History of Wayne, Pike, and Monroe counties, Pennsylvania, Part 182

Author: Mathews, Alfred, 1852-1904. 4n
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Philadelphia : R.T. Peck & Co.
Number of Pages: 1438

USA > Pennsylvania > Monroe County > History of Wayne, Pike, and Monroe counties, Pennsylvania > Part 182
USA > Pennsylvania > Pike County > History of Wayne, Pike, and Monroe counties, Pennsylvania > Part 182
USA > Pennsylvania > Wayne County > History of Wayne, Pike, and Monroe counties, Pennsylvania > Part 182

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Unfortunately, however, the history of this church in these carly times is almost entirely involved in obscurity. Not even can the names of the early pastors or missionaries be ascertain- ed. The records are lost. The corner-stone remains fixed in the south wall of the Presby- terian Church built upon its site in 1853. This stone shows the date of its ereetion to have been 1752; but how long before that the con- gregations had been organized, whether or not there had been originally a triple union of denominations, the third beiug the Dutch Re- formed, which is very probable, since many, if not the majority, of the original early settlers were of that creed, where the money was seeured for so expensive a structure, and many other things it would be interesting to know, are matters of vogue conjecture.

The earliest church-book known to be in existence, now in care of the pastor of the Smithfield Lutheran Churches, bears date of May 18, 1798. The illuminated title-page has this inscription :

"Das allgemeine Kirchen-Buch der Unter- schmidtfeldter Lutherischen und Reformirten Gemeinden in Northampton County in dem Staat Pennsilvanien."

This book contains, among other things, a record of baptisms with dates running back even to 1787. Rev. John Mann was pastor of the Reformed congregation from 1798 nutil 1800. The name of the Lutheran pastor serv- iug at that time does not appear. The record secms to have been kept with tolerable regular- ity until about 1805, when probably the church had no regular pastors, and occasional preaching was furnished by ministers from Easton and New Jersey. Among these occasional preachers

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appear the names of Thomas Pomp, Reformed, of Easton, James Romeyn, "minister to the Low Dutch Church in Hackensack, N. J.," and others.

Rev. John Caspar Dill, Lutheran, assumed charge during the summer of 1806, and served the congregation until 1810. During his pas- torate, and previously, the building was sadly out of repair ; the doors and windows were de- stroyed, the roof leaked, and unfit for use as a place of worship, the sheep and other animals occupied it at will. Preaching was done, there- fore, for a number of years in private houses in the neighborhood. Some time between 1810 and 1815, during the pastorate of Rev. Charles W. Colson, Lutheran, the young men of the two congregations thoroughly repaired the church, and services were resumed in it, which were kept up regularly until within a few months of its demolition, in 1852.

Rev. Peter Rupert, Lutheran, brother-in-law of Peter and John Zimmerman (who still survive), and Rev. Theodore L. Hoffeditz, Reformed, pastor of a congregation in Mt. Bethel, commenced to serve the two congrega- tions simultaneously in 1815. Rev. Rupert's pastorate ended about 1827, although during his time, in the years 1820 and 1821, a Luth- eran minister by the name of Henry Kurz con- firmed a number of persons and administered the sacrament of the Lord's Supper several times. Rev. Hoffeditz continued until 1833, when he was succeeded by Rev. J. P. Decker, whose resignation occurred in 1849. It was during the pastorate of Rev. Decker that the Reformed congregation, which had been much the stronger, numbering at least ninety commu- nicant members, began seriously and rapidly to fall away. He was the last Reformed pastor who regularly officiated in the old ehiurch.

Rev. P. Rupert was followed by Rev. John Nicolas Mensch, who served the Lutheran congregation from 1830 until 1842. In the fall of 1842 Rev. George Heilig, who had been called that year from Centre Square, Mont- gomery County, eommeneed serving the con- gregation. It was during his pastorate that the venerable church (just one hundred years old) was abandoned. Very few Lutherans, or

Reformed, resided any longer in the immediate vicinity, and as a new church edifice became an absolute necessity, it was deemed prudent to seleet some other more eligible locality for its erection. But the membership had become so widely separated that no agreement could be reached as to the most suitable place. It was decided, therefore, to build two churches,- Zion's about four miles farther up the river from Shawnee, to be convenient for residents on the Jersey side ; and St. Paul's, at Craig's Meadows, about five miles northeast from Stroudsburg. The last services held in the old stone church, of which a record was kept, were confimation services on July 26, 1851, when the Rev. George Heilig confirmed eighteen persons, and a communion service on the following day, when eighty persons partook of the sacrament of the Lord's Supper at his hand. On the 23d of March, 1850, a meeting was held at the house of George M. Michael "for the purpose of appointing trustees to act as a building com- mittce to build a church near the house of George Michael, to be called " Zion's Evangelical Lutheran and German Reformed Church." Henry Strunk, Jr., on the part of the German Reformed congregation, and Samuel Michael and John Michael, Jr., on the part of the Lutheran congregation, were appointed such committee.

Money and material were gathered that year, and on the 16th of June, 1851, the corner-stone was laid by the Rev. George Heilig, who preached on the occasion in the adjoining grove. The bricks used in the construction of the church, which were of very superior quality, were made by members of the congregation on the farm now occupied by Andrew Treible, within a half-mile of the church. The building was finished and dedicated in the fall of the same ycar, Rev. George Heilig preaching the sermon and performing the service. The first confirmation service held in the new edifiee was on May 30, 1852.

In December of the following year (1853) a meeting was held at Jonas Metzgar's, when the erection of St. Paul's Lutheran and German Reformed Church at Craig's Meadows was definitely decided upon. On the part of the

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Lutherans, Charles M. Hoffman and David Yetter, and on the part of the Reformed, Jonas Metzgar constituted the building committee. In February of 1854 lumber was brought from "The Beech," bricks were secured, and by the 1st of April all necessary material liad been conveyed to the spot. The building was finished during that year, and dedicated on the 1st day of January, 1855. Rev. George Heilig per- formed the dedicatory services, assisted on the occasion by Rev. Charles Becker, who had been chosen as pastor of the Reformed congregation. It is conceded that to Charles M. Hoffman- the only surviving member of that committee- more than to any other, is due the success of the enterprise, who gave to it all his time and energies, overcoming by his indefatigable efforts the many obstacles with which it was beset. Rev. George Heilig resigned in the latter part of the year 1856. He was succeeded by Rev. Rumpf, who remained in charge scarcely a year. Rev. S. S. Klein followed him, whose pastorate extended a little over two years. Rev. The- ophilus Heilig was called in the summer of 1861. He assumed charge October 13th of that year, his father, Rev. George Heilig, having supplied his place several months previous to his arrival. His pastorate ended April 24, 1864. Rev. D. M. Henkel succeeded him, entering upon his duties as pastor in connection with the Strouds- burg Lutheran Church building enterprise, April 4, 1867. His pastorate ended in 1869. Rev. Luther A. Fox followed him, continuing in charge until October 15, 1871. He was fol- lowed by Rev. J. H. Fritz, whose pastorate ex- tended from November 5, 1871, to October 31, 1874. Rev. George Diehl Foust immediately succeeded him, assuming charge November 1, 1874. On his retirement July 1, 1880, the present pastor, Rev. Theophilus Heilig for the second time, entered upon the duties of the pastorate, a mutual exchange of parishes having been effected with the Rev. Foust, who at once removed to North Wales, Montgomery County, to take charge of St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Rev. T. Heilig's late parish.

Although these churches were built as Union Churches, in the course of time the Reformed congregation, as a distinct organization, ceased

to exist. There never were any Reformed ser- vices held in the Zion's Church, and at an early period in the history of the reorganized charge the few members of that denomination in the neighborhood united with the Lutheran con- gregation. At St. Paul's Rev. Charles Becker continned to serve the Reformed congregation from the date of the dedication of the church, January 1, 1855, until some time in 1859. Rev. George B. Dechant followed him, serving the congregation from 1860 until the spring of 1871. The year succeeding this the congrega- tion had no pastor. Rev. Horace Daniels be- came their pastor in 1872, serving for one year. He was the last of the Reformed pastors. Since the date of his withdrawal (1873) the few remain- ing members of that congregation, who have not removed or united with the Lutheran congrega- tion, have been absorbed by the Methodist and Presbyterian Churches of the neighborhood. Both church buildings have been repaired and re- painted within the last ten years, and are neat and commodious structures. The communicant membership at Zion's is eighty ; at St. Paul's, one hundred and twenty. The church conncil at Zion's consists of Elders John Zimmerman and Henry Treible ; Deacons, Hiram Zimmer- man, Christian Kantz and James Treible ; Secretary, Moses Strunk ; and Treasurer, Samuel Strunk ; Sunday-school Superintendent, Chris- tian Kantz. The officers of St. Paul's are the following : Elders, Harmon Kurtz and Theo- dore Y. Hoffman ; Deacons, Jacob Ruster, Andrew Hoffman and Henry Fenical; Secre- tary, Luther Hoffman ; Treasurer, John Yeisley; Sunday-school Superintendent, John Yeisley. The charge belongs to the " Evangelical Luth- eran Ministerium of Pennsylvania and Adjacent States," a synod of the General Council of the United States. At this date the steady progress of the two churches is characterized by harmony and prosperity.

THE MIDDLE SMITHFIELD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.1-I can search back into the past, for anything in reference to the Church of Christ in this region of country, only about one hun- dred and thirty-five years. A hundred and

1 By the Rev. Charles E. Van Allen.

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fifty years ago the rude red man " chased the bounding deer " over our mountains, and pad- dled his light canoe in our waters. A very few whites were scattered here and there, struggling for subsistence in the forests, and among their savage brethren. They made little history and wrote less, so that very little is extant. The earliest account of any ministerial service that I possess is that of Rev. Azariah Horton, in May, 1742. A hundred and thirty-five years ago he was sent out as a missionary through the Delaware Valley by the Presbytery of New Brunswick. He prepared the Indians and the few whites, in a measure, for the com- ing of David Brainard. David Brainard labored up and down the Delaware, and in all the country adjacent, in 1744. After him fol- lowed Revs. Messrs. Boyd, Clark and McCrea, at different intervals, as time and circumstances would permit. The oldest church of which we have any record was an old stone meeting- house at (now) Shawnee. William Allen gave five acres of ground to this church in 1750. This was occupied by different denominations for many years, and it is a matter unsettled to- day between the (Dutch) Reformed Church and the Presbyterian Church, both claiming it. No record is made of supplies until 1761, when Mr. Clark, Mr. Tennant, Mr. Lyon, Mr. Hannah, Mr. Schenck and others were ap- pointed by Presbytery to missionate through this whole region of country. Rev. Mr. Pep- pard visited here, and after him Rev. Peter Wilson, up to some time about 1800. Very little is known of any of their labors, no record having been kept so far as is known and their labors being at so long intervals. In 1813 Rev. John Boyd was appointed to preach in Smith- field, then embracing this whole region of country and in 1816 he reorganized the "old stone meeting-house," at present Shawnee. He established the first Sabbath-school in the school-house near the present residence of James Place. After him Mr. Field preached a short time, then the Rev. David Tuttle, Rev. Nathaniel Conklin and Rev. J. Force. In 1825 Rev. Mr. Leek and Rev. Dr. John M. Dickey preached for a short time, and in the same year he was followed by Rev. Mr. Hynd-

shaw and Rev. Mr. Sturgeon. Rev. Mr. Hyndshaw was with us last year and stated that he preached at the " old stone meeting- house" at Stroudsburg and in John Cool- baugh's kitchen. He traveled up and down this country off and ou for several years, and married several couples still living among us. Preaching was also held at this time by others : by Mr. Field, Mr. Force and Mr. Sturgeon, in the barn of the late Elder John V. Coolbaugh, in the absence of any church building. Sup- plies were obtained whenever and wherever they could. Rev. Messrs. Talmage and Charles M. Dickey also preached here about this time. Of the date of the organization of the Middle Smithfield Church there is no record, but it was doubtless organized at or about the same time the church at Stroudsburg was. The first minutes of this church, dated November 1, 1832, read thus : "The Presbyterian Church and Congregation of Middle Smithfield had been organized several years ago, but no min- utes of its proccedings are extant. At the time of commencing this record the following individuals were members in full communion in the church, viz. : Johu V. Coolbaugh, John Malvin, John Turn, Elders." Then follow the names of twenty-five others, all of whom have gone to their final resting-place and eternal reward, save Mr. Elijah Quigley, who stands as the venerable sentinel of the century rolled into eternity. Presbytery sent as the first stated supply Mr. Samuel Sturgeon, who preached at Stroudsburg, at the "old stone meeting-house," at Shawnee, and in the barn of Mr. Coolbaugh, at this place. He was stated supply in 1829 and 1830. In 1831 and 1832, Rev. Charles Tappan occupied this same field. In November, 1832, Rev. Mr. Field was called to the Middle Smithfield Church and Stroud_ burg, each church receiving half of his minis- terial services. The next spring (March 11, 1833) the session met at the house of John Coolbaugh, and twenty-seven additional mnem- bers were added to its connection, making in all fifty-two at this time, while Stroudsburg, the other half of the charge, had forty-eight mem- bers. In this year the Middle Smithfield Church building was erected, and in the fol-

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lowiug year was iucorporated by the State Legislature as the " Middle Smithfield Presby- terian Church." Elders Coolbangh and Malviu were the committee to procure the incorpora- tion. Mr. Field continued as the joint pastor of this church and Stroudsburg for seven years, or until the spring of 1840. He was succeeded by Rev. Dr. John McNair, who supplied Mid- dle Smithfield aud Stroudsburg Churches for three months. In the fall of 1841 Middle Smithfield and Stroudsburg Churches called Rev. Baker Johnson. He continued his labors until 1846, when he confiued his labors to Mid- dle Smithfield, aud Stroudsburg called Rev. William Scribuer. Mr. Scribner remained in Stroudsburg until 1849, when Mr. Johuson was re-called and coutinned the pastor of Mid- dle Smithfield and Stroudsburg Churches, preaching also at Shawuee until the spring of 1853. In the summer of this year Mr. John- son removed, leaving vacant Middle Smithfield aud Stroudsburg, and an importaut preaching- point in the "old stone meeting-housc," at Shawnee. The little congregation was con- nected with this church, there beiug but oue organization up to 1853. In 1854 Stroudsburg called Rev. Mr. Miller, and Middle Smithfield made out a call for Rev. Thaniel Condit, of Stillwater, N. J. In the mean time the congre- gation, now gathered at Shawnee, resolved to reorganize and rebuild the ancient church of that place, which had stood for over a century. The preseut church at Shawnee was accord- ing built in the summer of 1853 and in the fall, of this year was organized by the Presbytery of Newton as the "Shawnee Presbyterian Church." Mr. Condit decliuing the call of Middle Smith- field Church, the Presbytery of Newton sent Rev. J. Kirby Davis as stated supply for Mid- dle Smithfield and Shawuee Churches. In the following spring a joint call was made out for his ministerial services, and on the 14th day of November, 1854, he was installed pastor. He continued thus until 1863, and iu May of this year a committee of the Presbytery of Newton dissolved the pastoral relation of Rev. Mr. Davis and the Middle Smithfied Church. The church remained vacant until April, 1865, when Rev. Charles E. Van Allen was sent to

Middle Smithfield by the Presbytery of New- ton as a temporary supply. He remained as such until October 31, 1865, when he was or- dained and installed pastor by a committee of the Presbytery of Newton. It beiug but a part of the former pastorate of Stroudsburg, and lat- terly of Shawnee, it was, from the circumstances of the case, very weak and feeble. The church then numbered only sixty members, and the Sabbath-school less. The church was depend- ent upou the charity of a fund left by a Mrs. Goodwin to the Presbytery of Newton and also to the home missions. When the susteutation scheme took effect she availed herself of aid from that source until she outgrew the gar- ments that board offered her, and became self- sustaining in 1874.

The present officers are John Turn, Samuel Bush, Samuel Dewitt, Levi Hoffman, G. W. Peters, F. H. Smith, elders ; Samuel Dewitt, Samuel Bush, C. F. Smith, Henry La Bar, G. W. Peters, trustecs ; Henry Dewitt, Edwin Bush, Henry La Bar, John Q. Strunk, direc- tors.

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH .- It is im- possible to obtain from the records a full history of this organization. On the 28th of December, 1853, the property was deeded to the following board of trustees : William Clark, William Frankenfield, Adam Wellfeldt, William Decker and William Smith. It is probable that the same year the edifice was erected and regular services held from that date. The pastors, so far as can be determined, have been Reverends William Clark,' William H. Dickerson, Reuben Van Sickle, Henry Litz, J. T. Strock, B. H. Senderlin, N. Van Sant, E. Meacham, J. I. Boswell, J. W. Hartpence, S. D. Harris, Henry Bice, J. D. Frazee, John Frome and Jacob H. Carpenter, the last-named being the present pastor. There are about one hundred names ou the membership roll of the church, with which is connected a flourishing Sabbath-school of fifty scholars and a proportionate number of teachers. The present trustecs and stewards are Elijah Detrick, Jacob Eyleuberger, James Place, John K. Place, Silas Hannas, Beujamin Place and Benjamin Albert.

SAND HILL METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

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-There are, apparently, no records in existence belonging to this organization. It is an older church than the one previously mentioned, the edifice having been erected in 1836, but neither pastor nor officers are able to communicate any facts relative to its history. It has a member- ship of seventy-five, and numbers among its trustees and stewards Miles Overfield, Thomas Gonsaules and James Depue. Its first pastor was Rev. Mr. Mains, the present incumbent being Rev. J. H. Carpenter.

SUMMER RESORTS AND BOARDING-HOUSES .- The beauty of the scenery and the exceeding healthfulness of the climate make Middle Smithfield very popular as a retreat for city residents. As a consequence, some of the most attractive boarding-houses in the county are found within its boundaries. Among the most prominent are the Echo Lake House, kept by Rev. Charles E. Van Allen, and situated but a short distance from that beautiful sheet of water. Mr. Van Allen has a spacious mansion, well furnished, with fine lawn, ample verandas and other attractions that add to the popularity of his home. Boats are at the disposal of his guests, and excellent fishing and bathing may be found in the lake. It is a favorite resort of Philadelphians.

The Buena Vista House is kept by Mrs. Wil- liam Schoonover. It has a capacity for thirty guests, and is very desirably located, with a fine view of the Delaware.

Maple Grove Hotel is kept by Jacob Place. It is located in the southeast portion of the township, is conveniently arranged and can, without difficulty, entertain forty guests.

Dr. Gruer has a health resort, recently built, fitted with all the modern improvements and complete in its accommodations.

The Oak Grove Cottage, kept by C. F. Smith, is situated about five miles from Stroudsburg. It is very desirably located, on the edge of an attractive oak grove, with ample lawn, through which the Pond Creek meanders, broad piazzas, and all the appointments requisite to comfort.

The Mountain View House is owned by D. M. Turn. Its site is picturesque and its sur- roundings attractive. Twenty-five guests can be comfortably cared for.

Rudolph Schoonover has an inviting house near Maple Grove, with a capacity of twenty- five guests.

Among other popular summer retreats that are invariably well-filled are those of A. Jack- son Coolbaugh, Newton Place and M. F. Cool- baugh.

CHAPTER X.

STROUD TOWNSHIP.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION .- The township of Stroud, so called from one of the first settlers, before the borough was incorporated, is bounded on the north by Price township, east by Smith- field township, south by Northampton County, southwest by Hamilton and northwest by Pocono townships, Paradise touching it on the north and Jaekson on the west.

The application to erect Stroud as a separate township was made to the court of Northamp- ton County in 1816, and the order establishing it as a township granted on the 22d of January, 1817.

The surface of the township is partly hilly and partly level, a portion of the soil being of a gravelly character, and the remainder a lime- stone ridge. Much attention is paid to agricul- ture, many of the farms being well improved and abundantly productive. The southern portion, known as Cherry Valley, which is chiefly a limestone ridge, amply repays the labor of the harvestmen, while the northwest corner is stony and less productive. Corn, ryc, oats and hay are the chief products, while most fruits are raised in abundance. The population of the township in 1820 was 1143, in 1830, 1631, and in 1840, 1206, exclusive of the borough. The tax valuation of real and per- sonal property in 1844 was $248,816. The present population is 1680.

Two railroads pass through the township- the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad and the New York, Susquehanna and Western Railroad-the nearest depots being at East Stroudsburg and Stroudsburg, respectively. The county fair-grounds are also located in the township, in the suburbs of Stroudsburg.

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WAYNE, PIKE AND MONROE COUNTIES, PENNSYLVANIA.

NATURAL FEATURES .- The township is well watered by streams of more or less importance. Brodhead Creek enters the township from the northi, and flowing south and southeast through Smithfield township, empties into the Delaware River. McMichael Creek rises in Pocono township, and, after a devious course of twelve or more miles, empties into Brod- head Creek. It is a rapid stream, serpentine ·in its course, and has been utilized for milling purposes.

Cherry Creek rises at the foot of the Blue Mountains, near the Wind Gap, and running along the foot of the mountain, flows into the Delaware at its entrance into the Water Gap. It is a rapid stream and affords several milling sites. Sambo Creek rises in Pike County, and flowing southwesterly through Smithfield town- ship, pours its waters into Brodhead Creek. Pocono Creek enters the township at the north- west, and flowing southeast, empties into Mc- Michael Creek.

The Blue Mountain range extends over the southern portion of the township. Run- ning parallel with it is the elevation known as the Cherry Valley Hills, so called from the portion of the township through which they pass.

EARLY SETTLEMENTS .- The earliest settlers, so far as recollected, in Stroud township were three brothers named Sly, who came down the Delaware Valley from Esopus about 1750 and located, one in Smithfield, another in Stroud on the farm now occupied by Josialı Bossard, and a third on land now the property of Charles and Michael Keller. The land owned by Peter Sly was subsequently purchased by Joseplı Keller, one of the earliest and most prominent of the pioneers to this township. The Keller family were originally residents of the city of Zweibrucken, in the Palatinate, Germany. Ne- cessity drove many of the citizens of the locality to emigrate, among whom was Joseph Keller, with an older brother and a half-brother named Gutlı (Good). They arrived in Baltimore, Md., in 1738, after a stormy passage and at once separated. Joseph found employment in Peun- sylvania and in 1842 married Maria Engel Drum, also born in the Palatinate. He then

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History of Wayne, Pike, and Monroe counties, Pennsylvania, Part 182

Author: Mathews, Alfred, 1852-1904. 4n Publication date: 1886 Publisher: Philadelphia : R.T. Peck & Co. Number of Pages: 1438

Author: Mathews, Alfred, 1852-1904. 4n
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Philadelphia : R.T. Peck & Co.
Number of Pages: 1438