Amish immigrants of Waldeck and Hesse : a record of 263 immigrants, with a record of their descendants to those who were married by about 1865, plus historical records of Germany, shiplists, etc
"Published in cooperation with the Center for American Places, Harrisonburg, Virginia"--T.p. verso.
Includes bibliographical references (p. [471]-478) and index.
Contents
1. Brethren Beginnings -- Pt. I. An Overview of Traditional Dunker Culture, 1708-1850s. 2. The Faith Once Delivered to the Saints. 3. Dunker Rituals and Relationships. 4. Practicing the Primitive Faith -- Pt. II. Pathways beyond Plainness. 5. Expansion and Dissent, 1850-1883. 6. Missionary Mobilization, 1880s-1900s. 7. Missionary Manners, 1880s-1900s. 8. Preserving the Primitive Order, 1880s-1910s. 9. Separation Under Siege, 1905-1917. 10. Purging the Past, 1890s-1920s. 11. Unity Unraveled, 1911-1930s. 12. Altered Authorities, 1920s-1950s -- Pt. III. Analysis: The Binding and Loosing of Brethren Culture. 13. Brethren Moral Dynamics: A Historical Overview. 14. Brethren Cultural Transformation. 15. Pluralism, Particularism, and Purpose -- App. A: A Chronology of Change -- App. B: Personal interviews.
Summary
Carl Bowman examines how and why members of the Church of the Brethren - historically known as "Dunkers" after their method of baptism - were assimilated faster and earlier than their Amish, Mennonite, or even Hutterite cousins. Brethren Society brings to light the members' own conversations and debates on a series of pivotal controversies. Bowman shows how Brethren dealt with issues such as membership in "outside" organizations; the salaried ministry; acceptance of revivalistic styles of worship and music; particitation in the American political process; military service; the holy kiss; the temperance movement; and the "plain garb."
Church record of the Christ (Maxatawny or De Long's) Reformed Church at Bowers, Berks County, Pennsylvania, (1765-1832), from the library of Dr. and Mrs. Glenn P. Schwalm
