USA > Pennsylvania > Clinton County > Historical and biographical work, or past and present of Clinton County, comprising a sketch of every town and township of the county from date of settlement up to the present time > Part 9
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 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37
The first society was formed by William Butler in 1840. S. V. Blake was his associate. For a time the congregation continued to worship in the school house. They then re- moved to the "Old Court House," and afterwards to the "Old Academy," corner of Main and Vesper streets. This continued until 1843, when they completed a church of their own on Church street, just below the canal, which was dedicated June 3d, 1843, by Rev. George D. Hildt, presiding elder of the district. Messrs. Simmons, Bittner and Gif- ford were the building committee. F. M. Mills and W. D. T. Clemm, preachers in charge. After occupying the new church for a few years, there was considerable dissatis- faction with regard to its location, and finally it was decided to sell the property and erect another church on a more eligible site. For some time after the sale of their church, the congregation worshipped in the Academy building and in the old Court House. During the year 1855 it was de- cided by the congregation to build another church of their own; accordingly a lot was purchased on Main street, just north of Clinton avenue, and the work of building a house of worship was actively commenced. The new church was completed and dedicated in May, 1856, by Rev. Henry Slicer, of Baltimore, assisted by Rev. Dr. Thomas Bowman, now bishop, and the Revs. Wilbur Downs and Alem Brittian. The cost of this church and lot was about $7,000.
II2
PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY.
At the session of conference held in 1861, Lock Haven was made an independent station, and in 1863 the society built a parsonage adjoining the church, and it is now occu- pied by the pastor.
After becoming a separate station, the Lock Haven church rapidly increased in strength and importance, and soon be- came recognized as one of the leading denominations in the city. Large accessions were made to its membership every year, until finally it was found necessary to procure a larger house. Therefore, a lot was purchased on the corner of Main and Second streets, at a cost of $3,000, and the large and beautiful structure now occupied by the congregation was built. The entire cost of lot and building was $40,000, and it was dedicated February 18th, 1872, by the Rev. Dr. Sims.
The following are the preachers and time of service of each since Revs. Butler and Blake, in 1840:
In 1841 William Butler and Elisha Owens were the preachers; F. M. Mills and W. D. T. Clemm in 1842. F. M. Mills and Ephraim McCollum in 1843.
In 1844 Bellefonte circuit was divided at a point in Nit- tany valley, three miles below or east of Washington Fur- nace, and Bald Eagle valley at Beech creek, and the new circuit was called Lock Haven. This circuit extended up the West Branch to Cook's Run and Kettle Creek. This year W. R. Mills and John W. Elliott were the preachers in charge, and at the end of the conference year they re- ported a membership of 275.
In 1845 Philip B. Reese was in charge, and John Stine reported 350 members at the close of his ministry, in 1846. He was followed by John W. Haughawaut, who served two years-1847-'48. In 1848 Irwin H. Torrence occupied the field, and in 1850 he had as his colleague A. T. Ewing; in 1851, Joseph G. McKeehan and H. W. Billman; in 1852, J. G. McKeehan and A. G. Marlatt; in 1853, John J. Pearce ; in 1854-'55, Justus A. Melick; in 1856, Alem Brittian and Wesley M. Showalter. The church above the avenue was
II3
PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY.
commenced by Rev, Alem Brittian and completed under the ministry of Wilbur Downs, who had charge of the cir- cuit two years-1857-'58. Richard Hinkle served the peo- ple of Lock Haven in 1859 and 1860. L. M. Gardner was next assigned to this point, and it was during his ministry -1861-'62-that Lock Haven was made a station.
D. S. Monroe followed in 1863-'64, with B. B. Hamlin as presiding elder, and he reported 238 members his last year.
Samuel Creighton took charge in 1865, and was returned two successive years.
In 1868 M. K. Foster was appointed, and returned in 1869; reporting, at the close of his work, two hundred and seventy-four members.
Lock Haven was assigned to the Williamsport district in 1870, with J. W. Langley, pastor, who served two years. He reported, at the close of his work, three hundred and forty-six members.
In 1872 the Central Pennsylvania Conference met in Lock Haven, and P. Khron was made pastor, serving two years, and reporting, at the close of his work, three hun- dred and ninety members,
In 1874 and 1875 S. L. Bowman, who reported four hundred and seventy members.
Samuel Creighton was returned in 1876, and served three years; reporting four hundred and sixty-four members.
W. A. Houck, 1879 to March, 1882, reports three hun- dred and fifty-four members for 1881.
J. M. Lantz followed W. A. Houck, and at the close of his pastorate, March, 1884, reported a membership of two hundred and ninety-six.
Thomas Sherlock succeeded Rev. Lantz, and was re- appointed in 1885. While on a visit to Ocean Grove, N. J., to recuperate his failing health, he died suddenly Tuesday, August 25, 1885. From that time until March, 1886, the pulpit was regularly and acceptably supplied by various preachers of the Pennsylvania Conference by paying their
8
114
PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY.
traveling expenses, thus leaving the salary almost untouched for the widow and family of the deceased pastor. The Sunday school, class and mid-week services were well attended, and at the close of the Conference year reported a membership of two hundred and eighty-five.
H. R. Bender was next sent to Trinity, and served to March, 1890, reporting, at the close of his term, four hun- dred and sixty-five members.
During 1890 the electric light was introduced into Trinity.
When dedicated, the 18th of February, 1872, it was sup- posed the entire indebtedness of the new church had been provided for; but when Rev. S. Creighton was returned, in 1876, it was found that a debt of $14,000 had accumulated; $8,000 of this was paid during his pastorate. Through the liberality of the members and citizens, and the labors of Rev. W. A. Houck, who succeeded Rev. Creighton, the entire amount of indebtedness was paid, and on the 18th of February, 1882, just ten years from day of dedication, the deed was delivered to the trustees, and Trinity declared out of debt. At this time the trustees were Charles Kreamer, George W. Hipple, J. B. G. Kinsloe, J. N. Welliver, W. C. Andrews, James C. White, S. A. Newcomer, Alva S. Grow and S. T. Stephenson.
During the pastorate of Rev. H. R. Bender the parson- age was remodeled, enlarged and newly furnished; the church edifice was newly roofed and painted outside; chairs were introduced in the basement; racks and hymn books placed in the auditorium, and the same was frescoed, and otherwise greatly improved by painting, carpeting, &c. New heaters were also placed in the cellar, and the building well supplied with radiators.
The repairs and improvements completed, on Sunday, May 22d, 1887, Trinity was re-opened, and, while all the former pastors were invited, only Revs. Creighton and Houck-the men who had brought Trinity out of her finan- cial strait-were present. The collections for the day and evening reached $3,132.
115
PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY.
Rev. Bender was succeeded in March, 1890, by Rev. J. A. Wood, Jr., who served the church until March, 1892, when he was succeeded by Rev. J. H. Black, the present pastor.
Present trustees are G. W. Hipple, Charles Kreamer, J. N. Welliver, J. B. G. Kinsloe, Henry Baker, W. F. Satterlee, Hiram Mason, A. M. Thomas, H. S. Satterlee, Dr. James Eldon.
Stewards-George W. Hipple, Hiram Mason, Charles Kreamer, J. N. Welliver, A. M. Thomas, J. W. C. Floyd, John R. Stevenson, Harry E. Fox, H. S. Satterlee, A. S. Grow, and E. E. Adams.
Rev. W. H. Foster is presiding elder at the present time.
EAST MAIN STREET METHODIST CHURCH.
On Sunday morning, April 11th, 1875, a meeting was held in the old Court House, in the First ward of Lock Haven, looking to the organization of a Mission Sunday school. The object of the meeting was stated by J. B. G. Kinsloe, and, after a full and free interchange of opinion, Mrs. Gotwalt, Mrs. Walls, Mrs. Deise, Mrs. Herring, Mrs. Shearer, Miss Lottie Anthony, Messrs. John S. Mason, Thomas Frymyre, Thomas Shearer, W. C. Kress and Daniel Bittner were appointed a committee to canvass the ward, and invite parents and children to meet in the old Court House, at 9 o'olock A. M., Sunday, April 18th, 1875, for organization. At this meeting between twenty and thirty children were present, besides a number of parents. The school was organized with J. B. G. Kinsloe as Superin- tendent; Thomas Shearer, Secretary; D. B. Clough, Libra- rian; John Myers, Treasurer; Thomas L. Frymyre, Superin- tendent; Mrs. Thomas Shearer, Assistant Superintendent of Infant Department, and Miss Lottie Anthony, Organist. Mrs. Shearer assumed charge of the infant department in 1876, and has had charge ever since,'and John Myers has been treasurer of the school ever since its organization in 1875. Through the interest and liberality of this gentleman, who
I16
PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY.
is not a member of any church, and the earnest efforts and contributions of the friends of the enterprise, the building and grounds, now occupied by the congregation, were pur- chased. The structure was the one located on Main street, originally built for a school house, but for several years previous to its purchase by this congregation it had been known as the "Belvidere Garden;" a place where Satan held high carnival day and night, where drunkenness, de- bauchery and gambling were practiced. What a change from a houseless, homeless little band of workers. This mission school has grown into a well-sustained church or- ganization. Prayers, praise and thanksgiving go up to heaven from a spot where once the bacchanalian songs were sung, and wickedness reigned supreme.
In March, 1884, the Central Pennsylvania Conference ap- pointed Rev. M. B. Crosthwaite pastor of Mill Hall charge, which from that time included the new appointment of East Main street.
From November, 1884, to March, 1887, this new appoint- ment received preaching once in two weeks. Rev. M. P. Crosthwaite serving one year, and Rev. H. F. Cares two years.
In November, 1887, Mill Hall charge was divided, and a new charge formed, known as East Lock Haven charge; being made up of East Main street congregation and Flem- ington congregation.
The annual Conference, in session at Bellefonte, Novem- ber, 1887, appointed the Rev. S. B. Evans to this new charge, then numbering thirty-six members at East Main street and forty-eight members at Flemington. At the present time East Main street membership is one hundred, and a list of probationers numbering fifty. An active Epworth League was organized June, 1890, and at present numbers sixty-five members.
In the fall of 1889 a new and commodious parsonage was erected on a lot adjoining the church, at a cost of $2,000, and a stable, at a cost of $250.
117
PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY.
Much credit is due this congregation for the good that has been wrought by their untiring labors. It is said that the first conversion in the church was on the spot where liquor was once sold. The church was started with ten members. -
Sketch of S. B. Evans, pastor of East Main Street M. E. church :
The Rev. Simpson Bouse Evans was born at Eagle Foundry, Huntingdon county, Pa., December 12th, 1858. He was the ninth child and sixth son of Jonathan and Eliz- abeth Evans. His boyhood was spent on the farm in summer, and attending the country schools in winter. He taught seven terms of school in Huntingdon and Bedford counties. Mr. E. attended school as a student in Cossville. Hopewell, Indiana State Normal and Williamsport Dickin- son Seminary, graduating in the classical course in 1885. Immediately he went as a supply to preach at Westport, Pa. In November, 1886, he joined the Central Pennsyl- vania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal church, and was re-appointed to Westport. In March, 1877, he was appointed pastor of East Lock Haven charge, and re- appointed each year, serving the people five consecutive years. Mr. Evans was married September 7, 1887, to Miss Hannah M. Lincoln, of Laurelton, Pa.
FOURTH WARD MISSION.
Through the efforts of Sylvester Stephenson, The Fourth ward Mission Sunday school was organized May, 1879, with about thirty children, and the election of George T. Michaels as superintendent, and Mrs. R. E. Kelly as superintendent of the infant department. At this time there was no public school building in the Fourth ward, and a house was rented on Fairview street, in the vicinity of the paper mill. Here they held their meetings until the completion of the Fourth ward school building, when, through the courtesy of the school board, they were granted the use of a room on the first floor. Since its organization the school has pros- pered greatly, and now has an average attendance of 125
118
PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY.
scholars. Every year there has been conversions and ad- ditions to the Trinity M. E. church.
The Young People's Christian Endeavor Society of the M. E. church, of Lock Haven, Pa., was organized by Rev. H. R. Bender, pastor of the church, September 5th, 1888. The first officers of the society were H. S. Satterlee, Presi- dent; John R. Stevenson, Vice President; J. W. C. Floyd, Recording Secretary; Miss Lulu Allebach, Corresponding Secretary; Mrs, K. D. Batcheler, Treasurer, and James Snyder, Chorister. The officers for 1891 were J. W. C. Floyd, President; Miss Lizzie Ulp, Vice President; M. E. Cheston, Recording Secretary; Miss Mame Welliver, Cor- responding Secretary; Mrs. K. D. Batchelor, Treasurer. This society started with eighteen members, and now num- bers over 150 members.
J. B. G. Kinsloe.
ST. PAUL'S PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The chronicles of a country parish cannot be expected to furnish an heroic chapter to history. St. Paul's church, Lock Haven, began its individual existence in this wise. As early as 1775 a clergyman of the Church of England had visited this region, and spent the month of June at Great Island. It seems that he found the settlers to be either Presbyterians or Roman Catholics, and so he failed to establish a parish here. Just prior to 1856, the Rev. Richard Channing Moore, D. D., had occasionally visited the town for the purpose of ministering to those of the faith of the Protestant Episcopal church. Also the Rev. D. S. Miller, a general missionary from Philadelphia, had held oc- casional services. The only church building, which at this time had been erected, was the Great Island Presbyterian church.
There was resident in Lock Haven at that time only one male communicant of the Episcopal church. Nevertheless, there was felt in the community a deep and wide interest in the founding of St. Paul's church.
REV. CHARLES JAMES WOOD,
RECTOR ST. PAUL'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, LOCK HAVEN, PA.
119
PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY.
At a meeting held in the Clinton Hotel, September 19th, 1855, and presided over by D. K. Jackman, Esq., the parish was organized. Twelve vestrymen were elected to serve till the following Easter. It is interesting to read the names of these first vestrymen of St. Paul's church. B. R. Pet- riken, J. W. Quiggle, Allison White, J. H. Evans, J. W. Eldred, Robert Irwin, C. A. Mayer, H. T. Beardsley, William Fearon, Jr., O. D. Satterlee, Charles Blanchard and Joseph O. Tracy.
The Rev. R. C. Moore, of Williamsport, was asked to take charge of the parish until a rector could be elected. Mean- while Dr. Moore, it was agreed, should devote one-fourth of his time to the Lock Haven parish. He held service thereafter once a month until July, 1856. On the first Sun- day in July, 1856, the Rev. Samuel B. Dalrymple, then in deacon's orders, was sent by the Right Rev. Dr. Alonzo Potter, to take sole charge of this parish. Services were thereupon held by Mr. Dalrymple regularly in Odd Fellows' Hall, and efforts to erect a church building were straight- way begun. August 3d, 1856, a Sunday school was organ- ized with 118 scholars and 16 teachers. The superintend- ent of the Sunday school was Mr. Joseph O. Tracy. On the third Sunday of July, 1857, one year after Mr. Dalrym- ple's entrance upon the work of the parish, the first service was held in the basement of the new church, on the south side of Main street, between Grove and Vesper streets. Notwithstanding this is a rocky, mountainous country, St. Paul's church remains to this day the only church, the only public building in Lock Haven constructed of stone.
Previous to the first confirmation, which was administered by the Rt. Rev. Dr. Potter, November 30th, 1856, Mr. Dal- rymple records six communicants. The first confirmation class numbered 16, the second, in April, 1857, contained 4, and 2 from other parishes were received, making 31 com- municants reported to the bishop at the Diocesan conven- tion, in 1857. This is the beginning of the congregation of St. Paul's church, Lock Haven.
1 20
PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY.
Mr. Dalrymple was advanced from deacon's orders to priest's orders in November, 1857. The service was held in the basement of the church, then in process of construction. The second anniversary of his pastorate Rev. Dalrymple held services in the upper part of the church. The basement was thereafter used for Sunday school pur- poses. In the spring of 1861 Mr. Dalrymple resigned this parish and accepted that of Grace church, Honesdale, to which he removed, and where he died October 27th, 1863. His remains were interred in Highland cemetery, Lock Haven; a stone cross marks his grave, and a stained glass window has since been erected by the parish to his memory and placed in the chancel of the parish church.
The Rev. J. Livingtone Reese succeeded, in June, 1861, and remained till May, 1864. Mr. Reese was of an old New York family, and was called to St. Paul's church, Albany, N. Y., where he has since remained, till recently he relinquished his work on account of failing health. During his rectorate of St. Paul's church, Lock Haven, the debt, $1,800, was entirely paid, and with the surplus of subscrip- tions a bell was bought. The church was then consecrated by Bishop Potter June 22d, 1863, and the consecration ser- mon was preached by the Rev. Phillips Brooks.
Mr. C. W. Knauff, a student in theology, was sent by the then Bishop of Pennsylvania, the Rt. Rev. Dr. W. B. Stevens, to conduct services for the people of this parish, June 19th, 1864. After his ordination Mr. Knauff became rector of the parish. In November, 1866, he resigned. During the rectorate of Mr. Knauff a pipe organ was, in the spring of 1865, procured; the first, up to this time, in a church in Lock Haven.
After a vacancy, which lasted from November, 1866, to February, 1867, the Rev. George W. Shinn succeeded in the pastorate of this parish, and remained till November, 1870, when he went to St. Luke's church, Troy, N. Y. During Mr. Shinn's incumbancy the rectory, a two-story frame building, No. 526 West Main street, was erected upon
12İ
PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY.
a lot which had been given the parish by Mr. Philip M. Price.
The Rev. George D. Teller, having been elected rector, entered upon his work Easter, 1871, and he remained till December, 1874. He has since died. Mr. Teller was a man of deep spiritual-mindedness, and left the impress of his character upon the parish. He was succeeded in April, 1874, by the Rev. Milton C. Lightner, who remained till 1878. Mr. Lightner was a genial man, an active parish visitor, and under his charge the parish rose to the high water mark in numbers and influence, as indeed did the city of Lock Haven at that period. Mr. Lightner died in
Mr. Lightner's failing health obliged him to resign, and in July, 1879, the Rev. Richard H. G. Osborne, M. D., entered upon the rectorship, and remained till the close of 1880.
In April, 1881, came the Rev. Charles R. Bonnell, who remained to December, 1885. Mr. Bonnell was a firm and enthusiastic believer in tithing and in the free-church system. At his suggestion the system was given a trial in this parish, but the result was failure. Mr. Bonnell died in German- town, Philadelphia, in 1890.
The Rev. Charles James Wood, S. T. B., then an as- sistant minister of St. Stephen's church, Philadelphia, was called to the rectorship of this parish, March Ist, 1886. He accepted, and has remained rector ever since, so far the longest rectorship in the history of the parish. During this term, notwithstanding many deaths and re- movals, the number of communicants has been more than doubled. The method of paying current expenses by subscriptions solicited each spring was abandoned, and a frank return to the pew renting system was made in 1890. Several guilds for parochial work have been formed. The St. Paul's Guild, composed of boys and young men, has since November, 1886, published a small parochial paper. The Guild of the Daughters of the Church, a society of young women, has rendered large aid in the building operations. The Women's Guild is the almoner of the parish, and most
I22
PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY.
of the missionary activity is through this medium. St. Mary's Guild has made material additions to the beauty of the sanctuary. The Altar Society has furnished beautiful and costly vestments for the ministers and altar of the church.
Under the present rector about $8,000 have been put into building and improvement of the church property. In the rear of the church, a "parish building" of stone, 50x50 feet, two stories high, has been erected for Sunday school, guild and like parochial purposes. The church is at present under- going alteration of the interior. An open timber roof takes the place of the old plaster ceiling, and a chancel twenty-five feet deep has been added.
A set of silver communion vessels was added early in this rectorate, and two stained glass windows erected in the church, one the gift of the Sunday school, and the other a memorial to the late Mrs. Dudley Blanchard. Other windows have been secured, and await the completion of the alterations of the church to be put in their places. A pair of brass vases were in memory of the late Mrs. James Pollock, presented the church by her daughter, Mrs. Charles Cross, and a brass altar desk by a devoted member of the church.
It is probable that of this parish, as generally of congre- gations of the Episcopal church in smaller cities, the his- tory belongs to the future rather than to the past, because its appeal is rather to a maturer phase of culture and life of the community.
Rev. Charles James Wood.
ST. JOHN'S EVANGELICAL, LUTHERAN CHURCH.
From the records at hand, there appears to have been preaching by Lutheran ministers at irregular intervals since 1845. The first work done at Lock Haven in the interests of the Lutheran church was by German pastors. Between the years 1845 and 1860, the following ministers supplied the Lutherans of the city with German preaching: Revs. Barnitz (1845), Albert (1850), Shultz and Zieglar (1855), and
W. J. SHOEMAKER, M. D.,
PRESIDENT CLINTON COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY, LOCK HAVEN, PA.
123
PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY.
Heidorn (1859-'60). It does not appear, however, that any organization had been effected prior to 1860.
By action of the Central Synod of Pennsylvania, in ses- sion at Duncannon, Perry county, May 9th, 1860, money was appropriated, a pastor secured, and a Lutheran church was organized in the fall of the same year. On September I Ith, 1860, Rev. D. Sell, having been chosen by Synod to take up the work, began his labors as a home missionary in Lock Haven. There being no organization, public services were held in the old Court House and in the Odd Fellows' Hall. Late in the fall an organization was effected with I 30 members, most of whom were German people, and a lot was bought in the eastern part of the city, with a view to building a church. Rev. D. Sell preached in both German and English each Sabbath, until he resigned as pastor some time in 1862. Owing to some dissatisfaction between the German and English portions of the congregation, and by the advise of the pastor, Rev. D. Sell, the Central Synod of Pennsylvania, in annual session, held at Selinsgrove, Snyder county, authorized the separation of the German and Eng- lish speaking Lutherans into two distinct organizations, which was promptly done. From this action of Synod at Selinsgrove and its ratification by the people, dates the Ger- man and English Lutheran churches of Lock Haven.
In July, 1862, Rev. E. Grothe became pastor of the Ger- man Lutheran church, which was the first to organize after the separation. Being the first to organize and, in conse- quence, holding the lot at the eastern end of town and re- ceiving the entire Synodical appropriation for mission pur- poses in Lock Haven, they were able soon after to buy the old Presbyterian church, on Water street, where they still continue to worship.
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.