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

a counter-church.” He and a certain A.H. baptized one another and then several others. He then received some individuals who had withdrawn from the small M.B. Church into his church by laying hands on them. "This man had come to our services formerly, seeking a position as preacher, either in the M.B. Church or the Mennonite Church. When he could not achieve this, he started to establish his own church. The brethren admonished him not to do it, but he insisted on carrying out his intention. In just one year the church of twelve members had scattered. Most of them had been baptized in the "Hermann Peters Church” which was located there. Finally K.D. also §235(2) 510 THE MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCH joined by being baptized again. But he went astray once more and remained alone until the time of his death. b) "Because of the severe trials right at the outset and because we were young in the faith, and because the mother church was far away, it seemed difficult to establish a church in this desert on the foundation of the teaching of the Lord Jesus and His apostles. But the Lord does not abandon His church. He has answered our prayers.” Br. Peter Fast of Friendensfeld was the first one to visit them. The following year, in May, 1873, Jakob Jantz, also of Friedensfeld, and Br. Eduard Leppke, went there to conduct the election of teachers of the Word. “That is how I, who considered myself very unqualified and still do, was named to be leader of the small flock. To the world we were a thorn in the flesh, and among us were diverse opinions, which situation required much effort and labor. But to God be the glory for preserving His inheritance until now. Although we did many foolish things through ignorance, He did not withdraw His grace from us, but rather heard our prayers and gave us more brothers and sisters." c) Sunday services were conducted in private homes from village to village according to the old Molotschna custom. Often strangers who wanted to attend did not because they knew that often there was not sufficient room. “The church was deeply grieved about this situation because there was a deep desire that many might attend. They felt responsible to invite people to come, but that was impossible now. For this reason the desire grew ever stronger to own a meetinghouse, where not only the brothers and sisters, but also guests, could attend the services.” But although the need was evident, it appeared that it could not be met because the necessary financial means to buy or construct such a building were not available. Nevertheless, the congregation finally decided to venture forth, and in the fall of 1881, at a church business meeting, it decided, in the spirit of trust in God, to secure a loan in order to purchase or erect a building. It seemed the most suitable location for this purpose was Altonau, 308 because of the nearby Inguletz River. Soon after this a farmer in Altonau decided to sell h