File Folder 3 - B1 Ba-Bn - miscellaneous

BOX 18, FOLDER 3 NOTE: Folder 3 has a "miscellaneous" file. Rather than strictly by date, "miscellaneous" files have entries alphabetized by correspondent, then by date for a given correspondent. Also-- This Description represents a later version of the original notes--a somewhat edited and perhaps more complete version--as compared to the Items listed under Folder 3. Thick (1”) folder {1} Harold Bachman to Bender, June 26, 1956 (from Sterling Illinois; Bachman--general secretary of Illinois Mennonite Conference Christian Education Cabinet): wanting Bender on a program of Illinois Mennonite Conference in its education cabinet meeting, August 14-16.--attached--program of “Christian Workers Conference. {2} Bender to Leland Bachman, March 6, 1953 (no address for Bachman): apparently copy of a memorandum; about wanting 5000 copies of a somewhat altered reprint from Goshen College Bulletin of October 1952, title being “The Evangelism Policy of the Goshen College Biblical Seminary”. {3} Bender to “Mr. Bachman”, January 28, 1954 (likely Leland Bachman? no address; probably Goshen College memorandum?): on some repairs needed for classroom chairs and windows. {4} Bender to Mary Baer, July 26, 1956 (Baer--c/o William Miller, North Liberty Indiana): having learned that she was planning to enroll next year for possible mission service, desired to talk to her about entering the Seminary; facts and details. {5} Bender to Henry Baerg, July 22, 1950 (to Butterfield Minnesota): about Baerg’s desire to enter seminary for mission training; big difficulty was his speech impediment; “Our” decision was not to admit you unless you had overcome it; reference to Roy Umble’s attempt to help; mention Carl Kreider as Acting President. {6} Ray Bair to Bender, March 16, 1954 (from Louisville Ohio): wanted Bender as speaker for fund drive for “a Christian High School”; would there be laymen in Goshen area who could help?--Nelson Kauffman had suggested that as possibility. {7} Bender to Baker Book House, November 15, 1950 (to Grand Rapids Michigan): about an invoice and shipping some books for Goshen College Biblical Seminary. {8} Bender to Baker Book House, October 4, 1952 (to Grand Rapids Michigan): order for three books (named). {9} Bender to Baker Book House, January 29, 1953 (to Grand Rapids Michigan): wanting to build up “our” library on premillennial literature, wishes addressee to list what they had to offer from J. M. Darby [sic], William Kelly, C. H. M.____, F. C. Grant, D. S. Cooper, W. Trotter, A. J. Gordon, with prices [John Nelson Darby, ? Charles Henry Mackintosh ?; ? Adoniram Judson Gordon ?, ? Alexander Reese ?. {10} Bender to Baker Book House, March 5, 1953 (to Grand Rapids Michigan): sending check for $14.20 to pay a “past due account”. {11} Document, Baker Book House bill, pencil-marked “pd 4/14/53” (from Grand Rapids Michigan): {12} Bender to Baker Book House, September 30, 1953 (to Grand Rapids Michigan): inquiring about several books. {13} Bender to Baker Book House, November 13, 1953 (to Grand Rapids Michigan): returning some books (evidently from a lot recently purchased) because inexplicably had discovered that the library already had those titles. {14} Bender to Baker Book House, November 17, 1953 (to Grand Rapids Michigan): apology for saying certain books were missing from a shipment--had found that packet. {15} Bender to Baker Book House, November 25, 1953 (to Grand Rapids Michigan): ordering an encyclopedia of religious knowledge. {16} Bender to Baker Book House, January 23, 1954 (to Grand Rapids Michigan): inquiring about book R. N. Flew, The Idea of Perfection. {17} Bender to Baker Book House, February 20, 1956 (to Grand Rapids Michigan): sending $8.64 check, invoice had been lost.... {18} Bender to Marvin W. Baker, April 19, 1954 (Baker--Church of God pastor in Mishawaka Indiana): sending a Goshen College catalogue which gave information for B. D. degree in Goshen Biblical Seminary; could accept credits from Garrett Biblical Seminary and Winona Lake School of Theology if they were graduate-level. • • • CONTIGUOUS, Marvin W. Baker to Bender, January 12, 1958: requested list of Goshen Biblical Seminary course offerings for second semester. {19} Bender to Oren H. Baker, November 4, 1953 (Baker--Dean of Colgate-Rochester Divinity School): on Goshen College Biblical Seminary wish and effort to apply for Associate Membership in American Association of Theological Schools; offer to come in person. {20} Bender to Robert Baker, October 31, 1952 (to Rural route Elkhart Indiana): Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference’s High School Planning Committee definitely planned to start a school [Bethany Christian High School] in Fall 1954; some detail; asked about Baker’s interest in such a school, and his credentials. {21} Bender to W. B. Baker, November 6, 1952 [Baker--chairman of Royal Commission of Agriculture and Rural Life, Regina Saskatchewan]: answering the Premier’s inquiry [not extant here] about “the truly Christian and constructive character” of Hutterites--answer to such question was clearly Yes; but if the question was about their making good citizens, Bender emphasized their closedness, etc., and answered No; some details about economic management of their colonies, etc.; yet they were “excellent farmers”; mentioned a couple of sources to read by Bertha W. Clark and Lee Emerson Deets; cc’s to John A. Hostetler and Robert Friedmann. {22} H. C. Leignes Bakhoven to Bender, April 12, 1949 (from Kampen [Holland ?]; in German): apparently asking Bender to speak at the European Kaderkonferenz [literally “cadre conference” ?] at Elspleet May 5-10, as he was an expert in Mennonite history; mention v. d. Zijpp who would be a speaker.... [probably Nanne van der Zijpp].... • • • REPLY, Bender to H. C. Liegnes Bakhoven, April 16, 1949: accepting, but preferred to let van der Zijpp cover all European Mennonites and Bender speak on American ones. {23} John G. Balyo to Bender, February 4, 1949 (Balyo--of Bible Baptist Church, Kokomo Indiana): reading Goshen College Bulletin had reminded the writer to ask for address he had forgotten, of the Mennonite Children’s Home in Ohio. • • • REPLY, Bender to John G. Balyo, April 21, 1949: address was “Mennonite Orphan’s Home” [sic--Mennonite Orphans’ Home?], West Liberty Ohio, Paul C. Sieber Superintendent [Paul Sieber, Martha Sieber ?]. {24} John A. Moore to Bender, March 30, 1951 (from Baptist Theological Seminary, in Switzerland; (in English): thanks for “excellent work on Conrad Grebel” [probably referring to Harold S. Bender, Conrad Grebel, c. 1498-1526: The Founder of the Swiss Brethren Sometimes Called Anabaptists (Mennonite Historical Society, 1950)]; “we” were trying to build up Baptist and Anabaptist library, wondered if you had books to sell. {25} Preston A. Barba to Bender, December 21, 1957: reference to Bender letter [not extant here] about Klaus C. Wust’s article; gave permission to reprint it; gave Wust’s address at Arlington Virginia; happy at receiving Mennonite Quarterly Review and “Christian Community” [probably Mennonite Community magazine]. {26} Mrs. John Bare [sic] to Bender, September 20, 1956 (from Donnellson Iowa): the family was having a dispute with one member insisting that the Greek word for baptize meant to immerse; asked Bender to clear this up. • • • REPLY, John C. Wenger to Mrs. John Bare, September 24, 1956: find a pretty full discussion in Bender’s Introduction to Theology; Wenger thought the word meant neither immerse or pour, but to baptize; admitted that in history the evidence might be heavier for immerse.... {27} B. Bargen to Mennonite Historical Society, Bender, February 7, 1949 (Bargen--Manager of Mennonite Publication Office, Newton Kansas; probably Bernhard Bargen): on exchanging periodicals--unless he heard differently, would continue as in the past. {28} G. Baring to Bender, August 31, 1957 (in German; from Ludwigshafen [Germany?]): mention Preacher P. Schowalter [Paul Schowalter ?]; mention a Dr. Kiniets; mention Münster, Denck [Hans Denck ?], Karlstadt [Andreas Karlstadt], Joachim Fiore, W. Fellman, Thomas Müntzer; Robert Friedmann, Dr. Crous [Ernst Crous ?]. {29} Otto Bartel to Bender, August 3, 1949 (in handwritten German): to “dear Uncle Bender”; mention P. C. Hiebert [Peter C. Hiebert?], MCC, Tabor College; NOTE--annotator was unable to decipher the German handscript. {30} Bender to Hans Bartsch, May 19, 1951 (to New York City): Cornelius Krahn had suggested Bender get information on Bartsch and his work, for Mennonite Encyclopedia.... {31} J. W. Miller to William Bastow, March 27, 1956 (Miller as dean’s assistant; surely John W. Miller, John Wolf Miller; Barstow on Goshen Campus): on further credits Bastow would need for BRE degree; he already had credits from Moody Bible Institute [Fundamentalism] and from “Wayne”. {32} Royal H. Bauer to Bender, July 6, 1953 (from Holsopple Pennsylvania): interested in finishing B.D. degree; what credits still needed? • • • REPLY, Bender to Royal H. Bauer, July 10, 1953: with other information, mentioned correspondence courses from Bethany Biblical Seminary in Chicago [Church of the Brethren]; encouraged completion of the degree. • • • REPLY, Royal Bauer to Bender, July 24, 1953: a personal letter; much on his wife’s slow recovery [Evelyn Bauer, an invalid for life] after return from India.... {33} Note from Elizabeth Bauman, no addressee or date [penciled 1948/9]: about a meeting about “the book of nonresistance stories” [see Elizabeth Hershberger Bauman, Coals of Fire 1954)]; mention Metzler and Yake [A. J. Metzler, Abram J. Metzler; C. F. Yake, Clayton F. Yake], Norma Hostetler. {34} Alvin J. Beachy to Bender, May 14, 1949 (from Alvin Beachy, Hartford Connecticut): was student at Hartford Theological Seminary for 3 years, would graduate in May; had scholarship to continue, but not enough to live on; would Mennonite Historical Society be able to help; his father had been a bishop of Old Order Amish near Springs Pennsylvania, a church with many innovations [Beachy Amish; Amish Mennonite Church beginnings]; writer was thinking of writing history of Amish of Somerset County Pennsylvania, including use of his family’s letters; mentioned Dr. Spinka at Hartford [probably Matthew Spinka]; needed information, to answer a call to a church in Kansas. • • • CONTIGUOUS, Bender to Rev. Alvin J. Beachy, May 23, 1949: very interested in Beachy’s planned work in Amish history, but could not offer funds; mention John A. Hostetler plan to work in Amish “history and sociology”. {35} Alvin J. Beachy to Bender, October 26, 1953 (Beachy--now Pastor of First Mennonite Church [GCMC] in Bluffton Ohio): seems to assume Bender would be in Bluffton “for our Union Reformation Day service”--anticipating Bender’s message at the event; wanted to offer hospitality; mention Dr. Ramseyer [Lloyd Ramseyer, Lloyd L. Ramseyer]. {36} Bender to Andrew Beachy (sic--Alvin J. Beachy; see just above), October 29, 1953: thanks for invitation, but were bringing daughter Nancy [Nancy Bender Kosteck] who had to be back for school Monday morning.... {37} Bender to Rev. Andrew J. Beechy (sic--surely Alvin J. Beachy; Bluffton Ohio), June 2, 1955: regarding responses to “the overture from your seminary board” for “inter-seminary cooperation”; was rather shocked to learn that a number of GCMC leaders, including Beachy, opposed it; Bender had taken “considerable risk” among MC Mennonites to move in that direction, and it seemed strange to get opposition within the GCMC branch when they often accused the MC Mennonites of opposing inter-Mennonite cooperation; did not plan to push this matter, but thought Beachy would be interested, and Bender welcomed correction. {38} Bender to Ezra Beechy, June 8, 1949 (sic--Beachy; of Pinckney Michigan, and Indiana-Michigan Christian Workers Conference; Bender writing from Basel Switzerland): have yours of May 31 [not extant here]; yes, would be glad to be on the program at Kouts Indiana. {39} Ezra Beachy to “Dear Co-workers”, March 25, 1950 (Beachy as Secretary of Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Christian Workers Conference): form letter announcing programs, asking they be publicized among youth, etc.--programs attached. {40} Bender to Ezra Beachy, June 22, 1950 (to Pinckney Michigan): sorry to have missed Beachy who had stopped to inquire about taking a B.D. degree; detailed information for that; mention G. J. Lapp [George J. Lapp] as director of “our Correspondence Department”.... {41} Bender to Ezra Beachy, December 13, 1951 (to Pinckney Michigan): complex follow-up of a conversation of Bender and Beachy about Michigan congregations forming their own conference from Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference. {42} Ezra Beachy to Bender, September 22, 1955 (from Calvary Mennonite Church, Pinckney Michigan): the congregation had approved the idea of a seminary student assisting, and would pay $20 per trip; discussion of Richard Yoder (evidently a candidate), mention Clarence Yoder and Edwin Yoder; mention a meeting of “Divorce and Remarriage Committee”; mention “the girls” helping in the Benders’ home. {43} J. C. Wenger to Ivan E. Beachy, July 10, 1956 (John C. Wenger as Acting Dean): happy with recent fellowship and Beachy‘s hope to get Seminary education; indicated Beachy was in I-W service in Cleveland one more year and studying at Western Reserve University. {44} John E. Beachy to Bender, April 6, 1952 (from Bihar address) : In 1948, Acting Dean Paul Mininger had informed him of his admission to the Goshen Biblical Seminary--but then Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities had sent him and spouse to India; now they would be returning to Goshen, and both wished to enroll.... {45} Bender to S. F. Pannabecker and to William M. Beahm, January 30, 1953 (Samuel F. Pannabecker, President of Mennonite Biblical Seminary [GCMC]; Beahm--dean of Bethany Biblical Seminary [Church of the Brethren]): list of 9 books on Dispensationalism [Premillennialism]; suggested two book stores in Grand Rapids Michigan. {46} Bender to William A. Beahm, February 12, 1953 (re Beahm--see just above): had heard of a recent M.A. or Ph.D. thesis with a title like “Is the Brethren Church a Brotherhood or a Denomination?”; would like a copy. {47} Bender to Miss Ruth Bean, January 12, 1952 (to Kitchener Ontario): Goshen College was readmitting her in Religious Education, at a post-graduate level; logistics; mention Viola Good. {48} Bender to Carl Beck, October 29, 1954 (to Japan): belatedly answering your inquiry [not extant here]; on how many credits he had toward a B.D., etc.; recommended Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary or Fuller Theological Seminary.... {49} Henry C. Becker to Bender, September 1, 1956 (from Scarsdale New York): recalled- meeting Bender on a flight Frankfurt to Hamburg last July, and talked about getting some Anabaptist books; had now written to a friend in Berlin with good connections in Leipzig who might help--and writer knew others. {50} Gerhard von Beckerath to “Lieber Onkel Harold, June 19, 1950 (??--name and address practically illegible; airform sent from Bad Godesberg; (dear Uncle Harold [Bender]): mention Pastor Cattepoel [probably Dirk Cattepoel], Ernst Correll, material in Goshen.... {51} Bender, a “To Whom It May Concern” kind of letter, no date--from internal evidence perhaps 1949 or 1950: recommendation for Gerhard Wilhelm von Beckerath to study Economics at the University of Michigan; Bender had known him for two years since living in Europe for a year, and had selected him as one of four exchange students from German universities to Goshen--a very happy choice.... {52} Bender to Gerhard von Beckerath, July 11, 1950 (in English; to Bad Godesberg, Krefeld, British Zone, Germany): permission to use material Ernst Correll had assembled at Goshen; Correll had not been well; understood that for doctoral dissertation von Beckerath had chosen a topic Dr. Cattepoel [probably Dirk Cattepoel] had suggested, “Early Capitalism and the Mennonites on the Lower Rhine; mention professor Karl Rembert; Bender would be coming to Europe for 3 weeks in August but not stop at Crefeld [Krefeld] {53} Gerhard von Beckerath to Bender, January 25, 1951 (from Krefeld Germany; to “Lieber Onkel Harold”; typed in German): The American High Commissionary in Germany had invited three representatives chosen for not having been strong Nazis, to study some months in American facilities; [apparently chosen (??) was] writer’s cousin Werner Leendertz, head of a factory in which writer’s father worked; the Leendertzes were a Mennonite family... / thanks for your letter of last July, helping with material for the writer’s work; he had found sufficient material, and hoped to finish in a few months; title would be “Die Wirtschaftliche Bedeutung der Krefelder Mennoniten und ihrer Vorfahren” [The Economic Importance of Krefeld Mennonites and Their Ancestors”; best wishes to you and your wife [Elizabeth Bender, Elizabeth Horsch Bender]; P.S. heartfelt greetings from his father [perhaps Rudolf von Beckerath]. {54} Gerhard von Beckerath to Bender, December 20, 1951 (from Krefeld Germany; to “Lieber Onkel Harold”; handwritten, not deciphered by this annotator). {55} Gerhard von Beckerath to Bender, June 14, 1952 (from Krefeld Germany; to “Lieber Onkel Harold”; typed in German): sending 5 copies of his dissertation--respectively for Bender personally, Mennonite Historical Library at Goshen, Ernst H. Correll [Ernst Correll], and two whom Bender could choose; mention Mennonite World Conference in Basel, apparently saying he was too busy with revision to attend. • • • CONTIGUOUS, Dr. Gerhard von Beckerath, November 11, 1952 (now the title “Dr.”; still from Krefeld Germany and to “Lieber Onkel Harold”; typed in German): seems to say he wanted to send the five copies of dissertation with his uncle Heinz von Beckerath who would attend Mennonite World Conference, and hoped Bender would transport them to America; more .... {56} Dr. Kurt von Beckerath to Bender, July 21, 1949 (from Krefeld Germany; to Bender in Basel): tomorrow Pastor Cattepoel [probably Dirk Cattepoel] would embark for America as our delegate; thanks for the very fine book War, Peace, and Nonresistance [by Guy F. Hershberger, G. F. Hershberger, Guy Hershberger] sent with Gerhard von Beckerath--writer had read it with great interest and it had suggested much to him; sentiments hoping America, with its growing voice in the world, would help find peaceful solutions, etc.; have a good trip; hoped our delegates would strike the right tone for friendship between Mennonites there and us. {57} Paul Gert von Beckerath to Bender, January 18, 1949 (from Krefeld Germany, via Brother Cattepoel [probably Dirk Cattepoel]: writer had helped with a new translation of “Must Christians Fight?” [Edward Yoder, with Harold S. Bender and Jesse W. Hoover, Must Christians Fight? (Mennonite Central Committee, 1943, 1944)]; hoped you are satisfied with it; seems to write wanting more literature--economic, journalistic, etc.; mention a catalogue of Sears, Roebuck [Sears, Roebuck & Company] of Chicago.... {58} Paul von Beckerath to Bender, May 14, 1954 von Beckerath at Aspen Lodge, Colorado; a note penned in good English): would be in USA four more weeks and wanted to stop by Goshen; was member of Krefeld Mennonite congregation in Germany and a cousin of Gerhard von Beckerath, and had met Bender several times. {59} Rudolf von Beckerath to Bender, July 21, 1949 (from Krefeld Germany; typed, in German): wanted copies of letters of August 8 and December 11, 1947; reference to the building market; mention Brother Cattepoel [probably Dirk Cattepoel] and Mennonite World Conference. {60} Bender to J. L. Beijers, October 11, 1951 (Beijers--a book dealer, of Utrecht Holland): have your catalogue and wish to order two (named) titles. {61} Anna [Bender] to Bender, June 3, 1951 (from Springs Pennsylvania; pencilled “Bender, Anna”): her Dad had received your birthday letter [John H. Bender--see letter to that name, below]; liked the idea of a Bender reunion; about arranging it; mention “Ray and Rhoda” [probably Ray Bender and Rhoda Bender--see letters to John H. Bender and from Ray Bender below]. {62} Bender to Byron Bender, August 17, 1949 (Byron W. Bender, c/o Ezra Bender, Martinsburg Pennsylvania): on Byron’s study plans, possibly shifting from history to German; urged Byron not to marry for two years, go to Germany to become fully fluent; etc.; mention a Gospel Herald project in which Byron was engaged. • • • CONTIGUOUS, Page 2 of a letter Byron W. Bender to Bender, undated--penciled “ca. Aug? 1949” [Byron Bender, Goshen College)]: first phrase is “myself indispensable to you next winter”, then reference to entering graduate school for “my freshly crystallized interest; mention conversation with President Miller [E. E. Miller, Ernest E. Miller, Ernest Miller]; probably would attend Indiana University; reference to possibly teaching language at Goshen College; mention Melvin Gingerich, and perhaps not continuing the “encyclopedia job” [Mennonite Encyclopedia]; reference to the Gospel Herald project; hoped the letter reached Bender before Bender left Switzerland; reference to plan to visit father in Virginia. {63} Byron W. Bender to Bender, November 18, 1949 (Byron Bender, now at Bloomington Indiana): finding linguistics stimulating; was applying for a Fulbright scholarship, to study in Greece--where chances were better than in Western Europe....--attached, document “PROGRAM TO BE PURSUED”. {64} Byron to Bender, July 11, 1950 (Bryon Bender, Bryon W. Bender, now at University of Michigan, Ann Arbor): enclosing a letter to Goshen College administration, regarding Bryon’s decision which could be interpreted as breaking an agreement; mention sending a bibliography to S. A. Yoder [Samuel A. Yoder, Samuel Yoder]; about his work in linguistics, and a few books recommended for Goshen College library; about a July meeting of Linguistic Society of America, with both Nida and Pike [probably Eugene Nida, Eugene A. Nida]; thanks for the ride with Bender. • • • ATTACHED, Byron W. Bender to E. E. Miller and Carl Kreider, July 11, 1950 [written from University of Michigan; Ernest E. Miller, Ernest Miller as President; Kreider as Acting President]: reference to a “‘gentlemen’s agreement’” with Miller a year earlier to keep each other informed; this letter is about Byron’s progress and plans; reference to Miller’s having broached the possibility Byron would teach at Goshen; mention Middlebury College in Vermont; about having taken a position with the State of Indiana for work on Linguistic Atlas of the United States; etc. {65} Note, Bender to “Dear Byron”, September 19, 1950 (no address; penciled “Bender”): had received your special delivery letter [not extant here]; about to leave, traveling first to your place; mention Mary Eleanor Bender. {66} Memorandum, [penciled “Byron Bender”; presumably to H. S. Bender; no writer or addressee named, no date, but is record of a conversation with Eugene A. Nida on July 29, 1950 [Eugene Nida]: typing and typewriter are consistent with Byron’s letters just above; about [surely Nida’s counsel for} establishing a Goshen College - Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities linguistics program; advice to communicate further with Nida. {67} Byron W. Bender to Carl Kreider, Dean, February 11, 1957 (from Marshall Islands) : thanks for December 2 letter [not extant here], enclosing copy of letter to President Mininger [Paul Mininger]; answer questions about what courses Byron would be prepared to teach; mentioned courses both for college and for seminary; that raised the issue about “appropriate College division”, as linguists considered that language science was social science; mentioned that Goshen College would need books and their funding; about uncertainty of length of stay in present position--some details. {68} Ervin S. Bender to Bender, December 12, 1954 (from New Hamburg Ontario): invitation to Bender reunion planned for June 11, 1955, and to be speaker.... • • • REPLY, Bender to Ervin S. Bender, December 14, 1954: had the date open and would be happy to attend and speak and get acquainted with “the big Bender Freundschaft in Ontario. {69} Bender to John H. Bender, May 29, 1951 (to Springs Pennsylvania): had John gotten the birthday greeting for his 80th?--with suggestion for a Bender family reunion [see letter from Anna Bender above]--at 100th anniversary of “Grandpa Bender’s coming to America” [apparently referring to F. W. Bender?]; H. S. Bender and his three brothers were interested in attending; their idea--a picnic in the woods, etc.; more detail; was writing Ray Bender at Springs about this; mention Paul Bender “and Ralph”; mention “Ray Bender at Springs” [see above, letter from Anna Bender, and below, letter from Ray Bender]. {70} J. C. Wenger to O. Jason Bender, July 27, 1956 (to Meyersdale Pennsylvania; John C. Wenger as Acting Dean): glad for recent chat, and for your plans to attend college and seminary, beginning September 1957.... {71} “Ray” [Bender] to Bender, June 4, 1951 (Ray’s surname penciled in as “Bender”; stationery of Bender Shoe Company, Somerset Pennsylvania): see above letters, from Anna Bender and to John H. Bender] had the copy of H. S. Bender’s letter to “Uncle John, and had chatted with him and with “my sisters”; was sure the Somerset County Benders would favor the reunion, and thought the last Sunday of August good.... {72} Ross T. Bender to Harold S. Bender, February 23, 1949 (from Tavistock Ontario; handwritten with pen): Roy S. Koch [Roy Koch] had suggested Ross write to H. S. Bender; worked with Koch on weekly gospel broadcast; “problem” was that Ross was planning to enter college at Waterloo [Ontario, surely] and Koch had suggested transferring to Goshen after two years for a Th.B.; would he need more than a two-year Arts course at Waterloo? and question about a discount; was 20 years old. • • • REPLY, Bender to Ross T. Bender, October 28, 1949 (Ross Bender; Tavistock Ontario): chagrin that he probably had not answered yours of February 23; have you enrolled at Waterloo College to begin preparing for foreign missionary service? possible after two years at Waterloo to come to Goshen Biblical Seminary for Th.B.; details. {73} Ross (penciled: “Ross Bender”) to Bender, August 13, 1956 (stationery of Rockway Mennonite School, Kitchener Ontario): had heard from John Snyder that Bender planned to visit in Ontario; invitation to Ross Bender home. {74} J. C. Wenger to Urie Bender, April 1, 1955 (Urie A. Bender, Editor Youth’s Christian Companion, Mennonite Publishing House; John C. Wenger as Assistant to the Dean): remembered recent conversation in office of Millard Lind; about what Urie would still need to get a Goshen College B.A. in Psychology and Sociology; mention Ada Shaum as having compiled the data. • • • ATTACHED, sheets listing the requirements. {75} Urie A Bender to “Chairman of the Christian Education Department, Goshen College”, January 23, 1956 (re Urie Bender--see just above): about new booklet Youth Program Ideas; wanted help to promote it; mention Mennonite Youth Fellowship. {76} Urie A. Bender to J. C. Wenger, March 11, 1957 (re Urie Bender--see just above): appreciation for Wenger’s devotional remarks at meeting of (MC) Mennonite Church Publication Board--especially the point of Jesus Christ being both barrier and bridge for relating to the world; might Wenger write something for Youth’s Christian Companion?...[John C. Wenger] • • • REPLY, J. C. Wenger to Urie A. Bender, March 15, 1957 (John C. Wenger as Acting Dean): thanks for kind words; just had no time to write. {77} L. Berchier to “Dearest Brother”, August 2, 1949 (unclear to whom; Berchier--Pastor and Director of a Methodist school apparently in Belgium; cc’s to Bender, Ernest Miller; translated into imperfect English apparently before mailing): soliciting help for a young man to come and study in the USA. {78} Hilbert J. Berger to Bender, September 10, 1954 (H. J. Berger, pastor, Dunlap Evangelical United Brethren Church, Elkhart Indiana): strong interest in having a seminary student help in his church during the coming year [ecumenical, ecumenism]. {79} Bender to Hilbert J. Berger, January 31, 1956 (to Elkhart): learned indirectly [through Victor Stoltzfus] that Berger was interested in earning an M. R. E.; comment on what Goshen Biblical Seminary could offer. {80} Torsten Bergsten to Bender, September 15, 1957 (from Uppsala [Sweden]; typed in excellent English): mention Reverend Fellmann of Mönchzell; writer was doing doctoral work on Hubmeier; mentioned his professor, Sven Göransson, successor to Gunner Westin; possibility of his work being printed in Kyrkohistorisk Årsskrift; mention “Kiwiet’s dissertation on Marbeck” [Pilgram Marbeck, Pilgram Marpeck; Anabaptism, Anabaptist studies]; mention W. Klassen [William Klassen] as friend and close collaborator; would Mennonite Quarterly Review have space for pieces of the Kuntsbuch “which I copied in Switzerland...”? • • • REPLY, Bender to Torsten Bergsten, December 27, 1957: had lost Bergsten’s letter but admired Bergsten’s work and would publish the Kunstbuch’s Pilgram Marpeck letters quickly when they arrived; your dissertation, which William Klassen had shown Bender, was “excellent”. • • • REPLY, Torsten Bergsten to Bender, December 30, 1957 (typed in German): apology for writing in German--it went much faster; thanks for your friendly letter...; mention William Klassen; had taken his family and spent time in Switzerland 1956-57; about Marbeck [Pilgram Marbeck, Pilgram Marpeck] letters; mention Prof. Blanke [probably Fritz Blanke]; mention Heinold Fast.... {81} Austin Berkey to Volunteer Service for the Blind, August 30, 1955 (from Goshen Biblical Seminary; to Philadelphia address): wanted two textbooks put on disks. • • • CONTIGUOUS, Bender to Volunteer Service for the Blind, March 27, 1956: writing for Austin Berkey, a blind seminary student, who had told Bender you had recorded C. Henry Smith Story of the Mennonites to page 383; might he receive another installment? • • • REPLY, Marjorie Postley (Director of Recording--see just above) to Bender, March 29, 1956: some time ago had mailed an installment beyond page 500, hoped it had reached Austin Berkey. {82} N. K. Berky to Bender, June 14, 1949 (Berky--a shoe-and-rubbers salesman, Bally Pennsylvania): invitation to address Men’s Brotherhood of Eastern District Conference [GCMC]; needed your type to “give us some ammunition to fire at our liberals...” [Liberalism, theology; Mennonite fundamentalism?]. • • • CONTIGUOUS, N. K. Berky to Bender, June 30, 1949: reminder of earlier letter. • • • REPLY, Bender to N. K. Berky, July 21, 1949: had received the letter in Germany; hoped to say Yes, but could not give definite date until return. • • • REPLY, N. K. Berky to Bender, August 2, 1949: asking that on October 16 Bender speak on European relief [postwar relief] in afternoon, with a “Bible exposition” in the evening addressing “present day problems of the church”--you choose the subject. • • • CONTIGUOUS, N. K. Berky to Bender, August 18, 1949: urging Bender to reply. • • • REPLY, Bender to N. K. Berky, August 23, 1949: now had his schedule: in Ontario October 21-14, at Harrisonburg Virginia [EMC, Eastern Mennonite College; later EMU, Eastern Mennonite University] October 15-17; so had only October 9 open. {83} Bender to Historische Museum, February 14, 1955 (to Bern Switzerland; in German): about some historic Anabaptist costumes featured in a certain encyclopedia; a series of questions about them.... {84} [unreadable signature] to Bender, July 16, 1949 (stationery of Der Oberbibliothekar der Stadt- und Hochschulbibliothek Bern; in German): responding to your July 13 letter [not extant here] regarding G. Thorman, Probierstein... (Bern, 1693); the cost.... • • • REPLY, Bender to Dr. H. Strahm, July 17, 1949 (Strahm--the Oberbibliothekar of letter just above; written in German; datelined from MCC address in Basel): wanted the book to take on his return trip; more; mentioned Goshen College Mennonite Historical Library having “etwa [some] 5000 Mennonitica & Anabaptistica.... {85} Bender to Berne Witness Company, September 28, 1955 (to Berne Indiana): thanks for duplicate invoice--enclosing $17.71; had many requests for his article--do you still have the type? what price? {86} Bender to Reverend H. E. Bertsche, June 3, 1949 (to Wauseon Ohio; perhaps Harry E. Bertsche): thanks for sending booklet on Bishop Henry Egli; no bill with it, was it a gift?--would gladly pay. {87} Document, informally typed invoice from C. Bertelsmann Verlag Gütersloh, July 2, 1949. {88} [signature unreadable] to Bender, October 7, 1955 (stationery of C. Bertelsmann Verlag, Gutersloh; Gutersloh dateline; in German: inquiring something about Quellen der Geschichte der Täufer...; mention Professor Bornkamm [D. Heinrich Bornkamm]. • • • REPLY, Bender to C. Bertelsmann Verlag, October 11, 1955: seemed to say Mennonite Publishing House had the specified volume(s) of Täufer-Akten, and would sell at the regular price; cc to Prof. Bornkamm [D. Heinrich Bornkamm]. {89} Werner Beyer to Bender, January 6, 1951 (from Lansdale Pennsylvania; author was from Germany, writing in fair but imperfect English): the time was very near for him to return to Germany, and he would not get to Goshen as he wanted; soon he would go to Akron [surely MCC headquarters, Akron Pennsylvania], thence to New York and Germany. {90} Bender to Clayton Beyler, April 21, 1949 (to Branford Connecticut): about credits that Beyler had from Goshen; his Princeton credits [Princeton Theological Seminary] needed to be transferred back to Goshen; indicating Beyler was entering Yale [Yale Theological Seminary ??] • • • ATTACHED, Clayton Beyler to Bender, April 25, 1949: about the business just above; Yale had good program of Far Eastern Languages--“Our only concern is whether we will be able to use our Chinese in the near future” [MCC China relief ??]. • • • ATTACHED, H. S. Bender to Paul Bender (Registrar [Goshen College]), April 29, 1949: using records at Goshen and from Yale’s Institute of Far Eastern Languages, giving requirements for Clayton Beyler to complete his B.D.; some detail. {91} Clayton Beyler to Bender, December 3, 1949 (from Hesston College): wanted some help about some courses, syllabi, and textbooks.... • • • REPLY, Bender to Clayton Beyler, December 21, 1949: Bender shared some information about texts and courses at Goshen.. {92} Ed Birkey [Edward Birkey] to Bender, May 15, 1950 (from Jolley Iowa): wanted suggestion for someone to direct the summer Bible school [Vacation Bible School] of the Manson Iowa congregation [Manson Mennonite Church]. • • • REPLY, Bender to Ed Birkey, June 1, 1950: named Leroy Kennel, who was just beginning a Th.B. course.... {93} Ed Birkey to J. C. Wenger, February 11, 1957: answering yours of January 29 [not extant here] regarding Lester Sutter--there were no plans for him now, but hopes he would get into “Outpost work” in the Iowa-Nebraska Mennonite Conference district. • • • REPLY, J. C. Wenger to Ed Birkey, March 25, 1957 (John C. Wenger as Acting Dean): hoped you will succeed, but if not before June 1, please inform us so he may accept an appointment somewhere else. {94} John D. Metzler to Bender, April 20, 1951 (Metzler--CWS [Christian World Service] cabinet member; stationery of CROP--Christian Rural Overseas Program): Margaret Birky had applied to be a secretary, had listed Bender as reference. • • • REPLY, Bender to John D. Metzler, May 17, 1951: high recommendation for Margaret Birky, based on her work in MCC office in Switzerland when Bender was there, further service in MCC Akron office, and in office of NSBRO [National Service Board for Religious Objectors] in Washington. {95} J. C. Wenger to Merlin Birky, July 30, 1956 (to Wanatah Indiana; John C. Wenger, as Acting Dean): glad for June 19 visit; even if you cannot come to college this Fall, hoped for it in future; “...great need in the church for missionaries and pastors...’. {96} Postcard, Irene L. Bishop to Bender, May 16, 1949 (from Perkasie Pennsylvania): had received your editorial...; condolence at death of Bender’s mother [Elsie Kolb Bender]. {97} Irene L. Bishop to Bender, August 27, 1949 [postcard sent from Germany via U.S. Army Postal Service]: had been able to get “Jasper’s book” through Dr. Horst Quiring.... {98} Irene Bishop to Bender and family, October 19, 1949 (from Columbia Pennsylvania): about two funerals, of “Uncle Michael” [Michael Horsch] and of Richard Fellman; a ministers meeting, where she had taken pictures; further personal material. {99} Irene L. Bishop to Bender, October 24, 1949 (from Germany ??): mentioned being in Stuttgard on Saturday, and stopping at Sonnenhof--there “your cousin Mrs. Herr” has the negatives; mention Walter Eicher meeting “Hege”; please greet John Oyer family [John S. Oyer; Carol Oyer, Carol Schertz Oyer] {100} Bender to Leon M. Bishop, June 8, 1950 (Leon Bishop, Perkasie Pennsylvania): about slide photos Irene [surely Irene L. Bishop] had taken at funeral of Michael Horsch, uncle of Bender’s spouse Elizabeth Horsch Bender [Elizabeth Bender]. {101} Hector Black to Bender, July 4, 1955 (from Society of Brothers, Rifton New York): Arnold and Gladys Mission had brought a copy of the Mennonite Quarterly Review reprint “The Anabaptist Vision”; would 20 copies be available to distribute [surely to Society of Brothers communities] in Paraguay, Uruguay [South America], Germany and England? {102} Bender to B. H. Blackwell Booksellers, September 20, 1954 (to Oxford England): wanted price etc.--interest in Redpath, Concordance to the Septuagint. {103} Bender to Blessing Bookstore, May 25, 1953 (to Chicago): sending $2.10, please send George Purves, Apostolic Age. • • • CONTIGUOUS, similar, September 3, 1953, sending $3.60 for Rackham, The Acts.--similar, September 30, 1953, ordering 3 titles--similar, May 10, 1956, $6.50 for Flew, Idea of Perfection. {104} J. C. Wenger to Donald W. Blosser, July 10, 1956 (Donald Blosser; Columbiana Ohio; John C. Wenger as Acting Dean): had missed you on visit to your area; sorry, because had wished to talk about “the challenge of possible church service together with Seminary preparation...”. {105} J. C. Wenger to Elvin Blosser, July 31, 1956 (to Dixon Illinois; John C. Wenger as Acting Dean): sorry had missed you on a call to your home; wondered if you had thought that the Lord might lead you to college and theological study. {106} Eugene Blosser to Bender, May 17, 1951 (from Parnell Iowa): about plans to return for fifth year at Goshen College, in Goshen Biblical Seminary.... • • • REPLY, Bender to Eugene Blosser, July 25, 1951: the courses Blosser would need, etc. • • • CONTIGUOUS, Eugene Blosser to Bender, July 31, 1951: accepted Bender’s list, anticipating the reentry; happy Don was considering enrollment [see shortly above]; mention “Luella” [sic--Luella Blosser, Luella Gingerich Blosser; ?? Louella Blosser, Louella Gingerich Blosser ??]. {107} J. C. Wenger to Harold Blosser, August 9, 1956 (to Wellman Iowa): understood you are returning to Hesston for sophomore year; please keep us in mind]. {108} Bender to Howard Blosser, January 14, 1949 (Blosser at Vienna Austria): enclosing a letter to Mathias Mayer of Going, about “the Anabaptist manuscript which we are ready to publish”; mention Walter Adrian, J. C. Wenger [John C. Wenger]; “Please help us to secure Anabaptist books as you may find them”. {109} Howard Blosser to Bender, February 6, 1949 (on MCC stationery, from Budapest Hungary); Bender at MCC’s Basel address): had gotten a letter via Atlee Beechy, about Hutterite manuscripts said to be in Hungary; had inquired at the university (evoking much interest and effort, as apparently there had been no such inquiry for a long time); copied details from their catalog; when possible, will travel to Eszergom to inquire about those Bender said were there; apparently Hutterites had lived at a town called Kecskemet. • • • ATTACHED, two sheets listing items and saying photostatic copies would be available [Hutterian Brethren, Hutterites]. {110} Bender to Howard Blosser, May 15, 1949 (Blosser at Vienna; Bender at Goshen College): very much wanted a copy of dissertation in University of Vienna Library--Franz Heimann, “Die Lehre von der Kriche und Gemeinschaft in der Hutterischen Täufergemeinde” (ca. 1921); Robert Friedmann had used it; get four copies; work cautiously--check it out and read it, then inquire if they had objections to copying it; Bender might be able to get to Austria during European trip this summer. {111} Howard Blosser to Bender, June 8, 1949 (Blosser now from Basel Switzerland); to Bender also at Basel): long report of trip to Eszergom [see just above]; learned that a Dutch historian had been there about a decade ago, found some materials, tried to buy the materials (details); about needing to negotiate with a cardinal, who fortunately spoke fluent English.