USA > Pennsylvania > Cumberland County > Shippensburg > History of the Reformed Church, Shippensburg, Pa. : a historical discourse > Part 2
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"WHEREAS, Alas, as there are among-t ns certain God-forgotten heathen families, who either seldom or not at all come to God's House,and thereby give to their faithful pastors and church conneil vexation, and of- fence to the congregations, therefore.
'. Resolved. That at the command of the church conneil, these disgraceful scorners of the religions service shall be visited by their pastors and warned, and if they do not heed this warning, then shall their names and sins be publicly made known from the pulpit.
" Resolved, As there are those who neither contribute to the support of the Gospel or the maintenance of the School, so shall the ministers be for- bidden to administer the communion and baptism to them and their fami- lies, until they too in love :re willing to bear the burden with their breth- ren.
''These resolutions shall be read to the congregation two weeks before ae- tion is taken, so that all to whom they may concern. may beware and bagin anew a christian life.
LUTHERAN :
Rev John G. Butler, Pastor: John A. Graim, Elder; John Deatrich. El- der; Melchior Fich, Deacon; Chris- tian Weihr, Deacon.
REFORMED :
Cyriacus Spangenberg, v. Reid- meister, Pastor; John Lohr, Elder ; John fiohn, Elder; John Peeck, Dea- con ; John Seyler, Deacon.
It is stated in the Record that the difficulties were amicably settled ; but my opinion is that there was reason for the people to refuse to follow Spangenberg as pastor, as what fol- lows will conclusively prove. Spang- enberg baptised 34, and confirmed 32. There were 63 communicants present again appeared before Cotus, and was
We have now given you a condens- ed account of the labors of Spangen- berg, of infamous memory, at Ship- pensbu g. I wish I could give you a good report of him afterward, and that he had been followed to his grave by sympathizing friends, and that his loss had been sorely felt. "It requir- ed one of the angeis of light to make a devil. It was one who ranked with the apostles that became the son of perdition." So Spangenberg was a wolf in sheep's clothing. It is indeed true that if one desires to further the devil's work, he need but enter the ranks of the holy ministry and at the very altar of God make obeisance to the Champion of perdition. There have been in ail ages of the Church wolves
"In the clothing of the gentle lamb ! Dark traitors in Messiah's holycamp! Lepers in saintly garb!"'
In that day it was easy, indeed, for impostors to foree themselves npon those residing in the rural districts of Pennsylvania, because there were many vacant charges and the people were hungering after spiritnal bread
Spangenberg's early life is veiled. We know nothing of his parentage. He came to this country as a British mercenary-called Hessian-in 1776. In the minutes of Cœtns, dated May 14, 1783, is the following: "A man by the name of Spangenberg, of Reid- emcister, unele of Rev. Mr. Dibben- dorf, presented hnuself before Cetus to be admitted into the ranks of the ministry." But for reasons he was refused. In the following year he
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again refused. Cœtus then wrote to the Synod of Holland for advice. But before a reply was received, Spangenberg got a frivolous, inde- pendent preacher by the name of Michaels, to ordain him; thus not by the "door," but by "climbing up some other way" did this wolf get into the sheep-fold. He went to Shamokin where his sins found him out. Then he came to Shippensburg, where no doubt he was compelled to leave dur- ing the second year of his pastorate. From Shippensburg, he went to Bed- ford, where he soon ended his miser- able existence on the gallows. Jus- tice and judgment were already brandishing their swords, as his cup of iniquity would soon be filled. At the Bedford charge the good soon for- sook Spangenberg and assembled in the church at Berlin, to advise a change of pastors. Jacob Glessner, a grand-uncle of Rev. G. W. Glessner, of Newburg, Pa., was seated with Spangenberg immediately in front of the pulpit. "Mr. Glessner was a pious elder and highly respected. He ad- vised a change of pastors, whereupon the wretched Spangenberg, drew a dirk and stabbed him in the heart. Soon the elder lay in death. Span- genberg was tried and condemned, and was hung in Bedford county, on Saturday, Oct. 10, 1795, between the
hours of ten and two o'clock. Thus the wicked career of Spangenberg ended. But let no one think that the Reformed Church is the only one that has these wretched emissaries of Sa- tan. The trouble is there are too many in all churches. The moral is this-never permit an irregular or inde- pendent preacher to officiate in your church. If he does not stand in connex- ion with a properly constituted ecclesias- tical body, he is unworthy of confidence.
REV. JOHN PHILIP STOCK, 1790-1800.
There was an interval of four years during which this charge was vacant,
when Mr. Stock, from Duisberry, Germany, became pastor. At first he resided in Chambersburg, but preached at Shippensburg at the same time. His name occurs but once in the Record, and then under the date of 1797. He resided for some time in Shippensburg, as Rev. Samuel Helf- enstein, D. D., pursued his theolog- ical studies nnder him whilst residing here. He administered the Lord's Supper on May 10, 1797, to 52 commu- nicants. After the year 1800 we know nothing of Mr. Stock. I visited an aged couple, Mr. and Mrs. Wal- ters, aged respectively, 80 and 77 years, who were baptised by Mr. Stock. They describe him as being an elderly man in the year 1800 al- ready. He was an earnest preacher and highly respected by all. The Rev. Mr. Stock, of the Evangelical Association Church, is a grand-son of his. The latter part of his life and especially his decease, is not known.
REV. JAMES HOFFMAN, 1807-1823.
Before Mr. Hoffman became pastor the charge was vacant for a period of six years. Father Hoffman labored successfully for a number of years at this place and other points. With him we begin to trace the history of the church which is familiar with the oldest of you. Mr. Hoffman was or- dained in 1796 to the gospel ministry, at Philadelphia, and was called to Chambersburg in 1807. Chambers- burg and Shippensburg were presided over by him till 1818, when he ceased preaching at Chambersburg and con- fined bis labors to the Shippensburg charge, consisting of Shippensburg, Solomon Sherer's, Campbelstown and Strasburg, as late as 1823. You, no doubt, will call to mind Pastor Hoff- man's venerable appearance, his snow-white locks, his earnest, and impressive address, his truly pious
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walk and conversation. His preach- ing talents were of a superior order. He could persuade the sinner that he was miserable by nature, and then convince him that Christ was the way, the truth, the life. As I look over the audience to-day, I see those whose heads are frosted by Time's chill blast, whom Mr. Hoffman bap- tised years ago, those too, whose chil- dren ard grand-children to-day are present to hear of those you, aged fathers, saw, so as to bear away with them sweet memories to their own firesides.
Rev. Mr. Kroh, when on a mission ary tour through the west, called upon Father Hoffman, and was with him when his spirit took its flight to the unseen world, and attended his funeral. (Mess. Oct. 15th, 1834.)
Mr. Kroh says "he ended his active and useful life in the service of the Lord. His sun set in an unclouded sky, not to be extinguished but to rise again in a purer brightness and fuller glory." Mr. Hoffman baptised 101 during his ministry here.
It was during Father Hoffman's pastorate, that the lot of ground on which the church now stands was purchased. The deed bears the date of May 29th, 1809. It was given and granted to the Reformed and Lutheran congregations by Edward Burd, for- ever. The said congregations are to pay to Edward Burd, or his heirs, the yearly rent of one cent forever. The deed was made jointly to Geo. Croft and Jacob Raum, who were the Trustees representing the Reformed congregation at that time, with the Trustees of the Lutheran congrega- tion. The people worshiped in the old log church till 1811, when the Union church was built on the ground on which the Reformed church is now located.
REV. HENRY HABLISTON, 1824-1828.
Following Rev. J. Hoffman was Mr. Habliston, who was born in Bal- timore city in 1794. He was a grad- uate of St. Mary's College of the same city. He studied theology with Rev. C. Becker, D. D., pastor of the Re- formed Church in that city. He was sent as a missionary to Westmoreland county, Pa., in 1817, and met with partial success. After 1819 his name does not occur in the synodieal min- utes till 1824, when his name appears in connection with the remark, "late of York co., now of Shippensburg." At first he served three congrega- tions in Cumberland Valley, but in 1826 only one-Shippensburg.
He was expelled from Synod in 1828, for some reason. In 1831 he was restored, but in 1837 Zion's Classis resolved not to regard him any longer as a member of that bodv. But Lebanon Classis restored him in 1848. He died in Baltimore, Md .. April 2nd, 1870, aged 76 years.
Mr. Habliston was an eccentric man, which made his life so much checkered. Owing to the peculiar nature of his mind, and the great and serious afflictions in his family, he oft times made mistakes in his minis- try. He was not without talent, neither did he do wrong intention- ally. It was during his ministry that the Reformed congregation was di- vided. One part removed to the Main street, and, with some of the members of the Lutheran Church. founded the congregation now known as the "Bethel,"but originally known as the "Union Reformed," according to the authority of Rev.Jro.Rebaugh, who was at one time pastor. Mr. Habliston is more to be pitied than to be blamed. He was a well-disposed but unfortunate brother. Previous to his pastorate the German was ex-
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clusively used, but he introduced the English. His ministry closed with the year 1828.
REV. FREDERICK A. RAHAUSER, 1828- 1836.
Rev. F. A. Rahauser was just the man for this place after the schism had taken place. And no donbt if it had not been for the untiring services of this good, faithful, humble, chris- tian man, and his faithful adherents, only 34 in number, the Reformed Church would have passed away, and would have been a ruin of the past. But the spirit of the Reformation was not extinct and the Church lived. A half-dozen faithful fathers stood firm and piloted the ship through the storm. The Reformed obtained a charter jointly with the Lutherans, April, 1828. The officers of the Re- formed Church were as follows:
TRUSTEES :
Samuel Pague, Christian Noaker and John Raum.
ELDERS :
Peter Hollar, John Durnbaugh and Conrad Plaster.
DEACONS :
Christian Noaker, Peter Pague and Jacob Steinman.
A. writer in the Shippensburg News recently stated "with these brethren at the head of its iffairs, the congregation prospered and spread a benign influence throughout the community." Mr. Rahauser served the congregation till 1836, and left it in a prosperous condition. He went West, and died in Pittsburg, July 17, 1862, aged 83 years. At his last com- munion here, Aug. 4, 1836, 58 com- memorated the Lord's death.
. . Mr. Rahauser labored earnestly in the Lord's vineyard. The sweet sa- vors of his life, and salutory effects of his labors still remain wherever he has labored as a minister of the
cross. There will be many souls, which will adorn his crown of rejoie- ing in the day when God shall make up his jewels. To think of him and his band of earnest workers surround- ingthe Great White Throne, giving Glory to the Lamb is truly enraptur- ing. Amongst his last words, which he uttered, were these: "I have an unswerving faith that Jesus, our Sa- viour, whom I have preached to others is mine." He peacefully fell asleep in Jesus.
REV. W. C. BENNET, 1837-1838.
When Mr. Bennet became pastor, the Shippensburg charge included the congregation at this place, Orrs- town. Sharpsburg, and Keifer's church. * He served as a missionary to the Carolinas previous to his coming North in 1836. There were forty- eight who communed on May 13th, 1837. With what success he labored here Eternity will reveal. He had a natural impediment in his speech, which was a hindrance in his pulpit efforts. He was not very popular either as a pastor. Yet his love for the Reformed Church was ardent. He was, truly, an earnest and sincere man. He left Shippensburg in 1838, but in 1850 he was pastor at Newburg and adjacent points. In 1854 he lo- cated at Boiling Springs, where he died April 20th, 1870, aged near 66 years. His labors on earth have ended, and he has gone to his long home.
REV. A. H. KREMER, D. D., 1839-1845. The charge was vacant for near a year and a-half previous to Dr. Kremer's pastorate, during which time the people became greatly dis- couraged, but when he came at the conclusion of his theological course to this field, new interest was excited. I here insert a letter from him giving an account of his labors :
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LANCASTER, Dec. 19th, 1876.
"Rev. and Dear Bro .:- In answer to your inquiry I will say that I com- menced my ministry in Shippensburg as a licentiate, Oct. 1, 1839, and on Nov. 7th following I was ordained by a committee of Zion's Classis, con- sisting of Revs. Jno. Cares, B. Schneck, D. D., and Jacob Sechler. My in- mediate predecessor was Rev, W. C. Bennet. The congregation was so 'sadly run down that upon my first. visit in Aug. 1839, I, was told. by the members that they had nearly come to a resolve to disband as a Reformed congregation, and nnite with the Lutherans who worshiped in the same building. My visit, however, excited some new interest, and after spending several days with the dis- heartened membership, they in a month after tendered me a call to the pastorate which continued to Oct. 1. 1845, when I was succeeded by Rev. John'S. Foulk. There were added to the congregation during my min- istry 43 by confirmation and 4 by cer- tificate-leaving , at the close of my pastorate 41 male and 69 female meni- bers. May God greatly bless your ministry among this people, to whom my heart is tenderly drawn as the first, field of my ministerial labors. and trials."
"Yours in grace, A. H. KREMER."
Dr. Kremer first organized the Re- formed Sunday School. Pleasant memories combine into a beautiful halo which encircles the pastorate of Dr. Kremer, who was so faithful and untiring in his labors among you.
REV. JOHN'S. FOULK, 1846-1851.
and William McClure, contractor. - On the fifth day of April, 1850, the Legislature granted a new charter to the Reformed congregation, which was approved by Gov. Johnston. Mr. Foulk's labors close with the year 1851, when he was succeeded by
REV. G. W. GLESSNER, 1851-1856.
When Father Glessner took charge of the congregation the members were greatly disheartened. The Sunday School had disbanded, and prayer meetings were unknown. He organ- ized the Sunday School and held prayer meetings in the houses of the members. When he came the attend- ance was meagre, but soon the house was filled by anxious ones to hear the truth as Father Glessner earnestly expounded it. Oft, indeed, the audi- ence was greatly moved by the earn- est preacher's words. During his pas- torate the country points were dropp- ed, and his labors latterly were con- fined to Shippensburg. After serving this congregation five years and eight months, he resigned. and accepted 'a call to Middletown, but the people were loathe to accept his resignation, ,and permit him to leave.
Father Glessner has labored ear- nestly and zealously for almost fifty years as a minister of the Gospel in the Reformed Church. "But now his labors are near an end. His locks are rapidly whitening, indicative that age is making rapid inroads on his remain- ing strength. I know you hold him in grateful: remembrance, för few ministers have been so successful. A large number of the leading divines in the Reformed Church of to-day are a part of Father Glessner's spir- itual household, either by baptism or confirmation.
I do not know where Mr. Foulk re- sides now. He-no longer stands in ecclesiastical relation with the Re- formed Churchi. His ministry exten- tended over a period of five years. During Mr. Foulk's pastorate the Lutherans built the church they now occupy, and in 1849 the present edi- · fice, in which we to-day have assem- bled, was erected. Samuel Pague, REV. F. A. RUPLEY, 1857 -- 1861. Christian Rebuck, 'and Daniel Ke- " Mr. Rupley's pastorate continued naner were the building committee, | from April 2, 1857, to the last of June
1861-a period of more. than three years. Mr. Rupley is an exceedingly 12 active man, and possesses, in, a re- markable, degree executive ability. He is an excellent financier, and such a one as is needed to pilot a congre- gation through financial difficulties. His preaching was characterized with earnestness, and he was favored with large andiences. He did a good work here during his short pastorate in gathering in the sheaves, in the way of additions to the church. The trans- actions of the consistory and congre- gation have been faithfully recorded by Hon. II. Ruby, Secretary of the consistory. If the records had been as faithfully kept by all the Secre- taries previous, the congregation would have had on record many in- teresting items, from which we could on this occasion largely have drawn. Mr. Rupley's first labors were con- fned to Shippensburg, but when Zion's Church, wear Newburg, be- came' vacant, he supplied the people there," when finally Shippensburg. and Zion's "were constituted a pas- toral charge.
On Jan. 2, 1858, Rev. F. A. Rupley, Henry, Ruby and Jacob Nottsker, were constituted the committee to prepare the Constitution for the. gov- ernment of your church. The com- mittee reported on Jan. 24,1858, when the present Constitution was adopted. At the adopting of the Constitution Jacob Steinman occupied the chair, and Geo. Clever was Secretary. There were 124, communicants present, at the last celebration of the Lord's : Supper, during Mr. Rupley's minis- try. From Shippensburg he went to Middletown, Md. He now resides in Martinsburg, Pa., having retired from pastoral labor, owing to failing health. You hold him in grateful. re- membrance, because many of you
haye referred to his pastorate in terms of highest commendation.".
REV. A. S. VAUGHLY, 1861 -- 1863.
"Mr. Vaughin's pastorate! was' ai short one. It was during war times, ' too, wlien every one in this commu- nity was greatly excited over the probable issue of the Rebellion. . Mr. Vaughin, himself, particularly : felt .. the stress of circumstances produced' by war. Owing to these he left his ' home in North Carolina for Pennsyl -. vania in 1861. Mr. Vaughin is cer- tainly a fine scholar and an excellent: preacher: |Whilst amongst you he: was, I believe, engaged in teaching, which so occupied his time that he was prevented from pastoral visita- tion. He took a decided stand in de -! fence of the old customs' of the Re -. formed Church. "' Ile resigned April 19, 1863. Ile has since returned to North Carolina, and is engaged in teaching-his favorite profession. Ue is connected "with the Presbyterian Church South at present.
REV. JACOB HASSLER, 1863-1869.
Mr. Hassler's pastorate extended over a period of five years and nine months. He added a number of per- sons to the church in the early part of his ministry. He was pastor dur- ing a very exciting period of the civil war. I have been told that he was especially interested in the young. This is truly a commendable trait of his. Too many pastors permit the young unwarned, to wander through the wilderness of sin. Hle preached regularly at Shippensburg and Zion's Church. He reports the Shippens- burg congregation as numbering 190 members when he resigned this charge. Mr. Hassler is friendly and social almost to a fault .. He now re- sides at Mercersburg, Pa., and is Principal of a Classical School for. young ladies.
REV. A. Q. DCLE, 1870 -1872.
Whilst pastor of St. John's Church, in West Philadelphia. ) ,Mr. Dole re- ceived and accepted a call to become your pastor. His pastorate was a brief one extending over only two years. " During this period 21 were added to the church. .. . In 1872 a call was extended him by the consistory. of the Huntingdon charge, which he accepted .. . There are recorded "Res- olutions of Respect," showing that he must have been much beloved. He is a kind man, and is ever anxious for the salvation of all., His voice is al- ways uttered in favor of peace. Jndg- ing from his delicate appearance, time is telling upon him. . At present he residles, at Huntingdon, and last Spring was chosen President of Mer- cersurg Classis.
REV. S. B. SCHAEFFER.
This brother's pastorate was of short duration, extending over a pe- riod of only a year and a half. . He received a call to become your pastor whilst a student in the Theological. Seminary at Lancaster. " He entered upon his labors amongst you in the summer of 1874, and continued your pastor till the last of the year 1875. Hle reports in his last classical report the membership of this charch as numbering 125 persans. During his pastorate Zion's' and Shippensburg were each constituted into a pastoral charge. ile baptized fourteen, con- firmed five, and received by certificate five., Let it suffice to state that his pastorate can hardly be known as a successful one. He now resides in Carlisle, Pa., but has been recently Installed pastor of the Sulpher Springs charge, in Cumberland Co., Pa.
4. The present pastor came A'ug. roth; 1876. What His success or failure may
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be another shall record. When he came you were greatly discouraged, but he is glad he can truthfully state to-day that the future is bright, and
.. that you as a people are rallying around the Cross, making ready for to act on the aggressive in the spiritual warfare of life. Let us all pray the Father of Mercies, for the sake of Jesus Christ, His Son, to bind us. closely together, that we may labor in the vineyard of the Lord harmoni- ously. Each day in your prayers re- member him before God's throne,and if you ask in faith your prayers will" be graciously answered by Him from whom all blessings flow. He is young and comparatively inexperienced, and if he does sometimes falter, look upon him kindly so that his usefulness be not impaired,
This charge has not many repre- sentatives in the ministry. Rev. Samuel Helfenstain, D. D., was a member of this charge while a theo- logical student under Rev. J. P. Stock previous to the year 1800. Rev. Matthe'v Irvin was also a member of this charge, and studied under Dr. Kremer during his pastorate. Rev. M.Irvin baptized your present pastor. Both Dr. Helfenstein and Rev.' Irvin have been called to their Fathers, but not until they had been permitted to serve their Master faithfully here on earth. Rev. Conrad Clever is the only son of the Shippensburg Re- formed congregation iii the ministry, and is laboring actively and success- fully at Columbia, Pa. May he be but the first of those who will enter the ministerial ranks from this con- gregation, and ere another century has passed may a score be standing on the "watch towers" of Zion proclaim- ing salvation through the Crucified Redeemer.
"But we are all'happy now, because
we have done honor to those gone be- fore, by calling them to memory. But one of the twenty pastors placed over this congregation has proved a reprobate, and that one is the wretched Spangenberg.
Your ancestors, your fore-fathers in the church, my friends, labored diligently to establish the Reformed Church in Shippensburg. They have bequeathed their labors to you, and their prayer, no doubt, was that the rising generations should be equally diligent. Now amidst the reminis- cences of near a century and a quarter, can you for a moment think of forsak- ing the Church of your Fathers, and thus betray your trust? No! I know you will not. Yea, I believe, that amidst the memories of this day, you will resolve to stand by the old Re- formed faith. Now it will not suffice to rely upon the history of the past alone, thinking that the history of your congregation will keep you alive; but whilst you call to mind the trials and triumphs of those of old, you must not forget to labor for an increase of faith and numbers. May
each inquire:
"What shall I render to my God, "For all his kindness shown?"
And may the answer be:
"My feet shall visit thine abode,
"My songs address thy throne.
"Among the saints that fill thine house, "My offerings shall be paid;
"There shall my zeal perform the vows "My soul in anguish made.
"Here in thy courts I leave my vow, "And thy rich grace record;
"Now to His praise I'll spend my breath, "And my remaining days."
Look behind you! The fathers of the past who gladly sought the house of God, by wending their way thro' the wilderness, rise in memory to beckon you to move onward, having the glory of God as your guiding star. Look around you ! Behold the harvest
is ripe, ready for the sickle, which you and I are called upon to wield, so that glorious sheaves may be garnered : in the Church of Christ. Look before you ! Behold a starry crown, and pure white robes for each of you, who will be faithful till He comes to summon you to appear before Him, and enjoy the company of the vener- able fathers who have already passed through the valley and shadow of death. So when trials do come-and they will come -- do not break ranks, but as a mighty phalanx . with your shields of faith protecting vou from the Enemy's darts, go forward man- fully conquering Satan who is at work all around you. :
Aye! There is another strong incent- ive to urge us onward. To think of those faithful ones who have entered into the joy of their Lord, from 1753 to 1877, standing on the portals of Par- adise to welcome the faithful in the name of Jesus. There will be many, as the many mounds around us indi- cate. You who are bound to them by tender ties of relationship, together with us who are joined together as followers of the same Lord, will be truly happy then. But this future felicity is conditioned. No one can himself build a dwelling unless he work, nor can one be a faithful ser- vant of the Lord unless he labor for the advancement of the Redeemer's Kingdom. If you feel like giving up the Christian race remember if you do, a crown of righteousness will never grace your forehead, nor will you ever walk the streets of the New Jerusalem. With these incentives to labor, I believe each with me will heartily join in these words: If I forget thee, O Church of my Fathers, let my right hand forget her cunning. If. I do not remember thee, let my tongue. cleave to the roof of my mouth.
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