125^th Manitoba Mennonite Anniversary

Symposium 1874 Revisited

On October 1-2 the Manitoba Mennonite Historical Society and the Chair in Mennonite Studies at the University of Winnipeg will co-host a symposium entitled, "The Mennonites Manitoba: 1874 Revisited". Scholars and local historians will present papers on topics relating to the coming of the Mennonites in the 1870s. The keynote speaker will be Dr. John Warkentin of York University, Ontario, who wrote a landmark dissertation on "The Mennonite Settlements of Southern Manitoba". More details will follow.

Landmark Heritage Days

A dozen or more local communities of the former East Reserve will hold a series of celebrations during the summer and fall months of 1999. Landmark Heritage Days was one of the first of these. It was held on June 11-13. Among the events was a trilogy of Low German dramas under the theme "Fraejoa enn de Oost-Rezarv (Long ago in the East Reserve) presented at the Landmark Collegiate on June 11. The dramas were entitled "Daut Jeshpanst (The Ghost)", "Du meen Schutz en Treest (You My Protection and Comfort)", and "Dit Heet Waealoss Zenne? (And this is Pacifism?)", written and directed by Anne Funk of Grunthal and Wilmer Penner of Steinbach.

Two new publications, East Reserve 125, edited by Delbert Plett, and Two Landmark Grandmothers by Mary Blondina Barkman, were available at the presentation.

Chortitza Village Anniversary

The community of Chortitz, a few miles southeast of Winkler, will celebrate the 125^th anniversary of Mennonites coming to Manitoba, on 9-11 July, 1999. For further information on this homecoming event, contact Anne Thiessen, 1068 Hector Bay E., Winnipeg, MB R3M 3S1, ph. 1-204-452-6836, or email stvklass@mb.sympatico.ca. According to Anne, three of the pioneer buildings at the Mennonite Heritage Village in Steinbach (church building, housebarn, and the old private school) all come from the village of Chortitz. It is expected that Mennonite Heritage Village representatives will be present at the celebration.

Toews Family Reunion - Moving from East to West

The descendants of Julius Toews Senior are planning a reunion that will span historical experiences in both the former East and West Reserve. Roots of the family go back to a homestead in Kane (near Lowe Farm) area, and dispersion came to include Steinbach and area. Dates for the reunion are August 14-15, 1999. For further details contact Elbert Toews, 1-204-326-3930.

Twin Oak Museum

In these anniversary years (1999-2000) you are invited to visit the Twin Oak Farm and Museum south of Morden, MB. Come in May to September by chance or appointment. Call David and Linda Peters, 1-204-822-3305 for further information to find the site, etc.

MHV Pioneer Days Special Service

A special church service commemorating the 125^th anniversary of the coming of Mennonites to Manitoba will be held at the Mennonite Heritage Village near Steinbach, MB on Sunday, August 1. The service will begin at 10:30 a.m. Dr. Archie Penner of Kola, MB and Dr. Royden Loewen of Steinbach and Winnipeg, will be the main speakers. Several community singing groups will share in the programme. For further details contact the museum at 1-204-326-9661.

Mitchell July 18

Steinbach July 30 - Aug.2

Mennonite Heritage Village

Worship Service, 10:30 a.m. August 1

Clearsprings August 1

Randolph August 8

Grunthal August 13-15

Kleefeld August 21-22

Pansy August 28-29