BIO: MENNONITE Church, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Joe Patterson OCRed by Judy Banja Copyright 2004. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/pa/cumberland/ _____________________________________________________________ >From Biographical Annals of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, Chicago: The Genealogical Publishing Co., 1905, pages 663-665 _____________________________________________________________ NOTE: Use this web address to access other bios: http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/pa/cumberland/zeamer/ THE MENNONITES. - The body of Christian believers known since the Refor- 664 CUMBERLAND COUNTY. mation as Mennonites derive their name from Menno Simons, of Friesland, Holland, a Catholic priest, who, in 1536, renounced the doctrines of the Roman Church. The people who became his followers were not of those who separated from the Catholic Church, but were a people known as Anabaptists, who had already existed, and who con-tended for the purity and simplicity of the Gospel. It is claimed that they were descendants of the Waldenses, a people persecuted for many centuries, and who possessed a faith like those who in every age of the world since the days of Christ have stood out against error. Menno Simons, after receiving enlightenment through the study of God's word, found that they had a like faith, and became their prominent preacher. "The strong controlling thought which underlay their teaching was that there should be no exercise of force in religion; * * * * an oath was a means of compelling the conscience, and they refused to swear; warfare was a violent interference with the rights of others, and they would take part in no wars, not even for the purpose of self-protection." They were to be found in parts of Germany, Holland and Switzerland. Bitterly persecuted by Catholics, and sometimes by Protestants, some sought shelter in caves. Others fled to Prussia, Russia, Poland and Denmark. A number, on the invitation of William Penn, came to America, and settled at Germantown in 1683. "Those thirteen men, humble as they may have been individually, and unimportant as may have been the personal events of their lives, holding as they did opinions which were banned in Europe, and * * * * standing as they did on what was then the outer picket line of civilization, best represented the meaning of the colonization of Pennsylvania and the principles which lie at the foundation of her institutions * * * * * * they stood for that spirit of universal toleration, which found no abiding place save in America. * * * * * * Bullinger, the great reviler of the Anabaptists, in detailing in 1560 their many heresies, says they taught that `the government shall and may not assume control of questions of religion or faith.' * * * * * * But two centuries after Bullinger wrote, there was put into the constitution of Pennsylvania, in almost identical language: 'No human authority can, in any case whatever, control or interfere with the right of conscience.' The fruitage is here, but the planting and watering were along the Rhine." The Mennonites continued to emigrate to America, settling in the eastern part of Pennsylvania, until, in 1735, there were probably five hundred families. "Thus, as a matter of course, the adherents to the faith of their forefathers greatly multiplied, and took a firm foothold in the New World, commanding the respect of the rulers of the land, and exercising a healthful influence, in many directions, by their modest, simple and honest intercourse with their neighbors. Many persons in higher stations of life were convinced that the principles and sentiments advocated and practiced by these modest and plain people were the true and cardinal principles of the Gospel, and if the descendants from generation to generation had continued those principles by practice down to the present time, they would exercise a greater influence." But many for reasons known to themselves left the "plain and simple paths of their forefathers * * * * * * and therefore that influence was much shorn of its effect. But notwithstanding all these jars and upheavals, the Mennonite denomi- CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 665 nation still stands as a beacon on the shores of time." "To write the life of all the prominent men in the Mennonite Church in America - would be impossible, as they left scarcely any written record or account and to mention some only might seem partial. Therefore a few remarks will be made in a general way. The polity of the Mennonite denomination has remained unchanged as regards the principal points. There have been secessions from the main body, from time to time. Those have formulated other rules of government. As a body the Mennonite denomination consists of bishops, ministers and deacons, and also the laity. Each lay member has a right to the council of the church. At stated times examinations are held to ascertain the standing and condition of the church, the result of which is reported to conference, when bishops, ministers and deacons meet in general council, and counsel with each other, and advise for the welfare of the church. The preaching of the Word of God is extemporaneous and without charge. It is not the principle of the ministry to preach according to the wisdom of this world, but according to the spirit of Christ, in humility and simplicity. All persons have access to public worship. Penitent believers upon application, and after being instructed in regard to the rules and ordinances of the Church, and promising obedience and allegiance thereto, are received to membership by baptism in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. The members observe communion with each other, with bread and wine, the bread and wine being emblems of the broken body and shed blood of Jesus Christ. Feet washing commanded by Jesus Christ, as a token of humility, is recognized as an ordinance, and observed by the greater number of the brethren. When any difference or strife arises between the members it shall be adjusted according to Matt. xviii, 15-20. Although believing that living according to the tenets of the Mennonite faith is compatible with the Word of God, yet the principle thereof does not allow members to condemn those of other denominations."