This page contains entries 551 through current in the guestbook. Entries were made after September 4, 1999.
These names and addresses are posted to enable people to contact friends and loved ones. Please do not exploit this information for commercial purposes.
thanks
Guest: John T McMullan
Guest E-mail: jtmcm@nanaimo.ark.com
City, Country: Qualicum Beach, BC, Canada
Date & Comments: September 5, 1999
I was raised in an EB home and was one of nine children.My childhood memories were having to go to endless services at
the various meeting rooms. At the boy's school I attended, I got rather keen on sport and for some reason this was very sinful
and as I grew older it seemed that any pleasures not associated with the meetings (which were boring) was a sin.
Long before there were any splits etc there was very little love to shown to anyone who asked any questions about all the regulations. I am a questioning person, and after leaving school, I became completely disinterested in the whole business and eventually stopped going at all.
I married a wonderful girl who went to a Presbyterian Church and was a Christian although I took no interest in anything to do with Church, I was not opposed. Of course none of my family went to the wedding and one of my older brothers was extremely rude to my wife's mother.
We came to Canada in 1954, and it was a great relief to me to get away from the continual hassle by relatives and threats of hellfire etc.
In 1965, we were living in Vancouver with our three daughters, and although my wife and the kids went to church and Sunday school, I took little interest. There was a notice advertising a Biily Graham Crusade in the Football stadium, and out of curiosity I decided to go there with my family. The message was John 3:16 which I was familiar with but I heard for the first time of God's love for me and His provision for my sin. My heart was strangely warmed when I thanked Him for dying in my place and I simply put my trust in Him alone.
I could say much more, but my whole family belong to the Lord Jesus Christ and for this I thank God each day. I attempted to share my newfound faith with others in my family but they were not interested unless I was willing to go to the EB. I have not heard from them since about 1970 and I can only pray that they will one day meet my Lord when there is still time. I trust this will encourage someone.
Guest: Richard Baker
Guest E-mail: richard.baker@amcor.com.au
City, Country: Werribee Australia
Date & Comments: September 5, 1999
I've lived close to a meeting hall for over 20 years, always been curious, found this site very interesting.
Guest: Milt Holmes
Guest E-mail: mh@dis.com.au
City, Country: Melbourne, Australia
Date & Comments: September 6, 1999
Guest: Harry (Harold) Knappett
Guest E-mail: Harry@youthfuldays.freeserve.co.uk
City, Country: Maidstone
Date & Comments: September 7, 1999
I cannot say that I left, rather my father did, I was a boy in 1970. Yes, I lost relations and friends, but I look back and
see that God has been gracious to me.
I do not think that anyone has escaped unscathed from that system. Of one thing I am absolutely certain - none of those that has trusted Jesus for their salvation will be lost. His love is stronger than anything in the universe - see Romans 8:35. It is an unbreakable cable attaching those He has saved to Him. Whatever your feelings about all that has happened - personally or generally - look to Jesus. Stand firm, He is coming soon.
Guest: R. Edmund McMullan
Guest E-mail: PGSentinel@aol.com or remcmullan@cse.com
City, Country: Winston Salem, North Carolina, 27130 USA also Cayman Islands, B.W.I.
Date & Comments: September 7, 1999
My brother John in Canada alerted me recently to this site and I am grateful, having been born into the Plymouth Brethren
in 1926 and left them in 1963 following the death of my dear father, Herbert McMullan. Now at the age of 73+ I have
been reflecting on the "good times" when there was no regulation and looking forward to one day being in Glory with my
beloved Parents, forever with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
It wasn't till I decided to leave that I discovered how many wonderful Christians there were in this world and the only thing I have not done is to join another Church or Christian association.
I have a lot to share and even now as I consider my brothers in Londonderry, N. Ireland, in England, also a sister in England and every day asking God to break down the barriers and unite us together in Jesus Christ once more.
I notice that Warren Heggie of Toronto is now out of the "Jimmites" as they are referenced these days and I wonder what he is doing. If you know tell him I asked after him.
Another day I will write more
God is still on His Throne and Jesus still loves us all and yes we are all born in sin and shaped in equity but Jesus died and rose again to make a way for us where there seemed no way. We need to come to Jesus, not to a religious organization developed by men, and He will take us in.
May God Bless all those who spread the wonderful Gospel of Jesus Christ, regardless of how or where or when.
Guest: Sam Zacharia
City, Country: India, Trivandrum
Date & Comments: September 8, 1999
I really liked your sites.
Guest: Roy Simpkin
Guest E-mail: royrica@eisa.com.au
City, Country: Dargaville, New Zealand
Date & Comments: September 9, 1999
Now living in Melbourne, Australia
Guest: James Devenish
Guest E-mail: jamesdevenish@yahoo.com
City, Country: London UK
Date & Comments: September 10, 1999
Please note change of e mail address
Guest: Peter Wade (formerly High Wycombe)
Guest E-mail: peter.wade3@virgin.net
City, Country: Coventry, England
Date & Comments: September 12, 1999
It is great to read so many testinomies (whoops sounds a bit peeby) and realise you are not the only one.
Guest: Josie Buck
Guest E-mail: fordchic@digisys.net
City, Country: Montana, USA
Date & Comments: September 12, 1999
No comments at this time......but will be back often to check
out new things. Very interesting web site. I was notified
about this site through my family including Becky Wilke (Buck)
Thanks for all of the information.
Guest: Julia Dring (nee Owen)
Guest E-mail: julia@dring.fsnet.co.uk
City, Country: Middlesbrough,England
Date & Comments: September 15, 1999
Left the 'Peebs' in September 1985 at the age of 25 on my own leaving behind my parents, a sister and
2 brothers, nieces and nephews.Am now married to an 'Outsider'
and we have 3 young children and doing very well. I would love to hear from anyone who knew
me in the 'Peebs' particularly anyone who has left since and can tell me anything about my family since I left.
Guest: David Canfield
Guest E-mail: dvdcnfld@aol.com
City, Country: Chicago, Illinois
Date & Comments: September 16, 1999
Greetings to all the beloved saints!
Guest: David Gerard
Guest E-mail: anthony_gerard@hotmail.com
City, Country: London, UK
Date & Comments: September 17, 1999
Very bowled over by opening this site for the first time yesterday, from a tip given by my sister in Armidale,
Australia, originating with my brother Al (Gerard) who is definitely a computer literato.
Am bewildered to 're-access' the past in this fashion, where until now it was fond, or sad memories of long ago and far away, except for the occasional sighting of scarves and long hair flying in the breeze as a carful of brothers and sisters went past on some motorway somewhere. Oh - and two elderly sisters on the street in Reigate once I spoke to cheerily, who remembered my grandfather (John Patton, cousin of George Patton of Belfast, died in the early eighties, I think - both leading men), and said there was a 'way back'. This is true. Way way back - 2000 years in fact, to stand at the foot of the Cross of Christ. Also a way forward. Jesus said he who will be my disciple must take up his cross and follow me. Which is ever onward, with Him.
Look forward to hearing from and maybe contacting any brethren in England or GB, or anywhere else. I translate, teach, occasionally preach, am Russian Orthodox (along with a handful of other ex-exclusives), and went to Oxford (Univ) in the late 70's - more or less straight from Australia in the Brethren, which we left on January 1, 1973.
Also if there any ex-Brethren on the Continent I would love to be in touch. I speak Spanish, German, French, Italian and Russian.
Greetings in Christ.
--David Gerard
Guest: Philip Margetts
Guest E-mail: philipmargetts@fdn.co.uk
City, Country: Gloucestershire
Date & Comments: September 17, 1999
Change to e-mail address, sorry there was a fault, if anyone responded please send again.
Guest: Iain & Pippa Morris
Guest E-mail: usapip@aol.com
City, Country: Petaluma, California, USA
Date & Comments: September 17, 1999
Again, a delight to read such inspirational stories.
Guest: Priscilla Hester
Guest E-mail: hester@stealth.com.au
City, Country: Leeton, Australia
Date & Comments: September 18, 1999
Just wondering if anyone has knowledge of the reason behind the big moveout of Exclusives in South Africa.
We live in Leeton, in country New South Wales, Australia, and the real estate agent here is selling houses to South African families in the Exclusives, who tell him that thousands of families are coming out to Australia.
Regards
--Roger and Priscilla Hester
Guest: R. Edmund McMullan
Guest E-mail: pgsentinel@aol.com
City, Country: Winston Salem, North Carolina, 27130
Date & Comments: September 19, 1999
Originally from Londonderry, N. Ireland, 4th son of Herbert & Eleanor McMullan (now deceased).
Emigrated to Canada in November 1950 and located in Montreal, then Toronto, Ontario. Married
Anna McDowall(formerly of Paisley, Scotland and New York) in January 1955, set up house in
Toronto. We have two children Sandra Jean and David Edmund both now married and three
Grand-children, Amanda (13) Samantha (10) and Rachael(7). Sandra and her Husband live in
Winston Salem, North Carolina with their three girls. David and his wife live in Dallas, Texas.
We reside in Cayman Islands, British West Indies and also have a home in Winston Salem, NC to be close to our Grandchildren and Daughter.
My Father died in 1960 and I saw him one week before the Lord took him but not before he advised me of what was to happen to the Brethren due to serious error and wrong teaching. We left the Brethren in 1961.
We have noticed many names in the Guest Book known to us and will be happy to hear from anyone who remembers us.
Guest: June Foster
Guest E-mail: RbJnFoster@aol.com
City, Country: Hatfield, Hertfordshire. UK
Date & Comments: September 19, 1999
We've been in Hatfield for year now, so I thought I'd sign in again. Looking forward to meeting
some of you at the get together next weekend.
Guest: Gordon Mathison
Guest E-mail: lansur@uniserve.com
Date & Comments: September 20, 1999
I had received a response from [a correspondent] who took offense to my posting in the guest book. My reference
to "Sons of B.'s" Taylorites was meant to be a humourous one. I had only wanted to contact sons of "brethren" who
would likely be in my age group. My apologies to any others who may have taken offence to said reference. Rest
assured that I am a son of God and recently very reliant on the healing hand of our Lord and Savior for my wife,
Donna, who has been in hospital now for the past 2 weeks. Your prayers would very much be appreciated, not
only for Donna's recovery, but also for the stresses of juggling work and the rearing of 10 year old twin girls.
Your most humble brother in Christ,
--Gordon Mathison
Guest: Laurie Twinam
Guest E-mail: Laurie@twinam.fsnet.co.uk
City, Country: 8 Pontoise Close, Sevenoaks TN13 3ES 01732 455425
Date & Comments: September 21, 1999
Just to let you know that my Email number has been changed
Guest: Marguerite Coleman (Fracy)
Guest E-mail: mags@islandnet.com
City, Country: Victoria Canada
Date & Comments: September 23, 1999
I have enjoyed reading the stories on this website, I was brought up as a child in the 50's
in the EB. My parents left when the "eating" became an issue.
Guest: Philip Gardner
Guest E-mail: clement9@bellsouth.net
City, Country: North Augusta, SC USA
Date & Comments: September 23, 1999
I was looking through the sites for "Plymouth Brethren" and I
stumbled upon y'all. I just graduated from Emmaus Bible
College this spring. It is exciting to see other Christians
stating their faith! Thank you for your testimony.
Guest: Marie Winston
Guest E-mail: winsrock@pacbell.net
City, Country: So. Pasadena, CA 91030
Date & Comments: September 24, 1999
My brother Stephen and I lost our beloved father on April 7, 1999. Our best years with him
were spent after we all left The Bretheren. He was a faithful servant in a quiet, unassuming,
gentle sort of way. I miss him daily.
Guest: Brent & Penny (nee Hibbert) Cowie
Guest E-mail: terv@cadvision.com
City, Country: September 24, 1999
Date & Comments: Calgary, Canada
Guest: Lindsay Sitorius
City, Country: Gothenburg, USA
Date & Comments: September 25, 1999
Guest: NPC
Guest E-mail: goodtime@breathmail.net
City, Country: UK
Date & Comments: September 26, 1999
I do not and and never have belonged to the EB, but I have done buisness with them
over the last decade, and they sure are an unusual group of people. This web-site has
provided me with many answers to questions on the Brethren way of life, and it has
also made me realise just how two faced they are. I once saw a male brethren eat a
pie, which I had taken a bite from then decided I did not want it, he said it seemed a
shame to waste it, and if I did not mind, could he finish it. He ate it without a second
thought, and these are people who refuse to eat with us.
I admire the courage of those who break away from these people, it must take great courage to go into the ouside world after being fed the EB's nonesense for so long.
I wish you all good luck.
Guest: Ted Druckenmiller
Guest E-mail: teddruck@quixnet.net
Date & Comments: September 27, 1999
Due to recent expansion of my Interactive Distribution business, TEDRUCK Enterprises International is going onto the
Internet, I have changed my ISP to quixnet.net. Beginning immediately my e-mail address is teddruck@quixnet.net.
My previous ISP will terminate October 1.
I have appreciated correspondence you all in the past and look forward to keeping in touch in the future.
Guest: Tammy Gladstone
Guest E-mail: tammygladstone@hotmail.com
City, Country: Georgia....USA
Date & Comments: September 27, 1999
Thank you so much for your site!!
Guest: Stephen D. Ballard
Guest E-mail: sballard@interchange.ubc.ca
City, Country: Vancouver, BC Canada
Date & Comments: September 28, 1999
My email address has changed.
Guest: Eunice Webb (nee Leitch)
Guest E-mail: Solwota@bigpond.com
City, Country: Brisbane, Australia
Date & Comments: September 29, 1999
I read these extracts and am overwhelmed with emotion.
Whilst I left the brethren with my family at the age of 12, I still as a women of thirty-one identify myself as an EB.
Still very much alive is the feeling of secrecy and fear that overshadows all my memories. For my parents who lived most of their lives as Brethren this feeling is magnified.
Guest: John & Rhoda (Grindley) McDonald
Guest E-mail: McDonaldJL@aol.com
City, Country: B.C., Canada
Date & Comments: September 29, 1999
Guest: Oliver W Bedford
Guest E-mail: oliverb@tcorp.nsw.gov.au
City, Country: Sydney, Australia
Date & Comments: September 29, 1999
Brought up in the Taylorite brethren at Amersham and High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire,
England; left in 1967 at age 22. Since then resident in Australia. Very happy to hear from
anyone I knew, whether from south-east England or some of the places our family used to
visit further afield, such as Manchester, Swansea, or places in Devon (Teignmouth, Dawlish,
Torquay).
Guest: Cameron Elkins
Guest E-mail: cameron_elkins@hotmail.com
Date & Comments: September 30, 1999
Hi - Does anyone know how to contact Scott Markham of High Wickham. He left PBs 3 or 4 months ago.
His mobile number does not work anymore.
Guest: jonathan burr
Guest E-mail: jonathan@burr3.freeserve.co.uk
Date & Comments: September 30, 1999
Guest: Greg Miles
Guest E-mail: gregbmiles@hotmail.com
City, Country: Calga, Australia
Date & Comments: October 2, 1999
I never really wanted to think about the fact that I was in the E.B.'s for a long
time, but sufficient time has elapsed for me find this site quite absorbing. Our
family left in the late '60's. I hold no malice or ill-will against those remaining,
but hope and pray that more will be released from the sect, whether by freewill
or so called "assembly judgement". I have a wife who was never in and 3 children
who can not really grasp what this Exclusive Brethren thing is all about. I hope
that this site is a help to those who have recently left and a point of contact for
former E.B.'s, as I'm sure it is. It takes a long time to de-program, but it will
happen. We now happily worship at a Baptist Church.
Guest: Patty Bunning and Connie (Bunning) Barton
Guest E-mail: pacobar@attglobal.net
City, Country: San Diego, CA
Date & Comments: October 4, 1999
I'm shocked, stunned, and absolutely thrilled to find out
about this website. I only happened upon it by chance.
Please feel free to contact me if you remember me!
Guest: Daniel Simpson
Guest E-mail:
City, Country: UK
Date & Comments: October 5, 1999
Help, I want out.
Posted 6 October 1999
Readers:
I have no idea whether the above entry is legitimate or a hoax.
I have contacts in the UK who would be willing to help any person trying to get out of the EBs, but I need an address or telephone number. If anyone reading this is thinking about leaving the brethren, please look through the Guestbook and the Names page and make a note of the email addresses of people you know or who might know you or be able to help you. You can use the feedback form at the bottom of the main page to send email to anyone.
--Dick
Guest: John Bunning
Guest E-mail: jonbun@temecula.com
City, Country: USA, California
Date & Comments: October 7, 1999
I left the "fellowship" in 1960.
Guest: Rob Carbonel
Guest E-mail: rizob4God@hotmail.com
City, Country: Pinellas Park, Pinellas
Date & Comments: October 7, 1999
I am interested in any information you might want to send me.
Guest: Janet Elizabeth Baker (nee Satchwell)
Guest E-mail: stanm@enternet.com.au
City, Country: Formerly Harrow, England, now Sydney Australia (temporary)
Date & Comments: October 8, 1999
Married 1969 to Bernard Baker (son of Mr Leonard Baker Gaydon Warwickshire, who used to minister
extensively in the EBs. Left Brethren April 1972. Granddaughter of A W Roach. Would like to hear from
anyone who knew me or my husband's family.
Guest: Sharon Waterhouse (nee Currie)
Guest E-mail: waterhouse@xtra.co.nz
City, Country: Whangarei New Zealand
Date & Comments: October 9, 1999
We have just discovered this site and think it`s great.
I was brought up in the E.B. in Hastings and left in 1985.
I married a 'worldly' and have 3 daughters. Sadly my Mum,
Dad, brother and 2 sisters are still in. It's nice to know
others share the frustration and torn apart feelings of
being separated from those you love so dearly.
Guest: John Stewart Gillespie
Guest E-mail: gillespie@johnstewart.fsnet.co.uk
City, Country: Kilmarnock, Scotland
Date & Comments: October 9, 1999
very interesting resume
Guest: Stephen and Maria [Mimi} Gracey
Guest E-mail: Marstep40@att.net
City, Country: 5120 lynn creek road Lavalette WV 25535-9712
Date & Comments: October 9, 1999
We were fortunate enough to leave in 1966 after the birth of our fifth child and just after the marriage
of my eldest sister, Elizabeth. We fortunately have all our children with us. The issue was little ones
partaking of the Lords Supper unintelligently and deserting the family just to be at a meeting. We have,
in the Lords mercy been able in later years to renw many old joyful links with our dear friends in
Christ and enjoyed several visits. We would love to hear from any and have any visit us as occassion
allows. Our phone # is [304]525-9399. God bless and the Holy Soirit continue to lead and
encourage in our walk down here.Love in Christ
-Stephen and Maria
Guest: Patty Bunning
Guest E-mail: pacobar@attglobal.net
City, Country: Indianapolis, IN
Date & Comments: October 9, 1999
Hi! I left in '79. I now live in Riverside, CA. I am the
middle daughter of Elinor (Knauss) Bunning. My dad, John
Bunning has been out since 1960. Mom & Dad divorced
and Mom raised us, Janice, Connie and I. Jan got married to
Stanley Holt (Des Moines) in '71 and we assume is still in.
Connie left in '74 and she is married (Barton)- I am single.
We moved to CA in '87 to be near Dad. I am now 46 years old.
I work for an insurance company and commute 48 miles to work
and back. Would very much like to hear from anyone who
remembers us, or anyone in the Chicago, Knoxville, Cleveland,
Detroit area during the '60s and '70s. We have not kept in
touch with anyone.
Our father had a sister (Mary Bunning) who married John Taylor and they had 4 children, Vincent, Maureen, Consuelo, and Pamela. Live in London, Ontario, Canada. Interested in ANY news of them, and/or our mother, Elinor Bunning, or older sister Janice (Holt).
Anxiously awaiting your response! (this is Connie's e-mail).
Patty Bunning
Guest: Clive and Naomi (Emmans) Skeates
Guest E-mail: clive.r.skeates@cwcom.net
City, Country: Portsmouth, England
Date & Comments: October 11, 1999
We also left after Aberdeen from the Hampton (Kingston) UK meeting. After fellowshipping with a
number of groups who had left at different times we have been happily with the KLG brethren for
the last 14 years. Sadly, some of the characteristics of Taylorism, - particularly hard line exclusivism
have recently surfaced and we are watching some of our current fellowship suffering in a way that
brings back bad memories. However, it has not affected us locally and we still enjoy fellowship
with other Christians including breaking bread with any who love the Lord Jesus.
We have four children, all arouond thirty years old and committed to evangelic activity. I picked this up through PBGroup which is primarily a KLG website. Great to recognise some of the old names, Hello Laurie!!!
Guest: Connie Bunning (now Barton)
Guest E-mail: pacobar@attglobal.net
City, Country: San Diego, CA
Date & Comments: October 11, 1999
I left the Indianapolis PBs in 1974 when I was 20 years old.
My mom is Elinor (Knauss) Bunning of Indianapolis, IN who
is still in. From others on this forum I've heard that
she was in poor health quite a few years ago. I would
appreciate hearing anything anyone else knows about her.
I am the youngest of her three girls. The oldest Janice
is married to Stanley Holt of Des Moines, Iowa and as far
as I know, she is still in. I have not seen or heard from
her in 25 years. My other sister Patty left in 1979. She
called me one day to say she was leaving and it was the most
wonderful news, hearing from her after 5 years of being
apart. We both live in Southern California, very near our
dad John Bunning who left around 1960. He has been married
to his wife Dottie for over 30 years.
I have been married to Pat Barton (never in) for 17 years, and I've worked for IBM in both Indianapolis and San Diego now for over 18 years. We have no children, however we have a great little Shih-Tzu (dog) who is our baby.
My discovery of this website happened only one week ago and I am still in shock that it exists and at the number of names I recognize. If you know of me or my family, I would love to hear from you.
--Connie
Guest: Laura Knight
Guest E-mail: lk@tesco.net
City, Country: Lichfield, Staffordshire
Date & Comments: October 13, 1999
Having just found a Cousin, who I didn't know was also "out" I have found renewed strength,
and would like to offer help to anyone wanting to or recently having also come "out" of the
brethren.
Guest: Connie Bunning Barton
Guest E-mail: pacobar@attglobal.net
City, Country: San Diego, CA
Date & Comments: October 13, 1999
Does anyone know the whereabouts of John H. Scott III
(Johnny) of Detroit, Michigan who married Becky Truan of
Knoxville, Tennessee? He is my distant cousin. I don't
think he is in.
Guest: Jan Groenveld
Guest E-mail: jan.groenveld@uq.net.au
City, Country: Brisbane, Australia
Date & Comments: October 13, 1999
I am a former JW yet your stories here are so familiar. Any who live in the
Brisbane area are welcome to join us at our former cult members BBQs we
hold every month. No preaching, no pressure, just an opportunity to not
feel so alone with people who have come out of all sorts of groups who feel
the same as you do. If you would like to join us, e-mail me or phone me
on 07-3216 8790 for venue details etc .... Our next BBQ is Oct 30th 99
Hoping to meet some of you ...... JanG
Cult Awareness & Information Centre - http://caic.org.au
Guest: Gordon and Betty Rainbow
Guest E-mail: mybrethren@globalserve.net
City, Country: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date & Comments: October 15, 1999
We found our niece, Phyliss Schaumburg Bedard, with the
help of John McKillop. And have also learned a little as to
Betty's sister Mary Schaumburg who is still 'in'. Our thanks
all who expressed concern and offered help and suggestions.
In our Lord Jesus, Gordon and Betty.
Guest: John and Ruth Newman
Guest E-mail: newmans@lineone.net
City, Country: Ashcott Bridgwater Somerset England
Date & Comments: October 17, 1999
Would like to here from anyone who remembers us.
Guest: Paul and Louise Guignard
Guest E-mail: guig@lightspeed.net
City, Country: Kingsburg, Ca. U.S.A
Date & Comments: October 19, 1999
NONE
Guest: James & Rebecca Arnot
Guest E-mail: JamesA@Transnet.co.za
City, Country: Hosanna Hills, POBox 13677, Cascades, 3202, South Africa.
Date & Comments: October 20, 1999
Wonderful to `find` you. Really endorse what you are doing and much appreciate the lovely spirit in which you communicate.
Saw through the system in 1966 being still unregenerate.
Disillutioned, went into the world and sin. Embarked on a search for truth `finding` the Lord Jesus and being baptised in 1972. By His Grace have remained faithfull. I`m `lead elder` of a local fellowship called `gathering of believers` +- 100 folk. I`m grateful for my B. upbringing and the teaching of C.A.Coates and Watchman Nee
Guest: jo bloggs
Guest E-mail: conehead@xoommail.com
City, Country: australia
Date & Comments: October 20, 1999
this was a really good sight to be in and was very informative
Guest: Rachel Latimer
Guest E-mail: rachel.stephen@lineone.net
City, Country: Bicester, Oxfordshire, England
Date & Comments: October 21, 1999
My email address has changed so I thought I'd update the record.
Still reeling from a visit by my father who asked me if I was happy, when I replied 'yes, happier than I've been in a long time!' he replied that this could not possibly be true as there is no true happiness outside of the brethren - the sad thing is he is totally convinced of this and nothing could ever change his mind. How can happiness exist when families are torn apart?
I left 16 years ago and would love to hear from anyone who may remember me.
Guest: Mark Gillingham
Guest E-mail: mark@courtyard-partnership.co.uk
City, Country: Liddington, Nr.Swindon, England
Date & Comments: October 22, 1999
N.B. My new e-mail address. This website continues to be very useful.
I have been thinking recently of the curious conviction that we were all Christians because we were brought up in the Exclusive Brethren. If Christianity is a personal faith, then surely the denomination of our upbringing is incidental? I can trace my Christian faith back to a hymn sung in a school morning assembly, but it could have started in any situation and for any reason. A friend of mine who died recently developed a faith as a result of breaking his back in a horse race.
I would be interested in the comments of others as to the idea that if we have a Christian faith as ex-members of the E.B., it is in spite of our former membership, rather than because of it.
Guest: Connie Truan (formerly Connie Hillard)
Guest E-mail: othrtwin2@home.com
Date & Comments: October 24, 1999
Please enter a name and email change for me.
Guest: gilly
Guest E-mail: crystaljam_2000@yahoo.com
City, Country: bendigo victoria australia
Date & Comments: October 24, 1999
Guest: Paul Forshaw
Guest E-mail: paul-forshaw@assureweb.com
City, Country: UK
Date & Comments: October 26, 1999
Please note my new e-mail address
Guest: Eileen Deitchman formerly Woodhouse
Guest E-mail: adeitchman@atc-cable.co.za
City, Country: Pretoria South Africa
Date & Comments: October 27, 1999
I attended "The Hall" at King George Street, Greenwhich, London, as a child. I believe they were Plymouth
Brethren. I would like to trace my Sunday school teacher who's name was Miss Duggan, we called her "Duggie".
I believe that she would be in her seventies now. I attended there in the late l950's and early 1960's. I was about
10 years old at the time. I do not know if she later married, and so her surname would have changed. I want her
to know that at the great age of 46 I have come to know the Lord and that I have never forgotten her witness
to me. Can anyone help m please?
Guest: Philip & Miriam Mortimer
Guest E-mail: philmortimer@netscape.net
Date & Comments: October 28, 1999
Guest: Elenor Brown
Guest E-mail: danpf@msn.com
City, Country: Manchester, England
Date & Comments: October 28, 1999
Everything I have read is fascinating.
Could anyone help? - when one of my (ex EB) grandparents died recently, my EB aunt and uncle attended the funeral after successfully seperating from our family for over 35 years. They have since written to us. We are confused and do not understand why they waited until both parents had died to contact us and why they are contacting us. Any advise/opinions would be gratefully received.
Guest: Jessie Sutherland
Guest E-mail: j_worden@hotmail.com
City, Country: Warrnambool, Australia
Date & Comments: October 28, 1999
I am trying to contact Jessie Barker. If anyone can give me her contact number I would be much
appreciative. If you happen to read this Jessie, please contact me. Anyone else who remembers
me from the EB days, I would love to hear from you.
Guest: Laurence Pope
Guest E-mail: pope@popefam.fsnet.co.uk
Date & Comments: October 30, 1999
Please note that our e-mail address has changed.
Guest: Philip Margetts
Guest E-mail: philip.margetts@euphony.net
City, Country: Gloucestershire U.K.
Date & Comments: October 31, 1999
Owing to a lot of 'post' getting lost only useing e-mail address:philip.margetts@euphony.net
or philip1228@yahoo.com
Guest: Andrew & Christine Wallach
Guest E-mail: a.cwallach@dknet.co.uk
City, Country: Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, UK
Date & Comments: November 1, 1999
Greetings to all our friends old and new. The Talk21 address is no longer current. As an
alternative please use: a.cwallach@dknet.co.uk
Guest: Connie (Bunning) Barton
Guest E-mail: pacobar@attglobal.net
City, Country: San Diego, CA
Date & Comments: November 1, 1999
Please note my e-mail domain has changed.
It is now pacobar@attglobal.net
Guest: Robin and Eileen Garvie
Guest E-mail: regarvie@imagen1.com.ar
City, Country: Ciudad Evita, Argentina
Date & Comments: November 3, 1999
The Lord freed us from the system in 1984 and we are very thankfull for it. Our desire
is to be maintained with a living link with the Lord Jesus and in fellowship with all His
people. We would very much like to correspond with brethren from other countries, if any want to answer us!
May the Lord Jesus bless and keep His own from all the evil influences in the world today. Yours in His love,
Robin and Eileen.
Guest: Christine L. Hansvick
Guest E-mail: hansvicl@plu.edu
City, Country: Kent, Washington (USA)
Date & Comments: November 4, 1999
Guest: David and Nice' Shorto
Guest E-mail: shortos@fdn.co.uk
City, Country: Cheshire, UK
Date & Comments: November 5, 1999
Our email address changed on November 2nd 1999. Great work on the survival guides
Dick; praying for the courage to send a print-out to our siblings, just in case.
Guest: Phil and Hazel White
Guest E-mail: PhilandHazel@lineone.net
City, Country: Worthing West Sussex England
Date & Comments: November 5, 1999
Please note our correct email address.
We both left in 1970 and have left a lot of relatives behind. We seek to follow the Lord Jesus and meet with a company of Christans in Worthing, at Tarring Hall, Tarring Rd West Worthing.We have four children the eldest being nine years old and the youngest three. If anyone knows about our relatives please contact me. Their names are Knappett's, (Sutton and Fernhurst) Ellis's and Patmore's (Lewisham London) Barry's (Andover) Stanley's (Ealing) I also had a close friend Joy Stanley (Croydon) and would love to hear any news of her or her family.
Guest: David James
Guest E-mail: marketing@australlock.com.au
City, Country: Melbourne (ex Adelaide)
Date & Comments: November 6, 1999
One is still wondering what made me surf the net
last week. While checking out a business related matter an
article on the Plymouth Brethern came up. Well that got my
mind thinking is there a site on the net for ex PBs.
I was thrown out at 14 back in 1964 for alleged Carnal Knowledge of a girl called Shirley B. There is a class discrimination within the PBs where the lesser or poorer members are treated different. Well about 3 years later that Shirley B relayed on to me that she lied and that nothing happened.
To the so-called leaders the P______s, J___s, G______s, S____s, G____s and C_____s who continued to ask me to admit to my sin and would not believe me when I said I had not done anything wrong, I ask you, is it really Christianity that you preach?
Is it Christian ethics to split families, to separate loved ones? I doubt it.
Well I never went back, the family had nothing to do with me and I had to leave the family home. That day when I left was a heart wrenching experience but an experience that will lead me through life in the future. The adjustment to living in the outside world was hard. Mentally it appeared I was screwed up, my feet were never settled, I realised that I had never experienced love, love from within my own family. Even today I find it hard to know what love is, because there appears to be no love within the PBs.
On this day the 6th November 1999, life is great, business is successful and I thank the aforementioned elders for throwing me out when they did, even though my mother still will not talk to me, and they say they are Christians.
It has been great to scan this sight, seen many names from the past. My E-mail is jointly used and my mobile is 0411 646 331 but if you do use the E mail just a short note and I'll get back to you.
Regards to all
David James
Guest: Joan Grace
Guest E-mail: joey_103@yahoo.com
City, Country: Adelaide, South Australia
Date & Comments: November 8, 1999
I'm visiting to see if there are any new names I recognise. Also to record my new
email address. Sending everyone smiles. JRG
Guest: Angus Ross
Guest E-mail: orklingua@aol.com
City, Country: Orkney Scotland
Date & Comments: November 9, 1999
Having left the exclusive Brethren as a child in 1959 and having enjoyed the freedom
which the Holy Spirit gives, I am so sad at the though of all those, including so many of
my relatives, whose lives have been blighted by this terrible bondage. I would love to
meet some of my relatives, whom I have not seen for nearly forty years and to know
they are free from the shakles of exclusive brethrenism!!
Guest: Graham+Liz Mair
Guest E-mail: gmair551@talk21.com
City, Country: Portknockie U.K.
Date & Comments: November 11, 1999
Guest: Peter Harrison
Guest E-mail: peter.harrison10@virgin.net
City, Country: Derby. U.K.
Date & Comments: November 11, 1999
Hi everyone,
Have just leave a message in the Correspondance/Brethren Rules List, re Rememberance Sunday. Perhapes some of you could help with my question?
Regards
Peter
Guest: LaVonne Currie
Guest E-mail: cottle@inspire.net.nz
City, Country: SHANNON, NEW ZEALAND
Date & Comments: November 13, 1999
I left the church around 11 years ago and have found this website very interesting and
informative.
Guest: Brendan Sweeney
Guest E-mail: brendan_sweeney@xtra.co.nz
City, Country: Auckland, New Zealand
Date & Comments: November 14, 1999
Love you, love your work.
Guest: Priscilla Pope (now Meyer)
Guest E-mail: nifalconhr8@netscapeonline.co.uk
City, Country: Herefordshire, England
Date & Comments: November 14, 1999
Guest: Susan Appleby nee Bazlinton (ex Edwin!)
Guest E-mail: Bazappleby.co.uk
City, Country: MALVERN, Worcestershire UK
Date & Comments: November 17, 1999
Perhaps at a later date!
Guest: Rebecca Buck Wilke
Guest E-mail: wilke@cyberport.net
City, Country: Kalispell, Montana USA
Date & Comments: November 18, 1999
I would like to know if anyone could provide me with Paul and Virginia
Mornan's address. They are still in the meeting, and I believe they
live in New Jersey. They are my Aunt and Uncle and I have a wonderful
picture I would like to send to them. Any info would be helpful. Thank
you kindly.
Guest: June Foster
Guest E-mail: JnFostr@AOL.com
City, Country: Hatfield, England
Date & Comments: November 18, 1999
Please note change of email address.
Guest: M.E. Fink
Guest E-mail: mari@iconik.com.au
City, Country: Nebraska, USA
Date & Comments: November 21, 1999
Hello. I just wanted to thank you for putting this site
up on the internet. I came to the Lord through reading such
great men as Darby and Spurgeon and for a very long time I
felt alone in this. Thanks to technology (even though it has
more than its share of negative attributes) I could find more
people whose religious convictions match my own.
Guest: John Davison
Guest E-mail: john.davison4@sympatico.ca
City, Country: Mississauga, Ont., Can.
Date & Comments: November 22, 1999
Son of Arthur & Maisie Davison, brother of Vince[out], & Mary, (married to Jim Carnwath of Detroit)
[in]. Would like to hear from any of my old trouble-making ex peebs.We were from the Galt meeting. Ciao
Guest: Dave Mason
Guest E-mail: damas@lineone.net
City, Country: Barnsley South Yorkshire U.K.
Date & Comments: November 23, 1999
Have signed in before but now changed my E-mail address.
Thanks Dick for a wonderful site.
Guest: Jeff Logan
Guest E-mail: none at this time
City, Country: Manitoba, Canada
Date & Comments: November 23, 1999
It's good to see a few names I recognize! I was raised in Winnipeg, Canada and left the
PB's in 1992 at 19 years old. My parents were Al + Darlene (Crouch-Kallispell,
Montana) Logan. I had 4 sisters and 2 brothers when I left. One brother left before me
and as far as I know all the rest are still in. Since leaving I have met my maternal
grandmother who was never in and my uncle who left many years ago. I am married
to a wonderful woman who is completly baffled by the PB's. She can't see how a
group of people can claim to be Christian and yet be so malicous in their dealings
with those who chose to leave. My step-sons just shake their heads in disbelief. I
think that this site is very needed for those of us who sometimes feel that we are
the only ones who are going through this. I don't have regular acess to a computer
at this time so I can't leave an E-mail address. However when I do you can
believe I will leave it. Love to all survivors out there!
-J-
Guest: Bryan Gardner
Guest E-mail: bryan@execs.com
City, Country: Coventry, Warks
Date & Comments: November 25, 1999
Nice to see the old names!! My parents are John and Elizabeth Gardner.
If anybody remembers us - please email us!!
Guest: Iris Taylor (nee Hansen)
Guest E-mail: taylor@deisel.net.au
City, Country: Shepparton Australia
Date & Comments: November 27, 1999
Guest: David Shephard
Guest E-mail: david@kbnet.co.uk
City, Country: BEDFORD, UK
Date & Comments: November 28, 1999
I have just been reading through the list of names and see that my former e-mail address is still listed.
I really appreciate this site, so kindly provided by Dick and would love to hear from friends.
Guest: Sarah Clarke
Guest E-mail: sjclarke@island.net
City, Country: Victoria, BC Canada
Date & Comments: My e-mail address has changed to sjclarke@island.net
Guest: Rebecca Buck Wilke
Guest E-mail: wilke@cyberport.net
City, Country: Kalispell, Montana USA
Date & Comments: December 1, 1999
Just wanted to update our e-mail address and say hello to
everyone that's been hurt by the "meeting" and say a very
special thanks to Dick Wyman for his efforts and work on
this page. It has helped me contact a lot of dear friends
and even people I don't know personally, but we have a
bond and something in common to talk about. Thank you Dick.
Rebecca Buck Wilke
Guest: Rhonda Holmes
Guest E-mail: admin@perma.com.au
City, Country: Melbourne, Australia
Date & Comments: December 1, 1999
What a blast from the past! It is fascinating to recognise so many names once well known to me.
Keep up the good work.
Guest: Laurence Pope
Guest E-mail: pope@popefam.fsnet.co.uk
City, Country: Market Deeping, Peterborough, U.K.
Date & Comments: December 4, 1999
Please note our new e-mail address. I signed the guest book earlier on in the year. We would be very interested
to hear from any former exclusives who were in the Croydon Meeting up to 1971.
Guest: joanna macdonald
Guest E-mail: jomacsing.hotmail.com
City, Country: Singapore
Date & Comments: December 6, 1999
Very interesting website, I originally come from Northland NZ and grew up with many EBs
and some of my family left EB a long time ago.
Guest: Dorothy McLaughlin (nee Dadd)
Guest E-mail: mactd18@aol.com
City, Country: New Jersey, USA
Date & Comments: December 6, 1999
Guest: Mary Evans
Guest E-mail: corpconnects@icon.co.za
City, Country: South Africa
Date & Comments: December 7, 1999
I would be really interested in chatting to anyone who was in the brethren in the
Winchester / Southampton / Yeovil / Portsmouth meetings - particularly those who
were involved around 1989 and have some recollection about that time. Thanks.
Guest: Bob and Helen Dadd
Guest E-mail: robert.dadd@virgin.net
City, Country: London, England
Date & Comments: December 7, 1999
We have moved to London, England since we first signed onto your list.
Guest: Dustie Cretsinger
Guest E-mail: dcret@bmi.net
City, Country: Walla Walla Wa,
Date & Comments: December 8, 1999
I am 23 and have been in happy fellowship in the Walla Walla assembly for the past couple of
years. First coming here about 4 years ago. What distresses me is that I'm reading some of
these guestbook entries and I don't have the foggiest idea of what some of these complaints
are? I'm not even sure if we're connected to all of these exclusive plymouth brethern assemblies
or not, Since it seems to me this can be a somewhat vague term. I have not seen in any possible
way that we fit in the definition of of a cult. It seems to me not all of these brethern are not the
same nor should we all be lumped together. One guestbook entry said something to the effect
of the brethern not believing in the eternal sonship of the Lord Jesus and our assembly does
believe in the enternal sonship.I have found nothing but orthodox christianity and genuine
non judgemental love here.
If anyone has any comments please feel free to e-mail me.
Guest: KEN BUSHNELL
Guest E-mail: BUSHNELL@Bigpond.com
City, Country: AUSTRALIA
Date & Comments: December 8, 1999
England till 1989
Guest: Douglas Ballard
Guest E-mail: Douglas_Ballard@hotmail.com
City, Country: Delta, B.C., Canada
Date & Comments: December 9, 1999
I was born in 1955 and my parents left the Vancouver, B.C. Canada meeting, I think about 1960. We attended
a small splinter group for a few years. I really do prefer to forget about such a weird group and get on with life.
However I still have an aged uncle I think, a cousin and who knows how many of his family there are, since
we left who are still bound in that sad organisation. My cousin's son (see the story of Steve Ballard) knocked
on my parent's door quite a few years ago and we were happy to provide him with a little place in our house
and a big place in our hearts. I enjoy Christian fellowship with an "open brethren" assembly in Vancouver called
Heather Bible Chapel. However I am not a denominationalist. I am always happy to provide a listening ear
if anyone wants to talk.
Kind regards,
Doug Ballard
Guest: Suzanne
Guest E-mail: suzannehardy57@hotmail.com
City, Country: Los Angeles, USA
Date & Comments: December 9, 1999
I found this website a year ago in an attempt to understand my husband. I was raised Presbyterian, my
husband was an Exclusive Brethren from New Zealand. This site has helped me understand why he does
the things he does. When I met his mother in NZ, I took off my lipstick, took off my earrings, wore a
long skirt and stood on the porch to talk to her. This so called church makes me so angry. But, in my
understanding, I can zoom in on why he thinks a certain thing. These stories are just so sad. As a
teenager, I drove down the Santa Ana Freeway, blasted the beachboys...with the church group!!!
My husband has 3 sisters he hasn't seen for 25 years, nieces and nephews - 20 of them, and probably
grand nieces and nephews. I am sorry, this is not anything that is from the God I know.
Guest: VALERIE LOVATT-SMITH (NEE SMITH)
City, Country: HASTINGS NEW ZEALAND
Date & Comments: December 10, 1999
GREETINGS TO ALL, WHAT A GREAT WAY OF COMMUNICATING -
KEEPING IN TOUCH AND CATCHING UP WITH LONG LOST FRIENDS!
I HAVE BEEN OUT FOR 26 YEARS NOW. i
I HAVE TWO BROTHERS NEIL & RON WHO ARE ALSO OUT TOO, WHICH IS GREAT, MY HUSBAND IAN AND I ARE EMIGRATING TO AUSTRALIA (MELBOURNE) WITH OUR DAUGHTER BRYLEE IN 2000.
IAN IS A KEEN MUSICIAN (GUITARIST) HAS ASKED ME TO PUT IN THIS MESSAGE: IS THERE ANYBODY IN THE MELBOURNE AREA WHO ALSO PLAYS GUITAR WHO WOULD BE INTERESTED IN TEAMING UP WITH HIM WITH THE INTENTION OF FORMING A DUO?
WE WILL BE STAYING WITH JOHN & RUTH STRICKETT EX AUCKLAND WHO HAVE KINDLY OFFERED TO ACCOMODATE US UNTIL WE FIND OUR OWN PLACE TO STAY. SHOULD YOU WISH TO CONTACT US YOU MAY DO SO THROUGH MY BROTHER NEIL ON mailto:nsmith@xtra.co.nz.
Guest: mark jarvis
Guest E-mail: mark.jarvis1@uk.dreamcast.com
City, Country: croydon england
Date & Comments: December 12, 1999
a most interesting site
Guest: DAVID MACDONALD
Guest E-mail: gofantasea@aol.com
City, Country: PHILADELPHIA, USA
Date & Comments: December 12, 1999
Thanks Mr. Wyman for a great website. Welcome friends. I've been FREE for just over
7 years. I think everyone could write their own book. We are Survivors. I loss my family,
nearly my health, and nearly lost my life. I have a New life, a new wonderful wife and
family. I appreciate the courage that those who escaped the PB 4's and can get out and
talk about it. All I can say, once I was blind and now I see! I will add later soon.
Guest: WILLIAM (BILL) MORTYN
Guest E-mail: bmortyn@yahoo.com
City, Country: Formerly Kyneton, ,Vic. AUSTRALIA
Date & Comments: December 12, 1999
made my exit 16 years ago, with my family intact.There are still many aspects I miss,
and persons but at least my kids have grown up without the stench of their extremist
teachings. It's been an interesting journey, and a very rewarding one. Any old friends
out there?
Guest: DAVID E. WELLS
Guest E-mail: davidwells@glenacres66.freeserve.co.uk
City, Country:
Date & Comments: December 12, 1999
Would you please include my details on your next update.
Guest: Geri Smith
Guest E-mail: gerismith@U.Konline.co.uk
City, Country: UK
Date & Comments: December 12, 1999
HI I LEFT THE EX BRETHREN 17 YEARS AGO!! PLEASE EMAIL ME FOR FURTHER INFO.
GOODBYE LOVE GERI!
Guest: Connie (Bunning) Barton
Guest E-mail: pacobar@attglobal.net
City, Country: San Diego, CA USA
Date & Comments: December 12, 1999
Looking for my niece, Michelle Diane Holt, daughter of
Janice and Stanley Holt of Des Moines, Iowa. I would
love to hear from her.
Guest: Russ McDonald
Guest E-mail: Russ.McDonald@gems2.gov.bc.ca
City, Country: Victoria, Canada
Date & Comments: December 13, 1999
I wanted to update and show my new e-mail address. Also to say how
much I enjoy visiting this site. Thank you Dick!
Guest: Geraldine Stanton
Guest E-mail: GERISMITH@tinyworld.co.uk
City, Country: Northants, UK
Date & Comments: December 13, 1999
HI EVERYONE
I have been out of the brethren since 1982 and was known as Gerry Smith from Aldeburgh in Suffolk.
I was one of seven children and my parents and brothers and sisters are all still in the brethren. I would
be interested to hear from anyone who may have known me or anyone who has any up to date info
on my family. Love to you all. Geraldine.