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

hut to which a wooden gallery was attached which encircled the entire house [Unger’s]. We concluded the Lord’s Day with the proclamation of His death in a communion service. 4) Apart from this, I have proclaimed the Good News nearly every evening to large assemblies in various villages. On Monday, November 1, in Schoenwiese in the old Mennonite Church, I had an audience of about five hundred, and on Tuesday evening I spoke in Tschornoglas; in Russian it is the name of the nobleman who owns the estate, where about twenty German [from Germany] baptized brethren 253 [families] live. Because the rainy season has begun, I have, upon the unanimous advice of the brethren, given up my plan to travel to the Molotschna since they feared that winter could overtake me unexpectedly. My trip to Turkey [Dobrudscha] will also require at least 14 days and my stay in Odessa probably some 18 days.” 3. Mennonite concern within the Mennonite Brethren Church, Chortitza District, with regard to their connections with the Hamburg brethren. “Since Brother Oncken was a Baptist,” writes Br. E., “some have concluded that the elders and teachers ordained by him must now become Baptists.” (Oh dear! Brother Aron Lepp a ‘Baptist!’} 254 This concern troubled everyone’s mind. Military service and the fact “that we break bread in fellowship with the Baptists” were considered. “The issue of smoking was also frequently raised, a habit which the Bap- tists do not prohibit as strictly as we do. Even Oncken himself smoked occasionally, which practice also was copied to some extent among us §201 464 THE MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCH but which did not serve the cause of peace.” All of this was keenly evaluated and the conclusion reached “that it were better if we would separate ourselves completely from the Baptists so as not to lose our privileges. Br. Aron Lepp also agreed to this but Br. Unger, on the contrary, believed that we could walk hand in hand with the Baptists without losing our privileges.” The fact that the Baptists “recognize the sword which we consider to be wrong,” gave rise to repeated and sharp debate. They, however, contend that it is their duty to submit to the state in times of crises.” Thereupon Brother Aron Lepp moved that the Mennonite Brethren and the Baptists establish two churches but yet have spiritual fellowship and the breaking of bread together. This pleased the brethren in both groups and the matter was resolved in this manner. “This is how progress was made toward satisfying the church on both sides, for which we owe Br. Aron Lepp much gratitude.” Those who did not enjoy the Mennonite privileges were now numbered with the Baptists. As for the matter of smoking, the church did not want to tolerate it, and Br. Lepp felt that excommunication should be applied to cases involving it. However, Br. Unger believed this to be too severe. Br. Lepp’s conviction, however, prevailed and finally it was resolved that