Vernon Zehr

Title: Vernon B. Zehr fonds

Dates of creation: 1964-1996

Physical description: 4 cm of textual records ; 1 object (commemorative plaque)

Biographical sketch: Vernon B. Zehr (1920-1999) was born in East Zorra Township, Ontario to Daniel Zehr and Annie (Brenneman) Zehr. Vernon was a conscientious objector during the Second World War, working on his parents' farm. He did not attend secondary school but read widely and took varous courses as an adult. In 1943 he married (Vera) Katie Bender. The couple farmed and had six daughters.

In 1958 Vernon was chosen by the traditional method of "the lot" to serve as pastor in his home congregation, Cassel Mennonite Church. He later served Steinmann Mennonite, briefly at Poole Mennonite and then Shantz Mennonite. He was involved with the wider church through serving on the Western Ontario Mennonite Conference executive, as vice-chair of the Nonresistant Relief Organization, and various boards. He was a founding member of the Tri-County Mennonite Homes organization. He was a noted preacher and frequently invited to speak at local funerals.

Custodial history: Donated to the Archives in 2021 by Fred Lichti

Scope and content: Funeral sermon notes including some personal notes and biographical details of the deceased, and a commemorative plaque

Notes: Biographical sketch adapted from the Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online entry for Vernon B. Zehr.
Original archival description created 2021 by Laureen Harder-Gissing.
 

File list:

1. Notes for funeral meditations, 1964-1996
2. Plaque presented by Steinmann Mennonite Church recognizing Zehr as "pastor emeritus," 1991