History of Our Church and Denomination Bear Creek History Bear Creek was organized as a congregation on October 18, 1811 and is one of the oldest continuing congregations in the Church of the Brethren in the state. We have been worshiping and witnessing on this same site since 1811. While we have a glorious history, we are more concerned for the present and the future. We seek to preach and to practice a religion devoted to justice and peace, responsive to truth, and concerned for the spiritual growth of all persons. For More Bear Creek History Click Here
The Church of the Brethren was given birth in 1708 in Germany. This Brethren sect, in defiance of churches already established by the state, soon became subjected to severe persecution. This prompted a series of migrations to America, the first in 1719, the final a few decades later. In the New World the settlers located at Germantown in Philadelphia, from there spreading out across the expanding frontier. Having studied the Bible intently, the early Brethren were convinced that the church should be guided as closely as possible by the teachings and practices of the New Testament. To this day, the church views the New Testament, interpreted under the creative guidance of the Holy Spirit, as the only creed needed. In commending the simple life, the church has challenged its people to strive for a simpleness of purpose giving priority to service in the kingdom of God. |
