Friesen, Martin C. (1890-1968)

Latest revision as of 10:33, 19 April 2022

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1968 May 9 p. 3

Birth date: 1890

text of obituary:

The history of nearby Menno Colony is unthinkable without the energetic, wise and farsighted leadership of Elder Martin C. Friesen, who was called Home by his heavenly Father on April 7.

He was like a pillar of strength in the early pioneering days, in the rapidly advancing years, and into the recent past. Whoever knew this saintly man and heard him testify to the saving faith of Christ and God the Father knew from whence he drew his strength. He worked in very difficult times in church and civic matters, often under adverse circumstances, and still had courage and lent strength to others.

THE MANNER of his home-going was a wonderful testimony to all. He was 78 years old and had been strong and robust most of his life. Even now he did not feel particularly ill, though his heart was getting weak and walking became difficult. In the last issue of "Mennoblatt" he had written a farewell letter to the readers, stating that this would be his last contribution to the paper.

On Sunday, April 7, the entire colony observed the communion service. Elder Friesen spoke to his congregation telling him [sic] that this would be the last time. He admonished the ministers to tend to the flock, exhorted the congregation to obey their teachers, and asked forgiveness where he had failed. "I am prepared to go any time the Lord calls me; for I have forgiveness by God," he said.

AT NOON he went to the hospital where his wife was a patient. He planned to take a nap and then take his wife home in the afternoon. After dinner he lay down and went to sleep forever on this earth.

On April 8, a beautiful fall day, over 2,000 people from all three settlements in the Chaco gathered as the old saint was laid to rest. A number of ministers, including some from the sister congregations in Fernheim and Neuland, spoke briefly and a choir sang. The radiant testimony of victorious life in Christ rang through the whole service. One could not help but rejoice that the Lord had given Menno Colony such a man.

THOUGH statistics do not necessarily tell the extent of service, nor its quality, some statistics were given at his funeral. Elder Friesen was married for almost 57 years. He was ordained as minister 44 years ago, and a year later was ordained as elder. He served faithfully until a few years ago, when, upon his request, another elder was chosen. However, Elder Friesen continued to serve also.

He preached some 2,615 sermons on Sunday mornings, and 151 times he ministered at engagements, golden and silver weddings. He performed 129 marriage ceremonies and preached 178 funeral sermons. He ordained 35 ministers and deacons and taught uncounted young people in baptismal classes. It was counted that he gave about 4,000 days for church work in all.

WHEN ONE remembers that he was not a full-time pastor, but a lay minister and lay elder who was a farmer and father of nine children, one can appreciate that all of this pastoral and church work was done on extra time. It would have been interesting to know how many miles he traveled by horse and buggy to work for the church. The generation of today is reaping the benefits of this saintly man's work.