wfn.org | Brethren magazine marks 150 years

[COBNews@aol.com]

Date: March 30, 2001
Contact: Walt Wiltschek
V: 847/742-5100 F: 847/742-6103
E-MAIL: CoBNews@AOL.Com

Messenger, the denominational magazine of the Church of the
Brethren, officially kicks off the celebration of its 150th
birthday in April. It was in April 1851 that Henry Kurtz founded
Messenger's ancestor, The Gospel Visiter, in Ohio. It later became
The Gospel Messenger, and eventually simply Messenger.

The April 2001 issue features a major feature article by Brethren
historian/publisher James Lehman, tracing the magazine's rich
history by looking at the people who have sat in the editor's
chair. It examines how each one helped to shape the magazine, and
through it to shape the church.

Current editor Fletcher Farrar says its important to look at the
journey that brought Messenger to where it is today.

"Celebrating history honors the cloud of witnesses that got us
here," Farrar says. "Remembering their courage gives us courage. We
are rooted and grounded, so there is nothing to fear."

Numerous activities are planned to observe the anniversary. This
summer's Annual Conference in Baltimore will include a 150th
anniversary dinner with keynote speaker Walter Wink, a special
exhibit, and a time of recognition during Conference business. A
"party pack" will be available to help congregations and districts
celebrate through the year.

In addition, Messenger is launching an effort to increase the
number of subscribers by 5,000 in the next five years. It is
inviting people to send gifts to support this effort as well as
other projects, such as microfilming old issues of The Gospel
Visiter.

Messenger anniversary pages will soon be added to the
www.brethren.org website at www.brethren.org/genbd/messengr/.