This book contains a detailed account of the migration and growth of the Brethren in Virginia, especially those who settled in the Shenandoah Valley, with attention to church organizational development and important leaders. It includes chapters on the organization of the church in Germany and flight to America, migration to Virginia, church organization and missionary activity, slavery, the Civil War period, division of the state into districts, division of the First District of Virginia and the formation of new local organizations, division of the Second District of Virginia and the formation of new local organizations, biographical sketches (many with portraits), education, charitable work of the church, and much more. The narrative is enlivened by numerous facsimile reprints of vintage photographs and original documents. An added bonus is the map which shows Virginia from the viewpoint of the church.