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

! The essence of the Jubilee Celebrations on January 6, 1886 in Rueckenau is given in if 112 and If 123. XXXI. A SHORT HISTORY OF THE M B. CHURCH IN RUSSIA FROM 1885-1910 DURING THE SECOND QUARTER CENTURY OF ITS EXISTENCE I. The M.B. Congregation of Rueckenau-Molotschna 1885-1910 Halbstadt Province Taurida, District Berdiansk In this chapter we arrange the congregations according to the dates of their origin. For a consideration of the churches of the Molotschna we are utilizing the survey of Br. David Schellenberg by permission. We are using it freely, abbreviating parts, shifting other parts and sup- plementing from our own knowledge and other materials according to need as stipulated by the organization as well as the purpose of our history. We want to be very brief in this chapter on contemporary history, the events of which are rather recent and unsettled. 1. In the autumn of 1886 an open conference took place in Rueckenau (cf. If 223) just at the time when Elder Abraham Schellenberg was present as a guest from America. Under bountiful blessings and excellent attendance, the discussions centered mainly around the themes of continuous fellowship with God in a life of sanctification and the return of our Lord. 2. On July 6, 1886, the brethren already mentioned: Jakob Reimer, David Duerksen and Peter Bergmann ( 0227) as well as Isaak Koop, Waldheim, and Isaak Friesen, Gnadenheim were ordained 316 as ministers by Elder D. Schellenberg in Rueckenau at a well attended orientation service blessed by the Lord. 3. During the eighties and onward the course of the development of the congregation was a blessed one. The brotherhood and particularly the brethren in the ministry of the Word sought diligently to practice the §240 524 THE MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCH apostle’s admonition in Ephesians 4:3, "Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” At that time! "Unity strengthens” and "God gives grace to the humble!” The power of the Holy Spirit was revealed in the admonition of those who walked unwisely, as well as in the “church council meetings” and in the discussions at church fellowship meetings. The elder was modest and wise and recognized the gifts of others willingly. Many blessings accompanied the early period of Br. D. Schellenberg’s service as elder. (Unfortunately this changed later until in 1909 circumstances occurred as a result of which the office of the elder in Rueckenau was not exercised.) In addition to a wise church leadership, the preaching ministry was also blessed, especially the itinerant ministry of the brethren David Duerksen and Jakob Reimer, Molotschna, as well as, finally, the itinerant brethren of other churches. 4. In addition to the customary visitations of the itinerant ministers, longer journeys were also undertaken. The congregation was richly endowed with teachers and hence could render services to those outside its fold. Br. D. Sc