The Sharpsburg Church of the Brethren
Past - Present - Future
INTRODUCTION
Long before the Sharpsburg Church of the Brethren ever came to pass, there was the Dunker Church.
Our religious philosophy began in Germany in the late 17th centure. In 1709, a small group lead by Alexander Mack Sailed for America, landing in Philadelphia where they had hoped to find tolerance and freedom to live and worship as they chose. By 1826, the Brethren had spread throughout the region - Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and Kentucky.
The German Baptist Brethren were referred to as "Dunkers", a softer name derived from "Tunkers" from the Geman word "Tunken" or, to dip. The "Dunkers" believed that baptism was intended for adults, no babies or children. They also believed that baptism should be performed by immersing a person three times, facing forward. Their first place of worship was appropriately deemed "The Dunker Church". Construction on the church began in 1852 and was completed in 1853.
When the battles of the Civil War came to the area in 1862, the Dunker Church was right in the middle of the conflict. The "Dunkers" were people who believed strongly that followers of Jesus Christ should not take up the sword. In their own quiet way, they also refrained from the practice of slavery. Post war, the church was modified into a field hospital for the wounded and dying of both union and confederate soldiers.
By 1897, the congregation at the Dunker Church had grown so large that the small building could no longer accomodate them. Many of the members at that time lived in the town of Sharpsburg and had no transportation. The walk to the church was a bit too far for the children to endure. The necessity for another church, in town, was great. Therefore, contruction of the Sharpsburg Church of the Brethren began August 1, 1898 and was completed later that same year. Its very first service was January 1, 1899.
Early in the 20th century, the title "Geman Baptist Brethren" was changed to "The Church of the Brethren." Worlwide, it is now know as "The Peace Church."
Over the years the congregation of the Sharpsburg Church of the Brethren have succesfully proven to the community that they can be counted on in times of need. Participating in beef canning projects for the needy, lending hand to flood victims both manually and monetarily, aiding those with medical conditions and educating the community about the life of Jesus Christ are just of few of their charitable contributions. In addition to their community outreach, the church knows how to have fun while worshiping the Lord. Camping trips, picnics, youth activities, fellowship dinners and hymm sings are the other ways that the members of the church have communed together.
Many families have attended and continue to attend the Sharpsburg Church of the Brethren. The church has endured its share of hardships; however, God has prevailed and continues to shower his blessings on this church and its congregation.
God has truly blessed this church with talented individuals. Each member of this congregation plays a unique role in the future of this church. Whether it be constructing a much needed structure, baking cookies, organizing a fund raiser, performing musically, teaching or just offering a welcoming smile, each person possesses a gift, given by God, that they share with one another. These gifts were present in 1853 and are still very much alive and well today.
The members of the Sharpsburg Church of the Brethren value their history and look toward the future with enthusiasm. The congregation may be small but by the grace of God, this church will continue to grow in its mission to share the word of the Lord, Jesus Christ with others and show them how truly wondrous his love and his people really are.
