USA > Pennsylvania > Lehigh County > Salisbury in Lancaster County > History of Jerusalem Lutheran and Reformed Church of Western Salisbury, Lehigh Co., Pa. : with complete records of all members of both congregations, baptisms, confirmations, marriages and burials > Part 4
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Wetzel, Oliver F.
FEMALE.
Backensto, Maria L., wife of Frank, Barndt, Mary, wife of Jacob,
Biery, Annie M.,
Biery, Mary J.,
Biery, Florence,
Bieber, Laura, wife of John R.,
Bieber, Ida, wife of Morris S.,
Bieber, Minnie R.,
Bieber, Ellen J.,
Bieber, Mamie F.,
Bieber, Maria,
Bogert, Sarah, wife of Solomon,
Bogert, Emma J., wife of John W. H.,
Bogert, Ellen, wife of Victor,
Bogert, Rosa, wife of Charles V.,
Bogert, Jennie, wife of Herbert F.,
Bogert, Irone, wife of William 0). 11.,
Bogert, Amelia, wife of James L.,
Bogert, Katie V., Bogert, Meda M., Bogert, Eva A.,
Bogert, Mamie, wife of Milton,
Bortz, Mary, wife of Harry,
Butz, Sarah, Clauser, Emma, wife of George, Confer, -, wife of David, Confer, Edna S.,
Creveling, Jennie, wife of John P., Sr.,
Danner, Maria, wife of Wilson,
Danner, Emma, wife of Allen J., Derr, Annie, wife of Samuel, Sr., Dorney, Amanda, wife of James G., Eberhard, Mary, wife of Daniel, Eek, Sybilla P., wife of B. Alvin, Esterly, - - -, wife of Glancy J., Fehler, Mary, wife of William, Fink, Edith, wife of Edgar, Flexer, Mary, wife of James,
Funk, wife of Samuel, Jr., Geho, Ida, Gruber, Amanda, wife of William, Haines, Ellen J., wife of Thomas, Hartzel, Catherine, wife of Charles, Heist, Emma,
Heist, Jennie.
Haas, Annie, wife of William,
Keek, Marietta, wife of Milton C.,
Keek, Caroline, wife of Andrew,
Keek, Emeline, wife of William,
Keck, -, wife of Joel, Keck, Alice, wife of Herman,
Keller, Sarah, wife of David,
Kemmerer, Katie S., wife of Marcus,
Kemmerer, Sarah, wife of Clinton,
Kemmerer, Annie M., wife of Vietor S., Kehm, Elizabeth, wife of John, Sr., Kehm, Rebecca, wife of Alvin, Kerti, Senia, wife of Uriah A., Knauss, Deborah, wife of Thomas,
----
Stephen, Clarence J., Sterner, Hiram,
Walbert, Wilson F., Wieand, Edwin,
Roth, Philip, Stephen, Elias,
31
THE SALISBURY REFORMED CONGREGATION.
Knauss, Sallie, Knauss, Amanda,
Knappenberger, Emma, wife of Harvey,
Knedler, Stella, wife of Harry,
Kleekner, Emma, wife of Phaon,
Klein, Hannah, wife of Daniel,
Klein, --- , wife of Fred,
Kline, Susanna, wife of Tilghman R.,
Kroninger, Sarah S., wife of John,
Kroninger, Laura, Kratzer, Emma, wife of Harleigh, Klein, Senia, wife of Henry,
Laudenschlager, Susan, wife of Owen,
Laudensehlager, Sarah, wife of William A.,
Laudenschlager, Elvina, wife of John, Sr.,
Laudenschlager, Laura, wife of John, Jr.,
Laudenschlager, Ellen J., wife of Elmer O.,
Lehman, Sarah, wife of John, Sr.,
Lorash, Lucy, wife of Henry,
Lorentz, Catherine, wife of Edwin, Miller, Caroline, wife of Aaron, Miller, Lovina, wife of Joseph, Miller, Amanda, wife of Alfred,
Millhouse, Elenora, wife of Charles, Mohr, Kate, wife of John H., Nester, Maddie V.,
Neimeyer, Permelia, wife of Edwin,
1
Neimeyer, Maria E., wife of Tilgh- man, Neimeyer, Lyla, wife of R. G. A.,
Neimeyer, Florence, wife of Solon, Ortt, Leanna M.,
Ortt, Lovinia, Ortt, Emma,
Reinhard, Mary, wife of William, F.,
Reinhard, Mary, wife of Charles,
Reinhard, Ellen J., wife of Charles H.,
Reinhard, Jennie, wife of Oliver H.,
Reinhard, Ellen, wife of Harvey,
Reinhard, Ida M., wife of Jacob J., Reinhard Ella, Reinhard, Mary A.,
Reese, Mamie C., wife of H. Howard, Romich, Sallie, wife of Henry L., Rohrbach, Stella,
Roth, Aquilla, wife of Owen A.,
Rickert, Jennie, wife of Marcus, Ruppert, Florence M.,
Sehmoyer, Alavesta, wife of Victor C.,
Schmoyer, Sarah, wife of Elias A.,
Schmoyer, Sarah, wife of John,
Schaeffer, Lillie, wife of Samuel,
Schmeltzle, Mrs., wife of Benjamin F., Schantz, Emma, wife of Jacob, Schmeck, Mary, wife of Alfred, Shuler, Eliza, wife of Elias,
Smith, Mrs., wife of Benjamin,
Stauffer, Annie C., Stephen, Clara, wife of Elmer E., Stephen, Clara, wife of Milton M., Stephen, Mrs., wife of Elias,
Trumbauer, Queena, wife of Jacob,
Walbert, Mamie, wife of Charles, Wieand, Isabella, wife of Edwin, Zimmerman, Martha, wife of Morgan.
THE SALISBURY LUTHERAN CONGREGATION.
MYRON O. RATH.
About four miles west of Allentown, and less than two miles north of Emaus, is located the Jerusalem Western Salisbury Church. It is jointly owned by the Lutheran and Reformed congregations worshiping in it. It stands on an elevated plateau, and can be seen far and wide. The church is a large stone building, and is a splendid specimen of the architecture of the olden time. At the foot of the hill, not far distant, is the Little Lehigh River, along which many of the pioneers settled. In response to the lure of the land, whose fertility was judged by the massive growth of the timber, the early settlers penetrated the "baek- woods." Just when the territory, in which our church is located, was taken by the white settlers cannot definitely be determined. But as early as 1730, if not before, small colonies were here, for it is on record that ministerial aets were per- formed by certain men passing through this section. These early settlers doubt- less came by way of Goshenhoppen, and Oley, and the Perkiomen Valley. They were Germans from the Palatinate, who had come to America, and to Pennsyl- vania, as a place of refuge and of peace. When and to whom the Proprietaries of Pennsylvania issued a warrant covering the site of our church, I have not discovered. Such warrant, however, may have issued as early as 1732. At that time this whole section was called Macungie. In 1752 Salisbury Township was laid out and allowed by the Court. The name of the township has had different · spellings. c.g., Salzburg, Saltzburg, Salisburg. But as the surveys were largely made by Englishmen, and the original warrants for land were given to English- men principally, the supposition that the township derived its name from the Salisbury in England is therefore doubtless correct. Our church is located in the western part of this township, and is erected on the same site on which the first church was built 170 years ago. Previous to the building of the little log church in 1741, those early settlers, who were a religious people, had a "church in the house." This continued for some years when the colonists determined to build a church. A church was built in 1741, but under whose ministry is not known. Two years after the little log church was erected, it does appear that a certain Johan Wilhelm Straub was here and officiated. In a deed given in 1743, Straub as the party of the second part, is named as "Prediger dahier an der Kleinen Lecha, ete." It is further stated by the party of the first part: "Wir begeben uns nun dieses Plaetzleins (2 Acker fuer 20 Schillinge) mit aller Gerechtigkeit auf hiesiger Landesfreiheit, an die schon wirklich erbaute Reformirte-Evangelisch- Lutherische Kirche, Gott zu ehren, unser' und unserer Nachkoemlingen Seelen, Heil und Wohlfahrt."
REV. MYRON O. RATH
33
THE SALISBURY LUTHERAN CONGREGATION.
How long that little church lasted is not known. It was crudely built of logs; the floor was covered with stones; there was no stove, nor benches, only logs ent for sitting. It is supposed that this church was replaced by a somewhat better frame building. Of this second church, however, we have no certain data. Not only were the churches small and the people poor in those early days, but ministers also were few. And of these many were "godless and scandalously living preachers." As late as 1769 conditions were lamentable. as may be learned from a letter written by a "well meaning Evangelical Justice of the Peace," who in behalf of deacons "from the congregations at Macunshy, Upper Milford, Upper Saccona and Saltzburg" urgently requested of Synod a minister and earnestly desired that Rev. Mr. Kurtz, of Tulpehocken, be sent them. "Rev. Mr. Kurtz would be necessary at this time in our district, because of the many sects and separatists, and because of the godless vagabonds (Land Läufer), who repre- sent themselves as preachers." And long before this time, and during the two decades preceding the building of the little church in 1741, the same sad con- ditions prevailed. Self-appointed and irresponsible persons often appeared, and performed ministerial acts. They preached, baptized, married, though they were never ordained. Church records were opened and entries made years before ordination took place. Little was known of church order in those days, and where it was in force it was often disregarded. 1741, it antedates the coming of Muhlenberg, Patriarch of the Lutheran Church in America, by one year; and of Schlatter, "official visitor of the churches" of the Reformed, by five years; the organization of the "Coetus of Pennsylvania" by six years, and of the Ministerinm of Pennsylvania by seven years; the erection of Salisbury as a township by eleven years, and of Lehigh County by 71 years; the founding of Allentown by 21 years; and the Declaration of Independence by 31 years. 1741 is the year in which the first church was built. "Anno Domini 1741, Ist die Kirche erbaut worden" is written in an old church record. It will perhaps never be known under just what circumstances this little church was built; but like many others it was the visible expression of the devout heart, built without any outside stimulus or inspiration. So far as can be determined there was at this early date a church organization, but no regular ordained minister, only a small log church, "Not yet ripe enough, to be let alone until their desire for true and regular ministers becomes greater." In 1743 a deed was passed. In this deed the name of John William Straub appears as minister, who together with Elders and others, executed the same. Whether he helped organize the Reformed con- gregation and aided in building the church I do not know. He must have had some official connection with the congregation as appears in the deed. He, how- ever, was no ordained minister, but like Goetchie and others preceding him, preached and performed certain church rites without ordination. He preached for many years at Skippack, and many have come up occasionally and held ser- vices here for both parties. Not until 1748, when John Philip Leydich came, a faithful and unpretentious laborer, did the Reformed congregation have the
34
HISTORY OF JERUSALEM CHURCH, SALISBURY, PA.
ministrations of a regularly ordained minister. The Lutherans were less fortunate in this respect. But they kept the faith. With firmness and fidelity they adhered to the confessions of the church, although they had no regular Lutheran preacher until 1759. Who will ever tell the story of those eighteen long years? Synod knew of the churches in the outlying districts, but could do little for them. The people petitioned for ministers, but there were none to send. Better days, however, were to come.
Lutheran Pastors. REV. DANIEL SCHUMACHER.
In 1759 Daniel Schumacher came to this church. When a young man he was engaged in preaching in Nova Scotia. He labored then as a lay missionary, but his support was so meagre that he was compelled to leave, and came to New York in 1754, and later to Eastern Pennsylvania. He was recommended by Rev. John A. Wygand, to the Ministerium for ordination. But for reasons the Synod did not order his ordination. He was ordained, however, but by whom is not known. He never became a member of the Ministerinm. His ministrations covered a very large territory. From 1755-1758 we find that he was pastor of Trinity Church, Reading, and from his private record that he labored at Egypt as early as 1757. It is claimed that he served in Weisenberg in the same year. He came to Jerusalem, Western Salisbury, Church in January, 1759, and six months later assisted at the dedication of the Jerusalem, Eastern Salisbury, Church. In the same clear, legible hand in which all of the records made by Schumacher were kept, we find in the one belonging to the latter, "The Christian Evangelical Lutherans and Reformed, both adhering to the Protestant religion, have together erected a church in Salzburg Township, in Northampton County, in the year of the Lord 1759. This church was built after the Indians had again ceased to burn and to kill in this neighborhood, and by poor people only, who were, however, assisted by their brethren with small contributions." What part Schumacher had, if any, in starting the movement to build another Jerusalem Salzburg church, and just why another congregation in the Eastern part of the same township was organized so soon after the first one is not clear. It is some- what remarkable that in the records of each congregation almost the same list of articles are named as having been contributed, a table cloth, a pewter enp, etc. In the church record of our church Schumacher wrote: "Kirchenbuch von der Evangelisch-Lutherischen. Kirche und Augsburgischer Confession zugethanen Glaubens Brüdern in Whitehall Township, der Schmaltzgass, Northampton County." It seems the boundaries of Whitehall, Macungie and Saltzburg were then not definitely known. On another page he wrote: "Nachfolgende Kinder sind getanft worden von mir Daniel Schumacher, Evan. Luth. Pfarrer der Gemeinden in Weisenberg, Egypten, Salzburg und Albanien." Then follows this verse :
--
35
THE SALISBURY LUTHERAN CONGREGATION.
"Schreib unsere Namen aufs Beste Ins Buch des Lebens ein Und bind die Seel fein feste Ins Bündelein."
1826771
It is not certain how long he served the congregation. After 1762 the record in his handwriting ceases. In 1768 a single entry of a baptism is made in his well- known handwriting. Schumacher was an active, untiring laborer, and had at one time as many as sixteen congregations. His ministry is said to have extended from 1754-1774, a period of twenty years. His remains are buried in the Weisen- berg church graveyard.
REV. J. F. SCHERTLEIN.
Schumacher's records cease in 1762. Van Buskirk came in 1769. Who served during this interim? According to "Documentary History," Sen. Mr. M (uhlenberg) reported in 1768: "In a district situated between north-east and north-west from Philadelphia towards the Blue Mountains, Macunshy, Saccona, Heidelberg, etc., are several vacant congregations, which, after the death of Rev. Mr. Schertlein, were torn and tormented by godless, scandalous living so-called preachers." Although Saltzburg is not mentioned, may it not have been one of the congregations included under the "etc.," in the report of President Muhlen- berg, which after the death of Schertlein was thus "torn and tormented"? In a letter written by a cousin of Muhlenberg, and dated November 4, 1768, Salisbury is named with three other congregations, uniting in a petition to Synod for a minister. "The deacons from the congregations at Macunshy, Upper Milford, Upper Saccona and Salzburg were all with me yesterday and intually united themselves to petition the honorable coetus for a preacher, ete." In 1763 no delegates reported to Synod from fear of the Indians. "17. From Macunshy, Heidelberg, Jordan, etc., nobody came on account of the danger from Indians. 19. From Upper Milford, Allentown, ete., a letter of excuse on account of fear of attack by the Indians." At the same convention personal letters were read. One from Mr. Sehertlein. "Further, a written excuse from Mr. Schertlein, on ac- count of his age and danger from the Indians, etc."
Schertlein came to America in 1753 in advanced age, and is said to have moved with his family to Macungie, where he served as pastor of neighboring churches. In 1768 Muhlenberg reports him dead, and into this vacant charge, Macunshy and neighborhood, he had sent his son, Peter Muhlenberg, as supply
REV. JACOB VAN BUSKIRK.
If we are mistaken as to Sehertlein serving Salisbury at any time, either before Schumacher's coming in 1759, or after 1762, when it may be inferred from the record that his labors ceased, we know that in 1769 Van Buskirk served the congregation regularly for a period of 27 years, from 1769-1793, and again from 1796-1799. Van Buskirk had the confidence and friendship of Muhlenberg,
36
HISTORY OF JERUSALEM CHURCH, SALISBURY, PA.
whom he learned to know when a young man, and later when living on his farm in Macungie, entertained in his home. He was present at the funeral of the aged patriarch in 1787. Van Buskirk was of Hollandish deseent, and was born in Hackensack, N. J., February 11, 1739. On a certain evening in 1759, while Muhlenberg, then on a pastoral tour, was engaged in catechising a number of young people in Bedminster, Van Buskirk came from Hackensack. Muhlenberg doubtless had a happy influence on the young man, moving him to prepare for the ministry. He received his preparatory education from his pastor Rev. J. A. Wygand, who had recommended Schumacher to Synod for ordination and whose successor in Salisbury he was destined to become. After studying at Princeton College, in 1760 he went to Philadelphia, where he became a student under Muhlenberg. On October 12, 1763, he was ordained. It is claimed that Van Buskirk was the first native born American to enter the Lutheran ministry. He was married March 15, 1764, to Ama M. Hollenbeck. In 1765 he was called to Germantown. In 1769 he came to Lehigh, then Northampton County. In this year he became pastor of the Salisbury congregation, which he served in con- nection with four or five others. He was in Salisbury until 1793, when he ac- cepted a call to a charge in Bucks County, consisting of three congregations. After an absence of less than three years, in 1796 he resumed the Salisbury pas- torate, serving it in connection with his Bucks County charge. "Van Buskirk was a man of more than ordinary ability, a prominent member of the Minis- terimm of Pennsylvania, and a member of the first Board of Trustees of Franklin College, now Franklin and Marshall College, of Lancaster, Pa. He excelled especially as a catechist and possessed wonderful power of personal magnetism. Whilst serving the congregations in Bucks County, he died suddenly on August 5, 1800, while on his way on horseback to an appointment." He is buried in the "Old Yellow Church" yard, near North Wales, Pa.
GEORGE FREDERICK RIMASON.
After Van Buskirk followed the call to the congregations at Upper Doublin, Whitpain and Gwynedd, in Bucks County, Salisbury was served by a Mr. Ellison, perhaps more as a supply than as a pastor regularly called. Ellison came from Germany. Of his antecedents we have no data. It is of record that in 1793 at the Forty-sixth Convention of the Ministerium, held in Philadelphia, he applied for admission, and it is stated, was highly recommended by varions preachers who had become acquainted with him. In reference to his application it was at a later session resolved : That Mr. Ellison receive full license as licensed candidate for the congregations in Obermilford, Obersaccon, Saltzburg and Allentown. The following year at the convention in Reading Ellison reported 143 baptisms, 120 confirmations, 1374 communicants, H deaths. It is stated that on the evening of June 17 he preached before Synod. In 1795 his name appears as one of the licensed candidates present at the synodical meeting. in philadel- phia, from Upper Milford. At a ministerial meeting of the same convention, he,
37
THE SALISBURY LUTHERAN CONGREGATION.
with others, handed in his license and sermon for examination and approval. The Ministerium resolved that also the license of Mr. Ellison be renewed for one year, as before, and for Steiner's church. At the next convention, held in York- town, he was absent without excuse. The baptisms in the church record for the years 1793-1796 are presumed to be his. Of his later work, and of his death and burial nothing is known.
JOHANNES PAUL FERDINAND KRAMER.
From the old church record we learn that a Mr. Kramer preached in Salz- burg from 1800-1803. He wrote the following: "Nachfolgende Kinder sind getauft worden von mir Johannes Paul Ferdinand Kramer, Evan. Imtherischer Pfarrer derer Gemeinden Salzburg, Upper Milford, Makunschy." Kramer was a pioneer preacher and amid many self-denials and adverse circumstances cared for the scattered people. He was never ordained. Where he came from is not known. He may have come to Salisbury church as a catechist, or a school teacher, and the congregation being vacant, may have been asked to serve it. However that may be we know that during these years he baptized children and preached. And this he did withont even being licensed. For it was only after he had vacated this charge and while preaching in another part of the State that a petition for his licensure was made. In 1806 it appears of record that a paper was handed in to Synod by certain congregations: "Good testimonial for their preacher, Mr. Joh. P. F. Kramer. Petition that he be licensed." In 1809 he presented himself as a candidate for licensure and was judged favorably by the committee. For a time he appears to have been a self-appointed itinerary preacher. In 1811 Synod reports, "concerning the communication of Kramer to the Synod, in which he offers to become traveling preacher for two months and to seek congregations for himself, and asks for two months' salary as traveling preacher for a journey of 53 days already made for this purpose, it was resolved that Synod ean in no wise grant his request." Kramer must have fallen into disrepute with Synod for his license was not renewed. In 1813 he humbly begs for the renewal of his license, but the Ministerium abided by its resolution of last year, "and cannot have anything to do with him this year as yet." In 1816 the Ministerium granted him a license, but with the understanding that if ever again well grounded complaints come up against him the Ministerimm would never more have anything to do with him." The nature of these "complaints" cannot be determined. In a letter written in 1821 Kramer complains of the treatment received and asks Synod "to some extent to restore his honor by a written declaration that because of his usefulness in his office he is considered a friend." No action is reported.
JOHN G. ROELLER-JOHN CASPER DIL ..
After Kramer withdrew from the field, the congregation was without a regular pastor for several years. In 1805 Conrad Jaeger served it in connection with his large charge. Who ministered to this people in 1803 and 1804? Prob -.
38
HISTORY OF JERUSALEM CHURCH, SALISBURY, PA.
ably Revs. Roeller and Dill. Roeller at this time lived in Goshenhoppen, and Dill was pastor at Egypt. These men doubtless came to Salisbury as supply, the one in 1803 and the other in 1804. Both were honored and faithful ministers. They were members of the Ministerim. Roeller was ordained in 1805 while pastor at Goshenhoppen, which charge he served until his death. He was the father of Rev. Isaac Roeller, late of Kutztown, who died in 1897 at the age of 91. Dill also was a "Pioneer Pastor." For twenty-three years he labored in Berks and Lehigh Counties. In 1815 he went to Ohio, where he manifested the same earnest- ness and activity that characterized his work in Pennsylvania. He was born in 1758 and died at Germantown, Ohio, in 1824, where he is also buried.
JOHN CONRAD JAEGER.
In 1805 Jaeger was pastor of congregations in Williams Township, North- ampton County. In that year Salisbury was added to his already large and scattered charge. Jaeger was a native of York County. He entered the ministry somewhat late in life. It was through his pastor, Rev. Dr. Goehring, who served the Lutheran congregation at York, that Jaeger was prevailed upon to leave his trade of cigar-making and devote his time and talents to the ministry. He had little preparation for so important a work. But he had natural ability and de- termination. Ile began his studies under Goering, was licensed to preach and later ordained. He gave good proof of his ministry, and his work as a preacher was favorably spoken of. After his reception into Synod he was called to three small congregations in New Jersey, not far from Easton, Pa. With a growing family, and his salary small he was at first in rather straitened circumstances. But on moving to Williams Township, his second charge, he was more comfort- ably situated, living on his own farm, comprising 236 acres. His ministry in Salisbury lasted only from Ascension Day, 1805, when he administered the com- munion, to the Spring of 1808. Although he served Salisbury regularly for three years, I do not think it formed part of his charge. He served it provisionally. But the same zeal and earnestness that characterized his labors in his charge was no doubt shown Salisbury as filial. He was the father of Joshua Jaeger, who for well-nigh three-score years served the Lord in part of the same charge. He died November 8, 1832, aged 64 years and 24 days. He is buried in the old cemetery at Schoenersville.
HEINRICH HEINE.
At the convention in 1807, held in Lancaster, Synod was informed that several young men were desirous of devoting themselves to the ministry. Among these was Heinrich Heine. In order to enable the young men to continue their studies an appropriation of one hundred dollars from the Synodical treasury was made. The following year Macunschy petitioned Synod for a preacher. It was resolved that Mr. Heine visit the congregation, and if he receive a call, that a license be prepared for him for this congregation by the officers in the name of
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