history of the the future Today 1960's was . Let us humbly pray that we will One of my hopes in the church diminished. to live more the spiritual sensitivity to recognize to enable lay persons to participate What is given up and what is main- have the opportunities God sets before us, and fully in the worship experience, by tained are both significant. Some commitment to be God's reading scripture, or praying, let alone Mennonite distinctives were in the the courage and continually changing world lead in worship . It was difficult in those process of being lost during these people in the we live . days to find anyone who would be so decades . When we came there were in which In December there was a motto in the daring as to be on the platform . How still perhaps 5 to 10 women who still mall where we often shop, which read times have changed! Now Stirling wore coverings . When we left there "The past is history, The future's a mystery, involves many lay persons. might have still been one . When we But today is a gift, and that is why they These were also years when assump- came footwashing still followed call it the present." tions about leadership changed . I began communion, but the number dwindled We need to give thanks for our for- as a solo minister (the last in Stirling's from perhaps 15 or 20 until there were so bears in the faith. But, we cannot depend history), and when I left Stirling I was few that footwashing was discontinued . on the commitment and faith of those a part of a Ministry Team. At the same time I have the sense that who preceded us . In every period of our During the first years - the 1960's - there was a new appreciation for and life we need to recommit ourselves to the assumptions were that I would preach commitment to peace, justice, reconcili- follow Jesus as Lord of our lives . This is every Sunday, except for Summer ation and the way of Love . It was in these the most important way in which you as holidays, or if there was a special guest years that the clothing centre was opened individuals and a congregation can mark speaker such as a missionary. I was for example . And the event which brought this anniversary in the life of your con- expected to be on the platform even if the largest group of people into this sanc- gregation . We need to be willing to turn I didn't preach, so I never sat with my tuary during those years, as I remember it, away from every idolatry, everything else in a pew. was the weekend when Vincent Harding family which wants to claim our first loyalty, and remember the one time I asked the from Atlanta, Georgia was with us to I say like Joshua, "as for me and my if I could be away for a speak on peace and justice issues . senior deacon household, we will serve the Lord ." weekend, with Menno Singers who were The makeup of the congregation touring in Ohio in the Kidron community changed during these years and became Jim Reusser and his wife Helen, live in where I had earlier served as pastor and more diverse. Mennonites of different Kitchener and now attend Waterloo North in Bluffton where I had gone to college. backgrounds joined, particularly Russian Mennonite Church . This is an exerpttom The deacon replied, "I don't think people Mennonites. And more persons with no a sermon given at Stirling Ave . Mennonite would understand ." (A sincere deacon Mennonite background or genealogy Church on March 5, 2000 as part of their joy anniversary celebrations. whom I respect.) became active in the church . It is a 75th Page 23 Book Review People and Projects

Detweiler's Meetinghouse: BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS AT VINELAND A History of Mennonites near Roseville, Ontario The First Mennonite Church in Vineland by Reg Good will celebrate its 200th anniversary with special events for its members and (Roseville : Detweiler of leaders within the congregation, a friends on the weekend of May 26-27, Meetinghouse Inc., 1999) string of occasional pastors sent by the 2001 . Sunday's program includes, a 96 pages. conference, conservative bishops whose morning worship service, a noontime strict enforcement of rules kept non- Reviewed by Ferne Burkhardt fellowship meal, and a sharing session Mennonites out and sent Mennonites in the afternoon. elsewhere all contributed to conflict Once each summer in the 1950s, people and decline. Tragic deaths and building from six Wilmot Mennonite churches projects several times brought on spurts WATERLOO MB CHURCH gathered at the Detweiler Mennonite of growth but membership was generally MARKS ANNIVERSARY Meetinghouse in Roseville for a hymn low. Good traces the church's bumpy sing. The tiny building could not accom- slide to mission out-post status, its This year the Waterloo Mennonite modate the Sunday evening crowd, so we return to self-supporting rank (it did Brethren Church located in Waterloo, gathered on the west lawn and sang until not pay its minister a salary) to closure Ontario, is celebrating the 40th we could no longer read the music in the on January 9, 1966, just over a year anniversary of the mission Sunday fading light. after the sudden death of pastor School which was its forerunner. The Roseville service was not to Moses Bowman . This Sunday School, met for the first be missed - the singing was spirited Good concludes with a brief summary time on Nov. 13, 1960 in the Brighton and the setting was delightful . The of the building's use over the next twenty Public School located on Noecker Street picturesque fieldstone church, built in years, efforts to preserve and restore this in Waterloo, Ontario. The Waterloo 1855 to replace earlier log buildings, historic treasure and the eventual transfer Mennonite Brethren Church was of including was set on a grassy slope beside a the property, the cemetery, officially established seven years later quiet, tree-lined country road. The to a non-profit corporation committed to in January 1967 . adjoining cemetery with its historic its preservation . tombstones begged exploration. Good gives some examples of My memories of a peaceful place and Mennonite cooperation with non- KITCHENER MB CHURCH a joyous event bear little resemblance to Mennonite neighbours, including CELEBRATES the little congregation's troubled past, so allowing the cemetery to be used by 75TH ANNIVERSARY meticulously laid out by Reg Good in his the entire community. But within the This year the Kitchener Mennonite book detailing the history of the Detweiler congregation, people seem to experience meetinghouse, the only surviving stone mostly conflict and exclusion . Missing Brethren Church is celebrating its meetinghouse built by Mennonites in are positive stories of spiritual strength 75th anniversary. In May 1925 seventeen Ontario, and its people. and Christian discipleship within and members met in St. Jacobs, Ontario in Good begins the story by reaching beyond the congregation which must the home of Rev. Jacob Wiens for an have been present to keep it alive for back to the Pennsylvania origins of the organizational meeting. At first the settlers who arrived in well over a century. group held their services in the Bethany Township in 1822 via Indian trails. He Two major appendices significantly Mennonite Church at the corner of describes the settlement patterns, which enhance this 96-page soft-cover book, were similar to those in Waterloo Town- which includes a number of excellent Lancaster and Chapel Streets in ship, the first inland settlement in Ontario, photographs . The first appendix is a Kitchener, Ontario and in 1925 they about twenty years earlier. The Roseville complete cemetery list, compiled by rented rooms on the second floor of settlement included Scottish Presby- Norman Shantz. The second, without 40 King St. East. By 1935 they were terians, German Lutherans, English which the story would not be complete, ready to purchase their own building Methodists and second generation is the well-illustrated description of at 53 Church St., Henry H. Janzen was Mennonites from Waterloo. Most of the ten-year restoration project which the Mennonites were inter-related.Good by the fall of 1999 allowed guests "to the pastor at this time. In 1953 the unravels connections between families experience the worship environment congregation moved to a their present listed as members, thus providing helpful of our forebears ." Narrative is by Gerald site at 19 Ottawa Street. Several genealogical information . Musselman, architect and secretary of "daughter" churches developed over The story of the church, its people the board ol'Detweiler Meetinghouse Inc. the years from this church, including the and leaders, as told by Good, is one of The book also includes lists of board Mennonite Brethren Church in Waterloo struggle and dissension, beginning as members and project donors and early as 1830 when rivalry resulted in an index . (1960) and the Glencairn Mennonite meetinghouses at two sites just two miles Ferne Burkhardt is a reporter,for Brethren Church in Kitchener (1988). apart. Family disputes, differences in Canadian Mennonite. She lives near theological emphasis, frequent changes Petersburg, Ontario. Continued on page 24 Page 24 - Continuedfrom page 23 Book Notes PRESTON AND WANNERS CELEBRATE BICENTENNIAL Phyllis Pellman Good, author and Biehn and Blenheim churches into The Preston and Wanners Mennonite Jerry Irwin, photographer of Amish Nith Valley Mennonite Church Churches concluded a year-long Children (Intercourse, Pennsylvania : (New Hamburg : Nith Valley Mennonite celebration of its 200th anniversary Good Books, 2000) 96 pages, spent time Church, 2000) traces the histories with special events on the weekend of with members of the Amish community of Blenheim Mennonite Church September 15-17, 2000. This included learning about the life of their children. (1839-1974) and Biehn Mennonite a banquet Friday evening, a picnic in In addition, Pellman Good effectively Church (1865-1974) and their Linear Park in Cambridge, local tours, incorporates Amish children's writings subsequent joining together to and a Sunday morning worship service at and comments from Amish parents and create Nith Valley Mennonite Preston . from the Canadian Mennonite grandparents into the text . These are Church (1975-2000) . taken from two journals Blackboard Bulletin and Family Life published by " Mary Hunsberger Schiedel, author WELLESLEY CELEBRATES Pathway Publishers in Alymer, Ontario . of A Journey of Faith: The History of 25TH ANNIVERSARY In two photographs Ontario is Shantz Mennonite Church, 1840-2000 Wellesley Mennonite Church celebrated mentioned specifically : Amish (Baden : Shantz Mennonite Church, its 25th anniversary on the weekend school children in front of their 2000) 96 pages, details the 160 year of September 9-10, 2000 . Saturday's Ontario schoolhouse in wintertime, history of Shantz Mennonite Church . events included a barbeque and musical and an Amish family on a visit to entertainment by the women's trio, Niagara Falls (Horseshoe Falls) . " Carol Steinman, author of Refined by "Lamplight ." Sunday morning's Aside from these two Canadian Fire : The Story of Hagey/Preston worship service included several speakers references, the majority of the Mennonite Church, 1800-2000 including ; Gerald Schwartzentruber, photographs appear to be from the (Kitchener : Pandora Press, 2000) congregation's first pastor, and the United States . However, the discussion 150 pages, documents the account Martin, its current pastor. After Ray of a child's life within the Amish of Preston Mennonite Church over noon potluck meal, the afternoon the community, extending from birth to its 200 year history. program included reflections from the time when he or she joins the church, several members of the congregation Hiebert and Linda and the beautiful photography make Ed Boldt, Vic ranging from charter members to of Looking this book a splendid addition to the Huebert Hecht editors recent attenders .from the Millennium more literature on Amish life. Back, Looking Ahead: A Canadian Mennonite Booklet of The Ontario Conference

" Harry Loewen, editor of Road to of Mennonite Brethren Churches Freedom: Mennonites Escape the (Kitchener: Millennium Booklet BUSY RESEARCHERS Land of Suffering (Kitchener: Pandora Committee, 2000) 19 pages, contains Laureen Harder-Gissina is researching Press, 2000), 302 pages, tells the story photographs and "Highlights since the histories of both the Stirling Ave. of post World War Two Mennonite 1982" and "A Vision for the Future" Mennonite Church and First Mennonite immigration from the Soviet Union for each of the conference's 25 churches Church, both in Kitchener. This will to Canada over fifty years ago through and mission churches (with a member- result in new history books for each first hand accounts of the events, and ship of between 4,100 and 4,200), congregation in the near future . many archival photographs . major boards and committees in the Barbara Draper has been asked to write MB Conference of Ontario. a book examining the Mennonites in the Carl Hiebert, author of This Land I Elmira, Ontario area for the Mennonite/ Love : Waterloo County (Kitchener: Gift Barbara Draper and Martin A . Frey, Anabaptist Series . This will include an of Wings Publishing, 2000) 128 pages, compilers of A Family History of in-depth look into such groups as; the Old uses many aerial photographs to Martin S. Frey (St . Jacobs : Martin A. Orders, David Martin group, Waterloo- show his "view" of Waterloo County. Frey, 2000), 249 pages, updates the Markham Conference, Conservative, Reflections by Old Order Mennonites records of the descendants of and Mexican Mennonites. supplement the text . Proceeds of the Martin S . Frey with many details sales of this book go to MCC if about each family member. Copies ordered through MCCO or MSCU. are $20 and available from : Martin A. Frey, " Alice Koch, author of Nith Valley 70 Northside Drive, Mennonite Church and its Roots: St . Jacobs, Ontario NOB 2NO A history ofcoming together of 519-664-2376 .