L/BRARV ANNEX 2 Cornell University Library The original of tliis bool< is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924012521369 Cornell University Library BX 8042.P4F65 Churches between the mountains :a I 3 1924 012 521 369 DATE DUE 4atefl ibrary Lean C^urt^es ki\am % Pountains. A HISTORY THE LUTHERAN CONGREGATIONS Perry County, Pennsylvania. By rev. D. H. FOCHT, A.M., Pastor of Cbrlst'B Lutheran Cburcli, New BloomQeld, Ferry County, Fcuua. BALTIMORE: T. NEWTON KURTZ, 151 WEST PEATT STREET. 1862. Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1862, By David H. Fooht, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. ' ft i AS A HUMBLE CONTRIBUTION THE LOCAL HISTORY OF THE CHURCH, THIS VOLUME IS RESPEOTPULLY DEDICATED THE LUTHERAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY GENERAL STNOD IN THE UNITED STATES. THE AUTHOK, PREFACE. In May, 1859, the Historical Society of the Lutheran Church in the United States passed the following resolu- tion: " Resolved, That the ministers of our Church be request- ed, each to prepare a brief statement from church-records in his charge, of the date of the formation of each church, the successive pastors in charge, the present number of communicants, the language or languages employed in public worship, together with any important events in its history, and sketches of the life of the pastors, and for- ward the same in a letter by mail to our Curator, at Get- tysburg, Pennsylvania." Previous to the passage of this resolution, the writer of these pages had prepared historical sketches of the churches of his own charge, and afterwards at the request of others he extended his researches to all the Lutheran congregations in Perry County. The result of his labors is now before the reader. Until a late date no church-records were kept by most of the older congregations, and as the aged who had some knowledge of their early history were passing rapidly away, it was thought that something should be done, and done soon, to rescue from oblivion the history of those congregations ; it was thought, also, that such a history would be interesting and instructive to the present and future generations. 1* VI PREFACE. At first it was supposed that the task thus assumed would be an easy and pleasant one ; and if nothing more than a general statement of facts had been required, this supposition would have been correct. But vague gene- ralities would have been unsatisfactory in a local history, and not in accordance with the wish of those for whose benefit it was specially designed. The only course left for the writer was to enter into a detail of particulars. Here, however, the difficulties he encountered were great, often almost insurmountable, owing to the want of data. In such eases, collateral aids were called into requisition. The author availed himself of every source of informa- tion within his reach. He consulted scores of aged per- sons, overhauled the minutes of the different Synods, sought out old documents in the hands of individuals, in the archives of the different churches and of the court- house of the county, turned over the leaves of the Church periodicals, especially of the Lutheran Observer, and of the diflerent secular papers published in the county, and cor- responded with all those of whom it was supposed infor- mation could be obtained. Sometimes he was successful, but as often disappointed, in eliciting the information he wanted. He fiatters himself, however, with the conviction, that not a fact of essential importance escaped his notice. Great care was taken to verify all the data, to arrange the facts and material in chronological order, and to allow the facts so arranged to tell their own story, and fre- quently in their own langua,ge. The history of each church is brought down to June,' 1862. As the circum- stances of the different congregations were often so simi- lar, repetition was sometimes unavoidable. Bach congre- PREFACE. Vll gation has a history of its own, and it was deemed proper to give that history without regard to the many or few points in which it coincided with the history of other con- gregations. The style is adapted, as much as possible, to the nature of the subjects treated. Our indebtedness for aid from different persons and sources is noticed at the proper place. After the completion of the work, it was the author's design to " forward the saine by mail to the Curator, at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania." This design was, however, overruled by the wish of the Synod of Central Pennsyl- vania, and the protestation of the members of the churches in Perry County, all of whom expressed a strong desire that it might be given them in a permanent form. This request the writer could not set aside, especially when he remembered that from local histories, in which facts are minutely detailed, a general history of the Church must be constructed, and that in this respect these humble pages might contribute their mite. And though these sketches contain many facts and incidents of recent date and still fresh in the memory of many, the writer was re- minded that time, in its onward march, will invest them with interest increasing in proportion as they fade from the recollection of men and sink away into the past. It was argued, also, that by this means there would be placed in the hands of those who cherish veneration for departed ancestry, love for the Church, or long associa- tion, or present residence, a record of religious history of peculiar interest, — a record which parents would wish to hand down to their children ; that there are many, who still T^orship God where their fathers sung the praises of Vni PREFACE. the Most High and their orisons paid, and who often medi- tate with deep solemnity over their silent graves ; and that there are not a few, now dwelling in the far West, where they are surrounded by new scenes, but still bound to old ones by ties that can not be broken, — to all these it was supposed no service more acceptable could be ren- dered than by giving them, in a permanent form, a re- membrancer of the old, middle-aged, and new churches with which are associated their earliest and latest recol- lections, and of the old and new graveyards in which re- pose the ashes of their dearest and nearest friends. These sketches were prepared amid the constant inter- ruptions and many hindrances incident to the duties a pastor owes a large charge. They are not what we could wish them to be, yet they are all we could make them in three years' hard labor, — labor snatched from hours we should have had for rest. Only he who has made the ex- periment can fully appreciate works of this kind, and fully comprehend the difficulties connected with their pre- paration. We send this volume out into the world, as- sured that those who can form any conception of the labor required in its preparation, growing out of the want of documents, of lost and faded records, of deciphering bad German manuscripts, of the sameness of material to be presented, and of the vagueness of traditions to be con- sulted, will with readiness appreciate any merit it may possess, and with mildness censure the defects from which it does not claim to be free. D. H. F. New Bloomfield, Pa., Sept. 24th, 1862. RECOMMENDATION PROM THE SYNOD OP CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA. The document placed in the hands of committee, No. 17, is a history of all the Lutheran congregations in Perry County, Pa., by the Rev. D. H. Focht of New Bloomfield. Said history traces the rise and progress of the congre- gations from their earliest inception to the present time. The document bears evidence of great care and patient investigation in its preparation. It con- tains much of importance to the Lutheran Church, and will contribute, — if published, as we trust it will be, — to Lutheran literature. We congratulate Eev. Focht for his success in collecting so many valuable statistics in this document, and hope that he will have it published as soon as passible. As an expression of the opinion of your committee, we would beg leave to ofier the following : "Resolved, That this Synod recommend the publication of said history. Resolved, That in the opinion of this Synod, this history contains matter that should be particularly interesting to the members of the Lutheran Church in Perry County, and that a copy should be purchased by every family. Resolved, That this Synod use its influence in introducing this work among Lutherans generally within its bounds. Respectfully submitted, P. WlLLAnD, W. H. DiTBN, G. M. Settlemotee, Sahuel Coup. Belleville, Pa., May 4th, 1861. On motion, this report was accepted and adopted. See Minutes of Synod pp. 26, 27. CONTENTS. FAeZ Ihtroduotion, . ... 13 CHAPTER I. The Lotsville Charge, . , . . . 21 Section I. Lebanon Church at Loysville, . . 21 II. Mount Zion Church in Spring Township, . 65 III. Ludolph's (Germany) Church, in Spring Township, 82 CHAPTER II. The Bloomfield Chaeqe, . . . . . .91 Section I. Christ's Church, at New Bloomfield, . ^ 91 II. St. Andrew's (Shuman's) Church, in Saville Town- ship, . . . . . .134 III. St John's (Bealor's) Church, near Markelville, in Juniata Township, . , . . 146 IV. The Congregation and Church at Newport, . 157 v. The Congregation at Mansville, in Centre Town- ship, . .... 169 Remarks respecting the Bloomfield Charge, . 180 CHAPTER III. The Blain Charge, ..... 183 Section I. Zion Congregation, at Blain, in Jackson Township, 184 II. St, Paul's Lutheran Church, in Madison Township, 199 III. Emanuel Church, near Ickesburg, in Saville Town- ship, . ... 203 IV. Lutheran Congregation in Henry's Valley, Jacksorj Township, . '. . .211 V. Preaching Stations connected with the Blain Charge, 213 CHAPTER IV. The Petersburg Charge, . . . , . 215 Section I. Christ's (Lutheran) Church at Petersburg, . 216 Xll CONTENTS. Section II. Mount Zion Church, in Fishing Cieek Valley, Rye Township, ... . 230 III. Mount Pisgah Evangelical Lutheran Church, in Car- roll Township, . . . . .246 IV. St. David's (Billow's) Church, in Wheatfleld Town- ship, ....."■ 257 V. Church near New Buffalo, on the Susquehanna, in Watts Township, . . . .261 VI. Preaching Station in connection with the Petersburg Charge, 268 CHAPTER V. The Livekpool Chaege, . . ... 270 Section I. The Congregation at Liverpool, . . 270 II. Christ's Church in Wild Cat Valley, Liverpool Town- ship, ...... 282 III. St. Michael's Church in Pfoutz's Valley, Greenwood Township, ..... 286 IV. St. James's Church in Turkey Valley, Greenwood Township, Juniata County, . . .311 V. Zion Lutheran -Church at McKee's Half-Falls, in 'Snyder County, . . . . 313 .CHAPTER VI. The Millekstown Charge, . . . . .315 Section I. St. Samuel's' Church at Millerstown, . . 315 II. Centre Evangelical Lutheran Church, in Buffalo Township, . . . . .320 III. Tuscarora Evangelical Lutheran Congregation in Raoooon Valley, Tuscarora Township, . 338 IV. Preaching Stations connected with the Millerstown Charge, . .... 340 CHAPTER Vn. A Sketch of the Life of the Rev, John William Heim, . 342 CHAPTER VIH. Genius of the Lutheban Chukoh in Perry County, . . 362 Conclusion, . ..... 369 INTRODUCTION. The lands west of the Kittochtinny Hills, otherwise called the Endless or Blue Mountains, were not purchased of the Indians of the Six Nations till July, 1754. As early, however, as 1740 or 1741, " one Frederick Star, a G-erman, with two or three of his countrymen, made some small settlements on Big Juniata, situate about twenty-five miles from the mouth thereof, and about ten miles north from the Blue mils, a place much esteemed by the Indians for some of their best hunting-ground."* These small settlements were located on a flat, on the west bank of the Juni- ata, and a short distance northwest of Newport; and these Ger- mans were the first white settlers, of whom we have any account, northwest of the Blue or North Mountains and west of the Sus- quehanna. At the urgent request of the Indians, the Provincial Government removed these Germans in 1742, and forbade others, "at their highest peril," from settling on those lands. But not- withstanding the earnest protestation of the Indians and the strict prohibition of the Government, the example of Star was soon fol- lowed by many others, of Scotch-Irish and German origin, and' settlements were commenced on Juniata River and in Sherman's Valley. In 1750, when Cumberland County was organized, the Government took decisive measures for the removal of all who had settled on lands not bought of the Indians. They were all driven to the east of the North Mountains, their cabins were burnt, and the settlements destroyed. Not long after, many of them re- turned to their former places of improvement in the wilderness. * Col. Records, Vol. V, pp. 4il-445. 2 14 INTRODTJCnON. The Provincial Government was strong enough to drive these squatters out of Sherman's Valley, but by far too weak to keep them out. The Indians became enraged, and threatened sum- mary vengeance. Hence, to satisfy all parties and obviate all difficulties, the purchase of a large tract of land from the Indians was strongly recommended by Governor Hamilton. In accord- ance with this recommendation, all the lands west of the Blue or North Mountains and east of the Alleghany Mountains were bought of the Indians, at Albany, in July, 1754, for the conside- ration of fow hundred pounds. On the 3d of February, 1755, the Land Office was opened for the unrestricted sale of land in Sherman's Valley and on Juniata River. During 1755, the applications and grants for land were many, and the influx of settlers from the eastern counties was great. These pioneer settlers were Sqotch-Irish, Germans, and a few English. The new settlements prospered. In the mean- time, most of the Indians west of the Alleghany Mountains, and along the lakes, were brought under the influence of the French, and both did their utmost to prevent the westward extension of settlements by the English. In July, 1755, General Braddock was defeated by the French and Indians at Fort Duquesne (now Pittsburg), and in a few months after that tragic battle, the Indians fell upon the defence- less frontier settlers, cruelly and mercilessly killing, scalping, and abducting them, burning their houses and cabins, and destroying and wasting everything. Consternation and dismay filled every heart along the frontier in Pennsylvania. Those who escaped the stroke of the tomahawk and the'keen edge of the scalping-knife, fled to Cumberland Valley, and other places of safety east of the North Mountain. All the settlements in Sherman's Valley, and on the Juniata, were deserted, and were for some time to the white man, " the region and shadow of death." Though peace had been partially made with the Indians in 1758, they still appeared in marauding parties along the frontier, committing depredations and murder. Hence, from the fall of 1755 to the latter part of 1761, but little land was entered at the INTRODUCTION. 15 Land Office. To the surprise of the pioneers, the Indians then retired, and the number of settlers increased rapidly, and much land was located in 1762, and the earlier part of 1763. The In- dians having, however, in the meantime, secretly confederated to cut off all the frontier settlements at one fell stroke, invaded them in 1763, during harvest, and committed the most savage cruel- ties and wanton destruction. Such of the people as did not escape were murdered, scalped, or abducted as prisoners. Sher- man's Valley was again deserted. No land was located in 1764, and the terror of the frontier settlers subsided but little till Colo- nel Boquet conquered the Indians in November, 1764, and com- pelled them to sue for peace. After the cessation of the Indian wars, the best lands in Sher- man's Valley and along the Juniata were soon ajl located and settled, though, as is usual on frontiers, the population was for some time unstable, fluctuating, and erratic. So far as we have been able to find, the first references to churches within the precincts of Perry County, are the following two. The Jirst, in a warrant granted Thomas Ross, and others, it is said : " Surveyed, April 17th, 1767. Order dated Sep'tem- ber 9th, 1766. Thomas Eoss, and others, in trust for the con- gregation in Tyrone." The old church was, however, not erected on this parcel of ground in Tyrone Township till 1793, and is now known as the " Centre Presbyterian Church." The second, in a warrant granted Nicholas Robison in 1766, it is stated that this land "lies northwest of the church." The tract of land on which this church stood, lies in Miller Township, about four miles east of Bloomfield, and is at present owned by Mr. Abra- ham Fleurie. With regard to this church, we are indebted to Colonel John Hartzell, of Newport, for the following information. " Dear Sir : " I had a conversation with Mr. George C. Lees, of Ohio, in regard to the old church at Dick's Gap. He said that he resided in that neighborhood fifty-two years ago, and that the church was at that time already nearly rotted down, only a few of the 16 INTEODUCTION. logs were remaining, and a white oak tree, about fifteen inches across the butt, stood in the inside of the northwest corner of the building. Mr. Lees said that he understood, from what Mr. Enoch Lewis told him (Mr. Lewis was then an old man), that the church had gone into decay more than one hundred years ago. Mr. Lees thinks it was a Roman Catholic church, built by the French." The above statement we give as we got it. We do not think it was a Roman Catholic church ; the French never held sway on the east of the Alleghany Mountains. But by whom or for whom it was built, it is now impossible to say. It was there already in 1766. The foundation-marks of the building may still be seen, about twenty by eighteen feet in size. The grave- yard is quite large, and literally in the woods, being overgrown by underbrush and some large trees. We noticed some trees standing apparently in the centre of graves, which we suppose cannot be less than one hundred years old. We were told that an old Indian path led through Dick's Gap, and close by this place, and that at an early day, white traders among the Indians were the first buried here, and that probably some are Indian graves. This statement seems to be corroborated by the fact, that some apparently old graves are covered by large heaps of large stones, a thing not practised after the land was settled by the whites. This is an interesting spot, and the church and graveyard are a mystery. Besides these two instances, we have not found a single reference to churches in Perry County till 1790. Nor need we be surprised at this. The Indian wars had just closed, and order was about being restored, when we have at least two churches alluded to; but then soon after this, the revolutionary agitations commenced, and though the population had considerably increased, many were mustered for the defence of the western frontiers, and some were enrolled in the Con- tinental army. Many, also, doubtless, cared little or nothing about churches, and the few who felt the want of a preached Gospel were scattered, and generally poor. INTRODUCTION. 17 A large proportion of the early settlers of the territory now embraced in Perry County were of German origin. The follow- ing are a few of those who located tracts of land, by order from the Land Office : In 1755, John Fautz, in Fautz's Valley, Green- wood Township ; Baltzer Schellhorn, Michael Brocard, Christian Ewig, John Garner; in 1763, Frederick Weiser, Peter Grove, Matthias Karr; in 1765, Stophel Muntz; in 1767, John Big- ger, John Conrad, James Verderer, Christopher Mann, John Girecus; in 1768, Everhart Liedig, Leonard Fautz; in 1772, Frederick Kiihl, Henry Altsbach, George Albrecht (Albright), Martin Wain, John Licht (Light), Jacob Bock (Buck) ; in 1773, George Bader, Christopher Heyne, Jacob Liickenbihl, Abraham Letcha, Augustus Milligsack, John Miller, Morris Berbeck, Adam Reichart; in 1774, Ludwig Granau, Frederick Hummell, Valentine Hoffman, Nicholas Littig, Michael Wild, Jacob Wild, Samuel Starr, Joseph Jobson, John Ord; in 1775, Matthias Blocker, John Kepler, Samuel Lenhart (Leonard); in 1778, Philip Christian ; in 1784, Matthias Hart, David Rapp, Adam Stock, Christian Weirman, John Weirman ; in 1785, John Bauer (Bower), Michael Kapp (Capp), John Capp, Adam Eck- ert, George Grotz, Peter Hoofnagel, Frederick Barter, John Long, Christian Leonard (Lenhard), Jacob Nieman, Peter Schreyer, Zach. Spangel, Jacob Wagner, Michael Winter ; in 1786, Henry Banker, George Albright, John Trostel, John Fred. Langenberg, James Radman, Samuel Utly, John Flach ; in 1787, Daniel Diehl, Samuel Diehl, Jacob Lupfer, James Mot- zer, Christopher Schneider; in 1788, William Delzell ; in 1789, John Kepner, Henry Zimmerman. All these, and many others whose names cannot now be ascertained, entered lands at the Land Office. The vast majority of Germans, however, bovyht lands, and generally the best too, at second-hand from the pioneer Scotch-Irish, most of whom moved further westward. At first, the Germans settled chiefly in clusters or neighborhoods, being no doubt drawn together by a strong national predilection, and the use of a common language. Thus they formed neighbor- hoods in Fautz's. Valley, on Fishing Creek, at Loysville, at Blain, 2* 18 INTRODUCTION. at New Germantown, and some other localities. Between them and the Sootoh-Irish, feuds were not uncommon in those early days. Afterwards, the Germans, possessing themselves of some of the best lands, spread gradually over the whole of Sherman's Valley, and along the Juniata, and mingled freely with their Scotch-Irish neighbors, so that at this time their descendants constitute by far the larger part of the population of Perry County, and have, with few exceptions, relinquished the use of the German language for that of the English. The Scotch-Irish yielded up his land, and the German his language. The majority of these early German settlers were members of the Lutheran Church, the first Protestant church, now numbering in the world from forty to forty-five millions of members. In common with their fellow-pioneers, they suflFered all the hard- ships and misfortunes incident to border life. Like others, many of them were driven from their homes, fell bleeding and dead under the murderous tomahawk, were scalped or abducted as prisoners, and subjected to all the horrors of savage cruelty; some heroically defended with their lives, the frontiers against the incursions of the merciless Indian, and others, in the revolu- tionary struggle for freedom, sacrificed their lives on the altar of their country, and with their blood consecrated the soil to liberty. In their youth, these Germans had been instructed in the doc- trines of the Christian religion, as set forth in the Catechism of their church. Their earliest, most hallowed, and enduring recol- lections were associated with the house and worship of God. They could not forget Jerusalem, her prayers and hymns of praise. Trained as they had been in their youth and former homes, they could not but long for a house of worship, and the ordinances of religion, and to them cling wherever they were, and respect them as long as they lived ; for the German is characteristically reli- gious. And now, living in a new and wild border settlement, destitute of the means of grace, they deeply felt their loss. Their prayer was, " Help us, God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name ;" and the answer was : " The people which are left of thq sword, have found grace in the wilderness.". INTRODUCTION. 19 Tradition informs us that these pioneer Lutherans were occa- sionally visited by ministers of their own church aa early as 1764, and from authentic records, we learn that in 1774, they secured the stated ministry of a pastor residing in their midst. In the results of these early and feeble efforts on the part of the mem- bers, and of the labors of the pioneer ministers, we have in Perry County the rise and progress of the Lutheran congregations, whose history is traced in the following pages. HISTORY. CHAPTER I. LOYSVILLE CHARGE. Some of the very earliest settlers of the territory now included ■within the limits of Perry County were Lutherans. Their num- ber was considerable before the Revolutionary war, and greatly increased, by constant accessions, for a number of years after its close. That they were occasionally visited by ministers of their own church before 1774 we learn from tradition, but are unable to give names and dates. Afterwards they enjoyed the frequent visits of the Rev. John G. Butler, who was pastor of the Lutheran congregation at Carlisle from 1780 to 1788, and performed what may be called home missionary labor on the frontier. As Sher- man's Valley then formed part of Cumberland County, and the number of members in the Valley was so great, they could not have escaped the notice of that zealous and indefatigable pioneer minister of the Gospel. From those small beginnings, the Church in Perry County grew up to her present number of members and congregations. SECTION L LEBANON CHURCH AT LOYSVILLE.* At an early date a number of Lutheran families settled in Ty- rone Township, in a district of country in the centre of which * For maoh and important information relative to this church, we are in- debted to Jacob Crist, Esq., of Loysville. 22 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. Loysville was afterwards located. Here the Zimmermans, Loys, Hammers, Hollenbachs, Bernkeisels, Fleishers, Bowers, and many others made their homes. They were joined by others from time to time. As above stated, these members of the church enjoyed the visits of Rev. Butler, and perhaps some other ministers, be- fore they had a stated pastor. Rev. Butler left Cumberland County in 1788, and shortly after that, the Rev. John Timothy KUhl, of Franklin County, Pa., commenced to visit the members of the church in Sherman's Valley, and in 1790 he moved among them and became their first regular pastor. In an old document be- longing to the congregation at Loysville, it is said : " In the year of our Lord 1790, the Germans in Sherman's Valley secured the Evangelical Lutheran minister, the Rev. John Timotheus Kiihl, as their pastor." The late Mr. George Fleisher, of Saville Town- ship, who died in 1855, aged eighty-four years, when nineteen years old with a team moved Rev. Kiihl's family and effects from Franklin County to this Valley. Rev. Kiihl resided near where Loysville is now located. From the above documentary notice, we infer that he visited and preached to the members scattered at various places in the whole Valley. Before the erection of Leba- non Church at Loysville, he preached in barns and private dwell- ings at different places in that neighborhood. Encouraged by a minister living in their midst, and united in their desires and efforts, the members proceeded, in 1794, to build a house of wor- ship, which they denominated, — LEBANON CHURCH. This church edifice was erected on a piece of ground containing two acres and forty-two perches, donated for church and school purposes by Martin Bernheisel and Michael Loy, both of whom were members of the Lutheran Church. Subscriptions by the members towards the erecting of the edifice were generally paid in lumber, labor, &c. The building was of large and choice pine CHAPTEE I. 23 logs, which were all hauled together on a set day by those mem- bers who had teams. Mr. Zaohariah Kice (grandfather of Henry Kice, Esq., of Bloomfield, and others of that name) arrived early in the morning with a fine pine log, which he had cut at what was called " The Barrens," above Mr. J. Bixler's mill in Madison Township. Mr. Rice intended to have the first log on the ground, as this was in those days esteemed a great feat ; but to his sur- prise, when he arrived, he found that he was anticipated by Mr. Abraham Bower, who had brought a log part of the way on the previous evening. This was, however, considered unfair on the part of the latter. As near as can be ascertained, the church was forty feet long by thirty feet wide. Messrs. Michael Loy, George Hammer, and Peter Scheively, were the Building Committee, and John Calhoun did the carpenter work. The building stood for some years in an unfinished state, during which time the congre- gation managed to worship in it occasionally. The gallery was then erected on three sides, the roof was ceiled inside with boards, the walls were plastered inside, and a small, cup-shaped pulpit was put up against the wall on a post about five feet high. The pulpit was painted white, and ascended by a high flight of steps. The church was, in 1808, weather-boarded and painted white. Hence it was afterwards generally called " The White Church." " This church was built by some thirty Lutheran families, and two or three German Eeformed. The Lutherans were, however, so generous as to give their Reformed brethren an equal right to it." In 1850, this old church edifice was sold (the pews ex- cepted) to Mr. J. B. Zimmerman for eighty-three dollars. A short time after the church had been built, a large school- house was erected on the same lot of ground and near the church. A partition divided the school-house inside, and a large chimney occupied the centre. One end of the house was occupied by the teacher and his family, and the other by the school. Eor many years a sort of congregational school was kept here. Schools of this kind were common in those days, and it is to be regretted that each congregation has not such a school in our days. Two or three persons were buried on this lot of church-ground 24 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. before old Lebanon Church was built. After the erection of the church, a portion of ground was appropriated for a graveyard, where the ^ay fathers and founders of the church, their children, and children's children, and many others, now rest in hope. Since then the graveyard has been enlarged several times. Rev. Kiihl served this congregation and some other preaching places in the Valley till about 1796. Beside the erecting of the church, we are, for want of information, unable to say what suc- cess attended his ministry, or where he labored after he left Sherman's Valley. In 1797, the congregation was supplied with preaching by the Rev. John Serhst, pastor of the Lutheran Church at Carlisle, who preached here once every four weeks, and also occasionally at a number of other places in the Valley. He is said to have been a good man, though not an able preacher. In 1798, the following persons were con- firmed by him at Loysville or Lebanon Church : John Arnold, William Cooney, Margaret Steidel, Solomon Bower, Benjamin Rice, Magdalene Steidel, Jacob Bower, ' William Brickley, Sarah Borrel, Charles Smith, Jacob Miller, Susan Miller, John Cooney, John Miller, Liibkey, Daniel Cooney, George Gottschall, Liibkey. Henry Cooney, Benjamin Moses, The above names Mr. Jacob Arnold gave from memory, and he thinks that Mr. Solomon Bower and himself are the only sur- vivors of those who were then admitted to full communion in the church. In 1801, Rev. Herbst resigned at Carlisle, and was suc- ceeded there, in 1802, by Rev. Frederick Sanno, who preached at Loysville once every four weeks, and occasion- ally at some other points in Sherman's Valley. He was highly esteemed by the members, and very successful in his labors. As this was the only congregation that had at that time a church and CHAPTER I. 25 enjoyed regular preaching, the members all around for many miles came to Lebanon Church to worship. To give an idea of the strength of the congregation, and to show who the members were at that time, we will subjoin the names of the catechumens and communicants. This list of the names of members may be in- teresting to those now living. It is to be regretted that no other entry of admissions by confirmation or of communicants was made till 1850. On the 25th of March, 1804, the Kev. Sanno con- firmed the following ^/ily-orae persons : Adam Scheder, Charles Liibkey, Jacob Miller, Daniel Schaeffer, Daniel Motzer, Philip Stambach, George Klein, John Schwieger, John Fenichel, Solomon Gottschall, Jacob Albert, Susan Schaeffer, Magdalene Bower, Catharine Motzer, Esther Bower, Catharine Gottschall, Magdalene Gottschall, Samuel Schaeffer, John Breiner, Jacob Weary, John Zimmerman, Daniel Spohn, Barbara Arnold, Sarah Steidel, Maria Breiner, Maria Arnold, Elizabeth Hartman, Christiana Olinger, Maria Fusselman, Elizabeth Fusselman, Elizabeth Billman, Catharine Arnold, Barbara Spohn, Susan Zimmerman, George Ernst, Michael Ketner, Valentine Borrel, Adam Lob (now Lyons), Daniel Stambach, Maria Hammer, Elizabeth Steidel, Christiana Stambach, Magdalene Ltibkey, Anna Maria Ernst, Maria Ketner, Catharine Hammer, . Maria Weary, Christiana Long, Margaret Weary, Justina Fenichel, Susan Gottschall. 26 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. With the above persons, admitted by confirmation, the follow- ing ninety members communed on the 26th, it being Sunday : Adam Bernheisel, Barbara Bernheisel, Christopher Bower, Solomon Bower, Nicholas Loy, Jacob Ketner, Catharine Ketner, Frederick Breiner, Maria Breiner, George Pleisher, Margaret Fleisher, Jacob Steidel, Margaret Steidel, Magdalene Steidel, Henry Zimmerman, Margaret Zimmerman, Peter Moses, Agnes Long, Adam Smith, Barbara Smith, George Miller, Peter Reisdorff, John Pusselraan, Barbara Fusselman, Henry Bernheisel, Eve Bernheisel, Henry Moses, Elizabeth Scheibly, Susanna Reinsmith, George Wolf, Daniel Smith, Charles Smith, Regina Smith, Jacob Miller, Daniel Fusselman, Conrad Ernst, John Lob (^English, Lyons), Jacob Haman, George Kremer, John Loy, Michael Loy, Barbara Haller, John Schaeffer, Barbara Schaeffer, Chi-istiana Reisdorff, Anna Hollenbach, Susanna Gamber, Margaret Liiblrey, Magdalene Keiner, Maria Kremer, Jacob Klinger, Jacob Smith, John Ketner, William Brickley, Peter Breiner, Henry Frey, George Pleisher, Sarah Pleisher, Magdalene Fusselman, Jacob Stambach, George Breiner, Jacob Schauer, Philip Stambach, Catharine Stambach, John Stambach, George Hammer, Anna Maria Hammer, Jacob Breiner, CHAPTER I. 27 Catharine Weary, John Swartz, William Reed, Abraham Kistler, Maria Kistler, Susanna Kistler, Conrad Hallman, Sarah Hallman, Peter Schauer, John Billman, Christiana Billman, Magdalene Breiner, Magdalene Kessler, Maria Eliz. Hollenbaoh, Justina Miller, Christiana Sauder, Elizabeth Webb, Michael Loy, Margaret Loy, Maria Lupfer, Susanna Ickes, Maria Bloom. The whole number of communicants was, at this time, one hundred and forty-one. Making due allowance for many who could not attend, as is usual on such occasions, and considering the sparseness of the population, we percei-ve at once, that the Lutheran portion of the population was large at that early day. With few exceptions, all the above-named persons have gone to the eternal world, though the descendants of most of them are still members of Lebanon Church, or some other Lutheran con- gregation in the county. Eev. Sanno met another class of cate- chumens, for instruction in the doctrines of the Christian religion, and on Sunday, the 2d of November, 1806, the following fi/fi/- three persons were admitted to full communion, by the rite of con- firmation : Jacob Miller, Jacob Sweger, Daniel Smith, Henry Smith, Samuel Cooney, Adam Kessler, Solomon Gutshall, George Fiinfrock, John Moses, Martin Motzer, Simon Wingart, Daniel Bitter, Sarah Fleisher, Catharine Burrell, Sarah Billman, Elizabeth Billman, Catharine Ernst, Catharine Tressler, Margaret Loy, Susan Loy, Mary Kessler, Barbara Kessler, Christiana Guttshall, Catharine Shoemaker, Catharine Swarner, Ann Smith, Elizabeth Fiinfrock, Mary Reed, Elizabeth Reed, Elizabeth Brickley, 28 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. Daniel Ernst, Joseph Briner, George Finicle, David Wolf, Adam Wolf, Henry Swarner, Christiana Smith, Mary Smith, Sarah Oooney, Elizabeth Cooney, Salome Cooney, Elizabeth Cooney, Mary Rittef, Sarah Lutman, Margaret Deck, Barbara Deck, Mary Biegelman, Eebecca Biegelman, Rebecca Bower, Lydia Bower, Hannah Motzer, Elizabeth Briner, Elizabeth Finicle.* Only a few of the above persons are yet with us, lingering on the verge of eternity ; all the rest have crossed the narrow stream, and now reap the reward of their doings whilst in the flesh. In the spring of 1808, another large class of catechumens was admitted to full communion by confirmation. Their names can not be remembered. This was the last class confirmed here by Rev. Sanno, who ceased his ministry in Sherman's Valley in 1809. Whilst Rev. Sanno was pastor at Loysville, the congregation fl.ourished, and may be said to have enjoyed a glorious revival of religion. About one hundred and fifty new members were added to the church by him. He lectured on the Catechism diligently, and with great unction from on high. For weeks he met the catechumens daily, instructing and exhorting them, and singing and praying with them. Often they were all bathed in tears, some asking what they must do to be saved, whilst others re- joiced in a sense of pardoned sin, and acceptance with God by faith through Jesus Christ. Those were precious seasons of re- freshing from the Lord, and those who participated in them speak of them at this day with rapture and holy delight. We have met with aged persons, who were then catechumens, and who can now scarcely find language to describe the interesting scene, and deep feeling, on days of confirmation, when all the catechumens were publicly examined on the doctrines of our holy Christianity as set forth in our Catechism, and when the pastor and congrega- * These names were fnrnialied us from memory by Mrs. Sarah Burrell, then Miss Sarah Fleisher, and one of the oateohumens, but now an aged and pious mother in the Church. CHAPTER I. 29 tion, on bended knees, united in fervently imploring Almighty God to bless them, and keep them unto eternal life, — when, in a standing posture, all united in singing with full heart and voice : Komm, komm, du Geist des lebens, wahrer Gott von ewigkeit ! and when the young men first, two by two, proceeded to the altar, paid their vows, and, on bended knees, covenanted with God, and received the benediction of the pastor ; and then, also two by two, the young females, all dressed in white, came forward, and before men and angels witnessed a good profession, and received the right hand of Christian fellowship. Whilst the catechumens were con- firmed, a verse was sung, or a prayer ofiered at intervals, so that the interest of the occasion was sustained for hours, and tears of sorrow for sin, and of joy in the Holy Ghost, bedewed every face. " 'Twas the same pleasure fills The breast of worlds above j Where joy, like morning dew, distils, And all the air is love." Rev. John Frederick Osterloh Succeeded Eev. Sanno in 1809. Whilst pastor of the Lutheran congregations in Sherman's Valley, Rev. Osterloh resided on a small tract of land of his own, in Saville Township, now belonging to Mr. Henry Fleisher. He preached regularly once every four "weeks at Loysville, Bloomfield, St. Peter's in Spring Township, in Fishing Creek Valley at private dwellings, and, it may be, at some other places in the Valley occasionally. At that time all the territory in Perry County, west of the Juniata, was included in his charge. He confined himself only to a part of this terri- tory, whilst the other part was supplied by men who stood in no connection with Synod. Though Kev. Osterloh confirmed, at difi^erent times, large classes of catechumens at Loysville, for want of a church-record their names cannot now be given. This is to be regretted. In June, 1811, Mr. C. Geiger, of Fishing Creek, as lay dele- gate of the charge, accompanied Rev. Osterloh to Synod, held at Philadelphia, Pa. At this convention of Synod, Rev. Osterloh 3* 30 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. reported 65 infant baptisms, 137 communicants, 45 confirmations, 6 deaths, and 2 schools. In May, 1812, Synod convened at Carlisle, Pa. Mr. Peter Moses, of the congregation at Loysville, took his seat in Synod as delegate from the charge. This time Kev. Osterloh reported 62 infant baptisms, 30 confirmations, 115 communicants, 11 fu- nerals, and 4 schools. In the proceedings of this session of Synod, we find the following action : " As to the petition of the congre- gation at the school-house near Carlisle (Sulphur Spring ?), asking Synod to permit Rev. Sanno to serve them as pastor. This con- gregation was advised to secure the ministerial service of Rev. Osterloh ; and, at the same time, the petition of the congregation at LongsdorfF's (near Meehanicsburg), and of that on the Cono- doguinett, praying that Rev. Osterloh may serve them as pastor, was granted." From this it appears that Rev. Osterloh did not confine himself to Sherman's Valley. The members in this Valley became dissatisfied with him. They alleged, and justly, too, that he neglected them. At the meeting of Synod, held at Reading, Pa., in June, 1813, Rev. Osterloh reported 89 infant baptisms, 61 confirmations, 264 communicants, 7 deaths, and 4 schools. This report included the two or three congregations he served in Cumberland Valley. In the minutes of Synod, held at Easton, in June, 1814, it is said : "In regard to the petition from the members of Zion's Church, in Mifflin Township, Cumberland County, praying Synod to allow Rev. Osterloh to serve them in connection with his other congregations, it was Resolved, That this petition be cheerfully granted." Thus, instead of devoting all his time and energies to the building up of the congregations in Sherman's Valley, Rev. Osterloh neglected them very much. Hence, most of the mem- bers were dissatisfied with him, and he accomplished little or no good among them. In this state of alienation, early in the spring of 1815, some of the members belonging to the Loysville con- gregation invited Rev. Heim to preach for them. Rev. Heim had received license at Easton, Pa., on the 8th of June, 1814, and was now residing near MilHintown, Juniata County. It seems CHAPTER I. 31 that he yielded to the request of the people at Loysville,.and that they were all highly pleased with him and his preaching. AgSnst all this, Rev. Osterloh protested as unwarranted interference. Thus, in the minutes of Synod, held at Frederick, Md., in May, 1815, it is stated : " No. 7 is a letter from Rev. Osterloh, in which he complains of the interference of Rev. Heim with one of his congregations ; also a letter from the members of that congrega- tion, praying that Rev. Heim may be permitted to serve them as pastor." The committee appointed to adjust this difficulty, re- ported as follows : " Respecting the congregation in Sherman's Valley, your committee is of the opinion that it would be best were Rev. Heim to accept a call from it and serve it as pastor. On motion, Synod authorized Rev. Heim to take charge of said con- gregation." In the summer of 1815, Rev. Osterloh moved to Mechanics- burg, Cumberland County, and according to resolution of Synod, the Rev. John William Heim, then residing near MifiBintown, Juniata County, became the re- gular pastor of the congregation at Loysville, in May, 1815. In his journal of ministerial acts. Rev. Heim says : " On the 18th of June, 1815, 1 preached the first time at Lebanon Church, from Matt. 9-: 13, and baptized an infant." He preached here regu- larly orice every four weeks, and visited occasionally other con- gregations in Sherman's Valley. At St. Michael's Church,- in Foutz's Valley, at Liverpool, and at the church near New Buffiilo, all in Perry County, he commenced preaching in June, 1814 ; at Loysville in May, 1815; and in June, 1816, other congregations were added to these. Thus, in the minutes of Synod, held in Philadelphia, Pa., in June, 1816, it is said : "No. 1 is a letter from Sherman's Valley, in which the members of the congrega- tion in Toboyne Township (at Blain) request that they, besides other congregations, may be served by the Rev. Candidate Heim. On motion, Resolved, That Rev. Heim have permission to accept a call from these congregations." Rev. Heim was thus, by Synod, 32 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. ' v,;,:, constituted the regular pastor of the congregation at Blain, Bloom- fielff, and St. Peter's, in Spring Township, in June, 18^6; in short, he was now pastor of all the Lutheran congregations in Perry County, except the congregation in Fishing Creek Valley, in relation to which, in the minutes of the same session of Synod, we find the following action : " No. 11 is a petition of the con- gregation in Sherman's Valley, Rye Township, in which the pe- titioners pray Synod to send them a minister. Resolved, That the pastor residing at Carlisle take charge of this congregation." The Eev. Benjamin Keller, of Carlisle, soon after united this congregation with his charge, and served it for a number of years successfully. The charge of Rev. Heim, from this time till 1828, embraced Mifflin County, Juniata County, and nearly the whole of Perry County ; and he must have preached for twelve or more regularly organized congregations, and visited occasionally some six or more preaching stations. To all these congregations he preached about once every four weeks in the German language, often on week days, and sometimes in the evening. He was never idle, and al- most always from home, following up his appointments from day to day. In 1816, he reported at Synod 170 infant baptisms, 107 confirmations, 578 communicants, 14 funerals, and 3 schools. This report included the congregations he served in Mifflin and Juniata Counties. Under the pastoral supervision of Rev. Heim, the congregation at Loysville prospered exceedingly, especially up to about 1840. It is a matter of sincere regret that no church-records were kept here during his long and successful ministry. It is said that he made an entry of baptisms, confirmations, &c., for his own private use ; but unfortunately, after his death, nearly all his manuscript papers were scattered, torn to pieces, used for wrapping paper, and otherwise destroyed. His sermons in manuscript, of which there was a large number, went to ruin in the same way.* Hence, * So far as we know anything to the contrary, the only manuscript papers, from the hand of Kev. Heim, that were saTed, were furnished us by his brother, Mr. J. George Heim, and consist of fifty-two skeletons of sermons, a journal OHAPTEE I. 33 we are wholly dependent for dates, names, and all other informa- tion, Qn the frail memories of the aged. Kev. Heim usually cate- chized once every three or four years, and then the young people came together from great distancea all around, and the classes of catechumens were very large. The names of not one-third of those he confirmed at this place can now be remembered, nor is the time of their confirmation in all cases certain. Rev. Heim says : " On the 16th of October, 1815, 1 catechized the young people at Lebanon Church." And afterwards he says : " On the 9th of December, 1815, at Lebanon Church, I held the preparatory exercises with the catechumens and mem- bers." The following persons are a few of those who were con- firmed this time : Daniel Hall, Catharine Titzel, Miss Stidel, Jacob Bender, Henry Swarner, " Stidel, Abraham Kistler, Mrs. Hall, " Stidel, David Tressler, Salome Tressler, Elizabeth Loy, Henry Stambaugh, Mary Billman, Catharine Bernheisel, Jacob Wormley, Sarah Ebert, Mary Bernheisel, George Wormley, Susanna Garling, Christiana Bernheisel, George Titzel, Esther Bower, Lydia Minich, John Titzel, Eebecca Bower, Eebecca Tressler, John Loy, Sarah Kremer, Barbara Shissel. Elizabeth Titzel, Elizabeth Kremer, In his journal. Rev. Heim says : " On the 12th of February, 1817, 1 baptized two infants at Lebanon Church, and commenced catechizing a class of catechumens." Afterwards he adds : " On Sunday, the 6th of April, 1817, at Lebanon Church, I confirmed the catechumens, administered the Lord's Supper, and baptized four infants." This was the second class of catechumens he con- of his ministerial acts from June, 1814, to May, 181V, a part of g, system 6n doctrinal theology, and a catalogue of the funerals he attended from 1814 to September, 1826. These papers are now in our hands, and the Journal, es- pecially, has furnished us with many important data. 34 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. firmed here, consisting of about sixty persons, some of whom were the following : John Tressler, Margaretta Kice, John Beaver, Magdalene lokes, John Kistler, Christiana Stambaugh, Jacob Bernheisel, Sarah Tressler, John Weary, Rebecca Tressler, Joseph Tressler, Elizabeth Shoemaker, Barbara Smith, Mrs. Frey. At the meeting of Synod in June, 1819, at Baltimore, M^-, Rev. Heim was permanently ordained as a minister of the Grospel. At this time he reported 8 congregations, 246 infant baptisms, 83 confirmations, 507 communicants, 17 funerals, and 8 schools. This report included the congregations he served in Juniata and Mifflin Counties, though not the preaching stations, of which he visited as many, perhaps more, than he had regularly organized congregations. In the spring of 1821 (?), Rev. Heim confirmed at Loysville a class of seventy-one catechumens. The following persons are some of them : William Rice, William Snyder, Samuel Shoemaker, Michael Loy, George Billman, Michael Ickes, Jacob Shoemaker, Mr. Stoever, John Shoemaker, Mrs, Hench, Jacob C. Smith, " ■ Reisdorff, John Smith, Miss Tressler, Daniel Preissler, " Sarah Rice, John Preissler, " Elizabeth Rice, Daniel Minich, " . Catharine Briner, George Minich, " Elizabeth Hartman, Conrad Comp, " Mary Shoemaker, Samuel Hench, " Sarah Smith, Daniel Hallmau, " Catharine Fusselman, Samuel Kistler, « Sarah Fox, CHAPTER I. 35 Moses Hall, Henry Long, George Bernheisel, Jacob Bender, George Orris, Miss Mary Fox, " Mary Bower, " Hannah Bower, " Orris, " Orris. In 1822, Michael Loy sold to " the Trustees of the German Lutheran and Presbyterian congregation of Lebanon Church, in Tyrone Township," eighty perches for one dollar. Vide, Deed Book A, p. 418. This land was bought to enlarge the graveyard. At this time the congregation was evidently in a highly pros- perous state. In April, 1824 (?), between sixty-five and seventy persons were admitted to full communion by the rite of confirma- tion. The following were some of them : Conrad Rice, " Jonathan Minich, Jacob Loy, Samuel Loy, Martin Stambaugh, William Stmabaugh, Mr. Kiner, Mr. Gutshall, John Hohenshilt, John Ickes, William Trostel, Samuel Shull, William Kistler, John Long, Henry Orris, Jonas Rumpel, George Rumpel, Benjamin Fusselman, Peter Schaeffer, William Bitner, John Shoemaker, Benjamin Riccj Miss Susan Ickes, " Elizabeth Loy, " Sarah Shull, " Catharine Shull, " Elizabeth Hench, " Hannah Kremer, " Margaret Kremer, " Sarah Titzel, " Elizabeth Rubrecht, " Elizabeth Kistler, " Susan Bender, " Catharine Bitner, " Catharine Stambaugh, " Mary Shuman, " Margaret Kochenderfer, " Hetta Dunkelberger, " Elizabeth Tressler, " Mary Fusselman, " Sarah Wolf, " Elizabeth Briner, " Mary Smith, " Mary Kleffman', 36 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. Mrs. Shoemaker, Miss Mary Crist, <■' Elizabeth Bender, " Sarah Crist, Miss Mary Minich, " Mary Shoemaker. " Elizabeth Ebert, At the meeting of the Pennsylvania Synod, held at Eeading, in May, 1825, Rev. Heim reported 8 congregations, 235 infant baptisms, 47 confirmations, 609 communicants, 43 deaths, and 8 schools. In -September, 1825, Mr. Solomon Bower, of Blain, as lay delegate of the charge, accompanied E,ev. Heim to the first convention of the West Pennsylvania Synod, held at Chambers- burg, Pa. After the organization of this Synod, all the Lutheran congregations in Pennsylvania, west of the Susquehanna, were attached to it. Hence, when we hereafter refer to Synod, we mean the West Pennsylvania Synod. In the spring of 1826, being Easter, at Loysville, Rev. Heim confirmed a class of catechumens, consisting of about forty per- sons. The following are some who belonged to this class : Solomon Bernheisel, Miss Elizabeth Flickinger, Samuel Shuman, " Hetta Ickes, Daniel -Long, " Elizabeth Ritter, Mr. Hollenbach, " Mary Fusselman, " Gutshall, " Mary Rice, George Hohenshilt, Abraham Trostel, Mr. Kich, John Shoemaker, Nicholas Bitner, John Baltozer, John Arnold, Miss Elizabeth Loy, George Ernst, " Mary Reisinger, David Flickinger, " Frances Bernheisel, John Briner, " Margaret Kochenderfer, Jonathan Briner, " Esther Arnold, David Miller, " Margaret Clouser. Sajnuel Reisdorfi', In 1827, the congregations in Perry County, belonging to the Loysville charge, united in buying of George Loy fifteen acres of land, adjoining the church land, as a glebe. A house was erected CHAPTER I. 37 'OD this parcel of land, which has since served as a parsonage ; afterwards a barn was also built on this ground. Some five or six years ago the congregation sold a few acres of this land. The old Constitution of the church being lost, Rev. Beim wrote the following one in the German language : CONSTITUTION. In the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. God is a God of order, and therefore everything that is to meet with His approbation and redound to His glory, must be done in the spirit of order, of love and peace. Whereas, the Constitution of the hereinafter named church and congregation is ^st, we do hereby declare said first Constitution null and void in case it should ever be found ; and We, the church-council and church-members, solemnly covenant, on this the 8th of September, 1827, strictly and conscientiously to observe the following Consti- tution : CHAPTER I. OP THE CHUECH, THE GEAVEYAED, AND THE SCHOOL-HOUSE. Our Church, called Lebanon, built on ground given for the purpose by Martin Bernheisel and Michael Loy, containing two acres and forty-two perches, situate in Tyrone Township, Perry County, and State of Pennsylvania, is, and shall always remain, a Union Church, and shall so be used by the two religious deno- minations, namely, the Evangelical Lutheran and Evangelical Reformed, until, by mutual agreement, the one denomination purchase the right or interest of the other. In this church it shall never be permitted that any other doctrine be preached or set forth, than our Evangelical Lutheran and German Reformed, as contained in the Bible, the Augsburg Confession, and the Hei- delberg Catechism, in our German vernacular language. One denomination shall not interfere in the Divine worship of the other, but one shall worship on one Sunday and the other on the Sunday next following, except when there is a funeral, and then 4 38 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. that denomination to which the funeral belongs shall have the use of the church. The land on which the church and school-house are erected, together with the graveyard, is the perpetual and inalienable property of the above named congregations, deeded and assigned to their use, where to bury their dead in an orderly and Christian manner. No stranger, nor any one else, not paying to one of the above-named congregations, shall be allowed to bury his dead here, without first asking permission of the Trustees of the con- gregations, and paying for the ground what said Trustees may deem just and right; and the money so obtained shall be appro- priated to the use of the congregations. The documents, deeds, &c., of the land on which are erected the above church and school^ house, shall be delivered to the Trustees for safe-keeping as soon as this Constitution is adopted and recorded in the Church-book. CHAPTER II. OP THE PA3T0KS. The pastors who preach in the above church must have entered the ministry in a regular way, as James says, chap. 3:1," Be not many teachers," and as also our Augsburg Confession teaches in Article 14. Further, they must stand in connection with one of our Lutheran or Keformed Synods, must preach the word in purity and sincerity, and adorn their profession with a godly life. Their election, or call, shall always be determined by the majority of votes cast, and the same shall be done in case they are to be dismissed. If complaint be made against the pastor, the words of Paul must be heeded, 1 Tim. 5 : 19, " Against an elder receive no accusation;" if, however, the cause of complaint be of a more serious nature, then the diiFerent degrees of Christian admonition, as specified in Matt. 18 : 15-17, must be observed : " If thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone." Elections for pastors shall be conducted as follows : Each con- CHAPTER I. 39 gregation shall elect its own pastor, and when necessary dismiss him, without the interference of the other congregation ; the same shall also he observed in regard to his support. In case the con- gregations have, however, only one pastor, then both congregations shall unite in supporting him. And wc feel ourselves under solemn obligation to give our pastors their salary annually, freely and cheerfully, according to the word of St. Paul, Heb. 13 : 16- 17, "To do good, and to communicate, forget not," so that we may by their ministry and the grace of God be edified in all that is good and confirmed to eternal life. CHAPTER III. OP THE cnoRCH-oonuoiL. The Church-Council of the above congregations shall consist of the following officers : One Treasurer and one Secretary, each of whom shall serve tliree years. Two Trustees, one of each congregation, who shall serve three years. Two Elders, one of each congregation, who shall serve three years. Two Deacons, one of each congregation, who shall serve three years. Every year a new officer shall be elected, so that one of the old officers may remain in office. The old Church-Council may be re-elected. The duties of the officers are the following : 1. The Trustees shall — a. Endeavor with the help of Grod, to set their own household and the whole congregation a worthy ex- ample by their Christian deportment, b. Take care that the deeds and other important documents of the church are preserved, c. That the property of the church be not injured or destroyed, and that the house of worship and other buildings belonging to the church, be kept in good repair, d. That Evangelical doctrine 40 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. and Christian discipline be maintained and perpetuated in the church. 2. The Elders shall — a. Set the church a truly Christian ex- ample, h. See to it that the debts of the church be paid, and her best interests promoted, c. Advance the interests of the schools by visiting them as often as possible, d. Settle discords and controversies in the church, and thus promote peace, e. If the pastor desire it, they shall accompany him in his visits to the sick. /. They shall keep an account of all moneys received and paid out, and in every proper way seek to promote the best in- terests of the church. 3. The Deacons are — a. To afford the congregation an example of a truly Christian life. b. To render all necessary aid in the services of the sanctuary and the administration of the sacraments, c. To collect the alms, keep a correct account of the money col- lected, and pay the same into the hands of the Treasurer, as often as he may deem it necessary for the good of the church, d. To see that according to Grod's command the minister is properly supported, and that during divine service all things be done decently and in order. Elections for officers, and all other congregational elections, shall be openly announced in the church, so that all who are en- titled to a vote, may have an opportunity to vote; and those persons who are elected by a majority of votes, shall, at the next meeting for divine worship, be installed by the pastor into their respective offices. Should any member of the Church-Council conduct himself unworthily (which may God forbid !), and so as to make his removal from office necessary, it shall in such case be the duty of the Church-Council to investigate the matter of com- plaint, and then to lay their action in the case before the whole congregation, whose duty it shall then be to decide in the matter. The congregational settlement shall be made annually, on Easter Monday, by the Church-Council, and an entry thereof shall be recorded in the Church-book. CHAPTER I. 41 CHAPTER IV. or THE OHUnOII-MEMBERS. Every one who would be a member of this church, must of necessity possess the following qualifications, and perform the duties here prescribed. He must, 1. Have been admitted by confirmation to the Lord's Supper. 2. Lead a truly Christian life, and set his household a good example. 3. Promptly and cheerfully help to bear the expenses of the church, according to his ability. 4. Willingly receive admonition from the Church-Council, or Pastor, when found in the wrong. 5. In case a member commits a moral ofiFence (which may Grod in mercy prevent !), so that the congregation consider him un- worthy of membership, or of participating in the celebration of the Lord's Supper, the Church-Council, together with the Pastor, shall then regularly investigate the charges preferred, and if said charges are found well sustained, they shall then decide by vote whether such offender shall be debarred from the Lord's table — the Pastor has no vote unless there be a tie, and then he has the casting vote — and if the majority of votes are cast against such an offending member, he shall then be denied the privilege of coming to the table of the Lord, until he gives satisfactory evidence of true repentance for his sins, by a genuine reformation of his life, according to the order and requirements of the New Testament. To the above Constitution, We, the Church-Council and church- members, herewith subscribe our names : Henry Titzel, George Loy, Henry Shoemaker, Frederick Dumm, David Tressler, Henry Klein, John Loy, John Ritter, John Kretzing, Jacob Maul, Jacob Berftheisel, Henry Trostel, John Wormly, 4* Michael Loy, Jacob Hartman, Joseph Tressler, Henry Kell, Adam Swarner, John Shatto. 42 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. The above Constitution has long since become obsolete, and on the basis of it, a few years ago, a new one was adopted, with the provision, that each congregation manage its own affairs, accord- ing to the government and discipline of the General Synod of each denomination. In April, 1828, Rev. Heim moved from near Mifflintown, Juniata County, to Loysville, Perry County, and took possession there of the parsonage bought the previous year; about this time, also, he ceased to preach at Lewistown, and in Decatur Township northeast of Lewistown, and, instead of those congregations, he soon after added to his charge the congregation in Fishing Creek Valley, and St. Andrew's (Shuman's) near Ickesburg, both in Perry County. Thus his pastoral labors in Mifflin County ceased. . In 1830, Rev. George Yeager took charge of the congregation at Lewistown, and the churches therewith associated. In May, 1828, a class of about forty catechumens were at Loysville admitted to full communion by the rite of confirmation, of whom the following were a few : Frederick Hartman, Miss Mary Stambaugh, John Trostel, " Susan Bernheisel, Charles Dunkelberger, " Mary Zeigler, William Loy, " Julian Kremer, Miss Phebe Shull, " Catharine Kremer, Miss Elizabeth Notestein, " Catharine Hallman, " Rebecca Rice, " Mary Klein. " Hannah Dunkelberger, In October, 1828, Rev. Heim reported at Synod, convened at York, Pa., 8 congregations, 260 infant baptisms, 81 confirmations, 606 communicants, 35 deaths, 6 schools, and $25 collected for the Synodical Treasury. Mr. Casper Wolf, of the congregation at Loysville, as lay delegate of the charge, attended Synod in October, 1829, at Bed- ford, Pa. At this Convention of Synod, Rev. Heim reported 8 congregations, 264 infant baptisms, 98 confirmations, 746 com- CHAPTER I. 43 municants, 39 deaths, and $22 collected for the Treasury of Synod. At this time Synod organized an Education and Mis- sionary Society, of whose Executive Committee Mr. George Loy of Loysville was elected a member. Synod elected Rev. Heim to represent it, as delegate in the General Synod, whose sessions he also attended at Hagerstown, Md. He was a great friend and advocate of the General Synod. Though two classes of catechumens were confirmed at Loysville between 1828 and 1833, we have not been able to ascertain the number of each class, nor the names of those who were confirmed. In October, 1830, Mr. Nicholas Ickes, as delegate of the charge, accompanied Eev. Heim to Synod, held at Greenoastle, Pa. At this time Rev. Heim reported 8 congregations, 267 infant bap- tisms, 65 confirmations, 684 communicants, 31 funerals, 8 week- day-schools, 4 Sunday-schools, and $25 14 for the Synodical Treasury. He exerted himself very much to have a Sunday-school established in connection with each of his congregations, and gradually succeeded in his efforts. At this Convention of Synod he also heartily advocated the passage of the following resolution, which he religiously observed at home : " Resolved, That we will observe the 21st of November, of this year, as a day of prayer for the extension of the kingdom of God, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the congregations in our charge." At this Convention of Synod he was elected a director of the Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, Pa., for the term of five years. As long as he lived, he took a deep interest in the prosperity of the insti- tutions of learning at Gettysburg. Synod convened in October, 1831, at Indiana, Indiana County, Pa., when Rev. Heim reported 8 congregations, 237 infant and 40 adult baptisms, 38 confirmations, 648 communicants, 50 fune- rals, 8 week-day schools, 4 Sunday-schools, and $25 20 collected for the Synodical Treasury. He also reported the following regular congregations as constituting his charge at this time, namely, MifBintown, Tuscarora (near Perryville, and both in Juniata County), Lebanon, Bloomfield, Zion (at Blain), St. Peter's, Liver- pool, and St. Michael's in Poutz's Valley. Besides these, he 44 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. also preached regularly at Zion's Church in Fishing Creek Valley, and' at St. Andrew's (Shuman's) near Ickesburg. Keiber's Church or school-house, in Perry County, was reported as vacant* Synod convened at Hanover, York County, Pa., in October, 1832. Mr. Philip Fusselman of the Loysville congregation took his seat in this convention as lay delegate of the charge. Rev. Heim was elected Treasurer of Synod. He reported this time 8 congregations, 228 infant and 20 adult baptisms, 125 confirma- tions, 800 communicants, 33 funerals, 8 week-day schools, 6 Sun- day-schools, $20 for the Synodical Treasury, and $37 33 for mis- sionary and educational purposes. At this meeting of Synod, a committee reported as follows : " No. 7 is a petition of the. con- gregation at Lewistown, praying Synod to enlarge that pastoral charge, and thus enable it to support a pastor. Your committee would recommend that this petition be read before Synod." The petition was read, and then Synod " Resolved, That Rev. Heim, at the expiration of his current pastoral year, cede the MifSintown and Tuscarora congregations to the Lewistown charge." With this resolution Rev. Heim complied at the close of his current pastoral year, which was in May, 1833, and ceased also, at the same time, to preach at St. Michael's in Poutz's Valley and at Liverpool, so that, till the next meeting of Synod, his pastoral labors were wholly confined to that part of Perry County lying southwest of the Juniata. In 1832, Rev. Heim was chosen one of the first Trustees of Pennsylvania College, at Gettysburg, Pa. In the spring of 1833, a large class of catechumens was con- firmed at Loysville. Of this class the following are the only names that could be remembered : * Reiber's (German, Rauber's) Church, or rather school-house, was built more than fifty years ago for church and school purposes, and the Lutherans had preaching here occasionally, and perhaps at times regularly, till about 1830. It is located in Spring Township, an old-looking building, with an old and large graveyard adjoining it. Not Lutherans, but others still preach occasionalJy here. When the Pisgah Church was built, about two miles east of Reiber's, the members generally united with the former, and abandoned the Ijitter as worth very little. CHAPTER r. 45 F. W. Heim, Miss Mary Wolf, Levi Hollenbach, " Julian Shaeflfer, William Bernheisel, " Prances Ebert, Joseph Dunkelberger, " Mary A. Billman, John Stump, « Margaret Burrell, Henry Titzel, " Mary A. Ickes, Miss Catharine Heim, " Maria Wormley. " Elizabeth Briner, After the confirmation of this class, we have not been able to ascertain the names and numbers of the four or five large classes of catechumens who were admitted to communion in the interval between 1833 and 1848. In October, 1833, Synod met at Mifflinburg, Union County, Pa. Mr. Henry Shoemaker, as lay delegate, represented the charge. Rev. Heim reported 4 congregations,* 257 infant and 11 adult baptisms, 41 confirmations, 783 communicants, 27 fu- nerals, 4 week-day schools, 4 Sunday-schools, $24 93 collected for the Treasury of Synod, and |29 10 J for missionary and bene- ficiary educational purposes. In the minutes of this convention of Synod, we find the following action on two petitions from Ju- niata County : " Two petitions from the congregations at Mifflintown and Tus- carora were presented. The jir%t^ subscribed by forty members of said congregations, prays Synod to annul the resolution o» their minutes of last year, according to which, Rev. Mr. Heim was no longer to serve those congregations, and to grant them the privi- lege of retaining him as their pastor. The second petition, also subscribed by thirty-nine members of the same congregations, praying for the service of Rev. Mr. Weyl, of Lewistown. Dele- gates from these congregations being present, and after hearing * Why he did not, at this time, report six congregations, we cannot tell. He certainly preached regularly to the following organized congregations, viz. . Zion at Blain, Loysville, St. Peter's, St. Andrew's, Bloomfield, and Mount Zion on Fishing Creek. It may be he considered two of these oon- gregations as only preaching stations. 46 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. the grounds of their petitions, and duly considering all the cir- cumstances, on motion, it was " Resolved, That Kev. Mr. Heim continue to preach for these congregations in the German language, and that Kev. Mr. Weyl serve them in the English language." ' According to this action of Synod, Rev. Heim preached once more, but only during the ensuing year, in Juniata County. Synod met in October, 1834, at Somerset, Pa. Mr. Samuel Ickes attended as delegate from the Loysville charge. Kev. Heim reported 6 congregations, 153 infant and 2 adult bap- tisms, 94 confirmations, 666 communicants, 23 funerals, 5 week- day schools, 4 Sunday-schools, $11 for the Synodical Treasury, and 134 for missionary and educational purposes. The Seminary at Gettysburg being then somewhat embarrassed with debt, on the circulation of a subscription among the members of Synod, Kev. Heim put down his name for one hundred dollars towards meeting the wants of that theological institution. At this session of Synod, two petitions were also handed in, and disposed of as follows : "1. A petition from the Mifflintown and Tuscarora congrega- tions, vilih^ forty-six names appended, praying Synod to grant them permission to call a minister who can preach in both languages. 2. A petition from the same congregations, subscribed by forty- six communing members, praying for permission to continue the Rev. IVlr. Heim as their pastor. After much consultation on the contents of these letters and the petitions of the congregations, during which the brethren fully expressed their views, on motion it was ^'Resolved, That Synod recommend to both brethren, Kev. J. W. Hei« and Kev. C. Weyl, to give up said congregations at the end of the year, so that, in connection with other congregations, a new pastorate may be formed ; provided, however, that Brother Weyl continue to visit the congregations until the end of Brother Heim's year." In accordance with this recommendation of Synod, Kev. Heim ceased to preach in Juniata County, and to the time of his death CHAPTER I. 47 he confined his pastoral labors exclusively to Perry County, serv- ing the following congregations, viz., Zion's, at Blain ; Lebanon, at.Loysville ; St. Peter's, in Spring Township; Christ's, at Bloom- field ; St. Andrew's, near Ickesburg ; Mount Zion, in Pishing Creek Valley; to which he added St. John's, near Markelville, in 1840, and Ludolph's (Germany), near Elliottsburg, in 1842. Besides these congregations, he preached also occasionally at preaching stations. It is inconceivable how he could do justice to himself and so many and remote congregations. Mr. John Wormley, of the Loysville congregation, as delegate, attended Synod in October, 1835, at Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, Pa. Rev. Heim reported at this convention 4 congrega- tions, 193 infant and 4 adult baptisms, 39 confirmations, 729 com- municants, 23 deaths, 3 Sunday-schools, $9 20 for the Synodical Treasury,' and $23 65 for the missionary and educational causes. In October, 1836, Mr. Henry Shoemaker, of the Loysville con- gregation, attended Synod as delegate at Lewistown, Pa. Rev. Heim now reported 6 congregations, 147 infant and 3 adult bap- tisms, 21 confirmations, 530 communicants, 36 funerals, 3 Sun- day-schools, $13 03 J collected for the Treasury of Synod, and $24 for the cause of missions. Mr. David Tressler, of the congregation at Bloomfield, attended Synod as delegate in September, 1887, at Blairsville, Indiana County, Pa. At this convention of Synod, Rev. Heim reported 6 congregations, 200 infant and 3 adult baptisms, 31 confirma- tions, 611 communicants, 38 funerals, 5 Sunday-schools, $13 37J collected for the Synodical Treasury, $5 for inissions, and f 18 81 for educational purposes. From the minutes of this session of Synod, we learn that some persons at Loysville preferred charges against Father Heim. The nature of the charges does-not ap- pear. A committee was appointed by Synod to meet at Loysville on the 14th of November, 1837. This committee consisted of Rev. J. Q. Schmucker, D.D., Rev. B. Keller, Rev. N. Stroh, and Rev. D. Gottwalt, and Messrs. Sener, of Carlisle, and Hofi"man, of Mechanicsburg. These gentlemen met at the time and place designated, and after having carefully investigated the matter of 48 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. complaint, they pronounced Father Heim clear of all blame, and censured his accusers. The action of the committee was after- wards approved and confirmed by Synod. In October, 1888, as delegate, Mr. Henry Shoemaker attended Synod at New Berlin, Union County. As the manuscript pro- ceedings of this session of Synod were lost, and only a sketch of them was reproduced from memory, Rev. Heim's report does not appear. Synod convened in October, 1839, at York, Pa. Mr. Henry Grubb attended as delegate from the charge of Father Heim, who reported 6 congregations, 183 infant and 3 adult baptisms, 41 confirmations, 633 communicants, 25 funerals, 3 Sunday-schools, $18 12J for the Treasury of Synod, and $28 for the cause of be- neficiary education. Synod met in Pittsburg, Pa., in October, 1840. Father Heim did not attend this convention, nor send a report of his ministerial acts during the year. This was the only instance, during his long ministry, that he failed to take his seat in the annual Synodical convention. But the distance this time was great, and age was also beginning to make its mark on his robust body. Hence he stayed at home, and was for so doing cheerfully excused by his brethren in the ministry. Mr. D. Minich, of Loysville, as delegate, attended Synod at Boalsburg, Centre County, in October, 1841, when Father Heim reported 6 congregations, 188 infant and 8 adult baptisms, 58 confirmations, 679 communicants, 25 funerals, 8 Sunday-schools, $26 25 collected for beneficiary education, $18 for missionary pur- poses, and $18 88 for the Synodical Treasury. In September, 1842, Synod held its sessions at Bloorrffield, Perry County, in Rev. Heira's charge. Mr. David Tressler, as delegate, represented the charge in Synod. Father Heim reported 6 congregations, 139 infant and 3 adult baptisms, 15 confirma- tions, 568 communicants, 1 Sunday-school, $8 collected for the Treasury of Synod, $8 for missions, and $8 for beneficiary education. In the spring of 1848, a class of catechumens was confirmed at Loysville. The following were a few of this class : CHAPTER I. 49 William Lutman, Miss Mary A. Tressler, John Swarner, " Eliza Tressler, John Tressler, " Sarah Tressler, David Evans, " Elizabeth Kistler, Mrs. Bausum, " Mary Snyder, Miss Caroline Tressler, " Eliza Bausum. Synod convened in October, 1843, at Aaronsburg, Centre County. Mr. Solomon Bernheisel, as delegate of the Loysville charge, took his seat as a member of this convention of Synod. Father Heim reported 6 congregations, 155 infant and 2 adult baptisms, 31 confirmations, 682 communicants, 16 funerals, 4 Sunday-schools, $6 collected for the Synodical Treasury, $10 for beneficiary education, $10 for missions, and $5 for the Theological Seminary. Mr. Daniel Foulk, of the congregation at Bloomfield, as dele- gate, attended Synod at Hanover, York dounty, in October, 1844. As the proceedings of convention of Synod were not published in pamphlet form, we have not at hand Kev. Heim's parochial re- port. In September, 1845, Synod met at Carlisle, Pa. Mr. J. Zim- merman attended this 'convention as delegate of the charge. Father Heim reported 6 congregations, 125 infant and 3 adult baptisms, 39 confirmations, 816 communicants, 29 funerals, 5 Sunday-schools, $9 35 for Treasury of Synod, $15 12 J for educa- tion, $15 17 for home missions, $7 83 for foreign missions, and $5 for the Professors' Fund of the Seminary at Gettysburg. As delegate of the charge, Mr. George Beistlein attended Synod at Chambersburg, Pa., in September, 1846. This time Father Heim reported 6 congregations, 108 infant and 3 adult baptisms, 61 confirmations, 764 communicants, 18 funerals, 5 Sunday-schools, $5 30 collected for Synod's Treasury, $25 for beneficiary education, $5 for home missions, and $5 for foreign missions. Synod convened in September, 1847, at Mifllinburg, Union County. Mr. J. Dunkelberger, as delegate, took his seat in this 5 50 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. convention. Rev. Heim reported 6 congregations, 124 infant and 1 adult baptisms, 32 confirmations, 747 communicants, 22 funerals, 6 Sunday-schools, $10 collected for the Treasury of Synod, $32 81 for education, $18 70 for home missions, and $12 73 for foreign missions. In May, 1848, Rev. Heira confirmed at Loysville a class of catechumens (the last class he confirmed here), consisting of the following sixteen persons : Samuel Culler, Miss Frances Minich, Rudolphus J. Heim, " Sarah Briner, Samuel Kistler, " Margaret Briner, John G. Loy, " Mary Briner, Samuel Tressler, " Ann Loy, Mr. Comp, " Caroline Swab, Mr. Comp, " Lydia Eunkel, < Miss Sarah Tressle*, " Yohn. Synod met at East Berlin, Adams County, in September, 1848, when Mr. Wm. Messinger, as delegate, represented the Loysville charge, and Father Heim reported 6 congregations, 129 infant and 1 adult baptisms, 79 confirmationSj 843 communicants, 34 funerals, 6 Sunday-schools, $10 for Synod's Treasury, ?33 83 for education, $15 44 for home missions, and $7 33 for foreign mis- sions. In September, 1849, Synod convened at York, Pa., Mr. Henry Shoemaker, as delegate, represented the Loysville charge. At this convention of Synod Rev. Heim reported 6 congregations, 100 infant baptisms, 10 confirmations, 712 communicants, 23 funerals, 9 Sunday-schools, $5 12J collected for the Synodical Treasury, $38 87J for beneficiary education, $13 for home mis- sions, and $10 for foreign missions. This was the last time the Lord granted Father Heim the delightful privilege of meeting his ministerial brethren in Synodical convention. As no church-records were kept by any of the congregations whilst Rev. Heim was pastor of them, we supposed it would be most satisfactory to the reader to have before him the annual CHAPTER I. 51 parochial reports made at Synod by Father Heim. An idea of his labors and success, and of the condition and growth of the congregations, can thus be formed far better than from vague and general statements. These reports, are, moreover, an important item in the history of the Loysville charge, as it then was, and they tell their story far better and more truthfully than can be done by any attempt on our part. From them, each one can draw his own inferences. For our part, we say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." Father Heim prosecuted his labors with unabated zeal to the end of his sojourn on earth. According to a resolution of the last session of Synod, the last sermon he preached to his congre- gations was on the sanctification of the Sabbath, a subject well suited for one who was himself soon to exchange labor on earth for eternal rest in heaven. We have often heard this discourse spoken of as one of his ablest and most successful pulpit efiforts. His labors were soon to end, and for him the day of rest was near at hand. Some time in the fall of 1849, the subject of building a new church at Loysville was agitated by the members. At times, especially during communion seasons, the old church was too small, in winter it was uncomfortable, and in general it had be- come dilapidated. A general congregational meeting was called, and the subject of building a new church was discussed. A diversity of opinion prevailed : some thought the old church was good enough ; others were for repairing it j but the majority were in favor of building a new one. Father Heim was present. During the discussions a messenger came for him to attend a funeral. Before leaving, he arose and feelingly addressed the meeting, in substance, as follows : " Brethren : The object for which you have met is a good and important one. The enemy of the church of Jesus Christ wants no more new houses erected for the true worship of the true God, and he is without doubt present to defeat the glorious enterprise in which you are about to engage. I exhort you not to give heed to his wicked suggestions, but to go forward hand in hand, trust- 52 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. ing in God, and seeking his glory in the erection of a new house to His name and for His worship." This short, but appropriate address from their aged pastor had the desired effect. Before the meeting adjourned, all were agreed to build a new church. Father Heim saw the subscriptions for the new church taken, and put his own name down for fifty dol- lars, which were paid out of his estate after his death. The time for Father Helm's departure had now fully come. Aftef languishing on a bed of sickness for a few days, he fell asleep in Jesus and in peace, on Thursday evening, the 27th of December, 1849, aged 67 years, 4 months, and 19 days, having . served the congregation at Loysville, as pastor, thirty-four years and about four months. ' * Sweet is the scene where Christians die, Where holy souls retire to rest ; How mildly beams the closing eye ! How gently heaves th' expiring breast ! " So fades a summer cloud away j So sinks the gale when storms are o'er ; So gently shuts the eye of day; So dies a wave along the shore. " Triumphant smiles the victor's brow, Fann'd by some guardian angel's wing. grave ! where is thy victory now ? And where, death ! is now thy sting?" As the life, character and death of Father Heim are fully detailed in another chapter of this work, we will proceed with our narrative. In February, 1850, a convention of delegates from the congre- gations Father Heim had served, and those under the pastoral care of Eev. J. Martin, was called to meet in Bloomfield. The congregations composing the Liverpool charge, were at this time served by Rev. William Weaver, and were not embraced in this call. The following are the proceedings of this convention. " According to notice previously given, the congregations (by their representatives), composing the charge of the late Eev. J. CHAPTER I. 53 W. Heim, and those at present under the care of Rev. J. Martin, met in convention in the Borough of Bloomfield, Perry County, Pa., on Friday the 18th of February, 1850, in the morning, at 11 o'clock, for the purpose of taking into consideration the pro- priety of arranging said congregations into three different pastor- ates. A hymn having been sung, and prayer offered by Mr. R. Adams, the Convention was temporarily organized by calling Mr. Samuel Shuman to the Chair, and appointing Col. John Tressler, Secretary. " The credentials of the delegates were then called for, and it was found that twenty-eight delegates were in attendance, repre- senting fourteen congregations. After a short time had been spent in consultation, prayer was again offered, and the Conven- tion adjourned to meet in the afternoon at half-past one o'clock. "The Convention met according to adjournment, and was opened with prayer. On motion, the Convention was permanently organ- ized by continuing Mr. Samuel Shuman, as Chairman, and Col. J. Tressler, as Secretary. "A motion was now made and seconded, that the congregations represented in this Convention, be so arranged as to make three different charges. After a lengthy discussion, the vote was taken, and the motion was decided in the affirmative. The question then arose. How shall these congregations be divided, so that their arrangement may be as judicious as possible ? A plan of division was then submitted, which, after some discussion, was finally adopted, viz. : " The upper, or Loysville charge, to be composed of the following congregations : Zion, Lebanon, St. Peter's, and Germany (Lu- dolph's) churches. "The middle, or Bloomfield charge, to be composed of Ickesburg (stone church), Shuman's, Bealor's, Bloomfield, and Newport. "The lower, or Petersburg charge, to be composed of Pisgah, Fishing Creek, Billow's, Petersburg, and New Buffalo Churches. On motion, " Resolved, That the proceedings bo signed by the officers, and 54 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. that the Secretary cause an abstract of the same to be published in the Lutheran Observer and Kirchenhote. "Samuel Shuman, ' ' Chairman. "Jno. Tressler, " Secretary."* TheLoysville Charge, as reorganised hy the above Convention. After the death of Father Heim, the Loysville charge was vacant about ten months, and as reorganized, consisted now of four congregations. Hitherto the Loysville congregation, as well as all the other congregations of the charge, had preaching ex- clusively in the German language. Father Heim was unfriendly to the introduction of the English language in divine worship in his congregations. On this point he made a sad mistake, though he no doubt thought his course in the matter was right. In Oc- tober, 1850, the Rev. Frederick Ruthrauff, of Milton, Pa., having accepted a call from the charge, entered on the discharge of his pastoral duties. Without delay, he intro- duced the use of the English language in worship in all the con- gregations of his charge. This was a measure much needed, and for want of it the growth of the congregations had been for a long time greatly retarded. THE NEW CHURCH. This church was commenced in the spring of 1850. The corner- stone was laid on the 2.3d of June, the same year, by Rev. S. S. Sohmucker, D.D., of the Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, who preached on the occasion an appropriate sermon in a grove a short distance north of the site of the church, and deposited in the corner-stone a copy of the Bible in German and English, German and English hymn-books and catechisms of both congre- * See Lutheran Observer, Feb. 22, 1850. CHAPTER I. 55 gations, a copy of the Lutheran Observer and of the German Reformed Messenger, a copy of each of the Perry County news- papers, a list of the names of subscribers, and a copy of the con- gregational constitution of 1827. The ministers present on this occasion were Eev. Dr. Schmuoker and Rev. J. Martin, Lu- theran, and Rev. C. H. Leinbach, and Rev. A. H. Kramer, German Reformed, and perhaps others. Messrs. John Tressler, Solomon Bernheisel, George Billman, Lutherans, and Jacob Bern- heisel, Daniel Ritter, Jacob Shearer, German Reformed, were the building-committee. Messrs. George Shaeflfer and George Wetzel did the carpenter work ; Messrs. David Shearer and John Shearer did the stone and brick work ; Mr. Israel Messimer did the plastering, and Mr. John Newcomer the painting. The church is 65 feet long and 43 feet wide. On Sunday, the 2d of March, 1851, the church was consecrated. The ministers present on this occasion were Rev. F. Ruthrauff, pastor. Rev. B. Kurtz, D.D., Rev. J. Martin, Rev. M. J. Alleman, Lutheran, and Rev. C. H. Leinbach, pastor, Rev. J. E. Mesick, Rev. N. Gehr, Ger- man Reformed. Though the church is large, on this occasion all assembled could not be accommodated. Some withdrew to the school-house close by, where Rev. Alleman preached for them, whilst Rev. Dr. Kurtz preached the dedicatory sermon in the church. On the morning of the day of consecration, a debt of nearly one thousand dollars still rested on the church. An appeal was made to the audience, and in the forenoon about $760 were obtained in subscriptions and otherwise, and in the evening about $300 more. The church has an end gallery, and will seat sonle six or seven hundred persons. The basement is divided into several apartments, for Sunday-schools and pastor's study. The edifice is surmounted by a steeple, containing a bell weighing 955 pounds. The church, fixtures, and bell, cost about $6000, the whole of which, we believe, is now paid. The church is con- venient internally, and has an imposing appearance externally. It is a Union church, that is, it is owned jointly by the Lutherans and German Reformed. At the time this church was dedicated, and in regard to Union 56 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. cliurches, the editor of the Lutheran Observer made the follow- ing judicious remarks, which we cannot refrain from introducing here. " We regret," says the editor, " to find that they (the congregations at Loysville) have built a Union church, because it is so very difficult, when pastors and people of different denomi- nations are thus circumstanced, to ' keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace.' This evil has long been felt, and hence the Synods of both churches have passed resolutions, disapproving of and dissuading from the erection of houses of worship of this kind. If even harmony should prevail while the two use the same build- ing in common, the period will ultimately arrive, when the wants of the two will demand separate houses of worship ; then the trouble, and perhaps even litigation, will arise in dividing the property. We have heard of so many melancholy instances of this kind, that we are surprised that both German Reformed and Lutherans have not profited sufficiently to guard against all such causes of inconvenience and contention. One object aimed at in erecting Union churches, is to save expenses; but it is a saving which tends to strife and spiritual poverty, and ought not to be encouraged." Would that all heeded these words of admonition ! This was the last Union church, or more correctly, disunion church, the Lutherans helped to erect in Perry County, and our fervent prayer is, that it may continue the last ! When Rev. Ruthrauff took charge of the Loysville pastorate, he induced each congregation to make regular entries in the church records. Discipline was also introduced, and in general, the affairs of the congregations were conducted in a way far better than had hitherto been customary. He was an able minister of the Gospel, and infused into his people that proper respect for their own church, which they very much lacked before, and some do yet. He catechized the young almost constantly, was faithful and useful. Though now dead, he started influences for good that will never die. On the 3d of May, 1851, at Loysville, the following persons were admitted to full communion by the solemn rite of confirma- tion : CHAPTER I. 57 John B. Zimmerman, Julian Bausum, John Arnold, Elvina M. Bernheisel, Samuel Rinehart, Caroline C. Bernheisel, John Swab, Catharine E. Kepner, John G. Kiner, Sarah A. Billman, David Metz, Eliza Minich, Israel Messimer, Diana Minich, Jeremiah W. Kiner, Catharine Hopple, George Peek, Matilda Shock, John Hollenbach, Margaret Shock, Jacob Bausum, Margaret Metz, Elizabeth Zimmerman, Susanna Metz. On the 20th of September, 1851, John Kistler and Mrs. Louisa Loy (baptized) were admitted to full communion by coniirmation, and Joseph Abrams and Blrs. Amanda Abrams were received by certificate from the Lutheran church of Rev. D. H. Focht in Franklin County. On the 30th of May, 1852, Victor George Tressler and John Minich were admitted to full communion by the rite of confirma- tion. In September, 1852, Col. John Tressler, as delegate, repre- sented the Loysville charge in Synod, convened at Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County. He was elected by Synod as one of its lay delegates to the General Synod, to be held at Winchester, Va., in May, 1853. He attended this convention of the General Synod. The above, as to the number of accessions to the congregation, is the result of Rev. Ruthraufi''s labors here; but it is by no means the whole of the good those labors produced in the congre- gation. Eternity alone can fully disclose the happy efiects his influence had on many souls. Having served the Loysville charge about two years, he resigned in November, 1852, and accepted a call from Centre County.* The charge was then vacant about four months. * For a satisfactory sketch of the life and labors of Rev. P. Kuthraliff, see " The Evangelical Review," vol. xiii, pp. 570-581. 58 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. Rev. Reuben Weiser of Chambersburg, Pa., then accepted a call from tbe charge and commenced his pastoral labors on the 1st of April, 1853. At this time about one-half of the preaching was required in the German language, and one-half in the English. Rev. Weiser preached both with success. In September, 1853, Col. John Tressler, as delegate, attended Synod at Lewistown, Pa. On the 16th of May, 1854, Eev. Weiser admitted the follow- ing persons to full communion by confirmation : James R. Lackey, Miss Margaret Stuber, Henry T. Swarner, " Mary M. Swab, Mrs. Safah Bausum, John E. Delancy, I received by Miss Sarah M. Weiser, Benj. Wormley, j certificate. " Elizabeth Ewing, In September, 1854, Mr. Solomon Bower of Blain, as delegate, represented the charge in Synod, held at Shrewsbury, York County, Pa. The Synod of Central Pennsylvania vissi organized in February, 1855, at Aaronsburg, Centre County. As Perry County was eit- braced within the bounds of this Synod, of course the congrega- tions in the county became connected with this Synod. Mr. John B. Zimmerman, as delegate, attended the convention called for the organization of the Synod of Central Pennsylvania. Early in the spring of 1855, George Rempfer, Miss Catharine V. Weiser, and it may be some others, were admitted to- com- munion by confirmation. The names of this class of catechumens were not recorded in the Church-book. In May, 1855, the _/??■«< annual convention of Synod of Central Pennsylvania was held at Mifflintown, Juniata County. As dele- gate of the Loysville charge, Mr. Solomon Bower attended this convention of Synod. Halving served the charge about two years and a half. Rev. Weiser preached his farewell sermon at Loysville, on the 16th of CHAPTER I. 59 September, 1855, from Acts 20 : 22. He accepted the Prosi- dency of Central College of Iowa. The charge was now vacant about six months. During this time St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Madison Township, consecrated in December, 1855, was added to the charge. On the 25th of May, 1856, the Eev. Philip Willard of Danville, Montour County, Pa., having accepted a call from the charge, entered on the discharge of his pastoral labors here. He had five congregations to serve, and the charge was now large and required hard labor. Kev. Willard applied himself to his task with energy, being "instant in season and out of season," and the Lord owned and crowned his labors with abundant success. Immediately he commenced instructing a class of catechumens at Loysville in the doctrines of our holy Christianity, and on the 21st of September, 1856, the following persons were admitted to full communion by the rite of confirmation : John M. Kice, Miss Cath. A. Heim, Andrew T. Kistler, " Sarah Shatto, William H. Rice, " Mary Sosseman, William Minieh, " Nancy Sosseman, Emanuel Freeman, " Catharine Wolf, Absalom Swarner, " Elizabeth Wolf, Jacob Wolf, " Eebecca Stuber, George W. Kepner, " Mary J. Stidel, David L. Rice, " Mary E. Kepner, Miss Rebecca Kistler, " Catharine Weaver, " Catharine Rice, " Matilda J. Loy (baptized). " Elvina Heim, Rev. Willard labored with untiring zeal, and the Lord gave him favor with the people. The word had free course, run, and was glorified. All the congregations of the charge were revived and sinners were converted to God. In the Lutheran Observer, Nov. 21sf, 1856, we read, "Revival: We learn that a work of 60 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. grace is in progress in the cburoh at Andesville (Loysville), Pa., under the care of Brother Willard. Many have already been added to the church, and many others are preparing to join." Again, in the same paper, March 27th, 1857, it is said: "Eev. P. Willard, of Andesville (Loysville), has been in a constant re- vival since early last fall. Hundreds have been hopefully con- verted. By the expiration of his first year in his present charge, he will have added upwards of two hundred souls to his member- ship by confirmation, independently of an equal number of dead and delinquent members who have been revived." Rev. Willard, "as his manner was," visited from house to house, "reasoning with them out of the Scriptures," and cate- chizing and preaching almost incessantly, and everywhere sinners were awakened and the hearts of Christians made glad. On the 5th of April, 1857, the following persons were at Loysville ad- mitted to full communion by confirmation : David L. Tressler, Miss Eliz. E. Hollenbach, Josiah E. Tressler, " Sarah Schwab, John Wolf, " Susan Baughraan, Andrew Comp, " Isabella Billraan, Jacob Rempfer, " Mary E. Shope, David Bower, " Sarah A. Comp, William Hassinger, " Phebe H. Kepner, Josiah Bower, " Elizabeth Shoemaker, George Comp, " Magdalene E. Sosseman, William Hollenbach, " Sarah E. Kleckner, Samuel Hollenbach, " Susan Kleckner, Jacob Kleckner, " Matilda Shope, Miss Catharine Comp, " Jemima C. Dromgold, " Mary E. Tressler, " Elizabeth Schoch. " Mary J. Dromgold, In May, 1857, Mr. Solomon Bower of Blain, as delegate, attended Synod at Perryville, Juniata County. During this summer Rev. Willard faithfully instructed a class of catechumens CHAPTER I. 61 in the Cateebistn, and on the 26th of December, 1857, the follow- ing were received at Loysville to full communion by confirmation : Jacob Arnold, Mary E. Kepner, W. Cornelius Hutchinson, Mary A. Yohn, Catharine Hull, Mary E. Heim, Mary A. Hull, Mary J. Wormley, Sarah Wolf, Sarah E. Kepner, Catharine A. Loy, Levi Adams, ") received by Susan M. V. Willard, Mary E. Adams, J certificate. During the fall of 1857 and the beginning of '58, Rev. Willard and the people of his charge made a noble effort to secure the location of the Lutheran Missionary Institute at Loysville, and for this purpose from eight to ten thousand dollars' were subscribed by them ; but for various reasons, not necessary to state here, the Institute was located at Selinsgrove, Snyder County, Pa. Mr. John Kistler, as delegate, in May, 1858, attended Synod at Bloomfield, Perry County. On the 14th of November, 1858, the following persons were confirmed at Loysville : George Baltozer, Absalom Weaver, Catharine Kempfer. Having served the charge faithfully for two years and a half. Rev. Willard resigned in November, 1858, and accepted a call from the Mifllintown pastorate. The whole number of members admitted to full communion at Loysville, whilst he was pastor, was sixty-nine; he also baptized at this place thirty-seven infants. The congregation was, perhaps, never before in a more prosperous condition than during his ministry. Here, as in all the congre- gations of the charge, he kept up almost continual instruction tcJ the young in the Catechism. At Loysville he preached once every two weeks, alternately in the German and English languages. The following is a synopsis of his labors in the whole charge, during the two years and a half he was pastor of it. He says, "I preached 600 times; received by confirmation, baptism, and certi- ficate, 313 into full communion in the church ; baptized 40 adults 6 62 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. and 170 infants; preached 50 funeral sermons j solemnized 31 weddings ; lectured on the Catechism 600 times, and also fre- quently at prayer meetings." As the membership had greatly increased, and the charge was so large and laborious, and as Eev. Willard's health and strength began to fail, he desired the charge to be divided, or an assistant to be employed. As no assistant was employed. Rev. Willard deemed it his duty to resign, and the charge was divided. The Blain and St. Paul's congregations, considering themselves able to support a pastor, united in forming the Blain charge. By this secession the Loysville charge was somewhat weakened, and there- fore application was made to/the Bloomfield charge for Emanuel congregation near Ickesburg. The Bloomfield charge, not wish- ing to express any opinion on the subject, allowed said congrega- tion, on certain conditions, to unite with the Loysville charge if it chose to do so. The congregation did so unite on the 1st of June, 1859. We may here remark, that many of those persons who^were added to the churches of the Loysville charge by Rev. Messrs. Ruthrauff, Weiser, and Willard, would have been lost to the Lutheran Church, had it not been for the timely introduction of the use of the English language in divine worship. A deeper tone of piety, also, began to prevail ; prayer meetings were established in all the congregations; church government was recognized and discipline was enforced; catechization, instead of being a formality, was made an instrument of great good to many souls ; and the Gospel was preached with power and unction from on high, the necessity of repentance, faith, and a change of heart wrought by the Holy Ghost, were clearly set forth and earnestly llnforced, all of which, with God's blessing, resulted in extensive awakenings and revivals of religion. The congregations most evidently passed over into a new life, and now occupy a position far higher and very much better than they did before ; they dis- play more energy, exhibit more piety, and manifest more respect for themselves as Lutherans. They have learned to appreciate their own Church, her soundness of doctrine, her excellency of CHAPTER I. 63 governi)*ent, her invaluable system of catechization, and her scrip- tural simplicity and correctness in practice. Some there may be, who see in every one else, something that pleases them better than their own; but this is surely not the case with the intel- ligent, the pious, the leading men of the congregations. After the resignation of Rev. Willard, the charge was vacant about six months, and consisted now of the following congrega- tions, viz., Loysville, Mount Zion (formerly St. Peter's), Ludolph's (Germany, near Elliottsburg), and Emanuel Church near Ickes- burg. Rev. G. M. Settlemqyer, of Wittenberg College, Ohio, having accepted a call from the charge, entered on his pastoral labors in April, 1859. He preached regularly once every two weeks to each congregation. Having for a length of time instructed a class of catechumens at Loysville, on the 10th of March, 1860, he confirmed the following persons : Joseph Stuber, John Loy, Jacob Culler, Miss Mary E. Loy, Samuel Comp, " Caroline Minioh, Josiah Comp, " Hannah Stuber, William W. Witmer, " Sarah E. Low, Alexander Chesnut, " Sarah Copenhaver. At the same time, or shortly before, the following were received by certificate, viz., George Snyder, Henry Kiner, and Miss Sarah A. Murphy. In May, 1859, as delegate of the charge, Jacob Crist, Esq., attended Synod at Mifflinburg, Union County, Pa., and in May, 1860, Mr. Benj. Rice at Petersburg, Perry County. After having instructed another class for more than six months in the Catechism, on the 2d of March, 1861, the following persons were admitted to full communion by confirmation : Benjamin Weaver, Henry Sosseman, Henry Weaver, Miss Sophia Rempfer. 64 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. At the same time, Michael Null and Mrs. Kebecca Weibly were received by certificate. Having served the charge two years, Rev. Settlemoyer resigned it in April, 1861, and immediately after this, the Emanuel Church, near Ickesburg, seceded from the Loysville charge, and united with the Blain charge. The Loysville charge consists, therefore, at this time of only three congregations, viz., Loysville, Mount Zion, and Ludolph's. Having been vacant about four months, the Rev. Peter Sdhm, of Somerset County, accepted a call, and commenced his pastoral labors in the charge on about the 1st of September, 1861, and has since labored in it with great acceptance and success. On the 15th of September, he preached his introductory sermon here, in the German language, in the forenoon, from 2 Cor. 5 : 20, and in the afternoon of the same day in the English language from Heb. 13 : 17. In October, 1861, Mrs. Kepner and Miss Priscilla Kepner were received by certificate as members of this congregation. Having been for several months carefully instructed in the fundamental doctrines of our holy religion, and being found pos- sessed of the requisite qualifications, on the 15th of March, 1862, the following twenty-five persons were admitted to membership by the solemn rite of confirmation : John H. Arnold, Mary Shoemaker, Henry Rice, Sophia Bear, Martin Luther Tressler, Rebecca Wagner, Henry Sahm, Matilda Ann Minioh, George W. Heim, Matilda E. Tressler, Martin Bernheisel, Mary Ann Sunday, Luther Bernheisel, Josephine M. Kepner, Jacob Schwab, Mary A. Rice, Daniel Zug, Isabella Rice, William Rhodes, Leah Schaeflfei-, CHAPTER I. 65 David Kleokner, Louisa Kiner, Emanuel "Wagner, Rebecca Grow. Leah Ellen Rhodes, " Salvation, the joyful sound ! 'Tis musio to our ears ; A sov'reign balm for er'ry wound, A cordial for our fears. " Buried in sorrow and in sin, At hell's dark door we lay j But we arise by grace divine. To see a heav'nly day. " Salvation ! let the echo fly The spacious earth around ; While all the armies of the sky Conspire to raise the sound." In May, 1862, Mr. S. Dunkelberger represeated the charge in Synod at Selinsgrove, Snyder County, Pa. SECTION II. ST. Peter's, now mount zion Lutheran church, in spring township. This church is located about five miles east of Loysville, in Spring Township, and the old Union church was commonly known as St. Peter's, but the new Lutheran church, about a mile north of St. Peter's, received the distinctive name Mount Zion. The early history of St. Peter's Church is involved in much obscurity, as there are no authentic documents at hand from which information might be gathered. As early as 1790, and probably a few years before that, the congregation at Loysville was already organized, and it is very likely that the other congre- gations in the Valley were at that time only preaching stations, whilst on occasions of communion all the members went to Loys- ville. We are led to this conclusion by the fact, that among the names of catechumens and communicants of Loysville, in 1798 and 1804, we discover those of persons from the vicinity of St. Peter's and of Blain. No doubt Rev. Kiihl preached here occa- 6* 66 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. sionally in school-houses, private dwellings, and barns. After him, Eev. Messrs. Herbst and Sanno preached frequently in this neighborhood, as it lay on their direct way between Carlisle and Loysville. In the year 1809, Sev. John Frederick Osterloh took charge of the Lutheran congregations in Sherman's Valley, and there is no doubt but that when he came into the Valley the St. Peter's congregation was first regularly organized, though we have nothing to show the particular time. THE OLD UNION ST. PETER's CHURCH. The following Constitution shows that at the time it was drawn up, the Lutheran and German Reformed congregations were regularly organized, and that they had hitherto worshipped in a school-house, located on the site afterwards occupied by St. Peter's Union Church. CHURCH-CONSTITUTION. Constitution of St. Peter's Church, drawn up December 23d, A.D., 1815, between the Evangelical Lutheran and German Re- formed congregations, [then] in Tyrone Township, Cumberland County [now in Spring Township, Perry County], Pa. Whereas, in our vicinity the Germans are increasing in number, both by emigration from other sections of our country and by the natural growth of our families, and Whereas, from these causes our congregations and membership are growing in number, and we have reason to believe that our increase in future will still be greater, and Whereas, the school-house, in which we have hitherto been worshipping, has already become too small, — Therefore, we, the undersigned, after mature deliberation, have concluded to build a new church edifice, for the public worship of Almighty God, on the following conditions : 1. The church edifice shall be erected on land given as a dona- CHAPTER I. 67 tion to the joint congregations, viz., the Lutheran and Reformed, by John Gamber, on which land the school-house now stands. 2. It shall be a Union church for the use of the German Re- formed and Evangelical Lutheran congregations, and in it these congregations shall have equal rights and privileges. 3. No other religious denomination shall be permitted to wor- ship in this church edifice ; nor shall a minister, who is not in regular connection with the Synod or Classis of one of the above- named congregations, be allowed to preach in this church without the consent of the united Councils of said congregations. 4. The communion and baptismal service, the altar-cloth and church-key, shall be the joint property of these two congrega- tions at all times and on all occasions, both on Sundays and week- days. 5. This church shall be the undisturbed property of our children and children's children ; should circumstances, however, make it necessary for the congregations to separate, then one congrega- tion may become the sole owner of the church by paying to the other, upon amicable agreement, a just equivalent for the right which the latter transfers. As testimony that these articles have been adopted and sanc- tioned as our future bond of union and government, we hereunto subscribe our names as the united council and building committee of the above-name^ congregations : Lutherans. German Reformed, Henry Swarner, i ^^^^^^_ Chris. Heckendorn, | ^^^^^.^ John Miller, j Conrad Carl, j Jona. Dunkelberger, 1 ^^^^^^^ Henry Kell, | ^^^^^^^ , j John Snyder, ) John Miller, Henry Kell r 1 ' [■ Building Committee. The corner-stone of this church was laid on the 15th of April, 1816. The ministers who were present, and took part in the exercises of the occasion, were Rev. Messrs. Jonathan and Albert 68 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. Helffenstein of the Reformed Church, and Rev. Messrs. Osterloh and Heim of the Lutheran Church. In the spring of 1817, the church was dedicated to the service of God, and was called St. Peter's Church. The ministers present at the dedication were Rev. Heim, pastor, and Rev. Benjamin Keller, Lutherans, and Rev. Jonathan and Albert Helffenstein, German Reformed. It was a log church edifice, about thirty-five by forty feet in size. Inside there was a gallery on three sides ; the pulpit was cup- shaped and mounted on a high post ; the seats were high and unpainted. In many respects the internal arrangement was a bad one. The edifice stood till 1857, when it was torn down and a brick church edifice was erected in its stead. Rev. Osterloh ceased to preach here in the spring of 1816, and according to a resolution of Synod, passed in June of the same year, Rev. John W. Heim took charge of the congregation, and served it as pastor about thirty-three years and a half, i. e., till he was called from earth to heaven in December, 1849. The congregation was then vacant about ten months. Who and how many were here admitted to full communion, whilst Rev. Heim was pastor, we have no means of knowing, as no church-record-has yet been found, and probably none was kept. Rev. Frederick Ruthrauff commenced his pastoral labors here, in connection with the Loys- ville charge, in October, 1850. He at once introduced the use of the English language in divine worship, a measure much needed, and for want of which the congregation had been suffer- ing for some time. He labored here with great acceptance and success. A church-book was now bought, and records were here- after made. Soon after he became pastor of the congregation he commenced instructing a class of catechumens in the Catechism, and on the 24th of May, 1851, the following persons were ad- mitted to full communion by the rite of confirmation : CHAPTER I. 69 Abraham Bower, Margaret Dunkelberger, Henry Kiner, Priscilla Nunemacher, John Minich, Lydia Nunemacher, Elizabeth Low, Jane Schaeffer, Mary Ann Dunkelberger, Catharine Weingartner. Having preached a year, Kev. Ruthrauff commenced to in- struct another class of catechumens, and, on the 5th of June, 1852, the following persons were confirmed : Christian Bohr, Barbara Weingartner, Martin Burkhart, Mary Jane Comp, Joseph Weingartner, Elizabeth Comp, Hannah J. Robison (baptized), Sarah Nunemacher, Priscilla Dunkelberger, Mary Magd. Rhodes. Rev. Ruthrauff served the congregation about two years, and resigned in November, 1852. The congregation was then vacant about five months. Having accepted a call from the Loysville charge, the Rev. Reuben Weiser, of Chambersburg, Pa., entered on the discharge of his pastoral duties here on the 1st of April, 1853. During the winter of '54, he catechized a small class, and on the 30th of April, 1854, the following persons were admitted to communion by confirmation : John Burkhart,_ Elizabeth Burkhart, Matilda Eleckenberger. Having served the congregation as pastor for about two years and a half, Rev. Weiser resigned in September, 1855, and ac- cepted the Presidency of Central College of Iowa. The congre- gation was then vacant about six months. A call was extended by the Loysville charge to the Rev. Philip Willard, which he accepted, and commenced his labors as pastor on the 25th of May, 1856. He labored among the people of St Peter's 70 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. Church with great diligence and consequent success. At the close of the year '56 and the beginning of '57, in connection with catechizing, it pleased the Lord to pour out his Spirit on the congregation, and whilst many were revived and refreshed as with the dew of heaven, a number were hopefully converted to God, and after being more fully instructed, on the 7th of February, 1857, the following persons were admitted to full communion by confirmation : John Dunkelberger, Mrs. Mary Gibson, David Dunkelberger, Catharine Dunkelberger, Elias Dunkelberger, Mary A. Dunkelberger, Jacob Nunemacher, Mary McBride, Daniel Nunemacher, Sarah E. Bower, John McBride, Anna Bella SchaefiFer, John B. S Warner, Sarah J. Shoemaker, Wm. H. Shoemaker, Margaret Comp, William Duncan, Mary Angeline Ziegler, Samuel Duncan, Sarah Ellen Rhodes, Henry B. Swarner, Mary Jane Stambach, Robert C. Gibson (baptized), Elizabeth Bear. Under the efficient labors of Rev. Willard, the congregation was greatly encouraged and built up, prayer-meetings were esta- blished, the Sunday-school increased, and a new life and energy were manifested by the membership. The Lutheran congregation became fully conscious that they were a Luth^i-an congregation, and of this they gave full proof in the course they pursued in the erection of a new house of worship. MOtTNT ZIOK EVANGELICAL LCTHERAN CHURCH. The Lutheran congregation had for some time felt the want of a new and more convenient church. The old Union (St. Peter's) Church had not only become too small, but was also badly ar- ranged and very uncomfortable in cold weather. The first move towards building a new church was made in 1855. It was then CHAPTEB I. 71 contemplated to erect another so-called Union church. Subporip- tions for this purpose were secured to the amount of sixteen hun- dred dollars, and a contract was made to have the brick furnished for this intended new Union (alias, disunion) church ; but, on account^of sickness on the part of the contractor, the brick were not made according to the contract, and thus the putting up of the building was providentially deferred. After the enjoyment of an extensive revival of religion, and the accession of a number of new members on the part of the Lutheran congregation, the want of a new and more suitable house of worship was not only felt more deeply than ever before, but the necessity and advantage of each denomination having its own hou.se of worship, and of managing its own affairs, were also more clearly seen. Hence the subject of building a new Lutheran church was discussed, and after consultation it was mutually agreed by some of the leading men of both denominations to divide the brick, for which they had contracted, equally between the two denominations. A meeting was then called at the house of Mr. Jeremiah Dun- kolberger, on the 7th of January, 1857, when and where "it was unanimously resolved to erect a new church edifice for the use of the Evangelical Lutheran congregation." A parcel of ground, offered by Mr. Jeremiah Dunkelberger, was selected as the site of the new church and burial-ground. Messrs. George Schaeffer, Jeremiah Dunhelberijer, and Joseph Dunkelberger were appointed the building committee. Subscriptions were now taken for an entirely Lutheran church. As to the old church property, the Lutheran congregation retained its right to all the property held jointly by the two denominations, except the old Union church edifice, and a small lot of ground directly fronting said Union church, which, for the sake of convenience, they sold to the Ger- man Reformed congregation for one hundred dollars. As to the old Union graveyard, " it was resolved that the Lutherans reserve their right to all the remaining Union property and burial-ground for free burial, as heretofore, to any member of the Lutheran church who may prefer to bury in said ground to the end of time." At the same meeting it was " resolved to build of brick. 72 CHUECHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. forty feet wide by fifty-five feet long, with an end gallery; and that as the German Reformed retain the name of St. Peter's, the new edifice be called Mount Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church." Messrs. Benjamin Eeiber, Daniel Dunkelberger, and Daniel Schaeffer were appointed a committee to draft a constitution for the future government of the congregation. Though Rev. Wil- lard was not named as a member of the committee, we have per- sonal knowledge that he wrote this Constitution, which is in the main very good, and is at every point a fair exhibition of Rev. Willard's views on church government and discipline. Let credit be given to whom credit is due! The draft of the Constitution was afterwards presented, duly considered and revised, and then unanimously adopted as the rule of government for the congrega- tion, and reads as follows : CONSTITUTION OF MOUNT ZION EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHUECH. As God is a God of order, and as it is indispensably necessary to have laws and regulations for the purpose of promoting order and harmony in society, enforce Christian discipline, extend the Redeemer's kingdom, and honor and glorify God; Therefore, we, the subscribers, hitherto members of the Evangelical Lutheran congregation at St. Peter's Church, Spring Township, Perry County, Pa., having made a profession of our faith according to the doctrines, government, and discipline of "the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Central Pennsylvania," and of " the General Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Chu.rch in the United States" of America, do, this 7th day of February, A.D. 1857, adopt for our future government the following Constitution : ARTICLE I. NAME AND OBJECT OF THIS CHURCH. Section 1. This association shall be known by the name of Mount Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, in Spring Township, Perry County, Pa. CHAPTER I. 78 Sec. 2. The object of this association shall be to have the Word of God preached and the Sacraments administered in their purity, to promote vital piety, peace and concord among the members, and to extend the Redeemer's kingdom in general. ARTICLE II. OP THE CHUKOH PEOPEETY. Sec. 1. The church edifice, graveyard, and all property belong- ing to the congregation, shall be under the exclusive control of Mount Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church. Sec. 2. The burial-ground shall be free for interment to all individuals and families, who annually contribute to the support of the pastor and the defrayment of the necessary expenses of the congregation. And the old graveyard and the property pur- chased and held by the two congregations conjointly, excepting what has been sold for the accommodation of the brethren of the Reformed Church, shall still, to the end of time, be free to any member or members of both congregations wishing to bury there. Sec. 3. Those who refuse to contribute to the objects specified in the preceding section, unless they are iu indigent circumstances, shall pay f — for a grown person, and for the privilege of burying here. Sec. 4. Ministers in good standing of other sister orthodox de- nominations may have permission to preach an occasional sermon in this church edifice when unoccupied by the Lutheran congre- gation, and by the concurrence of two-thirds of the existing Council. article III. OF THE PA8T0E. Sec. 1. No minister shall be permitted to ofiSciate to this con- gregation in the capacity of a pastor, who is not a member in good standing of some Evangelical Lutheran Synod, and is unwilling 1 74 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. to teach the doctrines and conform strictly to the rules of govern- ment and discipline prescribed by the General Synod of the Lu- theran Church in the United States. Sec. 2. No minister, who is not considered orthodox by his own denomination, shall be permitted to officiate or minister in this church on any occasion. Sec. 3. The pastor shall not administer the sacrament of the Lord's Supper to any member or members of the congregation, who are known wilfully to live in open violation of the duties re- quired of them in the Scriptures. Seo. 4. As the Holy Scriptures enjoin upon those who are called to preach the Gospel that they shall live of the Gospel, therefore no minister shall officiate as pastor of this congregation, who at the same time follows any other secular employment for the alone sake of filthy lucre. Sec. 5. Should the pastor, officiating to this congregation, in any way disgrace his office by an unholy life, he shall be subject to the discipline of the Church as laid down in the Formula of the General Synod, Chap. 3, Sec. 5. ARTICLE IV. OP THE OFFICERS OF THE CHUKOH. Sec. 1. The officers of this congregation shall consist of two Trustees, two Elders, and two Deacons, one-half of whom shall be elected annually in turn on the , each of whom shall, after the first year, serve two years; and should a vacancy occur by death, removal, or any other cause, it shall as soon as convenient be filled by an especial election. Sec 2. The duties of these officers shall be to manage the af- fairs of the church or congregation. They shall exert themselves that the kingdom of Christ, and peace and harmony, be promoted in the congregation, and they shall attend to the various duties enjoined upon the officers in the above-named Formula, Chap. 3, Sec. 6. CHAPTER I. 75 Sec. 3. These officers, in connection with the Pastor, shall constitute the Church Council, of which the Pastor shall be ex officio chairman. See Formula, Chap. 4, Sec. 3. The duties of the Church Council ai-e prescribed in the Formula, Chap. 4. Sec. 4. No one shall be elected a member of the Church Council who is not a regular communing member, exemplary in his conduct as a Christian, and does not attend regularly to the ordinances of Grod's house. Sec. 5. Should'any member of the Council, whether he be a Trustee, Elder, or Deacon, act unworthy of his office or neglect his duty in any respect, the remaining members of the Council, or of the church, shall admonish him, and if admonition fail, they shall then proceed against him according to the rules laid down in the Formula of the Church, Chap. 4, Sec. 7. Sec. 6. It shall be the duty of the Council to elect a Secretary and Treasurer, either from their own number or from the members of the church, who shall attend to the duties usually devolving on such officers and make a report to the congregation when called for by the Council. Sec. 7. The Council shall meet at least once every three months, or oftener if necessary, to consult on the spiritual inte- rests of the congregation. Sec. 8. The Council shall examine the names of the commu- nicants given in on sacramental occasions, and if they discover the name of any member who would be an unworthy communi- cant, it shall be their duty to inform such a member privately, and to admonish him or her not to come to the table of the Lord until he or she has given satisfactory evidence of true repentance. Sec. 9. The Trustees shall always be the building committee when building is going on, and it shall be their duty to take charge of the church property and burial-ground, to keep them in repair, to solicit and collect money for the purposes here indicated, and to attend to such other duties as naturally devolve upon their office. 76 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. ARTICLE V. or THE CEnBCH MBMBEBS. Sec. 1. No one shall be received as a regular member of this congregation unless by certificate, or as specified in Chap. 4, Sec. 5, of the Formula. Sec. 2. It shall be obligatory on every member to attend faith- fully to the duties which the Bible enjoins, viz., to lead a holy and blameless life, attend church and the prayer-meeting regu- larly, to be often at the holy communion, and, in short, to per- form all the duties upon condition of which Christ offers life and salvation ; and should any member fail in the discharge of these duties, or disgrace his profession by an unholy walk and conver- sation, he shall first be privately admonished as the Word of God directs. Matt. 18 : 15-17, 1 Cor. 5 : 1-3 ; and if this prove in- effectual, he shall then be cited to appear before the Church Council for trial, and be dealt with according to Chap. 4, Sec. 8, of the Formula. Sec. 3. Should any member refuse to appear before the Coun- cil when properly cited, he shall, after other expedients fail, be publicly expelled, his name with the charges shall be read from the pulpit, and the whole congregation shall be summoned to kneel and pray that God may reclaim him from the error of his ways. Sec. 4. It shall be the duty of every communicant to attend the preparatory exercises on the daypreceding the communion, and to give in his or her name ; should, however, unavoidable circum- stances prevent such attendance, then he or she shall give the reasons for absence on the day following before the hour of com- munion. A list of the names of communicants shall be recorded in the archives of the church. Sec. 5. Should differences arise between members of the church, they shall use every means to settle them, and make peace among themselves as soon as possible ; but if this cannot be done, the matter shall then be brought before the Council for adjust- ment at the proper time, and not be deferred to a communion sea- CHAPTEE I. 77 son ; and when the matter is adjusted by the Council, each member shall be under the most solemn obligation to submit to their decision, unless the aggrieved party can show scriptural and satisfactory proof that their decision was wrong, or he intends to appeal from their decision to the Synod or Conference, in which latter case he shall give the notice specified and proceed in all things according to the Formula, Chap. 4, Sec. 12. Sec. 6. It shall be the duty of every member to contribute ac- cording to his or her ability to the support of the Gospel ; should any one be unable to contribute anything, the name of such an individual shall then be recorded, and he or she shall be entitled to all the privileges of a regular church member, provided his or her walk and conversation in all other respects comport with the Christian character. AKTICLE VI. OF ELECTIONS. Sec. 1. All regular elections for officers shall be held by ballot, and shall take place on the first Saturday of April, and the no- minations shall be made according to Chap. 6 of the Formula. Sec. 2. Special elections may be held at the option of those who hold them, either by ballot, or by rising, or by taking the yeas and nays, as shall be most convenient. Sec. 3. The election for a Pastor shall be held according to Chap. 6, Sec. 5, of the Formula. Sec. 4. In all elections the male communicants who are in re- gular standing, and those females who are heads of families, shall have a vote, and they shall have the indiscriminate right of ex- pressing an opinion and of voting on all subjects brought before them for decision. ARTICLE VII. OF MISCELLANEOUS MATTEHS. Sec 1. A regular record shall be made by the Secretary of all the members received by baptism, infant and adult, by confirma- 1* 78 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. tion or certificate, together with a list of the communicants, deaths, removals, and marriages, an abstract of which shall be annually sent to Synod for inspection. Sec. 2. A regular record of the proceedings of the Council and congregation, together with the amount of collections and ex- penses, shall be kept by the Secretary, and shall be open for the inspection of every member. Sec. 3. On communion occasions, members of sister denomi- nations shall be invited to and made cordially welcome at the table of the Lord ; but those not in good standing shall have no privi- leges in this church which are denied them in their own church ; in other words, this congregation shall not interfere with or render void the discipline of sister denominations by granting their mem- bers privileges which are denied them by the denomination to which they belong. Sec. 4. This congregation shall have a Sabbath-school, of which the Council shall always be a committee to act in concert with the Superintendent and other officers in promoting its interests and extending its usefulness. Sec. 5. The prayer-meeting shall be kept up regularly, and be conducted according to Chap. 7 of the Formula. Sec. 6. This Constitution shall be binding on us and our suc- cessors ; it may, however, be altered or amended at any meeting regularly called, by a concurrence of two-thirds of the members present, provided such alteration or amendment be proposed to the members for consideration one month before its adoption. Signed by the Pastor and officers in behalf of the congregation on the 7th day of February, A.D. 1857. Eev. Philip Willard, Pastor. Jere. Dunkelberger, ) ^ , Saml. Dunkelberger, "1 r,, , ^ ' I Trustees. ■ t> -u \ Elders. Abraham Bower, J Benjamin Reiber, j Daniel Schaeifer, i r. „..,,. _ I JJeacons. William Duncan, j Mr. Stephen Losh contracted for the erecting of the new church, and the work was prosecuted without delay. CHAPTER I. 79 The corner-stone was laid on Saturday, the 19th of September, 1857. The ministers present on this occasion were Rev. P. Willard, the Pastor, Rev. P. M. Rightmyer, Rev. D. H. Foeht, Rev. I. J. Stine, and of the German Reformed Church, Rev. C. H. Leinbach. On Friday evening previous, Rev. Stine preached in the school-house near St. Peter's Church. As it rained hard on Saturday (the 19th), the exercises connected with the laying of the corner-stone were held in a barn near the site of the new church. At 10 o'clock, a.m., Rev. Focht preached a discourse in the German language froiji Isa. 28 : 16, and Rev. Rightmyer followed immediately with a sermon in the English language from . Rev. Willard attended then to the usual exercises on such occasions, and deposited in the corner-stone the following docu- ments : the Holy Bible, the Lutheran Hymn-book and Liturgy, a copy of the proceedings of the General Synod and of the Synod of Central Pennsylvania, one number of the Evangelical Review, one of the Lutheran Observer, one of Der Jugend Freund, one of Der Luth. Kirchenhote, one of the Missionary, Luther's Smaller Catechism, a Catalogue of Pennsylvania College, a sketch of the history of the congregation and a copy of its Constitution, a list of the ministers present, a list of the names of subscribers and the amount each subscribed, a copy of each of the county papers, the names of the church officers, and of the contractors and architects, and some coins and relics ! Rev. Willard had for some time instructed a class of catechu- mens, and on Saturday the 29th of May, 1858, the day preceding the consecration of the new church, the following persons were admitted to full communion by the rite of confirmation : Jacob Shaefier, Benjamin Ziegler, Sarah R. Reiber, Emanuel Heim, Margaret E. Moore, Elizabeth Sweger. George W. Heim, The new church was consecrated to the service of God on Sunday, the 30th of May, 1858. The Rev. Joshua Evans, of Newville, who assisted Rev. Willard on this occasion, gives the 80 OHTJROHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. following account of the exercises connected with the consecration, in the Lutheran Observer, July 23, 1858 : " Messrs. Editors : Your excellent paper being the chief medium of religious intelligence in our Church, I offer for its columns a brief notice of the consecration, on the 30th of May last, of a new Lutheran church in the Loysville pastorate, situate about five miles east of Loysville, Perry County, Pa. Religious exercises were commenced in a school-house near the church, on Thursday evening, May 27th, and conducted by the pastor. Rev. P. Willard, without assistance, until Saturday the 29th, when the church was opened, and a sermon was preached by Rev. Willard in the German language. On Saturday afternoon and evening, on Sabbath morning and evening, and on Monday morning, the writer (Rev. J. Evans) preached in the English language. On Sabbath morning after sermon, the pastor performing the liturgical service, the church was solemnly consecrated to the service of the Triune Grod. During the exercises on Saturday and Sunday, the Loysville choir conducted the singing and added much to the enjoyment of the congregation by their sweet and soul-stirring music. The congregation worshipping in this church, formerly worshipped in a Union church — Lutheran and German Reformed; but unwilling to spend more money in Union churches, and feeling the importance of having a house of worship of their own, they determined to build a Lutheran church, and they have completed the work in a manner which speaks well of their wisdom and liberality. The edifice stands on an elevated site, forty feet by fifty-five in size, built of brick and surmounted with a steeple and bell, and presents, externally, a very attractive and imposing ap- pearance for a country church. The interior is finished and furnished in a manner at once neat and convenient. It has an end gallery. A debt of several hundred dollars rested on it when it was otherwise ready for consecration ; but after the sermon on Sabbath morning an eflFort was made to free it from pecuniary embarrassment, and subscriptions and contributions were so libe- ral that no debt worth naming remained. On Monday, the 31st, the sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered to an atten- CHAPTER I. 81 tive and devout congregation. The people of that ■vicinity are now summoned Sabbath after Sabbath to their attractive and pleasant place of worship, and their faithful pastor is greatly cheered by seeing the work of the Lord prospering in his hands. Rev. Willard has been eminently successful during his two years' labors in the Loysville charge, having added already between two and three hundred members to the church." The entire cost of Mount Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, was between twenty-three and twenty-four hundred dollars. Rev. Willard had nine catechumens attending his lectures on the Cate- chism during the summer of '58, and it is to be regretted that they were not confirmed before he resigned. Finding the labor of the large ojiarge he served too great for his strength, he re- signed in November, 1858. This congregation is under lasting obligation to Rev. Willard for the service he rendered it. Not only was a goodly number added to the church and many were revived and converted, but he saved the congregation from plunging into the whirlpool of Union churchism, and secured it a house of its own. After a vacancy of about five months, the Rev. G. M. Settlemoyer, having accepted a call from the Loysville charge, commenced his pastoral labors in April, 1859. Soon after he had taken charge, Rev. Settlemoyer commenced instructing a number of persons in the Catechism, and on the 7th of April, 1860, the following were admitted to full communion by confirmation : John Bower, Miss Esther Bower, Lewis Sweger, " Mary Cath. Shaeffer. At the same time John Billman was received by certificate. In the fall of '60, Absalom Hull and Mrs. Kripper, and after- wards two or three others, were received by certificate. Having served the congregation two years. Rev. Settlemoyer resigned in April, 1861. About one-third of the preaching is at 82 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. present needed in the German language. Soon the congregation will require German no more. The congregation was vacant about four months. On the 1st of September, 1861, the Rev. Peter Sahm, as Pastor of the Loysville charge, entered on the discharge of his ministerial labors in the charge, and, on the 22d of this month, he preached his introductory sermon here in German from Heb. 13 : 17, and two weeks after in English from 2 Cor. 5 : 20. In November, 1861, Miss Eliza Dewalt was received as a mem- ber of this congregation by certificate. Rev. Sahm preaches here once every two weeks, alternately in the German and English languages. " Oft in danger, oft in woe, Onward, Christians, onward go ; Bear the toil, maintain the strife, Strengthen' d with the bread of life. ** Let not sorrow dim your eye j Soon shall ev'ry tear be dry ; Let not fear your course impede : Great your strength, if great your nSed. " Onward, then, to glory move ; More than conqu'rors ye shall prove ; Though oppos'd by many a foe, Christian soldiers, onward go !" SECTION III. LUDOLPH (alias Germany) church, in spring township. A number of members in the vicinity of Blliottsburg, then Tyrone, now Spring Township, belonged to the church at Loys- ville, and some to St. Peter's. To either of these churches the distance was considerable. Hence, the members prevailed on the Hev. John W. Heim to preach for them occasionally at what was known as Carl's School-Jiouse, about one mile and a half east of Elliottsburg. Rev. CHAPTER I. 83 Heim preached at first on week-days at this place, from 1837 to 1840. This school-house stood on a tract of seventeen acres ot land, which Henry Ludolph Spark, some fifty or sixty years ago, donated in his last will for school purposes. He was a German school-master, a member of the Lutherar^ Church, and sometimes preached and administered baptism in this community at the be- ginning of the present century. He had no family. Prom what we can learn he was a good man, and sought to do good. On these seventeen acres of land, Mr. Spark had a school-house erected, where for many years he taught the children in that neighborhood. He also died here, and lies buried in an old grave- yard, now overgrown with underbrush and small trees, about fifty rods northeast of the church and present graveyard. After Mr. Spark's death, a Mr. Carl taught school here for some twenty years. Hence, it used to go by the name of "Carl's School- house." As the land had been donated for school purposes, after the church was erected on it, the school directors claimed it; but to obviate all difficulties said directors sold, on the 6th of March, 1852, one acre and one hundred and twenty-six perches strict measure, for one dollar, to Jacob Dumm and Abraham Kistler, then the trustees of the church. Encouraged by the occasional visits of Rev. Heim, the mem- bers in all that region were collected and regularly organized into a congregation in 1840. But as their number was considerable, the school-house was too small to accommodate them. Thus, the necessity of erecting a church was seen by all. This church they built on the land donated by Henry Ludolph Spark, and they therefore called it Ludolph Church. Rev. Heim wrote the follow- ing Church Constitution in the German language : CONSTITUTION. In the name of God the Father, of God the Son, and of God the Holy Ghost. Amen. God is a God of order, and nothing can be acceptable to Him, or redound to His glory, unless it be done in the spirit of order, of love and peace. Therefore, We, the Church Council and Church Members, do solemnly obligate 84 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. ourselves, on this the 20th day of May, 1841, to observe most faithfully and conscientiously the following Constitution : CHAPTER I. OF THE CHURCH, LAND, OBAVEYABB, AND SCHOOL-HOUSE. Our church, bearing the name Ludolph Church, to be built on the land which Henry Ludolph Spark donated in his last will for the use of a school-house and a school-teacher, consisting of seven- teen acres, situate in Tyrone [now Spring] Township, Perry County, State of Pennsylvania, shall for all time to come be a Union church, and so it shall be used by both religious denomi- nations, namely, the Evangelical Lutheran and Evangelical Re- formed, until, by the mutual agreement of both denominations, the one denomination shall buy the right of the other. * And it shall not be allowed at any time, that any other doctrine than our Evangelical Lutheran and Evangelical Reformed, according to the Bible and the Augsburg Confession, be set forth or preached in this church. Of these two religious denominations, the one shall not interfere in the divine worship of the other; but the one shall have divine service on one Sunday, and the other on the Sunday next following, except when there is a funeral on Sunday, and then that denomination which has the funeral shall have the use of the church. [The remaining part of this Constitution is word for word the same as that of the Loysville Church, see pp. 37-41, and need therefore not be repeated here.] To the above Constitution, We, the Church Council and Church Members, herewith subscribe our names : Lutheran Ghtirch Council. German Reformed Church Coicncil. David Stambaugh, 1 Peter Shearer, 1 George Beistlein, J ' Frederick Dumm, J John Shearer, Jr., ") Simon ShuU, ) T-. ■ 1 T)-- > Deacons, t -u t\ {Deacons. Daniel Kupsomen, ) Jacob Dumm, ) John Shearer, Sen., Trustee. William Sheively, Trustee. Michael Foose, Treasurer, Daniel Preisler, Secretary. CHAPTER r. 85 The above Constitution has long since become obsolete, and each congregation manages its own affairs according to its own G-eneral Synod's Church Constitution. The foundation worlj of the church was commenced on the 26th of April, 1841, and on Thursday, the 20th of May following, the corner-stone was laid. On this occasion divine services were held in "Carl's School-house," when and where Eev. Heim preached an appropriate sermon in the German language. If any other ministers were present at the laying of the corner-stone, we have failed to ascertain the fact. The Trustees were the build- ing committee. On account of sundry difficulties, the church went up slowly, and was not ready for consecration till November, 1842. Rev. Messrs. Heim and Leinbach officiated on this occa- sion. Mr. George Wolf did the carpenter work of the church. The edifice is of rough stone walls, about thirty-five hy forty feet in size. Inside it has but one floor, no end gallery, and the pews are not painted — all is plain and unadorned ; but it is a Union church, or, more correctly, a disunion church. Sometimes it is called Germany Church, because at the time it was erected the German language was almost the exclusive language spoken in that vicinity, and then, as now, a large number of Germans from the Vaterlatid settled and still settle in that section of Spring Township. The use of the English language begins, however, to prevail. In the spring of 1844, among others, the following persons were admitted to full communion by confirmation, after they had been faithfully instructed by Father Heim in the Catechism : Daniel Shoemaker, Miss Mary Shearer, Daniel ShuU, " Rebecca Shearer, Martin Stambaugh, " Susan Shearer, Jered Nunemacher, " Mary Shoemaker, William Nunemacher, " Susan Rice, John Bernheisel, " Mary A. Nunemacher, William Foose, " Susan Bernheisel, Michael Foose, " Catharine Bernheisel, 86 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. John Beistlein, Miss Eliza Bernheisel, William Shearer, " Susan Foose, John Souder, " Mary Stambaugh, Gedrge Burkepile, " Catharine Stambaugh, Mrs. Dale, " Ann Burkepile, Miss Mary Comp, " Eachel Burkepile, " Catharine Beistlein, " Mary Shull, " Eliza Beistlein, " Julian Stambaugh. Some time in the year 1848, Kev. Heim confirmed at this place another class of catechumens, but for want of a record we cannot give their names. He preached exclusively in the German lan- guage. On the 27th of December, 1849, the Lord called him from his labors on earth to rest in heaven. The congregation was then vacant about ten months. Having accepted a call from the Loysville charge in October, 1850, the Rev. Frederick Ruthrauff commenced his pastoral labors here. Here, as well as in all the other congregations of the charge, he at once introduced the use of the English language in the preaching of the Gospel. At the communion held on the 10th of May, 1851, the number of communicants was ybrt^-eiJ9'A«. Having for some time faithfully instructed a class of catechumens, on the 15th of May, 1852, the following persons were received by confirmation : Philip Burkert, Miss Elizabeth Foose, Miss Mary A. Grove, " Mary Ann Kistler, " Susan Beistlein, _ " Catharine Frey, " Mary Ann Spohn, " Susanna Loy, " Isabella Shoemaker, " Elizabeth Smith, " Sarah Shoemaker, " Julian Minioh. Having served the congregation as pastor a little over two years, Rev. RuthrauiT resigned in November, 1852. The con- gregation was then without a pastor for about five months. Having accepted a call from the Loysville charge, the CHAPTER I. 87 Mev. Reuben Weiser commenced Us labors here as pastor on the 1st of April, 1853, and served the congregation about two years and a half. He re- signed in September, 1855. We cannot learn from the church record, or from any other source, that any were added to the con- gregation whilst Rev. Weiser was pastor of it. The congregation was again vacant about seven months. Then a call was extended to the Rev. Philip Willard by the Loysville charge. He accepted that call, and entered on the discharge of his pastoral duties on the 25th of May, 1856. This indefatigable and zealous minister of the Gospel labored in season and out of season, and the Lord crowned his labors with great success and gave him many souls as a reward for his dili- gence. In February, 1857, during a protracted meeting, the Lord poured out His Holy Spirit on the congregation, when many Christians were revived and many sinners hopefully converted to God. The subjects of this revival were then formed into a class and thoroughly instructed in the Catechism of the Church, and on the 18th of April, 1857, the following persons were received to full communion by the rite of confirmation : David Grove, Miss Catharine Rice, Josiah C. Foose, " Mary Jane Loy, Samuel Hassinger, " Susan Rempfer, Samuel Fleisher, " Catharine Spohn, James G. Messimer, " Margaret Spohn, Hugh Moffitt, " Eliza Spohn, Abraham Kistler, " Catharine Fleisher, Jacob Kistler, " Rebecca E. Shoemaker, David Wentzel, " Sarah Beistlein, Abraham Reem, " Lucinda Wentzel. Miss Anna Rice, At the same time the above were confirmed, three persons, whose names were not recorded, were received by certificate. In OO CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. the fall of 1857, Kev. Willard met another class of catechumens, and another precious revival was enjoyed, during which a large number yielded their hearts to God. These were still further in- structed for some time, and on the 20th of February, 1858, the following persons were admitted to full communion by confirma- tion : John M. Smith, Levi F. Gehr, James A. Gray, Mrs. Mary Ann Smith, John S. Kistler, Miss Jane P. Kacy, John Loy, " Sarah J. Kacy, Henry Spohn, " Mary Jane Gray, William Perry, " Catharine Loy, Jacob Shoemaker, " Catharine Stambaugh, George W. Gehr, " Sarah Foulk. Having served the charge and this congregation with such marked success for two years and a half, to the great regret of all, Rev. Willard resigned in November, 1858. The charge was then vacant about five months. In April, 1859, the Loysville charge extended a call to the Rev. G. M. Settlemoyer, who, having accepted that call, commenced his ministerial labors here. On the 21st of April, 1860, George Shuler was admitted to membership by baptism, and Mrs. Maria Boyd and Miss Cless were received by certificate. Having been carefully instructed for some time, on the 23d of March, 1861, the following persons were received as communing members by the rite of confirmation : John Reapsoma, Miss Anna E, Shoemaker, Sinary Wentzel, " Mary E. Clouser, Miss Caroline Wentzel, " Elizabeth C. Clouser. After Rev. Settlemoyer had served the congregation two years, he resigned in April, 1861, and on the 1st of September follow- ing, the Rev. Peter SahrA accepted a call from the Loysville charge, and preached his in- CHAPTER I. 89 troduetory sermon here on the 22d of September in German from Heb. 13 : 17, and in two weeks afterwards in the English language from 2 Cor. 5 : 20. After the pastor had instructed them in the Catechism of the Church, and being found qualified, on the 8th of March, 1862, the following fifteen persons were confirmed : George Fleisher, Samuel Ream, Matilda Reapsoma, Reuben Shuler, Elizabeth Fleisher, Elizabeth Shuler, Joseph Shuler, Elizabeth Rice, Ann Beistlein, Michael Loy, Mary Ream, Mary Wentzel, John Shuler, Elizabeth Ream, Catharine Kistler. This congregation still requires that about one-half of the preaching be in the German language. In a letter, Rev. Sahm remarks: "In the fall of '61, before I held my communion meet- ings, I visited the members of my charge, and found that Iwo hundred and fovr belonged to the congregation at Loysville, ninety to Mount Zion, and seventy-eight to Ludolph's. Since then forty-three have been added to this number in the charge, making • at this time (June, 1862) in all four hundred and fifteen mem- bers. Between fifty and sixty persons profess to have been con- verted since I have taken charge of this pastorate, and they were of different ages from fifteen to sixty." In May, 1862, Mr. Sam. Dunkelherger, as delegate of the ■ charge, attended Synod at Selinsgrove, Pa. At different times since its organization the following persons have served as officers of the Lutheran congregation worshipping at Ludolph's Church : Elders. David Stambaugh, George Beistlein, John Loy, Daniel Wetzel, Henry Fleisher, Benjamin Rice, John Beistlein, Dr. Lewis Ellerman, from 1841 to 1853. " 1841 to 1856. " 1853 to 1860. " 1856 to 1860. " 1856 to 1860. " 1860 yet in office. " 1860 " " 1860 " 90 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. Deacons. Jotn Shearer, Jr., . Daniel Eiipsomen, . John Burrel, . William Hassinger, Martin Stambaugh, John Rice, John Cless, . James Gr. Messimer, John Shearer, Sen., Abraham Kistler, . from 1841 to 1853. 1841 to 1854. 1853 to 1856. 1854 to 1860. 1858 to 1860. 1856 yet in office. 1860 " 1860 " Trustees. from 1841 to 1851. " 1851 to 1858. CHAPTER n. 91 CHAPTEE 11. BLOOMFIELD CHARGE. The Bloomfield charge formed originally a part of the Loysville pastorate. In 1844, when the English Lutheran congregation was organized at Bloomfield, it may be said the charge was first formed, though for some years after that Kev. Heim continued to preach for the German portion of the congregation at Bloomfield, and for some years various changes were made in the charge, as will appear more fully as we proceed in our narrative. SECTION I. Christ's church at bloomfield.* After the Indian wars had closed and the Revolution had suc- cessfully ended, the settlers in this valley located permanently, and, from all we can learn, the Lutheran portion of the popula- tion was the first to enjoy the stated preaching of the Gospel. Of the original founders of the Lutheran congregation at Bloom- field,"}" we can give the names of only a few. The Comp family # This is a discourse delivered by the writer, on the 4th of October, 1857, based on Ps. 143 : 5, " I remember the days of old." On that day, and for the last time, divine worship was celebrated in Christ's old Union Log Church. The discourse was prepared specially for the occasion, and hence the direct- ness of address and appeal. As a memento of the solemn occasion of leaving that old church edifice, by request, the discourse is given entire and un- changed. t Perry County was organized in 1820, and until 1825 the County Courts were held at Landiaburg. In 1825 the site now occupied by Bloomfield was a clover-field, and selected as the location of the county town. 92 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. and Shover settled in this vicinity in about 1780; the Cless family in 1785; the Clark, Fritz, and Meyer families in about 1790; the Westfall family in 1791, and the Slouch in 1795; the Smith, Crist, and Sweger families in 1800, and the Koth family in 1803. Besides these, a number of others had settled in this part of the valley at the close of the last century, but the exact time of their arrival we cannot learn. These families were scattered over an extended territory, and at that time the population was com- paratively sparse. When visited by a minister of their Church, they came together the distance of six, eight, and even twelve miles, through dark, pathless forests, over hills and streams, to hear the glad tidings of peace and salvation by faith through Jesus Christ. Private dwellings, barns, school-houses, and the shaded woods served them as places for divine worship. It is highly probable that they were occasionally visited, from 1780 to 1788, by the Eev. John Gr. Butler of Carlisle. Immediately after this, the Rev. John T. Kiihl commenced visiting and preaching for the Lutherans in Sherman's Valley, and in 1790 located near Loysville. From 1788 to 1795 he preached also for the scattered members of the Church in the vicinity of Bloomfield. Of his success here, and of the condition of the congregation at that time, we have no authentic informa- tion. Some time in 1795 or '96, Rev. Kiihl left Sherman's Valley; but where he located after he resigned here, we have no means of knowing. Soon after this, the members in Sherman's Valley secured the spiritual labors of the Rev. John Herhst, who located at Carlisle, Pa., in 1796, and took charge of the Lutheran congregation at Loysville, and preached also occasionally for the members here. We have been informed that he administered the sacraments among the members of the congregation, and it is probable that the congregation was regularly organized by him some time between 1797 and 1800. As the members were favored CHAPTER II. 93 with occasional preaching, they naturally felt the want of a suit- able house of worship, and such a house they now resolved to build. THE OLD UNION LOfi CHURCH. This church was built jointly by the Lutherans and German Reformed on one acre and a half of land, which they bought of Jacob Lupfer for twelve dollars. This land was located by Mr. Lupfer in 1787 by order from the Land Office, surveyed for church purposes in 1802, and conveyed by deed to the two denomina- tions on the 14th of May, 1804, and is now embraced in the borough of Bloomfield. Those of the members who were able to do so, furnished, each, one round or more of logs. These logs were fine white pine, oak, and some poplar. After all the required timber had been brought together, the church edifice was raised on Saturday, the 19th of June, 1798. The building was thirty- six feet long by thirty feet wide. In erecting the edifice, heavy cross-beams were inserted for a gallery, which was however not constructed till about twenty-two years after. Soon after the building had been raised, Mr. Andrew Shuman covered it with a substantial roof; but, as we are informed, nothing more was done towards its completion till 1802. Thus for four years the edifice stood without doors, windows or floor. There was then no stove in the church (as it was called), and preaching only in summer. The congregation sat on slabs laid on blocks sawed from logs, and the minister, when preaching, stood behind a little, rough, wooden table. The earth served as floor, and the roof as the only cover- ing over head, whilst the naked walls, without doors and windows, surrounded the attentive congregation. In winter, the minister preached in private dwellings in the vicinity. At that time, during the cold seasons of the year, there was preaching here but seldom. The pastor resided at Carlisle, about eighteen miles oif, and the roads in the depth of winter must have been almost im- passable across the North Mountain and through the dreary forests of Sherman's Valley. In 1801, Kev. Herbst resigned at Carlisle, and consequently 94 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. ceased to visit the members here. In 1802, a floor was laid in the church, doors were put up, and windows round below ; the spaces for windows round above were closed with boards; the seats remained as before, except that they were now raised on the floor, and the minister, as before, stood behind a small table when he preached. It is probable that about this time, or within a few years after, a stove was secured for the church. As the draft of the church-land, made in 1802, clearly shows, the ground on which the church was located and the lands all around it were at that time well timbered with large forest trees. About one acre and a half, lying northwest of the church, had been cleared a long time before, but was now densly covered with young pine bushes and sumac, and part of it was afterwards in- cluded in the graveyard. A large pine tree stood in front of the church, facing what is now High Street. Near where the brick school-house now stands was a pond of water, in which at that time an abundance of frogs sported, and all the low ground from the pond down'to Big Spring was overgrown with underbrush and greenbrier. The church was located on an eligible site. The place is considerably elevated on a dry gravel bank, which slopes away towards the north and rising sun ; northwest of it Limestone Eidge rises gradually in bold relief, and, on the southeast, it overlooks Bloomfield and a small but beautiful valley, when, at a distance of about one mile and a half, the view is bounded by the gracefully rising Mahanoy Ridge. A short distance west of the church the road forked, — one road passed in front of the church and led to Carlisle; the other passed back of the church, over ground now embraced in the graveyard, and led to Juniata River at Newport. At the time when the church was erected, all the lands around it, and nearly all that are now embraced in the borough of Bloomfield, were covered by a dense forest of large timber and underwood. There was then not a house nearer than the old building on Mr. David Lupfer's farm and the dwelling of the late Mr. Barnett, each of them nearly a mile off. The church stood lonely in the woods to tell that Grod was worshipped there. The graveyard was commenced soon after the erection of the CHAPTER IT. 95 church. Peter Moses was the first person buried here, and a Mr. Cless the second. The graveyard, back of the church, leans against Limestone Kidge, and from a gradual ascent looks down towards the southeast. The dead were buried here many years before their graves were inclosed by a fence. The graveyard is now quite large, and the many white marble slabs, dotting it all over,T;ell the sad story of man's mortality. Of those who helped to build this house of worship, not one is left to tell us its early history in detail. They have all passed away with the rush of time, and many of them now repose here in "God's acre." And soon, too, this building, which our fore- fathers erected, in which they worshipped the God of their fathers in prayer and sweet hymns of praise, will be levelled with the ground, and all the hallowed recollections associated with it will perish from the memory of man. When the dark and unbroken forest shaded all around, our gray fathers met on this sacred spot, marked out a space in the fork of the road, and with holy reverence con- cluded to build a temple to the honor and glory of God. They did build such a temple. And here they listened with sweet delight to the story of the Cross, sang Zion's hymns, and their orisons paid. And here, hard by the temple of their God and of our God, many of them laid their bodies down in peace to rest till the resurrection day. No bell tolled their funeral dirge, and many have no stone set up to mark their resting-place. A forest of tall trees in the winds sighed plaintively over their graves and mantled the upturned earth with yellow leaves. How solemn the retrospect ! How all has changed ! and after us changes will still go on. It is well for us to "remember the days of old," and learn to live for another and better world. " may our feet pursue the way Our pious fathers led ; "While love and holy zeal obey The counsels of the dead." After Rev. Herbst ceased to preach in Sherman's Valley, the congregation at Bloomfield did not, for some time, enjoy regularly 96 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. the blessing of the preached word. We are informed, however, that the Bev. Frederick Sanno, who preached regularly at Loysville, preached also occasionally to the members here, and administered the sacraments amotfg them. We have also been told by an aged member of the Lutheran Church, that the Rev. Henry Ludolph Spark, who taught school in Spring Township and donated the land on which Ludolph Church is erected, lectured or preached, from 1802 to 1806, for the members in this vicinity and baptized their children, though it does not appear that he officiated in the church. Mr. Spark was not a regular minister ; but as the members had no regularly ordained pastor, he, as a pious school-master, some- times preached and performed ministerial functions. Such was the state of things at that time. Prom 1806 to 1808, the Rev. Frederick Oberhauser,* who preached in Saville Township, in the neighborhood of Iclres- burg, and also of Blain, occasionally visited the members here and preached for them in their houses. The congregation did * Mr. Oberhauser was from Holland, and is said to have been a man of considerable erudition. For a number of years he preached at different places in Saville and Toboyne Townships, and, in 1815, he confirmed a class of cate- chumens in the house now occupied by Mr. Andrew Shuman, near St. An- drew's or Shuman's Church. He also practised medicine. In Holland he may have been a regular minister, and for some time he preached in Noi'th- ampton County, Pa. ; but when he preached in Sherman's Valley, he did not stand in connection with any Synod. "We have met with the following notice of his death : " Died, on Thursday last {the 12th of April, 1821), in Toboyne Township, Perry County, in the 75th year of his age, Dr. Frederick Ober- hauser. His remains were attended to the grave (at Blain?) by a large con- course of people." — The Ferry Forester. After his death his large library was sold. Nearly all the books were in the Dutch language. Father Heim bought a large number of them, and some forty volumes of them are now in the writer's library. CHAPTER II. 97 not enjoy the regular services of a recognized pastor till 1809, when the Hev. John Fredericlc Osterloh took charge of nearly all the Lutheran congregations in Sherman's Valley. He preached here once every four weeks in the German language. It is said, that whilst he was pastor here, and for some time after, the congregation had in one corner of the church a barrel full of oats, and a trough fixed in the fork of a tree near the church, where the horse fed whilst the parson preached. At that time the people consulted convenience rather than taste, and adapted themselves to the circumstances by which they were surrounded. At present some people think it too hard to go a few miles to hear the Gospel preached. Then it was not so. Then people went over hills and passed streams, not on smooth and level roads, but by by-paths and without paths, hot on horse- back and in carriages but on foot, from six to ten miles, without uttering a word of complaint. Then, as we are told, in summer they generally carried their shoes till within sight of the churchy when they put them on instead of taking them off, as Moses was commanded to do, because the ground was holy. And then, during the warm season of the year, the men went to church without coat, having on a home-spun white linen shirt and jacket thrown over it, and the women had on a sun-bonnet as a covering for their heads, and garments spun, wove, and made by their own hands. Thus, in their dress Xhey were plain, in their intercourse with each other unaffected, and in their worship without hypo- crisy, simple and devout. The congregation was organized by Rev. Osterloh on a better and firmer basis than that on which it stood before. Mr. Georya Cless was elected to the office of Elder, and Mr. Matliiaa Meyer to that of Deacon. These fathers remained in office for many years. The congregation, now enjoying the stated ministry of a pastor, gathered strength and advanced prosperously. The scat- tered members were drawn together from great distances, and were glad to hear the word of God and engage in the solemn ex- 9 y» CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. ercises of the sanctuary. The youth, who had grown up without church connection, were brought under the benign influence of the Grospel, and instructed by the pastor in the doctrines of our holy religion. Accessions were made to the membership of the congregation, and the hearts of those who mourned over the deso- lations of Zion and longed for the bread and water of life, were made to rejoice in Grod their Savior. As no church-record was kept by this congregation till 1855, we are wholly dependent on the memory of our informants for the names of persons who were confirmed here from time to time; nor is the time of confirmation and the number confirmed always certain. Under these circumstances, we are unable to give the names of more than about two-thirds of those who were admitted to full membership here. As the church edifice was unfit for occupancy in winter, Kev. Osterloh met and catechized the youth in private dwellings. In the spring of 1810, the following persons — the first, so far as we can learn, that were ever confirmed here — were admitted to full , communion : Jacob Clouser, Miss Mary Yeager, Conrad Eoth, " Susan Roth, Henry Roth, " Sophia Shover, Henry Lenig, " Susan Eichter, John Cless, " Catharine Westfall, John Meyer, ^ " Margaret Westfall, George Sunday, " Magdalene Smith, Greorge Yeager, " Elizabeth Roth. Andrew Shover, " Elizabeth Slouch, Martin Smith, " Sarah Cless, Miss Catharine Smith, " Elizabeth Cless, " Mary Ann Crist, " Catharine Cless. With but two or three exceptions, all the above persons have already gone to the eternal world. They have run their race, and now reap the fruit of their deeds while on earth. In 1811, another CHAPTER II. 99 class of catechumens was confirmed. Of this class the following are the only names we could learn : Matthias Grove (baptized), Miss Mary Miller, Benjamin Smith, " Catharine Burd. Miss Elizabeth Meyer, We have not been able to find that any others were confirmed until 1814, when the following persons, and a number of others whose names are not recollected, were admitted to full communion : Jacob Burd, Miss Catharine Meyer, Jacob Lenig, " Susan Meyer, Mrs. Catharine Meyer, " Maria Smith, " Doren, " Elizabeth Smith. This was the last class of catechumens Rev. Osterloh confirmed here. As he neglected the congregation somewhat, the members became dissatisfied with him, and petitioned Synod to permit them, in connection with other congregations, to give Rev. Heim a call. Synod granted this petition. Rev. Osterloh resigned, and in June, 18 IG, according to a resolution of Synod, the Rev. John William Heim became the regular pastor of this congregation, which, in connec- tion with the other Lutheran congregations in Sherman's Valley, he served till his death on the 27th of December, 1849. He was a faithful, laborious, and successful minister of the Gospel of Christ. Here he preached once every four weeks, exclusively in the German language. The heading of a subscription in our hands, for the year 1818, shows that the members wore willing to support him. It reads thus: "May 3d, 1818. We subscribe our names towards having Mr. Heim preach in the church in Juniata Township, Cumberland County, at Christ's Church. He is to preach every four weeks." Forty-two dollars and ninety-four cents were subscribed. As the congregation wag yet compara- tively small, and the members generally poor and scattered over a large extent of territory, we are agreeably surprised that they con- 100 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. tributed so liberally towards the support of the Gospel. Having instructed a class of catechumens faithfully, some time in 1818, Rev. Heim confirmed the following persons, with some others, whose names cannot now be recollected : Daniel Swartz, Miss Rebecca Meyer, Jacob Swartz, " Margaret Meyer, John Smith, " Eve Lesch, Daniel Cless, " Catharine Clark, John Lenig, " Martha Smith, Philip Gensler, " Catharine Smith, Adam Cless, " Eve Smith, Mrs. Julia Shatto, " Catharine Smith, " Susan Foose, " Catharine Lenig, " Esther Doren (baptized), " Catharine Miller. Miss Sophia Meyer, The members of the congregation were much encouraged by the pastoral labors of Rev. Heim, and great success crowned his unwearied efforts to save immortal souls. Perry County, which had been a part of Cumberland, was organized by an act of Legislature, passed May 22d, 1820. The courts were held at Landisburg till 1825. Bloomfield, so called from the name given to the tract in the patent, is of recent origin, its site having been a clover-field no longer ago than 1825. In that year it was selected as the site for the county town. After the church had stood about twenty-two years, it was com- pleted on the 19th of June, 1820. Seats were now constructed, and a pulpit, wine-glass shaped, and supported by a high post, was built against the northwest wall ; a round, isolated altar was placed in front of the pulpit; windows were inserted round above; the roof inside received an arched board ceiling; the gallery, on three sides of the house, was erected and ceiled with boards below, and' was supported by thick posts under strong cross-beams. All the wood-work .was painted white, and the other part of the inside of the church received a coat of plaster. Mr. Michael Clouser superintended the carpenter work. After the church had in this CHAPTER II. 101 way been completed, it was consecrated some time in July, 1820, and received the distinctive name, Christ's Church. The minis- ters present at the consecration, wore Rev. J. W. Heim of the Lutheran Church, Rev. Jacob Shull of the German Reformed Church, and Eev. Joseph Brady of the Presbyterian Church. Several sermons were preached in the German language, and Rev. Brady preached a sermon in the English language. The concourse of people, assembled on this joyful occasion, is said to have been very great. As Rev. Heim resided near MiiBintown, Juniata County, about thirty miles off, till the spring of 1828, he catechized here once every three or four years. We have not been able to learn that any were confirmed at Bloomfield between 1818 and '25, though it is probable that one class at least was during that time admitted to full communion. During the summer of 1825, Rev. Heim met and instructed a class here, and in the fall of the same year between thirty-five and forty were confirmed, of whom the follow- ing persons were the most : Michael Clark, Samuel Comp, John Anders, George Anders, John Shuman, William Delancy, Henry L. Smith, Henry Swartz, Jacob Clouser, Jacob Roth, Daniel Pickard, Jonas Lesch, Samuel Beistlein, Mrs. Hannah Heckendorn, " Elizabeth Shuman, " Elizabeth Lyons, Miss Elizabeth Miller, Miss Elizabeth Crist, " Catharine Swartz, " Margaret Smith, " Sarah Smith, " Lydia Smith, " Elizabeth Shuman, " Mary Ann Lenig, " Barbara Clark, " Catharine Lyons, " Elizabeth Attig, " Mary Fusselman, " Rebecca Eisenhauer, " Catharine Beistlein, " Rebecca Bausum, " Rebecca Otto, " Elizabeth Leppert, " Hannah Grcssley. 9* 102 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. Some of the above persons are at present among our most useful aged members of the church; but many of them have passed away into the eternal world. Kev. Heim labored in season and out of season, and, having so many and remote congregations to serve, he could not catechize at each preaching-place as often as we now do. But when he did lecture on the Catechism, the young people came the distance of six to ten miles. It was then deemed not only a duty, but a most delightful and glorious privi- lege, to attend a course of lectures on the fundamental doctrines of our holy religion. So religious instruction ought to be yet re- garded, and so it is yet regarded by all who have correct views of the design and advantage of such a course of lectures. Early and thorough instruction, impar^ted in the spirit of the Master, in the truths of our religion, cannot be over estimated. Ignorance in regard to the doctrines of Christianity is not only the mother of vice, but also very often of infidelity ; and the neglect of indoc- trinating the youthful mind invariably results in a sickly, fitful, and erratic sort of religion, if religion it may be called. Ee- ligion is a subject for both head and heart. We must think aright before we will feel aright; we must know aright before we can act aright ; we must have our heads set aright by the word of truth before our hearts can be set aright by the spirit of truth. Catechization, like preaching, may be abused by men without grace ; but catechization, like preaching, under Grod's blessing, is the means of good to souls — good that could not be accomplished by any other means ; and generally, if attended to in the right way, such seasons of instruction result in the awakening and con- version of souls — in a revival of genuine religion. In the spring of 1828, Rev. Heim moved to Loysville, and after that usually catechized here once every three years. Having in- structed a class, in June, 1830, he confirmed the following persons, and a number of others whose names cannot now be re- membered : John Miller, Miss Margaret Burrel, John Ludman, " Elizabeth Powell, CHAPTER II. 103 Henry D. Smith, John K. Smith, William Smith, Andrew Comp, Jacob Shearer, Mrs. Margaret Smith, Miss Elizabeth Smith, " Catharine Smith, " Catharine Frey, Miss Lydia Powel, " Martha Powel, " Elizabeth Smith, " Catharine Smith, " Sarah Meyer, " Catharine Reisdorff, " Sweger, " Sweger. May those of this class, still in the church militant, be prepared to join the church triumphant ! " Faith sees the bright, eternal doors Unfold to make his children way ,■ They shall be oloth'd with endless life, And shine in everlasting day." In May, 1833, with a number of others, whose names cannot be ascertained, the following persons were confirmed here : Henry Pleisher, Jacob Smith, Jonas J. Smith, John Shearer, George Shearer, David Miller, Benjamin Keiber, Jacob Burrel, Daniel Comp, John Rhodes (baptized). Mrs. Susan Rhodes, " Hannah Smith, " Hannah Hassinger, " Catharine Lenig, " Catharine Miller,. " Mary Smith, Miss Magdalene Comp, " Mary Clark, " Frances Shearer. The congregation was evidently in a prosperous condition at this time. Many confirmed in this class are still members of the Church here and elsewhere, adorning their Christian profession by a godly life and extensive usefulness in the Church. Well might Father Heim rejoice in the hope of seeing his instruction, his prayers; and his tears yield an abundant harvest. May the 104 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. truths he taught them be in their hearts as good seed, bearing fruit unto eternal life ! " Let those that sow in sadness wait Till the (fair harvest come; They shall confess their sheaves a great, And bring rich blessings home. ' ' In August, 1835, the following persons, and some others, were confirmed : Daniel Eeider, Miss Ann Smeigh, John Tressler, " Sarah Comp, Henry Keider, " Sarah Sweger, Jacob Crist, " Catharine Brown, Jacob Fleisher, " Catharine Troup, Jacob Smith, " Catharine Tressler, Samuel Smith, " Lydia Smith, John Brown, " Catharine Smith, Benjamin Smeigh, " Barbara Lenig, Jacob Smeigh, " Mary Jumper, Mrs. Mary Sweger, " Mary Troup, " Elizabeth Smith, " Mary Halbach, Miss Catharine Reider, " Elizabeth Reisdorff. Of those who were this time admitted to full communion in the Church, many still remain among us, bearing witness to the ex- cellency of the Gospel of Christ by their consistent walk and con- versation ; some few of them to the hurt of their souls have gone out from among us, and some have gone to try an unseen world. May all now living, prepare to meet their Grod ! ' ' Draw us, Savior, with thy grace. And lift onr thoughts on high. That we may end this mortal race. And see salvation nigh." In May, 1839, a large class of catechumens was confirmed. The following persons were some of this class : CHAPTER II. 105 Jacob Super, Henry Titzel, John Titzel, Samuel Tressler, Thomas Lenig, Beneval Shade, John Brown, John Burrel, William Hassinger, John Earhart, George Eckert, John Lenig, Jacob Long, ■John Leppert, Daniel Smith, John Super, Mrs. Elizabeth Long, M: ss Mary Lenig, ' Eebecca Tressler, ' Barbara Lenig, ' Elizabeth Smith, ' Elizabeth Smith, ' Catharine Shearer, ' Mary Shearer, ' Elizabeth Comp, ' Frances Comp, ' Mary Earhart, ' Nancy Leppert, ' Barbara Super, ' Mary Doren, ' Catharine Doren, ' Barbara Lesoh, ' Catharine Erey, ' Mary Prey. Many of these are now among the most active members of our Church. Some of them are no more among the living. May those who survive, strive to obtain the crown of life ! Soon will all our labors end, and " With joy shall we stand, when escaped to the shore ; With harps in our hands, we'll praise Him the more ; We'll range the sweet plains on the hank of the river, And sing of salvation for ever and ever." In May, 1841, a large number of persons were confirmed, of whom the following were some : Andrew Titzel, Solomon Tressler, David Shearer, John Swartz, George W. Swartz, Henry Burkepile, Samuel Carl, M: ss Susan Tressler, Sarah Carl, Sarah Shearer, Elizabeth Titzel, Elizabeth Prey, Ann Wax, Mary Smith, 106 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. David Long, Samuel Smith, Jeremiah Burkepile, Smith, Mrs. Hannah Burkepile, Miss Elizabeth Tressler, Miss Mary EeisdorrfF, " Barbara Lenig, " Susan Bender, " Elizabeth Poulk, « Eve Foulk. Most of those confirmed this time are still among us, and ac- tively engaged in the glorious cause they then espoused. The race of life is before them, may they run it with patience, and press forward to the heavenly Jerusalem ! " Lord of hoata, thou God of grace, How bleat, divinely blest, is he Who trusta Thy lore, and seeks Thy face, And fizea all his hopes on Thee ! " On the 23d of September, 1842, the West Pennsylvania Synod of the Lutheran Church convened in this house, and remained in session a number of days. Though Father Heim had now attained that age when most men seek rest in retirement, he nevertheless prosecuted his call- ing, and was actively and zealously engaged in the cause of his divine Master. In September, 1845, he here confirmed the fol- lowing class of catechumens : John Sweger, Peter Stone, George Stone, John Stone, Samuel Stone, John Cless, Frederick Cless, Peter Hair, Jacob Jumper, Frederick Jumper, Miss Elizabeth Sweger, " Mary Ann Sweger, Miss Ann Eliza Clark, " Margaret Clark, " Sophia Comp, " Nancy Baker, " Ann Foulk, " Barbara Foulk, " Christiana Doren, " Jane Hair, " Mary Ann Hair, " Sarah Cornman, " Margaret Kleekner, " Sarah Ann Kleekner. CHAPTER II. 107 This was the last class of catechumens Father Heim confirmed here. Before the time had come to meet another class, the Lord said to him, " Well done, thou good and faithful servant, en^er tbou into the joy of thy Lord." Thus he fell asleep in the Lord, on the 27th of December, 1849. " And now has come his rest, His triumph day. Illustrious like a sun, In that assembly, he, shining from far. Most excellent in glory, stands assured, "Waiting the promised crown, the promised throne. The welcome and approval of his Lord, . . and round him gathered, clad In white, the vouchers of his ministry — The flock his care had nourished, fed, and saved." POLLOK. Father Heim continued to preach here to the end of his life, having served the congregation about thirty-three 2/ears. and a half. He preached exclusively in the G-erman language, and was the honored instrument of adding many to the Church, and of di- recting them to Christ. Under his pastoral care the congregation was firmly established and built up. His charge was an extended and laborious one ; but being possessed of a remarkably strong physical constitution, he bore up amid all his labors, and prose- cuted his calling with energy and untiring zeal to the end. In dangers often, he was undaunted; in labors constant, he finished his work in a good old age, departed in peace, and now reaps an ample reward in a world of surprising glory. Many of those he confirmed are gems in the crown of his rejoicing ; many of them are here to-day, who will soon' follow him and their brethren. But as we do not intend to preach Father Heim's funeral sermon, we will follow the thread of our narrative. THE ENGLISH LCIHERAN CONGREGATION AT BLOOMFIELD. We must now go back about six years. During the sessions of the West Pennsylvania Synod, held at Bloomfield in Sep- tember, 1842, some of the ministers present preached in the English language. Soon after that, some of the members, who 108 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. understood that language best and saw the necessity of introduc- ing its use in the pulpit, desired Father Heim to associate with hftiself some minister who could preach in English. But, unable to preach in the English language himself. Father Heim was also averse to having any one associated with him for the purpose of preaching in that language. It is to be regretted that Father. Heim, like many others at that time, set his face against the in- troduction of the English language, when its use in preaching was so much required ; he conceived it to be an unwarranted in- novation, and opposed it. Such a course was, and could not but be, detrimental to the interests of the congregation. Father Heim meant it well, however injudicious his policy was on this subject. As he was unyielding, the President of Synod interfered, and in an indirect way accomplished the desired end. In a letter to the writer, the Rev. Levi T. Williams, who was then stationed at Petersburg, this county, gives the following account of the rise, organization, and progress of the English Lutheran congregation : "According to the directions of' Eev. A. H. Lochman, D.D., then President of the West Pennsylvania Synod, I preached a trial sermon at Bloomfield some time in January, 1844. I was also to preach in the German language ; but as I found the Ger- man speaking members considerably opposed to that, I deemed it best to get Rev. Jacob ShuU, a German Reformed minister, to fill that appointment for me. In order to reconcile the German speaking members to English preaching, and to prevent a division of the congregation, no further appointment was made until every means had been used to induce the opposing party to countenance the enterprise. When every effort had been made in vain, it was finally resolved to organize an English Lutheran congregation, wholly separate from the German. This was effected on Friday, June 14th, 1844, when the following brethren were elected as officers, viz. : Jacob Crist, Sen., ) ^^^^^^ H. C. Hickok, Esq., 1 ^^^^^^^^ David Deardorff, j ' George Attig, ) CHAPTEE II. 109 " A call was then extended to me. This call I accepted. My introductory sermon I preached on Sunday, the 14th of July, the same year, in the brick school-house near the old Union church. Soon after this our Presbyterian brethren relieved us of the necessity of worshipping in a filthy school-house, by kindly tender- ing us the use of their church, which I then occupied till I re- signed. I have no account of the number of members who joined in the organization, but there could not have been more than eight or ten. I preached for them every third Sabbath. The first communion was held on Sunday, Dee. 8th, 1844. On Saturday previous (the 7th), the following persons were confirmed, viz. : Alex. C. Klink, Mrs. Eliza Eby, Mrs. Rebecca Attig, " Mary Ickes, " Frances Shaeffer, Miss Charlotte Attig. " The second communion was held on the 25th of May, 1845. On Saturday previous (the 24th), the following persons were ad- mitted to full communion by the rite of confirmation : Richard Fritz, Miss Harriet Crist, John Waggoner, " Rebecca Bender, Joseph Bender, " Mary Cormichal, Mrs. Eliz. Waggoner, " Margaret Smith, baptized, and " Elizabeth Holmes, " Cath. Cormichal, by certificate. " I preached my farewell sermon on the 7th of September, 1845." So far the statement of Rev. Williams. Rev. Williams resided at Petersburg, and preached there, at Bloomfield, Newport, Mount Pisgah, and some other places. After he had resigned here, he accepted a call from Franklin County, and was succeeded by Rev. Lloyd Kniyht, late of the Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, Pa. Whilst pastor of the charge Rev. Knight resided at Bloomfield. In a letter he gives the following account of his labors here : 10 110 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. " I took charge of the English Lutheran congregation at Bloom- field on the J St of October, 1845. In the winter following, we were blessed with an outpouring of God's Spirit. Many old mem- bers renewed their covenant and some new ones were added to the Church.* Our first communion was held on the 1st of February, 1846. Thirty-six members reported themselves as communicants on Saturday previous, and as some of the fruits of the revival, the following persons were admitted to full com- munion by confirmation : Dr. Jonas Ickes, Mrs. Cath. Ann Gallatin, William Erb, Miss Margaret Holman, Thompson Graham, " Eliz. Arford, George Henzcl, " Mary Shade, Samuel Hassinger, " Sophia Bidelman. George W. Brown, " At this time the whole number of communicant members was forty-seuen. Soon after this I commenced instructing another class of catechumens, and on the 7th of June, 1846, the follow- ing persons were admitted to full communion by confirmation, viz. : John Both, Miss Nancy Bear, Mrs. Elizabeth Hall, " Isabella Everhart, " Elizabeth Bidelman, " Sarah Lamar, by certi- " Susan Boden, ficate." * In tte Lutheran Observer, February 20t.h, 1846, we find the following notice of this work of grace : — '^Revival. — An extensive work of grace has been in progress at Bloomfield, Perry County, Pa., in the congregation under the care of Brother Knight. Our correspondent remarks : ' We have had a glorious state of things in our midst. God be praised ! For the last six weeks much interest has been felt on the subject of religion. About six weeks ago, assisted by Kev. Babb and a student from G-ettysburg, we commenced a pro- tracted meeting, and it was not long until the Lord commenced a precious work in our midst, the result of which, I trust, will never be forgotten by many souls. Some of the most wicked and abandoned are now clothed and in their right mind. La«t Sabbath we communed, when there was an acces- sion to our little congregation of eleven or twelve new members. To God belongs all the praise.' " CHAPTER ir. Ill The following is a document well worthy our attention now, as it is illustrative of the spirit of the charge then : " At the annual meeting of the vestries under the charge of Rev. L. Knight, held at Bloomfield, Perry County, Pa., on the 29th of August, 1846, the following resolutions, among others, were unanimously adopted, and ordered to be transmitted to the Luthei;(in Observer for publication, viz. : "Resolved, That we have abundant reason to thank Almighty God for the prosperous condition of our congregations, and for the spirit of unanimity which prevails in our Councils. " Resolved, That the labors, zeal, and piety of our beloved pastor meet our entire approbation, and that the means employed for the advancement of Christ's kingdom give general satisfaction. " Resolved, That Sabbath -schools are of primary importance as channels through which the waters of life may freely flow into the hearts of the rising generation, and as efficient instrumental- ities by which the children of the Church, and at large, may be- come thoroughly imbued with the principles and spirit of genuine Christianity, have their minds and hearts fortified against evil influences, and especially against the wily assaults of the infidel and Jesuit; and we believe it to be the imperative duty of the members of each congregation, to encourage and aid the establish- ment and support of these schools with their influence, their personal exertions, and the pecuniary means with which God has blessed them. " Resolved, That we recognize the solemn truth that ' Prayer was appointed to convey The blessings God designs to give j * and we believe the social prayer-meeting to be eminently calcu- lated to secure the influences of divine grace, — to call down the blessings of Heaven, — to impress and awaken sinners, — to build up Christ's followers, — to strengthen the hands of the pastor, — to further the best interests of the Church militant, — and to pro- mote the honor and glory of God, and should therefore be regularly maintained, in a flourishing condition, in every congregation. 112 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE . MOUNTAINS. " Eesolved, That the preaching of the Gospel is the most prominent agency established by the Lord Jesus Christ for the building up of his kingdom, and churches should therefore be established, pastors appointed over them, and the public worship of Almighty God be faithfully maintained ; and while we expect the faithful performance of his whole duty on the part of the pastor, we on our part know that the 'laborer is worthjiof his hire,' and regard it as an indispensable requisite to the welfare of the Church, that he be provided with a liberal salary, punctually paid at stated periods. " Resolved, That it is the duty of every denomination to sup- port its religious newspaper, and we therefore respectfully urge it on our brethren to subscribe for the Lutheran Observer them- selves, and to induce others to do the same. " Philip Ebert, "Chairman. " Henet C. Hickok, " Secretary."* In September, 1846, H. C. Hickok, Esq., attended Synod at Chambersburg, Pa,, as the lay representative of the Bloomfield charge. On the 18th of April, 1847, Mrs. Sarah Power was received as a member by certificate, and on the 4th of December, the same year, the following were admitted to full communion by confirma- tion : John H. Shade, Miss Mary Boyles, Mrs. Sarah Shoemaker, " Isabella Ickes, " Eliza Lupfer, " Sarah A. Huss, Miss Ann Boyles, " Rebecca W. Huss. In September, 1847, Mr. Christian Long of Newport, as dele- gate of the charge, attended Synod at Mifflinburg, Union County, Pa. * See Lutheran Observer, September 11, 1846. CHAPTER ir. 113 On the 12th of November, 1848, after having been duly in- structed, the following persons were confirmed : David Tressler, Mrs. Charity Marshall (baptized), Conrad Weary, " Margaret Sweger, Andrew Hansel, Miss Sarah A. Eoth, Mrs. Tamer Miller, " Mary A. Cless. In September, 1848, Mr. A. Billow, as lay representative of the charge, attended Synod at Berlin, Adams County, Pa. In the fall of 1848, the English Lutheran congregation was, on certain conditions, permitted to worship in the old Union church. Hitherto it had the use of the Presbyterian church. On the 27th of May, 1849, Mrs. Susan Smeigh was admitted to full communion by the rite of confirmation. Rev. Knight gives the following summary of his labors at Bloomfield : " I received thirty-four persons into the church, baptized thirty-five Infants, and attended_^/i!eeM funerals. Having served the charge three years and a half, I resigned in June, 1849. I labored under great disadvantages. At Bloomfield we had no house of worship of our own, and had to contend with the preju- dices against English preaching, &c. At that time the whole charge was composed of Bloomfield, Newport, Petersburg, Buffalo on the Susquehanna, St. David's or Billow's, Mount Pisgah, and on the 12th of June, 1847, the seventh congregation was added to the charge, namely, the Bufiiilo or Stone Church above Ickes- burg, making an area of twenty-seven miles. During the three years and a half I was pastor of the charge, there were added to the various congregations, 158 members by confirmation, and about 25 by certificate. Had three revivals of religion, — one at Bloom- field, one at Newport, and one at Mount Pisgah. I attended 49 funerals, and celebrated 49 marriages. I left the charge in a flourishing and prosperous condition, and much against the will of the people. I found the charge in October, 1845, with 166 communicants, and left it with 396, — an increase of 230 members. I shall ever recur to the time I spent among that dear people as a green spot on life's dreary way through this world of difficulties 10* 114 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. and sorrows. It was mj first charge, the charge of my youth and of ray love ; and though the ties which united us together as pastor and people have long since been broken and buried in the past, they are nevertheless engraven on the heart, never to be forgotten. And when our labor is done on earth and our heavenly Master finds us worthy of admission into his rest above, may we not hope to meet there the dear people to whom we ministered here, and whom we, under God, brought into the Church of Jesus Christ. God grant it ! Amen." To this we also add our sincere — Amen. When Rev. Knight resigned, the English Luthei'an congrega- tion at Bloomfield numbered about seventy members, as many already as the German, if not more, and all these were brought into the Church in about four years. How strikingly this shows that there was great necessity of preaching in this place in the English language ! Rev. Knight accepted a call from the Lutheran congregation at Hollidaysburg, Pa., and the Rev. Jacob Martin of Hollidaysburg, Pa , succeeded him at Bloomfield in July of the same year. In a letter. Rev. Martin says : "I commenced my pastoral labors in the Bloomfield charge on the first Sabbath in July, 1849. The charge was then composed of Bloomfield, Petersburg, Billow's or St. David's, Mt. Pisgah, Newport, Bufiilo near Ickesburg, and New Buffalo on the Sus- quehanna. After the death of Father Heim, a convention of the Church-Councils of the Lutheran congregations in Perry County was held at Bloomfield in February, 1850, and the congregations which Rev. Heim had served, together with those under my pas- toral care, were so divided and arranged as to form three pasto- rates, namely, the Loysville, the Bloomfield, and the Petersburg. My charge (the Bloomfield) was then composed of five congrega- tions, namely, Bloomfield, Newport, Shuman's or St. Andrew's, St. John's near Markelville, and Bufialo west of Ickesburg.* ^ For the diYision of the charges, see pp. 52-54. CHAPTER II. 115 Whilst pastor of the charge I confirmed between 125 and 150 persons. I cannot give the names of those who were confirmed by me, nor the time when they were confirmed. About one- fourth of the preaching was required in the German language." In September, 1850, Mr. Christian Long of Newport, as dele- gate of the charge, attended Synod at Berlin, Union County, Pa. In the fall of 1848, the English Lutheran congregation at Bloomfield was,' on certain conditions, allowed to worship in the old Union church. At the close of 1849, Father Heim departed this life, and thus the German part of the congregation was left without a pastor. As Kev. Martin could preach so well in both languages, he was able to give full satisfaction to both congrega- tions and to meet all their wants. The Convention referred to above, so divided the congregations as to throw the Germans at Bloomfield into Rev. Martin's charge. And in this way he he- came the regular successjr of Rev. Heim, and thus the German and English congregations were united into one congregation. This was the best and only way the matter could be arranged. Some of the Germans, it seems, were however for some time dis- satisfied, being influenced by persons not of our Chuitjh and not friendly disposed towards her. The matter was brought before Synod in September, 1850, when and where the following action was taken on the subject : " The committee appointed to draft resolutions in reference to the division of the Bloomfield and Loysville charges, respectfully report : " Resolved, That whilst we approve of the steps taken and the action had by the Convention regularly assembled for the division of said charges, we regret the spirit manifested by the delegates of the German congregation at Bloomfield, led astray and beguiled hy unhecoming foreign influence. "Resolved, That we recommend to said German congregation entire acquiescence in the arrangements made in the formation of said charges." A copy of the foregoing action of Synod was sent to the parties concerned, and all acquiesced in the decision pronounced. After 116 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. that the united congregation went forward in harmony and peace. Kev. Martin preached once every three weeks, alternately in the German and English languages. Having heen faithfully instructed, on the 17th of November, 1850, the following persons were confirmed : Mrs. Barbara Burkepile, Miss Mary Eliz. Fritz, " Catharine Eckert, " Sarah Wax, " Mary Bumbaugh, " Mary Ann Clouser. Miss Mary Jane Comp, On the 22d of June, 1851, the following persons were admitted to full communion by confirmation : David L. Beaver, Miss Caroline Roth, Miss Margaret Jane Martin, " Maria S. Ickes. " Margaret Roth, In September, 1851, Mr. David Tressler, Sen., as delegate of the charge, attended Synod at Newviile, Cumberland County, Pa. Having^ served the charge about two years and nine months, Rev. Martin resigned, and at Bloomfield preached his farewell sermon on the 28th of March, 1852. He accepted a call from the Berrysburg charge, Dauphin County, Pa., and in June of the same year, he was succeeded by the Rev. William Gerhardt, who, in a letter, gives the following brief account of his labors here : " Being called from EHzabethtown, I entered on my duties as pastor of the Bloomfield charge on the 13th of June, 1852, when I preached my introductory sermon at Bloomfield from Heb. 13 : 17. I served five congregations, viz., Bloomfield, Newport, Bealor's, Shuman's, and Buffalo- above Ickesburg. During the year, I preached 144 sermons, besides funeral sermons, lectures, &c. I instructed and confirmed the following ybriy-sewen persons [the names of these persons are given at the proper place], I labored in the charge until the 20th of June, 1853, when I ac- CHAPTER II. 117 cepted a call to Mount Bethel, Northampton County, Pa. At Bloomfield I preached my farewell sermon on the 12th of June. " I labored hard, and have reason to believe that God blessed my labors. I saw the necessity of a more churchly spirit among our people, and therefore introduced the liturgy, and endeavored by combining the form and the life, to accomplish this end. I would not have left the Bloomfield charge, but it was too laborious for me. My health failed and I was obliged, though reluctantly, to leave Perry County for an easier charge. The people were very kind to me. Simple and unaffected in their manners, kind and generous in their disposition, I always felt myself at home in their families, and their hearts were always accessible to the pastor to extend advice and instruction. I always look back with plea- sure to my one year's stay in Perry County, as in many respects the most agreeable since I have been in the ministry. God bless the dear people 1 I preached my farewell sermon from 2 Cor. 13 : 14, which sermon, from the nature of the circumstances at Shuman's Church on the 19th of June, had the peculiarity of being a sacramental sermon, a funeral sermon, and a farewell sermon at one and the same time." In September, 1852, as delegate of the charge, Mr. Christian Long of Newport attended Synod at Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, Pa. At a meeting of the different church-councils of the charge, in February, 1853, among others, the following resolutions were " Resolved, That each congregation furnish a Record-book, a large Bible, and a Hymn-book and Liturgy for its pulpit. " Resolved, That as infant baptism in the church-edifices has heretofore been neglected, and in order to resuscitate the practice, the officers and members of our Congregations be required to aid the minister in reviving it." On the 19th of March, 1853, after being instructed in the Catechism of the Church, the following persons were confirmed : Andrew Cless, Miss Mary Ann Lenig, George Cless, " Maria Cless, 118 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. Daniel Cless, Miss Margaret A. Cless, William Cless, " Mary J. Smeigh, Carson Hair, " Ellen E. Smeigh, William Hair, " Mary A. Swartz, Conrad Jumper, " Eliz. Ellen Miller, Samuel Foulk, " Catharine Bumbaugh. Miss. Eliz. Jane Lenig, Eev. Gerhard preached to each congregation once every three weeks. At Bloomfield only about one-third of the preaching was required in the German language. Thus in divine worship the German gave way to the English language. After Rev. Ger- hardt's resignation, the charge was vacant about seven months. Rev. Adam Height of Mecbanicsburg, Cumberland County, Pa , having accepted a call, commenced his pastoral labors in the charge on the 1st of March, 1854. He resided at Bloomfield. The charge embraced the same congregations as before, except that Rev. Height preached also occasionally at Millerstown. At Bloomfield only an occasional sermon in the German language was now required. In Septem- ber, 1854, as delegate of the charge, Mr. Henry Harman attended Synod at Shrewsbury, York County, Pa. ; and at this time, for reasons not necessary to state. Rev. Mr. Height ceased to exercise the functions of the ministry here, after having served the charge only about seven months.* On the 5th of June, 1854, the charge bought at Bloomfield of Mr. Conrad Roth, a house, lot, &o., now the Lutheran Parsonage, for eleven hundred dollars. Rev. David H. Pocht of Chambersburg, Pa., having received and accepted a call from the charge, entered on his ministerial labors on the 1st of June, 1855. On Sunday, May 27th, previous to the commencement of * See the Minutes of the West Pennsylvania Synod, of September, 1854, p. 42. CHAPTER II. 119 his pastoral year, he preached his introductory sermon at Bloom- ficld, from Col. 1 : 28, to a large and attentive congregation. This congregation requires preaching in the German language no more. What a change hath time wrought ! only eleven years ago all the preaching in this church was in that language. In this Church your pastor has hitherto preached once every three weeks; in the new church he will be able to preach oftener. In 1855, the charge consisted of Bloomfield, Newport, St. John's at Mark- elville, Shuman's or St. Andrew's, and Buffalo or Emanuel's Church above Ickesburg ; and in June, 1856, when the congre- gation at Mansville was organized, it was also added to the charge. Thus the charge consists now (Oct., 1857), of six congregations, and is much too large to enable a man to do justice to himself and his people. As delegate of the charge, Mr. Henry Titzel attended Synod in September, 1855, at Shippensburg, Pa. Soon after the present pastor had taken charge of the pastorate, he commenced at Bloomfield to instruct a class of catechumens in the doctrines of our holy religion. A meeting was held, com- mencing on the 6th of November, 1855, and closing on the 20th. During this time the pastor preached every evening, catechized, and sometimes had anxious meeting each day. God blessed his word to the good of the people, and we trust there are many here who can in truth say that they found Jesus paecious to their hearts. This was a glorious season of grace from the presence of the Lord. Having been prayerfully instructed, and giving evi- dence of a sincere desire to glorify God, on the 10th of Novem- ber, 1855, the following persons were confirmed : Henry Rice, Mrs. Mary Shade (baptized), Pavid I. Rice, Miss Eliz. Cornraan (baptized), John Rice, " Mary Cornmap, " Jacob Fritz, " Catharine Comp, John Beaver, " Margaret Comp, Samuel M. Ickes, " Catharine E. Rice, John Sweger, " Margaret Rice, 120 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. George W. Stoufer, Miss Margaret W. Eiee, John Stoufer, " Sarah Fritz, Josiah Lenig, " Ellen Simonton, Jacob Hair, " Susan Hair, Mrs. Sarah Rice, " Elizabeth Ketner. " Susan Jumper, May those who were confirmed at this time prove faithful to their covenant vows . to the end, and then be received to the bright mansions above ! This is the sincere prayer of their pas- tor. that God may help each one to run the Christian race with patience, ever trusting in Jesus as a present Savior, and finally through grace receive the crown of glory ! God bless you, my dear catechumens ! ' ' How blest the sacred tie that binds, In union sweet, according minds, How swift the heav'nly course they run, Whose hearts, whose faith, whose hopes are one." On the 1st of December, 1855, the subscription for the erec- tion of a new church was started. Of this we will soon give a full account. A number of others were found willing to attend catechetical lectures, who were faithfully instructed for some time. A meet- ing was held from the 11th to the 16th of March, 1856. Rev. J. Evans assisted the pastor on this occasion. Souls were converted to God and the hearts of Christians were made glad in God their Savior. On the 15th of March, 1856, the following persons were confirmed : John Jumper, Miss F. Eliz. Landis (baptized), John Prantz, " Catharine Clouser " William Bum^augh, " Elizabeth Clouser " Samuel Messimer (baptized), " Sarah Jane Tressler, Mrs. Elizabeth Clouser, " Hannah Jane Beaver, " Christiana Rice, " Sarah Ellen Beaver, Miss M. E. Bverhart (baptized), " Catharine Huss. CHAPTER rr. 121 May you, my dear friends, never forget the hymn you united in singing around the throne of grace when about sealing your covenant with God : "I love thy Zion, Lord ! The house of thine abode ; The Church, blest Bedeemer, sav'd With thine own precious blood," &«. On the 29th of June, 1856, Mr. Israel Messimer and his wife Catharine were received as members by certificate. In September, 1856, Mr. John Wilson of Newport, as delegate of the charge, attended Synod at Chambersburg, Pa., when by a resolution of the West Pennsylvania Synod, the Bloomfield charge became connected with the Synod of Central Pennsylvania. Having attended a series of lectures on the Catechism, the following persons were confirmed on the 11th of October, 1856 : Philip Roth, Miss Catharine Shaifer, Henry Shaffer, " Lydia Ann Sweger. '' Awake, my soul, stretch ev'ry nerve, , And press with vigor on ; A heav'nly race demands thy zeal. And an immortal crown." In January, 1857, a meeting often days' continuance was held. Eev. C. Kuhl preached five sermons on the occasion. A number of persons professed to have experienced a change of heart during this meeting. In March following a meeting of eleven days' continuance was held, during which time the pastor preached fourteen sermons. The attendance was good, and some twelve or fifteen professed to have found the pearl of great price. May they grow daily in grace and the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ ! On the 7th of March, 1857, the following sisters were confirmed : Miss Wilhelmina Kain and Miss Christiana Kain. May these young sisters prove faithful, and then they have the promise of the crown of life ! U 122 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. In May, 1857, Mr. Jacob Keisinger, as delegate of the charge, attended Synod at Perryville, Juniata County, Pa. On the 23d of August, Mrs. Catharine A. Tressler was received as a member by certificate. The weekly prayer-meeting and the Sabbath-school have thus far been regularly kept up and have generally been well attended. May they prosper more and more and prove a great blessing to many souls ! And now, my brethren, we have to this time somewhat minutely traced the history of this church and congregation. To-day, October 4th, 1857, we worship within these walls for the last time. Sixty years have they stood and echoed the minister's voice, and served as a temple of God to many souls; but soon they will be levelled with the ground and be no more. It becomes us well at this time to "remember the days of old." Here your fathers worshipped in singing hymns and offering prayers to God; but their spirits have long since gone to the eternal world and their bodies to the silent grave. This house, also, which they erected, will soon be no more. The old must give way to the new. And here, in infancy, many of you were dedicated to God in holy baptism. Here you first heard the story of the Cross pro- claimed by the servant of God. Here, at this altar, you renewed your covenant vows on bended knees with tears and fervent prayers. Here the heart of many of you was renewed by the Holy Ghost, and here you first recorded the Lord's dying love in the holy Lord's Supper. How solemn this place ! With this house many of you have grown old; and 0, how many of your brethren, who were wont to assemble with you here, have preceded you to the world of spirits ! Your aged pastor, Father Heim, who preached Jesus to you so long from this pulpit, has long since been silenced by death. And after this day, this pulpit will be ascended by the minister of the Gospel no more ; these walls will resound with hymns of praise no more ; from this place prayers will ascend the hill of the Lord no more; and crowds of attentive hearers will throng these seats to listen to the glorious Gospel of the Son of God no more. All, all will soon pass away like a CHAPTER II. 123 dream and be no more. But though we must part with this con- secrated house, this temple of God, we will not, no, we cannot forget it. Whilst life and memory endure, we will remember Zion. Our earliest, liveliest, holiest, and most sacred and cherished recollections of divine worship are associated with this house of God. Here our eyes were often bathed in tears of sorrow and joy, and here we found Jesus unspeakably precious to our hearts. But we must part with our aged house of God. So then, adieu, ye sacred walls ! aged house of God, adieu ! We bless God that thou didst serve us so long and .so well. Let us now go hence, resolved by the grace of God to enter the new house of worship with better hearts and renewed spiritual strength, so that when we have accomplished our work on earth, we may enter that house, not made with hands, eternal in the heavens, whose builder and maker is God. The Lord grant it for Jesus' sake. Amen.* Oa Thursday, the 10th of December, 1857, some of the mem- bers of both denominations met and tore down the seats, pulpit, board-ceiling, gallery, and tore up the floor, &c., of the old church, and divided the lumber equally between them. For twenty dollars the Lutheran Trustees then sold to the German Reformed their half of the naked wall and roof, which were soon after also pulled down and used by the Reformed for various purposes. This was the end of the old, log, Union church. OHRIST's LUTHERAN CHURCH. The old Union church having become dilapidated and in winter uncomfortable, the want of a new, larger, more convenient, and entirely Lutheran church had been deeply felt for some time. After some deliberation the following heading of a subscription for the erection of such a church was drawn up and circulated with encouraging success : " We, the undersigned subscribers, promise to pay the respec- tive sums opposite our names towards the erection of a Lutheran church at New Bloomfield, Perry County, Pa., to be used for the * So far the discourse. 124 CBTJRCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. preaching of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to the Old and New Testament, our only infallible rule of faith and practice. Dec. 1st, A.D. 1855." Ou the 18th of January, 1856, according to previous notice, the members of the Lutheran congregation met in the old Union church to elect a Building Committee and consult on other matters pertaining to the erection of the new church. A hymn was sung. The pastor then offered a prayer, after which he stated the object of the meeting. The vote being taken, it was found that the following brethren were unanimously elected the build- ing committee, viz., Samuel Comp, Dr. Jonas Ickes, Henry Kice, John Beaver, Sen., and Jacob Stoufer. This committee was then instructed to consult with the German Reformed brethren re- specting the propriety of dividing, equally, the ground on the southeast front of the graveyard, held jointly by the two denomi- nations ; to see other churches and lay before the congregation the plan of the proposed new church ; to contract for the erection of the new church-edifice ; and, finally, to superintend the erec- tion of the new church, and see to it that it be built according to the contract. Without delay, the committee entered on the dis- charge of their duty with energy and unanimity. According to previous announcement, the Elders, Deacons, and Trustees of both denominations met in the old Union church on the 28th of February, 1856, to divide the ground held jointly by the Lutherans and German Reformed. Dr. Jonas Ickes was chosen President and Rev. Samuel Kuhn Secretary of the Convention, and the following action was had : "The President of the meeting. Dr. Jonas Ickes, stated that the object of the meeting was the equal division of that part of the church lot, and of the church-edifice thereon erected, bounded on the south by High Street, east by an alley and the school- house, north by the lower or southern graveyard fence, and west by lands of Samuel Klinepeter. On due deliberation the follow- ing resolutions were adopted : "Resolved, 1. That the ground above described, which was the joint property of the German Reformed and Lutheran congrega- CHAPTER II. 125 tions, be divided equally between said congregations, after cutting off an alley on the east sixteen feet wide, and also one on the west twelve feet wide, in order that each of the said denominations may employ and use said ground, when so divided, for the purpose of holding and using church edifices as their exclusive property. " Resolved, 2. That the division line is to be occupied by a fence to be built and kept in repair at the equal expense of the two congregations named. "Resolved, 3. That neither of the two churches be built in from the alleys more than five feet. "Resolved, 4. That the German Reformed church-edifice shall be built on the extreme west end and the Lutheran church-edifice on the extreme east end of said lots, alleys and spaces excepted as stated in the 1st and 3d resolutions. " Resolved, 5. That the error in the deed, relating to the right of the Lutheran congregation to a piece of ground purchased jointly by the German Reformed and Lutheran congregations for the use of an additional burying-ground, be so amended and cor- rected in the deeds of conveyance as that the Lutheran congre- gation may be recognized as joint owner of said piece of land. "Resolved, 6. That within the space of two years, dating from the first of April, A.D. 1856, to the first of April, A.D. 1858, the old church-building, now standing on the above named pro- perty and known as the ' Union church,' shall be taken down, and all the material equally divided between the two congre- gations owning it. "Resolved, 7. That the Trustees of both congregations be in- structed to employ Daniel Gantt, Esq., to survey the ground and make the deeds of conveyance forthwith, and that the expenses thereof be defrayed equally by the two congregations. " The minutes having been read, they were, on motion, unani- mously approved. The meeting adjourned indefinitely. Signed, " Jonas Ickes, " President. "Samuel Kchn, " Secretary." 11* 126 CHTTRCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. / On the 3d of May, the same year, the building committee con- tracted with Messrs. William Stoufer and Thomas Sutch, Jr., for the erection of the Lutheran church-edifice. Dr. Ickes wrote the article of agreement.* On the 5th of May the building committee and contractors met, and, assisted by D. Gantt, Esq., in the use of the compass, staked oiF the ground on which to erect the church-edifice. On the 5th of September following, the bricklayers commenced to raise the ■wall. The laying of the corner-stone. On Friday evening, the 19th of September, 1856, the Rev. Joseph R. Focht preached in the old Union church from Jere- miah 8 : 20. On Saturday, the 20th, at the same place, the Rev. Joshua Evans preached at 10 o'clock, A.M., a suitable discourse from 1 Pet. 2 : 5. After the delivery of the sermon, about seventy dol- lars were obtained by subscription and collection. The assembly proceeded then to the foundation of the new church-edifice. Here a hymn was sung. The pastor then read the usual liturgical les- son, and announced the names of the documents deposited in the east corner-stone. The following paper was read, and the docu- ments mentioned therein were deposited with it in the corner-stone : " In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Amen. " 1. The Lutheran congregation at New Bloomfield, Perry County, Pennsylvania, having deeply felt the want of a new, larger, and more convenient house of worship, resolved, in reli- ance on the aid of God aud for the promotion of His glory, to erect this house, wherein the pure Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ is to be preached, and the sacraments of the New Testa- ment administered in accordance with the inspired Scriptures of the Old and New Testament, our only infallible guide in matters of faith and practice. * To the great regret of the congregation and remaining members of the building committee, soon after this Dr. Ickes moved to Monmouth, State of Illinois. CHAPTEE II. 127 "2. The doctrines to be preached and taught in this church shall be in strict and full agreement with the doctrinal basis of the General Synod of the Lutheran Church in the United States, viz., the doctrinal articles of the Augsburg Confession, which, though subordinate to the Holy Scriptures, we believe do teach the fundamental doctrines of the word of God. Every doctrine, or shade of doctrine, which in anywise deviates from or conflicts with this creed or basis of the General Synod of the Lutheran Church in the United States, is hereby excluded from this house. "3. The Formula of the General Synod of the Lutheran Church in the United States for government and discipline, or a constitution in no way conflicting with said Formula, is and shall always be the rule for the government and discipline of the con- gregation worshipping in this church. " 4. This house we build with an eye single to the glory of the Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Gho.st, for our present and eternal good, the good of our children and successors, and the good of the community at large. "Having thus set forth the rule of our religious belief, the form for our government and discipline, and the design for which we build this house — " Be it therefore known to all to whom these presents shall come, that this, the corner-stone of Christ's Lutheran Church at New Bloomfield, Perry County, Pennsylvania, was laid in the name of the Triune God, on the twentieth day of September, Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-six, and the eighty- first year of the Independence of the United States of America, Franklin Pierce being President of the United States, and James Pollock Governor of the State of Pennsylvania. "And when the tooth of time shall have demolished these walls, and all tho.se who aided in raising them shall have gone to their graves, may those who shall uncover this stone learn from this document the religious belief and benevolent design of their forefathers, and be thereby incited to prosecute and extend the great and glorious cause of the Divine Redeemer, to whom with 128 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. the Father and Holy Ghost be given praise and honor, thanks- giving and glory, now and forever. Amen. "1. The ministers present are : Kev. David H. Focht, Pastor loci. Kev. Joseph K. Focht, Pastor of the Dillsburg Lutheran charge, York County, Pa. Rev. Joshua Evans, Pastor of the Newville Lutheran charge, Cumberland County, Pa. Rev. Samuel Kuhn, Pastor of the German Reformed church at New Bloomfield, Perry County, Pa. "2. The church-council consists of the foUowing persons : Rev. D. H. Fooht, ex-officio chairman. T 1. x> o -» Samuel Comp, John Beaver, Sen., \ „,, ^ ^___^ ^^___/' ., bamuel Uomp, ~\ j Elders. Jacob Stoufer, I . David Tressler, J William Lenig, J u^^vu utuuici, r David Tressler, . " 3. The following are the huilding committee: Samuel Comp, John Beaver, Sen., Henry Rice, and Jacob Stoufer. "4. The contractors are : Messrs. William Stoufer and Thomas Sutch, Jr. "5. The documents deposited with this paper are the following : " 1. The Holy Bible (English). 2. The Lutheran Hymn-Book (English, revised edition, miniature). 3. Luther's Smaller Cate- chism (English, General Synod's 6th edition). 4. Proceedings of the 31st Convention of the West Pennsylvania Synod. 5. The Lutheran Observer of Sept. 19th, 1856. 6. The Lutheran Al- manac (English) for 1856. 7. A copy of each of the county papers, viz. : a. The People's Advocate and Perry County Demo- crat of Sept. 17th, 1856; b. The Perry County Freeman, of Sept. 18th, 1856; c. The Perry County Democrat, of Sept. 18th, 1856." The documents being all deposited, Rev. S. Kuhn offered a prayer to God for His blessing on the exercises. A hymn was then sung, after which Rev. J. Evans dismissed the assembly by pronouncing the apostolic benediction. Thus ended the exercises connected with the laying of the corner-stone. OHAPrER II. 129 On the 23d of October the bricklayers finished the walls. The building was then put under roof and closed in. Thus it stood till the spring of 1857. The spire and rod were put up in June, and on the 20th of October, 1857, the church being now ready for consecration, the building committee and contractors made a final settlement. The contractors received three thousand dollars for their work. The congregation found the bell, the lamps, and all the furniture ; and the basement was as yet left unfinished. Consecration of the Church. . On Thursday evening, the 22d of October, 1857, the Kev. P- Willard preached the first sermon in the new church, from Matt. 25 : 46. " And these shall go away into everlasting punish- ment." Theme: The burial of the soul. On Friday, 23d, at 10 o'clock, A.M., Rev. George A. Nixdorff preached from Psalm 185 : 3-5. This evening. Rev. P. Willard preached from Prov. 3 : 15. Theme : The valve of religion. A large congregation was in attendance. On Saturday, the 24th, at 10 o'clock, a.m., the Rev. B. Kurtz, D.r).,.LL.D., preached from Matt. 20 : 29-34. The two blind men. This evening, the Rev. J- Evans preached from John 16 : 19, 20. On Sunday, the 25th, at 10 o'clock, a.m.. Rev. Dr. Kurtz preached the dedication sermon to a densely crowded congregation, from Matt. 6 : 10, " Thy kingdom come." About eight hundred dollars were then secured by subscription and collection ; but as over a thousand dollars were required to cover all liabilities, and as it was deemed inconsistent to dedicate the house to God so long as the expenses therfeof were not met, the dedication services were deferred till evening. This evening, the Rev. P. M. Rightmyer preached from Psalm 137 : 5-6. Subscriptions and a collection were then obtained to the amount of two hundred and twenty-eight dollars. All liabilities being thus met by the liberality of the people, the pastor proceeded to consecrate the church by the distinguishing name, Christ's Evan- gelical Lutheran Church, to the service of God, according to the consecration formula in our Liturgy. Rev. J. Evans offered the dedicatory prayer. To-day the church could not near contain all 130 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. the people assembled. The work is done ; bless the Lord, my soul ! This evening, Dr. Kurtz preached also in the Presbyterian church at Bloomfield. On Monday evening, the 26th, the pastor preached from Heb. 11 : 13, " And pilgrims on earth." Here ended the exercises connected with the dedication of the new church. This is a neat and well-built brick church-edifice, fifty-eight feet long hj forty-three feet wide, has a basement/oriij/ feet square, a Gothic front, is surmounted by a tall spire and sweet-toned bell, is eligibly located, and reflects much credit on the taste and skill of the architects and on the liberality of the congregation. The internal arrangement is tasteful and judicious. Having attended a series of lectures on the Catechism of the Church, and being found possessed of the requisite qualifications, on the 14th of November, 1857, Mrs. Louisa Woods was received as a member by certificate, and the following persons were confirmed : Miss Amanda Jane Kissinger, Miss Cath. Elizabeth Roth, " Harriet Fritz, " Marg. Rebecca Eckert, " Maria Roth, " Matilda A. "Huss. "May we, a little band of love, We sinners, sar'd by grace, From glory unto glory chang'd,' Behold thee face to face." In May, 1858, the Synod of Central Pennsylvania held its fourth annual convention in this church. Mr. Samuel Shuman, as delegate of the charge, attended the sessions of this convention. On the 1st of October, 1858, Mr. William Ferguson and Isabella his wife were received as members by certificate, and on the 16th of the same month, the following brethren were confirmed : David Holmes (baptized), William C. Stahl. Henry M. Sweger, ' ' Onward, now, to glory move ; More than oonqu'rors ye shall prove ; Though oppos'd by many a foe. Christian soldiers, onward go !" CHAPTER II. 131 In February, 1859, during a protracted meeting, in which the pastor was assisted by the Kev. I. J. Stine, it pleased the Lord to pour out his spirit on the congregation, and a number of persons professed to have found peace by faith in Jesus Christ. Some of these, after having been still more fully instructed, were confirmed on the 12th of March, 1859, viz. : George W. Black (baptized), Mrs Angeline Shade, Mrs. Sarah E. Rice (baptized). Miss Lydia Sweger. " Catharine R. Weaver, "Thy pard'ning love, so free, so sweet, Dear Savior, I adore j keep me at thy sacred feet. And let me rove no more." In May, 1859, Mr. Samuel Comp, as delegate of the charge, attended Synod at Miiflinburg, Union County, Pa. On the 12th of November, 1859, Mrs. Lucinda Peck was re- ceived as a member by certificate, and the following persons were confirmed; John Comp, Miss Ann Eliza Holmes, Andrew P. Comp, " Mary Eliz. Stoufer, Joseph Hair, " Sarah Ann Stoufer. ' ' Religion should our thoughts engage. Amidst our youthful bloom ; 'Twill fit us for declining age, And for the awful tomb." In May, 1860, Mr. Darius J. Long, as delegate of the charge, attended Synod at Petersburg, Perry County, Pa. On the 4th of August, 1860, Mrs. Mary C. Tressler was re- ceived by certificate as a member, and on the 3d of November of the same year, the following were confirmed : George Tressler, William H. Shade, Miss Margaretta Rice. "But drops of grief can ne'er repay The debt of love I owe ; Here, Lord, I give myself away, 'Tis all that I can do." 132 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. In May, 1861, as delegate, Mr. Samuel Comp represented the charge in Synod at Belleville, Mifflin County, Pa. On the 26th of October, 1861, Mr. Greorge Kempfer and his wife Nancy Ann were received by certificate as members of this church, and Miss Sophia Swartz and Miss Catharine Ann Eckert by confirmation. And on the 12th of April, 1862, Mr. Peter S. Albert, and Mr. Joseph Abrams and his wife Amanda, were also received by certificate. May these friends be richly blessed in their present church-relation ! ' ' Kindred in Christ, for his dear sake, A hearty -weloome here receive : May we together now partake The joys which only he can give. " Thus, as the moments pass away, We'll love and wonder and adore ; And hasten on the glorious day When we shall meet to part no more." In May, 1862, Mr. Christian Long, Sen., of Newport, as dele- gate of the charge, attended Synod at Selinsgrove, Pa. The basement story of Christ's Church, hitherto unfinished, was completed in May, this spring, at an expense of about two hundred dollars. Mr. Isaiah Kitner did the plastering and Mr. Joseph Fredericks the carpenter work. The room is forty feet square, and well adapted for Sunday-school, weekly lectures, &c. For a few general remarks in regard to the Bloomfield pasto- rate, the reader is referred to the end of this chapter. May heaven smile graciously upon all the dear people of this charge ! The following brethren have at different times served as officers since the organization of the English Lutheran congregation in June, 1844 : CHAPTER II. 133 Elders. Jacob Crist, . from 1844 to 1850. David Deardorff, 1844 to 1846. John Rice, . 1846 to 1850. David Tressler, 1850 to 1853. . William Erb, 1850 to 1854. John Beaver, 1855 to 1858. William Lenig, 1855 to 1858. Samuel Comp, 1868 yet in office. Henry Rice, 1858 Deacons. Henry C. Hickok, Esq., . from 1844 to 1846. George Attig, ({ 1844 to 1846. Alex. C. Klink, II 1846 to 1850. William Erb, 11 1846 to 1850. Dr. Jonas Ickes, (( 1850 to 1855. John Roth, . (I 1850 to 1855. Andrew Hensel, « 1850 to 1855. Samuel Comp, it 1855 to 1858. David Tressler, « 1855 to 1858. Jacob Stoufer, (( 1855 to 1858. John Roth, . 11 1858 to 1861. John Rice, . II 1858 to 1861. Jacob Fritz, . (( 1858 yet in office George Tressler, a 1861 William Titzel, II 1861 « , Trustees. Jacob Crist, . from 1844 to 1850. David Tressler, II 1850 to 1853. John Rice, . II 1850 to 1855. Samuel Comp, « 1855 yet in office John Beaver, II 1855 12 134 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. SECTION II. ST. Andrew's [Shumanh) church in satille township. At the close of the last century and the beginning of the present, a large number of Lutherans settled at and east of where Ickes- burg was afterwards located, in Juniata, now Saville, Township. Of these, the Ickes, Lyons, Shuman, Long, Anders, and a number of others, were among the earliest Lutheran families that settled here. They had however no church nearer than Loysville or Bloomfield, to either of which places they had to go a distance from eight to twelve miles. Occasionally they were visited by a minister of their own Church, who preached in private dwellings and school-houses. Some time in 1812, the Rev. Frederick Oberhauser, a native of Holland and a man of great literary attainments, but lamentably deficient in other respects, located somewhere in To- boyne Township, in the vicinity of Blain, and for a number of years regularly visited and preached for the scattered members of the Lutheran Church in the neighborhood of Ickesburg and some other places in that part of Sherman's Valley. About two miles east of Ickesburg, at the house of Mr. Andrew Shuman, and at Mr. Crist's, he preached once every four weeks for about two years. He instructed a class of catechumens in the Catechism in this neighborhood, and in 1815, at the house now occupied by Mr. Andrew Shuman, near his mill and St. Andrew's Church, he had communion, and confirmed the following twelve persons : Peter Long, Daniel Hall, Henry Long, Miss Elizabeth Long, Daniel Sunday, " Rebecca Hall, Isaac Frantz, " Elizabeth Beistlein, Nicholas Lyons, ' " Margaret Long, John Crist, " Sarah Hartman. A number of the above persons are still with us, and are among the most useful aged members of the Church. They are all CHAPTER II. 135 venerable for age. Forty-seven years ago they united with the Church ; six of them have gone to the grave, and six of them still linger on its verge. They formed the nucleus of the congre- gation organized about fifteen years after the time of their con- firmation. A few years hence, and they will be among us no more. Most of them were useful in their day, and their names are intimately associated with the history of St. Andrew's Church. Besides these, and still older than these, we may mention the name of Andrew Shuman, who put the roof on the old log (Christ's) ehurch at Bloomfield in 1798, donated the land on which St. Andrew's Church was erected, and died in peace and a bright hope in 1852, aged 78 years, — also Adam and John Lyons, and the Anders, — all of whom took a deep interest in having the Gospel regularly preached in their midst. These have all gone to their rest. Rev. Oberhauser preached and administered the sacraments in the houses of the members, and deserves the credit of having col- lected the members and laid the foundation of a future and pros- perous congregation. At a time when the country was distracted by the English war he did what he could for Christ. He was learned, but unable to make his learning of much avail. As he was not supported by preaching, he also practised medicine. Thus he endeavored to do good to the bodies and souls of his people. On account of the increasing infirmities of age, soon after he had confirmed the above persons, he ceased to preach in this vicinity. He died on the 12th of April, 18ill, aged 75 years. His large library, consisting of books chiefly in the Dutch and Latin languages, was afterwards sold at half its real value. Some forty volumes of it are now in the writer's library.* After Rev. Oberhauser ceased to preach here, as the members were not regularly organized into a congregation, they scattered like sheep without a shepherd. When in 1815, the Rev. John William Helm commenced to preach at Loysville, in passing from Juniata to * See note on p. 95. 136 OHtJRCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. Perry County, he preached occasionally in private dwellings at Ickesburg and the surrounding neighborhood. Still, if the mem- bers wished to attend preaching regularly, they had to go to Loys- ville or Bloomfield, and to the one or the other of these places the young people also went to attend catechetical instruction. At that time people did not deem it hard to go on foot from eight to twelve miles to preaching and catechizing. Then they could en- dure more than they now can, or they had more religion than they now have, or, probably, they then endured and possessed what is now by many only looked at and professed. " The tree is known by his fruit." In the spring of 1828, Rev. Heim moved to Loysville, and after this he preached in this neighborhood on week-days about once every four weeks. Thus the members were collected and encouraged, and soon the want of a suitable house wherein to wor- ship God was felt, and measures taken to erect such a house. The following heading of a subscription was circulated with encourag- ing success. " We, the subscribers, consider ourselves bound to pay the sum opposite to our names to such place as subscribed for,* for the purpose of erecting a German church in Saville Township, Perry County, near Andrew Shuman's lower mill, or near Ickesburg. The 16th day of September, 1829." The amount obtained by subscriptions justified the members in proceeding to erect the proposed house of worship. A site near Shuman's lower mill, and about two miles east of Ickesburg, was selected for the location of the church. In the meantime Rev. Heim continued to preach in private dwellings. The congregation was also regularly organized, and a congregational constitution was drawn up. The following brethren constituted the first Lutheran church-council here : Frederick Anders, Elder. Peter Long, ) „ John Beistlein, Deacon. John Swartz, J * I, e. either near Shuman's mill or Ickesburg, both places being proposed as proper locations. CHAPTER ir. 137 Rev. Heim wrote the following constitution in the German lan- guage. This instrument of writing is substantially the same as the constitution adopted at Loysville in 1827, and we will there- fore introduce here only that part of it which differs from the Loysville constitution. It makes no mention of the Augsburg Confession or any other specific rule, except the Bible, according to which the Gospel is to be preached. It reads as follows : CONSTITUTION OF ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH. In (he name of God the Father, Son, and Soly Ghost. Amen. God is a God of order, and, therefore, every undertaking that is to meet with His approbation and redound to His glory, must be carried on in the spirit of order, of love, and of peace. As we have concluded to erect a house, which we intend to consecrate to the service of God, and in which we, our children and their pos- terity, will conduct our public worship of God, therefore. We, the Church-Council and members of the congregation, do, on this day, , 1830, pledge ourselves to observe most conscientiously, and as far as lieth in the power of man the following constitution : CHAPTER I. OF THE CHUHCH, THE LAND THERETO BELONQINQ, AND THE GRAVEYARD. Our church, called St. Andrew's, built on one acre of land, which Andrew Shuman gives for the purpose by a deed of con- veyance, situate in Saville Township, Perry County, and State of Pennsylvania, is and shall always continue to be a Union church in the use of the two religious denominations, namely, the Evan- gelical Lutheran and the Evangelical Reformed, and so it shall remain -until, by mutual agreement of both denominations, the one congregation shall purchase the right of the other ; and it shall at no time be allowed that any other doctrine than the Ev- angelical Lutheran and Evangelical Reformed be preached in this church, but the doctrines held by these two religious doiiumina- 1-2- 138 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOTJNTAINS. tions shall be preached in purity according to the Bible without any admixture of error. [The remaining portion of the Constitu- tion is word for word the same as the Loysville constitution, and need not be repeated here. See pp. 37-41.] To ratify the above Constitution, we, the Church-Council and members, subscribe our names : Lutheran members. Henry Swartz, Frederick Anders, Elder, Jacob Comp, John Beistlein, Deacon, George Markel, Peter Long, \ w , Henry Pickard. John Swartz, J Henry Long, German Reformed mewhers. Andrew Shuman, John Bealor, Nicholas Lyons, Adam Stutzman, Adam Lyons, Daniel Bealor, Jacob Anders, George Keyser, Daniel Long, Joseph Bealor. John Anders, ) The above Constitution has long since become in a great measure obsolete. Por after the resignation of Rev. Heim in the spring of 1849, each denomination elected its own church-officers, had its own treasury, and administered discipline and church affairs according to the constitution of its own Synod or General Synod, so that the congregations, after that time, had nothing in common, except that they worshipped in the same church-edifice. On the third of April, 1830, Mr. Andrew Shuman and his wife Elizabeth made a deed " for one acre of land for one dollar, in trust of Peter Long, John Miller, and John Swartz, of Juniata (now Saville) Township, appointed for the Buffalo German Lu- theran and Eeformed Church," &c. Andrew Shuman and John Bealor were elected the building committee. The church-edifice was erected in the summer of 1831, is a log building, thirty-four feet long by twenty-eight feet wide. In the fall of 1831, the word of life was first preached in the new church, though the gallery on three sides, the pulpit and CHAPTER ir. 139 pews were not constructed till 1833. We have been informed that no oorner-stone was laid, and the time of the consecration of the church, if it ever was formally consecrated, we have not been able to learn. Rev. Heim preached here regularly once every four weeks, ex- clusively in the German language. Having been faithfully in- structed in the doctrines of our holy religion, a large class of catechumens was confirmed in April, 1833, of which class the following persons were the majority : Henry Kleckner, William Yohn, Jacob Reisinger, George Koohenderfer, David Crist, Isaac Long, Samuel Orris, Isaac Flickinger, Henry Flickinger, Mrs. Sarah Lyons, " Catharine Reisinger, " Margaret Yohn, Mrs. Catharine Jacobs, " Elizabeth Reisinger, " Margaret Flickinger, " Sarah Smith, " Barbara Orris (baptized), " Elizabeth Long " Miss Catharine Long, " Mary Kochenderfer, " Elizabeth Shuman, " Mary Anders, " Elizabfeth Erantz. It is to be regretted that no church-record was kept whilst Father Heim was pastor of the congregation. We are wholly de- pendent for names and dates on the frail memory of some mem- bers. But as might be expected, the names of many of those who were confirmed by Rev. Heim can not be remembered. In 1836, the following, and a number of others not now re- membered, were confirmed : David Swartz, George Markel, John Hall, Simon Yeager, Jacob Yeager, George Jacobs, Daniel Smith, Jacob Utly, Jonathan Hall, Miss Elizabeth Hall, " Mary Hall, 'f Mary Yeager, 140 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. Jacob Kleckner, Miss Elizabeth Kleckner, . Joseph Flickinger, " Elizabeth Zimmerman. Jacob Barrick, In 1840, a large class of catechumens was confirmed. The fol- lowing persons are a few of this class : George Wallet, Mrs. Margaret Comp, David Long, " Elizabeth Beistlein, George Utly, Miss Susan Comp, Mrs. Christiana Berkley, " Mary Utly. " Sarah Anders, In April, 1842, Rev. Heim confirmed a class, the last he con- firmed here, consisting of the following persons : John Peck, Eliza Flickinger, George Long, Margaret Maul, Henry Long, Ann Long, Christian Wagoner, Diana Kretzing, George Kretzing, Catharine Kretzing, John Flickinger, Rebecca Hall, and some others, Joanna Wagoner, whose names are not re- Christiana Wagoner, membered. Whilst pastor of this congregation. Father Heim preached re- gularly once in four weeks in the German language. The want of preaching in the English language began to be deeply felt. Hence the members proposed to Rev. Heim that they would sup- port him as they had always done, and that he should continue to preach in German, but that he should allow them to associate with him a minister who could preach in the English language. To this reasonable proposition he objected, and after holding commu- nion in May, 1849, he resigned ; and on the 27th of December following, he departed this life in peace. In June of the same year, he was at this place succeeded as pastor by the Rev. Jacob Martin, who was then pastor of the Bloomfield charge. Rev. Martin preached for this congregation once every three weeks, alternately CHAPTER II. 141 in the German and English languages. A chureh-record was now secured, and hereafter baptisms, confirmations, &c., were regularly recorded. During the summer of 1849, the church was rough- cast outside, and other repairs were made, as the following head- ing of a subscription shows : " We, the subscribers, promise to pay to the Trustees of St. Andrew's Church the several sums annexed to our names, to be applied by them to repairing the said church by plastering, paint- ing, and whatever else may be by them and the other members thought necessary, and also to make all suitable repairs to the graveyard in fencing the same. 1849." After being duly instructed and found properly qualified, on Saturday, the 8th of June, 1850, the following persons were con- firmed : Kobert Survell (baptized), Mrs. Nancy Flickinger, James Campbell " " Lydia Ann Hench, Joseph Flickinger, Miss Elizabeth Long, John Lyons, " Sarah Lyons, Henry Long, " Catharine Shuman, Darius J. Long, " Margaret Long, Mrs. Catharine Prey, " Margaret Long. " Susan Reisinger, On the 3d of January, 1851, the following persons were re- ceived by confirmation : David Barrick, Hugh Campbell, David Frey. Having served the congregation about two years and ten months. Rev. Martin resigned the Bloomfield charge on the 1st of April, 1852, and was succeeded on the 1st of June following by the Jiev. William Gerhardt, who preached here once every three weeks, alternately in the Ger- man and English languages. Having been faithfully instructed in the Catechism of the Church, on Saturday, the 18th of Juno, 142 CHTJROHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. 1853, the following persons were admitted to full communion by the rite of confirmation : Andrew J. Shuman, Miss Julian Lyons, Frederick Barrick, " Susan Shuman, Henry Alexander Long, " Catharine Swartz, Miss Joanna Long, " Maria Spriggle (baptized), " Cath. Ellen Long, " Catharine Kleckner, " Rebecca Long, " Mary A. Reisinger, " Mary Ellen Long, " Margaret Barrick. On Sunday, the 19th of June, Rev. Gerhardt, at one and the same time, preached a sacramental sermon, a funeral sermon, and his farewell sermon, from 2 Cor. 13 : 14, having served the con- gregation about one year. The Bloomfield charge was then va- cant about eight months. On the 1st of March, 1854, the Rev. Adam Height, having accepted a call from the charge, commenced his pastoral labors here. He preached to this congregation once every three weeks. The use of the German language in the pulpit was scarcely needed at this time. On Saturday, the 19th of March, Henry lleisinger was admitted to full membership by .confirmation, and John Shuman and Mary A. Reisinger were received by certificate. Having preached here about seven months, in September, 1854, Rev. Height ceased his ministry. The Bloomfield charge was again vacant about eight months. Having accepted a unanimous call from the Bloomfield charge, on the 1st of June, 1855, the Rev. David H. Focht entered on the discharge of his ministerial labors here. He preached his introductory sermon at St. Andrew's Church on Sunday, the 3d of June, from Exod. 33 : 14, to a large and at- tentive congregation. At this time the German language in the pulpit is required no more. What a change a short time has wrought ! Not longer than six or seven years ago all the preach- ing in this church was in the German language, and Father Heim thought the request of the members to have English preaching. CHAPTER 11. 143 unreasonable and wholly unnecessary. He meant it well, but was clearly behind the wants of the congregation, and the people in general in Perry County, on the subject of English preaching. Having been faithfully instructed, the following persons were confirmed on the 27th of October, 1855 : William Hench, Miss Rheuamma Long, Daniel Lyons, " Mary Ann Swartz, Henry P. Long, " Matilda Steinberg, Miss Sarah Berkley (baptized), " Mary Catharine Shuman, " Elizabeth Long, " Sarah Ann Shuman, " Caroline Long, " Lydia Ann Smith. " Ellen Lyons, "Jesus ! we come at thy command, "With faith, and hope, and humble zeal — Ile.«iign our spirits to thy hand. To mould and guide us at thy will." On the 12th of April, 1856, George Jacobs was confirmed, and on the 7th of September following, Mrs. Margaret A. Crist was received by certificate. On the 18th of October, the same year, Mr. Andrew Shuman was received by certificate, and the follow- ing persons were confirmed : Jeremiah Lyons, Miss Mary Kleckner, William Trostle, Mrs. Agnes Shuman (baptized). Miss Rebecca Lyons, ' ' Prepare us, Lord, by grace divine, For thy bright courts on high ; Then bid our spirits rise and join The chorus of the sky." On the 25th of April, 1857, the following persons were admitted to full communion by confirmation : John K. Shuman, Oliver Reisinger, Samuel Markel, Mrs. Mary Ann Reisinger, " How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord, Is laid for your faith in his excellent word ! What more can he say than to you he has said ? You who unto Jesus for refuge have fled." 144 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. On the 10th of October, 1857, the following two persons were received to full communion by confirmation : Daniel Kleckner, Miss Rebecca Jane Kleckner. " watch, and fight, and pray ; The battle ne'er give o'er ; Benew it boldly every day, And help diTine implore." On the 5th of November, 1859, Mr. John M. McKee and Mrs. Catharine Grlock, and on the 22d of April, 1860, Mr. Sam- uel Clouser, were received as members by certificate. The Lord bless these dear friends ! Having been instructed in the Catechism every week for more than four months, on the 8th of December, 1860, Mr. Job Shinn was received by certificate, and the following persons were con- firmed : Jacob B. Shuman, Miss Charity Long, Peter Long, " Susan Long, Jacob H. Kleckner, " Catharine Long, John T. Baker (baptized), " Elizabeth Ann Long, Eobert Paden, " " Sarah Long, Mrs. Maria Paden, " " Mary Ann Klinepeter, Miss Mary Eliz.Blain (baptized), " Cath. Angeline Barrick, " Rebecca Shuman, " ! to grace how great a debtor Daily I'm cnnstrain'd to be ! Let that grace, Lord, like a fetter, Bind my wand'ring heart to thee ! " Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it; Prone to leave the God I love — Here's my heart, Lord, take and seal it, Seal it from thy courts above." This congregation, now numbering about one hundred mem- bers, has a weekly prayer-meeting and a Sunday-school, both of which are well attended. Piety and intelligence are advancing CHAPTER It. 145 among the members, and benevolence and every good cause meet a hearty response at their hands. Since 1849, when Rev. Heim resigned, the following brethren have at different times served' as officers of this congregation : Elders Andrew Shuman, Sen., Nicholas Lyons, Henry Long, Jeremiah Burkepile, Samuel Shuman, . Isaac Long, . Andrew Shuman, . from 1849 to 1852. " 1849 to 1856. " 1852 to 1856. " 1856 to 1857. " 1856 to 1858. " 1857 yet in office. " 1858 Deacons. George Kochenderfer, Isaac Long, . Samuel Shuman, Daniel Long, David Barrick, John K. Shuman, Darius J. Long, John Lyons, . Daniel Lyons, Henry Long, from 1849 to 1851. " 1849 to 1853. « 1851 to 1856. " 1853 to 1857. " 1856 to 1858. " 1858 to 1860. " 1857 to 1861. " 1860 to 1861. " 1861 now in office. " 1861 " Trustees. Christopher Wagner, Peter Long, . from 1849 to 1856. « 1856 to 1861. 13 146 CHUECnES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. SECTION III. ST. John's {Bealor's) church neak mabkelville, juniata township. In the beginning of the present century a number of Lutheran families settled in Juniata Township, as the Beistleins, Smiths, Lenigs, Swartzs, Grists, Burrels, and others. Most of these attended preaching at Bloomfield, and some few at Loysville, the distance of six to twelve miles. After the erection of St. An- drew's (Shuman's) Church in 1831, most of them worshipped there, and the rest at Bloomfield. All however were deeply im- pressed with the urgent necessity of having the Gospel preached in their midst. Hence, in 1839, Hev. John William Heim commenced to preach for them occasionally in the school-house on the hill near Bosserman's mill, now near Markelville. At the same time a Sunday-school was also started and held at this school-house. These visits of Father Heim convinced the mem- bers more than ever of the necessity and advantage of having among them the stated ministrations of the Gospel and of a suit- able house of worship. The attendance at the school-house was very encouraging. Measures were then taken to erect, as soon as practicable, a house of worship conjointly with a sister denomi- nation. The following is a copy of the heading of the subscrip- tion circulated for aid towards the erection of the proposed church- edifice : "We, the undersigned, citizens of Juniata Township and parts adjacent, in Perry County, composed of Lutheran and Presby- terian professors, feeling ourselves in a great measure destitute of the preaching of the Gospel among us, to obviate which, we do hereby agree to form a union to enable us to raise money for the erection of a house for public worship in the neighborhood of William Bosserman's mill on Big Buffalo, and on the land of Marx Bealor, who offers a piece of land for that purpose as a free donation; and wo cordially invite the friends of religion, both CHAPTER 11. 147 German and English, to join us in this undertaking, and be sharers in the privileges and advantages of the proposed insti- tution, believing as we do, that righteousness exalteth a nation, and sin is the reproach of any people. "We, therefore, to realize said object, do promise to pay the several sums annexed to our names respectively, to such person or persons as shall be hereafter appointed for that purpose. Wit- ness our hands the 7th January, 1840." Messrs. Daniel Swartz and John Bealor were appointed the building committee. A sufficient amount was soon subscribed to justify the building committee to proceed in erecting the proposed house of worship. Mr. Marx Bealor also deeded a piece of land to the use of the congregations as the site for the church-edifice and the graveyard.* From this deed we make the following extract : " This Indenture made the 7th day of August, 1840, between Marks Bealor of Juniata Township, Perry County, State of Penn- sylvania, and his wife Elizabeth, of the one part, and Philip Myers, Samuel Lupfer and William Bosserman, Trustees of a religious society in said township and parts adjacent, composed of Lutherans and Presbyterians united, now about erecting them- selves into a congregation, of the other part, — ^Witnesseth that the said Mark Bealor and Elizabeth his wife, for and in considera- tion of the many blessings of the Gospel among men and in order to secure and pi'omote it in this corner for the happiness and comfort of themselves, their children, and neighbors, and all others, and also for and in consideration of one dollar to them in hand paid by the said Trustees and before the ensealing and de- livering thereof, the receipt whereof they do hereby acknowledge and thereof acquit and forever discharge the said Trustees above * On the piece of land offered by Mr. Marz Bealor, and now embraced in the graveyard adjoining the church, a number of persons were buried long before the church was built. The tombstone of the first person buried here, bears the following inscription in German: " liier ruhen die Gebeine von, Sarah Bealor, Tochter von M. Bealor, Starb 6t/i August, 1810. Alter 8 Ja/ir, 8 Moiiat, -and 26 Tage." 148 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. named, their successors and assigns, do by these presents grant, bargain, sell, &c., — two and one-half perches over one-half acre, to have and to hold the said piece or lot of ground, to the said Philip Myers, Samuel Lupfer and William Bosserman, Trustees aforesaid, their successors and assigns forever, for the establish- ment and support of a church and suitable pastors for said con- gregation according to justice and their articles of association," &c. See, Deed-Booh, Letter I, p. 272. The above article of sub- scription and deed were written by George Monroe, Esq. The Lutheran congregation was regularly organized in October, 1840, by the election and installation of ,Mr. John Beistlein, Elder, and of Mr. Daniel Swartz, Deacon. These were the first officers of the congregation. Kev. Heim composed also the following church constitution in the German language : CONSTITUTION OF ST. JOHN'S CHURCH. In the name of God the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. God is a God of order, and therefore everything that is to meet with His approbation and redound to His glory must be done in the spirit of order, of love and peace. We, the Church-Council and Church-members, do therefore, on this 4th day of October, 1840, bind ourselves to observe most faithfully and in as far as in us lies the following Constitution : CHAPTER I. OF THE CHUECH AND OKATEYAED. Our church, called , erected on the ground given for the purpose by Marcus Bealor, containing eighty-two rods, situate in Juniata Township, Perry County, and State of Pennsylvania, is and shall always remain a Union church for the use of the two religious denominations, namely, the Evangelical Lutheran and CHAPTER II. 149 Evangelical Reformed, and so it shall continue until by mutual agreement the one denomination purchase the right of the other. And in this church no other doctrine shall be preached and taught than that of the Evangelical Lutheran and Evangelical Reformed Churches according to the Bible and the Augsburg Confession. One denomination shall not interfere in the divine worship of the other, &c. [The remaining part of this Constitution is in every respect the same as that prepared for the church at Loysville, and therefore we refer the reader to that. See pp. 37-41.] To the above Constitution, we, the Church-Council and Church- members, herewith subscribe our names : John Bealor, Samuel Lupfer, Joseph Bealor, John Sosseman, John Dumm, John Crist, Joseph Carl, David Bealor, Philip Reamer, George Gibbons, John Leiby, Wm. Raffinsberger, John Beistlein, Philip Myer, George Carl, John Myer, Samuel Reisdorff, Daniel Swartz, Jacob Lenig, Frederick Reisdorff, Michael Earhart, Jonas J. Smith. The above Constitution has gone into disuse, and each congre- gation manages its affairs according to its own Synod's form of government and discipline. The corner-stone of the new church was laid in October, 1840, when Rev. Heim and Rev. Fred. BecheroflBciated. A difference arose among the members respecting the plan on which the church edifice was to be built. Some were in favor of a gallery on three sides, and some were opposed to having any gallery. The ques- tion was then put to vote. The majority voted to have no gallery at all; but for the sake of peace the majority yielded to the minority, and in this way peace was easily restored and the edifice was raised, though for a long time some were dissatisfied, and perhaps justly too, with the three galleries. The edifice is thlrty- fiue feet long by thirty feet wide. It is a log-frame structure. Inside it has high galleries on three sides, supported by heavy posts and cross-beams, a high pulpit, high seats, and is in many 13* 150 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. respects badly arranged. It seems to have been adapted on pur- pose to make preaching go hard. It is truly surprising that in those days a much cheaper way of building far more convenient church-edifices did not suggest itself to the minds of the people in Perry County. The church was dedicated in April, 1841, and called St. John's Church. Kev. Heim and Rev. Ernst were present and preached on the occasion. The Sunday-school was now removed to the church. Rev. Heim preached here once every four weeks, exclusively in the German language. The members scattered throughout Juniata Township were collected and much encouraged by having a church and regular preaching in their midst. The Sunday- school was encouraged and flourished. After having attended a course of lectures on the Catechism of the Church, on Saturday, the 2d of December, 1843, the follow- ing persons were admitted to communion by confirmation : David Titzel, Mrs. Nancy Zollenberger, Michael Smith, Miss Lydia Carl, Jonas Beistleln,' " Catharine Frantz, Michael Kleckner, " Mary Crist, Mrs. Ann Mary Kleckner, " Sarah A. Burrel, " Margaret Crist, " Susan Beistlein, " Margaret Schultz, " Margaret Reisdorfi^. " Mary Weiskessel, On Sunday (December 3d), the whole number of communi- cants was seventy-one, though it is certain that they were not all members of this congregation. Rev. Heim had communion here but once a year, and, with the above exception, always in spring, and sometimes on week-days, as follows : Sunday, May 19th, 1844, sixty-three communicants; Sunday, March 23d, 1845, forty- five communicants ; Sunday, April 19th, 1846, forty-nine com- municants ; Sunday, May 16th, 1847, fifty communicants ; Wed- nesday, April 19th, 1848, forty-nine communicants; and Wed- nesday, April 18th, 1849, catechumens and old members, fifty CHAPTER II. 151 communicants. This was the last commtinion he held here. On Tuesday previous, namely, the 17th of April, 1849, the following persons were confirmed : George W. Titzel, Peter Beistlein, Josiah R. Titzel, Miss Rebecca Titzel, ' Daniel Crist, " Magdalene Lenig, Jonas Lenig, " Catharine Beistlein, Edward Kepner, " Margaret Beistlein. Rev. Father Heim fell asleep in Jesus on the 27th of Decem- ber, 1849, having organized and served the congregation as pastor about ten years. As some of the catechumens could not read the German language, Father Heim attempted sometimes to explain to them the doctrines of our religion in English, though this was difficult for him to do and very unsatisfactory to the catechumens. Preaching in the English language had here become highly neces- sary. In 1849, the church was roughcast outside and plastered in- side, and other improvements were made. According to a division made of the charges served by Rev. Heim and Rev. Martin, at Bloomfield, in February, 1850 (see pp. 52-54), this congregation was attached to the Bloomfield charge, and early in the spring of 1850, the Sev. Jacob Martin commenced his pastoral labors here. On the 19th of May, 1850, he held the first communion at this place, when thirty-seven mem- bers communed. He preached here once every three weeks, about one-third in the English language. Some of the fathers were very much displeased at him for preaching in the English language in their church, — in the church thei/ had built. They thought it an unwarrantable innovation, a new measure not to be tolerated. But the fathers were gradually overruled by the press- ing want of the sons. . The transition from the German to the English language was slowly but surely poing on. The Gennan- speaking portion of the congregation blamed Rev. Martin for in- 152 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. troducing English preaching, and were oifended at him for it. Hence, at his second communion, on the 3d of November, 1850, only twenty-nine communed. Time has, however, fully vindicated the course Eev. Martin pursued in this matter. "He did a good work, and prepared the way for his successors. After Eev. Heim's departure not a single person has, to this time (1862), come to be catechized in the German language. Thus clearly showing the folly of resisting the introduction of the use of the English lan- guage. During the winter of 1851, Eev. Martin instructed a class of catechumens in the Catechism, and on Saturday, the 22d of March, the same year, the following persons were confirmed : William T. Kepner, Miss Mary Frantz, Miss Mary Ann Burd, " Mary A. Eaffinsberger, " Priscilla Jane Boyer, " Hannah Bealor, " Julian Burd, " Mary Beistlein. " Susan Frantz, On Sunday, the 23d, the whole number of communicants was forty-nine. On Sunday, the 4th of March, 1852, Eev. Martin held his last communion here, and also, at the same time, he preached his farewell sermon, having served the congregation about two years. In June following, he was succeeded by the Eev. William Gerhardt, who preached here once every three weeks, alternately in the German and English languages. The Lutheran congregation bought at this time a church-record, and after this entries were regularly made of baptisms, confirmations, &c. The young mem- bers demanded that half of the preaching should be in the Eng- lish language, and the old members could no longer deny the re- quest. On the 14th of May, 1853, the following persons were confirmed : George Fleisher, John A. Beistlein, William Titzel, Samuel Beistlein, CHAPTER II. 153 Ezra P. Titzel, Miss Elizabeth Miller, Levi Smith, " Luoetta Smith, John Beistlein, " Mary ZoUenberger. Eev. Gerhardt resigned and preached his farewell sermon at this place on the 12th of June, 1853, having served the congre- gation only about one year. The Bloomfield charge was then vacant about eight months. Having accepted a call from the charge, the Rev. Adam Height commenced his pastoral labors here on the 1st of March, 1854. Having preached only about seven months in the charge, for rea- sons not necessary to state, he ceased his ministry in September of the same year. The charge was then again vacant about eight months. Having accepted a call from the congregations compos- ing the Bloomfield charge, the Rev. D. H. Foeht entered on the discharge of his ministerial duties in the charge on the 1st of June, 1855, and preached his introductory sermon at St. John's Church, on Sunday, the 10th of June, from Col. 1:28: " Whom (Christ) we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus." Having been for some time faithfully instructed in the Cate- chism in the fundamental doctrines of the Christian religion, on Saturday, the 24th of November, 1855, the following persons were confirmed : David Wolf, Miss Elizabeth Anders, John S. Dougherty (baptized), , " Sophia Yeager, Mrs. Eliza Yeager, " " Hetta Swartz, Miss Caroline Anders, " Sarah Ann Burrel. Two of the above have since gone to the eternal world. They died in peace and the hope of heaven. "0 Lord of hosts, thou God of grace, How blest, divinely blest, is he Who trusts thy love and seeks thy face. And fixes all his hopes on thee !" 154 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. On Sunday, the 25th, the whole number of communing mem- bers was seventy-five. Fifteen others also communed. This meeting commenced on Tuesday evening previous. The catechu- mens, who had hitherto met only once a week, were now met once every day, and received instruction and engaged in singing and prayer. The Gospel was preached every evening during the week. These exercises were well attended, and lasting impressions for good were made and precious souls converted to God. On the 10th of April, 1856, Mr. David R. P. Bealor and his wife Nancy were received as members of this congregation by certificate, and on the 25th of October of the same year the fol- lowing persons were confirmed : Lemuel 0. Foose, Mrs. Elizabeth Beistlein, William J. Foose, Miss Elizabeth Strasser, IJevi Swartz, " Sarah A. Taylor, Isaac Strasser (baptized), " Eve Smith, Mrs. Sarah Smith " " Mary Ann Brown, Miss Marg. Murphy " " Magdalene Brown. "The soul that on Jesus hath lean'd for repose, I will not, I cannot desert to his foes j That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake, I'll never — no, never— no, never forsake ! ' ' The prayer-meeting and Sunday-school are well attended, and piety and intelligence are advancing among this people. Surely the Lord has richly blessed the members of this congregation, for which we are unfeignedly thankful. Having labored another year and diligently catechized a class of catechumens, on the 28th of November, 1857, the following persons were confirmed : Emanuel Whitekettle, Miss Mary Ann Crist, Charles Whitekettle, " Cath. Elizabeth Crist, Wm. Henry Flickinger, " Lydia Ann Smith, Levi Hiram Flickinger, " Martha Kepner, David Beistlein, " Sarah A. Murphy (bap.). Two of the above young brethren have since gone to their long rest in heaven. They fell asleep in Jesus. CHAPTER II. 155 "Who, who would live always, away from his God; Away from yon heav'n, that blissful ahode. Where the rivers of pleasure flow o'er the bright plains. And the noontide of glory eternally reigns : Where the saints of all ages in harmony meet Their Savior and brethren, transported to greet ; While anthems of rapture unceasingly roll, And the smile of the Lord is the feast of the soul." At this time (on Sunday, the 29th), eighty-two members com- muned, and on account of sickness and other causes twelve mem- bers were absent. This meeting commenced on Tuesday the 24th, and closed on Monday evening the 30th. During this time the pastor catechized the youth once every day and preached every evening and also in daytime. The attendance was good, and the Lord was present to bless. All the catechumens and a number of others professed to have found peace to their souls in an entire consecration of themselves to God by faith in Jesus Christ. May they prove faithful to their covenant vow, and let their light shine by living a godly life ! In October, 1859, Dr. Jacob M. Miller was received as a mem- ber of this congregation. After having been instructed in the Catechism about four months, and being found possessed of the requisite doctrinal and spiritual attainments, on the 24th of No- vember, 1860, the following persons were confirmed : Josiah W. Eouanstine, Miss Sarah Ellen Boyer (bapt.), Daniel D. Eey, " Margaret Burrel, Miss Mary Kepner, " Elizabeth Whitekettle, " Sarah Ellen Foose, " Sarah Whitekettle, " Eliz. Orwan (baptized), " Catharine Burrel, " Marg. Orwan " " Barbara Burrel. " may my heart, by grace renew' d. Be my Redeemer's throne ; And be my stubborn will subdu'd. His government to own. " Let deep repentance, faith, and love Be join' d with godly fear ; And all my conversation prove My heart to "be sincere." 156 CHURCKES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. In March, 1861, Prof. George W. Leisher and his wife Catha- rine, George Long and his wife Mary, and John Lyons, were re- ceived as members of this congregation. May the Lord bless these dear friends and make them abundantly useful in their pre- sent church relation ! On the 16th of November, 1861, Mrs. Jane G. Titzel was re- ceived by certificate as a member, and on the 22d of March, 1862, Mr. John P. Beyer and his wife Jane Ann were confirmed. The Lord bless these friends ! The members of this congregation, at this time numbering about one hundred, are making commendable progress in the cause of souls and the blessed Redeemer. The use of the German language in the pulpit will, before long, be among the things that were. This is the only congregation of the Bloomfield charge that still requires an occasional sermon in German ; but as the aged pass gradually away, and as the youth all speak the English, the use of the German language must necessarily pass soon away. Since the organization of this congregation in 1840, the follow- ing; brethren have at different times served it as its officers : Elders. John Beistlein, Jacob Lenig, . Jacob Kepner, David Crist, Esq., George Fleisher, from 1840 to 1852. " 1852 to 1859. « 1855 to 1859. " 1859 yet in office. " 1859 " Deacons. Daniel Swartz, Sen., John Pusselman, David Crist, Esq., Jonas J. Smith, Jacob Lenig, Jacob Kepner, Thomas Lenig, Henry Titzel, from 1840 to 1841. " 1841 to 1843. " 1843 to 1844; " 1844 to 1846. " 1846 to 1847. " 1847 to 1849. " 1849 to 1850. " 1850 to 1857. CHAPTER ir. George Pleisher, . from 1852 to 1855. James Foose, « 1855 to 1858. Jonas J. Smith, (( 1855 to 1859. David R. P. Bealor, « 1857 to 1860. Joseph Flickinger, « 1858 to 1861. Thomas Lenig, (( 1859 yet in office Lemuel 0. Foose, . (( 1860 resigned. Ezra P. Titzel, « 1860 yet in office John Beistlein, Trustees (( 1861 " Valentine Burrel, . from 1843 to 1851. Jacob Lenig, . (( 1851 to 1854. Valentine Burrel, . a 1854 to 1860. Jacob Lenig, li 1855 to 1860. James Foose, n 1860 yet in office Thomas Lenig, ti 1860 " SECTION IV. 157 THE CONGREGATION AT NEWPORT. Newport, known for many years as Reiderville, was laid out by Mr. Daniel Reider in about 1814. Its growth was very slow till the canal was made in 1830. After that it improved gradually. The town is located on the west bank of the Juniata, and the canal and Pennsylvania railway pass through it. At the beginning of the present century a number of Lutheran families settled along the Juniata and in the vicinity of Newport. These attended preaching at Bloomfield, a distance from five to ten miles, as they had no church of their own nearer at hand. As early as 1830, the Rev. John William Heim preached for them occasionally on week-days in school-houses and 14 158 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. private dwellings. In 1835, a number of persons from near New- port were confirmed at Bloomfield. The town having grown and the number of members increased, after this Kev. Heim preached regularly at Newport once every four weeks in a brick school- house. He preached exclusively in the German language. In 1842, when he was requested to preach also in the English lan- guage, he told his hearers : "Now I will come no more." He did not organize a congregation here; this was only one of his preaching stations. The members went to Bloomfield on occasions of communion, and there the young people were also catechized and confirmed. Eev. Heim however collected the members here, and thus accomplished good. In the fall of 1843, Sev. Levi T. Williams, who had located at Petersburg, now Duncannon, as a sort of missionary for that neighborhood, was invited by some of the members at Newport to visit and preach for them. lie accepted the invitation, and in November, 1843, he preached for the first time at Newport, in the old brick school-house, from Acts 10 : 29, " Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for. I ask, therefore, for what intent ye have sent for me ?" With but few exceptions, Kev. Williams preached in the old brick school-house till he resigned in September, 1845. He preached once every four weeks, and only an occasional sermon in the German language. After he had resigned the German was required by the members no more. The congregation was regularly organized on the 14th of January, 1844, when the following brethren were elected and in- stalled as its first officers : 1 T. ■ 1 n J-I7 7 Godfrey Lenig, \ Daniel Keider, Sen., Elder. ^^^ p Smith, j ^^"<^^«- Early in the spring of 1844, near the canal, a filthy brick ware- house was fitted up to hold in it a protracted meeting. When the time for holding the meeting had come, the use of the Metho- dist Episcopal meeting-house was generously offered for the pur- CHAPTER II. 159 pose, and the meeting was then held here with encouraging success. The first communion was held on the 2d of June, 1844, in the Methodist meeting-house. On Saturday previous, the 1st of June, after having been duly instructed, the following persons were confirmed : Christian Long, Sen. (baptized), Mrs. Ann Long, David Deardorff " Miss Sarah Smith, John Wilson, Mrs. N. Horting (baptized), Benjamin Horting, Miss Rebecca Hobble " The second communion was held on the 17th of November, 1844. On Saturday previous, the 16th of November, the follow- ing persons were confirmed : Mrs. Priscilla Reider, Miss Catharine Zigler, Miss Sarah Ann Nailer, Mrs. Anna Klink (baptized), " Margaretta Bell, Miss Sarah Miller, by certificate. For want of a church the congregation labored under great dis- advantage. But as the membership was as yet comparatively small, they formed a union with others to build a Union church. The materials for the proposed church were nearly all collected during the latter part of the summer of 1845. Rev. Williams resigned and preached his farewell sermon in September, 1845, from 1 Cor. 16 : 23, " The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you." Hev. Lloyd Knight took charge of this congregation on the 1st of October, 1845, and served it in connection with Bloomfield. He preached here once every three weeks in the old brick school-house until the new church was completed. On Saturday the 10th of January, 1846, the following persons were confirmed : Abraham Horting, Miss Catharine Smith, Charles Bressler, Mrs. Cordelia Henning, Mrs. Ann .Horting, Miss Eve E. Brown. 160 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. On Sunday, the 11th, at the first communion Rev. Knight held here, the whole number of communicant members was twenty- nine. The building committee, appointed to superintend the erection of the church, consisted of Messrs. Christian Long, A. Ziegler, and A. B. Maxwell. A deed for a lot of ground was executed. From this deed we give the following extract : " Know all men by these presents, that we, John Wiley of the Borough of Newport, Perry County, and State of Pennsylvania, and Barbara his wife, for and in consideration of seventy-five dollars, to us in hand paid, at the ensealing thereof, by A. B. Maxwell, Jacob Loy and John Fickes, Trustees of the Church, named and styled, The Union Ghurch of Newport, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, do grant, bargain, sell, &c., ... to the Trustees aforesaid, ... a certain lot of ground, ... for the purpose of erecting a church thereon, to be called by the name, style and title of The Union Church of Newport," &c. This deed was acknowledged on the 1st day of May, 1846. See' Deed Booh, Letter L., p. 446. The corner-stone of the church was laid on Tuesday the 12th of May, 1846, at 2 o'clock, p.m. Eev. Messrs. Knight and Shull were present and oflSciated on the occasion. The church was consecrated to the service of Grod on Whit-Sunday the 23d of May, 1847, as The Union Ghurch of Newport. Eev. Messrs. Knight, Weaver and Shull participated in the exer.cises of this occasion. The church-edifice is a frame structure, forty-two by forty-six feet in size, surmounted by a steeple and bell. It has one end gallery and the internal arrangement is convenient and judicious. The cost of the church was about twelve hundred dollars. Having been instructed for some time in the Catechism, on the 24th of October, 1847, the following persons were confirmed h Miss Catharine Leiby, Miss Margaret Fiekes, " Catharine Smith, " Lavina Smith, " Leah Smith, Mrs. Mary Troup (baptized). CHAPTER II. 161 Having served the congregation as pastor about three years and a half, Eev. Knight resigned in June, 1849, and was succeeded, on the 1st of July following, by the Rev. Jacob Martin, who served this congregation in connection with Bloomfield, preaching here regularly once every three weeks. In a letter, Kev. Martin says : " During my pastorship of the Bloomfield charge, I confirmed between 125 and 150 persons. Their names and the time when they were confirmed, I am not able to give." The congregation had as yet no church-record book. After con- siderable inquiry we found that on the 20th of April, 1851, the following persons were confirmed : Jacob A. Wolf, Martin Ziegler, Jacob E. Ziegler, Daniel Reider, Eobert Taylor, Frederick B. Kohler, William Wilson, Benjamin Wilson, Henry Asper, Stephen B. Holly, Christian Long, Jr., Charles Grubb, Isaac Grubb, Michael Smith, Christian Martin, Andrew Moses, Miss Rebecca E. Loy, " Barbara Super, " Margaret Leiby, " Julian Smith, " Barbara Smith, " Margaret Horting, " Elizabeth Horting, Mrs. Mary Ann Smith, " Susan Martin, " Eliz. Holly, by certificate. Having collected and instructed another class of catechumens, on the 26th of October, 1851, Rev. Martin confirmed the follow- ing persons : Mrs. Harriet Tate, " Rebecca Crist, " Mary B. Ziegler (baptized), « Rachel E. Heims " Miss Mary Ann Wolf " 14* Miss Caroline Loy, " Barbara Asper, " Mary Eliz. Ziegler, " Catharine Yohn, " Eve Bowers. 162 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. At this place the pastoral lahors of Kev. Martin were signally blessed by the Lord. Through his instrumentality many souls were made savingly acquainted with Jesus as their Savior, and with gratitude to God they dwell on the name of their former pas- tor. To the sincere regret of this congregation, Kev. Martin re- signed on the 1st of April, 1852, having served it about two years and nine months. The Rev. William Gerhardt took charge of the congregation in June of the same year, and served it in connection with Bloomfield. He preached here once every three weeks, alternately in the forenoon and afternoon. A church-record book was now bought, and- hereafter entries were regularly made of baptisms, confirmations, deaths, &c. On the 26th of September, 1852, Mr. George M. Miller and his wife Catharine, and in Mareh, 1853, Mr. Francis M. Mickey and his wife Elizabeth, and Mr. George Mickey and his wife Mary, were received by certificate as members of this congregation. After having been faithfully instructed in the doctrines of our holy religion, on the 22d of April, 1853, the following persons were confirmed : Jacob M. Miller, Miss Catharine Clouser, Henry Miller, " Sarah Ann Horting, Miss Ann Jane Wilson, " Rebecca Cath. Horting. Having served the charge about one year. Rev. Gerhardt re- signed in June, 1853. The charge was now vacant about eight months. A call was then extended to the Rev. Adam Height, and accepted by him. He entered on his pastoral labors in the charge on the 1st of March, 1854. Here he preached once every three weeks. He instructed also a class of catechumens ; but be- fore they were confirmed, and for reasons not necessary to record here, having preached for about seven months, in September, 1854, he ceased his ministry. The congregation then requested Rev. J. Martin to confirm the CHAPTER II. 163 persons who had been instructed by Mr. Height. With this re- quest Rev. Martin complied, and on the 10th of December, 1854, the following persons were confirmed : Harrison A. Kepner, Miss Mary Jane Kepner, George M. Miller, " Catharine A. Smith, John Fleisher, " Elizabeth Super. At the same time Eev. Martin held the communion, and preached a series of sermons for the congregation. The charge was again vacant about eight months. Having accepted a call from the Bloomfield charge, the Rev. David H. Focht commenced his pastoral labors in the charge on the 1st of June, 1855, and preached his introductory sermon at Newport on the 10th of June, from Col. 1 : 28. A protracted meeting was commenced here on the 22d of Janu- ary, 1856; and closed on the evening of the 81st of the same month. During this time some thirty persons professed to have found peace to their souls by the exercise of repentance towards God, and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Of these, some were members of the Church, some belonged to other denominations, and some were catechumens. Every day the catechumens and anxious persons were met for prayer and instruction, and every evening there was preaching. To God be given all the praise and glory for this display of his abounding and saving grace ! On the 6th of March, 1856, Mr. George Dunbar was admitted to membership by baptism, and as the result of the above meet- ing, on the 19th of April following, Mrs. Mary Ann Smith and Mrs. Sarah Tinney were received by certificate, and the following persons were confirmed : John Horting, Miss Julian Zigler (baptized), George A. Smith, " Margaret Jane Zinn, Peter Brown (baptized), " Maria Hunter, Mrs. Magdalene Horting, " Mary Jane Asper, " Martha Ann Armstrong, " Araeline Hertzel, Miss Mary Jane Zigler (baptized), " Ann Clouser. 164 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. Soon after his baptism, George Dunbar fell asleep in the arms of death in the sure hope of heaven. " G^reat &od ! on what a slender thread Hang everlasting things ! Th' eternal states of all the dead Upon life's feehle strings." On the 15th of November, 1856, Miss Sophia Singer was re- ceived by certificate, and the following persons were confirmed : J. Don L. Gantt, Esq. (baptized). Miss Martha Clouser. Miss Amanda Jane Wolf, One of the above young females has since gone to her grave. May the rest be also ready to depart ! ' ' Peaceful be thy silent slumber — Peaceful in the grave so low : Thou no more wilt join our number ; Thou no more our songs shalt know." On Saturday, the 2d of May, 1857, Mrs. Isabella Musser was received by certificate as a member, and the following persons were confirmed : Abraham K. Long (baptized), Miss Ann Maria Smith, Daniel L. Zigler " " Martha Jane Smith. Jacob Super, Since their confirmation, the last named of the above class has been removed from time to eternity. " 'Tis well when Jesus calls, From earth and sin, arise, Join with the hosts of virgin souls, Made to salvation wise." On Saturday, the 7th of November, 1857, afiber having been instructed in the Catechism in the doctrines of our Christian reli- gion, the following persons were confirmed : Jacob Fleisher, Miss Margaret R. Smith, Miss Catharine Pleisher, Mrs. Jennie D. Smith. " Mary Smith, CHAPTER II. 165 " Let thoughtless thousands ohoose the road That leads the soul awaj from Qod ; This happiness, dear Lord, be mine, To live and die entirely thine." On the 24th of April, 1858, Mrs. Mary Harman, and on the 26th of March, 1859, Mrs. Sarah Crist, were received by certifi- cate. At the latter date, Mrs. Martha Ann Wilson was received as a member by the sacrament of baptism. May the great Head of the Church richly bless these members ! In the fall of 1859, an unusual degree of religious interest was clearly seen among the people of God in particular, and in the community at Newport in general. A class of catechumens was formed and instructed for some time. A meeting was held in De- cember, when many souls were awakened, and, as we humbly trust, truly converted to God. On Saturday, the 10th of De- cember, 1859, Mr. Joseph Anderson was received by certificate, and the following persons were confirmed ; Peter K. Lehr, Miss Joanna Hunter, Benjamin F. Clouser, " Eliz. Jane Smith, James Smith, " Margaret Smith. Miss Nancy Clouser, " Stand fast upon the solid rock Of the Kedeemer's righteousness ; Adorn the Glospel with your lives, And practice what your lipa profess," Immediately after the above persons were confirmed, a large number of others were found willing to attend the lectures of the pastor on the Catechism. They were regularly instructed. The awakening deepened and extended until it became quite general. Never, perhaps, was there such a wide-spread and genuine work of divine grace at Newport before. In February, 1861, a meet- ing was commenced, which lasted about two weeks. On this oc- casion the pastor was some time assisted by the Rev. P. M. Right- myer. Many souls were awakened by the truth, and directed to*sc^ Jesus as their only Savior from sin and death eternal. We would do violence to the truth, and the sincere promptings of our own 166 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. heart, were we not to refer in this way to a work so precious and gracious, so full of glory and power divine, and long may we praise and bless the Lord for a favor so distinguished and full of love and mercy to poor sinners ! We will not attempt to describe the awfully solemn, deep, and moving scene. The sigh of the penitent, the tears of sorrow and joy, the melting prayer, and the sweet song of praise to God,— 'all, all tended to make it a holy place and good to be there. To God alone belongs and be given all the honor and glory ! On Saturday, the 3d of March, 1860, Mr. Philip Zigler and his wife Ann Eliza were received by certificate, and the following persons by baptism and confirmation : John Wertz, Miss Eliz. Harper (baptized), George W. Wolf, " Julian Horting, "_ George Wilson, " Sarah J. Horting, " John H. Horting, " Adaline Horting, " Amos K. Smith, " Mary Jane Smith, Edward H. Mehrle, " Mary Jane Horting, Henry Fleisher, " Emeline Horting, George W. Eckard, " Elizabeth Kraft, Joshua Sweger, " Sarah Kraft, Samuel Eravel, " Levina Hunter, Nathan Newkirk (baptized), " Rachel Hunter, Miss Sarah Clouser, " " Lydia Ann Super, " Lydia Clouser, " " Mary Ann Fleisher, " Asenath Clouser, " " Eliza Jane Wertz. " Nydia Super, " " Here I raise my Ebenezer, Either by thy help I're come, And I hope, by thy good pleasure. Safely to arrive at home. " Jesus sought me when a stranger, "Wand'ring from the fold of God ; He, to save my soul from danger, Interpos'd his precious blood." On Sunday, the 4th of March, the whole number of members CHAPTER 11. 167 who communed was one hundred and twenty-three ; also sixty- three, who were not members of this congregation, communed ; thus at this time the whole number of communicants was one hundred and eighty-six. On account of sickness and other causes, about ten members were absent. On the 10th of November, 1860, Mrs. Martha Mahaffey and Thomas and Alexander Mahaffey were, by certificate, received as members of this congregation, which numbers at this time (1862) about one hundred and thirty-five members. During the seven years the present pastor has had this congregation in charge, seventy-nine members were added to it by confirmation and certi- ficate. There is connected with the congregation a well-conducted and flourishing Sunday-school. The weekly prayer-meeting is regu- larly kept up, and is generally well attended. The members gene- rally supply themselves with the literature of the Church, and their piety is consistent and intelligent. Their annual contribu- tions to the various causes of benevolence in the Church are libe- ral, owing, doubtless, to their knowledge of the wants of the Church, derived from the reading of the Lutheran Observer. Owing to the largeness of the charge, no pastor has been able to preach here oftener than once every three weeks. This is to be regretted very much. The congregation ought to have preaching at least once every two weeks, and if possible every Sabbath. We sincerely hope that, before long, some arrangements will be made to secure this much-needed and desired end. On the 22d of March, 1862, Mrs. Elizabeth Wilson and Mrs. Jemima Fleisher were received as members by certificate, and at the same time Peter Wolf, his wife Susan (baptized). Miss Le- vina Huggins, and Miss Mary Ann Ackley were received by con- firmation. Dear friends, be faithful to the end, and you shall receive the crown of life. Since the organization of the congregation on the 14th of Ja- nuary,, 1844, the following brethren have at different times served as its officers : 168 OHCROHES BETWEEN THE MOtTNTAlNSi Elders. Daniel Eeider, Sr., , from Jan. 1844 to 1846. Benjamin Horting, i< 1846 to 1855. John Wilson, « 1855 yet in oflice. Jacob A. Wolf, . Deacons. 1857 " Godfrey Lenig, from Jan . 1844 to 1846. Henry D. Smith, . « (( 1844 to 1846. John Wilson, , (( 1846 to 1849. Jacob C. Smith, (1 1846 to 1849. Michael Smith, (I 1849 to 1852. Abraham Horting, it 1849 to 1857. Henry D. Smith, (I 1852 to 1857. Stephen B. Holly, 11 1857 to 1858. Michael Smith, It 1857 to 1859. Henry L. Smith, li 1857 to 1860. George Fleisher, It 1858 to 1861. John Horting, It 1859 yet in office Peter Brown, tt 1860 " John Fleisher, ct 1861 " Trustees. Jacob Loy, . from 1845 to 1857. Christian Long, Sr. ) Treasurers. 1857 yet in office Daniel Reider, from 1857 to 1861. Christian Long, Sr ? tt 1861 yet in office CHAPTEE II. • 169 SECTION V. LVTHERAN CONGREGATION AT MANSTILLE, CENTRE TOWNSHIP. Mansville is a small village of recent origin, in Centre Town- ship, about six miles west of Bloomfield, on the main road lead- ing from Bloomfield to Ickesburg. At and in the vicinity of Mansville a number of Lutheran families settled at the close of the last century and the beginning of the present, and their number has been gradually increasing ever since. They at- tended preaching at that time at Loysville and Bloomfield ; after- wards some attended at St. Andrew's (Shuman's), and still later some went to St. John's (Bealor's), some to Ludolph's (Germany), and others continued their membership at Bloomfield. But as they had far to go to any and all of these places, they remained scattered and in some measure destitute of the means of grace. Some of the more aged members and heads of families were clearly convinced of the necessity of preaching in their midst, not only for the sake of convenience, but especially for the sake of the rising generation. Hence, some of the members re- quested the Eev. D. H. FocU, pastor of the Bloomfield charge, to visit them, and at his conve- nience preach an occasional sermon for them. With his consent an appointment was accordingly announced, and he preached for the first time at what is generally known as Market's School- house (not the new, but the old school-house, now used as a pri- vate dwelling), about one mile southeast of Mansville, on Satur- day evening, the 19th of January, 1856, in the German and English languages, from Kev. 3 : 20. The attendance and atten- tion were encouraging. Another appointment was made, and he preached the second time at the same place on Sunday afternoon, the 3d of February, from Matt. 6 : 33. After this, he preached regularly at this place once every three weeks on Sunday afternoon 15 170 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. till June following, when the congregation was regularly organized in the new school-house shortly before erected at Mansville. Much encouraged by these pastoral visits, and desirous to be regularly organized in a congregation in order to secure the stated preaching of the Gospel, the members appointed Messrs. John A. Fisher and George W. Swartz a committee to meet the diiFer- ent church-councils of the Bloomfield charge, at their Annual Convention at Bloomfield, on Saturday, the 26th of April, 1856, to request of said church-councils to be received in connection with said charge as soon as the Mansville congregation should be organized. At the above time those two brethren met the church-councils in convention, when they made their request. After considerable consultation on motion, it was unanimously " Resolved, That the Lutheran congregation, soon to be orga- nized at Mansville, be admitted as part of the Bloomfield charge, and that our pastor may preach there whenever and as often as he finds it convenient and has ability to do so; Provided, how- ever, that such arrangement does not interfere with our regular appointments." In accordance with this resolution, the pastor of the Bloomfield charge agreed to preach for the congregation at Mansville, after its organization on the 7th of June following. He engaged to preach for the congregation once every three weeks, his pastoral year to commence on the 1st of June. On Saturday, the 7th of June, 1856, at 2 o'clock, p.m., the congregation assembled at Mansville at the new school-house, built and owned by Mr. John Bowers, when and where the pastor preached a sermon from Matt. 28 : 19, 20. After the sermon was delivered, the following declaration was read and subscribed by the members : " We, the undersigned, now regular members of good standing in the difierent neighboring Lutheran congregations, living at and in the vicinity of Mansville, Centre Township, Perry County, Pennsylvania, feeling deeply the necessity of having the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ preached statedly among us, of having our children instructed in the doctrines of the Christian religion CHAPTER 11. 171 and brought into fellowship with the Church of Christ, and of having the sacraments administered according to the word of God, — and further, having obtained the permission of the Bloom- field charge to organize ourselves into a congregation, and having been admitted as part of said charge, do, on this day, being Sa- turday, the 7th of June, Anno Domini 1856, in reliance on the great Head of the Church, organize ourselves into an Evangelical Lutheran congregation by electing an Elder or Elders and Dea- cons, by adopting the Formula of the General Synod of the Lu- theran Church in the United States as the rule for our govern- ment and discipline,, taking the Bible as our only infallible rule of faith and practice, and adhering to the fundamental doctrines of the word of God as they are set forth substantially correct in the Augsburg Confession, and held and taught by the General Synod of the Lutheran Church in the United States. All this we do with a view to the glory of the Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, for our present and eternal good, the good of our children and that of the community at large. Looking to Al- mighty God for his blessing on this our humble and sincere un- dertaking, we hereunto subscribe our names as members of Mans- ville EvangiLical Lutheran congregation, praying God that his word may among us have free course, run, and be glorified in the conversion and final salvation of many souls, and that this congre- gation may prove a great blessing to many and be perpetuated from generation to generation till time shall be no more, through Jesus Christ. Amen." Signed by Daniel Swartz, Sen., Barbara Burkepile, John Bowers, Catharine Burkepile, John A. Eisher, Sarah Burd, Jonas Lenig, Jacob Burkepile, John Burrel, Margaret Bowers, David Swartz, Elizabeth Wentz, John Leppert, Dr. Paulus Receius, Henry Burkepile, Mary Swartz, 172 CHUECHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. John Cless, Hannah Burkepile, John Bupp, John Sweger, George Jacobs, Sarah Cless, George W. Swartz, Sophia Swartz, Elizabeth Bowers, Catharine Fisher, Mary Swartz, Catharine Carl, Mary Ann Swartz, Maria Boyd, Adam Cless, Sophia Cless, Catharine Leppert, Catharine Reisdorff, Jacob Burd, Catharine Mahaffie, George Burkepile, Ann Burkepile, Margaret Smith, Mary Bitner. . Deacons. Catharine Burrel, The congregation proceeded then to elect officers. The follow- ing brethren were elected and installed on the same day, viz. : Daniel Swartz, Sen, Elder. John A. Fisher, for 1 year, J Jonas Lenig, for 2 years, J Thus the congregation was regularly organized and constituted. May the Lord prosper it 1 This (Saturday) evening the pastor preached from Mark 5 : 20. On Sunday, the 8th, at 2 o'clock, P.M., he preached from Exod. 33 : 14, and baptized five infants. After the sermon was preached, the young people, and all others who could attend, were catechized about an hour. A class of catechumens was formed immediately and instructed carefully for about three months. The week previous to their confirmation the pastor instructed them daily and preached in the evening. Found possessed of the requisite doctrinal and spiritual attainments, by a vote of the church-council, on the 30th of August, 1856, the pastor confirmed the following persons : Jacob Stump, Daniel Swartz, Jr., Mrs. Sarah Cless (baptized), " .Margaret Stump, " Matilda Jacobs, Miss Sarah Cless, Miss Sophia Swartz, " Sarah Burrel, " Harriet N. Simonton, " Catharine Cless, " Catharine Reisdorff'. OHAPTEE 11. 173 ' ' guide our doubtful feet aright, And keep us in thy ways ; And while we turn our vows to pray'rs, Turn thou our pray'rs to praise." On Sunday, the 31st, the Lord's Supper was administered here for the first time. The whole number of communicants was fifty- three. The Rev. Conrad Kuhl, then agent for the Illinois State University, assisted the pastor on this interesting occasion. Only an occasional sermon in the G-erman language is required by this congregation. In a year or two none will be needed in that language. In the spring of 1857, the congregation com- menced a Sunday-school, which has since been kept in regular and successful operation. A weekly prayer-meeting was also started, which has thus far been well attended, and is conducted by the officers of the congregation. In January, 1858, the pastor commenced instructing another class of catechumens. After a large number of families had been visited and prayed with, it was considered proper to hold a pro- tracted meeting. The best account we can give of the progress of this meeting will be by transcribing from the church-record book the daily entries made at the time, as follows : " Commenced a protracted meeting at the school-house at Mansville, on Monday evening, the 8th of February, 1858, and closed the meeting on Wednesday evening, the 17th of the same month. During this time the pastor preached nine sermons, catechized, instructed the anxious, and prayed with fifteen fami- lies, viz. : " February 8th, Monday evening, preached from Eev. 3 : 20. There were Jive anxious inquirers. Directed them to Christ. "Feb. 9th, Tuesday, visited and prayed with six families. Preached this evening from Matt. 1 : 21. Ten persons requested to be remembered in the prayers of God's people. They were instructed and prayed for. " Feb. 10th, Wednesday, visited, instructed and prayed with three families. Catechized at 2 o'clock, P.M., and had anxious 15* 174 CHTJECHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. meeting. This evening preached from Isa. 55 : 6. Eleven persons asked, ' What must we do to be saved V "Feb. 11th, Thursday, the pastor had to be absent. The officers and leadin^members conducted the meeting this evening. Twelve awakened souls sought forgiveness by the exercise of re- pentance and faith in Jesus Christ. "Feb. 12th, Friday evening, preached from Luke 13 : 1-9. Thirteen persons were desirous to be prayed for by the people of God and to be directed in the way to peace and life. They were prayed for and directed to Jesus as the only way. ■ " Feb. 13th, Saturday, visited, prayed with and instructed /owr families. At 2 o'clock, p.m., had catechization and anxious meet- ing. This evening preached from, Luke 15 : 18, Eleven awak- ened souls asked for instruction and to be remembered in the prayers of God's children. The desired instruction was given and the prayers were offered. " Feb. 14th, Sunday evening, preached from Jer. 6 : 16, Seven persons were led to see their lost condition, and cried out, ' What must we do ?' They were diTected to ' the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin 6f the world.' " Feb. 15th, Monday evening, preached from 1 Kings 18 : 21. Six souls, convinced of sin, sought pardon in Jesus' blood. " Feb. 16th, Tuesday evening, preached from Exod. 32 : 26. Three or four persons were awakened and sought peace. " Feb. 17th, Wednesday, visited and prayed with two families. At 2 o'clock, P.M., catechized and had anxious meeting. This evening preached from Jer. 8 : 20. There were three seeking souls. The meeting closed. " As God alone knows the heart of man, so he alone knows the number of those who were truly converted to him during the con- tinuance of this meeting. Time will clearly show the real results of this protracted effort. May all prove faithful to the end ! To God belongs all praise and glory for the good accomplished at this meeting. May he continue to pour out his Holy Spirit abun- dantly, revive his people, confirm the wavering, convert sinners CHAPTER ir. 175 to himself, and get to himself a great name among this people, for Jesus' sake. Amen." „ Those who professed a change of heart were then for a time instructed and established in the doctrines of our holy religion, and after being examined by the Church-Council and by vote of the same, on Saturday the 10th of April, 1858, the following persons were confirmed : Peter Smith, Mrs. Mary Ann Swartz, Abraham Wentz, " Ellen Ann Lenig, Joseph Herth, " Mary Ann Burkepile, George Burkepile, Miss Martha Berkley (baptized), Jacob Burkepile, " Catharine Turnbaugh, George Burrel, " Barbara Ann Burkepile, Mrs. Isabella Herth, " Mary Burkepile. One of the above, Mrs. Mary Ann Swartz, has since gone to her rest. May all be ready to depart at any time ! "From day to day, may they grow In faith, in hope, and love. And walk in holiness below To holiness above. ' ' On Sunday, the 11th, the Lord's Supper was administered to seventy-three communicants, of whom fifty-six were members of this congregation. On account of sickness and other causes, six members were absent. May the Lord bless this people graciously and among them establish His kingdom gloriously ! On Saturday, the 18th of December, 1858, Mr. Daniel Shoe- maker and his wife Sarah, and Mr. Jeremiah Burkepile and his wife Mary, were received as members of this congregation, and the following persons were confirmed : William Bitner, Miss Marg. Ellen Reisdorff. Miss Mary Ann ReisdorfiF, " Draw us, Savior, with thy grace, And lift our thoughts on high, . That we may end this mortal race. And sec salvation nigh." 176 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. On the 26th of November, 1859, Mr. Christopher Fisher and his wife Hetta, and Mr. Gustavus Boize and his wife Sarah, were received as members of this congregation. May they prove faithful as good soldiers of Christ. On the 31st of March, 1860, Mr. John M. Smith and his wife Mary Ann, and Miss Mary A. ZoUenberger, and, on the 17th No- vember of the same year, Mrs. Rachel Mogel, were received as members of Mansville Lutheran congregation. May these persons enjoy God's blessing arid be useful in their present church re- lation. The school-house in which the congregation has hitherto worshipped is too small to accommodate all who attend preaching here, and is in many respects ill adapted as a house of worship. Hence, the need of a suitable church-edifice has for some time been deeply felt. A meeting was therefore called to take into consideration the propriety of erecting a church. The proceed- ings of this convention read as follows : " In accordance with previous announcement, the follovring brethren, viz., Daniel Swartz, Sen., John A. Fisher, David Swartz, George W. Swartz, Henry Burkepile, John Leppert, Jeremiah Burkepile, Adam Cless, George Burkepile, Peter Smith, John Bupp, and Jacob Burkepile, met at Mansville on the 19th of No- vember, 1860, to make arrangements for the building of a church. The pastor called the convention to order, the 499th hymn in our Hymn-Book was sung, and then he led the brethren in prayer to God for the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the blessing of heaven on the proposed enterprise. The object of the convention was then clearly and fully stated. After mature consideration the following resolutions were unanimously adopted : "Resolved, 1. That in reliance on the aid and blessing of God and for the promotion of His glory we will build a church. "Resolved, 2. That the church be called Mansville Evangelical Lulheran Church. "Resolved, 3. That the church be erected at Mansville on the corner lot, which Mr.Daniel Swartz, Sen., offers for the purpose. " Resolved, 4. That the church-edifice be thirty-five by forti/ CHAPTER II. 177 feet in size, frame, and plastered inside and plastered and pebble- dashed outside. " Resolved, 5. That a building committee of three be appointed, and that Daniel Swartz, Sen., Henry Burkepile, and George W. Swartz be said committee, and John A. Fisher be Treasurer. " Resolved, 6. That the building committee see to it that the above church-edifice be erected in a manner as good and yet as cheap as possible, and superintend its erection." After the passage and adoption of the above resolutions as a whole, the following heading of a subscription was drawn up, and upwards of two hundred and fifty dollars were subscribed : " We, the undersigned subscribers, promise to pay in money, labor or materials, the respective sums opposite our names towards the erection of Mansville Evangelical Lutheran Church at Mans- ville. Centre Township, Perry County, Pa. Said church to be used for the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in purity, and by the unanimous consent of the whole Church-Council other orthodox denominations may be allowed to preach in it a funeral sermon or an occasional sermon ; Provided, such occasional sermon does not cause disturbance or interfere with the appoint- ments of-the church. November 19th, 1860." The convention then adjourned with prayer by the pastor. The brethren, also, at the same time selected a suitable spot of ground for a graveyard on Mr. Daniel Swartz's land, about half a mile west of Mansville. Thus initial steps were taken towards the accomplishment of a much-needed and glorious end, — ^the erection of a house of worship. From the deed of conveyance we will add the following extracts : " This Indenture, made the 26th day of July, 1861, between Daniel Swartz, of Centre Township, Perry County, and State of Pennsylvania, and Sophia his wife, of the first part, and Daniel Swartz, George Swartz and John Leppert, Trustees of the Luthe- ran congregation and church, worshipping and located at Mans- ville (otherwise called Phoenixville) in said township, and their successors in office, of the second part — Witnesseth, that the said Daniel Swartz and wife, for and in consideration of the sum of 178 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. one dollar \o them in hand paid by the said Trustees, &e., ... do give, grant, bargain, sell, . . . unto the said Daniel Swartz, Greorge Swartz and John Leppert, Trustees as aforesaid, and their succes- sors in office, in trust for the Lutheran Church located as afore- said, to be used for the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in purity, from time to time, to the congregation worshipping in said church according to the discipline and usages of the said church ; but by obtaining the unanimous consent of the whole Church-Council, other orthodox denominations may be allowed to preach a funeral or other occasional sermon in it ; Provided, that such occasional sermon does not cause difficulty or interfere with the appointments of the said Lutheran congregation, . . . the follow- ing described pieces or lots of land bounded as follows and situated in Township, County, and State aforesaid, to wit : The first lot beginning at corner, &c., . . . containing twenty perches neat mea- sure. The other lot, situate as aforesaid, bounded as follows : be- ginning in road leading from Mansville, &c., . . . containing twenty perches strict measure, which latter lot is to be for the use of the church aforesaid for burying ground or graveyard to bury their dead. The two above described lots of ground sold, &c., . . . unto the said Daniel Swartz, George Swartz, and John Leppert, Trus- tees as aforesaid, and their successors in office, in trust, and for the use of the Lutheran church aforesaid, to the only proper use and behoof of the Trustees for the use aforesaidj and their successors in office forever," &c. See Deed-Book T., vol. i, p. 394. The lumber and other material for the new church-edifice is nearly all taken out; but the war in which our country is involved induced the members to defer erecting the building until more auspicious times shall return. It is however thought that in the fall of 1862 and the beginning of '63, the edifice can be put up and completed. It is very much needed, and we trust it will in the course of a year be erected. On the 24th of March, 1861, Miss Sarah Turnbaugh was re- ceived as a member by confirmation. May she follow Jesus truly till the end ! On Saturday the 9th of November, 1861, after being instructed CHAPTER II. 179 for some time, the following persons were admitted to membership by the rite of confirhiation : John Long, Miss A. C. Barnes (baptized), David Swartz, " Esther Burkepile, Wm. Leinewever (baptized), " Sarah Sweger. " So let our lips and lives express The holy Gospel we profess ; So let our works and virtues shine, To prove the doctrine all divine ! " Thus shall we hest proclaim abroad The honors of our Savior God, When the salvation reigns within, And grace subdues the pow'r of sin.'' Little Charles Stump, who died on the 17th of November, 1861, aged 1 year, ft months, and 13 days, was the first one buried in the new graveyard belonging to the congregation at Mansville; At this time (June, 1862) the congregation numbers sixty- eight members. Since the organization of the congregation, six years ago, forty-six members have been added by confirmation and certificate, six have departed this life, and thirteen have removed, and fifty-two infants were baptized. What is now most wanted is the church-edifice. Since the organization of the congregation in June, 1856, the following brethren have at different times served as its officers : Daniel Swartz, Sen., John A. Fisher, . Jonas Lenig, George W. Swartz, David Swartz, John A. Fisher, . John Bupp, John M. Smith, . Elder. from June, 1856 yet in office. Deacons. from June, 1856 to 1857. " 1856 to 1858. " 1857 to 1859. " 1858 to 1860. " 1859 to 1861. " 1860 yet in office. " 1861 " ^ 180 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. Trustees. Daniel Swartz, Sen., . from July, 1861 yet in office. George W. Swartz, . " « 1861 " John Leppert, . . « « 1861 " Treasurer. John A. Fisher, . . from June, 1856 yet in office. RESfARES BESPECTING THE BLOOMFIELD CHABaS. 1. Since the 26th of January, 1862, the pastor of the charge has been preaching regularly once every three weeks, in the after- noon, at a school-house in Miller Township, about five miles east of Bloomfield, at Dick's Gap and near the old graveyard referred to in the introduction to this work (see pp. 15-16). A number of member-B reside in that vicinity. Some other places within the bounds of the charge ought also to be brought under spiritual cul- tivation ; but the charge is already too large and laborious for one man. The pastor cannot do justice to himself nor to his people ; the labor required is too great. A number of changes have taken place in the charge since the present pastor has had the oversight of it. The Buffalo congregation near Ickesburg is now united with Blain, and the Mansville congregation has been organized and united with the charge ; the Centre Lutheran congregation was organized, a church was built, and in November, 1861, was united with the Millerstown Mission. Thus two congregations were added to the charge, and two were yielded to other charges. There are at present in the charge upwards of six hundred mem- bers, who are scattered over a territory of about twenty miles from east to west, and of about fifteen from north to south. It is hoped a division of the charge will in some way be effected before long. It is not the largest number of members that always supports the Gospel best. A small farm cultivated well will yield more than a large one cultivated indifferently. We must have smaller charges, if our pastors are to get old and our people are to be properly trained and truly benefited spiritually. CHAPTER II. 181 2. During the seven years (from the 1st of June, 1855, to the 1st of June, 1862,) that the present pastor has had charge of the Bloomfield pastorate, in the various changes that have taken place in it, two congregations were organized ; two new Lutheran churches were built, and the third is in course of erection; three hundred and thirty-eight persons were added to the membership by confirmation and certificate ; three hundred and thirty-seven infants were baptized; the pastor preached just thirteen hundred times, lectured on the Catechism three hundred and thirty-two times, and delivered about four hundred and fifty addresses on various occasions ; he attended one hundred and sixteen funerals, and solemnized ninety-one marriages. During the same time there were sold in the charge sixty dozen Lutheran Hymn-books, thirty dozen Catechisms, eighty dozen Lutheran Almanaps, and other church literature in proportion. The Lutheran Observer is the acknowledged church-paper, and circulates -extensively in the charge. Weekly prayer-meetings and Sunday-schools in all the congregations are established, regularly kept up, and generally well attended. For the support of every good cause the members contribute liberally, and peace in all the congregations is sacredly maintained. The chief and only source of grief to the pastor arises from his inability to visit the members more frequently in their houses, and to preach oftener to the congregations, owing to the great extent of the charge. Much has indeed been done to advance the cause of the blessed Kedeemer ; more might have been done had the charge been smaller. Whilst the pastor would, with sincere gratitude to God, record the kindness and sympathy of the members he has always experienced, and express his un- feigned love for them, he knows, that, as the charge now is, labor, severe labor, is required ; so that he may, in view of the past and future, justly exclaim : " Who is sufilcient for these things !" and adopt as his own the language of the hymn : 1. Jerusalem ! my happy home ! Name ever dear to me ! When shall my labors have an end, In joy and peace and thee? 16 182 OHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. 2. When shall these eyes thy heav'n-built walls And pearly gates behold? Thy bulwarks with salTation strong, And streets of shining gold ? 3. when, thou city of my G-od, Shall I thy courts ascend. Where congregations ne'er break up And Sabbaths have no end? 4. There happier bow'rs than Eden's bloom, Nor sin nor sorrow know : Blest seats ! through rude and stormy scenes I onward press to you. 5. Why should I shrink at pain or woe ? Or feel at death dismay ? I've Canaan's goodly land in view. And realms of endless day. 6. Apostles, martyrs, prophets, there. Around my Savior stand ; And soon my friends in Christ below Will join the glorious band. 7. Jerusalem ! my happy home ! My soul still pants for thee ; Then shall my labors have an end. When I thy joy shall see. CHAPTER in. 183 CHAPTER III. THE BLAIN CHARGE. The territory embraced in the Blain charge was until lately connected with the Loysville pastorate. As the Loysville charge was too large for one minister to serve, Rev. P. Willard requested that provision should be made for the employment of an assistant. Zion congregation at Blain, and St. Paul's in Madison Township, proposed such an assistant, and were willing to do their part to- wards supporting him ; but for reasons not known to us, the con- gregation at Loysville was opposed to the employment of an assist- ant, and unwilling to aid in his support. As the Loysville charge required more labor than one minister could perform, and as the two congregations above named considered themselves fully able to support a pastor, they united in the formation of a new charge. For this purpose a meeting was called. On the 26th of October, 1858, the church-councils of Zion and St. Paul's congregations met, and passed the following preamble and resolutions : " Whereas the Loysville charge is too large and laborious for one minister, and whereas the Loysville congregation refuses to employ the assistant named by the other part of the charge — therefore — " Resolved, That we hereby separate ourselves from the other part of the Loysville charge, and form ourselves into a new one, to be known by the name of the Blain charge. " Resolved, That a copy of the above preamble and resolution be sent to the balance of the Loysville charge, and to the Presi- dent of Synod of Central Pennsylvania, with the request that he publish the same in the Lutheran Observer. Signed, " WiLMAM Brioklet, "President. " George Stroup, " Secretary." 184 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. The Loysville pastorate being now divided into two separate charges, Kev. Willard resigned in November, 1858, and thus opened the way for each charge to call its own pastor. SECTION I. ZION CONGREGATION AT BLAIN IN JACKSON TOWNSHIP. During the last quarter of the last century, and the beginning of the present, a large number of families belonging to the Lu- theran Church settled the very fertile and beautiful scope of land west of Loysville. Blain, a village in Jackson (formerly Toboyne) Township, about ten miles west of Loysville, is located at about the centre of this rich, charming, and densely populated part of Sherman's Valley. At the close of the last century the members in this region enjoyed already occasional preaching by the Rev. John Herbst, at different places in private dwellings, school-houses, barns, &c. Encouraged by these occasional pastoral visits, and with a view to the building of a church and the securing of the stated preaching of the Gospel among them, a piece of land was bought where Blain was afterwards located. This church-land is part of a tract located by Abraham Mitchel as early as 1762, of which tract James Adams afterwards sold two acres for church and graveyard purposes, as the following extracts from the deed of con- veyance show : " The Indenture made the 10th day of January, 1801, between James Adams of Toboyne Township, Cumberland County, and State of Pennsylvania, of the one part, and Christopher Bower, Henry Zimmerman, Adam Hubler and Peter Brown of the Town- ship, County, and State aforesaid. Trustees for building a German meeting-house in said Township, of the other part, — Now this In- denture witnesseth that the said James Adams, for and in con- sideration of the sum of twenty-five pounds Pennsylvania currency CHAPTER III. 185 to him in hand paid by said Christopher Bower, Henry Zimmer- man, Adam Hubler and Peter Brown, hath granted, bargained, sold, &c., ... a small moiety of land, containing in all two acres without any allowance for roads, &c., ... to the aforesaid Trustees for the foresaid congregation and their successors in office to said congregation or their assigns forever, &o." Vide Deed-Boole, Let- ter 0., p. 497. ■ Though the members had now land whereon to erect a church, still they had preaching only occasionally. After Rev. Herbst left in 1801, they were visited successively by Rev. Messrs. Sanno, Osterloh, and it may be by Oberhauser. Until they had a house of worship of their own, the members here went to Loys- ville, a distance from eight to fifteen miles, on sacramental occa- sions. The young people also attended catechizing at Loysville, and were there confirmed. Some time in 1815, the members so- cured the pastoral services of the Rev. John William Heim, who organized the congregation. The first Lutheran Church-Coun- cil consisted of the following members : John Sieger, ) „„ Abraham Bower, . Henry Zimmerman, 1 ' Solomon Bower, I Deacons. John Stambach, J In the spring of 1816, the congregation sent a petition to Synod, requesting that Rev. Heim might be recognized as their pastor. This request was granted by Synod. (See page 31.) The scattered members were now collected and much encouraged. But the want of a suitable house was soon and deeply felt. The members were in this section of the valley comparatively numerous, and they were not only necessitated, but also able, to build a large church. The following is a translation of the heading of a German sub- scription circulated for the purpose of obtaining aid towards erect- ing the proposed church : " In the year 1816. A petition for aid, for the welfare of the congregations, to build a joint German Lutheran and German Re- 16* 186 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. formed church in Tohoyne Township, Cumberland County. As our neighborhood is very inadequately provided with churches for the worship of the Triune God, and as we should not be indiffe- rent respecting this matter, it is highly necessary that we build a house of God, where we can assemble and unitedly engage in praising the Lord for his unspeakable goodness and mercy mani- fested towards us to this time. It is our prayer and entreaty that this proposal to build a church may meet with a hearty response and active support, because we should feel it to be our duty to do a good work, and because it is a work so highly necessary. It is proposed to build the edifice of stone ; and all the church-mem- bers are requested to contribute towards its erection, and we would also ask our fellow-brethren to help us, so that this good work, which we are bound to do, may not remain undone." " Accordingly," so says the record, " the commencement of this building was made on the 6th of May, in the year 1816." The following Constitution, though without date, was without doubt written and signed only a short time before the laying of the corner-stone, in which a copy of it was deposited. It was written in the German language, probably by Rev. Heim, and is singularly difficult to decipher. Rev. J. T. Williams says : " I confess I never undertook anything so difficult to translate as this Constitution. It is bad in orthography, bad in syntax, bad all over. I think I have, however, succeeded in giving the sense, though I had often to guess it out, for the words and the con- struction of the sentences frequently convey no sense." As we have been informed, one of the members transcribed the Consti- tution into the church-record in a careless manner, and hence no doubt the difficulty Rev. Williams experienced in translating it. The Constitution reads as follows : THIS CHURCH SHALL BE STYLED ZION CHURCH. Church-rules. The Church-rules of the joint congregations are the following : Article 1 . The minister preaching in this church shall be of CHAPTER III. 187 good report ; he shall teach according to the Holy Scriptures and the Large and Smaller Catechisms,* that is, the doctrines he preaches shall be in harmony with the pure Word of Jesus Christ and the Lutheran and Reformed confession of faith ; and he shall administer the Holy Sacraments, Baptism and the Lord's Supper, and lead an upright and godly life. Aet. 2. The minister and church-council shall see to it that order be preserved in the church, and when children are baptized that their names be recorded in the church-record. Art. 3. In the election of pastor, of schoolmaster, of the church-council, and in all matters relating to the church and school, the majority of votes shall decide. Art. 4. When the congregation is without a pastor, the church- council shall then invite a minister to preach a trial sermon, so that the congregation may have the opportunity to hear him, and thus be enabled to judge whether he is likely to be useful among them and will prove to be a good witness in doctrine and life. Art. 5. The church-council shall exercise care that the minis- ter, who takes charge of this congregation, be and continue sound in doctrine and exemplary in life ; if he, however, fail to be so, the council shall then notify the congregation of the fact and ad- monish the minister, and if he does not reform after having been admonished, he shall then be discharged by a majority of votes. Art. 6. The Elders and Deacons of this joint Lutheran and Reformed congregation shall always be elected by a majority of votes, viz. : two Elders for the term of six years and three Dea- cons for the term of three years, by each congregation ; the re- tiring members of the church-council, if they have been faithful in their office, may be re-nominated and re-elected. The church- council shall lift the collections of the congregation, and once a year make settlement of the money collected. Art. 7. The land belonging to the church and the graveyard shall be the joint property of the two congregations ; the money * The Lutheran and Keformed Catechisms are meant, aa the ' ' oonfession of the faith" of each congregation. 188 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. obtained by collections shall belong equally to both congregations, and shall be used for the improvement of the church and school- house ; the altar-cloth and sacramental service, the keys of the church and such like, shall be held and used jointly by both con- gregations. Art. 8. It shall be the duty of the church-council to take care that the land belonging to this Evangelical Lutheran and Reformed church and school, together with all the buildings thereon erected or that may hereafter be thereon erected, be and continue for all time to come the property of this Lutheran and Reformed congre- gation. Art. 9. The church-council shall, out of love to these congre- gations, render their service at divine worship free of charge. When, however, a minister or school-teacher is invited from a dis- tance, if required, his travelling expenses shall be paid by ihe congregations. Art. 10. The pastors shall be elected by their respective con- gregations. The Lutherans shall elect their pastor, and the Re- formed theirs, and the Lutherans shall support their pastor and the Reformed theirs. Art. 11. It shall be the duty of the church-council of each congregation to exercise diligent care that during the time of di- vine worship and school-term good order be maintained. Art. 12. The church-council shall see to it that as regards ap- pointments for preaching, one minister does not interfere with the other. When one minister has announced an appointment for divine worship, the other shall then make his appointment eight days later, so that all things may be done in peace and order. Art. 13. The church-council shall take care that, if two deaths occur near the same time, the one that died first be buried first. If, however, the friends of the one that died first be not ready to bury, they shall then notify the friends of the one that died last, and these shall then proceed to bury their dead. If in this matter any one should be negligent and cause strife at or in the church, men shall then be chosen from each congregation, and these men shall settle the case and severely reprimand the guilty. CHAPTER III. 189 Abt. 14. In this church the church-council shall permit no person to preach, who has not been examined, found qualified, and been licensed by one of the J]vangelical Lutheran or Reformed Ministeriums to perform the duties of the office of teacher or preacher. That we will be governed by the above rules, we obligate our- selves by affixing our signatures : Henry Wentz, ■> ™ , Jacob Wentz, ■\ John Zimmerman, | ' John Berkir, V Deacons. Jacob Shuman, J Solomon Bower, ~v Hen. Zimmerman, -v Jacob Kroemer, I . John Garber, I Building Jonathan Faust, [ ' Henry Wentz, ( Committee. Jacob Arnold, J George Faust, J George Leiby, Jonathan Sieger, Daniel Wentz, George Stroup, Daniel Gutshall, David Kern. The above " Church-rules" have long since become a dead letter. Each congregation now manages its ecclesiastical affairs according to the Synod or General Synod of its own Church. According to the church-record, " the corner-stone was laid on the 23d of May, 1816, being Ascension Day, when Pastor Heim, Lutheran minister, preached a suitable discourse from 1 Pet. 2 : 6-8, which reads as follows : ' Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner-stone, elect, precious : and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe, he is pre- cious : but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling, and a rook of offence.' " * The church was consecrated in July, 1817, by the name of * In his journal, Rev. Heim says : " On tlie 23d of May, 1816, laid the ooraer-stone of Zion Church in Sherman's Valley. Preached in the forenoon from 1 Pet. 2 : 6-8, Hymn ; Meinen Jesum lass ich nicht, Ao. In the after- noon I preached from Rom. 10 : 17. Hymn ; Versuchet each dock selist, Ac. Baptized five infants." 190 CHTJRCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. Zion Church. On this occasion Rev. Heim and Eev. Conrad Walter of the Lutheran Church, Rev. Mr. Helffenstein of the Re- formed Church, and Rev. John Linn of the Presbyterian Church, were present and took part in the exercises. The church-edifice is of stone, a substantial structure, forty-five hj fifty feet in size. It has inside a high gallery on three sides. The pulpit is high and ascended by a flight of steps, and over it is suspended a sounding-board. The altar, in front of the pulpit, is circular, elevated one step from the floor, and wholly surrounded by a balustrade. A cupola and bell surmount the church. We should suppose the church has capacity to accommodate from six to eight hundred persons, and judging from the work expended on it, it must have cost from four to five thousand dollars. Withal, the internal arrangement is not good. At the time the church was erected, it was, however, considered a great church as to size and. felicitous as to arrangement. From 1815 to 1849, Rev. Heim preached here regularly once every four weeks, exclusively in the German language. On the 27th of December, 1849, in his 68th year, the Lord called him from his labors in the church militant to his reward in the church triumphant. For want of a church-record, we are unable to learn who or how many were from time to time admitted to membership whilst Rev. Heim was pastor of this congregation. The number must have been large, as at present upwards of two hundred and fifty members belong, at least nominally, to the Blain congrega- tion. The Lord crowned the labors of his servant, here as else- where, with great success. After the decease of Father Heim, the congregation was vacant about ten months. In November, 1850, in connection with the Loysville pastorate, the Rev. Frederick Ruihrauff commenced his ministerial labors here. He introduced the use of the English language in preaching, a measure for a long time much needed among this people. His pastoral labors were crowned with marked success, and under his ministry many were added to the Church. Soon after he commenced preaching here, he formed CHAPTEE Iir. 191 a class of catechumens, whom he instructed in the doctrines of religion. Though he has since joined the ransomed in glory, he did a good work here, and long hereafter many will dwell on his name with delight, filial affection, and sincere gratitude to Grod. He labored diligently ; the words he spoke were those of a father, who desires the good of his children ; and in all he did and said he pointed to Jesus Christ as the only Savior of the soul. His words of love will not be forgotten by those who heard them. The large number whom he inducted into the Church will ever be a witness to his faithfulness and success as a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. On the 18th of April, 1851, the following per- sons were confirmed : Joseph Wentz, Jane Gutshall, Andrew S. Loy, Magdalene Briner, John Shuman, Lydia A. Wentz, G-eorge Wentz, Jane Shoemaker, John Ebert, Mary Gutshall, Joseph B. Grarber, Catharine Phillips, William Stambaugh, Margaret Stroup, Peter Stahl, Margaret Loy, David McCartel, Mary A. Gutshall, George Ernst, Mary Kissler, Sylvester K. Baltoser, Sarah Ernst, David Kissler, Mary Schambach, Henry Gibbons, Margaret Kissler, John Shoemaker, Catharine Klaus, Samuel Klaus, Maria A. Henry, James McCartel, Eebecca Henry, John Sheibley, Elizabeth C. Saltzberg, Margaret Garber, Eliza Ewing, Lucinda Baltoser, Sarah J. Wentz, Elizabeth Baker, Michael Loy, -v ^ ^^^^.g Mary Loy, t \^^^ Caroline Loy, Susanna Bower, Elizabeth Chestnut. Eliz. Jane Baker, 192 CHDRCDES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. This year the congregations at Blain obtained another parcel of land, as the following extracts from the deed of conveyance show : " This Indenture, made the 1st day of November, 1851, he'' tween Arnold R. Fahs and Julia E. his wife, of Jackson Town- ship, Perry County, and State of Pennsylvania, of the one part, and Solomon Bower, Jacob Kremer, David Snyder, and George Souder of Jackson and Toboyne Townships, County and State aforesaid. Trustees of the congregations at Zion's Church, in Jack- son Township, County and State aforesaid, of the other part, Wit- nesseth, that the said Arnold R. Pahs and Julia E. his wife, for and in consideration of the sum of five dollars to them in hand paid by the party of the second part, . . . have granted, bar- gained, sold, &c., . . . one acre neat measure ... to Solomon Bower, -Jacob Kremer, David Snyder, and George Souder," &c. See Deed-Book, Letter 0., p. 498. In order to render honor to whom honor is due, it is proper to state, respecting this one acre of land, that Alexander P. Toply donated three-fourths of an acre of it to the congregations. But before making a deed of conveyance, he sold his tract of land adjoining the church property to Mr. Pahs, with the understand- ing that these three-fourths of an acre were to belong to the con- gregations. Mr. Pahs afterwards sold to the congregations one- fourth of an acre in addition to the three-fouths Mr. Toply had previously donated, and then gave the congregation a deed for one acre. The congregations paid Mr. Pahs five dollars for the one- fourth acre he sold to them. A year had now passed away, and others were found willing to attend a series of lectures on the Catechism. The Lord smiled ap- provingly on the faithful labors of the pastor. The congregation was reviving and prospering. A deep interest on the subject of religion was awakened in many hearts. On the 9th of April, 1852, the following persons were confirmed : Samuel Bloom, Elizabeth Beistlein, Jacob Briner, Mary B. Brickley, John Beistlein, Sarah E. Cless, CHAPTER iir. 193 Benjamin Beistlein, Eliza J. Ernst, George Hohenshilt, Mary Grutshall, Daniel Shoemaker, Elizabeth Garber, Peter Yohn, Sarah Hohenshilt, Thomas Stump, Sarah Yohn, Alexander Stump, Sarah Seager, Benjamin Shoemaker, Catharine E. Seager, George McCartel, Susanna Reinsmith, George Holtz, Rebecca Zimmerman, Sarah Beistlein, Hannah Zimmerman. Having served the congregation as pastor for two years, to the great regret of all, Rev. Ruthrauff resigned in November, 1852. The charge was then vacant about four months. Having accepted a call, the Sev. Reuben Weiser commenced his pastoral labors in the Loysville charge on the 1st of April, 1853. Whilst he was pastor of this congregation some twenty persons were confirmed; but as their names were not re- corded, we cannot give them now. Rev. Weiser preached here once every three weeks. About one-half of the preaching was now required in the English language. Having been pastor of the congregation about two years and a half, Rev. Weiser resigned in September, 1855. The charge was then vacant about seven months. Having received and accepted a call, on the 25th of May, 1856, the Rev. Pliilip Willard entered on the discharge of his pastoral labors here. Rev. Wil- lard toiled incessantly in this part of the Lord's vineyard, and here, as elsewhere in the charge, uncommon success attended his min- istry. Through his instrumentality many were led to Jesus Christ, and now give full proof by their life that they are in the way to glory. He catechized almost constantly. No sooner was one class of catechumens confirmed than he formed and instructed another. Much, very much, of his success was owing to his faithfulness in the lecture-room. Here it was that the revivals under his minis- 17 194 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. try commenced. Here he was at home. Not by any labored effort, not by anything peculiarly eloquent in his sermons (though these were always instructive), not by vapid appeals to the feelings of his hearers, — no, in none of these ways did he accomplish what he did ; but he catechized as one who feels deeply that he must appear before Grod and answer for the manner he dealt with the souls committed to his charge. With him, catechization was not a dead formality. Truth, the truth as it is in Jesus, with all its life and saving energy, its fulness and glory, was clearly set forth, illustrated, and enforced with unction from on high and amid ardent tears and fervent prayers. The result of such labors — la- bors continued from day to day — we have in the large access of members to the Church under his ministry. The mystery of his success is easily solved. Would that, in this respect, his example were more generally followed ! In catechizing, as in preaching, a man may be slothful and inefficient, and with all his formal and heartless, spiritless and Christless catechizing, both he and his catechumens may sink to hell ; but, on the contrary, in catechiz- ing, as in preaching, a man filled with a due sense of his respon- sibility to God and to souls, speaking from the heart to the heart, holding forth the whole counsel of God, and directing the sinner to Jesus Christ as the only Savior, will be successful in leading sinners to Christ, and catechizing will evince itself to be a glorious means of good. Much, very much, depends on the manner and spirit, the zeal and deep earnestness, the longing of soul and deep desire of heart for the conversion and salvation of the catechu- mens, in order to success in catechizing. The life and spirit of Christ must give life and spirit to the instruction imparted, and then the truth will be the power of God and the wisdom of God unto salvation. But to proceed with our narrative. In October, 1856, the following were confirmed : Joseph Beistlein, David H. Smith, Jane Bower, Samuel Smith, Elizabeth Wentz, Sarah Gutshall, Jonathan Beistlein, Catharine Wentz, Caroline Gutshall, Jacob t eager, Margaret Wentz, Sarah B. Smith, CHAPTEE III. 195 William Anderson, Solomon Gutshall, Wm. B. Gutshall, Samuel Gibbons, George Beistlein, Susanna Shatto, Marg. HoUenbaugh, Eliza Seager, Malinda J. Seager, Nancy Gibbons. Mary A. Shearer, Mary A. Ebert, Arabella Beistlein, Leah Beistlein, Sarah Bower, It may with great propriety be said that this congregation, as well as the whole Loysville charge, enjoyed a continual revival whilst Rev. Willard was pastor of it. God poured out his Spirit on the people, and their hearts were opened to the truth as it is in Jesus, and made them willing to receive it in the love of it. The lectures on the Catechism were continued and well attended. Everywhere the inquiry was, " What shall I do to be saved ?" — and the answer always was, " Repent of your sins and believe in Jesus Christ." On the 7th of June, 1857, the following persons were confirmed : Esther Philips, Matilda Wentz, Margaret Gutshall, Sarah Gutshall, Elizabeth Loy, Rebecca Shoemaker, Mary C. Trostle, Caroline Baltozer, Julia A. Bower, Mary M. Brickley, Susan E. Smith, During the early part of 1858, it pleased the Lord to pour out his Spirit copiously upon this congregation. A large number pro- fessed to have experienced a change of heart, and the members were greatly revived. The lectures on the (catechism were con- tinued, and the converts were still more fully instructed. The pastor met them for several months once or twice every week, and under his teaching their views of the doctrines of our holy religion were enlarged, their experience was confirmed, and their duties, positive and relative, were made clear. Pound willing to unite themselves with God's people, on the 25th of April, 1858, the following persons were confirmed : Christian Streiker, Samuel P. Gutshall, Susanna Shuman, Samuel Weibly, Cornelius Baker, Mary Reeder, John Brickley, Thomas Reeder, Daniel Anderson, Samuel Kuney, Henry Baker, Abraham Trostle, Catharine Shuman, Caroline Faust, Margaret Kuney, Elizabeth Shuler. 196 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. Henry Wolf, George Stahl, Hannah Stump, Conrad Corap, Samuel Ebert, Susan Gutshall, Simon Gutshall, Henry Allison, Ann Stump, Andrew Kessler, Mary A. Shoemaker, Susanna Weibly, David Stahl, Susan Bernheiiel, Sarah A. Stump. Andrew Schreffler, Oath. E. Shoemaker, George Briner, Hannah Gutshall, During the summer of 1858, the matter relating to a division of the Loysvillo charge was agitated. The charge was too large and laborious for one minister, and Eev. Willard's health began to fail in consequence of incessant and severe application to supply the wants of the members. On the 26th of October, 1858, a di- vision of the Loysville charge was effected, and he concluded to resign and thus open the way for each charge to call its own pas- tor. As he had, however, for some time been instructing a class of catechumens, he continued to meet them a few weeks longer, and on the 6th of November, 1848, the following persons were confirmed : Jacob Guttshall, Catharine Baltozer, Mary E. Bower, Daniel Leiby, Lydia A. Gutshall, Susan Schreffler, William H. Leiby, Clara Stambaugh, Flora A. Stambaugh. Emeline Schreffler, Mary A. Gutshall, The confirmation of these persons, and the administration of the Lord's Supper on the day following, closed the ministerial labors of Rev. Willard at this place. He had with great acceptance served this congregation about two years and a half. The new charge, consisting of the Zion and St. Paul's congre- gations, and now known as the Blain charge, was then vacant about four months. Having received and accepted a call, the Rev. John T. Williams, as the first pastor of the Blain charge, commenced his ministerial labors on the 1st of April, 1859. He located at Blain, and preaches here once every two weeks. Early in the spring of 1860, the charge erected a fine parson- CHAPTER III. 197 age at Blain for the pastor. This was highly necessary, and the congregation deserve great credit for the manner in which they accomplished this needful work. Every charge ought to have a parsonage. It saves expense, and is a great convenience to pas- tor and people. Having been carefully instructed, in the spring of 1860 the following persons were confirijaed : John Baker, Miss Adaline Stroup, Andrew Shearer, " Eliza Jane Shearer, Baltzer Beistlein, " Malinda J. Boltosser, Mr. Beistlein, " Ebert. This congregation requires about one-half of the preaching in the German language. But as there are no German schools in this community, the use of the English language will gradually supersede that of the German, and will finally supplant it altoge- ther here, as it has done in nearly all' the other Lutheran congre- gations in the county. As the old Church-rules or Constitution had long ago become obsolete, and the congregation was in a manner without any rules for government and discipline, in November, 1860, the Formula appended to the Lutheran Hymn-Book was adopted, not without opposition, as the Constitution of the congregation. At the same time a move was made towards having the congregation incorpo- rated. We may well ask, how can a congregation manage its affairs properly, and administer discipline fairly without a Consti- tution ? The pastor did well in urging the adoption of a Consti- tution. To have the congregation incorporated was also a move in the right direction. From the charter of incorporation, dated Ja- nuary, 1861, we make the following extracts, exhibiting the posi- tion of the congregation as to doctrine and government : " That whereas they (the members) have associated themselves together for the purpose of worshipping Almighty God according to the faith and discipline of the Lutheran Church in the United States of America, and for said purpose, &c. — Art. 2. This church acknowledges itself to be a member of and belonging to 17* 198 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Central Pennsylvania, and as such recognizes the Augsburg Confession of Faith as a sub- stantially correct symbol of its faith, and the Constitution and Discipline adopted by the congregation as its rule of government and discipline. — Art. 3. The pastor, or pastors, of said church shall be elected as the Constitution of the church prescribes, and must be a member of an acknowledged Evangelical Lutheran Synod of the United States, or if not a member of the Evangeli- cal Lutheran Synod of Central Pennsylvania when elected, he or they must unite with it at its first meeting thereafter, and a refu- sal to do so shall be regarded and taken as a resignation," &c. Having been carefully instructed for some time in the Cate- chism, on the 3d of May, 1862, the following persons were con- firmed : George Stum, Lydia Grutshall, Mary A. Stahl, George Fry, Catharine Shuman, Mary A. Kessler. Elizabeth C. Briner, Much labor is required to make all the members of this con- gregation efficient. Many of them, living a considerable distance from the house of God, are very indifferent and do not attend the ordinances of the sanctuary, nor concern themselves about the in- terests of the chfirch and their souls, as it is their duty to do. As the charge is reduced, and as the pastor resides among the members, it is to be hoped that the large Lutheran population in that region will be gradually brought into a state of progress and activity. There are in the congregation many most excellent men, whose hearts are alive to every good cause and who are willing to do their utmost to elevate the congregation in piety, intelligence, and Christian benevolence ; but there are also many who care but little about these things, and whose hearts are not lighted with wisdom from on high. The present pastor has already accom- plished much in the way of general reform, and the hope is en- tertained that in future still more will be accomplished by him. To this end may God bless his labors, and stir up the hearts of all the members to prayer and every good work ! CHAPTER III. 199 " Lord, shall we lie so sluggisli still ! And never act our parts ? Come, holy Dove, from the heav'nly hill, Renew and warm ottr hearts. " Then shall our active spirits move, Upward our souls shall rise ; With hands of faith and wings of love We'll fly and take the prize." SECTION II. ST. Paul's Lutheran church in madison township. Most of the members of St. Paul's Church belonged formerly to Zion Church at Blain, some few to the congregation at Loys- ville, and other places. As they had a considerable distance to the nearest church, they concluded, in 1855, to organize them- selves into a congregation and erect a church in their midst. The members united heartily in this good work. The congre- gation was regularly organized early in the spring of 1855, by the Rev. Reuben Weiser, when the following brethren were elected and installed as the first board of oflBcers of the congregation : Jacob Arnold, 1 _, , J. B. Zimmerman, ) _, T u T^ 1 1 J- Jiilders. cc J A 1 J t JJeacons. Jacob Kunkel, j oamuel Arnold, J George Hohenshilt, ") Henry Wolf, | ^''''''''- The corner-stone of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church was laid on the 27th day of May, 1855, when the Rev. Daniel Sell, the only minister present on the occasion, preached a suitable sermon from Isa. 28 : 16. At this time. Rev. R. Weiser, the pastor, was absent on a visit to Texas. The church-edifice was reared speedily and successfully. In September, 1855, Rev. 200 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. Weiser resigned the Loysville pastorate. The charge was then vacant about eight months, Consecration of St. Paul's Church. The church was dedicated to the service of the Most High on Sunday, the 22d of December, 1855. Rev. Messrs. J. Evans, M. J. Alleman and P. P. Lane, were present on this occasion and conducted the exercises. The meeting commenced on Priday evening previous and closed on Sunday evening. The Sunday morning exercises were introduced with a prayer-meeting, after which Rev. Alleman preached in the German language from Rom. 5 : 1, and was followed in the English language by Rev. Evans, who preached from Psalm 42 : 1, 2. The Rev. Lane attended then to the liturgical exercises, and consecrated the church by the distinctive title of St. Paul's Evangelical I/aiheran Church. The church-edifice is of brick, neat and substantial, forty by fifty feet in size. It has a vestibule, and is surmounted by a steeple and sweet-sounding bell. The internal arrangement is tasty and judicious. The entire cost of erecting the building was about seventeen hundred dollars. The church is located in Madi- son Township, about five miles west of Loysville, and on the main road leading from Loysville to Blain, on a tract of land originally located by John Crawford in 1766, but now owned by the Messrs. Clarks. The site is eligible and in every way convenient. Rev. Philip Willard commenced his pastoral labors here, in connection with the Loys- ville charge, on the 26th of May, 1856. Soon after he had entered on the discharge of his ministerial duties, he commenced instructing a class of catechumens, and here, as well as in the other congregations of the charge, the Lord blessed his labors to the edification of Christians and the conversion of sinners. On the 25th of October, 1856, the following persons were admitted to full communion by the rite of confirmation : CHAPTER III. 201 Jacob Clausert, Catharine Baldozer, George A. Shuman, Mary Ernst, Andrew Hohenshilt, Amanda Reed, Catharine Loy, Elizabeth Seager, Mary A. Loy, Lydia A. Seager, Ellen Loy, Mary Stahl. Mary J. Beaston, During the early part of 1857, the Lord poured out graciously his Spirit upon the congregation. A number professed to have realized a change of heart during this season of refreshing from on high. These were carefully instructed for a few months, and on the 23d of May, 1857, the following were confirmed : John A. Garber, Susanna Burrel, Franklin D. Baldoser, Mary M. Ewing, John Bergstresser, Sarah A. Garland, Sarah J. Seager, Elizabeth Shatto, Amanda H. Bergstresser, Mary A. Moyer, Mary A. Zimmerman, Sarah Koon. Elizabeth Beistlein, In the charter of incorporation, dated August 7th, 1857, among other matters not necessary to state, we find the following item of general interest : " Article 5. Whatsoever is not otherwise specially provided for in this Constitution shall be regulated according to the Constitu- tion, form of government, discipline, rules and usages of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Central Pennsylvania and of the General Synod of the Lutheran Church in the United States," &c. Trustees: Daniel Ernst, Samuel Shope and Michael J. Loy. On the 14th of March, 1858, the following persons were ad- mitted to full communion by confirmation : Thomas Messimer, John Calhoon, Catharine Calhoon. On the 6th of September, 1858, James Clark and Ann his wife, and Andrew M. Clark, made a deed to Daniel Ernst, William Zimmerman and Samuel Shope, Trustees of St. Paul's Evangelical 202 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. Lutheran Church in Madison Township, conveying to said Trus- tees one acre and fifty-nine perches of land, strict measure, for the consideration of sixty dollars. See Record-Booh, Letter R., p. 200. In October, 1858, this congregation and that at Blain withdrew f^om the Loysville charge, and united in the formation of the Blain charge, and in November following Rev. P. Willard re- signed. The Blain charge, just formed, was vacant about four months. Having received and aceepted a call, Rev. John T. Williams commenced his pastoral labors in this charge on the 1st of April, 1859. He preaches here once every two weeks, alternately in the German and English languages. After having attended lectures on the Catechism for some time, on the 14th of April, 1860, the following persons were confirmed : Daniel Garber, John H. Briner, Daniel Beistlein, Anna E. Zimmerman, Samuel Koon, Sarah J. Stroup, John W. Smith, Catharine M. Koon, Samuel A. Smith, Caroline Loy, Henry Hohenshilt, Anna E. Roush, John Roush, Jane E. Beistlein. Thus fourteen more were added to the membership of this con- gregation. May we not hope that they will be useful in their day, and afterwards be received to glory. ' ' Lord, we accept, with thankful heart, The hope thy gracious words impart ; We come with trembling, yet rejoice. And bless the kind inviting voice. "Dear Savior, let thy wondrous love Confirm our faith, our fears remove ; sweetly influence ev'ry bfeast, And guide us to eternal rest. ' ' CHAPTER III. 203 SECTION III. EMANUEL CHURCH NEAK ICKESBURG IN SAVILLE TOWNSHIP. At the beginning of the present century a number of Lutheran families settled in the vicinity where Ickesburg was afterwards located. These all went to church at Loysville, a distance from eight to twelve miles. After the erection of St. Andrew's or Shuman's Church, in 1831, some attended preaching there. The want of a church in their midst was deeply felt. Rev. Heim preached for them occasionally in private dwellings and school- houses. This was however not satisfactory, as the members could not but see the advantage to themselves and their children of having a house of worship and regular preaching in their neigh- borhood. It would seem that Rev. Heim did not encourage them to erect a church, and when it was built he never preached in it. But without the encouragement of any minister, the Lutherans, in union with a sister denomination, were minded to have a church, which they also erected about two miles and a half west of Ickesburg in Saville Township. The following is the heading of the subscription circulated for the purpose of securing aid towards erecting the contemplated church : " We, the subscribers, promise to pay the sums annexed to our names for the purpose of building a Lutheran and Reformed Church on the land of Henry Bartman, on Buffalo Creek, near McKinley's Mill. July 30th, 1839." The amount subscribed was encouraging. Messrs. Conrad Rice and Jonathan Swartz were chosen the building committee. The church was erected in the summer of 1840. In the spring of 1841, it was consecrated to the service of God and received the distinctive appellation, Emanuel Church, though it is commonly known as Buffalo or Stone Church. Rev. S. R. Boyer, then pastor of the Lutheran Church at Mifflintown, Juniata County, and Rev. Henry Aurandt of the German Reformed Church, officiated on the occasion of the consecration. It is a rough stone 204 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. edi&ce, forti/-six lay thirty-six feet in size, without gallery; it is entered by one side door and two end doors, and has two aisles, two side rows of pews, and one double block of centre pews. After the church was erected and dedicated, the Lutherans were in want of a pastor. For reasons not known to .the writer. Father Heim did not, and, perhaps on account of his extended charge and the increasing infirmities of age, could not preach for the members here. For about one year, Rev. Boyer preached for them an occasional sermon. The members were not organized into a congregation ; and for want of the regular ministrations of the sanctuary by a minister of their own Church, a number of the principal Lutheran members with their families were induced to unite with the denomination that exclusively occupied the church. Thus, a number of Lutherans were gradually absorbed and drawn into another denomination, under the specious plea that it made no difference to what denomination they belonged. Some of the members were, however, not so pliant nor so easily hoodwinked. They argued very correctly, that if it made no difference to what Church they belonged, they would remain in their own Church. They therefore secured, early in 1847, the visits of the Rev. Lloyd Knight, of the Bloomfield charge, who took a deep interest in their spiri- tual welfare and made every proper effort to collect the remaining scattered members into a congregation. Though the church had been built mainly by the Lutherans, yet, strange as it may seem. Rev. Knight was at first scarcely allowed to preach in' it, and his efforts to organize a Lutheran congregation were met with strong opposition from those who occupied the church. Here we have a fine illustration of the amiable spirit of union-churchism ! A debt of some hunftred dollars still rested on the church, and it was finally agreed that if the Lutherans would pay that debt, they should be entitled to one-half of the property and of the church. This was very generous indeed ! especially so, when they had done most towards erecting it in the beginning. Thus, the advantage to some people of building union-churches becomes strikingly ap- CHAPTER III. 205 parent I The Lutherans, however, paid that debt, and of course all difficulties had to cease. In the meantime Rev. Knight col- lected and instructed a class of catechumens. The organization of the Lutheran congregation was finally eflfected, and great suc- cess attended the pastor's labors. As no church-record was then kept, we will transcribe from a letter of Rev. Knight to the writer an account of his pastoral labors here : " The Ickesburg or Buffalo congregation (Lutheran) was orga- nized by me on Saturday, the 12th of June, 1847, with fifty- three members. The following brethren were elected the Church- Council, viz. : Benjamin Rice, \ ^^^^^,^_ George Rice, | ^^^^^^^^_ John Butturff, 3 John Peck, Conrad Rice, Trustee. ] "The first communion was held on the 13th of June. Thirty- nine persons gave in their names as members and communicants, besides the following persons, who had on the previous day (the 12th) been received to full communion by the rite of confirma- tion : Samuel Rice, Elizabeth Rice, David B. Kistler, Susanna Kistler, John Rice, Sarah Rice, John Sanderson, Catharine A. Heim, Jonathan Rice, Catharine Kochenderfer, Margaret ButturfF, Mary A. Otto, Sarah Butturff, Susan Otto. " The Lord smiled propitiously on the labors of his unworthy servant. The congregation was truly revived, and many of those then added to the Church are now among its most efficient mem- bers. Having attended a course of lectures on the doctrines of our holy Christianity, and being found possessed of the requisite qualifications, on the 14th of May, 1848, the following persons Avere admitted to full communion by confirmation : 18 206 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. George Butturff, Samuel Hench, John lekes, Michael Ickes, Jeremiah Hall, Robert C. Boden, John Hollenbaugh, George F. Flickinger, Henry S. Saylor, Samuel Fuller, Andrew Snyder, William Yohn, Eobert Matthews, John Butturff (baptized), John M. Evril " John Hassler " Sarah Snyder " Sophia Hall, Sarah T. Eice, Nancy J. Rice, Alice Rice, Ann Delaney, Elizabeth Saylor, Mary Bringman, Elizabeth Saylor, Margaret Yohn. " After another year had passed away, a number of persons were found willing to attend lectures on the Catechism, and having re- ceived instruction for some time, on the 13th of May, 1849, the following were confirmfed : Nicholas Hench, William Rice, Adam Rice, Daniel Rice, Adam Bitner, David Bitner, Joseph Saylor, Samuel Duffield, Benjamin Flickinger, Jacob Bringman, William Kinzer (baptized), Mary Kinzer, Catharine J. Hench, Sarah J. Kepner, Mary A. Bitner, Susan Flickinger, Elizabeth Flickinger, Margaret Keyser. " I served the congregation a little more than two years. During this time fifty-eight persons were received to full commu- nion by confirmation. This was my favorite, most interesting, and beloved congregation. I resigned in June, 1849. "Yours, truly, "Lloyd Knight." Rev, Knight preached here once every three weeks, exclusively CHAPTER iir. 207 in the English language, the German not being required' by the congregation. In July, 1849, he was succeeded by the Rev. Jacob Martin, who had a large charge to supply and many difficulties to over- come. He labored indefatigably, and was highly esteemed by the members of this congregation. Souls were converted under his ministry and the interests of Christ's kingdom were promoted. When he took charge of this congregation, a church-book was bought and regular records of baptisms, confirmations, &c., were made. He preached here once every three weeks, alternately in the forenoon and afternoon. He preached with great energy and unction from on high, and to this day many tell the happy effect his sermons had on them. Having been for some time diligently instructed in the Cate- chism of the Church, and being found possessed of the requisite spiritual and doctrinal qualifications, on the 27th of April, 1851, the following persons were confirmed : George H. Hench, Sarah Cath. Rice, Henry Orris, Elizabeth Rice, David McKenzie, Margaret Rice, James Matthews, Eliz. Ann Hench, Mary A. Rice, Susan Bausum. Having faithfully served the congregation for two years and nine months. Rev. Martin resigned in April, 1852, and was suc- ceeded, in June of the same year, by the Hev. William Gerhardt, who met at this church a class of catechumens for some time, but before they were confirmed he resigned the Bloomfield charge in June, 1853, having served it as pastor only one year. The con- gregation and charge were then vacant about eight months. A call was then extended by the charge to the Rev. Adam Height, who, having accepted the call, commenced his ministerial labors 208 CHURCHES BETWKEN THE MOUNTAINS. here on the 1st of March, 1854. He had communion but once at this church, viz., on the 9th of April, 1854, when John Eei- singer was admitted to full communion by confirmation. At this place Rev. Height met also a class of catechumens for some time ; but for reasons not necessary to state, and before they were con- firmed, he ceased to labor as pastor in September, having preached here only about seven months. The disappointment of two classes of catechumens in succession, had an unhappy effect, and is much to be regretted. The charge was then vacant about eight months. During this time the Rev. J. Evans of Newville, Pa., by request, visited the congregation in December, 1854, and preached a number of sermons and administered the Lord's Supper, and the same was also done in May, 1855, by the Rev. L. Knight of Hol- lidaysburg. Pa. Rev. D. H. Foclit of Chambersburg, Pa., having accepted a call from the Bloomfield charge, entered on the discharge of his ministerial labors in the charge on the 1st of June, 1855, and at this church preached his introductory sermon, on the 3d of June, from Exod. 33 : 14. He preached here once every three weeks, alternately in the fore- noon and afternoon. Having been carefully instructed in the doe-~ trines of our holy religion, on the 29th of December, 1855, the following persons were confirmed : George C. Rice, Nicholas J. Hench, Henry Butturff, Francis H. Hench, Suwarrow W. Witmer, Mrs. Sophia Weibly, Samuel Rice, " Sarah Bender, William Rice, Miss Jane Mary Rice, Grcorge Rice, " Sophia Orris. Davidson Miller, '* Let the sweet work of pray'r and praise Employ our daily breath : Thus we're prepared for future days, Or fit for early death." CHAPTER III. 209 A year having passed away, a number of persons were found willing to attend lectures on the Catechism. The Lord graciously visited this class in the outpouring of his Holy Spirit. Being duly instructed and accounted worthy of full communion, on the 9th of November, 1856, the following persons were confirmed : Wesley W. Fuller, Miss Ann Eliz. Bucher, William Flickinger, " Susan J. Crist, George J. Delanoy, " Susan Rice, Benj. F. Rice, " Catharine Rice, Philip Z. Resinger, " Mary J. Flickinger, Jacob Resinger, " Mary E. Resinger. "Call'd to bear the Christian name, May our tows and life accord ; And our ev'ry deed proclaim ' Holiness unto the Lord ! ' " On the 4th of April, 1857, Mrs. Hannah Bitner, and William Smith on the 19th of July following, were admitted to full com- munion by confirmation ; also in October, 1857, Mrs. Elizabeth Witmer, and in April, 1859, Miss Hetta Bausum, were received as members by certificate. As the Loysville charge was weakened by the formation of the Blain charge, application was made by the former for Emanuel Church. As the Bloomfield charge was large and Emanuel Church lay more convenient to Loysville than Bloomfield, it was for the time being and on certain conditions agreed to yield Emanuel Church in favor of Loysville at the expiration of the then pastoral year. Accordingly, after having served the congre- gation /our years, the Rev. D. H. Focht preached his valedictory sermon on Sunday, the 22d of May, 1859, from 2 Cor. 13 : 14, and was succeeded on the 1st of June following by the Rev. G. M. Setllemoyer, who then served the congregation in connection with the Loysville charge, and preached for it once every two weeks. Rev. Setlle- moyer instructed a class of catechumens for some time, and on the 28th of April, 1860, the following were confirmed : 18* 210 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. John W. Bernheisel, Miss Elizabeth Heim, John K. Boden, " Mary E. Hench, George R. Hall, " Emerata Rice, , Miss Jane E, Boden, " Jemima Shaeffer. On the 30th of March, 1861, the following were received as members by certificate, viz., William Bower, Mrs. Leah Bower, Mrs. Susanna Johnston, and Miss Mary Ellen Bower. Having served the congregation as pastor for two years. Rev. Settl^moyer resigned on the 1st of June, 1861. The congrega- tion numbers at this time about one hundred and fifteen members. May the Lord soon send this people another shepherd after his own heart ! Immediately after the resignation of Rev. Settlemoyer, the con- gregation dissolved its connection with' the Loysville pastorate and united with the Blain charge, and on the 1st of June, 1861, the Rev. John T, Williams commenced his pastoral labors here. May his labors be crowned by the blessing of heaven ! and may the dear people of this con- gregation prosper in every Christian virtue and grace ! This is the sincere prayer of their former pastor. Since the organization of Emanuel congregation, on the 12th of June, 1847, the following brethren have served it as its ofiicers : Mders. Benjamin Rice, . from June, 1847 to May, 1850. John Butturff, . " " 1847 to " 1850. Conrad Rice, . " May, 1850 only a short time. Henry Harman, . " " 1850toMarch,1852. Benjamin Rice, . John Butturff, John Sanderson, . Jacob Reisinger, . Benjamin Rice, . John Sanderson, . Nicholas Hench, . Benjamin Rice, . Aug., . 1850 to " 1852. March , 1852 to May, 1854. (( 1852 to " 1857. May, 1854 to " 1857. (( 1857 to — 1859. (( 1857 to — 1859. ti 1859 yet in office. , > Deacons. Jacob Harris, ) THE LAYINO OP THE COENEE-STONB OF CENTRE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHgRCH. The exercises connected with the laying of the corner-stone commenced on Friday evening, the 15th of June. Seats were prepared in a shaded grove, a short distance from the site of the church, and here the E,ev. G. M. Settlemoyer and the pastor addressed the assembly. On Saturday forenoon it rained. Hence, instead of preaching in the grove, the people assembled in the barn of Mr. Harris, and here, at 11 o'clock, A.M., Rev. Settlemoyer preached a sermon in the German language, from Isa. 28 : 16 ; Eph. 2 : 20-22. The pastor followed him with a short discourse in the English lan- guage, from 1 Pet. 2:6. It had now ceased to rain. The assembly proceeded to the site of the church. • Here a few appro- priate verses were sung. The constitution and the following paper were then read, and the documents named in said paper were deposited with a copy of the Constitution : "In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. "1. The Centre Evangelical Lutheran congregation in Buffalo CHAPTER VI. 333 Township, Perry County, Pennsylvania, deeply sensible of the ■want of a house of worship, resolved, in reliance on the aid of God and for the promotion of His glory, to erect this house, wherein the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ is to be preached in purity, and the sacraments of the New Testament are to be ad- ministered according to the word of God, our only infallible guide in matters of faith and practice. "2. The doctrines to be preached and taught in this church shall be in strict and full accordance with the doctrinal basis of the Synod of Central Pennsylvania and of the General Synod of the Lutheran Church in the United States, and every doctrine or shade of doctrine that in any wise deviates from or conflicts with said basis is hereby forever excluded from this house. "3. The Formula of the General Synod of the Lutheran Church in the United States, together with the Constitution adopted by this congregation, shall be the rule for the government and discipline of the congregation worshipping in this house. " "4. This house we build with an eye single to the glory of the Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, for our present and eternal good, the good of our children and successors, and that of the community at large. " Having thus set forth the rule of our faith, the form of our government and discipline, and the end for which we erect this house, — "Be it therefore known to all to whom these presents shall come, that this, the corner-stone of Centre Evangelical Lutheran Church, in Buffalo Township, Perry County, and State of Penn- sylvania, was laid in the name of the Triune God on the sixteenth day of June, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty, and the eighty-fourth year of the Independence, James Buchanan being President of the United States, and William F. Packer, Governor of the State of Pennsylvania. And when the tooth of time shall have demolished these walls, and all those who aided in rearing them shall have gone to their graves, may those who shall uncover this stone learn from these papers and documents the religious belief and benevolent designs of their forefathers, 334 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. and be thereby stimulated to prosecute and extend tbe great and glorious cause of the Divine Kedeemer, to whom, with the Father and Holy Spirit, be given all praise and honor, thanksgiving and glory, both now and forever. Amen. "1. The ministers present are — Rev. D. H. Foeht, pastor of the congregation. Rev. G. M. Settlemoyer, pastor of the Loysville Lutheran charge. "2. The OJmrch-Council consists of — Rev. D. H. Fooht, Pastor. Mr. Lewis Acker, ] ^ Mr. John Moritz, Elder. Mr. Jacob Harris, J "3. The Trustees and Building Committee are : Messrs. John Moritz, Lewis Acker, and Jacob Harris. "4. The contractor is Mr. Philip Peters. "5. The documents deposited with this paper are, 1. The Holy Bible (English). 2. The Lutheran Hymn-book (English; re- vised edition; miniature). 3. Luther's Smaller Catechism (Eng- lish; General Synod's 6th edition). 4. The proceedings of the Fifth Annual Convention of the Synod of Central Pennsylvania. 5. The proceedings of the Nineteenth Convention of the General Synod of the Lutheran Church in the United States. 6. Lu- theran Almanacs for the year 1860 (German and English). 7. The Lutheran Observer of June 1st, 1860. 8. The Lutheran Sunday-School Herald of April, 1860. 9. Lutherischor Kirchen- bote, den 8ten Juni, 1860. 10. A sketch of the history of the church, and a copy of the constitution of the congregation. 11. A copy of each of the Perry County periodicals, namely: a. The People's Advocate and Perry County Democratic Press, of June 13th, 1860. h. The Perry County Freeman, of June 14th, 1860. c. The Perry County Democrat, of June 14th, 1860. d. The Newport Gazette, of June 7th, 1860." All these documents having been carefully deposited, a short form from the Liturgy was read, after which Rev. Settlemoyer offered a prayer. A suitable hymn was then sung, and the as- sembly dismissed with the apostolic benediction. A table was spread in Mr. Harris' barn, and persons from a CHAPTER VI. 335 disfance, and all others, were cordially invited to partake of the provisions. At 2 o'clock, p.m., the men on the ground proceeded to raise the frame of the church, so that it was ready for the rafters. Rev. Settlemoyer having left, the pastor preached this evening at 6 o'clock, in the grove near the church, to a large congregation, from Heb. 11 : 6. And also on Sunday, the 17th, at 10 o'clock, A.M., at the same place, he preached to a large and attentive audience, from Matt. 18 : 11. Here ended the ex- ercises connected with the laying of the corner stone of Centre Lutheran Church. The church-edifice was pushed rapidly forward towards com- pletion. On Sunday, the 30th of September, the congregation worshipped the last time at Huggins's School-house, when the pastor preached from Luke 15 : 1-7. DEDICATION OP CENTRE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH. The church-edifice being completed, the congregation assem- bled in it the first time for divine worship on Friday evening, the 19th of October, 1860, when the pastor delivered a discourse based on Matt. 6:10, "Thy kingdom come." On Saturday, the 20th, at 10 o'clock, a.m., the pastor preached the preparatory sermon in the German language, from Matt. 6 : 33, and was fol- lowed by a discourse based on John 7 : 37, in the English lan- guage, by Rev. John W. Tressler. This evening Rev. Tressler preached from Ezek. 33 : 8. On Sunday, the 21st, at 10 o'clock A.M., the pastor preached the sermon of consecration in German, from Psalm 46 : 4, and Rev. Tressler preached in English from 1 Tim. 5:8. By subscriptions and collections forty-six dollars were obtained. This amount covered about the liabilities of the congregation, and the church was paid for. The pastor then consecrated the church, according to the formula of the Liturgy, by the name of Centre Evangelical Lutheran Church. The work is done. "Bless the Lord, my soul !" At 8 o'clock, p.m., the pastor preached the sacramental sermons, in both languages, 336 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. from John 19 : 30, "It is finished." The Lord's Supper was then administered to twenty-eight communicants. This evening Rev. Tressler preached from Heb. 2 : 3. Here closed the reli- gions exercises connected with the consecration of the church. The church-edifice is 36 by 30 feet in size, weather-boarded and painted white outside, is entered by two front doors, and the internal arrangement is convenient and judicious. The entire cost of the edifice, stoves, and other furniture, was about six hun- dred and' thirty dollars. Soon after the consecration of the church, the weekly prayer- meeting and Sunday-school were removed to it, and have since then been kept there, and are generally well attended. Prom the deed of conveyance, written by Attorney J. Don L. Gantt, of Newport, we will give the following extracts : "This Indenture, made the first day of January, A. D. "1861, between Jacob Harris, of the County of Perry, and State of Pennsylvania, yeoman, and Appilonia his wife, of the one part, and John Moritz, Lewis Acker, and Jacob Harris, all of said County and State, trustees of the Centre Lutheran Church, in said County, of the second part, Witnesseth, that the said parties of the first part for and in consideration of the sum of one dollar, lawful money of the United States of America, to them in hand paid by the parties of the second part at or before the ensealing and delivery of these presents, the receipt whereof is hereby ac- knowledged, and also for the further consideration of the benefit and advantage arising from the preaching of the true Gospel in said Centre Lutheran Church, do grant, bargain, sell, &c., . . . all that certain lot of ground, situate, &c., . . . containing twenty- four square perches, &c.; . . . said lot and church thereon erected to be held by the trustees aforesaid, and their successors, for the use of the Centre Evangelical Lutheran congregation, and none other, unless by permission of the whole Church-Council, who may, by their unanimous consent, permit the preaching of a funeral or other occasional sermon, provided such preaching docs not cause disturbance or interfere with the regular appointments of the church, &c., ... to have and to hold the said lot of ground, CHAPTER VI. 337 buildings, &c., . . . unto the aforosaid parties of the second part, and their successors, &o." See Deed Booh S., Vol. I, p. 315. Thus the members of the church in this valley, destitute of a preached Gospel so long a time and organized into a congregation only two years ago, have now a convenient and beautiful house of worship. May they prosper in piety as individuals and as a con- gregation ! and may the saving influences of the preached Gospel and the ordinances of God's house be the means of here leading many souls to Christ, now and for all time to come ! Amen. As the Bloomfield charge was so very large, and the Centre Church is nearer to Millerstown than to Bloomfield, Rev. Fooht transferred Centre Lutheran Church to the Millerstown charge, and preached his last sermons on Sunday, the 24th of Novem- ber, 1861, at three o'clock p. m., from 1 Cor. 15 : 28, and in the evening from James 4 : 17, having preached for this dear people nearly three years. May God bless this congregation ! On the 1st of December, 1861, the Rev. William 0. Wilson commenced preaching for this congregation in connection with the Millerstown charge. He lectured on the Catechism soon after, and in January following it pleased the Lord to pour out his Spirit on the congregation, and a number professed to have experienced a change of heart. These were still further instructed, and on the 26th of April, 1862, the following persons were admitted to membership by confirmation : Daniel Filbert, Mrs. Deborah Ann Hilbert, Bliss Elvina Silks. * " Smile, Lord, on each divine attempt To spread the Gospel's rays ; And build on sin's demolish'd throne The temples of thy praise." Since the organization of the congregation in June, 1859, the following brethren have served as its officers : Mders. John Moritz, . from June 5th, 1859, yet in office. 29 338 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. Trustees. John Moritz, . from March 26th, 1860, yet in office. Lewis Acker, . " " " Jacob Harris, . " " " Deacons. Lewis Acker, . from June 5th, 1859, to 1861. Jacob Harris, . " " " 1860. Jacob E. Ziegler, " " 1860, yet in office. Lewis Acker (re-elected), " 1861, " SECTION III. TUSCARORA EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CONGREGATION IN RACCOON VALLEY, TUSCARORA TOWNSHIP. In Raccoon Valley, Tuscarora Township, about five miles west of Millerstown, and near Donally's Mill, at Rice's or Bull's School-house, where a number of members resided, the Rev. Josiah Zimmerman preached occasionally from 1856 to 1859. The members here belong mostly to the Millerstown congregation. Rev. J. A. Haclcenherger also preached here occasionally for about one year, from August, 1859 to '60. In July, 1861, when the ♦ Rev. William O. Wihon entered on his labors at Millerstown, he commenced to preach here once every two weeks, and met with encouraging success. After catechizing and preaching for some time, it became evident that the word of life awakened some souls. In October, a pro- tracted ilieeting was held, when the pastor was assisted by the Revs. P. M. Rightmeyer and W. H. Diven. A considerable CHAPTER VI. 339 number professed to have passed from death to life. These were still further carefully instructed. It became apparent now that in order to permanent success a congregation must be organized. Hence, on Friday evening, the 29th of November, 1861, the Rev. D. H. Focht, assisting the pastor, preached from Luke 7 : 37, 38, and on Saturday, the 30th, he preached from 1 Cor. 15 : 58. After sermon, the organization was eifected in the following order : With the change of names and dates, the same form of organi- zation at Millerstown (see page 318) was adopted in organizing Tuscarora Evangelical Lutheran congregation, and was subscribed by the following persons as members : William Rice, Sarah Dromgold, John Rice, Sophia Kerr, Levi T. Diener, Christiana Kain, Samuel Rice, Wilhelmina Tranlsler, Daniel Rice, Susan White, Adam Rice, Jemima Cath. Dromgold, Margaret Eliz. Rice, Amaretta J. Kain, Mary Ann Rice, Julianna Bowers, Mary Ann Rice, Godfrey Kain. From the above members, the following were elected and in- stalled as officers of the congregation : William Rice, Elder. John Eice, for 2 years, ) T • m T^- J? T T Deacons. Levi T. Diener, for 1 year, j The following persons were then confirmed, and a number of infants baptized. David Mahaffey, Mary Cath. Jacobs, John Frey, Mary Malinda Rice, Daniel Macher (baptized), Catharine Rice, Lydia Ann Frey, Amaretta Jacobs. Elizabeth Jacobs, Thus the congregation was regularly organized. This evening 340 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. Rev. Focht preached from 1 Tim. 1 : 15, and on Sunday fore- noon (December 1st) the communion sermon from Acts 18 : 21. Forty-six persons united then in celebrating the Lord's Supper. This evening Eev. Focht preached from 1 Cor. 16 : 22. Here ended the exercises connected with the organization of the con- gregation. A church -ediiice is now very much needed by this congrega- tion, and we hope the members will before long build one. A Sunday-school was organized on the 18th of May, 1862. May the Lord bless pastor and people ! " Behold th' expected time draw near, The shades disperse, the dawn appear ; The barren wilderness assume The beauteous tints of Eden's bloom." SECTION IV. PREACHING-STATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE MILLERSTOWN CHARGE. 1. Wright's School-house. Every two weeks Rev. Wilson preaches here, and the attendance is good. A Sunday-school has been organized and seems to be in a flourishing condition. This school-house is " located at the west end of Wild Cat Valley, about three miles east of Millerstown, and one mile and a half from Juniata River, in a grove on a hill by a small graveyard, where some of the Wrights lie buried." The location seems to be romantic, a fit place where to worship God. 2. Kauffman's School-house. This is located in Little Foutz's Valley, about three miles north of Millerstown. Here Rev. Wil- son preaches once every two weeks on Thursday evening. He organized a Sunday-school at this place last spring. The pros- pects of doing good are encouraging. From the foregoing pages it will be seen that the Millerstown CHAPTEE VI. 341 charge is as yet in a formative state. For some time to come much hard labor and great self-denial will be required of the pastor. But the field is promising, there is abundance of mate- rial, and by patient perseverance in tilling the ground, an abun- dant harvest may be gathered into the kingdom of Christ. ' ' Can we, whose souls are lighted With wisdom from on high, — ■> Can we to men henighted The lamp of life deny ? Salvation, salvation. The joyful sound proclaim. Till earth's remotest nation Has learn'd Messiah's name." 29* 342 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. CHAPTER VII. THE REV. JOHN WILLIAM HEIM. After what has been said, in the preceding chapters, respect- ing the labors of this eminently useful servant of the Lord, we need to add but a brief sketch of his life. It may be said, in truth, that the history of the Lutheran churches in Perry County and his life are so inseparably connected, that the former cannot be written without writing the latter. Our object will therefore be to endeavor to supply what may be wanting, and to connect the leading facts of his life, and thus present a general outline of the man, the Christian, and the minister of the Gospel. John George Heim, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch; was a native of Wtirtemberg, Germany, and arrived on the shores of America in October, 1751.* He was the father of William Seim, who settled in Mahanoy Township, Northumber- land County, Pa., in about 1780, and removed to Jackson Town- ship, Perry County, Pa , in 1815, and died here in 1856, at an advanced age.f * Seel. D. Eupp's " Thirty Thousand Immigrants," page 199. t " Died in Jackson Township, Perry County, Pa., on Sunday, the 2d of March, 1856, Mr. Willia'm Helm, aged ninety-five years. Mr. Heim was the father of the Rev. John W Heim, who ministered so long and faithfully to the Lutheran Churches of the upper end of this county. In recording the death of this aged patriarch, we lose one of the links that connected us with the past. He was an honest man, the noblest work of God. Mr. Ileim was the only surviving hero of our memorable revolutionary struggle living in this county. He could narrate many incidents of the long contest which resulted in the declaration of our independence. He asked the Government to reward him for his services, but he could furnish no evidence, except the existence of his name on the roll of his company^ The State had given him a trifling sum." Peujile^ s Advocate of l-'erry Coitnty, March 5th, 1856. CHAPTER vir. 343 John William Heim, the oldest child and son of William and Elizabeth Heim, was born in Mahanoy Township, Northumber- land County, Pa., on the 8th of August, 1782. At an early age he was sent to school, and aided his father on the farm. At the age of seventeen, in 1799, he attended the catechetical lectures of the Key. Henry Miller, by whom he was confirmed according to the custom of the Lutheran Church. Rev. Miller was at that time pastor of the Lutheran congregation at Harrisburg, and also occasionally visited the scattered and destitute members of the Church in the southwest part of Northumberland County. Although young Heim worked on hrs father's farm, he never- theless neglected no opportunity to improve his mind, and his proficiency was such that he was soon solicited to teach a common school. As a teacher he enjoyed additional advantages for study and self-improvement. He was known as a pious, studious, and most excellent instructor of children. He opened and closed his school every day with the singing of a hymn and the offering of a prayer, and the pupils were required to recite to him daily a given portion of the Catechism. The instruction he had received from his pastor in the catechetical class had sunk deep in his heart, and whilst engaged as teacher, and repeatedly reviewing the Catechism in the school-room, the Holy Spirit, accompanying the divine truth, convinced him " of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment." He saw himself a vile sinner, undone, and deserving of no mercy. But in his lost condition, he remem- bered the precious promises of God's word, and, relying with a believing heart on the merits of the death of Jesus Christ, he found peace to his troubled soul. He was a new-born man. With renewed zeal he now gave himself to the reading of pious and in- structive books, and to the doing of good by teaching others the fear of God. He gave his hand in marriage to Miss Catharine Drenlcel,* * When about four years old, Catharine lost her mother under the most painful and melancholy circumstances. Her father resided on Penn's Creek, now in Snyder County. A marauding party of hostile Indians, in passing through that neighborhood, attacked the house of Mr. Drenkel, who was at 344 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. who shared with him the joys and sorrows of a long life. She was noted for her piety, modesty, industry, and frugality. When that great, good, though almost unknown man, the Rev. Conrad Walter, became acquainted with Mr. Heim, he found him possessed of those qualities of heart and mind, which seemed to justify the propriety of urging him to prepare for more extended usefulness in the ministry of the Gospel. Mr. Heim took the subject into prayerful consideration, and after hesitating for some time, he said : " Here am I ; send me.'' In the year 1809, with a view to the ministry, Mr. Heim com- menced a course of studytinder the direction of Rev. Walter, who resided at Middleburg, Snyder County, and is said to have been an eminently pious and laborious, and highly talented and edu- cated minister. Under the guidance of this good and gifted man, Mr. Heim pursued a five years' course of theological training. Dur- ing this time, at short intervals, he taught school at Rowe's (^Ger- man, Rau's) Church, a few miles southeast of Middleburg, as a means to support his family. We have before us, in manuscript, fifty-two skeletons of ser- mons and part of a system of didactic theology, all of which are in Mr. Heim's handwriting, though they were evidently dictated by Rev. Walter, or copied from his manuscripts. The system of theology bears date, January 7th, 1813. Definitions of theologi- cal terms are given in Latin, and quotations from the Scriptures sometimes in the Greek and sometimes in the Hebrew languages. The whole production, as far as it goes, is thorough and exceed- ingly suggestive. The study of aconcise system of theology like this, with verbal explanations, illustrations and amplifications, by such a man as Rev. Walter, would certainly be a good theological the time in the field at work. "When ho. became aware of the perilous condi- tion of his family, he hastened to their rescue. But though he saved the life of Catharine, the wife and mother, a little brother and the babe in the cradle were cruelly murdered by the relentless savages. The mother was scalped by the Indians, and was buried with the two children on the bank of meandering Penn's Creek. The grave of these innocents, like that of Moses, is unknown. This statement we have from the lips of Mr. George Heim, and' Mrs. Krosier, a granddaughter of the murdered mother. CHAPTER VII. 345 preparation for the ministry. This was the kind of training Mr. Heini enjoyed for five years ; and this little book bears decided evidence to the high theological attainments of Rev. Walter as ■well as to the sound and thorough theological instruction Mr. Heim received.* * Before geologists had surmised the great age of our globe, Rev. Walter, on purely biblical grounds, maintained that it was more than six thousand years old. Among other things, in the article De Creatione, he sets forth his views as follows : "How God created the world, reason knows not. The Bible teaches us that it was made out of nothing by the Son, John-1 : 3-10 ; Heb. 1 : 2-10. " The usual explanation of the history of creation, namely, that God created the whole universe in six days about six thousand years ago, is unsatisfactory. For, 1. There is no evidence that Moses intended to give a history of the crea- tion of the whole universe. In Gen. verse 1, he speaks of the creation of the universe as a whole ; but in verse 2, and the verses following, only of our globe, and not of the universe. In verses 14-18, he does not speak of the creatioit of the celestial bodies, but only of their apyoint-ment or destination to a particular purpose, Gen. 9 : 13 ; 41 : 14 ; Exod. 4 : 16 ; Num. 10 : 31 ; Isa. 55 : 4 ; Jer. 1 ; 5. Hence Moses speaks here (in verse 2 and afterwards) not of the creation of the universe, but only of the remoulding or refitting of our globe. But, 2. This theory is encumbered with insuperable difficulties, for if we adopt it we must then admit, a. That in verse 1, * heaven and earth' denote the materials out of which the universe of worlds was after- wards formed, h. That light was three days before the sun was made {,-. That night and day alternated before a sun was. d. That herb, grass, Ac, gre^ before the sun was made. e. That the work performed on the fourth day was immeasurably great as compared with that of other days. Our planet, a grain of dust, it would have required five days to fit out, whilst the sun, moon, and all the stars need^ only one! N. B. The structure of our globe proves it to be older than six thousand years. What account, then, does Moses really give of the creation of our globe ? Answer, 1. That God created it, verse 1. 2. As to the time when it was created it is not stated. The phrase, * in the beginning,' does not point out any definite time, John 1:1,2; Heb. 1 : 10. Our globe may be thousands of millions of years old; we know nothing for certain respecting its age. 3. In verse 3, only the remoulding of our earth is described, and here our chronology begins. 4. Whether living beings dwelt on our globe before this remoulding of it took place, Moses does not inform us. That a change or changes took place, previous to the one of which Moses speaks, seems to receive countenance from 2 Pet. 3 : 5, 6. 5. Moses knows nothing of a chaos out of which, as some suppose, all things sprung into being. 6. This globe, before it was remoulded, was entirely covered with water, verse 2. Hence, everywhere the signs of a once existing 346 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. Having completed the prescribed course of theological studies, Mr. Heim visited some congregations and preached for them a few times, so that they might be able to judge whether he would suit them or not. Hence, in the minutes of Synod, June, 1814, it is stated that " The congregations at Lewistown, Miiflintown, in Tuscarora Valley and Greenwood Township, request that Mr. Heim, applicant for licensure, may be permitted to serve them as pastor, and they therefore pray Ministerium to give him a Can- didate's license. On motion, it was Resolved, That in case Mr. Heim stands a satisfactory examination, he be permitted to ac- cept a call from these congregations." Mr. Heim presented himself before the Synod of Pennsylvania, convened at Easton, Pa., and passed a satisfactor-y examination, and on the 8th of June, 1814, received license to preach. "The call from the congregations in Miffin County, namely, Tuscarora [near Perryville, now Juniata County], Pfoutz's Valley [now in Perry County], Greenwood Township [probably New Buffalo], Lewistown, and Decatur Township [northeast of Lewistown], was now read, and on motion it was Resolved, That as Catechist, under the supervision of Pastor Walter, Rev. Heim have permis- sion to accept the call of the congregations aforesaid.'' Mr. Heim moved to Juniata County, on a parcel of ground on the old turnpike-road, about two miles east of MifBintown. He Bea are discovered. 7. The general remoulding of our globe took place in tke following order : a. On the first day a powerful wind dispersed the dense vapors so that the rays of the sun could break and shine through them. The earth or globe was lightened, and therefore the alternate change of day and night began, b. On the second day still more vapors from the water ascended as clouds. Thus the atmosphere was formed, "verse 6-10. c. On the third day the remaining waters on the globe sought their level, and from them dry land came forth. As the sun had since the first day warmed the earth, vege- tation was now brought forth, d. On the fourth day the ascended vapors Tiad been so much dispersed that the sun, moon and stars could again be clearly seen. &. On the fifth day living creatures moved in the sea and in the air. f. On the sixth day the dry land was ready for all beasts — man last. 8. The days were either time-periods or natural days — ;the latter is the safest opi- nion." This may serve as a specimen of Rev, Walter's method of teaching. Of course verbal enlargements were made on each topic presented. CHAPTER VII. 347 entered on the discharge of his ministerial labors without delay. On the 18th of June, ten days after he had received license, he preached near New Bufialo in the forenoon, and at Liverpool in the afternoon of the same day ; on the 19th, he preached the first time at St. Michael's in Pfoutz's Valley and at Nieman's or St. John's Church ; on the 26th, he preached for the first time in Tuscarora Valley (Rice's Church) near Perryville and at St. Mary's Church at Mifflintown ; and on the 3d of July, he preached the first time in Decatur Township at Straub's Church, about six miles northeast of Lewistown, and in the afternoon of the sanae day at Lewistown. These eight congregations — three in Perry County, one in Snyder, two in Juniata, and two in Mifilin, — constituted his regular charge, and he preached to each congre- gation once every four weeks. We should think he had more than enough to do to supply this extended field of labor ; but we find .that he added, from time to time, other congregations to his charge. Thus, on the 10th of September, 1814, he says : " I preached in Sherman's Valley from Matt. 16 : 24." This was probably at Bloomfield, and only on a visit. He preached also occasionally at what he calls "Stollenberger's School-hou-se," some- where in the vicinity of Liverpool, and also at Snow's Church in Snyder County. He says: "On the 18th of June, 1815, I preached for the first time at Lebanon Church (at Loysville) from Matt. 9 : 18," and " on the evening of the 22d of Decem- ber, the .same year, at Thompsontown, from Eph. 5 : 14." On the 23d of May, 1816, he laid the corner-stone of Zion Church at Blain, and then preached also regularly there. Afterwards, in 1817, he added also to his charge St. Peter's Church in Spring Township and Christ's Church at Bloomfield. Thus his charge now embraced all Mifilin County, all Juniata, and all Perry, ex- cepting Mount Zion Church on Fishing Creek; and from 1818 to 1828, he had upwards of eighteen preaching-places to supply, some twelve of which were regularly organized eongregatiofts, and from thirty to forty miles apart. At the convention of Synod in .June, 1819, at Baltimore, Eev. Heim received ordination. With patient perseverance and untir- 348 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. ing zeal, he prosecuted from year to year the great and glorious mission his Messed Master had assigned him. In the spring of 1828, he ceased to preach at Lewistown and in Decatur Township, and moved from Juniata County to Loys- ville, Perry County, where the congregations had bought a par- sonage and about fifteen acres of land for the pastor's use. Some years after this, he bought a farm on Sherman's Creek, about two miles south of Loysville, on which he erected a large grist-mill. This enterprise resulted in great pecuniary loss to him, though he did not allow it to interfere in the discharge of his ministerial duties. Experience taught him that two things cannot be at- tended to at the same time without loss in one or the other. So he let his mill-property suffer, and gave himself to preaching Jesus to perishing sinners. In 1833, he resigned the congregations on the northeast of the Juniata River in order that the Liverpool charge might be formed, and in 1835, at the request of Synod, he gave up the congrega- tions he had hitherto served in Juniata County, so that his labors were hereafter confined to the congregations southwest of the Ju- niata in Perry County, namely, Blain, Loysville, St Peter's, St. Andrew's (Shuman's), Bloomfield, and Pishing Creek. These six congregations, we should think, would certainly demand all his time and pastoral care ; but not so, — in 1840, he added to them St. John's (Bealor's), and in 1842 Ludolph's (Germany) Church, and visited occasionally a number of preaching-stations. These eight congregations he then retained and served faithfully till his Lord and Master said, " Well done, thou good and faith- ful servant; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." In February, 1848, Father Heim sustained a severe loss in the death of his beloved wife, who had so long shared with him in all the changes of life, and upon whom, in his almost constant ab- sence from home, devolved the care of the family. This bereave- ment afflicted him sorely and preyed much on his mind, especially as he was himself feeling the weight of years gathering fiist upon him. His companion was no more, and he became restless, be- cause he felt lonely. He, however, submitted his will to the CHAPTER VII. 349 will of his Heavenly Father, and waited patiently till his change should come. He labored to the last, knowing that his labors would soon cease on earth forever. Thus death found him occu- pying the post the Lord had assigned him. On Sunday, the 16th of December, 1849, he preached his last sermon. His subject was a fit one — Tlie Sanctification of the Sabbath — with which to close the labors of life, and the discourse, it is said, was an able one. A few days after this, he set out to attend a funeral ; but on his way going, he became sick and was with difficulty per- suaded to return. He, however, returned home, and soon after took his bed, from which he arose no more. His disease was typhoid fever. He was conscious of the approach of death ; but he did not fear, and was ready and anxiously waiting to depart. He was patient amid all his suffering, resigned himself wholly to the will of his Heavenly Father, found rich consolation in the promises of God's word, had a sure hope of life eternal by faith in the atonement of the blessed Kedeemer, and thus he calmly and sweetly fell asleep in Jesus, on Thursday evening at about 9 o'clock, the 27th of December, 1849. On Saturday, the '29th, a great multitude of people assembled to pay the last tribute of respect to the remains of their aged pastor. They mourned as children for their departed father. His body was conveyed to the old church and placed in front of the pulpit, from which, for more than thirty-four years, he had preached the glorious Gospel of the Son of God. The Rev. Jacob Martin opened the funeral services in the English language, by preaching a suitable sermon from Heb. K : 7, 8. The Eev. C. H. Lein- bach, of the German Reformed Church, then delivered a discourse in the German language from 1 Pet. 5:4. As all the people assembled could not be accommodated in the church, Rev. D. Gans withdrew with some of them to the school-house and ad- dressed them there. When these services had come to an end, the remains of Father Heim were committed to the earth by the side of the grave of his wife. Long will the dear people to whom he preached remember Father Heim. Soon after a suitable stone 30 350 CHDRCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. was erected, marking his resting-place near the gate of the grave- yard, and bearing the following inscription : Therefore be ye also ready. what I say unto you, I say unto all, "Watoh. HOLY BIBLE. And In Memory of The Reverend John William Heim, who was horn August 8th, 1782, Died Dec. 27th, 1849, Aged 67 years, 4 mos. and 19 days. The deceased was Pastor of the Lutheran congregations connected with the Lebanon Church for upwards of 32 years.* The tombstone erected over the grave of Mrs. Heim, bears the following inscription in the German language : Hier Ruhen die gebeine von Catharina, Ehe, Frau von dem Ehrw. J. W. Heim. Sie war geboren den 3ten Marz, 1780, und Starb Pebruar llten, 1848, Alter 67 Jahr, 11 Blonat und 8 Tag. * Having taken charge of Lebanon Church, in June, 1815, as his journal and the minutes of Synod most clearly show, R-ev. Heim "was pastor of the Lebanon Church, not 32 years as stated on his tombstone, but 34 years and about 6 months. CUAPTER VII. 351 The following statistics of Father Heim's official ministerial acts were collected by the Rev. Jacob Martin : " During his long ministerial life of 35 years and about 6 months, Eev. Father Heim was instrumental in collecting and organizing 10 congregations. He baptized 6456 infants and 132 adults; confirmed 1831 cate- chumens, and attended 1017 funerals."* It yet remains for us to state some of the more prominent traits of Father Heim's character. And here we may be brief, much having been already said respecting him in the foregoing pages. 1. His personal appearance. He was of somewhat more than medium stature, compactly built, had a full chest and was broad across the shoulders, walked erect, and was possessed of great muscular power, and in every way calculated to endure a great amount of labor and exposure. He had an athletic constitution, enjoyed general good health, was active and full of vigor, and his energy seemed to continue unabated to the end of life, and few men exceeded him in physical strength. When advanced in years, he stooped somewhat when he walked, but was active and showed few signs of declining strength or loss of vigor. His features were expressive and his complexion was fair ; and he was genial, and sincerity and goodwill beamed from his piercing eye. His hair hung loosely over his forehead, and in his old age was white as snow, adding much to his venerable appearance in the pulpit and out of it. He loved his tobacco-pipe dearly, and was a good marksman. His faithful dog invariably accompanied him wherever he went. In his dress he was simple and plain, and the only thing that distinguished him as a clergyman, whether in the pulpit or out of it, was a white cravat and a black coat, the latter of which was by no means and at all times the finest — not always broadcloth, but sometimes homespun. Withal this, his appearance was neat, and inspired respect, and his simplicity, honesty and Christian spirit won the esteem and admiration of all who made his acquaintance. 2. His mental endowments. With regard to these we can say * See IjittJieran Observer, January 18th, 1850. 352 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. but little, having no means whereby to form an opinion. We presume, however, that he was blessed with a good mind, well balanced, and of great energy. To this presumption we are led by the fact, that for so many years he controlled, held together, built up, and satisfied the varied wants of so many and remote congregations. Of his literary attainments we may say, that he read the Latin and Greek languages, and also perhaps the He- brew. But, as an active pastor of a large charge, he could, from the nature of the case, bestow little attention on the classics. He was practical, and studied to practice. He was, however, the patron of education, and would never consent to ignorance in the ministry, being himself educated in all the departments of know- ledge essential to a pastor's highest degree of usefulness. 3. His courage and intrepidity. It is said that David Lewis, the robber, at a time lay in wait for him on Tuscarora Mountain. When Eev. Heim, then in his prime, passed slowly along and observed Lewis approaching him, he said, " By God's help, I am your match," and so saying he also demonstrated his ability to meet his foe. Lewis eyed him, fell back, and permitted Mr. Heim to proceed without molestation. He frequently swam his horse at night across the Juniata, when the river was boisterous and overflowed its banks. He travelled often by night over mountains and through dismal forests; but was never known to express fear of anything living or dead. To reach an appoint- ment, he never turned from the direct road on account of high water, mountain, or any other threatening danger. But with all his bravery, he was not reckless. His language was : " If God wants me there, I must be there in time ; but to be there in time, I must take the nearest road, though that road lead through water or fire. God will protect me, as he did Jonah and the three Hebrew children." 4. Eis punctuality. He was remarkable for punctually fulfil- ling his engagements. It is not known that he ever failed to fill his preaching appointments, and he was alyays sure to be on the ground at the set time. When his forenoon and afternoon ap- pointments were from ten to twelve miles apart, he seldom or CHAPTER VII. 363 never stopped to eat a regular meal. He usually, in such ca.se, carried a crust of bread in his pocket, and on horseback ate what he carried. And then, no matter whether it was warm or cold, wet or dry, or whether he had waters or mountains to pass, he pressed forward, and lo ! at the appointed time he made his ap- pearance. During his ministry of more than thirty-five years, he was but once absent from the annual convention of Synod, and that was in 1840, when Synod convened at Pittsburg, Pa., and when he was sixty years old. What a reproof this to some of our present generation of ministers 1 Though Synod convened in Philadelphia, Reading, Baltimore, Frederick, Md., in short, no matter where it met or how far off, Father Heim was there in good time. And then, be it remembered, he travelled all on horseback, and to go to and return from Synod in this slow way took sometimes from two to three weeks. To attend Synod in those days was, we should think, an item of no mean importance in a minister's life. Rev. Heim, we are told, never owned or travelled in any .sort of conveyance ; but, on the contrary, he always kept one of the best of horses, and that for the best of reasons. Though he enjoyed not the easy and expeditigjis means of travelling we do, he was nevertheless more punctual in fulfil- ling his engagements than most of us are to meet ours. 5. nis great self-denial and excessive Jahor. It is perhaps impossible to convey in words an adequate idea of the self-denial he endured, and of the real amount of labor he performed. His field of labor at one time and for fifteen years embraced an area of not less than fifty miles from north to south and thirty from east to west, having the North Mountain on the south and Jaalj's Mountain on the north, the line of Union County and the Su.sque- hanna River on the east, and the line of Huntingdon County, Shade Gap, and Round Top on the west. The Juniata rolls its blue waters through the centre of this area from the northwest to the southeast, and at right angles cuts through a number of mountains, which range from the northeast to the southwest. This field which he supplied alone, is now occupied by sixteen ministers. ^He preached regularly at about eighteen different .30* 354 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. places. In following his appointments over this extended territory, he was often from home from three to four weeks at a time, preaching the Gospel, and penetrating into the dark forest and mountain spur to speak to the destitute the word of eternal life. His family, not hearing of him for so long a time, was often thrown into deep distress on account of him, and knew not where to seek or find him. He was so venture- some, and regardless of danger, that when he thought duty called him, then no persuasion would restrain him. In winter, in cold and through deep- snow, he pressed his way over streams and mountains, through dismal forests and deep valleys. Frequently did he swim his horse at night across the Juniata when high and overflowing its banks. At that time the river was not bridged, and to reach his appointments he was obliged to cross and re-cross it frequently. Often did he carry with him a long pole with which to push away the floating ice and driftwood, and thus enable his horse to swim the stream without obstruction ; some- times, when the river was frozen, he led his horse, and, with a pole in his hand, struck the ice as he proceeded in order to ascer. tain its strength. Once, as he used to relate, his horse became entangled in the rushing stream and threw him. Then, said he, "I was truly in danger; but by the help of God, I caught hold of the tail of my horse, and the poor beast, apparently knowing my perilous condition, struggled hard, and landed me safely on the shore." He sufi^ered much from exposure to wet and cold. He used to say, " The colder it is, the faster I ride." This was philosophical. Once, in crossing Tusoarora Mountain at Ickes- bijrg, he found the cold hand of death steal gradually over his fnune. Arousing himself from the stupor into which he had fallen, he afterwards said, " I then called to mind that this stupor was a bad sign. I threw myself instantly out of my saddle, and commenced to shake the snow off the limbs that hung over and closed the path. Thus I worked my way down the moun- tain, past Quillen's Rock, and then only became aware how near eternity I had been.'' Nothing, so far as his will was concerned, prevented him from reaching his appointments in time. Hence, he is said to have travelled so much at tjight. No matter at what CHAPTER VII. 355 hour at night he was called upon to preach a funeral sermon, perhaps, twenty miles off, he was instantly up, got ready, and commenced the nightly journey in order to reach the house of mourning in good time. The facilities for travelling were not then what they are now. He did all his travelling on horseback. Then the streams were not bridged, and the roads were not graded, thrown up, and piked. How Father Heim was able to reach all his appointments, or how he could endure all the labor and hardship to which he was subjected, we know not. Sure we are that he must have had an almost iron constitution, and vigor and strength not equalled by many, if any, of our present race of ministers. Eternity will only fully disclose what Father Heim, in the discharge of his ministerial duties, suffered and endured, not only from the elements and incessant labors, but also from wicked, faithless, and ungrateful men, so that he could with no small degree of propriety adopt the language of St. Paul : " In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren ; in weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and naked- ness. Besides those things that are without, that which coraeth upon me daily, the care of all the churches." (2 Cor. 26-28.) " But none of these things move mc, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the Gospel of the grace of God." (Acts 20 : 24.) 6. His deep interest in the henevolent operations of the Church. The cause of missions and beneficiary education lay near his .heart. He preached frequently on these subjects. And annually he paid over at Synod a comparatively large amount of money to support these causes, and from his own pocket he advanced at different times respectable sums. The American Tract and Bible causes also enlisted his hearty -co-operation. For yqars he was one of the managers of the Perry County Bible Society. Against the vice of drunkenness he preached often and with great energy, and for so doing received the maledictions of many who ought to 356 CHITRCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. have blessed him for his efforts to reform them. He preached in all his pulpits on the advantage.? of Sabbath-schools, and from his annual reports at Synod we learn that he established one wherever he preached. There was not a good cause that did not receive his cordial support. 7. His efforts in behalf of education. Having in his young days taught school, he always took a deep interest in the pros- perity of schools, and visited them wherever and as often as he could. He says : "On the 3d of February, 1817, I visited the school at Lebanon Church, and was forcibly reminded of the fact that in a teacher of children great patience and perseverance are required." His idea was that the school should serve as a nursery of the church. Hence, he sought to establish congrega- tional schools, in which the children were to receive instruction in the Catechism and be trained in piety. This was an excellent idea, and he carried it out to some extent. Would that such a system of schools prevailed yet ! These schools he visited regu- larly and examined the pupils. Afterwards, when the public system of common schools was introduced, he visited them still, but ceased to make his influence so prominently felt, — the schools were in a great measure taken out of his hands. In 1825, he was chosen one of the first directors of the Tfieological Seminary at Gettysburg, Pa., and in May, 1831, was present at and took part in the solemnities connected with the laying of the corner- stone of the Seminary edifice. For this Institution he collected and aided in collecting many hundreds of dollars in his charge. He was also elected one of the first directors of Pennsylvania College at the same place. For both these institutions of the Church he did what he could, and induced a number of young men from Perry County to prosecute their studies there. 8. His ability as a caiechist. Having in the earlier part of his life taught school for a number of years, he possessed superior excellence as an expounder of the Catechism. His constant aim was to not merely inform the understanding, but also to impress and affect the heart by the truths he taught. He spared no pains to convey clearly to the minds of his catechumens the great CHAPTER VII. 357 and solemn truths of the Christian system of doctrine as developed in the Catechism. His custom was, for some time, to meet a class once every two or three weeks, and assign a large portion of the Catechism to be committed to memory. The one that could re- peat that portion best, took his seat at the head of the class. Afterwards he met his catechumens twice every day for a week or two before confirmation. The whole Catechism was committed to memory, together with a large number of proof passages from the Scriptures. He made such explanations as seemed to him to be required in order to a clear understanding of a subject by the catechumens. Much time was also devoted to singing and prayer. Thus, whilst bathed in tears himself, his catechumens were not unfrequently led to see their sins, and with tears to ask, "What must we do to be saved?" No one can in truth say that Father Heim did not discharge his duty towards his catechumen^. If any of them continued to pursue a course of sin, it was their own fault, and not because he did not warn them or teach them aright. He did his utmost to save their souls .from death. And, blessed be God, his labor was not in vain. There are still many among us who thank the Lord for what their aged pastor taught them, and who, through his instrumentality, were led to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. He sowed the divine seed of the word of life, that still springs up and will bear fruit unto salva- tion long hereafter. Some, it is true, have forgotten his words of love and turned their backs against his tears and prayers ; but they have done so to their own hurt and shame. Would to God such had but a tithe of the piety and Christian consistency their aged, but now sainted, pastor had 1 Father Heim ! who is there that does not revere his memory now? He, a man of God, ex- cellent almost beyond comparison in all that constitutes a Christian and«iinister of the Gospel ! 9. His ahility as a preacher. As a preacher Father Heim was certainly not inferior, as is evinced most clearly by the fact that for more than thirty-five years he maintained his hold on the affections of the same people. His sermons were usually about forty minutes long, and sometimes he delivered them with great 358 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. power and effect. They were eminently Scriptural and practical. His voice was strong and clear, but his delivery was rather slow and drawling. He usually bad a short sketch or skeleton of his. ser- mon before him when he preached; but he never read his sermons from a manuscript, though he wrote many. Unfortunately they are all lost. He attempted only once or twice to preach in the English language, but not succeeding to his satisfaction he tried it no more. And strange and inconsistent as it may seem, he frequently imparted instruction to catechumens in the English language, whilst at the same time he set his face against the in- troduction of preaching in that language. This was one of the greatest errors he committed as a pastor. But it is human to err ; and whilst his judgment was at fault, his opposition to English preaching no doubt arose from a desire to do what he conceived to be right. 10. His mode of conducting worsMp. Father Heim observed the utmost simplicity in conducting religious exercises. He was never known to make use of a liturgy, except on sacramental occasions, and would have disdained the wearing of a so-called clerical robe in the pulpit. With regard to the gown, he would have said, as he did to one of his kind members who offered him the use of a worn-out umbrella, " Why, brother John, this um- brella will not protect me against rain, cold, or heat, — it is of no use to me." "Yes, yes, I know what you need most," said friend John; "here is my drab-colored overcoat, with three shoulder mantles and a red fox-skin covering the collar." " That is the very thing I need most just now," replied the well-pleased pastor. And, truly, to him a good overcoat, however coarse and homely, was of far more importance than a broken umbrella or a silken gown, — these were of no use to him. As his preaching and mode of worship, so his dress was, simple and becoming a minister of the Gospel of Jesus. And when we remember the circumstances that must have continually surrounded him in the performance of ofi&cial duties, we need not wonder that he dispensed with al- most every vestige of form and ceremony. He was fond of music, and in divine worship generally led the singing himself. He CHAPTER VII. 359 preached often at night, and held prayer-meetings at school-houses and private dwellings, and in this direction his labors were fre- quently blessed with the happiest results. He never opposed genuine revivals of religion; but when properly conducted, he most cordially approved of them and promoted them. It is true, however, that he set his face, and justly, too, against those bastard excitements gotten up by foreign elements, — elements that de- spised knowledge and gloried in deriding the Catechism and cate- chetical instruction. Fanaticism said sometimes hard things of him — that he had no religion, &c., — but Father Heim was not to be driven from stern duty by such unholy means. He knew that fanaticism was not religion, and was not to be ensnared by its high pretences. He suflFered much from this uncontrollable spirit, from men who professed perfection in holiness, but possessed not even the appearance of the love, piety, consistency, and godly sincerity, which characterized him so strikingly. He lived his religion; and his godly life will ever give a stern rebuke to all the infamous slanders which wicked and yet rampant fanatical religionists can utter against him. On the other hand, formalism, that dead carcass of undying souls, realized under his faithful and pungent preaching a melting leaven in the truth. He classed the formalist and openly wicked under one head, and in a manner peculiar to himself, showed them that they travelled the same broad road. His words bore down at times with such crushing weight, that persons gave up all hope — deep darkness covered them and horror seized their souls. To such he would say: "Behold, the lamb of God." Oh, how he wept and prayed with and for the anxious souls of his people ! He used to say, "I must show you sin and hell before you will see your danger; but seeing what you are and where you are, I will then with joy point you to Jesus and heaven, for now you will believe what I say." Some- times when viewing his hearers, he would cry out from the depth of his heart, amid tears and in great agony of soul : " my people ! my people ! what can I do more for you than I have done. I have set before you life and death, heaven and hell. How will you appear before God in judgment ! I fear, I fear. 360 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. some of you are yet in the broad way to hell. Let me call upon you once more to turn. I mean it well with you. I love your soul, and have often wept and prayed for it. hear me then ! Turn, turn, why will you die. Jesus will receive you if you come to him ; but wait not, lest you lift your eyes in hell before to-morrow's sun shall rise. I warn you for your soul's sake, for God's sake, for Jesus the dear Redeemer's sake, to flee the wrath to come ! Flee quickly, save your soul, and may God help you. I feel for you, must give an account for you. O, my God, what can I do more than I have done for you \" Here he would fold his hands, and burst out in a flood of tears under deep emotion. His head all white, his frame shaking, and his face furrowed with age and suffused with tears. Hard was the heart that did not break, and dry indeed the eyes that did not weep. 11. His doctrinal views. Luther's Catechism, as published in this country with additions, was his guide in preaching and cate- chizing. The Augsburg Confession, in the words of the General Synod, he received as a substantially correct exhibition of the fundamental doctrines of the word of God. We learn from those who knew him best, that he claimed liberty for himself and gave liberty to others on matters not fundamental ; but, at the same time, he would not fellowship with any one who was unsound in his faith on any of the cardinal doctrines of religion as held by the General Synod of the Lutheran Church in the United States. He was certainly orthodox in his religious belief. He was an unswerving friend and advocate of the General Synod and its doctrinal basis. He was chairman, in 1829, of the committee appointed to revise the Constitution of the General Synod, and also aided in preparing the Constitution for district Synods, and in revising the Catechism. The West Pennsylvania Synod elected him a number of times as its delegate to the General Synod. 12. His personal piety. He was a man of prayer, humble, consistent in his walk and conversation, full of faith and love, serving God with fear and doing good with joy. He was always dignified and yet always easy of access to the humblest, commu- CHAPTER VII. 361 nicative, and yet never known to trifle. Jesus was his all ; in him he lived, in him he died, and now with him he reigns and shines in glory bright. "Now he resides where Jesus is, Above this dusky sphere j His soul was ripen'd for that bliss, While yet he sojourn'd here. The Church's loss we all deplore, And shed the falling tear, Since we shall see his face no more, Till Jesus shall appear." 31 362 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. CHAPTEK VIII. GENIUS OF THE LUTHERAN CHURCH IN PERRY COUNTY. Having given a sketch of the history of each congregation as well as of the chief features of the life of Eev. Father Heim, we wguld yet add an outline of the genius and spirit of the Lutheran Church in Perry County as a whole. In 1840, twenty-two years ago, there were in the county eight regularly organized Lutheran congregations, — now (June, 1862) there are twenty-five and eight preaching-stations ; then one pas- tor supplied the whole territory in the county with preaching, — now six ministers occupy the field and all have more labor than they can well perform ; then about 650 communicants were re- ported at Synod, — now about 1800 are reported. As some mem- bers are, however, during the year, prevented from coming to the Lord's table on account of age, sickness and other causes, we may put down the number of members, in Perry County, entitled to full communion, at 2200, who are distributed among the six diflfer- es in about t he lollowing proportion : Blain charge, 450 Loysville 450 Bloomfield ... 600 Petersburg *' ... 275 Liverpool " in Perry County, 275 Millers town 150 ' The whole number of members at this time entitled to communion, 2200 Besides those who are entitled to communion, we also count our baptized children and youth, who are not yet admitted to the Lord's Supper, as members of the Church. Counting two of these CHAPTER vjn. 363 to every communicant member, we have at this time in Perry County a Lutheran population of 6600. This estimate, we are sure, is rather too low than too high.* In 1840, all the congregations worshipped in so-called union- churches, that is, in churches erected and owned conjointly with other denominations ; but now the Lutherans alone own twelve or fifteen in the county. The members and pastors have long since painfully realized the disadvantages and frequent sad effects aris- ing from such misnamed unions, and are therefore unanimously opposed to them wherever they can be prevented. They are con- vinced, by past experience, that it is best for all to erect no more such churches, and that then, when each denomination has its own houses of worship, there will be more cordial union among them, and each will be more useful, not being continually entan- gled in the affairs of another. In 1840, all the preaching was in the German language; but at present two-thirds of the congregations require German no more at all, and the remaining one-third only one-half or occasionally. From present indications we are led to believe that before many years not a Lutheran congregation will need preaching in the German language. It is ten or twelve years since this language has ceased to be taught in our common-schools, and as the aged pass away, and the youth who know only the, English take their place, the use of the German language must necessarily and be- fore long be among the things that were. All the congregations take a deep and active interest in the various benevolent operations of the Church. The cause of bene- * For the information of the members and all who may desire knowledge on the subject, we will subjoin the following estimate of the Lutheran popu- lation in the world: Sweden, 3,000,000; Norway, 1,500,000; Denmark, the Faroe Islands, Jutland and Greenland, 2,000,000 ; France, 500,000 ; Protest- ant Germany, 25,000,000 ; Prussia, 5,000,000 ; Austria, Hungary, Bohemia and Moravia, 1,500,000; Poland and Eussia, 2,500,000; United States, 1,600,- 000; West India Islands, 100,000; Brazil, 100,000; South American States, 50,000 ; New South Wales, 5,000 ; Nova Scotia and the Canadas, 10,000 ; Holland, 600,000 ; England, 40,000,; Italy, 500 ; Turkey in Europe, 15,000 ; Hindoostan, 10,000.— Total, 43,530,500. 364 CHuaoHEs between the mountains. ficiary education, of Home and Foreign Missions, of Temperance, also of the Bible and Tract Societies, and all other causes that tend to extend the Kedeemer's kingdom, receive their cordial co- operation and material aid. Every congregation has its Sunday-school in successful opera- tion, and the cause of education in general receives encourage- ment and active support from all the churches. Of late years, especially, have education and intelligence made rapid progress, and we are happy to believe that on these points the Lutheran population of Perry County will, on the whole, bear a favorable comparison with any other community in this part of the State. To verify this, we need but recur to a few facts. About six years ago, the late Col. John Tressler, prompted by a laudable desire to promote education, erected at his own expense at Loysville a spa- cious and convenient edifice, where an Academy of the first order was opened and has since been deservedly well patronized. This excellent institution has done and is now doing a good work in that community. Besides this Academy, five or six other high schools, in different parts of the county, are largely patronized by the members, whose children receive at these institutions of learn- ing a liberal education. The following members of the Church in the county have graduated with honor at Pennsylvania Col- lege, Gettysburg : J. Andrew Tressler, Josiah R. Titzel, John M. Rice, David L. Tressler, J. R. Williams and Andrew T. Kistler; Victor G. Tressler, Rudolphus J. Heim, David Elliot, John W. Tressler and John Kistler, pursued a pretty full course at the same College, and J. T. L. Sahm, Lemuel 0. Poose and D. L. MoKenzie are there now. The following, from this county, have entered the ministry of the Lutheran Church : Revs. David Smith, John W. Tressler, John M. Rice, John Kistler and Michael G. Earhart, all of whom are now laboring successfully in the vine- yard of the Lord, and the following are now prosecuting their theo- logical studies with a view to the ministry : J. R. Williams and A. T. Kistler at the Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, and John G. Breininger in the theological department of the Mis- sionary Institute at Selinsgrove, Pa. This representation speaks CHAPTER VIII. 365 well; but we sincerely hope that it is only the beginning of a glorious educational career in the Church of this county. With the introduction of preaching in the English language, ten or fifteen years ago, a new era on the subject of education com- menced. Of late years the members have evinced an unusual degree of interest in this noble cause, and we may cherish the pleasing hope that they will illustrate in Perry County the well- known fact, that the Lutheran Church is an educating and edu- cated Church. Her admirable system of catechetical instruction plays no small part in advancing education. The members in this county, especially the English-speaking portion of them, are a reading people, and secure and study the literature of their own Church, to which they are sincerely attached j they are active, in- telligent, and go forward in every good cause ; they receive the Lutheran Observer as their weekly adviser in general Church in- telligence ; and most of them have possessed themselves of a good family library of choice religious and miscellaneous literature. The prospects are certainly fair of soon seeing an ample harvest spring from this field of cultivated mind. Each Lutheran„congregation in the county has a weekly prayer- meeting, conducted by the pastor, or in his absence by a member of the Church-Council. These religious meetings for mutual edi- fication are generally well attended by the members, and we think there are few, if any, of the male members who would not lead in prayer at these meetings when requested so to do. During these exercises, in addition to the singing of hymns and the offering of prayer, a portion of God's word is read, which the pastor, if pre- sent, expounds. Most of them have also daily family-worship, conducted by the head of the household; and if any neglect .this Christian duty, they are by the Church considered as remiss and subject to admonition and reproof by the Church-Council. Pa- rents are expected and required to teach their children the doc- trines of our holy religion as set forth in the Catechism. Each pastor is expected, as often as possible, to meet the youth of his charge for instruction in the Catechism. This duty is, perhaps, nowhere more faithfully and thoroughly performed than .31* 366 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. by the Lutheran pastors in Perry County. The results of this kind of pastoral labor are often most cheering. If properly con- ducted catechization is a blessed means of doing good, and in the very nature of the case there can never be found a substitute for it. The Catechism is not only committed by the catechumens, but the pastor explains, illustrates, and by practical remarks ap- plies and enforces the truths so committed. Considerable time is also devoted to the singing of appropriate hymns and the offer- ing up of prayer to God. These exercises are usually continued for many weeks, and at last daily. During this time it almost in- variably occurs that some or perhaps all of the catechumens are by the truth awakened to a realizing sense of their sins and lost condition, and of their need of a personal and saving interest in the merits of the blood of Jesus Christ. Here, then, is what may be called a revival. If the religious interest thus commenced ex- tends to others, as is often the case, then the pastor holds what may be called a protracted meeting. The members are exhorted to give themselves to special prayer in their families and closets, more frequent meetings for social prayer are held, at which the awakened persons are expected to attend for instruction and direc- tion. The pastor visits the families in the community where the meeting is held and in progress, prays with them, and admonishes the careless of their duty and warns the impenitent of their danger. During each day an anxious meeting is held — or, if you prefer the expression, there is catechization, — when the pastor in- structs or advises the awakened souls. Such meetings are held in the church if the number of the awakened is large ; if their number is small, then the pastor visits them in their families, or gives them the needed instruction in the catechetical class, if they are catechumens. The preaching will of course be adapted to the occasion. The great object will be to humble the sinner by show- ing him what he is and to what he is exposed ; to point him to the only refuge, to teach him that the only condition on which he can be saved is the exercise of repentance toward God and faith rn the Lord Jesus Christ, and to urge him to accept of the prof- fered salvation now. Those, then, who have been so instructed, CHAPTER vin. 367 who have intelligent views of the plan of salvation, and who give satisfactory evidence of having heen born again by the Holy Ghost, are admitted to full communion by the solemn rite of confirmation. During such protracted meetings no unnecessary noise or any kind of confusion and disorder are encouraged or tolerated. Our pas- tors and members know that religion is not wild fanaticism on the one hand, nor dead formalism on the other. Heilce, they preach with all earnestness, the absolute necessity of a change of heart, wrought by the Holy Ghost, and of good works as evidence of such a change. Protracted meetings, so conducted, have in this county been blessed with the most cheering and glorious re- sults. May the Lord multiply them, and fill the earth with His glory! In their public worship, the congregations observe a Scriptural simplicity, studiously avoiding everything that would divert at- tention from the Cross of Christ. For the sake of uniformity in worship, and as a guide in the administration of the ordinances of God's house, the Liturgy of the General Synod is used on sacramen- tal occasions, and on no other. The pastors have hitherto followed the example of Father Heim, decking themselves, not with gowns, but raiment becoming ministers of the Gospel and the house of God, and anxiously seeking, not to attract attention to them- selves, but to direct all attention to the blessed Gospel of the adorable Son of God. So may they continue to do ! All the congregations in the county have adopted the Ihrmula of the General Synod, appended to the Lutheran Hymn-Book, as their i-ule for government and discipline, or a constitution in full harmony therewith. As to their doctrinal position, the Catechism is the guide in the impartation of family and catechetical instruction. In addition to this, the pastors and congregations unanimously believe with the General Synod and the Synod of Central Pennsylvania : " 1. That the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the Word of God, and the only infallible rule of faith and practice. 2. That the following fundamental doctrines of the Word of God are correctly taught in the doctrinal articles of the Augsburg 368 CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. Confession, viz., The existence of one God, — the Trinity of the Godhead,^ — the Deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, — the universal depravity of man, — the Savior's vicarious sufferings and death, — the justification of the sinner by faith in the Son of God, — the necessity of the Holy Spirit to regenerate and sanctify the soul, — the one Holy Catholic (or universal) Church, — the divine institu- tion of -the Ministry, and of the sacraments of Baptism, and the Lord's Supper, — the necessity of repentance and good works, — the return of Christ to judge the world in righteousness, — the resurrection of the dead, — the everlasting blessedness of the right- eous, and the eternal punishment of the wicked." The above is a brief summary of the doctrines every one must cordially believe that would be a member of the Church. It is a good, a Scriptural confession. And whilst Lutherans glory in their inheritance, and would not part with it, they are at the same time ever disposed to fraternize and co-operate with all other evangelical denominations in the promotion and advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom among men. CONCLUSION. 369 CONCLUSION. I HAVE now finished my task. The history of the Lutheran Church in Perry County is now before the reader. From the earliest stages of her rise and progress to the present time we have followed her with patient interest and marked her gradual growth and various operations with delight. The small cloud that rose between the mountains nearly a century ago, now covers the heavens, — the feeble vine that was planted in the wilderness has thrown out its branches, and now occupies the land from mountain to mountain. From the past we look hopefully into the future. Much has been done ; much remains to be done. But the great Head of the Church lives, and she shall live and prosper. He guided her thus far, and will guide her safely and triumphantly to the haven of rest eternal in heaven. If she is true to Christ and her mission, her future career will exceed in glory her past history. May the Lord Jesus baptize with the Holy Ghost her ministry and laity. May she rise and shine, her light come, and the glory of the Lord rise upon her ! ' ' I love thy Zion, Lord, The house of thine abode ; The Church, blest Bedeemer, sav'd With thine own precious blood. I love thy Church, God ! Her walls before thee stand, Dear as the apple of thine eye, And graven on thy hand. If e'er to bless thy sons My voice or hands deny. These hands let useful skill forsake. This voice in silence die. 370 ^ CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS. If e'er my heart forget Her welfare or her woe, Let ev'ry joy this heart forsake, And ev'ry grief o'erflow. For her my tears shall fall j For her my pray'rs ascend ; To her my oares and toils be giv'n, Till toils and cares shall end. Beyond my highest joy I prize her heav'nly ways, Her sweet communion, solemn tows. Her hymns of love and praise." THE END. ^?'.;j:-*--i»'-' C--. ■ ^f*^ki?a^i»£s m litrmlfii^^B«^^