Print preview Close

Showing 5039 results

Archival description
Harold Stauffer Bender Papers
Print preview View:

W - miscellaneous

1/2” Folder. jxqa Wabash College Registrar Fred. C. Domroese to Bender, March 17, 1942: following a conversation with Bender recently at Denison University, gave statistics about graduation rates of Wabash College students, in “lustrums” (5-year periods).jxqa Loren Wade and Ada Wade (Sterling Illinois) to Bender, October 6, 1943: about what apparently was an encounter with the local draft board about “Cecil” [Calvin Wade, Cecil Wade]] fulfilling requirements--needed two certificates that he would be admitted to a medical school “after finishing in ‘45”.jxqa Telegram, Bender to Loren and Ada Wade (Sterling Illinois), October 11, 1943: certifying Cecil Wade [Cecil Calvin Wade] as full-time pre-medical student scheduled to complete his curriculum by July 1945; reference to “LOCAL BOARD NO. 2, WIITESIDE COUNTY” and to Classification II-A; notarized documents being mailed.jxqa Copy of telegram, John M. Stager (Appeal Agent, Springfield Illinois) to Major Baird V. Helfrich, Legal Adviser of Illinois State Selective Service System), October 14, 1943: asking for forwarding file of Cecil Calvin Wade [Cecil Wade] concerning medical students; a permission for Bender to appeal.jxqa “Mrs. Loren Wade” (Ada Wade; Sterling Illinois) to Bender, October 15, 1943: sending copy of Stager’s telegram [see just above]; surely hoped Cecil be deferred [[Cecil Calvin Wade, Cecil Wade], but clear the local board would not do it.jxqa Reply, Bender to “Mrs. Loren Wade” (Ada Wade, Sterling Illinois), October 21, 1943: thanks; agreed the deferment doubtful, but would do everything possible.jxqa Bender to Michael Waldner (Bon Homme South Dakota) and Daniel Wipf (Alexandria South Dakota), April 12, 1941: reference to a letter from Waldner about drafted young men, glad you have decided to have yours go to Mennonite camps; mention Orie O. Miller; glad Waldner had recovered health. / Most of letter is about collecting $300 of the $446 Elias Waltner [sic--Elias Waldner?] had promised the Hutterites would pay for the 1929 publication of John Horsch’s book The Hutterian Brethren [The Hutterian Brethren, 1528-1928: A Story of Martyrdom and Loyalty]; not enough copies had sold to pay the printing, but it was very worthwhile to have this English-language account; to be sure you are not responsible for Elias Waltner’s promise, but might the Hutterites pay $300?jxqa Bender to Michael Waldner (Tabor South Dakota), April 28, 1941: happy for your April 25 letter [not extant here], with promise to pay; personal regards etc.; no Mennonite boys called to camp yet, not expected before June 1 [CPS; Civilian Public Service; conscientious objection, nonresistance, pacifism, military draft, alternative service, Selective Service System, noncombatant service]....jxqa Michael Waldner (Tabor South Dakota) to Bender, August 22, 1941: short letter, handwritten in difficult German script, in pencil; perhaps about either military drafted young men [CPS; Civilian Public Service; conscientious objection, nonresistance, pacifism, military draft, alternative service, Selective Service System, noncombatant service] or about paying for printing of John Horsch’s The Hutterian Brethren [The Hutterian Brethren, 1528-1928: A Story of Martyrdom and Loyalty].jxqa Bender to Michael Waldner (Bon Homme Colony, Tabor South Dakota), November 11, 1941 [in English]: happy for your October 31 letter [not extant here]; on John Horsch’s death and its circumstances; on his contacts with Hutterian brethren and specifically with Elias Waldner [Elias Waltner?]; report on the printing and sales of John Horsch’s The Hutterian Brethren, 1528-1928: A Story of Martyrdom and Loyalty; ... willing to send you 2000 of 2100 unbound copies for $300; also had 280 bound copies on hand; glad you are having good harvest, etc.jxqa Bender to (Dean, Indiana University Medical School), April 7, 1939: commendatory letter supporting application of Goshen College student Robert Walter to medical school.jxqa Bender to Henry B. Frening (Head of Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Notre Dame), May 24, 1940: understood Robert Waltner had met with you about doing graduate work in Chemistry; commendatory letter.jxqa Bender to Dr. John Warkentin (Northwestern Medical School, Chicago), June 15, 1941: apology for confusion about time Warkentin was to meet Bender's train on May 20...; Dr. John Schmidt, brother of Dr. Herbert Schmidt, was en route to Paraguay [South America]; Bender had spoken to your father [apparently Abraham Warkentin] in Newton about your own plans....jxqa Bender to Weaver Book Store (New Holland Pennsylvania), June 1, 1943: sending a list of books to purchase for “the Bible School” [Goshen College Bible School, incipient Goshen Biblical Seminary], per conversation when Bender was in the East....jxqa Bender to Allen Weaver (Kansas City Kansas), July 7, 1944: replying to Weaver’s June 13 letter [not extant here], Bender gave requirements and information for earning the Th.B. degree.jxqa B. T. Weaver (Hartville Ohio) to Bender, December 21, 1940: had Bender's letter [not extant here]; “The congregation” [surely writer’s congregation] was “Old Order Amish Mennonite” [sic], “a branch of the D. J. F. Miller Church.”jxqa Bender to Frank Reel Elliot (sic--Frank Elliott, Frank R. Elliott, Admissions Director, Indiana University), August 4, 1942: about Christine Weaver, an “older” Goshen College student, who in the past would have gotten some credit by equivalency examinations but those now were canceled; proposed credits by tutoring or somehow by examination, and asked whether she might then be admitted to Indiana University for graduate work....jxqa Frank R. Elliott (see just above) to Bender, August 7, 1942: “We” provided for credit by examination, or tutoring would work, if Goshen College certified the credit.jxqa Bender to Floyd Weaver (Renssalaer Indiana), February 3, 1940: much enjoyed having “Kenneth” room with the Benders for Winter Bible School (probably a son, Kenneth Weaver); inquiring about his getting more education....jxqa Frances M. Weaver (Ronks Pennsylvania) to Bender, March 2, 1944: had recently met a Dutch man [The Netherlands, Holland] interested in becoming a Mennonite; would Bender help get The Complete Works of Menno Simons in the Dutch language....jxqa Reply, Bender to Frances M. Weaver (see just above), March 6, 1944: responding to her “interesting letter”; such book was “exceedingly scarce” in the United States, and even the English was out of print; the man could read the Dutch edition at Mennonite Publishing House or at the Schwenkfelder Historical Library at Pennsburg Pennsylvania.jxqa Bender to Reverend William B. Weaver (Danvers Illinois), November 11, 1944: Glad for Weaver’s September 22 letter [not extant here]; about “gathering Mennonite periodicals”, and specifically files of The Evangel; Central Conference Mennonite leaders had not been responsive; had sent you a letter two years ago with no reply, then written R. L. Hartzler [surely Raymond L. Hartzler, Raymond Hartzler], Ben Esch [Benjamin Esch?], Harry Yoder, Allen Yoder, and “Stoneback” [probably George Stoneback], none of whom could help; understood Weaver had gotten missing numbers from Alvin Beachy; mention Robert Friedmann doing checking....jxqa Bender to Angus Weber (Saint Jacobs Ontario), September 5, 1939: you may have seen in Gospel Herald that “we” had a special offer for preachers to attend [Goshen College?] a semester at almost no expense; understood Ontario ministers Lorne Schmitt, Moses Baer, Arnold Ginerich [sic--Arnold Gingerich?], and Roy Koch were interested; encouraged Weber to work with his congregation to release Koch to go; could talk with Weber next week when in Ontario for “the Amish S.S.Conference” [Western Ontario Amish Mennonite Conference, surely]....jxqa Esther Weber (Lititz Pennsylvania) to Bender, June 7, 1939: with Miss Kauffman resigning as librarian [surely at Goshen College; probably Stella Kauffman, later Stella Kauffman Binkele], writer wished to be considered for the post, beginning more or less with a “semi-apprenticeship”....jxqa Reply, Bender to Esther Weber (see just above), June 10, 1939: would give “careful consideration” to her proposal....jxqa Bender to P. J. Wedel (Peter Wedel, Peter J. Wedel; Registrar, Bethel College in Kansas), October 4, 1939: With Silas Hertzler on leave, Bender was compiling annual report on attendance at Mennonite schools and colleges [see anual reports in Mennonite Quarterly Review]; questions about Bethel College enrollment, how to read the statistics; please return the questionnaire sent some time ago.jxqa Bender to Gerhard H. Wegner (Chicago), October 16, 1941: would be glad to verify your stay at Goshen College to immigration officials; dates Bender would be gone and not able to give personal testimony.jxqa Telegram, Bender to Mary Wenger (Manheim Pennsylvania), August 30, 1943: understood she wanted to study French in a four-year college: Goshen College could offer four years of it, low cost, possibility of $100 scholarship....jxqa Bender to Samuel B. Wenger (Attorney, Lancaster Pennsylvania), January 18, 1946 [Samuel Wenger]: inquiring about setting up a trust fund in Pennsylvania for a gift a “good brother” might give for historical research--and if so, tax and inheritance implications, etc.jxqa Reply, Samuel S. Wenger (see just above) to Bender, January 23, 1946: nearly 2 pages, answering Bender's specific questions.jxqa Bender to Abdell Ross Wentz (President of Lutheran Theological Seminary, Gettysburg Pennsylvania), April 12, 1943: In Church History, had read addressee’s review of Muhlenberg journals [surely of Henry Melchior Muhlenberg]; did Muhlenberg make specific mention of Mennonites in colonial Pennsylvania?jxqa Bender to Margaret Frawley (of American Friends Service Committee, Philadelphia--AFSC), December 18, 1941: acknowledging her December 4 letter [not extant here] about Mr. Jean Wertheimer; mention Mr. Bennett and Mr. Wiens [Ernest Bennett ??]; on the problem of getting Wertheimer, as a foreign person, into medical school; had met Wertheimer and his father in Lyons in 1940, and much regretted the policy of American medical schools; so no way around that policy... [Historic Peace Churches; Quakers; World War II].jxqa Dan West (Daniel West? Goshen Indiana; letterhead of Church of the Brethren Ministry and Education) to Bender, May 6, 1941: One Paul Jones of Yellow Springs Ohio had requested “our” [Church of the Brethren] literature and wanted conscientious objectors at Antioch [Antioch College] to know background of Historic Peace Churches; suggestion that Bender might send the man some Mennonite literature. / Sorry “none of your representatives could be with us at Manchester”; invitation to come and visit.jxqa Reply, Bender to Dan West (see just above), October 31, 1941: understood there would be a Historic Peace Churches seminar in Virginia; “I must tell you that our Virginia people are so thoroughly convinced about their own interpretation of trends and attitudes in the Church of the Brethren in Virginia that they shrink from every contact with your people there”; so long as that was true, Bender could not possibly cooperate in such a seminar; would like to receive reports, but was so exhausted he could do no more.jxqa Dan West (see just above) to Bender, September 23, 1943: Orie O. Miller had communicated that he expected MCC [Mennonite Central Committee] to keep up with Heifer Project developments; a meeting would occur at West’s home September 27--was sending agenda; West did not have authority to invite Bender but would welcome a telephone call; and Bender could ask the new Secretary, Marvin Senger [sic], to come and talk.--attached: one-sheet agenda with 13 points.jxqa Bender to Dan West (see just above), October 6, 1943: sorry, would be traveling and unable to attend the September 27 meeting; hoped to have a talk with Marvin Singer [sic--Marvin Senger?] this fall.jxqa Dan West (see just above; Brethren Service Commission stationery) to Bender (Basel address), November 6, 1947: heard you had the “difficult mission” of bringing European and American Mennonites together; Mennonites had “spread out” in the last decade and might do so further in light of world needs; Church of the Brethren officials were much concerned to have a strategy enabling their small contribution to do the most good; West valued Bender's thinking, and asked him to outline Mennonite strategy; our two churches had such common purposes that good to have more “fellowship between our two little handfuls of Christians whose genius forbids taking part in war” [pacifism, nonresistance, Historic Peace Churches, ecumenism].jxqa M. L. Price (Superintendent of West Liberty Public Schools, Ohio) to Bender, April 20, 1942: replying to Bender's of April 20 [not extant here], still would like to have Bender “officiate” at Baccalaureate service May 17, giving the sermon....jxqa Bender to H. W. Siddall (Western Clergy Bureau, Chicago), November 24, 1942: as dean of Goshen College Bible School [incipient Goshen Biblical Seminary], inquiring about theological students receiving clergy certificates; reference to Selective Service System’s recognition of them [CPS; Civilian Public Service; conscientious objection, nonresistance, pacifism, military draft, alternative service, noncombatant service].--similar letter, same date, Bender to Manager of Western Clergy Bureau, New York City.jxqa Bender to Mrs. Dallas Westfall (sic; Goshen), August 29, 1939: thanks for her application to teach piano; supposed that “Mrs. Sudermann” and “Miss Jeanette Leek” would have priority, but would depend on advice of “Mr. Kreider” [probably Noble Kreider],jxqa Bender to John Findlay Williamson (sic--“d” and “a” in Findlay; Conductor, Westminster Chorus, Westminster Choir School, Princeton New Jersey), May 31, 1940: inviting Westminster Chorus to sing again [surely at Goshen College]; thought last contract paid meals, lodging, and $350.jxqa Bender to John Finley Williamson (sic, no “d” or “a” in Finley”; see just above), December 13, 1940: in cooperation with “music-minded people of the city in a local association”, again inviting Westminster Choir [sic, “Choir instead of “Chorus”] on same financial terms.jxqa Bender to John Finley Williamson (sic; see just above), May 13, 1941: Bender had written earlier, Williamson had replied [not extant here] that he must await a decision about a South American tour; renewal of the invitation.jxqa Bender to J. O. Buswell (President of Wheaton College in Illinois), July 11, 1939: understood Wheaton Bible faculty had devised and administered a test of Wheaton students’ biblical knowledge; Goshen was thinking of applying such to its students; could we have a copy of Wheaton’s test?jxqa Bender to B. L. Stradley (University Examiner of Ohio State University, Columbus), March 25, 1944: concerning George P. White, a Goshen College student with a medical discharge from the U.S. Army who now wished to study Veterinary Medicine; information on White, including courses taken at Goshen, benefits he was receiving from his discharge, and something of his condition; would he be eligible?jxqa Bender to Neva White (Ann Arbor Michigan), March 29, 1946: about some difficulty evidently between Miss White and “Mr. Cressman” [surely J. Boyd Cressman] over some matter having to do with material sent to Heckman Bindery; Bender gave assurances he would take care of the matter and keep Cressman from assuming responsibilities that were not his [Mennonite Historical Library?].jxqa Bender to Neva White (Librarian at Goshen College), December 9, 1947 [Bender writing from Basel]: had December 9 letter from Dewey Yoder about trunk with books for Mennonite Historical Library, shipped at Bender's request by Irvin Horst via Lulu Smith; some unwise routing; complete set of De Zondagsbode purchased by MHL, a gift from the library of Pastor C. Nijdam...; writing to John C. Wenger [J. C. Wenger]; what account to charge for the shipping; about MHL’s “classified catalog”; Robert Friedmann apparently had not followed all instructions strictly when cataloguing--detail; other problems, mentioning Der Bote, Rundschau, and Mennoblatt; mention Carl Kreider.jxqa Bender to H. P. Randall (Editor of Who’s Who Among Students), October 11, 1939: on whether Bender would cooperate in the compiling; wanted to see last year’s edition.jxqa Thomas Larking III (of a business in Boston) to Bender, January 20, 1941: inviting Bender's help in compiling Who’s Who in Indiana and offering a special price.jxqa Thomas Larking III (see just above) to Bender, July 2, 1941: returning edited draft of Bender's biography for the publication; price offer.jxqa Bender to Edward Wiebe (White Water Kansas [sic--Whitewater Kansas?]), July 14, 1944: on what Wiebe needed to enroll at Goshen College; Goshen allowing credits from Hesston College, and from Los Angeles, credits at half value; mention B.A., B.D. and Th.B. degrees....jxqa Albert C. Wieand (Chicago) to “Bro. Miller” [?? E. E. Miller, Ernest E. Miller, Ernest Miller ??], April 5, 1943 [legibly handwritten on stationery of Bethany Biblical Seminary]: was returning a bibliography, apparently with contributions from a librarian named Moyer at Moody Bible Institute and suggestions from librarian at Northern Baptist Seminary; submitted information on time and money expended--marginal note signed (Ernest?) instructed to send $10).jxqa Dr. Herbert Wiens (Göttingen, British Zone, Germany) to Bender, March 25, 1947 [handwritten German--for which this annotator is ill-equipped]: mentopm Dr. Crous [probably Ernst Crous]; writer was from line of Mennonite Elders [more or less bishops?] of southern Germany; hard experiences in World War II [WWII]; had come to think of living in a new land, America; on getting his doctorate [in Slavic languages???]; had made a visit to Russia; details, further remarks; on having a visit with Bender....jxqa Bender to P. J. Wiens (Newton Kansas; perhaps Peter J. Wiens), November 4, 1943: about obtaining numbers of Bundesbote, Mennoblatt, and The Mennonite; mention Dr. Warkentin [surely Abraham Warkentin] as ill.jxqa Reply, P. J. Wiens (of Historical Library at North Newton Kansas [Bethel College]; see just above) to Bender, November 8, 1943: same subject, naming some specific numbers.jxqa Forbes B. Wiley (Denison University, Granville Ohio) to Bender (and five other deans plus two professors--names not “Mennonite”), March 3, 1942: about preparations for a conference on March 14--no indication of purpose or content.jxqa Reply, Bender to Forbes B. Wiley (see just above), March 5, 1942: planned to attend along with four members of Goshen College Advisory Council.jxqa Bender to Norman B. Wilkinson (Muhlenberg College), December 4, 1942: enclosing notes on books Wilkinson had sent; had added three titles and a paragraph describing “all of Smith’s books [probably C. Henry Smith ?]; apology for delay, Bender having been out of the office much this semester and behind in “extracurricular work” [probably due to: CPS; Civilian Public Service; conscientious objection, nonresistance, pacifism, military draft, alternative service, Selective Service System, noncombatant service].jxqa L. E. Williams (Clarinda Iowa) to Bender (as “Librarian”; handwritten), June 29, 1940: understood Bender's church appointed him to write a history of Mennonites in America [note: surely the assignment that eventually resulted in The Mennonite Church in America: Sometimes Called Old Mennonites, mainly by John C. Wenger with Bender contributing (Scottdale Pennsylvania: Herald Press, 1966)]; writer identified parents and himself as members of Mennonite Brethren in Christ Church, and of its oldest Iowa congregation; gave some history; mention Daniel Brenneman, and Rev. Andrew Good of New Carlisle Ohio....jxqa R. N. Williams (Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia) to Bender, July 17, 1944: regarding Bender's July 13 inquiry [not extant here] about Dutch manuscripts, better wait until after the war [World War II] for photostats, as both “our” photography and the cameras were “in the Armed Forces”.jxqa [penciled “Lois Winey?”] to Bender, March 13, 1942 [Goshen College Library note stationery]: suggestion for remarks about library fines in Bender's chapel speech.jxqa L. Winey (Lois Winey) to Bender, March 13, 1942: small note about some library finances (including fines).jxqa Lois Winey (Goshen College business manager’s office stationery) to Bender, July 2, 1942: was working on next year’s budget; wondered about summer session work for “Dr. Amstutz, Carl Kreider, Paul Mininger, Mary Royer, Jacob Suderman, John C. Wenger, Olive Wyse, S. C. Yoder, Walter Yoder [H. Claire Amstutz; J. C. Wenger; Sanford Yoder, Sanford C. Yoder]; mention Paul Erb, Harold Hartzler [H. Harold Hartzler], Hershberger [probably Guy F. Hershberger, G. F. Hershberger, Guy Hershberger], President Miller [E. E. Miller, Ernest E. Miller, Ernest Miller]; other questions.jxqa Bender to Fred E. Winslow (Western Springs Illinois), November 13, 1939: thanks for inviting Bender to October 23 meeting with Rufus Jones as speaker, even though Bender's schedule had not let him come.jxqa D. S. Wipf (“Alex. S.D.”--probably Daniel Wipf, Daniel S. Wipf) to Bender, May 4, 1941: had Bender's of April 9 [not extant here]; delay in answer so as to talk to “Mike Waldner” [Michael Waldner; note-probably about purchase of unbound copies of John Horsch’s The Hutterian Brethren, 1528-1928: A Story of Martyrdom and Loyalty--see correspondence in this folder with Michael Waldner]; “We” [probably Waldner and Wipf] would be willing, “just to help you out”, but not likely other communities would be; account of accident with a wood saw happening to Waldner’s son David Waldner, David almost losing his hand.jxqa Bender to Miss Opal Wise (c/o Elmer Wise, Nappanee Indiana), February 21, 1939: about state aid for her tuition; mention Leland Byler.jxqa Felix van der Wisse (“Vredesgrup”?) to “Dear Friend”, August 8, 1947 [in quite good English]: had heard from Amsterdam MCC [Mennonite Central Committee] that “Mr. Miller and Dr. Kreider” were trying to form relief teams to work in Java, Indonesia; wanted particulars for August [?]-22 conference at Fredesheim of the “Mennonite Peace Group” [surely meaning Doopsgezinde Vredesgroep (Dutch Mennonite Peace Society)]; suggested Bender inform the group when there; interested in sending some of their people, and in having “our C.O.’s in Indonesia being placed in this relief work” if it could be arranged with the government [conscientious objection, nonresistance, pacifism, alternative service].jxqa Bender to S. A. Witmer (Dean of Fort Wayne Bible Institute), October 23, 1942: about Rev. T. T. McIntosh who was inquiring about his record for study at Goshen College; Bender wanted certain materials, so as to follow standards of NCA [the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools].jxqa Bender to S. W. Witmer, March 10, 1942: changes Bender wanted in writeup for Goshen College Biology Department for next year’s catalogue; details; mention Witmer’s upcoming sabbatical and his daughter [then or later Mildred Witmer Harriman, Mildred Harriman].jxqa Reply, S. W. Witmer (apparently Ciudad Valles, S. L. P., Mexico) to Bender, March 18, 1942: about those details; then observation various phenomena in Mexico from butterflies to cheese made by Mennonites [Old Colony Mennonites?] at Chihuahua.jxqa Bender to Paul Wittrig (Imlay City Michigan), March 26, 1939: about scheduling a women’s chorus to sing at Imlay City on its way to Canada; mention Brother Raber in Detroit [Franklin Raber, Franklin B. Raber, Franklin Benjamin Raber] and having the men sing there; mention a Brother Duerksen [?? John Duerksen, John P. Duerksen, John Paul Duerksen ??] and a Brother Burkhart [probably I. E. Burkhart, Irvin E. Burkhart].jxqa Reply postcard, Paul Wittrig (see just above) to Bender, March 28, 1939: plan suited well.jxqa Reply, Bender to Paul Wittrig (see just above), April 3, 1939: arranging the program with M. C. Lehman [Martin Clifford Lehman, “Cliff” Lehman] as speaker; about putting notices in newspaper.jxqa Donnel Woelinga (Haren near Groningen) to “Dear Friend and Brother” [written to John Horsch--see next letter], May 18, 1945 [handwritten in quite good English]: understood letters could now go from Netherlands to USA; good wishes for you and family; Europe through bitter crisis, still danger;...; Allies had brought liberty; Germany such a “sad country”; writer’s retreating movements since March 1940; anxious concerning son Haeÿr's return from Bohemia, he now two years in “compulsory service”; many families much more sorrow; recently had a letter from Ernst Crous...; was David Horsch “your brother?”--he had fallen ill and died; a quotation [in German] from Crous apparently about the death; church in Netherlands had resisted influence of war generally well; not much to write about Mennonites--last Doopsgezind yearbook was 1942; a paragraph on [apparently] Hitler’s loss of believability; wanted news from Mennonites in America.jxqa Bender to Donnel Woelinga (see just above), October 24, 1945: reference to your April 18 letter to John Horsch; Horsch’s death in 1941; David Horsch was John’s cousin, not brother--Michael Horsch was brother; on relief work of American Mennonites in Europe (France and England all through the war, except a short time when German’s occupied France), now in Egypt, Italy, India, China, Paraguay--soon in Phillipines [sic--Philippines]--concern for needs of all “but especially... household of faith”; on “complete exemption” [sic] to conscientious objectors in United States and Canada [CPS; Civilian Public Service; conscientious objection, nonresistance, pacifism, military draft, alternative service, Selective Service System, noncombatant service]--some detail; hoped to hear from you again; would like Doopsgezind Jaarboekye for 1941-1942.jxqa Donnel Woelinga (see just above) to Bender, January 31, 1946: thanks for yours of October 24; news of John Horsch death sad--he had “done so much for the church” with his “fundamental Bible-principles”...; earlier had read American Mennonite papers, now not for a long time; appreciation for news about CPS [Civilian Public Service; conscientious objection, nonresistance, pacifism, military draft, alternative service, Selective Service System, noncombatant service]; Dutch situation and Dutch Mennonites quite different; Sondagsbote had stopped late in the war, had not yet begun again; a monthly, de Noodbrug [“need-bridge between Mennonites in the Netherlands”] carried some news of Mennonite relief work; mention Peter Dyck; Dyck could not inform the writer about Mennonites who had chosen armed services; about a Mennonite minister in Groningen who had left his post to become a navy chaplain; congregation had replaced him with a young man, D. S. Bremer, who was a “Christian anti-militarist; had not been able to obtain Doopsgezind Jaarboekje” of 1941-1942; P.S. gave news from Peter Dyck about Benjamin Unruh losing all his Mennonite records--had taken them for safe-keeping to a district where the Russians then occupied; thought Christian Neff still alive; T. O. Hylkema--[gave an unclear account of him (going to Berlin to help Mennonite refugees?] had not stayed in the Russian Zone; mention Samuel Goering.jxqa Postcard, H. A. Wolfer (Woodburn Oregon; probably Henry A. Wolfer) to Bender, November 26, 1940: send mail to Woodburn, not to Hubbard Oregon.jxqa Bender to World Book Company (Chicago), May 26, 1939: did not understand the credit rating by which you would ship only C.O.D.--and was it against Goshen College or Bender himself?jxqa [regarding Russell Wright] Bender to Fernando Payne (Dean, Indiana University graduate school), April 18, 1940: Wright had taken up mathematics late in college but done very well, Bender wanted to encourage him to enter graduate school at Indiana University; what additional courses might he need?...jxqa Corporal Russel E. Wright (in a training camp at Wolters Texas) to Bender, February 18, 1942: was seeking a meteorologist position in the Air Corps, that would give him nine months at University of Chicago; please write a “To Whom It May Concern” commendation letter.jxqa Reply, Bender to Russel E. Wright (see just above), February 25, 1942: enclosing the letter.jxqa John M. Wurz (Lethbridge Alberta) to Bender, January 30, 1940 [penned in a German script this annotator cannot read; stationery of Hutterian [Hutterite] Brethren of Wilson]: mention Mennonite Life and Bender's Life and Letters of Conrad Grebel, the Martyrs Mirror”, and John Horsch correspondence [last word unclear].

U-V - miscellaneous

BOX 17, 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 verson--as compared to the Items listed under Folder 3. Quite thin folder. {1} Frank O. Ulery to Bender, January 21, 1946 (from North Manchester Indiana; handwritten, no letterhead): inviting Bender to speak in North Manchester community on topic of relief in February or March, and bring along a quartet for a Sunday morning service at West Manchester Church of the Brethren. • • • REPLY, Bender to Frank O. Ulery, January 23, 1946: appointments full until March 10, if that was not too late. {2} Bender to U.S. Bureau of Immigration, June 17, 1939: wanted information for bringing a student from Paraguay, a Mennonite; he probably would need a year of high school before entering college; colleges involved were Goshen College, Bethel College in Kansas, Tabor College, Hesston College. {3} Bender to Gardiner Howland Shaw, October 21, 1940 (Shaw--Chief, U.S. State Department Division of Foreign Service Personnel): as Bender had stated in conversation in Washington last Tuesday, much appreciation for fine services to Bender on his trip to Europe in August; mentioned officials named Sholes, Allen, Crooks, James Stewart, Ostrow. {4} Bender to U.S. Employment Service, September 1, 1943 (to South Bend Indiana): certifying that Earl Maxon was registered full-time at Goshen College, with a semester’s tuition paid, to prepare for church service. {5} (Signature illegible--initials RMP) of U. S. Public Health Service to Bender, February 2, 1942 (Washington DC address): replying to Bender's of January 28 [not extant here], application forms went only to individuals applying; a bit on qualifications needed. {6} [U.S.] War Department Special Staff, Civil Affairs Division to Bender, January 7, 1947 (from Washington D.C. address): answering Bender request [not extant here] about importing paper to Germany [obviously for Mennonitisches Lexikon etc.]; Military Government in Germany had no objection; some stipulations (e.g., shipment from Sweden to German border had to be paid by “the Mennonites [sic] Church in Sweden”--alternatively, information for getting a license for shipping it from United States; information is detailed). {7} John D. Unruh [Sr.] to Bender, March 18, 1942 (Unruh--President, Freeman Junior College): inviting a recommendation for an opening in his school’s “Normal Training Department” [probably teacher training]; details about salary and benefits. {8} B. H. Unruh to Siedlungsleiter [settlers], February 6, 1939 [in German; surely Benjamin Unruh, Benjamin H. Unruh]: heartfelt thanks for a message from D. Nikkel, January 5, about protocols and the settlers’ answer of January 27; about communications with the Holland brethren; mention Witmarsum and investment of Dutch capital...; about conferring with the Dutch brethren; mention teacher D. Enss; paragraphs about specific letters and protokols; mention Heinrich Martins; mention “Freunde Dr. Dyck [Peter Dyck ??]; mention teachers Schellenberg and Enss, Preacher Bolt; mention J. Fröse and wife [immigration, emigration, World War II refugee work]. {9} John D. Unruh to Bender, July 22, 1945 (see shortly above): thanks for invitation [not extant here] to first meeting of Mennonite Scholars Guild [? incipient Mennonite Research Fellowship?]; not planning to come; would Robert Friedmann serve as a Bible teacher? {10} Carl H. A. van der Smissen to Bender, July 24, 1944 (from Bethel Home for the Aged, Newton Kansas): writing as “an old Friend”; thanks for The Anabapist Vision, which writer enjoyed much, “after I got used to the Anabaptist”; could not understand how Bender could call himself Anabaptist--yes, “a Baptiser or a Katabaptist, or Baptistminded, but you are not an Anabaptist, since you do not accept Infant Baptism as a real Baptism”; that “my dear Friend Harold S. Bender” was therefore “a liar” [note: to this annotator, the logic seems to be that to use a word implying rebaptism meant a person was accepting the infant ceremony as indeed a baptism!]; more..../ That writer was now 91.5 years old, hearing and sight failing, so wanted Mennonite Quarterly Review discontinued; sorry, could not make a contribution, since income was only $16/month...; God bless you and your work; writer’s own “Geschichte und Glaubenslehrer der Taufgesinnten sold very quick” [sic]. {11} Bender to W. E. Veerhusen, March 7, 1939 (to Marshall Field & Company, Chicago): about a furniture contract for the college’s new library [Goshen College Memorial Library]; sorry, had awarded the contract to Globe-Wernike and Company; but would purchase lounge furniture from you...--and hold bid for “flooring and Venetian blinds”.... {12} Bender to W. E. Veerhusen, March 15, 1939 (see just above): sorry his crowded schedule in Chicago had not allowed him to contact Veerhusen; would definitely do so on next Chicago visit.... {13} A. L. E. Verheyden to Bender, December 23, 1946 [Doctor in History; address--Vilvoorde “(near Brussels)--likely Alphonse L. E. Verheyden"; writing in fair English]: sending text of his “HET MENNISME IN VLAANDEREN” [Mennonitism in Flanders; note, see article in Mennonite Quarterly Review (April 1947), 51-63, and the book in series “Studies in Anabaptist and Mennonite History” in 1961): details about the manuscript and its disposition; about whom to get as a translator; wished Bender could find someone with French or Dutch to communicate with him, as he knew those languages better than English. • • • REPLY, Bender to Dr. A. L. E. Verheyden, May 22, 1947 --likely Alphonse L. E. Verheyden (see just above; this letter is ribbon copy in English, with penned note in margin, “Dutch translation sent”); attached is cc of the Dutch translation” [annotator’s notes are from the English]: with the help of a Dutch Mennonite student, had translated the introduction and published in Mennonite Quarterly Review April, 1947; had sent a copy to N. van der Zijpp of Rotterdam [probably Nanne van der Zijpp]; Bender would gladly choose a professor to write the preface; Bender would arrive in Amsterdam July 15, be in Brussels last week of June; mention Cleo Mann at MCC Brussels address as contact; much impressed with your scholarly work. • • • REPLY, A. L. E. Verheyden to Bender, June 6, 1947 [in Dutch (or Flemish?)]--likely Alphonse L. E. Verheyden: mentions the letter of May 22, his manuscript, the Mennonite Quarterly Review article, C. Mann [Cleo Mann], the foreword [preface].... {14} A. L. E. Verheyden to Bender, July 28, 1947 (see just above) [handwritten in French--not readable to this annotator]--likely Alphonse L. E. Verheyden: mentioned a Mennonite periodical; an Introduction; a “Monsieur F. L. Ganshof, a university professor”, thanks for kind words. {15} [Illegible signature] to Bender, March 14, 1940 (letterhead of “Verlag, Junge Kirche” [?], Göttingen; letter typed in German): about an article apparently by Bender; mention a 1937 date and a 1939 one; seems to be asking for a payment, with a check from an American bank.... {16} Stado J. Verveld to Bender, October 16, 1946 (from “Den Horn bij Groningen”; typed in imperfect English; presumably to Bender although he not named): writing to inquire about his son coming to Goshen College although without financial resources; identified self as “fundamentalist in faith” [Mennonite fundamentalism?], having attended a “Bible School in Brussels” and worked as an evangelist in Belgium; mention contact with “Dr Verheyden--likely Alphonse L. E. Verheyden”, Dr Dozy and Dr v d Zypp” [surely A. L. E. Verheyden (see just above)--likely Alphonse L. E. Verheyden, probably Nanne van der Zijpp]; saw possibilities in Belgium for evangelism in Belgium “to create Mennonite Gospel Ministry’s” [sic], and he would like to work at it; about work already underway, needing money; penciled note in margin “7 more copies”. • • • CONTIGUOUS, 2 typed copies of the letter. {17} Bender to Fred Von Gunten, November 1, 1943 (sic, capital V on “Von”; Mennonite Book Concern, Berne Indiana): asking help to complete Goshen’s files [Mennonite Historical Library] of The Mennonite and the Bundesbote; mention issues Goshen had gotten from C. Henry Smith at Bluffton College. {18} Bender to Fred von Gunten, January 1, 1944 (sic--see just above): was not sure Goshen’s librarian had paid for the issues of The Mennonite (dates specified); could you furnish (certain issues of) Bundesbote? {19} Bender to William Vosteen, March 17, 1941 (Vorsteen--of Goshen): at long last M. C. Lehman family [Martin Clifford Lehman, “Cliff” Lehman; Lydia Liechty Lehman, Lydia Lehman] had gotten permit to enter Germany--but not allowed to carry mail in, so unable to take yours.... {20} Bender to Rev. H. S. Voth, February 12, 1941 (to Winkler Manitoba; probably Heinrich S. Voth, Heinrich Voth): P. C. Hiebert [Peter C. Hiebert] had asked Bender to send information about requirements for a Mr. Buschman to travel to Paraguay; Bender gave facts and advice.

Z - miscellaneous

BOX 17, FOLDER 17 NOTE: Folder 17 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 17. Thin (3/16”) folder. {1} Martha Zarske to Bender, November 3 [penciled “1941”] (from Dearborn Michigan): “We” had a Dr. Herbert Lockyer; who nicely wrote that regarding eschatology [premillennialism, amillennialism] Bender was “sadly out of step both with the Bible” and “leading fundamental Bible teachers and scholars”--supposed would be so “until the rapture” ...(more)./ Confessed taking stamps when working at the Dean’s office--sending $1.50; Spirit had led her and “Bob” to “real consecration”...; too bad Mennonites did not have more access to Moody Monthly etc.; P.S. hoped “J. C. Wenger’s Muddleheaded series--pitiable!!” was not “the ‘official’ stand of Goshen College on prophetic matters” [Mennonite Fundamentalism (?)]. • • • REPLY, Bender to Mrs. Robert Zarske, November 6, 1941: forgiveness, acknowledgement of money sent; hoped to stop when in Detroit area “provided you can admit a non-pre-millenialist [sic] into your home”; hoped to get to heaven without being pre, but if he needed to be one to enter, “I will gladly conform....” {2} Bender to Benjamin F. Zehr, August 29, 1939 [B. F. Zehr, Benjamin Zehr, Croghan New York]: had Zehr’s of the 24th [not extant here]; enclosing transcript of Kathleen’s credits to date [Kathleen Zehr ?]; about her getting state licenses to teach Home Economics in Indiana and evidently in New York; mention “Brother Hertzler” [likely Silas Hertzler]; her plan for more study, at Cornell University, what she would need.... {3} Bender to Benjamin F. Zehr, February 3, 1940 (re Zehr--see just above): more about Kathleen’s study plans and needs [see just above]. {4} Document, no date, Goshen College Office of the Dean half-sheet stationery, listing courses Charlotte Zehr needed for an “Indiana four-year elementary license”. {5} Postcard, Harold Zehr to Bender, July 30, 1941 (from Rantoul Illinois): that the program of the Sunday School Conference at Fisher [East Bend Mennonite Church] listed Bender to speak Thursday afternoon August 21 on “The Place of the S. S. in Promoting the Ideals of the Christian Home”. {6} Bender to Harold Zehr, September 20, 1943 (re Zehr, see just above): Bible School Advisory Committee would meet Thursday September 23; Maurice O’Connell of Lima Ohio would attend; wanted to schedule a time that suited you two. {7} Harold A. Zehr to Bender, February 14, 1944 (re Zehr, see just above): appreciation for Bender exposition of Galatians, and for emphasis on grace throughout Ministers Week program--and especially in light of present crisis of the church [Note: surely referring to efforts with the (MC)§ Mennonite Church General Conference to censure Illinois Mennonite Conference, that brought a special session of the general conference that year; Mennonite fundamentalism, nonconformity, etc.]; well-meaning brethren were trying to save the church from Calvinism by emphasizing works; about a Th.B. student saying Ministers Week had changed his mind from zeal for regulations that some were promoting; hoped Goshen College would be effective for “purifying” the church’s atonement doctrine [soteriology] and emphasizing “Christ as an individual personal savior”, as East Bend Mennonite Church had been emphasizing, and would see any doctrine of salvation by works as heretical; sorry some students, especially girls, were a problem for Goshen College regarding attire--more spirituality might help [pietism?]; Goshen would have more support from parts of the church if it had some premillennialism, premillenialists--thought it possible to present both amillennialism and premillennialism without discord.... {8} Bender to Howard Zehr, September 30, 1943 (now to Freeport (Illinois): was enclosing copies of letter from your brother Robert Zehr and Bender's reply--sought Howard’s counsel. {9} Bender to Noah Zehr, December 5, 1941 (to New Haven Indiana): had Noah Zehr letter [not extant here] asking about men working in defense industries [conscientious objection, nonresistance, pacifism]; reference to the “Turner, Oregon statement” [“Peace, War, and Military Service”, 1937; (MC) Mennonite General Conference] with its strong rejection of defense work.... {10} Telegram, Bender to Viola Zehr, November 5, 1942 [from Ephrata Pennsylvania (in effect from MCC Akron Pennsylvania?); Viola Zehr at Goshen College--evidently Bender’ secretary?): What had Wilbur Thomas reported about “Freedmann Grant” [sic--Robert Friedmann] from [Carl Schurz Memorial Foundation], and had Harry Yoder confirmed Bender's Illinois appointments for Sunday? • • • REPLY, Telegram, Viola Zehr to Bender, November 5, 1942: no word from either one. • • • CONTIGUOUS, Ernest E. Miller to Viola Zehr, January 8, 1943 [E. E. Miller, Ernest Miller]: expectations and pay in the new semester for her as half-time secretary to the dean while a student. • • • CONTIGUOUS, Ernest E. Miller Bender to Viola Zehr, April 27, 1943 [E. E. Miller, Ernest Miller]xq: same topic as letter just above, but for “next academic year”; mention Miss Winey review of secretary salaries [Lois Winey]. {11} Bender to Viola Zehr, August 12, 1943 (Zehr now at Wooster Ohio): responding to hers of July 26 [not extant here]; okay if she returned by August 17 or 18; glad she was enjoying work as bank teller. {12} Telegram, Bender to Viola Zehr, September 16, 1943 [Bender at Chicago, Zehr at Goshen College]: instructions to a proctor test in Apostolic History: gave 3 questions [for the test]. {13} Bender to Jesse H. Ziegler, November 4, 1943 [Jesse Ziegler, J. H. Ziegler, at Bethany Biblical Seminary, Chicago)]: appreciation for Ziegler book The Broken Cup--it offered “many suggestions for our own Mennonite problems [Mennonite fundamentalism? nonconformity, attire?]; had tried to get several copies but Elgin people [Church of the Brethren press??] said out of print; could Bender obtain at least one copy? {14} Nanne van der Zijpp (?), to Bender, January 29, 1947 (in quite good English; from Netherlands; writer’s name difficult to read but very likely as indicated--see next item): glad for Bender's air-mail letter of January 25 [not extant here]; hoped to get Mennonite Life and other books Bender had promised; likely you have received Dr. Verheyden’s booklet --likely Alphonse L. E. Verheyden; A. L. E. Verheyden’s topic was “Het Mennisme in Vlaanderen” (Mennonitism in Flanders)§]; mention death of Dr. Neff [Christian Neff]--what now of Mennonitisches Lexikon? • • • CONTIGUOUS, same difficult signature, on stationery of N. Van Der Zijpp), to Bender, April 16, 1947: acknowledged books from Bender, glad to have Mennonite Quarterly Review, hoped to get future issues; personal invitation--when would Bender be coming to Europe? Menno Schrag, Mennonite Weekly Review editor, had visited. {15} Bender to Pastor van der Zijpp, November 5, 1947 [Bender writing from MCC headquarters in Basel] (Nanne van der Zijpp): hoped for good session with van der Zijpp when latter returned from America; Bender and Ernst Crous and Mennonitisches Lexikon editors had decided to complete Volume III and get unprinted material to the press by February 1, 1948; more Lexikon information. {16} Bender to Isla Zink, December 12, 1947 (note without address): acknowledging receipt of $5 for Elizabeth Kloss. {17} Bender to John Zoller, Taylor University), March 17, 1941 (Zoller--of Thalonian Literary Society, Taylor University): regarding your letter of March 7 [not extant here] on exchange of drama programs; appreciated the idea of a student exchange, but Goshen had no dramatics. {18} Bender to Zondervan Publishing Company, October 4, 1941 (to Grand Rapids Michigan): some Goshen professors would probably drive up to Grand Rapids to look over your new and used books of theology; meanwhile, sending a list of books of interest for Goshen College library, wanted price of each. {19} Bender to J. Corry Zook, March 6, 1939 (to Ashley Michigan): proposing a visit of Irvin Burkhart and a girls’ quartet [sic--J. Kore Zook, J. K. Zook; Irvin E. Burkhart, I. E. Burkhart; visit to Bethel Mennonite Church at Ashley]; the group would be going to Detroit and Imlay City Michigan; more detail. {20} Mary Zook to Bender, July 27, 1939 (from Sterling Ohio): could not Goshen College employ M. C. Lehman [Martin Clifford Lehman, “Cliff” Lehman] to get him away from Bluffton College; his presence at Bluffton attracted students at Oak Grove Mennonite Church and Pleasant Hill Mennonite Church to Bluffton, and students coming out of that school they showed little interest in MC Mennonite Church; not much said openly, but easy to feel the “silent influence”....

Y - miscellaneous

BOX 17, FOLDER 11 NOTE: Folder 11 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 11. 5/16” Folder {1} Bender to Miss Eva Yeackley, March 4, 1939 (to Milford Nebraska): appreciation about letter she had written [not extant here]; some hints of its contents. {2} Bender to Abner G. Yoder, August 30, 1939 [Yoder--Parnell Iowa; currently moderator of (MC) Mennonite General Conference]: had enjoyed general conference session and thought it done “efficiently”.... {3} Bender to G. Harold Yoder, October 16, 1942 (to Garden City Missouri): about a booklet sent to Yoder which Yoder would like to keep; however, Yoder’s bishop, Joe C. Driver [sic--Joseph C. Driver? Joe Driver; Joseph Driver?] had received one and might give it to the Sunday School Library; if so, please return the one Yoder had. {4} Bender to D. A. Yoder, March 22, 1939 [David A. Yoder]: sending a statement to be published in [Goshen College] Alumni New Letter; President Yoder [S. C. Yoder, Sanford Yoder, Sanford C. Yoder] had approved it, hoped for D. A. Yoder's approval; [no indication of statement’s content]. {5} D. A. Yoder to Nelson Kauffman, December 31, 1946 (Yoder--president, Mennonite Board of Education): oddly this ribbon copy is in Bender correspondence “Y-miscellaneous file”; inconclusive letter about need for cooperation among leaders of “the schools”, and some dissatisfaction about how committees were dealing with these matters. {6} Donald H. Yoder to Bender, October 28, 1942 (to Snell Hall, University of Chicago): writer identified self as a Methodist with Mennonite ancestry, studying Church History; asked some genealogical questions including possible relation to Bender; liked Mennonite Quarterly Review, asked about Martin Mellinger correspondence, and about a contemporary of Mellinger named Johannes Stauffer...; a question about “the Pilmasen (1780*) edition of our Martyr Book” [? Martyrs Mirror ?]--had been offered one for $5--what price was reasonable? {7} Bender to Donald H. Yoder, April 14, 1944 (to Drexel Avenue, Chicago--see just above): replying to yours of March 21 [not extant here]; “we” had received the Ausbund and Martyrs Mirror copies and would send the missing Mennonite Quarterly Review numbers if found; delighted with Yoder’s idea of writing an article on Martin Bohemia; could furnish none of the materials John F. Funk had apparently used regarding Bohemia; mention “Weierhof’s publication” and would like “the complete bibliography [sic] data on the Hostler and Ken dig books”; thanks for “defective copy of the Wand lend Steele”; would send duplicate copy of Die Kleine Geistliche Harfe of 1803. {8} Donald H. Yoder to Bender, August 4, 1944 (to Chicago Theological Seminary--see just above): more or less retracting statement that America’s Mennonites were universalist, made in his article “Der Fröliche Botschafter: An Early American Universalist Magazine,” June 1944 German-American Review; mention Edward Yoder of Scottdale; did Bender know of “European (semi-) Anabaptists” other than Denck who were universalists? Greetings to Wenger, Hershberger, and Yoder [surely J. C. Wenger (John C. Wenger) and Guy F. Hershberger (G. F. Hershberger, Guy Hershberger); likely Edward Yoder]; reminder of Bender's promise to send a copy of the Franconia Mennonite Conference hymnbook [see just above]; would have article “Martin Bohemia and American Protestantism” ready in the fall [? Mennonite Quarterly Review ?]. • • • REPLY, Bender to Donald H. Yoder, August 8, 1944 (to Chicago Theological Seminary): appreciated August 4 letter and its enclosures; this was first time Bender had come across assertion that “anyone of our group” had believed in Universalism; true there was a case of one person in Illinois about 1870 [surely referring to Joseph Yoder/Joseph Joder, of the Amish group led by Joseph Stuckey who became the Central Conference of Mennonites--see Theron F. Schlabach, Peace, Faith, Nation, pp. 75, 219, and other sources; see “Universalism” in GAMEO {Global Anabaptist-Mennonite Encyclopedia On-Line}]; and perhaps some among liberal Dutch Mennonites leaned toward Universalism; but Bender considered Joder an “abberation” and remained highly skeptical of any significant Universalism among Mennonites. {9} Bender to Donald H. Yoder, May 28, 1947 (re Yoder--see just above): could “we” expect the Bohemia article soon? {10} Bender to Edwin J. Yoder, April 27, 1940: find a check for the library building [Goshen College Memorial Library] of $25 from Wilson R. Moyer of the Franconia Mennonite Conference district. {11} Bender to Edwin J. Yoder, September 18, 1941 (re Yoder--see just above): to prepare for audit of Historical Committee of (MC) Mennonite General Conference, needed details on contributions for Mennonite Church Archives. {12} Bender to Edwin J. Yoder, July 16, 1942 (re Yoder--see just above): sending $220 cashier’s check for mortgage payment...; would soon send $50 more...; why Benders had gone overdue; [?Mennonite Board of Education funds ?]. {13} Bender to Edwin J. Yoder, October 29, 1943 (re Yoder--see just above): sending $75, interest on mortgage. {14} Bender to Edwin J. Yoder, January 6, 1944 (re Yoder--see just above): sending $500 certificate of deposit; this would reduce mortgage to $2500--correct? {15} Edwin J. Yoder to Bender, April 5, 1945 (re Yoder--see just above): balance due on mortgage was $1,837.50; interest for last half of 1944 at 5% was $45.94. / Enclosing lists of Maple Grove Mennonite Church in CPS and in armed forces [Civilian Public Service; conscientious objection, nonresistance, pacifism, military draft, alternative service, Selective Service System, noncombatant service]. {16} Bender to Edwin J. Yoder, July 19, 1945 (re Yoder--see just above): more about the mortgage; asking explanation for some detail; etc. {17} Bender to Edwin J. Yoder, June 12, 1947 (re Yoder--see just above): sending money for mortgage and interest for two years 1947 and 1948. {18} Bender to Miss Fern Yoder, June 9, 1942 (to Johnstown Pennsylvania): had visited her home, glad she planned to come to Goshen College; scholarship amount plus work the college would provide; Dorothy Blough was interested in coming. {19} Bender to Glen Yoder, November 20, 1945 (to Protection Kansas): Bender would inquire about a clergy certificate for Yoder, but doubted Yoder would get it while teaching school--the questionnaire asked whether full-time in religious work. • • • CONTIGUOUS, Bender to Western Clergy Bureau, November 23, 1945 [on behalf of Glen Yoder: making the inquiry for clergy certificate, explaining that Yoder had sole charge of a rural Mennonite congregation that gave its ministers no salary.... {20} Bender to Rev. Harry Yoder, November 11, 1942 (to Carlock Illinois): about date and train schedule for a Bender appointment in Illinois. {21} Bender to Harry F. Yoder, August 28, 1943 (to Carlock Illinois): “We” [surely Mennonite Historical Library] were trying to complete holdings of Christian Evangel; requested help to find certain numbers. {22} Bender to Herman Yoder, October 9, 1945 (to Kalona Iowa): on Goshen College library [Mennonite Historical Library?] having obtained books from library of [the late] Edward Yoder; how the college had established price to pay and be fair to “Estie” [Edward Yoder’s widow Estie Yoder, Estie Miller Yoder]; total had come to $135, and if addressee still wanted to pay it, the college would welcome it with a convenient plan. {23} Document giving suggested courses for J. Warren Yoder in “second semester”, “Office of the Dean” half-sheet stationery, no date. {24} Bender to J. W. Yoder, June 1, 1943 [Joseph W. Yoder, Joseph Yoder; see biography by Julia Kasdorf; to Huntington [Huntingdon?] Pennsylvania]: happy at sale of Yoder’s Rosannah of the Amish; if Yoder sent review copy, would gladly give it place in Mennonite Quarterly Review and also “boost” his Amish Hymn Tunes; some questions about how the hymn transcriptions had been done, why Yoder published, etc.; on the large sales of Yoder’s books. {25} Lester O. Yoder to Bender, January 5, 1942 (to Goshen Indiana address): wanting to clear up record of his having his A. B. degree; mention of a questionnaire, enclosed [attached, not filled out]; mention “Mr. Graber” [likely C. L. Graber, Christian L. Graber, Chris Graber]; penciled marginal note indicates “B.A. June 8, 1932]. {26} Naomi Yoder to Goshen College, January 10, 1944 (from Belleville Pennsylvania): thanks for every assistance; had been admitted to Maryland General Hospital. {27} Paul E. Yoder to Bender, February 9, 1939 (to Hubbard Oregon): requesting assistance getting into medical school; had renewed application to Oregon Medical School at Portland, but especially wanted help “with the Indiana Medical School” [University of Indiana Medical School]. • • • REPLY, Bender to Paul E. Yoder, March 3, 1939: certainly willing to help; to Yoder’s advantage, Bender could work through H. Clair Amstutz, disadvantages were Yoder’s lack of a B. A. degree and his not being an Indiana resident; Bender asked a number of questions, gave suggestions; mentioned a Waldo Lehman whom Bender had asked Amstutz to help, then Bender had been embarrassed when Lehman chose another school. • • • CONTIGUOUS, Paul E. Yoder to Bender, March 28, 1939: thanks; had held a good interview with the committee at Portland, thought he had a good chance of getting in there this year; had decided to drop efforts for Indiana University now, and if not admitted at Portland to come and finish B.A. at Goshen College; was a friend of Waldo Lehman and knew that story; had written to H. Clair Amstutz and Lawrence Maurer, who promised to help as they could.... • • • REPLY, Bender to Paul E. Yoder, April 3, 1939: courteous, routine reply. {28} Bender to Dean, University of Oregon Medical School, April 7, 1939 (to Portland Oregon): recommendation letter for Paul E. Yoder. {29} W. Morrison McCall to Raymond A. Yoder, January 10, 1942 (McCall--of State of Alabama Department of Education): on what courses Yoder lacked, if the Goshen College dean would certify that Yoder’s 1931 was equivalent to that of 1941, that is, the year the NCA accredited Goshen College [North Central Association of Colleges and Schools]. {30} R. A. Yoder to “Dr. Miller”, January 11, 1942 (from Wetumpha Alabama; probably Raymond A. Yoder; probably to Ernest E. Miller, E. E. Miller, Ernest Miller): wanted information on courses he could take from Goshen College by correspondence, if there were any; also mentioned a memorandum about qualification for a driver’s license. • • • REPLY, Silas Hertzler (as Director of Teacher Training) to R. A. Yoder, January 17, 1942: Goshen offered no courses by correspondence except Bible; Yoder could get courses from Indiana University. {31} Postcard, Raymond Y to Bender, February 20, 1942 (sic; penciled “Yoder”; posted at Chicago): strange card indicated what to do with stuff in closets--hats, rubbers, etc. {32} Mrs. Elizabeth A. Allen to Bender, January 31, 1942 [copy to Raymond A. Yoder, Holtville High School, Deatsville Alabama; Allen--of State of Alabama Department of Education): on behalf of Yoder, could Bender certify that Yoder’s graduation in 1931 was equivalent to graduation in 1941?... • • • REPLY, Bender to Mrs. Elizabeth Allen, February 6, 1942: affirmative reply. {33} Bender to Raymond Yoder, February 5, 1947 (to Congerville Illinois; apparently NOT Raymond A. Yoder): (Bender writing cautiously and respectfully, nonetheless pointedly); had seen a piece by Bob Keller [? Robert Keller ?], “Shall We Sacrifice Individuals for Principles,” in Missionary Guide; Keller [probably a current or recent Goshen College student ??] was immature and “badly confused”, at a stage at which he should not be published; “...we certainly do not want any of our conference journals or writers to advocate admitting members to the church without accepting the principles and doctrines of the church...; Keller had some sound concerns but not sound biblical interpretation.... {34} Postcard, Bender to S. K. Yoder, November 6, 1941 (to Mill Creek Pennsylvania): Yoder letter of October 29 [not extant here] said John B. Peachey was district of two districts [likely Old Order Amish] but did not name the district--please send those names; (card has penciled information: Belleville Pennsylvania district and Allensville Pennsylvania district). {35} Bender to Ezra B. Yordy, February 1, 1945 (to Eureka Illinois): men about to graduate with Th.B. were thinking of where they could be of best service; regarding Wilfred Ulrich of Roanoke Mennonite Church; he would like to give a year in foreign relief work [World War II relief] but was also firm that he wanted to serve in his own conference district [Illinois Mennonite Conference]; should Bender come to Peoria to confer with Yordy?...; Goshen College Bible School [incipient Goshen Biblical Seminary] only wished to help graduates find places, not push them into any. • • •CONTIGUOUS, Bender to Ezra B. Yordy, February 10, 1945: thanks for reply [not extant here] regarding Wilfred Ulrich; Bender sorry he had not come to Illinois for a meeting but thought telephone conversation(s) with Yordy, “Brother Hartzler” [likely Joseph D. Hartzler, Joe Hartzler, J. D. Hartzler], and Long [surely C. Warren Long] would serve; in general Bender favored licensing, yet wanted to “work in this direction” cautiously; in Ulrich’s case, in light of war emergency ordination might be better vis-à-vis Selective Service system [military draft; ministerial exemption; etc.]; more elaboration.... • • • CONTIGUOUS, Bender to Ezra B. Yordy, March 20, 1945: reference to Yordy letter of March 9 [not extant here]; liked plan for Wilfred and draft of form to licensing; when church acts, you should immediately take his case to local draft board [nonresistance, pacifism, military draft, Selective Service System, ministerial exemption]--elaboration. {36} Bender to Ezra B. Yordy, June 21, 1945 (re Yordy--see just above): reference to Yordy letter of the 16th [not extant here]; Bender replied with full-page letter commenting on John Detweiler (home community was New Wilmington Pennsylvania; was evidently living currently in Chicago) as candidate for ordination and work at “Sheffield”. {37} Bender to Ezra B. Yordy, June 27, 1945 (re Yordy--see just above): reference to Yordy letter of June 25; hoping and praying that John Detweiler [see just above] would be a worker for the Lord and the church; mention “your Sunday-school class” supporting Brother Ulrich [likely Wilfred Ulrich] with $10/month; mention plan to come to Arthur Illinois. {38} Richard J. Yordy to Bender, July 23, 1946 (from Perryton Texas): about Yordy’s being called to Arthur Illinois [probably Arthur Mennonite Church], some details about the congregation, the strong urging of H. J. King for him to come [likely Bishop Henry J. King (d. 1981)]; some reference to how two years’ service in Texas affected the call; references to preaching in Texas in both the MC Mennonite church and the GCMC one [interMennonite], to summer Bible school work, to congregation(s’?) members living over a span of 80 miles; mention a “Brother Showalter” and having been licensed “by Brother Erb” [Allen Erb?]; mention the “Friesens” holding Summer Bible School at Hitchland [Hitchland Texas?]. {39} Bender to Clark R. Yost, June 12, 1941 (Yost--President, McKendree College in Illinois): regarding Chester Brothers [Chester R. Brothers] apparently replying to an inquiry [not extant here] about Brothers’ suitability as a high school or college teacher; reference to Brothers’ having taught at Central Normal College, Danville Indiana; passed greetings to Professor R. H. Hohn who had taught successfully during a “short stay at Goshen College”. {40} Bender to Clark R. Yost, March 30, 1942 (re Yost--see just above): was responding to Yost’s telegram [not extant here] asking confidential appraisal of Chester R. Brothers; Bender had known him only as a student, was asking Dr. Silas Hertzler, Director of Teacher training, to make the reply.... {41} Bender to Giffard A. Shipley, July 15, 1940 (Shipley--of Young Men’s Christian Association, Elkhart Indiana; sic--Giffard--Gifford A. Shipley?): apology: had lost a letter inviting Bender to speak; hoped to serve in the future. {42} Postcard, Albin H. Youngquist to Bender, November 23, 1941 [sic--Albin, clearly; writing from a “Troop” of a “Squadron” at Fort Riley Kansas]: did Bender have a source in German or Russian that would cover Mennonite history in America for “an elderly Mennonite settler in Saskatchewan”, 1926 immigrant from Russia?

Sm - Sz  miscellaneous

BOX 16, FOLDER 5 NOTE: Folder 5 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 verson--as compared to the Items listed under Folder . Thick (5/8”) folder. {1} Ds. S. S. Smeding to Bender, July 31, 1947 [from Noordhorn Holland; Smeding--a “Doopsgezind Predikant” (Mennonite minister); typed in good English]: at advice of N.v.d.Zijpp [probably Nanne van der Zijpp, N. van der Zijpp] was sending Bender a prospectus; wondered if there was a market in United States for an artistic portrait of Menno Simons? if so, would Bender assist its distribution? thought Bender knew the artist, M. Arend Hendriks of Royal Academy at the Hague, and also S.H.N. Gorter [surely Simon Henri Nicolaas Gorter, Simon H. N. Gorter]; more details about the picture. {2} Bender to Elbert Smith, July 8, 1944 (to Chicago): would not be able to advise on courses needed for Th.B. at Goshen without transcript from “Grantham” [Messiah Bible College, Messiah College, Brethren in Christ]; Bender sending some material and would write again. {3} Bender to H. L. Smith, January 11, 1940 [Smith--Dean of School of Education, Indiana University]: appreciated exception made for Kenneth Zook; he was registered at Goshen College for two credit-hours of independent readings. {4} Bender to J. D. Smith, June 15, 1943 [to Eureka Illinois; Joseph David Smith, Joseph D. Smith, Joseph Smith, Superintendent of Mennonite Home for the Aged]: had Smith’s recent letter [not extant here] about a “young man” [sic] in the home advised to buy bonds; on civilian bonds--but they did not bear interest one could draw on; instead were cumulative; seems to say that government bonds in question were the same--that the man’s brother had given bad advice. {5} Bender to J. Harold Smith, December 13, 1940 (Smith--history/English teacher at Hesston College): sorry, cannot use you to teach summer school--Hershberger [surely Guy F. Hershberger, Guy Hershberger, G. F. Hershberger] would teach. {6} Milton L. Smith to Bender, February 14, 1939 [to Springfield Pennsylvania; Smith--Principal of Springfield High School]: had read Bender article in last Bulletin [likely Goshen College Bulletin]; praise for what was happening; ... ; but taking inexperienced teachers on the faculty would bring poorer teachers, including fewer “cultural contributions”; Goshen could make more such contributions than in the past; “I have nothing against Mr. Binkle” [sic--surely referring to Otto Binkele, teacher of French]; ... (more elaboration). • • • REPLY, Bender to Milton L. Smith, January 21, 1939: at some length Bender thanked Smith, saying it was so good when alumni commented; explained “Miss Shenk” [?? Lydia Frances Shenk ??] had resigned abruptly in mid-year, and discussed the circumstances of finding a temporary French teacher; mention Otto Binkele and “Miss Gunden” [Lois Gunden, later Lois Gunden Clemens]; on Smith’s point that college teachers should have experience teaching high school; comment on Smith’s point about “cultural contribution Goshen College ought to make to its students”--believed a campus visit would indicate the college “has made some progress since you were here”--“whole tone of cultural and religious life” was “stronger and higher”; on quality of the Record. {7} Rev. R. J. Smithson to Bender, June 9, 1943 (Smithson--Editor, Scottish Baptist Magazine): much thanks for Bender's review of his book [The Anabaptists: Their Contribution to Our Protestant Heritage (1935)--see Bender review in Mennonite Quarterly Review, January 1943, pages 55-56]; obviously Bender had read it carefully...; Smithson would furnish copies of the review to send out; quoted some other favorable reviews or comments; had seen only one “adverse review”, it by William Y. Tindall who protested that fanaticism (e.g. Münsterites), not prudence, was characteristic; sorry about some “‘minor errors’”; praise for Mennonite Quarterly Review; postscript on whether Baptists had roots in Anabaptism. {8} George Smoker to Bender, January 9, 1939 (George R. Smoker, New York City): about his communication with M. C. Lehman [Martin Clifford Lehman, “Cliff” Lehman] concerning an article by Lehman in The Alumni News; Smoker confessed forgetting some Bender advice and making reference to the matter where he should not have; Lehman was saying convincingly that he Lehman was orthodox on atonement, bodily resurrection, etc., but that indeed the Alumni News article could be read as modernistic--but only because “Umble” [surely John S. Umble, John Umble], not being a theologian, had edited it badly when shortening the article, which Lehman had written in India; etc.; reference to “Busswell and Thiessen” considering it was modernistic, apparently in letters to Daniel Kauffman and others. / Was pleased to be studying where he was [?? New York School of the Bible ??]. {9} Bender to George Smoker, August 29, 1939 (Smoker--George R. Smoker; Scottdale Pennsylvania): was sending an “exegetical study on I Corinthians 11” [gender, prayer veiling, prayer covering], an old manuscript; you are a good exegete. {10} Bender to George Smoker, October 31, 1941 (George R. Smoker; Scottdale Pennsylvania [? Mennonite Publishing House ?]): as you requested, sending “the official copy of the flag salute resolution” to put into Gospel Herald; heard “with some regret” you will be going to Africa; sure you can do “needed and useful work for the heathen” there, but sometimes wondered whether we did not need his caliber at home for our own people;... {11} Bender to George Smoker, November 6, 1941 (to Gospel Herald, Scottdale Pennsylvania; George R. Smoker): enclosing mimeographed minutes “of the special meeting in Chicago, for publication in Gospel Herald if John Horst and A. J. Metzler approved [John L. Horst, J. L. Horst; Abram J. Metzler]; wanted minutes published with statement from Milo Kauffman as (MC) Mennonite General Conference moderator, in same issue as minutes; PPC [Peace Problems Committee] wished to have a “question drawer” much like Guy F. Hershberger had operated, on questions of draft etc. [CPS; Civilian Public Service; conscientious objection, nonresistance, pacifism, military draft, alternative service, Selective Service System, noncombatant service]. • • • CONTIGUOUS, Bender to Smoker, November 8, 1941: that he was enclosing the piece by Milo Kauffman. • • • REPLY, George Smoker to Bender, November 10, 1941: had Milo Kauffman piece, would publish in same issue as those minutes; Kauffman, Metzler, and Horst [see shortly above--but likely, Daniel Kauffman] agreed with idea of having a column; need to keep it short; suggestions for possible headings; comment about decision and plan to go to Africa. {12} Naomi Smoker to Bender, February 27, 1947 [Mennonite Publishing House stationery--writer was Secretary to General Manager (i.e., to A. J. Metzler, Abram J. Metzler]: apology for using black instead of purple ink for Mennonite Quarterly Review cover.... {13} Document headed “MENNO TRAVEL SERVICE”--by Arthur A. Smucker--a list including Bender, November 19, 1947 [2 typed pages; addressed to Atlee Beechy, Bender, Ruth Hilty, Delbert Gratz, Cleo Mann in Belgium, Marie Brunk and John Coffman in England (John Ezra Coffman, John E. Coffman), C. Cocanower in France, Irvin Horst in Holland, Boyd Nelson in Italy, Ralph Gunden in Switzerland]: subject--“Proposed student tour for the summer of 1948”; an update and checking of the plans for that. {14} Bender to Milton M. Smucker, March 20, 1941 (Milton Smucker, Morton Illinois): sorry Smucker was not enrolled for second semester of “our Bible course”; would he come next year? {15} R. R. Smucker to Bender, February 18, 1942 [Ralph Raymond Smucker; Ralph Smucker, Ralph R. Smucker--Goshen physician [previously missionary in India]: about painting and repairing some window sashes. {16} Christian Snyder to Bender, February 13, 1942 (Chris Snyder, Canby Oregon): mention Bethel Mennonite Church and its bishop F. J. Gingerich [Frederick J. Gingerich, Frederick Gingerich]; needed more copies of material sent: needed 16 more of “War Peace and Military Service” [1937 “Turner” statement of (MC) Mennonite General Conference], and 15 copies of Our Attitude as Nonresistant Christians in the Present Situation: A Message to Mennonites and Other Nonresistant Christians (Mennonite Central Committee, 1942), and 20 more “slips” of “Statement of Readiness to Purchase Civilian Government Bonds”; strong words of appreciation for work “you are giving to the church and government in this time...”; your work would be easier if all gave “a normal Christian expression of Nonresistance and Nonconformity”. • • • REPLY, Bender to Chris Snyder, February 17, 1942: sending 20 copies of each. {17} Elvin V. Snyder to Bender, March 8, 1941 (from Carlos Casares Argentina): sending check for Mennonite Quarterly Review, and request for missed issues...; had a Jewish immigrant from Lithuania and Russia teaching him Hebrew, wanted certain materials for that; wanted tips for writing a history of the Argentine mission with Hershey and Shank [T. K. Hershey, Tobias K. Hershey; Josephus Shank, Josephus W. Shank, J. W. Shank, Josephus Wenger Shank]. • • • REPLY, Bender to Elvin V. Snyder, June 13, 1941: comment on what Snyder had written. {18} Bender to John M. Snyder, March 1, 1941 (to Portland Oregon): responding to yours of February 21 [not extant here]; about a paper Snyder was planning to write, on history of Mennonite mission work; Bender strongly advised narrowing his topic; recommended Ed. G. Kauffman [sic--Ed. G. Kaufman (one “f”); Edmund G. Kaufman, E. G. Kaufman] book, The Development of the Missionary and Philanthropic Interest Among the Mennonites.... {19} Bender to John M. Snyder, September 30, 1943 [to Akron Pennsylvania; apparently Snyder was in a financial role at MCC ?]: sending in expense account of $29.04 for return travel Akron to Goshen. {20} Bender to Oliver A. Snyder, February 23, 1939 [to Hespeler Ontario; Oliver Snyder]; on sending chorus to Wanner Mennonite Church on their tour; mention “Brother Kanagy”, Brother Derstine [surely S. M. Kanagy, Simon M. Kanagy, Simon Menno Kanagy; C. F. Derstine, Clayton F. Derstine], Jesse Martin, S. F. Coffman [Samuel Frederick Coffman]; about “Grandma Bender” [likely Elsie Kolb Bender, Elsie Bender]; mention “Violet” [surely Bender’s sister Violet Bender (or Violet Turner--Violet Bender Turner)]; personal regards including to wife Lillian [Snyder]. {21} Bender to Oliver Snyder, June 7, 1947 (to Hespeler Ontario): before Bender left for Europe, writing concerning John Hess--whether to accept him [apparently as a minister] at Wanner Mennonite Church; mention Paul Mininger--keep him informed. / If you are thinking of ship travel to Europe, better make reservation soon; Bender would go by plane now, Elizabeth and daughters come in August or September [Elizabeth Bender, Elizabeth Horsch Bender; Mary Bender, Mary Eleanor Bender; Nancy Bender, later Nancy Bender Kostek]. {22} Bender to J. B. Pritchard, October 30, 1943: Pritchard--Society of Biblical Literature, Crozer Theological Seminary; Bender sending $7 dues, apology for lateness. {23} Document of The Wheathill Bruderhof, Society of Brothers in England, dated June, 1944 (four-page, one-fold printed flyer): descriptive of that Bruderhof. {24} Charles Headland to Editor of Gospel Herald, August 12, 1944 (Headland--of Wheathill Bruderhof Community--see just above): thanks for copy of Mennonites in Europe [by John Horsch]; recent visit from Glen Miller of MCC relief work; about a pamphlet sent with “our letter” of July 30, 1943; thank you for sending Gospel Herald. {25} Undecipherable signature--Llewelyn Harris??--to Bender, February 25, 1946 (from Wheathill--see just above): would be glad if you send copies of Mennonite Quarterly Review, including past ones with articles on Hutterites--and same to Sociedad Fraternal Hutteriana, Primavera, Alto Paraguay, South America; please inform us about publications regarding Hutterites; thanks for your work making old Hutterite writings available. {26} Lois Sommer to Bender, October 31, 1943 (from Bluffton College): Student Christian Association’s Peace and Service Commission (at Bluffton College) wished Bender to be speaker, preference on CPS and relief work; possible dates. • • • REPLY, Bender to Lois Sommer, November 5, 1943: appreciated the invitation, doubted he could do so before March. • • • CONTIGUOUS, Lois Sommer to Bender, January 17, 1944: had written some weeks ago about change in date [not extant here], not gotten reply; proposing March 12. • • • REPLY, Bender to Sommer, January 21, 1944: apology--her letter arrived as he was traveling, etc.; March 12 okay; about train connections. {27} • • • Lois Sommer to Bender, February 28, 1944: polite letter; wanted his topic, for publicity; [after Vespers talk] planned a session in evening with members of the Peace and Service Commission. • • • REPLY, Bender to Sommer, March 2, 1944: topic--“The Christian Faces the Post War World”; yes to the plan, anticipated “joining you in an earnest examination of our responsibilities as non-resistant Christia ns [sic] in this present evil world”. {28} Pierre Sommer to Bender, March ?, 1947 [brief note, from Grand Charmont, Doubs, France; penned in German; day in March unclear even to Elizabeth Horsch Bender]: attached note in Elizabeth Bender handwriting indicates either March 4 or March 21: says “From Pierre Sommer, France... Has sent periodicals published by his congregation during the war”]; letter also includes personal well-wishes. {29} Bender to Mahlon Sauder, September 19, 1942 [sic--should be Mahlon Souder, Mahlon A. Souder; Blooming Glen Pennsylvania]: condolence at death of Souder’s father [John D. Souder, J. D. Souder, John Souder]; reflection includes early death of Bender’s own father, George L. Bender, G. L. Bender, George Bender], and reference to hospitality Souder’s parents had often shown Bender [Sallie Souder, Sallie Alderfer Souder]; asked for a good picture of the father for Mennonite Historical Library. • • • REPLY, Mahlon A. Souder to Bender, September 28, 1942 [stationery of Harleysville Mutual Casualty Company, Mahlon Souder as agent]: appreciation, promise to send the photo. {30} Bender to Souder, October 5, 1942 (see just above): Bender and John C. Wenger both thought the photo a good one [J. C. Wenger]; inquiry about disposition of the father’s books. {31} Mahlon A. Souder to Bender, October 20, 1942 (see letters just above): sending enlarged photo; father’s will gave books not wanted by family to Pennsburg Library--but lawyer advised the family could claim them all and then dispose of them as they wished; Mahlon thought Pennsburg Library a “dying institution”; family undecided. • • • REPLY, Bender to Mahlon Sounder, October 26, 1942: thanks; Bender also thought choice of Pennsburg Library “undesirable”, understood the difficulty; perhaps family should keep them for now, give one or two special ones to Mennonite Historical Library, and take time to decide.... {32} Bender to Mahlon Souder, June 13, 1946 (Mahlon A. Souder, Blooming Glen Pennsylvania): appreciated all the help while Bender and “Bro. Burkhart” [surely I. E. Burkhart, Irvin E. Burkhart, Irvin Burkhart] had visited Franconia Mennonite Conference district.... / Also, Bender had held a good talk with John Lapp [John E. Lapp] about “the singing problem” and Lapp was not doing the “blocking”--he would work for a solution; mention “special singing” [music]; mention being at Deep Run Mennonite Church for bicentennial celebration weekend of June 30. {33} Bender to Mahlon Souder, June 2, 1947 (Mahlon A. Souder, Blooming Glen Pennsylvania): condolences at death of Souder’s wife [Ruth Moyer Souder, Ruth Souder]; mention John C. Wenger [J. C. Wenger]; sorry that being in Europe in coming year would prevent visit to Blooming Glen; travel plans of Bender and of his family; invitation to Souder to stop at MCC headquarters in Basel; that Souder’s father [John D. Souder, John Souder, J. D. Souder] would have been much interested in Bender efforts to buy books in Europe for Mennonite Historical Library, and Bender might write from Holland. {34} Bender to Carle Soule, June 13, 1942 (to Beach City Ohio): appreciated your letter [not extant here] with good words about January Mennonite Quarterly Review; mention subject of Christian education.... {35} Bender to S. A. Neuman [sic], December 22, 1943 [S. A. Newman, Stewart A. Newman: Registrar of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Seminary Hill Texas]: inquiry about credits your seminary would accept--for certain college work and for Th.B. work at Goshen College Bible School [incipient Goshen Biblical Seminary. • • • REPLY, Steward A. Newman to Bender, December 28, 1943: detailed, 2-page reply. {36} Laura A. Woodward “TO LIBRARIANS AND RESEARCH DIRECTORS”, March 10, 1941 [multilithed; Woodward--president of Special Libraries Association, New York City]: about a forthcoming publication, Special Library Resources. {37} Margaret Vinnedge Spohn to Bender, November 4, 1939 (from Goshen address): soliciting contribution for local branch of Needlework Guild of America, money “solely” for the underprivileged of Goshen”. {38} Bender to Jacob H. Springer, June 17, 1939 (to Milford Nebraska; J. H. Springer, Jacob Springer]: answering a letter [not extant here]; might be interested in the Bible offered, if had more information--but only if rare and particularly valuable for Mennonites. {39} Bender to Lela Mae Springer, July 14, 1944 (to Peoria Illinois): had her July 11 letter and, like her, was surprised her transcript showed 59 credits, not 60; he and the registrar had fixed it--explained. {40} Bender to Nelson C. Springer, July 26, 1939 (Nelson Springer, Minier Illinois): today sending off the handbook copy, held up by some revision; understood Springer was returning for next year--reminder to reserve a dormitory room; personal good wishes. {41} Bender to Nelson P. Springer, June 11, 1947 (typed at top--“MENNONITE RESEARCH FOUNDATION”--as makeshift stationery; Nelson Springer, now Goshen College): glad Springer was interested in work of the MRF; Bender and Melvin Gingerich had decided to appoint Springer as “Research Assistant” in the Foundation office; could work as many hours as he could give, presumably 15-20; 60¢/hour; working under Gingerich; etc. • • • REPLY, N. P. Springer to Bender, June 13, 1947: agreed, to minimum of 15 hours/week.... {42} Bender to Milo Stalter, May 24, 1940 (to Detroit): sending the (“overlooked”) application for diploma; diploma being granted by college and General Sunday School Committee of the Mennonite Church--in effect “a teacher training certificate, not regular diploma; instructions. {43} Bender to W. T. Stalter, March 20, 1943 (Stalter--at Western Rubber Company, Goshen): sending check [letter leaves the amount blank] for money raised on campus for Red Cross; the understanding was that it would go to local Red Cross, none to national [pacifism, nonresistance, presumably none to be related to war]; would give to national fund if possible to earmark for civilian relief [World War II, WWII relief work]; returning unused buttons, etc., “including the flag”. {44} Postcard, James Stanley to Bender, January 16, 1943 [Stanley, of National Service Board, Washington D.C.--NSBRO, National Service Board for Religious Objectors]: to reduce number of complimentary copies, would you subscribe to the Reporter? {45} Amos K. Stauffer to Bender, December 28, 1940 (Amos Stauffer, A. K. Stauffer, Lancaster Pennsylvania): had paid for Mennonite Quarterly Review and not received it; was receiving Mennonite Historical Bulletin and wanted to support Mennonite Historical Society, so enclosing $1; mention John E. Coffman [John Ezra Coffman] and John C. Wenger [J. C. Wenger]; legend said Bender’s immigrant ancestor, Daniel Stauffer, was a brother to the writer’s, Jacob Stauffer, making us “distant kin”; mother was a Kreider, and writer wanted Greider-Kreider family information. {46} Henry Stauffer to Bender, April 10, 1939 (from Berkeley California): several months ago had sent stamps to receive Mennonite Quarterly Review, not gotten it, now sending $1 for four issues; had “invested” [apparently been writing] “Mennonite Trails”; now writing chapter “Have the Mennonites Paid their Fine?”--i.e., asking whether “these queer people” who did not bear arms and “do political duty” had done equivalent to “compensate society”?; enjoying contact with C. Henry Smith. {47} Bender to Reverend Henry Stauffer, August 9, 1939 (to Berkeley California): had article from Religious Telescope on which Stauffer had requested criticism; “a few minor points”--doubted many youth had left Mennonite church because of its attitude toward the Bible--instead, because of dress and conduct restrictions, geographical movement, etc. [nonconformity, attire]; did not agree that “extreme individualism” was a “major trait of Mennonitism”--instead, they had strong conferences “and the discipline of the entire organization over the individual”, perhaps true in some Mennonite groups, but not among “old line Mennonites,” who were over half of Mennonites [i.e. (to MC) Mennonite Church, “old” Mennonites or “Old Mennonites”...]; “splinters” the article referenced were small, etc.; about Mennonites being “congregationalists” in sense of congregations being “self-governing”, this true of about half, but not of old-line church, who were “rigidly organized into conferences”..., especially not true in eastern Pennsylvania [Lancaster Mennonite Conference, Franconia Mennonite Conference] which seemed your major interest; “austere” dress was true almost solely of Amish; true, hard to generalize, given Mennonites’ many divisions. • • • REPLY, Henry Stauffer to Bender, August 21, 1939: thanks for prompt reply; defended his calling “Mennonite individualism” “extreme” [seems to have equated division, splintering, with individualism]; at length cited Quakers, Brethren, United Brethren, Methodists, and others as not having had nearly as many divisions; “...failure to discriminate between essentials and non-essentials”; accepted Bender’s correction regarding congregationalism applied to Mennonites; tried to assure Bender he was not “merely a carping critic” but favored candid look at “the Christian religion with its ethical dimensions”; praised Mennonites’ heroic pacifism, but strongly implied Japanese behavior called for an exception; referred to Mahondas Gandhi’s currently greater pragmatism despite his pacifism [Mahatma Gandhi]; still, appreciated Bender's criticism and the esteem Bender had won in his church. • • • ATTACHED, a table of contents of Stauffer’s projected book. {48} Henry Stauffer to Bender, March 12, 1940: had no reply about manuscript sent 3 months ago for Bender's criticism; if you are too busy to reply, “will you at least be kind enough to return it...?” • • • REPLY, Bender to Henry Stauffer, April 12, 1940: apology for delay; had fully intended to respond much sooner but... [explanations of his preoccupations]; had gone over the manuscript and listed criticisms; had enjoyed it, for good writing and “sympathetic interpretation of Mennonite life and principles”; more apology. • • • ATTACHED, 4 elite-type, single-spaced pages of comments. • • • REPLY, Henry Stauffer to Bender, May 14, 1940: full-page letter, quite appreciative, a bit defensive in spots. {49} Bender to William Stauffer, April 14, 1944 (to Sugar Creek Ohio): details about travel arrangements to Puerto Rico Bender had made for Stauffer at the behest of “Brother Graber”. {50} Bender to David Steiner, January 4, 1941 (David C. Steiner, North Lima Ohio; more correspondence follows): Glad folks at Geneva College let Steiner report on Mennonite history and faith; suggestions for sources (by John C. Wenger [J. C. Wenger] and C. Henry Smith); glad Steiner would be stopping at Goshen for Christian Life Conference and Ministers’ Week en route to Missouri. {51} Bender to Reverend David Steiner, March 24, 1943 (to North Lima Ohio): about how to handle credits sent to Goshen College so Steiner could receive B. A. and Th.B. degrees. {52} Bender to Eastern Clergy Bureau, December 7, 1943 (to New York City): asking for a “Clergy Book” for David Steiner, theological student at Goshen College, because he needed to travel frequently to serve “his regular charge near Youngstown Ohio” [probably referring to North Lima church]. {53} David C. Steiner (see just above) to Bender, July 21, 1944 (see just above): very happy at news of Bender's ordination; on obtaining the book The Bible Comes Alive. {54} James Steiner to Bender, May 12, 1939 (from North Lima Ohio): writer and his father had discussed the Sterling Avenue Mennonite Church matter; had long felt he preferred to work in “our branch” but this was the second or third such call;... wanted to give “the pastoral committee” a chance to explain “what pattern” they were seeking; at the same time wanted to remind them “tactfully” that they were not affiliated with any conference...; aware that “Rev. Weber is a Moody trained preacher” [perhaps George A. Weber?] and had “sought to indoctrinate them with the whole list of Moody beliefs [Moody Bible Institute; Mennonite Fundamentalism?]; he also had brought in evangelists from the “Keswick movement”; Brother Coffman [surely S. F. Coffman, Samuel Frederick Coffman] thought there were “some liberalist sections” there also;... if they “cannot endorse what we as Goshen people stand for”, better they be informed now rather than later. {55} Bender to James Steiner, May 18, 1939: appreciated May 9 [May 12 ?] letter, thought Steiner’s decision “good”; would write to Sterling Avenue Mennonite Church people of your attitude; Bender had not known of Weber’s support of Moody Bible Institute position--indeed, Bender had thought opposite, that Weber had lost touch with conservatives. {56} Bender to James Steiner, May 26, 1939: had a letter from Earle Snyder [Earle S. Snyder] saying that Sterling Avenue Mennonite Church was willing to consider you a candidate.... {57} James Steiner to Bender, June 19, 1939 (from North Lima Ohio): refers to a Bender letter [not extant here]; pastoral committee at Sterling Avenue Mennonite Church had contacted him again, saying they wanted to come and see him soon; Mr. and Mrs. Earle Snyder [sic--Earl Snyder?], and M. L. Shuh and wife (he a brother-in-law of Boyd Cressman (J. Boyd Cressman?)] had come on the committee’s behalf and discussion had been congenial and frank; sending a copy of letter to Jesse Martin, at his request [probably J. B. Martin, Jesse B. Martin]. • • • ATTACHED, James Steiner to “Brother Martin”, June 19, 1939 [probably to Jesse Martin, J. B. Martin, Jesse B. Martin]: the Snyders and Shuhs had been deeply concerned that it seemed Sterling Avenue was moving away from Mennonitism--being independent, standing alone without strength to resist various influences [Steiner did not report that the visitors feared Moody-style Fundamentalism as much as they feared worldly practices]; that Mr. Snyder had high regard for Weber, but thought his relatives were not good influence, as the relatives allowed dancing in their home, etc.; mention also of the chair of the church board, a “Mr. Schontz” [sic--Schantz? Shantz?; in any case the church was at a point of parting ways with Weber; Steiner had asked if a “fundamental group of Mennonites” [Mennonite fundamentalism] would unite with him if he came, and explore reconnecting with Ontario Mennonite Conference;... the visitors emphasized that congregational autonomy was very important to the congregation;... etc. {58} James Steiner to Bender, September 27, 1940 (from Garden City Missouri): understood that college people had taken a conditional form of oath of allegiance; county superintendent had warned teachers here that issue would be coming; thought peace committee [Peace Problems Committee ?] had sent letters to ministers on this, but Steiner had not received one--his name probably not yet on mailing lists; please say how you proceeded. {59} James A. Steiner to Bender, December 11, 1945 (from Conneaut Lake Pennsylvania): asking Bender to come for weekend conference on nonresistance and other Mennonite teachings and Mennonite history, at Sunnyside Mennonite Church; if impossible over the holidays, January to March would be okay. • • • REPLY, Bender to Steiner, December 21, 1945: could not come before March 1, but hoped it could happen. {60} Bender to John M. S. Steiner, March 24, 1943 [to North Lima Ohio; John Steiner; John S. Steiner?]: about academic credits he had accumulated, and what it would take to get a B. S. in Education and/or Th.B. degree. {61} Paul D. Steiner to Bender, March 15, 1943 (from Pettisville Ohio): schools in his community were using a textbook that taught “the damnable theory of evolution”; community’s ministers were trying to get the book removed, and community had many Mennonites [Fulton County Ohio]; writing at request of “Bishop Frey” [probably Edward B. Frey, Edward Frey, E. B. Frey]; matter was urgent; could Bender send a “frank appraisal” based on the book’s first chapter (coming under separate cover). • • • REPLY, Bender to Reverend Paul D. Steiner, March 17, 1943: had passed the letter to G. F. Hershberger [Guy F. Hershberger, Guy Hershberger]; enclosing his statement; might be impossible to find a text free of evolution; best course might be to have teachers point out that the textbook was contrary to “the teaching of the Bible and the faith of the churches of this community” and give the Biblical account. {62} Guy F. Hershberger to Paul D. Steiner, March 17, 1943 (see just above): short letter; yes the book taught evolution; note on page 6 it suggested God was the author of evolution; the book was not in accord with either the Biblical account or “the beliefs and teachings of the Mennonite church”--or with what Hershberger taught in his courses. {63} ? Stengel to Executive Board Members Gutbier, Maurer, D. Sippel, October 11, 1947 [from Marburg; surely “gez. Edmund Stengel” (signed, Edmund Stengel?)]: asking about the standing of the Taeuferakten [Anabaptist document] manuscripts and the possibility of a report on their publication. • • • CONTIGUOUS, Edmund Stengel to Bender (to Robert Kreider [Robert S. Kreider]), November 14, 1947 (from Marburg; stationery of Historical Commission for Hesse and Waldeck): on topic of note just above; mention Walter Köhler [Walther Köhler, Walter Koehler, Walther Koehler] and “Pfarrer” (minister) Theodor Sippell; format, paper, costs, etc.; great delight in American Mennonites’ interest, etc.... • • • REPLY, Bender (at Basel) to Professor Dr. Edmund Stengel, November 18, 1947: much thanks, etc.; for some weeks Bender had been writing to colleagues in the Unites States on the matter of publishing the Hessian Täuferakten; about obtaining paper, etc.; had gotten information from Sippell through Dr. Crous [surely Ernst Crous].... {64} Bender to Mrs. S. H. Stetson, December 26, 1939 [Stetson--Secretary of Midwestern AFSC--Midwest American Friends Service Committee; to Oak Park Illinois]: had her December 22 letter [not extant here] stating that Chicago Youth Conference of Historic Peace Churches [HPC], planned for an earlier date, would be on January 8 at Bethany Biblical Seminary [Church of the Brethren]; would be glad to attend and take the part in the program if you still wish.... {65} L. A. Stevenson to Bender, December 8, 1939 (from Sturgis Michigan): inviting Bender to speak to next Brotherhood meeting, December 12; preferred educational talk not too much on the war situation; knew Bender had experience abroad, etc. • • • REPLY, Bender to L. A. Stevenson, December 9, 1939: yes, would address your Men’s Brotherhood in the Methodist Church Tuesday evening; would speak on the suffering of Russian peasants beginning in the 1920s and the flight of refugees (gives his own experience with refugees, at length, and his experiences in Europe); title would be “Flight from Barbarism,” and it would help in understanding Russia’s current attack on Finland. {66} Bender to Dwight Stoltzfus, June 17, 1939 (to Hudson Ohio): Bender had prepared outline for panel at Young People’s Institute at Louisville Ohio, at Beech Mennonite Church; wanted Stoltzfus to prepare scriptural reasons for “our stand” regarding peace and military service [pacifism, nonresistance, draft, conscientious objection]; enclosing a pamphlet from General Conference; instructions. {67} Bender to Eli B. Stoltzfus , May 30, 1939 [Eli Stoltzfus, E. B. Stoltzfus; probably Elias B. Stoltzfus; a bishop; of Hudson Ohio]: wanting Stoltzfus to encourage his grandson Dwight Stoltzfus to continue his education; very favorable words for Dwight. {68} Jacob K. Stoltzfus to Mennonite Quarterly Review, August 28, 1939 (from Ronks Pennsylvania): wanted copies of April and June MQRs for history of Amish in Union County Pennsylvania; seemed to ask for further material on the subject. {69} Paul Bender to “Dean Bender”, December 3, 1941 (Paul Bender as Goshen College Registrar): about Charles Stouder’s educational plans after two years at Manchester College [Church of the Brethren], contemplating either Th.B course at Goshen or work at Bethany Biblical Seminary. {70} Bender to Ora C. Strycker, [no date; mentioned Tuesday May 30, indicating 1939 or 1944] (Strycker--Superintendent of Elkhart County schools): glad to serve on program of Trustees’ Association, but so busy he would have to repeat an earlier talk. {71} Harley J. Stuckey to Bender, October 2, 1943 (Stuckey at Garret Biblical Institute, Evanston Illinois): a Bethel College Kansas graduate, was working for M. A. in history at Northwestern University as well as attending Garrett, and planned thesis “The Political Theories of the Anabaptists”; had read Guy F. Hershberger’s pamphlet Christian Relationships to State and Community [G. F. Hershberger, Guy Hershberger; Mennonite Heritage series for CPS educational program] though Bender could add his “personal conclusions and suggestions” [Note; see different M. A. title at May 2, 1946 shortly below]. • • • REPLY, Bender to Harley J. Stuckey, October 14, 1943: Stuckey was plowing new ground--not much material existed on the subject; pointed to Bender article “Church and State in Mennonite History” and article or two by Edward Yoder, all in Mennonite Quarterly Review; Hershberger surely could help. {72} Bender to Harley J. Stuckey, October 25, 1943 (on Stuckey, see just above): thanks for October 20 letter [not extant here]...; advice for finding Mennonite Quarterly Review at Northwestern. {73} Harley J. Stuckey to Bender, May 2, 1946 [sic--1947? note: see just below--Bender reply was in May 1947, with no mention of delay] (from Chicago): hoped soon to send copy of M. A. Thesis at Northwestern University, “Cultural Interaction Among the Mennonites, Since 1870”--i.e. about relations among Mennonite groups; interested in obtaining complete set of Mennonite Quarterly Review at some good price. • • • REPLY, Bender to Stuckey, May 28, 1947 (to Chicago): offering a set for $20; interested in seeing the thesis. {74} Gerald C. Studer to Bender, October 6, 1947 [Gerald Studer] (from Orrville Ohio): quite personal letter; was not in school this year due to ordination, now Assistant Pastor at Pleasant Hill Mennonite Church with William Detweiler [William G. Detweiler] Pastor; Break in Oak Grove Mennonite Church now complete, Oak Grove now independent; D. D. Miller, A. J. Steiner, and O. N. Johns had directed the ordination service [Daniel D. Miller, Albert J. Steiner, Otis Johns, Otis N. Johns]; enjoying his work, very busy; teaching Bible study classes at Wooster Mission and “at my home church”, approved by Evangelical Teacher Training Association in Chicago, Clarence Benson organization; getting good support--got 1/3 of monthly offerings, Detweiler 2/3; busy, listed activities; had given Wenger at Goshen the original copy of my history of Martyrs Mirror [surely J. C. Wenger, John C. Wenger]; had also given copy to Robert Friedmann (and apparently was sending “the paper” to Bender also).... • • • ATTACHED, the following document, no sender indicated, but from internal evidence surely council and ministers of Oak Grove church--“To the Members of the Oak Grove Mennonite Church”, September 10, 1947: document pledges loyalty to “distinctive principles and doctrines of the Mennonite Church” and desire to continue relationships with the denomination, but--indicates that in May 1947 session the conference [document says “congregation,” but surely referred to Ohio and Eastern Mennonite Conference, which had met at the time and place the document named] had all but ignored a report from Oak Grove congregation, etc., but had laid down requirements for Oak Grove’s continued affiliation; Oak Grove chose not to meet those requirements, and so...--functioning “as an independent congregation”, was deferring the question of affiliation until further developments. {75} Bender to Albert Stump, June 5, 1947 (to Indianapolis): grateful for help to students researching Dutch Mennonites; reference to “Miss van der Schaaf, the Dutch girl”, who had given Bender a list of Dutch books Stump might sell; Mennonite Historical Library already had many of the Mennonite-related books on the list, but would be interested in two or three; suggested they be given to MHL, as “Mrs. Huitema and the other descendants and heirs of the Rev. Reurd Smid” had done; would be leaving Friday for Europe. {76} Bender to Milo Stump, February 10, 1939 (to Bremen Indiana): about “Superintendent Walker” not wanting to accept credits for Stump’s work at Goshen; Bender and Dr. Hertzler [surely Silas Hertzler[, folks at Goshen, baffled (elaboration); apparently Bender strongly urging Stump to take a certain course at Goshen anyhow [although Bender statement is unclear due to a typo and a strikeover]; Bender planning to drive over [apparently to Plymouth Indiana] and speak with Walker [note: see also Bender letter to Eldon Neff in same month [in folder “N - miscellaneous, 1939-1947”, referring to Bender and Hertzler having a very satisfactory interview at Plymouth with Walker]. {77} Bender to, February 17, 1939: reported that satisfactory interview with Walker; mention “Mr. Neff”. {78} V. L. Stump to Bender, December 30, 1941 (Vern Stump, Vern L. Stump; Vernon Stump? Vernon L. Stump?; E.V. Publishing House, Nappanee Indiana stationery [Brethren in Christ]): offering taken at community hall Tuesday evening yielded $117.74--before deducting $5.50 for expenses; money being divided equally among North Main Street Mennonite Church (check going to Homer North), Locke Brethren in Christ Church, and Union Grove Mennonite Church.... {79} Bender to Vern Stump, August 21, 1942 (see just above): asking Stump to do a “prompt” printing job--a 4-page folder--that Farmers Exchange was unable to do; details. {80} Bender to Reverend C. H. Suckau, July 18, 1939 [1940?--see reply below] (Cornelius Suckau, Cornelius H. Suckau, First Mennonite Church, Berne Indiana),: had heard the Berne congregation had invited Mennonite World Conference to meet there; sought the facts, as Bender planned to go to Europe and if MWC met in America he wanted to be there. • • • REPLY, Suckau to Bender, August 29, 1940: upon return from vacation came across Bender's June 18 letter...; yes invited MWC for summer 1941; date not set, and besides unsure it would happen due to World War II; reference to Bender going to Europe “next summer.” {81} Bender to C. H. Suckau, September 7, 1943 (see shortly above): sorry had not helped much for finding a music teacher “for the new Bible Institute at Omaha’ [Grace Bible Institute? Theodore Epp?]; could think of only William Friesen, son of India missionary P. A. Friesen, William a graduate of Goshen and of Westminster Choir School in New Jersey; could not furnish William’s address; wished to be on mailing list of the Institute, wished God’s blessing. • • • REPLY, Suckau to Bender, September 29, 1943: thank-you letter, for help and good will; yes, first stipulation for Grace Bible Institute faculty was “definite experience of the new birth”.... • • • REPLY, Bender to Suckau, October 8, 1943: now had a reply from William Friesen--he not available. / Bender's comings and going, suggestion of Suckau speaking in Goshen College chapel when visiting Goshen. {82} Bender to Suckau, October 21, 1943 (see just above): had yours of October 19 [not extant here]; Friesen had written he was not available; again about Suckau speaking in Goshen College Chapel. {83} Bender to Ervin H. Sutter, August 18, 1942 (to Wilmington Illinois): responding to inquiry about Sutter’s son coming to Goshen College in the fall; sending materials; regarding military draft, your son too young to worry for now [CPS; Civilian Public Service; conscientious objection, nonresistance, pacifism, military draft, alternative service, Selective Service System, noncombatant service]. {84} Oleeda Sutter to Bender, February 16, 1939 (handwritten, from Eureka Illinois): planned to come to Goshen College in the Fall to major in Home Economics; did she need foreign language? Named her high school courses, including one year of Latin.... • • • REPLY, Bender to Oleeda Sutter, February 17, 1939: welcoming words; yes, she needed two years of foreign language but could take language in college to fill a deficit.... {85} Bender to Wilbur F. Swanson, May 1, 1942 (Swanson--Dean of School of Music, Augustana College): had heard a recording of Augustana choir singing the Swedish song “Children of the Heavenly Father”; could you supply information, and perhaps sheet music and name of the recording company? Bender hoped Goshen’s A Capella Choir might sing it. • • • CONTIGUOUS, Bender to Wilbur F. Swanson, May 7, 1942: thanks for his May 5 letter [not extant here] and the information.... {86} Bender to Librarian of Swarthmore College, October 19, 1943: had been using Amelia Mott Gumerre The Quakers, a Study in Costume and wished a copy for Goshen College library; it seemed out of print; might Swarthmore have a duplicate it could furnish, or help find a copy? {87} Bender to Warren Swartley, November 25, 1939 (to Souderton Pennsylvania): about Goshen College Gospel Team coming to Franconia Mennonite Conference area--mention Blooming Glen Mennonite Church, Deep Run Mennonite Church, Doylestown Mennonite Church, Souderton Mennonite Church; mention “Merrill”, apparently Swartley’s son and a student at Goshen College [Merrill Swartley]--more follows. • • • CONTIGUOUS, Bender to Warren Swartley, December 20, 1939: more on the boys coming on the Gospel Team, again mentioning congregations; Walter Yoder willing to conduct singing school in your area; mention Leidy Hunsicker. {88} Bender to Herb Swartz, October 28, 1939 (to a Goshen address): had your letter [not extant here] about Elkhart Truth rejecting his story; there had been “some misunderstanding with Mr. Davis about this...”; Bender would help and was sure they could succeed. {89} *****A. Lloyd Swartzendruber to Bender, October 8, 1943 (Swartzendruber--Superintendent, Mennonite Children’s Home, Kansas City Kansas): regarding picture of Bender's father [D. H. Bender, Daniel Bender, Daniel H. Bender]--writer had worked on it but results did not satisfy him; suggested he might take it to a studio in Kansas City well equipped for the work; prices, etc.; mention E. C. Bender [Ezra Bender, Ezra C. Bender; someone (apparently E. C.) wanted it for the Administration Building. {90} Bender to Alva Swartzendruber, December 21, 1945 (to Hydro Oklahoma): Alva had talked to Bender about coming to Hydro and talk on Mennonite history and principles; Mennonite Board of Education would meet at Hesston in February and perhaps Bender could come then, weekend February 15-17, 1946. • • • REPLY, Alva Swartzendruber to Bender, December 31, 1945 (stationery of Missouri-Kansas Mennonite Conference, writer the Moderator): glad he could come; logistics. • • • REPLY, Bender to Alva Swartzendruber, January 4, 1946: planned a day at Philips University at Enid Oklahoma, then Hydro that (Friday) evening through Sunday morning, then to Greensburg, invited by P. A. Friesen [Peter A. Friesen] for Sunday afternoon and evening; expenses moderate because shared by Mennonite Board of Education and by travel to CPS camps at Gulfport Mississippi and Mulberry Florida [CPS Unit No. 141, Gulfport; was Mulberry part of Unit No. 27, based at Crestview Florida?]. {91} D. B. Swartzendruber to Bender, February 4, 1944 [from Kalona Iowa; likely Daniel Swartzendruber, Daniel B. Swartzendruber]: “Dear cousin and brother”; writer and C. W. Bender [likely Christian W. Bender] were working on a Bender genealogy; about a German letter writer wanted translated, and other material to send [likely to Mennonite Historical Library]; mention Melvin Gingerich; some information about writer’s relatives. {92} Bender to Maude Swartzendruber, January 20, 1944 [addressee: Director of School of Nursing, Mennonite Hospital, LaJunta Colorado]: enclosing some suggestions that Bender and Olive Wyse had worked out, using LaJunta’s course of study as one source, in order to develop a program with liberal arts courses; urgent to talk with M. Swartzendruber soon; about travel via Chicago. {93} F. E. Swartzendruber to Bender, November 23, 1942 [from Hopedale Illinois; probably Frederick Swartzendruber, Frederick E. Swartzendruber]: regarding where “Frederick” stood vis-à-vis draft [surely Frederick Swartzendruber, Jr., Frederick E. Swartzendruber, Jr.], what would happen if he came home to help on farm [draft deferment for agricultural work--II-C classification?], or if he stayed in school; much needed on the farm; Frederick [evidently student at Goshen College] would probably talk of this with Bender. • • • REPLY, Bender to F. E. Swartzendruber, December 1, 1942: if it chose, local draft board could give a pre-medical student a deferment with classification II-A; if he came home from school to work, he probably would not be found essential for the farm; now there was “a Civilian Public Service Reserve Corps” that would allow a “boy” to finish college work if he volunteered for a year of relief work thereafter [MRC; World War II relief; CPS; Civilian Public Service; conscientious objection, nonresistance, pacifism, military draft, alternative service, Selective Service System, noncombatant service]; suggested Frederick might want to register with local board at Goshen. {94} *Bender to United States Immigration and Naturalization Service..., January 21, 1946 (regarding status of Amos O. Swartzentruber): regarding Swartzentruber, Canadian who entered United States at New Orleans March 26, 1945, now a theological student at Goshen College Bible School [incipient Goshen Biblical Seminary]; more, on his draft status, etc. [NOTE: the annotater strongly suspects that this refers to A. Orley Swartzentruber, son of the missionary-to-Argentina and bishop Amos O. Swartzentruber, rather to the father who was commonly known as Amos O. The dates would fit Were father and son both named Amos Orley?] {95} L. L. Swartzentruber to Bender, October 19, 1940 [Laban Lewis Swartzentruber, Laban L. Swartzentruber, Laban Swartzentruber, Hesston College Business Manager]: some folks in his area planned to go to Florida during Christmas holidays and maybe over to Cuba; what information could Bender give [Bender Travel Agency?] {96} Bender to L. L. Swartzentruber, July 8, 1944 (to Greenwood Delaware): had his June 21 letter [not extant here], had thought about the question of a high school teacher for Greenwood Mennonite School; as this was a Conservative Amish Mennonite Conference school [later Conservative Mennonite Conference], might do better inquiring at [EMS, Eastern Mennonite School; later EMC, Eastern Mennonite College; still later EMU, Eastern Mennonite University]; glad to hear that Edward Diener and wife were now at Clarence New York [Clarence Center Mennonite Church?]. • • • REPLY, L. L. Swartzentruber to Bender, July 31, 1944: his desire to see Greenwood Mennonite High School develop; mention Gladys King hired for teach grade school; his daughter Dorcas Swartzentruber was thinking of attending Goshen College, please send catalogue; she and other girls were interested also in preparing for foreign relief work; on his own life, not very active right now in public church work but very interested; high praise for both Hesston College and Goshen College, how they had helped “Esther” [a daughter; Esther Swartzentruber]. • • • REPLY, Bender to L. L. Swartzentruber, August 3, 1944: need to contact E. E. Miller [Ernest E. Miller, Ernest Miller] about relief training; mention Edward Diener and wife, Bender's hopes for them; much about Dorcas Swartzentruber coming to Goshen College. {97} Bender to “Dr. L. F. Swihart’s office”, October 22, 1943 (to Elkhart): was quite sure he had paid the account in question.... {98} Bender to Swiss Consul, May 28, 1947 (to Chicago): was taking his family to Switzerland for a year, wanted certain information about custom duties and handling ration stamps. {99} Postcard, G. Smoker to Bender, September 16, 1939 (to Scottdale Pennsylvania; George Smoker): much thanks for paper in I Corinthians 11; after April 1, 1940 you will see I used it in my thesis. {100} Maude Buzzard Sykes to Bender, October 29, 1941 (Maude Sykes, Chicago): had not yet received information on her Buzzard ancestry she expected by now; etc. • • • CONTIGUOUS, a similar letter, Maude Sykes to Bender, December 4, 1941, reminding of the previous letter.

Sa - Sl miscellaneous, 1939-1947

BOX 16, 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 verson--as compared to the Items listed under Folder 4. Thick (5/8”) folder. {1} P. E. Schellenberg to Ernest E. Miller, April 8, 1943 [ from Tabor College, Hillsboro Kansas--Acting President Peter Schellenberg, Peter E. Schellenberg; Ernest Miller, qqE. E. Miller]: was it possible to have students come and enroll from Canada, and how? Understood Goshen College did so. • • • REPLY, Bender to Schellenberg, April 23, 1943: apology for delay in reply; gave full information. {2} Bender to P. E. Schellenberg, July 26, 1946 (to President of Tabor College--see just above): had yours of July 18 [not extant here]; yes Goshen College Biblical Seminary would admit your graduates unconditionally; about a specific case, what applicant needed to do; hope you will be at Mennonite Encyclopedia meeting in Chicago; Bender had requested certain Tabor College catalogs and not received them. {3} Henry Schenkofsky to Bender, July 25, 1945 (from Oakland California): about himself and especially his poems and written work; on where his materials were--some at Bethel College and Tabor Colleges; mention of titles and books. {4} Alverda Schertz to Bender, October 1, 1940 (Schertz as Secretary; from Metamora Illinois): on planning the Sunday School Quarterly Meeting of Peoria Mennonite Church, Pleasant Hill Mennonite Church, Metamora Mennonite Church, and Roanoke Mennonite Church, all day October 13; could you furnish speaker for “information on Conscription and Registration” [CPS; Civilian Public Service; conscientious objection, nonresistance, pacifism, military draft, alternative service, Selective Service System, noncombatant service]--letting speaker choose topic, or committee would; might Bender himself come and give evening program on Europe, maybe more? might a quartet come also? {5} H. R. Schertz to Bender, April 6, 1941 [from Metamora Illinois; Henry Schertz, Henry R. Schertz; stationery of Mennonite Board of Education]: Bender name was on for Illinois Mennonite Conference in August, to talk on “The Political World in the Time of Christ”; could Bender do it? • • • REPLY, Bender to H. R. Schertz, April 21, 1941: happy to serve, needed to see full program for implications of the subject. {6} Postcard, H. R. Schertz to Bender, July 3, 1941: had mailed check to “Brother Lind” covering his expense to committee meeting [Ivan Lind? Ivan R. Lind?]; “we” plan for Bender on the conference program (see just above)--would mail a program. {7} H. R. Schertz to Bender, August 4, 1941: enclosing conference program, looking forward to Bender's presence. {8} Bender to H. R. Schertz, May 7, 1942: this morning had sent fifty copies of “Statement of Readiness to Purchase Civilian Bonds”; government had not yet approved civilian bond plan, but the “Statement” was valuable if local bond drive leaders honored it; advised appointing a congregation person to see that pledges were kept, even collect and hold money for the bonds--this being done in Indiana. {9} Bender to, May 14, 1942: wanted name of a representative of Apostolic Christian Church from whom Bender could get information in their attitude regarding “war and military service” [pacifism, nonresistance, conscientious objection]; might you have statistics on them and say what you know of their attitude regarding war. / On civilian bonds, “Brother Graber” had returned from Philadelphia and reported progress [probably C. L. Graber, Christian L. Graber, Chris Graber]; suggestion that Schertz, Brother Yordy [probably Henry Schertz, Henry R. Schertz, Ezra Yordy, Ezra B. Yordy], and J. N. Kauffman [sic--should be J. N. Kaufman--J. Norman Kaufman, James Norman Kaufman] take up the matter with the county board for acceptance “in lieu of war bonds”. {10} Howard L. Schertz to Bender, July 9, 1946 (to Buckingham School, Brooklyn New York): due to new requirements of New York state for teachers of “special children”, Schertz needed records from Goshen College, and soon. / Personal words--ask your brother John Bender to write me; enclosing a check for the college for keeping pianos tuned; outstanding at Goshen were its music and its conscientious objection [pacifism, nonresistance]; himself had served in the army and in the American Red Cross; wanted “Mr. Hershberger’s book on “‘the stand of the conscientious objector’” [surely Guy Hershberger, Guy F. Hershberger, G. F. Hershberger--but which book?]; agreed with the Mennonite church on war question, but had felt his faith was merely “the result of habit formations” so could not honestly claim conscientious objector status [CPS; Civilian Public Service; conscientious objection, nonresistance, pacifism, military draft, alternative service, Selective Service System, noncombatant service].... • • • REPLY, Bender to Howard L. Schertz, July 17, 1946: glad for the letter, had ordered the materials sent, including copy of Guy F. Hershberger, War, Peace, and Nonresistance”; interested in your personal attitudes and would like to talk; teaching special students was fine service; gave John Bender’s Philadelphia address--he was back in high school job; expected 500 students at Goshen College this year. {11} Mrs. M. D. Schertz [sic] to Bender, March 22, 1939 (from Washington Illinois)--lengthy letter: Writing about “Lois Mary” (probably her daughter [Lois Schertz? ??Later Lois Mae Schertz??) as a student at Goshen]; thought she would be getting some sort of letter, apparently from Goshen College, which she and apparently others had not gotten; more. {12} Bender to Peter H. Schertz, January 29, 1942 (to Lowpoint Illinois): had yours of 26th [not extant here] about possibly getting “a farm boy from” a CPS camp for his farm--criterion was shortage of labor in a large community, not for an individual; rules uncertain, but doubted individual farmer could do so; would need to go via United States Department of Agriculture with backing from “some official board”...[Civilian Public Service; conscientious objection, nonresistance, pacifism, military draft, alternative service, Selective Service System, noncombatant service; farm deferment]. {13} A. J. Schindlerto Bender, September 26, 1940 [stationery of an insurance and real estate firm, he apparently one partner and secretary of the Fellowship Club of Mishawaka Indiana]: Dr. Walter B. Christophel, a club member, said Bender would speak to the club on November 26; what subject? $40 set aside for “your expenses”.... {14} Bender to “Sol J. Schlabach”, April 27, 1943 (to Middlebury Indiana): Orie O. Miller of MCC [Mennonite Central Committee] and Bender wished to meet some “representative bishops of the Old Order Amish branch” regarding effect of CPS camp work for “Amish boys”; Eli Bontrager [sic--variously Eli Bontreger, probably a better spelling in 1943] and Ira Nissley had visited camps “at our request” and would give their report at a meeting, which would allow discussion; it would be on Goshen College campus this Friday, April 30; please come at MCC expense; P.S. bring along one or two bishops from Holmes County Ohio if you wish. {15} Walter E. Schlabach to Bender, April 5, 1943 [\to Eastern Mennonite School, Harrisonburg Virginia; Walter Schlabach]: on problem getting the courses he needed, in Summer School [Goshen College Bible School?]; detail; mention speaking to Paul Bender.... {16} L. O. Schlegel to Bender, January 6, 1941 [very probably Levi Schlegel, Levi O. Schlegel; from Milford Nebraska; handwritten in ink]: writing about “Certificates for Foreign Relief donation”; had written to E. C. Bender [relief work; Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities Mennonite Relief Committee; Ezra Bender, Ezra C. Bender], he had sent 5 certificates, signed by MCC [Mennonite Central Committee] Chairman and Secretary-Treasurer and by Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities treasurer; wanted to know how to proceed--discussed matter in detail; if writer donated for CPS, what would the money go for? thought congregations’ donations were to be enough; etc., etc.; strong statement of his own commitment.... {17} Amos Schloneger (from Louisville Ohio) to Bender, June September June 9, 1943 (from Milford Nebraska): [penned note; writer apparently treasurer of Beech Mennonite Church] at behest of O. N. Johns [Otis Johns, Otis N. Johns], was sending $15 check for Bender's visit and information about CPS. {18} Postcard, R. J. Schloneger to Bender, January 23, 1941 (from rural Salem Oregon): Did not know where Mennonite Quarterly Review was published, but wanted a copy and thought of Bender; had a copy of “M.S.S. Centenniel”--“very timely”....[Harold Stauffer Bender, Mennonite Sunday School Centennial : 1840-1940 : An Appreciation of our Sunday Schools (Scottdale, Pennsylvania: Mennonite Publishing. House, 1940]. {19} Sam. J. Schmidt to Bender, November 11, 1941 (from Chicago; penned; Samuel Schmidt, Samuel J. Schmidt ?): was attending Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, hoped for M. R. E. [Masters in Religious Education ?] spring 1942, with thesis “The Mennonite Attitude Toward War as Found in the New Testament”; wanted Bender to send “rather a complete bibliography” [sic]. {20} Bender to Carl Schmucker, March 26, 1946 (to Louisville Ohio): response to yours of March 23 [not extant here] asking help in “your study of church organization”; would help, and had asked Paul Mininger to do so also; sending constitutions of North Goshen Mennonite Church and of Goshen College Mennonite Church--not ideal cases, but...; urged having a lay committee to give counsel to the ministers, perhaps a “Church Council”, and also “a financial agent or treasurer...”. {21} Carl E. Schneider to A. Warkentin, December 18, 1941 (from Webster Grove Missouri; to North Newton Kansas; Abraham Warkentin): [writer was a professor and member of The Historical Commission of the Evangelical and Reformed Church] letter has marginal note Warkentin to Bender, saying Warkentin thought Schneider letter should go to Bender--was enclosing his (Warkentin’s) reply to Schneider and a $1 check for Schneider’s membership [evidently of Mennonite Historical Society]; reference to reading Mennonite Historical Bulletin; did Warkentin know a certain person [not clearly named--Warkentin?] who had studied in Leipzig, Germany, 1913-1914; were previous issues of MHB available, for a “complete file”? {22} Document for MCC, July 17, 1947 [official-looking; typed, in German; signed by Gustav Reimer, Secretary of the East- and West-Prussian Mennonite Conference, and by Christian Schnebele, elder and preacher of the “Badisch-Würtembergisch-Bayerischen Mennonitenverbandes” (Badisch-Würtembergisch-Bavarian Mennonite Association]: authorizing Bender as MCC [Mennonite Central Committee] Secretary to search earlier Mennonite church buildings and dwellings of Mennonite elders and preachers in Poland for all historical material and all content of the church archive which he might find, and take the material. {23} Bender to Heinrich Schneider, November 3, 1947 (cc to Michael Horsch; Schneider--book printer at Karlsruhe, American Zone [Germany]): had pleasure of informing them that the paper for the Mennonitisches Lexikon and histories and other booklets of which Bender had spoken was on its way; mention of Mennonite Publishing House as involved; detail (perhaps indicated possible uncertainty or misunderstanding); closed with heartfelt brotherly greetings. {24} Bender to Erma Schnell, March 15, 1946 (to Millersburg Ohio): answering hers of March 12 [not extant here], thought she and “Mr. Ewert” could use their pre-marriage passports, and anyhow, having separate passports was better; detail; mention notifying MCC [Mennonite Central Committee] of their marriage [relief work?] {25} Bender to Pastor Paul Schowalter, November 3, 1947 (to Weierhof, Palatinate, French Zone, Germany): wanted to publish biographies and bibliographies in April Mennonite Quarterly Review of both deceased Mennonite historians [surely Christian Hege and Christian Neff]; Händiges [surely [Pastor Emil Händiges, E. Händiges] was writing the Neff biography, asking you to send the bibliography that had appeared in the “Festgabe” (gift or presentation??); hope to have it by December 1. {26} Bender to Christian Schnebele, October 23, 1947 (to Schopfheim, French Zone, Germany): had looked through the Gemeinde-Blattes Schnebele had kindly given him some weeks ago; gives list of missing numbers, 1912-1928; about possibility of exchange for the missing items; on Monday be with the Fellman family--perhaps you could leave Bender an answer with them. {27} Clarence Schrag to Bender, June 15, 1945 [ (to Terry Montana)--?? probably at CPS Camp No. 64, Terry Montana ??] identified self as from Macpherson Kansas--sic, McPherson Kansas?]: sending $1 for 10 copies of “The Anabaptist Vision”; very glad to have been in Bender's class at Camino [very probably Placerville CPS Camp No. 31, Camino California]. • • • REPLY, Bender to Clarence Schrag, June 30 (“Dictated June 12”), 1947 [note: 2 years later] (to Macpherson Kansas): found letter when preparing go to Europe; apology; returning the $1; re-order if you still desire. {28} Bender to Professor William Schreiber, January 17, 1945 (to Wooster Ohio): reference to yours of January 7 [not extant here] saying you intend to write “an objective account” about Amish in your county [Wayne County Ohio] to “dispel misunderstandings”; sorry Mennonite Quarterly Review had not published specifically about that county--but mention of work John S. Umble was doing--see his article on Amish of Union County Pennsylvania in MQR; mention Joseph W. Yoder, Rosanna of the Amish [Joseph Yoder] and an article by Milton GaMennonite Encyclopedia Gausho in MQR on origins of Amish in Switzerland. {29} Ada Schrock to Bender, February 2, 1942 (from Salisbury Pennsylvania): seeking information about financial help to come to Goshen College next fall--parents could not help; mention Laura Kindig Scholarship; specific questions about room and board, etc.--attached, note qqE. E. Miller to Bender, no date; that scholarship not available...; Bender solicited in Schrock’s region, so please answer her letter. • • • REPLY, Bender to Ada Schrock, April 8, 1942: ample information under headings :”Scholarship”, “Employment”, “Admission”, and “Vocational preparation”; encouraged her to write back with some specific information. {30} Bender to C. B. Schrock, June 16, 1939 (Schrock--President of Board of Education, Cedarville Illinois): at request of Harold Miller, 1937 graduate of Goshen College, a recommendation for Miller as applicant to teach junior high students. {31} Edd P. Shrock [sic] to Bender, May 28, 1942 (from Odon Indiana; penned note): wanted information about the “U. S. O.” [United Service Organizations for services to members of the military], as a fund drive was going at Odon. • • • REPLY, Bender to Ed P. Shrock, August 20, 1942 [sic--Edd P. Shrock?]: had heard that one Gingerich boy would be “payrolled [sic--surely paroled] to Marietta camp in Ohio [Marietta CPS Camp No. 8, Marietta Ohio], did not know about the other. {32} Bender to Ed P. Shrock, November 14, 1942 [sic--Edd P. Shrock?]: thanks for “report on drafted men”; Bender did not know why Jacob Gingerich had not been “released from the reformatory along with his brother” George; release should be possible unless Jacob had misbehaved. {33} Bender to Edd P. Schrock, November 25, 1942 [sic--now, first name correct, surname should not have first “c”]: asking him to send any useful information about Jacob Gingerich case, including order number, to Orie O. Miller. {34} Bender “To Whom it May Concern”, July 7, 1939: assuring that Franklin Schrock, a Goshen College student who planned to sell books during summer, had been “creditable” at Goshen. {35} Bender to Franklin Schrock, November 20, 1943 [State Hospital Marlboro in New Jersey--surely New Jersey State Hospital CPS Unit No. 63, Marlboro New Jersey]: answering request for titles of some prayer books [request not extant here], gave some titles. {36} Postcard, J. D. Schrock to Bender, October 3, 1941 (Curtis Wisconsin): payment [very probably for support of CPS men] was delayed because Bender had not written directly to Schrock, who was responsible for such matters for all under bishopric of [Old Order Amish Mennonite (sic)] Bishop William Miller of Melford Wisconsin. {37} Bender to J. D. Schrock, September 3, 1945 (to Curtis Wisconsin): belatedly found January 29 letter with $1 and requesting more “bond deposit books” [probably civilian bonds in World War II]; Bender did not know where Schrock had obtained such items, was sure he (Bender) had not sent them; returning the $1. {38} T. E. Schrock to Bender, October 9, 1940 [Tobe Schrock, Tobias Schrock, Tobias E. Schrock; (from Clarksville Michigan)]: inviting Bender to come [probably to Bowne Mennonite Church, Elmdale Michigan or Clarksville Michigan] to speak on nonresistance [pacifism] and PPC [Peace Problems Committee] work, and at another session on “conditions in Europe”. {39} Bender to T. E. Schrock, May 20, 1942 [Tobe Schrock, Tobias Schrock, Tobias E. Schrock; (from Clarksville Michigan)]: had Schrock letter of May 18 [not extant here]; did not believe government restricted money from postal saving stamps [World War II] so thought Kent County official wrong in saying the money went only to housing and other civilian needs; would soon go to Washington, and there get official answer; mention C. L. Graber [Christian L. Graber, Chris Graber]; thanks for kind words about PPC efforts; liked recent article on “the millenial question” in Gospel Herald. {40} Bender to P. R. Schroeder, March 21, 1941 [Peter R. Schroeder, Peter Schroeder, Mountain Lake Minnesota]: very good memory of recent visit to your community; wished good fortune with your health problems [Schroeder died the next month, April]; possibly a meeting would occur on behalf of conscientious objectors, with Minnesota State Director of Selective Service System; if so, Bender wanted “one of our pastors” to attend; could Schroeder go, or suggest someone; idea was to keep in touch with the state director “in behalf of our civilian service work” and “help to maintain good relationships between the peace churches and the Selective Service Administration [CPS; Civilian Public Service; Selective Service System; conscientious objection, nonresistance, pacifism, military draft, alternative service, noncombatant service]. {41} Bender to J. S. Schultz, August 30, 1939 [Jacob S. Schultz, Jacob Samuel Schultz--Dean, Bluffton College, Bluffton Ohio]: Bender writing to Schultz, as he did not know President Ramseyer [Lloyd L. Ramseyer]; purpose was to assure that Goshen College had not had anything to do with “Dr. Lehman’s breach of contract with” the Bluffton College administration [probably Daniel A. Lehman?? or Martin Clifford Lehman, M. C. Lehman, “Cliff Lehman ??], had put no pressure on Lehman, etc.; Goshen College wanted good relations with Bluffton. {42} Bender to Mrs. J. S. Schultz, December 5, 1940 (Sara Schultz, Sara Bargen Schultz--of Bluffton Ohio): appreciated card about her planning to sew for MCC [Mennonite Central Committee; card not extant here]; Bender could not give information she desired, but was forwarding card to MCC Secretary [Orie O. Miller]. {43} Bender to L. W. Schultz, March 6, 1943 [Schultz--librarian, Manchester College in Indiana): responding to his letter [not extant here], information on some venetian blinds. {44} Bender to Rev. P. G. Schultz, September 26, 1939 (to Chicago; sic--but Schultz probably a lawyer, not a reverend): per recent promise in Chicago, sending 25 copies of (MC) Mennonite General Conference statement “War, Peace, and Military Service” [1937, “Turner” statement]; encouragement for your conference [probably Evangelical Mennonite Brethren in Christ] to adopt this or something similar to strengthen “our cause as non-resistant churches” [conscientious objection, nonresistance, pacifism, military draft, alternative service, noncombatant service]; sending 25 copies. {45} Bend to P. G. Schultz, November 6, 1941 (see just above): on how Bender was handling a contribution from the E. M. B. [likely Evangelical Mennonite Brethren in Christ] for Mennonite Central Peace Committee--most to MCC for CPS, some to MCPC treasury. {46} Bender to P. G. Schultz, November 25, 1941 (see just above): For CPS camps’ educational program C. Henry Smith was writing a brief booklet on Mennonite history in America [Mennonite Heritage Series]; he had asked Bender to get authoritative statement from each Mennonite group; would Schultz send 1000-word piece on Evangelical Mennonite Brethren?--hoped booklet ready to publish “within four weeks”. {47} Bender to V. F. Schwalm, June 5, 1942 (Vernon F. Schwalm, President, Manchester College in Indiana): had heard Manchester needed a German teacher; promoting Robert Friedmann; mention Jacob Sudermann as information source. {48} William E. Scott to Bender, September 3, 1942 [Scott--University of Chicago Assistant Dean of Students and University Examiner]: about availability of exams for Spanish--available in “the Bookstore” [likely of his university]. {49} Bender to William E. Scott, November 13, 1943 (for Scott--see just above): inquiring whether a Goshen College senior might come to Chicago and take your comprehensive exam to secure 10 hours of credit. {50} Postcard, Irwin D. Sell to Bender, July 2, 1944 (from Mennonite mission, Johnstown Pennsylvania): had Bender's July 18 letter [not extant here]; about Bender's arrival at Johnstown. {51} Joe Todd to Bender, September 2, 1941 (Todd--Manager of a division of an engraving company in Detroit): In Goshen last week Todd had missed Bender; advise when ready for work on Maple Leaf [Goshen College Yearbook]. • • • CONTIGUOUS, Joe Todd to Bender, December 23, 1941: about working on “the panorama of the campus” and “a photoprint made from the History of the Mennonite Church.”... {52} Bender to Mr. N. Roy Shambleau, March 6, 1943 (to Austin & Shambleau, South Bend): someone wanted information on the tint in paint used in library reading room [Goshen College Memorial Library]; can you supply the information? {53} Harvey E. Shank to Bender, December 30, 1940 (Shank--a public school teacher at Chambersburg Pennsylvania): had asked Orie O. Miller for advice on “the flag question”; Miller could not find your committee report, referred writer to Bender. {54} Bender to J. Mark Shank, August 10, 1944 (to Myerstown Pennsylvania): in role on Peace Problems Committee, Bender had read your article on non-resistance in the Old Testament, in July Sword and Trumpet [note: various writers in the MC Mennonite church were using dispensationalism to deal their belief that God had clearly ordered war in the Old Testament]; at Goshen College, Guy F. Hershberger had published an article in July 1943 in the Mennonite Quarterly Review arguing that nonresistance was embedded in the Old Testament, an article that would become a chapter in his landmark War, Peace, and Nonresistance]; in this letter, obviously at odds with Shank’s article, Bender in effect challenged Shank to be very precise and specific about various of his sources, and challenged some Shank statements quite directly. {55} J. Ward Shank to Bender, August 13, 1947 (Sword and Trumpet stationery, Shank the circulation manager): had Bender letter [not extant here]; would send missing numbers of Sword and Trumpet in exchange for Mennonite Quarterly Review. {56} Bender to J. W. Shank, June 17, 1939 [Josephus W. Shank] (to Pehuajo, Argentina): delayed answer, due to Bender illness, to your of December 8 [not extant here] concerning “Pueblo’s [sic--Pablo’s] school plans”; a long letter follows about giving credit for Argentine school work, etc. etc. • • • REPLY, J. W. Shank to Bender, June 26, 1939: various comments in response to Bender’s good information; Pablo and his father had worked some on his English, but not as much as desirable; etc. • • • REPLY, Bender to J. W. Shank, July 22, 1939: reference to Pablo going to Hesston, which Bender agreed was perhaps best for first year; personal letter, including Mrs. Shank’s health [Emma Shank, Emma Hershey Shank]. / Information on steamship discounts to persons coming to study in the United States; etc. {57} Postcard, Paul Shank to Bender, October 3, 1939, [sic--now Paul, not Pablo] (Hesston College): soliciting subscription for Hesston College journal and yearbook; a contest was on. {58} Bender to U.S. Secretary of State, June 5, 1942: on clearing up U. S. citizenship status of Pablo Domingo Shank, son of Joseph Wenger Shank [sic--see shortly above]--he had dual citizenship and was a student at Goshen College. {59} Bender to Robert A. Grant, May 13, 1942 (Grant--U.S. Congressman): Paul Shank, a Goshen College student, wanted to enter the Naval Intelligence Service; Bender requesting instructions for proceeding. • • • ATTACHED, short one-page biographical statement by Paul Shank, ending with desire to be in Naval Intelligence Service “to give valuable help to my country” with information, translation, or teaching Spanish. {60} Paul R. Shelly to Bender, June 3, 1944 (from New York City): that he was a minister in Eastern District Mennonite Conference [GCMC], doing Ph.D. work at Union Theological Seminary; was required to have his dissertation published and give 75 copies to the seminary’s library; his topic--“Religious Education and Mennonite Piety Among the Mennonites of Southeastern Pennsylvania 1870-1943”; sending outline, etc., wanted Bender's “reaction”; had met Olive Wyse from time to time, and Daniel Miller a student at [? New York Seminary of the Bible ?]. • • • ATTACHED, the outline, 2 sheets. {61} Bender to Professor Paul R. Shelly, November 30, 1944 (to Bluffton College): had yours of November 27 [not extant here]; regret, schedule would not allow Bender to receive Shelly on December 2; mention absence of Paul Mininger; thought Shelly should come later; would write, then Shelly could decide whether trip worthwhile. {62} Bender to Paul R. Shelly, June 30, 1945 (to Pennsburg, Pennsylvania): yours of June 16 had come when Bender was on trip to Colorado; glad Shelly was completing his dissertation; regarding revision, Bender saw improvement; commendation for the way Shelly had treated relation of church government and discipline to nonconformity and separation, and it solved a problem detected earlier; “I feel that you are coming to grips with one of the most important issues in current American Mennonitism” and your work a contribution. {63} Henry M. Shenk to Bender, March 16, 1944 (from Denbigh Virginia): took strong issue with Bender wordings in article “Daniel Kauffman and His Times,” Gospel Herald, February 10, 1944; especially issue with language “contrasting him to [folks who were] ...hot-headed, radical, sounding the trumpet for battle” etc.--which writer read as clearly directed against George R. Brunk I. • • • REPLY, Bender to Henry M. Shenk, April 14, 1944: had read yours with “interest and care”; had used the offending words quite separatedly, not in a way to attack Sword and Trumpet”; some conciliatory comments.... {64} J. Roscoe Miller, M. D., to Bender, June 19, 1942 (from the Dean, The Medical School of Northwestern University): acknowledging Bender letter with regard to applicant Phil Sheridan [Philip Sheridan, Philip Richard Sheridan], {65} Bender “To the Commanding Officer or To whom it may concern, Camp Perry”, January 27, 1943 (on Sheridan, see just above): recommending Philip Richard Sheridan for service in the Medical Corps [CPS; Civilian Public Service; conscientious objection, nonresistance, pacifism, military draft, alternative service, Selective Service System, noncombatant service]; some details about Sheridan’s educational background; that he was to be inducted into the U.S. Army on February 2. {66} Corporal Philip R. Sheridan to Bender, January 6, 1944 (from Fort Ord, California): had missed Bender when home at Christmas; wondered about disposition of “recommendation blanks which I sent to you.” • • • REPLY, Bender to Philip R. Sheridan, January 13, 1944: had directed the blanks to Paul Bender and S. W. Witmer [Samuel Witmer, Samuel W. Witmer]; Professor Miller [Glen R. Miller, Glen Miller ??] was en route to England; comment on what Bender was doing on Sheridan’s behalf, and possible effectiveness. • • • CONTIGUOUS, Bender to B. O. Raulston, M. D., January 13, 1944 (Raulston--Dean, University of Southern California School of Medicine): sending recommendation form for Philip Sheridan [see just above]...; Sheridan had been working 40 hours per week for pay, while in college, and probably was capable of better work than his grades showed.... • • • CONTIGUOUS, on same date, essentially same letter, Bender to Boston University School of Medicine. {67} Sanford G. Shetler to Bender, July 24, 1944 (Shetler--Assistant Secretary, [MC] Mennonite General Conference): taking sharp issue with Bender's recent article in Gospel Herald, “Authority of General Conference”; had found it an attempt to intimidate persons trying to carry out the body’s work of bringing harmony in the church regarding faith and doctrine; that Bender had failed as a historian--should be objective, but had been subjective...; much more.... • • • REPLY, Bender to Sanford G. Shetler, January 31, 1944 (to Holsopple Pennsylvania): wrote as if he had written at least one earlier letter [not extant here]; replied at length point by point; was sure Daniel Kauffman would have supported his (Bender's) analysis, as D. H. Bender had done in a letter to Harold S. Bender; etc.; ended with a point agreeing with Shetler in wanting a pure church. {68} Bender to Jesse Short, October 10, 1945 (to Archbold Ohio): did indeed remember conversation about special Holiday Week services on Mennonite History, presumably week beginning December 24; glad to come, although an MCC [Mennonite Central Committee] meeting in Chicago might interfere. {69} Bender to Noah D. Showalter, March 20, 1946 [Noah Showalter, Harrisonburg Virginia]: had seen advertisement for Atlas of Rockingham County and wanted copy for Mennonite Historical Library; noted you offering copies of Harmonia Sacra--list of several editions “We” were lacking. {70} Bender to Noah D. Showalter, March 20, 1946 [to (Rockingham Historical Society; sic--? Rockingham County Historical Society ?--also see just above]: thanks for March 22 letter [not extant here]; wait to send copies of Harmonia Sacra until you can supply all our missing editions at once; wanted to subscribe to Recorder; when you’ve assembled all items you can secure for us, please send detailed list. {71} Robert Showalter to Bender, July 3, 1944 (Showalter--Cashier of a bank at Yoder Kansas): commendation at Bender's ordination; mention letter from “Cliff Yoder” [Clifford Yoder ?]--“an officer in the Adj. Generals [sic] department”; would like position in Goshen Community, wanted information on openings at the “condensing plant” [probably the milk condensery], apparently still in England, not yet France. {72} Bender to Melvin Shuh, July 14, 1939 (to Kitchener Ontario; about James Steiner/Sterling Avenue Mennonite Church): wondering much about progress of plans regarding having Steiner come to Sterling Avenue; hoping for some “plan of affiliation” that would let Steiner be used...[Note: see more on Shuh’s role in letters with James Steiner, “Sm-Sz miscellaneous 1939-1947” folder]. {73} Bender to Paul Siebeck, December 23, 1947 [letter in German; Siebeck--a publisher at Tübingen, French Zone, Germany]: about 30 spools of bookbinding thread which Robert Kreider, who and been with Bender in Siebeck’s office, would deliver [Robert S. Kreider]; send any correspondence to Kreider (address and telephone). {74} Bender to Reverend J. W. Siebert, April 5, 1939 (to Tavistock Ontario): appreciating arrangements made for Goshen College Chorus to visit; mention “Bishop Derstine” [surely C. F. Derstine, Clayton F. Derstine] as in charge of arrangements. {75} Bender to Elsie Singmaster, June 29, 1945 (to Gettysburg Pennsylvania): “We” [really Elizabeth Bender, Elizabeth Horsch Bender, surely] were studying Mennonites and Amish in American literature--have you ever used Mennonite and Amish characters? Would appreciate statement of why you did or did not. {76} Bender to Elsie Singmaster, July 20, 1945 (to Gettysburg Pennsylvania): thanks for information about her literary work in response to Bender letter [Singmaster letter not extant here]; if typist available, would like copies of her short stories featuring Mennonites and Amish. {77} Postcard, Ed and Mildred Sinning to Bender, March 18, 1941 (from Elkhart Indiana): grade had been sent, but paper not been returned; please send it. {78} [signature illegible] to unspecified, October 13, 1947 [in Germanstationery of “Historische Kommission für Hessen und Waldeck”(Hesse-Waldeck Historical Commission), Marburg ]: concerns the Hessian “Täuferakten” (Anabaptist documents); mentions Walter Köhler [variously Walther Köhler; Walter Koehler, Walther Koehler], Walter Sohm, “Herr Sippell” [probably Theodor Sippell], “Professor W. Maurer - Kaldern”; surely good information in this letter. {79} Theodor Sippell to Bender, October 17, 1947 [typed in German; from Marburg]: hope Bender had good trip back to Göttingen; sending news of Swiss Brethren in Hesse with a bit about Hans Pauly Kuchenbecker [sic, typo?--Hans Paul Kuchenbecker ??]; mention Eberhard Teufel; personal news; thanks for American care-package; news of other individuals also; letter penciled “Lexikon” [Mennonitisches Lexikon]. {80} Bender to Pfarrer D. Sippell, November 18, 1947 (sic, very likely should be T. Sippell--Theodor Sippell; to Marburg, Germany; letter in German]): when with Dr. Crous [likely Ernst Crous] yesterday in Goettingen had gotten information on Swiss Brethren in Hesse; thanks for your effort and friendship... [substance]; hoped to publish the Confession in Mennonite Quarterly Review within several months and would send you offprints; mention Professor Dr. Stengel; mention Herr Kreider [likely Robert Kreider, Robert S. Kreider]. {81} Postcard, Theodore Sippell to Bender, November 24, 1947 (from Marburg, Germany; handwritten German). {82} Offprint of an article from Deutsche Literaturzeitung (December 1947), by Theodore Sippell--review of Geoffrey F. Nut all, The Holy Spirit in Puritan Faith and Experience. {83} Bender to Superintendent of Nurses, Toronto Hospital, July 7, 1943 (to Ontario): regarding fact that the university’s registrar had questioned the Goshen College credits of Arlene Sitler of Preston Ontario; Goshen College fully accredited by RCA [North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools], etc.... {84} Bender to Reverend C. E. Sitler, July 17, 1942 (Sitler--Goshen Indiana): Because both Bender and M. C. Lehman [Martin Clifford Lehman, “Cliff” Lehman] had been traveling, they had not received Hitler’s June 28 letter [not extant here] in good time; no, Lehman was occupied and would not be able to make another appointment. {85} Bender to Dr. J. S. Slabaugh, September 22, 1945 (to Nappanee Indiana: through Allen Yoder [probably of Silver Street Mennonite Church--Central Conference Mennonite], understood that a Men’s Brotherhood wanted to undertake some relief projects; suggesting shipping flour through MCC; Old Order Amish had done it--suggest being in touch with Levi DBontrager of Middlebury; Bender also writing to John M. Snyder at MCC headquarters, Akron Pennsylvania, about this... [relief work, MCC relief]. {86} Niles M. Slabaugh to Bender, July 14, 1944 (from Koehler Indiana): had read Bender's Gospel Herald article on nature of the General Conference, Bender arguing that the conference was only advisory and citing Daniel Kauffman to back that up; but last fall at Goshen Brother Kauffman had made clear it was both; so if college folks and editors disagreed on this, no wonder others got “confused”; in all fairness Bender should quote Kauffman’s Goshen speech also; reference to the Jerusalem Conference expecting the churches to obey its decree. {87} Bender to “Mr. and Mrs. Arthur W. Slagel”, April 9, 1943 [Arthur Slagel, Vesta Slagel, Vesta Zook Slagel, (Topeka Indiana]: Mennonite Historical Society wished them to speak on April 23, on relief work in Constantinople [Near East Relief, very early MCC effort, 1922-1923] {88} Bender to Eleanor Slater [AFSC, American Friends Service Committee, Philadelphia], February 24, 1940: accepting invitation to be in a discussion meeting in Philadelphia on February 27, 1940].

T - miscellaneous

BOX 16, FOLDER 20 NOTE: Folder 20 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 verson--as compared to the Items listed under Folder . Thin (1/4”) folder. ***** {1} Bender to Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association (New York City), June 7, 1939: requesting certain materials, as Goshen College was considering your retirement plan. {2} Bender to I. Norman Broomell, February 5, 1940 (Broomell--Dean of School of Dentistry, Temple University, Philadelphia): a Goshen student was thinking of applying to your program; Bender asking details about admission requirements; elaboration. • • • REPLY, I. N. Broomell to Bender, February 9, 1940. {3 Bender to “Mr. Tenofsky”, March 11, 1940 [??probably Louis Tenofsky, a businessman in Goshen?? (no address; Goshen?)]: Graber [surely C. L. Graber, Christian L. Graber, Chris Graber] and Bender had decided on a $25 fee for addressee’s friend to study at Goshen College to improve his English; glad to help him prepare for “American life”. {4} Bender to Sam Thomas, January 29, 1939 (from rural route Goshen; Samuel Thomas?): sorry, Goshen College offered no Biology outside regular hours and credit by tutoring was not acceptable with Indiana State Board of Education; if you still want the tutoring, work with Professor Widmer [Samuel W. Widmer, S. W. Widmer] at $1.25 per clock hour.... {5 Postcard, L. J. Trinterud to Bender, August 9, 1945 (Trinterud--Business Manager of Theology Today): acknowledging $2 Bender had sent for subscription; April 1945 issue not available. {6} L. J. Trinterud to Bender, August 11, 1945: an odd note concerning Bender's subscription payment with a check evidently made out to another entity. • • • REPLY, Bender to Theology Today, September 1, 1945 (to Princeton New Jersey): regretting the mistake, enclosing a proper check. {7 Bender to Theology Today, May 24, 1947 (to Princeton New Jersey): inquiring about his subscription--had not been receiving issues; until August 1948 wanted it transferred to MCC address in Basel Switzerland. {8 Bender to Dr. H. C. Thiessen, August 29, 1939 (to Wheaton College in Illinois): thanks for copies of “your Bible test”.... {9} Adolf E. Thomä to Editor of Mennonite Quarterly Review, December 26, 1946 [from Weisbaden (Germany); in German]: regarding the coming 200-300 years ago of Mennonite peasant families from Switzerland...; mention Ernst Correll...; lists some titles about “Täufer” and Wiedertäufer [Anabaptists] and Mennonite history....; more....; a clipping or reprint attached (in German). {10 Bender to Paul Soldner, May 1, 1941 (Soldner--at Bluffton College; “Editor of the 1942 ISTA”): recommendation for Joe Todd [? Joseph Todd?], an engraver, who had “handled Goshen College business for the past 10 years...”. {11} Gerhard Toews to Bender, February 19, 1939 (from Music Department, Freeman Junior College in South Dakota): for first time for his college’s choruses, was planning a tour...; mention a “reverend Stoneback”; proposes to visit Goshen College April 7; had an appointment at Topeka [Topeka Mennonite Church, Topeka Indiana ?] that evening.... • • • REPLY, Bender to Gerhard Toews, March 15, 1939: speaking to Stoneback Bender had indicated pleasure for a stop at Goshen College of your chorus; however, now a complication--a chorus from Hesston College would stop on almost the same day--and the chapel might have a Good Friday service on April 7; so best Bender could offer was, get in touch when you arrive in Goshen and find out if something had been worked out; sorry. • • • CONTIGUOUS, Bender to Gerhard Toews, March 29, 1939: fortunately it would work for the Freeman chorus to sing at Good Friday service in the Goshen College chapel then have lunch.... • • • CONTIGUOUS, Gerhard Toews to Bender, March 29, 1939 (obviously written before receiving letter just above): had news from Stoneback that they could sing at Goshen but not clear whether Thursday or Friday. {12 Bender to Troxells Book Shop (sic; sent to Allentown Pennsylvania)xq, June 16, 1939: under Church History in your catalog, ordering “Eine Darstellung etc.”; had duplicates primarily of Pennsylvania-German imprints in library at Goshen to dispose of. {13 Bender to Annabelle Troyer, October 19, 1944 (to Mennonite Hospital, La Junta Colorado): Registrar Paul Bender had examined your credits; letter is about what she would need to take for the Th.B. degree [gender]. {14 Clarence Troyer to Bender, July 19, 1944 (from Baltic Ohio); handwritten in pen): tenor of Bender's letter [not extant here] suggested Bender and Yoder [S. C. Yoder? Sanford C. Yoder? Sanford Yoder] thought writer had not sufficiently appreciated what had been done for him last summer; seemed to be misunderstanding about Voice credit received “through Elmer Mathias” (bit of detail); praise for Mathias’ credentials with teaching experience at Deerwood-Adirondack Music Center in New York. {15 E. Troyer to Bender, March 21, 1939 (from Carlock Illinois; probably Emanuel Troyer): invitation to meeting of Witmarsum Seminary Board of Trustees in Chicago March 28--to reorganize the board, so inviting all [Mennonite] branches “interested in trained” leadership; hoped Bender or Sanford Yoder could attend [S. C. Yoder, Sanford C. Yoder]. • • • REPLY, Bender to Emanuel Troyer, March 25, 1939: Yoder could not come, Bender would try to rearrange another appointment so he could. {16 Bender to H. M. Troyer, August 30, 1945 (to Hartville Ohio): answering Troyer’s of June 4 to S. C. Yoder [Sanford Yoder, Sanford C. Yoder] [not extant here], concerning a theological student who wanted a Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities assignment but had attended movies; had investigated, found the reports not true, at least concerning the mission assignment and probably totally so; appreciate your reporting such a matter. {17 Bender to M. M. Troyer, January 18, 1945 (to Conway Kansas; likely Menno M. Troyer, Menno Miller Troyer?): thanks for yours of January 15 [not extant here] about Missouri-Kansas Mennonite Conference materials deposited in Mennonite Church Archives [Archives of the Mennonite Church]; concerning best plan for their ownership.... {18 M. M. Troyer (see just to Bender, December 10, 1945 (see just above): reminder about help Bender promise of help concerning the archived materials; enclosing a “suggestive form”, hoped Bender could “give it a little time”; hoped to mail it to congregational historians right after Christmas. • • • ATTACHED, a multilithed form. {19 Bender to Menno Troyer, January 31, 1946 (to Conway Kansas; see letters just above): writing to Troyer as person, not as Secretary of Missouri-Kansas Mennonite Conference; wanted to be sure of no misunderstanding concerning Donald King--who had no call from his own conference but one from Pigeon Michigan [Pigeon Mennonite Church? Pigeon Conservative Amish Mennonite Church?]; mention “Sister King” [?? probably Thelma King, Thelma Yoder King ??], Allen Erb, Nelson Kauffman [Nelson E. Kauffman]; more about the call to Pigeon;... important question was need at Wichita (apparently at a mission); mention Rufus Horst, Sanford King; issue of candidates going back to home district versus needs of the larger church; Goshen College Bible School had not decided the matter and did not want to do so [incipient Goshen Biblical Seminary]. {20 Bender to M. M. Troyer, March 6, 1946 (see letters above): had yours of March 1 [not extant here] addressed to Archives of the Mennonite Church [Mennonite Church Archives]; appreciated your conference’s action and would discharge the responsibility. {21 Bender to Miss Vera Troyer, September 17, 1943 (to Waterford Pennsylvania): endorsed the advice Miss Good had given Miss Troyer [Viola Good] recommending you continue your high-school work at Hesston; concerning difficulties getting high schools to give examinations regarding credit; Martha Grove had been disappointed; but if Pennsylvania officials would help you verify the credit, all right.... {22 Bender to Peter Tschetter and Anna Tschetter, April 12, 1941 (to Riverside Colony, Glenwood Alberta; Hutterites): glad for your March 23 letter [not extant here]; John Horsch had known your father Elias Walter well, but since a stroke about a year ago Horsch could not write or work--Bender would convey greetings; yes, Robert Friedman [sic--Robert Friedmann] was in the United States, in Goshen since August, studying and writing in Mennonite Historical Library; because of World War II impossible to get the books by Whiswedel; bit on Bender's experience in Germany, wartime relief work of MCC [Mennonite Central Committee]. {23 Postcard, Rüoffner to Prof. Dr. Blanke, October 9, 1946 (from University Library, Tübingen, French Zone of Germany; to Zürich Switzerland; in German; Fritz Blanke): all typed dissertations were still in a hiding place in the American Zone.... {24 “Violet” to Bender, September 10, 1941 (from Forest Glen; penciled “Turner, Violet Bender” [H. S. Bender's sister]): enclosing $24 check to complete her library pledge; had moved down from Wilmington in July; Shelly [Shelly Turner?] had accepted a job with “Social Security Board” [Social Security Administration ?]...; about the climate, the family, etc. {25 “THE ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE OF GOSHEN COLLEGE” [Bender dictating] to Miss Angeline Tyson, February 10, 1939 (to Kulp Hall, Goshen College): sorry her Laura A. Kindig scholarship would not be renewed for second semester (explanation); business manager [C. L. Graber, Christian L. Graber, Chris Graber] would gladly discuss how she might pay costs. {26 Bender to Miss Angeline Tyson, August 31, 1939 (c/o Laura Dietrick, Pearl City Illinois): about results of an English Proficiency Test; hoped you enjoy your teaching. {27 Angeline Tyson to Bender, March 12, 1940 (from Pearl City Illinois): about taking the English Proficiency Test, how it might be done; possibility of a post at Lanark Grade School next year--would need her degree for that; etc. • • • REPLY, Bender to Miss Angeline Tyson, March 13, 1940 (see just above): glad for good news about her teaching, mailing the test, etc. • • • CONTIGUOUS, Angeline Tyson to Bender, March 19, 1940: enclosing the test, etc.

Roth, Roy

Thin (“3/16”) folder. Roy Roth was a Th.B. student at Goshen College Bible School [soon, Goshen College Biblical Seminary], then attended Princeton Theological Seminary, then became a pastor at Pleasant Hill Mennonite Church, Pekin Illinois. (He may have died December 15, 2005 at age 84, at Eugene Oregon; if so, his spouse was Carolyn Byler Roth.)

Reichmann, Felix

Thin (3/16”) folder. Felix Reichmann (1999-1987) was born, reared and educated in Austria, where he became a bookseller as his parents were. In the late 1930s the Nazi regime interned him in concentration camps, but he managed to win a release and emigrate to the United States. There he worked in Landis Valley Museum in Lancaster County Pennsylvania then got further education in 1942 and “joined the Carl Schurz Foundation in Philadelphia as librarian. He became an American citizen in 1944, joined the Army and was assigned to the Office of Strategic Services in Washington, D. C. After the German defeat, Reichmann was appointed as Chief of the Publications Control Branch for the U.S. military zone. Among his responsibilities was the re-organization of the German book trade....” --information and quotation from “Felix Reichmann (1899-1987): Scholar, bookseller and librarian in Europe and the United States”, on line at https://www.univie.ac.at/geschichtegesichtet/data/Edelman.pdf

Mumaw, John R.-

NOTE: this description represents a later, more complete and somewhat edited version, as compared to the “Items” listed under Folder 8. BOX 15, FOLDER 8 5/16” folder. John Rudy Mumaw (1904-1993) was a pastor who became a teacher of English and of Bible at Eastern Mennonite School [later Eastern Mennonite College, then Eastern Mennonite University] and was an active leader in both Virginia Mennonite Conference and the MC Mennonite Church. In 1948 he would become President of Eastern Mennonite School and would serve in the post until 1965. {1} Bender to John R. Mumaw, April 26, 1939: inviting him to serve on the staff of Indiana Young People Institute [PI} June 21-25 at Yellow Creek Mennonite Church; hope A. J. Metzler would be the Director [Abram J. Metzler]; much appreciated Mumaw’s serving on the Peace Conference Program [surely referring to “Conference on Applied Nonresistance”, at Goshen College in April 1939--its papers published in Mennonite Quarterly Review (April 1939)]. {2} Bender to John R. Mumaw, April 28, 1939: had been decision to publish summaries of the Sunday talks at the conference [see letter just above]; requested outline of Mumaw’s and gave instructions. • • • REPLY, John R. Mumaw to Bender, May 2, 1939 [writing as General Secretary of the denomination’s Commission for Christian Education and Young People’s Work]: thought he could serve on the Institute [see shortly above] if it allowed his trip to West Liberty; would try to get the Peace Conference material in soon; had enjoyed the conference; P.S. something about stamps and books. • • • REPLY, Bender to John R. Mumaw, May 5, 1939: thanks for positive reply about serving on the Institute and for check for the Mennonite Quarterly Review. {3} John R. Mumaw to Bender, May 17, 1939: sending the outline for the Peace Conference talk [attached], sorry about delay, very busy; “I appreciate the spirit of cooperation and sympathy that is growing among our institutional leaders“--hoped it was “indication of a more effective and unified testimony of truth....” {4} Bender to John R. Mumaw, May 19, 1939: thanks for May 17 letter; sending program of the Indiana Young People’s Institute--note your part, suggest change if you wish; having the Institute in a country church [Yellow Creek Mennonite Church] was a “new venture”; glad for spirit of cooperation, wanted to “do our part” and would appreciate counsel.... • • • REPLY, John R. Mumaw to Bender, May 22, 1939: thanks for letter and program; would prefer change from James to Colossians, since he would speak on latter at the Ohio institute; to be at West Liberty, needed to be scheduled on a different evening; for Sunday afternoon topic preferred word “Finding” instead of “Choosing”; mention Brother Metzler [surely A. J. Metzler, Abram J. Metzler]. • • • REPLY, Bender to John R. Mumaw, May 26, 1939: thank you; making the suggested changes; O. N. Johns would be in place of Metzler [Otis Johns, Otis N. Johns; A. J. Metzler, Abram J. Metzler]. {5} John R. Mumaw to Bender, August 13, 1941 [handwritten from Arbutus Park]: had Bender‘s letter [not extant here]; sorry “our Conf.” [surely Virginia Mennonite Conference” was delinquent; Mumaw had sent appeal to each bishop district; probably better response if Bender had sent a “list of contributions”--then Mumaw would have written directly to each congregation that had not responded; was confident Virginians would send in their quota; demands just now for erecting three church buildings and the arts building at EMS [Eastern Mennonite School, later Eastern Mennonite College, then Eastern Mennonite University]--these perhaps retarded giving to “C. O. camps” [CPS; Civilian Public Service; conscientious objection, nonresistance, pacifism, military draft, alternative service, Selective Service System]; Mumaw not aware that dissatisfaction with “the present set up at Washington, etc.” being expressed in Virginia Mennonite Conference was explanation for “our delinquency”. {6} Postcard, John R. Mumaw to Bender, August 15, 1942: wanted the names of Peace and Industrial Relations Committee of Virginia Mennonite Conference on mailing list to receive peace literature: R. W. Benner, Harrisonburg Virginia [perhaps Rhine W. Benner], Perry Showalter, Waynesboro, and Mumaw. {7} Bender to John R. Mumaw, April 21, 1942: reference to Mumaw‘s of April 11 [not extant here]; before replying wanted communication with MCC executive secretary [i.e. Orie O. Miller] regarding “your concern” [obviously about standards and influences in CPS camps; Civilian Public Service; conscientious objection, nonresistance, pacifism, military draft, alternative service, Selective Service System]; PPC was trying to aid MCC “in safeguarding our accepted standards of faith and life in the Mennonite Church” [surely meaning (MC) Mennonite Church]... and MCC had given assurances their policy was to “correct any untoward influence”; comment on manner of supervising, including by “bishops of our branch”; your request rather a surprise since its point “has not been raised by the advisory committee”. / MCC executive secretary [i.e. Orie O. Miller] had told Bender that he had plainly advised “Mr. AJ.Muste” [sic--A. J. Muste, Abraham Johannes Muste, Abraham J. Muste] of the Fellowship of Reconciliation [FOR] that appointments in Mennonite camps for FOR representatives were contrary to MCC policy--although FOR persons may visit like any other visitors; the MCC executive secretary “does not believe that there is any appreciable “influence of the FOR and of other objectionable groups among our Mennonite boys” although perhaps an unfortunate incident occurred early on; closing paragraph of appreciation for concern and counsel. {8} Bender to John R. Mumaw, June 4, 1942: had Mumaw‘s of May 26 [not extant here] with its copy of something from Mont H. Smith of Lancaster Pennsylvania sent unsolicited to J. L. Stauffer [John Stauffer, John L. Stauffer]; PPC had information about Smith, considered him “an unsavory character” with whom to have nothing to do--elaborated. {9} Telegram, Bender to John R. Mumaw, October 20, 1942: could you meet with PPC Friday or Saturday November 6 [or 7]? {10} Telegram, John R. Mumaw to Bender, October 21 [penciled “1942?”; obviously reply to just above]: could meet “you” November 6 or 7, preferably Friday. {11} Bender to John R. Mumaw, October 23, 1942 [regarding CPS census, draft census; Civilian Public Service; conscientious objection, nonresistance, pacifism, military draft, alternative service, Selective Service System; support for CPSers, allowance for CPSers; PPC]: enclosing sample of letter prepared for sending to all congregations, asking for information on all drafted men and for 5¢/member contribution “to our treasury”; you [apparently meaning Virginia Mennonite Conference] might prefer to “make your on census through your own Peace Committee” as well as raise the 5¢/member; that suited us well, please advise. / At meeting on November 6 “We [probably PPC] will take up your conference committee request” [for investigation of CPS ??]; invitation to bring other “members of your committee” along, or come alone, whichever; expected detailed explanation “what your problem is so that we can take care of this matter in the best way”; Bender would do some preparation before the meeting. {12} Bender to John R. Mumaw, November 7, 1942: sending 10 copies of the letter that went out “to all our congregations” except those in the eastern conference, also 10 copies of “the census report card” [CPS census, draft census]; sending this material to Mumaw instead of to the six men Mumaw had listed--explained why...; hoped to avoid “blunders”.... {13} John R. Mumaw to Bender, November 9, 1942 [NOTE: DOES THIS LETTER COME AS PART OF THE GENESIS OF THE STUDY COMMITTEE TO REVIEW CPS ??]: chatting across tea cups Friday evening [November 6] Bender had indicated “the personnel of the newly created study committee” suggesting a late November meeting; about difficulties Mumaw might have with his schedule. / After Friday’s discussion [surely with PPC] Mumaw had some impressions about “our present situation in the church” regarding CPS; could see the prospect of substantial change in coming months; situation regarding spiritual ministry “to our boys” would change significantly with formation of “detached service units”; might be best to have those units made up each of one denomination’s membership; then “‘old’” [sic--MC] Mennonite ministers could make regular visits with “a definite program of instruction, worship, and fellowship”; all of us were “convinced that this war” and its “circumstances affecting our people” would affect the church; saw the committee’s responsibility to be making the effects “constructive” to the church’s “spiritual life and testimony”; thought the arrangement suggested [i.e. single-denomination units ?] would solve multiple problems “and would make possible a more direct church control of our boys”. / Acknowledgement of the letters to be relayed. {14} Bender to John R. Mumaw, John L. Horst, C. L. Graber, November 13, 1942: PPC had taken action wanting the church to create a Mennonite organization to “sponsor training for our people to become prepared to render efficient service in organized trained service units”; wanted a special committee to study, report, and recommend; asking the three to be the committee, with Mumaw as chairman; suggested they meet November 26 and 27 at Scottdale Pennsylvania when PPC would be meeting there, if convenient [J. R. Mumaw; John Horst, J. L. Horst; C. L. Graber, Christian L. Graber, Chris Graber]. {15} Bender to John R. Mumaw, November 17, 1942: Graber [C. L. Graber, Christian L. Graber, Chris Graber] could not meet as suggested and recommended that Mumaw and Horst and Bender do so; could they meet Saturday? {16} Telegram, John R. Mumaw to Bender, December 8, 1942: would meet the “STUDY COMMITTEE” in Washington Friday December 11 and next day if desired. {17} Telegram, Bender to John R. Mumaw, December 9, 1942: Study Committee would meet at NSBRO office Friday morning. {18} Bender to John R. Mumaw, February 4, 1943: had Mumaw‘s of the 29th [not extant here]; PPC would meet afternoon of Thursday February 11 “to consider the report” [?? of CPS study committee?? CPS; Civilian Public Service; conscientious objection, nonresistance, pacifism, military draft, alternative service, Selective Service System], then present the report to the Relief Committee that evening [probably Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities Mennonite Relief Committee (MRC)]; your presence “absolutely essential” on Thursday afternoon and glad for it for “these meetings”. • • • REPLY, John R. Mumaw to Bender, February 8, 1943: would be present on Thursday despite difficulty; “I received your wire” [not extant here] and had similar approvals from all who had been at the Washington meeting, except Orie O. Miller; would bring 30 copies of the report; hoped to talk a bit with Bender about the report before meeting with the PPC. {19} Bender to John R. Mumaw, October 12, 1943: PPC was distributing the booklet Must Christians Fight [Must Christians Fight: A Scriptural Inquiry, by Edward Yoder; Jesse W. Hoover; Harold Stauffer Bender (Mennonite Central Committee, 1943)] to congregations, 10% as many copies as members, asked 10¢/copy donation; not sending them to Virginia Mennonite Conference as that body used different arrangements in these cases; would be glad if you wanted to furnish a cover letter and let PPC send them; please advise. {20} John R. Mumaw to Bender, May 10, 1944 [Virginia Mennonite Conference vis-à-vis MCC]: had “your form letter from the Mennonite Relief Committee” regarding Levi Batterman, Grottoes CPS camper [CPS Camp No. 4, Grottoes, Virginia], who had applied for dependency allowance; favored his application, but checking because of action of “the Virginia C. P. S. Support Committee”--committee appointed by Virginia Conference last year; it had the conference’s CPS dependants in its scope of work; it had already paid Levi’s support for April; a joint meeting of that committee and the conference’s Peace and Industrial Relations Committee had decided to postpone action until after annual Virginia conference, but meanwhile give support at rate that MRC gave; “among our men here” different views existed as to whether MRC was really taking over this support; if so and it was “a definite step away from M.C.C. connections” Mumaw rather thought Virginia Conference was ready to cooperate with MC Mennonite Church’s overall plan; “If there is any trace of M.C.C. connections which make this questionable to our people it will not likely carry; glad to talk in person with Bender about this--planned to be in Goshen May 20-21. / Some of us plus others outside Virginia thought it time for MRC to be more active and get relief training for “our branch” done under MRC; some CPS campers wanted relief training but under MRC; true, Selective Service System was not allowing such to go into relief work under MRC while under Selective Service, but MRC could be training them; “I might” have comments about “our present ... [MCC] relationships] but was inclined to “forget” them “and concentrate on a positive and aggressive plan of activity for the” MRC; you brethren have responsibility to lead the church “in a constructive evangelical relief program”; signed off as chairman of Virginia Mennonite Conference Peace and Industrial Relations Committee”. • • • REPLY, Bender to John R. Mumaw, May 15, 1944: you handled the Levi Batterman application well; gives highly specific explanation that all MCC did in the matter of MC Mennonite Church dependency allowances was send out its initial form to all men in MCC camps, then hand the MC Mennonite returns to MRC; mention Ezra C. Bender [E. C. Bender, Ezra Bender] processing them for MRC, etc.; Virginia Conference had the “privilege” of handling the allowances itself, but Bender encouraged working through “Ezra Bender’s office”--church-wide plan would break down if many conferences went their own ways; Bender would be out of Goshen May 20-21 to be Hesston’s commencement speaker. / Had read carefully and with interest the remarks about MRC becoming more active; many points in favor, but it would mean much more of an office and personnel; glad to talk with Mumaw about this; big problem at present was getting male workers for relief; women nurses plentiful, but with war emergency on, hard to get either younger males or older administrators. {21} Bender to John R. Mumaw, December 16, 1944: Sending draft census report forms for the draft questionnaire just approved by PPC--minimum of two for each congregation, more for larger congregations; understood from past information you wanted to handle this yourselves as a conference; if so, Bender would be glad to receive the reports to make for uniform procedures for reporting. {22} Bender to John R. Mumaw, January 7, 1945: [Apparently about MRC matters]; Thanks for January 2 letter [not extant here] regarding Paul Peachey and Lewis Strite; Bender regretted he had overlooked Strite--please remind Bender of Strite’s preferences and qualifications; had we not thought of sending him to Ethiopia?; also send his wife’s qualifications; glad Peachey was going out “under our Committee”--expected fine work from him; at latest, would leave the country at end of the month. {23} John R. Mumaw and J. Ward Shank to Executive Committee of Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities, February 6, 1945 [J. R. Mumaw, John Mumaw as Secretary of Virginia Mennonite Conference; J. W. Shank, Ward Shank as Secretary of Virginia Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities]: in Chicago, December 18, 1944, Virginia mission board executive committee plus bishops S. H. Rhodes and J. R. Driver [probably Samuel H. Rhodes, Samuel Heatwole Rhodes; probably Joseph R. Driver] had met with MRC members and offered a “short review” of Virginia Conference interest in relief work; since then the “joint committee” (Virginia Mennonite Conference and Virginia Mission Board executive committees) had met and found active interest in relief work and ready response to give money and clothing; with that interest came “a strong desire to have money and clothing used in a way that shall best enhance our testimony and safeguard our principles [attire, nonconformity?]; so, requesting 1. MRC be more active; 2. that it be the “primary agent” actually supervising on the field; 3. that workers meet same standards as those for the Board’s mission work [surely meaning Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities missionaries]; 4. that there be consideration for MRC to disassociate from relief activities of other organizations [?? MCC ??]. {24} Bender to John R. Mumaw and Chester K. Lehman, August 18, 1945: [J. R. Mumaw, John Mumaw; Chester Lehman, C. K. Lehman; surely MRC business]; “We” very much want a Virginian among our relief workers in Belgium; need to act soon, and you two were probably most knowledgeable about possible persons’ qualifications, etc. • • • REPLY, John R. Mumaw to Bender, September 8, 1945: before suggesting names, wished Bender‘s opinion about having a whole relief unit from Virginia Mennonite Conference; unit of four or five persons appeared possible; Mumaw had in mind a unit under MRC under the MCC umbrella; under Virginia Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities there had been much activity promoting canning--possible that a good supply of “processed foods” was “on the way”; Mumaw had proposed to John Horst [J. L. Horst; John L. Horst] that there be a special issue in Christian Missions promoting relief work under MRC; requested early reply; brief paragraph that EMS was enjoying a “record enrollment” of 392, hoped Goshen College was enjoying similar enrollment [Eastern Mennonite School, later Eastern Mennonite College, then Eastern Mennonite University]. • • • REPLY, Bender to John R. Mumaw, September 24, 1945: apology for lateness of reply, waiting in vain for word from John L. Horst in Belgium [John Horst, J. L. Horst]; appears there might be problems opening a project there [MRC, World War II relief work, European relief]; had talked informally with MRC about Mumaw‘s proposal with sympathetic response; but sentiment was that a relief unit from only one conference district was “unwise”; lengthy explanation, based on MRC policy, on fear of exacerbating regional tensions in the church, etc.; mention Cleo Mann; anyhow, eager to have a relief worker from Virginia in the first unit. {25} Bender to John R. Mumaw, November 7, 1945: hoped for word soon about possible candidates from Virginia for relief work [MRC, Belgium relief, World War II relief work, European relief]; from discussion in Chicago, Bender expected Mumaw to give a final word, but in a conversation in Pittsburgh Brother Jacob Shank seemed to say the next move was up to Bender. {26} Bender to John R. Mumaw, December 8, 1945: informing him that MRC was appointing Paul Peachey to a two-year term in Belgium; expect him to leave in mid-January, with MRC strong approval; on MRC decision not to support Paul’s wife [Ellen Elizabeth Shenk Peachey, Ellen Peachey]--newly married, she staying to continue schooling, etc.--hoped Virginians might step into the breach; mention Cleo Mann, John L. Horst [see shortly above], “Brother Hunsberger” [Wilson Hunsberger ??], Orie O. Miller, “Brother Martin” [very probably Lewis Martin]; on Ethiopia work [Ethiopian relief work], mention “The Lehmans” and “Dr. Conrad” sailing just now [probably G. Irvin Lehman and spouse Edith Vanderploeg Lehman, Edith Lehman; Paul Conrad], a laboratory technician found, hoping to use a CPS man for a position, still seeking a dietitian, hope for 8 workers in total; about China, two MCC “commissioners” had been there for several weeks, MRC’s four workers--Burkholder, Byler, Lehman and Zimmerman now probably headed in [J. Lawrence Burkholder, surely Clayton Beyler, Titus Lehman, Verna Zimmerman], doors were opening, probably would add persons from CPS ranks. {27} Bender to John R. Mumaw, March 6, 1946: sending a title page to add to proofs for “the Commission booklet for C.P.S. men [CPS educational program]. {28} Bender to John R. Mumaw, September 2, 1946: sending minutes of MRC meeting August 15, plus letter with instructions to “our special commissioner” Lewis Martin; note reference to “the two letters from” Virginia Mennonite Conference--copies needed for “our files.” • • • REPLY, John R. Mumaw to Bender, September 16, 1946: sending minutes of “a joint meeting of” Virginia Mennonite Conference executive committee and executive committee of Virginia Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities; mention Lewis Martin as “a commissioner going out in our interests”; appreciation for cooperation with MRC; a recent relief meeting with representatives from across the conference showed good support; “we” considered it best “to promote this firs t [sic] meeting with our own talent, may want speakers from your committee later....

Mininger, Paul

Paul Mininger (1908-1997) was a teacher in the Goshen College Bible Department and then in Goshen Biblical Seminary of which he became president. He was Moderator of the (MC) Mennonite General Conference, and President of Goshen College from 1954 to 1970; meanwhile he was a congregational pastor, did some writing, and was one of his church’s intellectuals.

Miller, Orie O.

NOTE: this description represents a later, more complete and somewhat edited version, as compared to the “Items” listed under Folder 5. BOX 15, FOLDER 5 Thick (5/8”) folder. Orie O. Miller (1892-1977), although not ordained, was a very active and important churchman. He and Bender worked very closely together as powerful leaders in the Mennonite authority structure of their day, being among a kind of interlocking directorate of a few able and powerful people often working with each other on numerous denominational committees and other settings (a pattern especially true of the “Old” or “MC” Mennonite Church). Miller and Bender were especially such colleagues in directing Mennonite Central Committee (of which Miller was Executive Secretary and in effect the Director) and the MC church’s Peace Problems Committee (positions that put them together within Historic Peace Church activity as well). (For more biography of Miller, see GAMEO; Orie O. Miller: The Story of a Man and an Era, by Paul Erb; and My Calling to Fulfill: The Orie O. Miller Story, by John E. Sharp (2015). Note: in this and/or the previous folder is a note saying: “Orie O. Miller and H. S. Bender were on many of the same committees (MBE, MRC, MCC,etc. [Mennonite Board of Education, Mennonite Relief Committee of Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities, Mennonite Central Committee]. Many times the letters between them spoke about the events of more than one committee. For this reason the correspondence was difficult to separate into general correspondence and MCC related [sic] correspondence. It could be helpful for the researcher to look at both the general correspondence and the MCC related correspondence of Orie O. Miller at the same time.” Then the note lists “some of the topics (institutions and organizations included) which the Orie O. Miller correspondence may have information about”: “MCC and MCC Peace Section”, “Civilian Public Service”, Mennonite Board of Education, Mennonite Relief Committee, Peace Problems Committee, “Historic Peace Churches”, “National Service Board for Religious Objectors (NSBRO)”--plus relief units filed as Brazil, China, England, Ethiopia, France, India, Holland, Mexico, Paraguay, Phillipines [sic--Philippines], Poland. {1} Mary Farington of Pan American Airways to Bender [of “Bender Travel Agency”], June 13, 1944: could not arrange for “Mr. Miller” travel Miami to Asunción [Paraguay] leaving on June 28; alternative possibilities in July and August.... • • • REPLY, Bender to Farington, June 14, 1944: Orie ready to take her suggestions; also could leave from New Orleans. {2} Telegram, Orie O. Miller to Bender, June 19, 1944: now had his passport; what visas needed, assuming 3-week trip to Asunción etc. with 3 days in Puerto Rico en route home?; mention “Bennett” would handle details [probably Ernest Bennett]. {3} Telegram, Orie O. Miller to Bender, June 28, 1944: advise by wire about where to pick up ticket and pay. {4} Bender to Mary Farington [see shortly above], June 30, 1944: sending draft for $985.99, please send the amount of the fare so Bender could collect from Miller; Miller planned to leave New Orleans July 4, 1944 and travel via Balboa and perhaps via Lima [en route to Paraguay], or perhaps via Colombia and/or Brazil; please advise. {5} Bender to Orie O. Miller, June 30, 1944: Bender had instructed Pan American Airways to find Orie the earliest route available and advise Orie in New Orleans; details, possible complications; return trip arranged so Orie could attend (MC) Mennonite General Conference sessions; Bender would send bill to MCC. / Orie might be thinking of an idea of Bender--prepare a book for Goshen College’s fiftieth anniversary--details of the idea; Orie should speak for the church outside the college. / In Paraguay, greet especially Nicolai Siemens, Nicolai Wiebe, Peter Klossen [sic--Peter Klassen?], Heinrich Friesen, Gerhard Isaac, and Bernhard Wall “the new Oberschulz”. {6} Bender to Mary Farington [see shortly above], July 5, 1944: about Orie’s getting passage from Balboa. / also about two clients for a “Puerto Rico-Jamaica trip”. {7} Bender to Orie O. Miller, October 26, 1944: letter can be seen as genesis of Mennonite Research Organization or Mennonite Research Fellowship or Mennonite Research Foundation [MRF genesis]; Bender noted how several church committees wanted good research done--mention PPC use of Guy Hershberger [especially Guy F. Hershberger, War, Peace, and Nonresistance]; mention Commission for Christian Education, General Problems Committee; mention PPC and Mennonite Publishing House jointly asking J. C. Wenger [John C. Wenger] to give a year’s work to a book on nonconformity [possible results: Basic Issues in Nonconformity: A Discussion of How Best to Produce a Spiritual Congregation Which Is Separated Unto God and Not Conformed To The World, and, Separated unto God: A Plea for Christian Simplicity of Life and for a Scriptural Non-Conformity to the World--both by J. C. Wenger (1951); and other writings by Wenger about the 1950s]; question whether Mennonite Historical Committee [of the MC Mennonite Church] would be the right vehicle, or perhaps Mennonite Publishing House--but not convinced, although the House’s general manager [A. J. Metzler, Abram J. Metzler] was quite in favor; Bender proposed a “tentative board of strategy made of Committee Secretaries--Orie O. Miller of Peace Problems Committee; G. F. Hershberger [Guy Hershberger, Guy F. Hershberger] of Industrial Relations Committee [later Committee on Peace and Social Concerns]; Bender of the Mennonite Historical Committee; J. C. Wenger [John C. Wenger] of the Mennonite Publishing Committee; Nelson Kauffman [Nelson E. Kauffman] of Mennonite Commission on Christian Education; J. L. Horst [John Horst, John L. Horst] of the General Problems Committee; O. N. Johns [Otis Johns, Otis N. Johns] of the Mennonite Publication Board, C. F. Yake [Clayton F. Yake] of the “Education Board” [Mennonite Board of Education]--plus A. J. Metzler [see above], Paul Erb of the Mennonite Publication Committee; thought maybe PPC could take the lead as it had been involved in such activity. {8} Orie O. Miller to Bender, October 27, 1944: responding to yours of the 24th [not extant here]; 8 items to put on the November 3 agenda [apparently of PPC]--listed dealing with “CPS visitation committee”, producing more peace literature [pacifism, nonresistance], better “indoctrinization” of youths; church discipline for members joining the military; “continuing CPS policy”; attitude on “peace-time conscription” [military draft; relation to Universal Military Training, UMT?]; working relationship with MCC. / Howard Charles undecided on whether to “join us in service”; about Orie and Bender meeting with J. L. Horst [John Horst, John L. Horst] about Ethiopia [overseas relief; MRC]--Orie had written to J. N. Byler, commissioner in Cairo [Joseph N. Byler] about working under a Middle East “umbrella”, and had MCC Research Section working on the matter. / reference to “Executive Secretary Kellersberger of the American Mission to Lepers” [E. R. Kellersberger, Eugene Roland Kellersberger, Eugene Kellersberger] as possible adviser--Orie had discussed Paraguay with him; on coming to a meeting in New York, mention Walter Van Kirk; mention “Winfield” [probably J. Winfield Fretz]. • • • ATTACHED, copy of Walter W. Van Kirk to “My dear Friend”, October 23, 1944--about that New York meeting to be on November 2, regarding conscientious objectors in World War II [HPC ?]. {9} Bender to Orie O. Miller, January 31, 1945: reporting on progress of plans for a Mennonite Research Organization [Mennonite Research Fellowship, Mennonite Research Foundation, MRF]; Paul Erb and A. J. Metzler [Abram J. Metzler] “quite enthusiastic” and had met with Bender; arrangement with Mennonite Publishing House; proposed organizational structure; support from agency requesting research; intended to proceed with organizing; etc. {10} Bender to Orie O. Miller, January 31, 1945: Goshen College had cut Bender‘s use of secretary to 12 hours/week, which was not enough to do work of Dean of Goshen Biblical Seminary plus church work; what about his asking the various church committees to pay for secretarial time? {11} Bender to Orie O. Miller, February 9, 1945 [ribbon copy; not sent?]: attaching a letter from George Beare; also had one from Howard Yoder about “the boys from his congregation” receiving the $5/month allowance [CPS? conscientious objectors?]. {12} Bender to Orie O. Miller, October 18, 1945: soliciting Orie’s Sustaining Member contribution to Mennonite Quarterly Review, some detail. {13} Bender to Orie O. Miller, November 23, 1945: against delaying a meeting of the [MC} Mennonite General Conference Executive Committee; some background details. {14} Bender to Amos O. Hostetler, November 27, 1945: responding to November 6 letter [not extant here] from Hostetler as Secretary of the Interboard Committee; results of a poll regarding questions Hostetler had posed; 7 of the 9 had wanted meeting of [MC} Mennonite General Conference in 1946, but seven thought only a delegate meeting, not a full conference until 1947, apparently meaning returning to the regular two-year cycle. {15} Orie O. Miller to L. A. Miller [Levi A. Miller] (cc: to Bender and to John M. Snyder), February 25, 1946: Snyder would send expense check for attendance at Mennonite Mutual Aid meeting at Goshen [eventually Mennonite Mutual Aid, Inc., later Everence] {16} Orie O. Miller to Bender, April 2, 1946: On times of meetings of PPC and of MRC; mention Mennonite Mutual Aid [MMA; eventually Mennonite Mutual Aid, Inc., later Everence]; mention “Joe” Graber [J. D. Graber, Joseph D. Graber]; mention D. A. Yoder [David A. Yoder], Mennonite Board of Education. {17} Ernest E. Miller to Mennonite Relief Committee, attention Bender, April 24, 1946 [E.. Miller]: many calls coming in for aid to foreign students; Goshen College students had raised $528.50; Mennonite Board of Education had approved certain financial aid; understood that General Conference Mennonite Church’s relief committee had set aside $1500 for travel aid for students coming it GCMC schools; EMS, Hesston College, and Goshen College [Eastern Mennonite School, later Eastern Mennonite College, then Eastern Mennonite University] were ready to accept students; could Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities Mennonite Relief Committee contribute? (Jottings in the margins suggest $2000). {18} Telegram, Bender to Orie O. Miller, April 27, 1946 [2 copies, typed & telegram itself]: Bender and Graber [probably “Joe” Graber, J. D. Graber, Joseph D. Graber] had conferred about “INDIA NURSE SITUATION”; request MCC release Nafziger or Shoemaker [later referred to as nurses; probably Florence Nafziger] to MRC at Dhamtari; hoped for reply in time to contact them at San Francisco before their sailing. {19} Bender and J. D. Graber to Orie O. Miller, May 4, 1946 [“Joe” Graber, Joseph D. Graber]: regarding your May 1 letter [not extant here--apparently response to the telegram just above]; the two of us had considered Orie’s letter, and agreed about need of us three to reconsider relationship among “MCC-MRC-Mission Board-Dhamtari Mission and MCRI” [Mennonite Relief Committee of India]; ... long, 2-page single-spaced elite-type letter goes into detail; then return to request that MCC lend the two nurses; more detail on that proposal, mentioning Sherk [surely J. Harold Sherk], Orie O. Miller, Bender; if Shoemaker not available, could they have Marion Nafziger [sic--Florence Nafziger??] since, according to J. B. Martin [surely Jesse B. Martin] she [sic] had interest in becoming a long-term missionary.... {20} Orie O. Miller to “Interboard Committee members”, June 6, 1946 [Aaron Mast, Amos O. Hostetler (Amos Hostetler), Paul Erb, A. J. Metzler (Abram J. Metzler), Oscar Burkholder, Chester K. Lehman (C. K. Lehman, Chester Lehman), Bender, Guy F. Hershberger (G. F. Hershberger, Guy Hershberger), Harry A. Diener (Harry Diener, H. A. Diener), John L. Horst (John Horst, J. L. Horst)]: about preparing for Interboard Committee meeting on August 22 at [MC] Mennonite General Conference; mention Allen Erb as conference moderator, Mast as the committee’s chairman; mention C. F. Yake [Clayton F. Yake] as Secretary of the conference’s executive committee; mention Laurelville Camp Ground; mention Mennonite Board of Education meeting; invitation to offer agenda items. {21} Orie O. Miller to Interboard Committee members [see just above], August 9, 1946: conference place had changed to Souderton Pennsylvania; on alterations in committee plans; quick summary of communications from Commission for Christian Education and Young People’s Work. {22} Orie O. Miller, Secretary, minutes of Interboard Committee, August 22, 1946 [personnel as just above except S. C. Yoder listed as absent (Sanford Yoder, Sanford C. Yoder) and Paul Erb not listed]: one sheet of minutes. {23} Bender to Orie O. Miller, December 26, 1946: inviting his annual contribution to Mennonite Quarterly Review; a few facts about its finances. {24} Bender to Orie O. Miller, January 7, 1947: Interboard Committee business; Bender strongly concurred with suggestion from Paul Mininger that in near future there be a meeting of “various [MC] General Conference committees and Executive Committees of church boards; mention Amos Hostetler [Amos O. Hostetler] and Aaron Mast; Bender suggesting that for economy it be in Elkhart-Goshen area at time of “our annual conference on evangelism and missions” April 18-19.... {25} Copy, Orie O. Miller to Amos Hostetler, January 10, 1947 [Amos Hostetler; cc to Bender]: on the matter of the letter just above, Bender to Orie O. Miller, January 7, 1947. Orie O. Miller to Aaron Mast, cc to Bender, January 10, 1947: on the matter of the letter just above, i.e., Bender to Orie O. Miller, January 7, 1947. {26} Orie O. Miller to A. J. Metzler and Chester K. Lehman, January 10, 1947 (, cc’s to Bender and to Aaron Mast*) [Abram J. Metzler; C. K. Lehman, Chester Lehman]: apprising addressees of probable Interboard Committee meeting soon, perhaps March 13 or April 17. {27} Amos O. Hostetler to Interboard Committee, January 13, 1947 [specifically to Aaron Mast as chairman and Orie O. Miller as secretary; Amos Hostetler writing as secretary of (MC) Mennonite General Conference]: about that resolution originating with the Commission for Christian Education and Young People’s Work, calling for that broad meeting among committees [see items just above]. {28} Amos O. Hostetler to Orie O. Miller, January 15, 1947 [Hostetler writing as secretary of (MC) Mennonite General Conference]: had Miller‘s of December 10 and was not sure what two items it referred to; one was probably the study requested by “the Commission” [see items just above]; the other was probably a general conference assignment to your committee concerning “frequency, kind, and structure” of general conference meetings; also, “Erb” [probably Paul Erb; or Allen Erb?] had been putting something forward at times [not specified here] but committee had made no decision on that. {29} Orie O. Miller to Interboard Committee Members, January 21, 1947 (no list of names): reference to recent correspondence with Amos Hostetler [Amos O. Hostetler, see just above] and to various assignments directed to the Interboard Committee, proposing two full days of meeting; per a recent letter, proposed such on March 13 and April 17, latter at Goshen College; please reply by postcard. {30} Bender to Orie O. Miller, January 25, 1947: re: Mennonite Research Foundation [MRF]; S. C. Yoder [Sanford C. Yoder, Sanford Yoder] had suggested John Mosemann [John Mosemann, Jr.; John H. Mosemann, Jr.] to represent the Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities on the Foundation board--but if Orie O. Miller declined to serve, the person to represent industrial relations, Mennonite mutual aid, etc. [Committee on Industrial Relations, later Committee on Economic and Social Relations [CIR; CESR] was surely Guy F. Hershberger [Guy Hershberger, G. F. Hershberger], and if Ernest E. Miller [E. E. Miller] and Bender were on the board, that surely was enough from Goshen College, so probably should not appoint Mosemann; and surely J. D. Graber [“Joe” Graber, Joseph D. Graber] should be a board member; after some discussion, Bender proposed a list: Paul Erb, chairman; Hershberger, secretary; E. E. Miller, treasurer; Milo Kauffman, J. L. Stauffer, A. J. Metzler, Noah Good, and Bender [John Stauffer, John L. Stauffer; Abram J. Metzler; regarding the list see at February 22 below]. {31} Orie O. Miller to Interboard Committee members, February 12, 1947 [same list as indicated above at August 22, 1946]: writing to all except S. C. Yoder; to be meeting of the committee on Saturday, March 22, at Atlantic Hotel in Chicago; perhaps the two sub-committees, chaired by C. K. Lehman and A. J. Metzler would want to arrive early and meet in the previous day; comments and travel logistics; allusion to agenda, no specifics. {32} Bender to Orie O. Miller, February 21, 1947: [Bender writing as Bender Travel Agency]; about tickets for Miller‘s trip to Far East [East Asia] this summer; cost, why Bender was soliciting the business; doubted Sarah Marquis would be much help despite Miller‘s experience of good help from her earlier with passports, etc.; Thomas Cook would be some help; background was the services Pan American airways now offered. {33} Orie O. Miller to Bender and others, February 22, 1947 [Miller using Mennonite Board of Education letterhead; list of addressees is same as Bender‘s January 25 list above except S. C. Yoder instead of Noah Good; MRF, Mennonite Research Foundation]: Board of Education had improved “the report of the Research Service Center Planning Committee” (multilithed report of that committee attached) has approved you seven as members, and had named Miller to be liaison to convene you; proposing an afternoon organizational meeting Friday, March 21, at Goshen College; on payment of trip expenses. • • • REPLY, Bender to Orie O. Miller, February 28, 1947: would be present; proposals for agenda--mainly for temporary organization for proceeding to permanent organization; that selecting a “Director of Research” was needed promptly for securing Melvin Gingerich for the post; comments about his situation with Bethel College or with leaving it. {34} Orie O. Miller to Interboard Committee Members, March 6, 1947 [list of members as indicated at February 22; cc to Ezra Bender]: confirming March 22 as meeting date; agenda; E. C. Bender [Ezra C. Bender] was especially concerned with addressing “Annuity contract rates and church fund investment policies”--attached: copies of: letter E. C. Bender to Orie O. Miller, January 31, 1947; Miller to E. C. Bender February 5, 1947; E. C. Bender to Miller, February 25, 1947. {35} Orie O. Miller to Interboard Committee, March 17, 1947: supplementing March 6 letter.... {36} Bender to Orie O. Miller, April 3, 1947 [to Miller as liaison for Mennonite Research Organization (sic--or Mennonite Research Foundation, MRF)]: had promptly sent Miller a memo [not extant here] of the MRO [MRF] meeting prepared by S. C. Yoder [Sanford C. Yoder, Sanford Calvin Yoder]; needed “Executive Committee” [?? of Mennonite Board of Education??] approval for decisions thus far and proposed $5000 budget; elaboration.... {37} Orie O. Miller to Interboard Committee members, April 9, 1947: call to the April 17 meeting at Goshen College; bare agenda. {38} Orie O. Miller to [Interboard Committee, presumably], April 17, 1947: minutes of the April 17 meeting, undersigned by Miller as secretary--covering: the “‘Summary and Recommendations’ from the Christian Day School subcommittee” chaired by Chester Lehman [C. K. Lehman, Chester K. Lehman]--idea that Mennonite Board of Education be authorized by general conference to direct the day school movement; interboard committee report to general conference; report of “The sub-committee on ‘1947-1949 Church Goals and Objectives’”; discussions of church-worker retirement, formation of a sub-committee of A. J. Metzler, Oscar Burkholder, S. C. Yoder on this [Abram J. Metzler, Oscar O. Burkholder, Sanford C. Yoder]; A. J. Metzler and Paul Erb on role of the Gospel Herald as church’s official organ; attachments. {39} Copy, A. J. Metzler to Orie O. Miller, April 23, 1947 [Abram J. Metzler]: on handling finances of Mennonite Research Foundation; it needed about $500 transferred to it very soon. {40} Bender to Orie O. Miller, April 24, 1947: Melvin Gingerich had accepted post of Director of Research for the MRF; lengthy account of what Bender had advised Gingerich regarding relation of his new work to his work with MCC writing his book on CPS [Melvin Gingerich, Service for Peace (1949); Civilian Public Service; conscientious objection, nonresistance, pacifism, military draft, alternative service, Selective Service System]; mention “Paul Albrecht and his staff at Akron” and what they were supposed to contribute to that book.... / On arranging a part-time assistant to Gingerich in his MRF post. {41} Orie O. Miller to Bender, May 8, 1947 [cc to Bender, J. W. Hoover (Jesse W. Hoover), P. C. Hiebert (Peter C. Hiebert), Don Smucker (Donovan Smucker, Donovan E. Smucker)]: on the question of “having an observer at the proposed Pacifist Conference in India next January”; all will agree “that whatever else our decision is we would not want it to be an embarrassment or a problem to any of our missions or native church groups in India” [political? Mennonite fundamentalism??]; now Miller was informed that the conference had been postponed a year from early 1948 to early 1949 because “Mr. Gandhi” [Mahatma Gandhi; Mohandas Gandhi] wished to wait for complete independence, fearing turmoil that might follow after England completely withdrew, nor did he want the meeting to occur “under England’s protection”...; mention “MRCI” [Mennonite Relief Committee--India]; mention MCC Peace Section. {42} Orie O. Miller to Interboard Committee, August 19, 1947: calling a meeting of the committee at Wooster Ohio August 28 to act on our report to (MC) Mennonite General Conference; mention “Chairman Aaron Mast”. {43} Walter H. Dyck to Mennonite Central Committee, attention Orie O. Miller, September 10, 1947 (Dyck--Executive Secretary of General Conference Mennonite Church): his denomination’s general conference had passed a resolution to cooperate with other North American Mennonite bodies to host “the Fourth Mennonite World Conference in America in 1948”; asking MCC to take responsibility for calling the conference and for inviting European Mennonites, with Mennonites at Newton Kansas and Western District Conference hosting; and if MCC felt unable the “Conference Executive Committee” [unclear: Western District or General Conference] would take responsibility in cooperation with other Mennonites. / Glad to hear of “favorable action” by “the Mennonite General Conference” [apparently meaning the MC body], the Mennonite Brethren Church, the Church of God in Christ [Holdemans], the Defenceless Mennonites [formerly Egli Amish, later Evangelical Mennonite Church, later Fellowship of Evangelical Mennonites], etc.; from Europe, interest of “Brother E. Haendiges [E. Händiges, Emil Händiges, Emil Haendiges], Fritz Goldschmidt, and others. {44} Orie O. Miller to Bender and C. L. Graber, October 10, 1947 [Christian L. Graber, Chris Graber; addressed to Bender at MCC headquarters in Basel]: had an October 9 memo from Melvin Gingerich saying Guy Hershberger wanted permission for Nelson Springer to research in Bender‘s PPC files for Hershberger’s book The Mennonite Church in the Second World War [1951], Graber to facilitate in Bender‘s absence [Guy F. Hershberger, G. F. Hershberger]. • • • REPLY, Bender to Orie O. Miller, October 20, 1947: giving permission. {45} Guy F. Hershberger to Orie O. Miller, November 6, 1947: multilithed letter offered as a replacement to “Exhibit I sent in error in Feb. 18th minutes”]; responding to yours of October 27, 1947, hereby confirming the verbal agreement about writing history of the Mennonite Church in World War II [see letter just above]; that manuscript would belong to PPC; Hershberger also available in summer 1948 for service of the Committee on Industrial Relations [CIR, later Committee on Economic and Social Relations (CESR)]; about allowance and typing costs, etc.

Miller, Orie O.

NOTE: this description represents a later, more complete and somewhat edited version, as compared to the “Items” listed under Folder 4. BOX 15, FOLDER 4 Thick (5/8”) folder. Orie O. Miller (1892-1977), although not ordained, was a very active and important churchman. He and Bender worked very closely together as powerful leaders in the Mennonite authority structure of their day, being among a kind of interlocking directorate of a few able and powerful people often working with each other on numerous denominational committees and other settings (a pattern especially true of the “Old” or “MC” Mennonite Church). Miller and Bender were especially such colleagues in directing Mennonite Central Committee (of which Miller was Executive Secretary and in effect the Director) and the MC church’s Peace Problems Committee (positions that put them together within Historic Peace Church activity as well). (For more biography of Miller, see GAMEO; Orie O. Miller: The Story of a Man and an Era, by Paul Erb; and My Calling to Fulfill: The Orie O. Miller Story, by John E. Sharp (2015). Note: first item in the folder is a note saying: “Orie O. Miller and H. S. Bender were on many of the same committees (MBE, MRC, MCC,etc. [Mennonite Board of Education, Mennonite Relief Committee of Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities, Mennonite Central Committee]. Many times the letters between them spoke about the events of more than one committee. For this reason the correspondence was difficult to separate into general correspondence and MCC related [sic] correspondence. It could be helpful for the researcher to look at both the general correspondence and the MCC related correspondence of Orie O. Miller at the same time.” Then the note lists “some of the topics (institutions and organizations included) which the Orie O. Miller correspondence may have information about”: “MCC and MCC Peace Section”, “Civilian Public Service”, Mennonite Board of Education, Mennonite Relief Committee, Peace Problems Committee, “Historic Peace Churches”, “National Service Board for Religious Objectors (NSBRO)”--plus relief units filed as Brazil, China, England, Ethiopia, France, India, Holland, Mexico, Paraguay, Phillipines [sic--Philippines], Poland. {1} Orie O. Miller to A. J. Metzler, January 29, 1939 [ribbon copy; Abram J. Metzler]: attaching a letter Miller suggested sending to “your Sunday School superintendent list”; for distributing “the Horsch pamphlet” [The Principle of Nonresistance as held by the Mennonite Church: A Historical Survey. by John Horsch (Scottdale, Pennsylvania: Mennonite Publishing House, 1939)]; details; • • • ATTACHED, Orie O. Miller to “Dear Brother S. S. Superintendent”, January 26, 1938 [sic--but likely 1939?; Peace Problems Committee stationery]: could order the pamphlet [pacifism, nonresistance] directly from Mennonite Publishing House or through “our Treasurer” [PPC’s?] J. C. Frey [Jacob C. Frey]...; PPC especially wanted to send “Scripturally [sic] sound German Peace literature [sic]” to refugee “brethren” in Canada and South America [Paraguay, Brazil]; offering the Horsch pamphlet at half-price; PPC also was “in close touch with a small group of Holland Mennonites” holding to nonresistance [European Mennonites pacifism]. {2} Arthur P. O’Brien to Orie O. Miller, March 17, 1939 (writer--Secretary to Governor Henry Horner of Illinois): thanks for letter of 9th; governor was away. {3} Orie O. Miller to Bender, March 13, 1939 (MCC stationery): asking for copy of letter Bender sent last week to “various government and state officials in connection with the General Conference Peace Statement, a list of addresses; this for files [probably “Peace, War, and Military Service”, often dubbed the “Turner statement” as Mennonite General Conference (MC) adopted it when meeting at Turner Oregon in 1937]. {4} Orie O. Miller to Bender, March 20, 1939: responding to your card of 15th [not extant here], Orie O. Miller had presented the matter of General Conference Peace statement [see just above] to Lancaster Mennonite Conference via Amos Horst [Amos S. Horst]; Amos enthused about it; logistics...; P.S., proposed statement for Alumni News Letter regarding S. C. Yoder retirement [Sanford C. Yoder] seemed well-written and ready for print. {5} Bender to Orie O. Miller, April 8, 1939: sending copy of program of “our Mennonite Conference on Applied Non-resistance” [sic] (see MQR April 1939); some changes in schedule to accommodate Commission on Christian Education’s members; mention Miller plan to go to Spain [MRC; Spanish relief, Spanish civil war]. • • • REPLY, Orie O. Miller to Bender, April 14, 1939: could now attend that Commission meeting; on going to Spain[MRC; Spanish relief, Spanish civil war], Horst [surely John Horst, John L. Horst] had received a perhaps-garbled telegram from Hartzler [surely Levi Hartzler, Levi C. Hartzler] plus complication of Orie O. Miller father-in-law’s death [Albert Wolf, Albert N. Wolf].... {6} Orie O. Miller to John Horsch, April 14, 1939: had now had chance to read the revision of “War and the Christian Conscience” [pacifism, nonresistance]; “splendidly done” and ought to come in tract form pronto, with widest possible distribution; wanted closing paragraphs included; Bender and Horsch should decide procedure to get it out, PPC would help. {7} Bender to Orie O. Miller, April 15, 1939: enclosing revision of peace conference program [Mennonite Conference on Applied Non-resistance” (see MQR April 1939)]; about whether S. F. Coffman [Samuel Frederick Coffman; “Fred”] and A. L. Fretz [Asa Lewis Fretz, Asa L. Fretz] should pay own way, as this was not an official PPC [Peace Problems Committee] meeting. {8} Orie O. Miller to Bender, June 2, 1939: on retirement policy [apparently at or including at Goshen College]; Miller had asked Bender what would be acceptable to North Central Association of Colleges and Schools [NCA]; wanted information before committee met at Fairview [probably Fairview Michigan or Fairview Oregon]. {9} Orie O. Miller to Bender, June 2, 1939: on Levi Hartzler [Levi C. Hartzler] appointment at Goshen College; before going to Europe Bender had asked Miller to speak to Hartzler and he had; Hartzler had already decided to accept; but Miller informed him he may be assigned to administration rather than teaching English; comments on Hartzler’s qualifications; had been with Carl Kreider two evenings in London, first chance to know him well; very pleased...; enclosing a letter to Jacob Siemens--please translate and airmail it pronto. {10} Bender to Orie O. Miller, June 6, 1939: (responding to June 2 letter above); to answer about retirement plan acceptable to North Central Association of Colleges and Schools [NCA], submitting correspondence with Dr. John Dale Russell of University of Chicago, often an NCA inspector; Russell had been at and given address at Goshen College; correspondence showed pension plan with no retirement probably not acceptable; Bender was writing to Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association [TIAA]. / “We are anxiously awaiting word regarding Levi Hartzler [Levi C. Hartzler]; no confirmation yet he was in United States; he had appointments for certain events--can you give word? • • • REPLY, Orie O. Miller to Bender, June 9, 1939: had the Russell correspondence [see just above] and some other material; mention Retirement Allowance Committee probable meeting at Fairview [probably Fairview Michigan or Fairview Oregon]. / P.S. expecting Levi today between trains [Levi Hartzler, Levi C. Hartzler]. {11} Bender to Orie O. Miller, June 9, 1939: enclosing papers, including copy of letter from Russell [see just above] about TIAA [see just above], and a folder to send out to appeal for funds for library [Goshen College Memorial Library]--wanted Miller critique of the latter...; administrative committee had gone over “the Levi Hartzler case” [Levi C. Hartzler]; carefully considering your letter to MRC [Mennonite Relief Committee of Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities]. {12} Orie O. Miller to Bender, July 6, 1939: attaching letter from “Brother Kauffman” [sic--surely J. N. Kaufman]; Miller inclined to continue the MRC as organized, although hesitant to give yes vote to ballot with Miller‘s own name.--attached-- {13} J. N. Kaufman to “Dear Brethren of the Relief Committee”, June 26, 1939 [sic--correct spelling; James N. Kaufman, James Norman Kaufman]: offering slate for MRC with Orie O. Miller as Chairman, J. L. Horst [John Horst, John L. Horst as Secretary, and also including Bender and S. C. Yoder [Sanford C. Yoder]. {14} Orie O. Miller to Peace Problems Committee members, July 7, 1939 [PPC stationery]: attaching first draft of PPC report to (MC) Mennonite General Conference; suggest changes. • • • REPLY, Bender to Orie O. Miller, July 13, 1939: returning the draft with a few suggestions; had held a good conversation with “Brother Fast” [H. A. Fast, Henry A. Fast]--had not gone “into the business side of our [surely MCC’s] relation to the colonies in South America” [Paraguay, Brazil?]--letting Miller and Fast attend to that. {15} Orie O. Miller to Bender, July 20, 1939: had Bender‘s of 14th [not extant here]; thought Bender reasoning about best time for his Goshen College sabbatical was sound; mention NCA accreditment [North Central Association of Colleges and Schools]; about plans for “Albert” [surely Miller’s son Albert W. Miller, Albert Wolf Miller], mention Albert’s possibly going with Bender [to Europe?] staying with “the Unruhs”. {16} Orie O. Miller to Interboard Committee members, July 31, 1939 [stationery of Eastern Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities]: responses to Miller‘s June 21 letter [not extant here] did not indicate “our Committee” had the consensus needed for a “finished report” coming from “our Sub-Committee” to this year’s (MC) Mennonite General Conference; so “Chairman Kauffman and I” [Daniel Kauffman, Orie O. Miller] agreed to attached form of the report; details on how to reply and whether to meet.--contiguous--multilith draft, August 22, 1939 of Interboard Committee report that appears in the 1939 general conference proceedings on page 14; it indicates the main issue was “uniform support allowances” for full-time workers for Church Boards, and that a sub-committee of six was doing a study for that...; also, recommended adding a representative from Commission for Christian Education. {17} Bender to Orie O. Miller, September 23, 1939: sending an article for Miller to hand to Daniel Kauffman for possible publication in Gospel Herald. {18} Bender to Orie O. Miller, no date [penciled “Sept.-Oct,?, 1939”]: Jesse B. Martin [Jesse Martin, J. B. Martin] was holding meetings at Iowa City so could come to meeting in Chicago [perhaps Peace Problems Committee meeting? or Historic Peace Churches meeting?]; with time so short Bender had consulted with Graber [C. L. Graber, Christian L. Graber, Chris Graber] and invited Martin without consulting Miller; were you planning a “Continuation Committee meeting on Sunday in Chicago” [Historic Peace Churches Continuation Committee]; if Bender was invited, probably should also invite Rufus Bowman, “the Dunkard delegate to visit the president” [Church of the Brethren; Franklin D. Roosevelt]; mention a good meeting with Keim, Bowman, and West last Saturday [surely C. Ray Keim, Rufus Bowman, Dan West (Daniel West)]. {19} Orie O. Miller to Bender, October 2, 1939 [Mennonite Relief Committee stationery]: attaching letter for translation and mailing to Paraguay; in contact with John L. Horst [John Horst, J. L. Horst], Horst favored that MCC go ahead “in further European War Sufferers’ Relief Work; Horst favored M. C. Lehman [Martin Clifford Lehman, “Cliff Lehman”] as commissioner; Horst had gotten cable from Lester Hershey [Lester T. Hershey] that Hershey and Wilbert Nafziger would liked to return to America, Ernest Bennett wanted to continue--and had replied they needed to wait for MRC meeting on the 20th; reminder to send Bender a copy of the “Paraguayan land contract”, “Your Paraguay Report”, and certain “Asuncion correspondence” [Asunción Paraguay]. {20} Orie O. Miller to I. W. Royer, Bender, Milo Kaufman [sic], S. G. Shetler, October 2, 1939 [stationery of Eastern Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities (Orie O. Miller, Secretary); Isaiah W. Royer, Milo Kauffman (correct spelling), Sanford G. Shetler]: asking permission for John H. Mosemann, Jr., as Africa missionary, to visit Bible Schools at Johnstown Pennsylvania, Canton Ohio, Goshen Indiana, and Hesston Kansas, on a trip beginning late January 1940; please respond with best dates; not soliciting money; Mosemann was presently studying at EMS [Eastern Mennonite School, later Eastern Mennonite College, then Eastern Mennonite University]. {21} Bender to Orie O. Miller, October 11, 1939 [genesis of Mennonite Community movement, eventually Mennonite Community Association? and also Mennonite Mutual Aid, Inc.?]: sending copy of letter from J. Winfield Fretz, graduate student in Chicago submitting articles on [Mennonite] mutual aid to Mennonite Quarterly Review and doing a doctoral dissertation on the subject; he might not yet be prominent among “General Conference Mennonites” [GC; GCMC; origins of Mennonite Mutual Aid, Inc.] but had given Bender “helpful stimulation”; letter had “stirred some deep thoughts” in Bender, whose origin probably had been in Hershberger’s paper” [very probably referring to paper at April “Conference on Applied Non-resistance”--see Guy F. Hershberger, “Nonresistance and Industrial Conflict,” The Mennonite Quarterly Review (April 1939)--and perhaps Theron F. Schlabach, War, Peace, and Social Conscience, pages 165 ff.]; “These thoughts” related to “practical application of some of the principles we have been speaking about”; why not “study the possibility of establishing a Mennonite community somewhere [intentional community]... based primarily upon the land or farming operations [ruralism], but also including some small industrial enterprise, ... for testing out the possibility of organizing a new type of Christian community with old fashioned Mennonite principles” [note for work of Bender colleague Guy Hershberger on exactly this, see Theron F. Schlabach’s biography of Hershberger, War Peace and Social Conscience, chapter 6]; Bender and Graber [C. L. Graber, Christian L. Graber, Chris Graber] were thinking of a visit to a community near Detroit established by Harold Gray, a leading WWI pacifist. / Had a letter from M. C. Lehman [Martin Clifford Lehman, “Cliff Lehman”]; Bender did not favor further commitment to him until word from Washington and from German embassy that “relief work will be permitted” [WWII, World War II wartime relief work]. / On his trip east Bender hoped to speak to Miller about some matters that had “come to our attention”. {22} Orie O. Miller to Bender, October 11, 1939 [see October 2 letter]: about the Mosemann visit, had heard from the other three but not from Bender; on dates. {23} Bender to Orie O. Miller, October 13, 1939: had Miller‘s of October 10 [not extant here]; thanks for $7 check; reference to proposed Peace Conference program at Oak Grove Mennonite Church; for the meetings at Goshen on October 20 and 21, Bender had invited Amos Horst [Amos S. Horst] plus “the Franconia Committee as a whole” [Franconia Mennonite Conference Peace Committee?], plus D. A. Yoder [David A. Yoder]; had received letter from S. F. Coffman [Samuel Frederick Coffman]...; enclosing a letter from “Oberschulz Legiehn from South America” [surely J. Legiehn (Julius Legiehn, Oberschulze of Fernheim Colony in Paraguay)];sorry perhaps Miller could not leave home in time to attend meetings at Goshen; about allowance for M. C. Lehman [Martin Clifford Lehman, “Cliff Lehman”]; would like John H. Mosemann, Jr. to come weekend of February 11, use him for Ministers’ Week. • • • REPLY, Orie O. Miller to Bender, October 16, 1939: would have Mosemann be in Goshen February 5-11. {24} Orie O. Miller to Orville B. Ulery, October 25, 1939 [Orville Ulery, O. B. Ulery, Brethren in Christ bishop, Springfield Ohio]: since meeting a year ago, various new developments; in reappointing Industrial Relations Committee, with which you have cooperated [Committee on Industrial Relations; later, Committee on Economic and Social Relations (CESR), then later merged into Committee Peace and Social Concerns (CPSC)], the (MC) Mennonite General Conference had asked Miller to serve on it--inviting Ulery to meet with it; mention J. L. Stauffer [John L. Stauffer]. / In PPC [Peace Problems Committee] role, Miller had been thinking much about the war in Europe [WWII, World War II], was sending a note about recent gathering of MC church leaders at Goshen; note reference to “Plan of Action” [Mennonite Central Peace Committee, MCPC?; Historic Peace Churches, HPC?]; Bender was in touch with Quakers, Church of the Brethren, other Mennonites; welcomed suggestions from Ulery, and Miller would gladly meet with him. {25} Orie O. Miller to Bender, November 28, 1939: attached correspondence with Ray Newton [probably a Quaker associated with AFSC (American Friends Service Committee); for more about Newton, see Miller to Bender, March 12, 1936, or Archon notes on it]; Bender had earlier suggested that Levi Hartzler [Levi C. Hartzler] might represent” for a month at Pendle Hill; perhaps “the Central Peace Committee” [surely Mennonite Central Peace Committee, MCPC] could arrange for several Mennonite groups to send representatives; Guy F. Hershberger would be best, but Hartzler next.... • • • ATTACHED--to November 28 letter just above--copy of Ray Newton to Orie O. Miller, November 27, 1939: seeking cooperation of “your group of Mennonites” with Friends [Quakers], Brethren [Church of the Brethren--and more?], and other pacifists to organize something like “a peace service training camp” [CPS; Civilian Public Service; conscientious objection, nonresistance, pacifism, military draft, alternative service, Selective Service System; VS, Voluntary Service]; elaboration of purpose, etc.--especially to help conscientious objectors withstand social pressures, spiritually etc.; for some years Friends had been promoting “our work camp idea and our instrument idea”; now “we” had set up such a camp at Pendle Hill, January 9 to February 8; mention Quakers Bliss Forbush, Fred Carter, Murray Kenworth, Elizabeth Hazard; [HPC, Historic Peace Churches]. • • • ATTACHED, Orie O. Miller to Newton, November 28, 1939: much interested, Bender had seemed to speak of this; since Mennonites had organized MCPC, that probably was agency to work through; Miller would want to be talking to Clarence Pickett of Philadelphia [Executive Secretary of AFSC] about Mennonite wartime relief Europe. {26} [No 1940 or 1941 correspondence here] {27} Orie O. Miller to Interboard Committee members--Bender, S. F. Coffman, D. D. Miller, A. J. Metzler, S. C. Yoder, C. K. Lehman, H. A. Diener, J. B. Martin, Amos O. Hostetler, May 19, 1942 [Samuel Frederick Coffman; Daniel D. Miller; Abram J. Metzler; Harry A. Diener, Harry Diener; Abram J. Metzler; Sanford C. Yoder; Chester K. Lehman, Chester Lehman; Jesse B. Martin; Amos Hostetler]: call to meeting on Monday, June 16, at Kitchener Ontario; mention cooperation with J. N. Kaufman [James N. Kaufman, James Norman Kaufman], President of Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities; last meeting had been at Johnstown Pennsylvania on May 8, 1940--there, a decision to continue “the Sub-Committee on Retirement Policies and Allowances” and A. J. Metzler, Orie O. Miller, and S. F. Coffman had been appointed to it; also that meeting had established a process for studying a problem PPC had brought regarding “General Conference Committee financing” and appointed D. D. Miller, Bender, and J. C. Frey [Jacob C. Frey] as a sub-committee for that; reports expected. {28} Bender to Orie O. Miller, June 4, 1939: enclosing correspondence with John R. Mumaw [John Mumaw, J. R. Mumaw] in Mumaw’s role as Secretary of Virginia Mennonite Conference Executive Committee. {29} Orie O. Miller to Peace Problems Committee members, July 21, 1942: attaching correspondence from Jacob M. Moyer [J. M. Moyer; copy of letter attached, see below] of Franconia Mennonite Conference’s Peace Problems Committee; pleased to see good attitude of Mason; need to plan next steps and inform “all our constituency” especially in Pennsylvania; Chairman Bender should take charge--at last meeting, Bender had been charged with using Gospel Herald to keep church informed “on this Occupational Questionnaire”. • • • ATTACHED, Raymond Mason to Jacob M. Moyer, July 15, 1942 [Mason: Director for Pennsylvania for Federal Security Agency/ Social Security Board/ United States Employment Service.../ Harrisburg Pennsylvania]: Moyer had written to Mason regarding how “‘peoples of the nonresistant faith such as the Mennonites’” should deal with the Occupational Questionnaire; in response, we instructed all offices to recognize” and to note on applications cards of such persons that they conscientiously objected to any war-related work; you [Moyer] had reported very satisfactory relationships with officials in Washington on such matters, and “we” want ours to be equally satisfactory; much appreciation for “your cooperative spirit” [CPS; Civilian Public Service; conscientious objection, nonresistance, pacifism, military draft, alternative service, Selective Service System]. {30} John E. Lapp to Peace Problems Committee--Bender, Orie O. Miller, C. L. Graber, Harry A. Diener, Amos S. Horst, February 10, 1943 [John Lapp; PPC; Christian L. Graber, Chris Graber; H. A. Diener, Harry Diener; Amos Horst]: long letter [2 elite-type, single-spaced pages] with some praise for the way MCC was running CPS, but then very much on problems in CPS camps [Civilian Public Service; conscientious objection, nonresistance, pacifism, military draft, alternative service, Selective Service System] especially regarding standards for behavior, etc., arising from mixing members of various church groups [interMennonite; nonconformity, church discipline]; expressed dissatisfaction specifically with H. A. Fast’s role [Henry Fast, Henry A. Fast]; mention specifically the suggestions that (MC) Mennonite boys be put in their own camps; other suggestions; proposed division by three criteria: “Nonconformity, making Nonresistance a test of membership and exercising discipline”. {31} Orie O. Miller to Bender, April 23, 1943: from J. J. Hostetler [Jonathan J. Hostetler], “Mennonite Commission Sunday School Secretary [probably Commission on Christian Education], had a copy of “CPS Sunday School Report”; Miller thought such correspondence should come to Bender “as Dean of our CPS Educational Program”. {32} Orie O. Miller to P. C. Hiebert and Bender, May 3, 1943 [Peter C. Hiebert]: Fast [H. A. Fast, Henry A. Fast] and Miller had attended Mennonite College Presidents’ meeting in Chicago Saturday; regarding “M.C.C. Relief Workers’ Training Advisory Curriculum Committee [MCC; wartime relief work]; Miller had given “full explanation... of the Winnipeg background, and Ernest [E. E. Miller, Ernest E. Miller] had explained Selective Service System developments affecting the College Reserve Training Corps; happily the presidents approved work done at Winnipeg; ; mention Lloyd Ramseyer [Lloyd L. Ramseyer] and Dean Schultz [probably Jacob S. Schultz, J. S. Schultz, Jacob Samuel Schultz] acting as his secretary; sense of “Curriculums Committee” had been a preference for presidents, when increasing members of that committee from four to six; Second, in addition to Winnipeg decisions, they thought the Committee should report to MCC on the colleges’ interest wherever colleges had a role in relief workers’ training--and Miller and Fast [Henry Fast, Henry A. Fast] had agreed; wanted the six to meet May 7; much work needed doing; mention “Brother Hiebert” [surely P. C. Hiebert, Peter C. Hiebert]; mention E. E. Miller as director of the Curriculum Committee. {33} Orie O. Miller to Bender, May 15, 1943: some data and discussion about cost of CPS [Civilian Public Service; conscientious objection, nonresistance, pacifism, military draft, alternative service, Selective Service System]; regarding MCC relief work [MCC’s American Mennonite Agency for Foreign Relief (AMAFR)]; mention Delvin Kirchhofer and Richard Yoder about to leave New Orleans by ship for Middle East, and first CPSers bound for Puerto Rico about to leave; regarding Mennonite percentages of all CPSers, somewhat reduced by departures for II-C farm service [farm deferment, occupational deferment]. {34} Set of letters about visiting Mennonites in prison [CPS; Civilian Public Service; conscientious objection, nonresistance, pacifism, military draft, alternative service, Selective Service System; imprisonment]: -- James V. Bennett to Clarence E. Picket, May 17, 1943[imprisonment letter; Bennett--Director of Department of Justice Bureau of Prisons, Washington DC; Pickett: Executive Secretary of American Friends Service Committee (AFSC); Quakers]: acknowledging yours of May 8 [not extant here], telling of appointing Charles W. Palmer [C. W. Palmer, Charles Palmer] to be chaplain to Friends members in federal prison; glad for him to visit, but at outset having him notify Howard B. Gill of the Bureau; suggest as preliminary Palmer visit Penitentiary at Lewisburg Pennsylvania; your letter stated also Palmer would gladly visit other conscientious objectors [CPS; Civilian Public Service; conscientious objection, nonresistance, pacifism, military draft, alternative service, Selective Service System] and told of writing to Mennonites and Church of the Brethren--Bennett would like to know their replies; as you assumed, Palmer visits would depend on wardens or chaplains of the prisons; assumptions about nature of Palmer’s discussions; in brief encounter with Palmer, well impressed. --Clarence E. Pickett to Orie O. Miller, May 20, 1943 [imprisonment letter]: enclosing copy of letter just received from Bennett [see just above]; please advise whether willing to validate Palmer to visit your church’s Mennonite members. • • • REPLY, Orie O. Miller to Picket, no date [but apparently 20, 1943 [imprisonment letter]: happy to have Palmer visit Mennonites; asking Jesse W. Hoover, Secretary of “our Peace Section” [surely MCC Peace Section; J. W. Hoover, Jesse Hoover] to inform Palmer of our inmates on record; suggest once Hoover was well established at Nappanee, he and Bender work out some visitations and think about these matters further. {35} Orie O. Miller to Bender and Jesse W. Hoover, May 21, 1943 [MCC Peace Section stationery, listing Bender, Hoover, Ernest Bohn, P. C. Hiebert, and Orie O. Miller as members--J. W. Hoover, Jesse Hoover, Jesse W. Hoover; Peter C. Hiebert]: had spoken with “Grant” [probably Grant Stoltzfus] about “Peace and Non-resistance bibliography; idea of a one- or two-foot peace-book shelf [probably at MCC headquarters or in CPS camps?]; probably the Peace Section should clarify purpose of the collection, before Grant went much farther; on how to handle purchases. {36} Orie O. Miller to Bender, June 4, 1943 [stationery of Eastern Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities]: wanted to use Bender‘s travel agency for furlough travel for Africa missionaries--to Capetown, then by ship to Buenos Aires, then air to Brownsville [apparently Brownsville Texas]; mention “Leatherman, of the African [sic] Mission”.... {37} Orie O. Miller to Bender, June 25, 1943: Eastern Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities had no extra copies of Missionary Messenger; it had 5 bound sets, but they were with officials who needed them; mention Ira Landis [Ira D. Landis]; maybe Mennonite Publishing House had some unbound ones. {38} Telegram, Orie O. Miller to Bender, June 26, 1943: Tuesday July 19 or next day okay for Horst and Miller for PPC meeting [surely Amos Horst, Amos S. Horst]; lengthy advice about arranging passages to Paraguay for Schmidt and Klassen that would let couples travel together and would avoid baggage difficulties; pencilled notes in margins refer to “customs troubles like Janzen” who had to surrender his typewriter.... [John Remple Schmidt; John Schmidt, John R. Schmidt, and Clara Schmidt, Clara Ann Schmidt, Clara Regier Schmidt; George Stanley Klassen, George Klassen, and Ola White Klassen, Ola Klassen; probably A. E. Janzen, Abraham Ewell Janzen, Abraham E. Janzen]. {39} Orie O. Miller to Bender, August 4, 1943: Miller’s wife [Elta Wolf Miller, Elta Miller] had been cleaning house, Orie burning old files, but he was sending some Young People’s Institute files; mention Paul Erb perhaps should see them. {40} Bender to Orie O. Miller, November 11, 1943: had received notice of December 4 meeting of the Interboard Committee and planned to carry out his assignment for it; John Horst [John L. Horst, J. L. Horst] had arranged for [Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities’] Executive Committee and its Mennonite Relief Committee to meet on December 3; on Interboard Committee, J. N. Kauffman [sic--J. N. Kaufman, James N. Kaufman, James Norman Kaufman] was replacing D. D. Miller [Daniel D. Miller], Milo Kauffman same for S. C. Yoder [Sanford C. Yoder], and J. L. Horst [John L. Horst] for J. B. Martin [Jesse B. Martin]; sending expense check for “last M. C. C. meeting in Chicago” [MCC]. {41} Minutes of the Interboard Committee, December 4, 1943, submitted by Orie O. Miller, Secretary: members named (Bender, Guy Hershberger [G. F. Hershberger, Guy F. Hershberger]; John L. Horst [J. L. Horst]; Amos Hostetler [Amos O. Hostetler]; Milo Kauffman, J. N. Kauffman [sic--J. N. Kaufman, James N. Kaufman, James Norman Kaufman]; C. K. Lehman [Chester Lehman, Chester K. Lehman]; Aaron Mast; Orie O. Miller; A. J. Metzler [Abram J. Metzler]; D. A. Yoder as proxy for H. A. Diener [David A. Yoder, Harry A. Diener]); others present named (John R. Mumaw [J. R. Mumaw); Amos Horst [Amos S. Horst]; Curtis C. Cressman [C. C. Cressman]; Allen H. Erb [Allen Erb]; N. E. Troyer [probably Noah E. Troyer]; C. L. Graber [Christian L. Graber, Chris Graber]; Jacob A. Shenk; Simon Gingerich; S. C. Yoder [Sanford C. Yoder], J. B. Smith [Jacob B. Smith]); Hershberger presented the proposal to form Mennonite Mutual Aid [Mennonite Mutual Aid, Inc., later Everence]; Bender reported PPC’s strong endorsement; C. L. Graber as Secretary of Stewardship Committee reported “the attitude of this committee; much discussion...; Allen Erb as (MC) Mennonite General Conference moderator reported the conference executive committee’s “approving the plan in principle...”; motion put and passed that the conference executive committee form a subcommittee--names then were suggested, and a committee formed of Allen Erb as Chairman, Aaron Mast a member, other three to be appointed by Stewardship, Industrial Relations, and Peace Problems Committees; later, Guy F. Hershberger, C. L. Graber, and Orie O. Miller were added. • • • CONTIGUOUS to the minutes just above are three documents attached together: another copy of those minutes; Orie O. Miller to “To all who attended December 4 Goshen College Interboard Committee meeting, December 6, 1943; and a one-sheet (both sides) multilithed summation of the plan and purpose of Mennonite Mutual Aid-- Miller‘s letter indicated planning would probably get underway in February or March, and asked for prayer, etc.

Results 1 to 15 of 5039