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HISTORY
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN SYNOD
EAST PENNSYLVANIA
N
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 03154 4676
Gc 974.8 H62ev History of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of East
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SLE 91
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015
https://archive.org/details/historyofevangel00hayc_0
REV. PROF. CHARLES A. HAY, D. D. Born February 11, 1821 Died June 26, 1893.
HISTORY
OF THE
Evangelical Lutheran Synod
OF
EAST PENNSYLVANIA,
WITH
BRIEF SKETCHES OF ITS CONGREGATIONS.
PUBLISHED BY THE SYNOD IN COMMEMORATION OF ITS SEMI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY.
1842-1892.
PHILADELPHIA : LUTHERAN PUBLICATION SOCIETY.
Built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief Corner stone .- Ephesians ii. 20.
CONTENTS.
PAGE
I. PREFACE
5
II. PROGRAMME OF SEMI-CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION (INCLUDING BRIEF HISTORICAL NOTES, ORDER OF EXERCISES, AND JUBILEE POEM) 7
III. HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE SYNOD
15
IV. TABLE OF SYNODICAL MEETINGS AND OFFICERS 47
V. SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS
49
VI. STATISTICAL TABLE, SHOWING THE PROGRESS OF SYNOD BY DECADES 323
VII. PAROCHIAL REPORTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER, 1892. 324
VIII. REGISTER OF PASTORS.
338
IX. INDEX OF CHURCHES AND PASTORAL CHARGES
369
X. CONSTITUTION OF SYNOD, AS AMENDED SEPTEMBER, 1892. 373
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ILLUSTRATIONS.
PAGE
I. Portrait of Prof. Charles A. Hay, D. D. Frontispiece
2. Engraving of the Hill Union Church, near Annville, Pa .. 58
3. Engraving of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church and Parsonage, Annville, Pa. 61
4. Engraving of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Allentown, Pa. 79 5. Engraving of Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Manheim, Pa .. .. III 6. Engraving of St. Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Philadel- phia, Pa. I42
7. Engraving of St. Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Reading, Pa. 160 8. Engraving of the English Evangelical Lutheran Church and Parson- age, Pottsville, Pa. I72
9. Engraving of St. Peter's Ev. Lutheran Church, Riegelsville, Pa. 187
IO. Engraving of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lykens, Pa .. 196 II. Engraving of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lancaster, Pa. 206 12. Engraving of Seventh Street Evangelical Lutheran Church, Leba- non, Pa. 208
13. Engraving of St. James' Evangelical Lutheran Church and Parson- age, Ashland, Pa. 216
14. Engraving of St. Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran Church and Par- sonage, Schuylkill Haven, Pa .. 221
15. Engraving of Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church, Philadelphia, Pa. 239 16. Engraving of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Easton, Pa ... 250 17. Engraving of Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church, West Philadel- phia, Pa 259
18. Engraving of St. Stephen's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lancas- ter, Pa. 261
19. Engraving of St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Easton, Pa .. . 263 20. Engraving of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Steelton, Pa ... 267 21. Engraving of Bethany Ev. Lutheran Church, Philadelphia, Pa .. 280 22. Engraving of Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church, Harrisburg, Pa. 285 23. Engraving of Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, Norwood, Pa. 288 24. Engraving of St. Matthew's Ev. Lutheran Chapel, Allentown, Pa .... 292 25. Engraving of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Coatesville, Pa. . 300 26. Engraving of Ebenezer Evangelical Lutheran Church, Berbice, Brit- ish Guiana, S. A. 313
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PREFACE.
IN addition to the Historical Address delivered at the celebra- tion of the semi-centennial anniversary of the Synod, it has been thought best, in the exercise of the liberty given the committee by Synod, to publish a brief sketch of every congregation now in our connection, and also a few general tables illustrating the progress and present condition of the Synod, concluding with the amended form of constitution and by-laws, as adopted at the late convention in Lancaster.
The separate sketches, prepared by the respective pastors or under their direction, display great diversity in compass and style. The incompleteness of old records is lamented by many of the writers, and their entire loss by others. The committee, having free access to the invaluable treasures of the Lutheran Historical Society at Gettysburg, Pa., has endeavored, by the use of these and by direct correspondence, to supply as far as possi- ble the more essential details inaccessible to local authorities. The final proof of the sketches, thus amended, has in every case been submitted to the accredited authors for approval.
The record of events closes with the completion of the various manuscripts within the period intervening between the session of Synod in September and the close of the year 1892. The pres- ent rapid development of our churches is constantly furnishing new items of interest, and many such have been offered to the committee as this work has been passing through the press ; but justice to all has compelled the rigid exclusion of additional ma- terial. It is earnestly hoped that pastors and church councils
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PREFACE.
are preserving full and accurate accounts of these events for the future historian.
The illustrations embodied are such as were furnished by the respective congregations in response to request of the commit- tee, as published in the church papers and included in circular letter addressed to each pastor. It is matter for regret that not all our pastorates have availed themselves of the opportunity thus afforded.
The Clerical Register was formed by a careful collation of the manuscripts presented, and embodies also in condensed form the results of further investigation and correspondence. It is be- lieved that it will be found generally accurate.
Many pastors, in forwarding their manuscripts, have taken occasion to express their gratitude to the Synod for instituting the work of investigation. It appears to have awakened a deeper interest in the local churches, and stimulated pastors and people to greater effort to maintain and improve the precious heritage received from the fathers. May the publication of our little volume tend to cultivate this spirit, and thus promote the prosperity of Zion.
The death of the Synodical Historian having occurred just as our work was passing through the press, it has been thought fitting to present to the reader, on the second page, a life-like portrait- ure of the familiar countenance. No one felt a keener interest in the welfare of our Synod than did Dr. Hay, and his sudden de parture is most widely deplored. The memory of his gentle spirit, his unfailing enthusiasm and his simple faith will long linger as an inspiration, and his influence will still be felt at our annual gatherings.
HENRY S. BONER, CHAS. E. HAY, M. COOVER,
Committee.
1842.
1892.
JUBILEE CELEBRATION
OF THE
Evangelical Lutheran Synod
OF
EAST PENNSYLVANIA,
HELD IN
ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, Y
(REV B. F. ALLEMAN, D. D., PASTOR.)
LANCASTER, PA.,
THURSDAY EVENING, SEPTEMBER 22, 1892.
LUTHERAN PUBLICATION HOUSE PRINT.
The Evangelical Lutheran Synod of East Pennsylvania is one of the twenty-six District Synods now constituting the General Synod. Its congre- gations are found in 13 counties in the southeastern part of the State; and in these counties there exist also numerous congregations connected with the Synod of Pennsylvania. In all, there are 8 Synods within the bounds of this State, besides scattered congregations belonging to other Synods. The Minutes of 1891 report, for the Synod of East Pennsylvania, 85 Ministers, 117 Congregations, 14 Preaching Stations, and 18,766 Communing Members. The entire Lutheran Church in this country con- tains now, approximately, 5,200 Min- isters, 9,cco Congregations, and 1,200,000 Com- muning Mem- bers.
17/1
VE
B.P.60
Evangelical Lutheran Synod
OF EAST PENNSYLVANIA
was formally organized, and the name adopted, in the lecture-room of Trinity Church, Lancaster, May 3d, 1842.
There were present on that day, and participating in the movement, nine ministers and two laymen, who had retired for the purpose from the Synod of Pennsylvania, then in session at that Church.
The first annual meeting was held in St. Peter's Church, Pikeland, Chester County-where the President, Rev. Frederick Ruthrauff, was the pastor-be- ginning October 15th, 1842, within a few days of fifty years ago. At that session the Constitution was framed.
In the meantime, a quarter of a century ago, the organizing of the Susque- hanna Synod cut off a large part of this Synod's territory. That Synod now presents a statistical showing, in the number of ministers, etc., equal to half that of this body.
The places and dates of all the annual meetings, together with the names of officers, are printed from year to year, in tabular form, in the Synodical Minutes.
PROGRAMME
PRESIDING OFFICER, : :
: Rev. M. SHEELEIGH, D.D.
ORGAN VOLUNTARY-ANTHEM: "Before Jehovah's Awful Throne." Dr. Madan.
INVOCATION, : : : : By Rev. J. H. MENGES.
HYMN : No. 33 in Book of Worship-"Thee We Adore, Eternal Lord."
READING OF SCRIPTURE : Psalm xlvi., and I Corinthians, iii.
By the President of the Synod.
PRAYER, : : : By Rev. D. M. Gilbert, D. D.
ANTHEM : "How Beautiful Upon the Mountains." : L. O. Emerson.
HISTORICAL ADDRESS, : : By Rev. Prof. C. A. HAY, D. D.
ANTHEM: Thanksgiving, : · ·
:
. Novello.
HISTORICAL REMINISCENCES, : By Rev. W. M. BAUM, D. D., Rev. L. E. ALBERT, D. D., Rev. E. S. HENRY.
FIVE-MINUTE VOLUNTARY ADDRESSES.
ANTHEM : "I Will Sing of the Mercies of the Lord." : A. J. Abbey.
PRAYER, : :
By Rev. S. A. HOLMAN, D. D.
DOXOLOGY : " Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow."
BENEDICTION, ·
Rev. W. L. HEISLER.
POEM : SYNODICAL JUBILEE.
BY REV. MATTHIAS SHEELEIGH, D. D.
JOHN IV. 38 .- " Other men labored, and ye are entered into their labors."-The Saviour. I CORINTHIANS iii. 10 .- " I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon."-St. Paul.
As roll the planets in their spheres, We note the signs of circling years, That, measured out, 'neath God's decree, Extend from birth to Jubilee.
Yet not in skyey space alone, But here as well, in earthly zone, Within His Church's light and grace, The doings of the Lord we trace.
At length, full fifty years have sped Since hopefully were fathers led, In wisdom sought above their own, To lay in faith a corner-stone.
To-day, as from this holy place Is viewed our Synod's goodly base, 'Tis ours, as in the years agone, To heed how we should build thereon.
Here long may their successors build, With faith and zeal from heaven filled, While fathers in their glory bend, Watching this temple fair extend ! As now in praise we bow us down For mercies that our being crown, Honored those early men, and true, Who " builded better than they knew."
Could those for Christ who labored here Ring out with ours their praises clear, To-day how would they tell abroad Of work performed for man and God ! Like some cathedral early planned, A joy and wonder through the land, And on whose height shall future eyes With shoutings hail the capstone rise,-
So, on our Synod, good and blest, Long may God's benediction rest, While gladdened eyes from many a home View rising wall and rounding dome.
When all our work on earth is o'er, With faithful fathers, gone before, "Not unto us," may we exclaim, " But glory to Thy holy Name !"
" hitherto bath the Lord helped us."-I Samuel vii. 12. "The Lord doth build up Jerusalem."-Psalm cxlvii. 2.
.
HISTORICAL SKETCH.
BY REV. PROF. CHARLES A. HAY, D. D.
AT the meeting of the East Pennsylvania Synod held in 1891 at Middletown, Pa., the President, Rev. W. H. Dunbar, in his official report, called attention to the fact that we were on the eve of the semi-centennial year of our existence as a Synod, and suggested that " it might be a matter of wisdom, as well as of interest, to take some steps looking to a permanent record of events in the history of our Synod and its congregations." He also suggested to Synod " the propriety of the appointment of a Synodical His- torian for this purpose."
The Synod subsequently approved of this suggestion and re- solved to celebrate the semi-centennial anniversary at the next meeting of Synod and to appoint such a Historian, " who shall pre- pare a history of the Synod, and so far as possible brief histories of its congregations, the history of Synod to be read at the semi- centennial anniversary, and all this historical matter to be after- wards published and then preserved in the archives of Synod."
Having been appointed by the Synod as its Historian, I have carefully examined the published minutes of its proceedings, and other accessible publications throwing light upon its history, and herewith present a brief sketch of its origin and of some of the features of its subsequent development and efficiency.
At the meeting of the Pennsylvania Ministerium held in Lan- caster, May 22 to 26, 1842, a memorial was presented by a number of ministers and laymen, members of the Synod, who
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EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD.
had on the day before held a meeting and discussed the propriety "of forming a new Synod in the Eastern district of Pennsylva- nia." This memorial reads as follows :
"To the Reverend Synod of Pennsylvania, &c.,
DEAR BRETHREN :- We, the undersigned, members of Pennsyl- vania Synod, and brethren within its bounds, respectfully present the following memorial :
I. We earnestly ask you forthwith to take measures for the amicable division of the Pennsylvania Synod. Our reasons for this are the following :
(a) Harmony of views and feelings is essential to the success of all associations, but especially of all Christian associations, in which that spirit of love which is the very life of religion must necessarily suffer if this be wanting. But this harmony has long been wanting among us, and the occurrences of every year seem to make the prospect of its restoration still worse. We believe that a separation of the conflicting elements among us would, by preventing collision, remove the evil. One cause of this may have been the next reason which we would urge as a ground of division, viz. :
(b) The largeness of our present synodical body. It is natural that a diversity of sentiment should prevail where so many men, differently educated, are brought into so close connection with each other. In addition to this, many of our smaller pastoral districts, and all of our country congregations, are deprived of the pleasure and profit of synodical meetings, by their being unable to entertain so many members as our Synod contains.
(c) Difference of language is another difficulty that now clogs our synodical proceedings. Many of our churches are unable to participate in our meetings, from their ignorance of the language in which our deliberations are conducted. Synod having declared its determination to abide by the use of one language, there seems an obvious call for the organization of a body that will admit the indiscriminate use of the German and English.
(d) A difference of views in regard to the General Synod and its institutions is another cause of difficulty for which this would be a remedy.
*
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HISTORICAL SKETCH.
(e) The new or revised constitution threatens to exclude a number of us, and to prevent others from entering the Synod, who can never pledge ourselves to some of its principles by subscrib- ing it in the manner which it requires.
It is not necessary that we should go into detailed argument upon the various points to which we object, but we may simply state, that we are unwilling to subscribe any such system of church government. We cannot bind ourselves to the constant use of any liturgy, and especially of one which we have never seen, or had sufficient opportunity to examine ; and, finally, we cannot submit to the distinctions made between our American and For- eign ministers and institutions, in favor of the latter.
2. We ask that this division be made upon the principles of Christian freedom, and that each minister and church of the Pennsylvania Synod be left at perfect liberty to select the synodi- cal body with which they will associate themselves.
3. Whilst we claim a fair proportion of all the funds and lega- cies belonging to Synod, we desire also to co-operate in the For- eign Mission established by Synod.
4. We desire to establish the most fraternal relations, and maintain mutual good will between the two bodies thus created. And we pray that the blessing of the Great Head of the Church may rest upon us all, and prosper all our plans for the advance- ment of his cause and glory.
All which is respectfully submitted, with a request for immedi- ate action, by your brethren in Christ.
F. RUTHRAUFF,
J. RUTHRAUFF,
W. M. REYNOLDS,
S. D. FINCKEL,
G. HEILIG,
F. R. ANSPACH,
T. STORK,
D. KOHLER,
J. WILLOX,
J. VOGELBACH,
J. L. FREDERICK,
G. HARTMAN, - HADDON.
2
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EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD.
The minutes of that meeting of the Pennsylvania Synod state that "The committee on the memorial reported that it was not expedient to divide the Synod, and that the memorialists be re- quested to consider more maturely the subject of separation and be entreated to remain in connection with the Pennsylvania Synod. After an animated discussion of this report, in which many of the brethren participated, the Synod finally resolved that we can in no wise consent to a division of this body ; but, should any brethren consider it desirable to separate from us, an honor- able dismission shall be given them as individuals, if they so re- quest."
From the published minutes of the East Pennsylvania Synod we learn that "The memorialists, being unsuccessful in their efforts to secure an amicable division of the Synod, then withdrew to the Lutheran lecture-room. The following brethren were present : Rev. Messrs. F. Ruthrauff, J. Ruthrauff, W. M. Reynolds, G. Heilig, F. R. Anspach, J. Willox, T. Stork, J. Vogelbach, W. Laitzle and the lay delegates, J. L. Frederick and G. Hartman. Rev. F. Ruthrauff was appointed Chairman and T. Stork Secre- tary. Opened with prayer by the Chairman. On motion
Resolved, That we organize ourselves into a Synod, to be called The Evangelical Lutheran Synod of East Pennsylvania; and adopt for the present the constitution of the General Synod, with such alterations as may from time to time be necessary."
Another meeting was held on the following day, when "the members spent some time in familiar colloquy upon the subject of new measures. After a free and full interchange of sentiment, in which there seemed to be essential unanimity, it was deemed advisable that public expression should be given to the views entertained by this Synod, in order to define our position on a subject so liable to misconstruction. It was, therefore, on motion of T. Stork,
Resolved, That, whilst we disapprove of all disorderly and
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HISTORICAL SKETCH.
fanatical proceedings in religious worship, and in protracted efforts for the salvation of souls, we cordially commend the most decisive and energetic measures for the conversion of sinners and edification of the Church, adhering strictly to the admonition of the apostle, that 'all things be done decently and in order.'"
The first regular meeting of the Synod was held in St. Peter's church, Chester county, where it assembled on the 15th of Sep- tember, 1842. At this meeting the Synod numbered twelve pas- tors, with twenty-four congregations ; it resolved to connect itself with the General Synod ; adopted the Liturgy then published by the Pennsylvania Synod ; approved a proposed device for a syn- odical seal, viz., an eye fixed upon an open Bible, surrounded by the words, "The Bible our Creed-God our Fudge," and it ap- pointed a delegate to represent it at the next meeting of the Pennsylvania Synod.
The second annual meeting was held in St. Matthew's church, Philadelphia, October 21, 1843, when, at the calling of the roll, every member was present, numbering eighteen ministers after admitting Rev. Messrs. J. P. Schindel, G. Diehl, D. F. Finckel, Daniel Miller, John McCron and Eli Swartz. Fourteen lay dele- gates were present. Delegates were received from several synods connected with the General Synod, viz., Hartwick, Maryland and West Pennsylvania.
Among the topics of special interest to a student of the history of our Synod is, first of all, its Relation to the German Minister- ium of Pennsylvania and Adjacent States and Territories, now commonly known as the Pennsylvania Synod. This Synod origi- nated, as has been already shown, in the secession from the Pennsylvania Synod by a few of the regular members of that body, for reasons assigned in the memorial already cited, and it gave practical proof of its desire to maintain friendly relations
20
EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD.
with the Pennsylvania Synod by sending to it in 1843 as an ac- credited delegate one of its most active members, the Rev. The- ophilus Stork. At the next meeting of this Synod Rev. Stork reported as follows : " In obedience to appointment I attended the last meeting of the Pennsylvania Synod, held in St. Paul's church, Philadelphia, as the delegate of this body. The appoint- ment of a delegate at this time was not simply a matter of eccle- siastical courtesy, but was designed, if possible, to conciliate the adverse elements of the two Synods, and establish fraternal rela- tions. We felt that, both bodies being professedly Lutheran, and occupying a field embracing essentially the same geographical limits, it was exceedingly desirable that we should maintain towards each other the most amicable relations, believing that, notwithstanding our differences of opinion on some points, we might still as Christians, under the harmonizing influence of love, live together as brethren, "as fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God."
"With such views and feelings I was little prepared even to apprehend the actual result of my mission."
"The first session of Synod was opened on Monday morning, the 12th of June. When the delegates from other Synods were called upon to present their credentials, I arose and stated that I had been appointed a delegate from the East Pennsylvania Synod to the Pennsylvania Synod, and laid a certificate from the Presi- dent attesting my commission, together with the printed minutes, upon the table. Dr. Miller, from Reading, immediately arose, and, after some preliminary remarks explanatory of the ground he was about to assume, offered the following resolution, which, after some discussion, was adopted :
"'Resolved, That we cannot recognize brother Stork as a dele- gate, nor that body as a Synod, until it formally recall by a reso- lution the accusations made against this body.'
"I was so taken by surprise that, in the excitement of the
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HISTORICAL SKETCH.
moment, I did not realize the position in which we were placed, and said nothing. After returning home and reflecting on the transactions of the morning, I felt dissatisfied under a conviction that I had not discharged my duty as the representative of the East Pennsylvania Synod. I, therefore, returned in the afternoon session, and obtained permission to address the Synod. I assured them that we desired to maintain the most friendly relations and correspondence with them. And I further assured them that, if we had injured them by unjust charges, we were ready to make any reasonable concession, and to recant every charge not founded in fact ; and finally, I begged them to specify the charges by which they felt themselves so aggrieved as to exclude us from their fraternal regard. I asked this, that the Church might understand the real position of the two Synods, and that our body might be prepared for intelligent action at its next session.
" After an animated discussion they passed the following reso- lution in answer to my inquiry :
"'Resolved, That the accusations of the Synod of East Pennsyl- vania are contained in that circular, and in all their after pro- ceedings harmonizing therewith.' * etc."
The Synod of East Pennsylvania expressed its entire satisfac- tion with the course pursued by its delegate, and, on motion of Prof. Reynolds, it was
" Resolved, That we have heard with regret our delegate's statement of the failure of his mission to the Pennsylvania Synod ; and that we are still desirous of establishing friendly relations with that body. In reply to the resolutions passed by them rela- tive to our body, we can merely say, that they suggest no means of removing the difficulties existing between us, as we are not aware that we have, in any of our proceedings, said or sanctioned anything that can be considered unchristian or unjust to the Pennsylvania Synod. As soon, however, as aught that might be so construed is pointed out to us, we shall be ready to recall the
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EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD.
offensive word or act, whichever it may be, so far as in our power ; or to give such explanations as comport with truth and propriety. Meanwhile any further overtures for friendly correspondence will naturally come from the Pennsylvania Synod-though in the meantime we shall endeavor to 'keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.'"'
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