The Brethren's History

The Church of the Brethren began in the early 18th century when there were men and women throughout Europe who were unhappy with the established churches. They charged that the sermons were lifeless and that there was too little attention given to the Bible and much energy drained in maintaining the church as an institution. They gathered in homes to study the Bible, discuss its implications, and join in prayer and praise. They were eager to discover fresh direction. Even before they organized in a formal way, they began to act on what they found in the Bible.

Convinced that baptism was only for believers at an age of accountability, they drew the attention of the authorities for failing to have their children baptized as infants. Their meetings were forbidden. Some were imprisoned. Many left their homes and property behind to nove to areas where the ruling princes were more tolerant.

Schwarzenau in central Germany was one of the places where these earnest seekers found freedom to meet undisturbed. It was in this lovely village on the Eder River in 1708 that Alexander Mack and seven others came to a decision. To be obedient to the New Testament they must give outward expression to their faith through baptism. Mack was baptized first–by one whose name was kept secret so that the eight believers could preserve their equality. Mack then immersed the others, four men and three women.

Although these first Brethren didn't seek trouble, their obedience to their understanding of the New Testament created problems. Their baptism as adults denied the validity of the infant baptism each had undergone and by implication challenged the authority of the existing church. Because churches were so closely identified with the state, adult baptism was not only heresy but also treason. Those who received it and administered it were often persecuted.

Weary of persecution and intolerance, the Brethren fled Europe, beginning in 1719, and joined other religious dissenters n the greater freedom of colonial Pennsylvania. On Christmas Day 1723, the Brethren had their first baptisms and love feast in America. Alexandar Mack was still in Europe and they chose as their minister Peter Becker, noting his good life and fervor in prayer.

According to reports, the entire male membership of the Germantown congregation set out an evangelistic mission in the fall of 1724. They believed they had a faith worth sharing and moved our to preach, baptize, and form new congregations. From that beginning they spread across the United States.

A Closer Look

The Brethren's History


Other Resources & Links

The Official Church of the Brethren website

Church of the Brethren Network

Nothern Plains District, Church of the Brethren