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 5
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The town of Ephrata is nicely laid out, though somewhat ir- regularly, and lies on the north and west of the Ephrata hills, and by the Lancaster papers is often called the "mountain town," whilst writers in magazines and the daily press have termed it the "quaint and quiet village." Suffice it to say that Ephrata has nicely graded streets, fine pavements, elegant homes, good water, excellent schools, plenty of churches and societies, and is ever hospitable to all respectable visitors. In fact, there is that warmth of greeting with our people, that all strangers are loath to leave us when once here. It has had a steady growth, such as can with- stand the shocks of time and a financial crisis without much dis- tress. We are therefore not of a mushroom growth, but staple, productive, intelligent, progressive, active, energetic, and awake to true citizenship, the highest aim of man after the saving of his soul. Much more might be said as to the general push of the citizens and the unconscious working together of the same forces. When a new venture is proposed, it is generally well discussed and made plain to all before it is adopted, hence the few downright failures in whatever Ephrata has undertaken to do .- S. G. Z.
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POEM COMMERATIVE OF SOLDIERS
A POEM
Commemorative of the Soldiers buried at Ephrata, Pa.
By Adelaide A. Conger.
"I am the Resurrection and the Life, And though man die, yet shall he live again !" This being so, may not the purple air Be filled with forms of men who once were slain?
Who died that we, their sons, might live and breathe, The air of freedom, both on land and sea, And proudly fling on every breeze that blows, The stars and stripes, the banner of the free.
We love to sing the songs they used to sing, And which from memory cannot depart, Electric fires from their past lives leap down, And light the altar in each living heart.
As years roll down on Time's resistless tide, And onward sweep to the great living head, May we commemorate as now we do- Heroic virtues of these soldiers dead.
May they to us as beacon lights, lead on To lofty purpose and to actions brave, And find unstained and pure within our hands, The freedom which they gave their lives to save.
On blood-stained fields of Brandywine they fell, As falls the wheat before the reaper's blade, Or as the leaves by wintry blasts are strewn, And on the bosom of the earth are laid.
Four hundred of the men who fell that day, On which the issues of the battle turned, Were brought by loving hands to this sweet vale, And given the care their sacrifice had earned.
And to the sisters who by constant care Smoothed soft the pillow of each dying son, To one and all we pay this tribute just: Thou faithful servant, well thy work was done.
And as the breath from each worn frame went out, Like light of lamps in which the oil is spent, Within the gracious arms and on the breast Of Mother Earth, dust unto dust, is lent.
Lent till the resurrection morning dawns, And worlds on worlds like wax shall melt away, And all the ills and gloom of mortal life, Be lost in light of everlasting day.
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1
FIRST OBSERVANCE OF PATRIOTS' DAY
Sleep on, brave hearts beneath the stars, sleep on; Earth unto earth, dust unto dust is given, Their bugle call is stilled, the moans have ceased, The soldier finds his rest and crown in Heaven.
-From Patriot's Day Souvenir, 1895.
The first annual observance of Patriot's Day on Tuesday, Sep- tember IIth, 1894, will pass down upon the annals of the historic community of Ephrata, as one of the brightest and best, as well as the most memorable of days. The people of the borough and surrounding towns, also numbers from a distance, turned out in vast crowds to join the Trustees of the Monument Association and the General Executive Committee in the celebration of Patri- ot's Day, a day set apart by the Association for suitable observ- ance in memory of the Revolutionary soldiers brought here after the battle of Brandywine, whose remains lie buried in the Zion's Hill of the noted Cloister grounds and possessions.
A general Executive Committee of fifteen or twenty citizens, was chosen to assist the Association and all concerned can feel elated with the success of the affair. The exercises of the day took place in the orchard grove adjoining Mount Zion cemetery, where as is well known, there are buried nearly two hundred sturdy patriots of the Revolution, who were brought to the Eph- rata Cloister in a sick and wounded condition, after the battle of Brandywine, and who subsequently died. A movement to build a monument had been started in 1845, but owing to mismanage- ment and a lack of funds, no more than the base of the sacred shaft was built at that time.
Of the original Trustees of the Monument Association, only three survive, viz: William Spera, Christian Smith and Jerre Mohler. About three years ago these survivors of the old asso- ciation resolved to make an effort to complete the memorial, and last year's demonstration marks a fitting start toward the realiza- tion of their hopes and desires. In honor of the occasion the stores and places of business of the borough were closed and a general holiday air prevailed. Qunite a number of residences and business places in the several streets were handsomely decorated with the national colors. Many persons in the vast crowds wore the national emblems conspicuously, all of which added enchant- ment to patriotism.
The programme of the day included a parade, composed as follows: Chief Marshal, Captain H. C. Gemperling and six aids ; Reamstown Band; Major Ricksecker Post, G. A. R., of Lincoln ; Mountain Springs Rifles ; Washington Camp, 590, P. O. S. of A., of Rothsville ; Washington Camp, 227, P. O. S. of A., of Ephrata ; Columbia Band, of Stevens; Clay Lodge, No. 915, I. O. O. F., of Lincoln; Representatives of Ephrata School Board; Caernarvon
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THE EPHRATA CLOISTER
Band; the Ephrata Schools, nine in number, and teachers ; Pioneer Fire Company, of Ephrata; Ephrata's noted band; Ephrata Lodge, 406, I. O. O. F .; twenty carriages, with members of the Association, the Executive Committee, clergy and speakers, and a number of mounted men, all making a large and imposing parade, which was viewed by several thousand citizens and visitors, who were much pleased with the splendid display.
The schools of Lincoln and Hinkletown had also been closed to give the pupils a chance to have an object lesson in history.
Upon arrival at the monument, Dr. D. R. Hertz, Chairman of the Executive Committee, opened the day's exercises. Prayer was offered by Rev. A. L. Shannon, of the U. B. Church, and Jere. Mohler, the honored president of the association, welcomed the great concourse of people in a most fitting manner. "America" was then sung by the assemblage, after which Rev. Dr. J. H. Dubbs, of the Theological Seminary, Lancaster, delivered the memorial address, which was a most eloquent and fitting tribute, and was greeted with continued applause, and at its close, the noon hour having arrived, the exercises of the morning closed with the benediction of Rev. S. Schweitzer, of the First Reformed Church.
Rev. F. Pilgrim, of Bethany Reformed Church, opened the exercises of the afternoon with an invocation, after which A. F. Hostetter, Esq., of the Lancaster Bar, was introduced, and deliv- ered the historical address, which was a fine production, and duly appreciated by the many willing and eager listeners. After sev- eral patriotic selections by the bands, brief addresses were made by Rev. Pilgrim, M. S. Fry, Clerk of Quarter Sessions Court, and Jere. Mohler, after which the afternoon's exercises were formally closed with the benediction by Rev. B. G. Welder, of the Reams- town Lutheran Church.
The excellent drilling by the Mountain Springs Rifles was a feature of the day.
In the evening an open air concert was held in the vacant lot adjoining the public school building on Franklin Street in the bor- ough of Ephrata. The Ephrata, Caernarvon and Reamstown cor- net bands rendering their choicest selections, all of which were highly appreciated.
The feature of the evening was the grand display of fireworks. A handsome souvenir in the shape of a pamphlet, finely illustrated, containing a history of the association, a sketch of the Cloister, and noteworthy facts of Ephrata borough was sold in large num- bers. The projector of this scheme was the late Dr. D. Rhine Hertz.
An editorial in the Ephrata Review of that time says: "The weather could not have been more delightful than that of Tuesday
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THE EPHRATA CLOISTER
for the first big demonstration here on that day in memory of the Revolutionary heroes. The response to the invitation to celebrate the day was hearty and liberal and shows a truly patriotic spirit. The exercises were of an elevating character, uplifting and en- nobling, entirely fitting to the day and the enthusiasm aroused is far-reaching."
The excellent addresses by A. F. Hostetter, Esq., of the Lan- caster bar, and Rev. Dr. J. H. Dubbs, of F. and M. faculty, both now deceased, are splendid productions.
All the organizations, especially the Monument Association, deserve the greatest praise for the successful issue of Patriot's Day, September II, 1894.
May this living, real object lesson of good will, peace and patriotism be a stimulus for those who at present live and move and have their being in this great republic though progressive, prosperous and happy, nevertheless in an anomalous condition.
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Progenitor-Conrad Beissell's Tomb-Monastic Name Friedsam (Peaceable)
CHAPTER XVII
Conrad Weiser
Pro. 10:20. The tongue of the just is as choice silver
TRANGE to say, such an important personage as Con- rad. Weiser was carried away by the eloquence and argument of Conrad Beissel, and Weiser and Peter Miller were on intimate terms together, which death itself didn't destroy.
Conrad Weiser was born in Wurtemberg, a part of the famous Palatinate of the Rhine in the town of Gross-Aspad, November 2, 1696, and followed the trade of baking and by diligence and self culture attained the position of Esquire.
He assisted in the supervising of the publication of the Wey- rauch's Hügel. He had served as an elder in the Tulpehocken Reformed Church and with Peter Miller in 1735 was baptized into the Ephrata Community. His oldest son and daughter both became celibates at Ephrata. He was consecrated to the priest- hood and had the order of Melchizedek conferred upon him. Later he was offered a justiceship, having prepared himself in the law as practiced in England. Weiser's fame rests on his ability as an interpreter for the early settlers with the Indians. He was sent to treat with the Iroquois so as to settle a dispute amicably. He journeyed nearly five hundred miles; the winter weather being very severe, he suffered untold hardships but was very successful.
Weiser also became intimate with early Moravian missionaries. He had lived in the Ephrata Community as Brother Enoch (meaning consecrated) about seven or eight years.
Subsequently he and Beissel had an estrangement which seemed serious but they later became reconciled.
His daughter was married to the Rev. Henry Melchor Muhlen- berg, who was really the founder of American Lutheranism. Ac- cording to the Chronicon there is some reason to believe that in later years he was in full communion with the Brotherhood at Ephrata. Weiser died on first day, July 13, 1760, on his farm in Heidelberg township, near Womelsdorf, Berks Co., Pa., where his remains are interred.
Weiser was officially recognized as interpreter of Pennsylvania covering many years of constant service above all taint and sus- picion, something that might well be emulated by public servants of today, even by some justices of the peace.
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THE EPHRATA CLOISTER
His private life, his official record, his religious zeal as a memn- ber of the Reformed Church, as a celibate at Ephrata, therefore a Seventh Day Baptist, had fealty to the Lutheran Church in which he did energetic service, make him a beautiful character to contemplate.
He was superintendent of the Indian Bureau and Governor Morris gave him a commission as "Colonel," and he was not mere- ly an ornamental colonel, but commanded a regiment of volunteers and had charge of the Second Battalion in 1755.
A monument was erected in front of the Womelsdorf public school buildings some years ago in his honor. He has lived to be remembered. Monuments contribute nothing towards a blessed immortality but it is eminently fitting that a memorial was raised in his memory, though marble shafts or granite pillars do not immortalize a personage that has died. His record is his proudest monument.
Dr. Wm. M. Fahnestock of the Ephrata Community was ap- pointed the delegate to the Seventh Day Baptist General Confer- ence held at Shiloh, New Jersey, September 9 to 13 inclusive, 1846, probably the first Ephratanian to attain this honor but un- fortunately Dr. Fahnestock was unable to attend sending a letter of regret. Benjamin Konigmacher was the moderator and Joseph Konigmacher the secretary who signed the credentials.
In 1846 Dr. Fahnestock was made a vice president of the American Sabbath Tract Society and served for five years.
In 1849 he was present at the General Conference and in 1852 he was present at special church occasions at Plainfield, N. J. In 1854 he was made a director of the Seventh Day Baptist Publish- ing House at Little Genesee, N. Y.
He was a generous contributor to the work of the American Sabbath Tract Society, as was also William Konigmacher, of Ephrata, Pa.
Dr. Fahnestock was a voluminous writer on the Sabbath Re- corder (our weekly church paper) staff and was the author of a twenty four page tract entitled The Bible Sabbath published about 1850.
In 1854 on the 15th of December in a hospital in the city of Philadelphia, Dr. Wm. M. Fahnestock died from injuries received in a fall down the stairway of a private house in that city.
Benjamin Konigmacher, who was a deacon for fifty years, died March 24, 1850, seventy-seven years old. He was a most efficient lay leader for forty years and frequently took charge when there was no preacher present.
Barbara Keiper ("Sister Beverly"), one of the last survivors of the recruits to the monastic sisterhood, passed to her eternal resting place, on March 16, 1852. She entered Saron, the Sister
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DEATH OF BARBARA KEIPER
House, at the age of sixteen and died there in the eightieth year of her age.
She had witnessed the death of each of the last sixteen of the solitary sisters, closing their eyes before her in the endless sleep. Sometime before her demise she gave all her earthly belongings amounting to about two thousand dollars per annum, to be shared by the needy and indigent of the church and she herself accepted only house room, fuel, flour and other necessities of life as pro- vided for to all other sharers of her bounty which in sickness or helpless old age provided everything.
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CHAPTER XVIII
Ludwig Hoecker. Schoolmaster
Gal. 3:24. The law was our schoolmaster
UDWIG HOECKER (Hacker) Brother Obed organ- ized the educational department of the Ephrata Com- munity. Hoecker was one of the Brethren who for a time lived on the banks of the Wissahickon. He was married, had one daughter, Maria, who afterwards entered the Ephrata monastery under the name of Petronella. His wife also entered Saron and soon after "Obed's" arrival he was installed as the schoolmaster of the congregation, instructing the youths in elementary education.
Regular hours were set apart by both sexes for instruction, for practice of ornamental penmanship, engrossing and the study and transcribing of music. It is, however, by no means certain who the writing master was but Hoecker introduced some of the classics in his early school efforts and had a Sabbath School or- ganized for religious instruction of the young on the Seventh Day Sabbath, fully a generation before Robert Raikes had organized the Sunday School in London, England, in 1780.
"Obed" at an early day compiled and published a German School Book for the use of pupils entitled as follows: "A short, comprehensive school book to instruct children in spelling, read- ing and learning by heart, to which is appended a short clear in- struction in arithmetic. Compiled for the use and service of chil- dren by Ludwig Hoecker, Ephrata. Printed and to be had of the school master." This title is from the second edition issued 1786. The Psalter and Testament were used in an instruction that was religious based on the Bible, similar to the early practice of the Lutheran and Reformed churches who used their catechisms as text books.
In the organization of the Ephrata Sabbath School "Obed" was assisted by his daughter Maria, "Sister Petronella," who was known as a beautiful and lovely girl, not in comely form, but in her Christian character, being undoubtedly the first female Sab- bath school teacher of whom history has a record.
The object was "to give instruction to indigent children of the vicinity who were kept from the regular school by the employ- ments which their necessities obliged them to be engaged in during
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LUDWIG HOECKER, SCHOOLMASTER
the week as well as to give religious instructions to those of better circumstances." What noble ideals !
Hoecker and Peter Miller were the principal speakers at the funeral of Beissel, both masterly in their efforts.
In 1791 Sister Petronella died, having served as a teacher of embroidery, fine needle work and the early educational efforts. She was bedridden for four years prior to her death.
In 1792 Ludwig Hoecker himself died, having been one of the leading characters of the Community and for many years its edu- cational head and leader.
In 1749 Succoth, a building was erected for him, where during his old age he lived as a printer and book binder having lived the import of his monastic name Obed which means "server," giving service. "Albina" was the monastic name of Margaret Hoecker, wife of Obed, who was divinely devout.
"Bevely" was quite a reputed guide to the many visitors who came to see the Cloister in her life time and was personally ac- quainted with many prominent personages. She supported herself by knitting stockings, making mittens, gloves and similar trinkets. Reminiscent pages from her experiences might prove very inter- esting. Suffice it to say she was a unique intensely interesting lady whose charitable acts and spirit of devotion to the truth were most commendable.
The late Abram H. Lewis, D.D., in response to a request on the part of Rev. S. G. Zerfass, visited the Ephrata Cloister in April, 1906. It should be remembered that Dr. Lewis was former head of our educational institutions and editor of the Sabbath Recorder. He preached sixth day eve April 27 on Matt. 5:17, on Sabbath 28th he spoke on Music to the Sabbath School and in the regular service he spoke on Luke 12:32; and on first day, 29th, he spoke on Sunday Legislation basing his remarks on Matt. 22:21. All his talks were logical, forceful, very impressive, coming from one of the greatest men of his time.
Since August, 1908, Dr. Corliss F. Randolph, principal of the Newark High School, has been making annual visits to Ephrata, Nunnery and Salemville churches. He too is a conscientious fear- less Seventh Day Baptist who has a many-sided life and is very actively prominent in the church today.
After the death of Dr. Fahnestock Ephrata passed through a long siege of untoward circumstances that greatly retarded the growth of the church, reducing the membership and apparently threatened to destroy. Its present membership is full of courage, vigor, hope and determination.
The Ephrata Community became a legal corporate body under the laws of the State of Pennsylvania in 1814 with a board of trustees consisting of three members, to manage its affairs.
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THE EPHRATA CLOISTER
The president of the board, William G. Zerfass, is also the farmer of the Fairview farm of the society. Reuben Kachel, the third member of the board of trustees, is farmer of the Shady Nook farm. Rev. S. G. Zerfass is the secretary and custodian.
The Snow Hill society, a child of the Ephrata society, was in- corporated in 1823.
The German Seventh Day Baptist Church building at Salem- ville was erected in 1848.
The expose of faith reduced to its lowest terms is to accept the Bible as the only rule of faith and practice, an acceptance of the divinity of Jesus, and a belief in the Trinity. Belief in salvation for all of mankind through the acceptance of Christ as the Savior of men, the observance of the Seventh Day of the week as the Sabbath, baptism by immersion and the celebration of the Lord's Supper.
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CHAPTER XIX Faith and Practices of German Seventh Day Baptist Church -
John 5:39. Search the Scriptures
RT. I. We believe that all Scripture given by inspira- tion in the Old and the New Testaments is the Word of God, and is the only rule of Faith and Practice. 2 Tim. 3 :16; 2 Peter I : 19, 20, 21 ; Mark 7:13 ; I Thes. 2:13 ; Acts 4:29, 30, 31.
Art. 2. We believe that unto us there is but one God, the Father ; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, who is the Mediator between God and mankind, and that the Holy Ghost is the Spirit of God. I Cor. 8:6; I Tim. 2:5; 2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Peter I :21; John 14:26.
Art. 3. We believe that the Ten Commandments which were written on two tables of stone by the finger of God, continue to be the rule of righteousness for all mankind. We further believe that active participation in war by military service in the army or navy is in violation of the sixth commandment and the teachings of Jesus Christ. Ex. 20; Matt. 5:17, 18; Mal. 4:4; Isaiah I :25 and 2:10; Rom. 3:31 ; 7:25; 13:8, 9, 10; Eph. 6:2.
Art. 4. We believe that all persons ought to be baptized in water by trine immersion in a forward position after confession of their faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God. Matt. 28:18-26; Acts 2:38 and 8:36; Rom. 6:3, 4; Col. 2:12.
Art. 5. We believe that the Lord's Supper ought to be admin- istered and received in all Christian Churches, accompanied with the washing of one another's feet previous to the breaking of the bread. Luke 22:19, 20; I Cor. II :23, 24, 25, 26; Jno. 13:4-17.
Art. 6. We believe in the anointing of the sick with oil in the name of the Lord. James 5:13, 14, 15.
Art. 7. We believe in the invocation of Infant Blessing. Matt. 19:13, 14, 15 ; Mark 10:13, 14, 15, 16; Luke 18:15, 16.
Art. 8. We believe that all Christian Churches should have Elders and Deacons. Titus 1:5; Acts 6:3.
Art. 9. We believe that the duties of the Deacons to be :
To provide for the Communion Service of the Church, and officiate thereat when necessary; to seek out and report to the Church all cases of destitution or suffering within bounds of the Church, especially such as arise from sickness; to provide neces- sary relief in behalf of the Church. They shall also be deemed
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THE EPHRATA CLOISTER
co-workers in the ministry and counsellors in spiritual matters. They shall continue in office for life or during good behavior.
Art. 10. We believe in observing the Seventh Day (Sabbath). He whom we worship was its first observer. Gen. 2:1-3; Ex. 20:8-II ; Ex. 16:23, 25, 29; Lev. 13:32; Nehemiah 9:14; Nehe- miah 13:15, 16, 21; Isaiah 56:2-6; Matt. 28:1; Mark 2:27, 28; Luke 13:10; Acts 13:42; Acts 16:13; Acts 18:4; Heb. 4:4.
His law by which we are to be judged. James 2:10-22.
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In Monk and Nun Costumes
Sabbath School Group, Katie Waid, Supt., left; Dr. Corliss Randolph, Centre
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CHAPTER XX
Resolutions Showing War Attitude
Ps. 120:7. I am for peace, they for war
Waynesboro, Pa., June 10, 1917.
HE German Seventh Day Baptists of Pennsylvania in Conference assembled, adopted the following pream- ble and resolutions :
Whereas, our country is at war and public peril exists, calling upon all good citizens for devotion to our government, we recognize our duty and privilege of loyalty to our government, our country and its flag ; and
Whereas, our church in the dark days of the American Revolu- tion showed marked loyalty by allowing paper to the Colonial troops; by interpreting the Declaration of Independence into seven different languages through Rev. Peter Miller ; and by car- ing for five hundred American soldiers, absolutely free of charge, after the Battle of Brandywine, at Ephrata by the sisterhood; and
Whereas, it becomes us all to contribute our moral and financial support, and do our utmost to relieve the sufferings consequent to war; to aid in restoring normal conditions; and therefore exer- cise all possible diligence to increase the food products and food supply of our country ; and
Whereas, German Seventh Day Baptists during all their exist- ence took the stand that war is inconsistent with the teachings of Christ, our church always considered, practiced, and believed, as fundamental in sound doctrine the principle of peace and non- resistance.
We Hereby Reaffirm our decided conviction that the bearing of arms and the participation in war are in violation of the com- mand "Thou shalt not kill," as well as contrary to the teachings of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, as our church has always taught and practiced; and
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