DUNKERS, or Tunkers, a sect of American Baptists originating in Germany. The name, as its second form indicates, is a nickname meaning dippers, from the German tunken, to dip. From the first the members recognized no other name than “Brethren.” The founder of the sect was Alexander Mack of Schwartzenau, who, along with one or two companions, was led to adopt anti-paedobaptist views about the year 1708. It had scarcely assumed organized existence in Germany when its members were compelled by persecution to take refuge in Holland, from which they emigrated to Pennsylvania in small companies in the years between 1720 and 1729. Their first community was established at Germantown, not far from Philadelphia, and other settlements were gradually formed in New England, Maryland, Virginia, Ohio, and Indiana. In the early history of the sect the sexes dwelt apart, and marriage, while not forbidden, w as discouraged. Similarly, while the holding of private property was not absolutely prohibited, a certain community of goods was established and maintained by the voluntary action of the members, and it was considered unlawful to take interest for money. These features have now disappeared, but in other respects the sect retains much of its original character. Every member has the right to exhort and take part in the religious services, and for a considerable, period no special provision was made for the conduct of worship. There is now, however, a recognized unpaid ministry of bishops and teachers. There are also deacons and deaconesses. In baptism trine immersion is used. The Lord’s Supper is observed in the evening only, and connected with it are the lavipedium, or ceremonial feet washing, and the apostolic “love-feasts.” Putting a literal interpretation on James v. 14, ...