← Back to Personal Papers

Hamm, Peter M. (1930–1993)

Proper Title

Peter M. Hamm fonds

Dates of Creation

1913–1993; predominant 1955–1993

Physical Description

1.75 m of textual records, 1 genealogy chart, and 2 photographs

Biographical Sketch

Peter M. Hamm (1930–1993) was born to recent Mennonite immigrants from Russia, Martin Hamm (1899–1982) and Anna Warkentin (1896–1953), on the family farm in LaGlace, Alberta. Peter was the seventh of ten children in the Hamm family. The family moved to Chilliwack, BC in 1945 where Peter received his primary education and graduated from the Sharon Mennonite Collegiate Institute in Yarrow BC. After high school Peter taught at a one-room country school in northern BC where he also established a Sunday school for the children. Peter continued his education by enrolling in Prairie Bible Institute and the University of British Columbia where he graduated in 1954, majoring in English and History. He continued his education at MBBC (Mennonite Brethren Bible College) in Winnipeg where he met Betty (Elizabeth) Hildebrand. They were married on August 27, 1955. They had two children, Rick (Richard) and Carolyn.

After graduation from MBBC Peter taught at Eden Christian College for two years. In 1958 the Hamms went to India as missionaries with MBM/S (Mennonite Brethren Missions and Service) where they served as teachers and house parents at an American school in Kodaikanal. Later Peter taught at the Mennonite Brethren Bible Institute in Shamshabad and helped the India conference in administration and preaching while Betty, a trained nurse, conducted health and nutrition programs for village women.

In 1964 Peter completed his B.D. degree at the Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary while on furlough. In 1970 the Hamms left India for Winnipeg where Peter taught missions at MBBC and also became registrar. In 1973 the Hamms moved to Hamilton, Ontario where Peter finished a Ph.D. degree in sociology, with a focus on non-Christian religions at McMaster University in 1980.

In 1980 Peter began work as MBM/S secretary for Asia, Africa, and Europe, which required extensive traveling and overseeing the mission work in these areas. He held this position until 1989. After retirement in 1989 Hamm published his book Reflections on My Journey. Peter Hamm died in Abbotsford, BC in 1993 of kidney cancer.

Custodial History

The material in this fonds was created and collected by Peter Hamm. After his death his wife Betty Hamm donated the materials to the Centre in 2000 and 2002.

Scope and Content

This fonds consists of materials relating to Peter Hamm’s work, primarily as a missionary, administrator, and educator. There are also materials related to Hamm’s genealogy work. The fonds is divided into four series: 1) MBM/S Secretary correspondence, 2) Teaching materials, 3) Sermons, 4) Genealogy. This fonds is useful in the study of Christian missions themes and issues in a general sense and also in the context of MBM/S (Mennonite Brethren Missions and Service) as well as Hamm family history.

Notes

  • Volumes 966–970, 972.
  • Described by Conrad Stoesz November 7, 2002.
  • Accession number: 2000-054, 2002-023.
  • Location: Personal papers collection, Photograph collection NP159.
  • Arrangement: Some study conference papers have been removed and placed in the “Study Papers” collection.
  • No restrictions on access.
  • Finding aid consists of series descriptions and file list.
  • Related material: Martin Hamm fonds and the CMBS Study papers collection (see author index).

Series Descriptions

1. MBM/S Correspondence.
1980–1989.
44 cm of textual materials.

  • This series consists of correspondence Hamm maintained in his role as MBM/S secretary to Asia, Africa, and Europe. Included is correspondence to and from missionaries in these areas, as well as reports from the visits Hamm took to these areas to oversee the mission programs.
  • Location: Volume 966, file 1–54; Volume 967, file 1–4.

2. Teaching Materials.
1963–1991.
86 cm of textual records.

  • This series consists of notes, lectures, and essays that Hamm produced and collected around the theme of missions in his role as a student and teacher.
  • Location: Volume 967, file 5–9; Volume 968, file 1–13; Volume 969, file 1–34; Volume 970, file 1–49.

3. Sermons.
1954–1991.
29 cm of textual records.

  • This series consists of sermons, sermon notes and an index card box of sermons delivered by Peter Hamm while in Ontario, BC, Manitoba, and India.
  •  Location: Volume 968, file 14–19; Volume 969, file 35.

4. Genealogy.
1913, 1929–1989.
11cm of textual records, 1 genealogical chart, and 2 photographs.

  • This series consists of memoirs, obituaries, village histories, correspondence and genealogical data as it relates to Peter Hamm’s family. Names included are Hamm, Warkentin, and Reimer. Also included is Hamm’s autobiography Reflections on my Journey, a descendant genealogy wheel chart of Martin Hamm (1742–1806) and a travelogue written by Martin Hamm and published in the Mennonitische Rundschau. The two photographs are of the Schönauer choir in 1913 and a photo of Martin Hamm in 1966.
  • Location Volume 972, files 1–11,16,17,21. The chart is in the small map cabinet “miscellaneous maps and photos”.

5. Personal correspondence.
1965–1990.
5 cm of textual records.

  • This series consists of correspondence from Peter Hamm and at times with his wife to family members such as parents, children and siblings.
  •  Location: Volume 972, files 12–15.

File List

Volume 966

  1. Recruitment/ Applications. – 1981–1987.
  2. Scholarships. – 1981–1988.
  3. Trip preparations/Hospitality thank yous. – 1981–1984.
  4. General correspondence. – 1981–1983.
  5. General correspondence. – 1984–1985.
  6. Miscellaneous correspondence. – 1986–1989.
  7. Afghanistan correspondence. – 1980–1989.
  8. Angola correspondence. – 1986–1989.
  9. Austria correspondence. – 1980–1982.
  10. Austria correspondence. – 1983–1984.
  11. Austria correspondence. – 1985–1986.
  12. Austria correspondence. – 1987–1989.
  13. Bangladesh correspondence. – 1981–1985.
  14. Bavaria correspondence. – 1985–1989.
  15. Belgium correspondence. – 1980–1986.
  16. Botswana correspondence. – 1981–1989.
  17. Central African Republic correspondence. – 1985–1989.
  18. China correspondence. – 1982–1989.
  19. Germany correspondence. – 1980–1982.
  20. Germany correspondence. – 1983–1984.
  21. Germany correspondence. – 1985–1987.
  22. Germany correspondence. – 1988–1989.
  23. India correspondence. – 1980–1981.
  24. India correspondence. – 1982.
  25. India correspondence. – 1983–1984.
  26. India correspondence. – 1985.
  27. India Correspondence. – 1986.
  28. India correspondence. – 1987.
  29. India correspondence. – 1988–1989.
  30. Indonesia correspondence. – 1980–1989.
  31. Japan correspondence. – 1980–1982.
  32. Japan correspondence. – 1983–1984.
  33. Japan correspondence. – 1985–1986.
  34. Japan correspondence. – 1987.
  35. Japan correspondence. – 1988–1989.
  36. Nepal correspondence. – 1980–1989.
  37. Nigeria correspondence. – 1981–1989.
  38. Pakistan correspondence. – 1980–1989.
  39. Portugal correspondence. – 1983–1986.
  40. Singapore correspondence. – 1988–1989.
  41. Spain correspondence. – 1980–1982.
  42. Spain correspondence. – 1983–1986.
  43. Thailand correspondence. – 1989.
  44. South American trip correspondence. – 1987.
  45. Zaire correspondence. – 1980.
  46. Zaire correspondence. – 1981.
  47. Zaire correspondence. – 1982.
  48. Zaire correspondence. – 1983.
  49. Zaire correspondence. – 1984.
  50. Zaire correspondence. – 1985.
  51. Zaire correspondence. – 1986.
  52. Zaire correspondence. – 1987.
  53. Zaire correspondence. – 1988.
  54. Zaire correspondence. – 1989.

Volume 967

  1. A running commentary on the Asia Trip including USSR, Afghanistan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Japan, where Hamm meet with the various MBMSI workers. – 1980–1981.
  2. Africa Field Visit reports by Peter M. Hamm including Angola, Botswana, Zaire Lesotho, Bangui. – 1981–1989.
  3. Asian consultation reports by Peter M. Hamm including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, China, Indonesian, Japan, Nepal, Pakistan. – 1981–1989.
  4. Europe consultation reports by Peter M. Hamm including Austria, Germany, Portugal, Spain. – 1981–1989.
  5. Mission lectures and course notes. – 1978–1992.
  6. Mission lectures and essays. – 1984–1987.
  7. Published articles, essays and correspondence regarding missions. – 1970–1988.
  8. Articles and essays on Mennonite Brethren church and missions. – 1977–1987.
  9. Papers and essays on presented on missiology. – 1965–1987.

Volume 968

  1. Course outline, notes, and essays for Living Religious course at Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary and McMaster University. – 1963–1964, 1972–1973.
  2. Essays dealing with different religious leaders, sectarianism. – [1967?].
  3. Asian philosophy. – [196-?].
  4. Buddhism. – [196-?].
  5. Notes from course on ancient Hinduism. – 1975.
  6. Saivism course taken at McMaster University by Peter M. Hamm. – 1973.
  7. Essays on Hinduism by Peter M. Hamm while at Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary. – 1964.
  8. Essays on Hinduism by Peter M. Hamm while at McMaster University. – 1975.
  9. Indian religious tradition. – 1991–1993.
  10. Published and unpublished articles and essays by Peter M. Hamm. – 1963, 1985–1991.
  11. Reviews of the book A People A Part initiated by the Board of Faith and Life. – 1987.
  12. Hermeneutics. – 1961–[197-].
  13. Essays by Peter Hamm on various religions. – 1964–1974.
  14. Sermons by Peter Hamm. – 1958–1991.
  15. Sermons by Peter Hamm. – 1954–1973.
  16. Sermons by Peter Hamm. – 1955–[197-?].
  17. Sermons by Peter Hamm. – 1957–[197-?].
  18. Sermons and mission reports by Peter Hamm. – 1964–1981.
  19. Sermons and Mission reports by Peter Hamm. – 1980–1989.
  20. Sermon index and sermon notes used by Peter Hamm in a card box. – 1965–1990.
  21. Peter Hamm, Reflections on My Journey, Fraser Valley Custom Printers, Chilliwack, BC, 1993.

Volume 969

  1. MBBC Theology of missions lecture notes. – 1973–1985.
  2. Anabaptist/Mennonite mission statements. – [196-?]–1988.
  3. Contextualization. – 1975–1980.
  4. Inter-faith dialogue. – 1974–1981.
  5. Liberation theology. – 1974–1983.
  6. Missionary biographies. – 1956–1988.
  7. Missions as presence. – 1975–1982.
  8. Moratorium on Missions. – 1975.
  9. Philosophy of Missions. – 1963–1983.
  10. Pluralism and the Gospel. – 1990–1991.
  11. Secularism. – [198-?].
  12. African independent Churches (AIC’S). – 1981–1992.
  13. South African Discussion – CIM. – 1985–1989.
  14. South African Council of Churches. – 1979–1990.
  15. East Asia notes. – [198-?].
  16. South Asia (India). – 1975.
  17. South East Asia. – 1980–1987.
  18. Europe task force. – 1987–1988.
  19. Western Europe. – 1984–1988.
  20. Gulf War crisis. – 1990–1991.
  21. Mennonite Brethren churches in India. – 1970–1983.
  22. India Church research. – 1961–[198-].
  23. India church disputes correspondence. – 1979–1990.
  24. The church in Japan. – 1981–1990.
  25. Research materials on Liberia. – 1990–1993.
  26. Essays on Mennonite missions in Latin America. – 1991.
  27. Mennonite Brethren Church in Zaire/ Kikweta Mawa Wabala. – 1977.
  28. Research on Zaire. – 1984.
  29. Cross-cultural communication. – [198-?].
  30. Performance standards. – 1988.
  31. Burn-out/ Stress. – 1983–1984.
  32. Missions presentation with overhead transparencies. – [198-?].
  33. “Following Jesus a Tee textbook”/ Duane Nieuwsma CRWM Missionary. – 1989; “God Brings His People Home”/ M. Tokpahwea Scheffers. – 1990.
  34. “The Church in a Troubled World: A Study of First Corinthians/ Peter M Hamm. – 1990.
  35. Selected Sermons by Peter M. Hamm Shamshabad, India. – 1970.

Volume 970

  1. Church and State in Missions. – 1981–1982.
  2. Mission Theology Trends. – 198-.
  3. Development and healthcare. – [198-].
  4. The future of missions. – 1988.
  5. Homogeneous unit principle. – 1984.
  6. Internationalization of Mission. – 1982–1983.
  7. Internationalization of missions. – 1983–1987.
  8. Martyrs. – 1987.
  9. Mennonite Brethren distinctives in missions. – 1975–1980.
  10. Missions to Muslims. – 1980–1991.
  11. Christian/Islam relations/ David Rahbar. – 1960–1964.
  12. Islamic cultural influences upon the Deccan of India/ Peter Hamm. – [197-?].
  13. New World Order Workshop. – 1978.
  14. The Christian in a non-Christian culture workshop by Peter Hamm. – 1974.
  15. North American context. – 1974, 1981.
  16. Poverty. – 1985.
  17. Prayer and missions. – 1986–1991.
  18. Toward a Roman Catholic Understanding of the New Birth From an Evangelical Perspective/ Ruth Klassen. – 1986.
  19. Reaching the unreached. – 1987.
  20. Signs and wonders. – [198-?].
  21. World population statistics. – 1985–1987.
  22. Thrust Evangelism in Paraguay (1973–1983)/ Marlene Enns. – 1984.
  23. Urban outreach. – 1985–1986.
  24. Urban evangelism. – 1985–1986.
  25. The church at work. – [198-?].
  26. Church growth. – 1973.
  27. Church planting. – 1986.
  28. Conflict in the church. – 1983–1984.
  29. Strategy of Missions. – [198-?].
  30. Structures strategies. – 1986.
  31. Study and teaching of Missions. – 1959, 1972.
  32. Evangelism and Church extension. – 1972.
  33. Conference on education for International Mission and Service. – 1989.
  34. Missions historical background. – [197-?].
  35. Christianity in the third world. – 1971.
  36. History of Missions. – 1955–1971.
  37. Indigenous Church. – 1964.
  38. Historical Method essays by Peter Hamm. – [196-?].
  39. Leadership. – [198-?].
  40. Descriptive Linguistics (Moroccan Arabic)/ Peter Hamm. – 1965.
  41. Teaching English as a Foreign Language. – 1965.
  42. Study of the Reaction to the name “Mennonite Brethren”/ Peter Hamm. – 1964.
  43. Case study of the Niagra Christian Fellowship Chapel (MB) with reference to the expansion of the church. – 1964.
  44. Mennonite History. – 1956.
  45. Missionary lifestyle. – 1984–1986.
  46. Missionary relationships. – 1982.
  47. Prehistory course taken by Peter Hamm. – 1973.
  48. Sociology course taught by Peter H. Hamm. – 1986.
  49. Sociology course taught by Peter H. Hamm. – 1986.

Volume 972

  1. Genealogy of Martin Hamm (1742–1806)/ [Katie Peters?]. – [197-?].
  2. Schönau, Sagradowka materials including German captured documents. – [194-].
  3. Memoirs of Maria (Warkentin) Hamm Unger (she married Peter Hamm’s brother Franz). This document details life in Schönau, Zagradovka and the trials of the family in Russia and continues when the family moved to Canada after WWII. – [197-?].
  4. Hamm Immigrants and Worldwide Descendants. – 1989.
  5. Warkentin family research. – 1929–[198-].
  6. Warkentin family research. – [19-].
  7. Hamm family research. – [19-].
  8. Hamm Family obituaries. – [19-].
  9. Hamm family research and correspondence. – [19-].
  10. Schönau, Sagradowka research materials. – [19-].
  11. Heinrich A. Reimer genealogy. – 1985.
  12. Personal correspondence from Birmingham and Liberia. – 1989–1990.
  13. Personal correspondence from Birmingham and Liberia reports to MBM. – 1989–1990.
  14. Correspondence from India to family members. – 1965–1970.
  15. Peter Hamm personal correspondence to immediate family members. – 1980–1989.
  16. Genealogy ancestor chart of Cornel Martin Hamm (brother to Peter M. Hamm)/ prepared by Alan peters of Fresno, California. – 2002.
  17. Travelogue by Martin Hamm of his trip around the world, published in the Mennonitische Rundschau. – [1967?].
  18. Peter Hamm, "Leadership in Context as Applied to The japan Mennonite Brethren Conference," a thesis presented to the Faculty of Mennonite Brethren Biblical seminary," 1981.

Photograph collection

NP159-01 Peter M. Hamm
NP159-01:1 Schönauer Sängerchor. (1913. 25 x 20 cm [b&w].)This photo is of the Schönau (Schoenau) choir posing for a photo outside of a building. The young men and women are dressed in good clothing with many women wearing necklaces and some men with pocket watches. From left to right, sitting in front row: Anna Friesen, Lena Reimer, Sara Harms, Justina Voth, Anna Friesen, Tina Wall, Tina Reimer, Maria Suderman, choir leader Abram Suderman. Middle row: Johan Siemens, Justina Unger, Tina Richert, Tina Harms, Margeret Warkentin, Tina Warkentin, Agatha Wiebe, Sara Warkentin, Gerhard Dick. Back row: Isaak Dick, Johann Wiebe, David Hamm, Wilhelm Warkentin, Heinrich Loewen, Johann Unruh, Johann Wiebe. – Note: This item came from the Peter M. Hamm fonds, box 6 file 10.
NP159-01:2 Martin Hamm. (1966. 5 x 7 cm [b&w].)This photo is a portrait of Martin Hamm, used in the Mennonitische Rundschau with his article about his trip around the world in 1967.
← Back to Personal Papers