USA > Pennsylvania > Lehigh County > Allentown > Brief history, Salem Reformed Church, Allentown, Pa. : 1875-1900 > Part 1
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GENEALOGY COLLECTION
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ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 02233 1059
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Brief
History
Salem
Reformed Church THE
Allentown
1875 1900
BL C - 13822
By the
Reu Allen A. Bartholomew D A
Pastor
Published by the Consistory
PRESS JOHN H RITTER ALLENTOWN PA 1901
This Volume
The Pastor Affectionately Inscribes
To the members of Salem
1381514
Contents
Introductory
Page
I
Origin of Salem
-
II
II III
Frame Chapel
16
Committee on Supply
2I
IV V VI VII
The First Pastor
25
Corner-Stone Laying
Dedication of Church
35
VIII
The Bell and the Clock -
36
IX
Extensive Improvements
38 46
XI
An Assistant Pastor
48
XII XIII XIV XV
Meeting a Crisis
Sunday School Chapel
XVI
Dedication of Chapel
XVII Grace Reformed Church
XVIII
Death of Dr. Dubbs
78
XIX
Resignation of Pastor Richards
84
XX
Election of a Successor -
93
XXI
Installation of Dr. Bartholomew
98
XXII
Planning for Work IOI
XXIII
Sunday School Anniversary
108
XXIV
Silver Anniversary Services
115
XXV
Sunday School
127
XXVI
The Choir
146
XXVII
Our Societies
150
XXVIII
Classis of Lehigh
159
XXIX
The Consistory
16I
XXX
Sunday School Officers
-
165
X
Church Extension
Resignation of Pastor Dubbs
55
Election of a Successor
59 61 63 70 75
Incorporation
28 3I
Illustrations
I
Salem Church
-
-
Page Frontispiece -
2
Frame Chapel - 17 -
3 Rev. A. J. G. Dubbs, D. D. - 23
4 Interior of Church - - 39
5
Rev. G. W. Richards -
-
51
6 Sunday School Chapel - -
65
7
Chapel Chancel
-
-
- - 7I
8 Section of Chapel 85
9
Rev. A. R. Bartholomew, D. D.
95
IO
The Consistory
-
105
II
J. F. Hunsicker III -
12 W. B. Schaeffer 123
I3
G. W. Hartzell
- 129
I4
Prof. H. E. Ruhe
I47
-
155
15
The Choir
-
-
-
BINDERY OF HOMER G BERKEMEYER 609 HAMILTON ST ALLENTOWN PA
SALEM CHURCH.
Introductory
A S a token of our gratitude to God for His great mercies, as a tribute of affection to our fathers for their constant labors, and as a souvenir of our silver anniversary, this booklet is issued by the Consistory, in which is briefly told the story of the rise and progress of Salem Reformed Church of Allentown, Pa. There is so much of the material left unwritten on the page, and forgotten by the memory, that the history must be, at best, but fragmentary. Nothing is perfect in this world. Whatever defects may appear in this record, the writer cherishes the hope that he will, at least, receive the hearty appreciation of the members for his honest effort in gathering the fragments, and for arranging them in a volume as complete as the data at hand would warrant.
It was not an easy task to search the archives of the con- gregation for the facts and figures as they are here given, since this had to be done amid the constant press of pastoral duties. Only a sense of duty could constrain a busy pastor to increase his arduous labors with the preparation of such an historic manual. We have been greatly encouraged in our work by Rev. Prof. George W. Richards, the former pastor, with whom we had several interviews, and who sent us these very kind and encouraging lines : "I know you are working hard on Salem History. I appreciate the difficulties, yet you will render the congregation great service by such a book. It will be valuable to the Church at large for future reference." It is well for a
INTRODUCTORY
congregation to pause, at certain periods in its labors, and re- view the past. We are prone to live only in the present, for- getful of the past, and heedless of the future. The poet has well written :-
" Tis greatly wise to talk with our past hours And ask them what report they bore to heaven."
In the hope that we may all profit by a perusal of the wondrous growth of our church during the past twenty-five years, and thus improve the present golden opportunities, this little book is sent forth on its mission of love with the earnest prayer that the God of our Fathers may own and bless it, and keep us steadfast in the faith of His Son, Jesus Christ, so that He may at last present us before the throne in heaven as the trophies of His grace, to Whom be glory forever. Amen.
Cordially Yours, R.R. Bartholomeus
Salem Church History
CHAPTER I Origin of Salem
S ALEM CHURCH was not a child born out of season. The time was ripe for a new branch to appear on the old vine. It had the official sanction of the Classis of East Pennsylvania before its organization, and the hearty support of the two other congregations of the city, Zion's and St. John's, from its very beginning. Its foundation was laid, as its name signifies, in "peace."
The need of a third Reformed Church in Allentown was felt several years before the project took any tangible form. As early as November 17th, 1874, in the call for a special meet- ing of the Classis, held at Coplay, Lehigh County, Pa., we find this item of business : " To consider the propriety of establish- ing a Reformed Mission in the north-western section of Allentown, and if the way be found open to take measures for its organi- zation." Doubtless the Classis had strong proof of a healthy sentiment favorable to another interest on the part of many members, or else they would not have taken this positive action : "Resolved, That Revs. N. S. Strassburger, S. G. Wagner and A. J. G. Dubbs, be a Committee, who are authorized to organize a congregation, or congregations, in the north-western section of Allentown, Pa."
The Committee did not delay to carry out the instructions of the Classis, for a few months later they made a report of their labors to the Classis at a special meeting held in St. John's Church, at Allentown, April 2nd, 1875, which was as follows :
12
SALEM CHURCH HISTORY
"Your Committee reports that efforts were made by con- ferring with the Consistory and also other members of Zion's Reformed congregation and others, to prepare the way for the organization of a Reformed congregation in the Fourth Ward in Allentown, Pa. In two weeks a public meeting will be held in the lecture-room of said church, for the same purpose, and all who are in favor of the enterprise will be invited to attend."
On April 23rd, 1875, pursuant to a call of the Committee of Classis, a meeting was held in Zion's Reformed Church. Many members were present, and took a deep interest in the discussion of plans for the organization of a new congregation. Rev. N. S. Strassburger was chairman, and William H. Deshler, Esq. was the secretary. The result of this meeting was the appointment of a Committee to receive the names of such per- sons who might be willing to identify themselves with the new interest and to solicit subscriptions for the erection of a chapel. The Committee named was Lewis P. Hecker, Rev. Jared Fritzinger, David Menninger, William H. Blumer and John Bar- tholomew. At the same time the Revs. N. S. Strassburger, S. G. Wagner and A. J. G. Dubbs, were appointed a Committee to select a site for the new church.
On the evening of May 3rd, 1875, a joint meeting of the members of both congregations was held in Zion's Reformed Church with Rev. N. S. Strassburger as the presiding officer. After the devotional services, the Committee on Inquiry made the following report :
First. That after mature deliberation of the several pro- jects proposed they concluded to recommend as the most feas- able one, to secure the desirable end, the establishment of a Sunday School in that part of the city, which shall be conducted
13
ORIGIN OF SALEM
by members of Zion's and St. John's Reformed Churches on every Sunday morning between the hours of 8 and 9:30 o'clock, and that they further recommend that the respective pastors of the Reformed churches shall be called upon to preach in the German language on the 'Sabbath evenings in the apartments that may be provided for said Sunday School.
Second. The following is a list of the individuals who are favorable to, and who have signified their intention to be- come members of the proposed new organization and give it their support provided the measure should be carried forward successfully and a proper and desirable location selected for the erection of the church-building.
Aaron Butz, Daniel Confer,
John Helfrich,
Daniel Hallman,
Clinton Young,
A. M. Springer,
Michael Lynn,
Lewis Dech,
Enoch Newhard,
Jas. F. Hunsicker,
A. L. Newhard,
Thomas Steckel,
Mrs. RebeccaBeisel,
Israel Mohr,
Peter Diehm,
Peter Mohr,
Samuel Mohr,
W.H.H.Menninger,
Tilghman Mohr, Daniel Ward,
Samuel Seislove,
Henry Hunsicker,
Wm. Reichenbach,
Reuben Knecht,
Edw. Bartholomew,
Israel J. Troxell,
Samuel Miller,
Mrs. John Moyer,
John Bartholomew,
Jacob Miller, Solomon Boyer,
Charles Miller,
Elias Lentz,
A. W. Keiper,
Conrad Paff,
William Clewell, Daniel Troxell,
Solomon Bear, William Moll,
Harry Helfrich,
George Weiss,
David Menninger,
Henry Hillegas, Elias Troxel,
Jacob Sterner,
Tilghman Troxell,
Henry Rockel, George Heft,
Mrs. Mary Copple,
Aggie C. Mohr.
Mrs. O. J. Pflueger,
Eph. R. Newhard,
14
SALEM CHURCH HISTORY
The Committee on Location had examined various sites but they had come to no definite agreement. There was a pre- vailing sentiment in favor of effecting a speedy organization of ยท the congregation and Sunday School, and to further it, a Com- mittee of six was appointed, three to be chosen from each of the Consistories of Zion's and St. John's Churches, which should act jointly. The members from Zion's were W. R. Lawfer, Alvin P. Zellner and John Bartholomew ; and from St. John's, Dr. S. S. Appel, George H. Kuhl and Lewis P. Hecker.
Since there was no lot at the disposal of the two congre- gations, and no funds on hand to purchase any, W. H. Blumer, R. H. Kramm and Lewis P. Hecker were instructed to procure a room or rooms suitable for Sunday School and church pur- poses, and give such aid to the Committee on Organization as lay in their power. We may infer from the actions taken at this meeting that the foundations were then laid for the new interest. So much is implied in the report of the Committee to the Classis at its annual meeting held at Lenhartsville, Berks County, Pa., on May 4th, 1875, which reads as follows :
" The Committee on the organization of a third Reformed congregation in the north-western portion of the city of Allen- town, Pa., beg leave to report : That we have not as yet fully accomplished the object of our appointment. Since the report submitted to Classis at its last special meeting, we held two public meetings in the lecture-room of the Zion's Reformed Church, which were well attended by members of both our Re- formed congregations. The result of the meetings is, that a Sunday School shall forthwith be organized in the north-western section of the city, by a Committee, consisting of members of both our Reformed congregations ; public services shall be held
15
ORIGIN OF SALEM
in the German language on Sabbath evenings, alternately, by the Reformed pastors of Allentown. A Committee is appointed to procure a suitable room in which the Sunday School and the public services shall be held. Fifty-two persons have signified their willingness to identify themselves with the enterprise, pro- vided it is carried forward successfully and a proper lot is secured for the location of a church. The new congregation when organ- ized shall be allowed to select a lot for itself, and thus settle the question of location. Each Reformed congregation of Allentown shall appoint a Committee of three members, who shall co-operate in an effort to procure funds for building purposes. A beginning has thus been made for the organization of a third Reformed congregation in the city of Allentown, with fair prospects of success, which we hope may soon be reached to the welfare of man, the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom and the glory of God."
16
SALEM CHURCH HISTORY
CHAPTER II Frame Chapel
A FTER several fruitless attempts to obtain a suitable place for the purpose of organizing a Sunday School, the Committee on Site reported, at a meeting held on June 9th, at the First National Bank, that they had leased the lot at the south-west corner of Eighth and Chew streets, and recommended the erec- tion of a temporary building. This was approved, and W. R. Lawfer, L. P. Hecker, George H. Kuhl and A. P. Zellner were appointed a Committee to procure a plan for a frame chapel, and to receive proposals for the erection of the same. The bid of Daniel H. Greenawalt for $864.25 was accepted, and an agree- ment made with him to do the work. Thus far no plan had been devised for the payment of the building, but W. H. Blumer and George H. Kuhl were appointed a Finance Committee to raise the money. At a meeting held July 7th, this Committee made the following report : " That a note be drawn to the order of ourselves for Seven Hundred Dollars payable at the First National Bank at Allentown, Pa." Mr. George H. Kuhl was appointed as Treasurer.
On August 20th, the Committee of Classis met at the home of Rev. S. G. Wagner, to arrange for the dedication of the chapel. Salems Reformed Church was the name fixed upon by the Committee. The services on the day of dedication shall be German in the morning, and German and English in the after- noon, and German in the evening.
On August 23rd, a joint meeting of the Committees of the Classis and of the two congregations was held at the First National Bank, and Mr. L. P. Hecker, who had charge of the building operations, made the cheering report that the chapel
FRAME CHAPEL.
19
FRAME CHAPEL
was almost ready for occupancy. There was some discussion in regard to adding a coat of calcimine to the walls, whereupon the motion was made by the Rev. A. J. G. Dubbs, and seconded by the Rev. W. R. Hofford, instructing the Building Committee to add the same, and to complete the chapel, by arranging the pews and pulpit from Zion's Church, in time for the dedication.
The only minutes in German are those of the first meet- ing held in the new chapel on September Ioth, when forty-eight persons had assembled to inspect the building and to provide for its payment. An effort was made at the same time to gather subscriptions, and the result was $375. At the suggestion of Rev. W. R. Hofford, a Committee was appointed, consisting of W. R. Lawfer, A. P. Zellner, Reuben Newhard, William H. Blumer, James F. Hunsicker, John Bartholomew and L. P. Hecker to solicit additional contributions from the friends of the new interest and report as soon as posssible.
The dedication of the chapel took place on September 12th, 1875, in the presence of large audiences at the three services. Ministers officiating were: Revs. Joseph S. Dubbs, D. D., E. V. Gerhart, D. D., W. R. Hofford, A. J. G. Dubbs, Jared Fritzinger, N. S. Strassburger, J. M. Mickley and others. The venerable father Joseph S. Dubbs, made the first address, laying great stress in his remarks on the word " peace. " With trembling voice, he bade the people, "Haltet Friede unter euch." Such was the impression made upon the minds of the younger people that some speak of it even to this day. The Rev. E. V. Gerhart, D. D., President of the Theological Seminary at Lancaster, was the preacher at both the morning and evening services, and the secretary of the congregation makes this favorable comment in the Minute Book of the occasion that,
20
SALEM CHURCH HISTORY
" he is a very eloquent speaker." In the afternoon the dedi- catory services were held, Rev. J. M. Mickley, of Pittsburg, preaching the sermon, and Rev. N. S. Strassburger assisting in the services. The offerings for the day amounted to $116.47. The chapel cost about $900., exclusive of the furnishings; which were mostly donated.
From these facts it is evident that the congregation had a very humble origin in the little frame chapel, but it was self- supporting from the start. All this meant a great deal for the mere handful of members, and it speaks volumes of praise for the heroic band that laid the foundations deep and broad for the great work of the coming ages. Dr. Henry Helfrich, who is one of the oldest residents, took a very active part in the erec- tion of the chapel, and deserves this special mention for his lib- eral gifts and helpful services.
21
COMMITTEE ON SUPPLY
CHAPTER III
Committee on Supply
EING without a regular pastor, the Classis appointed Revs. B
A. J. G. Dubbs, W. R. Hofford and Jared Fritzinger, a Committee on Supply, to conduct German services in the even- ing, alternately, until the congregation shall elect a pastor. From this time forth regular services were held and the little flock was ably supplied with the preaching of the Word by the members of the Committee as well as by other brethren. It is due the Rev. Jared Fritzinger, to state that he devoted much of his time and means to this infant congregation. Though the chapel was small and unpretentious in appearance, yet it soon became a magnet in the community, and hundreds would gath- er within its walls. Father Fritzinger took great delight in re- lating an amusing incident in connection with his labors in the chapel. One evening he came late, and found a crowd in the doorway, eager to gain admittance. Only after telling them that he was the preacher would they open a passage for his en- trance.
A very pleasing service was held on November 15th, at which time several presentations were made to the congrega- tion, most creditable to the donors and productive of delight in the hearts of those who loved the chapel. The first gift was an organ from Dr. Henry Helfrich. In the most happy terms, the Rev. A. J. G. Dubbs, made the presentation speech, Rev. W. R. Hofford of the Female College replied in choice and elo- quent words, expressing the gratification of the friends of the chapel towards the kind donor, and invoking upon him the rich blessings of heaven. The next gift was a handsome bound
22
SALEM CHURCH HISTORY
Bible and Hymn Book for the pulpit from the ladies of Zion's Reformed Church. Rev. Jared Fritzinger made the address, and Rev. A. J. G. Dubbs, the response. In speaking of these valuable gifts, the " Chronicle and News " says, " The course of the chapel is ever onward, and the two Reformed churches from which it sprang are doing every thing they can to encourage it."
A meeting of the members of the congregation was held on November 19th, for the purpose of electing the first Con- sistory. The result was as follows : Elders, Aaron Butz and Elias Troxell; Deacons, John Bartholomew, James F. Hun- sicker, Henry Hillegas and William B. Schaffer ; Trustee, Owen W. Faust; Secretary and Treasurer, A. L. Newhart.
The service of ordination and installation took place on November 23rd, in the presence of a large and attentive audience, the ministers, Revs. N. S. Strassburger, A. J. G. Dubbs, W. R. Hofford and Jared Fritzinger took part in the impressive ritual, the first named preaching the sermon. This service marks the actual organization of Salem Church. The Constitution and By-Laws were framed at a meeting held on December Ist, which conform to the model as laid down by the Synod of the Reformed Church in the United States.
.
REV. A. J. G. DUBBS, D.D.
25
THE FIRST PASTOR
CHAPTER IV The First Pastor
THE congregation now became conscious of its needs, and the members felt that they could not grow without the over- sight of a regular pastor. At a meeting of the Consistory held December 8th, the question of a pastor came up for serious con- sideration, and it was agreed to convene the members and friends of the congregation for the purpose of ascertaining their views in regard to this matter, and to provide for the salary. It would seem from the records that a number of members were also in attendance at this meeting, and the unanimous feeling was in favor of the Rev. A. J. G. Dubbs. An election for pastor was held on January 3rd, 1876, and all the votes cast, sixty-two, were in favor of the Rev. A. J. G. Dubbs. A Committee, con- sisting of the elders, Aaron Butz and Elias Troxell, was named to convey the news to the pastor-elect who received them most cordially.
It was not an easy matter for him to sever his pleasant relations with the Salisburg Charge, for which he had a strong attachment, and from which he felt loath to part, but he knew that as a servant of the Lord he could not follow his own incli- nations, but must heed the voice of duty. There was a strong pressure brought to bear upon him from his many friends in the city, to yield to the call of this infant congregation, and it is said that, at an informal meeting, when he told his friends that he could not see his way clear to accept the call, one of his ardent admirers replied : " Wann du net halt nemmst, dann geht es zu nix." Besides, his brethren in the ministry felt convinced that he was the right man for the place. After due deliberation on his part, he agreed to accept the call with the proviso, that the
26
SALEM CHURCH HISTORY
congregation shall purchase a lot and build a church during the year. This seemed at the time a heavy demand on the small and comparatively poor congregation, with a debt of $450. still resting on the chapel standing on leased ground. Thank God ! these original members were equal to the emergency. One of the grandest lessons to be drawn from the past experience of the congregation is the faith that ventures much and wins much. Our fathers had faith in God, and it was this faith which nerved them to build wisely and well. Among the first of the few liberal men in the congregation to come to the pastor and offer the sum of $ 500 towards the new church was our aged friend Thomas Steckel, who alone remains of the fathers to rejoice in the fruits of their early struggles and who still takes a deep interest in the progress of the work.
Immediate steps were taken by the Consistory to secure the lot on which the church now stands, and we find that on February 21st, 1876, the report was made that, Owen W. Faust, Trustee, had by an agreement made on January 21st, purchased a lot, or piece of ground, 30 x 110 feet, from Mrs. Susanna Moyer, for $1650, and also a lot, or piece of ground, 42 X IIO feet, from Nathan and Caroline Gackenbach for $2310, in trust for, and for the use of said congregation, all of which was duly ratified. The size of the entire plot of ground is 72 X II0 feet, and the total price paid was $ 3860.
At a meeting of the Consistory held March 6th, the call was issued to the Rev. A. J. G. Dubbs, according to the form prescribed by the Synod of the Reformed Church in the United States. The salary was fixed at $1,000 per annum, to be paid half yearly.
At the same time, a Committee of fifteen was chosen to
27
THE FIRST PASTOR
receive subscriptions for the purpose of buying the ground and building a church, viz, George W. Hartzell, A. J. G. Dubbs, John Bartholomew, Solomon Boyer, James F. Hunsicker, Aaron Butz, Henry Hillegas, Thomas Steckel, Elias Lentz, Elias Troxell, Owen W. Faust, W. B. Schaeffer, A. L. Newhart, Jesse Marcks and Conrad Paff.
It is gratifying to note that by April Ist, when the pastor- elect took charge of the work, the Committee had secured over $8,000, in subscriptions, and were busily engaged in laying the foundation for the new church-edifice.
The Building Committee, elected by the congregation, was composed of these persons: A. J. G. Dubbs, Solomon Boyer, Thomas Steckel, Elias Lentz, Conrad Paff, George W. Hartzell, Jesse Marcks, Aaron Butz and Elias Troxell.
It was plainly understood by a resolution that this Com- mittee shall do all their work, at the church, free of charge. The treasurer, A. L. Newhart, was the custodian of the Building Fund.
29
SALEM CHURCH HISTORY
CHAPTER V Corner-Stone Laying
THE formal laying of the corner-stone took place on Whit- sunday, June 4th, 1876. The Sunday School met in the chapel, and at 8:30 A. M. a long procession could be seen wend- ing its way down Chew street towards the spot where the new church was to be built. It was a lovely sight to behold, for the girls wore white dresses, and carried fragrant bouquets in their hands, making a picture of rare beauty.
The services with the school began with the singing of a German hymn, appropriate to the occasion. An address of hearty welcome was made by the pastor, and all present united in the Confession of Faith. A. L. Newhart read the Scripture Lesson, then an English hymn was sung. Rev. Jared Fritzinger led in prayer, and after the singing of a German hymn, he arose from a beautiful easy chair, and in a neat speech, presented it to Rev. Joseph S. Dubbs, D. D., father of the pastor, to be placed in the chancel when the church would be completed, and to be used by him alone. This was a very interesting part of the programme, and an agreeable surprise to the venerable father. During the singing of another hymn the collection was taken up. Tobias Kessler Esq., made an eloquent address to the school. He was one of its earnest supporters. "Blest be the tie that binds," was sung, and then L. P. Hecker spoke a few words of cheer and encouragement. George W. Hartzell, superintendent of the school arose and, in the name of the school presented the congregation with the following articles to be placed in the corner stone :
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