Showing 5 results

Personal papers of a Mennonite missionary to Puerto Rico and advocate for Hispanic Mennonite Congregations in the United States.  The papers are divided into four series:

(1) Biographical Information and Family Papers, 1909-2006

(2) Correspondence and Subject Files, 1949-2006

(3) Photographs and Plaques, 1915-2004

(4) Puerto Rican Mennonite Records, 1967-2003

These records document the work of JELAM (Junta Ejecutiva Latinoamericana de Audiciones Menonitas), and inter-Mennonite Latin American organization responsible for Mennonite broadcasting in Latin America and its promotion.  JELAM was formed in the early 1970s after consultations among the Mennonite Board of Missions, Mennonite Broadcasts, and Mennonite conferences in Latin America.  A predecessor organization, JAALAM (Junta de Asesores para America Latina a Audiciones Menonitas), was an advisory board under Mennonite Broadcasts from 1969 to the early 1970s.

Materials in this collection document this history of JELAM and includes correspondence and meeting minutes collected by JAALAM member Henry D. Weaver as well as offical records.  Among the official records are manuals, Bible studies and tracts, correspondence, newsletters, financial statements, radio and television scripts, photographs,and photograph records and TV video tapes of radio / TV spots.

A small set of papers from a long-time (old) Mennonite Church missionary who served as a nurse and midwife in Puerto Rico.  Materials include a photograph albums (1945-1994), a photograph album / scrapbook (1952-1997), a guest book (1957-1970), Martin's Bible and song book, a letter from Ana Beatriz Torres. and a letter describing the impact of Hurricane Betsy on Cidra, Puerto Rico in 1956.

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

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

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

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

Subject and correspondence files pertaining to Mennonite Media's work in Puerto Rico prior to the formation of JELAM (Junta Ejecutiva Latinoamericana de Audiciones Menonitas).  Materials include information on radio programs produced for the Puerto Rican audience, correspondence with radio stations  and Mennonite agencies, committee minutes, administrative records, financial reports, publicity materials for various programs, and a photograph album.