The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1897-11-12
THE DUNKARDS,

Rev. j. Il. Meyers, pastor of the
Dunkard Church at Green Tree, Mont
gomery county, celebrated the TWEEN
-tieth anniversary of his pastorate Sun
day, October 3rd. The date of the an
niversary occurs earlier, but Mr.. Mey.
ers deferred the celebration until the
above named day. The Green Tree
Church is one of the largest and most
prosperous Of that denomination, the
membership numbering over 800. 1t
is located in region rich in local his
tory, and its members come from some
Of the oldest and most influential fami-
lies of the State. Mr.. Meyers
has been a very successful pastor,
and the tiourishing church that he has
succeeded in building up is a proper
and fitting memorial of his zeal and de-
votion. He is now in the prime of life
and no doubt, with his ripe experience,
he. will even do more in the future than
he. has accomplished in the past.
The Dunkards have some peculiar
rites and ceremonies. They believe in
literal Interpretation Of the Scrip
lures, and they hold the ordinance of
feet washing to be just as obligatory
as the Sacrament ofthe Lords Supper.
The washing of feet is done twice a
year, and is very solemn and impress
sive occasion. The ordinance is al
ways observed at the close of the day,
and never before six o'clock. When
the hour arrives the men and women
repair to their respective rooms set
apart for the purpose. Tubs of water
are procured and the ordinance then
begins. Silence reigns during the
washing. -,...
A brother girds himself with long
towel that slips over his head and
r,achcs to his feet. The brethren are
seated in row on benches. The
brother passes along and as he does so
he immerses the feet of half dozen or
more in the tub, pouring water over
each foot with his hands. He then
dries the feet with the towel After
he has washed. the feet of six Or eight
of. the brethren he is relieved by anoth-
er, and so on until the feet of all pres
ent have been washed and dried. The
sisters perform the same ordinance of
feet washing among themselves The
pastor usually washes the fe,t of the
visiting ,clergys bishops apd elders Of
the CHURCH, and one of them in turn
washes his feet.
Some pastors give lecture on the
subject during the performance of the
ordinance; but silence usually prevails
at Green Tree at that time, as the
brethren believe it should be done with
meekness, humility and brotherIy love.
After feet washing has ended the
brethren rcassemble with the sisters,
and all partake Of Il supper of biscuit,
cheese and water.
The Dunkards practice Trine bap-
tism by immersion, and the minister
immcrses the candidate three times for
ward in the name Of each person of the
Trinity instead of backwards like most
other immersionists. At their COM
munion they use only unleayened bread
and unfermented wine, believing that
these were the elements used by Christ
at His last supper.
The Dunkards are originally from
Germany, where they are quite strong.
Since the church has been planted in
this country it has grown rapidly, con-
gregations in the Middle and Western
States.-'ho""isciNe (R") Republican.
Western Cousin-I am glad you ride
q bicycle. Have YOU ever done cen
tury!
Boston Girl-Oh!io 10 Severaltimcs
however, have ridden what suppose
YOU would call decade.
= When a baby yells in certain way
it is swearing in baby language.
~ =. - -. = r..