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

t along with Totleben’s propositions (see above, #274, 3). This was especially and solemnly granted through imperial statute in a governmental treaty with the congregations. (See above #275, 3 and #276 “Mennonite Elders.”) In the “treaty” (#276) the “Mennonite elder,” with his “supervision” (which in our terminology, really means spiritual nurture, soul care), is mentioned first ("together with indispensable assistants”) and then reference is made also to giving guidance in agricultural affairs. Presently things have been reversed in this regard. Originally there was a manager and a minister at each forestry camp. Later, however, the negative element among the Mennonite farmers brought about a state of affairs where one and the same person (he had to be a bona fide minister sanctioned by the Mennonites) served as a manager as well as minister! One does not refer to such a person as the minister of a given forestry station but rather, as the manager; his name is not entered as minister in the accounts and records, but rather, as manager. The complaints of the “manager/ministers,” and young men serving in the camps, are frequently bitter. Particularly sharp are the criticisms of former managers who have completed their service. Very few had a consitution strong enough to carry out both responsibilities very well. The “manager-minister,” the "Papa,” fatigued from the market trip; disturbed and often emotionally upset because of business transactions with all sorts of "Christian” as well as “jewish” Jews; often viewed suspiciously and criticized by many a young “chap" who thinks he knows better— is now to conduct evening devotions with the already tired and yawning service men. On Sundays, also, the “manager- minister “who was tired and battered himself, was expected to conduct worship services with an equally physically fatigued detachment. He is §283 612 THE STATE §284 expected to exercise soul care and discipline, conduct Bible studies, reading hours, song times— and he does it, as best he can. At the outset there was one minister and one manager, then these two services were combined for economic reasons. We believe that one was given 800 rubles instead of 1,000 rubles for two. Now each “manager-minister” on the average receives 1000 rubles (see records) with free board and room and assistance for each school aged child! And what about the Mennonite itinerant minister? No secondary school teacher receives such a salary. Think of it: 1,000 rubles and not a single ruble needs to be spent for groceries! Could we not hire some teacher/ministers or retired missionaries for 500-600 rubles plus free room and board to serve as “ministers” and could we not hire some industrious young “manager" (for 400-500 rubles depending on the family’s size) from the best of those who have completed (forestry) service? These men would be such who have a reputation for being industrious farmers and good Christians