When the early Brethren settled on the frontier of a New Land, life was difficult. Many of the stories that have been passed on to us record the struggles of life from the perspective of the male/husband/father in the family. One of my favorite books of "Brethren" stories includes some stories that are not often told: She Hath Done What She Could by Pamela Brubaker.
The following brief account of Mary Brumbaugh in Morrison's Cove, Pennsylvania is one example.
It seems that while going for the cows one evening, Mary became lost in the woods. Wolves approached as night fell. Mary climbed a tree to escape them and spent the night there. The next morning she found her way home to her family, which included a nursing baby.
It seems that Mary represents countless numbers of women in the early days of the church who were partners with their husbands and families in building homes on the new frontier. They faced daily challenges while providing a home and raising a family.
May we always remember to give thanks for the sisters among the Brethren.
About Me
- Herman Kauffman
- Herman is a retired pastor, after serving as Executive Minister of the Northern Indiana District Church of the Brethren, 1994-2012. He has since completed three interim pastorates in Northern Indiana. He is a graduate of Manchester College (B.S. 1971) and Bethany Theological Seminary (M.Div. 1976). Ministries have included: * Internship at Lincolnshire Church of the Brethren * Pastor at Columbia City Church of the Brethren * Pastor at Lafayette Church of the Brethren * Pastor at Painesville Church of the Brethren * Pastor at Everett Church of the Brethren * District Executive of Northern Indiana District * Interim at Union Center Church of the Brethren * Interim at Plymouth Church of the Brethren * Interim at Prince of Peace Church of the Brethren in South Bend.