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John Edwin Lapp (1905-1988) was raised in Lansdale, PA, the son of Isaiah L. and Kate Clemmer Lapp. A grocer by trade, he was ordained by lot in 1933 to minister at Plains Mennonite Church (Hatfield, PA) and in 1937 as a bishop for the middle district of Franconia Mennonite Conference. He was moderator of the conference 1953-1969, and served many years on committees both local and national. He was an advocate for peace and a friend and counselor to conscientious objectors, ministers and others. He wrote thoughtful and well-appreciated articles and sermons on themes of faith and church life. His activity extended to many branches of the Mennonite Church, but he was equally active and involved in the local Mennonite community.
Lapp's papers are a profound resource on Mennonite life. Containing thousands of letters, sermons, notes and correspondence of bishops and committees, they form a record of the community’s discernment as the world around and the church itself changed greatly through the mid-20th century. Also included are 19th century papers and photos from Lapp's family and that of his wife Edith Nyce Lapp (1906-1984).
