Mailbox: MNO: Nov. 1998 – present

I trust this is of some use to you, Jeanette, and will be glad to hear from you at any time.

Yours in our Lord, Gordon.

From: Jeanette Martin
Mon, 19 Feb 2001

Thank you so much for the information you sent. And thank you for the ministry of "My Brethren". It has been a tremendous help.

Jeanette.

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Pervaz Rehmat Masih

From: Evangelist Pervaz Rehmat Masih
pervaz65ATyahoo.com
Lahore/Punjab,Pakistan
Sat, 26 Aug 2000

Dear brothers in Christ!
Greetings in the precious name of Jesus Christ!

I am looking for my admission at Theologlical Seminary at abroad but cannot afford high cost of studies. I am serving with a volunteer organization "The Last Age Ministries, Pakistan" as Incharge Rural Ministry. God is using me for his kingdom. I want to have my good and solid base of my studies. I am Accountant and God has changed my life and visioned me of Global Evangelism. I need to be prepared in most perfect way. I need my Theologlical Seminary Training for this purpose. Can you pray The Lord is almighty and can do everything for me? Thanks.

Evangelist Pervaz Rehmat Masih, Pakistan.

To: Pervaz Masih
Sat, 26 Aug 2000

[My reply was lost. I explained that we could pray for him personally but that theological seminaries are regarded as unscriptural.]

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Dave Mason

To: Dave Mason
damasATlineone.net
South Yorkshire, UK
30 Nov 1998

Dear Dave,
Thank you for visiting my site and for your comments. I hope your message brings some replies. I know how important links with friends of earlier years can be.

It is a great sorrow to be separated from family for whatever reason and it is sad indeed that you were not told about your father at the time.

Of course, I don't know why you left – there are so many possible reasons – but I trust that you know the Lord Jesus personally and are following Him.

I would be glad to hear from you at any time, Dave.

Yours in the Lord, Gordon.

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Len Mason

To: Len Mason
jlAT4ms.freeuk.com
Belfast, N. Ireland, UK
Fri, 15 Oct 1999

Dear Len,
Thanks for visiting "My Brethren" and for your comments. You did not show your locality. Am I right in assuming it is Belfast

We have heard rumours about your father, JM, being unwell and – as many of our guests – would be glad to have news of him.

Your 1959 London Central Hall photo on Dick's site is very interesting. Would it be all right with you to include it on "My Brethren"?

• If you have any others similar, or of brethren including your father, in jpg format they would be welcome.

Please drop in again,

Yours in the Lord Jesus, Gordon.

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Lydia Matejov: For previous see Lydia Kosova

From: Lydia Matejov
Lydia.L.MatejovATgsk.com
Bernolakova, Slovakia
Mon, 21 Jul 2003

Dear Brother,
I hope you and you wife are fine. I don't know if you remember me. We were in contact through e-mails some years ago regarding your site.

My father – Bohuslav Kosa – is preparing a CD with the ministry of the brothers. He thought it might be interesting to place also the photos of the authors on the CD.

• Mr. J . N.Darby, J. L. Harris, J. G. Bellet, Sir E. Denny Bart, Wigram, Deck, Stoney, Snell, Trotter, Mackintosh, Stanley, Reynolds, Dennett, Raven, Wolston, Cecil, Pellat, Cutting, Chater, Bevir, Champney, Coates, Myles, Cowell, Revell, Marsh, Anstey, Johnson, Sargent, Crossland, Collie-Smith, Gill, A. A. Elliot, J. Taylor, Carter, Gill, Hayward, Hardwick, Biggs, Wilkinson, Ware, McBride, Besley, C. C. Elliot, Nunnerley, Pearce, House, Carron.

• Could you please advise me where I can get these photos. The mybrethren site seems to be no more valid.

With much love in the Lord.

Lydia Matejov, e-mail: Lydia.L.MatejovATgsk.com

P.S: Below you will find the reason why my surname changed. See attached files: Engagement.zip – Wedding announcement.doc.

To: Lydia Matejov
Tue, 22 Jul 2003

Dear Lydia,
I certainly do remember you, and the valuable contributions of both you and Bohus to 'My Brethren'.

• I was speaking to Andrew and Lois on Lord's Day evening and you were mentioned. Also they had just received a letter from you grandparents (?) in Brno.

Betty and I are feeling the onset of old age but are counting on the Lord's support to continue here for Him at His will.

I'm very interested to hear that Bohus is preparing a CD of ministry. Please let us know how he progresses, and greet him and your mother.

• It would be quite cumbersome to send all the photos I have, but you are quite welcome to copy any or all from 'My Brethren'.

• You will find them mainly in the History, Ministry and Biography groups – a few pages have several different photos, often of the same brother, but I don't have photos for all the names you mention.

• Actually you have an incorrect URL for MB. Please see the correct one below. Let me know if you have any difficulty copying the photos and I will try to email them.

We were very interested to hear of your marriage and trust you and your husband will prove the Lord's blessing over the years.

• Thanks for the attachments. Unfortunately I can only bring up a few lines of text. The photos won't come up for some reason but I'll try again.

Don't hesitate to contact me again if I can be of any assistance.

With love in our Lord Jesus, Gordon and Betty.

From: Lydia Matejov
Fri, 8 Aug 2003

Dear Mr. Rainbow,
Thank you for your e-mail. I have managed to copy the most of the photos and some of those which were missing I scanned from father's literature.

• The only missing photos are of the following brothers: Mr. G.R.Cowell, E.H.Chater, A.E.Myles.

• We would be very glad if you could recommend us some other sources where we could get them.

Psalm 103: 5

With much love in the Lord, Lydia and Rene.

To: Lydia Matejov
Fri, 9 Aug Jul 2003

Dear Lydia,
Glad to hear you could find most of the photos you wanted. I'm attaching some of GRC and AEM. I don't have one of Mr. Chater and don't know where to find one. If I do find one I'll send it on to you.

Thanks for Psalm 103: 5 – very encouraging!

Love in our Lord Jesus to you and Rene, and your parents.

Gordon and Betty,

From: Lydia Matejov
Mon, 11 Aug 2003

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Rainbow,
Thank you very much for your prompt reply and the attached photos, which are very much valued.

We are hoping to travel to Zvolen tonight and to visit a young brother, Juraj, who is doing the technical support on the CD.

• His mother Anna converted couple of years ago but father, who is a light colonel, still struggles. He was chosen to operate in Belgium for 3 years, where the whole family should move in November. Your prayers for his salvation would be appreciated.

Then we would like to visit another former light colonel Pavel with his wife Olga, who both converted after the loss of their 2 sons.

• They are very bright Christians and have been a great encouragement to my parents during past years.

Please pass our greetings to dear Robertsons, when you speak to them next time. We got their letter and hope to write them soon.

With much love in the Lord, Lydia

From: Lydia Kosova-Matejov
lydia.kATslovanet.sk
Sun, 7 June 2009

Dear brother Gordon,

Greetings in the Lord Jesus to you and your dear wife!

I am writing to ask you whether you have some news about brother Andrew and sister Lois Robertson. We used to have regular contacts with them via mail and telephone. In March they called us to inform us that brother Andrew had some health problems and had to be admitted to the hospital near the place they lived. He gave us the phone number to the hospital where he was and also the number to the Rehabilitation facility where sister Lois was during that time, so we were in touch with them.

Unfortunately, since May we have not managed to contact either of them anymore -- no-one is answering the phone in the hospital room where brother Andrew was and the receptionist at the rehabilitation centre was not willing to tell me any information about sister Lois apart from that she had been dismissed from their facility.

We would be very grateful if you could kindly let us know in case you have some news about them and give us their contacts.

With many thanks in advance and much love in the Lord Jesus

Lydia Matejov
(Daughter of Bohuslav Kosa from Slovakia)

To: Lydia Kosova-Matejov
June 2009

Dear Lydia,
How good to hear from you. Andrew and Lois used to keep us up to date on you and your family. We often pray for the keeping and blessing of you and your young daughters.

Andrew is out of the hospital at the moment and they are in a room together in "The Pavilion" a long term care facility connected with the Cape Cod Hospital. Both, especially, Andrew are weak.

I spoke with Lois this morning and she was interested and encouraged to hear your email read to her. Her phone number is – and they are in Room 201-A.

Today, I am adding you to a news email I send out from time to time and you will find all the details known.

Thank you for writing and please greet Bohus and Hannah. May the Lord bless and keep you and your little family..

Gordon and Betty Rainbow.

From: Lydia Kosova-Matejov
Fri, 12 June 2009

Dear brother and sister,
We were very pleased to get the detailed news about dear Robertsons -- thank you very much! We are very happy that they are no more separated -- we had been praying that they may be together soon. It is good to hear about the other saints who are praying for them and encouraging them. I will try to call them tonight. We will be very much interested in receiving the regular updates about them -- thank you very much for adding me to the news e-mail.

I also appreciate your prayers for us - our little Evodia had to be repeatedly in hospital recently -- once in April while we were in Brno and then twice in Bratislava. We were released for home observation only yesterday afternoon. If there is no improvement she will have to have another operation. We cry to the Lord for his mercy.

Our third baby is due to be born on the 8th July but it seemed many times already that it was coming much earlier.

This comes with much love in the Lord Jesus from

Lydia.

P.S: My parents join in sending much love to you too.

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Josiah Matthews

To: Josiah Matthews
JOSIAHMATTHEWSATcs.com
[City not known] USA
Tue, 26 Sep 2000

Dear Josiah,
Welcome to MB. Please come again.

Sorry, I don't have any information on a "local Plymouth Brethren assembly in the Charlottesville, VA area", and can't locate any address list on the web.

Yours in the Lord, Gordon.

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Jeanne Marie Maynard

To: Jeanne Marie Maynard
jmaynard817ATyahoo.com
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Fri, 31 Jan 2003

Dear Jeanne Marie,
Welcome to 'My Brethren' – glad you found it, and also found info on many brethren you remember well.

• Unfortunately I can't place you – perhaps you can;t place me either – and would appreciate any details you are free to share.

The 1932 hymn book is of course long out of print, but I'll post your request in 'Site News: Bulletins' in the hope of a favourable response.

• Am I right to think that the 1932 book – the first book I used – was perhaps the last one you used?

• If all else fails, the current 1973 book has the majority of the 1932 hymns.

I expect to be speaking with Andrew Robertson this Lord's Day, and I know he'll be glad to hear of your interest in his gospel tract.

I hope you visit MB again, and we will glad to hear from you.

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

From: Jeanne Marie Maynard
Thu, 31 Jan 2003

Dear Mr. Rainbow,
Thank you for your prompt reply. I am the granddaughter of Edgar T. Maynard and Doris Maynard who travelled extensively to Canada, Scotland, England, and Australia, so perhaps you may remember them.

• Andrew Robertson knows my family quite well, in fact he was responsible for my first "real job".

We have quite a number of hymn books needless to say, however, my mom is in particular looking for the 1932 edition. Thank you for your help with this.

I found the site quite interesting and will visit again.

With love in Him, Jeanne Marie.

To: Jeanne Marie Maynard
Tue, 4 Feb 2003

Dear Jeanne Marie,
Yes indeed, we remember ETM's very well. Betty and I enjoyed their gracious hospitality at 3 day meetings in New York in the early 1960's. Some time later we had the privilege of having them stay with us during meetings here in Toronto.

Last night I spoke with Andrew and Lois, and they were very glad to hear of you and your family again. Andrew certainly does recall helping with your first "real job"!

• They were also interested to learn that you live in Atlanta. They left New York many years ago to live on Cape Cod.

I do hope we get some reponse on the 1932 Hymn book for your mother, and look forward to hearing from you from time to time.

With love in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

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Warren McAlpin

To: Warren McAlpin
wjslmcalpinAToptusnet.com.au
Melbourne, Australia
Mon, 3 May, 2004

Dear Warren,
Welcome to 'My Brethren' and thanks for your comments.

• One of our objectives is to keep MB positive, even though we must touch on negative matters occasionally. It's encouraging to have this recognized.

We recall, pre-1970, happy times in our home with Mr. and Mrs. Cyril Garrett, and Vernon and Gwyneth Sealey of your city.

In a list of names I compiled some years ago I notice four McAlpins in Melbourne: JB, AD, AG, CJ.

• We would be interested to learn your family connection and, of course, your own current exercise.

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

From: Warren McAlpin
Wed, 19 Oct 2005

Dear Gordon,
I am sorry it has taken me so long to respond. Well done, in your work to maintain this site. I understand the negatives in having to do with the EB system and I thank God every day that I am free from the darkness that still holds many good folk in that system.

You mentioned Mr. and Mrs. Cyril Garrett and Dr. Vernon and Gwyneth Sealey who both used to live in Melbourne.

• I recall Mr. Garrett as a kindly man and his wife, possibly a Grace connection, both decent people who were elderly when I left Melbourne to live in Albury in 1982.

• It was in 1982, that I got to meet Dr. Sealey again when I married his grand-daughter, Rachel and he had just completed a ten year 'stint' away from his wife, family and his family home in Albury.

• I was told back then that — had said he could come back to the EB's and be at my wedding if he didn't cause the EB's any more trouble and sign over everything to his wife in case he ever came under further 'assembly discipline'.

• Growing up as a kid in Melbourne, I remember Dr. Sealey being recognized as one of this country's top oral surgeons and having left his own Jewish faith and family in the 50's to join the EB's, became well known in EB circles.

• He actually recruited my wonderful grandparents Roy and Hazel Baker in to the EB's in the 50's ironically away from their family and friends. So as you can see God works in mysterious ways!

I came to know the Lord in 1989 after 29 years of belonging to this group who had taught me that 'We Alone Hold The Truth', through faithful employees who had never heard of EB's and who to this day can't believe what they did to my family.

• That story is to be told soon and I have already taken up enough of your time and this from the slowest typer in the world.

• I will however say that — had a direct involvement in the breakup of my marriage when he gave Rachel a direct message: 'We have ways and means to get you free from your husband'. I was withdrawn from within 4 hours when I told the local gurus that I found nothing in scripture to support his message. I also told the gurus to give — a message from me 'You are not going to break up my marriage and I will fight to keep it together'.

• I have witnessed many marriage breakdowns over many years but alas mine became another statistic. Enough about me!

Soon after, I heard that Dr. Sealey was again in trouble for suggesting that a young married EB mother go swimming to help in recovery from a back ailment. — was contacted and again Dr. Sealey was removed from his wife and family. This time however with little money and age, the EB's moved him into the garage.

• I used to visit him on a regular basis but only when the meetings were on because he was petrified the EB's would see us and he would never see his family again. Can anyone imagine the fear that this man was under and that he would finish his days alone in the garage?

• I am not sure how many years that he survived alone in the garage but I do know that he did break his leg while there.

Sometime after I returned to live in Melbourne, his sister (never in) rang me to tell me that her brother had died and asked me to please find out what had happened.

• I drove to Albury and established that sadly Dr. Sealey had been found by the EB's dead in the garage. I spoke to the head of the Albury Lawn Cemetery who told me that Graeme Sealey had rushed in one day to organize a plot. He said to Graeme 'When do you want it and for whom?' Graeme said, 'Its for my father and we want to bury him today'.

• I am told by two witnesses that — had given instructions as to how the funeral was to take place and that because he died out of fellowship he was to have a small service from a minor hall and not the main hall!

• There is also witness to the way the EB's placed the casket in the ground. It can only be assumed that the head of the casket was placed away from the headstone as a sign of disrespect for dying out of this cruel fellowship.

I think I have said enough for one day.

Gordon, you have kindly asked about my own family and I am almost ready to tell all about my journey but have been held back through renewed efforts to see my two boys and parents still trapped within this organization.

• I can however tell you that the so called 'Review', set on by — is and has always been a 'sham'.

Warm and Kind regards, Warren McAlpin.

In loving memory of Dr. Vernon Thomas Sealey.

To: Warren McAlpin
Fri, 21 Oct 2005
Dear Warren,
Thanks very much for your detailed email which I greatly appreciate, especially as to your own situation and as to Vernon Sealey. What sorrowful happenings!

• I hope you will find some comfort in the fine ministry on MB and the knowledge that we pray constantly for those, like yourself, who have suffered and still suffer.

With love in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

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Wendy McAvene

From: Wendy McAvene
wenluvsjesusATyahoo.com
Arcata, California
Wed, 8 Dec 1999

Hi Gordon:
I attend Calvary Chapel of Arcata. I've been really close to the Lord for the past 9 years (since my husband got saved).

We do share presents on Christmas, but I could agree that it is totally a wordly thing now.

• So we just tell the kids that it's just become a fun holiday of getting gifts.

• We try to teach them to put the Lord in their lives daily and not as the world may do – once or twice a year (Christmas and Easter).

I do not wear a head covering and I am on a worship team – mostly because it blesses the sheep; so they've said, and that it helps them to really put their focus and thoughts on the Lord and his grace and mercy. As long as it doesn't stumble people, I think it's fine. Could I do without it, sure. But I do enjoy it.

I do not speak in tongues and pretty much lean towards it's not necessary for today.

Would love to hear more about you.

God bless you, nice to meet another brother in the Lord.

Wendy.

To: Wendy McAvene
Fri, 10 Dec 1999

Dear Wendy,
You can learn more about me in the "Personal" group and the "Studies" group here on "My Brethren". I hope you will find help and encouragement exploring the site.

Thank you for sharing your background and exercises.

• I trust you and your husband will be helped to continue in personal faithfulness to the Lord Jesus.

One of the most important things for believers to accept is the Lordship of Christ and to learn that

• His will must govern us in our personal, family, business and assembly – or church – relationships.

• If this is so, we cannot allow practices or refuse practices on the basis of personal preference or what may be generally accepted.

• Such an outlook is foreign to those who are bondservants of the Lord.

I will be happy to hear from you at any time.

Yours in the Lord, Gordon

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Ian McDowell – With Christ, March 5, 2008

From: Ian McDowell
imcdATmelbpc.org.au
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Thu, 13 May 1999

Comments: Author of books and articles on the history of the Plymouth (sorry) Brethren – "A Brief History of the Brethren", "Chief Women Among the Brethren", "Rice Thomas Hopkins, an 'Open' Brother", biographies of full-time Brethren pioneer evangelists in Australia, biographies of "chief men" not in Pickering's book, etc. etc.

Note that most Australian brethren who "came out" at the "London party" troubles of 1959-61 in Australia came to the "Open" meetings, though not without much emotional difficulty.

• Oakleigh, the assembly nearest to our own, is composed of brethren and sisters who "came out", but remained together.

• There are a number of others like that around Australia.

• The evil behaviour of "Exclusives" is still a matter of public notoriety here.

Blessings abundant be upon you and your work,

Ian.

To: Ian McDowell
Sat, 15 May 1999

Dear Ian,
Thank you for sharing news of the situation in Australia. If is not too much trouble perhaps you would let some of the brethren in the Oakleigh meeting know of this site.

"The evil behaviour  of 'Exclusives' " to which you refer is a cause of shame and sorrow to those of us who remember earlier times.

• While I do not favour such names, those now known publicly as "exclusives" are not worthy of such a description.

• They have sullied the history of brethren and dishonoured the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Your own labours are abundant. Have you considered putting any of your works on the web?

• You describe R.T.H. as "open". I understood he was connected with "Needed Truth" in particular. Is that correct?

• Are any of your biographies of those known as "exclusives"?

Visit us again. New items are being added from time to time.

Yours in the Lord, Gordon.

From: Ian McDowell
Sun, 16 May 99

Gordon – Greetings and thank you for your email.

I told Dr. Ian Beaman, a professor of computer science at a nearby university, about your website. He did not know of it. He does know of one which originates, he thought, in New York, which publishes a variety of material of interest of ex-Exclusive people. You probably know of it.

RTH was an evangelist in the UK during the 1859 revival. For perplexity as to where to place converts for adequate nurture, he tended to separate those who received Christ in his campaigns.

• In this he was linked with Boswell & co. who later became "Needed Truth". They published his material, but he would not link with them because he would not accept their four echelons of eldership.

• They sent emissaries to Australia to bring him back to the fold, but he would not comply.

• Whenever he returned to the UK he met freely in "Open" company.

• I have been friendly with a number of his descendants; two of his sons, now deceased, were, regrettably, about half-way to "Needed Truth".

• My thesis has always been that Brethren will stratify into four groups, represented by Taylorism, Kelly-Lowe, Open and Needed Truth.

• This is a psychological rather than a spiritual phenomenon. No individual fits any of these stereotypes, but each of us has a preference. Mine might be described as "conservative open".

Have not wished to put Brethren material on the net. The brother who does this sort of thing here, Ken Walker, kgwATalphalink.com.au, posts my more general ministry material on his website.

My biographies are of "Exclusives" only in the sense of those who refused the Bethesda accommodation but did not go on with Raven or Taylor.

• These are mostly lady hymn writers like Emma Frances Bevan, Celia Thompson or Hannah Kilham Burlingham in "Chief Women".

• The evangelists were too warnhearted to go along with the negative notion of "Separation from Evil God's Principle of Unity".

• Certainly we separate from evil, but as a consequence of separation to our Lord Jesus Christ first and foremost.

"Exclusives" in Australia are a cult. They turn up in the current affairs programs about twice a year when the media get hold of some grievous case of destruction of a family.

• The "man of God" is a Sydney fellow (Bruce Hales) with a notorius record of unusual conduct.
  • Note: Actually, John S. Hales, Bruce's older brother.   G.A.R.

• I have been involved intermittently since the terrible outbreaks of 1960-61, as an advisor on the nature of "Open" meetings.

Generally those who "came out" formed half-way-house meetings of their own, but these are more or less "Open" now.

• Except that one brother at Oakleigh still wishes to address divine persons in proper order in the worship meeting, and many still unconsciously include the Taylor "error" with leading in praise.

Sorry to rabbit on and on.

Blessings abundant be on your website. Ian.

To: Ian McDowell
Thu, 27 May 1999

Dear Ian,
Thanks for the information on R.T.H. I tried Ken Walker but he was unable to point me to your ministry.

I am interested in the "lady hymn writers like Emma Frances Bevan, Celia Thompson or Hannah Kilham Burlingham" and would be very interested in seeing your material on them. Is it in computer from for sending e-mail?

You speak of "the negative notion of 'Separation from Evil God's Principle of Unity' ".

• Separation from evil is necessary because of God's holiness. "Be ye holy, for I am holy", 1 Peter 1: 18, Leviticus 19: 2. This is hardly a "negative notion".

• And this word is not merely to individuals but to us collectively as called to be "a holy priesthood" and "a holy nation", 1 Peter 2: 5, 9.

You also say, "Certainly we separate from evil, but as a consequence of separation to our Lord Jesus Christ first and foremost".

• Of course, to merely separate without it springing from devotion and love to the Lord Jesus would be mere pharisaism.

Perhaps you haven't seen JND's other article "Grace, the Power of Unity and of Gathering" in which he says,

• "What is, I think, important to be understood is that the active power that gathers is always grace – love. Separation from evil may be called for …"

• The two sides go together, as Isaiah 1: 17 says, "cease to do evil, learn to do well".

There is no doubt that the followers of John Hales, to whom you refer, have become marked by the features of a cult.

• This is a great dishonour to the Lord and a cause of deep sorrow to those of us who know and love many brethren held in that system.

As to the brother at Oakleigh, and perhaps others:

• The Scriptural and spiritual order of the service (worship) of God has been opened up through years of humble and serious inquiry.

• Those who have had their eyes opened to see it – and who are committed to the worship of God here and now, as we shall be forever (John 4: 23-24; Ephesians 3: 20-21; Hebrews 2: 11-12) – will not lightly exchange it for the misconception some have of "leading in praise".

I trust you are not offended, but some points demanded a clear answer.

May the Lord bless and help you, Gordon.

From: Ian McDowell
Fri, 28 May 1999

Thank you for your email. I am not in the least offended by anything in it.

The biographies of the lady hymn writers are in print and in my computer as prepared on the word processor of the Smart Integrated Package, an old-timer now, but one I prefer to all the others.

• Please tell me what format you handle best. I do not have Word past version 5. Probably the easiest for me is the old Windows Write. If I put documents into text, the margins seem to come out all over the place, or not at all.

Some of my material was on Ken Walker's website the last time I accessed it, but doctrinal material rather than church history.

As you say, separation from evil is without substance apart from separation to Christ.

• Separation from evil has utility, but without Christ there is no power to succeed with it.

• I think that we are saying the same things in different ways, not saying different things.

Blessing abundant on your work, Ian.

To: Ian McDowell
Fri, 28 May 1999

Dear Ian,
Despite the margins problem you mention, I prefer "the biographies of the lady hymn writers" in plain ASCII text, which I can reformat in HTML. Some of them might suit my "Biography" group. If so, and if you are agreeable, I would post them with proper author credit.

Yours in the Lord, Gordon.

From: Ian McDowell
Subject: Four Biographies of 19th century Brethren Ladies
Sat, 29 May 1999

Gordon
Here are the biographies, in text, as requested. You will see by the numbers that there are others. If you like these, and want more, I will send them. Use them in any way you like.

Every blessing, Ian.

To: Ian McDowell
Wed, 09 Jun 1999

Dear Ian,
Sorry for the delay in acknowledging receipt of biographies of 4 lady hymn writers. Thank you very much. They are very interesting.

• Yes, I would like to see the rest at your convenience, if it is not too much trouble.

• Thanks also for permission to use them. I am not quite sure at this point what I may do.

Perhaps you would clarify a few points:

• Is Miss Thompson's first name Celia or Centra?

• You say she lived with a Miss E. J. Elwood. Could this possibly be Miss F. (Frances) J. Elwood (1830-1927) who wrote hymns and poems? F.J.E. did remain with F.E.R. and J.T.

What evidence is there that C.T. and H.K.B. are of "those who refused the Bethesda accommodation but did not go on with Raven or Taylor"?

Yours in the Lord, Gordon.

From: Ian McDowell
Mon, 8 Nov 1999

Gordon,
Greetings from us Aussies and congratulations on the completion of the first year.

• You asked me for biographies of other "chief women" who were once EB and came into a wider place. I have not forgotten, and will send more in due course.

Nelson Joyce told me he was in contact with you followin his last visit to the USA. He is ex-EB (a member of the hierarchy), and a good friend of many years.

• He was present at the disgraceful final Aberdeen meetings with J.T.Jr., and for a time completely confused, but, when our Lord cleared his thoughts, he simply left, at considerable cost business-wise.

Oakleigh Christian Fellowship (ex-EB membership) here is now the centre of the (world-wide) Emmaus Bible College Correspondence Bible School work in our state (Victoria).

• Brethren who commenced Emmaus USA in 1942 were "Grant Brethren" at the time, but GB opened their doors to all brethren soon after.

• By grace, I teach God's Word at OCF next Lord's Day.

Every blessing, Ian.

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Lois K. McFarlane

To: Lois K. McFarlane
lokamacATaol.com
Queens, NY, USA
Thu, 12 Aug 1999

Hi Lois,
Betty and I remember well a visit from your family here in Toronto in the 1960's with Daphne and Alex Kirk.

You might be interested in visiting "My Brethren".

Yours in the Lord, Gordon.

From: Lois K. McFarlane
Sun, 15 Aug 1999

Hi Gordon & Betty,
I haven't been online for awhile but I did visit your website a few months back. There is so much information to absorb that I haven't had a chance to review and sign in as yet.

• I will probably remember you when I see you but it's been so many years, I can't recall.

Mom & Dad are still going strong at 78 and 82 and all eight sisters and brothers and thirteen nieces and nephews are doing well in different parts of the country.

• We try to schedule reunions whenever possible.

• Andrew (youngest) was able to see Alex and Daphne briefly when he was in Toronto about two years ago.

• I wanted to attend the Vancouver reunion but things were too hectic here.

• I also correspond with Malcolm.

Best Regards, Lois.

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Ian McGee

To: Ian McGee
rockxfrogATyahoo.ca
Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada
Thu, 6 Nov 2003

Dear Ian,
Welcome to 'My Brethren' and thanks for sharing your own background so fully.

• I'm glad that you have found MB profitable and hope you will continue to explore.

I regret any confusion you have is as to identifying us and, as you "have read some 2/3 of the web site" already, I hesitate to refer you to items you may have already seen.

• The lack of specific identification has not been deliberate, although we aren't interested in drawing attention to ourselves, but rather to the valuable ministry of the truth.

• Many guests of our own background will understand our 'position', and there are many partial explanations scattered through the 'Mailbox', 'My Answer' and 'My Stand'.

Without going into all the details, some years after their death a certain man and his followers arose and introduced and enforced a legal system

• which displaced both Christ and the Holy Spirit and oppressed the brethren.

• This resulted in many leaving at various times – 1959-1970 – and there are several resulting groups and some scattered brethren.

• For various reasons, we are not connected with any of those groups although we share much in common and seek to maintain good personal relations with some indiviuals among them.

• We are humbled by all that has happened and that we did not withdraw earlier, but seek to go on in dependence on the Lord, in simplicity of heart, and in faithfulness to the truth which has come out through the ministry of JND and others who have followed.

I'm not sure whether the above answers your inquiry sufficiently or not.

• In any case, if you are agreeable, I would be most interested to have a telephone chat with you so that we might share our experiences more fully.

• I am ready to call you if you let me know your telephone number and some suggested days and times.

You say, "When I was in Toronto I had aquired a recorded booklet of Scripture readings with JT, C. A. Coates and others and it was amazing".

• This is both interesting and intriguing and I would like to hear more about it and the source and availability.

Looking forward to hearing from you again, and with love in our Lord Jesus, Gordon Rainbow.

From: Ian McGee
Fri, 9 Jan 2004

My brother Gordon,
Thank you for the prompt response to my inquiry some time back as to your meeting and such.

• From my investigation, I understand you left the Taylorite meeting in the early 70's.

The man I mentioned in NS has a wonderful book store called the Bible Treasury Book Store Inc. It is an exellent resource for books and you ought to phone him to receive a pamphlet, or just speak on the phone with him.

I received the booklet of Bible readings from my roommate, when in Toronto, who was in the Jims from a fellow who remained in the meeting.

• It is unfortunate to read of all the believers who left the Jims and never returned to gathering unto his name.

I wonder if you have any knowledge of Mimico Gospel Hall? This is where I was in happy fellowship when in Toronto. — is one of the Elders there who I very much admired.

I would enjoy a phone conversation. My # is — and you are welcome to call any evening after eight o'clock.

• We would have much in common doctrinally save for views concerning the Spirit and Eschatology.

• I read from the Darby translation of the Scriptures and look to few others save for the Greek Testament.

• I would like to have a Darby Translation Concordance if you know where I might acquire one.

I look forward to hearing from you soon Gordon. Bye for now. Ian.<><

To: Ian McGee
Mon, 12 Jan 2004

Dear Ian,
Thanks for your reply and information. I hope to be able to call you soon, perhaps tonight or in the next few days.

• I'm not sure what differences we might have on "the Spirit and Eschatology" but will be glad to speak with you as to those matters.

You should be able to obtain a concordance to JND's translation from Kingston Bible Trust in England or Dover Bible Fund in USA. See 'Site News: Bible and Books' to contact them.

• I have used JND's translation as my main Bible for some 55 years, but occasionally refer to other versions.

• I can find my way through a Greek interlinear New Testament, but am definitely not a Greek scholar. See Guests: My Answer 2: The Darby Bible.

Yes, I know of Mimico Gospel Hall by report, having met some believers connected with it at Bethany Lodge, a seniors' home which we have visited for many years.

• And I have had many contacts with others connected with the Gospel Halls.

Looking forward to speaking "mouth to mouth, 2 John 12, even if by telephone.

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

From: Ian McGee
Fri, 16 Jan 2004

Dear Ian,
I enjoyed our phone chat Wednesday evening. It is good to get to know each other more personally than possible by email.

• As discussed, please let me know if and when you may be in Toronto so that we can meet face to face.

We didn't have time to go into details on your views as to the gifts and as to the Lord's coming.

• But from what you did say I suggest that there is need to review those matters in the light of all the relevant scriptures.

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

From: Ian McGee
Mon, 7 Jun 2004

My brother,
It has been some time since our last contact and i've been reading a three volume set called 'Precious Truths Revived and Defended Through JND'. It is a most exellent resource for an accurate account of history concerning issues.

I've also most recently read of the later developments as to your former meetings before your rightful departure of that which was leavened.

It seems that JND was a most truthful servant and those who recognized this, eventually left the Plymouth meeting of BWN. I was happy to learn that H. W. Soltau saw the error of BWN too, though having been a supporter for some time previous.

• Perhaps you could refer me to a more understandable teaching on the 'Ruin of the Church', as written by JND, for I find his teaching rather general and not fully explained so that I am able to see it in Scripture.

• I have yet to investigate the teaching on the Lord's Supper as being separate from the Service of God, though I've noticed it on the website.

I've been in Toronto a few times since our phone conversation, yet not having sufficient time to arrange a visit, I forwent contacting you. If you have any news of late or advice i would be glad to hear.

Your Brother, Ian McGee.

To: Ian McGee
Wed, 9 Jun 2004

Dear Ian,
It's good to hear from you again.

Regarding the ruin of the church, I don't have anyhting else to refer you to at the moment besides what is already on MB.

• Perhaps we could have a telephone chat and go over any questions, also as to the Lord's Supper and the Service of God. Let me know when would be a convenient time and whether your phone no. is still the same.

I do hope you will find time on a future trip to Toronto to have a personal visit with us.

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

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Phil McGrath

To: Phil McGrath
philmcgrathATbtconnect.com
Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, England
Tue, 27 May, 2003

Dear Phil,
Welcome to 'My Brethren'. We trust you found something of interest and will be free to share your background with us.

In the Lord, Gordon.

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Gene McLeod

From: Gene McLeod
grayfoxATiprimus.ca
Burlington, ON, Canada
Tue, 1 Jun April 2004

Hello Gordon,
You must have thought I got lost or something. I have had a tough few weeks – a sort of down-ness or sadness to the point of depression – a real heaviness.

• Both Judy and I have been challenged. It seemed to lift just on Saturday and I feel like another person today.

Thank you for the time you extended to me at your home. Forgive me for staying so long.

• I really appreciate your counsel and am very grateful for your web site.

• Almost everything is new information and somewhat overwhelming at times. I often have a sense of bewilderment – where have I been.

• It is a sad indictment of the Protestant Church – we have been wandering in darkness. Why is there so much blindness?

There is much to learn and catch up on. My favourite so far has to be F. E. Raven.

• John Darby’s writings have a lot of hundred-dollar words and paragraph-long sentences that are very tricky for my intellect. I think I comprehend for the most part; it just takes longer for me to absorb.

• Is Darby saying that the Protestant system is blaspheming the Holy Spirit through their insistence of a 'clergyman'? It would be nice if you could give me your understanding of this, Gordon, when you have some time.