USA > Pennsylvania > Dauphin County > History of Dauphin County, Pennsylvania > Part 24
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Among its pastors have been Elders John Winebrenner, Smit- mer, Kyle, Edward West, McCartney, Croll, Mackey, William Miller, Joseph Adams, Jacob Flake, William Mooney, A. Swartz, Edward H. Thomas, William Mullineux, A. Snyder, D. A. L. Lav- erty, and B. F. Beck. Since 1867 the pastors have been : 1867, J. Stamm; 1867-70, J. Keller; 1870-72, J. Haifleigh; 1872-75, George Sigler; 1875-77, W. L. Jones; 1877-79, J. Miller; 1879- So, W. P. Winbigler; 1880-83, D. C. Shoop; 1883, W. L. Lock- wood; 1885, O. H. Betts; 1888, G. W. Getz; 1891, J. M. Carvell; 1893, C. I. Behney; 1894, J. H. Esterline; 1896, George Sigler; 1903, W. J. Schaner, the present pastor.
Christ Church .- In 1835 a schism occurred in St. Peter's Lu- theran church, under its pastor, Rev. Peter Sahm. A great relig- ious revival was in progress in the town, and meetings were nightly held in the lecture-room, which was always well filled. Many members of the church made a profession of a change of heart. This was an innovation, and some of the more conservative mem- bers looked upon the movement as heretical. Finally the opposi- tion to the meetings became so great that many of the members left the church and started a new congregation, called Christ Church. They erected their church edifice in 1838, at the corner of Duck and Water streets, and continued to worship there for many years. The membership gradually declined owing to deaths and removals, until it was no longer able to support a pastor, and finally those remain- ing connected themselves with other churches. The church edifice was sold to the United Brethren denomination.
St. Mary's Catholic Church .- The earliest Catholics in the vicinity of Middletown, that we have any record of, were: Henri- etta Brandon, John Luck, John McCristal, Bernard Mooney, Pat- rick Boyle, John McGuigan and their families. They were occa- sionally visited, after 1795, by priests from Elizabethtown and Conewago.
In 1846-47 there were but three Catholic families in town,
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viz .: Those of Patrick O'Donnel, Richard McGranigan and Luke Norton, although in the neighborhood were the Doughertys, Swee- nys, Witmans, Youtzs, Cannons, McGarveys, Bradleys, Hollands, Gross, Flynns, McCanns, McMillans, Allwines, Schaeffers, &c., some of whom had been settled here for many years. In the ab- sence of any priest these families would ride, drive, or the male members, cane in hand, would walk to Elizabethtown or Harris- burg to church. Services were first held at private houses (notably at Luke Norton's ), then at the brick school house on Furnace Hill, and afterwards at the old school house on the southwest corner of Ann and Wood streets.
In 1857 a lot was secured, and Father John McCosker began to collect means to build upon it.
The corner stone of "St. Mary of the Seven Dolors" was laid Sunday, Sept. 20, 1857, by Rt. Rev. John Newman, bishop of the diocese of Philadelphia, assisted by Doctor O'Hara, Rev. John McCosker, and several other priests. Dr. O'Hara, (afterwards Bishop of Scranton, Pennsylvania), preached the sermon of this occasion, and also at the consecration of the church.
It is located on high ground, at the western end of Ann street, above Lawrence; is a brick structure, of gothic style, with an organ gallery. Edward Hodnett built it for nine thousand dollars. It was opened for divine service in the spring of 1859, Rev. John Mc- Cosker officiating. In 1861 Father McCosker was appointed chaplain of the Fifty-fifth regiment, Pennsylvania volunteers, which was assigned to duty in South Carolina. Before starting on his journey he was presented with a handsome sword and belt by James Young. He served faithfully until, overcome by hardship and disease, he returned to Philadelphia and soon afterward died.
In November, 1861, Rev. Hugh McGorian, who had been on the missions in Australia and Van Dieman's Land, came to America, and was appointed pastor of Middletown and Elizabethtown. Feb- ruary 19, 1864, he died. His successors, (each surviving a short time ), were: Revs. R. V. O'Connor, Eugene Sullivan, Thos. Walsh and Patrick McSwiggan. Rev. J. J. McIlvaine came next.
His successors were: P. J. Numan, Charles McMonigle, J. J. McIlvaine (again), J. C. Foin, James A. Huber, C. Kenny, B. J. Campbell, James M. Barr, P. G. Costigan, S. Clement Burger, L. Stein, and H. M. Herzog, who is serving in 1907.
In 1757, in answer to a request of the Governor for a state- ment of the number of Catholics in the province of Pennsylvania, Father Farmer counted those in Lancaster county (then embracing
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Dauphin ), Germans, men, 108; women, 94; Irish, men, 22; women, 27.
WILLIAMSTOWN CHURCHES.
The Evangelical Association erected the first church in 1869- 70. The Methodist Episcopal followed the above in 1871. The Evangelical Lutheran, under D. Kloss, erected a house of worship in 1874. The Primitive Methodist church was built in 1875-6. The Roman Catholic Church was erected in 1875. A few years later the United Brethren erected a neat edifice. Thus was laid the foundation for good religious work in this locality.
LYKENS CHURCHES.
This is a town of good and numerous schools and churches. The first sermon preached in the place was on the occasion of the funeral of an English miner, and it was delivered by Rev. Thomas Sovern, of the Methodist Episcopal denomination of Halifax, in 1833. It was preached from the porch of Michael Sheaffer's house. Religious services were kept up until 1848, when Edward Gratz, Hon. A. O. Heister and Richard Nolan took measures to erect a Methodist church building, by circulating a subscription paper, and the first named donated the lot and guaranteed $200 collection.
The building was slow in completion, but finally, in January, 1852, it was dedicated. This was the first church edifice of the place, and was afterward converted into dwelling house purposes, and later still was the armory. A new and better church took its place, and the society has ever prospered.
Christ's Protestant Episcopal Church was organized in 1861, and re-organized in May, 1871. Rev. V. Hummel Berghaus be- came rector in October, 1871. The church was finally completed and consecrated in 1881; prior to that the old brick school house was used.
Evengelical Lutheran .- Zion's Church of this sect first be- gan to worship here just prior to 1850, and held occasional services, until Rev. D. Sell came, in November, 1853. In 1859, a church building was completed.
St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church .- Before 1852 there were occasional Catholic services hereabouts, held by Father Maher, of Harrisburg. The church building engaged the minds of the Cath- olic people in 1852, when Father Egle formed a society and com- pleted a house in which to worship, in 1853. J. M. Blum, the first merchant of the town, was instrumental in building this church.
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St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized in 1873, and a frame edifice completed in 1874; in February, 1876, it was burned, and three years later another was erected. Rev. M. B. Lenker was the first pastor and had other charges constituting a large territory in all.
The German Reformed church was built in 1874 but finally became the property of the Miners' Deposit Bank.
The United Brethren in Christ remodeled their church in 1874.
MILLERSBURG CHURCHES.
Concerning Millersburg churches it may be stated that about 1833, members of the Reformed church purchased a frame build- ing and used it for services, though it was never dedicated. Rev. Isaac Gerhart preached occasionally for them. In 1856, the Lu- theran and Reformed congregations jointly erected a brick church on Middle street. The first consistory was elected April 25, 1857, and Rev. Ephraim Kieffer became the first pastor.
St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church .- About 1830 Rev. J. M. Hemping preached occassionally for the Lutherans, in the old schoolhouse, in the German language. A half dozen or more de- vout ministers preached for a short time to these people, but not until 1854, was a society formed, which united with the Reformed church in 1856 and built a church. Dr. Sell was the first pastor in the new church. This society withdrew from the union and sold its interest in Union Church building to the Reformed Society for $1,400, and proceeded to erect one of their own, which they did, and it was dedicated in 1878-80. It was remodeled in 1905. A fine $2,000 pipe organ was also added. One-half of its price was given by Andrew Carnegie, who also, through the same pastor, Rev. D. E. Rupley, donated the same proportion to one at Lock Haven, Pennsylvania. Since 1865 the pastors who have served this church are: Revs. Fernsler, G. C. Henry, J. Fishburn, B. F. Keutz, B. R. Lautz, and the present pastor, D. E. Rupley.
The Evangelical Association was organized in 1840. The first house of worship was a log building weatherboarded. A good brick building was provided in 1860. Among early pastors were these : William Hain, J. M. Sayler, F. P. Lehr, A. A. Over- holt, L. Snyder, S. S. Chubb and H. A. Neitz. This Society at first located at Berryburg, but changed two years later. The or- ganization disbanded in 1903-4. They still hold the church prop- erty.
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The Methodist Episcopal .- Millersburg and Berrysburg cir- cuit was cut off from Halifax in 1866. A large brick edifice was erected in 1858. The church is prosperous, and in 1902 erected a fine cream colored pressed brick building of modern plan.
The Reformed Church built jointly with the Lutheran in 1856, and finally took the property, and it served well its purpose until 1902, when a modern edifice was provided-a beautiful pressed brick building. In 1905 the church was supplied, having no regu- lar pastor.
The United Brethren Church was organized April 15, 1904, as a mission. The organizer was Rev. D. E. Long. The Society contemplated the erection of a neat edifice the present ( 1907) sea- son. At present they worship in the old Evangelical Association building. They have a membership of one hundred. The Kil- linger Church is united with this. The latter named is three miles to the east, in the country in Upper Paxton township. The present pastor is C. A. Snavely.
The United Evangelical Church, an old society, built a church in 1860-a large well-constructed brick building still in use. The pastors have been: Rev. William Heim, Rev. Joseph M. Saylor, 1864; Rev. F. P. Lehr, 1865-66; Rev. A. H. Overholt, 1867-68; Rev. Lewis Snyder, 1869-70; Rev. S. S. Chubb, 1871-72; H. A. Neitz, 1873-75 : Rev. William Wieand, 1876-78; Rev. S. S. Chubb, 1879-80; Rev. H. A. Neitz, 1881-82; Rev. D. A. Medlar, 1883- 85 ; Rev. H. D. Shultz, 1887; Rev. W. C. Kautner, 1888-9; Rev. J. A. Feger, 1890-92 ; Rev. F. Smith, 1893-96; Rev. J. W. Hoo- ver, 1897-98; Rev. J. E. Boughter, 1899-1901; Rev. S. S. Chubb, 1902-04 ; Rev. A. B. Saylor, 1905.
UPPER PAXTON CHURCHES.
A two-story brick church was erected in 1872 by the Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church. Near to the above church stands the David's Reformed Church, built in 1866. This congregation was formed prior to 1774, as baptisms are found recorded as early as June 8 of that year. Rev. Samuel Dubenborn was the pastor, and labored from 1779 to 1789.
March 7, 1775, the Lutheran and Reformed Churches had one hundred and sixty acres of land surveyed and jointly called "Good Intent," and received a deed therefor September 22, 1804. In 1794 the old church was built, and on February 27, 1797, a con- tract was made with some one to finish it for 108 pounds sterling. It stood at the lower end of the cemetery, and was a two-story log
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building, weather boarded and plastered, and had galleries on two sides. The pulpit was ascended by stairs, and was surmounted by a sounding-board. During the Revolutionary war, when Rev. William Hendel came, he was escorted by members of the congre- gation with muskets to protect him and themselves from the prowl- ing Indians, and during the services guards stood with guns in hand near the church. Rev. Hendel had a catechism class of eighty-five, many of whom came ten and fifteen miles to attend class services.
Rev. James Reily was pastor from 1812 to 1819, and during his time the parsonage was built opposite the church (where now stands a farm house). Rev. Isaac Gerhart was pastor from 1819 to 1844. Among his successors have been : 1844-56, J. A. Ellis ; 1856, Richard A. Fisher; 1857-65, E. Kieffer; 1865-68, F. J. Moore; 1868-75, J. W. Lescher; 1875-1884, J. B. Kerschner.
The old edifice was torn down in 1865, and the corner stone of a new one laid September 9, 1866. The basement was dedi- cated December 8, 1868.
HIGHSPIRE CHURCHES.
The United Brethren Church at Highspire borough, has a history dating back to 1794, when Father John Neidig preached in his own house, and during a revival service among the converts was Jacob Roop, who was later called to the ministry and preached at private houses and at the old school house. In 1842 the organi- zation was perfected at Highspire. It was supplied by the circuit one year and then made a station to be supplied by Jacob S. Kessler, who preached in the old school house, near where now stands the Pennsylvania depot. December, 1842, a good two-story brick house was dedicated. This was remodeled in 1879, and in 1896 the present beautiful edifice was erected at a cost of about $10,000. The pastors who have served this people are as follows: 1846, Simon Dreisbach; 1847-49, Daniel Funkhouser; 1849, Samuel Si- ders; 1850, George Miller; 1851, Samuel Siders, Jacob Roop, Si- mon Dreisbach; 1852, Abraham Noll; 1853-55, Joseph Young; 1855-57, Samuel Zimmerman; 1857, Samuel Roop; 1858, Jacob Kessler, L. W. Cromer; 1860, J. B. Daugherty, L. Fleisher; 1861, J. B. Daugherty ; 1862-65, J. P. Smith: 1865, John G. Clair, G. W. Hoffman; 1866, G. W. Hoffman; 1867, J. O. Brewer; 1868, J. P. Smith, H. Hackman, A. Miller; 1869-71, Israel Carpenter; 1870- 72, W. B. Evers; 1872, David O. Farrall, P. Bowman : 1873, W. D. Mower, P. Bowman, Isaiah Baltzell, H. C. Phillips; 1874, Isaiah Baltzell, H. C. Phillips, Hiram Neaffer; 1875, Hiram Neaf-
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fer; 1876-79, Thomas Garland; 1879, G. W. M. Rigor; 1880-82, Abraham H. Kaufman; 1882-85, J. W. Grimm; 1885-87, Z. A. Weidler; 1887-89, E. L. Hughes; 1889, J. Francis Smith; 1889- 91, M. B. Spayd; 1893-98, J. R. Meredith; 1898-1901, A. L. Shannon; 1901-03, S. F. Daugherty; 1903-7, A. E. Shroyer.
Church of God: Several years prior to 1843 this denomination had preaching services by missionaries in the old school house, and during that year a frame church was built at a cost of $708, as shown by the church records. In 1886 the present building was erected and dedicated; its cost was $3,000. The present member- ship of the church is about sixty-five. The following shows the pastors who have served, with the year of their appointment : Jesse Haifligh, 1851; Thomas Strohm, 1853; Jacob Keller, 1854-55; Jesse Haifligh, 1856-57; I. Brady and S. K. Boyer, 1858; I. Brady, 1859; Abraham Snyder, 1860; J. Haifligh, 1863-64; W. L. Jones, 1865-66; S. Smith, 1867; J. W. Deshong, 1868; Elder Fleegal, 1869; J. E. Arnold, 1873 ; D. S. Shoop, 1873-75 ; J. L. Lockwood, 1878-79 ; S. B. Howard, 1880; S. W. Naill, 1881-82 ; H. E. Reever 1883; J. T. Fleegal, 1885-86; W. J. Grissinger, 1887-88; F. W. McGuire, 1889-90; H. Whittaker, 1891-93; O. E. Houston, 1894; C. Price, 1895 ; C. H. Grove, 1896; Charles F. Reitzel, 1898; J. W. Ault, 1902 ; B. L. C. Baer, 1904 and present pastor.
St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church at Highspire was organized in 1893, by a few devout followers of this faith. They worshiped in a hall until 1901, when they built a handsome brick edifice at the cost of $4,000. The only pastor who has regularly served this congregation is Rev. M. L. Deitzler, who came in 1899 and is still pastor.
STEELTON CHURCHES.
The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1868, its first edifice being provided the next year. It stood opposite the blast furnaces at first, but was removed and rebuilt in 1877. Originally it was a mission of Grace Methodist Episcopal Church of Harris- burg. Among the early pastors were: John Stringer, Wesley C. Johnson, John W. Sayer, John A. Cooper, Thomas M. Jackson. John H. Wood, A. L. Urban, G. A. Wolfe. The wooden struc- ture erected in 1877 is still in use, but steps are now being taken to erect a new church edifice. The present pastor is Rev. H. W. Westwood.
The United Brethren ( Centenary) Congregation was organ- ized in 1867, by Rev. Jeremiah C. Smith, and religious worship
.
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was held in the old school house, which later they purchased for two hundred dollars and remodeled it. In 1868 it became con- nected with the Highspire appointment, and in 1873 with Church- ville, but in 1874 was made a station by itself. Among the pastors serving were: J. C. Smith, J. L. Smith, J. Mumma, W. B. Evers, D. O. Farrell, G. A. Mack, A. V. H. Gosweiler, E. F. Light, S. Peters, H. C. Philips, J. R. Hutchinson.
Trinity Protestant Episcopal Mission, with Rev. Jacob Miller, rector, was established in 1882. The present frame edifice was completed in 1900.
St. John's Evangelical Lutheran congregation was organized in 1875, and a building provided the same vear. This served well the purpose for which it was erected until a good brick house of worship was built in 1893.
Another Lutheran Society was formed, known as St. Mark's. This congregation worships in a frame building at present.
In South Steelton is located the German Lutheran church, whose building is a frame structure.
The Church of God has two church organizations in Steelton. The larger of the two erected a good brick edifice in 1902, known as Main Street Church, on the West side. They also have one in lower Steelton, built of wood.
St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran church edifice was erected in 1895. It is a wooden building on the corner of Second and Lin- coln streets.
The United Evangelical congregation worships in a frame structure erected several years ago.
The African Baptist people have two churches at Steelton, and each a house of worship of their own.
The African Methodist Episcopal church first owned a frame building which in the summer of 1905 was torn away and a good brick edifice erected.
The Central Baptist congregation of the West Side, in 1899, erected a good brick edifice in which they now worship.
The Presbyterians of Steelton in 1896 erected a modern style edifice. This church was formed in 1881.
The First Reformed congregation erected a good brick build- ing in 1890.
The Catholic denomination is strong at Steelton. St. James Catholic Church was erected in 1878. There are several smaller Catholic churches, including that of the Greek.
In 1905 the Hebrews of the place began to build a Synagogue in which to worship.
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BERRYSBURG CHURCHES.
St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church edifice is the pride of the Lutherans of Lykens Valley, and is one of the finest churches, aside from Harrisburg, in Dauphin county.
The first settlers in Mifflin and Washington townships were. Germans, who, on June 5, 1780, organized a church congregation called St. John's. The first baptism was December 3, 1780, of Hannah, daughter of Nicholas Schnug; the second, May 8, 1781, of Catharine, daughter of Henry Umholtz; and the third, May 13, 178I, of Philepna, daughter of Christian Schnug. The first pastor was Rev. Michael Enterline. Services were held in the private dwellings of the members until 1791, when a school-house was erected, in which preaching was then had. In this year the dea- cons were Christian Schnug and John Matter. On January 19, 1797, the following building committee were appointed to erect a new church edifice : John Matter, Sr., David Harman, Philip Bech- tel, and Reuben Wise. It was built in 1798, but not being fully paid for, was not dedicated until October 24, 1802. This old two- story frame edifice, with its antique and venerable steeple, stood until 1876, when the present building, a brick structure ninety by fifty-five feet, was erected. It stands on a high ridge one mile from Berrysburg and three from Elizabethville, on land the congregation has owned since 1780.
Union Salem Church (Lutheran and Reformed), was built in 1844, and rebuilt in 1873.
An Evangelical Association was organized in 1846; a church built the same year.
The Methodist Episcopal Church here, was made a part of the Millersburg and Berrysburg Circuit in 1866, but in 1870 changed and coupled with Berrysburg, Oakdale and Cross-Roads, the latter abandoned in 1877.
Near the Upper Paxton line, in the north part of this town- ship, the United Brethren organized a large congregation and have- ever been a power for spiritual good in the community.
LOWER PAXTON CHURCHES.
Among the churches of this township, are the United Breth- ren; and Church of God, organized in 1826-7. The Lutheran and Reformed churches erected a building in conjunction. Their first place of worship was a house of logs, erected about 1766. A Methodist Episcopal Society was formed about 1870.
"Shoop's Church," Lutheran and Reformed, was early in this.
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section. As early as 1771, there were sufficient Germans here to invite the attention of traveling missionaries. Among the first bap- tisms is recorded that of Johannes Schupp (Shoop), son of Chris- topher and Rosina Shoop, born May 5, 1771, and baptized June 5, the same year.
In 1783 the Lutherans and the Reformed Church organized two congregations, and built a log meeting house in which both worshiped. It was first called "Beckstein," but soon changed to "Schupps Kirche," in honor of Johannes Shoop, one of the early and prominent settlers in that section. Among the early marriages there recorded are those of Philip Frederick Shoop to Elizabeth Nass, and Carl Welker to Catherine Nass, both dated May 4, 1784. The religious element still predominates in this township, and while many have been the modern-day changes in church build- ing and ministers, the same Gospel was expounded and faithfully lived by the early pioneers.
"Hill Church."-About 1770 a log house was erected for a meeting-house on the land owned by Robert McCord on the site of the "Hill Church Cemetery." On October 11, 1796, an agree- ment was entered into whereby Mr. McCord stipulated to convey by deed said lot to the trustees of the Middle Paxtang Presbyterian congregation. This conveyance was made November 6, 1813, to William Cochran, William Forster, and James Green as said trus- tees. The expenses of its erection were principally met by the Scotch-Irish settlers, who were then the main farmers of this region. The congregation at one time was very large, and this old log struc- ture (weatherboarded) held two hundred persons.
HALIFAX CHURCHES.
The Lutheran Church was at first a one-story log structure, erected in 1814, and from 1826 to 1838 about one-half of the time was used for school purposes. By 1838, the membership had so de- creased that the organization was abandoned and the building sold to Anthony Loomis, who moved it to the village proper. The money received for it was used to pay the expense of enclosing the grave yard lot, upon which it stood, with a good fence.
The United Brethren Church In Christ formed their society in 1840, and a neat church was provided in 1868. Among the earlier pastors may be named: Rev. J. W. Hunkle, A. F. Yeager, Joseph Young, John W. Geiger, Rev. List, William D. Knower, A. V. H. Gosweiler, E. L. Hughes, V. S. Riddle, W. D. Mower and S. P.
17
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Funk, the latter coming in 1881. This denomination still main- tains a good society at this point, and worship in a good building.
About 1799 and 1800 several Methodist families settled in and around the village of Halifax. Three members of them, James Ferguson, Robert Bowes, and Thomas Burrell, who had emigrated from Ireland, located in the town. Soon after, Philip Shephard established himself three miles above town, and George Lemon four miles below town, both families coming from the lower end of the state. About the same time five or six more families of the Metho- dist Episcopal church settled in Lykens Valley, and John and Daniel Miller settled near the mouth of Wiconisco creek, where they laid out Millersburg. Two or three miles farther up the valley settled Daniel Stever, an old soldier of the Revolutionary war, and the first Methodist exhorter in the county. About this time John Motter, Philip Verner, John Deitrich, and Samuel Wells located ten miles farther up the valley. Just a few miles from the Dauphin county line, in Schuylkill county, lived Henry Kunzelman, who afterwards became an itinerant preacher of the Methodist faith, preaching in the German language. In the summer of 1801 the Philadelphia Conference sent out Rev. William Rose. an Irishman, as a mission- ary, who, after making several excursions through the upper end of Dauphin county with the view of establishing permanent ap- pointments for preaching, organized several classes and preaching appointments, one in Halifax, one near where Millersburg is, and one near where Berrysburg is. Next year he was followed by the eccentric Rev. Jacob Gruber, who preached in both German and English. The Dauphin Circuit was then fully explored and or- ganized, embracing Dauphin, Lebanon, and parts of Schuylkill county, making a six weeks' tour, day or night appointments, be- sides the Sunday labors. This territory now embraces twenty cir- cuits and stations (or, as old Father Gruber called them, tobacco patches), supporting from one to two ministers each, with at least two preaching appointments each Sabbath. In 1834, Harrisburg was cut off as a station, and in 1837 the circuit was divided, making Peter's mountain the line, the upper end forming Halifax Circuit. Afterwards Lykens and Wiconisco were made into a circuit, and Williamstown into a station, with other sub-divisions hereafter to be noted under the heads of the various towns.
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