Graber, Christian L. (1896-1987)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1987 Nov 19 p. 6

Birth date: 1896

text of obituary:

Veteran MC Worker Dies in Goshen at 91

Goshen, Ind. — Christian L. Graber died Nov. 12 at Greencroft Nursing Center where he had resided since 1979. He was 91.

Graber began his career of service with the Mennonite Church as assistant pastor of Sugar Grove Mennonite Church, Wayland, Iowa. He served as business manager at Goshen College 1924-1949 and served as pastor of the college church 1931-1942.

He established the Mennonite Mutual Aid office in Goshen in 1945 and served as first executive officer until 1954.

Graber served in several capacities with Mennonite Central Committee. He was first director of relief following World War II and established MCC units in Puerto Rico, Morocco, the Philippines and China.

He was also the first Mennonite Disaster Service director at MCC and director of MCC programs in South America.

Survivors include five daughters and a son. A memorial service was held at College Mennonite Church on Nov. 15.

(Transcriber's note: Sugar Grove church should be Sugar Creek?)

Transcribed by Ralph Shetler, Oregon