FROM PAGE 1

fall of 1899, when it was first dedicated.

But who are the Stanley Brethren? If you've ever driven down East Maple Street in Stanley and asked this question, you're not alone.

In many ways, the story of the Stanley Church of the Brethren is the story of Stanley itself. It is a story of immigrants; of farming and logging families. It is the story of people searching out a better life in which to survive, raise their children, and practice their faith in peace and freedom. It is the story of the struggle to pass on these blessings to future generations.

The roots of the Church of the Brethren go back to 1708 in the town of Schwarzenau in Germany. The members of this church who emigrated to North America and eventually, to Stanley, WI, were commonly called German "Dunkers," after their practice of adult baptism by full immersion. These members of the Church of the Brethren eventually founded three churches in the Stanley area. The first of these churches was the Maple Grove Church of the Brethren, founded in Edson in 1886. The second church, originally known as the eastern branch of Maple Grove, became the Worden Church of the Brethren in 1904 in South Worden. The third congregation was the Stanley Church of the Brethren, founded in town in 1919 at its current location at the corner of Franklin Ave and Maple St. When a tornado destroyed the Worden church on June 4, 1958, the Worden congregation joined the Stanley Church of the Brethren. As Maple Grove is no longer affiliated with the Church of the Brethren, Stanley is now the only Church of the Brethren congregation left in town, and indeed, in the whole state of Wisconsin.

Currently without an official pastor, the Church of the Brethren's members look to the New Testament as their primary inspiration, seeing it as the best source of information on how Jesus lived and as such, it serves as an example of how He wishes us to live our lives. Through this example, the Church of the Brethren believes that Jesus intended His followers to live a life based on peace, simple living, compassionately serving others, and a shared search for spiritual truth. This way of life was perfectly suited to the rural farming communities of the early 20th century. As with the City of Stanley, the Stanley Church of the Brethren has had to struggle with a changing job market which has led to the loss of family farms and sent children to larger cities to find better economic opportunities. The simple, family-based, caring, hardworking community we once had feels much more difficult to maintain, both in the town and in its churches. The challenge has become one of preserving what was precious of the past while adapting to the world we now live in.

The Stanley Church of the Brethren has been especially hard hit by these changes. We have lost many of our older members to old age and there are few younger members remaining to take their place. There is also a shortage of pastors willing or able to serve our congregation. However, we believe that the "old fashioned" values of hard work, caring for others, peaceful living, and the nurturing of family and community bonds still have a place in the times we live in, and are cherished by many. For this reason, we have decided to reopen. We are now having worship services every Sunday at 10 am, and for now, we will continue to try to maintain and reinvigorate this small community of believers. Sadly, without new members, we will likely cease to exist as a congregation at some point. I love that the Church of the Brethren has such a simple message-read Jesus's example and try to emulate Him in our church and in our personal lives. I am praying that this may speak to some new people so our church can continue. If not, I will always have beautiful memories For more information on who the Brethren are and what the church stands for, search "Church of the Brethren" and read the website maintained by our headquarters in Elgin, IL. The contact person locally is Josh Winger at 715-644-8684. Endeavoring to be outward-focused, the Brethren work to maintain many programs around the world to aid those who are less fortunate. Also feel free to stop in at any of our weekly worship services. As shared above, the Brethren meet at 10 a.m. on Sunday mornings, and all are welcome to attend.

Moderator Josh Winger rings the bell Sunday at the Stanley Brethren Church at 203 South Franklin Street. Staff photo.

The Stanley Church of the Brethren as it appeared at dusk on June 23, with a near full moon in the background. Staff photo.