Sesquicentennial of the Amish Mennonites of Ontario : programme

51 Pages·2003·9.83 MB·English

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sesquicentennial
of the
Amish Mennonite of Ontario
" PROGRAMME
150 YEARS
by Lorraine Roth
Dorothy Sauder, Editor
SPONSORED BY THE MENNONITE HISTORICAL
SOCIETY OF ONTARIO AND THE WESTERN
ONTARIO MENNONITE CONFERENCE
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estern ntario Mennonite conference inc.
August 2, 1972.
PROCLAMATION
Out of gratitude to God, our country, and our neighbours - who
have helped to make this dream a reality - we wish to share
our past with all who care to celebrate this one hundred and
fiftieth anniversary with us.
Unfortunately not all has been "sweetness and light" (in the
words of Matthew Arnold) in our sojourn in this land of ours.
Much hard labour and many privations were the lot of the early
pioneers . We have had our share of failure and tragedy. The
Amish reveal only too clearly the frailties of our common
humanity. May our knowledge of the past enable us to build
a better future .
We can indeed say with the Psalmist, "The lines have fallen
unto me in pleasant places; yea I have a goodly heritage.tt
We, the executive committee of the Western Ontario Mennonite
Conference, proclaim the year 1972, and the thanksgiving season
in particular, a special time of thanksgiving for our heritage .
We urge all to a renewed dedication to the noble principles
for which our forefathers lived and died.
Gerald Schwartzentruber, Secretary
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CC
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The Western Ontario Mennonite Conference In times past we have been self - consciousand
and the Mennonite Historical Society of Ontario sometimes apologetic about our Swiss - German
heartily welcome you to join us in commemorating ways. With the new multicultural emphasis in
the sesquicentennial of the coming of the Amish Canada, we wish to share in this stimulating
Mennonites to Canada. Traditionally, the Amish exchange of tradition. This new freedom promises
spend very little time recording their history. to bring a new day upon our generation and,
However, during our preparations, we have gained hopefully, will reach national and international
a new awareness of their unceasing quest to live dimensions. We consider this occasion an op-
simply, at peace with their fellowmen, and in the portunity to share our heritage with all men of
fear of God. goodwill.
Now is the time to look back and catch the
spirit of our forefathers who boldly faced the new
During the first three hundred years in Europe, challenges of the sixteenth century. We admire the
their quest was repeatedly frustrated. In Canada, pioneering vision, courage, and fortitude of those
these ideals have borne fruit in their communities who established communities in the New World.
whenever thegood ofall men and theglory of God We invite you to share in our search for the faith
weregiven the highest priority. that sustained them.
PAGE THREE.
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Saturday, September30 4:00p.m. OpeningCeremonies
"Pilgrimage of a People"
Dr.J. Winfield Fretz, President,
Mennonite Historical Societyof Ontario
Steinman MennoniteChurch
8:30 p.m. MartyrsMirror Oratorio
MennoSingers
Alice Parker conducting
Waterloo Oxford Secondary School
Sunday, October 1 3:00 p.m. Martyrs Mirror Oratorio
Alice Parker
8:30 p.m. Martyrs Mirror Oratorio
Alice Parker
Thursday,October5 8:15 p.m. Pennsylvania German Folklore Society
(Waterloo Chapter) presents a program in the
dialect.
WaterlooOxford Secondary School
G
Saturday,October7 2:00 p.m. Historical Tours
4-hour tour of Amish farmlands including
supper.
Departure from Waterloo Oxford Secondary
94 School.
8:00 p.m. Pageant"This Land is Ours"
Urie Bender
Avon Theatre, Stratford
04 8:00 p.m. Illustrated Lecture on European background
of theAmish
Jan Gleysteen, Scottdale, Pa., historian
Waterloo Oxford Secondary School
Sunday, October8 Morning Homecomings in the churches of theWestern Ontario
Mennonite Conference. Fellowship Dinner
2:30 p.m. "This Land is Ours"
Avon Theatre, Stratford
2:30 p.m. German Hymnsing
Steinman MennoniteChurch
2:30 p.m. Illustrated Lecture on European Background
Waterloo Oxford SecondarySchool
8:00 p.m. "This Land is Ours"
Avon Theatre, Stratford
8:00p.m. Illustrated Lecture on European Background
Waterloo Oxford SecondarySchool
Monday,October 9 Morning Thanksgiving Services in Western Ontario Mennonite
Churches
2:00p.m. Historical Tours
4 - hourtour of Amish farmlandsincluding
supper.
Departure from Waterloo Oxford Secondary
School.
Displays, Demonstrations
1 - 3 p.m. & Thanksgiving Dinner (family style) Waterloo Oxford
5 - 7 p.m. Cafetorium
7:00p.m. Closing Program
"Visionof a People" Rev. Norman Litwiller
Steinman MennoniteChurch
8:00p.m. "This Land is Ours"
Avon Theatre, Stratford
Page FOUR
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is - Ours ,
Playwright - Producer: Urie A. Bender
Director: Loretta Yoder
Assistant Director: Margaret Foth
Sponsors
Western Ontario Mennonite Historical Committee
Mennonite Historical Society of Ontario
Themarks ofmen areetched on time -pastand passing.
Many, barely scratched on rocky trails, have long sincefaded.
The rough terrain gives a wanderer today the only hintofagony
and ecstasy - both of which have clutched at those who walked
that way. But other marks, gouged deep, remain. Monuments to
wisdom or foolishness, they changed the face of earth and so
claim the eye. Some areonly scribblings on history's pages. Some
remain like a signature -new forms from dust of hazy
past -creatortouchuponthe chaos ofanother day.
Other times, one sees the marks of men on men. Cut deep,
UrieBender " I ~ _ `- : :r;, the Amish of Ontario. shaped strong -spirit crushed or resurrected -to leave a throng
He writes with sensitivity and compassion as he unfolds thestoryof his offollowers in the wake of burning desire, or twisted hope, or
people. Born in Baden, Bender studied at the University of Western faith.
Ontario andthe University ofPittsburgh. He is theauthor ofseveral books
and has written extensively for the church. Bender hasheld positions as Where men are marked by men, there stand the true
editor, English teacher, advertising manager and public relations monuments in time -solid, unyieldingto thecenturies.
consultant. He andhiswife,Dorothy, live in Ephrata, Pa.
So - This Land is Ours: a feeble reach into other centuries.
Who can really read the lines drawn by those who conquered
Loretta Yoder, from Indianapolis, holds an M.A. in drama from Indiana myriad fears to shape another home; or those who paid for
University. She has had extensive experience in directing drama and is freedomtobelieve with the coin ofbreath?
associated with various drama groups. Her special qualifications todirect
"This Land is Ours"stem from herownheritage in theConservative Amish Perhaps only wecan read thosepages-yellowed now -filled
Mennonitefaith. with strong lives andvibrantfaith. But also,perhaps, not untilall
the tomorrows become yesterdays can the reader fully
understandthe message.
Margaret Jantzi Foth hasadegree in Englishand hasdone graduate work in
drama in Buffalo. Mrs. Foth's Amishbackground gives her akeen interest To that ambitious end, our Amish Pageant - This Land is
in historical drama. Ours.
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ACTI Origins ACT II Migration
Scene 1: Motivation
Scene 1: Change - and other Rutted Pathways. Many factors influenced the major migrations of Amish
Mennonites to Canada; perhaps the simplest explanation would
Amishman looksat change, trying to understand theforces which be to say they were viewed as second class citizens in most
shape a man or a people. He also probes the essence of a faith European countries. The requirements of military service, the
commitment and wonders aloud if this,too, must change.
poverty brought about by economic sanctions and, not, leastthe
strong emotional residues remaining from generations of
persecution, laid foundations for the explorations which
Scene 2: Valleyview followed.
Valleyview Mennonite Church is one of the few congregations in Scene 2: Exploration
Canada with direct Amish Mennonite origins. Here thetwo poles Christian Nafziger's courageous trek to the New World becamea
of past and present appear together -sometimes in under- symbol of both the frustrations and the hopes that gripped the
standable distance and other times with surprising nearness. The hearts of Amish Mennonites in various European communities.
Valleyview Youth Fellowship in the course of studying church Through Pennsylvania to Canada he searched for the land that
history, employs a choric format to dramatize what they have would answer their hopes. With the help of Mennonites in
been learning. Theentire pageant grows in this context. Ontario and the good services of Sir Peregrine Maitland, then
Governor of Upper Canada, Nafziger was able to report his find
of land in what is now Wilmot Township.Within a veryfew years
Scene 3: Birth ofa Brotherhood
much of the migration took place and spilled over into South
In its first part, this scene depicts briefly the startling result of Easthope, EastZorra,Wellesley, and Stanley Townships.
changing perceptions about faith in God and how this faith
shaped a man's life, actions, and relationships. As a religious rite Scene 3: Courage
or celebration, adult baptism was completely unacceptable to
Not even dramatic resumeof historical events can portray the
authorities - religious and civil- in the sixteenth century. That,
stubborn courage which the early settlers displayed. Throughout
alongwith their growing abhorrence of the state church concept
the entire experience men and women distinguished themselves
and its practices, marked theearliest Swiss Brethren (Anabaptists)
and their forbears with notable examples of courage and
as a sect to bestamped out. Although hewas not the first martyr
perseverance.
in the movement, the death of Felix Manz in the second part of
the scene marks both the level of commitment to their belief as
ACT III Settlement
well as the beginning of a bloody persecution of those whose
understandings contributed largely to the concept of "free Scene 1: Life in the Settlement
church" -achurch free ofstate control. A backward reach into history is frequently imaginary. However,
considerable documentation is available which reflects the
common routines, the ethnic ceremonies, the normal rites of
Scene4: Fugitives passage and the simple faith of a people almost crushed -yet
abiding.
The Anabaptists (re -baptizers) were hounded by civil and
religious authorities throughout much of what we know as
Scene 2: The FirstMissionaries
Europe today. Although peace -loving, they were seen as athreat
Very little in their past prepared them for the break with
to the established order in which church and state often merged
tradition represented by the leaving of two young couples for
in objective and practice. In consequence, they suffered severe
missionary service in South America. The consequence, that
privations, imprisonment, medieval tortures and often which today is seen in termsoffaith orcommitment oraltriusm,
death -for their faith. was seen then by some as a grievous departure from the "old
ways."
Scene 5: AmishBeginnings Scene 3: Accommodation and Change
Anabaptists came to be known as Mennonites - after Menno From the traditional past to a new present, for any close- knit
Simons, an early Dutch leader. His understandings of the New group, may well become a leap into disaster or a giant step of
Testament helped to shape much of the early doctrine; his growth. Here viewpoint provides a kind of answer: for some the
leadership contributed significantly to the strength of the old ways are gone and "more's the pity." For others, today is
rooted in a marvelous heritage and growth is the only answer to
Anabaptist movement. More than one hundred and fifty years the awesome challenge of a past such as the Amish Mennonites
later, among Mennonists (Mennonites) of Switzerland, Alsace and enjoy.
the Palatinate, differences in interpretation developed. Part-
icularly at issue was the banning of relationships between Scene4: The Bridge from Yesterday
Mennonites and those who had been excommunicated from the From Anabaptist beginnings to 1972, the Valleyview Youth
group. The question of how seriously this should be taken Fellowship has travelled full circle. In its quest for historical
became the focal point for Jakob Ammann's leadership of a information it has achieved self - understanding. And in the
faction which, after Ammann, became known as Amish process, it hasuncovered thevery essence of its heritage as well as
Mennonites. theroad marker for the journey into tomorrow.
PAGE'SIX
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Who walks there? Not only those who claimed the soil of
Wilmot or surrounding acres. Or thosewho chopped theroads or
framed the early homesfrom fledgling pine. Or those who tore
the stumps from out the soil tomake afield-and then another.
Nor only those who fenced thefields, orgravelledroads, or
built greatbarns, orworkedthefields with noisyengines. Oreven
thosewho carved smallempiresfromrusticfarmland.
Notthosealone- ortheirdescendants.
But with them also, theirfathers. Fathers in theflesh, no less.
And more-fathers in the faith. Hardy stock. Stuff of heroes.
Harassed, but not obliterated. Beaten, but never crushed Killed,
but always living on in theheartsofwilling compatriots.
Those who gave the lie to cowardice; who knew weakness
only as afleeting shadow at high noon; who were consumed by
theirdesire to be true - these, drivenfromtheirhomesand lands,
sought again andyetagainafreedom to live.
In their search -from the European near - shore to Penn's
Land in the new world- they cameto UpperCanada. Soitcame
to be as they tracedthepath ofMennonites tothe Beasley Tract,
they found beyond apromised Canaan - theirpeaceand home.
Andthey said, "ThisLandis Ours."
Taxes, where -hunger ran before theverdant crops,
War, and want gave way tosweatupon thebrow.
Exemption fines
No single driving force
Hunger can tear a man
banishment from kin or simple comforts
abjectpoverty. all his own.
Each tore loosethe rootsofyears--- But pressasecond,
the bonds of neighborhood third,
or common cause or more,
and ploughed againthe soil upon a broken spirit ---
whererecent seedsofhope fearful
had sprung afresh --- poor and hungry
to lettheirpromise wither trampled down,
in the heatof hate. misunderstood ---
then seea spark ofhope
Each wrenched the spirit
ignite and burn ---
hither
flame in whoseglare
yon
naught else is seen
'til heartfell sick
save hope fulfilled!
and eyes were almost blind
to Iight ofother day. In this aswellI
theAmisharea part ofman.
In this despair
they heard
of landacrossthesea,
(from "This Land is Ours")
wherefreedom cast its hue
wherefaith could grow
PAGE SEVEN
Likethe seed inspring, to face---
with rain and sun, onthe road to a new life
The humanspirit ---the rending hurtoffriends
breaks forth --- or family left behind
with warm of hope, --- thetossing months on North Atlantic
drawing the inner with fear
push of courage. aconstant clammy hand
clutched 'round the heart
Hidden sometimes
for a longwinter --- thejostling miles
in thedank of despair. six hundred long
acrossa monthor moreof sunsets
So---
sinkingdark
the firstsettlers ofWilmot ---
into unknown tomorrows.
Many still scarred
To faceall this
by thepersecution
and then tocomeat last
oftheir fathers
to untouched forest
---bydecrees
--- only forest
which sucked awaywhatever good
theirdiligent efforts mightearn. And call it home ---
---or by wars --- home.
which racked the countryside Everytree - promise ofan aching back
with devastation. everyopen space -achallenge
and every footofsoil
This hardylot
the stuff
found somewhere a hidden deep
from whichanew life could be shaped.
ofcourage
sparked(cid:9) lifeagain. Thesewere the settlers ofWilmot.
(from "This Land is Ours")
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PAGE. EIGHT
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19 -ftrt~d -W--W
1
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Text by John Ruth
Music by Alice Parker
Part I. 1. Procession
Pange, lingua, gloriosi / Corporis mysterium, / Sanguinisque
pretiosi, / Quem in mudi pretisum / Fructur ventris
generosi / Rex effuditGentium.
Nobis datus, nobis natus / Ex intacta Virgine, / Ex in
mundo conversatus, / Sparso verbi semine, / Suimoras
incolatus / Miro clausit ordine.
In supremae nocte cenae, / Recumbenscum
fratribus, / Observata lege plene / Cibis in legalibus, / Cibum
turbae duodenae / Se dat suis manibus.
Cast of Main Characters
Verbum caro, panem verum / Verbocarnem efficit; / Fitque
Georg Blaurock Don Landry sanguis Christi merum: / Et si sensus deficit, / Ad firmandum
corsincerum / Sola fidessufficit.
Catharina Blaurock Mary Snider
Tantum Ergo SACRAMENTUM / Veneremur cernui: / Et
antiquum documentum / Novo cedat ritui: / Prae stet fides
JanWouters Albert Friesen supplementum / Sensuum defectui.
Genitori, Genitoque / Laus et jubilatio, / Salus, honor,
Maeyken Wouters Lois Snyder virtus quoque / Sit et benedictio: / Procedenti abutro-
que / Compar sit laudatio. / Amen.
Monk Howard Good
Bailiff Doug Millar
Executioner Dan Lichti
Georg's Son Duane Rudy
Friend Tim Johnson
PAGE NINE