People often confuse Mennonites with the Amish and the Mormons, according to the Rev. Joel Shenk.
The pastor of Toledo Mennonite Church since October, Mr. Shenk told a tour group of about 150 that while there is a historical thread connecting Mennonites and Amish, it's puzzling why people mix up Mennonites and Mormons.
Perhaps it's because both names start with the letter M, he said.
Mr. Shenk, 29, a graduate of Fuller Theological Seminary in California, gave visitors an overview of the Mennonite faith and the local church on Tuesday, when Toledo Mennonite opened its doors for the last stop of the 2011 Summer Houses of Worship Tour, organized by Toledo Area Ministries.
The Mennonite and Amish traditions both emerged from the Anabaptist, or "rebaptism," movement that started in Europe during the 16th century Protestant Reformation.
Menno Simons, a Dutch Catholic priest who converted to Anabaptism, was an early leader in the movement and his followers became known as Mennonites.
In 1693, a group of Anabaptists led by Jakob Amman split off to follow stricter Christian practices, eventually becoming known as Amish.
Having survived tremendous persecution, both groups are now known as historic peace churches, along with Quakers and Brethren in Christ.
Toledo Mennonite Church was founded 65 years ago as Bancroft Mennonite Church, and is celebrating its 15th year at its current site on Nebraska Avenue in South Toledo, between Friendship Baptist Church and McTigue Junior High School.
The building features large clear-glass windows that "bring the outside in," longtime member Karen Kruzel said.
Two other compelling design features include a tall cross made of glass and built into the wall behind the altar, and the barn-like timber framing that serves as a reminder of the Mennonites' rural roots.
The timber frame was erected by about 200 Mennonite volunteers from throughout Ohio who came to Toledo for two weeks in June, 1996, for an old-fashion "barn raising."
The church, whose sanctuary comfortably seats about 175, cost $1.2 million to build, secretary Patty Schmucker said.
Mr. Shenk said during a question-and-answer session that the mortgage was paid off several years ago.
Toledo Mennonite's Sunday morning services, which start at 9:30 a.m., have an average attendance in the 70s, Mr. Shenk said.
Donnajean Stockmaster, community connections director for Toledo Area Ministries, said 153 people attended Tuesday's church tour, making it the largest of the summer's nine open houses.
She said the 18th annual summer tour was a great success and will return next year.
"A sincere thank you goes out not only to this year's amazingly welcoming and gracious host congregations, but to all the friendly, curious, and courteous guests who attended the tours," Ms. Stockmaster said.
Ernie and Jean Brown of Temperance, members of St. Lucas Lutheran Church, said they enjoyed their visit to Toledo Mennonite.
"We just like to learn about different religions," Mr. Brown said.
Marlene Harner of Toledo, a member of Calvary Assembly of God, attends almost all of the houses of worship tours and said she was impressed by Mr. Shenk's presentation.
"The pastor explained it very well. The whole program was very well done," Mrs. Harner said.
Contact David Yonke at: dyonke@theblade.com or 419-724-6154.
First Published August 20, 2011, 4:15 a.m.
