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 82
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MOUNT TABOR UNITERD BRETHREN CHURCH OF CEARFOSS DISTRICT:# was established in 1853. It is a log structure, twenty- eight by thirty feet. Before this church was erect- ed, meetings were held at the home and in the barn of Mr. Samuel Needy's father, David Necdy. At one time this congregation was a strong and influential one, but the membership has dwindled and the building decayed until it is very likely that the church will be abandoned, as services are only held unfrequently. Among the early and subse- quent ministers, who have preached at this church which is located near the home of Samuel Needy, we mention the following: Bishop J. Markwood; the Rev. Mr. Bachtel, who preached before the church was. built; also David Spessard and J. Fulkerson, who held services before the church edifice was erected; among other ministers, we find the name of the Revs. Winton, Becker, Corscy, R. K. Statton, Matthew Hammick, 1. Underwood, W. Funk, Zermon, A. M. Evers, Kennyhoot, Grimm, Grayham, J. W. Kiracofe, Nimrod Kira- cofe, Warner, William Kiracofe, II. H. Fout, Hos, Beal, Moore, William Evers, R. Casseil, Lawrence, Keedy, Richardson, Miles, C. C. Gohn, and W. Wagner. There is a graveyard in con- nection with the church, where many. of the early members of the congregation are buried. Among the early members of this organization, we find Peter Resh, Sallie Rosh, David Needy, Sarah Needy, George Wolf and wife, David Stotler and wife, and David Dennison and wife.
TRINITY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH -* While the history of Trinity Evan- gelical Lutheran Church of Hagerstown, as a sep- arate organization, dates back only to 1869, yet the roots of its life run back to the very begin- nings of Lutheranism in Hagerstown. Until Au- gust 26, in the above mentioned year, St. John's Lutheran Church, throughout its long and success- ful history, continued undivided. About a year before the organization of Trinity, a difference of opinion arose among the members of St. John's Lutheran Church concerning the remodeling of the Church building. This difference of opinion fin- ally grew to such proportions that it was thought best, by those in favor of remodeling, to with- draw from the Mother Church, and to form anoth- er Lutheran Congregation in Hagerstown.
Among the prominent leaders in the new or- ganization were Messrs. David Artz, Philip Win- gert, Frederick Posey, Wm. Tice, Wm. Protzman, Martin Startzman, Jonathan Schindel, Jacob Roessner, Otho Swingley, L. L. Mentzer, Abra- ham Miller, Wilson L. Hays and Dr. J. E. Herbert. These were all members of the first Church Coun- ctl. Most of them are, at the present time, mem- bers of the Church Triumphant. Only one of the list is now a member of the Council, Mr. Jacob Roessner. A lot for a new church building was bought on West Franklin street, conveniently sit- uated, and ground was broken for the new build- ing on October 18, 1868. On November 7 of the same year, the corner-stone was laid, the Rev. Joel Swartz officiating.
While it was considered necessary for the two parties, holding diverse opinions, to separate, yet they continued to worship together until August 26, 1869, when the new congregation was formally organized. On that date it was decided by the congregation that it should be known as "Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hagerstown, Washington County, Maryland." On this same date, the new congregation extended a call to the Rev. T. T. Titus, pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church, of Hagerstown. He accepted the call, and took charge on October 1, 1869. On the same date, the new house of worship was dedicated, Rev. F. W. Conrad, D. D., preaching the dedicatory sermon. The Rov. Mr. Titus was not permitted to serve for a long period the people of Trinty. Because of throat affection, he was compelled to
*Contributed by Samuel Needy.
*Contributed by Rev. J. S. Simon.
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OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, MARYLAND.
resign, to the great regret of the congregation, to whom his earnest piety and loyal, faithful, pastoral work had much endeared him. His resignation took effect on the first of July, 1871. In August of the same year, he removed to Hartwick Theolog- ical Seminary, of which, in June, he had been elected Principal.
It is but right that testimony should be given to the faithful women of the Church, who worked continuously and with much self denial ; who, hav- ing given themselves to the Lord, gave their time, energy, money, to the service of His Church, and so contributed, in large measure to the payment of the debt upon the Church building, as well as to the building up of the Congregation and of the Sunday-School in numbers and in influence.
After the resignation of the Rev. T. T. Titus, there was a vacancy for three months, during which time the Rev. J. A. Clutz, D. D., at that time a student in Gettysburg Seminary, supplied the pul- pit. On February 25, 1873, the Congregation ex- tended a call to the Rev. W. Henry Luckenbaugh, a man of well-known and marked literary ability and pulpit attainments. He accepted the call, to take effect in April, 1872, and served the congre- gation until the latter part of 1874. During the ensuing vacancy, the Rev. Dr. McCron, then Prin- cipal of the Hagerstown Seminary, supplied the pulpit.
On June 13, 1875, the Rev. J. R. Williams was called to the pastorate. He served the congre- gation faithfully for eight years. In October, 1883, Trinity again became vacant.
On January 13, 1884, the congregation ex- tended a call to the Rev. Harvey W. Mcknight, D. D. He accepted the call, but resigned on July 16, 1884, to accept the Presidency of Gettysburg College, which had meanwhile been offered him. His resignation was a grievous disappointment to the congregation, and a long period of restlessness ensued. For more than a year the church was withoul a pastor.
The Rev. Edwin Heyl Delk, D. D., was called to the pastoratc on June 11, 1885, and took charge in October of the same year. He served the con- gregation with ability and success, also very ac- ceptably, until May 1, 1902. During his pastorate, Trinity made signal progress, increasing in mem- bership, paying the indebtedness on both church building and parsonage, and extending widely its influence for good in Hagerstown. During the vacancy caused by the resignation of the Rev. Mr.
Delk, to accept a call to St. Matthew's Congrega- tion of Philadelphia, the pulpit was acceptably sup- plied by the Rev. J. F. Baum. The present incum- bent, the Rev. J. S. Simon, A. M., was called to the pastorate in October, 1902, and assumed charge December 5, 1902.
About the year 1872, the congregation feeling the need of a home for its pastor, purchased a house on West Franklin street, at a short distance from the Church. In 1883, this was sold, and in 1885, the present parsonage, a large and substantial brick building, conveniently situated on North Potomac street, about a square from the church building, was erected at a cost of $7,000.
In 1887 a new Primary School building and library room were built. In 1891, the chancel was rearranged and the Church repaired. A growing Sunday-School and an increasing congregation will in the near future compel an enlargement of the church building. At the present time, the Church Council is giving much and earnest consideration to this matter.
The Sunday School was organized on the tenth of October, 1869, with eight officers, 23 teachers, and 98 scholars. At the present time, it has an enrollment of about 550, with 54 teachers and officers. The Sunday-School is noted for its benevolent spirit, giving for the support of the school and for the missionary work of the church more than $100 per month.
The Woman's Missionary Society of Trinity Church was organized in April, 1880, and has, at present a membership of almost one hundred. The Young People's Missionary Society was organized in September, 1884, and has now a membership of about 60. The Mission Band, a company of boys and girls, organized for training in the work of missions, was organized in March, 1889, by Mrs. J. D. Main, and has accomplished much to- ward the training of the young for service in the Church, especially in the Missionary Societies.
Trinity has given two boys to the work of the Gospel ministry, Benjamin Lantz and Harry Main. The Rev. H. Main is settled at Sharpsburg, Pa., and the Rev. B. Lantz at St. Joseph, Mo.
In October, 1890, about twenty members of Trinity, who objected to the use of the Common Service in the worship of the congregation, with- drew from its fellowship, and formed a new con- gregation, St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church, which has since that time grown into a flourishing church of about 300 members.
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HISTORY AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD
Trinity has reason "to thank God and take courage." The outlook is bright, and full of prom- ise for greater attainments. The membership is now about 625. The congregation is harmonious, and with pastor and people united and earnest in the work, blessed results are to be expected. That which came as the result of a difference of opinion among the members of the Mother Church, has, - under the direction of the Holy Spirit, brought about blessed results for Lutheranism, and for the kingdom of Christ in Hagerstown. Out of divis- ion has come a greater harmony. The Lutheran churches of Hagerstown, united in spirit, have heard the call, "Speak unto the Children of Israel that they go forward," and they mean to obey that call. May God's blessing rest upon them, and upon his Israel everywhere.
The compiler of this brief history is under great obligation to Mr. F. A. Heard, who so gen- erously gave permission to use a history which he himself had prepared some years ago. The obligation is hereby acknowledged.
THE RIVER BRETHREN CHURCH in Ringgold was built in 1871 and is a brick struc- ture 40x65 feet. It cost about $6,000, and has a seating capacity of about six hundred persons. The pastors are known as Bishops. Aaron C. Wingert was Bishop many years. Joseph Hess and Laban W. Wingert served as assistants to the Bish- op. Daniel Hollinger served as deacon. The Bishop and deacon serve as trustees. In the graveyard of this church are buried many early settlers, among them being, Samuel Dayhoff, his wife, Maria, Elizabeth Welty, Magdalene Strite, Rev. Christian Lesher, Henry Lesher, Solomon Shockey, Mrs. Margaret Rogers, Elizabeth Pass, Margaret Stouffer, David Shockey, Rev. Joseph Hess.
A UNION CHURCH EDIFICE was crected several years ago in the village of Ringgold, where services are held by any religious denomination. One of the leading movers in this worthy movement in social development, is Linn Barks- doll. The little village of Ringgold is situated in the northwestern corner of Ringgold district, near the Pennsylvania-Maryland State Line. John
Creager, who built a log house on its present site in 1825, was the first settler. The place was first called Ridgeville, but when a postoffice was es- tablished, it was named Ringgold, in honor of Maj. Samuel Ringgold. This change occurred in 1850. Union Church Edifice furnishes a long felt want in that community, and those who con- tributed to its erection may be classed as benefac- tors. The Christian or Disciples Church has a Mission organization of several members, and the organization owns a part of this church.
WELTY TUNKER CHURCH is located on the Ringgold and Smithsburg road in Ringgold District. It was built by John Welty, long since deceased, and was a free gift from him to the denominations, commonly known as Dunkards, now designated as German Baptist Brethren. It is a plain but substantial brick structure. The graveyard attached to the church holds the re- mains of many prominent and early settlers: Jolm Barkdoll, Susan Barkdoll, Joseph Garver, Mary Garver, William Welty, Susan Welty, John and Mary Geiser, Catharine Fesler, Mary Bowman, Christian Snivelv, John Hise, Jaeob F. Rohrer, Elizabeth Rohrer, Solomon Newcomer, John Mil- ler, Naney Miller.
LEHMAN'S REFORMED MENNONITE ('IIURCH is located in Ringgold District, on the Waynesboro road, near the Pennsylvania State linc. The doctrines of the sect. whose founder is buried in this churchyard, are described in articles upon religious denominations in Washington ('ounty. The church is a large brick building, and its ncatness and the elegance of many of the mon- uments in the church yard testify to the wealth of the congregation." Among the old residents whose remains are herein interred are, Daniel Resch, Magdalene Resch, John Stewart, Jacob Reecher, Jacob Kendig, Mary B. Groff, Rev. Jacob Frantz, Maria Frick, Barbara Frantz, John Frick, John Welty, AAbraham Barr, John Funk, Sr., Hen- ry W. Funk, Adam Morgal, Emanuel Miller, Ja- cob E. Miller, Fred Oppenlander, Abraham Frick, Samuel Beaver, John Frantz, Samuel Barr, Maria Barr, Maria Scott, David Rohrer, Martin Rohr- or, Christian Frantz, Anna Frantz.
511
OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, MARYLAND.
RINGER'S CHURCH .-* An extraet front a leeture delivered in Odd Fellow's Hall, Boonsboro, in 1858, by L. A. Brunner says: "The people of Boonsboro worshipped at Ringer's and Schwank's Churches until 1810. The former was Lutheran, the latter Reformed ; and the time of their ereetion antedates the Declaration of Independence."
The site of Ringer's Church referred to in this extract is about three miles west from Boons- boro, near Monroe Church, on what was the old Peter Ringer homestead. Those living who re- member attending services at this church describe it as being built of logs, afterwards "rough- casted." There was no painting on woodwork in- side and the pulpit is described as being a small paneled enclosure with just enough space for the preacher to stand, and elevated on a single post about four feet high with narrow steps leading up to the platform. A small board on top of pan- el served as rest for Bible. At the side of the church to the left of pulpit and near to it was a paneled enclosure, reserved for deacons. In front of pulpit and little to left was a table made of solid walnut which was used for communion ser- viees. There was a large walnut chest beneath pulpit which contained the communion set of pitcher, cups and plates, all made of pewter. A peculiar device used in taking the collection con- sisted of a pole about 6 feet long painted black on end of which was suspended from a ring a small black velvet saek tapering to a point from which dangled a tassel.
The church has been torn down more than fifty years ago. A graveyard nearby on same place contains the graves of those buried more than 100 years ago and the space is quite filled.
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MONROE UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH is located on land donated by Solomon Thomas just over the line between Boonsboro and Keedys- ville Distriets, and in the latter. It is only a short distance from the residenees of Noah G. Thomas and Enos Schlosser. Before this church was ereet- ed in 1872, members of this belief worshipped in the Monroe school house, (built in 1832), for more than twenty years. The following were among the active members: Jaeob A. Thomas and wife; George Snively and wife, Joel Schlosser and wife;
Noah Thomas and wife; Solomon Thomas and wife; Henry Hayes; Mrs. Christian Hoover, Mar- tin Line; Delia Karnes; Margaret Garner; Eliz- beth Gigous; George Orich.
Monroe Church has always been an active one. Among the active members at this time is Noah G. Thomas and family and Enos Schlosser. Noah G. Thomas was class leader and superintendent of the Sunday-School for many years, until sue- ceeded in both positions by his son, Harvey, the present official. Mr. Thomas is a trustee. The ministers have been J. W. Kiracofe, Henry A. Bo- vey, E. E. Ludwig, J. L. Grimm, Rev. Donavan, J. H. Reubush, C. M. Hott, C. H. Cromwell, C. J. Stinespring, E. J. Neese, J. E. B. Rice, C. H. Westfall, Charles Fisher, A. N. Horn, J. W. Grimm.
MOUNT ZION UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH .- This church is situated a short dis- tance north of Cearfoss postoffice, along the Green- castle and Williamsport turnpike, in Conoeo- cheague district. It is a briek strueture, and was erected by the Evangelieal Association in 1852, and rebuilt in 1893. It stands on ground given by Samuel Spiekler. When the present fine edi- fice was erected, to take the place of the first one, which was destroyed by a cyclone, and one and one- fourth aeres were purchased from George Cunning- ham, adjoining the original site, to be used for cemetery purposes. The first Church was known as the Evangelical Association. The Rev. C. F. Gar- rett was minister when the new ehureh was built, and William Gabriel, Henry Strock and Charles Donahue were the building committee. The cost of the church was about $3,000. It is 75 by 40 feet in size, and is located on a beautiful spot. Rev. C. W. Hipple, who resides at Cearfoss, is the minister in charge, and holds serviees every two weeks. There is an active Sunday-School and a Christian Endeavor Society connected with the church. The membership is made up of some of the most respectable and prominent eitizens of Conococheague district, the Gabriels being among the number. The cemetery connected with the church is a beautiful place of rest for the dead. Among the earliest interments are George W. Low- ry, son of Henry and Mary Ann Lowry, who died November 20, 1857, and David H. Lowry, who
*Contributed by Emos Schlosser.
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HISTORY AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD
died May 15, 1857. Many prominent citizens are buried there, and appropriate tombstones indicate the place of their interment.
MENNONITES .-* Of the origin of the de- nomination, which in America, Germany and Russia is called "Mennonites," in Switzerland "Taufgesinnte," and in Holland "Doopsgezinde" the ancient historians agree they descended from the Waldenes, which is apparent by the similar- ity of their faith. When we observe, the condi- tion of the true Church of Christ, from the days of the Apostles down to the time of the Reforma- tion, and consider attentively the bloody persecu- tions. the suffering endured ; may we not reason- ably infer, that the witnesses of the Truth, com- posed of sects such as Catherites, Waldenses, Albi- genses. Petrobrusiuns, and many others who, ad- hered to the religious doctrines which these ad- vanced; and who were dispersed, and lay con- cealed in almost all Europe ; these were the same Christians, with those of a yet more ancient date, who resided in the valley of Piedmount; or as ancient as those stated by the authors of note, es- pecially Reinerus Sacco, the bloody inquisitor whose antiquity remains to the Apostolic age.
"It may be observed, that the Mennonites are not entirely mistaken when the boast of their descent from the Waldenses, Petrobrusians, and other ancient sects who are usually considered as witnesses of the truth in the times of universal darkness and superstition."-(Dr. Mosheim Eccl. Hist. 16th Century, 3d Chapter.)
In A. D. 1000 a non-resistant congergation, called C'atharites near Strasburg, who taught adult Baptism, that the swearing of oaths, all war, lit- igation. are contrary to the teaching of Christ. They were to be known by their conduct and con- versation, which was sodate and modest, made no display of pride in their outward appearance, wear- ing neither costly nor very poor clothing, their worship was very plain and simple, also observed the practice of feet-washing. About the year 1170 Peter Waldo, a rich merchant of Lyons in France, was led to conversion by reading the Scriptures, whose influcunce gave new impulse to the "Catharites," who were now called "Walden- sos," similarly as after Menno's time the name "Mennonites" came into use, though neither Menno
or Waldo were the founders of the congregation called by their names, "Waldenses" was only a new name for the people, known up to that time as "C'atherites" or "Brethren," which is the con- clusion of such noted historians as Ebrad, Herzog and Keller.
In 1536, after Menno Simon's conversion to the truth of the Gospel, he became a famous re- former and was a shining light in the time of the reformation. He did not form a new de- nomination. Many circumstances prove that the doctrine he taught, was but an echo to that which was advanced and taught by those ancient witness- es of the truth above described ; his sentiment on the subject of religion and true piety, was in perfect concordance with theirs; only in Menno's time it was reduced to a more perfect system.
Unwilling to bear arms, and being refused religious liberty by the Westphalia Treaty of 1648, in Switzerland, these (then called) Men- nonites became fugitives from Switzerland to the Palatinate and Holland; in 1677 Wm. Penn be- came acquainted with them, in Germany and in order to share his sympathy he afterwards invited them to America. The first of their number landed at Philadelphia on the "Concord" Oct. 6, 1683, settling at Germantown; they since have colonized almost all the States. Wherever found they possess the same fundamental principles pe- culiar to Gospel teaching; believing salvation is obtained only by repentance and confession of faith, Baptism of believers or (adults) by pouring, Communion of Saints by bread and wine, feet- washing, kiss of charity, prayer head covering, non-swearing of oaths, abolition of war, non- resistance, non-conformity and excommunication. They do not have a paid ministry ; have establish- ed Sunday-Schools and Mission work, supporting a large mission station at Dhamtari, India, in charge of Bishop J. A. Ressler. It is a sad fact that now, as in all ages many call themselves Mennonites, but, have fallen from the Spiritual life of their forefathers. For practical piety is the essence of religion, and that the surest and most infallible marks of the true church, is the sanctity of its members. (1906.)
MILLER'S MENNONITE CHURCH .-* Among the early settlers of Washington County
*Contributed by Rev. C. R. Strite.
*Bell's History, Leitersburg District.
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OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, MARYLAND.
was a large number of Mennonites. In 1776-77, they became a subjeet of consideration for the County Committee of Observation, as they declin- ed to take up arms, or to participate in military exereises. But, although excused from actual ser- vice in the Colonial army, they were required to furnish transportation and supplies for the County troops, to make contributions in money, and to assist the families of enlisted men.
One of the settlers in the vicinity of Miller's Church, who adhered to the Mennonite faith was Jacob Good, a resident near the Little Antietam as early as 1765. It is supposed that his immedi- ate neighbors, Michael Miller and Andrew Reiff, were also Mennonites, but this cannot be positively stated. John Barr, Jacob Miller and John Strite, all of whom were Mennonites, settled in Leiters- burg District prior to 1800, and Christian Shank in 1812. Among the most prominent and numer- ous Mennonite families in the adjacent districts were the Shanks, Neweomers, Hoovers, Bachtels, Hoffmans, Weltys and Eshelmans.
For many years, the Mennonites of this part of Washington County met for worship in private houses. It is an established fact that the stone house on the farm of Abraham H. Martin, in what is now Smithsburg Distriet, built in 1820 by Henry Shank, was for some years a regular place of meeting. On the Loose farm, near Fiddlersburg, stands a building erected many years ago by Mar- tin Bachtel, who owned the farm at that time, and was an influential member of the Mennonite denomination, holding the office of Minister. This building was used as a place of worship until the year 1835, when Miller's Church, in Leiters- burg District, was erected. The original list of subseriptions for this purpose is still preserved, and reads as follows :
"We, the undersigned to this subscription, promise to pay to Christian Shank, Jacob Mil- ler and John Strite, or any one of them, or to their order ,the sum or sums marked opposite our names as follows below, to pay the eost of building a Mennonite meeting house, which shall be built on the ground of Jaeob Miller, and to be the ex- elusive property of the above-mentioned congrega- tion." Signed by : Martin Baehtel; Jacob Barr; Jolin Strite; Henry Funk; Christian Shank ; Abram Strite; Jacob Miller; John Byer; John Eshelman ; John Snively ; Abram Stouffer ; George Poe; Peter Newcomer; Jacob Funk; Andrew Shank; Samuel Bachtel; Andrew Newcomer ; Jos-
eph Strite; Jacob Newcomer; Christian Strite; Daniel Shank ; Daniel Seheetz ; Christian Stouffer ; Joseph Gabby ; Abram Stouffer, Jr. ; John Hoover; John Neweomer; Andrew Shank; Christian New- comer ; Christian Burkhart; Benj. Garver; Sam- uel Lantz; Lewis Ziegler; Jacob Bell; Jonas Shank; Garrett Wolff; Samuel Strite; Frederick Bell; Henry Snively; Frederick Byer; John Nit- ly ; Henry Shriver; Geo. H. Lambert ; Peter Hoo- ver; John Lesher; Jaeob Hoffman; John Horst ; David Hoover ; Joseph Reiff, Sr .; Jacob Leshier; Christian Barr; George Shiess. The following have served in an official position :
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