New YouTube channel features historic Church of the Brethren videos

By Jan Fischer Bachman

Does a ventriloquist’s dummy speak if no one is watching? Do landmark “firsts” still make a difference if no one remembers them?

After more than 40 years of creating videos for the Church of the Brethren, David Sollenberger realized that nearly all of the recordings were in formats that are no longer used. As he converted film from three-quarter inch tape, betacam, and even DVDs, to digital files, he encountered significant moments that were not being seen by those who appreciate the history, heritage, and experiences of the Church of the Brethren faith tradition.

There was, he said wryly, “no convenient place to view these historical resources, other than to come to my house and watch them. And while that would be enjoyable, scheduling could be difficult.”

With Sollenberger, Brethren Historical Library and Archives interim manager Allison Snyder and Church of the Brethren web producer Jan Fischer Bachman have created a new YouTube channel for historical Church of the Brethren videos.

Among the more than 50 videos now posted on that channel are General Board live reports and wrap-up videos from Annual Conferences, National Older Adult Conferences, and National Youth Conferences.

Also included are programs featuring significant Church of the Brethren ministries and events, including the original ABC News segment on the death of Ted Studebaker, the CBS News story of Enten Eller’s trial for failure to register with Selective Service, and a rare performance by legendary singer Slim Whitman at the 1982 Annual Conference.

“I get inspired when I hear former Earlham School of Religion professor Tom Mullen share his insights at the 1996 NOAC, Sister Helen Prejean describe her experiences as a consultant to the movie Dead Man Walking, Andy Murray and Shawn Kirchner talk about how some of their songs were written, and former Annual Conference moderator Bill Hayes share prophetic words on inclusion among church leadership,” Sollenberger said. “I also find inspiration in reviewing the leadership and sermon excerpts at National Youth Conferences, NOACs and Annual Conferences, many of which are in formats that are unplayable with obsolete technology. Making them available now through YouTube allows participants to relive the experience of those events.”

People sadly may consider history boring, according to BHLA interim manager Allison Snyder. “Audio-visual preservation and archiving allow for the speakers and leaders of our past to speak directly to a present audience and, in so doing, adds a vibrancy to history that is incomparable to any other historic media,” she said, adding the caveat, “This does not discredit antique texts and other medias, though.

“In my work at our denominational archive, I’m struck with how connected I come to feel with individuals I’ve studied: Bill Hayes, Ralph Smeltzer, M.R. Zigler, Abraham Harley Cassell, etc.,” she continued. “While many of our Brethren forerunners don’t have a presence on video, the ability to hear the message and mission of those that we do through audio-video format is deeply valuable to both our current and future study of us as a church and a people. It keeps fresh our current and recent history for future generations of students, church members, and historians. I know these items don’t feel traditionally historic, but the ability to reference live speeches, interviews, concerts, and Annual Conference recordings expands our access and understanding of Church of the Brethren people, beliefs, and its peculiar and beautiful way of being.”

Asked to name some favorite videos, Snyder said, “I am partial to the NYC wrap-up videos. I was blessed to attend twice (2006 and 2010), and they were such formative experiences for me. Seeing these videos again and having memories of attending resurface, like when Josh Brockway smashed a pot on stage, and hearing the theme songs, creates a deep nostalgia for these events. Also, while these might not feel like a historic collection, yet each one highlights both the spirits, interests, and beautiful vibes (looking at you 1990s) that will be studied and appreciated for years to come.

“My favorite individual video is the passing of the gavel from Bill Hayes to Elaine Sollenberger. The way in which Hayes addresses the significance of that moment is so powerful and moving.”

Sollenberger summarized: “I hope that we have been inspired by things that we have done as a church through the years. I have faith that refreshing our memories of those experiences might motivate us to replicate those ways of being faithful to God’s call upon us as a church.”

Find the Church of the Brethren historic video channel at www.youtube.com/@churchofthebrethrenhistory.

Find a roughly chronological listing of the videos with descriptions and links at www.brethren.org/bhla/video.

— Jan Fischer Bachman is web producer for the Church of the Brethren.

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