MB Guest Book 7: Jan. – June 2002

Rodney Griffin
rodneyandlyndi1ATattbi.com
Brentwood, California, USA
Thu, 3 Jan 2002

My Grandfather was A. G. Brown. Two of his letters are on your web site on the Sonship of Jesus.

• You can see my family tree and how I relate at Genealogy: Rodney Griffin.

• I grew up in the Exclusives in South Africa but my parents left in 1962.

• My wife and children continue to serve and love our Lord but in the context of a non denominational community church.

Regards, Rodney Griffin.

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'Chloe' / pseudonym
cloez2000ATyahoo.com
Australia
Mon, 7 Jan 2002

Dear Gordon
Sorry to remain anonymous but I'm scared to have my name on the internet as I don't know what could be involved.

I'm interested in the Exclusive Brethren because in Australia their ladies are the only ones who wear headcoverings, which I believe in.

• From an earlier email: Are visitors allowed to attend a gospel meeting?

• I recently joined an Open Brethren Assembly, which is wonderful beyond compare.

• I didn't know that the Exclusive Brethren have, or had, the same type of service as we have. I didn't know what kind of service they had, or if they were spiritually minded.

• Then I was loaned some little booklets by some of the writers you have on this site, and was thrilled to find that they were good, as now I have a new source of wonderful literature to go through. I didn't know of its existence before.

I like your approach on this website, as there is no nastiness but what seems like objective criticism, from what I've read. You sound like a really decent Christian person.

What would the Exclusive Brethren services be like now? Do they still use this literature? Darby, Coates, etc.?

• I wish there was still a group like what they used to be like, because in Australia we don't have any groups who live separate from the 'world', except a small Mennonite group, well, as far as I know.

• It'd be good to be part of a group that practised it without being legalistic, as I believe we're meant to live like this.

Once I've got used to the internet I might be able to use my real name.

Yours, 'Chloe'.

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Thomas Schiess
ctschiessAThotmail.com
Pincourt, Quebec, Canada
Wed, 23 Jan 2002

Brought up in exclusive, now experiencing freedom in an open brethren and enjoying the opportunities of meeting and fellowshipping with other true believers from different backgrounds without fear of being "asked to sit back". Any correspondence welcome.

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Larry Ellcey
barbe410ATattbi.com
McKinney, Texas, USA
Wed, 23 Jan 2002

I have been searching for literature ever since I first heard of Darby. It was a Publishing House called Moments With The Book. They have very good tracts and are reasonable. I have sent for a few they carry but I didn't know there were other ministers of the day that taught like him. So I am looking forward to getting your catalog and literature.

Thanks and God bless you. Rev. Larry Ellcey

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Martyn Johnston
beadATic24.net
Doncaster, South Yorkshire, England
Wed, 30 Jan 2002

Wow what a site! This is so cool. My names Martyn and I'm a member of St. James Church, Doncaster, and have been a Christian since the age of 8.

This site is so amazing, its helping me to understand more about what I see at work, you see I work at —— which is an exclusive Brethren ran place.

• I've been there for 6 yrs and I find them so intriguing. I've have learnt so much about them during the past years and this site is just filling the gaps.

• I have absolutely no intention of joining them as I believe they have so immersed themselves in themselves that they have missed the entire point of the gospel message.

• I have just been accepted into the Church Army for training as an evangelist within the Church of England.

• As I see it, Evangelism is what the church is there to do, Matthew 28: 19-20. And its that, that the Exclusive Brethren seem to have missed.

Got to go for now, I'll carry on later.

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Carmelo Brancato
mellowman1ATprodigy.net
Torrington, CT, USA
Thu, 31 Jan 2002

Greetings, I was just told about this site. I am in assembly fellowship here in Ct. I was telling the fellow that informed me of this site that I have many tracts, copies of the 'Witness' and 'Our Record' dating back to 1893. I look forward to enjoying your web site. Carmelo

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Tim Nissen
fhcharityATjuno.com
USA
Wed, 6 Feb 2002

Hello,
Thank you for your e-mail. As far as I can tell you used to be in fellowship with what is termed by other brethren as Ravens. Where do you go now? …

May the Lord's love and grace be with your spirit, Tim.

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Steve Wurth
wurthbooksATnetscape.net
Oswego, NY, USA
Thu, 7 Feb 2002

Your website mentions a J. B. Catterall who ministered in Great Britain in the early 1900's, and that very few books of his ministry remain.

I have a copy of "Memorials of J. B. Catterall's Ministry", published in London by G. Morrish, and edited by H. F. Nunnerley. Cloth, 6¾” x 4 ½”, 242 pages, good condition. The book is available for $100.00 U.S. [ ! ? ] Send inquiries to wurthbooksATnetscape.net.

Note: See 'Mailbox' for confirmation of this price. GAR

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Bob Wilson
bjwATpop.ctctel.com
South Heart, ND 58655 USA
Mon, 11 Feb 2002

I am looking to find churches of your fellowship in the state of Utah – can you help me please.
Thanks, Bob Wilson.

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Tim Grass
grass.familyATTesco.net
Horsham, West Sussex, England
Sun, 17 Feb 2002

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Geoffrey Purdy
gpurdy35ATyahoo.co.uk
Fareham, Hants, England
Mon, 18 Feb 2002

I came across your web site by accident, getting much pleasure from its content. Geoffrey.

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Glen Steen
steengATkwic.com
Tillsonburg, Ontario, Canada
Thu, 21 Feb 2002

Hi Gordon,
Say hi to Betty. I trust that you are both well. Just surfing around and found the site and was amazed at the memorial to Mom and Dad. Memorabilia: John and Mary Steen It is strange reading someone else's perspective on my parents.

• It seems that I didn't inherit many of the social graces that my parents seemed to have in abundance. So … I don't believe that I have ever really thanked you and Betty for all the support that you gave to Mom.

• Afer Dad died she was basically stuck with me and she was always excited about your visits and phone calls.

• I appreciated very much having you conduct the service at her funeral and I know the situation must have been very difficult for you.

• It was sad to think of all the people that she knew and cared about, that most of the people at her funeral didn't know her at all.

• A belated thank-you, almost 5 years belated!

Out of curiosity, I read some of the emails on the site and some of the names bring back memories … some good but a lot that are not so good. Enough of that, I have gone on with my life … and its been good.

Again many thanks. Mom would like the memorial but I think she would be a little embarrased about her poem being 'published'.

Thanks again, Glen.

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Bernard C. Duckworth
bduckw9936ATaol.com
Musella, GA, 31066, USA
Fri, 22 Feb 2002

Do you have any of the works of C. A. Coates and other Brethren available on CD? I would be interested in learning more about the Brethren.

Thanks, Bernard Duckworth.

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Jeff Staley
staleyjlATjps.net
Bothell, Wa, USA
Tue, 5 Mar 2002

My great grandfather, George William Clapp was a Brethren preacher, as was my grandfather, Leonard Sheldrake (died 1951).

• Both lived and worked for a time around Napanee, Ontario, where Mr. Clapp's wife, Annie Dies grew up (b. 1870).

• I am trying to find out more about this family as I work on a family history.

• I know that Annie Dies' mother, Mary Elizabeth Bowerman Dies Chase (died 1914) was in an Assembly in Napanee or Belleville, as was her mother, Maria Lucas Bowerman (died 1908) and as was Maria's mother (Elizabeth McGiness Lucas (died 1898).

• Can you point me in any direction for death records or elderly people in assemblies in those areas who might connect me with folks who could help me?

Yours, Jeff Staley.

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Fouad Saliby
fouadsalibyAThotmail.com
Buirut, Lebanon
Tue, 5 Mar 2002

Hi everyone. I am brother Fouad from Lebanon. I would like to get in contact with all those who call upon the Lord from a pure heart.

• Age 21, exclusive brethren (so called), studying programming at college.

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Nagib Seif
abc-adv-engATmsn.com.au
Sydney, Australia
Thu, 7 Mar 2002

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Harvey B. Vedder
us000483ATmindspring.com
New York, NY, USA
Sat, 9 Mar 2002

Whoops! Thought I was still on my brother John Vedder's site … Following his correspondence with you made me think I was on another URL.
Cheers, Harvey in NY.

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Bill Henry
b-bhenryATkent.net
Wallaceburg, Ontario, Canada
Wed, 13 Mar 2002

Hi, I hope you can help me. I am researching my family history and it leads me to a Plymouth Brethren chapel in Coventry England call the Cherry St Chapel. My great great grandparents are said to have married in that chapel in 1887. They were Thomas Martin and Emily Young. Do you know where I might find record of this marriage?

Thanks, Bill.

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Findlay Muir
FindlayMuirATns.sympatico.ca
Nova Scotia, Canada
Tue, 19 Mar 2002

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M. Yesuratnam
myrt_mercyATrediffmail.com
N.T.R. Colony, Guntur, India
Thu, 21 Mar 2002

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Patty Bjork
chambyltAThotmail.com
New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Wed, 27 Mar 2002

Please tell me how exactly to be saved. Do you have to pray the 'sinners prayer', or just believe?? Please help me.

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David Wells
davidwellsATglenacres66.freeserve.co.uk
Hawkhurst, Kent, England
Sat, 6 Apr 2002

Left the Brethren in 1966. Happy to confirm that the Lord is able to keep every one that trusts in Him because of His great love for each one for whom He died.

• We are still holding in faith to God's great thoughts concerning Christ and His own body whatever may be the conditions which prevail. Blessed be His Name!

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Mark Oberholz
raspeguyATyahoo.com
Chicago, IL, USA
Sun, 7 Apr 2002

Hello Sir,
Thank you for having your website up. I am asking permission to use the picture of John Darby found on your website for use on mine.

• I have a site on Orde Wingate, a British military officer of WWII fame whose parents were Plymouth Brethren. And I wish to include the picture of John Darby in order to help establish some background biography on General Wingate.

Thank you for a reply in either manner,
Respectfully, Mark Oberholz.

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Anonymous 7
Thu, 25 Apr 2002

No longer chained.

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Agnes Smith
agnes.smithATblueyonder.co.uk
Locality unknown – UK
Thu, 25 Apr 2002

Dear Gordon,
Thank you so much for your e-mail. I actualy found your site through chatting with someone in a Christian chat room. I myself am a member of A.O.G. but am interested in other denominations, and we are all children of God.

I have some questions I would like to ask, would this be acceptable to you? I realy would not like to offend anyone by doing so without first clearing it with you.

Once again thank you.

Love in Jesus, Agnes Smith.

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Anonymous 8
Sat, 27 Apr 2002

Dear Editor,
First, thank you for this site which appears careful to honour the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and which I find very informative.

My questions are:

1. believers to whom you refer as "My Brethren" who came out of the "Jims" (or were withdrawn from) do you still regard yourselves as "exclusive" brethren?
2. do you have meetings in various countries who are in fellowship with each other?
3. how do you identify your fellowship? "MB"?
4. do you have meetings in Australia?
5. where can your fellowship be contacted in Australia?
6. what is your relationship (if any) with "open" brethren?

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Michelle Starr
michelleATteddybear.com
Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, USA
Sat, 27 Apr 2002

I have been using 'The Holy Scriptures A New Translation from the Original Languages by J. N. Darby' since 1983. I have found the notes very useful.

• I have used various e-text versions (internet, desktop, laptop, and palmtop) of Mr. Darby's translation but have yet to come across any with his notes.

• Is anyone working on an e-text with notes?

Ebenezer!!! Michelle.

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Larry Jensen
larolinaATaol.com
Wichita, Kansas, USA
Tue, 30 Apr 2002

Where can I find a listing of any assemblies meeting in London within the vicinity or subway reach of Victoria Station? Planning a trip in 4 weeks and would love to visit. Thanks for any help anyone can proffer.

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John Wigg
jcwiggATtasmail.com
Somerset, Tasmania, Australia
Tue, 30 Apr 2002

As one whose parents and paternal grandparents were with the Exclusive Brethren, I have found the source materials on this site very interesting reading.

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Hazel Hoyle
hazel777ATshaw.ca
Vancouver, BC, Canada
Fri, 3 May 2002

cc: of e-mail to Daniel Soukoreff

Greetings Daniel,
I have been following your dialogue with Gordon from My Brethren. I am intrigued …

[The rest of Hazel's interesting email is in the 'Mailbox'.]

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Grace Jeffrey
dagsafamilyATbigpond.com
Esk, Queensland, Australia
Sat, 4 May 2002

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Eckhard Sluiter
achtundzwanzig0achtATyahoo.com
Marburg, Hessen, Germany
Sun, 5 May 2002

Hello Mr. Rainbow,
Nice Homepage here.

I was born into an assembly of brethren in Germany which was called "exclusive".

• But I left them a few years ago because of the bad development to an organized church with all that stuff the founders wanted to leave in the 1820's.

After a difficult journey through different denominations I found a place where Christians want to assemble on the fundamentum of the holy word of God.

• They are from the "Brethren" too, but they do not accept the German umbrella organisation which was founded in the last 30 years, but only the Holy Scripture.

I am now 26 years old, born again since 1985, and today I think, my "journey" was neccesary to mention that I knew nothing, and every teaching I did not acknowledge by my own was without fruits.

• For that I started to read my bible again. Saying "I know nothing!" "I learned nothing!" I am going to discover the truth of Him, who was the Word (John 1: 1), to discover Him and His Holy Son again, by myself.

• He is wonderful, He is great! And the Lord Jesus surprises me on every single day – again (long time I thought this would not be possible any more).

I don't know you, Mr. Rainbow, but I'm looking forward to see you in heaven (if we'll have time for eachother ;-) ).

God bless you with the love of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Eckhard.

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Peter Clarke
clarketrimATshaw.ca
Victoria, BC, Canada
Sun, 12 May 2002

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Peter Schofield
petr05AT1iberty.fsnet.co.uk
Heywood, Lancs., England
Tue, 14 May 2002

I have enjoyed my visit to your site. Thank you.

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David M. Marsh
dmmarshATbushinternet.com
Six Bells, Gwent, South Wales, UK
Wed, 15 May 2002

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Richard Willoughby
rwilloughbyATconknet.com
Bradford, NH, USA
Tue, 21 May 2002

[Richard's comments are in the Mailbox.]

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Bertel Kramer
kbertelkATcs.com
West Covina, CA, USA
Mon, 27 May 2002

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Luke Harris
newjerusalem12ATyahoo.com
Arlington, TX, USA
Sat, 1 Jun 2002

Praise the Lord! Brother Gordon,
I found this site during a search for Miller's Church History and I was pleasantly surprised to find that you have the truth about what it is to be a christian.

• I appreciate very much that you used the Word of God to reinforce the points you made about being a christian …

The Lord be with your spirit, grace be with you.

Your brother in Christ, Luke Harris.

[Luke's complete message and my reply are in the Mailbox.]

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Antony Solomon
antonysAThowes-percival.co.uk
Northampton, England
Fri, 7 Jun 2002

Just a line to say that I found this an informative and useful site.

I am a minister amongst the calvinistic Strict Baptists, another "sect everywhere spoken against", and several of us have found the benefit of Mr. Stoney's writings.

• We have known our own bitter history too, with divisions and error, but the Lord continues with us, and we seek to continue with him.

• According to one of the biographies of Mr. Darby, he was instrumental in the conversion of Mr. J. C. Philpot, one of our chief men from the 19th century.

• While we do not see everything the same way as far as scriptural doctrines are concerned, yet I believe there is that equal love for the Lord and fervour in his gospel and service, and a desire to know the truth more perfectly; may He bless you accordingly.

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Deanna Longtin
deannalATpolarcomm.com
Neche, ND, Usa
Sat, 8 Jun 2002

Looking for Leslie Symington from Neche.

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Edith Fry Bowie
ejbowieATwebtv.net
Detroit, Michigan, USA
Fri, 14 Jun 2002

Would be wonderful to receive e-mail from you. Have been out since about 1974(?). My husband died in Dec. of 1991.

Two children, David and Mimi and seven children, living in Berkley, Mich., and Sharon, married to a John White in North Ireland, with several children. The rest (3) are out.

If any one has any news or telephone no. for Sharon, I would appreciate it!

Happy to be free!! Edith Bowie.

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Kirsty Jarman
kirsty.jarmanATntlworld.com
Locality Unknown, Scotland
Sat, 15 Jun 2002

Dear Gordon and Betty,
You don't know me – my name is Kirsty Jarman from Scotland.

I came across your Memorial to John and Mary Steen and was thrilled to see the name of Clement Charlton Steen. He was my ggrandfather's older brother!

• I couldn't find an email address on the site but did browse the Guestbook, which led me to Glen Steen. I emailed Glen and spoke with him about the connection.

• He has been very kind and helpful but recommended me to yourselves, as he felt you probably have more family history information and would help if you could.

My grandmother was Elizabeth Easdale Steen. She died in 1997 (age 82) and I miss her greatly as we were close.

• Although my granny often told me stories of her childhood and some of the family history, I realised that there was so much that I didn't know.

• I set about doing research and discovered that my ggrandfather Edward Steen had quite a few brothers and sisters. I had no idea, however, about their lives and families.
  • So I'm sure you can imagine how exciting it was to see Clement's name and some details of his life.

• I hope that you don't mind me contacting you. Do you mind if I used the names/dates on your site for my family tree records?

• I would be more than happy to share with you the information I have on Clement's parents and siblings, the Scottish Steens, and would be delighted if you were able to share info re Clement and his descendants.

Hope to hear from you, Kind regards, Kirsty.

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Claire Anderson
the_waterbabeAThotmail.com
Brackley, Northants, England
Mon, 17 Jun 2002

Hi. I am doing about Plymouth Brethren in my RE class and have been asked what are the Plymouth Brethren beliefs. And I was just woundering if you could possible help me by telling me what they are.

Thank you ever so much.

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Jon Malander
mje13ATmsn.com
Ft. Collins, Colorado, USA
Wed, 19 Jun 2002

Dear Gordon,
I am visiting in Duncanville, Texas for a few days and I was hoping to contact an old friend before I leave the area. Could you provide me an email address or phone number for Kevin Pearson. He lives nearby in Denton Texas but I do not have access to a recent address or phone number for him.

Thanks, Jon Malander.

Note: See the 'Mailbox' for further correspondence, where Jon says "I would be glad of any contact with other Christians with similar interests by way of email".

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Daniel Ionescu
dionescu81ATyahoo.com
Livonia, Michigan, USA
Sun, 23 Jun 2002

This is a very interesting site. I just read a little and I think you have done a good job. It is very helpful and informative. Thank you.

Note: See the 'Mailbox' for some questions from Daniel.

Your guest entries and messages will show that the continuation of My Brethren is important to you

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