They generally serve as pastors in local congregations. Many unofficial Protestant congregations, such as Baptist churches, were permitted to meet. State appointed pastors were foist on surviving congregations. There were around 1200 Protestant congregations in various denominations. Certain Mennonite churches have a high number of people who were formerly from Amish congregations. The English Benedictine Congregation is the oldest of the nineteen Benedictine congregations. Around 50 churches operate in the city operated by the above-mentioned congregations. Harvey associated with various congregations of different denominations. The Virginia Synod is responsible for the congregations of the Lutheran Church. Deacons serve in many roles in and beyond congregations. Businessmen liked the role of the laity in Calvinist congregations. There are 146,402 adherents and 184 different religious congregations in the city. These are composed of teaching elders and ruling elders from each of the constituent congregations. Most Association congregations (approximately 40) united with the United Reformed Church in 1981. The presbytery has authority over many affairs of its local congregations.