A VISION REALIZED: THE FOUNDING OF THE MENNONITE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY IN BURKE COUNTY, GEORGIA, 1968-1974 (140pp.)
Advisor: Dr. Leslie A. Heaphy
Before 1968, Burke County, Georgia, was void of a lasting Mennonite presence until visionary and dairy farmer, James Landis left the comforts of a large Mennonite church within the Virginia Conference of Harrisonburg, Virginia, and moved south with interest in starting a new Mennonite community. Previous to 1968, the Church of God in Christ Mennonites attempted a settlement in Burke County but their interest soon waned due to lack of leadership. Knowledge of this failed attempt propelled James Landis to ensure his pioneering attempt would be successful. The Mennonite community's growth within Burke County, Georgia, came about partially as a result of the formation of Vision Venture Inc., a corporation that purchased farms and went into partnership with young farmers until they were financially secure. The founding of the church, supported by the Virginia Conference, was more of a challenge for James Landis. Conference policies temporarily blocked the formation of a church in Burke County and threatened to divide the group. After several years of fruitless efforts by the group, Virginia Conference approved the formation of a church in Burke County. This thesis tells the story of the formation of the church: its beginning, the method by which church leaders were ordained and how church structure was decided upon. It is the goal of the author that after reading this thesis the reader will have a better understand of Mennonite church culture, values, and how they work together as a community.