Peter Bartel, b. 3 March 1813 at Niedergruppe in West Prussia, preacher of the Mennonite congregation Montau-Gruppe near Culm (ordained 19 July 1840). Ordained as elder on 7 September 1856 (Mennonitische Blätter, 1856, 68 and 63), he managed the complete remodeling of the church at Montau in 1859, in spite of opposing elements in the congregation. He met even stronger resistance when he worked for the rebuilding of the church at Gruppe, but perserverance again carried him to his goal. On 7 October 1866 he assisted in the dedication of the new church, which (20,260 marks) was paid for in December 1872. Peter Bartel was also one of the five delegates who brought about a modification of the law demanding universal military duty in favor of the Prussian Mennonites through audiences with King Wilhelm I, Crown Prince Friedrich Wilhelm, and various ministers. The modification was stated in the cabinet order of the King, of 3 March 1868. Bartel's stern attitude on the military question caused a division in the Montau-Gruppe church. He demanded of the candidates for baptism a pledge that they would not accept military service except in accord with this order, and set up the regulation that any who chose armed military service would no longer be considered members of the church. All who would not sign this regulation would be excommunicated. Ninety-five did not sign, and formed a new congregation in 1871 with its seat at Montau. Peter Bartel died on 11 May 1879.

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