The Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown College Fall 2013

Young Center acquires Sappington papers

n April 2013 the family of the late IRoger Sappington, noted Brethren his- torian, donated his academic papers to the Young Center. Sappington was a pro- fessor of history at Bridgewater College in Virginia for 31 years. The addition of his papers to the papers of Donald F. Durnbaugh and the Bittinger Research Collection makes available at the Center a wealth of research material related to the Brethren. Roger Sappington (1929 –1989) was born in Avon Park, Florida. He earned degrees from Manchester College, Bethany Theological Seminary, and Duke University (Ph.D., 1959). At Bridgewater College, where he taught history from 1958 until his death in 1989, his courses in Brethren history were long a favorite, and he coached the debate team. LeVerle Sappington, Jeff Bach, and Charlotte Sappington Brazeau at the Sappington home in Bridgewater, Sappington was also a minister in the Virginia, during the donation of the Sappington papers to the Young Center. Church of the Brethren. Ordained at Sebring, Florida in 1951, he served a issues and peace among the Brethren. He copies of historical documents related to congregation in Lima, Ohio, before he wrote the definitive book on Brethren Brethren in colonial North and South began teaching at Bridgewater. Sapping- activity in Virginia, The Brethren in Vir- Carolina and Virginia. Much resource ton served actively in his church district ginia (1973), as well as The Brethren in material related to the Brethren and war and supported the service ministries of the Carolinas (1971), and The Brethren in and the issue of slavery is included. the Church of the Brethren. Tennessee and Alabama (1988). Sapping- Drafts of his books and corrections are Roger Sappington made his greatest ton chronicled the Brethren in Idaho in also among the papers. mark as a historian of the Brethren. His The Brethren along the Snake River Roger Sappington married LeVerle research focused initially on Brethren (1966), and he also created two volumes Hochstetler in 1949 and they had four service, and his first book, Brethren of source material about the Brethren: children. Known as an extremely modest Social Policy (1960), grew out of his dis- The Brethren in the New Nation (1976) and usually soft-spoken man, Sappington sertation research on that topic. In 1964, and The Brethren in Industrial America also had a good sense of humor when Sappington published Courageous (1985). among family and close friends. The Prophet, a biography of Elder John Kline, The papers donated to the Young Cen- Young Center is deeply grateful to a Brethren leader during the Civil War ter include research notes dating from LaVerle H. Sappington and the Sapping- era. Sappington pursued extensive re- Sappington’s undergraduate college days ton family for their generosity in donating search on Brethren in southern states through his graduate studies, as well as these papers. They will provide invalu- from the colonial era to the present, and notes for the classes he taught at Bridge- able resources for current and future gen- maintained a lifelong interest in race water. The collection contains numerous erations of students and researchers. 

1 From the Director New archive project launched

The conference last June on the Amish he Young Center and High Library will also be stored there. Currently, all of and technology brought together a wide Thave started a new project to create the these special collections are kept in stor- variety of people including Amish and Special Collections and Archives in the age areas where temperature and humid- other Plain people, medical researchers lower level of High Library. This project ity are inadequately controlled. The new and care providers, professors, technol- is Phase 1 of a two-phase plan to expand Special Collections and Archives will ogy experts, and people with a general the Young Center. The first phase is to have almost double the storage space interest in the topic. Attendees came from create archival space in High Library. The needed for current holdings, allowing for right here in Lancaster County, across the second phase is a longer-term project to future growth of our collections. nation, and around the world. The Young build onto the Young Center building. The archival space will include a Center was the intersection point for peo- The Special Collections and Archives reading room for researchers, work and ple with a rich mix of experiences, train- area will feature climate-controlled, office space for an archivist, and a ing, work, and religious and cultural secure archival space for the rare books secure storage area, all located in the backgrounds. The conference illustrated and documents currently housed at the lower level of High Library. The cost of our mission to pursue research and inter- pretation in ways that connect people Young Center, for the rare books and the project is $450,000. Already a gener- from diverse settings. congregational and district records in the ous donor has given a lead gift that pro- The Young Center is such an invigor- Brethren Heritage Room in High vides nearly half of the total cost. We ating point of intersection for research Library, and for Elizabethtown College’s encourage friends of the Young Center to and discussion because of our unique archives. The space will also have support this project, which advances the resources. Our research collection related appropriate fire suppression technology. scholarly mission of the Young Center to Anabaptist and Pietist groups is strong This project will create for the first and preserves valuable materials pertain- and distinctive. Our staff is specialized in time at Elizabethtown College a profes- ing to the Anabaptist and Pietist heritage assisting researchers, visitors, and the sional-quality archival space to store and of the Center and the college. For more college community. protect the many unique, rare documents, information, please contact Bonnie Mar- As we look to the future, we face a publications, and some of the artifacts tin, director of Church Relations (717- great need to preserve and store our that pertain to Anabaptist and Pietist 361-1257; [email protected]), or Jeff research resources in a space that will groups. Papers that have been donated to Bach, director of the Young Center (717- keep them safe and useful for years to the Young Center by various scholars 361-1467; [email protected]).  come. We see a need for more space in the Young Center that can be dedicated for use by fellows and visiting scholars. Our mission to interpret the research we do requires expanded display and inter- pretive space where we can welcome vis- James Fritz named Snowden Fellow itors and explain the legacy of Anabaptist and Pietist groups. ames Fritz has been named the Young essential for any This fall we launch an exciting project JCenter’s 2013 Snowden Fellow. Fritz is scholar working in to create archival space in the lower level on the board of the Historic Preservation this field.” of High Library. I hope that old and new Society of Adams County and has been an Fritz will present friends of the Young Center will support adjunct professor at several local colleges a talk on his work this new effort to keep the Young Center a and universities as well as a lecturer on on November 21 in distinctive intersection point for research historical topics. He has a law degree from the Bucher Meet- and discussion. Support now will ensure Widener University School of Law and is inghouse. In his lec- that future generations can engage with completing a master’s degree in American ture, Fritz will ex- the heritage of Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Pennsylvania State University. amine the experiences of pacifist reli- groups and ask new questions. I hope During his fellowship, Fritz will gious groups in York County during the that you can join us in this effort. research the history of the Quakers, Men- American Revolution, the ethnic compo- I hope that you'll attend our events nonites, and Brethren in York and Adams sition of the groups, and the larger context this fall to experience first-hand the rich counties. He will visit the York County, of the fading Quaker influence in Penn- interface of learning and interaction that Lancaster County, and Pennsylvania sylvania. are a regular feature State archives, as well as area historical The Snowden fellowship and lecture at the Young Center. societies, to gather information and pho- are named for Lucille and Armon Snow- tographs. Fritz looks forward to his time den, whose generous gift endowed them. at the Young Center because he sees the The Young Center invites applications Jeff Bach Center as “the matrix of Anabaptist liter- for its fellows program. For details, visit Director ature and research materials that are www.etown.edu/youngctr. 

2 Patrick Erben receives 2013 Brown Book Award Book on early Pennsylvania named outstanding book in Anabaptist and Pietist Studies

Harmony of the Spirits: Translation English from Emory University in 2003, Quaker Immi- Aand the Language of Community in and has been a member of the University grants in Early Early Pennsylvania by Patrick Erben has of West Georgia faculty since 2006. America” at the won the 2013 Dale W. Brown Book Erben has published a number of articles Young Center Award. Published by the University of and book reviews in scholarly journals on October 10. North Carolina Press, the book explores and is currently working on a selective The Brown ways that many religious immigrants to edition of the published and unpublished Book Award rec- Pennsylvania sought a transconfessional writings of Francis Daniel Pastorius, the ognizes an out- unity through efforts to develop a com- founder of Germantown, Pa., and leader standing book in mon spiritual language. Research for the of the first group of Pietist and Anabaptist Anabaptist and book was supported by the National immigrants to North America. Pietist studies Endowment for the Humanities and the The book award judges selected A published in the Omohundro Institute of Early American Harmony of the Spirits from a pool of 27 U.S. during the previous three years. It History in Williamsburg, Virginia. books nominated for the award this year. was named for Dale W. Brown, a noted Reviewers have praised A Harmony One judge called the book “a strong work author and theologian among the historic of the Spirits for making “a significant of scholarship,” noting that “Erben’s peace churches. Nominations for the 2014 contribution to our understanding of the work provides a penetrating and impor- award will be accepted until December colony’s culture” (Evan Haefeli in the tant analysis of the role of radical reli- 10, 2013. Visit www.etown.edu/youngctr Journal of American Studies) and a work gion, in particular German pietists, in the for details.  whose “ideas are complicated but clearly founding of Pennsylvania. He demon- and eloquently described” (Jane E. strates how religious motivations not Calvert in American Historical Review). only brought early settlers to Pennsylva- Erben is an associate professor of Eng- nia, but also shaped the project of Penn’s lish at the University of West Georgia, Holy Experiment.” Conference on where he teaches early American litera- Erben will discuss “Love, Language, ture and culture. He received his Ph.D. in and Differences among Pietist and prophetic speech set for next June

he Young Center will host a study con- Tference, “Privileged Speech: Prophecy, Pietism and Beyond,” June 5-7, 2014. The conference will focus on prophecy and inspired speech among Christian groups and individuals in the Pietist movement and among other groups—such as Quak- ers, Shakers, Anabaptists, and Wes- leyans—primarily in the early modern era. The Center invites proposals that address various aspects of inspired speech and the prophet speakers. Paper proposals should include title, topic, and an abstract of 300 words or less outlining the content of the presentation. Submit proposals to Archbishop Bernard Ntahoturi of Burundi and Father David Peck, rector of St. James Epis- copal Church in Lancaster, visited the Young Center on May 24. The Archbishop and Father Jeff Bach, Young Center director, by e- Peck met with Donald B. Kraybill, senior fellow at the Young Center, and Edsel Burdge, mail ([email protected]) or by postal mail research associate, in order to learn more about the Anabaptist peace witness and the Young (Jeff Bach, Elizabethtown College, One Center’s research on Anabaptist groups. Kraybill presented the guests with copies of two Alpha Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022). books: Amish Grace, about Amish forgiveness in the wake of the Nickel Mines school tragedy, The deadline for proposals is March 14, and The Amish Way, about Amish life and religious values. 2014. For additional information, please contact the Young Center director. 

3 Students present research on Brethren work in China

n Tuesday, November 12, at 7:30 pm, also examined the role of women among attempted to return. Whirt will discuss Othree Elizabethtown College students the Chinese and among the missionaries, evangelistic work by Brethren women will present their research from Peace and as well as the challenges that war pre- and the role of Chinese “Bible women” Conflict in China, a course taught by sented to the pacifist Brethren. who helped to explain Bible stories to David Kenley, a professor in the history The students presenting their work are other Chinese women. The presentations department, and Jeff Bach, in the spring Bella D’Ascanio, Cesar Vera, and Caitlyn are based on archival research the stu- 2013 semester. The course explored the Whirt. D’Ascanio will compare and con- dents conducted during a class research story of Brethren missionaries in China trast the work of two single Brethren trip to Chicago and the Brethren Histori- from 1908 to 1951 as a lens for under- women missionaries, Nettie Senger and cal Library and Archives in Elgin, Illi- standing cultural, political, economic, and Anna Blough. Vera will examine the nois. Several other students from the class religious issues in China in the first half impact of the Communist Revolution as will attend the presentations to answer of the twentieth century. Class members Brethren were forced out of China and questions about the research work.  International conference receives positive response

hen Young Center senior fellow an enriching and abundant mix of break- scholarship and public outreach, and the WDonald B. Kraybill began planning out sessions. diversity of the attendees added much to “Amish America: Technology in a Cyber Events began at 8:00 a.m. Thursday the overall stimulating atmosphere.” Mary World,” he could only imagine the breadth with two preconference tours of Lan- Yoder, a nursing instructor from Ontario, of topics prospective presenters would caster County, and the packed schedule said that she “came away loaded with propose, the diversity of people who concluded at noon Saturday following ideas and many tools” to plan a course on would attend, and the energy and insight the final plenary lecture. Attendees con- the Amish and health care. Consultant everyone would bring to the event. But veyed their interest and enthusiasm via Judy Stavisky commented that the confer- when the participants gathered June 6-8 their animated participation in the ses- ence “provided a depth and breadth of on the Elizabethtown College campus, the sions, their informal discussions during knowledge as well as the opportunity to richness of the conference was evident. breaks and mealtimes, and their post- engage in thoughtful conversations with “Amish America” drew nearly 300 conference feedback. the nation’s leading scholars, real world attendees from the United States and thir- Professor Mark Louden, who led a practitioners, and Plain people.” Confer- teen other countries. The diversity of the seminar on the Pennsylvania Dutch lan- ence planners were pleased that the event group—which included established guage, noted that this was the “most satis- was well received and helpful to atten- scholars, professionals involved in out- fying” conference he had ever participated dees; Kraybill noted that it met and reach to Plain communities, graduate stu- in. “It struck a good balance between exceeded his expectations.  dents, and members of Old Order and plain-dressing Anabaptist groups— offered many different perspectives on the Amish in North America and facili- tated networking across geographical areas and professional backgrounds. The 34 international attendees, some of whom were presenters, contributed an additional dimension to the gathering. Plenary talks by technology guru Kevin Kelly, professor Karen Johnson- Weiner, writer Valerie Weaver-Zercher, and Amish Research Clinic founder Alan Shuldiner were the featured events, with some fifty seminars, panel discus- sions, and paper presentations rounding out the program. The focus on technol- Elizabethtown College president Carl Strikwerda and Young Center director Jeff Bach with some of the ogy alongside the broad spectrum of 34 international attendees at the Young Center’s June conference, “Amish America: Technology in a other subjects related to health care, his- Cyber World.” Attendees came from Belgium, Canada, China, Colombia, Estonia, Germany, Italy, Israel, tory, spirituality, and language created Japan, the Netherlands, South Africa, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, as well as the United States.

4 UPCOMING EVENTS

 Thursday, September 19, 7:30 p.m. LECTURE “Mind the Slurs”: Old Order River Brethren Tunes Myron Sauder

 Thursday, October 10, 7:30 p.m. LECTURE “Mind the Slurs”: Old Order River Love, Language, and Differences Peace, Love, and China: Brethren among Pietist and Quaker Immigrants Brethren Tunes in Early America Missionaries in 20th-Century China MYRON SAUDER Patrick Erben BELLA D’ASCANIO, CESAR VERA, AND Thursday, September 19  7:30 p.m. CAITLYN WHIRT  Tuesday, October 29, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 12  7:30 p.m. The musical style of the Old Order LECTURE River Brethren, a small Anabaptist- Three Elizabethtown College students Jacob Albright and the Pietist Roots Pietist group in Pennsylvania and Iowa, of the Evangelical Association who took Peace and Conflict in China, features memorized hymn tunes sung Jane Donovan a course offered last semester, will from a small hymnal without musical present their research on Brethren mis- notation. These tunes have a slow, a  Tuesday, November 12, 7:30 p.m. sion efforts in China. D’Ascanio will capella melodic style somewhat like PRESENTATIONS compare and contrast the work of two Amish singing. This presentation by Peace, Love, and China: Brethren single Brethren women missionaries, Myron Sauder will feature transcriptions Missionaries in 20th-Century China Nettie Senger and Anna Blough; Vera of River Brethren melodies along with a Bella D’Ascanio, Cesar Vera, and will examines the impact of the Com- chance to listen to and sing them. Caitlyn Whirt munist Revolution as Brethren were forced out of China and attempted to Myron Sauder teaches high school at  Thursday, November 21, 7:30 p.m. return; and Whirt will discuss the evan- Sonlight River Brethren School in SNOWDEN LECTURE gelistic work of Brethren women and Mount Joy, Pa. Gathering Storm Clouds: The Pacifist the role of Chinese “Bible women.” Culture of York County during the Love, Language, and Differences American Revolution Gathering Storm Clouds: The among Pietist and Quaker Immi- James Fritz Pacifist Culture of York County grants in Early America during the American Revolution PATRICK ERBEN JAMES FRITZ Thursday, October 10  7:30 p.m. Jacob Albright and the Pietist Thursday, November 21  7:30 p.m. The author of the 2013 Brown Book Roots of the Evangelical Associa- During the American Revolution, peace Award winner, A Harmony of the Spirits, tion groups in York County faced significant will trace the radical reformist ideas that JANE DONOVAN decisions. Join the militia, as required by compelled early modern Protestants  Tuesday, October 29 7:30 p.m. the law of 1777? Support the war efforts such as William Penn and Francis Donovan will discuss Jacob Albright, in some other way? Harbor British and Daniel Pastorius to conceive of the new one of the originators of the Evangelical Hessian prisoners? Pay fines or have colony of Pennsylvania as a spiritual Association in the early 1800s. The property taken from them? Go to trial in community across differences in lan- group was shaped by the pietistic influ- a York tribunal? Move to other lands to guage and religion. Erben will also dis- ences of John Wesley and later became escape persecution? Fritz will address cuss why and how quarrels came about part of the Evangelical United Brethren. these and other questions that tested the among Pietists and Quakers of various faith of pacifist religious groups in York stripes, creating in the process some Jane Donovan teaches in the religious County during that time period. strange bedfellows, such as followers of studies program at West Virginia Uni- the eccentric mystic Johannes Kelpius versity. She holds a D.Min. from Wesley James Fritz holds a J.D. from Widener and the renegade Quaker George Keith. Theological Seminary, and is the author University School of Law and is com- of seven books and numerous articles. pleting a master’s degree in American Patrick Erben teaches early American Her research focuses on the Second Studies at Penn State University. He has literature and culture at the University Great Awakening and American been an adjunct professor and a lecturer of West Georgia. He holds a Ph.D. from Methodism. on historical topics. Emory University.

5 YOUNG CENTER FOR ANABAPTIST AND PIETIST STUDIES ONE ALPHA DRIVE ELIZABETHTOWN, PA 17022-2298

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New books in the Young Center series

richly illustrated volume about Amish Fall 2013 Aquilts and an absorbing account of  DIRECTOR four young Hutterite men drafted into the Jeff Bach, Ph.D. U.S. Army in 1918 will be the next books  SENIOR FELLOW in the Young Center series published by Donald B. Kraybill, Ph.D. the Johns Hopkins University Press.  RESEARCH STAFF In Amish Quilts: Crafting an Ameri- Edsel Burdge Jr. can Icon, Janneken Smucker, who Cynthia Nolt teaches at West Chester University,  ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT traces the history of Amish quiltmaking Hillary Daecher from the late 19th century to the present. The Persecution of Hutterites during the Young Center News is published twice each year She discusses what makes an Amish Great War uses letters written by the for those interested in the work and events of the quilt Amish and considers what the term four men, interviews with their descen- Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies. Comments and suggestions are welcome. Please “Amish” means in the quilt consumer dants, and archival material to explore direct correspondence to the address below. marketplace. In his book, professor the tension between a country preparing Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies Duane Stoltzfus of Goshen College tells to enter into a world war and a people Elizabethtown College the sobering story of Joseph Hofer, whose history of martyrdom for their One Alpha Drive Elizabethtown, PA 17022-2298 Michael Hofer, David Hofer, and Jacob pacifist beliefs goes back to their six- Phone: (717) 361-1470; Fax: (717) 361-1443 Wipf, who in accordance with their teenth-century Reformation beginnings. E-mail: [email protected] beliefs, refused to perform military serv- Amish Quilts will be available in Octo- Web site: www.etown.edu/youngctr ice in World War I. Pacifists in Chains: ber; Pacifists in Chains in November. 

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