Our History

Our history began in Germany in 1708 with a small group Bible study. This small group was dissatisfied with the "established" church of the day.

Soon they organized and invited others to join them. They search the Scriptures and the pages of history to discover the beliefs and practices of the early church and the example of Jesus.

Because of religious persecution (like that faced by many others), the Brethren came to America in 1719. They settled first near Germantown, Pennsylvania.

The early brethren were kind, loving people, full of good works which they performed regularly. They traveled, preached, visited the brethren, and spoke of repentance, conversion, and the inward life. The early Pennsylvania kitchen became the focal point of the Brethren witness.

The 1800's brought change, division, and growth. In the 1900's the church began overseas missions and continued to grow spiritually and numerically.

Today the church continues this mission endeavor, growth, and outreach through its headquarters in Ashland, Ohio.