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Archiver > BRETHREN > 2008-05 > 1211689345


From: Craig Alan Myers <>
Subject: Re: [BRE] Letters
Date: Sun, 25 May 2008 00:22:25 -0400
References: <200805250239.m4P2dZHM008696@mail.rootsweb.com>
In-Reply-To: <200805250239.m4P2dZHM008696@mail.rootsweb.com>


Dale,

"Letters" is shorthand for "letters of membership (transfer)." I am
not sure of the "traveling letter." But normally it is the case that
churches, on request, grant a letter of membership that is sent
directly to another congregation, and not given to the member. The
member normally requests that their membership be transferred, and on
approval by the congregation or Official Board (maybe Church Board
now), it would be sent. Sometimes there was a receipt returned
informing the sending congregation that the member had been
received. Some congregations only transfer membership to another
Church of the Brethren, and not to other denominational churches.

That is why the Isaac Forney wasn't given his letter. He was still in
the community, and wasn't going to another Church of the Brethren.

Hope this helps.
Craig Alan Myers







At 10:33 PM 5/24/2008, you wrote:
>Recently I received some meeting minutes from a COB church in Arizona. The
>minutes frequently referred to "letters." Could someone explain the use of
>letters? Were they used for transferring membership from one church to
>another and as proof of church business? Here are some examples:
>
>
>
>Bro. Peter Forney was granted a traveling letter.
>
>Bro. Isaac Forney also asked for his letter again but it was refused because
>he was not leaving.
>
>Letters were granted to Sister Bertha Gillett and Bro. Ezra Fike
>
>Letters received as follows: Ruben Young (Deacon) and wife Clara.
>
>Bro. J.G. Rarick and wife was granted letter of membership
>
>The following letters were received.
>
>
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