Saskatchewan Mennonite Historian Summer 2011
S askatchewan Mennonite Historian Official periodical of the Mennonite Historical Society of Saskatchewan, Inc. Volume XVII No. 2, Summer 2011 Aron Sawatzky: Mennonite Musician and Composer By Reg Krahn There have been many names that have come to be synonymous with Mennonite music. One of the men who contributed much to the compos- ing, teaching, and advancement of music in Mennonite circles was Aron G. Sawatzky. With only one week of formal training, he used his consider- able musical talent and dedication to provide new music, conduct choirs, and provide leadership and instruction for other choir conductors in Russia, Cana- da, and the United States. He also began his career in ministry in 1912 and was eventually elected leader and ordained as a minister in Winton, California. Aron Gerhard Sawatzky was born on May 24, 1871 in Andreasfeld, a village just east and slightly to the north of the Chortitza colony in Russia. His father was Gerhard J. Sawatzky (born August 28, 1837). Gerhard’s first wife was Aganetha Fast (1836– 1869). They had seven children: Gerhard, Jacob, Johann, Aganetha, Peter, Abraham, and Kornelius. Ger- hard’s second wife was Aron’s mother, Maria Lepp (born November 15, Continued on page 4 Y CONTENTS Z Aron Sawatzky, composer 1,4 Dunelm Sommerfeld church 18 Travels of family Bible 26 D. Toews, in his family’s footsteps 10 Judith Rempel tribute 21 Land description & Google maps 27 Pembroke School history 16 Peace Church, Regina 22 Calendar 27 Photo-sharing on GRANDMA 17 Family Tree: Johann H. Janzen 24 Saskatchewan Mennonite Historian Summer 2011 Saskatchewan From the Editor’s Desk Mennonite Historian By Victoria Neufeldt Volume XVII No.
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