1859 · event
John Holdeman’s separate fellowship
John Holdeman and others began worshiping separately in Ohio in 1859, forming a distinct Mennonite church history.
In 1859 John Holdeman and a small group began worshiping separately in Wayne County, Ohio. Holdeman’s religious awakening and concern for the spiritual life of the church had led him to seek a preaching ministry that the existing congregation did not affirm. The new fellowship became the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite.
Holdeman traveled and wrote in support of renewal, including the work known as Mirror of Truth. Migration took followers to Missouri and Kansas, and converts from the Kleine Gemeinde in Manitoba joined the movement. The church’s account connects its beginning with conversion, believers’ baptism, nonresistance, and a disciplined common life.
Sources for this history: [1] [2] [3]
