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

PTISTS Christina, nee Boldt, now Mrs. Hamm, to leave our church and join that of the Flemish congregation of the Mennonites and requested its decision in this matter, it allowed said Mrs. Hamm to transfer to the Mennonite faith under the date of March 15 of this year, and therefore the respective teacher of the Flemish congregation, to which she will direct her request in this regard, can accept her without let or hindrance and without the least fear of reprisals from the secular authorities. In testimony of this I have personally signed this document and sealed it with the seal of the church. Done at Neuteich on March 31, 1790. Bobrick.” [This transfer to the Mennonite congregation was allowed as an exception to the general rule.] Elder Dirk Thiessen of the Ladekopp congregation, however, hesitated to accept the couple; “for shallow reasons," as Elder Wiebe remarks, he had no sympathy for the matter until Wiebe himself accepted them into the Elbing-EUerwalde congre- gation. 44 The teaching arm of the congregation is elected, sometimes the lot is even cast between two or three candidates. The sermons are read. Sometimes they are repeated [probably every year as we have come to know it]. Wiebe notes with care who has preached and on what topic as well as the text and introduction to the sermon. Two sermons were given in every service according to the Dutch custom. The first sermon was considered to be the introduction. The topics and introductions of the sermons point to the fact that in their form they were imitations of the sermons of educated theologians. One sermon, for example, has the following text: topic and introduction: Isaiah 61:1-6: “The prophecy concerning Jesus, the light of the world, and kingdom of grace among Jews and Gentiles. 1. An encouragement faithfully to pursue this kingdom, and 2. Concerning its establishment among Jews and Gentiles.” The sermons of Wiebe appear to have been carefuly constructed. [The majority, even of the educated and devout ministers of that time, read their sermons]. As an example of a severe case, Elder Wiebe relates how one of their teachers (ministers) moved to the Heubuden congregation and how that congregation very hesitatingly decided to dismiss him. Considerable space in the notes is devoted to disciplinary cases. The leadership was particularly concerned about dancing, the playing of cards, and drunkenness. One engaged couple was taken to task for having danced in a garden [probably at an inn]. With tears in their eyes they promised not to do it again. Another brother and his wife have built a bowling alley in the city where music and dancing take place: they are excommunicated because they cannot justify their action. Other instances of severe quarrels leading to fights occur. School teacher Kr. is called before the ministers because of drunkenness and “extreme zeal” in the classroom. “We confronted him with his error and he promised to improve.” One