First Church of the Brethren

Stepping into the warmth of First Church of the Brethren, one can almost feel the echoes of its rich history. First Church of the Brethren stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith and community. The church’s roots trace back to 1708 in Schwarzenau, Germany. A small group, led by Alexander Mack, sought religious freedom amidst persecution. They defied the authorities by baptizing each other in the Eder River. This act symbolized their commitment to a new faith centered on peace, simplicity, and shared living. The group called themselves “brethren”. They embraced the New Testament as their guide. Their beliefs set them apart from the state churches. They emphasized peaceful action, compassionate living, and a continual search for truth. Word of their faith spread. Evangelists journeyed throughout Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. The First Church of the Brethren’s journey to America began in 1719. Peter Becker led the first wave of Brethren seeking refuge from persecution and economic hardship. They landed in Germantown, Pennsylvania. The first congregation in the New World formed in 1723. Missionaries from this congregation ventured into the surrounding rural areas, establishing new communities of faith. First Church of the Brethren’s principles of zeal, honesty, and hard work resonated with many. The Brethren community grew rapidly throughout the 1700s. New congregations emerged in New Jersey, Maryland, and Virginia. After the Revolutionary War, they expanded westward, drawn by the promise of affordable land. By the mid-1800s, Brethren communities thrived in Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri. Eventually, their reach extended to Kansas, Iowa, and the West Coast. The expansion and the Industrial Revolution brought changes and internal conflicts. In the early 1880s, a schism divided the Brethren. The largest branch became the German Baptist Brethren, later changing its name to the Church of the Brethren in 1908. Throughout the 20th century, First Church of the Brethren emphasized education, establishing Sunday schools, camping programs, and youth initiatives. The church also strengthened its commitment to service, missions, and peacemaking. Today, the First Church of the Brethren continues to uphold the core beliefs of its founders. It seeks new ways to carry on the work of Jesus in the world.