What is the history of the "Brethren"?

This question is beyond the scope of this FAQ.
Some of the books mentioned later in this FAQ will answer this question.

In short, during the first part of the 1800's,
some Christians beganto feel uncomfortable about denominationalism, a clerical
hierarchy andcertain "compromises" creeping into their churches.
They resolved to simply read their Bibles and to try to gather
in the same simple manner as Christiansdid in the New Testament.
As some of these Christians began to travel andpreach, they
found believers in other cities and countries who were doingthe same thing.
Early gatherings were established in Dublin and
Plymouth,from which the term Plymouth Brethren was obtained.
Through zealous evangelisticwork and church planting,
churches were established all over England, Scotland,Europe and North America.

What is a "Brethren" church service like?

This is a description that would fit a number of meetings
that I have attended in North America:

The Breaking of Bread is our communion service. It is usually about1 hour in length
and is usually held Sunday morning or evening. It is unstructuredand non-liturgal.
Brothers will rise to their feet to pray, suggest a hymn,or read and expound upon a
passage of Scripture. The purpose is worship, not teaching or exhortation,
and most comments will address some aspect of the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Often, a theme will develop. Sisters do not offer audible worship, although many will
participate in the singing and most wear a headcovering in our services.
Their silent participation is valued and certainly sets a
tone for the meeting. Usually towards the end, a brother will give thanks for the bread
and give thanks for the wine.The emblems are passed around, with all in fellowship participating.
This is usually the only meeting at which a collection is taken up.

One or two preaching meetings are usually scheduled for Sunday.
Often,one of these will have a gospel emphasis. Usually there will be 20 minutesof hymns,
announcements, etc. and a 40 minute sermon. Sometimes brothers from this local church
will preach,and sometimes visiting brothers or full-time workers will preach.

A mid-week prayer or a Saturday prayer meeting is also held.
In addition to the prayers,a shorter sermon is often given.
Some churches have replaced their mid-weekmeeting with small group fellowships.
Sometimes sermons will be preached at a mid-week meeting (in addition to
prayer) and sometimes a discussional study is held with no predecided topic.

Although not really considered church meetings, many will also have a Sunday school,
youth meetings, ladies Bible study and coffee hour. Many will also have special
evangelistic meetings. Some churches will put together special meetings in
nursing homes or prisons or even pass out tracts.

What is the doctrinal position of the "Brethren"?

A number of doctrines and positions generally characterize the "Brethren".
Again, this should not be taken as applying to every
"Brethren" church or every individual who fellowships in one of these churches.
Very briefly stated, the doctrines and positionsare:
verbal, plenary inspiration of the original manuscripts of the Bible
pretribulational, premillenial and dispensational
     non-charismatic, but recognizing the "non sign" gifts, no salaried ministry.
Gifted brothers minister as they are able. Gifted sisters will often minister
among each other at ladies Bible studies, conferences,etc. However, we do not believe
in an "every man" ministry (that is to say, we believe that every believer has a ministry
but not every believer is called to be a preacher), but only ministry by those who are gifted
     church government by a plurality of elders who meet the qualificationsof 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1
     some have deacons to attend to physical ministry (e.g. taking care of the chapel).
Deacons are not in a decision making position. Often, the meetings are unstructured.
This is especially true of the breaking of bread (communion service), but can also
     apply to Reading Meetings and Open Meetings clear evangelistic witness
     most open assemblies hold a middle of the road position with respect to election and free-will.
Some can be found at either extreme. Most exclusive meetings hold to election.
     trinitarian most hold to the doctrine of Eternal Security
     believers baptism by immersion. A significant number of brethren in the"non-open"
assemblies believe in and practice household baptism in eternal sonship of Jesus Christ
 
 

Some booklets that outline the distinctive position of the Brethren onthe local church include:

     Assembly Distinctives by Harold Mackay (Everyday Publications)
     Scriptural Principles of Gathering by A.P. Gibbs (Walterick)

Who were some well known members of the "Brethren"?