Moravians began to hold a series of confereneces -- synods -- and invited representatives of several denominations. The Third Synod was held at DeTurk's farm on February 11-13, 1742. Zinzendorf attended, as well as Bishop David Nitschmann (Anna's brother), representatives of other denominations and several Indians. Three Indians were baptized -- "the first fruits of Moravian missionary efforts among the red men." Eschenbach was ordained, and his Oley followers were organized into an "undenominational church." The congregation consisted of Lutherans, Reformed and Mennonites.[21]

In the next months, the Leinbachs joined the congregation and in some cases converted and were baptized into the Moravian faith:

• At the Fifth Synod in April, Eschenbach installed Johannes Leinbach as elder of the Oley congregation. As elder, Johannes would be the leader of the group, in charge of their spiritual guidance. Catharine, Johannes Jr.'s wife, was confirmed by Zinzendorf as leader of women's work in Oley at the same time.[22]
• Friedrich and his wife, Elizabeth, were "received into the congregation at Oley" on May 6.[23]
• Salome Johanna, Heinrich's wife, also was baptized into the Moravian faith on May 6.[24] In the process, her first name was dropped because it was considered "unsuitable." (One possible reason: The biblical Salome was the daughter of Herod who asked for the head of John the Baptist.)
• Anna Elisabeth, Johannes' wife, and Maria Barbara, their youngest daughter, joined the congregation in December. In her memoir, Maria Barbara described the experience:
  

"About that time the sainted Count von Zinzendorf with his daughter Benigna and Sister Molther came to visit us. During this visit I became well acquainted with them, because the sainted Count took special interest in me and asked me whether I had a desire to reside in Bethlehem. At this question I felt at once in my heart that they were the people to whom I belonged. But I asked him for permission to visit them, to which he gladly consented. As a result I made a visit to Bethlehem with my mother. At that time I received permission to stay there. Together with my mother I was received into the congregation in December 1742."[25]

Chapter 7