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 14
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Father Enders was born in Bavaria, Germany, Nov. 17th, 1806. His par- ents were farmers, and pious people who taught him from the cradle the practice of his holy religion. At an early age he expressed his desire to be- come a priest, and his father took him to the nearest town to begin his stud- ies. At the age of twenty-five he was ordained a secular priest in the diocese of Munich. Later he felt drawn to the Society of Jesus, and entered that order in a novitate of Switzerland, Sept. 28th, 1836. He came to this coun- try soon after, and was sent to Conewago. Adams County, Pa., of which community he became Superior in 1847. From 1862 to 1869, he was Superior at Leonardtown, St. Mary's County, Md. He was returned to Conewago in 1871 as Superior. July 1st, 1884. Father P. Forhan took his place. He was then getting old and feeble and suffering from a painful ulcer at his leg .- Though the body was weak the will was strong, and he took the change very hard,-complaining that now he was no longer of any use. He continued to say Mass and very often forgot that he was no longer Superior. In the win-
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ter of 1884, he was removed to Frederick where his declining days could be made more easy. Saturday, Aug. 16th, 1884, the writer visited him there. He seemed in good health and spirits, having said his Mass that morning .- He asked all about Conewago, expressed a desire to see it once more, but thought the end was near, for which he was ready and waiting.
.Father Enders, with Fathers Emig and Cotting still living, was the last of the missionary priests who labored at Conewago. Fathers Greaton, Wap- peler, Manners, Frambach, Pellentz, and others, were the pioneer mission- aries of Southern Pennsylvania. They began the settlement and put up the primitive churches. Fathers De Barth, Lekeu and others, followed fromn 1800, and kept the growing Church together ; they began the improvements demanded by a growing age. Fathers Enders and Deneckere came before 1850, and attended the missions that are now surrounded by populous towns and have resident pastors. We have already seen how much Conewago is indebted to the labors of Father Enders. For fifty years he lived only for those in his charge. Year in and year out with him was a continual round of works of mercy and charity. Day or night, rain or shine, sick or well, DUTY was to him an imperative command. Rest he never knew, and never thought of his own wants. All were his friends, and he was a friend to everyone. Kind, humble, patient, warm-hearted, hospitable and hard- working,-in life and in death resigned to the will of God.
REV. ADOLPHUS LEWIS DE BARTH (Walbach) was at Conewago off and on from 1800 to 1828. He became manager of the estate in 1811, for those who held the title on the part of the Society, and was at that time a resident of Adams County, according to the Letter of Attorney from Rev. Francis Neale. on file in the Recorder's office of said county. Father De B. was the son of Coant De Barth and Maria Louisa de Rohme ; born at Muns- ter, Upper Rhine, Nov. 1st, 1764 : ordained at Strasburg in 1790 ; driven from France by the Revolution, he came with his father to America ; assigned to missionary duty by Bishop Carroll, he labored at Bohemia Manor, Lancas- ter. and Conewago ; was Vicar General to Bishop Egan, and after his death Administrator of the Diocese, and himself twice declined the Bishopric .- He was the brother of Col. John De Barth Walbach, U. S. A. Father De B. is remembered by some of the old citizens of Conewago, as a very earnest, faithful priest, and a cultured man. He was very severe and strict. Many little incidents are related of him, by which he is remembered. Some friends at Littlestown once gave a dinner to the Fathers, to which the young gentry of Conewago were invited. The learned Father White, then a stu- dent, was spending some time at Conewago for the benefit of his health .- He joined the company. When Father De Barth saw the young student and Miss Sallie Lilly coming riding together, he was very much displeased, and after dinner they ordered their horses and returned to the Chapel. After that he would not allow him to ride out with young ladies. In former times the Fathers frequently dined out, but seldom within our recollection.
The names of two distinguished priests are met with at Conewago, who deserve a short notice, for few are acquainted with their history ; they are. Rev. Virgil Barber, in 1836. and Father Samuel Barber, about 1845. Daniel Barber, a Congregationalist minister in New England, became a Catholic in
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1816. Virgil Barber, his son, also a Protestant minister, entered the Church with his father. He was born May 9th, 1782 ; went to Rome in 1817, was ordained there. labored in Pennsylvania and Maryland. became Professor of Hebrew in Georgetown College, where he died March 27th, 1847. Mrs. Virgil Barber and their four daughters became Sisters, and the son, Samuel, joined the Society of Jesus.
REV. JOSEPH HERONT was born in Lyons, France, Nov. 2d, 1755. He came to America in 1794, and purchased . Herontford." near Pigeon Hills, afterwards the "Seminary Farm." Aug. 1st, 1812, he was ordained. and admitted to the Order of St. Sulpice : he was for a short time occupied on the missions of lower Maryland ; was Treasurer of St. Mary's College, Bal- timore ; and in Nov., 1817, went to the Island of Martinique, where he died April 8th, 1818. He was not related to Rev. John Tessier, President of St. Mary's, but bequeathed the farm to him as Superior when he prepared to enter that Order. Rev. Louis Regis Delnol, connected with the " Seminary Farm " as President of St. Mary's, was a priest in France several years be- fore he came to this country. He returned to France near about 1850. and died in Paris, Oct. 15th, 1858.
Father Matthias Manners, (Sittensberger,) the first resident pastor at Conewago, about 1750, was born Sept. 29th, 1719, in the Diocese of Angs- burg, Germany : labored in Maryland and Pennsylvania ; died at Bohemia. June 17th, 1775.
Father Bernard Diderick, from Belginm, a Walloon, is referred to in Father Lambing's Researches. He was at Conewago in the early part of Father Pellentz's pastorate, and we have alluded to him as Fr. " Detrick."
BARON DE BEELEN .- This was a man of some distinction in his time, and as he is buried at Conewago, we give a short sketch .. When Joseph II. attempted to open the river Scheldt, he designed to establish commerce between Belgium and the United States, and to promote this end he sent the Baron de Beelen Bertholff to reside in Philadelphia, not as an accredited minister, but as an observer and correspondent." When the Continental Congress adjourned its sessions to York, the Baron also removed there, and made that his home pretty much until his death. Local tradition says he lived there in great style. The Conewago Jesuits were well acquainted with the family. His son. Anthony, lived in Pittsburg, (see Lambing). He had another son who died East, and a death record at Conewago of a Francis Beelen may be the same. Old people inform us that he married a daughter of Wm. Jenkins, of Abbottstown, against which his parents were much op- posed. The Fathers assisted the widow and kept trace of her. She lived a while in Baltimore. An old teamster of Father De Barth. still living. says he was sent to see her by that Father. The Baron and his wife are buried at Conewago. When the new part was built in 1850. it covered their graves, and the marble slab was laid in the floor. in the aisle near the Blessed Vir- gin's altar. It reads : " In memory of Frederick E. F. Brn. de Beelen Ber- tholf, who departed this life the 5th April, 1805, aged 76 years. Joanna Ma- ria Thresia, his wife, who departed this life the 11th Sept., 1804. aged 72 yrs. May they rest in peace." It is said that a contagious disease prevailed when the Baron died. The man who brought his body from York, left the coffin standing in front of the church and hurried away. There it stood all day. everyone in dread of the disease. Towards evening Father De Barth sent over to the Lilly farm for help. and two colored men came and assisted him in the last sad duty in the burial of the once distinguished man.
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THE WINCHESTER CHURCH.
For the following sketch of the Winchester Church, we are indebted to Father O'Reilley : and to Mr. Wm. McSherry, Jr., for the Gettysburg Church history. Both were received too late for insertion among the other churches.
The early history of the Catholic Church in Winchester is almost entire- ly unknown. Perhaps the only certain fact about it is, that it was one of the oldest churches in the Valley. From an old gentleman, John Heist, a Pro- testant. it has been learned that in 1794, when he settled in Winchester, the Catholic Church was in appearance the oldest in town, and public opinion conceded the claim of its antiquity. Of those instrumental in its building, little is known. The ground was given by Mr. McGuire, an Irish gentleman, the ancestor of a family famous in Virginia as physicians and surgeons. Its present representatives are Dr. Win. McGuire, of Winchester, and Dr. Hun- ter McGuire. of Richmond. The latter was Stonewall Jackson's physician, and the Surgeon-General of the Confederate Army. The old church, a stone building of moderate dimensions. was almost entirely built through the lib- erality of a wealthy Frenchman. Most of the pioneer Catholics slumber in nameless graves in the old cemetery. A moss-clad tomb is inscribed to the memory of a daughter of John Holker, Esq., 1794. late Consul-General of France, and Agent of the Royal Marine. This may have been the wealthy Frenchman to whose christian liberality tradition ascribes the old stone church. The first priest of whom tradition speaks, is Father Dubois, who visited this place from Conewago, Pa., about 1790. After him came Fathers Cahill and Whelan, the latter the first priest known to visit Winchester reg- ularly, There were few Catholics here in the early part of this century. A marble headstone in the old graveyard reads, " In memory of Patrick Den- ver, a native of County Down, Ireland, who departed this life March 31st, 1831. in the 85th year of his age." This is the grandfather of Gen. James Denver, prominently mentioned as the Democratic candidate for President in 1884. Denver, Colorado, and more thau a score of other cities and towns in the West have been named in his honor. About 1840, came upon the scene the grand and venerable old pillars of the present congregation, who have manfully withstood the storms and shocks of most half a century, for its sa ke, and who like true sons of St. Patrick, which they boast to be, never wavered in the faith-the only inheritance they brought from their own Isle of Saints. These hoary veterans of the faith are. John Fagan, Michael Hasset. M. Lynch. and Denis Sheehan. Of these. John Fagan alone lived in town. For four long years they had not the happiness of being present at the Holy Sacrifice At last, in 1844, their dear Saviour had compassion on their loneliness and sorrow, and sent them Rev. John O'Brien. then station- ed at Harper's Ferry, who visited Winchester once in three months. and of- fered the Holy Sacrifice for the half dozen Catholics present. It was not until 1847, that things began to change for the better. In that year turn- pikes were being built, on which many Irishmen and Catholics worked. A priest from Harper's Ferry now came regularly once a month, and contin- ued to do so until the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861. Fr. O'Brien was suc- ceeded by Father Plunket, a most popular and eloquent priest, whose mem- ory is still honored by all who knew him, Protestant and Catholic alike. not
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only here but throughout the Shenandoah Valley. After him came Fathers Talty and Costello. In 1861, came that thrice unhappy event, the war. The little church and hopeful congregation at Winchester did not escape its rav- ages. They were scattered, and the dear little church they loved so well was left in ruins. Among the most fearless of Stonewall's and Mosby's fol- lowers were numbered Winchester Catholics. The dashing bravery of a Russell or a Reardon is to-day a password in the Valley After the war they returned to find no temple in which to worship. In the years of bloody strife that had passed. God seemed to have been forgotten and his temples to have lost their sacredness for men. A stable was made of the sweet little church upon the Hill. The ruins alone were left after the storm was over. Undaunted, however, were the few Catholics. Their own Soggarth Aroon still visited them and that was enough. With Michael Hasset and his good wife they well knew the priest and his people would always find a Caed Mille Failthe, and in his cosy little parlor month after month they assembled for divine service. Through the zeal of their young pastor, Rev. J. J. Kain, the congregation soon grew too large for the little parlor chapel. and larger rooms were provided. A future church was contemplated ; plans were then made for raising the funds, and successfully carried out through the great efforts of Father Kain, ably assisted by Mrs. Hasset and Routzhan. In 1870 the corner-stone of one of the largest churches in town was laid. and in the following year the little congregation of about a dozen families worshiped in its basement. Hard were the struggles to complete the work. To add to their troubles, in May, 1875, their beloved pastor was taken from them and consecrated Bishop of Wheeling. Father Van De Vyver succeeded. and the church was completed in 1878, and dedicated under the special patronage of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. On this joyful occasion the celebrant was no other than Bishop Kain, who had started the enterprise in 1868, and for six long years labored hard for its completion. The Catholic spirit was not yet satisfied. The congregation yearned for a resident pastor. Through all the weary years of labor and waiting, Winchester was only an out mission be- longing to Harper's Ferry, long visited once a month. and that on a week day. Rev. J. Hagan became the first resident pastor in 1878. For him the congregation built a comfortable residence on the lot adjoining the church. A steeple was added, and placed in it one of the largest and sweetest toned bells in the Valley of Virginia. Father Hagan also founded a parochial school, which now flourishes with an average attendance of 45,-a number more than equal to all the Catholic souls in Winchester in 1865. Rev. Hagan was succeeded in June, 1882, by Rev. D. J. O'Connell, D. D .. at present Rec- tor of the American College, Rome. He remained pastor until Oct., 1883. when he was succeeded by Rev. J. B. O'Reilly. In that short period no pas- tor ever endeared himself so much to the congregation and people of Win- chester. He purchased a most beautiful site for a new Catholic cemetery .- Finally, the little congregation of not more than a score in 1865. worshiping in a small private parlor, is now grown to over 300 souls. The Catholics have a handsome church, a school, a pastoral residence, and a resident pas- tor. All their property is paid for, and no debt hangs over them to encum- ber their future.
Let us add that Rev. Father O'Reilly, the present pastor, is a worthy suc- cessor of the faithful priests who have labored before him in the Valley.
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CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY. THE GETTYSBURG CHURCH.
The early Catholics in and about Gettysburg were chiefly Germans. They were poor, few, and widely scattered ; but whether the sun shone or the rain fell, in the dust of summer and the snow of winter, they went, (many on foot) "to hear Mass on Sunday and Holydays of obligation." A few attended church at Emmettsburg, Maryland ; some at Littlestown, Pennsylvania ; others at St. Ignatius, in the Mountain ; but most at Conewa- go Chapel, in the valley. The first two named are about ten and the last two about twelve miles distant from the town. Rev. Matthew Lekeu, S. J., the Superior of the Jesuits at Conewago, and Rev. Michael Dougherty, S. J., one of his assistants, were the first to establish the congregation and build a Catholic church at Gettysburg. The task was a hard one ; but where God's glory or the salvation of souls is concerned the Jesuit knows no hardships. The good Catholics generously responded to their appeal, and even deprived themselves to contribute to the new edifice. Early in the year 1830, the mat- ter assumed definite shape. Among the largest contributors were Peter Eline and Peter Martin, who each gave one hundred and fifty dollars, and Jacob Norbeck, who gave, as his subscription, a lot of ground (of about the same value) situated near the south end of West (now Washington) street, on which the church was erected. The following advertisement appeared in the county papers in reference to the building of the church .- " NOTICE. -The subscribers having been appointed Agents by Rev Mat. Lakieu to re- ceive proposals from the date hereof until the first of May next for the build- ing of a Roman Catholic Church in the borough of Gettysburg, of the follow- ing dimensions, viz : The church to be 40 feet in length and 30 feet in breadth, outside, with a semi-circular or semi-decagon Sanctuary at the East (it should read West) gable end of the Church of 15 (afterwards printed "}) feet radins inside. A steeple to be raised in front, one-half thereof within the church, of 12 feet square, and to be 65 feet in height. The foundations of the church. sanctuary, and steeple to be composed of sufficient rough stone work, and the body of the same to be of sufficient brick work ; the side walls of the church to be 22 feet from the floor, and the walls of the sanctuary of the same height. The roof of the church, sanctuary, and steeple to be covered with pine shingles. The roof of the steeple to be a polygon roof : and that of the sanctuary to correspond with the shape. The contractor will have to find all the material, hands, etc., necessary for the erection of said building. a plan whereof has been deposited with the sub- scribers, agreeably to which the said church will have to be built. The altar, pulpit. and ornamental work will not be included in said proposals, as they will be added after the erection of the church. It will be required that the contractor finish the church agreeably to the plan, during the ensuing sum- mer. Persons desirous of contracting for the building of said church, will please apply to Samuel Lilly and Joseph Sneeringer, Sen., near Conewago Church. April 5. 1830." The contract was given to a Mr. Barkley, who did the carpenter work ; and under his direction Ephraim Hanaway did the mason work, and James Bohn the plastering. The corner-stone was laid on Wednesday, the 11th day of August, 1830. There was no Bishop present. Two sermons were delivered in the old Court House, one by Rev. Paul C.
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Kohlman, a Jesuit. The building was almost completed, when on Thurs- day, the 19th day of May, 1831, it was struck by lightning, " the conductor not being completed." " A plasterer (Jonathan Gilbert) at work in the steeple, was prostrated, and remained senseless for some time, but recover- ed. The fluid passsed down the cupola, then passed off at right angles to a saw on a post, split the post, and passed down the wall of the steeple to the front door, making a groove." The church was dedicated on Sunday, Oct. 2, 1831, by Rt. Rev. Frs. P. Kenrick, Bishop of Philadelphia. The music was furnished by the choir from Emmettsburg, Maryland. The text of the ser- mon was, " Make unto yourselves friends of the Mammon of iniquity." The church was called St. Francis Xavier's. It cost about $1800. To the des- cription as already given, (in the proposal) it may be added that the ceiling was caved, and there was a gallery over the door. The church contained twenty pews with one center aisle. Among the original members were Ja- cob Norbeck, Peter Eline, Peter Martin, Michael Gallagher, a lawyer, Dr. C. N. Burluchy, George Richter, Nicholas Codori. George Codori, Mrs. Eliza- beth Allen, the McLoughlins, McAleers, Lazarus Shorb, Nicholas Ecken- rode, Daniel Sherkey, Mrs. Thompson and but a few others. Rev. Michael Dougherty, S. J., was the first pastor, Lewis Norbeck and Daniel Shirkey were the first altar-boys. The lot given by Mr. Norbeck was also used as a grave-yard. The first burial authenticated, was that of Mrs. Elizabeth Al- len, who died November 10, 1831. Among the early marriages after the church was built are Margaret Eisenman to Michael Zhea, by Father Dough- erty, in September, 1834, and John Hamilton to Laurah A. Eline, by the same pastor, April 23, 1837. Mr. Hamilton was one of the first converts. The congregation increased rapidly under the guidance of good Father Dougherty. Among the members of 1840 are to be added to the original ones the Doersoms, Warners, M. Zhea, John Martin. John Carver, Smiths, Hemlers, John Ertter and some others. A bell weighing about 400 pounds was procured for the church in 1842 or 3. Father Dougherty closed his long and successful pastorate in the latter year. About this time there was Mass about every two weeks, before this it was only once a month. Rev. F. Kendler (from Conewago, but not a Jesuit. ) came here about the 6th day of June, 1843. He was followed by Rev. Joseph Dietz. S. J., who was in charge from about the 27th day of August, 1843, until March 11, 1848. Fath- er Dietz made a sacristy in the church, prior to that the priest robed behind the altar. He also organized a choir, before his time the whole congrega- tion sang in German. Mr. Weigle was the leader ; the music was all vocal. He also had a picture of the Crucifixion placed above the altar. Father George Villiger, S. J., the next attendant, came about March 16, 1848, and left in Oct. of the same year. About the 27th of Dec., 1848, Rev. J. B. Cattani. S. J., assumed charge and remained until about the 10th of Nov., 1849. He was succeeded about Dec. 8th, 1849, by Rev. James B. Cotting (he was from Conewago, but did not sign S. J. to his name.) The following were the pew holders, Jan. 1, 1851 : Jacob Norbeck. John Norbeck, Jacob Case, Andrew Stock, Francis Booty, John Hamilton, John Carver, John Martin. Nicholas Codori, George Codori, John Weikle, Valentine Warner. Lazarus Shorb. Joseph Smith, Nicholas Hoffman, Jacob Kulin, George Jacobs, James Waga- mon, Joseph Shillen, Anthony Codori and Philip Krixer. A pew was re- served for the poor. In the first years the pews were free, but in 1851 the
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pew rents amounted to $145.56. The congregation from 1840 increased so rapidly that the church soon became too small. Father Cotting took upon himself the burden of providing a new place of devotion. He was a most zealous worker, and being popular with all classes, was a most successful canvasser for contributions. Catholics and Protestants alike generously re- sponded to his appeal. and among the contributors was Rev. S. S. Smucker, D. D., the President of the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg. On the 22d day of Dec., 1851, the following notice appeared in the local pa- pers ; "TO CHURCH BUILDERS .- Sealed proposals will be received by Nicho- las Codori in Gettysburg, until Saturday, the 10th day of January next, for building a Catholic Church in Gettysburg. Plans and specifications for the church can be seen at any time by persons wishing to build by calling on Nicholas Codori, one of the committee, in Gettysburg. By order of Rev. J. Cotting. Nicholas Codori. John Martin, Joseph Smith, Jacob Case, commit- tee. N. B .- Rev. James B. Cotting yet continues the officiating clergyman, and by his liberality and good conduct the congregation is in a prosperous condition." The contract was awarded in Jan., 1851, to George and Henry Chritzman. The contract price was $3800, but many extras were added. They gave out the mason work to Henry Kuhn, and the plastering to James Bohın. The old church was torn down in March, 1852, and on Friday the 26th, while the South wall was being prepared for removal, it fell on Henry Hollinger and Charles Buckmaster (colored), two of the workinen, and kill- ed them. The bricks were used in the new church, having become the prop- erty of the contractors. In about April, 1852, a lot 75 by 180 feet, situated on West High street, on which the church was built, was purchased for $750 from Ferdinand E. Vandersloot : the deed seems to have been made to St. Joseph's College, of Philadelphia, Pa .. in trust for the Catholic congregation worshiping in St. Francis Xavier's Church in Gettysburg, Adams County, Pa. The corner-stone of the new church was laid on Sunday, June 20th, 1852, by Rt. Rev. John Neumann, Bishop of Philadelphia. About a year later, (Sun- day. July 31, 1853), the same prelate ( who had laid the corner-stone,) dedi- cated the church to the service of the Living God. The following is a des- cription of the Church as it appeared about the time of its dedication : The building is of brick. 48 feet wide, 90 feet long, and about 40 feet high. It has a Roman cupola of about 60 feet. It contains a fine sanctuary, accompa- nied on either side by a sacristry or confessional. The height of the inside walls is about 26 feet, and the ceiling is plain or level. It contained 64 pews and room for more. There is a center and two side aisles. A broad gallery used by the choir extends over the entrance from wall to wall. It has also a fine pipe organ. There was a large oil painting representing the raising of a dead man to life by St. Francis Xavier, (painted by Francis Stecker,) plac- ed back of the altar. There were alcoves above the sacristy, from which the sermons were sometimes preached. The old bell was transferred to the new cupola. The first marriage after the completion of the new church was that of Charles McFadden to Laurah Amanda McIntire, by Father Cotting, Au- gust 1. 1853. Among the first baptisms was Anna R., daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth Lee, August 3, 1853, also by Father Cotting. This faithful pastor did not remain to enjoy the fruits of his successful labor, but in obe- dience to the call of his Superior, left August 29, 1853, for other fields of usefulness, followed by the prayers of his devoted and grateful flock. He was succeeded September the 11, 1853, by the learned and eloquent Father
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