Both the Church of the Brethren and the Grace Brethren Church are celebrating the 300th anniversary of the founding of the Brethren movement this year. The following is excerpted from an article in the Waynesboro (PA) Record Herald. Pastor of the Grace Brethren Church in Waynesboro is Larry Weber. To read the entire article, click on http://www.therecordherald.com/articles/2008/01/10/local_news/news03.txt
Church to serve up helpings of local history
By Denise Bonura The Record Herald
WAYNESBORO – Want to snack on some history with your lunch? Bring your meal to St. Mary’s Episcopal Church at the corner of Second and Broad streets at noon every Friday and learn the history of local churches while you eat.
The church will begin its second Lunch and Learn program at noon tomorrow with the history of the Waynesboro Church of the Brethren at 117 S. Church St.
Lunch and Learn will be held every Friday through the middle of March. Visitors should bring their own brown bag lunches, and coffee and hot chocolate will be provided.
Last year marked the launch of the program, during which visitors learned sign language. The Rev. Linda Watson said it was so popular the church decided to continue it.
“It started last summer when we thought people might enjoy a noontime activity,” added Watson. “Older people don’t usually like to come out in the evening, and working people can come during their lunch hour. It’s nice to have a program on the history of our congregations. We’ve gotten some very good response.”
Historical society
After the 30-minute lectures, a short history of each church will be presented to the Waynesboro Historical Society for its records.
Watson said the lectures will include how and when the congregations were established, who their first pastors were and when their sanctuaries were built.
St. Mary’s Episcopal Church is celebrating its 100th year at its current location, the Waynesboro Church of the Brethren is celebrating the denomination’s 300th year and Grace Brethren is celebrating its 100-year anniversary, according to Watson.
