USA > Pennsylvania > Historical notes relating to the Pennsylvania Reformed Church, V. I > Part 9
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HISTORICAL NOTES.
Homrighausen, and kept at Girkhausen: son of the Reformed Church under the "Leonhard Leydich, from 1707 on, was broader conditions offered by a sister for forty years the pastor here. His son, denomination. and adjunet, moved to America, where We quote from Rev. Mr. Hatch's ar- ticle : he again became a minister." About 1750 Leonhard Leydich's name disap- pears from the church records, he having either died or moved away.
In another communication Mr. Hom- righausen informs me that "from 1707 to 1739 Leonhard Leydich made the entries in the church books. Of John Philip Leydich there is no trace. The book of baptismis shows no names of the name Leydich. In general the handwriting of Leonhard Leydich is very indistinct. The book from 1739-1774 is missing." He adds: "When opportunity offers, I will runnage through the old papers which are in the loft, and something may be found there. In all probability there is more in the missing book."
It is a somewhat remarkable circum- stance that may be mentioned here, that John Philip Leydich made no records as to his immediate family in the Falkner Swamp church books, although other- wise the records were kept in good order. It seems to have been a trait peculiar to the Leydichs to omit entries regarding themselves and families.
Chester D. Hartranft, D. D.
In the Congregationalist, printed at Boston, appeared recently an article, written by Rev. F. S. Hatch, under the heading, "President Hartranft, Teacher, Administrator and Friend." In the same number of the periodical mentioned was printed a striking portrait of the subject of the sketch by Rev. Mr. Hatch.
Dr. Hartranft's leid thought is match- ed by the sweet simplicity of his life and character. In his bearing he has always reminded me of the late George Mneller as he appeared a few years ago. Profound learning and the childlike disposition are wonderfully blended in the character of Dr. Hartranft. Indeed, his modesty is quite as marvelous as his intellectual force. At the beginning of his profes- sorial work it was sometimes alleged that he soared beyond the capacity of his stu- dents to follow him. "Yes," said a former pupil, "but that was due to his singular modesty ; and when he assigned a lesson in twenty-four hours which we could not prepare in twenty-four days it was because he thought our intellectual capacity was equal to his own."
To paint anything like a complete por- trait of Dr. Hartranft it would be neces- sary to tell of his impassioned eloquence, his love for the noblest themes of public speech, his fearless devotion to truth and duty, his gentle spirit and courtly man- ners in both ordinary and exceptional occasions, his home life in joy and sor- row, the immense extent and thorough- ness of his learning, his catholic temper, his delight in art and nature, his love for the historie past and his confidence in the church of to-day and to-morrow. But even were these characteristics spread out in detail they would not fully account for the subtle charm of his fascinating personality, or for the esteem and affer- tion of his pupils and associates.
It was an experienced pastor, as well as a trained scholar, who came to Hart- ford Seminary twenty years ago and be- gan the work which has already become so fruitful. To his pupils he has been both pastor and teacher, and in the fra- grant relations of friendship he is cher- ished by the younger generation of st- dents as Dr. Thompson is remembered by the men of earlier days. A flawed char-
Dr. Hartranft is President of the Hart- ford Theological Seminary, the leading institution of the Congregational Church, which is the orthodox fortress of New England. Dr. Hartranft is of Reformed parentage ; he was born in Frederick township, Montgomery county, Pennsyl- vania ; and was a Sunday scholar of the Old Race Street congregation of Philadel- phia. He is an instance of the spiritual and intellectual growth attainable by a acter cannot stand the strain of close
52
HISTORICAL NOTES.
friendship. It breaks or yields under the load of a great affection, and the intense light of loving intimacy reveals hidden weaknesses which the fiereest hatred would never find. Just here is the secret of Dr. Hartranft's power and usefulness. In the judgment of his most intimate friends he is a holy man. Not only has he sat at the feet of Jesus and learned his mind, but like the beloved apostle he has also come close to the heart of Jesus and felt his love. The school or church which cherishes such men will ever abide in strength and beauty.
Holland and Pennsylvania. II.
ALARDU'S TIELE.
Of the clergymen who were the friends of the Pennsylvania Reformed churches in South Holland, AAlardus Tiele, predi- kant te Rotterdam, was conspicnous. It must not be inferred that he was our only earnest benefactor. There were many others, among the clergy and the laity, in the various synods and classes. Mr. Tiele was designated at Cuylenburg in 1729 to receive the contributions for Pennsyl- vania. The language of the acta is: De penningen voor de noodlydende kerke zijn gegeve om verder te bestellen aan de navolgende heeren en broederen:
Voor Pensilvanien, aan Do. Ticle." At Breda, where the South Holland synod met July 1-11, 1730, in the minutes, Arti- ele 5, Part II, under the head Aangaande Pensilvanien, the Reverend delegate from the classis of Schieland, speaking for Do. Tiele, reported that his Reverence had not had opportunity to send over the penningen, but that he hoped before long to be able to do so.
Zwingli and Luther.
As the Alps of his native Switzerland tower above the hills of Saxony, so Zwingli towers above Luther in the ex- cellent gift of charity, which is the bond of perfectness. -C'YRES C'ORT.
Reformed Church Literature.
A Perverted Gospel, or, The Roman- izing Tendency of the Mercersburg Theology. A discourse delivered in the German Reformed Church in German- town, Pa., on the 27th of March, 1853. By Rev. Jacob Helfenstein. "There be some that trouble you, and would per- vert the Gospel of Christ."-Gal. 1: 7. Philadelphia. William S. Young, Printer, 50 North Sixth Street. 1853. Pamphlet. 8vo., 15 pages. Owned by Henry S. Dotterer, Philadelphia.
Kirchen-Regeln der Reformirten Ge- meinde in Allentown. [1824.] Folio Svo., 4 pp. Owned by Henry S. Dotterer, Philadelphia.
At a meeting of the majority of the members of the Evangelical Reformed congregation in the town and vicinity of Northampton, held on the 2d of May, 1824, Wilhelm Eckert, Peter Newhard, Johannes Rhoads, Daniel Newhard, Leonard Labach, Abraham Spinner and Michael D. Eberhard were appointed a committee to formulate regulations for the government of the congregation. Sixteen rules, prepared by the com- mittee and accepted by the congrega- tion, compose the four pages of the folio.
Swiss Shelter to Reformed Refugees.
Despite the engagements to France which Switzerland had entered into. it never ceased to give shelter to the French refugees who fled to escape the persecu- tions of Louis-to the Waldenses and the Huguenots. After the revocation of the Ediet of Nantes, sixty-six thousand emigrants are said to have found shelter in Switzerland. Amongst the Swiss cities Geneva stands out conspicuously and honorably by her great benevolence. Not to speak of the vast amount of private assistance given, the munici- pality spent on the relief of the religions refugees no less a sum than five million florins between 1655 and 1726.
-Story of the Nations.
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HISTORICAL NOTES.
Marriages by Rev. George Wack.
COMMUNICATED BY W. IL REED, PHL. G, M. D., OF NORRISTOWN. Continued.
1816.
185. January
2. John Baughman and Maria Boier.
186. January
11. Jacob Keisel and Margaret Rufe.
187. February
4. Jacob Ryner and Rachel Spencer.
188. February
8. Abraham Henery and Margareth Jacoby ..
189. February
11. Samuel Spare and Maria Snyder.
190. June 6. Jacob Weber and Anna Weber.
191. June 29. Joli Ottinger and Elizabeth Meiers.
192. October
6. George Ortner and Sarah Weikle.
193. October
31. Peter Dager and Elizabeth Dewees.
194. November 10. Jobe Lowrey and Susanna Snyder.
195. November 10. Jacob Bean and Cathrine Herley-
196. November 19. Henry Dager and Susana Reyer.
197. December 15. Charles Mullen and Isabella Woodhouse.
198. December 29. John Montier and Rebecca Clemens.
1817.
199. January
23. John Berge aud Polly Letherach.
200. January
23. William Slater and Sarah Snyder.
-201. February
16. John Porter and Mary Jones.
ยท202. March
9. Jacob Fetterman and Sibbilla Frantz. .
203. June 22. John Kline and Mary Frantz. -
204. Junc
22. Jacob Snyder and Rachel Thomas.
205. July
13. Abraham Beier and Abalona Stong. 16. Michael Zilling and Susana Warner.
207. November 20. Jacob, Hampshier and Eleanor Jones.
208. November 20. Samuel Snyder and Sophia Martin.
209. December 18. Joseph Hunsperger and Cathrine Been.
210. December 13. Abraham Martin and Maria Loch.
211. December 28. Leonhard Clemmons and Maria Moser.
1818.
212. January
213. February
214. February
1. Henry Selzer and Anna Stout.
215. February
5. Samuel Fries and Sarah Knipe.
216. February
S. Fred. Hillegas and Susanah Schellenberger.
217. February 19. Jacob Zimmerman and Elizabeth Cohler.
218. February 21. Daniel S. Reiff and Debera Clemens.
219. February 26. Amos Weber and Anna Knipe.
220. March 12. John Matson and Elizabeth Mathew.
206. October
8. Frederick Nuss and Sarah Schlater.
1. George Danchaur and Elizabeth Hoot.
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HISTORICAL NOTES.
221. March
19. Samuel Weidner and Maria Sechler.
222. March
26. George Lehman and Anna Koplin.
223. April 1. Adam Deam and Sarah Yetter.
224. April 12. John Hertzel and Eva Schellenberger.
225. April
27. Eli Thomas and Mary Weidner.
226. May
3. Abraham Koenig and Sarah Kehl.
227. May 16. Daniel Cassel and Regina Keiser.
228. Max 19. Henry Ruth and Sarah Wigner.
229. May 28. Samuel Schlater and Maria Rufe.
230. June 18. Adam Smith and Hannah MeVaw.
231. July - Daniel Beard and Patty Zinnnerman.
232. August
30. John Dager and (?) Anna Fries. -
233. October
1. David Tool and Elizabeth Heydrick.
234. November
1. Valentine Schleiffer and Susanah Collin.
235. November 8. Abraham Lutz and Elizabeth Conveer.
236. November 15. John Wanner and Margareth Hoot.
237. December 13. Samuel Cassel and Barbary Hunsperger.
238. December 13. Jacob Zeaver and Elizabeth Harp.
239. December 24. Jesse Stern and Rachel Zelzer.
240. December 24. Peter Bean and Ana Hunsperger.
1819.
241. February
10. John Classon and Mary Loucks.
242. March
7. Andrew Ziegler and Elizabeth Fryer.
243. March 27. David Kratz and Anna Letherach.
244. April 6. Abraham Moyer and Anna Godshall.
245. April 29. Henry Landis and Margareth Schwartz.
246. June
15. Benjamin Kister and Maria Cassel.
247. July
18. David Polick and Mary Zebold.
248. August
1. Christian Peters and Barbary Brauer.
249. September 30. Isaac Cassel and Susanah Heebner. 250. October 29. John Shafer and Anna Haupt.
251. November 4. John Weber and Elizabeth Markley.
252. November 30. Amos Warner and Elizabeth Heyser.
253. December 2. Samuel Stebbens and Lydia Speakman.
254. December
9. Jesse Fronefield and Cathrine Pruner.
1820.
255. January
23. Lewis Hittner and Elizabeth Brynor.
256. March
2. John Pruner and Cathrine Wisler.
257. March 7. Jacob Garner and Anna Boils.
258. March
23. Richard Anderson and Mary Storgis.
259. July 4. Jacob Frey and Cathrine Spere.
260. July 20. Andrew Miller and Mary Linck. (To be Continued. )
55
HISTORICAL NOTES.
The Church at Market Square. BY HENRY S. DOTTERER. Continued.
The land purchased was part of lot No. 10, on the main street in the original plan of the town. On the 18th of Sixth month (August), 1689, Francis Daniel Pastorius, partner and attorney of the Frankfort Company, deeded fifty acres to Dirk op den Kolek, in compensation for work done in Germantown under a contract March 23rd, 1685, for Thomas Von Willich and Johannes le Brun, partners in said company. By the terms of this contract Op den Kolek was to work for his employers one day of cach week for the period of four years. Op den Kolek, by deed poll dated and acknowledged the 6th of Third month, 1691, transferred this tract of fifty acres to James de la Plaine. It is described as bounded along the Mill street and Wolter Simon's land on the one side and with the lot of Wigart Levering on the other side. On the 6th of Eleventh month (January), 1703, James Delaplaine sold to the Bailiff, Burgess and Commonalty of Germantown, one-half acre for a market place. It had a front of fourteen perches on the main street, and a depth of five and three- quarters perches. May 30, 1723, James Delaplaine and Hannah, his wife, conveyed seventeen and a quarter acres of his land, part of the fifty acres, to John Midwinter. April 26, 1727, John Midwinter and Sarah, his wife, granted to Henry Frederick a half quarter of an aere, part of the seventeen and a quarter aeres. This one-half quarter acre, we have seen, was purchased for the Reformed congregation in 1732.
The following year, 1733, a house of worship was erected upon the lot. It was well built of stone, and of good capacity. Rev. John Philip Bohn, in a communication addressed to the Holland Church authorities, in 1739, describes it as "Eine wohlgebaute, ziemlich grosse Kirch, von Steinen."
In 1733, Rev. John Bartholomew Rieger preached in Germantown. We do not understand that John Bechtel had any relations with the congregation at this time other than as lay member and voluntary leader of meetings of its members. Under date of March 4, 1733, (unless this is 1733, it must have been before the new church was built ) the consistory of the Philadelphia Reformed congregation wrote a letter to Holland, in which is this statement: The Skippack, Germantown and Philadelphia congregations have a minister-Bartholomew Rieger-who came a year and a half ago to take the place of Dominic Weiss. He preaches on one Sunday at Skippack, the second at Germantown, and the third at Phila- delphia. Mr. Bartholomew also attached his signature to his letter thus: Joh : Barth : Rieger, Verbi divini Minister Eccles: ad V. D. Reformatorium quix Christo Philadelph : Germantown : et Colliguntur.
-
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HISTORICAL NOTES.
In 1784, the year following the construction of the church, the con- gregation numbered thirty members. So Mr. Bohm advised Holland, on the authority of figures received from two of the elders, Meng and Bensel. In October of the same year Bohm characterizes Germantown as a place possessing many advantages-"een seer voordelige plaats." It appears that Rieger had now left Philadelphia and Germantown. In the same letter, upon request, Pastor Bohm points out to the Synod of South and North Holland how four additional pastors could be usefully placed in Pennsylvania. Among his suggestions was this: One minister to take charge of the Philadelphia and Germantown congregations, and in con- nection with the latter the Whitemarsh congregation could be served, as it was but four English miles away.
It may be proper to explain at this point the reason for the activity of Rev. Mr. Bohm in the affairs of the Germantown congregation of which he was not, and had not been, so far as we are advised, at any time pastor. From the year 1729 the Reformed churches of Pennsyl- vania generally, few in number it is true, were subordinate to the Holland Church authorities. A year or two before this date the Synods of South and North Holland began to contribute money for the sustentation and advancement of these Pennsylvania congregations. The Hollanders were able and eager to supply the men and the money necessary for the up- building of the Church. They went about this matter in a methodical way. Their first step was to find out where the congregations were, what others could be judiciously organized, and how much money cach would undertake to contribute for the support of its pastor. The Hollanders tried several means to obtain the required information, but without suc- cess. They then applied to Mr. Bohm for help in this respect. He had been here for about ten years, was well acquainted with the condition of affairs, and proceeded energetically to supply detailed statistics and facts. When sufficiently informed they sent over the needed ministers, Bibles. books for parochial schools, and money to build churches and pay school- masters. In 1793 these relations between the Holland and Pennsylvania churches ceased. A great debt of gratitude is due to noble Holland-an obligation hardly acknowledged-for its unstinted liberality to the Penn- sylvania Reformed congregations for a period of nearly sixty-five years.
An idea of the confused state of the affairs of the Market Square church in 1738 may be gathered from the advices sent from Pennsylvania March 1, 1738, by Rev. Mr. Dorsius, sent from Holland for the special purpose of examining and reporting upon the state of the several Penn- sylvania churches, who wrote: At Germantown, six English miles distant from Philadelphia, is a fine church but a miserable minister, a Quaker- inclined weaver, who performs all the work of a minister there, although not authorized to do so. (Tot Germantown . .. is well een fraai kork
I
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HISTORICAL NOTES.
maar een ellendingen leeraar, een quaker-gezinden wever die daar alle het werk van cenen leeraar verrigt zonder daartoe geregtigt te zyn. )
A glimpse of the condition of the congregation in 1740 was obtained by me in the Church archives at The Hague, in a report made, at the request of the Holland church people for a statement of the sum the congregation felt able to pay towards a pastor's salary. The response to the inquiry was, translated from the German, as follows:
Owing to dissensions caused by all kinds of sectarian persons the Germantown church is in a very pitiable condition. However, if the Germantown and Whitemarsh congregations can be united, Ten Pounds Pennsylvania money can be collected annually for a pastor's salary. Signed as members of the congregation, by
Germandon, 18th March, 1740.
JACOB BAUMANN, JOHANN NICKLAUS RAUSCH.
The year 1742 was the most turbulent in the annals of Market Square church. On the 24th of November, 1741, Count Zinzendorf came to Philadelphia, having as one of his purposes a scheme to unite the leading men of the several denominations in Pennsylvania, especially the Ger- mans, for evangelical work. John Bechtel at once entered heartily into the movement. Henry Antes, a prominent Reformed churchman, issued a call for the first meeting in furtherance of this object to be held in Ger- mantown on New Year's Day, 1742. Market Square Reformed church was now the storm centre. John Philip Bohm, who appears to have at this time been nominal pastor here, in connection with his pastorate of Philadelphia and other congregations, vehemently opposed the project of the Count from the outset. But Bechtel and those of his way of thinking were in control. On the 31st of December, 1741, the Count was invited to preach in the church, and he did so. But of course contrary to the wishes of Bohm. The fifth conference of the representatives of the Zin- zendorfian movement was held, April 17-20, 1742, in this church. On Sunday, April 18, 1742, Bishop Nitschman consecrated Bechtel to the office of inspector, overseer, and teacher, over the Reformed preachers in Pennsylvania. [Fresenius Nachrichten, Dritter Band, Frankfurt und Leipzig, 1748, p. 183.] On the second day of Easter, the same year, according to Bohm, Bechtel arranged to administer the communion to the members of the church, and some accepted it from him. Count Zinzen- dorf came to Germantown on New Year's eve (December 31, 1742), and preached in the Reformed church. Nine days later he sailed from New York for Europe. In the course of the year 1742, the aims of the Count and his friends were greatly modified. The establishment of the Moravian Church in Pennsylvania was the outcome of their efforts. Mr. Bechtel's connection with the Reformed Church of Germantown 'terminated in 1744. In 1746 he removed to Bethlehem, and there performed respon- sible duties for the Moravians. Mr. Bohm's influence at Germantown now became stronger. The congregation now accepted the ordinances of
58
HISTORICAL NOTES.
the Holland Church, which under Mr. Bechtel's ministrations it had refused to do.
A graphic recital of doings at our first Market Square church during its carly years is given in another manuscript preserved in the archives at The Hague. It was forwarded to the Holland Church Fathers by John Philip Bohm in 1744. Its writer had strong prejudices, for which allow- ance must be made. Divested of its sharp strictures on Bohm's oppo- nents, the narrative runs substantially as follows:
As to the congregation at Germantown: It is true, they built a hand- some stone church, many years ago, for which they are still considerably in debt; but against our admonitions, warnings and protestations they have continually permitted the believers of all kinds of erroneous views to become associated with them. Bartholomew Rieger, while pastor at Philadelphia, preached for them a short time. When he left them they permitted John Bechtel to preach regularly in their church. So also did the aged Samuel Gulden, who according to his own printed writings was formerly minister of the three principal churches of Berne in Switzerland, but on account of his Pietism was forced to leave, and then came to this country. At this time he resides in Germantown and much of the time he preaches in their church. At the same time they allow a sectarian crowd to assemble therein every Sunday afternoon. Among these people is one of the Inspired, another a Pietist, a Separatist-persons of all the denominations known here. These meet in the church, select a subject from the Bible, and then discuss it. The public calls these persons dis- putants; but they call themselves the free assembly. At other times they allowed Count Zinzendorf and his Moravians to occupy the church and the Count to preach therein. And John Bechtel, the turner, was one of the Count's most willing lieutenants. But because the Count became involved in a difficulty with the Separatists, who pressed him too hard, he turned the congregation at Germantown over to his brother, the said John Bechtel, took his departure, and went to Philadelphia.
(To be Continued.)
THE FOUNDERS OF OUR CHURCH IN AMERICA.
The Church of the Heidelberg Catechism, in the British colonies of North America, traces its origin to the close of the seventeenth century. It consisted chiefly of emigrants from Switzerland and the Rhine provinces of Germany. Many of them were of Huguenot descent, whose fathers had fled from France to escape the persecution which followed the revoca- tion of the Ediet of Nantes. A better class of colonists never landed on these Western shores. For the most part they were poor; but they were religiously educated, industrious and frugal in their habits .- B. C. WOLFF.
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HISTORICAL NOTES.
Family History of Rev. John Philip Leydich.
John Philip Leydich, son of Rev. Leonhard Leydich, was born on the 28th of April, 1715, and baptized on the succeeding 5th of May, in Girkhausen, a dorf near Berleburg, in the district of Witgenstein, in West- phalia. His father was the pastor of the church at Girkhausen for forty years, beginning with 1707. John Philip entered the ministry as adjunct to his father. He married Maria Catharina Homrighausen. In 1747 he came to Pennsylvania, under the auspices of the Synod of South Holland, and was settled as pastor of the Falkner Swamp and affiliated Reformed congregations, about thirty-five miles west of Philadelphia. He died at the scene of his life's labors January 14, 1784.
A manuscript still preserved is a record of his father's family, written in Latin. A few words have been broken off the time-brittled paper; what remains is this:
15 die 28 Aprilis horam cireiter nonam respertinam in aqua- natu et die 5 Maj baptista Filialu meu Johann Philippus. Maria Catharina Homrighausen was born June 30, 1721; died Octo- ber 31, 1801.
The surname Leydich was changed to Leidig by the children of the founder of the family in America, and so remains.
Rev. John Philip Leydich and Maria Catharina Homrighausen, his wife, had seven children:
1. Franz Leidig, born in Europe, March 26, 1745; married Christina Bitting; was a resident of Frederick township, occupying a prominent place in the community; died June 2, 1811. His wife was a grand- daughter of Rev. John Philip Behm.
2. Elizabeth Gertrude Leidig, born in Europe October 10, 1746; married Alexander Dieffenderffer; died November 25, 1825 (N. S.) Alexander Dieffenderffer resided in Whitehall township, Bucks (now Lchigh ) county, Pennsylvania.
3. Maria Magdalena Leidig, born in Pennsylvania October 14, 1750; married, at Reading, Pa., April 13, 1772, John Nyce; died at Knauers- town, Chester county, Pa., January 28, 18440.
4. Sophia Leidig, born about 1752; married Gabriel Shuler. They lived and died in Vincent township, Chester county, Pa.
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