The Original Joe Wenger

This is the little-known life story of Bishop Joseph O. Wenger, leader of the Groffdale Conference Old Order Mennonite Church in Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania, from its origin in 1927. It illustrates his life from birth through death, documenting what could be found of his home life and ministerial duties. In his lifetime he faced troubled times including two Mennonite church divisions, a Great Depression, and two world wars. In the end, he became a namesake of thousands who informally call themselves the “Joe Wengers,” a tribute to an early Old Order Mennonite church leader.