USA > Pennsylvania > Lancaster County > Conoy > A pictorial history of Conoy Township : from colonial days to 1976 > Part 3
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was erected. Its total cost was $3500 and at that time was considered the finest village church in this locality.
From about 1898 to 1910 Bainbridge was on a circuit with Maytown, then for about 20 years it was connected with Rowenna. In 1928, the local church, also referred to as the Bethel Church, celebrated the building's 50th anni- versary with extensive remodeling at a cost of $2500. In 1939 the basement was excavated and Sunday School classrooms were made. A new organ was installed in 1948. Recent improvements include the purchase of a separate building on the north side of the church for edu- cational purposes, and the construction of a parking lot on the south side adjacent to the Church. A new steeple was also just recently constructed. Since 1952, the Church of God has been served by Rev. J. William Brandt as pastor. Membership has grown considerably well over a hundred since his pastorate of the church.
3. Lutheran
In 1838 the Lutheran Church society and the German Reformed society were organized in Bainbridge. In 1839 they jointly purchased a property and meeting house from Henry Haldeman for 800 dollars which had originally been erected for the Methodists. In 1892 the German Reformed members, numbering only about twenty, sold their share of the property to the Lutherans for about $165. The Luth- eran congregation numbered about ninety-five at this time. The first church council in 1838 consisted of the following elders and deacons: Jacob Vogelsong, Frederick Schmitt, elders; Peter Hackenberger, and John Ebersole, deacons. The first Lutheran minister was Rev. T. G. Von Hoff.
The old Church building, used by Union soldiers dur- ing the Civil War, as previously mentioned, was completely torn down in 1895 and a new one with a capaci- ty of 300 was erected at a cost of about $2700. This build- ing, and the Sunday School building erected in 1905, are still in use today. In 1957, when the Rev. Fred Coleman was pastor, a new wing was built and dedicated. Today the church and its adjoining parsonage houses the Rev. Charles Snyder, the only residing minister in Bainbridge.
Lutheran Church - Bainbridge
The Lutheran Church has also had a varied history of parish connections. From 1837 to 1867 it was part of a cir- cuit including Elizabethtown, Colebrook, Mount Joy, and Maytown. Maytown and Bainbridge then formed a parish until 1897. From 1897 to 1929 Bainbridge was separate as a congregation, and then until 1955 they reunited with Maytown again. From 1955-66 they had their own pastor, then they joined again in an arrangement with Maytown, and Mount Joy. For the last four years they have been served by their own pastor. The present membership totals approximately 150.
4. Falmouth United Methodist
As early as 1855 a class was formed at Falmouth with a Mr. Wernley as leader with twelve members. Services were held regularly in private homes until in 1860 a house of worship was constructed. It is a wooden structure with a seating capacity of 160. For a time it was connected with the Bainbridge circuit. In 1888 records indicate that trus- tees were elected and the congregation at that time became known as the United Brethren in Christ. A plot of ground 50 ft. X 150 ft. was bought for 100 dollars and a frame building was erected costing $1250 in 1889. Rev. H. D. Lehman was the pastor at the time. In 1922 the building was improved. A new heating plant was installed and a new carpet was furnished at the expense of $702. In 1937 the interior was redecorated, the woodwork refin- ished, new pews and pulpit installed and a beautiful paint- ing, "Christ in the Garden," was placed in the pulpit alcove. In the years 1945-49, new Sunday School rooms were added to the church building at a minimum cost. Members and friends of the church donated their labor. While the church is located in the extreme northwestern tip of Lancaster County, its nearest United Brethren churches are in Dauphin County. Hence it has been affili- ated with the following churches: in 1888 to Royalton; in 1889 to Fishburn (Hershey); in 1901 to 1969 it was con- nected to Hillsdale (Geyers). In 1969 they separated from Geyers to form their own congregation. Since the Evan- gelical United Brethren and the Methodist denominations merged, the official name is now the Falmouth United Methodist Church. At the present time the Rev. Earl Christianson is serving as pastor.
Falmouth United Methodist Church
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5. Stevens Hill Church of the Brethren
Stevens Hill Church is a small congregation in the northern part of Conoy Township. Records show that reli- gious activities were held starting in 1849, possibly even prior only not on an organized basis. For many years Sun- day School was held in the Kob's school house. The meet- ings were known as the Conoy Union Sunday School. Some of the early officers were Ephraim Brinser, Demas Dibler, John and Jacob Kob, Samuel, Levi, and Joseph Dennison, Sarah Ebersole, Fanny Meckley, Emily Goss, and Levi Ebersole. Records show that the lowest attendance in 1869 was 19 and the collection was 9 cents! Sunday School was generally only held from May to October of each year.
Steven's Hill Church of The Brethren
In 1904, and possibly prior, the Elizabethtown Church of the Brethren held preaching services at Kob's every two weeks, Sunday School was every Sunday at 2 P.M. and Church was at 3 P.M. In 1911 after much community de- liberation, it was decided to build their own church, and a 40 x 60 foot frame structure was erected about a quarter mile east of the school house. The land was purchased from Jacob Myers for $211.38 and the church cost $3,191.33. A shed for horses cost another $350. The ser- vices were continued to be held in the afternoon so that people in the community who were members elsewhere could attend their own services in the morning. For a number of years, teachers were supplied as students from Elizabethtown College. In 1923 Mr. Harry Gerber moved into the community and became superintendent of the Sunday School and a teacher and leader in the church. He is still teaching. Some years ago the services were chang- ed from afternoon to morning, and in 1965 the congrega- tion voted to become a separate congregation instead of being affiliated with the Elizabethtown Church. Since then they have been a self-supporting church. Pastor at present is Rev. Dean Smith.
6. Word of Life Chapel
This rural congregation had its origins following World War I when a Sunday School was held for the child- ren of the Stackstown area in the Wickersham School. This Sunday School was maintained by one religious group or another until 1950. At this time Abram L. Gish, an area Bible teacher, representing the Moody Bible Institute, was invited to teach those who were attending the Sunday School. Those who attended regularly made a definite re-
Word of Life Chapel - Lobata
quest for an organized church. As a result a church was formally organized in 1951 and Mr. Gish was ordained in 1952, serving as pastor of the church. This church, known as the Word of Life Chapel, continued to meet in the school house until 1955. Land next to the school was purchased from Mr. Elmer Hoffines for a new building. In September of 1955 it was completed and dedicated. When the Wickersham school was vacated in that same year and offered for public sale, the church purchased it. The one acre of land was added to the church property and used for additional parking space. The school building was used by the church as an annex until about 1970 when it was razed.
The new building soon became overcrowded and en- largement was necessary. This was completed and dedi- cated in 1962. The church today has an active ministry in the community and a wide outreach through Bible teach- ing, radio broadcasting, and missionary endeavor. The church is affiliated with the Independent Fundamental Churches of America. Rev. Abram L. Gish, the founder of the church, continues as its pastor.
Other Churches
In addition to the previous denominations just chroni- cled, at least two other groups are worthy of mention. Back in the 1800's a group called the River Brethren had its origins in the Conoy Township area. As mentioned briefly earlier, Jacob Engle, a member of the Old Menno- nite Church, settled near Bainbridge prior to the 1800's. In trying to reform some of his church's practices, in 1776 a new organization was created and his followers became called the "River Brethren." A history of splits and dif- ferences then plagued the River Brethren. Splinter groups became Brinserites, Yorkers, and the Brethren in Christ, who were more liberal in their beliefs than the other groups. In 1881 the River Brethren purchased a brick structure from the Evangelical Society on Second and Chestnut Streets in Bainbridge. This building, with a capacity of about 450, was a great improvement over their old wooden structure of about 100 capacity. Services at the new building were discontinued in 1910, and the build- ing was then used as a band hall and movie house. In 1924 there were about forty to fifty members in the congrega- tion. Today this Brethren in Christ church has a beautiful
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building along the Conoy Creek on Route 241 about 4 miles east of Bainbridge in West Donegal Township.
Another church, no longer in existence in Conoy Township, was a small African Methodist Church in Billmeyer. This church was abandoned in the fifties when the J. E. Baker Co. closed down the quarries.
Civic Organizations - 1800's
Following the Civil War several lodges were formed in Bainbridge. In 1868 Bainbridge Lodge No. 627 Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows was founded. Starting out with forty members, the lodge has since disbanded. Bain- bridge Lodge No. 231 Organization of United American Mechanics was founded in 1870. This lodge, initially con- taining thirty-six members, constructed a three-story home on Race Street. It has also since disbanded. The John Hipple Post No. 353 Grand Army of the Republic was organized in 1883. These veterans have since died and that post disbanded. This was the first known veteran's organization in the township and was named in honor of Pvt. John Hipple of Bainbridge who fell in the Battle of Spottsylvania Court House, Va. The Charter Members of G. A. R. Post 353 were: Dr. George T. Deseman, Comm., H. Linton, H. Snyder, Dr. S. T. Whistler, John H. Greene, John Galbraith, Joseph M. Smith, William Houseal, Christ Hoover, Ephraim Good, Ross Ashton, Michael A. Smith, J. D. Feltenberger, John Camp, T. Beane, G. V. Hackenberger, Simon Steffy, John Shellow, and George Hawthorne.
American Legion
During the period following World War I, the veter- ans of Conoy Township were affiliated with and supported the Wm. Brenner, Post 466, American Legion, Marietta, Pa., and through this organization sponsored the yearly Memorial Day observance in Bainbridge.
The Libhart-Dyer, Post 197, American Legion, Dept. of Pa., was chartered in 1948 with the following twenty- five Charter Members:
George F. O'Connor, James L. Kell, Bernard E. O'Connor, William E. Mundorff, Harold A. Mohr, Paul B. Brandt, Ernest Bartles, Elwood S. Smith, Luther A. Drescher, Sr., John E. Smith* , Harrison H. Gingrich, Glenn L. O'Connor, Charles S. Drescher, Joseph W. Bowley, Kenneth W. Keck* , K. D. Brosey, Milton F. Flanagan* , Adam E. Sweigart* , Harry R. Spayd, Henry J. Straub, Charles A. Reisinger, Edward L. Fitzskee, Lewis H. Dorward, John L. Gingrich* , Floyd Donald Mohr. (* deceased).
The organization was named in honor of Harold N. Libhart, USMC, and Jay Dyer, USA, who made the supreme sacrifice in World War II.
In 1936 a concrete plaque was presented "In memory of the veterans of Bainbridge" (in WW I) by the Marietta Post. The plaque was installed at the High School. Future plans are for it to be re-installed at the cemetery. In 1944 a wooden service plaque containing the names of 139 men and women from Conoy Twp. serving in the armed forces, was installed and dedicated by the HGL Club, (Girl's service club), on the Bainbridge High School grounds. The Club sent a newsletter and gifts to those in service from Conoy Twp. during WW II and the Korean War. Disrepair to the plaque has forced its removal.
A bronze plaque, with a concrete base, was dedicated to the veterans of WW I, WW II, and the Korean War on Nov. 9, 1958, at the Fire Co. grounds. On it are inscribed the names of those making the supreme sacrifice: Harold Libhart - WW II, USMC, Jay Dyer - WW II, USA, Christian Shireman - WW II, USN, James Bryan - Korea, USA.
In 1953 the Lancaster Co. Commissioners deeded to Post 197 the cemetery at the rear of the Lutheran Church for perpetual care and maintenance. It was decided to place the service plaque at this location, and rededicate it to include the veterans of Vietnam, especially to one who made the supreme sacrifice: John R. Booth, USA. Re- dedication ceremonies were held on Nov. 11, 1957.
The average membership of this active organization has been about 75-100 each year. Through the years Post 197 has been active in community service. The post was the first in the area to dedicate a plaque in honor of Viet- nam veterans. Other activities in the community include Memorial and Veterans Day observances, aid in the main- tenance of community playground, maintenance of ceme- tery at Lutheran Church, annual Christmas Party for Children of the township, and general support of patriotic American ideals.
American Legion Auxiliary
The American Legion Auxiliary, Libhart-Dyer Post 197, came into existence with a permanent charter in May of 1954. Charter members were:
Marian Bucher, Martha Flanagan, Ella H. Carter, E. E. Anderson, Alice A. Bachman, Daisey Bartles, Frances Bartles, Cecelia Clark Garber, Orpha Drescher, Fay Gingrich, Elsie Libhart, Adeline Librandi, Mildred Lingle, Arlene O'Connor, Blanche O'Connor, Frances Rapp, Ruth Sager, and Grace Voorhees.
The primary objective of the Auxiliary is to support the state and national policies of the American Legion and the government.
Of equal importance has been the fostering of pro- grams in the community to assist the veteran and his family, and all the children and disabled citizens in Conoy Twp. The Auxiliary has given substantial financial sup- port in many areas. Some of these include veteran's re- habilitation, child welfare, Lebanon and Coatesville Hos- pitals, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Keystone Girls State, Jr. Baseball, National Security, Scholarship Fund, Scotland School, Hospital Christmas Funds, Heart Haven, Bainbridge Fire Co., Bainbridge Halloween Parade, Bainbridge Ambulance Fund.
Over the years the Auxiliary has "adopted" children attending school at Scotland, (school for children of de- ceased/disabled veterans) near Chambersburg. Thomas Flanagan will graduate in June, 1976, marking the close of the "adoption" program of the two Flanagan children.
Flags were presented to the local churches. A supply of "hospital" equipment is maintained for use by Conoy Twp. residents.
The Auxiliary also attempts to foster Americanism at the elementary school through special programs, essay contests, etc. In order to meet its financial obligations the Auxiliary has had food sales, candy sales, greeting card
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sales, flag sales, and sold poppies made by disabled veter- ans who are dependent on this employment to earn support for themselves and their families. The Auxiliary also acts as chairman of the Conoy Twp. drive for the Cancer Crusade. Membership in the unit has been as high as 64 but at present stands at 54. Officers are:
Mrs. Claude J. McCarty - Pres. and Historian Mrs. Elsie Libhart - 1st Vice Pres.
Mrs. Irvin Lighty - 2nd Vice Pres. Mrs. Elizabeth Myers - Chaplain Mrs. John Trout - Sgt. at Arms
Mrs. Frank Shaffron - Treasurer
Mrs. Richard Gerlach - Secretary
H. G. L. Club
The H. G. L. Club was formed in 1929 as a woman's group. From 1942 until the end of the war it was a "Service Club", sending gifts and cards to the men serving in the Armed Forces from Conoy Township. Florence Wilhelm was President, Ellen McCarthy, Secre- tary, and Mrs. Grace Hoffman, Editor of a news letter sent out regularly.
The Club still meets, the present officers are Vera Kirvenski, President; Mae Byerly, Secretary; Laura Myers, Treasurer.
The Bainbridge Band
There had been a band in Bainbridge since the mid 1800's but the first organized band was in 1896. Chartered in 1919, the officers then were: Chester Ging- rich, Pres., John Shue, V. Pres., Lawrence Smith, Treas., and Wm. and Monroe Morganthaul, Frank Meekley, and George Nein - Trustees. With the exception of the war years, the band has been active and operating ever since.
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Band Hall - Bainbridge
The first organized band rehearsed in a barn in the center of town, which later became the first fire house. At this time the Bainbridge Band owned their own band wagon which they used to travel to their engagements. In 1920 they bought a building on 2nd Street, between Mar- ket and Chestnut Streets, that had earlier been the River Brethren Church. They converted the building into a band hall and showed movies to help meet the expenses. Mrs. Clarence Bryan (Jane Hawthorne) played the piano for these old-time silent movies. Then with the advent of the
"talking" movies the theater discontinued, but the band continued to use the hall until WW II.
During the early years the band was composed of primarily local talent. After WW II the band picked up again and began practicing at the fire house because the band hall had been rented for storage and was not avail- able. In 1945 the band hall was sold to Mr. and Mrs. Palmer McNelly, who owned the adjoining lots. The band continued to practice in the fire house until Harry Birch, who owned the hotel near the fire house, offered to help build a hall adjoining his hotel. This was completed with practically all labor and skills done by the bandsmen, and the band moved in. After the death of Mr. Birch, the new owners asked the band to vacate their room, since there was no written contract on the use of the band hall. At this time, the band, now somewhat displeased with the lack of a permanent home, appointed a committee to find a per- manent hall. In 1958, after the J. E. Baker Co. discontin- ued use of their community hall, (which was also the old Bethel or Church of God), the Bainbridge Band procured the building for its use. Rehearsals began and have continued there up to the present time. Recent band di- rectors have included Lloyd Seifred of Columbia, Lindsey Seltzer (until 1960), and at present Sam Zimmerman, who also directs the New Holland Band.
The band hall has been renovated inside and out, since its acquisition. The basement has been finished and is now used as a social hall, meeting room, kitchen, storage, and furnace room. Aluminum siding has also been recently added. Credit for much of the improve- ments should go to George Smith, one of the directors and librarian of the band and caretaker of the hall. The band- men, themselves, deserve credit too, as they have made themselves and their bandhall an asset to the community. The officers of the Bainbridge Band at present are:
Richard Krall - Pres., Lloyd Smith - V. Pres., James Smith Sr. - Sec/Treas., George Smith - Librarian. Board of Directors include S. O. Zimmerman, J. Montgomery, G. Smith, R. Krall, J. Smith, A. L. Seifred, L. Smith.
Some of the older members of our previous bands 60 years and older include:
Maurice Demmy, the oldest who now lives in Lititz, and played during the 1910 era, Benjamin Gilbert, who lives in Winchester, Va., and played between 1910 and 1920; Clarence Bryan, J. Shue, L. Lynn, John Lynn, E. Lynn, Raymond Raber, P. Raber, N. Raber, L. McNelly, E. Staley, C. Witmer, P. Bard, E. Baumbach, H. Meckley, C. Nissley, Harrison Gingrich, J. Boyland, B. Lehman, P. McMullen, L. Baumbach, W. Shopf, R. Kehoe, B. Hammond, G. Waller.
Directors of the band today are John Schaefer, Mon- roe Morganthaul, Charles Aston, Eugene Girth, Curtis Smith, Chester Witmet, Ernie Spangler, Raymond Raber, Lloyd Seifred, Lindsey Seltzer, Samuel O. Zimmerman.
Bainbridge Fire Company
Another civic organization with a great interest in the community is the Bainbridge volunteer fire company. Ser- ving the entire township, as the only active volunteer fire company, it was organized in 1921 and chartered in 1923. A lot and building to be used as a fire house was purchas- ed in 1924. The first truck was purchased and arrived in 1925, and a siren was received the following year. In 1938 a 1937 model Reo truck was purchased to replace the Oberchain-Boyer engine (the first truck). In 1949 a Ford
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First Fire Hall at left - at right building purchased in 1933 for expanded facilities
fire truck (U.S. surplus) was purchased and put in service as a second piece of equipment. In 1957 a new Reo truck was purchased and the equipment from the Ford truck was mounted on it. A new pump was bought for this truck in 1962 with a capacity for pumping 500 gallons per minute. This pump cost the company $3000. In 1972 the company purchased a fully equipped Hawn fire truck on a Ford chassis. This brand new piece of equipment replaced the old 1938 Reo truck. In 1963 a Buick ambulance (1948 model) was purchased to provide expanded service to the community and in 1964 this was replaced by a 1956 Cadil- lac, fully equipped. The ambulance was updated again in 1967 with the purchase of a 1960 Cadillac, and again in 1973 with a purchase of a 1967 Oldsmobile. In 1975 the Company purchased a new 1975 model Dodge Maxivan ambulance which they now have presently in use. Since the purchase of the first ambulance, first aid courses have been offered at regular intervals and drivers have also taken courses in ambulance attendant training.
In June of 1963, realizing the need for better and ex- panded fire protection in the rural areas of the township, the company purchased a 1950 Dodge tank truck of 1400 gallon capacity. In 1974 a new Chevrolet Tank truck was purchased and is completely paid for. Its capacity is 2000 gallons. Due to the steady and continued support of the township the only piece of equipment still not paid for completely is the new ambulance. For the size of the township it serves, Bainbridge has a modern, well- equipped fire company indeed!
In 1964 ground was broken for a badly needed new fire house. This building was dedicated on May 22, 1965 and currently houses four pieces of equipment. The fire company is situated on the southern portion of town at Second and Market Street "C". The new building, as did the previous one, serves as the center for community and civic meetings. In order to gain financial support, the company holds carnivals every summer on the fire comp- any grounds and solicits contributions from community and township residents. The Ladies' Auxiliary of the fire company, organized in 1965, holds sales, the proceeds of which go for the fire company. One of their first projects was to complete and furnish the kitchen in the fire house. They have also contributed several thousand dollars to- wards equipment. The auxiliary stands ready to assist families in need due to fire loss and are ready at any time to assist the company at fires or any other emergencies by furnishing food and drink. They also sponsor a Labor Day queen contest for girls of the 6th grade in the township.
Bainbridge Fire Company's first pumper - Oberchain-Boyer Model
The fire company has grown considerably and con- tributed effectively to the welfare of Conoy Township. It hardly needs to be stated that the effectiveness of a volun- teer fire company is entirely dependent upon the popular support of its citizenry. The progressiveness of the Bain- bridge Fire Company and the Fire Company Auxiliary can certainly vouch for that support.
The present-day officers are as follows:
Leroy Hoffines - Pres.
Charles Drescher - 1st V. Pres.
William Smith - 2nd V. Pres.
Calvin Garman - Secretary
Elwood Smith - Treasurer
Harry Zink - Chaplain
The officers of the auxiliary are as follows:
Nancy Querry - Pres. Linda Smith - Vice Pres.
Esther Sloat - Secretary Dotty Haines - Corresponding Sec. Pauline Matheny - Treas.
Mary Kline - Ass't. Treas. Annabelle Armstrong - Chaplain
Present Fire Hall
Conoy Township Organization
Since Conoy Township is rather sparsely populated and predominately rural, it is organized according to the regulations of a second-class township. Three super-
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Present Fire Company Equipment
visors, elected by the voters of the Twp., make up the executive branch of the local government. These are presently: Paul Esbenshade, Pres., Joe Kauffman, and Richard Shepler. Robert Strickland is hired by the Twp. as secretary and treasurer. The township planning commis- sion is comprised of David Gerber, Thomas Campbell, Ralph Ebersole, and David Walters. George Weigel is zoning officer. The zoning hearing board is comprised of David Gerber, Paul Crum, and George W. Rhoads. A part time policeman is hired by the Twp. who is at present Thomas Kesslring.
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