A History of the Mennonite Brethren Church, Ja Toews

blished during the centennial celebration of the coming of the first Mennonite Brethren to North America in 1874. It also marks a first in the literary endeavors of the Mennonite Brethren Church through the provision of a stipend that allowed the author to concentrate nearly full-time on the writing of the basic manuscript over the period of a year. The General Conference is to be commended for making this possible. The author is to be congratulated upon the successful completion of a long and arduous task. May he be rewarded by a wide reading of this book in the families of the church constituency, the institutions which they support, and across the entire Mennonite brotherhood. A. J. Klassen, Editor Introduction to the Second Printing A History of the Mennonite Brethren Church: Pilgrims and Pioneers is indeed a fitting tribute to the "company of the committed" in our brotherhood. J. A. Toews successfully portrayed the story of brothers and sisters who, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, attempted to translate their theology and vision into work, witness and lifestyle. Since this history appeared in 1975, it has been to many the defini- tive source of information regarding the development of the Mennonite Brethren Church. It has become a standard text in colleges and Bible schools, and is prominent on the shelves of many Mennonite Brethren homes. The popularity of A History of the Mennonite Brethren Church is at- tested to by the fact that all copies of the first printing have been sold. The Board of Christian Literature of the General Conference of Menno- nite Brethren Churches has undertaken to prepare a second printing. This opportunity has been used to make a few necessary changes. The section on Latin America has been rewritten by Mrs. Mary Friesen of Winnipeg, Man., in consultation with South American brethren. Various typographical errors have been corrected. Most readers felt that it was not yet necessary to update all sections and charts. We know that this lucid, analytical yet loving look at our brother- hood by someone who spent the major part of his life and effort serving this brotherhood, will continue to be a source of valuable information and inspiration for scholars and general readers alike. January, 1982 Helmut Huebert Chairman Board of Christian Literature Preface The vision for an up-to-date, interpretive account of the history of the Mennonite Brethren was born in the Board of Reference and Counsel of the General Conference a number of years ago. In 1969 the Board of Christian Literature was given the responsibility of realizing this vision. In 1971 the writer accepted the assignment — not, however, without some serious apprehensions in view of the delicate and difficult nature of the task. Searching the records and describing the origin and pilgrimage of these spiritual heirs of the early Anabaptists has been an interesting and rewarding experience.