History of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, Part 48

Author: edited by John F. Meginness
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Brown, Runk
Number of Pages: 1650

USA > Pennsylvania > Lycoming County > History of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania > Part 48

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

397

WILLIAMSPORT.

He retired in 1889. Rev. Lewis Robb, the present pastor, succeeded him in April of the same year. A handsome church, Gothic style, was erected and dedicated, June 7, 1885. The lot, building, and furniture cost $10,818. Membership, 215; Sunday school scholars, 200.

LUTHERAN.

St. Mark's English Lutheran church on Market street was built in 1854 at a cost of $8,000. It will seat 250; number of members, 525; Sunday school scholars, 350; superintendent, Henry J. Glasser; library, 350 volumes; pastor, Rev. George G. Kunkle.

The German Lutheran Emmanuel church. on East Third street, has a mem- bership of 150; number of Sunday school scholars, 200. The church will seat 450. Rev. Paul Scheliha, pastor. Valuation of church property, $6,000; parsonage $3,500.

St. Paul's Lutheran church was organized, April 9, 1871, and on September 10, 1871, Rev. Joel Swartz, D.D., of Carlisle, was elected pastor. Services were held for some time in the Academy of Music. In 1873 a lot was purchased on William street and a chapel erected. A fine brick church was afterwards built. Under the pastorate of Rev. S. P. Hughes, who resigned in 1891, the church prospered greatly. He was succeeded by Rev. John M. Anspach, D. D. The membership is 400, and the Sunday school uumbers 350; superintendent, E. R. Brooks. The ground and buildings are valued at $35,000.

St. Matthew's chapel is an offspring of St. Paul's. The building is brick. No pastor. The Sunday school numbers 100 scholars.

The Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Tucker street, was erected in 1891. The membership is about sixty; Sunday school scholars, 175; superintendent, L. M. Heilhecker; pastor, Rev. J. M. Steck.

St. Luke's chapel, (Lutheran,) located on Brandon avenue, is a brick structure. Sunday school scholars, 75; superintendent, A. H. Heilman. No pastor. The property is valued at $2,500.

St. John's Lutheran church, at the corner of Rose street and Erie avenue, was built in 1882. The membership is about 175; Sunday school scholars, 275. Rev. Isaiah Irvine, pastor.

PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL.

In 1840 there were only three resident communicants of the Protestant Episcopal church in Williamsport. Missionary services were commenced here that year in April, and services held once a month by E. N. Lightner, rector of St. James church, Muncy. Christ church, corner of Fourth and Mulberry streets, was organized, February 8, 1841, and in July of that year the first communion of the Lord's Supper was administered to nine persons, all of whom are dead but one- Mrs. Juliet (Lewis) Campbell. About sixteen months from this time a church was completed, and consecrated by Bishop Onderdonk, June 12, 1842. The church grew in strength and usefulness, and in 1869 it was found necessary to put up a new building. It was a handsome stone structure, but it has since had a large addition for Sunday school purposes, and has been greatly improved and beautified

398

HISTORY OF LYCOMING COUNTY.

by the erection of a stone tower. The following have served as rectors : Revs. E. N. Lightner, John B. Clemson, Thomas Yarnall, William J. Clark, J. H. Black, E. P .. Wright, W. H. Cooper, H. C. Moore, Albra Wadleigh, William Paret, John H. Hopkins, and William H. Graff. The present communicants number 420; Sunday school scholars, 225. The property is valued at $70,000.

Wadleigh Memorial chapel, on Almond street, is an adjunct of Christ church, and has a Sunday school membership of 250.

Trinity Episcopal church, corner West Fourth street and Trinity place, was built under the auspices of Peter Herdic in 1871. The church organization was formed December 28, 1865, and Rev. Henry Spackman was elected the first rector. He accepted the call, January 1, 1866, and proved himself a very efficient worker. Rt. Rev. Bishop Stevens, Rev. Arthur Brooks, and several other distinguished divines assisted at the corner stone laying, July 15, 1871. The architecture is of the Gothic pattern. On Christmas, 1875, Hon. John W. Maynard presented the corporation of Trinity with a chime of nine bells weighing 14,000 pounds and costing $5,000. The dedication took place, February 22, 1876, when a deed from Peter Herdic presenting the lot and building to the church was read with this provision, "that it is to remain a permanent site for the Protestant Episcopal church, and the pews in the same are to remain forever free." The organ and tower clock were also the donation of Mr. Herdic. The cost of this magnificent edifice was $80,000. Number of members, 240; Sabbath school scholars, 170. Rev. George C. Foley, rector.

EVANGELICAL.

The Evangelical church, on Market street, near the railroad, was built in 1845. It is a plain brick structure and will seat 200. The membership is nearly 100; Sabbath school scholars, 30. The property is valued at $6,000. Rev. Jacob Young, pastor.

Bennett Street Evangelical church was erected in 1870, and seats about 500; number of members, 325; Sunday school scholars, 200; volumes in library, 200. Rev. J. Hellenbauch, pastor. Value of property, $2,000.

The Evangelical church on Race street below Apple, Newberry, was erected in 1871 at a cost of $3,000. It seats about 300 and has a membership of about 100; Sabbath school scholars, 134 ; volumes in library, 125.

St. Paul's mission of the Evangelical Association, on Erie avenue, has a membership of nearly 100; Sunday school scholars, 220. The church was organized in January, 1889. Rev. J. W. Thompson, pastor.

ROMAN CATHOLIC.

St. Bonifacius church was organized in 1853 with about thirty families, who were principally Germans. On the 23d of January, 1854, a lot 52x208 feet, located on Washington street, was purchased, and in the summer of 1854 a frame church, 24x48 feet in size, was erected thereon. This was the only place of Catholic wor- ship in Williamsport up to 1865. The first pastor was Rev. George Gosteuschnigg, of St. Joseph's church, Milton, who, up to 1857, visited Williamsport twice a month to celebrate Mass and preach the Gospel to the little flock. The first resident pastor

399

WILLIAMSPORT.

was Rev. John B. Bach, who took charge of the congregation in January, 1857, and served until September, 1861. He preached alternately in German, English, and French. He made an addition to the church of 22x22 feet, and opened a small parochial school. In 1859 he laid out a cemetery on Wyoming street, containing about two acres. Rev. Philip Woerner became pastor in September, 1861, and remained until March, 1862, when he was succeeded by Rev. James A. Moschal. In the autumn of 1865 the church of the Annunciation was organized, from the English speaking portion of St. Bonifacius church, since which time the latter organization has been a purely German Catholic body. Rev. John Lenfert, of St. Mary's church, Bastress township, succeeded Father Moschal in October, 1865, and visited the congregation once a month up to 1869. During his administration a lot 52x208 feet east of the church was purchased.

Rev. John Koeper became pastor of St. Bonifacius congregation, August 16, 1869, and has remained its pastor up to the present. In November, 1872, the old church was removed to the rear of the lot, to make room for the present substantial edifice. The corner stone was laid, June 22, 1873, and the building was dedicated to the service of God, September 19, 1875. It is a brick structure of Gothic archi- tecture, and is 65x145 feet in dimensions. The auditorium is 46x98 feet, and has a seating capacity of 800. The windows are of richly stained glass, and the interior, like the exterior, is of pure Gothic design. In March, 1870, the parochial school was reorganized, with Charles Cremer as teacher. In June, 1874, four Sisters of Christian Charity, banished from Germany by the new Prussian church laws, took charge of the parochial school, and their number has since been increased to six. The school now enrolls 280 pupils, and is held in the old frame church and additions. A lot, 78x104 feet, was purchased in 1874, and in 1880 a three-story brick building was erected, in which the sisters reside. In July, 1881, an addition of four acres was purchased and laid out in lots, adjoining the old cemetery, for the use of St. Boni- facius congregation. This church now embraces 350 families, and its constant growth so increased the labors of Father Koeper, that an assistant priest, Rev. Charles J. Goeckel, was appointed in November, 1890.

The Church of the Annunciation was organized in the autumn of 1865 by Rev. P. F. Sullivan, with about sixty English speaking families previously connected with St. Bonifacius church. Services were held in Doebler's hall, on Third street, dur- ing Father Sullivan's pastorate, which closed in October, 1866. In the meantime he had purchased a site on the corner of Walnut and Edwin streets, and laid the foundation for a building. The location was afterwards disapproved of by the bishop and the foundation torn up. In October, 1866, Rev. M. P. Stack became pastor, and obtained permission from the authorities to hold services in the court house. In 1887-68 he commenced the erection of a brick church on Edwin street, which was completed and dedicated in the latter year as the "Church of the Annuncia- tion." This building is still used as a chapel. Father Stack served until Novem- ber, 1871, when he was removed by the bishop because of the widespread dissatis- faction in the congregation with his management of its affairs. He subsequently laid claim to the ownership of the church property, and sued Bishop O'Hara for its recovery. This was one of the most celebrated cases in the history of Lycoming county, and excited the deepest interest in both Catholic and non-Catholic circles

400

HISTORY OF LYCOMING COUNTY.

throughout the State. After a long and bitter legal contest the case was finally decided against Father Stack's claim, aud in favor of Bishop O'Hara as head of the diocese.

In December, 1871, Rev. Eugene A. Garvey took charge of the parish, and though he found it in a chaotic condition, he went vigorously to work, and under his wise and judicious management the congregation has been wonderfully prosper- ous. Father Garvey is a native of Carbondale, Pennsylvania, and was pastor at Hawley and Athens prior to coming to Williamsport. He soon paid off the debt on the church property left by his predecessor, aud commenced a series of improve- ments which have continued through the passing years in keeping with the growth and prosperity of the church. He first built the parochial residence on Walnut street; next the two-story brick school house on Edwin street, containing six rooms, over which he placed as teachers the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and which now enrolls 380 pupils, and following this he erected the convent on Edwin street, wherein eleven sisters reside, and to which advanced pupils of the parochial schools are admitted for graduation. He also purchased thirteen acres of land adjoining Wildwood cemetery on the south, and laid it out in lots for a ceme- tery. It was consecrated by Bishop O'Hara under the name of Mt. Carmel. But the crowning glory of his administration is the grand church on the corner of Fourth and Walnut streets, the site of which had been given to the congregation by Peter Herdic. The constant growth of the church made a larger building a positive necessity, and early in 1886 preliminary steps towards the project began. The foundation was commenced the following spring, and on Sunday, July 11, 1886, the corner stone of the new church was laid by Bishop O'Hara with imposing ceremonies, and in the presence of an immense audience. The work was pushed as rapidly as circumstances would justify, and on Sunday, May 5, 1889, the building was dedicated to the service of God. Pontifical Mass was celebrated, with Rt. Rev. William O'Hara, bishop of Scranton, as celebrant. Within the sanctuary were also Most Rev. P. J. Ryan, archbishop of Philadelphia, Rt. Rev. Thomas McGov. ern, bishop of Harrisburg, and a large number of priests. The Archbishop preached an eloquent dedicatory sermon, from the text "I am the good Shepherd," and also paid a glowing tribute to the pastor and congregation for the grand monu- meut to religion which they had built under so many difficulties.

The church is an imposing, massive, and substantial stone structure of Roman- esque architecture, and has a seating capacity of about 1,200. It has richly stained glass windows, several of which are beautifully frescoed with life-size figures, principally donated by the pastor and members of the congregation, the total cost of which was $3,600. Handsome altars decorate the sanctuary, the main one being planked on each side and in the rear by massive Corinthian columns supporting the canopy of the sanctuary. A magnificent pipe organ, and beautiful stations of the cross are a part of the furnishings, while the seats and wainscoating are of polished oak. It is safe to say that when the interior is frescoed Annunciation church will surpass any other place of worship in Williamsport, and will be second to no Catholic church in the West Branch valley. The total cost of the building, etc., up to the day of dedication was about $67,000, and about $60,000 of this amount has been paid. Many minor improvements have since been made, among which, worthy

401

WILLIAMSPORT.

of special mention, is a fine bell donated by John Lynch, and placed in the tower in the fall of 1891, and first tolled on Sunday, October 12th of that year. The spirit- ual and temporal growth of the congregation during the past twenty years has been steady and substantial, and Annunciation parish now embraces about 3,000 souls. A flourishing Sunday school, and several societies are among the spiritual tributaries of the church. Father Garvey has had three assistants during his pastorate, viz: Revs. Anthony Shields, P. J. Colligan, and J. J. B. Feeley, the last of whom has served since December, 1890. The grand work accomplished by Father Garvey since coming to Williamsport, is a lasting monument to his faithful stewardship in this portion of God's vineyard.

BAPTIST.

The First Baptist church, Fourth and Elmira streets, was organized December 17, 1854, by the following persons, who met in the court house for that purpose: Rev. J. Green Miles, Foster Taylor, J. N. Black, A. R. Sprout, Washington New- berry, Mrs. Isabella H. Miles, Mrs. Elizabeth Colton, Mrs. Amanda Herdic, Mrs. Caroline McMinn, Mrs. Virginia Hall, Mrs. Mary Sprout, Mrs. Ellen Donnelly, Mrs. Susanna Newberry, Mrs. Susan Brewer, Mrs. Angeline Titus, and Miss Annie Trainer.

Rev. Miles was chosen pastor and Foster Taylor deacon. August 1, 1858, Mr. Miles resigned and the church was without a regular pastor until 1859. Rev. Joshua Kelley came soon after and labored for the congregation until his death, April 10, 1862. In 1857 Peter Herdic offered to donate a lot for the church, providing a good building was erected thereon. His proposition was accepted and in August of that year E. Culver broke ground for its foundation. Herdic fulfilled his promise. By referring to Deed Book O O, (Volume 38,) page 758, it will be seen that on October 30, 1857, he conveyed the lot in consideration of $10 to "the trustees of the First Baptist Church of Williamsport." But owing to the financial crisis the work of building progressed slowly. On the 3d of July, 1860, a violent wiud storm partly unroofed the building and did other damage, which retarded its completion. Work, however, was continued until the building was finished and dedicated, September 14, 1860. The first Sunday school was organized in April, 1855, with Eber Culver as superintendent. After meeting in various places until July 1, 1859, the school finally settled in the lecture room of the present church. Membership, 530; Sunday school membership-teachers, 44; scholars, 275; superintendent, E. A. Cornell. Rev. E. A. Woods, D. D., pastor. Value of church property, $100,000.

The First German Baptist church, located on the corner of Washington and Packer streets, was founded as early as 1867. It is an offspring of the three origi- nal German Baptist churches of Blooming Grove, Anthony, and Fairfield townships. (See review of Hepburn township.) The work of building the church was com- menced January 1, 1867, and it was completed in July of that year, and was formally dedicated, June 9, 1872. The building is brick and the value of the property is $6,000. The present membership is ninety-two; Sunday school scholars, seventy; Isaac Kurtz, superintendent. Rev. John Senn, D. D., pastor.

The Memorial Baptist church of Newberry had its origin in a preliminary meet- ing held July 2, 1869, for the purpose of taking measures for the establishment of a church in that place. The result of this meeting was the withdrawal of nineteen

402

HISTORY OF LYCOMING COUNTY.

members from the parent church, and the dedication on the 30th of July of a church building, which was purchased from Dodge & Company, who had erected it for an academy. Rev. Thomas O. Lincoln was chosen pastor and remained in charge until July 26, 1871. The Sunday school was organized, September 19, 1869, with six- teen scholars. A terrible disaster, resulting in the death of thirteen persons, occurred at this church on the evening of December 25, 1872, when the school was celebrating the festivities of the Christmas season. The floor gave way and all were precipitated below in one confused mass of benches, timbers, and plaster. The scene that ensued was heartrending, and to increase the terrors of the survivors, fire broke out in the ruins. By desperate efforts it was subdued, and the work of rescue pro- ceeded. The calamity caused much excitement, and elicited the warmest sympa- thies of the people in behalf of the injured-of whom there were nearly fifty-and the relatives of the killed. The church was rebuilt, made strong and safe, and dedi- cated June 29, 1873. The seating capacity is 300; members, 105; Sunday school scholars, 215, with 18 teachers. The property is valued at $4,000. Rev. C. D. Bond, pastor.

Shiloh Baptist church, on Walnut street, was built in 1881, Number of mem- bers, 103; Sunday school, 75. Rev. G. L. P. Taliaferro, pastor.

The Erie Avenue Baptist church of Williamsport was organized in May, 1887, with forty-two members. There are now more than six times that number. The present church is frame, but a fine brick edifice will soon be completed. The Sun- day school numbers 400; superintendent, W. H. Kunkle; library, 450 volumes. Rev. S. G. Reading, pastor.

Ebenezer Baptist church, Park avenue, organized in 1891, has a membership of 200: Sunday school, 75; library, 100 volumes. Rev. W. Simpson, pastor.

OTHER DENOMINATIONS.

The Methodist Protestant church, on Sherman, corner of Sheridan street, was erected in November, 1888. There are over 70 communicants.

The First Church of Christ (Disciples) was erected in 1SS7 at the corner of Third and Walnut streets at a cost of $6,000. Pastor, Rev W. D. Lane; number of mem- bers, 175; Sunday school scholars, 150; superintendent, H. A. Crocker. The library comprises 150 volumes.

The Seventh Day Adventist church, corner of Hepburn and Fifth streets, was built in 1SSS. Pastor, Rev. E. J. Hibbard; number of members, 60; Sunday school scholars, 70; superintendent, W. F. Schwartz; valuation of library, $2,500; church property, $12,000; tract society stock of books, SS,000.

Bethel African Methodist Episcopal church, Hepburn street and Erie avenue, was organized in 1862. Number of members, 135; Sunday school scholars, 125; library, 225 volumes; superintendent, John Caution; Rev. Richard Tanner, pastor. Valuation of church property, $15,000.

African Methodist Episcopal Zion (Salem) church, West Jefferson street, was erected in 1866 at a cost of $2,100. Number of members, 75; Sunday school, 80; Joseph Anderson, superintendent. Rev. Thomas H. Scott, pastor.

Beth Hashalom (House of Peace) synagogue, at the foot of Mulberry street, was erected in 1871-72, (Jewish year, 5631.) It is a neat brick edifice. The member- ship is about 30; Sunday school, 42. Rev. G. A. Levy, rabbi.

Eng.by J.R. Rice & Sons, Phila.

A. S. Rhoads. D.D.S

403

WILLIAMSPORT.

CITY MISSION.

The City Mission of Williamsport and Girls' Industrial Home, located on East Third street, was opened December 12, 1885, and chartered in January, 18SS. It is in charge of T. P. S. Wilson, city missionary, and the Sunday school under his superintendency numbers 300 members. The institution is undenominational and was organized to reach the masses. Girls are tanght to sew and perform all duties pertaining to housekeeping. Mrs. Anna Burchard is matron of this department.

FIRST SUNDAY SCHOOL.

It was during the summer of 1819 that a few young ladies undertook to organize a Sunday school in the octagonal brick school building, then known as "The Williamsport Academy," and still standing near the residence of John B. Hall, on West Third street. Their names were Miss Henrietta Graham, afterwards Mrs. Van Horn, Mrs. William Wilson, and Miss Sarah Hepburn, afterwards Mrs. James Armstrong, and they succeeded in establishing the first Sunday school in Williams- port. They were assisted by several other young ladies who served as teachers. It was named the "Union School." The attendance comprised not only boys and girls in the town, but they came from the surrounding country. The school was con- ducted by two female superintendents, who were elected to serve six months; each class had two or more teachers who taught alternately one month at a time. They had no library, consequently each pupil provided his or her own book. The super- intendent carried to and from the school the tickets and class rolls, which were dis-

tributed monthly. Each teacher kept a written account of her experience and reported monthly at the teachers' meeting. After an experience of about six years the school became too large for the ladies to manage and some gentlemen were induced to open a separate school for boys. The new school was systematically organized and with fair prospects, but apathy at last showed itself on the part of the male teachers, and the boys being often left without teachers became inattentive, so that the female teachers were obliged to take charge of them again. The spirit of indiffer- ence increased to such an extent that it was decided to abandon the effort to establish a union school, as harmonious interest could not be maintained among the denomina- tions. Jealousy is said to have been the principal cause of the failure. But it was not long until a reorganization was effected by Dr. W. R. Power, Gen. Robert Fleming, and Maj. Charles Low. They were assisted by a corps of lady teachers, and the work was continued until the Presbyterians started a school. The Method- ists followed next. These schools met with more hearty support than the original enterprise, because they were sectarian and therefore devoid of clashing interests. In connection with the first union school there was a class of colored scholars organ- ized in a separate school by Miss Lucy Putnam. Miss Mary Hepburn, and Miss Martha L. Grier. Thus were the Sunday schools of Williamsport founded; and from this small beginning sprung all the denominational and thrifty schools which we now find among the churches of the city; all vieing with each other in efficiency of organization and the accomplishment of the greatest good.

Y. M. C. A. OF WILLIAMSPORT.

The Young Men's Christian Association was organized in March, 1867, and has

404

HISTORY OF LYCOMING COUNTY.

steadily grown in strength and usefulness. Among those prominently identified with the foundation of the enterprise were John A. Woodward, Abraham Updegraff, A. D. Lundy, William R. Sloan, Thomas Bennett, C. K. Geddes, W. H. Colesberry, and D. S. Andrus. A hall was obtained and a preliminary meeting called, at which it was resolved that for the purpose of advancing the interests of evangelical religion in Williamsport a constitution and by-laws for the organization and government of such an association be adopted. The first president chosen was W. H. Armstrong, with W. H. Colesberry recording secretary, and W. H. Sloan treasurer. A hall was fitted up for the association, committees appointed, and contributions solicited. A reading room was opened and the nucleus of a library laid, which now numbers several thousand volumes. The books of the Williamsport Library Association were acquired early, and additions are constantly being made to the collection. During the month of November, 1875, a charter of incorporation was obtained from the court. Ever since the organization of the association a free reading room has been kept open to the public, which has proved of great advantage to a large num- ber of people. Lectures are occasionally delivered in the halls, prayer meetings are held, and other religious exercises observed. In the earlier years of its existence the association had a severe struggle to maintain itself, but it has successfully sur- mounted all obstacles. Its success was largely accomplished through the untiring efforts of John I. Berry, H. H. Otto, John E. Dayton, and a number of others, who have given freely of their time and money to bring about this condition. The asso- ciation now owns and occupies an elegant building which is valued at $40,000. Officers for 1892: John E. Dayton, president; John H. Millspaugh, vice-president; Charles E. Shopbell, treasurer; A. P. Mershon, general secretary; Walter H. Andrus, assistant secretary.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, Part 48

Author: edited by John F. Meginness Publication date: 1892 Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Brown, Runk Number of Pages: 1650

Author: edited by John F. Meginness
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Brown, Runk
Number of Pages: 1650