Hans Doornaert, an early Dutch Anabaptist preacher, was originally a weaver of Ghent, Belgium, and a preacher (Vermaner) of the local Anabaptists, but later emigrated to Haarlem, Dutch province of North Holland, with many of his brethren. Here he served as a preacher of the Waterlander congregation, opening and closing their services with a call to silent prayer. Since this was permitted only to regularly ordained preachers of the congregation, Doornaert was vigorously opposed by the regular minister, Jacob Jansz Schedemaker, whereas others approved, inasmuch as Doornaert performed this service in a much more inspiring way than they were accustomed to. In 1587 a conference was called on this matter in Haarlem, which was attended by preachers and delegates from Alkmaar, Amsterdam, and some congregations in Waterland.  But it did little good, and there would no doubt have been a division in the Waterlander congregation if Dirk Volkertsz Coornhert had not succeeded in bringing about a reconciliation and therewith also outward peace.

Bibliography

Adapted by permission of Herald Press, Harrisonburg, Virginia, and Waterloo, Ontario, from Mennonite Encyclopedia, Vol. 2, p. 90, 649. All rights reserved. For information on ordering the encyclopedia visit the Herald Press website.

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