USA > Pennsylvania > Montgomery County > New Hanover > The Lutheran Church in New Hanover, (Falckner swamp) Montgomery County, Penna. Part XXII. of a narrative and critical prepared at the request of the Pennsylvania-German society > Part 11
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The preceding year the congregation had celebrated its bicentennial, so that these improvements might justly be regarded as a thank offering to the Lord, for the prosper- ity, growth and advancement during two hundred years.
One peculiar feature of the records on hand is that very
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little is said about the organ. Besides the agreement between Christian Dieffenbach and the Church Council of the Evangelical Lutheran congregation in New Han- over Township we find only a few references to it. A few times we are told how it may or may not be used. The agreement is dated June 28, 1800, and recites that it is an agreement between the president, trustees, elders and deacons of said congregation with Christian Dieffen- bach of Bethel Township, Berks County, to build an or- gan for the congregation. It is to have ten stops and a foot-pedal and is to be built of the best material, with a walnut case. It is to be completed by August 1, 1801. The price is to be 230 pounds ($680), one hundred and fifteen pounds to be paid May 27, 1801, and the balance to be paid November 27, 1801 (the first half was to be paid on day of dedication). The contract is signed by the sixteen members of the council. The note is signed by Samuel Schoch, secretary. This organ appears to have remained in use a little over one hundred years. In 1905 a larger and more modern instrument was substituted for it.
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CHAPTER VII.
THE CHURCH COUNCIL, AND ITS TRANSACTIONS.
'HE record of these trans- actions may properly be introduced by this statement of H. M. Mühlenberg :
November 26, 1742, I, Henry Mühlenberg, minister of the Gos- pel and of the Augsburg Con- 8: fession, arrived at this place, New Hanover. On the 27th I pre- sented my call and my instructions which I had brought with me, from his Reverence the Court preacher Ziegenhagen, at Lon- don, to the deacons and elders. On the 28th I preached my Introductory sermon in this church before the congregation. After the sermon I also read my in- structions in their presence.
It certainly is a matter of regret that, until May 29, 1765, a period of twenty-three years, no further records are to be found. Then we have the following:
MEMORANDUM.
In the year 1765, May 29, a congregational meeting was held in the church at New Hanover, and the constitution contained in
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this book was presented, accepted by the members and subscribed by them. The following leading men of the congregation were constituted Trustees: Andrew Kebner Sr., Michael Weichel, Adam Wartman, Michael Schlanecker, George Beck, Mathias Hollebach, Henry Krebs, George Burkhard.
After that, for the first time, six vestrymen from among eighteen nominated, were elected, viz., Matthias Reichard, Bernhard Gilbert, Moses Binder, Ludwig Pickel, George Schweinhart and Valentine Stichter.
Two new deacons were also elected, viz, Adam Kurtz and Ludwig Hering. Finally the congregation also elected Matthias Hollebach, Adam Wartman, Matthias Reichard and Tobias Juerger, as the overseers in the erec- tion of the proposed new church building. Henry Müh- lenberg attests this on the day and year above named.
We herewith give an abstract of this constitution. Matters of detail are given only in summary.
We the undersigned,-the regularly called Pastors, as well as the Trustees, Elders and Deacons elect, and the communicant members of the United Evangelical Lutheran congregations in New Hanover and New Providence Townships, in the county of Philadelphia, following the example of our United Evangelical brethren in the faith, in the city of Philadelphia, belonging to St. Michael's, and associated with us, obligate ourselves to the fol- lowing constitution for (the government) of the church and congregation, under penalty of the loss of all share and claim (to it) in case any one should deliberately act contrary to it.
CHAPTER I. Of the Pastors. § I.
It is the duty of the regular Preachers, or Pastors of our United Congregations, publicly, purely, concisely, plainly and in an edi-
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fying manner, to preach the word of God, in accordance with the foundation of the apostles and prophets, and the Unaltered Augs- burg Confession, at the usual times of service on Sunday and on Festival days, as well as at funerals, and upon other solemn occa- sions; they are also allowed to hold meetings for devotion, exhor- tation and prayer on week-days, or during the evening, if found necessary, or if their strength and time permit, in the church, or in the school (houses) ; that according to the intent of Christ, they spread the Word abroad freely throughout the congregation, for its unending benefit: that they point out the way to true peni- tence and set forth the power of Godliness.
§ 2.
The regular ministers, or pastors, shall also administer the Holy Sacraments, viz., Baptism and the Lord's Supper,-especially the Holy Supper to those members who desire it, and at least accord- ing to external tests are fit, worthy and prepared to partake of it. But they are at liberty, conscientiously, not as moved by sinful im- pulses, but according to the principles of the word of God to ex- clude such as transgress openly and according to well established testimony live in gross wickedness, sinning against the word of Christ, from the Lord's Supper and sponsorship in baptism, until they give evidence of amendment of life.
§ 3.
They are not to refuse to visit the sick, when they are notified, or it is desired, as far as in them lies, so that they may instruct them in the word of God, lead them to repentance, edify them, comfort them by means of the Holy Supper, if they be found fit and worthy thus strengthening them and preparing them for a blessed end.
§ 4.
Especially are they to devote themselves most earnestly to the instruction of the young, both in the church and in the school, publicly and privately: they are to have the oversight of the
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schools and of the teachers; they are to institute wholesome school regulations, and school examinations; they are continually to visit the schools, according to their ability,-to encourage the young, so that they may be wellgrounded in the word of God,-in our catechism and other books of instruction derived from it, so that their attention may be directed to the atonement of Christ, and that they may (be induced to) follow Him.
§ 5.
They shall have the right, whenever necessary and circumstances require, to call a meeting of the church council and publicly invite thereto, or cause it to be announced; also to attend the annual church settlement, and all necessary regular meetings, having two votes as pastor. They shall see to it that all be done decently and in order, and in a christian manner, in the adoption of resolutions, at the election of elders and deacons, so that the congregation's interests be advanced, and (they are to see to it) that everything be entered upon the minutes.
§ 6.
They shall not absent themselves from the general assembly of the church, or Conference of Pastors and Elders, except in case of extreme necessity, but they are cheerfully to attend the same. They shall aid in serving any (congregation) that may be vacant among our united congregations on account of the decease, or removal, of its pastor, until the congregation again secures a regular pastor.
§ 7.
Provides that each pastor shall personally exercise his office and shall not allow an unauthorized person, not regularly examined and ordained, to fill his position. It prescribes how vacancies are to be supplied and filled.
§ 8.
Shows the course of procedure in case one of the original United Congregations, New Hanover, New Providence or Philadelphia should become vacant.
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§ 9.
Gives the rule of procedure in the discipline of a pastor who should give offense either in his life or teaching.
§ 10.
The course of procedure in calling a new pastor.
§ II.
The support to be given to a pastor so that he need not engage in secular pursuits.
§ 12.
In conducting the service the pastors are to follow the liturgy (adopted) provided.
CHAPTER II.
Treats of the External Arrangements of the Congregation.
§ I.
Declares that the regular pastor, the trustees, the elders, the deacons and communicant members constitute the congregation, have the right to vote and control its affairs by a majority of votes.
§ 2.
Points out the fact that under its present arrangement and control the congregations have been prosperous, and therefore declares :
I. Those mentioned above as the regular trustees.
2. They and their successors shall control all the property.
3. In case of vacancy the congregation shall elect one out of those proposed.
4. Nothing referring to the buildings, or property of the church, or congregation, whether the church building itself, the school house, the burying ground, or the land, shall be undertaken with- out the consent of two-thirds of the trustees.
As the council consists of the regular pastor, the trustees, the
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elders and the deacons, all must act conjointly. The erection of buildings etc., must have the endorsement of two-thirds of the contributing members, before any steps can be taken.
§ 4.
The congregations are to have wardens and vestrymen, i. e., elders and deacons.
(a) Six elders in each congregation.
(b) The old council nominates three for each office to be filled. From the 18 names thus recorded six elders are elected. If any one refuses to serve he must pay a respectable amount to the poor fund and the next highest takes his place.
§ 5.
The term of service is three years for elders and trustees. They are reeligible, or may hold over by common consent.
§ 6.
Deacons are elected in the same manner-one selected out of three.
§ 7.
Gives duties of elders (ruling elders they are called) and are those usually given in the Liturgy.
§ 8.
Recites the usual duties of deacons.
§ 9.
Two thirds constitute a quorum.
§ 10.
Defines what are important matters,-the buying of land, erect- ing and repairing buildings, the election of Pastors or of school teachers, the selection of men to solicit funds, all these must be acted on by at least two-thirds of council upon public notice duly given.
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§II. No accusation against pastors, trustees, elders or deacons is to be entertained unless attested by 2 or 3 credible witnesses.
CHAPTER III. Of members-their Rights and Duties. § 1.
I. Must be baptized. 2. Partake with us of the Lord's Supper. 3. Not live in open sin. 4. Not engage in a dishonorable calling. 5. Lead a godly life. 6. Contribute to the maintenance of the church. 7. Obey constitution and laws. 8. Conduct themselves properly towards pastor and other officers.
§ 2.
Those transgressing wilfully can have no share or portion or right to vote.
§ 3.
Discipline. I. Admonition by the pastor. 2. Then in the presence of several elders. 3. Before the whole council.
§ 4.
If all this prove fruitless, they shall be excluded from Lord's Supper and sponsorship and voice in affairs. In case of amendment may be restored.
This is to remain in force in these United Congregations of New Hanover and New Providence until the Church council and congregation, or at least two-thirds of them with their approval thereof, deem it necessary to amend.
Subscribed at N. Hanover and New Providence, May 29, 1765. Witnesses.
HENRY MÜHLENBERG,
JACOB V. BUSKERK,
MICH. WALTER.
There are 108 other names, apparently all in the same hand- writing.
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1766, January 7. Cassimer Missimer and Peter Lober were elected to the church council.
1767, January 19. Michael Schlonecker, Jr., and Jacob Kopp were elected deacons.
1768, January 19. Conrad Gilbert and Joh. Geo. Schweinhardt were elected deacons. Christian Acker was elected trustee instead of Andrew Kebner, deceased.
1769, January 9. Elders, Matthias Reichard, Ludwig Bickel, Valentine Stichter, Moses Bender, George Schwein- hard, Casimer Missimer-Deacons, Bastian Reifschneider and Philip Jacob Schmidt.
1770, January 8. George Schlonecker and Matthias Fuchs elected deacons.
1771. Deacons, Ludwig Schidler and Michael Witt- man. Trustees, George Beck, Geo. Burkhard, Matthias Hollebach, Christian Acker, Matthias Reichard, Ludwig Bickel and Geo. Schweinhard. Vestrymen, Valentine Stichter, Moses Bender, Cassimer Missimer, Bernhard Gil- bert, Andrew Joerger and John Geo. Schweinhard.
1772, January 20. Deacons elected, Jacob Schmidt and Joh. Geo. Gilbert, Moses Bender was made trustee and Peter Lober elected elder in his stead.
N. B. The reëlection of elders was omitted because it was deemed advisable to retain those now in office as pro- vided in the constitution. Teste, LEWIS VOIGT.
1773, January 6. Deacons elected: Christian Kurz and Jeremias Herpel.
1774. Deacons: Andrew Hornetter and Valentine Kurz.
I775. Deacons: Leonard Wiesener and Martin Sinzendorf.
1776. Deacons : Michael Krebs and Michael Acker.
1777. Deacons: Johannes Reichart and Matthias Wartman.
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1778, January 6. General election of Church Council. Trustees : Peter Lober, Cassimer Missimer, Bernhard Gil- bert, Joh. Geo. Schweinhard. Elders: Michael Schlon- ecker, Stephen Krumrein, Sebastion Reifschneider, Lud- wig Schittler, Michael Wittman, Geo. Gilbert. Dea- cons : Henry Gilbert and Michael Kurz.
1779, January 6. Deacons, Peter Eigner and Ludwig Schick.
1780, January 17. Annual Settlement. Names of en- tire council as now constituted : Trustees-Geo. Burkhard, Ludwig Pickel, Geo. Schweinhard, Moses Binder, Peter Lober, Casimer Missimer, Bernhard Gilbert and Joh. Geo. Schweinhard. Elders-Michael Schlonecker, Stephen Krumrein, Sebastian Reifschneider, Ludwig Schittler, Michael Wittman and George Gilbert. Deacons-Peter Eigner, Ludwig Schick, Jacob Christman and Benjamin Merkle.
1781, March 16. Elders: Sebastian Reifschneider, Ludwig Schittler, Geo. Gilbert, Valentine Kurz, Michael Krebs and Matthias Wartman. Deacons: Jacob Binder and Adam Wartman. Memorandum: At this time (April 16) the Church Council appointed Sebastian Reif- schneider, Michael Krebs, Benjamin Merkle and Adam Wartman builders of the parsonage. Attest: H. Müh- lenberg, Sr.
1782. Deacons elected: Peter Reichard, Christian Stettler. Installed April 21.
On the same day the council and the congregation took the following action : Rev. Mühlenberg stated that he was becoming too feeble to render the necessary service and advised them to send delegates to the next synod convening at Lancaster, to apply for a pastor. Endorsed by all.
2. To the question whether the builders elected should
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begin the work at this time, when no money can be col- lected or loaned, and whether the congregation would stand by the four men and indemnify them, the answer was pauper ubique est.
3. A test subscription was made to see what each one would subscribe. Some slipped away quietly, the remain- der promised and subscribed about seventy pounds ($186 .- 66 2/3). The estimated cost is £300 (i. e., $800.00). Attest : Mühlenberg, Sr.
1783. Trustee: Ludwig Schittler, elected, instead of Geo. Burkhard. Elder: Michael Kurtz. Deacons : Fredr. Vogel and Jacob Bickel.
1784, January 6. Deacons: Conrad Knetz and Geo. Schnell.
1785, January 6. Elders: John Reichard instead of Michael Krebs, who moved away. The rest were re- elected. Deacons : Paul Linsebiegler and Adam Krebs.
1788, February 3. I Trustee, I elder and 4 deacons elected. Sebastian Reifschneider, an elder, elected trus- tee; Michael Krebs elected elder in his stead. Deacons : Peter Schweyer, Adam Joerger, Wendel Renninger and Andrew Joerger-these were installed March 30 by Rev. Lehman.
1790, January 3. Trustees: John Reichert, Valentine Kurtz and Michael Kurtz elected. Elders: Frederic Vogel, Jacob Pickel and Leonard Weissner, elected. Dea- cons all continued in office.
1791, January 6. Deacons : Dewald Joerger and Mar- tin Fritz elected; installed fourth Sunday after Epiphany by Rev. Weinland.
1792, January 6. Deacons: Joseph Brendlinger and Jacob Mecklein elected.
1793, January 7. Deacons: Michael Joerger and
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Philip Reyher elected. Elders: Michael Krebs and Geo. Gilbert having died, Jacob Binder and Leonard Weissner were elected. Postscript. By instruction of the church council it is to be recorded that, December 8, 1793, Bernhard Gilbert, because of his conduct towards the pastor, is declared unworthy of his office by two thirds of the church Council. This was ratified by the congre- gation at three meetings. After the close of the service Matthias Wartman, formerly an elder, was elected trus- tee and Benjamin Merkley as elder in his stead.
1794, January 6. John Schlonecker and Benjamin Schneider were elected deacons.
January 20. At a meeting of the church council, two- thirds being present, it was Resolved:
I. That the congregation be incorporated.
2. That the election of deacons is not to be held at the usual time, viz., on Epiphany, but on the second Saturday of March, 1795, at which time there is also to be a general election for members of Church Council.
3. The deacons having presented their accounts, Messrs. Benjamin Schneider and John Schlonecker were requested to audit the accounts of the senior deacons, Philip Reyher and Michael Joerger, and report on the second Saturday of March.
March 14. The council and the congregation met in accordance with the provisions of the act of incorporation to elect a new church council, resulting as follows:
Trustees : Michael Kurtz and Valentine Kurtz, I year; Ludwig Bickel and Geo. Schweinhard, 2 years; John Reichert and Bastian Reifschneider, 3 years.
Elders : Benjamin Merkell and Dewald Joerger, I year; Friedr. Vogel and Matthias Wartman, 2 years; Jacob Binder and Harry Gilbert, 3 years.
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Deacons: Benjamin Schneider and John Schlonecker, I year; John Bickel and Jacob Renninger, 2 years. Attest : Joh. F. Weinland, Pastor.
1796, March 12. The trustees elected for one year were reelected for three years. As Elders, Jacob Bickel and Christian Stedtler instead of Benj. Merkell and Fredr. Vogel, and the others continued. As Deacons: John Fuchs and John Merkel.
This is also attested by J. F. Weinland, pastor.
Thus far the oldest record, or protocol, has been fol- lowed. In another one these last records of 1795 and 1796 are repeated. An item not recorded in the first but placed in this latter is, that in addition to the trus- tees, elders and deacons as given above, Rev. Fr. Wein- land was elected president, John Reichard, treasurer, and Benjamin Marckly, secretary.
June 26 (1796). Rev. Weinland, without having in- formed the congregation, publicly announced that he would resign at the close of his year (October 1, 1796) and advised them to endeavor to secure a pastor.
August 21. Public notice having been given, the cor- poration and the congregation Resolved, that Rev. Wein- land be asked whether he had firmly resolved to leave the congregation. This was done. On the same day Rev. Weinland appeared before the congregation and declared again that he was determined to leave the congregation and again advised them to look for another pastor. At the same time another meeting of the corporation and the congregation on the twenty-ninth of August was agreed upon.
August 29. It was resolved that Sebastian Reif- schneider and Theobald Joerger, as representatives of
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this congregation, should consult with the Goshenhoppen congregation as to whether it would be advisable to have Rev. Geissenhainer serve both congregations. They met and consulted, but without any definite result.
October 9. Rev. Dalicker (Ref.) announced that on Thursday, the thirteenth, services would be held in the Lutheran church by Rev. Geissenhainer. The services were held, and at the close Rev. Geissenhainer requested the congregation to remain. Twelve members of the corporation (council) and a considerable number of the members were present. It was unanimously resolved that Rev. Geissenhainer be accepted as pastor for six years, beginning next April Ist, upon condition that his life and teaching conform to the word of God, and that he reside not more than six miles from the church. He was to receive 60 pounds per annum ($160), payable at the end of the year. The amount accruing between the date of his election and April I was to be paid at the latter date.
November 13. Rev. Geissenhainer preached his intro- ductory sermon.
November 19. At a meeting of the corporation, pub- licly announced, thirteen members being present, Jacob Bickel was elected president, to serve till next election. Christian Stettler and Valentine Kurtz were elected a com- mittee to arrange for the renting of the parsonage and farm, from November 26.
March 5, 1797. Henry Gilbert and Jacob Bickel were appointed to ask Rev. Weinland whether he would be willing to submit the difficulties between himself and the congregation to a committee of ministers, as had been proposed.
The election was held on the eleventh.
April 2. The Church Council resolved to adopt by-
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laws. The president, John Reichert, Rev. Fredr. Geissen- hainer and John Schlonecker, were appointed to draft them.
January 7, 1798. Daniel Schaeffer was elected school- master by a majority of two votes.
December 9. Daniel Schaeffer, Adam Gilbert and Samuel Schoch were publicly examined as schoolmasters, in singing, reading, writing, etc. On the same day Rev. Geissenhainer announced that in two weeks an election for schoolmaster would be held, inviting all voting mem- bers to be present and to take part.
December 23. After service the election for school- master was held. The result was 54 votes for Schoch, 20 for Gilbert and 10 for Schaeffer.
Benjamin Märckley, John Reichert and Jacob Bickel were appointed a committee to put up for rent the Lu- theran parsonage the following January I, at 2 P. M., for the term of one year.
CHAPTER VIII.
THE SCHOOLMASTERS AND ORGANISTS OF THE CHURCH. THEIR TIMES OF SERVICE, AND A BRIEF SKETCH OF THE SUNDAY SCHOOL.
HEN and under what circumstances the first school house was erected, and who was the first school teacher to be employed by this congregation will prob- ably always remain an open question. The Halle Re- ports tell of the existence of the school in 1743 and at once introduces us to John Frederic Vigera, who had charge of the school in 1744. But in giving this sketch of the schoolmasters and organists employed at various times during the history of the congregation, we will not cite in every instance the specific authorities, whether the Halle Reports, the record of the church, or other sources.
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Schoolmasters and Organists of the Church.
This man Vigera is the first of the New Hanover school masters brought to our notice. He had lived among the Salzburgers at Ebenezer, Georgia. He had come to that place in 1741 as a merchant, and whilst still a single man. He had the oversight of the orphans there. He came to Pennsylvania in 1743. He seems to have had charge of the school at New Hanover during 1744. From him it passed into the hands of J. Nicholas Kurtz, who re- mained in charge from the spring of 1745 to December, 1746. He was succeeded by J. Albert Weygandt.
Vigera probably went from here to the Trappe and then took charge of the school at Lancaster in 1748. April 19, 1749, he married Anna Stephens, also known by the name of Stephenson, a woman of Quaker descent, at the house of Rev. H. M. Muhlenberg at New Provi- dence. In 1750 he was employed as schoolmaster at Philadelphia. In 1752 he gave up that position and was succeeded by Rev. Heintzelman as teacher and organist. He seems to have been very successful as a teacher.
There may have been, and probably were, others be- fore his time. All the indications are that there was a school connected with the congregation from its very beginning. It is to be regretted that H. M. Mühlen- berg and his colaborers so seldom dropped hints in re- gard to the activities and labors of churches and schools existing before their time, except in those cases in which they were brought into conflict with them, while those who were acting independently did not seem to want any one to know what they were doing. The consequence is that the events which occurred before Mühlenberg's time and the occurrences outside his influence, among those who did not join in with him, have almost entirely passed out of view. As already stated Vigera was succeeded by
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J. N. Kurtz, afterwards ordained to the ministry and sta- tioned at Tulpehocken, York, etc.
He was succeeded by J. Albert Weygandt, already men- tioned, by J. Wm. Kurtz and others, whose names have long since been forgotten. Some of them perchance may again be brought to notice, but probably the larger number have forever passed from men's recollection.
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