USA > Pennsylvania > Blair County > Altoona > History of the city of Altoona and Blair County : including sketches of the shops of the Pennsylvania Railroad Co. > Part 12
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ST. LUKE'S PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL.
This church is located at the corner of Eighth avenue and Thir- teenth street, and was erected in 1858. The present rector is Rev. Allen Sheldon Woodle, B. D .; rector's warden, Theodore N. Ely ; junior warden, Joseph Wood ; treasurer, A. H. Maxwell; secretary, James Mallett ; sexton, William Jarvis.
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HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY.
TIIE BRETHREN.
This denomination is called "German Baptist," "Tunkers," and, by the ignorant, "Dunkards," and is frequently classed with the "Mennonite," "Omish," and other branches of faith. It was organ- ized in Pennsylvania in 1724, and was better known at that time, and ever since, by the appellation of "Tunkers." We are in doubt as to whether the latter name was adopted by The Brethren, or any portion of them, or given to them by outside parties. Be this as it may, the word "Tunker," derived from the German "Sunten," signi- fies to dip, and in this manner the converts to their faith are baptized .. The Brethren generally wear a peculiar dress, and do not shave the board. [That the men and women lived in separate habitations, and discarded marriage, is an allegation devoid of any foundation.] They are much less rigid than formerly in some particulars. Like the Bap- tists they believe in immersion, but unlike them practice feet-washing and differ on several other points of doctrine and practice. Like the Church of God, they practice both immersion and feet-washing, but differ in the manner of the former. In the Church of God baptism is accomplished by a single plunge backward, whilst in The Breth- ren church three forward dips are required, the first "in the name of the Father," the second "in the name of the Son," and the third "in the name of the Holy Ghost." The position in the water of the candidate for baptism in the Church of God is upon the feet; in The Brethren church upon the knees. Once in the spring and once in the fall feet-washing, partaking of a supper, saluting each other with a kiss, are rites practiced precedent to partaking of the communion, all of which are participated in on a single occasion in the order stated. With such marked peculiarities of practice and doctrine, notwithstand- ing the similarity of name, The Brethren are easily distinguishable from the United Brethren by those who are conversant with the doc- trines and mode of conducting services by each. The polity of the church, or the recognized principles upon which it is based, forbids its. members to go to law with each other, as well as discountenance ac- tions in law against those beyond the jurisdiction of their church. When called as witnesses in courts the rule is to affirm instead of tak- ing the usual oath. Bearing arms is prohibited. No member is al- lowed to become a beneficiary of the public, or be provided for at the public expense. They make provision for the extremely poor and otherwise unfortunate members of their religious society.
The chief dignitary of the church is the Archbishop, there being only one in the United States. He presides at the General Confer-
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HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY.
ence held annually, which is composed of delegates from every district in the country. Next in dignity and importance is the elder or bishop (by The Brethren used as synonymous titles) who has the power of administering the communion, perform the rites of baptism and matri- mony and all other ceremonies of the church. Next are ministers who, whilst they can baptize and perform the marriage ceremony, eannot administer the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. And, finally the novitiate, who, until advanced to a higher degree, by knowledge, age and experience, can neither perform the marriage ceremony nor bap- tize, and, of course, is unauthorized to conduct the communion.
Formerly each State constituted a separate ecclesiastical district. The membership of the churches has increased with the increase of population. Hence, now, States are subdivided. Pennsylvania has three districts, eastern, middle and western. An annual meeting of delegates from the respective districts is held in each State to deliber- ate for the spiritual and temporal good of the church. It is here that differences are reconciled and difficulties removed. In cases of failure, however, appeals are taken or the matters are relegated to the General Conference, which constitutes an appellate ecclesiastical court of final resort. The Brethren ministers receive no stated or regular salary. When poor their traveling and other necessary expenses are cheer- fully paid by the laity ; when well off in this world's goods they ask no compensation.
The amplitude of this prelude to what we are about to say of the church in Altoona, grows out of a desire to correct wrong impressions in regard to a people who are truly "peculiar and zealous in good works," and at the same time to acquaint the public with the distine- tive characteristics of their church polity, doctrines and practices.
About 1869 or 1870, eight or ten members of the church, residing in Altoona, composed the congregation of The Brethren here. Ser- vices were held in a chapel, now torn down, on Eighth avenue, be- tween Twenty-first and Twenty-second streets. September 4, 1874, the congregation having increased in numbers, it purchased from II. D. Witmer a lot and building, on the corner of Sixth avenue and Fifth street, for fifteen hundred dollars. This building was first constructed as a chapel and used by a mission school of the Second Methodists, afterwards converted into a dwelling and when bought by The Breth- ren remodeled into a church, in which they now worship every alter- nate Sunday, services being generally conducted by Elders James A. Sell, Graybill Myers, Brice Sell and David E. Sell, in rotation. The membership now is sixty-five. A Sunday-school, of which George W.
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HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY.
D. W. COLYER,
MOUSE A D SIGN PAINTER,
GRAINER, KALSOMINER AND PAPER HANGER.
Twelfth Street, between 8th and 9th Avenues,
ALTOONA, PA.
BEST WORK AT LOWEST PRICES.
W. B. REESE,
MANUFACTURER OF AND DEALER IN
TIN, SHEET-IRON,
BRASS AND COPPER-WARE,
No. 712 Ninth Street, - Altoona, Pa.
[ Between Seventh and Eighth Avenues.]
PARTICULAR ATTENTION GIVEN TO ROOFING AND SPOUTING.
A COMPLETE STOCK OF
STOVES AND MOUSE-FURNISHING GOODS Constantly on hand and for sale at Lowest Prices.
Repairing of all kinds promptly attended to. Before purchasing goods in my line, or entering into contract for roofing or spouting, give me a call.
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HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY.
Kephart, a deacon, is superintendent, numbering about one hundred scholars, is attached to the church. The Bible is the only book used by the teachers and scholars, with the exception of a book of sacred songs-"Precious Jewels," by Prof. R. B. Mahaffey of our city.
UNITED BRETHREN.
The church of the United Brethren in Christ was established in Altoona with the early growth of the town. The circumstances that led to the organization were principally brought about by a large num- her of its members coming from other sections of the country where they stood identified with this branch of the church, and having a natural desire for the church of their choice they were prompted to form themselves into a congregation. They were served for several years by ministers from adjacent charges. The annual conference, re- cognizing the growth of the new town and the consequent demand for a more concentrated effort, made it a station, assigning Rev. D. Speck as pastor. The first thing demanding the attention of the pas- tor was a church building, and in this enterprise he was ably seconded by Samuel McGlathery, Jacob Bottenberg, Thomas Stackhouse, Wil- liam Fox, M. T. Dill, George Earhart, Cornelius MeLanghlin, and many others that space will not permit to name.
A splendid location was secured, on the corner of Eighth avenue and Twelfth street. In due time, by earnest effort and noble sacrifice on the part of this little congregation, a commodious church building was erected, and set apart to the service of God. From this time the church has had a permanent growth, and its future prosperity is ominous.
In the following order the congregation has been served by the various pastors up to the present date : Rev. D. Speck, from January, 1857, to January, 1859. [Mr. Speck was afterwards presiding el- der of the district in which this congregation is embraced.] Rev. W. B. Dick, from January, 1859, to January, 1860. [Mr. Dick died a few years ago, much lamented, and rests in the Tyrone cemetery.] Rev. D. Sheerer, from January, 1860, to January, 1861. Rev. E. B. Kep- hart, from January, 1861, to January, 1863. [Mr. Kephart is serv- ing as president of Western College, Iowa; he also served two terms in the Iowa senate.] Rev. T. H. Hallowell, from January, 1863 to January, 1865. Rev. M. P. Doyle, from 1865 to 1869, during whose pastorate the church was enlarged. Rev. W. Wragg, from 1869 to 1872. Rev. J. Walker, from 1872 to 1876. [Mr. Walker also served as presiding elder of this district. He died at Conemaugh, Cambria
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HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY.
county, in the early part of 1880.] Rev. M. Spangler, from 1876 to the time of his appointment as presiding elder of this district, September, 1880. Rev. J. Medsger was appointed pastor to fill, Mr. Spangler's place at the same time.
Owing to the rapid growth of the congregation, more room and better accommodations were required; in consequence the building was enlarged and re-modeled in 1877, at a cost approximating $5,000. This work was consummated under the supervision of Rev. M. Spang- ler and the board of trustees, consisting of J. Peight, H. Schum, A. Eberly, J. Carl and J. Bush. The church and parsonage are valued at $15,000. The membership numbers four hundred ; Sabbath-school three hundred scholars. The officers are : Officiary-Pastor, Rev. J. Medsger ; leaders, S. Hawk, P. M. Smith and J. M. Barwis; stewards, S. Beecher, D. Bolinger, J. W. Parson, Geo. Blackburn, J. Claybaugh, Geo. Cruse and J. C. Shirk. Superintendent of Sabbath-school, P. M. Smith; leader of choir, R. C. Ward; trustees, J. Peight, H. Schum, A. Eberly, J. Carl, J. Bush, J. Barwis and George Blackburn.
The whole amount collected for various benevolent purposes dur- ing the last four years has averaged $2,750 for each year.
[The reader will observe an inequality or disproportion of histori- cal data in the preceding sketches of the churches, relatively consid- ered, and may feel inclined to charge us with partiality. In explana- tion we say, that invitations were extended to all the ministers in the city, and county, to furnish us with such facts and figures as would enable us to give a full and correct history of their respective churches. Some complied with our request, and others paid no attention to it. As we had no access to church records, we publish what facts we could gather from other sources, and we believe them correct as far as they go, though not as full as we desired to have them.]
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HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY.
CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATIONS.
YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF ALTOONA.
The earliest organization of this association was effected in 1863 or 1864, with quite a large membership. After various interferences the association located in a room over the Mechanics' Savings bank, corner Twelfth street and Eighth avenue, where regular and special religious and business meetings were held from 1870 to 1874, when the association moved to rooms over John Hurd's book store, Twelfth street, near Eleventh avenue, where it was domiciled for about three years. During this time, after the holding of the State convention of the Young Men's Christian Associations of Pennsylvania, the move- ment which resulted in the Railroad Men's Christian Association was inaugurated, and quite a number of the efficient members of the asso- ciation deemed it their duty to enter that organization, after which, for about three years, in order not to incur expenses unprovided for, the association's business meetings were held at the house of L. F. Stahl. In January, 1880, it was deemed expedient again to venture on the procuring of a room, which resulted in the occupancy of the present very suitable room on Eleventh avenne, near Thirteenth street. The association has always numbered among its warmest friends many of our leading business men, who now are supporting it by voluntary monthly contributions, and the members have full time to spend in the immediate work of teaching God's word to the best of their abil- ity, without troubling themselves about the finances. The work is largely done by committees appointed by the president for special defi- nite work-a devotional committee to arrange for all religious ser- vices ; a sick visiting committee to visit not only association members who may be sick, but all others who may desire to have a band of young men visit them, to counsel them, pray with them or sing for them ; a finance committee to attend to all pecuniary affairs; a church committee, a membership committee and other needed committees. The membership is now about eighty. There is a nucleus for a lib- rary, and a devoted band of workers. The present officers are as fol- low : President, Dr. W. M. Findley ; vice presidents, J. B. Herring and Samuel G. Hall; treasurer, T. H. Wiggins; recording secretary, A. Swope ; corresponding secretary, Will H. Slep.
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HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY.
J. B. SMITH'S PLACE OF BUSINESS,
1321 Eleventh Avenue, Altoona, Pa.
If you want a Fashionable Pair of Boots, go to J. B. Smith's, 1321 Eleventh Avenue, Altoona, Pa.
If you want a Neat-Fitting Boot, go to J. B. Smith's, 1321 Eleventh Avenue, Altoona, Pa,
J. B. Smith's Place of Business:
1321 ELEVENTH AVENUE, ALTOONA, PA.
H. B. MILLER, DENTIST,
1410 Eleventh Avenue, Altoona.
Teeth Inserted Cheaper than anywhere else in the county, for Cash.
AGP ALL WORK WARRANTED.
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HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY.
RAILROAD MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.
This association was the outgrowth of the railroad men's Sunday afternoon prayer meetings, which were commenced in October, 1875. The great religious interest which manifested itself throughout the country during the fall and winter of that year resulted in the spirit- ual ingathering of many of those employed in the service of the Penn- sylvania Railroad company in Altoona. With a view of exerting a greater influence over their companions, as well as to provide for their social, moral and spiritual improvement, those engaged in carrying on the meetings referred to deemed it expedient that an organization should be effected into which the men might be brought. Accordingly, on February 24, 1876, a permanent organization was formed by the selection of the following officers: President, George F. Jones; vice presidents, Flemen Trout and S. Hawk; recording secretary, John L. Williams; corresponding secretary, T. B. Patton ; treasurer, W. A. Adams. A reading room was opened at the corner of Eleventh ave- nue and Thirteenth street, and on the 16th day of the following month it was dedicated with appropriate services. The room is supplied with quite a selection of daily and weekly, religious and secular, papers, magazines, books, ete., which are largely made use of by its many visitors. The association has its regular committees to look after the various departments of its work, who report monthly and receive all needed instructions from the association. The prayer meeting organ- ized in October, 1875, is still being regularly held every Sunday after- noon at four o'clock, as well as devotional or cottage meetings through the week. The present officers are : President, Wm. Burbank ; vice presidents, H. J. Aukerman, W. W. Gardner and W. P. Moore ; re- cording secretary, Taylor Grant; corresponding secretary, T. B. Pat- ton; treasurer, C. S. Nicodemus.
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HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY.
CITIES OF THE DEAD.
FAIRVIEW CEMETERY.
This solemn city of the dead covers an area of eighteen or twenty acres of elevated ground, on the northern suburbs of Altoona. The land was purchased from John Kough and James Trees. On March 3, 1857, an association was formed, which on October 28, same year, procured a charter. Rev. Henry Baker was made the first president ; Rev. A. B. Clarke and George R. Everson, vice presidents ; Theodore A. Stecker, secretary ; J. B. Hileman, treasurer; G. W. Patton, M. Clabaugh, C. C. Mason, A. A. Smith, M. T. Dill, A. C. Vauclain, Austin McGraw and John Hamilton, trustees. Changes in its man- agement, of course, have occurred from time to time. At the meeting of the stockholders on April 7, 1880, (elections occur annually, on the first Monday of April,) A. F. Heess was elected president ; Harry C. Dern and A. H. Maxwell, vice presidents; A. Clabaugh, secretary ; A. Kipple, treasurer; A. C. Devlan, John P. Levan, J. Wagner, J. Loudon, S. F. Ramey, G. W. Kessler, George W. Hawksworth, sr., and J. W. Smith, trustees.
Since the cemetery was laid out improvements have been con- stantly made. The money derived from the sale of lots instead of being applied as dividends to stockholders, or projectors, has been ex- pended in rendering the grounds attractive. About five years ago water pipes were laid for conveying water to the premises at no little expense and labor to the association, for the benefit of lot-holders. Up to this time about eight hundred family lots (the entire tract con- tains 1,373 lots) have been disposed of at prices ranging from ten to twenty-five dollars. Upwards of 2,500 burial permits have been issued. The grounds and improvements have been fully paid for, and, conse- quently, no incumbrances exist on the property.
A receiving vault has been constructed on the grounds to supply the urgent necessities of those who may not be prepared for perma- nent interment, but no corpse will be allowed to remain in the vault over two months, unless absolutely necessitated by unavoidable cir- cumstances, and hermetically closed cases must be used.
Andrew M'Farran, an elderly gentleman, became the first inhabit- ant of this city of the dead. He was burried on March 17, 1857, since which time over twenty-five hundred have followed him to that
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HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY.
"bourne from whence no traveler returns." At first the graves were dug by Mr. Russel, afterwards by James Shellenberger, but, since August, 1870, Robert Cox has been acting as superintendent. He re- sides on the grounds and is well known for his efficiency and politeness.
Our city having no parks or pleasure grounds, Fairview cemetery has become a popular place of resort, during spring and summer, not only for those who throng thither to view the graves of their friends, and to meditate upon the brevity and uncertainty of life, but for those who seek temporary relief from the harassing cares and vexations of business. Until the trees and shrubbery already planted, and such as will be planted, mature fully, the eye of the visitor will more partieu- larly dwell upon the works of art exhibited there. The soldiers' monu- ment, erected upon the apex of the mound, is the chief object of at- traction, more on account of the patriotie memories which cluster around it and its prominent location, than any intrinsie merit exhibited in the emblazonment of its shaft. Exhibitions of sculpture, at least equally meritorious, are visible on every hand, no inconsiderable por- tion of which was executed by our townsman, D. A. Bradley. To James Simpson, of Huntingdon, belongs the credit of furnishing the majority of neat iron railings which surround the various lots.
N. W. Cunningham, formerly of Altoona, now of Chicago, recently presented his vault or mausoleum to the Altoona Fairview Cemetery association, the ereetion of which cost a considerable sum of money.
OAK RIDGE CEMETERY.
In 1878 a number of citizens of Altoona, believing that a necessity existed for the establishment of another cemetery, determined to form themselves into an association for that purpose. There were several reasons which led to this, one of the principal ones of which was that a general desire existed to have, for convenience, a cemetery on the east side of the city. The best location and the most suitable ground was found to be on the farm of G. T. Bell, of whom nine aeres were bought and enelosed with a substantial pieket fence. The ground is beautifully situated, with a south-eastern exposure, overlooking Pleasant Valley, and presenting romantie views of mountain seenery. The soil is of a fertile sandy loam, perfectly dry, sloping gently to the south-east, making the drainage perfeet, and being well adapted to the rapid growth of trees, shrubbery and flowers.
The association was incorporated on December 16, 1878, under the name and title of "Oak Ridge Cemetery Association," and is con- dueted by a board of managers, who are not allowed any compensa- tion for their services. By the terms of the charter we notice that all
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HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY.
F. W. OLMES.
CARL OLMES.
OLMES & BRO. MEAT MARKETS.
11th Avenue, bet. 13th and 14th Streets, 13th Street, between 7th and 8th Avenues, ALTOONA, PA.
Beef, Mutton, Veal and Pork,
SMOKED AND FRESH SAUSAGE, BOLOGNA AND PUDDING.
We now claim not only to have the Finest Meat Markets, but sell the best meats at prices to suit everybody. When it is considered that we buy all of the best Western stock, it is as cheap as it can be sold.
JAMES W. FINDLEY'S INSURANCE AGENCY, 11th Avenue, bet 12th and 13th Streets, SECOND FLOOR ALTOONA BANK BUILDING, ALTOONA, PA.
Only sound and reliable companies represented. All losses promptly adjusted and paid at this office. Agent for Steamship Lines and dealer in Foreign Exchange and Drafts.
J. WESLEY ALLEN, Homeopathic Physician and Surgeon,
1330} Eleventh Avenue, Altoona, Pa.
OFFICE HOURS :
8 to 9 a. m.
3 1 to 3 p. m.
1
7 to 8 p. m.
CONSULTATIONS IN ENGLISH AND GERMAN.
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HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY.
moneys derived from the sale of lots must be used in paying for the ground, and in improving and beautifying it. After this has been done the moneys received shall be invested in good securities, and the interest accruing shall constitute a perpetual fund for keeping the cem- etery in good order. The sale of lots up to the present time has been so encouraging that the managers think they will be able to make con- siderable improvements during this year. The success of the associ- ation is, therefore, an assured fact. The fertility of the soil and the beauty of location must in a few years make this cemetery one of the most popular burial grounds in this portion of the State. The officers are : Joseph Dysart, president; Theo. H. Wigton, treasurer; H. B. Kendig, secretary. Joseph Dysart, George S. Eaby, John W. Cherry, Jonathan Foreman, John Boynes, G. T. Bell and Richard J. Crozier are the managers. The election for officers is held annually.
ST. JOHN'S CEMETERY.
The first purchase for a Catholic cemetery was made in 1857, be- ing a lot of ground lying in the Second ward. Before the second body was laid to rest in the new cemetery it was discovered that the location was not desirable, and also that the grounds were too limited to meet the wants of a large Catholic community. It was concluded, therefore, to make a second purchase. In 1858 the present cemetery, situated on the east side of the city, near the reservoir, was secured at a cost of about four thousand dollars.
ST. JOSEPH'S CEMETERY.
In 1879 the German Catholic congregation bought ground lying close by St. John's cemetery, for about two thousand dollars, where they intend to lay their dead to rest. The location of both St. John's and St. Joseph's cemeteries is excellent ; they look to the east, and with a continuance of the care and attention bestowed on improving and beautifying them, in a short time they will become picturesque and solemn "cities of the dead."
EASTERN LIGHT CEMETERY.
About the year 1865, John Ferguson, George Hooper and John Alexander purchased a lot of ground, fronting on Tenth street, east side, now adjoining Oak Ridge cemetery, for ninety-four dollars and sixty cents, to be used as a burial place for the colored people of this city, regardless of religious sect. Added to the cost of the ground, the improvements swelled the amount to about three hundred dollars. The first stockholders consisted of the projectors already named and Geo. M. Jackson, Henry Johnson, George Payne and Allan Hurley.
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HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY.
CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT.
To Hon. B. F. Rose, the thoroughly competent and energetic chief engineer of the city fire department, we are indebted for the fol- lowing sketches of the fire companies of Altoona:
December 15, 1859, was an eventful day in the history of Al- toona, on account of the introduction of gas and water. Previous to that date there was no organized fire company. If there had been, apparatus would have been useless. During the summer of 1858, those old fire veterans, A. H. Maxwell and A. C. Vanclain, conceived the idea of organizing a fire company ; but what, the question may be asked, would a company be without an engine ? To secure one a sub- scription was taken up and sufficient money secured to purchase the hand engine of the Good Will Fire company of Philadelphia. The organization here adopted the same name, "Good Will," and housed their engine on October 22, 1859. At the grand parade of December 15, 1859, the Good Will made their first appearance, equipped in dark pants, white shirts, black belts and glazed caps.
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