THE MENNONITE BROTHERHOOD IN RUSSIA (1789 - 1910), P. M. Friesen, 1911

an imperial official], at which much emotion was manifested. The following week I preached two more times, once in Neuenburg and the second time in Schoendorf before a large gathering. Thereupon a number of things were set right and happily resolved in the colony. Finally, on the Sunday of July 8, Johann Wiebe preached. [He had ordained Wiebe as elder along with David Epp; Wiebe had been elected elder as a young man of Documentary Supplement a) August Lenzmann (1823-1877) b) David Hamm (d.1884) c) Johann Harder (d.1876) d) Peter Klassen (1825-1902) e) Secondary School Teacher Heinrich Epp (1827-1896). f) Minister Bernhard Harder (1832-1884). 162 IN RUSSIA 1789-1860 Bernhard Harder Monument in the Cemetery of Neu-Halbstadt. Documentary Supplement 163 26, without having first served as a minister; together with another brother, von Bargen, he had been sent to Prussia and brought Regier and Warkentin back with him. David Epp had been elected as elder to support Wiebe before the latter’s being despatched to Prussia.] I delivered a brief closing address on Galations 6:17 79 which moved the people so deeply that I had to stop preaching, since my own voice choked to the extent that I could no longer speak and the people began to weep uncontrollably. The farewell from my beloved listeners was moving, and many of them could not let go of my hands, crying out amidst their tears. 80 ‘O, how should we leave him whom we love so dearly!’ My pen cannot express how I felt at the time. But all of it is known to Him who knows all things. July 10th had been set as the day of my departure. Even though I had long since said farewell to many people it was still difficult to tear myself away from so many friends. The morning hours were devoted to taking my leave from the lord director of the colony. He and his wife burst into tears— we exchanged mutual promises to keep each other in friendly remembrance. When I returned to my lodging, the carriage stood ready surrounded by a mass of people. It would be tedious to describe all the farewell scenes. I pushed my way through the crowd, called a hearty farewell to everyone and was on my way. Nevertheless, many accompanied me by wagon and on horse to the borders of the colony. d) ‘‘Accompanied by four or five wagons, we drove to Ekaterinoslav where we had to settle some matters with the regional government, all of which turned out successfully. Some friends had awaited us here for days already, and upon their insistence I allowed myself to be persuaded to go with them to Novo-Moskavsk, there to present the Word of God. I preached on Col. 1:12-14. On Sunday, together with Privy Councillor Lehn, I had gone to the director of the economy in order to discuss some^ matters pertaining to the colony with him in the presence of Elders Johann Wiebe and David Epp. Thereupon we took our departure and headed in the direction of Krementschug, t