History of Cumberland and Adams counties, Pennsylvania. Containing history of the counties, their townships, towns, villages, schools, churches, industries, etc.; portraits of early settlers and prominent men; biographies; history of Pennsylvania, statistical and miscellaneous matter, etc., etc, Part 44

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USA > Pennsylvania > Adams County > History of Cumberland and Adams counties, Pennsylvania. Containing history of the counties, their townships, towns, villages, schools, churches, industries, etc.; portraits of early settlers and prominent men; biographies; history of Pennsylvania, statistical and miscellaneous matter, etc., etc > Part 44
USA > Pennsylvania > Cumberland County > History of Cumberland and Adams counties, Pennsylvania. Containing history of the counties, their townships, towns, villages, schools, churches, industries, etc.; portraits of early settlers and prominent men; biographies; history of Pennsylvania, statistical and miscellaneous matter, etc., etc > Part 44


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From 1750 to 1760 little is known of the internal history of the congrega- tion. In May, 1765, a call was extended to Rev. Robert Cooper, who accepted the same in the following October, £100 currency being pledged to him.


Dr. Cooper was a graduate of Princeton College. His first pastorate was that of Middle Spring, which he held from 1765 to the time of his resignation April 12, 1797.


Rev. John Moodey, a graduate of Princeton College, succeeded to the pas- torate of Middle Spring, having been installed October 5, 1803. He continued his labors until 1854, a period of over half a century. In June, 1855, Rev. I. N. Hays began his pastoral services, and continued them fourteen years, when he removed to Chambersburg. He was succeeded in May, 1871, by Rev. D. K. Richardson, who officiated for about eighteen months, when he was fol- lowed, June 11, 1872, by Rev. S. S. Wylie.


The first house of worship was a log building thirty-five feet square, erected about the time of the organization of the congregation. This house proving insufficient for the increasing congregation, a second one, 48x58, was built in 1765. This was succeeded in 1781 by a stone structure, 58x68, two stories high. In 1847 a new brick structure was erected, which afterward was greatly remodeled and improved.


The following officers and soldiers of the Revolutionary war were members of this congregation, or attendants of this church: Colonels-Benjamin Blythe, Isaac Miller, Robert Peebles, William Scott, Abraham Smith; major-James Herron; captains-William Rippey, Matthew Henderson, Matthew Scott, David McKnight, John McKee, William Strain, Joseph Brady, Robert Quig- ley, Charles Leeper, Charles Maclay, Samuel Blythe, Samuel Walker, James Scott, Samuel McCune, Samuel Kearsley; lieutenant-Samuel Montgomery; soldiers-John Heap, Esq., Samuel Cox, Esq., Francis Campble, John Rey- nolds, Esq., Thomas McClelland, Joseph Mckinney, James McKee, Robert Donavin, William Turner, Thomas McCombs, William Sterritt, John Woods, Esq., Wm. Anderson, John Maclay, James Dunlop, Esq., James Lowry, Esq., William Barr, Archibald Cambridge, John Herron, David Herron, David Dun- can, John McKnight, James McCune, David Mahan, John Thompson, Jacob Porter, Isaac Jenkins, Samuel Dixon, John Grier.


Meeting-House Spring. - What has been said in a previous part of this chapter concerning this congregation need not be repeated. Dr. Nevin, in his "Churches of the Valley," says: "About the year 1736 the Presbyterians erected a log church on Conodoguinet Creek, about two miles north of Car- lisle, or West Pennsborough, as it was then called, at a place known ever since as the 'Meeting-House Spring.' No vestige of this building now re- mains, nor are there any of the oldest surviving residents of the neighborhood who are able to give anything like a satisfactory account of it. The members of the large congregation which worhiped within its walls have long ago dis-


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HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.


appeared, and with them the memory of the venerable edifice, and the inter- esting incidents, which were doubtless associated with its history, have well- nigh perished."


Carlisle. - The borough of Carlisle was founded in 1751. Shortly after this event a Presbyterian congregation was organized in it, and a house of worship erected. Relative to this edifice the following letter from John Arm- strong to Richard Peters will be of historie interest:


CARLISLE, 30 June. 1757.


To-morrow we begin to haul stones for the building of a meeting house on the north side of the Square; there was no other convenient place. I have avoided the place you onee pitched for a church. The stones are raised out of Col. Stanwix's entrenchment. We will want help in this political, as well as religious, work.


As a means of raising funds with which "to enable them to build a decent house for the worship of God," the managers of the enterprise, about the year 1760, obtained from Gov. Hamilton a license to inaugurate a lottery scheme, which subserved its purpose, however objectionable.


In 1759 Rev. George Duffield was called to take pastoral charge of the congregations at Carlisle and Big Spring, giving two-thirds of his time to the former. At the same time there seems to have been, probably as the result of a general division in the church throughout the synod, a rival Presbyterian Church in Carlisle. Says Rev. I. D. Rupp, in his History of Cumberland County: "A short time afterward (1761) the congregation in the country, then under the care of the Rev. Mr. Steel, constructed a two-story house of wor- ship in town; and, some time before the Revolution, erected the present First Presbyterian Church, on the northwest corner of the Centre Square. Mr. Duffield's congregation erected a gallery in Mr. Steel's church, and the two parties worshiped separately." These two congregations, known as the "Old Lights" and "New Lights," were finally united, and in 1785 called Rev. Robert Davidson to be pastor. This relation continued till the time of his death, in 1512. He was assisted a portion of the time by Rev. Henry R. Wilson, professor in Dickinson College.


In 1516 Rev. George Duflield, a grandson of the first pastor, was called to Carlisle. His labors for many years were signally blessed. In 1832, how- ever, his work on " Regeneration" created much dissension, and resulted in a trial by the presbytery of his orthodoxy. The decision was briefly: " Re- solved, That presbytery at present do not censure him any further than warn him to guard against such speculations as may impugn the doctrines of our church, and that he study to maintain 'the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace.' " Dr. Duffield's relation with the church was severed, at his own re- quest. in March, 1835.


Contemporaneous with Dr. Duffield's difficulties with the presbytery were serious troubles in the congregation. A petition, signed by Andrew Blair and seventy seven others, sought a separation from the old organization and the formation of a new one. The request was granted, and the Second Presby- terian Church of Carlisle was organized in the town hall January 12, 1833, with the following officers taken from the old church: Elders-Andrew Blair. John McClure and Robert Clark; deacons-Peter B. Smith, Robert Irvine, John Proctor and Robert Giffin. Its pastors in succession have been Rev. Daniel MeKinley, 1833-38; Dr. Alexander T. McGill, 1839-40; Dr. T. V. Moore, 1512-45; Rev. James Lillie, 1846-48; Rev. Mervin E. Johnston, 1849-54; Rev. W. W. Eels, IS54-62; Rev. John C. Bliss, 1562-67; and Rev. George Norcross, since 1869.


The pastors of the First Church after Dr. Duffield have been: Rev. Will iam T. Sprole, Rev. Ellis J. Newlin, Rev. Conway Phelps Wing and Rev. J. S. Vance, the present incumbent.


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HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.


In Dickinson Township. - In 1810 application was made to presbytery by James Moore and Joseph Galbraith for preaching in Dickinson Township for a congregation known as Walnut Bottom. It was granted, and Rev. Henry R. Wilson, of Dickinson College, aided them. In 1823 a congregation was regularly organized by Rev. Messrs. Williams, Duffield and McClelland, with about twenty members. The early pastors in succession were Revs. Mc- Knight Williamson, Charles P. Cummins and Oliver O. McLean. The build- ing, brick structure, 45x56 feet, was erected in 1829 on ground given by Will- iam L. Weakley, Esq.


In Newville .- First United Presbyterian Church of Newville (formerly associate) was organized as early as 1760. Its pastors: John Rogers, 1772- 81; John Jamieson, 1784-92; John Craig, 1793-94; James McConnel, 1798- 1809; Alexander Sharp, D.D., 1824-57; Isaiah Faries, 1858-59; W. L. Wallace, 1861.


In Carlisle. - About 1796, a lot of ground in Carlisle was transferred by Thomas and John Penn, in consideration of £6, "to Wm Blair, Wm. Moore, John Smith and John McCoy, as trustees of the Associate Presbyterian Con- gregation, adhering to the subordination of the Associate Presbytery of Penn- sylvania, of which the Rev. John Marshall and James Clarkson are members." Two years later an organization was established, and in 1802 a building was erected npon the lot. Rev. Francis Pringle was called to be the pastor. Gradually its members, never numerons, were absorbed by other churches, and the house became the property of the Bethel Church.


In Mechanicsburg. - The rapid growth of Mechanicsburg in consequence of the construction of the Cumberland Valley Railroad, rendered the erection of a house of worship at that place a necessity. This was consummated in 1858, and in October, 1860, a congregation was organized, deriving much of its strength from the Silvers' Spring congregation. Under the efficient adminis- tration of Rev. Samuel W. Reigart, who has been its pastor since 1868, this congregation has developed great power in the community and in the denomi- nation to which it belongs.


EPISCOPAL CHURCH.


Mention was made in the first part of this sketch of the efforts of Rev. William Thompson, acting under the direction of an English missionary soci- ety, to preach the gospel and establish a congregation as early as 1753.


In Carlisle .- The church of Carlisle worshiped in a stone building till about 1825, when a new structure was raised on the site of the present one. This structure underwent several remodelings until the present neat and com- modious one has been reached. Its vestry has always embraced men of prom- inence and worth in the community, embracing such individuals as Robert Callender, Francis West, George Croghan, Samuel Postlethwaite, David Watts, Stephen Foulke, Frederick Watts, John Baker, etc.


The rectors in regular succession have been the following named scholarly gentlemen: Rev. Dr. John Campbell, 1793-1819; Rev. J. V. E. Thorn, 1819-21; Rev. George Woodruff, 1821-22; Rev. Joshua Spencer, professor in Dickinson College, 1823-29; Rev. George E. Hare, D. D., 1830-34; Rev. John Goodman, 1835-38; Rev. Patrick H. Greenleaf, 1838-40; Rev. Wm. H. Norris, 1840-50; Rev. Jacob B. Morss, 1851-60; Rev. Francis J. Clerc, 1860-66. Since 1866 Rev. Wm. Leverett has held the position.


METHODIST CHURCH.


In Shippensburg. - The Hon. John McCurdy, in his historical sketch of Shippensburg, says: "In the year 1787 Methodism was introduced into this


was it ahl


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HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.


part of the Cumberland Valley by Rev. John Hagerty and Nelson Reed. Up to that time there was no organization of that denomination of people here, and the congregation then formed was, it is said, the only one in the valley. The first ebureb was built about the year 1790, on the northwestern end of the lot upon which the old briek church now stands. It was built of logs one- story in height, and was probably large enough to seat 200 persons. During its early years the congregation was small, but at the commencement of the present century it began to increase, and many of its members were amongst the most prominent men of the place. Among them were Rev. John Davis, John Scott, Esq .. William Sturgis, William Brookins, Esq .. William Devor, Esq , John Dunean. Robert Porter, Esq., William McKnight, Benjamin Hunt, Thomas and Caleb Atherton, with many others of equal standing and respect- bility." "Their first camp-meeting was held in either 1810 or 1811, on the farm about a mile northwest of Shippensburg:" the second, in 1813; a Sunday- school was organized in 1515, but, proving lifeless, was suspended till 1834, when it took on vigorous life. In 1825 a new briek church was erected, and, after being used for half a century, was sold to the Colored Methodists, and a new one built, in 1875, on King Street.


In Carlisle. - The Methodist Church in Carlisle became a separate charge about 1823. A house of worship, the "old stone church," had been built, as early as 1802, on the corner of Pitt Street and Church Alley. In 1815, a see- ond, a commodious brick structure, was ereeted on Church Alley. In course of time, a still larger and better one was erected on the corner of Pitt and High Streets, the site of the present house.


After Dickinson College passed from the hands of the Presbyterians into the hands of the Methodists. an unusual impetus was given to the church in and around Carlisle. Dr. John Price Durbin, president of Dickinson College from 1533 to 1845, was a popular pulpit orator, and drew large audiences at his monthly supplies of the Carlisle pulpit. He was ably supported by such ministers as the Revs. Henry Kepler, 1535; Geo. D. Cookman, 1836-37; T. C. Thornton, 1838-39; Henry Slicer, 1840-41; Henry Tarring, 1842-43; John Davis, 1844, and others.


In Newrille. - The first Methodist Church in Newville was constructed of brick in 1526, and the present one in 1546. The first was erected largely through the ageney of Nathan Reed and Robert MeLanghlin.


In Mechanicsburg. - Though preaching was conducted at Mechanicsburg as early as 1819 by Rovs. James Riley and John Tanneyhill, the church was not organized till 1527, when Rev. Oliver Ege. the only member in that locality, formed a temporary elass. Two years later, however, a permanent class was formed at the house of George Webbert, still an honored citizen of the town. This class. Henry Shrom, leader, had. at first, but eighteen or twenty mem- bers, but the number increased to 200. The pastors in charge at the time of its organization were Revs. Thomas Megee and Thos. H. W. Monroe.


Preaching in the primitive times was conducted in private houses, then in the old Union Church on Main Street, next in the first edifico erected in 1830 and 1831 on the southeast corner of Arch and Locust Streets. The building is still standing and used for dwelling purposes. In 1953 a lot was procured and a new house erected on the corner of Main and Market Streets; this house was greatly improved by repairs in 1858 an 1 1985. Near the church is a com modious parsonage, the gift of Daniel Coffman, an honored member. The present membership of the church is 175; of the Sunday-school, under the supervision of Oliver Mordorf, ISO.


The following pastors have served the congregation, viz .: Revs. James


19


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HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.


Reiley, John Bowen, Thomas Megee, John Donohue, Elisha Butler, William O. Lumsden, Thomas Myers, Andrew I. Megee, Samuel Kepler, John Rhoads, James Watts, J. R. Wheeler, James Sanks, William McMullin, T. H. W. Monroe, William Guin, Cambridge Graham, S. B. Dunlap, Thomas McCart- ney, J. Wesley Black, Job A. Price, J. C. Clark, John Stine, Thomas Dough. erty, J. H. McGarrah, J. M. Lantz, William Rink, P. F. Eyer, A. S. Bow- man, John A. Woodcock, B. H. Mosser and B. F. Stevens, who is the pres- ent incumbent.


Other congregations exist in the county, viz. : Mount Holly, New Cumber- land, West Fairview, Rehoboth, etc., which are of more recent origin, and whose history properly belongs to the townships in which they are located. These congregations are the aggressive ones of the county.


ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH.


St. Patrick's Church, Carlisle, was for a time a supply station of the Jes- uits of Conowago, to whom it belonged. In 1807 the present brick structure was built, and somewhat enlarged in 1823. Its title became diocesan under the administration of Rt. Rev. Bishop Connell, and Rev. Diven became its first priest. In 1858 the house was destroyed by fire, but was rebuilt in a short time through the agency of Rev. Mahier, of Harrisburg. Subsequent to his de- parture it was a dependency, for a time, on Chambersburg and Harrisburg; but in 1877 its separate existence was restored. and Rev. Louis J. McKenna be- came its pastor. At present it is under the care of Rev. Father McKenny.


GERMAN REFORMED CHURCH.


The Reformed Church, as it is now called in this country, had an early hold upon the people of Cumberland Valley, its accessions coming mainly from the large influx of German immigrants. For a time, meeting-houses were used con- jointly with the Lutherans, who shared with them in religious watch-care over the rapidly increasing German settlements. Without attempting to arrange these congregations chronologically, we refer briefly to a few of the leading ones.


Some time prior to 1797 a congregation was formed in the lower part of the county, near Shiremanstown, known then as "Frieden's Kirche," "Salem, or Peace Church," but latterly as "The Old Stone Church," through the la- bors of Rev. Anthony Hautz. The first structure was wooden, and was used conjointly for church and school purposes.


The subscription paper for this house, now used for school purposes exclu- sively, was dated April 4, 1797, and contained the following names and amounts, "Fredrich Lang, £2 5s .; Jonas Rupp, £2 5s. ; Johannes Schopp, £3; Johannes Schnevely, 15s .; George Wuermle, 15s .; George Wild, 7s. 6d .; Conrad Weber, 7s. 6d .; Martin Thomas, 3s .; Johannes Schwartz, 11s. 4d .; Philip Heck, 7s. 6d .; Adam Viehman, 7s. 6d .; Jacob Colp, £1 10s .; John Merkle, £3; Casper Swartz, 7s. 6d .; Christian Swartz, 7s. 6d. ; Abraham Wolf, 7s. 6d .; Frederich Schweitzer, 7s. 6d. ; Martin Hausser, £5; Johannes Eberly, £4 17s. 6d .; Elizabeth Lang (Wittfrau), 15s."


On the 26th of May, 1797, the congregation obtained deeds for the land connected with the schoolhouse from Henry Schnevely and Nicholas Kreutzer. In 1798 the stone church was erected, under the superintendence of the following building committee: Fred Lang, Jonas Rupp, Leonard Swartz and Rev. Anthony Hautz, the architects being Martin Rupp and Thomas Anderson.


May 18, 1806, a half interest in this church and school property was sold to a neighboring Lutheran congregation, known as Poplar Church, for £405 17s.


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HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.


3d. Tho early pastors of this congregation were Rovs. Anthony Hautz, J. G. Bucher. Thomas Apple. A. R. Kreamer, Fritchey and John Anlt. On the 23d of June, 1566, this congregation held its last communion, most of its members nniting soon afterward with St. Paul's Reformed Church, of Me- chaniesburg.


In Shippensburg. - A Reformed congregation was organized at Shippens- burg about 1750. Somewhat later in the last century a lot for burial purposes was secured by the Reformed and Lutheran congregations on the southeast corner of Queen and Orange Streets. On this lot a log church edifice was erected, which was used till 1812. About the same time a brick edifice was built on the site of the present Reformed Church, and was used by the two congregations for a number of years. In 1823 Rev. John Habblestine becom- ing one of its pastors, preached doctrines not necordant with those of his peo- ple. The church doors were closed against him, when he withdrew, with cer tain followers, and organized the Church of God. Subsequently these two churches separated, each building an edifice of its own.


In Carlisle. - The Reformed Church in Carlisle was built in 1807. As a means of giving vitality to the cause in this portion of the State, a movement was inaugurated in 1817 to establish a theological seminary, a plan for the ex- ecution of which was not, however, developed till 1820. Some $30,000 were subscribed, conditionally, but never realized. Through the influence of the Carlisle Church and Dickinson College the institution was located in Carlisle, and maintained a doubtful existence for four years, the subscriptions not prov- ing sound. In 1829 the seminary was removed to York, and in 1835 to Mer- cersburg.


LUTHERAN CHURCH.


Referring to the remarks made concerning the Reformed Church, it may be stated that the growth of this denomination has occurred largely during the present century.


In East Pennsborough .- David F. Eyster, in his account of East Penns- borough Township. for Wing's History, says: "The first church built in this end of the county is one mile north of Camp Hill and is called 'Hickory Wood Church.' It was built probably as early as 1765, by the Lutherans, of logs, and in two departments, the lower story being used for school pur- poses and the residence of the teacher, while the second story was kept ex- clusively for divine services. The old church has been removed and another one built, known as the 'Poplar Church.' "


The pastors of this congregation were Revs. Frederick Sanno, Benjamin Keller, Augustus Lochman, Edmund Keller, Augustus Babb, N. J. Stroh, A. Hight, C. F. Stover, J. R. Groff and H. N. Fegley. A new brick building, costing with bell included $9, 104.91. was dedicated July 2, 1866.


In Newville. - The first Lutheran Church in Newville was built of brick in 1832; the second of brick in 1862. Names of pastors: Revs. D. P. Rosen- muller, 1832-40; John Heck, 1841-45; E. Breidenbaugh, four years; Sidney L. Harkey, two years: Joshua Evans. 1852-60; H. Baker, 1561-67: Harry McKnight, 1867-71; H. Fleck, 1871-72; J. A. Clutz, 1872-73; H. J. Wat- kins, 1571 -.


In Shippensburg .-- The church in Shippensburg is contemporaneous with that of the Reformed, dating back to the close of the last century. (See above. )


In Centerville. -- The church in Centerville was built, in 1852. under the pastorate of Rev. Charles Klink. Its pastors: D. P. Rosenmuller, John Rosen- berg. Christian Kunkle, Charles Klink, S. S. Link, J. Wetley, A. Babb, S. L. Guss, S. W. Owen, G. M. Garhart, G. D. Keedy, J. Deitrich, D. Swope.


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HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.


In Carlisle. - The church in Carlisle was early blessed with the labors of strong men, among whom may be mentioned Jacob Goehring, George Butler, F. D. Schaeffer, A. H. Meyer, John Herbst. Commencing with 1816, the reg- ular pastors were: Revs. Benjamin Keller, 1816-28; C. F. Heyer, C. F. Schaeffer, John Ulrich, J. N. Hoffman, Jacob Fry, S. P. Sprecher, Joel Swartz, D. D., C. S. Albert, - Freas, and H. B. Wile, the present incumbent.


On the 11th of March, 1851, the house of worship was consumed by fire. Though it was not insured, a large structure was immediately erected. This has been enlarged several times since, to meet the demands of the increasing congregation.


A number of other congregations exist in the county whose histories are referred to in their respective towns and townships.


CHURCH OF GOD.


This organization began about 1830, under the leadership of Rev. John Winebrenner, of Harrisburg. The first effort to establish a congregation in Cumberland County was made at Shippensburg, Rev. John Habblestine taking advantage of some dissension in the Reformed and Lutheran Churches to form a new organization, to be known as the "Union Christian Church." A consti- tution was adopted October 24, 1828, with John Heck, Jacob Dewalt and John Blymire as elders; David Wagner, Michael Ziegler, Henry Keefer and John Taughinbaugh as deacons, and Jacob Knisley and John Carey as trustees. They were subsequently under charge of Revs. Rebo, Dietrich Graves and James Mackey. About 1834 or 1835 the name was changed to the "Church of God."


The first house of worship was built in 1828; the next, a two-story brick, was erected in 1870, at a cost of $17,000. Congregations were organized in all parts of the county, and suitable houses of worship, called "Bethels," sup- plied as follows: Milltown, 1833, by Elder Winebrenner; Walnut Grove Schoolhouse, 1835, by Elder J. Keller; Shiremanstown, 1838, by Rev. Keller; Newburg, 1834, by Elder James Mackey; Newville, 1837, by Elder David Kyle; Green Spring, 1852, by Elder Kyle; Plainfield, 1854, by Elder Peter Klippinger; Carlisle, 1864, a congregation of eighteen members.


GERMAN BAPTISTS.


This denomination, which occupies such a conspicuous position in country places, had, for a time, no other place of worship than private houses, barns and schoolhouses. Its congregations were served by an unpaid ministry. We subjoin a sketch from notes prepared in 1878 by Elder Moses Miller: Adam and Martin Brandt's, in Monroe Township; Daniel Basehoar's, in East Penns- borough Township, and John Cochlin's, in Allen Township, were the first meet- ing places, and the first communion meeting was held at Adam Brandt's nearly eighty years ago. Adam Brandt was the first minister chosen, though he did not serve, and about 1820 John Zeigler and Michael Mishler were chosen, the former of whom removed to Ohio some years afterward. In 1823 Daniel Bol- linger, from Juniata County, became the first ordained elder in Cumberland County, and gave the church a regular organization. He served some twenty- five years, and died in 1855 at Lebanon, Ohio, whither he had removed in 1848. Adam Steinberger was chosen about 1829, and Rudolph Mohler in 1832. Rev. Christopher Johnson came to Dickinson Township from Maryland in 1828. Daniel Hollinger and Samuel Etter were chosen about 1835, and David Horst in 1841.


About 1836 the church divided into two sections, known as "Upper Cum-


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HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.


berland" and "Lower Cumberland," respectively, Baltimore Turnpike and the Long's Gap road being the dividing line. The ministers of the " Lower" Church have been Moses Miller, chosen in 1849, Adam Beelman, in ISol; David Niesley and A. L. Bowman, in 1863; Jacob Harnish, in 1865; Cyrus Brindle, in 1565; B. H. Nickey, in 1871. Rev. J. B. Garver came from Huntingdon County in 1874 to within the limits of this congregation.




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