USA > Maryland > Frederick County > Graceham > The history of Graceham, Frederick County, Maryland > Part 15
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17
After a short recess, the lovefeast, in which about two hundred and fifty people participated, was introduced by a chorale on the trombones, followed by an organ prelude and an anthem by the choir. After the invocation, the congregation and guests joined in singing the first hymn on the printed program, "All ye people, praise the Lord, Old and young your voices raise," etc. (No. 587). During the singing of the following hymns, "I love thy kingdom, Lord" (No. 606), "Come, let us join our friends above" (No. 617), and "The Lord is my Shepherd, no want shall I know" (No. 505), the congregation and guests re- ceived the lovefeast cakes and coffee, and partook of them while the choir sang an appropriate anthem, after which the pastor, Rev. Robert Huebener, read an interesting letter written to The Moravian by the Rev. F. F. Hagen, who was present at the Centennial celebration of this congregation, in 1858, describing that celebration. After the hymns, "Remembering what our fathers told" (No. 679), and "Flock of Jesus, be united" (No. 465), the visiting brethren Shields, Hagen and Ricksecker made interesting addresses, and then followed the closing hymn, "Lord, our Almighty King" (adapted) and the benediction.
164
Another brief recess preceded the celebration of the Holy Communion. The attendance was the largest in the history of the Graceham congregation, one hundred and fifty-four persons partaking. The Rev. E. S. Hagen presided, the two former pas- tors, the Rev. J. J. Ricksecker and the Rev. M. F. Oerter dis- tributing the elements. The solemn and blessed occasion could not but evoke the deepest emotions and liveliest gratitude of all present for the renewed tokens of the unchanging love of our Divine Head and Saviour, who had so often, in the years that are past, refreshed and strengthened His followers here in this holy ordinance, and still vouchsafed the same grace to those who now met around His table.
The evening service began at half-past seven o'clock and was opened with the hymn, "All hail the power of Jesus' name" (No. 198), after which the Rev. M. F. Oerter led in prayer, and after his father, the Rev. A. L. Oerter, had read a part of the History of Graceham, which he had prepared for the occasion, continued the reading of the same until the lateness of the hour forbade the further communication of the narrative. The interest taken in the history of this congregation was evidenced by the very large attendance, the auditorium, including the gallery, being taxed for seats to its utmost capacity. The ancestors of many of those present had undoubtedly, at one time or another, been connected with the Graceham congregation.
On Friday, October 9, and Saturday, October 10, there were no services during the day, but on Friday evening, at half-past seven o'clock, the Rev. E. S. Hagen preached an excellent ser- mon to a crowded house, and on Saturday evening, at the same hour, the Rev. J. J. Ricksecker preached a very helpful and spirit- filled sermon. Although rain was falling, a fairly good audience assembled to enjoy it.
On Sunday, October II, the closing services of the Sesqui- centennial Anniversary were held. In the Sunday School, which assembled, as usual, at 9 A.M., the Rev. E. S. Hagen made an interesting and instructive address to the scholars, to which they listened with marked attention. At 10 o'clock the preaching service began, in which, after the usual opening, the Rev. M. F. Oerter preached the sermon to a good and devoutly attentive audience. In the evening the church was again packed with
165
people. At a quarter-past seven o'clock a united Junior and Se- nior Christian Endeavor Rally was held, and proved a source of spiritual re-awakening. At eight o'clock a sermon was preached by the Rev. E. S. Hagen. It proved to be an inspiring service. The sermon was powerful, and the presence of God's Spirit in our midst was sensibly realized in these last moments of the celebration. At the close of the service Brother Hagen gave out the gospel invitation to all who felt a desire for spiritual help and counsel to signify it by rising, while the congregation knelt in silent prayer, to which eight persons responded. The pastor, Brother Huebener, then made a few appropriate closing re- marks, and after the singing of a hymn Brother Hagen pro- nounced the final benediction. Special music was rendered by the choir at all of the services, assisted by a trombone choir un- der the direction of Brother Phares Buhrman. The congrega- tion realized its indebtedness to these musicians, to the minis- terial brethren and all others who kindly and efficiently assisted in making the celebration such as the occasion justly required.
It is interesting to note that besides the two former pastors, the Rev. J. J. Ricksecker and the Rev. M. F. Oerter, the two other brethren who officiated also had a more or less intimate connection with Graceham previously. The Rev. Thomas W. Shields, a brother of the late Rev. Elisha W. Shields, minister here 1880-'84, mentioned in his address in the lovefeast that he had almost come as pastor to Graceham before he went to the West Indies as a missionary. The Rev. E. S. Hagen is a son of the late Rev. F. F. Hagen, who several times visited and of- ficiated here, and participated in the Centennial celebration of 1858. The Rev. J. J. Ricksecker is a son of the late Rev. Ben- jamin Ricksecker, minister here 1854-'9, while the Rev. Robert Huebener, the present pastor, is a grandson of the late Rev. Samuel R. Huebener, minister here 1835-'39.
The entire celebration, in which so great interest was taken, not only by the members, but also by many friends of the Grace- ham congregation, could not have failed to prove not merely in- teresting, but spiritually edifying and uplifting, and to fill all hearts with profound gratitude to God for the many blessings and privileges vouchsafed to this congregation during the cen- tury and a half that had elapsed since October 8, 1758, when it was organized.
166
THE RENOVATION OF THE CHURCH.
19II .- In order to bring this history up to date, an account must still be added of a very important and successful work that was undertaken by the congregation during the summer of the year 1911. This work involved nothing less than a thorough and complete alteration and renovation of the church from the roof to the cellar, as will be seen from the communication to The Moravian which follows these remarks. The alterations were of such an extensive character that, as any one familiar with the details of such an undertaking knows, a great deal of work, and hard work was required to ensure the successful completion of the enterprise. It was necessary to enlarge the cellar in order to gain a suitable place for the furnace and for the installation of the acetylene gas plant. It was necessary to thoroughly scrape and smooth the high walls and ceiling of the auditorium, which had been papered probably twenty or twenty-five years before. By the removal of the paper the former decoration of the interior, the frescoing done by Mr. Tetherly, of Frederick, just prior to the Centennial celebration of 1858, was brought to light, the whole design being quite clear, and the colors almost as fresh as when laid on. A little forest of poles that had been hauled from the mountains filled the auditorium after the pews had been taken up and removed, supporting the scaffolding for the scrapers and painters. The contract for the re-decorating of the interior had been awarded to Mr. Charles Welty, of Fred- erick, who succeeded admirably in carrying out a very chaste and appropriate design.
The removing of the old shingles from the roofs of both the church and parsonage, and replacing them with metal shingles also required careful and exact work, and considering the size and height of the roof it was a matter for thankfulness that it was accomplished without accident. Hard and heavy was the labor of taking up and removing the huge flagstones that had paved the walks to the church and parsonage, probably since the church was built in 1822, or the parsonage in 1797, in order to make way for the laying of the concrete pavement. So large were some of the stones, five feet or more in length, and from four to six inches or more in thickness, that it was necessary to enlist the strength of a faithful horse in dragging them out of
1
167
the church-lawn. These venerable stones were utilized for the making of much-needed crossings over the street in front of the church, thus improving and facilitating the approach to the house of God.
In the undertaking and performing of all this hard work it was evident that the mantle of the fathers had fallen upon their children's children, and that the spirit which had animated those who were the builders of Graceham in the days of old, the spirit of faith and devotion and brotherly love was still abiding in the midst of the congregation, encouraging and enabling the members to realize the fond devotion expressed by the Psalmist in those beautiful words : "If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning. If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth ; if I prefer not Je- rusalem above my chief joy."
Here follows the above-mentioned communication to The Moravian :
GRACEHAM AND THURMONT.
Quite some time has elapsed since the last communication from the congregations in beautiful Western Maryland. Dur- ing this time they have been quietly at work, however, and per- haps some of our readers will be interested in hearing what has been accomplished during the past year.
Besides its regular work, the Graceham congregation under- took and has quite successfully completed a special enterprise. For some time the church has been badly in need of repairs and also, I may add, of the money necessary to make them. Some- thing had to be done; so it was resolved to make a special ef- fort during the year 1911, completely to renovate the church. Early in February a Committee on Repairs and Improvements was appointed to take the work in hand. Voluntary contribu- tions were solicited from members and friends of the congrega- tion, and there was a very liberal response. Everybody got to work. The Ladies' Aid Society held festivals and suppers, the Endeavor Society contributed its share and even the little Ju- niors were busy filling their envelopes with pennies which they collected for the work. Meanwhile the committee laid its plans, and finally, on Sunday, July 17, the last services were held, and the actual work of repairing was begun.
168
Church and parsonage were roofed with metal shingles, ce- ment walks were laid from the street to church and parsonage and a cement porch placed at the church door. The entire in- terior of the church has been renovated. The walls and ceiling are finished in two shades of gray and tastefully decorated with stencil work done in oil. A hot air furnace replaces the old un- sightly stoves, and an acetylene plant, with large central chande- lier and reflector, furnishes abundant light. Handsome circular pews, the gift of the Ladies' Aid Society, have been set in place and a bright, new carpet covers the entire floor. The pews and woodwork are finished in mahogany and have a rich appearance.
Besides gifts in money, the following furnishings have been presented by individuals : A choir and altar rail, rail curtain for choir loft, reading desk, pulpit chairs, pulpit and lectern Bibles, two hymn boards and a large iron lamp post from which an acetylene light brilliantly illuminates the street and lawn in front of the church.
On Sunday, December 10, amid great rejoicing, the formal re-opening of the church took place. At 10:30 A.M. the open- ing sermon was preached by Bro. E. S. Hagen, of Lititz, who delivered a powerful and eloquent sermon, taking as his text, I Chron. 22:14. After the sermon, the local pastor, Bro. R. Huebener, stated that the entire value of improvements made was $1500. The cost of the same, exclusive of the gifts, was $1250.95, and that money raised to date amounted to $1091.05, leaving an indebtedness of $159.90.
A Sunday School Rally was held at 2 P.M., at which Bro. Hagen addressed the children in a most interesting manner.
The closing service was held at 7:30 P.M., Bro. Hagen preaching an exceedingly practical and inspiring sermon based on I Cor. 3:9, "For we are laborers together with God."
There was plenty of good music at all of the services, the choir singing anthems by Gounod, Händel and other composers in a very creditable manner.
The offerings received during the day amounted to $118.19. This practically wipes out all indebtedness incurred by the im- provements and leaves the congregation in possession of a beau- tiful and modern place of worship. Surely God has greatly blessed our efforts, and we should feel encouraged to undertake still greater things in His service.
169
Now just a word about our Thurmont congregation before we write finis to this letter. While our congregation there is small, it is very much alive and at work. Last year they intro- duced electric lights, which shine forth brilliantly from hand- some brass fixtures. About a year ago a Ladies' Aid Society was organized, and they have been doing good work ever since. Because of their efficient aid the congregation was enabled, dur- ing the past summer, to re-paint the church interior-walls, ceil- ing and woodwork, as well as to re-paint and varnish pews and furnishings. It is now a very pretty and inviting little church, in first-class repair and free of debt.
We earnestly pray that God may abundantly bless all these efforts, and that the Maryland congregations may grow in num- bers, in grace, and in spiritual power. H. The Moravian, December 27, 19II.
With the above communication we close this imperfect survey of the history of the Graceham and Thurmont congregations. As everywhere, so here, light and shade have been necessarily mingled in the experiences of God's children. Congregations, like the individual members of which they are composed, have difficulties to encounter, trials of their faith and patience to en- dure, battles with the foe of God and man to fight, and, with the aiding and never-failing grace of their divine Head and Savi- our, victories to win.
There has been much of an encouraging and inspiring charac- ter in the record of the past one hundred and fifty-four years ; sufficient light to irradiate even the darkest shadows and cause them to flee away ; so that while we look back with thankfulness we may look forward hopefully and with the joyful confidence that
As long as Jesus Lord remains, Each day new rising glory gains, It was, it is, and will be so With His Church militant below.
May Graceham ever be true to the significance of its name, and the pious wish of Bishop de Watteville when that name was given, that it might be a place in which the grace of God would abound, be fulfilled to the latest generations.
170
APPENDIX A.
LISTS OF PASTORS, OFFICERS, ETC., GRACEHAM AND THURMONT. CONSECUTIVE LIST OF PASTORS AT GRACEHAM AND THURMONT.
1745-1912.
John Henry Herzer (Lay Reader and School-teacher), 1745. George Nieke, 1746. George Neisser, 1748. Sven Roseen, 1749. Matthew Reuz, 1751. Richard Utley, 1752. Christian Richter, 1755. Valentine Haidt, 1757. Christian Godfrey Rundt, 1758. John M. Zahm, 1758. Francis Boeh- ler, 1762. Daniel Sydrich (Assistant), 1763. Otto Krogstrup, 1764. Nich- olas Henry Eberhardt, 1767. Joseph Powell (ad int.), 1770. Samuel Ut- ley, 1770. Joseph Neisser, 1771. Samuel Herr (Unordained Assistant), 1762. Heppner (Unordained Assistant), 1770. John Schweis- haupt, 1775. Daniel Sydrich, 1784. Gottlob Senseman (ad int.), 1790. John Frederick Peter, 1790. John Martin Beck, 1791. Christian Frederick Schaaf, 1796. John Frederick Schlegel, 1798. Nathaniel Brown (Assist- ant), 1800. Carl Gottlieb Bleck, 1805. John Peter Kluge, 1819. Samuel Reinke, 1827. Samuel R. Huebner, 1835. Ambrose Rondthaler, 1839. Ed- ward Rondthaler, 1845. Robert de Schweinitz, 1849. Amadeus A. Reinke, 1849. Benjamin Ricksecker, 1854. Henry C. Bachman, 1859. Eugene P. Greider, 1861. Henry T. Bachman, 1867. Jesse Blickensderfer, 1870. Lewis P. Clewell, 1873. Elisha W. Shields, 1880. Charles C. Lanius, 1884. Robert W. Herbst, 1887. Joseph J. Ricksecker, 1891. Maurice F. Oerter, 1894. John F. Kaiser, 1902. Robert Huebener, 1907.
LAY OFFICIALS OF THE CONGREGATIONS AT GRACEHAM AND THURMONT.
1758-1912.
N. B .- Each name is given but once in each official capacity. Many have served a number of times. Some names were not attainable. The duties of the Stewards and of the Committee were the same, very nearly, as those of Elders and Trustees. The first Committee, a local arrangement, con- sisted of the Stewards, whose term of office was not limited, with two or three elected members and the Pastor as Chairman. The second Com- mittee was ordered to be substituted for the Stewards in all the town and country congregations.
Stewards and Sacristans. (1758-1802.) George Herbach, Lorenz Protz- man, Jacob Weller, Sr., Jacob Lochman, Lorenz Krieger, Sr., John Jacob Weller, Jr., John Weller, John Herbach.
The First Committee. (1787.) John Weller, John Jacob Weller, John Herbach, George Siess, Lorenz Krieger, Jr., John Kamp, William Lembke.
The Committee elected in place of Stewards. (1802-1874.) Ludwig Protzman, Jr., Lorenz Krieger, Jr., Andrew Williar, George Siess, Jr., Godfrey Siess, John Krieger, Elias Weller, Daniel Weller, Christian Her- bach, Sr., John Wilheit, Isaac R. Harry, William Gernand, Christian Eigen- brod, Jacob Gernand, Benjamin Siess, Christian Herbach, Jr., John Schmitt, William Creager, Frederick Weller, Elias Siess, John Boller, John Siess, John Eyler, Joseph Wilhide, James Creager, Daniel Wilhide, Bernard Colli-
171
flower, Jacob Gernand, John R. Boller, Ephraim Gilbert, Frederick Stauf- fer, George J. Hesser, James Weller, Wesley Delaplane, Isaac Weller, John T. Colliflower.
my Father
Elders. (1874-1912.) Samuel Newcomer, Jago Colliflower, F. Cor- nelius Fisher, Frank A. Colliflower, John T. Colliflower, J. William Rout- zahn, George J. Hesser, William W. Buhrman, Phares Buhrman, Rev. A. L. Oerter, Henry A. Weller, Clarence Colliflower, Alonzo H. Buhrman, Samuel Boller, William Weller.
Trustees. John S. Ogle, George J. Hesser, Jacob Shown, Bernard Colli- flower, Henry A. Weller, Michael J. Colliflower, Phares Buhrman, Charles E. Laymon, William D. Morrison, John T. Colliflower, Frank A. Colli- flower, John C. Pyle, William H. Weller, Samuel Boller, Clarence Colli- flower, George Firor, Elmer Buhrman, Charles Boller.
Sextons or Sacristans. James Creager, Elias Weller, Bernard Colli- flower, Frederic Stauffer, Joshua Gilbert, Wesley Delaplane, Israel Boller, James Weller, Michael Colliflower, John T. Colliflower, George J. Hesser, Jacob Shown, Jago Colliflower, F. A. C. Willman, Samuel Newcomer, Charles E. Laymon, J. William Routzahn, Frederic Crawford, George W. Colliflower, F. Cornelius Fisher, Alonzo H. Buhrman, Samuel Boller, William D. Morrison, Harry Morningstar, Clarence Colliflower.
Ushers. Jacob Shown, George J. Hesser, Samuel Newcomer, Melvin Hesser, Clifton Weller, Charles E. Laymon, Frederic Crawford, J. Wil- liam Routzahn, Jacob Martin, Frank A. Colliflower, Elmer Buhrman, Clarence E. Colliflower, William D. Morrison, Ross Firor, Raymond Boller.
Organists. William Lembke, 1793, Frederick Schuman, M.D., 1801, Mrs. Rev. J. P. Kluge, Comenius Rondthaler, Elias Siess, Mrs. Rev. L. P. Clewell, Mrs. Rev. E. W. Shields, Miss Nellie Yonson (Mrs. Frank Grove), Miss Carrie Newcomer (Mrs. George Firor), Miss Anna Buhr- man (Mrs. Samuel Boller), Miss Laura Colliflower (Mrs. Adam Zentz), Miss Mary E. Oerter, Miss Florence Colliflower.
Curators of Cemetery and Grave-diggers. Jacob Lochman (1762), Jo- hann Jost Eigenbrod, George Adam Hahn, Christian Eigenbrod, John Mef- fert, Hummerich, John Weller, Jago Colliflower, John T. Fogle, George W. Colliflower, Harry G. Morningstar, Clarence W. Colli- flower, Alonzo H. Buhrman.
The Ladies' Aid Society. Mrs. John T. Colliflower, Mrs. Jago Colli- flower, Mrs. Jennie Colliflower, Mrs. Susan A. Fogle, Mrs. Cornelius Fisher, Mrs. Jacob Shown, Mrs. Clarence Colliflower, Mrs. Julia Connor, Mrs. Sallie Martin, Miss Ella Weller, Miss Kate Engel, Miss Zona Welty, Mrs. Charles E. Laymon, Mrs. Frank Colliflower, Mrs. William Routzahn, Mrs. William Weller, Mrs. Harry Morningstar, Mrs. Phares Buhrman, Mrs. John Unger, Mrs. Joseph McSherry, Mrs. Adam Zentz, Mrs. Jacob Welty, Mrs. Frederic Crawford, Mrs. Jessie Carson, Mrs. William Wine- brenner, Mrs. Mae Keilholtz, Mrs. Mary Wachter, Mrs. Samuel Boller, Mrs. Emma Firor, Mrs. George Firor, Mrs. Clayton Newcomer.
172
The Graceham Mite Society. Rev. and Mrs. L. P. Clewell, Mrs. Sophia Hesser, Mrs. Lavinia Harbaugh, Mrs. James Weller, Mrs. Mary Weller, Bernard Colliflower, Phares Buhrman, Lester Armacost, Parker Fleagle, Addison H. Colliflower, Harry L. Colliflower, Maurice Colliflower, Joseph Colliflower, Lemuel Colliflower, John Irons, Frank Martin, Mr. and Mrs. John S. Ogle, Rev. and Mrs. R. W. Herbst, Henry A. Weller, Miss Ella Weller, Edward, Robert and William Colliflower, Laura Colliflower, Mr. and Mrs. John T. Colliflower, Rev. and Mrs. C. C. Lanius, Mr. and Mrs. William Routzahn, Julia Dorsey, Amelia Miller, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Morningstar, Bertha Fleagle, Annie Shorb, Jacob Martin, Kitty Martin,
George Miller, Mollie Martin, Rev. and Mrs. J. J. Ricksecker, Frank and Paul Ricksecker, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Shown, Caroline Siess, Elisabeth Weller, Michael J. Colliflower, Rev. and Mrs. J. F. Kaiser, Jago Colli- flower, Rev. and Mrs. M. F. Oerter, Mr. and Mrs. George Colliflower, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Colliflower, Jessie Hesser, Willis Siess, Belle Siess, Pansy Routzahn, Mary E. Oerter, Ada Clem, Claude Dean, Lottie Hu- merick, Ella Eyler, Bessie Martin, Jennie and Sadie Lanius, Hettie Dorsey, Millard J. Palmer, Bertha, Helen, Ruth, Mary, Lottie, Howard, Ida, Lloyd, and Stella Colliflower, Roy Yingling, Howard Fogle, Howard Boyer, Allan Scheley, John Siess, Ernest Stoner, John Miller, Harry Barton, Ross, Key and Florence Colliflower.
THURMONT.
Elders and Trustees. Simon Weller, James Creager, William Connor, Frederic Stauffer, Joseph Wilhide, John Unger, M. A. Williar, Howard Creager.
Organists. Miss Minnie Foreman, Miss Mary Johnson, Mrs. Charles Weller, Miss Mattie Yonson (Mrs. Crossman), Miss Minnie Fox (Mrs. Thomas Hayes), Miss Effie Williar (Mrs. J. W. Creager), Mr. Luther Stull.
Ladies' Aid Society. Mrs. John Unger, Mrs. Frank Martin, Mrs. Effie Creager, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Creager, Mrs. Ellie Wilhide, Miss Rhua Wilhide, Mrs. M. A. Williar, Mrs. Susan A. Fogle, Mr. and Mrs. Lester Unger, Miss Beatrice Unger, Miss Araminta Shaffer, Mrs. William Stim- mel, Mrs. Carl. Gall, Miss Mary E. Oerter.
-
I73
APPENDIX B.
TOWN ORDINANCES OR STATUTES REFERRING TO THE CIVIL GOVERNMENT OF THE CHURCH SETTLEMENT GRACEHAM.
1794-1815.
I. Inasmuch as this Church Settlement, Graceham, was founded solely for such persons who, through grace are members of the Brethren's Church, or who have a sincere desire and divine call to become such, it follows that no one can obtain permission to live here, and still less to build a dwelling-house, who has not the above-named character and disposition, and is not acknowledged as a properly qualified resident both by the local Pastor and by the Committee of this congregation and the Elders appointed for its oversight.
2. Therefore, without the consent of the above-named Pastor and Com- mittee, the residents of this place cannot receive into their houses hirelings, journeymen, apprentices and laborers who are not members of our Church as permanent residents, and such as become harmful to others must, as soon as possible, be removed.
3. All members of this congregation who reside in Graceham or else- where will order their conduct in all respects by the Brotherly Agreement drawn up in 1781, and since then several times renewed, for this Congre- gation and Society, accepted by the same orally and in writing, and which every house-owner, and especially any one who desires to settle here must sign before he can receive a Lease for his house-lot.
4. For the preservation of the credit and honorable reputation of such a settlement it is necessary, and is required of every resident, and particu- larly of any one who desires to obtain permission to reside here, that he shall render to the Pastor and Committee such a sufficiently satisfactory statement of his resources that they can be sure that he is able to meet all his liabilities. Therefore, also, no one shall contract debts for considerable sums of borrowed money without the previous knowledge of the Commit- tee; be willing to give all information asked for by the Committee, avail himself of their good advice and thoughtful care, and govern himself thereby.
5. It is also conducive to the conservation of the means of subsistence that no resident begin a different trade or business, build a shop, tavern, etc., without the permission of the entire community, obtained in proper order through the Committee.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.