USA > Pennsylvania > Lancaster County > Ephrata > Souvenir book of the Ephrata cloister; complete history from its settlement in 1728 to the present time. Included is the organization of Ephrata borough connected with the cloister > Part 4
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He was converted in 1715, when twenty-five years old. His fame as a baker spread, many grew jealous and once at a guild banquet he reproved the others for their idle practices, in conse- quence of which, the masters managed with the city councils to have him arrested and put in jail. His trial soon took place and no just cause was found, so his accusers declared that he was a Pietist and he was tried by an ecclesiastical court of the clergy of the three dominant religions. They decided to give him the choice to join one of these three religions or leave the country, but the former was against his conscience and he had to leave notwithstanding the fact that his master and a Jew made stren- uous efforts to gain his pardon. Therefore in 1720 he set out for America, landing in autumn at Boston and because of the religious freedom in Pennsylvania, Beissel went to Germantown and made.
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D
A Lovefeast Group
CHAPTER XIII
John Conrad Beissel's Death
Rev. 2:10. Be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life
OHN CONRAD BEISSEL, originator of the Ephrata community, died July 6, 1768, in the 77th year of his age.
He attended to his ministerial duties until within eight days of his departure at which time he per- formed his official duties at his last lovefeast, in other words the holy communion. He was then already so weak that on his way "he was so sick he could just lie down and die."
Three days before his death an aged sister who held him in high esteem came to her last moments and requested Beissel to visit her even if he could not speak, if she only might see him. Notwith- standing his conflict with death he called a brother to his aid and complied with her request, soon after which her spirit fled.
At the same time there was another, who had come from a far distant land, and had but shortly before become a sister, in a low state of sickness; and she desired of the Lord, that he would but let her die with this righteous man: and it was her lot to depart before him, some hours only.
At length came the 6th day of Jply 1768, upon which his time of probation was brought to a close. In the morning he was seen a short distance abroad, in consequence of which, no one appre- hended that the spirit's final flight was so near at hand; neither could the powers of death prostrate him so far as to oblige him to take the bed of sickness. In the mean time, however, constant watch was kept; for it was presumed that strange things would yet take place, and that the powers of death would yet have much with him to do; since he was an old warrior that was not accus- tomed to depend upon the good usage of men, nor to flee before the powers of darkness.
But at length the message came of his fast approaching end; when a number of persons gathered into his house: the brethren stood nearest around him, and next stood the sisters; and such of them as were small, stood upon benches to witness the last of his transitory existence. Of his approaching end he was con- scious ; and having his powers of speech, he conversed of differ- ent religious matters ; when he at length requested of the brethren to be blessed, and taken into their communion ; which was assented
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JOHN CONRAD BEISSEL'S DEATH
to, and prayer pronounced with the laying on of hands, after which all the brethren gave him the kiss of peace upon the way.
He was then persuaded to lie down upon his bench, when he was heard to repeat several times the words, "O way! O way! O woonder! O woonder!" upon which his voice failed, and soon after he fell quietly asleep. Then was the saying of old remem- bered, "My father, my father, the Chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof." (See 2 Kings 2:12.) Yet no one was seen to shed tears, for there was within all an inward emotion of thanksgiving unto God, that he with so much mercy, after a so long continued martyrdom, had delivered his servant, from the death of the natural body.
The words which he made use of, are in identical English: O woe ! O woe! O wonder ! O wonder ! Under what reflections he repeated those words, can of course only be conjectured. If his modes of expression, as found in his writings, can to any degree be relied on, in solving the mystery, there is reason to believe that he in the first place, had reference to the destiny of the wicked; and in the second, to the salvation of the righteous. This conclu- sion, would fully agree with different subjects, which near his last engaged his mind.
In person he was small, yet well formed; in features, his fore- head was high, his nose prominent, and his eyes sharp. His ap- pearance generally made the impression upon others, that he was a man of deep and profound thought. Otherwise he had excel- lent natural talents, that under favorable circumstances, he might have become one of the most learned men. Many through his labors, were awakened to a spiritual life; and many strove earn- estly to follow in his footsteps, but could not keep equal pace ; for he had given himself so far out of his own hands, both naturally and spiritually, that he lived in a singular narrowed-up way, that continued to the close of his life. In accordance with the dictates of his conscience he lived and died in a single state of life, and owned no property.
He was born in the year 1609, his repentance was brought about, without any human agency, in the year 1715, in the 25th year of his age. His whole age he brought to 77 years, 4 months, and 6 days.
If it had been possible to develop and control the natural talents and the spiritual along certain lines there is no conjecture as to the ultimate and inestimable greatness of men of this type. He was great beyond comparison in his sphere. Surely his efforts were indefatigable to do the right as he believed God gave him power to know the right, to exercise a sincerity of purpose worthy of consideration and emulation.
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THE EPHRATA CLOISTER
The death of Beissel was followed by some internal dissensions as he was the leading spirit with an iron hand. The new prior was of a retiring disposition and very meek and unassuming and the time of aggressive policy in the community life was past. This is not said to detract from the culture and scholarly traits of Peter Miller, his successor.
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Peter Miller's Tombstone, Virtually Secretary of State. Translated Declaration of Indedendence into Seven Languages
CHAPTER XIV .
Peter Miller
Matthew 5:44. Love your enemies
ETER MILLER was the son of a Reformed minister, born early in the year 1710 at Altzborn Oberant, Kaiserlautern in the Palatinate. He was educated at Heidleberg University, where he graduated as an honor student with a skillful training in theology and law, alike, afterwards elected a member of the American Philo- sophical Society. In his twentieth year he responded to a call for clergymen from Pennsylvania, where he arrived August 28, 1730, and was ordained in November, becoming pastor of the Tulpe- hocken Church between Womelsdorf and Myerstown where there was a union congregation of Lutherans and Reformed made up of Germans, many of whom lived in the Cocalico valley and Bucherthal in the upper Conestoga country.
Peter Miller was tall of stature, with a kindly face, friendly manner, distinguished looking, open hearted toward those to whom he took a liking. He was modest and extremely meek. Many visiting strangers always tried to get an introduction to him, seeking his society, some for reputation's sake, others to mix with culture and refinement, others because they recognized him as a man of much learning, an expert linkuist and had much theologi- cal training.
His disposition, in addition to the pietistic simplicity of char- acter and kndness of manner, was open, frank, affable, easy of access and entertaining, instructive and agreeable in conversation. He was judicious, sensible, well informed, easy and cheerful, a man who had received from God most remarkable gifts and sound judgment and on account of that, carried great weight with him into whatever sphere he might turn calling for honorable sacred performance of duty to God and man.
Yet when Jaebez (Peter Miller) assumed management of the Ephrata Community the settlement was already on the decline due to conditions not to Miller.
When the American Revolution broke out, Congress needed to find a trustworthy scholar to translate the diplomatic correspond- ence into different tongues of Europe. Many who had the ability were suspected or being fugitives or Tories. This being true of the clergy of the Established Church. At this time, Charles
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THE EPHRATA CLOISTER
Tompson thought of Jaebez. The offer was made to him to do this work. He promptly accepted and didn't receive a penny for his services, all of which appears as a matter of record.
This humble recluse of Ephrata translated the Declaration of Independence into seven different languages and sent it to the different courts of Europe, the work being done in a cabin shown in this book, possibly most of it by the light of a schmaltz-lamppe (fed licht), lard lamp.
Surely the services rendered by Jaebez can hardly be estimated at the present time. He was alike author of a song book, an ex- pert proof reader, and translator of the Mennonite Martyr's Mir- ror, upward of 1500 pages. The making of the paper, setting the type, printing, translating and binding of which occupied more than a dozen men over two and a half years.
Peter Miller was well known to Washington by whom he was greatly respected. It is said and handed down from generation to generation that Washington visited the Cloister on three dif- ferent occasions, being received by Miller and the Ephrata Com- munity at the west end of the Saron. His favorite chair can be seen in the Saron.
Jaebez exercised great diligence and activity as well as foster- ing care of the mission churches or congregations west of the Susquehanna and his interest continued until his death ensued. His love and solicitude for the churches at Bermudian and An- tietam were very marked even in his declining years.
A few years prior to his death he fractured his hip by a severe fall and so lamed him that any journey, let alone pilgrimages, were out of the question. Little is known of his latter days. He died September 25, 1796, aged 86 years and 9 months, having lived on some borrowed time. Truly his days were "many" and useful. Some time before his departure from this life his health was poor and it is reported that he had a second fall causing him to take his bed until the day he died. His remains were interred besides the grave of Beissel. A large and sad funeral ensued. A terrific storm broke upon the concourse which was in attendance, a suitable sermon being delivered with the text from Rev. XIV : 12:13 as a basis of eulogy.
"Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus."
"And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth. Yea saith the Spirit that they may rest from their labors and their works do follow them."
He was also the author of the Chronicon Ephratense. Truly Peter Miller needs no monument to be remembered but deserves one for services rendered to God and man.
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PETER MILLER
It is said that the following was penned by Francis Hopkinson:
TO PETER MILLER AT EPHRATA
The Eternal God from His exalted throne Surveys at once earth, heaven and worlds unknown, All things that are before His piercing eye Like the plain tracings of a picture lie; Unuttered thoughts, deep in the heart concealed, In strong expression stands to Him revealed. Thousands and twice ten thousands every day To Him a feigned or real homage pay: Like clouds of incense rolling to the skies, In various forms their supplications rise. Their various forms to Him no access gain Without the heart's true incense, all are vain; The suppliant's secret motives there appear, The genuine source of every offered prayer.
Some place Religion on a throne superb, And deck with jewels her resplendent gray; Painting and sculpture all their powers display, And lofty tapers shed a lambent ray. High on the full toned organ swelling sound, The pleasing anthem floats serenely round; Harmonious strains their thrilling powers combine And lift the soul in ecstacy divine. In Ephrata's deep gloom you fix your seat And seek religion in the dark retreat. In sable weeds you dress the heaven born maid, And place her pensive in the lonely shade; Recluse unsocial, you your hours employ And fearful banish every harmless joy.
Each may admire and use their favorite form, If Heaven's own flame their glowing bosoms warm, If love divine of God and man be there, The deep felt want that forms the ardent prayer. The grateful sense of blessings freely given The boon unsought, unmerited of heaven.
'Tis true devotion-and the Lord of love, Such prayers and praises kindly will approve, Whether from golden altars they arise, And wrapt in sound and incense reach the skies; Or from your Ephrata so meek and low, In soft and silent aspirations flow.
O let the Christian bless that glorious day, When outward forms shall sure be done away, When we in spirit and in truth alone, Shall bend O Lord! before thy awful throne And thou our purer worship shall approve By sweet returns of everlasting love.
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CHAPTER XV
Laying Corner-Stone for Monument
Exodus 3:15. This is my memorial to all generations
THE following is a short account of the laying of the corner-stone of the proposed monument at Mt. Zion, Sept. IIth, 1845.
On the 4th of July, 1843, a movement was made to have a monument erected at the bury-ground on Mt. Zion, where many of the first settlers of Ephrata rest, and whose graves bear different marks of respect and love from those left behind. The soldiers buried in this ground up to the year 1843, had nothing but the recollections of a few old citizens, and the time-worn inscription on a pine board, 6 in. wide and 6 fet. long, placed over the entrance to where lay the remains-many in one grave, and altogether occupying about as much space as is usually allotted to twenty graves at this period. The board bears this in- scription :
"Hier ruhen die Gebeine von viel Soldaten"
which means "Here rest the remains of many soldiers"-a simple but touching memorial.
At this time a society was formed for erecting the proposed monument, at the head of which was Joseph Konigmacher, Esq., of Ephrata. Slowly and carefully did they work until on Sept. IIth, 1845, the following imposing and solemn ceremonies took place, being the anniversary of the Battle of Brandywine, Sept. IIth, 1777, an encampment of soldiers which was commenced on Tuesday, on the open space in which Mt. Zion is located.
The peaceful abode of the pious and learned fathers of Ephrata had rarely been the scene of strong worldly gatherings. The val- ley had often resounded to the almost heavenly music, written by Father Beissel, the head of the institution. None but those who had heard the music, were able to judge of its effects. Those who had heard it, spoke of it as realizing their fancy of the song of angels. But this occasion brought into the lovely place for the third time the men of battle, and thousands of the young and old of the county and those adjoining.
Among the strangers present were Col. Scott, of New Bruns- wick, N. J., and his interesting sister, Miss Hannah Scott. She was then about 80 years of age, yet healthful, cheerful and active.
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LAYING CORNER-STONE FOR MONUMENT
She was here while the sick soldiers were in the society's houses. Her father, Dr. Scott, afterwards Surgeon General of the army, was one of the three physicians who had care of the sick and wounded soldiers, and he brought thither his family. Miss Scott was then nearly twelve years of age, and her memory was very distinct upon many events, especially as it was subsequently re- freshed by conversations with her father.
At 10 o'clock there was a review of the soldiery of his Excel- lency, the Governor of the Commonwealth, Hon. Francis R. Shunk, who, with part of his staff and Cabinet, had come to assist in the ceremonies of the day. After the review, the military formed around the site of the monument, when the Rev. Daniel Hertz offered a prayer.
Mr. Fagan, a marble mason of Lancaster, then put into the Governor's hands some implements, when his Excellency ad- dressed the immense assemblage in English, on the nature of the ·ceremony and the object of the monument. He then read a list of papers about to be deposited, and turned and addressed the company in German. Both addresses were appropriate and stir- ring. The ceremonies having been concluded, the miltary formed and received the Governor, the Orator of the day, the President of the day, the Secretary of the Commonwealth, the President of the Society, the Treasurer of the State, the Clergy and others (the present President walking with the President at that time). The whole body then moved towards an adjacent grove, where a rostrum had been erected and seats provided for a goodly number.
After the company had seated, the military was formed on the outside, and the Rev. Mr. Buchanan opened the meeting with prayer. The President of the day, Col. Scott, of New Jersey, then made a very touching and eloquent address, and introduced Joseph R. Chandler, who delivered an oration; after which Mr. J. Beck, the Principal of Lititz Academy, spoke for a considerable time in German. His address was fervent, eloquent and stirring, and his appeal to the spirit of the dead, and to one venerable man present, who was at the Battle of Brandywine, was touching in the highest degree. The ceremonies of the morning were closed with a fervent prayer and benediction by the Rev. Mr. Wooley, of Lititz, a clergyman well known and respected in Philadelphia. At half past 3 p. m. an historical address was delivered by George W. McElroy, Esq., of Lancaster. It was a beautiful compend of the story of the valley and the hill, eloquent and gratifying.
Among the military were two companies from Philadelphia, one of which was commanded by Col. Murphy. We believe none visited the beautiful valley for the first time on that occasion, that did not feel delighted with the place, and spoke favorably and encouragingly of the project.
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CHAPTER XVI
Incorporation of Ephrata Borough
Gen. 4:17. And He Builded a City
N application for the incorporation of Ephrata into a borough was presented to Quarter Sessions Court, April 20th, 1891. The application was the outcome of the agitation of the two months prior. Of the 298 property holders of the town, 170 had signed the peti- tion, but of course, as in all progressive movements, a counter petition was originated and circulated, and presented in opposition at Court, with 102 names attached, a number of whom were non- residents. Messrs. Brown and Hensel represented the petitioners, and Messrs. Steinmetz, Malone and Whitson were attorneys for the remonstrants.
During the ten years prior to this move the town had a rate of growth of about 300 per cent. The population at the time of in- corporation was about 2200. A bank, four churches and various industries desired the advantages of municipal privileges ; a police system was needed; better school facilities, graded streets and suitable pavements.
According to announcement a meeting was held in Mentzer's Hall on Saturday afternoon, February 14th, 1891, to define the boundaries of the new borough of Ephrata. There was a large attendance of property holders and great interest was manifested in the movement. The advantages of having borough regulations were presented and fully explained. The spirit of the meeting was good and the sentiment in favor of the advance movement was almost unanimous, but very few making exceptions to the step. Messrs. George Wise, John R. Messner, J. B. Kellar, J. J. Baer and J. B. Eshleman were appointed a committee to make a draft of the proposed lines. George A. Kemper, of Akron, was the surveyor, and the entire work was performed with promptness. and little or no opposition from the property holders along the line surveyed, almost all being anxious to be included in the borough limits.
The petition for the incorporation of our town into a borough having gone through all the preliminary stages, the Court on Sat- urday afternoon, August 22d, 1891, made a decree incorporating it into a borough, Judge Patterson issuing the decree.
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INCORPORATION OF EPHRATA BOROUGH
An editorial from the Ephrata Review, August 28th, 1891, says : "At last the wish of our citizens has been granted and we are an incorporated borough. If we citizens perform our duties consci- entiously and with a desire for realizing the best good to the greatest number, we will soon reap the advantages to be derived from incorporation. It is now necessary to elect to the several borough offices, men who will advance the interests of the town. If they are wise and prudent, our streets and sidewalks will soon be in better condition than at present, and at a cost but little in ad- vance of our past taxation for road purposes. An economical and wise borough council can soon put into operation plans whereby our streets can be lighted, our schools better regulated, and the town well supplied with water. These are questions of the great- est importance, and must be met now and discussed and acted upon."
The first borough election was held at the public house of L. E. Royer in Ephrata, on Tuesday, September 15th, 1891, between the hours of 7 A. M. and 7 P. M. The following officers having been appointed by the Court officiated : Judge, H. C. Gemperling ; Inspectors, John H. Spera and A. B. Urich; F. S. Klinger and W. K. Mohler were chosen as Clerks. This special election was to elect officers to serve until the regular election in February fol- lowing. The total number of votes cast was 443, and was quite large in consideration that the registered voters numbered 536. No party tickets were settled by primary election or caucus, and the election was very quiet, there being no disorder of any kind, though there was considerable electioneering done. The candi- dates for councilmen were most numerous, as there were seven- teen persons who aspired to an office for which six could be elected. The entire list of candidates numbered forty-eight. The successful candidates were as follows: Burgess, G. S. Wise; Council, J. B. Brugger, G. F. Groff, J. J. Baer, J. S. Spangler, Joseph Cooper and A. W. Mentzer ; School Directors, C. B. Kel- ler, J. M. Shaeffer, J. Frank Eckert, Samuel R. Hess, Levi S. Landes and Wm. Heilig; Judge of Elections, John A. Heyser ; Inspectors, H. H. Stroble and B. F. Emmert; Assessor, Samuel R. Nagel; Assistant Assessors, Edwin Konigmacher and David Kraatz; Tax Collector, Levi B. Snader; Auditor, J. J. Yeager ; Constable, H. W. Gier.
On Friday evening, September 18th, following the first borough election, the newly elected Borough Council held a preliminary meeting at the Eagle Hotel for the purpose of organization. S. L. Sharp, resident Justice of the Peace, was in attendance and ad- ministered the oath of office. Burgess George S. Wise presided. Hon. J. Hay Brown, Esq., of Lancaster, was elected Borough Solicitor, and promised to explain the duties of Council on Thurs-
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THE EPHRATA CLOISTER
day evening, September 24th. S. L. Sharp, Esq., was elected Clerk. Much laborious and disagreeable work was necessarily well performed by the first set of Councilmen, and to them belong much credit for their bold stand in the new enterprise.
The present officer of the borough (1901) are: Burgess, W. K. Mohler; Councilmen, Jacob S. Spangler, George Groff, A. P. Snader, J. B. Brugger, George Mohler and J. J. Baer; Clerk of Council, W. L. Bixler; Justices of the Peace, W. K. Seltzer and S. L. Sharp; High Constable, Wm. Dunn; Constable, H. W. Gier.
The town has enjoyed general prosperity and has made rapid strides of improvement since its organization. The Board of School Directors immediately set to work and built a fine eight- roomed school-house at a cost of over $15,000, and Prof. H. E. Gehman, with an able corps of teachers, was elected principal. He graduated the first class from the Ephrata High School in 1893-94. It consisted of five young men and three young ladies, all of whom were exceptionally bright. The most notable and marvelous change due to incorporation is the educational work, and too much can not be said for all the members of the School Board and the honest, conscientious work of Prof. Gehman and his corps of instructors, as we have officially been ranked at the head of schools in this county. Thus may it ever be, let results prove the system and no one will dare raise his voice against the most glorious of our free institutions.
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