Bruderschaft was the name for congregational meetings (attended by men only) among the Mennonites of Prussia and Russia. The elder of a congregation called the Bruderschaft and was in charge of the meeting at which any matter pertaining to the congregational life would be taken up and acted upon. In America, particularly where the English was introduced, the term Bruderschaft among the Mennonites from Russia gradually disappeared although it is still used among the more conservative groups such as the Old Colony Mennonites. The Mennonite Brethren substituted the name Gemeindestunde for Bruderschaft.

Adapted by permission of Herald Press, Harrisonburg, Virginia, and Waterloo, Ontario, from Mennonite Encyclopedia, Vol. 1, p. 448. All rights reserved. For information on ordering the encyclopedia visit the Herald Press website.

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