Note: The following piece is from a larger essay about the revolution in my family that occurred when my mother ‘went forward’ at a revival service at the Lodi Mennonite Brethren Church in Lodi, California. I have taken down the earlier part of the essay because I am using that material in the book I … Continue reading How I became a Mennonite
Mennonite Brethren church
Old Photos: Golden Anniversary
Lena & Jacob Willems, 50th Anniversary February 1959 The marriage of my grandparents, Jacob and Lena Willems, lasted until Grandma’s death on August 1, 1963. They lived long enough to see their 50th anniversary celebrated by their children, grandchildren and even a few great-grandchildren. It was a big crowd in the Dinuba Mennonite Brethren church … Continue reading Old Photos: Golden Anniversary
Chapter 14: Madera County: 1922-1929
Note: To read earlier chapters, click on the desired title in the “Chapters” section of the sidebar on the right or at the bottom of the page. Berenda-Dixieland-Fairmead “You moved to Fairmead after Grandview?” “Well no, see, from Berenda to Dixieland and from Dixieland to Fairmead and from Fairmead back into Dixieland—the Dairyland area. … Continue reading Chapter 14: Madera County: 1922-1929
Chapter Three: Going to Dinuba
Note: to read earlier chapters of this book, click on the chapter titles in the "Memoir Chapters" section of the sidebar on the right or at the bottom of this page. The Family 1947 Every couple of months during the years my family lived in Stockton, Dad would decide it was time to go to … Continue reading Chapter Three: Going to Dinuba
Ch. 1. California Mennonite
I was not a Mennonite when I was a child. My parents left the church early in their marriage, and I grew up as just another little California girl, playing outside almost all year, watching the adults around me, caught up like them in the drama of wartime California—dashing young men in uniforms, pretty girls … Continue reading Ch. 1. California Mennonite
Heritage 