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

years (at least twenty-five) in the Kuban region, where he was an enthusiastic citizen. He sought The M.B. Church 1885-1910 539 constantly to persuade “Brethren” to move to this colony. Un- fortunately most of his efforts were in vain. (It is strange that following the initial toil, stress, and disappointments, the M.B. Church never manifested a warm interest in, or a real understanding of this child and monument of the movement!) In his early years Schmidt was tirelessly engaged at his workbench (he was initially a woodworker by trade) but later increasingly engaged as a passionate gardener. It was “fist and hump-back” (according to the Russian idiom) in his daily occupation, 332 heart and head in his searching of the Word of God, bosom and tongue in his preaching and apologetics (defense of the doctrine) in private conversation. Always and everywhere, all of Schmidt was involved. It is to be noted that people in general, including children and young people insofar as they were inclined toward piety, became and remained his friends. To be sure, there was no lack of criticism, both justified and otherwise, from both brethren and opponents. The “overjoyous” faction disliked him as much as they disliked Jakob Reimer, and ex- communicated him just as they did Reimer. The “Friends of Jerusalem” were his staunch opponents, as he was theirs. Nor did the author belong to those who particularly liked his methods or completely shared his views on matters of faith and life. And yet who could doubt his honesty and thoroughness as a Christian and as a citizen, and who could deny him love and honor? He was born in Konstantinograd in 1833 (cf. section 197), received his schooling in part under the direction of Pastor Landesen in Kharkov (see section 75, Reimer and Dobbert), where he experienced deeply spiritual influences. In 1853, under the preaching of Pastor Wuest in Neu-Hoffnung, he came to a full understanding and assurance of the forgiveness of sin. He was baptized by Heinrich Huebert in August, 1861. Together with Jakob Jantz, in August of 1865, he was called to the teaching ministry, and in 1875, again together with Jantz, he was ordained as associate-elder in Friedensfeld (#255). His work as itinerant minister has been alluded to repeatedly above. The sowing he did during his life is inseparably bound up with the work and essence of the M.B. Church. To a not insignificant degree it received its unique character through him. May his memory be guarded lovingly, together with that of his co-workers who have already died or who will soon do so! The dross burns; the gold remains. Brother Abraham Peters died during this period as well, as did the aged deacon, Brother Johann Fischer. Among the elderly sisters and mothers of the M.B. Church who died during this period were the widow of Johann Friesen of Gnadenheim; Mrs. Peter Berg; the widow of Jakob Epp of Blumenort; the mother of Mrs. Maria Huebert (wife