The long-awaited Volume 4 of The Brethren Encyclopedia has arrived from the printer and is now ready for shipping.
The Encyclopedia is a project of The Brethren Encyclopedia Board, which includes representatives of six groups descended from Alexander Mack and dating their origin to 1708 in Schwarzenau, Germany. The six member groups are the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches, The Church of the Brethren, The Brethren Church (Ashland), The Dunkard Brethren, The Conservative Grace Brethren Churches International, and the Old German Baptist Brethren.
The first three volumes of the Encyclopedia were released in 1983. Volume 4, which contains updates since 1980 plus a comprehensive index of the entire set, was nearing completion when the editor, Donald Durnbaugh, died suddenly and his work needed to be taken up by others.
Volume 4 of “The Brethren Encyclopedia” contains
• A comprehensive and extensive index covering all four volumes.
• Nearly 400 articles covering developments among the six larger Brethren bodies from 1980 to 2000.
• Additions and corrections for the first three volumes.
• Updated bibliography on writings by and about Brethren.
• Many illustrations.
• Listing of ministers ordained since 1980.
• Additional “sidebar” articles of special human interest.
Genealogists and family historians should know that “The Brethren Encyclopedia” is an excellent resource that is unparalleled for its completeness and scope of coverage for names, dates, and places of ancestors related to the Brethren movement around the world.
Volume 4 will make it even more accessible and attractive to easily do research. The Index in Volume 4 will serve to help locate names buried in the text even if that name is only used in one unobtrusive place.
All volumes of the Encyclopedia are available through www.brethrenencyclopedia.org or by calling (215) 542-7582. Although they are warehoused and shipped from BMH, it is through a contract arrangement with Brethren Encyclopedia, and BMH does not sell BE products directly. Volume 4 retails for $80 plus shipping.
A copy of Volume 4 will be available at the AGBM and the BMH exhibits at Celebrate06 for those who may wish to browse it.
