A History of the Mennonite Brethren Church, Ja Toews

ollars. In later years the remuneration for services fluctuated between these two figures. There were also years when he received nothing. If it had not been for other sources of income such as job printing, part-time teaching and even farming, Harms would not have been able to support his family." From its very beginning the Zionsbote found a good reception among the brethren in Russia. Of the subscription monies received in 1889, for instance, $123.41 had come from Russia, and $191.75 from the readers in the United States. 9 Since the Mennonite Brethren in Russia did not have an organ of their own until 1903, when the Friedensstimme began to be published, they sent their reports to America to be included 286 HISTORY OF THE MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCH in the Zionsbote. Thus the Zionsbote served as a major link to unite the brotherhood on two continents. During the winter of 1897-98 Mr. and Mrs. Harms made an extended trip to Europe where they visited many M.B. congregations in Poland and Russia. This ministry also helped to make the Zionsbote better known among the Mennonite Brethren of Russia. Upon their return Harms established his home and printing press near Medford, Oklahoma. This was pioneer territory, since the "Cherokee Outlet" had been opened up for settlement only five years earlier. As pointed out in chapter ten, the press was first located on Harms' farm, but later it was moved to Medford. With great dedication the farmer-preacher carried on his work as printer and publisher of the Zionsbote. The year 1904 marks a significant forward step in conference publication. In that year the conference established its own publishing house at Medford with J. F. Harms as editor and manager. With $100.00 advanced by a brother, Harms ordered Bibles from Germany and began the first M.B. conference bookstore. In 1904 the conference also became involved in the production of Sunday school literature by purchasing the Lektionsblaetter from P. F. Duerksen who had produced them since 1899. 10 The missionary concern for the Russian people also found expression in Mennonite Brethren publication efforts. From 1905 to 1912 the Golos (Voice) edited by Herman Fast was published by the Mennonite Brethren Conference for the benefit of the Russian brethren in Saskatchewan and North Dakota. This monthly paper, with a circulation of about 1,500 met a real need among the scattered Russian congregations. This mission too found a warm advocate and strong supporter in Harms. In his ministry through the printed page, J. F. Harms was ably supported by the brethren of the Publications Committee. Among those who rendered valuable services during the early years were Peter Regier, Johann Foth, John Harms, and J. K. Hiebert." When in 1906 J. F. Harms resigned as editor and manager of the Publishing House, an era that might justifiably be described as the "Harms Era" came to an end. With deliberate purpose and unswer