USA > Pennsylvania > Adams County > Conewago in Adams County > Conewago : a collection of Catholic local history : gathered from the fields of Catholic missionary labor within our reach. > Part 10
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by Father Zocchi, of Taneytown, and the Frederick and Mountain priests. Father Cahill left Baltimore for Ireland in the spring of 1806, and died there in 1817. As a mis- sionary priest his labors were equal to those of the Conewa- go Fathers and Maryland JJesuits, and we regret that so little information of his life can be obtained.
Rev. Timothy Ryan took charge of the Hagerstown church in 1822. The old log church, which stood where the main building of the " presbytery " now stands, was removed and a new church built. The corner-stone was laid July 4th, 1825. He attended the congregation while the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal was being built, and labored during the cholera of 1833 ; died June 2d, 1837. Rev. Geo. M. Guth succeeded until 1844, latter part, when Father Henry Myers came. He took charge of Hagerstown and the missions Aug. 15th, 1845. In this year he was taken seriously ill, and re- ceived the last Sacraments from Rev. Charles Stonestreet, S. J.
The deed of the Williamsport church is recorded in liber I N, No. 10, fol. 110, and is from Robert Lemon, executor of Peter Light, to Rt. Rev. F. P. Kenrick and his successors, for $1,000 ; dated Dec. 8th, 1854, delivered to Father Myers Sept. 4th, 1856.
Rev. Joseph Maguire was assistant to Father Myers in 1851, and died Sept. 18th, 1852, buried in front of the church where a monument marks his grave. Father Myers left about Nov., 1857 ; Rev. George Flaut left in July, 1858 ; Rev. Edmund Didier left Sept., 1861 ; Rev. John Gloyd attended from Hancock until Dec., 1861, when Rev. Malachy Moran, O. S. B., took charge. He left about the middle of 1864, succeeded by Thos. MeDonough, S. J., from Frederick ; Rev. Aloysius Janalick, S. J., left in the summer of 1865, and was succeeded by Rev. Ed. Didier, who remained until May 7th, 1868.
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1867, Aug, 17, deed from Charles Tieman and G. R. Tieman his wife, to Rev. Ed. Didier, James I. Hurley, Jacob A. Wright, Jerome B. McClery, Jacob H. Wills and John Eck, trustees of St. Mary's Church at Hagerstown, which includes church property and priest's house. The survivor of the original trustees of May 5, 1794, was Luke Tieman, and from him the legal title descended to Charles Tieman. Deed from Dennis and Margaret Galvin, of St. Louis, to same trustees, for the school house, afterwards sold to C. V. R. R. for depot, is dated Aug, 21st, 1867. The deed for all the church property, from the trustees to Most Rev. M. J. Spal- ding, and his successors the Archbishops of Baltimore, is recorded in liber I N, No. 18, fols. 693 to 696. The church property became invested in Rev. Ed. Didier and five trus- tees, according to article 26, sec. SS to 101, of the Public General Laws. The number of trustees was increased to seven and the pastor. By the agreement of March 25th, 1875, Rev. J. M. Jones, J. F. Smith, Jacob A. Wright, P. M. John, H. H. Keedy, James I. Hurley, C. B. Boyle and W. F. Orndorf became trustees.
Rev. John M. Jones became pastor May 7th, 1868, -- Father Didier leaving the next day for St. Peter's, Baltimore. Father Myers introduced the new pastor at High Mass. There was then need of church and house improvements, furniture, and repairs, which were made by degrees. The mission then consisted of Hagerstown, Williamsport, Boonsboro, and Smith- burg. Clearspring was given to Rev. M. Daush, of Hancock. First Fair held in Lyceum Hall in Nov., 1868 ; the proceeds, $1900, expended in repairing church and furnishing house. Gas was put in the church in May, 1869. June 6th, 1869, mission commenced by Revs. Wayrich, Gross and O'Dono- hue, C. S. S. R. Wayrich was an eloquent speaker. There were several converts and 320 Communicants. The congre- gation gave the missionaries $180 at their departure. Rev.
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Michael Daush left Hancock in the spring of 1861, when Father Jones was given the whole mission, including Little Orleans, afterward attached to Cumberland, with Rev. Chas. Damer as assistant. The Booonsboro church was built by Dr. Josiah Smith, with money left by Dr. Otho Smith.
Aug. 22, 1869, Forty Hours, Fathers T. Lee and John Kain, of Harper's Ferry, assisted. Festival held in Williams- port ; $175 cleared ; expended for organ ; congregation there small and poor. Dec. 22d, Jubilee began in Hagerstown, Revs. Richard Barry, of Harrisburg, and F. Fields, of Cham- bersburg, assisted ; 280 Communicants ; Jubilee followed at Hancock and Clearspring-180 Com. at former, 49 at latter place. June 16th, 1870, Corpus Christi ; began addition to church in Hagerstown, Mr. Frederick, Baltimore, brother of Father Frederick, architect ; Oliyer, contractor. Old school house and lot sold to C. V. R. R. for $3000 ; rest of money raised by subscription. Mission divided in Nov., Father Ryan took Hancock, Father Jones the rest. Jan., 1871, church in Hagerstown dedicated by Father Myers, who said High Mass ; Rev. D. Lyman preached ; Forty Hours followed held by Revs. S. F. Ryan and John Kain. While church was being repaired, Mass said in Miss Eliza Monahan's house, Franklin Street. Easter morning this year, 105 Communi- cants. Sept. 28, 1871, Rev. J. M. Jones returned to St. Peter's, Balto. Rev. D. De Wulf succeeded ; Rev. S. F. Ryan changed from Hancock to Cumberland about this time. - Rev. C. Damer appointed to Hancock. 1873, Sept., Arch. Bayley administered Confirmation. 1874, Jan. 25 to 29 -- Rev. J. J. Kain, of Harper's Ferry, gave mission at Wil- liamsport : when Rev. John Boetzkes, of Chambersburg, assisted ; 72 Com. 1873, July 21st, Father Myers died at St. Vincent's. Baltimore, buried on the 24th. 1873, Oct. 14- Rev. Jones returned to Hagerstown as pastor ; Rev. De Wulf left next day for St. Matthew's, Wash. 1874, Jan. 12 to 13, Dr. Chapelle, of St. Joseph, Baltimore, gave two lectures for
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Altar Society. Aug. 28, Sisters of St. Joseph came to open school ; small house rented for them from Mr. Keerl. Mother Liguori taught small boys ; Sister Angela, head of the school ; Sister Basil, small children, Sister Winfred, lay Sister-" all strangers to each other and to us." Congrega- tion furnished house, paid $200 rent, $200 to Sisters and $200 to Chestnut Hill for Novitiate ; Priest has all responsi- bility of collecting money and attending to material prosper- ity of the school. This was the arrangement made by Moth- er St. John and approved by Arch. Bayley.
1874. Fair Oct. 13; $1089.05 realized ; went to pay $1300 debt remaining from church repairs. Jan. 19, F. X. Boyle, of Washington, lectured for benefit of school. Sisters moved into new house, purchased from Mr. Ogilly at a cost of $6,750. Additions made in summer of 1875, Property held in name of Trustees, Sept. 17, Arch. Bayley confirm- ed at Hagerstown, and at Williamsport. Miss Eliza Mona- han died in November ; left $1000 for marble altar ; money was needed at the time and put in school building. [Father Manley, present pastor, intends to have marble altar erected in accordance with bequest.]
1875. Upstairs of priest's house improved. Sept. 19 to 26th, Revs. Wayrich and Oberhart, C. S. S. R., gave mis- sion. Fair in Williamsport Dec. 23d ; proceeds $700; con- gregation began to tear down church, walls were giving away ; Arch. Bayley added $100 ; men gave their labor free ; church so far completed fourth Sunday in July, 1876, as to have Mass for the first time ; during building services were held in public hall. Mr. Eli Stake generously undertook building, without charge for his work ; congregation worked well, and gave according to means ; dedication deferred to spring of '77 for want of funds.
1876. Strawberry festival held in Hagerstown, June 10 to 13th ; $145.14 made. July 4th, bell rung for Centen- nial, and High Mass. July 19, picnic for Williamsport church,-$147.96. Aug .- addition of second and third
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stories to school building at Hagerstown ; cost $300; Heil contractor. Nov .- Fair in new church, Williamsport, $562 realized ; good fair, well conducted ; Mrs. Barry obtained her- self all articles on her table. Christmas,-James I. Hurley presented Hagerstown church with handsome pair twelve- light candelabra.
1877. Easter, 106 Communicants. April 2d, concert by Dr. Dielman ; cleared $42.25. April 29, Williamsport Church dedicated by Rev. J. J. Kain, of Wheeling, W. Va. ; Mass by Rev. Desire De Wulf; Rev. S. F. Ryan, Deacon ; Thomas Fleming, Sub-Deacon ; present, Revs. J. O'Sullivan, [now Bishop of Mobile, ] and C. Damer. Mercadantes Mass in B flat ; Bishop Kain preached, Heb. xii., 22-24. In even- ing. Rev. J. O'Sullivan, of Westernport, preached in Hagers- town. May 6,-Forty Hours same place, Father Watterson, Mt. St. Mary's, preached ; Rev. C. P. O'Connor. from Over- brook, and Revs. Gloyd and Kaelin assisted. Nov. 25,-St. Catharine's Day ; great flood of Potomac ; water higher at Williamsport than since 1852 ; houses and barns and C. V. R. R. bridge swept away. Oct. 3d,-bell tolled from 9 to 10 p. M., for death of Arch. Bayley ; news of his death not received until evening. Last of Sept.,-collected $100 on Williamsport Church debt, balance $300. Oct. 13th,- High Mass of Requiem at Hagerstown for Arch. Bayley. Nov. 27, -- fair for Sisters' school ; almost all articles came from Rev. C. P. O'Connor and from Visitation Convent, George- town, and from Sisters of St. Joseph. Dec. 25, -- Rev. Jones, pastor, sick ; Rev. Fowler sang Mass.
1878. Rev. J. P. Casey came as assistant at Hagers- town, March 2d ; left April 22d. Rev. JJohn M. Jones went to Europe, May 4th ; returned Sept. 20 ; Charles Stonestreet, S. J., supplied. New Missal purchased in Oct., for $22. New cope and white vestment arrived from Toulouse, France. Thanksgiving Dinner in Williamsport cleared $67. Dec .- Rev. De Witt, S. J., of Frederick, assisted at Christmas ; new Vestments used for first time. Dec. 23d, new furnace put in
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Williamsport Church at a cost of $110.
1879. March 11th, Forty Hours at Williamsport, Revs. Fleming and Damer assisted. May 4th, Arch. Gibbons con- firmed 61 at Hagerstown, 23 converts ; preached in evening on the Infallibility ; large attendance. Sixteen persons en- tertained at dinner by pastor. Very Rev. O'Connor sang Mass. May 5th, 19 confirmed at Williamsport, 5 converts. Mr. Victor Cushwa gave dinner to Archbishop and clergy. May 11th, Forty Hours at Hagerstown ; sermons by Revs. C. Damer, J. O'Sullivan, and T. Lee ; Rev. J. Kaelin finished Devotions ; Jubilee followed ; Sermon in German, about the last here, by Rev. Smith, of Frostburg ; 300 Com. During month of Oct., Rev. Jones resigned on account of ill health ; acceptance from Feb. 1st, 1880 ; Rev. J. A. Frederick suc- ceeded. 1879, Dec. 25th, C. Stonestreet, S. J., assisted ; Dec. 28th, fine sermon by the same, on the Immortality of the Soul. 1883, Jan. 25th, Rev. H. Voltz succeeded Father Frederick ; introduced Jan. 28th. May 20th, Forty Hours, present Revs. Gloyd, Delaney, Meade and McKeefry ; 230 Com. June 28th, Commencement of St. Joseph's Academy. July 15, began new story on school building. Sept. 4th, fair for school ; proceeds $1500. Sept. 4th, Dr. Josias Smith, trustee, died ; buried on the 7th, large funeral. 1884, Feb. 10th, Mission by Lazarist Fathers, Lefevre and Krabler ; 400 Com. April 10 and 11, office of Tenebræ for first time in many years. April 13th, Easter, meeting of church men- bers ; decided to put new roof on church and another story on house ; improvements begun in May, completed in June. July 27th, Arch. Gibbous preached and confirmed. 1885. Rev. Henry Voltz left Jan. 16th ; was succeeded by Rev. D. Manley ; who was met and welcomed by members of the congregation and Father Meade, of Williamsport. Father Manley is an earnest and prudent worker, and a kind priest. During the summer of 1885, he said Mass at Pen-Mar, a summer resort on the Blue Ridge. The Hagerstown Mission is now divided ; Rev. Manley attending points nearest Ha-
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gerstown ; Rev. Meade those near Williamsport, and Rey. Peter Weider at Hancock.
" Father Myers was one of the most highly esteemed pastors of the church." He was born at the "Seminary Farm," Conewago, Adams Co., Pa., in 1806 ; studied at St. Mary's, Baltimore ; educated by the Sulpitians, and ordained in 1830. He was stationed at St. Patrick's Church, Wash- ington, then at Cumberland where he built a church. After laboring twelve years at Hagerstown, he went to Pikesville, Balto. Co., Md. In 1860, he succeeded Rev. Leonard Ober- myer as pastor of St. Vincent de Paul's in Baltimore, and died there in July, 1873. The Hagerstown missions are also greatly indebted to the labors of Father Jones, whose memo- ry is cherished with love and veneration.
Among the church improvements in 1870, was the erec- tion of the present beautiful steeple, crowned with a large cross.
YORK AND OTHER CHURCHES.
York, a growing city on the banks of the Codorus, in York Co., Pa., is a place full of historic interest. The Con- tinental Congress, driven from Philadelphia by the British invasion, retired to "York Town," Sept. 30th, 1777, and held its sessions there until June 27th, 1778. Here was printed the first Continental Money ; Philip Livingston, one of the New York delegates, died here June 11th, 1778, and was buried in the German Reformed graveyard ; John Han- cock resigned his presidency of Congress at York, and Henry
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Laurence elected in his place ; early in Nov., 1777, Col. Wilkinson brought despatches to Congress at York, announe- ing Burgoyne's surrender ; Lafayette was appointed to the command of a division in the Continental Army, and Baron Steuben's offer of service was accepted here. While in ses- sion at York, an unsuccessful attempt was made by Gen. Conway and others to displace Gen. Washington and put Gen. Gates in his place ; Lafayette discovered and exposed the plot. "Pulaski's Legion " made York its place of ren- dezvous while preparing to march South ; leaving York in March, 1779 ; Count Pulaski fell in an unsuccessful assault on the British at Savannah, Oct. 3d of that year. A battal- ion of French troops known as " Armand's Legion," was quartered at York from Jan. to Nov .. 1783. We have a copy of a letter of thanks from the citizens of York, to " Brigadier Gen. Armand, Marquis De La Rouerie," for the kind services, aid and protection of his troops to the country and to the town, dated Nov. 18th, 1783 ; and his reply to it dated the 19th, when he says his troops and himself are pre- paring to return to their country, and offer their services to America whenever in need of assistance, signed " Armand, Marquis De La Rouerie." Mr. Griffin, in his recent sketches of Catholicity in Philadelphia, makes mention of Count Ar- mand, and if we mistake not, says he died at that place. Another distinguished personage at York at that time and afterward, was Baron de Beelen Bertholf, Belgian minister to this country, also a Catholic, of whom we will be able to give further particulars. There is no record that there were any Chaplains with the troops quartered at York. The Catholics at that time were attended by the Conewago missionaries, at first every sixth week, and later every fourth Sunday.
April 17th, 1750, John Moore entered his name for a lot marked No. 295, in the general plan of the town of York, founded and situated on the east side of Beaver Street, con- taining in breadth north and south, 57 feet and 6 inches, and in length to a 20-foot alley, 230 feet. June 20th of the same
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year, Moore sold to Casper Stillinger, who built a dwelling house on the lot. The property passed from the possession of the Stillinger heirs to JJoseph Smith, May 4th, 1776, who purchased it for the use of the Catholic congregation, pre- senting it to that body and for that purpose. The house was converted into a place of religious worship and used as such until 1810, when the old stone dwelling was torn down and a brick church was built on the same site. A deed was given to perfect the title, by Hons. John and Richard Penn, by their attorney John R. Coates, " to the Reverend Thomas Neale, (should have been Francis, Provincial of the Jesuits at that time,) in trust for the Roman Catholic Congregation of York Town," dated June 2d, 1808, for the nominal sum of five shillings, conveying Lot No. 295, on Beaver St., York, to Rev. Thomas (Francis) Neale, in trust, &c., "it being the same lot whereon a chapel is erected." The first resident priest at York was Rev. Lorence Huber, who came there in Dec., 1819, and remained six months. Rev. George D. Hogan came in the summer of 1820; Rev. P. J. Dween in the summer of 1822. and was there yet in 1834. The name of the church was St. Patrick's. We have been unable to obtain the names of succeeding priests. In 1850, Rev. Father Hatting, from Conewago, built a Catholic Church at York. He was probably the last of the Jesuits attending that place. When Fathers Enders and Deneckere were first sent on the Conewago missions, they attended York ; so did Father Cotting and others. In 1860, Rev. Silvester Eagle was pastor of St. Patrick's, and Revs. Mat. J. Meurer and John Vollmeyer in charge of the Immaculate Conception church. In 1877, Father Kennedy was pastor of St. Patrick's, and John Geo. Pape of St. Mary's. There were different pastors at various times, whose names we have not. The Catholic Church at York is very flourishing. Besides churches and pastoral residences, there are large and well attended schools, taught by the Sisters ; and three strong Beneficial Societies. There are several missions outside of York. Father Huber
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is pastor at Shrewsbury. Rev. Pape is still pastor of St. Mary's. He has just completed a very handsome church at a cost of $47,000. The corner-stone was laid May 25th, The church was dedicated May 25th, 1885. The
1884. dedicatory services were conducted by Rev. J. F. Shanahan, Bishop of Harrisburg. A Grand High Mass followed, Rev. Koppernagle, of Harrisburg, Celebrant, assisted by Rev. Louis Grotenmeyer, of Lancaster ; Rev. Michael Reily, of Columbia ; Rev. J. A. Huber, of New Freedom, Master of Ceremonies. Rev. Joseph Wissel, of Annapolis, who was a former pastor of both York churches, preached a sermon in German. There were present the following clergymen : Revs. J. G. Pape, Pastor; James Gormley, of Bonneauville ; J. A. Boll, of Gettysburg ; Wmn. Pieper, of Columbia ; John Koeper, of Williamsport ; Clement Schleuter, of Chambers- burg. The church is of brick, built in the Gothic style ; 129 by 573 feet, with two side towers 70 feet each and a centre steeple of 185 feet. The interior has stained memorial win- dows, three altars, is tastefully ornamented and furnished with steam heat and a $3,000 organ. The new church walls were built up around the old church, in which services were held at the time. Father Pape is a hard-working priest .- He visited Europe several years ago. Rev. John Shanahan was the late pastor of St. Patrick's, resigning in Aug., 1885, and going to Rome to further prosecute his studies in philos- ophy and theology. Rev. O'Reilley, of Shamokin, succeeded in September.
A sketch of St. Mary's, prepared by a committee of St. Patrick's Society,-Messrs. J. C. Maguire, Henry Boll. J. H. Garrety, John Mayer, Wm. Chambers and M. M. Little, - furnishes us with the following facts in the history of that church. The Germans were long deprived of the blessings of religion in their native tongue, and were often obliged to go to Conewago and Baltimore to make their confessions .--
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Rev. Shorb, an American of German parentage, was pastor of St. Patrick's for a short while, with great satisfaction to the Germans. Bishop Kenrick sent a German from Cone- wago, Rev. Jacob Cotting, in 1851-2. Bishop Neuman sep- arated the two congregations. The Germans then purchased an acre of ground on the Baltimore pike for a cemetery, which was blessed June 27th, 1852. At the same time, a lot, 140 feet front and 220 deep, was purchased on South George Street, for a church, the corner-stone of which was laid July 25th, of that year. By the united efforts of pastor and congregation, a brick church, 42x80 feet, was erected by Oct. 25th, when the august sacrifice of the Mass was celebra- ted in it for the first time. An organ and a bell were pro- cured in 1853. A school-house was built soon after adjoin- ing the church. Rev. Cotting came twice a month. Rev. J. Wachter, a newly ordained priest, a Tyrolean by birth, be- came the first resident pastor July 4th, 1853. He was a faithful and zealous pastor, and was assisted by Rev. F. Ru- dolph, who attended the country missions. In 1843, through the efforts of a Catholic gentleman named Muller, from Bad- en, Germany, a church was built at New Freedom, nineteen miles south of York. Bishop Kenrick gave the building of it to the Redemptorists. Revs. Kronenberger and Neuman, (afterwards Bishop of Philadelphia,) had charge of St. John's Church, New Freedom, for several years. It was then at- tended from St. Mary's, York. In 1850, the few Catholics around Dallastown built a substantial stone church, which was served from the same place. After the removal of Rev. Kuntzer from York, Rev. Wachter was assisted Rev. F. X. Tryer, who succeeded him at his death in 1859. Rev. Tryer was a native of Switzerland ; he was succeeded by Rev. M. Meurer, a native of Wurtemburg, who remained until Oct., 1861. Rev. Joseph Hamm, from Baden, succeeded him, and in 1863 built a two-story brick parsonage adjoining the church, at a cost of about $4,000. Rev. B. Baummaster, a native of Muenster, had charge from 1866 to 1868. In Nov.
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of that year, Rev. J. G. Pape, also a native of Westphalia, was transferred from Ashland to York. In 1869, he built a new brick school-house on the lot in the rear of the church, and this year completed a magnificent new church edifice .- He is a very active and energetic man, both in spiritual and temporal matters. The Sisters of St. Francis, of Philadel- phia, have been in charge of the school. which has a large attendance. They have been faithful teachers.
The Diocese of Philadelphia was divided in 1868, when that city became an Archiepiscopal Sce. At the formation of the Diocese of Harrisburg, Rev. J. F. Shanahan was con- secrated its Bishop, over which he now presides. The dio- cese was extensive enough, but poor in churches and religious work. New congregations were organized, churches built, schools established and priests ordained, and now everywhere are evidences of his zeal and labor. For a number of years the good Bishop has been trying to establish a Diocesan Seminary, and we trust his object will be accomplished be- fore he is called to his reward. We know very little of the early Catholic history of Harrisburg. It came within the limits of the missions already outlined, and whatever Catho- lies were scattered through this section of the Cumberland Valley, were ministered to by the early Jesuit missionaries. St. Patrick's Church was built in 1826, by Rev. Michael Curran. Rupp, in his history of Dauphin County, about 1840, says it is a beautiful edifice, with a handsome tower and a large bell, situated on State Street, between Second and Third. Its size is about 50x75 feet, and cost $7,000 .- It was consecrated Oct. 2d, 1827, by Rt. Rev. Henry Con- well, Bishop of Philadelphia. St. Patrick's became the pro- Cathedral in 1868, and was enlarged and improved in 1874, dedicated July 12th, five Bishops being present and a num- ber of priests. Rev. John Foley succeeded Rev. Curran .- A German priest from York attended the Germans for a time. They have a church now. Father Koppernagle labored very hard in its interest. There is also a church at Steelton.
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Rev. Pierce Mather was pastor of St. Patrick's for many years. He was a priest of more than ordinary zeal and abil- ity ; a learned and generous man, well-known in religious circles, and at his death the church paid him distinguished funeral honors by the presence of many priests and several Bishops. He was born April 6th, 1812, near Clonmel, Ire- land ; studied for the priesthood under Bishop Kenrick ; or- dained May 25th. 1837. He labored at Harrisburg from that time until the arrival of Bishop Shanahan in 1868, when he was sent to Norristown, where he died Dec. 28th. 1873 .- Father Mather improved or rebuilt partly the church at Car- lisle. He may well be ranked with the most zealous and faithful missionaries of Southern Pennsylvania.
The Conewago Jesuits had a lot and chapel at Carlisle, long before 1800. Sherman Day, in his Collections, says the Jesuits had a small log church there. The present brick church was built in 1807, and enlarged in 1823. There is an old graveyard attached to the church, and no doubt many interesting facts of Catholic history might be gathered from the place. It was occasionally visited by the Fathers on the Catholic missions in Western Pennsylvania. In 1869 Father Kelly attended Carlisle from Chambersburg. The present pastor is Rev. McKenna.
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