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BOX 31 FOLDER 17 John Howard Yoder 1955-1957 For biographies of Yoder (1927-2007), see the one in GAMEO [Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia On-line], and one related to his papers in Archives of the Mennonite Church USA [available on-line].

{1} Note, in John Howard Yoder handwriting, no date but penciled “c.a. 1955:”; re a source that might be worth translating for The Mennonite Quarterly Review––50 typed pages giving “an excellent isight into the way ‘anabaptists’ [sic] were dealt with in an area “then under Prussia”, the king working for tolerance and the local farmers did not liking the competition and working to get 17 families moved out, this “around the Chous-de-Fonds” [spelling??]....
{2} John Howard Yoder to H. S. Bender, January 14, 1955 [from Allschwil / Basel Switzerland––personal stationery; for response, see at February 18]: within next six months would need to decide whetter to continue “at Basel long enough to get a degree”; depended partly on finding a thesis topic; .... mention Blanke [likely Fritz Blanke]; ...thought the “central issue to be grappled with” was “the deeper and less tangible question cf church-society relations” vis-à-vis “the basic critique of the corpus christianum concept which was inherent in anabaptism [sic]...”; matter of source material; mention Täuferakten; mention “Marpeck arguing against Schwenkfeld” [Pilgram Marpeck, Pilgram Marbeck, Caspar Schwenkfeld; mention the possibility that Sammy Gerber [likely Samuel Gerber the teacher] might study at Goshen for a year; mention Dave Shank as saying this [likely David A. Shank––JHY favored this but thought the question should be separated from his relation to “the Bibelschule” [?? Bienenberg Mennonite Bible School, near Basel in Switzerland--later, (English name) Theological Seminary Bienenberg; (German Name) Ausbildungs- und Tagungszentrum Bienenberg; (French Name) Centre de formation et de rencontre Bienenberg ??].
{3} Postcard, John Howard Yoder to H. S. Bender, February 6, 1955 [from Allschwil / Basel Switzerland]: about a piece of “Mennonite fiction”––“a fantasy on the life of Menno Simons, Hans Muller-Ewigen, “Die Menschen sind alle gleich”, with a nonresistant character [European Mennonite pacifism]....
{4] H. S. Bender to John Howard Yoder, February 18, 1955 [to him at Allschwil, Basel, Switzerland]: much interested in your Gospel Herald article “New Testament Conception of the Ministry”; expressed some doubt whether implications of New Testament was “as clear as you see them”...; reference to “your proposed collective pastoral group” and implication that there would be a “chief pastor”...; “Actually, in the past Mennonites have not had very much in the way of ‘pastoring’....––some discussion of that; ... some exposition from Ephesians..., // Re JHY thesis topic; raised question of how typical Hutterian thought was for Anabaptists––Franklin Littell had used Hutterite sources much [Franklin H. Littell]; mention Robert Friedmann and his current work; mention Lydia Miller [sic––Lydia Mueller, Lydia Müller ??]...; more on what JHY might write in a dissertation.... cc Paul Peachey. • • • REPLY, John Howard Yoder to H. S. Bender, February 23, 1955 [from Allschwil / Basel Switzerland––personal stationery]; reference to letter of 18th; on working on the disputations; comment about specific potential projects. // Had sent an article, one to which Bender had responded, to Gospel Herald––to Gospel Herald because it had published “two articles favoring that evolution toward a salaried monarchical ministry...; ... (more, elaboration); then from that, an “exegetical question”; about a point that Bender had made, that past Mennonites had not done much in the way of “‘pastoring’”––question was what to do about that...
{5} TWO entries Postcard, John Howard Yoder to H. S. Bender, March 17, 1955 [from Allschwil / Basel Switzerland]: had agreement of both Staehelin and Blanke [likely Fritz Blanke] for a thesis topic....; had written to Robert Friedmann for tips on sources..; bit of comment on sources. • • • CONTIGUOUS, John Howard Yoder to H. S. Bender and Robert Friedmann, March 31, 1955]: thank you for prompt responses; not possible to follow all your suggestions; would probably need to stop at 1538; his time limited somewhat by work for MCC Peace Section; further discussion; his topic would probably be “something like ‘Gespräche swischen Täufer und Reformatoren 1525-40’”...; P.S. to H. S. Bender––strong blame of MCC for its handling of European matters, in this case the IMPC newsletter. [International Mennonite Peace Committee; European Mennonite pacifism].
{6} John Howard Yoder to H. S. Bender, June 16, 1955 [from Allschwil / Basel Switzerland––personal stationery]: Shank had passed on to JHY “your request to the ‘siamese twins’ [sic]” [David Shank, David A. Shank ??; not clear who those twins were ?]; full page follows on church polity––“congregational,” “full brotherhood” [gender], etc.; i.e., appears to be further discussion of Bender with Concerns group; JHY thought it helpful “if you had let us know just where you think we got off the track...; ... “Your reaction has been occasionally a caricature, occasionally a quibble about terms, but never positive help to a better solution of the problems we have been struggling with....”. // “My thesis is growing slowly....”
{7} TWO entries H. S. Bender to John Howard Yoder, June 21, 1955 [to him at Allschwil, Basel, Switzerland]: a long [8+ double-spaced letter––point-by-point critique of letters JHY had been sending in the depth discussion going on between H. S. Bender and JHY (and Bender and Concern pamphlet movement); valuable as a Bender response. which usually were not as thorough or nearly as frequent as JHY’s elaborate epistles. • • • REVERSE SIDE, handwritten jottings about “Missionary Research Library”
{8} TWO entries H. S. Bender to John Howard Yoder, June 27, 1955 [to him at Allschwil, Basel, Switzerland]: Bender confessed he owed “you a longer and fuller discussion” of points you had raised; President Paul Mininger pressuring him to complete the Mennonite Encyclopedia; sorry if his brief message to David Shank [David A. Shank] was a caricature of your position; needed explanation; in the past had expressed regret––not regret that the discussion was occurring but over certain points ... (elaborated).... “There are other cases where I have considerable difficulty following you logic”––where you seem to go beyond your evidence; e.g....; points on which Bender was “not persuaded”...: Bender was “disturbed also over your vigorous rejection of what you call denominationalism, that is any church over-all organization with any authority over local congregations or ministers....”; cc’s to David Shank, Paul Peachey, John W. Miller, “and possibly others” [David A. Shank]. • • • (apparently) REPLY, John Howard Yoder to H. S. Bender, July 4 [no year, hand-marked “1955 ?”, which is almost surely correct; from Allschwil / Basel Switzerland––personal stationery]: some mild apology; then point-by-point answer; cc’s “Concern Circle” [4-page letter, all full and single-spaced]
{9} John Howard Yoder to H. S. Bender, August 27, 1955 [from Allschwil / Basel Switzerland––personal stationery]: thanks for the 50 Swiss francs and reprint of your Church History article; an item by Ferguson was coming directly from England; forwarding a letter from Ernst Crous which missed you. // On need for “clear facing up to the question of historical criticism of the” Old Testament...; was thinking of Smucker, Waltner, Peachey, and John Miller [likely Don Smucker [Donovan Smucker, Donovan E. Smucker, Don E. Smucker, Donovan Ebersole Smucker; Erland Waltner, Paul Peachey, John W. Miller]; a paragraph on “the Verheyden question” [see Menisme in Vlaanderen, by A L E Verheyden [1942; Alphonse L. E. Verheyden]; and An Introduction to the History of the Mennonites in Flanders, by A L E Verheyden [1947]; and Anabaptism in Flanders, 1530-1650: A Century of Struggle, by A L E Verheyden [1961].
{10} John Howard Yoder to H. S. Bender, September 15, 1955 [handwritten note]: wanted a list of dissertations and Täuferakten items that will be “out” by end of 1956, so he does not search certain items needlessly....
{11} John Howard Yoder to Concern Circle, September 15, 1955 [from Allschwil / Basel Switzerland––personal stationery]: The following from early in the (3 full single-spaced-page) letter gives a sample of it: thanks Orley Swartzentruber for trying to “revive the near-defunct circle letter”, with “mostly a warning to me”...; paraphrase of “Orley’s understandings...”: ’We agree that we don’t want parsons and that we don’t want conferences which act like ecumenical synods.... What we want is obviously to advocate biblical authority and spiritual fellowship....”; much elaboration follows, drawing on Biblical example etc. Some comments denying there was much quarrel with Orley; etc.
{12} [No name; surely Orley Swartzentruber] to “Dear John”, September 17, 1955 [no indication of who was writer except showing a cc to H. S. Bender and a return address of Clamart; which was the address of Orley Swartzentruber at the time; no letterhead or stationery]: letter is a rebuke to JHY about “tone”; early in the letter––“Concerning tone I said, that the poison-pen letter that was sent to Dean Bender from Amsterdam inaugurated the relations of Concern with him, and that it was such an epistle as could not but arouse anger in the recipient, and obscure its own message”, not fixed by “A later apology”....; [letter continues to four full pages, the latter half somewhat more on substance––including comments on Concern No. 2––but showing not only intellectual but tonal disagreement]; at end it indicates a cc to H. S. Bender.
{13} Postcard, John Howard Yoder to H. S. Bender, October 12, 1955 [from Allschwil / Basel Switzerland]: “Wintsch” was not responding, even with help of Blanke [Fritz Blanke] so please send “the Bern MS” [manuscript] at expense of JHY and Hans Hillerbrand [Hans J. Hillerbrand; see below at November 8, 1955]; re “photocopies of Bayles’s dictionary and other items, including “item from Brno” and “Rhegius Wider den Newen Taufforden”.
{14} Faye Hochstetler to John Howard Yoder, October 12, 1955 [writer was H. S. Bender’s secretary; to him at Allschwil, Basel, Switzerland]: your letter [not extant here?] arrived in Bender’s absence; he would reply next week.
{15} TWO entries H. S. Bender to John Howard Yoder, November 4, 1955 [to him at Allschwil, Basel, Switzerland]: would respond now to your letter of August 27, respond next week to quite few more; about a small check Bender had sent to pay postage; thanks for your suggestion on Old Testament criticism but Bender was quite against calling in outsiders or “a disciplinary hearing”; he thought JHY seemed to have “some kind of false impression of a tension between families. If so, forget such foolishness”; Bender thought JHY could “do serious damage if you hold such opinions...”; much thanks for offer to work on the “Verheyden manuscript” {see Menisme in Vlaanderen, by A L E Verheyden [1942; Alphonse L. E. Verheyden]; and An Introduction to the History of the Mennonites in Flanders, by A L E Verheyden [1947]; and Anabaptism in Flanders, 1530-1650: A Century of Struggle, by A L E Verheyden [1961]}; about microfilm of “the Bern Gespräch” [the Bern conversations]; only work Bender knew as being done on a subject close to JHY’s dissertation was that of Jess Yoder for a Northwestern Ph.D. in Speech [Jesse Yoder?]. • • • REPLY, John Howard Yoder to H. S. Bender, November 8, 1955 [from Allschwil / Basel Switzerland––personal stationery]: commented pretty much subject-by-subject; also, had now seen Wintsch [see above at October 12, 1955]––who was publishing “the ‘38 text” and giving it to JHY only bit-by-bit; JHY was not able to share with Hans Hillerbrand...; Peachey and Swartzentruber [surely Paul Peachey, Orley Swartzentruber] reported “you were displeased with me at Puidoux”, but did not give details; reference to “Blanke’s ‘Brüder in Christo’” [likely Fritz Blanke], to “Marbeck’s Testamenterläuterung”, and to “Pfistrermeyer disputation 1531” [Pilgram Marpeck, Pilgram Marbeck]; bit about buying books....
{16} Postcard, John Howard Yoder to “Dr. & Mrs. H. S. Bender, November 28, 1955 [from Allschwil / Basel Switzerland]: about some library items that Goshen College evidently did not have....
{17} Postcard, John Howard Yoder to H. S. Bender, December 17, 1955 [from Allschwil / Basel Switzerland––personal stationery]: thanks for Bern Gespräch, still did not “have Verheyden {see Menisme in Vlaanderen, by A L E Verheyden [1942; Alphonse L. E. Verheyden]; and An Introduction to the History of the Mennonites in Flanders, by A L E Verheyden [1947]; and Anabaptism in Flanders, 1530-1650: A Century of Struggle, by A L E Verheyden [1961]}, mention Guy de Brès, “Bayle’s Dictionaire Historique; really writing to inquire about any replies to [John Horsch] “Horsch’s claim that Zwingli changed ground between 1522 and 1524” [Ulrich Zwingli].
{18} TWO entries Boyd Nelson to John Howard Yoder, February 3, 1956 [stationery of Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities, Nelson of “Relief and Service”; to JHY at Allschwil, Basel, Switzerland]: apparently sending English translation of “your agreement with Paul Widmer” [sic] covering “your actual personal work”, for you to check over...; cc’s J. D. Graber, Dave Shank, John Mosemann, H. S. Bender, Ernest Bennett [Joseph D. Graber, “Joe” Graber; David A. Shank; John Mosemann Jr.]; P.S. re a visit from Walter [? perhaps Walter Eicher ??]––he had been well impressed with Widmer • • • ATTACHED, one-single-space-page typed document, “PROPOSITION OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN PAUL WIDMER AND THE MENNONITE MISSION”, no date but stamped as if received February 4, 1955 [probably should be 1956?]: begins–“A second proposition which was projected the 31st of October, 1955, on the basis of a conversation in September”; remaining content is six major points and some sub points covering Widmer’s activity and his “relationships” with “the Assembly of the rue El Moungar; visiting “the team at Chasserian” and working with them; Widmer would not have time to continue “his study of Arabia” for the present; he to explore “a work for lodging young lyceans and students”; agreement about immersion as the mode of baptism; Widmer’s work not to be covered by a budget, but ....
{19} Postcard, John Howard Yoder to H. S. Bender, May 5, [penciled “1956”; from Allschwil / Basel Switzerland]: thanks for sending Bern Gespräche; mention Hillerbrand [likely Hans Hillerbrand, Hans J. Hillerbrand]; had not yet gotten the “Verheyden manuscript” {see Menisme in Vlaanderen, by A L E Verheyden [1942; Alphonse L. E. Verheyden]; and An Introduction to the History of the Mennonites in Flanders, by A L E Verheyden [1947]; and Anabaptism in Flanders, 1530-1650: A Century of Struggle, by A L E Verheyden [1961]}; an inquiry about answering “von Muralt’s ‘Reformation and Täufertum’” with its critical response to John Horsch; about whether JHY should become MCC representative on “the HPC [Historic Peace Churches] Continuation Committee”––practical reasons why JHY should not; mention Paul Bender in Heerewegen.
{20} H. S. Bender to John Howard Yoder, June 11, 1956 [to him at Allschwil, Basel, Switzerland]: responding to various correspondence from you; would attend to “your proposal of May 17 regarding “commemorative plaques for Philip the Magnanimous and William the Silent, and other such points for discussion at Thomashof June 19-20; re meeting in Chicago May 28-29 with five Baptists from Russia–“excellent meeting”; Paul Peachey was proposing a Peace Conference between HPCs [Historic Peace Churches] and Russian Baptists, in Europe; about visas and prospect for “our delegation to Russia”; could not find the letter about Bender being critical of JHY, but mainly it was incorrect.
{21} Document, from H. S. Bender, typed but with [whose?––H. S. Bender’s ??] handwriting at beginning, before the typed carbon. 16, 1956; in German; seems to have been typed to send to Hans Gerber at Basel and JHY at Valdoie [sic], but then in the penned portion adding the names of IMPC [International Mennonite Peace Committee], i.e. Pierre Widmer, Hans Gerber, C. F. Brüsewitz, Christian Schnebele, Otto Schowalter; whatever else, it is about dates and apparently agenda for a meeting in July....
{22} TWO entries John Howard Yoder to H. S. Bender, July 5, 1956 [from Allschwil / Basel Switzerland––personal stationery]: as an example of “structural problems within MCC”, pointed back to an erroneous statement in a Bender letter; discussion of some [miscommunication?] from the past re JHY ending his MCC term of service, demonstrating that “MCC places the blame in the wrong place” if it had certain perceptions about “shortage of volunteers”.... • • • REPLY, H. S. Bender to John Howard Yoder, July 26, 1956 [to him at Allschwil, Basel, Switzerland]: did not know certain details of what JHY had written about; re terms of JHY, Paul Peachey, Irvin Horst [Irvin B. Horst]; remembered there were certain complications... [some elaboration]; effort to correct something that JHY had recollected from 1952.
{23} TWO entries John Howard Yoder to H. S. Bender, August 1, 1956 [from Allschwil / Basel Switzerland––personal stationery]: had worked through the “Verheyden manuscript” {see Menisme in Vlaanderen, by A L E Verheyden [1942; Alphonse L. E. Verheyden]; and An Introduction to the History of the Mennonites in Flanders, by A L E Verheyden [1947]; and Anabaptism in Flanders, 1530-1650: A Century of Struggle, by A L E Verheyden [1961]} except appendices; a question or two on translation policy; need for a map; whole needed retyping; P.S. something MHL should get....• • • REPLY, H. S. Bender to John Howard Yoder, August 6, 1956 [to him at Allschwil, Basel, Switzerland]: point by point direct answers or comments re JHY’s of August 1––regarding the Verheyden manuscript”; follows comments about usages when copy-editing, formatting...; thanks for helping out with the manuscript.
{24} John Howard Yoder to H. S. Bender, September 6, [no year but penciled “1956?” [from Allschwil / Basel Switzerland––personal stationery]: some question about copying “Zonderabzug” of the E. Wolff articles in the Evang. Soziallexikon; mention “Albert” [Albert Meyer, Albert J. Meyer ??]; did Goshen have certain item(s)?
{25} Postcard, John Howard Yoder to H. S. Bender, October 4, 1956 [from Allschwil / Basel Switzerland––personal stationery]: IFOR [International Fellowship of Reconciliation] was considering a delegation to Russia for peace interests with both Baptist and Orthodox, and would like “to see you before your trip”.// JHY and Albert [Albert Meyer, Albert J. Meyer ??] would see “Kloppenberg” on October 19; and perhaps “Littell and Walx... about further Puidoux plans.”…
{26} H. S. Bender to John Howard Yoder, October 13, 1956 [from Goshen but in German; to JHY at Allschwil, Basel, Switzerland]: on having received visas for Russia, although some (William T. Snyder, H. A. Fast [Henry A. Fast]) not yet; about wanting to meet at Frankfurt with Bob Zigler [likely M. R. Zigler, Michael Robert Zigler; Church of the Brethren]; wanted a peace conference under peace-church leadership [HPC, Historic Peace Churches] before Mennonite World Conference; mention Albert Meyer [sic] attending a meeting; returning from Russia, Bender wished to meet with JHY at Basel or Frankfurt.
{27} Postcard, John Howard Yoder to H. S. Bender, November 5, 1956 [from Allschwil / Basel Switzerland; to H. S. Bender at Frankfurt, when he arrived]: about certain photocopies; about a reader in French on Anabaptists; about how to “get beyond factual history to a theological evaluation of the Anabaptists”.
{28} TWO entries John Howard Yoder to H. S. Bender, February 4, 1957 [from Allschwil / Basel Switzerland––personal stationery]: was sending parts of the “Verheyden manuscript” {see Menisme in Vlaanderen, by A L E Verheyden [1942; Alphonse L. E. Verheyden]; and An Introduction to the History of the Mennonites in Flanders, by A L E Verheyden [1947]; and Anabaptism in Flanders, 1530-1650: A Century of Struggle, by A L E Verheyden [1961]}; had a list of matters––1 2/3 pages of items for Bender’s decisions. CONTIGUOUS, John Howard Yoder to H. S. Bender, February 22, 1957 [from Allschwil / Basel Switzerland––personal stationery]: more re the Verheyden manuscript–one full-page letter

BOX 31 FOLDER 18 In his lifetime Sanford C. Yoder was a bishop at East Union Mennonite Church near Kalona Iowa, bishop and pastor of Goshen College Mennonite Church, and an irenic leader in the “(Old)” or “MC’ Mennonite denomination, generally and as Executive Secretary of Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities and in higher education. The following is the text of “Yoder, Sanford Calvin (1879-1975), from GAMEO [Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia On-line: “Sanford Calvin Yoder was born 5 December 1879 to Christian S. and Anna Swartzendruber Yoder, near Iowa City, Iowa. In 1903 he married Emma Stutzman from the same community. Their three children were Myron, Marguerite, and LaVerne. “Yoder graduated from the Clarion, Iowa, high school (1901) and Hamilton College of Law (LLB, 1926), University of Iowa (BA, 1927), Winona Lake School of Theology (MA, 1933), Northern Baptist Seminary (BD, 1934; DD, 1937), and Gordon College Divinity School (STD, 1939). He taught in the public schools of Iowa and Washington. In Washington he was also a rancher. “Yoder was ordained to the ministry in the Mennonite Church (MC) at Chappell, Nebraska, in 1911. When he returned with his family to Kalona, Iowa, in 1913, he was ordained bishop at the East Union congregation. His most significant work was as secretary of the Mennonite Board of Missions (MC), 1921-1944, and as president of Goshen College, Goshen, IN (1923-1940). His statesmanship and leadership served as a reconciling influence in the Mennonite Church (MC) during the troubled decade of the 1920s and the years following. He died 23 February 1975 at Goshen.”
{1} TWO entries S. C. Yoder to Mr. and Mrs. Bender, January 6, 1948 [from Goshen, to Harold and Elizabeth Bender (Elizabeth Horsch Bender) at MCC address at Basel Switzerland; ]: a personal letter responding to news of the serious illness of the Benders’ daughter Nancy [later Nancy Kostek, Nancy Bender Kostek]; also news of a very tragic crash in Mennonite communities at Archbold Ohio and Sarasota Florida bringing deaths of 11 children [mention Jesse Wyse, Henry Crosgrove; Goshen College news. • • • CONTIGUOUS, Sanford C. Yoder to H. S. Bender, February 5, 1948 [from Goshen, to MCC address at Basel Switzerland]: re prayers for Nancy...; letter mostly about the course of “Levi’s ordination” [likely Levi Hartzler, Levi C, Hartzler ?––likely as deacon at Goshen College Mennonite Church ?; a case for some sense of Yoder’s style of leadership]. some discussion of the mission in Belgium; at length about situation of the Nursing School and its relation to hospital plans at Elkhart, including some about costs; mention Robert Friedmann and he being disappointed at slow movement of his book [likely Mennonite Piety Through the Centuries: Its Genius and its Literature (Goshen, Ind.: Mennonite Historical Society, 1949): weather, etc.
{2} SIX entries H. S. Bender to Sanford C. Yoder, February 24, 1948 [to him at Goshen; S. C. Yoder]: writing to Yoder as his bishop [at Goshen College Mennonite Church], asking about baptizing Boyd Nelson, “director of our MCC relief unit in Italy” on confession of faith; Nelson had been baptized as an infant but now was persuaded to the Mennonite understanding...; suggested Yoder consult with Paul Mininger. // Bender was planning a trip to Italy; condition of Benders’ daughter Nancy [later Nancy Kostek, Nancy Bender Kostek]. • • • REPLY, S. C. Yoder to H. S. Bender, March 5, 1948 [from Goshen]: re baptizing Boyd Nelson, quoted the conference regulation on baptism; had consulted with Paul Mininger; in the end, advised that under the circumstances Bender use his own judgment. // Some chatty remarks on this and that. • • • REPLY, H. S. Bender to Sanford C. Yoder, March 12, 1948 [to him at Goshen; S. C.Yoder; Bender at MCC––Basel]: planned to baptize Boyd Nelson in May; Nancy at home from hospital but not able to dress or eat at the table––plan to take her to the mountains to recuperate; comment on world affairs; comment on changes in Mennonite Board of Education; rather wished he could stay in Europe another year, but impossible. • • • CONTIGUOUS, H. S. Bender to Sanford C. Yoder, April 1, 1948 [to S. C. Yoder at Goshen; H. S. Bender at MCC––Basel]: Writing to Yoder as College Mennonite Church bishop; that since talking to Bender about baptism, Boyd Nelson had become engaged to Welma Graber [sic––Welma Barbara Graber, Welma Graber Nelson]; Nelson wanted to join Mennonite Church and give his life to church service; Bender thought most suitable was to join College Mennonite Church during a coming furlough; re his background in the Congregational Church; account of his history and character with MCC.... • • • REPLY, H. S. Bender to S. C. Yoder, April 10, 1948 [to at Goshen; Sanford C. Yoder]: would take the Boyd Nelson matter up with the congregation, confident of affirmation; weather etc. • • • CONTIGUOUS, H. S. Bender to S. C. Yoder, May 18, 1948 [to at Goshen; Sanford C. Yoder]: tardy in notifying you that Bender had baptized Boyd Nelson and received him into College Mennonite Church fellowship; that Yoder would want to present him to the congregation when opportune; a bit about the wedding.
{3} H. S. Bender and Paul Bender to Sanford C. Yoder, December 28, 1948 [to S. C. Yoder at Goshen]: alerting Yoder that some in the College Mennonite Church wanted someone not from the college on the pastor Committee; suggested Charles Gardner, Assistant Superintendent of Sunday School.
{4} H. S. Bender to Sanford C. Yoder, October 25, 1949 [to S. C. Yoder at Dhamtari, India; Bender at Goshen]: glad you are making the trip well; sending some fairly formal reports from the college and Mennonite Board of Education; the minutes of Board’s Executive Committee seemed to say nothing of Yoder’s retirement, nor record of discussions at the Seminary; Howard Charles asked for leave for next year; seminary enrollment increased; D. A. Yoder [David A. Yoder” “in his present difficulties was” acting “unyielding”, making difficulties for himself––Holdeman Mennonite Church petitioning for a new bishop; Paul Mininger doing good evangelism work...; Orie O. Miller would soon do a 3-month tour of MCC work in Far East [East Asia]...; “So far as I can tell,” J. Lawrence Burkholder was “taking hold of his work as a teacher and doing well....
{5} H. S. Bender to S. C. Yoder, November 16, 1949 [to Sanford C. Yoder at Damtari, India]: had spoken with President [Ernest E. Miller, E. E. Miller, Ernest Miller] re seminary faculty next year; would retain Yoder and J. Lawrence Burkholder, latter “in view of Howard Charles’ absence”; Yoder part time thus bypassing Miller’s decision that Yoder should retire; re John Mosemann Jr.... • • • REPLY, S. C. Yoder to H. S. Bender, November 23, 1949 [to Goshen, from Dhamtari, India]: about his preferences for teaching load next year; about visiting mission stations in India; to sail from Bombay December 31, arrive home January 12; plan for Mosemann okay.
{6} H. S. Bender to Mennonite Historical Society directors, December 2, 1949 [to at Goshen; Sanford C. Yoder]: executive committee had met and concerning appointment of four new associate editors as approved by the Board [likely for Mennonite Quarterly Review], the committee recommended: Carl Kreider’s position as associate editor continue; status of van der Zijpp, Blanke, and Crous be changed from associate editors to contributing editors [likely N. van der Zijpp, Nanne van der Zijpp; Fritz Blanke; Ernst Crous] but assigned only to report research news and publications, etc.; and Willard H. Smith be added to list of contributing editors, especially for Latin America, and E. Teufel of Stuttgart similarly for Germany [Eberhard Teufel].
{7} H. S. Bender to S. C. Yoder, May 5, 1950 [to Sanford C. Yoder at Goshen]: conference business for ordaining David Shank [?? David A. Shank ??]; Yoder as bishop needed to request permission in writing, sending it to J. C. Wenger [John C. Wenger] as conference secretary....
{8} Memorandum, H. S. Bender to S. C. Yoder, September 20, 1951: seminary business about a course Orval Jantzi wished to take.
{9} TWO entries H. S. Bender to S. C. Yoder, June 11, 1956 [to Sanford C. Yoder at Goshen]: about Yoder’s role in getting support for John Mosemann Jr. as replacement for Yoder as pastor and bishop; Bender protesting the indefinite nature of a statement Yoder had made to the congregation––wanting him to declare himself more forcefully for Mosemann. • • • CONTIGUOUS, H. S. Bender to S. C. Yoder, June 11, 1956 [to Sanford C.Yoder at Goshen]: as Bender would be away when that vote re bishop was taken, Bender wanted to leave his vote now for Mosemann.

BOX 31 FOLDER 20 Richard J. Yordy For Yordy’s biography, see “Yordy, Richard (1922-1995)” in GAMEO [Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia On-Line].
{1} THREE entries Richard J. Yordy to H. S. Bender, September 19, 1952 [stationery of The Illinois Mennonite Conference, Richard J. Yordy Secretary]: for a Ministers’ Fellowship November 3-4 at Arthur Illinois, asking Bender to speak on “The Impact of Revivalism on the Christian Church” and “Present Day Revival Movements”. • • • REPLY, H. S. Bender to Richard J. Yordy, September 24, 1952 [to Yordy at rural route Freeport Illinois]: affirmative answer; information and requests about travel times and possible schedule. • • • REPLY, H. S. Bender to Richard J. Yordy, November 10, 1952 [to Yordy at rural route Freeport Illinois]: sending his trip expense, explaining its size.
{2} TWO entries H. S. Bender to Richard J. Yordy, November 3, 1955 [to Yordy at rural route Freeport Illinois]: sending tentative draft of program for Christian Life Conference in February, with your name for two topics; hope you accept and notify me. • • • CONTIGUOUS, H. S. Bender to Richard J. Yordy, February 6, 1956 [to Yordy at rural route Freeport Illinois]: sending the program for that conference, with your assignment; thanks for serving.
{3} TWO entries H. S. Bender to Richard J. Yordy, May 5, 1956 [to Yordy at rural route Freeport Illinois]: thanks for invitation to serve on program of Illinois Mennonite Conference, and share in ordaining Vernon Schertz; some kind of apology regarding Paul Friesen, after hearing that J. N. Kauffman [sic––likely James Norman Kauffman, J. Norman Kaufman] had approached Friesen for service at [? Pleasant Hill Mennonite Church ??]. • • • REPLY, Paul Friesen address was Hesston Kansas, he was doing undergraduate work at Bethel College in Kansas; a bit about Paul’s communication with J. N. Kaufman [sic].
{4} THREE entries J. C. Wenger to Richard J. Yordy, October 19, 1956 [John C. Wenger as Acting Dean; to Yordy at rural route Freeport Illinois]: hoping Yordy might attend Seminary next year. • • • CONTIGUOUS, Wenger to Richard J. Yordy, October 31, 1956 [to Yordy at rural route Freeport Illinois]: hoped to evaluate Yordy’s transcript soon, to see what work was needed for a B.D.; certainly willing to let Howard Charles off on December 3-4 to “share in your Ministers’ Fellowship”; asked advice for placing an alumnus such as Ford Berg. • • • CONTIGUOUS, Wenger to Richard J. Yordy, November 12, 1956 [to Yordy at rural route Freeport Illinois]: Yordy had 74 hours beyond his B.A., 16 of which could apply to his B.D., etc.
{5} TWO entries J. C. Wenger to Richard J. Yordy, May 29, 1957 [John C. Wenger as Acting Dean, to Yordy at rural route Freeport Illinois]: re a letter of Yordy to Eldon Kortemeier; encouragement to confer in June with Bender about study next year, with possible “adjustments”; mention a biology course by Dr. Alta Schrock, and a music course by Mary Oyer. • • • CONTIGUOUS, H. S. Bender to Richard J. Yordy, June 3, 1957 [to Yordy at rural route Freeport Illinois]: lengthy proposed list of courses for next year.

BOX 31, FOLDER 21 NOTE: Folder 21 is a "miscellaneous" file. Rather than strictly by date, "miscellaneous" files have entries alphabetized by correspondent, then by date for a given correspondent. Also-- NOTE: this annotator’s German is not strong; so the descriptions of German-language materials may be incomplete and not fully accurate. Thin about 34 items, ½” thick.

{1} (marked “Dr. R. de Zeeuw”) to DUTCH DELEGATES TO MENNONITE WORLD CONFERENCE, July 19, 1948 [de Zeeuw--apparently a Dutch pastor; conference in USA (Goshen Indiana and Newton Kansas); document multilithed on stationery of MCC Amsterdam; in English]: details of voyages to and from--payment, what special provisions to expect, embarkation, etc..
{2} R. de Zeeuw to H. S. Bender, July 20, 1948 [handwritten in good English from Houten, The Netherlands]: that he would be coming to MWC; had been uncertainty, as S.H.N. Gorter [Simon Henri Nicolaas Gorter, Simon H. N. Gorter], the Doopgezind Weekblad, had been ill and de Zeeuw had filled his place...; typed note at top indicates that a copy of this letter and “the questionnaire regarding deputation work” went to Ray Schlichting on July 23.
{3} H. S. Bender to Dr. R. de Zeeuw, October 11, 1951 [to Houten, Netherlands; in English]: assumed that de Zeeuw was still the Dutch representative on Mennonite World Conference Preparatory Commission [Vorbereiten Kommission]; Bender was “very much disturbed” as he had been writing to de Zeeuw with no response, and that was holding up planning because Bender’s policy was unanimous decisions, and program needed the appointments of Hollanders; happy to report that the IBM Corporation would furnish translation machinery without charge...; Bender had heard that Dutch were objecting to German as the official language of the conference; Bender would be glad to include Dutch and Dutch translation; hoped your silence did not mean dissatisfaction with the Preparatory Commission (as Bender feared); if so another meeting was needed, Bender was willing to come to Europe for it; cc to Golterman, President of ADS [likely W. F. Golterman, Willem Frederik Golterman, Willem F. Golterman; ADS=Algemeene Doopsgezinde Societeit--General Mennonite (literally “baptist-minded”?) Society; i.e., Dutch Mennonite general conference]. CONTIGUOUS R. de Zeeuw to H. S. Bender, October 11 [sic], 1951 [datelined Algemeene Doopsgezinde Sociëteit, Amsterdam]: apologies; now possible to reply; since October 1 the President of ADS was now H. Craandijk [Herman Craandijk]; the ADS Board had replaced Dr. R. de Zeeuw as representative on the Preparatory Commission with H. W. Meihuizen [Hendrik Wiebes Meihuizen, Hendrik Meihuizen]; about a Bender proposal to have 35 Dutch delegates, de Zeeuw thought 25 enough, the Board would have to take up that question; the one other change the Dutch could not agree with was having Horst Quiring lead a discussion group; reason was his “rather national-socialistic attitude in Germany 1937-1945” [Nazism; were they confusing Horst Quiring with Jakob/Walter Quiring?]; very best wishes for the Fifth Mennonite World Conference, to “build on the unity of the Mennonite Brotherhood”.
{4} Liesel Widmer to Dr. R. de Zeeuw, October 18, 1951 [in German, datelined Basel]: reference to his October 11 letter; acknowledging that H. W. Meihuizen [Hendrik Wiebes Meihuizen, Hendrik Meihuizen] was now the Dutch member of the MWC executive committee (repeated his address); some apology about names not published; we recognize that you favor German as the language of the advertisement flyer.
{5} Floyd Zehr to H. S. Bender, December 29, 1955 [from a “Mennonite Project” at La Plata, Puerto Rico]: wanted information for attending seminary. REPLY John W. Miller to Floyd Zehr, January 9, 1956 [Miller as Dean’s Assistant]: sending the Goshen College catalogue, glad to answer further questions.
{6} Harold Zehr to H. S. Bender, January 11, 1952, accepting speaking engagement in Wayland, Mennonite Pub. Board meeting. Mention Roy Knox, Harold Sherk and Stauffer Curry trying to get Knox out of Reserves. CONTIGUOUS Harold Zehr to H. S. Bender, January 29, 1952 [stationery of Illinois Mennonite Mission Board]: had the card about the meeting at Roanoke and wished to attend, but a congregational meeting prevented.
{7} H. S. Bender to Harold Zehr, February 19, 1952 [to rural route Rantoul Illinois]: [MC] Mennonite General Conference had appointed Howard Zehr as one of its five delegates to Mennonite World Conference in Switzerland August 10-15; due to Howard’s call to Fisher [East Bend Mennonite Church ?] he now would not go; if the conference’s General Council decided to replace him, Bender asking unofficially whether Harold would accept; and would he want to take part in a tour?--details.
{8} Harold Zehr to H. S. Bender, March 10, 1952 [stationery of Mennonite Publication Board, Zehr its secretary; datelined Rantoul Illinois]: at its meeting, the Board had acted to have annual report published, including addresses; although recognizing Bender’s busyness, was asking for his. // Could not accept the role as delegate to Mennonite World Conference....
{9} H. S. Bender to Harold Zehr, January 27, 1953 [to Roanoke Illinois]: thanks for answering recent letter [not extant here] re Ulrich Foundation support for “the Biblical Seminary”; please “regard this letter as not written” and Bender would speak with Zehr about this soon.
{10} Harold Zehr to Paul Mininger and H. S. Bender, October 14, 1957 [on personal stationery, from Roanoke Illinois]: you have asked for constituency reactions toward college and seminary; reference to reports that freshmen in “Introduction to Christianity” were being told not to accept literally the Old Testament stories of creation, flood, Jonah, etc., instead of mentioning such a view to warn against it; sensitivities prevented Zehr from mentioning names. REPLY, copy of Paul Mininger to Harold A. Zehr, December 16, 1957 [to Roanoke Illinois]: re your [October 14] letter, “appreciate your constructive approach”; Mininger had spoken with Norman Kraus about it; clearly he believes in the events’ historicity and Old Testament’s inspiration; he believes that the Old Testament is primarily about God’s redemption of “fallen man” and that sometimes writers were poetic...; “It is clear that some students misunderstood Brother Kraus...; Kraus regrets the misunderstandings...; cc’s Kraus, H. S. Bender.
{11} John David Zehr to H. S. Bender, March 17, 1952 [stationery of Calvary Mennonite Church in Los Angeles California, Zehr its Pastor]: some members of his congregation had become “unsettled and upset” by a “Concordant” version of the Bible, which used a certain principle of translation and seemed at spots to support Universalism; what could Bender tell him of it?
{12} John David Zehr to H. S. Bender, January 20, 1953 [stationery of Calvary Mennonite Church in Los Angeles California, Zehr its Pastor]: fortunately had helped two local evangelical church leaders to appreciate nonresistance [pacifism]; they wanted Zehr to lead in starting a fellowship; there was no money to bring in outside speakers; wanted Bender’s advice....
{13} John D. Zehr to H. S. Bender, May 15, 1956 [stationery of Calvary Mennonite Church in Los Angeles California, Zehr its Pastor]: Zehr had served in that Los Angeles congregation 6 years; in the last five, the community had shifted from white to people of color [racism, Afro-American ?]; Zehr had been counseling to stay and serve the new population but although after some internal struggle the church voted to stay, it never “entered the community” in an evangelistic way; as yet it was largely a white church in “a colored community”; now Zehr had an invitation to full-time pastorship in Zion Mennonite Church in Oregon...; an issue was who might replace him in Los Angeles...; his decision about staying in Los Angeles did not really depend on the replacement question. REPLY, H. S. Bender to John D. Zehr, May 19, 1956 [to Los Angeles, address of Calvary Mennonite Church]: had carefully read your May 15 letter the Calvary situation; from that and what Sanford Yoder had reported [?? S. C. Yoder, Sanford C. Yoder ??], Bender wanted Zehr to go to Zion Mennonite Church in Oregon; suggested Paul Friesen as a seminary student to come to Calvary Mennonite.// thanks for contribution to Seminary Fund; Discipleship had not been published for some time.
{14} H. S. Bender to John David Zehr, August 9, 1956 [Zehr now at Goshen College]: reference to discussion the two had held; letter advising Zehr of credits accumulated toward a B.D., and what he might take at Southern California and at Fuller seminary.
{15} John D. Zehr to H. S. Bender, September 12, 1957 [stationery of Calvary Mennonite Church in Los Angeles California, Zehr its Pastor]: reference to discussions last October [sic] about some study at University of Southern California and at Fuller Seminary; could Bender outline again what he would need for a B.D.? some information about Fuller offerings, unsure how they would fit for Goshen B.D....
{16} Note, H. S. Bender to C. C. Ziegler, March 7, 1949 [?? possibly Curtis C. Ziegler ??]: in light of enclosed material, might he make a contribution to Mennonite Historical Society?
{17} M. R. Zigler to H. S. Bender, August 25, 1950. [Michael Robert Zigler (Church of the Brethren, Historic Peace Churches); on stationery of Brethren Service Commission’s European program based at Geneva Switzerland, M. R. the Director]: sending minutes of the Heerewegen meeting, sets for Bender and for Hershberger [Guy F. Hershberger, G. F. Hershberger, Guy Hershberger]; had copies to distribute from Basel and among Friends (Quakers) and for Fellowship of Reconciliation--FOR]; Visser’t Hooft had shown great interest; Zigler had understood Orie O. Miller to say H. S. Bender was to take lead “in developing the message for the Mennonites [Historic Peace Churches--HPC].// Last night there at Geneva had attended meeting of International Council of Christian Churches, formed to oppose the International Council of Christian Churches; “Macintyre” [sic--surely Carl McIntire] was in the chair, and the language was extremely strong; cc W. H. Row.
{18} M. R. Zigler to Dr. W. Harold Row, December 1, 1956 [stationery of Brethren Service Commission’s European Program, Zigler the Director, datelined Geneva Switzerland; Row and that Commission, in Elgin Illinois]: with your letter, Zigler was informed of Row’s thinking and had met Bender yesterday; Bender thought chance was good that Russian [Soviet, USSR] government would allow representatives to come to Heerewegen meeting August 5-7; Albert Meyer was present; “We are contacting Eric Tucker and the Friends” [Quakers; HPCs]; Zigler was in a delicate position because he was unsure he was authorized to represent the Church of the Brethren for this; Al Meyer was worrying that Row thought we were going beyond bounds re “Peace is the Will of God and the Puidoux Conference”; (more)....; Zigler perception of the Continuation Committee in Europe...; “It seems that the Mennonites have a very close tie-in between Europe and America...”; we have brought in the IFOR [International FOR] “in the person of Percy Bartlet” of Great Britain...; considered the situation unfortunate; comments about Mennonites vis-à-vis the Brethren; himself was sure the meeting should occur, sponsored by the Continuation Committee; but Zigler did not feel clearly authorized; cc’s Norman Baugher, H. S. Bender.
{19} Barbara Zieglschmid to H. S. Bender, November 17, 1952 [writer, of Summit New Jersey, likely was widow of Hutterite scholar A. J. Friedrich Zieglschmid--he died 1950]: thanks for letter of November 7 about her husband’s manuscripts; she named two items or collection, and specified they be part of the agreement of May 29, 1950.
{20} H. S. Bender to Reverend Charles L. Zimmerman, March 6, 1956 [to Gridley Illinois]: George Unger, an Evangelical Mennonite Brethren [EMB] of Steinbach Manitoba, a student at Goshen Biblical Seminary, had requested that Bender write you a letter of recommendation; this letter is that; cc Reuben Short.
{21} H. S. Bender to Ernst Zimmerman, April 27, 1951 [in German; to Wettersdorf in Bavaria, American Zone]: for the American Mennonite Encyclopedia we urgently need an article about the Adelsheim congregation; (more)....
{22} Memorandum H. S. Bender to Lester Zimmerman, December 5, 1950 [xq]: for “the new girls’ dormitory, Bender favored naming it J. S. Hartzler Hall [Jonas S. Hartzler] on grounds of Hartzler’s role as a founder, parallel to Culp and Coffman....
{23} Verna Zimmerman to H. S. Bender, November 10, 1950 [faculty/staff member of Goshen College writing from New York City]: writing about Kathryn Wuertz [Kathryn Würtz ?], a German student at Teacher’s College, Catholic but descended from Mennonites and very interested in them; (more about her)...; wanted her to be able to visit Goshen College and Mennonite communities; problem--she had no travel money....
{24} from Zondervan--Willis E. Cook to H. S. Bender, July 26, 1950 [stationery of Zondervon Publishing House, Grand Rapids Michigan; Cook was of Winona Book Store]: answering an inquiry about “books you selected”; some information about offering of books and their prices.
{25} Eldon Zook to H. S. Bender, August 23, 1950 [from Nampa Idaho]: writer was raised Mennonite but had gone to the Navy in World War II and was now on inactive reserve--to be called only in emergency; what should he do, as he had renewed his relations with Christ, was now a conscientious objector, and could not conscientiously serve the military in any way; (more)?.. REPLY, H. S. Bender to Eldon Zook, September 1, 1960 [street address, Nampa Idaho]: advised writing a Christian-spirited letter to his draft board and to the proper officer of Naval Reserve Corps; important to get his present position and convictions clearly on the record; if military activity heats up, an inactive reservist might be called; (more)...; to whom to send copies, including E. S. Garber, and have Garber write a letter attesting your sincerity [likely Ernest S. Garber, minister at Nampa Idaho]...cc Garber.
{26} Memorandum, Emma Zook to H. S. Bender, August 15, 1956: change in meeting time for New Testament Greek, for the semester.
{27} H. S. Bender to J. Kore Zook, December 28, 1953 [to St. Johns Michigan]: had spoken to a Hesston Bible faculty member about prospect of “Brother Landis” [John Landis] becoming pastor of Bethel congregation [? Bethel Mennonite Church, St. Johns Michigan ??]; mention Landis’ time in Palestine as a missionary; you may want to write to Earl Buckwalter... REPLY, J. Kore Zook to H. S. Bender, December 31, 1953 [from rural route St. Johns Michigan]: discussed situation at St. Johns; mentioned a bishop named Oyer and an episode of support for Divine Healing, and the candidate John Landis....
{28} Lowell H. Zuck to H. S. Bender, March 17, 1951 [xq]: had studied at [Church of the Brethren’s] Bethany Biblical Seminary in Chicago, mentioned especially Don Smucker and a seminar by Franklin H. Littell [Donovan Smucker, Donovan E. Smucker, Don E. Smucker, Donovan Ebersole Smucker]; was now at Yale [likely Yale Divinity School], writing a dissertation “The Zürich Anabaptists and the Rebirth of Christendom”; understood Conrad Grebel to have gone beyond “Erasmian-Zwinglian thinking”--depending on “your Grebel” [likely the book by Harold S. Bender, Conrad Grebel, c. 1498-1526: The Founder of the Swiss Brethren Sometimes Called Anabaptists (Mennonite Historical Society, 1950, 326 pp.)]; wanted access to more Grebel letters...; an inquiry about a “poem to Apologetious Archetales”....
{29} 7 ENTRIES Lowell H. Zuck to H. S. Bender, July 7, 1956 [stationery of Eden Theological Seminary at Western Grove Missouri, but gave a return address at Yale University]: a year ago you wrote a critique of an article Zuck had submitted to Church History, and Professor Trinterud had shown Bender’s remarks to Zuck [likely L. J. Trinterud, likely Leonard J. Trinterud; and see Robert Friedman to H. S. Bender, April 1, 1955]; Zuck planned to rework the article and would like a copy of those remarks. REPLY, Lowell H. Zuck to H. S. Bender, July 17, 1956: reiterated the account [see July 7 letter] of attending Bethany seminary, getting interested in Anabaptists; at Yale had written “an S.T.M.” thesis based largely on Bender’s work on Conrad Grebel; but in doing his Ph.D. dissertation he had come to a rather opposite view; Bender’s Grebel work [likely referring to Harold S. Bender, Conrad Grebel, c. 1498-1526: The Founder of the Swiss Brethren Sometimes Called Anabaptists (Mennonite Historical Society, 1950, 326 pp.)] was “so laudatory that even Kenneth Latourette, as a Baptist, was offended” [Kenneth Scott Latourette]; charged the Swiss Brethren with loving only the Swiss Brethren; (more)...; ...”pleading only for fair play on your part”; Bender had not answered a letter in 1950, and had a reputation for not answering “legitimate inquiries”.... REPLY, H. S. Bender to Lowell H. Zuck, August 7, 1956 [to Eden Theological Seminary in Missouri]: appreciated Zuck’s July 17 letter; had just gotten back from Europe, but now would take it up; Bender wanted Anabaptist history “studied and reported objectively” and was open to light; was confident we will reach “a good understanding”. CONTIGUOUS, H. S. Bender to Lowell H. Zuck, September 20, 1956 [actually addressed to Lowell “R.” Zuck, at Eden Theological Seminary in Missouri]: reference to Zuck’s letter of September 6 [not extant here]; thanks for sending a copy of your paper...; took strong issue with how Zook characterized the revised interpretation of Anabaptism as only American--cited Europeans and challenged Zuck to change his bibliographic statements.... REPLY, Lowell H. Zuck to H. S. Bender, October 2, 1956: continued the dispute as above, in language that “squared off” against the other without becoming personal or bitter; ended by saying that if scholars accepted Anabaptist views, the intent would be “no less tyrannical... than were those of European state churches”.... CONTIGUOUS, document, 4 dense pages titled ‘Comments on the Paper by Lowell H. Zuck, “Revolutionary Aspects of Anabaptist Covenant Theology”’, undersigned by H. S. Bender identified as “currently President of American Society for Reformation Research and sometime President of the American Society of Church History”; note at end also that Professor Friedmann [Robert Friedmann] concurred; (Bender’s comments covered many points, but a key one no doubt was a concluding statement by Zuck that “‘...revolutionary fanaticism was certainly an essential ingredient of original Anabaptism’”; etc.... REPLY, H. S. Bender to Lowell H. Zuck, October 12, 1956 : Letter begins: “Your letter of this morning [not extant here] reminded me again of the apparent difficulties we are having in understanding each other. May I attempt again to make my position clear.” Bender went on to attempt that clarity, in 2,5 closely typed pages; much of that space takes up the issue of whether being revolutionary was the essence of Anabaptism, as it was so often presented; Bender pleaded that Mennonites and other revisionists by no means ignored the revolutionary elements, but “the problem of defining what is truly essential and characteristic of Anabaptism is not a simple one”--given the highly decentralized and variegated nature of the movement; that Bender himself had “gotten my basic interpretation of Anabaptism from Walther Kohler...”; that Zuck had put a very wrong construction on a quotation from Kohler [Walter Koehler Walter Köhler, Walther Köhler, Walther Koehler]....
{30} H. S. Bender to Isaac Zuercher, May 22, 1953 [to Orrville Ohio]: enclosing correspondence re information on Elias P. Gerber; if he is living, please turn this letter over to him; anyhow, would like to know who translated “the Lerch manuscript” and about permission to publish the translation, edited, in Mennonite Life; cc Cornelius Krahn.
{31} Hans Zumpe to H. S. Bender, March 17, 1949 [from Sociedad Fraternal Hutterische {Hutterite Brotherly Society}, Primavera Alto Paraguay {Upper Paraguay}; in German]: after a month in Paraguay wanted to write a couple of messages in thankful memory of our time together in Basel about a year ago; expressed close acquaintance and confidence in Bender; about Bender possibly finding two Hutterite brothers in North America and send them something if it comes your way [uncertain translation--this annotator’s German is not strong!]; one of them, Hermann Arnold, lost his life in World War I, a brother of our founder Eberhard Arnold who shortly before World War II came to our Society with his mother...; more about efforts to make contact, wanting Bender’s help; mention C. F. Klassen [Cornelius F. Klassen].// How is it going with Mennonitisches Lexikon? for more than a year you have been waiting for different articles from me.// ; (more)..., with reference to Mennonite World Conference in 1936 and to the Bruderhof at Mannheim....
{32} Hans Zumpe to H. S. Bender, September 24, 1952 [stationery of Society of Brothers’ Wheathill Bruderhof, Brondon England; in German]: about his impressions of Mennonite World Conference at St. Chrischona and especially the disappointing peace conference [European Mennonite pacifism]; we are searching for our old lawyer Dr. O. Eisenber who for years was active in peace work and during the Hitler time took a very decisive and courageous stand; (more)..., writing of Eisenber’s relation to radical Mennonites, etc.; wanted Bender to search for him when Bender went to Frankfurt.
{33} H. S. Bender to Hans Zumpe, December 16, 1952 [to The Wheathill Bruderhof, Shropshire England]: enclosing copy of letter to Henry Fast at Basel [H. A. Fast, Henry A. Fast] concerning possible English edition of Pastor Wiswedel’s series “Bilder und Fuehrergestalten aus dem Taeufertum” [Wilhelm Wiswedel?]; disappointment of Wiswedel when his Baptist publisher at Cassel declined his third volume, and deal struck with Mennonite Publishing House for having Heinrich Schneider publish it with the House getting rights to English version; then Cassel published it after all, so that “our arrangements are with them”; how many to set aside for the Bruderhof, in Europe or South America, either German or English?// Also about publishing a German edition of War, Peace, and Nonresistance by Guy F. Hershberger, G. F. Hershberger, Guy Hershberger]; two years ago made a deal with Steinkopf in Stuttgart but they had withdrawn; looking for a publisher and a good translator; details...
{34} Cornelius Zylstra to H. S. Bender, April 28, 1950 [stationery of Baker Book House, Grand Rapids Michigan]: reference to Bender letter of April 24 [not extant here]; will be glad to receive the rewritten article on the Anabaptists [surely for The New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge]; would be happy to receive the article rewritten and forward it on to the relevant editor; advice to be objective when rewriting and change it as little as appropriate; if it seemed to propagandize, editor will reject it for sure; but your corrections will be happily received.

BOX 31 FOLDER 22 Howard J. Zehr Born in Illinois 1916, Howard Zehr died in 1977. He was ordained to the ministry in 1942, and served pastorates at Freeport, Ann Street, and East Bend in Illinois and Prairie Street at Elkhart, Ind. He was ordained bishop in 1948 and was active in Illinois Mennonite Conference.
{1} Howard J. Zehr to H. S. Bender, November 2, 1948 [stationery of Freeport Mennonite Church, Freeport Illinois, he the pastor]: Wanted Bender to help with something like a Bible Conference, at Freeport, next Easter, April 17; bit about Freeport congregation.
{2} H. S. Bender to Howard J. Zehr, March 3, 1949 [to Zehr at rural route Freeport Illinois]: evidently answering invitation to be at Freeport Mennonite Church on March 20. wrote he was “distressed” at never accepting repeated invitation, but again this time could not, because of a “J. S. Coffman Memorial Service at the college [John S. Coffman]; had never answered the Easter invitation either, apology, unfortunately could not come then either; still had hopes...
{3} FIVE entries H. S. Bender to Howard J. Zehr, May 16, 1948 [to Zehr at Freeport Illinois]: Bender had heard there was “misinterpretation” about his part in installing C. Warren Long at Tiskilwa Mennonite Church; Bender offered to do something to mend the situation. • • • CONTIGUOUS, Howard J. Zehr to H. S. Bender, May 17, 1949 [stationery of Freeport Mennonite Church, Freeport Illinois, he the pastor]: about intentions for handling the [unexplained] Tiskilwa situation; mention their choice of “Brother Long” [C. Warren Long ??]...; thought A. C. Good [Aaron C. Good] had misunderstood Bender’s “work at Tiskilwa”...; make little of this matter––it did no harm to the conference. • • • CONTIGUOUS, H. S. Bender to Howard J. Zehr, May 21, 1949 [to Zehr at rural route Freeport Illinois]: reference to Zehr letters of May 17 & 18 [latter not extant here] re situation at Tiskilwa [Tiskilwa Mennonite Church ??]; about the criticism Bender had received from “Brother Good” of the Science Ridge Mennonite Church [Sterling Illinois; Aaron C. Good]; mention negotiations with David Shank [David A. Shank ??] for Science Ridge; sending a letter received from Good. • • • REPLY, Howard J. Zehr to H. S. Bender, May 23, 1949 [stationery of Freeport Mennonite Church, Freeport Illinois, he the pastor]: thanks for yours of May 21; some comments about Good and nature of working with him; sorry like you that Science Ridge was not ready for a young man; elaboration.... • • • REPLY, H. S. Bender to Howard J. Zehr, May 26, 1949 [to Zehr at Freeport Illinois]: so, would not plan to take amelioratory action.
{4} TWO entries H. S. Bender to Howard J. Zehr, December 14, 1949 [to Zehr at rural route Freeport Illinois]: Zehr had shown Bender a “Doctrinal Questionnaire” that Illinois Mennonite Conference used for ministerial candidates––Bender requested five copies: lengthy paragraph about “a very good meeting of the General Council of the Mennonite General Conference [MC, not GCMC] in Chicago last Friday and Saturday.... • • • REPLY, Howard J. Zehr to H. S. Bender, December 16, 1949 [stationery of Freeport Mennonite Church, Freeport Illinois, he the pastor]: sending six copies; a bit about Brother [A. C. Good]
{5} FOUR entries Howard J. Zehr to H. S. Bender, September 1, 1949 [stationery of Freeport Mennonite Church, Freeport Illinois, he the pastor]: enclosing suggested subjects for Bible Conference at Freeport. including on nonresistance [conscientious objection, pacifism, military draft, alternative service, Selective Service System, I-O, I-W service], and with it church-state relations, problems of wartime draft and registration, etc.; mention “Harold” [Harold Zehr]. • • • ATTACHED, 7/8 page list of topics, speakers, etc. • • • CONTIGUOUS, H. S. Bender to Howard J. Zehr, October 3, 1949 [to Zehr at rural route Freeport Illinois]: travel plans for trip to Freeport. • • • CONTIGUOUS, Postcard, Howard J. Zehr to H. S. Bender, October 3, 1949 [stationery of Freeport Mennonite Church, Freeport Illinois, he the pastor]: about Bender’s coming.
{6} Howard J. Zehr to H. S. Bender, July 14, 1950 [stationery of Freeport Mennonite Church, Freeport Illinois, he the pastor]: Freeport Mennonite Church had released Zehr as of June 18, for work “under the Mission Board”; had been to “the Peoria Church” and talked with “Wilfred”; comments about Wilfred’s situation [likely Wilfred Ulrich].
{7} Howard J. Zehr to H. S. Bender, January 15, 1951 [stationery of Illinois Mennonite Conference, Zehr the Secretary]: request that Bender serve on the conference’s Ministers’ Fellowship, Newcastle Mennonite Church, March 8-9, his topic “The Relationship of Our Church to Other Church Groups”.
{8} THREE entries Howard J. Zehr to H. S. Bender, December 19, year unclear, but probably 1951 [stationery of Peoria Mennonite Church, he the pastor]: owed Bender an answer about “the European trip”, and had cleared it “with the Mission Board, but now Illinois Mennonite Conference was recommending he become permanent pastor of East Bend Mennonite Church at Fisher; if he did, the trip seemed too soon to leave.... • • • CONTIGUOUS, Howard J. Zehr to H. S. Bender, February 6, 1952 [stationery of Peoria Mennonite Church, he the pastor]: East Bend Mennonite Church [Fisher Illinois] had called Zehr with 95% vote, changing greatly all his plans; thought “Harold... [likely Harold Zehr] a good man to take my place”––some elaboration; did not look to his new post with anticipation, but saw the challenge and it was “strategic”.... • • • REPLY, H. S. Bender to Howard J. Zehr, February 9, 1952 [to Zehr at Peoria Illinois]: sorry your need to cancel; Harold Zehr’s name a good one but “the World Conference Committee” would need to “propose his name”; happy for the Fisher congregation [East Bend Mennonite Church].
{9} H. S. Bender to Howard J. Zehr, March 31, 1953 [to Zehr at Fisher Illinois]: re question of ordaining John Litwiller with no pastorate, and a bit of objection within Illinois Mennonite Conference; Bender gave a defense, saying the ordination had been his own suggestion, pointing to precedents in the MC church (Ira Johns, Ira S. Johns in Indiana; T. M. Erb, Tilman Erb, Tilman M. Erb having ordained J. D. Mininger, Jacob D. Mininger and Harry Diener) ordained that way; Litwiller’s service in the Mexican Mission; rumor he was liberal but in fact he was welcomed to teach at EMC [Eastern Mennonite College, later Eastern Mennonite University (EMU)]....
{10} TWO entries Howard J. Zehr to H. S. Bender, July 1, 1953 [stationery of Illinois Mennonite Conference, Zehr the Moderator]: re Myron Springer, now serving Illinois Mennonite Conference’s mission board “as pastor of our Summer work”, and prospects for his attending “school again this fall”; limited finances, etc....; cc Springer; [note at top in Bender pen, asking President Miller [Ernest Miller, Ernest E. Miller, E. E. Miller] if Bender could assure Springer the ministerial discount. • • • REPLY, H. S. Bender to Howard J. Zehr, July 3, 1953 [to Zehr at Fisher Illinois]: to give a ministerial grant to a nonordained person was not normal, but President Miller was willing if you recommend it; some comment about Myron.
{11} TWO entries H. S. Bender to Howard J. Zehr, August 30, 1954 [to Zehr at Fisher Illinois]: yes to invitation [not extant here] to serve “the Fisher congregation” [? East Bend Mennonite Church?] September 19.... • • • REPLY, Howard J. Zehr to H. S. Bender, September 7, 1954 [to Zehr at Fisher Illinois]: since Bender had to return Sunday afternoon, suggestion he preach “the ordination service”....
{12} THREE entries H. S. Bender to Howard J. Zehr, February 2, 1955 [to Zehr at Fisher Illinois]: inquiry about using John C. King in East Bend’s “outpost”; glad Metamora Mennonite Church had “happily solved their pastoral problem” with “a strongly united voice”. • • • REPLY, Howard J. Zehr to H. S. Bender, February 8, 1955 [stationery of “The Gospel for Today” radio broadcast, Zehr the Radio Director and Pastor]: personally happy to work with King, but questioned whether East Bend Mennonite Church was ready to call him; reference to “prospects of building a church in Gibson City for the colored people” was not “promising” [race; African-American]. • • • REPLY, H. S. Bender to Howard J. Zehr, February 9, 1955 [to Zehr at Fisher Illinois]: considering a post in Ohio for King; for Pleasant Hill Mennonite Church [Peoria?] J. N. Kaufman [J. Norman Kaufman] Bender had recommended “Brother Bucher” [? Roy Bucher ?] and now was thinking of recommending Vernon Schertz––some information about him. blind cc Paul Mininger.
{13} J. C. Wenger to Howard J. Zehr, July 2, 1956 [John C. Wenger as Acting Dean; to Zehr at Fisher Illinois]: planned to stop soon to ask about any young men you might recommend for seminary training; list of Illinois persons to whom this letter was going.
{14} H. S. Bender to Howard J. Zehr, August 17, 1956 [to Zehr at Fisher Illinois]: asking again to be allowed to present the work of the Seminary to “the conference” [likely Illinois Mennonite Conference]; about Ivan Kauffman [sic––Ivan Kauffmann ?] and his relation to Hopedale Mennonite Church; wanted Kauffmann to be able to work on his Th.B. Postcard, Howard J. Zehr to John C. Wenger, October 25, 1956: thanks for copy of “Findings Committee of the Study on Christian Experience”....
{15} J. C. Wenger to Howard J. Zehr, November 13, 1956 [John C. Wenger as Acting Dean; to Zehr at Fisher Illinois]: re a Goshen College student Daniel Goldberg––a Jew who was a fervent Christian, his wife and maybe he belonging to Christian and Missionary Alliance; he had studied at Moody Bible Institute, but now believes in nonresistance [pacifism]; letter continues, in tone of calling the fellow to Zehr’s attention.
{16} TWO entries S. M. King to Howard J. Zehr, January 14, 1957 [Samuel M. King as Director of Public Relations; to Zehr at Fisher Illinois]: was arranging to provide “a Seminary quartet for your Passion week program; mention a Herman Weaver.... cc J. C. Wenger, and for eyes of Paul Miller. • • • REPLY, Howard J. Zehr to Paul Mininger, Sam King, John C. Wenger, April 23, 1957 [Samuel King, Samuel M. King; J. C. Wenger]: fulsome thanks for the inspirational quartet; information about past occasion(s).]: lengthy proposed list of courses for next year.

BOX 31 FOLDER 23 Nanne van der Zijpp Nanne van der Zijpp [1900-1965]... studied theology at the Amsterdam Mennonite Seminary and the University of Amsterdam (1920-1925). In 1961 he was awarded an honorary doctorate by the U. of Amsterdam. He served as pastor in Zijldijk (1926-1928), Joure (1928-1940), Almelo (1940-1946), and Rotterdam (1946-1964). He also began lecturing in Anabaptist and Mennonite history at the Mennonite seminary in 1948, being appointed professor in 1964.... He also developed contacts with Quakers and American Mennonites which further encouraged him in his work, particularly in nonresistance. In 1928 he published his first brochure De vroege doopsgezindenen en de krijgsdienst (The Early Anabaptists and Military Service). After the initial volumes of Anabaptist sources were published, he concentrated increasingly on his historical work, particularly on Menno Simons.... Van der Zijpp developed a filing system which became the foundation for his future publications in Anabaptism and Mennonitism, particularly also for the four volume Mennonite Encyclopedia. He wrote 480 articles ...for the encyclopedia. [Meanwhile,] ...an excellent pastor, [he] worked intensely with the Russian Mennonite refugees during and following World War II, gave outstanding guidance to the Mennonite youth work in The Netherlands and to the retreat center at Elspeet. Though his publications centered primarily on Anabaptist and Mennonite themes, his total interest was much broader; For example, he gave occasional lectures on philosophy at the University of Rotterdam. ––excerpts from GAMEO [Global Anabaptist and Mennonite Encyclopedia On-line]
{1} TWO entries Nanne van der Zijpp to H. S. Bender, January 12, 1948 [stationery showing him a “Doopesgezind Predikant” {approximately, “Mennonite Minister”} at Rotterdam {The Netherlands}; handwritten in English]: asked about the Benders’ daughter Nancy [then a very ill child; later Nancy Kostek, Nancy Bender Kostek; Benders in Europe]. // Accepted invitation to the editorial council for der Mennonit; re Mennonitisches Lexikon, was busy with a list of articles; something about Pastor Adam [ [?? Johann Adam ??]; something about Plockhoy [Plockhoy, Pieter Cornelisz (1620?-1700?)]; why van der Zijpp could not send something; reference to Pastor Schowalter at Weierhof [Paul Schowalter]. • • • REPLY, H. S. Bender to Nanne van der Zijpp, January 14, 1948 [to Rotterdam, The Netherlands]: thanks for letter and “personal copy of your booklet on Mennonite Simons”, which got a “very fine review in the” Weekblad; about looking forward to articles for Mennonitisches Lexikon and perhaps one for The Mennonite Quarterly Review; sorry could not be at Friedesheim, due to illness of daughter Nancy [later Nancy Kostek, Nancy Bender Kostek].
{2} TWO entries Nanne van der Zijpp to H. S. Bender, March 4, 1948 [stationery showing him a “Doopesgezind Predikant” {approximately, “Mennonite Minister”} at Rotterdam {The Netherlands}; in English]: apology for slowness of his Mennonitisches Lexikon articles, hoped to send some “O” & “P” ones next week; about a visit from Irvin Horst and wife [Irvin B. Horst]. • • • CONTIGUOUS, Nanne van der Zijpp to H. S. Bender, March 13, 1948 [stationery showing him a “Doopesgezind Predikant” {approximately, “Mennonite Minister”} at Rotterdam {The Netherlands}; in German]: sending Mennonitisches Lexikon articles; reference to Bender coming to Holland at the end of August wished to know the date, for planning.
{3} H. S. Bender to Nanne van der Zijpp, April 14, 1948 [to Rotterdam Holland]: sending list of O-Z articles that Christian Hege and Christian Neff had planned for Mennonitisches Lexikon; asked van der Zijpp to add suggestions for articles on Holland.
{4} Nanne van der Zijpp to H. S. Bender, February 3, 1949 [stationery showing him a “Doopesgezind Predikant” {approximately, “Mennonite Minister”} at Rotterdam {The Netherlands}; handwritten in German]: since in German, not annotated; mention Mennonite Encyclopedia.
{5} Notes in H. S. Bender’s pen-writing, re a conference with van der Zijpp, unclear date in July; about articles, their corrections, etc. Mention Martyrs’ Mirror and a list of Dutch books to have articles....several more handwritten pages, noting subjects for articles, etc.
{6} Nanne van der Zijpp to H. S. Bender, December 7, 1949 [stationery showing him a “Doopesgezind Predikant” {approximately, “Mennonite Minister”} at Rotterdam {The Netherlands}; in English]: reason Bender had not heard from van der Zijpp since August was illness and a gall-bladder operation; hoped to send articles soon; thanks for 1948 The Mennonite Quarterly Review, still needing July & October of 1947. mention Jan Matthijssen; Irvin Horst [Irvin B. Horst] had given him the book Service for Peace [by Melvin Gingerich, on CPS system in USA in World War II].
{7} H. S. Bender to Nanne van der Zijpp, April 5, 1950 [to Rotterdam Holland]: a student named Charles Burkhart had sent van der Zijpp a letter with “certain questions about the relation between American and Dutch Mennonites”; Bender thought it indiscreet, and van der Zijpp did not need to answer; the student was writing a paper with a different title.
{8} FIVE entries H. S. Bender to Nanne van der Zijpp, June 28, 1950 [to Rotterdam Holland]: about plans and work for Mennonite Encyclopedia; quite specific; willing to pay for some help for van der Zijpp; sending printed copies of Mennonitisches Lexikon; mention Drs. Krahn and Crous [likely Cornelius Krahn, Ernst Crous]; would be in Holland for several days at beginning of August. • • • REPLY, Nanne van der Zijpp to H. S. Bender, July 8, 1950 [stationery showing him a “Doopesgezind Predikant” {approximately, “Mennonite Minister”} at Rotterdam {The Netherlands}; handwritten in English]: returning from vacation in Switzerland. found your letter and copies of Mennonitisches Lexikon; was now quite well; plans to get to Mennonitisches Lexikon work; looked forward to meeting you.... • • • CONTIGUOUS, note, Nanne van der Zijpp to H. S. Bender, September 12, 1950 [stationery showing him a “Doopesgezind Predikant” {approximately, “Mennonite Minister”} at Rotterdam {The Netherlands}; handwritten in English]: awaiting answer to air letter of August 30 [not extant here]; sending some articles for translation Dutch to English for Mennonite Encyclopedia; hoped to send four of [something?] of Mennonitisches Lexikon; P. S. some instruction to the translator. • • • CONTIGUOUS, Nanne van der Zijpp to H. S. Bender, November 6, 1950 [stationery showing him a “Doopesgezind Predikant” {approximately, “Mennonite Minister”} at Rotterdam {The Netherlands}; typed in German––annotators notes may be inaccurate]: sending a new article and a newly prepared one for Mennonite Encyclopedia, plus another letter of corrections for Mennonitisches Lexikon numbers 5, 6, and 7; you may send other work in English and Irvin Horst [Irvin B. Horst] would translate it.... • • • REPLY, H. S. Bender to Nanne van der Zijpp, December 6, 1950 [to Rotterdam Holland]: acknowledging two shipments of manuscripts of revision of Dutch articles in Mennonitisches Lexikon; comments on editorial policy had to await an executive committee meeting in Chicago.
{9} H. S. Bender to Nanne van der Zijpp, January 16, 1951 [to Rotterdam Holland]: editorial work on Mennonite Encyclopedia was back at “full strength”; inquiries about articles from van der Zijpp.
{10} H. S. Bender to Nanne van der Zijpp, March 12, 1951 [to Rotterdam Holland]: finding list of articles with K titles in German that will be C titles in English; need for certain work done on these; need further material. // Bender would be in Amsterdam likely July 9-10....
{11} H. S. Bender to Nanne van der Zijpp, June 12, 1951 [to Rotterdam Holland]: sending minutes of executive committee of Mennonite Encyclopedia Board of Editors; reference to a letter of van der Zijpp to Cornelius Krahn; hope to discuss Mennonite Encyclopedia matters when I see you; address Bender at MCC––Basel and MCC––Frankfurt addresses, about meeting date in mid-July....
{12} Note, Gladys A. Stoltzfus to Nanne van der Zijpp, June 16, 1951 [to Rotterdam Holland; writer was Bender’s secretary]: enclosing an article of Bender for you to read before meeting him in Europe.
{13} Note, Gladys A. Stoltzfus to Nanne van der Zijpp, June 29, 1951 [to Rotterdam Holland; writer was Bender’s secretary]: Bender had instructed her to notify van der Zijpp about something missing from van der Zijpp’s manuscript.
{14} H. S. Bender to Nanne van der Zijpp, July 26, 1951 [to Rotterdam Holland]: enclosing an instruction sheet for articles on family names; decided against listing Meyhoffer works in the bibliography [some named; ?? Jean Meyhoffer ??]; P.S. hoped for more from van der Zijpp soon; cc’s Melvin Gingerich, Cornelius Krahn.
{15} H. S. Bender to Nanne van der Zijpp, August 3, 1951 [to Rotterdam Holland]: had your letter of July 27, with its various contents; details of progress and procedures for Dutch articles; about some more Dutch articles evidently to be written. cc’s to Cornelius Krahn, Melvin Gingerich.
{16} TWO entries H. S. Bender to Nanne van der Zijpp, August 11, 1951 [to Rotterdam Holland]: another letter in same vein as those just above. • • • ATTACHED, lengthy list of topics beginning with “A” needing articles.
{17} H. S. Bender to Nanne van der Zijpp, October 13, 1951 [to Rotterdam Holland]: had been delays due to shift to offset process, but now sending you manuscripts of “A” articles; comments on proofreading them and what to check for; need to check yet for which Martyrs Mirror martyrs may have been omitted; etc. cc’s Krahn, Gingerich.
{18} H. S. Bender to Nanne van der Zijpp, November 24, 1951 [to Rotterdam Holland]: had received your package of corrected Mennonite Encyclopedia articles; enclosing rest of “A” articles relating to Holland; had abandoned the offset process.
{19} H. S. Bender to Nanne van der Zijpp, January 7, 1952 [to Rotterdam Holland]: thanks for December 29 air letter [not extant here] with further suggestions for the Mennonite Encyclopedia “A” section; acknowledging certain articles received, including some “B” ones....
{20} H. S. Bender to Nanne van der Zijpp, April 29, 1952 to Rotterdam Holland]: enclosing a draft for postage money; sending copy of Bender article “on Mennonite bibliographies”; invited van der Zijpp comments; send article on to Crous [likely Ernst Crous] for critical reading....
{21} H. S. Bender to Nanne van der Zijpp and E. Crous, November 19, 1952 [Ernst Crous at Göttingen, Germany; van der Zijpp at Rotterdam Holland]: sending copies of articles “Chorister” and Chilism” [sic––Chiliasm], for corrections and additions; report on progress [likely with Mennonite Encyclopedia].
{22} Nanne van der Zijpp to Melvin Gingerich, December 29, 1952 that he had received Mennonite Encyclopedia proofs; about some he had not received and other such comments.
{23} H. S. Bender to Nanne van der Zijpp, January 6, 1953 [to Rotterdam Holland]: details about galley proofs; mention Crous for German articles [surely Ernst Crous]; did have article on Association des Eglises Evangliques Mennonites de France; thanks for personal copy of your new book, “unusually good”––wanted suggestion for a reviewer for The Mennonite Quarterly Review.
{24} H. S. Bender to Nanne van der Zijpp, January 9, 1953 [to Rotterdam Holland]: list of about 15 articles A-C, not yet delivered. would like some soon; about an article on Frisian Dialect...; P.S. wanted number of Dutch Mennonite C.O.s in World War I––mentioned Jan Gleijsteen and Cor Inja, the latter imprisoned IMPC [European Mennonite pacifism].
{25} H. S. Bender to Nanne van der Zijpp, April 2, 1953 [to Rotterdam Holland]: thanks for return of some galley proofs; half-page more of such content.
{26} H. S. Bender to Nanne van der Zijpp, June 15, 1953 [to Rotterdam Holland]: sending more galley proofs...; vague statement about schedule for preparation for the printer and for publishing.
{27} H. S. Bender to Nanne van der Zijpp, March 25, 1954 [to Rotterdam Holland]: reference to van der Zijpp of March 17 [not extant here]; complex statement about publishing schedule, new policy; eager to have van der Zijpp furnish “a good book review of Dr. Mellink’s book” for The Mennonite Quarterly Review [?? De wederdopers in de noordelijke nederlanden 1531-1544, by Albert Fredrik Mellink, Groningen, Wolters, 1954; Print Book, Language–––Dutch ??]; mention “the Meihuizen book on Galenus”.
{28} H. S. Bender to Nanne van der Zijpp, March 29, 1954 [to Rotterdam Holland]: about confusion in spelling some Dutch words or names; mention Cornelius Krahn; about a German Confession of Faith of 1664 that was really only a translation of the Dordrecht Confession of 1632; cc Krahn.
{29} H. S. Bender to Nanne van der Zijpp, May 4, 1954 [to Rotterdam Holland]: a couple of matters for correction or explanation.
{30} H. S. Bender to Cornelius Krahn and Nanne van der Zijpp, May 13, 1954 [stationery of Mennonite Encyclopedia, H. S. Bender as editor, Krahn associate editor; to van der Zijpp at Rotterdam Holland, Krahn at Maarn The Netherlands]: on meaning of word “leeraar” and its implications re the Church’s ordained offices.
{31} H. S. Bender to Nanne van der Zijpp, September 21, 1954 [to Rotterdam Holland]: sending Friesland map in proof form; wanted van der Zijpp to mark Vredesheim and other Mennonite locations.
{32} H. S. Bender to Nanne van der Zijpp, October 30, 1954 [to Rotterdam Holland]: Wanted some photos from Dutch Mennonite history..., 4 specifically.
{33} H. S. Bender to Nanne van der Zijpp, December 8, 1954 [to Rotterdam Holland]: thanks for “I” manuscripts for Mennonite Encyclopedia; some detail; thanks for “your inaugural lecture as lector at the Amsterdam Seminary and University”; publish it in The Mennonite Quarterly Review?
{34} H. S. Bender to Nanne van der Zijpp, December 15, 1954 [to Rotterdam Holland]: thanks for “F” corrected galley proofs; other Mennonite Encyclopedia business.
{35} H. S. Bender to Nanne van der Zijpp, May 9, 1955 [to Rotterdam Holland]: thanks for returning “K” articles; further Mennonite Encyclopedia business.
{36} Nanne van der Zijpp to H. S. Bender, October 4, 1955: about photos; reference to Bender letter of September 26 [not extant here]; about some specific photos, correcting a spelling, answering a question, etc.
{37} Nanne van der Zijpp to H. S. Bender, December 15, 1955 [stationery showing him a “Doopesgezind Predikant” {approximately, “Mennonite Minister”} at Rotterdam {The Netherlands}; in English]: about a good copy of a certain photo not existing; van der Zijpp wished a copy of Mennonite Encyclopedia Volume I and something else.
{38} H. S. Bender to Nanne van der Zijpp, November 28, 1956 [to Rotterdam Holland]: wanted a copy of a photo van der Zijpp had found [see letter of December 16, 1955]; some other matters.
{39} H. S. Bender to Nanne van der Zijpp, November 22, 1957 [to Rotterdam Holland]: sending “U” galleys; a couple of other items.
{40} H. S. Bender to Nanne van der Zijpp, December 26, 1957 [to Rotterdam Holland]: about problem that corrections for “N” articles had not arrived in time, and printer went ahead. // Intent to publish a special number on Mennonite World Conference in The Mennonite Quarterly Review; wanted advice on which addresses by Dutch speakers to include.

Box 31 Folder 21 Ellrose D. Zook Former Mennonite Publishing House editor Ellrose D. Zook [1907-1988]... of the MPH [Mennonite Publishing House] staff ... 1925-72. He started as a pressman and then switched to linotype operator. Later, after earning a degree in English and Bible from Goshen College, he became an editor and edited such publications as Word of Cheer and Mennonite Yearbook. Still later he earned a master's degree in journalism from Syracuse University and served as executive editor 1953-70, with responsibility for all publications. After a reorganization at MPH, Zook served as Herald Press book editor until his retirement. ––obituary in Gospel Herald - February 23, 1988, pages 138, 142.
{1} Misfiled “Nite letter” ––memorandum format––National Association of Evangelicals to Ellrose D. Zook, May 27 [penciled “1946?; addressed to Zook in Boston; penned note on reverse side “Invitation referred to H. S. Bender”]; inviting a Mennonite representative to a meeting “to present plans for German relief”, in Chicago, “Monday, June 10”, more detail. [Cross-reference note has been placed in the 1939-1947 Ellrose D. Zook file, at May 27. 1946]
{2} Telegram, Ellrose D. Zook to H. S. Bender, December 12: year? [filed at beginning of folder]: asked Bender to get “YEAR BOOK ARTICLE” in mail this week.
{3} Ellrose D. Zook to H. S. Bender, September 21, 1948 [stationery of Mennonite Yearbook and Directory, Zook being Editor]: sending complimentary copy of newly printed “Mennonite CPS Directory”; invited suggestions & criticisms [Civilian Public Service; conscientious objection, nonresistance, pacifism, military draft, alternative service, Selective Service System].
{4} THREE entries Ellrose D. Zook to H. S. Bender, Chester K. Lehman, John C. Wenger, October 19, 1949 [stationery of Mennonite Publishing House; C. K. Lehman, J. C. Wenger]: writer and Brother Metzler [surely A. J. Metzler, Abram J. Metzler] had considered whom to get to edit the Greek-English Concordance of J. B. Smith [Jacob B. Smith]; favored Dorothy Kemrer; agree? paragraph quoting a Smith letter about the introduction; Zook “now working on a possible method of printing the book...” cc Metzler. • • • ATTACHED, “MINUTES OF THE CONFERENCE ON THE J. B. SMITH GREEK-ENGLISH CONCORDANCE”; at EMC [Eastern Mennonite College, later Eastern Mennonite University (EMU)] August 25, 1949, called by Smith; H. S. Bender served as chair; about 7/8 page. • • • CONTIGUOUS, Ellrose D. Zook to H. S. Bender, Lehman, and Wenger, November 10, 1949 [stationery of Mennonite Publishing House]: strong support for “Sister Dorothy Kemrer”; re procedure––Smith should direct any questions he had to the committee. cc’s Metzler, Smith.
{5} TWO entries Ellrose D. Zook to H. S. Bender, November 17, 1949 [stationery of Mennonite Yearbook and Directory, Zook being Editor]: 1950 MENNONITE YEARBOOK was under preparation; asked Bender for an article on activities of the PPC [Peace Problems Committee”, by December 1.... • • • REPLY, H. S. Bender to Ellrose D. Zook, December 19, 1949 [to Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: sending the article, apology for lateness....
{6} Ellrose D. Zook to H. S. Bender, Chester K. Lehman, John C. Wenger, December 3, 1949 [C. K. Lehman, J. C. Wenger; stationery of Mennonite Publishing House]: re the J. B. Smith [Jacob B. Smith] Concordance, Metzler [surely A. J. Metzler, Abram J. Metzler] and Zook had idea of getting “Doctor Metzger at Princeton” to write the Introduction, wanted a member of the committee to interview him; Smith favored that Sister Kemrer should do the editing; Zook unclear about her specific duties, wanted committee member to have discussion with her. cc Metzler.
{7} Telegram not extant here, January 23, 1950: see letter of January 25. • • • REPLY to January 23 telegram, Ellrose D. Zook to H. S. Bender, January 24, 1950 [stationery of Mennonite Publishing House]: Metzler [A. J. Metzler, Abram J. Metzler and Zook agreed with Bender’s telegram; your counsel much appreciated.
{8} H. S. Bender to Ellrose D. Zook, January 25, 1950 [to Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: wording of telegram sent January 23, re “LANDIS INDEX MARTYRS MIRROR so inaccurate it was beyond editing––Bender recommended omitting it [?? Ira D. Landis ??]; Bender gave a lengthy discussion supporting his view, and outlined an alternative plan; at end indicated amounts ($9.00, $7.80) to pay Willard H. Smith and Helen Brenneman for work done [Willard Smith]. cc’s A. J. Metzler, J. C. Wenger [Abram J. Metzler, John C. Wenger].
{9} FIVE entries Ellrose D. Zook to H. S. Bender, January 30, 1950 [stationery of Mennonite Yearbook and Directory, Zook being Editor]: enclosing material to use for “your Conference with Dr. Metzger; full title of the concordance would be Tabular and Statistical Greek English Concordance of the New Testament; bit more about the concordance. [J. B. Smith; Jacob B. Smith]. • • • ATTACHED, a sheet appearing to be draft of index, with note “Sample of Index Not Edited”. • • • ATTACHED, sheet, grid format, apparently from printed draft of the concordance, with note “Not Proofread”. • • • CONTIGUOUS, Sheet, headed “VALUES OF THE CONCORDANCE”; four points, most of one double-spaced page. • • • CONTIGUOUS, H. S. Bender to Ellrose D. Zook, February 1, 1950 [to Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: had held a “satisfactory interview” with Professor Metzger at Princeton yesterday; Metzger had consented; conditions for proceeding; but the drafts had a shocking number of shocking errors, and would need “extensive checking”––Bender writing “frankly”, not to accuse; had to be done, in light of the large investment; expense of the trip were $11––please issue a check. cc’s A. J. Metzler, J. B. Smith [Abram J. Metzler, Jacob B. Smith].
{10} Ellrose D. Zook to H. S. Bender, March 1, 1950 [stationery of Mennonite Publishing House]: mention minutes of “our meeting at Harrisonburg” Saturday, suppose you have taken matters up with Smith; a major problem was ”totals” and no use to proceed until they were cleared.
{11} TWO entries Ellrose D. Zook to H. S. Bender, March 6, 1950 [stationery of Mennonite Publishing House]: had copy of Bender’s March 2 letter of Smith [J. B. Smith, Jacob B. Smith]. despite earlier advice, Zook had sent copy of minutes to Smith; as yet, no reply from Smith; reference to Miss Kemrer....; re Smith’s intention to visit Dr. Metzger at Princeton; Zook had consulted with Metzler on this [A. J. Metzler, Abram J. Metzler], and the two agreed Smith should not go, as Bender had visited recently and Smith’s visit might result in a less favorable Introduction; Zook had that advice to Smith.... • • • CONTIGUOUS, Ellrose D. Zook to H. S. Bender, March 18, 1950 [stationery of Mennonite Publishing House]: full-page letter about communicating with Smith; also, trying to stop him from visiting and burdening Dr. Metzger; about Smith having come to Scottdale and reported, including on his visiting Metzger; also his visit with Dorothy Kemrer––she now seems to have all needed materials; re Smith’s explanations for certain formatting features .cc’s Kemrer, J. B. Smith [Jacob B. Smith].
{12} TWO entries Ellrose D. Zook to H. S. Bender, May 18, 1950 [stationery of Mennonite Publishing House]: reported “good progress” on the concordance manuscript; hoped he and Bender could have a half-hour discussion at “Mission Board Meeting” [likely Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities]...; to keep it to an hour, advised not to have Smith present [J. B. Smith [Jacob B. Smith]. • • • REPLY, H. S. Bender to Ellrose D. Zook, June 1, 1950 [to Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: glad to do so; hours when it could happen.
{13} Ellrose D. Zook to H. S. Bender, June 6, 1950 [stationery of Mennonite Publishing House]: J. B. Smith [Jacob B. Smith] raising question about publisher for his concordance; several mentions of Dorothy Kemrer; current issues to be discussed.
{14} Memorandum, Ellrose D. Zook to H. S. Bender, June 30, 1950: more matters for consideration re the J. B. Smith [Jacob B. Smith] concordance.
{15} H. S. Bender to Ellrose D. Zook, July 11, 1950 [to Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: on actions taken at a meeting of Mennonite Encyclopedia Board of Editors; technical issues re type size, binding, etc.
{16} Ellrose D. Zook to H. S. Bender, July 12, 1950 [stationery of Mennonite Publishing House]: enclosing memos about “items discussed for” Mennonite Encyclopedia and for the Works of Menno Simons; plan to “start working on the Menno Simons book immediately; when will Mennonite Publishing House receive the manuscript for Mennonite Encyclopedia?...
{17} Memorandum, Ellrose D. Zook to H. S. Bender and A. J. Metzler, July 12, 1950 [Abram J. Metzler]: on “items and procedures... discussed and agreed upon with H. S. Bender...” re The Works of Menno Simons––procedures for editing; mention contracting with Norman Kraus to compile indexes; Bender to write introductions; re pictures; re format; re binding.
{18} Ellrose D. Zook to H. S. Bender, July 14, 1950 [stationery of Mennonite Publishing House]: responding to letter of July 11....
{19} H. S. Bender to Ellrose D. Zook, October 12, 1950 [to Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: proposing that next Yearbook list memberships of standing committees of [MC] Mennonite General Conference.
{20} H. S. Bender to Ellrose D. Zook, December 6, 1950 [to Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: apology for overlooking Zook’s request for a Peace Problems Committee [PPC] report for the Yearbook and Directory; Ernest Lehman was writing it....
{21} THREE entries H. S. Bender to Ellrose D. Zook, February 5, 1951 [to Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: badly in need of 1951 statistics for a membership study underway; assumed it was in stage with galley proofs––requested copies; re PPC [Peace Problems Committee], assignment for writing its report had passed to John A. Hostetler; was it sent? • • • REPLY, Ellrose D. Zook to H. S. Bender, February 8, 1951 [stationery of Mennonite Yearbook and Directory, Zook being Editor]: Ernest Lehman had written that the PPC report was imminent; happy to send the 1951 issue as soon as ready. • • • REPLY, H. S. Bender to Ellrose D. Zook, March 28, 1951 [to Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: thanks for the proofs of the directory....
{22} Memorandum, Ellrose D. Zook to H. S. Bender, August 27, 1951: questions and points about layout of The Works of Menno Simons.
{23} Ellrose D. Zook to H. S. Bender, September 5, 1951 [stationery of Mennonite Publishing House]: acknowledging receipt of original manuscript of {In the Name of Christ: A History of the Mennonite Central Committee and Its Service, 1920-1951, by John D. Unruh. [Introduction by P.C. Hiebert.]}; already had a manuscript for The Works of Menno Simons like the one you sent; mention Leonard Verduin, J. C. Wenger [John C. Wenger]; are you working on photos for the Unruh book?.
{24} Ellrose D. Zook to H. S. Bender, October 30, 1951 [stationery of Mennonite Yearbook and Directory, Zook being Editor]: for 1952 Yearbook, requesting article on activities of PPC [Peace Problems Committee].
{25} H. S. Bender to Ellrose D. Zook, January 30, 1952 [to Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: sending 56 photos collected by Ernest Lehman for “J. D. Unruh MCC History” [sic; John D. Unruh]; thought MPH staff should do final selection [suggested Beulah Stauffer––later Beulah Stauffer Hostetler, Beulah Hostetler]; also re using illustrations in Melvin Gingerich, Service for Peace; that Der Mennonit had many good pictures... (more). cc’s to Beulah Stauffer, Ernest Lehman, Unruh; P.S. to Unruh; re Lehman work on photos, thanks for ....
{26} H. S. Bender to Ellrose D. Zook, February 8, 1952 [surely by Bender, but no sign-off; to Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: had just sent the rest of Unruh manuscript; on that batch, Unruh [John D. Unruh] had agreed to all editorial changes; reference to diligence of Beulah Stauffer––later Beulah Stauffer Hostetler, Beulah Hostetler]; but Bender was enclosing other pages for which Unruh thought his original better....
{27} Ellrose D. Zook to H. S. Bender, May 20, 1952 [stationery of Mennonite Publishing House]: asking about the Complete Works of Menno Simons; wanted to begin its preparation for printing; maybe J. C. Wenger [John C. Wenger] could bring the rest of it when he came for Board meeting Friday and Saturday.
{28} H. S. Bender to Ellrose D. Zook, May 27, 1952 [to Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania; reply to H. S. Bender at MCC––Amsterdam address]: re Delbert Gratz manuscript re history of Bernese Anabaptist, accepted for series “Studies in Anabaptist and Mennonite History” and with four chapters published in The Mennonite Quarterly Review [see Bernese Anabaptists and Their American Descendants, by Delbert L. Gratz (Scottdale, Pa. : Herald Press, 1953; republished by others, 1994, 2016)]; Bender sending parts now, more later; re pictures and maps. P.S. and cc to Gratz.
{29} LETTER FRAGMENT (only a very brief second/last page), Ellrose D. Zook to H. S. Bender, August 28, 1952: [no real information]; cc’s to A. J. Metzler, H. S. Bender.
{30} H. S. Bender to Ellrose D. Zook, August 22, 1953 [to Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: about some serious mix-ups in material sent to MPH to publish Mennonite Encyclopedia; Bender would remedy procedures to prevent a repeat. cc’s to A. J. Metzler, Paul Herb, H. Ralph Hernley [Abram J. Metzler].
{31} Melvin Gingerich to Ellrose D. Zook, August 27, 1953 [to Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: returning a China map and corrections; re assumed schedule for sending galley proofs, etc. [likely for Mennonite Encyclopedia]; having troubles figuring out some corrections of the proofs....
{32} H. S. Bender to Ellrose D. Zook, September 29, 1953 [to Mennonite Encyclopedia, Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: about sending corrected galley proofs, and giving Zook authority to edit a certain article; “eager” for more galley proofs....
{33} “Ellrose” to H. S. Bender, no date except stamped as if received October 20, 1953, [stationery of Syracuse University]: much reference to “Miss Trumbo” [likely a secretary back at Mennonite Publishing House]; replying to a Bender letter expressing “concern about the typesetting”; [of Mennonite Encyclopedia]; that was now in the hands of A. J. Metzler [Abram J. Metzler]; a bit more of what seems to be Mennonite Encyclopedia production matters; mention “Melvin’s” letter [likely Melvin Gingerich].
{34} H. S. Bender to Ellrose D. Zook, December 11, 1953 [to Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: Bender [himself] would prepare the Yearbook article; offered some other information about Mennonite branches (splits, etc.).
{35} H. S. Bender to Ellrose D. Zook, March 16, 1954 [to Mennonite Encyclopedia / Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: on his projected visit to MPH; wished to work “through Encyclopedia problems with you”––mention that galley proofs were often so bad it made proofreading difficult; wished some time with Miss Yake and with Daniel Hertzler [very likely Lois Yake, later Lois Kanagy, Lois Yake Kanagy].
{36} H. S. Bender to Ellrose D. Zook, March 30, 1954 [to Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: hoped for corrected page proofs for [?? Mennonite Encyclopedia Volume II ??], etc.; projected bringing manuscript for “E” on April 10, and finish Volume II by July 1.
{37} H. S. Bender to Ellrose D. Zook, April 1, 1954 [to Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: re collecting for expenses of trip to Scottdale and Lancaster last week; re keeping on schedule with Mennonite Encyclopedia work
{38} Ellrose D. Zook to John C. Wenger, April 30, 1954 [to J. C. Wenger]: re schedule for work on Menno Simons Life and Works [sic]. to have it done for [MC] Mennonite General Conference meeting 1955 [i.e. by late summer that year]; mention Paul Shank, “Brother Metzler” [A. J. Metzler, Abram J. Metzler], John A. Hostetler, H. Ralph Hernley, Paul Erb. // “Thank you for the corrections for Separated Unto God. cc’s to those mentioned.
{39} TWO entries Ellrose D. Zook to H. S. Bender, June 23, 1954 [stationery of Mennonite Publishing House, Zook the “Executive Editor”]: about outcome of a mechanical problem with type-set, hence delay of letter D [surely Mennonite Encyclopedia]. cc’s to A. J. Metzler, Paul Erb, H. Ralph Hernley [Abram J. Metzler]. • • • REPLY, H. S. Bender to Ellrose D. Zook, July 1, 1954 [to Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: [a congenial response re cooperating].
{40} Ellrose D. Zook to H. S. Bender, September 9, 1954 [stationery of Mennonite Publishing House, Zook the “Executive Editor”]: needed pictures for Volume I [sic]; Mennonite Encyclopedia channel was getting empty; mention “Paul Shank, our Sales Manager”. cc’s to A. J. Metzler, Paul Erb, Shank [Abram J. Metzler].
{41} H. S. Bender to Ellrose D. Zook, October ?, 1954 [strikeover of October 20 and 30; to Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: various details for finishing the printing of Volume I. [sic].
{42} TWO entries Ellrose D. Zook to H. S. Bender, November 1, 1954 [stationery of Mennonite Publishing House, Zook the “Executive Editor”]: a few details about what was yet needed for Volume I. • • • ATTACHED, scratch sheet with penned jottings.
{43} H. S. Bender to Ellrose D. Zook, November 2, 1954 [to Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: Paul Peachey was now Secretary of PPC [Peace Problems Committee], so write to him to get a report on PPC for Mennonite Yearbook and Directory.
{44} H. S. Bender to Ellrose D. Zook, November 6, 1954 [to Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: H. S. Bender and Melvin Gingerich had compiled quite a list of matters for finishing Volume I.
{45} H. S. Bender to Ellrose Zook, February 18, 1955 [to Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: with some effort had consulted E. K. Francis about a map to include; instructions for including it. [Emerich K. Francis].
{46} TWO entries Ellrose D. Zook to H. S. Bender, September 2, 1955 [stationery of Mennonite Publishing House, Zook the “Executive Editor”]: about the title page to “the Greek English Concordance”; re changes in it, and soliciting further suggestions. [J. B. Smith, Jacob B. Smith]. • • • REPLY, H. S. Bender to Ellrose D. Zook, September 9, 1955 [to Zook at Atlantic Hotel, Chicago, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: some comments, including to omit reference to omitting Smith’s D.D. degree, as it was “questionable”.
{47} Ellrose D. Zook to H. S. Bender, October 11, 1955 [stationery of Mennonite Publishing House, Zook the “Executive Editor”]: re Mennonite Encyclopedia; had received “the last map”; would be in Goshen October 21-22.
{48} Ellrose D. Zook to H. S. Bender, December 1, 1955 [stationery of Mennonite Publishing House, Zook the “Executive Editor”]: follow-up of phone call; re Volume II of Mennonite Encyclopedia––maps, “furniture drawings, etc. cc’s to A. J. Metzler, H. Ralph Hernley.
{49} Ellrose D. Zook to Paul Peachey, December 1, 1955 [stationery of Mennonite Publishing House, Zook the “Executive Editor”; Peachey at EMC [Eastern Mennonite College, later Eastern Mennonite University (EMU)]: at Bender’s behest, asking Peachey to write the article on PPC [Peace Problems Committee] for Mennonite Yearbook. cc H. S. Bender.
{50} H. S. Bender to Ellrose D. Zook, December 2, 1955 [to Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: Zook had requested a description of Mennonite World Conference Organization to put in Mennonite Yearbook; Bender sending something; some comments on its content; Bender’s letter listed names of North Americans on a key committee, seven men [sic––gender] from different Mennonite branches.
{51} Ellrose D. Zook to H. S. Bender, January 16, 1956 [stationery of Mennonite Publishing House, Zook the “Executive Editor”]: acknowledging receipt of various items that arrived by mail...; had done certain galley proof work..... [likely for Mennonite Encyclopedia ??].
{52} Ellrose D. Zook to H. S. Bender, February 1, 1956 [stationery of Mennonite Publishing House, Zook the “Executive Editor”]: for the 1956 Mennonite Yearbook, was estimating 20,000 Mennonites in Russia [Soviet Union, USSR]; was that a good estimate?
{53} Postcard, Ellrose D. Zook to H. S. Bender, February 9, 1956 [stationery of Mennonite Publishing House, Zook the “Executive Editor”]: at your request, had mailed you two copies of Mennonite Encyclopedia.
{54} Postcard, Ellrose D. Zook to H. S. Bender, February 13, 1956 [stationery of Mennonite Publishing House, Zook the “Executive Editor”]: had your letter about copies for the various editors [likely of Mennonite Encyclopedia]; about procedure for such matters; Metzler and Zook planned to be in Goshen March 2-3, stopping en route home from “the Board meeting” in Illinois.
{55} Ellrose D. Zook to H. S. Bender, April 12, 1956 [stationery of Mennonite Publishing House, Zook the “Executive Editor”]: Sales Manager Ben Cutrell [? Benjamin Cutrell] wanted the jacket for Mennonite Encyclopedia by a certain meeting; asking about any changes to be made; had been mention of giving credit to “Mrs. Bender” [Elizabeth Bender, Elizabeth Horsch Bender]––do this on the book jacket? cc’s A. J. Metzler [Abram J. Metzler], Paul Erb, Ben Cutrell.
{56} H. S. Bender to Ellrose D. Zook, April 16, 1956 [to Mennonite Encyclopedia, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: sending illustrations for Volume II; comments...; P.S. would sent rest of the maps tomorrow.
{47} Ellrose D. Zook to H. S. Bender, postcard, April 16, 1956 that proofs for “D” section will be mailed. CONTIGUOUS Ellrose D. Zook to H. S. Bender, postcard, April 19, 1956 that pages, etc. sent were received. A discrepancy is noted for which Zook apologizes.
{58} TWO entries H. S. Bender to Ellrose D. Zook, May 3, 1956 [to Mennonite Encyclopedia, Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: re map proofs for Mennonite Encyclopedia Volume II; Cornelius Krahn had submitted proposals for change in text and pictures; mentioned telephoning “Melvin Hernley” [sic]; list of those proposed changes further comment. cc Krahn. • • • REPLY, Postcard, Ellrose D. Zook to H. S. Bender, May 8, 1956 [stationery of Mennonite Publishing House, Zook the “Executive Editor”]: acknowledging these proposals for changes; a few comments on progress, etc.
{59} H. S. Bender to Ellrose D. Zook, May 10, 1956 [to Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: thought he had told Zook that Volume II would stop with H; about a [further ??] map.
{60} Ellrose D. Zook to H. S. Bender, May 11, 1956 [stationery of Mennonite Publishing House, Zook the “Executive Editor”]: consulting with H. Ralph Hernley, were processing pictures; re proofs and maps; trying but unsure about getting certain proofs to Bender before his leaving for Europe on June 12... ; a few more paragraphs of detail.
{61} Ellrose D. Zook to H. S. Bender, May 15, 1956 [stationery of Mennonite Publishing House, Zook the “Executive Editor”]: reference to Bender letter of April 16; about an apparently serious printing question, reference to Volume I [surely of Mennonite Encyclopedia], certain problems in printing Volume II. etc. cc’s A. J. Metzler [Abram J. Metzler], H. Ralph Hernley, Paul Erb,
{62} TWO entries H. S. Bender to Ellrose D. Zook, July 26, 1956 [to Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: planned to arrive at Scottdale Saturday morning, wanted to go rapidly over page proofs...; about a correction received from Holland for the article “Sebastian Franck”... (more); wanted to go over schedule for Volume III [surely of Mennonite Encyclopedia]; P. S.: then wanted a ride to conference at Belleville. P.S.S. [sic]: responding to Zook letter of July 24. cc’s A. J. Metzler [Abram J. Metzler], Paul Erb. • • • CONTIGUOUS, H. S. Bender to Ellrose D. Zook, July 31, 1956 [to Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: schedule change, would arrive Monday morning; enclosing galley proofs for certain articles; details; reference to “G” material; a bit more about production progress.
{63} H. S. Bender to Ellrose D. Zook, June 6, 1957 [to Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: for John Umble [John S. Umble] history of Oak Grove Mennonite Church needed a map of Wayne County Ohio––could adapt the one for Mennonite Encyclopedia; mention also of using it in The Mennonite Quarterly Review....

BOX 32 FOLDER 2 Myron Augsburger 19 items Initially not annotated. See also Elmer G. Homrighausen, Dean Princeton Theological seminary folder, December 22, 1958. See also Myron S. Augsburger File about letter recommending him to graduate school and notifying Goshen College Biblical Seminary accreditment.

{1} Myron Augsburger to H. S. Bender December 18, 1959, on Augsburger Crusades stationery. Thank you for letter [not extant here] and he is thinking of graduate school, thus will limit crusades to summer and weekends. Augsburger has reapplied to Princeton and requests his transcripts sent there from Goshen Biblical Seminary. Expresses deep appreciation for Bender’s study guidance and kindnesses.
{2} Myron Augsburger to H. S. Bender February 2, 1960, please send transcripts to Princeton.
{3} H. S. Bender to Myron Augsburger, April 30, 1960. About doing evangelical meetings at Steinach Manitoba with Rev. Archie Penner. Penner contacted Bender for Augsburger’s contact information. Bender goes into detail about the Kelinegemeinde, their idiosyncrasies, the make-up of the community etc. Mention Bender speaking to Dean Homrighausen at Princeton, new president about Augsburger’s acceptance as graduate student. Mention Professor Emile Caillet of theology who has just retired. Bender believes study there would be beneficial and edifying.
{4} Myron Augsburger to H. S. Bender, October 2, 1960, handwritten on Augsburger Crusades stationery, half-sheet. Reports positive experience at Princeton, studying under non-Mennonite theologians Details of course studies. Mention Dr. John H. Leith, a Zwinglian theologian, Reformed. Mentions possible study of ‘Anabaptist Creeds compared with reformed”. Says pastoral assignment does not interfere with his studies as duties are light.,
{5} H. S. Bender to Myron Augsburger, January 17, 1961. Returning copy of master’s thesis and would like to publish one section in the Mennonite Quarterly review with some editing. Asks permission. Mention A. J. Klassen hoping Myron will serve as pastor in British Columbia.
{6} Paul Mininger to Myron Augsburger, February 14, 1961 on Goshen College stationery. Regrets Augsburger’ decision not to teach at Goshen, but hopes a future arrangement might be possible. Mention that he will have spinal surgery in Elkhart that day, asks for prayers.
{7} Myron Augsburger to H. S. Bender, February 27, 1961, on Augsburger Crusades stationery, thanking Bender for invitation to speak at commencement, but regrets he has prior commitment to Archie Penner (Steinbach Manitoba) then. Bender will be visiting in the Spring. Mentions travel plans to Moundridge Kansas and meetings in Arizona. Mentions an upcoming conference in Harrisonburg on “the Divorce Problem”. Mentions taking tutoring in French and German to pass those exams early to fully prepare for doctoral exams.
{8} H. S. Bender to Myron Augsburger, telegram, April 21, 1961 planning to visit him and Union classes April 28. Please reply collect.
{9} Myron Augsburger to John C. Wenger, December 27, 1961 sending a copy of his book on the Holy Spirit, “Quench not the Spirit”. Thanks to Wenger for writing the introduction and for Wenger’s other recent work on Anabaptist faith. Asks Wenger to review his paper on The Anabaptist View of Conversion in comparison with Lutheran and Reformed Thought, as to its value to Anabaptist theological study, and being fit for publication. Expresses appreciation to Wenger as “brother and friend.”.
{10} Myron Augsburger to H. S. Bender, January 22, 1962 on Augsburger Crusades stationery, thanking Bender for returning thesis and for letter. Gives permission to print part of thesis as requested. Requests subscription to MQR and past issues. Mentions he has put great effort into his study of German to better use it. Wants to be able to write in the language, and do dissertation on Mennonite Theology in German. More on hermeneutics and plans for dissertation, possible title “The Creative Aspects of the Anabaptist Hermeneutics in Mennonite theology” using the Schleitheim Confession phrase “the perfection of Christ”. Hals been asked to teach half-time at EMC [Eastern Mennonite College, later Eastern Mennonite University] but weighing the balance of that, research and continuing evangelical crusades as a schedule.
{11} H. S. Bender to Myron Augsburger, February 2, 1962, thanking him for permission to reprint part of his Master’s thesis in the MQR. Offers several suggestions to support Augsburger’s dissertation ideas, specifically narrowing down the issue and spending a year in Europe, possibly through a fellowship. Emphasizes a full year of research and writing will be needed, doing nothing else
{12} H. S. Bender to Myron Augsburger, September 10, 1962, that Bender is glad to hear of his progress on doctoral study. Mention C. N. Hostetter who heard Augsburger speak at Winona Lake and wants to have conversation about peace witness as he learned Augsburger was “urging more effort to give our witness in conservative evangelical circles…” Bender would also like to talk about this with him in the fall. More about concern of Peace Problems committee and MCC Peace Section “getting into such circles as N.A.E. and others…” Hostetter is on the Executive Committee of N.A.E. Also mention F. H. Henry who has “rebuffed” any attempts at contact. Mentions “Militaristic spirit”, General Harrison, Billy Graham meeting and other attempts at meetings. Requests personal conversation.
{13} Myron Augsburger to H. S. Bender, August 16, 1962, handwritten on Augsburger Crusades stationery. That Bender is being held in prayer through “this trial.” Thanks Bender for the chance to participate in Mennonite World Conference. Mentions plans to be at Winona August 21-26, but spending several days at the Seminary library.

BOX 32 FOLDER 5 Roland H. Bainton Roland H. Bainton (1894-1984) was a church historian at Yale Divinity School, Yale University, specializing in the history of the Reformation. He was an ordained Congregationalist minister, but had also affiliated with the Quakers and was friendly to the “Goshen School” interpretation of Anabaptism. Within the American Society of Church History, of which Bainton was president in 1940, he apparently was something of an advocate for H. S. Bender and thus helped Bender become the Society’s president for 1943 and gain the platform for his (Bender’s) historic address and article, “The Anabaptist Vision.” (See Albert N. Keim, Harold S. Bender, 1897-1962, pp. 300-301, and esp. 310 ff.; and along with this folder, the researcher may do well to consult the folder “American Society of Church History, 1942-1943”; for biographical material on Bainton, a New York Times obituary is at http://www.nytimes.com/1984/02/14/obituaries/dr-roland-h-bainton-dies-retired-yale-divinity-teacher.html.).
{1} H. S. Bender to Roland Bainton, April 10, 1958 [to Bainton at Yale Divinity School]: sending a draft of statement to Lutheran Foundation for Reformation Research [correct name?] to work on “an Anabaptist Bibliography”; next Friday would be at “Church History meeting” [?? regional American Society of Church History, ASCH ?] and speak there with “Professor Meyer” and hoped for counsel from you; question whether a Dr. Schriebert was not Director of that foundation.
{2} H. S. Bender to Roland Bainton, May 7, 1958 [to him at Yale Divinity School]: thanks for note about the bibliography project; apparently it would receive $2500. // Enclosing Mennonite Encyclopedia article on Servetus for you to “correct, supplement, etc.”
{3} FOUR entries Roland Bainton to H. S. Bender, November 7, 1961 [stationery of Bainton at Yale Divinity School]: [cover note for next item; what suggestion did Bender have? • • • ATTACHED, James [unreadable surname] To Whom It May Concern, no date]; recommendation for a C. P. Clasen.... • • • ATTACHED, Claus-Peter Clasen [sic] to Roland Bainton, October 22, 1961 [on stationery of St. Antony’s College, Oxford to him at Yale Divinity School]: a bit of his personal history, education history; Fulbright scholar; had taught in a French teachers College at Nancy [NOTE: an MCC location]; etc. etc. • • • ATTACHED, a two-page certificate, in German, dated March 12, 1957 from a Wissenschaftliche Landesprufungsamt, apparently at Berlin.
{4} H. S. Bender to Roland Bainton, February 21, 1962 [to him at Yale Divinity School]: sending something from Dietmar Rothermund’s documents in his The Layman’s Progress in Religion and Politics in Colonial Pennsylvania 1740-1770 (1961)––re wrath of Quaker’s opponents regarding Mennonite support. // reference to Bainton’s October 17 letter [not extant here] about “Hershberger’s review” [likely Guy F. Hershberger, G. F. Hershberger, Guy Hershberger].
{5} H. S. Bender to Roland Bainton, May 22, 1962 [to him at Yale Divinity School]: reference to Bainton essay in the German translation of the Bender festschrift [The Recovery of the Anabaptist Vision]; Bainton had promised to send the German original of a “Franck quotation: [Sebastian Franck ??]; had not yet gotten it, so not treating it as an exact quotation. // The German edition probably would appear in a few months.
{6} Postcard, Roland Bainton to H. S. Bender, May 29, 1962: “ “sorry I let you down”; schedule for next two years [including a spring in Japan] would not allow [what had been requested, not extant here] for about 2 years––meanwhile hoped to read all Täufer Akten.