Preservings $20 No. 25, December, 2005 - Home at Plett Foundation

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of higher learning by Templers and Brethren. These topics are dealt with in detail in my soon to be published book. Economic reasons may also underlie the various mergers of General Conference and Mennonite Brethren institutions. This itself reminds me of the union of the Danzig Flemish and Frisian Gemeinden in 1808 in West Prussia, which also occurred for economic reasons, and ended any relevance of the Danzig city Mennonites in the overall Mennonite world. That is not to say that works of great insight and importance have not been published in recent times. But they have been produced outside this Mennonite academia, and generally physically far removed from any Mennonite centre. I speak here of J. Urry (New Zealand), D.G. Rempel (California), and J. Staples (New York State). Those works by Mennonites with something original and meaningful to say, have generally been published at the writer’s expense. Here I refer to B.H. Unruh, J.J. Hildebrand, and Delbert Plett himself. If Delbert had had to wait for the support of the Mennonite academia, I fear he might never have seen a word in print. Future generations will remember Delbert as a prolific writer, an editor/publisher, and a warm human being. Among the most remarkable of his writings is his seven volume Kleine Gemeinde (KG) series. This was an outstanding achievement for several reasons. Firstly, it presented a new overview of Mennonite history, with a unified approach based on the fundamentals of the faith. Pietism, in whatever form, was the main manifestation and cause of the erosion of Mennonite beliefs, a theme which he developed at length. This recurrent manifestation is perhaps the most prevalent theme in Mennonite history, realized as the conflicts between Menno Simons and David Joris, the Flemish and the Frisians, the traditionalists and the progressives, the General Conference and the Mennonite Brethren, and the Kanadier and the Russ länder. Although expressed with differing labels, the struggle between these two opposites is essentially the same, but not, unfortunately, perceived as such by most historians. I think for this reason, Delbert began to think more in terms of Flemish, as opposed to KG ideology, and for this reason, went from a more specific to a more general view. The KG series is remarkable for the profound depth of coverage given to a relatively small but important group in the Mennonite community. Some persons have derided this as too much focus on too small a group. What, however, is often overlooked is the great importance of this group as a paradigm for the other traditionalist groups, which are very large indeed. The KG history speaks for all traditionalist groups, including the Bergthalers, the Sommerfelders, the Reinlanders, and so forth. The KG, while carrying the ideal of no compromise to perhaps an extreme extent, was nevertheless, in my view, only one of the many traditionalist groups. As with conflicts among siblings, more friendliness is sometimes displayed towards outsiders than amongst themselves. In understanding the thoughts and history of the KG, we can better understand Mennonite history in general. 10 - Preservings No. 25, December 2005 Another reason that the KG series is important is that the detailed history of any well-defined group of people is valuable and worth preserving. Had Delbert not assembled the various documents and shaped these into a coherent whole, much would have been lost or sunk into irrelevance forever. Delbert’s own translations are of themselves outstanding, capturing the spirit and essence of the originals. As Delbert once told me, he used the “armchair” approach, that is, he attempted to put himself into the armchair of the person doing the writing. Not all translators, particularly of Mennonite documents, are able to do this. The inclusion of a great deal of family history in his writing and in the series was yet another perceptive and valuable contribution. For many, this provided a connection with Mennonite history, and gave an alternative point of interest. That Mennonite history cannot be well studied without reference to individual families and family connections is a point understood by all except some historians. The family is indeed a key factor in Mennonite history. Nor did Delbert neglect to point out the very important role played by women in that history. Aside from the KG series, Delbert produced many other fine works. Although, even if he had only completed this series, it would have been sufficient to mark Delbert as a leading historian. The Johann Plett Family Saga is the best family history that I have read. One does not need to be a family member to appreciate the book. Many of Delbert Preservings articles, particularly in the later issues, are outstanding and insightful. Delbert’s writings may not have been without some shortcomings. His style was sometimes abrasive and vitriolic, sometimes offending some readers. His attacks on the American Fundamentalist Right, while seemingly justified, may have been excessive and may have turned away some of his readers. Some of the photo images presented in Preservings too, while eye-catching, may not always have been appropriate. Delbert and I had several discussions on this aspect of his work. My view was that a more moderate handling of some themes might be better. Delbert argued that getting the reader’s attention was paramount, and that any reaction was better than no reaction. I myself have observed that a subtle and modest approach often results in the central point being missed entirely by many readers, for various reasons. Perhaps after all, Delbert was right. As an editor/publisher, Delbert was again outstanding. Preservings, in my opinion, is the best journal on Mennonite history currently being produced. Delbert was able to attract leading scholars in their fields to submit original and fresh pieces, some of which can truly be described as ground-breaking. Nor were these all only historical. The selection of a wide range of pieces was also brilliantly done. For instance, a recent piece on Pope John Paul II, while apparently outside of Mennonite culture or history, nevertheless enables the reader to draw parallels between the Mennonite and Catholic faith, between adherence to the faith and compromise with worldliness (to gain an ephemeral popularity). Preservings had something in it for everyone: faith, theology, history, culture, and often, humour. In sheer quantity of large sized pages, quality photographs, and interesting layout, this journal surpassed all others. We will remember too the double issues that were required by the volume of material. All of this was done almost single-handedly by Delbert himself. Some readers have told me they spend weeks going through every article. Preservings rendered like journals and publications insipid by comparison. We remember Delbert as a warm and generous human being. His cheery welcome and friendly tone in discussions, either in person or over the telephone, were always inspiring. He was generous too with his research, as well as making a large financial outlay to provide many readers with useful books at his own cost, his own books included, as well as those of other worthwhile (and out-of-print) authors. His idea was that the history of the Mennonites should be made more available to those still living in the Mennonite tradition, but unable to afford these books. Delbert had a very positive and forward-looking approach to life and his own historical work. Even when he became aware of a life-threatening illness, he looked forward to the next aspect of his publication efforts, attempting to do as much as he could in the time allotted to him. What could he have yet accomplished had he been given more time! I was recently working on some aspects of family history that I know would have been of interest to Delbert. It is exactly at times like this that I most miss Delbert, as in past times I would simply talk to him and ask for his advice or comments, and share my enthusiasm. In tribute, therefore to Delbert Plett, I offer two pieces. (Please see “Peter Neufeld” and “A New Plett” in the section under biographies.) Endnotes 1 I can substantiate, and have already in part substantiated these remarks in Preservings and elsewhere (perhaps with too much subtlety and moderation (?), as some readers seem to have missed this).
D.F. Plett Historical Research Foundation The D.F. Plett Historical Research Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit private charity founded in 1996 by the late Delbert F. Plett, Q.C., of Steinbach, Manitoba. It supports and promotes history research projects related to the cultural background, the migration and settlement, and descendant communities of the conservative Mennonites who came to Manitoba from Imperial Russia in the 1870s. These groups included the Bergthaler (later Sommerfelder, Chortitzer, West Reserve Bergthaler and Saskatchewan Bergthaler), Kleine Gemeinde, Old Colony (or Reinlaender) and other church groups. Today the descendants of these early immigrants to Canada live in Canada (especially in Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta), the United States (especially in Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas), Mexico, Belize, Bolivia, Paraguay and Argentina. They have also divided into numerous church congregations. The Plett Foundation is governed by a Board of Naomi Doerksen, secretary for the D.F. Plett Historical Research Foundation. Directors that sets policy and is responsible for the final decisions on grant requests. It meets twice a year to evaluate applications and decide on the grants. Board Members: Chair: Royden Loewen, Steinbach, Manitoba Vice-Chair: John J. Friesen, Winnipeg, Manitoba Secretary Treasurer: Kennert Giesbrecht, Mitchell, Manitoba Member: Ralph Friesen, Nelson, British Columbia Member: Leonard Doell, Aberdeen, Saskatchewan Member: Abe E. Rempel, Winkler, Manitoba Mission Statement The D.F. Plett Historical Research Foundation, Inc. believes that a sound knowledge of their history can strengthen the Mennonite people’s faith and culture, their church and community, and their sense of peoplehood. It aims to fulfill this vision by offering financial resources and leadership that will enable historical research and aid in the dissemination of historical knowledge. As the board of the Plett Foundation we wish to nurture meaningful research, encourage new historians, and raise the interest in and passion for historical knowledge. We desire to build understanding and unity among all descendant groups of the 1870s migrants. We especially support a respectful approach to the history of the conservative or so-called old order Dutch- Russian Mennonites. Research Themes The primary areas of interest are the Dutch- Russian immigrants who came to Manitoba in the 1870s, including: · their historical background in Russia, Poland-Prussia and the Netherlands · their history in Manitoba and Western Canada · the history of their descendants spread throughout the Americas Types of projects or programs that will be considered for funding: · Publication of books or essays · Research, including travel expenses, communication, writing materials, document copying, a portion of equipment and research assistants · Grants that cover modest living costs of principal researchers where necessary · History conferences or workshops · Graduate student fellowships · History teacher training · Museum exhibits or historical sites · Media productions, including film, newspaper columns, website and radio productions · Other projects consistent with our mission Additional information about the D.F. Plett Historical Research Foundation, including application deadlines and instructions, is available at www.plettfoundation.org. The Delbert F. Plett Historical Reseaarch Foundation Inc. is seeking a part-time Executive Director to help build and manage an innovative history research centre located either in Steinbach, Manitoba or Winnipeg. • The Executive Director will facilitate and initiate research and publication in the history of the conservative Mennonites who immigrated to Manitoba in the 1870s. • The Director will manage the Foundation’s website, Preservings magazine, investments, office and day-to-day business. • The Director should be conversant in both English and German, and have training or experience in the craft of historical research. • This is a salaried position. Applications will be accepted until January 15, 2006 and should be sent to the following address: The board of the D.F. Plett Historical Research Foundation. l-r: Kennert Giesbrecht, Steinbach, John J. Friesen, Winnipeg, Abram Rempel, Winkler, Royden Loewen, Steinbach, Ralph Friesen, Nelson, B.C., Leonard Doell, Aberdeen, Saskatchewan. D.F. Plett Foundation Box 1960 Steinbach MB R5G IN5 Preservings No. 25, December 2005 - 11
Page 1 and 2: ~ Being the Journal of the D. F. Pl
Page 3 and 4: Delbert F. Plett, Q.C. 1948-2004
Page 5 and 6: Delbert was born March 6, 1948 in S
Page 7 and 8: Perhaps it was a force built on her
Page 9: Tribute to Delbert Plett at the vie
Page 13 and 14: in Latin America and police raids f
Page 15 and 16: and sisters in Christ. Perhaps in t
Page 17 and 18: Revivalist-Fundamentalist-Evangelic
Page 19 and 20: people against questionable theolog
Page 21 and 22: Feature Articles: Seventeenth-Centu
Page 23 and 24: obey his Word. The third is a praye
Page 25 and 26: 28 prayers for private use only, wa
Page 27 and 28: Francois de Knuyt, de Ries also art
Page 29 and 30: Affirming the Old Fundamentals A Su
Page 31 and 32: In the same year the elders from Ha
Page 33 and 34: attitude of the Dordrecht elder. Wh
Page 35 and 36: trouw) was prohibited. Members were
Page 37 and 38: e found in The Bloody Theatre, or M
Page 39 and 40: the twelfth article of the Dordrech
Page 41 and 42: Pastor had accepted anti-trinitaria
Page 43 and 44: Connected by Seas, Windmills and Fa
Page 45 and 46: harmony. As city architect, he work
Page 47 and 48: sometimes action taken by authoriti
Page 49 and 50: mayors and magistrates. After the R

Preservings $20 No. 25, December, 2005 - Home at Plett Foundation

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