File Folder 4 - B2 Bo-Bz - miscellaneous

BOX 18, FOLDER 4 NOTE: Folder 4 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 4. Thick folder (3/4”) {1} Edwin Boardman to Bender, June 15, 1951 (from Ashland College in Ohio): that he had been classmate with Bender at Princeton Theological Seminary 1921-1922, since September 1949 teaching in Philosophy and Religion Department of Ashland; inviting Bender to be speaker at Ashland’s “Days of Devotion” November 15-16.... • • • REPLY, Bender to Edwin Boardman, July 31, 1951: reply late because just was returning from Europe; had commitment in Alberta Canada on those dates; regrets. {2} J. Sejersted Bödtker to Goshen College Biblical Seminary, June 1, 1956 (from Oslo; writer a representative of a French Shipbuilding Company): had been travelling, now answering yours of April 17 [not extant here]; enclosing two copies of Axell Revold’s picture “Sermon on the Mount”; if you want a larger, colored version let me know. {3} J. C. Wenger to Reverend Loraine Boettner, November 16, 1956 (to Rock Port Missouri; John C. Wenger as Acting Dean): congratulation on publishing book Immortality; had sold 23 copies at $1/each, would send the money; thanks for discount from $2.50. {4} Silas Hertzler to Miss Anna Bontrager, August 25, 1955 (to Fairview, Michigan; Hertzler as Teacher Education Director): Bender and been in Europe and now in Kansas for general conference [(MC) Mennonite General Conference], so writer has not discussed your practice teaching with him; Bethany Christian High School was approved for student teachers but only those with Master’s degree and teaching experience [this unclear]; you could do a half year there, in charge of Physical Education, but the other half would have to be Commerce at Goshen High School; more detail.... {5} Bender to Early Bontrager, February 3, 1953 (to Shipshewana Indiana): regarding Practical Work assignments for seminary student Donald Yoder of Forks Mennonite Church; consulting you as his bishop or pastor, also because Forks was choosing another minister; offer to come and converse. {6} Bender to J. C. Bontrager, September 29, 1949 (to Bontrager Construction Company, Elkhart Indiana): MCC had furnished the Berlin address of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Buller; also about making contact with Paul Peachey in Frankfurt; wishing you a “safe and profitable journey”. • • • ATTACHED, postcard Mabel Miller to Bender, September 28, 1949 with the Berlin address. {7} J. C. Bontrager to Bender, February 13, 1950 (re Bontrager--see just above): enclosing a letter from Otto Voeltz of Berlin which Bontrager wished translated; information about “the Free Church” (details); boxes sent to the Lehmans [? probably M. C. Lehman, Martin Clifford Lehman, “Cliff” Lehman, and Lydia Lehman, Lydia Liechty Lehman ?] had arrived well; about shopping in Berlin, including people of the Soviet Zone shopping or receiving supplies from Voeltz; Bontrager wished that like Bender he could spend 3 summer months in Germany. • • • REPLY, Bender to J. C. Bontrager, March 2, 1950: letter now translated, explained delay; glad for information about persons in Soviet zone of Berlin; knew little about history of the Free Church; MCC center in Frankfurt now completed and in use; clearly as general relief needs of Germany declined, spiritual needs are utmost. • • • CONTIGUOUS, Bender to J. C. Bontrager, March 20, 1950: sending translations of two letters. {8} Bender to J. C. Bontrager, April 14, 1950 (re Bontgrager--see just above): difficulty raising funds for four students, three of them Mennonite, whom we are bringing to Goshen College for a year; confirming that you will be paying board and room of Karl Heinz Arnold [Karl Arnold]--$310; President Miller would write also [E. E. Miller, Ernest E. Miller, Ernest Miller]. / enclosing translations of letters from Dorothea Iskraut and W. Iskraut.... {9} Bender [letter is actually signed by C. Norman Kraus] to Simon Bontrager, August 3, 1956 (to Howe Indiana--Marion Mennonite Church): neither Bender[sic. Kraus] nor John Steiner could speak in August at Marion, but Bender [sic. Kraus] had arranged for Russel Krabill to do so; he would bring leaflets and envelopes as requested; thanks for work for Bethany [Bethany Christian High School].[9.a item inserted here p. 2 of letter from H. S. Bender to the German Mennonite Historical Committee per note by Elizabeth Bender attached. no names on typed page] {10} Rudy Borntrager to Bender, January 25, 1955 (Borntrager--pastor, First Mennonite Church, Fort Wayne Indiana): had spoken with Howard Charles; wanted Bender to speak “on outside Theological influences on the mennonite [sic] church, and Charles give inductive Bible study on Gospel of John; would you still be available for Easter weekend (Charles was not); if so, now want you to speak on crucifixion and resurrection. {11} David Bosio, May 4, 1948 (stationery of Valdese Theological Faculty, Rome; penciled “Waldensians” [Waldenses]; to Bender at Basel; handwritten in good English): sorry Bender had been unable to come on April 26-27, but Boyd Nelson indicated possibly Bender could in early June; wanted two talks to students about present Mennonite church; more detail; regards from self and Professors Conik (?) and Vinay (?). • • • REPLY, Bender to David Bosio, May 19, 1948: now planned to come June 1...; in light of recent years’ fellowship between Mennonites and Waldensians [Waldenses], glad to speak on Mennonite history, not with propaganda but in brotherly spirit; proposed one address on his “The Anabaptist Vision”, Anabapist movement’s beginnings, then second address on Mennonites’ “Biblical Nonresistance”; a short paragraph on who he was and his work, mentioning Goshen Biblical Seminary, MCC [Mennonite Central Committee], work as Mennonite Church commissioner in Europe, Mennonite Quarterly Review, and presidency of American Society of Church History [ASCH]. • • • REPLY, David Bosio to Bender, May 22, 1948: good news! agreed to the two addresses; invitation to tea in writer’s home; writer or “Lig. Guido Comba” would translate the addresses. {12} J. C. Wenger to David Bostain, July 30, 1956 (to Indianapolis; John C. Wenger as Acting Dean): Levina Hershberger had mentioned Bostain’s name for study in the seminary; polite request for more information; mention Cleo Mann. {13} Clarence Bouma to Bender, April 28, 1950 (Bouma--Editor, The Calvin Forum, Grand Rapids Michigan): had tried two second-hand book shops, but failed to find Burggraaff’s book for Bender; now “our library” was sending its copy for inter-library loan; suggested writing to author, Dr. Winfield Burggraaff at Hugenot Park, Staten Island New York [see correspondence with Burggraaff below]. {14} Bender to Clarence Bouma, October 31, 1950 (to Calvin Theological Seminary): some professors planned to drive to Grand Rapids on November 4 to visit second-hand bookstores, and would like to visit your seminary.... • • • CONTIGUOUS, Bender to Clarence Bouma, November 8, 1950: thanks for help on Saturday; comments about the physical lay-out of the seminary; would gladly pay for copy of ground plan, before meeting with architect on November 1. [Goshen Biblical Seminary; Goshen College Newcomer Building]. • • • REPLY, Clarence Bouma to Bender, November 24, 1950: no blueprint available, but data on dimensions of classroom and chapel. {15} Bender to Bouma’s Boekhuis, June 11, 1957 (to Groningen, Holland): had your letter of May 25, 1957 [not extant here] inquiring about a $42.33 check; Bender sending two invoices; description; please inform exactly for whom the invoices were meant: Bender personally or Mennonite Historical Library?... {16} James Bowden, Jr. to Bender, August 6, 1950 (to Lansing Michigan): his personal situation now allowed him to apply to the seminary; could he get in this Fall?... {17} Carl Kreider to James Bowden, Jr., August 15, 1950 (Kreider as Acting President): responding to letter to Bender; Bender was abroad; confident that answer was yes; final decision would come from the seminary faculty, but “your excellent record here at Goshen College” gave the confidence. • • • CONTIGUOUS, Bender to James Bowden, Jr., August 30, 1950: fully endorsing Kreider’s response.... {18} James Bowden, Jr. to Bender, September 24, 1951 (re Bowden, see just above): very uncertain as to “the right thing for me to do this fall”; about injuries--to a leg and a ruptured disc in his back; apology about inconvenience to you; more detail. {19} Bender to James Bowden, Jr., March 14, 1952 (to Bath Michigan; re Bowden, see just above): about incompletes on your record about which a decision was needed very soon.... • • • REPLY, James Bowden, Jr. to Bender, March 24, 1952 (re Bowden, see just above): had hoped to return and continue study, but responsibilities to family and pastor kept increasing; he would have to withdraw. {20} Bender to Miriam Bowers, December 6, 1950 (Bowers--address via Postmaster General in New York [using military mail system?]): thanks for forwarding materials from Pastor Teufel [surely Eberhard Teufel]; enclosing a $10 American Express remittance for a Christmas present for the Teufels. • • • CONTIGUOUS, Miriam Bowers (MCC stationery, written from Stuttgart) to Bender, January 3, 1949: Bender’s December 15 letter arrived December 23; dealing with the CARE package was simple as Pastor Teufel’s daughter Elisabeth was serving as writer’s secretary [surely Eberhard Teufel; Elisabeth Teufel]; details....--attached: {21} Bender to Miriam Bowers, December 15, 1950 (re Bowers, see just above): request and instructions for getting a $10 CARE package to “Pastor E. Teufel, Stuttgart-Fellbach in time for Christmas”.... • • • REPLY, Miriam A. Bowers (MCC stationery, from Stuttgart) to Bender, December 29, 1950: had gotten the December 6 letter and check; glad the Teufel manuscript had arrived safely--very precious; summary again of Elisabeth Teufel helping with the CARE package; according to the “Basel News Letter” [surely MCC newsletter in Europe] Bender would come this summer; mention Rev. Waltner with him [probably Erland Waltner]. {22} Miriam A. Bowers to Bender, May 10, 1951 (Bowers obviously writing from Germany, but dateline with that address via Postmaster General in New York [Miriam Bowers]: all about getting official papers and getting “Wolfgang” on his way [probably to Goshen College?]; mention having Paul Ruth help Wolfgang in Amsterdam. • • • REPLY, Bender to Miriam A. Bowers, May 21, 1951 (using that Postmaster General address [Miriam Bowers]: thanks; sorry about the new regulations; hoped Wolfgang could make the sailing of the Leerdam July 21. {23} Bender to Miriam Bowers, May 30, 1951 (again using that Postmaster General address): sending an American Express remittance of $15 to pay a certain bill for 52 marks; any left over, give to Pfarrer Teufel [surely Eberhard Teufel]; at Frankfurt, Bender’s address would be c/o Paul Peachy [sic--Paul Peachey]. {24} Bender to Rufus P. Bowman, November 13, 1950 (to Bethany Biblical Seminary, Chicago [Church of the Brethren; Rufus Bowman]): in next weeks was visiting seminaries to ask various questions including “present practice in dealing with matters of Biblical criticism in the Old and New Testament departments”; would like to see you Sunday afternoon or Monday forenoon. • • • REPLY, Rufus D. Bowman to Bender, November 14, 1950 (Bowman--President of Bethany Biblical Seminary): would be home Sunday; invitation to his home, for noon meal if possible; if possible would arrange conferences with Drs. W. W. Slabaugh and Floyd E. Mallott, respectively teachers of New and Old Testaments. • • • REPLY, Bender to Rufus D. Bowman, November 15, 1950: accepting the “very kind” invitation. • • • CONTIGUOUS, Bender to Rufus D. Bowman, November 17, 1950: could not accept after all, as had obligation here Sunday morning; would arrive at train station 3 p.m., letting you decide any schedule. {25} Bender to Martin H. Brackbill, March 1, 1948 (to New Cumberland Pennsylvania; Martin Brackbill [Bender writing from MCC address in Basel]): regarding your January 3 letter which John C. Wenger [J. C. Wenger] had forwarded; appreciated its comments on Mennonite and Amish history; your data and interpretations have merit, and we would like to publish your letter’s contents in Mennonite Quarterly Review; details and some counterpoint from Bender; mention Milton Gascho; comment on geographical origin of Jacob Amman [Jakob Amman]; comment about origin of first Mennonites to Lancaster County; comment on Brackbill’s view of Amish division; would be discussing your letter with Samuel Geiser, Swiss Mennonite historian. • • • REPLY, Martin H. Brackbill (Martin Brackbill) to Bender, March 16, 1948: thanks; had given John C. Wenger [J. C. Wenger] the letter to publish in Mennonite Quarterly Review; about hiring a researcher, Dr. Frau Huggenberg, in Zurich, but after correspondence and language problems, not using her; maybe Bender or Samuel Geiser could recommend someone....; was in contact with Christian Lerch at Bern, very helpful. {26} Martin Brackbill to Bender, February 7, 1949 (Martin H. Brackbill): much interested in Bender’s Mennonite Quarterly Review reports about publishing Täufer [Anabaptist] material from German archives; how get copies of Mennonitisches Lexikon?; more; interested especially in Dutch committee that helped emigrants get to America.... {27} Bender to Martin H. Brackbill, February 20, 1952 (Martin Brackbill): very appreciative comments on Brackbill’s work; planned to publish his November 15, 1951 letter in April Mennonite Quarterly Review. and one on non-Bernese origin of Lancaster County Mennonites in the July issue. • • • REPLY, Martin H. Brackbill to Bender, February 25, 1952 [Martin Brackbill, to Bender as MQR Editor]: glad to authorize printing the letters in Mennonite Quarterly Review; comments on his hopes for his researches; hoped to make personal acquaintance with Bender. {28} Bender to Milton G. Brackbill, April 29, 1949 [M. G. Brackbill; Milton Brackbill; to Paoli Pennsylvania]: when in Goshen, you said you wanted to read Milo Kauffman’s paper “Nonconformity in Dress” [attire]; am sending a copy, to be returned; Kauffman had asked for discretion in its use.--undated note on bottom. • • • CONTIGUOUS, Milton Brackbill to Bender, no date: at Bender’s request Milo had sent Milton a copy; all should face these facts and respond constructively. {29} Bender to Jan-Auke Brandsma, March 19, 1953 (to Baptist Theological Seminary near Zürich Switzerland): thanks for kind remarks about Mennonite Quarterly Review in your March 15 letter [not extant here]; sources used by Leonard Verduin for translating Menno Simons’ Complete Works; sending certain MQR materials; reference to a 1598 debate to which Dr. Krahn had referred [very likely Cornelius Krahn]; would get Brandsma a copy of a paper by Ellis Graber, “Menno Simons and Scriptures”; glad to learn one of your students was writing on Life and Teachings of Felix Manz; hoped to visit your seminary, probably summer of 1954; mention Conrad Grebel; mention Mennonite World Conference, 1952. {30} B. J. Braun to Bender, December 24, 1952 (Braun--Chairman, General Conference of the Mennonite Brethren Church [MB]; probably Bernhard J. Braun, Bernhard John Braun): P. C. Hiebert [Peter C. Hiebert] had relayed your correspondence addressed to MCC-related church bodies; H. H. Janzen [possibly Henry H. Janzen] of Winnipeg preferred Plan #1 but would accept Plan 2; other Executive Committee members Plan #2--not wanting to break with MCC, but continue to cooperate; this was official answer; brotherly closing. {31} Willis L. Breckbill to Bender, July 10, 1950 (from rural route Lancaster Pennsylvania [Willis Breckbill]): was about to register for an A.A. in Bible at Goshen College, but saw that the nation was likely to begin drafting [I-W Service; conscientious objection, nonresistance, pacifism, military draft, alternative service, Selective Service System, noncombatant service]; was working on a farm and could be deferred, so if drafted he would stay there; please send information. • • • REPLY, Bender to Willis L. Breckbill, July 13, 1950 [Willis Breckbill]: explanation of draft provision for COs [I-W Service; conscientious objection, nonresistance, pacifism, military draft, alternative service, Selective Service System, noncombatant service]; advised IV-E classification--for duration of the law, one more year, no drafting of COs; so could come to school next year.... {32} Bender to Dr. H. Bremer, July 31, 1953 (to Amsterdam Holland): asking Bremer to review a book by Dr. Van der Zijpp, on Mennonites in Holland [probably Nanne van der Zijpp]... [Mennonite Quarterly Review]. {33} Bender to John K. Brenneman, June 25, 1954 (to rural route Lancaster Pennsylvania): credits addressee would still need for a Th.B. degree--he had earned a B.A. at EMC [Eastern Mennonite College; later EMU, Eastern Mennonite University]. • • • ATTACHED, a scratch sheet. {34} Bender to “Mrs. Virgil Brenneman”, July 16, 1948 (sic--Helen Good Brenneman, Helen Brenneman, with MCC at Gronau Westfalen in Germany): in light of your plans to be in school at Goshen, inquired whether she could do office work for Bender for MCC, MRC, and PPC, paid by those committees at college rate; a few details. {35} Virgil J. Brenneman to Bender, July 20, 1954 (Brenneman--Pastor, Iowa City Mennonite Church [Virgil Brenneman]): responding to Bender plea for the Bible School at Basel Switzerland [Bienenberg Mennonite Bible School--later, (English name) Theological Seminary Bienenberg; (German Name) Ausbildungs- und Tagungszentrum Bienenberg; (French Name) Centre de formation et de rencontre Bienenberg]; his congregation gave a monthly love gift, this month the Brennemans had diverted it to the Bienenberg school and congregation had given $67.79; personal remarks, greetings to Elizabeth Bender and Nancy [Elizabeth Horsch Bender; Nancy Bender, later Nancy Bender Kostek]. {36} Virgil J. Brenneman to Bender, September 6, 1955 [Virgil Brenneman; Goshen Biblical Seminary, Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminaries, later Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, later Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary]--regarding proposed merger of Mennonite seminaries; favored it, seeing it as natural outgrowth of working together in MCC [Mennonite Central Committee]; two concerns follow; 1. best not to have it on any existing Mennonite educational campus; 2. have it in a “larger city”--favored Chicago, as “a sort of ‘American Congo’”; most important concern was that the church should be in on making the decisions; that he had formulated his concerns from many conversations, not just on his own. • • • CONTIGUOUS: a multilithed version of the letter. • • • REPLY, Bender to Virgil Brenneman, September 23, 1955 [Virgil J. Brenneman; regarding Goshen Biblical Seminary, Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminaries, later Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, later Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary]: had misplaced your letter, requested another copy, and information--to whom sent? as Bender had said in “our conversation” some time ago, the Board had specified the seminary [Goshen Biblical Seminary?] stay in Goshen, so that particular question was closed; and Bender thought bringing it up would confuse the question of cooperating with [GCMC’s] Mennonite Biblical Seminary--plus the loss of losing Bible teachers for the college. • • • REPLY, Virgil J. Brenneman to Bender, September 27, 1955: apology for not making addressees clear--the letter had gone to twelve, mostly members of Seminary Council and Mennonite Board of Education; had gotten favorable responses, and still felt the same about the issues, though understood delay may be necessary; further defense of why he no longer argued for keeping the seminary at Goshen. • • • REPLY, Bender to Virgil J. Brenneman (Virgil Brenneman), September 29, 1955: courteous and appreciative words; but it sounded as if you have been listening to GCMC sources, perhaps Peter Dyck [Peter J. Dyck], particularly the phrase “‘...seminary being dominated by one group’”; having Goshen seminary move to Chicago just not possible--if it could not stay at Goshen, “the whole plan will probably have to be dropped”; confident that GCMC had accepted the Goshen location and that “our Board” would approve the affiliation plan; Chicago suggestion had merit, if the situation were “ideal”; but move to Chicago would be a symbol of moving from MC to GCMC’s “considerably more liberal” position, and so doing so would “be harmful to our own seminary and its cause”; the GCMC people did not appreciate that point, nor did some younger MC “men” [gender], although you know the mind of Iowa congregations; considerably more...; mention Paul Mininger and specific district conferences; your mimeographed letter raised questions of procedure; church had various strains of thought, and it was sometimes necessary to move with unanimous approval, but Bender had confidence in the [MC] church’s governance. {37} Bender to Brethren Publishing House, July 31, 1953 (to Elgin Illinois [Church of the Brethren]): “We” wanted list of books on Brethren history; sending a sheet of titles--please indicate which you can supply, and price, for Mennonite Historical Library, and suggest vendors. {38} Bender to Brethren Service Commission, September 10, 1955 (to Kassel Germany; Church of the Brethren): thanks for sending photos of the Puidoux Conference [peace church conversations with state church leaders in Europe; see GAMEO]; wished to buy four more copies--send three to Bender and one to Der Mennonit Editor “Pfarrer Gerhard Hein Sembach, Pfalz.” {39} Bender to Professor John Bright, March 29, 1954 (to Union Theological Seminary at Richmond Virginia): requesting a reprint of Bright’s lectures on “Biblical Authority and Biblical Theology”; would pay. {40} James C. Brillhart to Goshen Biblical Seminary, July 12, 1956 (from Allentown Pennsylvania): had been to a convention at Winona Lake and passed by Goshen College; himself had a Th.B from Eastern Pilgrim College; was interested in getting a B. A. and a B. D. from Goshen. • • • REPLY, Bender to James C. Brillhart, July 24, 1956: would need more information to give a full reply--but gave basic facts.... {41} Ellen Starr Brinton to Bender, March 23, 1948 (Brinton--Curator of Swarthmore College Peace Collection): would be going to Europe this summer looking for historic peace papers; wanted to attend peace conferences; she and a traveling companion were members of Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, and she had contacts with people of War Resisters League and Fellowship of Reconciliation [FOR] “in all countries”; Paul Goering of Washington D.C. strongly encouraged contact with Bender. {42} L. O. Bristol to Bender, April 3, 1956 (Bristol--Dean of Crozer Theological Seminary): sending six reprints of John Bright lectures [see at Bright, shortly above], no charge. {43} Lewis S. Britsch to Bender, January 17, 1949 (Britsch--“Unit Director” at Krefeld Germany; MCC U.S. stationery; Lewis Britsch): Dr. “Cattapole” [sic--almost certainly Dirk Cattepoel] had been by, and another conversation with him following; Cattepoel had asked for a copy of the book Must Christians Fight [Must Christians Fight: A Scriptural Inquiry, by Edward Yoder, in collaboration with Jesse W. Hoover and Harold S. Bender (Mennonite Central Committee, 1943)]; then soon another man came and said Cattepoel had been asked to translate the book into good German, then left Britsch with the impression that they wanted information about payment.... / Short paragraph about clothing distribution and soup kitchen at Krefeld. • • • CONTIGUOUS, Lewis Britsch to Bender, January 19, 1949: “the man” had returned with translation finished; with the manuscript he had a sealed envelope for Bender; unless Bender instructed differently, Britsch would send the material with Irene Bishop [Irene L. Bishop], sailing February 11. {44} Lewis S. Britsch to Bender, September 23, 1949 (now dateline Heilbronn; Lewis Britsch): had gotten a package from Dr. R. Dollinger, Weisten..., Bavaria, forwarded from MCC at Stuttgart; Walter Eicher had suggested making contact with Bender about it. • • • REPLY, Bender to L. S. Britsch, September 27, 1949: send the package, Bender would pay shipping charges. • • • REPLY, L. S. Britsch to Bender, apparently received October 27, 1949 (MCC stationery, U.S. Army mail service address, Heilbronn; Lewis Britsch, Lewis S. Britsch): Harold Buller had sent a card from Berlin, saying the books were for Cornelius Krahn. • • • REPLY, Bender to L. S. Britsch, Lewis S. Britsch), November 2, 1949: books not yet here; would gladly forward to Cornelius Krahn; meanwhile, please give information about date of shipping and insurance on the package, the size of package, how many books; good to have Harold Buller send Bender a list of the titles. • • • REPLY, L. S. Britsch, Lewis S. Britsch) to Bender, November 9, 1949: gave three titles. {45} Kenneth G. Brown to Bender, April 20, 1955 (from University of Denver): reminding Bender of questionnaire sent him some weeks ago regarding Christian education at your institution; comments on its importance and content. {46} Sam Brownsberger to Bender, June 14, 1951 (from Toronto Ontario; Samuel Brownsberger?; informal, handwritten letter): about sending a snapshot of Bender and a Dr. Bernhard evidently taken at a son’s graduation--with Bender and Bernhard as speakers; writer’s father was well pleased with “your printed talk”, a rather remarkable response. {47} Bender to J. Omar Brubaker, September 12, 1949 (to Moody Bible Institute, Chicago; [Mennonite fundamentalism?]): understood addressee was taking classes at Moody to prepare for full-time service in the church; “...we have nothing at all against Moody Bible Institute,” yet Bender wished “to urge you very strongly” to consider Goshen for next year; about the Th.B. degree; at least would like to talk with you, possibly later in Chicago, but invitation to come to Goshen for interview if Goshen paid one way of the fare...; blind cc to Earl Lehman at Mennonite Home Mission, Chicago. {48} Bonnie Brunk to Bender, November 20, 1953 (no address given): long, 5 single-space typed, full pages; writing of situation with herself and her boyfriend or fiancé [he apparently German, but with excellent English], named Hans [surname not indicated (Hans Hillerbrand?)--probably had been student at Goshen College?]; Hans apparently was back in Germany, with life complicated by being in effect, but not legally, the guardian of his brother Dieter; Bonnie was interested in orphanage work with MCC in Europe; wrote on options, including marriage, but Hans gave high priority to how all this would affect Dieter; etc. etc.; long quotation from Hans’ letter(s), he writing in English [not clear she could speak German]...; he was “open-minded” but “matter-of-fact” about marriage; he thought she should come and then give time for decision; his enthusiasm for studying next year at Basel [?? Bienenberg Mennonite Bible School--later, (English name) Theological Seminary Bienenberg; (German Name) Ausbildungs- und Tagungszentrum Bienenberg; (French Name) Centre de formation et de rencontre Bienenberg ??]; Bonnie finished with problem of whether to finish school instead of all the above.... • • • CONTIGUOUS, re Bonnie Brunk--Bender (writing from Frankfurt) to D. C. Kauffman (Basel), August 10, 1954: reminded Kauffman of their phone conversation about Bonnie Brunk; had consulted with Cornelius Wall, who thought Brunk could do housework at the center at Basel until Bible School closed, working on regular MCC terms; tomorrow she would start at the work camp at Mainz; she had applied to MCC... (how the case was being, and hereafter should be, handled). • • • CONTIGUOUS, Bonnie Brunk to Bender, November 7, 1954 (dateline Basel): In a letter her father had written he had talked with Bender of Hans and Bonnie’s plans; wished she could have told Bender personally of their very recent planning to marry; “Brother Wall” [“Uncle Wall” --?? Cornelius Wall, mentioned above??] would be the “standin” [sic] for Bender and marry them; thank you; etc. {49} Lawrence Brunk to Bender, April 6, 1954 [from Argentina (not from the brother of George R. II)]: had furlough coming and wanted to study--details; considering Goshen Biblical Seminary; please request my credits from EMC [Eastern Mennonite College, later Eastern Mennonite University (EMU)].... • • • REPLY, Bender to Lawrence Brunk, December 8, 1954 (c/o A. J. Metzler, Scottdale Pennsylvania [Abram J. Metzler]; re Brunk, see just above): apology for not answering the letter from Argentina months ago; sending forms and course offerings, inviting you to enroll for second semester. • • • CONTIGUOUS, Registrar Paul Bender to Lawrence Brunk, March 23, 1955 (Brunk now at Goshen College): had transcript from EMC [Eastern Mennonite College, later Eastern Mennonite University (EMU)], showing some work toward Th.B.; because of special circumstances, classifying you as a special student; some details. {50} Bender to M. J. Brunk, March 5, 1953 (to Harman West Virginia): enclosing self-explanatory correspondence between Bender and J. Otis Yoder; would be glad for a copy of your committee’s statement. {51} Mabel Brunk to Bender, August 28, 1950 (Brunk--Associate Editor of Mennonite Nurses’ Association organ The Christian Nurse): asked to be able to publish all or part of Bender’s address “The Scriptural Teaching on Sickness and Disease”. {52} Bender to Miss Marie Brunk, November 24, 1948 (apparently from Stuttgart Germany; apparently A. Marie Brunk): Bishop Sam D. Hochstettler [sic--Samuel Hochstetler, Samuel D. Hochstetler (Old Order Amish) ? ] had furnished $100 for a Bible he had gotten from some refugees from Russia to Canada; sending it as a check; give the money to Miss Elise Hochstettler, near Regensburg, who was the deaconess in charge of the Old People’s Home under Christenpflicht; Michael Horsch could help; about sending some Christmas packages--to Pastor E. Teufel of “Stuttgart, Felbach” [sic; surely Eberhard Teufel]; Gerhard Heim, Sembach; Dr. Ernst Crous, Göttingen.... • • • REPLY, Marie Brunk to Bender, January 4, 1949: had received the $100 check, now in correspondence with Miss Elise Hochstettler; had received the Christmas parcels for the 3 mentioned [see letter just above]; some information about living arrangements. • • • REPLY, ?????????? from and to whom???????????January 14, 1949: had not yet received word that the $100 had arrived; enclosing a $100 remittance for Fraulein Elise Hochstettler, via Christenpflicht [see shortly above]. • • • REPLY, ?????????? from and to whom??????????? February 4, 1949: had letter and check sent January 14...; had sent three letters to Elise Hochstettler but received no reply or instructions. • • • REPLY, Bender to Marie Brunk, April 20, 1949: Give enclosed pamphlets to Pastor E. Teufel [surely Eberhard Teufel]; still no word or insufficient word about transfer of money to Elise Hochstettler. / About care packages left at Laustrasse 29 for Dr. Karl Rembert c/o MCC center at Krefeld, and Herrn Wilhelm Niepoth, Vohrum, in British Zone of Germany. • • • REPLY, Marie Brunk to Bender, May 3, 1949: how she had dealt with packages; had sent some money to Elise Hochstettler in March and with the rest bought nurses’ uniforms and other supplies; merchandise had been delivered. • • • REPLY, June 3, 1949: had sent some books to go to Pastor Teufel [Eberhard Teufel; sending schedule of this summer’s deputation team to Germany; hoped to have short visit with “you and Magdalene Friesen”. {53} Marie Brunk to Bender, August 25, 1949: note about mailing 4 packages, 2 each to Bender and Cornelius Krahn, and the cost. • • • CONTIGUOUS, Marie Brunk to Bender, September 23, 1949: note about money she had spent mailing books; mention Horst Quiring; would be moving to Frankfurt next week, send mail here to Eva Stauffer. • • • REPLY, Bender to Marie Brunk, October 5, 1949: enclosing check for $15 for postage charged to Bender; four packages of Allgemeinde Deutsch Biographie books had arrived; another package mentioned in your September 23 letter had not--probably “a book sent by Dr. Walter Quiring” [formerly Jakob Quiring, Jacob Quiring]; inquiry about Eva Stauffer. {54} Postcard, V. Tammann to Bender, May 13, 1953 (from Haus der Bücher, Basel; in German): offering two items--J. J. Wolleb, Gespräche zwischen einem Pietisten u. Wiedertäufer....; and Benjamin, Bischof v. Bangor, Die eigentliche Beschaffenheit des Reichs Christi; with prices. • • • REPLY, Bender to Hans der Bücher (sic--Haus der Bücher), May 28, 1953 (in German): had searched a long time for the Wolleb book; apparently ordering it. {55} Roy Bucher to Bender, April 7, 1952 (Bucher--Pastor, Pleasant Hill Mennonite Church, East Peoria Illinois): soliciting for the college had met James McCoy, very interesting person, Sumner Illinois; presently he was an unordained United Brethren minister but unhappy with the denomination as he had found lodge members and other matters in his congregation; he was good friend of Howard Hammer; he planned to resign in June and move to Mennonite church at Arthur [? Arthur Mennonite Church ?]; seemed that Henry King wanted him ordained as assistant pastor there; Bucher thought the man needed some Mennonite history etc., and work at Goshen would give him a larger picture of Mennonites; he was nonresistant and wearing coats cut like Harold Zehr’s [nonconformity, attire, regulation coat, straight-cut coat]. • • • REPLY, Bender to Roy Bucher, April 9, 1952: had spoken with President Miller [E. E. Miller, Ernest E. Miller, Ernest Miller] about a scholarship for McCoy and he would get the 80% discount normal for active ministers--with 4 conditions (named); King, Zehr, and Hammer had all spoken with Bender about McCoy, giving “warm and convincing” recommendations...; Bender thought McCoy should be required to take a year in “our seminary” before becoming active minister.... {56} Bender to Roy Bucher, April 26, 1955 (Bucher now at Metamora Illinois): reference to yours of April 22 [not extant here]; Bucher to take summer sessions courses at Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Chicago, including Bender’s course in Anabaptist history; details about what Bucher would need for a Th.B. {57} Bender to Albert Buckwalter, March 20, 1952 (to Chaco, Argentina): thanks for $10 gift to, support of, the seminary. {58} re Albert Buckwalter--Hugh R. Peterson to Bender, October 25, 1955 (Peterson--Dean of Students, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville Kentucky): Albert Buckwalter had applied, could you “warmly recommend him”? “Our experience with the Goshen boys has been uniformly good....” • • • REPLY, Bender to Hugh R. Peterson, November 16, 1955: apology for delayed reply; brief but unequivocal recommendation. • • • CONTIGUOUS, John W. Miller to Albert Buckwalter, April 12, 1956 (to Louisville Kentucky--John Wolf Miller as Dean’s Assistant?): had your letter [not extant here], had checked about what you need for B.D. degree; nearly a page of information; P.S. sending the copies of Concern that you ordered. • • • REPLY, Albert Buckwalter to Bender, April 14, 1956: had letter from “your assistant, John W. Miller”; being so close to having requirements for the B.D., wanted to try to complete it; was interested in “course in Christian Biographies”. • • • REPLY, Bender to Albert Buckwalter, April 17, 1956: glad you want to complete the B.D.; enclosing outline of reading course in Christian Biographies, and application card for the degree.... • • • REPLY, Albert Buckwalter to Bender, April 24, 1956: had received the April 17 materials and had started reading Bainton’s Here I Stand [Roland H. Bainton, Roland Bainton; Martin Luther]; enclosing the degree application with $10 check. • • • REPLY, May 1, 1956: registrar had found error in Miller’s earlier letter [see shortly above], namely failure to include courses Buckwalter had taken in “1943 Relief Workers Training Corps”; with the correction, Buckwalter did not need the reading course he was taking; but Bender thought he might want to finish it; the registrar was ordering your diploma for June commencement. {59} Albert Buckwalter to Bender, May 24, 1956 (from Louisville Kentucky): have your special delivery letter; cannot be at class program, will be at Conservative Mennonite Mission at Austin Indiana on 27th [Conservative Mennonite Conference]; would arrive in Goshen June 1. {60} Bender to Reverend Earl Buckwalter, February 14, 1955 (to Garden City Missouri): there had been correspondence J. C. Wenger [John C. Wenger] with you about supply minister(s) at Sycamore Grove [Sycamore Grove Mennonite Church?]; James D. Yoder of that congregation [James Yoder] would soon finish seminary, but the thinking was that maybe the situation was too difficult for a novice with family in the congregation; James had some doubts, but before counseling him, Bender wished to consult you, his bishop; mention Eldon King, quick information on him. {61} Ira J. Buckwalter to Bender, January 29, 1949 (Ira Buckwalter, Treasurer, Eastern Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities): for the board’s annual meeting, asking Bender to speak on significance of Anabapist Vision for Mennonite church today, and on “Missions and divine imperative”; details. • • • REPLY, Bender to Ira J. Buckwalter, February 8, 1949: accepted; March 9-10. • • • REPLY, Ira J. Buckwalter to Bender, February 12, 1949: another brother could not serve, so could Bender also give the closing sermon? • • • REPLY, Bender to Ira J. Buckwalter, February 14, 1949: sorry, no--train and work schedules prevented it. {62} Ira J. Buckwalter to Mennonite Research Foundation, Melvin Gingerich Director, May 20, 1949 (Ira Buckwalter): Lancaster Mennonite Conference’s Voluntary Service Committee wanted Buckwalter to direct a “Negro survey project”, covering Eastern Pennsylvania, Western Maryland, Northern New Jersey, and New York City; briefly about questions to address, including areas close at home for work among Negroes; more comment [race, African-American, Blacks, home missions]. {63} Bender to Ira J. Buckwalter, May 26, 1949 (Ira Buckwalter--Eastern Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities): had reviewed your letter to Melvin Gingerich and Gingerich’s answer [not extant here]; approval, gladly--this in line with MRF’s purpose; about financing; more comment; cc Melvin Gingerich and Orie O. Miller. • • • CONTIGUOUS, Ira J. Buckwalter to Melvin Gingerich, June 7, 1949: thanks for May 24 letter [not extant here]; asked for details of how to proceed together; cc’s to Bender and Orie O. Miller. {64} Ira J. Buckwalter to Orie O. Miller, November 24, 1950: had your letter [not extant here] about Leonard Schmucker’s request; would be easy to give list of foreign workers, would do best we can regarding home mission workers...; cc to Bender. • • • CONTIGUOUS, Bender to Ira J. Buckwalter, December 13, 1950 (Ira Buckwalter): sorry, had not set deadline for getting the information to Leonard Schmucker; bit of elaboration. {65} Ralph Buckwalter and Genevieve Buckwalter to Bender, November 17, 1949 [Genevieve Lehman Buckwalter]: joy at fellowship with Goshen students and faculty; deep appreciation for seminary work; “We are going ‘out’ to preach the Gospel of Christ in its purity, entirety, simplicity, and in its power [sic]...; “...want to lose ourselves in Japan...; etc.; P.S. Planned to be at Pacific Coast Conference in California and then sail for Yokohama November 28. • • • ATTACHED, Ralph and Genevieve Buckwalter to Bender, February 23, 1949--last evening they had told J. D. Graber [Joseph D. Graber, Joe Graber] they were willing for Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities to send them to Belgium; C. Warren Long had shared his burden for Belgium...; but more and more, Buckwalters felt less and less that they are qualified; would be easier to accept an older field; but still thinking and praying in terms of Belgium.... {66} Copy, S. M. King to Ralph Buckwalter, January 17, 1956 (King--Goshen College Admissions Director: Buckwalter at Goshen): admission to Goshen College for second semester approved; bit of detail. {67} Elizabeth Binkele von Buettner to Bender, May 22, 1949 (Elizabeth von Buettner, Santa Catarina Brazil; handwritten in good English): had been planning to visit the United States, wanted travel advice; details, including bring children Marion von Buettner 9, Edgar von Buettner 7, both of whom spoke German and Portuguese well; mentioned Otto teaching at Ligonier [Otto Binkele; Ligonier Indiana, near Goshen?]; perhaps rent Mrs. Oyer’s apartment [probably Siddie B. King Oyer, Siddie King Oyer, Siddie Oyer]; mention Elizabeth Bender [Elizabeth Horsch Bender] and C. L. Graber [Christian L. Graber, Chris Graber]. {68} Elizabeth Binkele von Buettner to Bender, May 22, 1951 (Elizabeth von Buettner--Germany; handwritten in good English): mention Basel and New York; wishing for a car; etc.; about getting some money; mention “the camp”; greetings to Elizabeth, Mary Eleanor, and Nancy [Elizabeth Horsch Bender, Elizabeth Bender; Mary Eleanor Bender; Nancy Bender, later Nancy Bender Kostek]. {69} Bender to Elizabeth Binkele von Buettner, August 10, 1951 (Elizabeth von Buettner--Germany): about money; an account in New York in 1938 was now shut down; for any money from the life insurance, needed to work through Otto [Otto Binkele]. {70} J. C. Wenger to Fredrick J. Buhner [sic], July 2, 1956 (to Feasterville Pennsylvania; John C. Wenger as Acting Dean): sorry had missed Buhner when Bender had stopped by with Reverend Paul Histand; understood Buhner had taken one year at Kutztown State Teachers College and was interested in Art; sending catalogue; brief information about Goshen College and its character. {71} Superintendent Gustaw Burschart to “Frau Thustek”, September 17, 1956 (from Warsaw; apparently Warsaw Poland): in German; had her card of August 19; thank you for all the greetings and friendliness; had not heard much about the Mennonite churches in Poland; had been told there were a few old people in Gdansk (Danzig), seeking services in various churches; news even worse from Vistula area; had found the Kupski folks--address of Eugeniusz Kupski...--he [apparently] a banker who could not find work; etc. etc. [more such message]. {72} “Leiter des Landesarchives to Mennonite Historical Society, Goshen College, June 14, 1951 (signature illegible; from Eisenstadt): inquiring about culture of Anabaptists who had migrated from Tyrol [apparently to Germany]; mention Innsbruck high school teacher Dr. A. Dörrer... and his work; seemed to want something reproduced from Mennonite Quarterly Review.... {73} Bender to Dr. Winfield Burggraaf, May 1, 1950 (to Staten Island New York): Bender had lost his copy of addressee’s book The Rise of Liberalism in American Theology, and could not find another; Clarence Bauma of Calvin Theological Seminary had suggested writing to you the author.... • • • REPLY, Winfield Burggraaff to Bender, May 3, 1950 (Burggraaff--minister of a Reformed Church): mailing a paperback copy, only lending it; when book published, had been a minister in Milwaukee, and a search might uncover a shelf of the books there; were suggestions for reprinting; mention Professor Fagginger Auer, but Burggraaff could not finance reprinting. • • • CONTIGUOUS, Postcard, Winfield Burggraaff to Bender, May 12, 1950: somebody had sent a copy from Milwaukee--was sending it to Bender; happened to be wrapped in an issue of Daily Worker which had come to Burggraaff unsolicited. • • • REPLY, Bender to Winfield Burggraaff, May 16, 1950: much thanks; meanwhile had gotten a library loan copy from Grand Rapids; sending stamps to cover the mailing. {74} J. Herbert Burgy to Editor, Mennonite Quarterly Review, October 12, 1950 (from Bradley University, Peoria Illinois): was doing “a geographic survey of Paraguay” and wanted various information about Mennonite colonies there.--hand jottings at bottom mention Menno Colony, Fernheim Colony, Neuland Colony, with populations; bit of other information. • • • REPLY, Bender to J. Herbert Burgy, October 30, 1950: information jotted on letter just above now set into a well-typed letter, with some further information; mention book by Goshen College professor Willard Smith [Willard H. Smith], Paraguayan Interlude--about six years ago Smith had been director of MCC [Mennonite Central Committee] work in Paraguay for two years, living in Asunción. • • • REPLY, J. Herbert Burgy to Bender, November 2, 1950: thanks; could you also furnish a map showing exact colony locations; National Geographic Society map inadequate. • • • REPLY, December 18, 1950: sent updated statistics obtained from Cornelius J. Dyck [C. J. Dyck] at MCC; mention Volendam Colony. {75} Alfred Burkey to Bender, May 27, 1953 (from Shedd Oregon): was a graduate of Western Mennonite School; would be working for a degree in Theology; what if he took work at Oregon State or Linfield College in Oregon; next year would attend EMC [Eastern Mennonite College; later EMU, Eastern Mennonite University], but wanted to graduate from Goshen; details about his draft status, hoped for IV-D classification [deferral as ministerial student [pacifism, military draft, Selective Service System]; needed certain information for his draft board. • • • REPLY, Bender to Alfred Burkey, June 11, 1953: reply delayed by Bender’s travel; had sent materials to Clayton Swartzendruber [sic] and was enclosing copies; looked forward to receiving your application; would write to your draft board after further word from you and Swartzendruber. {76} “Charles” to Bender, October 8, 1951 (penciled “Burkhart, Charles”; Colorado Springs Colorado): had not forgotten request for maps of Mennonite colonies in Mexico; available from P. I. Friesen, Winkler Manitoba, and possibly from Peter Janzen of Haskett Manitoba... [more detail]. / School was going well, and like Jesse Kauffman and his congregation; thought much of Goshen College, would see “you and yours” at Christmas time. {77} Charles Burkhart to Bender, June 8, 1953 (stationery of Goshen College music department): asked for letter of recommendation to Japan International Christian University Foundation, New York City. {78} Bender to Stanley I. Stuber, June 16, 1953 (Stuber--of Japan International Christian University Foundation): recommendation for Charles Burkhart. {79} Document dated March 23, 1956--typed carbon, apparently of a Memorandum from I. E. Burkhart [Irvin Burkhart, Irvin E. Burkhart] to Paul Mininger [as President of Goshen College] regarding “Associated Mennonite seminaries” [Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminaries, later Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, later Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary]: in reply to Board of Control of Mennonite Biblical Seminary [in Chicago; GCMC], wanted to suggest that 1) better not to say “categorically” that “we” would associate only if locating at Goshen, and that “we” are “disturbed” that “10 miles of geography” was “the only remaining issue”; 2) not make finances a part of the discussion [elaborated, mainly that new projects bring out new moneys]. {80} A. Lorne Burkholder to “Bro. Yoder”, May 5, 1954 [from rural route Markham Ontario]: about what seminary courses he might take; mention desire to work for money also, and the needs of his wife; also considering “Dr. Albert Hughes’ Summer Camp at Mor__?_ies Lodge, Muskoka” and earn money there, but Hughes was a Baptist and writer preferred a Mennonite setting.... {81} Bender to M. I. Burkholder, Dean, April 20, 1955 (to Huntington College Theological Seminary, Huntington Indiana): glad to respond to yours of April 18 regarding relationship of seminary to college at Goshen [Goshen Biblical Seminary, Goshen College]; continued with two closely typed pages; frequent references to “AATS” [American Association of Theological Seminaries], some to NCA [North Central Association of Colleges and Schools]. {82} Oscar Burkholder to Bender, August 10, 1950 (from Breslau Ontario; [MC] Mennonite General Conference stationery, Burkholder as Moderator): thanks for good advice to “our young people” about “school plans”.... {83} Oscar Burkholder to Bender, J. L. Stauffer, and John E. Lapp [John L. Stauffer], August 20, 1950 (from Breslau Ontario; [MC] Mennonite General Conference stationery, Burkholder as Moderator); proposed that the planners meet Saturday, January 6, 1951, at Pittsburgh--asking A. J. Metzler to arrange a place [Abram J. Metzler].... {84} Oscar Burkholder to Bender, J. L. Stauffer, and John E. Lapp [John L. Stauffer], December 1950 (from Breslau Ontario; [MC] Mennonite General Conference stationery, Burkholder as Moderator; stamped as received December 12, 1950]: General Council of [MC] Mennonite General Conference had discussed, generally favorably, the possibility of a Prophecy Conference [eschatology; premillennialism, amillennialism]; quoted an action to that effect; conference Executive Committee was asking a committee--Burkholder and the three addressees--to offer tentative plan; attempt to arrange a meeting time. • • • REPLY, Bender to Oscar Burkholder, December 13, 1950: Yes, would serve; dates he could not meet, proposal for place, etc.; prophecy conference proposed for June 14-17; Bender would be at Belleville France June 15-17 for a nonresistance conference, return by July 15--but he need not be at the conference. • • • CONTIGUOUS, Oscar Burkholder to Bender, December 27, 1950 (stationery of Ontario Mennonite Bible School, Burkholder as Principal): had Ministers Week program, would give his topic his best; see you in Pittsburgh on the 6th. • • • CONTIGUOUS, Bender to Oscar Burkholder, January 12, 1951: sending copies of Pittsburgh meeting minutes from planning the “Prophecy Study Conference” [Prophecy Conference; eschatology; premillennialism, amillennialism]; several suggestions for program changes to make the conference more popular and representative. {85} Oscar Burkholder to Bender, May 14, 1951 (Ontario Mennonite Bible School stationery): plans underway for a Bible Institute put on by Ontario Mennonite Bible School; asking advice for textbooks; many jottings in letter’s margins. • • • REPLY, Bender to Oscar Burkholder, May 23, 1951: lists books (clear relationships to jotting on above letter); apology for the reply’s inadequacy--a very busy time, Bender had even typed this letter himself. {86} Paul H. Burkholder to Bender, October 16, 1951 (from Markham Ontario) [nicely penned]: about books left by his father, L. J. Burkholder [surely Lewis J. Burkholder], including “quite a few ... old German volumes” he willed to Mennonite Historical Society.... • • • REPLY, Bender to Paul H. Burkholder, October 22, 1951 (Paul Burkholder): would stop and select books when in Ontario soon to speak at Banners Mennonite Church, and on to Vine land Ontario.... {87} Roy Burkholder to Bender, October 16, 1956 (from Indiana University, Bloomington; NOTE: an archivist has penciled this “Ray Burkholder”, but signature is a bit ambiguous and generally appears to be by same person as signed the letter just above, which has “Roy Burkholder” typed below the signature): for his master’s thesis [M.A.], interested in history of I-W program for Mennonites [I-W Service; conscientious objection, nonresistance, pacifism, military draft, alternative service, Selective Service System]; his adviser, Harold Gramm--friend of Bender--would surely approve; with all Bender’s PPC, MCC, and NSBRO connections, including MCC Peace Section, inviting Bender’s counsel and advice; and would one of those committee’s finance travel? {88} Roy Burkholder to Bender and five others, February 4, 1956: [the other five: Ray Bair of MCC; Eugene Herr, Scottdale Pennsylvania; Cleo A. Mann, Indianapolis Indiana; Paul M. Miller, Louisville Kentucky; J. S. Schultz, Bluffton College in Ohio [Jacob S. Schulz, Jacob Samuel Schulz ??; Burkholder--Co-ordinator of I-W Services, Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities]: “we” had received a Goshen College seminar paper by John C. King [John King], “A Program of Church Expansion Through I-W”; it was valuable; sending copies to you. {89} J. C. Wenger to Betty Burton, October 31, 1956 (to Lagrange Indiana; John C. Wenger as Acting Dean): had her letter about situation at Plato Mennonite Church; was praying God would provide “more adequate” feeding of the “Word of God”; suggested some members talk with the pastor and the bishop. {90} Bender to B. Frank Byler, March 4, 1953 (to West Liberty Ohio): would appreciate report of “developments at Bethel” [Mennonite Church ?]; and on your progress on reading reports; also, alumni directory needs your future address in South America [Argentina?]. • • • REPLY, B. Frank Byler to Bender, March 9, 1953: still working on matter of a minister at Bethel; mention Dwight Stoltzfus, Tim Brenneman [Timothy Brenneman?]; little progress on readings before trip to Texas, but recently got to them; address in Argentina. • • • REPLY, Bender to B. Frank Byler, March 11, 1953: with Dwight Stoltzfus hesitant and Tim Brenneman uncertain, mentioned Kenneth Weaver of Newport News Virginia--about to finish his Th.B. course and marry, his father in Jewish evangelism in Newport News, himself regularly going in and helping in Chicago Home Mission.... • • • CONTIGUOUS, B. Frank Byler to Bender, March 30, 1953: appreciated phone call about Ed Stoltzfus accepting pastorate at West Liberty [Edward Stoltzfus, probably brother of Dwight Stoltzfus--had Bender confused the two? Ed apparently considering South Union Mennonite Church, however]; “our congregation” [Bethel Mennonite Church?] had chosen Loren King as deacon; Newton Weber was moving back here, and many wanted leadership immediately. \ On books for his reading courses; reference to going back to Argentina [South America]; mention A. P. Hallmans [Abram Percival Hallman, Abram P. Hallman; and Esther Yoder Hallman, Esther Hallman]. • • • REPLY, Bender to B. Frank Byler, April 1, 1953: comments on matters covered in letter just above. • • • ATTACHED, Sheet headed “Christian Biographies”, indicating “Church History 608” for 2-3 credit hours, hand having a list of books and a note to Byler. {91} B. Frank Byler to Bender, April 28, 1953 (from Argentina): Bender letter was with material coming later by boat; thanks for books sent; hoped to read a book a week.... {92} Evidently carbon copy of a Memorandum, Bender to Registrar, April 30, 1953: communicating that Seminary faculty was waiving two requirements B. Frank Byler had not satisfied for B.D. degree. • • • CONTIGUOUS, B. Frank Byler (Argentina) to Bender, May 11, 1953: reporting good progress on his reading; some detail. {93} Raymond Byler to Bender, September 7, 1950 (from Pigeon Michigan): that writer was a 35-year-old minister wanting to do Biblical study and get “a clearer concept of our historic faith; could hardly arrive before second semester--what would be offered then? • • • REPLY, Bender to Raymond Byler, September 25, 1950: would be glad to arrange a course of study; 80% reduction on tuition for ministers active in service; details. • • • CONTIGUOUS, Raymond Byler to Bender, December 9, 1950: planned to come second semester; wanted specific dates; had an assignment for his conference’s ministers meeting in late February--could he take off for that? • • • REPLY, Bender to Raymond Byler, January 5, 1951: gave relevant dates; you were correct in assuming you could not take off for two weeks in latter February. {94} Bender to Mrs. T. L. Byler, August 14, 1956 (to rural route Goshen): sending $25 for a wedding cake, very delicious.