USA > Pennsylvania > Schuylkill County > History of Schuylkill County, Pa. with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 77
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The Allen Machine Shops .- These shops are possibly the largest operated by a single firm in Pennsylvania, and
try. They comprise a foundry, pattern shop, boiler and machine departments, the whole embraced in a building of white stone occupying a square, situated along Rail- road avenue and Foundry street.
The first building was erected in 1846 by John K. Smith, and in 1847 a copartnership was formed by Hud- son, Smith & Taylor. Taylor soon after left the firm, Hudson withdrew not long afterward, and Smith was sole proprietor until about 1853 or 1854, when John and Richard Carter and Lucian H. Allen bought him out, and operated under the firm name of Carter & Allen. In 1865 Charles F. Shoener was taken into the firm. By the latter's failure in October, 1878, the interest of the Car- ters ceased, and by settlement the new firm became Shoener & Allen. C. F. Shoener failed again in June, 1880, and William T. Carter taking his interest, the firm became Carter, Allen & Co. The shops were destroyed by fire in 1872 (the work of an incendiary), at a loss of $100,000, and were rebuilt in the spring of 1873 by William Get- tinger, contractor. These works make every manner of mining machinery, engines, boilers, cotton presses, and so on. Four hundred men can find employment when there are orders which demand running on full time.
Robinson's Foundry .- This establishment is situated on East Broad street, beyond Pine. Originally the foundry was located at Taggartsville, by Bright & Co., in 1859. In 1863 Robinson & Co. became owners by purchase, and removed the business to Tamaqua, building on ground now occupied by the east ward school-house. The present buildings were erected and occupied in 1869. The principal manufactures are stoves, castings and iron railings; 25 men are employed.
Greenwood Rolling-Mill was first built and operated in 1865, by Robert Ratcliffe. It is located on Railroad street at Elm. Cotton ties for the southern market are manufactured. When the factory is in full operation 170 men find employment. Merchant iron is sometimes manufactured. The business of the establishment has seen some severe periods of prostration-in 1877, part of 1878 and since July, 1880. In the spring of 1877 the Greenwood Rolling-Mill Company took charge-the members being L. H. Allen, Wallace Guss, H. S. God- shall, E. J. Fry and Charles F. Shoener, the latter taking nineteen and one-half twentieths of the stock, within a fraction of the whole.
Tamaqua Shoe Factory .- The first manufacture of goods for the market by the Tamaqua Shoe Company was made about 1874, in a building at Broad and Center streets, where an immense trade was worked up. The headquarters becoming too small, books were opened for the subscription of stock in the latter part of 1875, and the present commodious three-story brick building in East Tamaqua, on the Lansford road, was built in 1876 at a cost of $12,000. The company was considerably crippled by the peculations of the first superintendent. The factory was closed shortly after getting into the new building, though operations in a small way were carried on by Oram & Jones in 1879-80. Those most interested
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TAMAQUA BUSINESS HOUSES-LITERARY SOCIETIES-CEMETERIES.
in the erection of the building and work of manufacture were Daniel Shepp, W. B. Bensinger, H. A. Spiese, Michael Beard, Philip A. Krebs, J. J. Kauffman and others.
Philadelphia and Reading Shops .- These shops were built by the Little Schuylkill Railroad Company, about 1848, when the round house near by was enlarged to shelter twenty-one locomotives. Repairs to engines are the principal work done here, and some coal and freight car work is also done. The number of employes is 90; Io are employed at the round house.
Other Industries .- The Shepp & Horich mill on Rail- road street below Broad was built in 1854; Behler's on Railroad street near Elm, in 1865; Kershner's mill is located on Central and Cedar streets. All have an ex- cellent trade.
Waters's foundry was established as the iron works of John Ollis, in May, 1846. In 1847 it passed into the hands of Hudson & Waters. It is now managed by H. Waters's Sons, and employs twelve to twenty hands. Engines and castings are manufactured.
The first brewery was established in 1850, by George Goeldner, who put up buildings for that purpose on Broad street, immediately back of the present National House. Five years later he sold out to Joseph Adam, the second brewer, and an early settler. Joseph Halfner, Joseph Adam and Lawrence Koenig now have breweries and enjoy a local trade. Conrad Boschoff's planing-mill and furniture factory is a three-story brick building on Rowe street, built in 1865. William Boyer's lumber-mill is on East Broad beyond Pine. The Tamaqua Hosiery Company (limited) was organized in December, 1880. F. Krell and brother, J. F. Wehenmeyer, L. F. Fritsch, John Hartman and P. C. Keilman have cigar factories. Freudenberger's tannery on West Broad, at Green street, was established by one Webb in 1850. He was succeed- ed by H. Enterline in 1857. The establishment is now idle, and the large brick building in which its business had been carried on is going to decay. John Becker and Joseph H. Wood have wheelright shops on East Broad, and on Cedar streets, respectively. George L. Boyd's screen factory was established in 1867.
BANKS.
The First National Bank of Tamaqua was incorporat- ed in 1865, and surrendered its charter as a State bank- ing institution. It was originally organized as the Anthra- cite Bank in 1850. The amount of capital stock paid in is $150,000, two-thirds of which is owned by William T. Carter, of Philadelphia. This bank suspended pay- ment October 14th, 1878, and resumed just a month later. This embarrassment occurred in consequence of the failure of Charles F. Shoener, whose interest passed into the hands of William T. Carter. The bank has al- ways been a paying institution. James W. Abbot was cashier from 1852 until 1880. E. J. Fay is president; Thomas T. Carter cashier.
The Tamaqua Banking and Trust Company begun business in 1865. The president is Daniel Shepp; the secretary and cashier, Henry A. Kauffman.
HOTELS.
The first tavern in Tamaqua was kept in Berkhard Moser's house, by the widow of John Kershner, and her son-in-law, Isaac Bennett. The date is uncertain, but it was opened about 1807.
In 1827 the Little Schuylkill Company, thinking to draw the center of population to Dutch hill, built the first stone building and hotel in Tamaqua. The house was converted into a dwelling thirty years afterward and it is now occupied by Rev. S. E. Graeff.
In 1832 James Taggart, one of the pioneers in that valley, came to Tamaqua, and engaged in 1836 in keep- ing hotel at the old established stand of Mr. Michael Beard, who took possession there in 1846.
Between 1845 and 1847 the United States Hotel was built by the Little Schuylkill Company, and was first kept by Joseph Haughawout. In 1850 the Washington House, on Pine street, was built, and the American and Mansion on Centre street at a later period.
LITERARY SOCIETIES AND LYCEUMS.
In 1852 Tamaqua had a public library, and debating clubs discussed the momentous questions of the day in the first town hall or school-house as early as 1845. About 1856 the Tamaqua Lyceum was organized, and held weekly sessions for a long period in the south ward school building. To this lyceum Matthew Newkirk, of Philadelphia, made a gift of 1,500 books, which passed into the hands of the Perseverance fire company when the society disbanded. No records of the first organiza- tion remain. The principal citizens were members.
November 26th, 1876, James W. Abbot, B. C. Meeker, William H. Gable, Thomas Cole, Morgan J. Williams, Charles F. Lowry, George W. Ford, Daniel F. Bower, Lucius A. Gibbs, George Bensinger and William Philips, formed the Presbyterian Social and Literary Institute, which still flourishes, though many members have re- moved to other fields, with Joseph B. Grigg as president and Miss Kate Beard as secretary.
CEMETERIES.
The first graveyard was laid out in 1831, on Dutch hill. The Catholic and Methodist burying grounds were laid out about 1837. Zion's cemetery was opened in 1876. The Odd Fellows' cemetery, the most attractive "city of the dead" in Tamaqua, is located at the upper end of Broad street. It is in charge of trustees appoint- ed by Harmony Lodge of Odd Fellows, and it was first opened in 1865. There are thirty acres enclosed, and the various lots are in many instances beautifully laid out.
FIRES.
Among numerous fires of greater or less extent which have visited the place from time to time, the following were remarkable for the damage they wrought:
On the night of January 25th, 1857, a fire broke out in the store of Brock & Son on Broad street, and de-
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HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY.
stroyed twelve houses on that street, which were occupied as stores and dwellings.
Friday morning, May 31st, 1872, a fire began in Daniel Dean's wheelwright shop, which spread and destroyed an entire block of buildings, rendering eighteen families homeless. The fire caused a loss of $75.000. The fire- men were prevented from doing efficient service by a lack of hose.
MILITARY.
Tamaqua made great contributions to the armies in the late war, notably in the 129th regiment Pennsylvania volunteers. The National Zouaves, a crack organiza- tion, existed in 1866 and 1867, making their first parade December 25th. The officers were: Captain, R. L. Ley- burn; Ist lieutenant, Thomas D. Boon; 2nd lieutenant, C. F. Garrett; A. M. S., Joseph Coulter; Ist sergeant, A. H. Tiley.
"B" Company of the National Guard of Pennsylvania was mustered in in August, 1875. The officers are: Captain, Wallace Guss; rst lieutenant, John M. Hughes; 2nd lieutenant, George Priser; Ist sergeant, Edward Ash.
In 1870 the soldiers' monument, a beautiful marble column fifty feet high, surmounted by an eagle with out- spread wings, in Odd Fellows' cemetery, was erected by Doubleday Post, at a cost of $9,000.
MISCELLANEOUS.
The first wagon-maker was Isaac Haldeman, whose shop stood on Pine street, in 1848.
The first lawyer who located in Tamaqua was John Hendricks, who began practice in 1849.
The first flour and feed store was opened by Bartlett & Taylor, in the old Oats house, next to Shepp's flour- mill. The building was erected for the purpose in 1849. In 1851 the business was sold to H. F. Stidfole, who con- tinued in it for eighteen years. He is now a prosperous merchant on West Broad street.
In 1852 Heilner & Morganroth's powder-mill, near Tamaqua, exploded, injuring Reuben Stamm, and killing Reuben Strunk, throwing him a hundred feet.
A temporary town hall, 40 by roo feet was erected in 1868, at a cost of $4,500.
In 1855 the first regular theatrical performance was given in the borough. Seitzinger's hall has been since 1869 the only place of amusement.
SECRET SOCIETIES.
Harmony Lodge, No. 86, I. O. O. F. had its charter granted October 16th, 1843, and the lodge has grown with the town. The charter officers were: Joseph J. El- segood, N. G .; James H. Kelly, V. G .; John Franklin, S .; David Myers, assistant secretary; Jacob Bell, treas- urer; William Hodgkins, Philip Dormetzer, Conrad Ifland, and B. L. Fetherolf, who have been identified with this lodge as active members for thirty years. Har- mony Lodge meets in Odd Fellows' Hall, which, with its cemetery and other property in the borough, is its own
property, and has over 150 active members. The present (1881) noble grand is Charles M. Greene; V. G., Jehoida Morgans; secretary, William Barton.
Scott Encampment of Patriarchs, No. 132, was charter- ed February 17th, 1862. A dispensation to organize was granted to John L. Regan, Daniel Dean, James M. Had- esty, B. L. Fetherolf, Conrad Ifland, Philip Dormetzer, and William Hodgkins.
Ringgold Lodge (German) I. O. O. F. was organized in 1871.
Tamaqua Lodge, No. 238, F. & A. M. was organized June 4th, 1849. The charter members were D. G Goodwin, Henry Kepner, George D. Bowen, Benjamin Heilner, John S. Boyer, Samuel Beard, Charles Bennett, Peter Aurand, A. J. Orr, John Kolb, Richard Carter, Bernard McLean, Joseph Haughawout and Jacob Smithers.
Other branches of the masonic order are Tamaqua Chapter, No. 117, R. A. M .; Ivanhoe Commandary, No. 31, K. T .; Knapp Council, No. 17, R. S. E. & S. M.
Washington Camp No. 57 Patriotic Order Sons of Am- erica was chartered July ist, 1859, and surrendered its charter when all the members joined the army during the late war. The camp was rechartered February 12th, 1870, with the following membership; A. M. Herrold, H. N. Shindle, J. H. Seitzinger, A. C. Bond, William Hittle, John A. Hirsch, Daniel M. Eveland, Richard Kirkpat- rick, Henry Seitzinger, William A. Lebo, Zachary C. Rat- cliffe, John Friese, T. J. Swartz, Philip Stein, E. A. Boyer, G. W. Rose, George Kepner, George C. Eveland, G. W. Hadesty, Robert Ratcliffe, George Kershner, F. M. Stidham, John H. Stidfole, George Grieff and C. E. Bailey.
Humboldt Lodge of Harugari was organized in 1865.
Bright Star Lodge, No. 231, I. O. G. T. was chartered in November, 1868, withh Emanuel M. Whetstone, Lancelot Fairer, Lafayette F. Fritsch, John W. Byron, Robert L. Casey, Jackson L. Seiders, John W. Whet- stone, John McConnell, Elias B. Whetstone, Josiah Lineaweaver, Nathan Krause, jr., William H. H. Entri- ken, Emma C. Meyer, Lizzie A. Beyel, Maggie Beyel and Sallie Beyel as members. The present (1881) chief templar is Jesse Templin; secretary, Charles Nair; past templar, Rev. E. Humphries; lodge deputy, William H. Zeller.
Order United American Mechanics .- A lodge of this order was organized in 1868.
Doubleday Post, No. 189, G. A. R. was organized and chartered July 20th, 1869, withi O. C. Bosbyshell as grand commander and Robert B. Beath as assistant adjutant general. The original members were Henry H. Snyder, Fred Krell, George Hahn, Nathan Krause, John H. Lutz, H. C. Honsberger, Adam Krause, Daniel M. Mil- ler, Wilson W. Miller, Joel Lins, F. T. Lins, J. H. Erdman, E. A. Jones, John Boughner, D. H. Moyer, Absalom H. Whetstone, D. G. Lewis, J. J. Zehner, John Holman, Joseph Southam, T. B. Carter, D. W. Davis, George Bond, H. P. Yeager, Charles Grieff, William H. Haldeman, Fred H. Wagner, William Lane, A. R. Markel, Owen
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LODGES AND CHURCHES OF TAMAQUA.
Jones, Gottlieb Henry, Samuel Faust, C. F. M. Miller, Fred Eli, Charles Blew, John Shifferstein, Robert Bech- tel, Henry N. Shindel and William S. Allebach. The soldiers' monument in the circle in Odd Fellows' ceme- tery is part of the work of this organization.
Tamaqua Lodge. No. 135, K. P. was chartered March 3d, 1869, with Bodo Whitman, Edward Davis, John Herrold, William Swope, Thomas Carter, George Bond, sr., William De Pue, William King, Nathan Krause, Joseph H. Wood, William Griffiths, William Vardy, John F. Houser, Charles De Frehn and William Miller as members. It meets weekly in Kirn's Hall, and is in a flourishing condition.
Tamaqua Circle, No. 52, Brotherhood of the Union was organized August 25th, 1871, and reorganized after the labor troubles of 1877. The lodge again suspended in June, 1880, but is now in operation again. The charter members were J. F. Woomer, E. A. Jones, John Beard, J. B. Lindenmuth, J. H. Erdman, Jacob Kaercher, J. V. Matthews, David A. Shiffert, William Little and C. Ben Johnson.
Railroaders' Brotherhood, No. 2, was organized June 20th, 1874. The charter members were Phaon P. Hass, Charles B. Cook, Andrew Frank, Elias B. Whetstone, Daniel Kleckner, Henry Wise, William Boyer, John Shif- ferstein, Christ Walters, Gottleib Scheidle, Charles Rinkler and Amos Neifert.
Greenwood Lodge, No. 2,124, Knights of Honor was organized March 26th, 1880. The charter members were David Randall, Joseph E. Hess, F. R. Carpenter, Emil Albrecht, John Davis, Charles H. Weldy, Edward F. Shindel, Philip Stein, Lafayette Fritsch, William H. Kintzle, C. B. Dreher, Edwin Schlicher, Joseph Mitchel, William Hittle, Isaac T. Sands, William H. Zeller, Franklin Schwartz, Samuel Brode, John Fink, Frank Sowers, Walter Randall, John C. Walter, Mahlon S. Miller, Samuel E. Taylor and Henry Kirn.
CHURCH HISTORY.
The first gospel sermon in Tamaqua was preached in 1810 by Rev. John A. Schellhart, a minister of the German Lutheran church, who, in connection with Rev. William Schaeffer and Rev. Theophilus Sillick, supplied the few inhabitants with occasional preaching for many years. Rev. Josephi Chattels, of the Philadelphia Annual Con- ference of the Methodist Episcopal church, began to hold stated services in 1830, and Rev. George Minner, of the German Lutheran church, inaugurated regular services in 1853 in East Tamaqua. About this year (it is placed by some three years earlier, Rev. Richard Webster made regular trips from Mauch Chunk and founded the First Presbyterian church, in the beginning a union church, in the old school-house, then removing to the framed church which formerly stood on the property of George WV. Cole, and in 1853 to the present edifice, immediately opposite, on West Broad street. The first church was erected by the Roman Catholics in 1833. In 1837 the little school-house became too small to accommodate the growing congregations which worshiped there, and a
sma'l union church was erected on the lot now occupied by the Methodist Episcopal society. This union edi- fice was 26 by 40 feet in size, and for a number of years was thought quite an acquisition. In 1845 it passed into the hands of the Methodist Episcopal society, by whom it was torn down to make room for the present Method- ist church. The same year the German Lutherans erected on Dutch hill an edifice, which was torn down in 1814 to make room for the brick church.
The Pioneer Sunday-school .-- June 21st, 1831, a meet- ing was held in the new school-house to organize the Tamaqua Sabbath-school. The officers elected were: George W. Baum, president; Edward Smith, vice-presi- dent; Albert H. Deuel, secretary; John N. Speece, treasurer; John Franklin, John Hetherington, Stephen Dodson, managers. June 26th, 1831, the school was formally and fully organized, with the following teachers: G. W. Baum, Stephen Dodson, John Hix, John Franklin, John N. Speece, Mrs. Maria H. Hunter, Mary Dodson and Parmelia Rhodes; $11.74 was raised upon that oc- casion for the support of the school, and the number of scholars present was 35. There are now fourteen Sun- day-schools and 1,739 scholars in the borough.
Primitive Methodist Tabernacle .- The history of the Primitive Methodist church of Tamaqua dates back as far as 1830. William Donaldson, an old and well-known coal operator, opened his house for religious worship, and, being a local preacher, conducted the services. The cause grew with the population of the then embryo vil- lage. The old union church on Broad street was used until the society, increased in numbers and influence, de- cided to build a church of its own. The site was ob- tained, free, from the Little Schuylkill Company, and a neat, substantial and commodious structure of stone erected, which was dedicated by Rev. Hugh Bourne, the venerable founder of Primitive Methodism, on the last Sabbath of 1846. The trustees were William Donaldson, president; R. Nattrass, secretary; R. Ratcliffe, treasurer; Charles Vaughan, Thomas Booth, William Wood and Thomas Williams. A charter of incorporation was ob- tained in April, 1849. For many years the charge was a part of Pottsville circuit, but became independent and selfsustaining in 1849. The following ministers have served successively: Benjamin Webber, Charles Spurr, Thomas Foster, William Smith, Alexander Miller, Joseph Fawcett, George Parker, Joseph Robinson, Daniel Savage and Elijah Humphries. During the pastorate of Rev. Daniel Savage the old church was taken down and a new one erected upon the site. It is of stone and brick, 44 by 70 feet, and cost S10,000, requiring $3,000 more to complete it. Rev. Joseph Odell preached the dedicatory sermon, the last Sabbath of 1876, just thirty years from the dedication of the first building.
The Sabbath-school was organized November 13th, 1842. The present officers are: G. S. Wilford, superin- tendent; D. C. Barton, assistant; C. M. Greene, secre- tary; W. J. Booth, treasurer. It numbers 35 teachers, 250 scholars, and owns an acre of ground at " New England." The church has prospered under the present
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HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY.
pastor. A large portion of the debt has been paid and the membership increased to 158, divided into three classes, under John Randall, Edward Divis and Rev. E. Humphries, class leaders. The present trustees are W. H. Mucklow, president; C. M. Greene, secretary; William Booth, J. Randall, Walter Randall, E. A. Jones, J. Weston, Thomas Allen, George Wilford.
St. John's Lutheran Church .- All early records of this church were burned. In 1835 the first Lutheran church, a frame building, was erected on Dutch hill, and the pre- sent edifice in 1855. Rev. Mr. George was the first pastor. He was followed by the Rev. Peter Oberfield, who was drowned in the flood of 1850. Rev. M. Boyer came in 1872, followed by Rev. F. T. Hennicke, in 1877, and in 1881 by Rev. H. Theodore Dueming. In 1876 the chapel at Mauch Chunk and Bridge streets was erected. The history of St. John's Lutheran is that of the Reformed side also. Many years this union church has exercised a power for much good in the community, and to-day the membership is greater than that of any other Protestant church.
St. Jerome's Roman Catholic Church .- In 1836 the Catholics of Tamaqua, at one time strong and powerful, built a church on the hill where their cemetery .now stands. It was a plain framed structure, and was re- moved in 1855, the congregation locating their new edi- fice, a large stone building, 48 by 75 feet, with a tower, on West Broad and Green streets. Rev. Father M. A. Walsh, now vicar-general of Pennsylvania, superintended the erection. The edifice will seat 900 people and there is a parsonage attached. The parish takes in Coal Dale and Tuscarora, and is in a highly flourishing condition. Rev. Joseph Bridgeman is the present father in charge. The value of the property is $20,000.
St. John's Reformed Church .- St. John's Church (Re- formed and Lutheran), on Dutch hill, was founded in 1835. A small framed building was erected about that time, which stood until the summer of 1854, when the erection of the present brick building was begun. The new church was dedicated in 1855. Rev. - George was the first Lutheran pastor. In 1846 he left and was succeeded by Rev. Peter Oberfield, who was drowned in the great freshet of 1850. During Mr. Oberfeld's pastorate Rev. William A. Helfrich, of the Reformed church, from Lehigh county, supplied the Reformed congregation for a short time, and after him the Rev. John Zulich, also of Lehigh county, served as a supply for a few years. After his withdrawal Rev. Robert Van Court became resident pastor, and from that time (1855) both congregations had pastors residing in the place. St. John's appears to be the oldest Protestant church organization in Tamaqua. A number of the other congregations in the place have organized in the church on Dutch hill. The remaining organizations have still a joint membership of more than 500. The present pastor, Rev. I. E. Graeff, commenced his labors in October, 1 878, succeeding Rev. Mr. Schwartz.
First Methodist Episcopal Church .- Concerning the early organization of this church the records are silent. The congregation worshiped first in the old union church,
and afterward purchased a framed building which stood on the present location, and which was 20 by 40 feet in size. In 1852 the contract was awarded to Isaiah Wells to erect the present edifice, 43 by 75 feet, and it has stood without alteration since. The church became a separate charge the same year. The present pastor is Rev. John F. Meredith, brother to the Rev. Mr. Meredith who was stationed over the charge in 1852. The trustees are A. H. Glassmire, George Shoemaker, Jacob Kaucher, H. K. Aurand, J. M. Hadesty, Jesse Springer and C. F. Lloyd.
The Sunday-school has 250 members. The superin- tendent is Jackson L. Seiders. The church building is free from debt, and there is a membership of 150. The church and parsonage are estimated to be worth $13,000.
Evangelical Church .- The first preaching in Tamaqua by ministers of the Evangelical Association was in 1848, by Rev. G. T. Haines, at the house of Mr. Wiltermuth. An organization of an association was not accomplished un- til 1851, by Rev. Andrew Ziegenfuss, at the house of Philip Geissinger, the first members being Emanuel Reich and his wife Mary, Philip and Kate Geissinger, Frederick Young and wife, Joseph Strauss and wife, Samuel Schloyer and wife, David Fehr and wife. Rev. Samuel Gaumer came in 1852, the church being then connected with Schuylkill circuit, and in 1854 an effort was made at the annual conference, in Pottsville, to have a missionary stationed here, but it failed. In 1855, however, Rev. J. Eckert was sent as a missionary, who negotiated with the Presbyterians for their old church edifice on Broad street, and removed it at his own expense to Rowe street. Here the congregation worshiped until 1856, when a chapel was built on Spruce street. The Tamaqua mission was put on Schuylkill cir- cuit that year, and in 1857 Rev. Ephraim Ely took charge, succeeding Rev. R. Deisher. Catawissa class was annexed in 1858. Rev. William Bachman was appointed in 1860. Under his administration the congregation purchased the property of the Baptists on Pine street, where the present edifice now stands.
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