German Baptists, or Brethren congregation, the name Dunkard was applied to them because of their manner of baptism which is by dipping.
The church was organized in Germany 1708 by Alexander Mack and seven others who were not satisfied with the prevailing religious creeds and forms of worship. They banded themselves together to study the sacred scriptures and as far as possible found a church strictly according to their understanding upon Apostolic precedents.
They decided that the New Testament was the only Christian creed, that it should be obeyed literally as to command and injunction, and that relative to church government it afforded every rule governing faith and conduct essential to good citizenship in this world and salvation in the world beyond. (The Record Magazine, 1896)
They believed in Triune immersion for the administration of baptism. Triune immersion was performed by forward action, believing that Christ's commission, 'Go ye therefore, etc.' can only be reconciled to a triune act, and as Christ bowed his head and gave up the spirit on the cross, and as baptism is, 'in the likeness of His death', he bowing forward not backward, therefore their practice and belief that the candidate should be plunged forward in the Act of Baptism.
They observe the Lord's Supper as a full meal partaken of in the evening of the day, and partake of bread and wine as a separate institution, but connected with and immediately succeeding the supper.
They are non-resistant and will not take up arms in case of war, do not believe in litigation and seldom appear in a law-suit except as defendant and not then unless forced by circumstances to do so.
They care for their own poor, never sending them to county or state institutions, and in their church government have a complete system for raising funds for caring for their helpless and for settling all difficulties arising between their members, and between them and 'men of the world.'
Their church government is rigidly enforced and embraces pretty nearly every phase of rule or law that human conduct requires to keep it within the bounds of Dunkard propriety.
The fashions of the world are strictly prohibited and the ladies wear, plain sunbonnets and their dresses must be plain and devoid of flounces, ruffles and ribbons. Hats are expressly indicated for ladies. The male members are not so rigidly circumscribed, but are expected to wear their hair long and parted in the middle or combed straight back over the head.
The moustache must be shaved and the beard worn full length, though a full beard is permissible. Broad brim, low crowned, soft hats and the standing collars cutaway coats constitute the main peculiarities of the Dunkard uniform. They are peculiar; they aim to be. It is a part of their religion. They believe they can best maintain 'nonconformity' to the world' through uniformity of dress outside of the fashions.
Whenever they have gospel commands or injunction they follow them literally and implicitly; wherever they have no specific gospel to direct them in matters they think essential to church property or obedience to its authority, they make laws in their annual convocations 'according to the gospel.' Their annual meetings are legislative in character, and the delegates constituting them are elected by the laity.
The people are generally of the agricultural class and were held in high esteem- as law abiding, rigidly honest, non-speculative in business, and religiously apposed to extravagance of any kind. They were good colonizers.
In 1896 about twenty families came to Foster County, purchased 60 quarter sections of railroad land. The price ranged from $3 to $7.50, the higher price was close to Carrington. Agents from the railroad helped them find land and employment.
Subscriptions were opened for the building of the German Baptist Church. They were assisted by the Northern Pacific Railroad, W.J. Barney and Company, Carrington-Casey Land Company The church was to cost about $2,000.
Among the officers there were three grades, the elder being the highest, the first grade are licensed to preach but cannot administer the sacrament of the Lord's communion or solemnize marriages. The minister of the second degree administer communion, solemnize marriages in the absence of the elder.
The elder who has attained full ordination, has executive powers and administers the law of the church and disciplines the members or other elders when occasion demands. It is their duty to look after the spiritual material welfare of the people in every way.
The Brethren church was dedicated June 10, 1896.
Dave Gerger
David Snowberger
L.M. Thomas.
David Nicum
J.P. Bagle and wife,
Mr. and Mrs. Eli Beagle,
Mr. and Mrs. David Nicum,
Albert and Thomas W. Thomas and wives,
Mr. and Mrs. David Settle, Frank Settle.
Brethren Sunday school was organized in 1896. The first superintendent was Dave Snowberger.
Brethren Ladies Aid was organized in 1917. Charter members:
Medames A. Kreps, John Newton, John Ploch and L.M Thomas
The Brethren church disbanded because of the small membership and joined other churches in the community.
Source: A History of Foster County 1983 Page 239