In 1719 and 1729 a small group of religious refugees, initially from Schwarzenau, Germany and later Sirhursterven, Netherlands – set sail for Pennsylvania which was receptive to the many religious movements that had sprung up in Europe at that time. These refugees sought a land where they could freely worship their God in Truth and in Spirit while enjoying the fruits of their hard work.

On arrival in Pennsylvania, they settled in Germantown which had become a hub for German socio-economic enterprise and religious fervor. On December 25, 1723, following the baptism of a core group of believers in the Wissahickon River near Germantown, a congregation was birthed.

In a short period of time, with bold leadership and sheer evangelization zeal, other congregations were set up in the surrounding areas of Philadelphia and subsequently statewide in Pennsylvania.

Today the Church of the Brethren is a world-wide denomination recognized for its pacifist endeavors and support of relief, agricultural, industrial and medical programs in poverty and disaster stricken areas.

We share with the larger denomination, these five tenets:

• Believers’ Baptism;
• Priesthood of All Believers;
• Pacifism;
• Service;
• Simple Lifestyle.

For more information on these tenets please visit the denomination’s official website: www.brethren.org

The Germantown Church properties are held in trust for all the Brethren denominations who trace their religious ancestry to the early Brethren movement of 1708 in Schwarzenau, Germany.

The congregation in spite of the traumatic changes it has experienced over the course of the centuries, by the Grace of God, remains firm as a rock. It shares the titular honor with a very select group of “MOTHER CHURCHES” in America which are still very active in their original communities of birth.

*For additional information on the history of the Church of the Brethren and the Germantown congregation visit the Church of the Brethren website: www.brethren.org