USA > Pennsylvania > History of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of East Pennsylvania : with brief sketches of its congregations > 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
During the ministry of Rev. Gerhardt, Rev. M. J. Alleman, now pastor at York, Pa., left St. John's congregation to take up his studies at Gettysburg for the gospel ministry.
The Rev. Wm. Gerhardt (brother of Rev. L. Gerhardt), came to the charge November 4, 1847, and left November 17, 1850.
Rev. Jacob B. Crist came March 1, 1852, resigning in 1855.
It appears that after the departure of Rev. Crist, Rev. M. Sondhaus came ; but as to date of his coming or departure noth- ing definite is known.
Rev. W. G. Laitzle came June 1, 1855.
The preaching points at this time seem to have been the fol- lowing : Elizabethtown, Bainbridge, Mt. Joy, Centreville, and Maytown. Up to this date, the German preaching had been growing less and less from year to year, and when Rev. Laitzle closed his work with the charge (1862), it seems that the Ger- man went with him without any serious objections from the con- gregations.
Rev. B. F. Apple came August 8, 1862, remaining until near the close of 1864. He was followed by Rev. J. W. Early, dur- ing whose administration much that is of interest to the pastorate was brought to pass, as is recorded in the minutes of the Bain- bridge congregation, from which we quote :
" BAINBRIDGE, August 19, 1867.
"The Church Council met, pursuant to call, at the house of S. Hackenberger. The members present were J. S. Horst, S. Hackenberger and Geo. Hackenberger, Elders ; C. Gamberling and John Fahs, Trustees. By unanimous vote, Geo. Hacken- berger was chosen chairman. He stated the object of the meet- ing to be for the purpose of appointing a Committee to consult with the Maytown Church Council on next Saturday at Maytown, concerning the change of pastor, our separation from the Eliza- bethtown charge, and the forming of a new charge to consist of this place and Maytown, and also whether we will or will not ac- cept the offer of the Pennsylvania Synod, in a letter sent to May- town, all agreeable to recommendation of our present pastor, Rev. J. W. Early.
108
EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD.
"The President then appointed S. Hackenberger, John Fahs, and Geo. Hackenberger, the Committee to consult with May- town Council.
G. W. HACKENBERGER,
" Secretary of Church Council."
The report which this Committee returned after meeting the Maytown Council, is as follows :
"We met the Council of the church in Maytown on Saturday, August 24, 1867, according to your instruction. By a unanimous vote it was agreed to separate our churches from the Elizabeth- town charge, and to form a new pastoral district to be composed of Maytown and Bainbridge. We took no final action on the offer of the Committee of the Pennsylvania Synod, because a majority of the Joint Committee believed that, as Maytown has no other constitution than that of the General Synod as recorded in its English hymn-book, and as Bainbridge is constitutionally a General Synod church, it is best to refer the whole matter to a congregational vote, the majority to decide whether we remain General Synod churches or connect ourselves with the Pennsyl- vania Synod and alter our constitutions. It was believed, how- ever, by a majority of the Committee, that the interests of our churches can best be attended to by uniting with some Synod connected with the General Synod. * *
" Agreeably to the constitution, an election was published Aug- ust 25, to be held in two weeks, to see whether we shall join the Pennsylvania Synod or seek connection with a Synod connected with the General Synod.
"S. HACKENBERGER, " JOHN FAHS."
The only members of the Maytown Council present at this joint meeting of whom we are able to learn at this late date, were Harry H. Johnstin and John Hays.
" LUTH. CHURCH, BAINBRIDGE, September 8, 1867. " This being the day appointed for a vote to be taken * * * The minutes of the previous meeting of the Committee were read and adopted. The report of the Maytown Committee was now read, after which remarks were made by several members, after which the vote was taken, which resulted as follows :
" For the Pennsylvania Synod, 5.
" For the East Pennsylvania Synod, 13. * "G. W. HACKENBERGER, " Secretary of Church Council."
After this final separation of Maytown and Bainbridge from the
109
SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS.
Elizabethtown charge, Rev. J. W. Early's labors with these two congregations came to an end.
Rev. F. T. Hoover came May 24, 1868, and served as the first pastor to this newly-formed pastorate in its connection with the East Pennsylvania Synod, remaining until 1870.
Rev. D. Stock began his ministerial duties with the charge April 1, 1871, continuing until 1873.
Rev. G. P. Weaver labored here from May 2, 1873, until 1875. Rev. J. V. Eckert from October 1, 1876, until 1880.
Rev. M. H. Stine came April 1, 1880. During his ministry here the Maytown congregation received a handsome gift in the form of a beautiful church parsonage. This was granted to the St. John's Lutheran church March 8, 1891, by the Hon. Simon Cameron. The deed declares that it is given " In testimony of the love and affection borne by him for the memory of his de- ceased wife, Margaretta Brua Cameron, who was an exemplary member of the Lutheran Church." Rev. Stine ended his labors here July 1, 1882.
Rev. J. Houseman came December 1, 1882 ; Rev. C. M. Au- rand, March 30, 1884 ; Rev. A. H. Shertz preached his introduc- tory sermon November 7, 1885, and closed his pastoral relations with this people July 27, 1890.
Rev. W. H. Harding accepted the formal call extended April 10, 1891, but did not assume full pastoral care until July 1, after his seminary course at Gettysburg was completed.
During the months of September and October, 1891, the church council of Bainbridge entered into negotiations with the Reformed church for the purchasing of the half-interest in the church property held by them. The price was agreed upon, and the property was paid for in full April 25, 1892.
In the winter months of 1891 and 1892 the repair of St. John's church and steeple was begun, and finally completed at an ex- pense of $197. In the fall of 1892 the parsonage was remodeled at a cost of about $350.
The amount of the pastor's salary is $500 and the use of the parsonage. The present societies of the churches are the follow- ing :
A prayer meeting and a Ladies' Aid Society at each church ;
IIO
EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD.
at Maytown, a Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society, and the Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor.
The Sunday-schools in both churches are in excellent order, numbering about 200 at Maytown and 135 at Bainbridge. The present membership at St. John's, of Maytown, is 139, and at St. Luke's, of Brainbridge, 105.
XVI. ZION'S CHURCH, MANHEIM, LANCASTER CO.
BY J. H. SIELING, M. D., ASSISTED BY JOHN M. ENSMINGER, ESQ.
The history of this ancient church is quite interesting. Unfor- tunately much of it is unwritten, and not a little had to be gleaned from the recollections of the oldest members and friends of the present congregation. Fragmentary dottings found here and there, added, developed a history of which the present pastor and people feel justly proud.
In 1761 Nicholas Merrett, of Warwick township (now Penn), deeded a small tract of land two miles southeast of Manheim (now owned by David and Mary Conrad) for the consideration of one silver shilling, to Heinrich Hans, Ludwig Becker, Peter Erman, Christian Gyger and Martin Spickler, councilmen, for the purpose of erecting a Lutheran church thereon. Here was built a small log edifice with a ground floor, which stood till 1770, when a firebrand, said to have been brought from a neighbor's dwelling, razed this first artificial temple of the wilderness to the ground, just as the pastor (name not now known) appeared upon the scene to deliver his Sabbath morning's discourse from its sacred desk.
During these years (1760 to 1770) Baron Henry Wm. Stiegel, the founder of the town of Manheim, Sabbath after Sabbath gathered his workmen from the glass factory and others together in a chapel which he had set apart in his palatial residence on the northeast corner of Market Square, and in the German lan- guage exhorted them in the doctrines of the Lutheran faith.
The church was founded A. D. 1770 out of the remains of the conflagration and the gatherings of the noble hearted Christian Baron. It was not, however, until the following year, 1771, that a thorough organization was effected. Rev. F. A. C. Mühlenberg,
III
SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS.
of the Borough of Lancaster, was elected pastor, and he wrote the constitution and by-laws in German. He said, "We will bring order out of disorder."
"
ZION'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, MANHEIM, PA.
On the 4th day of December, A. D. 1772, Baron Stiegel deeded a beautiful lot of ground in the centre of this most beauti- ful town, Manheim, fashioned and shaped by his own hand after the town in his native country and given the identical name, for the consideration of five shillings and the rent of a red rose an-
II2
EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD.
nually for ground-rent in the month of June forever, if lawfully de- manded. The romantic rental was only twice demanded by him. The trustees named in this indenture are Peter Erman, Henry Wherley and Henry Martzall.
A log church was erected thereon, with three-sides gallery and a candlestick pulpit. The floor was made of brick, and the walls were chinked and daubed. Near the close of the eighteenth cen- tury, Ulrich Keyser said in German that he wanted to be buried with "Gesang und Klang" (singing and tolling). Consequently he bought a 500 pound metal bell and placed it in the belfry. It was rung for his obsequies in 1804. About 1820 the walls were plastered and a wooden floor put in.
The following pastors served this congregation (a few dates lost) : Revs. F. A. C. Mühlenberg, D. D., 1771-1778 ; John D. Schroeder, 1778-1782 ; Fred. Theodore Melsheimer, 1783- 1789 ; John David Young, 1789-1790 ; John Fred. Ernst, 1802- 1805. Rev. Ernst died heart-broken, and lies buried in the yard of the church he so faithfully served. He was beloved by all the people who knew him ; but, for delivering a patriotic Fourth of July oration at the Big Spring near town, the church council locked the door of the church against his entering it to perform its solemn rites. This so mortally worried him that he took sick immediately and never recovered, dying with a broken heart the following October 24, 1805. Rev. Henry Scriba, 1807; Wm. Baetes, 1810-1828(?) ; Frederick Ruthrauff, 1828(?)-1832 ; Peter Sahm, 1833-1835 ; C. P. Miller, 1836-1841 ; Christopher G. Frederick, 1842-1849 ; John H. Menges (who introduced evening service with tallow dips for lights) 1849-June 23, 1851 ; Chas. Rees, 1854-1856 ; George Haines, 1857-1858.
The church was rebuilt in 1858 after the fashion of the day, i. e., a one-story brick structure of somewhat Grecian architecture, with a low pulpit and a gallery at the opposite end over the ves- tibule. The corner-stone was laid May 19, 1857, at which the pastor was assisted by Revs. Wm. Baetes and J. H. Menges. The church was dedicated September 26 and 27, of the same year. An eight hundred and fifty pound bell was placed in the tower by the congregation. Revs. D. P. Rosenmiller served in 1858; Jos. R. Focht, 1864-1868.
II3
SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS.
SUNDAY-SCHOOL ORGANIZED.
In 1867 the Lutheran members of " The Manheim Union Sun- day-school" concluded that it was their duty, for the interests of the church and the Master's cause, to erect an enduring monu- ment in the form of a Sabbath Home for the children of the Lutheran and other families of and around Manheim. On the Ioth day of November, the first session was held. Mr. Geo. D. Miller was elected Superintendent. For the first few years an old melodeon furnished the instrumental part of the music, after- ward a double bank chapel-organ took its place and was used in school and church service. This was the first organ in a Man- heim church. The first quarter of a century of the school has just been celebrated. The four Superintendents were all present -Mr. Miller, 14 years; Peter Keath, I year ; D. E. Shimp, I year ; Ezra Reist, 9 years. Dr. Sieling is the fifth and present Superintendent, the first in the second quarter century.
Rev. Kaempfer served 1868-1869 ; J. C. Barnitz (Supply) 1869-1870 ; Jacob Peter, 1871-1890 ; John H. Menges, June 19, 1891-the present.
Under this pastorate the church has been rebuilt. The corner- stone was laid, August 16, 1891, the pastor being assisted by Dr. E. Huber. The church was dedicated April 24, 1892, the pastor being assisted by Rev. R. W. Hufford, D. D., President of East Pennsylvania Synod, Revs. M. Fernsler and I. W. Bobst. The present structure, in the eastern end of the church yard, is built of brick, of Gothic architecture, with a beautiful base course of sandstone. It is 92 feet long and 55 feet wide, divided into six apartments, viz. : auditorium, Sunday-school, primary class and library rooms, and two vestibules. The rooms are divided by Wilson's rolling partitions. After these are raised, all the apart- ments are thrown into one. All the walls are frescoed on the in- side. The building is heated throughout by steam and lighted by gas. There is an organ in each room. The auditorium is- graced by an excellent pipe organ made by Samuel Bohler, of Reading, at a cost of $2,500.00. The building throughout is of modern finish and finely equipped. The tower is 80 feet high, and is surmounted by a weather-vane. The bell was donated by. Dr. J. H. Sieling's Bible Class, and weighs 2850 lbs. (E flat). The
II4
EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD.
windows are all stained glass, and were donated by individuals. A large Red Rose was placed in the circular window in the pul- pit recess. The rose is surmounted by the inscription, " Baron Henry Wm. Stiegel," and supported by the name of "Rev. J. H. Menges." The building was erected at a cost of $13,000.00. On the day of dedication the remaining unprovided debt of $5,000.00 was assumed by individuals. It is proposed by the Stiegel Castle, No. 166, K. G. E., to erect a memorial fountain on the beautiful lawn in front of the church.
The present value of the church property is about $20,000. The membership is about 180. The Sunday-school numbers 285. The church council consists of : Elders, Ezra Reist and Dr. J. H. Sieling ; Trustees, Jno. M. Ensminger, D. E. Shimp and Chas. W. Sheeler ; Deacons, N. W. Long, John F. Devert, John M. Ressler and John K. Bemesderfer ; Pastor, Rev. John H. Menges, in the sixty-ninth year of his age. In April of 1891 this congre- gation was left alone in the "Manheim Charge." "The Hill church " and " Petersburg" withdrew to form "the East Peters- burg Charge." The services are principally English, one German sermon being delivered every other Sunday morning. Every Sunday morning and evening there are services. A very interest- ing Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor was organized August, 1892, which has done great good and promises to be the means of saving many souls.
XVII. PIKELAND CHARGE, CHESTER CO .- ST. PE- TER'S, PIKELAND ; CENTENNIAL, KIMBERTON.
BY REV. J. A. HACKENBERG.
I. ST. PETER'S CHURCH, PIKELAND.
For the first forty years the records of this congregation were kept in the books of Zion church, as the same pastor served both. These records have unfortunately been lost. Hence we must look to tradition for most of the facts during that period. The first religious meetings were held in private houses as early as 1751. During the period from that to 1770 reports show that Rev. Henry Melchior Mühlenberg visited this community and
SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS.
preached from house to house. Authentic records begin in 1771. It was on May 16 of that year that Michael König (descend- ants now King) and Henry Hipple each sold to Peter Hartman, George Emerie, Conrad Miller and Adam Moses, trustees, a small lot of land to be the location of a church and burial ground. Michael König sold one acre and eight perches for twenty shil- lings, and Henry Hipple forty-five perches for five shillings.
On this ground the congregation built and dedicated in 1772 a log church capable of accommodating five hundred people. This fact Mühlenberg reported to the church in Germany. Reg- ular services were now held by the pastor of Zion's church, with which it was connected as a pastorate. The preaching services were exclusively in German until the term of Rev. Jacob Wam- pole (1827-1836) when an occasional service was held in Eng- lish. The English became from necessity more and more fre- quent, until the term of Rev. John McCron (1844), when the German was entirely discontinued. The congregation was incor- porated by the Legislature of Pennsylvania in 1779 as St. Peter's German Evangelical Lutheran church. From this point we are able to trace the succession of pastors down to the present.
SUCCESSION OF PASTORS.
The regular pastors after Mühlenberg were: Revs. Ludwig Voigt, 1779-1790-3 (nominally pastor to 1800) ; J. F. Weinland, 1790-1800; Fred. Plitt, 1804-1807 (?); J. Rowenauch, 1807 (?)-18II (?) ; Fred. Jasinsky, 1811-1815 ; F. W. Geissenhainer, Jr., 1817-1827 ; F. W. Geissenhainer, Sr., (serving with his son), 1818-1823 ; Jacob Wampole, 1827-1836 ; Frederick Ruthrauff, 1836-1843; John McCron, 1844-1847; Daniel Miller, 1847- 1849; Peter Raby, 1849-1858 ; Samuel Aughey, 1858-1859 ; Cornelius Reimensynder, 1859-1863 ; N. H. Cornell, 1863-1874; S. S. Palmer, 1874-1875 ; J. F. Hartman, 1876-1880; J. R. Dimm, 1880-1882 ; J. A. Hackenberg, 1882 to the present.
SUCCESSION OF CHURCH BUILDINGS.
The log church erected in 1772 was used as a house of worship for forty years. Up to this time the church was exclusively Luth- eran. But now a new church must be built, and the Lutheran
.
II6
EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD.
people entered into an arrangement with the few German Re- formed families living in the neighborhood to build a Union church. The corner-stone was laid August 13, 1811, and the church dedicated October 4, 1812, under the name of St. Peter's. The cost was $2,836.4512. This building was used alternately each Sunday by the Lutheran and Reformed for twenty-two years, when, during the ministry of Rev. Jacob Wampole, it was de- stroyed, with its splendid pipe-organ and other valuable contents, by an incendiary fire, on the 20th of January, 1835.
On April 24, 1835, the corner-stone of a new church was laid. The church was dedicated April 12, 1836. This church was used and owned conjointly by the Lutherans and Reformed, as the previous one had been, until 1889,, when the Lutherans, feeling the need of a church of their own, under the ministry of Rev. J. A. Hackenberg, moved for a separation. This was accomplished by a public sale of the old building ; the Ger- man Reformed becoming the purchasers. The Lutherans at once set to work to build a church, and having secured a lot on the opposite side of the road, laid the corner-stone of the present beautiful church August 27, 1889. The pastor was assisted on the occasion by Rev. M. S. Cressman, of Lionville. The church was dedicated free of debt on May 7, 1890; the dedication ser- mon being preached by Rev. J. H. Menges, of Philadelphia. Cost, about $7,000. The present prosperous condition of the congregation attests the wisdom of the separation.
OTHER CHURCHES GROWING OUT OF ST. PETER'S.
This church has been the mother of several congregations, among which are St. Matthew's Lutheran church, of West Vin- cent, and St. Paul's, of Lionville, now constituting the Lionville charge, both large and vigorous churches. Another is St. Peter's of the General Council, a stone's throw from our own. This church withdrew from the old or original organization in 1840 on account of "new" or "revival" measures introduced into the church by Rev. F. Ruthrauff. They built their church in 1843.
The fourth congregation formed from this is the Central Luth- eran church of Phoenixville, organized in 1876 by Rev. S. S. Pal- mer, on retiring as pastor of St. Peter's. The fifth church grow-
II7
SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS.
ing out of St. Peter's is the Centennial Lutheran church, of Kimberton.
Those who have been called into the Lutheran ministry from the membership of St. Peter's are : Revs. P. Sheeder, M. Shee- leigh, Alex. McLaughlin, Jacob Friday, Ezekiel Auld and M. E. McLinn.
One fact in the history of this congregation is worthy of special mention in this connection. The first annual meeting of the East Pennsylvania Synod, after its organization in the basement of "Old Trinity," Lancaster, was held in this church. One of the only two lay delegates present when the new English Synod was organized was Gen. George Hartman, delegate from this church, accompanying the pastor, Rev. F. Ruthrauff. He invited the new ecclesiastical body to meet in this church in its first annual con- vention, and it met here October 15-18, 1842.
PARSONAGES.
This congregation owned a parsonage at West Pikeland, about two miles from the church, for nearly fifty years, but on account of changes in the pastoral territory its location was found to be disadvantageous for the pastor, and it was sold and the present one built at Kimberton in 1884.
2. CENTENNIAL CHURCH, KIMBERTON.
The Centennial Lutheran Church, of Kimberton, was organized in 1876 by Rev. J. F. Hartman. The first church council was composed of the following :
Elders-Isaac R. Root, Josiah Schultz and Geo. H. Detterline ; Deacons-John R. Holman, Benjamin March and Peter R. Raby ; Trustees-David P. Thomas, Jacob Beaver and C. F. Bush.
They purchased a Quaker meeting-house and fitted it up for a place of worship, dedicating it in 1877. During the summer of 1884, under the ministry of Rev. J. A. Hackenberg, the building was beautifully frescoed and otherwise improved. This church has been since its organization connected with St. Peter's in form- ing the Pikeland charge.
In compiling the above, valuable assistance has been received from an anniversary sermon by Rev. J. R. Dimm, D. D.
II8
EAST PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD.
XVIII. PINE GROVE CHARGE, SCHUYLKILL CO .- JACOB'S, SALEM'S, ST. PETER'S AND ST. JOHN'S.
BY REV. E. S. HENRY. I. JACOB'S CHURCH.
This congregation was organized in the year 1780. It stands two miles west of Pine Grove. The first church was erected in 1 780. The second building was put up in 1833. This house of worship was renovated a few years ago. The congregation owns half the parsonage, is free of debt, and has a few hundred dollars in its treasury. Rev. William Kurtz was pastor from its organiza- tion to 1798, followed by Revs. Andrew Schultze, 1798 to 1802 ; John Knoske, 1802 to 1811 ; George Mennig, 1811 to 1833 ; Wil- liam G. Mennig, 1834 to 1839 ; A. B. Gockelen, 1839 to 1845 ; B. Sadtler, 1845 to 1849 ; E. Breidenbaugh, 1849 to 1852 ; Elias S. Henry, just ordained by the Synod of East Pennsylvania, at Potts- ville, took charge September 21, 1852, and after forty years is still the pastor. The congregation is composed of Pennsylvania Ger- mans. The greater part of the services are in the German lan- guage. There has been some English preaching for several years past in the congregation. This church was established long before the town of Pine Grove was commenced. The two Lutheran con- gregations there took quite a number of the members away who formerly held to Jacob's church. But there yet remain over two hundred. This congregation has services every other Sunday. There are several Sunday-schools kept up the whole year. There is communion twice a year. The present church council are Samuel Stein, Trustee ; Oliver Mease, George Emerich, John D. Felty, Levi Felty, Elders; M. Robinson Hughes and William Aungst, Deacons. The Rev. J. B. Bergner, of Ohio, entered the ministry from this church.
2. SALEM'S CHURCH.
This church is three miles east of Pine Grove, and is owned jointly with the German Reformed congregation. It was organized in the year 1783. A school-house was first built and also used as a place for preaching for a few years. In 1795 the foundation was laid for the first church. The work was carried on slowly. The dedication was on Ascension Day in 1797. This church was used
119
SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS.
as a place of worship for eighty-four years. In 1880 the corner- stone was laid for a new church. In 1881 it was dedicated to the worship of the Triune God. It is a beautiful country church, free of debt. There are over two hundred members in the Lutheran congregation. The members are all Pennsylvania Germans. There is not a foreigner among them. The services were formerly all in German, but of late years the preaching is partly in English. The first pastor on record was Rev. Andrew Schultze, who served from 1799 to 1802. He was succeeded by Rev. John Knoske, who re- mained until 1811. Rev. Geo. Mennig then became pastor, and remained such until the year 1833. Then followed Revs. J. F. Haesbert, 1834; W. G. Mennig, 1834 to 1839 ; A. B. Gockelen, 1839 to 1845 ; B. Sadtler, 1845 to 1848, and Julius Erhart, 1854 to 1856. In May, 1856, Rev. Elias S. Henry was elected pastor. He has now served for nearly thirty-seven years. The preaching is always in the afternoon. The attendance at services is uni- formly good. The church is central in the congregation. There is a Union Sunday-school held in it. There are no debts on the church. A little farm is owned by the congregation. This church, as well as all the others in the Pine Grove charge, is furnished with organ and a fine bell. The present church council are G. W. Zerbe, Trustee ; William Kemmerling, G. W. Subb, elders ; Wil- liam R. Nagel and Jonathan Schwartz, deacons. Mr. W. C. Heff- ner, from this congregation, is studying for the ministry.
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.