Brethren Heritage Center

The Brethren Heritage Center (BHC) is a historical archive and genealogy resource located in Brookville, Ohio, dedicated to preserving the heritage and historical materials of various Brethren denominations. These denominations trace their roots to a set of believer baptisms at the Eder River near Schwarzenau, Germany, in 1708. The center operates an extensive research library, an in-house and online bookstore, and regularly sponsors events with speakers and programs. It serves as a vital resource for historical and genealogical research, offering visitors a large conference table and comfortable chairs, with assistance always available. The center's own history is rich, having been blessed by many individuals over the years. Beginning in the late 1970s, historian and genealogist Donald R. Bowman of Brookville, Ohio, a member of the Southern Ohio District Historical Committee of the Church of the Brethren, began accumulating books, historical records, and artifacts from several Churches of the Brethren in the Miami Valley, Ohio. This collection was housed in the old Happy Corner Church of the Brethren and was open by appointment to the public as the "Brethren Heritage Center." By 1999, some Old German Baptist Brethren became concerned about preserving their books and records. One of them, Fred W. Benedict, who had earlier pledged his entire library for preservation, met Larry E. Heisey and Mark Flory Steury, each of whom pledged to supplement a project from their own extensive collections. At the same time, the Happy Corner project needed a new home. In August 2000, Benedict attended a meeting of the Historical Committee, and on January 24, 2001, members from several old-order groups, totaling about 30 persons, met in Greenville and agreed to meet with the Historical Committee at Mill Ridge Village in Union, Ohio. The first joint meeting was March 24, 2001, at Mill Ridge Village. Monthly meetings followed, with eventually 18 to 20 persons meeting regularly in space donated by contractor Ronald J. Filbrun beneath Brookside Plaza in Brookville, Ohio. The Brethren Heritage Center was established in 2001. Today, the Brethren Heritage Center continues to preserve and share the faith heritage of the Brethren. It offers a wide range of resources, including a research library, bookstore, and regular events. The center is supported by donations and volunteers, and it serves as a gathering place for those interested in Brethren history and genealogy. Its mission is to preserve Brethren historical materials for future generations.

The Brethren Heritage Center has a rich "heritage" itself, having been blessed by many people over the years who have dedicated themselves to preserving the heritage and historical materials of a variety of Brethren denominations, all of which trace their roots to a set of believer baptisms at the Eder River near Schwarzenau, Germany in 1708. Beginning in the late 1970s, historian and genealogist Donald R. Bowman of Brookville, Ohio, a member of the Southern Ohio District Historical Committee of the Church of the Brethren, began accumulating many books, historical records and artifacts from the several Churches of the Brethren in the Miami Valley, Ohio. This collection was housed in the old Happy Corner Church of the Brethren and was open by appointment to the public as "Brethren Heritage Center." By 1999 some Old German Baptist Brethren became concerned about preserving their books and records. One of them, Fred W. Benedict, who had earlier pledged his entire library for preservation, met Larry E. Heisey and Mark Flory Steury, each of whom pledged to supplement a project from their own extensive collections. At the same time the Happy Corner project needed a new home. In August 2000, Benedict attended a meeting of the Historical Committee and on January 24, 2001, members from several old-order groups, totaling about 30 persons, met in Greenville and agreed to meet with the Historical Committee at Mill Ridge Village in Union, Ohio. The first joint meeting was March 24, 2001 at Mill Ridge Village. Monthly meetings followed, with eventually 18 to 20 persons meeting regularly in space donated by contractor Ronald J. Filbrun beneath Brookside Plaza in Brookville, Ohio. The Brethren Heritage Center was established in 2001. Since then, it has grown into a vital archive and genealogy resource, offering an extensive research library, an in-house and online bookstore, and regular events with speakers and programs. It continues to preserve and share the faith heritage of the Brethren.

• 2001

  On January 24, about 30 members from several old-order groups meet in Greenville; first joint meeting on March 24 at Mill Ridge Village; Brethren Heritage Center established.

• 2000

  In August, Benedict attends a meeting of the Historical Committee; the Happy Corner project needs a new home.

• 1999

  Old German Baptist Brethren members, including Fred W. Benedict, become concerned about preserving their books and records.

• 1970

  Donald R. Bowman begins accumulating books, records, and artifacts from Churches of the Brethren in the Miami Valley, Ohio.

• Monthly meetings follow, with 18-20 persons meeting regularly in space donated by Ronald J. Filbrun beneath Brookside Plaza in Brookville, Ohio.

A vital Brethren archive and genealogy resource, preserving and sharing the faith heritage of Brethren denominations.

• Research library

  Extensive research library for historical and genealogical research.

• In-house bookstore

  Bookstore located at the center.

• Online bookstore

  Online bookstore for purchasing materials.

• Chart of Brethren Bodies (4th Edition)

  A chart showing the various Brethren bodies, now in its 4th edition.

1. 1Home | Brethren Heritage Center | Brookville, Ohiobrethrenhc.org
2. 2About | Brethren Heritage Center | Brookville, Ohiobrethrenhc.org
3. 3Brethren Heritage Center - Wikidatawikidata.org