Northern Plains District Heritage Tour 2016

Northern Plains District Heritage Tour – 2016

Diane Mason

Nineteen people from the Northern Plains embarked on a Heritage Tour August 7, an appropriate appendix to their District Conference where the theme was “This is Our Story; This is Our Song.”  In the course of the eight-day tour many stories were told of personal and congregational heritage and much was learned about our collective heritage as Church of the Brethren.

Back row, left to right: Bus driver Phil, Jim Ward, Rhonda Bingman, Ron Mason, Dick Williams, Paul Coffman Middle, left to right: Glen Draper, Tim Button-Harrison, Ida Van Westen, Carolyn Bellfy, Viola Lursen, Karen Williams, Diane Mason Front row, left to right: Vicki Draper, Diane Sittig, Terry Hansen, Alice Draper, LaDonna Brunk, Marlene Dickerson, Sharon Heien

Traveling by bus, the first stop was Camp Mack in Northern Indiana where the group viewed the impressive murals painted by Medford Neher in the late 1940’s and were privileged to their explanation offered by Brother Herman Kauffman.  It’s amazing how much of the Brethren story is included in each mural.  The Northern Plains travelers made several observations, one of which was, “The first six murals show brethren on the move on foot, horseback, ship, covered wagons.  But the last six murals show many people standing in front of buildings.  What does that have to say about our denomination?”

A relatively short jaunt took us to the Brethren Heritage Center in Brookville, OH.  A remarkable collection of artifacts, books, and personal papers is stored and being cataloged for research.  Our animated and knowledgeable tour guide Sister Karen Garrett told us the most unique feature of the center was the inclusion of materials from all the Brethren groups descended from the 1708 Schwarzenau (Germany) Brethren.

The group continued eastward into the John Kline territory of Virginia.  Several sisters and brothers met us at the Linville Church of the Brethren and showed us their historical collection and their cemetery.  Brother Paul Roth accompanied us to other sites of interest in the area ultimately leading us to the John Kline homestead where we enjoyed a delicious meal along with a meaningful theater dialog of persons from 150 years ago discussing the hardships and restoration following the Civil War.  

As the group continued to the Shenandoah Valley and the Valley Brethren and Mennonite Heritage Center, we learned of the massive devastation wrought in the area by the Civil War as Brothers JD Glick and Robert Alley told the stories.  A little-known fact is that some of the routes of the Underground Railroad were also used to help Brethren and Mennonite conscientious objectors flee the area to avoid conscription into the Confederate army.

It was quite a moving experience to see the Antietam battlefield before meeting for reflection and singing in the rebuilt Dunker church located on the battlefield.  One remarked that God’s Spirit is still grieving over those killed in all wars, past and present. The ravages of war seem so far removed from us, but the photos and stories of Sept 17, 1862 are devastating reminders of the stories of our Nigerian brothers and sisters and of others who are caught in the crosshairs of battles.  

Our short stay at the New Windsor Service Center included three meals and overnight lodging arranged by our gracious hostess Sister Mary Ann Grossnickle.  The experience was meaningful in several ways.  Some of our group were returning “home” to where their BVS experiences began.  Others found the morning of volunteering our time in the SERRV and CWS warehouses significant since we were able to help prepare materials for their next point of service.  One of our group was so moved, she plans to return for a longer stent of volunteering.

The Sight and Sound Theater production of “Samson” was very striking.  The massive moving set caught our attention immediately.  The quality of the acting and music was outstanding.  And most striking was how the message of Jesus’ grace enveloped the telling of this Old Testament story.  

Another high point of the trip was our conversation with Brother Jeff Bach at the 1723 baptismal sight in the Wissahickon Creek and the Germantown church and cemetery.  We appreciated how Brother Jeff couched the story of the early Brethren in the cultural and economic context of their time.  It was fascinating to hear the stories of several individuals of the era.  Highlights of the visit included wading into the waters of the Wissahickon and a communion service held in the original part of the Germantown meetinghouse.

Following a visit to Independence Hall in Philadelphia, we rejoined Brother Jeff at the Pricetown meetinghouse in Pricetown, PA.  Built in 1777, this meetinghouse has not been altered through the centuries.  The thick stone walls were plastered on the inside and surround a single room.  The original simple benches are still there and exhibit how backs were added after their first 100 years of use.  A kitchen attached to one side served as a place the Agape Meal for Love Feast was prepared.  The upper level which housed visitors for Love Feast provided a low ceiling in the worship area which offered great acoustics for our singing.  Worship is still held in the meetinghouse once each June and a song service held there each July.

A visit to the Ephrata Cloisters was very insightful for we had two tour guides.  The Ephrata guide provided information about founder Conrad Beissel and discussed the structures and artifacts and daily life.  Brother Jeff provided background information on how the Cloisters started with a cluster of small cabins built by religious hermits who followed Beissel. One participant expressed gratitude for Brother Jeff’s accurate information which dispelled some previous misunderstandings.

We were hosted at Quaker Hill in Richmond, IN our final night on the road.  It was great that Sister Jenny Williams met us early on a Sunday morning to open Bethany Seminary and give us a brief tour.  The chapel and the mementos from other Bethany locations were special to all of us.

Upon reflection, all on the tour were thrilled with the opportunity to experience our Brethren roots rather than just read about them or just to view them.  Many thanks to the Northern Plains Nurture Commission for their multi-year effort in organizing this tour.  Hopefully, there will be another so more can experience our history this way.