USA > Pennsylvania > The Reformed Church in Pennsylvania : part IX of A narrative and critical history, prepared at the request of the Pennsylvania-German Society > Part 18
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Hendel's Hymn-book.
Hendel, Jr., was ordained in the same year. The latter was a graduate of Columbia College and of the Theological Seminary at New Brunswick. He was for many years prominent in the Church ; but though a man of high cul- ture he was never able to exert an influence equal to that of his father. In the same year Dr. C. L. Becker ar- rived in America,221 and in 1794 Philip Milledoler and John Henry Hoffmeier were ordained. Thomas Pomp was or- dained in 1795 and Samuel Helffenstein in 1797. These men were for many years among the leaders of the Re- formed Church.
At the earliest meeting of the synod, after the adoption of the Synodalordnung, the most important question was connected with cultus. The churches had hitherto gener- ally used the Marburg Hymn-book, either in European editions or in Saur's reprint. This book had now become rare, and the preparation of a new hymn-book had become an urgent necessity. This was no small matter, both as regards expense and the labor of selection. The committee appointed to attend to this matter consisted of Hendel, Helffrich, Blumer, Wagner, Pauli and Mann. It was a good committee but the chief labor devolved on the chair- man, and the result was popularly known as Hendel's Hymn-book. Considering the difficulty of obtaining access to hymnologic sources, it was really an excellent perform- ance. It was published in many editions, each with a frontispiece representing David playing on the harp.
At the same meeting Winckhaus " promised to do some-
221 Dr. Christian Ludwig Becker was one of the most eminent preachers of his day. He was born in Anhalt Cöthen, Germany, Nov. 17, 1756, and died at Baltimore, Md., July 12, 1818. In Germany, while still a candidatus, he published " Sammlung Heiliger Reden," Leipzig, 1790, and several minor works. Ordained by Synod in 1794, he successively served churches in Easton, Lancaster and Baltimore. Author of "Sammlung Geistreicher Pre- digten," Baltimore, 1810. He was the ancestor of a long line of ministers.
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vices were more elaborate. Before their confirmation the catechumens formed a procession at the neighboring school- house-the boys dressed in new suits and the girls wearing linen caps-and were then led to the church by the minis- ter, to be examined on the Catechism and admitted to full membership by the laying on of hands. In the adminis- tration of the Lord's Supper the Palatinate Liturgy was generally employed. In the church of which the writer was in his boyhood a member the communicants approached and withdrew from the altar with a profound bow or cour- tesy.
Early in the nineteenth century it appeared that great changes were imminent. In certain localities the Eng-
glish language was rapidly making its way, and the ancient German customs which the fathers had loved were by the children regarded as antiquated and objectionable. The movement for the introduction of English services began in New Jersey, though it is believed that there had been occasional English preaching in the Reformed church of Germantown, Penna., at a somewhat earlier period.
It was in the Race Street church, Philadelphia, that the conflict concerning language first became intense. Rev. Samuel Helffenstein was, from 1799 to 1831, pastor of that church. He was a man of considerable ability and of great personal dignity, but was at times almost helpless in the midst of the storm. He could preach English well, but loved the German language best. The synod, to which the questions at issue were referred in 1804, adopted non-
THE REFORMED CHURCH IN PENNSYLVANIA.
REV. HENRY BIBIGHAUS,
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Conflicts in the Church.
committal resolutions which pleased neither party. At first Dr. Helffenstein supported the Germans and the strictly English party withdrew and founded the Reformed Dutch Church on Crown Street. Another English party was gradually formed, and in 1817 the conflict began anew. This English party finally secured the majority, and then the Germans withdrew and founded a church on St. John Street under the pastorate of Rev. F. W. Van der Sloot, Dr. Helffenstein preaching English in the old church.
H. Bibighans
Of the German church Rev. Henry Bibighaus, D.D., was subsequently pastor for many years.223
This is but a specimen of conflicts which occurred all over the Church, especially in the cities and larger towns. In country churches the change in language was more gradual and naturally caused less excitement. It has been common to blame the fathers for their close attachment to their native language-and there can be no doubt that the Reformed Church in this struggle lost many thousands of members ; but who can condemn a people for attachment to its native tongue? There can be no doubt that in many instances both parties were greatly to blame for violence and imprudence.
To the older pastors the change of language presented peculiar difficulties. They not only foresaw the time when they would be supplanted by ministers of different speech and manners, but the question naturally suggested itself, that it might not be worth while to maintain the German
223 Henry Bibighaus was born in Bucks County, Pa., Aug. 2, 1777, and died in Philadelphia, Aug. 20, 1851. He was at first organist of the Race Street church and was prepared for the ministry by Dr. Helffenstein.
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Reformed Church as a separate body when its distinguish- ing speech and customs were so rapidly passing away. The " denominational consciousness " had not yet been developed, and it was, indeed, a serious question whether the circumstances warranted a separate organization.
For some years the advisability of union with some other denomination was extensively debated. Historically it might have seemed most natural to unite with the Dutch Church, but here the difference of language proved a seri- ous obstacle. There had for many years been an inter- mittent correspondence between the two churches, and their relations had always been most cordial ; but the " Low Dutch," as they were generally called, had already be- come prevailingly English, and the German pastors natur- ally feared that organic union would but hasten the change of language which some of them so greatly dreaded.
Union with the Lutheran Church appeared to be in some respects far more desirable. The two churches had for many years labored side by side, and their relations had always been cordial. The old doctrinal distinctions had in great measure passed into the background, and in ex- tensive regions so-called Union churches brought pastors and people into the most intimate personal relations. The two denominations generally used the same language, and were confronted by the same practical questions. When, in 1817, the Lutheran and Reformed Churches were in Prussia united by the establishment of the Evangelical Church-Union, it was but natural that renewed attention should be called to the possibility of forming a similar union in America, and for some years there were frequent deliberations on this general subject. In 1817 the Lutheran Ministerium invited the Reformed Synod to unite in the common celebration of the festival of the Reformation,
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Church-Union.
and in the following year proposed a plan for a joint theo- logical seminary in connection with Franklin College. The Reformed Synod, on the other hand, recommended Dr. Helmuth's Evangelisches Magazin, and in various other ways manifested its unionistic tendency. A union hymn- book-entitled "Gemeinschaftliches Gesangbuch "-was prepared by irresponsible parties, and extensively circulated in both churches. After many consultations this particular union movement failed in 1824, on the ground that it was not probable that all the churches of both denominations would enter into the proposed union, and that the result might be to introduce a new denomination without decreas- ing the number already in existence. Personally, the writer has always believed that the Union churches, which had become so numerous, rather hindered than promoted organic union. In many places, where two ministers oc- cupied the same field and preached in the same churches, the removal of ancient denominational distinctions might have rendered one of the pastors superfluous ; or it would, at any rate, have so disturbed existing conditions in such a way as to lead to many local difficulties. Many pastors, therefore, preferred to suffer things to remain as they were.
In the meantime the condition of the Reformed Church was far from encouraging. Unable to secure pastors of their own denomination who could preach acceptably in English, prominent city congregations invited ministers of other denominations to supply their pulpits, and through their influence the people became estranged from their proper standards. Candidates for the ministry were few in number, and the instruction which they received from older ministers was lamentably insufficient. Many con- gregations were vacant and naturally became the prey of
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the sects which were then coming into existence. How the leaders of the Church were able to maintain faith and hope under such depressing conditions is almost incon- ceivable.
Here and there might, however, be discovered indica- tions of a new life. As early as 1806 a Sunday-school was established in the Reformed church of Philadelphia, and a few years later similar schools had been founded in many towns and villages. Many people were prejudiced against these organizations on account of their supposed antagonism to the catechetical system ; but they made their way and accomplished much good.
Notwithstanding these depressing conditions the Re- formed Church was gradually extending its limits. The work which was begun by the Rev. J. W. Weber became the nucleus of the Church beyond the Alleghenies. Rev. Nicholas P. Hacke, D.D. (1800-1878), became pastor of the Greensburg charge in 1819 and served it faithfully for 59 years. In later years he held a sort of patriarchal relation to the Reformed churches of all that region. Jost Henry Fries (1777-1839) labored in an extensive region near the geographical center of Pennsylvania. He was a worthy man but very eccentric, and even in the pulpit his humor occasionally could not be restrained. 224 In Ohio the Rev. Jacob Christman began to preach in Warren County in 1803, and in 1804 the Rev. John Jacob Larose be- gan his extensive missionary journeys. In 1816 the Rev.
224 The writer has a copy of a published sermon preached by Fries in the Elias church at Youngmanstown on the roth of September, 1812. The first part of the discourse is very learned and dignified, as was no doubt supposed to befit the occasion ; but in the conclusion the preacher breaks forth in extravagant praise of Governor Simon Snyder, at the same time expressing his disapproval of certain people who had greeted his nomination with the derisive shout : "Ho ! Ho ! A Governor from ' Shimoky.'"
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Formation of Synod of Ohio.
John William Dechant was sent to Ohio by Synod, and did excellent work.
To relate the history of the Reformed Church in the Western States does not come within our present purpose. It may, however, be proper to state that this history in many respects presents a curious analogy to that of the Church in Pennsylvania. The growth of the Church was not rapid, but in 1819, when the Synod was divided into classes, it became possible to organize a Classis of Ohio, consisting of five ministers and about fifty congregations. In 1823 the Synod of the United States refused to grant to classes the privilege of ordaining ministers, and against this action the Classis of Ohio protested on the ground that they could not afford to send their candidates " across the mountains." Accordingly, at its meeting in New Phila- delphia, O., June 14, 1824, the Classis of Ohio resolved itself into a Synod, and for nearly forty years remained independent of the parent body. The two Synods ex- changed delegates, and worked together with a consider- able degree of harmony, but there was no organic union. The Synod of Ohio, however, in due time, became the mother of several other western synods.
About 1820 a wave of religious excitement swept over the land. Its effects were not limited to a single denom- ination, and there was hardly a town or village that was not shaken, as if by a great convulsion. The methods employed to promote a general awakening of the religious consciousness were known as " new measures," and many pastors suffered themselves to be led into undeniable ex- travagances, so that for a time it seemed as if the ancient landmarks would be entirely swept away. There can be no doubt that much good was accomplished, though in many instances in an irregular and spasmodic way. It
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was, we think, a natural reaction 'from the coldness and formality into which the churches had fallen; and in its best aspects it led to the establishment of theological and literary institutions, and of societies for the promotion of missions, and of other enterprises of Christian benevolence. It is not surprising, however, that the instinct of conserva- tism induced many people to regard the whole movement with suspicion, and to confound genuine progress with un- reasoning fanaticism.
For the Reformed Church, this was a period of unde- niable danger. The older pastors were passing away, and those who remained found it difficult to accommodate themselves to new conditions. Fortunately there was a little company of ministers and laymen who believed that the Reformed Church had a special testimony to offer-a peculiar mission to fulfill-and to these faithful men the honor of inaugurating a brighter era is mainly due.
CHAPTER XVIII.
THE FOUNDING OF INSTITUTIONS.
The Theological Seminary-Dr. Milledoler-The Free Synod-At Car- lisle-Dr. Lewis Mayer-Mr. Reily in Europe-The Seminary in York.
T the meeting of Synod convened in Hagerstown, Md., in September, 1820, it was resolved to establish a theolog- ical seminary. This action was the result of long deliberation, and was taken only when it became evident that no other course was possible if the sepa- rate organization of the Re- formed Church was to be main- tained. When the plan for the new institution had once been adopted the members of the Synod were full of rejoicing. Indeed, they seem to have anticipated no possible difficulties, and at once took addi- tional Jaction which seemed to indicate that they regarded the whole matter as settled and complete. The following resolution must be regarded as at least premature :
" Resolved: That no minister shall hereafter have the privilege of receiving a young man in order to instruct him in theology, but may only direct him in his preliminary stud- ies." The wisdom of this action might at any time have been
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questioned, but under the circumstances it could not fail to excite antagonism, especially on the part of ministers who were engaged in instructing candidates for the ministry. A Board of Superintendents was chosen, consisting of Caspar
WAGNER
OLD COURT HOUSE AT YORK, PA.
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Philip Milledoler.
Wack, William Hendel, Jr., Lebrecht L. Hinsch, Samuel Helffenstein, Thomas Pomp, Jonathan Helffenstein, Fred- erick Rahauser, J. Christian Becker, Lewis Mayer, James R. Reily, Albert Helffenstein, and John S. Ebaugh. These men may be regarded as the founders of the theological seminary, though they were afterward effectively aided by men who were not included in this preliminary list.
Immediately after the constitution of this Board the Synod proceeded to elect a professor of theology, and Rev. Philip Milledoler, D.D.,225 of New York, was unanimously chosen. At the same time his salary was fixed at two thousand dollars per annum, which was regarded as a very liberal compensation. It was, however, believed on suffi- cient grounds that if Dr. Milledoler accepted the call his professorship would be fully endowed through the liberal- ity of his friends in New York.
The appointment of Dr. Milledoler was greeted with en- thusiasm, especially in Maryland and southern Pennsyl- vania. In 1821 Dr. Mayer reported that a capital of about $30,000 was " in sight," and even ventured to anti- cipate that the income of the Seminary endowment would soon afford a surplus that could be applied to missions. A number of ministers pledged themselves to collect or contribute considerable sums. Among others the Rev. John Weinbrenner-who subsequently left the Church and became the founder of the " Church of God "-pledged himself to contribute $200 annually for ten years.
Unfortunately most of these subscriptions were made on
225 Philip Milledoler, born at Rhinebeck, N. Y., September 22, 1775 ; died, Staten Island, N. Y., September 23, 1852. Graduated in Columbia College, 1793. Pastor German Reformed Church, New York, 1794-1800 ; Pine Street (Presbyterian) Church, Philadelphia, 1800-1805 ; Rutgers Street (Presbyterian) Church, New York, 1805-1813. Moderator of General Assembly, Presbyterian Church, 1808 ; Collegiate Reformed (Dutch) Church, 1813-1825. Professor of Theology at New Brunswick and President of Rutgers College, 1825-1840.
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the condition that Dr. Milledoler should become the first professor ; for it was freely said that " wherever Dr. Mille- doler went the New York endowment would certainly fol- low." He was a man of great ability and influence, and if he had accepted the position all might have been well, but he found it difficult to reach a final conclusion. At first he accepted the call, but soon afterward withdrew his ac- ceptance for further consideration. For two years he left the German Synod under the impression that he would ac- cept their call, but at last he declined it and became pro- fessor of theology at New Brunswick. No doubt his final decision was greatly influenced by disagreements which had now become apparent in the German Church ; but his dilatory course cannot be approved. The enthusiasm of the Church had somewhat declined and her great enemy had done much evil work before Dr. Milledoler finally declined the call. Of course, when this occurred all the conditional subscriptions became valueless and the fact was recognized that the first effort to establish a theological seminary had proved a failure.
Though the synod was greatly discouraged, there was no disposition to retire from the work which it had under- taken. It had at first been resolved to establish the semi- nary at Frederick, Md., but the fact was now recognized that this place was too far distant from the center of the Church. In 1822 the synod met in Harrisburg, Penna., and here it occurred to some one that the capital of the State would be an ideal place for the theological seminary. The Rev. John Weinbrenner was pastor of the Reformed Church of Harrisburg and of several other churches in its vicinity. He was a man of considerable talent, possessing unusual oratorical ability. He had, however, recently become an enthusiastic advocate of " New Measures," and
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REV. LEWIS MAYER.
REV. S. HELFENSTEIN.
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Proposed Seminary in Harrisburg.
some of his members had become dissatisfied. The synod, it seems, was of the opinion that it would be better for Mr. Weinbrenner to seek another field of labor; and the consistory of the church was evidently of the same opinion, for they expressed their willingness to accept as their pas- tor the professor of theology who might be elected by synod, at the same time pledging themselves to contribute $500 an- nually to his support. This seemed a beautiful plan ; but it was objectionable on the ground that it interfered with ex- isting pastoral relations. Mr. Weinbrenner asked time for consideration and no final action was taken. In the follow- ing year hevacated the pulpit, but it may be taken for granted that he was displeased. His position towards synod gradu- ally became antagonistic. He became the founder of a new denomination, holding certain doctrines which were not in harmony with those of the Reformed Church, and in 1828 his name was erased from the list of members of synod.
At the meeting of synod held in Baltimore, in 1823, the resolution to establish a theological seminary in Harrisburg was renewed, and an election for the professorate was im- mediately held. At the first ballot the votes were equally divided between three candidates : Drs. Samuel Helffen- stein,226 J. C. Becker 227 and Lewis Mayer. 228 Dr. Mayer then withdrew his name and Dr. Helffenstein was chosen.
226 Samuel Helffenstein, eldest son of J. C. Albertus, born at Germantown, Pa., May 17, 1775 ; died, North Wales, Pa., October 17, 1866. Pastor in Phila- delphia, 1799-1831. Author of "Didactic Theology," and a volume of poems. 227 Jacob Christian Becker, son of Dr. Christian Ludwig, born at Bremen, Germany, January 14, 1790; died, Bethlehem, Pa., August 18, 1858. A very influential pastor in Northampton County, Pennsylvania.
228 Lewis Mayer was born at Lancaster, Pa., March 26, 1783 ; died at York Pa., August 25, 1849. Studied in the college at Frederick, Md., and was pri- vately instructed in theology by the Rev. Daniel Wagner. Licensed in 1807 and ordained in 1808. Pastor, Shepherdstown, Va., 1808-21 ; York, Pa., 1821-25. Professor in theological seminary, 1825-37. Author of "Sin Against the Holy Ghost," "Lectures on Scriptural Subjects," "History of German Re- formed Church," Vol. I., and many pamphlets. See Biography by Dr. E. Heiner prefixed to " History." Also Harbaugh's " Lives," Vol. III.
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The Reformed Church in the United States.
The church in Harrisburg was now in a ferment in con- sequence of the withdrawal of Mr. Weinbrenner, and the plan for the establishment of a seminary at that place fell to the ground. Dr. Helffenstein declined the call and the second effort proved a failure.
In the meantime there was great trouble in the eastern part of the Church. It was partly derived from misunder- standings of the purpose of the seminary movement, but also involved personal elements which were by no means creditable to the Church. Dr. F. L. Herman-one of the
Herman
last of the missionaries sent to America by the Church of Holland-had for many years instructed candidates for the ministry. He was a man of considerable learning and ability, and was careful and conscientious in the instruc- tion of students. As he lived at Falkner Swamp the school which he conducted was popularly known as " The Swamp College." He instructed his six sons-of whom five became ministers-and among his students were such men as B. S. Schneck, T. H. Leinbach, J. S. Dubbs, Richard and Peter S. Fisher, and others. Unfor- tunately Dr. Herman's son, Frederick, became dissipated and was in 1821 suspended by synod. There was no question as to the justice of the sentence, but it was com- municated to the afflicted father in terms which proved harsh and offensive. When the latter inquired as to the significance of suspension, President Hinsch replied : " In this case it means exclusion forever "-" In diesem Fallc
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Free Synods.
heisst das auf immer und ewig ausgeschlossen." After this utterance Dr. Herman withdrew from the meeting, accom- panied by his students, his son-in-law, Rev. J. C. Guldin and the Rev. Henry Diffenbach, for which act they were severely censured by resolution. These men founded in 1822 the "Synod of Pennsylvania and Adjacent States," which was generally known as the "Free Synod."
The new organization did not declare itself opposed to theological seminaries, as has been generally supposed, and, indeed, at one time it proposed to establish an institu- tion of its own. Dr. Herman personally based his opposi- tion to the seminary of the old synod on its proposed loca- tion at Frederick, Md., but his son, Frederick, Jr., embraced the opportunity to play the part of a demagogue, and the result was a popular convulsion that for a time threatened the very existence of the Church. Conventions were held in various places at which fiery resolutions were adopted, declaring unalterable opposition to all forms of " priestcraft." The old spirit of independence was revived and congregations pledged themselves not to " employ " a minister who stood in connection with a synod. Carl Gock, a German schoolmaster in Albany Township, Berks County, published two books 229 against synods, and in fact against ministers generally. Though these books manifested no literary ability, their tone was exceedingly bitter, and they were well qualified to excite ignorant people. A reply was published by J. C. Gossler,230 but it was a weak perform- ance. 231 After a few years the popular excitement subsided,
229 "Die Vertheidigung der Freyen Kirche," Reading, 1822 ; " Fortsetzung der Vertheidigung," no place, 1830.
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