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

er this many fell prey to the false freedom movement (see above XII: ‘Wuest,’ Kappes), but some feared the Lord had based their faith on the Word of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ. In secret they edified one another. To some it became clear that it was not right to partake of communion with unbelievers. They did not know how to go about withdrawing from the church, however. Many thought it was sin to §236 512 THE MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCH secede from the congregation, and so they all remained in the church.” c) “About 1866, Johann Fitz 309 and Schroeder experienced an awakening. On occasion there was talk about baptism 309 on confession of faith. These two brethren reached a decision and were baptized by the brethren in the Molotschna. After this the brethren Preiss and Lietke were also baptized on their confession of faith. Thus the church consisted of several members, and those not baptized would have no fellowship with them. d) “After this there was a movement to the ‘Don River Side’ [territory of the Don Cossacks], and the brethren Preiss and Schroeder met with the brethren Regehr and Bartel of the old Molotschna M.B. Church. They were of one mind, edified one another and based their fellowship on the Word of God. Those who were baptized on confession of faith soon met with Br. Abraham Comelsen. The group became unified in naming him their leader. [Cornelsen had authored and signed the founding charter of the M.B. Church in the Molotschna on January 6, I860.] e) “During this time many of the old Mennonite Church brethren ex- perienced new life. Among these were the brethren Johann Foth, Karl Foth and Berchthold. When they were baptized in keeping with their newly found faith, it became the occasion for a new movement among the Mennonite Church brethren and many others. Many said: This is no good; it is the kingdom of anti-Christ, and statements of that sort. But they searched the Scriptures more and more, received insight and were baptized on the confession of faith. Then, in 1875, Br. Leppke came there as an itinerant minister (cf. above #208, etc.). A number became believers through his messages and were baptized. The number of those baptized finally reached more than two hundred. And though there was mild persecution from time to time, the Word of the Lord proved victorious. f) “At that time emigration to America began. Brother Leppke and a number of others also left. When, in 1883, Br. Comelsen and Br. Johann Foth departed as well, Br. Eduard Woelk became the leader. g) “The congregation on the Don River Side is scattered far and wide since the villages and ‘estates’ are small. Around 1885 the brethren Bechthold and Dombrowsky ministered in this area. The brethren Lietke and Koslowsky ministered in the Mariopol area and in the Bilachvesch Colony, each in his respective vicinity. The number of believers [members] in all of these localities is about three hundred. It should be mention