The Mennonite Museum

The Abbotsford Mennonite Museum was established in 2011 to preserve and document the history of Mennonites who came to British Columbia from Russia and Prussia/Poland.  We learned a bit about Mennonite history.  Most people know about Martin Luther in Germany rising up against the Catholic church in the 1500's. 

Simultaneously, Ulrich Zwingli led a similar revolution in Switzerland, but some of his followers felt he didn't go far enough.  One of the main points of contention was that they felt baptism should be reserved for adults.  Thus they became known as "Anabaptists".

The Zurich Council reacted harshly against the Anabaptists.  Those who wished to be baptized as adults were put to death by drowning.  Ironic!

Menno Simons was a Catholic priest who became an Anabaptist.  So many people liked his teachings that many Anabaptists called themselves "Mennonites".

Mennonites from Switzerland, Belgium, and Germany made their way to Poland in the 16th and 17th centuries.  Based on the name Epp, Anton's branch likely came from Germany.

We know Anton's parents were born in Russia where the Mennonites were granted exemption from military duty under the czars.  When the czars were overthrown, mass colonies of Mennonites left Russia, mostly to settle in Brazil and Mexico.  Brazil is where Anton's parents met and where Anton was born.  The family moved to Canada in 1968.

Anton's niece Jennifer works at the Mennonite Museum.

In the afternoon, we had lunch with Gisela and Rudy, then we went to a walk-in clinic (fast and easy) and Frankie got lots of drugs for her sinus infections.  Anton visited with Gisela and Frankie rested at Leni's house.  Here is Leni watering her gardens.