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Incoming and outgoing correspondence regarding both primarily home and voluntary service work and the placement of Mennonite conscientious objectors into service programs of partner agencies. These files also contain some information on overseas voluntary service work.  Correspondence is arranged alphabetically by author or subject.

Researchers should note the restrictions on files marked "confidential."  These files generally do not contain confidential information about the individual whose name is on the folder.  Rather, the files contain confidential information about voluntary service and mission workers supervised by the individual whose name is on the folder.

A small set of assorted records that predate and extend through Bennett's tenure as secretary of the Mennonite Board of Missions.  Materials include reports, correspondence,and financial records.  Bennett served as secretary from 1959 to 1980.

A small set of records from the office of the third secretary of the Mennonite Board of Missions, J. D. Graber, who served in that capacity from 1944 to 1966.  Materials include correspondence with C. L. Graber, correspondence regarding urban missions, miscellaneous reports, and telephone call log books.

Adminstrative files documenting the placement of conscientious objectors into alternative service positions.  These records are divided into the following series:

(1) Personnel Files, 1943-1971

(2) Minutes, Reports, and Financial Records, 1952-1969

(3) Draft Census Records, 1963-1965

(4) Correspondence, 1954-1971

(5) I-W Program Files, 1952-1974

A small set of miscellaneous correspondence from various leaders of the mission agencies of the (old) Mennonite Church.

Mennonites began to serve in Puerto Rico as a result of a larger medical, social service, recreation, education and agricultural program begun by the Puerto Rico Reconstruction Administration (PRRA), established by the USA Relief Act of 1935.  Extensive redistribution of land and construction of homes, schools and medical dispenseries took place from 1935-42. When money was no longer available to finance the programs, the PRRA made community center property available to the Brethren, Mennonites and Friends (Quakers).

The Church of the Brethren began work in 1942 at Castaner, and in 1943 invited Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) to provide medical and social service work in La Plata valley. This became known as Civilian Public Service Camp #43, and the workers were conscientious objectors who were doing alternative service during World War II.  By 1944 the Mennonites had built a hospital at La Plata, and later a hospital opened at Aibonito (1957).  In 1943 there were six MCC workers in Puerto Rico, of which two had been sent through Mennonite Board of Missions (MBM).  In 1944 MCC personnel had expanded to 42 persons, of which 17 had been sent through MBM. In 1950, MCC transferred their administration to MBM’s Relief Committee.

The Mennonite Hospital in Puerto Rico began in 1944 and by 1950 came under the long-time administration of the Mennonite Board of Missions (MBM).  MBM had operated several hospitals throughout its history dating back to 1898, and from the 1940s-1980s, had its own Health and Welfare department.  MBM continued its operation of the Mennonite hospital in Puerto Rico at least through the 1960 and 1970s and maintained contact with the hospital at least until 1987.

Records in this series include correspondence, reports, newsletters, committee meeting minutes and reports, files pertaining to building projects, financial records, and photographs.