Brown, John (1771-1850)

Rev. John Brown was born July 21, 1771 near Bremen. He came to America July of 1797. Landing in Baltimore, he travelled to Chambersburg, PA., where he commenced theological study with Rev. Philip Stoeck from 1798-1800. Rev. Brown was licensed May 12, 1800 at the Synod, U.S., held in York, PA. He began his work with churches in the Valley of Virginia from 1800 through his death in 1850. In Rockingham County, Va., he served: Frieden's; St. Michaels' Peaked Mountain (McGacheysville); and Rader's Church. In Augusta County, Va., he served: Zion's; St. John's; Salem's; and The Branch. Other counties included Frederick, Shenandoah, Page, and Pendleton, these churches he visited once or twice a year. Rev. Brown was ordained May 10, 1803. Rev. Brown wrote a book entitled: Circular-Schreiben an die Deutschen Einwohner von Rockingham und Augusta, und den benachbarten Counties. Erster Band. Von Johannes Braun, Prediger des Evangelii in den Counties Rockingham und Augusta, Virginia. Harrisonburg: Gedruckt bei Laurentz Wartman, Rockingham County, Virginia, 1818. He was awarded the Doctor of Ministry from the Board of Trustees of Marshall College (no date found). Rev. Brown was married to a Miss Falls of Augusta County, Virginia, and had several children (no names/dates found). Source: "Fathers of the Reformed Church" Vol. III page 122-137.