MB Guest Book 18: January – December 2009

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From: Dave Johnson
dpjgenATyahoo.com
Dallas, TX USA
Mon, March 09, 2009

Just wondering if you might have known my grandfather, Paul L. Johnson. He (and our family) was with the Tunbridge Wells brethren in Denton, TX until about 1987 when he and many others left and went with the Rentons, and formed a group in Denton.

To: Dave Johnson
Tues, 10 March, 2009

Dear Dave,
Thanks for you note. We have sent your request to a brother familiar with the Renton meetings. We hope he may be able to help with your request.

• I'll let you know what we find out if you do not hear directly from him.

Yours in Christ, Jeff Kuns. Editor.

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To: Tim Knappett and others
timknappetATf2s.com
England
Mon, May 04, 2009

Dear brethren,
We understand that each, of you, along with Marcus and Janette, helped in providing the valuable unpublished ministry of GRC and article of CWC for posting on My Brethren.

Jeff and I do appreciate your service. Thanks very much.

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon and Jeff.

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Paul Hagwood
phawgoodATgmail.com
London, UK
Sun, 26 Apr 2009

Most interesting site...thank you.

Although born in South Norwood I lived in Woking/Guildford. My father Philip's family lived in Guildford.

My wife and I left Guildford in 1974. I do have all the photographs of the old brethren leaders from J.N.D. right through to J.T and even JHS!

I am fascinated by comments from many.....Marcus Chapman was an old friend and so many others too.

I have vivid memories of many of the leading brothers of my childhood particularly AEM and PL and AJG. I was devastated when AEM was withdrawn from as I felt so helped by his ministry then.

I would be delighted to hear from any who may remember me or my father.

To: Paul Hagwood
Sat, 22 May 2009

Dear Paul,
Thank you for writing. We will post your note soon in hopes that someone gets in touch with you.

If you happen to have any photos you don't see on our site, we would be glad to have a scan if you have the ability to do so–if it's conveient–please don't go to any trouble.

And please let us know if you make contact with anyone.

Yours In Christ, Jeff Kuns.

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From: Tim Knappett
Mon, May 04, 2009

Greetings and thanks for your appreciation. I am sorry that you and Jeff had the labour of altering the format and layout, but I did not know your rules. It reads easily the way you do it.

Thank you for an invaluable site.

Love in our Lord Jesus, Tim.

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From: Frances Kenney
fkenneyATiprimus.com.au
Taree, NSW, Australia
Fri, 22 May, 2009

Good Morning,
I am writing to you as some of my great grandmother's family were members of the Brethren.

• One of the girls was actually Christened by Frederick E. Raven at Greenwich in 1892. He personally signed the document as there was a change of name at Christening application attached to out local birth register here in Australia.

• Other family members were still with thecommunity well into the 1930's.

Please let me know how I would go about getting some further information.

Thanks in anticipation, Frances Kenney.

To: Frances Kenney
Mon, 25 May 2009

Dear Frances,
Welcome and thanks for visiting 'My Brethren' and for your inquiry.

As we are located in Canada/USA we have no personal knowledge of the area to which you refer, but according to the 1963 Address Book there was still a meeting at: Malvern (Great), Worcestershire, 11, Bank Street (entrance off Lygon Bank).

I am sending your inquiry to some contacts in England who I hope may be able to help you.

• As you refer to your "great grandmother's family" it would no doubt be useful if you provided her family name, or that of the other family members you mention, to my contacts. Was it also "Kenney"?

I look forward to hearing from you/my contacts as to any relevant information.

In the Lord, Gordon Rainbow.

From: Frances Kenney
Mon, 25 May 2009

Dear Gordon, firstly thanks for your reply

The family names involved are Roberta Barton Georgina Charlotte Bussell and she married Walter Muspratt. Walter was a Minister of the Church of England as graduated from Cambridge Universtiy the year Roberta was born so there was a large age difference.

• Roberta was the one Christened by Frederick Edward raven in 1892 at Greenwich in kent England.

• Her aunty Fanny Durham and her companion Isabella Filer were definitely members of the Malvern Meeting and in a letter to her Neice in Australia she said any person visiting her was welcome but they must attend the meeting or they need not come to visit.

• Isabella Filer's will stated that she wanted a Brethren burial and Roberta complied with her last request.

I think there are still family members in England who are members of the Brethren but I am not sure. Most belong to the Church of England or so they say. They were not very open to comment when I spoke to them.

Fanny Durham's sister Emily Louisa became Mrs Bussell and she is my Great Great Grandmother.

• I am also aware that Robert Durham the brother was a Minister in the Church of England and held a high rank as a Minister in the English Army. Upon the death of his wife he became a catholic. In the 1890's he had been an observer for the Church of England at the 1st Vatican Council in Rome and changed his beliefs before he died.

These are the people I am aware of as being members of the brethren but there could be more that I have not yet uncovered and possibly never likely to as the last of the children of the older members have now died and I don't know the younger generations well enough to ask questions.

I am aware that there are still family members who receive money's from the Isabella Filer Trust but I am not sure if a condition of receiving that money is connected with Church membership. They receive less than $100.00 each per year and as I said it could be conditional. Isabella Filer died in 1930 in the UK.

I live in Australia and don't get the chance to ask questions of the English family although I make contact at Christmas time.

I also have a general interest in the Brethren as a Church and would love any printed material or web site that may give me an overview of beliefs.

Incidently the Kenney family were Irish Catholics.

I am hoping for some positive results in the future. Frances Kenney.

To: Frances Kenney
Mon, 25 May 2009

Dear Frances, Thanks for the additional information which I hope may produce some results. I have heard from two contacts but nothing useful yet. I will let you know what happens.

In the Lord, Gordon.

To: Frances Kenney
Fri, 12 June 2009

Dear Frances,
Regretfully, none of our contacts have been able to shed any light on your inquiry. It remains posted in the Guest Book and hopefully some future visitor may have some answers for you.

You said, "I also have a general interest in the Brethren as a Church and would love any printed material or web site that may give me an overview of beliefs". The 'History' group on our site has several articles which give just such an overview. If you require any help with this please let me know.<

In the Lord, Gordon.

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Anil John
a.johnATrmjm.com
Dubai, UAE
Mon, 1 June 2009

Dear Brother in Christ,
Would you be able to send me the contact details of the Brethren assembly in Cophenhagen or any other place in Denmark?

I would like to visit Denmark in the coming months and was looking for a church to fellowship. Do let me know.

To: Anil John
Fri, 19 June 2009

Dear Anil,
So far we have not heard from anyone who knows of an assembly in Denmark.

One brother said he knew there used to be one in Copenhagen, but did not think it was there today.

Did you find anything out on your own?

Yours in our Lord Jesus, Jeff.

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Paul Cedolia
Paul.CedoliaATGmail.com
Sault St. Marie, Ontario
Sat 6 Jun 2009

I have been looking at you site for a few days. I am disabled and have very little strength to read and navigate.

I would like very much to know what the "Jims" mean. It isn't very hard to become discouraged with all the deceit in the church and it looks like you have made a good case for truth but I can't quite put my finger on what you really are saying your stand is.

Paul

To: Paul Cedolia
Mon, 8 Jun 2009

Dear Paul,

Thank you for your recent note. We are glad to welcome you as our visitor and hope you will continue to enjoy our site as you feel able.

As to your first question, the "Jims" were those who followed after the teaching of James Taylor, Jr. following a very large division in 1970. If you are interested in the historical background, the History Section is a good place to start.

To answer the second part of your question, I have included the link below to help explain a few of the more distinct doctrinal and practical outcomes of the ministry of exclusive brethren.

I guess it should not be so distinct as it is in Christendom! But here we are.

Please see Doctrine and Practice.

Please let me know if I can be of any assitance as you go.

Yours in the Lord Jesus, Jeff Kuns.

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James R. Simmonds
jim.simmondsATntlworld.com
Derby, UK
Mon, 8 Jun 2009

Hello, my brethren, I have just been made aware of your website and it is of great interest to me.

My parents came into the Brethren movement in the early 1930s so I have been immersed in the teaching of J.N.D. and others from childhood. But sadly we had to leave in 1970.

But still hold dear the Dispensational teachings and the uniqueness of The Church the Body of Christ and each member being a vital channnel through which the Spirit of God can communicate the the mind of God to the saints.

I shall look forward to visiting your site when ever I can.

With much love in our Lord Jesus, James R. Simmonds.

To: James R. Simmonds
Tue, 9 Jun 2009

Dear Jim,

Thank you for your nice email. We welcome you to our site and hope your exploration will be profitable as you find the time.

We have a regular visitor and correspondent, Gordon Simmonds, who lives in Andover, Hampshire.

We're always interested in the history and background of our visitors whenever they feel free to share their memoirs or experiences that might be of general interest.

Yours in the Lord Jesus, Jeff Kuns.

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From: Tim Szazynski
timshazATgmail.com
Mon, 27 July, 2009
Radcliff, Kentucky, USA

Greetings brothers,
I first began reading JND CAC and Mackintosh and Stoney many years ago. I've benefited much from their insight into the nature of the Christ and even more so from their passion for Him.

• Just this morning I picked up "outline to Romans" by CAC and read his comments on Rom. 9-11, was reminded of Israel's purpose in the eternal plan of God.

• Was wondering if you could point me to other writers and articles touching on God's dealings with the nations and with Israel and a New convenantbelievers relationship to them. Any help would be most appreciated.

Tim.

To: Tim Szazynski
Wed, 29 July 2009

Dear Tim,
Welcome to 'My Brethren' -- we appreciate your words of encouragement and your interest in the ministry of JND, JBS, CHM and CAC.

You ask about "other writers and articles touching on God's dealings with the nations and with Israel and a New covenant believers relationship to them".

• The only writer I can recommend at this time, without reservation, is William Trotter some of whose ministry is on MB.

• You should check his 'Plain Papers on Prophetic Subjects' on Stem Publishing's web site. http://www.stempublishing.com/ – I would be interested to know how you make out.

There is little available from more recent writers featured on 'My Brethren'. In the early years – 1827 onwards – there was much needed inquiry into the prophetic scriptures and much light received, most of which is available in the 'Prophetic' volumes of JND's 'Collected Writings',

Subsequently "the Spirit progressively recovered many (long lost) precious truths through a continuing spiritual ministry, among them:

a. Christ's headship to the assembly,
b. the pretribulation rapture of the saints,
c. the Spirit's operations in the assembly,
d. the present enjoyment of eternal life,
e. practical salvation in the assembly,
f. God's great purposes for man in Christ,
g. clarification of Christ's Sonship,
h. clarification of Christ's Manhood,
i. recognition of the Spirit in worship,
j. intelligent worship to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit
known in the divine economy."

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon Rainbow.

From: Tim Szazynski
Tues, 11 Augy 2009

Gordon,
Thanks for getting back with me … .I will check out your recommendation.

For His glory and for the increase of His Kingdom in this age whileawaiting its coming fullness.

Tim.

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From: Ian Deighan
iandeighanATgmail.com
Limavady, Derry, Ireland
Sat, July 25, 2009

I am writing to inquire if it would be possible to post the following circular onto your website in order that as many brethren as possible worldwide can be made aware of my intention. I would be most grateful if this is possible.

Yours in the name of our Lord Jesus, Ian Deighan.

To: Ian Deighan
Thu, July 30, 2009

Dear Ian,
Yes, we have posted your announcement on 'Site News: Bibles and Books' as we believe it will be of interest to some guests, but with a caveat regarding writings of certain authors which we could not recommend.

• When the catalogues are ready please send us copies for our records.

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

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From: Heather Canning
hmcanningATbtinternet.com
Belfast, North Ireland
Wed, Sep 2, 2009

I am looking for information on a house in 28 Bishop Street, Londonderry City, Londonderry, Northern Ireland that in 1911 was occupied by two members of the Christain Brethern - John Steele and his wife Martha Steele.

• The information I am looking for pertains to the occupiers and owners of the house in February 1926?

• The reason I am looking for this information is that my father was born in Londonderry on the 22nd February 1926 to a Mary/May Thompson who gives her address as 28 Bishop Street. My Father was brought up by the Canning Family and changed his surname from Thompson to Canning in adulthood.

Thank you. Yours sincerely, Heather Canning.

To: Heather Canning
Mon, Sep 7 2009

Dear Heather,
Welcome to 'My Brethren'. We regret that we cannot help with you inquiry as we don't have any contacts in Londonderry.

• We will post your message in our Guest Book and hopefully this will draw a response.

• As you mention 'Christian Brethren' also known as 'open' you may find information on other web sites. There are several you can Google.

In the Lord, Gordon Rainbow.

From: Heather Canning
Mon, Sep 7 2009

Dear Gordon
Thank you very much for replying to my email and for graciously posting it in your Guest Book.

Many thanks. Wishing you all the blessings of the Lord.

Yours sincerely, Heather Canning.

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From: Hazel Gilliland
hgillilandATtalktalk.net
Newtownards, N. Ireland
Sat, 5 Sep 2009

How could I get hold of a JND Bible in French, preferrably leather bound.

Hazel Gilliland (Mrs.)

To: Hazel Gilliland
Mon, Sep 7 2009

Dear Hazel,
Welcome to 'My Brethren' and thanks for your inquiry.

Kingston Bible Trust [ kingstonbibletrust@supanet.com ] lists a French Bible for L5.00, but it is not likely leather bound at that price.

• I suggest you email my friend Malcolm Withell, the manager, as above. I'm sure that he will be able to help you.

In the Lord, Gordon Rainbow.

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From: Gordon Read
gordonread36ATyahoo.com
Preston, England
Mon, 14 Sep, 2009

I am a 1959 ex-Exclusive, now like Bob Spratt of Kendal, a happy militantly Evangelical Anglican.

• However, I do not reject my heritage, mi guided though it was in many ways, in my view.

I have a passion for the scriptures and for Christian poetry. I have written many myself and would be happy to share.

I am particularly keen on the 1932 Little Flock. Are any words only copies available? I did not like the 1951 at all!

I was reared in Sutton Coldfield, near Birmingham, my grandfather was ARTHUR SMITH GRUMMITT, a well known brother there, my great uncle was Albert COUSINS OF SYDNEY, Aus. I am in touch woith his grandson ALAN Light.

• My FATHER ARTHUR READ was great friend of the GREENFIELD FAMILY of DURBAN, SA.

• I would love to know if any of them are OUT and MAKE CONTACT!

WITH LOVE IN CHRIST, GORDON READ.

To: Gordon Read,
Sat, 19 Sep, 2009

Dear Gordon,
Welcome to 'My Brethren'. We are always glad to hear from ex-Ebs -- even "a happy militantly Evangelical Anglican"! ;-)

As you can see, we value our "heritage" greatly and seek to bring it to the notice of all and to maintain it ourselves.

• Certainly the enemy managed -- through the lack of watchfulness -- to introduce corrupting elements, but "the firm foundation of God stands".

I don't recognize any of the names you mention but hope other guests will and will contact you.

Thanks for sharing your interesting poem "Faith". Check our "Poetry" section.

I don't know of any copies on the 1932 hymn book being available. Try the used book dealers on the internet.

• We use the 1973 book. There is a comparison of all the versions in the "History" section.

With love our Lord Jesus, [another] Gordon Rainbow.

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To: Anonymous 15 [Nams and message by request]
Wed, Sep 23, 2009

Dear ——,
Welcome to 'My Brethren' and thanks for your inquiry.

Sets of books by JBS and FER are available from Kingston Bible Trust, as well as a CD of their, and other, ministry.

• I have copied this to my friend Malcolm Withell at KBT, and you will find their catalogue on 'Site News: KBT Report'. I hope this information helps you in your search.

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Richard Gravenstede
richard.gravenstedeATstronachs.com
Aberdeen, Scotland
Wed, Sep 30, 2009

Do you have any information on James W Gravenstede who worked at the Stow Hill Depot during the 1950's? Many thanks

To: Richard Gravenstede
Thu, Oct 1, 2009

Dear Richard,
Welcome to 'My Brethren'!

I do recall the name 'Gravenstede' being connected with Stow Hill, but don't remember any specifics.

• This email is being copied to two contacts who may have some information. If they are able to help you I trust they will copy me as well.

• Your inquiry will be posted in our Guest Book and may draw a response. Information as to the 1950's is difficult to come by, sad to say.

In our Lord, Gordon Rainbow.

Note: See Mailbox for information from Charles Barrett, Fri, Oct 2, 2009.

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Leopold Reinecke
leopoldreineckeATaol.com
Letterkenny, Co Donegal, Southern Ireland
Sun, Oct 04, 2009

I need to buy 6 copies of Mr. JND's New Translation. Could you advise me how to order these?

I would be grateful if you would let me know if there are brethren meeting in Letterkenny.

To:Leopold Reinecke
Wed, Oct 7, 2009

Dear Leopold,
Glad to hear from you. We will have to look into meetings for your area and send out a request as we are unfamiliar with the locale. We'll get back to you soon.

Kingston Bible Trust would be the nearest source for the bibles.

• Kingston Bible Trust, Wembley Gardens,
  Lancing, West Sussex, BN15 9LX, UK
  Telephone: (01903) 764373 - Fax: (01903) 756747

• Or contact Malcom Withell by email: kingstonbibletrust@supanet.com

• And their catalog is viewable here: http://mybrethren.org/visitors/catalogue2009.pdf

Yours in Christ, Jeff Kuns, Editor.

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Gordon N. MacNeill
gmacneilATpersonainternet.com
Sudbury, ON, Canada
Mon, Nov 16, 2009

You list the following:

• Dorman, W. H., Dorman's Papers – Then and Now
  Towson, Maryland, 1931, A. S. Loizeaux, 2nd edition

Since this publication was a favourite of my father, Norman L MacNeil, I have a copy from his library. Do you have a copy and if not, are you interested in either print or as a Word document?

Rgds, .

To: Gordon MacNeil
Wed Nov 18, 2009

Dear Gordon,
Thanks for visiting 'My Brethren' and your kind offer.

• Yes, in 'Memorabilia: Church History' I list Dorman's Papers.

When we moved to Bethany Manor, Markham, Ontario, a retirement home, in April 2005, I had to part with my library for lack of space, but now have most of it on CD – but not Dorman's Papers.

• I would certainly appreciate a copy "as a Word document". Please email to emeritus@mybrethren.org .

Any details you may feel free to share as to your father and yourself would be most welcome.

Thanks again. In the Lord, Gordon.

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Richard Long
richardlongATrogers.com
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Wed, Dec 23, 2009

Dear folks,
I found you through doing a google search. I am the associate director at the National House of Prayer in Ottawa, an interdenominational prayer effort.

I was bequeathed a set of F.E.Raven's collected work from a elderly brother who passed away back in the early 80's.

• Currently I am downsizing my library and am looking to donate this set (red binding) to anyone who may consider them precious. I would be glad to ship them to yourselves or anyone who you might recommend as a worthy recipient.

• I appreciated your segment on this website about F.E.Raven and feel it was very honouring to his walk upon this earth.

Please respond by email to richardlong@rogers.com

Blessings, Richard.

Dear Richard,
Thanks very much for writing. Yes, pretty sure we can find a home for these books.

• I will copy this to Gordon Rainbow and he will get back to you with a shipping address. <1--(Gordon, I was thinking either Gene or Jeremy would be grateful to have a complete set of FER)-->

Thanks again, Richard.

Yours in the Lord Jesus, Jeff Kuns. Editor.

To: Richard Long
Sat, Dec 26, 2009

Hello Mr. Long,
I would be very grateful to receive your volumes of Mr. Raven's ministry.

• I live in Burlington but have a brother Ron who lives at … Ottawa and will be visiting him in the next 4-6 weeks. It would be great if I could have them delivered to Ron's home and I will pick them up when in Ottawa … If you could provide me with a telephone number I will gladly phone you … I very much appreciate this and will look forward to hearing from you.

God Bless. Gene McLeod.

From: Richard Long
Sat, Dec 26, 2009

Hi Gene,
It will not be a problem to get the books over to your brother &$8230; is not too far from where I live to the east of Ottawa. My phone no. is …

• I am actually travelling to Burlington to visit my in-laws over the next few days … However my books are at my ministry centre, so I will not be able to bring them along, or that would have been a quick way to get them to you.

I served for 5 years at Calvary Baptist in Burlington back in the early 80's. It was there, as a young pastor that I was given the books by F.E.Raven.

• The gentleman who bequeathed them to me had attended the church in his last years and I used to visit him at the nursing home - Cama Woodlands when he became unwell and eventually passed on to glory.

• His name was Mr. Trengrove. Like other men among the Brethern that I have met over the years, he had a very strong understanding of the Word that enriched my life as we spent time together.

Blessings. Richard Long.

To: Richard Long
Thu, Dec 32, 2009

Dear Richard,
Thanks for visiting 'My Brethren' -- and your kind remarks -- do come again -- and for the offer of FER's ministry books. Gene McLeod has already been in touch with you and will see that they are put to good use.

Downsizing your library is understandable -- I had to pass on almost all of my several hundred books when we moved to a retirement home. I certainly prefer reading a book but am thankful to have almost all on CD.

I was most interested to learn that Eddie Trengrove had given you the books. Betty and I first knew him -- and his wife Florie (Morris of Hamilton) -- through visits to Montreal for fellowship meetings.

• After his move to Burlington he visited us once or twice in Toronto and we visited him, with some young friends. Later we saw him in the hospital and then in nursing home.

• Eddie -- also known affectionately as Mr. T. -- had a keen mind and a good appreciation of Christ and of the great truths of Scripture.

• I recall him speaking well of his contacts and conversations with you.

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

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

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