USA > Pennsylvania > Berks County > Womelsdorf > A history of Bethany Orphans' Home of the Reformed Church in the United States : located at Womelsdorf, Pa. > Part 4
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
62
History of Bethany Orphans' Home.
rival on this soil from the Palatinate, fifteen years ago, in 1713. But Japheth had received the promise that he should dwell in the tents of Shem, and here is one theatre of its fulfillment.
"We move forward another step. Thomas Penn donated a large area of this territory to Conrad Weiser, in 1729-the friend of Penn and the friend of Shem alike. The Indians called him Tarachanagon. By this grant of the governor, he took to himself acres, extending miles and leagues over mountains and valleys, up to and beyond the shores of the Susque- hanna. He was 'monarch of all he surveyed,' and we have a lurking suspicion that he did not survey very accurately! At all events, a legend relates that an Indian chief and Tarachanagon would dream for a wager at times. The chief dreamed that his white brother had given him a musket. Of course the mus- ket was given. Then Conrad had a dream, which was that the chief had granted him so many acres of forest. The chief was honorable enough to make it a reality. But finding that a white man could dream faster than the red man, the latter entered into a contract with the former not to dream any more. But all men are mortal-white as well as red-and Conrad Weiser died, and his tomb is on his own ground near us to-day.
"His children inherited the paternal estate. 'But they, too, followed their father to the grave. Three sons of the following generation shared these acres- Philip, Conrad and Jabez. Philip was wounded at the battle of Brandywine, and was carried on a litter by six men to Tulpehocken, where he lingered and died.
63
History of Bethany Orphans' Home.
The two remaining brothers became the sole owners. But as with Abraham and Lot, strife arose-not be- tween their herdsmen, but between themselves. The sun rose and set upon their wrath. Now a spring gushed forth copious waters from the homestead of one brother, whose outlet and channel crossed the fields of the other. The owner built a wall around it and a dwelling over it. He gladly drank of its waters. It turned a mill. He prized his farm because of the spring. But strife embittered all of his possessions, and he resolved to part with his lands-spring and all. Soon a purchaser was found. When the day of deliv- ery came, the stranger spoke these words: 'Your brother informs me that the channel of yonder spring lies over his land, and that he intends to obstruct its passage and change its course. I cannot, therefore agree to pay so large a price.' The owner was startled, and immediately suspected a collusion between the buyer and the brother. 'What shall I do?' exclaimed the unhappy man; 'I have bought another homestead on which a part is paid, and I cannot forfeit that!' As rogues are very accommodating, the stranger re- plied: 'I will still take the farm, if you will deduct five hundred pounds.' Now five hundred pounds was no trifle in those days-it is an item to be considered yet. After much anxiety, he consented, deducted the sum and closed the contract. But ere he left his grounds he paid a farewell visit to his favorite spring. His children found him sitting pensive and melancholy, mingling his tears with the waters of the spring-weep- ing over the cruelty of his artful brother.
64
History of Bethany Orphans' Home.
"Two weeks later that spring ran dry. Some wise- acres said the waters had sunk, as they do in limestone soil. Others said, frogs and sand had suffocated it. But my ancestors say, 'The hand of God closed the spring.' Be it as it may, this we know, that the Son of God withered and dried a fig tree-roots and all- and we think He might have drowned that fountain too.
" After a time, all that land of Conrad Weiser passed out of the possession of his descendants, and to-day not an inch of ground remains to that name. Did the spring revive again? We know not. Does the mill still stand? Neither do we know that. But we do know three other facts:
"First. A part of the ground which God gave the Indians, which the Indians gave to Penn, which Penn gave to Conrad Weiser, which Conrad Weiser gave to his descendants, and which his descendants gave to strangers, to-day reverts to God again-the original Proprietor, and the Father of the fatherless.
"Secondly. Another fountain opens on these grounds to-day, of sweeter waters than those with which one of my ancestors mingled his tears-a fountain of charity, of more value than five hundred pounds, which will cause not tears to fall, but tears to dry on many an orphan's cheek.
"Thirdly. A mill is erected on these grounds which, if it grind slowly, will yet grind surely the bread of charity, which will not have a bitter taste either, for it is sweetened by the love of God."
65
History of Bethany Orphans' Home.
By Providence our "Home" is planted in Tulpe- hocken, a region in East Pennsylvania. In an ancient "church register"-the oldest extant in our denomi- nation in America-it is noted that John Henry Gætschy preached in the extensive territory of "Skip- pack, Old and New Goshenhoppen, Swamp, Saucon, Egypt, Macedonia, Masillon, Oley, Bern and Tulpe- hocken." This was his diocese. Is it by accident, then, that our "Orphans' Home"-the first and prin- cipal one in our Church-should be located in the oldest missionary territory of the first known Re- formed minster in North America? This is the primi- tive American soil to the Reformed Church, and here lies even yet her main strength, dormant though it may be, to a large extent. It is but right, therefore, that this "Home" should be planted here. The God who directs the swallows' advent and departure, has not had His eye closed on this movement of charity. Here let it ever stand, on our original Reformed soil, and in the heart of our sincere membership, appealing silently and eloquently to them for their aid and prayers.
5
CHAPTER VIII.
RESIGNATION OF REV. D. Y. HEISLER-REV. D. B. ALBRIGHT SUPERINTENDENT FOR SEVENTEEN YEARS AND FIVE MONTHS.
T THERE were, no doubt, many unusual cares and much extra labor connected with the position of Superintendent at the time of the removal from Bridesburg to Womelsdorf, and in making the new Home, with its surroundings, what it was desired that they should be. All this work made such serious in- roads upon the health of Superintendent Heisler that he felt constrained to resign his position. This he did at a meeting of the Board held in the beginning of October, 1868. In accepting his resignation, the fol- lowing action was unanimously passed:
"The Board learns with sorrow that Rev. D. Y. Heisler, on account of failing health, feels himself con- strained to resign his office as Superintendent of our Home. During more than two years he and his wife labored with great faithfulness and unwearied self- denial for the interest of our institution, which is highly appreciated by us, as well as by the friends of the Home. Therefore,
"Resolved, That we regret the necessity which. com- pels us to accept his resignation.
"Resolved, That this Board herewith tenders its hearty gratitude to Rev. D. Y. Heisler and his wife for their valuable services which, under many difficulties, they have rendered to our Home.
66
REV. D. B. ALBRIGHT.
SUPERINTENDENT FOR SEVENTEEN YEARS AND FIVE MONTHS.
67
History of Bethany Orphans' Home.
"Resolved, That our best wishes attend him and his wife with the prayer that the Almighty Father of the fatherless may soon restore him to health again, richly reward them for their services and lead them to some other suitable field of labor.
" Resolved, That we herewith invite Brother Heisler to attend our future regular meetings as an advisory member."
At the same meeting, in October, 1868, at which the resignation of Rev. D. Y. Heisler as Superintendent was accepted, the Board elected Rev. D. B. Albright of Orwigsburg, Schuylkill county, Pa., as his successor
On November 12, 1868, Mr. Albright and wife en- tered upon their respective duties as Superintendent and matron of the Home. About a hundred friends were present to welcome them. Many brought full baskets and furnished a meal for all present. In the afternoon, religious services were held in the chapel. The President of the Board, in its name, thanked Mr. and Mrs. Heisler for their faithful and valuable ser- vices. The new Superintendent and wife were heartily welcomed, and the orphans and servants admonished to love and obey them. The brethren D. Y. Heisler, C. H. Leinbach, T. S. Johnston, T. C. Leinbach and L. D. Leberman took part in the services.
Mr. Albright was installed as Superintendent on the 26th of December, 1868. The chapel was crowded upon the occasion. A large number of sleighs had brought people from the surrounding country to wit- ness the ceremony. The President of the Board con- ducted the installation services, after which, in the
68
History of Bethany Orphans' Home.
name of the Board, he formally handed the keys of the Home to the new Superintendent.
In the original "Plan for Establishing an Orphans' Home," which was published in the Laemmerhirte, in August, 1863, the following appears: "On Sunday regular services shall be held in the home, except on occasions when the whole family attends divine wor- ship in a neighboring church. As soon as circum- stances warrant, a chapel shall be erected and a con- gregation formed."
Although no separate chapel had been erected, in the main this plan of conducting services had been observed. No congregation, however, had been or_ ganized in the Home before Rev. D. B. Albright be- came Superintendent. Now, on account of the in- convenience of attending any other church and forthe spiritual quickening of the inmates of the institution he, after having received permission of Lebanon Classis, organized a congregation, and on the 21st of July held the first communion with some thirty guests, At the same time a class of seventeen orphans was confirmed. Whilst Mr. Albright was pastor of this congregation, he confirmed fifteen classes, numbering in all 149 persons. The Gospel was preached, the sacraments administered, the congregation admon- ished and instructed by word and example to contrib- ute to benevolent objects as God gave them ability. The history of the benevolence of this flock during these years, although the membership comprised only the employees of and children in the Home, would
OLD FARM BUILDING.
)
69
History of Bethany Orphans' Home.
show an inspiring example to many stronger and richer congregations.
In the summer of 1871, the last payment on the in- debtedness of the Home, incurred by the purchase of the property at Womelsdorf, was made. The anni- versary this year, July 27, 1871, was made an occasion of special thanksgiving on this account. The weather was pleasant and there were between 5,000 and 6,000 people present. Of this occasion, Superintendent Albright writes and makes the following statements:
"Our friends came from a district of country ex- tending from Pittsburg to New York to help us praise God for the payment of the whole debt on the Home. At half past twelve, P. M., the Womelsdorf band led the procession of the Board and family to the grove. Besides the usual exercises by the orphans, the large congregation sang 'Nun Danket Alle Gott.' Dr. F. W. Kremer led in prayer in the English and Rev. L. K. Derr in the German language. Rev. J. Gantenbein, a former Superintendent of the Home, spoke in German, and the brethren B. Bausman and D. B. Albright in the English language. Rev. W. T. Gerhart dismissed the assemblage with the benediction."
In August, 1873, the Manderbach farm, adjoining the Home farm, containing 60 acres and 65 perches, with a house, barn and an old mill, was bought for $10,600. A number of persons paid $175 apiece, about the price of an acre of ground, towards paying for this farm.
On September 11, 1874, an article appeared in one of the Reading papers, in which charges were preferred
70
History of Bethany Orphans' Home.
against the Superintendent, teachers and teamster, alleging that they had maltreated certain orphans. This statement was given wide publicity. The Presi- dent of the Board immediately called a meeting, at which also Prof. J. P. Wickersham, State Superintend- ent of Soldiers' Orphans, Dr. Diller Luther, Secretary of the State Board of Charities, and others were pres- ent. The meeting was held with open doors, continu- ing for three days. Many witnesses were heard and a thorough investigation of the charges made. The re- sult of this investigation, as found by the Board, was that, whilst there was a foundation for some of the charges, and the Board regretted that any peculiar method had been employed in inflicting punishment by any one, and disapproved of these acts, they were convinced that the charges originated principally in the malice of an employee of the Home; that the gen- eral discipline of the Home was no stricter than that required for the proper training of the children and the preservation of order, and that the Superintendent and teachers were faithful in the performance of their duties.
During the year 1875, the farm house on the newly purchased farm was repaired and occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Albright, and this continued to be the Superin- tendent's residence until Mr. Albright resigned, eleven years later.
The eighteenth anniversary, held July 18, 1881, was a jubilee occasion, because at this time the debt, incurred by the purchase of the additional Manderbach farm, in 1873, was finally cancelled. We give the
71
History of Bethany Orphans' Home.
action of the Board in reference to this matter, as read at the anniversary, even though in it are some facts which have been stated before:
"The Board of Managers of Bethany Orphans' Home, in the name of the Reformed Church, hereby expresses its gratitude to the Giver of every good and perfect gift for helping us to pay the whole debt resting on the property of our beautiful Home. In 1867, we bought a part of our present property, consisting of twenty- seven acres of land, more or less, and the principal buildings, for $33,000. During the year following, we had to expend $2,500 more for necessary improve- ments. At the first purchase, the home had not fifty dollars in hand. Kind Christian friends came to our help. One annual payment after another could be made. In 1873, we bought the adjoining Manderbach farm, consisting of sixty acres, more or less, of land with certain buildings, for $10,600. Again we had to expend several thousand dollars for stock and neces- sary improvements. Since then many poor and rich people helped us with their gifts and their prayers. Two years ago it was proposed to raise the amount of the remaining unpaid payment, $4,000, in $100 gifts. A number of friends helped in this effort, in sums vary- ing from $25 to $500. At yesterday's meeting (an- nual meeting) it was found that we lacked $160 to make up the whole amount. A certain family, which had already given $500 towards this effort, and whose cordial charity and rich gifts to our Orphans' Home we are not permitted here all to record, offered to give us $200 additional, which more than covered the whole amount needed. Thus we have been able to make the last payment, with the interest, in all $4,240, and had a balance left to be used for current expenses. "In our happy experience during these fourteen years past, since 1867, the merciful hand of God ha
72
History of Bethany Orphans' Home.
perceptibly and most wonderfully helped us. There- fore, be it
"Resolved, That this Board herewith record its sin- cere gratitude to God for His merciful help and bounti- ful blessing in the liquidation of the whole indebted- ness resting on the property of our Orphans' Home.
"Resolved, That by this mercy of God we feel our- selves admonished to serve Him in the future with more heartfelt devotion and consecration, and that it is our sincere prayer that all the dear friends and co- workers in this good cause may feel themselves anoint- ed by the same spirit of personal consecration to God.
"Resolved, That this Board herewith extends its cordial gratitude to all dear friends who have helped to pay this debt."
Now the Home was free of debt, and possessed a magnificent property. There was great rejoicing throughout the Church, because it had such a well- equipped institution for its orphans, but this joy was destined to be of short duration. In a little more than three months from this day the main building of the Home was destroyed by fire, the particulars of which are reserved for another chapter.
On the 14th of January, 1886, Rev. D. B. Albright resigned his position as Superintendent, and withdrew on the first of April following, after having served in that capacity for a continuous period of seventeen years and five months.
When the Home was removed from Bridesburg to Womelsdorf, a large part of its land was overgrown with bramble bushes, thorns and all kinds of under- growth, and covered with stumps, rocks and loose stones. A large part of it was in a wild, uncultivated
73
History of Bethany Orphans' Home.
state. Superintendent Heisler, with the assistance of the orphan boys, at once began to remove these un- sightly obstructions, and when Rev. B. D. Albright became Superintendent, he vigorously carried on this work, digging ditches, draining boggy marshes, re- moving stones and clearing the fields of brush and thorn bushes. In a number of years he placed the land in a state of productive cultivation. He ren- dered important service to the Church by securing to her such a valuable farm, and at the same time bene- fited those in his charge by taking care of and devel- oping their physical as well as mental and moral fac- ulties.
Rev. and Mrs. Albright worked faithfully during all this time that they were at the head of the institution. They endured many trials and annoyances during these long and laborious years, such as they only can appreciate who do not merely visit orphans' homes and see the bright side of life there, but who, having been in the position, know what it is to be the con- stant head of a family of from seventy-five to one hundred children. On the other hand, they no doubt enjoy many of the pleasant features of such a life, for, truly, to be in the midst of such a large and healthy family, to see children brought under the good influ- ences of a Christian institution, to see them put aside sinful habits and to develop into obedient, God- fearing boys and girls, to see them grow up, under careful training, into honest, upright, industrious Christian young men and women, to spend years in the midst of such surroundings cannot be all trial,
74
History of Bethany Orphans' Home.
shadow and storm, but there must be, yes, there are many bright spots to lighten one's otherwise heavy burdens.
During the seventeen years of Superintendent Al- bright's administration, about three hundred or- phans passed out into the various callings of life-min- isters, lawyers, merchants, mechanics, teachers, etc.
In reference to the resignation, the Board of Man- agers took the following action:
"This Board learns with feelings of sadness that Rev. D. B. Albright feels himself constrained to resign as Superintendent of Bethany Orphans' Home. For a period of more than seventeen years we have been associated with him in its management. During this time he and his estimable wife have supplied the place of father and mother to hundreds of orphans. With untiring zeal and unwavering constancy, they have performed the difficult duties belonging to the Super- intendency of such an institution. The many orphans they have nurtured and trained to manhood and wo- manhood, as well as the Church owning the Home, will cherish the blessing of their laborious services with unfading gratitude.
" Resolved, That the thanks of this Board be, and hereby are, tendered to Rev. D. B. Albright and wife for their valuable services rendered to Bethany Or- phans' Home.
" Resolved, That our kindest wishes attend them to whatever sphere in life they may be called, as well as our prayers that the blessing of the Father of the fatherless may rest upon them now and forever."
When Mr. Albright entered the Home as Superin- tendent, he found it resting under a debt of $24,000, with interest adding at the rate of six per cent. In
.
NEW BARN.
75
History of Bethany Orphans' Home.
1873, the Manderbach farm was bought for $10,600. Besides this, much money was spent in making neces- sary improvements and purchasing stock. One hun- dred dollars a year was received from the State for each soldier's orphan, and through the influence of Sen- ators Davis, of Reading, and Zerby, of Lebanon, the State gave at one time $3,000, upon the plea and for the reason that this institution was not receiving as much annually for keeping soldiers' orphans as other homes received.
During all these years a large number of orphans were cared for, and when Mr. Albright went out of office, the Home was free of debt.
CHAPTER IX. BURNING OF THE HOME-ERECTION OF NEW BUILDING.
IN a little more than three months after the day of general rejoicing, on account of the possession, by the Church, of a well-equipped Home, free of debt, the main building was destroyed by fire. Shortly after midnight, November 11th, 1881, one of the orphan girls knocked at the door of Mr. Griesemer, the farmer, and gave the alarm of fire. The orphans and other inmates were quickly aroused. The smaller children were hastened out of the building to a safe place in the field, and later removed to the Superin- tendent's house, some distance from the Home. The larger children and others secured buckets and carried water to extinguish the fire, but it was already be- yond control. The flames swept over the building and in a comparatively short time reduced it to ashes, leaving only the brick and stone walls. These were afterwards taken down. Part of the furniture and much of the clothing was saved. Many people from Womelsdorf and the surrounding country hastened to the scene and offered their help, but help was in vain. The origin of the fire has remained a mystery unto this day. It seemed to come from the woodhouse in the rear of the main building, but no one could explain it. The total amount of insurance was $12,400, of which $2,000 was on the furniture.
76
77
History of Bethany Orphans' Home.
The Superintendent reported to the President of the Board of Managers, by telegraph, as follows: "Home burned down. Children all safe." The news of the calamity was quickly spread throughout the Church and telegrams at once poured in. "What are your most pressing needs-bedding, clothing, provisions? Answer quick." There were also many letters full of expressions of sympathy and offers of assistance for temporary and permanent relief.
In the afternoon of the same day the Executive Committee of the Board of Managers, consisting of Rev. B. Bausman, Isaac McHose, Jos. Coblentz and Rev. C. H. Leinbach, held a meeting at the house of the Superintendent, and instructed him to make tem- porary provision for the family by putting the avail- able rooms in the several remaining buildings in such a condition as to make the inmates of the Home com- fortable.
At a meeting of the Board, held on the 17th of November, 1881, three important committees were appointed : first, a building committee, with Mr. Isaac McHose as chairman; second, a committee to prepare and send out to the ministers and Sunday-school superintendents a statement and an appeal for special contributions; third, a committee to prepare as com- plete a history of the Home as possible, the minutes and principal records of the same having been de- stroyed by fire.
Although certain propositions had been received for the removal of the institution to other places, it was at once decided to rebuild on the old site. The
78
History of Bethany Orphans' Home.
committee on circular prepared the following appeal, which was adopted by the Board and sent out to the churches and Sunday-schools :
AN APPEAL FOR BETHANY ORPHANS' HOME.
"The destruction of the main building of Bethany Orphans' Home, at Womelsdorf, Pa., has left our orphans without a suitable dwelling place. Trusting in God and in the merciful support of His people, the Board of Managers has decided to erect a new structure for this purpose. A building committee has been ap- pointed, with instructions to procure a plan from a competent architect, to be submitted to the Board in the middle of January next. Meanwhile the contri- butions of the churches toward this object will indicate what kind of a building the owners of this orphanage wish to have erected. The wants of the institution require a plain, substantial edifice, arranged expressly for this purpose, which would cost at least twenty thousand dollars. Of this amount, ten thousand will have to be procured through the contributions of our friends. We appeal to every pastor and to every superintendent of a Sunday-school, at once either to appoint suitable collectors to secure help among the people under their supervision, or to adopt such other measures as may best accomplish the end proposed.
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.