USA > Pennsylvania > Lebanon County > Hamlin in Lebanon County > History of St. Paul's (Klopp's Reformed Church, Hamlin, Pa. > Part 2
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
FURTHER HISTORY
Rev. Stoy served the Tulpehocken charge until 1756, when he left for Frederick, Maryland ; subsequently he went to Philadelphia, and later to Lancaster While serving at the latter place, he also supplied the Tulpehocken congregation, and promised to visit that on the "Little Swatara," which had petitioned Coetus, thru two delegates in 1761, to provide them a minister as they wanted none other than one from Coe- tus. But in the face of former actions, the year following we find that they had elected an adventurer, no doubt Frederick Casimer Miller, who was pastor at Quittopehilla, Lebanon and Swatara, from 1762-'66. He was without ministerial authority, and besides, was a very im- moral man. He appeared to have been like a will'o-the-whisp-one time here and then again at another place. In 1748, he served the Longswamp congregation, having dedicated the church in that year. It seemed the people preferred such men to none at all. Surely, in such cases, the motto held true : "Follow my words. and not my
NOTR .-* One of the graves, said to have been that of Mr. Klopp, was marked by a sandstone, which was intact until about 1860, when it was broken off. Part of it, measuring 20x15 inches by 4 inches thick, lies near the spot of the old cemetery, serving as a fence pillar. The inscription has been effaced to such an extend as to be no longer legible. "Change and decay in all around I see."
-
12
HISTORY OF ST. PAUL'S REFORMED CHURCH
works !" But, alas, the poor souls under such training ! He must have labored here until 1765, when Rev. J. J. Zufall is reported as pastor. According to the petition of 1761, we may infer that the con- gregation had been imposed on by "itinerary vagabonds" (as Harbaugh calls them), who served rather for their personal gain than for the good of the people-they preferred the wool to the sheep ! These infested different regions and did great harm to the interests of our beloved Zion
The Coetal Records again refer to our church in 1767, as Bethel, (after the township), constituting a charge with Tulpehocken, Muehl- bach and Kimmerling's, served by Rev. J. J. Zufall, who it seems was also a worthless character and accomplished little good. He was de- posed from the ministry and the following action taken : "That Rev. Zufall, on account of intemperate habits and the acceptance of a call to a quarrelsome congregation which has never belonged to Coetus, is here- with excluded from the same, totally and for all time." In 1768, two deputies of the charge appeared before Coetus which had convened at Easton, and "brot renewed complaints concerning the deserted condi- tion of these congregations." They looked upon Rev. Henop as a per- son "thru whom these complaints might be removed ; to this end they actually extended a formal call to him, and asked that the same might be approved and confirmed by Coetus." Coetus took the following ac- tion :
"RESOLVED, That the distressing state of these churches deserves to be taken to heart, and that every measure should be taken to heal if possible, the breach so wantonly made by Mr. Zufall."
"It was also deemed necessary to provide these congregations with an experienced man, acquainted with the government of our country, and for this reason the call was approved. But, whereas, the congrega- tions at Easton, Greenwich, Dryland and Plainfield, opposed this strenu- ously, it was left to the decision of Mr. Henop, whether and when he would accept this call." The call was declined and the charge con- tinued vacant until the following year when Rev. Wm. Hendel, Sr., D. D., was called, who accepted and served until 1782.
PURCHASE OF THE LAND
During the ministry of Rev. Zufall the congregation came in pos session of the tract of land conveyed Nov. 13, 1767 by Jno. Fox and Syrringham Palmer et al to Christopher Royer, Lewis Shuy and Peter Smith, consisting of 8 acres and 49 perches, for 5 shillings. The deed was recorded by Messrs. Fox and Palmer, Dec. 7, 1772, before Wm. Allen, Chief Justice of the Province of Penn'a. The same was record- ed also in the office of recording of deeds, etc., of Dauphin County, (Lebanon being a part of Dauphin County), by Robert Harris, Record- er, Oct. 7, 1800.
*
13
HISTORY OF ST. PAUL'S REFORMED CHURCH
BUILDING OF THE SECOND CHURCH
During the year in which the land was purchased, the second church was erected. It is said that the first structure was burned down by the Indians during the French and Indian War. Peace hav- ing been made and tranquility established, the settlers again proceeded with their usual activity and had soon restored the places made waste by the enemy. They were not disheartened by existing conditions but took new courage and surmounted all obstacles and difficulties. Beth- el Township was particularly exposed to the attack of the hostile Red- man and the settlers had suffered greatly But it seems that the story of the burning of the church can hardly be plausible for the reason that if it had been destroyed, if even only during the last year of the the war (1763), the members would not have had a church home for four years, which is hardly possible. And yet we know for a certainty that in those days, at many places, divine worship had been held, and organizations effected, in the homes of the parishoners. This may have been the case here. In fact some even claim that there are no traces of any edifice whatsoever prior to 1767 and that services were conducted thus. If we accept the name Tolpehil as meaning our church we know that there was a teacher here in 1752 when Rev. Stoy petitioned for a contribution for him, and if there was a teacher there must have been a place to conduct the school. These were oftimes conducted too in such homes of the members as could furnish quarters. The records of Coetus tell us that where the people were poor and un- able to erect a house of worship, that services were conducted, besides in the homes and school houses, in barns and sheds,-showing the great hunger for the bread of life. This may have been the lot of our forefathers in this locality It may be true too, that the first church had served its day and that a new one was imperative. At all events an edifice was erected in 1767, or soon after.
But why was it not located on the original Cushwa grant? It is said that because of the fine spring of water and the Allekill stream further down the hill, that it was decided to locate the church and school house there and the land was forthwith purchased.
CONTEMPORANEOUS HISTORY
When St. Paul's Church was organized,the city of Lebanon was as yet not to be found on the map, having been laid out in 1759 as Steitz- town. Myerstown was laid out in 1768 by Isaac Myers and was called Tulpehockentown. Reading was laid out in 1753. The congregation at Swatara (Jonestown) was organized in 1740 by Rev Templeman and was located two miles further east.
After the deposition of Mr. Zufall the charge was vacant but "Klopp's", as Harbangh calls it, was supplied from 1768 to 1769 by Rev. John Conrad Bucher, pastor of the Lebanon charge (Lebanon
14
.
HISTORY OF ST. PAUL'S REFORMED CHURCH
congregation having been organized in 1760). While he supplied here he served 20 congregations besides often preaching on week days. No wonder he died young-57 years of age. His remains are buried at Lebanon having died August 15, 1780.
Rev. Wm. Hendel, D. D., began his work in 1769, continuing faithfully until 1782 when he received and accepted a second call from the congregation at Lancaster, which fact is enough to prove his effi- ciency. Rev. Jno. C. Stahlschmidt says of him: "He is one of the best preachers that I have become acquainted with in America". He was one of the first ministers of our church to receive the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity, it having been conferred by The Academy of Princeton in the fall of 1787. He was not only a good preacher but also an unwearied pastor. He paid special attention to the sick and afflicted who "knew him as an angel of mercy, and so awaited and welcomed him." He brot new life to the charge and developed it to a high degree.
Rev. Hendel was succeeded by John Wm. Runkel, pastor at Leba- non, who supplied the congregation during the time that the Tulpe- hocken charge was vacant,-1783-'84. In the latter year he was elected at Frederick, Maryland, and left for that place. He was extraordi- narily zealous in all that he did and fearlessly and faithfully reproved the wickedness of the time, Sabbath breaking, drunkenness, profanity, &c He had waged a good warfare. He is said to have been a great friend of children.
In 1785, Rev. Andrew Loretz assumed the work of the charge, but being a Swiss by birth, his dialect, it is said, interfered with his use- fulness, and he accordingly resigned the following year, when he re- turned to Europe. He was otherwise a good man.
The following year Rev. Daniel Wagner became pastor of the Tul- pehocken charge and continued to labor zealously until 1793, when he took up the work a second time at York, after receiving a fourth call. It is said that the attachment of the people at York for him was of such a character that after he had left and resided at Tulpehocken, parties of from three to half a dozen persons gave him a friendly visit once and twice a year. He was not only loved by his own members but by the community as well. "He endeavored to live in love, and he desired that all his zeal might flow from this heavenly principle, and that his acts and devotion might be animated by its spirit."
EPOCHS IN OUR CHURCH HISTORY
There are three years which are epoch-making in our church, 1747, 1793, 1820. In the former year Coetus was organized, which meant the bringing together of the various scattered congregations into one body under the care of the Church of Holland During this period the mother church fostered the weak congregations by supplying ministers
1828138
15
HISTORY OF ST. PAUL'S REFORMED CHURCH
and giving financial aid and thus developed the German Church to such an extent that as a mark of appreciation it resolved in 1793, to sever its connection from it. The Holland Church supplied many ministers and paid about $26,000 toward the support of our churches Synod was or- ganized at Lancaster, April 27, 1793, and contained 22 ministers, 78 congregations and about 15,000 communicants. The American Church from this time forward was no longer dependent on the Holland Church and was thus at liberty to carry on affairs as occasion demanded. In 1820, because of the vast territory over which the church had extended and thé inability of bringing the ministers together in annual meet- ings, Synod was divided into eight classes, thus facilitating the work.
During the year in which Synod was organized, the Tulpehocken charge had again become vacant but soon supplied by the election of Rev. William Hendel, D. D., a son of the former pastor. He was a thoroly educated man, a fact which cannot be said of all previous men. Harbaugh says, "During the latter portion of his ministry, many op- posed him in a most unrighteous manner; and this with a few excep- tions, simply because he took a deep interest in missions and in the establishment of a Theological Seminary." He resigned Tulpehocken and Millbach in 1823 but continued six years longer at Klopp's to 1829, vacating the parsonage at Tulpehocken and moving to Womels- dorf. When the question on the establishment of a Seminary came up at the Synod of Bedford in 1824, the vote was a tie. Dr. Hendel, who was president, arose and with much feeling and emphasis gave the decid vote, saying, "I vote for the Seminary." He contributed per- sonally over $1,000 toward its permanent endorsement.
The church records of 1830 show that during these years Rev. Fred. Herman, Jr., one time a member of the "Free Synod", a Schis- matic body of our church, served as pastor, each year confirming large catechetical classes. The minutes of classis state that he continued until 1834 when Rev. Thomas Leinbach was elected, also ordained by the Free Synod, in the fall of 1822, when in session at Kutztown. We might say that this body was organized at the above named place in opposition to Synod, in 1822, the first meeting having been held at Kutztown, Pa. Rev. Fred. Herman its chief promoter, was elected president. It continued until 1837 when in session at Pottstown, see- ing the error of its way, it decided to return to the parent body.
CHURCH BECAME UNION
Up to 1825 the church was entirely Reformed. But the Lutherans having settled among the Reformed, they were permitted to hold occa- sional services,-Rev. Stein preaching in 1824. and because of the inter- marriage of the younger folks, on April 28, 1825, 44 members of the Re- formed congregation signed an agreement granting equal rights to the Lutherans in the church property and the tract connected therewith.
16
HISTORY OF ST. PAUL'S REFORMED CHURCH
Whether it was a legal procedure we are not prepared to say, however, it was entirely contrary to the original agreement which specified that it was to be : "forever, to and for the sole use, benefit and behalf of the said Protestant German Church or congregation, called or known by the name of the Reformed Church in Bethel township, afuresaid, and to no other purpose whatsoever."
THE UNION CHURCH
The Union Church was erected during the latter part of Dr. Hen- del's ministry, 1827, and is of stone, and is still standing, tho improved several times. The corner stone was laid April 27, 1827. The follow- ing was the Building Committee : Christian Knebel, Jacob Reyer and Andrew Edris, Reformed, and Michael Tobias, Gerhart Oxenreider and Christian Batdorf, Lutherans. Jacob Houtz was chief carpenter, and Samuel Fidler, mason. The following constituted the consistories at the time : Reformed, Elders, Henry Stump and Wm. Bender ; Luth. erans, Lenhart Vieman and Gerhart Oxenreider ; Deacons, Reformed, John Albert and John Schwartz; Lutherans, Samuel Ranck and Christian Batdorf ; Treasurer, Jacob Walborn, and Teacher, Henry Lelinig. The church was dedicated by the pastors, Dr Hendel, Re- formed, and Rev. Stein, Lutheran, assisted by Revs. Henry L. Hoff- man, of Marietta, and T. H. Leinbach, of Tulpehocken, Reformed, and Revs. W. G. Ernst, of Lebanon, and Daniel Ulrich, of Tulpehocken. That this was a day of joy goes without saying.
The church was at first without a steeple but in 1850, one was con - structed at a cost of $730 1612.
Rev. T. H. Leinbach began his work at Tulpehocken in 1826, and subsequently preached at Salem's-1830-and four years later at St. Paul's. He was ordained by the "Free Synod, in 1822, at Kutztown, aud remained a member until it re-united with the parent body in 1837, serving the last two years as president. He served the charge until 1864, when he was succeeded by his brother, Rev. Charles H. Leinbach, D. D., who served for 20 years, or until 1884, Rev. H. J. Welker was elected, who continued until 1891, when the charge was divided, he re- taining one part and the following, St. Paul's, Salem's, Mt. Zion and St. John's (Fredericksburg which was added), constituted a charge. Be- cause of some misapprehension prior to the reconstruction and the sub- sequent disappointment in unrealized anticipations, the charge at first took the action of classis as an indignity and treated the decision with
contempt. Meanwhile Prof. Elmer S. Noll, teacher in Schuylkill Seminary, at Fredericksburg, supplied the pulpit by special permission of Classis, as an "extraordinary case", since he was unordained. At St. Paul's he instructed a large catechetical class during the winter of 1891-'92 which was confirmed by Rev. T. C. Leinbach. In 1892 Mr. Noll left for Lancaster to take a course in Theology, when one year
17
HISTORY OF ST. PAUL'S REFORMED CHURCH
later the charge called Rev. Henry Hilbish, who continued until 1899. The succeeding year Rev. H. A. Keyser, D. D., was called, who labored until August, 1905 One month later the present pastor, Rev. C. A. Butz, was called from the Towamensing Charge, in Carbon Co.
The Leinbachs are still remembered by the older members with tender memories, because of the imperishable work they have left be- hind. They have not worked on stone but on the heart and their labors will stand. Whether in the pulpit or before the catechetical class, they exerted an influence that was far reaching. Of Rev. Thomas it is said, "Many persons thank God that they were permitted to attend catechet- ical instructions under him, and for the benefit they have received from his teachings." The people were warmly attached to them for both knew how to win and hold their affection, and they were in reality "Seel-sorger." Rev. Thomas preached his last sermon of the charge in this church March 24, 1864, when he took sick on his way to Bethel, where he died five days later of pneumonia. Both died in the harness, Rev. Charles having died Sunday morning, Jan. 14, 1883. Both are buried at Tulpehocken.
The more recent men are still within the memory of most members and need not be commented on here.
THE DIVISION-THE NEW CHURCH AND THE PERIOD OF STRIFE
Prior to 1884, there was but one church at Hamlim. Since then two spires point heavenward and two bells peal out the joyful invita- tion to come to worship,-at a common throne. Formerly there was unison of hearts and singularity of aim and purpose. But the hearts have been divided and the peace so long hovering over the congrega- tion as a rich blessing from the Heavenly Jerusalem, has been disturb- ed, and like a mighty hurricane sweeping over a landscape leaving ruins and devastation in its path, so the storms of dissension and of dis- cord have swept over the congregation leaving the ruins of disappoint- ment and of ill-feeling and hatred in far too many hearts. The spirit that manifested itself in the prosecutions and the prolonging of the same over for a period of 15 years, is still fresh in the memory of all. Church fights are always unfortunate. They are the devil's tricks to oppose God's plan and are intended to forward his own purpose, and weak, poor man lends himself a willing tool to help to destroy the work for which he ought to give all his strength and energy, to uphold and promote ! God will have his plans to succeed hard as we may try to stand in the way. Right must win. "Truth crushed to earth shall rise again " It may take years to accomplish his purpose but "God works in a mysterious way his wonders to perform." There are never sudden jerks but slow and gradual evolutions. These extend over a period of years when among the ruins and wrecks of the ages they stand out in the pure, clear sunshine of heaven,-bold, prominent and distinct.
18
HISTORY OF ST. PAUL'S REFORMED CHURCH
Then to look at the insignificant reasons for a fight. It is the same old story repeated over and over, viz: disagreement, misunder- standing, obstinacy, perfidy, strife, division, irreconcilability ! It had been felt for years that the old church which had stood and given splendid service since 1827,had become inadequate to accommodate the ever growing congregations and the more aggressive suggested the erec- tion of a new building. But it seemed that no common basis could be struck and the majority of the Reformed at once took measures to erect an entirely Reformed house of worship. This became the bone of con- tention. Some of the Reformed remained with the Lutherans, who de- cided to repair the old building. Legal prosecutions were started which lasted over a period of 15 years, and eventually terminated in the grant of 34 acres to the new and the rest to the old church. The old congre- gation, it is true, has the church and land, but has no ecclesiastica] recognition by the Reformed Church in the United States. Lebanon Classis recognized the new as the true St. Paul's congregation in 1884, and was sustained by the General Synod which convened at Mifflin- burg, in 1885, since its first consistory was constitutionally elected by the congregation prior to separation, viz .: Elders, Michael Strock, P. B. Edris, George Noll and Aaron Spitler, and deacons, William G. Heil- man, Simon Boltz, Frank Edris and John Eisenhauer.
The first announcement of an election for a new church was made June 22, 1884. The corner stone was laid Sept. 14, of the same year. The pastor, Rev. H. J. Welker, was assisted by Revs. T. C. Leinbach, A. J. Bachman and T. S. Johnston, D. D., who preached and delivered addresses. Sept. 26 and 27, 1885, the basement was dedicated with im- pressive services. The following assisted and preached : Revs. G. A. Sheer, Philadelphia, and A. S. Dechant, Pennsburg, T. S. Johnson, D. D., and Geo. Wolf, D. D. The church was dedicated to the service of the Triune God, June 13 and 14, 1886. The following preached and delivered addresses : Revs. J. Kehm, W. H. Stine, G. W. Wolf, D. D., David Wolf, D. D., S. A. Leinbach.
The structure is very commodious and is built of brick. Memorial windows had been put in by several of the members, the inside fresco- ing was exquisite, and when completed, the church had presented a fine appearance. There must have been glad hearts. Yet who could say what was to follow! The members had consecrated themselves to a cause which they felt was right and they did their all to have the right have its way.
PROMINENT MEN
The congregation has furnished a number of men who are breaking the bread of life to others. Among them are : Revs. E. S. Noll, Perk. asie ; E. W. Lentz, Steelton ; John Lentz, Eureka, Pa., and Robert Edris, Reading ; Mr. Ed. Sando, senior in Ursinus School of Theology, and Mr. Allen Meck who is pursuing a course at F. and M. College preparatory for the ministry.
19
HISTORY OF ST. PAUL'S REFORMED CHURCH
The church has also furnished a number of members for city and other congregations. But with it all it still has a membership of about 200.
THE SUNDAY SCHOOL
A Sunday School had been organized in the beginning of the new church and has been doing efficient service ever since. One very en- couraging feature is that many of the parents have come to regard it in the true light, as a school for Bible study, and not as a " Baby school," and in consequence take advantage of every opportunity offered.
MISSIONARY SOCIETY
During the winter of 1906, the pastor, Rev. C. A. Butz, organized a Missionary Society with some 30 members.
CONGREGATIONAL OFFICERS
President, Rev. C. A. Butz ; Secretary, Jacob Meck ; Treasurer, Frank Edris; Trustee, Daniel Bensing; Organist, Mrs. Calvin Anspach. Consistory : Elders, L. S. Gerhart, Frank Grimes, John Edris, and Aaron Spitler. Deacons, Charles Gerhart, George Hower, Milton Boltz, and Reily Dubbs.
SHEDS FOR THE HORSES
Recognizing the desirability, need and duty of taking proper care of the horses, 21 families resolved to erect sheds for their use. They will be erected during the fall, under the direction of the following Committee : Cyrus Dubbs, John Eisenhauer and L. S Gerhart.
INDIVIDUAL COMMUNION CUPS
Mr. and Mrs. L. S, Gerhart will long be remembered by the con- gregation as the donors of a fine set which will be used for the first time during the fall of 1906.
THE TWELVE
We feel that we should also add a word about the TWELVE whose names we do not wish to publish, but which we trust are written in heaven, for their great sacrifice and devotion in the interest and for the cause of the new church. The spirit that permeated them is worthy of imitation and should ever encourage others to greater usefulness and readiness to do their duty.
THE REPAIRS, ETC
That the members pride themselves in their church home, is proved by the fact that they are not afraid to expend money on it so as to make it attractive. Altho it meant an outlay of quite a sum, all obligations had been met and a clear account rendered at the evening service-$74 having been raised during the day. The services were attended by about 1,400 persons. The money for the repairs was collected by the following ladies : Mesdames, C. C. Spitler, Frank Edris, Frank Grimes and John Eisenhauer ..
20
HISTORY OF ST. PAUL'S REFORMED CHURCH
This congregation has been gradually moving forward until to-day as it looks back over the years that are past and gone, each member must exclaim, "Hitherto the Lord has helped us." One hundred and fifty- four years of its life past into history. If we could see all the shadows and sunshine during this period what feelings would not be ours ! But the God who has helped in the past will help us still. As we look forward into the larger hopes of the future, may we not be dis- couraged, but move undauntedly toward it ever having our eyes on him who governs the destiny of nations and of individuals, realizing that "Like a mighty army moves the Church of God."
:
A
ST. PAUL'S REFORMED CHURCH
DEC 74
N. MANCHESTER, INDIANA
I
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.