USA > Pennsylvania > Adams County > Littlestown > History and directory of the boroughs of Gettysburg, Oxford, Littlestown, York Springs, Berwick, and East Berlin, Adams County, Pa. : with historical collections > Part 3
USA > Pennsylvania > Adams County > Gettysburg > History and directory of the boroughs of Gettysburg, Oxford, Littlestown, York Springs, Berwick, and East Berlin, Adams County, Pa. : with historical collections > Part 3
USA > Pennsylvania > Adams County > East Berlin > History and directory of the boroughs of Gettysburg, Oxford, Littlestown, York Springs, Berwick, and East Berlin, Adams County, Pa. : with historical collections > Part 3
USA > Pennsylvania > Adams County > Oxford in Adams County > History and directory of the boroughs of Gettysburg, Oxford, Littlestown, York Springs, Berwick, and East Berlin, Adams County, Pa. : with historical collections > Part 3
USA > Pennsylvania > Adams County > York Springs > History and directory of the boroughs of Gettysburg, Oxford, Littlestown, York Springs, Berwick, and East Berlin, Adams County, Pa. : with historical collections > Part 3
USA > Pennsylvania > Adams County > Berwick in Adams County > History and directory of the boroughs of Gettysburg, Oxford, Littlestown, York Springs, Berwick, and East Berlin, Adams County, Pa. : with historical collections > Part 3
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mire and David Edie and their successors in office, by these presents, that the said Alexander Dobbin and David Moore and their heirs, the said described ground rents and lot of ground, hereby bargained and sold with the appurtenances unto the said Robert McIlhinny, Jacob Greenamire and David Edie and to their successors in office, against them the said Alex- ander Dobbin and David Moore, and their heirs, and against all and every person or persons whomsoever lawfully claiming the same, or any part thereof, by, from or under them or any or either of them, shall and will warrant and forever defend by these presents, as and for the same estate of inheritance which they had, or held therein, in trust as aforesaid and for no other or greater whatsoever. In Witness whereof the said parties to these presents have hereunto interchangeably set their hands and seals, dated the day and year first above written.
ALEXANDER DOBBIN [LS.] DAVID MOORE [LS.]
Witnessed by James Russell and Mary Russell; acknowledged before A. Russell ; and recorded by James Duncan.
In the early part of the present century, Gettysburg was noted for its extensive carriage manufactories, of which we find the following account in Rupp's history of five counties: "Previous to 1818, not a saw was drawn, not a plane pushed, neither auger nor wimble turned, a burnisher or a paint brush used, by the hand of a coachmaker in Gettysburg. In that year, an old shed was occupied as a shop, and in which two hands were engaged in making repairs to old stages; depending exclusively upon repairing and now and then a new stage, for support. For two years the proprietor had to twist and screw to get ahead-and withal, failed in his enterprise. Soon, however, another attempt was made; and in 1830, there were no less than ten or twelve shops, great and small, in successful operation, giving at the different branches connected with the business, employment to 130 workmen.". The amount of work then sold was not much short of $40,000, annually.
Gettysburg is distinguished for its institutions of learning-the Theolog- ical Seminary and Pennsylvania College-and above everything else, for the Battle which was fought here on the Ist, 2d and 3d days of July, 1863, for which the eloquent Kilpatrick styles it "the Salvation of the Union." Hundreds of visitors-soldiers, statesmen and tourists-from all parts of the Union, come to see the memorable Battle-field of Gettysburg, on which no expense or labor has been spared in restoring, as far as possible, its ap-' pearance after the conflict, and on which has been erected a fine observ- atory. The Soldiers' National Cemetery, too, is one of the principal and most attractive points of interest to the sight-seer. Gettysburg has a fine court house, many imposing buildings and residences, and compares fa- vorably in every respect with its sister towns throughout the State. Amid the destruction and revolution of ages, Gettysburg itself may be blotted out of existence, but its name will remain on the pages of history until time shall be no more.
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THE REFORMED CHURCH.
BY REV. M. KIEFFER, D. D.
This church holds to the faith of the Reformers of Switzerland and of the Palatinate of Germany, as symbolized in the Heidelberg Catechism, which was published and came to have confessional authority in the year of our Lord 1563. It united as one great family all the Reformed Churches of Germany, of Switzerland and Holland, and is also held in high esteem by other evangelical denominations of Christians.
When our forefathers came to this new world from Europe they brought their Bibles and their confessions of faith with them. They were a Chris- tian people, and heartily welcomed the first missionaries that the church sent across the waters to see after their spiritual interests. The mission- aries at first were few for so large a field. They usually organized con- gregations wherever they went, and then would visit them as often as they could until regular pastors could be settled over them. Sometimes many years elapsed before this could be accomplished. Thus the real history of many of our congregations is older than the written history. Hence there is but little doubt that the Reformed congregation in Gettysburg is older than the documentary evidence makes it appear. According to this, as carefully wrought out by Rev. W. R. H. Deatrich, (the predecessor of the present pastor,) the congregation was formally organized and placed under the pastoral care of Rev. George Troldenier in the year 1790. This divine was a graduate of the University of Halle, in Germany, and of the Divinity School in the free city of Bremen. He was a man of great abil- ity and extensive usefulness. Under his ministry, St. Mark's church, three and a half miles from town, was built, which is still a part of the Gettysburg charge. The two interests, it seems, were one from the begin- ning. The town congregation then worshiped in a log school house on High street. Yet the membership increased in numbers until 1794, when their esteemed pastor was called away to Baltimore.
Rev. John C. Gobrecht, then living in Hanover, took the spiritual over- sight of this congregation as a sort of supply, in connection with a number of other congregations. This relation continued till the year 1800. Rev. Ludwig Lebrecht Hinsch, living near Bendersville, then supplied the con- gregation until the year 1807. At this time, Rev. Frederic Rahouser was licensed as a minister of the Gospel, ordained and installed as pastor of this and several other congregations. He resided in Emmittsburg ; yet his labors in Gettysburg were greatly blessed. The old log school house was soon found to be too small to hold the people, and the court house was secured by them as a place of worship; but soon this also was found to be too small. Accordingly in 1803 the congregation resolved to unite with the St. James Lutheran congregation in the erection of a church building, which resulted, after long and continuous effort on both sides, in the completion, in the year 1814, of the "Union brick church," located on the corner of High and Stratton streets. The dedication took place Sun-
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day, Oct. 16th, 1814. Owing doubtless to the difficulty of securing money in those days, the high and beautiful steeple was not completed until 1821 -the only steeple, by the way, that has ever adorned a church in Gettys- burg.
In 1815, Rev. John Wm. Runkel became the successor of Rev. Ra- houser as the regular minister in the pastoral charge. This pastoral rela- tion continued fifteen years, and was characterized by the growth and prosperity of the congregation. Rev. Runkel kept a journal to which we are indebted for the traditions gathered up in this brief sketch. It is to be found in the library of the late Dr. John Runkel, who died in this place. In the hands of a Dr. Schaff, or a Dr. Harbaugh, it would furnish mate- rial for an interesting book.
Up to this time the services in the union church were conducted wholly in the German language. That was a church! It had a steeple with bells in it, of clear, full sound; and better still, it actualized the true idea of Christian worship. Rev. David Bossler succeeded Rev. R. and labored successfully in this field for six years. During this time the stream of Ger- man church-life flows on without any disturbance of its pure waters. But now there comes to be a demand for English preaching. A new order of things is commenced. The next minister must be able to preach in both the German and English languages. Gettysburg becomes the centre of a new pastoral charge. Flohr's, Arendtsville, Bender's, and St. Mark's churches all unite with Gettysburg in securing the services of a man suited to the wants of both old and young. Two years are spent in efforts to se- cure a man who can preach "half German and half English," at a salary of $400! At last Rev. Benj. S. Schneck undertakes the task. He was a fluent speaker in both languages. His services were appreciated to the amount promised. But the philosophy of Dr. Tanner being entirely un- known, and Rev. Schneck being, in potentia, a Doctor of Divinity and an Editor, he was providentially called to Chambersburg, after a residence here of only thirteen months. In so short a time, much could not be ac- complished.' A church record, however, is commenced, and in it be- comes evident also that there will be a clashing of the German and the English elements.
The charge is now vacant from Nov. 8th, 1835, to Aug. 22, 1838. Rev. Samuel Gutelius, editor of the German church paper, is now induced to serve the congregation as a kind of supply, in connection with his duties as editor. He labors in this twofold capacity about two years. He is then relieved of the editorship and becomes the regular pastor, which re- lation continues from 1840 to 1843. During this time the Gettysburg con- gregation showed some signs of life by securing a lecture room and a va- cant lot for a parsonage, (valuable property,) on High street.
May 10th, 1843, Rev. E. V. Gerhart, one of the first regular graduates of Marshall College and of the Theological Seminary at Mercersburg, be- came pastor of the charge. But he was also intended to become a Doctor
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of Divinity and a Professor-so he soon outgrew little Gettysburg. But it is evident that the five years of his ministry here inspired the congregation with new life and spirit. By this time the denominational feeling devel- oped itself in both the Lutheran and Reformed congregations worshiping in the "union brick church." There were strifes and jarrings, which were very unpleasant to a man of refinement and culture; hence he left for a humble mission-field in Cincinnati, thence to be promoted to the highest position in the Theological Seminary of the church, which position he still fills with great credit. He was succeeded by Rev. Jacob Ziegler the same year ;- a man not so cultured, but a General Jackson-like man, well suited for the work to be done. During his ministry the congregation bought out the St. James' Lutheran interest in the old union church (for $300 and the small bell,) and erected the present spacious building in its stead. Several years were spent in great activity by both pastor and peo- ple in collecting funds for the new church. To aid in the matter, the mis- take was made of selling the property in High street for $560. The best generals sometimes make mistakes, and this was certainly one. Had that property been retained the congregation might now have a parsonage and a lecture room well located, as well as the large and comfortable church. In an incredibly short time the church was built and paid for. In 1852 the church was dedicated to the service of God, free of debt. In 1858 the Gettysburg charge was divided. Gettysburg, Flohr's and St. Mark's churches were constituted the charge, and Rev. T. P. Bucher installed as pastor-the former pastor preferring the Conowago charge. Rev. Bucher was popular in Gettysburg. In his day the "pew system" was adopted by the congregation. The building was enlarged and improved, and was re- dedicated in June, 1862. Rev. Bucher resigned in 1863, and removed to Dayton, Ohio.
At the "Battle of Gettysburg" the churches were all used as hospitals. The Reformed church was very much injured. The lecture-room espe- cially was left in a sad condition. Rev. Deatrich became pastor of the charge (Flohr's being detached from it,) in the early part of 1864. His pastorate continued about nine and a half years. He was faithful and suc- cessful. He added many members to the church each year. He intro- duced the liturgical order of worship into the sunday-school, which was organized with Mr. Geo. Geyer as Superintendent, in 1838. He removed to Mechanicsburg in 1873, where also his labors are crowned with success.
The present pastor, Rev. Dr. M. Kieffer, commenced his labors here in 1874. One hundred and eighteen members have been added to the town congregation and about thirty to the country charge, in the six years of his ministry ; yet, as there is but little employment here for young people, there are so many removals that the actual increase of the congregation is not very large. The town congregation numbers about two hundred and fifty, and St. Mark's church about one hundred. For the most part they have but little wealth. Yet they have shown great liberality in the im-
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provement of the church and grave yard at an expense of about $800, and in the support of their pastor, who is laboring to build them up in their most holy faith. Long may these two congregations live and grow to the honor of Jehovah's great name !
THE UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. BY REV. JOHN JAMISON.
The United Presbyterian congregation of Gettysburg was organized April 8th, 1753, by Rev. John Cuthbertson, of the Reformed Presbyterian church. In 1782, a union was consummated between the Associate and the Reformed Presbyterian churches, constituting the Associate Reformed church of North America. The congregation then became Associate Reformed, and continued in this connection until 1858, when a union was perfected between the old Associate and the Associate Reformed churches, forming what is now the United Presbyterian church of North America. (A few ministers and congregation of the old Associate church refused to enter the union in 1782, and kept up their organization till 1858.) The congrega- tion in question is United Presbyterian.
The congregation originally worshiped in a log house, near Rock Creek, and about one mile northeast of where Gettysburg now stands. It was known as the Rock Creek congregation. When Adams County had been stricken off, and Gettysburg was selected as the county seat, the congre- gation, in 1805, erected a substantial brick building in the Borough, sit- uated on High Street. It is still used as a house of worship.
Rev. Alexander Dobbin was their first pastor. He entered on the du- ties of his pastoral office in 1774, and continued faithfully to perform his duties up to the time of his death, which occurred June Ist, 1809. Rev. Charles G. McLean, D. D., was their second pastor. He was installed in 1814, and continued in this relation during a period of nearly thirty years. Rev. Robert Gracey, D. D., was their third pastor, and continued to act in this capacity for about five years. Rev. William McElwee was their fourth pastor, and remained in charge about five years. Their fifth pastor was Rev. James S. Woodburn, who remained but a short time. Their sixth pastor is Rev. John Jamison, who is still in charge.
THE METHODIST CHURCH. FROM A SKETCH IN "COMPILER" BY J. JEFF. MYERS.
Bishop Francis Asbury and Rev. Freeborn Garretson were probably the first Methodist ministers who visited this section. Their travels date back as far as 1783. In 1803, visits were made by Revs. Joseph Stone and Daniel Fidler. The first class was formed in 1815, but the members were few in number, of whom Rev. Hezekiah Van Orsdel, of Hunterstown, was leader. In 1818, the members were thirty in number. Mr. Van Orsdel was succeeded as leader in 1822, by Mr. Wesley Woods. Prayer and
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Class meetings were at first held in a small white house on Baltimore Street, and the preaching took place in the old court house in the Square.
In 1822, the first church was built, on Middle Street, at a cost of about $2,000. The place of burial was in the rear of the church until the organi- zation of Evergreen Cemetery, in 1854. A Sabbath School was established in 1826, with Ezekiel Buckingham as Superintendent, and Geo. Walsh as- sistant. About eighty scholars were at first in attendance, with a steady increase until 1829, when other denominational schools were organized, and reduced the number of scholars. A small library was purchased in 1831, of which many books are still preserved as relics.
Rev. John Bear, Presiding Elder of Carlisle District, of which this cir- cuit was a part, removed to Gettysburg in 1827, and remained here for about two years. For a period of forty-nine years,-from 1827 to 1876,- Gettysburg was the headquarters of this circuit, when it was made a sta- tion.
In 1835, a parsonage was purchased at the intersection of the Bonneau- ville road with York Street, for $900; this was sold in 1856, for $1,400, and the present parsonage "over the hill" procured at a cost of $970. The present pastor is Rev. R. H. Colburn. The new church on East Middle Street was built in 1872.
The first camp-meeting was held on lands of James Brinkerhoff, on the York pike, about three miles from town, Aug. 20th, 1827, since which time camp-meetings are regularly held, and seldom fail to increase the mem- bership. The first revival occurred during the pastorate of Revs. Thomas McGee and Jacob Doub in 1826, which resulted in the addition of about seventy-five members to the church. The following is a list of pastors of Gettysburg circuit from its organization-the first name being that of the preacher in charge, and the second that of the junior preacher :-
1827, S. Clark, Geo. Hildt ; 1828, W. O. Lunsden, T. H. W. Monroe ; 1829, S. Kepler, J. C. Lyon ; 1830, Jonathan Monroe, Robert Crooks ; 1831, Wm. Butler, Steph. Smith ; 1832, Wm. Butler, J. L. Pitts ; 1833, C. B. Young, J. L. Pitts ; 1834, C. B. Young, J. W. Richardson ; 1835, R. Bond, James Housewert ; 1836, R. Bond, James Brad; 1837-38, A. Smith, T. H. Brown ; 1839, Henry Furlong, John M. Jones ; 1840-41, Josiah For- est, Wesley Howe ; 1842, Thos. McGee, Henry Hoffman ; 1843, Thos. McGee,, Thos. Reese ; 1844, S. McMullin, Thos. Reese ; 1845, S. McMul- lin, Thos. Switzer ; 1846-47, Thos. Taneyhill, R. S. McClay ; 1848, Hor. Holland, John Thrush ; 1849, H. Holland, Beverly Waugh ; 1850, Jona- than Monroe, Wm. Hardin ; 1851, J. Monroe, Frank Gearhart ; 1852, Eph. McCollum, Samuel Smith ; 1853, Eph. McCollum, R. W. Black ; 1854-5, J. H. C. Dosh, Wm. Earnshaw ; 1856, John. Anderson, O. B. Thayer ; 1857, John Bowen, A. E. Taylor ; 1858, J. Bowen, M. L. Drum ; 1859, H. G. Dill, J. R. Cadden ; 1860, H. G. Dill, C. L. K. Sumwalt ; 1861, Geo. Stevenson, C. L. K. Sumwalt ; 1862, Geo. Berkstresser, G. W. Morgan ; 1863, G. Berkstresser, C. W. Morgan, D. Eisenberg ; 1864, S. M. L. Con-
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sor, J. M. Lantz ; 1865, S. M. L. Consor, G. W. Miller ; 1866, G. W. Bouse ; 1867, G. W. Bouse, A. J. Bender ; 1868, J. B. Van Meter, J. B. Shaver ; 1869, H. C. Chester, G. A. Singer ; 1870, H. C. Chester, J. H. S. Clark ; 1871, J. B. Young, W. H. Houghtelin ; 1872-73, J. B. Young, J. Gulden ; 1874, M. L. Ganoe, T. M. Griffith; 1875, M. L. Ganoe, A. S. Baldwin ; 1876, M. L. Ganoe ; 1877, Wm. A. Clippinger ; 1878-79, J. H. McCord.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
FROM A "HISTORICAL DISCOURSE" BY REV. J. K. DEMAREST.
The first Presbyterian church building stood in the vicinity of what is now known as Black's graveyard. A considerable number of Presbyte- rians having already settled here in 1738, it is probable that the first church organization took place about 1740. The congregation originally worshiped in private houses until the "meeting house" was built; this was built of logs, and had "long, low, double-sashed windows." It was built about 1747, for in May, 1765, Hance Hamilton, Robert McPherson, Sam- uel Eddie, and John Buchanan applied for a warrant for one hundred acres of land in Cumberland township, stating that "a meeting house was erected by said congregation on a tract of one hundred acres in the Ma- nor of Masque about eighteen years ago, and ever since used and enjoyed by them."
Among the pastors of Upper and Lower Marsh Creek from this period, were Revs. Joseph Tate, Andrew Bay, Robert McCordie, James Lang, Jo- seph Rhea, Samuel Kennedy, Robert Huey, some of whom only preached for a few months. In 1775, Rev. John Black became pastor, and served for nineteen years. During his ministry, the old log church at Upper Marsh Creek was removed, and a large stone church erected about 1780. In 1800, Rev. David McConaughy accepted a call from Upper Marsh Creek and Great Conowago congregations-his ministry continuing for thirty years.
On the 6th of April, 1813, the congregation of Upper Marsh Creek re- solved to sell their house of worship and remove to Gettysburg. At first services were held in the Associate Reformed church, and afterwards the use of the court house was obtained and services held there until August, 1816. The first church in town stood on the corner of Washington and Railroad streets. Rev. McConaughy resigned in 1832, and Rev. James C. Watson, D. D., became pastor. In December, 1736, it was resolved to remove the old church edifice, which from some cause had already be- come unsafe. The congregation worshiped in the Associate Reformed church. Nothing had been done in 1840, except a lot purchased, but "the people becoming freshly enthused, resolved, that it is expedient and neces- sary to erect immediately a plain, substantial church on the lot belonging to the congregation, on the corner of High and south Baltimore streets," The building was completed in 1842.
The union between this church and Great Conowago was now discon-
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tinued, and Rev. Robert Johnston succeeded Dr. Watson in 1850. Rev. Geo. P. Van Wyck became pastor in 1856, and was succeeded in 1861 by Rev. H. G. Finney. Rev. Finney had spiritual charge during the battle, on the first day of which this church was converted into a hospital, and continued such for six months. Mr. Finney resigned in 1864, and was succeeded by Rev. D. T. Carnahan, who was installed June 13th, 1865, and resigned May 6th, 1867. From the summer of 1867, until the spring of 1869, the pulpit was mainly supplied by Rev. Edsall Ferrier, of Penn- sylvania College. About this time, the dwelling since occupied as a par- sonage, was purchased. Rev. W. H. Hillis was called in May, 1869, and resigned in January, 1872. In December, Rev. W. W. Campbell became pastor. In June, 1875, he resigned, and the present pastor, Rev. J. K. Demarest, was installed in January, 1876.
CHRIST (EV. LUTH.) CHURCH. FROM A "HISTORICAL DISCOURSE" BY CHARLES A. HAY D. D.
This church traces its origin directly back to the settlements of Ger- mans who immigrated to this county over a century ago. These settlers, both Lutheran and Reformed, received their first pastoral visitations from ministers of the Lutheran and German Reformed congregations at Hano- ver. It is not exactly known when the first Lutheran congregation was organized in Gettysburg, but it was probably before the year 1789, at which time both denominations worshiped in an "old log school house" on the corner of High and Stratton streets. These affiliated churches made an effort in 1803 to build a larger house of worship, but for the time were not successful. After the school house became too small for the in- creasing congregations, they held services in the new court house, then erected. In 1811, the two congregations again determined to build them- selves a new church, the corner-stone of which was laid Aug. 27th, 1812, near the corner of High and Stratton streets. The congregations were here served by Rev. John G. Grobp, of Taneytown, and after him by Rev. Breinig. The earliest church records were begun by Rev. John Herbst, and bear date 1819. Rev. Herbst was pastor until 1829. During his ad- ministration the Theological Seminary was established in Gettysburg. Rev. Charles Weyl succeeded Rev. Herbst, and Rev. F. Ruthrauff be- came pastor in 1832. During his pastorate the first steps were taken that led to the establishment of the second Lutheran church in Gettysburg, and at a meeting of the pew holders held Feb. 16th, 1835, the lot at present occupied by the church was selected. Rev. Benjamin Keller was installed as pastor of Christ church Dec. 4th, 1836. After his resignation in 1839, Rev. Prof. H. J. Smith acted as pastor, and was succeeded by Rev. Prof. H. L. Baugher. Dr. Baugher resigning in 1852, Rev. Dr. Schmucker of- ficiated as pastor. In 1855, Dr. Schmucker was succeeded by Rev. Dr. Krauth, who served in that capacity until 1861, when Dr. Baugher was prevailed upon to re-assume the duties of his former pastorate. He was
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pastor during the memorable days of July, 1861, when this church was the first one to be used as a hospital. Dr. Baugher resigned Jan. 4th, 1866, and the present pastor, Rev. C. A. Hay, was chosen Feb. 14th, 1866. This church is generally called the College church, as its pulpit is fre- quently supplied by Professors and students of that institution.
THE PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH. BY REV. A. E. TORTAT.
The Protestant Episcopal Church "of the Prince of Peace," at Gettys- burg, was started by Rev. Henry L. Phillips in June, 1875. On the 17th of December, 1876, the present temporary wooden chapel, on Carlisle street, was first used for divine service, the Rector officiating, and Rev. J. H. Marsden preaching the sermon. It is in contemplation to build a more substantial structure, at some future day, as a memorial of the heroes who fell on this battle-field, and as a thank offering to the "Prince of Peace." Rev. A. E. Tortat became pastor in January, 1880. The church wardens are the Hon. Wm. McClean and J. C. Hunt, Esq.
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