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Postcard, Blanke to Bender, May 9, 1944: would like to read Bender's Conrad Grebel dissertation; greetings to Bender and Wenger [surely John Wenger, John C. Wenger, J. C. Wenger].

Very thin folder, about half-dozen items (all in German). “Fritz Blanke (22 April 1900-4 March 1967), [was a] church historian” who “wrote some 27 articles, reviews, and books on the theme of Anabaptism and Mennonitism, attempting to understand the movement within the broader European religious context.”--from “Blanke, Fritz” entry in GAMEO; see that source for more. On previous relations of Bender (and e.g., Ernst Correll) with Blanke, see earlier Blanke folder(s) in Bender correspondence--plus also John C. Wenger folder 1931-1938.

5/16” stack (about 15 items). William G. Detweiler [William Gehman Detweiler (1903-1956)] was the pioneer radio preacher of MC Mennonites. Reared in eastern Pennsylvania, he was educated at Eastern Mennonite Academy and several colleges and universities other than Mennonite ones. After marrying in 1927 he served as a minister in several home missions. In the early 1930s he was pastor of such a mission at Canton, Ohio and later in several other Mennonite churches in central Ohio. He began the radio ministry in 1936 (“The Calvary Hour”, initially called “The Mennonite Hour”, a name later used for another program). [See GAMEO on line for a fuller biography.] 1} Printed folder, Radio Bulletin, May 22, 1939, with “Wm. G. Detweiler” and “Orrville, Ohio” in its masthead: included an announcement of the program going to twice per week, a general and non-statistical statement about finances, prayer requests, testimonials, etc. 2} Wm. G. Detweiler [sic] to H. S. Bender, March 13, 1939: speaking with “Brother Gerig” [surely J. S. Gerig, Jacob S. Gerig], Detweiler had learned of a planned [Goshen College] chorus program at “our church” [Oak Grove Mennonite Church]--could it also be on the radio program? details; mention Plain View church [Plain View Mennonite Church, Aurora Ohio], Hesston College chorus, Dwight Stoltzfus. • • • REPLY, H. S. Bender to Wm. G. Detweiler, March 15, 1939: thanks for the invitation; Walter Yoder would gladly work with you. • • • CONTIGUOUS, Wm. G. Detweiler to H. S. Bender, March 29, 1939: radio station was agreed; some technical information. 3} H. S. Bender to Wm. G. Detweiler, June 16, 1939: had Detweiler's of the 15th [not extant here] asking that Bender give “a short gospel message” over the air; that Bender had spoken over the radio before and did not fear damage to his reputation--however, he feared his schedule--including a trip--would not allow him to prepare; yet he did not want to disappoint Detweiler and would do his best. 4} Wm. G. Detweiler to H. S. Bender, July 13, 1939: when Bender was in Detweiler's home recently they had discussed having a peace conference at the Oak Grove Mennonite Church, and Detweiler had advised waiting to mention the matter to Bro. Gerig [surely J. S. Gerig, Jacob S. Gerig] until a question about having C. F. Derstine [Clayton F. Derstine] hold meetings at Oak Grove in the Fall was processed; arrangements for the meetings were now set, so it would be okay to contact Gerig about the peace conference. // An obscure paragraph about Detweiler having been required to sign a resolution--Detweiler had told the “joint committee” the conditions under which he would sign, and they allowed him to do so; he had promised to work with Bro. Gerig on the matter; Detweiler did not want “to attempt a rigid enforcement which would” cause the congregation to “rupture.” // About Emma Blosser having had an appendicitis operation at Wooster. 5} H. S. Bender to Wm. G. Detweiler, April 6, 1940: had Detweiler's of April 4 [not extant here]; thanks for working out Gospel Team schedule for April 27-28; needed more information about the broadcast; some logistical questions; another team would give programs at Martins Mennonite Church, Kidron Mennonite Church, Pleasant View Mennonite Church, and maybe North Lima Mennonite Church. 6} H. S. Bender to Wm. G. Detweiler, July 12, 1941: requesting frank information about Roy Wenger, who was a candidate for work in CPS program [Civilian Public Service; conscientious objection, nonresistance, pacifism, military draft, alternative service]; please answer quickly by air mail [reply not extant here]. 7} Wm. G. Detweiler to H. S. Bender, September 10, 1941: planned to give a Bible Doctrine course at his church, a “Salvation course” covering “creation of man, his fall, and ... regeneration, justification, etc.”; wondered if Goshen College would give credit for it in Goshen’s six-week [Bible Term?] program [reply not extant here]. 8} Wm. G. Detweiler to H. S. Bender, September 15, 1941: among letters received from “radio land” was one offering German books for sale; forwarding it to Bender. 9} H. S. Bender to Wm. G. Detweiler, August 15, 1942: had Detweiler's of August 11 [not extant here]; technical information for ministerial candidates receiving exemption from military draft [Selective Service System]. 10} Wm. G. Detweiler to H. S. Bender, January 31, 1947: was sending copy of a letter from Fosdick [Harry Emerson Fosdick], very carefully typed to be a true copy.... Attached: typed carbon of Harry Emerson Fosdick to W. B. Barnhart [of Harrisburg Pennsylvania], January 31, 1945: had Barnhart’s letter; astonished at what people write about me; no, I have not changed my theology--I’ve been liberal in theology since youth, not believing in Virgin Birth or “old-fashioned substitutionary doctrine”--knew no “intelligent Christian minister” who did; problem with fundamentalists is that when they hear Fosdick proclaiming some everlasting truth they think he must embrace their fundamentalism... [Mennonite fundamentalism ?]. 11} H. S. Bender to Wm. G. Detweiler, April 19, 1947: exploring whether Detweiler might accept “a temporary appointment to the Peoria Mennonite Church”; mention C. Warren Long, who had served there for 18 years, now appointed to establish the mission in Belgium; that Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities had not commissioned Bender to make this inquiry.

NOTE: this description my differ slightly from the "Items", as this description represents a later, slightly edited version. 3/8” stack. C. F. Derstine [Clayton Freed Derstine; Clayton F. Derstine] (1891-1967) was a denominational (MC Mennonite) leader with his main career in Ontario. Born and reared at Souderton Pennsylvania, he was ordained in his early 20s in 1914, was pastor of a mission church at Altoona Pennsylvania, became an evangelist who preached in many states and provinces, served as pastor at Eureka Illinois, then in 1921 became pastor of First Mennonite Church at Kitchener Ontario. That congregation had been plagued with division, but he led it in a period of remarkable growth. He served in various district-conference and denominational leadership roles, including being Editor of the Christian Monitor from 1923 to 1929 and thereafter, until 1953, editor of its "World News" section. 1} C. F. Derstine to Bender, February 20, [no year]: appreciated the invitation to speak at Goshen College (for about the 10th time); mention hosting he had received from B. J. and Emma Schertz [Benjamin Schertz, Benjamin J. Schertz; Emma Smith Schertz]; mention Bro. Graber [probably C. L. Graber [Christian L. Graber, Chris Graber]; reference to what apparently had been past friction with Bender over Derstine's serving at “N. A. Sum. Bible School Convention” [sic--North American Summer Bible School Convention ??; ecumenism], assuring Bender he preferred Goshen; gave 5 possible themes for Minister’s Conference [sic--Ministers’ Conference; Ministers Conference]. TWO} Derstine <--> Bender, January 1939: planning a chorus tour {2} Postcard, C. F. Derstine to Bender, January 13, 1939: please send program of ministers meeting and Christian Life Conference.... • • • REPLY, Bender to C. F. Derstine, January 19, 1939: enclosing the programs; in Goshen, the two should talk about plans for chorus tour in Ontario; Goshen had 84 in its Winter Bible School. 3} C. F. Derstine to Bender, March 13, 1939 [Christian Monitor stationery]: glad to have the mixed chorus come; S. F. Coffman [Samuel Frederick Coffman] was in favor, and Jesse Martin was not involved in the discussion; a transcontinental radio broadcast arranged for Sunday; etc.; mention Wanner’s [Wanner Mennonite Church?] and Tavistock--not yet verified, but ‘twas possible the Amish [probably Western Ontario Amish Mennonite Conference] and Evangelicals [Evangelical Mennonite Church?] might cooperate; how many would come, etc.? 4} C. F. Derstine to “Dear Brother in Christ, note on scrap of envelope addressed to Derstine and postmarked March 21, 1939; about having the ladies’ quartet who had sung at “Wanner’s Dedication” [Wanner Mennonite Church] sing at evangelistic campaign at First Mennonite Church, Kitchener, in June. 5} Postcard, C. F. Derstine to H. K [sic]. Bender, March 18, 1939: at Tavistock the Amish [Western Ontario Amish Mennonite Conference people, surely] would have differences about attending a chorus program, so it was arranged to be held in the “Evangelical Church”--write to Pastor Rev. J. W. Siebert there. 6} C. F. Derstine to Bender, March 24, penciled “1939”: rather forthright letter; instructions about bus crossing the border; next time let people of Ontario arrange matters on their end--explanation--could have gotten the chorus into the Amish church, could have gotten it to Clarence Center [New York], etc.; mention Fred Coffman [probably S. F. Coffman, Samuel Frederick Coffman--who used his middle name not his first], S. M. Kanagy [Simon M. Kanagy? Simon Menno Kanagy?], “Miss Good” [probably Viola Good], “J. B.” [probably J. B. Martin, Jesse Martin, Jesse B. Martin]; up to now Martin had opposed having the choruses.... 7} Bender to C. F. Derstine, March 29, 1939: at Derstine's request was sending complete chorus program for the Canadian tour, plus more details; thanks for appointments at Hamilton and at Tavistock, and for arrangement with border officials; sorry arrangements did not all go smoothly; Bender had known nothing of Waterloo plans [reference to J. B. Martin matter? Erb Street Mennonite Church?]. 8} Bender to C. F. Derstine, April 1, 1939: reply to letter about girls’ quartet serving evangelistic campaign in June; might have to use at least one substitute; mention Ella Mae Weaver of Kansas; Bro. Mininger [J. D. Mininger, Jacob D. Mininger], Anna Hallman, daughter of E. S. Hallman of Texas [Eli S. Hallman; Anna Hallman Byler]. 9} Bender to C. F. Derstine, April 5, 1939: lengthy detailed letter about chorus arrangements--understanding that “you” would be in charge of arrangements after they cross the border, etc. FOUR} C. F. Derstine <--> Bender, July-September 1939: about Melvin Gingerich MQR article on patriotism 10} C. F. Derstine to Bender, July 24, 1939 [original and typed carbon copy extant]: [political] John Horsch had spoken with Derstine complaining that parts of article by Melvin Gingerich, “The Menace of Propaganda,” in April issue of Mennonite Quarterly Review, were themselves propaganda, and Derstine agreed; objected to denouncing our own writers then defending Kirby Page, Henry Ward, Bishop McConnel [Francis John McConnell, bishop of Methodist Episcopal Church ??] and to connecting us to The Defender [Gerald B. Winrod, Gerald Winrod].--another version of the letter-- C. F. Derstine [Clayton F. Derstine] to Bender, July 24, 1939: someone had called attention to Melvin Gingerich's article “The Menace of Propaganda” [paper at “Conference on Applied Nonresistance”, at Goshen College in April 1939, published in Mennonite Quarterly Review, “The Menace of Propaganda and How to Meet it,” MQR 13:123-134 April [sic] 1939]; Derstine’s informant thought Gingerich’s article was itself propaganda and Derstine agreed; it attacked much as Goshen College had been attacked in the past; “I was glad he admitted that his own paper may not be free of prejudice”; he had said statements needed proof but offered very little for his own; most of the article was true but “inferences” and “deductions” Gingerich made were “far-fetched”; Clayton [who was editor of International News section of Christian Monitor] had thought some of publishing a reply; surprised Mennonite Quarterly Review had run such an article, but ink is now dry, so not much to do. • • • REPLY, Bender to C. F. Derstine, July 27, 1939: thanks for “your kind letter”; Bender had discussed the article with Horsch; in advance, Bender had reservations about including the Christian Monitor material and had submitted material to John L. Horst and A. J. Metzler [Abram J. Metzler]--they had not found the material objectionable; had also consulted Edward Yoder; Bender wanted good relations with all branches of the church and would not have published offensive passages if he had thought they might make trouble; therefore Bender thought others did not see an attack on Christian Monitor; a bishop had remarked that we seek truth and that Bro. Derstine could accept truth; need to take the tenor of the whole article; Bender would not want to compare what Melvin Gingerich had done with attacks made on Goshen College some years ago [probably referring to reaction to Halloween party--John H. Mosemann Sr. and J. B. Smith [Jacob B. Smith], etc.; questioned whether Derstine was right in saying Gingerich’s piece was “‘a defense of liberals, and an attack on fundamentalists,’”...; noted that Derstine had written “‘most of the article is true’”; suggested Derstine should prepare an article in reply, pointing out what was not true; regarding Gingerich’s connecting Derstine with Winrod, Gingerich and others “have the impression” that in his World News column Derstine had quoted Winrod at times; Bender would like to talk personally with Derstine about some items in the World News column; others had raised that point, e.g. Abner Yoder of Parnell Iowa; a number thought the column too political; would not some “constructive and brotherly criticism” be “profitable” for Derstine? Derstine was welcome to “write for the Review” about any error; main thing was truth. • • • REPLY, C. F. Derstine to Bender, September 29, penciled “1939”: apology for delay in answering “your kind letter”; Derstine was “in good humor”--he had survived “many a ‘bump’ like the ‘Gingerich’ [Melvin Gingerich] broadside”, and probably would not have written had others not brought it to his attention; ... this was the first such bump in a Mennonite publication; had heard from Gingerich and questioned inferences he drew from “facts”, particularly “the inference that the chief enemy of the United States is ‘Fascism’”--that certainly sounded like “the Communist cry from Dan to Beer-sheeba”; yes, “Fascism is a deadly evil” but nonpolitical Christians in Germany [Nazism] could still worship and Italy was mostly Catholic with “status” for Waldenses, quite in contrast to Russia’s aim of “the complete elimination of Christianity”; etc. etc... yes Derstine needed counsel and makes mistakes but it was “not advisable” to give it in a public paper.... TWO} Bender <--> C. F. Derstine, November 1939: inviting Derstine to contribute at a conference 11} Bender to C. F. Derstine, November 9, 1939: sending two programs for Christian Life Conference and Ministers’ Week in February; enjoyed Derstine's contribution last year and inviting him again. • • • REPLY, Postcard, C. F. Derstine to Bender, November 20, 1939: accepting your invitation to be on “your program”. 12} Bender to C. F. Derstine, November 21, 1939: had Derstine's card; should answer Derstine's of September 29 on the Gingerich matter; “No doubt you and Brother Gingerich [Melvin Gingerich] will have to continue to disagree” over whether fascism or communism was the greatest threat, but with Germany and Russia cooperating, “it may not make much difference in the long run”; but Bender disagreed with Derstine statement that “‘the virus of communism has eaten its way into the councils of the Protestant churches’”--doubted this true to any great extent and it sounded like The Defender--elaborated; Derstine's warning against printing what undermined confidence of the people in their ministry was a point well taken”--argument against reading Gingerich’s paper that way. 13} Postcard, C. F. Derstine to Bender, February 26, 1940: wanted address of one Carl Taner. Postcard, C. F. Derstine to Bender, January 31, 1941: had written an editorial on “Flag Salute” quoting “your committee” [Peace Problems Committee, PPC ??]; “Write, if this permissable...” [sic]; mention J. D. Mininger [Jacob D. Mininger]. 14} C. F. Derstine to Bender, November 26, penciled “1941”: Bender should look at manuscript of forthcoming book “The Youth Who Knows” and have a doctor look it over [sex advice?]. 15} Bender to C. F. Derstine, August 10, 1943: about students who were having trouble getting permission from Canadian government to leave the country to attend Goshen College: Ruth M. Bean [Ruth Bean] and Dorothy Bean, daughters of H. Warren Bean of New Dundee Ontario and members of Blenheim Mennonite Church; Vera Good, sister of Viola Good; Howard Good, son of Abner Good of St. Jacobs--had been refused “Canadian Labor Exit” permits; could Derstine help? 16} Bender to C. F. Derstine, September 23, 1943: looking forward to Derstine serving “in the evangelistic meetings next week; inviting him to speak separately to the faculty. 17} Postcard, C. F. Derstine to Bender, July 16, 1944: Wishing the Lord’s “unction” for Bender's “new task” [Dean of the new Goshen Biblical Seminary?] and commending Bender for an excellent article “on the General Conference” [in Gospel Herald?]. 18} Postcard, C. F. Derstine to Bender, March 1, 1946: Very pleased with men working [apparently seminary students interning in Ontario?] in the summer--specific mention of “Weyburn” and “Bro. Good” [probably Weyburn Groff, Howard Good]; Bishop B. F. Shantz [probably Benjamin F. Shantz ??] had declared himself ready to cooperate in the program; mention the “esteemed brother” E. E. Miller [Ernest E. Miller]. 19} C. F. Derstine to Bender, March 14, penciled “1946”: had done some consulting and was considering use of Howard Good but so far the matter was private and “We have not contacted the Wanner Church”; suggested a cautious talk with Good; seemed like a very long time since Derstine and Bender had been together; mention “Bro. Koch” for “an extra teacher” [Roy Koch?]. 20} Bender to C. F. Derstine, March 21, 1946: acknowledging Derstine's of March 14 regarding Bro. Howard Good serving at Wanner’s [Wanner Mennonite Church] and Kitchener this summer; Good was promising, but young; it might be good for him to have an assignment working under supervision, a point the Bible School [incipient Goshen Biblical Seminary] was considering more generally; mention Bro. Mininger [surely Paul Mininger]; moreover Good wanted credentials for high school teaching and it might be good if he worked at that, in “one of our schools such as the Ontario high school; so Mininger and Bender had thought of a plan whereby Good would work in Ontario two months this summer and then work at North Goshen under Mininger, the bishop there; “We are much interested that Brother Koch [probably Roy Koch] is being considered for an additional teacher for the Ontario Mennonite Bible School”, he was able, “and should be a fine teacher. // Anticipating a fine “Evangelistic Conference”. 21} C. F. Derstine to Bender, March 25, penciled “1946”: responding to “your very fine letter”, Kitchener congregation would cooperate in such a plan and was ready to accept Howard Good this summer.... Had consulted conference officials--Associate Moderator J. B. Martin [Jesse B. Martin, Jesse Martin] and executive committee member S. F. Coffman [Samuel Frederick Coffman]; suggested procedure--Bender and Bishop Paul Mininger write about his qualifications etc., outline their plan, address communications to Ontario Mennonite Conference through its Secretary, “Rev. Harold B. Groh” of Preston Ontario. 22} Bender to C. F. Derstine, April 26, 1946: nice words for Conference on Evangelism and Derstine's role in it; had decided to publish its addresses; now clear to go ahead with Howard Good; mention Bro. Ben Schertz, Arnold Gingerich, Paul Mininger. 23} Postcard, C. F. Derstine to Bender, May 5, 1946: Thanks for words of appreciation, etc. ; obscure sentences about how to avoid hindrances to evangelism [attire? nonconformity?]. 24} Bender to C. F. Derstine, June 7, 1947: request that deacons of First Mennonite Church of Kitchener help store several pieces of church furniture bought from Phoebe Kolb.

Thin folder (about a dozen items all in German; note: this annotator has only limited ability to translate German, so his notes need to be checked). Also, NOTE: this description my differ slightly from the "Items", as this description represents a later, slightly edited version. Crous (1882-1967) was a scholar and a leader in the German Mennonite Church whose work included aid to refugees. See “Crous, Ernst” in GAMEO. {1} Postcard, Crous to Bender, September 20, 1940: handwritten, thanking Bender for something, etc. TWO ENTRIES: Crous to Bender & reply, November-December, 1946 Mennonitisches Lexikon, Mennonite Encyclopedia {2} Crous to Bender, November 4, 1946 [stationery of Vereinigung der Deutschen Mennonitengemeinen (Association of Mennonite Congregations), dateline Göttingen; letter extant as retyped copy also]: thanks for Bender's card [not extant here]; about a visit, reference to Crous’ wife [Rosa Crous]; mentioning hearing Robert Kreider [Robert S. Kreider] speak; been having a “stormy” time, his wife an operation and sickness, etc.; mention a manuscript, mention Mennonitisches Lexikon and Mennonite Encyclopedia; apparent reference to losing material of Berlin congregation in wartime bombing; mention Dr. Neff [probably Christian Neff], and “Frl. Hege” [Fraulein Hege? -- Adele Hege, daughter of Christian Hege ??]. // Very personal tone. • • • REPLY, Bender to Crous, December 26, 1946: Thanks for his letter of November 4; mention cooperation on Mennonite Encyclopedia; asked for a list of titles; about the a duty of love being [to rebuild European Mennonite libraries??]; that Bender did not believe it necessary for Hege’s library [Christian Hege??] to come to America; etc. {3} Crous to Bender, April 23, 1947 [letterhead of Mennonitischer Geschichtsverein (Mennonite History Association): about business or event(s) of the association, including speeches honoring Brother Neff [surely Christian Neff] by Paul Schowalter and Brother Hege [surely Christian Hege] by Fritz Hege [bezw. -- (or?)] Adele Hege; memorial addresses--by Crous for Walter Köhler [sic--Walter Koehler, Walther Köhler, Walther Koehler], and by Gustav Reimer for Abraham Driedger; another reference to Köhler [Walter Köhler, Walter Koehler, Walther Köhler, Walther Koehler]; mention Emil Händiges, Gerrit van Delden; B. H. Unruh [Benjamin Unruh, Benjamin H. Unruh], Harold S. Bender, Otto Schowalter, Pastor Göttner, Dirk Cattepoel, N. van der Zijpp [probably Nanne van der Zijpp], Gerhard Hein, Rev. Teufel [probably Eberhard Teufel]; about Mennonitisches Lexikon, again mentions of Neff [surely Christian Neff] and others previously mentioned, and of Smith [probably C. Henry Smith ?]; mention Göttiger gemein [? Göttingen Mennonite Church ?]; some endeavor in which Crous and Händiges [Emil Händiges ?] would be involved in Europe, Bender and Smith in America; etc. {4} Bender to Crous, May 13, 1947: Happily, had heard from Brother E. Händiges-Monsheim [surely Emil Händiges] that (if translated correctly) Crous had been appointed to replace the deceased Christian Neff regarding Mennonitisches Lexikon; sending copy of his reply to Händiges [surely Emil Händiges]; Bender hoped to come to Germany in July and meet with Crous; details of travel plan, etc; thanks for letter of November 4, 1946; would do his best for producing Mennonitisches Lexikon and Mennonite Encyclopedia; regarding the library of the deceased Brother Hege [Christian Hege]--Fraulein Hege [Adele Hege ?] had privately asked Bender to buy it; (apparently) Bender had replied that the library should stay, connected to Mennonitisches Lexikon, and Pastor Teufel [probably Eberhard Teufel] had taken the books with him; mention apparently a connection or proposed connection with the Weierhof library; reply to Bender's MCC [Mennonite Central Committee address] with a copy to the MCC Basel office. {5} Crous to Bender, June 4, 1947 [typed masthead: “Mennonitischer Geschichtsverein” (Mennonite History Association)]: much thanks for letter of the 13th, sent through Bro. Kreider [surely Robert Kreider Robert S. Kreider] in Berlin; things going well enough that writer could travel; detail; apparently proposing some travels together; apparently comment about difficulties of some present circumstances; mention Kornelius Dyck [probably C. J. Dyck, Cornelius J. Dyck?]; greetings, including from Mrs. Crous [Rosa Crous]. {6} Bender to Crous, June 18, 1947: much thanks for the friendly message delivered via Brother Klassen [probably C. F. Klassen, Cornelius F. Klassen] in Amsterdam; God willing Bender would arrive in Germany on June 30; Walter Eicher would travel with Bender by automobile to Karlsruhe and then Batzenhof or Thomashof; etc., including stopping at Stuttgart with Pastor Teufel [probably Eberhard Teufel]; then to Weierhof, staying there as long as necessary, returning to Basel by July 12; hoped to pass by Crous on June 30 or July--if not, contact Walter Eicher (lengthy address). THREE ENTRIES: Crous to Bender, August 6, 1947; Crous to two others. {7} Crous to Bender, August 6, 1947: how has Bender been since his birthday and our parting in Stuttgart? we were at Batsenhof until the end of the month, etc.; regarding the History Association and Mennonitisches Lexikon.... mention Dr. Säuberlich [Kurt Säuberlich?] in Leipzig, den Verleger Fricker in Karlsruhe, Heinrich Schneider, Fräulein Reimer, and an article in Mennonitisches Lexikon; much interested in something about Hutterites and Quakers in the newspaper Neubau of Munich, and about the church in America (and apparently some dispute in the American church); the piece on the church in America was by “Th.D. Johannes Schattenmann”; mentioned libraries of Christian Hege and of Christian Neff and of Weierhof, and the idea of building a new Mennonite working library (neue mennonitische Arbeitsbibliothek); greetings from Crous and wife [Rosa Crous]. • • • ATTACHED, two letters Crous to Dr. Kurt Säberlich and to Herr Fricker of an evangelical book concern, both June 6, 1947. {8} Crous to Bender [at MCC headquarters in Basel] and C. F. Klassen [Cornelius F. Klassen; at Gronau, Westphalia], August 22, 1947: Bro. H. H. Janzen [?? Henry H. Janzen ??] had traveled through the British Zone and preached at Gronau...; lengthy comment; mention refugees; had written to Bro. Siegfried Janzen, apparently about helping with refugee work in British zone; seemed to write about establishing some new organization(s); mention Paul Schowalter; issues surrounding the Mennonite History Association and Mennonitisches Lexikon. {9} Crous to Bender, August 30, 1947: about a trip of his among congregations in the British Zone, and a hope to solicit for the History Association and Mennonitisches Lexikon and do some business with Gerrit van Delden in Gronau, etc.; mention Säuberlich [Kurt Säuberlich ??] and Fricker [Kurt Säuberlich]; seemed to be writing of paper and plans for printing; what were Bender's plans, etc. {10} Bender to Crous, September 22, 1947 [writing from Thomashof]: Some points he had confirmed with Bro. Heinrich Schneider: Herr Fricker was ready to designate a publisher for Mennonitisches Lexikon without pay, so no contract was needed; Bro. Heinrich Schneider was ready to take the manuscript and begin with it (“mit dem Setzen zu beginnen”; all seemed in order...; Bro. Gerhard Hein hoped to bring the result of his work to Thomashof on September 22... (more about the schedule Bender hoped to follow); in case they had no answer from Dr. Säuberlich [Kurt Säuberlich ??]...; mention Bro. Heinrich Schneider as expert...; etc. {11} Crous to Bender, September 26, 1947 [Bender at MCC headquarters, Basel]: apparently writing about getting paper for another issue of the history publication; mention Heinrich Schneider, Fräulein Dr. Klügel [probably Maria Klügel], Fräulein Ziemann, Fräulein von Dyck; about Mrs. Crous {Rosa Crous]; about a trip to North German congregations; greetings.... {12} Bender to Crous, October 28, 1947: sending something via Bro. Schnebele of Thomashof [? Christian Schnebele]; about editing the Mennonitisches Lexikon; mention pastor Teufel [probably Eberhard Teufel] and Bro. Hein [Gerhard Hein]; his projected schedule, movements. {13} Bender to Crous, October 30, 1947: enclosed find copy of Bender's letter to the publisher of Mennonite Encyclopedia reporting on Mennonitisches Lexikon...; some questions about the “Erklärung” (explanation? statement?) regarding the Mennonitisches Lexikon; hoped Bro. Gerrit van Delden of Gronau would appear at the event on November 27. FOUR ENTRIES: Crous to Bender, October 30, 1947--matters around the Lexikon etc. Crous to Bender, October 30, 1947 [via Robert Kreider--surely Robert S. Kreider]: hoped Bender and his visit here were doing well; about Mennonitisches Lexikon and letters regarding it to Pastor Teufel [probably Eberhard Teufel] and Bro. Hein [Gerhard Hein]; seems to be writing about difficulties of parties to get to a meeting about Mennonitisches Lexikon--Gerrit van Delden, Heinrich Schneider, Dr. Säuberlich [Kurt Säuberlich ??]; mention Bro. Schowalter [probably Paul Schowalter], Bro. Braun, Bro. Fritz Hege; mention meeting of the Union of German Mennonite Congregations [Vereinigung der Deutschen Mennonitengemeinden]; mention Bro. Händiges [surely Emil Händiges], Ernst Regehr, Gustav Reimer, Bro. Unruh [probably B. H. Unruh, Benjamin Unruh, Benjamin H. Unruh], Bro. Beechy [?? Atlee Beechy ??] and Kreider [probably Robert Kreider, Robert S. Kreider]; seems to give some agenda for meeting; mention refugee work; seems to write about setting up a meeting between Bender and “Pastor Niemöller” [Martin Niemöller?]; mention Pastor Assmussen, currently president of the church chancellery, and Baptist Director Paul Schmidt and Methodist Bishop Sommer [ecumenism]; regarding Bender’s addresses “Anabaptists in Brief”, “American Mennonites....”; P. S.: October 31: about lecture in Krefeld; mention Thomashof; preacher Sippell had sent 1578 confession of Swiss brethren in Hessia; mention Fräulein Dr. Klügel [probably Maria Klügel], Professor Ukele; the Täuferakten being published.... • • • ATTACHED, a half-page financial statement of Mennonitisches Lexikon (September 30, 1947), and copy of a letter to Preachers Eberhard Teufel and Gerhard Hein; letter is about Hessian Täuferakten, mentioning Bender and Professor Stengel, Probat Maurer, Preacher Sippel, Brother Regehr, articles “Rosenort” and “Kornelius Warkentin” [Cornelius Warkentin], Dr. Horst Penner, Pastor Händiges [surely Emil Händiges], Walter Quiring [Jacob Quiring, Jakob Quiring] (regarding the American part of an article on Privilegian [Privilegium]; Ulrich Hege, Preacher Paul Schowalter; Preacher A. Braun, Dr. Cattepoel [probably Dirk Cattepoel]; Dr. Maria Klügel; Fritz Hege, Heinrich Schneider, Gerrit van Delden.... • • • CONTIGUOUS, Document, “Anlage zu dem Brief von 8. Dezember an Herrn Heinrich Schneider” [Draft of a letter of December 8 to Mr. Heinrich Schneider], penciled “1947?”: begins by saying that under Ernst’s direction the writer was giving the following information--a question about whether Fräulein Brigitte Friesen had already been designated as recipient of the Mennonitisches Lexikon?; something about delivery of Mennonitisches Lexikon, mentioning Johann Foth in Friedelsheim, W. Hege, O. Blickensdörfer, Fräulein Lina Blickensdörfer; point about a card from Fräulein Else Wiebe in Hanover regarding the Mennonitisches Lexikon being on a scientific basis; about a card from Alice Heidenreich; about a card from Horst Quiring about Mennonitisches Lexikon; about a letter from Samuel Geiser, giving the address of Dr. Alfred Jörgensen of Kopenhagen [Copenhagen], a Danish bishop; about a letter from Paul Schowalter; about writing to Gerrit van Delden; mention Fräulein Ziemann, Preacher Baring; signed by Rose Crous. {14} Bender to Crous, December 12, 1947: On a very pleasant trip to Krefeld congregation and Brother Cattepoel [Dirk Cattepoel] Bender had been able also to visit Preacher Teufel [probably Eberhard Teufel]; it was fortunate and Bender found all in the best of order; Bender had given the ready-to-publish manuscript of Brother Hein [Gerhard Hein] to Teufel to get to publisher Heinrich Schneider as soon as possible; details about further steps of preparation; Bender had also stopped by Schneider in Karlsruhe and clarified matters with him; Bender had brought Fräulein Reimer’s wish list from Thomashof and had already bought most items--details; something about Preacher Teufel [probably Eberhard Teufel] and the Täuferakten; planned to be in Hamburg February 3 and Göttingen the 5th and 6th...; enclosing a letter to Gerhard Hein. {15} Telegram, Bender to Crous, December 29, 1947 [from Basel]: Needed urgently the statistical report about refugees; [MCC, Mennonite Central Committee work, surely].

NOTE: this description my differ slightly from the "Items", as this description represents a later, slightly edited version. 1/4” stack. Cooper, located at Cornell College at Mount Vernon Iowa, wrote as Secretary of the “Committtee on the Preparation of High School Teachers in Colleges of Liberal Arts”, a committee of North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. Bender corresponded of course in his role of Goshen College’s academic Dean. {1} Russell M. Cooper to H. S. Bender, May 14, 1941: welcoming Goshen College for having “been selected” for “participating in our program of education studies” over next two years; Bender would be a “local director”; sending some materials {2} . Russell M. Cooper to H. S. Bender, May 28, 1941: sending materials concerning the “Minnesota Workshop” (evidently for local directors); registration would be June 16-17, sessions begin Wednesday June 18 {3} . Russell M. Cooper to H. S. Bender, September 6, 1941: sending materials “growing out of the summer workshop”...; Cooper planned to visit Goshen on Thursday, November 17... {4} . H. S. Bender to Dr. Russell Cooper, September 20, 1941: details planned for Cooper’s visit. Reply, Russell M. Cooper to H. S. Bender, September 26, 1941: acknowledgement. {5} Copy, Earl J. McGrath (University of Buffalo [New York] Dean of Administration) to H. S. Bender, November 26, 1941: responding to Bender inquiry about “certificates and diplomas offered by liberal arts colleges at the end of the junior college year,” McGrath and written to Dr. Snavely of the Association of American Colleges, and McGrath was enclosing Snavely’s reply (copy of Guy E. Snavely document attached); it appeared that not many colleges offered the “Associate of Arts” certificate {6} Russell M. Cooper to H. S. Bender, December 19, 1941: on “dropout” rates of college; appreciation for Goshen visit; distress at “present war situation”; etc {7} H. S. Bender to Dr. Russell Cooper, May 8, 1942: apology for lateness of information; would continue this summer and next year much as in the present one, with Bender as director, “Professor Erb” [Paul Erb ??] as assistant director, and division chairmen as advisory committee {8} Russell M. Cooper to H. S. Bender, October 8, 1942: giving plans for “our third intercollegiate week-end conference” this one at Naperville Illinois October 24.... TWO} H. S. Bender <--> Dr. Russell Cooper, October 1942: Bender to attend a seminar {9} Telegram, H. S. Bender to Dr. Russell Cooper, October 12, 1942: “Will accept curriculum seminar for Naperville conference.” • • • REPLY, Russell M. Cooper to H. S. Bender, October 15, 1942: pleased at telegram; sending materials; etc. {10} H. S. Bender to Dr. Russell Cooper, October 26, 1942: submitting expenses of $12 for Naperville conference. {11} Russell M. Cooper to H. S. Bender, October 28, 1942: sending the $12; would be suspending future conferences due to gas rationing; hoped to stop and look over Goshen program during next year. {12} H. S. Bender to Dr. Russell Cooper, October 31, 1942: thanks for check, would keep Cooper informed of Goshen’s program. {13} Russell M. Cooper to H. S. Bender, February 3, 1943: thanks for “mimeographed reports of your drop-out study”; comments about reports from other colleges and dispersing the information; understood Bender must be very busy with CPS [Civilian Public Service] work. {14} Russell M. Cooper to H. S. Bender, February 5, 1943: on planning his trip that would include a stop at Goshen February 25 or 26. {15} H. S. Bender to Dr. Russell Cooper, February 15, 1943: why delays in Bender's and President Miller’s [E. E. Miller, Ernest E. Miller] replies; Bender overloaded with CPS [Civilian Public Service] work and would have to be absent at Cooper’s visit. {16} H. S. Bender to Dr. Russell Cooper, March 5, 1943: sending certain materials; on a questionnaire Professor Erb [probably Paul Erb] had submitted to students in the N.C.A. study program; Cooper’s visit had been very “worthwhile.” {17} H. S. Bender to Dr. Russell Cooper, March 19, 1945: sending 40 copies of that questionnaire; appeared now that Goshen would continue in “our program” [probably the “study program” and that Dean of Men L. C. Hartzler [Levi Hartzler, Levi C. Hartzler] would be representative “at the summer workshop in Minnesota.” {18} H. S. Bender to Dr. Russell Cooper, May 1, 1943: sending “first draft of my report of our N. C. A. Study Program at Goshen College”; “The accomplishments are meager...”; etc. • • • REPLY, Russell M. Cooper to H. S. Bender, May 5, 1943: had perused Goshen’s report; well organized, full of good information, interesting; would miss Bender at summer workshop. {19} H. S. Bender to Dr. Russell Cooper, May 19, 1943: sorry about not participating in the workshop; Hartzler [Levi Hartzler, Levi C. Hartzler] saying he had not received information on it.

NOTE: this description my differ slightly from the "Items", as this description represents a later, slightly edited version. 1/4” stack. S. F. Coffman [Samuel Frederick Coffman, “Fred” Coffman] (1872-1954) was an prominent bishop living at Vineland, Ontario, influential in various leadership roles of the “Old” or “MC” Mennonite Church denomination. The roles included membership on the Historical Committee and of the Peace Problems Committee of the (MC) Mennonite General Conference, where he worked with Bender. He was a grandson of prominent Virginia bishop Samuel Coffman and son of prominent Mennonite “Quickening” evangelist John S. Coffman. {1} H. S. Bender to S. F. Coffman, March 4, 1939: on arranging an itinerary for Goshen College Men’s Chorus to sing in Ontario during Eastern vacation; details. • • • CONTIGUOUS, H. S. Bender to S. F. Coffman, “Rev. Jesse B. Martin”, and C. F. Derstine [Clayton F. Derstine], March 9, 1939: about the chorus trip--send some “girls” also, for a “mixed chorus”, as Goshen had in Illinois and Ohio? --a decision for Ontario people to make. {2} S. F. Coffman to Bender, April 5, 1939: on plans to be in Goshen for an appointment; had been ill and doctor had ordered “less strenuous life”; Charles Shoemaker [Charles B. Shoemaker, C. B. Shoemaker] had stopped by at Vineland, said that Mennonite Publishing House had $50 for use of the Historical Committee, and reported about “the Golden Rule Book Store” [later Provident Book Stores??] TWO} H. S. Bender to S. F. Coffman, April 1939 {3} H. S. Bender to S. F. Coffman, April 6, 1939: writing confidentially about possibility of an MC Mennonite being appointed pastor of Sterling Avenue Mennonite Church in Kitchener; enclosing a self-explanatory letter (apparently from a “Brother Snyder”); Bender had written to A. J. Steiner [Albert J. Steiner, Albert James Steiner] inquiring whether his son James Steiner might be interested; for this, probably “Sterling Avenue people would need to change a few things”; would be complications involving Ohio Mennonite Conference vis-à-vis Ontario Mennonite Conference if James Steiner were to be ordained; another possibility might be A. H. Leaman of Chicago [A. Hershey Leaman]. • • • REPLY, S. F. Coffman to Bender, April 22, 1939: saw that situation as “a most difficult one”, indeed impossible regarding Conference relationships; the person who had written to Bender was one of the conservative ones, but “there are some extremely liberalistic sections in the group” who “make it extremely difficult for any one of our ministers to cooperate and fellowship with such; the group had asked for some teaching, and Coffman and Derstine had discussed the request, but being a minister would involve upholding orthodoxy at baptism and communion, etc.; the congregation itself seemed to be ”somewhat at a loss” to know how to proceed, as between materials from Bluffton and from Goshen , etc., and Coffman thought they would have to solve their own problem; Coffman would keep Bender's letter confidential. {4} H. S. Bender to S. F. Coffman, April 27, 1939: had Coffman’s telegram [not extant here] that he would be arriving at Scottdale Tuesday 10 a.m. [i.e. May 2] just when Bender would arrive; suggested they proceed to home of John Horsch and the three of work together until noon, then meet with brethren from Publishing House in afternoon. {5} S. F. Coffman to Bender, May 4, 1939: had arrived home; was enclosing “program of the conference to be held by the German Brethren at Winkler Manitoba on May 15; hoped Bender could attend and help unify testimony of Mennonite churches in Canada and United States [?? regarding military draft, selective service system, conscientious objection, pacifism, nonresistance, Civilian Public Service, alternative service ??]. • • • CONTIGUOUS, H. S. Bender to S. F. Coffman, May 23, 1939: writing to report on the Winkler meeting; surely it was wise for “one of our group to attend” and the “Lord’s definite leading”; glad to report near unanimity among all nine branches present regarding nonresistance [pacifism]; had been some sentiment for a resolution on alternative service [[military draft, selective service system, conscientious objection, pacifism, nonresistance, Civilian Public Service]; “there seems to be a rallying of forces among our people on this question...”; even Hutterites had been present; Bender proposed that there be such a meeting in Ontario, perhaps “after the Mission Board meeting in [Fairview] Michigan”. TWO ENTRIES: H. S. Bender <--> S. F. Coffman, October 26, 30, 1939 {6} H. S. Bender to S. F. Coffman, October 26, 1939: at meeting with Quakers and Brethren [Friends; Church of the Brethren; Historic Peace Churches] in Chicago, had learned of a need certainly interesting to “the non-resistant relief organization of Ontario of which you are the chairman--a Quaker in Toronto named Raymond Booth was working to care for German Jewish and “non-Aran” [sic, non -Aryan] refugees and was pleading for churches to help; Bender had suggested to Friends they get in touch with Coffman; Bender had spoken to Orie O. Miller about going to Ontario but Miller had no time; Bender would come to “Hamilton or Toronto to represent our Relief Committee” to help “you”. • • • REPLY, S. F. Coffman to Bender, October 30, 1939: had Bender's letter and cheque from J. C. Frey [surely Jacob C. Frey]; had copy of a letter of Balderston [Robert Balderston, Robert W. Balderston] to G. Raymond Booth; this week Booth had come to Coffman’s home, a pleasure; details of what was being done with the children; L. J. Burkholder [Lewis J. Burkholder] was now president, and Coffman had referred the matter to him.... • • • REPLY, H. S. Bender to S. F. Coffman, November 2, 1939: had written to Burkholder; etc. [L. J. Burkholder; Lewis J. Burkholder] {7} H. S. Bender to S. F. Coffman, April 23, 1940: A. J. Metzler [Abram J. Metzler] had named Bender and Coffman to find a speaker for Friday evening, for subject “The Beginning of the Other Teaching Agencies”; Bender suggested Edward Yoder, or John C. Wenger [J. C. Wenger] as substitute [probably Mennonite Church Historical Committee work?]. {8} S. F. Coffman to Bender, February 8, 1941: committees of General Conference were to report; Coffman proposed that Bender, as Secretary, report on Historical Committee; Coffman would not be able to come to Committee meeting to be held with Mennonite Board of Education meeting. {9} H. S. Bender to S. F. Coffman, June 15, 1941: Bender was to be in Ontario next Saturday for choosing “two nurses for work in England” and wished to meet with Coffman; would like to meet with executives of “the nonresistant organizations” [historic peace churches?] and had invited C. F. Claassen to come [sic, surely C. F. Classen, Cornelius F. Classen]; proposed meeting at Hamilton instead of Kitchener. {10} S. F. Coffman to Bender, July 9, 1941 [stationery of “Non-Resistant Relief Organization”--names listed suggest it was an organization only of Mennonite branches, not historic peace churches]: had been working on getting “volunteer nurses for England, had a response from Edna Hunsberger of Kitchener, 29, graduate of Kitchener hospital, highly recommended; mention S. Goudie, vice-president of the organization [probably Samuel Goudie, Mennonite Brethren in Christ minister]; reference to working with a department of government with responsibility for nurses for England. {11} S. F. Coffman to Bender, August 5, 1941: had Bender telegram [not extant here] saying transportation was available for nurses, asking if Edna Hunsberger were approved; had sent telegram [not extant here] that the organization had approved her but was waiting for government permit; explanations. Ted Claassen [Theodore Claassen??] was available as a speaker in Ontario in week of October 20...; be sure to include Russian Mennonites; mention Orie O. Miller helping make arrangements. {12} H. S. Bender to S. F. Coffman, October 21, 1941: about Bender and Orie O. Miller having misunderstood arrangements about Ted Claassen meeting with the Non-Resistant Relief Organization on October 29; “We have received final word” from Ottawa ministry that “no Canadian woman will be granted permission to go to England,” so that ended “our endeavors in that direction”; had word that “10 Mennonite young men in Manitoba have been imprisoned as conscientious objectors”; C. F. Classen [Cornelius F. Classen] would be going to Ottawa to work for their release; seemed very strange, as Canadian law provided exemption for COs. TWO} S. F. Coffman to Bender, November-December 1941 {13} S. F. Coffman to Bender, November 10, 1941: would not be able to attend Historical Committee meeting (apparently set for December 5). • • • CONTIGUOUS, Note, S. F. Coffman to Bender, December 9, 1941: would try to be at the Historical Committee meeting on December 23. {14} H. S. Bender to S. F. Coffman, May 21, 1942: “We” were planning an important meeting of ”the American Section of the Peace Committee” [surely MC church’s Peace Problems Committee--PPC--U. S. Section] at Akron [surely Pennsylvania], May 28, and would like to have Canadian(s) present; hoped “at least one of you come.” {15} H. S. Bender to S. F. Coffman, April 27, 1943: sending galleys of Must Christians Fight [Must Christians Fight: A Scriptural Inquiry, by Edward Yoder, in collaboration with Jesse W. Hoover and Harold S. Bender (Mennonite Central Committee, 1943)]; invited suggestions. {16} H. S. Bender to S. F. Coffman and Edward Yoder, July 14, 1943: “As custodian of the archives” (surely on behalf of the MC denomination’s Historical Committee) [Archives of the Mennonite Church USA], Bender was distressed at very little progress organizing them this year; proposed engaging John C. Wenger [J. C. Wenger] for a week of work on them, aided by “an advanced student”, Roy Roth, for a total of 100 hours. {17} H. S. Bender to S. F. Coffman, October 8, 1943: Bender planned to attend Historic Peace Churches [HPC] conference at Waterloo on the 14th, would like Coffman to meet his train at Hamilton--then return him to Hamilton for travel on to Washington. TWO ENTRIES: S. F. Coffman to Paul Erb, May 20, 1944, and document {18} Copy, S. F. Coffman to Paul Erb [initialed “Guy F H” and “HSB” (Guy Hershberger, Guy F. Hershberger)], May 20, 1944: [a key letter in the founding of Mennonite Community magazine and eventually Christian Living] “Replying to your invitation to a meeting to discuss the farm paer [sic--surely paper]”; Coffman went on to give his vision and rationale for it--we already had papers that were religious and covered church work, and needed one “which will emphasize and maintain the industrial, financial and domestic life and culture which has been a part of our Mennonite life....”; and more--e.g., concern about Mennonites “finding their culture from sources which do not respect” Mennonite principles “of life and religion,” so that Mennonites would become “more and more estranged from the principles and practices ... of our forefathers”; was enclosing sheet outlining the publication. • • • ATTACHED, a sheet, headed with title “MENNONITE FARM AND FAMILY” and indicating coverage of Farm, “problems in the light of our principles, instead of New Deals Etc.” [political; welfare state]; Domestic Life, Industrial Life, Health, Social Life, Parent Problems; Farm News and Markets; Exchange Page. {19} S. F. Coffman to Bender, July 10, 1944: handwritten full-page letter obviously on occasion of Bender's ordination--tone of commendation and word from an elder, an older brother in the church. {20} H. S. Bender to S. F. Coffman, January 26, 1945: thanks for January 20 letter [not extant here] with suggestions for revising “Father Horsch’s History” [John Horsch]; Bender agreed “with your criticisms” but could not say how well “we” could carry out Coffman's suggestions. / Enclosed find materials regarding MCC’s [Mennonite Central Committee] proposed booklet on conscription [military draft, selective service system, conscientious objection, pacifism, nonresistance, Civilian Public Service, alternative service]; please go over it and offer criticisms; needed was “the history of Mennonites and conscription in Canada” with evaluation--could Coffman suggest sources? {21} H. S. Bender to S. F. Coffman, April 8, 1946: Mennonite Life was “not the fulfillment of the plans which were developed earlier within our group”; it was solely the product of “the General Conference people” working “independently of ours”; plans for our own journal [Mennonite Community magazine] were progressing--Scottdale [Mennonite Publishing House] having recently made a commitment to publish the first issue in January 1947, with Coffman on the Board of Advisors”; cc to Guy F. Hershberger. {22} S. F. Coffman to Bender, April 22, 1946: neither Coffman nor “A. L. Fretx” [probably A. L. Fretz, A. Lewis Fretz] could attend the Peace Problems Committee [PPC] meeting; the issues were mostly U.S. ones, but as members of a committee of the church’s general conference we should have a voice; “I am in favor of” maintaining the established standards which governments at least knew, even if they failed to understand [military draft, selective service system, conscientious objection, pacifism, nonresistance, Civilian Public Service, alternative service]; Coffman favored a service program in peacetime [Voluntary Service], not only a program to be ready for war; the program “Canadian Fellowship Service”, of the Historic Peace Churches, should have consideration although perhaps “worked out on a different system” [ecumenism, separatism?].

Thin (scarcely 1/8”) stack. Joseph W. Tschetter wrote on letterheads related to the Krimmer Mennonite Brethren Church--its Foreign And Inland Missions agency as the agency’s vice-president and treasurer, and the magazine Derwahrheitsfreud of its publishing house, as the paper’s Assistant Editor.

Thin folder, fewer than 10 items. Albert J. Steiner was an eastern Ohio bishop, leader in the Ohio and Eastern Mennonite Conference, and past and future member of the denomination’s Mennonite Board of Education (1918-1930, 1935-1938).

3/8” stack. John L. Stauffer (1888-1959) had begun his churchly career as a minister in a mission in Altoona Pennsylvania. In 1918 he joined the faculty of Eastern Mennonite School [later Eastern Mennonite College, then Eastern Mennonite University] as a Bible teacher, and from 1936 to 1948 he was that school’s president. Meanwhile he became a prominent denominational leader within the “old” or “MC” denomination. In that role he surely can be classified as a Mennonite Fundamentalist, representing well the position of the Eastern Mennonite school of his day, with an eastern Mennonite perspective. He could sometimes defend doctrinal positions or church policy positions quite vigorously; yet he was much more congenial with fellow church leaders with whom he disagreed (including most of the church leaders who, like Bender, were identified with Goshen College) than were some other Mennonite Fundamentalists. // Stauffer sometimes wrote on stationery of a new and used book exchange he apparently operated. A number of these letters represent his writing as a book agent.

Thin stack of about a half-dozen letters. Stauffer wrote under a nicely printed letterhead that listed only his name (with initials J. B., no first names) and his address at Harrisburg Pennsylvania. He addressed Bender as “Rev. Bender”, of course suggesting he did not know Bender well or follow Mennonite usage.

3/8” stack. Clayton Franklin Yake (1889-1974), born at Scottdale Pennsylvania, had some college education at Millersville State Normal College, then was a school teacher and later Principal of a Mennonite orphans’ home at West Liberty Ohio. He became an editor of the (MC) Mennonite denomination’s youth paper, Youth’s Christian Companion, in 1920 and remained so throughout the time covered in this folder of correspondence. He also edited Sunday School and other teaching materials. Most of the correspondence from Yake is on letterheads of “Young People’s Literature, C. F. Yake, Editor”, “Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale, Pa.”