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Summer 2013 | vol 22, no 4
cont. on page 2
The barn raising and beyond
The story of Menno-Hof: part II
by Harvey Chupp
Taken from part I (Spring 2013): We set out to provide a safe setting where three groups could be challenged to deepen their faith commitments. First, Menno-Hof was to be a place where all Anabaptist church families could discover and deepen their understanding of their own rich heritage. Second, to challenge other communities of faith to take more seriously the words of Christ as the heart of the Gospel in the areas of peace and justice. Third, to encourage the non-believer to consider joining us in discovering what it means to follow Christ. It was decided to hire David Bontrager (known as Big Dave) to
design and lead the construction of the Menno-Hof structure.
Dave had the reputation of being an Amish genius when it came
to large beam construction held together with 7-10 inch wooden
pegs instead of nails. Twelve 26-foot beams were needed but only four were found in the area. The other eight beams were
transported in from Louisiana. The 10-inch wooden pegs that
held the structure together were handmade by driving pieces of
wood through a pipe.
The main construction took place in October 1986 on a Friday
evening and Saturday. Three different crews were in charge of
organizing the large turnout of volunteers on Saturday. One crew
each was in charge of the house, barn, and the link between.
People came from Ft. Wayne, Kokomo, South Bend and lower
Michigan. Architectural students from Notre Dame came to
witness this phenomenon. A father from South Bend brought his
14-year-old son to experience an old fashioned barn raising. The
main construction was finished in six days with the interior work
completed during the next two years. Volunteers work together to raise one of the walls during the 1986 Menno-Hof barn raising. Barn raising has become the Anabaptists’ best-known example of community. Church members donate a day’s time to help rebuild a barn lost by fire or some other
tragedy.
He is faithful!
Excerpt from the litany shared
at the Menno-Hof Service of
Dedication | April 1988
The Lord has worked
among us
with the unfolding of the
Menno-Hof vision.
Prayers, support and counsel
from you,
our brothers,
sisters and friends,
are solicited
as the program continues.
And may your lives,
and ours,
bear witness
to the same message
which you call us to share
at Menno-Hof.
The Lord is present with us,
His people.
The Lord celebrates life with us,
His people.
That which we dedicate today
is already yours, O God.
Receive Menno-Hof as our gift
to you
and to all
who enter its doors,
and we also receive it
as your gift to us.
For you are our God!
And we are
the people of your pasture,
a flock under your care.
Praise be to God!
Amen
and
Amen.
2
The barn raising and beyond (cont. from front)
During the April 1988 dedication ceremony
in a large tent in the front lawn, two historical
worlds were brought together. Marion
Bontrager, new testament professor at Hesston
(Ks.) College was invited to be the keynote
speaker. Marion grew up in the area as an
Amish boy. Also invited to speak was Andre
Leveille,
C.S.C.
director of
the university
ministries,
Notre Dame.
Andre was a friend and
strong
supporter of
Menno-Hof.
He gave an
emotional
apology as he
reflected on
the
persecution
of Anabaptists in the 16th century by Catholics.
Both Marion and Andre, with their diverse
backgrounds, shared the same stage giving overwhelming testimony to the power and grace
of God.
We did encounter some resistance and
questioning along the way. One critic
questioned the wisdom of spending this much
money on a visitor’s center when it could have
been spent on “missions.” I made the comment
that “I hope the day will come when people
recognize Menno-Hof as the most cost-effective
outreach ever undertaken by the church.”
The blessing we received from the Amish
ministers was soon lost when The Goshen News
printed an article describing the “million dollar
visitor’s center to be built in Shipshewana.”
Some people were dismayed at the size of the bathrooms when the drawings were displayed
at the local shopping center. The project was
far greater than anticipated and there was
some fear the Amish would be exploited. We
chose not to respond to the criticism from both
Mennonites and Amish but allowed the
program speak for us.
We are pleased to say that the finished
product helped to change reservations and
support was received. One Amish lay person
later apologized for the lack of support for the
barn raising. His comment following his tour
was “not only did you not exploit us, you put us
in a good light. Now we have a lot to live up to.”
At the risk of missing some who were key to the
beginnings of Menno-Hof, following are
individuals who need to be given credit: Robert
Hartzler, directed fundraising; Sam Yoder, barn
raising coordinator; Alvin Miller, construction
coordinator; Paul Miller, solicited donated
materials; LeRoy Troyer, architect; Jan Glysteen,
historical consultant/illustrator; Mike Hostetler,
A/V programmer and photographer; Joel
Kauffmann, creative writer/developer; Ron
Stearly, graphic design; Dan & Viola Beachy, first
volunteer staff persons; Tim Lichti, first executive director.
When I reflect on the legacy of Menno-Hof, it
reminds me of a very intimate time with the late
Robert Lambright. Robert was dying of cancer
and I wanted to spend a few moments with him to
personally thank him for making it possible for us
to realize our vision. Robert was lying on the
dining room floor trying to get comfortable. I sat
on the floor next to him and through tears we
were reflecting on our respective roles in the life
and future of Menno-Hof. I assured Robert that
the ministry of Menno-Hof would continue long
after we were both gone. Robert passed away a
few weeks later. Menno-Clinic, India, is one of the ongoing
ministries with Menno-Hof connections. It is an
affordable health clinic and dental/eye clinic in
Chiluvuru, India, serving 70-80 people daily from
a village of Muslims, Hindus, Christians and
untouchables, inspired by Subbarao “Doc” and
Olga Yarlagadda. The Yarlagadda’s were baptized
at Emma Mennonite Church, Topeka, Ind. Doc
says that taking Indian visitors through
Menno-Hof to help them understand our
community helped him see the Good News of the
Gospel come together in a beautiful way. He
wanted the name of the clinic to resemble the
name of Menno-Hof to respect the influence Menno-Hof had on his life. Another major project
that was influenced by Menno-Hof was Nazareth
Village, Israel.
It is humbling to see the impact Menno-Hof has
had, not only locally, but also on the nearly 900,000
visitors from over 150 countries. Former Indiana
Governor Frank O’Bannon remarked following a
visit “this was a real spiritual experience” and called
Menno-Hof one of the eight hidden jewels of
Indiana. It is thrilling to hear stories from our staff
and dedicated volunteers of their conversations with
visitors...stories of people uniting with an
Anabaptist fellowship in their home area following a
visit...hearing of our own youth rededicating their
lives to faithful discipleship.
“As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: it will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:10-11
We want to express our gratitude to Harvey for his willingness to write out the Menno-Hof “story” for our readers as a reminder of God’s faithfulness through the years. We are also deeply grateful that Harvey heeded the Spirit’s promptings over 25 years ago and helped plant the seeds that would someday become Menno-Hof. Harvey and his wife,
Carolyn, live in Shipshewana and attend Emma Mennonite Church.
Above: The youngest workers were assigned to make the oak pegs used to hold the beams together during construction. Workers made the pegs by splitting scrap lumber from beam ends and driving it through a one-inch pipe with a sledge hammer. Once the structure was complete, more than 90 percent of the pegs could have been removed without weakening the
structure.
3
Did you know?
Menno-Hof was named for Menno Simons, the Dutch Anabaptist leader who left the Roman Catholic Church and became overseer for his followers
named “Menists” They later became known as Mennonites.
“Hof” is the German word for farmstead and refers to the house and barn
with some land around it.
5th Annual Singspiration
Sun., Sept. 8, 5 p.m. | pre-service singing 4:45 p.m.
Come and enjoy a cappella singing on the Menno-Hof lawn in the traditions of the Amish Church, Amish Mennonite Church, Conservative Mennonite Church and Mennonite Church USA. There will be ice cream and pretzels and more singing inside following the worship service. Bring lawn chairs for seating. Rain location: Farmstead Inn pavilion, Shipshewana (just north of Menno-Hof).
Pla
n to
atte
nd
!
by the [Menno-Hof
barn raising] numbers
200 volunteers & an Amish crew raised
the entire structure in 6 days.
1,000 wooden pegs were used to pin the
oak beams together.
600 people attended the dedication
service in 1988.
36 feet is the length of the longest
beam.
Beginnings
& endings
hosts & hostesses:
Fred Tillery
Sept. and Oct.
Charles & Leone Byers
Walsingham, ON Canada | Sept.
Duane & Leona Oesch
Nampa, ID | Oct.
Lawrence & Marilyn Martin
Kitchener, ON Canada | Nov.
Thank you! May you be blessed as you have blessed us and the Menno-Hof
visitors!
Guest Speaker:
25th Anniversary Celebration Dinner
Space is limited:
Ways to participate:
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Shipshewana Event Center, 760 S Van Buren St. (SR 5)
Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m.
Donald B. Kraybill, Ph.D., Elizabethtown (Pa.) College
Internationally recognized for his scholarship on Anabaptist
groups, Dr. Kraybill has authored or co-authored nine books on
Amish life. Kraybill and Dr. Steven Nolt, Goshen (Ind.)
College, will be available for a book signing before and after the
dinner with their latest book The Amish, published in 2013.
Reservations required by Sept. 19 for this celebration dinner
and fundraising opportunity: 260.768.4117 or info@mennohof.org
Sponsor a table for 8 ($250) to ensure that the offering goes
completely to Menno-Hof.
or call for complimentary tickets. You will be given an
opportunity that evening to contribute to the ministry.
MENNO-HOF
Above: It took lots of pie and
noodles to feed the hungry volunteers
during the barn raising. Tables were set up in the sale barn
across the road and Mennonite
and Amish women kept
the plates
filled.
In celebration of the 25th
anniversary, the 2013
Menno-Hof Quilt Garden has
been planted in the Menno-Hof logo pattern and titled “Community Roots.” Stop
in and check out the vibrant blooms!
Menno-Hof staff:
Jerry Beasley, executive director Susan Miller, managing director Charlotte Long, program and communication associate Don Miller, facility and grounds associate
Board of Directors:
Larry Chupp, president, Shipshewana, Ind. Lovina Rutt, vice-president, Goshen, Ind. Andrew Eversole, Goshen, Ind. Rachel Nafziger Hartzler, Goshen, Ind. Dorothy Hostetler, Shipshewana, Ind. Donna Jones, Shipshewana, Ind. Orie E. Lehman, Shipshewana, Ind. Daniel B. Miller, Goshen, Ind. Wayne Schrock, Millersburg, Ind. Don Stauffer, Union, Mich. Alvin J. Yoder, Shipshewana, Ind. Fern Yoder, Millersburg, Ind.
Hours:
Monday—Saturday: 10 a.m.—5 p.m.
Summer hours (June, July, August) Monday—Friday: 10 a.m.—7 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m.—5 p.m.
DIRECTOR’S DESK
I n July I had the privilege of observing a great example of
what a group of individuals from an area faith community
can accomplish when working together for a credible cause. I was impressed when on July 2nd approximately 20
individuals from area Old Order Amish church districts met
in my office to discuss for the first time as an organized
group the logistics of the upcoming Menno-Hof haystack
dinner. The dinner was scheduled for July 13 —just ten
days later —at the Farmstead Inn pavilion and we were
planning for over 500 people.
Not once did someone say or imply it couldn’t be done even though
very few of the individuals present had experience planning haystack
dinners. Wow!
On July 13 activity began at 7:30 am and it was amazing to observe
helpers arriving and pitching right in —it appeared as though they all
knew their assignment well. As problems or obstacles were encountered,
solutions were quickly identified. By noon the aroma made it clear
that something good was in the works!
Young people began arriving in the afternoon and helped make short order out of setting up tables and chairs. At 4:30 p.m. people began
arriving and the food was ready. While folks were eating I overheard
many expressing appreciation for the tasty food and the opportunity for
fellowship.
By 7:30 p.m. more than 600 meals had been served and it was time for clean-up. This too was no small task and it was approximately 10
p.m. when the last ones left for home.
We at Menno-Hof are so thankful for our Amish sisters and brothers
and their hard work on this initiative which resulted in approximately
$3,200 being raised for Menno-Hof. Thank you and may God bless you!
Jerry Beasley
executive director
NON-PROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE
PAID
SHIPSHEWANA, IN
46565
PERMIT NO 17
Reunion is published quarterly to keep
our friends informed of happenings at
Menno-Hof. Send questions or
comments to director at
info@mennohof.org
Menno-Hof Amish-Mennonite
Visitors’ Center
PO Box 701
510 S Van Buren St, SR 5
Shipshewana, IN 46565
Tele: (260) 768-4117
Fax: (260) 768-4118
E-mail: info@mennohof.org
Web site: www.mennohof.org
Menno-Hof wish list:
~washer & dryer for apartments ~8’X12’ garden shed
~8 ft. lightweight tables
If you are interested in donating any of the listed items, contact Jerry or Susan at 260.768.4117. Monetary contributions can be sent to:
Menno-Hof, PO Box 701, Shipshewana, IN 46565
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