USA > Pennsylvania > Perry County > Churches between the mountains : a history of the Lutheran congregations in Perry County, Pennsylvania > Part 16
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The congregation was then vacant about four months. Dr. Ebert again put forth efforts to secure a pastor. He addressed a letter to Synod, urging the necessity of a speedy supply. This . letter was read before Synod in September, 1843, and, on motion, that body took the following action :
" Resolved, That in view of Dr. Ebert's letter, the attention of applicants for licensure be called to the congregation at Peters- burg, and the congregations united therewith, in Perry County."
Rev. Levi T. Williams,
then a licentiate, accordingly accepted a call from Petersburg and the other congregations, and entered on the discharge of his pastoral duties in October, 1843. He preached here once every four weeks, and extended his labors to New Buffalo, Mount Pisgah,
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CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS.
Newport, Bloomfield, and perhaps to some other points. He per- formed Home Missionary labor, and for some time received some aid from the Home Missionary Treasury of Synod. As the con- gregations were small and only in a formative state, much hard labor and self-denial were required, but these were not bestowed in vain, as the result clearly evinced.
At Petersburg, for want of a church, the congregation labored under great disadvantage. Hence, soon after Rev. Williams had taken charge, the subject of erecting a house of worship was agi- tated, and measures were taken to effect this needful end. Having land as a suitable location on the edge of the town, Dr. Ebert generously offered one acre of it to the congregation, and executed a deed of conveyance, from which we submit the following ex- tract :
" This Indenture, made the 7th day of May, A.D., 1844, be- tween Dr. Philip Ebert of Penn Township, Perry County, State of Pennsylvania, and Letitia his wife, of the one part, and the Council of the Lutheran congregation at Petersburg, &c., ... of the other part, Witnesseth that the said Dr. Philip Ebert and Letitia his wife for and in consideration of the sum of one hundred dollars, . . . to them in hand paid by the said Church-Council of the Luthe- ran congregation of Petersburg, &c., ... do grant, bargain, sell, &c., . . . to said Church-Council of the Lutheran congregation of Peters- burg, &c., . .. all that lot or piece of land, situate, &c., . .. con- taining one acre. Said Dr. Philip Ebert, &c., ... hath granted, sold said lot or one acre to said Council and their successors in office to and for the only proper use, benefit, and behoof of said Church-Council of the Lutheran Church of Petersburg, &c."
This lot of ground lies on the west edge of the borough of Pe- tersburg, on a high and dry bluff, commanding a fine view of the town, the river and the mountains all around for a considera- ble distance, and is in every way a desirable locality for a church and graveyard. The foundation was run up, and on the 19th of May, 1844, the corner-stone was laid. A number of documents and a copy of the following declaration were deposited in the cor- ner-stone :
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" DECLARATION AT THE LAYING OF THE CORNER-STONE.
" In the name of the Triune God. Amen.
" Whereas the Evangelical Lutheran congregation, now wor- shipping in the Methodist Episcopal Church in this place, be- lieves it necessary to build a house of worship of their own, and that its location in this vicinity would best subserve the interests of the congregation and religion generally ; and Whereas we are desirous of perpetuating Christianity by the faithful preaching of God's word and the administration of the ordinances of religion, for our mutual benefit and improvement as well as that of our pos- terity,-We, therefore, the members of this congregation, in reli- ance on the Great Head of the Church, Jesus Christ, the same to- day, yesterday, and forever, have resolved to build upon this ground a house of worship, and do now publish to the world the object and society for which it is to be erected : Wherefore, be it known to the present and future generations, that we here, on this 19th day of May, A.D., 1844 (John Tyler being President of the United States, and D. R. Porter Governor of the State of Pennsylvania), do lay the corner-stone of this Evangelical Luthe- ran church; and should God prosper the work of our hands and the edifice be completed, it shall be dedicated forever to the ser- vice of the Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, and shall be known and called by the name of Christ's Church ; moreover, it shall be and remain forever an Evangelical Lutheran church, in which the doctrines of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as they are substantially set forth in the Augsburg Confession of Faith, shall be preached, and the sacraments shall be administered in con- formity with the .usages of the Church, that thus it may appear to posterity what is our religious faith. Should there, however, a generation of men arise and obtain possession of this church,- men who deny the Lord that bought them and despise God's word and ordinances, and will not submit to the wholesome doctrines and discipline of the Church, we call heaven and earth to witness that we are free from their blood,-moreover, we call heaven and
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CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS.
earth to witness that we love vital godliness and ardently desire its perpetuity, that we expect it from our children and children's children that they faithfully and perseveringly adhere to the doc- trines of the Cross, and that it is our prayer that the young and old may be awakened, converted, comforted, edified and prepared for the enjoyment of the sanctuary above. Prompted by such de- sires and having in view such objects, we trust we can confidently adopt the language of the Patriarch Jacob, and exclaim : 'This stone which we have set for a pillar shall be God's house.' Given at Petersburg, this 19th day of May, A.D., 1844, the sixty-se- venth year of the Independence of the United States of America, and subscribed by the Elders, Deacons, Building-Committee, and the Ministers present.
George Keim, Elder. Andrew Hantz,
Building
Jon. Michener, Sr., Deacons. Dr. Philip Ebert, Committee.
Dr. Philip Ebert, Edward Miller,
Rev. Levi T. Williams, Pastor loci.
Rev. Nicholas J. Stroh, Minister present."
Heaven smiling on the good work thus begun in the name and fear of God, the edifice was speedily erected, and in November following it was completed.
In September, 1844, Dr. Ebert, as lay delegate of the charge, attended Synod at Hanover, York County, Pa.
On Saturday, the 9th of November, 1844, the following per- sons were confirmed :
Mary Ann Leppert, Susan Keim,
Christiana L. Keim, Mary A. Miller,
and on Sunday, the 10th, the church was solemnly dedicated to the service of the Triune God. In the Lutheran Observer of November 29th, 1844, is given the following account of the con- secration of this church :
" A new House of Worship .- We learn that on the 10th in- stant a new Evangelical Lutheran church, at Petersburg, Perry County, Pa., was dedicated to the service of the Triune God under
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the name of Christ's Church. The Rev. Mr. Stroh performed the dedicatory ceremony, after which the Rev. Mr. Berg delivered an appropriate sermon from 1 Peter 2 : 5, ' Ye also, as living stones, are built together a spiritual house.' The edifice is of stone, forty feet square, with a gallery at one end, a neat pulpit, and well fur- nished with lights. This building has been erected by a few Lutherans in a place where two years ago the existence of the Lu- theran Church was scarcely known. The Rev. Levi T. Williams is the pastor. Dr. Ebert, who is a warm-hearted and whole-souled member, gave an acre of ground for the site of the church and for a graveyard, and also contributed very liberally towards the build- ing; in short, by his unwearied exertion the church has been built, and he deserves well of the neighborhood and of the Church in general for his zeal and liberality in the good cause. We rejoice that that heretofore neglected and destitute region is at length favored with a house of worship, in which the pure Gos- pel will be preached with power and in simplicity, and the Gospel ordinances be regularly dispensed. May the blessing of God fol- low this good work, and our brother Ebert be richly rewarded in his person and family with all spiritual gifts and consolations !"
During the beginning of 1845, the Lord poured out his Spirit graciously upon this congregation, and a number embraced a hope through Jesus Christ. The subjects of this revival were then for a time carefully instructed in the doctrines of religion, and on the 22d of July, 1845, the following persons were confirmed :
Michael Koup, Jr., Mary A. Wade,
Susanna Keiser, Doan Michener (baptized).
The following names appear also now for the first time on the list of members :
Henry Bressler, John Price, Barbara Ensminger,
David Ensminger, Letitia Branyan, Elizabeth Long,
Peter Smith,
Martha Bressler,
Margaret Ashton.
Jacob Long, Elizabetlı Goodman,
In September, 1845, Rev. Williams resigned, having served the charge in the Gospel about two years. Mr. V. Jones of Pe-
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CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS.
tersburg, as delegate, attended Synod at Carlisle in September, 1845. At this session of Synod Rev. Williams reported four con- gregations, viz. : Petersburg, Bloomfield, Newport, and Mount Pisgah, 42 infant and 5 adult baptisms, 42 confirmations, and 196 communicants. The Lord owned and blessed his labors, and many still remain among us who own him as their spiritual father.
Rev. Lloyd Knight
took charge of this congregation on the 1st of October, 1845, and served it in connection with Bloomfield, where he resided. His field of labor was large. He preached at Bloomfield, Petersburg, Newport, New Buffalo, Mount Pisgah, St. David's (Billow's), and after June, 1847, at Buffalo above Ickesburg.
In the fall of 1845, at the first communion Rev. Knight held at Petersburg, there were twenty-nine communicants.
During the carly part of 1846, a number of persons attended the catechetical lectures of the pastor, and on the 24th of May, 1846, the following were received as members by confirmation, baptism, and certificate :
Sylvanus H. Green, Elizabeth Custer (baptized),
Franklin Garman, Eliza Majer,
Margaret J. Black,
Ann C. Ashton,
Rebecca Milliken, Susan Ashton,
Eliza A. Hiltner, Philip Bierbower, by certificate,
Elizabeth Wilkinson, William B. Irvine,
Susan Souder,
Catharine Harper, 66
The names of John C. West, Mary Bossler, and Mary Hinkel appear also now for the first time on the list of members. The Lord was evidently blessing the labors of his servant, and much good was effected.
In September, 1846, at Synod, Rev. Knight reported 6 congre- gations, 52 infant and 8 adult baptisms, 26 confirmations, and 241 communicants. Thus the number of members in the charge was increasing.
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CHAPTER IV.
On the 18th of October, 1846, the following persons were re- ceived to membership at Petersburg :
Edwin Mager by confirmation, and John Custer by baptism.
During the early part of 1847, others were found willing to at- tend lectures on the Catechism, and on the 25th of April, 1847, the following persons were confirmed, baptized, and received by certificate :
Joseph B. Hall (baptized),
Hannah Torbert (confirmed),
Lewis Y. Michener, "
Mary S. Ziegler,
Amelia Straley,
Amanda Steel, by application,
Rebecca Leedy, James Hoffman, by certificate, Lydia A. Black (confirmed), Susan Hoffman,
On the 21st of November, 1847, Catharine Ashton was con- firmed, and Eliza Rumbaugh baptized ; and on the 6th of May, 1848, Catharine Hoffman was received by certificate, and on the 18th of June following Eliza Werner was confirmed.
In September, 1848, Mr. A. Billow represented the charge as delegate to Synod, held at East Berlin, Adams County, Pa.
In June, 1849, Rev. Knight resigned, having served this con- gregation three years and a half. During this time the member- ship of the congregation increased considerably in number ; but as the charge was so large, it was utterly impossible for the pastor to devote to any one congregation that undivided attention and labor which were necessary to build it up effectually. Still, much more was accomplished than could be expected.
Rev. Jacob Martin
commenced his pastoral labors here in July, 1849. For one year Rev. Martin preached to the same congregations Rev. Knight did before him. At a convention held at Bloomfield in February, 1850 (see pp. 52-54), the Petersburg charge was first properly formed, and has since consisted of the following congregations, viz. : Petersburg, Mount Pisgah, Mount Zion in Fishing Creek Valley, St. David's or Billow's, and New Buffalo on the Susque- hanna River. Rev. Martin continued, however, to preach to these
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congregations for some months after the charge was formed, that is, till the close of the current pastoral year, on the 1st of July, 1850, when he resigned them.
During the winter and spring of 1850, Rev. Martin instructed a class of catechumens at Petersburg, and on the 5th of May, 1850, the following persons were confirmed :
James Martin, Daniel Hafer, Elizabeth Hafer,
Thomas Branyan, Maria Martin,
Sarah Brown.
According to the division of the charge above referred to, after having preached here one year, Rev. Martin resigned in June, 1850, and thus opened the way for the Petersburg charge, as now constituted, to call a pastor. After being vacant about five months, the charge was supplied in November, 1850, by the
Rev. John P. Hiester,
who preached regularly once every two weeks at Petersburg, Mount Pisgah, and St. David's or Billow's. At Mount Zion or Fishing Creck, some of the members were dissatisfied because. Rev. Hiester could not preach for them in the German language ; hence he did not preach regularly there during the first year he was pastor of the charge. At New Buffalo he preached but seldom, if any at all. He resided at Petersburg. From all we can learn he did not succeed very well in the charge, though he is said to have been a good man.
In September, 1851, Mr. Edwin Mager, as delegate of the charge, attended Synod at Newville, Cumberland County, Pa.
On the 24th of January, 1852, at Petersburg, Nancy Jane Black was confirmed and Mrs. Susan King was received as a member by certificate, and on the 9th of August, the same year, Mary Greek was received by baptism.
In September, 1852, Mr. D. Ensminger, Sen., as delegate, re- presented the charge in Synod, held at Mechanicsburg, Cumber- land County, Pa. Synod appropriated $50 towards the support of the pastor in charge for the ensuing year.
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CHAPTER IV.
On the 11th of June, 1853, the following persons were con- firmed at Petersburg :
Susan Michener, Martha A. Michener, Mary Manmiller.
In September, 1853, Mr. David Billow represented the charge at Synod, held at Lewistown, Pa.
Having served the charge as pastor about three years, Rev. Hiester resigned in November, 1853, and removed to the State of Illinois. The charge was then vacant about six months. A call was extended to the
Rev. George A. Nixdorff,
which he accepted, and he entered on the discharge of his pas- toral labors in the charge in June, 1854. He resided at Peters- burg, and preached there every two weeks, at St. David's, Mount Zion, Mount Pisgah, and also occasionally at New Buffalo. On the 20th of August, 1854, he had communion at Petersburg the first time. What the number of members was at this time we have no means of knowing.
In September, 1854, Mr. William Messinger, as delegate of the charge, attended Synod at Shrewsbury, York County, Pa. At this convention of Synod Rev. Nixdorff reported 4 congregations, 10 infant baptisms, and 129 communicants.
At the organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Central Pennsylvania, at Aaronsburg, Pa., in February, 1855, Mr. Jacob Ensminger represented the charge as lay delagate ; and at the first Annual Convention of that Synod at Mifflintown, Pa., in May, 1855, Mr. Philip Michener appeared as delegate of the charge. At this time Rev. Nixdorff reported 4 congregations, 5 infant and 1 adult baptisms, 13 confirmations, and 160 communi- cant members.
At the convention of Synod held at Mifflinburg, Union County, Pa., in May, 1856, Mr. William Messinger appeared as delegate of the charge, and Rev. Nixdorff reported 4 congregations, 11 infant baptisms, 4 confirmations, and 165 communicants.
In May, 1857, Mr. D. Ensminger appeared as delegate in
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CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS.
Synod, held at Perryville, Juniata County, Pa., and Rev. Nixdorff reported 5 congregations (he preached now also at New Buffalo), 14 infant and 1 adult baptisms, 5 confirmations, and 165 commu- nicants.
On the 29th of November, 1857, Dr. Andrew J. Werner and Christian Galbach were confirmed. These, so far as the church- record shows anything, were the only persons admitted by Rev. Nixdorff to membership at Petersburg. Probably others were admitted, but their names were not recorded.
When Synod convened at New Bloomfield in May, 1858, Mr. J. Souder, as delegate, represented the Petersburg charge, and Rev. Nixdorff reported 5 congregations, 20 infant and 1 adult baptisms, 12 confirmations, and 165 communicants.
Having served the charge as pastor about four years, Rev. Nix- dorff resigned it in May, 1858. During these four years he ad- mitted to full membership 3 persons by baptism and 34 by confir- mation. Although he had not the pleasure of seeing much of the fruit of his labors, and had apparently much reason to be discou- raged, still we have good ground for believing that he sowed much of the seed of the word now springing up and bearing an ample harvest, and that the time will surely come when he that sowed sorrowing and he that now reaps rejoicing shall both rejoice alike together on the great day of ingathering.
After the charge had been vacant about four months, the present pastor, the
Rev. William H. Diven,
accepted a call, and on the 22d of August, 1858, commenced his labors as pastor of the charge. Much hard labor and self-denial were required to make the charge self-sustaining. Rev. Diven entered on the discharge of his pastoral duties with energy and prosecuted them with untiring zeal, and, God blessing his labors, he succeeded in leading many precious souls to Christ and in build- ing up the charge on a solid basis, so that it does now with ease sustain its pastor well.
The members at Petersburg had become somewhat scattered
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CHAPTER IV.
and discouraged, so that it was necessary to start anew,-a new life had to be infused into the congregation and the members aroused from their lethargy. Under the approving smiles of Heaven, Rev. Diven succeeded to a good degree in the accomplish- ment of these ends.
On the 26th of March, 1859, the following persons were con- firmed :
John Fie, Sarah A. Keel,
Susan Philips, Rebecca Keiser (baptized),
and on Sunday, the 27th, being the first communion Rev. Diven held here, forty persons communed, which was at this time the entire or nearly the entire membership of the congregation. Of these forty members, thirty-two were females, who are, if pious, generally first in every good cause, and without whose active co- operation this congregation could not have sustained itself much longer. They deserve much praise for their attachment to the Church, and their aid and influence in advancing the glorious cause of the Redeemer.
In May, 1859, Rev. Diven reported at Synod, held at Mifflin- burg, Union County, Pa., 4 congregations and New Buffalo as a preaching-station, 7 infant and 2 adult baptisms, 9 confirmations, and 151 communicants.
During the latter part of 1859 and the beginning of 1860, the congregation was blessed with an extensive revival of religion. Never before did this congregation enjoy such a precious season of grace from on high. The word was daily and faithfully preached by the pastor, and meetings for anxious inquirers were continued for some weeks. Many, both old and young, asked, " What must we do to be saved ?" They were pointed to Jesus as their only Savior. Among these were old members, and many belonged to no church. Parents and children were often at the same time seeking peace through Jesus Christ. These converts were carefully instructed by the pastor, and on the 5th of Feb- ruary, 1860, the following persons were confirmed and baptized :
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CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS.
Lawrence Gross,
Susan Collier,
Thomas Black,
Malinda Noss,
Charles F. Green,
Margaret Ziegler,
Andrew J. Jones,
Eli Branyan (baptized), William Pressly,
Jacob Keel,
David L. Mckenzie,
James McLaughlin, "
Alexander Mahaffey,
Sarah E. Collier, 66
John T. Mahaffey,
Mary McCannah,
George Parson,
Delilah Roth,
John Spahr,
Catharine Roth,
Jenny E. Branyan,
Sarah A. Stouffer, 66
Leah Gross,
Mary Wait, 66
Rachel A. Hess,
Eleanor Roth, by application.
On the 11th of March, 1860, Abram Hess and Miss Catharine Mckenzie were confirmed.
By this accession of members the congregation was very much encouraged and strengthened, and may now be said to be in a prosperous condition. May the Lord have all the praise ! and may all prove faithful !
In May, 1860, the sixth annual Convention of the Synod of Central Pennsylvania was held at Petersburg, when Mr. Samuel Noss represented the charge as delegate, and when Rev. Diven reported 4 congregations and New Buffalo as a preaching-station, 22 infant and 15 adult baptisms, 38 confirmations, and 187 com- municant members.
On the 10th of February, 1861, the following persons were confirmed :
Alexander Manning, Mary Pressley,
Mrs. Rebecca Shatto, Rebecca Shry (baptized).
Sarah Moser,
Mr. John Adams, as delegate of the charge, attended Synod in May, 1861, at Belleville, Mifflin County, Pa., when Rev. Diven reported 5 congregations, 10 infant and 3 adult baptisms, 12 con- firmations, and 196 communicants.
On the 10th of March, 1862, Mrs. McCannah was received by
CHAPTER IV.
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baptism. In May, 1862, Mr. William Messinger represented the charge in Synod, at Selinsgrove, Pa.
The weekly prayer-meeting and Sunday-school of the congre- gation at Petersburg are generally well attended, and the benevo- lent operations of the Church meet a hearty response on the part of the members. .
By request we will conclude this sketch by adding a list of the members of Christ's Church at Petersburg at this time, June 1st, 1862 :
Dr. Philip Ebert,
Sarah Gamber,
Letitia Ebert,
James McLaughlin,
Philip Bierbower,
Susan Mclaughlin, Christian Gelbach,
Philip F. Michener,
Jonathan Michener,
Christiana Gelbach,
Mary Michener,
Mary A. Moses,
Susan Michener,
Lawrence Gross,
Catharine Michener,
Anna M. Gross,
Martha Michener,
Leah Gross,
John Hiltner,
Elizabeth Keel,
Sarah Hiltner,
Sarah A. Keel,
Melvina Hiltner,
Abram Hess,
Dr. Andrew J. Werner,
Rachel A. Hess,
Mrs .- Werner,
Elizabeth Wilkinson,
John Fie,
Mary Bosler, Eliza Fritz,
Nicholas Jones,
Hannah B. Jones,
Mary Greek,
Jane Jones,
Eli Branyan,
Samuel Noss,
Letitia Branyan,
Malinda Noss,
Charles F. Green,
Jesse White,
John Spahr, Mary McCannah,
Maria White, John Roth,
Susan Collier,
Catharine Roth,
Mary Wait,
Catharine Roth,
Sarah A. Stouffer,
Delilah Roth,
Rebecca Shatto,
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CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS.
. Thomas Black,
Sarah Moser,
Margaret Black,
Mary Pressley,
Lydia Black,
Rebecca Shry,
Eliza A. Keiser,
Alexander Manning,
Rebecca Keiser,
Susan Philips,
Susan King,
Mrs. - McCannah.
Eliza Rumbaugh,
Owing to the peculiar circumstances and surroundings of the place, the membership of this congregation is constantly changing more or less. Some come to the place every year and others re- move.
"Near to each other and to thee, Lord, bring us all in unity ; O pour thy Spirit from on high, And all our num'rous wants supply.
" O show that in our low estate No blessing for us is too great ; We plead thy Son, we plead thy word, O Founder, Patron, bounteous Lord !"
SECTION II.
MOUNT ZION CHURCH IN FISHING CREEK VALLEY, RYE TOWNSHIP.
Some of the earliest settlers in Fishing Creek Valley were Lutherans, and many of their descendants still form a large portion of the population of Rye Township. As early as 1763, John Rankin located land "at Candennan's Gap in Kittatiny Hill;" Israel Jacobs settled on Fishing Creek in 1766, and John Jacobs in 1768; Adam Reigart in 1773, and Samuel Starr, "on the waters of Fishing Creek," in 1774, and George Albright ( German, Albrecht) located land in 1786. These pioneer settlers were soon joined by others from the eastern counties and Cumberland Valley, among whom were the Reibers ( German, Räubers) in 1790, the
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CHAPTER IV.
Foulks (Volks) in 1795, the Ensmingers in 1797, and then the Sloops, Finicles, Kimmels, Hinkels, Billows ( German, Billoch), and a number of others. These all settled on Fishing Creek, along Sherman's Creek, and in Pisgah Valley, so that at the beginning of the present century a considerable number of Luthe- ran families was scattered through that region over an extended territory on the northwest of the North Mountain. Before they had a church in their midst, these members attended preaching at Carlisle, a distance from ten to fifteen miles, by a rugged path over the North Mountain. Rev. John G. Butler was pastor of the Lutheran Church at Carlisle from 1780 to 1788, and it is thought that he occasionally visited and preached for the scat- tered members on this side of the mountain, especially so as their number was considerable, and he was noted for looking up the destitute members of the Church. Rev. Butler resigned at Car- lisle in 1788, and in 1790 the congregation at Loysville secured as pastor, the -
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