Plymouth, Brethren.—Early in the 19th century there appeared in England and Ireland a spirit of restiveness with regard to church connections. This was occasioned by the close connection between church and state, and in both England and Ireland a number of religious gatherings sprang up, in which the people who were desirous of a "spiritual communion based on New Testament religious principles" met for "the breaking of bread" and prayer. One of the most important of these gatherings was at Dublin, Ireland, in the spring of 1827, but it was not until 1829 that the first permanent meeting was formed, under the leadership of John N. Darby, a minister of the Episcopal church of Ireland. The system adopted was practically Evangelical Calvinism. Meetings of importance were held at Plymouth and Bristol, England, and the fact that the meeting at Plymouth became very prominent because of its members gave rise to the name of Plymouth Brethren, which became the popular designation of the sect, although it has never been adopted by the different communities, who call themselves Believers, Christians or Brethren.

The movement came to America as the result of the emigration of a number of the members who located in the United States and Canada about the middle of the 19th century. Mr. Darby made several trips to this country and a number of congregations were formed. Since that time meetings have multiplied and the church has been established in several states.

This church was not established in Kansas, however, until a late date, for in 1900 there was but one organization, located in Woodson county, with 16 members. During the next fifteen years rapid progress was made, as 17 organizations were reported in 1905 with a total membership of 308.