History of Berks county in Pennsylvania, Part 132

Author: Montgomery, Morton L. (Morton Luther), b. 1846
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts, Peck & Richards
Number of Pages: 1418

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HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

In 1845 he was called to St. Paul's Church, Louisville, Ky., but declined the invitation. Early the following year he accepted the rector- ship of St. ' Luke's Church, Philadelphia. In 1847 he was elected a member of the standing committee of the diocese of Pennsylva- nia and served that body for many years as secretary. In 1848 he received from Brown University the degree of Doctor of Divinity. Having in 1850 taken his seat in the General Convention as a deputy, he was at once elected its secretary, and filled the office with great abil- ity for a period of twelve ycars, after which he declined re-election. Under his rectorship in St. Luke's Parish, Philadelphia, various mission enterprises were inaugurated, the first being a " night-school " for young men. He founded St. Luke's Home for Aged Women, then a Sun- day-school for colored children, which was fol- lowed by the inauguration of a system of mis- sionary work in the southwestern part of the city. A hall was engaged, centrally situated in the neighborhood, from which the congregation was to be gathered in. A Sunday-school, sew- ing-school, night-school and the usual forces of mission work were put into active operation, resulting in the purchase of the neighboring Church of the Ascension, which for five years was connected with St. Luke's as its mission chapel and afterwards became an independent church. On the election of an assistant bishop of Pennsylvania, in 1858, the name of Dr. M. A. De Wolfe Howe came prominently before the convention. At the death of Bishop Bow- man, a few years later, he was again placed in nomination, but withdrew in favor of Rev. Dr. Stevens. In 1865 he was elected missionary bishop of Nevada (an ecclesiastical jurisdiction including Utah, New Mexico and Arizona), but after mature deliberation he declined the office. In May, 1870, the convention of the diocese of Pennsylvania decided upon a division of jurisdiction, subject to the approval of the General Convention. The diocese which it was proposed to erect was to consist of territory out- side the counties of Philadelphia, Delaware, Chester, Montgomery and Bucks. This divi- sion would leave thirty-seven counties in the proposed new diocese. The General Couveution

assented to this division in October, 1871, and the new diocese was named the Diocese of Cen- tral Pennsylvania at the primary convention held at Harrisburg on the 8th of November of the same year. In the following day's session the Rev. Dr. Howe was elected bishop of this diocese by a very gratifying vote. The conse- cration took place in St. Luke's Church, Phila- delphia, on Innocents' Day, December 28, 1871. The bishop's first episcopal duty in his diocese was performed in Trinity Church, Easton, on the 14th of January, 1872, the city of Read- ing afterwards becoming his residence. The Diocese of Central Pennsylvania contains twenty- four thousand square miles. From 1871 to 1884 Bishop Howe administered this great dio- cese alone, travelling in the visitation of its parishes six thousand miles yearly. In that period he consecrated thirty-five new churches, and the number of the clergy increased fron fifty-seven to ninety-eight. In the autumn of 1884 the Rev. N. S. Rulison, D.D., was conse- crated as assistant bishop, since which time Bishop Howe has confined bimself to general administration in the diocese. Amid his proper labors Dr. Howe bas devoted some leisure to literary work, and has published the following : " Essays and Fugitive Pieces in Verse," " A pamphlet on the right of the Eastern Diocese to elect an Assistant Bishop," " A Review of the Report of the Boston School Committee," " A pamplilet in vindication of the Missionary Association for the West," " Preface to Butler's Edition of Bishop Heber's Poems," "Several Occasional Sermons," " Sermon before the Con- vention of the Diocese of Pennsylvania," " Me- moirs of the Rt. Rev. Alonzo Potter, D.D."

ST. BARNABAS' CHURCH .- This is a free church and had its origin in mission services, which were conducted by members of Christ Church. On December 5, 1859, Rev. Jolin Long became the first rector of the parish es- tablished about that time, and he served until November 1, 1861. During his ministry the present small brick church was built on Sixth near Bingaman Street, having been completed and first occupied in the fall of 1860. Peter Joues, Wharton Morris and David A. Griffith were the building committee. The congregation

BISHOP OF CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA.

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numbers sixty communicant members. The vestry for the year 1886 comprises: Wardens, Peter Jones and William Bouchat; Vestrymeu, Samuel C. Moyer, Wm. K. Yocom, Nicholas Jones, Joseph W. Holmes, George Ray, Huys- inga Bouchat and Emanuel Richards.

After the resignation of Rector Long the congregation was supplied with preaching by Christ Church until 1864, since which time the rectors have been :

1864, Rev. C. J. Wendley; 1865, Rev. Hiram Adams ; 1867, Rev. H. S. Gallodet; 1869, Rev. Jere- miah Karcher ; 1874, Rev. C. J. Wendley ; 1876, Rev. William Burk; 1881, Rev. Benjamin W. Stone; 1883- 86, Rev. Lewis P. Cloves.

The Sabbath-school is superintended by Chester B. Jennings and the membership num- bers one hundred and twenty.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH .- The exact date of the organization of the Presbyterian congregation in Reading is not known. John F. Grier came to Reading in the beginning of the year 1811, probably shortly before; when he and John McKnight, William Bell, Sam- uel Bell, William Moore, Louis Reese and others, about that time, or soon after- ward, associated together for the purpose of organizing a Presbyterian congregation. For several years, however, there would appear to be no definite information. In 1813, there would seem to have been an organization, for tnen ruling elders, were ordained,-namely, John McKnight, William Bell, William Moore and Charles Snowden. On November 22, 1814, Mr. Grier was ordained as a minister by the Presbytery of New Castle in the Trinity Luth- eran Church. He had carried on teaching in the "Reading Academy" for at least three years previously. From the time of his ordina- tion he doubtless preached regularly, if he did not preach before; and from this time onward he exerted himself toward increasing his con- gregation and toward obtaining a separate church for religious worship. In both respects he was successful. His membership comprised numerous influential people who were prom- inent in the business and social affairs of the town.

In 1823 the congregation purchased lot No. 526 and half of 525, Penn Street (north side be- tween Second and Third Streets), and thereon caused a building to be erected. The corner- stone was laid on Sunday morning, June 29, 1823, in the presence of a large number of peo- ple. The day was bright and beautiful. Vocal and instrumental music was rendered. A Ger- mau hymn, composed for the occasion, was sung. Rev. H. A. Muhlenberg (pastor of Trinity Lutheran congregation) delivered a brief in- troduction, address and prayer in the German language, and Rev. J. N. C. Grier (of Chester County) preached an appropriate sermon. The ceremony of laying the corner-stone was per- formed by the pastor of the congregation, Rev. J. F. Grier. In the afternoon, services were held in Trinity Lutheran Church (which was kindly given for the occasion), the Rev. Mr. Dechant, pastor of the German Presbyterian Church at Pottsgrove (Pottstown), having preached in the German language. And the building was dedicated on May 2, 1824. In the dedication, eight clergymen from four dif- ferent denominations officiated.

Large circular pillars were constructed in the front of the building and painted in imita- tion of marble. The building was painted white, for which reason it was commonly known as the "White Church." Its dimensions were forty by seventy-five feet, and its capacity was about six hundred persous.

In 1825 the membership of the congregation was sixty-eight.

In 1847 another site was selected for a new and improved building. The last services in the " White Church " were held on the 9th of May, 1847. On the 24th of June fol- lowing the corner-stone of the new building was laid. Whilst the building was in course of erection, services were held in the English Lutheran Church (St. Matthew's), a tem- porary association of the two congregations hav- ing been carried on successfully, and the alternate services of the respective pastors having been largely attended. It was dedicated on the 19th of November, 1848, the officiating ministers having been Rev. E. J. Richards, the pastor, Rev. De Witt, of Harrisburg, and Rev. Albert Barnes,

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HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

of Philadelphia. This building is still standing. Upon its completion the cost amounted to fif- teen thousand dollars. The dimensions are sixty-one by eighty-one feet. A square tower, ninety-five feet high, is constructed in front. The face of the front and tower is cut sand- stone. The style of architecture is "early English Gothic." The seating capacity is about one thousand persons. In 1883-84 a fine and commodious addition was made to the rear of the building.

The pastors who have served this congrega- tion were,-

John F. Grier, 1813-29; Eleazer Holt, 1832-35; William Sterling, 1835-44; E. J. Richards, 1846-72 ; Wallace Radcliffe, 1872-85 ; James Leeper, 1886.

Elders for 1886 : Caleb Wheeler, James F. Smith, James Jameson, J. H. Sternbergh, Frank B. Nagle and Joseph V. Kendall. The Sunday- school connected with this church numbers three hundred and fifty pupils with J. H. Sternbergh as superintendent ; and the congregation four hundred and seventy members.

BETHANY MISSION CHAPEL .- In North Reading, near the terminus of Ninth Street, the Presbyterians erected a chapel as a thank- offering for the reunion of the Old and New School Presbyterian Churches, which resulted from meetings in the vicinity for Sun- day-school purposes, begun on the 28th of June, 1868. The chapel was dedicated on the 11th of September, 1870. The Sunday-school connected with this chapel numbers one hundred and thirty-five members, and is superintended by Charles S. Foos.

Certain Presbyterians exerted themselves in behalf of establishing a Sunday-school at Read- ing about 1815, and finally succeeded in organ- izing a Sabbath-school association in 1819. Shortly after its organization the school assem- bled in the " State-House," and continued to assemble there till the Fifth Street Church was completed, in 1848, when it was transferred thither. It has been in active, continuous oper- ation since.

In 1858 a " Union Mission Sunday-School " was organized, which was held in the Franklin Street public school building. At first it was composed of members of different

denominations, but it soon became exclusively Presbyterian, when the name was changed to Calvary Presbyterian Sabbath-School. It has been carried on successfully since.

WASHINGTON STREET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH congregation was organized April 29, 1823, by Rev. John A. Grier. A property was purchased then on the northeast corner of Washington and Mulberry Streets,-a lot sixty by two hundred and twenty-five feet, with two tenements thereon, which were then converted into a "house of worship," at an expense of five hundred dollars. The cost of this improve- ment was paid by Rev. Grier and his widow. The following early ministers officiated :

Rev. Mr. Ward, two years ; Rev. John Gloucester, three years ; Rev. John Dorsey, one year ; Rev. Thom- as Hunt, two years.

Rev. Gloucester also served the congregation from 1844 till 1849.

In 1848 a new church was erected on same site for fifteen hundred dollars. The church building was improved in 1882 at an expense of about five hundred dollars. Rev. William R. Templeton has been the resident pastor since 1874. The present (1885) membership of church is sixty.

It is believed that a Sunday-school was organized in 1835. The school now numbers one hundred and thirty children. Hiram Fry was superintendent for over forty years.

Members of this congregation on 1st of April, 1834,-

Herman Fry (elder), Abraham Fry (elder), Henry Jones (elder), Richard Brown (deacon), James Ban- ton (deacon), Margaret Clymer, Hester Brown, Maria Fry, Catharine Jones, Elizabeth Bowers, Mary Waters, Elizabeth Dobbing, Abigail Leader, Eliza- beth Fry, Hannah Brown, Mary Goldy, Mary Aun Wilson, Margaret Banton, Mrs. Dorsey, Jane Baker, Richard Dorsey.

BAPTIST CHURCHES.

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH .- From the begin- ning of Reading for a period of eighty years there were persons who were Baptists by pro- fession of faith and doctrine; but their num- ber was too small to admit of an organization. They attended the religious services of other congregations and were somewhat classed with

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them till a separate organization was effected ; but they doubtless occasionally went to Sink- ing Spring to participate in the worship of their own denomination-a Baptist Church in the county having been established there about 1740. Another church probably earlier was also nearer Reading, on the Wyomissing Creek.

During the year 1828, Revs. John Booth aud Leonard Fletcher, of the Baptist denomina- tion, visited Reading occasionally and held re- ligious services. Toward the close of that year (December 20, 1828), a half-dozen baptized persons met in the dwelling of William James, on the northwest corner of Front and Franklin Streets, and organized the First Baptist congre- gation of Reading. Revs. J. Booth and J. H. Kennard were present upon that occasiou and assisted in its organization and recognition. The names of the six constituent members were William James, Adam Johnson, Sr., John Faulkner, Sarah Faulkner, Mary Ann Lockart and Ann Oliver.

Shortly afterward, in 1829, this little society purchased a lot of ground on the south- east corner of Front and Cherry Streets, and thereon immediately began and soon completed a modest church. In this building they con- tinued to hold their religious services till the summer of 1836, when they removed to another church, which they had just before erected, situated on Chestnut Street, north side, above Fourth. In 1845 this church was found too small and inconvenient for them, so they substi- tuted a larger building. This has been occupied to the present time. It is a plain but substantial and comfortable plastered brick building, two stories in height, and capable of seating in the auditorium about five hundred persons. For some time after the organization of the con- gregation there was no regular preaching. But during the first six years they obtained their first pastor,-when, it is not known, owing to the loss of the minutes of the congregation. Since its organization about seven hundred inembers were added by baptism. The Sunday-school was organized, which has been carried on since successfully.

In 1869 the congregation erected a small brick chapel on Ninth Street, beyond Centre,

and then organized the Second Baptist Church, which was known as the Berean Mission.

The pastors of the First Baptist Church were : -

George Higgins, E. M. Barker, 1835-38; Enos M. Philips, 1840-42; Samuel Davidson, 1842-45 ; Emer- son Andrews, 1845-46; Joseph Hammitt, 1846-49; Isaac Bevan, 1850-58 ; George Frear, 1858-72 ; A. H. Sembower, 1872-85 ; Charles M. Deitz, since June 1,1885.

The present membership is five hundred and fifteen ; number of members added under the present pastor, one hundred and twenty-five. A flourishing Sunday-school meets in this church, of which Daniel Shaaber is superintendent.

The Sunday-school Association has begun a mission school in Ricktown, which is superin- tended by Jesse Orr.

BEREAN BAPTIST CHURCH is located on North Ninth Street, above Centre. The build- ing in which the congregation worships was built in 1869 by the First Baptist Church of Reading. The congregation was organized July 15, 1879, when the building was leased and has since been used by the Berean congre- gation. The pastors who have officiated since the time of the organization were J. P. Mc- Collough, from November, 1879, to September, 1880; J. J. Reeder, from October, 1880, to April, 1882 ; B. G. Parker, from June, 1882, to Sep- tember, 1884. The present pastor is J. N. Earle, who has served since December, 1885. The original membership was eighteen ; present (1886) membership, ninety-two. The Sunday-school was organized in 1869 ; transferred to the Berean Church in 1879. J. H. Romkin has served as superintendent since organization.

UNIVERSALIST CHURCH. - The Universa- list congregation was organized in 1831. Sev- eral years before, in June, 1829, the Rev. Theophilus Fiske preached in the city on the doctrine of " the restitution of all things." He came here for that purpose upon the invitation of certain influential citizens, comprising, amoug others, members of the Keim, Boas and Ritter families. The Keim family are descendants of Dr. George de Benneville, who emigrated from England to this country in 1841, and who, it is believed, was the first public advocate of Uni- versalism on the Western Continent.

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HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

After the organization of the society, steps were taken for the erection of a building for public worship ; the corner-stone was laid Aug. 12, 1831, and on the 22d day of April, 1832, the church was dedicated. The building is still standing. It is situated on the south side of Franklin Street, above Fourth ; two-story brick, forty by sixty feet, with a belfry, and capable of seating about five hundred people. An addition was made in 1870 for Sunday- school purposes by the Sunday-school. It is the third church which was consecrated to this faith in Pennsylvania.

The society was incorporated on May 29, 1832. The charter members were,-

George D. B. Keim, George M. Keim, Chas. Kessler, John Taxis, Daniel Seider, John Ritter, John M. Keim, Abel Levering, John Walter, Jacob W. Seitz- inger, John Green, Christian Ritter, John Boas, Jr., Henry Schoener, J. Walter Frill, John W. Tyson, Charles Phillippi, Daniel H. Boas, Samuel Fesig, George Till, John Brown, Joseph Snyder, Samuel Ritter, Samuel Goodman, John Boas, Godfrey Pflieger, John H. Beachell, Samuel Levan, Jr., David Medary, Daniel M. Keim, William P. Orrick, Jacob Marshall, William Cathcart, Franklin Miller, and John Chris- tian.

The following persons joined the congrega- tion soon after the erection of the church :

Joseph Berrett, Sr., William E. Wilson, John K. Wright, John H. Danfield, Lewis Briner, William H. Miller, Elizabeth Hutchings, Sarah Berrett, Eliza Cathcart, Amelia Christian, Elizabeth Tyson, Mary F. Tyson, Catharine Kessler, Mary Elizabeth Ritter, Caty Ritter, Mary Pflieger, Joel Ritter, Peter Viven, Benjamin Stamm, Catharine C. Schoener, George Al- bright, Sarah B. Albright, James Yager, Eliza Bright, Robert W. Albright, Lavinia Tyson, Sarah Cheeney, Catharine Fincher, Henrietta Finney, Sarah Kessler, Rebecca Pflieger, Richard Warner, Lewis Diehl, George Bright, Samuel R. Christian, Francis Bright, Hannah Phillippi, Juliann Woolison, Elizabeth Mil- ler, Susan Pflieger and Mary Ann Taxis.

The following ministers served the congrega- tion :

Rev. Asher Moore, 1832-34; Rev. John Perry, 1835-38 ; Rev. Samuel Ashton, 1841-45; Rev. A. B. Grosh, 1845-50; Rev. J. Shrigley, 1850-54; Rev. J. T. Goodrich, 1854-56 ; Rev. J. Shrigley, 1356-58; Rev. William M. Barber, 1858-66 ; Rev. T. B. Thayer, D.D., 1867-68 ; Rev. Bernard Peters, 1868-69; Rev. Giles

Bailey, 1869-78; 1 Rev. L. H. Squires, 1878-80 ; Rev. S. Gilbert, 1881; Rev. Abraham Conkling, 1882-85; Rev. W. S. Peterson, 1885; ‘ Rev. J. H. Amies, 1885- 86.

The present membership of the congregation is two hundred and seventy-one, and of the Sunday-school two hundred and twenty-five. The library of the school contains one thousand selected books.

Captain F. S. Boas has officiated as the superintendent of the Sunday-school since May 6, 1861, excepting for a period of nearly four years, from 1865 to 1869. He has taken a prominent part in the church affairs during the period of thirty-five years, having served as secretary of the congregation since January, 1854.

The vestry is composed of the following members :

A. G. Green, Esq .. moderator ; F. S. Boas, secre- tary ; William H. Luden, treasurer; W. L. C. Bailey, Charles Marsh, Joseph F. Rogers, George C. Frame, William S. Ritter and Dr. Harrison T. Witman.

METHODIST CHURCHES.

EBENEZER METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. -Methodism in Berks County is not an indig- enons plant, but an exotic one. Therefore, while in other parts of the State it exhibits great strength and wealth, here it has been of rather slow growth. The first Methodist Episcopal class in Reading was formed in 1822 by Rev. Henry Boehm. This formed the nucleus of the first organization, which was composed of Henry Goodhart, William Collier, Christian Miller, Daniel Rhiem, John Rorick, Elijah Bull and John Addams. The society worshipped for five years in private houses. In 1827 the first Methodist Episcopal Church was built on Third Street, below Franklin. This was a plain structure, where the society wor- shipped for twelve years. Samuel Pettit bought this ground and did much for the church in various ways.

Revs. Christian Miller, Thomas Sovereign, David Best, Joseph Ashbrook, James Talbot, Allen Johns and John Inskip served this charge as pastors.

The building proving too limited for the

1 Died whilst minister.

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increasing membership, in 1839, Rev. John A. Roach, with a buiding committee, bought a large lot on Fourth Street, above Franklin, and on it erected the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Reading. This was a two-story brick build- ing, with seating capacity for about six hundred. It was thoroughly remodeled in 1868, under the ministry of Rev. T. A. Fernley. It was again renovated and is now well furnished both in lecture and audience-rooms, is free of debt and is the strongest Methodist Episcopal Church in Berks County. It has a member- ship of abont four hundred, The Sabbath- school is large and vigorons, under the direc- tion of Walter Davis and William Price. There is a large, well-furnished parsonage on a lot adjoining the church.

Two flourishing churches have been formed by this charge, viz. : St. Peters, on Fifth Street, and Covenant, on Elm Street, near Ninth Street.

The following are the names of the pastors who have served the church since 1839, in the order of their appointments :

Revs. John A. Roach, Samuel Higgins, Joseph Ma- son, Pennell Coombs, Elijah Miller, William A. Wig- gins, T. A. Fernley, Gasaway Oram, J. Thomas, Wil- liam Elliott, J. Ruth, J. B. Mccullough, J. W. McCaskey, J. R. Anderson, William L. Gray, Jerome Lindemuth, George W. Mclaughlin, J. F. Meredith, S. N. Chew, J. Richards Boyle, W. C. Best, R. W. Humphries, T. D. Neely, C. W. Bickley.

The present value of the property is about thirty-five thousand dollars. In the year 1884 a large pipe-organ was placed in the church.

ST. PETER'S METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH is situated on South Fifth Street, opposite Pine Street. The congregation was organized in 1848, by Rev. James Y. Ashton, who was appointed by the bishop, at the Phila- delphia Annual Conference, for the purpose of establishing a second Methodist Episcopal Church in Reading. James H. McFarland was presiding elder of the Reading District. Sixty members of the Ebenezer Church volun- teered to start the new enterprise. They held religious services first in the Odd-Fellows', now Library Hall, and afterward in Anlenbach's Hall, on Penn Street, above Sixth. The same year a two-story brick church was built, fifty

by seventy-five feet, and January 28, 1849, the lower room was opened for church and Sabbath- school services. The upper room was finished and dedicated in 1849.

Andrew M. Dehart, Isaiah Wells and Jacob Sanerbier were the building committee. In 1883-84 the front of the church was remodeled, the tower built, twenty-one feet added to the length of the church and a one-story infant school-room annexed. Henry D. High, Wil- liam M. Stauffer and Wesley H. Wells were the building committee.

The names of the pastors of the church since the time of organization, and term of ser- vice, were as follows :

James Y. Ashton, two years ; G. Dixon Bowen, two years; Newton Heston, two years ; Thomas A. Fern- ley, two years ; Arthur W. Milby, two years; John H. Alday, one year ; James H. McCarter, two years ; Samuel Irwin, two years; John F. Meredith, three years ; Peter J. Cox, two years ; Robert H. Pattison, one year ; Henry R. Calloway, two years; George Heacock, two years ; Samuel Irwin, three years ; Johu E. Kessler, three years ; William J. Mills. three years ; Joseph B. Dobbins, two years ; Amos Johnson, who has served two years, is the pastor for the year 1886.

The Sunday-school connected with this church was organized, in 1844, in a school- house, and moved to the church in 1849. This school, on February 1, 1886, had three hun- dred and ninety-nine pupils, with an average attendance of three hundred and forty-two. There is also a mission school connected with this congregation.

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History of Berks county in Pennsylvania, Part 132

Author: Montgomery, Morton L. (Morton Luther), b. 1846 Publication date: 1886 Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts, Peck & Richards Number of Pages: 1418

Author: Montgomery, Morton L. (Morton Luther), b. 1846
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts, Peck & Richards
Number of Pages: 1418