The Mennonite Land Settlement Association was formed by a group of Mennonites (General Conference Mennonite) interested in organizing an inter-Mennonite settlement of landless people, particularly young married couples living in Ontario and western Canada. The Association was organized in 1953 to assist in buying livestock, machinery, and if possible, suitable farm lands. Any member of any branch of Mennonites in Canada was eligible to join the association. While not an official agency of the church, the Mennonite Land Settlement Association was organized with the express purpose of strengthening the church, by establishing new Christian communities.

Because of high costs of land and farm machinery, it was found impossible to raise the necessary capital to launch an effective settlement program. The ease of getting city jobs at high wages by farm
young men further complicated the aid program. Because the Association has been unable to achieve its purposes, it became inactive.

Adapted by permission of Herald Press, Harrisonburg, Virginia, and Waterloo, Ontario, from Mennonite Encyclopedia, Vol. 3, p. 630. All rights reserved. For information on ordering the encyclopedia visit the Herald Press website.

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