NOTES PERTAINING TO INDUSTRIAL LABOR RELATIONS, esp. HERSHBERGER‟s
views, 1961-1965
0000000000000000000000000zq [mdnm etc. cleaned] MLAB6265
/////////////////////
labr620033 [Noted also in labr550421,600033, jlbu550421]
HOWARD KAUFFMAN QUESTIONING ABSOLUTISM RE UNION
MEMBERSHIP, WANTING RETHINKING OF CHURCH POSITION; RAISES QUESTION
OF AUTHORITARIAN APPROACH OF MAKING UNION MEMBERSHIP A TEST OF
MEMBERSHIP (suggests a position of discouraging membership but admitting it as proper in
some cases, which he suggested is already the IN MI conf position)
[MY QUESTION: DOES THE IN MI CONF REFLECT GFH??]
--From: Minutes and Reports of CIR/CESR vol. (1962), f. 49, b. 3, Hist. Mss. I-3-7
(CESR papers), AMC. [for full context see cesr391124 BBB]
------------BBB, f. 49:
J. Howard Kauffman, “Proposal for a Study of the Official Mennonite Church Position
on Labor Unions” (purple-spirit 2 ss pp. n.d.; author not indicated except signed in pencil at end,
“JHKauffman” [sic]--not in GFH hand. See oo1027.02-03.
Probably more MC members had joined unions than were working under the special
agreements. Church had either to be more firm in its counsel or offer counsel to union members.
RAISES QUESTION OF “(1) the validity of an absolutist position against union
membership per se, and (2) the validity of the authoritarian approach of making union
membership a test of church membership. [bold is mine, ul is in source]
Study should ask: whether joining was wrong PER SE; whether possible to differentiate
between proper and improper ethics on unions‟ part.
[1/2]
Various practical questions
Cd nonr member ever be a union officer?
Cd church take a position discouraging membership yet admitting that it was proper in
certain cases? Was that the IN MI conf position already?
Etc. See the document.
[From file CESRPA20]
/////////////////////
labr620103 [Noted in labr,cesr]
ERIE SAUDER SUBMITTING HIS REPORT ON MIGRATORY LABOR IN FULTON
COUNTY. SAID HURRIEDLY MADE, ETC.
--copy, EJS to Victor Stoltzfus, XN LIVING, 3jan62, f. 5, b. 7, Hist. Mss. I-3-7 (CESR
papers), AMC. See oo1110.05rev
----------------
THE REPORT IS IN XN LIVING:
“Migratory Labor in Fulton County, Ohio,” a 2/3 p. item in the “Community News and
Trends” column, ed. Victor Stoltzfus, Christian Living (Apr 1962), 10.
----
No mention of Earl Sauder‟s role.
----Emphasizes the religious and social services being provided them, not exploitation or
problems.
“The above study and report was a project of the Committee on Economic and Social
Relations of the Mennonite Church, a committee of General Conference.”
[From file CESRPA29]
/////////////////////
labr620221 [Noted also in cesr]
CESR AS TOO OVERLOADED TO WORK W/ MIGRANTS?|
EXCHANGE W/ RAY HORST OF MBMC RE WORK W/ MIGRANTS, f. 5, b. 7, Hist.
Mss. I-3-7 (CESR papers), AMC.
--GFH to Horst, 21feb62. See oo1110.04. That it looks as if MBMC was doing more
than GFH was aware of, and w/ CESR‟s other load, maybe it should leave this to MBMC. But
some suggestions for better informing the church.
--Horst to GFH, 23feb62. See oo1110.04. Often MBMC worked w/ them as extension
work w/o calling it migrant work. Etc.
[From file CESRPA29]
/////////////////////
labr620223 [Noted also in wchr]
WINONA LAKE MINISTERIAL STUDENT FOUND GFH STATEMENTS ON
UNIONS AND RT TO WORK IN WoCHR TO BE CLEAR; WERE THEY OFFICIAL
POSITN OF THE MENN CH?
------------
C. Ross Brown, Columbia City IN minister, to GFH, 23feb62, f. 5, b. 7, Hist. Mss. I-3-7
(CESR papers), AMC. See oo1109.24
----
GFH rather complex reply, 26feb62, same f. See oo1109.24rev.
[From file CESRPA29]
/////////////////////
labr620226 ILLUSTRATIVE KIND OF LETTER GFH WAS HAVING TO WRITE
ABOUT UNION MEMBERSHIP, 1962. (HARD TO SAY “TYPICAL”, YET
ILLUSTRATIVE)
------------
GFH to Russell Hochstetler, New Carlisle IN, 26feb62, f. 5, b. 7, Hist. Mss. I-3-7 (CESR
papers), AMC. See oo1110.03rev.
[From file CESRPA29]
/////////////////////
labr620315
TO LEDERACH IN OREGON: FINALLY AN AGREEMENT W/ MEAT CUTTERS.
GFH to John Lederach, Hubbard OR 15mar62, ->->photoc-1285, b12/f5: JL wd be glad to know
that after 4 yrs of waiting, CESR now had a signed agreement w/ Amalgamated Meat Cutters.
Were Donald Roth and Harold Bender “still working at the poultry processing plant”? If so,
GFH wd issue them cards. Wd any OR people be at the [Christian Community Relations conf on
Alcohol and Tobacco] at Goshen 5-7apr?
REPLY 22mar62, ->->photoc-1285, b12/f5: Very glad about the agreement. No, the
two were no longer working there, and JL knew of no others. Yes, conf exec comm wanted JL
to attend the Goshen mtg, and he was planning to.
/////////////////////
labr620316 [Noted also in cesr]
DOCUMENT, “Committee on Economic and Social Relations: Literature Program. As
of March 16, 1962” (purple-spirit, 1 ss p; in folder contiguous w/ CESR report to MC gen conf
gen council), f. 43, b. 3, Hist. Mss. I-3-7 (CESR papers), AMC. See oo1017.09. [from file
CESRPA12]
/////////////////////
labr620333 [noted also in labr,bsns,mcom,cesr450316; labr,bsns,mcom,cesr520333;
labr,bsns,mcom,cesr580333; bsns,mcom,cesr620333]
PROGRAMS OF INDUS RELATIONS, CMMTY, AND OTHER CESR-RELATED
CONFERENCES:|
//////////
450316mcom450316. Program of “Conference on Mennonite Community Life,” 16-
17mar1945, at Goshen College, f. 52, b. 2, Hist. Mss. I-3-7 (CESR papers), AMC. See
oo1010.10B. WHOLE FOLDER HERE FROM THIS, b2, f.54. See the note mcom450316.|
//////////
mcom,mcru460411 ?? RURAL LIFE CONF AT KITCHENER ONT
------------
“Programme: Rural Life Conference”, 11-12apr, n.y. (J. Howard Kauffman listed as
“instructor” at Goshen), f. 52, b. 2, Hist. Mss. I-3-7 (CESR papers), AMC. See oo1010.12.
//////////
labr,mcom,cesr470314 PROGRAM FOR “Conference on Industrial Relations”, Central
Church, Archbold OH, 14-15mar47, f. 52, b. 2, Hist. Mss. I-3-7 (CESR papers), AMC. See
oo1010.11.
//////////
mcom,labr,cesr500301 PROGRAM FOR “Conference on Industrial Relations and
Community Life,” Morgantown PA, 10-11mar50, f. 52, b. 2, Hist. Mss. I-3-7 (CESR papers),
AMC. See oo1010.11
//////////
cesr,labr501027 IN-MI conf CER MINUTES 1950-51 (and a letter)
All, f. 46, b. 2, Hist. Mss. I-3-7 (CESR papers), AMC.
----
27oct50 minutes (undersigned by GFH, sec):
--question of whether labor union problems were growing; sense that some members
were becoming lax on the question|
--more discussion about making factual survey
--a study plan to determine extent of members’ affiliations in various organizations:
a special conf of rep’ve persons. NAMES of potential participants.
See oo1006.|
----
5dec50 minutes (undersigned by GFH as sec)
--SEC (GFH) to take initiative in dealing w/ unions
--more discussion of possible partic‟s in that conf
--CONF TO BE AT PRAIRIE ST 23-24feb51; chmn and sec to propose a program. P.S.,
after the meeting, decision that the date was too soon for adequate preparation; no new date set
------------
GFH to F. F. Bontrager, Midland MI, 16feb51:
Explaining why the decision not to have the conf in Feb: not time for prep; wd be better
to wait until after the Laurelville conf that gen conf‟s CESR was planning. See oo1006.18rev.
//////////
mcom,labr,cesr,bsns510330 PROGRAM FOR “Conference on Industrial Relations and
Community Life,” Kitchener ONT, 30-31mar51, f. 52, b. 2, Hist. Mss. I-3-7 (CESR papers),
AMC. Printed. See oo1010.12.
//////////
cesr,labr510928 IN-MI conf CER MINUTES 1951-52 and some related material
All, f. 46, b. 2, Hist. Mss. I-3-7 (CESR papers), AMC.
----
28sep51 minutes.
--cmmtee made John E. Gingrich chmn again, GFH sec.
--several minutes showing close collaboration w/ gen conf’s CESR
--Laurelville conf as another guidepost|
--question of reviving the idea of that conf originally scheduled for 23-24feb
--decision to get topic of teaching re econ relations onto agenda of December ministers‟
mtg
--that the cmmtee should undertake a program of educ, a series of conferences, re econ
relations
--March probably the earliest feasible date for any conf
See oo1006.|
------------
GFH to Floyd F. Bontrager, RR Midland MI, 22jan52.
Had an invitation from Melvin Yoder to have an econ relations conf at Midland. Was the
invit. still open?
[Note: postcard w/ Yoder‟s invit extant here, 4oct51]
------------
DAYODER SUGGESTIONS FOR SUCH MTGS: D.A.Yoder to GFH, 8nov51: See
oo1006.17rev.
------------
J.C. Wenger to GFH, 23nov51: Doors of Olive Church were “wide open” for such a
conf.
------------
Floyd F. Bontrager, Midland MI, to GFH, 29jan52.
On the possibilitiees of having the “Economic Relations Meeting here at Midland”
------------
Floyd F. Bontrager, Midland MI, to GFH, 19mar52.
--re econ relations conf to be held at Midland, 10-11 May. Greyhound and rail
connections, etc.
------------
IN FOLDER 47: Program of that Midland meeting, 17-18may52, f. 47, b. 2, Hist. Mss. I-
3-7 (CESR papers), AMC. See oo1006.19
------------
IN NEXT FOLDER, f. 48: COVER LETTER GOING OUT W/ PROGRAM, 17apr52.
See oo1006.19B.
------------
IN NEXT FOLDER, f. 49, folder labeled “Conference Discussion materials”: Has typed
copy of the Midland program. Has multilithed copy of “Sample Problems Raised at the
Laurelville Study Conference on Christian Community Relations” (see
mcom,cesr,bsns,labr,paxx,eths.race,poli510700, and oo1006.19rev and oo1006.19C) and that
packet of GC Menno materials (see cesr,intm560320 and oo1010.08).
------------
IN NEXT FOLDER, f. 50. Same set of materials as noted here in 49.
//////////
labr,mcom,cesr520327 PROGRAM FOR “Conference on Christian Community
Relations”, Willow Springs Mennonite Church, Tiskilwa IL, 27-29mar52, f. 52, b. 2, Hist. Mss.
I-3-7 (CESR papers), AMC. See oo1010.13
//////////
labr,mcom,cesr540506 PROGRAM FOR “Conference on Christian Community
Relations”, Eastern Mennonite College, 6-8may54, f. 52, b. 2, Hist. Mss. I-3-7 (CESR papers),
AMC. See oo1010.14
//////////
labr,mcom,cesr550422 PROGRAM FOR “Conference on Christian Community
Relations”, Goshen College, 22-24Apr55, f. 52, b. 2, Hist. Mss. I-3-7 (CESR papers), AMC. See
oo1010.14
//////////
labr,mcom,cesr560406 PROGRAM FOR “Conference on Christian Community
Relations”, South Union Mennonite Church, West Liberty OH, 6-8apr56, f. 52, b. 2, Hist. Mss. I-
3-7 (CESR papers), AMC. See oo1010.14
//////////
mcom,cesr,bsns,jlbu560406 PROGRAM OF XN CMMTY CONF AT SOUTH UNION,
W.LIBERTY OH.
------------
Multilithed conf program, 6-8apr56, f. 47, b. 2, Hist. Mss. I-3-7 (CESR papers), AMC.
See oo1006.23
//////////
mcom,cesr,bsns,jlbu560406 PROGRAM OF XN CMMTY CONF AT SOUTH UNION,
W.LIBERTY OH.
------------
Multilithed conf program, 6-8apr56, f. 47, b. 2, Hist. Mss. I-3-7 (CESR papers), AMC.
See oo1006.23
//////////
cesr,labr,bsns560526 PROGRAM OF A CESR LOCAL CONF AT LEOLA PA,
MONTERREY CHURCH, 26-27may56, f. 50, b. 2, Hist. Mss. I-3-7 (CESR papers), AMC. See
oo1010.08. GFH a speaker.
//////////
labr,mcom,cesr561214 PROGRAM FOR “Industrial Relations Study Conference”,
Lindale Church, Linville [sic] VA, 14-15dec56, f. 52, b. 2, Hist. Mss. I-3-7 (CESR papers),
AMC. See oo1010.15
//////////
labr,mcom,cesr570302 PROGRAM FOR “Conference on Christian Community
Relations”, Christoper Dock Mennonite School, Lansdale PA, 2-3mar57, f. 52, b. 2, Hist. Mss. I-
3-7 (CESR papers), AMC. See oo1010.18
//////////
cesr,bsns570405 NOTICE OF MTG RE BUSINESS PRACTICES, AT BETHANY
H.S., 5apr57.
SPEAKERS: C. L. GRABER AND SAMUEL S. WENGER
--sponsored by IN-MI conf CESR
------------
Draft, carbon copy, of 1p ds notice to go out, f. 47, b. 2, Hist. Mss. I-3-7 (CESR papers),
AMC. See oo1007.05. [a similar letter is extant, date 20mar57, same f.: Includes the fact that
the meeting will include a pancake-and-sausage dinner.] For final draft of that letter, 19mar57,
same f., See oo1010.06rev.
------------
copy of program, same f.: See oo1010.05
//////////
cesr,bsns580107 List of names in No. IN, So. MI area, probably to invite to some
meeting. Addresses w/ many of them. Handwritten sheets, no expl., f. 47, b. 2, Hist. Mss. I-3-7
(CESR papers), AMC.
------------
CONTIGUOUS. Note J. B. Shenk to “Dear Brother,” 7jan57, [1958??] same f.: Inviting
recipients to the “conference on Following Christ In Our Work” at time and place indicated on
enclosed sheet.
------------
CONTIGUOUS TO THAT: Minutes of meeting of planning committee for such
conferences, 23dec57; shows conf programs, same f.: See oo1007.08.
------------
SIMILAR MEETING SPONSORED AT CHR. DOCK H.S. BY FRANCONIA CONF:
John E. Lapp, chmn of Peace & Industrial Relations Committee of Franconia Conference,
printed letter to “Dear Brother”, 1feb57, same f.: See oo1007.09
//////////
cesr,bsns,labr580222 PROGRAMS OF REGIONAL CONFERENCES (CESR AND IN-
MI conf CESR) on “Following Christ in Our Work,” ca Feb-Mar, 1958, f. 47, b. 2, Hist. Mss. I-
3-7 (CESR papers), AMC. See oo1010.02.,.04
------------
Extant nearby are hand-jotted lists of names, probably of people to be invited to the
conferences.
//////////
labr,mcom,cesr580315 PROGRAM FOR Conference on “Following Christ in Our
Work,” Yellow Creek Church Cabin, 15mar58, f. 52, b. 2, Hist. Mss. I-3-7 (CESR papers),
AMC. See oo1010.13
//////////
labr,mcom,cesr580321 PROGRAM FOR “Conference on Christian Community
Relations”, Iowa Mennonite School, Kalona IA, 21-23mar58, f. 52, b. 2, Hist. Mss. I-3-7 (CESR
papers), AMC. See oo1010.17
//////////
labr,mcom,cesr620405 PROGRAM FOR “Conference on Christian Community
Relations”, Goshen College Church-Chapel, 5-7apr62, f. 52, b. 2, Hist. Mss. I-3-7 (CESR
papers), AMC. See oo1010.18 [from file CESRPA09]
/////////////////////
labr620405 [noted also in mcom,cesr]
PROGRAM FOR “Conference on Christian Community Relations”, Goshen College
Church-Chapel, 5-7apr62, f. 52, b. 2, Hist. Mss. I-3-7 (CESR papers), AMC. See oo1010.18
[from file CESRPA09]
/////////////////////
labr620407 [Noted also in cesr]
CESR AND MISSION BOARDS‟ CONCERNS RE MIGRANT LABOR (see also
previous CESR minutes of the last couple of years under cesr391124 BBA, maybe back to BAC.
--From: Minutes and Reports of CIR/CESR vol. (1962), f. 49, b. 3, Hist. Mss. I-3-7
(CESR papers), AMC. [for full context see cesr391124 BBB]
------------BBB, f. 49:
Exec Sec report to CESR, 7apr62 (multilithed 4 ss pp plus cover & T of Contents). For
the 4 pp, See oo1027.04.
Substance of Erie Sauder report on migratory labor in Fulton Co OH had appeared in Xn
Living apr62. Ray Horst and Paul Kraybill had reported respectively on work among migrants
by Elkhart and Salunga boards. Should CESR give this further attention? [NOTE: loose at back
of the folder are two documents: Paul G. Landis, VS Director, “Activities Among Migrants
Under the Eastern Board Program” (for some reason that title is X‟ed out in pencil; typed, 3 ss
pp) See oo1027.05; and Ray Horst to GFH, 28dec61, re migrant question (typed, 2 pp.) See
oo1027.06.]
------------BBB, f. 49:
SET OF EXHIBITS, surely attached to Exec Sec report to CESR, 7apr62; for that report,
See oo1027.04, summarized in early item under cesr391124 BBB.
----
“Migrant Work: Elkhart Mission Board”--multilithed, “Exhibit No. 2” [sic] (probably as
attachment to GFH exec sec report to CESR, 7apr62, although Exhibit numbering seems
confused). See oo1027.07-.08. On p. 2, continues w/ “Exhibit No. 3”:
----
Exhibit No. 3 is untitled, but is that report by Paul Landis. See oo1027.05, but now See
oo1027.08-.09.
[From file CESRPA20]
/////////////////////
labr620421 [Noted in labr37,52,620421;,hmfg520421]
BIOG MATERIAL ON KERMIT EBY. From Brethren Ency and Brethren Life and
Thought. (bibliog from end of BE article). {See p10613.01-05}. Also from Who Was Who in
America. . . .|
------------
Kenneth I. Morse, “Kermit Eby: The Man and His Ideas,” Brethren Life and Thought 8
(Spr 1963), {40-48}.
----
Emph throughout on him as a man of action.
--His grandfather Schwalm as his hero.--41
--Cd write best when writing personally--42
42-3] 42] Became active in labor movement as a teacher at Ann Arbor MI in early
1930s. There was put on trial for teaching wrong ideas, but stud[42/3]ents, parents, and
colleagues rallied to his support.
43] Then invited to be exec sec of Chicago Teachers Union, accepted, began 1 Sep 37.
43] 1953, called before the Jenner subcommittee. Protested, and informed Jenner “of the
fundamental Christian convictions in which his activities are rooted.”
43-47] his basic convications. Including, 7-8, “We live in two worlds.” [2K]
47-48] His remaining, unresolved dilemmas.
------------
William M. Beahm, “Reflections on Brother Kermit‟s Passing,” Brethren Life and
Thought 8 (Win 1963), {4-8}.
4] How Beahm and Eby were very different. Beahm the establishment churchman. Yet
drawn to each other.
4] “Kermit was an intense and enigmatic person.” How caustic he could be about the
church and its leaders, yet out of a deep “hunger for the church‟s life.”
4-5] KE was and remained a minister in the CoB and author was glad that BoC
concepts of a mainster were “broad enough and flexible enough to keep Brother Kermit on
the ministerial list [4/5] and in the Yearbook. He was indeed an unconvictional minister by
older as well as by newer standards.”
5] His living in two worlds, w/ a 2-world perspective. . . . [2K]
6-7] Reflections on participating in rite of anointing him before his death.
------------
See also Who Was Who in America. . . , IV:277. (GC lib ref room: Ref E/176/.W64/Vol.
4)
/////////////////////
labr620600 [noted also in labr,mcom,cesr,mmai;41,47,52,57,620600]
REPORTS OF IN-MI COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC RELATIONS (CER), LATER
CESR, WHILE GFH WAS INVOLVED, 1941-1964.
Title varies. I will use: Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference annual meeting Report
([year]).
--------------
(4-5 Jun 1941), 6. See op0102.01B. At this point it is the “Labor Union Committee.” It
is not listed in the Report as a standing committee. Brief report mentions working with GFH
in the course of working with union officials.
Committee signing: D. A. Yoder, Floyd Bontrager, Simon Beck.
--------------
(4-5 Jun 1947), 3-4. CER REPORT. See op0102.01C.
3] The program included “Strengthening Our Christian Community” [my emph] w/ three
presentations under that heading: “In Home Life,” by Clarence Troyer; “In Social Life” by J. C.
Wenger; and “In Economic Life,” by GFH.|
Following that information is a resolution of concern about worldly influences in home,
social, and economic life which have “a weakening effect upon our testimony”
[CORPORATE WITNESS, NOT WITHDRAWAL]. [3-4]
And 4] following the resolution was a motion, passed, “that a Study Committee be
appointed to carefully review the entire structure of our community life, home, social and
economic, and bring Biblical and wholesome recommendations to our next annual
conference.” Further motion that the conf exec comm and bishops appoint that committee.
--------------
(2-3 Jun 1948), 24-29. See op0102.02-.03.
A. G. Horner (apparently as chairman, but not so designated) presented report of
“Community Life Study Committee.”
Starts out saying: We believe the Scriptural pattern of life to be a community pattern in
which the church is the center of the community or identical with the community.” USES
GFH‟s favorite I Pet. 2:21-25 passage plus Phil. 2:15, 16 and appeal to Sermon on the Mount,
etc.
Sections on Home, School, Social Life, Economic Life.
27] Econ life section emphasizes need to make oppy for young people, says should
encourage farming. [a very GFH tone]
29] Following the report, points I-III were adopted. But the remainder, IV and V, were
referred back to committee for further study. V. was subtitled “The Economic Life of the
Community” and recommended making “the Labor Union Committee” a standing
committee renamed “Committee on economic Relations” with enlarged duties to deal w/
insurance and mutual aid, occupational counseling.
COMMITTEE UNDERSIGNING: A. G. Horner, Ray F. Yoder, Allen B. Ebersole, Oren
Detweiler, Guy F. Hershberger. (no special role designated for GFH)
--------------
(1-2 Jun 1949), 7-8, 26-29. See op0102.03, 04; .06.
Horner presented the report. Then the conference adopted points IV and V from last
year unchanged.|
26-29 (on op0102.06)] Recommending that IV and V be adopted.
UNDERSIGNED (p.29) BY SAME COMMITTEE AS LAST YEAR‟S.
40] Following year‟s COMMITTEE listed as Allen B. Ebersole for „49-50; F. F.
Bontrager for „49-51; J. E. Gingrich for „49-52). GFH NOT NAMED (of course he was going
on sabbatical).
--------------
(31 May - 1 Jun 1950), 29-30. See op0102.01C. Committee on Economic Relations
Report, undersigned by J. E. Gingrich, chmn. [GFH not a member; he was off on sabbatical]
29] Had done quite a bit of work on labor matters.
29] Also had made a biblical study on stewardship.
29] Addressed questions of mutual aid.
30] Also re affiliation in farm, professional, business organizations.
31] Study of modern trend toward economic security.|
COMMITTEE FOR FOLLOWING YEAR: Ebersole off, GFH on for 1950-1953)
--------------
(5, 7 Jun 1951), 26-27. CER REPORT. See op0102.07rev.
26] When GFH had returned from Europe, the labor union work had been turned over to
him. Details.
COMMITTEE UNDERSIGNING: J. E. Gingrich as chmn, GFH sec, F. F. Bontrager
[sic], Carl Kreider, Allen B. Ebersole.
--------------
(3-5 Jun 1952), 20-21. CER REPORT. See op0102.10rev.
General about conflicts among business, labor, agriculture; warning against aligning with
any, or with Washington lobbies in favor of same.
That committee members had attended Laurelville conf; Tiskilwa conf; Midland conf.
Noting the Laurelville statement of concerns.
Details.
UNDERSIGNED only by Gingrich as chmn.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS FOR FOLLOWING YEAR: GFH, 50-53; Lester Mann, 52
[sic]-54; Gingrich, 52-55.
--------------
(3-4 Jun 1953), 18-20. CER REPORT. See op0102.07, .07B.
19] Re mutual aid, etc.
20] Working w/ labor unions. Sorry not all brethren were conscientious about their
WITNESS.
20] Had cooperated w/ general CESR to help several congregations in past year to
hold local conferences re Xn discipleship in econ life.
UNDERSIGNING COMMITTEE. John Gingrich, chmn, GFH secretary (first time so
designated, I guess); Lester Mann; Jos. Buzzard; D. A. Yoder.
--------------
(2-3 Jun 1954), 13-20. LONG REPORT. CER REPORT. See op0102.04-.06.
13] Conf exec committee had asked them to study union membership vis-a-vis church’s
missionary outreach. 14-] LONG DISCUSSION re union membership there and in established
congregations.
UNDERSIGNING COMMITTEE. GFH (listed first, not designated for special role);
Verle Hoffman; Willis Hughes; Lester Mann.
--------------
1955 no report.
1955, p. 51: Next year committee listed as GFH, Lester Man, Rudy Borntrager.
--------------
(6-7 Jun 1956), 13. Short CER REPORT. See op0102.08rev
Had worked at two tasks: helping people v. unions; education. Were planning materials
for Gospel Evangel. Meetings in several congregations (named). Etc.
UNDERSIGNED: GFH as chmn; Rudy Borntrager, Lester Mann, Annas Miller, J. B.
Shenk.
--------------
(5-6 Jun 1957), 19. Short CER REPORT. See op0102.08rev.
Worked at those same two tasks. Mailings out to congregations. Meeting in April at
Bethany H.S.
UNDERSIGNED: GFH as chmn; Rudy Borntrager, Annas Miller, Melvin Yoder, J. B.
Shenk as sec.
--------------
1958, 1959, no reports.
1958, p. 37 listed committee as GFH as chmn; Rudy Borntrager; Melvin Yoder; Carl
Kreider, Niel Beachy.
1959, p. 41 ditto as GFH as chmn; Melvin A. Yoder; Carl Kreider; Niel Beachy; Paul
Troyer.
--------------
(31 May - 2 Jun 1960), 28-31. CER REPORT. See op0102.09.
29] Concern re delinquents, people involved with the law.|
30-32] Witness against capital punishment. (Long discussion)
UNDERSIGNING COMMITTEE: GFH as chmn; Melvin A. Yoder; Carl Kreider; Niel
Beachy; Paul Troyer.
--------------
(6-8 June 1961), 23-27. CER REPORT. See op0102.10, .11.
Entirely about delinquents.
NO UNDERSIGNING.
--------------
1962. No report. p. 40 lists committee as GFH as chmn; Melvin A. Yoder; Carl Kreider;
Marner Miller; Oscar Weaver of Yellow Creek.
--------------
1963. No report. p. 44 lists committee as GFH as chmn; Melvin A. Yoder; Marner
Miller; Oscar Weaver of Yellow Creek; Al Richards.
--------------
1964. No report. p. 55 lists committee as same as 1963.
--------------
1965. GFH no longer listed on cmmtee. J. B. Shenk as chmn.
/////////////////////
labr620724
BERNE INDIANA FURNITURE OFFICIAL DOWNPLAYS MENNO ROOTS, ETC.,
OF AGREEMENT W/ UPHOLSTERERS‟ UNION. Harold D. Sprunger, prex., Dunbar
Furniture Corporation of Indiana, to GFH 24jul64, ->->photoc-1289, b12/f5: Thanks for GFH‟s
of 22jul “concerning your itnerested in a unique labor agreement that we have reached with the
Upholsterers‟ International Union.” Some press clippings referred to Menno teachings, and it
was true that Berne was considered a Menno cmmty and maybe the church‟s teachings
permeated; but that was “debatable.” Some editorials also referred to “a comparatively weak
union and company that loses customers fast during a strike.” Actually UIU was “a militarnt and
strong union in the furniture industry”; but it also knew that it had less than half the industry
organized, and in strikes its own members often lost as business shifted to nonunion firms. In
any case, Spruing was “happy to send a copy of the agreement for ou to study. Both the
international union and Dunbar feel that this is a better Christian approach to a labor dispute than
setting up picket lines.” Whether it would ever be necessary to invoke the plan remained to be
seen. [Note: I think I lost good content about the details of the agreement, in photocopying; it is
something about putting money in escrow with the bank, etc.]
/////////////////////
labr621206 [Noted also in wpnb]
CHAS. GAUTSCHE FACING LABOR UNION PROBLEM, WANTING BASIC INFO,
AS LATE AS 1962; HAD INFO FROM WPN BOOK.
------------
Chas. H. Gautsche to GFH, 6dec62, f. 5, b. 7, Hist. Mss. I-3-7 (CESR papers), AMC.
See oo1110.02
------------
------------
ANOTHER FOLDER, f. 6, b. 7, Hist. Mss. I-3-7 (CESR papers), AMC.
--GFH to Gautsche, 22apr63. “I recall when you were here at Goshen last winter we had
a conversation about the relationship of some of your people to the union.” I gave you info and
lit. You were going to inform me after talking w/ some of the persons involved. Cd Gautsche
give info?
--Chas. Gautsche to GFH, n.d., but seems like a follow-up and is in 1963 corresp. folder.
Things going quite well. Specific plants. See oo1110.09.
[From file CESRPA29]
/////////////////////
labr621278 [Noted also in cesr]
FOLDER ON IN-MI CPSC LABOR CONCERNS. No further notes taken oo1120.
Items, f. 22, b. 8, Hist. Mss. I-3-7 (CESR papers), AMC.
------------
OTHER FOLDERS RE THE IN-MI CMTEE ARE NEARBY. No further notes taken
oo1120.
[From file CESRPA33]
/////////////////////
labr629999 9999 endzq
/////////////////////
labr630416 EVIDENCE OF GFH REAL RAPPORT W/ WORKERS AS WELL AS
BUSNSMEN RE LABOR UNIONS, AT LEAST AT A PLACE LIKE MANSON IA
--HOPES WORKERS WD ENTER INTO THE MENNO AGREEMENT W/ UAW
EVEN THO IA HAD RT TO WORK LAW
------------
GFH to Nicholas Stoltzful, Manson IA, 16apr63, f. 8, b. 7, Hist. Mss. I-3-7 (CESR
papers), AMC. See oo1113.11.
[From file CESRPA30]
/////////////////////
labr630529
GFH ON HOW FAR TO GO [UNDER TAFT-HARTLEY]. PROBLEMS W/ A
CARPENTER UNION IN OREGON. GFH to John M. Lederach, Hubbard OR, 29may63, ->-
>photoc-1288, b12/f5: These old craft unions were the most difficult. “Your case is typical.”
They walk of the job, and the employer urges you to join. Doubted the contractor cd hold the
Krabills to their contract [apparently subcontract] if employer cd find a way Krabills cd work.
GFH was enclosing several agreements he had signed with Carpenter locals, including one from
1954. One followed CESR‟s regular form. Another, with the South Bend local, did not; it had
the men “pay rgular dues”. “This is not what we like. . . . But they sign no application for
membership, etc. I sign a church card for the Mennonite worker and I think the union then
attaches this to the union card, or files it in some way.” IF THE OREGON LOCAL WD NOT
SIGN, remember that TAFT HARTLEY LAW SAID “that payment of dues meets the legal
requirements of membership in the union.” Therefore Krabills cd offer to pay dues, thus meeting
legal requirement for membership. “This is the farthest that they should go. They should
politely decline to sign any application for membership, etc. If the union wants a name on a card
they can type it in themselves.
/////////////////////
labr630617 [Noted also in cesr,ecum,mcru]
GFH WANTS TO PICK UP VIC STOLTZFUS CONCERN SOME TIME AGO RE
MORE ATTENTION TO HOW YOUTH FIND EMPLOYMENT IN THE TECH‟GCL AGE.
--DRAWING SOME INSPIRATION OR WHATEVER FROM NCCC MTG
(PITTSBURGH??) [PAPERS OF THAT PITTSBURGH NCCC DEPT CONF, 8-11nov62, are
in other folders, f.s 14&15, b. 9, Hist. Mss. I-3-7 (CESR papers), AMC.]
------------
GFH to Victor Stoltzfus, 17jun63, f. 8, b. 7, Hist. Mss. I-3-7 (CESR papers), AMC. See
oo1113.11.
----
VS reply, Xn Living lhd, 22jun63, same f.: Further comment. Especially concerned for
the youth who don‟t have the stuff to make it academically, even at high-school level course.
Etc. No further notes taken oo1113.
[From file CESRPA30]
/////////////////////
labr630717 GFH TO NUNN-BUSH SHOE CO. ASKING FOR BOOKLET Shared
Production and also asking whether Nunn‟s The Whole Man Goes to Work “is still available.”
Cd use more copies if it were still in print. --GFH to N-B S Co., 17jul63, f. 8, b. 7, Hist. Mss. I-
3-7 (CESR papers), AMC.
[From file CESRPA30]
/////////////////////
labr630723
HENRY L. NUNN OF Nunn-Bush shoes HAD MENNO ANCESTRY. RE HIS
BOOKS. L. Kirschner of NB shoe co, Milwaukee, to GFH, 23jul63, ->->photoc-1286, b12/f5:
re GFH query of 17jul concerning availability of Nunn‟s The Whole Man Goes to Work, the
company supply was exhausted. Forwarding the letter to Mr. Nunn, now retired in CA.
HLN to GFH, dateline La Jolla CA 24jul63, ->->photoc-1286, b12/f5: GFH 17jul letter
to the company had been forwarded; HLN esp interested since his mother was a Hiestand,
decended from a Mennonite, Jacob Hiestand, who had immigrated from Switzerland to Lancaster
County in 1727. [pgh] In answer to GFH question, the book of which GFH was out of print
largely because Prentice-Hall had purchased many copies as Book of the Month for its Business
Leaders Club; but HLN had written a second book, Partners in Production (Prentice-Hall) which
probably wd serve GFH better.
/////////////////////
labr630819 03 [Noted also in cesr]
1963 CESR REPORT ON MIGRATORY LABOR, INDUS RELATIONS
------------
“Exhibit XVI” (report of Committee on Economic and Social Relations) pp. 84-101 in
[MC] Mennonite General Conference Proceedings (1963). See p10111.01-.06
----
pp. 88-89.
/////////////////////
labr630820 [Noted also in paxx]
1963 CESR REPORT TO GEN CONF LAMENTING THAT SOME BRETHREN
WERE showing “no conscience against membership in coercive organizations.”--often marginal
members who were not giving a nonr testimony.
------------
“Exhibit XVI” (report of Committee on Economic and Social Relations) pp. 84-101 in
[MC] Mennonite General Conference Proceedings (1963). See p10111.01-.06
/////////////////////
labr630821 BE SURE TO USE 1963 CESR REPORT TO GEN CONF. (Photoc is in My
materials, folder marked “79 Christian Living flap - folder A”
[all or relevant parts noted also in
cesr,race,mcom,mcru,ecum,intm,poli,cmmt,mmai630821; cliv170189]
-----------------
“Exhibit XVI: Committee on Economic and Social Relations [report], pp. 84-106 in
Proceedings of the [MC] General Conference, 20-23 Aug 1963.
-----------------
88] short pgh on migratory labor
88-89] page-length re industrial relations
89] Pgh on “following Christ in Our Work”; JLB and JHK work on this, 1958-59.
90] Major heading: “THE NEW FRONTIER” [shades of JFK politics!]
91] Significant, quotable statement, pgh, GFH laying out his view that Anabaptism
had meant Xnization of all social relationships, etc.: Really A SUCCINCT STATEMENT
OF WHAT GFH THOUGHT HIMSELF TO BE ALL ABOUT. But remember, THIS IS
EXAMPLE OF HOW GFH KEPT HAVING VISION!|
91] Frontier of 1939: MComm early beginning and activity, 1939-45. 1943 very crucial
92-93] The various conferences, activities of CIR/CESR
[NOTE: This report amounts to great exhibit of CIR/CESR accomplishments]
93] In 1940s CIR/CESR was urging Menno communities to have a diversified
agricultural & industrial base; and those which had developed thusly were now thriving,
while those that remained purely agricultural were languishing.|
93] In 1967 few gen conf delegates would be farmers. Surprisingly many wd come from
strictly urban churches. “Hopefully also, they will represent a great ethnic and racial
variety. [pgh] “This is the frontier on which we are standing in 1963. This means that we
must know how Jesus Christ would build His church in the rurban, the urban, and the
metropolitan setting. . . .”
94] On technology and materialism.
94] “This is a call to a forward march. It is a realistic portrayal of the new frontier world
in which God has chosen to build the church of the nineteen sixties and seventies. . . .”
95] “The new frontier calls for the building of Christian communities in search of the
meaning of faith, which by direct encounter [WITHDRAWAL] learn to clarify the issues of life
to bring contemporary culture under the judgment of Christ. . . .”
/////////////////////
labr630825z INDEX TO CESR PAPERS IN AMC. A LARGE PART BUT NOT ALL
HAS TO DO W/ LABOR RELATIONS, SPECIFIC UNION AGREEMENTS. 1939-1965. See
oo0831.10-.16. [noted also in
cesr,labr390825z,410825z,430825z,450825z,470825z,490815z,510825z
,550825z,590825z,630825z,650825z,710825z]
/////////////////////
labr630918 [Noted also in poli,ecum]
WRITING TO BRADEMAS?? ON BEHALF OF BILL TO PROTECT MIGRANT
WORKERS
------------
“Special Bulletin: Let‟s finish the job on P.L. 78!” (memo, Cameron Hall of NCCC Dept
of Church and Economic Life, to “Social Education and Action Secretaries”, 18sep63,
multilithed. Note on it “write to Brademas” could be either GFH or Hall‟s writing; I suspect the
former (ink is like Hall‟s signature). See oo1104.01.
[From file CESRPA26]
/////////////////////
labr631202 [Noted also in intm]
GFH STILL TAKING INITIATIVE TO MAKE PATH FOR MENNO WORKERS NOT
TO HAVE TO JOIN WHERE NLRB MIGHT BE CERTIFYING A UNION AT ASHLEY,
MICHIGAN.
--OFFERING TO HELP THE HOLDEMANs there, also.
(UMW organizing a trailer factory!)
------------
GFH to A. Lehman Longenecker and August R. Peters, 2dec63, f. 7, b. 7, Hist. Mss. I-3-7
(CESR papers), AMC. See oo1110.15Brev.
------------
------------
ANOTHER FOLDER, f. 10, b. 7, Hist. Mss. I-3-7 (CESR papers), AMC. More: GFH
to Longenecker, 24jan64. Also Lon‟r reply, 28jan64. Both: See oo1113.23*.
------------
------------
ANOTHER FOLDER, f. 11, b. 7, Hist. Mss. I-3-7 (CESR papers), AMC.
Tgram from Saginaw MI, Harry Reinfelder to GFH, 10feb64: “Re your letter of Feb 6 no
agreement ratified with Detroiter Mobile Homes there there is no reason to discuss subject matter
of your letter.”
[From file CESRPA29]
/////////////////////
labr631219. [Noted also in intm,wchr]
HENRY PENNER OF NEW WESTMINSTER, B.C., CONCERNED ABOUT
LABOUR UNION PROBLEM, LIKED GFH WoCHR, WANTED TO KNOW IF GFH KNEW
OF ANY STUDY OF “CHRISTIAN LABOUR ASSOCIATION OF CANADA” AND
POSSIBILTY THAT WE IN ANAB TRADN MIGHT WORK W/ THEM.
--HP, handwritten letter to GFH, 19dec63, f. 8, b. 7, Hist. Mss. I-3-7 (CESR papers),
AMC.
------------
------------
ANOTHER FOLDER, f. 11, b. 7, Hist. Mss. I-3-7 (CESR papers), AMC.
GFH reply, 27jan64. Long reply saying CLA was associated w/ counterpart in U.S. hq‟d
in Grand Rapids, run by Reformed folks. GFH had been in touch w/ them; they of course not
nonr, and wd use strikes. [COERCION] Also, GFH cited a case in Elkhart Co. where its people
let themselves be used by an employer. Etc. [A meaty letter.] See oo1114.01rev
[re investigation into the CLA at Grand Rapids, see labr,bsns,hmfg,ecum550421]
[From file CESRPA30]
/////////////////////
labr639999 9999 endzq
/////////////////////
labr640311BEGSET06
Edgar Metzler, MCC Peace Section exec sec, to GFH 11mar64: wanted copies of
program of Community Relations Conference to occur in Lancaster. Wd be trying to get some
labor union officials he knew to come. On question of AUTOMATION, excellent article was in
March issue of The Progressive, “The Coming Economic Revolution,” by Edward T.
Chase.ENDSET06[b12/f5]
/////////////////////
labr640516 [Noted also in race,cesr]
REGIONAL CPSC EMPHASES, CONFERENCES, 1964
------------
GFH to Elmer Borntrager, Sec, N.Central Menn Conf, 31dec64, f. 9, b. 7, Hist. Mss. I-3-
7 (CESR papers), AMC. See oo1113.13
------------
In same folder: Program for conf in Oregon, jun64. See oo1113.13
------------
In same folder: GFH to Claude Buerge of Albany OR, 26jun64. See oo1113.rev
------------
In same folder: Program for race and cultural conf at Yellow Creek, may64. See
oo1113.13rev
------------
------------
ANOTHER FOLDER, f. 10, b. 7, Hist. Mss. I-3-7 (CESR papers), AMC. Wm. Keeney
desribing the plan for workshops on race. See oo1113.19
[From file CESRPA30]
/////////////////////
labr640724BEGSET08
CASE OF DUNBAR FURNITURE COMPANY of Berne IN and its agreement w/
Upholsterers Union. See photoc of Harold D. Sprunger, the co.‟s prex, to GFH, CESR, 24jul64.
Accompanying it is: “Strike Work Agreement” of 20may64 between “the Dunbar Furniture
Corporation of Indiana, Berne, Indiana” and “the Upholsterers‟ International Union of North
America” (AFL-CIO), with its local “Upholsterers‟ Furniture and Novelty Workers‟ Local Union
No. 222,” chartered by that international. Agreed to: [b12/f5]
-no work stoppage “during the Strike Work period”
-half of wage during that period put in “Strike Work Trust Fund”, an amount the
company woujld match
-if dispute is settled w/in 6 weeks, all of the money wd go back to emp‟ees & co. If w/in
9 weeks, 75% (less some distribution fee); 11 weeks 50%; 12 weeks, 25%; thereafter 0%.
-if no agreement at the end of the 13th week, old contract will be renewed for one more
year.
-arbitration of disputes about how to interpret the contract.
-worker‟s money left in fund will be returned to the worker upon the person‟s retirement,
including if retirement is for total disability; but if worker quits, the person forfeits rights to the
money
-”It is agreed that there will be no strike stoppage or slow down or restrictions of output
during the time that the Strike Work is in effect; company had full right to discharge anyone who
violated that provision.
-the two parties agreed not to bring legal action against each other.
-union could not assist members financially during Strike Work period.
-both sides agree not to solicit help from, e.g., merchants.
[Further by-rules on handling the money, etc., attached; bank and trust officers
involved.]ENDSET08 [b12/f5]
/////////////////////
labr649999 9999 endzq
/////////////////////
labr650401
REVISIONS TO TAFT-HARTLEY and Section 14(b)? WORKING W/ 7TH DAY
ADVENTISTS RE CO STAND ON LABOR UNIONS. W. Melvin Adams, Assoc. Director,
Dept of Religious Liberty, Gen Conf of SDAs Dept of Public Affairs, Washington DC, to GFH,
1 Apr 1965, ->->photoc-1291, b12/f5: Had been pleasure to visit w/ GFH on “mutual interest of
labor unions and their effect on religious liberty.” WMA had contacted “Bishop J. A. Wagoner
of Camden IN who was “very interested in this subject.” Re a new congressional bill that
“attempts to build some safeguards around labor union membership. As you study it, I am sure
you will agree that they are inadequate for men and women who have conscientious
convictions.” Wd keep GFH informed as SDAs formulated their position. “Our attorney is
presently researching the legal ramifications involved.” WMA hoped to be able to send
Mennonites “a positive suggestion.”
GFH to CESR members, 25may65, ->->photoc-1292, b12/f5: You know of proposals
to revise NLRAct including to delete 14(b). Plymouth Brethren were placing large ads in major
newspapers calling for recognizing CO‟n for union membership. 7th Day Adv‟s and
NAEvangelicals were asking for same, and had presented their case to the congressional
committee. GFH had been communicating with the SDA people for some weeks on this. After
consulting w/ chmn Hernley and with JELapp and CLutz of Franconia and Lancaster cmmtes,
GFH thought CESR shd testify and “make clear the Mennonite version of the „conscience‟
question when others are giving their version of the same question.” So GFH had filed a request
w/ the cmmte to appear. Was sending his proposed statement. Please reply by 31may
indicating: yes or no re an appearance; suggestions to improve the statement.
BinC ENDORSEMENT FOR GFH TESTIMONY. J. N. Hostetter, chmn, BinC
church‟s commtee of econ and soc relations, Telegram to GFH at Plaza Hotel in Wash DC,
stamped 8jun65 6:41 a.m., ->->photoc-1298, b12/f5: that BinC CESR [this time ON rather than
OF in commtee name] “speaking in behalf of and for the Brethen [sic] in Christ Church hereby
expresses endorsement to the esttimony” GFH was presenting “requesting a conscious [sic]
clause” in the “labor legislation now being amended.” {}.
GIVING AN OTM OF HOUSTON, A DEBATE TEACHER, MENNO STAND RE
LABOR UNIONS. (reference to Hesston Mfg--that NLRB considered it an independent union).
GFH to Mack Goodwin, 15sep65, ->->photoc-1295, b12/f5: “. . . in one case our committee
assisted a group of workers in a certain factory in forming a workers‟ association which in its
constitution and in the agreement then signed with the company provides for peaceful procedures
in the achievement of the rights and benefits of the employee and the employer, and for the
settlement of grievances,” w/ “voluntary arbitration as the last resort” for grievances, not
striking. “This workers‟ association has been certified by the NLRB as an independent union.
The association desires to remain independent of the large international unions because many of
their procedures are regarded as something less than that reqired by the Christian ethic.” [pgh]
Recommends Nunn‟s two books. “The Nunn-Bush Workers‟ Association is also an indepedent
union. [pgh] “Where our Mennonite people work in industries organized by the unions which
employ the coercive [NOTE THE WORD COERCIVE, NOT “VIOLENT”] methods” had tried
to get understandings w/ unions. Was enclosing the model agreement. [pgh] PARAGRAPH
SAYING MENNOS WERE NOT ALIGNING W/ RIGHT TO WORK MOVT DEMANDING
REPEAL OF 14(B) because they believed that movement was so promoted by “the selfish
interests of management which seeks to keep labor at an unfair advantage [sic].” Mennos
wanted “a spirit of reconciliation” rather than threats of compulsion. “For these reasons we are
neither „right-to-workers‟ nor compulsory unionists.” Rather, favored something like Nunn-
Bush plan. [pgh] Bill now before Senate for repealing 14(b) had an amendment w/ a conscience
clause. Movt for such an amendment had been led by SDA‟s Melvin Adams. Write to him.
Also, cd see GFH‟s WPN and WoCDHR. For the Menno view of that clause, see the House and
Senate hearings. Surely available in university libraries at Houston.
/////////////////////
labr650430
FORT WAYNE CHURCH WANTING HELP RE A PRESSMAN member. Earl
Hartman, Ft Wayne, to GFH 30apr65, ->->photoc-1298, b12/f5: Wanted info re plan for a
fellow who wanted to work in a union print shop. At bottom, in GFH hand, is name Philip Ruch.
/////////////////////
labr650430 [Noted in labr,misc,pers,intm]
GFH A STRAIGHTFORWARD LETTER TO FOLKS AT ARTHUR IL WHO
APPARENTLY WERE PARTICIPATING (PROBABLY AGAINST THE UNION) IN LABOR
DISPUTE THERE.
--NICELY SUMMARIZES OFFICIAL CHURCH POSITION OF SEEING WHERE
BOTH CAPITAL AND LABOR HAVE DONE GOOD, THE GOOD IN THEIR
NEGOTIATIONS AS CONCILIATION, BUT ALSO THEIR USE OF UNXN METHODS
--SAYS HE THINKS AN OFFICIAL, McCOY UNDERSTOOD OUR POSITION
--BUT THEN WHAT IS THE OFFICIAL TO THINK WHEN MEMBERS GET SO
INVOLVED ON ONE SIDE?
------------
GFH as CESR exec sec to “My Dear Friends at Arthur,” 30apr65, f. 42, b. 4, Hist. Mss. I-
3-7 (CESR papers), AMC. See oo1101.14rev.
------------
------------
FROM ANOTHER FOLDER, LETTER GIVING SOME BACKGROUND. --GFH to
Chris Schrock, Arthur IL, 21oct65, f. 58, b. 5, Hist. Mss. I-3-7 (CESR papers), AMC, w/ note to
PP at foot, saying some of the Amish were letting themselves be used by a very anti-union
company. See oo1102.19rev.
[From file CESRPA24
/////////////////////
labr650506 A GEO. PLANK AT ARTHUR IL LIKED GFH‟S LETTER, FOUND IT
BIBLICAL, WANTED PERMISSION TO MIMEOGRAPH AND DISTRIBUTE IT.
--Plank to GFH, 6may65, f. 12, b. 7, Hist. Mss. I-3-7 (CESR papers), AMC. See
oo1114.07 or 07rev.
[From file CESRPA30]
/////////////////////
labr650512 [Noted also in poli]
SUBCOMMITTEE ON LABOR NOT LETTING THE CHURCHES TESTIFY
(APPEARS MENNOS WERE IN IT WITH 7TH-DAY ADVENTISTS AND NAE)
--W. Melvin Adams, Assoc. Director, Dept of Religious Liberty, General Conference of
Seventh-Day Adventists, 12may65, f. 12, b. 7, Hist. Mss. I-3-7 (CESR papers), AMC. Mentions
the interests also of the NAE, said subcommittee seemed afraid to bring the churches into the
hearings.
------------
In same folder: GFH to John E. Lapp, 29apr65. Explain’s very well what was going on
re labor legislation, and GFH on view re right-to-work, agency shop, and compulsory
unionism. [GFH views were closer to pro-union that were the 7th Day Adventist ones.]
Mentions Melvin Adams‟ work. See oo1114.07.
------------
In same folder: letters between Paul Peachey and GFH, jun65. INDICATING THAT
THE THE CHURCHES‟ CONCERN MIGHT BE INTRODUCED AS AN AMENDMENT;
GFH GIVING INSTRUCTIONS ABOUT SUBMITTING A STATEMENT BY HIM IN THE
RECORD OF THE COMMITTEE HEARINGS, PAUL PEACHEY POSSIBLY APPEARING
W/ ADAMS TO TESTIFY. See oo1114.09.
------------
In same folder: Tgram Frank Thompson, Sr., to MMA inc., 111 Marilyn Ave., 28may65.
“Your appearance before the special sub-committee onlabor relative to the inclusion of a
conscience clause in legislation to repeal section 14(B) of the Taft-Hartly [sic] Act has been
scheduled for Tuesday, June 8 in room [sic] 2257 Raburn [sic] House Office Building at a
session which will begin at 10:00 A.M.”
------------
------------
ANOTHER FOLDER, f. 14, b. 7, Hist. Mss. I-3-7 (CESR papers), AMC.
“Proposed Statement to House Labor Committee” beginning “I am Guy F.
Hershberger. . . .” 2 pp ds multilithed. Attached here: memo, multilithed, Edgar Metzler of
MCC PS to PS Members, 1jun65, re “religious objection to labor union membership”; and
photoc of NYT clipping, 29may65. See oo1115.03.
------------
------------
ANOTHER FOLDER: more material from Adams and about the “conscience clause”, f.
13, b.10, Hist. Mss. I-3-7 (CESR papers), AMC.
------------
------------
ANOTHER FOLDER. RIGHT-TO-WORK PUBLICATIONS, ETC., f. 30, b.10, Hist.
Mss. I-3-7 (CESR papers), AMC.
[From file CESRPA30]
/////////////////////
labr650512 [Noted also in poli,ecum]
MATERIAL ON 1965 CONGRESS‟L HEARINGS RE CONSCIENCE CLAUSE IN
LABOR LAW, f. 11, b. 8, Hist. Mss. I-3-7 (CESR papers), AMC.
------------
Multilithed copy of Melvin Adams statement for 7thDay Adventists before the House
Cmtee, 8jun65. Multilithed, many pages.
------------
GFH to M. Melvin Adams, 24jul65. Okay to use GFH name “on telegram to select group
of congressional leaders as per your letter of July 21, 1965.” Designate GFH as Assoc. Sec of
CESR, since P.Peachey had become exec sec on 1jul. Hereafter, deal w/ Peachey. “He is in
charge of the committee.”
------------
Extant here:
--various letters from Congresspeople or Senators. One from Wayne Morse has a
substantial attachment.
----
--ISSUE OF 7TH-DAY ADVENTIST MAGAZINE W/ GFH ON COVER, ASSOC‟D
W/ SEN. TAFT! See oo1120.21rev. Cover of Liberty: A Magazine of Religious Freedom 60/5
(Sep-Oct 1965). 3] Published by “The Religious Liberty Association of Amerca”, org‟d 1889 by
Seventh-day Adventist gen conf. 6] BLURB ABOUT THE COVER: “Three men who spoke
for religious conscience before the House Subcommittee on Education and Labor discuss their
problems before the Taft Memorial. (See article on page 12.) They are, left to right, Guy
Hershberger, of the Mennonites; James DeForest Murch, of the National Association of
Evangelicals; and W. Melvin Adams, associate secretary of the sevent-day Adventists. The
inscription on the memorial reads:
“‟This memorial to Robert A. Taft presented by the people to the Congress of the United
States stands as a tribute to the honesty, indomitable courage, and high principles of free
government symbolized by his life.‟”
[P. 4 has a rather cute cartoon, from Knoxville TN Journal, of Uncle Sam dressed in long
johns, w/ labor leaders telling him “As soon as we do away with right-to-work laws
EVERYONE will be wearing a UNION SUIT.”
----
----Another photo of GFH appears on p. 13, as illustration to Adams‟ article.
----
FOR ADAMS‟ ARTICLE, pp. 12-15, See oo1120.22.
----
Sen. Morse remarks from Congressional Record, 12aug65.
----
2 different multilithed printings of amendment offered by Mrs. Green.
----
More Cong Record stuff, print of bill, etc.
----
Progress reports from Adams
----
GFH FORM LETTER, 10jul65, probably to send to Congress persons, tersely asking for
C.O. clause in labor legislation. See oo1120.23.
------------
------------
ANOTHER FOLDER. RIGHT-TO-WORK PUBLICATIONS, ETC., f. 30, b.10, Hist.
Mss. I-3-7 (CESR papers), AMC.
[From file CESRPA33]
/////////////////////
labr650604 [noted in labr,poli]
GFH (and Harold Sherk for NSBRO) TESTIMONY BEFORE HR ED & LABOR
COMMITTEE, 1965.
AIDED BY JOHN BRADEMAS.
See gfhrn p40313.15-.21
--------------------
“Statement of Guy F. Hershberger, Executive Secretary, Committee on Economic and
Social Relations, of the Mennonite Church,” pp. 756-63; “Statement of Harold Sherk, Executive
Secretary of the National Service Board for Religious Objectors” [with Hershberger in that
exchange also], pp. 764-66; in Part 2 of Repeal of Section 14(b) of the Labor-Management
Relations Act: Hearings Before the Committee on Education and Labor, House of
Representatives, Eighty-Ninth Congress, First Session... (4, 8 Jun 1965) (Washington, D.C.:
United States Government Printing Office, 1965).
[Notre Dame Library: HD6488/U59/pt. 2.]
----
Hershberger gives the statement, based heavily on appeal for right of conscientious
objection. The statement offers language for enacting into law, language being proposed
by Mennonites and by Adventists (with slight difference in what the two groups were
proposing). Congressman John Brademas, and then other congresspersons, questioned
Hershberger about the difficulties of defining religion for purposes of such exemptions for
conscience. The frame of reference for the discussion is very much the language in draft
legislation to accommodate religious objectors. Hershberger then notes that Harold Sherk is in
the audience, and the congressmen call Sherk up to testify (specifically about Supreme Being,
etc., language in draft laws.) In the end, Hershberger submitted a further statement about who
ought to have right of conscience. See the photocopies.
Clearly the question in the discussion is whether allowing the language Mennonites
and Adventists wanted would open the door to persons claiming right-to-work, citing
SECULAR conscience.
/////////////////////
labr650608 05 [Noted also in labr,poli,appc,650608650819]
EXTENSIVE SECTIONS IN PPC/CESR REPORT ABOUT LABOR RELATIONS
AND GETTING LABOR LAW CHANGED; STATEMENT TO CONGRESS|
------------
“Exhibit V” (joint report of Peace Problems Committee and Committee on Economic and
Social Relations), pp. 24-50 in [MC] Mennonite General Conference Proceedings (24-27 Aug
1965), 153 pp. See p10110.02-.09
----
See p10110.05, i.e., pp. 28-29. See Exhibit, consisting of 8jun65 statement of GFH to
House subcomte on labor: pp. 43-47.
/////////////////////
labr650608 AB [Noted in labr,poli470315,580430,650608]
HERSHBERGER-BOYER 1947 TESTIMONY {}.
JOHN E. LAPP TESTIMONY TO HOUSE EDUC AND LABOR CMTEE. (1953; see
labr,poli530508 01. Typing, paper, etc. is same as another document:
----------------
THAT DOCUMENT IS,
“Statement of the Committees on Industrial Relations of the Mennonite and
Brethren in Christ Churches”. That one has a note in GFH pen that it was “sent to the
Senate and House commttees on March 15, 1947. [pgh] “A letter from the clerk of the
Senate Comtee, dated March 19, said that the statement would appear in the printed
hearings.” [my emph] Undersigned by Hershberger and Boyer for MC and BinC Committees
on Industrial Relations, respectively.
FOR virtually identical statement as printed in the Senate hearings, see “Statement of
Guy F. Hershberger, Secretary, Committee [sic] on Industrial Relations of the Mennonite and
Brethren in Christ Churches, “ in pt. 4, pp. 2184-85, of Labor Relations Program: Hearings
Before the Senate Labor and Public Welfare Committee, Eightieth Congress, First Session, on
S.55 and S.J.Res 22 . . . (5-8, 13 Mar 1947)(Washington, D.C.: United States Government
Printing Office, 1947){}; the
printed hearings of the house indicate only that Hershberger (no mention of Boyer) had
submitted a statement that was in the files of the committee and available for public viewing (see
pp. xvii, 3921, in Vol. 5 of Amendments to the National Labor Relations Act: Hearings Before
the Committee on Education and Labor, House of Representatives, Eightieth Congress, First
Session... (8-15 Mar 1947) (Washington, D.C.: United States Government Printing Office,
1947){}.
----------------
(Lapp also sent in written testimony in 1953--see labr,poli530417, labr,poli530508 01).---
-------------
[my emph] The two docs are together in, f. 27, b. 4, Hist. Mss. I-3-7 (CESR papers),
AMC. See labr,poli470315 AC; and See oo1031.06B&rev.).
----
--ALSO A STATEMENT FROM GFH, CLEARLY ID‟d AS FROM 1965
From, f. 13, b. 4, Hist. Mss. I-3-7 (CESR papers), AMC.
------------
LAPP‟S STATEMENT:
“Statement of the Committee on Economic and Social Relations of the Mennonite
General Conference, the Peace and Industrial Relations Committee of the Franconia Mennonite
Conference and the Industrial Relations Committee of the Lancaster Mennonite Conference.”
(Typed, carbon, 2.5 ds pp.) See oo1030.20-.22.
Begins: “Gentlemen of the education and labor committee of the house of
representatives: I am John E. Lapp. . . .”
[FOR THE STATEMENT, SEE labr,poli530508, See gfhrn oo1030.22 01-03.
---
NOTE: ANOTHER DRAFT OF THE LAPP STATEMENT IS THE ONE WITH A
MILLARD LIND NOTE ON IT--another folder, f. 27, b. 4, Hist. Mss. I-3-7 (CESR papers),
AMC.:
Another copy w/ penned note “Very good. Go ahead, by all means. M. Lind”.
Title is same, except a comma after “Franconia Mennonite Conference.” Text is same
except one pgh left out, and slight changes in final pgh--for the changes, see markings on
oo1030.20-.22.
[NOTE: I THOUGHT THIS WAS PROBABLY A LATER DRAFT, BUT THIS IS NOT
THE ONE THAT GOT INTO THE CONGRESSIONAL HEARINGS.]
------------
BACK TO f. 13, b. 4, Hist. Mss. I-3-7 (CESR papers), AMC.
“Statement of the Executive Secretary of the CESR [sic] at the Hearings of the House of
Representatives Special Committee on Labor, June 8, 1965.” Photocopy of typed ms., 9 ds pp. +
cover. Penciled in GFH hand: the title as above, w/ another typed title (“Statement of Guy F.
Hershberger, Hears of Special Subcommittee on Labor, June 8, 1965”) X‟ed out in pencil; also a
note--”The supplementary statement (pp. 8-9) was not included in appendix B to the PPC-CESR
biennial report”
See oo1030.16rev-19. BETTER COPY: Dup taken. See oo1124.10-.18.
----
For the congressional printing of this statement, and discussion in the hearing about it
(discussion mainly on the problem of defining religious conviction; discussion uses the military
draft language for religious objectors as the model), see labr,poli650604, See gfhrn p40313.15-
.21.
[From file CESRPA23]
/////////////////////
labr650726
PAUL PEACHEY, exec sec of something, working w/ Teamsters re labor agreement; had
lost letter of GFH in filed transferred to him. PP to Teamster VP Frank E. Fitzsimmons 26jul65,
->->photoc-1294, b12/f5.
/////////////////////
labr650819 7TH DAY ADVENTISTS FURNISHING COPY OF TEXT OF THE
CONSCIENCE AMENDMENT APPROVED BY SEN CMTEE ON LABOR AND PUBLIC
WELFARE.
--W. Melvin Adams, Assoc Director, gen conf of Seventh-Day Adventists Dept of Public
Affairs and Religious Liberty, to “Denominational Leaders, Sevent-day Adventists and others”,
29aug65, re that conscience clause “or the Green-Morse Amendment”, f. 41, b. 4, Hist. Mss. I-3-
7 (CESR papers), AMC. See oo1101.09.
------------
BATTLE FOR THE CONSCIENCE CLAUSE LOST IN HOUSE.
--Similar cover memo, Adams to . . . , 26aug65. See oo1101.11.
------------
--Similar cover memo, Adams to . . . , 2sep65. Update. Covers question of paying dues
to govt instead of to union. Attached: a Teamster memo arguing that 1) law treated unions as
quasi-public agencies, and 2) objector had no more right to say where one‟s dues went than to
say where their taxes went; Seeger case clearly denied that right re taxes. See oo1101.08rev,
.09rev.
------------
Multilithed copy of the amendment offered by Mrs. Green. See oo1101.11rev.
------------
COPY OF T-GRAM FROM NCCC, NATL CATH WELFARE CONF, AND CONF OF
JEWISH RABBIS advising of opposition to 14(b) BUT SUPPORT FOR RELIGIOUS
OBJECTOR CLAUSE, n.d. (exc. apparently the 24th), f. 41, b. 4, Hist. Mss. I-3-7 (CESR
papers), AMC. No further notes taken oo1101.
------------
DOCUMENT PULLING TOGETHER EXCERPTS IN CONGRESSNL RECORD
FROM DEBATE ON GREEN AMENDMENT. (I scanned through it and found no specific
reference to Mennonites or to GFH or to his CESR or CPSC. Instead the references were to
more than 30 religious groups which had such conscientious objection. No further notes taken
oo1101.
------------
------------
ANOTHER FOLDER: more material from Adams and about the “conscience clause”, f.
13, b.10, Hist. Mss. I-3-7 (CESR papers), AMC.
[From file CESRPA24
/////////////////////
labr650819 [Noted also in poli,appc650819; labr650608 05]
EXTENSIVE SECTIONS IN PPC/CESR REPORT ABOUT LABOR RELATIONS
AND GETTING LABOR LAW CHANGED; STATEMENT TO CONGRESS|
------------
“Exhibit V” (joint report of Peace Problems Committee and Committee on Economic and
Social Relations), pp. 24-50 in [MC] Mennonite General Conference Proceedings (1965). See
p10110.02-.09
----
See p10110.05, i.e., pp. 28-29. See Exhibit, consisting of 8jun65 statement of GFH to
House subcomte on labor: pp. 43-47.
/////////////////////
labr650824 36 [Noted in labr,poli]
JOINT REPORT OF PPC AND CESR TO MC GEN CONF 1965. See p10407.07-
.12rev
Sections on:
--Labor relations,--24 and proposed conscience clause in labor law [Noted in labr,poli]
[also part of a paxx,cesr 650824 31 note]
--Exhibit: Statement to HYouse of Reps subcommittee on labor, 8 Jun 1965 --39-42
[Noted in labr, poli] [also part of a paxx,cesr 650824 31 note]
/////////////////////
labr650825z INDEX TO CESR PAPERS IN AMC. A LARGE PART BUT NOT ALL
HAS TO DO W/ LABOR RELATIONS, SPECIFIC UNION AGREEMENTS. 1939-1965. The
introduction says see PPC papers for period 1965-1971. See oo0831.10-.16. [noted also in
cesr,labr390825z,410825z,430825z,450825z,470825z,490815z,510825z
,550825z,590825z,630825z,650825z,710825z]
/////////////////////
labr650915 [Noted also in cesr,pers]
PAUL PEACHEY AS CPSC EXEC SEC ASKING GFH TO REVIEW HISTORY OF
CESR WORK ON LABOR RELATIONS FOR SOME NOV. MTG; SEEMED THAT THE
AGREEMENTS WERE DECREASINGLY USED. . . .
------------
PP to GFH 15sep65, f. 41, b. 4, Hist. Mss. I-3-7 (CESR papers), AMC.
See oo1101.07rev.
[From file CESRPA24
/////////////////////
labr650915 [REPLACEMENT in mlab,hmfg,poli650915 [Noted in labr,hmfg,poli650915]
GIVING AN OTM OF HOUSTON, A DEBATE TEACHER, MENNO STAND RE
LABOR UNIONS. (reference to Hesston Mfg--that NLRB considered it an independent union).
GFH to Mack Goodwin, 15sep65, ->->photoc-1295, b12/f5: “. . . in one case our committee
assisted a group of workers in a certain factory in forming a workers‟ association which in its
constitution and in the agreement then signed with the company provides for peaceful procedures
in the achievement of the rights and benefits of the employee and the employer, and for the
settlement of grievances,” w/ “voluntary arbitration as the last resort” for grievances, not
striking. “This workers‟ association has been certified by the NLRB as an independent union.
The association desires to remain independent of the large international unions because many of
their procedures are regarded as something less than that reqired by the Christian ethic.” [pgh]
Recommends Nunn‟s two books. “The Nunn-Bush Workers‟ Association is also an indepedent
union. [pgh] “Where our Mennonite people work in industries organized by the unions which
employ the coercive [NOTE THE WORD COERCIVE, NOT “VIOLENT”] methods” had tried
to get understandings w/ unions. Was enclosing the model agreement. [pgh] PARAGRAPH
SAYING MENNOS WERE NOT ALIGNING W/ RIGHT TO WORK MOVT DEMANDING
REPEAL OF 14(B) because they believed that movement was so promoted by “the selfish
interests of management which seeks to keep labor at an unfair advantage [sic].” Mennos
wanted “a spirit of reconciliation” rather than threats of compulsion. “For these reasons we are
neither „right-to-workers‟ nor compulsory unionists.” Rather, favored something like Nunn-
Bush plan. [pgh] Bill now before Senate for repealing 14(b) had an amendment w/ a conscience
clause. Movt for such an amendment had been led by SDA‟s Melvin Adams. Write to him.
Also, cd see GFH‟s WPN and WoCDHR. For the Menno view of that clause, see the House and
Senate hearings. Surely available in university libraries at Houston.
/////////////////////
labr651239 [noted also in 40,45,50,55,60]
FOLDERS ON SPECIFIC LABOR UNIONS, NOT EXAMINED OO1124, f. 37-60, b.
9, Hist. Mss. I-3-7 (CESR papers), AMC.
[From file CESRPA34]
/////////////////////
labr651257 [Noted also in labr,ecum41,54,57,60,651257]
2 FOLDERS OF BOOKLETS, PAMPHLETS, NEWSHEETS, ETC.
--MOSTLY ON CHRISTIAN LABOR RELATIONS. Fair amount of NCCC material,
some from the Christian Labor Association hqd in Grand Rapids.
--some RIGHT-TO-WORK PUBLICATION(S)
--A FEW LABOR AGREEMENTS, E.G. STUDEBAKER‟S
F.s 18 & 19, b. 9, Hist. Mss. I-3-7 (CESR papers), AMC.
------------
------------
ANOTHER FOLDER. RIGHT-TO-WORK PUBLICATIONS, ETC., f. 30, b.10, Hist.
Mss. I-3-7 (CESR papers), AMC.
[From file CESRPA33]
/////////////////////
labr658082 [Noted in paxx,race,intm,pwdr,cesr,eths,labr,nieb45,55,65]
Statements of MC, GC, MB, and BinC denominations and some of their district
conferences, plus of MCC and MCC PS, 1945 to 1978; selected to see whether they stayed
compatible with Hershberger‟s War, Peace, and Nonresistance book: ON PEACE, MILITARY
SERVICE, RACE, LABOR UNIONS, ETC. SOME STATEMENTS TOUCH ON JUSTICE,
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, NONVIOLENT AND POLITICAL ACTIVISM, VIETNAM
WAR, PROBLEM OF WAR IN THE OLD TESTAMENT, WHETHER PX IS INTEGRAL OF
GOSPEL, THE WAY OF THE CROSS RUBRIC, BIBLICAL NONRESISTANCE AND
MODERN PACIFISM, ETC.,
See \gfh\mergrnrd\MPAX45ST.MTS.
/////////////////////
labr659999 9999 endzq
/////////////////////