John E. Lapp Papers
MHEP.Hist.Mss.001

Summary Information

Repository
Mennonite Heritage Center
Creator
Lapp, John E., 1905-1988
Title
John E. Lapp papers
ID
MHEP.Hist.Mss.001
Date [bulk]
Bulk, 1933-1988
Date [inclusive]
1817-1988
Extent
43.0 Linear feet (61 boxes)
Language
English
Abstract
John Edwin Lapp (1905-1988) was raised in Lansdale, PA, the son of Isaiah L. and Kate Clemmer Lapp. A grocer by trade, he was ordained by lot in 1933 to minister at Plains Mennonite Church (Hatfield, PA) and in 1937 as a bishop for the middle district of Franconia Mennonite Conference. He was moderator of the conference 1953-1969, and served many years on committees both local and national. He was an advocate for peace and a friend and counselor to conscientious objectors, ministers and others. He wrote thoughtful and well-appreciated articles and sermons on themes of faith and church life. His activity extended to many branches of the Mennonite Church, but he was equally active and involved in the local Mennonite community. Lapp's papers are a profound resource on Mennonite life. Containing thousands of letters, sermons, notes and correspondence of bishops and committees, they form a record of the community’s discernment as the world around and the church itself changed greatly through the mid-20th century. Also included are 19th century papers and photos from Lapp's family and that of his wife Edith Nyce Lapp (1906-1984).

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Administrative Information

Publication Information

Mennonite Heritage Center 2009

565 Yoder Road
Harleysville, PA
215.256.3020
library@mhep.org

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Controlled Access Headings

Corporate Name(s)

  • Franconia Mennonite Conference.
  • Mennonite General Conference.
  • Plains Mennonite Church (Hatfield, Pa.).

Family Name(s)

  • Clemmer
  • Lapp
  • Nyce

Genre(s)

  • Clippings files
  • Correspondence
  • Family papers
  • Minutes
  • Photographs
  • Postcards
  • Scrapbooks
  • Sermons
  • Sound recordings

Personal Name(s)

  • Lapp, Edith Nyce, 1906-1984
  • Lapp, John E., 1905-1988

Subject(s)

  • Bible--Study and teaching
  • Conscientious objection
  • Fraktur art
  • Genealogy
  • Mennonite Church--Bishops
  • Peace-building

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Collection Inventory

Series A. Personal papers 

Subseries A1. Family and personal papers 
Box

Family papers, journals and record books 1933-1988 

Scope and Contents note

Ministerial record books, gifts and support received (in early years, Lapp was an unsalaried minister), marriages performed, record of pastoral visits to Civilian Public Service camps, prayer journals, preaching Bibles, appointment calendars, accounts of travel, family papers, guest registers, clippings, etc.

 1-2

Education: Lansdale High School 1919-1923 

 3
Box Folder

Education: Continuing pastoral education 1937-1984 

 4 1-6

Historical work 1960-1987 

 4 7-9

Autobiographical writings 1944-1988 

 4 10-11

Biographies of Lapp by others 

 4 12-13

Fraktur work 

Biographical/Historical note

In retirement, Lapp learned the skill of fraktur art (illuminated manuscripts) and created nearly 500 pieces, most of which were given as gifts. This file contains a record of the frakturs Lapp made and for whom, as well as a few examples of his work. Larger examples are in flat box 62 and framed pieces in flat file drawers.

 4 14-17
Box

Photos of fraktur made by John Lapp 

 5

Scrapbooks 

Scope and Contents note

Five scrapbooks; two commemorating the 40th anniversary of Lapp's ordination, 1973.

 6
Box Folder

Lapp family papers 1858-1917 

Scope and Contents note

John and Mary Krupp Clemmer marriage certificate, 1858; Isaiah L. Lapp material, 1887-1913; Lapp-Clemmer memorial cards, 1900-1917.

 7 1-3A

Nyce family papers 1817-1969 

Scope and Contents note

Joseph and Elizabeth Detweiler Moyer papers, 1817-1862; William and Deborah Harley Moyer papers and correspondence, 1847-1909 (including family record and Margaret Hartranft apprenticeship indenture, 1848); Isaac and Elizabeth Moyer Nyce papers, 1880-1932; Elizabeth Nyce scrapbook, circa 1905; Mary Nyce Gottshall estate, 1919; Frank B. Nyce estate, 1928-1946; grade-school diplomas of Allen M. Nyce, 1902, and Edith Nyce (Lapp), 1921; Allen and Emma Ruth Nyce marriage certificate, 1906 (framed, outside box); Emma Nyce papers, 1942-1969; Allen Nyce estate, 1951-1954; Nyce-Ruth memorial cards, 1890-1924.

 7 4-15

Nyce family papers: Lower Salford Township School District financial records 1855-1909 

Biographical/Historical note

Isaac B. Nyce served as treasurer of Lower Salford School District, 1908-19??. File includes treasurer’s record, 1855-1908; pay orders for school teachers 1907-1908; school board bills, 1908-1909.

 7 16-18
Box

Family history / genealogy 

Scope and Contents note

Lapp Reunion, 1943-1983; Lapp and Nyce genealogy; photocopy of Abram Clemmer genealogy file.

 8
Box Folder

Photos: John and Edith Lapp family photos 1926-1987 

Scope and Contents note

Includes photos related to Lapp's church work. See item-level inventory: http://www.mhep.org/files/inventories/HM001photoinventory.pdf

9 1

Photos: Extended Lapp family circa 1885-1920 

Scope and Contents note

Includes photos of the Markley and Mary Conver Reese family, circa 1895-1900.

 9 14-16

Photo: Extended Nyce family circa 1870-1950 

Related Archival Materials note

See also Vincent W. Ruth family photos (MHEP, number not yet assigned).

 9 17-21

Photos: Oversize 

Scope and Contents note

Mostly school photos from Nyce and Lapp families, circa 1900-1921.

 9 22

Subseries A2. Programs 
Box Volume

Record of services at Plains Mennonite Church 1933-1988 

 10 1-3

Record of services attended by John Lapp at locations other than Plains 1933-1988 

 10 4-8
Box Folder

Programs (general) 1925-1987 

 10 3-5

Dedication and anniversary programs 1956-1983 

Related Archival Materials note

See also folder 12-4 (dedication and anniversary sermons).

 10 6

Ordination and installation programs 1961-1987 

Related Archival Materials note

See also folders 12-6 and 12-63 (ordination and ministerial sermons).

 10 7

Wedding programs 1963-1987 

Related Archival Materials note

See also folder 12-62 (sermons on marriage).

 10 8

Funeral programs 1970-1988 

 10 9

Funeral cards 1908-1988 

 10 10-14

Subseries A3. Writings 
Box Folder

Articles dated 1938-1986 

Related Archival Materials note

See also scrapbook 6-4.

 11 1-2

Articles (undated) 

 11 3-4

"The Economic Life of the Franconia Conference Mennonite"--survey responses 

 11 5

Studies in Nonresistance by John E. Lapp, 1st edition and revisions, 1948, 1951, 1962 

 11 6-7

Book manuscripts and ideas 

 11 8

Book reviews 1974-1985 

Related Archival Materials note

See also folder 56-24 (Mennonite Publishing House Book Review Service).

 11 9

Letters to the editor 1964-1986 

 11 10

Memorials, tributes and histories 

Scope and Contents note

Harold S. Bender; Civilian Public Service; J. C. Clemens; Paul Erb; Franconia Mennonite Conference history (see also folders 4-10, 4-11 and 35-2); Franconia Mennonite Meetinghouse; Ralph Hedrick; Kolb-Kulp-Culp reunion speech, 1976; Elias Landis; Ira D. Landis; Roy Leatherman; Plains Mennonite Church; Henry and Stella Ruth; Samuel G. Shetler; Souderton Mennonite Home Centennial, 1987; Pete Walmbach.

 11 11-14

Subseries A4. Sermons and Bible studies 

Separated Materials note

Radio sermons are in box 34.
Box Folder

Licenses for marriages performed 

Related Archival Materials note

See record of marriages in box 1A.

 12 1-2

Clergyman’s records for funerals performed 

Related Archival Materials note

See also folder 12-43 (funeral sermons).

 12 3

Dedications and tributes circa 1949-1982 

 12 4

Commissioning services for mission work 1951-1987 

 12 5

Ministerial ordinations and installations circa 1964-1987 

Related Archival Materials note

See also folder 12-63 (sermons on ministry).

 12 6

“Sermons for book” (27 sermons) 

 12 7

“Alternate sermons [for book?]” (24 sermons) 

 12 8

“Special sermons” (13 sermons) 

 12 9

Sermons by topic: Acts [of the Apostles] (2 sermons) 

 12 10

Sermons by topic: Affliction (5 sermons) 

 12 11

Sermons by topic: Aging and emotional concerns (9 sermons) 

 12 12

Sermons by topic: Amusements and recreation (5 sermons) 

 12 13

Sermons by topic: Assurance (12 sermons) 

 12 14

Sermons by topic: Attitude (6 sermons) 

 12 15

Sermons by topic: Baccalaureate (4 sermons) 

 12 16

Sermons by topic: Baptism (35 sermons) 

 12 17

Sermons by topic: The Bible (27 sermons) 

 12 18

Sermons by topic: Characters (9 sermons) 

 12 19

Sermons by topic: The Christian (56 sermons) 

 12 20

Sermons by topic: Christian Growth (17 sermons) 

 12 21

Sermons by topic: Christmas (25 sermons) 

 12 22

Sermons by topic: Church (85 sermons) 

 12 23

Sermons by topic: Colossians (4 sermons) 

 12 24

Sermons by topic: Communion (76 sermons) 

 12 25

Sermons by topic: Conscience (4 sermons) 

 12 26

Sermons by topic: Consecration (27 sermons) 

 12 27

Sermons by topic: Cooperation (4 sermons) 

 12 28

Sermons by topic: Corinthians (18 sermons) 

 12 29

Sermons by topic: Counsel meeting (12 sermons) 

 12 30

Sermons by topic: The cross (11 sermons) 

 12 31

Sermons by topic: Dedication (5 sermons) 

 12 32

Sermons by topic: The devil (1 sermon) 

 12 33

Sermons by topic: Discipleship (9 sermons) 

 12 34

Sermons by topic: Easter / Resurrection (15 sermons) 

 12 35

Sermons by topic: Education / Schools (20 sermons) 

 12 36

Sermons by topic: Ephesians (7 sermons) 

 12 37

Sermons by topic: Evangelism (13 sermons) 

 12 38

Sermons by topic: Evangelistic (102 sermons) 

 12 39

Sermons by topic: Faith (21 sermons) 

 12 40

Sermons by topic: Fellowship (7 sermons) 

 12 41

Sermons by topic: Forgiveness (2 sermons) 

 12 42

Sermons by topic: Funeral (109 sermons) 

 12 43

Sermons by topic: Galatians (2 sermons) 

 12 44

Sermons by topic: Glorification (2 sermons) 

 12 45

Sermons by topic: God (9 sermons) 

 12 46

Sermons by topic: Gospel (7 sermons) 

 12 47

Sermons by topic: Grace (8 sermons) 

 12 48

Sermons by topic: Harvest Home [service] (15 sermons) 

 12 49

Sermons by topic: Heritage [category added during processing] (8 sermons) 

 12 50

Sermons by topic: Holy Spirit (23 sermons) 

 12 51

Sermons by topic: Home (37 sermons) 

 12 52

Sermons by topic: Honesty (2 sermons) 

 12 53

Sermons by topic: Hospitality (2 sermons) 

 12 54

Sermons by topic: Industrialism (11 sermons) 

 12 55

Sermons by topic: Jesus Christ (38 sermons) 

 12 56

Sermons by topic: Joy (6 sermons) 

 12 57

Sermons by topic: Judgment (1 sermon) 

 12 58

Sermons by topic: Kingdom of God / Church and state [category added during processing] (7 sermons) 

 12 59

Sermons by topic: Lord’s Day (6 sermons) 

 12 60

Sermons by topic: Love (19 sermons) 

 12 61

Sermons by topic: Marriage (48 sermons) 

 12 62

Sermons by topic: Ministers (88 sermons) 

 12 63

Sermons by topic: Missions (30 sermons) 

 12 64

Sermons by topic: New birth (13 sermons) 

 12 65

Sermons by topic: New year (10 sermons) 

 12 66

Sermons by topic: Nonconformity (33 sermons) 

 12 67

Sermons by topic: Obedience (3 sermons) 

 12 68

Sermons by topic: Ordinances (7 sermons) 

 12 69

Sermons by topic: Passion week (12 sermons) 

 12 70

Sermons by topic: Peace (61 sermons) 

 12 71

Sermons by topic: Peter, [Epistles of] (4 sermons) 

 12 72

Sermons by topic: Philippians (5 sermons) 

 12 73

Sermons by topic: Prayer (33 sermons) 

 12 74

Sermons by topic: Preparatory service [before communion] (26 sermons) 

 12 75

Sermons by topic: Prophecy (4 sermons) 

Related Archival Materials note

See also folder 13-37 (eschatology topical file).

 12 76

Sermons by topic: Reading (4 sermons) 

 12 77

Sermons by topic: Reconciliation (6 sermons) 

 12 78

Sermons by topic: Redemption (3 sermons) 

 12 79

Sermons by topic: Repentance (3 sermons) 

 12 80

Sermons by topic: The Revelation (23 sermons) 

 12 81

Sermons by topic: Reverence (6 sermons) 

 12 82

Sermons by topic: Reward (2 sermons) 

 12 83

Sermons by topic: Salvation (12 sermons) 

 12 84

Sermons by topic: Sanctification (2 sermons) 

 12 85

Sermons by topic: Second coming [of Christ] (12 sermons) 

 12 86

Sermons by topic: Sermon on the mount (4 sermons) 

 12 87

Sermons by topic: Sound mind (4 sermons) 

 12 88

Sermons by topic: Sowing and reaping (5 sermons) 

 12 89

Sermons by topic: Speech and tongue (3 sermons) 

 12 90

Sermons by topic: Stewardship (10 sermons) 

 12 91

Sermons by topic: Sunday School (11 sermons) 

 12 92

Sermons by topic: Teaching (19 sermons) 

 12 93

Sermons by topic: Temptation (2 sermons) 

 12 94

Sermons by topic: Thanksgiving (25 sermons) 

 12 95

Sermons by topic: Veiling [women’s devotional] (7 sermons) 

Related Archival Materials note

See also folder 13-34 (topical file).

 12 96

Sermons by topic: Victory (16 sermons) 

 12 97

Sermons by topic: Vocation (4 sermons) 

 12 98

Sermons by topic: Worship (8 sermons) 

 12 99

Sermons by topic: Youth (54 sermons) 

Related Archival Materials note

See also folder 13-54 (topical file).

 12 100

“A Code of Ethics for the Minister”, published by Mennonite General Conference, 1957 

 12 101
Box Volume

Notes for Bible studies taught circa 1940-1950 

 13 1
Box Folder

Attendance records for Bible studies taught 1936-1958 

 13 1

Bible studies: Old Testament 

 13 2

Bible studies: Pentateuch (Genesis, Exodus, Numbers) 

 13 3

Bible studies: I and II Samuel 

 13 4

Bible studies: I Chronicles 

 13 5

Bible studies: Psalms 

 13 6

Bible studies: Isaiah 

 13 7

Bible studies: Daniel 

 13 8

Bible studies: Hosea 

 13 9

Bible studies: Gospel of John 

 13 10

Bible studies: Bible quiz on the Gospel of John, 1981 

 13 11

Bible studies: Acts of the Apostles 

 13 12

Bible studies: Romans 

 13 13

Bible studies: I and II Corinthians 

 13 14

Bible studies: Minor Pauline epistles (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, I Thessalonians) 

 13 15

Bible studies: Hebrews 

 13 16

Bible studies: General epistles (I and II Peter, James, I, II and III John) 

 13 55

Bible studies: Johannine epistles, Keystone Bible Institute 1987 

 13 17

Bible studies: Revelation 

 13 18-19

Bible studies: Bible doctrine 

 13 20-22

Bible studies: Lessons in Christian Doctrine, Parts 1 and 3, by Edward Yoder 

 13 23

Bible studies: “Present Day Heresies” 

 13 24

Bible studies: “Separated unto God” 

 13 25

Bible studies: “Franconia Conference Discipline” 

 13 26

Bible studies: “The Christian Nurture of Children” 

 13 27

Bible studies: “Learning to Work with Others” 

 13 28

Bible studies: “The Pastor and His Work” 

 13 29

Bible studies: Miscellaneous 

 13 30

Topical file: Americans United for Separation of Church and State 

 13 31

Topical file: The Bible in public schools 

 13 32

Topical file: Communism 

 13 33

Topical file: Devotional covering 

Related Archival Materials note

See also sermon folder 12-96.

 13 34

Topical file: Divorce and remarriage 

 13 35

Topical file: Elmer P. Weaver, Jr. 

Related Archival Materials note

See also folder 35-36 (Mennonite Defenders of the Faith).

 13 36

Topical file: Eschatology 

Related Archival Materials note

See also Lapp writings in box 11 and sermon folder 12-76.

 13 37

Topical file: Evangelism 

 13 38

Topical file: Faith healing 

 13 39

Topical file: Family counseling 

 13 40

Topical file: Fellowship of Concerned Mennonites, 1983 

Related Archival Materials note

See also folders 13-36 (Elmer P. Weaver, Jr.) and 35-36 (Mennonite Defenders of the Faith).

 13 41

Topical file: Higher education 

 13 42

Topical file: Kennedy family 

 13 43

Topical file: Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Related Archival Materials note

See also folders 13-51 (race relations) and 13-53 (social needs).

 13 44

Topical file: Mental health 

 13 45

Topical file: Middle East 

 13 46

Topical file: Ministerial preparation 

Related Archival Materials note

See also folder 13-49A (ordination).

 13 47

Topical file: Mutual aid 

 13 48

Topical file: Nonconformity 

Related Archival Materials note

See also sermon folder 12-67.

 13 49

Topical file: Ordination 

Related Archival Materials note

See also folder 13-47.

 13 49A

Topical file: Political responsibility 

 13 50

Topical file: Race relations 

Related Archival Materials note

See also folders 13-44 and 13-53.

 13 51

Topical file: Revised Standard Version of the Bible 

 13 52

Topical file: Social needs 

Related Archival Materials note

See also folders 13-44 and 13-51.

 13 53

Topical file: Youth 

Related Archival Materials note

See also sermon folder 12-100.

 13 54

Peace topic file: General peace material 

Related Archival Materials note

See books and pamphlets in box 59 and sermon folder 12-71.

 14 1

Peace topic file: Pamphlets on peace and war 

 14 2

Peace topic file: “Biblical Theology on War and Peace”, course taught by Willard Swartley 

 14 3

Peace topic file: Civil Defense 

 14 4

Peace topic file: Draft (military) 

 14 5

Peace topic file: Draft resistance—Enten Eller 1981 

 14 6

Peace topic file: Guns 

 14 7

Peace topic file: Vietnam 

 14 8

Peace topic file: Vietnam—International Voluntary Service 1967 

 14 9

Peace topic file: War tax refusal 

 14 10

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Series B. Correspondence 

Subseries B1. Church-related correspondence 
Box Folder

Alderfer, Edwin and Helen Wade (19 letters) 1945-1976 

 15 1

Alderfer, Horace K. (5 letters) 1943-1945 

 15 2

Alderfer, Isaiah L. (10 letters) 1960-1969 

 15 3

Alderfer, Ronald G. (6 letters) 1961-1965 

 15 4

Alderfer, Wellington and Betty Delp (10 letters) 1948-1961 

 15 5

Allebach, David and Leah Anna Clemens (8 letters) 1947-1951 

 15 6

Augsburger, A. Don (7 letters) 1956-1961 

 15 9

Augsburger, Myron S. (51 letters) 1953-1987 

 15 10

Bauman, Harold and Elizabeth Hershberger (25 letters) 1948-1977 

 15 11

Bauman, Harvey W. (7 letters) 1949-1962 

 15 12

Beachy, Alvin J. (6 letters) 1962-1967 

 15 13

Bean, Warren G. (7 letters) 1934-1945 

 15 15

Bechtel, Norman H. (8 letters) 1950-1960 

 15 16

Beck, Carl C. (6 letters) 1955-1962 

 15 17

Beechy, Atlee and Winifred Nelson (and John K. Stoner) (24 letters) 1962-1988 

 15 18

Beidler, Stanley B. (6 letters) 1961-1970 

 15 19

Bender, Harold and Elizabeth Horsch (17 letters) 1943-1988 

Related Archival Materials note

See also FMC and MGC peace committee files in boxes 35 and 46.

 15 20

Bender, Nevin J. (5 letters) 1963-1972 

 15 21

Bender, Nevin V. (8 letters) 1944-1961 

 15 22

Bender, Ross T. (14 letters) 1964-1988 

 15 23

Benner, Kenneth and Anna Mary Lapp (11 letters) 1964-1974 

 15 24

Bennett, H. Ernest (20 letters) 1959-1970 

 15 25

Berg, Ford (6 letters) 1947-1956 

 15 26

Bergey, Benjamin Harrison (6 letters) 1961-1962 

 15 27

Bishop, H. Earl (7 letters) 1958-1968 

 15 28

Blank, Lester and Mary Lou Lauver (19 letters) 1959-1966 

Related Archival Materials note

See also Franconia Mission Board correspondence files in box 42.

 15 29

Bontrager, Levi (10 letters) 1942-1971 

 15 30

Boshart, Lloyd (10 letters) 1947-1964 

 15 31

Brenneman, Fred and Millie Page (10 letters) 1961-1973 

 15 32

Brenneman, Virgil J. (15 letters) 1966-1971 

 15 33

Brunk, George R. II (30 letters) 1947-1987 

 15 34

Brunk, Lawrence and Dorothy Powell (6 letters) 1951-1964 

 15 35

Brunk, Truman H., Sr. (10 letters) 1944-1976 

 15 36

Brunk, Truman H., Jr. and Betty Shenk (12 letters) 1955-1968 

 15 37

Brunner, Paul and Grace Derstine (8 letters) 1944-1964 

 15 38

Brydge, Silas W. (5 letters) 1960-1962 

 15 39

Burkhart, Irvin E. (8 letters) 1945-1956 

Related Archival Materials note

See also folder 35-10 (FMC relation to Mennonite colleges).

 15 41

Burkholder, J. Lawrence and Harriet Lapp (6 letters) 1954-1987 

 15 42

Burkholder, Oscar (9 letters) 1946-1951 

 15 43

Buzzard, Joseph R. (6 letters) 1957-1965 

 15 44

Cabrera-Febo, Jose R. (7 letters) 1966-1967 

 16 1

Cary, Stephen G. (8 letters) 1965 

 16 2

Clemens, Abram P. (14 letters) 1961-1973 

 16 3

Clemens, Jacob C. and Hanna Rittenhouse (8 letters) 1933-1966 

 16 4

Clemens, Jacob R. and Mildred Landes (19 letters) 1946-1964 

Related Archival Materials note

See also Franconia Mission Board files in boxes 39 and 42.

 16 5

Clemens, James R. (5 letters) 1942-1959 

 16 6

Clemens, Marcus and Helen Gotwals / Phyllis Walker (59 letters) 1944-1987 

 16 7

Clemens, R. Wayne (7 letters) 1963-1968 

 16 8

Clemmer, Markley and Miriam Kolb (12 letters) 1943-1973 

 16 9

Cutrell, Ben and Dorothy Stutzman (15 letters) 1962-1984 

 16 10

De Cock, Cyriel I. (6 letters) 1941-1952 

 16 11

Delp, Catherine Nice (12 letters) 1961-1963 

 16 12

Derstein, Harvey and Mary Leatherman (5 letters) 1965-1966 

 16 13

Derstein, Mary G. (7 letters) 1965-1977 

 16 14

Derstein, Wallace G. (6 letters) 1962-1967 

 16 15

Derstine, Carl L. (14 letters) 1963 

 16 16

Derstine, David F. (7 letters) 1942-1978 

Related Archival Materials note

See also folder 35-31 (plain coat dialogue).

 16 17

Derstine, Ronald (21 letters) 1965-1966 

 16 18

Derstine, Roy C. (and Edgar M. Landis) (8 letters) 1954-1957 

 16 19

Derstine, Wilmer K. (18 letters) 1953-1958 

 16 20

Detweiler, Alvin F. (5 letters) 1956-1963 

 16 21

Detweiler, Isaac F. (8 letters) 1943-1945 

 16 22

Detweiler, Richard and Mary Jane Rudy (52 letters) 1943-1985 

Related Archival Materials note

See also Franconia Conference files in boxes 35 through 42.

 16 23

Detwiler, Enos and Mabel Horning (7 letters) 1947-1986 

 16 24

Detwiler, Homer and Pauline Halteman (30 letters) 1962-1966 

 16 25

Diener, D. Edward (10 letters) 1945-1961 

 16 26

Diener, Harry and Anna Bender (10 letters) 1943-1977 

 16 27

Dietz, Myron (5 letters) 1964-1966 

 16 28

Drescher, John M. (36 letters) 1962-1972 

 16 29

Erb, Paul and Alta Mae Eby (57 letters) 1943-1984 

Related Archival Materials note

See also Mennonite Publishing Committee files in box 56 and audio tapes 60-11.

 16 30

Eshleman, Lester and Lois Martin (5 letters) 1946-1954 

 16 32

Evans, Victoria Gehman (12 letters) 1969 

 16 33

Feist, Kenneth L. (14 letters) 1943-1949 

 16 34

Felton, Robert and Thelma Godshall (8 letters) 1955-1958 

 16 35

Fisher, John and Pauline Clemens (6 letters) 1947-1956 

 16 36

Freed, Marvin M. (5 letters) 1955-1960 

Related Archival Materials note

See also FMC peace committee files in box 39.

 16 39

Fretz, Clarence and Lela Eshleman (13 letters) 1946-1987 

 16 40

Garber, Ernest S. (5 letters) 1957-1966 

 17 1

Garber, John and Anna May Wenger (6 letters) 1950-1954 

 17 2

Garber, Robert (and Samuel Honderich, Paul W. Miller, and Royden S. Schweitzer) (14 letters) 1952-1970 

 17 3

Gehman, John and Nora Gross (6 letters) 1933-1969 

 17 4

Gingerich, Melvin (22 letters) 1942-1967 

 17 6

Gingerich, Simon G. (6 letters) 1950-1972 

 17 7

Glanzer, Paul and Lola Bower (6 letters) 1947-1954 

 17 8

Glick, Daniel M. (7 letters) 1947-1962 

 17 9

Godshall, Arden M. (7 letters) 1960-1967 

 17 10

Godshall, Herbert R. (6 letters) 1960-1962 

 17 12

Good, Merle and Phyllis Pellman (5 letters) 1980-1987 

 17 14

Good, Noah and Mary Elizabeth Lutz (8 letters) 1948-1987 

Related Archival Materials note

See audio tapes 60-11.

 17 15

Goshow, Henry M. (6 letters) 1958-1967 

 17 16

Gotwals, Clayton K. (7 letters) 1963-1976 

 17 17

Graber, Esther (6 letters) 1960-1961 

 17 20

Graber, Joseph (J.D.) and Minnie Swartzendruber (34 letters) 1936-1978 

Related Archival Materials note

See also MBMC Missions Committee files in box 56.

 17 21

Graybill, J. Paul (10 letters) 1943-1966 

 17 22

Graybill, J. Silas (14 letters) 1948-1972 

 17 23

Gross, Leonard (6 letters) 1953-1955, 1972-1983 

 17 24

Gross, Titus L. (5 letters) circa 1940? 

 17 25

Hackman, Harold (8 letters) 1961-1966 

 17 26

Hackman, Linford and Ada Clemens (23 letters) 1947-1982 

 17 27

Hackman, Walton and Karin Erdman (24 letters) 1959-1985 

Related Archival Materials note

See also MGC peace committee files in boxes 50 through 52 and audio tape 60-26.

 17 28

Haines, Carroll (Mike) and Jane Kratz (6 letters) 1971-1973 

 17 29

Harms, Doreen F. (9 letters) 1950-1956 

 17 30

Hartzler, H. Harold (8 letters) 1982-1987 

 17 31

Hartzler, Levi C. (9 letters) 1949-1958 

 17 32

Hendricks, David G. (7 letters) 1962-1963 

 17 33

Hernley, H. Ralph (5 letters) 1947-1956 

 17 34

Hershberger, Guy and Clara Hooley (37 letters) 1943-1986 

Related Archival Materials note

See also FMC and MGC peace committee files in boxes 39 and 49 through 51.

 17 35

Hershey, Hiram R. (8 letters) 1949-1964 

 17 36

Hershey, Lester T. (8 letters) 1959-1965 

 17 37

Hertzler, Aldus K., Jr. (6 letters) 1943-1958 

 17 38

Hertzler, Daniel (22 letters) 1956-1985 

 17 39

Hess, James H. (7 letters) 1946-1954 

 17 40

Hiebert, Peter C. (5 letters) 1947-1948 

 17 41

Histand, Lowell B. (9 letters) 1968-1969 

 17 42

Hochstedler, Emanuel J. (5 letters) 1955-1973 

 17 43

Hochstetler, Eli and Edna Yoder (13 letters) 1944-1966 

Related Archival Materials note

See also Franconia Mission Board files in box 42.

 17 44

Hockman, Norman and Grace Gross (5 letters) 1956-1974 

 17 45

Horst, Amos and Nora Stoner (9 letters) 1943-1963 

 17 47

Horst, John L. (12 letters) 1943-1952 

 17 48

Horst, Moses and Annie Weaver (7 letters) 1946-1954 

 17 49

Horst, Ray and Ruth (16 letters) 1955-1976 

Related Archival Materials note

See also Franconia peace committee files in box 39 and 1-W Coordinating Board files in box 53.

 17 50

Hostetler, Amos O. (5 letters) 1943-1954 

 18 1

Hostetler, John and Beulah Stauffer (18 letters) 1948-1987 

 18 2

Hostetter, B. Charles and Grace Brackbill (52 letters) 1947-1970 

 18 3

Howe, Clarence J. (5 letters) 1965 

 18 4

Hunsberger, Norman A. (12 letters) 1943-1963 

 18 5

Jacobs, Donald R. (5 letters) 1973-1976 

 18 6

Kauffman, Daniel (8 letters) 1942-1944 

 18 7

Kauffman, J. Howard (11 letters) 1945-1972 

 18 8

Kauffman, John E. (9 letters) 1946-1985 

 18 9

Kauffman, Minerva Detweiler (7 letters) 1942-1944 

 18 10

Kauffman, Nelson and Christmas Carol Miller / Lois Garber (19 letters) 1943-1980 

Related Archival Materials note

See audio tapes 60-11.

 18 11

Keener, Clayton L. (8 letters) 1959-1967 

 18 12

King, Aaron and Betty Detweiler (9 letters) 1950-1987 

Related Archival Materials note

See also Franconia Mission Board correspondence files in box 42.

 18 13

King, Michael A. (6 letters) 1986-1987 

 18 14

Kling, C. Richard and Gail Frey (15 letters) 1948-1957 

 18 15

Koch, Roy S. (9 letters) 1950-1970 

 18 16

Kolb, Arthur and Bertha Reeser (26 letters) 1956-1966 

 18 17

Kolb, Elmer and Emily Moyer (44 letters) 1947-1977 

Related Archival Materials note

See also Franconia Conference files in boxes 35 through 42 and audio tapes 60-11.

 18 18

Kooker, Harold M. (6 letters) 1966 

 18 19

Kratz, David and Annabel Zeurker (8 letters) 1960-1963 

 18 20

Kratz, Harold M. (5 letters) 1953 

 18 21

Kratz, Mary Leatherman (5 letters) 1948-1970 

 18 22

Kratz, Robert and Betty Anders (12 letters) 1955-1957 

Related Archival Materials note

See also Franconia peace committee files in box 39.

 18 23

Kratz, Wayne and Dolores Moyer (8 letters) 1962-1973 

 18 24

Kraybill, Paul and Jean Metz—deputation diaries 1965-1971 

 18 26

Kreider, J. Robert (10 letters) 1958-1965 

 18 27

Kreiss, Henry C. (5 letters) 1961-1968 

 18 28

Kulp, Elias W. (6 letters) 1943-1962 

 18 29

Landis, Abram and Bessie Derstine (18 letters) 1952-1975 

 18 31

Landis, Arlen and Marilyn Rice (7 letters) 1966-1968 

 18 32

Landis, Ira and Mabel Book (41 letters) 1936-1980 

 18 33

Landis, Paul G.—Lancaster bishop (25 letters) 1960-1971 

Related Archival Materials note

See also FMC and MGC peace committee files in boxes 39 and 46 through 52.

 18 34

Landis, Paul and Suzanne Christophel (8 letters) 1959-1963 

 18 35

Lapp, George and Fannie Hershey (15 letters) 1937-1955 

 19 1

Lapp, N. LeRoy (9 letters) 1951-1957 

 19 2

Leatherman, John and Sarah Hedrick (13 letters) 1933-1968 

 19 3

Lederach, Paul and Mary Slagell (29 letters) 1947-1980 

 19 4

Lehman, Chester and Myra Kendig (21 letters) 1940-1984 

 19 5

Lehman, Ernest W. (10 letters) 1948-1951 

 19 6

Lerch, Luther (6 letters) 1943-1944 

 19 7

Littell, Franklin H. (7 letters) 1963-1972 

 19 8

Litwiller, Nelson and Ada Ramseyer (10 letters) 1942-1974 

 19 9

Longacre, Horace W. (6 letters) 1968-1980 

 19 10

Longacre, James C. (16 letters) 1965-1987 

 19 11

Longenecker, Phares and Emma Miller (7 letters) 1962-1965 

 19 12

Loux, Norman L. (9 letters) 1953-1985 

 19 13

Mack, Andrew (7 letters) 1959-1967 

 19 14

Mack, Noah and Muriel Taylor (7 letters) 1937-1952 

 19 15

Martin, J. Horace (5 letters) 1954-1962 

 19 16

Martin, V. Paul (8 letters) 1960-1962 

 19 18

Martin, Tobias Z. (16 letters) 1944-1957 

 19 19

Massanari, Ron and Rhoda Nyce (5 letters) 1963 

 19 20

McGrath, William and Lucinda (16 letters) 1955-1963 

 19 22

Messner, Robert J. (12 letters) 1964-1973 

 19 23

Metzler, Abram J. (79 letters) 1943-1969 

Related Archival Materials note

See also folder 20-24 (Frank Reimer correspondence) and MGC peace committee files in box 46.

 19 24

Meyer, Albert and Mary Ellen (11 letters) 1960-1984 

 19 25

Millen, James and Catherine Bishop (14 letters) 1943-1971 

 19 26

Miller, Ernest E. (25 letters) 1941-1949 

 19 27

Miller, George and Grace Kulp (21 letters) 1943-1960 

 19 28

Miller, Ivan J. (5 letters) 1956-1960 

 19 29

Miller, Marlin E. (5 letters) 1975-1983 

 19 31

Miller, Orie O. (19 letters) 1942-1977 

Related Archival Materials note

See also MGC peace committee files in box 46.

 19 32

Mininger, Paul (19 letters) 1942-1983 

Related Archival Materials note

See also Mennonite Board of Missions files in box 56.

 19 34

Mishler, Dorsa J. (8 letters) 1945-1955 

Related Archival Materials note

See also Mennonite Board of Missions files in box 56.

 19 35

Moyer, Charles and Carolyn Rupp (7 letters) 1957-1969 

 20 2

Moyer, David Edwin (5 letters) 1945-1972 

 20 3

Moyer, Jacob M. (20 letters) 1943-1967 

Related Archival Materials note

See also Franconia Conference files in boxes 35 and 36.

 20 4

Moyer, James (5 letters) 1965-1966 

 20 5

Moyer, Joseph and Clara Watters (11 letters) 1962-1964 

 20 6

Moyer, Mark E. (15 letters) 1943-1973 

Related Archival Materials note

See also Franconia peace committee files in box 39.

 20 7

Moyer, W. Paul (7 letters) 1943-1966 

 20 8

Mumaw, John R. (43 letters) 1942-1978 

 20 9

Musselman, Howard Y. (7 letters) 1962-1970 

 20 10

Musselman, Linda (7 letters) 1965-1966 

 20 11

Musselman, Russell and Esther Clemmer (7 letters) 1955-1980 

 20 12

Nelson, Boyd (7 letters) 1953-1971 

Related Archival Materials note

See also Franconia peace committee files in box 39.

 20 13

Neufeld, Vernon (8 letters) 1968-1971 

 20 15

Nofziger, Dale and Mildred Mehl (26 letters) 1944-1954 

 20 17

Nyce, Cleon C. (23 letters) 1954-1955 

 20 18

Peachey, J. Lorne (8 letters) 1965-1978 

 20 20

Peachey, Paul (8 letters) 1961-1969 

Related Archival Materials note

See also MGC peace committee files in boxes 46 through 52.

 20 21

Peachey, Raymond R. (6 letters) 1950-1962 

 20 22

Reimer, Frank D. (and Henry Dyck, Andrew Plett and Frank P. Wiebe) (11 letters) 1963-1964 

 20 24

Rhines, Hartley and Edna Weber (8 letters) 1937-1953 

 20 26

Rhoades, J. Franklin (7 letters) 1943-1954 

 20 27

Risser, John and Susan Eshleman (46 letters) 1938-1951 

 20 28

Rittenhouse, Abram and Ruth Beyer (16 letters) 1964-1969 

 20 29

Rittenhouse, Curtis and Emma Ruth (6 letters) 1955-1966 

 20 30

Rittenhouse, Jacob Z. (7 letters) 1938-1987 

 20 31

Rittenhouse, James D. (6 letters) 1960-1961 

 20 32

Rohrer, Ivan J. (9 letters) 1946-1970 

 20 33

Rosenberger, Raymond and Sallie Landis (6 letters) 1961-1980 

Related Archival Materials note

See also folder 57-32 (Europe and Middle East travel, 1967).

 20 37

Roth, Paul M. (6 letters) 1960-1961 

 20 38

Rudy, John H. (6 letters) 1964-1986 

 20 39

Ruth, John L. (9 letters) 1946-1977 

 20 40

Ruth, Marvin and Emma Clemmer (5 letters) 1939-1964 

 20 41

Ruth, Paul (7 letters) 1943 

 20 42

Ruth, Winfield and Sallie Alderfer (6 letters) 1948-1967 

 20 43

Sauder, Menno (9 letters) 1943-1959 

 21 1

Schlabach, Ernest and Marilyn Myers (7 letters) 1961-1966 

 21 3

Schrag, Levi and Esther Gingerich (and Chris Bontrager and Irvin D. Weaver) (8 letters) 1973-1974 

 21 4

Schwartzentruber, Hubert and Mary Rittenhouse (15 letters) 1968-1986 

Related Archival Materials note

See also MGC peace committee files in box 50.

 21 5

Seitz, Kenneth L., Sr. (6 letters) 1960-1964 

Related Archival Materials note

See also Franconia Mission Board correspondence in box 42.

 21 6

Sell, Blanche (13 letters) 1949-1984 

 21 7

Shank, Lester C. (25 letters) 1954-1966 

 21 8

Shank, J. Ward (12 letters) 1949-1976 

 21 9

Sherk, J. Harold (6 letters) 1950-1959 

Related Archival Materials note

See also FMC and MGC peace committee files in boxes 39 and 46, and NSBRO files in box 53.

 21 12

Shetler, Sanford G. (51 letters) 1942-1987 

 21 13

Shisler, Claude and Naomi Derstine (5 letters) 1961-1987 

 21 15

Smoker, George and Dorothy (9 letters) 1941-1959 

 21 16

Snyder, William and Lucille Steiner (41 letters) 1950-1988 

 21 17

Souder, Elvin R. (6 letters) 1944-1968 

Related Archival Materials note

See also box 36 (Franconia congregation lawsuit, 1956-58).

 21 18

Souder, Eugene K. (5 letters) 1953-1965 

 21 19

Stauffer, John L. (25 letters) 1939-1956 

Related Archival Materials note

See also folder 35-10 (FMC relation to Mennonite colleges).

 21 20

Steiner, Elno (6 letters) 1954-1955 

 21 21

Stoltzfus, Edward G. (16 letters) 1960-1970 

Related Archival Materials note

See also Preparatory Commission for Church-State Relations files in box 51.

 21 22

Stoltzfus, Grant M. (8 letters) 1944-1968 

 21 23

Studer, Gerald and Marilyn Kreider (16 letters) 1959-1987 

Related Archival Materials note

See Plains Mennonite Church files in box 32.

 21 24

Stutzman, Harry (7 letters) 1947-1949 

 21 25

Swarr, Paul and Bertha (5 letters) 1955-1960 

 21 26

Swartz, Jonas and Dorothy Plank (9 letters) 1944-1954 

 21 27

Swartzentruber, Ernest and Fannie Yoder (8 letters) 1943-1986 

 21 28

Trichon, Saul R. (10 letters) 1947-1957 

 21 29

Voth, Arthur A. (17 letters) 1949 

 21 30

Weaver, Edwin and Irene Lehman (6 letters) 1953-1971 

 21 32

Weaver, Norman P. (and Ivan K. Weaver) (7 letters) 1954-1955 

 21 33

Wenger, John (J.C.) and Ruth Detweiler (71 letters) 1937-1986 

 22 1

Wenger, Mary E. (5 letters) 1952-1953 

 22 2

Wenger, Samuel S. (16 letters) 1961-1970 

 22 3

Wenger, Warren M. (5 letters) 1948-1963 

 22 4

Whitermore, David M. (7 letters) 1964-1973 

 22 5

Wiebe, Peter B. (6 letters) 1954-1972 

Related Archival Materials note

See also MGC peace committee files in boxes 46 through 52.

 22 6

Wiens, Delbert (and Melvin H. Lauver and Harry Y. Shetler) (10 letters) 1954 

 22 7

Yake, Clayton F. (30 letters) 1942-1949 

 22 8

Yoder, David A. (8 letters) 1943-1947 

 22 9

Yoder, Henry Paul and Mildred Clemens (and Anita Yoder) (19 letters) 1952-1988 

Related Archival Materials note

See also Franconia Mission Board correspondence in box 42.

 22 10

Yoder, John Howard (5 letters) 1961-1974 

Related Archival Materials note

See also MGC peace committee files in boxes 49 through 52.

 22 11

Yordy, Richard and Ruth Miller (6 letters) 1962-1972 

 22 13

Yutzy, Norman E. (7 letters) 1959-1968 

Related Archival Materials note

See also folder 38-16 (Souderton pastoral transitions).

 22 14

Zehr, Howard J. (33 letters) 1960-1973 

Related Archival Materials note

See also Mennonite General Conference files in boxes 44 through 52.

 22 15

Zook, Ellrose D. (7 letters) 1961-1966 

Related Archival Materials note

See also MGC Publishing Committee files in box 56.

 22 16
Box

Combined church-related correspondence: Adams-Hess 

 23

Combined church-related correspondence: Hiestand-Price 

 24
Box Folder

Combined church-related correspondence: Raber-Zook 

 25 1-8

Political letters (95 letters) 1948-1986 

 25 9-10

Unidentified correspondence 

 25 11
Box

Post-World War II relief correspondence from Europe (202 letters) 1946-1956 

 26

Subseries B2. Personal correspondence 
Box Folder

Clemmer, Abram and Frederica Jones (10 letters) 1974-1980 

Related Archival Materials note

See also folders 8-3 and 8-4 (Clemmer genealogy).

 27 1

Hertzler, Joseph and Mary Beyeler (39 letters) 1971-1987 

 27 7

Hostetler, Wilbur E. (5 letters) 1985-1987 

 27 8

King, Clarence E. (5 letters) 1951-1963 

 27 10

King, Isaac and Rebecca Mast (7 letters) 1979-1984 

 27 11

Lapp, Mahlon and Esther Good (5 letters) 1977-1984 

 27 12

Combined personal correspondence 

 27 17-20

Lapp family Christmas letters (18 letters) 1948-1986 

 27 21

Personal business letters (136 letters) 1943-1988 

 27 22-23
Box

Greeting cards received 1977-1988 

 28

Postcards (190 postcards) circa 1930-1980 

 29

Subseries B3. Family correspondence (RESTRICTED) 

 Box
30-31

Return to Table of Contents »

Series C. Plains Mennonite Church 

Subseries C1. Plains general material 
Box Folder

Historical material 

 32 1

Directories 1965-1966, 1968, 1970-1972, 1974-1975, 1983-1985 

 32 2

Programs 1956-1988 

Related Archival Materials note

See also box 10.

 32 3

Ballots circa 1951-1968 

 32 4

Financial records 1935-1982 

 32 5

Oversize 

Scope and Contents note

Includes church birthday calendars, 1968-1975 (see folder 32-14 for 1964 calendar).

 62 2

Subseries C2. Plains ministerial notes and church life documents 
Box Folder

Ministerial notes and church life documents 1936-1988 

 32 6-7

Congregational meetings 1980-1988 

 32 8

Completed questionnaires on the revised Franconia Conference Discipline 1956 

 32 9

Dedication of renovated meetinghouse 1960 

 32 10

Religious census of Hatfield 1960 

 32 11

Gospel Herald Every-Home-Plan 1961-1974 

 32 12

Students beyond high school 1962-1965 

 32 13

Birthday calendar 1964 

 32 14

200th anniversary celebration, 1965 

 32 15

Young people’s testimonies 1971 

 32 16

Russian Baptist visit 1972 July 23 

 32 17

Mission study 1973 

 32 18

Senior Fellowship—Lancaster bus trip 1974 

 32 19

Poverty/affluence study 1975 

 32 20

Subseries C3. Plains membership records 
Box Folder

John Lapp ministerial record book of 1) members at Plains, 1933-1943, 2) “accessions to the church” (baptisms, etc.), 1933-1964, and 3) deaths of members, 1933-1940 

 32 21

Membership records circa 1940-1970 

 32 22

Letters of membership transfer 1937-1978 

 32 23

Letter of transfer books 1941-1972 

 32 24-25

Follow-up with absent members 1969, 1974 

 32 26-27

Subseries C4. Plains ministerial transitions 
Box Folder

Wayne Kratz resignation 1959 

 32 28

Ministerial transitions 1964-1973 

 32 29

“Minutes and Proceedings of the Ministerial Planning Committee” 1965-1966 

 32 30

“Minister Planning Committee…John E. Lapp, Secretary” 1969-1972 

 32 31

Subseries C5. Plains ministry team and elders 
Box Folder

“Interim Committee / Pastoral Team” 1969-1972 

 32 32

Ministry team 1978-1981 

 32 33

Elders 1982-1987 

 32 34-36

Subseries C6. Plains church council 
Box Folder

Church Council 1959-1975 

 33 1

Church Council-minutes 1966-1988 

 33 2-6

Subseries C7. Lansdale Ministerium 
Box Folder

WNPV radio meditations 1960-1970 

 34 1-4

Lansdale Ministerium 1968-1975 

 34 5-6

Return to Table of Contents »

Series D. Franconia Mennonite Conference 

Subseries D1. Bishop Board / Executive Committee 

Biographical/Historical note

The board of bishops of Franconia Conference was increasingly known as the "Executive Committee" after adoption of a constitution in 1947. They continued to provide oversight until the conference restructured in 1971, at which time the role of bishop was replaced with that of an "overseer" appointed for a term.
Box Volume

Published record of actions of Franconia Conference 1907-1968 

 35 1
Box Folder

Moderator's addresses to Franconia Conference 1955-1971 

 35 1

Historical material (photocopies) 

 35 2

Bishop Board minutes (manuscript) 1938-1947 

 35 3

Bishop Board 1937-1945 

 35 4

Alfred Detweiler case 1941 

 35 5

J. Erwin Gnagey case 1942-1944 

Related Archival Materials note

See also correspondence folder 23-9.

 35 6

Communion in Civilian Public Service (C.P.S.) camps 1943 

Related Archival Materials note

See also Pastoral Visitation Committee files in box 47.

 35 7

Pastoral letters to Franconia Conference men in C.P.S. 1943-1945 

 35 8

Private school system petition 1944 

 35 52

Church High School Study 1944-1945 

 35 9

Relation to Mennonite colleges 1942-1971 

Related Archival Materials note

See also folder 57-8 (conference at Harrisburg, 1957).

 35 10

Higher Education Consultation 1968 September 26 

 35 11

Bishop Board / Executive Committee 1946-1950 

 35 12

“Special singing” petition 1946 

 35 13

Blooming Glen leadership 1947-1951 

Related Archival Materials note

See also notebook 1-6.

 35 14

Bishop Board / Executive Committee 1951-1955 

 35 15-16

Graterford Prison chaplaincy 1954-1964 

 35 17

Graterford Prison home Bible studies circa 1967? 

 35 18

Bishop Board / Executive Committee 1956-1957 

 35 19
Box

Franconia congregation lawsuit 1956-1958 

 36
Box Folder

Study conference at Souderton, PA, 1956 February 15 

 35 20

Elementary Christian Curriculum Project Advisory Committee 1956-1958 

 35 21

Henry Swartley and the Ohio and Eastern Mennonite Conference 1956-1958 

 35 22

Letter to President Eisenhower on disarmament 1957 

 35 23

Bishop Board / Executive Committee 1958-1960 

 35 24-25

Family Life Conference, Salford, 1960 March 14 

 35 26

Mutual Aid exploration 1960-1961 

 35 27

Conference on Sharing Our Concerns, Detroit Lakes, MN, 1960 December 

 35 28

Bishop Board / Executive Committee 1961-1962 

 35 29

Executive Committee expenses 1961-1969 

 35 30

Plain coat dialogue, 1962 (and related correspondence, 1956-1964) 

 35 31

Myron Augsburger crusade, Lansdale, PA, 1962 July  

 35 32

“Mennonite Youth of Franconia Conference” by J. Mark Frederick, Jr., 1962 

 35 33

Bishop Board / Executive Committee 1963-1965 

 35 34

Paul D. Yoder and baptism 1964-1966 

 35 35

Mennonite Defenders of the Faith 1964 

 35 36

Russian Baptist visit 1964 

Related Archival Materials note

See also folder 32-17 (Russian Baptist visit 1972).

 35 37

Omar Showalter financial aid 1964 

 35 38

Mennonite Secondary and Higher Education: A Report of the Study Conducted for the Study Commission…, by Paul Bender 1964 

 35 39

Educational census 1965 

 35 40

Bishop Board / Executive Committee 1966-1967 

 35 41

Centereach (Long Island, NY) leadership 1966-1967 

 35 42

Day of Prayer for Peace 1967 February 26 

 35 43

Hosting Mennonite General Conference Assembly 1967 August 

 35 44

Bishop Board / Executive Committee 1968-1971 

 35 45

Fredericksville leadership 1968-1969 

 35 46

Interviews with church councils 1968 

 35 47-48

Penn Valley Crusade for Christ, 1968 August 

 35 49

New York City Conjoint Council (for Mennonite missions) 1968 

 35 50

Winter Bible Study 1969 

 35 51

Franconia Conference Council 1972-1976 

 37 1-2

Paul-Timothy Program 1973-1976 

 37 3

Spiritual Renewal Task Force 1974-1976 

 37 4

Subseries D2. Bishop districts 
Box Folder

Middle district 1939-1985 

 37 5

Middle district—radio broadcast plans 1961 

 37 6

Middle district—overseer commissioning, Willis Miller, 1974 

 37 7

Eastern district 1946-1970 

 37 8

Western district 1951-1961 

 37 9

Vermont congregations 1947-1972 

Separated Materials note

Vermont material following 1972 is in Leadership Commission files in box 38.

 37 10-11

Germantown oversight 1975-1981 

 37 12

Subseries D3. Ministerial Committee / Leadership Commission 
Box Folder

Ministerial Meetings 1938-1971 

 38 1

Ministerial Counseling Conference, Plains, 1962 April 23 

 38 2

Paul M. Miller workshops 1969 

 38 3

Ministerial questionnaires circa 1940-1968 

 38 4

Minister installation rituals 1961-1966 

Related Archival Materials note

See also folder 10-7 (installation programs).

 38 5

Ministerial committee 1962-1970 

 38 6

Survey of ministers 1967 

 38 7-9

Ministerial Retirement Committee 1964-1970 

 38 10

Ministerial recruitment 1961-1970 

 38 11

Ambler pastoral transitions 1965-1972 

 38 12

Allentown pastoral transitions 1964-1971 

 38 13

Rockhill pastoral transition 1967-1968 

 38 14

Salford pastoral transitions 1961-1971 

 38 15

Souderton pastoral transitions 1963-1967 

 38 16

Towamencin pastoral transitions 1960-1971 

 38 17-19

Leadership Commission 1972-1976 

 38 20-21A

Ministers’ Retreats 1973-1975 

 38 22

Leadership Commission 1976-1979 

 38 23

Leadership and Authority Study 1980 

 38 24

Personnel Committee 1982-1987 

 38 25-27

Deacon Study Committee 1984 

 38 28

Subseries D4. Peace Committee 

Biographical/Historical note

The Franconia Conference peace committee evolved and changed names during Lapp’s time of service. In 1937, it began as the Peace Problems Committee, running concurrently with an Industrial Problems Committee. In October 1948, the two committees merged into a Peace and Industrial Problems Committee, which was renamed the Peace Service Committee in May 1963. Lapp served on the peace committee 1937-1962, and was chairman most of that time. In 1962 he became chairman of the national peace committee of the Mennonite Church, but continued to serve as a co-opted member of the local committee until about 1970.
Box Folder

Industrial Problems Committee 1937-1948 

 39 1

Peace and Industrial Relations Committee—industrial material 1949-1969 

 39 2-4

Economic Study Conference, Souderton, PA 1953 April 

 39 5

Virginia Mennonite Conference Industrial Relations Study, Linville, VA, 1956 December 

 39 6

Conference on Christian Community Relations, Lansdale, PA 1957 March 

 39 7

Right to Work laws 1964 

 39 8

Mennonite General Conference Committee on Economic and Social Relations (dockets), 1960 November, 1964 April 

 39 9-10

Peace Problems Committee 1939-1942 

 39 11
Box

Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) newsletters 1941-1953 

Scope and Contents note

MCC Headquarters Letter, 1941-1951;  MCC Peace Section Counsellor's Bulletin, 1952-1956, and  Special Bulletins, 1952-1953.

 41
Box Folder

Draft survey 1942 

 39 11A

Peace Problems Committee 1943-1948 

 39 11B

Canning food for Civilian Public Service 1943-1945 

Related Archival Materials note

See record in scrapbook 6-4.

 39 12

Support of C.P.S. dependents 1944-1946 

 39 13
Box

Survey of draft-age men in Franconia Conference (679 returned questionnaires, filed by congregation) 1944 

 40
Box Folder

Peace and Industrial Relations Committee 1948-1952 

 39 14

The Franconia Mennonites and War book project, by Willard Hunsberger, 1949-1951 

 39 15

MCC Peace Section Study Conference, Winona Lake, MN, 1950 November 

 39 16-17

Letters from Franconia Conference peace committee to youth serving abroad 1951-1956 

 39 18

Peace and Industrial Relations Committee 1953-1954 

 39 19-20

A Manual of Draft Information for Ministers and Other Counselors, MCC Peace Section 1954 

 39 21

Peace and Industrial Relations Committee 1955 

 39 22

1-W Orientation School, Akron, PA, 1955-1956 

 39 23

Peace and Industrial Relations Committee 1956-1963 

 39 24-28

Mennonite Youth Fellowship peace studies 1961-1962 

 39 29

A Manual of Draft Information for Ministers and Other Counselors, MCC Peace Section 1962 

 39 30

Peace Service Committee 1963-1965 

 39 31

Persons to whom peace literature is mailed 1963 

 39 32

Peace Service Committee 1966-1970 

 39 33

Christian Peacemaker Program 1978 

 39 34

Subseries D5. Other committees and organizations 
Box Folder

Young People’s Institute/Activities Committee 1946-1951 

 42 1

Stewardship material collected by Lapp in his role as conference moderator 1961-1969 

 42 2-6

Conference organization: Study Committee 1967-1970 

 42 7-9

Conference organization: Constitution Committee 1970 

 42 10

Historical: Committee for Response to the Bicentennial 1975-1976 

 42 11

Historical: Planning Committee for 1983 Celebration 1978-1983 

 42 12

Historical: 1983 Editorial Committee (for history book, Maintaining the Right Fellowship) 1979-1984 

 42 13

Missions: Franconia Mennonite Mission Board material collected by Lapp in his role as bishop 1943-1969 

 42 14

Missions: West Indies trip with Elias W. Kulp 1949 

 42 15-16

Missions: Minnesota and Red Lake, ON (correspondence) 1938-1969 

 42 17-18

Missions: Mexico (correspondence) 1951-1987 

 42 19-21

Missions: Cuba and Cuban refugee assistance (correspondence) 1953-1958 

 42 22-23

Christopher Dock Mennonite High School: Constitution Committee 1952-1954 

 42 24

Christopher Dock Mennonite High School: Constitution revision 1967 

 42 25

Christopher Dock Mennonite High School: Bible teacher 1957-1963 

 42 26-27

Subseries D6. Mennonite conferences (various) 
Box Folder

Constitutions and disciplines 

 43 1

Lancaster Mennonite Conference 1959-1974 

 43 2-6

Lancaster Conference: Annual reports 1964-1970 

 43 7-14

Lancaster Conference: Millwood-Maple Grove conflict 1944-1945 

Scope and Contents note

Lapp served on a mediating committee during this conflict; file includes research compiled by Lawrence H. Umble in 1965 and Nate Stoltzfus in 1978.

 43 15-17

Allegheny Mennonite Conference 

 43 18

Eastern District Conference (General Conference Mennonite Church) 

 43 19

Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference 

 43 20

North Central Mennonite Conference 

 43 21

Ontario Mennonite Conference 

 43 22

South Central Mennonite Conference 

 43 23

Virginia Mennonite Conference 

 43 24

Washington-Franklin Mennonite Conference 

 43 25

Subseries D7. Mennonite Church Region V Planning Council 
Box Folder

Region V Planning Council 1971-1976 

 43 26-28

New York City…through the Decade of the Seventies, by Leland Gartrell, Council of Churches of the City of New York 1971 

 43 29

Steering Committee minutes 1971-1976 

 43 30

Home Missions Coordinating Council 1973-1976 

 43 31

Region V Assembly, Lansdale, PA, 1974 August 

 43 32-33

Mennonite Church district-conference consultations 1972-1974 

 43 34-35

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Series E. Mennonite General Conference 

Subseries E1. MGC Assembly, General Council and committees 
Box Folder

MGC Assemblies 1949-1953, 1957, 1961, 1967-1975, 1979 

 44 1-11

MGC General Council 1962-1971 

 44 12-17

Ministerial (Study) Committee 1947-1951 

 44 18

Lay Worker Status Committee 1952-1953 

 44 19

Study Committee on Mennonite Central Committee Relations 1957-1958 

 44 20

Confession of Faith Committee 1958-1963 

 44 21-23

Church Welfare Committee 1961-1969 

 45 1-3

Study Commission on Church Organization 1966-1972 

 45 4-15

Council on Faith, Life and Strategy 1971-1977 

 45 16-19

Subseries E2. MGC Peace Problems Committee / Committee on Peace and Social Concerns 

Biographical/Historical note

John Lapp served on this committee 1941-1971 and as chairman 1962-1971.
Box

Peace Problems Committee 1941-1961 

 46
Box Folder

Pastoral Visitation Committee (Civilian Public Service) 1942-1946 

Biographical/Historical note

John Lapp served on this committee that provided pastoral visits to Mennonite men in Civilian Public Service camps. Lapp’s 1943 diary (in box 1) contains notes from interviews with C.P.S. men during these visits. The committee also sent pastoral letters to C.P.S. men and their pastors. See also folders 35-7 (communion in C.P.S. camps), 35-8 (pastoral letters), and photos in file 9-9.

 47 1

Record of “Old Mennonite” men in C.P.S. camps 16558 

 47 2

Mennonite C.P.S. lists and releases 1946-1947 

 47 3

Release letters to C.P.S. men and pastors 1945-1947 

 47 4-10
Box

C.P.S. camp newsletters 1942-1947 

Scope and Contents note

The Olive Branch (Grottoes, VA) 1942-1945;  The Turnpike Echo (Sideling Hill/Wells Tannery, PA) 1942-1944;  Harmony (Patuxent Refuge/Bowie, MD) 1942-1943;  The Blue Ridge Bugle (Galax, VA) 1943;  Howard Nursery Views (Howard, PA) 1942-1943;  Sequoia Hi-Lites (Three Rivers, CA) 1943-1944;  Whispering Pines (Marietta, OH) Jan. 12, 1943;  The Trailmaker (Belton, MT) Nov. 13, 1942;  Mennonite Farmunity (Malcolm, NE) first quarter 1945;  Commemorative books:  Skillman Service, MCC Summer Service Unit, Skillman, NJ, 1947;  Licht in Zicht, Reconstruction Unit, Holland, 1947;  The Seagull: History of C.P.S. Camp #85, Howard, RI.

 48

Peace Problems Committee 1962-1966 

 49

Committee on Peace and Social Concerns 1967-1971 

 50
Box Folder

S. F. Coffman Peace Lectures 1962-1964, 1967-1972 

 51 1-2

Preparatory Commission for Church-State Study 1967-1969 

 51 3-4

Consultation on Church-State Relations, Archbold, OH 1970 April 

 51 5

Amnesty Task Force 1975 

 51 6
Box

CPSC Executive Secretary correspondence and expenses, Walton Hackman (carbon copies) 1967-1971 

 52

Subseries E3. 1-W material / National Service Board for Religious Objectors 
Box Folder

1-W Evaluation and Planning Conference, Elkhart, IN 1957 April 

 53 A

MGC 1-W Study Committee 1959 

 53 1-4

Mennonite Central Committee 1-W Review Committee 1959 

 53 5-6

Mennonite Board of Missions 1-W Council 1960 

 53 7

Mennonite 1-W Coordinating Board 1960-1968 

 53 8-19

National Service Board for Religious Objectors (NSBRO) Council on Civilian Service (Paul French correspondence) 1942-1944 

 53 20

NSBRO Consultative Council 1962-1972 

 53 21-24
Box

NSBRO Reporter / Reporter for Conscience’ Sake 1942-1975 

 54

Subseries E4. Mennonite Central Committee 

Biographical/Historical note

John Lapp served as a member of the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) 1962-1967 and the MCC Peace Section 1966-1972 (his service is to be distinguished from that of his son John A. Lapp, who was executive secretary of MCC during part of the same period).
Box Folder

Mennonite Central Committee (general) 1962-1967 

 55 1

MCC Peace Section 1966-1968 

 55 2

Minneapolis Consultation on “Faithfulness to Christ in Situations of International Conflict”, Minnesota Protestant Center, Minneapolis 1966 December 

 55 3

John E. Lapp testimony before House Armed Services Committee, Washington, DC 1967 May 

 55 4

Peace Witness Seminar, Harrisonburg, VA 1967 

 55 5

Peace Section Structure Study Committee 1967-1968 

 55 6

MCC Peace Section 1969-1972 

 55 7

Washington Seminar, Washington, DC 1969 October 

 55 8

Subseries E5. Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities 

Biographical/Historical note

John Lapp served as a member of the Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities (MBMC) Missions Committee 1947-1953 and Personnel Committee 1957-1965, reviewing and approving candidates for mission work.
Box Folder

MBMC Missions Committee 1947-1953 

 56 1-3

MBMC Manual, edited by J. D. Graber 1955 

 56 4

MBMC Personnel Committee 1957-1965 

 56 5-13

Amish mission work (correspondence) 1961-1964 

Biographical/Historical note

John Lapp served as liaison between MBMC and some Old Order Amish who were interested in mission work. See also folder 53-16 (Amish 1-W service).

 56 14

Subseries E6. Mennonite Board of Publication 

Biographical/Historical note

John Lapp served as a member of the Mennonite Board of Publication Publishing Committee 1944-1971, reviewing and approving potential publications.
Box Folder

Publishing Committee 1944-1971 

 56 15-23

Mennonite Publishing House Book Review Service 1946-1967 

Biographical/Historical note

Lapp wrote book reviews for Mennonite Publishing House and the Gospel Herald. See also folder 11-9.

 56 24

Subseries E7. Goshen College and Biblical Seminary 

Biographical/Historical note

John Lapp served as counselor for prospective students to Goshen College from Plains Mennonite Church beginning in 1964, and on the Board of Overseers of Goshen Biblical Seminary 1969-1977.
Box Folder

Goshen College Counselor Program 1964-1974 

 56 25

Goshen Biblical Seminary Board of Overseers 1969-1977 

 56 26-27

Return to Table of Contents »

Series F. Conferences and events 
Box Folder

Arbutus Park Young People’s Institute, Mount Pleasant, PA 1943 August 

Related Archival Materials note

See photo in folder 9-22.

 57 1
Box

Mennonite World Conference, Basel, Switzerland 1952 

 58
Box Folder

Conference on the Christian Nurture and Evangelism of Children, Laurelville Mennonite Church Center, Mount Pleasant, PA 1954 September 

 57 2

Michigan Mennonite Bible School, “Doctrinal Influences that Threaten the Church” 1955 

 57 3

Study Conference on Church Organization and Administration, Chicago 1955 March 

 57 4

Annual Clergy Day, Fort Dix, NJ 1956 April 18 

 57 5

Study Conference on the Theology of Christian Experience, Laurelville 1956 September 

 57 6

Study Conference on Christian Ethics in Economic Life, Kidron, OH 1956 October 

 57 7

Informal conference of church leaders, Harrisburg, PA (re. relations with Mennonite colleges) 1957 January 10 

Related Archival Materials note

See also FMC Bishop Board file on this topic in folder 35-10.

 57 8

Mennonite Commission for Christian Education meeting, Lansdale, PA 1957 October 

 57 9

Study Conference on Christian Responsibility to the State, Chicago 1957 November 

 57 10

Study Conference on Marriage and Divorce, Chicago 1957 December 

 57 11-12

Church Peace Mission Conference, Evanston, IL 1959 April 

 57 13

Consultation on Civil Defense, New Holland, PA 1961 January 28 

 57 14

Consultation on Problems of Litigation Facing Mennonites Today, Goshen, IN 1961 July 

 57 15

Church and Society Conference, Chicago 1961 November 

 57 16

Eastern Seaboard Strategy Conference, Salunga, PA 1961 December 

 57 17

Eastern Mennonite College Ministers’ Week 1962 January 

 57 18

Conference on Christian Community Relations: “Education on Alcohol and Tobacco”, Goshen, IN 1962 April 

 57 19

Mennonite World Conference, Kitchener, ON 1962 August 

 57 20-21

Eastern Seaboard Strategy Conference, Salunga 1963 April 

 57 22

Association of Mennonite Aid Societies Tenth Annual Conference on Mutual Aid Activities, Goshen 1964 March 

 57 23

Conference on Christian Community Relations: “The Servant Church in a Technological Age”, Lancaster, PA 1964 April 

 57 24

All Mennonite Conference on Christian Mutual Aid, Smithville, OH 1964 June 

 57 25-27

Consultation on Theological Communication, Laurelville 1964 October 

 57 28

Consultation on the Pastoral Office, Chicago 1966 December 

 57 29

Study Conference on Church-State Relationships, Harrisonburg, VA 1967 March 

 57 30

Mennonite World Conference, Amsterdam (and European travel of John and Edith Lapp) 1967 

 57 31-33

Evangelicals in Social Action Peace Witness Seminar, Harrisonburg 1967 December 

 57 34

Eastern Seaboard Conference on Urbanization and Mission, Mount Joy, PA 1968 January 

 57 35-36

Ministerial Consultation, Goshen 1968 May 

 57 37

Consultation on World Hunger and Population Pressures, Chicago 1968 May 

 57 38-39

Consultations on Brotherhood Concerns 1970 

 57 40

Radio and Television Workshop for Pastors, Lansdale 1971 March 

 57 40A

Cross-Cultural Theological Consultation 1973 April 

 57 41

Eastern Mennonite College Ministers’ Week 1975 January 

Related Archival Materials note

Audio recordings in box 61.

 57 42

Christian Life and Renewal Week, Goshen College 1977 January 

 57 43

Colloquium on Schwenckfeld and the Schwenkfelders, Pennsburg, PA 1984 September 

Related Archival Materials note

Audio recordings in box 61.

 57 44

“Conversations on Faith #2”, Laurelville 1985 March 

 57 45

“Retired Persons and the Church Community” 1985 April 13 

 57 46

Return to Table of Contents »

Series G. Library 

Scope and Contents note

Includes topics--local; general/Christian; peace; congressional and court records; books from John H. Mosemann Sr., 1935; church/Christian life; doctrine/theology; Mennonite Church; missions; mutual aid; peace and justice; Christian and government; war taxes.

 Box
59

Return to Table of Contents »

Series H. Audio material 

Scope and Contents note

Includes personal and family recordings; memorial services; anniversaries; local, Mennonite, and Schwenkfelder history. See separate inventory: http://www.mhep.org/files/inventories/HM001audioinventory.pdf

Box
60-61

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