Exclusive Brethren Information Guestbook Page 8

This page contains entries 351 through 400 in the guestbook. Entries were made after December 8, 1998.

These names and addresses are posted to enable people to contact friends and loved ones. Please do not exploit this information for commercial purposes.

What is important is not "The Brethren" but the truth they have . . . God could set them aside, and spread His truth by others--would, I believe, though full of gracious patience, if they be not faithful. Their place is to remain in obscurity and devotedness, not to think of "Brethren" (it is always wrong to think of ourselves), but of souls, in Christ's name and love, and of His glory and truth only--not to press "Brethrenism," but to deal with each soul according to its need, for Christ's sake . . . Unwordliness, nonconformity to the world, self-denial, abnegation in love to others, is what is called for. . . . Let them walk in love, in the truth, humble, lowly, unwordly, and all for Christ, as little (and content to be little) as when they began, and God will bless them. If not, their candlestick may go (and oh, what sorrow and confusion of face it would be after such grace!) as that of others. . . . Let them do the work of evangelists, making full proof of their ministry, humble, lowly, devoted and simple; because devoted in heart, and separated to Christ. As regards all the activity outside them, it is one of the signs of the times, and they should rejoice in it. . . . But it does not give their testimony at all. . . . I do not believe attacks on anything to be our path, but to be superior, and for the truth in grace. . . . Self-defence is every way to be avoided. The Lord will answer for us if we do His will. . . . God has no need of us, but He has need of a people who walk in the truth, in love and holiness. "I will leave in the midst of thee, and afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of Jehovah." . . . The gospel we may, and must, rejoice in, yet it only makes the testimony of "Brethren" outside the camp more necessary than ever; but it must be real. . . . If "Brethren" fall in with the current Christianity inside the camp, they would be another sect with certain truths.

A Letter on Ravenism (A. H. Rule) June 10, 1902:

. . . . We will be ver glad to see something of you and to enjoy with you the communion of which you speak. Of this the enemy has tried hard to rob us, not merely in a practical way, but even denying its possibility. Do you no think F.E.R[aven]'s statement that we have not fellowship with Christ is a piece of heartless, cold-blooded wickedness?

Dear brother, his system as it came out in his readings in America is, in plain words, apostasy from the truth of Christianity. It is in keeping with very much that is going on in the present day leading on to the final apostacy, which will carry Christendom away after the rapture of the Church. We can easily see a tremendous power of Satan leading among many lines, such as Higher Criticism, Christian Scientists, Mormonism, Adventism, etc., etc., toward the apostacy seen in the "vine of the earth," in Rev. 14. And these things are not merely local, but general, especially throughout protestant counties. One of these lines is Ravenism. Something of a very subtle nature was necessary to catch those in possession of so much truth as the "Brethren" possessed. But now that they are in the meshes of the enemy, how very rapidly all is being given up. "Let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall."

Has it ever struck you that "the fear of God" has very largely lost its place among those who have held the truth as to grace? Where is "the fear of God" in many of the heartless statements that are being put forth by which multitudes are being robbed of the truth? "The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him." If we do not give God Hid rightful place, how can we learn His mind, or retain it, when once we have it? "No fear of God before their eyes" is an awful state.

****

These are just some things that I thought others might like to read.

I am praying for some of the individuals, including Dick Wyman, who have lost contact with family members. To me it is most awful seeing how marriages are broken up, when a strong Christian marriage is a picture of Christ and the Church. May more of God's people "come out from among her," in separation from evil and be delivered from this wicked system of Ravenism.

Peter Rule
http://comelordjesus.net/

Guest: John Baker
Guest E-mail: jbak@ips.com
City, Country: California USA (formerly Wollongong NSW Australia)
Date & Comments: December 9, 1998
Praise God He was gracious to me in spite of the bitterness and resent. I came to a TRUE knowledge of saving faith through the ministry of faithful men (not Exclusive). I do not believe that those dear people are Christian as their faith is based on somthing other than the finished work of Jesus Christ. I welcome anyone who is struggling as to where they stand before God to contact me to talk. God is gratious and His Word is totally suficient 2 Tim 3:16.

Guest: Iris & Gerhard Schurz
Guest E-mail: gschurz@sprint.ca
City, Country: Surrey,B.C,, Canada
Date & Comments: December 11th,1998
We are new to the Internet but not to the Bretheren.

Love to hear from friends and ex-Bretheren who share our experiences,

Guest: Alistair Gerard
Guest E-mail: Alistair@Apotheosis.com.au
City, Country: Sydney, Australia
Date & Comments: Friday 11 December 1998

I was withdrawn from 30th June 1970, my 19th birthday. The water that has passed under my bridge since that day has been in every form imaginable, and many that weren't. I have been waiting for this site since that time, and trust I may be able to contribute in some way from experiences of that past as vivid now as when they occurred. I welcome communication from anyone.

Guest: Marilyn Gorgas-Cahill
Guest E-mail: Lynguista@aol.com of CahillRoof@aol.com
City, Country: Wharton, NJ - USA
Date & Comments: 12/12/98

This article brought back so many memories of a good, good friend I had in high school. We had a lot in common, growing up in Christian - and "brethren" - families, and rejecting/rebelling against a lot of the rules which didn't seem necessary to following the Lord. Not that we were too concerned about pleasing the Lord. We pleased ourselves, but wanted a sort of minimal salvation.

But her family belonged to the Raven/Taylor group whereas we're just plain whatever unfortunate name we're called by other brethren- TW, I think, PB#5 according to the government. I remember her rolling up jeans under her skirt, and then taking the skirt off & rolling down the jeans in the girls' room. She got caught one day when she dislocated her knee in gym, and was told it was God's punishment on her for wearing jeans behind her parents' back. She'd put up her long hair in a barrette (also against their rules) once she got to school. She told me that her father expected her to eat lunch in an empty classroom rather than in the cafeteria. There were numerous other rules; she was never allowed to go to my house, even though my parents were godly Christians.

During our senior year she became involved with a boy in her "meeting", and suddenly one day, in the middle of our senior year, she announced that she was getting married the following day and leaving school forever at 17. That last day she didn't seem like the same person anymore. I remember crying about it, because I thought she was growing up too fast.

A couple of years later I somehow got her phone number or I had it already. Anyway, I called her up to see how things were going. She had a kid or two already, and she told me she now wanted to be a committed Christian. Since high school the Lord had gotten hold of my heart as well, and I too wanted to live for Him. I was delighted, and wanted to get together with my old friend, one of my best old friends, and share our new relationship in Christ. She said no, she could no longer have anything to do with me, no matter how much I loved the Lord, because I wasn't in her "meeting." Then I really cried. It was so wrong, and so contrary to what should characterize interactions between believers. This was over 20 years ago (I'm 41 now) and I'm still getting tears in my eyes remembering it. I still wish I could talk to her as new people in Christ, but that will have to wait till we're in the presence of the Lord Himself and He really straightens us all out.

I called her dad after that and asked him about her change of heart, and he assured me that indeed she had made an about-face, and he actually seemed proud that she had had the fortitude to refuse to see me.

Marilyn (Lyn) Cahill
(former last name: Gorgas)

Guest: Donald McNair
Guest E-mail: janetmc@one.net.au
City, Country: Brisbane, Australia
Date & Comments: December 14, 1998

Guest: Simon Pons
Guest E-mail: ponsy@compuserve.com
City, Country: Sevenoaks
Date & Comments: 14-12-98
I left one of the many closed fellowship Brethern offshoots commonly referred to as the 'Frosts' and latterly after the 1992 split in Croydon, as the 'Rooks'. It is sad that after so many years, that there still remains a legacy of the Exclusives that cannot be let go. The culture of the brethern as the 'faithful few' remains within these offshoots. The view that they are the only true loving fellowship is soon proved to be false when there is no attempt to encourage you to stay or to contact you after you have left. It is sad that so many good committed christian people remain tarnished by what they were once involved in, putting the unwritten rules inherited from their time in EB's along with tradition, before union in the body of Christ. Why do christains remain in isolation in meetings of 10 or 15 when God is clearly working in large numbers often only a few yards away? While numbers may not be important surely growth and regular converstions is a sign of a healthy church that God is attending and blessing!

I thank God that my eyes have been opened to the Great works God is doing in this country and the number of Christians and churches that really want God's name to be proclaimed in this land and abroad.

Interested in hearing any news of my father's family who remain in the EB's

Guest: Ray Fowler
Guest E-mail: surfingray@soupdragon.force9.co.uk
City, Country: Nottingham, England
Date & Comments: December 15, 1998
I'm trying to locate one of my neices, Elaine (nee Fowler), daughter of Michael and Gill Fowler, grandaughter of Frank and Joyce Fowler of Nottingham. I understand she recently married, but I don't know her married name. I understand she's still in the EB's.

If anyone knows of her whereabouts, maybe you came out recently, or maybe you knew my family, most of whom are still in, then I'd really appreciate any information on Elaine's whereabouts. Please e-mail me. Thanks

Guest: Ray Gilliland
Guest E-mail: ray@charismaprint.com
City, Country: Birmingham, U.K.
Date & Comments: December 17, 1998
Please note new E.mail address

Guest: Richard K Gorgas
Guest E-mail: rkgorgas@aol.com
City, Country: Borough of Chatham, Morris County, New Jersey
Date & Comments: December 19, 1998

What a warning to those of us who are in other "brethren" assemblies (TW, in my case). In just 108 years, the Jims have come from the warm fellowship of men like CHM to be a genuine cult. Lord Jesus, keep us! Hymn 256 LF (1881 edition).

Guest: Lawrence Joseph Walley Jr.
Guest E-mail: lawrencejw@aol.com and lwalley@disc.dla.mil
City, Country: Philadelphia, Pa. USA
Date & Comments: December 21, 1998
Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland

Left May 31, 1970

now reside in Philadelphia, Pa.

Guest: Rhoda Irvine
Guest E-mail: irvro@ihug.co.nz
City, Country: Christchurch. New Zealand
Date & Comments: December 21, 1998

Just found this site after having read the book 'shut-up Sarah'. I left in Feb 1983, and would love to have contact with other former members. I am sure that I have relatives etc. out there, but have no way of knowing their whereabouts. I would love to hear from others out there whose families have been torn apart through the brethern's idiotic beliefs.

Guest: Beth & Alan Justrabo (Troutman)
Guest E-mail: bethjustrabo@odyssey.on.ca
City, Country: London, Ontario
Date & Comments: December 22, 1998
My family and I left the PB4's around 1973. My grandparents are John & Helen Hewitt and my parents are Bev & Lillian Troutman. Looking through all the info and the guest list was interesting. I know that without Christ in my life, life would have been difficult for me. My husband and I and family attend a Pentecostal Church which is quite different from the PB4's. I believe God led us to this church so that I could be led to receive hope, help and healing. I am happily married and have 2 children. I don't ever want to bad mouth the PB4's because that is not Christlike. We should be praying that each and everyone will come to know Christ as it talks about in John 3. Becoming born again!

Guest: Jeanne M. Peters
Guest E-mail: JeanMeyPet@AOL.com
City, Country: Indianapolis, Indiana
Date & Comments: December 1998
You did a fabulous job with this! It helps me to understand more of my husband's situation as he left Brethens when he was 16 years old.

THANKS!

Guest: Naomi Irvine
Guest E-mail: nomeathome@easynet.co.uk
City, Country: Timaru New Zealand / now living in Henley on Thames UK
Date & Comments: 25 December 1998

I left the brethren in Nov 1986, I now live in the UK as I couldn't wait to start a new life. I am very lucky to also have a older Brother and Sister who have left as well. I am now married with 3 children and are so glad that I left, although it took me a very long time to get over the leaving, that if you ever do... I dont know????

Guest: Paul Rosenberry
Guest E-mail: paul.rosenberry@gte.net
City, Country: Walnut Creek, CA USA
Date & Comments: December 25, 1998

Guest: Peter Harrison
Guest E-mail: peter.harrison10@virgin.net
City, Country: Derby. UK.
Date & Comments: Christmas Day 25 Dec 1998

May I on this, the day of Christ's birth, wish all ex members of the exclusive brethren, A very happy and holy Christmas.

We were taught not to celebrate Christmas. but without a birth, how can you have a death, and without a death, no cross and no forgiveness of sins.

Much love to you all on this special day.

Guest: Iris Schurz
Guest E-mail: gschurz@sprint.ca
City, Country: Surrey,B.C.,Canada
Date & Comments: December 26, 1998

Just another note to let you know my last name used to be Smith and I grew up in Hamilton Ont. I was the oldest of four children and left about twenty three years ago. I now live in B.C. with my husband of 17 years and my 5 children. We now have our own e-mail address. When I signed the guest book in July I was using his address. Love to hear from old friends our e- mail address is gschurz@sprint.ca

Guest: Paul Hawgood
Guest E-mail: Sebasti471@aol.com
City, Country: England
Date & Comments: December 29, 1998
Always interested to hear from former links with the exclusives... I left in 1974..used to be in Woking/Guildford now living in SE London.

Guest: Philip and Ruth Mills (Ruth Mills nee Hedger of Gosport)
Guest E-mail: smills4833@aol.com
City, Country: Uckfield, East Sussex, UK
Date & Comments: December 29, 1998
We 'withdrew' in 1959 due to unscriptural teachings; i.e not eating with own relatives etc. and undue pressure to 'conform'. Wonderful fellowship since then. Would be pleased to hear from you - can we help? We have many relatives still 'in': MARSH, Farnborough; WICKLAND, Bognor; HEWITT, Coventry; MANZ, Zurich; CLARKE, Birmingham; BARR, Leamington; Julia HEWITT?? - any news appreciated.

Guest: Tom Mortyn
Guest E-mail: jmortyn@enternet.com.au
City, Country: Melbourne, Australia
Date & Comments: December 29, 1998

Guest: James D. Cameron
Guest E-mail: jdcamero@juliet.stfx.ca
City, Country: Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada
Date & Comments: 30 December 1998:
Just discovered this site. Spent life up to about 15 among the Exclusive Brethren in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Most interested in the Taylorites and enjoy discussing them. This is a wonderful site for ex-PBS.

Guest: Gill Abbott (nee Hammond)
Guest E-mail: gill_abbott@uk.ibm.com
City, Country: Isleworth, Middx
Date & Comments: 30th December 1998
I am the sixth child of Ken and Myrtle Hammond, formerly of Forest Hill, London. We were withdrawn from when I was quite young, so I only have vague memories of early mornings and lots of services. My parents had heard of the web site and we found it whilst they were here over Christmas.

My brothers and sisters are, Stuart, Peter, Vivien, Deborah, Colin, Shirley, Martin and Ian

If anyone would like to contact my parents or any other member of the family, please let me know.

God bless. Gilli

Guest: Doug Loates
Guest E-mail: loatesd@wdni.com
City, Country: Edmonton, Alberta (formerly of Cambridge, Ontario)
Date & Comments: 12/31/98

Guest: Joe Bloggs
Guest E-mail: jbloggs@uunet.co.za
City, Country: SA
Date & Comments: January 2, 1999

Guest: Marcel
Guest E-mail: papaya@gdi.net
City, Country: Orlando,.Florida
Date & Comments: January 3, 1999
The testimonies of those freed from religious bondage are not exclusive to the Exclusive Brethren. It's amazing how the enemy of our souls can so easily infect those in Christian Leadership with religious pride. This I believe is the root cause that leads to "the fall" The similatities here are incredibally the same.

This Fellowship here was elite, cutting edge spiritual above and better than the rest (of the Body of Messiah Jesus). Those who tried to warn of the dangers of spiritual dictatorship were bodily thrown out of this cold fellowship where ice has replaced love.This is usually the attitude of the "chosen few"

This Fellowship here looks like it's on its way to becoming a cult. It's centered around 1 strong personality who rules with intimidation and fear. http://members.tripod.com/~JerusalemForever/

Guest: Eleanor Osman
Guest E-mail: eleanoros@tcrg.on.net
City, Country: Adelaide, South Australia
Date & Comments: 4th Jan. 1999

I'm re-signing the guest book as I have a new e-mail address. Osman is my married name (outsider) For those who are interested, my maiden name was Wills.

Guest: rather not leave at this time
Guest E-mail: sbs5df@hotmail.com
City, Country: Cardiff, UK
Date & Comments: Monday, January 4, 1999
My immediate family left the Exclusive Brethren some time ago. However, does anyone know of any present members or remember any members with the surname McIntyre? I think they live on the south coast of England.

Many thanks

Guest: Joan Morris
Guest E-mail: morrisj@mcmaster.ca
City, Country: Ancaster, Canada
Date & Comments: l09 Wilson St W
Unit 6
Ancaster, Ontario, Canada L9G 1N4

Guest: Stanislas Hayes
Guest E-mail: stani.hayes@wmu.se
City, Country: Malmoe, Sweden
Date & Comments: January 7, 1999
I have entered several times, but I cannot see my name on the list of guests. Perhaps I am doing something wrong. I have entered a short story of our lives which has been accepted so I just wonder what I am doing wrong? So here I try again.

Stanislas Hayes

Guest: tony green
Guest E-mail: atgreen.freeserve.com.uk
City, Country: devizes. wiltshire.england
Date & Comments: 7 -1-99
found you at last

Guest: Chuck Quiner
Guest E-mail: cquiner@bigplanet.com
City, Country: Dyersburg, TN, USA
Date & Comments: 1/7/99
I left in 1960, 39 years ago. Was in Des Moines, IA then. Have heard bits and pieces of the gossip that circulates among the ex-Brethren. Nothing like the detail here. Email address works - would welcome any contacts.

Guest: REX CARLISI
Guest E-mail: rcarlisi@gte.net
City, Country: Chino Hills,Ca. USA
Date & Comments: January 9, 1999
I recently married an X PB (Sharon Pearson, LA) and find it hard to understand how anyone could allow anyone or anything to rule or run their lives as she had. I'm a catholic and cannot believe the Lord and God that I love would allow such a condition to exist even when it's supposed to be in the name of God. What gives a mortal man the right to add rules that superseed the greatest rules sent to Moses by God for all mankind to follow and live by? Before I would follow the teachings of the Jims, I would like to see one of them walk on water or any other of the many miracles that my God did. They're so afraid that if their people were to see the real world, that they would be the only ones in their church. I pray that one day the people of the PBs understand that there will be a place in heaven for all who believe in the Lord. Being a PB is not the only way. There is also no such thing as a better place in heaven. Just because you're a PB doesn't guarantee you a place in the house of the Lord, or a closer place than any Catholic, Protestant, Jew, or other religion. God bless all you who suffered the pain of leaving the PBs and now live a happy and wonderfull life. I wish the rest of those left still in could see this web site.

Guest: Sharon Pearson-Carlisi
Guest E-mail: rcarlisi@gte.net
City, Country: Chino Hills CA USA
Date & Comments: January 10, 1999
Left the Brethren 12/94. Married 11/98. I see many name that I know. Very interesting site.

Guest: Nigel & Rosanne Herbert
Guest E-mail: NPHerbert@aol.com or N.Herbert@brs0603.x400.icl.co.uk or RIMHerbert@aol.com
City, Country: Newport, Gwent, South Wales, UK
Date & Comments: January 10, 1999
Just passing by so thought we'd sign in! If the "AT Green" of Devizes, Wiltshire, (believed to be Tony?) who recently signed this Guestbook could advise valid e-mail address it would be great to correspond! (Have tried the one shown, and several variants, with no success!)

Wishing everyone a happy New Year! With christian greetings to all.

Guest: Stuart Fraser
Guest E-mail: Stuart@bepton.freeserve.co.uk
City, Country: Midhurst, U.K.
Date & Comments: 10 Jan 1999
Isabel (nee MacIntyre) and I were brought up in EBs when we left with families in 1960. We are happily settled with a church attached to L'Abri fellowship, and involved with young people in Crusaders. Isabel's mother Helen MacIntyre (nee Henry) would love to hear anything of her brother Ray Henry in Worthing area, of her sister (now deceased) Eileen's family the Lynes who were in Reigate.

Guest: Caroline Verwer (Millard)
Guest E-mail: cverwer@micron.net
City, Country: Originaly Bromely Kent UK
Date & Comments: Jan 99
Great to be free to love the Lord.

Guest: Susan Gloria Sovereign (Peebles)
Guest E-mail: Sovereign.family@sympatico.ca
City, Country: Richmond Hill, ON Canada
Date & Comments: January 13/99.

It's difficult to read many of the entries because of the anger expressed. Afterr 21 years, I'm getting past the anger. No it isn't easy, nor is it impossible. We say we love our families & friends, and it hurts. My mom used to say "Harden Not Your Heart". Granted we'd love to have them with us, in the freedom of the "Grace of God". All things are possible with God, so pray for them, as I'm sure many do for us. Believe it or Not! God works in mysterious ways, as he is working with me now as I write this. Jesus carried his cross and died on it an awful death so we could all be saved. Rejoice, as we will meet again our loved ones in heaven. Look upon this brief separation as our cross, and know it is much lighter than our saviour Jesus Christ had to carry.

I feel the worst for those of you who have turned your backs on the Lord, most probably because of the PBs. This is a great loss to you as judgement day is coming. Jesus loves us even when we are unlovable, that I know is true as I'm not always lovable! I pray you don't miss it. God Bless, Susie

Guest: Joan Soler
Guest E-mail: gethsemani@ctv.es
City, Country: Spain
Date & Comments: January 11, 1999
Soy miembro de una pequeña asamblea de hermanos de España de raiz Darbynista, deseo enviaros mis saludos afectuosos en Cristo. Nos congregamos bajo los principios de Mateo 18:20. Que la Paz de Dios esté con los que esperamos la venida de Su Hijo.

English translations

I am a member of a small assembly of brethren in Spain with Darbyist roots, I would like to send you my affectionate salutations in Christ. We meet under the principles of Matthew 18:20. May the peace of God be with those who await the coming of his Son.

I am a member of a little assembly of brothers (brethren) in Spain of Darbyist roots, wishing to send my affectionate greetings in Christ. Our meeting follows the principles of Matt 18:20. May the peace of God be with those who hope for the coming of His Son.

Guest: tony green
Guest E-mail: atgreen@freeserve.co.uk
City, Country: devizes wiltshire england
Date & Comments: January 14, 1999
left brethren in 1970 used to live at salisbury would like to hear from any old friends my sister cynthia dible is still with the exclusive brethren, would like any information on her or her children.

Guest: Frank Mortyn
Guest E-mail: frank59@stanfordalumni.org
City, Country: California USA
Date & Comments: January 1999:
As always, it is interesting yet painful to peruse this website. I have been happily liberated from peebism for more than three decades. I know there are many decent persons trapped within the EB coils of fear and deception, and it is tragic to observe the pain and anger that troubles so many. For what it's worth, I want to report the joy I have found in the High Anglican tradiion: I am step by step approaching Anglo-Catholicism and love its richness and warmth. The Book of Common Prayer is a remarkable document! Darby made a big mistake when he turned away from Anglicanism.

Guest: Beverly Suckling (nee Forrest)
Guest E-mail: maryannew@xtra.co.nz
City, Country: Glenfield, Auckland, New Zealand
Date & Comments: January 15, 1999
It's lovely to see some old names of people I grew up with. Hello to Ngarie and Bevan Thomas - love you both.

I live in Glenfield, Auckland, New Zealand. My two daughters Maryanne and Deborah have moved on to Whangarei but my son Layton is still at home and approaching 21 - HELP!!

Enjoying my independance now as I get closer to personal retirement. I have built my own home by myself and am now looking for a new direction in life.

I would like to hear from my personal friends who grew up in Tauranga with me and went to the EB in the years between 1950-1964.

Guest: Alan Fletcher
Guest E-mail: none at this time
City, Country: Maple Ridge, BC
Date & Comments: January 17, 1999
I left the brethren in 1989. My address is 21030 Lougheed Hwy. Maple Ridge, B.C. v2x2r3 Would like to hear from old friends from U K or wherever. Greetings to my old buddy Jimmy C.and family, Sharon from L.A., to my ex bro inlaw Stephen Innes! the Whitbourns from England and many other sinners!! May the Grace of Christ be with you always.

Guest: Soukoreff Jim & Sue
Guest E-mail: Daniel_Soukoreff@bc.sympatico.ca
City, Country: Vancouver Canada
Date & Comments: January 18, 1999
It is 1999 - 40 years in the wilderness. We came amongst the brethren in August, 1959. We believe that the impressions received at that time from the ministry of J.N.D., F.E.R. J. T. and others was and is the truth. Though we have failed personally and though the brethren have failed in their testimony collectively, we still believe that the truth recovered at the time of J.N.D. and others is true and of Philedelphian charater. It is our hope, belief and desire that the truth of the assembly will be seen again in expression before the Lord comes for the Church.

Guest: Peter B, Howell
Guest E-mail: Peter18423@aol.com
City, Country: Prunedale, Ca. 93907
Date & Comments: January 18, 1999
I very much enjoy visiting this site and have found and made contact with loved ones. God bless you Mr. Wyman for such a wonderful service.

Guest: Russ or Vikki McDonald
Guest E-mail: Vikki_McDonald@bc.sympatico.ca
City, Country: Victoria, BC Canada
Date & Comments: January 19, 1999
I'm changing my e:mail address. My new address will be: Vikki_McDonald@bc.sympatico.ca

Guest: Dorothy Frownfelter (Cooper)
Guest E-mail: cooperdr@u.washington.edu
City, Country: Mukilteo, Wa
Date & Comments: January 19, 1999
I am Dorothy Frownfelter (Cooper) - raised in the PB's in the Bay Area from the age of 4 - left in 1972 (I think) - don't know if I have formerly ever been withdrawn from. So much of what has happened in my life has been colored by my upbringing. Fortunately I have a very dear friend - Suzanne Howell who lives close by and we communicate frequently. We are both available to anyone who needs to talk about the terrible trauma that occurred in our lives often at such a young age. I can say I have put it behind me. Married outside - although my husband does not have a clue what I grew up in. The Lord Jesus remarkably is very real to me and that is only due to my salvation experience after I left the PB's. I have many memories of 3-day meetings at which time we drank,and partied. I was in Winnipeg in 1970 at some 3-day meetings and then went to Neche with Estelle Taylor and Jeannie Symington. If any females want to discuss the stuff that went on - and the terrible feelings of inadequacy that constantly plague us - contact me. My address is 5415 93rd Place SW Mukilteo, Wa. 98275.

Guest: Geoff Gould
Guest E-mail: gouldgeoff@ashford.kent.sch.uk
City, Country: Ashford, Kent, UK
Date & Comments: 19/1/99
My father in law (Donald Lynes) and mother in law (Hazel Lynes nee Diplock) came from the EBs in Surrey (left in early 60s). They would like to hear from any friends or family or anyone with news of their family. You can contact them via my E_Mail (gouldgeoff@ashford.kent.sch.uk).

Guest: Ron H. Steele
Guest E-mail: rhsteele@ultratektel.com
City, Country: Langley BC Canada
Date & Comments: January 20,1999
This is the day 1955 I trusted Christ at the Woodland Gospel Hall Vancouver among the "open" brethren.

I have met many "exclusive brethren" over the years. Many are godly brethren and sisters. Why such will not eat with a brother in Christ when the Lord ate with publicans and sinners is strange.

Guest: Suzanne Ruth Gleason (Howell)
Guest E-mail: suzgleason@aol.com
City, Country: Seattle, WA USA
Date & Comments: January 20, 1999
Hello fellow ex's! We made it! Here in Seattle now after a long, long road away from the pain of my childhood. Grew up in Bay Area: courts removed me from the home at the age of 17 after the PBs had me on "shut-up" then they had a 'funeral meeting' for me - guess they considered me dead or something! But I'm not! I'm very much alive! And happy! Found only one person from my childhood - now a dear friend Dorothy Cooper (Frownfelter) and we have relied on each other for support through our painful memories. I thank and praise God for this website! and for all of you who have made it out! Trust me! God has something special waiting for you! :) :) Contact me whenever you like: suzgleason@aol.com. For those who don't remember who I am : middle dau of Edward and Phyllis Howell - gr daughter of W. K. Rosenberry.

Guest: Christer Nilsson
Guest E-mail: c.nil@telia.com
City, Country: Växjö, Sweden
Date & Comments: January 20, 1999
I have changed my e-mail address. If someone is interested to get in touch my new address is: c.nil@telia.com

First time I signed this guest book was in june 1998.

I read Correspondence "1999 Errata" last night. As Dick referred to an excerpt taken from my book "Sekternas Sekt", I will comment that under "Correspondence".

Guest: Stephen Clarke
Guest E-mail: www.sjclarke@islandnet.com
City, Country: Victoria,BC,Canada
Date & Comments: January,20,1999
Just recently discovered this web site(and have bookmarked it). Great to hear bits of news from a past era! I grew up in Victoria (son of Victor & Olive). I mainly have good memories of fellowship with my childhood buddies. However, I've always had a sense that potential life-long friendships were prematualy aborted. Our family left in the 1970 exodus. I would enjoy hearing from any past friends to swap stories. God has been good to our family, (wife Catherine & our 3 sons: Jordan, Stephen & Nathan). I pray "blessing, liberty, renewed relationship with Jesus, & healing for those who are still hurting."

Guest: Daniel Soukoreff
Guest E-mail: Daniel_Soukoreff@bc.sympatico.ca
City, Country: 4882 Coleman Place, Delta, BC, Canada, V4K 3H7
Date & Comments: January 20, 1999
Greetings to All! This is a great site for contacts, but for content I'm really enjoying Gordon Rainbow's site:

Kerstin (nee Schubert) and myself would enjoy correspondence from any.

Feeling deeply some of the personal stories I have read, I close with this scripture: Ezekiel 34 Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Woe to the shepherds of Israel that feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flock? Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool; ye kill them that are fattened: but ye feed not the flock. The weak have ye not strengthened, nor have ye healed the sick, and ye have not bound up what was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought for that which was lost; but with harshness and with rigour have ye ruled over them. And they were scattered because there was no shepherd; and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, and were scattered. My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill, and my sheep have been scattered upon all the face of the earth, and there was none that searched, or that sought for them...Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Behold I, even I, will both search for my sheep, and tend them. As a shepherd tendeth his flock in the day that he is among his scattered sheep, so will I tend my sheep, and WILL DELIVER them out of ALL places whither they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.

Guest: Sarah Clarke
Guest E-mail: sarahc52@hotmail.com
City, Country: Victoria, BC Canada
Date & Comments: January 1999
I left the Exclusive Brethren in 1970 with my family at age 18 over the Aberdeen issue. (Parents Victor and Olive (nee Manning). I remember my father saying we left because the Lord's rights were being violated - never mind our own.

Only a small group of about 20 left out of a meeting of 80 and we stayed in the Renton fellowship until withdrawn from in 1981 for attending a cousin's wedding at an Open Brethren chapel. (The further away I get away from that event, the stranger that seems!)

We thought we were "free" of exclusiveness when we left in 1970, but discovered it was a long road back to becoming "normal" Christians as outlined in the New Testament.

It is a very traumatic process, becoming de-sensitized to all the in-built PB prejudices, but fortunately I had become a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ in 1967, three years previous to the 1970 split, so wasn't as cast adrift as those whose only link with "Christianity" was a steady diet of EB teaching. Despite setbacks, I can say the years since 1970 have been an onward quest to a closer walk with the Lord Jesus Christ, the "Leader and Completer of our faith."

If I was to sum up my experience as an ex-EB, I would say that the worst is losing valued friends and relatives; the best is re-discovering the joy of fellowship with my Saviour - and learning to appreciate the worth of all believers, regardless of "brand" name.

Guest: Jim Isham
Guest E-mail: usishams@juno.com
City, Country: Concord California
Date & Comments: 01/21/99
Since I first signed this guest book I have had a number of contacts from old friends I haven't see or heard of in years. It has been wonderful. And for anyone who was wondering, Yes, Ben Isham is my father. Thanks Dick for doing this.

Guest: Raymond Fowler
Guest E-mail: surfingray@proweb.co.uk
City, Country: Nottingham, England
Date & Comments: Saturday, January 23
This is just a note to let everyone who knows me that my email address has changed. See above. Also a note of great appreciation for Dick Wyman. I have found a true friend and kindred spirit through your site, and my life has been greatly enriched as result. Thank you very much.

Guest: Joel M. Skrabacz
Guest E-mail: racoon074@yahoo.com
City, Country: Savannah Ga. USA
Date & Comments: January 23, 1999
Would like to find out where I can go to worship with the PB I went when I was young and am interested in breaking bread with them I went in Erie Pa. now I live in Savannah Ga. and the closest hall is in South Carolina can you help me out.

Guest: Lois K. McFarlane
Guest E-mail: LOKAMAC@aol.com
City, Country: NY, USA
Date & Comments: January 23, 1999
Hello to everyone. I am happy to see so many on-line and to read the many contributions. I hope some of us can get together in the near future and in the meantime "keep hope alive".

Guest: Philip and Hazel White
Guest E-mail: Upland28.freeserve.co.uk
City, Country: Worthing West Sussex England
Date & Comments: January 24, 1999
We left the Taylor brethren when we were children. Thankfully our parents saw the light. We would be glad to hear of any that may know us. My maiden name was Parker and my mother was a Knappett. She had four brothers and one sister (Frank, Stephen, Arthur, Clement and Ruth). Also my husband has a cousin called Richard Patmore and he would be glad to hear any new about him. They were last living in Catford Lewisham area.

Our family now meet with Christians in Worthing. We have four children Stephanie, Ashley, Tristan and Clara. We seek to be here for the Lord and seek to please Him. We would be glad to hear from any who have left that system.

Guest: Peter Steedman
Guest E-mail: PSteed@compuserve.com
City, Country: England
Date & Comments: 26.1.99
May 18th 1985 I became a free individual and even though all my family are still in the Brethren, I am very Happy for the experiences I have been given. The Experience of being "expelled" has allowed me to become a stronger and more open minded person.

THANKYOU!

Guest: Sam Zacharia
Guest E-mail: samzac@vsnl.com
City, Country: Trivandrum, INDIA
Date & Comments: 02-26-1999
May God bless you

Guest: Nick Barter
Guest E-mail: nickbarter@hotmail.com
City, Country: London, England. Formally Yeovil, England
Date & Comments: January 26, 1999
I left the brethren on my own in 1992, as a teenager.

Guest: Scott Mather
Guest E-mail: smather@mytownnet.com
City, Country: Portland, Oregon, USA
Date & Comments: January 26, 1999

A family has just moved in next door whom I suspect are exclusive brethren. They seem to go to church meetings every evening, and as new neighbors, are keeping very much to themselves. They dress conservatively, with the women wearing head coverings. The few times I have talked to the head of the family, he has acted serious, businesslike, and eager to end the conversation although he doesn't do it in an unfriendly manner. I just get the feeling that I am an outsider.

From what I have just described, is it more likely that these people are open or exclusive?

If they are exclusive, is there any hope of establishing a friendship with them since I am an "outsider?"

I do happen to be a Christian, although I belong to a denomination (Presb.) which I realize is in opposition to a basic tenet of Brethren belief.

Any input appreciated.

Oh, by the way, I was involved in the Mormon cult for 2 years of my life. I have personally experienced the pain and grief associated with the aftermath of that involvement. I am personally committed to helping anyone who wants it, to come out of Mormonism. Perhaps that is why I feel concern for my new neighbors...

At any rate, thanks for the priviledge of posting here.

Scott

Guest: Christopher Charles Pile
Guest E-mail: ccphaulage@sunbeach.net
Date & Comments: January 28, 1999
Going through the net and found this page which is very interesting. Got married at 18 years old on April 13th 1976 to Mr Dale Tickle's second daughter Kerry Lynne. We have eight children and we left on December 1st 1976. Our oldest daughter Shanna lives with my sister who is still in and our oldest son Anthony lives with me. Be glad to "talk" to anyone on the net e-mail etc, at a later date. Feel free to contact anytime. Signed: Chris Pile

Guest: Derek Shorthouse
Guest E-mail: dereks@globalnet.co.uk
City, Country: Gloucester, England
Date & Comments: January 28, 1999
Formerly of Wolverhampton. Served in NCC 1950-51.

Recently a diary archive has come to light, covering Taylorite and post-Taylorite EB history 1959-1972. Mainly based on Birmingham, England, but with wider references. This Diary requires, for its full development, more information on parallel events in N. America and Australia. Can you help? Are you interested? If so, please contact me.

Greetings to all who may know me.

Guest: Jeremy Yallop
Guest E-mail: jeremy@jdyallop.freeserve.co.uk
City, Country: London, England
Date & Comments: 28/1/99

Guest: Shirley Brailey (nee Alford)
Guest E-mail: alisonr@brailey33.freeserve.co.uk
City, Country: Salisbury Wiltshire
Date & Comments: January 29, 1999
Left the EB's in 1968, married now with two children. Living in Salisbury. Like to hear from any old friends

Guest: Grant Hoyle
Guest E-mail: ghoyle@clear.net.nz
City, Country: Cambridge Hamilton New Zealand
Date & Comments: January 30, 1999
to any ex Brethren please keep in touch. Some extra family or anyone else from there or been there wold be great.

Guest: Laurence Pope
Guest E-mail: pope@popefam.fsnet.co.uk
City, Country: Market Deeping, Peterborough, U.K.
Date & Comments: 31.1.1999
My family were all in the Croydon meeting from 1953-1970, all leaving the Taylorite Exclusives when all those loyal to J.T.Jr. walked out of the meeting room at Haling Hall, Croydon, after the extraordinary events at Aberdeen, in July 1970. My father, Peter Pope was a very gifted composer and musician (see Obituary for 1991). My mother, Noreen, is still alive, living in an Anglican Community in Great Malvern. My sisters Teresa and Priscilla are both married with two children and live in Herefordshire, U.K. I married Caroline Abbott in 1973 and we have three children, Matthew (aged 20 and reading law at Manchester University), Helena (aged 18 and reading music at Leeds University) and Jonathan (aged 13 and at The Deepings School in Deeping St James. All our family have been confirmed in the Church of England and I am a Church Reader (local preacher). I still miss the extraordinary close fellowship of the Brethren but we have found wonderful Christian fellowship in our local church.

Guest: John & Joanna Greeves (Pons)
Guest E-mail: jg@jgreeves.freeserve.co.uk
City, Country: Belfast. N.I.
Date & Comments: January 30, 1999
Please note new E mail address

Guest: Sharon Johnson (formerly Frownfelter)
Guest E-mail: sharonj@temecula.com
City, Country: Menifee, California
Date & Comments: 1/31/99
....I cannot believe after so many years I now can hear how so many people have been affected by the EB. I thought I was alone....

My family all left in 1971 because my dad stood up several times in the meetings to protest the treatment of people. Thank YOU, Dad, Richard Frownfelter, who died Oct.17, 1992....I now have a Master's degree and am raising two teenagers as a single mom....I am FREE....to love others and God....Thanks for this WEB site.....

Guest: HOLT, Russell
City, Country: QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA
Date & Comments: February 1, 1999

Guest: William Beattie
Guest E-mail: wbeattie@nwifc.wa.gov
City, Country: Olympia, Washington (USA)
Date & Comments: February 1, 1999
I grew up among the Brethren in the San Francisco area. I would be interested in any information about my sister Dawn Lock, who I believe is living near Boston, or any of her children who might have attained a more communicative mindset.

Guest: Robert Thomson
City, Country: Glasgow, Scotland
Date & Comments: February 3, 1999
I am in fellowship with open brethren assemblies. I am sorry to read about the many heart-breaking experiences people have had with the exclusive brethren. I want to record that Mr Darby's writings have helped me understand the bible more than any other writer. I would remind readers of the web site that " the just shall live by faith". We cannot blaim Mr Darby for the current sorry state of assembly testimony - each generation needs to appropriate the truth by faith, and apply it to life in 1999.

Thank you for setting up this site

Note: If you have an email address but do not want it published with your guest book entry, let me know. I will withhold your address but retain it. If someone then wishes to contact you, they can write to me and I will forward their email to you. You can reply or not as you wish.

--Dick

Guest: Don Sievwright
Guest E-mail: rosenet@dragnet.com.au
City, Country: Wagga Wagga Australia
Date & Comments: February 4, 1999
Fortunately for me I was able to look from the outside in at all the nonsense that went on in the Jims or Featheries as we knew it. I'll just mention that back in the 50's and early 60's I was able to make a thorough menace of myself to either Bruce or John Hales who lived in Austin Ave Croydon, NSW Aust. My mates were Doug Lee, Jim Downie and Clive Reddel. Clive and Jim have died but Doug is still running his electrical Empire at The Basin in Victoria. My mother was Alma Barrett and her Mother was Florence nee Gage and Florence had about 6 sisters who were all in the EB. My mothers brothers Jack and George and sister Kath were members but got kicked out. Back to Hales. Doug Lee Jim Downie and myself were electrical apprentices and we had motorbikes and Hale's street was ideal for racing. As far as we know Brother Hales never rang the police but many others did. The motor bikes were the means of escape for the brethren boys and were lured into the worldly life by those fragile old machines.

To my absolute horror after getting a job as an electrical apprentice with Arnot Brothers I was told by my Aunt that they were EB's. They broke every rule and never was I allowed to step foot in their homes. At times I was assigned to do work at brethren homes and could feel the tension until I did a bit of name dropping. Bob Gage my Great Uncle had built the meeting hall at Ashfield. I always felt sorry for my mother as she was absolutely cut off from her relatives and when my father vanished in 1950 Bob Gage's wife Eliza tried to get my mother to join up saying she would be loved. Mother asked why she couldn't be loved in any case. Now living near Wagga Wagga I see the EB's in their uniforms in The Sturt Shopping Mall and feel like bailing them up and asking why they have to inflict such misery on their poor little kids. On e of the big grain buying companies here is owned by the EB's so they know how to make a dollar. Doug Lee told me years ago that he went to the Hales house to do some electrical work and almost fell over when he was offered a beer. Doug married a girl Pat who was not in the EB and got very confused about his life so after consultation with Brother Teddy Crutcher, my cousin, went home and pulled all the valves out of Pat's radio. Pat of course got upset and Doug's father who was a good bloke told Doug to put them back and stand by his wife, so there were some good ones. Clive Reddel would hotwire his fathers 1950 Ford V8 Custom when the family went to the meeting and roar round and pick up the gang for an hours drive in a stolen car. They were the days...

Anyone from Sydney reading this will remember Ellis' boot shop in Ashfield which was run like a prison camp. On occasion I be dragged screaming to one of the tea meetings at Ashfield by my grandmother and can remember some crowd all clad in long black coats who would stand up as a silent protest every time Ellis got to his feet. Does any one out there know the story behind that. I'd like to hear from some Gage cousins if they've woken up and feel sorry for all of you who've suffered at the hands of this evil bunch. I was just so lucky.

Guest: Gilmore, Jim & Marian (Symington)
Guest E-mail: Wimpsmum@aol.com
City, Country: Bakersfield, CA
Date & Comments: February 4, 1999

Guest: Steven & Jenny McKnight
Guest E-mail: steven@48cleland.freeserve.co.uk
City, Country: UK Ireland
Date & Comments: February 7, 1999

Guest: Stephen Cook
Guest E-mail: steve.cook@ables.co.nz
City, Country: Wellington, New Zealand
Date & Comments: February 8, 1999
I am generally interested in this cult but have no direct connection with it. I was raised Presbyterian, but for the past 5 or so years worship somewhat sparodically in the Open Brethren.

My curiosity was first aroused when in the line of my business (office equipment/computers) this group would regularly order electronic typewriters with any memory capability disabled. Various conflicting stories as to why led to ask more questions and it has stuck since.

I am moved and saddened by the stories of those who have managed to leave but are torn by the anguish of those they have left behind. I recently came into contact with a lady who left the E.B. several years ago and has now had her marriage fail (a non-christian husband) and who has 2 delightful little children to her first husband. Her name is Roberta ("Bert"), married or maiden surname unknown.

She has little if any family support and is very reliant on friends, I am not in a position to assist her in anyway but her story seems so similar to many others I have read.

It is very upsetting to see the word of The Lord so distorted by this cult, and the unfortunate members who, save for their upbringing might otherwise know true freedom.

Guest: Mike Gardiner
Guest E-mail: michael.gardiner@msacanada.com
City, Country: Vancouver BC Canada
Date & Comments: February 11, 1999
Nice to see some more familiar names since last year.