Colonial Germantown Mennonites

This is the only currently available volume that identifies the Colonial-era Mennonite and Brethren buildings and sites still in existence in the Germantown section of Philadelphia. Complete with color photos plus map, the book invites strolling through these historic neighborhoods. The Tour Guide section is couched within a short history of these Germantown Mennonites, describing in colorful fashion the life and faith of the first German immigrants to arrive in the "New World."

"Part synthesis of primary and secondary sources, part walking-tour pamphlet, Colonial Germantown Mennonites can also be read in the context of current discussions of immigration and religious plurality." --Joyce Munro, Eastern University and Author

"This book evokes a sense of sacred space for a time when America was young. In the context of Quaker hospitality one observes the colonial beginnings of Mennonites and the Church of the Brethren. An urge will well up in the reader of this slender, well-illustrated volume to include on one's next trip East a walking tour of this enchanting, historic village." --Robert Kreider, Educator and Historian

"Colonial Philadelphia was a seedbed of American religious life. Here Quakers disdained military theocratic rule, German sectarians held that religious freedom could flourish only without a designated official religion, and denominational diversity had its beginning. This volume introduces the role of Germantown Mennonites in this formative epoch." --John A. Lapp, Executive Secretary Emeritus, Mennonite Central committee; Coordinator, Global Mennonite History Project of Mennonite World Conference

"The authors offer vivid glimpses into a time in which newcomers to Pennsylvania holding various religious convictions sought to live their faith in harmony not only among themselves but also with Native Americans. Amid today's religious fragmentation, this glimpse is refreshing." --Susan Biesecker-Mast, Professor of Communication; and Chair; Communication and Theatre Department, Bluffton University

The Editors: Leonard Gross, Goshen, Indiana, has written, edited, or translated many works related to the Amish, Hutterites, or Mennonites. Jan Gleysteen, Goshen, has served the Mennonite church for 40 years as artist, writer, editor, and traveling lecturer.