Delbert F. Plett Historical Research Foundation Inc.
For a small group of people in Steinbach December 14, 2004 was a memorable day. In the basement of the building once housing the Plett Goossen Law Firm the new board members of the Delbert F. Plett Historical Research Foundation Inc. met to set up the base for this new Foundation. Included in the meeting was a lawyer, Plett’s executers, an accountant and a couple of close collaborators to the deceased person.
The goal of this meeting was to officially get the “D. F. Plett Historical Research Foundation Inc.” started, although the terms of reference and bylaws for this foundation had been set by Plett himself, long before he passed away on November 4, 2004. Still many details had to be placed in order. Plett started this private foundation in December 1996 but it had not been an active charity.
Before Delbert Plett passed away he asked several people to serve as board members. The list included the following persons: Dr. Royden Loewen of Steinbach (University of Winnipeg), Dr. John J. Friesen of Winnipeg (Canadian Mennonite University), Kennert Giesbrecht of Mitchell (Managing Editor of Die Mennonitische Post), Ralph Friesen of Nelson (President of the Flemish Mennonite Historical Society), Abe Rempel of Winkler (Old Colony Minister), Leonard Doell of Aberdeen, (MCC Saskatchewan).
During the all-day meeting lawyers and executers explained to the board members the many facets of this Foundation and what had to be done in the beginning. The five members present (Abe Rempel couldn’t attend) elected a chairperson (Royden Loewen), a vice-president (John J. Friesen) and a secretary treasurer (Kennert Giesbrecht). The board decided to make every effort to continue publishing the historical journal Preservings. It decided to meet again in April to establish a protocol by which it would support further writing, publication and education on the history of the conservative Dutch–Russian Mennonites.
In his will Delbert F. Plett designated a large part of his estate to this foundation. The following quote makes this clear: “In making this bequest to the D.F.P. Historical Research Foundation Inc., it is my hope that the Foundation will use these funds in order to continue the publication of Preservings in the spirit and philosophy / theology it currently represents; further, that the funds also be used to support projects which foster, promote and nurture literacy and knowledge of the history and culture of the conservative and traditionalist Mennonites of Flemish Russian background, irrespective of location in both South and North America.”
It is a major challenge to the board members now to envision and pursue the many obstacles and opportunities that lie ahead.