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

y according to the Word, but it is my feeling that the spirit of intimacy and affection was lacking. Br. Jakob Reimer made many house visitations, led the Sunday school, and preached. There are numerous German estate owners in this area, and the railway is just beginning to raise the economic level of the community. Trade and commerce are becoming more active. May God grant that the life in Christ may also become more vital!” b) Christian Schmidt reports in 1876: “We (Christian Schmidt and Jakob Wiens) left for the Kuban on October 3. We arrived Thursday, The M.B. Church 1873-1885 505 October 7. After a four-year absence I saw the area and the inhabitants once again with whom we had experienced and endured so much. Many changes have taken place during this time. Numerous families have emigrated to America and others have died. The visible changes were not exceptional, except that the bruit trees had become large and various houses had been newly-built. Trees grow extraordinarily well in the Kuban area. The brothers and sisters have harvested and sold much fruit this year, for which the railway provides a good market outlet. However, the emigration mood has inhibited and hindered much activity, such as planting and construction. The promotion of agriculture is weak. Cattle and especially sheep provide the main income [weak harvest, but much fodder; disease among the cattle]. The welcome was warm and seeing one another again proved a joy. Thursday evening provided an occasion for spiritual edification in the school house in Alexanderfeld. The school room was crowded. Young and old had come together. I visited Br. Huebert and found him quite vigorous for one at his advanced age. They live quite comfortably in a house beside an orchard. I also visited Joh ann Claassen and found him still ill in bed. He had suffered much and was still very weak. After a few days he already attempted to get out of the house. He drove to the upper village, where thanksgiving was being celebrated. [He died two months later!] It was quite relaxed— first a time of edification, then a fellowship meal. At the close of the service I preached a sermon. I spoke to several brethren about giving to missions. Everywhere I found a willingness to contribute. What is needed is a person who will take the task in hand and lead. On November 1, I left the Kuban.” 4. In 1877-1878 the colony constructed a fairly large church and §234 school under one roof. It was also to be used as secondary school. The intermediate school was founded by a “school society” under the energetic and enthusiastic leadership of Br. Abram Peters of Ladekopp. The school was maintained several years, until it was combined with the colonial school in Wohldemfuerst (Velikokniashesk) in 1881 to become an elementary school. It began with two classes, then had provided three and finally five classes. In 1878 David Claassen, second son of Johann Claassen, became t