USA > Pennsylvania > Berks County > Lower Heidelberg > History of St. John's (Hain's) Reformed church in Lower Heidelberg Township, Berks County, Penna > Part 26
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85
3
29
Dec. 13, 1860. Precilla Elizabeth Barlett.
.II
I
26
Dec. 21, 1860. Catharine Ulrich
.60
7
I2
Jan. 24, 1861. Mary Murray
.29
9
7
.
.
9
3
July 29, 1860.
Richard Smith
.
278
ST. JOHN'S (HAIN'S) REFORMED CHURCH.
AGE
Time of Death Name
Years Months Days
Feb. 26, 1861. Susannah Faust
76
3
26
Mar. 6, 1861. Wm. Hain
.74
IO
I
Mar. 24, 1861. Wm. Moyer
.21
I
IO
Apr. 3, 1861. John Klopp
.20
4
3
Apr. II, 1861. Elizabeth Hain
.72
5
26
Apr. 18, 1861.
Milton Gernand Faust.
I
II
17
May 4, 1861.
Catharine Lerch
61
9
16
May 9, 1861.
Daniel M. Staudt.
70
4
5
May 22, 1861. Elizabeth Catharine Reifsnyder.
.77
4
14
May 30, 1861. Catharine Fanny Binkley.
2
9
II
July 26, 1861. Wm. Betz
2
IO
20
Aug. 9, 1861. Lovina Becker
.43
2
14
Aug. 14, 1861. Philip Bohn
80
4
17
Aug. 18, 1861. John Frank Keim
4
0
21
Aug. 22, 1861. Fayett Leah Ellen Heller
0
9
IO
Aug. 30, 1861. John George Huyett.
4
7
0
Sept. 3, 1861. Emma Smith
9
4
27
Sept. 25, 1861. Jacob Yoder
69
2
26
Oct. 6, 1861. Maria Rebecca Yoder. I
2
6
3
Nov. 8, 1861.
Maria Ann Strunk
I
7
17
Nov. 9, 1861. Hannah Hassler
20
I
19
Nov. 13, 1861. Abraham Boyer
57
7
4
Nov. 17, 1861. Catharine Latshaw
8
II
7
Nov. 19, 1861. Hannah Isabella Stitzel.
3
2
25
Nov. 30, 1861. Ada Celisa Gaul.
2
7
24
Dec. II, 1861. Emma Susannah Reifsnyder
3
7
0
Dec. 16, 1861. David Yoder
II
IO
2
Dec. 18, 1861. Mary Catharine Stief.
3
4
25
Dec. 22, 1861. Rebecca Stricker
14
5
26
Dec. 30, 1861. John Mohr
IO
II
28
Jan. 24, 1862.
John Wm. Schaeffer
89
7
2
Feb. 2, 1862.
Amanda Marks
19
8
I3
Feb. 14, 1862. David Daniel Dunkelberger.
3
II
27
Feb. 16, 1862. Sarah Yoh
29
7
23
Feb. 19, 1862. Catharine Ruth
30
7
25
Mar. 5, 1862.
Charles Martin Ruth
I
4
7
Mar. 5, 1862. Emmaline Hassler
3
9
19
Mar. 18, 1862. Michael Ruth
23
4
I3
Mar. 21, 1862. Geo. Seltzer Ruth
0
7
II
Mar. 24, 1862. Daniel Peifer
54
IO
I
Mar. 29, 1862. Caroline Doll
4
I
26
Mar. 30, 1862. John Sabastian Gerhart 3
I
5
I
26
Feb. 5, 1862.
Emma Phillips
12
II
19
Oct. 15, 1861. Anna Maria Keim
4
8
23
Dec. 6, 1861. Nathan Wm. Gaul.
279
ST. JOHN'S (HAIN'S) REFORMED CHURCH.
AGE
Time of Death Name
Years Months Days
Apr. 10, 1862. Catharine Rebecca Betz.
O
10
II
Apr. 17, 1862. Sarah Zeller
18
IO
3
Apr. 25, 1862. Henry Mell
12
3
I
Apr. 25, 1862. Franklin Werner
0
I
9
Apr. 29, 1862. Levi Koch
6
3
14
May II, 1862. John Adam Wenrich.
5
7
20
May 14, 1862. David Spohn
6
4
27
May 15, 1862. George Peter Gaul.
0
9
2
June 13, 1862. John Madeira
42
6
23
June 29, 1862. Sarah Whitmoyer
.62
8
5
July 2, 1862. Andrew Sharman
I3
7
18
Aug. 5, 1862. Daniel Hain
75
2
0
Aug. 13, 1862. Benneville Gerhart
17
II
I4
Aug. 21, 1862. Samuel Gerhart
3
5
27
Aug. 31, 1862. Sarah Ann Gerhart.
4
8
27
Sept. 10, 1862. James Gerhart
2
II
I5
Sept. 20, 1862, Levi Roether
22
6
7
Oct. 15, 1862. Catharine Schaeffer
.21
9
20
Oct. 15, 1862. Mary Fyett Himmelreich.
0
8
23
Oct. 22, 1862. Catharine Stiely
33
I
4
Oct. 29, 1862. Anna Margaret
Strunk 62
8
22
Nov. 16, 1862. Adam Gerhart
0
IO
2
Nov. 30, 1862. Rose Roether
2
8
20
Dec. 12, 1862. Sarah Margaret Focht.
5
0
6
Dec. 18, 1862. Catharine Louisa Focht.
2
3
6
Dec. 21, 1862. Elvina Holl
16
0
29
Dec. 21, 1862. Anna Maria Lerch.
57
4
I
Dec. 24, 1862.
Wm. Wallace Faust.
IO
7
II
Dec. 26, 1862.
Reuben Keim
31
7
19
Jan. 18, 1863.
Anna Maria Ruth
.67
8
14
Jan. 21, 1863.
Mary Ann Bohn
38
2
25
Feb. 14, 1863.
Emma Eyrich
0
8
29
Feb. 27, 1863.
Leah Sophy Ney.
I
9
18
Feb. 28, 1863.
Sarah Catharine Bohn
16
2
10
Mar. 1, 1863.
Samuel Alfred Stiely.
8
9
II
Mar. I, 1863.
Clara May Anna Goodhard.
3
2
7
Mar. 25, 1863. Samuel Milton Foltz.
2
6
0
Apr. 17, 1863. Amelia Bohn .20
7
12
Apr. 22, 1863. Adam Staudt
0
4
0
Apr. 26. 1863. Henry Augustus Paff.
3
6
18
May 6, 1863.
Kitty Ann Rhein. .28
8
24
May II, 1863. George Ellsworth Staudt. .
I
2
4
May 19, 1863. Sarah Maria Reber.
2
2
23
June 8, 1863.
David Bucks
46
0
26
June 10, 1863. Henry Sohl
.
I
7
29
.
·
·
280
ST. JOHN'S (HAIN'S) REFORMED CHURCH.
AGE
Time of Death Name
Years Months Days
June 30, 1863. John George Bechtel
77
7
29
July 14, 1863. Eli Fiant
45
7
23
July 17, 1863. John Greims
6
3
6
Aug. 13, 1863. Charles Edward Miller.
0
7
29
Sept. 8, 1863. Catharine Smith.
0
7
28
Sept. 12, 1863. Maria Fox
69
O
0
Sept. 25, 1863. Julian Anna Fisher.
0
6
I
Oct. 14, 1863. Emma Miranda Ruth.
7
6
18
Oct. 16, 1863. John Peter Hain.
3
7
II
Nov. 25, 1863. John Henry Peifer
5
10
14
Jan. 18, 1864. John Bechtel
75
2
15
Jan. 25, 1864.
Salome Stichler
68
II
I3
Feb. 18, 1864. John Greth
61
O
5
Feb. 21, 1863. Martin Albert Klopp
3
4
14
Feb. 25, 1863. Anna Ruth
31
0
IO
Apr. 1, 1864.
Kitty Agnes Spayd. 3
3
I8
Apr. 26, 1864.
John Yoh
66
3
22
May 4, 1864.
James Ruth
39
6
20
May 13, 1864.
Henry Miller
82
0
0
May 16, 1864. Sarah Hassler
60
II
28
May 24, 1864. Reuben Ruth
I
IO
19
May 27, 1864. Daniel Ried
.20
5
5
June 10, 1864.
Anna Elizabeth Fisher 7
S
16
Aug. 24, 1864. Catharine Seitzinger 47
6
25
Sept. 7, 1864. Kate Bender I
4
3
Sept. 23, 1864. John Stiely
20
2
15
Oct. 21, 1864. Richard Bauer
IS
0
26
Dec. 27, 1864. Henry Faust
SI
2
25
Jan. 9, 1865.
John A. Hain. 73
4
29
Jan. 19, 1865.
Caroline Texter 38
3
21
Jan. 25, 1865.
Agnes Sarah Ann Greth
2
I
26
Feb. 16, 1865. John Bertram
36
4
24
Mar. 8, 1865.
Anna Hain .70
.41
8
27
Mar. 28, 1865. John Stitzel
18
9
I6
Apr. 19, 1865. Catharine Good
18
2
23
June 16, 1865. Wm. Werner
63
5
27
June 24. 1865. Adam Fisher
I
4
II
July 27, 1865. Dianah Weaver
53
II
18
Sept. 9, 1865. Sarah Staudt
36
5
14
Sept. 13, 1865. Emanuel B. Staudt.
.23
5
21
Sept. 25, 1865. Barbara Amelia Shepp.
29
9
18
Oct. 1, 1865. Mary Sophia Brechtbill 1
8
29
Oct. 3, 1865. John Andrew Matthias. 21
9
I9
6
I
Mar. 12, 1865. Sarah Ann Hiester
I
3
IO
Sept. 26, 1863. Sabastian Miller Newman.
ST JOHN'S (HAIN'S) REFORMED CHURCH.
AGE
Time of Death Name
Years Months Days
Oct. 24, 1865. Jacob Strunk
23
8
19
Dec. 9, 1865. Wm. Charles Ruth.
2
O
22
Feb. 2, 1866. Kate Caroline Weiant.
I
3
18
Feb. 4, 1866. Sabastian Gerhart
80
O
25
Feb. 7, 1866.
Richard Greth
.33
5
15
Mar. 12, 1866. Maria Ruth
47
3
IO
Apr. 19, 1866. Richard Fisher
29
6
I
June 15, 1866. John Ulrich
37
9
27
July 24, 1866. Eva Werner
57
9
12
Aug. II. 1866. Henry August Kerper.
26
II
I
Aug. 17, 1866. Polly Latshaw
50
2
5
Aug. 25, 1866. John Summerfield Goodhard.
0
7
28
Aug. 26, 1866. Michael Schaeffer
69
2
13
Sept. 4, 1866. Alice Louisa Stitzel.
4
I
I
Sept. 12, 1866. Reily Fisher
2
O 0
29
Oct. 8, 1866.
Catharine Faust
72
7
18
Oct. 10, 1866. Joanna Werner
.41
II
O
Nov. 5, 1866.
Samuel Fisher
2
7
9
Dec. 28, 1866. Elizabeth Charlotte Hain.
.79
0
I2
Mar. 16, 1867. Maria Eyrich
.47
3
26
Mar. 27, 1867. George Daniel Greth.
2
8
20
Apr. 20, 1867. Catharine Yoh
68
IO
22
May I, 1867.
Eva Anna Gockley
.23
9
5
June 26, 1867. Jacob Koch
.42
IO
9
June 30, 1867. Rebecca Yoh
.35
6
17
July 25, 1867. John D. Reed
.59
7
12
Aug. 21, 1867. David Stitzel
.IO
4
22
Sept. 7, 1867.
Mary Strunk
.24
6
29
Oct. 31, 1867. Benjamin Hain
82
5
4
Nov. 28, 1867. Josua Ruth
.41
I
29
Dec. 19, 1867.
Daniel Weitzel
81
8
25
Jan. 6. 1868.
John Saylor
.74
2
17
Feb. 17, 1868.
Mary Stiely
.68
3
12
Feb. 20, 1868.
Elizabeth Ruth
.71
5
5
Feb. 27, 1868. Levi Yoh
.25
9
9
Feb. 27, 1868. Wm. Fry
3
O
15
Apr. 3, 1868.
Wm. Peter Himmelreich.
3
II
25
Apr. 14, 1868. Daniel Bucks
.75
5
22
Apr. 14, 1868. Daniel Lerch
69
4
I2
May 5, 1868.
John Beecher
.21
6
3
May 30, 1868. Margaret Bucks
.73
7
22
Sept. 8, 1868.
Catharine Arnold
.69
5
16
Nov. 8, 1868.
Henrietta Faust
.31
5
II
Nov. 20, 1868. Abby Fidler
.19
3 .
0
Nov. 22, 1868. John Bechtel
46
IO
16
Dec. 18, 1868. Sallie Rebecca Mell.
3
6
8
Jan. 2, 1869. Sophia Richard
3I
3
18
.
281
19
282
ST. JOHN'S (HAIN'S) REFORMED CHURCH.
AGE
Time of Death Name
Years Months Days
Feb. 18, 1869. Adam Yoh
35
5
28
Mar. 24, 1869. John Yohn
25
I
I
Apr. 2, 1869. Leah Ruth
.76
7
24
Apr. 4, 1869. Sarah Ann Fisher. 24
5
18
Apr. 12, 1869. Reily Bender
I
0
I3
May 14, 1869. Sarah Maria Staudt
3
4
27
May 19, 1869.
Joseph Faust
63
I
28
May 28, 1869.
Daniel Fisher
72
7
27
June 22, 1869. Magdalene Boyer
59
0
27
July 5, 1869.
Eliza Kelchner
0
4
28
Aug. 8, 1869.
Adam Gerhart
48
7
22
Oct. 2, 1869.
Anna Gerhart
0
7
9
Nov. 1, 1869. Sarah Amanda
Hassler.
7
6
24
Nov. 21, 1869. Kate Maria Sloat.
0
6
I
Nov. 24, 1869. Josua Barlett
74
9
18
Nov. 28, 1869. Aaron Krick Staudt
Dec. 8, 1869. Joseph Kelchner
65
8
18
Jan. 4, 1870.
Jonathan Bertram
.70
IO
29
Jan. 31, 1870.
Elizabeth Eyrich
69
3
O
Feb. 16, 1870.
Susannah Himmelreich
.28
7
6.
Feb. 17, 1870.
Kittiann Artz
0
II
28
Feb. 21, 1870.
Sarah Coleman
64
6
25
Mar. 6, 1870.
Benneville Ruth
49
3
24
Mar. 1I, 1870. Lemon Fry
9
7
12
Mar. 20, 1870. Wilson Schaeffer
I
5
14
Mar. 22, 1870. Henry Reedy
88
IO
I3
Apr. 3, 1870.
Elizabeth Sell
.26
8
12
Apr. 3, 1870.
Edwin James Ruth
5
5
12
Apr. 6, 1870. Maria Reedy
.81
5
0
Apr. 19, 1870.
Michael Seitzinger 83
0
II
2
May 12, 1870.
Katie Ann Brechtbill.
3
3
25
May 19, 1870.
Daniel Staudt
O
8
14
June 19, 1870.
Charles Jonathan Swartz
2
2
19
June 20, 1870.
Hannah Guldin
82
II
15
July 12, 1870.
Maria Amanda Miller
15
IO
6
Sept. 9, 1870.
Rose Ann Zeller.
I
I
18
Sept. 12, 1870. John Adam Weitzel.
6
II
13
Oct. 6, 1870.
Susan Elizabeth Ludwig
0
5
2
Oct. 7, 1870.
Peter Horn
68
2
3
Nov. 12, 1870. Jacob Bechtel
I
I
20
Nov. 23, 1870. Benjamin Gerhart
66
4
26
Dec. 11, 1870.
Martin Peifer 76
4
II
Jan. 3, 1871.
Luke Hain
3
5
9
Jan. 5, 1871.
Eva Ann Hain.
I
5
5
Jan. 22, 1871.
Samuel Michael
66
5
0
Feb. 7, 1871.
Anna Maria Sell.
21
0
II
Feb. 12, 1871.
Esther Mell
86
3
IO
Mar. 1, 187I.
Isaac Whitmoyer
53
I
5
Mar. 9, 1871.
David Beecher Greth.
16
O
28
Apr. 4, 1871.
Emma Catharine Spears
15
IO
27
Apr. 18, 1871.
Isaac Goldman
45
8
4
May 2, 187I.
Charles Alexandre Spears
4
5
25
June 15, 1871.
Catharine Lamm 68
7
July 2, 1871.
Caroline Gerhart
46
6
15
I
3
May I, 1870.
Lizzize Maria Wenrich.
0
8
28
Nov. 17, 1870. Benjamin Michael
65
0
REV. WM. F. P. DAVIS.
Fifth Period-1871-1883.
Rev. William F. P. Davis.
Mr. Davis was born in Paradise township, York county, Pa., a rural district in the southeastern part of this state, October 1, 1831. He was the son of John and Isabella Davis, the latter a daughter of the late Rev. Frederick William Vandersloot, and granddaughter of one of the earliest ministers of the Reformed Church in this country, of the same name-a sister, accordingly, of the Revs. Frederick William and F. Edward Vandersloot, and aunt of the late Rev. J. S. Vandersloot, son of the Rev. F. Edward, and a cousin of Mr. Davis. She was also a granddaughter, on her mother's side, of the Rev. Philip Reinhold Pauli, for many years pastor of the Reformed church in the city of Reading, Pa .- the father of the brethren Revs. William and Charles Augustus Pauli -her uncles, who, for many successive years, exercised their ministry in the city of Reading and vicinity-the former as suc- cessor to his venerable father. Mr. Davis was accordingly a di- rect descendent of both the Pauli and the Vandersloot families, so long and so prominently represented in the ministry of the Reformed Church of this country.
Mr. Davis was baptized, in infancy, by his maternal uncle, the Rev. F. Edward Vandersloot, and subsequently catechised and confirmed by the Rev. Daniel Ziegler. D. D., and received as a communicant member of the Stræhers church, in York county, Pa. In early life already he felt himself powerfully drawn towards the work of the holy ministry, so largely represented by his ancestors, but was prevented from entering the sacred office for want of means to prosecute his studies necessary to qualify him for the work. He learned the trade of a saddler and spent a number of years in this occupation. In this way he sought to acquire the means necessary for the prosecution of his literary and theological studies. He commenced his preparatory course in the excellent High School or Academy kept for many years and successfully presided over by the late Prof. George W. Ruby, Ph. D .. in York, Pa. Subsequently he entered Franklin and Marshall College, at Lancaster, Pa., where he graduated in 1861, after which he entered the Theological Seminary of the Reformed Church, then located at Mercersburg, Pa., and completed his studies in the same in 1863. During his student life he was in the habit of working with the farmers in the vicinity of Lancas- ter, many of whom spoke of him with respect as an industrious and skilful laborer. His excellent character and conduct made a
284
ST. JOHN'S (HAIN'S) REFORMED CHURCH.
very favorable impression on the minds of these simple-hearted and unsophisticated tillers of the soil. They saw that a student, devoted to science and literature, possessed at the same time both the requisite will and capacity to engage in useful manual labor.
In the spring of 1863 Mr. Davis was licensed by the Zion's Classis, and during the same year ordained and installed as pas- tor of the Abbottstown or New Oxford charge in Adams county, Pa. This first charge he served faithfully and with success for a
period of about nine years. After the death of his relative, the Rev. Charles Augustus Pauli, in the fall of 1871, Mr. Davis be- came his successor in the Sinking Spring charge, in Berks county, Pa., then composed of five congregations, namely Sinking Spring, Hain's, Yocum's, Kissinger's and St. John's at Hamburg. Sev- eral of these congregations he subsequently resigned and had the charge reconstructed. He served his people faithfully, and, as a consequence, was highly respected and loved by them. In sev- eral of the congregations he was particularly successful in gather- ing in members, and thus adding to the numerical strength of the charge. His preaching was of a high order-practical and popular. He preached the Gospel in its purity, excellence and saving power; and his efforts were crowned with signal success. He officiated in both the English and German languages-using them with equal facility, accuracy and effect. Taken altogether, Mr. Davis was one of our best and most successful pastors, sin- cerely devoted to the spiritual welfare of his numerous parish- ioners, and well deserving of their grateful remembrance.
Mr. Davis was married to Miss Ellen E. Myers, of York, Pa., October 22, 1863. They had ten children. seven of whom-five sons and two daughters-survived their sainted father. Three of the children preceded him to the eternal world.
Mr. Davis was a heavy-built man, of robust constitution and general good health. He was, however, predisposed to apoplexy. As far back as the 12th of March, 1881, he had an attack of this kind, from which, however, he soon recovered sufficiently to en- able him to attend to the duties of his calling. On the 21st of February, 1883, he had a second attack, from which he never fully recovered. Still, although partially disabled, he continued to attend to his pastoral duties, but not without considerable ef- fort and inconvenience. At length he was so much debilitated that he could scarcely conduct the services of the sanctuary. A few weeks prior to his decease he told his congregations that he needed at least three months' rest, and, as advised by his physi- cians, entire freedom from clerical duties. By that time he hoped to be able to see whether he could further serve his con- gregations or not. He was advised to take a voyage to Europe, and on the day preceding his death he completed his arrange- ments for the proposed trip. Shortly before midnight on the 10th of June he had a third attack of the fatal disease. He lay
285
ST. JOHN'S (HAIN'S) REFORMED CHURCH.
in an unconscious state until the next morning, Monday, June 11, 1883, when, between 5 and 6 o'clock, in the bosom of his family, at Reading, Pa., Brother Davis gently fell asleep in Je- sus, aged 51 years, 8 months and 10 days. His funeral took place on Thursday following, at 1 p. m. The services were held in St. Paul's Reformed church, at Reading, of which the family were members. A large number of the members of the several churches which Brother Davis served were present to testify their love and attachment to their esteemed pastor. Some forty or fifty ministers of different denominations were also present at these solemnities, many of whom took part in the same. The services at the house were conducted by the Rev. Dr. McCauley. The assembled multitude then went to St. Paul's church. Rev. Dr. J. O. Miller, of York, Pa , read the Scripture lesson and of- fered a prayer in English. He was succeeded by the Rev. Dr. Kremer in a German prayer. Rev. Dr. A. S. Leinbach preached a German discourse from Rev. 2: 10: "Be thou faithful unto death," etc. Rev. Dr. B. Bausman preached an English sermon from 2 Tim. 4: 5-8. The Rev. L. K. Evans conducted the ser- vices at the grave. The brethren Revs. Henry Mosser, D. B. Albright, Thos. C. Leinbach, A. J. Bachman, John H. Leinbach and L. D. Steckel acted as pall-bearers.
Beautiful and affecting was the presence of so large a number of members of the pastoral charge of Brother Davis to testify their extreme sorrow, and bear testimony to the zeal and fidelity of their beloved pastor. Beautiful and appropriate, also, was it that so large a number of his clerical brethren should be present and participate in the solemnities attending the final disposal of his mortal remains. It was, at the same time, hard to see the stricken wife and mother with her seven sorrowing children sit- ting beside the open coffin of a beloved husband and a kind father, of whom they had been suddenly and unexpectedly de- prived. Here was room for the consoling promises of Him who is the "Father of the fatherless" and a "Judge of the widow." Well is it for us all to remember under such circumstances what is written: "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord, from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit-that they may rest from their labors, and their works do follow them."
New Addition to the Church.
After the death of Rev. C. A. Pauli, Rev. Dr. B. Bausman, of Reading, rendered assistance by supplying the congregations which had been served by Rev. Pauli.
Rev. Wm. F. P. Davis, who was a relative of Pauli, preached in some of the churches vacant, and it soon became apparent that he was the selection of the Sinking Spring and Hain's congrega- tions. Later an election was held in the five congregations com-
286
ST. JOHN'S (HAIN'S) REFORMED CHURCH
posing the charge, namely Hain's, Sinking Spring, Yocum's, Kissinger's and St. John's at Hamburg. He was duly elected, and on March 17, 1872, he preached his introductory sermon at Hain's Church. Several of these congregations he subsequently resigned and had the charge reconstructed, so that latterly it con- sisted of four congregations.
Rev. Davis soon exerted considerable influence in the con- gregation. The church after the remodeling in 1844 needed very little attention or repairs, but the time was now at hand when it became necessary to repair. In the meantime agitation arose against building a new church. A meeting was called and a vote taken. A majority voted to repair the church only. The ordi- nary seating capacity of the church as then arranged was 428. By crowding the aisles 50 or more could be accommodated with seats. The agitation after the first meeting took a different aspect, changing from a new church to more room by building and addi- tion. This soon gained ground, and the consistory refrained from making the repairs contemplated at the time the vote was taken. In the meantime architect Edward K. Mull was consulted and he drew plans to build an annex on the south side, by which the seating capacity would be more than doubled.
In the fall of 1877 a vote was taken which favored the en- largement of the church edifice. Subscription lists were circu- lated and a building committee selected, consisting of Reuben Ruth, Peter L. Hain, Samuel Staudt, Moses Gockley, Tysher Stitzel, Edward K. Bohn and Adam G. Lerch. Reuben Ruth declined to serve, and John H. Hain was chosen in his stead. The committee began to make arrangements at once, to begin operations the next spring. In so doing they were opposed by those who contended that it was not necessary to build an addi- tion. The consistory which was inducted into office after January 1, 1878, felt averse to proceed with building operations on ac- count of the tense opposition. The matter of proceeding to build according to the plans of Mr. Mull was then on Saturday after- noon, March 16, 1878, put to a final vote and carried by a ma- jority of 40 votes.
On Tuesday morning, April 19, the first ground was broken for the foundation of the new addition. On this occasion be- tween thirty and forty people participated. From that time on the work progressed with good will and perfect harmony.
After the delivery of the historical address the corner-stone was laid May 26, 1878, with the usual ceremonies by the pastor, Rev. W. F. P. Davis, who was assisted by Rev. Dr. Theodore Ap- pel, Prof. Wm. Reily, Rev. A. S. Leinbach and Rev. D. E. Schoed- ler. The following articles were placed in the corner-stone: A Bible, hymn book of the Reformed Church, Heidelberg Cate- chism, German and English Reformed Church almanacs, copies of "Reading Eagle." "Daily Eagle," and "Gazette and Demo-
287
ST. JOHN'S (HAIN'S) REFORMED CHURCH.
crat. " The following coins, all of the current year: Gold dol- lar, silver trade dollar, silver dollar (new issue), silver half dol- . lar, silver quarter dollar, ten-cent piece, five-cent nickel coin, three-cent nickel piece, one-cent piece, a bottle of wine and a piece of bread emblematic of the body and blood of Christ, and a copy of Rev. Wm. F. P. Davis' historical address. Prof. Wm. Reily, of the Palatinate College, Myerstown, Pa., read the morn- ing Scriptural lesson; Rev. Dr. Theodore Appel, of Lancaster, preached the morning sermon in German from 1 Cor. 3, "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." Rev. Reily had selected the same text. John W. Ernst had charge of the singing. Dr. Schoedler preached in the after- noon from Matth. 5: 13. He preached from the pulpit that was used in the old church. This pulpit was erected in the grove near by.
DEDICATION OF THE CHURCH.
Services were held in the grove during the building of the church. The dimensions of the new church were 50x822 feet, The work was continued until finally completed at a cost of more than $11,000. Just before the completion an equinoctial storm set in, which delayed the final completion, and the dedication was postponed until Saturday and Sunday, November 16 and 17, 1878.
During Saturday Rev. W. F. P. Davis was assisted by Prof. Nathan C. Schaeffer, Revs. D. B. Albright, J. W. Steinmetz and T. C. Leinbach. The exercises were opened at 11 o'clock by Rev. Davis. Rev. Albright preached from Haggai 2: 10 and Prof. Schaeffer taking for his text St. Luke 18: 13.
On Sunday the following clergymen took part: Dr. E. V. Gerhart, Dr. Joseph S. Dubbs, Prof. Nathan C. Schaeffer and Rey. D. B. Albright. Dr. Gerhart preached the dedicatory ser- mon in the morning at 9 o'clock from the text, St. John 14: 23. Rev. Davis conducted the dedicatory services, in which he was assisted by the other clergymen present, followed by Dr. Dubbs.
The services on Sunday afternoon consisted of a sermon by Dr. Dubbs from Psalm 48: 12-14. Dr. Gerhart followed in an address, which was prompted by Dr. Dubbs' remarks.
Mr. Nathan Rohrbach, a well-known choir leader of Reading, with a choir of about a dozen, assisted by the Hain's choir, gave a number of fine selections of music. Mr. Christian Herline, of Reading, rendered a number of voluntaries on the organ.
Subscriptions and contributions were solicited, which for the two days amounted to $175.
Baptisms by Rev. William F. P. Davis. 1871-1883. B.
Date of Baptism
1872, May 7. Elizabeth, daughter of Edward K. Bohn and Cath- arine, born April 19, 1872, Sponsors, Parents.
1872, Nov. 16. Moses Adam, son of Isaac Bickel and Angeline, born May II, 1872. Sponsors, Adam Werner and Mary Werner.
1873, Mar. 9. Caroline Jacoline, daughter of Christian Baum and Caroline, born Jan. 25, 1873. Sponsors, Parents.
1873, May II. Eve Madilla, daughter of John G. Body and Sarah, born Feb. 18, 1873. Sponsors, Parents.
1873, Sept. 28. Mary Elizabeth, daughter of Adam Bohn and Susan, born June 2, 1873. Sponsors, Parents.
1874, Oct. II. Mary Fietta, daughter of Elias Brendle and Kate, born July 23, 1874. Sponsors, Joseph Stiely and Elizabeth.
1875, Feb. 6. John Jacob, son of George Beaver and Anna Maria (Epler), born Dec. 24. 1874. Sponsors, Parents.
1875, Oct. 23. Edwan, son of Edwan K. Bohn and Catharine (Wer- ner), born Sept. 18, 1875. Sponsors. Parents.
1875, Oct. 23. William Frederick, son of Adam Bohn and Susan M., born Sept. 24, 1875. Sponsors, Parents.
1876, Mar. 16. John Anthony, son of Levi Beecher and Ellen, born Nov. 10, 1875.
1876, June 3, Aaron, son of Aaron Bohn and Temson Stiely, born April 19, 1876. Sponsor, Mother.
1876, June 3. John Henry, son of Jacob Bechtel and Amanda, born Sept. 17, 1875. Sponsors, Augusta Harner and Maria.
1876. June 4. Jonathan Daniel, son of Isaac Bickel and Amanda, born Sept. 1, 1875. Sponsor, Daniel Bickel.
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