ELDER REVEREND HEINRICH UNRUH, Halbstadt, Russia, a man of our Mennonite people born March 23, 1845 at Nicholaidort, South Russia, died November 3, 1928 at Muntau, South Russia, a bond servant of Jesus Christ, having lived a life abounding in labor and having attained maturity in the crucible of adversity. He was the only member of the Peter Unruh that remained in Russia after the great exodus of the Russian Mennonites in 1874.

In the earlier years of his life Heinrich Unruh was engaged in the teaching profession. He is said to have been a teacher of the old order, when men esteemed knowledge and skill and were concerned about order and discipline. Thus he was characterized by a teacher, who had been Mr. Unruhs pupil and spoke with respect and love of him even in his old age.

Heinrich Unruh was a self-educated man; he attended school only a very few years. Evenings he copied passages from books, he had borrowed from the village school teacher; and during the day he memorized these while watching the sheep.

He had command of the German language, and a thorough knowledge of the Bible and Church History, to the extent that for many years he served as official inspector and examiner of our Mennonite elementary schools, high schools and normal institutes. In this capacity he was highly esteemed by students and others.

Because of his dignity and pleasing voice he was a favorite preacher in the pulpit and always had an attentive audience. His sermons were carefully prepared and mastered. Every thought was presented in clear and exact words. Neither was the beauty of the artistic lacking. Stanzas of songs would either announce briefly the theme of his sermons or frame the truths he presented. He loved to express himself in periodic sentences. The content of his messages and the earnest prayers testified of his firm faith in God and his relation to Christ.

In 1896 the Halbstadt congregation elected Rev. Heinrich Unruh elder of the church, and the Rev. Heinrich Dirks, missionary emeritus, ordained him into this sacred office.

In the same year he and Elder David Nickel were delegated by the Mennonites to go to the Russian capitol, St. Petersburg, on the occasion of the coronation of Czar Nicolas II, and to transmit to him and the Czarina bread and salt as a token of loyalty. Elder Unruh was a patriot from the very depths of his soul, and for that reason both officers of high and low rank, respected him as a worthy representative of our people. How stirring and full of meaning were his sermons on various crown-festivals, also on special family occasions, and official church functions.

For many years Elder Unruh presided at convocations (church conferences). He visited the small and large settlements and churches to officiate in the capacity of an elder.

Mention should be made, that Elder Unruh had a command of the Russian language, a requisite in bringing before government officials matters pertaining to community interests.

If the apostle Paul according to I Timothy 3:4 demands of a bishop to be "one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity," it can be said that Elder Unruh has constantly endeavored to meet this qualification.

He was a successful farmer. In contrast to many of his contemporaries, who lost themselves in material things, Mr. Unruh did not consider the acquiring of riches an end in itself. Often a poor man was able to use free of charge a team and wagon, to get fodder for his cattle, or any other favors he was able to meet. In spite of material advancements the family lived frugally, but miserliness was not permitted.

Although life demanded much of Elder Heinrich Unruh, he proved himself, at the zenith of his career, a man who was looked up to by aspiring youth as a leader competent to meet the needs of the hour.

I well know that only the Chief Shepherd Himself will determine to what extent the beloved Elder Unruh met the challenge: "Be ensamples to the flock." When I follow the exhortation "to remember them which have the rule over you--whose faith follow," I find Elder H. Unruh in the ranks of those who have exerted a wholesome influence upon my life. To his memory these words are affectionately dedicated by

ABRAHAM H. HARDER

P.S.

Perchance the UNRUH family is interested to know who has paid tribute to the late Elder Heinrich Unruh. I am one who, at the age of 62, recalls pleasant memories of his youth spent in the Unruh home as a border while attending the Halbstadt Educational Institute (1893-1898). It was during a time when a young man looks for an ideal and is not yet given to negative criticism.

During mealtime I sat beside him. His countenance was generally serious but his friendly smile was not wanting. In his speech he was concise and exact. He spoke little during mealtime, ate quickly, and was usually the first one to leave the table to resume work in his study. The whole family loved and esteemed their father. I was always at ease in this home. The distinguishing mark of the home was ready obedience without constraint.

When in 1924, I prepared to emigrate and passed the physical examination by Canadian doctors, I paid a brief farewell visit to the Elder Unruh and presented to him my seven sons. The one time corpulent man of medium height was seated in an easy chair, suffering from nervous prostration, but wholly conscious. His beautiful baritone voice was gone, but in a weak and barely audible whisper he greeted us and spoke the blessing.

My testimony now is this: "The memory of the just is blessed."

I extend my hearty greetings to the large Unruh family, many of whom I know and appreciate.

ABRAHAM H. HARDER

BEAMSVILLE, ONTARIO, CANADA

(Translated by H. N. Harder, Enid, Okia.)