USA > Pennsylvania > Schuylkill County > History of Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, Vol. I > Part 28
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Miss Annette Strauch opened a school in 1849 which she conducted for twenty-four years. In the fall of the same year Rev. A. Pryor opened a young ladies' seminary which he conducted successfully for a number of years. Several other ventures were made in the educa- tional field which were mostly of short duration ; but St. Ann's school, established in 1837 by three Sisters of Charity, is an exception. This school is still in existence, though in modified form. Its original pur- pose was to afford advantages of higher education to the children of Roman Catholic parents. Its present curriculum is confined to the
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elementary branches, music, religious training and industrial education. The German Catholic St. John's Congregation also has a large parochial school in which their children are taught in the various branches, both in the English and in the German languages.
The Pottsville Business college was established by Prof. A. H. Hin- man in 1874. It affords the advantages of business education to students of both sexes, and is well equipped with modern appliances. The school is at present under the management of Prof. T. V. Ovens.
The development of the excellent system of public schools, with their constant expansion into higher studies, gradually rendered the operation of private schools unprofitable. When public sentiment be- came educated to the point of recognizing the free schools at their true value as an educational medium, and discarding the long-cherished idea that they were "pauper schools," there was no longer much use for private institutions. In fact the "odium" of being thought too poor to pay his way, kept many a student from enrolling in the public school, even after its advantages were superior to those of the private institutions. The borough of Pottsville adopted the free school sys- tem in 1834, and soon after the law enacted at the beginning of that year became operative. The election of directors for the district under this system occurred at the house of George Strouse on the 19th of September that year, resulting in the selection of Enos Chichester, Benjamin Spayd, Joseph George, Joseph Lyon, Joseph Thomas and F. B. Nichols as directors. Organizing on the 26th of September, by the election of Joseph Thomas, president, and Joseph Lyon, secre- tary, the board at once grappled with the formidable proposition before them. They were confronted with the fact that there were not suffi- cient buildings, or rooms, to accommodate all the children of the district, there being at this time 827 eligible to admittance into the public schools. Four rooms were provided and the teaching force employed on very modest salaries, ranging from $500 a year for the principal, down to $200 for the second assistant, there being five teachers em- ployed. Some school "furniture" was purchased by the board, from John Philips, who had discontinued a private school in view of this event. This embraced one pine table, five desks and ten benches, all sold for the sum of $5. Notice was served on the teachers by the commissioners' clerk that no more money would be paid after Jan. I, 1835, for "educating the poor." Teachers' salaries were measurably increased in 1836, and an additional school established. The Bible was introduced into the schools in 1839, and its reading made manda- tory. In 1841 a school house was built on a lot on North Center
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street adjoining the old log school house; and in 1842, the board of directors purchased the building which had been erected for the Pottsville institute, thus carrying out the design of the builders, though under broader authority. In 1851 the office of superintendent was created, and Elias Schneider had the honor of first holding that onerous position: The monthly district institute was inaugurated in this year. The high school was opened on the 15th of January, 1853, and a number of distinguished educators have since occupied the po- sition of principal of this department. During, and immediately fol- lowing, the Civil war the attendance at the high school diminished greatly, and a reorganization was necessary when work was resumed in all departments with a full course of instruction. Since 1868, when the reorganization was effected, the tendency of the school has been upward, and its many graduates are well fitted for the battle of life from an educational standpoint. The borough has to-day a well or- ganized system of public schools established in ten good buildings, conveniently located. The teaching force embraces a corps of fifty- nine teachers, most of whom have been retained for many years be- cause of their special fitness for the positions which they occupy. This was notably true in the case of the superintendent, Rev. B. F. Patterson, who was installed in the position on the Ist of April, 1867, and remained incumbent until quite recently. As a veteran educator in high official position, he probably stood at the head of the list in the state. Rev. Patterson passed away July 9, 1906, aged seventy-one years.
A school for colored children was established by the district in 1843, and maintained at public expense for thirty-four years. Since 1877 the colored children have been admitted to the schools on the same conditions as the children of white parents, and, in comparison with their numbers, have shown very satisfactory results.
Two parochial schools are conducted in connection with the Irish and the German Catholic churches, most of whose students also attend the higher grades of the public schools at some period during their school life. There are two or three kindergarten schools conducted during a portion of each school year, and these, in connection with a private school of high order in charge of Mrs. Thurlow, wife of Prof. S. A. Thurlow, for many years principal of the high school, complete the list. On the recent death of Superintendent Patterson, Prof. Thurlow was elected by the school board to fill the vacancy.
In 1852, at the time of the death of Henry Clay, the Pottsville admir- ers of the great statesman conceived the idea of honoring his memory
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and expressing their own sorrow in the national bereavement. A pub- lic meeting was called at which a committee was appointed, consisting of Samuel Sillyman, E. Yardley and F. Hewson, who were authorized to proceed with the erection of a suitable monument. John Bannan presented the building site, an elevated tableland at the west end of Washington street between Center and Second streets. A public memorial service was arranged for, and the laying of the cornerstone was a part of the public ceremonies, held in the presence of a large assembly of people. The monument stands about sixty feet in height, sur- mounted by a statue of iron, in natural pose. Suitable inscriptions at the base represent the sentiments of those who contributed to this worthy object. The cost of the Clay monument was about $8,000; and it is to be hoped that the Center street front and surrounding ground will be suitably beautified.
Schuylkill county contributed more than 13,000 soldiers to the sup- pression of the rebellion of the sixties. Appreciating the services and sacrifices of this army for the common good, the survivors of the war, and their loyal friends of a later generation, were instrumental in bringing into existence the soldiers' monument in Garfield square. This is a fitting tribute to the memory of those "who did not return," as well as to the remnant of the grand old army, now rapidly passing away. The Soldiers' Monument Park association was incorporated in 1887, with Henry Royer as president ; Maj. John A. Schweers, secre- tary ; Dr. F. W. Boyer, treasurer, and Capt. D. C. Henning, solicitor. A board of directors consisting of thirty-one members was also ap- pointed, and these acted in conjunction with the officers in soliciting funds, and in general supervision of the work. The soldiers' monu- ment in Schuylkill county is a commendable work of art. It is con- structed of granite throughout, the octagonal base being about twenty- five feet in diameter. At a height of about five feet above the top of the base are four granite pedestals, at opposite corners; and four bronze figures, life size and in full equipment, are located upon these, repre- senting the four arms of the military and naval service; namely, infantry, cavalry, artillery and the navy. At the top of the column, forty-two feet above the base, is a statue of Liberty crowning the victors. The inscriptions are in keeping with the exalted sentiments which prompted the erection of this loving remembrance, and recount, somewhat in detail, the achievements of Pennsylvania soldiers on the battle-fields of the South. The monument was dedicated on the first of October, 1891, Gen. Horace Porter delivering the dedicatory address. Its location, in the central part of the city, on one of the handsomest
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residence streets in the town, indicates the good judgment and high appreciation of the builders, while the nicely kept little park adjoining assumes a military caste in the presence of the two frowning cannon which dignify it. The street cars pass on either side of the monument and embryo park.
The noted musical organization of Pottsville is the Military Band of the Third brigade. Its officers at this time are: Howard Sterner, president ; T. E. Beyerle, secretary ; James S. Sterling, treasurer, and Frederic Gerhard, bandmaster. This organization is well equipped with some forty high-class instruments and thoroughly competent mu- sicians. It is a very popular organization in the town, and its existence is a pleasure to the music-loving public. The American Drum Corps caters to that military spirit which considers that such kind of martial music is more "inspiring" and more suitable for marching. This organization was effected in 1903, and James Keating is the leader and drillmaster. Seltzer's Orchestra, led by J. George Seltzer, supplies high-class music at parties, theatres, etc. There are several singing societies, sustained mostly by the German population-notably the Pottsville Liederkranz-while the churches present a large array of musical talent in choir music. Special instructors in musical science begin their work in the lower departments of the public schools; and their students are later taught by the many private tutors in the town.
Pottsville is made up of church-going people, as is evidenced by the existence of twenty-two religious organizations within the borough limits. To prepare a comprehensive history of each, and to record the minutiæ of the organization, growth, church-building, pastors and officers, would require more space than the limits of this work will permit. Nor is such recital considered strictly within the province of a local history, especially one intended for the county at large, but belongs more properly to the biographical department.
The first religious services in Pottsville were conducted by the ever vigilant traveling preachers or missionaries. Private houses, or even the groves were their preaching places; but the primitive log school houses were most frequently used. These pioneer efforts were sup- plemented by the organization of classes, or churches involving the religious creeds of the greatest number of hearers. Trinity Protestant Episcopal church was the first Protestant organization in Pottsville, through its predecessor, St. Luke's church, of the same denomination. The latter had a nominal existence here in 1827, and the church was consecrated in 1830. In 1832 Trinity church was organized and St. Luke's church ceased to exist. In later years this organization spread
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its fostering care over the entire parish, and at one time as many as five chapels were sustained in the surrounding territory, and supplied by the ministers of the parent church. Three of these chapels exist at present, the most important of which is the Baber. chapel, located in Baber cemetery. Charles Baber was the founder of both the ceme- tery and the chapel bearing his name, and donated them to the public, with the restriction that, while the chapel should be used on burial occasions by all denominations, an Episcopal service and Sunday school should also be maintained. This chapel was erected between 1876 and 1880, at a cost of $25,000. It is known as the Chapel of the Resurrec- tion. The main church edifice on Center street was commenced in 1847, and it was consecrated on the 13th of February, 1858. This was originally a massive stone structure which has been enlarged from time to time, a large addition being now in course of construction. Charles Baber, previously mentioned, presented a chime of bells many years ago, and these, with perfect interior equipment, render the old church superior to many of later coming. This congregation owns a fine pastoral residence on Mahantongo street.
St. Patrick's Roman Catholic church was the first building erected in Pottsville for the exclusive use of religious meetings. It was erected on a lot donated to the church by John Pott, in 1828. The small frame church built at this time was enlarged and improved and served the congregation until the main structure of the immediate . predecessor of the present cathedral was completed in 1838, which also was a handsome edifice. About this time the orphans' asylum was established under the pastorate of the Rev. Edward Maginnis. The church building was again enlarged and beautified in 1845. This in turn gave way to the present magnificent structure of stone now on this site which was finished about ten years ago. The church is free from debt, owns a fine parochial school building and pastoral residence, and several large cemeteries. The school is in charge of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart. A handsome parochial residence is next to the church.
The First Methodist Episcopal church was organized in 1828, and conducted the first services at private houses, and later in the old log school house. In October, 1830, the first church building of this de- nomination was dedicated, this being a substantial brick structure which subsequent additions and improvements made tenable until the erection of their magnificent new edifice in 1903. The old church building was rebuilt in 1846, and twenty years later it was enlarged and greatly improved. The new church edifice, on Garfield square, belonging to this
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THE "OLD RED CHURCH"
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congregation is without doubt the most elaborate building of its char- acter in Schuylkill county. It is built of stone and trimmed in granite after the most modern style of church architecture. The cost was $180,- 000. This church has had a successful career as a religious organiza- tion covering a period of three-quarters of a century, and is today numerically strong, and financially prosperous. Their pastoral resi- dence is just across the square.
The First Presbyterian church was the outgrowth of labors per- formed under the auspices of the American Home Missionary society in 1831. The first services of this denomination were held in a private house on Center street under the preaching of a missionary, sustained, in part, by the voluntary contributions of certain churches in Phila- delphia. A church was organized on the 13th of July, 1832. In antici- pation of this event, a church building had been erected by the adherents to this faith, and this was dedicated the same day of the church organization. The erection of a new church building was commenced in 1838, and this was completed and occupied in 1842. During the early years of the existence of this church, the Second Presbyterian church of Pottsville was organized, this being designated as the "Old School," while the First church was organized under the creed of the "New School." For some years these organizations prospered as two distinct churches, but were subsequently united as one, with the consent of their respective presbyteries. A handsome church edifice was erected during the latter years of the seventies, the first story being occupied early in 1876. The building was completed and dedicated in February, 1880. The cost of the structure was about $50,000. They own a handsome pastoral residence on Garfield square. In more recent years the Second Presbyterian church has been reestablished, a church edifice erected at the corner of Market and Fifth streets, and a pastoral residence next to it secured. Doctrinal differences were not the only reason for a second division of the Presbyterian church, but the increase in population of that faith rendered a second church a necessity. Both organizations are well sustained by large and influential congregations, while their church buildings evince taste and permanence in their con- struction. The second organization of the "Old School" Presbyterian church dates from 1859.
The Welsh Congregational church was organized in 1831, and a church building was erected on Minersville street in the same year. This was rebuilt in 1851, and with subsequent improvements has sup- plied the needs of the people for whom it was constructed. Services at this church have been somewhat irregular in recent years, by reason
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of the waning interest in the preservation of the Welsh language. The Salvation Army controls the building. Trinity church, of the German Evangelical Lutheran denomination, is one of the oldest religious organizations in Pottsville, being the successor of the old Emanuel Lutheran church, and a more recent church known as the Zion's Luther- an church, which two congregations merged in 1863 forming the present Trinity Lutheran church. Services were held at stated periods for several years before an organization was effected in 1834. The first church building was erected on North Third street as a union effort with the German Lutherans and German Reformed members, who had no organization of their own. This church, dedicated in October, 1837, soon became the sole property of the Lutherans, and used by that denomination. The large and handsome church edifice erected shortly after the union of the two old congregations is the religious home of probably the most numerous congregation of the city. Its Sunday morning services are still conducted in the German language, but the evening services and the Sunday school are in English. This congrega- tion owns its pastoral residence, a fine brick structure at the corner of Second and West Arch streets.
The Primitive Methodist church in Pottsville as first organized in 1840. By reason of the transient character of its membership, the organization was disbanded in 1852, and the church building was sold. In 1873, a new organization was effected and services were held in a rented building for a number of years, when the effort was finally abandoned, and the organization passed out of existence.
St. John the Baptist German Catholic church was established in the thirties, and in 1852, built the stone church on the corner of Fourth Street and Howard avenue, which is now used by a recently organized Italian Roman Catholic church. The old St. John's has been one of the successful religious organizations of the town. It has a large and growing membership, and one of the largest church buildings in Potts- ville, this being the second church edifice erected by the congregation, some 30 years ago, on Mahantongo street. This church still owns its old church edifice, also a handsome pastoral residence next to the new church, also three cemeteries. Since the organization of St. John the Baptist's church, a parochial school has been connected with it, under the direct supervision of the pastors. The Sisters of Christian Charity constitute the teaching force. For many years the school was conducted in rooms provided for it in the church; but in 1898 a magnificent building was erected on the church prop- erty, and designated as "St. John the Baptist's German and
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English Catholic school." The Baptist church was organized in 1846. Its meetings were held in a public hall until 1853, when a brick church building was erected and . the congregation occupied its own home. Services at this church were somewhat irregu- lar during its earlier history, due in part to the death of the pastor whose place could not be readily filled; but also to a comparatively weak organization. In recent years the church has had numerous accessions to membership, the building has been repaired, and new life infused.
The English Evangelical Lutheran church came into existence in 1847 through the withdrawal of eleven members from the old German Emanu- al church of the same denomination. The nucleus to the present church edifice was erected soon after the organization was effected, this being enlarged and modernized just after the close of the Civil war. It is a handsome brick structure, large and commodious, though exhibiting the architecture of a former generation. A pastoral residence was erected in 1876 next to the church. The church has grown strong and prosperous, enrolling on its list of membership many descendants of prominent German-Americans of the city. The Associate Reformed Presbyterian church, remembered by old settlers as the "Scotch Church," was organized in 1851. It had a temporary existence owing to the death of one of its most ardent and able supporters, the develop- ment of internal strife, and finally litigation over the church property and the contributions of this deceased member.
The organization of the Evangelical association was effected in 1836, and three years later a small church building was ready for oc- cupancy. This was rebuilt in 1849, and served the congregation until 1875, when it was sold to the Jewish people, who still use it as their temple. The Evangelical church then erected the handsome brick structure near the old site on West Arch street. This congregation for years was large and prosperous, until the split occurred which severed the Evangelical church throughout the country. The great majority of the members of this church followed the leadership of Bishop Dubbs, and formed the United Evangelic church, and voluntarily waiving their financial interests in the old church property, erected a handsome new church edifice for themselves on South Center street. The adherents of Bishops Bowman and Esher, they being the victors in the litigation which followed this split in the church, retained the church property and are continuing the old congregation therein. The United Evangelicals hold the parsonage next to the old church.
The Jewish church, known as Congregation Oheb Zedek, was
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organized in 1856 by a number of prominent business men of the Jewish race. They first worshiped in a little frame church, corner Third and West Arch streets. Then the modest little church building which they purchased of the Evangelical association was remodeled and formed into a neat little temple in accordance with the Jewish custom. A Hebrew Sabbath school and German school are conducted in connection with this organization, which also fosters two Jewish societies or lodges. The society owns a beautiful cemetery near the borough limits which is devoted to the burial of their own people.
The First German Reformed church is one of the old religious organi- zations of the town. A substantial brick church was built by this congregation in 1859, and the original organization still occupies it. In 1868 the English speaking members of the church withdrew and organized Trinity Reformed church which has since had a prosperous existence. The church property formerly occupied by the Associate Reformed Presbyterian congregation, Market street below Fourth, was purchased and formally opened to the use of this organization. Their parsonage is on Sixth street near Garfield square. In 1891 this church building was rebuilt and modernized, and is now a handsome and con- venient structure.
The First Church of Christ (Scientists) has an organization in the borough, and conducts regular services in a rented building. The Sal- vation Army has a permanent organization in Pottsville, and is as ag- gressive and self-sacrificing in the salvation of humanity as any religious organization within the borough limits ; and who shall say that its work is not also successful? It reaches a class of people who do not frequent the churches.
Bethel African Methodist Episcopal church has been sustained for many years by the colored citizens of that denomination, though there are no legal restrictions as to their attendance at other churches. Mrs. Jane Buehler, a colored woman, is remembered as one of the early members of the First Methodist Episcopal church, who died in 1881 at the advanced age of nearly one hundred and twelve years.
Sunday schools are conducted in connection with all the churches, and this "nursery of the church" has come to be recognized as an element of great interest and usefulness. It enlists the hearty coopera- tion and assistance of the refined and educated people of all classes, and many of these, both young and middle-aged, are enrolled as officers and teachers in the Sunday schools, which often exceed the church membership in numbers. Most of the schools have large .and well-se- lected libraries, and excellent, enlivening music, which renders at-
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