Daily AncestorChurch discipline
Church discipline was how a congregation investigated and corrected members accused of misconduct, ending in acquittal, apology, exclusion or restoration.
In the 1800s most denominations disciplined members swiftly and severely, and pastors and deacons were tried as well as ordinary members. Drunkenness and scandalous living, such as card playing, horse racing and dancing, were the usual charges, and the aim was to protect the church and restore the offender.
Proof was required, and some accused members were cleared. Read discipline cases with care: an accusation in the minutes is not proof that it happened.
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Daily Ancestor. "Church discipline." Dictionary of Old Record Words. https://dailyancestor.com/dictionary/church/church-discipline. Last checked 2026-10-03.