USA > Pennsylvania > History of the Church of the brethren of the Eastern district of Pennsylvania > Part 37
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CHAPTER III.
TULPEHOCKEN CHURCH.
The history and record of the Tulpehocken circuit of the "Church of the Brethren," Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, follows :
Abraham Zug's moved from Warwick Township, Lan- caster County, as members of the Conestoga circuit, to Jackson Township, Lebanon Co., near to where now Rich- land Station is, in the month of April, 1813,-there being already three families, as members there, which made them four families-nine members. In October or November, 1815, Abraham Zug was elected to the ministry by the Conestoga circuit, this territory was yet a part of the Conestoga circuit. Jacob Pfautz was elected to the ministry the same time, he living near the Middle Creek meeting- house, Lancaster Co. In the year 1823, the said Abraham Zug and Jacob Pfautz were ordained to the full ministry, or as Elders, or Bishops of and for the Conestoga circuit. The said Abraham Zug died July 18, 1841, aged 69 years, 4 months and 22 days, in the above-mentioned home. At the death of Elder Abraham Zug, there were about fifty members in the Lebanon Valley, holding their membership in the three following circuits: Conestoga, White Oak, and Little Swatara.
Adjoining Elders advised an organization, to be known as the Tulpehocken circuit, which advice the members hold- ing their membership in the Conestoga and Little Swatara circuits accepted, and an organization was effected on the 5th day of October, 1841, electing John Zug, son of afore- said Abraham Zug, to the ministry ; and Daniel Royer and Jacob Oberholtzer as deacons. About 35 votes were cast. The following Elders were present to officiate : Jacob Pfautz, Daniel Bollinger, William Price, John Price, and David Shallenberger.
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In September, 1842, Moses Pfautz was elected to the ministry. Elders Jacob Pfautz and John Price officiated.
In the fall of 1844, those members which held their mem- bership in the White Oak circuit, also agreed to hold their membership in the Tulpehocken circuit. (In the spring of 1844 the White Oak circuit held their lovefeast at Jacob Bucher's, near Cornwall.) May 27, 1846, John Gibble and Jonathan Hertzler were elected deacons. May 29, 1847, Daniel Royer and William Hertzler were elected to the ministry, and John Zug advanced to second degree. Elders Jacob Pfautz and Daniel Bollinger, present. September 18, 1853, Isaac Brubaker was elected to the ministry. Elders Daniel Bollinger and Christian Longenecker, present. June 5, 1860, at lovefeast at Elder John Zug's, Christian Bucher and Samuel Kurtz were elected deacons. June 10, 1861, at lovefeast on farm of Samuel Kurtz, tenant to Samuel Loose, Jr. (Graybill's old farm), Christian Bucher was elected to the ministry. Elders Jacob Hollinger and Daniel Keller, . present. John Zug was ordained to the full ministry in the year 1861. Elders Jacob Hollinger and Joseph Merkey, present. September 21, 1865, at the home of George Bollinger, near Reistville, George Bucher was elected to the ministry, and John Kline to the deaconship, and Christian Bucher advanced to second degree. Elders Jacob Hol- linger, and David Gerlach, present. May 18, 1871, at Heidelberg House, George Bucher was advanced to second degree, John Herr was elected to the ministry and Abraham Myer, deacon. One hundred and sixty-eight votes were cast. Elders Jacob Hollinger, and John Etter, and min- isters, John Hertzler, Abraham Pfautz, Joseph Hollinger, and S. R. Zug, present. April 3, 1875, at Heidelberg House, Christian Bucher was ordained, John Herr advanced to second degree, and Abraham Myer elected to the min- istry, and Jacob Nissley to the deacon's office. Only 119 votes cast, roads very bad. Elders William Hertzler, and John Etter, present. May 27, 1879, at lovefeast at Heidel- berg House, Martin Heisey was elected to the deacon's office. Elders Jacob Rider, and John Hertzler, present. April 30, 1881, council meeting in Heidelberg House.
HEIDELBERG MEETING HOUSE.
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TULPEHOCKEN CHURCH.
Jacob Nissley was elected to the ministry, and Benjamin Smith and Cyrus Bucher, deacons. Elders Samuel Harley, and John Hertzler, present. April 29, 1882, at Heidelberg House, Reuben Royer was elected deacon. Elders Samuel Harley, and John Hertzler, present. April 25, 1885, George Gibble received as deacon by letter from Little Swatara Church. Accepted April 27, 1885. October 20, 1885, at lovefeast, Heidelberg House, Martin Heisey was elected to the ministry. Elders William Hertzler, Samuel Harley, and John Hertzler, present. January 30, 1886, council at Heidelberg House, Nathan Gibble, Ephraim Brubaker and Levi Bollinger were elected deacons. Only two were intended, but the last two were tie. Elder Samuel Harley, present. In April, 1891, Deacon George Hess from Maiden Creek, and Deacon William Oberholtzer from Little Swatara Church, moved into our circuit, and were received as deacons by letter July 25, 1891. De- cember 21, 1896, William H. Oberholtzer was elected to the ministry, and Martin Heisey advanced to second degree. Elders H. E. Light, J. H. Longenecker, and Israel Wenger, present. In Heidelberg House. December 20, 1897, in Heidelberg House, John Herr was ordained, Joseph Wil- helm and Edwin Kurtz elected deacons; one was intended, but these two were tie. Elders John Hertzler, J. H. Longe- necker, and Israel Wenger, present. August 20, 1900, at Heidelberg House, Jacob Nissley was ordained; William H. Oberholtzer was advanced to second degree; Joseph L. Wilhelm was elected to the ministry ; and Mohler Bucher, a deacon. Elders J. H. Longenecker, John Hertzler, and Israel Wenger, present. Two hundred and fifty votes cast. March 16, 1903, at Heidelberg House, John L. Royer was elected to the ministry. All the adjoining Elders were present. August 21, 1905, at Heidelberg House, Benjamin Zug was elected to the ministry; Harry Hacker and John Gibble, deacons ; John L. Royer, advanced to second degree. Elders present : C. Bucher, Jacob Myer, and E. M. Wenger. July 15, 1906, S. Z. Gettle was received as deacon, by letter from Little Swatara Church. March 28, 1911, at Heidel- berg House, Michael Kurtz was elected to the ministry,
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Jacob Wenger to the deacon's office, and Benjamin Zug ad- vanced to the second degree. From the time of organiza- tion, 1841, up to January 1, 1912, there were 17 Brethren elected to the ministry and 21 to the deacon's office.
Official Force, January 1, 1913 .- Ministers : Elder John Herr, Elder Jacob Nissley, Elder W. H. Oberholtzer, J. L. Royer, second, B. F. Zug, second, Michael Kurtz, first. Deacons : S. Z. Gettel, Harry Hacker, John Gibble, Jacob Wenger.
Obituaries of Officials .- Elder John Zug died July 19, 1873, at 8 o'clock, at the advanced age of 76 years, 2 months and 5 days. Interment and funeral services at the Heidelberg House, July 23, in presence of the largest funeral gathering ever witnessed in this part of the county. The last night he lived on earth, he desired that those by his side should sing the hymn :
Meine Seele lobe Gott. Meine Seele lobe Gott. Der ein mächtig heilig wesen, Gans volkommen auserlesen, Der dir hilft aus aller Noth, Meine Seele lobe Gott.
Moses Pfautz died December 29, 1845, aged 33 years, 6 months and II days. Buried at Tulpehocken House. Jacob Oberholtzer died November 14, 1865, aged 60 years, 9 months and 10 days. Preaching in mansion, buried in Gibble's graveyard, now Heidelberg House. Daniel Royer died August 11, 1862, deposed from the ministry about one year, aged 55 years, 2 months and 6 days. Buried at Mill- bach House. William Hertzler moved to Big Swatara circuit, now Spring Creek, Dauphin Co., in 1851. John Gibble died June 25, 1881, aged 78 years, 3 months and 14 days. Funeral Tuesday, June 28, at the Heidelberg House. Jonathan Hertzler died December 25, 1887, aged 86 years. 6 months less 2 days. Funeral Friday, December 30, at Tulpehocken House. Isaac Brubaker died April 8, 1866, aged 50 years, 3 months and 24 days. Services in mansion, buried in family graveyard. Samuel Kurtz died October
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25, 1897, aged 70 years and 8 months. Buried at Heidel- berg House. George Bucher, left with family for Con- estoga Church, March 18, 1896. John Kline disowned September 25, 1880. Abraham Myer expelled from the church January 29, 1891. Cyrus Bucher moved to Astoria, Illinois, in spring of 1882. Reuben Royer moved to. Newton, Kansas, in spring of 1886. George Gibble again moved to Little Swatara in spring of 1893, died August 7, 1894, aged 88 years, 3 months and 23 days. Buried at Heidelberg House. Benjamin Smith died June 18, 1898, aged 50 years, 5 months and 9 days. Buried at Cornwall House. George Hess died January 22, 1902, aged 78 years, IO months and 21 days Edwin Kurtz resigned March 19, 1906. Ephraim Brubacher died May 16, 1913.
There is no record of names of members, at the time of organization of the church. However, among the earlier members, we would mention the Zugs, Bollingers, Widders, Gibbles, Royers, Buchers, Geibs, Brubachers, Klines, Weavers, Oberholtzers, Hertzlers, etc.
In our church record we find 23 Bollingers, 23 Klines, 24 Buchers, 25 Gibbles, 25 Weavers, 27 Brubachers, 32 Geibs, 56 Royers.
Division of Tulpehocken Church District .- March 18, 1901, Elder Christian Bucher asked to be relieved of the charge of the church on account of age and failing health; the church granted it, and gave Elder John Herr the charge of the church. The church numbered 483 members. De- cember 16, 1901, the church agreed to divide into two districts, making Crowstown road ,the line. East of said road retains the name of Tulpehocken, with a membership of about 300, having John Herr as their Elder, Jacob Nissley and W. H. Oberholtzer as ministers; Ephraim Brubaker, Levi Bollinger and Ed. H. Kurtz as deacons. In the spring council of 1903, it was unanimously agreed by both districts that the line be changed from Crowstown to Prescott road, with the exception of Elder C. Bucher, and deacon N. P. Gibble and their household, who shall hold their membership in the Midway district. June 7, 1842, it was agreed that the line between the counties of Lancaster
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and Lebanon, shall be the line between Conestoga and White Oak circuits in Lancaster Co., and Tulpehocken circuit, Lebanon Co., in the presence of Elders David Pfautz, Christian Long, Joseph Rothrock, Daniel Bollinger, and John Price. April 30, 1887, the Tulpehocken Church agreed with the Little Swatara Church, that the line between the two circuits shall be one mile north of the Reading and Harrisburg turnpike, and run parallel with it. On the east, the Tulpehocken Church extends to the city limits of Reading.
Houses of Worship .- Five houses of worship, viz. : Tulpehocken, Millbach, Heidelberg, Myerstown, and Rich- land.
Tulpehocken House (Royer's) was built in the year 1840. Building Committee: Daniel Zug, Johan Weber, Jacob Royer. Seating capacity 600. Valuation $3,000. Stone1 building, 30'X 40 ft. This being the oldest house, we here- with present copy of conditional part of deed, Jacob Royer and wife to German Baptist Church.
This Indenture made the 7th day of December, 1840, Be- tween Jacob Royer of Jackson Township, Leb. Co., Pa., and Catharine his wife, of the one part, and Jacob Bollinger, of Township, County and State aforesaid, Trustee of the German Baptist, who call themselves Old Brothers Society Meeting house, and the lands and burying grounds belonging thereto, and Abraham Zug, Jr., and Jacob F. Diener of the same place, Trustees of the School Department to be established in the above named Meeting house, and the School room, wherein the School is to be held, of the other part; Whereas John Lantz and Anna his wife by their Indenture &c. did grant &c. unto said Jacob Royer &c. &c. And whereas the members of the said Old Brothers Alias German Baptist Society of the Cone- stoga family, them belonging thereto, do view the necessity of a meeting house for public worship, or divine service for them- selves their own use and behoof of the said German Baptist, Alias Old Brothers, which is to say and them who belong to the Conestoga Family, have agreed amongst themselves & for their heirs and successors to build and erect a meeting house for the
1 About 25 years later, an annex 24 by 30 feet of brick was made.
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TULPEHOCKEN MEETING HOUSE. BASEMENT DOOR ENTERS INTO OLD SCHOOL ROOM.
RICHLAND BRETHREN CHURCH.
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purpose aforesaid, and whereas others of the neighborhood which do not belong to the same Society; However stand in need of a Burying ground and a School house. Now compro- mise with the members of the said Old Brothers Alias German Baptist Society belonging to the Conestoga family, therefore the said Jacob Royer and others the members of the said Con- gregation belonging to the Conestoga family, with others, their neighbors also view the necessity of a good Education as essential to the rising generation and to the form of our Re- publican institutions as forming the only true political and moral basis of the same. Now have agreed to build, and did erect and build the said meeting house, on the following de- scribed piece or parcel of land, for the purpose of Public worship in the second Story, and for a School to be taught in the first Story of said house as aforesaid, Agreeably to their written and verbal contract made as follows, in writing, says that the said Jacob Royer Sr. Give the following described lot of Ground for a Burying Ground, to erect a house thereon for a School and meeting house to the Old Baptist Brotherly So- ciety belonging to the Conestoga family, On the following Con- ditions agreed upon: Every person, or persons who die a natural and honest death be it a member of said Society, or any body else, is and shall be admitted and allowed to be buried on the said burying grounds, no matter to what Society they belong, without hindrance or molestation, and the funeral sermon to be held in the meeting house by such persons, as he, or they who have the funeral shall choose to have for to Preach the funeral Sermon, and that the meeting and School building be erected, the meeting room for Divine Service to be in the upper part, or second Story in said house, and the School room to be in under, in the lower part, below the meeting room, say in the lower Story of said house, And that every person, or persons, who was helping to erect or supported, or taking part, or hath taken part or share, or do take part or share at the said School house and School by supporting the same, shall have a right to the rules and regulations of the School and School room, which the same shall require as a member to vote for trustees, as far as respecting the School apartment, in lower Story, &c. &c.
There are a few living yet, who remember that they went to school in the basement of Tulpehocken Church before
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the public schools were fully inaugurated. There were only two desks, one on either side; but they extended through the whole length of the building, and the teacher's desk at the end. Among the teachers were-Hoffman, Levi Carver, William Killinger, Jacob Kline, and William Hertzler. The school term was four months in the year during the winter. It was a subscription school, 3 cents a day, only when present, and children came from near and far, and many are the fond recollections of the fathers and mothers yet living, of the school in the basement of the church.
Even when public schools were fully established in the township, several terms were yet held in this church under the supervision of the school board, after which a separate building was procured close by, and today there is a newly- built school house only about fifty feet from the church. Truly church and school go together.
Millbach House was built in the year 1850, with Daniel Zug and Daniel Royer as Trustees. Seating capacity, 350. Valuation $2,000; brick building.
Originally Seth Royer and Isaac Gibble, of the neighbor- hood of Kleinfeltersville, thought that a church should be built in their neighborhood, and offered to give very sub- stantially towards its erection. Their action led to the erec- tion of the brick house, 36 × 46 ft. The original cost of erection was $1001.72, of which there was paid
By members, excepting Isaac Gibble. .. $ 321.82
By Friends 200.93
By Isaac Gibble 105.00
By Seth Royer 373.97
$1001.72
The Building Committee consisted of Seth Royer and Isaac Gibble. In former years there was considerable con- fusion and contention about this meeting-house, when on the 17th day of April, A. D. 1861, an Act of Assembly was passed authorizing Daniel Zug and Daniel Royer, the trustees, to sell the aforesaid meeting-house. This was done by public vendue on the 6th of July, A. D. 1861. The
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property was purchased by Seth Royer and Isaac Gibble, for the use of a meeting-house and graveyard for the sum of twenty-five dollars. May 9, 1875, Seth Royer died; and on July 8, of same year, Allen W. Mentzer was elected trustee in his place. In 1876, the house was blown down. The cause given was that the carpenter work was not sufficient. Besides gratuitous labor, the cost of repairs was $449.31. Money was raised by subscription-117 subscribers. April 2, 1878, A. W. Mentzer moved to Ephrata, and John Erb was elected in his place. Isaac Gibble, undoubtedly a trustee since 1861, died in 1881 ; and April 7, 1882, Reuben Bollinger was elected to the office. After his death Ephraim Erb filled the place. February 23, 1889, one fourth acre of ground was bought of George Bucher for $50, for burial purposes. In 1910, land was given by Ephraim Erb, on which sheds were erected. At present we have abundant shedding at all of our meeting-houses, to shelter the horses, during our worship. "A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast."
Richland House was deeded to Adam Schaeffer in trust for the use of the German Baptist Brethren, German Re- formed and Lutheran congregations September 9, 1870. In 1896, the Lutheran members disposed of their undivided third to the other two. In 1901, the Brethren received sole control and ownership of the house. Seating capacity, 300. Valuation, $2,000. Brick building.
RICHLAND HALL CONVERTED INTO A HOUSE OF PUBLIC WORSHIP.
Rules and Regulations.
RICHLAND, June 3, 1870.
Your committee to whom was referred the duty of drafting suitable rules and regulations for the control and government of the joint ownership and use of the Hall after its purchase and conversion into a house of public worship and for Sunday School purposes-beg leave to present the following as the result of their deliberations :
Ist. The property shall be conveyed to the use of the Ger- man Baptist, German Reformed, and Lutheran denominations
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of Richland, and shall be owned and controlled by the mem- bers of said three denominations exclusively-each denomina- tion to pay its proportionate share of the purchase money for the building.
2nd. Whenever circumstances should render it necessary to promote the cause of religion and preserve the peace and good ends of these several denominations that either the one or the other should prefer to withdraw its claims to worship in said building, in such case the party withdrawing shall effect an amicable settlement with the parties remaining in possession of said building for such consideration in money to be paid the party withdrawing as their interest in said building and Justice may demand, provided that such money paid to the denomina- tion withdrawing must be again invested for a house of public worship within the limits of Richland.
3rd. The limits or boundary within which these regulations shall exist and operate shall be known as follows, viz .: Com- mencing at dwelling of Jacob K. Landis thence to George Stief -thence to Adam Loose-thence to tenant house of John Smaltz-thence to John Kreitz-thence to Peter Forry-and thence to Jacob Landis the place of beginning-including all those named but none beyond, and none shall be chosen a Trustee whose residence is not within these prescribed limits unless no member capable of serving of either one of said de- nominations should be found within, in which case the nearest resident of said denomination may be chosen.
4th. The time for occupancy of the house shall be amicably divided by weeks into three equal parts, and each denomination shall have its allotted and regular week for worship, but should any one denomination not fully occupy its time, it may be allotted to another on application to the proper trustee. The Sabbath School shall be conducted on the Union System which heretofore existed in this place. Ministers in good standing of other religious denominations shall be permitted for special and funeral occasions to preach in said building when not en- gaged by regular or previous appointment-Funeral occasions are to take special precedence.
5th. As soon as convenient after the adoption of these regu- lations-and at a meeting of which due notice shall be given, each of said denominations shall elect one of its own members a Trustee and elect their successors annually on the second Tuesday in May of each year. The qualification of voters for
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said Trustee shall be prescribed by each denomination as it seems fitting. In case of death, removal, or resignation of any member serving as a Trustee, the vacancy shall immediately be filled by the denomination in which it occurs.
6th. The said Trustees shall immediately after their election, organize by designating one of their number for President, one for Secretary and one for Treasurer.
7th. The President shall call all meetings and preside at same. Sign all orders for money drawn and attested by the Secretary.
8th. The Secretary shall keep correct account of all business of the board.
9th. All money collected and received shall be promptly paid over into the hands of the Treasurer, who shall charge himself therewith-and keep strict accounts of all moneys received and paid out.
Ioth. The duty of Trustees shall be to complete the purchase of the building, and without delay attend to making all neces- sary alterations, and repairs in manner following-Have the stage now in the room taken down, and lay an even floor through-excepting an ordinary sized platform raised eighteen inches above the floor with common pulpit fixtures and arrange- ments, and good close backed seats for the whole room some- what similar to those few now in the Hall. Have substantial steps put up at front door, and pavement laid in front of build- ing, and make such improvements as a majority of the board of Trustees shall deem necessary. Provide fuel and light, allow regular and special appointments, and have general supervision over the building.
IIth. All expenses incurred by the Trustees for alterations, repairs, fuel and light, shall be defrayed with money collected at dedication of building, and by general contribution.
12th. No one of these three denominations shall act arbi- trarily, or independent of the others respecting any matter in- volving the rights of all. Nor shall any voting or election be had, except as already provided, for Trustees, who in the dis- charge of their duties shall respect the wishes of a majority of contributors.
RICHLAND, June 3, 1870.
Pursuant to public notice previously given, the members of the several denominations, met at the depot office,-and on
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motion Abraham Zug was called to preside-After a free dis- cussion and interchange of opinions-the foregoing regulations were unanimously adopted.
C. E. HOFFMAN, DANIEL HOSTETTER, WILLIAM BECKER.
September 9, 1870, a deed was tendered by Edwin W. Landis and Malinda his wife, Levi D. Landis and Amelia his wife, to Adam Schaeffer in trust for the use of the German Baptist, Reformed, and Lutheran congregations. March 28, 1896, the Lutheran members of the church at Richland disposed of their one undivided third part of, or interest of, said church conveyed by deed to Jacob Dillman and Isaac F. Landis in trust for the German Baptist and Reformed denominations. On October 12, 1901, the Ger- man Reformed members of the church at Richland disposed of their one undivided one-half part of or interest of said church conveyed by deed to deacons of the German Baptist Brethren in trust for Tulpehocken Church. Thus ends the Union Church. The house now belongs wholly to the Brethren. However, for want of more room, the proba- bilities are that in the near future the Brethren will follow suit, and dispose of the whole, and invest the money in a new church building, at a new place where there is more space.3
Myerstown House was built in the year 1876. Seating capacity, 500. Valuation $3,000. Brick building.
Heidelberg House was built 1867. Original size, 50 X 70 ft. In 1900 an annex of 12 feet in length. Present seating capacity, 900. Valuation $4,500; stone building. The first meeting was held November 23 and 24, 1867, Saturday afternoon and evening and Sunday fore- noon. The first hymn that was sung was "Lobe den Herrn den Mächtigen König der ehren." The first Scripture was read by Bro. Jacob Reinhold, reading Hebrew 3 : 1-9, taking the 4th verse for his text. In the evening Bro. William Hertzler took for his text Heb. 4: 12-13, followed by Brethren Hollowbush and Kiefer.
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