Against the Wind: Eberhard Arnold and the Bruderhof - Plough

Against the Wind
second Schmiedeleut elder and minister of the James Valley community (not
to be confused with David Hofer, Rockport community), wrote to Elias Walter,
calling Eberhard “a true child of God, full of love and Christian virtues. There is
no question of us teaching and instructing him; it is rather we who have to learn
from him, for his only longing is for the welfare and uniting of our Gemeinden in
God’s honor…” 21
On September 14, at the Rosedale community, the matter of unity was taken
up officially. With Joseph Kleinsasser as chairman, the Schmiedeleut servants of
the Word discussed what historical precedent to follow in responding to the Rhön
Bruderhof ’s longing to unite with the Hutterian communities, and also whether
earlier baptisms at the Bruderhof could be counted valid. They asked in exact
detail whether the brotherhood had appointed Eberhard to the service of the
Word “in apostolic power,” and, finally, they told him their decision. “We have
unanimously decided to agree to your request. We are all in favor of uniting.” Joseph
Kleinsasser, as elder, addressed a letter to the communities in Alberta informing
them that “Eberhard Arnold from Germany has sent a considerable time with us
here in Manitoba. During this time we have had many godly and blessed talks and
discussions with him and found, as far as we could ascertain and learn by inquiry,
that he agrees completely with the Hutterian Brethren in matters of faith. We
therefore see no obstacle to the union he desires and seeks with us.”
albErta
With Joseph Kleinsasser’s letter safe in his pocket Eberhard arrived at the Stand
Off community, Macleod, Alberta, on September 24, 1930, and wrote in his diary,
“I feel a warm love for Elias Walter, the venerable champion who has guided our
path…He at once had Joseph Kleinsasser’s letter typed and sent to the twelve
nearest communities in Alberta.” Elias Walter was at least as impatient as his
guest and thought it a waste of time to wait any longer for the incorporation and
confirmation of Eberhard’s service of the Word. He would have preferred to send
Eberhard to preach to the individual communities immediately. On October 5
Elias Walter wrote to John Horsch: “It is impossible to refuse his acceptance as
a Hutterite, for he is such a Hutterite that there is not another like him in these
days.” But everything had to proceed according to good Hutterian order.
Two Hutterites required exact information: Andreas Gross, servant of the Word
at the Lehrerleut community of Old Elm Spring, and the Dariusleut elder, Christian
Waldner, of the West Raley community. Christian Waldner grilled Eberhard for
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