USA > Pennsylvania > History of the Church of the brethren of the Eastern district of Pennsylvania > Part 9
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53
4 " German Baptist Brethren," by the author, 1901, pp. 129-130.
95
GERMANTOWN.
interest, for it has long since become a landmark in the midst of the passing centuries. Considering the time in which it was built it is singularly complete in its appoint- ments. Its substantial character may well be judged from the fact that it has stood so long, and is in excellent state of preservation, barring accident, might do service for another century. It is thirty feet square, built of native Germantown stone, with walls eighteen inches thick. There is a large well-appointed basement, under the entire build- ing, of good height, where there was a large fireplace for cooking and making the necessary preparations for love- feast occasions. In the corner, near the fireplace, is a large flat stone, hollowed out trough-like, built into the wall, on which the waste water was poured to drain out of the build- ing. The floor in the audience-room is yellow pine, full of pitch and very hard. The boards were carefully selected, very wide, almost every board has a heart in it, no sap boards, and there has been no decay in all these years. But there is another reason why these boards are neither de- cayed nor worm-eaten. The floor rests on a bed of mor- tar, which is supported beneath by a layer of split oak lath. Hand-made nails are used throughout. About thirty-five years ago the audience-room was remodeled, but formerly the ceiling was about eight feet high, plastered and white- washed; and a heavy wooden girder, supported by two posts, was visible. There was a large loft, very roomy and well- lighted, supplied by four windows, two in each gable. It seems to have been built and arranged for some special pur- pose, perhaps largely unknown at this time. There was an outside entrance to this loft, making access easy, and with- out disturbing in any way, or entering, the audience-room. Many years ago these gable ends were rough-cast, covering up all traces of this loft-door and windows, and all knowl- edge of them seems to have been lost, until some years ago, when we restored this front. Upon removing the rough- cast, there were the outlines of the door and windows dis- tinctly visible. At this time I made the following measure- ments : the door was four feet, three inches wide and six feet, six inches high, a very large door, if it was a single
96
THE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN.
one. The windows were three feet, two inches wide and four feet, six inches high. To what different uses this story was put, is not known. It was large enough to make a roomy dwelling for a small family. The place seems to have been extensively used for storing the unbound sheets of publications that required months to run through the press. It is said that Elder Christopher Sower so occupied the place, with his third edition of the Bible, in 1777, and that the unbound sheets were confiscated by the British soldiers, and used for gun-wads and for bedding their cav- alry horses.
The Old Parsonage .- The south half of the Church grounds need a brief account. The Brethren came into possession of this portion many years after acquiring title to the north half. This part was bought by Johannes Mack from Peter Shoemaker in 1730. On August 29, 1751, Johannes Mack and Margaretta, his wife, sold the same to Christopher Sower. It consisted of seventy-eight perches and had two houses thereon. On September 24, 1753, Christopher Sower and Catharina, his wife, sold the same to Philip Weaver, for sixty pounds, and he, in the year 1756, erected his large stone dwelling, that in the next cen- tury became known as The Old Parsonage. On March 18, 1796, John Weaver, Philip Weaver and Susanna Keyser, three children and heirs of the above Philip Weaver, deeded the property to Abraham Keyser, for the sum of four hun- dred pounds; and on the following day, the said Abraham Keyser deeded the same, for the same amount, to Philip Weaver, one of the sons and heirs of the first mentioned Philip Weaver. On April 4, 1804, Philip Weaver and his wife, Ann, sold the same to the Trustees of the Brethren congregation, for the consideration of four hundred and thirty pounds. This stone residence has an exceedingly interesting history, like unto the Pettikoffer House, or (Meeting House and Widow's Home), and the Old Stone Church. The Weaver house was rented by the Brethren as a private residence, and then in the early decades of the nineteenth century, before the time of the public school system, Sister Susan Douglass occupied the house with her
97
GERMANTOWN.
large Select School.5 After the closing of this school the Parsonage was again rented, for many years, as a private residence. While this Weaver house, that stood in three centuries, was known for many years as "The Old Par- sonage," it was in reality the residence of the pastor, only eight years, from 1893 to 1901, when it was occupied by the author and his family, during his pastorate in the Mother Church. Some ten years ago, this famous old land- mark of Germantown was torn down, to make room for the new parsonage.
The Old Cemetery .- This cemetery is a very interesting place, it is furthermore a beautiful spot, and often did I hear people say, they wished they could be buried there. So far as grave-stones indicate, the first burial took place in 1797. Many of the old families of Germantown are rep- resented, in some cases several generations, and in a few cases five and six generations. Many of the members, and especially of the officials, for several generations are buried here. From all the walks of life, the humblest, as well as those noted, and of religious and social prominence, rest here side by side. Among other noted persons, Miss Har- riet Livermore lies buried here, in an unmarked grave, the woman who opened our National Congress with prayer in 1832; the "Evangelist," "The Guest" of Whittier's Snow Bound; the " Pilgrim Wanderer " in the Holy Land, and in Egypt; the "Watcher" on Mt. Sinai in the immediate expectation of the coming of Christ. After she had wan- dered all over the world her tired body was laid to rest in this beautiful God's acre, in the lot of Sister Worrell, in the midst of these historic surroundings. This cemetery is still much used as a place of burial; it is kept in excellent condi- tion, and receives constant care and attention.
Two Prominent Bishops .- Germantown has been blessed with a remarkable line of active ministers and prominent Bishops. Of the latter, she had five, from 1723 to 1850, or 127 years, any one of whom would have been sufficient
5 For account of Weaver Log-House, and The Select School, see " German Baptist Brethren," by the author, pp. 134 and 135; also Penn- sylvania-German Magazine.
8
98
THE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN.
to give luster to the history of any church. From 1723 to 1747, she had Peter Becker and Alexander Mack, Sr., whose lives and labors have been so fully recounted in the history of the Church of the Brethren with which they were so inseparably connected. These two Bishops were contempo- rary at Germantown for only six years, from 1729 to 1735; but succeeding them were two who were contemporary from 1748 to 1784, or a period of 36 years. These were Alex- ander Mack, Jr., and Christopher Sower. It is impossible to give here a biography of these two prominent Bishops, such as their lives and labors would so justly deserve. We must be satisfied, at this time, with very brief biographical data and some records of their activities; especially so, because there is so much of their lives already recorded.6
Alexander Mack, Jr .- He was born January 25, 1712, at Schwarzenau; and baptized in 1728, in his seventeenth year, likely in Holland. He emigrated to America with his father the next year, in the Second Emigration, 1729. He resided at Germantown from 1729 to 1739, when, in the Koch excitement, as before noted," he removed to Ephrata. For his marriage and family, see Mack Family, at the close of this sketch. Disappointed and utterly discouraged with the conditions and work at Ephrata, he returned to German- town, and was destined to become his father's eminent suc- cessor. His election, ordination as Elder, or Bishop, and his leadership have been noted. He was a man of great energy and far-reaching influence. He was the most emi- nent man, without doubt, that the Church of the Brethren ever had in America, considering the times and circum- stances of his eventful life, and his times. He was an able man as a preacher and counselor in church work. He was well known and greatly beloved all over the church. He was a gifted hymn-writer, and wrote much in defense of the doctrine of the Brethren. For more than half a century, he served the Church ably and faithfully. His life was full of good deeds and was a great blessing to many. He died
6 " German Baptist Brethren," by the author, pp. 136-140; also by Brumbaugh ; also " Some Who Led," Brethren Publishing House, 1912, Alexander Mack, Jr., pp. 23-26.
7 See Part I, Chapter X, a Great Religious Crisis ; also Chapter XI.
99
GERMANTOWN.
at the ripe age of 91 years, I month, and 20 days. The following is his epitaph, composed by himself a short time before his death :
" Gott der uns hat aus Staub gemacht und wiederum zum Staub gebracht wird zeigen Seiner Weisheit macht wann wir nach Seinem Bild erwacht."
A rather literal translation would be as follows: "God who created us out of dust, and brings us again to dust, will certify His wisdom's power, when we awake with His likeness."
It should be stated that much of its beauty is lost in any translation. In its original setting, it is as fine a conception of thought as I have found in any language. He lies buried at Germantown.
LIST OF BAPTISMS.
Some of the baptisms performed by Alexander Mack, Jr., at Germantown, after the year 1766:
1766 .- May 15, Margretta Hartzbach. October 3, Nathaniel Schrieber.
October 17, Henry Schlingluft, Jr., Catharine Schling- luft, Dorothea Fox.
1767 .- July 12, Charles Lang.
August 7, Anna B. Van Lashett and Elizabeth Schling- luff. August 16, Jacob Bauman and Maria Barbara, his wife.
October 2, Conrad Good, William Spira and Maria Spira.
1768 .- March 27, Christina Schlungluff, Jr.
September 25, Hannah Stamm.
1769 .- May 14, Sarah Baker.
July 27, Christopher Saur, Jr.
100
THE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN.
1769 .- September 3, Michael Keyser, Sarah Mack and Susana Baker.
October 5, Peter Keyser and Hannah, his wife, Henry Sharpnack and Sarah, his wife, John Schlingluff, Conrad Stamm, Maria Fendt, Elizabeth Raab.
1770 .- September 2, John Weber, William Leibert, Dirock Keyser and Rachel, his wife.
September 30, Julius Roberly and Appolonia, his wife.
1771 .- May 19, Thomas Langstoth and Catherine, his wife, Hannah Mack, Hannah Stier.
September 8, John Kaempfer.
November 10, Rudolph Harley and Barbara, his wife, John Harley and Margaretta, his wife, Ulrich Stouffer and Hannah, his wife.
1772 .- April 19, Michael Corbit, Garehart Clemens and Ger- trude, his wife, Jacob Landis and Maria, his wife. 1773 .- January 4, John Prisz. 66 January 20, Phillipina Vernon.
1774 .- March 27, Edmund Langstroth.
66
May 12, Edward Bright and Elizabeth, his wife, Eliza- beth Painter, Ruth Silence.
July 3, Cornelius Neisz, William Heisler, David Meredith, Jacob Raab, George Duke John Leibert, Anna Leibert, Susanna Hinckle, Hannah Knorr, Lydia Keyser, Catherine Bauman.
October 16, William Prisz and Susanna Knorr.
Here occurs a break in the records for the period of nine years.
1783 .- October 20, Susanna Weaver, John Weaver's wife, and Catherine Keyser, Michael Keyser's wife.
1785 .- March 6, Emanuel Fox and his wife, Margarett, Jacob Zigler and Lydia Kulp. I regret very much that I cannot present a complete list of his baptisms, but it has been impossible to confirm a part of the list. There is no complete record extant.
The following is a partial list of baptisms by Christopher Sower:
1748 .- November 3, Elizabeth Weiss, Catherine Buchmarin, Susanna Miller.
101
GERMANTOWN.
1749 .- April 2, Jacob Ganz.
1755 .- May 18, Andrew Menichinger.
1758 .- March 26, Uly Rinder and wife.
1781 .- July 15, George Becker and his wife, Catherine Nancy Becker, their daughter, Catherine, daughter of Frederick Stamm.
1783 .- November 6, Adam Weber.
1784 .- June 10 .- Martin Urner and wife, Barbara Baugh.
When Christopher was dead and Alexander Mack was past seventy-two years of age, the second Martin Urner baptized some at Germantown, and the following is perhaps a complete list :
1784 .- August 15, Derick Keyser and his wife, Elizabeth, and Susanna Weaver, Philip Weaver's daughter.
1785 .- September 25, Nicholas Oliver, Benjamin Lehman, and Peter Keyser, Jr.
1786 .- September 14, Henry Rinker, William Keyser and his wife, Barbara, Elizabeth Lehman and Mary Heisler.
1788 .- September 4, Charles Hubbs and his wife, Mary, Catherine Clemens and Hannah, the daughter of Derick Keyser.
Christopher Sower .- Bishop Christopher Sower was the only son of Christopher Sower, the first.º According to his own record in his diary, "I was born on the twenty-sixth of September, 1721, in the town of Laasphe in Witgen- stein, about six hours from Marburg." At the age of three years, his parents brought him to America, and for two years resided in Germantown. At the end of this time, 1726, they removed to Lancaster county where they resided until 1730, when his mother joined the Solitary of Beissel, and was made subprioress of the Sisterhood. The follow- ing year, 1731, the father with his now motherless boy of ten years, returned to Germantown, where they permanently resided. It was not until 1744, that the young man was able to induce his mother to leave Beissel, and return to her husband in Germantown, and he had the joy of seeing his
9 See " German Baptist Brethren," Brumbaugh, "The Two Chris- topher Sowers," p. 338.
102
THE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN.
parents live happily together for seven years, when she died in 1752. At the age of 16 years, he was baptized February 24, 1737. He was elected a deacon of the Germantown congregation in 1747. On June 7, 1748, he, with Alexan-
MACK FAMILY.8
Ist. Gen.
Date of Birth.
Plaće.
Date of Marriage.
Place.
Date of Death.
Remarks.
Alexander
1679
Germany
1700
Germany
1735
1720
Anna Margaretha Klin- gen.
2d Gen. John Valentine
(?) 1731
America
1755 8-11-1758
Maria Hildebrand Mack.
John Alexander
1-28-1712 9-25-1725
I- 1-1749
I- 1-1749
3-20-1803 5- 6-1811
Sneider. Ordained, 1748. Elizabeth Nice Mack.
3d Gen. William
10-31-1741
America
10-13-1772
10-13-1772
6- 6-1769
4- 5-1770
Blacksmith. Agnes Gantz Mack. Death in childbirth. Husband.
Sarah Marg.
12-23-1753
2- 2-1776
9- 8-1799
I-23-1822
Hannah
9-10-1755
66
8-27-1775
4- 6-1816
Baptized, 9-3-1769. Husband, Jacob Zigler. Baptized, 5-19-1771. Husband, Adam Weaver.
Alexander Lydia
1-18-1758 I- 4-1761
1779
1779
12-14-1785
Baptized, 3-6-1785. Husband, Dielman Kulp. Husband, John Lentz, Baker.
Elizabeth Anna Marg.
5- 2-1763 7-31-1765 1764
66
8-22-1784 8-22-1784
5-29-1770 5-29-1838 3- 2-1833
Died of smallpox. Baptized, 3-6-1785. Baptized, 3-6-1785. Husband, Emanuel Fox.
1-20-1756
8-27-1775
8-30-1815
3-26-1760
7-15-1788
66
8 Three generations of Alexander Mack's family, the third being Alexander Mack, Jr.'s, children. For a full account of Life and Writ- ings of Alexander Mack, Jr., see "German Baptist Brethren," M. G. Brumbaugh, pp. 211-273.
der Mack, Jr., was elected Bishop, on trial. Five years later, June 10, 1753, these two, having been fully proven, were duly ordained by Peter Becker, by the laying on of hands, and thus were they fully established in their long and useful service.
Anna Maria
10-29-1752
6- 6-1769
2-17-1753
2- 2-1776
(?) 1731
103
GERMANTOWN.
His Marriage and Family.10 -- He was married to Cath- erine Sharpnack, April 1, 1751, and to them were born nine children, and have left numerous descendants. In 1754 his father transferred to him the publication of English books. His father died in 1758, and he became sole pro- prietor of his father's large printing and publishing busi- ness, as well as other interests, and became possessed of large wealth, and one of the most extensive business inter- ests of his times. During the Revolutionary War, he was arrested by the Colonial Government, and, without a trial or a hearing, was imprisoned and all his property confis- cated. Released finally in 1778, penniless, he received as- sistance in money and provisions from some friends, and his daughter ministering to him, as his faithful housekeeper, he lived in obscurity and poverty until 1784, when he died. Alexander Mack wrote a hymn in his memory, which was sung at the funeral. His age was 63 years, while his con- temporary, Alexander Mack, Jr., lived 91 years, and died in the beginning of the next century.
Peter Keyser .- The next notable Bishop of Germantown was Peter Keyser. He was born November 9, 1766,-and was baptized, September 28, 1784. He was elected to the ministry, 1785, and ordained a Bishop in 1802,-having been the intimate associate of Alexander Mack, Jr., during all those early years of his ministry. He was Bishop of Germantown for almost fifty years, also of Philadelphia, which for many years was regarded as a branch of German- town. For full biographical facts, and his life, and service, see the following : Chapter II, "The Philadelphia Church"; "Some Who Led," pp. 27-30; and, also, "The Keyser Family," by Chas. S. Keyser, Esq., Philadelphia, 1889. A mere reference to these records must suffice, for the life of one who would well deserve a full discussion here.
Later History .- In more than one hundred years, very few elections for ministers were held in Germantown. In consequence, with the death of Peter Keyser, in 1849, the work gradually, but steadily, declined. For many years the preaching was supplied, in part, by the Philadelphia
10 See " Sower Family Chart," by Chas. G. Sower.
104
THE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN.
ministers, John W. Price, from Fitzwatertown, and others, from adjoining churches. For a period of almost twenty years there was no resident minister. At times deacons conducted the preaching services. Finally, there were no resident deacons, and when the present writer became pas- tor, in 1893, there was neither minister nor deacon in the congregation. For many years there are very few, or no records at all, they having passed into the hands of indi- viduals, and, no doubt, some were lost and destroyed. A peculiar condition existed in Germantown, as in Philadel- phia, that for many years the only records were the records of the Board of Trustees. The present records seem to date from 1863, when the Board consisted of John Price, Chairman, Stephen Benton, Secretary, Benjamin Lehman, Treasurer, Amos Cowell, J. G. Hammer, J. Sheetz, John Price, Jr., and Chas. M. Benson. Several committees were appointed to conduct the business of the Church. On October 27, 1867, W. W. C. Paul and Bro. James Kirk were elected trustees in place of Bros. Benton and Cowell, deceased. January 19, 1868, Bro. Britton was elected in place of Bro. Lehman, deceased.
On February 9, 1870, James Kirk and Chas. M. Benson were elected deacons.
There was a Sunday School in 1872.
In 1875, Willis, Ambers, and Unruh were elected trus- tees. Bro. Kolb was elected to fill the vacancy of Hammer, resigned. In 1877, the minutes imply that Bro. J. T. Meyers had been in the service of the Church three years. In 1877 William Price was elected trustee. By the year 1881, Brethren Kolb and Britton had died, and Paul re- signed, Brethren John Thomas and Harry Shugard, and Thos. B. Hammer were elected. In 1885, John Thomas resigned as trustee. In 1888, the cemetery was enlarged. In 1889, Bro. Francis W. Price was elected trustee. In May, 1890, Joseph Sheetz resigned as sexton and trustee. In 1890, efforts were made to secure a resident preacher. Bro. W. B. Stover now in India, served the Church for about one year though residing in Philadelphia. The Church having called the writer, through the General Mis-
105
GERMANTOWN.
sion Board, he arrived at Germantown, from Mt. Morris, Ill., with his family, on June 9, 1893, and preached his first sermon in the "Old Stone Church," on June II, following. This pastorate lasted eight years, the facts, and events of which can not be recorded in detail here. A few facts from the minutes of the Church (which are now regularly kept) and from the minutes of the Board of Trustees must be suffi- cient for lack of space. The New Stone Church was built in 1896 and 1897. The church minutes contain the follow- ing record : " New Church dedicated May 17, 1897. Preach- ing morning, afternoon and evening. Church filled at each service, especially in the afternoon. Speakers were G. N. Falkenstein, J. T. Myers, T. T. Myers, Jesse Ziegler, S. R. Zug, M. G. Brumbaugh and others. F. W. Price, Clerk." This new church building cost $8,000. The following is from the minutes : "F. W. Price and Alpheus Fahnestock elected deacons, September 2, 1897. General Mission Board in charge." Having resigned, to take charge of the new school to be organized as Elizabethtown College, the follow- ing appears on the minutes of the board of trustees, Decem- ber 1, 1900: In view of the resignation of our pastor, Bro. G. N. Falkenstein, we herewith petition the District Mis- sion Board to secure for us at the earliest possible oppor- tunity, a regular pastor who shall take charge of the work of this church." The appointments continued to be filled by the writer, until in February, 1901, coming from Elizabeth- town every week, when on account of sickness in the family, his preaching had to cease. For a time the appointments were filled by supplies. Then followed the pastorate of Bro. T. T. Myers, of Philadelphia, of about one year; and that of Walter Long, of about two years, from 1902 to 1904. On November 13, 1905, the Church decided to call Bro. M. C. Swigart to become pastor.
I regret very much indeed that limited space absolutely forbids me giving as full an account as I would like to give of the work of these five pastors, extending over a period of 22 years, from 1892 to 1914. I must close this History with but a brief account of the present pastor and his work. Bro. M. C. Swigart was born in Mifflin Co., Pa., December
106
THE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN.
28, 1868, and was baptized in June, 1888. He was elected to the ministry in 1894, and advanced to the second degree in 1900. Before coming to Germantown he taught in the public schools, and preached in his home church. He came to Germantown April 4, 1906, and has since had a very successful pastorate. He has organized a number of Church activities, and baptized 74. The membership has increased in these 8 years from 50 to about 126. There is a flourishing Sunday School, with an enrollment of over 200, with a well sustained Home Department, and Cradle Roll, and collections ranging from $5.00 to $7.00 a Sunday. The Sisters' Aid Society supports a native worker in India, and contributes $50 to $60 to Home Mission Work. The Missionary contributions, in 1913, were $2.61 per member. The preaching services are well attended, both by the mem- bers of the Church, and outside people, at times filling the house, so that extra seats have to be provided. Bro. Swi- gart was ordained to the eldership in 1912, which was prob- ably only the second ordination, in the Mother Church, since 1802.
BRETHREN CHURCH, DAUPHIN ABOVE BROAD, PHILADELPHIA.
CHAPTER II.
THE PHILADELPHIA CHURCHES.
A. FIRST BRETHREN CHURCH.
Peter Keyser is the father of the church in Philadelphia. Here he lived, though being a member at Germantown. He was public spirited; he was a part of the growing city, and he longed that his city should have its highest possible bless- ing-the benediction and benefaction of the pure Chris- tianity of the Church of the Brethren. The truest devo- tion of the Brethren to public education is manifested in the alliance of the Brethren Church with it in her first work in Philadelphia. The Brethren first held services in Philadel- phia in a schoolhouse on the northwest corner of Fourth and Vine Sts.1 The hearty service of the Brethren in the cause of education on their first entrance into the semblance of congregational existence in Philadelphia, her first preacher here being also a school director, is now duly repaid by a brother being at the head of the educational work of this most truly American of all our great cities.
It is not clear, however, as claimed by Bro. M. G. Brum- baugh that the Philadelphia church was organized in 1813, though this is not saying, however, that preaching services did not begin at this time. For many years after the meet- ing-house was erected in 1817, Philadelphia continued an integral part of the congregation at Germantown, all the love-feasts being held in Germantown till 1826. From this date until 1858, they alternated between Germantown and Philadelphia, the spring feast being held in Philadelphia. The process of separation was long and gradual, and almost imperceptible. In fact all the preachers of Philadelphia up to 1865, including Henry Geiger, David Harley, and Chris- tian Custer are on the list of Germantown preachers.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.