Near Moundridge in McPherson County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Anabaptist - Mennonite Faith & Life
Inscription.
Anabaptism originated in Switzerland in 1525 during the Reformation under the leadership of Conrad Grebel, Felix Manz, Georg Blaurock, and others. Most Anabaptists were later named "Mennonites" in recognition of the leadership of Menno Simons, Dutch priest who joined them in 1536.
The Anabaptists sought a total commitment to God as revealed in the New Testament by Jesus Christ and attempted uncompromisingly to restore a New Testament brotherhood. They shared the Apostolic Creed with all Christendom and stressed
1) Separation of Church and State,
2) Adult Believers' Baptism,
3) Voluntary Church Membership,
4) Freedom of Conscience,
5) The New Testament Doctrine of Love and Nonresistance,
6) Integrity, including Refusal of the Oath, and
7) A Simple Life Style, a Concern for Humility, and New Testament Morality.
The Anabaptist-Mennonites were persecuted moving from place to place for "conscience sake" and or economic betterment. Few movements have endured so much for spiritual freedom. In time, the concepts of Separation of Church and State and Religious Freedom were increasingly recognized in the Western World, especially in America. Here, the Mennonites found the opportunity to witness in Christian Education, Missions, Peace, Relief, and Service to Mankind.
"For no other foundation can any one lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ."
I Corinthians 3:11
Erected 1974 by The Swiss Mennonite Cultural and Historical Association. (Marker Number III.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Peace • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1525.
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. Marker and memorial are on the grounds of the Hopefield Mennonite Church, about four miles WNW of Moundridge. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Moundridge KS 67107, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Swiss (Volhynian) Mennonite Memorial (here, next to this marker); The Swiss (Yolhynian) Mennonites (here, next to this marker); Centennial Memorial (here, next to this marker); Turkey Red Wheat (here, next to this marker); Growth of This Pioneer Group
(here, next to this marker); The Challenge & Hope of the Future (here, next to this marker); English Oak (a few steps from this marker); Original Site of Hoffnungsfeld-Eden Church (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Moundridge.
Also see . . . The Swiss Mennonite Cultural and Historical Association. Association website homepage (Submitted on July 4, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 21, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 4, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 644 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 4, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.