This photo depicts the founding of the Conference of Mennonites in Canada in 1902 at Tiefengrund, Sask. The men in this photo include (back row, l to r): David Epp, Laird, Sask.; Johann Dueck, Eigenheim, Sask; Heinrich Warkentin, Laird, Sask.; David Toews, Eigenheim, Sask.; Gerhard Epp, Eigenheim, Sask.; (front row, l to r): Benjamin Ewert, Edenburg, Man.; Peter Regier, Tiefengrund, Sask.; Johann M. Friesen, Altona, Man.; and J. E Sprunger, Berne, Indiana.
Sprunger’s role was a mystery for many years, but now we know he worked on behalf of the General Conference Home Mission Board as an evangelist in Canada. His task was to visit “the far flung scattered new settlements of the brethren in the faith, bringing them spiritual encouragement.” He was part of the organizing meeting in Tiefengrund that joined the Bergthaler (Man.) and Rosenorter (Sask.) church communities.
For more historical photos in the Mennonite Archival Image Database, see archives.mhsc.ca.
More moments from yesterday:
A blended family
Peter J. Dyck
Walnut Receiving Home
Menno House
Mennonite Men of Canada
(Photo: Peter Regier fonds / Mennonite Heritage Archives)
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