Bridgewater College is observing the 300th anniversary of the Church of the Brethren this week.

People young and old came out to Bowman Hall for a panel discussion led by pastors and a workshop leader to share the values of the Brethren's heritage and how they relate to contemporary society.

The church of the Brethren began in 1708 in Germany, and audience members asked questions of the church's past and future.

Jeff Carter, the pastor of the Manassas Church of the Brethren, says it's a great time to celebrate.

"It's important to know that at this time just to be able to look back and to see the values and the steps that are taken to reach this place and then to look to the future with great hope and optimism," says Carter.

A commemorative worship service featuring the college's chorale group will be held Sunday at 3 p.m.