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Tann, Herman (1922-2003)
Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 2003 Apr 28 p. 12
Birth date: 1922 Feb 10
text of obituary:
GOSHEN, Ind. — Herman Tann, an Indonesian Mennonite conference leader who helped expand Mennonite outreach to his homeland and later was involved in Christian ministries in the United States, died Jan. 17. He was 80.
Tann was the head of the Indonesian-Chinese Mennonite Church, also known as the Muria Synod, from 1961 to 1969.
In 1969, he immigrated with his family to the United States, where he was assistant executive secretary for Menno Housing Corp. in Lancaster, Pa., from 1970 to 1972.
From 1972 to 1976, he was a Bible teacher and manager of the printing department of Gospel Crusade in Bradenton, Fla. He also managed the printing department at Goshen College from 1976 to 1982.
But it was in Indonesia where his influence as a pastor and church leader was felt most profoundly.
Sent to study at Goshen Biblical Seminary, Tann graduated with a bachelor of divinity degree in 1955.
After this, he was active as a leader in the Muria Synod during a period of political turmoil in Indonesia, as well as of many reforms in the church.
Tann advocated the expansion of Mennonite outreach into other parts of Indonesia, which led to the start of new congregations.
He faced opposition from those who said the Muria church should not compete with other churches outside the Muria region.
In 1958, he wrote a Mennonite confession of faith for the Muria Synod.
As the church's mission grew, Tann moved to the capital, Jakarta, where he established a Christian radio station and helped involve American mennonites in his vision for mission.
From 1982 to 1985, Tann and his wife, Joan, were missionaries among Indonesians in California. They helped to start churches there, with Faith Mennonite Church in Downey as headquarters.
Tann was born Feb. 10, 1922, at Kudus, Indonesia, the son of Tann King Ten and Tee Pen Nio. He married Joan Pouw Nio on June 22, 1950.
He is survived by his wife; a son, Eugene of East Petersburg, Pa.; two daughters, Amy Buckwalter and Millie Birky, both of Goshen; four sisters, Erna, Herta and Elli, all of Indonesia, and Lucy of Indianapolis; and six grandchildren.
