A history of Washington County, Maryland from the earliest settlements to the present time, including a history of Hagerstown, Part 77

Author: Williams, Thomas J. C. (Thomas John Chew)
Publication date: 1906
Publisher: [Chambersburg, Pa.] : J.M. Runk & L.R.
Number of Pages: 622

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 77

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During these two brief pastoratcs, this congre- gation was separated from St. Paul and Clear- spring, and was unable to give an adequate sup- port to the pastor. After a vacancy of one year and four months, the Rev. Christian Startsman was elected pastor in 1839. He remained eleven years, and under his ministration the congrega- tion increased in membership and had its largest prosperity so far in its history. He was an carn- est and devout preacher of the Gospel, and an ardent friend of revivals. Large numbers united with the church under his ministry, many of whom remained faithful through a long life. The next pastor was the Rev. Henry Bishop. He took charge in January, 1850, and continued in charge until 1855. He did not pursue the revival meth- ods of the former pastor, and on this account some

of those who had united with the church under the revival influence withdrew. In January, 1855, the charge was again supplied with a pastor in the person of the Rev. William F. Greaver, a man of devout picty and earnest zeal. Under his brief ministry the church prospered. The congregation esteemed him highly for his work's sake. After a ministry of one year and nine months, he died, and was buried in the cemetery at Williamsport. Of the thirty-seven members whom he added to the church, five are still members of the congrega- tion. Thes are Mrs. Catharine L. McClain, Mr. E. W. Byers, Mrs. Martha E. Bell, Mr. and Mrs. F. L. King. These have been members of the congregation for fifty years.

'The successor of the Rev. Mr. Greaver was the Rev. Joseph Barclay, a young man coming di- rect from the Theological Seminary. During his ministry, the church building was enlarged and tastefully frescoed. He resigned the charge in August, 1859. M. V. B. Harsh united with the church during his ministry. On the 20th of Oc- tober 1859, the Rev. Christian Leply became pas- tor. He continued in the pastorate for five years. The Rev. Mr. Leply made an earnest effort, during the first years of his ministry here, to pay the indebtedness of the congregation, but the Civil War coming on, differences of opinion arose, caus- ing bitterness of feeling and alienations, in the church, as well as in social life, and he did not succeed in his efforts. His ministry during the years of the war was very unpleasant and unsuc- cessful. The church building was used for some time as a hospital for the sick and wounded sol- diers. Other churches of the town were also used for the same purpose. There other churches re- ceived liberal compensations from the Government for damage, but the Lutheran Church has received nothing. The reason given for this failure was that there were those belonging to the church who were disloyal to the Government.

After a vacancy of more than a year, the Rev. S. Jesse Berlin was elected pastor, November 1. 1865. He found the congregation very much scattered and distracted. He labored to unite the membership again, to liquidate the church debt, to have repairs made to the church. property ; and to awaken a larger spirit of benevolence in the congregation. He was successful in paying the debt, a portion of which had been resting upon the congregation since the church was built in 1829; and in his efforts in other directions for the wel-

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fare of the church he was in a large measure suc- eessful. The Rev. Mr. Berlin resigned the charge in December, 1866.

The Rev. M. L. Culler was the next pastor. He received a unanimous call, March 1, 1867. He was an earnest and devout preacher of the Gospel and a zealous pastor. He added sixty-four to the membership of the church in the two years and nine months of his pastorate. The church prop- erty was repaired, the benevolent offerings were much increased, and the spirit of the church love was more largely manifested. Among those who Mr. Culler admitted to membership were Mr. and Mrs. Jonas Bell, Samuel Lefever, Martin L. Bell and Rev. M. L. Beard.

In 1870, St. Paul's congregation withdrew from the Williamsport charge, leaving this congre- gation to forin a charge by itself. The Rev. W. D. Stroble, D. D., became pastor in April, 1871. Prior to his coming, the parsonage had been re- paired and enlarged at a cost of $800. Dr. Stro- ble was successful in his ministry here. It was during his pastorate that Mr. C. W. Humrichouse and family became members of the congregation. Among others are the names of John A. Fleming, Alfred Schnebly, the Rev. Albert Bell and Matthew McClanahan. After a pastorate of three years, Rev. Dr. Stroble resigned. For a short time the congregation was supplied temporarily by the Rev. Dr. McCron, of the Hagerstown Female Seminary.

In April, 1874, the Rev. J. B. Keller becanie pastor. His was the longest pastorate, so far, in the history of the congregation. It continued from 1874 to 1886, a period of twelve years. Dur- ing this period the membership was largely in creased and a "Dime Society" was organized and kept in successful operation. This society is still doing efficient work. All indebtedness of the con- gregation was paid off; the offerings for benevo- lence and current church work were largely in- creased. The communicant membership, at the time of the Rev. Mr. Keller's resignation number- ed one hundred and fifty-six.

The Rev. Charles M. Aurandt was the next pastor. Ile took charge May 1, 1886, resigning December 31, 1889. At the beginning of his pastorate, he introduced the full service of the Lutheran Church without opposition. During the summer of 1887, the church building was ex- tensively repaired, and a Sunday-School room was provided at a cost of more than three thousand

dollars. The bell was presented by Mr. Ripple. At the meeting of the Maryland Synod, which convened in this church in October, 1887, the re- dedication of the church took place. The sermon was preached by the Rev. L. G. Morris, D. D. A Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society was organized. The Society continues at this day to do most efficient work for Missions. Its contributions toward the various mission oper- ations of the church have grown from a few dol- lars annually to more than two hundred and fifty dollars given in 1905.

After a vacancy of nine months the Rev. M. D. Gaver was called as pastor. He took charge September 3, 1890. The parsonage had been re- paired and put in excellent order for his coming. In 1893, the spire which now adorns the church was built, and the entire building repainted. This work was done at a cost of one thousand dollars. The ground east of the church was purchased in the autumn of 1896, for three hundred dollars. A Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor was organized during the summer of 1894. The church building was again repaired in 1897. These repairs included a steel ceiling and a re-arrange- ment of the pews. A new organ was purchased, and the audience-room was carpeted. Electrie lighting was introduced into the church in Decem- ber, 1899. The cost of introduction was paid by Miss Eliza Hetzer, a faithful and honored mem- ber of the church. The lights shine a memorial to her excellent Christian life. In the summer of 1901, a new parsonage was built. The work was begun in September 12, 1901, and the building completed, March 1. 1902. The building cost about $2,800. The Maryland Synod held its eighty-third annual convention in this church in October, 1903. The congregation has now, 1906, a membership of three hundred and forty. Its benevolent offerings amount to more than five hundred dollars per year. In March, 1906, Mr. and Mrs. W. D. Byron presented the congregation with a beautiful individual communion service. The Maryland Synod of the Lutheran Church has met in this church five times since its organiza- tion in 1820; first in 1829, later in 1851, 1869, 1887 and in 1903. The congregation has fur- nished three candidates for the Gospel ministry in this first century of its history. These are, the Rev. M. L. Beard, of Middletown, Md., the Rev. Albert Bell, of York, Pa. ; and the Rev. Edward Byers, of Bloomsburg, Pa.

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HISTORY AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD

The history of this congregation has been in a large measure the history of Williamsport and its community. The people and their homes have been so closely associated with the church that the history of the one is the record of the history of the other.

SALEM UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH, KEEDYSVILLE, MARYLAND .- $The Rov. P. W. Otterbein was pastor of the Reformed Church at Frederick, Md., from 1760 to 1765. During these years he made frequent visits to the .\ntie- tam neighborhood. then a part of Frederick County. but now of Washington County, Mary- land. After his removal to York, Pa., and then to Baltimore, Md., he continued his visits to Antietam. His stopping place was at the house of George A. Geeting, southeast of Keedysville.

Mr. Gecting was born in Nassau, Prussia, February 6, 1741, and came to this neighborhood when a young man. He had fair literary attain- ments, and taught school in this community. Mr. Otterbein preached in this man's home, and then in the school house. Mr. Geeting was one of the early converts in this locality, under the min- istry of Otterbein. He became a minister, and for thirty years preached the Gospel. His home was Otterbein's headquarters when in this locality, and perhaps never did two men love each other better and longer than did these two servants of God.

About 1280, a church was built on the Elias Snively farm, near the school house. The mate- rials were drawn together and fashioned into a church by the zeal and good will of the people of the community. It was a log structure. It be- came the centre of wide and manifold labors, and the meetings, such as the Whitsuntide services, were attended by great crowds of people. As stated above the Rev. Mr. Otterbein was at the time a minister in the Reformed Church, but later, he became the first Bishop in the Church of the United Brethren in Christ and certainly this An- tietam Church was the first building erected by and for this new denomination. It was frequently called the Gocting meeting house. Later, it was called Mt. Hobron. G. A. Gerting, Samuel Baker, Henry Smith, Jacob Hess and their families constituted the original membership. At Whit-

suntide, 1783, Mr. Geeting was ordained in this church, and beeame the pastor of this flock.

The society continued to grow and in 1845 a new and better house was required. A large stone church was ereeted near the site of the first church, and served as the place of worship until 1870, during the pastorate of C. I. Stearn, when the Society found it necessary to remove its place of worship to Keedysville where a substantial two- story stone and brick house was ereeted; the fol- lowing men serving as building committee and the first board of trustees: Martin Line, Jonas S. Deaner, Ephiriam Geeting, Ezra Baker and D. H. Wyand. These have all died except the last named, who has also been superintendent of the Sunday School for thirty-three years.

The present trustees are : D. H. Wyand, Ca- leb Wyand, D. D. Keedy, Grant Wyand and B. F. Baker. The church is furnished with a good bell, steam heat, steel ceiling, circular pews and pipe organ, and is up to date in all its work. The membership numbers about 260; there are 300 in the Sunday School. There is a good Christian Endeavor Society, with Mr. D. D. Keedy as its president ; also a Junior Society. a Mite Society and a Woman's Missionary Society.

Services are held regularly on Sabbath morn- ing and evening. Mr. Caleb Wyand has been see- retary of this church for thirty years.

The following have been pastors of the church : J. W. Falkerson; H. B. Winton; J. W. Miles ; W. R. Coursey; L. W. Matthews; I. K. Statton; A. M. Evers. C. I. Stearn; J. W. Hott; H. A. Bovey: J. W. Kiraeofe; W. O. Grimm; M. F. Keiter ; J. R. Ridenour ; J. K. Nelson ; S. H. Snell ; W. B. Evers. L. O. Burtner; E. C. B. Cas- tle; J. B. Chamberlain; S. L. Rice; and J. P. Anthony. The last named is now serving his fifth year as pastor of this charge.

In 1893, a commodious brick parsonage was built, and it serves its purpose well as a comfort- able home for the pastor. The trustees are. Dr. W. M. Nihiser ; D. D. Keedy ; J. R. Hoover, W. C. Greting : and G. W. Line. The running expen- ses of the congregation are about $1500 a year. Church and parsonage are in good repair and there is no debt.

Included in the membership of this elmreh are, or have been the following in publie life: John Russel, a Bishop in the denomination for

*Contributed by Rev. J. P. Anthony.

St. Mary's Catholic Church, Hagerstown.

Old German Reformed and Lutheran Church, Boonsboro.

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four years ; G. A. Geeting, a minister ; H. C. Dean- er, Professor in Lebanon Valley College; Simon Wyand, Professor at Mason City College, Iowa; Miss Annie Keedy, Professor in Kee Mar College, Hagerstown, Md. Dr. C. W. G. Rohrer, Professor in City Hospital, Baltimore, Md. ; Miss Eva Wy- and, Professor in Shenandoah Institute, Dayton, Va .; Clayton Wyand, Professor in Frederick Col- lege; J. F. Snyder, minister at Lemasters, Pa .; M. S. Bovey, minister in Ohio; W. M. Nihiser, physician, of Keedysville; and A. D. Baker, den- tist, of Keedysville.

CATHOLIC MISSION .- "It is a well re- corded historical fact that with all explorations and discoveries and settlements of new countries by civilized nations that the Clergy, spiritual ad- visers, reverend Fathers, always either accompan- ied the sturdy and brave pioneers or soon follow- ed them thus forming a part of the discoverers and colonists giving spiritual comfort and conso- lation as well as sharing with and braving the dan- gers of the savages and wild beasts of the plains and forests.

From the earliest discoveries of North Amer- ica and with the settlement of Jamestown, Vir- ginia, in 1607, the landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1620, and of St. Mary's, Maryland, near the mouth of the Potomae River in 1634 when the Ark and the Dove landed with its precious freight with its chartered rights given the First Lord Baltimore, George Calvert and his brothers in succession, came Fathers An- drew White and John Altham as spiritual advisors and companions, who shared the dangers and pri- vations of the first pilgrims and colonists of our beautiful Maryland.

So with the pioneers and first settlers of West- ern Maryland. The Maryland Convention of 1776 formed Washington County out of Frederick, which then embraced all of Maryland west of the Frederick County line, Allegany County being formed out of Washington in 1789. Thirteen years after Washington County was formed, with its beautiful valleys and noble mountains, noted creeks and the historic Potomac river for its south- ern boundary, all enclosing a large territory of rich and fertile lands and enchanting seenery, came its

then meagre population with a noble aini, the settlement of this section then so sparsely settled here and there by some sturdy and brave pioneers who braved the dangers of the Indian and wild beast of the forest and plain, being protected by Forts Frederick and Cumberland from the incur- sion of the Indians then almost solely in possession of this beautiful country. From the meagre rec- ords of Saint Mary's Catholic Church and the ad- ditional traditions and other evidence we could acquire, we find that late in 1786 when Elizabeth- Town was being formed, Rev'd. Father James Frenibach evidently a pioneer from the earlier settlement of Conewago, near Hanover, Pa., was sent here, Elizabeth-Town, to establish the first Catholic Mission.

Records of Father Frembach's first aets, though very slight and meagre, was in August, 1787, where it is noted that the noble and generous Jonathan Hager, the founder of Hagerstown, do- nated to the Rev. Father James Frembach a lot or lots on N. Walnut St., now extended, for a burying ground and as now on the corner of Washington and Walnut Sts., a lot where a log house was erected for worship of the few and scattered Catholics of the missions. These lots were donated as part of "Hager's" Addition to Elizabeth-Town which afterward beeame, as now Hagerstown.

With the first rude edifice for Catholie worship other missions were formed in different parts of the country where Father Frembach and his suc- cessors visited on horseback and on foot, giving spiritual consolation to the few scattered mem- bers of the small colonies and settlements. Ser- vices were held in private cabins and houses in Williamsport, Boonsboro, Smithsburg, Clearspring, Mooresville, Hancock, Little Orleans or Fifteen Mile Creek as it was then known, and as far as Cumberland. Thus were the greatest dangers borne and encountered till additional numbers increased the settlements and were followed by successive pastorates.

Father Frembach's mission continued for about 30 years, when he was succeeded by the Revd. Father James Redmond in 1818 who contin- ued the clerical labor with increased membership and improvement in the various mission. Father Redmond's pastorate continued for about four years, when he was succeeded by Father Ryan.

*Contributed by Victor Cushwa.

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HISTORY AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD

Rov. Father Timothy Ryan in 1822, whose zeal and piety, strengthened by comparative youth and the improvements made with increasing neces- sities, are even now remembered by some of the oldest of our citizens. He was active and devoted to his missions and flocks, and saw the necessity of an increase in Churches for the accommodation of the increased membership. It was under his pastorate that the main edifice of Saint Mary's Church, Hagerstown, was built and on July the 4th, 1826. the cornerstone was laid and the sub- stantial structure began.

When the cholera became epidemic among the operatives in the construction of the (. & O. Canal along the line at Williamsport, in 1851-2, Father Ryan was indefatigable in his efforts to re- lieve and comfort the afflicted and dying. It was then that he established a hospital on the old "Friend" farm near Williamsport on the Clear- spring road where a log-house served as the hos- pital and the surrounding ground as a burying ground. We would here remark that whilst the cholera raged here among the laborers on the C'anal, none of the citizens were affected with the disease though many of the citizens of Hagerstown were taken with it and several died with it.

Hospital Hill as it is still known, by the citizens of Williamsport, will live in memory for ages to come. Father Ryan's spiritual labors were most important and arduous, on account of the large number of laborers and others employed in the construction of the C. & O. Canal and the attention of missions all over the County when visits had to be made in all sorts of weather on horse back and foot. Besides building the church at Hagerstown, he improved the other missions and in 1835 he began and completed the brick church at Hancock, Saint Peter's, which was built largely from donations from employees of contractors in the construction of the ('anal. One of the con- tractors. Mr. Philip P. Fitzgerald being himself a large contributor and whose remains, lie buried in the cemetery by the church.

During these carly pastorates of Fathers Frembach, Redmond and Ryan we find in the bap- tismal records the names of many whose descend- ants still are among our people. Many have long since paid their last sad tribute to carth here and in other parts of the country. Among the names found are those of Ryan, Crossen, Vulgerman, MeAdams, Mitchell, Connollys, Mclaughlins, O'Briens, O'Keefes, Giles, McDonalds, Murphys,

Taggerts, Tierneys, McElhennys, Monahans, Meltons. MeGonigles, McCleerys, Snells, Smiths, Shervins, Hurleys, and later Kreighs, Ecks, Creamers, Gearys, Keedys, Cushwas, and Judge Jno. T. Mason. Among the early worship- pers were the Donnellys, McCardells, and others the parents of many are buried in the old burying- ground described. The parents and other mem- bers of the family of Mr. Daniel Donnelly who was born either in Hagerstown or Williamsport, and for many years one of the most prosperous and energetic citizens of Baltimore, lie buried there. The poet priest of the South, Father Abram J. Bryan, author of the soul stirring Father Ryan's poems, the "C'onquered Banner" and many other pathetic poems, was by record of June 1838, bap- tised during Father Ryan's pastorate.

This was Father Ryan's sixteen years of ser- vice so decidedly marked with true piety and zeal as well as improvement ended with sickness and death and he was buried in front of the Hagers- town church with a monument to his memory June 2d. 1838, a well merited tribute to his meni- ory. A few years ere his death he commenced the building of St. Peter's Church in Hancock which was completed during his administration. The contributions were chiefly from operatives of and along the Ches. and Ohio C'anal whilst being con- structed along there in 1833-34-35. The church is of brick and substantially built. Mr. Philip P. Fitzgerald, one of the contractors, was one of the principal donors. The Ryans, Baxters, Broider- icks, Mc.Avoys. Littles and many others gave lib- erally. Then came the Rineharts, Hooks, and oth- ers a second addition to the Hancock Mission.

Rev. Father Michael Guth who was with Father Ryan in his last illness succeeded him in charge in June. 1837 and discharged the duties of the missions with great activity and zcal for seven years when called away in June, 1845, when the mission was temporarily supplied by Father Jos. Plunkett, from Virginia, till succeeded by the saintly Rev. Father Henry Myers in the carly summer of the same year. 1845. Many now liv- ing within the old and present missions impres- sively remember his smiling face and generous and open hands. He always had a cheerful and kind word for all without regard to creed or color. He took charge of Hagerstown and its missions, as far as Cumberland, administering and comforting all on his way to and fro. He held services in private houses where there were no churches-Montpelier,

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the old Mason homestead, Michael Smith's, at Potomac Landing, Moore's, and many other houses along his way by horseback and on foot.

During his pastorate the church of St. Thom- as at Mooresville was erccted. Mr. Thomas Mains, or Means, a wealthy resident of that section, left by will a lot of land which was to be sold and a portion of the proceeds to build a church at Mooresville. The corner-stone was laid with cer- emony by Arch-Bishop Kenrich in August, 1852, and the church was completed by Father Myers out of the native mountain stone for the mission there, which was composed of the Martins, Moores, McKennas, McCormicks, Cains and others of that section.

Also about the same time a Methodist church was bought by him with the Williamsport congre- gation and services conducted therein instead of private houses as before. Father Myers was greatly csteemed by all who knew him for his great piety and kindness and his name and pastor- ate will be ever remembered.

His pastorate ended after twelve years of service that endeared him to all his members alike. Hc left for Pikesville, near Baltimore, in 1857. The Rev. Father George Flautt, who was with him here, when he left, succeeded him at Hagers- town, and continued the missions till 1858, about a year, when he followed his contemporary, who in the meantime had become pastor of St. Vin- cent's church, Baltimore, where he ended in peace his holy life a short time before Father Myers paid the last sad tribute to earth and many warm friends. Thus ended the active and holy lives of two good and holy men.

In the spring or early summer of 1858 Rev. Father Edmund Didier succeeded Father Flautt, who still lives in old age in Baltimore. Father Didier is well and widely known as one of the most enterprising and progressive of his age, and made many improvements to the churches of the mis- sion here. Hlis zeal was almost unbounded as he brought with him here all that learning and com- parative youth that knows no bounds in progress. Besides adding many to his congregations he built the Clearspring Church, Saint Michaels, in 1866-7, where services had been held for years in private houses of members there. The early members of the Clearspring mission were the Fellingers, Smiths, Begools, Timmons, Swopes, Flynns, Brown and later Kreighs, Cushwas and others.

Father Didier's pastorate, which was noted

for its zeal and progress, ended in 1861, after three years of marked and noted service. When Father John Gloyd, then pastor of Saint Peter's Church, of Hancock, Saint Patrick's Church, Lit- tle Orleans, which was built of brick under his pastorate from funds donated largely by Lady Stafford, a noted English lady and a Catholic who owned large landed estates there with the assist- ance of others about Little Orleans, the Callans, Bevans, Shercliffes and others, temporarily suc- ceeded Father Didier till in January, 1862, when the Rev. Father Malacy Moran came and adminis- tered during the great struggle of our civil war till 1864. Father Moran is well remembered as an active and zealous priest, who visited the sol- diers as well as the missions, giving spiritual com- fort to the soldiers and members of the missions alike. Undaunted by the great dangers and strife of this ever memorable struggle between the North and South, he went to the camps and done all that he could to ameliorate the condition of the citizen and soldier with the greatest promptness.

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A history of Washington County, Maryland from the earliest settlements to the present time, including a history of Hagerstown, Part 77

Author: Williams, Thomas J. C. (Thomas John Chew) Publication date: 1906 Publisher: [Chambersburg, Pa.] : J.M. Runk & L.R. Number of Pages: 622

Author: Williams, Thomas J. C. (Thomas John Chew)
Publication date: 1906
Publisher: [Chambersburg, Pa.] : J.M. Runk & L.R.
Number of Pages: 622