The Mennonite Library & Archives 1962

In the southeast corner of Hiebert Library is a truly one-of-a-kind collection of historical documents, images and artifacts known as the Mennonite Library & Archives. It provides a window for understanding the history of not only Fresno Pacific University but also the larger Mennonite Brethren Church.

When the new Hiebert Library building was completed in 1962, it included “an archives room” to store “any documents or other materials of peculiar historical value,” with a particular emphasis on “materials relating to Anabaptist and Mennonite history.” In 1975 the archives and library became part of an official system of North American Mennonite Brethren archival centers, together with ones at Mennonite Brethren Bible College in Manitoba and Tabor College in Kansas. The Fresno Center was designated as the official archives for the Pacific District and the bi-national General Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches.

In its new official capacity as a “Center for Mennonite Brethren Studies,” the historical library and archives at Pacific College grew quickly. Denominational records that had been scattered in various locations were shipped to Fresno and became part of this collection. The largest single record group was that of Mennonite Brethren Missions/Services (today known as Multiply) and included records that documented Mennonite Brethren mission work around the world. The center eventually would eventually house records for most of the earliest Pacific District congregations; collections of writings, images and audio recordings from a wide range of historical figures in the Mennonite Brethren Church; and the records of Fresno Pacific University.

While the archives focused primarily on the Mennonite Brethren Church, the historical library collection extended far beyond that to include the entire Anabaptist-Mennonite story, collecting both new publications as well as rare historical volumes. Among the most significant volumes are a 1688 edition of Menno Simons’ writings, a 1685 edition of the Martyrs Mirror and a 1536 copy of the Froschauer Bible.

Today the Mennonite Library & Archives continues to collect books, periodicals and unpublished historical documents. In recent years it has turned to digitizing many of these records, some of which can be found at digitalfpu.fresno. edu. In addition to its digital access, the library and archives are open to the public on weekdays. Visitors are welcome to pursue research projects or just visit and enjoy the historic treasures.

This is Kevin Enns-Rempel’s last From the Archives. I thank him for his marvelous work in writing this column since its 2014 inception and wish him well in his retirement after 40 years of exceptional service with Fresno Pacific University—Editor