A History of the Mennonite Brethren Church, Ja Toews

membership. Thus organized church life began in Chortitza only after the leaders and members had submitted to baptism by immersion in the spring of 1862. The strict view of the Chortitza Brethren finally prevailed in all Mennonite Brethren churches. As a result, a number of members in the Mo- lotschna withdrew from the church, among them four brethren who had signed the Document of Secession. P. M. Friesen, a life-long advocate of KA1TH IN FKRMKNT 57 "open communion" laments this move toward a "closed communion," with participation by immersed members only.' J As will be shown later, the question of an "open communion" came up for discussion again and again in later years, and by the time of the Mennonite Brethren Centennial in 1960 it had become an accepted practice in most local churches. On the issue of the mode of baptism, so closely related to the question of "open communion," the General Conference of Mennonite Brethren in 1963 accepted a resolution which reflects the attitude of the Brethren "as it was in the beginning." Part of the resolution reads: "As a brotherhood we permit local churches to accept into fellowship believers who have been baptized upon an experiential and confessed faith with a mode of baptism other than immersion." 20 3. The Manner of Public Worship The fervor and ferment of faith also found expression in the meetings of the early Brethren. In his description of the new movement Krahn states that "the new emphasis upon a strong personal experience of the Grace of God with its accompanying assurance of salvation produced a very sturdy and active type of Christian." He is impressed with the great zeal in their Christian witness, and the "intensely active participation of the members in the meetings of the church." 21 The meetings of the early Brethren were characterized by informality and spontaneity. The fact that they had to meet in private homes for many years promoted such an informal atmosphere. Moreover, the use of the vernacular Low German dialect for preaching and discussion encouraged a wider participation. We are indebted to the Ohrloff Church Council for several reports on the nature of the worship services as conducted by the early Brethren. In order to form a more enlightened opinion on the new movement, the Ohrloff Mennonite Church sent special delegations to attend the services of the Brethren on three different Sundays. Here is an account of a service held in the home of Johann Claassen, Liebenau, on July 23, 1861, during his absence on a mission in Petersburg.- 2 The service was opened by singing: "Son of God, Lord of Glory." The words of this hymn, as well as of subsequent songs, were first read, since members had no song books. After singing two songs, Jacob Becker, the minister of the group, arose and offered a "long prayer." The prayer was an expression of praise and a petition for true enlightenment. Then followed more singing. With the exc