USA > Maryland > Washington County > Hagerstown > A history of Washington County, Maryland from the earliest settlements to the present time, including a history of Hagerstown > Part 75
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The present incumbent is the Rev. Frederick William Bald, B. D., who. began his work Mareh 1, 1901.
ST. JOHN'S REFORMED CONGREGA- TION, CLEAR SPRING, MD .-* In the year 1829 the Reformed and Lutheran people of Clear Spring dedieated a church ealled St. Peter's in which they worshipped together. From the rec- ords it seems that the Reformed congregation formed no separate organization until 1834. On
May 23 of this year a congregational meeting was held at which P. K. Zacharias was authorized to extend a call to D. G. Bragonier, "late student of the Theological Seminary at York," On June 15 the congregation again met and elected as elders, George Keefer, J. C. Snyder and P. K. Zacharias ; as deaeons, Jacob Koon, W. W. Beeeher and Jaeob Reitzell. On June 25 a committee of Maryland Classis ordained and installed the Rev. D. G. Bra- gonier as pastor, and the above named to the of- fiees for which they had been chosen. The parish included Little Cove and Timber Ridge, Bedford County, Pa. Two years later St. Paul's or Cono- eoeheague was added, and from that time until now these two (Clear Spring and St. Paul's) have had the same pastors. Little Cove and Timber Ridge were detached from the charge about the year 1845. In 1859 the Reformed people sold their interest in St. Peter's Church to the Luth- erans and thereafter held their services in the Meth- odist Protestant Church across the street. When the Rev. William Goodrich beeame pastor in No- vember 1865 a lot was purchased in the eastern section of the town and a large, substantial briek church was ereeted upon it. The members of the building committee were Messrs. Jonathan Loose, J. R. Cushwa, John Cook, Jacob Reitzell and the pastor. The corner stone was laid on August 16, 1866. In 1869 Mrs. Sarah Heller donated the lot and large brick house next to and east of the church for a parsonage. Recently the church was thoroughly renovated at a eost of nearly $2,000, and the old parsonage was replaced by a fine resi- dence costing about $3,000. This latter is the property of the two congregations. The present membership is 111. Its contributions for benevo- lent work during the past five years (1901-6) aggregate $829. The officers are as follows: Pas- tor, the Rev. Frederick William Bald, B. D .; el- ders, Messrs. A. Shank, M. D., J. M. Kreps, Joseph Conrad; deacons, William H. Yeakle, William W. Frantz and Martin Boward.
i
THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, SHARPSBURG, MARYLAND .-* The Lutheran congregation is undoubtedly the oldest religious organization in the town, as doc- uments on record show that the Reformed Church
*Contributed by Rev. Frederick Wm. Bald.
*Contributed by John P. Smith.
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HISTORY AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD
was organized April 2, 1774. The Methodist Episcopal in the month of August, 1811. The Protestant Episcopal, in the year 1818. The rest are of recent date.
On the 16th day of March 1768 a deed for a site for a church and burial ground was executed by Col. Joseph C'hapline to the Lutheran vestry- men, who were Dr. Christopher Cross, Matthias Need, Nicholas Sam and William Hawker. The deed says "That Joseph Chapline, for and in con- sideration of the religious regard which he hath and beareth to the said Lutheran Church, as also for the better support and maintenance of the said Church, hath given. granted, aliened, enfeoffed and confirmed into the above named vestrymen and their successors, members of the salu church, for the use of the congregation that do resort there- to. one lot or portion of ground, No. 149, contain- ing 154 feet in breadth and 206, narrower list, in length, with all profits, advantages, and appurten- ances to the said lot or portion of ground belong- ing or appertaining. To the above named congre- gation, to them and their own use and to no other use, intent or purpose whatsover, yielding and paying unto the said Joseph Chapline his heirs and assigns
ONE PEPPER CORN,
if demanded, on the 9th day of July yearly, and every year from the 9th day of July 1768 hereafter, and any rent that may grow due to the Lord Pro- prietary freely and absolutely (but with this re- serve) That if the above named vestrymen do not build or cause to be built a church on said lot in the term of seven years, then the lot to revert to Joseph Chapline, his heirs and assigns.
In witness the said Joseph Chaphine hath hereunto set his hand and seal the day and year above written.
Signed, scaled and delivered in the presence of Joseph Smith and Samuel Beall, Jr.
A half penny sterling for an alienation fee on the lot was paid to Lord Baltimore.
The vestrymen of the church began at once to erect a building of logs and roughcast, 33 by 38 feet in dimensions in the north-cast corner of the graveyard. This quaint, old-fashioned structure, which was a century and a quarter old, was sur- mounted by a tower in which swung a bell of Eng- lish make. The interior of the church was ancient looking. The pows were straight-backed and high. The pulpit was goblet-formed and half way up the wall, and was reached by a flight of
ten or twelve steps. Over the pulpit and just above the preacher's head was suspended from an iron rod in the ceiling, a canopy, or sounding board, as it was termed, which resembled in form an open umbrella.
The vestrymen occupied one corner of the church, seated on a platform considerably elevated, so that they could be readily distinguished from the rest of the congregation. The foresinger, or leader of the singing, with his tuning-fork and note-book, was seated on a high chair in the cen- tre of the church. The singing, praying and preaching, from the organization of the congre- gation until the year 1831, was conducted in the German language.
The early records of the church having been lost or destroyed, it is impossible to give a very correct account of the ministers who officiated here in very early times. It seems quite evident, how- ever, that this church at the beginning was sup- plied with ministers from Frederick City, Mid- dletown and Hagerstown, as Frederick City Luth- eran Church was organized August 22nd, 1737. Middletown in the year 1755, and Hagerstown in the year 1170. The records of Middletown Luth- eran Church show that the Rev. Johann George Graeber officiated occasionally at Boonsboro, Rig- er's Church, and Sharpsburg in early times.
From the records of our oldest inhabitants, we find that Revs. Schmucker and Kurtz preached regularly to this congregation, and they were min- istors stationed at Hagerstown. The following is a list of the ministers stationed at Sharpsburg Lutheran Church from the year 1800 to the pres- ent time: Revs. Ravenock. Baughey, D. F. Schaeffer, Little, Schnay, John Winter, Peter Rizer, D. Oswald, George Diehl, William Hunt, John N. Unruh. G. J. Martz, J. C. Lunger, I. J. Stine, Christian Startzman, Alfred Buhrman, G. W. Weills, George H. Beckley, D. B. Floyd, Ellis HI. Jones, J. W. Lingle and the present pastor, Rev. A. A. Kerlin.
At the celebration of the Holy Communion the wafer (on which was stamped the image of the Savior suspended on the cross) was used in the place of bread. This continued until the year 1831. The Liturgical service was used, showing that these Germans worshipped as they wore accustomed to do in their churches in the Fatherland. Confirmation was always held on Good Friday, that day being strictly observed by this congregation, who spent the day in attending
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OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, MARYLAND.
church, fasting and prayer. The female appli- cants for confirmation were arrayed in white linen with white caps, in token of the righteousness of the saints. Catechisation was rigidly enforced, and was the "Modus Operandi" by which to gain admission into the church and parents were strict- ly enjoined to send their children to "catechise," which took place in the church or at the parsonage on Saturday afternoons.
This quaint old building remained until the year 1864. During the Battle of Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862, it was shelled considerably. After the battle it was taken possession of and used by the Federal troops for a hospital, and filled with sick and wounded, by which use it was so much dam- aged as to render it totally unfit for worship. It was therefore torn down, and the ground exchang- ed for the site on which the present church edifice stands. The corner stone of the second church was laid on Saturday, Sept. 15, 1866. The build- ing was dedicated May 23, 1869, the sermon on that occasion being preached by the Rev. Alfred Buhrman, assisted by Revs. G. H. Beckley, G. W. Anderson, M. W. Fair, and Revs. Cronise and Wilson of the M. E. Church.
The second church was a poorly constructed building, and in a few years began to show signs of decay. The walls began to give way, and it was deemed unsafe to worship in it. On Sunday, December 13, 1891, it was unanimously agreed by the Pastor, Vestry and members to build a new church, to be known as The Memorial Lutheran Church, building to perpetuate the memory of the Federal soldiers who fought and those who fell at the Battle of Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862.
In the spring of 1892, the second church was torn down, and preparations were made to erect a third church. Mr. Samuel P. Humrichouse, of Shepherdstown, W. Va., was engaged as the arch- itect. The building committee were: The Rev. J. W. Lingle and Messrs. George Hess, John Ben- ner, Martin E. Snavely, Jacob McGraw and Wil- liam Earley. On Sept. 17, 1892, the 30th anni- versary of the battle of Antietam, the corner-stone was laid according to the Ritual of the Church. The sermon on that occasion was preached by the Rev. Edward Heyl Delk, pastor of Trinity Luther- an Church, Hagerstown, Md., in Christ Reformed Church, assisted by the pastor, the Rev. J. W. Lingle and the Rev. B. R. Carnahan, of the Re-
formed Church. The stone and brick work was done by Messrs. Coffman, Lapole and Spielman, of Boonsboro, Md., and the carpenter work by David Kretzer and his son, P. E. Kretzer and Jasper N. Thomas of Keedysville, Md. The church is cruci- form in design, with gothic windows and corner spire, 95 feet from base to top and is surmounted by a cross. The lecture-room was finished and ready for worship December 25, 1893, and was used until the completion of the auditorium. The windows in the lecture-room are memorials of aged departed members of the church.
The vestrymen of the church are: Rev. A. A. Kerline (President) ; John P. Smith; Jacob La- kin ; Henry Burgan ; John H. Earley; and Wil- liam Earley. The congregation is in a flourishing condition ,and is the largest in the town. The present church edifice was dedicated May 22, 1898. The sermon was preached by the Rev. J. J. Kerr.
Dr. Christopher Cruss, whose name appears among the earlier vestrymen was a German chem- ist, and emigrated to this County from Germany about the time of the settlement of the town. He was concerned with James Rumsey in the con- struction of the first steamboat built in the United States.
Matthias Nead, another of the Vestry, was a brave soldier in the war of the Revolution, and participated in a number of battles, doing honor- able service. He lies buried somewhere in an un- marked grave in the old Lutheran graveyard.
UNITED BRETIIREN CHURCHES .-** Rev. Philip William Otterbein, the recognized founder of the church of the United Brethren in Christ, was born in Dillenburg, Germany, on the third day of June, 1726. In a town contiguous to Dillenburg, called Herborn, and in a splendid school, he received his education. After gradua- ting with honor here, he was chosen teacher in the same school for four years. He was ordained at Dillenburg, June 13, 1749.
Mr. Otterbein, as a missionary, arrived in America on the evening of July 27, 1752. Hav- ing faithfully served two pastorates in Penna., those of Lancaster and Tulpehacken, Mr. Otter- bein accepted a call to Frederick City in 1760. Closing five years of successful work in Frederick,
*Contributed by Rev. A. M. Evers.
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HISTORY AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD
he accepted a call to York, Pa., and gave nine years of his precious life here. Thence he was called to Baltimore, to take charge of a newly organized independent Reformed Church. lIere nearly forty years were given to the holy ministry. From this city the great, learned Otterbein went out and preached in many places in Pennsylvania and Maryland. His immediate co-laborers were the Rev. Martin Boehm, of Lancaster, Pa., and the Rev. George A. Geeting, of Antietam, near Kcedysville, Md. Like Mr. Otterbein, Mr. Boehm and Mr. Geeting felt themselves impelled to ex- tend their labors to fields beyond their own neigh- borhood. Rev. Dr. Berger, on page 121 of the U. B. Church History, says: "Otterbein was aug- umentative, eloquent and often terrible. In the elucidation of Scripture he was very clear and full, few being his equal. Boelim was the plain, open and frank expounder of God's word, being all animation, all life, often irresistible, like a mighty current, carrying his hearers into deep water. Geeting was more like a spring sun, ris- ing on a frost-silvered forest, gradually affording more heat, more light till you could hear as it were the crackling in the forest, and the icy crust beginning to melt and fall away and a drizzling shower, welding in a clear and joyous day."
I ani asked to give a brief history of the church of the United Brethren in Christ in Wash- ington County, Md. As above indicated, the church Fathers were not circumscribed by a nar- row sphere, but observed the macedonian call, here and there, in different localities, even beyond the Alleghanies. The first place of great interest was in a small building on the Snavely farm near Keedysville, called in history "Antietam," near the great Antietam historic battle-ground. An- naully ,great meetings were held here at Whitsun- tide until this place became one of the most noted for great gatherings and spiritual service in the IJ. B. Church. A substantial church was built here in later years. More recently a splendid church in Keedysville has taken its place. By the early Fathers, many congregations were or- ganized, which date back more than a century.
We have flourishing societies in Rohrersville and Mt. Carmel; present pastor, the Rev. W. M. Beattie; Keedeysville being served by Rev. J. P. Anthony. Boonsboro, Monroe. Benevola and Mt. Lena, pastor Rev. J. W. Grimm ; Chewsville, Shi- loh and Middleburg, in charge of Rev. G. A. Gra-
bill; Williamsport, Rev. D. R. Wagner, minister.
The aggregate membership of the U. B. Church in the County, as shown by statistics is 2,232.
BRIEF HISTORY OF ST. PAUL'S CHURCH.
"Rev. George A. Geeting, who was born in Germany and whose home was near Kecdysville, was the founder of this church. He was a man of liberal education and deep religious experience. In 1790 he first made appointments for preaching in Hagerstown and for seventeen years was the pastor of the flock which he had gathered here, when he became associated with Otterbein and Boehm in the organization of the church of the United Brethren in Christ. Until 1805 the pub- lic services of the congregation were held in the homes of the members. In that year property was purchased on West Washington street, near Jonathan, by a board of trustees, consisting of three members, George A. Geeting, Christian New- comer and John Hershey, who represented the "Society of United Christians," which was our first denominational designation. The lot cost $900. On it was erected a two-story log building, the lower story of which was used for a dwelling and the upper story, reached by outside stairs, for public worship.
For five years this plain building was used, when the growth of the congregation led the trus- tres to look for a permanent location. They pur- chased the present corner, a lot then 250 feet, from the trustees of Zion Reformed Church for $100. In 1810 they built on this lot a brick church costing $1,300. Here for many years the fathers of our church worshipped, giving supreme emphasis to the cultivation of the inner life and always exalting the necessity of experimental com- munion with God. They cared but little for or- ganization, for training of the young or for any of those enterprising methods which the modern congregation uses to perpetuate itself and as a consequence the growth of this society was fitful. The good seed they scattered, which developed zealous love in many cold hearted christians of the more formal churches, we cannot measurc.
To this little church came Bishop Abury and here prcached to the newly organized society. So alike were the two organizations in their views of spiritual life that our people sold the church to the Methodists in 1818 for $422, reserving a half interest for themselves. The two congregations
-
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OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, MARYLAND.
used the church together and alternately for twelve years, when we purchased the half interest which had been sold and the Methodist society bought their property on Jonathan street.
The church built in 1810 was torn down in 1858 and replaced by a more commodious brick church. Rev. W. T. Lower, was then pastor and it was under his administration that the church was first organized as a station. This church was remodeled in 1885 by Rev. W. O. Fries at a cost of $2,400 and was occupied by the congregation until 1898, when the present church was built.
The first parsonage owned by the church was built in 1871 by Rev. J. W. Kiracofe. In 1887 the present well arranged parsonage was built.
The building committee which had charge of the erection of the present church was composed of the following: Chairman, George C. Snyder ; treasurer, Albert E. Baker; superintendent of building, Harmon B. Ridenour, Hiram J. Smith, Charles E. Renner, (who furnished the original design for the church), and A. B. Statton, the pastor. The building was erected at a cost of about $15,000 and is regarded by many builders, who have visited it, as the most economically built church in the State. All agree that it could not be now erected under contract for less than $25,- 000. The gratitude of the congregation will al- ways be due to the chairman and members of the building committee who used the money of the church throughout this enterprise with such mar- velous care and discretion. The church was ded- icated February 26, 1899, by Bishop E. B. Kep- hart, assisted by Rev. C. I. B. Brane and Prof. J. T. Spangler.
The growth of the congregation during the past twenty years has been steady and substantial. Unity and loyalty now characterize the church and under God's care we look forward to an increasing- ly useful future. It is the hope of pastor and people that strangers may find with us a congenial spiritual home. During the past fifteen years over five hundred have united with this church, one hundred and sixty-three of whom have been under the present pastorate. Death, and more es- pecially removal, have been the source of constant loss, but the trend has ben forward and upward for many years. We now have a membership of about 560."
Bishop J. J. Glossbrenner was born in Ha- gerstown, July 24, 1813, became a member of St. Paul's U. B. Church at the age of 17 years and
soon after was licensed to preach the Gospel. The nineteenth century could boast of no greater min- ister than he, especially in the U. B. Church. St. Paul's can also claim the distinction of fur- nishing another efficient minister, the Rev. J. M. Hearshey. From 1886 to '90 the Rev. C. I. B. Brane, D. D., of Lebanon, Pa., was stationed here and during his administration the parsonage was built. His untiring efforts secured the necessary building funds in a short time. Dr. Brane is an eloquent minister. The church during his pastor- ate took on new life. His congregations were large, often to overflowing. Measures were adopt- ed and plans laid, that are an inspiration to this day.
In 1897, the Rev. Arthur B. Statton, A. M., was chosen pastor of St. Paul's U. B. Church and continues to minister here in Holy things. He is possessed of a classical education, having gradu- ated with honor and for a while was a professor in College. His father was a minister of dis- tinction and merited the title of Doctor of Divin- ity. The greatest work of Rev. Mr. Statton, and that which will be a monument to his memory is the building of the splendid St. Paul's U. B. Church, of this city. The church speaks for itself. His congregations are large and there is a grad- ual growth in the membership. The Sunday school and all the societies in this church are in a flourishing condition.
Other ministers have done a good work here, for which they have recognition in Heaven.
GRACE U. B. CHURCH .- At the tenth an- nual session of Maryland Conference, held in this city in St. Paul's U. B. Church, March 11-15, 1896, the Boundary Committee presented the fol- lowing resolution, which was adopted : "That we establish a mission in this city, to be called 'Northwest Hagerstown.'" To this work, the Rev. A. M. Evers was assigned. A vacant storeroom on.the corner of Church St. and Norway Avenue was rented. The first service was held April 26, 1896, with an attendance of 43 at morning service, and 56 at night. A permanent organization was effected, July 18 with eleven members. The Sun- day-School was organized with 36 members, on the 10th of May, 1896. Earnest and constant efforts gradually increased the membership and Sunday- School until the room became quite too small to accommodate those in attendance at the services, and Rev. Mr. Evers and his people concluded to
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HISTORY AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD
build a church, choosing the northwest corner of Church and Winter streets as a location. The task seemed great, as the means of the member- ship was quite limited. What will united effort not accomplish? The corner-stone of Grace Church was laid on Sunday, September 12, 1897, at 3 P. M. The day was ideal. The gathering numbered about seven hundred. Our city papers said: "The exercises were unusually impressive and inspiring. The choir sang beautifully. After prayer, Dr. Kieffer, of Zion Reformed Church, Dr. Wilson, of the Presbyterian Church, Dr. Delk, of Trinity Lutheran Church, and Dr. C. W. Brew- baker, of the U. B. Church, made splendid ad- dresses, all seemed inspired for the occasion. In the corner-stone were placed a statement of tlie origin of the church, the names of the building committee, and of the officers, teachers and schol- ars of the Sunday-School, officers and members of the Ladies' Aid Society, officers and members of the Endeavor Society, and of the members of the church. Copies of the Globe, Herald and Mail, the Religious Telescope, the Search Light and the Watch Word.
On the 9th of January, 1898, Grace U. B. Church was formally dedicated to the worship of Almighty God, by Bishop E. B. Kephart, who preached two able sermons to large and responsive congregations, in the morning and evening. Nine hundred and twenty-five dollars were raised. The Bishop was assisted in the services by the Revs. G. J. Roudabush, G. W. Kiracofe, M. L. Maysellis, C. W. Brewbaker, A. B. Statton, W. L. Martin, J. E. B. Ricc, W. D. Barger and the pastor, the Rev. A. M. Evers. On January 23, 1897, Grace Church was incorporated by Judge Edward Stake, with A. M. Evers, A. H. Marr, T. A. Higgins, J. H. Kiracofe and D. F. Snyder, as Trustees. John Loudenslager has since been chosen one of the Board.
The work of this church has grown steadily. By hearty co-operation and united effort, good has been accomplished. Many who were led to a better life through the work of Grace Church have joined the church triumphant. Some have moved away, but still the work goes on. "God buries His workmen and carries on His work." The Ladies' Aid Society of this church has done a noble work, financially. We trust their names are in Heaven. The Endeavor Societies, senior
and junior, are in a flourishing condition. The Sunday-School is doing a good work. Factional trouble has never disturbed this household of faith. May brotherly love continue. Grace U. B. Church was built at cost including location, of $4,600. without any appropriation from the Church Exten- sion Fund or aid from any of the general boards of the U. B. Church. It meant hard work and self-sacrifice. With the small beginning of eleven members, now more than 160 claim membership here. Rev. C. I. B. Brane, D. D., referring to Grace U. B. Church at dedication says, in part : "The church is a modern brick structure, and very favorably located, on the corner of Winter and Church streets, with a seating capacity of about 400. Rev. A. M. Evers, who started this mission, deserves great credit for faithful self- sacrificing service in carrying on this work, which was taken up and pushed successfully to this sat- isfactory and promising state, without a single cent of expense to the Conference, or to the Missionary or Church Extension Boards. The conference being without means to aid in the work. Rev. A. M. Evers, who has influenced thousands to a better life, gen- erously and bravely consented to undertake the work, without material assistance from the con- ference. As a result the church has added proper- ty worth $1,600 and the cause of God and hu- manity, an organized influence which will likely increasingly bless the world to the end of time. Thank God for such workers and results. The latter were not obtained without toils and tears and sacrifices and discouragements, on the part of the pastor. These things and success go togeth- er. Now the plain fact is, that such unselfish and successful toil needs and deserves the most substantial expressions of sympathy and support- both in moral and material things."
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