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Baerg, Reuben M. (1914–2001)

Proper Title

Rueben M. Baerg fonds

Dates of Creation

1911-–1999

Physical Description

1.98 m of textual records

Biographical Sketch

Reuben Menno Baerg was born on the 28 of April, 1914, in Waldheim, Saskatchewan to Frank J. Baerg (Apr. 10, 1881--Dec. 11, 1968) and Elizabeth Neufeldt (Oct. 12, 1886--Nov. 26, 1974).  At age 16, he gave his life over to Christ and was baptized two years later, on August 1, 1932, at Hepburn Mennonite Brethren Church, Hepburn, Saskatchewan.  Another four years later, on July 22, 1936, Reuben was married to Annie Ethel Friesen (July 31, 1911--Jan.1, 1977), daughter of Peter J. Friesen (Mar. 25, 1871--Nov. 27, 1936) and Maria Katrina Schmor (Mar. 8, 1876--Aug. 26, 1968).

After 41 years of marriage, Annie passed away in 1977, while the two were living in Dinuba, California.  Reuben was remarried on August 27, 1978, to Emma Lepp (Feb. 14, 1917--Apr. 20, 2010), daughter of Jacob Loepp (Sep. 25, 1873--Sep. 11, 1968) and Katherine Klassen (Feb. 22, 1885--Feb. 11, 1976).  Emma had a ministry career of her own, having been a missionary in India for 32 years.  The two would remain together until Reuben’s death in 2001.

Reuben’s career in ministry began at the young age of 18, when he became a “helper in the Word” at Hepburn Mennonite Brethren Church.  During the same time, he attended Bethany Bible Institute, graduating in 1932.  At the age of 28, on October 25, 1942, Reuben was ordained in the Hepburn Mennonite Brethren Church.  Heavily involved in the ministry of the church, Reuben taught Daily Vacation Bible School and held meetings for the Canadian Sunday School Mission.

In 1935, Reuben graduated from the Saskatchewan Teachers College, beginning a teaching career in the Hudson Bay School District near Hepburn for 3 years.  Reuben would continue his secondary education, graduating with his BA from the University of Winnipeg in 1937 and his ThB from Northwestern College (St. Paul, Minnesota) in 1942.  This was only the start of Reuben’s education.  He would later graduate with his liberal arts in psychology and counseling from Tabor College (Hillsboro, Kansas) in 1948, and with his BD, ThM, and ThD from Northwestern College in 1948, 1950, and 1952.  He would also obtain an education in pastoral counseling after taking summer courses in Berkeley and in Pasadena, California.

Reuben served as a “Teaching Fellow” while at Northwestern College for 2 years, under the presidency of evangelist Billy Graham.  His teaching career flourished in a number of institutes, including Bethany Bible Institute in Saskatchewan (1942-1945), Mennonite Brethren Bible College in Winnipeg, MB (1945-1947) and Tabor College (1947-1948).  At the Pacific Bible Institute in Fresno, CA, Reuben became dean and a professor in New Testament studies, Theology, and Greek (1948-1953), later acting as Interim President (1953-1955).  At the Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary (Fresno, CA), he was dean and a professor (1959-1967), including 2 years (1962-1964) as acting president.

In addition to his teaching career, Reuben was also heavily involved in pastoral ministry, often combining the two.  He pastored at Strasburg Baptist Church, Auberry Community Church, and Buhler Mennonite Brethren Church, all in Kansas, for 5 years (1955-1959).  Afterwards, he would spend 12 years as pastor at Dinuba Mennonite Brethren Church in Dinuba, California (1965-1977).  Upon the death of his wife, Reuben moved back to Canada, becoming the pastor of Central Mennonite Brethren Church in Saskatchewan (1977-1984).  During retirement he continued to teach and preach until early 2000.

Along with his various roles as professor and pastor, Reuben also acted as a member of the General Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches Board of Reference and Counsel for 9 years, as well as serving on the Board of Mennonite Brethren Missions/Services International for 9 years.  He was also involved in various Mennonite Brethren District Conferences in the United States.

Reuben’s many leadership roles leave behind an illustrious legacy.  However, Reuben would mostly be remembered for his love of people and ministry, his wise counsel and his positive influence on his many communities.  Reuben passed away on October 21, 2001 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.  He was heard quoting 2 Timothy 4:7-8 the day before he died -- “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day -- and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

For more information on the life and legacy of Reuben Baerg, see Volume 1370, No. 37.

Custodial History

On October 20, 2009, Doug Heidebrecht, director of CMBS, delivered 3 of Reuben Baerg’s filing cabinets from Bethany Bible College.  This collection was later added to, on November 1, 2009, when Rick Schellenberg and his wife Gwen dropped off boxes pertaining to Reuben’s teaching career at Bethany Bible College, where Rick had been president.

Scope and Content

The Reuben Baerg fonds contains 9 series: Sermons, Bible Studies, Presentations and Lectures, Courses Taught by Baerg, Courses Taken by Baerg, Church, College and Personal Matters, Correspondence, Written Papers, and Topical Research Collected by Baerg.  This fonds documents well Reuben’s significant contribution as student, professor, and pastor in the Mennonite Brethren community.  Some of the areas Reuben was most interested in were Biblical theology, the book of Revelation, and how to live the Christian faith.  His personal papers are a testament to his enduring thirst for knowledge and his determination to follow God’s leading.

Notes

  • Title based on contents of fonds.
  • Accession No.’s: 2009-43, 2009-44.
  • Volume No.: 1366-1372.
  • Finding aid consists of a series description and a file list.
  • Description created by Kate Woltmann, August 2012.
  • No restrictions to access.
  • Language: English, German.

Series Descriptions

I. Sermons.
[193-]-1999.
94 cm of textual records.

  • This series consists of sermon manuscripts and outlines (English and German) prepared by Reuben Baerg and used at various churches and events.
  • Sermons are arranged in canonical order.  Topical sermons, or sermons given at various events, are not arranged in any particular order.
  • Title based on contents of series.
  • Finding aid: Vol. 1366, No. 1-19, Vol. 1367, No. 1-20, Vol. 1368, No. 1-10.

II. Bible Studies.
[194-]-[199-].
4.5 cm. of textual records.

  • This series consists of  Bible studies created and used by Reuben Baerg.
  • The files are arranged in canonical order or according to topic.
  • Title based on contents of series.
  • Finding aid: Vol. 1368, No. 11-26.

III. Presentations and Lectures.
[193-?]-[198-].
2 cm of textual records.

  • This series consists of various presentation and lecture manuscripts given at various events or taught in lecture classes at various churches, such as Dinuba Mennonite Brethren Church.
  • Title based on contents of series.
  • Finding Aid: Vol. 1368, No. 27-34.

IV. Courses Taught by Baerg.
[194-]-1988; predominant [196-], 1980-1988.
45 cm of textual records.

  • This series consists of course syllabi, manuscripts, handouts, exams and assignments prepared or used by Reuben Baerg in various teaching settings. The series also contains selected papers written by Baerg’s students for his courses, as well as transparencies used for courses, Bible studies and various presentations.
  • The files containing courses based on Biblical books are arranged in canonical order. All other files are not arranged in any particular order.
  • Title based on contents of series.
  • Finding Aid: Vol. 1369, No. 1-29, Vol. 1370, No. 1-9.

V. Courses Taken by Baerg.
[194-]-1950, [196-].
10 cm of textual records.

  • This series consists of course outlines, notes and assignments for various classes taken by Baerg when he was a student.
  • Title based on contents of series.
  • Finding Aid: Vol. 1370, No. 10-16.

VI. Church, College, and Personal Matters.
1936-1999.
19 cm of textual records.

  • This series consists of various documents relating to the church, college, or Reuben Baerg’s personal life.  Some examples would be documents related to missions, baptism class notes and testimonies, child dedication services, pre-marital courses, and marriage registration documents, as well as documents relating to the Pacific Bible Institute, Bethany Bible Institute, etc., and Baerg’s personal faith testimony, school transcripts, certificates/diplomas, and congregational notes of thanks and encouragement.
  • Title based on contents of series.
  • Finding Aid:  Vol. 1370, No. 17-37.

VII. Correspondence.
1940-1983.
6 cm of textual records.

  • This series consists of various correspondence written or received by Reuben Baerg.
  • The first several files are arranged according to date; the last files are not arranged in any particular order.
  • Title based on contents of series.
  • Finding Aid: Vol. 1371, No. 1-10.

VIII. Written Papers.
1937-[198-]; predominant 1948-1950.
9cm of textual records.

  • This series consists of papers written by Reuben Baerg and his school colleagues. Paper topics range from biblical to theological, and also include various statement papers, which Baerg wrote on a variety of topical subjects.
  • The first half of the series is organized according to date, while the last several files are arranged in no particular order.
  • Title based on contents of series.
  • Finding Aid: Vol. 1371, No. 11-20.

IX. Topical Research Collected by Baerg.
1911, 1925-[199-].
8 cm of textual records.

  • This series consists of books and clippings regarding various topical subjects researched by Reuben Baerg.  The contents of the files were collected by Baerg from a wide variety of sources.
  • The files are arranged in alphabetical order.
  • Title based on contents of series.
  • Finding Aid: Vol. 1371, No. 21-25, Vol. 1372, No. 1-6.

File List

Volume 1366

1. Genesis & Exodus. -- 1939, 1945, 1955-1979, [198-].
2. Numbers -- II Kings. -- [193-?], 1951-1983.
3. I Chronicles -- Malachi. -- 1940 -- [198-].
4. Psalms 1-75. -- 1939, 1941, [195-], 1963-1990.
5. Psalms 76-150. -- [194-], 1956, [196-?] -- 1986, 1991, 1995.
6. Proverbs. -- [194-?], 1958-1982.
7. Isaiah. -- 1942-1968, 1973-1988, [199-?].
8. Jeremiah. -- 1967-1992.
9. Matthew 1-16. -- [195-] -- 1979, 1980, 1982, 1994, 1999.
10. Matthew 17-28. -- [195-] -- 1989.
11. Mark. -- [194-], 1958, 1960-1980, 1984-1985, 1998.
12. Luke 1-10. -- 1942, 1948, 1956-1957, [197-] -- 1998.
13. Luke 11-24. -- [194-?], 1959, 1961-1994.
14. John 1-7. -- [194-] -- [195-], 1967-1991, 1998-1999.
15. John 8-14. -- 1938, [194-]-[195-], 1967-1990, 1994-1999.
16. John 15-21. -- [194-]-[195-], 1964-1991.|
17. Acts 1-7. -- [195-], 1970-1986, 1990, 1998.
18. Acts 8-28. -- [194-], 1957, 1970-1981.
19. Romans 1-7. -- 1940-1942, [195-?], 1972-1976, 1979, 1984, 1991.

Volume 1367

1. Romans 8-16. -- 1941, 1956-1967, 1972-1979, 1981-1985, 1994.
2. I Corinthians. -- [194-?], [195-?], 1972-1985, 1991, 1995.
3. II Corinthians. -- 1953-1959, 1964, 1969, [197-], 1980-1981, 1990-1997.
4. Galatians. -- [194-?], [195-?], [197-], 1981-1985, [199-].
5. Ephesians 1-3. 1941, 1959, [196-]-1990.
6. Ephesians 4-6. -- [194-]-[195-], 1970-1996.
7. Philippians. -- [194-]-[195-?], 1974-1989, 1992-1999.
8. Colossians. -- 1941, 1967-1993.
9. I & II Thessalonians. -- 1934, [194-], 1957-1959, 1975-1985, 1994-1997.
10. I Timothy. -- 1941, [195-?], 1974-1989.
11. II Timothy. -- 1942, [195-], [196-?] - 1985 , 1993.
12. Philemon, Titus & Jude. -- 1957, [196-?], [197-], 1984.
13. Hebrews. -- [193-], 1940-1946, 1957, 1966, 1970-1985, 1997.
14. James. -- [194-]-[197-].
15. I Peter. -- 1942, 1957-1958, 1972-1976, 1980-1981, 1994.
16. II Peter. -- 1958-1979.
17. I & II John. -- [194-] -1999.
18. Revelation 1-5. -- [196-?] -- [197-], 1977, 1979, 1980, 1996.
19. Revelation 6-22. -- 1960-1983, 1990, 1997.
20. Topical -- Revelation. -- [193-?], [196-], [197-?], 1977, 1983.

Volume 1368

1. Baerg’s Sermon Books. -- [193-?]-[194-?].
2. Sermon Records & References. -- [194-]-[195-].
3. Topical Sermons. -- [193-?] -- 1985.
4. Sermons relating to the Church. -- [194-?]-[197-].
5. Radio Sermons. -- 1942-1964.
6. Auberry Church Messages. -- 1967.
7. Installation/Ordination/Licensing of Minister’s Sermons. -- [197-]-1987.
8. Anniversary, Commencement and Various Presentation. -- [195-]-[1980].
9. Wedding Ceremony Sermons. -- 1944-[197-].
10. Funeral Sermons. -- 1942-1997.
11. Bible Studies: Prophetic Studies. -- [194-?], [198-]-[199-].
12. Bible Studies: Deuteronomy, Ruth, Psalm, Ecclesiastes, Malachi. -- [196-?], [197-?], [199-].
13. Bible Studies: Joshua. -- [199-?].
14. Bible Studies: Daniel. -- [196-], 1989-1990.
15. Bible Studies: II John, Colossians & Titus. -- 1987, 1996-1997.
16. Bible Studies: Passion Week of Christ. -- [196-?], [199-?].
17. Bible Studies: Matthew. -- [196-?], 1998.
18. Bible Studies: Romans. -- 1962, 1992, 1996.
19. Bible Studies: I Corinthians. -- [197-?], [199-].
20. Bible Studies: Ephesians. -- [199-].
21. Bible Studies: Philippians. -- [ca. 1994].
21a. Bible Studies: II Timothy. -- [196-?], [197-?].
22. Bible Studies: Hebrews. -- [196-?], 1993.
23. Bible Studies: Jude. -- [196-?]-[199-].
24. Bible Studies: Revelation. -- 1957, 1990-1991.
25. Bible Studies: General Assortment. -- 1960, 1967, 1970, [198-], [199-].
26. Bible Studies: Methods. -- [198-].
27. Presentations: Yorktown. -- Feb. 13-15, 1987.
28. Presentations: Evangelical Church Camp. -- 1988.
29. Presentations: Nature of Eldership. -- ca. 1984.
30. General Presentation/Lectures. -- [193-?], [194-?], [196-], [198-].
31. Presentations: Pastoral Ministries. -- 1974.
32. Presentations: Alberta Minister’s Conference. -- Mar. 24-26, 1980.
33. Church Lectures: Discover your Spiritual Gift -- And Use it. -- [196-?], 1980.
34. Church Lectures: Dinuba Leadership & Counseling Course. -- 1977.

Volume 1369

1. General Biblical Introduction. -- [195-]-[196-].
2. Greek Course and Exams. -- 1966-1968.
3. Gospel of John. -- [195-?], [196-?], [198-].
4. General Epistles. -- 1965-1967.
4a. Romans. -- [196-?]-1983.
5. I & II Corinthians. -- [197-?]-[198-].
6. Galatians. -- [196-?], [197-?].
7. Ephesians. -- [196-?].
8. Philippians, Acts, Thessalonians. -- [196-?].
9. Hebrews. -- [196-?]-[197-?].
10. James. -- [196-].
11. I & II Peter. -- [196-?].
12. I John. -- 1943, [196-?], [197-?].
13. Intro to Theology. -- [195-?]-[196-].
14. Doctrine of God/Theology. -- [196-].
15. Doctrine of Christ/Christology. -- [196-].
16. Bethany Bible Institute: Christology. -- May 10-13, 1980.
17. Doctrine of Salvation/Soteriology. -- [196-].
18. Doctrine of the Holy Spirit/Pneumatology. -- [196-].
19. Doctrine of Man & Sin/Anthropology & Harmotology. -- [196-].
20. Doctrine of Angels/Angelology. -- [196-?].
21. Doctrine of the Church/Ecclesiology. -- [196-].
22. Doctrine of End Times/Eschatology. -- [196-].
23. Covenant Theology. -- [196-?].
24. Various Theological Topics. -- [196-].
25. Revelation -- Bethany Bible Institute. -- 1988/1989.
26. Life of Christ -- Lectures and Exams. -- 1946-1951.
27. Exams and Assignments in Theology Courses (Doctrine of…). -- 1946-[196-].
28. New Testament -- Exams. -- [195-?]-[196-?].
29. Papers by Baerg’s Students. -- 1951-1967.

Volume 1370

1. Christian Living and Christian Discipleship. -- [195-]-[196-?].
2. Church History. -- [194-].
3. Christian Evidences/Biblical Inspiration. -- [194-?] -- 1984.
4. Apologetics. [196-].
5. Minister’s Library: Exams and Lectures. -- [196-].
6. Church and Missions. 1964-1967.
7. Counseling. -- 1948, [195-?], 1988.
8. Contemporary Theology. -- 1987-1988.
9. Assorted Transparencies for Course/Bible Studies/Lectures. -- [195-]-[197-].
10. Outline of Bible Doctrine, by R.L. Moyer: Notes. -- [194-].
11. Scriptural Interpretation: Notes. -- [194-].
12. Biblical Archaeology: Notes and Assignments. -- 1950.
13. Genetics: Notes and Assignments. -- 1948.
14. History of Religions: Notes and Assignments. -- 1946.
15. Homiletics, by R.V. Clearwater: Notes and Assignments. -- 1948-1949.
15a. G.W. Peters Seminary Theology Course Handouts. -- [196-].
16. General Course Work. -- [194-].
17. Pacific Bible Institute: Radio Programs. -- 1951.
18. Marriage Registration Documents & Assorted Ceremonies/Church Regulations.--1968-1999.
19. Child Dedication. -- 1957-1980.
20. Baptism: Classes, Enrollment Records & Testimonies. -- 1958, 1971-1978, 1982.
21. Sunday School/Teacher Training Materials. -- [195-]-[196-].
22. DVBS Lessons. -- [194-?].
23. Board Meetings and Counseling -- Central MB Church. -- 1984.
24. Documents relating to Buhler MB Church. -- 1955-1958.
25. Documents relating to Dinuba MB Church. -- 1961-1975.
26. Various Papers: Bethany Bible Institute. -- 1984-1988.
27. Various Papers: Pacific Bible Institute. -- [195-]-[196-].
28. Study of Deaconate/Pastoral Care, Membership Transfers & Various Church Documents. -- [195-]-[197-].
29. Counseling & Church Discipline Cases. -- 1957-[198-].
30. Evangelism & Visitation. -- [196-], [197-?], [199-?].
31. Pre-Marital Course Materials and Counseling Sessions. -- [196-]-1979.
32. Missions. -- 1940-[196-?].
33. Missionary Biographies. -- [194-?]-[195-?].
34. Reuben Personal: Clergy & Marriage Certificates, Radio Testimony. -- 1936-1957.
35. Personal Transcripts, Degrees, Certificates, Diplomas & Commencements. -- 1928-1948.
36. Various notes of thanks & encouragement from family & congregations. -- [197-?]-[199-].
37. Obituaries. -- 2001-2003.
38. Birth certificate and ordination certificate. -- 1914, 1942.

Volume 1371

1. Various Correspondence. -- 1940-1959.
2. Various Correspondence. -- 1960-1969.
3. Various correspondence. -- 1970-1999.
4. Correspondence: Tabor College. -- 1948-1948.
5. Correspondence: Sunday School Committee. -- 1954-1955.
6. Correspondence: Southern District Conference. -- 1959.
7. Correspondence: Dinuba Mennonite Brethren Church. -- 1958-1967, 1978.
8. Correspondence: Divorce Discussions. -- [197-].
9. Correspondence: Internship Matters. -- 1983.
10. Correspondence relating to event: 2 Great Days with the Bible. -- 1961.
11. Written Papers. -- 1937-1938, [194-], 1945, 1948/ca.1948.
12. Written Papers. -- 1949.
13. Thesis: The Kenosis of the Son of God. -- 1949.
14. Written Papers. -- 1950.
15. Written Papers. -- [195-], 1950, 1954, 1959.
16. Dissertation: A Study of the Antecedents to, Theology and Interpretation of the Prologue to the Gospel of Saint John. -- 1952.
17. Written Papers. -- [196-], 1961-1965, 1985-1987.
18. “Pentateuch Criticisms” -- Collections of Papers by Baerg and Colleagues. -- 1949.
19. Various Exegetical Studies by Baerg’s Colleagues. -- 1949-1950.
20. Various Statement Papers by Baerg. -- [195-?] -- [196-?], [198-].
21. Abortion & Birth Control. -- 1948-[199-?].
22. Amusements. -- 1864-1966.
23. Biblical Inspiration and Prophecy. -- 1940-1978.
24. Divorce. -- 1937, [194-?], 1970-1981.
25. Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco. -- 1937-1978.

Volume 1372

1. Family Life. -- 1950-1981.
2. Marriage. -- 1944-1977.
3. Science, Evolution & Religion. -- 1925-1975.
4. Sermon Illustrations. -- [194-?], [195-?].
5. Sexual Ethics/General Ethics. -- 1911, 1938-1993.
6. War and Peace -- Nonresistance. -- 1934-1970.

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