BRETHREN IN CHRIST. After the Reformation there arose in Europe a group known as pietists. A large number of these pietists settled in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. From this group in Lancaster county a number of permanent church organizations arose—one of them, the Brethren in Christ. At first the Brethren in Christ chose no name, though its members were designated by others as River Brethren as they lived near the Susquehanna river. It was in 1862 that the community chose the name, Brethren in Christ. No honour is given to any one person for the starting of this organization. The Church stands for equality of all communicants. In doctrine it stands for justification by faith, holiness and empowerment, Divine healing, trine immersion, washing the saints' feet, holy kiss, non-resistance, scriptural veiling and the general resurrection of the dead. The officers of the Church are bishops, ministers and deacons. The Church is controlled by a general conference held annually. One delegate is allowed for every 5o members. The members are scattered throughout the United States and Canada. Foreign mis sionary activities are being carried on in Africa and India; through city and rural mission stations, through tabernacle meet ings and by the placing of young men in neglected sections the Church ministers to about 25,00o people. In 1928 there were about 6,000 communicant members. (A. W. C.) BRETHREN, THE CHURCH OF THE: see GERMAN BAPTIST BRETHREN.