Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- circa 1980-2002 (Creation)
Level of description
Collection
Extent and medium
3.60 Linear Feet; 3 records cartons
Context area
Name of creator
Administrative history
Since its beginning in 1908, the Mennonite Publishing House operated on a tight budget, trying to operate as a business selling a product and at the same time producing resources that were important to the Mennonite church. Unsecured loans, or debenture notes, were made to the Mennonite Publishing House from early on to help make ends meet. When U. S. securities regulations changed to limit the use of debenture notes, the Joint Executive Committee of Mennonite Church USA and Mennonite Church Canada told the Mennonite Publishing House to address the debenture note issue. Suddenly, the Mennonite Publishing House had to repay 2.4 million to the 122 debenture holders. This set the demise of the Mennonite Publishing House into motion.
During the process of merging General Conference Mennonite Church and Mennonite Church publishing agencies, the financial stresses of both agencies became apparent. Both were operating at a loss. In 2001, Faith and Life Press had an operating loss of $167,211, and MPH had a loss of $369,430. Combined losses in 2002 were $793,079.
A full audit disclosed operating losses and debts of $5.1 million, including the debenture notes in 2004.\
In November 2010, Mennonite Church Canada joined Mennonite Church USA in approving MPN’s merger with Third Way Media and its relocation to Harrisonburg, Virginia. The merged entity was named MennoMedia.
Repository
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
This series contains manuscript proposals submitted to Herald Press for consideration. Proposals contained in this series did not necessarily result in books published by Herald Press. Proposals are generally oprganized by author's last name, but are sometimes filed under a title or topic.
Also included in this series are a small set of files marked "Herald Press Title Write-Offs." Most of these files pertain to the Believer's Church Bible Commentary Series.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
Flat
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
These materials are open for public research.
Conditions governing reproduction
Researchers are responsible for using in accordance with 17 U.S.C. Copyright owned by the Mennonite Church USA Archives.
Language of material
- English
Script of material
Language and script notes
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
These materials are stored offsite. Researchers should contact the archives in advance to make arrangements to view this material:
Archives@MennoniteUSA.org
574.523.3080
Finding aids
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related units of description
Notes area
Alternative identifier(s)
Access points
Subject access points
Place access points
Name access points
Genre access points
Description control area
Description identifier
Institution identifier
Rules and/or conventions used
Status
Level of detail
Dates of creation revision deletion
2011-12-14
Language(s)
- English