"Just look'n at the pictures." How often have you heard that expression? Few things distinguish one publication above another than the use of numerous Photographs. The first two Volumes are enriched with copious samplings of notable Brethren personages, families, historical events, buildings, and gatherings. Photographs, even black and white, provide visual cues about societal norms, church tradition, and daily living; as well as satisfying our natural curiosity. Comparing photos of then and now also gives us a reasonable means of judging our progress. Film has allowed us to freeze history for an instant, to give us lasting perspectives about ourselves.

    There is great educational value in photographs, especially if you're trying to describe something vague, in great detail. We have become a society that is driven by a continual need for pictures. Starvation became reality for many when pictures of dying Sudanese appeared on the front pages of national news magazines. Death gained a face when a fireman carried the charred body of a little child away from the Oklahoma bombing. Pictures emotionally interact with us. We need them to tell a story. The Brethren Encyclopedia enriches us with over 500 photographs. It gives us the ability to put a face on our past and begin to tell our story.