II.

World War I and

Reconstruction Work

The experiences of World War I formed an important chapter in the life of the Ohio Mennonite and Amish Mennonite churches. Their principle of nonresistance as applied to war had not been tested since the Civil War, an event now dim in the memory of most of the members.

In 1914, the year World War I began in Europe, the minutes of the Ohio Mennonite Conference reaffirmed that principle of nonresistance as held by the church, and at the same time petitioned President Woodrow Wilson to use his influence for peace in the Mexican situation. As early as May of 1915 the Eastern Amish Mennonite Conference, meeting at Belleville, Pennsylvania, sent a resolution to President Woodrow Wilson through Senator Atlee Pomerene of Ohio. Below is a copy of the resolution and the senator's reply:

To the Honorable Woodrow Wilson, President of the U.S.A., Washington, D.C.

Greeting:-The Eastern Amish Mennonite Conference in session at Belleville, Pa., May 25, 27, 1915, being a nonresistant body of lovers of peace, desire to commend your considerate, pacific and humane attitude toward the European situation.

Your patience, composure, and calm, sober judgment during these trying times can not help but meet the approval of the entire civilized world. You not only have our sympathy in your most trying position, but also our prayers that God may give you wisdom and grace to endure and stand for what is right, and the Holy Spirit may guide your course of action always remembering that war is not a characteristic of a civilized Christian nation. May the Lord richly bless you.

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