History of York County, Pennsylvania : from the earliest period to the present time, divided into general, special, township and borough histories, with a biographical department appended, Part 115

Author: Gibson, John, Editor
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: F.A. Battey Publishing Co., Chicago
Number of Pages: 1104

USA > Pennsylvania > York County > History of York County, Pennsylvania : from the earliest period to the present time, divided into general, special, township and borough histories, with a biographical department appended > Part 115

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1779-1807 .- Rev. John Christopher Go- brecht, the second pastor, was born in Ger- many, came to America when a young man

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY.

of twenty years, and at the age of thirty- three, according to his own words, "was led by the Holy Spirit to enter the ministry, and to win souls to Christ." In 1779 he was called from Lancaster County to Hanover, where he continued twenty-eight years, when he was compelled, by the infirmities of age, to retire from active service. He died here, aged eighty-two years. His remains rest in the burial ground belonging to the congrega- tion. Rev. Gobrecht was an ardent patriot, and a faithful servant of the church. His field of labor in the Hanover charge, already large when he entered it, was increased from time to time by the addition of other congre- gations. In his time the old log church at Hanover was displaced by a new brick struct- ure.

1809-14. - Rev. Charles Helfenstein, son of a minister of the church, became the third pastor and served about five years. Of his ministry there is no account in the rec- ords of the congregation, except the bap- tisms administered by him. But at Hano- ver, as throughout his ministry of nearly forty-two years, he honored his calling by a consistent, devoted life. During the war of 1812 his love for his country impelled him to urge men, publicly and privately, to rally to the defense of the nation. His "political preaching" aroused partisan hostility, and to some extent weakened his' influence. Though sustained by a majority of his con- gregation, he concluded to withdraw, not loving strife.

1815-26 .- The fourth pastor was Rev. Jacob H. Wiestling. After serving several congregations in and around Manchester, Md., for a period of three years, he was called to Hanover. Because of some diffi. culty having occurred during his former pas- torate, he stood disconnected from the synod for some years. But because of his social qualities, and more than ordinary pulpit talent, and notwithstanding the action of the synod, his congregation retained him. In 1822, he was received again as a member of the synod. His death occurred on the 25th of February, 1826. He was buried in the graveyard belonging to the congregation, whence his remains were recently removed to Frederick, Md. During Rev. Wiestling's ministry the first parsonage was torn down, and a brick building erected in its place.

1826-27 .- May 28, 1826, Frederick W. Bindeman tendered his services to the Re. formed people, which were accepted; but in less than a year, he was ignominously ex- pelled from pulpit and parsonage.

1828-37 .- February 19, 1828, the Rev.

Samuel Gutelius became pastor, and con- tinued till June 19, 1837, when he resigned on account of ill health. He was the first pastor who preached in the English language in Hanover.

Rev. Gutelius' ministry was acceptable to the mass of the people. Few men of the Reformed Church were more extensively and favorable known than he. From the begin- ning to the end of his public life he enjoyed the general confidence and esteem of the church. At Hanover, as in the seven other charges which he served during his ministry of forty-four years, he exhibited that fidelity and energy which distinguished him as a minister of the gospel.

1837-59 .- This period of twenty-two years marks the pastorate of Rev. Jacob Sechler. There are many members of the pres- ent congregation who enjoyed his ministra- tion, and who bear testimony to his upright- ness, earnest piety, and faithfulness in the discharge of his pastoral duties.

Rev. Sechler closed his labors at Hanover March 1, 1859. After his resignation, the Hanover charge, then consisting of four con- gregations, was divided into two charges, named Hanover and Littlestown; Rev. Sechler becoming pastor of the latter. During the latter part of Rev. Sechler's ministry in Hanover, the second church was torn down, the old site abandoned, and the third (and present) church built at the more eligible location on Abbottstown Street, near the center of the town. The dedication of this building occurred May 25, 1856.

1859-82 .- Rev. William K. Zieber D. D., became the eighth pastor of the congregation, taking charge August 1, 1859, and continu- ing his labors till May 1, 1882, when failing health compelled him to retire from the active ministry; though at the present time serves his church officially as stated clerk of the newly constituted Gettysburg Classis, to which the Hanover charge belongs.

At first Rev. Dr. Zieber served two con- gregations; the one in town, the other in the country seven miles distant.

By action of classis, May 1866, the coun- try congregation was discontinued, and the Hanover Church, for the first time since its foundation, a period of 100 years, was con- stituted a charge by itself.

In 1870 a new parsonage was built on the lot adjoining the church-the third built by the congregation. In 1877 the present church building was thoroughly renewed in the interior, and handsomely furnished. Dr. Zieber's pastorate embraced not only the momentous controversial period in the Re- .

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BOROUGH OF HANOVER.

formed Church, but a period also when his own congregation, with others, was exposed to the high-tide of unchurchly emotionalism and religious sentimentalism which ignored the efficacy of the sacraments, and paid little, if any, regard to the divine factors in the constitution of the church. Planting him- self firmly upon what he regards as solid, churchly ground, Dr. Zieber, by his positive, christocentric preaching, succeeded in edu- cating his people up to an acceptance and intelligent appreciation of his own position. During his ministry the services came grad- nally to be prevailingly English; there being but one German service a month at the close of his pastorate.

The present pastor Rev. J. C. Bowman (to whom we are indebted for this sketch), took charge December 1, 1882. At the annual meeting of Gettysburg Classis, May 1883, at the suggestion of the pastor of the Hanover Church, a committee was appointed to take preliminary steps toward organizing a second Reformed Church in Hanover. This move- ment resulted in the organization of Trinity Reformed Church before the close of the year. The first church contributed to the second all of its German membership, together with a few others (seventy-five in all), and also a liberal amount of money toward the erection of church buildings.

Since the organization of Trinity Church, the services in the mother church have been exclusively English.

The present membership is 275. The Sun- day-school, in both departments, 220 scholars, taught by thirty teachers.

In addition to the Sunday-school library there is a congregational library, open to all the members of the church. This libra- ry numbers nearly 800 volumes of choice books.

A missionary society, composed of mem- bers of the congregation and Sunday-school, meets once a month. It has enrolled about 200 members, and contributes from $300 to $400 annually to the support of missions.

Emanuel's Reformed Church is justly considered one of the most vigorous and active congregations of the synod. Its members sympathize with every advance movement, and liberally support the literary and benevolent institutions of the church.

St. Mark's Lutheran Church .- This con- gregation was organized in 1864, by mem- bers of St. Matthew's Church, who desired all religious services in the English lan- guage. Rev. M. J. Alleman, who was then the pastor of St. Matthew's, was elected pas- tor of the new congregation. A building com-

mittee consisting of William Young, Sr., David Wortz, John Grove, David Myers and Isaac Loucks, purchased a lot on the east side of Carlisle Street, of William Beard, for $2,100. The corner-stone of the church was laid July 20, 1864. The clergymen at this service were Revs. Daniel J. Hauer, C. A. Hay, Rosenmiller, Henry and Alleman. The building, which cost $14,261, was conse- crated, September 24, 1865, by Revs. Hay, Conrad, Hauer, Alleman. Albert, Rosenmiller, Sheuer and Houck. Rev. Alleman continued pastor until 1868, and was succeeded by Rev. George Parson, of Milton, Penn. A bell which weighed 1,017 pounds, was bought for $600 in 1865. In 1871 an organ was bought for $500, and a parsonage on Baltimore Street for $3,400. This parsonage was sold, and a new one built on Abbottstown Street, in 1885, at a cost of $8,000, including lot. In July, 1875, Rev. Parson received a call to Williamsport, Penn., and Rev. Daniel Shin- dler, D. D., became the pastor, and served the congregation until the 13th of May, 1883, when he moved to Lancaster, Ohio. Rev. George Scholl, D. D., of Baltimore, assumed charge of it in January, 1884, and is now the pastor. The membership under him has greatly increased, and now numbers 275 communicants. The church building, during the year 1884, was remodeled and en- larged, at a cost of $13,000, including a large pipe-organ, purchased in Boston. The oriole bell of Baltimore, weighing 2,000 pounds, was presented to the congregation by William Grumbine, of Hanover, in 1884. It is also the town clock. The Sunday-school which was organized in 1865, now numbers 300 pupils. J. F. W. Sleeder is the super intendent. There is a library of well selected books in connection with this church.

Methodist Episcopal Church .- Rev. James Reed, in the year 1808, first preached the doctrines of Wesleyan Methodism in Hanover, holding services in a log-house on Frederick Street, owned by Richard Chester. He preached once a month for nearly a year, when the services were discontinued, and Methodist preaching was not again regularly heard in Hanover until 1825. In that year a young man from Hagerstown, Md., visited Hanover, and arranged for services. The first minister who came was Rev. Kennerly, an eloquent speaker. In December, 1825, a schoolhouse that stood on Carlisle Street, where John S. Young now lives, was used. Shortly after a schoolhouse on Frederick Street (now used as the Spectator office) was rented from Mrs. Ritz, and therein services were held for five years. In 1827 Hanover

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY.

was placed in the Gettysburg Circuit under Revs. Samuel Clark and George Hildt, and in September of that year the first class was formed of four members. By the end of 1827, the class had doubled its membership. The class meetings were held at the house of Abraham Lammott, on Baltimore Street, and afterward at the house of Alexander McIlvane, on York Street. In 1827-29 Revs. W. O. Lumsdon, T. H. W. Monroe and J. H. Brown, were circuit preachers. In 1829-30 Revs. Samuel Kepler and John C. Lyon, and, in 1830-31, Revs. J. Monroe, R. Clark and Wesley Howe.

In 1829 a lot on Baltimore Street was bought for $60, from George Himes. A brick church was built at a cost of about $1,000, and was dedicated November 27 and 28, 1830, Rev. Monroe, officiating. In 1859 Hanover was made a station. In 1863 Will- iam Wirt presented to the congregation a lot of ground on Frederick Street, and in the spring of 1864 the erection of a new church was commenced thereon, which was dedicated June 11, 1865. The old church on Baltimore Street was sold to St. Joseph's Catholic con- gregation, and is now used for parochial school purposes. In 1867 the church at New Oxford was added to this station. In 1883 the audience chamber was remodeled and the walls frescoed. Church membership, 100. The Sunday-school is superintended by F. A. Ziegler; it numbers 150 members.

The following is a list of the names of ministers in charge during the years named:

1832-33-Charles B. Young and J. L. Pitts.

1834-35-Charles B. Young and J. W. Richardson.

1835-36-R. Bond and C. J. Housewest.

1837-38-A. Smith and J. H. Brown.

1838-39-Amos Smith and .J. M. Jones. 1839-40-H. Furlong and J. M. Jones. 1841-42-J. Forrest and Wesley Howe.

1842-43-T. McGee and H. Hoffman.

1843-44-T. McGee and T. Reese.

1845-46-D. Hartman and J. Boggs.

1846-47-D. Hartman and T. W. Ewing. 1817-48-J. Bards and W. Mewinger. 1848-49-J. Bards and J. W. Etcheson. 1850-51-F. Dyson and F. S. Cassaday.

1851-52-F. L. Switzer, William Butler and Henry Bellman.

1852-53-F. L. Switzer and John B. Dean.

1853-54-J. R. Darborow and D. W. Price.

1854-55-J. R. Darborow and D. Monroe.

1855-56 -- W. M. Gwynn and W. A. Snively.

1856-57-W. M. Gwynn, R. E. Wilson and J. C. Stevens.

1857-58-0. Ege and J. C. Stevens.

1858-59-0. Ege and G. W. Dunlap.

1859-60-Edward Kinsey.

1861-62-J. P. Swanger.

1862-63-J. S. McMurray. 1863-64-A. W. Guyer.

1864-65-J. C. Stevens.

1865-66-W. A. Houck.

1867-68-J. A. Ross.

1868-69-F. Gearhart.

1869-70-J. A. Dixon. 1871-73-W. H. Keith.

1873-76-Milton Frost.

1876-79-A. W. Miller.

1879-81-A. F. Gibson.

1881-83-William McKendree Reily. 1883-J. C. McCord.

St. Joseph's Catholic Church .- St. Joseph's draws its existence from an humble origin. Between 1820 and 1830 the first mass, of which there is any record, was celebrated by Rev. Father De Barth from Conewago Chapel, a shop being used as a place of wor- ship. Father De Barth exchanged Conewago for Baltimore in 1828, and no traces are left of any service till 1853, when Rev. Father Cotting gathered the Catholic children for an occasional instruction in catechism. With the removal of the father from the chapel, the instructions ceased. An entire decade passed away, till Father Dompieri, in 1863, made a successful attempt. The holy sacri- fice of the mass was once more offered up, some thirty persons being in attendance. The place of worship was in the dwelling of the late Jacob Hilt, on Carlisle Street, uow the house of Mrs. Joseph Dellone. His zeal and untiring efforts established a regular weekly divine service, held on Wednesday. The room, changed into a chapel, did not grow in dimensions as Catholicity waxed in numbers; and no St. Gregory Thaumaturgus being at hand to push out the walls, the. good father, the year following, purchased the Methodist Episcopal Church on Balti- more Street for $900. After the proper re- pairs of the building, the Wednesday service was increased by mass and sermon twice a month, on Sundays. The divine seed did not fall upon stony ground. In 1868 the church was enlarged by an addition of 40x35 feet at a cost of $2,145. The old church served also as a' schoolroom. The school had nearly 100 children, taught by Miss Alice Dellone. A cupola was built and a bell of 1,834 pounds, costing $945, was placed in it. It was the largest in the town until 1884.

Scarcely seven summers had passed, and the-

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new structure completed by Rev. Fr. Manns, proved to be too short and too narrow for the growth of the Catholic population. Ad- joining lots were secured, with a two story brick building, which was remodeled for school purposes and a dwelling for the teach- ers. A draft was made for a new temple, the limits were staked off (140x54) in spring 1877, and in October following the corner- stone was laid in the presence of several thousand people. The late Rev. Joseph Enders of Conewago Chapel presided on the occasion, being the chief promoter of the new edifice. Some folks became prophetic, that by Christmas the building would be under roof. Their intention was praiseworthy, but material aid did not keep pace with their wishes. The work lay dormant till May, 1878, when it was plied in earnest and with vigor. Toward the 4th of July, the walls and tower had reached their proper height, the roof was framed, and in the fall the church was covered. The pastor was pressed on all sides to hasten the work. Money was offered in abundance, but with a little clause -- at 6 per cent. Every offer was thankfully declined. The pastor's determination not to contract debt was like a wall of brass. His principle is at present admired by all. It was consecrated November 1, 1880. The extire expense, together with tower and steeple and stained glass windows, reached the sum of a little less than $20,000. The present congregation counts 700 souls, under the pastoral care of the venerable Father Emig.

Trinity Reformed Church-This congre- gation was organized on the 4th of January, 1884, with a membership of 125. Of this number, seventy-five were members of Eman- uel's Reformed Church, of Hanover, who joined the new organization. The first eld- ers elected were Dr. O. T. Everhart, Abra- ham Baker and Jonas Rebert; the first dea- cons were William Hoke and Jacob Siegfried. The congregation unanimously called as their pastor, Rev. H. Hilbish, who, at the time, was pastor of several congregations surrounding Hanover. His charge was re- constructed when he accepted the pastorship of Trinity Church, and still continued to preach for two other congregations, viz .: Sherman's and Bartholomew's. Trinity con- gregation worshipped for a time in the United Brethren Chapel, on Abbotstown Street. A building committee, composed of Samuel Swartz, A. Baker and Charles Bow- man, was appointed; a lot on York Street was purchased of Peter Flickinger, for $1,800. The corner-stone of the church was laid on

Whit Monday, 1884. The chapel was dedi- cated October 19, of the same year, by Rev. Clever, of Baltimore, and Rev. Dr. Santee, of Cavetown, Md. The church, in August, 1885, is not quite completed, the chapel be- ing still used as a place of worship. The cost of church, when completed, will be $15,000. The congregation, under the pas- toral care of Rev. Hilbish, is rapidly increas- ing in its membership, and now numbers 235. The Sunday school of 165 members is superintended by Dr. O. T. Everhart.

United Brethren in Christ .- A church was built in 1847. The board of trustees and building committee were Martin Lohr, George W. Stouffer and Simon Bishop. The church was dedicated October 24, 1847, by Bishop Russell. The other clergymen pres- ent were Revs. George Miller, P. E., John Fohl, Samuel Enterline and J. C. Smith. Rev. J. Fohl became the first pastor. A Sunday-school of twenty-five pupils was started in 1851, with Daniel Diehl as super- intendent. The present church was built in 1877, with a fund bequeathed to the congre- gation by the will of Rev. Martin Lohr, who labored long and faithfully for the spiritual interest of the congregation, and contributed liberally to the support of the church in gen- eral. A Sunday school is connected with the church, and is superintended by J. C. Hoffman. Rev. Nicholas is pastor.

Mennonite Church .- Near the north end of Abbottstown Street, Hanover, stands the neat, plain and comfortable Mennonite. Church, which, was built in 1881, at a cost. of $2,500. It is connected with Bair's Meet, ing House in Heidelberg Township, and Hos- tetter's Meeting House in Adams County, all the members who worship in three houses mentioned, form a congregation of about 100 families. Samuel Myers, Martin Whistler and Jacob Hostetter, Sr., are the present ministers. The services are conducted in English and German. The committee, who superintended the building of the Hanover- Church were David Forry, Samuel Witmer and Jacob Fry. The present elders are Samuel Grove, and Samuel Forry. This re- ligious denomination being plain and unos, tentatious, does not have a dedicatory serr- ice. When a house of worship is completed it is at once used. The first services in no, way differ from the other regular services. In 1883 a Sunday-school was organized and has since then been regularly held.

MOUNT OLIVET CEMETERY.

This beautifully located. cemetery was orig- inated through the efforts of L. F. Melshei-

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY.

mer, J. J. Naille and D. Q. Albright, at a meeting held December, 20, 1858, and a charter was received early the following year. The land, fifteen acres, was purchased of Adam Forney for $2,146. It lies on the summit of a hill, a short distance south of town, with a commanding view of the sur- rounding country. It was laid out in lots and winding walks, during February, 1859, by Joseph S. Gitt. The dedicatory services occurred on June 2, 1859. The officiating clergymen were Revs. B. H. Nadal, M. J. Alleman and Martin Lohr. Alfred E. Lewis wrote a hymn which was sung at the time of dedication. Mount Olivet Cemetery is a beauti- ful testimony of the affectionate remembrance which the citizens of Hanover hold for the friends who have departed this life. Many of the lots are enclosed with iron railing and granite curbing, and adorned with choice flowers. The grounds are ornamented with trees and shrubbery, which make the place an attractive resort. There are a large number of handsome monuments of granite and marble worthy of admiration as works of art. The remains of Col. Richard McAl- lister, the founder of Hanover, repose in this delightful spot, and the graves of himself and family are taken care of by the borough authorities. An iron octagonal pavilion, of tasteful design, is a central figure of the Cemetery. This cost $600, and was paid for with money raised at a festival during the year 1872, by the ladies of Hanover. The first board of directors was composed of Dan- iel Q. Albright, president; L. F. Melsheimer, secretary; Horatio W. Emmert, treasurer; William Wirt, J. J. Naille, Harry Kurtz, F. M. Baughman, George W. Welsh and Joseph Slagle. Two large swinging iron gates for carriages, and two smaller ones for footmen, similar to those at the National Cemetery at Gettysburg, were placed at the entrance in the year 1877, at a cost of $600, including granite blocks for posts. The board of directors in 1885 is as follows: Levi H. Eckert, president; George N. Forney, secre- tary and treasurer; Henry A. Young, Will- iam Anthony, William F. Stair, Dr. H. Alle- man, Philip S. Bowman, Carl Erdman and Washington Bair. George Zinn for many years was superintendent; at his death his son, John Zinn, the present superintendent, succeeded him.

THE SCHOOLS.

The first schools in the vicinity were held in connection with the churches, and taught under the superintendence of the minister. The first schoolhouse in the town of Hanover

was built by the Reformed congregation in 1777, on York Street, where it still stands, and owned by Peter Flickinger. This school was not strictly sectarian. In 1810 it was discontinued, and the building was sold in 1825. During later days John McLaugh- lin, taught a private school for many years, and as early as 1816, his school was consid- ered an old established institution. He taught in a log-building on York Street, where now stands the residence of Daniel Flickinger. Mclaughlin remained at his post until his death. He was of jovial nature, and related with zest many amusing stories, in which he figured as the hero. Mr. Carr taught on York Street in the room where Miss Mattie E. Grove's select school is now held, for several years, closing about 1828. In the last-named year Seth Forrest opened a school on Frederick Street. Luther H. Skinner had a school for some time on York Street, in the same room formerly used by Mr. Carr. George W. Stouffer taught for some years in MeLaughlin's old schoolroom. A school building formerly stood on the lot occupied by John S. Young's dwelling, on Carlisle Street, and another stood at the eastern end of York Street.

A few German private schools were started, but they declined for want of patronage. This was doubtless caused by the fact that the Germans, though jealous of the English language as shown by their opposition to the introduction of English preaching, were yet sensible that the English was the favored language, and that the prospects of their children would be bettered by a knowledge of the ruling tongue.

When the common school question came up for decision there were many in Hanover who opposed it. Henry Wirt and Luther H. Skinner were the first delegates to the conventions at York to decide whether Han- over should accept the new system; both voted in favor of it, and it was put into oper- ation in 1836. George W. Stouffer and a Dr. Smith taught the first public schools, one in the Reformed schoolhouse, on York Street,, and the other in a building on the same street, on a lot on which G. H. Shirk has lately built a brick dwelling. In 1847-48, a lot was bought on Carlisle Street, and a two-story brick schoolhouse built thereon, the children having the whole public common for a play- ground. This lot is now owned by Reuben Young, and the building serves him as a stable. George Young and Rev. Martin Lohr were the building committee in charge of the erection of this building-the two schools held in this building were taught at sundry times by

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BOROUGH OF HANOVER.

Nathan U. Buckley, Matthias N. Trone, George W. Gist and J. Wicker.

When the railroad was built in 1852 the lot and building on Carlisle Street were sold to George Young for $2,000. The board, then composed of the following-named members: William Bange, president; Jesse Frysinger, secretary; Dr. John Swope, John Grove, Henry C. Schriver and Peter Flickinger. bought one-half of the present lot for $300 from John Barnitz, of New Oxford. It was found that this lot was too small, the other half of the lot was bought for $500. On this lot the present schoolhouse was built at a cost of $4,000. Rufus Winterode was the contractor. Peter Bough, the present janitor, has served almost continuously since the house was built.

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History of York County, Pennsylvania : from the earliest period to the present time, divided into general, special, township and borough histories, with a biographical department appended, Part 115

Author: Gibson, John, Editor Publication date: 1886 Publisher: F.A. Battey Publishing Co., Chicago Number of Pages: 1104

Author: Gibson, John, Editor
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: F.A. Battey Publishing Co., Chicago
Number of Pages: 1104