A History of the Mennonite Brethren Church, Ja Toews

That the Brethren did not act rashly or thoughtlessly in this matter can be seen in their request to Elder Lenzmann to administer this ordinance in their group. Here is Jacob Reimer's account: As our fellowship based itself more and more upon the Word of God, there arose among us the desire to observe the Lord's Supper more frequently and so we asked our Elder Lenzmann to break the bread more often for us — also in our private homes, according to Acts 2:46, 47. zs This request shows that Lenzmann was regarded by them as a true shepherd and brother, and that the Brethren were reluctant to secede from their mother church. Unfortunately, although understandably, the request was denied. Some years later Lenzmann mentioned several reasons why he had taken the stand he did: private communion was without historical precedent, it would foster spiritual pride, and it would cause disunity in the church. Having failed in their attempt to enlist the services of an elder for a separate communion, a small group of believers met in late November, 1859, in the home of Kornelius Wiens, Elizabethtal, to observe this RENEWAL AND REORIENTATION 33 ordinance. Abraham Cornelsen, a schoolteacher and member of the Rudnerweide (Frisian) Church was in charge of communion which was observed in all simplicity according to Paul's teaching in 1 Corinthians 11. Present at the service were several members from the Flemish Church and six members from the Gnadenfeld Church, but not Johann Claassen and Jacob Reimer. The news of this event spread rapidly among the churches and caused consternation and displeasure, especially among the elders. Those members of the group who belonged to the Flemish Church were immediately put under the ban, which in some instances meant social ostracism and economic ruin. The Gnadenfeld Church was more moderate and sympathetic in its treatment of the "offenders." The six members who had participated in communion had to appear before the ministers of the church, who reproved them for their conduct and elicited from them the promise that "they would submit to all things not contrary to the Word of God and their conscience." 26 There the matter would have rested if it had not been for a highly critical and very vocal element in the church. At two church meetings held on December 19 and 27, 1859, not only the small group, but the whole new movement came under attack. Especially Claassen and Reimer were singled out. At the last stormy session some members shouted, "Away with them, they are no better than the others." 21 Slowly Jacob Reimer made his way to the front and asked Elder Lenzmann for permission to leave. Reluctantly the latter consented. When it appeared that only Reimer and Claassen would leave the meeting, Heinrich Franz, who had been in conflict with the Brethren regarding the Brud.erschu.le, challenged Claassen with these words: "You are otherwise such a courageous man; why don'