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• January 2008 Marion Crofts Don Ross Eric McLaren • March 2008 John Robertson • April 2008 Joy (McDowell) Cooper James Bell |
• May 2008 Keith Christie Helen (Armstrong) Kominek • September 2008 Gerdus Human Berthold Schwarz Victor Choi Diane May |
• October 2008 Christine Sills Phil Townshend |
From: Marion Crofts
ChrisandMarionATbigpond.com
Australia
Fri, 25 Jan 2008
Subject: Information please
Good morning,
I live in Australia and plan to visit London in August this year. I am interested in my grandfather's spiritual experience.
Do you have, or can you direct me to, any information about meetings held by Plymouth Brethren at Witfield Hall in Lewisham early to mid 1900's? PLEASE. Specifically I am interested in George and Margaret Watts of Bromley and John and Daisy Weston of 23 Lewisham Park, SE13. Also William Batley who was proprietor of a grocery in that area.
Any assistance you may be able to render would be most appreciated,
Marion Crofts
To: Marion Crofts
Sun, 27 Jan 2008
Dear Marion,
Welcome to 'My Brethren'. None of the names, including Witfield Hall, are familiar. I think it is possible that those you mention may have been connected with a different 'group' of brethren.
I am forwarding your inquiry to several contacts in the London area in the hope that one of them may be able to help you.
In the Lord, Gordon Rainbow.
From: Marion Crofts
Sun, 27 Jan 2008
Good morning Gordon,
Thank you for your prompt reply - does Wildfell Hall resonate better with you?
Thank you again, Marion.
From; Nick Fleet
Mon, 28 Jan 2008
Dear all,
John and Daisy Weston were linked with the 'Kelly' meetings in Lewisham and Wildfell Hall in Catford. Their son, John Allen Weston still lives (in Greenwich). No doubt Edwin will be able to help with further details.
With Christian greetings to you all. Nick.
To; Nick Fleet and all
Wed, 30 Jan 2008
Dear Nick,
Thanks for your prompt and brotherly help with Marion's enquiry, and all for their sympathy.
In the Lord Jesus, Gordon.
From; Mzrion Crofts
Sun, 27 Apr 2008
Good Morning Gordon
Just a line to thank you for your past help, and that of Nick Fleet. Thanks
to you both I have made contact with John Weston, who is rather frail now at 88 years young, but still in good spirits and other family members,
including Beasley-Murrays and Wallis'. I hope to visit London in August and will visit them and definitely Wildfell Hall, part of my heritage!!
Again my sincere thanks to you and Nick, Marion.
From: Don Ross
rossdhATdishmail.net
USA
Fri, 25 Jan 2008
Hi, My name is Donald Ross. I was a member of the EBs in Rochester, New York .
I was drafted into the US Army in 1952 and visited at EB meetings in Baltimore, Brooklyn (visited Nostrand Ave and had supper with JTjr and family). I also spent weekends in Plainfield NJ and Stamford, Conn.
In 1954 I went to live with the Joseph Truan family in Knoxville while attending University of Tennessee. I married Myrtle Miller from Des Moines, Iowa in 1955. We lived in Knoxville until after graduation when we moved to Cleveland, Ohio in 1957. We left the EB in 1958 while living in Cleveland, Ohio.
I recently read 'Don't call me sister' and decided to see if any old friends were still around (I am 76)
I believe that I knew Gordon Rainbow from the early 1950's when I spent many weekends 'wandering' around Canada. I spent time in Toronto, Hamilton, St Catherines, Galt, Woodstock as there were almost no young people my age in the Rochester EBs..
I would sure like to compare good times from anyone I knew in the past.
Don Ross
To: Don Ross
Sun, 27 Jan 2008
Dear Don,
Thanks for writing so fully. At 78 our memory is a bit vague but my wife (Betty Reid of Toronto) and I believe we did meet you. We do recall an Ed (?) Ross -- your father?
Perhaps posting your message in our Guest Book will draw some replies.
In any case, I would be very interested to speak with you if you would email your phone no. and convenient days and times.
Looking forward to speaking with you.
In the Lord, Gordon.
Eric McLaren
mclarenericAThotmail.com
USA
Tue, Jan 29, 2008
Greetings,
I recently found your website and have enjoyed reading various articles from it. I grew up and still fellowship in what I guess you would call an open brethren assembly.
I am particularly saddened by the many divisions that you write about. I am reminded of Psalm 133: 1 "Behold, how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity." Surely our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, finds no joy in these controversies.
I have seen in several places how you disagree with some of the open brethren practices. I look at my local fellowship and wonder what you would not agree with. We gather weekly for breaking of bread, prayer, teaching, and fellowship. We gather in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and take no other name. We have six men who are elders and take the oversight of the assembly. I will continue to peruse your site and perhaps will find the answer.
In Christ, Eric McLaren.
To: Eric Mclaren
Wed, Jan 30, 2008
Dear Eric,
Thank you for visiting and sharing your initial thoughts on the content of the site. It's nice to have you as a visitor and we welcome your participation.
We can agree completely it is "good and pleasant … for brethren to dwell together in unity". Divisiveness and partisanship are never acceptable to the Lord.
Also, while harmony at a locality correlates to righteousness, it is not implicit evidence of the same (e.g. many Christians happily believe and practice wrong doctrine together for many years with little difficulty).
I'm not sure this is helpful. I hope so. I just want to clarify some terms and share what has been humbling to my thinking the last few years. For me, the less I have at stake in the outcome or the persons, the easier it is to have balanced thoughts and really get to principles.
I also can appreciate the newness of the names, having been raised a Protestant. I hope you find something fresh and meaningful, as well. Please keep in touch!
Yours in our Lord Jesus, Jeff.
John Robertson
su.grenATtelia.com
Northern Sweden
Mon, Mar 3, 2008
Hello,
My name is John Robertson.
My father was James Robertson (born in Cumnock and later lived in Kilmarnock) and preached the Lords Word for many years. A few year ago he died after fighting twenty plus years of fighting illness.
I was a child at the time when JTjnr was in Kilmarnock. I remember Him.
Does anybody remember my Father?
Your in Him , John.
To: John Robertson
Fri, Mar 7, 2008
Dear John,
Welcome to My Brethren. I trust that some of our guests will remember your father. I have one contact, not on the internet, who may remember – Andrew Robertson originally of Glasgow. I'll let you know if I find out anything.
We would be glad to hear further from you as to your history and exercises. Don't hesitate to write.
In our Lord Jesus, Gordon Rainbow.
To: John Robertson
Sat, March 15, 2008
Dear John,
Unfortunately Andrew Robertson doesn't remember your father, but he does recall a visit in Nov. 1969 from David and Isabel Robertson of #3 Robertson Ave. in Cumnock – relatives of your perhaps.
In Our Lord Jesus, Gordon.
From: John Robertson
Su, Maech 16, 2008
Dear Gordon,
David was a really good comrad to my father as well as me. My father always had said that David was a really good friend. Up the road was the family home (miners row) and further up the street one of my fathe'rs sisters Ella lived with her familiy. Ella and Uncle Wullie, are the people who lived at the top of the hill.
I hope one day we can all talk.
John N. Robertson (Northen Sweden).
Joy (McDowell) Cooper
jfcooperATaapt.net.au
Falconbridge, NSW, Australia
Wed, Apr 2, 2008
Hello – Just to let you know that Ian McDowell, of Ashwood Assembly Melbourne and previously of Epping Assembly and Emmaus Bible School died of a stroke on March 5 2008. His email address is now closed.
Regards, Joy Cooper (daughter)
To: Joy Cooper
Wed, Apr 2, 2008
Dear Joy,
Thanks for letting us know of Ian being taken by the Lord. We enjoyed
correspondence with him some years ago. May the Lord comfort you and your
family.
In our Lord Jesus, Gordon Rainbow.
James Bell
james_enidATbtopenworld.com
Sheffield, England
Wed, Apr 30, 2008
Dear Brother,
I am looking for the poem "Refiners Fire" which was published in a book called poems. Available to The Exclusives in the 1950s. I think it came from Stow Hill.
Will value your help. Many Thanks. James Bell.
To: James Bell
Thu, May 1, 2008
Dear James,
The Refiner's Fire', a very fine poem indeed, is in 'Poems selected by G. H. S. Price' and still available from Kingston Bible Trust. I have attached a scanned image which I hope you will find legible.
Thanks for visiting My Brethren. Please come again and, if you are free, share your background with us.
In our Lord Jesus, Gordon Rainbow.
Dear Brother,
I have a List of Meetings booklet (1955 ) for England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland Should you need it.
Blessings. James Bell, Sheffield.
To: James Bell
Mon, May 12, 2008
Dear James,
We are always interested in historical items such as you have mentioned. I am in the U.S. so shipping is sometimes a difficulty. Would you care to loan the book at this distance?
We would not want to risk losing something in the mail that had any personal value to you. But if that's not a problem or there is some other way to get it to us (such as scanning it) we would be glad to have it in thay case – at our expense, of course.
Yours in the Lord Jesus, Jeff Kuns.
Keith Christie
keetchATsympatico.ca
Mon, May 12, 2008
Toronto, Canada
Dear Brother,
Malcolm gave me your email address. I have been looking at your site, but not all of it, and am very plerased with the historical informtion on the early brothers, speaking of which under G.V.Wigram Ministry is listed: Vol 3 Letters. Since I have never heard of this or seen it, can you help me either obtain a copy or photocopy. Can you tell me if you have meetings?
Yours in the Lord, Keith (Christie).
To: Keith Christie
Wed, May 14, 2008
Dear Keith,
Nice to hear from you after all these years. Glad you found MB and are enjoying it.
GVW's Vol. 3 Letters is inexplicably included in Memorials Vol. 2. Try Bibles and Publications of Montreal, www.bibles.qc.ca.
My wife and I now meet alone.We live at a retirement home, Bethany Lodge, 23 Second St. South, Markham, ON, L3R 2C2.
In the Lord Jesus, Gordon.
From: Keith Christie
Fri, May 16, 2008
Dear Brother,
Received your email, and I will phone you and we can get together. My wife has Alzheimers so I am pretty busy these days.
Copied GVW article on Heresy, very good, but had to look up some of the words in the Dictionary to make the meaning clearer, but it is the best I have ever read on the subject. In fact I think it is the definitive article on Heresy.
Keith.
From: Keith Christie
Fri, May 16, 2008
Dear Brother,
Just a short note. Looked up JT on your site and was very pleased with all the details, much of which I did not know.
What do you think of this: I feel the leadership of the Brethren goes along this line: JND then JBS then FER then JT.
Thanks again for your great work on the site. Keith.
To: Keith Christie
Fri, Jun 6, 2008
Dear Keith,
Those you name have certainly been used in an outstanding and distinctive way to help the brethren, although there are many more who have been a help as you will have noticed in the 'Ministry' group.
Looking forward to a visit when you are able. In the Lord, Gordon.
Helen (Armstrong) Kominek
ciATcongressinc.ca
– Canada
Mon, May 05, 2008
I found a posting on your site by the wife of my dad's first cousin, Joyce Steen. Her husband, Eric Steen, was the son of his aunt Bertha Armstrong and her husband Alf Sigurd Steen.
Thank you, Helen Kominek nee Armstrong.
To: Helen Kominek
Wed, May 28, 2008
Dear Helen,
Your request has not been forgotten. I have now been able to contact Grace Steen Fletcher, Eric's sister, and I trust she will email you shortly. Please let me know if this is a help in your search.
In the Lord, Gordon Rainbow.
From: Helen Kominek
Wed, May 28, 2008
Dear Gordon,
Thank you for your help. Grace has indeed contacted me which is wonderful.
With appreciation, Helen.
Gerdus Human
ghumanATvexillum.co.za
South Africa
Mon, Sept 8, 2008
It is clear that most denominations today, if not all, do not follow the new testament pattern or sound doctrine. I am yearning and longing for a return to what has been revealed in God's Word. I myself find some parts of "church" history very informative and helpful. We can learn so much by observing the mistakes that others before us made - and thus be careful not to make the same mistakes. It is amazing how quickly good principles can be thwarted by the flesh, and how quickly we can become legalistic in minute things. Like someone said - we major in the minors.
I was reading "the China episode". It was very informative, especially because I have researched both Watchman Nee and other brethren writers. I was saved some years ago by reading "the normal Christian life" by Watchman Nee. Although that particular book was a good read for me, I noticed that not everything of Watchman Nee was totally "kosher". The over-emphasized teaching on "locality" and some other things are noticeable. In your article it mentions the "order of seniority,expressed by a row of chairs" - I find it astonishingly appalling. Yet, despite all Nee's errors,which I don't adhere to, I think He was a genuine brother in the Lord, and so was Mr. Sparks and also Mr. Simpson and Mr. Tozer. I don't agree with everything these men said, but they surely did know Jesus.
Also, some years later, I read "the Pilgrim Church" by E.H. Broadbent. Both these books (Nee and Broadbent) pointed to some essential Truth as revealed in God's Word. I also enjoy so much of people influenced or closely associated with the brethren. There are so many people who are influenced by these writers that people inside this movement don't always realize and see this. But I want to learn from their mistakes and not make the same ones as well. I admit that I have more time for the so called "open" brethren. I think that the so called exclusives would have excommunicated, and in some cases did, some of the original men like Cronin, Groves and Muller. According to some "exclusive" standards Paul should have excommunicated Peter for not eating with the Gentiles.
Well, I am a born again Christian, and as such I have been placed in "Christ Jesus". All who are truly "in Him" are my brothers, since "in Him" we have the same Father. For me, as I see it in the Scriptures, it is like family, because sometimes we can have quite serious differences, and some serious fights, but even if I try, I cannot "unmake" someone my brother. If we have the same Father, then we have the same Father. As impossible as it is for me to change the natural parental birth, or descent, of my natural family, so equally impossible is it for me to change the spiritual Parental rebirth of my brothers "in Christ Jesus". If they are "in Christ Jesus", and I am "in Christ Jesus" - then we are family, and we are in fellowship, whether we like it or not. We may not agree on all the details - but we agree "in Him".
Yet despite our "Unity of the Spirit" we are to be humble in order to receive and give correction according the unfailing Word of God. After all, it is not about us - it is about Jesus. He and His Word should be central. Realizing that it is about Him, and about Him having the first place, the preeminence, we must yield to the teaching and practice of the New Testament. I often find that some groups have very good sound doctrine, but fall short regarding the teaching and implementation of Scripture regarding assembly life and practice (pastor vs elders; breaking of bread, presidency of the Holy Spirit etc etc). Then there are those who have the right pattern, they absolutely adhere to the New Testament regarding assembly life, but the teaching is not always so sound. The right pattern can even be followed by in ritualistic cold machine -like way, while those in the wrong structure demonstrate more Life and spontaneity. Thus there seems to be a divide between doctrine and practice, between teaching and implementation. May God reveal to us that both of these poles only meet in Jesus.
Take care, your brother in Christ, Gerdus Human.
Dear Mr. Human,
Sorry for the long delay in replying to you – business, travel and just 'life' are to blame, I'm afraid. I also wanted to give some thought to your very thoughtful letter. Thank you for the nice compliment on the MB website. We're glad you find the resource useful, please feel free to share it with others.
Yes, I would have to agree with you that all 'denominations' – by the very definition of the word – are entirely outside the scope of New Testament pattern and teaching.
This in no way implies there are not true Christians in attendance nor that something of the truth is not being presented in many churches or assemblies.
We may indeed learn lessons from our forefathers, but it is important to keep in mind that, in the ways of God, we cannot "go back to the garden".
I also think 'excommunication' is a pretty strong word to use speaking of those years. Perhaps we could use that word of a relative handful of brethren many years later.
Warmly in our Lord Jesus, Jeff Kuns.
Dr. Berthold Schwarz
schwarzATfta.de
Germany
Tues, Sept 9, 2008
Dear brother in Christ,
May I announce a new publication, written by me.
It´s my doctoral dissertation from the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg about John Nelson Darby from 2007. I would be glad, if you could use your network to "spread the word" about this new research on Darby – unfortunately in German only. Nevertheless it might help some brothers and sisters in Christ to understand Darby´s teaching on "law and grace" better. At least among those who are able to understand German well enough. Thank you very much for your kind help in "spreading the word".
Enjoy your day in Christ Jesus, our Lord and Saviour.
Yours in Him, Berthold Schwarz.
Dear Berthold,
Thanks for writing. We will be happy to post your notice. Sorry we can't enjoy the fruits of your research!
Yours in our Lord Jesus, Jeff Kuns.
Victor Choi
koreiskiAThanmail.net
St. Petersburg, Russia
Mon, Sept 9, 2008
Dear Brother in Christ,
I'm very please to find you on internet. My name is Youngkyun Choi. I'm from Korea and live in Slovakia now.
I'm planning to move to St. Petersburg but I don't know if there are brothers and sisters whom I can break bread with... Are there any Christian assemblies in St.Petersburg?
Waiting for your reply. Thank you.
In His love, Yours Sincerely, YK Choi (Victor).
Dear Victor,
It is very nice to hear from you. Only one brother is known to us in Slovakia, Bohslav Kosa, but unfortunately, we do not have a current email address, only regular mail. He may be able to be of some assistance.
I see that you have already contacted Mikhail Kounitsyn in Russia, we do not know if his information is current. Please let us know if you make contact with either brother -- or anyone else in St. Petersburg.
In the meantime, we will post your request and see if that helps!
Yours in the Lord Jesus, Jeff Kuns.
My company e-mail will be terminated within several days so if you want mail me please use my personal email.
Thank you.
In His Love, Yours Sincerely, YK Choi (Victor)
Diane May
datmayATtalktalk.net
United Kingdom
Sat, Sept 13, 2008
Good morning,
I wonder if you could help? I am currently researching my family history in particular Mr. Farnham Chidley Close. Although he is not connected by blood, my family worked for his family in the late 1800's. He was mentioned in John N. Darby's will and received a sum of money from George V. Wigram upon his death but doesn't seem to be mentioned in any other Brethren correspondence. I am curious to learn his involvement with these two gentlemen.
If you have any information that would be relevant, I would very much appreciate you contacting me.
Thank you. Diane May.
Dear Diane,
Nice to hear from you. I'm sorry to say we don't have any relevant information for you. However, I will be happy to post your request on our site and will also copy this to our friend, and JND biographer, Max Weremchuck. He may be able to be of some assistance.
Hope your research is fruitful!
Warmly in the Lord, Jeff Kuns.
Christine Sills
c.p.sillsATlineone.net
United Kingdom
Sat, Oct 4, 2008
Please could you help me find a print out of a poem by SJB Carter, 'Via Crucis'.
This is for my mother who is 96, totally deaf, who is a sister in the faith and has requested I find it.
Very many thanks.
Dear Christine,
Thanks for your recent note. We don't have a copy of this poem on
hand – we would like a copy, too! I will be happy to forward your request to
several brethren to see if someone can locate 'Via Crucis' for you.
Yours in our Lord Jesus, Jeff Kuns.
Dear Jeff,
'Via Crucis' is included in 'A Selection of Poems' compiled by GHS Price in 1953 and produced by the Kingston Bible Trust. As this dear sister is in her nineties, she may be interested in a beautiful poem by D.L. Higgins, largely produced in his ninetieth year – 'What is Your Life – which is also in the same book. That's if you or Christine can lay hands on that poem selection – if not I will gladly type it out for you.
I remember hearing as a boy in the 40's about the circumstances of D.L. Higgins' death – when he was 95. The report by an eyewitness was that "he looked up, took off his hat, and then fell down". In those days most men wore hats, and took them off as a mark of respect – and it seems that he saw the Lord!
May God richly bless you in your service for the Lord.
Yours in Him, Laurie Twinam.
Dear Christine,
I am happy to let yo have the copy of this poem by Mr. Carter. It appears in
a collection of poems edited by GHS Price. If you are interested, I may be able to supply a copy of the book. I hope your mother is comforted by the poem.
Our greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus, David E. Mutton.
Dear Jeff,
Thank you so very much for tracking down this poem for me which was sent by David Mutton (I expect he has sent you also a copy).
I have now sent this to Mother along with your kind wishes and will be in touch again as I am sure she will be so delighted.
Very kindest regards, Christine.
Phil Townshend
pandptownATshaw.ca
Sidney, BC, Canada
Tue, Oct 14, 2008
After leaving the "Exclusive Brethren" in 1962 over various unscriptural teachings, my wife and I eventually fellowshiped with the so-called "Open" Brethren. At the time we were young and inexperienced, but just knew some of the teachings of 1960-1962 were wrong. Since we met with the other group we grew tremendously, and the Lord has been so good to us. One lesson we had to learn was not to criticise those who spoke or acted differently from what we had learned. We also had to judge the arrogance and pride of our earlier teaching that we "had the truth".
While 2 Tim 2 was taken to extreme and ridiculous lengths (imo), Romans 14 still applied, and the Lord's message to Peter "what God has cleansed ..." reminded us of the oneness of the Body of Christ.
My question is about C.H. Mackintosh. I have been enjoying his "Notes" and see a really Godly man.
In Christ Jesus our Lord, Phil Townshend.
To: Phil Townshend
Thu, Oct 16, 2008
Dear Phil, Welcome to My Brethren and thanks for sharing your experiences. My own are somewhat different having been with 'opens' for the first four years after my conversion and having left them – although attached in love to many – after deep personal exercise.
Regarding your question: As indicated in our biography of CHM, he was not involved in later divisions and was justly appreciated by such as JBS and CAC as their comments show.
I can't find the reference now but recall CHM commenting unfavourably on some one printing his ministry without his permission. Of course his ministry is still in print and is deserving of our attention.
I have attached a summary of references to CHM [not included here] in the books available to me and you will see that CHM personally and his ministry has not been completely neglected.
If those in the 'open' and other connections knew CHM's convictions they might not be ready to attend to his other ministry. See an item you may not have noticed on MB – History: The First 50 Years: Exclusivism a Duty.
I hope the above answers your question somewhat and would be glad to hear from you again.
In our Lord Jesus, Gordon Rainbow.
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