An internationally recognized scholarly research institute, the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies fosters contemporary and historical investigations of Anabaptism and Pietism, the theological traditions from which the Church of the Brethren developed. The Center seeks to interpret the cultural and religious heritage of groups emerging from these movements through exhibits, public lectures, workshops and conferences. The Center staff regularly teaches undergraduate courses at the College, offers occasional public lectures, and directs research projects.

The Center, which is named in honor of Galen S. and Jessie M. Young, overlooks Lake Placida on the east edge of Elizabethtown’s campus and includes staff offices, a reading room, exhibit areas and a seminar room. The Bucher Meeting-house, which is named for long-time College trustee and Church of the Brethren minister Rufus P. Bucher, comprises one wing of the building. Its architectural style is patterned after the first Brethren meetinghouse, which was built in 1770 in Germantown, Pa. In addition to serving as a site for Young Center events, the Bucher Meetinghouse is used for worship services, weddings, lectures, conferences, retreats and other campus and community activities.

Through its Fellows program, the Young Center supports junior and senior scholars and graduate students on leave from other institutions. Fellows spend a summer or semester on campus, using the extensive resources available in the region to work on their research topics.
 
The Young Center’s regular activities include a spring and fall lecture series, an annual banquet, the Durnbaugh Lectures, and the Dale W. Brown Book Award, which is given annually for the outstanding book in Anabaptist and Pietist Studies. The Center also publishes a bi-annual newsletter and sponsors occasional summer conferences at the College.
 
For more information about the Young Center, please call (717) 361-1470 or
visit www.etown.edu/youngctr.