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The Beginnings of Friedensstimme

by John B. Toews

Early in the twentieth century the Russian Mennonite periodical Friedensstimme began publication in Berlin, probably to avoid tsarist censorship. It was only moved to Halbstadt, Molotschna in January, 1906, in response to the provisions of the October Manifesto of 1905, which granted freedom of press and speech. Copies of the paper were subsequently filed with the Imperial Archives in St. Petersberg, apparently the only run of the periodical to survive. Friedensstimme did have North American subscribers but to date only a few individual copies have been found on this continent. It ceased publication with the Russian prohibition of the German language press at the outbreak of W.W.I. When the Provisional Government came to power early in March, 1917, Abraham Kroeker resumed publication deploying the title Nachtrichten des Volksfreund. The paper appeared fairly regularly throughout 1917 and during the first six months of 1918. In July, 1918, he again named the paper Friedensstimme. Copies of this later publication were found in Stuttgart in 1970 by Joseph Schnurr, then editor of Heimatbuch der Deutschen aud Russland and Volk auf dem Weg. The collection unfortunately ends in August, 1918. Kroeker kept on publishing the paper until the summer of 1920 when he fled Russia. Currently the original 1917-1918 copies of the Volksfreund – Friedensstimme are in the possession of the Center for Mennonite Brethren Studies, Fresno, California.

Unfortunately the earliest copies of Friedensstimme have not been found. To date our only scattered clues as to its origins and content come via chance references in the early 20th century Zions-Bote. One such reference is particularly significant. Its editor, John F. Harms, decided to reprint the inaugural editorial of the first Friedensstimme ever published. The translated contents speak for themselves. Several significant facts in the document: the paper began late in 1902; it made use of volunteers; it deployed modern promotional tactics, including subscription, specials and free gifts. There is no hint as to how the material got from Spat, Crimea to Berlin or from what location the papers were mailed to subscribers.

“Eine neues Blatt: “Friedensstimme,” Zionsbote, Vol. 18 (1902), no. 47.

What does Friedensstimme wish to accomplish? A broad field of ministry has opened up for us through the production, favorable reception and widespread distribution of our two calenders (the Christliche Familienkalender and Christliche Abreisskalender). Thanks and praise to the Lord. Our readers have frequently expressed the wish that we publish a Christian periodical. It is not an easy task to found and sustain such an enterprise. Such a venture generally encounters great difficulties since many good Christian periodicals exist. Futhermore since various other duties also demand our attention we cannot devote our full-time efforts to this task. If it were not for the support of volunteers the endeavor would prove to be overwhelmingly difficult. We rejoice and are encouraged by the fact that several talented brothers have promised their help. There are others who have also indicated their willingness to help.

We believe that those people who have come under our influence by reading our calenders also need their own paper. After seeking God’s leading and after earnest prayer we have decided to make a move in this direction. Currently we envisage publishing one paper in November and one in December. Beginning 1903 our paper will be published every second week. If the Lord grants his blessing and gives us success we may in time produce a weekly publication. This will depend on the wishes of our readers, the help of qualified brethren and the number of subscriptions [we can sell].

The Friedensstimme desires to provide spiritual nurture, teaching and support on a broadly Christian basis and in an easily understood language. While it desires to meet the needs of the Christian community with which we are affiliated, the paper will not function as its [official] organ. As a rule we will try to avoid controversy but if called upon we will defend God’s truth against human error. We will seek to do this in the spirit of humility and gentleness. Our main aim will be to serve the “scattered” strangers in the world: (1 Peter 1:1) in the various communities that yearn for the nurture of their intellects and souls. As a true voice of peace (Friedensstimme) we want to present Jesus the Prince of Peace to [human] souls. We want to warn them against sin and unrighteousness and cause them to reflect on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and praiseworthy (Phil. 4:8).

Though we are convinced that God has directed us to this task and that blessing will accompany it, obvious mistakes and shortcomings will manifest themselves. We ask your forbearance and patience as well as brotherly correction where necessary. Helpful criticism of our work will always be thankfully accepted. May this modest work build God’s Kingdom and glorify his name.

Two samples of the Friedensstimmme, each with extra copies, will be sent to varoius addressses. Beginning in the new year (1903) it will be published every second week. Those who receive the samples are asked to pass them on to neighbors and acquaintances after they have read them. Hopefully, many will be able to read these [sample] copies and so become acquainted with our endeavors.

The cost of a yearly subscription is four marks in Germany, two rubles in Russia and one dollar in America . . . All subscribers will receive the first papers published in 1902 as long as the supply lasts. Those who pay the year’s subscription in advance will receive one of the sermon booklets Witnesses for Christ. Whoever sends the year’s subscription and adds 70 kopecks will receive the entire sermon collection, Witnesses for Christ (valued at one ruble). Those who send in a year’s subscription plus 40 kopecks will receive either a 1902 or 1903 yearbook (valued at 50 kopecks). Multiple orders for Friedensstimme from one address can receive a number of these publications since this saves postage and labor.

Payments and subscriptions should be sent to A. Kroeker. Articles and news reports from the colonies to Jacob or Abraham Kroeker in Spat near Simferopol.

John B. Toews teaches at Regent College, Vancouver, B.C.

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Last modified October 30, 2000.

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