USA > Pennsylvania > History of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of East Pennsylvania : with brief sketches of its congregations > Part 4
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. Rev. C. J. Ehrehart .
Rev. R. A. Fink, D. D.
18 1859 Harrisburg .
Rev. D. Steck, D. D ..
Rev. R. A. Fink, D. D.
. Rev. E. S. Henry.
19 1860 Sunbury .
Rev. C. A. Hay, D. D.
Rev. S. Domer, D. D .. . Rev. E. Greenwald, D. D.
20 1861 Germantown . Rev. J. A. Seiss, D. D. .
. Rev. M. Sheeleigh, D. D. . . Rev. L. E. Albert, D. D.
21 1862 Reading . . Rev. A. C. Wedekind, D. D.
.. Rev. T. T. Titus. . · Rev. M. Valentine, D. D.
22 1863 Milton .. . Rev. R. A. Fink, D. D .. . . ... Rev. L. E. Albert, D. D. .. ... Rev. C. J. Ehrehart.
47
SYNODICAL MEETINGS AND OFFICERS.
.
14 1855 Lebanon. . Rev. G. Parson, D. D ...
No. . .
Year .
PLACE.
PRESIDENT.
SECRETARY.
TREASURER.
23 1864 Lebanon. .
Rev. L. E. Albert, D. D.
Rev. J. R. Dimm, D. D.
Rev. S. Sentman.
24 1865 Easton . .
Rev. E. Greenwald, D. D.
Rev. E. W. Hutter, D. D.
Rev. A. C. Wedekind, D. D.
25 1866 Danville
Rev. S. Sentman . . Rev. J. H. Heck ..
Rev. G. Parson, D. D.
26 1867 Pottsville . .
Rev. M. Valentine, D. D ..
Rev. H. C. Shindle .
Rev. M. Rhodes, D. D.
27 1868 Lancaster. .
Rev. G. F. Stelling, D. D.
.
Rev. H. C. Shindle
Rev. M. Rhodes, D. D.
28 1869 Lebanon . . Rev. P. Rizer . .
Rev. S. A. Holman, D. D.
Rev. P. Raby.
29 1870 Harrisburg .
Rev. J. R. Dimm, D. D ..
. Rev. S. A. Holman, D. D.
30|1871 Philadelphia .
Rev. M. Sheeleigh, D. D .. .
Rev. S. A. Holman, D. D ..
Rev. P. Raby.
31 1872 Easton ..
Rev. S. A. Holman, D. D. ·
Rev. S. Henry .
Rev. L. E. Albert, D. D.
32 1873 Germantown .
Rev. B. C. Suesserott . .
Rev. S. Henry .
Rev. L. E. Albert, D. D.
33 1874 Pottsville
Rev. C. A. Hay, D. D. .
Rev. S. Henry .
|Rev. L. E. Albert, D. D.
34 1875 Reading .
Rev. E. S. Henry
,Rev. J. F. Reinmund, D. D.
Rev. W. M. Baum, D. D.
35.1876|Columbia.
Rev. S. Henry .
. Rev. J. F. Reinmund, D. D.
36 1877 Lebanon. .
Rev. Joel Swartz, D. D.
Rev. W. H. Dunbar, D. D.
Rev. Joel Swartz, D. D. .
Rev. W. H. Dunbar, D. D.
Rev. L. E. Albert, D. D.
.38 1879 Harrisburg .
Rev. W. M. Baum, D. D. .
·
Rev. W. H. Dunbar, D. D. ..
Rev. L. E. Albert, D. D.
39 1880 Allentown .
Rev. W. M. Baum, D. D. .
Rev. J. A. Singmaster .
Rev. L. E. Albert, D. D.
40 1881 Lancaster .
Rev. W. M. Baum, D. D. .
Rev. J. A. Singmaster . ·
Rev. E. Huber, D. D
41 |1882 Pottsville . .
Rev. T. C. Billheimer, D. D. . Rev. G. C. Henry.
Rev. E. Huber, D. D.
42 1883 Germantown
Rev. T. C. Billheimer, D. D.
Rev. P. C. Croll . .
Rev. E. Huber, D. D.
43 1884 Easton
Rev. T. C. Billheimer, D. D. .
Rev. P. C. Croll .
Rev. L. E. Albert, D. D. Rev. L. E. Albert, D. D.
45|1886|Reading . .
Rev. E. Huber, D. D.
Rev. J. A. Hackenberg . . Rev. J. A. Hackenberg .
Rev. W. M. Baum, D. D.
47 1888 Philadelphia .
Rev. W. H. Dunbar, I). D. .
Rev. J. A. Hackenberg .
. Rev. W. M. Baum, D. D.
48 1889 Steelton . .
Rev. W. H. Dunbar, D. D. . Rev. Chas. E. Hay ..
Rev. W. M. Baum, D. D.
49 1890 Columbia . Rev. W. H. Dunbar, D. D. . Rev. Chas. E. Hay . .
Rev. D. M. Gilbert, D. D.
50 1891 Middletown . Rev. R. W. Hufford, D. D. . . . Rev. Chas. E. Hay . . . Rev. D. M. Gilbert, D. D.
51 1892 Lancaster Rev. R. W. Hufford, D. D. .... Rev. W. H. Lewars
. Rev. D. M. Gilbert, D. D.
.
.
Note .- The officers are credited in the above table with titles received up to the date of this publication, although the latter were in many cases not borne during the terms of service indicated.
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EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD.
44 1885 Ashland.
Rev. E. Huber, D. D ..
Rev. P. S. Hooper . .
. Rev. L. E. Albert, D. D.
46 1887 Lebanon .
Rev. E. Huber, D. D ...
.
. Rev. W. M. Baum, D. D.
. Rev. W. M. Baum, D. D.
37 1878 Philadelphia
Rev. P. Raby. .
SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS.
I. FRIESBURG (COHANSEY) CHURCH, SALEM COUNTY, N. J.
BY REV. S. J. MCDOWELL.
The history of the Friesburg Lutheran Church dates back to 1726. Some time during that year, Rev. Peter Tranberg, a Swedish pastor, began to serve a small body of Lutherans that settled in and about the district now known as Friesburg. In the year 1732 a young man, Jacob M. Miller by name, who had come to this country with the Rev. John Christian Schultze, settled among the little band of Lutherans, and apparently infused new life into it. With his coming increased activity arises, and things are brought into a better shape. The " little Lutheran congre- gation" so "long a time in existence," now becomes strong enough to build for itself a church. In 1739 this is undertaken and completed. It was a frame structure, and stood until re- placed by one of brick in 1768.
Rev. Tranberg also served two other congregations with the one at Friesburg ; one at Raccoon, eighteen miles from Friesburg, and the other at Pennsneck, both along the Delaware river. He continued dividing his time between these three places until he removed to Wilmington, Del., in 1740. After that, he supplied the Friesburg people for three more years. He was relieved of this congregation by Pastor Gabriel Näsmann, in October, 1743. The latter held services for them once a month from Wicaco, Philadelphia. It was always on a week-day, and usually on a Monday. He preached in both the English and German lan- guages for them.
In 1745 they were without a pastor, and applied for one to the
(49)
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EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD.
German ministers of Philadelphia. In April of that year they visited Pastor Brunnholtz, who promised that the pastors of Phil- adelphia would visit them at least once or twice a year to look after their spiritual interests. In the meantime they were to have a school-master sent them, who was to see to the proper education of their children, and read a sermon for them every Sunday. Jacob Löser was at once sent to attend to this part of the agreement. He carried with him a copy of Francke's Postille, from which he read a sermon every Lord's day. It was his duty to catechise the children and prepare them for confirmation when the Philadelphia pastor should arrive to perform all mar- riage ceremonies, baptize the children and hold communion. This arrangement lasted more than half a century.
Several of these visits from the Philadelphia pastors receive special mention in the Hallesche Nachrichten. Brunnholtz vis- ited them in 1749, and again in 1752, at which time he promised them, if possible, to see to it that they should be visited more frequently. In 1760 Pastor Handschuh visited them, accompa- nied by part of his own church council of Philadelphia, for the purpose of holding communion. It was on the 24th day of June, and a large congregation had gathered for worship-some coming more than thirty miles through all the summer heat. On this oc- casion twelve children were baptized, and one hundred and twenty communed. After Pastor Brunnholtz died Pastor Handschuh was too busy to find any time for Friesburg, and they were without a single visit from a regularly ordained minister for two years.
In 1760 Pastor Henry Melchior Mühlenberg spent a week with them. At this time one hundred and twenty-five communed. It was from the 8th to the 14th of June, and he lodged with Mr. Jacob Fries, from whom the place has taken its name. The house in which Mühlenberg then lodged is still standing. It is now oc- cupied by a member of the congregation, and our young people of the Christian Endeavor Society will hold their next social in the very room where that venerable pioneer of Lutheranism in America spent the summer evenings one hundred and thirty-two years ago.
In 1763 he again visited the congregation, bringing with him his wife and daughter. At this time he visited the now aged
5I
SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS.
Jacob M. Miller, who, having infused new life into the little band in its infancy, continued a zealous member of the congregation until his death.
The above arrangement of supplies from the Philadelphia min- isters continued with more or less interruption until 1800. In that year the school-master of the congregation was licensed to preach for them. His connection with them as pastor was, how- ever, of short duration. He was succeeded by Rev. Wm. Baetes, one of Dr. Helmuth's theological students, 1808-1810. Then followed Rev. C. F. Cruse, 1819-1824, who subsequently entered the Episcopal Church in New York State. During his pastorate the congregation had dwindled down to forty-three communicant members. From 1833-35 Rev. Mark Harpel served them ; from 1835-37 Rev. W. M. Reynolds, who translated Acrelius' " History of New Sweden," &c. He was followed by Rev. Jacob C. Duy, 1837-39. In 1839 Rev. Edw. Town served them a short while ; from 1842-51 Rev. John R. Willox ; from April 1852 to October 1854, Rev. A. L. Bridgeman ; from 1855-57 Rev. Ferdinand Berkemeyer ; from 1858-66 Rev. J. N. Unruh. Rev. Unruh found the congregation very small and disheartened. Un- der his care it again revived and became very strong. He was followed by Rev. Sylvander Curtis ; then by Rev. J. W. Lake from 1871-74 ; from 1874-79 by Rev. P. M. Rightmyer ; from 1879-81 by Rev. W. P. Evans. He was followed by Rev. A. W. Lentz, 1882- 86, and he in 1887 by Rev. J. E. Dietterich, now pastor of the newly organized mission at Bridgeton, New Jersey.
The congregation belonged to the Ministerium of Pennsylvania from the organization of that body until 1842. Then Pastor Wil- lox left the Ministerium, and took the congregation with him into the newly organized East Pennsylvania Synod. With this Synod it remained until the New Jersey Synod was formed. When that was merged into the New York and New Jersey Synod, the con- gregation became a member of the latter body. It was brought back into the East Pennsylvania Synod again by Rev. Dietterich in May, 1891. Its present pastor is Rev. S. J. McDowell, of the Class of 1892 of the Theological Seminary at Gettysburg.
The congregation is in a good condition, having a membership of two hundred, with a Sunday-school of about two hundred and
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EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD.
fifty members, and a Y. P. S. C. E., numbering about ninety members. The congregation supports a pastor, and has preach- ing twice each Lord's Day, and a midweek prayer meeting. The value of the church property is estimated at $10,000.
May God's blessing rest upon this ancient land-mark, and ever assist it in securing and supporting faithful men to administer in it the divinely-appointed means of grace. That it may close its history with pastors as pious and zealous in the cause of Christ as were the devoted fathers who cared for it in its infancy, is our sincere prayer.
II. SCHAFFERSTOWN CHARGE : BRICKERVILLE, LAN- CASTER CO .; SCHAEFFERSTOWN, LEBANON CO.
BY REV. M. FERNSLER.
I. ST. JOHN'S, BRICKERVILLE.
The old Warwick church, with which the present St. John's congregation claims historic identity, was organized by Rev. John Caspar Stoever, in the year 1730. Thirty-six names of male members appear on the records. Rev. Stoever served until 1743. Then records are silent until 1770. In the year 1743 the Penns, John, Thomas and Richard, issued a patent for thirty-five acres of land, in trust, for the use of this church forever.
From 1770 to 1773, the Rev. H. M. Mühlenberg was pastor. Rev. Dr. Helmuth served from the spring of 1774 to May, 1775 ; Rev. Schwarback, of Virginia, from May, 1775, to some time in 1776. Rev. Helmuth again served until some time in 1777, when Rev. Stoever, now aged, again took charge, “preaching as much as he could, being sickly," until 1779. In this year, “ on Good Friday, May 13, he administered the communion to the children newly confirmed, and in the afternoon of that day died." Rev. J. D. Schroeder took charge in 1780, and left in 1781. Aug. 12, 1806, the corner-stone of the present brick church building was laid, the Revs. Emanuel Schultze and John Plitt officiating. On October 25, 1807, it was dedicated ; Revs. Schultze, Dr. H. M.
53
SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS.
Mühlenberg, and Dr. George Lochman, of Lebanon, were present on the occasion. Rev. Schultze had been pastor for some years. He preached his last sermon on November 20, 1808, and March II, 1809, he died. About this time the Schaefferstown Lutheran church united with that at Brickerville, and they jointly elected the Rev. Wm. Baetes, of Philadelphia, who took charge July 8, 1810. In June, 1814, Rev. Baetes moved into the newly-built brick parsonage, now standing near the Brickerville brick church. In 1815 the old school-house belonging to this church was re- built. After serving for twenty-six years, Rev. Baetes preached his farewell sermon on August 14, 1836. The "honorable" Charles Philip Miller, of Milton, Pa., having been called, moved into the parsonage September 25, 1836, and served as pastor until November 28, 1841. The churches " Swamp, Kisselberger, Weisecher and Manheim, united with Brickerville" in forming a pastoral charge, and called Rev. Christopher G. Frederick, who moved into the Brickerville parsonage July 29, 1842, preaching his first sermon as pastor August 7, 1842. He resigned and left in 1849. Rev. T. T. Jeager served as pastor from 1850 to 1852 ; Rev. Charles Rees from 1854 to 1856.
The following facts are gathered from the " paper books." The Rev. M. Harpel was called as pastor and took charge in 1859. He served until 1870, when he resigned. When the Synod of Pennsylvania withdrew from the General Synod, Mr. Harpel preferred not to go with them. At the meeting of the East Pennsylvania Synod, in 1867, he appeared with George W. Steinmetz, Esq., as delegate-elect, and with a formal application signed by many of the members of the congregation, including eleven of the church-council. Both Mr. Harpel and the congre- gation were cordially received by that body. A suit brought by disaffected parties for the possession of the church property in 1868 was lost.
Rev. S. S. Engel was called as pastor, and served from the spring of 1870 until 1874. On May 23, 1874, Rev. W. S. Porr was elected as pastor, serving until January, 1875, when he moved to Lancaster, continuing his services in the congregation, however, until June 27, 1875. A committee, consisting of Revs. D. P. Rosenmiller, G. J. Martz and W. I. Cutter, appointed by the
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EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD.
Lebanon Conference of the East Pennsylvania Synod, now sup- plied the pulpit until December 20, 1875, when Rev. Cutter moved into the parsonage as the regular pastor-elect.
Already in August, 1875, the desire of some members "once again to hear a man from the Old Synod" having been granted, Rev. Thomas Jeager preached in the church. He at once made a further appointment, and the vacant alternate Sundays were from this time utilized by various ministers of the Pennsylvania Ministerium, until at a meeting called by them January 14, 1876, but neither announced nor sanctioned by the acting pastor, Rev .. Cutter, and his adherents, a resolution was passed to sever the connection of the congregation with the East Pennsylvania Synod. Both parties continued to use the church building.
A bill of complaint was entered in the Lancaster Court, Jan- uary 26, 1876, praying that an injunction be issued, restraining the party adhering to the Ministerium from entering the church. The master's decision, adverse to the granting of such injunction, was sustained by the Court.
In September, 1878, the East Pennsylvania Synod, in re-dis- tricting pastorates, united the Brickerville and Schaefferstown churches to constitute a pastoral charge. Rev. M. Fernsler, having been called, entered the parsonage October 28, 1878, and preached his opening sermon in the church on Sunday, Novem- ber 10, 1878. He was installed as pastor, January 19, 1879, by Revs. W. S. Porr and J. Peter, a committee appointed for that purpose by the President of the East Pennsylvania Synod.
A suit for ejectment having been brought by the other party, June 4, 1879, the case was tried in December, 1881, and Septem- ber, 1883, the jury in each case failing to find a verdict. The third trial, in September, 1884, was decided in favor of the plain- tiffs, but this judgment was reversed by the Supreme Court, and a new trial ordered. The case was tried for the fourth time in February, 1886, resulting again in favor of the plaintiffs, the ver- dict being finally confirmed by the Supreme Court, October 4, 1886.
This decision appears to have rested upon the recognition of the meeting held on January 14, 1876, and the opinion that the members who, with Rev. Cutter, refused to participate in that
55
SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS.
meeting, really thereby seceded and forfeited their rights in the congregation. The defendants, upon the other hand, have always contended that the meeting in question was irregular, and its recognition by the courts the result of a failure to give due weight to some established principles of Lutheran Church polity.
Upon learning the final issue of the case, Rev. Mr. Asay, pastor of the "James Coleman Memorial Church," on the Elizabeth Farms, appeared at the Lutheran parsonage with full authority, and invited the Lutheran people to come and hold their services in said Memorial Church. This Christian offer was gratefully ac- cepted, and regular services there held until the new house of worship, forty by sixty feet, erected in sight of the old church building, was finished. The latter was dedicated August 7, 1889, Dr. E. Huber and Revs. W. H. Lewars and C. H. Asay assisting the pastor. A membership of one hundred and sixty, with their pastor, entered the beautiful new church with their hearts full of gratitude and praise to God. In November following forty-seven more members were added. Many have since then died or re- moved. Still others live at such a distance that they are unable to attend services, and are hence not included in the number (one hundred and fifty-two) reported at the last meeting of Synod. Thousands of dollars were spent by these people during the long and wearisome litigations. In consequence, there is still some debt resting on the new house of worship, but this is being re- duced. The outlook is fair, services are well attended, and harmony prevails.
2. SCHAEFFERSTOWN.
The Lutheran church at this place was erected in 1765, the steeple being built two years later. In 1819 considerable repair- ing was done inside and some alterations made. The church was repainted about twenty years ago. In 1884 it was again re- modeled, at a cost of $6,100. The steeple was taken down from the west and put up at the east end. The west gable wall was removed, and sixteen feet added to the length of the build- ing. The interior was entirely renewed. Opposite the pulpit stands a pipe organ said to be over one hundred years old. Close to the church building is a small Sunday-school and
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EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD.
prayer house, controlled by separate trustees. This is really at present an encumbrance, as it prevents the erection by the con- gregation of a suitable building for the Sunday-school.
The congregation worshiping in this ancient temple was organized some time before the erection of the building. There exists a glimpse of burial records as far back as 1720. It ap- pears that pastoral functions were exercised at one period by C. F. Mühlenberg, M. D. Rev. Emanuel Schultze was apparently the first regular minister who officiated in the church. Whether he served the congregation which was styled the "Heidelberg Gemeinde " (so called from the ancient name of the town) ex- isting prior to the organization of this church, we have no means of ascertaining. His pastorate extended from 1765 until 1809. Our oldest citizens remember him as continuing to labor when quite aged and infirm. The next pastor, serving with great earnestness from about 1810 until 1836, was Rev. Wm. Baetes. The third pastor, from 1837 until 1849, was Rev. Jonathan Ruthrauff, who was fervent and undaunted in his preaching. Rev. J. M. Deitzler served faithfully from 1850 until 1865, when the pastorate of Rev. U. Graves, lasting about one year, followed. On April 11, 1866, Rev. M. Fernsler was unanimously elected pastor, with the understanding that the church alone should thenceforth constitute a pastoral charge. The Synod failing to sanction the division of the charge, Rev. Fernsler declined the call. Rev. G. J. Martz was elected August 21, 1867, and served until November 1, 1878. Rev. M. Fernsler, the present pastor, preached his introductory sermon, December 1, 1878.
Very interesting centennial services were held in 1865, during which addresses and sermons were delivered by Revs. E. Huber, of Hummelstown, Daniel Schindler, of Lebanon, J. M. Deitzler, of Annville, E. S. Henry, of Pine Grove, and U. Graves, the pastor. Many of the facts contained in the above have been gleaned from a historical sketch prepared by a committee for that occasion.
Since the days of Rev. Ruthrauff, meetings for prayer and mutual exhortation have been maintained, resulting in great good. The charter of the congregation, obtained in 1855, gives the rights of membership to all persons admitted who shall con- tribute annually a sum not less than fifty cents towards the cur-
57
SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS.
rent expenses. In the light of this provision, the membership is about four hundred and fifty. Amid many discouragements, the pastor and his faithful helpers are laboring on in hope.
STATIONS ABSORBED- RICHLAND AND TEMPLEMAN.
Richland is a small town, two miles east of Myerstown, along the Philadelphia and Reading railroad. At this place a small congregation was organized twenty-five years ago by Rev. G. J. Martz. A small house of worship, still there, was erected jointly by the Lutherans, Reformed and Tunkers or German Baptists, each party being entitled to hold services every third Sunday. When the present pastor of Schaefferstown charge commenced his services here, there were about a dozen members. He for some years continued to hold services regularly every three weeks. Finding, however, no material available to build up with without robbing others, and the membership growing less by death and removal, the few good members were transferred to Schaeffers- town church, and no services have been held there by the present pastor during the last year ; a number of the people there belong to churches within a few miles.
Templeman Chapel is a small Sunday-school house, erected by the community, one mile east of Cornwall, in the spring of 1887. Provision was made in the charter that the Lutherans of the Gen- eral Synod and the Reformed could hold services there alternately: A number of Lutheran members having moved there from the Schaefferstown and Brickerville churches, it was supposed best to organize and commence services. The pastor of Schaefferstown promised to preach in the afternoon every four weeks.
An organization was effected in May, 1887, with twenty-two members, and regular services were held every four weeks. A few were added, but the number in a few years so decreased by death and by removals, that for about a year or so no services have been held there on the Lutheran side. Within a short dis- tance there is a regular General Council church, with a fine house of worship, and supplied every two weeks with preaching by a regular pastor from Lebanon. There are still a few members re- maining at Templeman (now Rexmont) and their desire is that services should again be held there.
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EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD.
III. ANNVILLE CHARGE, LEBANON CO .- HILL AND ANNVILLE.
BY REV. W. H. LEWARS.
I. HILL CHURCH (BERG KIRCHE).
This church is located in what is now North Annville town- ship, Lebanon county, Pa., about two and one-half miles north- west of the city of Lebanon, and is the mother of all the Lutheran churches in this vicinity.
It has from the beginning to the present been a union church, in which the Lutheran and Reformed congregations have worship.
TEFFI
Photo Eng Co NY
BERG KIRCHE.
The first edifice was erected in 1733. The material consisted of roughly hewn logs. These also served as seats, quite in con- trast with the modern pew. For many years there were no stoves in the building.
During the winter months a fire was built on the outside with logs, of which there was an abundance, around which the people gathered awaiting the arrival of the minister.
When, finally, stoves were introduced, considerable and serious difficulties arose in the congregations.
Some idea of the primitive history of this church can be gained from the following :
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SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS.
Rev. George Lochman, D. D., in speaking of churches in Lebanon county in 1812, says : “ Unter diesen ist die Berg Kirche Gemeine, die aelteste. Schon im Jahr 1733 ist sie gessammalet worden, zu einer Zeit da die Indianer noch haefige Einfaelle in die Gegend machten und mordeten."
He further states that people often took their guns with them to church to defend themselves against the savages.
During divine services, men with loaded muskets were placed at the doors as sentinels. According to the first records kept, it was called " the Church on the Quittapahilla."
Its Lutheran pastors have been-1733-1779, extending over 46 years, John Caspar Stöver; 1779-1794, a pastorate of 15 years, Frederick Theodore Melsheimer ; 1794-1815, a pastorate of 21 years, George Lochman; 1815-1836, a pastorate of 21 years, William G. Ernst. In 1836 Rev. Jonathan Ruthrauff be- came the pastor, continuing to serve about 13 years.
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