Hiebert, Peter C. (1878-1963)

'Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1963 May 30 p. 1,3

Birth date: 1878

text of obituary:

Leaders in Church, Educational Work Called Away in Death

Two prominent and widely known church leaders whose service spanned more than half a century of time were called away in death late last week and early this week. They were Dr. J. E. Hartzler of Goshen, Ind. and Dr. P. C. Hiebert of Hillsboro, Kan.

Former MCC Chairman Dies in Hillsboro

Hillsboro, Kan. — A rich life of service for God and the Mennonite brotherhood was completed when Dr. P. C.Hiebert was called by death here on May 27.

Dr. Hiebert was known throughout the Mennonite world for his service as relief worker to Russia, chairman of Mennonite Central Committee and leader in the Mennonite World Conference.

During the past several months he suffered several strokes. Three months ago he was taken to Salem Hospital in Hillsboro, where he remained until his death Monday evening at 6:15 o'clock. He was 85.

Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday afternoon, May 30, at 2 p.m. in the Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church, where he was a member. The body will lie in state in the church sanctuary Thursday morning and before the service. There will be no viewing of the body after the service. Memorial gifts are to be designated to Salem Hospital.

Surviving him are his wife, Mrs. Hiebert of Hillsboro, and four children; Viola, Mrs. Dan F. Schellenberg, Reedley, Calif.; Rose, Mrs. P. E. Klassen, Wichita; Evaline, Mrs. Orr Wilkey, Topeka, and Dr. Noble Hiebert, Chatham, N. J.

Dr. P. C. Hiebert

Dr. Hiebert was connected with Mennnite relief work over a 37-year period. He was elected chairman of the Mennonite Central Committee when it was organized in 1920 to send relief to stricken Mennonites in Russia. Two years later he went as a relief worker to the Ukraine; where he spent six months in food and clothing distribution. Subsequently, he traveled in many countries of Europe and Latin America in the interest of providing food for the hungry and homes for the homeless. Dr. Hiebert served as MCC chairman until 1953.

In his own conference, he helped to establish a relief ministry. He was active in organizing a Mennonite Brethren Committee for colonization and relief. From 1926 to 1957, he served as chairman of the Mennonite Brethren Conference Welfare Board.

Dr. Hiebert also gave leadership to other ministries in his conference. He was on the Tabor College staff from 1908 to 1933, serving as president in 1931 and1933. He was also keenly interested in evangelism and missions and served on the home missions committee for many years.

The Mennonite obituary: 1963 Jun 11 p. 399