Old Order River Brethren Article Index for
Old
Website Links For
Old
 

Information About

Old Order River Brethren




This body began about 1778 in Pennsylvania . It shares an early history with the Brethren In Christ Church . A group of brethren near the Susquehanna River that had separated from the Mennonites became known as the '' River Brethren ''. In 1843 , a group left the larger body of ''River Brethren'' and established a separate ''Old Order'' group. They were sometimes referred to as the ''York Brethren'', because most of the members in 1843 were located in York County, Pennsylvania . This minority group believed the majority of the church was becoming lax in nonconformity to the world and non-resistance, and desired to keep the old doctrines and traditions.

The church is composed of 5 congregations - 4 in Pennsylvania and 1 in Iowa - with 331 members in 2000 . They retain many conservative practices that are generally associated with the Amish . They do not erect meeting houses, choosing rather to meet in homes.


EXTERNAL LINK



REFERENCES

  • ''Handbook of Denominations in the United States'' (6th edition), by Frank S. Mead

  • ''Religious Congregations & Membership in the United States (2000)'', Glenmary Research Center