The mission, vision, and programs of the Brethren & Mennonite Heritage Center (BMHC) are carried out by the Board of Directors, two staff persons, and a large team of dedicated volunteers. The Executive Director reports to the board of directors and coordinates with volunteers, overseeing the operation, maintenance, and development of the Brethren & Mennonite Heritage Center — its campus, artifacts, programs, and sustainability.
CALEB SCHROCK-HURST
Interim Executive Director
Caleb is a pastor and historian based in Harrisonburg, VA. He served for two years with Mennonite Central Committee in Hanoi, Vietnam and for two years on the interim leadership team of Virginia Mennonite Conference. Most recently he served as Associate Pastor of Daniels Run Peace Church in Fairfax, Virginia.
Caleb received a Master of Arts in Religion with a concentration in History from Eastern Mennonite Seminary in 2022; he also has a B.A. from EMU and a A.A. from Hesston College. He is the author of 65 Years of Walking Together: The MCC Vietnam Story, and Mennonites, Race, and Reconstruction: A Survey of Racial Attitudes in 'The Herald of Truth,' 1864-1897.
When not at work, Caleb teaches cello lessons, bikes, and spends time with friends and family. He and his wife Stephanie attend Park View Mennonite Church, and they enjoy reading and spending time outdoors together. Lord willing, they plan to begin service with Mennonite Mission Network and VMMissions in Hualien, Taiwan next year after Caleb steps down from the interim role at the Heritage Center.
JONATHAN BRUMBAUGH SCARR
Associate Director
Jonathan grew up in Elgin, Illinois attending Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren and receiving a thorough immersion into the church. He brings to his position a strong knowledge of Brethren history, theology, and polity.
Jonathan previously worked with the Brethren Historical Library and Archives on several projects, including the creation of a topical index of Church of the Brethren Annual Conference Minutes. His affinities for forms and spreadsheets exemplify his skills in organization and record-keeping. He graduated from Juniata College in Huntington, Pennsylvania and continues to enjoy learning.
Jonathan finds the ongoing story of Anabaptism meaningful and inspirational, and he is excited to keep learning about and preserving this story through his work at BMHC. He lives in Rockingham County with his spouse, Jen, where they enjoy walking together in the woods and appreciating the natural beauty of the Shenandoah Valley.
IRENE HERSHBERGER KNISS
President of the Board
Irene Kniss became President of the Heritage Center Board in 2022. She is the Director of Health Services at Eastern Mennonite University, and also operates Kniss & Spencer Legal Nurse Consulting. Born to Amish parents who joined the Mennonite Church when she was a child, Irene brings a rich Anabaptist background and a wealth of experience to her leadership of the Heritage Center’s Board of Directors.