This February, Bethany high school students and staff gathered for chapel for a thought-provoking presentation by Simone Horst (‘08), Librarian and Archivist at Eastern Mennonite University (EMU). Her talk, centered on the 500th anniversary of Anabaptism, explored the vital role the printing press played in spreading Anabaptist beliefs.
A Bethany Graduate’s Journey
Simone’s journey into the world of archives and rare books began during her time at EMU, where she discovered a passion for history through a work-study position in the university archives. "I knew I didn’t want to teach history, so I was searching for a meaningful path," she shared. "Working in the archives, I found a passion, something that truly interested me."
Simone serves as the Special Collections librarian and archivist at EMU, managing the Menno Simons Historical Library, the EMU archives, and the Virginia Mennonite Conference archives. Her work involves cataloging books, processing archival collections, assisting researchers, and working with rare books, a favorite part of her job.
The Printing Press and the Spread of Anabaptism
During her chapel presentation, Simone delved into how the printing press revolutionized religious movements in the 16th century. She explained that while Anabaptists are often associated with simple living and technological skepticism, early Anabaptists embraced the printing press to share their radical ideas.
Simone explained, "These early Anabaptists were really passionate about their message...They believed that working for peace, caring for those in need, and practicing daily discipleship were the real hallmarks of Christian faith, and they wanted to share that message."
Figures such as Menno Simons, Balthasar Hubmaier, Melchoir Hoffman, and Pilgram Marpeck published numerous writings. Authorities responded by banning their works, burning books, and even executing booksellers who distributed them. Simone said, “The Anabaptists were very persistent in pursuing their beliefs despite great opposition and persecution.”
Discoveries in the Archives
One of the most fascinating aspects of Simone’s work is uncovering rare historical materials. She shared with students the story of finding 16th-century broadsides in EMU’s archives—public edicts banning Anabaptist books and threatening punishment for those who printed or distributed them.
"I had no idea we had them until I went through our European rare book collection during a sabbatical," she recalled. "These were documents that people would have seen posted in cities like Cologne, Germany, warning them against engaging with Anabaptist literature."
Another remarkable item in EMU’s collection is an original copper plate used for illustrations in the 1685 edition of Martyrs Mirror. "One of the images depicts the execution of an Anabaptist bookseller," Simone noted. “The authorities were trying to burn his books as well, but they were not successful because people ran off with the books too quickly. So they kind of had the opposite effect of suppressing the information—it spread even further!"
A Message for Today
Simone concluded her talk by encouraging students to consider how the digital age mirrors the printing revolution of the 16th century. "We are also living in a time of rapid change in the flow and distribution of information," she noted. "Although we are only about 30 years in, it’s clear that the internet is having as much of an impact on our lives as the printing press had on the lives of people in the 15th and 16th centuries."
She posed a challenge to students: "How can we use the tools of communication that we have to share the message of a different way of following Jesus? And what are we willing to risk in order to speak out against injustice, violence, and corrupt empire, and push for a world that better reflects the peace and love demonstrated by Christ?"
Reflections on Bethany and Faith
For Simone, returning to Bethany was a meaningful experience. She reflected on how her time at Bethany helped shape her faith and career path. "Bethany nurtured my love for history and theology in a way that still influences my work today," she said. She fondly recalled Bible classes with Dale Shank, history lessons with Brent Reinhardt, and formative experiences on Interterm trips to Chicago and Turkey.
She also shared how her commitment to Anabaptist values continues to shape her life. "When I read the writings of early Anabaptists, I’m struck by how relevant their messages are today—rejecting Christian nationalism, advocating for peace, and prioritizing faith over empire,"
Her visit to Bethany served as both a history lesson and a call to action, reminding students that faith is not just about belief—it’s about engagement with the world. "There’s power in storytelling, in preserving voices, and in standing up for what we believe in," she emphasized. "History shows us that even in the face of opposition, truth has a way of finding its audience."