The Origin of the Mennonites

Trying to trace the origin and history of the Mennonite faith by ethnic or genealogical lines leads to confusion and error, much like those who trace the lineage of their church through a continuous line of ordination from the days of the apostles. One might be able to establish a historical connection from person to … Continue reading The Origin of the Mennonites

Giving credit where credit is due

I have posted two letters written by Benjamin Eby, the first was on May 14 and entitled "A gentle admonition," the second was yesterday. These letters were originally written in German, the English translations were done by Isaac R Horst, an Old Order Mennonite of Mount Forest, Ontario.  I obtained the first letter during a … Continue reading Giving credit where credit is due

Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace

The first Mennonites to settle in Canada came from Pennsylvania in 1786 and settled near Sherkston, along Twenty Mile Creek in the Niagara region of Ontario. The church membership increased rapidly. Dissension arose between two of the ministers in the later 1840's. Bishop Benjamin Eby of Waterloo county was called in to make peace between … Continue reading Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace

A gentle admonition

[Benjamin Eby was bishop of the Mennonite churches of Waterloo County. The other Mennonite churches in Ontario, in the Markham and Niagara areas, had their own bishops. Nevertheless, Benjamin Eby was highly regarded and he was often called upon by the others for counsel. This letter gives a hint of the reason for this respect.  … Continue reading A gentle admonition

Who was Benjamin Eby?

Benjamin Eby was a great-great-grandson of Jacob Eby, who was ordained bishop of the Mennonites at Zurich, Switzerland in 1663.  Jacob’s son, Theodor us Eby, left Switzerland in 1704 to escape the persecution of the Mennonites that was going on there.  This Eby family settled in Lancaster County Pennsylvania in 1715.  Benjamin Eby’s older brother, … Continue reading Who was Benjamin Eby?