Freie Zeuge was the temporary (1918-1921) name of the Zionspilger, the weekly periodical published by the Emmental Mennonite Church since 1882. Because of the financial difficulties experienced by the paper during World War I, and after the "Freie Gemeinde," to which many of the subscribers to the Zionspilger belonged, was considering establishing its own weekly journal, a joint publication by the two groups was undertaken. Beginning with the issue of 6 January 1918, and ceasing with the issue of 27 June 1921, the name of the paper became Der Freie Zeuge, vormals Zionspilger, Ein Wochen­blatt für christliche Gemeinschaften und Familien. No change in content was to be made. Editors were Johann Kipfer for the Mennonites, for the Freie Gemeinde W. Mili of Bern. Beginning with the number for 3 July 1921, the name was changed back to Zionspilger, although the paper continued for a time longer as a joint publication with the same two editors. Until 12 May 1940 there were always two editors, one for the Freie Gemeinde. With that num­ber only Johann Kipfer appeared as editor.

Adapted by permission of Herald Press, Harrisonburg, Virginia, and Waterloo, Ontario, from Mennonite Encyclopedia, Vol. 2, p. 391. All rights reserved. For information on ordering the encyclopedia visit the Herald Press website.

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