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| Add Photo — Add Link — Add Commentary — Correct this page — Print | | Near Moundridge in McPherson County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains) |
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Swiss (Volhynian) Mennonite Memorial
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By William Fischer, Jr., September 5, 2011 | |
| | | 1. Swiss (Volhynian) Mennonite Memorial Marker | | |
Inscription.
This Centennial Memorial, erected in gratitude to God, commemorates the coming to America of the Swiss-German Mennonites in the Fall of 1874 from Volhynia, a former Polish province, in the present Russian Ukraine. It symbolizes the Christian faith among the pioneers and expresses appreciation to God for His faithful leading and to America for its freedom and opportunities. Catherine II's century old privileges having been rescinded, the Mennonites left Russia because a new Russianization policy including military conscription threatened to undermine their faith and culture. The Mennonite Congregation of Kotosufka near Zhitomir came to this area and chose the name Hoffnungsfeld (Field of Hope).
The Immigrant House, about 20' x 120', was erected here by the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad. It housed 15-35 families during the first winter and was the worship and community center during the following eight years. This land (SW 19-21-2W) was given by the railroad for religious and educational use.
The Hoffungsfeld Congregation was incorporated as the Hopefield Society of the Mennonite Church in 1880. The church building erected in 1882 and in use since that time, stands some 230 feet east of this memorial; the cemetery, where many of the pioneers are buried, lies beyond. | | | | 
By William Fischer, Jr., September 5, 2011 | |
| | | 2. Swiss (Volhynian) Mennonite Memorial | | |
People came by oxcart, horse and wagon, homemade sled, or on foot from five or six miles in every direction to attend services. "Let us consider how to stir up one another, to love and good works not neglecting to meet together..."
Hebrews 10:24,25.
"These stones shall be to the people for ever."
A Memorial
Joshua 4:7.
Erected 1974 by The Swiss Mennonite Cultural and Historical Association. (Marker Number I.)
Marker series. This marker is included in the Markers with Artwork marker series.
Location. 38° 12.601′ N, 97° 35.278′ W. Marker is near Moundridge, Kansas, in McPherson County. Marker is on Aztec Lane 0.2 miles east of 18th Avenue, on the left when traveling west. Click for map. Marker and memorial are on the grounds of the Hopefield Mennonite Church, about four miles WNW of Moundridge. Marker is in this post office area: Moundridge KS 67107, United States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Challenge & Hope of the Future (here, next to this marker); Growth of This Pioneer Group (here, next to this marker); Turkey Red Wheat (here, next to this marker); Centennial Memorial (here, next to this marker); Anabaptist - Mennonite Faith & Life (here, next to this marker); The Swiss (Yolhynian) Mennonites (here, next to this marker); English Oak (a few steps from this marker); Original Site of Hoffnungsfeld-Eden Church (approx. 0.3 miles away). Click for a list of all markers in Moundridge.| | | | 
By William Fischer, Jr., September 5, 2011 | |
| | | 3. Swiss (Volhynian) Mennonite Memorial | | Looking southwest | | |
Also see . . . The Swiss Mennonite Cultural and Historical Association. (Submitted on July 3, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Fort Scott, Kansas.)
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By William Fischer, Jr., September 5, 2011 | |
| | | 4. Hopefield Mennonite Church | | |
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By William Fischer, Jr., September 5, 2011 | |
| | | 5. Hopefield Mennonite Church Sign | | |
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By William Fischer, Jr., September 5, 2011 | |
| | | 6. Swiss (Volhynian) Mennonite Immigrant House on Memorial Marker | | |
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Credits. This page originally submitted on July 3, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Fort Scott, Kansas. This page has been viewed 141 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 4, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Fort Scott, Kansas.
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