Neufeld, Arnie Norman (1944–2012)
Proper Title
Arnie Norman Neufeld fonds
Dates of Creation
1964–2005
Physical Description
130 cm of textual materials
Biographical Sketch
Arnie Norman Neufeld (GRANDMA ID: 225124) was born on June 16, 1944, in Winkler, Manitoba, to George W. Neufeld and Justina (Elizabeth) Neufeld nee Heidebrecht. His parents farmed north of Horndean throughout most of Arnie’s childhood and youth. Although not always easy, these years were fondly remembered and crucially important for fostering many of Arnie’s guiding passions, which included a love for working the land and the prairie landscape, service to the local community, and involvement in the church.
He was baptized at age 14 (Grossweide Mennonite Brethren Church) and later re-committed his life to Christ before graduating from Mennonite Collegiate Institute (Gretna, Manitoba) in 1963. Post-secondary studies followed at Winkler Bible Institute, Mennonite Brethren Bible College (Winnipeg), and the University of Winnipeg. In 1977, he was awarded a Master of Arts in historical theology from Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary (Fresno, California).
Arnie’s deepest desire was to work on behalf of the gospel of Christ Jesus. He was able to fulfill his ambition in variety of professional settings: as a school teacher in Nova Scotia, Alberta, and the Czech Republic; as an Instructor of historical theology at Winkler Bible Institute (1976–1981); as the owner of Christian bookstore in Winkler; and as a pastor in five Mennonite congregations (Linden Mennonite Brethren Church, Linden, Alberta [1981–1985]; Port Rowan Mennonite Brethren Church, Port Rowan, Ontario [1990–1992]; Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church, Winkler, Manitoba [1987–1990, 2001–2004]; Grace Mennonite Church, Winkler, Manitoba [1992–1999]; and Emmanuel Mennonite Church, Winkler, Manitoba [2005]). Arnie was a gifted pastor, capable of connecting people from a wide range of backgrounds through sermons, prayers, and conversation.
After retiring in 2004, he continued preaching so long as his health permitted. Arnie loved to collect and to tell stories. Academic interest in church history was later complemented by a determination to record and share the stories of the different branches of his family. He was instrumental in the foundation of Winkler Heritage Museum in 2011. Just prior to his passing, Arnie received an award from the Association for Manitoba Archives for his work on the "Stones and Stories" project, preserving the life stories of Winkler residents.
His publications include The Origin and Early Growth of the Mennonite Brethren Church of Southern Manitoba (1977), A Family Portrait: Stories and Adventures of the Klassen/Peters Family (1993), Prairie Roots and Branches (1995), and Family Trees, Milestones and Memories: My Family Story (2011).
On June 21, 1969, Arnie married Trudi Klassen and together they raised a family of three children: Matthew (b. 1971), Christine (b. 1974), and Michael (b. 1978).
Arnie Neufeld passed away on May 28, 2012, in Winnipeg, the result of complications from a chronic heart condition. He was 67 years old.
Custodial History
In July 2017, son Matthew Neufeld donated to CMBS four banker boxes of Arnie Neufeld's correspondence and personal papers relating to his pastoral ministry and Mennonite history research.
Scope and Content
The Arnie Neufeld fonds consists both of documents written by Arnie (lectures, syllabi, workshops, course materials, pastoral correspondence, ministry reports, and an unpublished manuscript detailing the 100 years of the Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church) and of articles written by others that he collected on various topics. The file folders in the fonds are organized chronologically, following the locations where Arnie and Trudi lived and served during Arnie's professional career. The fonds documents the assumptions, motivation, vision, and everyday life of one Mennonite minister, Rev. Arnie Norman Neufeld, and the particular organizational culture of the Mennonite churches and educational institutions in which he served.
Notes
- Title based on contents of fonds.
- Accession number: 2017-22.
- Volume Nos.: 1505–1508.
- Finding aid consists of a description and a file/folder list.
- Description created by Jon Isaak, July 2019.
- Some restrictions to access, as noted.
- Language: English and German.
File List
Volume 1505
2. Winkler Bible School student essay and notes. -- 1964.
3. Winkler Bible Institute Missionary Retreat. Notes, schedules, outlines. -- 1967–1968.
4. Collection of articles by various authors on Women in Ministry, including an essay by David Ewert, The Place of Women in the Church According to the New Testament. -- 1964–1966.
5. Teaching notes used as Youth Camp Speaker at Camp Evergreen (Sundre, Alberta). -- 1975.
6. M.A. thesis proposal presented to the Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary (Fresno, California). Topic: The Origin and Growth of the Mennonite Brethren Church in Southern Manitoba. -- 1975.
7. Research collection of notes and articles on the Early Anabaptists, including the formation of the first Mennonite Brethren Church in Canada. -- 1966–1979.
8. Collection of book titles related to Mennonite History. -- 1974–1976.
9. Collection of Mennonite History readings from newspapers and Mennonite magazines. -- 1976.
10. Winkler Bible Institute promotional brochures and materials. -- 1975–1980.
11. Collection of essays by various authors on the Bible School Movement. -- 1981.
12. Collection of Mennonite Brethren Bible School and denominational brochures and materials. -- 1963–1988.
13. Syllabi, tests, and teaching notes for the History of Christianity course at Winkler Bible Institute. -- 1980.
14. Syllabi, tests, and teaching notes for the Johannine Epistles and General Epistles courses at Winkler Bible Institute. -- 1980.
15. Teaching notes for the Personal Evangelism course at Winkler Bible Institute. -- 1979.
16. Syllabi and tests for the Personal Evangelism course at Winkler Bible Institute. -- 1979–1981.
17. Syllabi, tests, and teaching notes for the History of Christianity course (Part 1) at Winkler Bible Institute. -- 1981.
18. Syllabi, tests, and teaching notes for the History of Christianity course (Part 2) at Winkler Bible Institute. -- 1981.
19. Syllabi, tests, and teaching notes for the Gospel of Matthew course at Winkler Bible Institute. -- 1978.
20. Syllabi, tests, and teaching notes for the Systematic Theology One course at Winkler Bible Institute. -- 1976–1977.
21. Syllabi, tests, and teaching notes for the Mennonite Brethren Studies course at Winkler Bible Institute. -- 1977–1981.
22. Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches (CCMBC) annual publication of statistics. -- 1952.
23. Board member preparation documents for the January meeting of the CCMBC Board of Christian Education. -- 1983.
24. Course and lecture notes from the Marriage Growth course given by Roland Reimer at MB Biblical Seminary. -- 1984.
25. Church member directory for the Linden Mennonite Brethren Church (Linden, Alberta). -- 1981–1983.
26. Collection of essays, readings, and articles from newspapers, interviews, and Mennonite magazines on the history of the Linden Mennonite Brethren Church. -- 1963–1988.
27. Collection of Sunday morning worship bulletins for the Linden Mennonite Brethren Church. -- 1981.
28. Collection of Sunday morning worship bulletins for the Linden Mennonite Brethren Church. -- 1982.
29. Collection of Sunday morning worship bulletins for the Linden Mennonite Brethren Church. -- 1983.
30. Collection of Sunday morning worship bulletins for the Linden Mennonite Brethren Church. -- 1984.
Volume 1506
1. Collection of Sunday morning worship bulletins for the Linden Mennonite Brethren Church. -- 1985.
2. Collection of study papers presented at the Mennonite Brethren conference on Current Issues in Church Leadership (Clearbrook, B.C.). Papers by Victor Adrian (ordination), John E. Toews (leadership styles), Herb Brandt (church-pastor relations), Marvin Hein (divorce), and David Ewert (women in ministry). -- 1980.
3. Delegate package for annual conference of the Alberta Mennonite Brethren Churches. -- 1983.
4. Lecture notes on The Spirit and the New Life in Christ given by David Ewert at the Alberta Study Conference. -- 1983.
5. Correspondence and planning notes related to the Missions Committee of the Linden Mennonite Brethren Church. -- 1982–1983.
6. Correspondence and planning notes related to Fellowship Groups of the Linden Mennonite Brethren Church. -- 1982–1983.
7. Correspondence and planning notes related to the Board of Spiritual Concerns of the Linden Mennonite Brethren Church. -- 1981–1984.
8. Pastor's church correspondence. -- 1981.
9. Pastor's church correspondence. January to June. -- 1984.
10. Pastor's church correspondence. June to December. -- 1984.
11. Pastor's church correspondence. January to June. -- 1985.
12. Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church picture directories. -- 1979, 1987.
13. Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church directory, position statements, constitution, and by-laws. -- 1989.
14. Planning notes and meeting minutes of the Winkler and District Ministerial. -- 1987–1988.
15. Correspondence and meeting minutes related to the Winkler and District Ministerial. -- 1989–1990.
16. Planning notes and meeting minutes of the Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Ministerial. -- 1987.
17. Planning notes and meeting minutes of the Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Ministerial. -- 1988.
18. Planning notes and meeting minutes of the Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Ministerial. -- 1989.
19. Planning notes and meeting minutes of the Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Ministerial. -- 1990.
20. Speaker notes for Father & Son retreat at Moose Lake Camp. Topic: Heroes of Faith. -- 1989.
21. Workshop notes for presentation given at Sunday School Convention in Winkler. Topic: Adult Electives in Sunday School. -- 1987.
22. Four presentations given at Blumenort Mennonite Church Retreat at Camp Assiniboia (Stories of Faith and Family, Stories of Faith and Courage, Stories of Faith and Commitment, Stories of Faith and Service). -- 1990.
23. News releases and public relations materials related to Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church. -- 1988–1990.
24. Correspondence and planning notes related to the Adult Education and small group Bible studies of the Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church. -- 1986–1989.
25. Teaching notes for the Adult Doctrine Class at the Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church. -- 1988–1990.
26. Teaching notes for the Youth Doctrine Class at the Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church. -- 1988–1990.
27. Presentation notes for a Called to Caregiving workshop in Winkler. Topic: Discovering Caring Opportunities. -- 1988–1990.
28. Correspondence and meeting minutes relating to the Reference Committee of the Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church. -- 1988–1989.
29. Documents regarding the Elizabeth Neufeld estate and the Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church's attempt to resolve differences and restore relationships among those named in the will. Restricted. -- 1989.
30. Collection of organizational materials and correspondence related to planning the Janz Team's Low German Evangelistic Crusade (Evangeliums Versammlungen) in Winkler. -- 1989–1990.
31. Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church staff meeting minutes. -- 1987.
32. Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church staff meeting minutes. -- 1988.
33. Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church staff meeting minutes. -- 1989.
34. Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church staff meeting minutes. -- 1990.
35. Meeting minutes relating to the Church Council of the Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church. -- 1988.
36. Meeting minutes relating to the Church Council of the Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church. -- 1989.
37. Meeting minutes relating to the Church Council of the Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church. -- 1990.
38. Pastor's church correspondence. -- 1987.
39. Pastor's church correspondence. January to June. -- 1988.
40. Pastor's church correspondence. July to December. -- 1988.
41. Pastor's church correspondence. January to June. -- 1989.
42. Pastor's church correspondence. July to December. -- 1989.
43. Pastor's church correspondence. January to June. -- 1990.
44. Church Planning Retreat materials for committee members, ministers, and deacons of the Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church. -- 1988.
45. Pastors Planning Retreat materials for pastors of the Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church. -- 1989.
46. Community brochures and pamphlets describing Port Rowan, Ontario. -- 1990–1992.
47. Correspondence and planning notes related to the Ministerial Network in Port Rowan, Ontario. -- 1990–1992.
48. Port Rowan Mennonite Brethren Church directory of names and addresses. -- 1992.
49. Port Rowan Mennonite Brethren Church constitution and by-laws. -- 1990.
Volume 1507
1. Correspondence, planning notes, and meeting minutes for Port Rowan Mennonite Brethren Church Leadership Board. -- 1990.
2. Correspondence, planning notes, and meeting minutes for Port Rowan Mennonite Brethren Church Leadership Board. -- 1991.
3. Correspondence, planning notes, and meeting minutes for Port Rowan Mennonite Brethren Church Leadership Board. -- 1992.
4. Minutes from Church Business Meetings, Port Rowan Mennonite Brethren Church. -- 1990–1992.
5. Correspondence, planning notes, and meeting minutes for Port Rowan Mennonite Brethren Church Fellowship Groups. -- 1990–1992.
6. Lesson materials and lecture notes for teaching series. Topic: Basic Christian Living. -- 1991–1992.
7. Lesson materials and lecture notes for teaching series. Topic: The Person and Ministry of the Holy Spirit. -- 1990.
8. Correspondence and planning notes for Spring Planning Retreat, Port Rowan Mennonite Brethren Church. -- 1991.
9. Correspondence, planning notes, and meeting minutes for Port Rowan Mennonite Brethren Church Christian Education (Sunday School) and Youth Committee. -- 1990–1992.
10. Processing notes of meeting with Ralph Teigrob and Ed Heinrichs regarding a particular conflict. Restricted. -- 1992.
11. Processing notes regarding a conflicted situation involving Abe and Frieda Dyck. Restricted. -- 1991.
12. Pastor's church correspondence. August to December. -- 1990.
13. Pastor's church correspondence. January to June. -- 1991.
14. Pastor's church correspondence. July to December. -- 1991.
15. Pastor's church correspondence. -- 1992.
16. Promotional materials for Port Rowan Mennonite Brethren Church. -- 1990–1992.
17. Grace Mennonite Church, Winkler. Notes and materials for Pastoral Staff Planning Meetings. -- 1993–1997.
18. Notes and planning material for Grace Mennonite Church newsletter. -- 1993.
19. Minutes and reports presented at Grace Mennonite Church Council Meetings. -- 1992.
20. Minutes and reports presented at Grace Mennonite Church Council Meetings. -- 1993.
21. Minutes and reports presented at Grace Mennonite Church Council Meetings. -- 1996.
22. Minutes and reports presented at Grace Mennonite Church Council Meetings. -- 1997.
23. Minutes and reports presented at Grace Mennonite Church Council Meetings. -- 1998.
24. Minutes and reports presented at Grace Mennonite Church Council Meetings. -- 1999.
25. Report book and meeting materials for Grace Mennonite Church's annual meeting. -- 1992.
26. Report book and meeting materials for Grace Mennonite Church's annual meeting. -- 1993.
27. Report book and meeting materials for Grace Mennonite Church's annual meeting. -- 1994.
28. Report book and meeting materials for Grace Mennonite Church's annual meeting. -- 1995.
29. Report book and meeting materials for Grace Mennonite Church's annual meeting. -- 1996.
30. Report book and meeting materials for Grace Mennonite Church's annual meeting. -- 1997.
31. Pastor's correspondence. September to December. -- 1992.
32. Pastor's correspondence. January to June. -- 1993.
33. Pastor's correspondence. July to December. -- 1993.
34. Pastor's correspondence. January to June. -- 1994.
35. Pastor's correspondence. July to December. -- 1994.
36. Pastor's correspondence. -- 1995.
37. Pastor's correspondence. -- 1996.
38. Pastor's correspondence. -- 1997.
39. Pastor's correspondence. -- 1998.
40. Correspondence and meeting minutes of the Grace Mennonite Church Deacon Board. -- 1992.
41. Correspondence and meeting minutes of the Grace Mennonite Church Deacon Board. -- 1993.
42. Correspondence and meeting minutes of the Grace Mennonite Church Deacon Board. -- 1994.
43. Correspondence and meeting minutes of the Grace Mennonite Church Deacon Board. -- 1995.
44. Correspondence and meeting minutes of the Grace Mennonite Church Deacon Board. -- 1996.
45. Correspondence and meeting minutes of the Grace Mennonite Church Deacon Board. -- 1997.
46. Correspondence and meeting minutes of the Grace Mennonite Church Deacon Board. -- 1998.
47. Correspondence and meeting minutes of the Grace Mennonite Church Deacon Board. -- 1999.
48. Lecture given by Hans Werner on the growth and development of Grace Mennonite Church. -- 1995.
49. Lesson materials and lecture notes for teaching series. Topic: Basic Christian Living. -- 1994–1999.
50. Correspondence and meeting minutes of the Winkler Ministerial. -- 1992–1994.
51. Memorandum of understanding, evaluations, and job descriptions for pastoral ministry at Grace Mennonite Church. -- 1992–1998.
52. Staff Handbook for Grace Mennonite Church pastoral team. -- 1997.
53. Correspondence and meeting minutes of the Grace Mennonite Church Missions Committee. -- 1992–1996.
54. Lesson materials and lecture notes for teaching series. Topic: The Church Alive and Well. Studies in Acts. -- 1993.
55. Grace Mennonite Church logo. -- 1999.
56. Study Guides for Grace Mennonite Church Fellowship Groups. -- 1992–2004.
57. Overhead projector transparencies of cartoons, articles, Bible verses, etc. for sermon illustrations. -- 1991–1993.
58. Memorandum of understanding, vision statements, and job descriptions for pastoral ministry at Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church. -- 2001–2003.
59. Worship and speaking planning calendar for Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church. -- 2001–2004.
60. Lesson materials for church membership classes at Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church. -- 2002–2003.
61. Log of pastoral visits made with commentary. -- 2002–2003.
62. Log of pastoral visits made with commentary. -- 2004.
63. Collection of Sunday morning worship bulletins for the Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church. June to December. -- 2001.
64. Pastor's correspondence. -- 2001.
65. Pastor's correspondence. -- 2002.
66. Pastor's correspondence. -- 2003–2004.
67. Planning materials and notes related to Small Group Fellowships at Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church. -- 2001.
68. Group lists for Small Group Fellowships at Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church. -- 2002.
69. Planning materials and notes related to Small Group Fellowships at Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church. -- 2002–2004.
70. Correspondence related to Small Group Fellowships at Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church. -- 2001–2003.
71. Handbook for Small Group Leaders at Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church. -- 2003.
72. Alpha Program planning materials for Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church. -- 2003.
73. Log of pastoral visits and worship planning for "transitional pastoral ministry" at Emmanuel Mennonite Church, Winkler. -- 2005.
Volume 1508
1. German transcription of Peter Elias's Gothic script diary from 1871. -- [197-?].
2. Collection of articles and research notes on early Winkler Mennonite Brethren leader Rev. Johann Warkentin (1859–1948). -- 1975.
3. Collection of articles and research notes on early Winkler Mennonite Brethren leader Rev. Heinrich Voth (1851–1918). -- 1964, 1975.
4. German transcription of Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church's Gothic script congregational meeting minutes (1889–1904). -- [197-?].
5. The Life Story of Rev. John Warkentin (1859–1948) written by son-in-law Heinrich S. Voth in 1948. The text appears in Gothic script, in German transcription, and in English translation. -- 1948, [197-?].
6. Individual biographies of early Mennonite Brethren leaders compiled by William Schroeder for the "First 100 Years" project, including Herman Lenzmann, Jacob A. Kroeker, Herb Van Bergen, Walter Janzen, Dale Warkentin, John D. Stoesz, John M. Schmidt, Jacob H. Quiring, George D. Pries, and Heinrich S. Voth. -- 1987.
7. Unpublished manuscript (139 pages) called "The First One Hundred Years: The Story of Canada's First Mennonite Brethren Church at Winkler, Manitoba." Outline of eight chapters: 1) Origins and early growth; 2) Leadership in the church; 3) Missions and evangelism; 4) Youth and Christian education; 5) Music and choirs; 6) Special ministries and groups; 7) Buildings and facilities; and 8) Anniversaries, conferences, and celebrations. -- 1989.
8. Lecture notes for workshop given at the Manitoba Mennonite Historical Society held in the Reinfeld Community Centre on November 14, 1998. Topic: Mennonite Brethren Beginnings in Manitoba. On display at the workshop was the charter of incorporation of the "religious society known as the Mennonite Brethren" dated September 27, 1903. The charter is included in this file folder. -- 1903, 1998.