Imagine sitting inside a 19th-century church, singing a cappella with the sounds of rifles and cannons echoing outside. Around you are Civil War reenactors and encampments, while inside, worshipers gather for a traditional Dunker Service.
On Sunday, Sept. 20, at 3 p.m. (Eastern time), the 56th Annual Dunker Church Service will be held at the historic Dunker Church on the Antietam National Battlefield—one of the most hallowed and iconic landscapes of the American Civil War.
Antietam is the second Civil War battlefield that I’ve visited, the other is Gettysburg. Both times, I have found it both peaceful and disquieting how naturally stunning the locations are.
The 50th annual Dunker Church Service at the old Brethren meetinghouse on the Antietam battlefield will be virtual this year, and available to view online. Brethren Press and “Messenger” magazine publisher Wendy McFadden is the featured speaker and will share a message on “The Wounds of War and a Place for Peace.” The Dunker meetinghouse
