Previous

Fall 1989 · Vol. 18 No. 2 · pp. 121–22 

Historical Endnotes

Kevin Enns-Rempel

WINNIPEG CENTRE RECEIVES RATZLAFF AND TOEWS COLLECTIONS

Two significant collections of personal papers have been deposited in the Centre for Mennonite Brethren Studies in Winnipeg. The first is the collection of papers, sermons, manuscripts, historical documents, and correspondence of the late Eric L. Ratzlaff. Known to many as the editor of the Mennonitische Rundschau for some twelve years, he also served as radio speaker for two German radio programs and authored numerous historical books. Perhaps Ratzlaff’s most unique interest was the history of the Wymyschle Mennonites in Poland, the place where he was born and received his education.

The second collection consists of the sermons, correspondence and manuscripts of the late Dr. John A. Toews. Dr. Toews, whose career spanned almost every level of Mennonite Brethren Conference activity including teaching (Mennonite Brethren Bible College) and preaching, is perhaps best known for his history of the Mennonite Brethren Church, the standard English work to this day. His papers relate to his wide-ranging historical interests, peace activities, and inter-Mennonite associations.

Both collections are available for research.

BOOK ON MENNONITES IN POLAND AND PRUSSIA TO BE RELEASED SOON

Fall of 1989 is the projected publication date for Peter J. Klassen’s book, A Homeland for Strangers: An Introduction to Mennonites in Poland and Prussia. Dr. Klassen, professor at California State University, Fresno, California, has visited the regions of Poland once inhabited by Mennonites several times in recent years. He is a leading authority on this chapter of Mennonite history. This handsome book, illustrated with both black and white as well as color photographs, will provide a brief historical introduction to the Mennonite story in Poland and Prussia, as well as a guide for those interested in visiting Poland today. The book will be published by the Center for Mennonite Brethren Studies in Fresno. {122}

MENNONITE MARTYRS TRANSLATION AVAILABLE IN FALL

Another volume anticipated for the fall of 1989 is Dr. John B. Toews’ abridged translation of Mennonitische Martyrer by A.A. Toews. First published as a two-volume work in 1949 and 1954, this book is a collection of accounts of Mennonites who suffered and died in Russia following the Bolshevik revolution. Dr. Toews, a professor at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia, has made available to a new generation of readers this moving testimony to steadfastness in the face of persecution. The one-volume translation will be published by Kindred Press as part of the “Perspectives on Mennonite Life and Thought” series.

SYMPOSIUM ON POLISH/PRUSSIAN MENNONITE HISTORY

On July 22-24, 1990 a major symposium on the history of the Mennonites in Poland and Prussia will be held in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Proposed topics include the historical context of the early settlements along the Vistula River; economic, social and religious factors influencing religious toleration and restriction; theological and church developments; cultural and social development and adaptation; literary and artistic expression; economic and political development; the partitioning of Poland and its consequences for Mennonites; Mennonites and the Third Reich; the expulsion, flight, migration and resettlement of Mennonites from Poland to West Germany, Canada and South America. The symposium will include scholars from Europe, North America and South America. Selected papers from the conference will be published in a special issue of Mennonite Quarterly Review. The Centers for Mennonite Brethren Studies in Fresno and Winnipeg and the Mennonite Heritage Centre in Winnipeg are the primary sponsors of the symposium.

Kevin Enns-Rempel is Archivist at the Center for Mennonite Brethren Studies, Fresno, California.

Previous