USA > Pennsylvania > History of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of East Pennsylvania : with brief sketches of its congregations > Part 17
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This application was presented at the next convention of the Pennsylvania Synod, at Harrisburg, but it met with determined opposition, and a decision was postponed for one year. How- ever, at the next meeting of this body, in Lancaster, the request was granted, and the congregation united with the Synod of East Pennsylvania, at Hughesville, September, 1856.
While this change was most agreeable to the congregation, and won for it new friends, it also intensified the opposition of those who had been unfavorable to its organization. At this time the outlook was very discouraging. There was the burden of a heavy debt, to be borne by a congregation numerically and
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financially weak ; then the pastor was incapacitated by failing health, which necessitated the engagement of an assistant (Rev. Lewis Hippee), who served but six months ; and, finally, on March 19, 1857, the pastor himself resigned. It was thought that a change of employment might be beneficial to him, but he was a victim of consumption, and died January 13, 1859, beloved and lamented by all his people.
But St. John's had been planted. The tree was small, and many of the conditions of its growth and development were un- favorable, but it grew, and its thrift and fruitage are due, under God's blessing, largely to the faithful husbandmen who have cared for it. St. John's has been served by the following pastors : Rev. J. S. Crumbaugh, April 2, 1853, to March 19, 1857 ; Rev. Lewis Hippee, assistant, October, 1856, to June, 1857 ; Rev. D. Steck, January, 1858, to July, 1862 ; Rev. A. C. Wedekind, Jan- uary, 1863, to September, 1865 ; Rev. W. V. Gotwald, July, 1866, to June, 1869 ; Rev. B. C. Suesserott, January, 1870, to January, 1876 ; Rev. R. W. Hufford, May, 1876, to November, 1880; Rev. S. Stall, February, 1881, to May, 1887 ; Rev. B. F. Alleman, June, 1887, to the present time.
During the ministry of Mr. Steck, the condition of the con- gregation was much improved. His eloquent preaching drew large audiences, the number of communicants was almost doubled, and the Sabbath-school became the largest, save one, in the city. In one year (1860) eighty-two persons were admitted to church fellowship, which increased the membership to two hundred and fifteen. "Then already," we are informed, "the congregation had risen, in point of influence and Christian activity, to a posi- tion rivaling the oldest religious organizations of the community."
Although otherwise prosperous, the financial condition of St. John's was (1863) very depressing. The original debt had not only not decreased, but by a " sad misfortune," and unexpectedly to the congregation, it had largely increased-to more than $6,000.00.
In this respect the field was by no means inviting to Mr. Wede- kind. But he pursued an aggressive ministry, stimulated all de- partments of the church's activity, and, while he had the satisfac- tion of realizing an advance in spiritual matters, he could also
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rejoice in the great achievement of liquidating the entire in- debtedness of the congregation. "Owe no man anything," was his motto, and the irrepressible Ladies' Aid Society his chief human helper.
As with other pastors of St. John's, Mr. Gotwald's earnest ef- forts were blessed with seasons of gracious revival. The " church grew and multiplied." There was revival in worship, and in WORK. As never before the benevolence of the congregation was developed. In 1868 (Jubilee year) $4,000.00 were contributed for all purposes. Of this sum, $2,100.00 were devoted to benevo- lence, $400.00 being given to the cause of beneficiary education alone. At the suggestion of Mr. Gotwald, a Sabbath-school was organized in the northwestern part of the city. The school pros- pered, and after his death (June 9, 1869,) the congregation built for it a chapel to his memory, which was dedicated January 30, 1870. The school was named "Gotwald Memorial Mission," has been under the superintendence of Mr. John H. Kline for many years, and numbers 150 scholars and teachers.
The pastorate of Mr. Suesserott was characterized by practical work. The city was districted, and committees were appointed to aid the pastor in the spiritual care of the people. The "Belle- fonte System " for benevolent work was introduced, and this doubled the contributions the first year of its trial. Special atten- tion was given to beneficiary education, one young man being supported by the congregation alone for a season. The discipline of the church was faithfully enforced, special attention was given to the poor, and the church edifice was repaired and thoroughly renovated. Mr. Suesserott died January, 1867.
Owing to the protracted illness and death of his predecessor, Mr. Hufford found a field requiring earnest work. Vigorous effort, however, soon rallied the people, and the church pros- pered. A debt of $1500.00 was removed, various improvements were made in the lecture and infant school-rooms, and about the church building externally. One hundred and three were added to the membership, and the finances of the church were im- proved. As, by the action of the council, the penny collections were made the source of benevolent funds, no progress was made in that direction.
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One of the most significant events in this period of St. John's history, was the adoption of The Order of Worship provided by the General Synod. Hitherto, the congregation had been strongly anti-liturgical, and the change at first threatened serious results. But since that time the greater part of the Service has been used, and to-day the congregation holds a conservative position with regard to worship.
The succeeding pastor, Mr. Stall, having given considerable at- tention to the subject of church finances, and to methods of church work, endeavored to bring his people to more systematic effort, and to greater liberality in their work. As a result of these efforts the sum of $3177.60 for all purposes was reached in a single year, while the amount contributed to benevolence was about $800.00.
Improvements were made in the church property at an ex- pense of $1800.00, the Sabbath-school contributed two-thirds of the expenses of a beneficiary student for a time, and a parsonage was purchased which cost $5000.00. Two thousand dollars were paid on this purchase, the Ladies' Aid Society contributing one- half of that amount.
A Young People's Society, and a Boys' Society were organized. Sunday funerals were abolished, and an effort was made to estab- lish a new congregation at Gotwald Memorial Mission.
Under the present pastorate the debt on the parsonage has been removed, and so has the old church building. On account of an unmathematically-designed roof, the walls were bowed, and the structure otherwise injured. It was inspected, condemned, and torn down. The old building is gone, but not its hallowed memories, nor the spirit of the fathers who reared it. There stands to-day on the same spot a sanctuary which bespeaks the homage and faith of our people. The corner-stone was laid September 7, 1890, by Rev. W. H. Dunbar, president of Synod, assisted by Revs. C. L. Fry and Dr. J. Max Hark.
On Sabbath, October 4, 1891, the beautiful chapel was conse- crated by Rev. Dr. R. W. Hufford, then president of synod, as- sisted by Drs. H. W. McKnight, Revs. W. H. Dunbar, S. Stall and H. H. Weber.
St. John's has long since taken a prominent position among her
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sister churches in the East Pennsylvania Synod. She has been active in all the benevolent operations of the church. She has sent at least five sons, and as many daughters, into the ministry. She entertained the General Synod once, and the district synod four times. She has lost none of her prestige in the community. She has three hundred and sixty members, four hundred scholars
ST. JOHN'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, LANCASTER, PA.
and teachers in her Sabbath-schools, and is well organized for her work. She has a flourishing Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor numbering one hundred and four members, an efficient Ladies' Aid Society, and an active Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society. Recently death has dealt harshly with her, financial misfortune has crippled her, and her temple is not yet finished. But she is not disheartened. She looks back over the history of the past, and thanks God. She looks forward with the spirit of her fathers, and takes courage.
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XL. SEVENTH STREET LEBANON CHARGE, SEVENTH STREET AND MT. ZION.
BY REV. P. C. CROLL.
I. SEVENTH STREET CHURCH, LEBANON.
This is a daughter of Zion Lutheran church of this city. All her original members were former members of that congregation. When, in 1866, the mother church decided to discontinue the use of the German language in her public services, a number of her older members, speaking this tongue and preferring its use in public worship, peaceably withdrew, and, with the consent and direction of the church council, made efforts to establish a Ger- man mission in the then extreme northern portion of the city. Accordingly an organization was effected on May 2, of the same year. The meeting for organization was held at the house of Mr. Geo. Barry, where a constitution was adopted, and a pastor elected in the person of Rev. J. M. Deitzler. At first the name proposed by the mother church was adopted, viz., "The German Mission of Zion's Church of Lebanon." Later, this name was changed to " Zion's German Church," and, still later, during the pastorate of Rev. Stine and at its incorporation, to that of "Seventh Street Lutheran Church."
For a season after its founding this Mission worshiped in the house where the enterprise was born, which, because it was used for worship by other struggling church societies, received the name of the "Union Church," and was often called the " Union House of Prayer."
The first officers were the following : trustee, Christian How- erter ; elders, Henry Roland and George Patschke; deacons, George Garte, Conrad Roller, Benjamin F. Harpel and Peter Leslie.
In 1867 a neat frame church building was erected on the cor- ner of Seventh and Weidman streets, where the congregation had secured a large and valuable lot. To meet urgent demands in the liquidation of the church debt, all this valuable patch of ground, save the small corner now occupied by the church building, was gradually, but unduly and unwisely, disposed of in building lots.
The pastor, serving a large country charge, was at first enabled
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to preach but once in four weeks ; later, once in two weeks; and during the last years of his pastorate, once every Sabbath. This, and the exclusive use of the German language for a long period, go far in explaining the comparative slowness of pro- gress during the first decade and more of the congregation's his- tory. Only when the English language was introduced and proper care was given to the young people, and, finally, when a pastor settled among this flock, did the congregation manifest a healthy and substantial growth in numbers.
In 1882 this church, under the direction and by the help of the Lebanon Conference, and by the union with it of a small country
SEVENTH STREET EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, LEBANON, PA.
church at Mt. Zion, Lebanon county-hitherto a part of another pastorate-became the centre of a separate pastoral charge, with the pastor's residence here. Rev. Deitzler accordingly resigned this congregation, and in the spring of 1883 Rev. M. H. Stine, of Norwich, Conn., was called as the second pastor. He assumed charge May I of the same year. During his pastorate of nine years great progress was made. The charge became self-sustain- ing, after two or three years' help by the Lebanon Confer- ence. A brick parsonage was built the first year at a cost of $2,700.00. The Sunday-school rapidly increased in numbers and manifested a spirit of work. In 1885 an infant-school room was attached to the rear of the church, and the following year a pipe
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organ was purchased for use in public worship. In 1888 the old church was replaced by a larger and finer church building of brick-having a commodious and beautiful audience chamber capable of seating six hundred people, a Sunday-school room, and separate apartments for the infants, the library, and the pastor's study. The lower floors were dedicated in December of the same year, and the church proper on September 15, 1889. The struc- ture was completed at a cost of about $12,000.00, including furn- ishings, frescoing, and the heating of church and parsonage by steam. Of this amount, the present indebtedness on the entire property is about $3,400.00.
The growth of the membership has been commensurate with the outward improvements. From a communicant membership of fifty-seven in 1867, and of about ninety in 1882, it has steadily grown to about two hundred and seventy-five at the present time, and the Sunday-school to over three hundred.
In June, 1892, Rev. Stine resigned the charge to accept a call from our church at Los Angeles, Cal., and the congregation, in August of the same year, elected Rev. P. C. Croll, of Schuylkill Haven, Pa., as his successor, who assumed charge October I, 1892.
At present more than half the public services are conducted in English, and, out of twenty classes in the Sunday-school, but one is taught in German. The church is well organized, having all the usual working and devotional societies, is bright with hope, and fresh with the vigor of a young life, kept steady by its admix- ture with age and experience.
2. MT. ZION CHURCH.
This church, located about five miles north of Lebanon, and since 1883 a part of the Seventh Street Lutheran pastorate, came into being in 1854 under the following circumstances : When in the previous year the "Ziegel's" Lutheran church of this place- which had existed for the previous two generations as an exclu- sively Lutheran congregation, belonging synodically to the Minis- terium of Pennsylvania and Adjacent States-proposed the re-building of their edifice, the Reformed people living in this neighborhood, and by marriage closely related to this flock, who
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had previously enjoyed occasional privileges of conducting wor- ship here, proposed to contribute their quota towards the new building, provided equal rights should be deeded them to the property. This offer the Lutherans refused. In consequence, the Reformed, and such Lutherans as were joined with them by marriage or sympathy with the new project, resolved to build a new and union church within the shadow of the old, with equal rights to both parties. The enterprise succeeded, and in 1853 and 1854 a plain brick church was erected on an eminence at the edge of the village, costing, besides much gratuitous labor, several thous- and dollars. It is known as "Zion's Union Church of Mt. Zion."
Among the principal instigators in its erection were Samuel Goshert (after whom the village is commonly called) and Henry Hornish-both Reformed members, the former of whom donated enough land for church-plot and burial purposes. The building committee consisted of Samuel Goshert, Henry Hornish and Samuel Horn, on the Reformed side, and John Phillips, Henry Phillippy and John Olewein, on the Lutheran side.
The Lutheran congregation has from the beginning held its membership with the East Pennsylvania Synod, and has consti- tuted a part of four different pastoral charges, viz. : Womelsdorf, Annville, Myerstown and Seventh Street, Lebanon. Its pastors have been Revs. J. M. Deitzler, Uriel Graves, G. J. Martz, W. I. Cutter, E. Lenhart, P. C. Croll, M. H. Stine, and now again P. C. Croll.
The Reformed pastors have been Drs. Thos. H. Leinbach and C. H. Leinbach, and Rev. Welker. Since 1891 it has constituted a part of a new charge in the Reformed Church, which is at pres- ent without a pastor.
The Lutheran membership, which has always been the weaker, has been varying from forty to ninety communicants. At the last celebration of the Lord's Supper seventy-four communed. The people are agricultural in their pursuits, devout and church-loving. In worship the German, language is used, but a Union Sunday- school conducts all its exercises in English.
The church is built after the model of country churches, with galleries on three sides, and a pipe-organ at the end, opposite the pulpit. The building is in a good state of repair and is free from debt.
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XLI. ZION'S CHARGE, ASHLAND, SCHUYLKILL CO. ZION'S, ASHLAND, AND HUNTERSVILLE.
BY REV. G. W. FRITSCH.
I. ZION'S CHURCH, ASHLAND.
This church was organized by Rev. Jacob J. Weber, who was born at Wurtemberg, Germany, and came to America in 1847. In 1857 the East Pennsylvania Synod sent him as missionary to Ashland, where, June 14, he preached his first sermon. Four days later he organized Zion's with 125 members. In connection with this church he served for some years the congregation at Mahanoy City (General Synod), and those at Mahantongo, Tief Creek and Ringtown, belonging to the Synod of Pennsylvania.
The services of Zion's were held in the stone school-house of Ashland until 1860. The first class of catechumens was con- firmed in the English Methodist church building. In 1860 a small church was put up on the corner of 14th and Market streets. The corner-stone of this church was laid by Dr. C. A. Hay, of Harrisburg, and Dr. A. C. Wedekind, of Lebanon. For this church Pastor Weber collected money in the congregations of the brethren Hay, Wedekind, Strube, Henry and Link, where he was kindly received and assisted.
In 1869 this building was removed and the present commo- dious church erected. The corner-stone of this church was laid October 10, 1869, on which occasion the Revs. Reuben Weiser of Mahanoy City, G. A. Hinterleitner of Pottsville, H. C. Grossman, of Port Carbon, and the pastor, were present. The dedication of this church took place May 29, 1870. Dr. Wedekind, of New York, and Rev. Sanner, of Tremont, officiated. For this building no money was collected from others. In 1887 a large steeple and a bell were added, the Sunday-school room enlarged, stained win- dows put in the church, and the same papered. The Sunday- school of this congregation was organized in the year 1860 with eight members. Mr. Wm. Burmeister was its first superintendent, filling that office until 1878, when Mr. F. E. Heintze was elected, who is still the efficient superintendent of the school, which now numbers about 300.
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Rev. Weber served this church up to 1891 (a period of thirty- four years), when, on account of great feebleness, he felt com- pelled to lay down his work. A unanimous call was extended to Rev. G. W. Fritsch, then serving the Lyons charge, who entered this field with his family April 14, 1891. He was installed pastor of the congregation by Rev. P. C. Croll, of Schuylkill Haven, who preached in the German language to a large and appreciating audience.
Until the present pastor was called, all the services were con- ducted in the German language. But in view of the young of the church, who were rapidly becoming anglicised, and in view of some losses on this account, the church had decided that the new pastor should preach German in the morning and English in the evening of every Sabbath. Although the introduction of English was a wise and necessary step, it was nevertheless reluct- antly taken by not a few.
It is to be remarked in this connection that nearly all the parents of Zion's came from Germany, and from the province of Pomerania. They came to Ashland to work in the coal mines. Many families were helped over the ocean by their relatives. This occurs even yet occasionally. At present, however, the work and wages are rather poor and discouraging, the men often being allowed to work only three days a week, and having a certain percentage deducted even from that. Many say they cannot now live and pay as they go. A goodly number of this church own their plain houses, having paid for them when times were more favorable. Some who formerly worked in the mines are now suc- cessful business men.
This congregation not having a parsonage when Rev. Fritsch took charge of it (Rev. Weber living in a house of his own), it decided within less than four months to erect one back of the church. A beautiful frame house, with modern improvements, was ready to be occupied by the following February, when the happy and grateful pastor-family took possession. The ground belong- ing to the church, the building was put up at a cost of $2,500.00, leaving a present indebtedness, on account of scant earnings, etc., of about $1,500.00. The membership of this church at present is easily 500, when those are looked upon as members who count themselves as such and think they have a right to be so judged.
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The congregation has now a general prayer-meeting, conducted every Wednesday evening in both languages, the German pre- ponderating. It is fairly well attended. Prayers are offered by both sexes.
In the spring of 1892 a Society of Christian Endeavor was or- ganized by the pastor, which is conducted in the English language, with the privilege given to those who wish it, to use the German. This society has so far been quite successful and a great encour- agement to the pastor. It has a membership of over fifty at present.
A Children's Mission Band has also been organized by the pas- tor's wife, who is assisted by several faithful ladies of the church. This band is made up of little girls who come together every Satur- day. Sewing is also taught, and the articles made are sold in town. To this mission band meeting, which was something new in its way, children from all the different Protestant churches in town are coming, showing much interest and delight in its operation.
The pastor also meets the little boys, from six years up to the catechetical class, every Saturday from ten to eleven a. m. These boys are known by the name of Little Soldiers.
The congregation has also a sewing circle, organized in 1890. This faithful band of workers has furnished the church with a beautiful altar set. For benevolence, Zion's has raised this year (1892) $204.11.
The salary, paid in monthly installments, is $750.00 and parson- age, in addition to a small amount received from the congrega- tion at Huntersville.
Finally, it may be said of this church that, while in many respects it is not up to many of our General Synod churches, it is however making progress, and the pastor has reason to feel en- couraged as well as discouraged in his work.
2. HUNTERSVILLE.
In 1891 Rev. G. W. Fritsch, pastor of Zion's church, of Ash- land, organized a small congregation in the village of Huntersville, a short distance west of Ashland, which for the present meets in the public school-house. Divine service is held every three weeks. This little flock contributed $60.00 towards the support of the pastor during the last year.
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XLII. ST. JAMES' CHURCH, CHALFONT, BUCKS CO. BY REV. GEORGE SILL.
St. James' Lutheran Church was organized, and a commodious structure for divine worship built, in the year 1857, under the supervision of Rev. John W. Hassler, then pastor of St. Peter's Lutheran church, North Wales, and St. John's Lutheran church, Centre Square, Montgomery county. There were about fifteen charter members, among whom were the following : Martin Eck- hart, George Delp, David Barnett, Charles Eckhart, William Bid- dle and Samuel Delp.
Rev. Hassler served this church as pastor to the year 1863, when he became chaplain of the 112th Regiment, Pa. Volunteers.
Rev. Peter M. Rightmyer became his successor in the same year, and served this charge four years. At his resignation, St. Peter's and St. John's united in calling a pastor, and so leaving St. James without a minister to break unto them the bread of life and ad- minister the holy sacraments. The congregation was too weak in membership to support a minister by itself, and so called Rev. G. M. Lazarus, of Quakertown, to supply it with the means of grace for a time indefinite. This arrangement continued from 1869 till 1871.
Rev. C. Pitman Whitecar was elected pastor February 9, 1871, and installed May 21 of the same year, serving the church "one year, nine months and seven days."
Rev. R. F. Kingsley became successor to Rev. Whitecar, Janu- ary 1, 1874, and resigned September 22 of the same year. Rev. H. M. Bickel was called to the pastorate some time during the year 1874, and served the charge till autumn, 1875.
A certain Mr. Hertzel, professing to be a minister of the Reformed church, offered his service as supply until such time as the church could get a regular Lutheran pastor, which offer was accepted by the members of the church. His stay was two years, viz., 1876 and 1877, during which time seeds of discord and strife were sown which have proved a great hindrance to the prosperity of the church.
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