Torchbearers

Title: League of Torchbearers Boys Clubs fonds

Dates of creation: 1971-1987

Physical description: 4 cm of textual records ; 4 photographs

Administrative history: In 1955, the General Conference Mennonite Church formed a Mennonite Boys' League to promote the formation of local boys clubs. At the same time, the Mennonite Church also encouraged congregations to form clubs for boys. In 1958, Mennonite Publishing House published a Torchbearer guide book and manual. Torchbearer clubs were meant to be a Mennonite alternative to scouting programs that promoted patriotism. Instead, they stressed "brotherhood, cooperation, mutual helping, and loyalty to the kingdom of God." In 1971, a group of concerned boys club leaders met in Waterloo to form a league of Torchbearers clubs in Ontario to improve the quality of local programs and sponsor joint events.

Custodial history: Donated to the Archives with materials from Riverdale Mennonite Church in 2018

Scope and content: See file list, below

Notes: Administrative history compiled with additional information from the Torchleader's Manual, 1973.
Original archival description created 2020 by Laureen Harder-Gissing.

File list:

1. Constitutions, 1971
2. Annual meeting minutes, 1971-1987
3. Executive meetings, 1971-1987
4. Activities
5. Newsletters, 1972-1983 (incomplete; title varies)
6. Correspondence
7. Laurence Martin, "Proposed Revision of Wayfarers and Torchbearers," Mennonite Publishing House, July 1982
8. Photographs of an event