History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume I, Part 123

Author: Prowell, George R.
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: J. H. Beers
Number of Pages: 1372

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In 1794 Barbara Schmidt bequeathed to this congregation some property on Queen Street. In 1804 the congregation sold this property and used this money for the pur- chase of a large pipe organ, which was made at York, by Tannenberg, a noted organ builder, who fell from a scaffold and was in- stantly killed while placing the organ in position. This historic organ was used by Christ Church in the auditorium until the chapel was built, when it was removed to that building, and after receiving some re- pairs, is used by the Sunday School and other religious services in this building.

St. Paul's Church.

The opening words of the first article of St. Paul's original con- stitution are these : " This so-

ciety shall be called and known by the name of the 'English Evangelical Lutheran Church.'" The title which dis- tinguished it then, as the only English Lutheran Church in York, is no longer the exclusive claim of St. Paul's. In these days we do not question whether or not our Anglicized Lutheran populations should be taught in the English language. In fact,

Dr. Oswald was himself a splendid stu- dent of the German, and it was not his prej- udice against that language, but his far- seeing appreciation of the growing demand and necessity for English preaching, which led him to become one of the pioneers in " the Lutheran Pennsylvania linguistic con- test." About seventy years ago, some very serious thoughts were filling the minds of the York Lutherans. English or no Eng- lish was the question with many of our peo- ple. Dr. Beale M. Schmucker, writing in the Lutheran Quarterly, October, 1888, tells the story in this way: "Unser Herr Gott und seine Gottes dienste, were Hoch deutsch, in the estimate of the official con- gregation ; and if anybody was so foolish as to wish for anything else than German, he might pay for it. So the English might take care of themselves. They did so. In this land they are sure to do so. The future is with them.'

When, toward the close of the year 1835, Dr. Schmucker resigned the pastoral care of Christ's Church, the English element nat- urally looked toward the assistant pastor, the Rev. Mr. Oswald, as the rightful suc- cessor of Dr. Schmucker. Disappointed in their desire, through the election of Rev. A. H. Lochman as pastor of the church, and feeling the need of a Lutheran congregation, wholly English in character, the move in this direction began in earnest, centering about the Rev. Jonathan Oswald, the pro-

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spective pastor of the prospective congrega- nings that St. Paul's was launched into ex- tion. The first meeting for organization istence and from the day that it became an independent organization until now, it has grown steadily and healthfully. The Rev. J. Oswald resigned November 27, 1861, af- ter more than twenty years of noble forti- tude, in spite of opposition, leaving a name honored throughout the church, and a work, the wisdom of which none can ques- tion-the magnitude of which none can estimate. was held February 18, 1836. Dr. Luke Rouse was elected president; Frederick Baugher and Adam Eichelberger, secreta- ries. A board of trustees was appointed, composed of Daniel Kraber, Charles Ep- pley, Luke Rouse, Michael Sowers, John Immel, Adam Eichelberger, Christian Hil- debrand, Christian G. Pfahler, George S. Ziegler, Conrad Shultz, Benjamin Johnston and Abraham Forry. At the meeting on February 26, 1836, held for the purpose of further organization and for the signing of the constitution, sixty-eight "male mem- bers " affixed their signatures, and Charles Weiser, Luke Rouse, George P. Ziegler, Charles A. Morris and Adam Wert were elected as trustees, Lewis Miller being ap pointed treasurer.

On Sunday, February 28, in the lecture room of Zion Reformed Church, the infant congregation held its first worship, after which the first church council was elected, consisting of elders: Frederick Baugher, Jacob Weiser, Abraham Forry, Adam Wert, Dr. Luke Rouse and G. P. Ziegler ; deacons : Robert W. Long and John Immel. Plans for a building were immediately considered, a lot of ground having been bought, located at the southeast corner of Beaver and King Streets. The building committee consisted of Charles Weiser, chairman ; Adam Wert, Luke Rouse, George P. Ziegler, C. A. Mor- ris, and Lewis Rosenmiller, treasurer.

The corner stone of the first church build- ing was laid, May 29, 1836, the Revs. H. L. Baugher and J. G. Morris, together with the pastor and other clergymen of the town, officiating. On the 19th of the following December, the first worship was held in the lecture room of the new building, the Rev. H. L. Baugher officiating. But " the great day of the feast " in the early history of the church, was June 11, 1837, when the finished building was dedicated. The ministers of- ficiating, besides the pastor, were Rev. Drs. Benjamin Kurtz, J. G. Morris, H. L. Baugher and C. P. Krauth. The Sunday School was organized November, 1836, with Rev. J. Oswald, president; Daniel Kraber, superintendent; Charles A. Morris, treas- urer, and Mrs. Charles A. Morris, " female superintendent."

It was in this way and from such begin- of this church.

Rev. Dr. William M. Baum was called to the pastorate of St. Paul's, January 1, 1862, and after seven years of labor, began the work of rebuilding, rearing the present church edifice, which stands today, not only as a monument to his industry and tact, but his foresight as well. The new church building was dedicated March 12, 1871, cost- ing $62,000. It has a seating capacity of about 800, and has about it that well-kept appearance, which indicates interest, devo- tion and prosperity. Dr. Baum lives today not only in the memory of his former help- ers and supporters, but the very stones speak of his ability and acceptableness, as a pastor and preacher.

Dr. Baum was succeeded by the Rev. Dr. Luther A. Gotwald, April 1, 1874. In en- tering upon his work, he said, "I simply want to say that I am trying in the fear of God, to do my duty, and I expect to con- tinue trying to the end." For eleven years, he preached most faithfully, presenting the truth in a clear and effective way, winning men by the loveableness of his nature, and gaining for himself the enviable name "the model pastor." He was succeeded Decem- ber 15, 1885, by the Rev. Dr. William S Freas, who served the congregation with great fidelity until July, 1898, when he re- signed. Under his guidance, characterized as it was by prudence, tact and unwearied diligence, the church continued to prosper and grow. The benevolent spirit has kept pace with its numerical growth, throughout all these years, and too much credit cannot be given the men, who, like Dr. Freas, and his predecessors, were patient and constant in planting the seed.

Dr. Freas was succeeded August, 1898, by Rev. Clinton E. Walter, D. D., the pres- ent pastor of the congregation, to whom the author is indebted for the historical sketch From the proceedings of

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the Synod of West Pennsylvania, for the to build the church for $5,636. On Ascen- year 1906, we glean the following facts :

"St. Paul's Church at York has a com- municant membership of 705. During the past year, more than $3,000 were contrib- uted to the benevolent boards of the church, in addition to which, the charitable work of numerous organizations within the church reached the sumn of $2, 165.66; to be added to this is the benevolent work on behalf of local institutions and needs, making a total of benevolence for the past year $9,786.08.

"The Sunday School numbers 652, with a credit of $2,450.59 for benevolence alone, during the past synodical year, which is included in the total above. The con- gregation has spent about $20,000 in the past five years in various church improve- ments and today is in possession of a build- ing admirably equipped in every way for progressive and effectual church work. The congregation has from its very begin- ning been distinguished by the high char- acter and activity of some of its laymen."

Rev. H. H. Weber, D. D., Secretary of the Board of Church Extension, is a regular worshiper within St. Paul's, while Jere Carl, M. B. Spahr, George E. Neff, and the pastor have a relationship with this church board. Charles S. Weiser was for many years treasurer of the Theological Seminary at Gettysburg; Jere Carl was treasurer of the General Synod and of the Board of Church Extension. George E. Neff is a member of the Tressler Orphan's Home Board, and C. E. Eisenhart is a member of the Deacon- ess Board. The Hon. D. F. Lafean, George E. Neff and Rev. Dr. H. H. Weber are trustees of Pennsylvania College, Gettys- burg, Pa. The Rev. Dr. Frederick G. Got- wald, the secretary of the Board of Educa- tion, is also a member of St. Paul's.

The Union Evangelical Lu- theran Church is situated on

sion Day, June 2, 1859, the corner stone was laid, when all the Protestant clergymen of York were present. In February, 1860, Rev. J. H. Menges, was elected pastor, and the church was dedicated the same month. Revs. Kurtz, McCron, Lochman, Oswald, Lilly, Menges and S. Oswald were present. The cost of the church and .lot was $8,007; nearly the entire amount was paid by the time of the dedication. Rev. J. H. Menges entered upon his duties as pastor with eighty-nine members. In the year 1870 the building was repaired and the audience room frescoed at a cost of $4,062. In 1880 an infant Sunday school room was built to the rear of the lecture room, at a cost of $1,200. In 1882 the audience room was again frescoed and a new pipe-organ pur- chased, all at a cost of $1,900. Rev. J. H. Menges continued his pastorate until Au- gust 15, 1874. His successor was Rev. M. J. Alleman, D. D., who began his pastorate November I and served the congregation two years. Rev. A. G. Fastnacht, D. D., entered upon his duties as pastor February I, 1877, and continued until his retirement, June 10, 1903. During his pastorate, the congregation increased in influence and grew in numbers, and more than doubled its membership. A chapel used as a Sunday school room, was erected, facing on Penn Street, at a cost of $22,000. William H. Bond, a prominent merchant of West York, was superintendent of this Sunday School for a period of twenty-five years. His son, W. S. Bond, for several years, has been su- perintendent of the school, which in 1907 had an average attendance of 700 scholars.

Rev. A. R. Steck, D. D., of Gettysburg, accepted a call as pastor of this church and entered upon his duties, June 21, 1903. Union Lutheran congregation has always contributed liberally to the cause of home and foreign missions and to all the other interests of the Lutheran Church. In 1907, the congregation numbered 700.

Union Lutheran. West Market Street. Febru- ary 12th, 1859, a meeting was held in the school house on Penn Street, for the purpose of organizing a congregation. Zion Evangelical Lutheran Lutheran. John Weyer, Joseph Smyser, Adam Smyser, Zion Church of York was organized October 19th, 1847, as the English branch of the First Lutheran Church. About 100 members of the old congregation joined the new, and Christian Bender, Jacob Herman and Jacob Kessler were elected elders, and John Kra- ber and George Leitner, deacons; Rev. C. J. Dininger, of York, presided. A charter was granted March 12, 1859. A lot was pur- elected E. G. Smyser, Adam Klinefelter, chased for $1,000; W. M. Weiser contracted George A. Barnitz and Alex. Demuth, el-

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ders; and W. F. Shetter, Benjamin Ziegler, counsel and encouragement, and the parent John Busser and Adam Bott, wardens.

The causes which brought about this or- ganization were the demand for larger church accommodation, and on the part of many members, for preaching and worship in the English language, exclusively.

composed of George A. Barnitz, and E. G. Smyser, to procure an act of incorporation for the English branch of the congregation, which was granted by the court. This

same committee was intended to confer with a similar committee of the corporate vestry, in relation to the division of the church property. April 6th, 1861, the com- mittees of the two councils met and ar- ranged articles of agreement on the pay- ment of certain church debts, and on the division of the church property, and such other matters as pertain thereto, which ar- ticles were signed by the committees as representatives of both congregations. Afterwards these articles of agreement were ratified by the respective church councils. In 1863, the corporate vestry of the First Lutheran Church executed a deed, conveying the church lots fronting on South Duke Street, with Zion Church and parson- age erected thereon, together with the graveyard, and all the ground then enclosed in fences to the Second English Lutheran Church, the corporate title of the English branch.

The first pastor was Rev. J. A. Brown, D. D., of Baltimore, elected January 22, On October 27, 1873, a number 1848, and resigned May 10, 1849. Rev. A. St. John's of German Lutherans resolved Essick, of the Theological Seminary, Get- Lutheran. tysburg, was the second pastor. He served from September II, 1849, to April 6, 1850. Rev. Charles Martin, M. D., of New York, was called and entered upon his pastoral work February, 1851. During his ministry the church on South Duke Street was com- pleted. The corner-stone was laid August 15, 1850, while the pastorate was vacant. Rev. Dr. Lochman, pastor of the parent church, conducted the exercises at the cor- ner-stone laying, and contributed much

congregation assisted largely in the erection of the building. Both pastor and people continued in the most friendly and sympa- thetic relation with the young congregation during the entire ministry of Dr. Lochman in the old church.

Under the arrangement made by the old and new organizations, there were certain franchises granted by the " corporate ves- try " to the new or English branch. All the The church was dedicated July 13, 1851. Its dimensions were 72 feet in length and 52 feet in width, with basement, affording ample accommodations at that time for church property was held in common. This church and Sunday School purposes. It arrangement continued until March 3d, cost $6,800, and was dedicated as Zion 1860, when a committee was appointed, Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Rev. Dr. Martin resigned in January, 1855, after serving the congregation four years, and considerably increasing the mem- bership.

Rev. A. W. Lilly, D. D., of Baltimore, was elected on April 17, 1855, and began his pastoral work June I. The work prospered, the congregation increased, harmony and good-will prevailed. There was cordial co- operation and the accommodations became inadequate to the necessities of the congre- gation. In 1869 an addition of twenty-five feet was built to the rear of the church, and a recess of twelve feet was attached for pul- pit, library and pastor's study. The in- terior of the edifice was modernized and beautified. The seating capacity of the main audience room was enlarged to 700. Dr. Lilly continued in the pastorate forty- two years, and was succeeded by the Rev. Thomas Thompson Everett, D. D., of New York, who was elected December 15, 1897, beginning his pastorate January 1, 1898.

In 1907 the church was remodeled at con- siderable expense. At the same time, a new pipe organ was purchased by the con- gregation at a cost of about $4,000.

to organize a church. At a meeting held at the residence of John Palmtag, on West Philadelphia Street,. the resolution was signed by the following, each of whom at the same time subscribed a certain sum of money for the erection of a church: Henry W. Grothe, Frederick Ottemoeller, Carl H. Schmidt, Frederick Strathmann, John Palmtag, Henry A. Boesch, William Becker, Frederick Carls, William Ottemoeller, Frederick Papa, John Eimerbrink, Henry Kuhlmann, Carl Demp-

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wolf, Sr., Henry Schlueter, Sr., and Louis Plitt. The principal cause which led to this step was the introduction of more English services than had previously been the case in Christ Lutheran Church, to which most of the above named members belonged. Another reason was the dissatisfaction among the German Lutherans with the mode in which the services were conducted in the old church, it being in many respects different from the customs in the Father- land. A third reason was the desire of German Lutheran parents to have their children educated in the German language and in the Christian religion in a parochial school. On December 15, 1873, it was re- solved to hold public services, and to invite a minister of the German Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri. The first services were held in the Court House on January 4, 1874, conducted by Rev. C. $5,000. Schwankovsky, of Harrisburg.

Rev. C. Sturken, of Baltimore, visitator of this district, saw that the appointments for preaching were filled. E. C. Greve- meyer translated the church constitution into the English language, and had the con- gregation incorporated by the court.

A lot was purchased on West King Street for $9,000. Rev. Henry Walker, D. D., of Paterson, N. J., who had been pastor of a congregation there for seven years, was called to York. The call, however, was returned by Rev. Walker, his congrega- tion not being willing to let him go. At a subsequent meeting the call was renewed. On April 24, Rev. Walker arrived in York, and on the Sunday following, April 26, was installed as pastor by Rev. Sturken.

The plans for the new church were pre- pared by J. A. Dempwolf, architect. The building committee was Frederick Grei- mann, Henry W. Grothe, Carl Hiffmeyer, William Oermann, H. A. Boesch, Louis Plitt, Henry Wagner and Carl H. Schmidt.

On July 12, 1874, the corner-stone was laid, and on October 17, 1875, the church was dedicated.

The cost of the church with bell and organ was nearly $25,000. The cost of ground, church and parsonage, and other improvements, approached $40,000. The year 1883, being the fourth centenary of the birth of the great reformer, Martin Luther, was a jubilee for the Lutheran

Church throughout the world, and was everywhere marked by the increased activ- ity and zeal in church work.

Frederick Ruenzel, a graduate of the Teachers' Seminary or Normal School of this denomination, at Allison, Illinois, was called as teacher of the school connected with this church. The pastor also taught for two years. G. A. Schwankovsky was afterwards called as assistant teacher. In 1883 A. F. Breihan was installed as teacher and organist of the school and church. The school is under the special care of the pas- tor.

In the year 1888 a new school building was erected at the cost of $4,000. At the same time a lot with a dwelling house on it was purchased. This was henceforth to be used as a parsonage. The cost together with necessary improvements was about

In the year 1895 the congregation found it necessary to introduce English evening services twice a month.

In the year 1905 the church was thor- oughly renovated at a cost of about $1,600.

Luke's.

St. Luke's Lutheran Church is St. situated on East Maple Street, be- tween Duke and Queen Streets. The congregation grew from the success of a Sunday school, started in the armory on Maple Street, on July 16, 1882. David Emmitt, a prominent member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, purchased a lot for $2,100, and in October, 1883, Rev. M. J. Alleman became pastor of the new congre- gation formed, which at first worshipped in the armory. In April, 1883, N. Weigle con- tracted and soon after built a brick church, on the lot presented by Major Emmitt, at a cost of $6,000. In 1885, a Sunday school and lecture room building was attached to the north end of the church, at a cost of $800. Major Emmitt contributed all the money for the erection of both buildings with the exception of about $1,700. The church was dedicated in October, 1883. The officiating clergymen were Revs. Loch- man, Gotwald, Anstadt and Herring.

Rev. S. E. Herring was pastor of the con- gregation from 1883 to 1888. He was suc- ceeded by Rev. George S. Bowers, who was pastor from October, 1888, to December, 1893. Rev. Albert Bell has been the pastor since January 1, 1894. Under his pastorate

ZION REFORMED CHURCH, WHERE WASHINGTON AT- TENDED RELIGIOUS SERVICES IN 1791

Enf

CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH AND PARSONAGE IN 1800

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the congregation has increased in member- to accommodate an increased membership ship and prospered. David Emmitt, who were made in 1900 and 1903 at costs of $1,500 and $1,800 respectively. In 1903 an

died May 28, 1894, bequeathed to this con- gregation $12,000 for the erection of the adjoining forty foot lot was purchased by present church building. The committee under whose charge the building was erected, were E. G. Quickel, E. W. Bow- man, C. W. Krone, Alex. Diehl and the pas- tor. The building was dedicated April 20, 1902, in the presence of a large audience. The officiating clergymen were Rev. J. A. the congregation. By the year 1905, the rapid development of the congregation and the demands of the field made it desirable to seek a larger and more convenient location. Accordingly a lot of one hundred and forty feet front- age was purchased on the north side Singmaster, D. D., Rev. T. T. Everett, D. of West Market Street between Carlisle D., Rev. C. E. Walter, D. D., and Rev. H. H. Weber, D. D., with the pastor, A. Bell.

In 1907 the congregation numbered 235 members and had a flourishing Sunday school.

St. Mark's Lutheran Church, on St. East Market Street, originated Mark's. from a Sunday school begun in 1819. In 1870, a chapel was built in what was then the village of Freystown, the services being conducted by different Rev. M. J. Alleman, the founder of this congregation, was formally elected as its pastor, June 2, 1889, and served it until De- cember 9, 1897, the time of his death. He was succeeded by Rev. W. M. B. Glanding, who was elected pastor, January 22, 1898, and served until August 31, 1902. The present pastor, Rev. Robert D. Clare, was elected November 9, 1902, while still a senior at the Lutheran Theological Senii- nary at Gettysburg, and assumed full pas- toral relations, June 7, 1903. clergymen of York. A congregation was organized in the chapel at a meeting held October 31, 1881, when Rev. M. J. Alleman was elected pastor. April 30, 1889, Rev. Alleman resigned and the pulpit was sup- plied by Rev. Copenhaver until July, 1890, when Rev. Peter Livingston was called to the charge. During his pastorate, steps were taken for the erection of a new church building. A lot was secured and the corner stone was laid June 5, 1892. The church was dedicated April 23, 1893. Rev. H. H. St. Peter's Lutheran Church, in St. North York, was founded in 1892. Peter's. The first religious services of this denomination were held in the school house by different clergymen from York. In 1892 Rev. T. B. Thomas, a recent graduate from the Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, organized a congregation, and Weber preached the sermon at the dedica- tion. The total cost of the church building, lot of ground and parsonage was $16,000. November 9, 1902, by the will of Mrs. Jacob Sipe, an adjoining lot was bequeathed and improvements made which raised the valuation of the property to $20,000. In 1907, the church had a membership of 300, a house of worship was erected at the cor- and the Sunday School 550 members.

St. St. Matthew's Lutheran Church was organized with Matthew's. ten members on April 19, 1889, by the late Rev. M. J. Alleman, D. D., at that time pastor of St. Mark's Lutheran Church of York. During the previous year the church building had been erected by Rev. Alleman and a few faithful co-laborers on Carlisle Avenue, be- tween Market and Philadelphia Streets, at a cost of $4,450. Subsequent enlargements

and Richland Avenues, upon which the present large Sunday school chapel of the congregation was built in 1906, this chapel being intended to serve all purposes of wor- ship for the congregation until the erection of the church building proper. In the year 1907, the property valuation of the congre- gation was $40,000; the membership of the congregation, 450, and that of the Sunday school, 850.

ner of George and Church Streets. He con- tinued his ministerial labors with success until 1904, when he accepted a call to a Lutheran church in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Rev. J. B. Baker, a recent graduate of Penn- sylvania College and Seminary at Gettys- burg, succeeded in the pastorate. The membership of St. Peter's church in 1907 was 230. The Sunday school was origi- nally held in the school house. It grew in numbers and strength, and in 1907 had an enrollment of 500. S. H. Herman has filled

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the position of superintendent since 1892. ligious services were held among the Re- Rev. D. C. Burnite was the pastor in 1907. formed people in Kreutz Creek and the

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History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume I, Part 123

Author: Prowell, George R. Publication date: 1907 Publisher: J. H. Beers Number of Pages: 1372

Author: Prowell, George R.
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: J. H. Beers
Number of Pages: 1372