Dunkards,
Or German Baptists, a body of Christians who trace their origin back to
Alexander Mack, one of a small number of Pietists who had migrated to the province of Witgenstein,
Germany, to escape persecution.
In 1708 he became their minister, and after they were baptized in the Eder by being thrice immersed, a church was formed.
In 1719
Mr. Mack and all his followers came by way of
Holland to
America and settled in and around
Philadelphia.
From this beginning the Dunkards have spread through the
Eastern, Northern, and Western States.
Their doctrine is similar to that of the
Evangelical Churches.
They endeavor to follow closely the teachings of the
Bible.
They dress plainly, refrain from taking active part in politics, affirm instead of taking an oath, settle their quarrels among themselves without going to law, do not join secret societies, etc. They hold that every believer should be immersed face forward, being dipped at the mention of each name of the
Trinity.
The
Dunkards now consist of three bodies —the Conservative, Old Order, and Progressive.
In 1900 they reported 2,993 ministers, 1,123 churches, and 111.287 members, the strongest branch being the Conservatives, who had 2,612 ministers, 850 churches, and 95,000 members.