Cornell University Library The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31 924051 62691 3 CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY 924 051 626 9 > <%z c <-j * II - '0 iF* V, ,m Hi > O Ul iFD i| 0' *jl LPil 3E> r iPil -z. o pB x \ \ \ * \ „ V3 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME OF THE I DANVILLE CONFERENCE^ EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN MlNISTERIUM OF PENNSYLVANIA AND ADJACENT STATES.' Edited by REV. S. E. OCHSENFORD, D.D., AND I REV. O. E. PFLUEGER, A.M. PUBLISHED BY THE DANVILLE CONFERENCE. REMEM8ER THE DAYS OF OLD, CONSIDER THE YEARS OF MANY GENERATIONS.— Deut. 32 : 7. REPORT PRINT, LEBANON, . PREFACE. aT THE CONVENTION of the Danville Confer- ence, held at Jersey Shore, Pa., May 4-5, 1897, action was taken looking to a proper participation in the Jubilee Celebration of Synod, which action was in part : ' 'That this Conference elect a committee of three which shall be known as the 'Jubilee Committee of the Danville Conference,' and shall continue in office until the $9,000 apportioned by Synod to this Conference towards the Jubilee Fund shall have been raised, or until Conference shall otherwise discharge the same. ' ' Amongst other duties this Committee was "charged with the publication of a History of the Danville Con- ference and its Congregations, together with biograph- ical sketches of some of the early pastors who labored on the territory of the Conference, and a brief account of the Jubilee Celebration of 1898." The Revs. O. E. Pflueger, S. E. Ochsenford, D.D., and E. Iy. Reed were elected this Committee. The Rev. Reed having resigned from the Committee, October, 1897, the work has since been carried on by the other two members. After months of painstaking labor, it affords spe- cial pleasure to the Committee now to present to Con- ference and the Church, this "Jubilee Memorial Volume of the Danville Conference. ' ' The department of Biog- raphy was modified so as to include brief sketches of all 3 4 PREFACE. pastors who have labored on the territory of this Confer- ence, as well as of the pastors and present students of theology who hail from the same. Instead of the ' 'brief account of the Jubilee Celebration," as was at first con- templated, we present to the readers a full account, with each address delivered complete. The Committee makes grateful acknowledgment of the helpfulness of the Muhlenberg College Book and the Pennsylvania College Book, in the preparation of some of the biographical sketches, of material furnished by the Rev. J. W. Early, and incorporated in other sketches than those which bear his signature, and of the use of the portrait cuts as they appear in the account of the Jubilee Celebration, through the kindness of the Central Jubilee Committee. May this Volume find a place in each Lutheran home on the territory of this Conference. May it serve to instruct and edify the believers and do honor and glory to God. The Committee. CONTENTS. I. CONFERENCE HISTORY. PAGE. Introductory Statement 11-15 Sixth Conference 16-17 Fifth Conference 18-21 Danville Conference 22-24 Table of Conventions and Officers 25-28 II. CONGREGATIONAL HISTORIES, Beavertown Parish 31-38 Berwick Parish 39-51 Catawissa, St. John's 52-56 Cogan Station, St. Michael's 57-59 Danville, Trinity 60-64 Danville, German Parish 65-71 Dushore Parish 72-77 Freeburg Parish 78-88 Jersey Shore, Zion 89-90 Lykens, St. John's 91-94 Lykens Valley Parish 95-106 Mahanoy Parish 107-117 Mainville Parish 1 18-124 Numidia Parish 125-132 Richfield Parish 133-135 St. John's, Lykens Valley 136-142 St. Peter's, Mahanoy 143-145 Salem, Snyder County 146-150 Selinsgrove Parish 151-160 Shamokin Parish 161-167 Stone Valley Parish 168-175 Sunbury, St. Luke's 176-179 5 6 CONTENTS. Trevorton Parish 180-187 Turbotville Parish 188-192 Williamsport, St. Mark's. 193-198 Williamsport, South, Christ 199-200 III. BIOGRAPHIES. Alphabetical Arrangement 201-290 IV. JUBILEE CELEBRATION. Inception and Preparation 293-296 German Jubilee Service: Jubilee Address 296 Greeting from New York Ministerium 310 English Jubilee Service: Jubilee Address 317 Open Air Service: The Ministerium 333 Greeting from General Council 342 The College of the Ministerium 346 The Theological Seminary of the Ministerium. . . . 357 PORTRAITS. Conference Map, Frontispiece. PLATE. PAGE, PLATE. PAGE. Albert, J. J., I. 29 Pflueger, O. E., X. 243 Altpeter, P., XI. 249 Raker, J. H., XII. 263 Anspach, J. M., VI. 125 Reber, O., IX. 201 Bahl, Isaiah, I. 29 Reed, D. E., V. 107 Barr, W. P., XIII. 283 Reed, E. L.. VI. 125 Bayer, J. F., III. 57 Renninger, J. S., V. 107 Bergner, A., II. 39 Rick, W. F., XII. 263 Bruning, H. H., IV. 95 Rickert, W. H:, VI. 125 Clymer, H. T., VIII. 161 Ritter, J. H., IX. 201 Cornman, W. O., V. 107 Roney, W. E, X. 243 Druckenmiller.G. D., XI. 249 Sander, J., VII. 151 Drumheller, C. K., VIII. 161 Schaeffer, G. J. X. 243 Dry, C. F„ VIII. 161 Scheffer, N., IX. 201 Early, J. W., IV. 95 Scheirer, O. S., X. 243 Eggers, L. G., II. 39 Schindel, Jer., II. 39 Erie, C. L., I. 29 Schindel, J. P., Jr , II. 39 Erlenmeyer, C. G., II. 39 Schindel, J. P., Sr I- 29 Eyer, W. J., I. 29 Snable, H. G, XI. 249 Fogelman, D. L., X. 243 Steck, T.. III. 57 Geiger, W. H„ VIII. 161 Stetler, D. M., VI. 125 German, J. P., VII. 151 Stetler, E., XII. 263 Groff, J. R., IV 95 Stetler, I. H., XII. 263 Hemping, J. N., I. 29 Strauss, A. M., IV. 95 Henkel, D. M., III. 57 Stupp, S. B., IX. 201 Henry, S. S., V. 107 Uhrich, J. M., VII. 151 Hillpot, Jos., V. 107 Ulrich, L. D., XIII. 283 Home, A. R., IV. 95 Ulrich, W. S., XIII. 283 Klingler, J. W., IX. 201 Wagner, R. S., III. 57 Kopenhaver,W.M.,XIII. 283 Wahrmann,H. E. C, XI. 249 Kunkle, G G, VII. 151 Walz, F., III. 57 Laitzle, W. G, II. 39 Warnpole, J. F., IV. 95 Lenker, M. B., V. 107 Weicksel, F. A., XI. 249 Lentz, A. P., XIII. 283 Weicksel, H., III. 57 Lindenstruth, L., VIII. 161 Weicksel, W., X. 243 Meyer, H., XII. 263 Wenrich, S., VI. 125 Miller, H. P., XIII. 283 Wetzler, J. N., VIII. 161 Neiman, J. H., VI. 125 Yount, A. L., VII. 151 Ochsenford, S. E., IX. 201 Zuber, T., XII. 263 Pflueger, A. P., VII. 151 Zweier, C. D., XI. 249 JUBILEE P Svnodical erou ORTRAITS. D 201 A. Spaeth 298 G. C. F. Haas 311 J. A. Seiss 316 J- Fry 332 F. J. F. Schantz 336 E. F. Moldehnke 344 T. L. Seip 348 H. E. Jacobs 356 i. Conference IHistor^ HISTORY OF THE DANVILLE CONFERENCE OF THE Ministerium of Pennsylvania. BY THE REV. S. E. OCHSENFORD, D.D. THE Evangelical Lutheran Ministerium of Penn- sylvania and Adjacent States was organized in St. Michael's church, Philadelphia, August 26 (X. S.), 1748, as "The Evangelical Lutheran Ministerium of North America." Prior to this time, pastoral confer- ences had been held, from time to time, as occasion re- quired; but this was the first meeting of pastors and lay delegates at which a permanent organization was ef- fected. At this first meeting there were present Pastors Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, Peter Brunnholtz and John Fr. Handschuh, and John Nicolaus Kurtz, who was ordained at this meeting ; the Rev. John Sandin, pro- vost of the Swedish churches, and the Rev. John Chris- tian Hartwig, pastor of Lutheran congregations in the Province of New York, and lay representatives from ten congregations in Pennsylvania, together with Peter Kock, trustee of the Swedish church in Philadelphia. Al- though Sandin and Hartwig did not formally unite with the new Synod, they took an active part in the organi- zation and in the proceedings of the first convention, and in so far represented the congregations under their 12 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. pastoral and official care. The proceedings of this con- vention constitute an important chapter of Lutheran his- tory, since we find in them the foundation principles of the Church, and the beginning of that which has become one of the strongest factors in its working machinery in this country. The Synod is the source whence have emanated the most far-reaching movements of church work in every department of activity, in the doctrine, worship and life of the congregations, and in the educa- tional, missionary and benevolent operations of the same. \ It is the bond that unites all the congregations into one I body, and gives force and proves helpful to the opera- I tions of the individual congregations. ^ A.t the time of the organization of the Ministerium, seventy-three Lutheran congregations existed in this country ; but they were widely scattered from upper New York to Georgia, and could not be represented at this convention. Those uniting in the organization of the Ministerium were located in the Province of Pennsylva- nia, in what are now Philadelphia, Montgomery, Berks and Lancaster counties. It may prove of interest, in this connection, to mention the places from which delegates were sent to this meeting. These came from the con- gregations at Philadelphia, Germantown, Providence (Trappe), New Hanover, Upper Milford, Saccum, Tulpe- hocken, Northkill, Lancaster and Earltown (New Hol- land). In the course of a few years the number of con- gregations began to increase, and before many years had passed the territory of the Ministerium embraced Penn- t sylvania, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina and Ohio ; and it was to all intents and purposes a general synodical body for all the Lutheran churches throughout the country. From the statement made with reference to the first CONFERENCE HISTORY. 13 meeting of the Ministerium, it will readily be seen that the territory, now embraced by the Danville Conference, was not represented. As early as 1748, it appears that no Lutherans had settled in sufficient numbers in this part of the Province to bring about the organization of congregations. Our people had, no doubt, begun to set- tle on this territory early in the century, as they generally were the van-guard of civilization in nearly all the earliest settlements in Pennsylvania. We know that German settlements all along the Susquehanna, in Cen- tral Pennsylvania, antedate the Revolutionary War; but we have no evidence of the presence of Lutheran min- isters on this territory until the year 1775, when the Rev. John Michael Ende_rhn£ began his occasional visits from Lykens Valley, and organized Lutheran congregations on the west side of the river, in the present Snyder county. These lines are written within two miles of the locality where one of the first congregations was organ- ized, in 1775. Accordingly, more than a quarter of a century had elapsed after the organization of the Synod, before the territory of our Conference was represented in its annual conventions. In the early history of the Ministerium, Conferences were held, and Conference districts were arranged ; but it is only in later years that the Conferences have been permanently organized. Prior to the middle of the pres- ent century, Conference districts had been established, within whose bounds the pastors, later the pastors with their lay delegates, were expected to meet, as occasion nvght require, or as the Ministerium might determine from time to time, or at the call of the president of the Ministerium, or whenever requested by individual pas- tors or congregations. There were no fixed regulations for the meetings and no fixed duties assigned. In the 14 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. course of time, however, they seem to have been called upon to act as special committees of the Ministerium, in the adjustment of difficulties among pastors, between pastors and congregations, and within congregations. i Their chief aim, originally, was for devotional purposes and fraternal encouragement, and it was intended that they should be held four times a year. It is probable that the first division of the Ministerium into Conference districts was made in the* year 1771, when five of these districts were constituted, as follows : York, Lancaster, Macungie, Philadelphia and New York districts. In the minutes of the Ministerium, of the year 1783, twenty different localities are mentioned as being embraced in these districts. Of course, the territory of our Conference is not included in this division, as there were at that time no Lutheran congregations in exist- ence in this portion of the Province, though in 1766 a tract of land, was granted for church purposes, to Lu- therans at Salem, in Snyder county, but the congregation was not organized until the year 1775. This arrangement of Conference districts continued for about twenty years, when, owing, no doubt, to the extension of the synodical territory, seven Conference districts were constituted. Although this new arrange- ment of seven districts is given in the minutes of the Ministerium for 1801, yet the Virginia district held meetings as early as 1793, which would seem to indicate that it was then already a separate district. Following is the arrangement of 1801 : 1. Philadelphia. Germain- town, New Hanover, Pottsgrove (Pottstown), Vincent, Old and New Goshenhoppen, and neighboring congre- gations. 2. Easton, Macungie, Saccum, Whitehall, Mis- sillum, Kutztown, Weissenburg and neighboring con- gregations. 3. Lancaster, New Holland, Manheim, Leb- CONFERENCE HISTORY. 15 anon, Reading, Tulpehocken, Harrisburg, Jonestown, Sunbury, Lykens Valley, etc. 4. York, McAllisters (Hanover), Taneytown, Carlisle, Paradise, etc. 5. Balti- more, Frederick, Hagerstown, Greencastle, Chambers- burg, etc. 6. Western district, embracing the territory west of the Allegheny Mountains. 7. The congregations in Virginia, etc. In this division our Conference territory was represented in the third district, and there is no doubt that at that time, quite a number of congregations were in existence on this territory besides those at Sun- bury and in Lykens Valley. In the year 1786 the New York district, the fifth in the former arrangement, was constituted a separate Synod, — the New York Ministerium — with representation, with right of debate and vote, in the parent body. In 1803 the North Carolina Synod was organized; in 1818 the Synod of Ohio was organized out of the sixth dis- trict of the arrangement just mentioned; in 1820 the Synod of Maryland and Virginia Synod was organized out of the fifth and seventh districts ; and in 1825 the West Pennsylvania Synod was organized out of the sixth district ; so that in the course of twenty-five years this sec- ond arrangement had undergone so many changes that a new division was found to be necessary. In 1832 the Conferences were redistricted, with the following result, by counties: 1. Philadelphia, Chester, Montgomery and Bucks. 2. Lehigh, Northampton, Pike and Wayne. 3. Berks and Schuylkill. 4. Lancaster. 5. Lebanon and Dauphin. 6. Northumberland, Columbia, Luzerne, Lycoming, Susquehanna, Bradford and Tioga. In this arrangement, our Conference held the sixth place and embraced the same territory, now occupied, with the exception of Luzerne and Bradford counties ; whilst Snyder and Union counties did not exist as separate 16 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. counties, but were embraced in Northumberland county. This arrangement continued in force, with some mod- ifications, until 1870. The changes made necessary were brought about by the inroads made by the East Penn- sylvania Synod, organized in 1842 out of material belong- ing to the fourth and fifth districts, and the consequent weakening of those districts, to such an extent that some rearrangement was deemed advisable. In the Synodical Constitution of 1863, we find the fifth district classified with the third, and the district formerly numbered six, numbering five. Later, Lancaster, Lebanon and Dau- phin counties were combined to make the fourth district, ours being the fifth. In the readjustment in 1871, it re- tained its place as the Fifth Conference, and this contin- ued until the last rearrangement in 1893, when the old Fifth Conference, with its territorial boundaries almost entirely unchanged, became known as the Danville Con- ference, one of the nine Conferences into which the ter- ritory of the Ministerium was divided. In 1832, when the territory of the Ministerium was di- vided into six Conference districts, the sixth district em- braced Northumberland, Columbia, Luzerne, Lycom- ing, Susquehanna, Bradford and Tioga counties, and consisted of seven pastors, 39 congregations and 3,322 communicant members. This arrangement virtually em- braced the present territory, except that Luzerne county (now Luzerne and Lackawanna counties) was transfer- red, at the request of several pastors, to the second dis- trict. New counties were formed by the division of the old and larger counties, so that the enumeration of the counties, in 1832, does not fully and correctly designate the territory of the Sixth Conference, according to the present arrangement of counties ; for the territory on the west side of the Susquehanna river, now embraced in CONFERENCE HISTORY. iy Snyder and Union counties, was then included in North- umberland county. The Conference may, therefore, be said to date its or- ganization, as a separate Conference, from the year 1832, with seven pastors and thirty-nine congregations, and occupying the sixth place in the list of District Confer- ences. In comparison with the other five districts, it was not the smallest, and in extent of territory, then, as now, the most extensive of them all, embracing the north- ern part of the State, from the southern extremity of Northumberland county to the New York State line, on both sides of the Susquehanna river and its branches. The statistics of the Ministerium of the year 1832, according to Conferences, were as follows : Conference. Pastors. Congregations. Communicants. I. 9 25 5-248 II. 8 28 3.950 III. 6 21 2,300 IV 6 20 1,988 V. 8 33 4,043 VI. 7 39 3.322 assigned 4 4 329 48 170 21,180 The recorded minutes of the Conference, now in the archives of the Ministerium at Mount Airy, Philadelphia, begin with the year 1838, when Conference met at Tur- botville, in St. John's church, with Rev. Schindel as pres- ident, and Rev. Schulze, secretary. At first, the meet- ings were not held very regularly; for the meeting in the following year was omitted on account of the sick- ness of the pastor at Selinsgrove, where the meeting was to have been held. There were two meetings in 1840, one 1 8 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. during the following year, two in 1842, and then no rec- ord of meetings until the year 1846. In the Synodical Constitution of 1863, the Conference occupies the fifth place in the list of Conferences, owing to the merging of the fourth and fifth into one Confer- ence. In 1871, at a special meeting of the Ministerium, it was constituted as the Fifth District Conference, em- bracing Northumberland, Montour, Columbia, Lycom- ing counties, north to the New York State line, the Ring- town parish in Schuylkill county, Dauphin county north of the Blue Ridge, and all west of the Susquehanna river and north of the Juniata river. The condition of the Church, on the territory of the old Fifth Conference, is presented in the following state- ment, by one who has had much to do in the develop- ment of the Church on this territory. Writing of the period prior to 1868, he says : "On that territory (the ter- ritory of the Fifth Conference) many of our churches had left us, because nearly all the English-speaking pastors had gone with or into the East Pennsylvania Synod. All of Snyder, as well as Union county had gone into the Central Synod. We had not a single church within the limits of the present Danville Conference, in a single one of the larger towns, except Danville, where we still had two — Trinity and St. John's. I accepted call to — , under express contract that it should return to the old Synod. After remaining about a year, I found that all those churches, which are now again with us, had never been made aware that they were supposedtohavechangedtheir synodical relations." This graphically describes the la- mentable condition of things after the division in i866and at the time of the formation of the General Council. Many of the congregations were duped into the belief that they still retained their old synodical relations, whilst at the CONFERENCE HISTORY. 19 same time they were connected with other Synods and served by pastors selected by them ; and quite a number of these congregations never returned to their old rela- tions and are now numbered among some of the strong- est congregations in the General Synod. Long and bit- ter were some of the contests, contemptible and un- christian were some of the means used to keep these churches from returning to their original synodical rela- tions, but in many cases right prevailed and a new begin- ning could be made in the development of the interests of the Church. As another evidence of the condition of affairs, at- tention is directed to the meeting of the Conference in the year 1867, the year of the organization of the General Council. There were, at that time, four pastors of our Ministerium in active work, on the territory of the Fifth Conference : The Rev. S. S. Kline, Conyngham ; the Rev. W. J. Eyer, Catawissa; the Rev. J. F. Wampole, Tur- botville, and the Rev. J. W Early, Selinsgrove. Father Erlenmeyer, though universally regarded as an "old Lu- theran," had not yet united with the Ministerium, though that was effected a few years afterwards. This was the time when it was commonly reported on our territory that there was only one "old Lutheran minister" living and that he was getting to be an old man and could not live much longer. This was Father Erlenmeyer. When, therefore, the report spread that a young "old Lutheran minister" had settled at Selinsgrove, people at a distance of twenty miles sent for him, in order that he might visit them and that they might be able to see this curiosity. But to our, Conference meeting. The meeting was held at Mifflinville, Columbia county. The Rev. J. W. Early was providentially prevented from attending. The other three were present, just enough to fill the necessary of- 20 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. fices, though the office of treasurer was not burdened with funds. The Rev. Mr. Kline was elected president, the Rev. Mr. Wampole secretary, and the Rev. Mr. Eyer treasurer. This is the celebrated occasion of which our honored and highly-esteemed Father of Conference likes to speak when he wishes to impress upon the minds of the younger men, the importance of not despising the day of small things. He relates how the two men voted the third into office, and how each one took his turn in being a candidate for office, and that finally the Confer- ence was officered to the universal satisfaction of all the pastors present. One made the motion, the other sec- onded it, and the president put it before the house, and the mover and second voted "aye." In this way every motion was carried with great unanimity ; and every- thing was harmonious and satisfactory. They were all of one mind and heart. At the meeting in 1869, held at Danville, eight minis- ters were present. One of those present at that meeting says : "As the number had increased a hundred per cent., we felt very much elated. Such a thing as eight min- isters getting together in that Conference, had not been known for a long time, probably never before. We all felt that now there would be a regular Fifth Conference. ' The good work of our self-sacrificing pastors was be- ginning to show its results, not only in the increased number of pastors and congregations, but also in the in- creasing activity and the ever-widening demands for the services of our men. Much of the lost ground had been recovered, and the prospects were daily growing brighter for the recovery of much more. The fact has come to light that prior to this time, ne- gotiations had been in progress and overtures made to unite our pastors and congregations and the pastors and CONFERENCE HISTORY. 21 congregations of the East Pennsylvania Synod, occupy- ing this territory, into one synodical body. As a matter of fact, the writer of these lines can testify that he knows of a congregation, for whose development he has given the best part of his life, to which this proposition was ac- tually made, with a view of bringing about the disband- ing of the congregation, and in this way securing a most desirable and valuable property. This is only one of the instances referred to in the statement just made. But this threatened calamity was averted by the infusion of new blood into the working forces of our congregations. With the new life infused into the Conference, the tide of affairs began to turn in our favor and, instead of con- gregations continually leaving us and going over to the Synods of the General Synod, some came to us and oth- ers re "urned to their old synodical home. We give only two illustrations. In 1868, the Rev. Mr. Early brought the Selinsgrove parish back into the Ministerium, and in 1870 Father Erlenmeyer entered with his immense par- ish, embracing nearly all the rest of the congregations in Snyder county, that had formerly belonged to the Min- isterium. When Conference met at Jersey S ,n Pte, in 1871, eleven or twelve pastors were in attendance ; and from that time, the growth of our Church, on the territory r{ the Con- ference, has been regular and healthy, so that at the time of the last readjustment of the districts, it numbered 25 ministers, 24 parishes, 64 congregations and 10,800 com- municant members, and the meetings of Conference were generally attended by 18 or 20 ministers, besides a re- spectable number of lay delegates. The history of the Danville Conference, as it is now constituted, is very brief. In 1893 't was constituted bv authority of the Ministerium, in connection with the re- 22 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. districting of its territory into nine Conference districts. The following districts were formed: i. Philadelphia- German, embracing German congregations in Philadel- phia, New Jersey (south of Trenton, including Newark), Baltimore, Delaware and Norristown. 2. Philadelphia- English, embracing English congregations in Philadel- phia, New York City, New Jersey (south of Trenton, in- cluding Asbury Park), Baltimore, Delaware and Ches- ter county, Pa., south of Chester. 3. Norristown, em- bracing Bricks, Montgomery and Chester counties. 4. AllentO'wn, embracing Lehigh, Northampton and part of Monroe counties, and Phillipsburg, N. J. 5. Wilkes- Barre, embracing Western Monroe, Carbon, Luzerne, Wyoming, Lackawanna, Susquehanna, Bradford, Wayne and Pike counties. 6. Reading, embracing Berks county. 7. Pottsville, embracing Schuylkill county. 8. Lancas- ter, embracing Lancaster, Lebanon, lower Dauphin, Cumberland and York counties, and all west of the Sus- quehanna and south of the Juniata rivers. 9. Danville, embracing Northumberland, Montour, Columbia, Ly- coming and all counties north to New York State line, Dauphin county north of the Blue Ridge, and all west of the Susquehanna and north of the Juniata rivers. To these the Ministerium added a tenth district, to wit : The Rajahmundry district, consisting of the missionaries and missions in India. According to resolution of the Ministerium, the new arrangement of Conferences went into effect January 1, 1894. In the fall of 1893, the old Fifth Conference elected its officers as usual, with the understanding that on January 1, 1894, the old arrangement should cease and the new go into effect. Accordingly, on that date, its operations began under the new name, and at the spring meeting the election, previously held, was rati- CONFERENCE HISTORY. 23 fied. This was almost the only change that resulted from the new order of things. Some years prior to this, the Ringtown and Tower City parishes had been transferred to the old Third Conference. Under the re-districting of Conferences, Lykens fell into the Pottsville Confer- ence; but in 1894 it was again restored to its old place in our Conference. This was the only change made, and after the congregation at Lykens had been restored to its former connection, the Conference was left with the same territory as before. A few years later the Line Mountain parish, owing to the residence of the pastor in Schuylkill county, was transferred to the Pottsville Conference. As now constituted, the Danville Confer- ence embraces Dauphin county north of the Blue Ridge, Northumberland, Montour, Columbia, part of Luzerne, Lycoming, Sullivan, Tioga, Potter, Clinton, Snyder and Juniata counties, with 25 parishes, 26 ministers, 69 con- gregations and 12,000 communicant members. The Conference occupies a large part of the mission- ary territory of the Ministerium. The vast extent of un- occupied territory is simply appalling. All over this vast extent of territory are cities and towns where our people are living without the means of grace and without that pastoral care which they need, many of them desire and all of them have a right to ask of the Chruch. Whole counties there are, where our people are found in large numbers without the ministrations of the Gospel. I think of Tioga county, with its growing towns and with Lutherans everywhere ; of Mifflin county, where people have heen known to travel thirty miles to attend service and have their children instructed in the catechetical class ; of Union county, where we have not a single church, 'and where people attend divine service ten and fifteen miles away from their homes. This territory is 24 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME, ij^ng waste, ready to be cultivated by the Church, whose children are as sheep without shepherds. We need more men. The men now laboring on this territory have already more than fcfoey can do ; they cannot do more. I think of my own parish of about twenty miles in diam- eter, reaching uito three counties, and often necessitating long and wearisome journeys in order to attend to pas- toral duties, and permitting only the most necessary and urgent duties to be attended to. There are places right at our very doors, where work ought to be begun at once. It ought no longer to be delayed. Delay is fatal, not only to the interests of the Church, but especially to the souls of men. Then, again, we need to re-adjust some of our large parishes in order to accomplish more efficient work. This can be done, as soon as we will be able to secure the right kind of men. But we need men who will be willing to make sacrifices for the Church. Ours is not a territory where large salaries are paid ; but where pastors musi be willing to labor hard and be satisfied with small sal- aries. This may not be history ; but it presents material from which history can and ought to be made in the future, and that without unnecessary delay. May God speed the day when the number of faithful pastors on this vast territory shall be quadrupled, and every town shall have become a centre of far-reaching activity. CONFERENCE HISTORY. 25 ^ z f- r<5 tu Of) UJ «S £ V u UJ c Of z OJ 1) c a J= UJ X u. z u 02 W 01 W. ^ fo ^ 6ddd.-;>-;b > > > > s> > > H 01 CI V V 01 1) KKfSKKKK C C C C rc kj cd nJ BEES Ui [l, E=j fr dodo I- (- t- N MKM UJ Hi* titftf tf tf t. t, :_ l. u Q) 4) >>>>>;>.>. 00000 MHKMFQ KKKKK uioiuiww 4J OJ 4) - a; $ w d; In Li L. (- n m t >. >i >i HHHB t-S l-S f-3 >-J £ £ b P= roOOo tftftftftftftf tftftfK tf ajaiaja'a}(i}iii v 01 $ m 3gfc lie g<8g* * ■ ■ ■ $&° &s jmz oogo p, 2; -Ph E - CTSKg Pt ' tP-, p. co i d o £ o Q) o o«s. oogo p, 2; OOP •tie.: in ■» - <1)P4 i is or « d 1 £ o 6 W C £ (5 3E« 01 tn 41 v2 3E &~ . gJ5' aj •*, ° ^. « sgScjIsgru s o rt w « 2 St-tt (» "- 1 loteost-t-t-ooooo 26 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. A! JiAiAi « fl E C C « fa- in < 2 K kh W ffi "flfl'n'n >>>>> tiKtftftf d b X wa^ccG « < fa 8 OS ^ S § 03 [ij (j^' s W CD QCifl«|iifc a * > ^ ^ ^* •> c o (KdiKKKK u £ £. «! .2 §>£&«*£ 53 o c -Sj^? rf t; g -g s = ^ >3^ BO! tM £3 tn *< £;>>■» 5 c P 1 ?!-! cd © a 5 i2 Q) h 4JiU | l>0 ■! ^■£-3- si ^'2- M - a ^ht; h >: b »' >•' £ h »: h i: WWKKWWWW ffiHH HBHHHKHHHH firiaripfl'nn c^'^ m^am. £■ i- £■>£■£ i. £ >>> >>>>>>>>>> <0 CD Hi 0.' i' : 1' ■!■ - a 1 . . . jj o'S Efafafafaid .no, >.>,>,>,>,>,>.>,>.>, • S55S6 *EE v v fa t: s z -s t: B b S||||| ^f*^ HBHHHHHHHH ^^^^^^ti^^^ >^>>^>>>>>; i I 'V i' •!) Qi -i u i' 1 i ■]; ^ o t ^ ■: i i> i 'Et.iwt-'tlf-i'Kf-, Q) 1 L 1 1. 1 1' 1) ,o ,o ,o .a ,o ,o ,o ,q ".."..■ 1 .1 i- !■:..■ ■!■ qoooo"ooo p.P.p.Q.ftftC.ft ESEEEEEE 1 « Bf (< (" J hs hi hi hi hi hi hi hi hiajhi hi hs hi hi hi hi fas fas h E-* fc, -•Ph P< .2 fa Ph [1, rt -fL Q d fa ,™H™n J ffl e o? m n r w "ifl oiuji E opcoOOofiP oSsl P< « »P-< «Ph ,j .^jPh .Qj «fa .?!«ii!.2fa«i „:<£«n:p.,rtiD+ 3 Mfa< aB> m oSfaaig , 3 » w liN-ii SdHoStuSo 0- <1 '!■ '1' "i t -Jl-J»-7l-S>-3»-il-J>-i>-5>-5»-iH-jl-7»-3»-7»-3>-3 'V 5. 'i ^ ^ 1 i' i' i 1' 'I 1 i 1 ' 1 'J 1 Rev. J Rev. J Rev. J Rev. J 'S'E'E'E ii^ii'sssssi-ss s^iljylllsisi^l |||| s H H a H (3 m ffl « h » » ft £ ^ ppppfcfcl H &pi H |i,§oooaB£2 ^ ^ ^ . >>>>' >>>>■>>>>> > >*>>>■'>>> t-' >' > > > t-' > i > >>%>>> > £ 1) ai 0.1 4> QJ Hi QJ '4j 4) <1> 4 1 1* '!> 4J 0>a>0J0'a'0J0'C;d>0>0i0>aj4i4' , A ll lJOi.— OjO<0»Oj ,-. i~ u a . ?*, 9J, :9 fe!:?""?fi^^S^5 3 t.t-Hh'C& j.^'Ct.i,T:ET:[.[.CBCCCCgg P333 VOJdlVV .. ^ ^ W V W W W V > > > > > > £ > > > > > >>£;>':>">> ^' t; >>>>>> > > >>> > > > > > > - ? O i-< N N rH C- 4" O V ,S\ S * CM H Hl Q« H " -, - •"• ,Q -I- 12 — .a rH .Q^- £> ~ .a 60 .^ k-1 *^« S* " Kr ^1 f^ i^_ K_ (.. kl hi N /vl /Vl rv^ QQ qq 00 00 &3 OO V k °° 28 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. O 00 O 0> V o* ,■ ■ S,&CGbj]0J)(U qjcucuS a! 3 coco eg cocccC-4-i*J*j+-'r; 3 iSi£j5(j&- «: 5 £ •? .» P c c c = C £ a « ^ Y-, |w Oh fa CM fa fa 5 a B W X d; J fa fa fa K W f/ hbh^-iddcido'o >>>£>>>>>>> K ps p; K K k k tf « p; ^ 'O "^ *t3 *& 'tj tJ ■— ,2 A -Q £ PhPiPhPhqOOOOOo M h fM Cm fc s h B B B B h CM <5^E>>>>>>t»> ? ; ffittm««rt««tf«« k -04 Ph^ J < mcoo>vC« m^ g+e £ J Q o £ J «! m H b £ *m w OS — , "2 0» (« rH l- -r r- lo eo p-p g'Ro o.o«g ffng 1 00 I a 0J i 1 ; i 1 - :. wuimwwwwviui sssssssss qqQPQPQqq i 1 0) 'L 0) 1. V ID 1- OJ ti W Pi « Ph K tf tf K QPfifl ^ *; tT ^ ^ & 0) CO 01 CD CO CL hfl bfl bo bo bD , - cp 41 v a) v b. >>:>>:>?;>:> ■Jj i 1 1> ■!' '1/ 1 L- i A K « K K PJ M d K d . « Pa. a. Pa. a, Pa. , Pa, ille, P re, Pa Pa. ille, P Catawissa Dushore, I Shamokin, Beavertow Mlfflinville Elizabethv Jersey Sho Trevorton, Elizabethv 55 cm 2 £^ eo im i H S r i , ^ H N H ^ « . " ^ *\ « PLATE I. U9** y\ st f' .im> -"* L J -% sb^ . ■ IBP . J. P. SCHINDEL, =R. J. X. HEMPIKG. I. I. ALBERT. ISAIAH BAHL. VV. J. EYER. ii. Congregational IHtstories BEAVERTOWN PARISH. BY REV. S. E. OCHSENFORD, D.D. THIS parish consists, at present, of six congregations, five of which are located in Snyder county and one in Mifflin county. The combined membership of these six congregations is 552 communicants. The parish was organized January 11, 1885, ajid owns a neat frame par- sonage, at Beavertown, which was secured during the pastorate of the Rev. O. E. Pflueger. Beavertown. — St. Paul's congregation, at this place, was organized by the Rev. J. P. Schindel, Jr., in the year 1 85 1. The members constituting the new congregation formerly belonged to the congregation at Adamsburg (Beaver dam, now Beaver Springs), dating back to about the year 1800, and served by the Revs. John Herbst, John Conrad Walter, J. P. Schindel, Sr., J. W. Smith and J. P. Schindel, Jr. At Beavertown a log church-building was erected for the use of the Lutheran and Reformed con- gregations, the corner-stone of which was laid April 27, 1851, in the presence of a large concourse of people, who were interested in the new enterprise. The ministers present were Revs. J. G. Anspach and J. P. Schindel, Lutheran, and Revs. J. H. Derr and Hackman, Re- formed. On October nth, of the same year, the church was consecrated, the same Lutheran ministers officiating, and Revs. R. Duenger and A. B. Casper of the Reformed Church. On the 4th of January, 1852, the Rev. J. P. Schindel, Jr., took charge of the Lutheran congregation as its pastor and continued to serve the congregation un- til January 24, 1869, a period of seventeen years, when he resigned on account of ill health. During his pastorate 3 1 32 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. he confirmed no persons. He was succeeded by the Rev. D. O. Kempfer, who acted as supply during the summer of 1871, and the Rev. S. P. Orwig, from April, 1872, until October 1, 1873. Until this time the congre- gation was in connection with the General Synod, and served by pastors connected with that body; but after Rev. Orwig's resignation, a portion of the original con- gregation separated from it and organized a separate congregation on the confessional basis of the General Council, and called the Rev. D. M. Stetler, a member of the Ministerium of Pennsylvania, as its pastor, who served the congregation from 1873 until 1887. When Rev. Stetler became the pastor, the congregation num- bered 90 members. A neat new frame church-building was erected by the congregation and consecrated in the year 1878. Rev. Stetler was succeeded by the Rev. O. E. Pflueger, who served the parish from 1887 to 1889, and the Rev. J. N. Wetzler, 1889- 1894. February 14, 1892, the church, after having been remodeled, was re- consecrated. The Rev. O. S. Scheirer was the pastor, [894-1896. The Rev. C. D. Zweier is the present pastor, having assumed the duties of his pastorate June 27, 1897. The church-building is owned jointly by the Lutheran and Reformed congregations and they have a Sunday School numbering 1 10 pupils. The Lutheran congrega- tion has a membership of 104 communicants. Dormantown. — St. Mark's congregation, near Dor- mantown, Mifflin county, was organized by the Rev. D. M. Stetler, October 1, 1885, with twenty-five members, some of whom had been connected with Samuel's con- gregation, about five miles distant. The congregation worshiped in a school house until the year 1893, when they succeeded in erecting a small frame church-build- ing, the corner-stone of which was laid July 23, 1893, the Pevs. J. N. Wetzler, pastor, and S. E. Ochsenford, Presi- CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. 33 dent of Conference, officiating. Rev. Stetler had served the congregation until 1887, and was succeeded by the Rev. O. E. Pflueger, 18S7-1889, and the Rev. J. N. Wet 7.- ler, 1889-1894, during whose pastorate the church-build- ing was erected, but not quite completed, though the con- gregation used it for worship. The Rev. O. S. Scheirer was the pastor, 1894-1896, during whose pastorate the church-building was completed, and consecrated, Decem- ber 8, 1895, the pastor being assisted in the consecration services by the Rev. J. N. Wetzler, Ph.D. Since June 27, 1897, the Rev. C. D. Zweier has been pastor of the congregation. This is a Lutheran church, having a membership of 30, and a Sunday School with 100 pupils. Lowell (near). — St. John's congregation at "Black- Oak Ridge," was organized about the year 1790. In the same year a tract of land was deeded to the Lutheran and Reformed congregations, and a small log church-build- in sr erected, either during this year or a few years later. The Lutheran congregation was probably served from the beginning by the pastors who also served Christ or Hassinger's congregation. Subsequently, at a time not known to the writer, a second church-building, a log- frame structure, was erected by the two congregations worshiping at this place. Somewhere about the seven- ties, some of the Lutherans seceded and organized St. Paul's congregation in connection with the General Synod and built a brick church not far from the original church. In the year 1873, old St. John's Lutheran con- gregation called the Rev. D. M. Stetler as its pastor, who re-organized the congregation in June, 1874, on the con- fessional basis of the General Council, the congregation adopting the Constitution for congregations recom- mended by the Ministerium of Pennsylvania. On June 14, 1874, the corner-stone of the present St. John's church was laid with appropriate services, Lutheran and Re- 34 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. formed ministers officiating, and the church, a neat frame structure, was consecrated, August 29, 1875. In the year 1876, the congregation was received into connection with the Ministerium of Pennsylvania. Rev. Stetler con- tinued to serve the congregation until 1887, when he was succeeded by the Rev. O. E. Pflueger, 1887-1889, the Rev. J. N. Wetzler, 1889-1894, and the Rev. O. S. Schei- rer, 1894-1896, during whose pastorate the church was remodeled at an expense of $700, and reconsecrated, No- vember 10, 1897, the Lutheran pastor being assisted by the Rev. G. F. Spieker, D.D., professor in the Theologi- cal Seminary at Mt. Airy, Philadelphia, and the Rev. S. E. Ochsenford, President of the Danville Conference. The Rev. C. D. Zweier, ordained at the last meeting of the Ministerium of Pennsylvania, is the present pastor. The congregation has a membership of 132 communi- cants, and a "union" Sunday School, numbering 175 pu- pils. McClure. — St. Matthew's congregation was organ- ized by the Rev. D. M. Stetler, January 28, 1877, with twenty-four fatuities, a number of whom had formerly been connected with St. John's congregation, at "Black Oak Ridge." The need of a church in town was felt by the pastor and people, the organization was effected and the congregation united with the Ministerium of Penn- sylvania. The congregation worshiped for some years without having its own church-building. Rev. Stetler severed his pastoral relation in 1887, and was succeeded by the Rev. O. E. Pflueger, 1887-1889, and the Rev. J. N. Wetzler, 1889-1894. On March 23, 1890, a neat frame church-building was consecrated, free of debt. The Rev. O. S. Scheirer was the pastor, 1894-1896. Since June 27, 1897, the Rev. C. D. Zweier is the pastor. This congregation has lately organized a Luther League with encouraging prospects. The congregation also has a CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. 35 Sunday School, numbering 80 pupils, and uses the Gen- eral Council Sunday School literature. The membership of the congregation numbers no communicants. Paxtonville (near). — Christ (Hassinger's) congrega- tion was organized in 1785. Prior to this, services were held in the homes of the Lutherans who had settled in that part of the country. In November of the year al- ready stated, Joseph Simon, a converted Jew, and his wife Rose, conveyed to Jacob Walter, in trust for the Luth- eran and Reformed congregations, sixteen and one-half acres of land for church and school purposes, and for a burial ground. On this tract of land, two miles west of Midaleburg, a log church was erected for the use of both congregations. There is no record at hand of the time of the erection of this church, nor of the consecration. In 1790, the Rev. J. M. Enterline became the pastor and served the Lutheran congregation, probably until his death, March 6, 1800. During his ministry in what is now Snyder county, he had charge of numerous congre- gations and served them faithfully until his death, doing a vast amount of missionary work among the scattered Lutherans. In 1791 preparations were made for the erection of a new church-building and in 1798 the new church was consecrated as Christ church, Revs. Schultz, Lutheran, and Geistweit, Reformed, officiating. The building was a large square structure, built of logs, and had a seating capacity for 500 persons. For a short time after the death of Rev. Enterline, a certain Rev. Guensel seems to have served the congregation. He was an er- ratic character, and was drowned in the attempt to ford Middle creek, where Royer's bridge is now located. The Rev. John Herbst was the pastor, 1801-1804; the Rev. John Conrad Walter, 1805-1819. Both these pastors had charge of all the congregations on the territory now em- braced in Snyder county, including Salem, Grubb's, Free- 36 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. burg, Selinsgrove and others. During the pastorate of Rev. Walter, In 1807, the church-building was weather- boarded and painted white. Rev. Walter died as the pas- tor of this congregation and was buried near the church. His grave is marked : "John Conrad Walter (Preacher), born November 30, 1775, in Germany, died August 10, 1819." He was, therefore, a young man of thirty years, when he became the pastor of this vast parish in the wilds of Pennsylvania. The Rev. J. P. Schindel, Sr., of Sun- bury, officiated at his funeral, and afterward served the congregation, as supply, during the year 1820. The fol- lowing were the pastors after him during a period of fifty- two years: The Revs. J. W. Smith, 1821-1831; William German, 1831-1838; J. P. Schindel, Jr., 1838-1860; Geo. Greymiller, D. O. Kempfer, H. Breininger, R. Lazarus, 1867-1868; and C. G. Erlenmeyer, 1868-1873. About the year 1870 a division took place among the Lutherans on account of "New Measures," and those claiming to be General Synod Lutherans withdrew and in i87i-'72, erected a church-building of their own, not far away from the old church, whilst the General Council Luth- erans retained the old property, jointly with the Re- formed. The Lutherans and Reformed built a new frame church, the corner-stone of which was laid on Trinity Sunday, May 26, 1872, the Revs. C. G. Erlenmeyer, Luth- eran, and A. B. Casper, T. J. Seiple and L. C. Edmonds, Reformed, officiating. On February 2, 1873, the new church was consecrated with appropriate services, the Rev. H. H. Bruning, of Selinsgrove, preaching the con- secration sermon. The Lutheran congregation num- bered then about forty members. The following pastors have since served the congregation, as pastors of the Peavertown parish, the Rev. D. M. Stetler, 1873-1887, during whose pastorate, in 1876, the congregation was received into connection with the Ministerium of Penn- CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. 37 sylvania, having adopted the Constitution recommended by Synod; the Rev. O. E. Pflueger, 1887-1889; the Rev. J. N. Wetzler, 1889-1894; the Rev. O. S. Scheirer, 1894- 1896; and the Rev. C. D. Zweier, since June 27, 1897. Troxelville. — St. James' congregation was probably organized about the year 1800. A church-building was erected on land donated to the Lutherans by Henry Swartz and was originally known as "Henry's Church," and later as "Musser's Valley Church.' At first it was an exclusively Lutheran church, and was probably the first organization in this region. In 1805, the congrega- tion, though Email, called as its pastor the Rev. John Conrad Walter, who served it in connection with numer- ous other congregations until his death, in 1819. In the year 1811, the Lutheran congregation and the Reformed members of the community jointly erected a church- building, the corner-stone of which was laid April 2&>, 181 1, the Revs. J. C. Walter and Geo. Heim, Lutheran ministers, officiating. During the War of 1812 the church remained in an unfinished condition, though it was used for worship, and in October, 1814, the building was consecrated by the Revs. J. C. Walter and Geo. Heim, Lutheran, and Y. Henry Fries and Isaac Walter, Reformed. The church was now a union church and remained so for many years. After the death of Rev. Walter, the Rev. J. P. Schindel, Sr., supplied the congre- gation with occasional services during the summer of 1820, and was succeeded by the Rev. J. W. Smith, as regular pastor, who remained about seven years, when the Rev. William German became the pastor, and served the congregation until 1840. The next pastor was the Rev. C. G. Erlenmeyer, who served the congregation in connection with numerous others in the lower end of the county, until 1851, and was succeeded by the Rev. J. P. Schindel, Jr., who preached his introductory sermon, Oc- 38 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME, Lober 25, 1851, and served the congregation until January 24, 1859. During his pastorate he confirmed 244 per- sons, and when he resigned the congregation had a mem- bership of more than two hundred communicants. For several. years the congregation was without a regular pas- tor; but in 1872 the Rev. D. O. Kempfer accepted a call and served one year. In 1873, the Rev. W. R. Wieand became the pastor; but during his pastorate a separation took place on account of the introduction of "new meas- ures," the result of which was three churches, two Luth- eran and one Reformed. Those Lutherans who re- mained faithful to the Lutheran doctrines and usages re- organized and in 1873 called the Rev. D. M. Stetler as their pastor, who labored here until the year 1887. Dur- ing his pastorate, on June 13, 1880, the corner-stone of a new church was laid, and on July 3, 1881, a neat frame church, the present building, was consecrated. The church is located at the eastern end of the village, on the road leading to Centreville. The following have been the pastors of the congregation, in connection with the Bea- vertown parish, since Rev. Stetler's resignation: The Rev. O. E. Pflueger, 1887-1889; the Rev. J. N. Wetzler, 1889- 1894; the Rev. O. S. Scheirer, 1894-1896; and the Rev. C. D. Zweier, since June 27, 1897. The congregation has a membership of 118 communicants and a Sunday School numbering 80 pupils. PLATE II L. G. EGGERS J. Sl-HINDEL. G. ERLE.VMEYEJ, P SCH1NDEL, JR. W, this day. Rev. M. C. Horine again rendered his services as a supply from October, 1880, to 1881. Rev. J. R. Grofr supplied the pulpit in 1881 to 1888. In the spring of the same year the writer assumed the pastorate, April, 1888, and is the present pastor. About the year 1890, by vote, Trinity was connected with the other three congregations. DU5H0RE PARISH. BY THE REV. J. W. KLINGLEK. THE EVENTS leading bo the establishment of a large parish of the Lutheran Church connected with our General Council, located north of the Alleghenies, 50 or 60 miles distant from neighboring Lutheran parishes are a source of wonder; and when we realize that it is prob- ably the largest Protestant parish in Sullivan county, our surprise is in no way diminished. Gratitude to God for the wonderful establishment and preservation of our Lu- thern Zion here prompts us to voice our thanksgiving and should certainly direct us to give tangible evidence of our love to the Church and her institutions in this year of Jubilee. Frieden's, or Peace. — A number of families from Berks, Luzerne and Columbia counties, about 1825, came to this county, at that time a part of Lycoming, and set- tled here in the wilderness. It is difficult to conceive the hardships and privations they endured in providing new homes for themselves. It was not long after their ar- rival that the Gospel was preached to them. A log church was built and called Frieden's. This must have been as early as 1826. The earliest record of baptism is that of Caroline, daughter of Jacob and Catherine Hoffa in June, 1827, and to this is added, "in Frieden's church, Cherry township." The person baptized is still living, the wife of John Dieffenbach, and a communicant of our Zion's church, Dushore. In April, 1830, the Holy Com- munion was administered to 39 persons, including eight catechumens. Ministers of the Reformed and Lutheran churches served rather irregularly. It is possible that 72 CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. 7?> the old log church was built a few years later but cer- tainly not many. Services were conducted in the school house situated on the turnpike, not far from the present borough limits and the people who assembled there might have constituted the Frieden's church. We are tcld, however, that the log church "stood many years and in such a ruinous condition that the congregation re- solved to erect a frame church but owing to the poverty of the members, several years passed by before its com- pletion." In 1839 the Rev. C. L. Erie arrived and assumed the duties of pastorate, which included the entire parish as now composed of the three congregations. He preached his introductory sermon on June 2, 1839. He instructed a class of 18 catchumens and on April 13, 1840, they were confirmed and the Lord's Supper administered to them and to 69 members of the congregation. Rev. Erie was not a member of our Synod at this time and because of this, he requested Rev. Benninger, of Black Creek, near Conyngham, to confirm the young people and admin- ister the Holy Communion. Rev. Benninger was ap- proached by a few Reformed members who expressed the wish that he should hand them bread, to which re- quest he acceded. Rev. Erie, having been received into connection with our Synod, followed the example of Fa- ther Benninger, believing, as he expressed himself, that the "worthy communicant can receive the body of our Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins with the bread as well as with the hostiens." For many years he labor- ed in Frieden's as also in old Zion's, until the Reformed organized a congregation of their own in the borough. The work and expense of the church properties devolved upon the Lutheran people and a few Reformed who be- lieved that the labors of Rev. Erie had been prosecuted with singular fidelity and with satisfaction to themselves. 74 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. The site of the old log church was abandoned and the new frame church was erected on the burial ground. It was consecrated to the service of the Triune God on August 28, 1859, the Rev. Isaiah Bahl assisting the pas- tor. The first communion in the new church was ad- ministered to 43 communicants on June 11, 1864, the congregation celebrated the 25th anniversary of the pas- torate of Rev. Erie, who preached the sermon on the oc- casion. He relinquished the duties as pastor at the close of 1872, having served a period of nearly 34 years. His successors were the following: Rev. H. B. Strodach, June, 1874-1876; Rev. Lewis Smith, 1877-1880; Rev. R. S. Wagner, February, 1881-May, 1884; Rev. S. Wenrich, August 17, 1884-July, 1893 ; Rev. J. W. Klingler, since March 4, 1894. The membership now numbers 72. St. John's. — Rev. C. L. Erie directed his labors in other directions. Towards the North Branch of the Sus- quehanna six to seven miles from Dushore, he found a number of German families, some living in Bradford and others in Sullivan county. They had no sanctuary, no conveyances, a road hewn through the forest, traveling on foot an arduous task, and yet with all these incon- veniences, these people, desirous of worshiping God and hearing the precious truths of the Gospel, wended their way, with their children on their arms to the house of a neighbor, where services were most frequently held, in the home of J. George Eberlin, in Wilmot township, Bradford county. In the Eberlin home, already on March 23, 1845, nve persons were confirmed and com- munion administered to twenty persons. Services were- also held in the home of George Schock, owing to the ill- ness of Mrs. Eberlin. Steps were taken to build a log church not far from the Eberlin homestead and with the following in charge : J. George Eberlin, architect and el- der ; Jacob Hollacher and George Eberlin, Jr., trustees ; CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. 75 Jacob Eberlin, Adam Messersmith and Thomas Messer- smith, deacons, to which David Frey, sr., and Joseph Eb- erlin were later added as deacons. Of the above named only Joseph Eberlin survives — a father in Israel and who, though growing old, has not grown cold in the service of the Master. The work was finished in 185 1 and on June 14 was dedicated to God. The first Lord's Supper in the new church was administered on July 13, 1851, to 40 communicants. On October 31, 1867, the congregation assembled at the house of Joseph Eberlin and marched in a body to the church to celebrate the 350th Jubilee of the Reformation. Several were present who attended a similar service in the Fatherland in 1817, among whom was the pastor of the church. An offering of $14.50 was gathered as a "token of gratitude to God for his mercy and grace." In the spring of 1872 the congregation de- termined to build a neat frame church and on July 7, 1872, the corner-stone was laid and the edifice dedicated in the fall of the same year. Pastor Erie discontinued his services at St. John's the same time he relinquished the duties of the pastorate of Frieden's. There was a strong sentiment for English services and Rev. Erie, then about 70 years of age, unable to preach in that language with any satisfaction to the young people, retired from the active duties of the ministerial office. He was succeeded by the same pastors as in Frieden's church. Rev. Stro- dach entering upon the work introduced English and at present English is used in connection with the German service. During the pastorate of Rev. S. Wenrich, a steeple was added to the church and a 750-pound bell was purchased by the Women's Working Association and presented to the congregation. The church was re- dedicated and the bell consecrated on October 26, 1892, Revs. C. J. Cooper and J. W. Early assisting him. Zion's. — Prior to the erection of Zion's church, two 7 6 rUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. miles northeast of Dushore, on the Wyalusing road, Rev. Erie held services in his humble home near the present location of the church. In 1851 the corner-stone was laid on a part of the ground which had been donated for church and burial purposes by George Thrasher. The work progressed slowly, due to the few members and their limited means. It was completed in 1853 an d set apart for public worship on September 1, by the pastor, ZION CHURCH. assisted by Revs. Bahl and Boyer. Services were held here regularly by the succeeding pastors of the parish. A movement was inaugurated in 1890, Rev. S. Wenrich, pastor, to erect a church in the borough of Dushore. Meetings were regularly called and held in the old church and by resolution the congregation determined to build its church in the borough, convinced that it would be conducive to the best interests of our Zion. Two lots were purchased for $500 on Carpenter street at the east- CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. 77 era end of Dushore. A building committee composed of Rev. S. Wenrich, S. Cole, C. W. Hoffa, J. H. Yonkin and L. M. Barth began the work. On October 26, 1890, the corner-stone was laid, Revs. A. L. Yount, D.D., and J. W. Mayne assisted the pastor. Rev. Wenrich continued to hold services in the old Zion's while the new church was irf course of erection, and on September 4, 1892, the people assembled in the edifice, that was henceforth to be the home of the congregation, to join in the dedi- catory services. The pastor was assisted by the Rev. H. B. Strodach, a former pastor, and the Rev. S. E. Och- senford, D.D., president of the Conference. The build- ing is frame, octagonal in its proportions, with a graceful steeple tapering high above the structure. The main au- dience-room is exceptionally beautiful, bright and attrac- tive, pulpit and pew furniture as durable as beautiful. The room in which the Sunday-school assembles every Lord's day, is located in the northern end of the building and is connected with the main room by a movable door. The sacristy is in the southwest corner of the building. It is one of the finest churches in the county. Since the com- pletion of new Zion's but few services have been held in the old church. From August, 1893, to March 4, 1894, Rev. J. W. Early supplied the parish with the Word and Sacrament. Rev. J. W. Klingler was installed pastor on March 4, by Revs. J. W Early and J. H. Umbenhen. FREEBURG PARISH. BY THE REV. G. D. DRUCKENMILLER. HPHE history of the Freeburg Parish would be incom- * plete, if no mention were made of the first house of worship in the immediate neighborhood of what is now called Freeburg. Shortly before the Revolutionary War this neighbor- hood was settled with people who believed in the Chris- tian religion, the Lutherans, through Andrew Morr, Peter Straub and Casper Roush, the latter a soldier in the Revolutionary War, applied in the year 1770, and had patented for the use of the Lutheran church, 42 acres -of land in the year 1774, one mile north of Free- burg, Washington township, Snyder county. On this ground they erected a school-house in which they held services, school and lectures. Rev. Enterline, Lutheran, occasionally preached as a visiting minister. After the congregation had increased in numbers, they resolved, in the year 1787, to erect a church on this land. At the laying of the corner-stone they named it Zion's. This church was never finished, but used in its unfinished condition until the completion of St. Peter's church, in Freeburg, in the year 1815. Rev. Enterline, Lutheran, preached nine years in this congregation. Rev. Herbst, Lutheran, from 1802 to 1804; Rev. J. Conrad Walter, Lutheran, 1804 till the completion of St. Peter's church, in Freeburg, 1815. About six acres of the original tract still remains as the property of the Lutheran congrega- tion. The old cemetery is kept in order and occasional interments are made there. St. Peter's Church at Freeburg. — The motives 78 CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. 79 and reasons that actuated our forefathers to build this church are as follows: 1st. Because in the year 1796 the town of Freeburg was laid out by Andrew Straub, and he donated four lots —one acre — of ground for school and church purposes. 2d. Because after the town of Freeburg had been located and buildings erected, and increasing in popula- tion, and Zion's church situated one mile distant, it be- came too inconvenient for the majority to attend public worship. 3d. Because Zion's church was becoming dilapidated, and according to the changed order of population it was not considered expedient or proper to make any repairs on it. 4th. Because the Reformed congregation had no share or interest in Zion's church or the grounds on which it was erected, and the cemetery. After a number of meetings at which numerous diffi- culties were discussed which presented themselves in the building of a union church, and which had retarded the building of a new church, it was finally agreed that a Lutheran and Reformed church be erected in Freeburg, and on the grounds donated by Andrew Straub. The corner-stone was laid May 7, 1812. Rev. J. Conrad Walter, Lutheran pastor in charge, laid the cor- ner-stone. A large audience had assembled. The consecration occurred Sunday, Oct. 27, 1815. Rev. J. P. Shindel, of Sunbury, preached in the forenoon, Ps. 9:12; Rev. Gearhart, of Bedford, in the afternoon, from Gen. 28:11, 17; Rev. H. Fries, of Youngmanstown (now Mifflinburg), in the evening, Ps. 87:3. Rev. Wal- ter preached on Monday, text, Hag. 2:10. Rev. J. C. Walter and Rev. Gearhart, regular pastor in charge, con- ducted the consecration ceremonies. The stone church, after standing fifty-five years, be- 8o JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. came dilapidated, the walls were cracked, and dissatisfac- tion with its arrangements was expressed by nearly all of the members of the church. Dec. 22, 1867, after ser- ST. PETER S CHURCH. vice by Rev. Erlenmyer, a meeting was called. Edward Bassler presided, and Daniel S. Boyer, secretary. It was then unanimously resolved to erect a new church on the union basis, Lutheran and Retormed. A number of CONG REG A TIONA L HIS TOR Y. I- 1 meetings were held, progress reported at every meeting. Feb. 16, 1868, the Building Committee was elected: Lutherans, Francis Boyer and John Hummel; Reformed, Geo. C. Moyer and George Hilbish. It now became necessary to take down the old church. Sunday, March 15, 1868, Rev. Erlenmyer preached his last sermon in the old stone church, text, "Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy." The corner-stone ceremonies of the brick church at Freeburg took place on Sunday, Aug. 2, 1868. About eight hundred persons were in attendance. A stand and temporary seats were arranged on the foundation of the church and on the adjoining grounds. Rev. C. F. Hoff- meier, Reformed, of New Berlin, preached the opening sermon from Isaiah 28:16, and was followed on the same text, by Rev. J. W. Early, Lutheran minister from Selins- grove. A shower of rain interfered. Repairing to the town hall, where Rev. Millet, of Walker, addressed the audience in the English language, from 1 Cor. 3:11. After the ser- vices had concluded, the audience assembled around the corner-stone. Rev. Erlenmyer then laid the corner- stone. The brick church was consecrated June 19, 1870. Rev. J. G. Anspach, Rev. J. M. Anspach, Rev. J. W. Early and Dr. Gearhard preached appropriate discourses. Rev. Erlenmyer, Lutheran, and Rev. J. S. Shade, Reformed, ministers in charge, were also present. The Lutheran congregation, in order to meet the requirements of the Synod of Pennsylvania, to which body they belong, and of the General Council of the Lutheran Church in the United States, had a constitution prepared by Rev. J. F. Warrapole, which was regularly adopted and transcribed into a book into which the annual meetings of the church council are regularly recorded. The conditions for church membership require of every member to con- 82 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. tribute annually according to their means, a reasonable amount to the support of the minister or ministers, or forfeit all claims to the burial ground and church mem- bership. Lutheran ministers, in St. Peter's church : Rev. J. Con- rad Walter, from 1804 to 1819; Rev. J. P. Shindel, Sr., from 1819 to 1820; Rev. J. W. Smith, from 1821 to 1831; Rev. W. German,- from 1832 to 1842; Rev. C. G. Erlen- myer, from 1842 to 1876; Rev. J. F. Wampole, from 1876 to 1892; Rev. H. G. Snable, from 1892 to 1896; Rev. G. D. Druckenmiller, from June, 1897, to the present time The names of the Lutheran ministers, Enterline, Jasen sky and Herbst have already been given in the sketch of Zion's church, also Adams, Reformed. Botschaft's or Grubb's Church, Chapman town- ship. — The territory embraced by those who founded this church and congregation was included in Penn's township, Cumberland county, and then Northumberland county, and in 1795 this portion was formed into Mahan- tongo township, and about 1820, the same portion was embraced in parts of Chapman, Perry and Union town- ships. John Shamory was one of the earliest settlers, who emigrated from Germany to this country, and was sold for a term of three years, to pay his passage, serving out his time in Baltimore, and then coming up the Susque- hanna, took up a tract of land and built a hut, where the old house, on the premises of George Heintzleman, de- ceased, was afterwards built. He was a carpenter by trade, and is said to have built the old Grubb's church, and was the second person to be buried in the graveyard, behind the church. Here a piece of ground, of about 42 acres, was selected, about 1770, on which to put a church and school-house and graveyard, but they neglected to CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. 83 secure the right to the possession of it, by applying for a warrant to have it surveyed, and take out the patent deed, until 1790. The early settlers, being mostly Lutherans, at once provided for the religious and educational wants of them- selves and their children. Rev. Michael Enterline, who resided in Lykens Valley, came over the river occasion- ally and preached for them, baptized their children and buried their dead, and urged them to build a church and school-house on the tract of land which they had selected for that purpose. The first church was built of logs, without being plas- tered outside or inside, about 30 by 35 feet, with pulpit to the north, and one door on the east side and one on the west side, with a gallery on three sides, and stood at the southwest corner of the present graveyard, with the upper wall just inside of the present fence. In the year 1836, the oM log church was repaired and partly rebuilt. It was plastered inside and outside. It was reconsecrated Nov. 20, 1836, by Revs. W. German and Isaac Gearhart, pastors at that time, and given the name of Botschaft's church. The Building Committee was Philip Arnold, Reformed, and Jacob Richenbach, Lutheran. The old log school-house and dwelling house having become unfit for use, and the public schools having been introduced, it was determined, in the year 1865, to build a new house on the church property, and William Heiges and Daniel Eisenhart were elected as building committee. The lumber and frame were taken from the church woods, and thus the present house was erected, right across from the old church. In the year 1871, having determined to build a new church, a preliminary meeting was held, Aug. 12th, to consider plans, etc., for the new church. At this meeting it was decided to build a brick church, with basement 45 by 60 feet, with an audience room of §4 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. suitable height, with a gallery at one end for the choir, and a steeple of suitable height on top of said church, and that said church should be an Evangelical Lutheran and Reformed, as heretofore. Oct, 23, a meeting was called botschaft's (grubb's) chuech. to select a site for the new church, when three sites were proposed, and on a vote being taken, the present site was chosen by the majority over all the rest. The corner- stone was laid Aug. 18, 1872; the basement, having been first finished, was consecrated Aug. 24, 1873. The church proper was consecrated Sunday, Nov. 5, 1876. CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. g 5 Rev. M. B. Lenker, of Lykens, preached in German, and Rev. E. L. Reed, of Selinsgrove, in English. Following are the names of the pastors who served this congregation from the beginning to the present time : Rev. Michael Enterline, as before stated, was the first minister who served this congregation, and he organized the congregation and was the pastor during the building of the first church and school-house. After him came Rev. Mathias Gentzel, Frederick Hinze and John Herbst, until the year 1804, when the congregation called Rev. John Conrad Walter, who served them until his death, Aug. 11, 1819. Rev. J. P. Shindel, Sr, served one year, when Rev. J. W. Smith became pastor, in 1820, and, after serving nearly ten years, resigned in 1830, and Rev. Wm. German took charge, Oct. 10, 1830, and continued until Nov., 1839, when he resigned, and the congregation was without a pastor until Feb. 20, 1842, when Rev. C. G. Erlenmyer became the pastor, continued to preach for this congregation until his death, when Rev. J. F. Wam- pole took charge, Nov. 5th, 1876, the very Sunday that the present church was consecrated, and was the pastor in this congregation until 1892. Rev. H. G. Snable be- came the pastor of this church in 1892, and continued until 1896. On the 4th of July, 1897, Rev. G. D. Druck- enmiller took charge of this congregation and is the present pastor. St. John's or Schnee's Church, at Fremont. — The first Lutheran and Reformed of this neighborhood, who had settled here before 1800, worshiped at the "Bauerman's or Kruppe Kircbe," and Mohr's or Zion's church, near Freeburg, where congregations had been organized and churches built, as early as 1776 and 1781. Among the first Lutherans here, was Frederick Stees, who owned the farm including all of Mt. Pleasant Mills 8o JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. and Fremont. He built a school-house on the spot where the present one now stands, and had it arranged with a partition, so that one part could be used for school, ST. JOHN S CHURCH. and by removing' the partition, the whole could lie used for church purposes. About the year 1810 the Lutherans and Reformed be- gan to form a congregation, and called Rev. J. Conrad Walter to become their regular pastor, who preached for them on New Year's Day, 181 1, and preached his in- troductory sermon on Feb. 2d, on Hezek. 3:17, 18. He CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. 87 supplied them with regular preaching for three years, when he was compelled to stop, on account of his abund- ant labors elsewhere. Before this time and after, Revs. Adams and Gearhart preached for the Reformed, one year each, and also left. For several years after, Revs. Walter and Gearhart occasionally visited them and preached for them, but in the year 1818, Rev. Walter was again recalled to become their regular pastor, and having accepted the call, he preached his first sermon, Oct. 4th, on Matt. 22:1, 5. About this time the first church coun- cil was elected. Up to this time the congregation had no building of their own in which to worship, and no graveyard in which to bury their dead, though the school-house was always open to them free of charge. Soon after Rev. Walter had again taken charge of the congregation, they bought the school-house and two acres of land; in 1818 they prepared and adopted a "Kirchen Ordnung." Rev. Walter continued to serve the congregation until his death, Aug. 11, 1819. After Rev. Walter's death, Rev. J. P. Shindel, of Sun bury, who had preached his funeral sermon, was most earnestly implored to become his successor, and he agreed to supply them until they could be regularly sup- plied with a pastor. Accordingly he preached for this congregation, as often as his other engagements would permit, until Rev. J. W. Smith, Who was then a student under him, and assisted in preaching, was licensed, and in May, 1823, took regular charge of this congregation, and he continued to preach here until 1830, when Rev. Wm. German became his successor, and he preached here until the year 1836, when Rev. C. G. Erlenmyer be- came the pastor and served this congregation for forty successive years, until his death, March 6th, 1876. Rev. J. F. Wampole became his successor, the 5th of Novem- 88 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. ber, 1876; he continued his pastorate here until 1892, when Rev. H. G. Snable became his successor and served until 1896. The present pastor, Rev. G. D. Drucken- miller, took charge of this congregation July, 1897. In the year 1853, the present brick church was built. Build ing Committee was Philip Arbogast, Frederick Rathfon, John Haas, Jacob Stiever. St. Paul's Congregation. — This congregation was organized by Rev. S. E. Ochsenford, D.D., in June, 1886, it being the successor of "Reiser's Church," which probably was organized early in this century. In 1840 a church was erected by the Lutherans and Reformed. Many years before this date, Jacob Keiser had donated two acres of ground for a cemetery. Jacob Keiser, ac- cording to the date on his tombstone, died May, 1829, aged 42 years. Other stones show that earlier burials took place here. One stone bears the date of the year 1801. Funeral sermons were preached in the house of Jacob Keiser, which was located near the place where the church now stands. No names of pastors are known prior to the year 1869. From 1869 to 1870, the Rev. J. W. Early served the congregation. He found there "a small tumble-down frame building." After 1870 the few Lutherans had no services and finally the congrega- tion disbanded. It was again re-organized as stated above, and the church renovated and reconsecrated by Revs. S. E. Ochsenford, Lutheran, and J. W. Haas, Re- formed. Rev. S. E. Ochsenford served the congrega- tion from 1886 until July 1st, 1897, when the congrega- tion was united with the Freeburg parish and is now served by the Rev. G. D. Druckenmiller. ZION CHURCH, JERSEY SHORE. BY THE REV. LUDWIG ROSENBERG. 'jTHE congregation was organized through the agency 1 of Rev. C. F. Welden in 1867. Mr. Borkstaliler was the first minister who served it until March, 1869. in the same year a Sunday-school was organized and an organ purchased. Rev. G. F. W. Guensch then took charge of the con- gregation and served it until 1871. In his time the con- gregation secured a church building of their own, having previous to that worshiped in the engine-house ana town-hall. After a short vacancy Rev. Carl Weber took charge of the field. During this time there was some difficulty about the payment of a balance still owing on account of the building of the church. Rev. W. H. Kuntz took charge of the congregation in May, 1873. He resided at Cogan Station and served the congregation for one year and six months. He was succeeded by Rev. H. Eggers, also residing at Cogan Station, who remained in charge until September, 1878, thus serving the congregation about three years and nine months. Rev. A. Linsz, residing at Lock Haven, then served the congregation until August, 1880. During his pastor- ate the church was renovated and a new pulpit bought. He was followed by Rev. F. J. Hennicke who also served the congregation at Lock Haven. He preached for about one year. He was succeeded by Rev. Lewis Smith, abo residing 89 90 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. at Cogan Station. His successor was Rev. S. S. Henry, who preached besides in some neighboring churches, White Deer and Dewalds church, in Lycoming county. He also supplied Cogan Station a part of the time. Rev. D. E. Reed, pastor of Cogan Station, then took charge of the field and served it faithfully until his death. Though often prevented by sickness to preach, he is nev- ertheless gratefully remembered by the congregation for whose spiritual welfare he consumed his health. He died in February, 1889. Rev. J. W. Early was then called to the field and served for .a little more than four years. Under his pastorate a parsonage was built and, as far as can be seen from the church records, English services introduced. He also did some missionary work in Tioga County. He preach- ed his last sermon on the evening of Whitsunday, 1893. He Was succeeded by Rev. E. F. Steinhagen who serv - ed the congregation until September 30, 1895. He was succeeded by Rev. L. Rosenberg who is serv • ing the congregation at present. St. JOHN'S PARISH, LYKENS, PA. BY THE REV. H. E. C. WAHRMANN. THE EARLY 'history of this congregation is shroud- ed in obscurity because of lack of any early records. The Rev. N. Jaeger preached here in the year 1852, but left at the close of the year. The Rev. D. Sell came in 1853 an d organized a Lutheran congregation. In 1859 tne y built the first church. Soon after it had been consecrated, the Rev. D. Sell introduced protracted meetings, with all their concomitants, and distracted the congregation. The German element protested against the introduction of un-Lutheran practices and quietly withdrew. In 1862 they sent a committee to the Rev. F. Walz, at that time pastor of the Lykens Valley parish, asking him to supply them with the preaching of the Word. At first he declined, but perseverance finally in- duced him to come and keep the little flock together, "because," as he himself says, "I was aware that the ma- terial would scatter and be lost to our Church if I did not take hold of the matter." Early in 1863 the congre- gation was organized as "St. John's Evangelical Luth- eran Church of Lykens and Wiconisco," with the follow- ing church council : Carl Seifert, Andrew Weis, Geo. Weber, Fred. Schindler, John Schand and Mr. Schroe- der. The Rev. F. Walz supplied these people with the means of grace until 1863, when he accepted a call to Sellersville. Deprived of the services of a pastor, the lit- tle flock soon scattered. Some returned to the old con- gregation, others went to some of the denominations, and the rest lost all interest in church matters. In 1871 revival meetings were again held in Zion's 91 92 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. church, as a result of which the conservative Germans again protested; but they were in the minority and had to submit or withdraw. They decided upon the latter course, and during the year 1872 applied to neighboring pastors for services, which were "cheerfully and promptly given." On March 15, 1872, the Revs. Thos. Steck, then president of Conference, and J. W. Early, secretary of Conference, organized or re-organized St. John's con- gregation. In February, of the same year, the president of Conference had invited the Rev. M. B. Lenker, of Circleville, O., to visit the field, with a view of becoming the pastor. He visited the congregation and was elected. In June, of the same year, both pastor and congregation were received as members of the Ministerium of Penn- sylvania. After he had labored here about a year, writes the Rev. M. B. Lenker, in 1874, "the congregation felt itself sufficiently strengthened to erect a church edifice, to its own edification and comfort, and to the •honor and glory of God." The corner-stone was laid August 16, 1874, the pastor being as- sisted by Revs. F. Walz and J. W. Early. The building was consecrated on November 22, of the same year, the pastor being assisted by Revs. J. W. Early and R. S Wagner. The congregation now began to prosper ; but, alas ! all was not to go on smoothly, for in 1876 the church building was entirely destroyed by fire. Pastor Lenker writes, "supposed cause of this misfortune was a defective flue." Much better and to the point is the statement of the Rev. J. W. Early, in his Conference Chart : "The first church was destroyed by fire — most probably of in- cendiary origin, almost certainly so." Much more could be said about this "misfortune," and facts adduced to prove the origin of it. But enough. 'Tis past. In the vear T877, the great fire in the mines occurred, and as CONG RUGA Til )NAL HIS TORY. , . a consequence all the members were out of employment and no money could be raised to erect a new church. It was not until January i, 1S79, that steps were taken in this direction. July 27, [879, the corner-stone of the sec- ond church was laid, the pastor being assisted by Revs. F. Walz, R. S. Wagner, and J. M. Uhrich. The conse- cration of the present church building took place, Oc- ST. JOHN S CHURCH. tober 19, 1879. Ministers present on this joyous occa- sion, besides the pastor: Revs. D. Sanner, Prof. D. Worley, M. C. Horine and J. M. Uhrich. In 1881 a new organ was purchased and was consecrated on the 17th of July. In connection with this congregation. Pastor Lenker also served Trinity, at Williamstown, and St. Paul's, at Tower City. In 1891 the latter called its own pastor; whilst the former was abandoned, most of the members 94 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. uniting with the General Synod congregation. Since then St. John's has supported its own pastor. Jiad Pastor Lenker lived two months longer, he would have served this congregation twenty-four years — May, 1873, to March, 1897. The present pastor, the second of St. John's, preached his first sermon May 16, 1897, and on the 22d he was unanimously elected pastor. He took charge July 6th and was installed August 8th by the Rev. Drs. Ochsen- ford and Prof. G. F. Spieker. PLATE IV. J. R. OROFF. J. P. WAMPOLE. A. R. HORNE. A. M. STRAUSS. H. H. RRUNINQ. J. W. EARLY. •LYKENS VALLEY PARISH. BY THE KEV. O. E. PFLUEGER. IN this parish there is preserved the name of what was *■ one of the oldest and most extensive Lutheran par- ishes in this part of the State. On the territory which was originally covered by the pastors of this Lykens Val- ley parish, there are now no less than 12 separate par- ishes of our Church, with about 40 congregations. As late as the year 1864, it included the following eight con- gregations: St. John's in Mifflin township, Salem at Elizabethville, Zion at Rife, FetterhofFs and St. Jacob's in Armstrong Valley, and the congregation at Vera Cruz. Beginning with 1870, the parish was constituted, for a period of 25 years, of the following five congregations, all in Dauphin county: St. John's in Mifflin township, Simeon's at Gratz, Salem at Elizabethville, Zion at Rife, and St. Jacob's in Armstrong Valley. At a joint meet- ing of the church councils, held November 10, 1894, it was agreed that the four congregations last named should constitute a parish by themselves, said action to go into effect January 1, 1895, since which time Simeon's, Salem, Zion and St. Jacob's congregations have composed the Lykens Valley parish. Parsonage. — Provision has always been made in this parish for the property, which, next to the church edifice itself, is the most interesting and honorable, — the parson- age. The first parsonage property was a farm of 24 acres, located in Washington township, about one mile west of St. John's Church. The substantial house on this tract of land was erected and first occupied in 1809 by the Rev. Daniel Ulrich. Realizing that the pastor 95 9 6 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. should spend no part of his time in the cultivation of land, but that his undivided energy is required in the care of the congregations, this parsonage farm was sold in 1870, and the house purchased in Berrysburg, which is now the property of A. J. Kantz, M.D. This was used as a parsonage only during one pastorate of three years, that of the Rev. Thomas Steck. The location was not PARSONAGE. thought favorable, and the property was sold. In the summer of 1874, the house was erected in Elizabethville, which has served ever since as the home of the pastors At the late dissolution of the former Lykens Valley par- ish, the property was sold at public sale, and purchased by the four congregations of the present Lykens Valley parish, by whom it is now owned in equal shares. Pastors. — The following is a list of tibe pastors who have successively served this parish, as far back as the organization of the oldest of the congregations now be- longing to it, and is therefore the correct list of pastors CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. 97 of all the present congregations of the parish, with. the single exception that Simeon's congregation at Gratz was not in this parish from 1827 till 1865, and that in- stead of its being served by the Pastors Welden, Yeager and Walz, it was served during that time by the pastors whose names appear in the appended history of that con- gregation : 1. The Rev. John Nicholas Hemping, who first came to Lykens Valley in 181 1, and continued as pastor of this parish till 1850, organized each one of the present con- gregations of the- parish. He was a man of thorough education and great powers of endurance, and as a result of his labors, many new congregations were organized. 2. The Rev. C. F. Welden was pastor from Septem- ber, 1850, to September, 1851, and as a comment on this brief pastorate, we quote his own words: "At the end of the first year, finding my strength insufficient for the ex- tensive field of labor, I reluctantly left the kind-hearted and very friendly people of Dauphin county, and moved to Bethlehem." 3. The Rev. Nathan Yeager, from 1852 to 1853. 4. The Rev. Frederick Walz became pastor January 1, 1854, and his pastorate marked a period of aggressive work, during which organizations were effected at Vera Cruz, Lykens, Tower City, and other places, until, as Rev. Walz puts it, "the work outgrew his strength," and he requested a division of the parish. The congregations not being willing to take this step, the pastoral relation was severed December 31, 1864. 5. The Rev. Jeremiah Schindel was pastor from 1865 till the time of his death, in March, 1870. 6. The Rev. Thomas Steck succeeded Rev. Schindel in November oi the same year, and remained three years. 7. The Rev. Reuben S. Wagner served from October, 1874, to June 1, 1881. 98 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. 8.. The Rev. Joseph Hillpot was pastor from July 31, 1881, to April 24, 1889. During his pastorate, the Zion Church was erected and the Salem Church begun. 9. The writer assumed pastoral charge July 1, 1889, and continues to the present. This pastorate has so far been marked by the completion of Salem Church, the organization of the congregations of the parish with an annual meeting for the transaction of business, and, as we think, a development of interest in the life of the Church, largely by means of the holding of an annual mission festival and the circulation of the literature of the Church more extensively than is usual in rural congre gations. The parish has been divided by the mother congregation becoming self-sustaining, and the four con- gregations having learned to support their pastor more comfortably t#an the five had previously done. There are at this time two young men at the Theological Sem- inary at Mt. Airy, the first fruits of these congregations. The ministrations are now about equally divided between the English and German languages. Simeon's at Gratz. — The Rev. J. N. Hemping orga- nized this congregation, chiefly from members of St. John's, in the year 1822. For a period of about 10 years, the congregation worshiped in a building which was the property of Mr. Simon Gratz, which was later converted into a dwelling and is now owned and occupied by Mr. William S. Boyer. The first baptism on record, was en- tered June 30, 1822. Eight baptisms are recorded chat year on the Lutheran side, and the following year ten. At the first communion, May, 1822, there were 59 par- ticipants, of whom 23 were confirmed that day. The Rev. John Peter Schindel, of Sunbury, succeeded the Rev. Hemping, in 1827, and continued till 1843. In the years 1831-2, the Lutherans and Reformed CONGREGATION. IL HISTORY. 99 united in the erection of the present church edifice, the land for the building ami the cemetery having been do- nated by the above-mentioned Simon Gratz. The cor- ner-stone was laid August 14, 1831. \\ ith the close of the pastorate of the Rev. Schindel, sensational religion, under the popular name of "new measures," had been introduced, so that both the Luth- . SIMEON S CHURCH. eran and Reformed congregations became very much distracted. The choice of a successor of the Rev. Schin- del fell on the Rev. August Bergner, who was also pastor of the territory now comprised in the Line Mountain and Mahanoy parishes, and served this congregation till his death, in the fall of i860. The "new measure" party- separated from the old congregation, and, under the guidance of the Rev. C. F. Stoever, erected the other church in town. The new congregation did not pros- per, and after a number of years, the property was sold IOO JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. . to the Evangelical Association, by whom it is still held May 9, 1852, the Rev. Bergner recorded a communion of 92 guests, and during his pastorate the church building was improved by the addition of a steeple, with a bell, and the alteration of the gables. The Rev. W. R. C. Hasskarl, who succeeded the Rev. Bergner in his large field, was pastor of this congrega tion from the spring of 1861 to 1865, when he was suc- ceeded by one August Unkerer, who remained less than a year, and left an odious record behind him. With the succession of the Rev. Jeremiah Schindel to the pastorate of the Lykens Valley parish, in 1865, this congregation, after having been supplied for almost 40 years from the other side of the mountain, was received back again into its mother parish, to which it has be- longed from that time to this. In the year 1883, the church building was materially improved by the walls being cemented and the wood- work being painted without and within, the old steeple being replaced by a new one, and a furnishing with new pews. These improvements were made at a cost of $2,618.06. December 4-5, 1897, the congregation engaged in in- teresting services commemorative of its own 75th anni- versary, as well as the 150th anniversary of the organi- zation of the Ministerium of Pennsylvania. At these services, the pastor was assisted by the Revs. C. J. Coo- per, W. H. Geiger and C. A. Kerschner. The congre- gation supports a flourishing: union Sunday-school, as well as a Luther League. The record shows the com- munion of 215 guests in the vear 1897, and the congrega- tion is in a prosperous condition. Salem at Eltzabethville. — A translation of the earliest bit of history of this congregation, on a fly-leaf CONGREGA TIONAL HIS TOR 1 '. IOI of an old record, is as follows: "In the year 1835 the citi- zens in and around Elizabethville organized themselves into a Christian congregation and built a church named Salem." This first union church is built of stone, and while it has not been used for ten years, is standing still. The Building Committee at its erection was John Heller, Ludwig Lenker and Simon Salada. At the lay- lM CHURCH ing of its corner-stone the offerings amounted to $19.37, and at its consecration, September 6, 1835, they were $43.75. Public school was taught for some time in the basement. About 1866 a steeple and bell were added to the building. The Sunday-school had fallen into the in- fluence of the United Brethren, but through the remon- strances of the Rev. J. Schindel, during his pastorate, was re-organized as a Lutheran and Reformed Sunday- school. The Reformed congregation, having built for 102 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. itself a substantial brick church edifice, abandoned the old church in 1884, and thus left the Lutheran congre- gation in sole possession. April 18, 1887, the Lutheran members held a meeting to consider the question of erecting a new Lutheran church building, and in two days, more than $2,700 wen: subscribed, and Jonas Swab, L. R. Bender and Hiram Smith were elected a building committee to erect a "brick SALEM CHURCH. church with a slate roof," on three town lots which were purchased from Miss Persida Bender, for $325. The corner-stone was laid September 18, 1887, when the pas- tor was assisted by the Revs. M. I!. Lenker and W. H. Geiger, the offerings of the day amounting to $467.23. Credit is due the Rev. J. Hillpot, under whose pastorate the erection of this church was begun, and who himself was a liberal contributor, for the part which he took in CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. 103 launching this important project under very adverse cir- cumstances. The last communion in the old church showed the presence of 42 guests. The Rev. Hillpot hav- ing been called to another field of labor, the completion of the church was left to his successor, the present writer. The Sunday-school room of the new building was first occupied December 23, 1888, but the auditorium was not hnished and the church consecrated till November 16, 1890, at which time the pastor was assisted by the Revs. O. Leopold, A. P. Pflueger, VV. H. Geiger and M. H. Lenker. The total cost of the edifice was about $6,500. The congregation supports a Sunday-school which is in excellent condition, using the literature of the General Council, and a Luther League, through which the church is open every Sunday evening. The number of communi- cants in 1897 was I2 3- Zion at Rife. — The organization of Zion congrega- tion of Upper Paxton township, was occasioned by the sensational wave of "new measureism" which spread over our territory more than 50 years ago. Dissension in Salem Evangelical Lutheran congregation at Killinger (known as Wert's) was so sharp as to end the pastoral work there of the Rev. J. N. Hemping, who thereupon started to preach to such as sympathized with him in a school- house at what is now Rife. At the first communion there were 21 guests. Early in the spring of 1843, steps were taken towards building a union church for the Lutheran and Reformed congregations which were organized un- der the name of Zion, a constitution having been drawn up by the Rev. Hemping and adopted by the two con- gregations. The first church was a modest log building, 26x32 feet, and stood in the cemetery, across the road from the present building, on about one-fourth acre of land, donated the previous year by Andrew Kieffer, Sr., 104 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. who was likewise largely the donor of the lumber. It was completed and dedicated to the service of Almighty God towards the fall of the same year, 1843. After almost 40 years of service in the first church, the congregations felt the need of a larger and more com- modious place of worship, and one more in keeping with the times. This resulted in the erection of the present ZION CHURCH. brick building. The ground on which the present build- ing stands was purchased, and the building begun in 1882, the corner-stone being laid June 25, with appro- priate services, the pastor, the Rev. J. Hillpot, being as- sisted by the Rev. M. B. Lenker, and, in the absence of the Reformed pastor, by the Reformed Elder, Henry- Paul. The church was completed and dedicatory services held, June 6, 1883, participated in by the Lutheran minis- ters, the Revs. M. B. Lenker, J. N. Wetzler and C. K. CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY I05 Drumheller, and by the Reformed pastor, the Rev. S. Kuhn. The Revs. J. Hillpot and J. B. Kerschner, Luth- eran and Reformed pastors loci respectively, performed the act of consecration. The building committee which superintended the erection of this church consisted of George Webner, Henry Bonawitz, George Holtzman and Silas Cooper, and the treasurer was George I. Bord- ner. The total expenditure was $3,000, which was all provided for before the consecration. The semi-centennial of the congregation was celebrat- ed with appropriate services, December 31, 1893, in which the pastor, the present writer, was assisted by the Rev. I, B. Ritter. The congregation supports a flourish- ing union Sunday-school. In 1897 there were 85 com- municants. St. Jacob's, in Jackson Township. — The early record of this congregation, popularly known as Miller's, in Armstrong Valley, bears a date of baptism as early as April 23, 1828, and deeds show that the nine acres of land now the joint property of the Lutheran and Reformed congregations, were donated in small tracts by several of the members, a number of years after the date of the first baptism. The first house in which worship was held was a com- bination school-house and church with a shifting parti- tion. January 1, 1849, a congregational meeting was held, at which it was resolved to erect a new church building, the result of which was the present frame edifice, built in the summer of 1849 ar, d consecrated in the fall of the same year. In the year 1873 this building was improved by the erection of an addition to the church with a steeple and bell. This Lutheran congregation was organized by the Rev. Hemping and has constantly been a part of the Ly- io6 JUBILEE MEMORL IL I 'OLUME. kens Valley Parish, excepting that during the "new meas- ure" excitement of the forties, the Revs. W. G. Laitzle and E. J. Neiman preached for the congregation during brief pastorates. At this time a split took place in the congregation and the "new measure" faction built what is known as Strow's church, about one mile distant. ST. JACOB S CHURCH. The record gives the names of 31 communicants in 1834. In the year 1897 there were 50. The location is not favorable to great growth of the congregation, but it supports a flourishing Sunday-school which is exclu- sively under Lutheran influences because of the fact that there are very few Reformed members of the congrega- tion and they have had no pastor for several years. PLATE V M. B. LENKER JOS. HILLPOT. S. S. HENRY. J. S. RENNINGEE. MAHANOY PARISH. BY REV. D. M. STETLER. ^— 7 _ 'TPHE Mahanoy Parish in its present arrangement com- *■ prises six congregations, spreading over a territory of twenty-five miles, with the parsonage at Mahanoy, Northumberland county, Pa. This territory originally belonged to the old and extensive Lykens Valley Charge, whose pastors ministered to the congregations for almost three-fourths of a century (1773 to 1847), with the excep- tion of two pastors from other sources, who served for brief periods. Since 1847 the congregations have consti- * tuted a separate parish. The following is as accurate a list of the succession of pastors as can be secured: The Rev. J. Michael Enter- line, the Lutheran pioneer in this part of the State, was pastor on this territory from the time of the first Luth- eran organization, in 1773, to the year 1787. In 1790, the name of Rev. Carl Christopher Getz appears as pastor, but very little is known of him by historians. In 1795 Rev. Christian Espich was pastor. He left an odious record because of immorality of life, and afterwards went to Fayette county, and later to the State of Ohio. From 1803 to 1805 Rev. J. P. F. Kramer was pastor, having come from Bucks county, and from 1805 to 1809 Rev. J. Conrad Walter. The latter's labors extended over into Snyder county, where he died August 10, 1819, and his remains were laid to rest on the cemetery of Christ church near Middleburgh. Rev. Daniel Ulrich, who was licensed by the Ministerium in 1809, served on this territory as a part of his first charge till 181 1, when he accepted the call from the Tulpehocken district, the reception of which call 107 io8 JUBILEE MEMORIAL J 'OLVME. was prevented at the beginning by a want of harmony. Next followed the long pastorate of Rev. John Nicholas Hemping, who served on this territory from 1812 to 1847, and whose faithful service and promptness in meeting all appointments notwithstanding heat and cold and storm, are still fondly remembered by his spiritual children. The Rev. Augustus Bergner was the first of the pastors, ex- cept Getz and Espich, who did not reside in Lvkens Val- PARSONAGE, MAHANOY. ley. His successful pastorate extended from 1848 to the time of his death, October 26, i860, his remains being in- terred on the cemetery of Himmel's church. His faithful wife survived him till September 3, 1893, when her re- mains were tenderly laid to rest beside those of her hus- band, the present pastor officiating. We glean from the records of Rev. J. W. Early, that prior to the pastorate of Rev. J. N. Hemping, a division had already been made, as Rev. J. P. Schindel is represented as having charge of part of the territory again occupied by Father Hemping. CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. 109 Rev. A. Bergner is shown to have served parts of it only, Rev- J. W. R. Hasskarl served in 1861, but his pastorate was short because he refused to affiliate with the Re- formed. In the years 1862 to 1863, the charge was sup- plied for a time by Rev. P. Anstadt, D.D., from Selins- grove. About this time a division of this extensive field was made, so that when Rev. J. C. Schmidt, who served so long and faithfully, and still resides on the territory as the pastor of St. Peter's congregation, came to the Ma- hanoy Parish in 1864, his services were limited to the Line Mountain and Mahanoy congregations, till about the year 1874, when Himmel's church became the eastern limit of the Mahanoy Parish. This active and faithful pastor served the congregations from 1864 to 1869, and again from 1870 to 1881. A monument to his painstak- ing labors are the beautifully kept church records. The Rev. J. F. Bayer twice succeeded Father Schmidt, his pastorates extending from 1869 to 1870 and from 1881 to 1887, when he died. His labors were marked by strong opposition to the prevailing unionistic spirit and advo- cacy of the worship and cultus of the Lutheran Church, to" such an extent as to arouse strenuous opposition, cul- minating in the withdrawal of St. Peter's congregation, of Mahanoy, from the charge and its organization as a sepa- rate Parish. The writer assumed the pastoral duties of the Parish April 1, 1887. Himmel's. — This church is located in Washington township, four miles east of Mahanoy, and one-half mile east of the village of Rebuck. This is one of the oldest congregations of the county, its congregational record dating back to the year 1776. In 1773 the Lutherans received from the State a title to sixty acres of land, on which there was erected the following year a school house in which Charles Henry Kauffman imparted instruction. no JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. been converted into a This building still stands, havin_ residence for the organist. In the same year, 1774, a log church was erected con jointly with the Reformed, near the sight of the present stone edifice, and inasmuch as the Reformed were not mentioned in the title but had taken part in the erection of the buildings, the following action was taken and re- corded September 22, 1781: "The Evangelical Lutheran and Reformed congregations shall have equal rights and privileges to land, church and school house." In June, l8l7, it was decided at a meeting of the Luth- eran and Reformed members to build a new union church, which church was built of stone, on an eminence about twenty rods away from the place where the first CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. m church stood. The Building Committee consisted of Michael Reitz, Michael Rebuck and Leonard Reitz. The corner-stone was laid in the spring of 1818, and at the dedication Revs. John Nicholas Hemping, John Felix, Philip Moyer and George Mening officiated. This church is of the old Pennsylvania style of architecture, one-story high, one room with gallery, and a "pigeon box" pulpit with a seating capacity for 400 persons. From the large pipe organ which it contains the church is popularly known as the "Organ Church," and also as the "Stone Church," because of its stone walls. The first Lutheran Church Council consisted of J. Ni- cholas Brosius and Peter Ferster, deacons; and Daniel Kobel and George Heim, elders. The first baptisms are recorded June 7, 1774, and are those of John and Maria, children of Henry and Catharine Kobel. The first com- munion was administered June 30, 1776, to 64 guests. When the present church edifice was erected in 1818, the Church Council consisted of Christian Thomas, George Miller, David Haas, Abram Hoch, Frederick Kahler, Godfried Thomas, Peter Reitz and Jacob Falk. The communicant record of the same year, April 12, gives the names of 79 communicants. While the younger portion of the congregation would favor the erection of a new church building, and while such erection has been considered, as well as the matter of remodeling the present one, the majority of the mem- bers are still inclined to preserve the church as it stands, a sacred heirloom of the fathers and a reminder of a per- iod when the foundations of our nation were laid. The present membership of the congregation is 23J5, and dur- ing the decade of the present pastor's minstrations he has administered baptism to 99 children and received 100 by confirmation. 1. 112 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. The pastors of this congregation were those named as the pastors of the Parish, at the beginning of this article. Jmmanuel's. — The location of this church is four miles north of the parsonage, in Little Mahanoy township, on the road leading from Herndon to Shamokin. Although nominally a union church, the deed being given to the IMMANUEL S CHURCH. Lutherans and Presbyterians, and although the Re- formed had assumed the right of the property, practically it is an exclusively Lutheran church, the Reformed hav- ing been without pastor and service since 1866. The congregation was organized during the pastorate of Rev. J. P. Schindel, the corner-stone of the church building having been laid April 12, 1828. This building is of logs, 30 feet square, weather-boarded, with gallery and small old stvle pulpit, and is in use to this dav. The Susquehanna Classis of the Reformed Church has given a CONG REG A TIONA L HISTORY. "3 release permitting the Lutherans to build a new church upon the ground without interfering in any way in the use of said church. The Rev. J. P. Schindel, with the assistance of his son, J. P. Schindel, Jr., was pastor of the congregation from its organization, in 1828, to 1840. Rev. E. J. Neiman served about 1842, Rev. Augustus Bergner from 1847 to i860, Rev. J. G. Hornberger from 1861 to 1S62, Rev. J. DAVID S CHURCH. C. Schmidt from 1864 to 1869, from which time the pas- tors of this charge followed regularly as named at the be- ginning of this article. During the present pastorate of 10 years, there were 53 children baptized and 60 young persons confirmed. The present membership is 90. ■ David's. — Eight miles southeast of the parsonage, is located David's union church, at Hebe. The first church- building was erected, in 1829, and was constructed of 114 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. logs, weather-boarded. In 1864 it was destroyed by fire, on the occasion of a funeral, the fire being caused by a defective flue. The records of the congregation were also destroyed, so that the information for the historian is limited. The present building is constructed of stone, 30 by 45 feet, and was erected in 1864, the Building Committee having been Abraham and Elias Troutman, and Daniel W. Shaffer. After having undergone extensive repairs, the church was re-dedicated, November 26, 1893. The early pastors were Rev. John Nicholas Hemping, Rev. E. J. Neiman, Mr. Sapper and Mr. Porr. Beginning with Rev. J. C. Schmidt, the congregation was a regular part of the Mahanoy Parish, and was served by its pas- tors as they are enumerated at the beginning of this article. The congregation now numbers 50 members and helps to support a Union Sunday School. I, St. Paul's. — St- Paul's union church, of Urban, is lo- 1 cated four miles southeast of the parsonage. This con- gregation was organized by Rev. A. Bergner, with a communicant membership of 40. The first church was erected in 1855, and was a wooden structure, 30 by 40 feet. The corner-stone of the present frame building was laid May 18, 1890, and the church consecrated in the fall of the same year. The building is 35 by 65 feet, and was erected under the supervision of Elias Phillips and Ga- briel Adams. The half-acre of land on which the church stands was donated by Aaron Schaffer. The following have been the pastors of the congrega- tion: Rev. A. Bergner, 1855 to i860; Rev. J. W. R. Hass- karl, 1861; Rev. F. Waltz, 1863, and from Rev. J. C. Schmidt on down to the present time, the regular pastors of the Mahanoy Parish, as given at the beginning of this article. CONGRECATlOM.il. Ill STORY. ii c , The present membership of the congregation is 125. The congregation supports a Sunday School with an aux- iliary in a school house. During the present pastorate of ten years, 92 young persons were confirmed and 85 were baptized. Zion. — This union church is located at Herndon, four miles west of the parsonage. Services were first held by ST. PAUL S CHURCH. Rev. M. C. Horine, President of the Fifth, now the Dan- ville Conference, as early as 1877. Later on Rev. J. W. Early preached in the school house about one-fourth mile north of the church. The organization was effected in 1882, at the house of Elias Lahr, during the pastorate of Rev. J. F. Bayer, and the first communion was attended by 19 guests, formerly members of St. Peter's, at Ma- hanov. Services were held in the Methodist Episcopal church. Rev. J. F. Haver was pastor from 1882 to 1886, n6 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. when he died, and the present pastor succeeded him April i, 1887, since which the congregation has prospered well and promises still greater things. The church-building had been erected as a union church, but had come into the exclusive possession of the Methodist Church. In the spring of 1887 it was pur- chased by the Lutheran and Reformed congregations. May 5. 1888, steps were taken to remodel the build- ing, and a bell was placed in the tower, an organ procured and other improvements I made, and on August 12, 1888, the corner-stone was relaid and the building dedi- cated to the service of the tri- june God. The congregation 1 numbers 80 members and supports a flourishing Sun- day School. St. John's. — This church stands about one mile north of the parsonage and five miles east of Herndon. The congregation was formed of members who formerly be- longed to St. Peter's congregation, of Mahanoy, and was the result of an unfortunate misunderstanding between the pastor and many of the members of St. Peter's, which resulted in the pastor and his adherents being locked out. As a result St. John's congregation was organized at the house of John S. Klock, where services were held. The first council consisted of John Carl and Abraham Dep- pen, elders; Torias S. Lahr and George L. Snyder, dea- ZION CHURL H. CONGREGA TIONAL HISTORY. 117 cons, and Elias F. Zartman, John S. Klock and George Malich, trustees. The church was erected in 1885, the corner-stone hav- ing been laid in March, and the dedication having taken place September 20. It is a frame building, 35 by 45 feet, with a tower, bell and basement. The first pastor was Rev. J. F. Bayer, from 1884 to 1886, and the present pastor since April 1, 1887. The church is exclusively Lutheran. The congregation has adopted the constitu- ST. JOHN S CHURCH. tion for congregations recommended by the General Council. The Church Book and the Sunday School liter- ature of the General Council are in use, and while the congregation has suffered by the removal of many mem- bers, it holds its own, numbering 35 members. Mahanoy, Penn'a, July, 1897. THE MAINVILLE PARISH. BY REV. C. F. DRY. THE Mainville parish consists of three congregations — Emmanuel's at Mainville, St. John's at Mifflin- ville, and St. Peter's in Beaver township, all in Columbia county. This parish was formed in the year 1890. Prior to that time, Emmanuel's congregation belonged to the Cata- wissa parish; St. John's at MifHinville to the Berwick parish, and St. Peter's to the Ringtown parish. After the formation of this new parish, the Rev. W. E. Roney served it for a short time, until he accepted a call from Danville. These congregations were all union at first, but the only one that worships in a union building at present, is St. Peter's in Beaver township. Emmanuel's. — This congregation formed a part of what, prior to the year 1888, was known as Emmanuel's Evangelical Lutheran and Reformed Church, popularly called Fisher's. This union church was organized in the year of our Lord 1822. The corner-stone of the first union church was laid with appropriate services, Sep- tember 23, 1832. In the following year, January 16, 1833, this church edifice (frame) was dedicated. The corner-stone of the second union church, a brick struc- ture, was laid July 15, 1877. On the nth day of Novem- ber, this new edifice was solemnly set apart for divine ser- vices. Rev. M. C. Horine, D.D., at this time pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Danville, preached the dedi- catory sermon, and Rev. W. G. Laitzle, then pastor of the Lutheran congregation, assisted by Rev. Long, pastor of 118 CONGREGA TIONAL HISTOR ) '. 119 a Reformed congregation at Williamsport, consecrated the church. The building, as well as the furniture, was greatly damaged lay a storm which visited this section of country, November 18, 1886. EMANUEL S CHURCH. The Lutherans then decided to sell their interest in this church to the Reformed, and build a church edifice for their exclusive use. After this step had been taken, Mi- Frank Shuman donated the piece of ground upon whicn 120 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. the church now stands. The corner-stone of this neat frame building was laid June 23, 1888. Rev. U. Myers, pastor of St. Matthews' Evangelical Lutheran Church, Catawissa, preached an appropriate sermon on this occa- sion, from Ezekiel xxxiv:26. On the 24th day of March, 1889, the pastor, Rev. J. H. Neiman, assisted by Revs. Drumheller of Danville, A. P. Pflueger of Turbotville, and O. D. Bartholomew of Ringtown, consecrated the newly-erected house of worship. The cost of the church as it now stands is about $4,300. The present membership of Emmanuel's is about 150, and that of the Sunday-school about 80. October 18, 1893, a Luther League was organized, which has rendered material assistance to the congrega- tion in several instances. We hope for good from this source in the future. RECORD OF PASTORS. Since its organization, this Lutheran congregation has been served by the following pastors: Rev. John Ben- ninger, Rev. Jeremiah Schindel, Rev. Wm. Eyer, who ministered to the spiritual wants of the people in this sec- tion for a period of 37 years; Rev. W. G. Laitzle from 1874 to 1877; Rev. L. Lindenstruth from 1878 to 1881; Rev. J. H.. Neiman from 1881 to 1889; Rev. W. E. Roney. The Rev. C. F. Dry assumed the pastorate on October 31, 1890. St. John's. — The members of this congregation wor- shiped in a union building up to the year 1882. The corner-stone of this union church bears the date 1809. In 1882, steps were taken toward the erection of a new church, which was also to have been union, but, on ac- count of the language question, the Lutherans, under the leadership of Rev. J. P. German, resolved to withdraw and build a church-home for themselves. At this time, CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. 121 the congregation consisted of about sixty members. The following spring, 1883, ground was broken, and at the laying of the corner-stone the pastor was assisted by Rev. J. H. Neiman, of Catawissa. By November of the same ST. Ji HI X S l IIURCH. year, the new house of worship, a hrick structure, was completed. It was consecrated in November, the pastor being assisted on this occasion by Rev. J. \Y. Early and Rev. D. M. Henkel, D.D. The cost of the church and furniture was about $3,000. During the summer of 1892, the church was remodeled. 122 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. November 6th it was re-opened with appropriate services conducted by Rev. W. E. Roney and the pastor. Prior to 1890, the congregation had services only every four weeks, English and German services alternating. Since the new parish was formed, services have been held every two weeks, and are now conducted in the English language altogether. The membership is about 150; that of the Sunday- school about 100. A Luther League has also been or- ganized, and has rendered valuable service to the con- gregation in various ways. The following is a list of pastors who served the con- gregation: Rev. Barnitz, but it is not known which one; Rev. J. Schindel, Rev. Isaiah Bahl; Rev. W. B. Fox from 1862 to 1868; Rev. S. S. Henry from 1869 to 1873; Rev. Thomas Steck from 1874 to 1880; Rev. J. P. German from 1880 to 1890; Rev. W. E. Roney; and since October 31, 1890, by the writer. St. Peter's. — As nearly as can be ascertained from the incomplete records, this congregation, popularly call- ed Harger's Church, was organized in the year 1848. Within the memory of some of the oldest members now living, occasional services were held in barns in the neigh- borhood. Before the organization was effected, people crossed the Nescopeck Mountain to attend services at the union church, Mifflinville. For a number of years, prior to the regular organization of this congregation, the people were supplied with the means of grace, as may be learned from the record of baptisms, the first one entered bearing the date December 28, 1817. The first regular worshiping place was a log building, probably also used for school purposes. The first church edifice, after the organiza- tion had been effected in 1848, was a frame structure, erected during the summer of 1849. In the spring of the same year, the corner-stone of the new church, which was CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. 123 union, was laid with appropriate services. Some time in the fall of this same year, it was solemnly set apart for divine services. In the course of time, this building proved to be too small for the growing congregation. In ST. PETERS CHURCH. the summer of 1892, another neat frame house of worship was erected on the site of the old one. At the dedicatory services, held November 13, 1S92, the following brethren assisted the pastors: Revs. 1). L. Fogleman of Danville, J. Gruhler of Shenandoah, and J. W. Bell. The Luther- ans have services every two weeks. At the beginning of 124 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. the present pastorate (1890), English and German ser- vices alternated. At present, every fourth service is con- ducted in the German language. There are two Sunday-schools under the auspices of this congregation, but they hold their sessions in school- houses. It would be a great benefit to the congregation and the Sunday-schools if the sessions could be held in the church. We hope that the difficulties which have thus far prevented this, may soon be removed. The following is a list of pastors who have served this congregation, but the length of their pastorates is not on record: Rev. J. Benninger from 1822 or 1823, about 27 years; Rev. Isaiah Bahl about 19 years; Rev. R. S. Wag- ner, Rev. J. S. Renninger, Rev. S. S. Kline, Rev. H. Weicksel, Rev. J. P. German, Rev. W. H. Geiger about five years, Rev. O. D. Bartholomew, and Rev. C. F. Dry since 1890. PLATE VI 3. M. ANSPACH. D. 51. STETLER. -m ^ tL E. L. REED S. WENKICH. H. NEIMAN. % ^ fi W. I-I. RICKBHT. NUMIDIA PARISH. BY REV. F. A. WEICKSEL. St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church. — The early history of this congregation is very meagre, owing to the lack of records which were either not kept at all, or have been lost. It had its origin most likely amongst the pioneer set- tlers of this valley, but was not formally organized un- til about 1800 A. D. In the earlier days it was known as the Roaring Creek Church, and belonged to the large mission charge in- cluding the Catawissa, Fisher's, Danville, Lazarus and Mahoning congregations. This St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran congregation, prior to 1816, held divine services in a barn near the present town of Numidia. About that time, in union with the German Reformed congregation, a place for a church building was selected in the southeast corner of the old burying ground, and on July 5th, 1816, the corner-stone was laid. This building was so far completed that same year as to enable them to hold services in it, but was not dedicated until about 1830 or '31. Prior to this time the pastors' names who served this charge cannot be ascertained, excepting that of the Rev. j. Benninger, who most likely was the immediate pre- decessor of the Rev. J. Schindel, who was pastor of this charge as early as 183 1. Rev. Schindel was succeeded by the Rev. W. J. Eyer, who took charge in the year 1839, and for 35 years continued the faithful laborer in this part of the Lord's vineyard. During his pastorate the con- gregation increased, slowly but surely, and in 1870, still 125 126 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. in union with the German Reformed congregation, the work of building a new church was commenced. The site of this building was near the old church, on an ad- joining lot bought for this purpose. The corner-stone ST. PAULS CHURCH. was laid on Oct. 13th, 1870, and in the autumn of 1871 it was dedicated. This is the brick church which still stands, and which was remodeled by the Reformed con- gregation and rededicated in 1893 as a Lutheran and Re- formed church, although the Lutherans do not worship CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. 127 there any more; but have never relinquished their rights on the property. On the 9th day of February, 1874, the Rev. W. J. Eyer was called from his labors on earth to his reward in heaven. He came to his death by injuries received from being kicked and trampled upon by his horse. His la- bors were many and arduous, and he made full proof of his ministry. He died at an age of 71 years, 1 month and 4 days, and was buried at Bloomsburg, Pa., the Rev. A. L. Geisenhainer conducting the funeral services. After the death of Father Eyer, the charge was divided, Catawissa, Fisher's and Numidia forming one charge, and Danville, Lazarus and Mahoning, another. The Rev. William G. Laitzle, then of Pottstown, Pa., was next called as pastor, and having accepted, entered upon his labors on Oct. 15th, 1874, and served until 1878. During his pastorate of this congregation, the names of 285 members were enrolled on the church record. He officiated at 65 baptisms, 19 marriages and 22 funerals. Pastor Laitzle was succeeded by the Rev. L. Linden- struth, then of Philadelphia, Pa. He was unanimously elected by the congregation, and accepting the call, he entered upon his labors on Jan. 28th, 1878, the installa- tion taking place on March 3d, 1878, the former pastor, Rev. Laitzle-, officiating. Pastor Lindenstruth faithfully served this charge for nearly three and one-half years, when, on June 1st, 1881, he resigned this charge to accept a call from St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church of Mauch Chunk, Pa. During his pastorate, 335 names were enrolled. The actual membership averaged about 295. He officiated at 96 baptisms, 14 marriages and 50 funerals. After the resignation of Rev. L. Lindenstruth, the Rev. J. H. Neiman, of Conyngham, Luzerne county, Pa., was elected on June 19th, 1881. He accepted the call 128 JUBILEE MEMORIAL i ^iLUME. and entered upon his pastoral duties on August 1st, 1881. He was installed by the Rev. J. W. Early, on Sept. 4th, 1881. Up to this time, this congregation had no Sunday- School. Pastor Neiman lost no time in placing this im- portant matter before the people, and as the Reformed members had apparently no interest in this branch of the Christian work, he, with the approval of the church coun- cil, decided to begin Sunday School on the Sundays when there was Lutheran services. Lutheran officers were elected, Lutheran Sunday School literature secured, and the school was opened on May 27th, 1883, The next year an appeal was made to the German Re- formed congregation, that they should begin Sunday School on their Sunday, but they would not. It was therefore concluded by the Lutherans to hold Sunday School on every Sunday. This was bitterly opposed by the Reformed members and caused the beginning of a long and bitter discord between the two congregations. Contention also arose concerning an organ which had been purchased by the congregations conjointly. The German Reformed people persistently opposed any and all efforts made by the Lutherans in whatever advance- ments and improvements they endeavored to bring about. On July 14, 1884, it was decided by vote that the Luth- eran and Reformed congregations separate, and on August 16, 1884, it was decided to exclude the Sunday School from the church. According to the choice of the Reformed members, their congregation was to re- tain the church property, paying to the Luth- erans $1200 for their interest. The transfer was to be made before legal authorities, June 20, 1885. But this was again foiled by the objections made by the Reformed members to a so-called protest which was pre- sented by a number of persons who claimed to be mem- CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. 129 bers of the Lutheran congregation. Court proceedings were then entered upon, but after a long delay, and the expenditure of about $500, the judge decided that "the Church declaration gave him no power to decide in fa- vor of a separation." Some time after this unfavorable decision, the Luth- erans held a meeting and agreed, "in the name of God, to erect for ourselves a church." Land was purchased, and on Nov. 1st, 1888, the first stake was set to mark off the church site. On March 31st, 1889, the corner-stone was laid, and on Jan. 19th, 1890, the church was dedicated. This, it must be admitted, is one of the most beautiful country church- buildings in the State. The cost of erecting this church was $8,000. Upon the church record, in conclusion to the account of this work, are these words: "We do not feel proud, but with joy and gladness we say, 'Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.' " At the corner-stone laying, Pastor Neiman was assisted by the Rev. Lewis Smith, of Weatherly, Pa., and at the dedication, by the f owner pastor, Rev. L. Lindenstruth, and Rev. S. E. Ochsenford, D.D., of Selinsgrove, Pa. Rev. Neiman had in this charge eleven years of hard labor, but he accomplished a commendable work, and started the congregation on the way of prosperity and peace. At the close of his pastorate he had enrolled 332 members. He confirmed 198 members, and officiated at 286 baptisms, 53 marriages, and 113 funerals. He re- signed this charge on Oct. 1st, 1802, to accept a call to Grace Lutheran church, at Royersford, Pa. Soon after this, the congregation at Catawissa called a pastor independently, and so left this congregation alone. Fisher's (Emanuel's) at Mainville. havin^been connect- ed with the Mifflinville charge. F. A. Weicksel, then a 13° JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. student of theology at Missionary Institute, Selinsgrove, Pa., was sent by the President of Conference, to supply this congregation. On Nov. 8th, 1892, a call was proff- ered him to become their regular pastor after his ordina- tion, which should take place the next spring. The call PARSONAGE. was accepted and accordingly he continued to supply the congregation with services until July 1st, 1893, when he took regular charge, having been ordained by the Ministerium of Pennsylvania, on May 29th, 1893. The installation took place on August 13th, 1893, Rev. S. E. Ochsenford, D.D., officiating, assisted by Rev. H. Weicksel. A new and convenient parsonage was built during the year of 1893 on a lot adjoining the church property. This makes a decidedly fine church property, now valued at ten thousand dollars. CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. 131 It is now nearly five years since Pastor Weicksel has entered upon the work of this field, and during this time he has confirmed 122 members, officiated at 95 baptisms, 22 marriages, and 52 funerals. The membership now numbers 375. Ever since the separation with the German Reformed congregation and the completion of the new church, a flourishing Sunday School has existed. The school rooms, one for the primary scholars, and one for the advanced scholars, are usually well filled every Sunday throughout the whole year. The school is organized with 7 officers, 15 teachers and 280 scholars. A Luther League was organized March 1st, 1894, and has grown steadily until now its membership numbers seventy-five. The Ladies' Aid Society has given very efficient assist- ance to the congregation in many ways. With these auxiliaries the church work is prospering, and while there is little prospect of any great numerical increase, yet they will hold their own in the firm Christian doctrine of the Lutheran Church. St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church, at Montana, Pa. — This little congregation was organized by Rev. F. A. Weicksel, Sept. 10th, 1893. It is in a little mining village, on top of the mountain, north of Centralia. Some 20 faithful Lutherans, eager to hear God's Word and receive the Sacraments as administered in the Luth- eran Church, petitioned Rev. Weicksel to visit them and see if a congregation could be organized. By the direc- tions of Rev. S. E. Ochsenford, D.D., President of the Conference, Rev. Weicksel visited them and organized a congregation. Immediately following this organization, the financial 132 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. depressions of the country fell heavily upon the mining districts, and this little congregation has simply struggled along as best they could. Having confirmed 24 mem- bers, there now remains a membership of 42. They hope and pray for better prosperity in the near future. Numidia, Pa., Aug 17, 1897. RICHFIELD PARISH. BY THE REV. A. P. LENTZ. THIS parish was organized about seventeen years ago, and comprises five congregations, located in Juni- ata and Snyder counties. The first regular pastor was the Rev. D. E. Reed, of Middleburg, Pa., 1880-85. He was succeeded by the Rev. Geo. J. Schaeffer, 1887-97. Richfield. — This church is located at the eastern ena of the village. The building is a frame structure ; but the date of its erection is not known. The congregation was organized May 17, 1842, by the Rev. C. G. Erlenmeyer. He served this congregation as pastor of the Freeburg parish, about twenty-five years, until 1867, when he re- linquished the work on account of the labors in his own extensive parish. After a vacancy of two or three years, the Rev. D. E. Reed, a member of the East Pennsylvania Synod, became the pastor about the year 1870, and re- mained about two years. Then there was another va- cancy of nine years, when Pastor Reed, having, during this time, become a member of our Synod, became the pastor a second time, and labored here 1880-85. When he came, in 1880, there were not more than a dozen fam- ilies and about twenty members left. He was succeeded by the Rev. Geo. J. Schaeffer, 1887-97. This congre- gation has, according to the last report, fifty-six mem- bers. St. Paul's, Oriental. — This church, known as Lein- inger's, is located about one mile west of Oriental and six miles southeast of Richfield, in Juniata county. The congregation was organized by the Rev. C. G. Erlen- meyer, September 21, 1834, evidently while he was re- '33 134 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. siding near Liverpool. The first building was construct- ed of logs and was erected about the year 1834. The corner-stone of a new frame church was laid in 1884, and the building consecrated June 3, 1888. Father Erlen- meyer served the congregation until 1867. The regular pastors afterwards were Revs. Reed and Schaeffer. The congregation has eighteen members. Zion's. — This church, also called Arbogast's, is situ- ated about five miles southeast of Richfield, in Perry township, Snyder county. The congregation was or- ganized by Father Erlenmeyer in i860, and served by him until 1867. The church is a frame building, and is in urgent need of repairs. The date of its erection is un- known. The later pastors were the same as those at Richfield. The congregation numbers 17 members. St. Peter's is located about four miles south of Rich- field, in Monroe township, Juniata county, and was or- ganized by the Rev. ©eo. J. Schaeffer, March 14, 1888. The corner-stone of a small frame church was laid July 29, 1888, and the building consecrated October, 1890. At present the congregation numbers 35 members, and maintains a flourishing Sunday-school during the sum- mer months. St. John's, situated about six miles west of Richfield, in Fayette township, Juniata county, is the youngest of all the congregations of the parish, having been organ- ized by Pastor Schaeffer September 11, 1888. The con- gregation has no house of worship. Formerly they held their services in another church ; but the members of that church having recently built a new house of wor- ship, no longer permit the Lutherans to hold services in their building. The membership has dwindled clown to almost nothing, many of the members having sought a church-home among some of the denominations. The last report gave eight members. CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. 135 This parish needs at once an active pastor, who will de- vote all his time to the work of the parish. One of the great hindrances to the prosperity of the parish is that all the churches are union churches. Besides, the mem- bers are widely scattered and are not in a condition to give the pastor a living support. It is one of the mis- sions supported by our Ministerium. St. JOHN'S, LYKENS VALLEY. BY THE REV. JER. H. RITTER. ST. JOHN'S congregation of Lykens Valley, Dauphin County, occupies in various particulars a unique po- sition among sister congregations. She was never fetter ed with union churches. She had almost continuously a pastor right in her midst. Latterly, altho a country con- gregation, she has had the exclusive services of a pastor — ■ with church privileges equal to any town congregation. Highly favored in location and temporal possessions and more so in spiritual privileges, — what has thus far been her history ? Location. — Lykens Valley, noted for its beauty, fertility of soil, and coal, is in the most northern part of Dauphin County, and extending eastward from the Susquehanna River. St. John's is seated in the very centre of this val- ley with the church on an elevation overlooking the country in every direction for many miles and therefore the popular name — "the hill church." A stranger on seeing this beautiful two-story brick church, with hand- some steeple — cross surmounted — is led to exclaim in the words of the Psalmist in his description of Mt. Zion — Ps. 47. Early History. — The congregation, according to date of organization, stands second to those in the valley and of Conference, altho preaching began here simultaneously with that of other points. The Rev. J. Mich. Enderline — pioneer missionary — began his labors in this vicinity in the year 1773 and extended them from Upper Dauphin into Schuylkill, Northumberland, and Snyder Counties. J 3 6 CONG RUG A TIONA L HIS TOR 5 ' i3r In 1780 this congregation was organized by Rev. Ender- line with Christian Schnug and John Matter as deacons. Churches. — For twenty years the infant congregation employed a log school house for its place of worship, which gave it the name in earlv years of "the school house ( ILD ST. J< )IIN S CHURCH. congregation." January 19, 1 797, at a congregational meeting a committee was elected and charged with the erection of a "new" church. This church — without cor- ner stone — was built of logs on the present site with galleries on three sides — a stately church in its day. '38 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. Dedicated October 24, 1802, by Rev. John Herbst, pastor, and Dr. George Lochman, of Harrisburg. Later this edifice was weatherboarded and in 1856 the steeple with belfry added. NEW ST. JOHN S CHURCH. In the year 1876 the log church gave way to the present handsome church. The corner-stone was laid May 21, 1876, by the pastor, the Rev. R. S. Wagner, assisted by CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. 139 Dr. F. J. F. Schantz, and Revs. M. B. Lenker and J. M. Uhrich. The dedication took place November 11, 1877. Dimensions, 50 by 87 feet. Steeple and pulpit recess. Ample basement for Sunday school purposes, divided into three departments. Cost of church, $13,122. The last of the debt on this church was paid in 1890. Parishes. — In 1808 the parish consisted of the follow- ing congregations : St. John's, Wert's, Fetterhofr's, Stone Valley, Himmel's, Swabencreeck, Hohwaerter's, Klinger's and Herb's. From October, 181 5 to 1843 St. John's was supplied from Sunbury by the Rev. John Peter Schindel, Sr., the congregation not yielding to the will of the majority — the other congregations having elected the Rev. John N. Hemping. The congregation, however, paid dearly for this irregularity, insubordination, and pride — said pastorate ending with a division — the "new measure" party withdrawing and organizing in Berrys- burg, less than a mile from the mother church, — and other serious troubles. This evil was, however, somewhat counterbalanced by organizations being effected during this period at four surrounding points through the faith f i labors of Father Hemping, namely at Rife — five miles west ; at Elizabethville — three miles south ; at Uniontown — four miles north ; and at Gratz — five miles east. In August, 1828, representatives of eight congregations met at the parsonage to consider the question of dividing the parish but concluded to continue as before. In 1843 St. John's came back again to its former relations which to- gether with Stone Valley, Uniontown, Elizabethville, Hu- ber's Fetterhoff's and Miller's now comprised the parish. The upper or notheastern section, viz : Gratz, Cole- man's, Herb's, Himmel's, Krebs' and Swartz's having through the ''new measure" influences withdrawn. In 1864, November 5, the question of division was again vot- 140 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. ed on — St. John's having five wide-awake and aggressive members who voted for, with thirty-five against. In some congregations the majority were in favor of divi- sion, one unanimously so — but the total majority was against dividing, which result led to the resignation of the laborious and successful pastor — the Rev. F. Walz. In 1870 another division was effected — forming the Lykens Valley and Stone Valley parishes with five and four con- gregations respectively. The former again divided in the fall of 1894 by four congregations — the present Lykens Valley parish — withdrawing and thus leaving St. John's to its own abundant resources, and spirit and mode of conducting church affairs. Church Property. — Besides church andparsonage the congregation has a farm of over sixty-one acres sur- rounding the church and cemetery, which is operated by the person serving as janitor of the church. This land was donated to the congregation in the beginning of the century by John Matter. Parsonages. — In the year 1809 nine congregations united in purchasing a property for parsonage purposes located a mile southwest of St. John's Church and con- sisting of thirty acres of land with timber and insufficient buildings. Cost, £220. After house and barn were erected the property cost $1,647.99. St. John's portion, $335. In 1870 this property was sold for $3,756. St. John's portion, $1,127. A weu adapted property in Ber- rysburg was then bought and occupied three years by the pastor, the Rev. Thomas Steck, when it was sold. Eliza- bethville was now tried and found to be a more suitable residence for the pastor. After the dissolution of the old Lykens Valley parish, this parsonage was sold at auction to the new Lykens Valley parish. St. John's realized out of the one-half interest, $627.50. This was again invested CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. 141 in a home in Berrysburg, which after extensive repairs and building', cost the congregation nearly $3,500. The present parsonage — like the church — occupies a promi- nent position, is beautiful and very commodious. Pastorates. — The pioneer missionarv in these parts — t'-e Pew J. M. Enderline — was pastor from 1780 to 1793. His body rests in St. John's eemeterv. Rev. PL E. Hinze, pastor from 1705 to 1707. Rev. H. Moeller. PARSONAGE. 1797-1802. Rev. J. Herbst, 1802-1805. Rev. J. P. F. Kramer, 1S05-1806. Rev. J. C. Walter, 1 807- 1809. Rev. D. Ulrich, 1809-181 1. Rev. J. C. . Walter, 1813- 1814. Rev. J. P. Schindel, Sr., October, 1815-1843. Rev. J. N. Hemping, August, 1843-1850. Rev. C. F. Welden, September, 1850-September, 185 1. Rev. N. Yeager, 1852-1853. Rev. F. Walz, Januarv 1, 1854-December 31. 1864. Rev. J. Schindel, 1865-March, 1870. Rev. T. 142 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. Steck, November, 1870-November, 1873. Rev. R. S. Wagner, October, 1874-June 1, 1881. Rev. J. Hillpot, July 31, 1 88 1 -April 24, 1889. Rev. O. E. Pflueger, July 1, 1889-December 31, 1894. Rev. J. H. Ritter, May 1, 1895-May 1, 1898. The congregation has furnished the church with one minister of the Gospel — the Rev. J. N. Wetzler, Ph.D. St. PETER'S PARISH. BY THE REV. J. C. SCHMIDT. 5T. PETER'S CHURCH is located at Mahanoy, Pa., a small town, about four miles east of Herndon, and within three-fourths of a mile of the Philadelphia and Reading railroad running from Shamokin to Herndon, Otto being the nearest station, about a mile distant. When St. Peter's Lutheran congregation came into existence is not known. From historic fragments, how- ever, it would seem that this congregation was organized about the year 1788. There is an old book at hand which served as a record of baptisms from 1788 to 1812, when it commenced to give also a list of communicants. As to who the first pastor of the congregation was, noth- ing further is given than that Rev. Mathias Guensel bap- tized children in the congregation as early as February 15, 1789. Several entries of baptisms were made in 1788, but there is a blank as to who officiated at those baptisms. From this record ot baptisms, it is probable that the fol- lowing pastors served the congregation from its begin- ning up to 1812: Revs. Mathias Guensel, J. M. Enter- line, Henry Moeller, Jacob Schontz, John Herbst, J. C. Walter, and Daniel Ulrich. According to an old saying, the congregation at first worshiped in a school-house, but for how long a time is not known. In the course of time, probably at about the close of the last century, the Lutherans and the Reformed jointly erected a log church and worshiped therein. Some time, perhaps several years, after its erection, this log church-building was weather-boarded and painted yellow. '43 144 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. On February i, 1821, a deed for twenty-seven acres and ten perches of land was given by the State of Penn- sylvania to John Haas, Martin Zartman and Jacob Tress- ler, in trust for the Lutheran and Presbyterian (Re- formed) congregations at Mahanoy. How it came thai these congregations erected a church-building and also a school-house on land to which they seem to have had no legal title until the year 1821, is a thing which we arc unable to explain. From 1812 to 1884, the following pastors have served the congregation: Rev. J. N. Hemping, 1812-1848; Rev. A. Bergner, 1848-1860; Rev. W. R. Hasskarl, 1860- 1861 ; Rev. P. Anstadt, 1861-1863 ; Rev. F. Walz, Feb. to Sept., 1863, Rev. J. C. Schmidt, Nov., 1863, to April, 1869; Rev. J. F Bayer, 1869-1870; Rev. J. C. Schmidt, 1870 to July, 1880; Rev. J. F. Bayer, 1881 to June, 1884. In 1859 the Lutheran and Reformed congregations united to build the present beautiful and substantial brick church, to replace the old yellow church, which had long enough served its noble purpose. The corner-stone was laid June 12, T859, the ministers present were Rev. A. Bergner and Rev. J. F Bayer, Lutheran ; Rev. J. Fritzinger and J. W Steinmetz, Reformed. On the 8th day of May, i860, the church was consecrated. The building committee consisted of Isaac Reitz, William Deppen, and Abraham Klock. In 1884 St. Peter's Lutheran congregation separated from the Mahanoy parish of which it was a part, and formed a parish by itself. This is a small parish, indeed ! and without a parsonage. It is, however, large enough for a pastor who has been in the ministry for a period of nearly fifty-four years. The members are a peaceable, well-meaning people, and would by no means let their pastor starve. During the summer of 1885 the inside of St. Peter's CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. 745 church building was partly remodeled and repainted, and the walls and ceiling frescoed. And on August 16th, of the same year, it was reconsecrated. The ministers pres- ent were Revs. W. H. Geiger and Joseph Hillpot, Luth- eran, and Revs. A. R. Hottenstein and W. Engel, Re- formed. This congregation has a membership of about 165 com- municants, has divine services every other Sunday, and helps to support a flourishing union Sunday-school of at least 125 children. Since its separation, the following pastors have served this congregation : Rev. J. F Wam- pole, from Sept., 1884, to June, 1885 ; Rev. W. H. Geiger, from July, 1885, to July, 1887; and Rev. J. C. Schmidt, from August 5, 1887, to the present time. In 1885 Mr. Samuel Melich donated to the Lutheran congregation, of which he was a member, one acre of land for a cemetery, as also a sum of money amply sufficient to pay the cost of inclosing said land with an iron fence on three sides, the fourth side opens into the old graveyard, in front of which the church stands. The proposed in- closure has since been made. The same member, at the same time, also donated half an acre of land for Sunday- school purposes, such as the holding of festivals, etc. St. Peter's church, it is true, is a union church, but only so far as the church building and the land on which it stands are concerned. The Lutherans own one-half of this union property, and the Reformed the other half ; the former occupy the church for divine services one Sunday, and the latter the following Sunday, so that there is di- vine service every Sunday throughout the year. In doc- trine, as well as in the management of denominational church affairs, each of these two congregations is as in- dependent of the other as if it had a church building of its own. Each has even a charter for its own sake. THE SALEM PARISH. BY THE REV. H. G. SNABLE. THE Salem church, located at Salem, Snyder county, Pa., it is proper to state, prior to November, 1896. was included in the Freeburg parish. This was a very large parish, considered both territorially and numeri- cally extending over an area of country about sixteen miles square, and embracing within its confines some 1,200 people. Dissatisfaction arose among themselves regarding certain internal pastoral administrations and the Salem congregation, numbering some 400 Luther- ans, determined in the autumn of 1896 to detach them- selves from the Freeburg parish, which they did by a unanimous vote, forming a parish by themselves con- sisting of Salem church, Sieber's and Erdley's, the Rev. H. G. Suable being unanimously voted for by all three congregations as pastor. The charge as now constituted contains about 600 communicants and is more compact with reference to territory, the pastor residing at Sa- lem, one of the oldest villages of the county, on the pub- lic road leading from Sunbury to Lewistown. Salem Church, Salem. — The Salem church is the oldest Lutheran congregation in Central Pennsylvania west of the Susquehanna river. It was organized as early as the year 1775. The Rev. Isaac Gerhart, a Re- formed minister, was chosen secretary at a joint church -leeting held at Salem, Pa., March 26, A. D. 1817. The Rev. J. Conrad Walter, Lutheran, presiding, wrote in the minutes of the church, then newly erected, "that as before the Revolutionary War this community was in- 146 CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. 147 habited by a people solicitous of spreading the Gospel and providing for the introduction of the Word of God, resolved to erect a church, and for this purpose secured from the Province of Pennsylvania a tract of land com- prising 92 acres 137 perches, upon which a church sub- sequently was built, which was the first house of God this (west) side the Susquehanna." This community, well favored by nature, early became the home of the settlers who, pushing out into the remote frontier, es- tablished themselves on the western banks of the River Susquehanna, and as early as 1744 we find Thos. Mc- Kee, an Irish trader, located at McKees, a trading post between Harris Ferry and Shamokin. On April 4, 1776, Melchior Stock and others made ap- plication to the Province for the tract of land above mentioned, and "on Dec. 19, 181 1, upon the payment of $22.64, m full since paid by George Miller and An- drew Eerger, in trust for the Lutheran and Calvinist congregations of Penn township, Northumberland (later Union, now Snyder) county, the State conveyed a plot of land containing 92 acres 137 perches, they to have and to hold the said tract or parcel of land, with the appurtenances, in trust for the said Lutheran and Calvinist congregations and their successors forevei Said land to be held free and clear of all restrictions and reservations, as to Mines, Royalties, Quit Rents, or oth- erwise excepting and reserving only the one-fifth part of all Gold and Silver ore, for the use of this Common- wealth to be delivered at the Pit's Mouth, clear of all charges." This conveyance is attested on behalf of the Commonwealth by Richd. M. Crain, Depty. Secy. Ld. Office. The congregation first organized in 1775, built a log church, which weathered the storms for 40 years, when it was torn down and replaced by a new brick 148 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. church commenced in 1812 and finished in 1816, the work being interrupted by the second war with Eng- land, several of the Building Committee and officers be- ing drafted for military service whilst engaged in work- ing on the new church. The corner-stone was laid Au- gust 7, 1814, and the church was dedicated May 15, 1816. Thereafter the extension of this congregation was rapid and during the period of its growth there have been re- ceived into the church and carried on the rolls over 5,000 members of the Lutheran faith, nearly all the early settlers and first families of this county being at one time or the other resident and visiting members here. The church of 181 2- 16 stood until 1897, when it was torn down and a modern church building, seating some 600 people, erected in its stead. This makes the third church erected on this historic spot. The corner stone of 1814 was relaid after a lapse of 83 years, on May 30, 1897, amid impressive services, 2,000 people being present. Rev. Dr. Spieker, of Phila- delphia, preached, and on April 24, 1898, the new church was formally consecrated, the Rev. Dr. Jacob Fry, Philadelphia, leading the services, Rev. H. G. Snable read : ng the consecration rites. Some $1,400 were raised on the day of dedication, and the impending indebted- ness practically wiped out. The records of this congregation have been remarka- bly well preserved by the officers and trustees from 1774 down to the present time, and it would be interesting to present in detail some salient features of the history of this time-honored and well-known congregation, such as lists of pastors with dates and terms of service, the financial exhibits in connection with the erection of the early churches, the papers, resolutions and deliverances drawn and made from time to time regarding the in- CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. I49 ternal administration of its affairs, but limited space for- bids such an attempt. W. K. Miller, Esq. St. Peter's Church, Globe Mills, Pa. — The peo- ple of this community, about a century ago, worshiped in the church at Salem. Some time about the year 1799, initial steps were taken toward the erection of a house of worship more conveniently located. In 1799 some- thing of an organization was effected; Samuel Moyer, Melchior Yoder, Peter Godshalk and John Yoder were elected trustees; and a plot of ground was donated to the congregation for church purposes, on which a school house was erected and used for religious services. In 1840 the congregation decided to erect a church edifioe. The lot owned by the congregation was ex- changed for another more suitably loealfced, and the church erected. Jacob Kessler and Daniel Zieber were elected trustees. The new building, called St. Peter's church, was consecrated May 28, 1840. It was soon found that the building was too small to accommodate the congregation and so it was decided, in 1850, to en- large it. During a period of nineteen years, the congre- gation increased to such an extent that a larger build- ing was found to be necessary, the Lutheran congrega- tion having attained a numerical strength of over 200 members. Additional ground was secured and the building was enlarged. The corner-stone laying and dedication took place on the same day. Rev. J. Peter Shindel, Jr., served the Lutheran con- gregation from 1840, when the church was built, until 1853, when Revs. Peter Rizer and Frederick Ruthrauf served about two years each. J. Peter Shindel was again called June 21, 1856, and served until May, 1866. From i5° JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. this time on, the congregation was served by Revs Brenninger, Orwig and Lazarus, until 1874, when Rev. C. G. Erlenmeyer became pastor, and continued until his death, March 6, 1876. Revs. D. M. Stettler and D. E. Reed followed, until 1884, when Rev. J. F. Wampole became pastor, who served until fall of 1891. Rev. H. G. Snable took charge of this congregation July 2d, 1892, and is the present pastor of the congregation. St. Paul's Church, Middlecreek township, was or- ganized July 24, 1857. About this time, Mrs. Eve Erd- ley, widow of Henry Erdley, gave an acre of ground in one of the prettiest localities in Middlecreek township, Snyder county, upon which a church should be erected. The church is popularly called "Erdley's Church." The Lutherans, in connection with the Reformed, agreed to build a union church, a brick building, to be called St. Paul's Lutheran and Reformed church. The corner- stone was laid August 16, 1857, the Revs. C. G. Erlen- Tieyer, Lutheran, and A. B. Casper, Reformed, officiat- ing. The work was carried on with great energy throughout the year and the church was consecrated Au- gust 29, 1858, the Revs. Reuben Weiser, Lutheran, and Dr. J. C. Bucher, Reformed, officiating. The second ed- ifice, as it now stands, has stood for so many years, was erected at a cost of $2,000. Rev. Erlenmeyer served the Lutheran congregation until his death. His successor, Rev. J. F. Wampole, took charge of the congregation Nov. 5, 1876, and served un- til the fall of 1891. The Rev. H. G. Snable, the present pastor, entered upon his duties in this field of work July 2, 1892, and with marked success has been ministering to the wants of the congregation until the present time. PLATE VII <£r**S. G. Kl'NKLE. M. UHRH'H. P. GERMAN'. A. P. PFLUEGER. A. I.. yOl'NT. SELINSGROVE PARISH. BY THE REV. S. E. OCHSENFORD. THE Selinsgrove parish consists of the following two congregations : The First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Selins- grove.— This congregation was organized about the year 1790, though the exact date is not known. It is known, however, that at this time there existed a Lutheran congregation here, which worshiped with the Reformec in the school-house, barns or private houses. About the year 1800, Conrad Weiser, a member of the Lutheran Church, donated several lots of ground to the Lutheran and Reformed congregations to be used for church and school purposes and another lot for a burial ground. These lots are located on the corner of Market and Bow streets, and extend to High street. The deed, in fee simple, bears the date, March 9, 181 1. The act of building the contemplated union church was delayed for some time after the lots had been donated. Meanwhile the following articles of agreement had been adopted : "In the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. "I. The church is to be built and held as a union prop- erty by the Lutheran and Reformed congregations. "2. The regular services are to be held alternately. "3. No minister — a stranger, or one of a different de- nomination — shall be permitted to officiate therein, unless by permission of the joint consistories. II Chron. 2 :4." During the years 1801-02 two subscriptions were taken which resulted in the collection of $1,950.10. With this 151 152 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. amount in hand, building operations were begun. On June 7, 1802, the corner-stone was laid, and during the following year the first church building was consecrated. The building, 40x38 feet, was constructed of pine logs, which were donated by the members. It was a one-story building, with two entrances, galleries on three sides, and the pulpit on the west side, and cost $2,284.22. The ad- OLD FIRST CHURCH. ditional amounts necessary to pay for the church were secured at the corner-stone laying and consecration of the church. The various subscription lists, bills of sale, receipts, etc., are preserved in the archives of the con- gregation. The two congregations, now, after long wait- ing and many privations, had their own church building, in which they could gather to worship God. Each con- gregation worshiped every alternate Sunday. But to CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. 153 build and support a church was much more difficult at that time than now. There were only a few families in each congregation which could give material aid in the work. That they did what they could appears from the fact that they donated timber, gave their time and labor and money. And in order to secure the new building for both congregations, it is said, that one man — John Ulrich — pledged all his property, until all the debts were paid. Here we find a spirit of devotion and self-sacrifice for the cause of the Lord that deserves to be held in grateful re- membrance and to be imitated by the people of our time. The two congregations worshiped in this building until February 10, 1855, when the Reformed disposed of their interest in the "Union Church Property" to the Luther- ans for $1,000, and built a separate church in the upper end of town. In 1843 a split occurred in the Lutheran congregation on account of the introduction of the ' so-called "new measures." The pastor, with a number of Lutherans, withdrew and organized a second Lutheran congregation, which now belongs to the General Synod. The fight was long and bitter, and for many years retarded the work of the church. Since the separation in 1855, the old congregation is known by its present title. Its charter bears the date of February 28, 1845, signed by the Lutheran Governor, Fr. R. Shunk, with a supplement bearing the date, March 22, 1862, signed by Gov. A. G. Curtin. For a number of years the congregation belonged, first, to the West Penn- sylvania Synod, later to the Central Synod ; but in 1868 it was received into the Ministerium of Pennsylvania (to which it had originally belonged) through the efforts of the Rev. J. W. Early, the pastor at that time. The con- gregation had to pass through many severe trials and dif- 154 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. Acuities ; but many of its members were staunch Luther- ans, were willing to endure persecution for the truth's sake, and finally saw their fidelity rewarded and their congregation firmly grounded on the principles and usages of the Church of the Reformation. The old church remained in use for eighty years, NEW FIRST CHURCH. though during this time it had undergone material changes. In 1862 it was remodeled, an additional floor was put >in the building, making it two stories, and the interior was improved. In 1883, the present pastor sug- gested the propriety of taking steps towards the erection of a new church-building during the Luther-Memorial CONGRECA TIONAL HISTORY. 155 year. The suggestion was favorably received and steps were at once taken to carry it into effect. On May 12, 1884, the beginning was made in tearing down the old building, on Sunday, August 3, 18S4, the corner-stone of the new church was laid, the venerable Dr. C. W, Schaeffer preaching the sermon, and on ( )ctober 25, 1885, PARSONAGE. the new building was consecrated to the service of God. The building is a brick structure, Gothic in style of ar- chitecture, and cruciform. The auditorium is 60x36 feet, with a tower on the southeast corner, furnished with a thousand-pound bell. The pulpit recess is on the west side, and is furnished with approved Lutheran chancel furniture. The Sunday-school Chapel, 47x32 feet, con- stitutes the arms of the cross, and the Infant Room, 20x20 feet, the head of the cross. The cost of the build- ing, including labor, etc., donated, was about $NCRECA T10NAL HIS I ( )l< ) ' i/3 gation to the great satisfaction of all ; because of the attachment to the old site. Work upon the erection of another house of worship was commenced and on Oct. 1 1, 1885, the corner-stone was laid by the pastor under the name of Zion's, the pastor being assisted by the Revs. M. B. Lenker and S. S. Henry. It was consecrated ( )ct. 10, 1SS6, at which time the pastor was assisted by - '~.fr- - ■-'--.- :.-., Tkl N ITY I II URCII. the Revs. F. J. F. Schantz, D.D., M. B. Lenker, S. S. Henry. J. Hilpot, C. K. Drumheller. The church is built of brick in the form of an L, size 35x55, with a S. S. annex, at a cost of $4500. The congregation, notwith- standing the sore trials she experienced and the losses she sustained by removals and deaths is about holding her own, the present membership numbering 87. From Rev. J. N. Hemping on the pastors have been the same as those of Zion's, Stone Valley. Trinity, Georgetown. The organization of this 174 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. congregation was effected in the year 1845. Immedi- ately upon its organization steps were taken in the erec- tion of a house of worship upon land donated by George Broscious. For reasons unknown this congregation was organized on the part of the G. Synod branch of our church. Corner-stone laying and dedication the same year of its organization. It was organized by Rev. C. Martin who was succeeded by Revs. C. F. Stoever and ST. LUKE S CHURCH. D. E. Reed. Members of Stone Valley congregation residing at Georgetown continued their connection with the mother church until the year 1870, when it was dis- missed by the G. Synod and connected itself with the General Council. Since that time the pastors serving i>" have been the same as those of Stone Valley and Pillow. The church edifice is of frame, with cupola, size 32x42 feet. In the year 1887 it was greatly improved and made more inviting. The parish membership is 119. CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. 175 St. Luke's, Vera Cruz. This congregation was or- ganized under the pastorate of Rev. F. Walz. On ac- count of the distance from the mother congregation the members living in and around Vera Cruz resolved to effect an organization among themselves. Rev. F. Walz being pastor of Stone Valley congregation at the time, supplied these people with preaching occasionally in the public school house. Aug. 12, 1860, the corner-stone of this church was laid by Rev. F. Walz ; the church not being completed until the year 1862 when it was con- secrated to the service of Almighty God June 8th of this year. The congregation has since been regularly sup- plied by the pastors of the Stone Valley congregation. The building is of brick, 40x50, with cupola. Its present membership is no. St LUKE'S, SUNBURY. ♦ BY REV. J. N. WETZLER, PH.D. DURING a number of years the 5th district, now Danville Conference of the Ministerium of Penn- sylvania, made a series of efforts to establish a congrega- tion at Sunbury. The importance of having a church at this place was strongly felt. Hundreds of people have drifted away from our Church on failing to have a spirit- ual home here to receive them; some became identified with other bodies, while others lost their interest in Chris- tianity altogether. It became evident to accomplish something definite, more decided measures must be taken; and thus Confer- ence, at its meeting held in Catawissa, April 17-18, 1894. after some interesting discussion, adopted the following resolutions, viz.: "That this Conference charge the Presi- dent with the duty of securing a man to make a month's canvass of this field at once, at the expense of Conference, and that, if the result be favorable, to recommend the field to the Executive Committee for support. That this Conference pledge to pay for said exploration $50 for the month, and that each pastor send the amount he may be able to raise to the treasurer at the earliest date." Rev. J. N. Wetzler was requested to undertake the work and see what can be done to the establishment of a congregation. After some consideration, he consented. Not being acquainted in the place, he requested Rev. W. H. Geiger, of Pillow, Pa., to accompany him on the first trip and introduce him to some Lutheran people there. They went to Sunbury on the 1st of May, 1894, and met a few Lutherans and presented the matter. Rev. W. H. Geiger left in the afternoon. The work of can- CONGREGATION, II. HISTORY. 177 vassing was Eurther proceeded with, and a few families were found who became interested and took a willing part in the work. The necessity of procuring a suitable property to locate a church was strongly felt, and the at- tention was directed in that line and various locations were considered. LUKE S CHURCH. The first meeting was held in the parlor of No. 802 Market street. Its purpose was the location of a place to erect a church. It was reported that the northwest cor- ner of Catawissa and Reagan streets could be bought for $2,200. Also other properties were named. After a lengthv talk on this subject, Rev. J. N. Wctzlcr 178 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. and Joseph Emerick were instructed to enter into an agreement for the said place, then owned and occupied by R. D.Shipeataslowafigureaspossible. Thefollowing persons were present: Rev. J. N. Wetzler, Joseph Emer- ick, Rily Zerbe, Conrad Hoffman, Jacob Gessner, Peter and ijared linker, Isaac Snyder, and James Brosius. Nominations of officers were made ; and it was decided to meet in some hall, if able to get one, on Sunday morn- ing, May 13th, to hold religious services. On May 13th (Pentecost), divine services were held in the P. O. S.ofA.hall, on Market street, Rev. J.N. Wetzler preaching in the morning from Acts 1 :4, and in the eve- ing from Philip. 3:9-11. During the same services, elec- tion and installation of officers took place. A meeting was announced to be held the following evening at the home of Peter Lenker, No. 417 Catawissa street, East Sunbury. At that meeting the entire General Council constitution for congregations was adopted. The congregation was named "St. Luke's Evangelical Lutheran Church, of E. Sunbury." The committee went into an agreement with R. D. Shipe for said property (two lots, 60x150 feet) for $2,200. Soon a full purchase of the property was made. The next action was directed toward the building of a church and parsonage. On the 2d of September, 1894, the corner-stone of the new church was laid. The weather was fair but warm. Divine services were held in the fore and afternoon, which were largely attended. The pastor was assisted by Rev. Wm. A. Schaeffer, Supt. of Missions, by the President of Conference, Rev. S. E. Ochsenford, Rev. J. F. Wampole and T. Zuber, all of whom excepting the latter delivered addresses. On Sunday, Feb. 17th, 1895, the church was dedicated. Divine services were held on the day of dedication and on CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. 179 Saturday evening previous. These services all were largely attended. The sermons were preached by Revs. J. F. Wampole, W. H. Geiger, O. E. Pflueger, and W. A. Schaeffer, Supt. of Missions, who also performed the dedicatory service. The amount raised at the occasion was $1,175. The cost of lot, church and parsonage is about $6,000. On Sunday, March 3d, 1895, the first communion was held, when twenty-five communed. The Lord all along has blessed the work. The congregation uses the full English services of the Church. The present number of members is about 153. The number of baptisms per- formed since the starting of the church, is 114; marriages, 20; and funerals, 21. Sunbury, Penn'a, Oct. 11, 1897. THE TREVORTON PARISH. BY REV. G. G. KUNKLE. THIS parish consists, at present, of three congrega- tions, all in Northumberland county. The com- bined membership is 513 communicants. Emanuel's, now Zion's. — The Evangelical Lutheran congregation of Trevorton, Pa., was organized in i860, during the pastorate of the Rev. John Hornberger. The same year it was decided to build a church, the corner- stone of which was laid May 13, i860. The church council at this time consisted of Gotthilf Crone and Michael Knapp, elders; Conrad Stein and Henry Shlimme, deacons; and Dr. Wm. Fritz, treasurer. The church was dedicated June 30, 1861. There is no record of those who officiated on that occasion, but it is altogether likely that Rev. Hornberger and Rev. C. J. M. Neumann performed the interesting service, as both of them lived at Trevorton at the time. Rev. Horn- berger closed his labors here in the fall of 1862. From 1863 to 1864, Rev. G. C. Hasskarl served the congregation. In 1864 Rev. J. H. Schmidt became the pastor. In this same year a bell was purchased for the church, at a cost of $152.14, and promptly paid. In 1865 certain improvements were made, including the painting of the church building, at a total expense of $209.40, of which sum the Ladies' Aid Society of the congregation contributed $61.40. Rev. Schmidt resigned in 1868, and during the two succeeding years Rev. L. G. Eggers was the pastor. From 1871 to 1874, the congregation was under the pas- toral care of Rev. J. Albert, who has the honor of intro- 180 CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. 181 during English services in the evening. In 1874, a heater and chandalier and lamps were secured for the churoh, at a cost of $100. From the spring of 1875 to Sept. 30, 1877, the Rev. A. Berg was the pastor. During his pastorate an organ was purchased, at a cost of $180. The English Sunday School was organized Aug. 15, 1875, and has steadily grown and now numbers 180. The German Sunday School was organized in July, 1864, with Gotthilf Crone as superintendent. This school is still alive, under the superintendency of one of its found- ers, Tobias Binder. After the resignation of Rev. Berg, the congregation had no regular pastor for nearly a year. It was visited, however, by Rev. J. W. Early, Rev. M. B. Lenker, Rev. S. S. Henry and others. On the 22d of June, 1879, Rev. H. T. Clymer assumed the pastorate of this church, and was regularly installed Dec. 7, 1879, by Rev. J. W. Early. In the course of this year also, two pulpit Bibles and a sofa were bought for the church, at a cost of $36.25. Already in the seventies, this congregation began to pay the expenses of their pas- tors and lay delegates to Synod and Conference meetings. In August, 1882, Rev. Clymer was compelled by failing health to resign as pastor. Revs. Early and Breinig served the congregation as per dates given under Emanuel's Church. Rev. A. J. L. Breinig assumed the pastorate in July, 1887, and labored here until July, 1893. The New Zion's Church. — Feb. 18, 1889, at 7 o'clock, "working time," a congregational meeting was held in the old Emanuel's church, and was opened with prayer by the pastor, Rev. Breinig. It was resolved to build a new churoh, to be called Zion's Evangelical Luth- eran Church, of Trevorton, Pa. Both the English and 1 82 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. the German languages are to be used at the services. An impromptu subscription was so encouraging that it was decided to go on with the work on the new building. The present edifice is of brick, 36 by 60 feet. The corner- stone of the new church was laid with appropriate ser- vices in August, 1889, the pastor, Rev. Breinig, officiat- ing. For a while the basement was used for divine ser- ZION CHURCH. vices; but on the 14th and 15th of October, 1893. the main auditorium was consecrated, the pastor, Rev. The- ophilus Zuber, being assisted by Revs. D. M. Stettler, J. H. Raker, H. T. Clymer. The cost of the church as it now stands, is $5,500. A Ladies' Aid Society, in some form or other, has ex- isted in the congregation almost from its organization, and has often rendered valuable assistance. On New CONGREGA TIONAL HISTORY 183 Year's Day, 1897, a Luther League was organized, from which we hope for some good. This congregation has made commendable progress in practical beneficence. Rev. Zuber was pastor of this church from September, 1893, to Oct. 1st, 1896. Rev. G. G. Kunkle assumed the pastorate on the first Sunday in Advent, 1896. July 11, 1897, the congregation decided to build a par- sonage alongside of the church, and to do it at once. issjwsh!^ PARSONAGE. Emanuel's, Cross Roads Church. — This congrega- tion originated in a defection from the Stone Church, as a protest against "New Measures" introduced and main- tained there. In 1847, the first money was subscribed, and by Oct. 29, 1850, $997.14 had been realized. The building was the joint property of the Lutherans and the Reformed. After the installation of both the Lutheran and the Reformed church councils, they met on the 8th of April, 1848, and adopted articles of agree- 1 84 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. ment, called a constitution. In these articles, the Luth- erans declared themselves unequivocally in favor of the Evangelical Lutheran Ministerium of Pennsylvania, and resolved to have no minister from any other body. There are no records accessible of the time of its dedi- cation, nor who officiated on that occasion. The first communion record shows eighty-one participants, ten of whom were confirmed at that time, — the spring of 1851. From this time till 1856, the list varies from forty to eighty. About this time a number united with Elias' Church, in Lower Augusta township, which had been or- ganized in 1 85 1. The list of communicants then ranged from forty to sixty. The membership continued to grow, and now, July, 1897, it has 230 names. During 1869 or 1870, the Lutherans made an effort to organize and hold a Sunday School in this union church. To this the Reformed objected, and the good movement had to be abandoned. This Sunday School trouble led to a proposition by the Lutherans to the Reformed, look- ing to a peaceable separation between the two congrega- tions. After waiting eight months for an answer and receiving none, the Lutherans proceeded to collect funds and gather materials for an exclusively Luthran church, at Wolf's Cross Roads, about a mile east of the union church. The ground, one and a fourth acres, was do- nated by Mr. Joel Wolf. On May 24, 1885, the corner-stone of the Evangelical Lutheran Emanuel's Church was laid, with appropriate services. The pastor, the Rev. J. W. Early, was assisted on this occasion by Rev. M. B. Lenker, who preached the sermon. At these services the German liturgy of the Synod was used. The consecration services continued for one week, from November 6 to 13, 1885, and were taken part in by CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. 185 the officers of the Fifth Conference of the Ministerium of Pennsylvania, Revs. J. H. Groff, President; S. S. Henry, Secretary; and J. F. Wampole, Treasurer, as well as by Revs. A. P. Pflueger and S. E. Ochsenford. The conse- cration proper took place on the afternoon of Sunday, November 8, on which occasion the Rev. L. Linden- struth, of Mauch Chunk, Pa., preached the sermon, and assisted the pastor loci, \hz Rev. J. W. Early. The total cost of the church is $3,500. RECORD OF PASTORS. The following list of pastors and the length of their re- spective pastorates is as nearly correct as can well be ascertained : From 1848 to 1851, no record. Rev. C. J. M. Neumann, from beginning of 185 1, or possibly the fall of 1850, till the close of 1859, or begin- ning of i860. Rev. J. F. Hornberger, from i860 to 1864. Rev. J. H. Schmidt, from fall of 1864 to spring of 1868. Rev. L. G. Eggers, from May, 1869, to May, 1871. Rev. J. Albert, from fall of 1871 to his death, January, I875- Rev. A. Berg, from spring of 1875 to September, 1877. Rev. H. T. Clymer, from June 22d, 1879 to August, 1882. Rev. J. W. Early, from Jan. 21st, 1883, to March, 1886. Rev. A. J. L. Breinig, from October, 1887, to July 1st, i893- Rev. TheopMus Zuber, from September, 1893, to Oc- tober, 1896. Rev. Geo. G. Kunkle began his pastorate on the first Sunday in Advent, Nov. 29th, 1896.* * Note.— This pariah was resigned by the Rev. Kunkle, to take effect July 3, J898, but Zion congregation at Trevorton, having unanimously resolved, May 1, 1898, to become a self-sustaining parish, re-elected the Rev Kunkle as its pastor, and he re- entered upon his pastoral labors in that congregation, July 10.— Editor. 1 86 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. A Sunday School has been held in this church since the new church was built. Elias' Church. — The first recorded meeting for the purpose of discussing the feasibility of organizing a con- gregation in Lower Augusta township, Northumberland county, Pa., was held December 26, 1850, at the house of Samuel Kaufman. This was a joint meeting of the Lutherans and the Reformed, and it was resolved to build a so-called union church. The church was built on land bought of Henry Reitz, who gave a clear title for the same to Samuel Kaufman and Daniel Schmeltzer, who had been appointed trustees. It was also decided to build a frame church, the cor- ner-stone of which was laid on the 20th of April, 1851, and the title Elias' Lutheran and Reformed Church en- graved on it. Of this occasion there is no official record within the reach of the writer, but from eye-witnesses, he was in- formed that Rev. C. F. M. Neuman officiated at that ser- vice. When and by whom the church was dedicated, cannot be definitely ascertained. But this also was at- tended to either late in fall of 1851 or in the spring of 1852. The articles of agreement are simple and provide that there shall be preaching in English and German; services to be held in the latter language as long as there are four members who desire it. They are also particu- lar to state that this church is a protest against the so- called "New Measures," and such will not be tolerated in this church. The articles of agreement are signed by Christopher J. M. Neuman, Lutheran pastor, and R." A. Fisher, Re- formed pastor. The Lutheran council at the organization of the con- gregation, was Joseph Folk, trustee; Daniel Schmeltzer CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. 187 and Daniel Kaufman, elders; Jacob Kreler and Peter Ferster, deacons. Henry Reitz donated one acre of ground for church and burying-ground. There is no record of the original membership. The congregation has had a steady growth, and now numbers 103 members. A Sunday School has been in connection with this church since 1866. George Raker and Henry Drumm were among the originators. For a long time the school was kept only from April till some time in the fall of the year; but now it is open the year round. The old frame church having become inadequate to the needs of the congregations, the Lutherans and the Reformed again decided to build a church together, on the same ground, but this to be a brick building. It was erected at a cost of about $2,500. The corner-stone was laid with appropriate services in the spring of 1880, the pastor, Rev. H. T. Clymer, officiating on the Lutheran side. The new church was consecrated in May, 1881, on which occasion the cermony was conducted by Pastor Clymer, assisted by Rev. J. F. Bayer. In the fall of 1896, the church was unroofed by a severe storm; this, how- ever, was promptly replaced. For the record of pastors, see under Emanuel's Church. Trevorton, Pa., July 16, 1897. TURBOTVILLE PARISH. ' ' " BY REV. E. H. EBERTS. MANY years ago this parish consisted of Turbot- ville, Washingtonville, McEwensville, Paradise River Church and White Deer Valley. After the lapse of time and a number of divisions and reconstructions, it now consists of Turbotville and Wash- ingtonville, and is one of the most desirable country par- ishes on our Synodical territory. Turbotville Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church. — The early history of this congregation is un- written. If its early pastors kept any records, they are lost. There is now no record extant from which any data can be gathered prior to 1837. It * s probable that records were kept. In the oldest record now on hand, there appears a page of "Baptism Records," the earliest of which is that of "Christiana Waleiser, 1807." This is fol- lowed by a number of others, at which "The Parents" were the sponsors. The date of the organization of this congregation is not recorded. The first church was a union church. It was a log building, erected by the Lutheran and German Re- formed people of this community on the site now occu- pied by the St. James (G. S.) Lutheran Church. It was a union church indeed. Rev.J.F.Engel, who preached here 1815-1817, was pastor for both Lutheran and Reformed congregations. Services were held in this church till 1853, when it be- came necessary to put up a new building. This neces- sity involved the congregations in a bitter fight. Rev. S. R. Boyer, the Lutheran pastor, and part of his congregation insisted on building a Lutheran church. 188 CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. 189 The Reformed minister and his people, together with some Lutherans, were equally determined to build a union church. The union element having a majority, a union church was built by the side of the old log church. When almost completed, "it was set on fire'' and completely destroyed, together with the old log church. -The result of this un- fortunate event, was an immediate separation of the Luth- eran and Reformed congregations, and the erection of Trinity Reformed Church on the ground owned con- jointly with the Lutherans. Serious troubles arose among the Lutherans, which also resulted in a division. Part of the congregation built a large brick church on the spot where the union church burned down. This is St. James Lutheran Church, now in the hands of the General Synod, with a membership of about 250. Zion's, the mother congregation, under Rev. S. R. Boyer, built its present house of worship on Para- dise street in 1856. The above facts almost force upon us the conclusion that "church fights'' are a good thing. When all was peace, these people felt too poor to build one church. When all was strife, they built four, and paid them cash. The records have been faithfully kept since 185 1, and con- tain many interesting and important items, which cannot be presented in so brief a sketch. The congregation has been served by the following psst.-;rs : Rev. J. F. Engel 1815-1817. Rev. J.Rebas,i8i7- 1826. Rev. F. Waage, April, 1826,-April, 1829. Rev. William German, 1829-1830, about nine months. Rev. C. P. Miller, 1831- about four years. Rev. C. F. Stoever, 1836-1845. Rev. S. R. Boyer, April, 1846,-1859. Rev. J. Albert, November, 1859,-November, 1866. Rev. J. F. Wampole. October, 1867,-November, 1876. Rev. A. P. Pflueger, 1876-1891. Rev. E. H. Eberts, as supply, No- 190 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. vember 8, 1891, to July 1, 1892; as pastor from July 1, 1892, to the present time. In 1893, the church was completely remodelled. New furniture and two Sunday-school rooms were put in, and the walls and ceiling beautifully frescoed. In 1895, the congregation built a beautiful parsonage on the lot ad- joining the church, making a pleasant and convenient home for the pastor. The wisdom manifested in the erec- tion of this parsonage is commendable. It was erected and is owned by Zion's congregation. And to do its part towards procuring a home for the pastor, the Washing- tonville congregation pays annually the interest on half the .cost. The congregation at present numbers 260 members. Washingtonville Evangelical Lutheran Church — According to a brief historical sketch prepared by Rev. S. R. Boyer, and recorded in one of the old church rec- ords, this congregation was organized in the year A. D. 1812. In this year, about 25 or 30 Lutherans, together with a small number of German Reformed people, met and resolved to erect a house of worship. Accordingly, a subscription of about $360 was taken, ground broken, and the corner-stone laid. On this occasion, Revs. Walter, Engel, Fries and Patterson officiated. For some now unknown reason, the completion of this new house of God was d'elayed till the year 1818, when, on the 4th day of October, it was dedicated to the service of the Triune God, and received the name Zion's Church. The minis- ters who officiated on this occasion, were Revs. Fries. Patterson, Rebas and Kessler. This church was not lo- cated at Washingtonville, but two miles north, on an ele- vation now called Strawberry Ridge. The Lutherans continued to worship in this union church till the year 1850, when the usual "union troubles'' arose. On October 15th of the same year, the pastor, CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. 191 Rev. S. R. Boyer, "called a meeting of all the Lutheran members of the church for the purpose of taking into con- sideration the propriety and necessity of erecting another house of worship to be located at Washingtonville." The meeting was well attended. The object of the meeting was stated by the pastor, to- gether with some important reasons for building a church in Washingtonville, after which it was "Resolved that in humble reliance upon God, and by His blessing, we will take up a subscription and build a new church, 55 feet deep and 40 feet wide, with a basement story and a cupola." Jacob Wagner was elected treasurer of the church, and Peter Wagner and Jesse Gresh were ap- pointed a building committee. By the united efforts of the pastor, officers and mem- bers, sufficient money was raised to warrant the begin- ning of this important work. The corner-stone was laid on the 15th day of May, A. D. 1851, and the solemnities of the day attended by Revs. Henry Ziegler, P. Willard, J. M. Alleman, and the pastor, Rev. S. R. Boyer. On the 21st day of September, 1851, the church was solemnly dedicated to God, and received the name Wash- ingtonville E vang elical Lutheran C hurch . The officiat- ing ministers were Revs. Henry Ziegler, P. Willard, J. M. Alleman, and the pastor. On the day of dedication, the sum of $400 was raised. And this, with the sum formerly subscribed, $1,200, was sufficient to liquidate the entire cost of the church, $1,600. The first communion was administered in the new church October 19, 1851, when 145 persons communed. On the same day, a class of 19 persons was confirmed. The same pastors who served the Turbntville congrega- tion also served this congregation. Although the number of members is now three times as large, the same old building, after being remodelled many 192 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. times, still stands, a monument to the fathers' struggles and their children's indifference. It has served its pur- poses well, but is entirely inadequate to accommodate the present large congregation, and a larger and more mod- ern building is sorely needed. By the will of the late Michael Hawk, this congregation received a bequest of $3,400, which, by a vote of the congregation, is to be applied towards erecting a mew church. Like Rev. S. R. Boyer, the present pastor "called a meeting of the mem- bers, November 14, 1897, and gave some important rea- sons for erecting a new building." the result of which will be an election, in the near future, on whether a new church is to be built. The congregation at present has a nominal member- ship of 450. TURBOTVILLE, Nov. 23, 1897. St. MARK'S CHURCH, WILLIAMSPORT. THE history of the Lutheran church, in Williams- port, dates back beyond the middle of the pres- ent century. The Lutherans from the Fatherland, at first, worshiped with the Reformed in a small one-story stone church on Third street. The first English Lutheran congregation was organized by the Rev. Dr. H. Ziegler, March 7, 1852, with twenty-seven members. At first they worshiped in the German church. The congrega- tion was incorporated December 31, and a lot was pur chased on Market street for the location of an English church, overtures to the German Lutherans for the erec- tion of a common house of worship having failed. April 3, 1853, found the congregation still worshiping in the old German church, but without a pastor, the Rev. Dr. Ziegler having resigned. July 5, 1853, the new pastor, the Rev. Joseph Welker, arrived from Clarion county and took up the heavy work, the congregation now numbering about thirty members. Realizing the necessity of a church of their own, he began the work of erecting a church building, the corner-stone of which was laid October 27, 1854, and the completed building, which cost $4,000, conse- crated January 22, 1856. The next pastor was the Rev. J. F. Fahs, who la- bored here for five years, and at the close of his pas- torate the congregation had one hundred members. Af- ter his resignation, the Rev. F. C. H. Lampe became the pastor and served the German and English congrega- tions, for a time worshiping in the English church on Market street, from May, 1863, to September, 1864. At 193 194 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. the end of his pastorate, the English congregation had 120 and the German 130 members. OLD ST. .MARKS CHURCH. April I, 1865, the Rev. A. R. Home became the pas- CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY 195 tor, and from this date until April 1, 1868, services were held in both languages, when the German congregation, >M m% NEW ST. MARK S CHURCH. having a membership of 230, separated again from the 196 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. English and built the German Immanuel church, on Ba- sin street, with the Rev. Mr. Zentner, as its first pastor. In 1867, members of the congregation, living in South Williamsport, organized Messiah Lutheran congrega- tion, and in 1871 St. Paul's congregation was organized by those members who preferred to unite with the Gen- eral Synod. Although two new congregations had been organized by members formerly connected with the con- gregation, its membership had reached the number of 307 during Rev. Home's pastorate. He resigned in 1872, and was succeeded by the Rev. W. H. Rickert, who served the congregation for a period of fourteen years, resigning January 15, 1886, and on December 18, the Rev. A. L. Yount assumed the duties of the pasto- rate. During his pastorate numerous changes and improve- ments were made. A debt of $800 was cancelled, a par- ish paper was published, the name changed from Mar- ket Street church to that of St. Mark, and another new congregation helped in its organization, — the Church of the Redeemer. The flood of 1889 did great damage to the churoh building, which necessitated extensive re- pairs. The pastor resigned September 28, 1889, the con- gregation numbering 331 members, and after a long de- lay, he was succeeded by the Rev. Geo. G. Kunkle, who served the congregation for one year, 1891-92. In 1883, the Rev. William Fr. Rick assumed the duties of the parish. He came from our Seminary at Philadelphia, was installed in August of the same year, and at once began his energetic labors, which have re- sulted in the erection of the handsome new church, the corner-stone of which was laid in September, 1895, and the building consecrated October 14, 1896. The build- ing cost $25,000,. and is one of the finest church edifices CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. 197 in Williamsport. The Rev. Mr. Rick is chaplain of the Twelfth Regiment of Penna. Volunteers.* His absence from home has prevented him from preparing this sketch, the material of which has been gathered from "A Brief History of St. Mark's Ev. Luth. Church," prepared by the pastor and published in 1896, from the closing pages of which the following extract is taken : "We have ia history of which we need not be ashamed. It should inspire us to great deeds. The Williamsport of today is ten times as large as the Williamsport of those days ; but the English Lutheran church here is seventy- five tim.es larger. Oh, ye little band of twenty-seven brave and stalwart souls, 'behold how great a fire a little spark enkindleth !' Is it strange, then, that our hearts should be filled with hopes for the future? Shall we tell of some that we entertain for St. Mark's? We believe through the agency of our Normal Class we shall have a corps of teachers in our Sunday-school not inferior in the art of teaching to the very best in our public schools. Our Deaconess institution, we hope ere long to con- tain a nurse who shall minister to the sick, free of all charge. . . Our Young People's Association and our Cotta Society shall be far-reaching arms for good and our new beautiful edifice too small a power-house for the great uplifting influence we shall exert in this city. . The flood of '94 did not dishearten us like that of '89; for the following spring we began the erection of our new church, which has been successfully completed. Despite the cares of building and the discouragement of worshiping in the First Baptist church, most kindly loaned us by that congregation, but unfortunately out of the beat of our people, the proportionate increase in membership and attendance is greater than that of any *Witb deep regret do we add that Brother Rick fell a victim to typhoid fever, contracted in the army, and died at his home, August 21 1898.— Editor. 198 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. church in this city. Lutheranism everywhere is winning the admiration of the thoughtful. Her deep sympathy with American institutions, her truly liberal theological views, her churchliness, her many learned men, the sterling characteristics of her people, her rich heritage of his- tory, her catechisation of the young, her philanthropic spirit, her high regard for God's Word — all unite to make her the Church of Future America. Ah, as a band in that great army of Christ, well may we believe we have a divine mission." CHRIST GERMAN CHURCH, SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT. BY THE REV. HANS MEYER. THIS congregation was organized November 9, 1896, with 38 members, by the Rev. E. F. Steinhagen. Present were also the Rev. S. E. Ochsenford, D.D., pres- ident of the Danville Conference at that time, and Rev. L. Rosenberg, of Jersey Shore. Most of these members formerly went to the German Reformed church at Wil- liamsport, one of the oldest congregations in that city, but which congregation ceased to exist early in the sum- mer of 1896. Desirous of having German services on the South Side, so that they were not obliged to cross the river, when attending services, the Rev. E. F. Steinhagen, acquainted with most of those people started a Sunday- school with a small number of children in the middle of August, giving the people at the same time German ser- vices. The beginning of this work was humble. But as pastor and people worked faithfully, their labor was crowned with success, and soon they could step to the organization of Christ Lutheran church. The young congregation worshiped in the Baptist chapel, on South- ern avenue. Together with the organization of the church, a Ladies' Aid Society was organized with about 20 members. Soon after this an organization of a Young People's Society was effected. The attendance of the Sunday-school and services at this time were very encouraging, especially the evening services were well attended. On Easter Sunday, for the first time, the Lord's Sup- per was administered, when 38 persons appeared at the 199 200 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. Lord's table. A handsome communion set was shortly before purchased. The last of June Rev. E. F. Steinhagen laid down his pastorate, and two weeks after, Rev. Hans Meyer, from Philadelphia, Pa., accepted a call from the congregation, entering upon his labor as pastor, on Sunday, July the 25th. He was installed on the 25th of November, 1897, by the president of the Danville Conference, the Rev. O. E. Pflueger. Up to the month of June the congregation was allow- ed to use the chapel both morning and evening, but then another party was granted the privilege of partially using the chapel for preaching purposes, our congregation oc- cupying it in the morning, the other in the evening. But as it was a fact that our evening services had always showed the largest attendance, the congregation took the matter into consideration and finally the Church Council called a meeting in which it was decided to buy the chapel for $1,400. This was a most important step; Tiorning and evening services could now be held without further interruption by other parties. Since this time much has been done to beautify the interior of the church. Chancel has been remodeled and now shows ?, more church-like appearance. The congregation, which is in- creasing slowly but steadily, counts at the present time about 70 members. The Sunday-school is visited by near- lv 70 children and young people. On Palm Sunday con- firmation was administered in this church for the first time, when eleven or twelve young Christians were add ed to the church. A pipe organ was presented by the Trinity German Lutheran church at Camden, N. J. The date of dedica- tion of this church has not been fixed. PLATE IX. S. B. OCHSENFORD. N. SCHEFFBR. S. B. STl'Pl' J. W. KLINGLER. .1. H. RITTEU in. Biographies. BIOGRAPHIES. Abele, John F., was licensed by the Ministerium of Pennsylvania, to serve congregations at Williamsport, White Deed, Jersey Shore and Pine Creek, Pa., 1822; had removed to Aaronsburg, Centre County, Pa., serv- ing with it congregations at the Meeting House, Loop and Springfield, 1824; ordained, 1828; again moved to Williamsport, 1837-8; engaged in secular business and the practice of medicine against which Synod advised him; was honorably dismissed, 1845 ! received again and again dismissed, 1847. He ended his days in the New York Ministerium. J. W. Early. Albert, John Jacob, was born near Elizabethtown, Lancaster County, Pa., jn the year 1798. At an early age his attention was directed to the ministry, which he finally entered in the year 1820, after having pursued a course of theological studies under the Rev. Christian Endress, D.D., then of Lancaster City, Pa. He was first called to the charge of congregations at Berlin, Adams County, Pa., where he labored with commendable suc- cess for six years, when he removed to Manchester, Car- roll County, Md. Here he remained from 1828 to 1837, cultivating his large and laborious field with great dili- gence and faithfulness. While at Manchester he received a call to Hanover, York County, Pa., which, after mature deliberation, he accepted, entering upon his labors there in the year 1837. His ministry at Hanover was charac- terized with unwearied interest in his work and was largely blessed to the good of souls. The accessions to the church were very numerous, adding materially to the strength and general welfare of the charge. After 203 204 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. remaining at Hanover eleven years, he removed in 1848 to Belief onte, Centre County, where, in connection with the service given to a part of the same charge at Salona, Clinton County, he remained until 1853, when he ac- cepted a call to Millersville, Lancaster County, which charge he served but one year. From Millersville he was called to Centreville, Northampton County, laboring in that difficult field for six years, from whence he moved to Northumberland County, where he served successfully the congregations at Turbotville, Muncy Hills and Trev- orton. It was while temporarily supplying the Trevor- ton charge, that he contracted the sickness, which ended his useful life on Sunday, January 3d, 1875. For nearly 54 years he was engaged in the active work of the min- istry, crowning his life with good deeds to his Divine Master, and to his fellow-men. Blessed with a strong constitution and excellent health, he seemed never to tire in the work to which he had consecrated his life, strictly conscientious in the discharge of his duties, he was ever to he found at his post, undeterred by any exposure to the elements, or by any roughness of the way. He em- phatically loved his calling, never wishing for a moment to change it for any other, however attractive to the out- ward eye, or lucrative in its rewards. The people among whom he labored, were ever dear to his heart, permitting nothing to alienate them from his Christian regard. Wherever he toiled he made hosts of friends, who ever welcomed his return among them, with gladsome hearts. A modest and unobtrusive man, he never mingled much in the active proceedings of Synods and Conferences, but was ever intensely interested in every measure look- ing towards the development of the Church and the ex- tension of the Redeemer's kingdom. From an account kept of his labors in the ministry for the space of 50 years, BIOGRAPHIES. 205 we find among the items of interest the following : Bap- tized 3,052, confirmed 2,491, married 2,052, buried 2,653, and administered the communion to about 30,000 souls. He was twice married, having by his first wife twelve children, of whom five are living, two of whom are in the ministry, Rev. L. E. Albert, D.D., of Germantown, Pa., and Rev. Charles S. Albert, D.D., of Philadelphia, Pa. To him might truly be applied that beautiful passage of Scripture : "They that be wise shall shine as the bright- ness of the firmament : and they that turn many to right- eousness as the stars forever and ever." C. S. Albert. Alleman, Monroe J., pastor at Danvill'e, Pa., 1847-8, was born at Maybown, Lancaster County, Pa., August 18, 1820. He attended the preparatory department of Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, Pa., 1841-3, and re- ceived his theological training in the Seminary at the same place, being licensed by the West Pennsylvania Synod, 1845, an d ordained, 1846. He was pastor at Northumberland, Pa., adding Lewisburg to his parish, 1850; Aaronsburg, Centre County, Pa., with three con- nected congregations, 1852-56; Hanover in connection with St. Paul's and St. Jacob's, 1857-65 ; Littlestown, Spring Grove, York, 1882. He was at one time Presi- dent of the West Pennsylvania Synod, and had con- ferred upon him the degree of D.D. He married, Oc- tober 15, 1846, Catharine E. Sheliman, and died Decem- ber, 1897. Altpeter, Peter, pastor of St. John's, Catawissa, Pa., since April 1898, a son of Peter and Martha Elizabeth Altpeter, was born at Rochester, N. Y., May 7, 1868. He entered the Sophomore class at Thiel College, Greenville, Pa., having prepared under the direction of his pastor, 206 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. the Rev. J. E. Whitteker, graduating June, 1892, the sal- utatorian of his class. He graduated from the Theolog- ical Seminary ait Philadelphia, 1895, and was ordained the same year by the Ministerium of New York. He also took a two years' course in Philosophy at the University of Pennsylvania. He was pastor of Trinity congregation, Rochester, N. Y., 1895-8. He married Rozetta Julia Hogue, January 15, 1896, of Greenville, Pa. • Anspach, John Melanchthon, D.D., pastor of Trin- ity, Danville, Pa., 1868-72, son of the Rev. John George, and Susan Wolf Anspach, was born in Miffliniburg, Union County, Pa., January 13, 1841. He prepared for college in the Academy at Mifflinburg, and graduated with honor from Wittenberg College, Springfield, O., in 1 86 1 ; received his theological training in Missionary In- stitute, now Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, Pa., and was ordained in 1863. His first pastoral service was as the assistant of his father, and his pastorates after that at Danville were: St. Matthew's, Reading, Pa., 1872-7; Christ, Easton, Pa., 1877-92; St. Paul's, Williamsport, Pa., since 1892. He was Secretary of the Central Synod of Pennsylvania, of the Second Conference of the Min- isterium of Pennsylvania, 1883-7, an d of the Ministerium itself the English Secretary, 1888-92. He married, June 27, 1865, Lydia Catharine, daughter of the Rev. J. C. Bucher, D.D., of the German Reformed Church, at Pottsville, Pa. In 1890 he received the degree of D.D. from the Missionary Institute, Selinsgrove, Pa. Anstadt, Peter, D.D., pastor of the First Lutheran church, Selinsgrove, Pa., 1860-3, son °f Peter and Eliz- abeth (Altman) Anstadt, was born November 19, 1819, in Germany. He came with his parents to America and settled at Muncy, Pa., 1830; graduated from Pennsylva- BIOGRAPHIES. 207 nia College, Gettysburg, Pa., 1844, and from the Theo- logical Seminary in 1846. His pastorates were : Holli- daysburg, Pa., 1846-8; Luther Chapel (now Third church), Baltimore, Aid., 1848-51 ; St. James', Gettys- burg, Pa., 1851-60; Selinsgrove, Pa., 1860-70; York, Pa., since 1870. For eleven years he published "Der Luther- ische Kirohenbote," and its English successor, "The American Lutheran," for thirteen years. He publishes Sunday-school lesson helps, and is the author of a num- ber of books. In 1889 he received the degree of D.D. from his Alma Mater. He married Miss E. A. Benson, December 22, 1853. Bahl, Isaiah, pastor of the territory of what are now the' Berwick and Mainville parishes, 1830-62, was born in Berks County, Pa., February 6, 1803. He was licensed by the Ministerinm in 1825, and ordained in 1828. He labored at Newport, 1825-8; Wilkes-Barre, Pa., 1828-30, and is reported to have had a wide but secular influence. Fie died March 6, 1862, at Berwick, where, in 1832, he had been married to a Mass Snyder. Barnitz, Frederick Augustus, son of John E. and Elizabeth Barnitz, was burn September 4, 1821, in York, Pa. He graduated from Pennsylvania College, Gettys- burg, Pa., 1842, studied theology in the Seminary at the same place, and was licensed in 1844. He was pastor at Jersey Shore, Pa., 1845-9; Bloody Run (Everett), Pa., 1849-52; Smicksburg, Pa., 1852-5 ; Lairdsville, Pa., 1855- 61 ; Ashland, Pa., 1861-3. Owing to impaired health he retired from the active ministry, at Middletown, Pa., where he died, August 19, 1889. He was twice married: March 9, 1846, to Sarah J. Babb, Jersey Shore ; Novem- ber 13, 1866, to Dora Reimsnyder, Hummelstown, Pa. Barr, William Penn, son of Francis A. and Lizzie 208 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. Anna Barr, was born at Mauch Chunk, Pa., February 16, 1867. He graduated from Muhlenberg College, Allen- town, Pa., 1896, and is now a member of the Senior class at the Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. He mar- ried Laura Mary Swab, Elizabethville, Pa., March 25, 1890. .Bayer, John Frederick, pastor of the Mahanoy par- ish, 1869-70, and again 1881-6, was born in Germany, December 20, 1826. In the spring of 1852 he emigrated to America and settled at Orwigsburg, Pa., where he held the position of teacher and organist, and where he married Johanne Brandle, August 11, 1852. He became a colporteur of the American Tract Society, and while thus engaged prepared for the ministry, and was or- dained by the East Pennsylvania Synod, 1856. He was called to the Middleport parish, and in 1861 was re- ceived into the Ministerium, together with his congrega- tion at Tamaqua, Pa., with which congregation he con- tinued till 1868. After spending about a year in the Mahanoy parish he returned to Tamaqua, and at the end of his second pastorate at Mahanoy, he retired from the 'active ministry, at Philadelphia, where he died early in T887. Beilharz, John J., a traveling missionary in Lycom- ing and Tioga Counties, 1825-6, was licensed ,by the Min- isterium in 1824. In 1827 he went to Seneca County, New York, and in 1842 he was dismissed to the Ohio Synod. Berg, Andrew, pastor of the Trevorton parish, with residence at Sunbury, Pa., 1874-7, was born in the Pa- latinate, Germany, and received his education in Penn- syvania College and Theological Seminary at Gettys- burg, Pa., being licensed in 1842. He served congrega- BIOGRAPHIES. 209 tions at Liverpool, 1842-3; Shrewsbury, 1843-73; anc ^ from Sunbury he went to- Leacock, Lancaster County, Pa., where he died, February 7, 1884. He was married in 1842, to Eliza Williams, of York County, Pa. Bergner, John G. Chr. August, was born March 28, 1806, in Thaldorf, Principality Schwarzburg Rudelstadt, Germany. He emigrated to America in 1837, teaching school for a 'nurflber of years, and studying theology un- der the Rev. A. T. Geissenhainer, being licensed by the President of Synod ad interim, November 17, 1843. He was ordained at Orwigsburg, Pa., June 10, 1846, and served the congregationls now constituting the Line Mountain and Mahanoy parishes from that time till his death, October 26, i860. From 1850 till his end he also served Simeon's at Gratz. Six new churches were built in his parish during his pastorate, viz., St. Paul's, another St. Paul's (formerly Mahanoy school house), St. Peter's, in Northumberland County ; St. John's, Artz's at Sacramento, and St. Matthew's, in Dauphin County. At his birthplace he was married, May 26,1834, to Maria Amelia Augusta Feldtroppe. His remains are buried at Himmel's (Schwbben Creek) church. Binninger, John Jacob (or Benninger), pastor on the territory of the Numidia and Mainville parishes, 1827-46, with his residence at Nescopeck before 1831, and after that time at Conyngham, Luzerne County. At least some of his former congregations were retained on his re- moval to Conyngham, where he died about 1846-7. Braunwarth, W., having come to us from the Ohio Synod, was pastor of Zion congregation, Jersey Shore, Pa., 1878-9, while he was pastor of the German Imman- uel's church, Williamsport, Pa., from which congregation 210 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. he led away some members and organized a new congre- gation in the same city. • Breinig, Alfred Lewis, pastor of the Trevorton par- ish, 1887-93, son °f Edwin L. and Catharine Breinig, was born at Egypt, Lehigh County, P'a., April 25, i860. He was a student at the Keystone State Normal School, Kutztown, Pa., 1878-80, graduated from Muhlenberg College, Allentown, Pa., 1884, and from the Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, 1887, being ordained by the Ministerium the same year. Since 1893 he serves the Bowmanstown parish, Carbon County, Pa. He was mar- ried in 1888 to Annie S. Keefer. Breininger, H., was pastor in Snyder County, Pa.. his name appearing at Christ (Hassinger's) as well as at St. Peter's congregations, Freeburg, about 1866-74. - Bruning, Herman Henry, pastor of the First church, Selinsgrove, Pa., 1872-4, son of Herman Henry Bruning and Margaret Sophia, nee Daunettel, was born at Balti- more, Md., May 17, 1835. He graduated from the Bal- timore City College, 1851 ; engaged in teaching German, French, Spanish and Greek, preparing students for the Junior class at various colleges, 1851-65 ; eighteen months were spent as book-keeper on a large slave farm ; founded and conducted Conestogo Collegiate Institute for Young Ladies in Lancaster, Pa., 1865-70; studied theology privately and was ordained to the ministry at Frederick, Md., October, i860; served missions in Balti- more and supplied vacant congregations till 1865 ; Stras- burg, 1866-71, and Millersville, both in Lancaster County, Pa., 1868-72; First English church (now Luther Memorial), Erie, Pa., 1874-80; St. Paul's, White Ha- ven, Pa., since 1881. He was Secretary of the Fifth (now Danville) Conference, 1874-5 ; Trustee of Thiel Col- BIOGRAPHIES. 211 lege, Greenville, Pa., and President of the Northern Con- ference of the Pittsburg Synod, both between 1877-80; Secretary of the old Second Conference of the Mkiis- terium and first President of the Wilkes-Barre Confer- ence, 1894-5. He married Frances, daughter of Jacob Gable, of Lancaster, Pa., September 23, 1873. Bockstahler was pastor at Jersey Shore, Pa., 1867-9, after which he went to New York State. * Boyer, Simon R., was pastor of the Turbotville parish, 1846-59, when he removed to Lancaster County, Pa., serving the congregations at Leacock, Bergstrass, Muddy Creek, Centre, Voganville and Reamstown, where, through his efforts, a parsonage was procured at Hinkletown. In i860 he resigned Leacock, serving the remainder of the congregations till 1868, when he as- sumed charge of the Lyons parish, Berks County, which he served till suspended for misbehavior, 1873. He was restored 1874, and died in Philadelphia about 1878-9. ,*■ Clymer, Henry - Treichler, pastor Trevorton parish. 1879-82, son of Henry S. Clymer and Lavina, nee Treich- ler, was born in Milford Township, Bucks County, Pa., April 6, 1853. He attended the Quakertown Academy, 1 870- 1, taught school several terms, and graduated from Muhlenberg College, Allentown, Pa., 1876, sharing sec- ond honor with Charles F. Camp. He graduated from the Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, 1879, an d the same year was ordained by the Ministerium. At the conclusion of his pastorate at Trevorton he spent a year regaining his lost health, after which he was pastor at Sand Cut, Wayne County, Pa., 1883-5 ; Seven Valley parish, York County, Pa., 1885-90; Frackville, Pa., since 1890. November 11, 1886, he married Kate Idella Springer, of Phoenixville, Pa. 212 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. Cornman, William O., son of Jonathan and Anna M. (Embich) Cornman, was born February i, 1841, at Carlisle, Pa. H'e graduated from Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa., 1862, and the following August enlisted in the army, serving in Company A, 130th Pennsylvania Volunteers, was wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., and honorably discharged May 21, 1863. He studied theology in the Seminary at Gettysburg, Pa., 1863, and later in the Seminary at Philadelphia, from which he graduated in 1866, being ordained the same year by the Ministerium. His parishes were: Trinity, Danville, Pa., 1867-8; Lu- nenberg, Nova' Scotia, 1868-9; Grace church, Phillips- burg, N. J., 1872-3. While being assistant pastor of Christ church, Easton, Pa., laboring particularly among the colored people, he also engaged in teaching in Trach's Academy. Principal of the Eclectic Academy, Phillipsburg, N. J., 1879-81. He now lives in retirement in Reading, Pa., where he married Mary A. Monyer, June 20, 1867. Darmstetter, Jacob, pastor First Lutheran church, Lock Haven, Pa., 1885-93, son °f tne R ev - J- A- an< ^ Mary A. Darmstetter, was born at Lancaster, Pa., March 27, 1863. He graduated from Concordia College, Spring- field, 111., 1882, and from the Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, 1885. Since 1893 he is the pastor of Para- dise Lutheran church, York County, Pa., since 1896, also the assistant to his father as pastor of St. Paul's, Columbia, Pa., and of Concordia, near Columbia, and since 1897 also pastor of Salem, Rohrerstown, Pa. He married Mary E. Fab el, of Lock Haven, Pa., March 4, 1886. Dietsch, L., (also written Ditsch and Dietsche), for three months traveling missionary in the vicinity of Pine BIOGRAPHIES. 213 Valley and Klingerstown, Schuylkill County, Pa., with residence at the Block House, Tioga County, 1833-5, came to this country from Germany, an ordained min- ister, 1832, but was not received into the Ministerium till 1834. He moved to New Hanover, Montgomery County, Pa., in the year 1835-6, where he seems to have had no congregations, and in 1842 resumed work in Ti- oga County, serving Peace, Salem and Zion congrega- tions, apparently the Block House charge, formerly served by the Rev. Peixoto. He died in the year 1843, at the age of 46 years. J. W. Early. Dimm, Jonathan Rose, D.D., pastor German Dan- ville parish, 1862-4, was born in Lycoming County, Pa., August 28, 1830. He graduated from Pennsylvania Col- lege, Gettysburg, Pa., 1857; studied theology privately; was licensed, 1859; pastor at Bloomsburg, Pa., 1859-67; Barren Hill, Pa., 1867-71 ; Corresponding Secretary Board of Publication, 1871-2 ; pastor Messiah church, Philadelphia, 1872-4; Principal Lutherville Female Sem- inary, 1874-80; Principal Pickering Institute, Kimber- ton, Pa., and now the President of Susquehanna Univer- sity, Selinsgrove, Pa. Married Mary C. Hill, Hughes- ville, Pa., May 31, 1859. Druckenmiller, George D., son of Enos and Eliza- beth (Desh) Druckenmiller, was born at Hereford, Berks County, Pa., February 26, 1864. He graduated from Muhlenberg College in 1894, having received his prepar- atory training in the Academic Department of the same institution, studied theology in the Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, graduating in 1897, and being ordained the same year by the Ministerium of Pennsylvania. He at once assumed charge of the Freeburg parish, which he 214 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. serves to the present. He married Ella J. Lerch, of Al- lentown,- Pa., September 8, 1897. Drumheller, Clayton Kulp, pastor at Pillow, Pa., 1883-4; Danville English parish, 1887-90, son of George M. and Elizabeth (Kulp) Drumheller, was born at East Coventry, Chester County, Pa., May 8, 1855. He attend- ed the Kallenian Academy, Boyertown, Pa., 1870-77, graduated from the Theological Seminary at Philadel- phia, 1880, and was ordained the same year by the Min- isterium. Pastor at Hamburg, Pa., 1880-3 > Tamaqua, Pa., English, 1884-7 > Ringtown, Pa., 1890-93 ; Mulberry and Fair Haven, Ind., 1893-6; Roseville, O., 1896. In 1896 he received the degree of M.D. from the Illinois University, and in 1897 that of Ph.D. from the same in- stitution. He now holds the position of Medical Exam L iner of the Medical Congress, Chicago, 111. June 1, 1882, he married Etta A. Wagner, of Hamburg, Pa. , Dry, Charles Funk, pastor of the Mainville parish since 1890, son of John K. and Hannah (Funk) Dry, was born in Rockland Township, Berks County, Pa., June 2, 1851. He graduated in the Elementary Course at the Keystone State Normal School, Kutztown, Pa., 1874, after which he devoted himself to teaching for a period of eleven years, ten in his native county. He held the posi- tion of Superintendent of the Model School in the Key- stone State Normal, 1884-90. He took the regular course in theology in the Seminary at Philadelphia, graduating in 1890. November 14, 1874, he married Mary Ann Mast. Early, John William, pastor at Selinsgrove, Pa., 1868-70; Pillow, Pa., 1870-5; Danville, Pa., German, 1875-83; Trevorton, Pa., 1883-7; Jersey Shore, Pa., 1889 -93, is a son of William and Leah (Dutweiler) Early, and BIOGRAPHIES. 215 was born near Palmyra, Lebanon County, Pa., Septem- ber 3, 1835. He entered the Preparatory Department of Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, Pa., 1852, gradu- ated from the College, 1857, and, after spending a year in regaining lost health, he entered the Theological Sem- inary at the same place, 1858, and was ordained by the Ministerium of Pennsylvania, i860. His pastorates, be- sides those on the territory of the Danville Conference, were at Leacock, 1860-6; Elizabethtown, 1866-8; Mil- lersville, 1887-9, an m Lancaster County, Pa. From Jersey Shore he removed, in 1893, to Reading, Pa., where he still resides, active, though not serving any par- ish. He married Jane M., daughter of the Rev. L. G. Eggers, of Stouchsburg, Pa., January 8, 1861. He was Secretary of the Lancaster Conference, 1861-8, and of the Fifth (now Danville) Conference of the Ministerium of Pennsylvania, 1869-74. Of the latter he was the Pres- ident, 1874-7 and 1880-3, an d of the Ministerium itself he was the English Secretary, 1886-8. He also filled the offices of Member of the Board of Trustees of Muhlen- berg College, Allentown, Pa., 1877-86; Director of the Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, 1886-9; Delegate to General Council, 1886, '88. He is a regular contributor to "The Lutheran" since its establishment, as well as to the other periodicals of our branch of the Lutheran Church. He published a Map and Chart of the Fifth (now Danville) Conference of the Ministerium of Penn- sylvania, 1894, and is a contributor to the new series of Sunday School Literature qf the General Council. Eberts,. Edwin H., since 1892 pastor of the Turbot- ville parish, son of Charles and Hetty Eberts, was born in Monroe Township, Northampton County, Pa., October 5, 1861. He was a student of Muhlenberg College, Al- lentown, Pa., relinquishing his studies at the end of the 216 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME, Sophomore year. He held the office of Justice of the Peace, 1888-91, during which time he studied theology under the direction of the Rev. Prof. William Wacker- nagel, D.D., Allentown, Pa., which studies he finished in the Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, being ordain- ed by the Mmisterium in 1892. He married Eva D. Ap- pel, Bingen, Pa. Eggers, Lewis Gustavus, son of Henry Eggers and wife Charlotte, nee Lambrecht, was born at Luten, Han- over, Germany, February 14, 1805. He attended the par- ochial school until between 13 and 14 years of age, when he was confirmed. He was then apprenticed to a book- binder, but before his apprenticeship was' completed, his parents emigrated to America, in the Spring of 1822. His mother died soon after their arrival at New York and lies buried there. For a time he worked at his trade at Hagerstown, Md. Subsequently he carried on the trade in his own name. Seeing that there was a great want of ministers in our Church, he determined to devote his life to the preaching of the Gospel. In 1829 he en- tered the Gymnasium at Gettysburg. At the end of two years he entered the Seminary and spent three years there. June 19, 1835, he was licensed by the "German Ev. Luth. Ministerium of Penna. and Adjacent States" to serve the Lutheran congregations in the Nittany and Sugar Vialleys, Centre County, Pa., Rev. J. P. Hecht, President, and Rev. B. Keller, Secretary. As he could more conveniently attend the meetings of the West Pennsylvania Synod, he had -his license renewed by the officers of that body, President, J. G. Schmucker and Secretary, Rev. G. A. Reichart, until first Sunday in Oc- tober, 1836. December 4 of the same year he was ordain- ed by a special Conference of that body, Rev. W. Yeager, President, and G. A. Reichert, Secretary, at Water BIOGRAPHIES. 217 Street, Huntingdon County. The writer has the docu- ments in his possession, the former German, and the lat- ter English. He continued to serve this field for twelve years. He had previously received a call to Mifflinville, Columbia County, but could not see his way clear to ac- cept. He preached at Loganton, Brumchord's, and pos- sibly at Tylersville, in Sugar Valley ; at Salona, Snyder- town, Zion, and Bellefonte in Nittany Valley, at the "Loop" Church, and, if we mistake not, at Balsburg in Penn's Valley, — a territory more than thirty miles in length and from ten to twenty in width. The church at Bellefonte was organized by him, and a lot purchased from Mr. McConnel, for the erection of a Union church. Frequently he left home between 4 and 5 a. m., riding eighteen to twenty miles before reaching his appointment at the "Loop," eating his breakfast, which he carried in the saddle-bag, as he rode along, reaching home between 9 and 10 p. m., having spent the entire day, except during the hours of service, in the saddle. He also preached regularly in a number of school houses. In the Fall of 1846 he received a call to the newly or- ganized Palmyra parish, which he accepted. In April, 1847, ne removed thither. While there he served the Palmyra, Campbellstown, Bindnagel's, and Shell's churches, which composed the charge. He also organ- ized the congregation at Union Deposit and supplied Sandy Hollow. During his pastorate the parsonage at Palmyra was also built. In the Fall of 1851, the Stouchsburg charge, lately served by Rev. D. Ulrich, consisting of Christ or Tulpe- hocken and Rehrersburg in Berks County, and New- manstown and Muehlbach (Millcreek) in Lebanon Coun- ty, extended him a call, Which he accepted. He also served Myerstown during the greater part of his stay 218 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME, here. Under him the present church was erected. He also served Womelsdorf for several years, and the Zion's or Re'ed's church for a year or two. Having now spent sixteen years in this laborious field, in April, 1867, he retired from the active ministry and re- moved to his old home in Centre County to enjoy much needed rest, although the Rehrersburg congregation urged him to remain and serve that congregation alone. He had resided here but a short time when his beloved wife Lydia, nee Schaefifer, whom he had married Febru- ary 6, 1838, died suddenly, October 16, 1868, being ill but four days. Being thus left alone, and his residence here being made very unpleasant by the pernicious activity of some so-called New Lutherans, apparently endorsed and en- couraged by the pastor in charge, he determined to re- sume the active duties of the ministry. Having received and accepted a call to the Trevorton charge, he entered upon his duties in the Spring of 1869. He took up his residence about three miles east of Sunbury and served the three congregations, — Emanuel's at Lantz, now transferred to Wolf's Cross Road, Elias, at Hallan Run, and Emanuel's at Trevorton. He served these people faithfully for two years and was beloved by them. In the Spring of 1871 he received an urgent call to return to his former field at Palmyra, and accepted it. He contin- ued to serve this field nearly four years, when he retired permanently from active service as a regular pastor, still preaching occasionally. He supplied Walmer's, a part of the Lickdale charge, for atime. In 1872 he contract- ed a second marriage with Mrs. Elizabeth B. Kettering, nee Harper. During the month of October, 1882, he set out to visit his former people of the Trevorton charge. But owing BIOGRAPHIES. 219 to delay of trains at Harrisburg, he was compelled to turn back.' It worried him greatly. A few weeks afterward, he made the trip, and although afflicted with serious heart troubles, he preached in two of the churches, — Lamtz's and Hallan Run. On Monday morning Miss S. Kaufman, confirmed by him during his pastorate, con- veyed him to a point about 300 to 400 yards from Selins- grove Junction. The exertion of the walk, coupled with the labors of the previous day, and the incident excite- ment proved too much. Having purchased a ticket, he sat down and expired instantly, closing a long career of activity and useful labors. His remains repose in the cemetery at Palmyra, with many of those to whom he administered the consolations of the Gospel. J. W. Early. Eggers, H., pastor of the congregations at Jersey Shore and Cogan Station, Pa., 1874-8, had for a time been professor in Hagerstown Female Seminary, and was received into the Ministerium in 1872. He was pas- tor of the German Church, Carlisle, Pa.. T872-4, and of the German Church at Phillipsburg, N. J., from 1878 till his death in the Winter of 1879-80. Eister, G, was recommended to Synod by the Rev. J. N. Hemping for licensure, 1822, which was, however, •not granted for want of efficiency in literary attainments, till 1824, after which he served congregations at Deep Creek, Roaring Creek and Bolkh's, adding two other congregations. In 1827 he is found at Conyngham, Pa., and in 1828 his request for a dismissal from the Min- isterium was granted, and trace of him is lost. J. W. Early. Engel, John Frederick, was licensed in 1810, and was pastor from that date to 1818, of St. James' congre- 220 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. Ration, Mahoning, Pa., now a part of the Danville Ger- man parish, together with five other congregations, with his residence at Bloomsburg. Of the Turbotville parish he was also pastor, 1815-17. In 181 1 the Ministerium, by resolution, expressed doubt as to the propriety of his renewal of license, still, on June 12, 1816, he was ordain- ed a Deacon (an inferior order of ministers), and in 1819- 20 he lived at Hamburg, Pa., pastor of seven congrega- tions, apparently influential and honored, having under his instruction the catechete Gottlieb Jaeger. He died at New Holland, Pa., where he had been pastor, April to August, 1823. • Enterline, John Michael, was born in Bavaria, Germany, 1726. He was educated in the University at Leipzig. He married, November 1, 1760 ; came to Amer- ica, 1768; was pastor at Indianfield, etc., 1768-70; we find him at Hummelstown, 1771, where he remained sev- eral years ; he took up two hundred and fifty acres of land in Lykens Valley, October 6, 1773, but was driven back by the Indians. He served St. John's, Lykens Val- ley, 1773-93, an 'd most proba'bly organized the congrega- tion. He also served Hassinger's (Christ), 1785-90; Botschaft's about as long; Rau's (Salem), as an occa- sional supply; Himmel's (Schwaben Creek), 1773-87. It is altogether probable that he also served Werth's, Fet- terhoff's, Dreisbach's, etc., as he was the only Lutheran pastor in that section, and these were nearly all organ- ized about that time. Some claim that he came as an ordained minister, but Muhlenberg calls him a catechist, and the Synod always records him among candidates. He died March 6, 1800, and is buried at St. John's church in Lykens Valley. J. W. Early. Erle, Carl Ludwig, was 'born March 10, 1805, at BIOGRAPHIES. 221 Muenden, Hanover, Germany. On Easter, 1819, he was confirmed. He arrived at New York, May 24, 1824. After spending some time in teaching, he was licensed by the Evangelical Lutheran Ministerium of Pennsylvania, June 17, 1840, at Sunbury, and ordained, May 21, 1845, at Reading. September 8, 1840, he was joined in mat- rimony to Miss Esther Huntzinger. They had n>ine chil- dren, eight sons and one daughter. He died August 10, 1891, survived by four of the sons, the daughter, and their mother. It was while engaged as a school teacher in the charge of Rev. Binninger, then located at Conyngham, that his attention was directed to the ministry by his pastor. Under bis direction, he seems to have preached about a year before he applied for a license. That portion of Sul- livan County, them Lycoming, in which he commenced his labors, and where he spent his entire ministry, nearly thirty-four years in active service and nineteen in retire- ment, was an almost trackless wilderness, here and there a clearing or a few cultivated fields, when he entered tip- on his work. Occasional services had been held at intervals for prob- ably fifteen to twenty years prior to his arrival. Rev. Beilharz had traversed the field and ministered to our scattered members as a travelling missionary in 1826. Rev. Dietsch had labored in Cherry, or the Loyalsock, from 1833-1835, and the Synod had made an appropria- tion from its funds towards the completion of the church. Even prior to this, Revs. Kessler, of Bloomsburg, and Miller, apparently C. P., of Milton, had visited the field, and some one, probably Rev. Binninger, had confirmed a class of twelve catechumens in 1836. Although licensed in the Summer of 1840, Rev. Erie evidently came among those people and preached a year 222 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. earlier, May, 1839. As soon as he was licensed, steps were taken to have the old Friedens (Peace) church re- stored. The first service was held by Rev. Erie, May 26, 1839, in Hollacher's school house, about one mile south of the old Zion's Church. The following Sunday he preached at Bahr's school house, one mile south of Dushore. Two years later he commenced preaching at Heverly's settlement, now Overton, about eight miles northwest of Dushore. This afterwards passed into the hands of the Reformed. November, 1845, h e commenc- ed preaching at a point on the North Mountain, Fair- mount, and about the same time, or a short time prior, at Ballatemer, between Lopez and the present Bella Syl- va. When the German colony, known as "Deutsch Co^ lumbia," was founded, the place of worship was trans- ferred to that point. St. Matthew's Church, at Bella Sylva, is still standing, but without a congregation. He continued to serve this part of the field — ten to fifteen miles southeast of Dushore — from fifteen to eighteen years. He organized St. John's, Wiknot Township. Bradford County, about 1844. It is about six miles northeast of Dushore, and between eight aind nine miles from the original Peace Church. It was rebuilt, 1873. 1852-1853 he organized Zion's, about midway between Peace and St. John's on the State road from Dushore to Wyalusing. After laboring in this hard field in a ter- ritory larger than the whole of Lebanon County, about 34 years, travelling to many of his appointments, we think we could safely say to most of them, afoot, he retir- ed from the active ministry. After spending the remain- ing eighteen years in retirement, in obscurity and in pov- erty, after a life of toil and of privation, being maintained in great part by a widowed sister, during his retirement, he calmly fell asleep on Monday, August 10, 1891, at the BIOGRAPHIES. 223 ripe age of 86 years and three months. On Wednesday, the 12th, his remains were committed to the tomb, ad- dresses being delivered by Revs. S. Wenrich and J. W. Early. J. W. Early. Erlenmeyer, Charles Gustavus, or "Father Er- lenmeyer" as he is still affectionately spoken of by a host of friends in the community in which he spent nearly the whole of his long and useful ministerial life, was born at Boensheim, Leonburg County, Kingdom of Wuer- temberg, Germany, February 18, 1808. He was a son of Balthasar and Dorotha Sophia Erlenmeyer, baptized in early infancy and confirmed as a member of the Lu- theran Church, at the age of fourteen, by the Rev. Geo. Roessler. He received his educational training at Stutt- gart, where he remained four years, and at the Univer sity of Tuebingen, where he studied Theology. After nine years of special and patient study, he entered the holy ministry.. He left his native country in 1832, and, after a stormy voyage, landed at Baltimore, October 9, 1832. During the following Summer (1833) he began his labors in the Liverpool, New Buffalo, Wild Cat and St. Michael's congregations, in Perry County, and at McAl- isterville, in Juniata County. In the Fall of the same year he was licensed to preach by the West Pennsylvania Synod, at Mdfflinburg, Pa., and ordained by the same Synod, in 1835, at Mechanicsburg. In 1836 he also be- came the pastor of the congregation at Fremont, in Sny- der County. He became pastor of the Freeburg parish in 1857, which at that time embraced the larger part of the present Snyder County. He remained in connection with synods of the General Synod until 1869, when he was dismissed by the Central Pennsylvania Synod to unite with the Ministerium of Pennsvlvania. He enter- 224 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. ed the latter in 1870, at the convention at Pottsville, with his entire parish. He was pastor of the Freeburg parish for thirty-four years, until the end of his life. He preach- ed his last sermon on Sunday, February 20, 1876, on the text Luke 8:4-15, "The Parable of the Sower." He died at Freeburg, March 6, 1876, at the age of 68 years and 16 days. "His death caused the profoundest sorrow in the community where he lived, and among the members of his congregations. He was a faithful pastor, a courteous gentleman, an earnest, sincere minister, a man of amia- ble disposition, and suavity of manners. His peaceable ..disposition was proverbial, and he seemed to realize to the fullest extent, 'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.' " His funeral ser- vice was held at Freeburg and his body interred in the cemetery near the church. At least fifteen hundred peo- ple attended the service, Revs. J. G. Anspach, J. W. Early, E. L. Reed and P. Born, Lutheran clergymen, and Revs. W. A. Haas and L. G. Edmonds, of the Re- formed Church, officiating. Funeral services were held, and discourses delivered, in all the churches connected with the Freeburg parish, subsequent to his burial, by the pastors on the Reformed side, in charge of the same. A beautiful monument of Italian marble was erected over his grave by the members of his congregations and his numerous friends. "His was indeed a busy pastorate. His careful and neatly kept diary showed the following record of his min- istry : Infant baptisms, 5273 ; adults, 185 ; confirmations, 2013 ; weddings, 1395 ; funeral sermons preached, 2228. The last record in his diary is February 22, recording a visit to a sick member of his congregation. He was as- siduous in his visitations of the sick. At all hours, in all kinds of weather, he responded to the calls of his sacred BIOGRAPHIES. 225 office. His fervent prayers, the hymns he sang, and his selections from God's Word, were always appropriate for the sick room. He was passionately fond of church music, and he had a strong voice, which could be distinc- ly heard above all the rest, especially when he led the congregation in German hymns. He was a ripe scholar and a man of excellent literary taste, of refined senti- ments and cultivated mind, carefully and classically ed- ucated, yet modest and unassuming. He manifested an interest in the cause of education, and he was president of the Freeburg Academy a number of years. The poor and needy found in him a devoted friend. Trouble and distress always enlisted his warmest sympathy and gen- erous aid. His benefactions often brightened the homes of the poor and needy." He was married to Catharine Steel, of New Buffalo, Pa., who survives him, and re- sides at Freeburg. Espig, Christian, (also Espich and Espith), was li- censed by the Ministerium of Pennsylvania, 1791, on his renunciation of the ordination received from Inspector Goetz in Germany, being placed under the supervision of the Revs. Weinland and Roeller; 1793 the license was renewed by Synod, and again in 1794, but for the con- gregations at Sunbury, Pa., Penn's Hill (Penny Hill probably), and Buffalo, Northumberland County; 1795 he was serving in addition, Aaronsburg, Brush Valley, Beaver Creek and Mahanoy. From this time on he no longer attended Synod. Subsequently he went to Fay- ette County, Pa., and ultimately to Ohio. J. W. Early. •Eyer, William J. The parents of Rev Ever came from Germany, and settled for a time in Lebanon Coun- ty, Pa., where Rev. Eyer was born, January 4, 1803. 226 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. Some time after this, his parents moved to Snyder Coun- ty, Pa., a short distance below Selins Grove, on a farm, where W. J. Eyer was raised, and became acquainted with farm life. But this was not to his taste, and he could not think of becoming a farmer. His inclinations were to become a minister, but how to procure the re- quired education was a difficulty ; for at that time colleges and theological seminaries in our own Church were but few in this country. But this did not prevent our young man from making an 'effort. He attended the best schools available, after which he put himself for further instruc- tion in literature, and more especially in Theology, un- der the instruction of Rev. Dr. Frederick W. Geisenhei- ner, then pastor of congregations in East Vincent, Ches- ter County, Pa. Here Mr. Eyer remained (not known how long) until Dr. Geisenheiner moved to New York City, whither Mr. Eyer accompanied him to further his studies, which came to a close, September, 1825, when he was received as a minister into the Evangelical Lu- theran Ministerium of New York. Whilst a student in New York City, our young pastor became acquainted with Miss Charlotte, daughter of F. C. Havemeyer, Sr., who established in company with his brother William, the first sugar refinery in New York, which is now conducted on a large scale by F. C. Have- meyer's grand children, at the head of which stands Mr. H. O. Havemeyer. This acquaintance with Miss Char- lotte ended in marriage, which took place on May 7, 1829, after which they moved to Rhinebeck, Dutchess County, N. Y., where Rev. Eyer had four years before taken charge of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, in which he successfully labored for twelve years. In the Fall of 1837 he received and accepted a call from several congrega- tions in and about Catawissa, Columbia County, Pa. At BIOGRAPHIES. 227 one time he served in this charge as many as six congre- gations, preaching in most of them in both languages, German and English. He established a flourishing Ger- man Church in Danville, Montour County, Pa. He also organized the second, or St. Matthew's English Church in Catawissa in 1845, which he served until 1862, and then resigned. The territory over which Rev. Eyer trav- eled and the number of congregations (6) he served, are now traversed and served by five pastors, and the Ger- man language is but little used in any of them save the Danville congregation. Rev. Eyer in his long pastorate of nearly fifty years, had but two charges, — first, Rhine- beck, for twelve years, and Catawissa thirty-seven years. This was the best evidence both of his ability and popu- larity as a Gospel minister. When St. John's congrega- tion (Catawissa) erected, a few years since, their new church, they had the name of their old pastor, Rev. W. J. Eyer, inscribed on the large front window in his mem- ory. So also did St. Matthew's (Catawissa) when that church was remodeled, place his name in the large front window. This shows that his memory is yet in the hearts of his many friends. As we are all probationers here be- low, so was our brother, whose end came in a sad and painful manner, through injuries inflicted by his horse in the stable. Just how is not known. It occurred on the 6th of February, 1874, and he died on the 9th of the same month, aged 71 years, 1 month and 4 days. The news of his sad death soon spread over the whole community, far and near, which brought a large concourse of his parish- ioners, as well as others, to look upon the face of their beloved pastor for the last time. His funeral took place on Thursday, the 12th of February, 1874, conducted by Revs. Horine and A. T. Geisenheiner. After service at the house, his body was taken to Bloomsburg, where a 228 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. funeral sermon was delivered by Rev. A. T. Geisenhei- ner, after which his remains were buried in Blaomsburg cemetery. Well can we say of the departed, "The mem- ory of the just is blessed," and "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth ; yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors : and their works do follow them." D. M. Henkel. •Fahs, Joseph Frederick, pastor of St. Mark's, Wil- liamsport, Pa., 1857-62, son of Samuel and Catharine Fahs, was born at York, Pa., January 18, 1825. He stu- died theology under the Rev. Joseph A. Seiss, D.D., LL.D. ; was ordained by the Maryland Synod, 1852 ; served pastorates at Hancock, Md., 1852-5 ; Newtown, Va., 1857; St. John's, Allentown, Pa., 1862-72; Akron, O., 1872-82; Canton, O., since 1882. He was professor of History in Muhlenberg College, Allentown, Pa., 1867- 70. May 9, 1854, he married Emma, daughter of the Rev. Henry S. Miller. • Felty, J., hailed from the vicinity of Klingerstown, Pa., and was brought to the notice of the Ministerium for licensure as early as 1831, by the Rev. J. N. Hemp- ing, which was at first refused, but after a number of years, was granted. He served congregations in Schuyl- kill County, Pa., and ended his days in the vicinity of Pine Grove, Pa. • Fogleman, David Laucks, pastor of the German Danville parish, since April, 1888, son of Mahlon and Elizabeth (Laucks) Fogleman, was born at Womelsdorf, Pa., November 14, 1861. He studied in Palatinate Col- lege, Myerstown, Pa., and Ursinus College, Collegeville, Pa., from which latter institution he graduated, 1884. He studied theology in the Seminary at Philadelphia, graduating in 1887, and was ordained the same year. BIOGRAPHIES. 229 Before assuming his present field of labor, he engaged in missionary work for a short period, in Minneapolis, Minn. He married Ella A. Keiser, of Womelsdorf, Pa., April 21, 1892. Fox, William Beiterman, pastor of what are now the Berwick and Mainville parishes, 1862-8, son of Jonas and Susanna (Beiterman) Fox, was born at Congo, Montgomery County, Pa., October 21, 1837. He pur- sued preparatory studies at Freeland Seminary (now Ur- sinus College), and Frederick Seminary, 1856-8, and graduated from the Theological Seminary, Gettysburg, Pa., 1862. Since his removal from the territory of the Danville Conference in 1868, he has been pastor of the Sumneytown parish, Montgomery County, Pa. He mar- ried Lizzie F. Mack, June 5, 1864. Fridrici, M. Carl jolomon, appears as the pastor of the congregations of the Berwick parish about 1807, his signature having been found by the present pastor in an old record. Since all search for facts as to his life and work are fruitless, it is doubtful whether he was re- ally a minister. Fuchs, Augustus, pastor at Mifflinville, Columbia County, Pa., 1833-6, was born in Germany, May 6, 1803. He emigrated to America in 1831, intending to become a missionary among the American Indians. He went to acquire the English language in the institutions at Get- tysburg, Pa., was licensed by the Ministerium in 1833, and ordained in 1836. He was called to Columbia Coun- ty as the assistant to the Rev. Jeremiah Schindel, and during the year 1835-6 he removed to Bath, Northamp- ton County, Pa., where he remained till his death, De- cember 20, 1879. 230 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. • Geiger, William Henry, pastor of the Stone Valley parish since June, 1884, son of Joel P. and Hannah (Mil- ler) Geiger, was born at Saegersville, Lehigh County, Pa., September 7, 1854. After preparatory training in various Academies, he entered the Sophomore class in the North Western University, Watertown, Wis., and in the Fall of 1876, the Practical Seminary, Springfield, 111. A year later he entered the Theological Seminary at Phil- adelphia, graduating from the latter institution in 1880, and was ordained by the Ministerium in the same year. He was pastor of the Ringtown parish, Schuylkill Coun- ty, Pa., 1880-4. He married Louisa L. C. Harter, Sep- tember 3, 1876. German, Jonas Peter, pastor of the Berwick parish, Columbia County, Pa., 1880-92, son of Daniel and Re- becca (Werly) German, was born at Gerrnansville, Le- high County, Pa., September 25, 1849. He attended the Keystone State Normal School, Kutztown, Pa., 1870, the Academic Department of Muhlenberg College, Al- lentown, Pa., 1871, and graduated from the College in 1875. He graduated from the Theological Seminary at Philadelphia in 1878, was ordained by the Ministerium the same year, and served the Ringtown parish from that time till 1880. Since 1892 he is pastor at Minersville, Pa. He married Ida L. Miller, of Pottsville, Pa. German, William, was born at Womelsdorf, Berks County, Pa., March 6, 1806, and spent the earlier years of his life at that place. He studied, for a time, under the Rev. William Baetis, and then entered the Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, in 1827. He was ordained, in 1830, by the Ministerium of Pennsylvania, at its meeting in Lancaster. His first parish was in Lycoming and Northumberland counties, in the vicinity of Muncy and BIOGRAPHIES. 231 Turbotville, where he labored only a short time. He be- came the pastor of the Middleburg parish, October 10, 1830, serving all the churches formerly served by the Rev. J. G. Walter, except at Salem and Selinsgrove. He resigned at Fremont in 1836, but continued to serve the Freeburg and Grubb's congregations until the beginning of November, 1839, when he accepted a call to a parish near York, Pa. In 1848 he became pastor of congrega- tions near Allentown, and resided at Emaus, where he died, January 28, 1851, at the age of 54 years, 9 months and 12 days. He was ''an able and earnest preacher, and magnified his office by a truly Christian character and life. Whilst he was always kind and sympathizing, he feared not the face of man, and always had the cour- age of his honest convictions, and never feared nor failed to rebuke and reprove.'' He was married to a Miss Baum, of New Berlin, Pa., who was a sister of the wives of the Revs. John Kohler, D.D., and S. R. Boyer. Greymiller, Geoege, preached at Christ (Hassing- er's) Church of the Beavertown parish, about 1850. Groff, Johnson R., pastor of Trinity, Danville, Pa., 1881-6, and of the German parish at the same place, 1883-8, is a son of Rudolph and Mary A. Groff, and was born at Lebanon, Pa., February 7, 1832. He graduated from Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, Pa., i860, and studied theology in the Seminary at the same place. He was licensed in 1861, and was pastor of Trinity, Mechan- icsburg, Pa., 1861-2; St. John's, Mechanicsburg, Pa., 1862-72; First Church, Erie, Pa., 1872-4; St. John's, Easton, Pa., 1874-81 ; Mt. Pleasant, Westmoreland Co., Pa., 1888-90; St. Paul's, Doylestown, Pa., since 1890. He was president of what is now the Danville Confer- ence, 1883-6. He married S. Gertrude Riegel of New York, January 18, 1865. 232 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. Grothe, Edward, pastor of the First Lutheran Church, Lock Haven, Pa., 1862-70, was born, January 22, 1830, in Stadthagen, Principality Schaumburg-Lippe. He studied theology at the Missionary Institute, Selins- grove, Pa., was licensed by the Central Pennsylvania Synod, 1862, and ordained by the same, 1863. Because of extreme views held by him, his congregation at Lock Haven became divided, the pastor with some followers erecting another church which was relinquished when he left, most of the .members returning to the mother church. He is now a member of the Wisconsin Synod, stationed at Reeseville, Dodge County, Wis. • Guensch, G. F. W., pastor at Germania, Potter Coun- ty, Pa., 1868-9, and Jersey Shore, Pa., September 1869 to September, 1871, hailed from Williamsburg, New York, and was ordained by the Ministerium in 1863. At White Haven, Pa., he was pastor of the Carbon and Lu- zerne County Mission, serving five congregations, 1865- 8 ; at Germania the congregation erected the church dur- ing his pastorate, and his supply of this congregation continued even while pastor at Jersey Shore, though 50 miles away. He was pastor at Minersville, Pa., 1872-92. In 1894 he was for a time suspended from the functions, of the ministerial office. Guensel, Matthias, was pastor of the Lutheran Church at Selinsgrove, Pa., as well as at Kratzerville, prior to the year 1800. He is also known to have served Botschaft's of the Freeburg parish, and Christ (or Has- singer's) of the Beavertown parish. His name seems to be unknown in the minutes of Synod. Haal, Peter, (also spelled Hall, and believed to be the same as the J. K. Haal, of the history of the Berwick par- ish), was licensed in 1817, and accepted a call from six BIOGRAPHIES. 233 congregations of Columbia County, with residence at Catawissa, Pa. In 1820 he reports five congregations as pastor at Newville, most likely in Cumberland County. He was ordained a deacon by the Ministerium, June 21, 1821, and served eight congregations, which number was afterwards reduced to five. In 1826 his name disappears from the roll of Synod, which is a fair indication that he became one of the organizers of the West Pennsylvania Synod. • Hasskarl, William R. C, son of Rudolph, Professor at the Rostock University, Mecklenburg, Germany, was born in Doveran, 1809. He graduated from the famous Gymnasium at Halle, after which he studied theology at the University of Muenchen, where he received the title of Ph.D. at the conclusion of his course. In 1832 he entered the University of Berlin and read law, re- ceiving the degree of LL.D. He was ordained in 1851, emigrated to America in 1853 and was received into the Ministerium in 1857. He served congregations at Con- yngham and vicinity, 1857-9; Wilmington, Del., 1859-60; parts of the present Line Mountain, Mahanoy, Pine Val- ley and Lykens Valley parishes, 1861-4; Christ church, Hazleton, Pa., 1864-72 ; Roxboro, Philadelphia, from 1872 till his death, March, 1875. In 1854 he was married to Elizabeth Lang. Two sons are in the Lutheran min- istry, and one is the first lieutenant in the regular United States Navy. Helm, George, pastor at Selinsgrove and Kratzerville, 1809, serving the latter congregation for a period of possibly 20 years, is not to be confused with William, who was ordained in 1819 and served congregations in the vicinity of Lewistown, Pa. He was licensed in 1809 ; ordained a deacon in 1816; his name appears in the list 234 JUBILEE MEMORIAL v OLUME. of full pastors in 1824. His general location is given as Union County, 1809-12; Buffalo, 1812-20; Jungmans- town (Mifflinville), 1820-8; Northumberland after 1828; after -the latter date he failed to attend the meetings of Synod and his name was dropped, 1834-5. • Hemping, John Nicholas, pastor of the Lykens Val- ley parish, Dauphin County, Pa., at that time also includ- ing Stone Valley, Mahanoy and Line Mountain, 1812-50, with residence two miles southwest of Berrysburg, was born July 4, 1778, at Schoenberg, Grand Duchy Meck- lenburg, Strelitz-Natzeburg. He received his classical training in the Gymnasium at Jetzeburg, afterwards studying pharmacy at Hamburg. The war-like move- ments of the times caused him to emigrate to America' in 1802. After teaching for a time at Nazareth, Pa., he accepted a position as teacher in the high school then established by St. Michael's and Zion congregations, Philadelphia. Having studied theology under Revs. Dr. Helmuth and F. Smith, he was licensed at Carlisle, Pa., May 27, 1812,, with 12 others, among them being J. C. Becker, Abraham Reck, J. P. Schindel, Sr., and John Herbst, and accepted the call to his immense parish as above mentioned, where he had been preaching, as is generally accepted, already the year before. June 12, 1816, at Philadelphia, he was ordained a deacon, with George Heim, W. Baetis, J. P. Schindel, Becker, Herbst and others, and June 1, 1820, he was voted a full pas- tor. In 1845 hi s fi^d was divided, the Rev. J. G. C. A. Bergner succeeding him in what are now the Mahanoy and Line Mountain parishes, with a few other congrega- tions. In 1850 he retired from the active ministry, on his farm near Halifax, Dauphin County, Pa., where he died, March 12, 1855, aged 76 years, 8 months and 8 days. Burial took place at St. Peter's (Fetterhoff's) BIOGRAPHIES. 235 church, the Rev. F. Walz officiating. He always mani- fested a deep interest in the promotion of Christ's king- dom, and was a thorough linguist, being master of six or seven languages. J. W. Early. » Henkel, D. M., D.D. A mere sketch of the work and life of myself is hereby given, as a more extended work is in preparation for publication at some future time. If permitted I will say, I come from a long line of Lu- theran ministers, both in Germany and in this country. After graduating in the Theological Seminary at Co- lumbus, Ohio, I took my first charge (1849) m tne wilds of Northern Indiana, Goshen, Elkhart County. Here I did not accomplish much in consequence of fever and ague, which took such hold on me as to unfit me for all ministerial duties. In this condition, after a short stay of 18 months, with wife and child, we returned to New Market, Va., for repairs, which took in my case some three or four years to accomplish. In 1855, I received a unanimous call from the Stewartsville congregation in New Jersey, which I accepted. I was the first resident pastor of the congregation. Here I found an unfinished church with a small but intelligent and active member- ship. But in consequence of the limited material I had to work upon, I remained but four years, and in May, 1859, I moved to Danville, Montour County, Pa. Here I organized a congregation of 45 members under the name of Trinity Lutheran church. This was an offshoot of the First English Lutheran church of Danville, from which I received much opposition, yet it prospered. We had a large majority of the community with us, which greatly assisted us when we came to the building of our church. After this was completed our congregation grew rapidly, so much so that, today Trinity congrega- tion is much larger than the First church. Here I re- 236 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. mained until 1867, when urgent appeals came to me from a number of Lutheran families in and about Strouds- burg, Monroe County, Pa., to become their pastor by or- ganizing them into a congregation, with which I com- plied. This organization consisted of twelve male mem- bers (but two now living, 1897) which took place in the Court House. This was our place of worship for two years until our church was completed. In the meantime I served two congregations in the country which had wandered off from the old Pennsylvania Synod, but re- turned as per 'agreement, and are still in the old Synod. But for the organization of a Lutheran church in Stroudsburg, it is very doubtful whether Gettysburg and Mt. Airy Seminaries ever would have received each $54,- 000 from any source in Stroudsburg. Thus it is seen that missions sometimes do pay. And now through the earnest solicitations of Revs, Drs. C. F. and C. W. Schaeffer, I was induced to move to Richmond, Va., to take charge of a little broken-down mission. In the spring of 1871 I moved and commenced work, meeting the little congregation for worship in the third story of a city building, not at all suited to our work. We did not remain in this long, but rented a Universal- ist church, which gave us better accommodations and larger audiences. Soon the congregation began to grow both in interest and in accessions, so much so that I com- menced taking subscriptions for the building of a chapel. In this I would have succeeded but for the prevalence of malaria in and about the city, which I did not escape, and which prevented me from going on with my work, and at last necessitated me, after 18 months' trial, to re- sign the charge. But before this I received two invita- tions from North Carolina, one from the congregation in Concord, the other from St. John's and Mt. Pleasant, all BIOGRAPHIES. 237 in Cabarrus County. I accepted the latter on account of the college being located in Mt. Pleasant. Here 1 found a half-finished church which -we soon completed In this charge I remained until the spring of 1876, when __ I received and accepted a call to Nokomis, Illinois, with- out having seen the place or the congregation. This call and acceptance I never regretted, and in all proba- bility would be there yet could I have kept my health. But with no prospect of recovery so long as I remained there, I concluded to leave. Fortunately for me, my wife owned a good home in Catawissa, Pa., into which we moved, July, 1882. Here I had nothing to do but try to regain my health, which in a measure I did in about two years' time, when I was called upon to supply vacant charges, one in Catawissa, and others elsewhere. My last regular charge was the English church of Catasau- qua, Pa., for two years, from 1887 to 1889. Here I found a little band of but 34 members, with a heavy debt of $2,000 resting upon them. The little congregation felt very much discouraged, and ready to sell out and dis- band. To this I strenuously objected, because of the fine material which composed the congregation. We all went to work, and not only did the audience but the con- gregation grow, and within two years' time $1,500 of the debt was paid, and the membership increased to 75, and the wealth of the congregation doubled. The congre- gation long since is out of debt, and spent $1,000 or more in repairing and beautifying the church. Here I re- ceived but $400 salary, while now they pay, unaided, $1,000 salary. Here my work was not in vain. Nearly all my work in the Church has been missionary, never having had but one old congregation. And now my work is done. Being iin the 79th year of my age, I am now awaiting my last call. Catawissa, Pa. Autobiography. 238 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. Hennicke, F. F., pastor at Lock Haven, 1880-5, was ordained in 1858 and came to Pennsylvania from the Michigan Synod in 1873, assuming charge of three con- gregations at Weisport, Carbon County, where he re- mained till 1876. He was pastor of St. John's, Tamaqua, Pa., 1876-80; Frostburg, Md., retaining connection with the Ministerium, 1885, and thence removed to Chambers- burg. He is now at Hagerstown, Md. J. W. Early. Henry, Samuel Strickhouser, pastor at Berwick, Pa., 1869-73 ; Jersey Shore, Pa., 1882-5 '< P m,e Creek par- ish, in Dauphin and Schuylkill Counties, Pa., 1885-9, * s a son of George M. Henry and his wife, Lydia C, and was born ait Shrewsbury, York County, Pa., March 12, 1838. He prepared for College in the Preparatory De- partment of Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, Pa., and graduated from that College, 1865, also from the The- ological Seminary at Philadelphia, 1868. In addition to the above parishes, he served at Hinkletown, Lancas- ter County, Pa., 1873-82, and his present parish is at Smallwood, Carroll County, Md. He was Secretary of the Fifth (now Danville) Conference, 1885-6. He mar- ried Maggie A. Ruhl, of Shrewsbury, Pa., December 13, 1866. Herbst, John, pastor in Snyder County, Pa., includ- ing the Freeburg and Salem parishes, Christ (Hassing- er's), of the Bcavertown parish, Selinsgrove, and Wert's church, Lykens Valley, Dauphin County, Pa., i8oi : 4, was licensed at York, 1796, to serve Shierman's Valley, Great Spring, Trendel's, Carlisle, etc. In June, 1801, he received permission to serve Christ, Rau's, Selinsgrove, Mohr's and Bauman's churches. For some reason Ders- town and Dreisbach were .excepted. He moved to Mid- BIOGRAPHIES. 239 dleburgh, serving seven congregations. In 1805 we find him serving Fissel's (or Fistel's) and other congregations in York County. He was ordained at Germantown, 1805 ; removed to Manchester, possibly change of resi- dence only, 181 1 ; his name disappears from the minutes, 1821, and probably in 1824 he died. J. W. Early. • Hillpot, Joseph, pastor at Logan Station, 1867-71, and of the Lykens Valley parish, 1881-9, was a son of Samuel S. T. and Eva (Trauger) Hillpot, born at Tini- cum, Bucks County, Pa., December 27, 1835. He at- tended the Normal and Classical School at Quakertown, Pa., and graduated from Pennsylvania College, Gettys- burg, Pa., 1865. After studying theology at the Philadel- phia Seminary, he was ordained in 1867 by the Susque- hanna Synod. He served parishes at Richland Centre, Pa., 1871-81 ; Lickdale, Pa., 1889-90; Girardville, Pa., 1890-1. In 1866 he was married to E. A. B. Wambold, of Philadelphia, and after her death to Sarah E. Dubbs, of Allentown, Pa. He died at Quakertown, Pa., Octo- ber 30, 1896. Hintze, Frederic, appears to have been pastor at an early unknown date, at Botschaft's congregation of the Freeburg parish. Hinze, E., is reported to have been pastor in Lykens Valley from 1795 to 1797, and is similarly mentioned in connection with the Freeburg parish. His identity is however unknown, and it is even suspected that he may have been no more than a school teacher. Horine, Mahlon Carleton, D.D., pastor of Trinity, Danville, Pa., 1872-81, a son of John and Catharine Ho- rine, was born near Myersville, Md., July 14, 1838. H; 240 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. received his classical and theological training in the in- stitutions at Gettysburg, Pa., graduating from Pennsyl- vania College in 1861 with the first honor and the vale- dictory, and from the Seminary in 1864, being ordained the following year. He was pastor at Smithburg, Md., 1865-9; Dayton, O., 1869-70; Zanesville, O., 1870-3; St. James', Reading, Pa., since 1881. He was President of what is now the Danville Conference, 1877-80; Presi- dent of the Reading Conference, 1894-7; Trustee of Muh- lenberg College, 1888-96; Trustee of the Theological Seminary since 1891 ; Delegate to the General Council, 1887, '89, '91, '95. During his pastorate at Danville he served as superintendent of public schools of Mon- tour County, and in 1892 he published "Practical Reflec- tions on the Book of Ruth." He married Emma F Winebrenner, of Gettysburg, Pa., May 16, 1865. Hornberger, Johk Frederick, pastor in Columbia County, serving St. James' and St. Peter's, of the Dan- ville German parish, 1858-60, and of the Trevorton par- ish, then also including St. John's and St. Paul's, of the Line Mountain parish, and Emanuel's, of Mahanoy, 1860-2; was born in Germany, August 29, 1812, and came to America in 1846. He engaged in teaching school and ■studied theology under the Rev. Jeremiah Schindel, was licensed, 1851, and ordained in 1853. He served three congregations in Monroe County, Pa., 185 1-8, and in 1862 removed to Randolph County, 111. • Horne, Abraham Reaser, son of David L. and Mary, nee Reaser, was born in Springfield, Bucks County, Pa., March 24, 1834. Having followed farming and teaching, he prepared himself by attending private schools, for Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, Pa., from which in- stitution he graduated in 1858. He studied theology pri- BIOGRAPHIES. 241 vately, was licensed by the East Pennsylvania Synod in 1859, an d ordained in i860. He was Principal of Bucks County Normal and Classical School, Quakertown, Pa., 1858-63; pastor of Paradise parish, Turbotville, Pa., 1863-65 ; pastor of St. Mark's congregation, Williams- port, Pa., 1865-72, and superintendent of the public schools of that city, 1867-72 ; Principal Keystone State Normal School, Kutztown, Pa., 1872-77 ; Principal Nor- mal and Academic Department of Muhlenberg College, Allentown, Pa., 1877-82 ; President Texas University, 1882. In T885 he succeeded the Rev. Father Joshua Jaeger in his parish, consisting of Friedensville, Schoen- ersville, Rittersville and Lehigh Church, all in Lehigh County, Pa., which position he holds to the present, re- siding at Allentown, Pa. In the summers of 1881-83 he engaged in institute work in Texas and Louisiana, and in 1887-88 did similar work in New Jersey. In i860 he founded the "National Educator," of which paper he still continues the editor and publisher. Since 1883 he has been the Secretary of the Keystone Mutual Benefit As- sociation, Allentown, Pa., served on the Allentown School Board, was President of the Second Conference of the Miini'Sterium of Pennsylvania, 1892-3, and in 1881 received the degree of D.D. from Lebanon Valley Col- lege. Among his publications may be mentioned : "The Pennsylvania German," 1875 ; "Manual of Botany," 1875 ; "Pennsylvania German Manual," 1876 and 1898 ; "Memoirs of the Rev. Joshua Jaeger," 1886; "Home's Health Notes," 1894. He married Jemima E. Yerkes, Bethlehem, Pa., in 1857. Hursh, Stephen, a native of Mayberry Township, Montour County, Pa., was licensed on the high recom- mendation of his teachers, Dr. S. S. Schmucker and oth- ers, with C. W. Schaeffer and L. G. Eggers, 1835. He never had a parish and died early. J. W. Early, 242 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. Ilgen, L. A. W. The following is a translation of the German inscription on a tombstone, about 50 feet from the northwest corner of the Lutheran church at Aarons- burg, Centre County, Pa. : "Lewis Albert William Ilgen, former pastor of this Evangelical Lutheran congregation, born October 15, 1759, at Heebskigen, Margraviate Ans- pach, Germany. In the year 1800 he was called to the pastorate of this church and the congregations connected with it. This office he filled nearly 23 years. He died August 20, 1823, having attained the age of 63 years, 10 months and 5 days." At the meeting of Synod at Mc- Alister (Hanover), June 9, 1800, a paper offering a sal- ary of 140 pounds, from Penn's Valley and five other congregations, was presented. At the same meeting Mr. Ilgen, a teacher, applied for license and secured it. He proceeded to Centre County and took charge of the con- gregations there. Aaronsburg and Rebersburg are known. The others cannot be positively located now. He organized a congregation at Penn Hall, five miles west of Aaronsburg, in 1801, and that at the Loop, then known as Early's church, about the same time. He also served the congregation at Penn's Creek. As his address in 1802 is given as Northumberland County, it is alto- gether probable that his field extended eastward to the Susquehanna, including all of Buffalo Valley. He was ordained at Easton, 1804. This year he reported 893 communicants and no confirmed. In 1806 he was serv- ing Aaronsburg, Brush Valley, Early's (Loop), Jung- manstown (Mifflinburg), Langstown (New Berlin), Dreisbach and Meeting House, seven congregations, and seems to have continued as pastor until his death. He did much pioneer work and seems to have been not only faithful, but very successful in his work. J. W. Early. PLATb. X. G. J. S'HAKFFKR. E. PFLUEGER. O. S. SCHEIRER. W. WEICKSEL. BIOGRAPHIES. 243 Jasinsky, Frederick William, was refused admis- sion to the Ministerium of Pennsylvania, 1789 and 1792, notwithstanding which he served the congregations at Freeburg, Snyder County, Pa., 1790-8; Salem (Rau's), 1790-6 or 8; and probably other congregations. Having spent some time at Jonestown, Lebanon County, Pa., he moved to Chambersburg, 1798 or 9, and was licensed by our Synod on his submitting to an examination and his renunciation of a previous irregular ordination, 1799; he went to Shepherdstown, Va., 1802, and to Frederick, Md., 1803; was ordained, 1804, and in 1807 was elected pastor of Zion and St. Peter's (Pikeland), Chester County, Pa., where he died in 1817, being buried at St. Peter's. J. W. Early. Jaeger, Nathan, was born in Bucks County, Pa., March 7, 1820. He attended the preparatory depart- ment of Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, Pa., 1839-41, studied theology under the Rev. J. O. Herbst, and was licensed in 1845. He served parishes at Orwigsburg, Pa., Lykens Valley, Pa., including what is now the Stone Val- ley parish, 1852-3, New Hanover, Bethlehem, Pa., Upper Mount Bethel and Riegelsville, and died January 2, 1864 Kempfer, D. O., pastor of congregations now con- nected with the Beavertown parish, for a short time, prior to 1867. He was not a member of the Ministerium, nor of our Conference. Kessler, John Peter, one of our pioneer ministers in Columbia and Montour counties, and for some time the only Lutheran minister in that part of our territory. He served congregations at Danville, Catawissa, Mahoning and numerous others, now connected with the Berwick parish, 1820-30. He was licensed by the Ministerium at York, Pa., June 5, 1817, and ordained at Chambersburg, 244 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. Pa., in 1821. In 1819 be resided at Bloomsburg, Pa., and in 1826 he served eight congregations. Six parishes have since been formed on the territory for which he cared during his ministry of about twelve years. Kline, Samuel S., pastor of Beaver Valley, Oonyng ham and other congregations in Columbia and Luzerne counties, 1867-75, was licensed by the Ministerium at Lancaster, Pa., in 1830, and shortly afterwards removed to New York State and labored there more than thirty years. Late in the fifties he returned to this State and took charge of congregations in connection with the East Pennsylvania Synod, at Hamilton, 1858-60. In 1861 he took charge of six congregations in Berks and Lehigh counties. His next parish was in our territory, where he remained until 1875, when he assumed the duties of the Ringtown parish. Here he died suddenly in July, 1877. •Klingler, John W., son of J. L. Klingler, was born March 19, 1858, educated at Palatinate College, Myers- town, Pa., 1874-76; Muhlenberg College, 1876-80, and the Philadelphia Seminary, 1880-83 > ordained by our Ministeriium, May 22, 1883. He was pastor in North- ampton county, 1883-87; Principal of Stouchsburg schools, 1887-90; Principal of schools in Delaware County, 1891, and Hamburg, 1891-92; pastor of St. Michael's, Cogan Station, 1892-94: and of the Dushore parish since 1894. > Kohler, John, D.D., son of Andrew and Anna Koh- ler, was born in Juniata County, Pa., May 27, 1820, died suddenly at New Holland, Pa., April 11, 1898. He was educated an Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, graduat- ing in 1842, and in Gettysburg Theological Seminary, and was ordained in 1844. He was born on the territory BIOGRAPHIES. 245 of our Conference and his first parish was the Lutheran congregation at William-sport, Pa., 1845-49. He was pas- tor at New Holland, 1850-64; Trappe, 1864-73; Strouds- -burg, 1873-82; Principal of the Academic Department of Muhlenberg College, 1882-84 ; pastor at Mechanicsburg, 1884-85 ; Leacock, 1885-93 "< member of the Board of Trustees of College, 1869-76, and for many years a Di- rector of the Philadelphia Seminary. He was President of the Lancaster- Conference for a number of years. He was a busy and useful man to the day of his death. ..Kopenhaver, William Milton, was born at Eliza- bethville, Pa., March 20, 1866. He engaged in teaching school for six years, and prepared in Greensburg Semi- nary for Muhlenberg College, Allentown, Pa., from which he graduated in 1897. He is now a student of the Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, from which he expects to graduate in 1900. Kramer, J. P. F., one of the pioneer ministers on our territory, who cared for our scattered people amid many self-denials and under adverse circumstances. He was pastor of St. James' congregation (Mahoning), three miles east of Danville, besides many others, 1803-05 ; and St. James' (Howetter's), Upper Mahanoy Township, Ma- hanoy and Lykens Valley parishes, 1805-06. 'Kunkle, George G., son of John and Sarah Kunkle, was born September 7, 1847, educated at Wyoming Sem- inary, 1865; Millersville Normal School, 1866; Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown, 1867-69; Muhlen- berg College, 1869-73, an d the Philadelphia Seminary, 1875, finishing his theological course under private in- struction ; engaged in teaching, 1875-87 ; ordained by our Ministerium in June, 1887; pastor at Weatherly, 1887- 246 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. 91; St. Luke's, Eastern, 1891-92; St. Mark's, Williams- port, 1892-93 ; Berwick parish, 1894-96, and Trevorton parish since the fall of 1896. t Kuntz, William H., pastor at Jersey Shore and Co- gan Station, 1873-74. He is a son of Samuel and Sara Kuntz, was born at Treichler's, Pa., September 5, 1845, educated at Freeland Seminary, 1862 ; Allentown Colle- giate Institute, 1864; Pennsylvania College, 1866; Muh- lenberg College, 1867-70, and the Philadelphia Semi- nary, 1870-73 ; ordained by our Ministerium in 1873, and immediately afterwards became pastor of the Cogan Sta- tion parish. He was pastor at Schuylkill Haven, 1874- 86; then took a course in medicine and is now located at New Castle, Del. iLaitzle, William C, pastor of the Catawissa par- ish, 1874-78, was a son of Christopher F. and Catharina Laitzle, and was born at Canstadt, Wiirtemberg, Ger- many, October r, 1814. He came to America in 1816, was educated at Gettysburg, was ordained by the East Pennsylvania Synod in 1840, and in 1841 united with the Ministerium. He labored in Dauphin County, Pa., un- til December 1843; m Blair County, Pa., 1843-48; in Huntingdon County, 1848-50; as missionary of the American Home Missionary Society in Indiana, 1850-52 ; in Lebanon and Dauphin counties, 1852-54; Elizabeth- town, 1854-65; Pottstown, 1866-74; Lehighton, 1877-82. and then retired, residing at Lebanon, where he died, July 13, 1894. »Lampe, F. C. H., pastor of the English and German congregations at Williamsport, May, 1863, to Septem- ber, 1864. He was ordained by the Ministerium in i860, was pastor at Pottsville, Pa., 1860-63; Reading, 1865-67, when he was dismissed to the Pittsburg Synod. He died at Williamsport, Pa., in 1884, at the age of 53 years. BIOGRAPHIES. 247 'Lazarus, R., pastor of Sieber's congregation at Globe Mills, some time about the year 1866, and of congrega- tions now connected with the Beavertown parish, 1867-68. iLenker, Michael B., son of John and Mary Lenker, was born near Pillow, Pa., May 22, 1835, died at Lykens, Pa., March 19, '1897. He was educated at Freeburg Academy and Capital University, Columbus, O., and was ordained in 1865. He labored for some time in Ohio, and in 1873 was called to the newly-organized St. John's congregation at Lykens, Pa., which he served until his death. The first church was built in 1874, but was destroyed by fire, probably of incendiary origin ; and the second, a frame structure, was erected in 1877-79, the corner-stone of which was laid July 27, 1877, and the building consecrated, October 19, 1879. Lentz, Andrew P., son of Augustus and Rebecca Lentz, was born near Paxton, Pa., February 25, 1869, educated in Muhlenberg College, 1890-95, and the Mt. Airy Seminary, 1895-98, ordained by our Ministerium in 1898. Lindenstruth, Louis, pastor of the Catawissa par- ish, 1878-81, is the son of Louis and Elizabeth Linden- struth, was born in Philadelphia, June 18, 1853, educated in Philadelphia parochial schools, Seidensticker's Class- ical Academy, University of Pennsylvania, 1870-74, and the Philadelphia Seminary, 1874-77; ordained by our Ministerium, May 30, 1877. Since 1881 he has been pas- tor of St. John's congregation, Mauch Chunk, and for some time also of East Mauch Chunk ; German Secretary of the Second Conference, 1882-87; German Secretary of the Ministerium, 1886-90, and President of the Wilkes- Barre Conference since the fall of 1895 248 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. Linsz, Augustus, pastor at Lock Haven, 1870-80, and from 1879-80 also serving the congregation at Jersey Shore, Pa., was received into the Ministerium from the Central Synod of Pennsylvania in 1879, and since 1880 has been pastor of Trinity German church at Tioga, Phil- adelphia. • Meyer, Hans Ernst Willie Robert, pastor of Christ church, South Williamsport, Pa., since July, 1897, is a son of the Rev. George and Marie Meyer, and was born in Muender, Province of Hannover, Germany, Jan. 17, 1872. He received his preparatory training in the Gymnasium Adolfinum, Bueckeburg, and the Koengl. Kaiser Wilhelm Gymnasium, Hannover, Germany, from the latter of which he graduated in 1892 ; served in the German army, 1892-3 ; and took the full theological course in the Seminary at Mt. Airy, graduating and be- ing ordained by the Pennsylvania Ministerium in 1896. He was pastor of Salem church, Philadelphia, 1896-7. April 21, 1898, be was married to Martha Rudiger of Philadelphia. Miller, C. P., pastor of the Turbotville parish, 1831- 35, residing at Milton, Pa. His labors began about 1827, as a licentiate, when he served Belmont from about this time until 1830. After his resignation at Milton, he served the following parishes : Warwick, Lancaster County, Pa., 1836-37; Brickerville, Pa., 1838-42; Bucks- ville, Pa., 1843-66, including the congregations at Nock- amixon, Durham, Springfield and Tinicum. In the lat- ter year he resigned and resided at Kintnersville, Bucks County, Pa. ; in 1868 he had removed to Upper Eddy, Bucks County; in 1871, to Holland, N. J., and died at Milford, N. J., January 17, 1880, at the age of 74 years, 4 months and 21 days. PLATE XI. H. G. SNABLIC. G. D. DRUCKENMILLER. C. D. ZWEIER. P. ALTPETER F. A. "WETI'KSEL. E C. WAHRMANN. BIOGRAPHIES. 249 Miller, Harry Philip, son of Martin Luther and Esther Lydia Miller, was born in Selinsgrove, Pa., April 22, 1873. He is a member of the First Evangelical Lutheran church of Selinsgrove, Rev. S. E. Ochsenford. D.D., pastor. After completing a preparatory course in the public schools and graduating from Missionary In- stitute, now Susquehanna University, he was admitted to the Junior class of Muhlenberg College in the fall of 1893, and graduated from that institution June 20, 1895. He continued his studies at the Lutheran Theological Seminary, Mt. Airy, Pa., and graduated May 31, 1898 He was ordained by the Ministerium of Pennsylvania and accepted a call to the pastorate of the English Evan- gelical Lutheran Church of the Reformation of Brook- lyn, N. Y., took charge of the work on June 26 and is at present laboring in that field. Moeller, Heinrich, one of the pioneer laborers on our territory, serving numerous congregations in Ly- kens Valley, during his pastorate at Harrisburg, 1797- 1801, was born at Hamburg, Germany, in 1749, and came to this country, landing at Philadelphia in 1763. He met Patriarch Muhlenberg, was taken into his family, and studied theology under his direction, and in due time was licensed by the Ministerium. He was pastor at Reading, Pa., 1775-77; served a number of congregations in New Jersey and was assistant teacher in Dr. Kunze's Academy in Philadelphia, 1778-84; was pastor at Albany and Ath- ens, N. Y., 1784-90; at New Holland, Pa., 1790-95 ; Har- risburg and surrounding country, including Lykens Val- ley, 1795-1802; Albany, N. Y., 1802-08; Sharon and New Rhinebeck, N. Y., after 1808, where he labored until physical infirmities compelled him to relinquish the ac- tive duties of the ministry. The last six years of his life 250 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. he spent in retirement, and died at Sharon, N. Y., Sep- tember 16, 1829. Neiman, Jacob H., pastor of the Catawissa parish, 1881-92. He is the son of George and Catharine Nei- man, was born at Limerick, Pa., July 31, 1844, educated at Washington Hall, Trappe, 1866-68; Muhlenberg Col- lege, 1868-71, and Philadelphia Seminary, 1871-74, and ordained by our Ministerium, 1874. He was pastor of the Conyngham parish, 1874-81, and after his resignation at Catawissa, in 1892, he accepted a call to Royetsford, where he still labors. When he became pastor of the Catawissa parish, he served three congregations, but suc- ceeded in 'effecting divisions, so that when he left there were two parishes. He built St. Paul's Lutheran church at Numidia, the corner-stone of which was laid March 31, 1889, and the church consecrated, January 19, 1890. He succeeded in separating the Lutheran and Reformed in- terests at Catawissa, remodelled the old church, erected in 1852, and reconsecrated it in 1881. On June 13, 1891, the corner-stone of the new brick church was laid and the chapel consecrated January 1, 1892. Neuman, E. J.", pastor of Emmanuel (Lantz) church, four miles southeast of Sunbury, in 1851. Ochsenford, Solomon Erb, D. D., pastor of the Se- linsgrove parish since 1879, is a son of Jesse N. and Mary Anna, nee Erb, and was born in Douglass Township, Montgomery County, Pa., November 8, 1855. He pre- pared for college in Mount Pleasant Seminary, Boyer- town, Pa., 1871-3, graduated from Muhlenberg College, Allentown, Pa., 1876, and from the Theological Sem- inary, Philadelphia, 1879, being ordained by the Minis- terium of Pennsylvania the same year. He took a spe- cial course in Hebrew under Dr. W. R. Harper, 1886-7. BIOGRAPHIES. 251 He was Secretary of 'the Fifth (now Danville) Conference of the Ministerium of Pennsylvania, 1883-4, as well as its President, 1889-98. Of the Ministerium itself he has been the English Secretary since 1895, and was also Sec- retary of its Board of Presidents, 1897-8, and Secretary of its Executive Board since 1897. He has also filled the .offices of Trustee of Muhlenberg College, since 1889; Delegate to General Council, 1891, '93, '95, '97; Presi- dent Alumni Association of Muhlenberg College, 1891-3 ; Secretary and Treasurer of Historical Academy of the Lutheran Church, since 1895; news editor of "The Lu- theran" for a number of years prior to 1896. He mar- ried Sallie C. Boyer, of Selinsgrove, Pa., June 5, 1881. He has published the following books : "My First Book in the Sunday-school," Reading, 1883, fourth edition, 1898; "Lutheran Church in Selinsgrove," Selinsgrove, 1884; "Passion Story," Philadelphia, 1889; "Muhlenberg College Quarter Centennial Memorial Volume," Allen - town, 1892 ; and he is one of the editors of the "Jubilee Memorial Volume of the Danville Conference of the Ministerium of Pennsylvania," 1898. He is the editor of the "Church Almanac" since 1883, an annual contrib- utor to "Appleton's Cyclopedia" since 1884; a contribu- tor to the new "Lutheran Cyclopedia," and to the pres- ent series of "Sunday-school Literature" of the General Council. He continues a frequent contributor to all the periodicals of our branch of the Lutheran Church, and has under way of preparation works on Church and Bib- lical History, Church Polity, Exegesis, Homiletics and Catechetics. In 1896 he received the degree of D.D. from his Alma Mater. Orwig, pastor of Beavertown parish in 1866, and of Sieber's congregation for some time between the years 1866 and 1874. 252 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. Oeffinger, C, pastor of St. Paul's, Wilkes-Barre, and St. John's, Pittston, Pa., 1862-68, and St. Peter's, Hamp- ton, 1865, came to our Ministerium in 1862, was Sec- retary of the Sixth Conference, 1865-67, and died at Wilkes-Barre, Pa., September 9, 1868, in the prime of life. He was known for his laborious zeal and ready self- sacrifice in his work. • Pflueger, Asher P., pastor of the Turbotville parish, 1876-91. He is "a son of James L. and Elizabeth Pflue- ger, was born in East Allen Township, Northampton County, Pa., April 1, 1850, educated in Polytechnic Col- lege, Philadelphia, 1868, privately, under Prof. R. K. Buehrle, Allentown, 1868-69; Quakertown Academy, 1869; Muhlenberg College, 1869-73, an d Philadelphia Seminary, 1873-76; ordained by our Ministerium June 14, 1876, and immediately afterwards became pastor of the Turbotville parish. He was pastor at West Newton, Pa., 1891-3, and is at present pastor of the Ringtown par- ish. He was Secretary of the Fifth (now Danville) Con- ference, 1880-83, and President of the same, 1886-90. He married Valeria Elizabeth Appel in 1877. .Pflueger, Oscar E., son of James L. and Elizabeth Pflueger, was born March 11, 1861, educated in Muhlen- berg College, 1880-84, an d Philadelphia Seminary, 1884-87; ordained by our Ministerium in 1887. He was pastor of the Beavertown parish, 1887-89 ; Lykens Val- ley parish, consisting of five congregations, 1889-94. In the latter year, he succeeded in dividing his large parish, St. John's congregation, near Berrysburg, becoming self- sustaining, whilst he retained the four other congrega- tions, which now constitute the Lykens Valley parish. He has been the pastor of this parish since 1894. He was Secretary of the Fifth (now Danville) Conference, 1890- 96, and is now its honored President, having been elected BIOGRAPHIES. in the fall of 1897. He is the Chairman of the Conferei Jubilee Committee, and the leading factor in the prepS^" ration of this Memorial Volume. He married Ella C, daughter of the Rev. O. Leopold, Allentown, Pa., June 14, 1887. Plitt, J. Frederick, pastor at Catawissa, 1808. How long he served is not known. He was a brother of the Rev. John Plitt, and an uncle of the Rev. J. K. Plibt, for many years the Treasurer of Synod. • Raker, John Henry, son of Conrad Hoffman and Su- san (Dornsife) Raker, was born at Raker, Pa., January 1, 1863. He graduated from Muhlenberg College, Allen- town, Pa., 1889, and from the Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, 1892. He also graduated at the National School of Elocution and Oratory, Philadelphia. Since his ordination he has been pastor of St. John's, Pen Ar- gyl, Pa., but has lately accepted a call to Trinity, Leb- anon, Pa. After extensive travel in Italy and the Land of Luther, he has prepared and delivers a number of lec- tures which are well received by the public. •Reber, Owen, pastor of St. Michael's congregation at Cogan Station, Pa., since October, 1896, is the son of Jeremiah Reber, was born at Shoemakersville, Pa., Oc- tober 3, 1858. He received his preparatory training in the Scientific Academy, Reading, Pa., and the Academic Department of Muhlenberg College, 1879-80. He grad- uated from the Philadelphia Seminary in 1888, and was ordained in the same year. He was pastor at Unionville, Ontario, Can., 1888-90; Annapolis, O., 1890-93; Middle Point, O., 1893-96. He was Vice Principal of the Sci- entific Academy, Reading, 1879-80; and has held offices in the Conferences to which he belonged. He is taking a post graduate course in the Chicago Seminary. He 254 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. married Ida M. Jackson, of Reading, Pa., November 30, 1890. . Reed, David E., pastor of the congregations at Jersey Shore and Cogan Station, Pa., 1885-89. He died at the latter place, February 15, 1889, at the age of 52 years, and was buried in the graveyard of St. Michael's church. He was pastor at Georgetown and Vera Cruz some time be- fore 1854; Line Mountain parish, 1868-70;- Richfield, 1870-72, and again, 1881-85, and of Sieber's church, Globe Mills, Pa., at the same time, having his residence at Middleburg, Pa. . Reed, Ezra L., pastor of the Selinsgrove parish, 1875- 78, and of St. John's church, Catawissa, Pa., 1892-98. During his pastorate St. John's church was completed, and consecrated, Nov. 5, 1893. He is the son of John G. and Mary Reed, was born at Stouchsburg, Pa., Novem- ber 7, 1842. He was educated in Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, Pa., 1861-63; Franklin and Marshall, Lan- caster, Pa., 1863-65; the Philadelphia Theological Sem- inary, 1865-68, and was ordained in the latter year by the Ministerium of Pennsylvania. Besides the parishes al- ready indicated, he was pastor at North Wales, Pa., 1868- 73, during which time a new church was erected ; Tren- ton, N. J., 1873-75; Millersville, Pa., 1879-80; as- sistant pastor of Trinity church and pastor of Christ church, a mission of Trinity, 1881-92, when he became pastor at Catawissa. During his pastorate at Lancaster, Christ church was erected. Since November 28, 1897, he is pastor at West Newton, Pa. He married Annie Linley, of Norristown, Pa., August 20, 1868. Their only son is the Rev. Luther D. Reed, of Allegheny, Pa. Renninger, Josiah S., at one time pastor of St. Pe- ter's congregation, Beaver Valley, Pa., is a son of Peter BIOGRAPHIES. 255 and Anna Maria Renninger, was born in Montgomery County, March 7, 1838, was educated in Frederick Insti- tute, Freeland Seminary, Mt. Pleasant and Dickinson Seminaries, Gettysburg Theological Seminary, and was licensed by the Allegheny Synod. He was ordained by our Ministerium in 1864, was pastor of the Ringtown parish, 1863-67; Schnecksville parish, 1867-88, since which time he has been engaged in doing mission work in Allentown. He married Mattie M. Kull, of New Al- exandria, Pa., during his labors at Ringtown, Pa. Repass, J., pastor at Turbotville, 1817-26. Rick, William Frederick, pastor of St. Mark's con- gregation, Williamsport, Pa., since 1893, is a son of Fred- erick and Rosina Rick, was born in Utica, N. Y., May 27, 1868, educated at Utica Academy; Thiel College, Greenville, Pa., 1886-90; Philadelphia Theological Sem- inary, 1890-93, at the same time also taking a course in philosophy at 'the University of Pennsylvania, and in ora- tory in Neff's College, Philadelphia. He was ordained by the New York Ministerium in 1893, and at once assumed the duties of his parish. He married Edith Stanton Clarke, May 14, 1894. He is chaplain of the Twelfth Regiment, National Guards of Pennsylvania.* During his pastorate, the present handsome St. Mark's church has been erected, the corner-stone of which was laid in 1895, and the building consecrated October 14, 1896. Rickert, Willtam H., pastor of St. Mark's church, Williamsport, Pa., 1871-86, is the son of Joseph and Hannah Rickert, was born at Coopersburg, Pa., June 4, 1844, educated in Allentown Seminary, Pennsylvania College, 1865-67; Muhlenberg College, 1867-68; and the Philadelphia Seminary, 1868-71, and was ordained by our * Rev. Rick died at bis borne at Williamsport. Pa.. August 21, 18118, of fever con- tracted in tbe service. 256 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. Ministerium in 1871. He married Lizzie V. McKinstry, April 11, 1872. In 1886 he retired from the active duties of the ministry and now resides in Philadelphia. • Ritter, JeremiXh H.,pastorof St. John's congregation, near Berrysburg, Pa., 1895-98, is a son of Martin K. and Rebecca Ritter, was born near Allentown, August 27, 1858; educated in South Bethlehem High School, 1874- 75, Lehigh University, 1875-76; Muhlenberg College, 1879-83, and the Philadelphia Seminary, 1883-86, and was ordained by our Ministerium in the latter year. He has been pastor at Masontown, Pa., 1886-88; Venango, Pa., 1888-89; Shannondale, Pa., 1889-95. He resigned his last parish, May 1, 1898. August 1, 1898, he assumed charge of St. John's congregation, Bath, Pa. He married Emma M. Geissinger. » Rizer, Peter, pastor of the Freeburg parish, 1853-55. He died at B-ellview, Md., April 25, 1886, at the age of 74 years. • Roney, William Ernest, pastor of Trinity congrega- tion, Danville, Pa., since March 1, 1890, is a son of Jo- seph and Rebecca Roney (Ronge), was born at South Easton, Pa., January 16, 1863 ; educated in Trach's Acad- emy, Easton, graduating June 23, 1882 ; Lafayette Col- lege, Easton, 1882-86, and Philadelphia Seminary, 1886- 89, and was ordained by our Ministerium in the latter year. He was organist of St. Paul's church, South Easton, Pa., 1881-86. He married Clara A. Richards, June 12, 1890. , Rosenberg, Ludwig, pastor of St. Michael's congre- gation, Cogan Station, Pa., 1894-95, and at Jersey Shore, Pa., since 1895, was born in Germany, was educated in the universities in Vienna iand Berlin, came to this coun- try in 1891, and studied theology in the Philadelphia BIOGRAPHIES. 257 Seminary, graduating in 1894, and was ordained by our Ministerium in the same year. Ruthrauff, Frederick, pastor of St. John's German congregation, Danville, Pa., and St. James (Mahoning) for a short time in 1846, residing at Milton, Pa., where he labored for nearly six years, and pastor of the Free- burg parish, 1855-57, was a son of the Rev. John and Ann Maria Ruthrauff, was born at Greencastle, Pa., Oc- tober 25, 1796, and died at Worthington, Pa., September 18, 1859. He spent two years at Washington College, 1818-20, and then studied theology under the direction of the Rev. Dr. J. G. Lochman, and was licensed by the Maryland and Virginia Synod in 1822, and served suc- cessively the parishes at Williamsport, Md., 1822-26; Hagerstown, Md., 1826-27; Lancaster County, — May- town, Marietta, Elizabethtown and Mt. Joy, — 1827-32; Gettysburg, Pa., 1832-36; Chester County, 1836-43 ; Man- chester, Md., 1843-45; Milton, Pa., 1845-50; and then successively at Loysville, Centreville, Mifflinburg, Wrightsville, Littlestown and Worthington, Pa., where he died. Sallman, Carl Fr. Ferd., came as an ordained min- ister from the Electorate Hesse and located at Conyng- ham, Luzerne County, Pa., being received into the Min- listerium in 1845. I n I 854 he removed to Wilkes-Barre, apparently one of his congregations, for he requested an assistant. He was Secretary of the Sixth (now Dan- ville) Conference, 1846-55. He died November 20, 1855, aged about 50 years. -Sander, John, son of Jacob Michael Sander and his wife, Sophia, nee Aderhold, was born at Perryville, Ly- coming County, Pa., November 3, 1850. He engaged in teaching public school, 1869-73 ; attended Normal 258 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. Schools at Montoursville and Kutztown, Pa., 1871-73 ; graduated from Muhlenberg College, Allentown, Pa., 1877, and from the Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, 1880; pastor First Evangelical Lutheran church, Ridge- way, Pa., 1880-5 ! Professor of Latin and German in Gus- tavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, Minn., 1885 to date, excepting a few months in the summer of 1889, when he was connected with Doctor Martin Luther College, New Ulm, Minn. ; also pastor of the First English Lutheran church of St. Peter -since 1892, and President Nicollet County, Minn., Bible Society, 1896-8. Married Lydia Anna Whitman, Lycoming County, Pa., May 24, 1881. Schaeffer, George J., pastor of the Richfield parish, 1887-97, is a son of James and Mania Schaeffer, was born at Emaus, Pa , January 22, 1858, educated in Keystone State Normal School, Kutztown, Pa., 1876-79; Muhlen- berg College, 1879-84, and the Philadelphia Seminary, 1884-87, and in the latter year ordained by our Minis- terium. Immediately after his ordination he became pas- tor of the Richfield parish. He organized St. Peter's con- gregation March 5, 1888, and built a frame church about four miles south of Richfield, which was consecrated Oc- tober 19, 1890. He also organized St. John's congre- gation, about six miles west of Richfield, September 16.. 1888. He married Ella Burns, of Richfield, Pa., Novem- ber 1, 1888, the writer performing the ceremony. In 1897 he accepted a call to the Line Mountain parish, and now resides at Hepler, Pa. 'Scheffer, Nathaniel, pastor of the Berwick parish since 1897, is a son of William and Priscilla Scheffer, was born at Salem, Clarion County, Pa., March 15, 1856, was educated at Tableau Seminary, Emlenton, Pa., 1872-73 ; Thiel College, Greenville, Pa., 1875-80, and the Phila- BIOGRAPHIES. 259 delphia Seminary, 1882-85, and in the latter year was ordained by the Pittsburg Synod. He has been pastor of the Sarversville parish, 1885-89; Prospect, 1889-95; St. John, Mercer County, 1895-96, and for some time sup- plied a mission at Newcastle, Pa. He taught public school 1877 and 1878, and in Salem Academy, 1880-82. Scheirer, Oscar S., pastor of the Beavertown parish, 1894-96, is a son of Adam and Caroline Scheirer, was born at Egypt, Pa., May 17, 1862, was educated in Key- stone State Normal School, Kutztown, Pa., prior to 1884, Muhlenberg College, 1884-88, and the Philadelphia Seminary, 1888-91. He was ordained by our Ministerium May 26, 1891, and immediately afterwards became pas- tor of the Lickdale parish, which he served 1891-94; la- bored two years on our territory, and in the latter part of 1896 accepted a call to the Grimsville parish in Berks County. He married Annie L. Kuhns, of Chapman Sta- tion, Pa., May 28, 1891. Schindel, Jeremiah was the oldest son and child of Rev. J. P. Schindel, Sr., and was born in the town of Lebanon, May 15, 1807. When five years old he moved with his parents to Sunbury, Northumberland County, Pa., where his father labored as one of the pioneer Lu- theran ministers of Northern Central Pennsylvania. He was baptized in infancy by Rev. George Lochman, D.D., then pastor of Salem Lutheran church, Lebanon, Pa., and confirmed by his father in Sunbury. He attended the public schools of Sunbury and when seventeen years old went to Harrisburg to engage in the printing and newspaper business. He served, as usual, his apprentice- ship and had for his associates the late Hon. Simon Cam- eron and the Hons. John and William Bigler, respec- tively the Governors of California and Pennsylvania. 260 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. During his employment in this capacity his mind was di- rected to the ministry. By this time also, the Rev. Dr. Lochman, the preceptor of his father and intimate friend of the family, was living in Harrisburg and was pastor of the Lutheran church there. He at once came under the guiding moulding hand of that gifted and learned di- vine and thus laid the foundation of his course for the ministry. He later abandoned his calling as printer and completed his studies for the ministry under his father, in Sunbury. He was licensed to preach by the Ministe- rium of Pennsylvania, June 10, 1830, at Lancaster, Rev. J. Miller, D.D., being President and Rev. J. P. Hecht, Secretary. The following year, 1831, on June Tst, he was ordained by the same Synod, at Harrisburg, Rev. C. R. Demme, D.D., being President, and his father, Rev. J. P. Schindel, Secretary. On May 13, 1828, he was mar- ried to Elizabeth A. Masser, of Sunbury, who departed this life in Allentown, Pa., on January 22, 1892, nearly 87 years old. The family born to them consisted of nine children, four sons and five daughters, two sons and three daughters yet living. One of his sons is in the Lutheran ministry now over thirty years, and a grandson bearing his name, Jeremiah, is attending the Lutheran Seminary at Mt. Airy, in Philadelphia, preparing for the same min- istry. The first charge which the subject of our sketch served consisted of congregations at Bloomsburg, Mifflinburg, Catawissa, Danville, Mahoning and Chilisquaque. To these were added Roaring Creek, Briar Creek, Berwick, Conyngham and other places. He lived with his family part of the time at Bloomsburg and then at Mifflinburg. Besides the regular congregations, he had numerous stations and school houses where he preached, mostly during the week. His pastoral duties required much ex- BIOGRAPHIES. 261 posure and compelled him often to drive in his sulky over mountains, at all hours of the night, with the wolves howling to the right and to the left of him. His life was constantly in danger. He served these congre- gations about seven years and, in 1837, went to Lehigh County, as the successor of Revs. Doering and Wartman. He lived at first at Siegersville and later on he moved in- to the parsonage of Jordan Lutheran Church, where the family resided until 1861, and then moved to Allentown, where both parents died. The congregations of which he took charge on coming to Lehigh County, were Jordan, Union, Heidelberg, Lowhill, Weisenberg, Trexlertown, and Lehigh. The Lehigh church he served but a few years. He also later served Ziegel, Fogelsville, Macun- gie, Tripoli, Long Swamp, Frieden's, near Slatington, Mickley's, Catasauqua, Morgenland, and Cedar Creek. Of the last four congregations he was the first pastor, and assisted in organizing them. Some of these congre- gations he served but a short time and had the assistance of the young men who prepared under him for the minis- try. From 1859 to 1861 the charge was cut down to Jordan, Weisenberg, Morgenland and Cedar Creek. During this time he served as State Senator, at Harris- burg, representing Lehigh and Northampton counties. In 1861 he resigned this charge and moved to Allentown, and in the Fall of the same year he entered the U. S. Army, as chaplain of the 110th Regt. Pa. Vols., serving under Generals Banks and Shields. He saw a great many hardships during his service in the army. At the second battle of Bull Run, while caring for the wounded, his own son, Captain Jer. P. Schindel, whom he had not seen since leaving for the army, fell into his hands and re- quired his nursing, having been wounded by a minnie ball. Eighteen miles, through mud and rain, they had to 262 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. walk until they found a place to dress the wound and re- fresh the wearied bodies. In the Summer of 1864, lie returned home from the army, and in the latter part of the year, accepted a call to congregations in Lykens Valley. He preached his in- troductory sermon on New Year's day of 1865. The charge he then served consisted of St John's, Elizabeth- ville, Huber's, Miller's, Fetterhoff's, Pillow and Stone Valley. On Ascension day, 1865, he preached for the first time at Gratz, and soon after the congregation unit- ed with those already mentioned. He also occasionally preached at a place called Vera Cruz. He lived in the old parsonage not far from St. John's Church. He labored in these congregations until March, 1870. About this time his aged mother died at Sunbury. Whilst attend- ing her funeral he was taken ill with asthma and made the remark that he would be the next to follow his dear mother. His prophecy came true. After a few weeks of suffering, his oldest daughter, Mrs. Mary Eisenhart, went to Lykens Valley and tenderly brought him to his home in Allentown. He lingered there, suffering from asthma and dropsy, until July 2, 1870, when, on Saturday night, he suddenly and peacefully breathed his last. His last words, to his youngest daughter by his side, were, "It is all right, my child." His age was 63 years, 1 month and 17 days. His remains repose in the family plot in Union cemetery, of Allentown, His life-long friend, the late Dr. C. W. Schaeffer, wrote of him in "The Lutheran," "A_man of commanding presence, such as is rarely seen, of singular urbanity, endowed with rich ora- torical gifts, of sound faith, of pure heart and of upright life. The record of his life will show, that his talents were faithfully employed in the Master's service, and that, as the diligent pastor, indeed the bishop of extensive charg- es, he did not live in vain." J. D. Schindel. PLATE XII W. F. RICK. J II. RAKER. 1. H. STETLER EUGEXE STET BIOGRAPHIES. 263 Schindel, John Peter, Jr., was the third sonof Rev. J. P. Schindel, Sr. He was born at Lebanon, Lebanon Coun- ty, Pa., July 25, 1810, and went to Northumberland County with his parents when two years old. He was baptized by Rev. George Lochman, D.D., in Lebanon, and confirmed by his father in Sunbury. The advantages for education were somewhat limited, yet Sunbury and Northumberland in those days, as small inland towns, had schools, scholars and private instructors, considera- bly in advance of many places in the State that were much larger. Of these schools the young man took ad- vantage to the best of his ability. For a number of years he assisted his father, who gave him his special instruc- tion and preparation for the ministry. He also devoted a number of years to teaching school. Quite a while he was thus occupied, in the vicinity of Gratztown, where at that time his brother, Solomon Schindel, was engaged in the mercantile business. During this time he was en- gaged in studying theology, and a number of times filled the pulpit for his father, who had over thirty miles to come to his appointments, and was sometimes prevented from coming by sickness and other causes. It is claimed that he preached his first sermon at Little Mahanoy, on November n, 1832, where he also preached regularly from 1834 to 1838. At the meeting of the Min- isterium of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia, 1838, he was licensed to preach, and at the next annual meeting of that Synod, in Allentown, Pa., May 22, 1839, he was reg- ularly ordained. Previous to 1838, he had preached as a student, and under the supervision of his father. Before he was ordained he preached for a small congregation at Hollowing Run or Conrad's school house. In June, 1835, he commenced preaching at Kratzerville, and also collected a small congregation at Shamokin Dam, which 264 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. he served in connection with Kratzerville. After his or- dination in' 1839, he accepted a call from three congre- gations, viz.: Black Oak Ridge, Beaver Dam and Has- singer, which then formed a charge with Kratzerville. La- ter on he took charge of the congregations at Laurelton, Union County, and at Centreville. When, in 1840, St. Peter's Church, at Globe Mills was built, he organized the congregation and preached for them until 1853. On June 21, 1856, he was recalled and served them a second time until 1866. . He also organized and served congre- gations at Samuel's Church, in Decatur Township, Mif- flin County, at Beavertown, and at Troxelville. In most of these congregations he labored with a great deal of self-denial, sacrifices and sincere devotion until Decem- ber, 1868, when he retired from the ministry, having preached, in all, over thirty-six years. The summary of his ministerial labors, which he kept very accurately, shows the following : Sermons preached, 2650 ; lectures delivered, 103 1 ; children baptized, 3229; funerals, 636; marriages, 1044; communion services, 162; catechumens confirmed, 2097; miles traveled in the charge, 49,116, and to Synod, 2688. He was married, the first time, to Miss Sophia Young, of Sunbury, on September, 1833, by his brother, Rev. Jeremiah Schindel. This wife died in or near Middle- burg, March 14, 1852. They had six children, of whom two are living at this time, viz., M. Louisa, the widow of J. P. Cronemiller, esq., of Mifflinburg, and Lizzie B., the widow of Thomas J. Smith, esq., of Middleburg. The late John Y. Schindel, M.D., who had a drug store at Middleburg, and was an assistant surgeon during the rebellion, in 47th Regt, Pa. Vols., was his son. On Jan- uary 18, 1855, he was married to Miss Sallie Gobin, of Sunbury, with whom he had two children, a son and a BIOGRAPHIES. 265 daughter, who, with the widow, still live. On August 30, 1838, he moved with his family to near the town of Middleburg, where he resided for a long time. Later on, he moved with his family into the town and lived there until his death, which occurred on March 16, 1888, at the age of yy years, 7 months and 22 days. His remains are buried where he lived so long and labored so faithfully. He was of a modest, unassuming disposition, had an ex- ceedingly mechanical, inventive turn of mind, was very skillful with tools, and was frugal, careful and regular in his habits. His memory is sacred and dear to all those who knew him. J. D. Schindel. • Schindel, John Peter, Sr., was the son of John Peter Schindel, esq., and wife, Anna Maria Menges, and a grand- son of the original ancestor of the Lebanon branch of the Schindel family. This ancestor was also named John Peter Schindel, and came to America from Euerlebach, Grafschaft Erbach, Odenwald, in Germany, in 175 1, making his home at once at Lebanon. Both the ancestor and his son, John Peter, esq., are buried in the old grave yard of Salem Lutheran Church, of Lebanon. Rev. J. P. Schindel, Sr., the subject of this sketch, was born in Lebanon, October 3, 1787. He was baptized and confirmed by Rev. George Lochman, D.D., pastor of Sa- lem Lutheran Church, of Lebanon, who took a special interest in the young man, guided him in his education, and later on prepared him for the ministry. The family was always much attached to Rev. Lochman, who after he was pastor at Harrisburg, also, in part, prepared the oldest son of this family, the Rev. Jeremiah Schindel, for the ministry, and the late Judge Schindel, of Selinsgrove, was named Jacob George Lochman, in honor of Rev. Lochman. Rev. J. P. Schindel, Sr., was married to Su- sanna McCulloch, of Lebanon, who died, March 14, 1870, •266 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. in Sunbury, over 82 years old. They had twelve children, eight sons and four daughters. Of the sons, three enter- ed the ministry, viz., Jeremiah, the oldest, John Peter, the third, and M. Luther, the second youngest, who is now the only one of the family living, and is pastor of Pine Street Lutheran Church, at Danville, Pa. He en- tered the ministry in 1861, and had previously practiced law at Sunbury. There are also three of the grandsons now in the ministry of the Lutheran Church, viz., Rev. J. D. Schindel, of Allentown, Rev. E. H. Leisenring, of Chambersburg, Pa., and Rev. James C. Schindel, of Cir- cleville, Ohio. Another grandson, Alter Y., the son of Rev. M. L. Schindel, of Danville, a talented, promising young man, was about entering the ministry, having completed his College Course at Gettysburg, and being a senior in the Seminary there, when his life was sadly ended by drowning in a small lake near the Seminary building. There is also a great grandson now preparing for the ministry in the Lutheran Church, viz., Jeremiah J. Schindel, the son of Rev. J. D. Schindel, of Allentown. The young man is attending Mt. Airy Theological Semi- nary, in Philadelphia. After Rev. Lochman had prepared the subject of our sketch for the ministry, he was examined and licensed to preach, by the Ministerium of Pennsylvania, at Car- lisle, May 24, 1812. On June 4, of the same year, he moved with his wife and four children to Sunbury, Nor- thumberland County, Pa., where he took charge of a large and laborious field of labor and where he remained until his end in 1853. It would be a difficult task to de- scribe definitely the field he served with Word and sacra- ments. It includes Northumberland, Lycoming, Dau- phin, Schuylkill, Union and Snyder counties. In many places he had to preach during the week, not being able BIOGRAPHIES. 267 to supply 'them on the Lord's Day. He went south as far as Lykens Valley and beyond it, where he labored for some twenty-eight years. The present church building at Gratz was erected during his ministry, as also the one in the village of Berrysburg. North he went as far as Muncy, and preached in the old brick church between Muncy and Hughesville. He served the towns of Sun- bury and Northumberland, as well as the whole territory from Sunbury to Shamokin and down to Trevorton. On the west side of the Susquehanna he preached at Selins- grove, from 1819 to 1843, and at Salem, or Row's Church, until 1843. A number of other places, in this neighbor- hood, were supplied by him with the assistance of young men who were preparing for the ministry under his care. He prepared quite a number of such for the ministry, as was the custom in those days. Besides his own sons, Jeremiah and John Peter, may be mentioned Rev. Peter Kessler and Rev. Jacob W. Smith. The subject of our sketch was a regular member of the Ministerium of Pennsylvania, from the time of his recep- tion in 1812 until 1842. In that year, May 3, the Synod of East Pennsylvania was organized in the city of Lan- caster. He united with that body then and served as its President during the years 1843, I 844 and 1845, so that he was really the first regular President of the same. His last report, in manuscript, dated September 24, 1846, is in the possession of his grandson and is an interesting document. Whilst he was a member of the Ministerium of Pennsylvania, over thirty years, he was strongly at- tached to the same, served on the examining committee, and also as secretary of Synod. Be was honored by the mother synod, by being selected to serve on the commit- tee of 1839, appointed at the meeting in Allentown, "to prepare a new edition of our Church Liturgy, in an im- 268 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. proved and more complete form." The committee con- sisted of Drs. Demme, Baker, J. Miller, and Revs. J. P Hecht and J. P. Schindel, Sr. During the excitement in connection with the introduction of so-called "New Mea- sures," he allowed himself to be captivated thereby and passed through many sad experiences in consequence thereof, especially so in Selinsgrove and in Lykens Val- ley. He however never lost his interest in and his fond- ness for catechising the young and receiving them regu- larly and properly into Church connection. From the sad experiences which he had made, he frequently cau- tioned his two sons, then in the ministry, to guard against such a course, and both sons wisely heeded the father's advice. He had talent in the line of hymnology and com- posed a number of hymns for his catechumens, which hymns, together with some others he had composed for funeral occasions, were collected and published, some years ago, by Rev. P. Anstadt, D.D., then of Selinsgrove. Towards the close of his life, which shows a service in the Master's vineyard of over forty years, he confined himself to a few country congregations where he served until a year before his end. When he began to give out he declined rapidly, and the good Lord called him to his rest and reward, October 23, 1853, aged 66 years and 23 days. Rev. P. Born, D.D., became his successor at Sunbury and Northumberland, and a full dozen of others now labor on the field occupied by him. He had but this one field of labor, — here he began and here he ended. He rests from his labors, and his works do follow him. His remains are buried at Sunbury, and quietly sleep, awaiting the resurrection of the dead. J. D. Schindel. • Schmidt, J. C, pastor of St. Peter's congregation, Mahanoy, Pa., since 1887. He is one of the older pastors BIOGRAPHIES. 269 who has been laboring in the territory of our Conference for thirty-five years. He served the congregations which now form Trevorton, Line Mountain and Mahanoy par- ishes, 1863-69; St. John's, Upper Mahanoy Township, 1870-73 ; Mahanoy parish, 1870-81, when he retired from the active duties of the ministry. When the Mahanoy parish was divided and St. Peter's congregation under- took to support its own pastor, he accepted a call as its pastor and continues in that position. Schuetz, Jared, (also Schitz), was licensed as a cat- echist by our Ministerium in 1825, and began serving congregations in the northern part of Northumberland County. In 1828 he was serving the White Deer, Black Hole, St. John's and Paradise congregations. In 1831, at the earnest request and appeal of six congregations, he received full license, and in 1833 he was ordained at Pottstown, Pa. In 1836 he resided at Milton and in 1839 he notified Synod that he was about to move. From this time his name does not appear on the records of Synod. • Schul4ze, Gustav, was pastor at Cogan Station, Pa., 1847-67, and during the years 1851-55 also at Lock Ha- ven. He organized St. Michael's, congregation, Cogan Station, in 1847, with twenty-five members, built a frame church two miles northwest of Cogan Station, the corner- stone of which was laid in the Summer of 1862, and the building consecrated, December 25, 1863T He was, at different times, president of Conference, and also its sec- retary. He lived in retirement at Ball's Mills, Lycoming County, Pa., after 1867, where he died in 1874. Schwartz, Elias, pastor of St. John's German con- gregation, Danville, Pa., 1843-46, and St. James, Maho- ning, 1843-44. He was sent to Danville by the Home Missionary Society of our Ministerium and at first min- 270 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. istered to about twenty members. In 1844 he began the erection of a church building, the corner-stone of which was laid during that year, and the building consecrated in June, 1845. .Sell, D., pastor at Lock Haven, Pa., 1861-62, was born in Cumberland County, Pa., August 18, 1819, and died at East Berlin, Pa., May 30, 1888. He was educated at Gettysburg College and Seminary, 1845-51, and labor- ed in the ministry, 1851-88, as pastor at Rosville, Berrys- burg, Lock Haven, Aaronsburg, Pinegrove Mills, Loys- ville, Dillsburg and others. .Smith, Jacob W., pastor at Freeburg, Pa., 1821-31, and during the years 1823-30 also at Fremont; Beaver- town parish some time about the year 1843 > an d St. James, Mahoning, for a short time about the year 1846. • Smith, Lewis, pastor of the Dushore parish, 1877-79, and of Cogan Station, 1879-83, was born in Germany, November 5, 1845, graduated at our Philadelphia Semi- nary in 1877, and ordained by our Ministerium the same year, was pastor at Ellenville, N. Y., 1889-96, and Weath- erly, Pa., 1883-89. JJ^A &/^, 3.1 , Itt^. fl*»* • Snaisle, Harvey G, pastor of the Freeburg parish, consisting of six congregations, 1892-96, and since Jan- uary I, 1897, of the Salem parish, consisting of three con- gregations, formerly a part of the Freeburg parish, was born in Northampton County, Pa., educated at Lafay- ette College, Easton, 1885-89, and our Philadelphia Sem- inary, 1889-92, was ordained by the Ministerium in the latter year and has since then been laboring in the ter- ritory of our Conference. He married Mary A. Miller, of Salem, Pa., April 28, 1898. On Sunday, April 24, 1 898, the Lutherans and Reformed of Salem consecrated BIOGRAPHIES. 271 a handsome (union) church, erected during the pastorate of the subject of this sketch. ^STECK ) Thomas, pastor of the Lykens Valley parish, 1870-73, and of the Berwick parish, including the congre- gation at Mifflinville and others in Luzerne County, 1874-86, was born at Manchester, Pa., January 1, 1822, ordained in 1851, entered the Ministerium in 1857, and, besides those already mentioned, served the following parishes: Wilmington, Del., 1857-58; Schnecksville, Pa., 1859-67; Bernville, Pa., 1867-68; agent of Orphans' Home, Germantown, Pa., 1868-70 ; Germantown, Pa., 1870 -71 ; Phillipsburg, N. J., 1880-82; Bridgeport, N. J., 1883 -89, after which he lived in retirement at Dover, Del., and died at Catawissa, Pa., November 21, 1892. •Steinhagen, E. F., was pastor at Jersey Shore, Pa., 1893-96. After his retirement from this pastorate, he preached for some Germans in Williamsport, for a short time during the year 1896, and in the latter part of the year organized Christ German congregation in South Williamsport, which he served until the summer of 1897. •Stetler, Daniel M., pastor of the Beavertown par- ish, 1874-87, and of the Mahanoy parish since 1887, is a son of Isaac S. and Sarah Stetler, was born in Mont- gomery County, Pa., November 17, 1843, educated at Frederick Institute; a Classical School in Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Seminary, 1871-74, and was ordain- ed by our Ministerium in the latter year. His entire min- isterial life has been spent in the service of the Church on our territory. He was very successful in his labors in the Beavertown parish. He re-organized St. Paul's congre- gation, Beavertown, January 28, 1878; organized St. Matthew's, McClure, January 28, 1877, with 24 mem- bers; re-organized St. James, Troxelville, in 1878, erect 272 JUBILEE MEMORIAL /OLUME. ed a frame church, the corner-stone of which was laid. June 13, 1880, and the church consecrated, July 3, 1881 ; organized St. Mark's, near Dormantown, October 1. 1885. He also served Sieber's congregation, Globe Mills, Pa., 1876-81. He has for many years been the Confer- ence Treasurer. He served in the Civil War, in 1862. as Corporal of Company G, nth Regt., Pa. Vols. He married Barbara Anna Shetler, of Frederick, Pa., De- cember 1, 1866. • Stetler, Eugene, son of the Rev. Daniel M. Stetler and his wife Barbara Anna, was born in Frederick Town- ship, Montgomery County, Pa., September 29, 1870. He graduated from Muhlenberg College, Allentown, Pa., 1893, and from the Theological Seminary at Philadel- phia, 1896. Until lately he was pastor, of the Mission congregation at Gouldsboro, Wayne County, Pa. He married Ursula Benner, Allentown, Pa. > Stetler, Isaac Henry, son of the Rev. Daniel M. Stetler and his wife Barbara Anna, was born at Philadel- phia, March 14, 1869. He graduated from Muhlenberg College, Allentown, Pa., 1892, and from the Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, 1895. He was pastor at the Falls of the Schuylkill, North East and Coudersport, Pa. He married Lillian Wilkes, June, 1897, North East, Pa. Stock, Carl V. G, of Picket Mountain, Va., was li- censed by the Ministerium of Pennsylvania, 1796, after a number of futile applications, but he seems never to have been ordained. He spent a short time at Huntingdon, Pa., 1800; came to Sunbury, Pa., 1801, where the follow- ing year he also served Muncy and Catawissa, residing at the latter place, on which general territory he continued to serve. He made frequent appeals to Synod for finan- cial assistance, 181 1-35, till finally Synod absolutely re- fused, and he was entirely dropped. J. W. Early. BIOGRAPHIES. 273 Stoever, Charles F., pastor of the Turbotville par- ish, 1836-45, and part of the Lykens Valley parish, 1845- 50, was born at Lebanon, Pa., February 28, 181 1, gradu- ated at Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, Pa., 1833, li- censed by the West Pennsylvania Synod, 1836, and or- dained by our Ministerium in 1838. Until 1845 ne serv ' ed Milton, Paradise, Follmer's Turbotville and Straw- berry Ridge congregations. After this date he removed to Berrysburg, Pa., and until 1850 served Salem, Kil- linger, Gratz, Paul's, Dauphin and Schitz congregations. Later he served the Trindel Spring, Friedens, Peter's and Mt. Zion's congregations, residing at Mechanics- burg, Pa., where he died, February 17, 1880. Stover, Martin J., pastor of St. James, Mahoning, Pa., in 1859, was born at Pittston, N. Y., February 1, 1807, and died at Amsterdam, N. Y., November 26, 1893. He was educated in Hartwick Seminary, was licensed by the Hartwick Synod in 1834 and subsequently ordained by the same Synod, within whose bounds nearly the whole of his ministerial life was spent. Strauss, Abraham M., pastor of St. Michael's, Cogan Station, Pa., 1889-91, was born at Nockamixon, Pa., September 27, 1834, was educated at the Classical Insti- tute, Trappe, Pa., Collegiate Institute, Allentown, Pa., and Missionary Institute, Selinsgrove, Pa., being the first theological student received into the latter institu- tion, was licensed in 1861, and ordained in 1864, and since then labored at Freeburg, Wellersburg, Berlin, Gil- berts, Cogan Station, Pa., Liberty, 111., Tuscarawas, O., and Avonmore, Pa. Strodach, Henry B., pastor of the Dushore parish, 1874-75, was born at Landau, Bavaria, Germany, Sep- tember 26, 1847, educated at Gettysburg, 1865-67, Muh- 274 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. lenberg College, 1867-71, and the Philadelphia Seminary, 1871-74, and was ordained by our Ministerium in the lat- ter year. After leaving Dushore, he served the following parishes : Norristown, Pa., 1875-82 ; Centre Square, Pa., 1882-83 ; Brooklyn, N. Y., 1883-95 > an d later, for a short time, at Jamestown, N. Y., and Lansford, Pa. At present he resides in Reading, Pa. He married Mary L. Zeller, of Reading. *£Li*^i. %**■*>■ /?'*' Stupp, Solomon B., pastor of the Berwick parish, 1892-94, is a son of William and Rebecca Stupp, was born in Berks County, Pa., February 21, 1857, educated in Keystone State Normal School, Kutztown, Pa., an Academy at Jonestown, Muhlenberg College, 1877-80, and the Philadelphia Seminary, 1880-83, an( i was ordain- ed by our Ministerium in the latter year. Besides the parish already mentioned, he has served the following : St. John's, Phillipsburg, N. J., 1883-85 ; Walmer's in Lebanon County, 1885-88; St. John's, Phoenixville, Pa.. 1888-89 ; Pleasant Valley, 1889-92 ; Line Mountain, 1894- 97 ; and since then the Mercer County parish in the Pitts- burg Synod. He organized St. John's congregation, at Berwick, December 12, 1892, and erected a chapel in 1893. Uhrich, John M., pastor of the Stone Valley parish, 1875-82, was a son of Michael and Sarah Uhrich, was born at Myerstown, Pa., August 14, 1848, educated at Palatinate College, Myerstown, Muhlenberg College, 1868-72, and Philadelphia Seminary, 1872-75, and or- dained in the latter j^ear by our Ministerium. He was Secretary of Conference, 1877-79. He died at Pillow, Pa., April 10, 1882, having served his first and only par- ish until his death. Ultctctt, L. Ddmer, a member of the First Evangel- BIOGRAPHIES. 275 ical Lutheran congregation at Selinsgrove, Pa., is the son of Lot and Margareth Ulrich, and was born at Selins- grove, May 6, 1874. He received his classical training at Tressler's Orphans' Home, Loysville, Pa., 1883-90; Mis- sionary Institute, Selinsgrove, 1890-94; and Muhlenberg College, Allentown, entering the Junior Class, 1894-96. He entered the Theological Seminary at Mt. Airy in the Fall of 1896, and expects to graduate in 1899. Ulrich, Samuel James, son of Benjamin and Ange- lina Ulrich, was born at Selinsgrove, Pa., January 11, 1868. After attending Missionary Institute at his native place, he studied at Muhlenberg College, Allentown, Pa., graduating in 1890. He studied theology at the Semina- ry at .Philadelphia, and is now pastor at Wellersburg, Pa. Ulrich, William S., a member of the First Evangel- ical Lutheran congregation, Selinsgrove, Pa., is a son of Fred. B. and Annie M. Ulrich, and was born at Selins- grove, February 10, 1873. He received his classical train- ing in Missionary Institute, now Susquehanna Univer- sity, Selinsgrove, entering the former in 1889 and grad- uating from the latter in 1896. He entered the Theologi- cal Seminary in the Fall of 1896, and expects to graduate in 1899. Ulrich, Daniel, one of the pioneers in our territory, and pastor of numerous congregations in Northumber- land and Dauphin counties, which now constitute the Line Mountain, Mahanoy, Stone Valley and Lykens Val- ley parishes, 1809-11. He died at Pittsburg, in 1855, at the age of 66 years. Ungerer, J. J., pastor of St. James, Mahoning, Pa., 1829-30. As his name cannot be found in our Synodical records, it is doubtful if he was a Lutheran clergyman. 276 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. Voss, Julius Hermann, for many years the mission ary of the Ministerium in Potter and Tioga counties, was a son of Christian F. and Anna Dorothea Voss, was born in Commin, West Prussia, April 12, 1822. He was a missionary in East India (Gossnor Mission), 1842-50; travelling missionary in Germany, 1850-58; licensed by the New York Ministerium, December 22, 1859, ordain- ed by the same, September 6, 1864, he labored at various places in the State of New York ; later he was dismissed to the Michigan Synod, in whose bounds he labored some time ; pastor at Germania, Pa., and doing mission- ary work at numerous places, 1872-85. In the latter year he removed to Ansonia, Pa., and from this place, as a centre, moved about from place to place doing such mis- sionary work as his enfeebled health permitted. He died September 16, 1895, at Stokesdale, Pa., his remains were interred at Wellsboro, Pa., the Ministerium paying the expenses connected with his sickness and burial, and with the help of a few friends a small stone was erected over his grave. Waage, Frederick, pastor of the Turbotville parish, 1826-29, a son of Claus Heinrich and Catherine Doro- thea Waage, was born at Itzehoe, Holstein, Denmark. August 17, 1797, was educated in various classical schools and the University at Kiel, spending six years in the latter, and came to America in 1819. He studied the- ology under the direction of the Rev. F. W. Geissen- hainer, was licensed by the Ministerium in 1822, and or- dained at Reading, Pa., June 10, 1828. He served the following parishes, first, as licentiate, the congregations at Trumbauersville and Richlandtown, in Bucks Coun- ty. After his ordination, he served an extensive parish in Northumberland, Columbia and Lycoming counties, em- bracing Milton, Follmers, Muncy, Williamsport, Para- BIOGRAPHIES. 277 dise, St. John's, St. James, Black Hole Valley and others, including what is now our Turbotville parish. In 1829 he became pastor of the Goshenhoppen parish, including a number of congregations, and labored here until his death, August 23, 1884, at Pennsburg, Pa. In 1840 he severed his connection with the Ministerium and during the remainder of his life, together with his congregations occupied an independent position. Wagner, Reuben S., pastor of the Berwick parish, 1861-62; Lykens Valley, 1874-81; and Dushore, 1881- 84, was a son of John and Sophia Wagner, was born at Emaus, Pa., May 11, 1817, licensed by the Ministerium in 1846, pastor at Millersville, 1846-49; Norristown, 1849 -50; congregations in the vicinity of Reading, 1850-59: Conyngham and Hazelton, 1859-64; Nazareth, 1864-69; Hinkletown, 1869-73; Doylestown, 1873-74; Lykens Valley and Dushore as stated above. He died at the lat- ter place, May 19, 1884, and was buried at Zion's Church, two miles northwest of Dushore. Wahrmann, Herman Ernst Christian, pastor of St. John's Church, Lykens, Pa., since August 8, 1897, is a son of John Christian and Wilhelmina Wahrmann, nee Rahn, was born at New Ruppin, Province Brandenburg, Kingdom of Prussia, Germany, December 2, 1869, came to America with his father in 1874, was educated at Wag- ner College, Rochester, N. Y., 1890-94, and Philadelphia Seminary, 1894-97, and was ordained by the New York Ministerium, June 27, 1897. Walter, John Conrad, was born in Germany, Novem- ber 30, 1775, came with his parents to this country, when he was three years old, and settled in theTulpehocken region, near Womelsdorf. His father being a shoemaker by trade, he learned the same trade ; but afterwards entered 278 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. the ministry. This change in his life was brought about in the following manner, as related by Dr. Harbaugh : "When a young man, while attending preaching, under Rev. William Hendel, D.D., a Reformed minister, of Womelsdorf, who, like his father, had a wonderful gift of prayer, being so fluent, full of unction, and peculiarly impressive, he was so deeply impressed under one of his prayers, and drawn so near to the Saviour, that he after- wards had no peace of mind, until he decided to devote himself to the work of the ministry." He placed himself under the instruction of some minister, either at Lebanon or Reading, and must have taken a thorough course of study in theology, for we find that during his pastorate he prepared the brothers, John George and John William Heim, for the ministry, the latter being under his in- struction for five years. From the manuscripts found in the possession of the latter, referring to the instruction which be had received in theology, in which the Latin, Greek and even Hebrew are freely used, in definitions of terms and quotations from Scripture, forming a com- plete system of theology, we may learn something of the high theological attainments of the man, as well as of the sound and thorough training and instruction he was en- abled to impart to his students.* He was about thirty years of age when he completed his studies. He became pastor of numerous congrega- tions on the territory now embraced in Snyder County. In 1804.be began his labors at Selinsgrove, Salem, Free- burg, Grubb's, Liverpool (Perry County) and St. Mi- chael's in Pfoutz's Valley; in 1805 at Hassinger's Church; in 1807 at Adamsburg and Musser's Valley Churches ; and in 1810 at Fremont, and continued his la- bors until his death, in 1819. It is stated, that his parents * History of the Freeburg charge by Rev. J. F. Wampole. BIOGRAPHIES. 279 moved up from Tulpehocken when he took charge of these congregations, and resided in Fire Stone Valley, not far from Freeburg. •He. was married to Catharine Ulch, of Pfoutz's Valley, October 27, 1807. They had five children, of whom two died quite young. During the last years of his pastorate, he resided at Middleburg, where he died, August i<_>, 1819, and was buried at Hassingier's Church. His grave is marked: "John Conrad Walter (Preacher) born, No- vember 30, 1775, in Germany, died August 10, 1819." The Rev. J. P. Schindel, Sr., preached the funeral ser- mon, on Heb. 13:7, to a congregation of 1500 people, who had come from the eight congregations, he had been serving, to attend the service. His age was 43 years, 9 months and 13 days. He belongs to the pioneer work- ers in the territory which now has numerous congrega tions and well equipped church properties. His activity was of short duration and he died in the prime of life and in the midst of his usefulness; but in that time he had become widely known as a faithful pastor and a man of excellent character. • Walz, George Frederick, the youngest son of Mi- chael and Katharine Walz, was born in Bretten, Germa- ny, on the 12th day of January, 1822. After attending the public schools of his .native home, he learned his fa- ther's trade. When about 18 years of age he was strick- en twice with severe sicknesses. Attributing his unex- pected recovery to the mercy of God, he now consecrated himself to His service, and finally resolved to study for a missionary. With this end in view he entered the Sem- inary at Basel, Switzerland, in 1843, where he applied himself to his studies so assiduously for five years, that he was graduated a year before his class. On his way to Illinois as a missionary, he made the acquaintance of Drs. 280 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. Demme and Mann at Philadelphia, who, recognizing his sterling qualities, insisted on his remaining in the East, where they were greatly in need of ministers at that time Heeding their summons, he took charge of the newly or- ganized mission at Wilmington, Del., in the Fall of 1848. A more extensive mission field, with Pottsville, Pa., as its center, was committed to his charge from 1851 to r 853, where he succeeded in making the Pottsville Church self-supporting and in organizing a number of new churches in the vicinity. Receiving a call to the Lykens Valley parish, he entered, in January, 1854, upon the manifold duties of this new field, which comprised the following seven congregations : Miller's and Federhoff's in Armstrong Valley ; Huber's, Bender's and St. John's in Lykens Valley; Uniontown and Steinthal in Mahan- tongo Valley. It goes without saying that this was a rather large charge for one minister. But, in the prime of his life, naturally industrious and energetic, supported by an iron constitution, with highly developed vocal organs — nothing short of a large parish could have formed a fitting counterpart for his activity. He was now in his element. Pastor and people were con- genial. They soon loved and cherished each other, while the blessing of God rested on the work. However, new demands were ere long made on the minister, to which he responded, perhaps too readily. From 1856 to 1857 he served a small congregation, 16 miles distant, in the mountains of Schuylkill County. Then for nine consecutive years he preached every fourth Sunday evening in a school-house at Steinthal. In the last three years of his pastorate he preached every Sat- urday in a school-house at Vera Cruz, and at the same time every second Sunday evening at Lykens. This with all the funerals, catechetical classes, sick visits, etc., was BIOGRAPHIES. 281 a burden too heavy to carry for one man. Nature, over- taxed too long, gave a timely warning. The work must be diminished, or life may be shortened. The only course to pursue was to propose to the churches a division of the territory into two parishes. This would not only relieve the minister but would also ensure a better service to all the churches. This plan, however, was not favorably received, and the pastor was again left to get along as best he could. Seeing no hope of a better adjustment of the work, he accepted a call to the Old Goshenhoppen parish in Montgomery County, where there was but one service a Sunday. Today this large territory is divided into five parishes. In his new field of labor, he served three congrega- tions from January 1st, 1865, to January 1st, 1892, when on account of defective hearing, he retired from active ministry at the age of 70 years. Beside his pastoral work he devoted much time to lit- erary work. From 1870 to 1873 he served as German Secretary of the Ministerium, also serving at various times on many important committees of that body. From 1880 to 1887 he wrote the weekly editorials for "Herald and Zeitschrift." These editorials soon gained for themselves a wide reputation, and were frequently reprinted in the religious papers of America and Europe. Father Walz is noted for his sound judgment, his re- tentive memory, and no less, for his comprehensive knowledge. Always a diligent student and an extensive reader, a close observer of secular and ecclesiastical af- fairs, a clear and logical thinker, his judgment seldom leads him astray, while his wise counsel is continually sought by his brethren in the ministry. He was mar- ried to Charlotte Stuemmler in 1850. This union was 282 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. blessed with nine children, of whom one son and five daughters are still living. In company with his wife, surrounded by children and grand children, he is at present enjoying the fruition of a long and useful life, at his pleasant home in Sellersville, Pa., and though 76 years of age, his mental and physical faculties remain almost unimpaired. Adolph F. Walz. Wampole, Jacob Frederick, pastor of Grace Church, Shamokin, Pa., since 1891, is a son of the Rev. Jacob and Susanna Clementine Wampole, nee Fisher, was born near Spring City, Pa., June 6, 1833, was educated at Washington Hall, Trappe, Pa. ; Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, Pa., 1851-54; and Gettysburg Theological Seminary, 1854-56, licensed by the West Pennsylvania Synod in the same year, and ordained at Carlisle, Pa., in 1857. He has successively served the following par- ishes : Shamokin, consisting of five congregations, 1857 -67; Turbotville, 1867-76; Freeburg, 1876-91. He has been President, Secretary and Treasurer of Conference ; has served as Director of the Philadelphia Seminary and Trustee of Muhlenberg College ; and Principal of the Elysburg Academy, 1860-66. He married Margaret Krick, of Paxinos, Pa., November 13, 1862. Weber, Carl F. C, pastor at Jersey Shore, Pa., 1872. He was received into Synod in 1870, as pastor of congre- gations at New Germany, Fruitland and Williamstown, N. J. ; was pastor of St. Peter's, Scranton, Pa., 1871 ; Zion's, Jersey Shore, and St. Paul's and St. John's, 1872, and of Gilbert's parish in Monroe County, serving nu- merous congregations, 1873-74, and in the latter year was dismissed to the Western District of the Missouri Synod. PLATE Xlll A. P. LENTZ. IT P. MILLER. W. S. tFLRICH. L. D. ULRICH. ._■ W. P. BARR. W. M. KOFENHAVER. BIOGRAPHIES. L' 283 Weiand, W. H., pastor of the congregation at Trox- lville, some time prior to 1873. 'Weicksel, Frederick A., pastor of St. Paul's Church, Numidia, Pa., since 1893, is a son of the Rev. Henry and Angelina Weicksel, was born in Wilmington, Del., Janu- ary 6, 1867, educated in Muhlenberg College, 1881-83 and Missionary Institute, Selinsgrove, Pa., 1891-93, and was ordained by our Ministerium in the latter year. On November 5, 1893. he organized St. Peter's congrega- tino at Montana, Pa., which he supplies in connection with his other work. He married Elizabeth Wolfgang, March 8, 1887. Weicksel, Henry. The firmness of purpose, unsel- fish devotion, and heroic fidelity of the unrecognized rank and file of Lutheran pastors which, under God, have made our beloved Church what she is today in this country, are conspicuously illustrated in the subject of this sketch. Rev. Henry Weicksel was of the sturdy, sterling stock of intelligent, pious German peasantry. He was born to Nicholas and Kimigunde Weicksel at Pilmersreuth, Bavaria, Germany, September 22, 1817, the year of the great famine in that country ; and was the youngest of a family of four sons and five daughters. Baptized, ac- cording to the good German custom, when eight days old, he was raised under rigorous but wholesome family discipline. He attended parochial school ; was confirmed in his fourteenth year ; served an apprenticeship at cabi- net making and wood carving; and travelled as "Hand- werksbursch." His life was seriously endangered on ac- count of his pronounced and vigorous Protestant faith ; and as a penance for befriending him a Roman Catholic companion was commanded to eat two pounds of hay. 284 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. Emigrated to America in 1838, arriving in Baltimore Md., in May, after a voyage of six weeks and three days. His fellow voyagers were greatly alarmed at the appear- ance of the negro stevedores, especially when told that they were cannibals ; and a travelling companion return- ed to Germany at once, because told by a darkey that it was the climate in this country that had made him black. He worked at his trade in Baltimore, Md., Carlisle and Chambersburg, Pa. As there was no Lutheran church in Chambersburg a number of associates, religiously in- clined like himself, met with him regularly for mutual edification in the study of the Word, and prayer. Show- ing marked ability in apprehending and expounding the Truth, his companions greatly encouraged and urged him to carry out a long cherished purpose, to prepare for and enter the Gospel ministry. Removing to Waynes- boro, he married Miss Elizabeth Macdole, May 3, 1840 In order to raise money to enable him to study, he made a very remunerative trip as a scissor grinder to Easton Pa. His wife died January 5, 1842, leaving him the father of a very young daughter. The child was given a most excellent home, and raised by Mrs. Mary Gordon, nee Dettero. In the Autumn of 1842 he went to Gettys- burg, where he studied for nearly two years, being mar- ried again meanwhile at Hanover, Pa., to Miss Angelina Creager. He read theology under Rev. Henry Ziegler, D.D., and helped him do mission work. Was licensed to preach by the Pittsburg Synod in 1848, and ordained to the ministry by the same body at Prospect, Pa., in 185 1. From 1848 to 1858 he served the Venango mission, em- bracing points in Venango, Mercer, and Crawford coun- ties. It was an extremely difficult and laborious field, and afforded but a very meagre support. The trials, hard- ships, and privations of that pioneer work are instanced BIOGRAPHIES. 285 by the facts that he was often away from his family a month or more at a time, and that for weeks in succes- sion the family lived on potatoes and salt with a little butter in Summer, and in Winter on buckwheat cakes and molasses with black coffee. Subsequently he served the following charges : Warren, Pa., from 1858 to 1863 ; Wil- mington, Del., 1864-67; teaching parochial school, beside his pastoral work in both of these places; Ringtown, Pa., from 1867-73 j Line Mountain, Pa., January 1874 to Jan- uary, 1894, twenty years. In the Autumn of 1895 be re- moved to Shamokin, Pa., where be lived in retirement until his death on December 18, 1896, attaining an age of 79 years, 2 months and 26 days. In September, 1893, he had the pleasure of gathering his family around him, and celebrating his golden wed- ding. During his ministry he built six churches, and saw three of his sons follow him into his sacred calling, and a grand son preparing for it. He went to his longed for rest and reward full of years, rich in the love and hon- or of many friends, his great wish to see his children es- tablished in life gratified, and leaving to them the incal- culable legacy of honor, integrity, and godliness. He is survived by his widow, four sons, two daughters, and seventeen grand children. His preeminent characteris- tics were the most absolute trust in God, confirmed by many remarkable providences, the most conscientious and faithful discharge of duty, deep personal piety, and an absorbing love for the Church and his family. He saw the Church of his love and labors grow in this coun- try from a membership of 135,628 to 1,441,486. He was a type that is rapidly passing away, especially here in the east, the result of whose life and labors is our richest in- heritance. L. M. C. Weicksel. 286 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. •Weicksel, William, pastor of Grace congregation, Sharookin, Pa., 1888-91, is a son of the Rev. Henry and Angelina Weicksel, was born at Warren, Pa., March 29, 1863, was educated in Thiel College, Greenville, Pa., 1879-80; Muhlenberg College, 1880-85; and Philadel- phia Seminary, 1885-88, and was ordained by our Min- isterium. He organized Zdon's congregation at Mt. Car- mel, Pa., June 9, 1889, and served St. Paul's and St. Pe- ter's congregations in Cameron Township, Northumber- land County, Pa. He was pastor at Goudersport, Pa.. 1891-96, and at North Lima, O., since 1896. Welden, Christian, D.D., pastor of the Lykens Val- ley parish, 1850-51, was born September 30, 1812, was or- dained by the New York Ministerium in 1833, entered the Ministerium in 1835, and served in the following par- ishes : New Holland, Pa., 1834-38; Bucksville, Pa., 1839- 42; Kimberton, Pa., 1842-50; Bethlehem, Pa., 1852-72; St. Peter's, Philadelphia, 1872-83 ; pastor emeritus of the same, 1883-97. He was President of the Ministerium, 1857-60, and Missionary Siiperintendent, 1868-72. He died in Philadelphia, October 2, 1898. Wflker, Joseph, pastor of St. Mark's (Market Street) congregation, Williamsport, Pa., 1851-56. During his pastorate the brick church was erected, the corner-stone of which was laid in 1854 and the building consecrated. January 22, 1856. « Wenrich, Samuel, pastor of the Dushore parish, 1884 -93, is a son of John and Anna Wenrich, was born at Reinhold Station, Pa., April 1, 1844, was educated at Muhlenberg College, 1878-81, and the Philadelphia Sem- inary, 1881-84, and was ordained by our Ministerium in the latter year. During his pastorate ait Dushore, he also preached for the Lutherans at Lopez and Ricketts. Since BIOGRAPHIES. 287 1893, he has been pastor of St. John's congregation, Phillipsburg, N. J. He married Antonia Irene Yorkes, Bethlehem, Pa., July 2, 1881. iWetzler, John N., Ph.D., pastor of St. Luke's con- gregation, Sunbury, Pa., since 1894, is a son of John and Lydia Ann Wietzler, was born at Curtin, Pa., July 8, 1853, was educated at Berrysburg Seminary; Muhlen- berg College, 1875-79; an d Philadelphia Seminary, 1879- 82, and was ordained by our Ministerium in the latter year. He has served the following parishes : Ringgold, Pa., 1882-90; Beavertown, Pa., 1890-94. In 1894 he or- ganized St. Luke's congregation, erected a chapel, the corner-stone of which was laid, September 2, 1894, and the building consecrated, February 17, 1895. He has been Secretary of Conference since 1897. He married Clara N. Walz, daughter of the Rev. F. Walz, Sellers- ville, Pa. Willard, Peter, pastor of St. John's German con- gregation, Danville, Pa., 1850-56, a son of George and Susanna Willard, was born at Jefferson, Md., September 29, 1809, died at Mexico, Pa., July 26, 1893. He was ed- ucated at Gettysburg, Pa., 1834-39, and was licensed by the West Pennsylvania Synod, in 1841, and labored at Boalsburg, Pa., 1841-42 ; Westminster, 1842-45 ; Lovetts- ville, 1845-48. Later he served at Loysville, Mifflintown, Schuylkill Haven, and as Superintendent of the Loys- ville Orphans' Home, 1868-89. »Witmer, Charles, son of George and Catharine Wit- mer, was born near Vera Cruz, Northumberland County, Pa., September 1, 1820. He was educated in the institu- tions at Gettysburg, Pa., graduating from the College in 1 84 1. He was licensed in 1844. Between 1840 and 1845 he supplied the congregations of Rev. Ever at Catawissa, 288 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. Pa. ; served several parishes in the General Synod ; was Superintendent of the Orphans' Homes at Germantown and McAlisterville, Pa., engaged in secular business; was received into the Ministerium in 1863 ; died at Des Moines, Iowa, July 22, 1884. Woerner, G. F., pastor of Immanuel's German con- gregation, Williamsport, Pa., 1870-76, came from Wuer- temburg, Germany, as an ordained minister, and was ad- mitted to the Ministerium in 1868. His parishes were Schuylkill Haven, 1868-70; Roxboro, 1876-80; Hones- dale, Pa., which was an independent congregation, and he also severed his connection with Synod. He after- wards returned to Philadelphia, where he died. J. W. Early. • Yount, A. L., D.D., pastor of St. Mark's Church, Wil- liamsport, Pa., 1886-91, is a son of Noah and Elizabeth Yount, was born in Catawba County, N. C, July 28, [851, was educated in Newton High School, Newton, N. C. ; a similar institution at Hickory, N. C. ; North Car- olina College, Mt. Pleasant, N. C, graduating in 1876; and Philadelphia Seminary, 1876-77, and was ordained by the Synod of Southern Illinois, September 30, 1877. He has served the following parishes: First Church, Murphysboro, 111., 1877-79; Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, 1879-86; and the First Church, Greensburg, Pa., since June 1, 1891. He is President of the Pittsburg Synod, member of the Board of Ministerial Relief of the same, member of the Board of Trustees of Thiel College, of the Greensburg Seminary and of the Executive Committee of his Synod. He has published numerous pamphlets and books, among which are "Lost and Found," a series of discourses based on the parable of the Prodigal Son ; "Christian Missions," 1889; "Compulsory Attendance BIOGRAPHIES. 289 and Free Text-books in Our Public Schools;" "Christ Weeping Over Jerusalem ;" "Clean Cut Views ;" Kappf's "Holy Communion Book," translated ; John Arndt's "Sermons on the Catechism," translated. He was honor- ed with the title of Doctor of Divinity by his Alma Mater in 1895. He is married to the daughter of the Rev. D. M. Henkel, D.D., of Catawissa, Pa. Zeller, — , pastor at Lock Haven, Pa., 1859. Ziegler, Henry, D.D., pastor of St. Mark's (Market street) congregation, Williamsport, Pa., for a short time in 1850; Lock Haven, Pa., 1855; and supplied Kratz- erville for ia short time about 1858, is a son of Jacob Zieg- ler, was born near the Old Fort, Center County, Pa., August 19, 1816, was educated at Gettysburg, Pa., licens- ed by the West Pennsylvania Synod in 1843 an d or- dained by the Pittsburg Synod in 1846. He labored in nu- merous congregations in Pennsylvania, organized the first English congregation in Williamsport, was agent for the Parent Education Society of the General Synod, and for twenty-three years w_as Professor of Theology in Missionary Institute, Selinsgrove, and now lives in re- tirement at the latter place. Zuber, Theophilus, pastor of the Trevorton parish, 1893-96, is a son of the Rev. Ludwig and Caroline Zuber, was born at Pittston, Pa., January 7, 1872, educated at Wagner College, Rochester, N. Y., 1885-90, and Phila- delphia Seminary, 1890-93, and ordained by our Ministe- rium in the latter year. On October 1, 1896, he began his labors as pastor of St. John's German congregation at Tamaqua, Pa. He married Bertha E. Crone, Trevorton, Pa., August 27, 1896. Zweier, Charles D., pastor of the Beavertown parish 290 JUBILEE MEMORIAL VOLUME. since 1897, is a son of Adam and Clara Zweier, was born at Hosensack, Pa., April 12, 1866, was educated in Perki- omen Seminary, Pennsburg, Pa. ; Keystone State Nor- mal School, Kutztown, Pa. ; Muhlenberg College, 1890- 94; and the Philadelphia Seminary, 1894-97, and was or- dained by our Ministerium in the latter year. Immedi- ately after his ordination he entered upon the duties of the parish in which he is now laboring. iv. jubilee Celebration. SESQUI-CENTENNIAL OF THE Evangelical Lutheran Ministerium OF Pennsylvania and Adjacent States. The Sesqui-Centennial of the Evangelical Lutheran Ministerium of Pennsylvania and adjacent States was an occasion of more than ordinary importance in the lon ■ ■' ..■■■• '■■■■■..■■ v a- ;.',v:.^.;i ',:.:■ '•■■.V-..' r --/.':7'". > ;'--'. :..■' • . ■■'..: ...