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

nd was ordained by Elder Lepp in the presence of a number of elders of the M.B. Church. “Brother Martin Koslowsky, much more experienced than I, besides being perceptive and sensitive, stepped back humbly and offered me his help. Presently, too, our work prospers in unity although we are very different.” (G. Regehr.) f) The white-haired, honorable Br. Lepp has lived since then in quiet retirement at Naumenko with his family, now with his children in the new settlement in Siberia. More detailed biographical material we have not received in spite of continued questioning. For purposes of his characteristics we draw attention to #128, 132, 200, 201, 202, 209-214. 534 THE MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCH §244 2. The Divisions (Affiliates) of the M.B. Church at Einlage in the Last Period of Time (Cf. above #216). The original church center Einlage. Old, weak and ill, Br. Johann Friesen, after the sale of his flourishing factory in 1904, moved to Rueckenau where he established a new home. In 1906 God permitted him to enter the eternal rest. The construction of a meeting house, the plan of which had been approved by provincial authorities, was obstructed by the protest from the village assembly of Einlage (Kitschkas), the collective owner of the property. This, indeed, had caused much pain to the old Brother Friesen. Finally, with approved of the village assembly, a beautiful meeting house having a seating capacity of 400 was dedicated. Actual affiliated churches which, after the establishment of the Division of Kamenka, became independent churches are: 1) Andreasfeld (cf. above #216). Postal Address: Alexsandrovsk Province of Ekaterinoslav. This affiliated congregation has been weakened considerably through departures of members to other locations as well as through the death of preaching and leading brethren. Later Br. Johann Hildebrandt, preaching minister in Alexanderheim, also moved here, and he too was called home through death in 1909. 2) Sergeievka-Alexandertal (“Grossfuerstenland”) see above #216. Postal Address: Balschaia Lepaticha, Province of Ekaterinoslav. Leadership: minister Jakob Janzen (son of Wilhelm J.; cf. above XIX "Kronsweide”), Dietrich Wiebe. . . . 3) Burwalde (cf. above #216). Postal Address: Chortitza, Province of Ekaterinoslav. Around 1902-05 Minister Joh ann Hiebert was leader here. . . . 4) Wiesenfeld (cf. above #216). Postal Address: Zayzevo, Ufa district. Jakob Reimer, Felsental-Gnadenfeld, who so often enters our history from the point of the “Gnadenfelder Brotherhood” and the “secession” to the completion of the stormy, early period of the M.B. church (#51, 52, 75, 81, 82, 114-126, 132, 133, 198 and 216, etc.) died here in 1891 in his 74th year. He was born 1818 in the Molotschna Colony, Kronsgarten. His father was David Reimer, his mother, Maria nee Neufeld. His youth, from age three to his marriage, was spent, as is known, on the farmstead at Felsental estab