Warkentin (Henry K.) Papers, 1951-1966

Online content

Collection context

Summary

Title:
Papers of Henry K. Warkentin
Dates:
1951-1966
Creators:
Warkentin, Henry K., 1891-1977
Abstract:
Extent:
0.6 linear ft. of documents ; 75 16mm motion picture reels ; 92 photoprints ; 17 photo negatives ; 20 slides ; 4 sound tape reels ; 6 digital video discs.
Language:
Preferred citation:

Papers of Henry K. Warkentin. Fresno Pacific University Mennonite Library and Archives

Background

Scope and content:

Includes 75 16mm films (both with sound and silent) most depicting the work of Mennonite Brethren missionaries around the world; correspondence, 1951-1966; undated sermon notes and manuscripts; reports from international trips, 1952-1962; undated film scripts, undated handbills and broadsides announcing showings of films; a brief biography of H. K. and Margaretha Warkentin written by their daughter, Ruth Warkentin Ratzlaff; undated and mostly unidentified photographs from Warkentin's international trips; sound tape reels. Six of the films have been digitized by the Centre for Mennonite Brethren Studies in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and are also part of the collection. Much of the written material is in German, though all sound films are in English.

Biographical / historical:

Henry K. Warkentin was a farmer and businessman in Reedley, California. In 1941 he decided to enter full-time ministry and enrolled at the Bible Institute of Los Angeles. In 1943 Warkentin purchased a church building in Pasadena and began holding services there. He was ordained by the Mennonite Brethren Church a short time later. Warkentin made numerous trips to various parts of the world, at which time he filmed the work of Mennonite Brethren missionaries. He showed many of these films to audiences in North America and Europe.

Indexed terms

Subjects:
Missions in motion pictures

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid created by Fresno Pacific University Mennonite Library and Archives staff.
Date Prepared:
1951-1966
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using Record Express for OAC5 on July 14, 2025, 2:55 p.m.

Access and use

Restrictions:

Open for research

Preferred citation:

Papers of Henry K. Warkentin. Fresno Pacific University Mennonite Library and Archives

Location of this collection:
1717 S. Chestnut Avenue
Fresno, CA 93702, US
Contact:
(559) 453-3437