Bruderordnung der Krimmer Mennoniten Brüdergemeinde, a mutual aid organization of the Krimmer Mennonite Brethren, had its origin in 1881 in Gnadenau, near Hillsboro, Kansas, and continued to operate within the Krimmer Mennonite Brethren Church until 1 December 1927. The two men largely responsible for its origin were Abraham Harms and Cornelius Duerksen, both teachers who had come from Russia. On the first committee were Johann A. Flaming, Johann Regehr, and P. A. Wiebe, all of Gnadenau. Later each district had its committee to evaluate property and to appraise losses, which were paid by the main secretary-treasurer, who was elected by the whole conference. Originally the organization served a twofold purpose, namely, to assist in case of loss by fire, and to make assessments according to household evaluation for special financial obligations of the church. The latter was soon discontinued, however, and it became an organization solely for aid in case of loss in storm, fire, tornado, and other causes. Property enlistment reached $1,500,000 at its high point. Participation was limited to church members.

Bibliography

Adapted by permission of Herald Press, Harrisonburg, Virginia, and Waterloo, Ontario, from Mennonite Encyclopedia, Vol. 1, p. 448. All rights reserved. For information on ordering the encyclopedia visit the Herald Press website.

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