Dale Ratcliffe wrote: > Recently I received some meeting minutes from a COB church in Arizona. The > minutes frequently referred to "letters." Could someone explain the use of > letters? Were they used for transferring membership from one church to > another and as proof of church business? Here are some examples: > > > > Bro. Peter Forney was granted a traveling letter. > > Bro. Isaac Forney also asked for his letter again but it was refused because > he was not leaving. > > Letters were granted to Sister Bertha Gillett and Bro. Ezra Fike > > Letters received as follows: Ruben Young (Deacon) and wife Clara. > > Bro. J.G. Rarick and wife was granted letter of membership > > The following letters were received. > ************************* In the Church of the Brethren, these letters are almost entirely for transfer of membership. It is normal to give a letter to families as they move away. I have seen such letters going back to the early 1800s. Merle C Rummel