<p> In contrast to the fast-paced changes and lifestyle that are endemic to modem, secular society, the Old Order Mennonites live a simple, religious life and aim to keep it that way by mediating change. How they are actively able to preserve their culture is the focus of this dissertation. The Old Order Mennonite community of Waterloo Region in southwestern Ontario, Canada served as the case study for understanding the minded aspects of social change and continuity. Fourteen in-depth, qualitative interviews were held with current and former Old Order Mennonites. A further five interviews were conducted with public school teachers and principals. Two interviews with health care providers and four interviews with members of more liberal Mennonite churches were also carried out. These additional interviews offered perspectives on the dynamics of Old Order Mennonite to non Mennonite interaction and provided general background data on the Old Order way of life. Participant-observation in participants' homes, workplaces, schools, and churches was also undertaken. </p> <p> Building on Barth's (1969) notion of social boundary maintenance and working from an interactionist perspective on social change, I argue that the key ways in which the Old Order manage change revolve around: (a) social distancing through isolation (e.g., farming, separate schooling) and insulation (e.g., technological barriers such as the continued use of the horse and buggy, distinct language, and conservative dress); (b) taking a "prescribed" approach to change such that the group's leaders control and dictate change through the Ordnung (church rules) and manage both internal issues (e.g., problems with youth) and external threats to continuity (e.g., a turbulent farm industry); and, (c) constructing and maintaining an ideology which reinforces the Old Order way of life as sacred and worthy of preservation. </p> / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

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For more than 35 years, the Eastern Mennonite High School Touring Choir has provided concerts for choral enthusiasts throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. The present study documents the development, establishment, and growth of Touring Choir from its inception, through June of 1981: identifying (1) the events leading to the development of Touring Choir; (2) the philosophy and purpose of Touring Choir; (3) the directors of Touring Choir and their musical and professional backgrounds; (4) the contributions of each of the directors; and (5) the origin and development of the Senior Parent Weekend Concert, Tour Concert, Mennonite High School Music Festival, and Commencement Concert traditions. The study reports that the history of the Eastern Mennonite High School Touring Choir can be traced to the expressed desire of the school's founders in 1917 that vocal music be an integral part in the education of its students in order to enhance worship and singing in constituent churches. As touring choirs developed, the unique organization of Eastern Mennonite College and High School provided a basis for emulation by the high school when it became a separate organization during the 1960s, culminating in the establishing of Touring Choir in association with the Mennonite High School Music Festival. Marvin Miller's leadership as Touring Choir director established the Senior Parent Weekend Concert, Tour Concert, Mennonite High School Music Festival, and Commencement Concert traditions which became the foundation of Touring Choir's activities during the 1960s and early 1980s. Implications of the study consider the importance of modeling for music education practitioners. The growth of the Eastern Mennonite High School music department and the success of the Eastern Mennonite High School Touring Choir during the combined tenures of Annetta Wenger Miller and Marvin L. Miller were characterized by an enthusiasm for the subject matter of music, high expectations and motivation of students by challenging them to sing music of enduring value in a variety of styles by master composers, placing responsibility for learning on students, a positive approach in teaching, care and concern for students as individuals, and an emphasis on the expressive aspect of music study. In addition, the results of the music program under Marvin Miller's direction may have been due in part to his overall philosophy of music curriculum design that each student would understand the place of music in his or her life experience. / Master of Arts

Thesis (D. Min.)--Trinity International University, 2003. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 196-199).

The richness of southeastern Pennsylvania Mennonite history and architecture is still evident in this survey of twenty-two nineteenth century Mennonite meetinghouses. This study was undertaken since no collection of these historic meetinghouses in this part of the United States has so far been documented via a field survey. Through researching the beginnings of Mennonites and their meetinghouses in Europe the thesis examines European Mennonite worship spaces and factors that influenced the design and layout of meetinghouses in the United States. The theology of Mennonites themselves was one of those factors in how their meetinghouses were built and later evolved architecturally. The majority of meetinghouses are being preserved in one way or another, with varying degrees of respect for their historical integrity. This survey seeks to create an awareness of the historical significance of these meetinghouses for Pennsylvania Mennonite and regional history. Some recommendations are given for further study and/or documentation needed for the preservation of these structures. / Mennonite beginnings : a historical synopsis -- Mennonite worship spaces in Europe -- Mennonite migration to southeastern Pennsylvania -- Mennonite meetinghouse architecture in the Franconia area -- Field survey -- Field survey observations and recommendations. / Department of Architecture

Thesis (D. Min.)--Trinity International University, 2003. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 196-199).

Thesis (M.A. in Theological Studies)--Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, 2002. / "The present crisis in Bhartiya General Conference Mennonite Church in India can only be resolved by courageously addressing several key leadership issues"--T.p. A variant spelling of "Bhartiya" is "Bharatiya." Includes bibliographical references (leaves 112-114 ).

Thesis (D. Min.)--McCormick Theological Seminary, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 41-42).

Thesis (D. Min.)--Trinity International University, 2003. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 196-199).

Thesis (M.A. in Theological Studies)--Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, 2002. / "The present crisis in Bhartiya General Conference Mennonite Church in India can only be resolved by courageously addressing several key leadership issues"--T.p. A variant spelling of "Bhartiya" is "Bharatiya." Includes bibliographical references (leaves 112-114 ).