Mennonite Historian Is Published by the in the Steinbach and Surrounding Towns Nothing Was Said

VOLUME 38, NO.1 - MARCH 2012 Government uses Scripture to encourage compliance. by Conrad Stoesz ebruary is the time of month that at Menn o nite Fthe Centre for Mennonite Brethren Studies we begin the process of collecting statistical information from the previous • year. Since 1946 forms are updated. letters written and personnel put in place to collate and tabulate the information. Initially large charts were created. later 1 stor]an replaced by electronic spreadsheets. Census style information has long been seen as an indispensable tool in the A PUBLICATION OF THE MENNONITE HERITAGE CENTRE and THE CENTRE FOR MB STUDIES IN CANADA formation of policies and direction for any organization. In our national context this becomes foundational for medical. sociological, economic and historical research - even genealogy. The Canadian government conducts a census every ten years and to encourage compliance the Manitoba Bureau of Statistics sent a letter to Mennonite Church Canada reminding them of the census date in 20 II. "It will be vitally important that the Census be as accurate as possible." they wrote. The letter also included the following paragraph: "The Census is not a new idea. In the Bible. the Book of Luke Chapter 2 Verses 1-5 tells of the census of the entire Roman world order by Caesar Augustus. The Census of Canada may not be quite as ambitious. but it'sjust as important." I found the inclusion of Biblical Scripture intriguing. Was there a long One hundred years ago (1911), the Kleine Gemeinde (predecessors of the EMC) built the standing tradition using this passage? I first church building in Steinbach (top left). Today their spiritual descendants worship in a contacted Manitoba's Chief Statistician very different modern-looking structure (top right), the church is part of a conference with for more information. As it turned out the churches across Canada from south-western Ontario to British Columbia (Google map on use of Luke 2 was initiated independently EMC conference website). of any earlier use of the passage. I shared with Chief Statistician, Wilf Falk, the Evangelical Mennonite Conference (1812-2012) story of how Luke 2 was used in 1918. by AffRedekopp In 1918 the Canada Registration Act was passed requiring all men and women t is 200 years since the Evangelical They claimed Anabaptist teachings of the to be registered. Mennonites were I Mennonite Conference had its begin church were not being heeded by the main suspicious of the act, fearing it would be ning in what was then New Russia, cur church. It was a small group and thus used for conscription purposes and rent day Ukraine. What challenges and came to be known as the Kleine Gemeinde therefore refused to submit to this law. changes have they experienced in 200 (small church). In its first 50 or so years it The privileges given to the Mennonites in years? Who were they then and who are was led by three elders - Klaas Reimer, 1873. encouraging their immigration, they today? Abraham Friesen and Johann Friesen - released them of military duty. The The Evangelical Mennonite Conference successful farmers and prophetic leaders. government was concerned that this began as the Kleine Gemeinde in During the second fifty years, the resistance would infect other commun Molotschna, South Russia in 1812, after a church faced a number of challenges - ities. Meetings with Mennonite represent small group of families met for Bible disruptive pressures from within and atives and legal council stymied the studies. A common concern was that the without. There was a split in 1866; there government officials. Mennonite church was lacking in its was the forming of the Borosenko colony, Finally eight days before the registra following Jesus in daily life. Led by 44- which included all that goes with moving tion deadline, a meeting was set for June year-old minister Klaas Reimer, they and establishing a new community; there 13, 1918. Superintendent for registration officially formed a Mennonite church were the new military laws of P.C. Locke, lawyer Alexander McLeod of separate from the main church because (cant 'd on p. 4) (cant 'd all p. 2) Scripture and compliance Otto Klassen and Text to (coll,'d/i'OIll p. I) Terabyte Project Morden and W.J. Rowe of Manitou traveled to Reinland (near Winkler) to hree years ago, thanks to the meet with the Old Colony Mennonites Tgenerosity of Otto Klassen, the two from Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Mennonite archival Centres in Winnipeg A few miles from Reinland the officials were given the permission to duplicate noticed many horses and buggies stream and distribute Otto's documentary films ing out of Reinland. They stopped one of on Russian Mennonite topics. The Text to the teams and inquired why everyone was Terabyte Project (supporting archives in leaving. The meeting is over - they were the 21 st Century) is the creation of a fund informed. A meeting was held at 6 am and Conrad Stoesz with a 1952 stats sheet. that will continue to help archives face the Locke was told "the Lord said we cannot ever-increasing challenges of digital walked to the centre of the room to stand register." Frustrated the government media. There are documents and photos to with Locke. He replied in a shaky voice, officials took the Mennonites up on an be scanned, there are audio and video "Mr. Locke, we are deeply obliged to you. offer to meet in the home of Mr. Harms recording to be digitized, there are You have shown us the truth. We believed with the bishops and ministers to discuss computers, software, networks and we were right this morning when we told the matter further. systems to be maintained and upgraded. you that we had been advised not to Locke explained that it was simply "an Simply put, for every $30.00 donation to register. We have put the government to a endeavour to get the man and woman this project, the donor can choose one of good deal of expense. Will you let us power of the Dominion made up so that Otto Klassens' documentaries on DVD, register our own people under your the Government would know what efTorts from a predetermined list. direction? We will give you all our young could be put forth should the war carry The project continues to be a success. people who read and write English well on." Locke used every argument he could After expenses, a total of $14,321.50 has and they will do whatever work is think of. Locke said "Bishop, I have been raised and over 700 DVDs have necessary without expense." There was no known the Mennonite people since my been distributed in a period of 3 years. more trouble. Locke reports that "Bishop childhood. If you refuse to register it is DVDs have been available at an annual Wall went back to Rosthern and in no part my duty to enforce the Act. The Act film night and also at each of the Centres. of Canada was there a more complete provides for ten days imprisonment and a More DVDs continue to be added. registration than amongst our Mennonite daily fine. I cannot have the authority of On April 7 of this year, Otto Klassen Canadians. " the Dominion Government flouted." The will be celebrating his 85 th birthday. He While the Mennonite leadership was Mennonite leaders solemnly responded continues to be active in his studio stubborn and willing to suffer for its saying they would be first in line for jail producing more short films of specific principles, it was not close minded but time and ofTered to bring their bank events he filmed in the past. In January once convicted was contrite. books. Locke reflected, 'They knew that I 2012, he marked the completion eight Source: Rein/and: lin Experience in knew that they did not fear imprisonment Community p. 239-240. DVDs, all related to activities that took or confiscation of their worldly goods in place in 1999 when Manitoba Mennonites defence of a principle." For a while Mennonite Historian is published by the in the Steinbach and surrounding towns nothing was said. Locke was desperately Mennonite Heritage Centre of Mennonite celebrated the 125th anniversary of the Church Canada and the Centre for Mennonite groping for a way out. Finally he got up first Mennonite settlers in the area. They Brethren Studies of the Canadian Con terence and walked over to the middle of the of Mennonite Brethren Churches. include: a message by Dr. Royden room and picked up the German Bible Editors: AlfRedekopp (MHC) Loewen and meditation by Dr. Archie that was on a small table and returned to Jon Isaak (CMBS) Penner (both from Sun. Aug. I, 1999), his chair. Leafing through it his eye rested Associate Editor: Conrad Stoesz memorial worship services in Grunthal on Luke chapter 2. He returned the open (CMBS/MHC) and in Randolph, the dedication of the Bible to the table and addressed the All correspondence and manuscripts should be K.R. Barkman Park, separate productions group. "I have known your people as long sent to the editorial otTtces at: for speakers Karen Peters and Henry Fast as I can remember. I know that this book 600 Shaftesbury Blvd. at a heritage celebration in Blumenort and Winnipeg, MB R3P OM4 is the Mennonite's law. My friends, if I a production of the Grunthal Parade. Otto P: 204-888-678\ can show you authority for this E: [email protected] hopes to complete another 4 productions registration in the Bible will you do as I or before his birthday which include the ask you to do? This government is only 1310 Taylor Avenue, memorial services in Mitchell and asking from you the same thing that Winnipeg, MB R3M 3Z6 Landmark, the parade in Steinbach and Caesar Augustus asked the earthly father P: 204-669-6575 the dedication of the new bridge at New and mother of our Lord to do, and they E:jisaak@mbcont:ca Bothwell. All events from 1999. did so." Locke read the passage in Subscription rates: $15.00 per year, $28.00 for On behalf of all who have watched and German and then English. After a period two years, $40.00 tor three years. Individual appreciated the works that Otto Klassen subscriptions may be ordered from these of "awed silence" there was a lot of has shared, CMBS and MHC wish him a addresses. discussion, gathering in little knots around ISSB 07008066 very happy and blessed birthday! the Bishops. The old Manitoba Bishop A.R. Page 2 March 2012 Mennonite Historian I Neufeld (1871-1904) who she married in Genealogy and Family History 1897, and the children that Heinrich Unger and Katharina Elias had together after their marriage in 1905. Katharina was the daughter of Peter A. Elias (1843- with their spouses and children, through 1925), known for his writing about the Recent Books at CMBS to the present, including photos, stories, early times of Manitoba Mennonite life. and contact information. The Klassen By Jon Isaak Heinrich Unger was the son of Heinrich families described are: Simon, Johann, Unger (1838-1876). His mother, Maria rnie Neufeld family Trees Abram, Agatha, Aganetha & Jacob Wiens (1839-1897), married Jakob (1944-), of MIIesIones Reimer, Jacob & Maria (Langemann), Reimer (1843-1904). Using the term "The A and Winkler, Manitoba, Memories Gerhard & Helena (Froese), Maria & House of' in the title, certainly is a fine documents the story Jacob Wiens, Cornelius & Mary (Janzen), way of describing the content of this of his family in his Dietrich & Gertruda (Langemann), compilation. The book will make a fine latest book, Family Katharina & John Spenst, Anna & Victor addition to the genealogy section in the Trees, Milestones Wilms, and Erna. The book includes a Mennonite Historical Library at Canadian and Memorie ... : My tribute to Aunt Erna Klassen, the well Mennonite University (CMU). Family Story loved aunt, known for her hospitality. The MHC Centre is grateful to Ted E. (Winkler, 20 II). The fruit of five years of Both of these recent additions to the Friesen of Altona for recently donating a research, Neufeld narrates the lives of his library at CMBS continue the strong number of published and unpublished ancestors and those of his wife, Trudi tradition of people writing the history of works which he either collected or Neufeld (nee Klassen). their ancestral families "for the next compiled himself. The published works The 425-page volume includes stories, generation." With computers and micro will become a significant addition to the photos, and genealogical data from the publishing options becoming more Mennonite Historical Library at CMU. 18th century through to the present. affordable, it is relatively easy to produce The unpublished works will be held in the The ancestral families documented are a smart-looking book with text and archives. The books include: Genealogy the descendents of Gerhard Neufeld photographs for family distribution. of Heinrich Sawatzky & Helena (Bergen) (1840-1887) and Katharina Loewen Centre for MB Studies and the Anna (Nickel) Katherina (Nickel) ... by (1840-1910), Isbrandt Wiebe (ca. 1700) Mennonite Heritage Centre support this Dave Sawatzky of Altona, Manitoba and Agatha (?) , Peter Heidebrecht (ca. tradition and are grateful to be included in (1998); The Sawatz/"y Heritage 1853- 1834) and Katharina Boschmann (1833), the distribution of these volumes! Books 1981 compiled by Tina Klaassen and John Peter Epp (1681-1733) and Anna like these help extend the historical and Driedger (ca. 1980); Fami(v Register of Claassen (1683-1730), Johann Klassen genealogical record of Mennonites in Johann F. Dueck by Maria and Jake (1825) and Agatha Martens (d. I 858), Canada that is housed at these Centres. Stoess of Winnipeg (1995); Th e John and Jakob Dyck (1742-180 I) and Marie Katherina Penners and Fami~v by Don Penner (1744-1804), Gerhard Peters Recent Books at MHC Penner of Altona, Manitoba (1995); The (1772-1848) and Agatha Bueckert (1778- By AifRedekopp House of Cornelius [Schmidt] (ca. 1988); 1846), and Peter Toews (1839) and Heinrich Penner and Anna Woelk Family Katharina Siemens (1845-1925). Henry Unger, compiler. The House of 1842-1983 by David G. Penner (1983); Neufeld's characteristic attention to Heinrich Unger 1863-1948 and Let's Get Acquainted [about Heinrich detail and sensitivity to story make this an Katharina Elias 1876-1966 (Crystal City, Heinrichs Descendants 1838-2003] especially important addition to the MB: Henry Unger, 1995) 207 pp. compiled by Cleo Heinrichs of Altona Mennonite genealogical collection. Although pub- (2003); and, Bernhard Wiebe Descen Ann Wiens, of lished over 15 years TIIB. nOUSE dants by Herman Rempel, Morden and 0' Winnipeg, pub- ago, this book just HIClJfRJCHUfifOItR Ben Rempel, Winkler (ca. 1986). 1163...· 194. recently was donated KATHARUI" UJAS lished a family 1876· 1966 The unpublished genealogies include: remembrance book to the MHC by The Wall Genealogy 1852-1989 (20 pp.); entitled, Leaving a Francis Dyck of a Krahn family history containing descen Legacy: Treasuring Winnipeg. The book dants of the brothers Peter Krahn (1843- the rich Christian is divided into 1930), Johann Krahn (1848-1920) and heritage of the sections that follow Dietrich Krahn (1853-1916) (2 binders); Johann J. Klassen the families of the .....----- ... and Genealogy of Katherina Klippenstein family (Winnipeg, children of Heinrich and Katharina Unger, (1833-1878) and Heinrich Klassen (/831- 2004). Johann J. Klassen (1869- 1941), who grew up Manitoba's Mennonite West 1890) compiled by T.E. Friesen; Genealo together with his first wife, Aganetha Reserve as children of recent immigrants gy of Peter Klippenstein 183 1-1904 Doerksen (1871 - 1920), had thirteen from Russia. The book includes the compiled by T.E. Friesen (1986); and, children. After Aganetha's death, Johann Heinrich Unger's children with his first Genealogy of David Friesen 1856-1893 married Aganetha's sister, Katharina wife Justina Banman (1867-1905) who he and Anna Wiens 1857-1883 First W!fe (1868- 1952). The book traces the family married in 1885, the children of Katharina and Anna Klassen 1862-1940 Second history of the thirteen Klassen children, Elias with her first husband Herman W!fe compiled by T.E. Friesen (1990). Page 3 March 2012 Mennonite Historian EMC 1812-2012 Sask. The Endeavour congregation was (cUI1/'djrUII/ p. I) received into conference membership in Imperial Russia in 1870 which forced 1965, while Wright was its pastor. He them to leave Russia tor Manitoba and later served at Riverton Gospel Chapel (Man.) from 1966 to 1969. Nebraska; and there was the "Holdeman 1h crisis" of 1882 which resulted in the In 1987, which marked the 175 founding of the Church of God in Christ anniversary of the EMC, Dr. Royden (Mennonite). Leaders such as Peter Loewen mused about the future. "Will the Toews, A.L. Friesen, Jacob M. Kroeker EMC become just another North and Peter R. Dueck worked hard at American evangelical church? Or will it shepherding their flock during these be able to integrate the vision of the times. Anabaptists with their insistence on Just after marking their 100-year Christianity as discipleship, on non anniversary, they faced the World War I resistance as a way of life, and the church (1914-1918) and a crisis around the as a brotherhood?" many resources at the Mennonite The 2005 survey of leaders and Manitoba School Act of 1919, which Heritage Centre which can be used to forced the acceptance of public school studying the 200-year history of the EMC. members revealed there was some education. movement away from non-resistance and The story of the first half of the 20lh promoting Christian education in the non-involvement in state activities. A Century has been described by Dr. con terence, as well as being their majority of leaders and members Royden Loewen as "often the story of a publishing agent. surveyed, said a Christian could be a reluctant leadership and a progressive Numerically the Evangelical Mennonite police officer, a majority disagreed that laity." In the 1920s Sunday s schools Church grew from 6 Manitoba churches agreement with paci tism was a were introduced. In the 1940s there was with a membership of 1,870 in 195 (, to a requirement for church membership, a increased local church autonomy and conference in 20 I I of 7,200 members in majority saw the use of up to and Bible schools were attended. In 1952 the 62 churches, with approximately 7,800 including lethal force as acceptable to name was changed to Evangelical people attending weekly worship services. protect a family member, and a minority Mennonite Church and in 1960 the name Three of the churches were Hispanic in saw serving in the military as acceptable. changed to Evangelical Mennonite culture and Spanish-speaking and another However, above all, the survey revealed Conference. two had significant ministries to Spanish that there was still a strong devotion to the The Chris/ficher FOlI/iliel1jrelll1d, a speakers. Bible as God's Word, to discipleship, and German language family paper containing In 20 I I, church planting in Dutch to community - core distinctives of an church news, devotional articles, and German circles remained strong, with Anabaptist identity. personal letters, was first published in increased ministry in southern Alberta, What else has happened in the last 1935 and continued till (984. The northern Alberta, and southern Ontario. twenty-five years? The future viability of Messel1ger, an English biweekly This was often among descendents of using the term "Mennonite" with its publication was begun in 1962 to inform those who moved to Mexico and strong cultural connotations, as a readers about what was going on in the Paraguay and later returned to Canada for denominational identity, has increasingly conference and to instruct in godliness economic opportunities. Their presence been questioned on an unofficial and and faithful living. has revived the use of Low German in practical level. Only 22 of 62 churches The last half of the 20lh Century some worship services within the retained Mennonite in their local church witnessed the development of various conference. name in 2011. church structures and programs. The For decades in Canada, the KG/EMC's In July 1999 conference delegates Board of Missions was first organized in presence was limited to towns, villages decided to maintain their position on only 1953 with a budget of $4,500 which and rural areas. This is still common, but ordaining men to ministerial leadership, increased to over a million dollars by a number of urban congregations have but also approved an "exceptional (986. By 1997, 125 missionaries were been founded. In Winnipeg, Aberdeen circumstance" for female pastor Ardith serving under the board in Canada, EMC traces its beginning to the services Frey of Aberdeen EMC to officiate at Europe, Africa and Central and South begun in 1951, Crestview traces back to weddings. She became the first woman to America -- five were serving under Africa 1965, Braeside to 1968, Fort Garry to serve as a pastor in an EMC church. In Inter-Mennonite Mission and 63 under 1976, St. Vital to 1990, Many Rooms 20 II four congregations had women other associate missions. Church Community to 2005 and Oak serving as a senior, co-pastor, or as an The Missions Auxiliary, a para Bluff to 2006. The City of Calgary has associate pastor. Other social and conference fundraising organization, was four churches and Brandon has one. theological issues that were addressed in instrumental in providing funds to The first non-Dutch/German minister in the first decade of the 2 I sl Century were construct radio station ZP-30 in west the EMC was Edwin Wright, born in the practice of homosexuality and Paraguay in 1975. This station was jointly Wales. Having served with the Christian abortion, resulting in statements or letters sponsored by the EMC and the Chaco and Missionary Alliance in Saskatchewan, to government officials. Mennonite colonies (Fernheim, Neuland, he crossed paths with Rev. Ben D. In 20 II, it was increasingly common to Menno). Reimer, director of Western Gospel find both pouring and immersion The Board of Education and Publication Mission (WGM). Wright served under baptismal practices among both older and was established to be responsible for WGM at Canora and Endeavour, both in newer churches. Only a few

Page 4 March 20 12 Mennonite Historian congregations still practiced foot- had seminary training. The first minister Missions Auxiliary organized in 1973 was washing. to obtain a graduate seminary degree was renamed Project Builders. Its purpose was Three issues occasionally resurfaced Archie Penner, who graduated from to support EMC and affiliated mission about baptism -- how to respond to Winnipeg Bib[e Institute in [940 and agencies. The Board of Education and committed people who requested went on to earn BA, BD, MA, and PhD Publication was renamed the Board of membership without rejecting infant degrees. Church Ministries (BCM). [t has baptism, whether baptism and Since Winnipeg Theo[ogica[ Seminary responsibilities in the areas of education, membership could be separated, and how (now Providence Theo[ogica[ Seminary) publication, youth, and archives. In to respond to people who were baptized in opened in 1972, EM C ministers and August 20 [[ this board accepted a conservative settings, where, for example, members have obtained more graduate proposal from the archives committee to baptism was expected before marriage. degrees from there than from all other transfer the archival holdings to the Choirs were rare in 2011 . PowerPoint, seminaries in Canada and the U.S Mennonite Heritage Centre in Winnipeg. choruses, and praise bands were common. combined. Part of the reason is proximity Details are still being worked out. Fewer churches practiced a plural -- the seminary is in Manitoba, where The Board of Ministers and Deacons ministry approach, where a number of more than half of EMC congregations are was renamed Board of Leadership and ministers and deacons gave oversight. located. Outreach after December 2005 as it Ministers could be elected from within the In 20 [ 1, [04 missionaries were serving received the church planting local congregation. It was increasingly under their mission board in Canada, responsibilities from the Board of common to have a lay board (variously Europe, Africa, and Central and South Missions. named) with a solo pastor, a senior pastor America. Eighty-two were serving as From 2004 to 2008 a Special Committee and a part-time youth pastor, or multiple associate mIssIonaries or with for the Promotion of Evange[ica[ leaders in larger churches. Almost all organizations where the EMC had special Anabaptism (later called the Evange[ical congregations in 20 [[ had a part- or full partnerships, and 22 were in EMC-admin Anabaptist Committee) met and reported time paid pastor. A[most all ministers had istered fields in Paraguay and Mexico and to the conference council. Board of a Bib[e college education and many al so through AIMM in Burkina Faso. Church Ministries and the Board of Leadership and Outreach. In addition to New Research on Einlage (Kitch as) being done surveying leaders and members, it developed lists of Christian resources and a bibliography of Anabaptist materials. Its final report delivered to the conference leadership focused on how the conference's commitment to Anabaptist distinctives might be strengthened. May God grant the EMC commitment and zeal to continue seeking faithful ways .Jl Einlage nooded after 1927. Photo credit: MH C Col. 635 to follow Jesus Christ.

Bibliography Fast, Henry and Terry Smith. "Evangelical Mennonite Conference (Kleine Gemeinde)." Glohal Anabaptist Mennonite Enc:rc:/opedia Online. June 20 I O. Web. 23 February 2012. http;llwww.gameo.orgiencyclopediaicontents/ E9364ME.html. Loewen. Royden. "What wi ll the EMC be in 201 2." The Messenger (January 20 12).

Queries

Bergen Would anyone have a photograph of Larry Bruce Bergen, who passed in August [968. He was living in Cranbrook when the small plane he was piloting crashed on Kootenay Joe Mountain. We were looking at Yuri Batayev, a diving instructor from Zaporozhye. and his students are exploring the local engagement rings before he passed. and history of their region, specifically, the area of the former village of Einlage (Kitchas). which I've never forgotten him. I sometimes visit is now under water. due to the nooding when the power dam on the Dnieper River was his grave in Burnaby. I f you have a photo completed in 1932. They have identified the residence of Isaac Lehn at the south edge of the or know someone who might, please call village. If anyone can provide information about this family such as role in the community. Sandra Hawkes 604-837- 1624 or email occupation or profession. that would be greatly appreciated. Also. old photos of Einlage [email protected] would also help this research so they can compare objects found with objects on old photographs. Contact: Yuriy Batayev at [email protected] or send photos to Alf Send inquiries to Aif Redekopp. 600 Redekopp at [email protected]. For a link to the You-tube video report on Shl!fteshury BII·d. . Winnipeg. MB R3P OM4 or e-mail: aredekopp a mellnonilecllllrch. ca this project see the on-line version of this issue at: www.mennonitehistorian.ca. Mennonite Historian March 201 2 Page 5 days a week, Matthew has been learning For many years, Jeremy Hespeler archival theory, procedures and practises Boultbee, cherished and kept in his on the job, as he has created catalogues, Mennonite possession, this collection of some 20 or Heritage selected and described photographs, so documents and autographs from the Centre sorted and listed tapes, and updated some life of his great-grandfather, William existing finding aids. Hespeler. Upon donating these documents We continue to appreciate the to the Heritage Centere he wrote, "I am cooperative relationship with CMU. happy the documents are now ... in the MHCNews A. R. right place ... and my hope is that they will be useful to future historians and he Heritage Centre is pleased to be researchers interested in the Life of Table to work together with Canadian William Hespeler ... " Mennonite University (CMU) in several Of special interest to Mennonites will of their programs. One of these is the on be the correspondence from Ottawa that campus student employment program, William Hespeler Collection Hespeler took to Russia in 1872 which where students may apply for various contained the responses to the Russian he MHC recently types of jobs, allowing them the Mennonite inquiries about exemption acquired a number experience of preparing a resume, being T from military service and freedom to run of items which interviewed, being hired, getting their own schools. In one of these letters, document events and experience and evaluated - all of which the government in Ottawa extends an times in the life of should be an asset in future attempts at invitation to the Mennonites to select one William Hespeler (1830- finding employment. The Heritage or two delegates visit Canada at Ottawa's 1921). Centre for its part, provides one job expenses to see the land first hand. Hespeler was a opportunity for this program. This year Some other items of a general interest German - Canadian businessman and we hired Esther Klassen as a Archival are items such as Hespeler's 1867 immigration agent and a member of the Assistant for 3 hours a week. She created passport which verifies that he had Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. He inventory lists of books and tapes, and become a naturalized as a British subject; served as Speaker of the Manitoba also worked at a digitization project. or the various items with the autographs Legislature and as honorary consul of of individuals such as Otto von Bismark, Germany to Winnipeg and the Northwest Kaiser Wilhelm II of Prussia. A full list of Territories. the documents can be found at: Today, the name is commonly seen in http://nanna.1ib.umanitoba.calicaatomluploadsl parts of Ontario and Manitoba. For 6/5/65212/Hesp1er_ file_inventory. pdf. example, Hespeler, Ontario, part of the A.R. City of Cambridge, was a former town. The City of Winnipeg has a Hespeler Park and Hespeler Avenue. The Town of Niverville (Manitoba) has an 80+ acre park named after William Hespeler. This Esther Klassen scanning cards. park also has a National Historic Sites and Monuments plaque dedicated to William Another CMU program is the Intensive Hespeler. Practicum which also helps a student to In the collection are items such as: get experience-based education through a documents confirming his attending the supervised assignment with an institution Polytechnic Institute in Karlsruhe (1847- or agency. Since January Matthew 1849), documents of his deferment from Fransen, has been fulfilling his CMU military service in 1850, of immigration Practicum requirement through a to Canada, and of his naturalization as a placement at the Heritage Centre. Three British subject. Hespeler played a key role in the settlement and development of Western Canada. As an immigration agent for the Canadian government, he recruited some 7,000 Mennonites to Manitoba between 1874 and 1880, in one of the tirst large waves of European migration to the West. These pioneers inspired many other groups to settle the Prairies by demonstrating its enormous agricultural potential. (1830-1921) at a younger age. Photo Credit: MHC Col. 431 .1

Page 6 March 2012 Mennunite Historian Suvarthamani digitizing the risk of damaging them was great. The Centre for project completed Center for MB Studies in Fresno, California agreed to sponsor the micro Mennonite filming of the entire Slivartlwmani t the end of January 2012, electronic collection. The microfilming was Brethren Acopies of seventy-eight years (1921 completed at Union Theological College to 1999) of the monthly Telugu magazine in Bangalore, India. One set of microfilm Studies for the Mennonite Brethren Church of was made for the Shamshabad archive India were delivered to the archive at the and one for the Fresno archive. Mennonite Brethren Centenary Bible The Centre for MB Studies in College in Shamshabad, India. This Winnipeg, Manitoba joined the project on director, Dr. Jon Isaak, was able to brought to a conclusion a joint project that the next phase. Then director, Doug present all seventy-eight years of the spanned a decade, a project sponsored by Heidebrecht, offered to use the Centre's digitized SlIvarthamani to Dr. three MB archives: Shamshabad, Fresno, new micro-film computer and office Asheervadam in person on a tiny "thumb and Winnipeg. personnel to have the micro-film drive" ! The delivery was made possible The inset photo shows MBCBC converted to portable document format since Isaak was in India on a three-week Principal and archive Director, Dr. l.P. (pdf) files. The digital conversion would assignment at the MB Centenary Bible Asheervadam, in the Shamshabad archive make the Suvarthamani readable on any College. He taught in several classes and with a bound copy of the Mennonite computer. gave lectures from his new book, NT Brethren Suvarthamani (which means, Summer staff, Carmen Campbell and Theology: Extending the Table (Wipf and Gospel Messenger). The Telugu Simone Hildebrand, worked at the project Stock, 20 I I). According to Isaak, "both magazine, first appearing in 1918, during the 20 I I summer. Using the the SlIvarthamani project and the lecture documents the growth and development Fresno micro-film set, they carefully series are prime examples ofCMBS's aim of the MB church in India. The scanned each page of micro-filmed to resource M B church leaders for the Suvarthamani contains church news, Slivarthamani. in order to make a pdf file mission of God that we share. I' m glad we sermons, general interest stories, and of each issue. can do this important work together!" Sunday School material. It provides In January 2012, the project came to a J.I. valuable insight to the church's history. conclusion as new CMBS Winnipeg According to Dr. Asheervadam, "Now researchers will be able to access the magazines on computers, which will help to preserve the only-remaining, and now fragile, original copies housed here at the Shamshabad archive." On Monday, January 30, 20 12, Principal Asheervadam presided over a special ceremony, expressing his gratitude for the contribution that these digital files represent. Interest in the project began in 1997, when J.P. Asheervadam and G.K. Rufus visited many of the Indian MB village churches, interviewing pastors and church members in an effort to document the birth, growth, and particular challenges of the Indian church. Asheervadam, who was conducting the research for his M.Th. thesis, found that the early issues of Suvarthamani, so relevant for his thesis, were few and hard to find. An almost complete set of Suvarthamani, going back to 192 I, was located in 1998. The find proved to be very valuable and played an instrumental role in the research for Asheervadam's M.Th. thesis: Dedit COil versions to the Mennonite Brethren Church: in Mahabllhnagar District of Andhra Pradesh in pre-independent!ndia. But there was one problem; the paper on which the Suvarthamani was printed Dr. J.P. Asheervadam holding a bound copy of the M.B. Suvarthamall; at Shamshabad, Inida. was becoming very brittle with age and

Mennonite Historian March 201 2 Page 7 Edward Reimer and Steve moon can be adjusted to the day of the Belize's cultures and ecology. Group year. leader, Carl Jantzen, has been visiting and Jobs In the year Edward reached the age his writing about Spanish Lookout for father was when he died, Edward built a decades. by Art & Marge Hildebrand model (to scale) of the solar system, with Each class comes to listen to and be a one-inch Earth and a sun over eight feet inspired by Reimer, the man with no ow many Jobs are there in this in diameter. He placed this model on the textbook but with an amazing H world? How many Reimers? There road with the planets at the appropriate inquisitiveness, passion and desire to may be many people with those last relative distances from the sun, and then learn more about the heavens above. names, but not many are like Edward or conducted tours for community members The 20 II students were so impressed Steve. "into the solar system". with Edward's planetarium and Steve Jobs graduated from a US high Edward's unique astronomical observa demonstrations, they raised funds to allow school with a mediocre 2.65 Grade Point tory has all been devised from his own the International Star Registry to name a Average, despite his intelligence. His observations, creative mind, readings and star after him. The next time you are professional interest was in electronics intuition. He has built his astronomy stargazing, check out the "ice cream and his designs were greatly influenced materials over the course of some 26 cone" near the Big Dipper. The star, now by Buddhism. He was both admired and years. With a simple astronomy book, named Edward Reimer, is about 6 degrees criticized for his skills. Socially, he was binoculars and some self-made instru south of the bright star, Arcturus, the tip erratic and explosively temperamental, ments, he has gazed at the heavens since of the ice cream cone. The star twinkles known to be arrogant and difficult at Halley's comet appeared in the sky in and sparkles. times. Sometimes he engaged in power 1986. He spent many nights lying on his The world is immeasurably healthier struggles. And he was rich, filthy rich. lawn observing the sky - just as Greeks, because of both Steve and Edward. They Steve Jobs was a modem-day pioneer in Arabs and many others have done both were given extraordinary gifts of the world of computers - he used his watching the sky for thousands of years. passion, creativity, intuition and amazing talents to create circuit boards that Today, the study of astronomy requires intellect. Each worked with his hands, culminated in the iPad, iPhone, and a a deep understanding of mathematics and mind and heart. Both were perfectionists. user-friendly operating system. physics. In spite of this, and with no Both experienced highs and unimaginable Edward Reimer has only a seventh formal training in these disciplines, lows. Both knew poverty, although in grade education yet speaks four Edward studied the sky and built an different ways. Both have inspired people. languages; German, Low German, accurate planetarium. Both can give you an experience, one English and Spanish. He reads German For many years Edward received a with an IPad the other with a planetarium. well, along with some English. He was on special group of students from Miami One is our friend. the local school board for some fourteen University. Art & Marge Hildebrand from Crystal years in his community's schools. His There have been cultural anthropolo City are semi-retired from farming and protession is farming, but his avocation is gists, biologists and astronomers, teachers recently enjoyed travelling to Belize astronomy. Christianity, Mennonite-style, and professors - all eager to learn about has influenced his life. Socially, he is where they met Edward Reimer. soft-spoken, humble, kind, and easy to love. He understands service and servant hood. Reimer is not wealthy. He has a modest house, a chicken bam, and a seed dealership, farm machinery and a shop. Edward, too, is a modem-day pioneer - he helped establish the Spanish Lookout Mennonite community in Belize when his family moved there from the Quellen Colony in Mexico in 1958. He used his talents to establish a farm. But the most amazing construction is the planetarium he built in his machine shop. He does not even own a computer nor does he know how to operate one. Edward is an amazing person. His farm has become home for uncountable demonstrations of God's heavenly majesties. Besides his planetarium, he has built a small, mobile constellation projector, a holder for his binoculars so that he can lie on his back and watch the stars with no wobbles, and a two dimensional model of our solar system, where the position of each planet and our

Page! 8 March 2012 Mennonite Historian Believed to be taken at the Halbstadt Zentraleschule, 1898. What was the purpose of this structure? Photo: Courtesy of Lydia Church.

William Yoder Speaks on the Church in Russia Today hy Peter H. Rempel he future of Mennonite church life in now identifying themselves as inde TRussia is precarious. Do we care? pendent Evangelical Christian Baptists in This was the primary message of William two larger conferences, the question is Yoder, a long-term observer of church life whether they have the desire and capacity in Russia and Eastern Europe, in his to recover and reclaim their Mennonite presentations on February 3 and 4 in heritage. The major challenges in the Winnipeg under the auspices of the broader Evangelical scene are the Manitoba Mennonite Historical Society. divisions between the Charismatics and Yoder drew upon his personal visits to other Evangelicals and between Mennonite churches in Siberia as an conservatives and progressives in occasional liaison for Mennonite Church adapting to modem Russian culture. Canada and his numerous encounters as Yoder gave his presentation, titled "The media coordinator for the Russian Union End of Mennonite Churches and the of Evangelical Christians - Baptists and Future of Evangelicals in Russia," first in the Russian Evangelical Alliance to depict German at Kingsford Haus and then in general conditions and church life in English at the Mennonite Heritage Centre . . B03 HEEEH CKb Russia with pictures, anecdotes and Hopefully he prompted renewed concern insights. for our Russian brothers and sisters and Engaging in gymnastics seemed to be a form of entertainment at some of the forestry The vestiges of the main Mennonite then returned to his home base in Orscha, camps in South Russia where Mennonite church in Russia, the few kirchliche Byelorussia and his work base in Moscow men did alternative state service. Photo Mennonites in Siberia, are on the verge of with encouragement to continue his credit: MHC Co[1. 686. extinction. For the Mennonite Brethren, efforts for them.

Mennonite Historian March 20 [2 Page 9 Book Notes Berdiansk, on the Black Sea, and he, to the current pastor's annual report. Part fleeing the disintegrating White Army he 6 contains a wide variety of pictures of by Harold Peters-Fransen had been part of. Willy ends up in Greece, congregational life over the decades. then Romania, before finding a way to The Reinland Mennonite Churches of John N Klassen's Marienberg, West Prussian where Louise Manitoba, 1958-2008, self-published, 102 Russlanddeutsche was able to emigrate. There they married. pages, a full-colour book, with family Freikirchen in der This first set of letters tells of the erosion photos organized under the headings of Bundesrepublik of the community life under the early the various congregations, (6 currently), Deutschland, years of communism. The third group is a together with photos of congregational Grundlinien ihrer set of letters from Willy's family to leadership, committees, and activities. Geschichte, ihrer Louise and Willy as Willy and Louise Towards the end, are photos from the 50th Entwicklung und work in Romania, then West Prussia, anniversary celebration, a summer Theologie, (Russian 1925-{926, before they immigrated to outdoor event, followed by a history German Free-churches in Germany, their Canada. This is followed by a set of section. The Reinlander are a group of story, development, and theology) letters from Willy to Louise, as Louise is churches which broke away from the published by the A VM, (Arbeitskreis fUr convalescing from illness, in Steinbach, Sommerfelder in 1958, and currently have evangelikale Missiologie), 450 pages, is while Willy works in Winnipeg, April, churches in Altona, Austin, Blumenfeld, based on his doctoral dissertation for the May, 1929. The remainder of this volume Grunthal, Winkler, all in Manitoba, and University of South Africa. After an is letters from relatives of both of theirs, Rainy River in Ontario. introductory section on Church history, male and female, from the Soviet Union Dirk Willems: his noble deed lives on, with special focus on the immigration of to them in Winnipeg, with some dates by David Luthy, published by Pathway German Mennonites to Russia, their life missing, all the way to {936. The pathos, Publishers, (an Amish publishing house), during communist times, and the sometimes anger, in this last set gives 82 pages. Luthy examines in pictures and relationship between the Soviet Union, much information of the increasingly in text the use of and Soviet Germans, Klassen tells the difficult lives for these Mennonites in the story of Dirk DIRK WILLEMS: story of the waves of immigration to Stalinist Soviet Union. Willy and Louise Willems and his Germany, for the purposes of this story, sent packages to their relatives when they rescuing his beginning in the early I 960s, and their could. The writers varied in their ability to pursuer who fell establishment of congregations. He says cope with the horrendous changes forced through the ice. that very few were able to integrate into upon them. Still, he was exe existing German congregations, even into Cassel Mennonite Church 1935-2010, cuted in the end. the more evangelical denominations. self-published, 161 pages, John Bender, Luthy discusses Eventually growing into several hundred editor. This is a thorough updating of the the use and adap- churches with a variety of affiliations and 1985 50th anniversary book, and includes tation of Luyken's L..-______...1 in some cases no affiliations, these groups the text of then famous etching of the event found in have a high view of the Bible and writers, Vernon Martyr's Mirror in particular. The image, congregational authority, and a sense of Zehr and Leona both in its original form, and readapted ,. separation from the world. He speaks of Bender. Part 2 ... .. _II ... J\, forms has been used in hundreds of both positive and negative church plants includes a variety publications through the centuries, to from the original Umsiedler churches. of first-person highlight love of enemy. There is a Throughout the book he uses dozens of stories from both chapter of poems based on the story, tables with many statistics. He chooses participants and chapters on its use in Netherlands, Great twelve representative congregations for a leaders. Part 3 is Britain, North America, and Cyberspace.

rllO\,l nU' I' \.~ I \\'lIl. (Il\U:T1lf F I,t k.I more in depth study, including interviews a comprehensive :'.'."-'---' (..-.... ~'tI11J Another chapter highlights the story's use, in those congregations around issues of set of lists of first developed for Amish school their growth, their beliefs, their level of current members, curriculum in 1968, called "Dirk Willems integration into German society. His tone baptisms, births, and the Thief Catcher," now printed in at is mostly positive about these weddings and deaths, current structures, least 16 languages by other publishers, congregation's future, but does challenge and leaders through the decades. Succinct with a colourized version of the Martyr's them to find new ways to integrate into narratives of the history of various aspects Mirror etching on the cover. the German society for the sake of of congregational life are also included. evangelism and witness, without loosing The fourth part includes reports of various 2011 revised and expanded edition of their strong biblicism and evangelical anniversary celebrations over the decades. A Homeland/or Strangers: An Introduction to faith. Of special note is the history of the Lend a Mennonites ill Poland and Pnlssia by Peter J. Klassen -- $25.00 Caught ill a broken world: Hand Literary Society, the youth group Correspondence of Louise and Willy from the 1930s till the early 1960s when Neufeld, 1921-1939, translated and edited the Mennonite Youth Fellowship became by Ingrid Neufeld Epp, Toronto, 201 {, the new model. Part 5 has a variety of 154 pages, is a self-published work. historical documents, such as the motion A series of letters, from Louise to by the Evangelical Church to build the Willy, when they have fallen in love and building, around 1900 (eventually leased, Contact: Mc! nnoni te Hc!ritagc! Centre: - are separated from each other, she in then bought by this congregation) through archives«i) mennonitechurch.ca

Page: 10 March 20 12 Mennonite Historian Book Review Essay attended the first MB Conference in A puzzling omission is the lack of any Rueckenau in 1872. Whereas MB reference to the work by J. Pritzkau on the Gregory L. Nichols. Tlte Development of scholars have discussed the influence of Baptists in South Russia. which covers Russian Evangelical Spirituality: A Gerhard Oncken, the leader of the much of the same period.4 There are also Study of Ivan V. Kargel (l849-193 7). German Baptists in Hamburg, as well as some editing and publication errors (see (Eugene, OR: Pickwick Publications, the contribution of August Liebig during e.g. pp. 50, 190, 20 I, 212) with the 2011) 308 pp. the early developments of the MB omission of some of the text and blank movement, much less attention has been sections at the bottom of several pages. Reviewed by Dr. Abe Dueck. Winnipeg. given to Kargel's influence. Endnotes former director of CMBS alld former While spending some time in St. I. See particularly "Early Mennonite Brethren executive director of the MB Historical Petersburg among the evangelicals there, and Evangelism in Russia." in Direction Commission. Kargel was introduced to a much more 2R.2 (1999) I R7-2000. and "The Mennonite Brethren in Russia during the I 890s. " his work makes ecumenical form of evangelicalism Direction 30.2 (Fall 200 I) 139-52. T a substantial (Pashkovites). This is also where he 2. See "Johann Wieler (1839-1889) among contribution to the became acquainted with other important Russian Evangelicals: A New Source of study of evangelical figures such as Lord Radstock and Mennonites and Evangelicalism in Imperial Protestant develop Friedrich Baedeker. This brought him into Russia" Jou/'I/al of Mennonite Studies 5 ments during the the orbit of the "Open Brethren" and the (198 7) 44-60. half-century prior to Evangelical Alliance (Allianz). Although 3. See Minutes in Abe J. Dueck, Mol'ing the beginnings of the Kargel retained his German Baptist Beyond Secession: Defining Russian Soviet era. It should affiliations. he was increasingly Mennonite Brethren Mission and Identity 1872- 1922 (Winnipeg. MB: Kindred. be of special interest concerned about their narrowness with 1997).37-54. to Mennonites and to respect to baptism and communion. This 4.J. Pritzkau. Geschidlle del' Baptisten in Mennonite Brethren in partlcu Allianz perspective was also to have a Sr7dl1lssland (Lage. Germany: Logos had access to many sources that have not very significant impact on the Mennonites Verlag, 1999). The original edition was previously been extensively utilized, in southern Russia and prompted the published in Odessa by Wencke & Lubeck especially the Pashkov papers. Whereas emergence of the Allianz Mennonite in 1914. Mennonite scholars to this date have Church (Evangelische Mennoniten primarily relied on German materials, Gemeinden) . **** ******** Nichols' competence in the Russian Perhaps the most significant period of Family DVD of Interest language has enabled him to enlarge and Kargel's contact and influence on modify previous understandings of Mennonite Brethren came during the by A(f Redekopp evangelicalism in Russia. 1880s and I 890s. In 1882 Kargel and Until now the most significant Wieler chaired a joint Baptist/Mennonite George Penner Goes Home to Dolinovka contribution to the study of Mennonite conference in Rueckenau which included produced by Richard Penner [DVD). - 75 Brethren spirituality has been made by German Baptists, Mennonites, Russians, minutes. - 20 10. John B. Toews in a number of articles and and Molokans.3 The attempt at unity books. I Toews has utilized some of the between the different groups failed. In This production material related to Kargel's ministry and 1884 a conference convenened which documents a trip also begun to use some of the more recent marked the beginnings of the Russian that George Pen discoveries in Soviet/Russian archives. Baptist Union, but MBs were no longer ner of Brooks, Lawrence Klippenstein has also written well-represented. Kargel, however, was Alberta made in specifically on Johann Wieler, a extensively involved with MBs in the so 1988 to his prominent leader among the early MBs called "mission schools" or Bible courses. birthplace -- the who had extensive involvements with the His involvement is documented for at village of Dolin German Baptists and Russian least five or six years, including ovka in the former Orenburg Mennonite evangelicals. ~ However, the extensive participation in the first Saengel:fest in Settlement. Using personal video footage correspondence that is found in the Rueckenau in 1893. In 1895 the Zionsbote captured over 20 years ago, Richard Pashkov papers at the University of began to publish his articles, thereby Penner gives an idea of how Mennonites Birmingham (on microfiche at Prague extending his influence to MBs in North lived under the Soviet system. He tried to where Nichols is an instructor), have not America. limit the video time focused on visiting been mined for their rich contents. One issue that surfaces in Nichols' relatives, and maximize the day-to-day Kargel became a member of a German work is the issue of pacifism. Many texture of village life. Is there any other Baptist congregation in Tiflis after his Mennonites are not aware of the fact that video footage taken by Mennonites conversion and baptism around 1870. Russian evangel icals and Baptists were visiting the former Soviet Union before Very soon thereafter he came into contact essentially pacifists until the Soviet era. the impact of Gorbachev? View or with the fledgling MB movement in Although Kargel himself was never a acquire a copy at the Mennonite Heritage Ukraine and worked with Wieler and pacifist, the issue itself was one on which Centre (Winnipeg) or contact Richard MBs did not have to distance themselves other MB leaders. In fact, Nichols Penner, suggests that it was among MBs that from other Mennonites as a result of their [email protected] or Kargel developed his sense of calling to extensive relationships with Russian phone 587-999-0444. fulltime ministry and mission. Kargel evangelicals. Mennonite Hi storian March 20 12 Page II on the many hardships the family faced. though many of the biographies are Book Reviews For this same reader the recipes, pictures incomplete being a collection of roughly and memorabilia of On the Zwieback connected details, the reader is able to get Lisa Weaver, Julie Kauffman, Judith Trail might bring back many fond a dramatic picture of the many difficult Rempel Smucker. On the Zwieback memories, as well as serious and sad medical challenges facing the Mennonite Trail: A Russian Mennonite Alphabet of historical events, of one's own heritage communities during this incredibly Stories, Recipes and Historic Events and culture. difficult period of time. Inclusion of the (Winnipeg, MB: CMU Press, 2011) hdc., The amazing concept of David's Trip to current status of those medical institutions 72 pp. and Miriam Rudolph. David's Trip Paraguay is that it is written in English still in existence today provides added to Paraguay = Davids Reise in das Land and German. What a great refresher interest. der vielen Farben (Winnipeg, MB: CMU course in German, when one can compare This writing paints the picture of how Press ,20 I I) hdc., 32 pp. it to the English on the same page. It's a valued and respected Mennonite health Reviewed by Maria H. Klassen, a retired great way for someone to figure out some care practioners were in their villages. elelllentaty school/eacherliving in words in German. all the Zwieback Trail These stories are full of courage and faith. Dunnville, Ontario. has an amazing collection of memorabilia, These accounts demonstrate the impressive research, a creative prominent role women played in medical hese two pub presentation, and a long list of notes and care, not only as nurses and midwives but lications are a T credits that are themselves interesting to also as physicians and administrators in new genre for read. the medical institutions. CMU Press, con- Both books are a great, short read for Physicians and other medical personnel ti n u ing to fo 1I0w L't1iillii1f.1!:rI any age, particularly for a child with an were not exempt from the atrocities of their long-standing adult. It could be the start of many bandit raids, war, persecution, exile, and tradition of pub interesting discussions. execution. Their own children succumbed lishing material to disease. related to Menno Helmut T. Huebert. Mennonite Medicine Dr. Huebert also presents a concise nite life and his in Russia 1800 to 1930 (Winnipeg, MB: summary of the development of the tory, past and Springfield Publishers, 20 II) 178 pp. Mennonite Medical Corps, an alternative present. David's to military service (Sanitaetsdienst), and Trip /0 Paraguay Reviewed by Dr. Art Friesen, Cardiulugist, shows the importance non-resistance was written and and Dr. Marlyce Friesen, fnt ernal Medicine played in their Mennonite faith. illustrated by a specialist, uf British Columbia who have been This work is not written as a novel but a young Manitoba artist who was inspired active(1' involved in humanitarian and medical projects in the areas uf the former Mennonite thread runs throughout the myriad facts to write about her grandfather's trip from sel/femell/s in Ukraine. and have a keen and points of information to tell the story Manitoba to Paraguay in the I 920s. all interest in Mennonite histOl),. of the crucial role medicine and medical the Zwieback Trail was written by Lisa institutions played In Mennonite Weaver, Julie Kauffman, and Judith n this book Dr. Helmut Huebert commumtles in Russia. Dr. Huebert has Rempel Smucker; Lisa coming from chronicles the medical world in the I pulled together an amazing collection of Swiss Mennonite background, Julie and Russian Mennonite communities. He does historical medical facts and information Judith having Russian Mennonite roots. not tell a single story but rather tells many and placed them into one document. David's Trip to Paraguay is written from individual stories most of which occurred Although there is no overarching story a young boy's perspective on his family's between the years of 1890 and 1930. line, the facts speak for themselves and journey to Paraguay. On the Zwieback In the book's Introduction Dr. Huebert allow the reader to understand and Trail lists aspects of Mennonite heritage sets the stage with a review of health appreciate the vital role the medical and culture through the letters of the among Russian Mennonites in the 1800s profession played in Mennonite history. alphabet using recipes, pictures, maps and and presents a brief but pertinent review The inclusion of photographs and maps other photocopied memorabilia. of the global history of medicine during adds interest and clarity to this work. The For a non-Mennonite reader David's this era to serve as a back drop for the writing style is somewhat disjointed at Trip to Paraguay gives a very short, Mennonite medical narrative. Medicine times but the work can be easily condensed version of a long trip, focusing during this time was light years away understood by the lay reader and is a on the colours young David remembers from the medicine of the 21 st century. valuable documentation of an important which are associated with places and Very little scientific evidence was part of Russian Mennonite history in the things he sees along the way. For this available regarding disease processes and late nineteenth and early twentieth same reader the explanations On the medical workers had to rely on a paltry century. Zwieback Trail are short enough to hold education and very little scientific A fascinating extension to this work the audience captive yet detailed enough knowledge. would be a comparison of the role that the to give a clear overview of the basic A significant portion of the book Russian medical personnel played in the components of Mennonite heritage and contains listings of medical institutions, surrounding non-Mennnonite Russian culture. physicians, nurses, and other medical communities during the same era. Such a For the Mennonite reader David's Trip personnel. However, he also amplifies the comparison could further define the to Paraguay might be too short, especially listing with more detailed descriptions of relative effectiveness and medical if the reader has his/her own memories of the major medical institutions and progressiveness of these Mennonite health such a trip. Nevertheless, it stilI provides a includes more detailed biographies of care workers. snapshot of this long trip without dwelling some of the medical personnel. Even Page 12 March 2012 Mennonite Historian