Our Founder
Rev. Nathaniel Bertolet Grubb, born in Frederick, Pennsylvania in 1850 had limitless energy and strong conviction. Pastor of the large First Mennonite Church, Philadelphia, he was a popular preacher throughout the Eastern District Conference of the General Conference Mennonite Church up to at least his 86th year. (He preached over 7,000 sermons.)
A man of action, Grubb obviously moved quickly when there was human need, but he also was a man of prayer and contemplation. He was described by a friend this way: “In him is no evasion, but practical Christianity of kind words and deeds, an unselfish and upright life.”
Some of his accomplishments as an innovative leader and organizer include:
- Christian Endeavor
- Young People’s Convention
- President Eastern District Conference
- English secretary Eastern District Conference
- Founder and Editor The Mennonite
- Founded Mennonite Home for the Aged
- Ordained Ann Allebach in 1911
- Commissioned Annie Funk to India
- Member Publication Board General Conference Mennonite Church
- Founded and edited the Schwenksville Item Newspaper
