Fernheim Colony (Boquerón Department, Paraguay) - Revision history

RichardThiessen at 02:19, 29 August 2023

2023-08-29T02:19:43Z

AlfRedekopp at 16:57, 26 January 2023

2023-01-26T16:57:58Z

RichardThiessen: Text replace - "Mennonite Quarterly Review" to "''Mennonite Quarterly Review''"

2017-01-15T22:59:03Z

Text replace - "Mennonite Quarterly Review" to "''Mennonite Quarterly Review''"

RichardThiessen: Text replace - "" to ""

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The colony hospital, located at Filadelfia, served as medical and surgical center for all Chaco Mennonites and consisted in 1955 of 42 beds in a two-story adobe brick building. Doctors changed frequently, coming from Asuncion, the [[United States of America|United States]], and from [[Germany|Germany]]. In 1953 the first native physician, Wilhelm Käthler, returned from a full medical training in the United States to begin practice in the colony. All illness except rare cases and serious eye defects can be treated here. A five-room house for the mentally ill was also built in Filadelfia, but proved inadequate, and plans were made to increase its facilities. A dentist provided all dental care required, including aid to many non-colony individuals.

The colony hospital, located at Filadelfia, served as medical and surgical center for all Chaco Mennonites and consisted in 1955 of 42 beds in a two-story adobe brick building. Doctors changed frequently, coming from Asuncion, the [[United States of America|United States]], and from [[Germany|Germany]]. In 1953 the first native physician, Wilhelm Käthler, returned from a full medical training in the United States to begin practice in the colony. All illness except rare cases and serious eye defects can be treated here. A five-room house for the mentally ill was also built in Filadelfia, but proved inadequate, and plans were made to increase its facilities. A dentist provided all dental care required, including aid to many non-colony individuals.

−
All Fernheim children attended the local village school for six years. If they wished to continue their education, they could attend the [[Fernheim Zentralschule (Fernheim Colony, Boquerón Department, Paraguay)|Zentralschule]] (secondary school), which offered an additional four-year course of study. Those wishing to become teachers or to enter other higher professions could attend the Pedagogical Institute (Pädagogisches ~~Institut~~) for an additional two years, making it possible to receive a total of 12 years of schooling in the colony itself, not including Bible school. While other colonies also had their secondary schools, the pedagogical school served all Paraguayan Mennonite settlements and provided their teachers.
+
All Fernheim children attended the local village school for six years. If they wished to continue their education, they could attend the [[Fernheim Zentralschule (Fernheim Colony, Boquerón Department, Paraguay)|Zentralschule]] (secondary school), which offered an additional four-year course of study. Those wishing to become teachers or to enter other higher professions could attend the Pedagogical Institute (Pädagogisches Institut) for an additional two years, making it possible to receive a total of 12 years of schooling in the colony itself, not including Bible school. While other colonies also had their secondary schools, the pedagogical school served all Paraguayan Mennonite settlements and provided their teachers.

There were three groups within the colony in 1955: the [[Mennonite Brethren Church|Mennonite Brethren]] with 567 members, the Mennonite Church ([[General Conference Mennonite Church (GCM)|General Conference Mennonite]]) with 350 members, and the [[Fernheim Evangelical Mennonite Brethren Church (Fernheim Colony, Boquerón Department, Paraguay)|Evangelical Mennonite Brethren]], also known as the Allianzgemeinde, with 171 members. The work of these churches was coordinated through the inter-church committee known as the Komitee für kirchliche Angelegenheiten (KfK). On 1 January 1955 the population of the colony was 2,491 persons. In 1954 there were 14 deaths and 78 births. -- ''Cornelius J. Dyck''

There were three groups within the colony in 1955: the [[Mennonite Brethren Church|Mennonite Brethren]] with 567 members, the Mennonite Church ([[General Conference Mennonite Church (GCM)|General Conference Mennonite]]) with 350 members, and the [[Fernheim Evangelical Mennonite Brethren Church (Fernheim Colony, Boquerón Department, Paraguay)|Evangelical Mennonite Brethren]], also known as the Allianzgemeinde, with 171 members. The work of these churches was coordinated through the inter-church committee known as the Komitee für kirchliche Angelegenheiten (KfK). On 1 January 1955 the population of the colony was 2,491 persons. In 1954 there were 14 deaths and 78 births. -- ''Cornelius J. Dyck''

SamSteiner: Modify footer

2013-11-18T15:36:23Z

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= Additional Information =

= Additional Information =

The 2009 article, translated by Hugo Friesen, is based on the original German language article that was written for the Lexikon der Mennoniten in Paraguay and has been made available to GAMEO with permission. The German version of this article is available at http://www.menonitica.org/lexikon/?F:Fernheim.

The 2009 article, translated by Hugo Friesen, is based on the original German language article that was written for the Lexikon der Mennoniten in Paraguay and has been made available to GAMEO with permission. The German version of this article is available at http://www.menonitica.org/lexikon/?F:Fernheim.

−
{{GAMEO_footer|hp=Vol. 2, pp. 323-325; vol. 5, p. 298|date=2009|a1_last=Dyck|a1_first=Cornelius J., Peter P. ~~Klassen~~|~~a2_last~~=Niebuhr|~~a2_first~~=Gundolf}}
+
{{GAMEO_footer-3|hp=Vol. 2, pp. 323-325; vol. 5, p. 298|date=2009|a1_last=Dyck|a1_first=Cornelius J.|a2_last=Klassen|a2_first=Peter P.|a3_last=Niebuhr|a3_first=Gundolf}}

RichardThiessen at 03:44, 23 October 2013

2013-10-23T03:44:38Z

← Older revision Revision as of 03:44, 23 October 2013
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Klassen, Peter P. ''50 Jahre Kolonie Fernheim: Ein Beitrag in der Entwicklung Paraguays''. Hg. Kolonie Fernheim. Asunción: Imprenta Modelo, 1980.

Klassen, Peter P. ''50 Jahre Kolonie Fernheim: Ein Beitrag in der Entwicklung Paraguays''. Hg. Kolonie Fernheim. Asunción: Imprenta Modelo, 1980.

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−
~~Klassen, Peter P. ''Die Mennoniten in Paraguay. Reich Gottes und Reich dieser Welt''. Bolanden-Weierhof: Mennonitischer Geschichtsverein e.V., 1988.~~

Kliewer, Fritz. Die deutsche Volksgruppe in Paraguay. Hamburg, 1941.

Kliewer, Fritz. Die deutsche Volksgruppe in Paraguay. Hamburg, 1941.

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Yoder, S. C. For Conscience Sake. Scottdale, PA: Herald Press, 1945.

Yoder, S. C. For Conscience Sake. Scottdale, PA: Herald Press, 1945.

+

+
=== 2009 Bibliography ===

+

+
Klassen, Peter P. ''50 Jahre Kolonie Fernheim: Ein Beitrag in der Entwicklung Paraguays''. Hg. Kolonie Fernheim. Asunción: Imprenta Modelo, 1980.

+

+
Klassen, Peter P. ''Die Mennoniten in Paraguay. Reich Gottes und Reich dieser Welt''. Bolanden-Weierhof: Mennonitischer Geschichtsverein e.V., 1988.

= Additional Information =

= Additional Information =

The 2009 article, translated by Hugo Friesen, is based on the original German language article that was written for the Lexikon der Mennoniten in Paraguay and has been made available to GAMEO with permission. The German version of this article is available at http://www.menonitica.org/lexikon/?F:Fernheim.

The 2009 article, translated by Hugo Friesen, is based on the original German language article that was written for the Lexikon der Mennoniten in Paraguay and has been made available to GAMEO with permission. The German version of this article is available at http://www.menonitica.org/lexikon/?F:Fernheim.

−
{{GAMEO_footer|hp=Vol. 2, pp. 323-325; vol. 5, p. 298|date=~~1987~~|a1_last=Dyck|a1_first=Cornelius J.|a2_last=~~Klassen~~|a2_first=~~Peter P.~~}}
+
{{GAMEO_footer|hp=Vol. 2, pp. 323-325; vol. 5, p. 298|date=2009|a1_last=Dyck|a1_first=Cornelius J., Peter P. Klassen|a2_last=Niebuhr|a2_first=Gundolf}}

RichardThiessen: /* Bibliography */ Removed duplicate item.

2013-10-22T06:14:07Z

Bibliography: Removed duplicate item.

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Fretz, J. Winfield. Pilgrims in Paraguay. Scottdale, PA: Herald Press, 1953.

Fretz, J. Winfield. Pilgrims in Paraguay. Scottdale, PA: Herald Press, 1953.

−

−
~~50 Jahre Kolonie Fernheim. Filadelfia, 1980.~~

Hiebert, W. "Mennonite Education in the Gran Chaco." Mennonite Life (October 1947):28-32.

Hiebert, W. "Mennonite Education in the Gran Chaco." Mennonite Life (October 1947):28-32.

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Yoder, S. C. For Conscience Sake. Scottdale, PA: Herald Press, 1945.

Yoder, S. C. For Conscience Sake. Scottdale, PA: Herald Press, 1945.

+

= Additional Information =

= Additional Information =

The 2009 article, translated by Hugo Friesen, is based on the original German language article that was written for the Lexikon der Mennoniten in Paraguay and has been made available to GAMEO with permission. The German version of this article is available at http://www.menonitica.org/lexikon/?F:Fernheim.

The 2009 article, translated by Hugo Friesen, is based on the original German language article that was written for the Lexikon der Mennoniten in Paraguay and has been made available to GAMEO with permission. The German version of this article is available at http://www.menonitica.org/lexikon/?F:Fernheim.

{{GAMEO_footer|hp=Vol. 2, pp. 323-325; vol. 5, p. 298|date=1987|a1_last=Dyck|a1_first=Cornelius J.|a2_last=Klassen|a2_first=Peter P.}}

{{GAMEO_footer|hp=Vol. 2, pp. 323-325; vol. 5, p. 298|date=1987|a1_last=Dyck|a1_first=Cornelius J.|a2_last=Klassen|a2_first=Peter P.}}

RichardThiessen at 05:57, 22 October 2013

2013-10-22T05:57:25Z

← Older revision Revision as of 05:57, 22 October 2013
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= 2009 Article =

= 2009 Article =

−

−
''This article, translated by Hugo Friesen, is based on the original German language article that was written for the Lexikon der Mennoniten in Paraguay and has been made available to GAMEO with permission. The German version of this article is available at http://www.menonitica.org/lexikon/?F:Fernheim.''

Fernheim Colony was officially established on 1 July 1930 in the immediate vicinity of [[Menno Colony (Alto Paraguay Department, Paraguay)|Menno Colony]] as the second Mennonite settlement in the Chaco. At that point the first three groups of Russian refugees, who had been housed in [[Germany]], had arrived in the Chaco and now came from the tent camp at Trébol to found the first eight villages of the new settlement. The land for this settlement enterprise had been purchased by the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) from the ''Corporación Paraguaya'', which was also required to provide a makeshift infrastructure. Apart from a shed and a well on Trébol the organization had not fulfilled their commitment. Thus, the settlers had to fend for themselves right from the start. Suitable locations for the layout of villages were found, measured and the first wells were dug. During the orientation to the Chaco wilderness the Enlhet Aboriginals were frequently of assistance.

Fernheim Colony was officially established on 1 July 1930 in the immediate vicinity of [[Menno Colony (Alto Paraguay Department, Paraguay)|Menno Colony]] as the second Mennonite settlement in the Chaco. At that point the first three groups of Russian refugees, who had been housed in [[Germany]], had arrived in the Chaco and now came from the tent camp at Trébol to found the first eight villages of the new settlement. The land for this settlement enterprise had been purchased by the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) from the ''Corporación Paraguaya'', which was also required to provide a makeshift infrastructure. Apart from a shed and a well on Trébol the organization had not fulfilled their commitment. Thus, the settlers had to fend for themselves right from the start. Suitable locations for the layout of villages were found, measured and the first wells were dug. During the orientation to the Chaco wilderness the Enlhet Aboriginals were frequently of assistance.

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Yoder, S. C. For Conscience Sake. Scottdale, PA: Herald Press, 1945.

Yoder, S. C. For Conscience Sake. Scottdale, PA: Herald Press, 1945.

+
= Additional Information =

+
The 2009 article, translated by Hugo Friesen, is based on the original German language article that was written for the Lexikon der Mennoniten in Paraguay and has been made available to GAMEO with permission. The German version of this article is available at http://www.menonitica.org/lexikon/?F:Fernheim.

{{GAMEO_footer|hp=Vol. 2, pp. 323-325; vol. 5, p. 298|date=1987|a1_last=Dyck|a1_first=Cornelius J.|a2_last=Klassen|a2_first=Peter P.}}

{{GAMEO_footer|hp=Vol. 2, pp. 323-325; vol. 5, p. 298|date=1987|a1_last=Dyck|a1_first=Cornelius J.|a2_last=Klassen|a2_first=Peter P.}}

RichardThiessen: /* 2009 Article */ Added hyperlinks

2013-10-22T04:15:36Z

2009 Article: Added hyperlinks

← Older revision Revision as of 04:15, 22 October 2013
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= 2009 Article =

= 2009 Article =

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This article, translated by Hugo Friesen, is based on the original German language article that was written for the Lexikon der Mennoniten in Paraguay and has been made available to GAMEO with permission. The German version of this article is available at http://www.menonitica.org/lexikon/?F:Fernheim.
+
''This article, translated by Hugo Friesen, is based on the original German language article that was written for the Lexikon der Mennoniten in Paraguay and has been made available to GAMEO with permission. The German version of this article is available at http://www.menonitica.org/lexikon/?F:Fernheim.''

−
Fernheim Colony was officially established on 1 July 1930 in the immediate vicinity of Menno Colony as the second Mennonite settlement in the Chaco. At that point the first three groups of Russian refugees, who had been housed in Germany, had arrived in the Chaco and now came from the tent camp at Trébol to found the first eight villages of the new settlement. The land for this settlement enterprise had been purchased by the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) from the Corporación Paraguaya, which was also required to provide a makeshift infrastructure. Apart from a shed and a well on Trébol the organization had not fulfilled their commitment. Thus, the settlers had to fend for themselves right from the start. Suitable locations for the layout of villages were found, measured and the first wells were dug. During the orientation to the Chaco wilderness the Enlhet ~~Indians~~ were frequently of assistance.
+
Fernheim Colony was officially established on 1 July 1930 in the immediate vicinity of [[Menno Colony (Alto Paraguay Department, Paraguay)|Menno Colony]] as the second Mennonite settlement in the Chaco. At that point the first three groups of Russian refugees, who had been housed in [[Germany]], had arrived in the Chaco and now came from the tent camp at Trébol to found the first eight villages of the new settlement. The land for this settlement enterprise had been purchased by the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) from the ''Corporación Paraguaya'', which was also required to provide a makeshift infrastructure. Apart from a shed and a well on Trébol the organization had not fulfilled their commitment. Thus, the settlers had to fend for themselves right from the start. Suitable locations for the layout of villages were found, measured and the first wells were dug. During the orientation to the Chaco wilderness the Enlhet Aboriginals were frequently of assistance.

−
In July 1930 a group coming from Poland joined this settlement enterprise. Until 1931 some smaller groups from Germany had joined the settlement but in 1932 the arrival of the ~~so-called Harbiner Group~~ temporarily closed down the addition of any more settlers. At that time Fernheim Colony had 17 villages with a population of 2,015 persons.
+
In July 1930 a group coming from [[Poland]] joined this settlement enterprise. Until 1931 some smaller groups from Germany had joined the settlement but in 1932 the arrival of the [[Harbin (Heilongjiang, China) Refugees|Harbin Refugees]] temporarily closed down the addition of any more settlers. At that time Fernheim Colony had 17 villages with a population of 2,015 persons.

The settlers were not only without means, but had accumulated a large debt with MCC for the cost of the long journey, equipment, land acquisition and maintenance. As a result, the economic conditions were very difficult. They also were in an unfamiliar, often perceived as a hostile, environment and with insufficient guidance as to what one could grow in fields and gardens it seemed hard to survive.

The settlers were not only without means, but had accumulated a large debt with MCC for the cost of the long journey, equipment, land acquisition and maintenance. As a result, the economic conditions were very difficult. They also were in an unfamiliar, often perceived as a hostile, environment and with insufficient guidance as to what one could grow in fields and gardens it seemed hard to survive.

−
From the first year of settlement, therefore, the eyes were directed to eastern Paraguay, where there was the promise of better conditions for settlement. In December 1930 Gerhard Isaac and Cornelius Langemann were commissioned to explore the possibilities in eastern Paraguay (Delegation Ostparaguay). They came back with a generally positive report, but a move never materialized. There were several reasons for this although more research may be required. First, MCC was not willing to finance a new resettlement and the settlers themselves were destitute. Second, the Paraguayan government was interested, for geopolitical reasons, to have energetic settlers in the Chaco. Although they would probably not have prevented a transfer of the colony to eastern Paraguay, they were more interested that the settlers remain in the Chaco. Third, leading people from the MCC and in the colonies themselves were convinced that the Mennonite character could be more easily maintained in the Chaco. Fourth, some of the settlers were also convinced that it was by divine providence that they came to the Chaco with the mission to bring the Gospel to the Indians and to introduce them to western culture. The result was that the colony was not moved to eastern Paraguay. However, some individual families migrated there after 1931.
+
From the first year of settlement, therefore, the eyes were directed to eastern Paraguay, where there was the promise of better conditions for settlement. In December 1930 Gerhard Isaac and Cornelius Langemann were commissioned to explore the possibilities in eastern Paraguay (''Delegation Ostparaguay''). They came back with a generally positive report, but a move never materialized. There were several reasons for this although more research may be required. First, MCC was not willing to finance a new resettlement and the settlers themselves were destitute. Second, the Paraguayan government was interested, for geopolitical reasons, to have energetic settlers in the Chaco. Although they would probably not have prevented a transfer of the colony to eastern Paraguay, they were more interested that the settlers remain in the Chaco. Third, leading people from the MCC and in the colonies themselves were convinced that the Mennonite character could be more easily maintained in the Chaco. Fourth, some of the settlers were also convinced that it was by divine providence that they came to the Chaco with the mission to bring the Gospel to the Indians and to introduce them to western culture. The result was that the colony was not moved to eastern Paraguay. However, some individual families migrated there after 1931.

−
In 1937, approximately 30% of the Fernheim colonists left their homesteads in order to establish Friesland Colony in Department San Pedro, East Paraguay. Later many families immigrated to Argentina, Brazil, and especially to Canada. Only when the economy was actually stabilized in the 1970s was the tendency to leave gradually reduced.
+

+
In 1937, approximately 30% of the Fernheim colonists left their homesteads in order to establish [[Friesland Colony (San Pedro Department, Paraguay)|Friesland Colony]] in Department San Pedro, East Paraguay. Later many families immigrated to [[Argentina]], [[Brazil]], and especially to [[Canada]]. Only when the economy was actually stabilized in the 1970s was the tendency to leave gradually reduced.

The administration as well as the churches in Fernheim often had the difficult task of giving the people from Russia, who often were of very different origin and character, a common identity and shared goals. Already at the outbreak of the Chaco War in 1932 they were forced to set up a cooperative, the first in the country, because they saw no other way to survive economically as a community. The cooperative system became the foundation for the development of Fernheim, providing greater opportunities so obviously beneficial that it became an integral part of the identity of the Fernheimers.

The administration as well as the churches in Fernheim often had the difficult task of giving the people from Russia, who often were of very different origin and character, a common identity and shared goals. Already at the outbreak of the Chaco War in 1932 they were forced to set up a cooperative, the first in the country, because they saw no other way to survive economically as a community. The cooperative system became the foundation for the development of Fernheim, providing greater opportunities so obviously beneficial that it became an integral part of the identity of the Fernheimers.

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In 1955 they celebrated the first major anniversary with the slogan: "Thus far the Lord has helped us". A sense of gratitude reigned for divine help during the building up of a new home. In 1980 the famous monument of three columns was erected with the motto: faith, work, concord. After 50 years the settlement enterprise was consolidated, the economy was established, and one could see in retrospect that these three values had become the supporting principles of the colony.

In 1955 they celebrated the first major anniversary with the slogan: "Thus far the Lord has helped us". A sense of gratitude reigned for divine help during the building up of a new home. In 1980 the famous monument of three columns was erected with the motto: faith, work, concord. After 50 years the settlement enterprise was consolidated, the economy was established, and one could see in retrospect that these three values had become the supporting principles of the colony.

−
In 2005 they celebrated 75 years of Fernheim under the motto: unity and development. Their eyes were no longer so exclusively on their own community, but more especially on the multi-cultural situation, which had developed in that the German-speaking descendants of the founding generation were now a minority. In 2008, Fernheim as an Asociación Civil, and as a cooperative, had a population of 4,172 people and ownership of 600,000 ha of land that was available for the commercial use of the members. -- ''Gundolf Niebuhr''
+
In 2005 they celebrated 75 years of Fernheim under the motto: unity and development. Their eyes were no longer so exclusively on their own community, but more especially on the multi-cultural situation, which had developed in that the German-speaking descendants of the founding generation were now a minority. In 2008, Fernheim as an ''Asociación Civil'', and as a cooperative, had a population of 4,172 people and ownership of 600,000 ha of land that was available for the commercial use of the members. -- ''Gundolf Niebuhr''

= Bibliography =

= Bibliography =

RichardThiessen: Added 2009 Article.

2013-10-22T03:02:47Z

Added 2009 Article.

← Older revision Revision as of 03:02, 22 October 2013
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All Fernheim children attended the local village school for six years. If they wished to continue their education, they could attend the [[Fernheim Zentralschule (Fernheim Colony, Boquerón Department, Paraguay)|Zentralschule]] (secondary school), which offered an additional four-year course of study. Those wishing to become teachers or to enter other higher professions could attend the Pedagogical Institute (Pädagogisches Institut) for an additional two years, making it possible to receive a total of 12 years of schooling in the colony itself, not including Bible school. While other colonies also had their secondary schools, the pedagogical school served all Paraguayan Mennonite settlements and provided their teachers.

All Fernheim children attended the local village school for six years. If they wished to continue their education, they could attend the [[Fernheim Zentralschule (Fernheim Colony, Boquerón Department, Paraguay)|Zentralschule]] (secondary school), which offered an additional four-year course of study. Those wishing to become teachers or to enter other higher professions could attend the Pedagogical Institute (Pädagogisches Institut) for an additional two years, making it possible to receive a total of 12 years of schooling in the colony itself, not including Bible school. While other colonies also had their secondary schools, the pedagogical school served all Paraguayan Mennonite settlements and provided their teachers.

−
There were three groups within the colony in 1955: the [[Mennonite Brethren Church|Mennonite Brethren]] with 567 members, the Mennonite Church ([[General Conference Mennonite Church (GCM)|General Conference Mennonite]]) with 350 members, and the [[Fernheim Evangelical Mennonite Brethren Church (Fernheim Colony, Boquerón Department, Paraguay)|Evangelical Mennonite Brethren]], also known as the Allianzgemeinde, with 171 members. The work of these churches was coordinated through the inter-church committee known as the Komitee für kirchliche Angelegenheiten (KfK). On 1 January 1955 the population of the colony was 2,491 persons. In 1954 there were 14 deaths and 78 births.
+
There were three groups within the colony in 1955: the [[Mennonite Brethren Church|Mennonite Brethren]] with 567 members, the Mennonite Church ([[General Conference Mennonite Church (GCM)|General Conference Mennonite]]) with 350 members, and the [[Fernheim Evangelical Mennonite Brethren Church (Fernheim Colony, Boquerón Department, Paraguay)|Evangelical Mennonite Brethren]], also known as the Allianzgemeinde, with 171 members. The work of these churches was coordinated through the inter-church committee known as the Komitee für kirchliche Angelegenheiten (KfK). On 1 January 1955 the population of the colony was 2,491 persons. In 1954 there were 14 deaths and 78 births. -- ''Cornelius J. Dyck''

= 1990 Article =

= 1990 Article =

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In 1984 the colony had three congregations affiliated with the [[Konferenz der Mennonitischen Brüdergemeinden]] (MB), totaling 715 members; one congregation belonging to the [[Convención de los Pastores de las Iglesias Mennonitas del Paraguay|Vereinigung der Mennonitengemeinden]] (GCM), with 650 members; and one congregation of the [[Konferenz der Evangelischen Mennonitischen Bruderschaft von Südamerika|Konferenz der Evangelischen Mennonitischen Brüderschaft von Südamerika]] (related to [[Fellowship of Evangelical Bible Churches]], formerly EMB), with 308 members.

In 1984 the colony had three congregations affiliated with the [[Konferenz der Mennonitischen Brüdergemeinden]] (MB), totaling 715 members; one congregation belonging to the [[Convención de los Pastores de las Iglesias Mennonitas del Paraguay|Vereinigung der Mennonitengemeinden]] (GCM), with 650 members; and one congregation of the [[Konferenz der Evangelischen Mennonitischen Bruderschaft von Südamerika|Konferenz der Evangelischen Mennonitischen Brüderschaft von Südamerika]] (related to [[Fellowship of Evangelical Bible Churches]], formerly EMB), with 308 members.

−
All social and economic arrangements are administered by the colony's [[Fernheim Agricultural Cooperative (Sociedad Civil Cooperativa Colonizadora Fernheim)|producer-consumer cooperative]] which has increasingly adapted itself to the Paraguayan situation. All of these factors have caused emigration to return to a normal level. The number of villages has increased from 17 to 25 in 1987, with the town of Filadelfia experiencing considerable growth.
+
All social and economic arrangements are administered by the colony's [[Fernheim Agricultural Cooperative (Sociedad Civil Cooperativa Colonizadora Fernheim)|producer-consumer cooperative]] which has increasingly adapted itself to the Paraguayan situation. All of these factors have caused emigration to return to a normal level. The number of villages has increased from 17 to 25 in 1987, with the town of Filadelfia experiencing considerable growth. -- ''Peter P. Klassen''

+

+
= 2009 Article =

+

+
This article, translated by Hugo Friesen, is based on the original German language article that was written for the Lexikon der Mennoniten in Paraguay and has been made available to GAMEO with permission. The German version of this article is available at http://www.menonitica.org/lexikon/?F:Fernheim.

+

+
Fernheim Colony was officially established on 1 July 1930 in the immediate vicinity of Menno Colony as the second Mennonite settlement in the Chaco. At that point the first three groups of Russian refugees, who had been housed in Germany, had arrived in the Chaco and now came from the tent camp at Trébol to found the first eight villages of the new settlement. The land for this settlement enterprise had been purchased by the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) from the Corporación Paraguaya, which was also required to provide a makeshift infrastructure. Apart from a shed and a well on Trébol the organization had not fulfilled their commitment. Thus, the settlers had to fend for themselves right from the start. Suitable locations for the layout of villages were found, measured and the first wells were dug. During the orientation to the Chaco wilderness the Enlhet Indians were frequently of assistance.

+

+
In July 1930 a group coming from Poland joined this settlement enterprise. Until 1931 some smaller groups from Germany had joined the settlement but in 1932 the arrival of the so-called Harbiner Group temporarily closed down the addition of any more settlers. At that time Fernheim Colony had 17 villages with a population of 2,015 persons.

+

+
The settlers were not only without means, but had accumulated a large debt with MCC for the cost of the long journey, equipment, land acquisition and maintenance. As a result, the economic conditions were very difficult. They also were in an unfamiliar, often perceived as a hostile, environment and with insufficient guidance as to what one could grow in fields and gardens it seemed hard to survive.

+

+
From the first year of settlement, therefore, the eyes were directed to eastern Paraguay, where there was the promise of better conditions for settlement. In December 1930 Gerhard Isaac and Cornelius Langemann were commissioned to explore the possibilities in eastern Paraguay (Delegation Ostparaguay). They came back with a generally positive report, but a move never materialized. There were several reasons for this although more research may be required. First, MCC was not willing to finance a new resettlement and the settlers themselves were destitute. Second, the Paraguayan government was interested, for geopolitical reasons, to have energetic settlers in the Chaco. Although they would probably not have prevented a transfer of the colony to eastern Paraguay, they were more interested that the settlers remain in the Chaco. Third, leading people from the MCC and in the colonies themselves were convinced that the Mennonite character could be more easily maintained in the Chaco. Fourth, some of the settlers were also convinced that it was by divine providence that they came to the Chaco with the mission to bring the Gospel to the Indians and to introduce them to western culture. The result was that the colony was not moved to eastern Paraguay. However, some individual families migrated there after 1931.

+
In 1937, approximately 30% of the Fernheim colonists left their homesteads in order to establish Friesland Colony in Department San Pedro, East Paraguay. Later many families immigrated to Argentina, Brazil, and especially to Canada. Only when the economy was actually stabilized in the 1970s was the tendency to leave gradually reduced.

+

+
The administration as well as the churches in Fernheim often had the difficult task of giving the people from Russia, who often were of very different origin and character, a common identity and shared goals. Already at the outbreak of the Chaco War in 1932 they were forced to set up a cooperative, the first in the country, because they saw no other way to survive economically as a community. The cooperative system became the foundation for the development of Fernheim, providing greater opportunities so obviously beneficial that it became an integral part of the identity of the Fernheimers.

+

+
In 1955 they celebrated the first major anniversary with the slogan: "Thus far the Lord has helped us". A sense of gratitude reigned for divine help during the building up of a new home. In 1980 the famous monument of three columns was erected with the motto: faith, work, concord. After 50 years the settlement enterprise was consolidated, the economy was established, and one could see in retrospect that these three values had become the supporting principles of the colony.

+

+
In 2005 they celebrated 75 years of Fernheim under the motto: unity and development. Their eyes were no longer so exclusively on their own community, but more especially on the multi-cultural situation, which had developed in that the German-speaking descendants of the founding generation were now a minority. In 2008, Fernheim as an Asociación Civil, and as a cooperative, had a population of 4,172 people and ownership of 600,000 ha of land that was available for the commercial use of the members. -- ''Gundolf Niebuhr''

= Bibliography =

= Bibliography =

−
Bender, H. S. "With the Mennonite Refugee Colonies in Brazil and Paraguay —A Personal Narrative." Mennonite Quarterly Review13 (January 1939): 59-70.
+
Bender, H. S. "With the Mennonite Refugee Colonies in Brazil and Paraguay — A Personal Narrative." Mennonite Quarterly Review13 (January 1939): 59-70.

Elwood, A. L. Paraguay—Its Cultural Heritage, Social Conditions, and Educational Problems. New York, 1931.

Elwood, A. L. Paraguay—Its Cultural Heritage, Social Conditions, and Educational Problems. New York, 1931.

Line 49: Line 68:

Kempski, C. La Agricultura en el Chaco Paraguayo. Buenos Aires, 1948.

Kempski, C. La Agricultura en el Chaco Paraguayo. Buenos Aires, 1948.

+

+
Klassen, Peter P. ''50 Jahre Kolonie Fernheim: Ein Beitrag in der Entwicklung Paraguays''. Hg. Kolonie Fernheim. Asunción: Imprenta Modelo, 1980.

+

+
Klassen, Peter P. ''Die Mennoniten in Paraguay. Reich Gottes und Reich dieser Welt''. Bolanden-Weierhof: Mennonitischer Geschichtsverein e.V., 1988.

Kliewer, Fritz. Die deutsche Volksgruppe in Paraguay. Hamburg, 1941.

Kliewer, Fritz. Die deutsche Volksgruppe in Paraguay. Hamburg, 1941.

@@ Line 13: / Line 13: @@
 Digging of wells was dangerous because of the sandy nature of the subsoil. By 1 January 1935, the colony had dug 198 wells, of which 124 had sweet water and 75 salt water. On 1 January 1950, the colony had a total of 255 wells, of which two thirds are sweet wells, turning bitter if excessively used. In addition to the original severe water shortage, the poor transportation facilities resulted in irregular supply of essential foods. This, together with the unaccustomed climate, environment, and food, led to the outbreak of a typhoid epidemic shortly after their arrival in the [[Chaco (South America)|Chaco]], which claimed 65 lives in a few weeks' time, mainly in the villages of Friedensruh, Schönwiese, and Schönbrunn. Hollowed bottle trees (palo boracho) served as coffins.
-Many reverses were also experienced in the cultivation of their field crops. Being unaccustomed to a tropical climate and wishing to retain their farming methods of Russia, many suffered severely in the early years. A group of 140 families, feeling that they had little future in the colony, left in August 1937 and settled in East Paraguay, near Rosario, calling their new colony [[Friesland Colony (San Pedro Department, Paraguay) |Friesland]]. After several futile attempts the growing of such crops as wheat and potatoes was abandoned, replaced by sorgo (kafir), sweet potatoes, Paraguayan beans, peanuts, and mandioca (manioc). These furnished their household necessities and provided for the stock and also an occasional surplus for the market. The staple cash crop was cotton. In 1950 the total cultivated colony acreage was 6,636 acres. The Indian was the chief source of labor for the cotton crop, but because of increase in acreage and influx of new immigrants to the adjoining colony [[Neuland Colony (Boquerón Department, Paraguay)|Neuland]], the labor problem was annually becoming more acute. Limited mechanization was now tried. The watermelon thrives especially well in the [[Chaco (South America)|Chaco]], a single melon sometimes weighing up to 30 pounds. In the two decades 1930-1950 the colony has had 11 good crops, 5 average crops, and 4 crop failures. Annual rainfall over a period of 15 years, 1934-1948, averaged 28.3 inches. Especially trying are the winter sand storms which usually make their appearance during the months of June to September, being strong north winds from the <em>matto grosso</em> of Brazil.
+Many reverses were also experienced in the cultivation of their field crops. Being unaccustomed to a tropical climate and wishing to retain their farming methods of Russia, many suffered severely in the early years. A group of 140 families, feeling that they had little future in the colony, left in August 1937 and settled in East Paraguay, near Rosario, calling their new colony [[Friesland Colony (San Pedro Department, Paraguay) |Friesland]]. After several futile attempts the growing of such crops as wheat and potatoes was abandoned, replaced by sorgo (kafir), sweet potatoes, Paraguayan beans, peanuts, and mandioca (manioc). These furnished their household necessities and provided for the stock and also an occasional surplus for the market. The staple cash crop was cotton. In 1950 the total cultivated colony acreage was 6,636 acres. Indigenous people were the chief source of labor for the cotton crop, but because of an increase in acreage and influx of new immigrants to the adjoining colony [[Neuland Colony (Boquerón Department, Paraguay)|Neuland]], the labor problem was annually becoming more acute. Limited mechanization was now tried. The watermelon thrives especially well in the [[Chaco (South America)|Chaco]], a single melon sometimes weighing up to 30 pounds. In the two decades 1930-1950 the colony has had 11 good crops, 5 average crops, and 4 crop failures. Annual rainfall over a period of 15 years, 1934-1948, averaged 28.3 inches. Especially trying are the winter sand storms which usually make their appearance during the months of June to September, being strong north winds from the <em>matto grosso</em> of Brazil.
 To provide essential equipment for farm and home small basic industries were established, beginning with wagonmaking in 1931, until 1955 there were several blacksmith shops, a furniture shop, a tinsmith shop, and more recently such industries as a cotton gin, oil press, creamery, and essential oil extraction plants, all of which added considerably to the colony and individual family income. The long-hoped-for establishing of a spinning and weaving plant had not yet been realized. Further industrial development was hampered by the very inadequate transportation system. All freight still had to be hauled 66 miles by wagon or truck to the railhead, then 88 miles by rail to Puerto Casado, where it was reloaded onto river transportation for Asuncion. However, the colony had a good airstrip at Filadelfia, and weekly plane service made passenger travel considerably easier. Both it and the colony-Asuncion radio communication system developed and continued to improve. A direct all-weather road from Asuncion to Filadelfia was under construction with U. S. Point IV aid.

@@ Line 52: / Line 52: @@
 = Bibliography =
-Bender, H. S. "With the Mennonite Refugee Colonies in Brazil and Paraguay — A Personal Narrative." <em class="gameo_bibliography">Mennonite Quarterly Review</em>13 (January 1939): 59-70.
+Bender, H. S. "With the Mennonite Refugee Colonies in Brazil and Paraguay — A Personal Narrative." ''Mennonite Quarterly Review''13 (January 1939): 59-70.
 Elwood, A. L. <em class="gameo_bibliography">Paraguay—Its Cultural Heritage, Social Conditions, and Educational Problems</em>. New York, 1931.
@@ Line 70: / Line 70: @@
 Kliewer, Fritz. <em class="gameo_bibliography">Die deutsche Volksgruppe in Paraguay</em>. Hamburg, 1941.
-Kliewer, Fritz. "The Mennonites of Paraguay." <em class="gameo_bibliography">Mennonite Quarterly Review</em> 11 (January 1937): 92-97.
+Kliewer, Fritz. "The Mennonites of Paraguay." ''Mennonite Quarterly Review'' 11 (January 1937): 92-97.
 Krause, Annemarie. <em class="gameo_bibliography">Mennonite Settlement in the Paraguayan Chaco</em>. Chicago, 1952.
-Quiring, W. "The Colonization of the German Mennonites from Russia in the Paraguayan Chaco." <em class="gameo_bibliography">Mennonite Quarterly Review</em> 7 (April 1934): 62-72.
+Quiring, W. "The Colonization of the German Mennonites from Russia in the Paraguayan Chaco." ''Mennonite Quarterly Review'' 7 (April 1934): 62-72.
 Quiring, W. <em class="gameo_bibliography">Deutsche erschliessen den Chaco</em>. Karlsruhe, 1936.

@@ Line 41: / Line 41: @@
 The settlers were not only without means, but had accumulated a large debt with MCC for the cost of the long journey, equipment, land acquisition and maintenance. As a result, the economic conditions were very difficult. They also were in an unfamiliar, often perceived as a hostile, environment and with insufficient guidance as to what one could grow in fields and gardens it seemed hard to survive.
-From the first year of settlement, therefore, the eyes were directed to eastern Paraguay, where there was the promise of better conditions for settlement. In December 1930 Gerhard Isaac and Cornelius Langemann were commissioned to explore the possibilities in eastern Paraguay (''Delegation Ostparaguay''). They came back with a generally positive report, but a move never materialized. There were several reasons for this although more research may be required. First, MCC was not willing to finance a new resettlement and the settlers themselves were destitute. Second, the Paraguayan government was interested, for geopolitical reasons, to have energetic settlers in the Chaco. Although they would probably not have prevented a transfer of the colony to eastern Paraguay, they were more interested that the settlers remain in the Chaco. Third, leading people from the MCC and in the colonies themselves were convinced that the Mennonite character could be more easily maintained in the Chaco. Fourth, some of the settlers were also convinced that it was by divine providence that they came to the Chaco with the mission to bring the Gospel to the Indians and to introduce them to western culture. The result was that the colony was not moved to eastern Paraguay. However, some individual families migrated there after 1931.
+From the first year of settlement, therefore, the eyes were directed to eastern Paraguay, where there was the promise of better conditions for settlement. In December 1930 Gerhard Isaac and Cornelius Langemann were commissioned to explore the possibilities in eastern Paraguay (''Delegation Ostparaguay''). They came back with a generally positive report, but a move never materialized. There were several reasons for this although more research may be required. First, MCC was not willing to finance a new resettlement and the settlers themselves were destitute. Second, the Paraguayan government was interested, for geopolitical reasons, to have energetic settlers in the Chaco. Although they would probably not have prevented a transfer of the colony to eastern Paraguay, they were more interested that the settlers remain in the Chaco. Third, leading people from the MCC and in the colonies themselves were convinced that the Mennonite character could be more easily maintained in the Chaco. Fourth, some of the settlers were also convinced that it was by divine providence that they came to the Chaco with the mission to bring the Gospel to the Indigenous and to introduce them to western culture. The result was that the colony was not moved to eastern Paraguay. However, some individual families migrated there after 1931.
 In 1937, approximately 30% of the Fernheim colonists left their homesteads in order to establish [[Friesland Colony (San Pedro Department, Paraguay)|Friesland Colony]] in Department San Pedro, East Paraguay. Later many families immigrated to [[Argentina]], [[Brazil]], and especially to [[Canada]]. Only when the economy was actually stabilized in the 1970s was the tendency to leave gradually reduced.

@@ Line 19: / Line 19: @@
 The colony hospital, located at Filadelfia, served as medical and surgical center for all Chaco Mennonites and consisted in 1955 of 42 beds in a two-story adobe brick building. Doctors changed frequently, coming from Asuncion, the [[United States of America|United States]], and from [[Germany|Germany]]. In 1953 the first native physician, Wilhelm Käthler, returned from a full medical training in the United States to begin practice in the colony. All illness except rare cases and serious eye defects can be treated here. A five-room house for the mentally ill was also built in Filadelfia, but proved inadequate, and plans were made to increase its facilities. A dentist provided all dental care required, including aid to many non-colony individuals.
-All Fernheim children attended the local village school for six years. If they wished to continue their education, they could attend the [[Fernheim Zentralschule (Fernheim Colony, Boquerón Department, Paraguay)|Zentralschule]] (secondary school), which offered an additional four-year course of study. Those wishing to become teachers or to enter other higher professions could attend the Pedagogical Institute <em>(Pädagogisches In</em><em>stitut) </em>for an additional two years, making it possible to receive a total of 12 years of schooling in the colony itself, not including Bible school. While other colonies also had their secondary schools, the pedagogical school served all Paraguayan Mennonite settlements and provided their teachers.
+All Fernheim children attended the local village school for six years. If they wished to continue their education, they could attend the [[Fernheim Zentralschule (Fernheim Colony, Boquerón Department, Paraguay)|Zentralschule]] (secondary school), which offered an additional four-year course of study. Those wishing to become teachers or to enter other higher professions could attend the Pedagogical Institute <em>(Pädagogisches Institut) </em>for an additional two years, making it possible to receive a total of 12 years of schooling in the colony itself, not including Bible school. While other colonies also had their secondary schools, the pedagogical school served all Paraguayan Mennonite settlements and provided their teachers.
 There were three groups within the colony in 1955: the [[Mennonite Brethren Church|Mennonite Brethren]] with 567 members, the Mennonite Church ([[General Conference Mennonite Church (GCM)|General Conference Mennonite]]) with 350 members, and the [[Fernheim Evangelical Mennonite Brethren Church (Fernheim Colony, Boquerón Department, Paraguay)|Evangelical Mennonite Brethren]], also known as the Allianzgemeinde, with 171 members. The work of these churches was coordinated through the inter-church committee known as the <em>Komitee für kirchliche Angelegenheiten </em>(KfK). On 1 January 1955 the population of the colony was 2,491 persons. In 1954 there were 14 deaths and 78 births. -- ''Cornelius J. Dyck''

@@ Line 94: / Line 94: @@
 = Additional Information =
 The 2009 article, translated by Hugo Friesen, is based on the original German language article that was written for the Lexikon der Mennoniten in Paraguay and has been made available to GAMEO with permission. The German version of this article is available at http://www.menonitica.org/lexikon/?F:Fernheim.
-{{GAMEO_footer|hp=Vol. 2, pp. 323-325; vol. 5, p. 298|date=2009|a1_last=Dyck|a1_first=Cornelius J., Peter P. Klassen|a2_last=Niebuhr|a2_first=Gundolf}}
+{{GAMEO_footer-3|hp=Vol. 2, pp. 323-325; vol. 5, p. 298|date=2009|a1_last=Dyck|a1_first=Cornelius J.|a2_last=Klassen|a2_first=Peter P.|a3_last=Niebuhr|a3_first=Gundolf}}

@@ Line 67: / Line 67: @@
 Klassen, Peter P. ''50 Jahre Kolonie Fernheim: Ein Beitrag in der Entwicklung Paraguays''. Hg. Kolonie Fernheim. Asunción: Imprenta Modelo, 1980.
 Kliewer, Fritz. <em class="gameo_bibliography">Die deutsche Volksgruppe in Paraguay</em>. Hamburg, 1941.
@@ Line 87: / Line 85: @@
 Yoder, S. C.  <em class="gameo_bibliography">For Conscience Sake</em>. Scottdale, PA: Herald Press, 1945.
 = Additional Information =
 The 2009 article, translated by Hugo Friesen, is based on the original German language article that was written for the Lexikon der Mennoniten in Paraguay and has been made available to GAMEO with permission. The German version of this article is available at http://www.menonitica.org/lexikon/?F:Fernheim.
-{{GAMEO_footer|hp=Vol. 2, pp. 323-325; vol. 5, p. 298|date=1987|a1_last=Dyck|a1_first=Cornelius J.|a2_last=Klassen|a2_first=Peter P.}}
+{{GAMEO_footer|hp=Vol. 2, pp. 323-325; vol. 5, p. 298|date=2009|a1_last=Dyck|a1_first=Cornelius J., Peter P. Klassen|a2_last=Niebuhr|a2_first=Gundolf}}

@@ Line 34: / Line 34: @@
 = 2009 Article =
 Fernheim Colony was officially established on 1 July 1930 in the immediate vicinity of [[Menno Colony (Alto Paraguay Department, Paraguay)|Menno Colony]] as the second Mennonite settlement in the Chaco. At that point the first three groups of Russian refugees, who had been housed in [[Germany]], had arrived in the Chaco and now came from the tent camp at Trébol to found the first eight villages of the new settlement. The land for this settlement enterprise had been purchased by the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) from the ''Corporación Paraguaya'', which was also required to provide a makeshift infrastructure. Apart from a shed and a well on Trébol the organization had not fulfilled their commitment. Thus, the settlers had to fend for themselves right from the start. Suitable locations for the layout of villages were found, measured and the first wells were dug. During the orientation to the Chaco wilderness the Enlhet Aboriginals were frequently of assistance.
@@ Line 91: / Line 89: @@
 Yoder, S. C.  <em class="gameo_bibliography">For Conscience Sake</em>. Scottdale, PA: Herald Press, 1945.
 {{GAMEO_footer|hp=Vol. 2, pp. 323-325; vol. 5, p. 298|date=1987|a1_last=Dyck|a1_first=Cornelius J.|a2_last=Klassen|a2_first=Peter P.}}

@@ Line 35: / Line 35: @@
 = 2009 Article =
-This article, translated by Hugo Friesen, is based on the original German language article that was written for the Lexikon der Mennoniten in Paraguay and has been made available to GAMEO with permission. The German version of this article is available at http://www.menonitica.org/lexikon/?F:Fernheim.
+''This article, translated by Hugo Friesen, is based on the original German language article that was written for the Lexikon der Mennoniten in Paraguay and has been made available to GAMEO with permission. The German version of this article is available at http://www.menonitica.org/lexikon/?F:Fernheim.''
-Fernheim Colony was officially established on 1 July 1930 in the immediate vicinity of Menno Colony as the second Mennonite settlement in the Chaco. At that point the first three groups of Russian refugees, who had been housed in Germany, had arrived in the Chaco and now came from the tent camp at Trébol to found the first eight villages of the new settlement. The land for this settlement enterprise had been purchased by the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) from the Corporación Paraguaya, which was also required to provide a makeshift infrastructure. Apart from a shed and a well on Trébol the organization had not fulfilled their commitment. Thus, the settlers had to fend for themselves right from the start. Suitable locations for the layout of villages were found, measured and the first wells were dug. During the orientation to the Chaco wilderness the Enlhet Indians were frequently of assistance.
+Fernheim Colony was officially established on 1 July 1930 in the immediate vicinity of [[Menno Colony (Alto Paraguay Department, Paraguay)|Menno Colony]] as the second Mennonite settlement in the Chaco. At that point the first three groups of Russian refugees, who had been housed in [[Germany]], had arrived in the Chaco and now came from the tent camp at Trébol to found the first eight villages of the new settlement. The land for this settlement enterprise had been purchased by the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) from the ''Corporación Paraguaya'', which was also required to provide a makeshift infrastructure. Apart from a shed and a well on Trébol the organization had not fulfilled their commitment. Thus, the settlers had to fend for themselves right from the start. Suitable locations for the layout of villages were found, measured and the first wells were dug. During the orientation to the Chaco wilderness the Enlhet Aboriginals were frequently of assistance.
-In July 1930 a group coming from Poland joined this settlement enterprise. Until 1931 some smaller groups from Germany had joined the settlement but in 1932 the arrival of the so-called Harbiner Group temporarily closed down the addition of any more settlers. At that time Fernheim Colony had 17 villages with a population of 2,015 persons.
+In July 1930 a group coming from [[Poland]] joined this settlement enterprise. Until 1931 some smaller groups from Germany had joined the settlement but in 1932 the arrival of the [[Harbin (Heilongjiang, China) Refugees|Harbin Refugees]] temporarily closed down the addition of any more settlers. At that time Fernheim Colony had 17 villages with a population of 2,015 persons.
 The settlers were not only without means, but had accumulated a large debt with MCC for the cost of the long journey, equipment, land acquisition and maintenance. As a result, the economic conditions were very difficult. They also were in an unfamiliar, often perceived as a hostile, environment and with insufficient guidance as to what one could grow in fields and gardens it seemed hard to survive.
-From the first year of settlement, therefore, the eyes were directed to eastern Paraguay, where there was the promise of better conditions for settlement. In December 1930 Gerhard Isaac and Cornelius Langemann were commissioned to explore the possibilities in eastern Paraguay (Delegation Ostparaguay). They came back with a generally positive report, but a move never materialized. There were several reasons for this although more research may be required. First, MCC was not willing to finance a new resettlement and the settlers themselves were destitute. Second, the Paraguayan government was interested, for geopolitical reasons, to have energetic settlers in the Chaco. Although they would probably not have prevented a transfer of the colony to eastern Paraguay, they were more interested that the settlers remain in the Chaco. Third, leading people from the MCC and in the colonies themselves were convinced that the Mennonite character could be more easily maintained in the Chaco. Fourth, some of the settlers were also convinced that it was by divine providence that they came to the Chaco with the mission to bring the Gospel to the Indians and to introduce them to western culture. The result was that the colony was not moved to eastern Paraguay. However, some individual families migrated there after 1931.
+From the first year of settlement, therefore, the eyes were directed to eastern Paraguay, where there was the promise of better conditions for settlement. In December 1930 Gerhard Isaac and Cornelius Langemann were commissioned to explore the possibilities in eastern Paraguay (''Delegation Ostparaguay''). They came back with a generally positive report, but a move never materialized. There were several reasons for this although more research may be required. First, MCC was not willing to finance a new resettlement and the settlers themselves were destitute. Second, the Paraguayan government was interested, for geopolitical reasons, to have energetic settlers in the Chaco. Although they would probably not have prevented a transfer of the colony to eastern Paraguay, they were more interested that the settlers remain in the Chaco. Third, leading people from the MCC and in the colonies themselves were convinced that the Mennonite character could be more easily maintained in the Chaco. Fourth, some of the settlers were also convinced that it was by divine providence that they came to the Chaco with the mission to bring the Gospel to the Indians and to introduce them to western culture. The result was that the colony was not moved to eastern Paraguay. However, some individual families migrated there after 1931.
 In 1937, approximately 30% of the Fernheim colonists left their homesteads in order to establish Friesland Colony in Department San Pedro, East Paraguay. Later many families immigrated to Argentina, Brazil, and especially to Canada. Only when the economy was actually stabilized in the 1970s was the tendency to leave gradually reduced.
 The administration as well as the churches in Fernheim often had the difficult task of giving the people from Russia, who often were of very different origin and character, a common identity and shared goals. Already at the outbreak of the Chaco War in 1932 they were forced to set up a cooperative, the first in the country, because they saw no other way to survive economically as a community. The cooperative system became the foundation for the development of Fernheim, providing greater opportunities so obviously beneficial that it became an integral part of the identity of the Fernheimers.
@@ Line 50: / Line 51: @@
 In 1955 they celebrated the first major anniversary with the slogan: "Thus far the Lord has helped us". A sense of gratitude reigned for divine help during the building up of a new home. In 1980 the famous monument of three columns was erected with the motto: faith, work, concord. After 50 years the settlement enterprise was consolidated, the economy was established, and one could see in retrospect that these three values had become the supporting principles of the colony.
-In 2005 they celebrated 75 years of Fernheim under the motto: unity and development. Their eyes were no longer so exclusively on their own community, but more especially on the multi-cultural situation, which had developed in that the German-speaking descendants of the founding generation were now a minority. In 2008, Fernheim as an Asociación Civil, and as a cooperative, had a population of 4,172 people and ownership of 600,000 ha of land that was available for the commercial use of the members. -- ''Gundolf Niebuhr''
+In 2005 they celebrated 75 years of Fernheim under the motto: unity and development. Their eyes were no longer so exclusively on their own community, but more especially on the multi-cultural situation, which had developed in that the German-speaking descendants of the founding generation were now a minority. In 2008, Fernheim as an ''Asociación Civil'', and as a cooperative, had a population of 4,172 people and ownership of 600,000 ha of land that was available for the commercial use of the members. -- ''Gundolf Niebuhr''
 = Bibliography =

@@ Line 21: / Line 21: @@
 All Fernheim children attended the local village school for six years. If they wished to continue their education, they could attend the [[Fernheim Zentralschule (Fernheim Colony, Boquerón Department, Paraguay)|Zentralschule]] (secondary school), which offered an additional four-year course of study. Those wishing to become teachers or to enter other higher professions could attend the Pedagogical Institute <em>(Pädagogisches In</em><em>stitut) </em>for an additional two years, making it possible to receive a total of 12 years of schooling in the colony itself, not including Bible school. While other colonies also had their secondary schools, the pedagogical school served all Paraguayan Mennonite settlements and provided their teachers.
-There were three groups within the colony in 1955: the [[Mennonite Brethren Church|Mennonite Brethren]] with 567 members, the Mennonite Church ([[General Conference Mennonite Church (GCM)|General Conference Mennonite]]) with 350 members, and the [[Fernheim Evangelical Mennonite Brethren Church (Fernheim Colony, Boquerón Department, Paraguay)|Evangelical Mennonite Brethren]], also known as the Allianzgemeinde, with 171 members. The work of these churches was coordinated through the inter-church committee known as the <em>Komitee für kirchliche Angelegenheiten </em>(KfK). On 1 January 1955 the population of the colony was 2,491 persons. In 1954 there were 14 deaths and 78 births.
+There were three groups within the colony in 1955: the [[Mennonite Brethren Church|Mennonite Brethren]] with 567 members, the Mennonite Church ([[General Conference Mennonite Church (GCM)|General Conference Mennonite]]) with 350 members, and the [[Fernheim Evangelical Mennonite Brethren Church (Fernheim Colony, Boquerón Department, Paraguay)|Evangelical Mennonite Brethren]], also known as the Allianzgemeinde, with 171 members. The work of these churches was coordinated through the inter-church committee known as the <em>Komitee für kirchliche Angelegenheiten </em>(KfK). On 1 January 1955 the population of the colony was 2,491 persons. In 1954 there were 14 deaths and 78 births. -- ''Cornelius J. Dyck''
 = 1990 Article =
@@ Line 31: / Line 31: @@
 In 1984 the colony had three congregations affiliated with the [[Konferenz der Mennonitischen Brüdergemeinden]] (MB), totaling 715 members; one congregation belonging to the [[Convención de los Pastores de las Iglesias Mennonitas del Paraguay|Vereinigung der Mennonitengemeinden]] (GCM), with 650 members; and one congregation of the [[Konferenz der Evangelischen Mennonitischen Bruderschaft von Südamerika|Konferenz der Evangelischen Mennonitischen Brüderschaft von Südamerika]] (related to [[Fellowship of Evangelical Bible Churches]], formerly EMB), with 308 members.
-All social and economic arrangements are administered by the colony's [[Fernheim Agricultural Cooperative (Sociedad Civil Cooperativa Colonizadora Fernheim)|producer-consumer cooperative]] which has increasingly adapted itself to the Paraguayan situation. All of these factors have caused emigration to return to a normal level. The number of villages has increased from 17 to 25 in 1987, with the town of Filadelfia experiencing considerable growth.
+All social and economic arrangements are administered by the colony's [[Fernheim Agricultural Cooperative (Sociedad Civil Cooperativa Colonizadora Fernheim)|producer-consumer cooperative]] which has increasingly adapted itself to the Paraguayan situation. All of these factors have caused emigration to return to a normal level. The number of villages has increased from 17 to 25 in 1987, with the town of Filadelfia experiencing considerable growth. -- ''Peter P. Klassen''
 = Bibliography =
-Bender, H. S. "With the Mennonite Refugee Colonies in Brazil and Paraguay —A Personal Narrative." <em class="gameo_bibliography">Mennonite Quarterly Review</em>13 (January 1939): 59-70.
+Bender, H. S. "With the Mennonite Refugee Colonies in Brazil and Paraguay — A Personal Narrative." <em class="gameo_bibliography">Mennonite Quarterly Review</em>13 (January 1939): 59-70.
 Elwood, A. L. <em class="gameo_bibliography">Paraguay—Its Cultural Heritage, Social Conditions, and Educational Problems</em>. New York, 1931.
@@ Line 49: / Line 68: @@
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