File 9 - Cornelius B. Krahn sermons

Cornelius B. Krahn, minister and farmer, was born on February 16,1883 in Rosenbach, Fuerstenland, South Russia. He was one of nine sons and three daughters born to Bernhard C. and Helena (nee Peters) Krahn. His early childhood was spend in Rosenbach but in 1889 his parents moved to the village of Grigoriewka where they purchased a farm. Here Krahn attended school increasing his knowledge of mathematics and the Russian language. He was baptized in 1904 by Aeltester Abram Unruh and became a member of the Mennonite Church in New York, South Russia. He served in the forestry service for the state and then during WWI he served for three years as a medical officer in Novgorod. This meant leaving his wife and three young children at home. Krahn had married Maria Neufeld on September 12, 1910. Their marriage produced six children in all. In the Spring of 1920 he was called to the ministry by his home congregation in Grigoriewka. A few years later he and his family decided to immigrate to Canada. They came with their six children and arrived on August 8, 1924. Their first home was in Rosenort, Manitoba, near Gretna. The following year they moved to the village of Reinland where Krahn bought a farm and served in the Blumenorter Church. It was here that he was ordained in the Fall of 1925 by Aeltester Johann P. Klassen. Krahn served the Blumenorter Churches of Reinland, Rosenort, Gnadenthal, and Blumenort for 27 years. This heavy travelling schedule required much dedication and demonstrated the seriousness with which he fulfilled his calling. In 1957 Krahn sold the farm and retired from church leadership. He moved to Winkler where he was a resident of Salem Home until his death. Cornelius B. Krahn died on January 24, 1975.