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 16
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24
The novices of the Society of Jesus in Frederick taught the colored chil- dren the catechism and gave the colored people instructions in ante-bellum days. The Oblate Sisters of Providence, colored, were established in Balti- more in 1829, by Father Joubert, a priest from San Domingo. In slavery times, the colored people had their part in the churches through Maryland, where they attended services.
Bishop Kain, of Wheeling, opened the W. Va. Senate with prayer dur- ing legislative session of 1885 : he also made the invocation when Gov. E. W. Wilson was inaugurated, March 4th of that year. Bishop Keane. of Richmond, was called upon to open the Virginia House of Delegates with prayer, March 17th, 1879 ; the first time within recollection that a Catholic prelate was so called upon in that State.
The consecration of Rev. J. J. Keane, Bishop of Richmond, took place in St. Peter's Cathedral, Richmond, Aug. 25th, 1878. Archbishop Gibbons was the celebrant ; Rev. A. Van de Vyver, of Harper's Ferry, Deacon of the Mass ; Archiepiscopal Cross-Bearer, Rev. J. J. Doherty, of Martinsburg ; among the Bearers of Offerings, was Rev. Hugh J. McKeefry, then of Key- ser ; present as a Seminarian, Father Frioli, now of Keyser. Bishop Lynch. of Charleston, delivered the consecration sermon, from which the following is taken :
172
CONEWAGO-A COLLECTION OF
In the Diocese, over which he has been appointed to preside, he has had apostolic predecessors. Its first Bishop was Rt. Rev. Patrick Kelly. Learn- ed, pious, mild and amiable, coming at his age, and coming from a profes- sional chair, and finding what was, ecclesiastically speaking, a wilderness before him, with, I believe, only two priests in the entire State, he found himself unable to meet the hard physical work there required of a pioneer Bishop. Still he labored on until called to a more congenial field. He was transferred, in 1822, to the See of Waterford. For nineteen years he had no successor, and the church of Virginia was administered by the Archbishop of Baltimore.
"In 1841, Richard Vincent Whelan came as second Bishop, young, active, zealous, learned, with a large measure of that American tact which enables a man to look at difficulties undismayed, to rejoice at and overcome obsta- cles, to understand the needs and the circumstances surrounding him, and to undertake any work that may come before him. No wonder that in ten years the Church had so grown that the Diocese of Richmond might well be divided into two. Bishop Whelan took the new See of Wheeling, and his place in Richmond was filled by Right Rev. John McGill, your third Bishop. Of him what shall I say. I knew him too well. I honored him too highly, I loved him too dearly, to allow me to speak of him without emotion. You cannot forget him. Learned, eloquent, gifted with intellectual powers of the highest grade, he was respected by all,-while his earnest piety and the loveable, almost childlike simplicity and gentleness of his character, his di- rectness in all things, and itis boundless charity of heart could not but force all that knew him to love him. For twenty-two years he ruled the Diocese, and it prospered. He has passed away full of years, and his memory is still sweet among us. Of the fourth Bishop I am forbidden to speak. For he is present in that sanctuary. That he had so administered another office as to be chosen to fill the vacant chair of Bishop McGill, and that he so adminis- tered this Diocese of Richmond as after a few years to be chosen to occupy, as he does, the highest episcopal chair in the hierarchy of the United States. Long may he worthily preside over the venerable Metropolitan Church of Baltimore."
The old organ which was used in Old St. Joseph's Church, Phila., as early as 1748, came into the possession of the Catholic Church at Chambers- burg, Pa., where it was used as late as 1875, and may be yet. It is said to be the first organ used in the U. S. It was used on several great occasions during the Revolutionary War, and no doubt is the same one alluded to by Kalm, the Swedish traveler.
In Nov., 1879, a new roof was put on Conewago Chapel, the old one having been on since 1848.
In March, 1878, the contract was awarded to Pius Smith, dec'd, for building the new brick house on the farm. below the Chapel. This contrac- tor did a great deal of work for the Jesuits at their College. Woodstock.
May 26, 1878, Mrs. Joanna Sullivan, mother of Father Sullivan, was bur- ied this week at Conewago, aged about 86 years. Peter Shanefelter, pension- er of the war of 1812. died May 27, 1878, aged 86. He was of the same fam- ily as was Father Shanefelter, of Goshenhoppen and the eastern part of Pa., in the beginning of this century.
Father DeBarth, an Alsacian by birth, was the second son of Count Jo-
173
CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY.
seph DeBarth, of a noble family for many generations Catholic. His brother, the late General E. Walbach, was John DeBarth Baron de Walbach, and when expatriated from France retained the name of Walbach. This explains the difference of names of the two brothers.
In 1803, Rev. Michael Egan, O. S. A., attended Lancaster from Conewa- go, where he had been assistant to Father DeBarth. He became the first Bishop of Philadelphia, consecrated Oct. 28th, 1810. He died in 1814, and was succeeded in 1820 by Bishop Conwell. In this interim Father DeBarth acted as administrator of the Diocese.
The name of Rev. John Blox appears on the Register at Conewago about 1840 or '50. He was an assistant at St. Joseph's, Philadelphia, in 1845.
Father Rey was killed in Mexico in the war of 1846. He went there with Father McElroy as volunteer chaplains of the U. S. Army.
Father Vespre died March 26th, 1860.
In March, 1862, Father Lilly died at Philadelphia.
In Father DeBarth's time, the extensive bottom lands along the creeks were well cultivated and yielded the best crops. After him they were left grow wild until reclaimed by Father Enders. In old times, as high as thirty and forty mowers were at work, coming together from different parts of the parish and giving their labor gratuitously. It was customary in those days to set out drink for the hands, though drunkenness was not as common then as now. In this respect Father DeBarth was very strict. A man, becoming drunk while thus working one day, quit his work and fell asleep. When Father DeBarth saw him, he commanded the men to haul him up to the house and placed in one of the pig pens, saying that as he made himself like unto a swine, he should keep like company.
Corpus Christi, 1876, Bishop Shanahan present at Procession. In Catho- lie countries on this day, the streets of the towns and the public roads are strewn with flowers and evergreens, as the Blessed Sacrament is carried along in Procession-a devotion intended to draw the blessings of God upon the growing harvests and the budding fruits of the earth,-a blessing in which the Valley of the Conewago has always liberally shared. This pious practice was instituted at Conewago by F. X. Deneckere. S. J., when he first came, and continued until late years, when it had to be discontinued on ac- count of the thousands of people it annually attracted and the public show they made out of it by their irreverence. Father Deneckere spared no labor in making it grand and inspiring. The altars were arranged at a distance from the church and one in the church-yard. They rivaled in beauty and adornment the altars of many a church. The Blessed Sacrament was carried under a splendid canopy ; acolytes preceded and children strewed the road with flowers ; choristers dressed in white, young men and women bearing banners. emblems and statues, followed, and thousands of people came after. reciting the rosary. At each altar, the Benediction would be given, while the organ played, the choirs sang, bells were rung, and where the incense arose little children scattered flowers with their innocent hands ; not unfre- quently bands played and volleys were fired. Among the most beautiful of the altars was that of Miss Sally Lilly, erected near her house, every year that the Procession was held Poor Father Deneckere! it gave him more pleasure to thus render honor and glory to the Blessed Sacrament, than to have participated in the grandest demonstrations of men.
174
CONEWAGO-A COLLECTION OF
July 4th, 1876, High Mass in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of American Independence. By permission of Father Enders, the American flag waved from the steeple of the church. The priests were never found wanting in loyalty and patriotism, as far as right with their sacred calling, and consistent. At the death of a President, or for any other national calam- ity, the bells of Catholic Churches toll in sympathy, and fromn Catholic altars a sacrifice is offered in mediation or atonement.
Aug., 1876, Father Coppens, S. J., gave a mission in Hanover.
1877, Dec. 23d, Mass said on B. V. altar, on account of work on marble altar. Father Brady, Provincial, said Mass and spoke. 1877, June 3d, fif- tieth anniversary of Pius Ninth's episcopate and 31st of his Pontificate : many Communions,-plenary indulgence.
New Year's morning, 1878, first Mass said on marble altar by the vener- able Superior, Father Enders.
1878, April 27th, masons commenced work on the new brick house at the Chapel ; old stone building torn away ; was doubtless erected by Father Pelleutz.
1878, May 5th, Father Deneckere preached on the Month of Mary, a beau- tiful and touching sermon-his streaming locks of silver gray flowed grace- fully on his shoulders : and though his hands trembled, his voice was strong and clear, as he extolled the praises of the Mother of God, exhorted his hearers to be faithful and obedient children and follow in the footsteps of her Divine Son. Well do I remember the holy severity, edifying life and faithful teachings of this venerable Jesuit. 1878, Decoration Day, Maj. Jen- kins Post G. A. R., of Hanover, decorated graves in Conewago Cemetery : Father Deneckere made address-a beautiful comparison between the chris- tian warrior and the soldier of the world ; favorably impressed all present. 1878, June 9th, Father Brady, Provincial, preached. June 23d, Father Haugh, of Frederick, delivered sermon on the Real Presence. July 4th, Lewis Will died, at an advanced age. He farmed Paradise Church a num- ber of years ; his brother and his father, Charley and Jacob, lived on the Conewago farm for many years, from about 1830. Before them, the land was farmed by the Superiors, who had men hired to do the work, especially teamstering. John Weaver became tenant after the Wills, and remained fifteen years ; James Devine is now on the farm almost that long, if not lon- ger. This is the oldest farm-house on the Chapel land. which originally comprised a section, or 640 acres. The old barn was blown down in 1825, and rebuilt. The second house and barn were built forty years ago, along the McSherrystown road ; John Small, first tenant, remained until 1876 ; his sons, John and Ignatius, succeeded ; in 1881, Ignatius took the farm. and soon after married a daughter of James Devine. Good farmers are never removed. When the third farm-house and barn were built along the Han- over road, about five years ago, John, son of James Devine, became the far- mer. 1878, July, the marble altar was taken down ; foundations gave way, owing to intense cold weather when first erected. July 10th, Frederick Del- lone died and was buried at Paradise ; was near 80, and a good Catholic to the church for a life-time. His father was Michael, and his grand-father Nicholas, who came to the Abbottstown settlement from France, returned and came again. 1878, collections for relief of Yellow Fever sufferers. Sept. 23d, Nicholas Fleigle died, aged over 80. Mr. O'Neill relates that when he
175
CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY.
lived at the church about fifty years ago, a man and woman were observed one day praying before the church, with extended arms. Father Lekeu learned that they were fulfilling a vow made during a storm at sea, where they lost a child. He assisted them to settle near Conewago ; they were good Catholics and industrious people, and their children's children are now scattered through the parish. The early pastors of Conewago interested themselves in getting poor emigrants to settle in the Valley, and in some in- stances put up temporary shelter in the church-yard until homes could be secured for them. Oct., 1878, statues placed in the vacant niches in the walls. Oct. 13th, Bishop Shanahan confirmed 101 boys, 96 girls. Gave good instruction to parents and children ; warned them against evil literature scattered broadcast now-a-days. He gave Communion. Oct. 20th, Father McGurk preached. Nov. 20th. Father Emig preached funeral sermon of Miss Annie O'Bold. Dec. 8th, Father Casey preached his first sermon at Conewago. Mat. Dolan died this day. Feast of Blessed Virgin ; he was one of Father Deneckere's school-boys. Father Jamieson preached at funeral of Mrs. Stormbaugh in Jan .. 1877.
DEATH OF FATHER DENECKERE .- Epiphany, 1879, Rev. F. X. Deneckere very sick at Littlestown ; Father Enders went up to see him. Saturday, Jan. 4th, 1879 was a piercing cold day,-raining, blowing and freezing. Father Enders, Superior, did not want Father Deneckere to go, but he drove to Littlestown, and was nearly frozen when he got there. He lost his way or was confused and benumbed by the icy rain and cold ; and stopping to ask the road, would not allow those who directed him to go along and drive, saying it was too cold for them to be out. He would not remain with any of his congregation at Littlestown, but went to the church where he had his sleeping apartment in one of the sacristies. There he was found sick and was properly cared for. Father Enders arrived the next day and ad- ministered the Sacraments. He died Wednesday, Jan. 8th, 1879. His re- mains were put in a neat coffin and placed before the altar. Thursday after- noon he was taken to Conewago, and interred in a vault under the altar, Friday morning at 9 o'clock. during a High Mass of Requiem. Father Casey said the Mass, and Father Enders made a few remarks. He said it was not customary for one of a family to proclaim the good deeds of anoth- er. As there was a large congregation present, he could not help but say a few words. Many years ago he and Father Deneckere were appointed on the Maryland missions, where they labored together ; sometimes in the sad- dle day and night, attending sick calls and other duties of the missions. They were, with another Father, (Cotting.) removed to Conewago, where they had five missions to attend,-Conewago. York, Littlestown, Paradise and Gettysburg. God prospered their labors, and since that many new con- gregations have sprung up around them. They had been sent to other fields several times, but as often returned to " patch up " the old structure ; and kow as their days are being numbered, they have no other desire but to find rest near the altar where they served. [Poor Father. even that consolation was denied him, for he died and was buried at Frederick.] Lastly, he would fulfill the dying request of the late beloved Father. namely, to beg for him of the congregation and all with whom he came in contact dur- ing his life, pardon for any offence he may have given them, and to ask all to pray for him. Father Deneckere was a devoted teacher, and though ad-
176
CONEWAGO-A COLLECTION OF
vised by his Superior to give up his school on account of his increasing age and infirmities, he would not, but gave lessons yet to one poor boy even up to his death. He loved his school next to his sacred calling, saying that if he gained one addition to the priesthood. all his labors would be fully re- paid. Eternal rest give unto him, O Lord. and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace, Amen. Rev. F. X. Deneckere was a brother of Rev. Hippolytte Deneckere, who was six or eight years his junior. Rev. F. X. Deneckere was a student all his life, and while he taught his boys at Conewago, he himself took lessons in German from Father Enders, to per- fect himself more in that language. Besides French, his mother tongue, he spoke English and Latin as well, and was a good Greek scholar. His name from the French is properly spelled " De Necker, " but we have followed his own way of writing it " Deneckere."
1879, Jan. 25th, Rey. Geo. Villiger came to Conewago to take Father Deneckere's place. May 25th, Fathers Casey and Emig gave the Jubilee.
Procession on Corpus Christi ; large crowds. not the best order ; Super- ior preached of the want of respect and reverence for holy things.
Dec. 13th, Sister Amelia (McSherry,) buried at St. Joseph's Convent, Mc- Sherrystown. 1880. Feb., collections for famine sufferers in Ireland ; Sis- ters collected aid, seeds, &c., and sent to friends in need. No procession this year ; Father Dufour preached on Corpus Christi. Decoration Day, May 30th, Rev. Dufour made address in Conewago Cemetery. and Ed. S. Reily at Mt. Olivet, Hanover. July 18th. Father Flanigan went to Bonneau- ville, Rev. Shanahan, its pastor, being absent on a visit to Ireland. Father Enders announced that Sisters intended building a larger chapel ; old chap- el was too small and unhealthy.
Aug. 1st, Father Archambault preached his first sermon at Conewago ; is to succeed Father Casey at Oxford and Paradise. He went to finish his studies ; was an energetic young priest ; had the churches in his charge re- painted and improved.
Aug., 1880, letter from Father Dufour, from Louisiana, to a friend : re- quests prayers for several converts that they may remain steadfast in the faith.
Oct. 17th, Father Gutti, of Philadelphia, said early Mass
Christmas, seven Masses, over 1000 Communicants. Library remodeled, catalogued and put in order. Have a very large library, many rare and val- uable works. The Little Chapel is used for a library. There used to be nothing but a small passage connect the church with the priests' house. Father Enders, about 1870, had it enlarged and a beautiful altar erected therein, where he said Mass in winter, and had his confessional in the room adjoining,-a room long occupied by Father DeBarth. while the front room adjoining was used by Father Lekeu. Father Manns' confessional is under the north gallery steps ; Father Deneckere's was the first in the south wing, and the one nearest the Sanctuary was used by Father Enders and different priests. For twenty-five years, Father Manns has never been away from his confessional on church days, and oftentimes is found there, praying, when there is no one about. He is a great confesssor. The room adjoining the parlor was occupied by Father Enders as Superior. The house was plainly furnished under him. His room had nothing but the necessary furniture. a folding cot, erected in a boarded up doorway, was opened out and arrang-
177
CATHOLIC LOCAL HISTORY.
ranged for him by Brother Donohue in the evening, and in the morning closed up again Under Father Foran, the house has been remodeled and refurnished. Father Deneckere's room was above the parlor. Those who were in it once will never forget the various collection of invention, science, toys, mechanism, &c., which he had in use, some for one purpose, and some for another, and at which he spent the very few leisure moments at his com- mand. The Bishop's room was diagonally across from his. The rooms fronting south were occupied, one by Father Manns, the rest by other priests and students, as they came. The saintly Brother Donohue occupied the at- tic. He was a faithful servant. About 1884, he was sent to Frederick, his health failing. In another attic room was stored the " old library." It was a valuable collection of books, probably brought together by the priests and accumulated in one way or another. There are thousands of books out of use and print now, old Bibles. and treatises on theology, philosophy, and varions commentaries by the old scholars and masters. They are in all lan- guages ; some printed as early as the sixteenth century.
In the spring of 1885, the small (old) window glass in the church was taken out and modern glass put in, some stained. Aug. 29th, 1885, the work of enlarging the priests' house nearly completed. The building is now three-story all around, with a French roof, and a large porch fronting the churchyard.
During vacation at the Convent in MeSherrystown this summer, the old day-school houses were torn down and new ones erected. Sister Pat- rick, who has charge of the boys' school, collected the funds herself to build the new school house, and assisted in the work of building with her own hands. She is an energetic Irish Sister, a great favorite as a teacher with the boys.
Will of Charles Hughes, made Feb. 7th, 1831, witnessed by C. Paulus Kohlman, S. J., and Andrew McManus. Wills to Father " Lague " (Lekeu) " all due him " and his weaver's loom. He lived in one of the small houses below the hill at the Chapel. His father's name was Patrick : he died near Abbottstown, and was carried to Conewago by his sons. Charles Hughes had a weaver shop near Bonaughtown; there Peter Smith, (dec'd, at the age of 86.) learned his trade.
To all people, to whom these presents shall or may come: I., Francis I. Neale, of Georgetown, Dist. Col., send Greeting. Whereas, I, the said Fran- cis I. Neale, by the last will and testament of Rev. Robert Molyneaux, be- came heir to an estate in Conewago Twp., Adams Co., Pa., lately held by the Rev. James Pellentz, and now in occupation by Rev. Lewis DeBarth, &c .. filed in the Register's office for the city and county of Phila., &c., I do here- by constitute, &c., Rev. Lewis DeBarth, of Adams Co., Pa., my lawful at- torney, &c. Signed June 21st, 1811. R. McIllhenney, John Larentz, James McSherry, Franz Marshall, witnesses.
Francis Neale, of Charles Co., Md., appointed Rev. Matthew Lekeu his attorney for the Conewago property, signed in the City of Washington, July 24th, 1828 ; acknowledged before Geo. Naylor, J. P. ; attested by Wm. Brent, clerk of Circuit Court ; Certified by W. Cranch, Chief Judge Circuit Court ; and by " H. Clay."
The following tradition comes down to us through good and intelligent people of Conewago : One of the ancestors of the Marshalls, Jacob or Joseph,
178
CONEWAGO-A COLLECTION OF
was a close man and self-willed. He had one son a priest, and one or two were Brothers. His daughter desired to become a religious, but the father would not consent ; all her entreaties were in vain. She was a young girl, very good in every way, and had never been away from home. After fruit- less prayers and entreaties, she left her father's house one night, and made her way in the direction of Westminster. Dense forests then covered most parts of the country, and she was soon lost, not knowing which way to go. Recommending herself to the care of the Blessed Virgin she continued her journey, when a young man came riding along on a snow white horse, and asked her where she was going. She told him her story, and he assisted her to mount the horse with him, nothing uncommon in those days. After rid- ing all day, he halted his horse before an humble-looking house, and told her they were at the Sisterhood she wished to enter, and she was kindly re- ceived by the good nuns. The young man rode off, no one knew whither. Even if the young man was only a traveler passing the way, she had reason to thank God for her guidance and protection.
Years ago, Conewago was called the Chapel of the Blue Spring, but the name was never very generally accepted. A young student at Dickinson, named Barnitz, from Hanover, wrote a romantic story about 1840, entitled The Recluse of the Conewago, in which he uses the expression " Blue Spring Chapel." The Blue Spring is a strong stream of water. issuing from the limestone rocks in the church bottom, below the Chapel, and flowing into the Conewago. The water has a bluish cast, and hundreds of feet of rope let down failed to reach any bottom. There are large fish in it. It seems to be more or less affected by the actions of the tide, and has never been known to go dry. The students had a boat on it, and it has always been something of an attraction. Such caves, springs or sink holes are common in lime- stone countries.
From a diary kept by one of the Fathers at Conewago, from Feb .. 1844. to Oct., 1846, we glean some interesting notes. The writer evidently was a German, and was either Father Steinbacher, or Dietz.
In the month of February, 1844, Father Nicholas Steinbacher, in his 47th year, the 24th of his priesthood, and the 12th of his admission to the Society, was transferred from Goshenhoppen to Conewago, by the Provincial, Father J. Ryder. The resident priests at Conewago were, Fathers Philip Anthony Sacchi, Roger Joseph Dietz and Rev. F. X. Kendeler. a secular priest. That was the time Father Thomas Lilly was sent there to adjust the"old accounts" of Father Lekeu, who had been an easy manager. having allowed long standing accounts without settlement. The first Provincial of the Society for the Province of Maryland was Rev. Wm. McSherry. S. J., and prior to that there were no Visitors to examine the accounts and to keep business matters straight as they now do. At that time much of the Society's busi- ness management in other places was not so systematically conducted as it is now. No blame is attached to the Superiorship of Father Lekeu. except that he was too easy in conducting business. He is remembered as a kind and generous priest, who tried to make all around him happy. Conewago gained more through his labors and the liberality of his friends in France, than the Society lost by his want of financial ability. He was removed to White Marsh, where his health suffered. His Superiors said he might re-
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.