This book makes available a significant collection of previously untranslated and unpublished documents to the English reader. These writings reflect the growth and development of the Mennonite Brethren Church in Russia after the tumultuous period during which the church was founded. The period from 1872 to 1922 was a critical period during which the young movement had to take steps to define itself in a larger sense than had been possible in the midst of the intense conflicts of the first decade. Institutionalization brought new strength but it also brought serious challenges and threats to the church's continued existence.

Tables, maps, and statistics provide additional interesting information about geographic and numerical expansion and the nature of leadership, finances, and worship services.