| The Hagerstown Church of the Brethren |
| Tercentennial Minutes - March 2008 by Pastor Frank Ramirez of the Everett, Pennsylvania congregation |
| Hagerstown Church of the Brethren 15 S. Mulberry Street Hagerstown, MD 21740. Telephone: 301-733-3565. Fax: 301-733-3598. Office hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. - noon & 1:00 –4:00 p.m. |
| MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Hagerstown Church of the Brethren is to celebrate the love of Jesus Christ and glorify the Lord by striving to live as Christ lived, experiencing the power of God's healing in our lives. We seek to nurture our faith community through prayer, music and the proclaimed Word, while enthusiastically reaching out to others with compassion, respect and love for everyone so that we may grow in faith and commitment together. VISION STATEMENT Journeying with Christ Serving Our Neighbors Uniting at the Master’s Table |
In continuing celebration of 300 years of the Church of the Brethren we are including a “Tercentennial
Minute” in each worship service. Written by Pastor Frank Ramirez of the Everett, Pennsylvania
congregation, these short articles highlight our Brethren history and challenge our deeper discipleship. I
hope you enjoy them as much as I do. We are including them in the Tidings for those who missed and
those who want to hear it again. - Pastor Ed
Minute” in each worship service. Written by Pastor Frank Ramirez of the Everett, Pennsylvania
congregation, these short articles highlight our Brethren history and challenge our deeper discipleship. I
hope you enjoy them as much as I do. We are including them in the Tidings for those who missed and
those who want to hear it again. - Pastor Ed
A Muddy Mucky Baptism
In March of 1813 Brethren in Philadelphia, who had been members of the Germantown
congregation, organized themselves as a separate church. If Germantown was recognized as
the “Mother Church,” the first in America, Philadelphia might have been known as the wayward
child! The congregation was a pioneer in many things. As historian Carl Bowman put it, “…the
Dunker fast lane…ran straight through the center of Philadelphia.”
While some nineteenth century Brethren leaders such as James Quinter and Henry Kurtz were
content to proceed slowly when it came to innovation, the Philadelphia church was at the
forefront in such things as the paid ministry, use of musical instruments in worship, Sunday
Schools, women in the pulpit, property insurance, and changes in traditional garb.
It was hard, sometimes, for the elders of the larger church to make their charges stick. When
some objected that Philadelphia paid their minister, for instance, the congregation explained
that while “one of the ministers had been paid, he had not been contracted to preach for a
specified amount, so it could not be said that he was paid a ‘salary.’”
But it was the innovation of putting a indoor baptistery that truly drew the ire of traditionalists
who insisted that baptism could only take place outdoors in a river. Pastor J.P. Hetrick,
however, explained that the closest river was three miles away from the church, and that it was
very muddy. He then went on to describe a baptism involving three women. “Some of you,” he
said, “do not know, perhaps, what sort of mud that is. Well, if you will go into any of your barn
yards around here, where the cows are kept over night, and, after a heavy rain, scrape up a
pailful of the manure you find there, you will get a tolerable idea of what sort of mud that was…”
Pastor Hetrick told how it took a while for the mud to settle after the baptismal party waded into
the river. Unfortunately the muck did not stay settled.
“The first one we baptized came up the first time all right, but when she was immersed the third
time, in the name of the Holy Spirit, it was not in water but in mud. And so all of the rest.” The
muck was so thick that one of the women required the help of two men to get her out. As far as
Philadelphia was concerned, this settled the issue of indoor versus outdoor baptism.
And that’s the Tercentennial Minute for Sunday, March 2, 2008.
In March of 1813 Brethren in Philadelphia, who had been members of the Germantown
congregation, organized themselves as a separate church. If Germantown was recognized as
the “Mother Church,” the first in America, Philadelphia might have been known as the wayward
child! The congregation was a pioneer in many things. As historian Carl Bowman put it, “…the
Dunker fast lane…ran straight through the center of Philadelphia.”
While some nineteenth century Brethren leaders such as James Quinter and Henry Kurtz were
content to proceed slowly when it came to innovation, the Philadelphia church was at the
forefront in such things as the paid ministry, use of musical instruments in worship, Sunday
Schools, women in the pulpit, property insurance, and changes in traditional garb.
It was hard, sometimes, for the elders of the larger church to make their charges stick. When
some objected that Philadelphia paid their minister, for instance, the congregation explained
that while “one of the ministers had been paid, he had not been contracted to preach for a
specified amount, so it could not be said that he was paid a ‘salary.’”
But it was the innovation of putting a indoor baptistery that truly drew the ire of traditionalists
who insisted that baptism could only take place outdoors in a river. Pastor J.P. Hetrick,
however, explained that the closest river was three miles away from the church, and that it was
very muddy. He then went on to describe a baptism involving three women. “Some of you,” he
said, “do not know, perhaps, what sort of mud that is. Well, if you will go into any of your barn
yards around here, where the cows are kept over night, and, after a heavy rain, scrape up a
pailful of the manure you find there, you will get a tolerable idea of what sort of mud that was…”
Pastor Hetrick told how it took a while for the mud to settle after the baptismal party waded into
the river. Unfortunately the muck did not stay settled.
“The first one we baptized came up the first time all right, but when she was immersed the third
time, in the name of the Holy Spirit, it was not in water but in mud. And so all of the rest.” The
muck was so thick that one of the women required the help of two men to get her out. As far as
Philadelphia was concerned, this settled the issue of indoor versus outdoor baptism.
And that’s the Tercentennial Minute for Sunday, March 2, 2008.
Israel Poulson and The Loaf of Bread
There’s a tendency to think of the old Brethren elders as “one size fits all,” but even though
they sought uniformity in faith and practice, they still tended to be unique figures. Certainly
Israel Poulson, Sr., followed the pattern of not following a pattern.
First of all, he was half Native American in a largely German church. Second, he played the
fiddle when Brethren sang a capella. And finally, he was a dreamer, and he told people about
his dreams.
Israel Poulson (1770-1856) was abandoned by his parents when he was seven years old. He
was raised near Centreville, New Jersey. When he first married he was unable to read or write,
but his first wife taught him those skills. When she died he married her sister.
Israel Poulson was loved by the children and trusted by his neighbors. Once a man called a
“false prophet” announced that the world was about to come to an end and asked what people
intended to do. One individual who was developmentally disabled had a quick answer – “I
would hold on to Uncle Israel’s coat-tail.”
He was a popular preacher and story teller. He was famous for three visions. The first two,
“The Laborers by the Way.” and “The Old Fiddle” concerned the importance of the attitude we
bring to our Christian work and the danger of preaching the same old sermon over and over.
But the one he called “The Loaf of Bread” was the most compelling. In that dream he found
himself in the midst of an immense concourse of people, slowly pressing forward together
towards the same goal. Where were they headed? He saw a giant set of scales. Suddenly he
realized that one by one each person was weighed in the balance. Some caused the scale to
go down. Others would be cast up into the air – weighed in the balance and found wanting. As
he drew closer to his turn his heart began to fail. When his turn came he realized he did not
weigh enough to hold down the scale. Suddenly a boy was spotted pushing through the crowd
and calling out as loud as he could. He had something under his arm. It was a loaf of bread.
The boy threw the loaf towards Poulson, who caught it. Suddenly he weighed enough to.
And then he recognized the bread as a loaf he had once given to a widow.
And that’s our Tercentennial Minute for March 9, 2008.
There’s a tendency to think of the old Brethren elders as “one size fits all,” but even though
they sought uniformity in faith and practice, they still tended to be unique figures. Certainly
Israel Poulson, Sr., followed the pattern of not following a pattern.
First of all, he was half Native American in a largely German church. Second, he played the
fiddle when Brethren sang a capella. And finally, he was a dreamer, and he told people about
his dreams.
Israel Poulson (1770-1856) was abandoned by his parents when he was seven years old. He
was raised near Centreville, New Jersey. When he first married he was unable to read or write,
but his first wife taught him those skills. When she died he married her sister.
Israel Poulson was loved by the children and trusted by his neighbors. Once a man called a
“false prophet” announced that the world was about to come to an end and asked what people
intended to do. One individual who was developmentally disabled had a quick answer – “I
would hold on to Uncle Israel’s coat-tail.”
He was a popular preacher and story teller. He was famous for three visions. The first two,
“The Laborers by the Way.” and “The Old Fiddle” concerned the importance of the attitude we
bring to our Christian work and the danger of preaching the same old sermon over and over.
But the one he called “The Loaf of Bread” was the most compelling. In that dream he found
himself in the midst of an immense concourse of people, slowly pressing forward together
towards the same goal. Where were they headed? He saw a giant set of scales. Suddenly he
realized that one by one each person was weighed in the balance. Some caused the scale to
go down. Others would be cast up into the air – weighed in the balance and found wanting. As
he drew closer to his turn his heart began to fail. When his turn came he realized he did not
weigh enough to hold down the scale. Suddenly a boy was spotted pushing through the crowd
and calling out as loud as he could. He had something under his arm. It was a loaf of bread.
The boy threw the loaf towards Poulson, who caught it. Suddenly he weighed enough to.
And then he recognized the bread as a loaf he had once given to a widow.
And that’s our Tercentennial Minute for March 9, 2008.
Peter Nead’s Hat
In our own faith history we Brethren have been renewed by widening the circle. A good
example is Peter Nead (1796-1877), one of our most prominent writers and theologians of the
19th century. Born in Hagerstown, Maryland, he was a Lutheran by birth, and received a good
education, but he was dissatisfied with the faith of his childhood. Later, after the family moved
to Frederick County, Virginia, he became actively involved with the Methodists, but his desire
to find a church who followed the New Testament led him to become an itinerant preacher –
until he read a booklet published in 1823 by the Brethren minister Benjamin Bowman. Within a
year he was baptized into the fellowship.
He was called to the ministry in 1827 and became known as “the English preacher.” For the
rest of his life he devoted himself to preaching and writing. Though not born Brethren he
became the most articulate defender of the faith. In 1850 his several writings were collected
into a single volume, often referred to as Nead’s Theology. His books are still held in high
esteem by some Brethren bodies.
However in his early years in the ministry he alarmed a few of the Brethren because he wore a
tall hat favored by clergy of the day, but quite different from the simple Brethren style. Since he
was much beloved they were slow to confront him, but according to the story the same
Benjamin Bowman who had written the booklet that caught Nead’s eye approached him and
said, “Brother Peter, the Brethren feel that the hat you wear is not in harmony with the humble
profession you have made. We love you, and desire that you may do a great deal of good in the
church. Now Brother Peter, here is a new Brethren’s hat that I bought for you. Will you wear
it?” Brother Nead said he would.
Notice the Brethren used understanding and tact, complimented him on his gifts, and made it
clear that the fellowship was very excited to have him in their midst. Thus they cemented the
relationship and enriched the Brethren denomination.
Peter Nead wasn’t born Brethren, preferred speaking English to German, and wore a tall hat.
Despite these obstacles, he was and remains one of the most important figures in Brethren
history. He died March 16, 1877. Today is the 131st anniversary of the date of his death.
And that’s the Tercentennial Minute for Sunday, March 16, 2008
In our own faith history we Brethren have been renewed by widening the circle. A good
example is Peter Nead (1796-1877), one of our most prominent writers and theologians of the
19th century. Born in Hagerstown, Maryland, he was a Lutheran by birth, and received a good
education, but he was dissatisfied with the faith of his childhood. Later, after the family moved
to Frederick County, Virginia, he became actively involved with the Methodists, but his desire
to find a church who followed the New Testament led him to become an itinerant preacher –
until he read a booklet published in 1823 by the Brethren minister Benjamin Bowman. Within a
year he was baptized into the fellowship.
He was called to the ministry in 1827 and became known as “the English preacher.” For the
rest of his life he devoted himself to preaching and writing. Though not born Brethren he
became the most articulate defender of the faith. In 1850 his several writings were collected
into a single volume, often referred to as Nead’s Theology. His books are still held in high
esteem by some Brethren bodies.
However in his early years in the ministry he alarmed a few of the Brethren because he wore a
tall hat favored by clergy of the day, but quite different from the simple Brethren style. Since he
was much beloved they were slow to confront him, but according to the story the same
Benjamin Bowman who had written the booklet that caught Nead’s eye approached him and
said, “Brother Peter, the Brethren feel that the hat you wear is not in harmony with the humble
profession you have made. We love you, and desire that you may do a great deal of good in the
church. Now Brother Peter, here is a new Brethren’s hat that I bought for you. Will you wear
it?” Brother Nead said he would.
Notice the Brethren used understanding and tact, complimented him on his gifts, and made it
clear that the fellowship was very excited to have him in their midst. Thus they cemented the
relationship and enriched the Brethren denomination.
Peter Nead wasn’t born Brethren, preferred speaking English to German, and wore a tall hat.
Despite these obstacles, he was and remains one of the most important figures in Brethren
history. He died March 16, 1877. Today is the 131st anniversary of the date of his death.
And that’s the Tercentennial Minute for Sunday, March 16, 2008
CROP and the Friendship Trains
Following World War II both the victors and vanquished of Europe were starving. Food
and supplies were sent by the ton, but the need was still great. Brethren were among many
groups who sought to alleviate the needs. In addition to Brethren Service workers in Europe
and Seagoing Cowboys who shepherded Heifer Project animals across the ocean, a new
organization named CROP – which stood for Christian Rural Overseas Program – took shape
under the leadership of the Brethren Service Committee, and the Evangelical and Reformed
World Service Commission.
CROP was inaugurated in 1947 and operated out of a donated dorm room at Bethany
Seminary. So when the nationally known columnist and radio broadcaster Drew Pearson
conceived of the idea of “Friendship Trains” to collect and transport food from across the
nation to port cities in order to help Europe’s hungry people, he turned to CROP for
assistance in organizing.
It turned out to be a great match. The Friendship Trains picked up hundreds of carloads of
foodstuffs to ship to Europe. Moreover their itineraries were deliberately designed to
garner the most publicity and therefore the most public interest. The trains only traveled
during the day so their journey could be covered by the newspapers. Arrivals would be
announced in advance so they could be met by cheering crowds and preening politicians. In
this way many thousands could take part in the relief effort.
Today CROP has become an ecumenical organization. It still involves the efforts of hundreds
of thousands through the CROP walks and other programs which allow ordinary people to
challenge themselves each year to do even more to fight want and hunger both overseas
and close at hand.
And that’s the Tercentennial Minute for Easter Sunday, March 23, 2008.
Following World War II both the victors and vanquished of Europe were starving. Food
and supplies were sent by the ton, but the need was still great. Brethren were among many
groups who sought to alleviate the needs. In addition to Brethren Service workers in Europe
and Seagoing Cowboys who shepherded Heifer Project animals across the ocean, a new
organization named CROP – which stood for Christian Rural Overseas Program – took shape
under the leadership of the Brethren Service Committee, and the Evangelical and Reformed
World Service Commission.
CROP was inaugurated in 1947 and operated out of a donated dorm room at Bethany
Seminary. So when the nationally known columnist and radio broadcaster Drew Pearson
conceived of the idea of “Friendship Trains” to collect and transport food from across the
nation to port cities in order to help Europe’s hungry people, he turned to CROP for
assistance in organizing.
It turned out to be a great match. The Friendship Trains picked up hundreds of carloads of
foodstuffs to ship to Europe. Moreover their itineraries were deliberately designed to
garner the most publicity and therefore the most public interest. The trains only traveled
during the day so their journey could be covered by the newspapers. Arrivals would be
announced in advance so they could be met by cheering crowds and preening politicians. In
this way many thousands could take part in the relief effort.
Today CROP has become an ecumenical organization. It still involves the efforts of hundreds
of thousands through the CROP walks and other programs which allow ordinary people to
challenge themselves each year to do even more to fight want and hunger both overseas
and close at hand.
And that’s the Tercentennial Minute for Easter Sunday, March 23, 2008.
The Actor and the Peace Corps
When the actor Don Murray registered as a conscientious objector during the Korean War he
ran up against an obstacle. His draft board and the US Attorney in his area refused to believe
that Don was acting out of his convictions, because they didn’t believe actors had any
convictions. After a month in prison, with a $10,000 fine and a potential sentence of five
years hanging over his head he underwent a grueling interrogation at the hands of that
prosecutor who finally concluded that Murray was telling the truth – he was against war.
Murray served overseas with the Brethren Service Commission, and later called his time in
Europe as the “best education I ever had.” Inspired by Dan West and others, he worked in
both Germany and Italy. Upon his return to the states he proved his convictions were
authentic by funding an amazing program called Homeless European Land Program (HELP)
through his earnings as an actor. The program settled longtime refugees into farms on the
island of Sardinia, which they came to own. It was one of the major success stories not only
of Brethren relief, but for all relief agencies in Europe after the war.
In 1956 he was asked to introduce Vice Presidential candidate C. Estes Kefauver at a rally in
Hibbing, Minnesota, but when the candidate’s plane was delayed the organizers begged him
to stall for time by telling Hollywood stories. Instead, he told the audience about Brethren
Service. The audience was enthralled, including Senator Hubert Humphrey. Humphrey
became convinced that the idea of Brethren Service would work for the government, but
though President Eisenhower was intrigued his advisors convinced him that American youth
didn’t have the enthusiasm and idealism to serve other people for peanuts. Humphrey didn’t
give up, and he convinced the next president, John F. Kennedy, who established the Peace
Corps by executive order.
And that’s the Tercentennial Minute for Sunday, March 30, 2008
When the actor Don Murray registered as a conscientious objector during the Korean War he
ran up against an obstacle. His draft board and the US Attorney in his area refused to believe
that Don was acting out of his convictions, because they didn’t believe actors had any
convictions. After a month in prison, with a $10,000 fine and a potential sentence of five
years hanging over his head he underwent a grueling interrogation at the hands of that
prosecutor who finally concluded that Murray was telling the truth – he was against war.
Murray served overseas with the Brethren Service Commission, and later called his time in
Europe as the “best education I ever had.” Inspired by Dan West and others, he worked in
both Germany and Italy. Upon his return to the states he proved his convictions were
authentic by funding an amazing program called Homeless European Land Program (HELP)
through his earnings as an actor. The program settled longtime refugees into farms on the
island of Sardinia, which they came to own. It was one of the major success stories not only
of Brethren relief, but for all relief agencies in Europe after the war.
In 1956 he was asked to introduce Vice Presidential candidate C. Estes Kefauver at a rally in
Hibbing, Minnesota, but when the candidate’s plane was delayed the organizers begged him
to stall for time by telling Hollywood stories. Instead, he told the audience about Brethren
Service. The audience was enthralled, including Senator Hubert Humphrey. Humphrey
became convinced that the idea of Brethren Service would work for the government, but
though President Eisenhower was intrigued his advisors convinced him that American youth
didn’t have the enthusiasm and idealism to serve other people for peanuts. Humphrey didn’t
give up, and he convinced the next president, John F. Kennedy, who established the Peace
Corps by executive order.
And that’s the Tercentennial Minute for Sunday, March 30, 2008
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