USA > Pennsylvania > Schuylkill County > History of Schuylkill County, Pa. with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 39
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167
MINERSVILLE SCHOOLS AND BUSINESS INSTITUTIONS.
No. 2, then just opened with Juliet Robins as teacher. The next term (1857-58) an " ungraded school," taught by Levi King, was opened for the accommodation of boys who could attend school for a short time only. This school has been continued in the winter season to the present time.
In 1868 another large and commodious brick school- house was erected on Second street. Four of its six rooms were immediately occupied; and at the same time " secondary school No. 3" (now Grammar) was started, Eliza A. Sutton teacher. The remaining rooms of this building were first occupied in 1880. Object lessons and language lessons are given in the primary schools, and drawing is taught in all the schools.
Other branches were gradually added to the curriculum till the course embraced mathematics in general, with mental arithmetic and book-keeping; the natural sciences, German and a full course of English.
We find the following note in the school register, dated June 30th, 1870: "Since the grade was first established, in 1853-54, there have been connected with the Miners- ville High School 348 pupils, of whom 157 were males and 191 were females. Of this number about 40 obtained the county or State certificate and taught school; 65 be- came clerks, book-keepers or merchants; and 9 are pro- fessional men."
The greatest number of admissions to all the borough schools (1, 141 pupils) occurred in the term of 1864-65; and the least number (792) in the term of 1878-79.
The first district institute was held September 18th, 1869, and it continues its meetings on alternate Saturdays.
We append the names of the directors and teachers connected with the Minersville public schools since 1854:
Presidents of the School Boards .- B. C. Christ, George Spencer, Louis C. Dougherty, Jacob S. Lawrence, John Sterner, Joseph C. Gartley, Solomon A. Philips.
Secretaries .- Dr. William N. Robins, John Witzeman, Dr. Oscar M. Robins, David A. Jones,
Other Members .- Joseph Bowen, Thomas Jones, Ches- ter Stratton, John H. Detwiler, Frederick Roehrig, James H. Richards, Jacob Maurer, John D. Jones, John act the company was organized in 1856, with William R. Jones, Dr. U. B. Howell, John Shellenberger, John Mohan, Jacob Osman, Engelhard Hummel, William Lloyd, James Evans, Richard Evans, Dr. Theodore Hel- wig, Frank C. Lawrence, Henry Hammer, Mark Hodges.
Teachers .- J. W. Danenhower, Levi King, A. J. Ger- ritson, Richard Humphriss, C. C. Carpenter, Thomas P. Davis, James G. Cleveland, George W. Channell, H. H. Spayd, Joseph Jones, Dennis O'Neill, Lemuel D. Jones, Maggie P. Sorber, Matilda Schenk, Ruth A. Smith, Ann Williams, Sallie Humphriss, Sarah Davis, Mary Lloyd, Martha Jones, Sallie Sixsmith, Christie Snyder, Sallie Bowen, Lizzie Beach, Ettie Prevost, Emma C. Hoffman, Juliet Robins, Lottie Trout, Minnie Aspril, Jennie Dier, Susie Sterner, Sarah J. Hoch, Eliza A. Sutton, Kate E. Auld, Essie Dier, Alice Robins, Estelle Williams, Kate S. Richards, Mary Dando, Mary J. McDonald, Hattie M. Telford.
THE PRESS IN MINERSVILLE.
The Schuylkill Republican was established in Decem- ber, 1872, by Charles D. Elliot and John A. Beck, both of whom had been connected with the " Miners' Four- a hook and ladder company.
nal." It entered at once on a prosperous career, and as- sumed an influential position as a Republican organ. In November, 1874, Mr. Beck retired from the firm, and the paper was conducted by Mr. Elliot till September, 1879, when J. H. Zerby, the present editor and proprietor, purchased the establishment. Mr. Zerby had been con- nected with the Republican in different capacities from its commencement, and he feels a just pride in the fact that he became an editor at the age of twenty-one.
LEADING BUSINESS INSTITUTIONS.
The First National Bank of Minersville was incor- porated in 1863, under the national banking system, with a capital of $50,000.
The first directors were Richard Kear, Samuel Kauff- man, Jacob Wist, Jacob S. Lawrence, John Witzeman, John Mohan and John Wadlinger.
The presidents of this bank have been, in succession, Richard Kear, Jacob S. Lawrence, William Kear, and Jacob Lawrence, the present president.
The first cashier was Samuel Kauffman, who was suc- ceeded by the present cashier, Robert F. Potter.
The banking house, which is owned by the bank, is on the corner of Sunbury and North Third streets.
The Minersville Iron Works was founded in 1838 by William De Haven. It was at first a blacksmith shop and a car shop. A foundry, machine shop and boiler works were soon added; and the shops were enlarged as the increase of business required till they reached their present dimensions. Mr. De Haven conducted the bus- iness till his death, and in 1864 the present firm, Gastler & Fox, purchased the works, and the business has since been conducted by this firm. At first the business was limited to machinery for collieries; but it has been much expanded and made to embrace a very wide range. The works have a capacity for a business of $200,000 per annum.
The Minersville Water Company was incorporated by an act of Assembly passed April 30th, 1855. Underthis Sterner president.
Water was introduced in the borough in 1861. It was brought from Big run or Dyer's run on Broad mountain, four miles north from the borough, in pipes which pass through Mine Hill Gap. The dam from which the pipes are supplied is 470 feet higher than the lowest point in the borough, giving a pressure sufficient to throw an inch and a quarter stream to a height of 120 feet, of course obviating all necessity for fire engines.
Pipes are laid through all the principal streets of the borough, which is thus supplied with water of a purity not excelled.
The engineer under whom the work was laid out was Samuel Lewis.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
The fire department, of which Jacob S. Lawrence has long been the head, consists of three hose companies and
168
HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY.
Mountain Hose Company was organized August 15th, 1864, with 31 members. John Hehr was the first presi- dent, Jacob S. Lawrence vice-president, H. C. Taylor secretary, and R. R. Levan treasurer. The company is fully equipped with hose-cart and hose. Its house is in Mountaineer Hall, corner of Third and Sunbury streets. The present number of members is 27. George F. Dando is president, Myer Hexter vice-president, and C. H. Roehrig secretary.
Good Will Hose Company was incorporated September 2nd, 1867, with Matthew Beddow president, John Mohan vice-president, F. C. Bender secretary, and John Wad- linger treasurer. The average number of members has been forty. The company is fully equipped and has three full sets of uniforms. J. W. Loeser is president and A. W. Sterner secretary.
Independent Hose Company was organized in 1869, with 35 members and the following officers : John Mohan president, W. J. McElroy, vice-president, H. J. Mohan, secretary, Wm. Matthews, treasurer. The company furn- ished their own hose carriage and uniforms. The present number of members is 25. The officers are: T. Mohan, president, Matthias Feeney, vice-president, W. J. Mc- Elroy, secretary. The company's house is on Sunbury street, above Fifth.
Rescue Hook and Ladder Company was organized Octo- ber 11th, 1871, with 26 members. John Matthews was president, John Robbins vice president, John N. Fisher secretary, John Deitrich treasurer, and John N. Fisher foreman. The company were furnished with apparatus by the borough, and furnished their own uniforms. Their house is on the corner of Third street and the railroad. The present number of members is 34. The officers are: Richard D. Mainwaring president, Joseph Dando vice- president, John N. Fisher secretary, Ivor D. Jones assist- ant secretary and treasurer.
SECRET AND BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES.
Social Lodge, No. 56, I. O. O. F. was instituted in 1837, with the following officers: Charles H. Fitch, N. G .; Ja- cob F. Thumm, V. G .; John Bruner, S .; Charles Warn, Asst. S .; John Thurlwell, T. It has maintained an un- interrupted and a prosperous existence since its institu- tion.
The lodge holds, by its trustees, $3,670 of stock in Odd Fellows' Hall, a brick building on the south side of Sunbury street, between Second and Third streets, where it meets every Wednesday evening.
The present number of members is 140. The officers are: John L. Williams, N. G .; Alexander Scott, V. G .; John T. Parry, S .; John W. Jones, Asst. S., and Cyrus Moore, T.
Anthracite Lodge, No. 136, I. O. O. F. was instituted November 20th, 1846. The charter members were: John P. Harris, N. G .; B. C. Christ, V. G .; William H. Cherrington, S .; E. P. Burkert, Asst. S .; Augustus Witman, T.
It has always prospered, and it now holds, by its trus- tees, $1,882 of stock in Odd Fellow's Hall. The present
number of members is 77. The present officers are: Thomas Tovey, N. G .; Daniel Roberts, V. G .; S. A. Phillips, S .; Thomas Morgan, Asst. S .; Abraham Hexter, T .; Abraham Hexter, William L. Killinger and Ivor D. Jones, trustees.
Minersville Lodge, No. 222, F. & A. M. was institut- cd December 2nd, 1846. The charter members were: William M. Robbins, W. M .; Samuel Gumpert, S. W .; S. C. Foster, J. W .; Henry W. Lewis, secretary; J. F. G. Kumsius and Samuel Heilner, deacons; Moritz Heilner, tyler.
The present number of members is 90. The present officers are: William T. Beach, W. M .; Samuel Taylor, S. W .; Jacob Faust, J. W ; J. F. G. Kumsius, secretary; Cyrus Moore, treasurer. The lodge meets at Odd Fel- lows' Hall on the Tuesday next preceding each full moon.
Schuylkill Chapter, No. 159, R. A. M. was reinstated at Pottsville, July 19th, 1847, with the following officers: B. Potts, H. P .; D. N. Robbins, K .; S. Gumpert, S .; John C. Loessig, treasurer; and J. F. G. Kumsius, secretary. Its place of meeting was at Pottsville till 1849, then till 1852 alternately at that place and Minersville, and since that year it has met regularly at Minersville on Thursday at or before each full moon.
The present officers are: William Clark, H. P .; S. A. Phillips, K .; James Murray, S .; F. Bedford, treasurer; and J. F. G. Kumsius, secretary.
The German Beneficial Society was organized August toth, 1853, for mutual aid in sickness. The charter members were Englehard Hummel, Frank Reifer, Michael Weierich, Christian Weber, Peter Burkhard, Friederich Molly, Daniel Young, Philip Flarres, Anthony Panley, Jacob Kerfer and Theodore Ludes.
The first officers were: Englehard Hummel, president; Michael Weierich, secretary; Frank Reifer, treasurer.
The society meets on the first Wednesday in each month at Pauley's Hall. The present officers are: Bal- thasar Hummel, presideat; Christian Weber, secretary, and Michael Pauley, treasurer.
Sons of America .- The charter of Washington Camp, No. 46, P. O. S. of A. was granted March 19th, 1857. to the following members: H. C. Taylor, John S. De Silva, N. B. Moore, M. B. Musser, John Thirlwell, C. M. Brumm, George Spencer, R. R. Levan, John T. Freck, William H. Dier and Simeon Wythes.
The first principal officers were: H. C. Taylor, P. P .; John S. De Silva, P .; N. V. Moore, V. T. The camp continued its work till the outbreak of the Rebellion, when all its members who were eligible enlisted in the army, leaving scarcely a quorum behind. Several years after the close of the war the camp suspended, but it was soon rechartered, and now it has a membership of 125.
The present officers are: A. Roehrig, P. P .; George Merkel, P., and Meyer Hexter, V. P. The trustees are R. R. Levan, George Merkel and A. Roehrig.
Steuben Lodge, No. 112, A. D. O. H. was instituted May 7th, 1861. The first officers were Conrad Seltzer, Louis Pfeilsticker, George Oerther, Paul Neugart, Henry
169
MINERSVILLE CHURCHES AND ASSOCIATIONS.
Oerther and John Oerther. The other members were Louis Freund, David Neiser, Henry Steffee, Henry Buech, Daniel Holpp, Valentine Gerlach, Frederick Aben- droth, -- Abraham, Andreas Heckman, Michael Clen- ems, John Kern, Daniel Young, Henry George and Wil- liam Halbaur.
The present officers are Frederick Zimmerman, Jacob Orf, August Orf and Michael Ferg.
There were two lodges, one of the U. D. O. H. and one of the A. D. O. H. Their principles were the same, and in 1870 they united. The lodge meets at Felsburg's Hall on the first and third Monday in each month.
Captain George J. Lawrence Post G. A. R., No. 17, was instituted December 17th, 1866, with 24 charter members, of whom C. M. Brumm was P. C.
The post was named in honor of Captain George J. Lawrence, Company A 129th Pa. V., who died of wounds received at the battle of Fredericksburg. Of the com- rades in this post G. L. Brown has held the office of de- partment commander. The present officers are: R. R. Levan, P. C .; Elijah Hoffman, S. V. C .; D. H. Zimmer- man, J. V. C .; R. F. Potter, L. M .; A. W. Sterner, adju- tant; William Kuehn, C; George L. Brown, O. D .; Thomas Fowler, O. G .; John Lawrence, I. S .; John Hass, O. S. The C. of A. are J. H. Levan, G. L. Brown and Joseph Schmidt. The post meets every Wednesday evening at its headquarters in Odd Fellows' Hall.
The Frugal Saving Fund and Building Association of Minersville was organized in 1872, with John Miller president, Charles R. Taylor secretary and F. C. Law- rence treasurer. The eleventh series of shares is now being issued. The present total number is 381. The present officers are: A. J. Crawford, president; Albert Roehrig, secretary, and James Murray, treasurer.
Flower of Charity Lodge, No. 24, Cambro-American Order of True Ivorites is a branch of a Welsh benevo- lent association established at Wrexham, North Wales, in 1836. It was named in honor of Ivor Llewellyn, more generally known among the Welsh people as "Ifor Gael," a charitable Welsh gentleman, Lord of Maesley and Wenaltt. The society has flourished greatly, and it has thousands of members both in Great Britain and America.
The first lodge of this order in America was establish- ed a few years since at St. Clair in this county.
November 15th, 1873, Flower of Charity Lodge was instituted at Minersville, with the following charter members: John D. Evans, Stephen Lewis, Watkin Price, David J. Harris, Job R. Jones, John L. Anwyt, David T. Lloyd, John W. Davis, Morgan Howard, Edmond Edmonds, Thomas R. Jones and William T. Davis.
it has also a literary feature. One of its objects is to maintain the Welsh language pure and intact; and to that end its business is done entirely in that tongue. To further the objects for which this lodge was established (benevolence and maintenance of Welsh literature), an Eisteddfod was held under its auspices in 1876 and another in 1878. These added to the treasury of the lodge $180.
This society continues in a flourishing condition and does its share to ameliorate that distress which would cover the land but for the opportune aid of benevolent associations.
MINERSVILLE CHURCH HISTORIES.
Horeb Welsh Baptist Church was first organized in 1831, and during two years William Owen preached oc- casionally to the small congregation in a rented room, but the society was not prosperous.
It was reorganized in 1834 with 14 constituent mem- bers. Rev. William Morgans and Rev. Theophilus Jones officiated at its reorganization, and the former, who was the pastor of a church at Pottsville, preached to the con- gregation during several years. He was succeeded by a resident pastor, Rev. John P. Harris, who remained in charge during 17 years. He was followed by Revs. John Spincer James, John Roberts, Owen Griffiths, and John B. Jones, the last regular pastor. There were other brief pastorates that are not remembered.
The first house of worship was a small wooden struc- ture, built in 1835 and 1836, on the corner of Church and Spencer streets. In 1847 the present church build- ing was erected on the same corner. It is of wood, 40 by 50, with basement and gallery. The present member- ship is about 65.
The Sunday-school of this church was organized in 1837. The superintendents have been changed nearly every year. The number of scholars has ranged from 50 to 300. The school has a large library.
The First Congregational Church of Minersville (Welsh) was organized in 1836. The first church edifice 12 by 14 feet) was on the corner of North and Second streets. It was consecrated April Ist, 1834. The second stood on a portion of the site of the present building. It was 30 feet square and its cost was $700. It was consecrated December 25th, 1840.
The present house of worship stands on the south side of Sunbury street, between Third and Fourth. It is a brick structure, 38 by 55, and it was erected at an ex- pense of $4,000. It was dedicated February 9th, 1848. The pastors and the terms of their pastorates have been: Revs. E. B. Evans, 8 years; R. R. Williams, 18; J. E. Jones, M. Watkins, and D. T. Davis, 4 years each.
The first chief officers were: David J. Harris, president; John D. Evans, vice-president; Job R. Jones, secretary ; Sunday-schools have been maintained from the begin- ning. The present number of scholars is about 120. Mark Hodges, treasurer. The present officers are: Thomas R. Jones, president; John D. Evans, vice-presi- Methodist Episcopal Churches .- Minersville was made a regular preaching appointment, in connection with torate of Rev. H. G. King, 1834-5. He first preached dent; Joseph Turner, secretary; Mark Hodges, treas- urer. The lodge meets on the first and third Saturdays Pottsville Methodist Episcopal Church, during the pas- of each month in O'Malley's Hall.
This society is not only beneficial in its character, but in McPherson's (afterwards Trout's, store, now occupied
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HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY.
by J. K. Burns as a drug store, Second and Sunbury streets.
In 1836 Rev. James B. Ayars, who was established at Pottsville, formed the first class as the result of a camp- meeting held on the site of the Gate Vein colliery. This class was held in the house of Joseph Dobbins, father of Rev. J. B. Dobbins, now of the Philadelphia Conference; the latter was a member of this class.
In 1837, during the pastorate of Rev. Thomas Sover- eign, a neat frame church was built on the site of the present one. It was dedicated on the last Sabbath of November, Rev. James W. Dandy preaching in the morn- ing; Rev. John Jones, a local preacher, preached in Welsh in the afternoon; Rev. Thomas Sovereign preached at night.
In 1838 Minersville M. E. Church was connected with Orwigsburg Mission and served by Rev. James Flannery. In 1839 it was associated again with Pottsville charge, Rev. William Cooper and Rev. William H. Elliott being the preachers. In 1840 Rev. J. B. Hagany and Rev. J. W. Arthur were in charge.
In 1841 Minersville M. E. Church was made a separate charge, Rev. L. K. Berridge being the pastor. In 1842 Rev. James Aspril was the minister, and in 1843 Rev. William Campbell, who enlarged the church building. In 1844 this society united with Pottsville under Rev. R. W. Thomas and Rev. John Blythe. In 1845 Port Carbon was added and the circuit was served by Revs. James Neil, J. C. Thomas and David Titus.
In 1846 Minersville M. E. Church became a separate station again, Rev. Newton Heston being pastor. The pastors since have been:
1847, 1848, Joseph H. Wythes; 1849, 1850, Rev. P. Hallowell; 1851, 1852. Rev. J. B. Mccullough (who built the present church); 1853, 1854, Rev. J. E. Meredith; 1855, 1856, Rev. J. Humphries; 1857, 1858, Rev. R. M. Greenbank; 1859, Rev. B. F. Price; 1860, 1861, Rev. J. F. Meredith; 1862, 1863, Rev. J. H. Turner; 1864, 1865, Rev. Joseph Aspril; 1866-68, Rev. Noble Frame, during whose pastorate the church building was thoroughly re- paired, reseated and frescoed; 1869, 1870, Rev. J. M. Dalrymple; 1871, 1872, Rev. G. G. Rakestraw; 1873, 1874, Rev. George Heacock; 1875, 1876, Rev. J. M. Hinson; 1877, 1878, Rev. G. D. Carrow; 1879, 1880, Rev. H. H. Bodine.
The last named, who is now serving the charge, fur- nished this historical sketch of his church.
The first year the church was made a separate charge (1841) the membership numbered 85; the present mem- bership is 275.
The Sunday-school was started in 1830 by Peter Stroup, but no regular Sunday-school society was organ- ized until 1838. James Russel was president; Thomas Bayley was vice-president; S. G. Dobbins, treasurer and J. B. Dobbins, secretary. From July 3d, 1838, J. B. Dobbins was superintendent until 1841, when he entered the Methodist ministry. His successors as superintend- ent have been Samuel G. Dobbins, William Oldknow.
William V. Stroup, Isaiah Wells (fourteen years), Rev.
W. Dalrymple, Rev. G. G. Rakestraw, Albert Roehrig, Thomas Lawrence, Rev. H. H. Bodine and William Mapstone.
From 1847 to 1855 the number of scholars varied from 137 to 160; the present membership is about 300.
In 1854 the infant school was organized by Mrs. Lucy A. Strenbeck and numbered 30 scholars. She was superintendent until 1871; then Mrs. Heilner, her daugh- ter, until 1878, and since then Miss Lizzie Christ, Miss Mary Kissinger, and in 1880 Mrs. Heilner again. The class now numbers about 100.
October 28th, 1859, the school held its first anniver- sary, when addresses were made by Rev. B. F. Price, the pastor of the church, and Benjamin Haywood.
In July, 1871, the Berean Lesson Leaves were intro- duced.
The present officers are: William Mapstone, superin- tendent; George Tovey, assistant superintendent; Miss Lizzie Christ, female superintendent; Calvin Phillips, secretary; William Richards, assistant secretary; Mat- thew Deal, librarian; G. W. Heckman, treasurer.
The missionary money contributed by the school since 1853 amounts to $3,074.
The " First English Baptist Church of Minersville" was organized May 14th, 1840. Its constituent mem- bers were George Lewis, Aaron Kelly and James. Rowe and their wives, Thomas Williams, Edmund Holt, Sus- anna Vaughn, Eliza Bacon, and Hannah Spencer.
In a rented house on the northeast corner of Second and North streets, which had formerly been occupied by the Welsh Baptist and the Welsh Congregational churches, this church held its first meetings.
Here a Sunday-school was organized, with George Lewis as superintendent. In 1842 the church bought a small framed school-house on South street, in which for several years it met for worship. This was subsequently sold in order to secure an eligible lot on the northwest corner of Third and South streets. Upon this lot was erected in 1865 the present framed church building, 30 by 40 feet. Before it was built preaching services and Sunday-school had for some time been held in the Odd Fellows' Hall on Sunbury street. The superintendent of the school was J. W. Danenhower. It has often num- bered more than roo pupils.
From the organization of the church till the spring of 1841, Rev. G. M. Spratt was pastor ; then Rev. A. B. Wright six months; Rev. A. M. Tyler till April, 1873: Rev. J. R. Morris from April 1st, 1844, till Dec. 18th, 1847; Rev. John R. Ross from July to November, 1848; Rev. John M. Lyons from December 31st, 1851, till October 25th, 1852; Rev. J. H. Brittain from July 31st, 1862, till August 30th, 1863; Rev. A. B. Pendleton from Novem- ber 8th, 1863, till April Ist, 1864: Rev. Theophilus Jones from September 11th, 1864, till January Ist, 1866; Rev. A. J. Hastings from August 12th, 1866, till Septem- ber 3d, 1867; Rev. D. T. Davies from September 21st, 1873, till July 25th, 1875.
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CHURCHES OF MINERSVILLE.
Although this church has had repeated accessions to | 1860, adorned it exteriorly by building a tower at its its membership it has rarely for any length of time been entirely self-sustaining, owing mainly, perhaps, to the |he placed therein the present very handsome bell, weigh- removal of many of its members to distant places.
During the ten years from 1852 to 1862, when the church was pastorless, Revs. J. H. Castle and R. H. Austin, both of Pottsville, frequently supplied the pulpit. From September 19th, 1869, to April 29th, 1872, Rev. A. H. Sembower, in connection with his pastorate of the Pottsville Baptist Church, supplied this church. For several years past, Rev. A. Myers, of Pottsville, has with much acceptance supplied the pulpit a part of the time and has rendered some pastoral services.
Since 1871 Dr. J. W. Danenhower has frequently offi- ciated as a supply; and in this service he has been great- ly assisted by Professor H. H. Spayd, who became a licentiate of the church in 1878.
Emmanuel's Church (Reformed) was organized in 1840. the church by frescoing the walls and ceiling, painting the Among the first members were Messrs. A.Goufer, M. Mer- kle and one Weaver.
The pastors of this congregation and the years of their pastorates, as nearly as can be learned, have been: Revs. - First, 184 -; C. Y. Hoofmeir, 1847; Jacob Kline, 1857; J. B. Poerner, 1865; C. A. Ritten- hans, 1868; F. Dechant, 1871; J. A. Schultz, 1874, and D. M. Chris.man, 1880.
St. Vincent de Paul Church .- The Roman Catholic parish of St. Vincent de Paul was established in January, 1846, with Rev. Hugh P. Fitzsimmons, then assistant at St. Patrick's church, Pottsville, as the first pastor. Father Fitzsimmons, upon assuming charge of the parish, erected a small frame building, 20 by 30 feet, in the cemetery lot, where he celebrated mass for his flock. On April 2 Ist, 1846, digging for the foundation walls of a new church, 50 by 100 feet, was commenced, and the corner- stone of the building was laid the following August by Bishop Newman, of Philadelphia, in the presence of a large number of the clergy and about three thousand people from the surrounding districts. A sermon was preached by Rev. Father McElhone, from Philadelphia. The church building was under roof the following Christmas, and the first mass celebrated therein by the pastor.
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