Old Order River Brethren

In 1856, there was a three-way split among the River Brethren and these folks established a separate, more conservative group.

This group believed the majority of the River Brethren churches were becoming too lax in their standard of Biblical non-conformity and non-resistance, and desired to return to older Scriptural doctrines and traditions.

[citation needed] Between 1921 and 1961 four splits occurred in the group, mostly regarding the use of cars, leaving the Old Order River Brethren divided into five subgroups.

Ministers are chosen from among the godly men of the congregation who fulfil the Scriptural description of church leaders in 1 Timothy 3.1–13, and Titus 1.5 – 3.11.

[citation needed] The weekend long Lovefeast observance of Communion is practiced which includes preaching, singing, self examination, communal meals, and foot washing.

Female members wear opaque white cotton head coverings along with long cape dresses in solid cloth, or very small print.

[6] During the 20th century several settlements of the Old Order River Brethren in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Ontario dwindled and finally became extinct.

[6] In the year 2000 all groups of the Old Order River Brethren had together 328 members, organized in three subgroups and five congregations.

[citation needed] The total population of all Old Order River Brethren groups including children and young not yet baptized members was between 530 and 535 around the year 2000.

[4] Poet and historian G. C. Waldrep (born 1968) is a member of the Old Order River Brethren as author Stephen Scott (1948 – 2011) was until his death.