Friedensstimme
Description
Berlin to 1904; Halbstadt, Molotschna to 1920. 1902–1920.
The Friedensstimme (voice of peace) was founded in 1902 by Abraham J. Kroeker, who was its first editor based in Berlin to avoid Russian censorship. In 1904, it was moved to Halbstadt, Molotschna colony where it was printed by Raduga Publishing House. Its goal was to “provide spiritual nurture, teaching, and support on a broadly Christian basis and in an easily understood language.”
The publication was sporadic during 1917–1920 due to political sensitivities and unrest. In an attempt to work around these issues, the focus changed as well as its name. The Friedensstimme was also published under the name Molotschnaer Flugblatt, Volksfreund, and Nachrichten des Volksfreund.
For more information on this paper, see:
- John B. Toews, “A Voice of Peace in Troubled Times.” Mennonite Life, September 1972, 93-94.
- John B. Toews, “The Beginnings of Friedensstimme,” in Mennonite Historian 24/No.3 (Sep 2000), 1-2.
- Ordered to cease publication as of Nov 1914 (see Mennonitische Rundschau 26 May 1915, 9). It appears that publication was suspended during 1915–1917.
An index was made by Peter Letkemann for his own personal research. It includes annotations in German and English and was not originally intended for public use, but Peter has graciously allowed us to make a PDF copy of his index available to individuals upon request.
Holdings
Date Vol. No.
(Set 1)
1917 15 May 13, Aug 12, Oct 28, Dec 9, 15, 21
1918 16 2–61, 63–65, 67–71, 73–78
1919 17 7, 21, 24, 27–28, 31–36, 38–40, 42–43
1920 17 5–11
(Set 2)
1918 16 2, 6, 13–36, 38, 41–45, 50, 64
1919 17 21, 35, 40, 43
1920 17 6–11
Microfilm Set
Date Vol. No. Reel
1906 4 15–33, 38–52 FR1
1907 5 1–52 FR2
1908 6 1–4, 7–52 FR3
1909 7 1–52 FR4
1910 8 1–102 FR6, FR7
Note: 1–26 = Series A; 27–50 = Series B
1911 9 1–101 FR8, FR9
1912 10 1–30, 32–101 FR10, FR11
1913 11 1–26–51, FR12, FR13
……………………..54–101
1914 12 1–87 FR14
1908 6 39b–51b OZ76
1909 7 1b–12b, FR5
……………………….14b–19b,
……………………….21b–50b, 52b
1910 8 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, OZ76
……………………….10, 12, 14,
……………………….16, 18, 20,
……………………….22, 24, 26
Note: 1908–1910 = Series B