HISTORY OF THE GRACE BRETHREN FELLOWSHIP

The fellowship that became the Brethren Church originated in Germany in 1708. In its early years it was known by a variety of names, including Tunkers, Dunkards, Taufers, Anabaptists, Dippers, Brethren, and New Baptists. After moving to America following 1719, these folk were often called the German Baptist Brethren. This became their official name in 1871.

These early Brethren were intensely missionary in spirit. They set out from Germantown in pioneer efforts of evangelism. These rugged men of God declared the whole counsel of God. They endured hardships as good soldiers of Jesus Christ. New churches sprang into being. Brethren influence spread through Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and then later into Ohio and Indiana. Many churches arose in these places. Adherence to the Word of God and plain living marked the lives of these folk. Their worship was simple and devoid of all formalism. Many times they went to the extreme in their demands for plain living and simplicity of worship. Some grew resistive under the conditions that came to be, a forerunner of later developments among the Brethren people.

Unfortunately, there was a division in the church in 1881. This division arose as the result of progressive ideas advocated by such men as Henry R. Holsinger, who felt a great need within the church for a better educated and paid ministry. Furthermore, the progressives within the church deplored the undue stress being placed upon conformity in dress and practice and advocated less secrecy and authority on the part of the Standing Committee of the Annual Meeting. Opposed to these progressive ideas were the so-called conservatives, who opposed any changes.

Two irreconcilable viewpoints brought about the inevitable division into two separate denominations. The larger group is today known as the Church of the Brethren. The denomination we represent, known as The Brethren Church, was organized in Dayton, Ohio in June 1883.

In 1939 the Grace group was born out of a struggle over doctrinal issues and became known as the Grace Brethren. To more clearly identify the churches of which we are a part, the name ”The Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches” was adopted at a national conference some years ago. Winona Lake, Indiana is commonly thought of as the headquarters for the fellowship, but there are no official offices or officers as such. Grace Brethren North American Missions (home missions) and International Missions offices are there, along with CE National, Grace Schools, and our publishing house, The Brethren Missionary Herald Company.

Although we would be considered a denomination in the common usage of the term, the word fellowship better describes our affiliation. We are a fellowship of churches of “like precious faith.”

[excerpts from publications/sites by Homer Kent, Sr. and Columbus GBC]