Item 74.0 - Denkschrift to Mennonites in America for aid

This is a photo of the Denkschrift (Gratitude statement) of Mennonites in Ukraine to Mennonites in America for aid. The Mennonites of Ukraine thank their brethren in North America for the great help given during the fearful famine 1921/22. [HR 71] (2 prints). The article in Der Bote states that art is attributed to Hans Janzen, Ohrloff and the calligraphy to Peter Cornies, also Ohrloff. Goshen College archives became home to the original metal printing plate used to print the Denkschrift. It measures 33.5 cm x 51 cm and is mounted on thick wood.

Translation of the Denkschrift from “Mennonite Life,” Jan 1956, p. 8.
"To the Mennonites in America from the Mennonites in the Ukraine.
The great destruction of the twentieth century, introduced and aggravated by the World War, has caused a disastrous downfall in the economic and cultural life in the largest part of this continent and because of the continuing drought in the Ukraine has taken on unusually vicious forms. A virtual flood of hate and blood, of suffering and death, of starvation and misery has been loosed in the land during recent years. But out of this howling storm of misery there shine like lighthouses on the sea, the deeds of love and mercy that presently unfolded themselves through relief efforts. They show that the torch of true humanity is being continually lit by the eternal love of God.
Dear Brethren! Your relief efforts were and are a light that shines in the darkness. Through your deeds you have ideally illustrated a Mennonite principle. Of that we are grateful witnesses!
You have, however, done more. Through your tractor aid you have also furthered in a remarkable way our native belief in the virtues of agriculture. This is a deed of historic significance in the context of Mennonite history; indeed may prove to be of general historical importance. For this latter deed may signify nothing less than a radical change in our economic life. Even as your relief food has strengthened us so will this deed also be and remain a blessing for us. Accept, therefore, the accompanying medal as a token of our love and recognition, our regard and gratitude. May it convey to future generations the knowledge of how brethren and Christians in need deal with each other!
And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us; and establish thou the work of our hands upon us [and you ]; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it (Ps. 90:17)
Given at Ohrloff
Dec. 6, 1922
Chairman of the Society of the
Mennonites: B. B. Janz
Vice-Chairman: Ph. Cornies
Treasurer: H. Bartel
Secretary: A. Fast"