Lewis James Heatwole

“ Toward the latter part of the nineteenth century a very pronounced sentiment developed among the Mennonite people in favor of establishing church schools for the benefit of such young people as desired a higher education. In 1895 the Elkhart Institute Association was formed at Elkhart, Indiana, and a suitable building was erected known as Elkhart Institute. ”

“ The Mennonite Evangelizing and Benevolent Board was organized at Elkhart, Indiana, in the year 1882. The amount contributed during the first year was twenty-six dollars and thirty-six cents. But the work continued to grow, Evangelistic work became common, and later on mission stations were established in Chicago and other cities.
The great field opening to missionary effort in India moved many Mennonites to lend aid that should in some way be an answer to the call coming from that far-away land. At a mission meeting held at Elkhart, Indiana, Nov. ”

“ It is the purpose of the Mennonite Board of Education to oversee and direct the operation of the schools sponsored by the Church, along such lines as may be considered beneficial to the Church, especially her young people. ”

“ In the matter of providing Sunday school literature, this committee co-operates with the Mennonite Publishing Committee of the Publication Board.
Mennonite Hymns and Music Committee
The Mennonite Church has the reputation of being (perhaps) one of the finest singing denominations in America. Having always discarded choir singing and the use of musical instruments in public worship, the selections of hymns used are invariably of the kind for bringing out a full volume of voices from a congregation. ”

“ It is a matter of regret that this work has so long been neglected. Much valuable material has been permitted to be lost. In other countries, notably in Holland, the collection of important source material was begun many generations ago. ”

“ This fact is verified by the kind of books they brought with them and carefully read when reaching this country. The ability to produce others after their arrival here is another evidence of their educational refinement and culture. ”