Ill • . ■ ■ ■ ' ..■■',/ ■■■::■ ." ■ . JUlKn mm-' 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 92405089961 CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY 924 050 899 610 ANNALS OF THE EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION OF NORTH AMERICA AND History of the United Evangelical Church BY REV. A. STAPLETON, M. S. Author of Natural History of the Bible. The Lord has done great things for us, whereof we are glad. — Psalms exxvi.j. published by Publishing House of the United Evangelical Church harrisburg, penna. TQOO Copyrighted in the year 1896 3v the Board of Publication of THE ■United Evangelical Church. AUTHOR'S INTRODUCTION. "We take no note of time But from its loss. To give it then a tongue Is wise in man." — Young. Almost a century has passed by since the ecclesiastical foundations of the Evangelical Association were laid, and the hands that, under the Providence of God, gathered the materials, have long since been folded in death. Yea, even the immediate successors of our Church fathers are already growing old and fast passing away. One by one the few remaining links are being broken, and soon our aged Evangelical pilgrims, who in their youth came in contact with, and under the influence of our early pioneers, will also have joined the triumphant Evan- gelical host beyond the tide. The Evangelical Association has come to her present position through many severe trials and tribulations. No denomination originating in America has a more interesting history than our Evangelical Zion. Although several histories of the Association have been published, all excel- lent in their way, it has nevertheless been felt for many years that one of the most interesting phases of her history has been passed over too lightly by previous authors. This deficiency the author of this work has endeavored to supply in the first part of this volume, in the recovery of the names of early members and preaching places, as well as incidents connected with the establishment of the work by our early preachers. The publication of this work is the consummation of a long and , fondly cherished desire of the author. There are many things connected with it which to him seem providential. In early youth it was his good fortune to be a member of several of the first classes of the Association, in which were still found some of the original members, who had much to say about Albright and his co-laborers. Many of these old people had very clear and distinct recollections of the stirring scenes of the olden times. In course of time the knowledge thus gained was reduced to notes, without any regard to their connection with the history of the Association. The accumulation of so many interesting facts and incidents pertain- ing to the olden time, naturally found expression in a desire for their preservation in a permanent form. A circumstance very remarkable and worthy of record, is the fact that so many very aged people kept alive and cherished in their memories the knowledge of facts pertaining to our early denominational history, in the hope of some day iy AUTHOR'S INTRODUCTION. communicating it to the right person for publication. Some of these people communicated important matters to their children, and in this way many of the facts here recorded were preserved. Our older preachers often expressed a desire that the names of the old appointments and first members might be recovered for the benefit of posterity, before all the sources of information should be forever closed. This desire the author has endeavored to meet in the publication of this work, which was under- taken, as he firmly believes, none too soon, seeing that most of the sources of information from which materials of the first part were gathered, have passed away since the work was commenced, and much of the matter could not again be reproduced from the sources now at command. There are doubtless some errors in this work, as may be expected in such a vast mass of details, embracing many hundreds of names and dates. Yet the author confidently believes that such errors are few in number. Neither pains nor expense have been spared to secure accuracy. Records in the state and county archives have been examined to ascertain facts, and to verify such as were doubtful. The oldest living preachers of the Association co-operated with a zeal which evinced their deep interest in the work. Among them may be mentioned father Joseph M. Saylor, who entered the ministry in 1824, and was a contemporary of some of the first preachers of the Association. He not only furnished a large amount of material, but also reviewed a considerable portion of the copy pertain- ing to the first circuits. Father Francis Hoffman, who entered the ministry in 1826, also did considerable in the same line. To father Daniel Long (1835) the author owes his first knowledge of Albright's work in Bedford county, and other important matters, but while gathering fuller details for this work, he was suddenly called to his eternal reward. Father Joseph Harlacher (1832) also rendered valuable services. The recovery of the names of early preaching places and members in Ohio is largely due to fathers Lewis Einsel (1836), Daniel Swartz (1835), Abraham Loehner (1837), and Ch. Idleman. The latter was one of the first converts in northwestern Ohio. The four last named brethren traveled in Ohio when most of the appointments established by our first mission- aries were still maintained. A great many other brethren, both ministerial and lay, co-operated heartily in the preparation of this work, some going to great pains to ascertain or verify facts. Without their help this work could never have been accomplished. To the reader who is not a member of the Evangelical Association it may seem strange that so much attention has been paid to the laity, and matters of family history. This feature finds its explanation in the following grounds : The author holds that men who were willing to come out from among the formal churches and espouse the cause of Evangelical truth in the face of bitter perse- cution, and opened their houses as preaching places, which often required great sacrifices, deserve a wider recognition than has been hitherto accorded them. Another reason is the fact that most of these old fathers became centers of Evangelical influence. Their houses served as preaching places until churches were built, and in many cases they provided for the maintenance of public worship AUTHOR'S INTRODUCTION. t at their homes after their death. There are homesteads now in the Evangelical Association where preaching appointments have been maintained ever since the days of the founder of the Church ; a period of almost one century. A great many of the first families of the Association were among the most prominent in their respective communities. This is contrary to a generally received opinion. We have for many years been misrepresented in this respect, and the reproach has been laid at our doors that our early members and adherents were composed of the ignorant classes and gathered from the humbler walks of life. From a careful study of this subject, we can assure the reader that this opinion is an erroneous one, as the following chapters will abundantly show. It required no small degree of moral courage for them to abandon the formal churches with which they stood connected. Many of them were officers in these churches, and cases were not infrequent in which their former pastors incited their parishioners to violent measures to prevent them from receiving the ' 'false prophets, ' ' as our first preachers were called. In this connection it may be observed that most of the early conversions were deep and powerful. This assertion must not be understood as implying that conversions now are less genuine. The spiritual condition of the masses at that time was at such a low ebb, and such erroneous opinions respecting the character of experimental religion prevailed, that when people were thoroughly converted to God, its immediate effects upon the individual, as well as those with whom he came in contact, were far more powerful than at the present time. The converts then were especially drawn to God in prayer. They sometimes gave pledges to each other of special remembrance in prayer. When such per- secution as they endured is prevalent, it requires special grace to remain faithful. Although denounced by their formal pastors as heretics, and in many cases disowned and disinherited by parents and relatives, they held out well, and their inspiring examples still live among us to incite us to follow, as they did, the footsteps of the Lord Jesus, and ever reminding us that "By the thorn road, and none other, Is the mount of vision won." The preparation of the second and third parts of this book was less difficult, as the sources of information were more accessible. The works of Orwig, Raidabaugh, Breyfogel and Yeakel, and also the periodical literature of the Church, were freely consulted. To the many friends who have rendered valuable aid, and above all, to our dear Heavenly Father, who has blessed us with health and the spirit of perseverance for the successful accomplishment of our arduous but agreeable task, we give our most heartfelt thanks. A. STAPLETON. Berwick, Pa. THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS. PART I. Containing an Account of the Origin and Development of the Evangelical Association Through the Labors of REV. JACOB ALBRIGHT and His Co-Laborers. Also an Account of the Early Preaching Places and of Prom- inent Laymen. CHAPTER I. THE EARLY DAYS. The Pennsylvania Germans — The Immigration to America. Their Spiritual Condition — Awakening Among Them. Conversion of Jacob Albright, and beginning of his work. The Pennsylvania Germans. The Evangelical Asso- ciation, of North America owes its origin, under the providence of God, to the labors of Rev. Jacob Albright and his co-laborers amongthe Pennsylvania Germans. As our early preachers labored exclusively among this people, and as they have a dialect, cus- toms and traits of character peculiarly their own, a brief history of them seems proper in this connection. The Pennsylvania Germans were mostly emigrants from the Palatinate, or Lower Rhinish provinces of Germany. Prior to 1702 very few Germans had settled in Pennsylvania. The first settlement by them was made in 1683, when a small colony under Pastorius founded Germantown, now a part of Philadelphia. This was the beginning of one of the most remarkable emigrations of modern times, chiefly because such a large proportion of the emigrants represented a distinct division of the great Germanic race. So large indeed was this proportion, that it absorbed and assimilated in a great measure' all other racial elements with which it came in contact, and thus were laid in America the foundations of a new and distinct Germanic people, differing widely in many respects from the typical native of the Fatherland. In this we see the necessity for inquiring more minutely into the circumstances which led to this remarkable development. 10 EVANGELICAL A880CIATI0N ANNALS. The Huguenots. There is no more eventful period in modern history than the close of the seventeenth century. Oct. 1 8, 1685, marked the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes, by Louis XIV. of France. In 1598 Henry IV. granted religious tolerance to French Protestants who were called Huguenots, and by its revocation Louis XIV. kindled anew the fires of persecu- tion against them. He deprived them of all exercise of their religion, and tore their children from them to be educated as Catholics. He was very ambitious of the fame that would attach to the extirpation of heresy from his dominions. Notwithstand- ing his tyrannical decree against the emigration of his unhappy subjects, and the strict guard on his borders, great multitudes escaped the vigilance of his guards and spies, and in a few years over half a million of the best and most intelligent people of the nation had fled the country, many thousands of whom in course of time found a congenial refuge on the shores of the New World,* and many of their descendants were among the first to open their doors to Albright and his co-laborers. The Mennonites. About this same time the Mennonites were also bitterly persecuted, especially in Switzerland, and thousands fled to Holland and the Lower Rhine provinces, and later came to Pennsylvania. The Mennonite emigration properly began in , 1709. In 1706, or 1707, the Mennonites of the Canton of Bern, Switzerland, sent several agents to London to make arrangements with William Penn for the settlement of a large number of their people in his province, f Soon thereafter the envoys came direct to Pennsylvania, and after considerable exploration selected a very fine tract of 10,000 acres on the north side of Pequea Creek, now in Strasburgh township, Lancaster county. The title was perfected Oct. 10, 17 10, and the land divided according to previous arrangement the following April 27, 1711.J In a few decades thousands of these conscientious and peaceable people had found homes in Pennsylvania. The Palatinates. In 1688 Heidelberg was taken the sec- ond time by the French Papists and laid in ashes. Like the Phoenix of old it arose again from its ruins, only to be stormed and destroyed again by the same inveterate enemy in 1693. The panic-stricken inhabitants were compelled to flee from the * Bancroft says the United States are full of monuments of this Huguenot emigration. f Col. Records iii. p. 397. $ Rupp's Hist, of Lancaster county, p. 75. TEE EARLY BAYS. 11 relentless foe in the darkness of the night. Manheim, Speyer and Worms were also pillaged and partly destroyed, and the whole region was laid waste and desolate by the wanton fury of the Papists. The unfortunate inhabitants were, however, induced to rebuild their ruined homes again under promise of religious freedom, and immunity from taxes for a certain length of time. In this they were cruelly deceived by their Elector, who doubtless acted on the Papistical principle then prevalent, that promises made to heretics should not be redeemed. Betrayed by their heartless Elector, and despoiled by their old enemy, the French, they were well nigh driven to despair. Emigration to Pennsylvania. Queen Ann of England issued a proclamation in 1708, inviting the persecuted, long- suffering Palatinates to her dominion, and before the end of the year nearly 12,000 of them were quartered in warehouses and tents in London and vicinity. Stripped of all their earthly possessions they were very poor, and were supported by the gov- ernment and the munificent charity of the queen. The presence of so many thousand indigent foreigners became a serious burden to England, and plans were devised to transport them to the Provinces. In the summer of 1 7 1 o about 3, 000 who had lived on the bounty of Queen Ann, were shipped to New York. One large party, under Rev. Kocherthal, settled at Schoharie, New York. Trouble, however, arose, and the Ger- mans became dissatisfied, many gradually working their way to Pennsylvania, and were the first Palatinates in the province. Their dissatisfaction soon became known to their kindred in Europe, and thereafter New York was shunned by them. In 1723 the proprietaries of New York invalidated the titles of the Schoharie settlers and they came to Pennsylvania that same winter, suffering incredible hardships in traveling through the wilderness. In this company was the famous Conrad Weiser, afterwards Colonial Indian agent and interpreter. This colony settled on the Tolpehocken, fifteen miles northwest of Reading, Pa. While the English emigration was comparatively insignifi- cant, the Germans from the Lowlands and the war -scourged Palatinate poured into the province at a rapid rate. James Logan, provincial secretary, wrote the proprietor in 1717, "We have of late a great number of Palatinates pouring in upon us without any recommendation or notice, which gives the country 12 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. some uneasiness, for foreigners do not so well among us as our own English people." Two years later Jonathan Dickinson wrote, "We are daily expecting ships from London which bring over Palatinates in number six or seven thousand." In 1717 Gov. Keith appeared before the Colonial Council with a state- ment that great numbers of foreigners from Germany, who were strangers to the language and customs, were dispersing themselves immediately after landing, "without producing certificates from whence they came, or what they are," etc. This was considered dangerous to the colony, and led to the adoption of a measure which has preserved the names of upwards of 30,000 male emi- grants, (Germans), as all males sixteen years old and upwards were thereafter compelled to subscribe to an oath, or article of allegiance to the English government and obedience to the Colo- nial authorities. This was equivalent to the naturalization of the present day. The lists containing these names are among the most precious treasures in the archives of the Commonwealth. In 1727 no less than six vessels arrived in Philadelphia, well laden with Palatinates, followed in 1 7 2 8 by three more vessels, and the same number in 1729. The Palatine emigration, however, was unprecedented from 1730 to 1740, as no less than sixty-five ship-loads arrived. In 1 730 the region west of the Susquehanna river was opened to settlement, and what are now York and Adams counties were soon filled up with Germans. Thousands also mingled with the Scotch Irish in the fertile Cumberland Valley, and many Palatine settlements were made in Maryland and in the Shenandoah Valley, in Virginia, as far south as Shen- andoah and Rockbridge counties. "When George Washington and others were surveying lands in that part of Virginia in April, 1748, they were attended by a great company of people, men, women and children, who followed them through the woods. They would never speak English, but when spoken to would always speak Dutch"* (German). In 1742 the Germans of Pennsylva- nia were estimated to number 100, 000, f and in many sections formed fully nine-tenths of the inhabitants. After the treaty of lort Stanwix, Nov. 5, 1758, the rich and fertile valleys of the west and northwest were penetrated by the Germans, and some extensive settlements were made by them west of the main ridge of the Allegheny mountains, prior to the war of the Revolution. * Sparks' Washington, Vol. ii. 418. f Horn's History of Lehigh Co.J p. 23. THE EARLY BAYS. 13 Their Language. The language spoken by the Pennsyl- vania Germans is a slight variation of the soft and beautiful dialect -still prevailing in the Palatinate (German "Pfaltz "). This dia- lect in America retains its grammatical forms, but has acquired some additional idiomatic features, and a curious intermixture' of English words which have been adapted to it. As a dialect it holds a place between High and Low German. By many it is supposed that "Pennsylvania Dutch " is merely a corrupt German and English. The reader will see that this is not the case. As originally spoken it is one of the finest and softest dialects of the great Teutonic tongue. Some fine works have been published in this dialect, notably those of Rev. H. Harbaugh, Prof. Horn, and Henry Fisher, Esq. Their Religious Condition. The German emigration to Pennsylvania, as already indicated, was mainly the result of relig- ious intolerance in the Fatherland. The co-religionists generally settled together. The Mennonites and Dunkards mostly located in Lancaster county. The Schwenkf elders, most of whom arrived in 1734,* settled in a section now embraced in Berks, Lehigh and Montgomery counties. The Moravians, under the patronage of Count Zinzendorf,f settled in the Lehigh Valley, in 1741, and founded the towns of Bethlehem and Nazareth. The Lutherans and Reformed, who were mostly Palatinates, and formed the bulk of emigrants, spread themselves more generally over the country. Strange as it may seem, the strong tide of religious feeling which led to this influx of Germans seems to have subsided in a great measure soon after their establishment here. Their new surroundings may have contributed to this condition. It became a hand-to-hand struggle for subsistence. For more than a quar- ter of a century they had no pastors, and religious training was wofully neglected. This statement has particular reference to the Palatinates. ♦They came in the ship St. Andrew, Sept. 12, 1734 (Col. Records iii. 568). Among them were the Yeakels, Schuberts, Huebners, Kribels, Hoffmans. f Nikolaus Ludwig (Count Von Zinzendorf ). Born 1 700, died 1 760. A 'German nobleman of deep piety. He espoused the faith of the Moravians, who were then reduced to a mere handful through the religious persecutions then prevalent. He invited them to settle on his estates, which they did, and founded the town of Herrnhut. Z. was made a minister and bishop of the reorganized •church, and thereafter was its leader until his death. He established numerous Moravian colonies. He was the author of more than one hundred works in prose and poetry. 14 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. Although there were some congregations formed as early as 1735, still the great mass of the people were strangers to the sanctuary. In 1 742 the noted Lutheran divine, Henry Melchior Muhlenberg,* was sent from the Fatherland to look after the spiritual interests of the Lutherans in Pennsylvania. He found the spiritual condition of his countrymen most deplorable, and in letters published in the Halliche Nachrichten, describes their con- dition in a vivid manner. In 1746 Rev. Michael Schlatter,! a Reformed minister from Switzerland, came to Pennsylvania on a similar mission. His communications to the home church convey the same sad story of spiritual decline. In 1752 there were but sixteen Reformed congregations, having regular pastors, in a Reformed population of thirty thousand souls. The war of the Revolution likewise had a demoralizing effect on the Pennsylvania Germans. Intemperance, especially, became alarmingly prevalent among them. Their pastors seldom raised a hand to stem this rising tide of evil. Many of the clergy con- doned the use of ardent spirits and, alas ! in many instances were themselves openly intemperate. This was overlooked by their people, who regarded it as only a "Fehler" (an infirmity) in their preacher, about which it was best not to say anything. Beginnings of Religious Revival. It is gratifying to know that the darkness and spiritual ignorance of this period was relieved by many burning and shining lights. Signs of promise multiplied, and harbingers of better days everywhere appeared. While we would not disparage the influence of the great Wesleyan revival in England, and its spread in America through the preaching of that man of God, George Whitefield, still it is a remarkable •fact that many conversions of prominent men were brought about spontaneously, a considerable number of the ministry and laity in nearly all denominations professing conversion, and becoming- * Heinrich Melchior Muhlenberg, D. D. Born at Einbeck, Germany, 1711, died 1787. A distinguished German divine. He was sent by the Univer- sity of Halle to organize and promote the interests of the Lutheran Church in America. He is justly regarded as the founder of the church in America. Several of his sons became men of great distinction. Muhlenberg and his sons were great patriots during the war of the Revolution. f Rev. Michael Schlatter. Born in Switzerland 1716, died 1790. Edu- cated at St. Gall. Sent by the synods of Holland 'to organize the Reformed Church in Pennsylvania. In 1751 he went to Europe and secured six missionaries, with whom he returned to Pennsylvania. He was a patriot in the war of the Revolution, for which he was imprisoned by the British. THE EARLY DATS. 15 dissatisfied with the cold and formal worship of the times. This was the state of affairsabout the close of the Revolutionary War. Among those who cried aloud and spared not, was the Men- nonite preacher, Martin Boehm.* He was brought to see his own unconverted state, and after experiencing God's saving grace in his own heart, he became a strong advocate and forcible expounder of experimental religion in his church. His fearless denunciation of sin and his views on experimental religion were so radical as to constitute a great gap between him and his corelig- ionists. The spirit of toleration was then almost unknown, and Boehm was excluded from the Mennonite Church. His influence, however, was felt powerfully among the people of that denomi- nation, and contributed in a marked degree to preparing the way for the great success of later evangelists. A well defined movement was also about this time noticeable in the Reformed Church. William Otterbein, f one of the prominent preachers of that church, began to preach Evangelical repentance and conversion in a very forcible manner, and made profound impressions. George Adam Guething, John G. Phruemer, and Anthony Houtz, all of the Reformed Church, became earnest preachers of repentance and conversion. The two former associated themselves with Otterbein and Boehm, and became prominent ministers of the United Brethren Church. Mention should also be made of John Neidig, of Dauphin county, Felix Licht, of Lebanon county, and Christian Newcomer. J *Rev. Martin Boehm was born in Lancaster county, Pa. in 1725. He became a Mennonite preacher in 1756. Five or six years later he was excluded from that denomination, "for holding fellowship with other societies of a different language. " Thereafter he was an active co-worker in the Evangelical movement of the times, and became one of the founders of the United Brethren in Christ, of which church he was made a bishop in 1800. After a long life of signal usefulness, he died in Shenandoah Valley, Va., in 1812. f Philip W illiam Otterbein. Born in Germany 1726, died in Baltimore, Md., 1813. Was one of the Reformed missionaries sent by the Holland Synod to America in 1752. Became pastor of a Reformed Church at Lancaster, Pa., and later at Baltimore, Md. Many revivals and conversions followed his preaching. He was associated with Martin Boehm, and through their labors the movement which resulted in the formation of the United Brethren Church was brought about. % Rev. Christian Newcomer, whose name occurs prominently in this work, was a son of Wolfgang Newcomer, and was born in Lancaster county, Pa., 1749. He began to preach in 1787, and was a member of the first United Brethren Conference in 1789. He was elected as bishop of that denomination in' 1818. He labored with great zeal in that capacity until March 12, 1830, when he died at his home near Hagerstown, Md. 16 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. Separation from the Old Churches. We have now out- lined the beginning of the Reformation among the Pennsylvania Germans. The churches for the most part being closed against these men of God, they were compelled to preach in houses and barns and on the streets. Hundreds of people opened their houses as regular preaching places. There was, however, a strong aver- sion on the part of many against leaving the old churches where they had rendered their confirmation vows. Many of the laity were excluded from the churches for following after or abetting the so-called "heretics, " but the churches soon discovered that thereby they excluded their best, their fraying people, and were glad enough to retain them if possible. Many of these preach- ing places were open to all preachers who were approved and converted 'men of God. Bishop Newcomer's journal reveals the fact that he frequently preached at the houses of persons who had connected themselves with Albright's society, and the same is probably true of nearly all the "New Measure" preachers of that day. Therefore it follows that because some prominent member of the old churches opened his house as a regular preach- ing place, we must not at once conclude that he left his church. The converted people of the various churches often met as an unorganized society — if such an expression is allowable — calling themselves "Brethren." Later they became "The United Breth- ren. " Still later, when the number of those professing conversion was considerable, it became quite common to speak of them as a class, as "die bekehrte Lent" (the converted people), and the adherents of the old churches as "'die Kirche lent" (the church people). While it is an undeniable fact that the spirit of sectarianism is an evil in the Christian church, it is also true that the lack of organization and administrative powers is an evil equally deplor- able. At first view there is something noble in the thought of coming out and standing aloof from a cold and dead church, and seeking the genial warmth of true devotion burning on other altars, but this spirit of independence and non-allegiance to church organization is found to be an evil in practice. It weakens the incentives to support the cause of the church, her ministry, her ordinances and her work. This fact soon became apparent to the many gospel workers of the various denominations who for several years had labored independently of the denominations with which they were formally connected. In 1789 a number THE EARLY DATS. 17 of them, under the leadership of Boehm, Otterbein, and others, connected themsglves together under the name of "The United Brethren in Christ." It does not seem that a separate church organization was at first contemplated, but the hostility of the old church against this movement drew the converted ministry and laity more closely together, which necessarily developed into denominational organization. A large number, however, remained independent of any organization. A remarkable incident relating to this subject is worthy of record. In the early ministry of John Seybert, (afterwards bishop,) he had an extensive revival near the Black Oak Hill, Lebanon county, Pa., at a meeting held at the house of Joseph Kreider,* at which the noted Felix Licht, was present. Licht had been a prominent Mennonite, but after his conversion he, with many others, stood aloof from churches. Seybert urged the converts to hold together, and showed the necessity and advan- tages of organization. Licht astonished the assembly by arising and contradicting the advice of Seybert and spoke against the formation of a class, to which little attention was paid. Rise of the Evangelical Association. In the religious movements which we have outlined, the Evangelical Association also took its rise. The establishment of our Zion was not the result of disruption, or secession from any of the old denomina- tions. Neither is it the result of a difference in faith or church polity, but it represents, as its name indicates, a revival of the evangelical or spiritual element, which existed only in the creeds, but not in the practice of the German churches of that day. Herein we see her standpoint and distinctive features as a church. Should the Evangelical Association ever lose sight of the funda- mental principles of her existence, namely, the conversion of sinners to Christ and the building up of God's people in true holiness of heart, then may it be truthfully said, there is no apol- ogy for her existence. That such a stage should ever be reached, may God forbid ! The Evangelical Association has no connection whatever with any of the more recently established churches in America. Her origin and development were entirely independent of them all. Her's was a growth by accretion, brought about by instrumental- ities of her own, which were blessed and owned of God in the •Near Palmyra, Pa. He died in 1878, aged eighty-four years. His place was for many years an important point. 18 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNAL8. conversion of souls. We have already seen how for some time the new measure preachers labored side by sid« without formal organization, and with them the founder of the Evangelical Asso- ciation. But in its organization and subsequent development there does not seem to have been much material except that which Jacob Albright and his co-laborers could properly call their own. This of course has reference to the fruits of their labors. Most of the members of the original classes were the spiritual children of Albright and his assistants, as will appear to every candid reader of the subsequent details of their labors in this work. Conversion of Albright. In 1790 Jacob Albright, who then lived in West Cocalico township, Lancaster county, Pa., lost several of his children by death. On the occasion of their burial Rev,. Anthony Hautz,* a Reformed minister already referred to, officiated. The word spoken had the effect of bringing Albright into a penitent condition. He failed, however, to find peace, and after many months of prayerful seeking he was brought to the verge of despair. Not very far from him lived a minister named Adam Riegel, who, like many others of his day, stood independent of the churches. To this man Albright went for counsel and help after having been in the deepest spiritual distress for over a year. The Sun of Righteousness then arose upon him with healing in his wings, and he was converted in the house of Riegel, in 1792, and together they subsequently enjoyed many happy hours in Christian communion and devotion. We have already noticed the aversion of the early German converts to a separate church organization, a feeling in which Albright did not share. He felt the need of a church home in which he could serve God according to his new light and experi- ence. He therefore united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, a class of which had been established in his locality. This, on the whole, maybe regarded as a fortunate circumstance, inasmuch as he found not only congenial Christian fellowship, but also opportunities for the free exercise of the gifts with which he was * Rev. Anthony Hautz, a deeply spiritual Reformed minister and faithful preacher of experimental religion was licensed as a Reformed preacher in 1787, was a co-worker with the independent brethren, but never withdrew from his church. Because he advocated the "New Measures " he came in conflict with his conservative parishioners, and changed charges a number of times ; finally he removed, in 1804, to the state of New York. Here he died in Groton township, Tompkins county, in 1830, at an advanced age. THE MABLT DATS. 19 naturally endowed. Although a German, so well did his Metho- dist brethren think of Albright that they granted him license as an exhorter. After laboring in this capacity for some time, he felt the inward call to the holy ministry. The difficulties in the way, however, seemed insurmountable. The church with which he was connected was English in language, while the people with whom his labors as a minister could be successful, were German. After much fasting and prayer, he finally determined to enter the gospel field as an independent evangelist, and labor among his German countrymen, in the full belief that God had called him to this work, and would open the way for him. Albright never withdrew from the Methodist Church, neither was he excluded. His membership simply lapsed when his sphere of usefulness was enlarged from the exhorter to the itinerant preacher. Beginning of Albright's Ministry. In 1796 Albright started on his first evangelistic tour, which, as he himself says, embraced, a portion of Maryland and Virginia and the interior of Pennsylvania. The first definite account we have of his labors refers to October of this same year, when he preached at the mar- ket house at Shafferstown, Lebanon county, Pa. , on the occasion of the dedication of the new Reformed Church at that place. It is exceedingly difficult to gain definite information of his early labors, for the reason already advanced, that he doubtless preached at many places where all godly .ministers were alike welcome. The first tangible results of his work, so far as we know, appear in the eastern part of Berks county, near the Colebrookdale iron works. Here he preached at Samuel Lieser's, and Abraham and Joseph Buchwalter's. At Quakertown, Bucks county, eighteen miles northeast of this, he preached at Peter Walter's and Charles Bissey's. In Penn township, Schuylkill county, he preached regularly at Leonhart Zimmerman's. In North- ampton county, along the Blue mountains, he preached at the houses of George Phillips and his sons, Conrad and Jacob, and Jacob Reidy. In what is now Lebanon county, near Jonestown, he preached at the house of Ludwig Zehring. At the foregoing places he preached prior to 1800. The persons named, with their families, were his first fruits in the ministry, and loved him as their spiritual father. As the number of the converts through his ministry increased, he clearly saw the necessity of organizing them into classes. This he did in 1800, when his adherents num- bered about twenty. 20 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. The first class was formed on the Ridge, three miles east of Quakertown, Bucks county, and consisted of Charles Bissey and wife, and Peter Walter with his wife and family. Peter Walter was the leader of the class. The second class was formed about twenty miles southwest, at the Colebrookdale iron works, in Berks county, and consisted of Samuel Liesser, his wife and several children, Abraham Buchwalter and wife, and Joseph Buchwalter and wife. Samuel Liesser was leader. The third class was formed along the Blue mountains, in Hamilton town- ship, Northampton county, and consisted of father George Phillips and his two sons, Conrad and Jacob, and their wives, Jacob Riedy and wife, Phillip Miller and wife, and Barbara Hecht. Conrad Phillips was leader. First Co-laborers of Albright. After laboring alone in the vineyard for a period of about five years, the Lord gave his servant, Jacob Albright, an assistant, in the person of John Walter, son of Peter Walter, the first class-leader. This young man entered the Evangelical work in 1802, and became noted for his untiring zeal and powerful eloquence. From his biography and the numerous references to him in this work, the reader will perceive that he was a man of brilliant talents j whose oratorical powers have never been excelled in the history of the Association. The following year, 1803, another young brother entered the work. This was Abraham Liesser, son of father Samuel Liesser, of Colebrookdale, Berks county. He was a young man of mild and quiet disposition, zealously devoted to the saving of souls, but does not seem to have possessed a strong bodily constitution. In 1805 he broke down altogether and died the same year. In 1804 Alexander Jemison, of Lancaster county, entered the active work. The following year, however, he located, after which but very little is known of him. In 1805 George Miller entered the itinerancy and eventually became the leader of the Association. In 1806 the number was not increased. In 1 807 John Dreisbach, of Buffalo Valley, in Union county, and Jacob Frey, of Middle Creek Valley, in (now) Snyder county, entered the work. The former became in course of time the leading man of the church. John Erb, of Conestoga, Lancaster county, began to preach in Albright's time, was received on trial in 1808, and became a very useful man* The foregoing brethren entered the ministry under the supervision of the founder of the church. THE EARLY DATS. 21 Of local preachers of this period it is doubtful whether all the names of those who exercised the office, and were recognized as such, can be definitely ascertained. Several of the names given below do not appear on the records of the church, but of their license as local preachers there is no doubt. In 1806 the office of local preacher was established in the society. The first to be received were the following : Charles Bissey, of Quakertown, Bucks county; Jacob Phillips, of Northampton county, and Solomon Miller, brother of Rev. George Miller. The great revival on the new circuit, in 1806, almost doubled the mem- bership of the society. The number of local preachers was also increased as follows : In 1807 Christopher Spangler accom- panied John Dreisbach to attend the first conference of the church. Spangler, at this conference, received license to preach,* and for half a century was a pillar in the church. John Thomas, Jr., of Mifflin county (died in Wayne county, O., 1837), whose license was given him by Albright. f Christian Wolf, of Derrstown (now Lewisburg, Union county), who removed to Seneca county, New York, 1807, and died 1833. Besides the above, mention should also be made of Michael Maize and Henry Niebel, of Dry Valley, Union county, and Matthias Betz, of Millheim, Centre county. These brethren without doubt began to preach in Albright's time, Niebel and Betz entering the active work immediately after the founder's death (1808). Biographies of nearly all the co-workers of Albright will be found in subsequent chapters. They were men of untiring zeal, and willing to endure hardness as good soldiers of Jesus Christ (II. Tim. ii. 3). Amid many privations and disappointments they laid the foundations of our Evangelical Zion. Pentecostal Meeting. The first meeting of Albright and his adherents, of which we have any knowledge, was held when he had but four male followers, of whom Charles Bissey J was one. The names of the others are not known. The place and time of the meeting are also unknown, but the time must have been soon after he began his ministry. The object was to seek a closer union with God, and to pray together for the power of •Letter of Dreisbach in "Chr. Botschafter, " 1843, P- '89- f Or wig's History of the Ev. Association, p. 219. \ This fact was given in a historical address at the General Conference at Allentown, Pa., in 1883, by Rev. Henry Stetzel, who had obtained his infor- mation from Charles Bissey. 22 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS, the Holy Ghost. The Lord blessed them in a wonderful manner, and the meeting no doubt proved a great encouragement to Albright and his little band. First General Assembly. After Albright had labored in the gospel ministry about six years, it was felt necessary to give a more definite and formal recognition of his call and work. Hence a general Council Assembly was called, which met Nov. 3, 1803, at Samuel Liesser's.* Besides Albright and his two assistants, John Walter and Abraham Liesser, there were pres- ent the following brethren : Jacob Phillips, George Miller, Carl Bissev, Conrad Phillips, John Brobst, Solomon W. Frederici, Chr. Brobst, George Phillips, Michael Brobst, Samuel Liesser, Peter Walter, Adam Miller, Jacob Riedy and Solomon Miller. This assembly transacted the following important business : 1. An ecclesiastical organization was effected by the adoption of the Holy Scriptures as the guide and rule of faith. 2. Jabob Albright was declared to be a minister of the gos- pel in the full sense of the term and recognized as their spiritual father and teacher. 3. He was solemnly ordained as such by the laying on of hands; 4. And was given a license or commission, of which the fol- lowing is a close translation : "From the Elders and Brethren of His Society of Evangelical Friends. We, the undersigned Evangelical and Christian friends, declare and recog- nize Jacob Albright as a genuine ( Wahrhaftigcn ) Evangelical preacher, in word and deed, and a believer in the Universal Christian Church and the commun- ion of saints. This testify we as brethren and elders of his society (Gemeinde ). Given in the State of Pennsylvania Nov. 5, 1803. " The document was signed by Albright's two colleagues, Walter and Liesser, and the fourteen laymen mentioned. Second Assembly. Some time between 1805 and 1807 another council was held in the house of George Becker, of the Muehlbach. Of this meeting there is no record whatever ; but that it was held, is substantiated by the testimony of two daughters of George Becker who were present, namely, Mrs. Gockley and Mrs. Catharine Klinefelter, the wife of Rev. John Kline- felter. Some time prior to their death they made definite statements relative to the assembly, Mrs. Gockley especially •This statement of the place is according to the testimony of John Dreisbach. THE EARLY DATS. 33 having a vivid recollection of it. Mother Elizabeth Stump, a daughter of Samuel Becker, in whose house the first conference was held in 1807, related to the author that she frequently heard her relatives, including her uncle, George Becker, speak of the council at the house of the latter. First Conference. The first regular conference was held in November, 1807, at the house of Samuel Becker, on the Muehlbach, Lebanon county, a few miles east of Shaeferstown. With this conference the official history of the Association prop- erly begins. CHAPTER li. THE "OLD CIRCUIT." An Account of the First Field of Labor, Commonly Called "Schuylkill and Lancaster Circuit" — Its Preaching Places and Classes as Established by Rev. Jacob Al- bright and His Co-Laborers, with Copious Biographical Notes. We have already in a previous chapter noted the beginning of Jacob Albright's ministry. In this chapter we will seek to give a description of the first field of labor, with an account of its preaching places, and the noble families who, in the face of great persecution, opened their homes to the founder of the church and his co-laborers. In doing this it will, however, be impossible to follow the work in the order of its establishment, as that plan would necessitate a frequent recurrence to the same locality. The number of preaching places on the old circuit, prior to Albright's death (1808), was upwards of sixty. In their enumeration We deem it proper to begin with the locality in which the first class was organized. Bucks County. On the rocky ridge, about three miles east of Quakertown, Bucks county, Albright was received by Peter Walter and Carl Bissey. Peter Walter, who lived in Rockland township, three miles east of Quakertown, was the father of a large family, nearly all of whom were grown when Albright first visited them, and so far as can be ascertained, Walter was one of the very first to asso- ciate himself with Albright. In the year 1800, when Albright decided to organize his spiritual children into classes, he began THE EARLY DATS. 25 here, and father Walter was made leader of the first class of the Evangelical Association. In the year 1805 he and his entire family removed to the Swatara Creek, near Jonestown (now), Lebanon county. In that connection the reader will find a further account of him and his family. Carl Bissey, of Richland township, lived three miles north of Walter, and was also one of the first adherents, and was promi- nent in the early days of the society. He was present at the council assembly of 1803, and became one of the first local preachers of the church. In this capacity he rendered good service until his death, Oct. 20, 1847, at the age of seventy- five years. Northampton County. Along the southern slope of the Blue Mountains, in Hamilton township, Northampton county, was organized the third class of the Evangelical Association in the year 1800. The first to open their houses to Albright as preaching places, prior to the organization of the class, were father George Phillips and his sons, Conrad and Jacob, Jacob Riedy and Adam Miller, all of whom were present at the Gen- eral Assembly of 1803. The following were the members of the class : Father George Phillips and wife, Conrad Phillips and wife, Jacob Phillips and wife, Peter and Jacob Riedy and their wives, Philip Miller and wife, Adam Miller and wife and Barbara Hecht. Conrad Phillips was the class leader. In the fall of 1802 Jacob Albright held the third general meeting of the society at Conrad Phillips', and was assisted by John Walter, his first fruits for the ministry. This meeting was attended by George and Solomon Miller, who at this time publicly identified themselves with the work of Albright, and soon became very efficient instruments in the establishment and promotion of the society. Jacob Phillips became one of the first local preachers of the society. He died in the prime of life, in 1809. In 181 1 Conrad Phillips removed to Dry Valley, in Union county, where his house became a prominent preaching place. Here he died in 18 16, and his aged father, who had removed with him, died in 1822. Adam Miller was one of the first converts under Albright Note. — Catharine Hecht died in 1808, leaving a bequest of $100 to the society, which was the first it received. This was considered a large amount at that time, and was added to the fund for the support of the preachers. 26 E V ANGELICAL A8S0GIA TION ANNALS. in Northampton county. In the early part of the century he removed to Crawford county, O., where he died in 1848, aged eighty-one years. Berks County. At the Colebrookdale iron works near the eastern line of Berks county, Rev. Jacob Albright found some open doors in the very beginning of his ministry, and here formed his second class in 1800. The men who received him and opened their houses as preaching places were the following : Samuel Liesser, who with his family was converted through the labors of Albright and became the leader of the class that bore his name. His son Abraham became Albright's second assistant in 1803. Father Liesser was widely known as a man of exem- plary piety. At his house Albright held his first "general meeting "* in June 1 802. Brother Liesser died in the early part of the century. His wife Anna died in 1838, at the ripe age of eighty-two years. Abraham! and Joseph Buchwalter and their families also became adherents of Albright. They were Mennonites in faith but became dissatisfied with the cold and formal worship of their society, and cast their lot with the persecuted "converted peo- ple." The Buchwalters were men of deep piety and sterling worth, and quite prominent in the community. In 1820 they removed to Ross county, O., where they were among the first to receive the Evangelical preachers. John Buchwalter, a son of Abraham, married to a sister of Rev. John Dreisbach, also removed to Ross county in 1827, and his house was for years a preaching place. In Albany township, almost surrounded by the Blue Moun- tains, lived a very wealthy man named Michael Brobst. He was an iron master, and his furnace and two forges stood in the very heart of the valley. His landed possessions comprised over 10,000 acres. About the year 1800 his daughters, Magdalena and Maria, married George and Solomon Miller respectively. •"General meetings" were meetings held at irregular intervals in various 'parts of the society. They usually began on Saturday, and continued over the Sabbath. As the work became more established, these meetings gave way to the "quarterly meetings." f Abraham Buchwalter was born in Berks county, Pa., 1 76 1, and died in Ross county, O., 1837. Barbara, his wife, born 1764, died in Ross county, O., 1868, aged 102 years. Their son John, who served 1812 in the ministry, born 1787, died 1872. His wife Susanna (Dreisbach) born 1793, died 1 88 1. Joseph Buchwalter, born 1767, died 1838. THE EARLY DAYS. 27 The Millers, with their wives, were soon afterwards converted through the labors of Jacob Albright, which greatly incensed Mr. Brobst, who was a strict adherent of the old churches. Soon after the conversion of the Millers the three sons of Brobst were also converted. Circumstances point to father Zimmerman's house as the place of their conversion. Their names were John, Michael and Christian. They were all pres- ent at the Gouncil Assembly of 1803, and their names are on the instrument declaring Albright a gospel minister. Of Christian nothing can be learned, and it is probable that he died prior to his father. John and Michael lived on the estate and were con- nected with the business of their father, and at his death inherited the vast estate, but through circumstances not necessary to detail here, lost their possessions in after years. The homes of John ,and Michael were regular preaching places for Albright and his co-workers from 1803. The home of John is especially worthy of note from the fact that here at a general meeting, held on Easter day, 1808, Albright stationed his preachers for the last time. Northwest of Reading, along the Tulpehocken, Albright and co-laborers found entrance at an early day. The home of father Peter Dundore was the chief preaching place. A class was formed here in 1806. In 1809 an extensive revival occurred in this region and a considerable ingathering took place. Among the converts at this time were George Lantz,w1io entered the min- istry in 1820, and Lewis Henkey, who became a local preacher in 1828. Later he removed to Summit county, O., where he was an Evangelical pioneer, and where he died in 1873, aged 83 years. The Miesse family were also members on the Tulpe- hocken, and later removed to Ohio, where .they became strong supporters of the work, and some of the younger members later became ministers. About 1823 the Evangelical preachers were received by John Tobias, Sr., and his wife, Mary Elizabeth, who lived on the Tulpehocken, about six miles from Reading. A great revival began here in this year, and many souls were converted at his house, among whom were his sons, John, Jr., Benjamin, Peter, Abraham, David, Samuel, Daniel and Henry, who in later years became pillars in the church. In 1832 father Tobias removed to a locality six miles north of Circleville> O., where the family again received the preachers and were instrumental in 28 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. the establishment of a church. Here father Tobias died Aug. 23, 1847, aged seventy-eight years, three months and fourteen days. His last words were, "I know that my Redeemer liveth." Mother Tobias survived a number of years. In course of time most of the sons removed to Illinois. Samuel entered the min- istry in 1826, preached many years in Pennsylvania and Illinois, and died at Naperville, 111., in 1890. Daniel entered the min- istry in 1833 and died the following year while serving Wooster circuit. David was a local preacher. Of grandsons the following entered the ministry : Benjamin Franklin, son of Benjamin, died in the ministry of the Ohio Conference ; Simon A. and L. B., sons of John Jr., entered the Illinois Conference, and J. H., a son of Peter, is a prominent member of the Kansas Conference. """ In Bern township, along the southern slope of the Blue Mountains, in Berks county, Albright and his associates gained entrance prior to 1805, and a class was formed here about this year. The preaching places were at father Levergood's, Val- entine Brobst's, John Miller, Sr.'s (see Miller family), and father Jacob Kline's. The latter resided about four miles west of Shoemakersville. All the foregoing were men of means and high standing in their respective communities. They had been connected with the old churches, and when they opened their houses as preaching places for the expounders of Evangelical truth, they became the objects of ridicule and persecution, yet they stood like pillars of light in that region of moral darkness. Camp-meetings were held at father Levergood's at an early day. In later times the families of Earnst and Loose became strong pillars in this section. Near the gap where the Schuylkill River forces its way through the Blue Mountains, is the town of Hamburgh. Here Albright was entertained by a merchant named Diehl. In 1801, when passing through, he asked permission of Diehl to preach at his house, but the latter said it was hardly a suitable time, as there was a "frolic" in progress at the tavern not far away. A mill stood in close proximity to the tavern, at the front of which was a worn-out millstone. Albright obtained permission from the proprietor to mount the stone and preach. A multitude soon gathered, to whom he delivered a heart-searching address. As it had the effect of breaking up the frolic, the tavern-keeper became incensed at Albright and attempted to punish him with a whip. George Miller, who a few years later was converted and became THE EARL T DA TS. 29 a co-laborer with Albright, was at this time engaged in working at the mill, and received impressions which came to an early fruitage. Some time later Albright and his co-laborers began to preach in a small school-house in the town, but because of opposition the work made but little progress for years. A Wayside Meeting. In 18 12 an officer who had died in the war with England then in progress, was brought to his home in Hamburg for interment. To this funeral, which was attended with considerable demonstrations, Mrs. Saylor, of Orwigsburg, came, accompanied by her son, Joseph M. Saylor, who was then a boy of nine years of age. The town was full of people who had come to witness the obsequies of the dead officer. The attention of the mother and son was attracted by a crowd gath- ered around a man who was holding a religious service on the pavement. The mother drew near and with close attention lis- tened for the first time to an Evangelical preacher, who was none other than George Miller, who eleven years before had first heard Albright preach from the millstone, a few hundred yards away. Miller was at this time the chief man in the society. An incident which impressed itself upon the mind of the little boy was that of a man who took off his hat and reverently bowed his head when Miller kneeled on the pavement in prayer, while all the rest of the hearers kept on their hats and laughed and talked in a disrespectful manner. The Bertoletts. Near Friedensburg, in Oley township, Berks county, is the old home of the Bertoletts. In 1726 Jean Bertolett, a French Huguenot, of Chartien Duise, Switzerland, with his wife Susanna and five children, was compelled to flee from his home because of religious persecution. He settled in Oley, Pa. , and many of his descendants became members of the Evangelical Association. In 1735 his son Abraham married Esther DeTurk, through whom he came in possession of the estate still owned by the Bertoletts at Friedensburg. In 1736 he built a stone house which is still standing, and is one of the most interesting landmarks of the church. In course of time Daniel Bertolett, a grandson of Abraham, came in possession of the estate. He, like his ancestors, was noted for his inde- pendence of thought and thrifty habits. When still young he became dissatisfied with the dead formality of the churches, and became an earnest inquirer after spiritual life, and through a 30 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. providential circumstance became acquainted with the Evangel- ical Association. In 1809 a traveler stopped at the Bertolett home and asked for dinner, which was cheerfully given him. He was v young, entertaining in his manners and made a favorable impression. Soon after this he stopped again, this time feeding his horse. Bertolett was naturally curious to know his name and business, but not until the stranger had mounted his horse and was ready to proceed on his journey did he ask him. The reply was, "I am John Walter, and my business is to -preach the gospel to rich and poor wherever doors are opened to receive me. " He then bade farewell and rode away. Bertolett stood awhile engaged in thought concerning the strange visitor, when a voice seemed to say to him, "Why did you not invite him to preach in your house?" Following its promptings, he ran after the preacher now disappearing in the distance and succeeded in stopping him. The conversation on religious matters was resumed, with the result that an appointment was made for Walter. This was the beginning of a great work in that locality and the organization of a strong class, the principal members of which were the Ber- toletts, Clevers, Weidners, Yeakels and Hochs. For many years Bertolett's house was a preaching place and he one of the chief pillars of the church. A camp-meeting was held on his land in 1814 and many years thereafter, besides many important general meetings. He was one of the principal promoters of the Book Establishment in 1816, and was elected by the conference as one of the commission. He possessed fine poetical talent; many of his hymns became familiar throughout the church, and some are still to be found in our German hymn book. One of his notable hymns begins with the lines : "Die Wasserbaeche rauschen dar Die Stern' am Himmtl leuchten hlar, Die kuehlen Winde weA'n." Many of his productions were published in a separate volume. In the conference records of 1820 is a resolution ordering the publication of a volume of hymns written and translated by John Dreisbach and Daniel Bertolett. In 1832 Bertolett was licensed as a local preacher. He was severely plain in his habits, so that many who did not understand him thought him peculiar. In his house was posted a notice forbidding the use of tobacco on his premises, which he considered a great evil. He was a:so THE EARLY DAYS. 31 a prominent anti-slavery man. He died in 1868, at the age of eighty-eight years, and his son Jacob, born in 1815, succeeded to the ancestral estate. He was a local deacon of the church and also a prominent man. He died in 1878. Lehigh County. At Lynnville, Albright found entrance to several families who opened their homes for preaching places. His leading support here was George KUster, whose house became a regular preaching place as early as 1800. He died in the early part of the century, but his house continued as one of the preaching places of the Schuylkill circuit as late as 1835. In 1842 the widow Maria Kuster died, aged eighty-three years. Having no children, she bequeated the entire estate to the East Pa. Conference, which in turn very generously transferred all the proceeds of the estate, which were considerable, to the Charitable Society of the Evangelical Association. Near the present town of Macungie lived a liberal-minded man named Philip Wescoe, who welcomed Albright to his home, and permitted him to preach in his house. No immediate results were apparent until 1834, when J. M. Savlor preached to an assembly of over one thousand people in the orchard of Mrs. Susan Mohr, near the old home of Wescoe. This was the beginning of a great work. Schuylkill County. In West Penn township lived that eminent man of God, Leonard Zimmerman, and his wife Sophia. He was a member and officer of the Reformed Church, and a spiritually enlightened, pious man. About 1797 he turned his back to the dead formality of his church and opened his house as .a preaching place for the zealous evangelist Albright. For this he was decried as a heretic and became the subject of sore persecution. His former pastor did his utmost to keep him from "falling from the faith," and urged him to close his door against the "false prophets" and "deceivers." Zimmerman at this time was well advanced in years. He was the father of a large family, nearly all of whom were grown, and some were already heads of families. The following is a list of his children, all of whom became members of the church prior to Albright's death : (1) John Zimmerman, Esq., for many years a justice of the peace in Schuylkill county, and whose house was one of the early preaching places ; (2) Rev. Leonard Zimmerman ; (3) Maria and (4) Eve, married brothers, John D. and Michael Sev- bert, respectively; (5) Catharine, married to John George 38 EVANGELICAL A880CIA TION ANNALS. Zehner. The Seyberts and Zehner lived in the North Branch valley, in (now) Columbia and Luzerne counties, where Albright and associates preached in their homes. (6) Susan, married Conrad Biebelheimer ; (7) Barbara, married H. Balliet, and (8) Albertina, married Jacob Bochard. About 1806 the three latter sons-in-law also emigrated to the same valley, and received the Evangelical preachers. Bochard settled a short distance above Danville, in (now) Montour county. After the death of the parents (9) Margaret, the youngest, was cared for by Rev. Solomon Miller, who in 1816 removed to New Berlin, Pa., to take charge of the Printing Establishment of the society. Here she met, and in 1818 married, George Miller, "the printer." In the early history of the church father Zimmerman's was one of the leading points of the connection. In the begin- ning of the century Albright preached there a sermon of great power from the words, "But who may abide the day of His coming?" (Mai iii. 2.) The whole assembly was melted under its influence and many were converted, among whom was father Zimmerman's son Leonard, who later became a minister. At another meeting held here in 1802 George Miller, who became so eminent and useful in the church, was fully confirmed in the faith. Father Zimmerman's house was open to all godly preach- ers, whether adherents of Albright or not. Father Peter Beaver,* one of the first German Methodist preachers in Amer- ica, frequently preached at Z.'s house, and often spoke of his deep piety and his zeal for the work of the Lord. Father Zim- merman was gathered home, like a shock of corn fully ripe (Job v. 26), in the latter part of 1812, and his wife soon thereafter. A great number of his descendants are members of the Evangelical Association, some being useful ministers of the gospel. In 1803 the first Evangelical class was formed in Schuylkill county, and George Miller was appointed leader by Albright. The Miller Family. Jacob Miller and his wife Eliza- beth were highly respectable people of Pottstown, Pa., and members of the Lutheran Church at that place. During the Revolutionary War they removed to Alsace township, Berks county, where Miller died in 1784. As their sons became prominently identified with the society through the ministry of Albright, a notice of them seems proper in this connection : •Grandfather of ex-Governor James A. Beaver. THE EARL T DA YS. 33 (i) John Miller and his wife Sabilla lived in Bern town- ship, Berks county, and their house was one of the first preaching places. John Miller never united with the society, but his wife did. He died early in the century. She died at the home of her son Solomon G., in Stoyestown, Somerset county, Pa., in 1850, at a very advanced age. John Miller, Jr., son of the foregoing, entered the Evangelical ministry in 1822, traveled seven years, broke down in health, and died near Shoemakers- ville, Pa., iik 1833. Solomon G. Miller, another son of John, was a very talented man. He entered the ministry in 1829, trav- eled a number of years, and later was employed at the Book Establishment at New Berlin, Pa. He resided for some time at Stoyestown, Pa., and still later removed to Kansas, where he died, near Augusta, Nov. 19, 1883, aged seventy-six years. (2) George Miller lived in Schuylkill county, where he, in June 3, 1802, became a subject of saving grace, but some years later removed across the mountain to Allemangel, near his father- in-law. In 1805 he entered the active ministry. As his biogra- phy appears elsewhere, a further notice of him in this connection is unnecessary. (3) Solomon Miller lived in Schuylkill county, near his brother George. He was also converted in 1802, and his house became a regular preaching place in the Autumn of that year. On Easter day, 1803, Albright held his fourth general meeting at his house. In the Fall of 1803 he attended the First Council, and in 1807 the first annual conference, where he was licensed as one of the first local preachers. In 1816 he removed to New Berlin, Pa., to take charge of the newly established printing busi- ness of the society. As he derived no income from this source, he carried on his trade as a hatter. His good work for the church was, however, soon cut short, as he died March 29, 1820, aged forty-two -years, five months and twenty-two days. His body reposes near that of his brother George. (4) Frederick Miller in the early part of the century re- moved to the upper end of Lehigh county, near the Blue Note. — A few years after their conversion, George and Solomon Miller removed from Schuylkill county to the head of Allemangel corner, near their father-in-law Michael Brobst. Here George built a saw mill, and Solo- mon erected a small hat factory, on the same premises. In 1809 the second annual conference was held at their house, and in the Fall of 1810 the second camp-meeting was held on the north bank of the mill dam, where there is a beautiful spring. Still later they removed to New Berlin, as elsewhere noted; 34 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. Mountains, where his house was for many years a preaching place. He became quite wealthy, and being without issue, willed his entire estate to the East Pa. Conference. This was the largest bequest ever made to the church. The will, however, was con- tested by other claimants, and after a very costly litigation the conference saved about $ 10,000, which was very generously turned over to the Charitable Society of the church. He died in 1854, at a very advanced age. In the vicinity of Orwigsburg, Schuylkill county, lived George Orwig, who was a member of the Lutheran Church, and a highly respectable citizen. He was liberal in his views and strongly opposed to the dead and formal worship so prevalent in his locality. He therefore opened his house as a preaching place for Jacob Albright.* Although he never withdrew from the church of his fathers, he was nevertheless a warm friend of the Evangelical Association, and his children and grandchildren be- came prominent members. Several of his sons having removed to Buffalo Valley, Union county, he and his wife Magdalena went thither to spend their last days with them, and there they both died in 1841, each at the age of eighty-two years. In Lower Mahantongo Valley lived John Haldeman, whose house became a preaching place for Albright and his asso- ciates. Probably nowhere else in Pennsylvania was there greater spiritual darkness than in this region, and the work seemed fruit- less. Brother Haldeman, however, did not become discour- aged, although he stood almost alone for a quarter of a century as a professor of experimental religion. His house was for many years a noted stopping place for the preachers in their travels to and fro. The precious seed of the gospel sown in this place was not lost, however, as in course of time it came to a rich fruitage, and a class was formed. John Seybert and others took up ap- pointments in adjoining places, and a rich harvest of souls was realized. One of the chief pillars in this valley for many years was Henry Heppler. Many victorious camp-meetings were held on his place, and the Evangelical work throughout that region has continued to nourish to the present time. * This statement is from his grandson, Bishop W. W. Orwig. Note. — Father John Haldeman died 1842, aged seventy-four years. His fcife Salome in 1838, aged seventy-one years. THE E ABLY DAYS. 35 Lebanon County. For some unknown reason Albright was specially interested in Shaefferstown and vicinity. This place is situated about seven miles south-east of Lebanon, in one of the finest agricultural regions of the State. It is especially noted as the place of Albright's first labors, of which we have definite knowledge. In October, 1796, the Reformed church here was dedicated, and we find him addressing an overflow meeting from a board pile at the entrance of the market house, in the public square. A furious attack was made upon him by a godless mob, and the result would doubtless have been serious to him had not the arm of the Lord encircled him. At the critical moment when a rush was about to be made upon him, a powerful man, named Maize, who saw his danger, seized him, and carried him away, as though he were a child. The cowardly mob well knew the strength and courage of Maize, and made no further attempt to harm him. A kind hearted man named Peter Mohr then took him to his home and sheltered him. This perilous attempt to preach Evangelical doctrine in this wicked place did not in the least discourage him, but with true Christian heroism he fre- quently returned, and the Lord not only opened doors for him, but also hearts to receive the truth, and the precious seed thus sown in tears and sorrow, came to a rich and glorious fruitage, as will be observed. But before this result could be reached, God's servant must pass through a still more fiery ordeal. Albright's Terrible Persecution. In the Autumn of 1799 a fair was held at Shaefferstown, at which time he preached to a large multitude by the wayside. On this occasion he was attacked by a mob and shamefully abused. Bruised and bleed- ing, and with garments almost torn from his body, he escaped with his life to father Zentmyer's, who lived two miles distant, and at whose home he had often found a warm welcome. Here he lay for two weeks under the care of a physician. Among Albright's hearers at the fair was George Becker, who lived two miles east, at the Muehlbach. The word of truth made an impression upon his heart, and some years later he was converted, and became one of the strongest pillars the church has ever had. (See Muehlbach. ) Near Shaefferstown lived Jacob Gleim, a man of sterling worth and deep piety. Soon after Albright began his labors here Brother G. opened his house for preaching, and it was for many years a noted place. He died in 1837, at the age of 36 EVANGELICAL A880CIA TION ANNALS. seventy-one years. It is worthy of note that when Albright was suffering from his last illness and was on his way home, as he said, to die, he was brought from Lingelstown to brother Gleim's. From there he resumed his journey, but was compelled to stop at George Becker's, only two miles distant, where he breathed his last. Among the converts of Albright at Shaefferstown was Jacob Bricker, who was, so far as we know, the first in the town to open his house as a preaching place. He died in Lebanon, in 1840, aged seventy- three years. Bishop Newcomer, of the United Brethren Church, mentions in his journal the fact of having preached in Bricker's house in 1823. John Grumbein and family were also converted under the preaching of Albright, and their house was a preaching place. (Father G. died in 1868, aged ninety years. ) A little later Jacob Bucks became a prom- inent member. He was class leader for many years, and was the father of Rev. H. Bucks, who entered the ministry in 1832. The Muehlbach and Vicinity. In West Cocalico town- ship, in the northeastern part of Lancaster, and near the line of Lebanon county, is a locality known as "The Swamp," opening in the direction of Shaefferstown, between the Muehlbach and Chestnut Ridge. The Muhlbach is a few miles north and Shaef- ferstown northwest. In this place Albright was received by John Wenger,* who opened his house for the preachers of exper- imental religion. On one occasion when Albright preached here, the house was so thronged that the floor gave way, and a disaster was narrowly averted. Some people regarded this mishap as a sign of God's disfavor and thereafter kept aloof. In the Spring or Summer of 1805 George Miller, Albright's co-laborer, gained entrance a little farther north towards the Muehlbach. In his autobiography he says, "One evening I stopped with a man in Lancaster county named Lesher, and was lovingly received. In the evening and morning I prayed with them, and as I was about to take my departure, he asked me whether I was not a Methodist preacher. I replied that I was no Methodist. 'But,' said he, 'you are a preacher, and in what connection do you stand? ' I replied, 'I am an Evangelical preacher, and preach the gospel to all who receive and hear me. ' * He was a brother to Jacob and Joseph, of State Line, Pa., which see, and brother-in-law to father Philip Breidenstein, and Bishop H. Kummler. THE EARLY DATS. 37 'Tell me the truth,' said he, 'are you not a Methodist preacher?' 'You can depend upon it,' said I. 'I would like to hear you preach, but the Methodists I would not receive, because they are too boisterous. Or are you so loud too ? At any rate, I will give out an appointment for you and then we will see. ' "An appointment was given out, and the house was filled with people. The Lord gave me grace to preach His Word with feeling and power, so that nearly all were melted. Lesher desired another appointment, and as I preached again others desired it also, and the Lord so wrought that in a short time sinners began to seek for pardon. As Lesher heard the noise he left the assembly, but God worked powerfully so that many sinners were converted, and also this old man with nearly his entire family were converted."* The Beckers and Lefflers Converted. Among the peo- ple who came to the meetings at Lesher's were some from the Muehlbach, about three miles distant, among whom was Cath- arine, wife of Frederick Becker, a highly respected man, and a brother of George and Samuel, of the Muehlbach. John Leffler, married to Becker's sister Julianna, lived near Lesh- er's, and also attended the meetings. Mrs. Becker was con- verted and a little later her husband Frederick. This opened the way for the introduction of the work. Soon after his conversion Frederick Becker began to urge his brothers, Samuel and George, to attend the meetings at the Swamp. After much persuasion they agreed to do so, and went together. The service made a deep impression upon them, and on their return they discussed the propriety of having Albright preach at the Muehlbach also. Samuel thought that inasmuch as he was an officer in the Lutheran Church, it would not do for him to open his house as a preaching place, but urged his brother George to do so. George signified his willingness, but there were domestic obstacles in the way, and the project was deferred. Quite unexpectedly, however, whether in jest or earnest we can- not say, the wife of George told him to have an appointment made at their house. This was just what he desired, but she had hitherto shown no disposition in favor of the work. An appoint- ment was accordingly made, which was filled by Albright. The wife, however, opposed a second meeting, but Albright * MiZ/er's Leben, page S3. 38 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION- ANNALS. persuaded her to permit another appointment, to which she finally agreed. At the second meeting he was assisted by his collegues John Walter and George Miller. The house was thronged with people. Much opposition was manifested by the enemies of the cause, and considerable damage was done about the prem- ises. The meeting nevertheless was a glorious triumph, and among the saved was George Becker. The precious seed dropped into his heart by Albright at the Shaefferstown fair, five years previous, at last matured in his salvation. Becker's sister Julianna, and her husband John Leffler, from the Swamp, were also present at this meeting. She was powerfully wrought upon, and with contending emotions within her soul she stole away ere the meeting closed and returned to her home, several miles distant. When her husband returned he found his wife in bed and the door securely barred. To his repeated calls to open the door she paid no attention, whereupon he bowed down and offered up a fervent prayer in her behalf. This induced her to open the door, but she immediately returned to bed. She there began to upbraid him for falling away from the faith of their fathers. It was quite evident, however, that her heart had been touched by the spirit of conviction, and she was in that condi- tion in which the enemy of souls makes a last desperate effort to hold his victim. Her husband then bowed down by the side of a chest near the bed, and with tears began to pray for her salva- tion. Soon the mighty power of God came down upon them, and the woman cried out with a loud voice, "Der Teufel muss weichen." (The devil must flee. ) After a season of Jacob-like wrestling the unseen One revealed His hidden name, and the house resounded with shouts of joy and praise from the lips of husband and wife. Samuel Becker was still unconverted. Soon after the con- version of Lefflers a prayer-meeting was appointed at their house. When the time for the prayer-meeting came, Samuel Becker's wife, who had been converted, said to her husband, "Come, get ready, and let us go over to Leffler's to the prayer- meeting." « No," said he, "I must go to church to-day or they will throw me out of office, as I have missed church pretty often of late." After much persuasion, however, she induced him to accompany her. The meeting was one of great power, and Becker resolved to seek the Lord in the salvation of his soul. The friends joined in fervent supplications with him, and he was TEE EARLY DAYS. 39 soon overwhelmed with the power of saving grace. Springing to his feet, with his streaming eyes turned heavenward, he repeated that grand old hymn of Rothe, beginning, " Ich habe nun den Grund gefunden Der meinen Anker ewig haelt ; Wo anders als in Jesu Wunden ; Da lag er vor der Zeit der Welt, Ein Grund der unbeweglich steht Wann Erd und Himmel untergeht."* Deacon Samuel Becker was now converted, and another strong pillar added to Albright's little society. His conversion, however, was the signal for abuse from his former co-religionists. He had "fallen away from the faith," according to their notion, and to ridicule him and disturb the meetings at his house was considered just what he deserved. His father-in-law, who was a man of considerable means, was especially hostile to him and his wife, and finally announced to them that he had disinherited them. Mrs. Becker said, "Dear father, you may do me all the harm you can. You may throw me out of my inheritance, if you will, but you cannot take from me my inheritance above, which rests in God's hands, and is incorruptible, undefiled, and fadeth not away. " The aged father spent much of his time at her house, but whenever there was preaching there, he left and remained away until the service was over. His bitterness against the Evangelical work never abated, and at his death it was found that he had executed his cruel threat, and his dear daughter, who had bestowed upon her aged father the tenderest care and affec- tion, was cut off from her father's estate. In the light of eternity this was of little moment to her, for she has for many years enjoyed her more enduring substance in the City of God. Becker Family History. Among the early German emi- grants in Pennsylvania were a number of Baptists, who fled from the religious intolerance of the Old World to seek homes in the New, where they might serve God according to the dictates of their consciences. At first they were somewhat scattered, but Conrad Bissel having settled at the Muehlbach in i72i,f he was in 1724 joined by others, and a society was organized. This society chose one of their number named Peter BeckerJ as *See English translation in Evangelical Hymn Book, No. 324. \ Egle'S History of Lancaster county. \ Becker was from Dilsheim, Germany. 40 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. their official baptizer.* This was the ancestor of the Becker family. In 1724 he baptized Bissel in the Pequea Creek, f Bissel was a man of considerable intelligence, and changing his views somewhat, he a few years later withdrew and founded the famous Communistic Society at Ephrata. Becker's estate on the Muehlbach was quite large, and a good portion of it has remained in the hands of his descendants continuously to the present time. Among the sons of the emigrant was John George, to whom the estate descended. John George Becker was the father of fifteen childen, nearly all of whom became supporters of Albright and members of his society, and multitudes of his decendants are to be found as hon- ored members in almost every quarter of the church. He died prior to 1800, aged ninety-two years. His aged companion, who was his third wife, lived to see the Evangelical work established, became a member of the Muehlbach class, and died in peace soon afterwards. Of the children of John George Becker, several of whom have already been mentioned, a brief reference can only be given in this connection. John Jacob soon after his conver- sion removed to Windsor township, York county, where he was a pillar for many years. Michael lived on the Swatara, where he received Albright and his colaborers. Frederick, (wife Eliza- beth), Elizabeth, married to John Lesher, of Dauphin county. Frederick Becker and his brother-in-law Lesher removed to Seneca county, O. Julianna, wife of John Leffler, already referred to; Christina, who became the wife of Rev. John Walter, the first colaborer of Albright ; Samuel and George, of whom more will be found presently. The Becker mansion is one of the most interesting land- marks connected with the history of the church. It was erected by John George Becker, and is a two story stone edifice of large size. The body of the building is of limestone, but the corners, windows, and doors are of fine red sandstone trimmings. Over the door is neatly cut the legend, "G, 1767, B." The edi- fice is in an excellent state of preservation. An abiding interest attaches to it, because in it was held, in 1807, the first annual conference of the Evangelical Association. Brother Samuel Becker gained possession of the homestead, and it has been •Rupp's History of Lancaster county, page 214. f Ephrata Chronicles. THE EARL Y DA T8. 41 retained by his decendants ever since. He was killed in 1809 by accidentally falling under the wheel of his wagon, while on his way to Reading. George Becker lived on the western end of the estate. The old homestead was situated near a large spring, which is the source of the stream known as the Muehlbach, (Millcreek.) In this house Albright died in 1808. The an- nual conference was held here in 1810 and 181 1. The old home has long since given way to a more modern edifice. George Becker was blessed with a family of godly children, of whom his eldest daughter Mary married Rev. John Erb, but died in the bloom of life in 1814. Catharine in 1823 became the wife of Rev. John Klinefelter, who was one of the leading men of the church. Father George Becker died in 1855, at the age of eighty-eight years, his wife Maria having preceded him many years. The Muehlbach class was organized in 1805, John Leffler, leader. Members : Father John Lesher and family, John Lef- fler and wife Julianna, mother Julianna Becker, Frederick Becker and wife Catharine, John Jacob Becker, Catharine (Becker) Kissinger, Christina Becker, (afterwards Mrs. Rev. J. Walter), Anna Yost, John A. Hake, and also Jacob Bricker, Jacob Gleim, and John Grumbein, with their families, of Shaef- ferstown. Albright was buried in the private burying ground of George Becker. In course of time it was enlarged, father John Kline- felter donating considerable land for the purpose, and it is now known as the Albright, or Evangelical cemetery. In the midst Notes. — t. Frederick Becker's son Abraham entered the ministry in 1822 and traveled five years. John Jacob was noted for his wonderful gift of prayer, under which the hearts of many sinners melted like wax before the flame. He died in Windsor township, York county, Pa. 2. John Adam Haake, whose remarkable conversion at Michael Becker's in 1805 is elsewhere related. He was blind through the premature explosion of a blast, which accident occurred before his conversion. He was a powerful exhorter, and was accustomed to go to meetings in distant localities and wrought much good. He died in 185 1, aged seventy-five years. He is buried close by Rev. Jacob Albright. 3. Anna Yost lived in a small house belonging to George Becker. She was one of the first converts, and especially noted as a sweet singer. She was Albright's nurse during his last illness at Becker's, and cheered him by singing the sweet songs of Zion. Later she married Brother J. Snavelv and removed to Cornwall, Lebanon county, where she died in 1855. 42 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. of it stands the Albright Memorial Church, built in memory of the founder in 1850. The material is red sandstone. It is, however, not as originally constructed. Because of faulty work in its erection, it became necessary to rebuild the entire struc- ture. The inscription on the marble slab above the entrance reads as follows : "Albrechts Kirche, errichted zutii andenken des verewigten Jacob Albrecht, Stifter der Evangelischtn Gemeinschaft in Nerd Amerika, im so ten Jahr der Gemeinschaft, Anno. 1850. Ganz nett aufgebaut im Jahr i860." Translation. — " Albright Church, erected to the memory of the Sainted Jacob Albright, founder of the Evangelical Association of North America, in the 50th year of the Association, Anno. 1850. Rebuilt in the year i860." The Breitenstein Family. A few miles south-west of Lebanon, Pa., lived Philip Breitenstein, a man in good cir- cumstances and highly respected in his community. Albright had became acquainted with him prior to the beginning of the century, when he lived at Adamstown, Lancaster county. Late in the Fall of 1805 he preached in his house for the first time. The weather being unfavorable, his audience consisted of the family and a pumpmaker, who was then doing some work for Breitenstein. Although favorable to Albright, he did not fully yield to the influence of the gospel. His wife was still less inclined than her husband. She was not only indifferent, but also in a measure opposed to Albright's pretensions as a min- ister of the gospel. On the score of old acquaintance, and the fact that he was welcomed by her brother, John Wengerd, near Adamstown, it would seem she tolerated his services at their house. But with the exception of the privilege of preaching there occasionally, his work for the time being seemed in vain. Sev- eral providential circumstances occurred by which the Lord turned these otherwise excellent people to Himself, and raised them up as pillars in His church. The following remarkable account of Mrs. Breitenstein's conversion she related to her pastor, J. M. Saylor, from whose lips the author received it : The evening was drawing near, when a young man on horse- back drew rein in front of Breitenstein's house. He inquired THE EARL T DA Y8. 43 whether they could tell him of the whereabouts of Jacob Al- bright. The appearance of the young man and his inquiry at once aroused the interest of Breitenstein, who asked' his name. The young man replied, " I am John Walter, Albright's helper. " He was then kindly requested to remain for the night, an invita- tion which he thankfully accepted. Mrs. B. at once proceeded to prepare supper, and the young itinerant was invited to share the repast. He was requested to ask the blessing at the table, which he did in a unique manner. He made it the occasion for praying specially for her who had prepared the meal. This was something new to her, but it was of God. "The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assem- blies, which are given from one shepherd. " (Eccles. xii.'i i. ) It was this remarkable prayer that led her to the Saviour, and like Lydia her heart was opened "that she attended to the things spoken of." (Acts xvi. 14.) Brother B. still refused to receive Christ fully, but mark how strange are the ways of Providence. Soon after the foregoing incident (May 18, 1808) Albright was called to his rich reward, and the same Walter who could lead souls to Christ by saying grace at meals, preached such a sermon at the funeral of the sainted founder of the church that the hearts of the hearers melted like wax before the flame, and father Breitenstein was led into "the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Jesus Christ." (Rom. xv. 29.) From this time on he was a pillar in the society. Many important general meetings and camp-meet- ings were held on his place. Later he was licensed as a local preacher, in which capacity he was signally useful. His son John, who was also converted at an early day, entered the active ministry in 1818. After faithfully serving his day and generation father Breit- enstein was gathered to the fathers above. His mortal remains were deposited in the little family burying place on his farm. By his side rests his beloved companion, and his distinguished son John. Father B. was born in 1764, and died Jan. 22, 1838. His wife Barbara died April 29, 185 1, aged eighty-one years. Their entire family were prominent members of the church. Their daughter Catharine became the wife of Rev. J. C. Reisner. Another daughter, Mary, converted in 1807, married Jacob JVIiddlekauff, of Hagerstown, Md. , and their house was one of 44 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. the most important preaching places of the old Franklin Circuit for many years. She died in 1855, aged sixty-one years. In May, 181 1, the third camp-meeting of the Connection was held on Breitenstein's place, and when it is remembered that ministers and people came from all parts of the church, it will be seen that an ordinary farm would be taxed to its utmost to furnish pasturage for their horses. After considering the matter B. found that he had no suitable field into which he could turn the horses except a clover field on which he depended for that season's crop. After much anxiety he referred the matter to the Lord, praying that He would in some way provide. The time for holding the camp-meeting arrived, and also people from all parts of* the church, with a great number of horses, jaded and hungry. What was to be done ? There was no alternative and brother B. opened the bars to his field of clover then in blossom. The unconverted people now pointed to this act as proof that the "false prophets" had completely turned Breitenstein's head, and said the people would "eat him out of house and home." Reader, mark the sequel. While the horses were feeding a whole week in the best pasture they ever had, their owners were enjoy- ing one of the best camp-meetings ever held. The second day following the close of the camp and the departure of the people a steady rain set in which continued several days. This caused the downtrodden clover to grow afresh and produced the greatest hay crop ever gathered from that field. The year in general was a prosperous one to him, which brother B. regarded as a special indication of God's favor because of his trust in Him. Lebanon and Vicinity. Through the labors of Father Breit- enstein and his son John the Evangelical work was established in the vicinity of Lebanon. They were ever ready to secure new preaching places for the preachers. Although Albright and his co-laborers had preached in the town of Lebanon as early as 1805, there was no visible fruit until the Breitensteins effected a reg- ular appointment. A gracious revival resulted in 1826 under the labors of John Seybert, afterwards the first bishop of the church. A strong class was formed and our work has ever prospered at that place. It is worthy of note that of the early converts three young men, Henry Fisher, Elias Stoever and Jacob Burkett, became prominent ministers. The former was one of our early publish- ers, and editor of the Evangelical Messenger. THE EARL Y DA Y8. 45 About three miles from Lebanon, and the same distance from Breitenstein's, lived two brothers, Jacob and Henry Eby, both highly respected farmers. The time and circumstances of their conversion are unknown, but it is certain that in 1805 George Miller preached at their houses, and beyond doubt the Founder of the church often did likewise. Important general meetings were held here at an early day, and conversions took place, but no organization was effected. The members of this locality and Breitenstein's constituted one class. Preaching was kept up here for many years, and many camp-meetings were held on their lands. Jacob Eby died in 1838, aged sixty-four, and Henry died in 1863, in his eighty-second year. Samuel Bien and wife were among the first converts in Leb- anon county and are supposed to have been members of the Breitenstein Class. Their house became a preaching place in Albright's time, but we have not been able to ascertain, with certainty, the locality of their residence. In the early part of the century they removed to Warren county, Ohio, where they died near Lebanon. Father Bien died in 1852, aged seventy-eight years, and his companion soon afterwards. During the year 1809 a general meeting was held at Henry Eby's, attended by all the traveling preachers of the Association. At this meeting George Miller, John Walter, and John Dreis- bach were solemnly ordained as elders in accordance with a pre- vious resolution of the conference. The meeting was an occasion of great rejoicing. The brethren reconsecrated themselves to the service of God, and the work of the ministry, and the consequence was that great and unprecedented revivals took place on all the charges soon afterwards. Jonestown is situated about seven miles northeast of Lebanon, near the Swatara Creek. Albright and his associates found some open doors in this region, but also met with violent oppo- sition. In Jonestown they preached in a small building in which all denominations were permitted to hold services. Mother "Ketty" Wingerd (noticed below) often related that she was present at a meeting held here by the Old Brethren {"Die Alte Brueder" — meaning Albright and his associates), when the building was surrounded by a mob and an attack made upon the worshipers, from which they escaped without injury only with the greatest difficulty, and their deliverance was ever afterwards ascribed to the providence of God. After several years of hard 46 E V ANGELICAL ASSOCIA TION ANNALS. labor and great opposition, a class was formed in Jonestown and vicinity by Rev. George Miller in 1805 {"Miller's Leben" page 84). Among those who received Albright was Ludwig Zehring, a man of wealth and influence who lived on the Swatara Creek, a few miles east of Jonestown. He was a prominent member of the Reformed Church, and made great sacrifices when he opened his house to the Evangelical preachers. There seems but little doubt that Albright visited him in the early part of the ministry, as his daughter Catharine, already referred to, was converted in 1799. She died in Jonestown in 1874, at the age of eighty- eight years, having been connected with the church from its infancy. Ludwig Zehring's house was a regular preaching place as late as 1825. Between Jonestown and Mt. Nebo ("Ono" post-office), and about a mile east of the latter place, lived Adam Faber, whose father Michael came from the Palatinate, Germany, in 1733. Adam Faber was a highly respected member of the Reformed Church and an officer in the same. He was led to see the spir- itual darkness then prevailing in his own heart, and by the grace of God, was led into the blissful experiences of salvation. His house became a regular preaching place for Albright and his associates, and continued to be one of the strongholds of the church for many years. His son John, who lived on his father's estate, also opened his house as a preaching place at an early day. The first camp-meeting of the Association in this vicinity was held on Faber's land in 1815, at which time the noted John Walter (whose little farm adjoined Faber's) preached what was probably his last sermon. Father Faber died in 18 19 and was laid to rest in the family burial ground by the wayside, on the north side of the farm. (Rev. John Walter was buried in the same graveyard.) His wife Anna Faber died in 1839, aged eighty-two years, and was buried in the Reformed churchyard at Jonestown. The Walter Family. About three miles west of Jonestown, Pa., lived Father Peter Walter, who with his wife Margaret, was of the first to adhere to Albright in the beginning of his ministry. We have already observed that he was the^r* class- leader of the Association, and removed from Quakertown to this locality in 1805. From the fact that this family was not only one of the first, but also one of the most noted in the early THE EARLY DATS. 47 history of the society, a more extended account seems proper in this connection. The family consisted of the following sons : Joseph, John, Abraham and Peter ; and daughters : Elisabeth, Magdalena, Sarah Christina and Rebecca. Joseph, soon after his father's removal here, was married to Mary Stine. Their house became a regular preaching place in Albright's time, and became a noted place for general meetings and camp-meetings. He died near Mt. Nebo in 1857, aged seventy-nine years, his companion having preceded him about ten years. John became Albright's first co-worker, as will be seen in his biography. After his health failed he purchased a small farm near his parental home where he resided till his death. Abraham was a local preacher in the early days, although his name does not appear in our history as such. He lived at Linglestown and was class-leader there. Peter removed to Ohio, where he died. Lena (Magdalena) was noted for her deep piety, zeal and remarkable courage. Once when attending a gen- eral meeting at Solomon Miller's, held by Albright and others in 1 804, she with other sisters was engaged in prayer, whenawicked man named Brobst, father-in-law of Rev. George and Solomon Miller, who was most bitterly opposed to the work, entered the house and forced his way up stairs, where he drew a sword, and in a terrible manner menaced the life of the worshipers. Lena Walter arose and boldly withstood him, declaring that neither he nor his sword should prevent her from loving and praising her Lord, and that she was willing to die for Jesus' sake. With one accord the worshipers then called on the Lord for help, and the heart of the cruel old man relented and he withdrew, and afterwards confessed to having wept and prayed on his way home. * Lena afterwards was married to a man named Douglass, and removed across the mountain into Dauphin county, and became a member of the " Stroh " Class, in Fishing Creek Valley. Sarah married a brother named Hockman, of Lancaster county. Chris- tina married John Lesher, a son of Father John Lesher, who first received our preachers in the Swamp, Lancaster county. They removed to Seneca county, Ohio, where they were among our first members. Mrs. Lesher died in 1838, aged forty-seven years, and her husband the year following, aged fifty years. Rebecca married a brother named Bader, and also moved to Ohio. She died in Iowa in 1865, aged seventy-one years. *MilUr's "Lebtn und Wirken." 48 E V 'ANGELICAL A880CIA TION ANNALS. A sad story remains to be told in this connection. About 1822 Abraham Walter conceived the idea of removing to Tur- key Valley, in Juniata county, and persuaded his aged father to remove thither with him. This was very unfortunate, as the region is rough and unproductive, and was then a mere wilder- ness. Despite the entreaty of his children he resolved to go, and in his old days build up a new home in the forest. Here both he and his aged companion soon found graves for their home. Abraham also died here, so far as is known. The following account we take from Orwig's history : " It was in the month of August, 1808, when John Dreisbach returned from a general meeting near the Muehlbach, accompanied by a young brother, Andrew Wolf,* in order to fill an appointment that evening in Jonestown, f but as he had been disturbed while preaching there before, on his way to said general meeting, it was his intention to preach to the friends there without giving public notice of it. From fear (not of the Jews, but of the heathen-like Christians), the doors had been locked and the window shutters fastened inside before the services commenced. After singing and prayer the sermon com- menced, but as the exercises had in all probability been heard by some of the adversaries, a mob gathered in a short time, and forcing the doors and shutters open, they rushed with a dreadful noise and with still more dreadful impreca- tions into the house and thus put a stop to the exercises. The preacher then took a light and went among the crowd to restore order, but several ruffians seized him and dragged him toward the door, at the same time treating him very roughly, extinguishing all the lights in the house, and calling to their companions who were outside, * Boys, open the door ; we have got him ! ' They replied, ' Give it to him ; kill the priest ! ' The preacher was justly apprehensive of still worse treatment if they should succeed in getting him out of the house, but how to get out of their hands he knew not. Suddenly it flashed upon his mind, as if God had revealed it to him, that if he would jerk himself up with all his might and then suddenly fall down like a log, he might get out of their hands. He did so and thus got rid of them, although he was still among the crowd in the dark. Now as the ruffians were groping for him, they got hold of each other, letting torrents of blows descend on one another, each fancying he was giving it to the 'priest ; ' but while they were thus regaling each other to their heart's content with blows and pushes, he managed to get out of the crowd and the mob got out doors. Alarmed for the minister, some of the friends hastened out also, but were seized and very much abused by the mob. The landlord, father P. Walter, was so much hurt that the blood gushed from his mouth and nose. A sister was knocked down and carried into the house for dead, and several more friends were likewise very roughly dealt with. " As an agreeable sequel to the above, we may add that the leaders of the mob, seven in number, were legally indicted the * Brother Wolf was from Buffalo Valley, Union county, and soon thereafter was married to Anna Dreisbach, sister of Rev. John Dreisbach. (See Buffalo Valley.) f It was three miles west. — Author. THE EARL T DA TB. 49 next day and heavily fined by the court when the case came to trial. The fines were generously remitted by the brethren. One of the jurors in the case was Philip Breitenstein, who after- wards became a local preacher and a great pillar in the church, as already noticed. Lancaster County. Among the first in Lancaster county to receive Albright was a widow named Elisabeth Thomas, who resided in Manor township, near the confluence of the Big and Little Conestoga. By a first marriage she had two sons, Jacob and John Ripplev, and by a second marriage Christian and David Thomas, all of whom became men of great prominence in the church. Albright began his labors in this place in 1802 or 1803. Souls were saved from time to time, and a class was formed in 1806 or 1807. During the latter year a considerable revival occurred at Millerstown. Among the converts was John Erb, who entered the ministry the following year. In 1809 another gracious revival took place all along the Conestoga and many prominent conversions occurred. Among those who at this time became actively identified with the society were John Rippley, and David and Christian Thomas. The latter had some years previous opened his house at Millersville as a preaching place for Albright. Some years later Jacob Rippley also united with the society, and thereafter the Evangel- ical work on the Conestoga made rapid progress. Christian and David Thomas and John Rippley were licensed as preachers soon after their conversion. John Rippley's was for many Notes. — David Thomas entered the active ministry in 1815. Traveled two years and thereafter served in a local capacity with great acceptance until his death, which took place in 1874. His services to the church were important and valuable. He was one of the delegates to the "Social Conference" in 1816. In 1818 he conducted the obsequies of Rev. John Waltek, Albright's first co-laborer. Christian Thomas was early licensed as a local preacher. Entered the active work in 1832. Located next year. Died in 1851. John Rippley, after serving the church many years as a local preacher, died in 185 1, aged seventy-seven years. Jacob Rippley, at an early day, with others, removed to Erie county, Pa., where he opened his house to John Seybert, who was sent there as missionary in 1833. He died in 1851, aged seventy-nine years. His wife Anna died in 1853, aged eighty-two years. 50 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. years a noted place for meetings. An amusing incident occurred here which we give, as serving to illustrate the ignorance of divine things in that day. About 1810 John Walter preached here, at which time he had among his hearers a man named Adam. In the course of his sermon he remarked that it was absolutely necessary that the "Old Adam" be driven out, referring, of course, to the expulsion of the sinful nature. The individual Adam, however, did not understand it in that sense, but took it as a personal matter and left the assembly greatly offended. A daughter of John Rippley married Michael Kneisley, who also became a prominent member, and was for many years one of the pillars of the work on the Conestoga. A few miles distant from mother Thomas', at Conestoga Centre, lived Philip Herrman, who was the first in this neigh- borhood to open his house as a preaching place for Albright and his co-laborers. His wife Barbara, however, was very much opposed to it, and it was with difficulty that the appointments were filled. On one occasion when Albright was preaching, she blew out the lights. In the revival of 1809 she was converted, and thereafter the preachers were doubly welcome. Herrman's house was for many years a preaching place. He died near the close of the first quarter of the century, and his wife died in 1849, aged eighty-three years. The home of Henry Wertz and his wife Mary, near the Herrman home, was also a preaching place of Albright and his co-laborers. Henry Mandebach and his wife Maria and David Williams and his wife Magdalen a were among the first members in Manor township, and their homes were, in all probability, preaching places. David Williams removed with Rippley and others to Fairview, Erie county, Pa.,' and were among the first members there. Brother W. died in 1864, aged eighty years, his wife having preceded him in i860. At Mt. Joy lived father Samuel Lehn and his wife Magda- lena. They were converted under the ministry of Albright in 1804, and not long afterwards opened their house as a preaching place, which was an important point for many years. He was the father of Rev. Michael Lehn, who entered the ministry in 1839. Father Lehn died in 1854, aged eighty-two years. His wife preceded him in 1847, aged seventy-five years. A class was THE EARLY DATS. 51 formed here between 1807 and 1809. The sainted John Seybert served as leader of this class in 18 10, as well as the Manheim Class at the same time. The first and principal preaching place here was at Herman Long's. He was converted in the early days, probably on the Conestoga, and some time prior to 18 10 his house became a regular preaching place. He was a man of deep piety and great zeal for the cause of vital godliness. At Manheim entrance was gained soon after Albright's death. In 1809 a number of conversions took place under the labors of John Dreisbach and M. Betz, among whom was David Boyer. On the evening of April 5, 1810, as Brother Betz preached his last sermon preparatory to going to conference, a young man named John Seybert was brought under conviction. Little did the yOung preacher think that his words would result in the conversion of the future first bishop of the church. Brother Boyer followed up the good impressions made by the preacher upon the heart of Seybert, and he was soon thereafter (June 2 1 ), as he expressed it, "converted deep into eternal life." He was then living with Jacob Lehr who, with his entire family, was soon converted through his instrumentality. This same insatia- ble thirst for souls remained a predominant characteristic of Seybert through his entire ministry. He was appointed leader of both the Manheim and Mt. Joy classes (eight miles distant) in this same year. One of the first and most important preach- ing places at Manheim was at Catharine Krall's. A few miles below Columbia, on the Susquehanna River, is situated the town of Washington. Here lived a number of highly respected people, who opened their houses as preaching places. Among them may be named Father Andrew KAUFFMAN,and the brothers Abraham, Christian and David Herr. The time when the Evangelical preachers began their labors here cannot ascertained with certainty, but it is quite probable that Albright preached at Kauffman's, and Abraham, and Christian Herr's, as they were connected with the revival movement already prior Notes. — David Boyer was licensed as a local preacher soon after his con- version. He was the father of a large family, all of whom became useful members. He died in 1823. His family later removed to Dark county, Ohio, where his widow died in 1 852. Father Lehr at an early day removed to Wayne county, Ohio, where his house became a preaching place, and here he died in 1846, aged seventy years. 52 EVANGELICAL A880CIAT10N ANNALS. to 1800, and all ministers who preached experimental religion were welcome. That eminent servant of God, Christian New- comer, (later bishop in the United Brethren Church) records in his journal of 1801. "This day (October 20) came to Abraham Herr's. (22) To-day I preached here from Jer.xlvi. 13. Bless the Lord, conviction fastened on a few. We prayed with them some time. At night I preached at Christian Herr's from Ps. viii. 5. The meeting continued until nearly daylight." An Evangelical class was formed here about 18 10, of which Father Kauffman was leader. Dauphin County. About eight miles northeast of Harris- burg Albright found entrance in the early years of his ministry. A revival took place and a class was organized in 1806. The principal members were Jacob Becker and family. Also the Steins and Leonard Crtjm. The latter became class-leader, a position which he filled for many years, and the class became known as "Crum's Class." He died in 1869, aged eighty-three years. His wife Anna died in 1877, aged eighty-three years. As already noticed, Jacob Becker (also Baker) and family were members of the Paxton Class in 1805. A little later John Baker, a son, removed to the vicinity of Lingelstown, where he opened his house as a preaching place. He was a personal friend of Albright, and sometimes accompanied him to his neighboring appointments. He was one of the first members of the Paxton Class in 1805, and sometime after the class was established at Linglestown, he was made leader. For many years he was a strong pillar in the church. He died in 1868, aged eighty-four years. His son, Rev. C. H. Baker, labored many years in the itinerant ranks of the East Pa. Conference. In Fishing Creek Valley, about five miles north of Crums, beyond the mountain, Albright was received as early as 1800, by Benjamin and,P. Stroh. The latter removed to Ohio at an early day and was one of the first to receive our missionaries in that State. Benjamin Stroh and his wife Mary became the chief pillars of the work in Fishing Creek Valley, and many con- versions took place in their house. In 1802 Albright baptized their daughter Mary, of whom more will be said hereafter. Father S. died in 1855, aged eighty-four years. Other members : Note; — Father Andrew Kauffman died 1837, aged eighty-one years. David Here, died 1846, aged eighty-eight years. TBS EARLY DATS. 53 in the vicinity were the Colliers, Hoffmans* and GiPPELS.f About nine miles from Harrisburg, near the base of the Blue Mountain, is the village of Lingelstown. Hare in the early days lived Peter Raidabach, a deacon and chorister in the L church. He was a well informed, highly respected man. In the beginning of 1808, during the prevalence of a snowstorm, a stranger on horseback stopped before his door, and requested lodging for the night, which was granted. This stranger was Jacob Albright, seeking the lost sheep of the house of Israel. He soon made known his character and requested permission to preach there that night, which was also granted. Word was sent throughout the neighborhood, and the house was filled with people, anxious to hear what the strange preacher had to say. Albright preached from the words, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. " (I. John i. 9.) The preacher spoke with great power, and a wonderful commotion was produced. The doctrine of the new birth and heart purity was something new to the people, and some contended with Albright during the service that his doc- trine was heretical, as they had never heard their preacher advance such ideas. Some, however, were convinced that the doctrine was in accordance with God's Word and that they had been following blind guides. After the people had dispersed, Albright convinced his host and the remaining friends from the Bible and the catechism that his doctrine was true. Another appointment was made for him and he preached on Sunday morning, after which he and Raidabach proceeded to Michael Becker's, where he also preached, little dreaming of the con- spiracy which Satan instigated to destroy the precious seed he had sown. That same Sunday morning a large number of people had met at their church and conspired to break up Albright's work, and if possible rescue their highly-esteemed chorister from Notes. — *The Hoffmans removed to Crawford county, Ohio. Mrs. H. was converted under Albright in 1801. She died in. 1863, aged seventy-eight years. f George Gippel, a member of the above family, married Mary Ann Stroh. In 183 1 they removed ten miles north to Peter's Mountain, where they opened their house as a preaching place. A class was formed here of which Bro. G. became the leader, which position he held until 1852, when he and several other families removed to Grandview, Iowa, and where they organized themselves into a class. The first Evangelical church in Iowa was built by them. Bro. G. was the first leader of this class, and remained in office until he died in 1856, aged fifty eight years. His wife survived until 1891, aged eighty-eight years. 54 E V ANGELICAL ASS0C1A TION ANNALS. his influence. They proceeded to Raidabach's house to accom- plish their purpose, but when they arrived Albright and Raida- bach had already gone to Michael Becker's. When Albright preached again, a little later, a number of evil disposed persons gathered around the house, intent on mischief. At the close of the service they rushed into the house to attack Albright and his host. In the struggle which ensued they dragged Raidabach out of the house. He had a number of sons who were fearless, as well as muscular young men, and who rushed upon their father's assailants. Bethinking themselves as to whether it would be right, they cried out, " Vater,sollen wir draufscAfagen?"("Fa.theT, shall we strike ? ") The father answered ' ' No. " Not in the least daunted by this dreadful persecution, Raidabach still clung to Albright, and soon after the foregoing occurrence it was deter- mined to hold a General Meeting at his house. At this meeting there were present Albright, Walter and Miller. The house was crowded with people, many of whom were convinced of their sinful state, while others were there to hinder, if possible, the spread of the work. In the afternoon Walter preached with wonderful power, so that during the sermon many cried out for mercy, while some fled in terror as though from the presence of God. The meeting was a great victory for the people of God, Many found salvation in the blood of the Lamb. A strong class was formed, of which Raidabach was made leader. A peculiar interest attaches to this man from the fact that at his house Albright held his lost public service. On Easter day, 1 808, there was a general meeting at John Brobst's in Berks county, where Albright stationed the preachers for the ensuing year. (There was no annual conference this year. ) Eight days after this another general meeting was held at Raidabach's, at which time Albright, Miller and John Dreisbach were present Albright's health, however, was so precarious that he was not able to preach. He felt that his work was done, and arrangements were made to remove him to his home. It was here he gave that admirable advice which should find a place in the hearts of all Evangelical preachers. As he gave the parting hand to his faithful co-laborers, Miller and Dreisbach, he repeated the lines of a familiar hymn: "Kampfe iis oaf's Blut und Led en, Dnng hinein in Go ties Reick." "Straggle even unto blood, Press into the kingdom of God." THE EARL T DA T8. 55 When advanced in years, Father Raidabach and his children, who were then heads of families, removed to Medina county, Ohio, where they again became pioneers in the establishment of the church. Several of the sons were prominent members of the church. Father R. died at Gillfort, Medina county, Ohio, in 1838, aged seventy-four years. His companion followed him in 1 84 1, aged eighty-four years. The first one to open his house to Albright and his co-laborers in lower Dauphin county, near Hanover, was Michael Becker, a brother of ihe Beckers on the Muehlbach. This was sometime in 1805, during which year a class was formed here by George Miller, of which Becker became the leader. As an illustration of the mighty power of God which often accompanied the preaching of His word, we here append part of* a letter written by Father John Fleisher and published in the Christliche Botschafter: Esteemed Brethren in the Lord : I have felt for some time as though I ought to write something for the Botschafter concerning God's work of years ago, and since I am old and unable to write much more, I will relate some things of the early days. Forty-three years ago (1805) Father Albright held a big. meeting at Michael Becker's, two miles from Hanover, under some apple trees. On this occasion I found Him in whose blood we have purification from sin. On Sunday forenoon Brother Albright preached. After him John Walter spoke so powerfully that a wonderful commotion took place among the audience. There was a blind man present named H who was so deeply affected that he cried "fire! fire I " believing that the world was burning. Another man, then unconverted, sprang upon his horse and hastened to his people and told them that the world was' coming to an end and was even then burning. I did hot know Brother Miller very well as I only once came to where he preached. Still I know that God was with him. In course of time Brother Seybert came to our place to preach the gospel. At this time he also wanted to go into Stone Valley to preach. A certain man who was very much incensed against him, lay in ambush with a gun to murder him. In all probability he would have accom- plished his purpose, had not the Lord sent his servant by another way. Brother Seybert preached at that place, and gave out another appointment, but before he came again the audacious miscreant was in 'eternity* and the way to Stone Valley was free and open. John Fleisher. f Armttrong county, Pa., Nov. 8, 1848. *Soon after his attempt to murder Brother S. the would-be assassin became very ill. He felt that he could not make his peace with God without a confession of his intended crime. This he made to his pastor. — Author. f Father John Fleisher after an eventful life, died at Cussawago, Crawford county, Pa., 1865, aged eighty-four years. CHAPTER III. THE "NEW," OR NORTHUMBERLAND CIRCUIT. Its Bounds and Appointments — Biographical Notes. Shamokin. The region once embraced in the "new," or Northumberland Circuit was at first known as Shamokin. It derived its name from an Indian town which occupied the present site of Sunbury, at the confluence of the North and West branches of the Susquehanna River. For the protection of the frontiers a strong fort was built there in 1756, in which the early settlers often found a refuge during the dark days of the Revolution. The name has been perpetuated in the beautiful city of Shamokin, situated east of Sunbury. In 1 7 7 2 the county of Northumberland was erected, and comprised all the upper region of the Susque- hanna River. The West Branch Valley properly begins at the junction of the two branches and extends north to Williamsport, thence west to Lock Haven, where the West Branch passes through the mountains. The distance is over sixty miles. West- ward from the river (West Branch) are many smaller valleys, extending laterally from it as follows : West of Sunbury is Middle Creek Valley, in Snyder county. A few miles north of Sunbury, and opening on the river, is Dry Valley, in Union county. A little north of this, and separated from it by the New Berlin Mountain, is the fertile and lovely Buffalo Valley. Farther north is White Deer Valley. West of Buffalo and White Deer are Fenns, Brush and Sugar Valleys. The new or Northumberland Circuit comprised not only the aforenamed valleys, but extended up the North Branch as far as (now) Luzerne county, south into Perry and Juniata counties and westward into Bedford and Cambria counties, and had over fifty preaching places prior to THE EARLY DATS. 57 Albright's death— 1808. This region now comprises a large part of the Central Pa. and a part of the Pittsburg Conferences. Miller's Successful Work. In 1806 this vast field, hundreds of miles in extent, was given in charge of Rev. George Miller, who entered upon his work in the beginning of June. Finding the field too extended, he did not supply the western appointments, in Morrison's Cove, Bedford county,* but exerted himself to the utmost to establish firmly the work of the Lord in the valleys contiguous to the West Branch, and revivals attended his labors everywhere. Over one hundred souls were added to the church on this field alone, which almost doubled the membership of the Association. Six classes were formed on the charge this year, as follows : New Berlin, in Dry Valley, Michael Maize, leader; the Thomas Class, in Decatur township, Mifflin county, Fred. Herpster, leader; the Dreisbach Class, in Buffalo Valley, Father Martin Dreisbach, leader ; the Lewisburg Class, Buffalo Valley, Chris- tian Wolf, leader; the Millheim Class, in Penns Valley; the Brush Valley Class, Christopher Spangler, leader. In a short time thereafter several of the classes were divided. The members of the Thomas Class, who lived in the vicinity of Adamsburg, were formed into a separate class. The members near Middle- burg were taken from the Dry Valley Class, about 1807, and , were formed into Walter's Class, John Walter, leader, who held that position until his death, in 1828. The Penns Valley Class was also divided soon after its foundation, and the members living at the eastern end of the valley were formed into a class. Great Revival. In 1 8 1 1 another general revival took place on the circuit under the labors of John Erb and Leonard Zim- merman, and more than one hundred souls were added to the church. The meeting at Walter's was especially successful. Many prominent people were converted there, and a new class was formed soon after a few miles northeast, called Hummel's Class. Organizations were also effected, as the outcome of this revival, in Upper Penns Valley, Centre county (Dauberman's Class, 1811,), White Deer and East Dry Valley, in Union county, and Summer Hill, in Columbia county. The Thomas Appointment. The earliest permanent ap- pointments of Albright, west of the Susquehanna River, were in * Miller's Leben, page 1 10. 58 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. Musser's Valley, situated partly in Mifflin and partly in Snyder county, Pa. In this valley was the home of Father John Thomas and wife Mary, about two miles northeast of the village of Wagoner. In Decatur township, Mifflin county, Pa., Albright gained entrance at the home of Father Thomas as early as 1800, but several years passed before any visible fruits of his labors appeared. Father Thomas at this time was well advanced in years. His family consisted of ten adult children, all of whom, as well as his sons and daughters-in-law and a number of grand- children, became members of the society in Albright's time. Father Thomas died in peace in 1813, at an advanced age. The First Revival. In the Autumn of 1802 Albright held his first general meeting west of the Susquehanna River at the house of Father John Thomas. This was the second of his ministry, the first having been held the previous June at Leeser's, in Berks county. At this meeting he was assisted by his only colleague, the youthful John Walter. The meeting was held under some cherry trees near the house. A great mass of people assembled there from all directions. The character of the meet- ing was novel to the people and awakened great interest. It continued from Saturday until Monday. On Sabbath morning Albright preached from the words, "I Am the Light of the World, " (John viii. 1 2 ), which made a deep impression. Walter also preached with great effect. After this meeting they visited many families and secured new preaching places. The following Spring another meeting was held in the orchard, a stand having been erected after the manner of modern bush-meetings. At this meeting Walter preached an unusually powerful sermon, from the words, "Who is she that looketh forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners?" (Sol. Song vi. 10.) During these meetings a con- siderable number of conversions took place, and in 1803 the converts formed themselves into a society. In this class or praying band were Father Thomas and his son John, and others Note. — The family of Father Thomas consisted of the following, according to their ages : Barbara, married to John Harfster ; Margaret, married to Jacob Treas ; Catharine, married to George Harfster ; Elizabeth, married to John Lawver ; Susan, married to Fred. Harfster (class leader); John, married to Catharine Becker ; Elizabeth, married to John Wales; Mary, married to Jacob Reber ; Eve, married to Isaac Gill ; George, married to Mary Hartman. THE EARLY DATS, 59 of the faniily; also Father Andrew Wonder and family. It does not seem that they considered themselves as having with- drawn from the formal church of which they were members, although they recognized Albright and Walter as their spirit- ual guides. Miller's Arrival. In May, 1806, George Miller took charge of Northumberland Circuit. The following harvest he preached at the house of Father Thomas, from the words, "The Lord be with you. " (Ruth ii. 4. ) In October he preached again from the words, "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God they are the sons of God. " (Rom. viii. 14.) A great awakening resulted from this sermon, and many people were converted soon after. The godly people no longer hesitated to sever their con- nection with the formal churches. A class was formed in the Fall of 1806, with Frederick Harpster as leader and Isaac Gill as assistant, and was known as the Thomas Class. The preaching places of this vicinity, besides Father Thomas', were the homes of his son John, his son-in-law John, Fred. Harpster and John Lawver, and also at Father Andrew Wonder's. Great Opposition. Soon after the converts had formed themselves into a class in 1803, they became the subjects of bitter persecution. Their meetings were sometimes broken up, and some suffered bodily harm. At one time the young people of the class, according to previous appointment, met in a secluded spot in the forest, where they united in agonizing prayer for the conversion of their persecutors and the establishment of the work. When the Evangelical Class was formally established, three years later, the opposition became even more intense. At one time, when Brother Harpster was conducting a meeting, some of the chief opponents boldly arose in the assembly and denounced the praying people. Advancing to where Brother Harpster stood, one of them violently struck the table and called him a false prophet and a deceiver. Brother H. then called upon God's people to fall upon their knees and pray for their persecutors. A mighty cry for divine help arose, which filled the rabble with terror and consternation. A number were overpowered by the influence of the Spirit, others fled precipitately across a stream near by, after which they stopped and defiantly shook their fists toward the house, but were afraid to return. , Brother Fred. Harpster and John Thomas, Jr., were licensed as local preachers soon after the formation of the class. The CO B VANOBLICAL A880GIA TION ANNAL8. license of the latter bore the signature of Albright. When some years after the establishment of the class Father Thomas died, and no suitable minister was within reach, his son John officiated at the obsequies of his father. This fact is well authenticated. The Wonder Family. It seems proper in this connection to insert a brief account of Father Andrew Wonder and family. Father Wonder was the son of George Wonder, who was of a titled and highly influential family in Germany. He emigrated* to America when Andrew was still a youth, and settled near York, Pa. , where he died. Andrew married Catharine Swartz, of York county. Their children were Catharine, John, Jacob, Daniel, Matthias, George, Benjamin, Samuel, Valentine, Christopher, Henry and Mary. From York county he removed to the Greybill settlement, in Juniata county, and again removed, near the beginning of the present century, to Mifflin county, where he and his family came under the influence of Albright at the house of Father Thomas. He and most of his family were converted in 1803, and became members of the provisional class. The rest of the children, who were still small, became members soon afterward. Later he removed across the moun- tain into Juniata county, where his house also became a preaching place. While residing there he and his entire household were baptized in the Cocolamus Creek. From there he removed to Ohio, as also his children, with one exception. His sons Daniel •Ship "Hope," Philadelphia, Fa., Oct. I, 1773. Pennsylvania Archives. Biographical Notes. — Father Andrew Wonder died in Ohio in 1846, aged eighty-three years. Catharine, his wife, died in 1848, aged eighty-three years. Their son, Rev. Daniel Wonder, born in York county, Pa., in 1791, was married to Catharine, a daughter of the class leader, F. Harpster. In 1822 he removed to Ohio, and was the first class leader at Flat Rock in 1830. He entered the active ministry in 1838, located in 1845, and died while on a visit to Blue Springs, Neb., in 1887, aged almost ninety-six years, having been a member of the Evangelical Association eighty-two years. Rev. Matthias Wonder died in Ohio in 1864. Mother Mary Moss, youngest child of Father Wonder, died in 1877, at a very advanced age. When the Author was pastor at Newport in 1875-76, Mother Moss was a member of his charge. She was remarkably active for one of her age, seldom missing a service, and a true mother in Israel. She had much to say of that holy man of God, Jacob Albright, and often spake of the angelic expression of his countenance. John Lawver died in Mifflin county, Pa., in 1843, a E e d 70 years. After the removal of his friends to the West, Brother Lawver became the pillar of the old Thomas appointment, and both the church and class at that place now bear his name. TEE EARL T DA F8. 61 and Matthias became local preachers in the Ohio Conference, the former serving several years in the active ranks. Extensive Emigration to Ohio. Near the close of the first quarter of the century a considerable number of the members of the Thomas Class removed to Ohio. They were followed a few years later by others, which comprised almost the entire class. In this number were John and George Harpster and their families. Also the family of Fred. Harpster, he having died in 1818. Also John Thomas, Jr., John Wales, Jacob Reber, Isaac Gill and Jacob Treas. These were all heads of families and, as already noted, members of the Thomas family, and all members of the original class. To the foregoing must also be added Father Andrew Wonder and all his family, with the exception of one daughter, Mary. Some of these families located in Wayne county, in the vicinity of Wooster. Others settled in the Sandusky country, mostly at Flat Rock, in (now) Seneca county. A few years afterward a number of the families in Wayne county also removed to their friends in Seneca county. Beaver Dam and Vicinity. In Beaver township, Snyder county, in the vicinity of Adamsburg, and about ten miles east of the Thomas appointment, the founder of the Evangelical Asso- ciation gained entrance as early as 1802. This locality was known in the early days as the Beaver Dam. The men who first opened their doors to Albright in this region were John Muck and Philip Smith, and in 1805-6, Geo. Hartman, Daniel Mowry and Jacob Bordner. They were all prominent men, and staunch supporters of the Evangelical work in its infancy, and merit a fuller notice, John Muck was probably the first in the valley to open his house as a preaching place. A number of his children were grown, and also became members of the original class prior to 1808. They were Jacob, Conrad, Samuel and Daniel. Samuel en- tered the itinerancy in 181 7, and rendered five years of active service. Several of the family removed to East Rush, N. Y., where Father John Muck died in 1848, at the age of eighty-eight years. It is worthy of record that upon his death bed he obli- gated his son to write to all his unconverted children and friends in his name, and entreat them to become Christians. Conrad and Jacob Muck settled at Bellview, Seneca county, Ohio, where they died. Conrad was for many years a local preacher. Philip Smith and his wife Eve opened their house as one of the first appointments of the Northumberland Circuit, and it 62 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. remained a preaching place for almost forty years. Brother Smith was the first leader of the Beaver Dam Class, and was licensed in the early days as a local preacher. He spent one year (1816) in the active ranks. He died in 1864. George Hartman and his wife Barbara, who was a sister to Abraham Frey, were con- verted at the house of the latter, through the ministry of- Jacob Albright, in 1805, and soon thereafter opened their house as a preaching place, and both became pillars in the society. Many general and three camp- meetings were held on their place prior to 1833. In this year they removed to Sandusky county, Ohio, where their house also became a preaching place. The first camp- meeting on Sandusky Circuit was held on their place. Brother H. died in 1844, aged sixty-three years, and his companion in 1855, aged seventy-three years. Daniel Mowrv and his wife Magdalena (nee Frey) were also of the first members, and their house was one of the first preaching places. Brother Mowry also removed to Ohio, and settled near his brother-in-law, Geo. Hartman. Brother Mow- ry's home in Ohio was also one of the preaching places of the old Sandusky Circuit. Jacob Bordner and his wife Elizabeth were converted under Albright and colleagues, and their house became an early preach- ing place. They were both prominent members of the society. Their daughter became the wife of Rev. Philip Wagoner, and for nearly half a century shared with him the privations of the itinerancy. Brother Bordner died in 1 8 1 9, aged forty-five years. His wife died in Seneca county, N. Y., in 1851, aged seventy- one years. Freeburg and Black Oak Ridge. In the vicinity of Freeburg, Snyder county, several families opened their homes to our first preachers. The most important preaching place was at Charles Straub's, where in course of time a society was established. Several miles from Adamsburg, at Black Oak Ridge, lived a highly respected man named William Becker, better known as Squire Becker, as he was a Justice of the Peace for many years. He was a converted man long before the advent of Albright in this region, and was one of the first to welcome him to his house when he first visited this locality. His house became a regular preaching place probably as early as 1803. In later years many THE EARLY DATS. 63 conversions took place there and a society was formed, called the Manbeck Class. Mlddleburg and Vicinity. A few miles north of Mid- dleburg, and almost midway between the latter place and New Berlin, was one of the first appointments west of the Susquehanna River. This was at John Walter's, Sr.* Inasmuch as he be- came a pillar in the church, a more extended notice of himself and connections seems proper. His father, Jacob Walter, was one of the first settlers in this locality. His home was about one mile west of Middleburg in (now) Snyder county, Pa. He was born in Germany in 1727, and died in 1803. He was an upright man, liberal and evangelical in his views, and his house was a preaching place long before churches were built in this locality. Three of his sons received our first preachers, and their houses were among the chief preaching places in the early days. They were John, Philip and Henry. John Walter's house was one of the first appointments. It is certain that it was a preaching place prior to 1800. There are a number of entries in the Journal of Bishop Christian Newcom- mer of visits to John Walter's house, and preaching there about that time. Albright may not have embraced John Walter's in his list of appointments quite so early, but when the new cir- cuit was formed in 1804, it was one of the chief places, and many important revivals took place at his house, notably in 18 n. Some of the most victorious camp-meetings were held on his land, and many persons who in later years became prominent ministers and laymen were converted here, among whom may be mentioned Bishop W. W. Orwig and Daniel Bricklev, in 1826, who together bowed at the same altar. A class was organized here at an early day, of which Brother Walter was leader until his death in 1828. His family likewise were members of the church in its infancy. John Walter, Jr., entered the active ministry in 18 13, served awhile in the itinerancy, located, and later removed to Michigan, where he died in 1874, aged seventy- seven years. Michael entered the itinerancy in 1814, and ren- dered five years of active service, broke down in health, and later removed to Sandusky county, Ohio, where he rendered great service in establishing the Evangelical work. He died in 1856, aged sixty- two years. A daughter of Father John Walter 'This family had no connection with the Jonestown family. 64 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. was married to Rev. John Stambach, who also entered the active ministry in 1813. P hilip Walter, son of the emigrant, and brother to John, Sr., also opened his home to Albright and colleagues, and his house was a preaching place for many years. He died about 1819, and his wife Eve Maria in 1843, aged seventy-seven years. Henry Walter, youngest son of the emigrant, lived about one mile and a half north-east of Middleburg. His house was also one of the early preaching places. He was a most exem- plary man and highly esteemed. His place was also noted for general and camp-meetings. He died in 1840, aged sixty-seven years. His wife Magdalena died the same year. Another important family at this place were the Frey's. About 1796 Jacob Frey, Sr., emigrated from Berks county, Pa., and settled in the vicinity of Middleburg. He was then well along in years and his children were grown up. They all be- came, so far as known, members of the Evangelical Association in its infancy, and a number became prominent, as follows: Jacob Frey, Jr., entered the itinerancy under Albright in 1807. In 1808 he was sent to organize a new circuit in York county, but owing to an indiscretion he was obliged to retire from the work. Later he removed to Ohio, where he was again received into the ministry, and rendered several years of service. Abra- ham Frey and his wife Margaret lived about three miles from Middleburg. Their house became a regular preaching place in 1805. Brother Frey was a very devoted and liberal man, and especially noted as a fine singer. He died in 1850, aged eighty- two years. His son Abraham, Jr., entered the active ranks of the Eastern Conference in 1832, traveled a number of years in Pennsylvania, then entered the work in Ohio, where he labored successfully, but broke down in health, and died in 1843, aged thirty- three years. Two daughters of Jacob Frey, Sr., Barbara and Magdalena, married to Geo. Hartman and Daniel Mowry respectively, were converted, as also their husbands. (See Beaver Dam.) George Adam Bowersox and his wife Mary, who lived in the vicinity of Middleburg, were also of the first members, and their home was a preaching place. He was for many years one of the leading men of the charge. He was born in 1774, and died in 1852. Many of his descendants are prominent members THE EARL T DA YS. 65 of the Evangelical Association, among whom may be mentioned the brothsrs Reuben and Josiah Bowersox, of the Central Pa. Conference. The former died in 1879; the latter has been, since 1870, on the Pacific Coast, where he has contributed more than" any other man to build up the interests of the Evangelical Asso- ciation Centreville and Hummers Class. A few miles west of New Berlin, near Centreville, lived Jacob Kehr and his wife Mary. They were converted in the great revival of 1806, and immediately thereafter their house became a regular preaching place for Albright and his colleagues. Some very important revivals took place here, and Father Kehr was known throughout the society as one of its strongest pillars. He died in 1830, aged sixty-five years, and his wife in 1849, aged seventy-nine years. They were the parents of Rev. Daniel Kehr. (See biography. ) About four miles east of New Berlin lived Father Christian Hummel, whose house became a preaching place in 18 10. • A class was organized here about this time called Hummel's Class, 2nd is still known by that name. Father Hummel died in 1848, aged sixty-six years. Chapman. In Chapman township, now Snyder county, Albright gained entrance as early as 1804, when John Schwartz opened his house as a preaching place. This was a famous place for general meetings, and many important revivals took place here. Father S. died in 1843, aged seventy-six years, and his wife Mary in 1847, aged eighty years. George Shetterly and his wife Elizabeth, who were converted here, opened their house as a preaching place in 1806. He died in 1846, aged seventy- three years, and his wife in 185 1, aged eighty-one years. John Thornton and his wife Magdalena, who lived in this locality, were converted under the ministry of Albright and colleagues, and circumstances point to their house as a preaching place in 1 806. Thornton died in 1 8 1 6. In 1 83 1 his son Henry, a prominent member of the church, removed to Greensburg, Ohio, where his mother died in 1847, aged eighty-one years. In 1856 he removed to Elkhart, Ind., where he died in 1879, aged eighty-two years. Juniata County. Several miles northwest of Liverpool, Pa., was the home of Father John Rough and his wife Marga- ret, formerly of Dauphin county. They were among the first 66 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. members of the Association, and their house was a preaching place from 1806 to the time of his death in 1846, at the age of seventy years. Some of his children were converted at an early day, and the house of John Rough, Jr., who lived west of his father, became a preaching place in later years. About the middle of the century, the sons of Father Rough removed to Portage Prairie, Berrien county, Mich., where for many years they were pillars in the church and known far and wide for their liberality. Here Mother Rough died in 1853, aged eighty years. John Rqugh, Jr., died near Buchannan, Mich., in 1892, aged almost ninety-five years. His brother David pre- ceded him a few years, at an advanced age. Dry Valley — The Maize Family. About 1796 a widow named Maize (also Miesse) removed from Lebanon county, Pa., to Dry Valley, Union county. Their home was about one and a half miles below the town of New Berlin, on the Penns Creek. She had two sons, Michael and John Adam, both of whom be- came supporters of Albright and pillars in the church. Michael occupied the homestead, while John lived in New Berlin. The former opened his house as a preaching place upon the establish- ment of the New Circuit in 1804. When the great revival of 1806 crowned the labors of Rev. George Miller on the New Circuit, many conversious also took place at the house of Michael Maize. In consequence of his support of Albright, Brother Maize was sorely persecuted. So great was the opposition against the work that on one occasion when John Dreisbach preached at his house an attack was made and the preacher narrowly escaped serious injury. Persecution, however, did not daunt the zeal of Brother Maize. Through his instrumentality entrance was gained in the town Of New Berlin. When the Dry Valley Class was organized, in 1806, he became its leader, and as this was the first class organized on the New Circuit, he has the distinction of being the first regular Evangel- ical class leader west of the Susquehanna River. At an early day he was licensed as a local preacher, in which office he served the church efficiently until his death in 1842, aged seventy-two years. His wife Anna Barbara died in 1848, aged seventy-two years. His daughter Mary was the wife of Rev. James Barber. Michael Maize's home was a sort of headquarters in the early days. In his large barn were held many important general meetings before the erection of the church at New Berlin. THE EARLY DAYS. 67 First Camp-Meeting. The first camp-meeting of the Association was held on the land of Brother Maize in June, 1810. This was the first German camp-meeting ever held in America, and perhaps of the world. The camp was attended by members from all parts of the society, some from a distance of nearly one hundred miles. The meeting was a season of great rejoicing and spiritual quickening. Great multitudes of people were induced by curiosity to see what the meeting was like. The remarkable superstition and spiritual darkness of that period is well illustrated by the following description of the camp- meeting given the author by a very aged lady in 1868 : She, in company with a great number of young men and women, started from the Hills in (now) Snyder county. They agreed to keep close together for mutual protection against the influence of the "Strawveler preachers." They all waded across Penns Creek, which is a stream of considerable size. A half mile farther on was the camp-ground. She said the woods was crowded with people from far and near, and that nearly all who entered the circle of tents and took seats were taken with a "spell," so that some cried and some shouted and clapped their hands, etc. She and her company, however, kept a safe distance from the preachers, fearing they might be overcome by the magic power which they (the preachers) scattered over the people. Beginning of the Work at New Berlin. There is no place in our connection more replete with interesting memories than New Berlin. What the city of Mecca is to the Moslem, or Jerusalem to the Jew, New Berlin is to every true Evangelical. For almost half a century it was the general headquarters of the church. The town is beautifully situated at the head of Dry Valley, on the banks of Penns Creek, which separates Union from Snyder county, and is about seven miles west of the Sus- quehanna River. When Union county was erected, in 18 13, from part of Northumberland county, New Berlin became the county seat. Over forty years later Union county was divided, and the south- ern part constituted Snyder county and the county seat of Union county was removed to Lewisburg, This, in addition to the re- moval of the Publishing House of the Evangelical Association from New Berlin to Cleveland, Ohio, proved a severe blow to the prosperity of the town, and its decadence followed. 1 In June, 1805, Albright and his colleagues, Walter and 68 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. Miller, traveled in company over the newly established North- umberland Circuit. They had been to various places in Penns and Buffalo Valleys. In the latter part of the month they filled an appointment on Sunday at Mifflinburg, in Buffalo Valley, about five miles north of New Berlin. On Monday following they came to Dry Valley and dined at Michael Maize's, who resided a short distance below New Berlin. At Walter's request Brother Maize secured permission for him to preach in a school-house near the southern end of the town, and he preached there a number of times. Opposition, however, arose, and the trustees refused the further use of the school-house. In August, Walter came to fill an appointment here, and found the door barred against him. He then preached to an immense number of people, standing in front of the school-house door. The wonderful incident of the door flying open during the sermon as by miraculous power the reader will find in Walter's biography. The first man to open his house in New Berlin as a preaching place for Albright and his colleagues was Henry Shreffler, who later removed to Penns Valley, Centre county, where he died in 1837, aged eighty-five years. A number of his family were also members of the original class. Other influential members of the society at New Berlin, who were converted under the min- istry of Albright and his colleagues in 1805—7, were the follow- ing : John Adam Maize and his wife Mary. He was a close friend of Rev. Geo. Miller, and it is said he assisted him in the preparation and publication of the first Discipline of the church, in 1809. His son, Michael F. Maize, entered the itinerancy in 1833, and was for some years a prominent man in the church. John Adam Maize died in 1866, aged eighty-three years. Peter Smith and his wife Magdalena were chief members of the New Berlin society. He died in the early part of the century. ' ,His wife died in the western part of the State in 185 1, aged eighty- eight years. Michael Shower and wife, and also Adam Shower and his wife Catharine (the latter family removed to Venango county, Pa. ) were also members of the original class. Frederick Shower, a member of one of these families, entered the itiner- ancy in 181 2, and rendered several years of successful service. In 1816 he was sent as one of the two missionaries to Ohio to establish the work of the Evangelical Association in that State, but was lost to the church through a misalliance. This he after- wards regretted, and was again received into the church in 1828, TEE EARLY DATS. 69 and died within her fold. Michael Wagoner and his wife Grate were also of the first members of the cbss, and lived to an advanced age. He died in 1863. The First Church. The first church edifice of the Evan- gelical Association was erected at New Berlin in 18 16, and dedi- cated March 2, 18 17, by Rev. John Dreisbach, who preached from Psalm xxxvii. 4. The building was a log structure, 34x38 feet in dimensions. In later years it was remodeled and sur- mounted with a belfry and bell. When the church was demolished in 1873, a general expression of regret was manifested in all parts of the church that a place of such historic interest was not pre- served. How sacred the memories that clustered around it 1 In it the infant church, which but the previous year was named "The Evangelical Association," found a home, and for five suc- cessive years the annual conference was held in it, (1818^1822), besides thirteen times thereafter, also three sessions of the Gen- eral Conference. Men who afterwards became prominent in the church here received their commissions, among whom may be mentioned Bishops Seybert, Long and Orwig, James Barber, P. Wagoner, Adam Kleinfelter, John Breidenstein, John Hamilton, J. M. Saylor and Francis Hoffman. In this church also, great revivals took place. Immediately in the rear of the church, on the bank of the creek, stood the school-house where the remarkable incident recorded in the biography of Walter occurred. The first printing house of the society was erected by the side of the church in 181 7. Its size was 20x28 feet. Many years afterwards it was removed to the opposite corner and is still (1894) in use as a dwelling. On April 27, 1816, Conrad Phillips and John Walter, acting for the Association, purchased a lot on the north side of the town for burial purposes, in which many of our Evangelical fathers found sepulture, among whom may be mentioned George and Solomon Miller, Albright's associates, Thos. Buck, Jas. Barber, Michael Maize, Sr., and his brother John H., Geo. Miller, "the printer," and many others. Educational Interests. New Berlin is also the birthplace of the educational interests of the church. In 1846 the West Pennsylvania Conference at its annual session here organized the first educational society. At the General Conference held here the following year John Dreisbach offered the first resolution 70 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. for the establishment of an institution of .learning, the ultimate result of which was the establishment of Union Seminary at New Berlin, which in course of time developed into Central Pennsyl- vania College. Dry Valley— The Eyer Family. In 1773 a Mennonite preacher named Abraham Eyer removed from Lancaster county, Pa., to Dry Valley, Northumberland county (now Union). The peculiar circumstances which led to his removal to this valley, and his important connection with the church in its infancy, entitle him to prominent notice in its history. Being in somewhat straitened circumstances, with an increas- ing family dependent upon him for support," he resolved to bring the matter before the Lord in prayer, and ask His will and guidance in taking such a course that would bring both him and his family temporal and spiritual blessings. The answer of the Lord was, "Go to Shamokin."* As oft as he repeated his peti- tion, the answer came with unmistakable clearness — to his mind — "Go to Shamokin." How similar the case of Father Eyer with that of the patriarch Abraham of old. "Now, the Lord had said unto Abraham, get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will show thee," &c. Gen. xii. 1. Following the leading of Providence, he started with his fam- ily for the Shamokin country. Turning up the valley, he halted at a big white-oak tree, at a point about two miles west of the West Branch, and about five miles east of New Berlin. His earthly possessions consisted of his team, and such articles as he was able to bring with him, and three dollars in money. Here he found a considerable tract of land still vacant, which he took up. For many years the oak tree was permitted to stand as a memorial of the event, and was a conspicuous object, as viewed from the road leading to New Berlin. After making extensive improvements here, he acquired in May, 1797, another farm on the river, where the town of Winfield now stands. Leaving the old farm in the hands of other mem- bers of the family, he removed to his River farm about the commencement of the present century. Eyer was one of the first * The region about the confluence of the North and West Branches of the Susquehanna River was then called "Shamokin." THE EARLY DATS. 71 men in this region to open his doors to Albright, and his house on the "River farm" became one of the first regular preaching places west of the Susquehanna, in 1804. Although he was for many years previous a consistent Chris- tian, as he understood it, and an expounder of the Bible, yet it would seem that he lived only a moral life and knew but little of the spiritual power of religion. A great change, however, was wrought in him and his family (most of whom were now grown) by the faithful preaching of the gospel. We will give the circum- stances as recorded in George Miller's journal of his labors in 1806 : "In Eyer's neighborhood the Lord wrought repentance, but the family I gave up for some time because it seemed to be their purpose to be destroyed in their own self-righteousness. However, through God's leadings I received new courage to preach the word to them. I then preached with might against the love of the world and self-righteousness, that they might own themselves condemned sinners. They were at first offended over it, but God gave grace, so that most of them became true Chris- tians, as well as other persons in the neighborhood." Henceforth this large and excellent family, with the exception of one son, threw the weight of its influence on the side of Albright and his associates. The father became a power in the infant society, many general meetings were held at his place, at which times he would feed hundreds of people. The son already referred to, predicted that the Albrights would eat him out of house and home, and he would be obliged to beg for a living, but his brother Isaac told him that he that dug a pit for others was apt to fall into it himself. This prediction was literally ful- filled, as the recreant son died in want on top of Nippenose Mountain, while the liberal father always had enough and to spare. Although Father Eyer was small of stature, he possessed extraordinary strength and agility, and frequently surprised the big rowdies who disturbed the meetings by the summary manner in which he ejected them from the house. He always maintained that God gave him special strength for such occasions. A remarkable instance of the importance of a word in season deserves to be recorded here. It was Father Eyer's custom to gather his family every Sabbath afternoon around a large table, when he would read and explain the Scriptures to them. About this time there was living with them the young school teacher of the place, who was preparing himself for the ministry of the 72 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. Reformed Church. At one of these Bible readings this young man began to critcise the old gentleman's comments and exhor tations by saying that this was unnecessary, and that superfluous, etc., whereupon Father Eyer arose to his feet and began to exhort the young man in an earnest manner, telling him that he was a stranger to vital godliness and knew nothing of experimental religion. The effect on the young man's mind was immediate and powerful. He was deeply convicted of his sinful condition, and soon thereafter converted to God, and in 1809 entered the itinerancy. This was none other than Henry Niebel, whose name stands inseparably connected with the early history of the church. No laymen in the early history of the church wielded a greater influence than Father Eyer. His two sonsrin-law, when still young men, became the leaders of the society, and it-is no pre- sumption to say that his fatherly counsels had great weight in shaping the affairs of the church. His family consisted of thir- teen adult children, as follows, in the order of their ages : John, Barbara, Abraham, Elizabeth, Magdalena, Anna, Catharine, Mary, Fannie, Isaac, Jacob, Sarah and Christian. John Dreisbach, who, next to Albright himself, is the most important figure in the history of the church, married Eyer's daughter Catharine in 181 1. On April 4, 1815, she died, leav- ing two children. About two years after her death he married her sister Fannie, with whom he had eleven children. Of the above two sons, Abraham and Jacob, became ministers, while many grandchildren are ministers and ministers' wives. Barbara married Rev. David Shellenberger, and their son also was a minister. Sarah married John Van Buseirk. One of their daughters married Rev. S. Aurand, of the Central Pa. Confer- ence, who is now one of the fathers of the conference. Henry Niebel (the young schoolmaster) married Mary. Two brothers, Daniel and Philip Hoy, married Molly (Magdalena) and Lizzie, respectively. Both brothers migrated to Ohio in 1806, and were the first to receive our missionaries in 1816, and without doubt the first members of the church in that State. They were both strong pillars on the old Lancaster Circuit. Some of the first camp and general meetings of our church in that State were held at their places. Molly Hoy (Daniel's wife) was especially noted for her kindness of heart. When that region was still sparsely settled she would go many miles through the darkness THE EARL T DA TS. 73 of the night to visit the sick and relieve the suffering. Her daughter Catharine married Rev. Joseph Long, who became the second bishop of the church. Martin Dreisbach (cousin of Rev. John D. ) married Anna Eybr. Said Martin D. had migrated to Ohio about 1809 or 18 10 with wife and five children. On his way to Ohio his wife died, at or near Pittsburg, Pa. He proceeded on his way with his motherless children and settled in Ross county, twelve miles east of Chilicothe. In course of time he returned East and married Anna Eyer, who made her bridal trip of over four hundred miles, through great forests and over unbridged streams on horseback. They were also among the first to receive our preachers in Ohio. Of the sons of Father Eyer, perhaps the best known to the church was the late Isaac Eyer, who possessed the "Valley" farm of his father. He was born in 1793, and when a youth gave his heart to God in the great revival of 1806. For fully seventy years he was identified with the church, giving liberally of his abundant means for the furtherance of her interests and enterprises. When a young man he was married to Elizabeth Klinefelter, sister of Adam K., one of the early and prominent preachers of the church. He died June 15, 1879, at tne a g e or eighty-five years. His wife died in 1888, aged ninety years. Abraham Eyer and wife repose in the cemetery a few hundred yards from the old home, still standing as a monument of the days of power. The tombstones are mossy with age. The inscrip- tions are German, and translated read, "In memory of Abraham Eyer. Was born 16th of May, 1748, and died 3d October, 1823. " "Catharine Eyer was born 15th October, 1752, and was mar- ried to Abraham Eyer in the month of May, 1770. Died the 2 2 d September, 1805, aged fifty- three years, less twenty-four days. " As we stand by the silent grave of this illustrious father and recall the history of his family, in all its connections with the church, we feel that we speak within the bounds of propriety, when we say that no other layman of the early church (with perhaps one exception) has made his influence felt more potently in our Evangelical Zion than Abraham Eyer, including his sons- in-law, Revs. Dreisbach, Niebel and Shellenberger. The number of preachers and preacher's wives who represent his family in the itinerant ranks number upwards of thirty. His old home on the river was an important point in the early history of the church. In June, 1 8 1 6, the ninth annual conference 74 EVANGELICAL A8800IA TION ANNALS. was held here. His two sons-in-law were now the leaders of the church. John Dreisbach was president and Henry Niebel secretary of the conference, and both of them presiding elders. The whole church at this time consisted of twelve fields of labor, divided into two districts. As our work at this point was exclusively German, the follow- ing incident may serve to illustrate the effect of a powerful sermon — even though imperfectly understood. In the vicinity of Eyer's lived an Irishman by the name of "Billy" Gibbons. One day in 1807, in going to the mill, he was obliged to pass Eyer's house at preaching time. The preacher spoke with the force and earnestness characteristic of our early preachers. This made an impression on "Billy." Stopping a moment, he listened. He knew enough of German to understand that he said, "One must know that his sins are forgiven." This was God's message of salvation to him. He was deeply convicted of sin, and after a long penitential struggle was gloriously saved, and was thereafter known as "Happy Billy." He was indeed a happy Christian, and became a pillar in the church. His wife was also converted at the same time. He died in 1850, aged eighty years. The members here were connected with the Dry Valley Class, which originally embraced all the members in the valley from the river to New Berlin. The Phillips Family. In 1811 George Phillips and his son Conrad, from Northampton county, who were among the first fruits of Albright's labors, removed to a farm adjoining the Eyer place. Their house became a regular preaching place, and about this time a separate class was formed. In 1827 John Young was converted here. He was soon thereafter licensed to preach, and in 1831 entered the active ministry and rendered sixteen years of service. He died in peace near Williamsport, Pa., in 1873, aged seventy-six years. His wife Elizabeth pre- ceded him about one week. They gave as a precious legacy to the church five sons, who entered the ministry of the Central Pa. Conference, viz.: John, Jacob, Reuben, Noah and William, the latter a local preacher. Buffalo Valley— The Dreisbach Family. Among the first settlers of Buffalo Valley, Northumberland (now Union) county, Pa., was Martin Dreisbach, Sr., who came fromGermany 1HE EARLY DATS. 75 and landed at Philadelphia Oct. 4, 1751.* After residing in Lancaster and Berks counties he purchased a tract of land in Buffalo Valley, to which he removed in 1773. There he died in *799> aged eighty- two years. His wife Anna died ten years previous, aged sixty-five years. He had four sons, Jacob, Henry, John and Martin, and two daughters, Margaret and Catha- rine, married to Henry Aurand and Peter Fisher, respectively. In 1788 Martin Dreisbach, Sr., donated several acres of land for the use of the first German church in the valley, which was a log structure, built jointly by the Lutheran and Reformed people. This church was replaced by a brick edifice in 1839. The Dreisbachs, in common with the early settlers of the valley, suffered much from the incursions of the Indians, and several of their neighbors were cruelly massacred by them. On July 14, 1780, Baltzer Kleinsmith, who lived about one mile south of Dreisbach's, was murdered by the savages in a field in which he was working. This was near the house of Father George Books, Sr., whose daughter Sabina assisted in carrying the dead man to his home.f A few years later this young woman was married to Martin Dreisbach, and became the mother of Rev. John Dreisbach. Her father, George Books, emigrated from Germany in 1736. % The family of Martin Dreisbach, Jr., and his wife Sabina were the following : Rev. John Dreisbach, who became a co- laborer with Albright ; Anna, married to Rev. Andrew Wolf, who was also one of the first members ; Susan, married to John Buchwalter ; Leah, married to John S. Dunkel, and Eliza- beth,, married to David Dunkel, and Martin Dreisbach, late associate judge of Union county. Religious Awakening. The first religious awakening in Buffalo Valley began about 1792, under the preaching of Rev. John G. Phreemer, who was a co-worker with Boehm, Chris- tian Newcommer and others, in the religious movement which led to the establishment of the United Brethren Church. He frequently preached at Dreisbach's church, and his labor was not in vain. The spiritual condition of Buffalo Valley at this * Ship Queen of Denmark. George Parish, captain. Shipped from Rot- terdam. f Linn's Annals of Buffalo Valley, page 189. % Rupp's History, page 47. 76 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. time was truly deplorable, as the following extract from "Har- baugh's Fathers of the Reformed Church " will show : "The Buffalo church, now called Dreisbach's, had for some time been in a distracted condition, having the irregular attention of the irregular Phreemer, but was for the most part closed entirely. The young men were growing up without adequate spiritual instruction, and the old members having passed through scenes of strife, had grown to a great degree indifferent." In 1795 Christian Newcommer* and George Adam Guet- ing visited the valley and strengthened the work of Phreemer. Many of the best families opened their houses as preaching places for the "new preachers," as they were called. Among those who received them was Martin Dreisbach, Jr. On Oct. 18, 1800, the first quarterly or big meeting was held at Dreisbach's, attended by Newcommer, Phreemer, Snyder and Gueting. It would seem that from that time Martin Dreisbach actively identified himself with the Evangelical movement, but like many others retained his connection with the Reformed Church. He formed a strong attachment for that eminent man of God, Chris- tian Newcommer, as the numerous entries in the journal of the latter plainly indicate. His house, however, was open to all who preached the gospel in its purity, among whom was the founder of the Evangelical Association, Jacob Albright. Albright's Visit — Great Revival. The time when Al- bright first visited Dreisbach cannot now be ascertained, but was some time prior to 1804. Notwithstanding the labors of the brethren mentioned, there was no class organization of the people professing conversion, as many considered it very wrong to leave the fold of the old church in which they had made their confir- mation vows. Neither had a revival, such as in olden times was called a " Durchbruch, " taken place. When Rev. George Miller was appointed to the new circuit in June, 1806, a revival began which, in one year, resulted in almost doubling the membership of the Association, and in the organization of six classes. This glorious result was the fruit of the faith and extraordinary zeal of this man of God. He says in his autobiography: "I resolved therefore to commence the work with fasting and prayer, relying on the help of God, and to preach the truth unfeignedly, even if no man should be pleased ♦Later a bishop in the United Brethren Church. THE EARL T DA TS. 77 with my preaching, if only God be satisfied with it. Hence I often wept during my journeyings from one preaching place to another, that I might be acceptable to God and useful to my fellow beings. " In this spirit the preacher prosecuted his minis- try, and the Lord wonderfully blessed his labors. On Oct. 25, 1806, a general meeting was held at Dreisbach's, which was attended by great numbers. Of this meeting Miller says : "I expected that the penitent and newly-converted souls on the circuit, of whom I had united about forty into classes, would meet there; therefore I prayed much on their account unto the Lord, and that He would be pleased to bring the breth- ren Albright and Walter, clothed with power from on high, to the meetings. The appointed day came and my wishes were realized, for both preachers and members, together with a large number of penitents, were present. My feelings on that occasion cannot be described, for I was sad and joyful at the same time, and experienced in my own soul the powerful words of our Saviour, 'Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be com- forted. ' While humbled before God, praying that sinners might be converted, the happiest feelings of consolation and divine favor filled my heart. I had to preach the opening sermon, and during its delivery the power of God came in such torrents upon the congregation that many fell upon their knees and prayed with tears to the Lord for the pardon of their sins. Albright and Walter preached so powerfully and pointedly that the congre- gation was visited with showers of divine grace, and in every room the cries of penitent sinners were heard, and many souls were converted. The voice of praise and thanksgiving unto the Lord could also be heard everywhere in the house, and there was great joy in the Lord among the brethren. " The fire of the Lord thus kindled in the hearts of his people at Dreisbach's was carried to all parts of the charge, revivals followed everywhere and class organizations were effected. Mar- tin Dreisbach became the leader of the Buffalo Valley Class. Dreisbach Class. Father Dreisbach's entire family, with the exception of the youngest, who was small, were converted and became members of the society, with his aged mother-in-law, Christina Books, widow of the emigrant George Books, Sr.„ and Martin Dreisbach, Jr. (son of Jacob), and his wife. About 1810 Martin Dreisbach removed to Ohio, and was one of our first members there. Other important preaching places in this 78 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIA TION ANNALS. neighborhood were as follows : John Aurand and wife Catha- rine. Their house, about one and a half miles east of Dreis- bach's, was a preaching place as early as 1802. Bro. A. died in 1809. His son John was also one of the first members, and later his son Abraham also became a member. This place was noted for camp-meetings. Philip Hoy, one of the first settlers of Buffalo Valley, who died at an early day, lived several miles west of Dreisbach's. His house was one of the first preaching places, as was also that of George Wormley, near Dreisbach's, and Bro. W. and wife were among our first members. In later years they removed to Seneca county, N. Y. George Wolf's house, a few miles southeast of Dreisbach's, was also a preaching place, and his sons Christian and Leonard, with their wives, and Andrew, and Catharine, the wife of his son Michael, became members in 1806. (See Lewisburg.) Besides the foregoing, Henry Herpst and his wife Catharine and George Riehm and Biographical Notes on the Dreisbach Family. — Martin Dreis- bach was one of the main supporters of Jacob Albright and his work. He was known throughout the entire connection as a devoted father in Israel. He was entrusted with the conference subsidiary funds and bequests, which office he resigned in 1829 because of failing health. In his house the annual confer- ences of 1812, 1813 and 1814 were held, as was also the first General Conference in 1816, at which conference our connection received its name, ■' The Evangelical Association." Father Dreisbach was born in Berks county, near Reading, Fa., in 1764, and died in 1831. His wife Sabina Fredrica was born in 1762 and died in 1847, at Amanda, Fairfield county, Ohio, whither she had gone to spend her last days with her youngest daughter, Elizabeth Dunkel. Their oldest son, Rev. John Dreisbach, was born in 1789, and died at Circleville, Ohio, in 1871, aged eighty-two years. Anna (Wolf) died near Lewisburg, Pa., in 1871, aged seventy-nine years. Susan (Buchwalter) died in Ross county, Ohio, in 1881, aged eighty-seven years. Leah (Mrs. J. S. Dunkel) died in 1884, aged eighty-eight years. Elizabeth (Mrs. David Dunkel) died in 1883, aged eighty-four years. Hon. Martin Dreisbach died in Lewisburg, Pa., in 1880, aged seventy-nine years. John S. Dunkel, son-in-law of Martin Dreisbach, deserves mention in this connection. He was a man of means and business abilities, and favorably known far and near. His house, which was near that of his father-in-law, became Evangelical headquarters for the valley after the death of the latter. His large barn was a favorite place for holding general meetings, and in his house was organized, on March 1, 1839, the General Missionary Society of the Evangelical Association. Bro. Dunkel was its first treasurer, and retained the office many years. He died in 1864, aged sixty-seven years. Three daughters, Susan, Sophia and Mary, were united in marriage with Evangelical ministers Charles Hammer, J. G. Miller and Benjamin Hengst, respectively. THE EARLY I) A 78. 79 wife were of the first members. The persons named, who consti- tuted the Dreisbach Class as organized in 1806, were with few exceptions in good circumstances and highly respectable citizens. In course of time it became one of the most important classes in the church, but through extensive emigration and deaths it was greatly reduced in later years. Lewisburg, in the early days known as Derrstown, is situated at the eastern extremity of Buffalo Valley, on the West Branch of the Susquehanna River. Our first preachers did not gain entrance there until 1806. Christian Wolf became acquainted Biographical Notes on the Wolf Family. — About 1796 George Wofl, Si-., emigrated from Tulpehocken, Berks county, Fa., to Buffalo Valley, and settled about three miles southwest of Lewisburg. He was a pious man, then well advanced in life, and most of his children were heads of families. He had sons, Christian, Michael, Leonard, Peter, John, Jacob * and Andrew, besides several daughters. He died in 1823 at the age of ninety years. There is some uncertainty as to the extent to which he identified himself with the work of Jacob Albright. It is, however, certain that his house was a preaching place in the early days. A grandson, the late Jonathan Wolf, who died at an advanced age, informed the author that in his youth he often attended the "Albright " meetings at his grandfather's house. A number of his children were among the first members of our society in the valley, several of whom we will notice in this connection : Rev. Christian Wolf lived in Lewisburg, and through him principally the work was established there. In 1807 he, with others, removed to Seneca county, N. Y., where he was instrumental in the organization of the first society of the church outside of Pennsylvania. He was early licensed to preach, and was ordained deacon in 1 82 1. In 1825 he served as an itinerant. He died near Seneca Falls, N. Y., in 1833, aged fifty-four years. His companion (Barbara) died in 1838, aged fifty-nine years. Andrew Wolf, youngest son of George Wolf, Esq., was married to Anna, a daugh- ter of Martin Dreisbach. He was one of the first local preachers. In 1808 he accompanied his brother-in-law, John Dreisbach, to a general meeting at Becker's, on the Muehlbach, Lebanon county. On their return they held a meeting at the house of Peter Walter, near Jonestown, where they were mobbed and treated shamefully. Bro. Wolf died in 1871, aged eighty-seven years. His wife died the same year, aged seventy-nine years. Their son Aaron entered the itinerancy in 1842, and after a number of years of successful labor in the West Pa. Conference, removed to Illinois. Simon, another son, entered the itinerancy in 1846, and rendered twenty-one years of service in the (now) Central Pa. Conference. He died in 1890, aged seventy-five years. Two daughters, ANNAand Leah, were married to Evangelical itinerants, Henry Rohland and Benjamin Hess, respectively. Leonard Wolf removed to Ohio, and with his family was among the first members in that State, and his house was one of the first preaching places in 1816. Michael Wolf never became a member, but his wife was converted under Albright and colleagues and became a member, and their house was opened to the preachers. •Grandfather of the late Hon. Chas. S. Wolf- 80 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. with Albright and co-laborers at the house of his brother-in- law, Martin Dreisbach. When George Miller was sent by Albright, in i3o6, to serve the new circuit, he was received by Wolf and others. A revival took place here in the Autumn of 1806, and a class was formed comprised of the following : Chris- tian Wolf and his wife Barbara,* who was a sister of Mrs. Martin Dreisbach. Bro. Wolf was a hatter, and his place of business and house stood on the northwest corner of Market and Second streets. He was the first class leader. Matthias Shaeffer and his wife Polly. Bro. S. was a carpenter, and a man of great respectability. His house was also a preaching place, and after Bro. Wolf's removal to New York, in 1807, he became the class leader, which office he held for many years. Elizabeth Grove (Groff) survived to a great age, and often related how she and other members of the class accompanied their class leader, Bro. Wolf, to New Berlin to assist in the meetings there in the Winter of 1806. These journeys of about twenty miles were made on foot across the mountain at night. They generally returned the same night. Michael Smith was then advanced in years, and it cannot now be definitely ascer- tained whether he was a member, but the probabilities are that he was, as his family are known to have been converted at Wolf's, and our preachers were welcomed by him. Of his children we mention the following : Catharine, married to Michael WoLF,f who was a brother of Christian, the class leader. He lived near the Turtle Creek, on the road leading across the mountain to Dry Valley. He never became a member, but was in hearty sympathy with our work. His wife was one of the most devoted members the church has ever had. Their house was a preaching place in Albright's time. Another daughter of Father Smith was Susan Cochrane. She was converted in 1806 and died in 1882, aged ninety-one years, probably the last survivor of the converts of Albright and co-laborers in the now Central Pa. Conference. When a young woman she became the wife of John Cochrane. Their home, a few miles south of Lewisburg, became a preaching place in 181 7, and remained a regular appointment for nearly half a century. Elizabeth and Henry, younger children of Father Smith, became members a little later. John * See previous note, ■f See previous note. THE EARLY DATS. 81 Aurand and his wife Hannah, who lived near Lewisburg, also became members in 1806, and their house a preaching place. Other original members were Jacob Zentmeyer and his wife Eve, Peggy Metzger, Martha Christ, Samuel Ream and his wife Sarah, Daniel Ream and wife, Father Henry Bellman and wife, and son Jacob, and daughter-in-law Mary ; also Rev. J. G. Conser and his wife, who was a daughter of Father Bell- man. Peter Brouse and wife Christena, who were converted at the house of Father Eyer, in Dry Valley, in 1806, also opened their house as a preaching place. They lived south of Lewisburg. Bro. Brouse died in 1849, at Liverpool, Pa., aged seventy-seven years. His wife, who was remarkable for her deep piety and zeal, died in 1866, aged eighty-eight years. MttfHntmrg— The Orwigs and Brickleys. The town of Mifflinburg is situated in Buffalo Valley, ten miles west of Lewisburg, and five miles from Dreisbach's. Albright and co-laborers preached there frequently in the old Lutheran church, and some conversions took place, but no organization was effected. The late John Rank, Esq., often related that in 1805 he and several other young men went from White Deer to hear Albright Biographical Notes. — John Brickley, Sr., and wife Magdalen a, from Schuylkill county, settled near Mifflinburg in the early part of the century, united with the Evangelical Association in 1826, and became prominent members, He died in 1838, aged seventy-one years. He gave three sons to the ministry of the church, as follows : George Brickley, born in Schuylkill county, Pa. ; entered the active ministry of the Eastern Conference in 1828 ; was elected pre- siding elder in 1839 ; located in 1846 ; died in York, Pa., March 17, 1889, aged eighty-one years. Daniel Brickley, born in Schuylkill county, Pa., in 1810 ; entered the Eastern Conference in 183 1; was chosen presiding elder of Ohio District in 1836 ; traveled a number of years in Ohio ; died in Morrow county, Ohio, in 1884, aged seventy-four years. John Brickley, born in Schuylkill county, Pa., in 1795 ; entered the Eastern Conference in 1835 ; died in Indiana county, Pa., in 1872. The Or wig family, Gottfried Orwig and his wife Gloria emigrated from Germany in 1 741, and settled north of the Blue Mountain in (now) Schuylkill county, Pa.,where the town of Orwigsburg, formerly the county-seat, was. named in his honor. One of his sons was George, Sr., who opened his house as a preaching place for Jacob Albright. (See Orwigsburg.) George Orwig had two sons, George, Jr., and Abraham, who in i8n removed to Buffalo Valley, Union county, a few miles north-west of Mifflinburg. George Orwig, Jr., soon after his conversion in 1826 removed to the Sandusky country, Ohio, where his house was one of the early preaching places. He died in 1852, aged seventy-one years. Abraham Orwig (father of Rev. W. W. Orwig), died in Buffalo Valley, Union county, Pa., in 1852, aged sixty-five years. 82 BVAN&BLICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. preach there. Walter and Miller, his colleagues, were also present Albright preached with wonderful power, so that a great commotion was caused, and many fell on their knees and cried aloud for mercy. Brother Rank's companions became terror-stricken, and pulling him by the coat said, "Come, let us get out of this, the preacher is mad. See, he is foaming at the mouth." A short distance west of Mifflinburg lived John Buechler, whose house was a preaching place at an early day. A very suc- cessful camp-meeting was held on his land in 1814. In 1826 a great awakening took place in this locality, and a number of prominent families were brought into the Evangelical Associa- tion, among them the Brickleys and Orwigs. This revival came to pass in the following manner : In 1825 the wife of Abra- ham Orwig, accompanied by her son (the late Bishop W. W. Orwig), journeyed to their former home in Orwigsburg, Pa., to visit her relatives. The great revival so notable in the history of the Evangelical Association was still in progress there, and both mother and son were deeply convicted of sin, but did not then yield to the influences brought to bear upon them. The follow- ing year, however, the son was happily converted and his bright experience and godly life soon made itself felt in the home circle, and was the real beginning of the revival which followed. White Deer. White Deer Valley is separated from Buffalo Valley by a mountain known as White Deer. Most of this region is embraced in a township of that name. This place was fre- quently visited by Albright and his colleagues. The principal preaching place was at Jacob Hoch's. South of the mountain, on the west branch of the Susque- hanna, is the village of New Columbia. Here our first preachers also found entrance, but it is impossible to ascertain with cer- tainty who received them. This was the home of father John Rank, Sr., who in 1796 removed hither from Lancaster county with his family. . His house became a preaching place for all godly ministers soon after his arrival. In Bishop Christian Newcommer's journal are several entries of services held at Rank's in the beginning of the century. That Albright was also welcomed seems probable, from the fact that they were well acquainted with each other in Lancaster county. His son John often related a pleasing incident connected with a business trans- action between his father and Albright, before the conversion THE EARLY DATS. 83 -of the latter. A class was formed at New Columbia soon after Albright's death, among whom were the Ranks, Stahls, Yosts and Rothrocks. In later years Jacob Rothrock removed to Williamsport, and was the first member of the church there. Henry Rothrock removed to Seneca county, N. Y., and was an early member of our society at that place. Johtt Rank, Esq. It remains for us to honor the memory of one whose name is "as an ointment poured forth," and who in the early days was one of the pillars in the Church. This was John Rank, Jr., Esq., already referred to. He was born in Lancaster county in 1783, and removed with his parents to New Columbia, in Union county. He frequently heard Albright preach,"' but was not converted until some years afterwards, when be attended a watch-night meeting at Martin Dreisbach's. He at once took a high position in the church as a man of probity and good judgment. His home, which was a short distance west of New Columbia, became Evangelical headquarters for this region. The Church soon recognized his business abilities. In 1832, when the Charitable Society was organized, he was made the first treasurer. At the same conference he was also elected to the office of Publisher and Book Agent for the Church, and for many years thereafter was connected with the publishing in- terests of the Church. When the General Conference of 1836 reorganized the publishing interests and elected a board of trus- tees to purchase, or erect, a suitable building for our publishing business, Brother Rank and Revs. W. W. Orwig and P. Wagoner were elected to the position, and by them the purchase of the building was consummated. Brother Rank was for many years a Justice of the Peace, and so justly did he administer the law, that but few of his decisions were appealed to a higher court. He was prudent and method- ical in all his business matters, and generally prospered in all his ventures, for the reason that he undertook nothing without mak- ing it a subject of prayer. His house was for many years a preaching place, and in his woods camp-meetings were held many years in succession. His liberality was proverbial. He often said he was God's steward, and hence must be systematic in his benevolence. It is worthy of record that thirty-three junior preachers had their homes with him in the same number of successive years. * See Mifflinburg incident. 84 EVANGELICAL A88QCIA TION ANNALS. As one would depart at the close of the conference year, and an- other come, he was told to make himself at home like one of the family. Horse feed, a furnished room, with board and washing, all as free as air. If the preachers were poor, the good man purchased clothing for them ; when cast down, discouraged, and tempted to leave the ministry, his fatherly counsels gave them new courage. After a long and singularly useful life, the Lord called his servant home to his rich reward, Oct. 14, 1878, at the advanced age of ninety-four years, ten months and twelve days. He retained his faculties to the last moment of life, and died triumphantly, crying out as he crossed the Jordan of death, "Gelobct seiGott! Gelobet set Gotti" (Praise the Lord ! Praise the Lord !) Woodward, Centre County. At the extreme eastern end of Penns Valley, where the road from Buffalo Valley emerges from the long narrows of the mountains, is situated the village of Woodward. In this neighborhood Albright and his co-laborers found a fruitful field, notwithstanding the bitter opposition against their work. The first one to receive Albright here was Father John Wise and his wife Eve. This must have been soon after the beginning of the century, and certainly prior to 1805. His house was a very important point, and many conversions took place there in 1806. George Wise, a brother of John, and his wife Susan were converted in 1806, and their house became a regular preaching place from that time. In later years their son George opened his house for regular services. The house of Bro. Jacob Merk and his brother Rudolph became preaching places about 1805. John Adam Hennig and family in part were converted in the great revival of 1806, probably at the house of John Wise. His house also became a preaching place in Albright's time, and was one of the most noted places of the Biographical Notes. — John Adam Hennig, born in Lebanon county, Fa., in 1757, was the son of John Jacob and Anna Hennig. His family was large and highly respectable, and all became members of the church. Two daughters, Elizabeth and Barbara, were married to ministers, Jacob Fry and John Stull, respectively. His son Adam entered the ministry in 1B13, and was one of the first missionaries west of the Alleghenies (1813) and Ohio (1816). His sons Philip and Peter were converted in youth and later emi- grated, to Ohio, where their homes were among the first preaching places on Canton Circuit. Father Hennig died in 1839, aged eighty-two years. Father John Wise died in 1844, aged seventy-nine years, and his wife Eve in 1855, aged eighty-three years. Jacob Merk died in 1837, aged seventy-two years. TEE EARLY DATS. 85 church for many years, especially for general and camp-meetings. The camp-meeting on his place in 1827 was especially victorious. Scores of souls were converted, some of whom became minis- ters and prominent members. The fourth General Conference, which was one of the most important sessions, was held at his house in 1830. Millheim is. situated about seven miles west of Woodward, in the very heart of Penns Valley. In and around this town Albright and his colleagues found some open doors. The first in the town to receive him was Paul Bachman, in 1805. George Swartz, who lived about half a mile south of the town, also received him and opened his house as a regular preaching place in 1805. A little farther south lived Henry Smith and wife Mary, and Peter Smith and wife Maria. Henry Smith's house was opened as a preaching place for Albright as early as 1804. Peter was converted in 1806, and thereafter their house was a regular appointment. The great revival of 1806 also extended to this place, and many conversions occurred at the houses of George Swartz and Henry Smith. Prominent among the con- verts were two young brothers Matthias and John Betz, the former of whom became a minister, while the latter removed to Seneca county, Ohio, and was one of the first to receive our min- isters there. The first class in Penns Valley was organized by George Miller in the Fall of 1806, and included all the members in the valley, some of whom, as we have noticed; lived a considerable distance from Millheim. During the second great revival on the Northumberland Circuit, which occurred in 181 1, there were many conversions, and separate classes were formed at Woodward (seven miles east), at Mussers and at Potters Plains. The class at Mussers became quite strong, and a church was built there, about four miles from Millheim, which was the first in Penns Valley. In that church was held, in 1839, the General Confer- ence at which John Seybert was elected the first bishop of the church. Green Grove. Several miles west of Millheim, at Green Grove, lived Michael Ream, who was one of the first in Penns Valley to open his house to Albright. In 1806 his brother-in- law, David Merk, and also Henry Smith opened their houses. At a later period a flourishing society was formed there. Father Ream died in 1813. Many of his descendants became prominent 86 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. and useful members of the church. His son, Rev. Abraham Ream, in the early part of the century removed to Ohio, where he was largely instrumental in establishing the work. Another descendant, Rev. A. E. Gobble, D.D., has for many years stood in the front rank as an able preacher and the honored president of Central Pennsylvania College. Potters Plains. The work of our Church was not estab- lished in the upper end of Penns Valley in Albright's time, as it cannot be ascertained that he and his colleagues had any appointment farther west than Spring Mills. In 1811 John Erb and L. Zimmerman extended the work westward to Spring Creek and the broad plain where the State College is now situated. There were many conversions in this vicinity, and a good class was organized, called the Spring Creek Class. Ten or more congregations are the direct results of the work in this section. The men who received our preachers and opened their houses as regular preaching places were Conrad Dillman, John Dauber- man and later John George Rishel, all of whom became known throughout the entire Church, and deserve more than mere mention. John Dauberman, Sr., lived a few miles east of Old Fort, near Egg Hill. Here he built with his own means a church for the use of the society, which was dedicated Oct. 22, 1837. He died in 1853, in his eighty-second year. His son, John, Jr., who was also one of the first members, worthily represented his heroic father until his death. Conrad Dillman removed to Ohio, where he was among the first to receive our first preachers in 18 16, in which connection a further notice of him will be found. John George Rishel lived nearly four miles southwest of Old Fort, near Spring Creek. He was converted in 1806, but did not unite with the society until 1826. He was an influential and prominent man, and did much for the establishment of the Church. He died in 1852, in his seventy-first year. Three of his daughters were married to Evangelical ministers of prominence: Susan, to Bishop W. W. Orwig j Sarah, to John Kreamer, and Rachel, to Daniel Kehr. His son David entered the minis- try of the West Pa. Conference in 1842, and was a young man of bright promise. In 1847 he was sent as missionary to Pitts- burg, where his usefulness was suddenly cut short by death in the Autumn of the same year, in the thirtieth year of his age. THE EARLY DAYS. 87 Brush Valley. North of Penns Valley is situated a long, narrow valley called Brush Valley, one of the early settlers of which was Christopher Spangler, who came here from one of the lower countries in 1803. He was a man of means, and erected in 1805 a large stone mansion, which is to-day one of the land- marks of the Church. At the house of father Bachman, in Penns Valley, Brother S. first heard Albright preach, and invited him to preach also in his house in Brush Valley. To this invitation Albright responded in the Autumn of 1805, and from that time Brother Spangler became one of his chief supporters and his house a regular preaching place. During the great revival, under the labors of George Miller, in 1806, many conversions took place here, and a class was formed, of which Brother Spangler was made leader. In the Fall of 1807 he and the youthful John Dreisbach journeyed to- gether to attend the first annual conference of the Association, at which time Brother S. was also made a local preacher. He never entered the active ranks, but frequently accompanied the first preachers, and preached a great deal. His name through- out the Church was "as ointment poured forth." When past eighty years of age he preached a remarkable sermon from the text, "As I live, saith the Lord, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked." (Ezek. xxxiii. 11.) He died in great peace in 1855, aged eighty-eight years. His companion died in 1832, aged sixty-one years. They rest in the union cemetery at Rebers- burg. Their sons Jacob, Samuel and Jonathan were of the first converts in the valley and became strong pillars in the Church. A daughter, Anna Mary, also converted in 1806, married Con- rad Hare. They removed to Wyandotte county, Ohio, where they opened their house as one of the first preaching places. Brother H. was a local preacher and a very useful man. Abraham Reber and wife were converted at Spangler's in 1806, after which they opened their house as a preaching place. Rev. J. G. Conser, one of the first members at Lewisburg, re- moved to Rebersburg, and in 1823 opened his house as a preach- ing place. A little later the brothers George, Joseph and Jacob Gramlv, who were of the leading citizens of the valley, became members, as did also the Becks, Leidlers and Myers. A church was built in Rebersburg in 1833. The valley became an Evangelical stronghold, and the work has continued to flourish to this day. 88 E V ANGELICAL AS80G1A TTON ANNALS. North Branch Valley. On the North Branch of the Sus- quehanna River, Albright and his associates found some open doors. We have already noted in a previous chapter the emi- gration of the sons-in-law of Leonard Zimmerman, of Schuylkill county, to this region. As they were the first to open their houses to our preachers we will notice them in order: John Detrich Seybert and his brother Michael, and John George Zehner, married to Maria, Eve, and Catharine Zimmerman, respectively, emigrated to the North Branch Valley near the be- ginning of the century. The Seyberts settled in Salem township, Luzerne county, a few miles above Berwick, and Zehner settled a few miles south, in Briar Creek township, Columbia county. About 1806 two more sons-in-law of Zehner removed to this region. They were Jacob Bochard and Conrad Biebelheimer, who were married to Albertina and Susan Zimmerman, respec- tively. Bochard settled about two miles northeast of Danville, now in Montour county. Biebelheimer settled near Orange- ville, Columbia county, but removed to Ohio at an early day. All the foregoing were, so far as is known, converted under the ministry of Albright and co-laborers, and, with the exception of John D. Seybert, they were members of the church. When they removed to the North Branch Valley they were followed by their spiritual father and his colleagues, and through them a good foundation was laid for the work in the valley. The first revival and ingathering of note was at Zehner's, at Summer Hill, Columbia county, and at Bochard's, near Dan- ville, in 181 1 and 181 2, at which time classes were formed at both places. Notes.— Jacob Bochard died in 1824 and his wife in i860. Biebel- HEIMers removed to Franklin county, Ohio, where Sister B. died in 1839, aged sixty-five years, and her husband soon afterwards. George Zehner and his wife died at Briar Creek in 1848, aged respectively eighty-three and eighty years. Revs. George E. Zehner and Isaiah Bower, of the Central Pa. Conference, are grandsons. Michael Seybert died in 1852, aged eighty-five years. His wife Eve died in 1854, aged eighty-four years. They all repose in the Summer Hill cemetery. CHAPTER IV. SOWING AND REAPING. The Great Revival at Orwigsburg — Spread 'of the Work in Lehigh County, Philadelphia, Reading, Lebanon, Baltimore — The Blockhouse — John Seybert's Mission- ary Work — Establishment of the Church in New York State and Canada. Ringgold. Near Ringgold, in Schuylkill county, lived Dan- iel Focht, who was a man of high respectability, and possessed of considerable means ; being proprietor of what was then called Brunswick Forge. In 1818, when M. Dehoff and Adam Kline- felter served the Schuylkill Circuit, he became interested through them in his own salvation, and was soon thereafter converted to God. He at once exerted his talents and great influence for the cause of Christ, and was soon the instrument in the hands of God in the conversion of others who were organized into a class. He was a fluent speaker, was greatly respected, and his influence in favor of the Evangelical Association was very considerable. In 182 1 he was licensed to preach, and most faithfully did he serve the Church in a local capacity until his death, in 1844, at the age of sixty years. Orwigsburg. Through Focht the first seed of the Church was sown in Orwigsburg, (then the county seat of Schuylkill county), which culminated in one of the most extensive and im- portant revivals that ever took place in the Evangelical Associa- tion. In 182 2 he preached a powerful sermon in the Court House, which made a profound impression on the audience. The same year there was held on his land one of the most remarkable camp- meetings in the history of the Church. A great number of people 90 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. were gathered on the grounds. Most of whom were in a state of spiritual darkness, and very much disposed to make mischief. This opposition one day took a most serious turn. Some of the brethren were assaulted by the ruffians, and suffered bodily in- jury at their hands. While John Miller was preaching an attack was made upon the preachers and he was struck on the face with a sharp stone and very severely injured. At this meeting there were, however, many intelligent and sensible people who disapproved of the persecution of God's peo- ple, and heard with deep concern — and many for the first time in their lives — the doctrine of experimental religion. Much pre- cious seed was sown, some of which came to early fruitage. The camp-meeting thus became an important factor in the promotion of the great revival which soon followed. Richard Rlckert. Soon after this camp-meeting a prom- inent man of Orwigsburg, named Richard Rickert, had occasion to call on Focht on business. Mrs. F. informed him that her husband was not at home, but would return soon, and added that their minister, John Breitenstein, was in the house, with whom' he could converse until the return of Mr. Focht. Mr. Rickert complied with the kind invitation, and was very much pleased with Mr. Breitenstein, and invited him to preach at Orwigs- burg, to which Mr. B. assented. Mr. Rickert arranged an ap- pointment for him in the Court House, and there Mr. B. preached a number of times. The enemies of the cause, however, were not idle, and soon fomented such an opposition against him, that the Court House was closed, and he was compelled to preach in the schoolhouse and in private houses. Among the men who received Mr. B. and opened their houses as preaching places for him were Richard Rickert, who first invited him to Orwigsburg, Jos. Zoll, Peter Ashbach, Daniel Reifschneider, and a little later, John Hammer. All were men of prominence and high respectability. The spirit of awakening was powerfully at work throughout the town, and the grain was ripe for the harvest. John Seybert at Orwigsburg. In June, 1823, John Sey- bert was appointed to Schuylkill Circuit. It was indeed a fort- - unate circumstance that this consecrated aad tireless worker became the preacher at Orwigsburg at this time. His blameless life was the best commentary on the doctrines which he preached, while his extraordinary zeal for souls was a living torch that set THE EARLY DATS. 91 on fire the hearts of the people with love and devotion to the cause of Christ. Although the people generally heard Seybert with gladness, and many doors were opened to him, still the work of conversion and ingathering did not immediately take place. An adverse circumstance, which proved to be a blessing in dis- guise, was the means of bringing about the desired result. On Sept. 14 Seybert went to fill an appointment at a schoolhouse three miles east of Orwigsburg, which his enemies locked against him. A poor colored man named Wilson invited him to come into his house and preach. Seybert accepted the invitation, and was followed to the house by a number who were anxious to hear him. On this occasion he preached from the words, "He came unto his own and his own received him not." (John i. n.) A profound impression was made, and Wilson and his wife were soon afterwards converted to God. The house of this colored man played an important part in subsequent events. Seybert found entrance at the house of a tavern-keeper named Christopher Wagoner in the same vicinity, several of whose children were then under conviction. On Nov. 30 Seybert preached in the house of Wagoner, from Actsiii. 22, 23. This was one of the most remarkable meetings known in the history of the Church. The spirit of conviction wrought deeply. A great cry arose from penitents who were scattered through the house in large numbers. "Lost! Lost I I am lost!" could be heard on every side. Wagoner and all of his family who were present were among the penitents. While the cry of agony went up to God a female relative of Wagoner, who had no sympathy for the work, went among the weepiDg penitents and endeavored to dis- courage them. Notwithstanding this mighty demonstration of the Spirit to convict, it would seem that there were but few con- versions at this time. The next day Seybert held a prayer- meeting for the benefit of the penitents, but still there was no victory. Harbingers of a brighter day were everywhere visible, however. The number of those under conviction increased every day, and Seybert, having to fill his appointments elsewhere, wrote to Focht to take charge during his absence, who accordingly preached the following Sunday at the house of Wilson. The meetings in the afternoon and evening were remarkably powerful and victorious, and seven souls were saved, which was but the beginning of the gracious shower of blessings, the refreshing in- fluences of which was felt in every part of the Church. 92 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. Seybert's Testimony. On the fly leaf of a volume of "Thomas A'Kempis," bought from Bishop Seybert by Father Richard Rickert, in 1850, occur these lines in the bishop's own handwriting : "Erster Bekehrungs-Durchbruch nahe bei Orwigs- burgh an des Wilson's, Dezember 7, 1823, wo sieben Seelen zu Gott bekehrt wurden," — which translated somewhat literally reads: "First converting breakthrough nearby Orwigsburg, at Wilson's, December 7, 1823, when seven souls were converted to God." It may here be incidentally remarked that " Durchbruch," liter- ally a breakthrough, was a favorite term used in the early days to express the victory after penitential struggles. The names of the seven souls referred to by Bishop Seybert were the follow- ing, as given to me by Father and Mother George and Amelia (Hammer) Rickert, of Pottsville, Pa.: Mary Neff; Hannah Wagoner, afterwards married to Rev. Charles Hesser; Re- becca Wagoner, afterwards married to Rev. Francis Hoffman ; Benjamin Wagoner, Sally Wagoner, Mother Fisher, Polly Fisher. The Wagoners mentioned were children of Christopher Wagoner. After the victory at Wilson's, conversions became frequent. When Seybert preached again in that neighborhood — which was at Philip Dreher's — a young man was present who had for some time been under conviction. A young lady, * Rebecca Wagoner, who had often entreated him before, now again urged him to yield his heart to God. He accordingly bowed in penitence and was happily converted. This was the now sainted Rev. Joseph M. Saylor. Soon afterwards his brother Jacob, and also Samuel Rickert, were converted. A little later Charles Hesser was converted at Father Wagoner's. All of whom became ministers. On Jan. 23, 1824, the first class was organized, consisting of about twenty-five members. Philip Dreher was made leader and B. Neff exhorter. Great opposition to the work prevailed, and the leader became utterly discouraged. A reorganization of the class was effected Feb. 19, and Joseph M. Saylor became leader. The work now made rapid progress, and people of all classes were converted almost daily. The Hammer Family Converted. A remarkable episode of this revival was the conversion of the Hammer family. The circumstances are as follows : John Hammer was a highly re- * Afterwards Mrs. Rev. F. Hoffman. THE EARLY DATS. 93 spected citizen and merchant of Orwigsburg and an elder in the Lutheran Church. He had a large family of sons and daughters, all highly respectable save the oldest son John, who was given to wayward habits, which caused his parents deep sorrow and constant solicitude. The anxious mother could think of no bet- ter way to stay his downward course than to bring him under the influence of that man of God, John Seybert. There was an ap- pointment for him at the house of Rickert one night, and Mother Hammer said to the erring son, "John, how would it be if you were to go to the 'Strawveler' meeting to-night? I would much rather see you there than with your bad company at the tavern. " He followed the suggestion, went to the Service, and was deeply convicted of his sinful condition. The next Sunday there was a prayer-meeting at the house of the colored man Wilson, and here young Hammer was converted after a very severe penitential struggle.* The change in his life and conduct was at once no- ticed at home, but he said nothing about his experiences, because his parents were strict members of one of the old churches, al- though, like many others, they knew nothing of vital godliness. The course he took, however, met with God's approval, as the end will show. In the rear of Father Hammer's store was a warehouse, and the watchful mother noticed that her son frequently repaired thither alone and without any apparent reason. She determined to solve the mystery, and one day cautiously followed him. To her surprise she found him prostrate on the bare floor, pouring out his soul to God in prayer. Such a prayer. the surprised mother had never heard before. The son entreated as though his heart would break in behalf of his dear father and mother that they might come to the true light and saving grace of God. The mother was almost overcome by her feelings, and with diffi- culty restrained herself from disturbing with her weeping her once wayward son. "Is it possible that our poor John, whom we thought as good as lost, should now pray in this manner for us who profess to be good?" thus she said in her heart. In deep penitence she returned and told the circumstances to her hus- band. The outcome of it all was that the whole family — father, * J. M. Saylor, who was present at the meeting, says it was a remarkably bright conversion. With tears of joy streaming from his eyes young Hammer went through the assembly shaking hands with the people, saying, "Now I am also a brother ! " 94 B V ANGELICAL A880CIA TION ANNALB. mother, sons and daughters, eleven in number, were soon there- after converted to God and united with the society. The Church has never embraced within her fold a more godly and useful fam- ily than that of Father Hammer. Three of his daughters were married to Evangelical preachers, all of whom became promi- nent. Elizabeth was married to Rev. J. P. Leibj Sarah to Rev. Charles Schnerr, and Susan to Rev. Solomon Neitz. One son, Charles, became a minister, and one of the pillars of the Evangelical Association. The Saylor Family Converted. Another incident worthy of record is the case of the widow Saylor, whose sons Joseph and Jacob have already been referred to. This woman, with a large family of children, some of whom were quite young, lived with her father, who was bitterly opposed to the work. After she and her children were converted, they erected a family altar, against which the father demurred. The godly mother, however, gathered her loving children around her as aforetime and offered her petitions at the throne of grace. The cruel father finally de- clared that if they did not cease going to the ' ' Strawveler " meet- ings and quit their family prayers they would be compelled to leave his house. This was a trying ordeal for the poor widow. A family council was held and she, with the devoted children, decided to remain faithful to their God and the Church. She accordingly left the parental roof, accompanied by her little ones, and made her home in a little house near the canal, where for several years she supported herself by selling refreshments to the boatmen who. daily passed her door. The Lord was her support and she never came to want, but lived to see two of her sons be- come useful preachers. She enjoyed the sympathy of the public because of the harsh treatment of her father, while her blameless life won the esteem of all, and when at last the Lord granted her. a triumphant death, she was deeply lamented by a very wide circle of friends. Opposition. As may be inferred, the work was most bitterly opposed by a certain class of people, and many cases of violence occurred. As an example we give the case of a meeting which was held by Joseph Saylor at the house of a man named Jona- than Wynn. At this meeting there were a number of penitents, among them a young woman named Phosbe Huntzinger, who was very popular in the society of the town. Her friends and admirers determined to rescue her from the influence of the THE EARLY HATS. 95 "Albrights," and accordingly a rush was made into the house where the meeting was in progress. In the struggle which ensued the would-be friends of the young lady, finding it impossible to get her out through the door which was blocked up, opened a window near her, through which the pleading penitent was drawn out of the house. This triumph of the rabble, however, was short lived, as the young lady was sincere, and soon thereafter was happily converted, and afterwards became the wife of Joseph Hammer, a prominent man in the society. The revival continued for a number of years. Scores of fam- ilies, among them many of the leading people of the place, were converted, and good seed was scattered, which brought forth a golden harvest. Many instances might be given of families who removed from here to Ohio, Illinois, and other States, and there became centers of Evangelical influence, through which new con- gregations were organized and churches built. Among the fruits of this great ingathering were a large number whom the Lord called into the gospel ministry. Among them may be mentioned the brothers Joseph M. and Jacob Saylor, John P. Leib, Fran- cis Hoffman, Daniel Berger, Charles Hesser, Charles Hammer and Bishop W. W. Orwig (indirectly) of the active ministry, besides many who served in a local capacity. Evangelical Church and Cemetery. Soon after the establishment of the work at Orwigsburg, Benjamin Wagoner, a son of Christopher Wagoner, died. He was a devoted and zealous young man, and because he became an Evangelical, his Biographical Notes. — I. John Hammer died in 1839, aged sixty-six years. He was for many years a local preacher. His wife Elizabeth died in 1837, aged sixty years. z. Christopher Wagoner died in 1843, a g el * seventy-five years. He was a strong pillar in the Church/ His daughters Rebecca and Hannah were mar- ried to Rev. Francis Hoffman and Rev. Charles Hesser, respectively. His daughter Elizabeth was married to Abraham Orwig ; they were the parents of Bishop W. W. Orwig. .3. Richard Rickert, (wife Christina) who first invited the Evangelical preachers to Orwigsburg, died in 1857, aged eighty-three years. They were the parents of Rev. Samuel Rickert, and Dinah, wife of Rev. Joseph M. Saylor. 4. Joseph Zoll died in 1877, aged eighty-eight years. He was a tanner by occupation, and had in his employ his nephew, Francis Hoffman, who was also converted and entered the active ministry in 1826. 5. Daniel Riefsnyder removed to Stark county, Ohio, where he was for many years a class-leader, and his house a preaching place. He died in 1872, aged seventy-two years. 96 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. burial in the graveyard of the Church of which he had been a former member was forbidden. In great sorrow Father Wag- oner came to Orwigsbu'rg to consult with Father Hammer. After explaining the circumstances to Hammer, the latter said, "Come with me," and together they went to look at some vacant lots owned by Hammer. A suitable selection was made for a bury- ing ground, which Father Hammer donated to the society, and here the body of young Wagoner was laid to rest. The society then erected a church edifice on the ground in 1826, which was the third church of the Association. The following year the con- ference was held in it, and many times thereafter. In 1823 the first camp-meeting in this section was held on the land of Chris- topher Wagoner, and thereafter for several years. The Work in Lehigh County. Soon after Albright's entry into the ministry he attended the funeral of a child in Upper Hanover township, Montgomery county. The parents of the child, and also the minister and most of the attendants, were Schwenkfelders. At the conclusion of the services Albright asked permission to preach in the church, which was granted. Several appointments were filled, and light was beginning to dawn, when a great storm of opposition was raised, and the churches were closed against him in consequence. A Schwenk- felder named David Shultz, who lived near the mountain, then opened his house as a preaching place for him. This was near the Lehigh county line. Although the work was not permanently established at this time, yet the good seed was sown, which in course of time bore a rich fruitage. The direct results were the establishment of the work in Lehigh county, first in Upper Mil- ford, from thence to Cedar Creek, Allentown, Emaus, and other places. In Upper Milford, in the very midst of the Schwenkfelder community, lived a good, upright man named John Hittel, who received the Evangelical preachers as early as 1825. Although he was in sympathy with the society, no public service was attempted at his house for some years. At the house of Hittel a number of people became acquainted with the Evangelical preachers, among whom were David and Christopher Shubert and Melchior Yeakel, who were prominent Schwenkfelders. Yeakel had already been enlightened, in a great measure, by the preaching of Albright at the house of Shultz and elsewhere. Public services were held at Hittel's in 1828, without any TEE EARL T DA FS. 97 notable results, until Sept. 13, 1829. W. W. Orwig and Charles Hammer held a service on the barn floor of David Shubert, which was richly blessed and may be considered the real begin- ning of the great work which followed. Many prominent Schwenk- felders became identified with the work of the Lord, and in a few years this section became an Evangelical stronghold. John Hittel, in 1828, having removed to a place near Macungie, an appointment was also established at his house. Mention should also be made of Peter Wiest, Daniel Wieand and George Yeakel, who lived near Shubert's, and who also received the Evangelical preachers and opened their houses for services. Among the accessions to the Church was Rev. Andrew Yeakel, a Schwenkfelder preacher, and with him a great number of his people. Allentown and Vicinity. The waters of Cedar Creek take their rise in a large spring at the head of Cedar Creek Valley, in Lehigh county, Pa., and empty into the Lehigh River near Allentown. In the early part of the century there lived near the head of this stream, a highly respectable man named Henry Mertz. He was a man of intelligence and influence, and a deacon in the Lutheran Church. He had distinguished himself as a member of the State Legislature, but was most commonly known as General Mertz, because he held that rank in the State military service. Near his mansion lived his son David, who was proprietor of a woolen mill. Although the General and his family were mem- bers of the church, they were ignorant of the saving power of grace. In 1831 a young man named Francis Gabel, from Upper Milford, Lehigh county, a member of the Evangelical Association, applied to David Mertz for employment. He was engaged at once and entered upon his work. He was pious and exemplary in his conduct, and soon commanded the confidence Note. — The Schwenkfelders were the followers of Casper Schwenkfeld, who was born in Lower Silesia, in 1490. In April, 1734, a large number of his society emigrated to Pennsylvania in the ship "St. Andrew," which arrived in Philadelphia Sept. 22, having on board 261 souls, among whom were the Yeakels, (Baltzer, George, Abraham, Baltzer, Jr., Casper, Jeremias and Henry), also the Kreibels, Hoffmans, Shuberts, Reinwalds, Weig- ners, Huebners, Mentzels, Meisthers and Auders. They had .been pre- ceded in 1733 by a small party, among whom were the Klemms and Shultzs. Rev. Andrew Yeakel, who with many of his people united with the Evangei- cal Association, died in 1837, in his fifty-first year. 98 B V ANGELICAL A880CIA TION ANNALS. of his employer. His heart went out in love for spiritual welfare of Mertz and his wife, and he daily talked with them about their salvation, and the certainty and blessedness of the hidden life in Christ. In this way their hearts were opened to the spirit of conviction. They were as yet unacquainted with the Church and had never heard any of the Evangelical ministers preach. Late in the Fall of this year, Gabel gained their consent to make an appointment at their house for Rev. J. G. Zinser, who that year served Lebanon Circuit. Zinser accordingly preached, and had as his audience General Mertz, David Mertz and his wife Catharine, F. Gabel, and John Hittel, who had brought the preacher from his home on the Lehigh Mountain, seven miles distant, where he had preached the evening before. Soon after this meeting David Mertz and wife became the subjects of sav- ing grace. March 13, 1832, J. P. Leib, the colleague of Zinser, preached, and thereafter the house was a regular preaching place. Mertz and his wife and Gabel had at this time their regular prayer-meeting and the two men would in turn read and expound the Scriptures ; Mrs. Mertz constituting the audience. When the zeal and devotion of this little band is considered, is it strange that God has so wonderfully prospered the work in that region ? To their number the names of Susanna Garber and Susanna Mohr were subsequently added, and this was the Cedar Creek Class of 1832. Gabel was leader and Mertz exhorter. General Mertz and family were members of the Saltzberger Church, (Lutheran) near Emaus. Soon after the conversion of David and his wife, they, with Father Mertz, attended the ser- vices on one occasion when the pastor, Benjamin Garman, preached a special sermon against the new doctrine of conversion. He was a bitter opponent of the Evangelical work, and the trend of his sermon was to discountenance the new movement, and warn his flock against the "false prophets," as our preachers were then called. After the conclusion of his services, he descended the pulpit and assailed Gen. Mertz for abetting the "deceivers," by permitting them to preach at the house of his son. He warned Mertz against giving further countenance to the heretics, and that hereafter he must prohibit the meetings on his place. The General, after listening patiently to the angry and inconsiderate accusations and demands of his pastor, replied to him : "You must understand that I do not harbor deceivers and false prophets. These men do what you do not. They preach TEE EABLT DATS. 99 the pure Gospel, and before you condemn them you had better come and hear them for yourself. You allow all kinds of evil, such as drinking and frolicking, and you never stood by me in remedying these evils in my neighborhood. The preaching of these men is doing good. This I see for myself. Here is my son David, he is a new man. Then why should I stop a good work. No, I will not interfere. // may go on." When the congregation saw that General Mertz had taken a position in favor of the Evangelical preachers, great excitement prevailed in the church. Hot words were exchanged, and threats of bodily harm were freely made, but the General was a man of strong and commanding frame, and undoubted courage, and his enemies did not venture to strike him. One of the more excited ones made a move to strike the General, but was discreetly pre- vented by the pastor. The Mertz's were, however, unceremoni- ously crowded out of the church. Outside, the disorder became still greater, and it was with difficulty the more considerate ones prevented violence. An old Revolutionary soldier, named Kamme, said he had some experience in disposing of evil-doers, and would like to shoot these heretics. This was the last time the Mertz family attended this church. The violent and unchristian con- duct of the people led Mertz to incline more strongly than ever to the Evangelical movement, and not long thereafter he and his companion realized the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and thereafter their mansion was opened as a preaching place. Soon thereafter they agreed with their preacher to have a "gen- eral meeting" at their house which was attended by a great number of people, some of whom had came a distance of over fifty miles. Opposition Silenced. Soon after his appointment to this circuit, in 1834, Joseph M. Saylor had an appointment to preach at the house of David Mertz. A certain pastor named Dering determined to break up the work by going with about a dozen of his chief members, (some of them very much under the influence of liquor, ) directly to the house of Mertz, and proved that Say- lor and his co-laborers were "false prophets," and his followers deluded heretics. They made no serious disturbance during the service, but immediately at the close the pastor entered into an animated discussion with General Mertz. The point of argu- ment was the possibility of deliverance from sin in this life. At a certain stage of the debate Saylor asked permission to take 100 EVANGELICAL A8B0C1ATI0N ANNALS. the place of General Mertz, which was granted by the pastor, whereupon Saylor asked him what was meant by the pas- sage, "The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth us from all sin." (I. John i. 7.) This perplexed the pastor, and after venturing an absurd explanation, said the greatest of all the Apostles — Paul — had said, .that of all the great sinners in the world, he was the greatest. Saylor charged him with misquota- tion, but he insisted on his correctness. Being called on to pro- duce the passages, he failed completely, and turned to his elders for assistance, which they were unable to give. Saylor then turned to the passage and read, " This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief." (I. Tim. i. 15.) Saylor then explained that Paul was a saved sinner. This made a deep impression on those who were in a condition to understand the subject. They declared themselves disgusted with their pastor, and said he had brought them all to shame. - Conversion of Solomon Butz. In the Summer of 1834 a highly respected and well-to-do farmer, named Solomon Butz, who lived in the vicinity of Mertz's, was engaged with his son- in-law, Solomon Mertz, at harvesting in a field adjoining the factory of David Mertz. The day being hot they repaired to a shade tree close to the factory to rest. Mertz was just then in the third story of his factory near an open window. Father Butz, who was somewhat blunt in speech, called up to Mertz, " Helloo, you ' Stawveler,' up there, come down, I want to speak to you. " Mertz came down to the party, when Butz continued, " You proud ' Strawvelers ' think you are the only ones who are good," etc., and in his blunt way further sought to show Mertz his folly, and the harm he was doing in repudiating the faith of his fathers. But Mertz met his accusations in a Christian spirit, and told him plainly that unless he repented and sought the favor of God in the pardon of his sins he would be lost. Mertz referred him to his (Reformed) catechism as proof of what he said. These words touched the old man's heart, and he was brought to reflection. Daily he became more seriously con- cerned for his soul. He searched the Scriptures carefully but quietly, as also the rest of his family. Sometime after the fore- going incident Mertz and his wife were awakened at 1 o'clock at night by Father Butz, who seemed to be in an excited state of mind. "What is the matter," called Mertz, "Oh, nothing THE EARLY DAYS. 101 serious," said Butz, "only the Lord Jesus has come to our house and five of our family have found Him already, and the others are seeking." They then went to the house of Butz and labored with the seekers until daybreak. The entire family was converted, among them little Edmund, then seven years of age, and whom the Lord called into the ministry in later years, and who has ever stood in the front rank of the mother conference. The conver- sion of Butz and his family contributed in a great measure to the subsequent development of our work in this valley. In 1835 Mertz and his son David determined to build a church, for which they had to furnish the means themselves. In the very beginning of the undertaking they met with an unex- pected difficulty j the mechanics of the valley positively refusing to touch the work under any consideration, so they were com- pelled to go to Upper Milford, a distance of twelve miles, and secure workmen from among our people there. The church, which was a stone structure, was dedicated Nov. 14 and 15, by John Seybert, presiding elder of the district and Joseph M. Saylor, preacher in charge. An immense concourse of people were in attendance, so that a double service was conducted, Seybert preaching in the church, and Saylor outside, standing on a large stone. What a contrast between this service and that of Zinser at David Mertz's house four years before ! There were, however, still many evil disposed people in the valley, who shamefully desecrated the new edifice. The fence was torn down, the windows shattered, and the doors and seats defaced in a barbarous manner. This did not dampen in the least the zeal of the little Evangelical band. The light of God's Word had already dawned upon many eyes, and a better day was coming. This was thejlrsi church of our denomination in Lehigh county. Behold what God hath wrought ! There are now upwards of twenty. Allentown. In 1834 J. M. Saylor succeeded in gaining entrance in Allentown, and for some time preached at the house of a colored man named J. Grove, whose landlord, however, be- ing opposed to the work, forbade the use of the house for meet- ing purposes. On Oct. 10, 1837, there was an election in Allentown, and General Mertz, accompanied by his son David and wife, and Rev. John Seybert and S. Altimos, drove thither in the family carriage — not to mingle in politics, but to rear the standard of 102 EVANGELICAL A8S0CIA TION ANNALS. the cross. After the fashion of all colonial towns, the market house stood in the center of the square, and there the carriage, with the little Evangelical band, stopped, and soon the songs of Zion ascended from the market place. The first service in the forenoon was conducted by Altimos, who preached in the Eng- lish language. In the afternoon Seybert preached in the German language, with remarkable power. By his side stood the little Evangelical band, while around them surged a great mass of peo- ple, for the most part strangers to the experience of gospel grace. While preaching, Seybert held in his hand a Testament, from which he quoted freely during his discourse. Suddenly a small stone whizzed past the head of Mrs. Mertz, as though coming from a sling, and struck the Testament, passing through a leaf which Seybert was just then turning. Raising up the book so that all could see it, he said, "See, some one has cast a stone on God's Word, but he will pay for it some day," and then resumed his discourse. A prominent lawyer who stood near and was an attentive observer was heard to say, "These men know what they are doing." Very soon after this event, Henry Smith opened his house as a preaching place, and soon thereafter Charles Hesser, then stationed at Philadelphia, came up a number of times and preached for the friends in the Presbyterian Church, through which means a number of souls were converted. In the early Spring of 1838 the first class was organized, with Henry Smith as leader. The work gained ground every day, and a few months later the sec- ond class was organized, with Henry Mertz as leader. To give permanency to the work, Mertz and his Cedar Creek friends determined to purchase a lot on which to erect a church. The purchasing committee were Father Mertz and his son, David, Solomon Butz, Benjamin Mohr and Reuben Glick. The church was erected in 1838, on Linden Street, from which three additional strong congregations have since sprung. In August, 1836, the first camp-meeting in that region was held on the land of Father Mertz. Great masses of people at- tended it, especially from Allentown. John Seybert was the Note. — General Henry Mertz and wife died in 1844, only a few hours apart. Their son David and his wife Catharine, who did so nmch for the establishment of the Evangelical work in this vicinity, after spending a number of years in the active ministry, removed to Allentown, where he died in 1891, aged about eighty-six years. THE EARLY DATS. 103 presiding elder, and had as his assistants such mighty men as J. Schnerr, J. P. Leib, John Breidenstein, J. M. Saylor and others. The power of God was wonderfully manifested, many souls were saved, and the good seed was scattered in all direc- tions. In the course of a few years classes were organized in the neighboring towns of Emaus, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Springtown, Catasauqua, Weissport, Easton and others. Establishment of the Work in Lebanon. The present flourishing work in the city of Lebanon owes its origin to the labors of Philip Breidenstein and his son John, who lived southeast of the city, and Felix Licht, a Mennonite preacher of Lebanon. Through their labors a number of souls were con- verted in and around the place between 1824 and 1826. Like many other converted people of that time, they were unfavorable to a separate organization. In 1826, when John Seybert was presiding elder of Canaan District, he succeeded, after consider- able effort, in organizing a small class, consisting of the following members, of which Henry Fisher was made leader : Henry Fisher, George Reinoehl and wife, Henry Bowman and wife Sarah, John Marlin and wife Margaret, David Fisher, Elias Stoever, Jacob Borkert, Barbara Riegel and Fronica Licht. The work gained ground very rapidly, and commanded the favor and respect of the people. In 1830 the first church was erected and dedicated by Henry Niebel on Sept. 26th. Henry Fisher, Elias Stoever and Jacob Borkert (also Burkitt) became min- isters of great prominence in the Association. The Work Established In Philadelphia. Although John Dreisbach in 1815 preached a number of times in Phila- delphia, no permanent foothold was gained until 1833. In November of that year Jacob Schnerr, preacher-in-charge of Lebanon Circuit, visited the city with a view of establishing the work. Nov. 30th he preached his first sermon at the house of a widow named Ramer, on Poplar street, near where a few years Notes.— See biographies of Fisher and Stoever in Biographical Depart- ment. Rev. Jacob Burkitt was born in Lebanon in 1805, and entered the ranks of the Eastern Conference in 1839. He was the first missionary of the Church in New York City. Hediedat Greensburg.Ohio, Jan. 11, 1881. David Light, one of the early members and a local preacher, died in 1873, aged sixty-eight years. George Reinoehl, one of the first pillars of the society, died in 1875, a S e< * seventy-nine years. 104 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. later the first Evangelical church in the city was built. His text was, "What must I do to be saved?" A man named David Gutbrodt was deeply impressed with the message of salvation, and invited the speaker to preach at his house the following evening, which he did, from Acts xxvi. 18. Thereafter he visited the city a number of times in the course of a few months, and a number of families gladly received him. Many souls were saved through his instrumentality, and in April, 1834, he organized a class of thirty members. The society was served by the preachers of an adjoining circuit until 1835, when it was constituted a mission, with Jacob Schnerr as missionary. He met with good success, and at the end of the year reported seventy-two mem- bers. The following year, about Christmas, a glorious revival began, and at the end of the conference year the society num- bered one hundred and twenty-four members. Sunday, Oct. 1, 1837, the first church of the Association was dedicated by John Seybert, and the dedicatory services continued as a revival meeting for several weeks, during which time many souls were converted. Beginning of the Work at Reading. Reading was taken up as a mission in 1844, and Joseph M. Saylor appointed as missionary. The outlook in the beginning was not very encour- aging. He secured the upper story of a tannery as a preaching place, but soon found it unsuitable, and fitted up his house for the purpose. In course of time some souls were converted and the prospects grew brighter. Finally a kind-hearted man, Dr. Nagel, became interested in the mission, and encouraged Saylor to erect a church. He, however, encountered great difficulty in gathering funds for the purpose, on account of opposition to the work by the formal Churches. Finally, however, the basement • was completed, in which he began a protracted meeting, resulting in the conversion of many souls. This success greatly incensed the opponents of the work, and an attack was made upon the assembly, causing great disorder. Dr. Nagel determined to make an example of the disturbers and brought them before the bar of justice, where they were heavily fined. Thereafter there was peace, the mission daily grew in favor and soon became self-sustaining. In no other place has the work prospered more than in the city of Reading. Its congregations are four in number, one of which (Salem, Eighth street, ) is the strongest of the denomination. THE EARLY DA TB. 105 Founding of the Work in Baltimore, Md. At the ses- sion of the West Pa. Conference, in 1840, Rev. Jacob Boas was sent as a missionary to Baltimore, Md. He arrived there on May 7 th, and was received by E. Haupt, in whose house he preached his first sermon soon after his arrival. There were at this time but two members of the Evangelical Association in that city. After preaching in private houses for some time, he secured a small chapel on Fremont and Noeberg streets. Here a con- siderable revival took place and many united with the Church. The little band was soon increased by the addition of about forty members from the Otterbein United Brethren Church. In Feb- ruary of the following year another revival took place and many more were added to the Church. The chapel was purchased by the society during the year, but soon became too small, and in March, 1841, a lot was secured on Camden street, where a church was erected, which was dedicated Dec. 12, 1841. Two years later a parsonage was erected by the side of the church. At the end of two years Boas reported a membership of 215. On Dec. 14, 1851, the church was destroyed by fire. While preparations were going on for the rebuilding of the church, an offer of $9,000 for the property by a railway company was accepted. Another site was secured on Green street, on which a church was erected the following year. The work in Baltimore is now in a prosper- ous condition, consisting of six congregations, three English and three German. Ill the Blockhouse. This term represents a region of country in the northern part of Pennsylvania known as the Lib- erty, or Blockhouse Valley, situated in Lycoming and Tioga counties. It is a rugged region, about 1,500 feet above sea level, surrounded by the broken ridges of the Allegheny Moun- tains. In the middle of this valley lies the town of Blockhouse, or Liberty, in Tioga county. This valley contained a large number of Pennsylvania and European Germans. In the Fall of Biographical Note. — William Numson, one of the leading members of the Otterbein Church, with many others, joined the little society organized by Boas, of which he became one of the chief members and was its chief support for many years. He was blessed with abundant means and gave thereof to the Church with a liberal hand, his most munificent gift being a contribution of many thousands of dollars for the erection of a new edifice for the first English society in Baltimore. The church was named in his honor the "Memorial." N. was for about half a century a local preacher. He died in 1891, in the eighty-ninth year of his age. 106 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNAL8. 1830 John Seybert, presiding elder of Salem District, passed through this region on his way to the State of New York. He stopped for the night at the house of John Michael Sindlinger, on the Blossburgh road, about three miles west of Blockhouse. Before leaving he arranged for a meeting at Sindlinger's on his return. Meanwhile the news spread among the people, and when he returned, in the course of a few weeks, the house was crowded with people anxious to hear the new preacher. When he was about to announce his text, a somewhat captious man named Gloeckler — doubtless for the purpose of embarrassing him, asked him to preach from the nineteenth verse of the fifteenth chapter of Jeremiah, which is very expressive in the German language. This he did without a moment's preparation, and it proved to be the message of God to that people. The power of the Lord came down and soon tears began to flow, and before the sermon was concluded great numbers were on their knees wrestling with God for mercy. This was indeed a mem- orable service. James Barber, preacher-in-charge of Centre Circuit, then made a journey to the Blockhouse to establish the work more fully. A number of other preaching places were secured in the valley the following year, but owing to its isolation the work here could not receive the desired attention. On April 21, 1832, Seybert held the first Evangelical quar- terly meeting in the Blockhouse settlement. The services on Saturday were held at the house of Father Sindlinger, and on the following Sunday at a church a little farther west. James Barber was still preacher-in-charge. Many souls were converted and the first class in Blockhouse was formed, consisting of twenty-one members, with John M. Sindlinger as leader. In a few years Blockhouse settlement became one of the strongholds of the Church, and has since developed into four flourishing charges. The principal preaching places in the valley were the homes of John Michael Sindlinger, Christian Essig, W. Biographical Notes. — John Michael Sindlinger emigrated from Wur- temburg, Germany, in 1818. His two sons, John and Michael, became prominent ministers of our Church, the former in 1834 and the latter in 1840. Father Sindlinger died in 1837, aged fifty-seven years. Samuel Hartman, Sr., died in 1852, aged sixty-two years, and Leonard Schabacher in 1842. He had emigrated from Germany in 1824. Solomon Rupp died in 1863, aged sixty-seven years. Rev. Michael Sindlinger died near Philadelphia, Pa., in 1888, aged seventy-eight years. He served many years in the itinerancy of the East Pa. Conference. THE EARLY DATS. 107 Landis, G. Kreager, Samuel Hartman, Sr., Weltie's and Diebler's. North of Blockhouse was the German settlement proper. The preaching places were at the houses of Christian Diehr, Solomon Rupp, Jacob Gloeckler and Leonard Scha- bacher. The latter was the father-in-law of the late Judge C. F. Veil, who was also a local preacher of the Church. John Seybert in Northwestern Pennsylvania. In 1833 John Seybert was appointed missionary to explore the northwestern part of Pennsylvania and form a new circuit if practicable. He entered upon his work in July, arriving on the 1 2th at the house of Mr. Gingerich, near Erie, Erie county, Pa. He at once sought suitable preaching places and soon found many open doors. On Sunday morning, July 14, he preached his first sermon at the house of J. Long. The principal families in Erie and vicinity who received him and opened their houses for religious services were : John Hershey (i), Jacob and John Long, Jacob Miller, William Heiss (2), Jacob Rippley (3), David Williams (4) and the families of Gimber, Metzler, Brown and Kurtes. A number of the foregoing lived at Fair- view, four miles east of Erie. Three classes were organized at Erie during the year, the leaders of which were John Hershey, Samuel Heiss and Jacob Long. In and around Warren, in Warren county, Seybert met with equally good success, and formed three classes there. Among the families converted there were the following: Gross, Ott, Knopf, Esher, Grunder, Trier, Vetter and Stubler. The leaders of the classes were Biographical Notes. — (I) John Hershey became a minister and ren- dered several years of active service in the Ohio Conference. (2) William Heiss emigrated with his family from Berks county to Erie county, Pa., where they were, all converted and became a noted Evangelical family. He died in 1861, aged seventy-nine years. Five of his sons entered the active ministry of the church, as follows : Samuel, born in 1803, entered the itinerancy in 1 839 and rendered many years of active service in Pennsylva- nia and Ohio, died in 1883, aged seventy-nine years ; Henry entered the ranks of the Ohio Conference in 1837, Levi in 1840, died in Indiana in 1870 ; Jacob in 1841 and Peter in 1842. The latter in the (now) Central Pa. Conference. He died in 1871, at Mifflinburg, Pa. They were humble, devoted men, and did good work for the Master's cause. (3) Jacob Rippley, from Manor township, Lancaster county, was a son of Elizabeth Thomas, who was one of the first to open her house as a preaching place for Albright. (4) David Williams and wife, from the same place, were converted under Albright. 108 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. Henry D. Grunder, Martin Esher and John Ott. In Craw- ford county Seybert was also kindly received by a number of families, among whom were the Gehrs (5). In Mercer county he was received by the families of Eberhart (6), Phillips (7), Bernhart, Meyer, Blank and Faulk, and in Allegheny county by the families of Huntsberger, Shoutz and Herr. After a year of unsurpassed activity and great success, he closed his labors April 24, 1834, having traveled 3,011 miles, preached 218 sermons and reported 121 members, 100 of whom were converted under his labors. This field continued to prosper and has devel- oped into many flourishing charges. Founding of the Work in New York State. Near the beginning of the eighteenth century the Indian titles to the land in Northwestern New York were extinguished and the country was opened for settlement. Among the people who flocked thither in quest of new homes were a great many Pennsylvania Germans. In 1807 Christian Wolf removed from Buffalo Val- ley (see " Lewisburgh "), in (now) Union county, Pa., to a place four miles west of Seneca Falls, in Seneca county, N. Y. Wolf was a local preacher and uncle of Rev. John Dreisbach, at whose father's house he formed the acquaintance of Jacob Albright and became one of his staunchest supporters. When Wolf and others from Northampton, Lehigh and Union counties settled here they were deprived of the public means of grace, and (5) From this family came Nicholas Gehr, editor of the "Christliche Botschaf ter " in 1848. (6) Abraham Eberhart and wife Esther lived in Hickory township, Mercer county, about nine miles from the town of Mercer. His house was a preaching place for many years. He died near Chicago, 111., in 1880. Five of his sons became ministers, of whom the following two served many years in the Evangelical Association : Uriah Eberhart, born in 1821, entered the itinerancy of the West Pa. Conference in 1843; was elected presiding elder in 1849 > located on account of failing health at the end of his term, and later removed to Illinois. Levi Eberhart, born in 1822, entered the ministry of the West Fa. Conference in 1841, serving seventeen years in the itinerancy. In 1852 he withdrew from the active work of the conference and later removed to Illinois, where he again entered the active ranks and served one term as presiding elder. Prof. John F. Eberhart, born in 1829, became principal of the newly-established Albright Seminary, at Berlin, Somerset county, in Sep- tember, 1853. (7) Samuel Phillips, son of Conrad Phillips, one of the first supporters of Albright, and present at the first council of 1803, lived several miles east of Sharon. He died in 1888, aged eighty-three years. THE EARL T DA T8. 109 Wolf began holding prayer-meetings among the settlers. In 1812 John Dreisbach and Robert McCray were sent to the newly-settled region by the conference. The Germans there were widely scattered and the brethren did not succeed as they antici- pated, so that they became discouraged, and leaving the work in charge of Wolf, they returned to Pennsylvania. Notwithstand- ing the departure of the missionaries, the work in New York continued to live under the care of Wolf. A class was formed about this time in this locality which was the first organization of Evangelicals beyond the bounds of Pennsylvania. The mem- bers of the class were Rev. Christian Wolf (leader) and wife Barbara, Jacob Riegel and wife Maria, Abraham Bachman and wife, John Vreeland and wife, J. Pontius and wife, besides a number of younger members of these families. Wolf remained in charge of the work until 18 16, when Jacob Klinefelter was sent thither, and from that time the field was regularly supplied: The charge was called Lake Mission, by which name it was known for many years. At the close of 18 16 the membership was forty-two. John Dreisbach, presiding elder, also visited the work this year, extending his trip to Buf- falo. In this vicinity he preached at the houses of Christian Thomas and P. Bluecher. Twelve miles from Buffalo he preached at the house of Jacob Schopp. Crossing over into Canada, six miles above Niagara Falls, he preached at the house of Jacob Miller. Near Burlington he preached at the houses of his uncles, John and Jacob Books. This was the first visit of an Evangelical presiding elder beyond the bounds of Pennsylvania. From Seneca county as a center the Evangelical work spread into Lyons, Syracuse, Rochester, Lockport and also Stueben county, all prior to 1835. The entire work in the State was com- prised in one great circuit until 1832, when Buffalo Circuit was formed, and in 1833 Mohawk Circuit. In 1833 Joseph Har- lacher, who served Buffalo Circuit, began to preach in the city of Buffalo. The following year Buffalo was made a mission and Harlacher appointed to the same. He met with great success Biographical Notes. — Jacob Riegel, formerly of Northampton county, Pa., was the main-stay of Lake Circuit after the death of Wolf. His house was a regular preaching place for many years. He was the father of Rev. J. Riegel. He died in 1858, aged eighty-three years, and his wife Maria in 1861, aged eighty-one years. John Vreeland, also one of the early pillars in Seneca county, died in 1863. Jacob Schopp, whose house was the first preaching place in the vicinity of Buffalo, died in 1853, aged eighty-seven years. 110 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. and in 1837 organized a society of about sixty members. It was then again connected with the circuit until 1840, when it was made a station, of which F. Krecker was the first pastor. In 1839 a mission was located in the city of New York, with Jacob Burkett as missionary. The work at first" made slow progress, but finally a flourishing church was established. The first Evangelical church in the State of New York was erected at Clarence, fifteen miles east of Buffalo, and was dedi- cated in 1834. The year following another was dedicated at the first appointment in Seneca county, another at Rochester in 1842, and in 1844 at Lyons, Syracuse and New York City. The Church Established In Canada. As already noticed, J. Dreisbach visited Upper Canada as early as 1816, but with- out permanent results. In 1836 Rev. J. G. Zinser visited the province, remaining nine days. The same year Rev. Charles Hammer, who was serving Buffalo Circuit, also went thither, and again in the following January, everywhere meeting with open doors to preach the Word of Life. A little later J. Harlacher also visited the province, but no regular appointment was maintained. In September, 1838, a very remarkable appeal from H. W. Peterson, Waterloo, Upper Canada, was published in the "Bot- schafter." Mr. P. was a highly influential man. In this com- munication he set forth the deplorable condition of the people, and entreated the Church to send them missionaries. In 1830 the Eastern Conference established two missions in Canada — Waterloo and Black Creek. Christian Holl and Michael Eis were the first missionaries. They met with remarkable success. So great was the religious interest that Holl was enabled to hold a camp-meeting on his charge — the first in Canada. It was held on the land of David Erb, two miles north of Waterloo, beginning Aug. 23. Many were converted, among whom was Philip Smith, who afterwards became a prominent minister of the Canada Conference. Two classes were organized as a result of this meeting, which were the first organizations of the Church in Canada. In Berlin and Waterloo the work gained ground daily. The following year Joseph Harlacher was appointed to this work and met with continued success. So rapid was the growth of the work that in 1847 it was constituted a district. The first Evangelical church in Canada was dedicated in Berlin, Sept. 26, 1841. and four of his sons opened their houses as preaching places. The session of the Western Conference was held at his house in 1833. (Died in 1856, aged seventy-eight years.) In the early part of the century Jos. Miesse removed from Bern township, Berks county, Pa., and settled four or five miles north of Lancaster, Ohio, where his house became one of the noted preaching places of Lancaster Circuit for general and camp-meetings. (Died in 1859, aged seventy-one years.) Other important preaching places, some as early as 18 16, were at the homes of J. Flick, Mich. Bravtigam, (died in 1841, aged seventy years) Daniel Hoddel, J. Lidel, Ulrick Wagoner, (a Swiss) TEE EARL T DA VS. 147 and Rev. Shem Sager. (Died in 185 7, aged seventy-one years. ) The appointments thus far noticed were all in Fairfield county. South of this region, in Hocking county, some of the first preach- ing places were at Benj. Bucher's, John Gass' and G. Zellers', and in Ross county at the home of Lorentz Bernhart, a strong pillar of the early work, who had come from York county, Pa., where he was converted in 1809. (Died in 1842, aged sixty-six years.) The Buchwalters, who came to Ross county in 1820, were converted under Albright in the beginning of his ministry. They lived in Berks county, Pa., not far from the Colbrookdale furnace, and with their wives were members of Liesser's Class, one of the first three classes organized by Albright in 1800. John Buchwalter, a son of Abraham, and a prominent and useful man, was married to Susan Dreisbach, a sister of Rev. John Dreisbach, and in 1827 they removed from Buffalo Valley, Pa., to Hallsville, where they received our preachers. He died in 1872, aged eighty-five years, and his wife in 1881, aged eighty- seven years. Twelve miles east of Chillicothe lived Martin Dreisbach, a cousin of Rev. John D., whose wife was Anna Eyer, a daugh- ter of Abraham Eyer, of Dry Valley, Pa. Both were converted under Albright, removed to Ohio, and were among the first to receive our preachers in 1816-17. Jacob Stump and Father Weaver, at Adelphia, and the Bernharts and John Adam Gates, at Dry Run, opened their homes to our preachers. ■ Father Gates died in 1840, at an advanced age. His son, Peter Gates, entered the gospel ministry. In Franklin county some of the first families of the Church, whose homes were preaching places, were the following : John Bishop and his noble wife Mary; Samuel Riegel and wife Sarah ; J. Neiswander (for many years class-leader: Died in 1872, aged eighty-six years.) and wife; D. Z wicker and wife; H. Stouffer (local preacher) and wife ; Peter Quinn and wife, (converted under Albright in 1806; removed to Ohio at an early day; died in 1862, aged seventy-six years). Most of the foregoing resided on Rocky Fork. In Pickaway county our first preachers were received by Samuel and Henry Dreisbach, and Leonard Wolf (all from Buffalo Valley, Pa.), Mich. Whistler (died in 1864, aged seventy-five years), and several families named Moyer. At a later day, Solomon Zinzer and family were converted, and his 148 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. home became an important place. A son, J. G. Zinzer, became one of the most prominent ministers of the Church (Zinzer died in 1847, aged sixty-nine years). In 1831 John Dreisbach, the last surviving colleague of Albright, removed from Buffalo Valley, Pa., to a place near Circleville. His house became a regular preaching place, and one of the first churches in Ohio was erected here. We have now traced out the bounds of this vast field of labor as established by our first preachers. We have also noticed most of the prominent families whose homes were Evangelical sanctuaries and whose sons took the places of the devoted men who were sent from year to year to these Western wilds by the mother conference. The bounds of this great circuit, with few changes, remained, as outlined in this chapter, for many years, and was not permanently divided until 1840. In 1836 it num- bered forty-two preaching places. This field furnished its full share of workers for the Master's vineyard. In thirteen years no less than thirteen young men entered the Gospel ministry from its bounds, several of whom became prominent in the Church. They were Henry Wissler (i), 1824; J. G. Zinzer (2), 1829; W. Roehrig, 1830; Daniel Tobias, Peter Gates (3), and Aaron Yambert (4), 1833; Peter Wiest and Samuel Van Gundy, 1834; Daniel Swartz, 1835; L. Einsel (5) and A B. Shaffer (6), 1836; A. Loehner and Isaac Hoffer, 1837. Bight worthily did these noble sons of Ohio take the places of their spiritual fathers, and most of them were spared to see the work established throughout the State and all over the more distant West. Biographical Notes. — (1) Henry Wissler was born in Pennsylvania. When a youth his parents removed to Ohio and were of the first members. He died at Webster, Iowa, in 1887, aged ninety-three years. (2) See Biographic Department. (3) Peter Gates rendered about twenty-five years of active service ; located because of ill health, and settled at West liberty, Iowa, where he died in 1882, aged seventy-five years. (4) Aaron Yambest was born in Berks county, Pa., in 1809. After serv- ing the Church many years, he located because of impaired health. Died July 4, 1888. (5) Lewis Einsel was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, in 1813; was the first Evangelical missionary in Chicago, 111., in 1839, and also at Cleveland, Ohio, in 1841, where he erected a church the following year. In 1842 he was married to Catharine, a daughter of Rev. John Dreisbach. He died in Holdrege, Neb., in 1893. .. (6) See Biographic Department. TEE EARLY DAYS. 149 Sandusky Circuit. In the Autumn of 1826 at a quarterly meeting held near Mansfield, Ohio, the presiding elder, Adam Klinefelter, informed Rev. J. M. Saylor that there were a number of praying people in tne region of Upper Sandusky, and directed him to visit them as soon as convenient, and if possible establish an appointment. In due time Saylor went to the des- ignated locality, where he arrived near noon, and found most of the people of the neighborhood gathered for the purpose of clear- ing land for cultivation. Ox teams, brawny arms, axes, and burning brush greeted the eyes of the itinerant. Saylor informed the men that he was a missionary sent to look after their spirit- ual welfare. They all seemed very much pleased, informed him that they had heard no sermon for six years, and declared that they would work no more until they had heard a sermon. Ac- cordingly they repaired to the house, where a lunch was served by the women, after which Saylor held divine service, and found a number of praying people among them. Another meeting was held in the evening, which was largely attended. Then a class of twenty-five members was organized, which was the beginning of the work in this part of the State. Sayi.or did not visit the place again, but Rev. Jacob Fry did so, repeatedly, previous to the conference session. At the session of the Ohio Conference in June, 1827, the great Sandusky Circuit, embracing four or five counties, was formed, and assigned to Adam Klinefelter. This region had been recently purchased from the Indians, and settlers were com- ing in from all directions. About the time Sandusky Circuit was formed, William Pon- tius, originally from Berks county, Pa., removed from Pickaway to the northern part of Marion county, Ohio. He and his house- hold were members of the Church, and his house became one of the first preaching places, and as it was, perhaps, the most impor- tant point on the southern end of the charge it seems proper to speak of some of the other appointments in relation to distance and direction from this place. Pontius died in 1832, aged fifty years, and his wife Susanna in 1836, aged fifty-two years. They had eight children and constitued a godly family. Their third son, Peter, was one of the first-fruits of the ministry from this circuit. He died in 1853, aged thirty- two years. Joseph K., youngest son of William, was licensed in 1856, and traveled in Ohio and later in Michigan, where he died in 1887, aged sixty- 150 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALB. three years. Susanna M., a daughter, became the wife of Rev. Christian Idleman, a member of the Ohio Conference. About eight miles east of the Pontius home was the Beech, another of the first points of the charge. The preaching places were at Henry and John Diebert's and Henry Miller's. Miller had removed hither from Fairfield county, where he was converted in youth. He was born in Berks county, Pa., in 1800, and died in 1879. I* w held that the first church on the circuit was erected at the Beech. About four miles west of Pontius was a settlement by European Germans, where our first preach- ers found entrance, and where a church was built at an early day. The principal members were Xavier Zachman, Peter Acham, and two men each named John Myers. This was known as the Bethlehem Class. Brother Zachman was the leader of the class for almost forty years. He died in 1889, aged eighty-four years. John Boyer, from Pennsylvania, moved about seven miles northeast of Pontius. He and family were all members of the Church ; among them his son John, Jr., and his son-in-law Peter Gabel. An appointment was maintained here for some time. In 1826 Rev. Jacob Klinefelter, one of the prominent preachers of the early days, removed from Pennsylvania, and settled about six miles northwest of Pontius. His house was one of the first preaching places. Some years later Jacob Kline- felter, a relative of the former, settled about three miles north of Pontius. In course of time a class was formed here and a church built. The places enumerated were all in Marion county, and constituted the southern end of the circuit. In Crawford county the chief point was at Broken Sword. The leading members were Jacob and Fronica Lintner, from Dauphin county, Pa., and their son-in-law Rev. John Myers, also Michael and Susanna Shupp, parents of Rev. N. Shupp. A church was built here at an early day. West of Broken Sword was Indian Bush, one of the first preaching places. In Seneca county the work prospered greatly, and a number of strong classes were organized prior to 1832. About 1830 a number of members from Wayne county removed to the vicinity of Flat Rock and Bellview, most of whom had been members in Pennsylvania. Some were converted under Albright and his co-laborers. Their number was increased about the same time by direct removals from Pennsylvania, nearly all from Musser's Valley, in (now) Snyder and Mifflin counties. Among them were TEE MARLY DATS. 151 George, John, and Fred Herpster, sons of Fred Herpster, who was one of the first class-leaders of the Church, also their brother-in-law, Wm. McCauley, the Wonders, the Mooks, and John Wales. The class was organized in 1830, and Rev. Daniel Wonder was the first leader.* The home of Rev. John and Barbara Betz was one of the first preaching places. They were converted under Albright and co-laborers at Millheim, Fa., in 1806. (B. was a brother of Rev. M. Betz ; he died in 1848, aged sixty-eight years. ) The town of Bettsville was named in his honor. Other preaching places were at the homes of John Lesher and Fred Becker, who were among the first members in 1806 at the Muhlbach, Pa.; John and Susan Wagoner, who became members in Albright's time, and died in 1872; and Henry Sheller. At McCuchen- ville one of the chief places was that of John H. Yambert, of Berks county, Pa. He died in 1862, aged eighty-two years. His two sons Aaron and J. H. became prominent ministers in the Ohio Conference. In Sandusky county one of the chief places was the home of George and Mary Hartman, who became members in 1805, in Pennsylvania, and removed to Ohio in 1833. It is held that the first camp-meeting on Sandusky Circuit was on their land. Daniel Mowry, brother-in-law of Hartman, was a prominent old-time member and his house a preaching place. George Orwig (uncle of Rev. W. W. Orwig), and Rev. Benj. Ettinger, were also among the first to open their homes as preaching places. In Morrow county one of the early strongholds was at Steam Corners. Among the principal members were Conrad Rein- hart and John Ettinger, both from York county, Pa., and J. Stoll, from Bedford county, Pa. Interesting Incidents. In midwinter of 1827 Rev. J. M. Saylor, junior preacher on the charge, traveled about twenty- five miles to attend a general meeting at Adam Klahr's. Snow and sleet fell almost continually during the entire journey, and his garments were frozen stiff and covered with an icy crust. At the place of meeting he was met at the barn by his presiding elder, Adam Klinefelter, who assisted him from his horse, he being unable to alight, and informed him that he had appointed * Nearly all these families were converted in Albright's time at the Thomas appointment, in Mifflin county, Fa., in 1803, in which connection the reader will find a fuller history of them. 152 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. him to preach that night; "but," said he, "you are almost frozen to death, and it is out of the question for you to preach, so I will preach this evening, and you will preach to-morrow morning in my place." Saylor's preaching at the camp-meet- ings the previous Summer seems to have made a favorable im- pression on the presiding elder, so he added, "And, Brother Saylor, I want you to preach one of your big camp-meeting sermons." Fearing that his preaching ability had been over- estimated, and that his compliment might prove a snare to him, he resolved, after spending much time in prayer, to preach the simplest text that presented itself. At the morning service the house was filled with people. Saylor took as his text, "To-day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts." The Lord stood by him in a wonderful manner and opened the hearts of the people. As the sermon progressed the Holy Ghost fell mightily on the assembly, and the voice of the preacher became inaudable on account of the prayers of the penitents and the vic- torious shouts of the saved. The sermon was cut short, and the preachers began laboring with the penitents. The hour for din- ner arrived, but no one seemed to have a thought for the needs of the body, so intent were they on the salvation of their souls. The meeting continued with unabated interest all the afternoon. Evening approached, but in every room were wrestling Jacobs, who had taken hold on the Lord and would not let Him go with- out a blessing. The multitude had partaken of neither dinner nor supper. " We must have salvation now," was the prevailing sentiment. So the meeting continued until the jubilant shouts of the saved could be heard in every room of the house. At 9 o'clock at night the meeting closed, after eleven hours' contin- uous duration. This was a great triumph for God's cause. Many were converted who afterwards became pillars in the Church, and eternity alone can count the sheaves of that golden harvest. In 1826 there was a considerable awakening at a certain place on Lancaster Circuit, which was attended by J. M. Saylor. Observing a young woman with a pitiable expression of sadness, he asked her whether she was a Christian. "No," said she, "but I will get down right here and seek salvation." This she did, and Saylor bowed by her side, when a remarkable struggle for mercy began. The evening wore away and still darkness veiled the soul of the weeping penitent. Midnight approached, and some of the brethren told Saylor that his labors would be THE EARLY BAYS. 153 in vain. "She has been a seeker for five years," said they. "She comes out at every meeting, but she makes no headway." "No, said Saylor, "I will not give up. I will see whether my dear Saviour will not bless a poor penitent that struggles so ear- nestly." The wrestling continued until 2 o'clock in the morn- ing, when they were both exhausted, and the young woman's heart was filled with unutterable sorrow. Both preacher and penitent remained under the same roof that night. When morn- ing came Saylor said to the young woman, "We have a general meeting next Sunday about twenty-five miles from here, which I want you to attend. Ask your father to give you a horse to carry you, and come without fail." When the meeting opened the young woman was on hand, and during the Saturday evening service she was very much broken up and wept pitifully. On Sunday morning following, as Saylor took a stroll in a grove near by, to collect his thoughts for the services, his attention was arrested by the voice of weeping, and, going in the direction of the sound, he found the young woman engaged in agonizing prayer. In the evening service she was most gloriously and tri- umphantly saved. With eyes suffused with tears of joy, and both hands raised to greet her pastor, she exclaimed, "O, Brother Saylor, I am so glad that there was yet one soul (meaning S. ) that had faith that the Lord Jesus would save me!" This young lady, whose name was Rearick, a cousin of Bishop Long, be- came a most useful and exemplary member. In the Fall of 1826 Rev. J. M. Saylor preached at the house of H. Rauch, near Wooster, Wayne county. The following morning he started for his next appointment, to be filled that evening. About six miles east of Wooster he saw a large num- ber of people gathered in front of a log cabin, and was hailed by a man who asked him whether he was a minister. Saylor an- swered in the affirmative. Said the stranger, "There is a widow living here whose daughter is dead, and the minister has refused to officiate at her funeral because she is poor. Would you have the kindness to give her Christian burial ? " Saylor replied that he had a long distance to go to his preaching place that night, but would give them a short discourse and offer prayer, but could not accompany them to the place of burial. This was satisfac- tory, and Saylor dismounted. He found the house full of peo- ple, and felt much embarrassed before his strange audience. He felt very much chagrined with his miserable attempt to preach, 154 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. and as soon as possible mounted his horse and rode away, heart- ily glad that no one knew him, and never expecting to hear of the affair again. In the Spring of 1827 Saylor preached in a cabin near Co- lumbus, and after services remained there for the night. The family, with the preacher, and an elderly lady, who was also a guest, gathered around the blazing fire by the open hearth, for a friendly conversation, whereupon the lady, who appeared to be in very delicate health, remarked to the preacher, "Brother Say- lor, I had appointed you to preach my funeral sermon. I was very sick and expected to die, and told my friends to bury me privately, and when you came around you should then preach the funeral sermon." This astonished Saylor very much, and he knew that there must be some secret motive for this strange request. So he asked, "Why did you make such arrangements? Why appoint me in preference to my colleague " (C. Kring) ? "Well, I will tell you," said she. "Last year I lived near Wooster. I am a poor widow, and while I lived there I lost my daughter by death. I was slighted by my minister, who paid no attention to me, because I was poor. I could not bear to have my daughter buried without a funeral service. A young circuit preacher, who was passing by, was asked to come in and preach the sermon, and under that sermon I and my whole family were led to the Saviour." " But," said Saylor, "why did you appoint me." "Why," said the widow, "because you look just like that man." "What was his text?" said Saylor. The woman re- peated it. "Why, I am that preacher," said S. Whereupon the woman arose, and falling upon the neck of the preacher, wept aloud for joy and gratitude. What an encouragement this is for the servant of God, who often feels ashamed of his feeble attempts to preach the Gospel ! "Cast thy bread upon the waters : for thou shalt find it after many days" (Eccl. xi. 1). In 1826, when the work in Ohio still consisted of two circuits, that good man Joseph Long, who afterwards became an honored bishop of the Church, was appointed to the consolidated Mans- field and Canton Circuit. He had as colleague Francis Hoff- man, a young man recently converted at the great revival at Orwigsburg, Pa. He had already traveled as a supply on Schuyl- kill Circuit, in his native State, so that he was in some measure inured to the hardships of an itinerant's life. One thing, however, THE EARLT DATS. 155 gave him deep concern, and sometimes unsettled his mind with regard to his future course — an oft recurring doubt as to his call ito the ministry. On one occasion his appointment was at the house of Rev. John Shilling, in Wayne county. The fol- lowing day he started for the next appointment, some twelve or fourteen miles distant. He had not proceeded far until his old doubts, as to his calling, returned with unusual force. A great conflict began to wage within his breast. After a long and severe struggle, he turned his horse in the direction of Pennsylvania. This was the crucial moment of his life. With his horse turned away from his appointment, he hesitated an instant, when, sud- denly, a voice spake to his soul: "Go to your appointment." This was unmistakably the voice of the Lord, and the young man fully realized its significance. He, therefore, raised his heart to God in earnest prayer for further guidance in this matter. He again turned his horse in the direction of his appointment, and made a solemn covenant with God. The agreement on his part was that he would go to his appointment and do the best he could, and the Lord should on His part, give him that night as a seal to his calling at least one soul. Once more he started and the ap- pointment was reached in due season. At the house he met Rev. John Dayhoff, one of the early preachers, and a most powerful speaker. This somewhat discouraged Hoffman, and he urged Dayhoff to preach for him, but he refused, telling him that it would not do, as the people would expect to hear the new preacher. While the people were gathering in the house for service, young Hoffman sought the seclusion of a chamber, where he betook himself to prayer. With fear and trembling he entered the room, which was crowded with expectant people, some of whom had come many miles to hear him. Immediately in front of the table which served as a pulpit was a bench, on which sat six fine looking young women. When the preacher arose to an- nounce his hymn he was so overcome by his feelings that he could scarcely read it. In his prayer which followed he lost all sight of self, and with a heart almost breaking, besought the Lord to set his seal to the covenant made that day. After an- other hymn was sung, the young man arose and announced his text with a voice tremulous with emotion. In the name of Jesus he began his discourse. After speaking but a short time a pen- tecostal wave swept over the assembly. One of the young women in front of him cried out in a loud voice, "lam lost ! I am lost ! " 156 ETI ANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. With this heart rending cry, she fell upon her knees to implore God's mercy. She was immediately followed by her companion by her side. The others on the seat also bowed, one after an- other, until all six were pleading for salvation. This brought the sermon to an abrupt close. The arrow of conviction had been driven home to many other hearts. In all parts of the room the cries of penitent souls arose, mingled with the triumphant shouts of the saved. It was, indeed, a great victory. Many people were converted, who afterwards became prominent members of the Church. After this meeting, Dayhoff, to whom Hoffman had narrated his great struggle and the covenant of the previous day, put him on his guard by telling him that now the tempter would seek more powerfully than ever to discourage him. True to the prediction, the spirit of doubt again sought to unsettle his convictions of duty, but the same divine voice that spake to him when he was discouraged on the way, now spake to him again. This time it said, "Remember your covenant." This forever settled all doubt. The young man rose to great eminence and usefulness in the Church, and became one of its chief pillars. For sixty ' years he stood in the front ranks of the itinerancy and was given the most responsible offices and positions within the gift of his conference (East Pennsylvania). In 1886 he retired from active work, whereupon his conference adopted suitable resolutions in regard to his long and useful ministry. CHAPTER VIII. ON THE PRAIRIES. Extensive Emigration of Evangelicals to Illinois anp Indiana — Missionary Work of Jacob Boas, and Estab- lishment of Societies. In 1834 a young German, named Daniel Stanger, migrated from Warren, Pa., to Cook county, Illinois. He had been con- verted the previous year under the ministry of John Seybert, and was a member of the Church. He was unmarried, with no means other than a brave heart, willing hands, and trust in God. A good part of the distance from Warren to his new home he traveled on foot. Near Des Plains he secured a fine body of land, on which he erected a dwelling house soon after his arrival. Through correspondence with his Warren friends he induced Jacob Kreihnbill, J. G. Esher, J. Arnold, and another young man to join him in 1836. These at once saw the superior advan- tages of this region over the rough and unproductive lands of their Pennsylvania homes. Their glowing description of the beauty and fertility of the West created a general desire among the Warren people to remove thither. Accordingly, in the Spring of 1837, a large number, nearly all members of the Church, re- moved to Illinois in a body. Among them were the families of Schally, Ott, Trier, Strubler, Martin and Jacob Esher, Wirth, Gross, Knopf, Schuler, Arnet, and Rink. They settled into three colonies, the larger number remaining in the vicinity of Des Plains, another party going to Naperville, about thirty miles distant, and the third party to Henry county. Near Mt. Carmel, Wabash county, lived John Butz, who about 1830 had removed thither from Lehigh county, Pa. When the great revival took place in Cedar Creek Valley, Lehigh county, 158 EVANGELICAL AB80CIATI0N ANNALS. he returned with his family, and they were converted there. In 1837 they returned with others to their old home in Illinois. Our first missionaries soon found John Butz, and his house be- came one of our first preaching places in Illinois, and one of the first classes was formed here.* Our people in the far West were without pastors, which they deeply lamented, and many prayers ascended to the chief Shep- herd that pastors might be sent to minister to the needs of the scattered members. Immediately after their arrival in Illinois our Evangelical members organized themselves into classes, the first at Des Plains, in June, 1837; the second at Naperville, soon after; the third on Rock River, Henry county, and from the following ex- tract of a letter from J. Butz, Mount Carmel, 111., June 21,1837, published in the Botschafter, it is evident that an organization existed in Wabash county : "Thus I am like a solitary bird upon the roof, and meet with sore opposition, but the Lord has been with us thus far. Three souls have already been converted to God, who were awakened through our instrumentality. Two of whom obtained peace in our prayer-meetings." So far as known, these were the first conversions through the instrumentality of our people in the State. In the midsummer of 1837 Jacob Boas, a young energetic Pennsylvanian, then in charge of Miami Circuit, Ohio, received directions from his presiding elder, Henry Niebel, to proceed to Illinois, to look after our members in that State and minister to their needs. The year previous Boas had traveled Erie Cir- cuit, Pa., and had promised the Warren friends that in case they removed to the West he would endeavor to visit them. He now proceeded not only to carry out the directions of his presiding elder, but also to fulfil his promise. The distance was many hundred miles, across bridgeless streams and trackless prairies. He often lost his way amid the tall grass, which almost hid him * In 1845 another colony of Evangelicals emigrated from Cedar Creek Val- ley, Lehigh county, Pa., to Illinois, consisting of the following, all of whom were heads of families: Amos and Aaron Butz, Solomon and Edward Mertz, John Drissler, John Neitz, Joseph Roth, Daniel Keck, Peter aad Chas. Fehr, Reuben and Efhrim Hauser.Chas.Guth, and Geo. Steihnger. In 1846 Charles Butz, Simon Strauss, Adam Gaser, and Philip Rass- weiler. Most of the above settled in the vicinity of Naperville, 111. The journey was made in covered wagons, and required several weeks, during which time they had their prayer and class-meetings on the way as usual. THE EARLY DAYS. 159 from view. The weather was intensely hot, and his horse, in addition to being utterly jaded, was tormented by a peculiar fly which almost drove the poor animal mad. He was once com- pelled to stop a day or two for rest to both man and beast. Be- fore starting again a kind-hearted blacksmith procured netting, with which he completely enveloped the animal, and with this queer rig he entered Chicago, then but a small town, on July 23. Here he visited a number of members, and the next day resumed his journey to Des Plains. Upon his arrival an appointment was made for him immediately at the house of Daniel Stanger, the pioneer of the colony. His coming was an occasic of great joy to our people, and the service was one of great power and tri- umph. The preacher's text was John xvi. 22. After a brief rest Boas proceeded to Naperville, where he also preached. The following September the first quarterly meeting was held under a large oak tree, on the banks of the Des Plains River, near Wheeling. Here Boas preached to a large concourse of people, many of whom had come a great distance in wagons. During this meeting the first quarterly conference was held, and Boas ratified the organization of the classes and the election of officers prior to his arrival. This meeting was a season of grace and great rejoicing, and a number of souls were converted. Boas remained in Illinois until Christmas, when he returned to his charge in Ohio. There were now upwards of seventy mem- bers in Illinois, for whose Denefit a circuit was formed at the fol- lowing session of the Western Conference in March, 1838, and P. Wiest was appointed the first regular pastor, who took charge of the field the following September. When John Seybert was presiding elder of Caanan District, Eastern Conference, just before his election as bishop in 1839, Note. — As the histories hitherto published give the residence of Jacob Esher, Sr., as the place where the first sermon was preached, it is due to the memory of the sainted Father Stanger that this correction should be made. The fact is that Esher had but recently arrived from Warren, Pa., and at this time was living with Stanger, as he had not yet built a house for himself. The above facts appeared in the biography of Stanger in the Botschafter in 1878, and were never refuted. Bishop Esher himself seemed anxious to correct this error, as he wrote : "The first sermon was preached in Brother D. Stanger 's house, with whom my father lived at that time " (Botschafter, Dec. 15, 1869). In a historical address which he delivered in 1887, at Des Plains, commemor- ative of the semi-centennial of the establishment of the society there, he made the same statement. 160 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. he spoke at a meeting, in Centre county, Pa., of the advantages . and desirability of Illinois as a place for emigrants, and many people became enthusiastic to remove thither as soon as possible. They informed Seybert of their intention, and as nearly all were members of the Church, they were, at his suggestion and under his direction, organized as a class, with Conrad EppLEYas leader, and William Weirick exhorter. Besides the above were John Folgate, James McKee, John Rockey, George Riegel, Dinah Auman (widow), and Henry Zerby, all, save the last, having families, most of whom were members of the Church. The entire colony, numbering forty-eight souls, left their homes along Penn's Creek, Pa., in April, 1839, and started for Stephenson county, 111., over a thousand miles away. Their conveyances were large covered wagons. The journey was slow and tiresome, yet they did not neglect their means of grace, but had many blessed prayer-meetings on the way. They settled in and around Cedar- ville, six miles north of Freeport. The first Evangelical preacher who visited them was John Ltjtz, of whose visit the following report appeared in the Bot- schafter, dated March 28, 1840: "By order of our bishop and Brother Zinzer, I traveled last December to Illinois, and since then explored several counties, and also made a visit to Wiscon- sin territory, and found many Germans, who were hungering for the Bread of Life. I preached as much as I possibly could, and the people received the Word, with tears rolling down their cheeks. For want of time I could not stay anywhere as long as I desired, with the exception of Brothers Eppley's and Fol- gate's, in Stephenson county, where I stayed, providentially, I believe, longer than I had intended. I had preached a number of times in that vicinity, and only one soul was brought from death to life, whereupon I took my departure. I did not go far however ; my heart felt for the people, and my mind became un- easy, so that after traveling eight or nine miles; I could go no further, but turned my horse about, returned again, and gave out appointments. The people streamed together to hear the Word of God, and God laid His hand to the work, and there was a shaking among the dry bones, so that in a short time some twenty were seeking, of whom twelve were hopefully converted, and rejoiced in the living God of their salvation. Others stand near the narrow way, who will doubtless soon enter, and with the others journey heavenward." THE EARLY* DATS. 161 This was the first considerable revival in our work in Illinois ; the settlement soon constituted a separate charge ; and the mem- bership greatly increased in a short time by additional arrivals from Pennsylvania. In the Spring of 1839 Lewis Einsel was appointed to the work in Illinois. One of his first official acts was the dedication, June 20, 1839, of the first church of the Evangelical Association in the State, a small log building, located at Des Plains. During this year Einsel began to preach in Chicago, being the first preacher of our Church to labor there. His work being interrupted by illness, John Lutz was sent to his assistance in December. During Fall and Winter the work was greatly strength- ened. Lutz visited tne Cedarville settlement repeatedly, and also did pioneer work in the vicinity of Milwaukee, Wis. In May, 1840, he and Einsel started for the session of the Ohio Conference, where they reported a membership of ninety-three in Illinois. At this time the work in Illinois was divided. Des Plains, Naperville, .Chicago, and other places, constituted a field called Illinois Circuit, to which Isaac Hoffer and Daniel Kern were appointed, while northwestern Illinois and Wisconsin were formed into Illinois Mission, to which John Lutz was appointed. He organized a class near Milwaukee. Hoffer and Kern preached in private houses and shops in various parts of Chicago, and organized a class there. During this year the Illinois work was visited for the first time by a presiding elder, J. G. Zinzer, with whose district the charges were connected. In 1 84 1 the name of Illinois Circuit was changed to Des Plains Circuit, and assigned to Adam Stroh and Christian Lintner. Isaac Hoffer was appointed to Illinois Mission. Both charges prospered. A regular preaching place was secured in the Chicago City Hall, corner Clark and Randolph Streets, greatly to the advantage of the work. A successful revival fol- lowed, and the class was greatly strengthened. The accessions on the charge were upwards of 100, and the total membership at the close of the year was 186. In July, 1 84 1, the first camp-meeting of the Association in Illinois was held on the land of Jacob Esher, two miles south- east of Wheeling, Cook county, and about twenty miles north- west of Chicago. On Monday, July 12, Bishop Seybert arrived among the friends, twelve miles north of Chicago. This was his first visit and was unexpected, but an appointment was made for 162 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. him, and he preached the same evening from Luke xi. 28. On July 15, the camp-meeting began. The preachers present, be- sides the bishop, were Adam Stroh, Christian Lintner and Isaac Hoffer. There were eighteen tents on the grounds, mostly occupied by two or more families. Many had come great distances, some on foot not less than seventy miles. The meeting closed after a season of great grace and victory. At the quarterly conference connected with the camp-meeting a young brother named Christian Ebinger was received as a preacher on probation, and was the first one admitted into the ministry of our Church in Illinois. From the camp-meeting Bishop Seybert proceeded to Naper- ville, where he preached; thence about 125 miles to Illinois Mission, where he arrived July 28, at Conrad Epply's, on Cedar Creek ; a few days later attended a quarterly meeting at J. Fal- gkt's, then returned to Des Plains, and thence proceeded east- ward. This visit -greatly impressed the bishop with the great resources of the West and the bright prospects of the Evangelical Association in that region. In 1842 Mt. Carmel Mission, (partly in Indiana) was consti- tuted and assigned to Christian Augen stein. Illinois Mission was changed to Rock River Mission, with Levi Heiss and Daniel Kern in charge, while Des Plains Circuit was served by Fred Wahl and G. A. Blank. A camp-meeting was held on Mt. Carmel Mission, on the land of P. Dundore. At the close of this prosperous year the membership numbered upwards of 100. In 1843 Illinois was constituted the fifth district of the Ohio Conference, with appointments as follows : Saml. Baumgardner, P. E.; (1) Des Plains Circuit, Ch. Kopp ; (2) Rock River Circuit, Levi Heiss and J. G. Miller ; (3) Chicago Mission, (new) Fred Wahl; (4) Milwaukee Mission, Wis., Mathias Hauert. This was another very successful year. Presiding Elder Baum- gardner moved with his- family to Des Plains in June, so that he could serve the district to better advantage. On Rock River Circuit Heiss met with great success. He organized a class of thirty-three members at Peoria. At Free- port also a beginning was made, C. J. Mease having moved thither from Centre county, Pa., the previous year. On Mil- waukee Mission a church edifice was commenced. At Naper- ville a church was dedicated, which was the second 'of our society in Illinois. This was followed by another in Chicago the same year. THE EARLY DAYS. 168 In this city the Canal Company donated to the society a lot on the corner of Washington and Wabash Avenues, on which a frame edifice was erected. This was the first German Protestant church in Chicago. In 1846 a parsonage was erected here, which was the first of our society in Illinois. Beginning of the Work in Indiana. Our work in In- diana began October, 1835, when the first general meeting was held at Abbington, in the southern part of Wayne county, at which Rev. J. G. Zinzer was present. There were then, so far as known, but three members of the Church in the State. In 1835 Henry Ehrhart removed from Pennsylvania to German- town, Ind. John Dill, from the same State, lived in this vicinity. In 1836 the second general meeting was held at the house of one of these brethren, at which time there were twelve members in the State. From this time Germantown was regularly served, and became an Evangelical stronghold. The work in the begin- ning was connected with Miami Circuit, of the Western Confer- ence. It developed so rapidly that a separate charge was con- stituted in a few years. Soon after the commencement of the work at Germantown, appointments were also established at Dubois and Mt. Carmel, in the southwestern portion of the State, which were for many years Evangelical strongholds. In 1840 the Miami Circuit embraced appointments in fifteen counties, six in Ohio and nine in Indiana, and this great field, requiring eight weeks to complete a "round," was Served by two men. In 1 841 the work in Indiana was divided, the appointments in the eastern part of the State constituting White Water Circuit, and the central work of Wayne Mission. At the close of the year the former numbered ninety-one members and the latter thirty- two, with one class organized. In 1842 Mt. Carmel Mission was established in southeastern Illinois, whose bounds extended Biographical Notes. — John Dill was born in Berks county, Fa., Dec. 21, 1800, and removed to Indiana in 1822. He was one of the first members of the Church in Indiana, and the first camp-meeting was held on his land. He was one of the chief instruments in the erection of the first church. He was industrious, economical, very liberal, and made handsome bequests to the vari- ous interests of the Church. His death occurred Oct. 30, 1868. Henry Ehrhart was born in York county, Fa., and converted in 1828. He removed to Germantown, Indiana, in 1835, where he became one of the first members, and the first Evangelical class-leader in the State. He was a pillar in the Church, and a true father in Israel. He died June .9, 1882, aged eighty-two years, three months and sixteen days. 164 EVANGELICAL ASB001A TION ANNALS. into Indiana. On Nov. 8 the missionaries began a meeting in Dubois county, which resulted in some conversions and the in- gathering of twenty-two members. The year following a camp- meeting was held in this county. The work continued to nourish especially in the vicinity of Huntingburgh, where a strong con- gregation was established. Soon after this, that part of Mt. Carmel Mission in Indiana was constituted Dubois Mission. In 1843 the fields of labor in Indiana, including Mt. Carmel Mis- sion (partly in Illinois), were constituted a presiding elder district. In 1844 the district embraced White Water, Elkhart, Mt. Carmel, St. Mary's, and Dubois charges. The first Evangelical camp-meeting in Indiana was held on the land of John Dill, near Germantown, beginning August 31, 1840. On the last day of the meeting a great crowd of ill dis- posed people came to make disturbance. They first engaged in a mock battle with knives and clubs, some distance from the camp, to draw the people away. Failing in this, they made an attack upon the people in the inclosure, where many penitents were at the altar engaged in prayer. A great disturbance fol- lowed, and some were injured. The camp-meeting people did not resort to violence to repel the attack, which gained for them the praise and favor of all well disposed citizens. Camp-meet- ings were held for many years thereafter at Dill's, and many souls were saved there. The first Evangelical church in the State was built at Ger- mantown, and dedicated Jan. 1, 1844. The second was built at Huntingburg, and dedicated Sept. 14, 1845. Another was dedi- cated near Germantown, Oct. 31, 1847. We have now, in a general way, noted the establishment and development of the Evangelical Association during the first half century of her existence. The reader will hardly fail to note the many striking manifestations of Divine Providence as our early preachers advanced the work, step by step, from its birthplace in Pennsylvania to the distant West, and from thence spreading in all directions. The story of the onward march of the Church to the Gulf on the south, to the Pacific on the west, to Europe and the Orient, will be found in a subsequent part of this work. CHAPTER IX. The Distinctive Features of the Evangelical Association. The Doctrines of the Evangelical Association, as set forth in her book of Discipline, are preeminently orthodox. Her gen- eral views on the subject of the Atonement and Christian Perfec- tion are Wesleyan in expression, and in substantially the same language as set forth by that eminent divine. The founders of the Evangelical Association, however, while not indifferent to the great importance of a system of clear and well denned Christian doctrine, nevertheless gave more attention to the practical side of religion. Evangelization was the watchword. The one great and burning desire of our early evangelists was to bring sinners to Christ. The moral condition of the people, with whom our early preachers came in contact, demanded special emphasis of the practical and experimental side of religion. This was the standpoint and the mission of the founders of the Association, and was maintained by their successors. The great success which has ever attended her ministry in this direction is ample proof that the Evangelical Association is a child of Providence. Without this predominating aim — evangelization — which is a true apostolic spirit, there would be no good reasons for her existence. The Episcopacy. The episcopal polity of the Association is characteristic, and is the result of development and adaptation to the requirements of her work. While in some respects her polity is identical with some of her sister denominations, in others it is widely divergent. This difference is perhaps nowhere so noticeable as in her views on the episcopacy. It is sometimes held that the Evangelical Association is nearly, if not altogether, identical in faith and government with the Methodist Episcopal 166 EVANGELICAL A88001ATI0N ANNAL8. Church, from which she is erroneously held to have originated. In respect to faith there is no essential difference, the difference in polity, however, is very apparent by a comparison of the char- acter and functions of the episcopacy. The episcopacy in the Evangelical Association is not an order. The bishops are not ordained, but elected to the office only, and their tenure of office is not for life, but limited to four years, unless they are re-elected by the General Conference. In the character of the episcopal powers also the difference is very marked. The bishops of the Evangelical Association do not, as in the Methodist Episcopal Church, possess the power of fixing the times of the annual con- ference sessions, changing or transferring preachers, appointing presiding elders to their offices and districts, and the preachers to their respective charges, changing and fixing the bounds of presiding elder districts, and interpreting the laws of the Church in the intervals of the General Conference. This great differ- ence, as already indicated, was the result of mature deliberation, covering many years. There was no bishop elected, in the proper sense of the word, until 1839, yet prior to that time provisions were made for that office, with a steady tendency to limit more and more the powers already conferred. This long delay in electing a bishop, extending from the death of Albright, in 1808, to the election of John Seybert, in 1839, undoubtedly had its grounds in an apprehension that the office would be perverted to the injury of the society. Our forefathers had ample opportunity of knowing the danger arising from vesting unrestricted authority in the hands of an aristocratic prelacy. While the episcopacy of modern times is more circumscribed in its powers, they nevertheless felt that the best interests of the Church would be subserved by making the office simply administrative. Hence it follows that if the day should ever come, in the history of the Evangelical Association, that a bishop should cause disquietude by the undue exercise of authority, it may at once be considered a departure from the original intent and spirit of the fathers. The following is cor- roborative of this view : The first historian of the Church says, in reference to the action of the General Conference on the episcopacy, in 1839: "This conference limited also very materially the power of the bishops, especially with regard to the appointment of the preachers, and their transfer from one place to another, during TEE EARLY DATS. 167 the interval of the annual conferences. Heretofore a bishop was authorized, with the assistance of two presiding elders, to assign at the annual conferences both to the presiding elders their dis- tricts, and to the preachers their circuits, and in the interval of the annual conferences to transfer both the presiding elders and preachers, according to his option. Attempts have since been made to restore this power to the bishops, * especially with regard to the transfer of preachers from one conference to another, but not being supported by a constitutional majority (three-fourths) of the General Conferencei it proved a failure. As, however, the connection had no bishop from the publication of its Doc- trines and Discipline up to this time, this power vested in the bishop was never exercised by an incumbent. But as this con- ference elected a bishop, it was therefore considered expedient to circumscribe his power." (Orwig, page 259.) This same author, who himself filled the episcopal office, fur- ther says : "The episcopal dignity in the Ev. Association, how- ever, is scarcely enviable, and indeed is only nominal. * * * Of his power in the society, no one need be afraid, as it is in many respects far more limited than that of several other officers of the Church. The same is the case with his privileges. At the conference he has to act as Chairman, without expressing, or even intimating, his views on any subject, unless he is requested to do so. Neither has he a right to vote, except when there is a tie." (Page 373-74.) Similar sentiments, emanating from the fathers of the Church, might be adduced, but we deem the foregoing sufficient. Our first bishops rarely spoke of themselves in relation to the dignity and power supposed to inhere in that office^ but preferred to re- gard themselves rather as superintendents, a term which they frequently employ in their official communications. •Note. — At the session of the Pittsburg Conference in 1855, the matter of increasing the power of the bishops came before that body, with the view of introducing it for action at the coming General Conference. Bishop Long, who was in the chair, said to the conference prior to calling the vote, "You must remember, first of all, that when you vote power to men, they will use it. This may do, as long as you have Bishop Seybf.rt and myself in office, but you will get men who will use all the powers you give them, and not always for the best interests of the Church." At another time, in reference to the episcopacy, this same bishop said, "As long as we are all brethren, I will' go along, but as soon as you make lords and servants, then I cannot go with you, for you miy then look out for trouble. ' ' Prophetic words I 168 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. Book of Discipline. We deem it desirable to give a brief account of the origin and development of the book of Discipline in order to show more clearly the development of the polity of the Church. Some of the changes noted here, with others not indicated, may be found in the General Conference transactions. Jacob Albright, the founder of the Association, was author- ized at the first annual conference, held in 1807, to formulate articles of faith and rules of government for the" use of the society. The undertaking, however, was cut short by his death. The conference of 1809 entrusted the work to Rev. George Miller, who at once proceeded to perform this duty. He published the work the same year, at his own expense. It contained seventy- five pages, and was printed at Reading, Pa., by John Ritter. The following is a translation of the title page : "Doctrines of Faith, and General Rules of Christian Church Discipline, and regulations for the so-called Albright people, as an exposition of the nature and purpose of their union with God, and among themselves, by God's grace, to work out their salvation, and to live and walk in unity of faith and implicit obedience to such rules, according to the Word of God. On the advice of the elders of this Evangelical society and the endorse- ment of the conference, furnished by George Miller, Reading ; printed by John Ritter & Co., for the Author, 1809." A considerable portion of this work was taken from the Ger- man edition of the Methodist Episcopal Discipline. While the little book gave directions how to proceed with a transgressing bishop, it contained nothing pertaining to his election, or term of office. The book, however, did a vast amount of good in the, society. Miller afterwards drew up rules and regulations for. the annual conference, and in 1812 he was authorized to formu- late a plan of episcopal government, and incorporate the whole in a revised edition of the Discipline. His health was very pre- carious, and he did not live to complete the work. At the conference of 1816 John Dreisbach and Henry Niebel were authorized to collect the materials and properly arrange them, and supply what might be wanting. This second edition of the Discipline was published at New Berlin, Pa., in 1817. It contained provisions for the election of a bishop from among the presiding elders. The term was limited to four years, and re-election not restricted. It also contained a formula for ordaining the bishop. The General Conference of 183P made TEE EARLY DATS. 160 radical changes in the Discipline, of which a third edition ap- peared in 1831. It contained 135 pages, ten less than the pre- vious edition, but was a vast improvement. The articles of Faith and the articles on Christian Perfection and on Temper- ance were amplified, and improved in expression. The General Rules were abridged and improved. The annual conference was thereafter to be composed of itinerants only — local preachers also having previously been members. The ordination formula for the bishop was dropped ; his power to station the preachers, except with the assistance of two presiding elders, was annulled, and his tenure of office limited to two terms of four years each. John Seybert and Thomas Buck were authorized to effect the changes, and John Dreisbach and Henry Niebel to inspect the book before its publication. The General Conference of 1839 also made material changes and additions. For the changes in the episcopacy the reader is referred to the article on the Episcopacy. This conference de- fined and limited the scope and power of the General Conference, for which no provisions had hitherto been made. Orwig says : "Together with these changes of the Discipline, some more were made, and a number of new clauses and rules introduced, espe- cially in the chapter of Temporal Economy. Of these new laws and rules, the following are the most important : ' Of selling and using spirituous liquors,' 'of slavery,' the above mentioned con- stitution or rules touching the powers of the General Conference, and the section 'of the support of missions.'" (Orwig, page 260.) Other great changes were made, from time to time, but we deem the foregoing sufficient for the purpose of showing the gen- eral character and development of the Discipline, which is the Constitution of the Evangelical Association. Proposed Union With Other Churches. The Evangel- ical Association has existed for a period of almost 100 years; and in that time has developed features and peculiarities which are sufficient to indicate her distinctive character as a religious de- nomination. In the earlier part of her history, it was thought by many, that the Association would eventually be absorbed by one of the stronger Methodistic bodies, or a union would be formed with one of the weaker ones. Instead of this, the great Head of the Church, has opened new channels of usefulness for the Association, and very materially strengthened the elements of 170 EVANGELICAL A880G1A1 ION ANNALS. perpetuity. As a matter of historical interest we will note a few of the movements looking toward a union of the Association with other denominations. On August 2, 1810, John Dreisbach met Bishop Asbury and Rev. Henry Boehh, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, near Halifax, Pa. The meeting was on the public road, and acci- dental. After conversing on minor topics, the subject of a union with the Methodist Episcopal Church came under consideration. The character of the conversation may be inferred from the fol- lowing account from Orwig's history, as given by John Dreis- bach himself : "The bishop made me a very liberal and respectable offer, on certain conditions, to unite with his Church. I was to with- draw from the Evangelical Association, and go with them to Bal- timore to attend their conference, there to join them, and to travel, a year with Jacob Gruber, who was then presiding elder, for the purpose of better acquainting myself with the English language, wherein Brother G. might be very useful to me, that I might then be able to preach according to circumstances, both in English and in German; and I was to receive my salary as if I had traveled on a circuit, etc. Moreover, the bishop remarked that, by being able to preach in both languages, I could make myself so much more useful, and that among them there would be less dangsr of my becoming self-conceited and falling away, than in my present position. But, however enticing the offer and truthful the statement of the bishop was, yet I could not de- termine in my mind to take such a treacherous step toward the Evangelical Association. "I, therefore, told the bishop that we considered ourselves called of God to labor principally among the German population, and that thus far our labors had not been in vain. To this he replied, that the German language could not exist much longer in this country. I rejoined that if this should ever be the case, it would then be time enough to discontinue preaching in Ger- man, and gave it as my opinion that this would not very soon occur, but that the German language would rather increase, at least as long as the immigration from the Old World would con- tinue. I then gave him my views, in which I expected my breth- ren to concur, and made him the following offer: 'If you will give us German circuits, districts, and conferences, we are wil- ling to make your Church ours, be one people with you, and THE EARLY DAYB. 171 have one and the same Church government.' 'This cannot be — it would not be expedient,' was the bishop's reply." (Page 57.) The prospect of a union with that denomination was more or less agitated, until 187 1, when delegates from the Methodist Episcopal Church appeared before the General Conference of the Evangelical Association, with overtures, and the question was then finally settled in the negative. The prospects of a union with the United Brethren in Christ were more promising, and seemed almost certain of consumation. To this end Bishop Christian Newcomer, of that denomination, labored hard, as the following extracts from his journal will show:* "April 21, (1813) — Reached Martin Dreisbach's. The Albright brethren had their conference here ; eighteen preach- ers were assembled. I tarried with them till the 24th. During my stay we discussed the propriety and practicability of a union between the two societies. I laid the Discipline of the United Brethren before them for examination. They made no objec- tions thereto, on the contrary appeared to approve the same. They delivered to me a written communication on the subject addressed to the conference of the United Brethren ; so I de- parted. "Nov. 9, (1813) — This forenoon we had a meeting at Chas. Stroub's. Rode to Chas. Walter's, on Middle Creek; preached, etc. 10th — This forenoon preached at Mr. Mack's, near New Berlin, from Psalm xxxiv., last four verses. 1 ith — The purpose of our journey to this place was to try whether a union could not be effected between the United Brethren in Christ, and the peo- ple denominated the Albright brethren. This forenoon the following brethren were present : Ch. Crum, Joseph Hoffman, Jacob Baulus, and myself, of our society, and Miller, Walter, Dreisbach, and Niebel, of the Albright brethren. Our con- sultation continued until the 13th, but we were not able to effect a union. The greatest stumbling block appeared to be this, that according to our Discipline our local preachers have a vote in the conference, as well as the traveling preachers. This was a * Remarks in parenthesis by the Author. Note. — Str abb's and Walter's were Evangelical preaching places, in (now) Snyder county. Mack lived in Dry Valley, Union county, Pa. It is evident this was a committe meeting of representatives of both societies; of which there has been no record in our Church histories thereto. 172 E V ANGELICAL AS80GIA TION ANNALS. sine qua non, which the Albright brethren could or would not accede to. ."April i, (1814) — I attended a meeting of the Albright brethren, near Conewago, and returned to Naylor's. Sunday,- 2d — In York. 3d — I rode with Brother Henry Smith to Jacob KlineCeltbr's. The Albright brethren had their conference here. Abov t fourteen or fifteen preachers were assembled. I made another attempt to effect a union between the two societies, but in vain.* "April 15, (1814)— Rode to Michael Maize's, in Union county (near New Berlin). 16th — This morning I rode to Martin Dreisbach's (in Buffalo Valley, near New Berlin),where I preached with great liberty. 17th — I preached at George Miller's, from II. Peter ii. 5-8. (Rev. George Miller, two miles east of New Berlin.) 18th — Remained here and had a long conversation with Miller and Niebel respecting the union of our respective societies, but all in vain. We could not bring matters to bear. 19th — This morning I left them and came to Frey's (Abraham Frey). He rode with me to Charles Straub's, where I preached, from Rom. viii. 1 7. f "Oct. 11, (1816) — I preached at old Mr. Eyer's. (Father Abraham Ever, six miles east of New Berlin.) 12th — Came to Martin Dreisbach's (in Buffalo Valley, five miles north of New Berlin). 13th — This day we had a meeting here, forenoon and night, 14th — This day the conference of the Albright brethren commenced at this place. I attended the session, and stayed for the night at Wormley's. "Feb. 14, (181 7) — Twelve preachers, six of the United Breth- ren, and six of the Albright brethren met this day at Henry Kummler's to make another attempt to unite the two societies, but we could not succeed in coming to an agreement." This was the famous "Social Conference," an account of which appears elsewhere in this work, and was the last attempt at union with the United Brethren. These extracts from the * The places mentioned in this entry were in York county, Pa. f The foregoing were all regular Evangelical preaching places, and men- tioned in this work. Note. — This was the first General Conference of the Evangelical Associa- tion, which see. Bishop Newcomer and his colleagues again appeared before this conference to work for an organic union, and succeeded in having a com- mittee appointed to arrange the terms. See General Conference of 1816. THE EARLY DATS. 173 bishop's journal not only show his own interest in the matter, but also disclose the fact that the subject of union was discussed at the conference of 1813. The reader's attention is also called to the very close connection between the "converted people," as they were called, as evinced by these extracts. The places at which Bishop Newcomer preached were all old "Albright" preaching places. Bishop Newcomer entered the ministry long before Jacob Albright, the founder of the Evangelical Associa- tion, and his journal reveals the fact that they were intimate friends, and sometimes held meetings together. There was, how- ever, an evident difference in the development of the societies they represented, which, in the opinion of Albright and his col- leagues, was inimical to a union. The following extract will indicate the character of one of these differences : "The lack of denominational spirit also worked to the serious injury of the Church, even down to a period as late as 1830. The brethren, as already seen, were converts to Christ, gathered from the various German Churches, — all of whom were of the straightest sect, — against the intolerant spirit which they had been accustomed. The reaction of those converts, when they found themselves to be all one in Christ by virtue of the new birth, was so powerful as to push many of them in an opposite ■direction."* We have already shown, in the first part of this work, that Albright did not approve of the continued severance of the "converted people" from ecclesiastical connections. Hence he organized his followers, when less than two score in number. He believed that God had a hand in this movement, and deemed it best to follow the leadings of Providence in the future, as he had experienced them in the past. This feeling was shared by his colleagues, as plainly shown in the reply of Dreisbach to the overtures of Bishop Asbury. On this line the Evangelical Association continued to develop from year to year. The Lord Jesus gradually opened new and more extensive avenues of usefulness, which she entered in His name. In view of the many attempts to effect a union with other connections, and attendant failures, and the deeply rooted con- viction of tne ministry of the Evangelical Association that Prov- idence raised her up to perform a special work, it is not probable 'Lawrence's History of the United Brethren Church, Vol. II., page 34. 174 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. that she will cease to exist as a religious body in the near future. The Guiding Hand is continually leading her into wider fields, all covered with a ripening harvest of souls, into which she enters to fulfil her divine mission. The Language Question. We have already noticed, in the first chapter of this work, that the Evangelical Association had her origin among the Germans of Pennsylvania. These con- ditions strongly impressed her early ministry with a sense of their providential call to labor among the Germans, and this view of their mission exercised a controlling influence in many important events of the early history of the Association. One of the rea- sons why little attention was paid to the English element, was the fact that the Methodist Episcopal Church, which held essen- tially the same doctrines, and pursued the same evangelistic methods, was supposed to fully occupy that field. It will be observed that in the interview recorded between Bishop Asbury, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and John Dreisbach, of the Evangelical Association, the latter agreed on behalf of the Association to an organic union with the former on condition that they be permitted to carry out thier project in relation to the Germans. The bishop's non-approval of the pro- posal is one of the reasons for the separate existence of the Evan- gelical Association. In his proposal to the bishop, Dreisbach simply reflected the general conviction of the Evangelical minis- try in regard to their mission among the Pennsylvania Germans. Towards the close of the first quarter of the century, circum- stances made it absolutely necessary for the preachers who were able to do so, to use the English language to some extent, be- cause that was the language of the land, and where the societies were small, and the Germans were scattered, it became a ques- tion of preaching English or suffering extinction, which in many instances happened by absorption into a sister Church. The Evangelical preachers too often allowed their German predilections to prevail over their manifest denominational inter- ests, and hence many calls from English quarters were unheeded and many open doors in the interior towns and cities of the State were passed by. In some localities, where societies were formed, the work was suffered to die, instead of resorting to a change of language, and English missions were established in the same places many years afterwards. Thus the Evangelical Associa- tion has often been regarded as an intruder upon fields of which. THE EARLY DAYS. 175 she was the original occupant. Whatever our views may be con- cerning the convictions of our early preachers in respect to the Germans, their short-sighted policy in abandoning fields, rather than change the language of worship, is to be deeply deplored. Notwithstanding the indifference of the Church to the English element, a number of societies were established where English predominated. In 1823 there were such societies in Virginia, Maryland, the Cumberland Valley, and elsewhere in Pennsyl- vania. History of John Hamilton. In this connection we give a brief account of the first English preacher of the Association, in his relation with the subject now under consideration, as his career had a far-reaching influence on the polity of the Church. His course subsequent to his expulsion is given simply as a mat- ter of interest. In 1 8*5 John Hamilton, a young man of remarkably fine abilities, entered the active ranks of the ministry. Although ex- clusively English, he nevertheless grew rapidly in favor and was soon regarded as one of the most eloquent men of the Church. He became very popular in the Cumberland Valley and Virginia, and it seemed as though the right man had came at last to lead the way through the transition period. But the time was not yet ripe. The Church must first learn a lesson from sad experience. In many portions of the Church the transition of language had already begun, and Hamilton was justly regarded as the leader of the English element. In 1830 he became somewhat radical in his views regarding the faith and polity of the Church, and published the same in a pamphlet. That he represented the spirit of transition from the old to the new in many particulars, the leading men of the Church at that time failed to see, and it is to be regretted that he was not met by his brethren in the spirit of forbearance, In 1831 he was expelled from the society, but had the sympathy of most of the younger and progressive portion of the ministry. After this summary treatment, it was quite natural for Ham- ilton to become more radical than ever, and once cut loose from his ecclesiastical moorings, he soon drifted far away. His avowed purpose, while still connected with the society, was to bring her back again to the fundamental principles established by Albright, from which he held she had departed. His chief following was in Virginia, where he set about establishing an independent 176 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. society. He at first met with some success, and a number of the ministers and many of the members in Virginia adhered to him. In 1833 he and a number of his adherents held a conference, when the following articles were adopted : * "We, the subscribers, ministers of the Gospel, have met on Sept. 28, 1833, and adopted the following resolutions: "1. This society shall be called the Christian Church, and never by any other name. "2. Jesus Christ shall be the only Head. " 3 . Believers in Him, together with infants, the only members. "4. The New Testament the only rule of faith and practice. "5. In mental matters each member shall enjoy his own senti- ments, and freely discuss every subject, but in discipline a strict conformity with the precepts of Christ is required. "6. Every society, wherever they associate themselves to- gether under the present rule, shall have the power of admitting members, electing officers, etc. "7. Delegates from the different congregations shall meet annualy to consult the general interests. "8. At every monthly meeting a collection shall be lifted for the poor and the promulgation of the Gospel. " (Signed) John Hamilton, Robert G. Hunter, James H. Brewer, f John Dawson, Henry Dawson,. " At this conference they also adopted twelve reasons why they could not consistently attach themselves to any of the "sects" then in existence. In the Fall of 1834 Hamilton and his fol- lowers held a camp-meeting in Cedar Valley, Va., which was well attended, but great disturbances took place, which were dis- astrous to the meeting. J. H. Brewer died soon after this, which was a great blow to Hamilton's cause. The work gradually declined, and Hamilton subsequently united with the Lutheran Church. Notwithstanding the failure of Hamilton's movement, the * W. W. Or wig is in error when he says (History of the Evangelical Asso- ciation, page 157} that none of Hamilton's adherents came to the appointed conference. f This was "J. Bkbur," the first preacher of the Evangelical Association, in Virginia. THE EARLY DATS. 177 work of the Evangelical Association sustained great injury, chiefly because of the repressive measures employed against the English element. Although it was evident that the English language would eventually supplant the German, and the transition was well under way in western Pennsylvania and Virginia, the Gen- eral Conference of 1830 adopted a course most subversive to the interests of the Church. We will let W. W. Ohwig, who was a contemporary, speak of these critical times : "Some years before this conference (1830) several men had been received into the itinerant ministry who preached exclusively in English, and hence could travel only on a few circuits, the others, being nearly all German, and as fears were entertained that the English language might prevail, this conference ordered that the itinerant ministry in general, confine their labors to the German portion of the population, and that no more preachers be received into that body, who had not at least some knowledge of the German language. This resolution vexed and discour- aged the English brethren a great deal, and its consequences was, that the English work suffered and languished till finally it died out almost entirely. Thus many parts of the country were, and remained closed against the Association, as by far the most States of the Union were almost exclusively, and the few remain- ing for the most part English. "Herein the Evangelical Association fared like most of the German Churches of this country; /'. c, it learned a lesson by sad experience. In many parts they lost a considerable number of useful members, and even many of their own sons and daugh- ters, besides a great many others, for this reason, joined other denominations, who would otherwise have preferred to remain in the Evangelical Association. These are facts which no one can truthfully deny, and which were afterwards deplored by many of the preachers and members." (Page 153.) At the General Conference of 1843 the whole subject was under discussion for several days, and that body found it expe- dient not only to reverse its former action, but also took steps to encourage and foster the English element in the Church. This had a very beneficial effect, and the work in central and western Pennsylvania took a new start and progressed rapidly. While the author would not uphold the course of Hamilton after his expulsion, yet a careful consideration of all the circum- stances in the ease, gathered from his contemporaries, both of 178 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. the ministry and the laity, inclines to the belief, that the course adopted toward him was harsh, and his expulsion unwise. The testimony of those best acquainted with him should have great weight in this matter. In 1827 Rev. Francis Hoffman, who for over sixty years has been a pillar in the Church, traveled Frank- lin and Berkley Circuits with Hamilton, as junior preacher, and in 1831 he was sent to Berkley Circuit (Virginia) immediately after Hamilton's expulsion, to save if possible the interests of the Church in the very stronghold of Hamilton. In several in- terviews with Hoffman on the subject, he did not hesitate to say that Hamilton was a most excellent man. His life was above reproach, and had the brethren laid aside their prejudices against him, dealt less harshly with him, he would have been saved to the ChuTch. In 1832 J. M. Saylor was sent to the field of Hamilton's operations in Virginia. He was a classmate and intimate friend of Hamilton. His testimony was exactly simi- lar to that of Hoffman, with this addition, that Hamilton was a progressive man, and while holding to the simplicity of the faith as promulgated by Albright, he was nevertheless opposed to some of the methods, and the spirit of exclusiveness prevail- ing in the society. Had the German brethren understood him, and recognized the fact that he represented the spirit of transi- tion, which the times demanded, and all could foresee must come, and had he been met in the spirit of forbearance, a great calamity would have been averted, and the development of the Church would have been along lines to which the leaders of the Church were glad to bring her in after years. It is a circumstance far-reaching in its relations to the subse- quent history of the Church, that while John Dreisbach and most of his Pennsylvania German associates, on the one hand, accepted the situation, that the occasion for laboring in their original sphere in relation to language had passed away by change of conditions and circumstances. The European element, on the other hand, failed to harmonize with the lines of action of their American brethren, and thus was laid the foundation for racial prejudices and distinctiveness which had its influence in shaping the polity and legislation of the Church in a manner not always consistent with her original spirit and her prosperity and unity. In corroboration of this statement, we may here say that John Dreisbach, who had been one of the strongest advocates of the TES EARLY DA 78. 179 distinctive mission of the Evangelical Association among the Germans, himself led the way for the widening of her sphere of operations, by earnestly championing a change of policy at the Greensburgh General Conference, in 1843. At that memorable conference the Pennsylvania delegates (themselves Germans) stood unitedly for a complete change of polity in relation to lan- guage, and found in Dreisbach (a co-laborer of the founder of the Association) a powerful support. In later years he was quite pronounced in his declarations that all occasion for the. special work among the Germans had passed away. He himself says {Evangelical Messenger, 1855, page 60): "Now it must be clear to every candid mind, as we judge, that we were directed by Di- vine Providence to labor also among our English population; although in the commencement, we considered ourselves called of God to labor only for the good of our German inhabitants. Hence we acknowledge that we did not at first comprehend the full extent of our calling, as it has from time to time been dis- closed to us by the Divine guidance." Notwithstanding this change of attitude in respect to her sphere of influence by the original representatives of the Church, certain influences were brought to bear upon her polity by men of European birth, which have had a steady tendency to impress certain phases of Church life upon her, not at all in harmony with her true aims and original character. Let no German rashly conclude that we have an undue bias against the German char- acter. We must be true to the logic of history, and in doing so we must deal with facts and circumstances as we find them. The long array of controversial articles and editorials in the Church periodicals, along these lines, during the last three decades, abundantly show that a foreign born Church life is already too strongly prevalent in many quarters. The true Evangelical As- sociation makes no racial distinctions, and any influence which nurtures and fosters racial interests and prejudices, to the detri- ment of others, is wholly foreign to the true spirit of the Church. That the Church has good reasons for guarding well her interests in these particulars is becoming more and more apparent. The Ministry of the Evangelical Association. The Evangelical Association has suffered in some measure in the v estimation of many, because, as is held, her ministry is not in the line of "apostolic succession," and lacks the scholastic training given the ministry of the older denominations. By apostolic 180 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. succession we are to understand the succession of ordination from the apostles, through the representatives of the Church; down to the present time. It may be remarked that the advo- cates of apostolic succession, so-called, as the only valid ordina- tion, must assume a heavy responsibility, and are confronted by insuperable difficulties in establishing an unbroken succession. So great are these difficulties that many of the greatest scholars of modern times regard the doctrine of an unbroken succession as a myth. Even John Wesley, whose claims to be in that line were of the best, himself declared : "The uninterrupted succes- sion I know to be a fable, which no maD ever did, or can prove" (i). It may be casually remarked that Wesley was in good company among Churchmen in his denunciation of the "fable" of the succession. The learned Chillingworth said: "I am fully pursuaded that there hath been no such succession." While Bishop Stillingfleet, one of the best Biblical authorities of modern times, declares : "This succession is as muddy as the Tiber itself" (2). A certain writer has said : "There is a consecration not of man, Nor given by laid-on hands, nor acted rite." The Evangelical Association recognizes this fact, as without this Divine separation and anointing for the ministerial office, all human rites would be insufficient, even though supported by the strongest claims of direct transmission from apostolic times. The Evangelical Association, as a branch of the Christiar Church, is, therefore, content with an ordination which comes through the laying on of the hands of the elders of the Church, whose lives are known and open to the eye of the world, and who themselves are persuaded in their hearts, that the candidate for orders is called of God to preach the Gospel. It may also be added, that the ministry of the Evangelical Association has given abundant proof of its regularity in the Church of Christ, as it has met with uniform success. Many thousand souls have been saved through its instrumentality, and its power for good has been felt in a marked degree on three continents of the earth. While it is true that most of the ministers of the Evangelical Association lack the advantages of a scholastic training, they are nevertheless, as a class, close students in almost every depart- ment of knowledge that may be made contributary to their work. (1) McClintock & Strong Encyclopaedia. Article, "Wesley," page 170. (2) Ibid, Vol. IL, page 234. THE EARLY DA F& 181 In relation to true Bible knowledge, and the interpretation and application of Divine Truth to the salvation of souls and the edification of the Church, they will compare favorably with those of any Christian denomination. The Church has never been opposed to an educated ministry, but has always opposed a scholastic training as a substitute for the special and spiritual gifts of God which alone can enable the ministry to render ac- ceptable service in the vineyard of the Lord. Hardships and Self-Denial. The early ministers of the Evangelical Association were impelled in their work by a true apostolic spirit. Aroused to a deep sense of the moral depravity of the age and the formal worship of the established Churches, their hearts were set on fire with a burning zeal for perishing souls. The doctrine of experimental religion being entirely new in many places, the preachers met great opposition there. They were decried as "heretics," "false prophets" and "deceivers." The clergy of the old Churches denounced them from their pul- pits, and warned their members against them. Those who re- ceived them, or sympathized with them, were persecuted by their fellow Church members, friends and neighbors. Their names were cast out as vile, and all manner of abuse was heaped upon them. Their work called for sacrifices and self-denial unsur- passed in the history of the Christian Church. In many instances their income from their work was far less than their actual out- lay, and many itinerants, after several years of service, found themselves impoverished. In many instances, while the husband was engaged in the ministry, his family supported themselves as best they could. For many years all the money received by the ministers for support, was added together at the end of the year and equally divided. In 1811 the amount each man received was only $29.33. In the first quarter of the century the average salary seldom exceeded #50. In 18 18 the support fell far below the actual needs of the preachers, and the conference was obliged to give each preacher a petition addressed to the members, to satisfy their needs. Note. — As illustrating the spirit of self-sacrifice of our early ministry, we insert the following from Rev. Francis Hoffman, Sept. 25, 1891: "In the early part of my ministry, my income was much less than my expenses, and I several times wanted to stop, but my wife would not consent, so I was compelled to sell my property, consisting of two houses, to support myself in the ministry. My salary from 1826 to 1840, a period of fourteen years, amounted to $627.77, an average of $40.29 a year." 182 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. Higher Education Desired. At the General Conference held at Greensburgh, Ohio, in 1843, the first action -was taken in favor of higher education. No definite action, however, was taken toward the establishment of an institution of learning, but a committee was appointed, consisting of Bishops Seybert and Long, and J. C. Reisner, W. W. Orwig and Adam Ettinger, who were instructed to devise a plan, or course of study, for the ministry of the Church. This plan was published in the Christ- liche BotschafUr, March 1, 1844, over the signature of the com- mittee. It consisted of a four years' course, and also contained directions for the proper improvement of time, and preservation of health, closing with an exhortation to seek the unction of the Spirit; as the only means of successfully applying the literary qualifications gained. An English adaptation of this course was published in the Messenger, Nov. 24, 1852. Since then the course of study has been extended and improved from time to time. A very animated discussion was begun in the Christliche Botschafter in 1846, and continued several years, on the subject of an educated ministry. It began with an article published in 1845, from the pen of John Dreisbach, entitled, "Teachers and Preachers Should Not be Ignorant." The discussion of the sub- ject in all its aspects embraced over a score of articles from various pens, its general trend being that a converted ministry is indispensible to the work of the Lord, but a converted, educated ministry is very desirable, and more efficient in general, and de- manded by the times and the enlightened condition of the masses. The discussion was fraught with good results which soon became apparent. In 1847 the West Pennsylvania Conference perfected the first Educational Society of the Church and published the constitution, and at the General Conference which met at New Berlin in the same year, John Dreisbach offered the first resolu- tion for the establishment of an institution of learning, which took tangible form a few years later. When Jacob Albright was assembled with his little band of co-workers for the last time on earth, he gave them this parting advice: "In all you do, or intend to do, let it be your aim to promote the honor and glory of God, and to promulgate and exalt the operations of His grace, both in your own hearts and among your brethren and sisters, and be faithful co-workers with them in the path which the Lord has shown you, and to which He will grant you His blessing." TEE EARLY DA Y8. 183 Prayer and Call for Laborers. When the West Pa. Conference was constituted jn 1839, a disproportionate number of the ministers chose to remain with the East Pa. Conference, while a number united with the Ohio Conference. When the first session of the West Pa. Conference was held in 1840, the number of its ministers was still further reduced, which greatly crippled the work. Charges which hitherto had been served by two and three men were now supplied with but one. The general condition of affairs was so serious that the conference appointed the following Fourth of July as a day of fasting and prayer, that God would refresh His work in the conference and provide laborers for His vineyard. The preachers were enjoined to preach special sermons bearing on the subject, the services to be held at nine o'clock in the morning, and where no preachers were at hand, prayer-meetings were to be held. A committee, consisting of George Brickley, Charles Hammer and W. W. Orwig, was appointed by the conference to prepare and publish a pastoral letter bearing on the condition of the work. The letter appeared in the Botschafter of May 15, 1840, filling nearly five columns of the paper, and was a most excellent production. It was divided into eight paragraphs, as follows: (1) A general review of the Lord's work in the con- ference. Reasons for encouragement and our duty to thank and praise Him for His mercies. (2) Scarcity of active preachers and the situation generally. (3) The responsibility of the con- ference in this matter. (4) Appeal to local preachers for greater zeal and more earnest co-operation with the circuit preachers. (5) Appeal to class-leaders and exhorters for greater diligence in their office. (6) Appeal to the laity to give the preachers a more liberal support. (7) Appeal to all for a deeper concern for the welfare and prosperity of the work of the Lord. (8) Reminder of the day appointed for prayer and fasting, and exhor- tation to earnest observance of the same. The effect of these measures was most salutary. Great pros- perity and general success attended the labors of the ministers. No other conference made such rapid progress. Plenty of devoted and gifted men offered themselves for the ministry. Since then scores of men have left the conference to enter the work in the West, and yet her ranks are always full, and all this in answer to prayer. (See Matt. ix. 37, 38.) 184 BVANOELIOAL A880C1A TION ANNALS. Dwellings for Preachers. Resolutions to provide suita- ble dwellings for ministers were passed many years before actual steps were taken to carry them into effect. The first action taken was in 1812, when the conference resolved that efforts should be made to purchase lots and erect houses for the use Of itinerants on Schuylkill and Northumberland Circuits. The trustees of said circuits were instructed to apply bequests for that purpose in equal proportions to said charges. This resolu- tion was never carried into effect. In 1832 the eastern conference instructed the trustees of the printing house at New Berlin to convert that building into a parsonage, at the expense of the circuit, while it still remained the property of the conference. In 1838 the same conference resolved : "That upon each charge a parsonage shall be erected, if practicable, and that the quarterly conference elect three men as trustees, who shall, by the advice of the presiding elder and preacher-in-charge, select a suitable locality on the circuit for the erection or purchase of such a house. " In the early days the preachers did not remove their families to the charges to which they were appointed. In course of time, when two-year pastorates became more frequent, they began to move from charge to charge, as they were appointed. In 1833 Francis Hoffman removed his family from Orwigsburg to Mifflinburg, Pa. This was the first removal of a preacher's family to a charge of which we have certain knowledge. J. M. Savlor also was one of the first to remove his family from charge to charge. The General Meeting, so-called, was the forerunner of the quarterly meeting as now in vogue among us, and was a very important factor in the development and establishment of the Church. In the early days it was customary for all the preachers to attend the meeting, and the members came from all directions, sometimes from thirty to forty miles on foot,* and some are known to have traveled a hundred miles to attend them. The appointment of time and place was altogether dependent upon circumstances. The brother agreeing to "take" the meeting * The sainted wife of Rev. Francis Hoffman related to the author that in 1824 she walked from Orwigsburg, Pa., to attend a general meeting at Daniel Bertolett 's, at Friedensburg, a distance of twenty-five miles ; at another time she walked to Turkey Hill, Lancaster county, near forty miles. She was accom- panied by six other single ladies. THE EARL T DA T8. 186 was expected to shelter and feed all who came, unless, as was sometimes the case, other friendly doors in the neighborhood were opened to receive them. The meeting was held in the house, if sufficiently large, but the barn floor was also much used, and in Summer time the yard or orchard. The meeting usually began on Saturday afternoon and closed on Sunday even- ing, and consisted of preaching, testimony, praise and revival services. The brethren always sought to take their unconverted friends to these meetings, where they were almost sure to be converted. The first general meeting was held by Albright, on the day of Pentecost, 1802, at the house of Samuel Leeser, near Boyer- town, Pa.; the second immediately after harvest of the same year, at the home of John Thomas, Sr., Decatur township, Mif- flin county, near the present town of Wagoner; the third at Jacob Phillip's, in Northampton county, about a month later ; the fourth on Easter day, 1803, at Solomon Miller's, Brunswick township, Schuylkill county. The meetings usually resulted in great awakenings and many conversions, of which there are many remarkable instances recorded in this volume. In addition to the religious exercises, it seems that considerable business was transacted relative to the affairs of the society, as the following instances will show: In 1808 there was no annual conference held, but in lieu thereof the business pertaining to it was trans- acted at a general meeting, held at the house of John Brobst, in Albany township, Berks county, on Easter day, at which time Albright stationed his preachers for the last time. In 1809 the second annual conference was held, at which time elder's orders were voted John Walter and John Dreisbach, and at a general meeting held several months later, at the house of Henry Eby, near Lebanon, they and George Miller (whose orders had been voted him in 1807) were solemnly, ordained. This was a great event in the early history of the society. The Quarterly Meeting. In course of time, as the work became more extensive and the membership multiplied, the general meetings were more confined to the separate charges, occurring at regular intervals, and thus generally developed into the quarterly meeting, conducted by a presiding elder or his substitute. The quarterly meeting consists, first, of a business meeting, attended by the officials of the charge; second; the religious service connected with the dispensation of the Lord's 186 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. Supper. The business meeting, or quarterly conference, was usually preceded by a religious service and a sermon on Chris- tian duties. Protracted Meetings, as now conducted among us, were unknown in the early days of the Church. The first report of what seems to have been the first meeting of this kind appeared in the Christliche Botschafter, in August, 1836, from Rev. Jacob Boas, who then served Erie Circuit. The report is as follows : "Erie County, June 27, 1836. "It affords me pleasure to have an opportunity of telling, through the Botschafter, what the Lord is doing in various local- ities on Erie Circuit. Although in comparison with the work in other places, it seems insignificant, yet when we take into con- sideration the severe opposition from the ungodly, etc., it is nevertheless remarkable, and we can say with pleasure, 'The Lord has done great things for us, whereof we are glad. ' We had an eight days' meeting in a settlement about four miles south of Brighton, near the Conneaut Lake. It began May 27. The Lord was present and wrought so powerfully that I had never witnessed the like before. During the first few days there was but little stir, yet the Word of God often reached the hearts of the hearers, so that they melted, and bewailed their sins. On Sunday we had considerable stir in the meeting. In the even- ing a number prayed for pardon. On Monday we had three services and God bestowed his blessing, especially in the even- ing, so that sinners called upon the Lord for mercy and pardon, which they also realized through the prayer of faith. Tuesday at 10 o'clock there was preaching, and in the afternoon we had an experience meeting, when God's power was revealed among us, and hearts were softened and melted. In the evening quite a number of people were converted. Wednesday, June 1, was a good day. In the evening, before I began to preach, the whole assembly was moved and sinners began to plead for mercy. I then delivered an exhortation, and God accompanied his Word with power to the hearts of the people, which caused a mighty noise among the dry bones. Here lay many smitten and wounded souls, yet, God be praised, many of them found the good Physi- cian, who can heal all infirmities, who also released them from their load of sin, and transplanted them into the fellowship of His children. Life was here, with shouts and praise to God. TEE EARLY DATS. 187 On Thursday, we again had a blessed time, and quite a number of penitents were converted this day, and the meeting continued all night, so that we could joyfully say with Peter, ' Lord, it is good for us to be here.' On Friday I preached twice. On this day a number found Jesus, to the comfort and joy of their souls. The same evening, after preaching, I requested all to arise who had found grace and pardon during the meeting, and who knew that they had passed from death unto life, whereupon between twenty-five and thirty were not ashamed to arise and testify that they had obtained peace with God during the meeting. "At the close of the meeting I gave an invitation to all who desired to unite with the Association, and a considerable number of the newly converted gave me their right hand, to go with us to the kingdom of heaven. Two years ago we had no members in this locality, but now we have a congregation consisting of near fifty members. Now we prosper. The persecution since our meeting is pretty severe. Still the Lord is with His people, and all things shall work together for good to them that love Him. "I believe it would in general be a great advantage on the various circuits, if more such protracted meetings were held, be- cause frequently, when the two or three days' meetings are held, the interest is not reached until near the close. Then they are ended, and perhaps little good has been accomplished, and the work of God's servants is sometimes almost in vain.* But if such meetings were continued, many more precious souls might be saved. In many cases they go home under the pressure of their sins, and perhaps after a while became cold and indifferent, and may never again come to such a realization of their state. O, brethren in the Gospel ! let us work right earnestly in the vineyard of the Lord, and make use of every good means pos- sible for the salvation of souls and the extension of the kingdom of Christ. "In the beginning of this month, I held a three days* meet- ing in Mayer's settlement, near Clarksville, where the Lord be- stowed his blessing. God's children were revived, and sinners * The idea of Boas was that the general or quarterly meeting should be con- tinued, or followed up with services specially intended to bring about the con- version of souls under conviction. This idea was favorably received. The following year, 1 83 7, in the announcement of the dedication of our first church in Philadelphia, John Seybert, the presiding elder, adds ; "The services will be continued during the week, and as long as it may be advisable." 188 EVANOBLIGAL ASSOCIATION ANNALB. became alarmed, so that they prayed to God earnestly for the pardon of their sins. Several went away wounded, while others realized the pardon of their sins the following Monday, after earnestly pleading, and were made happy in God. Things are prosperous, in general, in our borders. There have been con- versions again and again since we are on this district, and God's children are encouraged. The prospects in many places are good for conversions. We live in good hopes that Babel will soon fall, and Christ's kingdom will be established. J. Boas." Camp-Meetings were introduced into the society in 1810, and have ever since been an important means for the promotion of the work of the Lord. The Jirsl one was held on the land of Brother Michael Maize, about one and a half miles east of New Berlin, Pa., and began May 10, 1810. This seems to have been the first German camp-meeting ever held either in America or Europe. Great multitudes attended it, and the society entered a new opoch of its history. Another camp was held the follow- ing October, on the land of Rev. George Miller, in Allemangel Corner, Berks county. The third camp was held in the latter part of May, 181 1, on the land of Philip Breitenstein, near Lebanon. The year 181 2 was a year of sifting and sore trial for the society, and it appears no camp-meeting was held. In 1813 there was one held at Turkey Hill, Lancaster county, beginning Sept. 1, and another at Michael Maize's, beginning Sept. 8, both of which resulted in many conversions. In 18 14 four camp- meetings were held, one in Warrington township, York county, on the land of Michael Jacobs, which was the first one in York county ; another on the land of Daniel Bertolett, near Fried- ensburgh ; a third one several miles northwest of MifHinburgh, Union county, on the land of John Buechler, and the fourth on the land of George Swartz, near Millheim, Centre county. In 1815 six meetings were held as follows: (1) Near Shrews- bury, York county, on the land of John Seitz ; (2) Near Man- heim, Lancaster county, on the land of Rev. John Seybert; (3) West of Jonestown, Lebanon county, on the land of Adam Faber; (4) In Buffalo Valley, Union county, on the land of Father Martin Dreisbach; (5) A few miles east of Hagers- town, Md., on the land of Leonard Middlekauff; (6) In Somerset county. Some of the most interesting and exciting episodes in the his- tory of the Church are connected with the camp-meetings, not THE EARLY DATS. 189 only in the early days, but also in. comparatively recent years. It was nothing unusual for mobs to attack the camp and break it up altogether. In a number of instances the evil designs of tne ruffians were thwarted by special providences. Sometimes God's people would fall upon their knees and cry mightily for help. This would sometimes over-awe the mob and strike terror to the hearts of some, who would fall down at the altar and plead for mercy. It is worthy of record that in many places where the opposition against our Church was greatest, our work is now the strongest. In some localities the camp-meeting became very popular in course of time, and civic and military organizations resorted to them to hear special sermons. An interesting incident of this kind took place at a camp-meeting held on the land of Abraham Buchman, at "the Pines," near Shippensburgh, where a consid- erable body of State troops attended service. In his report of Salem District, dated Aug. 20, 1838, John Seybert gives the following: "On Wednesday, July 4, the Independent Company came from Blockhouse in their uniforms, with music, and in military order, to the camp-ground, to hear a sermon. Their conduct was commendable. The sermon dwelt on civil and re- ligious liberty. The same night one of the soldiers became -spiritually distressed, and cried most earnestly to the Lord for the pardon of his sins, which he also realized to the comfort of his soul."* In 1830 a camp-meeting was held near New Bloomfield, Ferry ■county, Pa. Rev. J. M. Saylor, who was present as a visitor, was requested to preach on Sunday. An immense crowd thronged the ground, and there was great disturbance, caused chiefly by the under-sheriff of the county, who was very much under the influence of liquor. He encouraged the rabble in their disorder, against the entreaties of the peaceable citizens who took the part of the camp-meeting people. The disturbances were finally quelled and the encampment passed a quiet night. Early next morning four men, strangers, entered the camp-ground, talking in an excited and boisterous manner. Saylor divined their intentions, and advised the friends to remain in their tents, as there might be trouble. At this instant one of the men exclaimed, "That's one of them," and proceeded to seize Saylor. He at •This camp-meeting was held on the land of Father Christian Essig, a iew miles west of Blockhouse (Liberty), Tioga county, Pa. 180 EVANQELWAL A8S0QIATI0N ANNALS. first resisted, bat discovering the character of the men he said, "Excuse me, I did not know you were an officer." This was the high sheriff of the county. Saylor was arrested without a warrant. The friends begged the officers to permit him to eat breakfast before taking him away. He was then taken to New Bloomfield, the county-seat. Great excitement prevailed in the town, and the people came in throngs to learn the particulars of the affair. Saylor was taken to a hotel, and while the officers of the law for a moment disappeared, he began pacing the floor, when he was accosted by a large man with the words : "What was up out there ? I guess king whiskey ruled out at your camp last night." The man proved to be Mr. McIntyre, the leading lawyer of the town, who had come to befriend the camp-meeting people. He denounced the action of the sheriff as outrageous and a disgrace to the county, and said, "We'll get you out of this predicament in ten minutes, and make it warm for the sheriff. " He advised Saylor to give no bail, as the arrest was illegal. Upon this the sheriff again made his appearance and said to Saylor, "Come on; you must appear before a 'squire," where- upon the attorney said, "Hold on, sheriff, I claim this man as my client. " Saylor was hustled off, however, to a magistrate's office, the good-hearted lawyer following to defend the innocent preacher. When Saylor appeared before the officer of the law, there was no indictment against him, no warrant for his arrest, and nothing by which he could be held, so the magistrate said, "Mr. Saylor, you are clear; you can go." The lawyer, turning to the sheriff, said, "I will give you half an hour to call at my office and make this matter right. " The sheriff, however, did not appear, and the lawyer advised a process against him. To this Saylor assented, and the attorney associated with him another able lawyer named Penrose to prosecute the case. The suit against the sheriff awakened great interest through- out the county. During the trial, which lasted several days, the court-room was crowded with interested spectators. When Attorney Penrose addressed the jury in the interests of his perse- cuted client, and described the shameful and cruel treatment inflicted on a weak and defenseless preacher, at the hands of officers who should have protected him, there was a great out- burst of feeling in the court-room; many people wept, others were filled with indignation. The counsel for the defense then arose, not to defend his client, but to plead the mercy and leniency THE EARLY DATB. 191 of the Court Said he, "God forbid that I should justify the conduct of my client. I plead the leniency of the judge, on account of the family of my client," etc. The judge then charged the jury, denouncing the prisoner unmercifully. He declared that it was not ignorance that led the high sheriff and under- sheriff of the county to persecute the good camp-meeting people in such a barbarous manner, but "the spirit of the fourteenth century, the spirit of religious bigotry, and the spirit of the inquisition. " S aylor then asked permission to address the jury, which was granted. He explained that they were not prompted by motives of revenge in prosecuting the sheriff, but to vindicate more fully the cause of religious freedom. The sheriff was found guilty on several charges and fined several hundred dollars, besides the costs, which were considerable. Saylor desired this fine remitted, but the attorneys declared that the offense of the sheriff was not only against the camp-meeting people, but also against the fair name of the county and the dignity of the law, and a remission of punishment would defeat the ends of justice and prove detrimental to law and order. When the sheriff saw there was no escape from the penalty of the law, he fled from his home and left his bondsmen to satisfy the demands of the law. Saylor's counsel, who had so ably defended and vindicated their client, made but a nominal charge for their services. This prosecution of camp-meeting disturbers had a molt wholesome effect. Camp-meetings were thereafter unmolested, and the work of the Church was highly successful throughout that section. One of the most remarkable incidents in the history of camp- meetings occurred on Aug. 23, 1840, on the land of Daniel Shreffler, at Egg Hill, in Centre county. The author of this work was personally acquainted with a number of people who witnessed the wonderful phenomenon, and all corroborate the following account of Rev. George Brickly, which was published in the Christliche Botschafter soon thereafter. Brickley was the presiding elder in charge of the camp-meeting. He says : "On Sunday previous to the meeting, there was preaching on the ground,* and in the afternoon the friends and others from the vicinity, assembled for the purpose of holding a prayer- meeting. During the first prayer a violent storm arose which * The stand, etc., had been erected with some tents, but the camp-meeting: proper had not yet opened. — Author. 192 BVANOELIOAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. broke down the trees by hundreds, and many were torn out by the roots, but not a single tree on the camp-ground was broken off or damaged. All around the tent area were strewn the fallen trees and branches broken off and torn down by the storm. Near the tent ground there was a tree of immense size, measuring over twelve feet in circumference, and very firmly rooted, so that it could not be torn up. This tree was broken off near the ground, although. nearly sound all the way through. This may give some idea of the violence of the storm. The assembly was not aware of the coming storm, until it was too late to flee out of the woods. Several, however, made the attempt, but were frightened by the crashing and breaking trees and returned. But few remained on their knees in prayer ; most of them sprang up, and were much confused. Some cried out, "We shall all be killed," Others were overcome by the power of God, and broke out in praise, The Lord demonstrated that He is with His people, and all were protected, and all who witnessed the scene acknowledged the hand of the Most High in the protection of His people." CHAPTER X. Institutions of the Evangelical Association, Embracing Her Educational, Missionary, Benevolent and Pub- lishing Interests. The Higher Education. The General Conference of 1843 appointed a committee, consisting of Bishops John Seybert and Joseph Long, and Absalom B. Shaefer, to formulate a declara- tion expressing the views of that body on the subject of an edu- cated ministry. This action seems to have become necessary to correct a general impression that the Evangelical Association was antagonistic to an educated clergy. This committee not only voiced the sentiment of the General Conference of 1843, but also of prior and subsequent [times. It is the sentiment of the Church to-day, because it is Biblical. The report, which ap- peared in the Botschqfter of Dec. 1, 1843, * s as follows :* "As the Evangelical Association is charged by many, though unjustly, with looking upon learning, or rather a classical edu- cation of the ministry, as altogether superfluous and useless, yea, even as dangerous and injurious, and despising for this reason all higher institutions of learning; this body feels itself called upon, and under obligations to declare and express its views on this subject in public, and to repel thereby this false charge. "It is indeed true, that this conference believes and teaches, that all human wisdom, learning, and knowledge, without a di- vine call, and the unction of the Spirit, qualify no man for the ministry; and that a man, called of God to this office, and filled with the Holy Ghost and with power from on high, without great human learning, or, as a comparatively illiterate man, can be a •We give Orwio's translation, History of the Evangelical Association, cage 367. 194 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIA TION ANNAL8. preacher of the Gospel, and accomplish much good, if he fears God, and is conscientious in the discharge of his duties. "But notwithstanding this, the conference acknowledges and maintains, that learning, in the common acceptation of the term, or a classical education, is, in many respects, of great use to a man who is called of God to the Gospel ministry, and endowed with the Holy Ghost, and enhances his usefulness ; or, in other words, that he who has the Divine unction, and great learning . can, in many instances, and even generally, accomplish far more in the vineyard of the Lord, and toward the conversion of the world and the spread of the Redeemer's kingdom, than the un- learned man, though he may possess the same measure of Divine unction and grace. "Entertaining these views of the advantages of learning in a minister of the Gospel, this conference recommends to all its candidates for the ministry, and to all the ministers generally, to take proper measures to store their minds with as large an amount of useful information as they possibly can, or to endeavor to become learned and literary men, who have also the unction of the Holy Ghost." Union Seminary. At the session of the West Pa. (now Central Pa.) Conference, held in 1854, it was resolved to estab- lish an institution of learning, to be called "Union Seminary of the West Pa. Conference of the Evangelical Association," with the provision that work should be begun as soon as $ 1 5, 000 should be secured. W. W. Orwig and Simon Wolf were appointed to collect funds and a board of trustees was elected, consisting of W. W. Orwig, James ^Dunlap, Jacob Boas and Lewis May, ministers, and H. High, H. D. Maize and Hon. Martin Dreis- bach, laymen. The requisite sum of money being secured, six acres of ground were purchased, on a beautiful slope adjoining New Berlin, Union county, Pa. On this ground was erected a three-story brick edifice, 75x48 feet. The West Pa. Conference appointed a committee to attend the session of the East Pa. Conference in 1855 for the purpose of interesting that conference in the project, and to tender an offer to unite in the establishment of the institution. This offer was accepted by a rising vote, and the conference elected a board of trustees, composed of ministers and laymen, equal in number to that of the West Pa. Conference, and Solomon Neitz was INSTITUTIONS. 195 elected agent to collect funds in the conference. The institution was chartered, and embraced a course of three years. In January, 1856, the seminary was opened for the admission of students. The faculty consisted of the following : President, W, W. Orwig, professor of moral science and German ; F. .Hen- dricks, mathematics; J. S. Whitman, natural sciences; A. S. Sassaman, ancient languages and literature; F. C. Hoffman, English and book-keeping; G. B. Dechant, vocal music ; Amanda M. Evans, preceptress and instrumental music ; Hester A. Stoner, primary department. The faculty was acknowledged to be a strong one. Soon after the seminary opened, a "teachers' course" of three years was added, and in 1859 a "classical col- legiate" course. The first class of five young ladies graduated in 1859. The scholastic year of 1858-59 was the most successful in the history of the institution. There were 264 students regis- tered. At the end of the collegiate year in June, 1859, President Orwig resigned, and Prof. Hendricks was elevated to the position. He was both able and popular, and worked hard to maintain the success of the school. In i860, however, he resigned and Prof. Sassaman accepted the presidency. The number of students during the year had been 241. At the close of the year 1861-62 President Sassaman resigned and Prof. J. H. Leas suc- ceeded him. Misfortunes now began to press the institution severely, threat- ing its very existence. Chief among them was the fact that the large amount of money had been raised by the sale of scholarships — a plan that has proved disastrous to many other institutions. Then, also, the country was very much disturbed with anxiety and suspense, and finally the Civil War broke out and a large number of actual and prospective students enlisted in their country's service. The continued decrease of students and financial embar- rassment soon made it evident that the institution would be compelled to suspend, and this came to pass with the close of the Spring session of 1863. In the Spring of 1865 the property passed into the hands of the sheriff. Rev. M. J. Carothers, of the Central Pa. Conference, the newly-elected president of the board of trustees, determined to rescue the institution for the church, if possible, and by assuming its liabilities, in connection with several others, saved it from going into other hands. A society was then formed, called "The Educational Society of the Central Pa. Conference of the Evangelical Association of J 96 EVANGELICAL ABBOCIA TION ANNAL8. North America." Under this new control the school was again opened in 1865, with Prof. F. C. Hoffman as president. Al- though Prof. Hoffman was an able instructor, the school had a precarious existence for years. Its charter had been forfeited by the suspension and its field of patronage very materially limited. Prof. Hoffman was succeeded, in 1869, by Prof. D. Denlinger, who continued until 1874, when he was succeeded by Prof. F. M. Baker. In the Centennial year of 1876 the Central Pa. and East Pa. Conferences again united to establish anew an institution worthy of the Church. A certain amount was agreed upon as the basis of active operations, collectors were appointed, but, alas ! it failed, and besides the wreck of its own prospects, the "Centennial College" project diverted attention and interest from the struggling seminary. In 1872 Prof. J. W. Bentz became connected with the school, under Prof. Den- linger, and continued under the administration of Prof. Baker. In March, 1879, Prof. Baker resigned, and Prof. Bentz succeeded to the presidency, continuing in that capacity until Autumn, when he resigned, and was succeeded by Prof. A. E. Gobble, the present incumbent. With the presidency of Prof. Gobble a new era dawned upon the school. Rev. S. I. Shortiss became super- intendent of the school, having charge of the building and the boarding of the students. In the Spring of 1880 a new curriculum was adopted, and in the following September a new charter was obtained for the institution. Soon afterwards there was added a commercial department, and in 1882 an additional course called ' 'The Elementary Course. " The institution was now better equip- ped than ever before, and prosperity again began to dawn. At the annual session of the Central Pa. Conference, in 1883, the educational society made a tender of the institution to that body for a nominal sum, with the proviso that the conference assume its liabilities. The offer was accepted on condition that the liabilities shall not exceed $ 1,000. The transfer was con- summated at the conference session, and that body at once elected a board of trustees, who met in the seminary June 12, 1883, when the legal transfer was made to the conference. A collegiate charter was obtained this year, and the building was entirely remodeled and another story added. 4 In 1887 the name was changed to "Central Pennsylvania College." In 1890 a proposal was made to the Pittsburgh Con- ference that a two-seventh interest in the institution should be W8TITUTI0S3. 187 transferred to them. They to be entitled to two trustees in the Board, on condition that they take up annually a collection for its benefit, and Jn other ways use their influence for its further- ance. At the conferences of 1891 this arrangement was fully consummated. The institution now embraces five courses, viz. : the Classical, Scientific, Theological, Commercial and Elementary. Finally it remains to be said that the growth and prosperity of Central Pa. College is greatly due to the untiring zeal of its pres- ident, Prof. A. E. Gobble, A.M., D.D., who since 1880 has been its honored head. Plaint ield and Northwestern College. This institution was founded in January, 1861, by a joint committee of the Illi- nois and Wisconsin Conferences. The citizens of Plainfield, I1L/ haying made a very. generous offer, arrangements were entered into between them and the conference committees for the estab- lishment of the institution at that place. This arrangement was sanctioned by the conferences interested. The following invita- tion was extended to other conferences, and personally presented to them by the agent : "Resolved, That we invite any of our sister conferences, which may desire to unite with us in the erection and maintenance of Plainfield College, to do so, with the assurance that they shall enjoy equal privileges with this and the Wisconsin Conferences, provided they unite with us within a year from this date. " J. J. Esher, of the Illinois Conference, was appointed agent for the institution, through whose instrumentality the Iowa and Indiana Conferences united in the compact, and in later years eleven others joined them. In 1863 R. Dubs was elected finan- cial agent, who proved an efficient and energetic collector, and succeeded in securing a considerable endowment fund, which has since been increased to over $100,000. Plainfield College was opened in 1862, with Prof. A. A. Smith, as president. The institution received its collegiate charter in 1865, and graduated its first class in 1866. Plainfield being isolated from the railroads, and the buildings being inadequate for the purposes of the school, it was resolved to remove it. This was done in 1870, when it was established at Naperville, 111., as Northwestern College. Here fine and commodious buildings were erected, and with good railroad facilities the institution entered upon a career of great prosper- ity. Its . curriculum embraced nine courses of study. The 198 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. faculty has always been a strong one, and the institution has richly merited the success it has enjoyed. In 1883 President Smith, after a faithful service of twenty- one years, resigned the position because of the infirmities of age. He was, however, retained as president emeritus, and Prof. H. H. Rassweiler, Ph.D., was elected acting president. Union Biblical Institute, as an adjunct to Northwestern College, was founded in 1875. It embraces a three years' course in Theology and Biblical Literature. It has an endowment fund of 130,000, and is well maintained. Schuylkill Seminary was founded at the session of the East Pa. Conference in 1881. The committee to whom was entrusted its establishment consisted of seven ministers and two laymen. A suitable building was secured in the city of Reading, Pa., on the corner of Sixth and Walnut Streets. The institution was formally opened Aug. 16, 1881, the exercises being held in the Eighth Street church. Rev. S. S. Chubb was the general manager, and Prof. W. E. Walz, principal. At the conference session of 1882 the new charter was adopted and the previous officers were reelected. During the Summer of 1882 Col. J. H. Lick, a benevolent citizen of Lebanon, Pa., made a munificent offer to the confer- ence toward the permanent establishment of the seminary. The trustees of the institution were instructed to consider the proposal and also to look after other proposed locations. The conference after mature deliberation accepted the offer of Col. Lick, which was as follows : Eight acres of land on which to erect the build- ings, situated at Fredericksburgh, Lebanon county, Pa.; a cash donation of #20,000 towards the building, which shall not cost less than # 25,000 ; #3,000 towards furnishing the institution, and #1,000 towards beautifying the grounds. The conditions im- posed on the conference were duly met, and work on the edifice was commenced in 1884. The building is situated on a com- manding eminence, overlooking a beautiful valley with the Blue Mountains in the distance. The main building is seventy-five by fifty feet in dimension, with an eastern wing seventy-eight by forty feet, four stories in height, built of brick and stone, and cost upwards of #30,000. On Sept. 1, 1886, it was dedicated with imposing ceremonies, all the bishops, and many of the leading men of the Church being present. Ths school opened with the Fall term of this year. In 1883 President Walz was INSTITUTIONS. 199 appointed missionary to Japan, and was succeeded by Prof. J. F. Crowell. Prof. C. desiring to finish a post graduate course, Prof. T. S. Stein took his place as acting president. After com- pleting his course Prof. Croweli, took charge of the school, but resigned in 1888, and Prof. G. Holtzapfel was elected and took charge at the Fall term of this year. Schuylkill Seminary embraces three regular courses of instruction, viz.: Classical, Greek and Latin Scientific, and English Scientific. LaFayette Seminary. This youngest institution of learn- ing in the Evangelical Association was founded by the Educa- tional Association of the Oregon Conference. The seminary is situated in the town of LaFayette, Oregon. The property was generously donated to the society by the citizens of the place. The dedicatory services were held in the chapel of the seminary Sept. 10, 1889, and the following day the school was opened for the reception of students under very favorable auspices. Albright Seminary,* the first institution of learning in the association, was projected at the first session of the Pittsburg Conference in 1852. A committee of five was appointed, to whom the work of establishment was entrusted, with directions to begin as soon as J 1,500 was secured. When this was accom- plished a suitable edifice was secured in Berlin, Somerset county, Pa., and the school was opened in August, 1853, with Prof. J. F. Eberhart as principal. At the conference session of 1854 the number of students was 108. On March 8, 1854, the citizens of Berlin held a public meeting to give expression to their satisfac- tion with the school and take steps for the erection of buildings for it. Four thousand dollars was subscribed for this purpose. It seems, however, that the people generally in the conference were not prepared for the project, and the school began to lan- guish for lack of support. In 1856 the Ohio Conference invited the Pittsburg Conference to unite with it in the establishment of Greensburg Seminary. This proposition was accepted and the interests of Albright Seminary were absorbed by the new insti- tution in Ohio. * Note.— We give the following account of the defunct literary institutions of the Evangelical Association, not only as a matter of interest, but also to illus- trate the general desire in the Church for literary culture. In this direction the ■ Church has experienced many bitter disappointments and vicissitudes, in common with other denominations, in the establishment of institutions of learning. 300 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS, Greensburg Seminary was founded in 1855 by the Ohio Confeience. At its annual session this year it was resolved to purchase the Greenfield Seminary building, situated at Greens- burg, O. The committee to whom the matter was entrusted consisted of Bishop Long, Rev. Chas. Hammer and Rev. G. F. Spreng. The edifice purchased was of brick, 56x36 feet. A committee of eight ministers and four laymen of the Ohio Con- ference took charge of it. The school opened Oct. 21, 1855, Prof. J. A. Reubelt, president. In 1856 J. Kanaga was elected agent, and a union was effected with Albright Seminary, under the supervision of the Pittsburg Conference. In 1857 Prof. A. A. Smith became principal and continued as such until 1862, when he was called to the presidency of Plainfield College. Prof. W. J. Hahn succeeded him and remained its head until its close. The Civil War had a disastrous effect on the institution. This, and a lack of interest on the part of the conferences under whose auspices it was established, crippled it very badly. Bishop Long canceled the indebtedness of die seminary, and in 1861 the Ohio Conference vested the title in him. From this time Bishop Long continued the school, at a heavy financial loss to himself, until 1865, when he disposed of the property, and Greensburg Semi- nary was a thing of the past. Blalrstown Seminary was founded by the Iowa Confer- ence in 1867, at Blairstown, la. Prof. W. J. Hahn, formerly president of Greensburg Seminary, was its president. It embraced two courses, a classical course of four, and a teacher's course of three years. After being in operation thirteen terms, the insti- tution, unable to overcome the many difficulties with which it had to contend, was forced to suspend. Missionary Society. The Eastern Conference, at its ses- sion in 1838, organized itself into a missionary society, of which W. W. Orwig was president ; J. P. Leib, vice president ; J. Vogelbach, secretary, and T. Buck, treasurer. A deep interest was awakened in the missionary cause by this organization, aux- iliaries were formed and money was collected, which, at the close of the year, amounted to $500. Notwithstanding the prospective efficiency and usefulness of this organization, it was felt that a General or Parent Society, to which conference organizations should be auxiliary, was a necessity. At a general meeting held at New Berlin, Pa., over Christmas, 1838, a number of ministers and laymen met at the INSTITUTIONS. 201 house of W. W. Orwig for the purpose of discussing the advisa- bility of organizing such a society. At this meeting a committee, composed of Revs. John Seybert, George Brickley and W.W. Orwig, was appointed to prepare a constitution for adoption at a subsequent meeting. On March i, 1839, another meeting was held at the house of John S. Dunkel, in Buffalo Valley, near New Berlin. At this meeting the missionary society of the Evan- gelical Association was organized, and the constitution prepared by the committee submitted and adopted. The officers of the society were the following : President, John Seybert; first vice president, James Barber; second vice president, Daniel Berger; third vice president, George Brickley ; secretary, Solomon G. Miller; corresponding secretary, W.W. Orwig; treasurer, John S. Dunkel; directors (ministers), Charles Hammer, Henry Thomas, Sebastian Mosser, Philip Wagoner, Michael F. Maize and Philip Smith (local); laymen, Dr. I. Brugger, Hon. Martin Dreisbach, Martin D. Reed, John Rohland, Isaac Ever, John Maize, Leonard Gebhart and John Kauffman. At the General Conference held a few weeks later, the constitu- tion of the society was submitted for inspection, with the result that it was approved and the society recognized as a general church organization, at which time its official history properly begins. The previously organized society of the Eastern Con- ference became an auxiliary to the Parent Society soon after its organization. The first meeting of the board of directors of the general society was held at New Berlin, June 17, 1839, at which time by-laws were adopted. The first annual meeting of the society was held at New Berlin, April 21, 1840. At this meeting it was resolved to have 500 copies of the constitution printed for distribution. A committee, consisting of Charles Hammer, George Brickley and S. G. Miller, was appointed to have the society incorporated. The corresponding secretary, W. W. Orwig, read the first annual report, which indicates a prosperous condition of the society, and all the missionaries receiving sup- port from the society reported success on their respective fields. The receipts of the society for the year, inclusive of the #500 gathered by the conference society of the year previous, was $1,434.31. The officers elected at this meeting were : President, Rev. Chas. Hammer ; vice presidents, J. Barber, G. Brickley and P. Wagoner; secretary, S. G. Miller; corresponding sec- retary, W. W. Orwig ; treasurer, J. S. Dunkel. This is in brief 202 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. a history of the beginning of the Parent Missionary Society of the Evangelical Association. All the annual conferences are auxiliaries, while the Woman's Missionary Society may also be regarded in that relation. It has sent hundreds of missionaries, not only to the western frontiers and the Pacific and gulf coast, but also to Europe and the heathen world, and many thousand souls have been saved through its instrumentality. In 1859 the corresponding secretary was elected by the Gen- eral Conference, and from that time on that officer devoted himself entirely to the interests of the society. Woman's Missionary Society. The first Woman's Mis- sionary Society in the Evangelical Association was organized in Philadelphia, Pa. , in the Autumn of 1 839. The society numbered over sixty members. They adopted an excellent constitution which was published in the Christliche Botschafter in December, 1839. Soon after this the pastor forsook his charge, and through the commotion which ensued, the society was discontinued. Local societies were afterwards formed at several places in the Church, but there was no connection whatever between them. In 1877-78 a movement took shape which finally resulted in the formation of the Woman's Missionary Society of the Evan- gelical Association. In 1878 there appeared in the Evangelical Messenger appeals on the subject by Miss Rachel Hudson, one of our missionaries in Japan, and also from Miss Ella J. Yost (Preyer), of Cleveland, O. About this time (1878) a number of the sisters in Cleveland, O., petitioned the Board of Missions for the privilege of organizing a society, auxiliary to the Parent Society, but their appeal was refused, through the determined opposition of several of the highest dignitaries of the Church, whose influence prevailed in the board. A second appeal was made by the society of Lindsey, O., in October, 1880, which would have met the same fate as the former, but for the earnest efforts of the editors of the Evangelical Messenger, through whose efforts, chiefly, the petition was granted, on the condition that the society be organized with the consent and under the super- vision of the preacher-in-charge where such society is organized. Under this arrangment the first society was formed at Lindsey, O., Oct. 27, and another about this time in South Chicago, 111. In the following year another was formed in Cleveland, O. The subject was agitated in the Church papers, and appeals were made to the sisters to organize local societies. The movement UT8TITUTI0N8. 203 gradually resulted in the organization of the General Society, with headquarters at Cleveland, O. The central society was called the Cleveland Woman's Missionary Society, of which Miss Ella J. Yost was president. The third general convention of the society was opened June 4, 1883, in Calvary Evangelical Church in Cleveland, O. Very cheering reports were rendered by the local societies and the prospects of the General Society were very encouraging. The chief aim of this convention was to take steps to secure the recog- nition of the W. M. S. by the coming General Conference (1883). For this purpose a committee of seven ladies was appointed to prepare an appeal to be presented to the General Conference for recognition. This committee consisted of Mrs. W. H. Hammer, Mrs. E. J. Y. Preyer, Mrs. H. C. Smith, Mrs. W. C. Kantner, Mrs. H. B. Hartzler, Mrs. S. P. Spreng, and Miss Minerva Strawman. The General Conference took favorable action, and the W. M. S. became an auxiliary to the Parent Society. The first general convention of the society in its new relation was held in the Calvary Evangelical Church, Cleveland, O., Oct. 10-14, 1884. At this meeting the new constitution was adopted and the following officers were elected for the ensuing year : President, Mrs. E. J. Y. Preyer, vice presidents, Mrs. H. C. Smith, Mrs. J. Bowman, Miss Minerva Strawman; recording secretary, Miss Emma Yost ; corresponding secretary, Mrs. W. H. Hammer; treasurer, Mrs. U. F. Swengel. In 1885 the convention was held in Lindsey, O., Sept. 25-27. The progress of the society was very gratifying ; forty-six local societies ren- dered reports. The treasurer reported the amount of £1,532.84 contributed for the past year. The following officers were elected : President, Mrs. H. B. Hartzler ; vice president, Mrs. E. J. Y. Preyer; corresponding secretary, Mrs.W. H. Hammer; record- ing secretary, Mrs. S. S. Condo ; treasurer, Mrs. U. F. Swengel. In 1886 the convention met in Naperville, 111., Oct. 1. The auxiliaries numbered sixty, with 1,651 members. The contribu- tions aggregated ji, 573.95. The officers elected were : President, Mrs. H. B. Hartzler ; vice presidents, Mrs. H. C. Smith, Mrs. G. F. Stauffer and Mrs. Dr. Krecker; recording secretary, Mrs. S. S. Condo; corresponding secretary, Mrs.W. H. Hammer; treasurer, Mrs. U. F. Swengel. "Missionary Messenger." In the Autumn of 1886 a number of the brethren at the book establishment formed them- 204 EVANGELICAL A8B0CIATI0N ANNALS. selves into a company for the purpose of publishing a paper for the society. Rev. H. B. Hartzler was the managing editor and Rev. U. F. Swengel publisher of the paper. It made its appearance in October of this year, and bore the title of Mission- ary Messenger. The W. M. S. Convention of this month adopted the periodical as the organ of the society, and Mrs. E. J. Y- Preyer was elected editress on behalf of the society. In 1887 the convention was held in Calvary Evangelical Church, Cleveland, O., Aug* 26. There were seventy-eight aux- iliary societies reported, with 2,048 members. The contributions, amounted to $2,066.60. The following officers were elected: President, Mrs. H. B. Hartzler; vice presidents, Mrs. Elizabeth Krecker, Mrs. H. C. Smith, Mrs. F. G. Stauffer; recording secretary, Mrs. S. P. Spreng; corresponding secretary, Mrs.W. M. Hammer ; treasurer, Mrs. U. F. Swengel :. Editor Mission- ary Messenger, Mrs. E. J. Y. Preyer. At the General Conference of 1887 the Missionary Messenger was tendered to the authorities of the Church and accepted, and taken charge of by the General Conference. The corresponding secretary and treasurer of the Parent Society became the editors, and also Mrs. E. J. Y. Preyer for the W. M. S. The society also, petitioned the General. Conference to permit them to devote their funds to some definite purpose, whereupon the conference passed the following:: "Whereas, Our sisters express a desire to undertake the support of a special part of our mission field; therefore, be it further Resolved, That the support of our mis- sionary in Washington Territory and that of Sister Johnson in Japan be committed to their care, under the direction of the Executive Committee of the Missionary Society." Ebenezer Orphan Home owes its origin chiefly to a spirit of benevolence manifested in several articles which appeared in the Christliche Botschafter, about the year i860. These articles? awakened an interest in the orphan cause throughout the Church,, and contributions for an Orphan Home were freely sent in before any arrangments for its establishment were made. The General Conference of 1863, reflecting the general interest in the cause, authorized the establishment of Orphan Homes by the annual conferences. Ohio was the first to move in the matter, as in 1865 George Weiker, of Belleview, very generously donated a fine farm of 100 acres to the Ohio Conference for the orphan cause. The conference at its following session, 1866, took prac- INSTITUTIONS. 206 tical steps in the matter by purchasing a property at Tiffin, O., and elected Rev. J. G. Zinzer superintendent and collector, and also elected a board of trustees. The institution was opened July i, 1866, with eight children, and grew in favor rapidly, and soon the building was too small for the number of children placed tinder its charge. The farm donated by Brother Weiker and the property in Tiffin were accordingly sold, and several tracts adjoining each other and containing 170 acres were purchased near Flat Rock, O. The erection of suitable buildings was soon after commenced. At the General Conference of October, 1867, the Ohio Conference tendered the institution to the Church. The tender was accepted, and the General Conference named the home Ebenezer Orphan Institution of the Evangelical Association ■of North America. Brother Zinzer was retained as superintend- ent and L. Scheurman general collector. In the Winter of 1867 Brother Zinzer's health failed and Rev. Charles Hammer was elected to take his place. By the latter part of April, 1868, the buildings at Flat Rock were completed, and on the 28th of that month the furniture and inmates of the institution were removed from Tiffin to the new quarters. The building is of brick, two stories in height, and consists of two wings, each 36x50 feet. The estimated assets, when adopted by the General Conference, was #23, 600, which included the building then in course of erec- tion. May 3, 1868, the new edifice was dedicated with imposing ■ceremonies. In his quadrennial report to the General Conference of 187 1, Supt. C. Hammer reports that since the last General Conference (1867) eighty-nine orphans had been admitted and thirteen dis- charged. Brother Hammer was re-elected for another quadren- nium. In 1875 he reports that sixty-two children were received during the last four years and fifty-three discharged. The assets ■of the institution, after deducting liabilities, were estimated at #96, 208. At this conference Jacob Dreisbach, of the Ohio Con- ference, was elected superintendent and in 1879 he was re-elected. The estimated assets of the home, after deducting indebtedness, were $71,004. The General Conference of 1883 passed a vote •of thanks to Supt. Dreisbach for his efficient services during the last term. The assets were reported at $7 1,530- Rev. E. Kohr, of the Central Pa. Conference, was elected superintendent, who shortly afterward resigned on account of impaired health, and Rev. D. Strohman, of the Ohio Conference, was elected. 206 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. During the quadrennium the home prospered greatly. H. Engel, who lived near Flat Rock, bequeathed a fine farm of fifty acres to the home, valued at $4,000. The institution also came in possession of the Stambach farm, in Indiana, valued at $4,500. The treasurer in 1877 reported the assets to be $101,781, unencumbered. At this conference Rev. C. K. Fehr, of the East Pa. Conference, was elected superintendent. The Charitable Society was organized at Orwigsburg, Pa., July 4, 1836, for the purpose of aiding the worn-out preachers of the association and preachers' widows and orphans. This chartered fund was the outgrowth of a benevolent spirit mani- fested by members of the Church who made provisions in their wills for this purpose, a number of bequests of this kind having been made prior to the organization of this society. The first large bequest was that of Maria Kuster, of Lehigh county, whose house had been a preaching place in the days of Albright. She willed her entire estate for the benefit of superannuated preachers within the limits of Pennsylvania exclusively, but the Eastern Conference, after acquiring the legacy, which amounted to $2,600,* very generously relinquished their exclusive claim, and it flowed into the common treasury. Previous to the organization of the society, the beneficiary fund had been accumulating for a number of years, so that it amounted to $4,312.03 at the time of the organization of the society, at which time the treasurer of the fund, Rev. John Seybert, paid that sum into the new treasury. The first bequest to the society was made by Sister Kugler, of of Adams county, Pa., and amounted to $3,150. The largest bequest was that of Frederick Miller, of Washington township, Lehigh county, Pa. He was converted under Albright, and was a brother of Rev. George Miller, one of the first preachers of the association. His legacies to the Church aggregated the sum of $12,000, of which $8, i24f was secured. Other bequests were those of Bishop Seybert, $1,400; Henry Eby, $600; Daniel Kriebel, $463 ; all from Pennsylvania. The entire fund in 1887 amounted to $24,822, the interest of which is divided annually among the conferences of the association. John * Notes. — This will was contested, and the amount here given was awarded to the Church. f This will was also contested, and the above sum realized after a litigation of six or seven years. INSTITUTIONS. 207 Seybert was its president from its organization until 1844, when J. P. Leib succeeded him, continuing in the office until i860. Sunday-Schools and Sunday-School Literature. The Evangelical Association has ever taken a deep interest in Sabbath- schools. The first school organized was at Lebanon, Pa., in the Autumn of 1832.* The General Conference of 1835 directed that Sunday-schools should be organized wherever practicable, and they were accordingly organized in almost every church then erected, New Berlin, Philadelphia, Orwigsburg, etc. Interesting reports concerning our Sunday-schools appear in the first volume of the Christ He he Botschafter (1836). Of literature our early Sunday-schools had but a scanty sup- ply, compared with the present time. The Eastern Conference in 1837 ordered the printing of the well-known tickets with Bible verses. This was the first direct provision in that line. Soon after this little Sunday-school books, including a small primer, followed and did good service for many years. Periodicals. The General Conference in 1855 made pro- vision for the publication of a Sunday-school paper, which made its appearance in January of the following year, in the German language, under the name of Der Christliche Kinderfreund. It appeared monthly, but after 187 1 bi-monthly, and still later weekly, as desired. In 1863 the General Conference ordered the publication of an English Sunday-school paper, which made its appearance in 1864 as The Evangelical Sunday-School Mes- senger. It was also published monthly at first, then bi-monthly, and weekly in later years. The International Sunday-School Lesson System was adopted by the Church almost in the begin- ning of its appearance, and the lessons were published in the form of Lesson Leaves, and also. in the magazines and weeklies of the Church. In 1875 the General Conference ordered the publication of The Sunday-School Teacher, and also lesson papers, * Note. — In the Christliche Botschafter of 1839, page 39, is found a report of the Lebanon Sunday-school, furnished by Rev. J. C. Reisner, in which he states that the "society" was organized in 1832. As the locality of the first Sunday-school in the Church has been a matter of controversy, Dr. C. B. Wag- oner, who has been connected with the First Evangelical Church at Lebanon and superintendent of the Sunday-school for over a quarter of a century, began an investigation into the facts many years ago, the results of which were conclu- sive. He found documentary evidence showing that the school was organized in the Fall of 1833, besides the testimony of several persons who attended the school at that time. 808 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. in both languages, for the primary department. Under a reso- lution of encouragement from the General Conference of 1867, a company was formed for the publication of an English monthly magazine. This periodical made its appearance in January, 1 869, under the title of The Living Epistle, and was specially devoted to the subject of holiness. In 187 1 it was tendered to and accepted by the General Conference, and thereafter appeared as one of the publications of the Church. It was much enlarged in 1875. The German monthly, Das Evangelisehe Magazine, was estab- lished about the same time as the Epistle. The Epistle is edited by the English, and the Magazine by the German editor of the Sunday-school literature. Children's Day. In 1880 all Christian denominations celebrated the centennial anniversary of the establishment of Sunday-schools by Robert Raikes in England. At a meeting of the Sunday-School and Tract Union of the Evangelical Asso- ciation in Cleveland, O., April 24, 1880, it was decided to observe June 27 as Children's Day, and the editors of the Sunday-school literature were directed to prepare a suitable program, which was furnished gratis to all schools desiring it. The collections of that day were devoted to the Sunday-School and Tract cause. The xlay was generally observed, and a general desire was expressed by Sunday-schools to continue its observance. It was decided to celebrate the last Sunday in June as Children's Day. Several of the annual conferences passed resolutions endorsing the move- ment. The General Conference of 1883 took cognizance of the matter. The day was continued by that body, and the editors of Sunday-school literature were directed to prepare the program annually. The collections on this day were ordered to be paid into the General Missionary Treasury. The day has ever since been celebrated annually with great enthusiasm, adding another source of revenue to the missionary treasury. The aggregate collections for the missionary cause from its first observance to 1891 amounted to the enormous sum of $50,000. Book Establishment and Church Periodicals. After an existence of fifteen years, during which time several works authorized by the conference were published, the society fe.lt the need of a publishing house of its own. On Nov. 30, 1815, John Dreisbach went to Philadelphia and purchased a small printing outfit, which he presented to the society. The entire cost of press, etc., was $375.08. The following Spring he purchased INSTITUTIONS. 209 additional material costing $65.50. In January, 1816, he went to Philadelphia in a sleigh to bring some of the material to New Berlin, but a sudden thaw necessitated another mode of trans- portation. At the annual conference in June following, a Board of Pub- lication was elected, consisting of seven members, viz. : John Dreisbach, Henry Niebel, Solomon Miller, Adam Ettinger, Daniel Bertolet, Philip Breidenstein and Christopher Spangler. To them was entrusted the entire business. They were required to render a report annually to the conference. At the first General Conference, October, 1 8 1 6, Rev. Solomon Miller was elected the first book agent, with Henry Niebel assistant. A frame building, 20x26 feet, was erected by the side of the first church, then also in course of erection in New Berlin, Pa. The next step was to secure a competent printer. For this purpose John Dreisbach went to Harrisburg to consult Chris- tian Gleim, an extensive publisher, who recommended a young man named George Miller,* who was well skilled in all the branches of the business, and was also a member of the Evangel- ical Association. Miller was engaged at once, and removed to New Berlin. As soon as possible the work of printing the new hymn book and Discipline was begun. In the first years of the establishment the Book Committee had but few meetings, owing to the absence of the lay members ; accordingly, it was resolved at the conference of 1822 to constitute the committee of ministers only. This committee consisted of John Dreisbach, general book agent ; John Erb, John Klein- felter, Jacob Kleinfelter, J. Dehoff, D. Wolf and John Seybert. Towards the close of the first quarter of the century a season of great depression set in. Business in general was prostrated and money was scarce. This had a disastrous effect upon the little printing establishment, and it was deemed best to let it out to George Miller ("the printer") at a yearly rental of £60. •Note. — George Miller, "the printer," was no relative of the preachers of that name in the Association. He was a most useful man, and served the Church faithfully for many years. In 1 8 1 8 he married Margaret Zimmerman, the youngest daughter of Leonard Zimmerman, who was one of the first to receive Albright in the beginning of his ministry. Miller died Jan. 23, 1859, aged sixty-four years, three months and twenty-five days. His wife preceded him March 10, 1845, aged fifty-five years, nine months and twelve days. 210 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. At the conference of 1827 it was resolved to sell the printing material and apply the proceeds to the management of the book trade. John Dreisbach, James Barber and Benj. Ettinger were appointed a committee to attend to this matter. At the following conference Dreisbach was authorized to sell the estab- lishment. Returning prosperity and the rapid increase of the society awakened a general desire for the re-establishment of a printing house and the publication of a periodical. A special General Conference was convened in 1836, at the house of John Ferner, in Somerset county, Pa., to take practical steps in this direction. A committee was appointed, consisting of Rev. P. Wagoner, Rev. W. W. Orwig and John Rank, Esq., who were authorized to purchase or build a suitable printing house in New Berlin. Orwig was appointed collector for the enterprise, and met with great success. The committee purchased a commodious brick edifice in the central part of the town, at a cost of $ 1,900. New printing materials were secured. Miller again took charge of the work, while the committee supervised the whole. The enterprise was a success from the start, book after book was published, and all met with a ready sale. Among the first works published were, "Das Kernwesen der Erlocsung durch Jesum Christum" (Substance of Redemption by Jesus Christ), written by Rev. Samuel Miller, a son of George Miller; Dow's " Chain of Reason;" "Thomas a' Kempis ;" Miller's "Practical Christianity; " Collier's "Introduction to the Study of the Scrip- tures;" Fletcher's "Appeal," and also a small hand Bible. In the middle of the century the business of the establishment had so increased, while the facilities for shipment from New Berlin were so poor, that a change of location was felt to be a necessity. At the General Conference of 185 1 action was taken in the matter. The places put in nomination were Cleveland, Pittsburg, Harrisburg, Philadelphia and New Berlin. Cleveland was selected by a majority of five votes. The condition of re- moval was that the cost of lot and buildings should not exceed the sum of $12,000, three-fourths of which should be raised or subscribed by Jan. 1, 1853. Success attended the efforts of the agents, and in 1854 the business was removed to the newly erected establishment at Cleveland, O., where it has remained. The committee to whom was assigned the responsible task of removal consisted of Bishop Joseph Long, Henry Fisher, John Dreis- bach, W. W. Orwig, J. G. Zinzer and G. F. Spreng. A lot on INSTITUTIONS. 211 Woodland avenue was purchased for $4,360, on which was erected a substantial three and one-half-story brick edifice at a cost of almost $3,ooo. In 1874 the building had became too small, and an additional lot was purchased, on which was erected an edifice costing over $40,000. To this was added another building ten years later, at a cost of $30,000. The whole now presents a uniform front, four stories high, on Woodland avenue of 123 feet and a depth of 100 feet. The enormous growth of the establishment may be inferred from the following quadrennial statement of assets : 1867, $84,- 675; 1871, $153,186; 1875, $306,223; 1879, $398,568; 1883, $461,201; 1887, $498,483. Besides paying off the remaining indebtedness of the old, the new establishment was able to pay to the Church a dividend of $500. From that time on it has paid yearly dividends to the Church, with the exception of the years 1839, 1842 and 1868, amounts ranging from $500, the lowest, to $20,302, the highest (1883). The total dividends to annual con- ferences from 1837 to 1887 aggregated $240,024.36, besides a loan in 1879 of $10,000 to the branch establishment in Germany. "ChristHche Botschafter" and "Evangelical Mes- senger." The ChristHche Botschafter was established in 1836. Rev. Adam Ettinger and George Miller ("the printer") were its editors and publishers. It was eight pages, 8j4xioj4 inches in size, and published monthly, at seventy-five cents per annum. The list of subscribers was 700, which was increased to 1,100 in less than a year. At the special General Conference in Novem- ber, 1836, W. W. Orwig was elected editor, and assumed the office in April, 1837, serving also in the capacity of book agent. He continued in this two-fold office until 1839, when Chas. Hammer was elected book agent. In 1840 the Botschafter was consid- erably enlarged and appeared bi-monthly, and the price was raised to $1. Orwig continued as editor until 1843, when Adam Ettinger succeeded him. In the Spring of 1842 C. Hammer resigned the office of book agent and publisher, and T. Buck was elected in his place by the West Pa. Conference. He died the following October, and the office remained vacant until the fol- lowing General Conference (1843), when Adam Ettinger was elected editor and J. C. Reisner publisher. At the General Conference of 1847 N.Gehr, of the Ohio Conference, was elected editor, and H. Fisher, of the East Pa. Conference, publisher. The same conference having also ordered the publication of the 212 EVANGELICAL AB800IAT10N ANNALS. Evangelical Messenger, Gehr also served as editor of that period- ical. The Evangelical Messenger made its appearance on Jan. 8, 1848, at $1 per annum, with 800 subscribers. In 1849 Gehr resigned his office, J. G. Zinzer was elected in his stead, and Henry Fisher was chosen editor of the Messenger in addition to his office as agent, Bersch continuing as his assistant. Zinzer, however, resigned the office before he had assumed its duties, whereupon Fisher issued a call for a meeting of the Book Com- mittee June 21, at which time W. W. Orwig was again elected. , In 1850 the Botschafter was again enlarged. Its subscription list had increased to 4,000. The General Conference of 1851 again elected W. W. Orwig as editor of the Botschafter and chief book steward, with J. G. Zinzer as assistant. Zinzer, however, resigned the office in the course of about a year, because of ill- health, and Bersch again served in his stead until April, 1854. The same conference also re-elected H. Fisher editor of the Evangelical Messenger, which was also enlarged. Fisher served in this capacity until his death, Feb. 20, 1854. In 1853 Orwig resigned the office of editor of the Botschafter and book agent, and the West Pa. Conference, which had the oversight of the establishment in the interim of the General Conference, elected Charles Koch editor, and M. F. Maize publisher. Maize, however, resigned, and Orwig continued to serve as agent until the session of the West Pa. Conference in March, 1854, when Charles Hammer was elected book agent, and J. L. W. Seybert editor of the Evangelical Messenger. In April of this year the periodicals made their appearance from their new quarters in Cleveland, O. In September Seybert resigned, and the Board of Publication elected John Dreisbach in his place. At the General Conference of 1855 Charles Hammer was elected book agent, Charles G. Koch, editor of the Botschafter, and John Dreisbach, editor of the Messenger. At the Ohio Conference in May, 1856, Dreisbach resigned on account of old age and infir- mities, and T. G. Clewell, of the East Pa. Conference, was elected to fill the vacancy. At the General Conference of 1859 Hammer, Koch and Clewell were re-elected to their respective Biographical Note. — In 1837 William Bersch, a well-educated young German, was converted in Philadelphia. The following year he went to New Berlin for employment at the book establishment, and continued in the work until his death at Cleveland, O., Jan. 12, 1S82. Bersch was a remarkable man, and his services to our publishing interests were invaluable. He always considered his connection with the establishment his life-work and providential. INSTITUTIONS. 213 offices. In 1861 botji periodicals appeared as weeklies. The General Conference of 1863 re-elected Hammer as book agent and Clewell as editor of the Messenger, with W. W. Orwig as editor of the Botschafter. At the General Conference of 1867 W. W. Orwig was elected book agent, R. Dubs, of the Iowa Conference, editor of the Botschafter, and Clewell was re-elected editor <3i the Messenger. The Botschafter was again enlarged in 1867 and the price advanced to $2 per annum. In 1868 the Messenger was also enlarged and the price advanced to $2. In the Spring of 1870 Orwig resigned the office of book agent and W. F. Schneider, of the Wisconsin Conference, was elected by the Board of Publication to fill the vacancy. In January, 1871 Clewell resigned the editorship of the Messenger and R. Yeakel was appointed to fill the vacancy. The General Conference of 1872 re-elected W. F. Schneider as publisher, R. Dubs, editor of the Botschafter, and J. Hartzler, of the Central Pa. Confer- ence, editor of the Messenger. The General Conference of 1875 re-elected Schneider and Hartzler to their respective offices, and elected M. Lauer, of the New York Conference, editor of the Botschafter. In 1879 Lauer was elected publisher,* W. Horn, of the Wisconsin Conference, editor of the Botschafter, and H. B. Hartzler, of the Central Pa. Conference, editor of the Messenger. In 1883 the foregoing were re-elected to their respective offices, with the addition of H. Mattill, of the Kansas Conference, as assistant publisher. In 1887 Lauer and Mattill were re-elected publishers, W. Horn, editor of the Botschafter, and S. P. Spreng, of the Ohio Conference, editor of the Mes- senger. The Christliche Botschafter has the distinction of being the most extensively circulated, and perhaps the oldest, German church paper in America. In 1887 its circulation was 23,500. The Evangelical Messenger ranks also as a great religious jour- nal. In 1884 it was changed to book form of sixteen pages. Its circulation in 1887 was 13,000. The Board of Publication was established by the General Con- ference of 1859, to consist of seven members, and to be legally incorporated, and the members to be elected every four years by the General Conference. The first board, which was elected at this conference, consisted of Bishop J. Long, J. G. Zinzer, A. B. Shaefer, J. J. Esher, S. Neitz, M. Lauer and A. Niebel. *W. F. Schneider, publisher, died Aug; 22, 1879, and W. W. Orwig was appointed to the vacancy until General Conference. THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS. PART, II. An Outline History of the Association, Including a Summary of the Transactions of the Annual and Gen- eral Conferences, From Its Organization to the Year 1887 Inclusive. Arranged in Chronological Order. Also a Biographical Department. CHAPTER I. Annals of the Evangelical Association from Its Origin to the Year 1839. Prefatory Remarks. It has been deemed best to give the official records of the Association from its origin to 1839 as a distinct period. The reasons for this appear obvious upon con- sideration. This period was practically the old dispensation of the society : old notions, customs and methods largely prevailed. The annual and General Conferences were often held jointly, and the latter conference had as yet no constitutional limitations of authority and power. All elders could attend, as members, the highest body of the Church. The Church had no bishop during this period. Although the Discipline provided for his election, and denned his functions, yet the Church hesitated to invest an incumbent with what little power was left to such a dignitary after repeated curtailments covering a lapse of over a quarter of a century. It is true, there were two conferences from the year 1826, but the Western was only a nursling under the watchful eye of the mother conference until the close of this period. Her acts were subject to correction and revocation, and her records were an- nually spread upon the journal of the Eastern Conference until 1836. The Western Conference depended on the Eastern for men to carry on the work among them, and new men were sent from year to year to replace the many who availed themselves of the superior advantages offered in the West to procure homes and those who could no longer endure the hardships of pioneer work. For many years the West was also in a great measure depend- ent on the East for financial support. The emigrants to the West were poor and unable to do much toward the support of the mis- sionaries, and the Eastern brethren continued to share their 218 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. scanty stipends equally with the Western, until the close of this period. Gladly did they make this sacrifice in the spirit and for the sake of Christ, for the advancement of whose cause they were willing with the Apostle Paul, to "suffer the loss of all things." FIRST PERIOD— 1800-1839. Jacob Albright, the founder of the Evangelical Association, was born near Pottstown, Pa., May 1, 1759. He was united in marriage with Catharine Cope in 1785, and soon thereafter re- moved to Lancaster county, Pa. He was converted in 1792 and started on his first tour, as an independent evangelist, in October, 1796. Souls were converted through his instrumentality in vari- ous places, and in course of time he found it necessary to or- ganize them into classes. 1800. Firstclasses organized: Walter's class, near Quak- ertown, Bucks county j Liesser's, near Colebrookdale, Berks county, and Phillip's, in Hamilton township, Northampton county. 1802. Albright holds his first general meeting in June, at Samuel Liesser's; his second at John Thomas', in Miffiin county, in August, and his third a few weeks later, at Jacob Phillip's, in Northampton county. The brothers George and Solomon Miller are converted. John Walter enters the min- istry as Albright's first assistant. Membership about twenty. 1803. Abraham Liesser enters the ministry. Fourth class formed, in Schuylkill county, George Miller, leader. Gen- eral meeting at Solomon Miller's, on Easter day. First council held, in November, attended by Albight, his two assistants, and fourteen laymen, who declare Albright to be a true Evan- gelical minister and ordain him as such. Membership, forty. 1804. Second circuit (Northumberland) formed. Alex. Jameson enters the ministry. Membership, sixty. 1805. George Miller enters the ministry. Abraham Liesser dies. General spread of the work. Societies formed on the Muehlbach, at Jonestown, Lebanon county, and at Han- over, Dauphin county. Membership, seventy-five. Remark- able meeting at New Berlin, and establishment of the work there. 1806. A year of great success. Among the most impor- tant steps taken is the establishment of the office of local preacher. Charles Bissy, Jacob Phillips, Solomon Miller and John Dreisbach are granted license as such. It is also determined to OONFERBNGE RECORDS. 219 hold regular annual conferences hereafter. A collection is intro- duced, called the subsidiary collection, a sort of contingent fund applied to such purposes, as making up deficiency in salary and aiding the poor of the Church. Extensive revivals in both cir- cuits. Classes formed on the "new" circuit as follows: New Berlin, Union county, Michael Maize, leader; Thomas' settle- ment, Mifflin county, Fred. Harpster, leader; Millheim, Centre county ; Buffalo Valley, Union county, Martin Dreisbach, leader; Brush Valley, Centre county, Christian Spangler, leader ; Lewisburg, Union county, Christian Wolf, leader. The work also successful in Morrison's Cove. Membership, 120. 1807. The first annual conference was held Nov. 15, in the house of Samuel Becker, on the Muehlbach, near Kleinfelters- ville, Pa. There were present five itinerant and three local preachers, and twenty class-leaders and exhorters. The society is named "The Newly Formed Methodist Conference." Al- bright is elected bishop and George Miller elder. John Dreisbach and Jacob Frey were received into the itinerancy. Albright was directed to formulate Articles of Faith and a Dis- cipline for the society. Membership, 220. Appointments: Lancaster and Schuylkill Circuit, George Mil- ler and John Dreisbach; Northumberland, John Walter and Jacob Frey. Jacob Albright, general overseer. 1808. There was no conference held this year. At a gen- eral meeting on Easter day, at the house of John Brobst, in Albany township, Berks county, Albright stationed his preach- ers for the last time as follows : Lancaster and Schuylkill Circuit, John Walter and Jacob Frey ; Northumberland, George Miller, and John Dreisbach. Jacob Albright dies May 18, at the house of George Becker, on the Muehlbach, where he was also buried. M. Betz of Mill- heim and John Erb entered the itinerancy in Autumn. The lat- ter, who was associated with John Walter on the old circuit, took the place of Jacob Frey, who was sent to York county to establish the work, but afterwards withdrew from the ministry. Henry Niebel, of New Berlin, began to preach in the Winter. The society suffered unusual persecution. 1809. The second annual conference was held in April, at the house of Rev. George Miller, Albany township, Berks county. Itinerants present were George Miller, chairman, John Walter, John Dreisbach, secretary, John Erb, M. Betz 220 BVANOBLIGAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. and Henry Nikbel. Miller was instructed to write Articles of Faith and Discipline in place of Albright, deceased. The Dis- cipline was published this year. J. Dreisbach was instructed to publish a Catechism. This conference named the society " The So-called Albrights. " George Miller was instructed to write and preach as his health would permit. Appointments: Lancaster and Schuylkill Curcuit, J. Dreis- bach, M. Bete and H. Niebel ; Northumberland, J. Walter and John Erb. George Miller, John Walter and John Dreisbach were ordained elders at a general meeting held at the house of Henry Eby, near Lebanon, soon after the conference. Glorious revivals took place during the year and five new classes were formed. John Seybert, afterwards bishop, was converted near Manheim. Jacob Phillips, local preacher, died. (For statistics of this and subsequent conferences see statistical tables. ) 1810. Third conference, April 1 8-20, at the house of George Becker, on the Muehlbach. George Miller, president ; J. Dreisbach, secretary. Michael Becker and David Yerlitz were newly received ; John Erb and M. Betz were ordained deacons. A new circuit called Franklin was formed extending into York, Adams, Cumberland and Franklin counties, in Penn- sylvania, and Carroll and Washington counties, in Maryland. George Miller was directed to write and preach as his strength would permit. John Walter published a hymn book by per- mission of conference. Appointments : Schuylkill and Lancaster Circuit, J.Walter, H. Niebel and M. Becker; Northumberland, John Dreisbach and David Yerlitz ; Franklin, J. Erb, and M. Betz. The work made very rapid progress and fourteen new classes were formed. Camp-meetings were introduced, the first being held on land of Michael Maize, near New Berlin, in June, and the second on land of Rev. George Miller, in Albany town- ship, Berks county, in October. 1811. Fourth conference, April 9, 10, on the Muehlbach, George Miller, president; John Dreisbach, secretary. Leon- ard Zimmerman was received on trial and Henry Niebel was ordained deacon. The conference recommended catechetical instruction, and the preachers were directed to organize cate- chetical classes on their circuits. OONFEBENCB RECORDS. 221 Appointments: Schuylkill and Lancaster Circuit, J. Walter, M. Betz and D. Yerlitz ; Northumberland, J. Erb and L. Zim- merman ; Franklin, J. Dreisbach, H. Niebel and M. Becker. Great revivals took place near Shrewsbury and Conewago, in York county, and near Shippensburg. Miller's "Practical Christianity" was published. 1812. Fifth conference, April 2, 3, at Martin Dreisbach's Buffalo Valley. George Miller, president; J. Dreisbach, secretary. Fred. Shower, Abraham Huth, Michael Diebler, Robert McCray and John Buchwalter were received into the ministry. John Erb was ordained elder. Several circuits were divided and a mission was established in Central New York. (This mission failed, however, during the year and was not re- established until 18 1 6.) Appointments : Schuylkill Circuit, H. Niebel and Abraham Huth ; Lancaster, J. Erb and Michael Diebler ; Franklin, John Walter and D. Yerlitz; York, M. Betz and M. Becker; New York, J. Dreisbach and Robert McCray ; Northumberland, L. Zimmerman, J. Buchwalter and F. Shower. 1813. Sixth session, April 21-23, at Martin Dreisbach's. George Miller, president; J. Dreisbach, secretary. George Miller and J. Erb located. Henry Niebel and M. Betz were ordained elders and D. Yerlitz and L. Zimmerman deacons. Received on trial, Abraham Buchman, John Kleinfelter, Jacob Kleinfelter, John Walter, Jr., John Stambach and Adam Kendig. Appointments : Schuylkilll Circuit, J. Walter, Jacob Klein- felter and John Walter, Jr.; Northumberland, M. Betz, Robert McCray, A. Buchman and John Stambach; Franklin, H. Niebel and M. Diebler; York, L. Zimmerman and Fred. Shower. To seek new territory, J. Dreisbach and A. Hennig, D. Yerlitz and John Kleinfelter. The work greatly advanced. Yerlit«z and Kleinfelter found open doors in Bedford and Huntingdon counties, while Dreisbach and Hennig met with equal success in Somerset and adjoining counties, and organized a number of classes. M. Betz died and John Walter, Albright's first assistant, broke down completely. 1814. Seventh session, April 13-15, at Martin Dreisbach's. John Dreisbach, president; Henry Niebel, secretary. Thomas Bruer, Michael Walter and Henry Stauffer were newly 222 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. received. F. Shower, A. Hennig and Abraham Buchman were ordained deacons. J. Dreisbach was elected presiding elder (the first in this office) for four years. Appointments : J. Dreisbach, presiding elder. Union Cir- cuit, H. Niebel and John Kleinfelter; Bedford, D. Yerlitz and Michael Walter ; York, J. Stambach and T. Bruer ; Somerset, Abraham Buchman and Jacob Kleinfelter ; Lancaster, L. Zim- merman and H. Stauffer; Franklin, F. Shower; Schuylkill, Adam Hennig. This was a successful year. Four camp-meetings, fourteen general meetings, and eight watch-night meetings were held. 1815. Eighth session, April 4-6, atjACOBKLEiNFELTER's,* near Shrewsbury. Henry Niebel, president; John Kleinfelter, secretary. D. Yerlitz located ; John and Jacob Kleinfelter and Thomas Bruer were ordained deacons; David Thomas, John Dehoff and James Bruer were newly received ; Henry Niebel was elected the second presiding elder. Highest salary received, $89.67. The time of holding the conference session was changed from April to June. Appointments : I. Canaan District, John Dreisbach, presid- ing elder. Franklin Circuit, Thomas Bruer and J. Dehoff ; York, Abraham Buchman and David Thomas; Lancaster, John Klein- felter and James Bruer ; Schuylkill, L. Zimmerman. II. Salem District, Henry Niebel, presiding elder. Union Circuit, John Stambach and Jacob Kleinfelter ; Centre, Fred. Shower and Henry Stauffer; Somerset, Adam Hennig and Michael Walter. This was a year of general success. Six camp-meetings were held. John Dreisbach visited Philadelphia, and preached, May 7, in Masonic Hall, near Poplar and N. Second Streets, and in the house of George Fisher. On a second visit he preached in Commissioners' Hall. During this visit he purchased a printing press and outfit at his own expense, for the use of the society at New Berlin. 1816. Ninth session, June 11-13, at Abraham Eyek's,! in Dry Valley. John Dreisbach, president ; Henry Niebel, sec- retary. The newly received into the ministry were John Frueh, Philip Smith, Moses Dehoff, Adam and Benjamin Ettinger, •Father of Revs. John and Jacob Kleinfelter. f Note. — This important session was held in Eyer's barn, which is still standing (1896). CONFERENCE RECORDS. 223 John Shilling, John Rickel, Fred. Kaltreiter and Andrew Wolf. D. Thomas, M. Walter, John Dehoff and S. Miller were ordained deacons, and Fred. Shower and L. Zimmerman elders. Abraham Buchman, Thomas Bruer and H. Stauffer located. This was the most important session yet held, as the following transactions will show: Two mission fields were estab- lished in Ohio. Local preachers shall hereafter be entitled to deacon's orders, after trial of six years, and recommendation of twelve itinerants. J. Dreisbach and H. Niebel shall have preachers licenses printed, and shall make a proper collection of hymns, and also improve the Discipline. A General Conference shall be held. A committee of seven was elected to superintend the new printing office established by J. Dreisbach, as follows: J. Dreisbach, H. Niebel, S. Miller, A. Ettinger, D. Bertolet, J. Breitenstein and Christian Spangler. Twelve delegates were elected for the coming General Conference. Ministers shall hereafter receive $$ 6 salary and expenses, if the state of the treas- ury will allow it. Appointments : I. Canaan District, J. Dreisbach, presiding elder. Franklin Circuit, J. Bruer and F. Kaltreiter ; York, L. Zimmerman and A. Ettinger; Lancaster, David Thomas; Schuyl- kill, J. Frueh and B. Ettinger ; Lake Mission (Seneca county, N. Y.), Jacob Kleinfelter. II. Salem District, H. Niebel, presiding elder. Union Cir- cuit, John Kleinfelter and M. Dehoff; Bedford, John Dehoff and J. Shilling; Somerset, M. Walter and J. Rickel; Columbia, P. Schmidt; Centre, J. Stambach; Canton Mission (O.), Adam Hennig; Scioto Mission (O.), Fred Shower. April 5 Rev. George Miller, co-laborer with Albright, died at New Berlin, Union county. April 27 Conrad Philips and John Walter, trustees, purchased a lot at New Berlin, fo r the use of the society as a burial place. CHAPTER II. First General Conference, Held at the House of Mar- tin Dreisbach, in Buffalo Valley, Union County, Pa., Oct. 14-17* 1816. 1816. The first General Conference of the society was held at the house of Martin Dreisbach, in Buffalo Valley, Union county, Pa., Oct. 14-17. J. Dreisbach, president; H. Niebel, secretary. The following important business was transacted : Solomon Miller was elected general book agent and publisher for the newly-established printing office at New Berlin, and H. Niebel assistant. The propriety of effecting an organic union with the United Brethren in Christwas discussed, Bishop Chris- tian Newcomer and several others of the latter denomination being present and joining in the discussion. A committee was appointed to meet a similar committee of the United Brethren to consummate the union if practicable. The new hymn book, Das Geistliche Saitenspiel, prepared by J. Dreisbach and Henry Niebel, was approved, and the publication of 1,500 copies was ordered. This was the first hymn book of the society. The same brethren also submitted the Articles of Faith and Discipline, also approved, and ordered 1,500 copies to be printed. The publication of these books, however, was deferred, pending the action of the Joint Committee on Church union. The yearly salary of an itinerant was raised from £56, as fixed by the last annual conference, to $60. The name of the society was changed from "The So-called Albrights" to "The Evangelical Asso- ciation." Delegates : J. Dreisbach, H. Niebel, John Walter, L. Zimmerman, J. Erb, J. Stambach, J. Kleinfelter, S. Miller, J. Dehoff, D. Thomas, A. Ettinger and J. Frueh. CONFERENCE RE00RD8. 225 The Social Conference. The Joint Committee to effect the proposed union of the Evangelical Association and the United Brethren in Christ met at the house of Henry Kummler, in Antrim township, Franklin county, Pa., Feb. 14, 181 7. The committees representing the Association consisted of J. Dries- bach, H. Niebel, S. Miller, J. Kleinfelter, D. Thomas and A. Ettinger. On behalf of the United Brethren there were present : Bishop Christian Newcomer, Joseph Hoffman, J. Paulus, A Meyer, C. Berger and C. Roth. The difficulties in the way of consummating this union were greater than had been anticipated. Some of these difficulties, as gathered from the histories of both denominations, were : A suit- able name for the proposed new organization ; the rights of local preachers ; the itinerancy ; Discipline and Church government. The chief difficulty seems to have been the following, as given by Rev. J. Dreisbach :* "It was then understood and agreed upon that there should be six delegates of each of the two denom- inations, and that these delegates should be authorized by both sides to negotiate a union, as we had postponed the new edition of our Discipline till after our conference. But when we met at Bro. H. Kummler's it was soon announced by the Brethren that they had no such authority to make a final decision on the subject of the contemplated union. This was to us very repulsive/ indeed, and the result of this conference has been stated." The result of the conference was the abandonment of the project. Church and Printing Establishment. The first church edifice of the Association was erected at New Berlin this year, and dedicated March 2, 181 7, by Rev. J. Dreisbach. Text, Psalm xxvii. 4. The printing house was erected by the side of the church (181 6) and taken charge of by Rev. Solomon Mil- ler, the agent. This establishment never flourished, and in 1828 the conference directed John Dreisbach to sell at his own discretion. The printing for the society thereafter was done by George Miller ("the printer"), who had been connected with the establishment from the beginning. 1817. The tenth conference was held in the new church at New Berlin June 2-7. H. Niebel, president ; J. Kleinfelter, secretary, The following members located: D. Thomas, A. Hennig and P. Smith. James Barber, Adam Kleinfelter, •Correction of Rev. H. G. Spayth, historian of the United Brethren Church, in Evangelical Messenger, 1855, page 68, 226 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALB. Samuel Muck, Henry Weiand, and B. Boeshore were newly received. James Bruer and Adam Ettinger were ordained deacons, and John and Jacob Kleinfelteh and J. Stambach, elders. One itinerant and one local preacher were expelled from the Church for misconduct, and three were deposed from the ministry for neglect of duty. In addition to the Book Commis- sion previously elected, the following were elected as agents of the commission, to whom books were sent to be disposed of ; York Circuit, Joseph Kleinfelter; Franklin, J. Erb; Berkley (Va.), Jacob Kerber; Columbia, Peter Reidy; Lake (N.Y.), Christian Wolf; Somerset, N. Neith; Canton (O.), A. Hennig. Appointments : I. Canaan District, J. Driesbach, presiding elder. York Circuit, John Kleinfelter and B. Boeshore ; Lancas- ter, A. Ettinger and J. Barber; Schuylkill, J. Frueh and S. Muck; Franklin, M. Walter ; Berkley (Va.), J. Bruer ; Lake (N. Y.), J. Schilling. II. Salem District, H. Niebel, presiding elder. Union Cir- cuit, B. Ettinger and F. Kaltreiter; Somerset, J. Stambach and H. Weiand ; Columbia, L. Zimmerman ; Centre, M. Dehoff ; Bedford, J. Rickle ; Lancaster, John and Adam Kleinfelter ; Canton, John Dehoff. 1818. Eleventh conference at New Berlin, June 1-5. J. Dreisbach, president; H. Niebel, secretary. J. Frueh, J. Bruer, A. Ettinger, and H. Weiand located. Samuel Witt, Henry Hassler, John Peters and John Breidenstein were newly received. Ordained Deacons — J. Rickel, J. Frueh, M. Dehoff, B. Ettinger, F. Kaltreiter, J. Schilling and James Barber. Dreisbach and Niebel were re-elected presiding elders. Columbia Circuit was consolidated with Union. The following rules were enacted: (1) That every preacher be forbidden to wear gloves during Summer, or to use any of the following articles at any time of the year, viz. : Silver-plated stirrups and bridle- bits, loaded whips and large watch keys. (2) That it shall be considered a transgression for any one of our minister to receive members of the Methodist Episcopal Church into our connection without the consent of the preacher having charge over them, except in cases where they move from the bounds of their Church into those of the Association, or have been regularly dismissed by their Church. Appointments : I. Canaan District, H. Niebel, presiding elder. Schuylkill Circuit, M. Dehoff and A. Kleinfelter ; Lan- CONFERENCE RECORDS. 327 caster, J. Shilling and B. Boeshore ; York, John Kleinfelter and John Breidenstein; Franklin, H. Hassler; Berkley (Va. ), Jacob Kleinfelter; Lake (N. Y.), F. Kaltreiter. II. Salem District, J. Dreisbach, presiding elder. Union Circuit. J. Stambach and John Dehoff ; Centre, L. Zimmerman and J. Peters ; Somerset, J. Barber and S. Witt ; Bedford, S. Rickel ; Canton (O. ), M. Walter ; Lancaster, B. Ettinger and S. Muck. John Walter, Albright's first assistant, died Dec. 3, aged thirty-seven years. John Dreisbach, presiding elder, visited the work in Ohio this year. 1819. The twelfth conference was heldiin New Berlin, June 7-1 1. J. Dreisbach, president; H. Neibel, secretary. Jacob Peters, David Wolf and Jacob Baumgardner were newly re- ceived. Adam Kleinfelter, Samuel Muck and Jacob Frey were ordained deacons. Henry Niebel and J. Rickel located. Dreisbach was presiding elder of both districts. The following statistics of the various fields of labor are here subjoined, that the reader may judge for himself as to the con- dition and strength of the various charges : Pennsylvania — Union Circuit, 239 ; Centre, 304; Lancaster, 277 ; York, 194 ; Somer- set, 204; Bedford, 43; Franklin (partly in Maryland), 93; Schuyl- kill, 93. Virginia— Canton Circuit, 160. New York — Lake Circuit, 59. Ohio — Canton Circuit, 139 ; Lancaster, 90. Total membership, 1,895. Appointments : John Dreisbach, presiding elder. Schuylkill Circuit, J. Schilling and J. Baumgardner ; Lancaster, L. Zim- merman and S. Mack ; York, M. Walter and M. Dehoff ; Frank- lin, J. Frueh ; Berkley (Va.), B. Ettinger ; Lake (N. Y.), John Kleinfelter ; Union, H. Hassler and J. Breitenstein ; Centre, J. Stambach and J. Peters ; Bedford, S. Witt ; Somerset, A. Klein- felter and John Peters; Canton (O.), Jacob Kleintelter and Jacob Frey ; Lancaster (O.), J. Barber and D. Wolf. CHAPTER III. Second General Conference, in Connection with the Thir- teenth Annual Conference, at New Berlin, Pa., June 5-9, 1820. 1820. Thirteenth annual and second General Conference convened in New Berlin, June 5-9. John Dreisbach, president; Henry Niebel, secretary. Located — J. Stambach, J. Peters, S. Witt and Jacob Frey. Newly received — Daniel Middle- kauff and George Lantz. Became effective— -J. Erb, J. Rickel and J. Dehoff. Ordained deacons — H. Hassler, D. Wolf, John Breitenstein and George Lantz. Elders — M. Walter, J. Barber, M. Dehoff, J. Frueh, B. Ettinger and J. Schil- ling. J. Erb was elected presiding elder. Rev. S. Miller, the general book agent, having died during the preceding year, J. Dreisbach was elected in his stead. J. Dreisbach H. Niebel and J. Stambach were constituted a standing book committee. J. Dreisbach and Daniel Bertolet having written and trans- lated a collection of hymns, they were ordered to be published, besides such other works as were of a profitable character. "As this was the fourth year since the session of the first General Conference, therefore the annual and General Confer- ences were held simultaneously, although but few items of a General Conference nature were transacted, and these had ref- erence chiefly to the book and printing affairs of the society. Hence no delegates had been chosen, as was the case at the first General Conference ; But all members of the annual conference, who had a right, to vote, had a voice in the proceedings. From this time henceforth, until the introduction of the regular dele- gate system at the General Conference of 1839, every minister in the office of elder had a right to attend General Conference, and was entitled to a vote." (Orwig, page 102.) CONFERENCE RECORDS. 229 Appointments : I. Canaan District, J. Erb, presiding elder. Schuylkill Circuit, B. Ettinger and Jacob Peters ; Lancaster, John Kleinfelter and D. Wolf ; York, J. Barber and J. Dehoff ; Frank- lin, L. Zimmerman ; Berkley, J. Frueh ; Lake, S. Muck. II. Salem District, J. Dreisbach, presiding elder. Union Circuit, A. Kleinfelter and G. Lantz ; Centre, J. Schilling and J. Baumgardner ; Bedford, J. Rickel; Somerset, M. Walter and M. Dehoff; Canton (O.), Henry Hassler and D. Middlekauff; Lancaster (O.), Jacob Kleinfelter, J. Breidenstein. 1821. Fourteenth conference, New Berlin, June 4-9. John Erb, president ; Jacob Kleinfelter, secrstary. The following located — J. Dreisbach, J. Rickel, J. Frueh, S. Muck, G. Lantz, J. Schilling and L. Zimmerman. Newly received — John Sey- bert, John Vandersal, Fred. Glasser, John Stoll, Jacob Bixler and John Eisenberger. Ordained deacons — J. Baum- gardner, Christian Wolf and J. Vandersal. Elders — A. Kleinfelter and J. Dehoff. Membership, 1,974 ; decrease of eighteen. Salary of each itinerant, $26.66, besides a small amount for traveling expenses. This was a period of sore trial for the society. Besides the meager support of the ministers, they were shamefully persecuted. John Dreisbach was allowed the sum of $24 for his services as book agent. The book estab- lishment being in a very unsatisfactory condition, the standing Book Committee was authorized to lease it for three ears, which was done. Appointments : I. Canaan District, J. Erb, presiding elder. Schuylkill Circuit, Jacob Kleinfelter and Jacob Bixler : Lancas- ter, J. Breidenstein and J. Eisenberger ; York, B. Ettinger and J. Vandersal ; Franklin, J. Baumgardner ; Berkley, J. Dehoff ; Lake, M. Walter. II. Salem District, John Kleinfelter, presiding elder. Union Circuit, John Seybert and F. Glasser ; Centre, D. Wolf and M. Dehoff ; Somerset and Bedford, J. Barber and D. Middlekauff ; Canton (O.), H. Hassler and J. Peters; Lancaster (O.), A. Kleinfelter and J. Stoll. 1822. Fifteenth conference, New Berlin, June 3-6. John Kleinfelter, president ; John Erb, secretary. The following located — B. Ettinger, M. Walter, and M. Dehoff. Ordained elders — D. Wolf, H. Hassler and J. Breidenstein. Deacons — J. Seybert and D. Middlekauff. Newly received — William 330 EVANGELICAL A8B0OJAT10N ANNALS. Sholty, John W. Miller, Joseph Long, Abraham Becker, Philip Wagoner and Fred. Borauf. As the lay members of the Book Commission seldom attended the meetings of the committee, which caused great inconvenience, it was deemed best to constitute the committee altogether of itinerants, whose attendance at annual conference made the meet- ings of the committee more convenient. The following were elected according to this new rule : J. Dreisbach, general agent; J. Erb, John Kleinfelter, Jacob Kleinfelter, J. Dehoff, D. Wolf and John Seybert. Although this was a year of great trial, there were signs of better days to come. A camp-meeting was held on Canton Cir- cuit (O.), on the land of Mrs. Jolly, and another on Lancaster Circuit (O.), on the land of Daniel Hoy, in Fairfield county. John Breidenstein gained entrance into Orwigsburg. Appointments : I. Canaan District, J. Erb, presiding elder. Union Circuit, James Barber and J. Eisenberger; Centre, D. Middlekauff and J. Stoll; York, A. Kleinfelter and W. Sholty; Lancaster, J. Vandersal and J. W. Miller; Schuylkill, J. Breid- enstein and F. Borauf; Lake (N. Y.), J. Dehoff. II. Salem District, John Klinefelter, presiding elder. Franklin Circuitjacob Kleinfelter and A. Becker; Berkley(Va.),F.Glasser; Somerst, J. Baumgardner and J. Long; Canton (O.), John Sey- bert and P. Wagoner; Lancaster (O.), D. Wolf and J. Peters; H. Hassler to seek and organize a new circuit. 1823. Sixteenth conference, in the Union Evangelical Church at Shrewsbury, Pa., June 2-4. John Erb, president; John Kleinfelter, secretary. The following located — John Erb, John Vandersal, D.Wolf, J.W. Miller, J. Eisenberger, H. Hassler and W. Sholty. Newly received — J. Conrad Reisner, Conrad Kring, Jacob Foy, Thomas Buck and Ben- Jamin Bixler. Elders — James Barber and Adam Kleinfelter. Ordained deacons — J. Stoll, F. Glasser and W. Sholty. Membership, 1,854, a decrease of eighty-two. Average sal- ary, #31.66. Notwithstanding the serious decrease in member- ship for several years, this year marked the turning tide in the history of the Church. A great revival at Orwigsburgh began this year and continued several years, spreading in all directions, and affecting the whole Church. Appointments : I. Salem District, James Barber, presiding elder. Union and Centre Circuit, J. Breidenstein, A. Becker CONFERENCE BECORDS. 231 and J. Foy; Somerset, J. Dehoff and T. Buck; Lake (N- Y.), Fred. Glasser. II. Canaan District, John Kleinfelter, presiding elder. Lan- caster Circuit, Jacob Kleinfelter; York, Benjamin Bixler and Conrad Kring; Schuylkill, John Seybert ; Franklin, Joseph Long and J. C. Reisner. III. Ohio District, Adam Kleinfelter, presiding elder. Lan- caster Circuit, J. Stoll and Phillip Wagoner; Canton, J. Baum- gardner ; J. Frey to seek a new circuit. 1824. Seventh conference, Shrewsbury, Pa., June 7-10. John Kleinfelter, president; Jacob Kleinfelter, secretary. Located — Jacob Frey, John Breidenstein and J. Baumgard- ner. Newly received — Henry Wissler and Daniel Man- weiler. J. Bixler and Fred. Borauf were received a second time. Ordained deacons — Joseph Long, A. Becker, P. Wag- oner and J. C. Reisner. Elder — John Seybert. Jacob Peters died during the year. Average salary, besides traveling expenses, Appointments: I. Salem District, James Barber, presiding elder. Union and Centre Circuit, P. Wagoner, C. Kring and T. Buck; Somerset, J. Stoll and F. Borauf; Lake (N. Y.), F. Glasser. II. Canaan District, John Kleinfelter, presiding elder. Lan- caster Circuit, W. Scholty and A. Becker; Schuylkill, J. C. Reisner and J. W. Miller. Without a presiding elder: York Circuit, J. Seybert and J. Bixler;* Franklin, J. Kleinfelter, B. Bixler and Henry Wissler. III. Ohio District, Adam Kleinfelter, presiding aider. Can- ton Circuit, J. Foy; Mansfield, J. Dehoff; Lancaster, Joseph Long and D. Manweiler. 1825. Eighteenth conference, New Berlin, June 5. Adam Kleinfelter, president; John Seybert, secretary. The' fol- lowing located — J. Stoll, J. Bixler, John Kleinfelter, Jacob Kleinfelter, Benjamin Bixler and F. Glasser. Ordained elder — J. Stoll. Ordained deacons — C. Kring, J. Foy, J. W. Miller and Thomas Buck. Newly received — John Hamilton, Jacob Early, Joseph M. Saylor, George Reich, George Schneider and Benjamin Becker, M. D. John Seybert was * J. Bixler was disabled by sickness, and Joseph Saylor took his place in the Fall. 232 EVANGELICAL ABS001ATI0N ANNALB. elected presiding elder. An edition of 1,000 copies of the Geist- liche Vio/e was ordered to be published this year. Conference leased the printing house to George Miller, at a rental of $60 per annum. Appointments : I. Canaan District, John Seybert, presiding elder. Schuylkill Circuit, Conrad Kring and J. Early ; * Lan- caster, Thomas Buck and B. Becker ;f York, J. C. Reisner and J. M. Saylor ; Franklin and Berkley, P. Wagoner and F. Borauf . II. Salem District, James Barber, presiding elder. Union Circuit, J. W. Miller and George Reich ; Centre, J. Foy and D. Manweiler; Somerset, A. Becker and J. Hamilton; Lake (N. Y.), Christian Wolf and F. Glasser. III. Ohio District, Adam Kleinfelter, presiding elder. Lan- caster Circuit, J. Long and George Schneider; Mansfield, J. Dehoff ; Canton, Henry Wissler. * Early became sick in Autumn and Francis Hoffman took his place, f Becker left the charge daring the year and J. M. Saylor took his place. CHAPTER IV. Third General Conference, in Connection with the Nine- teenth Annual Conference, at New Berlin, June 5, 1826. 1826. Nineteenth annual and third General Conference, New Berlin, June 5. John Seybert, president; J. C. Reisner, secretary. J. Foy, B. Becker, F. Borauf and J. Dehoff located. Francis Hoffman and Samuel Tobias newly received. P.Wag- oner, J. C. Reisner, J. Long and A. Becker ordained elders, and H.Wissler, D. MANWEiLERand Michael Hassler, deacons. Membership, 2, 207 ; average salary, #38. 46. Appointments : I. Canaan District, John Seybert, presiding elder. Schuylkill Circuit, T. Buck and George Schneider ; Lan- caster, J. W. Miller; York, A. Becker and J. Bruer; Franklin and Berkley, D. Manweiler and J. Hamilton. II. Salem District, James Barber, presiding elder. Union Circuit, J. C. Reisner; Centre, P. Wagoner and S. Tobias ; Som- erset, H. Wissler, G. Reich and J. Frey ; Lake (N. Y.), J. Early. III. Ohio District, Adam Kleinfelter, presiding elder. Lan- caster Circuit, Conrad Kring and J. M. Saylor ; Mansfield and Canton, Joseph Long and F. Hoffman. A resolution of 1824, instituting local preachers' conferences prior to each annual conference, was reenacted, but was never carried into effect. A resolution that on every circuit, wherever practical, a par- sonage be built, was reenacted. The general book agent's accounts were audited by the Book Committee, and record made of the same. Prices of books were fixed as follows : Saitenspiel, the large hymn book, at one dollar; Viole, the small hymn book, fifty cents ; New Testament, one 234 E V ANGELICAL AS80CIA T10N ANNAL8. dollar; Church Discipline, forty cents ; Menschen Furcht, thirty- seven and one-half cents; Thaetiges Christenthum, fifty cents. The preachers were allowed an average discount of ten per cent. The following Book Committee was appointed : J. Dreisbach, general agent ; J. Seybert, J. C. Reisner, J. Miller, Thomas Buck, J. Hamilton and J. M. Saylor. "The Western Conference of the Evangelical Association" was formed, agreeably to a petition from the Ohio brethren, said conference to hold its session prior to the Eastern, to which it shall send its records for inspection and approval. All moneys received for support of the ministry in both conferences to be added, and each itinerant receive an equal share. 1827. Eastern Conference,* Orwigsburg, Pa.,f June 4. James Barber, president ; J. C. Reisner, secretary. A. Becker located. George Mattinger, George Enders and William Stoll were newly received. T. Buck and J. W. Miller were ordained elders, and G. Reich, J. Hamilton and D. Focht, deacons. John Schneider and John Vandersal died during the year. Philip Wagoner was elected presiding elder. The total amount of money for preachers' support was $922.55, of which the Eastern Conference contributed $809.99. The money was divided among twenty preachers of both conferences. The preachers of the Eastern Conference (not including locals) were the following : Elders — J. Seybert, P.Wagoner, J. Barber, J. C. Reisner, B. Ettinger, J. Dreisbach, A. Becker, J. Breidenstein, John Kleinfelter, H. Niebel, L. Zimmerman, J. Stambach, M. Walter, J. Stoll, J. Frueh, T. Buck, John Miller. Deacons — D. Thomas, A. Buchman, A. Ettinger, J. Rickel, C. Wolf, G. Lantz, J. Baumgardner, F. Glasser, Jacob Frey, D. Middlekauff, H. Wissler, D. Manweiler, G. Reich, D. Focht, J. Hamilton. On trial — G. Schneider, S. Tobias, George Mattinger, G. Enders, William Stoll. ' ' The quarterly conferences were instructed to co-operate with the presiding elders in the appointment of proper persons, whose duty it shall be to collect funds throughout the entire Association for the support of the worn-out preachers and their families; with this understanding, however, that the Eastern and Western Conferences shall each support the said families within their * The records state that this was a joint annual and General Conference, but for the sake of uniformity we will follow the numbering of previous authors. \ In church erected the year previous, the third one of the Association. CONFERENCE RECORDS. 235 respective bounds, in accordance with the provisions of our Church Discipline. (Landmarks, page 53.) Conference appointed J. Dreisbach, J. Barber and Benja- min Ettinger a committee to dispose of the personal property of the book establishment, and apply the proceeds to the man- agement of the book trade as the conferences may direct. Appointments r I. Canaan District, J. Seybert, presiding elder. Schuylkill Circuit, J. C. Reisner and H. Wissler; Lancaster, J. M. Saylor and W. Stoll; York, T. Buck and James Bruer; Franklin, J. Hamilton and F. Hoffman. II. Salem District, Philip Wagoner, presiding elder. Union Circuit, B. Ettinger and George Mattinger; Centre, J. Barber and George Schneider; Somerset, D. Manweiler, S. Tobias and J. Allen; Lake (N. Y.), George Reich. 1827. Western Conference, first annual session, at the house of Henry Rauch, near Wooster, O., May 7. Adam Kleinfel- ter, president ; Joseph Long, secretary. Conrad Kring was ordained elder, and J. M. Saylor deacon. Conference decided to have no presiding elder this year, but Adam Kleinfelter was directed to attend the general meetings in the Spring and Joseph Long in the Fall. Wooster Circuit, members, 176; Canton, 158 ; Lancaster, 160; Sandusky,* 29; total, 523. The following is a list of all the preachers in the Western Conference, who, with few exceptions, were from Pennsylvania, and nearly all had been in the itinerancy: Elders — Adam Kleinfelter, John Shilling, John Erb, Jacob Kleinfelter, David Wolf, Joseph Long, Conrad Kring, John Dehoff, Henry Hassler and Moses Dehoff. Deacons — John Rickel, Joseph M. Saylor, Adam Hennig and Jacob Frey. On trial — Francis Hoffman, John Peters, Matthew Wonder> John Miller, Henry Downy, Fred. Borauf, John Thomas, Jacob Dissler, Peter Miller, Henry Stauffer and Samuel Sager. Appointments : Canton Circuit, Joseph Long ; Wooster, C. Kring ; Sandusky, Adam Kleinfelter ; Lancaster, J. Miller and George Enders. The two latter were sent by the Eastern Con- ference. * Late in the season of 1826 J. M. Saylor, by direction of Adam Klein- felter, visited the Sandusky region and established appointments, after which Jacob Frey served them until Conference. 236 B VAN&ELICAL A8800IA TION ANNALS. Immediately after adjournment of conference J. M. Saylor and Francis Hoffman, who had traveled in Ohio in 1826, started for Pennsylvania, carrying with them the proceedings of the Western Conference to the Eastern or Parent Conference, as directed by General Conference. They both remained in the East. 1828. Eastern Conference, New Berlin, June 2. John Seybert, president; J. C. Reisner, secretary. The following located : J. C. Reisner, J. M. Saylor and B. Ettinger. James Bruer and D. Manweiler were ordained elders, and F. Hoff- man and J. G. Conser, deacons. The newly received were W. W. Orwig, Jacob Hoock, John H. Yambert and E. Stoever. Thomas Buck was elected presiding elder. J. Dreisbach was authorized to sell the book establishment, according to his best judgment. George Miller ("the printer") was appointed by the conference to attend to the book trade. It was resolved "that hereafter married preachers, having traveled five years or longer, shall draw as much salary for their families as for themselves, or, in other words, as much again as a single itinerant, and they were admonished to exert themselves to have the contributions toward the support of the ministers increased." (Orwig, page 138.) Appointments : I. Canaan- District, J. Seybert, presiding elder. Schuylkill Circuit; Adam Kleinfelter and J. W. Miller ; Lancaster, Conrad Kring; York, J. Hamilton and J. H. Yam- bert ; Franklin and Berkley, G. Reich and J. Hoock. II. Salem District, Thomas Buck, presiding elder. Union Circuit, F. Hoffman and George Enders ; Centre, J. Barber and W. W. Orwig; Somerset, James Bruer and G. Mattinger; Lake (N. Y.), Philip Wagoner. 1828. Western Conference, Uniontown,0., May 5. Joseph Long, president ; J. W. Miller, secretary. Fred. Shower w"as again received, and ordained deacon. J. W. Miller was ap- pointed to convey the contributions, etc., to the Eastern Con- ference, so as to include them in the general account. The stationing of the preachers was left to the Eastern Conference, with the proviso that at least three shall be ordained men, and that Adam Kleinfelter represent the conference in the Station- ing Committee. Appointments : Joseph Long, presiding elder. Canton Cir- cuit, D. Manweiler and S. Tobias; Lancaster, Henry Wissler and E. Stoever ; Sandusky, George Schneider. CONFERENCE RECORDS. 237 1829. Eastern Conference, New Berlin, June i. Thomas Buck, president ; J. Seybert, secretary. Located — J. W. Mil- ler. Died — John Stambach. Newly received — George Brick- ley, Joseph Ebbert, Solomon G. Miller, Jacob Schnerr and William Ray. Henry Niebel became effective. J. Seybert was re-elected presiding elder. Martin Dreisbach, because of the infirmities of age, resigned as trustee of the subsidiary fund bequests, and John Seybert was elected to take charge of all moneys, such as legacies, etc., for worn-out preachers, a number of such having already been made, Thomas Buck was elected treasurer of funds from book sales, and to appropriate according to the directions of conference. Appointments : I. Canaan District, T. Buck, presiding elder. Schuylkill Circuit, Conrad Kring and J. Ebbert; Lebanon, IL Niebel and W. W. Orwig; Lancaster, J. M. Saylor and G. Enders ; York, D. Manweiler and S. Tobias ; Franklin and Berk- ley, J. Hamilton, J. Bruer and W. Ray. II. Salem District, J. Seybert, presiding elder. Union Cir- cuit, J. Barber and J. G. Zinzer ; Centre, F. Hoffman and Sol- omon G. Miller; Somerset, H. Wissler and G. Brickley; Lake (N. Y.), George Reich. 1829. Western Conference, Tuscarawas township, Stark county, O., May 4. Joseph Long, president ; Henry Wissler, secretary. John George Zinzer was newly received. George Schneider, S. Tobias and E. Stoever were ordained deacons. Jacob Klinefelter (the second) died during the year. Appointments : Conference District, Joseph Long, presiding elder. Canton Circuit, Adam Kleinfelter and E. Stoever ; New Lancaster, J. H. Yambert and George Schneider; Sandusky, George Mattinger. "During this year the preacher in charge of Lancaster Cir- cuit made the first visit to the southwestern part of Ohio, whither several old members of our Church had emigrated, and they ex- pressed a strong desire to be regularly visited by our preachers. Although the prospects were then not as promising with regard to the extension of the work in that section, as in many other places, yet it spread gradually, and extended over the counties of Montgomery, Warren, Butler, Preble, and at last over Miami and Dark, as far as Wayne county, in Indiana, till finally a cir- cuit was formed there." (Orwig.) This year the married preachers, for the first time, drew 238 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. salaries for their families, i. e., those of them who had traveled five years, besides their traveling expenses ; but among the twenty- two itinerants of the last year, there were but four who were entitled to draw for their families, nearly all the rest being single. " (Orwig, page 143.) In the Western Conference one of the preachers having bap- tized a person who had been baptized in infancy, charges were brought against him, and the conference took action, which was also approved by the Eastern Conference, unanimously forbid- ding re-baptism by our preachers under any circumstances, for the following reasons: "(1) Our Church Discipline gives no such directions; (2) We can find no authority in the sacred Scriptures for re-baptism ; (3) It is our belief that its introduc- tion would be followed by evil consequences. " 1830. Eastern Conference, Orwigsburgh, Pa., June 1. Thomas Buck, president ; John Seybert, secretary. Died — H. Meyer, local, of Somerset county. Newly received — Charles Hammer, Daniel Kehr, John S. Himmelreich and Robert G. Hunter. Located — J. Hamilton, H. Wissler, J. M. Saylor, F. Hoffman and J. Ebbert. The Eastern, as the oldest conference, decided that a session of the General Conference should be held in Haines- township, Centre county, Pa., to commence on the first Monday in Novem- ber. George Miller was directed to print 2,000 copies of the Viole, at $20 per hundred. The price of the Discipline was re- duced to thirty-one and one-fourth cents per copy. It was resolved that such preachers in either conference, who do not exert themselves properly to secure money for the general salary and subsidiary fund, shall have their salaries lessened as the conference may deem proper. The married preachers of the Western Conference shall re- ceive' double salary, the same as in the Eastern, on condition that they make proper efforts to secure funds. Appointments : I. Canaan District, T. Buck, presiding elder. Schuylkill Circuit, E. Stoever and J. G. Zinzer; Lebanon, W. W. Orwig and C. Hammer; Lancaster, H. Niebel and J. Schnerr; York, G. Brickley and J. Bruer j Franklin, C. Kring and R. G. Hunter; Berkley (Va.), W. Ray. II. Salem District, J. Seybert, presiding elder. Union Cir- cuit G. Schneider and S. Tobias; Somerset, S. G. Miller and W. Roehrig; Centre, J. Barber; Lake (N. Y.), F. Glasser. CONFERENCE RECORDS. 239 1830. Western Conference, Plain township, Stark county, O., beginning May 3. Joseph Long, president; Adam Klein- felter, secretary. Absalom B. Scbaefer, Christian Aubel and W. Roerig were granted license to preach. Lewis Henkey and M. Kibler were ordained deacons. Adam Kleinfelter located. The conference stationed but one preacher, George Mattinger. The remainder of the stationing was left for the Eastern Conference to do. Appointments : Conference District, Joseph Long, presiding elder. Canton Circuit, J. H. Yambert and Daniel Kehr; Lan- caster, George Mattinger and J, S. Himmelreich; Sandusky, George Enders. j v j.t CHAPTER V. Fourth General Conference, Held at the House of John Adam Hennig, in Penn's Valley, Centre County, Pa., Beginning Nov. i, 1830. 1830. In accordance with the resolution of the Eastern ■Conference, the General Conference convened in the house of John Adam Hennig, in Penn's Valley, Centre county, Pa., begin- ning Nov. 1, 1830. Joseph Long, president; John Seybert, secretary. The voting members present were: T. Buck, John Seybert, Joseph Long, H. Niebel, J. Barber, Conrad Kring, John Dreisbach and H. Hassler. John Dreisbach was elected general book agent, George Miller ("the printer"), assistant, and Thomas Buck treasurer of the book funds. It was resolved that the new edition of the Discipline shall be translated into English. The business of this conference related mostly to the polity •of the Church, and very important amendments were made in the Discipline, as follows : 1. The Articles of Faith. — The first article had already been changed in 1816, and the expression, "three persons," changed into "a trinity." In the second article for "In order thus to reconcile the Father to us,' the words were changed to, "In order to reconcile the justice of the eternal Father to us.' In Articles XII. to XV. the words, "sacrament" and "sacraments" were substituted by "baptism," "Lord's Supper," "means of grace," "representation," etc. In the fourteenth article the sentence, 'That only two sacraments have been iustituted by Christ,' was omitted. 2. The General Rules and Instructions in the duties of the members of the Association were changed and considerably .abbreviated. CONFERENCE RECORDS. 841 3. The power of the bishops was so restricted that they were eligible only for two terms of four years each in succession. Formerly they had always been eligible, and this was afterwards again made the rule. The formula for the ordination of bishops was dropped. 4. Hereafter only itinerants shall be members of the annual conferences. Before this, local preachers also had been members. 5. The power of the bishop to station the preachers was an- nulled. He shall do this in connection with two elders elected by the conference for this purpose. 6. The responses in the formula for ordaining elders was abbreviated, and the word ' ' sacrament " omitted. The baptismal and marriage formulas were also changed. 7. The word "deacon" was changed into "minister," and the articles against antinomianism and the final perseverance of the saints were omitted. A committee composed of John Seybert and Thomas Buck was appointed to revise the Discipline in accordance with the changes made, and J. Dreisbach and H. Niebel were appointed an additional committee to examine the work before its publica- tion. Adam Ettinger and J. Dreisbach were appointed to examine the English translation. The presiding elders were constituted the book agents for their respective districts, instead of the local agents, as formerly. "This conference ordained that the itinerant ministry in general confine their labors to the German portion of the popu- lation, and that no more preachers be received into that body who had not at least some knowledge of the German language. This resolution vexed and discouraged the English brethren a great deal, and its consequence was that the English work suffered and languished, till finally it died out almost entirely. Thus many parts of the country were and remained closed against the Association. * * * Herein the Evangelical Association fared like most of the German churches of the country, i. e., it learned a lesson by sad experience. In many parts they lost a considerable number of useful members. Even many of their own sons and daughters joined other denominations. * * * These are facts which no one can truthfully deny, and which were afterwards deplored by many of the preachers and members." (Orwig.) The General Conference of 1843 rescinded this action and completely reversed the policy. 242 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. 1831. Eastern Conference, Lebanon, Pa. , June 6. T. Buck, president; J. Seybert, secretary. Newly received — Daniel Brickley, George Anstein, John P. Leib, William Wagoner, Charles Hesser, Jacob Borkert, John Campbell and Henry Fisher. Located — S. Tobias. Died — D. Manweiler. Or- dained elder — E. Stoever ; deacons — J. G. Zinzer, S. G. Mil- ler, J. Schnerr and W. Ray. Elected presiding elder — H. Niebel ; general book agent — John Rank, Esq. J. C. Reisner was appointed to write a biography of Rev. George Miller. A new district, called Zion, was formed. The Church in general prospered greatly this year. The re- vival in Upper Milford, Lehigh county, continued, and a begin- ning was made near Allentown, at David Mertz's. Revivals also took place at Prospect, and Seitz's, in York county, Penn's, Brush and Nittanny Valleys, in. Centre county, and in Erie county, N. Y., in the. vicinity of Buffalo. Considerable difficulty ensued this year, chiefly in Virginia, as a consequence of the exclusion of John Hamilton for heresy, the general result of which was disastrous to the English work of the Association. Serious schismatical difficulties also occurred at Orwigsburgh, Pa., led by one George Kimmel. Appointments: I. Canaan District, H. Niebel, presiding elder. Schuylkill Circuit, J. Schnerr and J. Young; Lebanon, J. G. Zinzer and J. P. Leib ; Lancaster, E. Stoever and H. Fisher. II. Zion District, T. Buck, presiding elder. York Circuit, W.W. Orwig, D. Brickley and J. Borkert; Berkley (Va.), George Enders ; * Somerset, C. Kring, B. Bixler and G. Anstein. III. Salem District, J. Seybert, presiding elder. Union Cir- cuit, J. M. Saylor and W. Wagoner ; White Deer, J. Barber and C. Hammer; Centre, P. Wagoner and C. Hesser; Lake (N.Y.), George Schneider and J. Campbell. 1831. Western Conference, Green township, Stark county, O., May 2. Joseph Long, president; J. H. Yambert, secre- tary. Newly received — Michael Miller, Christian Leitner and John Rossner. Ordained elders — George Mattinger and J. H. Yambert. There were in the conference nine itinerants, twenty-seven local preachers, and 963 members. Some of the itinerants took work in Eastern Conference. Appointments : Conference District, Joseph Long, presiding elder. Canton and Wooster Circuit, George Mattinger, J. S. * In the Fall Enders left the charge and F. Hoffman took his place. CONFERENCE RECORDS. 243 Himmelreich and M. Miller ; Sandusky, J. H. Yambert and C. Leitner ; Lancaster, S. G. Miller and Daniel Kehr. 1832. Eastern Conference, New Berlin, Pa. , June 4. Thomas Buck, president ; J. Seybert, secretary. Located — H. Fisher, George Enders, J. Bruer and B. Bixler. Newly received — Jacob Bell, Henry Bucks, Christian Thomas, Samuel Baum- gardner, Daniel Fichtner and Joseph Harlacher. Ordained elders — J. M. Saylor, W. W. Orwig, George Brickley and F. Hoffman. Thomas Buck was reelected presiding elder. Mem- bers of the Book Committee — T. Buck, H. Niebel, J. Barber, J. G. Zinzer, J. M. Saylor, C. Hammer, and J. P. Leib. An article on the Evangelical Association was prepared for insertion in Buck's Theological Dictionary. The conference resolved to establish a fund for the benefit of worn-out preachers and the families of deceased ministers. This was the beginning of the Charitable or Sustenation Fund of the society. John Rank, Esq., of New Columbia, Pa., was elected treasurer of this fund. Adam Ettinger and Jacob Hammer were appointed a com- mittee to have the Evangelical Association incorporated, which, for some reason, was not done. The conference ordered the publication of 1,500 copies of Miller's Biography, and 1,000 copies of the Discipline in the English language. This was another year of prosperity. Buffalo Circuit, in the northwestern part of New York, was formed and the work in that part of the State developed rapidly. A remarkably victorious camp-meeting was held near Orwigsburg, on the land of George Rickert, at which about one hundred souls were converted. Appointments: I. Canaan District, H. Niebel, presiding elder. Schuylkill Circuit, W. W. Orwig and Daniel Brickley; Lebanon, J. Schnerr and J. P. Leib ; Lancaster, George Brick- ley and F. Hoffman. II. Zion District, T. Buck, presiding elder. York Circuit, J. G. Zinzer, J. Rossner and H. Bucks ; Franklin, J. M. Siylor and J. Borkert; Indiana, E. Stover and J. Frey; Shenandoah (Va.), G. Schneider and C. Thomas; Somerset, D. Kehr and Joseph Harlacher. III. Salem District, J. Seybert, presiding elder. Union Cir- cuit, S. G. Miller and Charles Hesser; Centre, P. Wagoner and S. Baumgardner; Lycoming, J. Barber and John Young; Lake (N. Y.), J. S. Himmelreich and J. Campbell; Buffalo (N. Y.) r 344 EVANGBLIOAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. C. Kring and J. Bell. Transferred to Ohio, C. Hammer and G. Anstein. 1832. Western Conference, Green township, Stark county, O., May 7. Joseph Long, president; J. H. Yambert, secretary. Newly received- — John Lentz, Elias Sichly, John J. Kopp, David Poorman and Aaron Yambert. Ordained deacons — Daniel Kehr, J. S. Himmelreich and A. Riehm. Appointments : Conference District, J. Long, presiding elder. Canton Circuit, G. Anstein and J. J. Kopp ; Wooster, C. Ham- mer and Christian Leitner ; Sandusky, George Mattinger and E. Sichley; Lancaster, J. H. Yambert and M. Miller. 1833. Eastern Conference, Orwigsburg, Pa., June 3. T. Buck, president; J. Seybert, secretary. J. S. Himmelreich and J. Borkert located. J. Schnerr and J. G. Zinzer were ordained elders, and J. Rossner, D. Brickley, J. Borkert, J. P. Leib, C. Hesser, J. Young, and J. Klein, deacons. Newly received- — John Sensel, Isaac Deppen, Michael F. Maize, Solomon Altimos, Daniel Miesse and Jacob Boas. Elected presiding elders — P. Wagoner, W. W. Orwig and J. M. Saylor. A new edition of the Viole was ordered and J. M. Saylor and J. P. Leib were appointed a committee to compile an English hymn book. To this committee W. W. Orwig, A. Ettinger and Joseph Hammer were added the following year, when it was pub- lished. It contained 333 hymns. About ten years afterwards a larger and greatly improved hymn book was published. This was a year of great prosperity. Extensive revivals oc- curred on many charges, and the ingathering of souls was great, as will be seen from the fact that after deducting all losses by death, backsliding, withdrawals, etc., there was still a net gain of 331. The Church extended her borders, new charges were formed, and plenty of zealous and consecrated men were ready for work. Appointments : I. Canaan District, T. Buck, presiding elder. SchUylkill Circuit, J. P. Leib and I. Deppen; Lebanon, J. Schnerr and J. Sensel ; Lancaster, J. Roessner and J. Lutz. II. Zion District, W. W. Orwig, presiding elder. York Cir- cuit, J. Z. Zinzer and Joseph Harlacher ; Gettysburg, E. Stoever and H. Bucks ; Franklin, J. Barber and S. Baumgardner ; Shen- andoah, J. Bell and M. F. Maize. III. Salem District, J. M. Saylor, presiding elder. Union Circuit, J. C. Reisner and F. Hoffman ; Lycoming, G. Schneider CONFERENCE RECORDS. 245 and G. Brickley ; Centre, Charles Hesser and J. Young ; Som- erset, D. Brickley and A. Frey ; Indiana, S. G. Miller and Jacob Boas. IV. Carmel District, P. Wagoner, presiding elder. Lake Circuit (N.Y.), D. Kehr and S. Altimos; Mohawk, (N.Y.), F. Glasser; Buffalo (N.Y.), J. H. Yambert; Erie (N.Y. and Pa.), J. Seybert. H. Niebel and C. Kring went to the Western Con- ference. 1833. Western Conference, Pleasant township, Fairfield county, O., May 6. Joseph Long, president; J. H. Yambert, secretary. Located — Joseph Long, G. Anstein and Christian Leitner. Died — Samuel Frey. Ordained elder — Charles Hammer ; deacons — M. Miller, S. Seger and Henry Downey. Newly received — Daniel Tobias, Peter Getz, John Schreffler and Henry McBride. Henry Niebel was appointed presiding elder by the Eastern Conference. Appointments: Conference District, H. Niebel, presiding elder. Lancaster Circuit, Charles Hammer and Elias Sichley ; Sandusky, M. Miller and P. Getz; Canton, C. Kring and D. Tobias ; Wooster, J. J. Kopp and A. Yambert ; Miami, G. Mat' tinger and J. Schreffler. 1834. Eastern Conference, New Berlin, Pa., June 2. W. W. Orwig, president; J. Seybert, secretary. Located — T. Buck, J. H. Yambert, S. G. Miller, D. Miesse, J. Borkert and J. Roessner. Died— Christian Wolf, J. W. Miller and H. Young. Newly received — John Noecker, Jacob Saylor, Daniel Berger, Jacob Riegel, John Riegel and John M. Sindlinger. Jacob Hammer was elected treasurer of the Char- itable Funds. A committee was appointed to examine the new English hymn book, compiled by J. M. Saylor and J. P. Leib. One thousand five hundred copies of the Saitenspiel (the larger German hymn book), and 1,500 of the Biography of Albright and Miller were ordered to be published. Appointments: I. Canaan District, J. Seybert, presiding elder. Schuylkill Circuit, J. P. Leib and J. Sensel; Lebanon, J. M. Saylor and John Reigel ; Lancaster, H. Fisher and Jacob Saylor. II. Zion District, W. W. Orwig, presiding eider. York Cir- cuit, J. Schnerr and M. F. Maize; Gettysburg, D. Kehr and J. Noecker; Cumberland, C. Hesser and A. Frey; Shenandoah ( Va. ), S. Altimos and J. Schimp. 246 EVANGELICAL A8B0CIA T10N ANNAL8. III. Salem District, J. G. Zinzer, presiding elder. Union Circuit, J. Young and D. Berger; Lycoming, G. Brickley and S. Tobias; Centre, F. Hoffman and J. M. Sindlinger; Somer- set, H. Bucks and G. Schneider; Indiana, J. Lutz and P. Goetz. IV. Carmel District, P. Wagoner, presiding elder. Lake Circuit (N. Y.), J. Harlacher and J. Boas; Mohawk (N. Y.), Jacob Riegel; Buffalo (N.Y.), D. Brickley; Erie, E. Stoever. 1834. Western Conference, Lake township, Stark county, O., May 5. Henry Niebel, president; C. Hammer, secretary. J. J. Kopp and E. Sichley were ordained deacons. F. Borauf died during the year. Newly received — Peter Wiest, Samuel Van Gundy and Jacob Frey. Appointments: Conference District, H. Niebel, presiding elder. Lancaster Circuit, S. Baumgardner and G. Mattinger; Wooster, E. Sichley and D. Tobias ; Sandusky, J. J. Kopp and A. Yambert ; Canton, C. Hammer, S. Van Gundy ; Miami, C. Kring and P. Wiest. 1835. Eastern Conference, Lebanon, Pa., June 1. W.W. Orwig, president ; J. Seybert, secretary. Located — S. Tobias, and D. Kehr. Newly received — Sebastian Mosser, Henry Thomas, John A. Jacobs, Fred. Miller, Jacob Kehr, Daniel N. Long, John Poorman, Henry Keagel, Samuel Friess and George Seger. Ordained elders — C. Hesser, J. P. Leib and D. Brickley. Deacons — J. Boas, H. Fisher, J. Sensel, J. Lutz, A. Frey, M. F. Maize and S. Altimos. Appointments: I. Canaan District, J. Seybert, presiding elder. Schuylkill Circuit, C. Hammer and S. Mosser ; Lehigh, J. M. Saylor and Jacob Riegel; Lebanon, C. Hesser and H. Thomas; Lancaster, Jacob Saylor and John Reigel; Philadel- phia, J. Schnerr. II. Zion District, W. W. Orwig, presiding elder. York Cir- cuit, F. Hoffman and H. Fisher; Gettysburg, S. G. Miller and J. A. Jacobs; Cumberland, J. P. Leib, G. Schneider and F. Miller; Shenandoah (Va. ), J. Shimp and D. N. Long. III. Salem District, P. Wagoner, presiding elder. Union Circuit, J. Sensel and J. Poorman ; Columbia, D. Berger and J. M. Sindlinger ; Centre, J. Brickley and H. Keagel ; Lycoming, J. Young; Lake (N. Y.), M. F. Maize and J. Kehr; Buffalo, J. Harlacher and S. Friess. IV. Carmel District, J. G. Zinzer, presiding elder. Somer- set Circuit, J. Lutz, A. Frey and G. Seger; Indiana, S. Altimos CONFEBENOE REG0RD8. 247 and J. Boas; Erie, J. Brickley and J. Noecker; Canton (O.)i E. Stoever and P. Goetz. 1835. Western Conference, Lake township, Stark county, O., May 4. H. Niebel, president; Chas. Hammer, secretary. Located — J. Roessner and G. Mattinger. Ordained deacon Joseph Ebbert. Appointments: Conference District, H, Niebel, presiding elder. Canton Circuit, J. Frey ; Wooster, H. Bucks and P. Wiest; Mansfield, J. J. Kopp and S. Van Gundy ; Sandusky, S. Baum- gardner and A. Yambert; Lancaster, C. Kring and A. Eby; Miami, E. Sichley. CHAPTER VI. Fifth General Conference, Held at Orwigsburg, Pa., May 25, 1835. 1835. General Conference, fifth session, Orwigsburg, Pa., May 25. Henry Niebel, president; J. G. Zinzer, secretary. Somerset, Indiana and Erie Circuits were detached from the Eastern and added to the Western Conference, and a new district was formed called "Carmel." The time of holding the confer- ences was made earlier. Four thousand copies of the Geistliche Viole were ordered to be published. It was ordered that here- after the proceedings of the quarterly conference be recorded in books kept for that purpose. It was resolved to establish a religious paper to be called Der Christliche Botschafter (The Christian Messenger), and P.Wagoner, J. M. Saylor and Chas. Hammer were appointed a committee to formulate rules for its publication. The committee reported that the periodical should be issued monthly at seventy-five cents per year, if paid in advance, or one dollar if paid at the end of the year. All preachers in oharge shall act as agents ; settlements to be made for the same to the presiding elders, who in turn were to settle with the pub- • lisher. The committee was instructed to take charge of the enterprise, and begin the publication of the paper as soon as 700 subscribers are secured. The presiding elders shall also act as general agents for all books and publications of the society, and shall receive a commission of one cent on each small and two cents on each large book delivered through him to the preachers. The conference took important action with regard to Sabbath- schools, making it obligatory on the preachers to be interested in the matter, and introduced them wherever practicable. Local preachers' conferences were ordered to be held on each charge having several of them, and conference made rules of CONFERENCE RECORDS. 249- business for their government. This legislation does not seem to have been carried out, and the holding of such conferences on each charge, as independent of the quarterly conference, never met with favor. The conference founded the "Charitable Society of the Evan- gelical Association," to be located at Orwigsburg, Pa. The dele- gate system was not yet introduced and all elders had the privilege of attending and were entitled to vote. Elders present — H. Niebel, J. G. Zinzer, J. Seybert, W. W. Orwig, P. Wagoner, J. Barber, J. Breidenstein, J. C. Reisner, J. Long, C. Ham- mer, J. H. Yambert, C. Kring, J. Schnerr, D. Kehr, S. G. Miller, G. Brickley, F. Hoffman, E. Stoever, J. M. Saylor. 1836. Eastern Conference, Rebersburg, Pa., March 28. Philip Wagoner, president ; Charles Hammer, secretary. Lo- cated — J. M. Saylor and S. G. Miller. Newly received — Christian Holl, Martin Hartman, Henry Westhafer, Lud- wig Shuppert and Jacob Vogelbach. Elected presiding elder — J. P. Leib. A committee examined Samuel Miller's "Das Kernwescn von der Erlosung," (Essentials of Redemption), and Solomon Miller's "Kette der Verunnft," (Chain of Reason), and both works were approved and soon thereafter published. J. M. Saylor was elected treasurer of the book funds. A Gen- eral Conference was ordered to be held Nov. 14, 1836, in Som- erset county, Pa. Appointments: I. Canaan District, J. Seybert, presiding elder. Schuylkill Circuit, J. Barber and H. Westhafer ; Read- ing, Jacob Saylor ; Lebanon, J. Young and M. Hartman ; Lan- caster, John Riegel and L. Shuppert; Philadelphia, J. Schnerr. II. Zion District, J. P. Leib, presiding elder. York Circuit, G. Brickley ; Gettysburg, J. Jacobs and H. Thomas ; Cumber- land, C. Hesser and F. Miller; Shenandoah, Va., M. F. Maize. III. Salem District, P. Wagoner, presiding elder. Union Circuit, D. Berger and Christian Holl; Columbia, J. M. Sind- linger; Centre, J. Sensel and H. Keagel; Lycoming, F. Hoff- man and S. Mosser. IV. Moriah District, W. W. Orwig, presiding elder. Lake Circuit, N. Y., Jacob Reigel and P. Henneberger; Buffalo, C. Hammer and J. Kehr ; Buffalo Station, Jos. Harlacher. 1836. The Western Conference met in Jackson township, Wayne county, Ohio, March 7. Henry Niebel, president; J. G. Zinzer, secretary. Located — Andrew Eby, and Conrad 350 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. Kring. Newly received — Lewis Einsel, William Campbell, John R. Miller and Matthias Hauert. Ordained elders — Henry Bucks, Samuel Baumgardner and J. J. Kopp. Dea- cons — Samuel Van Gundy, John Noecker, John Thomas, Peter Wiest, Absalom B. Schaeffer and Aaron Yambert. Appointments : I. Ohio District, Daniel Brickly, presiding elder. Miami Circuit, John Lutz ; Lancaster} Samuel Van Gun- dy and William Bergheimer ; Crawford, Henry Bucks and George Seger ; Sandusky, Elias Sichley and Lewis Einsel. II. Tabor District, Henry Niebel, presiding elder. Mans- field, Elias Stoever and John R. Miller ; Wooster, Samuel Baum- gardner and William Campbell ; Canton, Abraham Frey and John Noecker j Columbianna, J. J. Kopp. III. Carmel District, John G. Zinzer, presiding elder. Erie Circuit, Jacob Boas and Aaron Yambert ; Armstrong, S. Altimos and Matthias Hauert; Indiana, Pa., Peter Wiest and D. W. Long ; Somerset, Daniel Kehr and Peter Getz. The bounds of the Ohio Conference were considerably en- larged. Carmel District lay almost entirely in Pennsylvania. This was a year of unusual progress. Some of the notable events were the establishment of the Christliche Botschafter; the in- troduction and establishment of our work in Canada by J. G. Zinzer and C. Hammer, and the introduction of protracted meetings. A number of churches were built. The camp-meetings were uniformly successful, and the work in general prospered. CHAPTER VII. Sixth General Conference, Held Near Somerset, Pa., Nov. 14, 1836. 1836. General Conference, sixth (special) session, house of John Ferner, near Somerset, Pa., Nov. 14. Henry Niebel was president, and Charles Hammer, secretary. The chief business was the re-establishment of a Publishing House. P. Wagoner, W. W. Orwig, and John Rank, Esq., were appointed to build or purchase a suitable edifice in New Berlin, Pa., and W. W. Orwig was appointed to collect money for that purpose. In case he did not succeed, a building for the printing business should be rented. Owing to the distance of his home from New Berlin, Bro. A. Ettinger resigned the editorship of the Christ- licheBotschafter, andW. W. Orwig was elected. Charles Ham- mer was elected presiding elder in place of W. W. Orwig. The salary of the editor was made equal to that of a married itiner- ant with an additional allowance equal that of an unmarried man. It was resolved that hereafter the editor of the Botschafter shall be elected by the General Conference, and shall be eligible only for two successive terms of four years each. An edition of 2,000 copies of J. C. Reisner's German school book was ordered to be published, also an edition of 4,000 copies t)f the Viole. "It was resolved that the two annual conferences shall here- after be independent of each other in their proceedings, the con- tributions for the support of the preachers alone excepted. Up to this time the Western Conference had been entirely dependent on the Eastern in its proceedings, the latter body having the power to approve or reject them, as it deemed best. The con- tributions toward the support of the ministers however, remained 252 B VANGSLIOAL ASSOGIA T10N ANNALS. the joint property of the two conferences, and were equally di- vided between them, in proportion to the number of itinerants composing each conference." (Orwig.) This conference established the rule of discipline requiring preachers in charge to give certificates of recommendation to members who move from one charge to another. In reference to the proper subjects and the mode of baptism the conference granted liberty of conscience to the members of the society. It was ordained that hereafter the Western Conference shall annually send two delegates to attend the Eastern Conference, who shall, in conection with three members of the Eastern Con- ference, constitute a committe to examine all books and manu- scripts for publication. Samuel Witt, of Somerset, was ordained deacon. The elders present were : Henry Niebel, Charles Hammer, H. Bucks, Samuel Baumgardner, Solomon G. Miller, J. G. Zinzer, Elias Stover, J. Young, Jacob Schnerr, Charles Hesser, J, Sevbert, W. W. Orwig, P. Wagoner, Daniel Brickly, Geo. Brickly, J. J. Kopp, Francis Hoffman, J. P. Leib, and Daniel Kehr. 1837* Eastern Conference, New Berlin, Pa., March 27. P. Wagoner, president ; Charles Hammer, secretary. Located — M. Hartman. Ordained deacons — Henry Keagel, J. Kehr, J. Jacobs, Henry Thomas, Peter Henneberger, and Sebas- tian Musser. Elders — John Young and Michael F. Maize. Newly received — Henry Stoetzel, Moses Bauer, George Del- lingr, George Schaeffer, Benjamim Epply, Jacob Rank, George T. Haines, Charles Wagoner, Jacob Miller, Mich- ael Eis, Ch. Hummel and Henry Miesse. Philip Wagoner was elected presiding elder. The following works were ordered to be printed, (if approved by the board of publication) : Thomas AKempis' works, 1,500 copies; J. Vogelbach's German school book, 1,000 copies; Miller's "Practical Christianity," 1,000 copies. The Publishing Committee was also instructed to pub- lish the Bible, several thousand Sunday-school tickets, and 500 copies of the constitution of the Charitable Society. Appointments: I. Canaan District, J. Seybert, presiding elder. Schuylkill Circuit, Thomas Buck ; Lykens, J. Barber and P. Schwilley ; Reading, Jacob Saylor and Michael Eis ; Lebanon, CONFERENCE RECORDS. 353 F. Hoffman and J. Vogelbach ; Lancaster, J. M. Sindlinger and J. Noecker; Philadelphia, Charles Hesser. II. Zion District, J. P. Leib, presiding elder. York Circuit, J. Sensel and H. Westhafer ; Gettysburg, J. Schnerr and F. Mil- ler ; Cumberland, M. F. Maize, Ch. Holl and George Schaffer ; Shenandoah, (Va. ), P. Henneberger and M. Bower. III. Salem District, P. Wagoner, presiding elder. Union Circuit, J. Jacobs and H. Thomas ; Columbia, George Brickly and J. Schuppert; Lycoming, S. Mosser and G. T. Haines; Centre, D. Berger and W. Heim. IV. Moriah District, C. Hammer, presiding elder. Dans- ville Circuit, (N. Y.), J. Kehr; Lake, H. Keagel and George Dellinger ; Buffalo Circuit, Jacob Riegel and H. Stoetzel ; Buffalo Station, Joseph Harlacher. 1837. Western Cenference, Green township, Stark county, O., March 6-n. Henry Niebel, president; Samuel Bauh- gardner, secretary. Located — Benjamin Bixler and W. Camp- bell. Newly received — Isaac Hoffert, Robert Miller and Henry Heiss. Ordained elders — Solomon Altimos, Jacob Boas and John Lentz. Deacons — George Seger, Daniel N. Long, Peter Lentz and Ch. Aubel. Committee to visit the Eastern Conference — J. C. Zinzer and Daniel Brickly. Appointments : I. Ohio District, H. Niebel, presiding elder. Miami Circuit, Jacob Boas and Daniel Swartz; Lancaster, J. Riegel, J. R. Miller and Matthias Hauert; Crawford, A. B Schaeffer and Peter Getz ; Sandusky, J. Lentz and Isaac Hauert. II. Tabor District, Samuel Baumgardner, presiding elder, Mansfield Circuit, Abraham Frey and Lewis Einsel ; Wooster, J, J. Kopp and George Seger; Canton, Samuel Van Gundy and H. Heiss ; Columbianna, E. Stoever and John Kerstetter. III. Carmel District, J. G. Zinzer, presiding elder. Erie Circuit, H. Bucks and Robert Miller; Armstrong, Peter Wiest and D. N. Long; Indiana, Daniel Kehr and William Berkheimer; Somerset, Aaron Yambert, J. Young and Benjamin Epply. General progress : Philadelphia Station prospered wonder- fully, and a chureh was built and dedicated Oct. 1. Our work in Buffalo, N. Y., was founded by Joseph Harlacher. J. Boas visited Illinois and established the work in that State. 1838. Eastern Conference, Orwigsburgh, Pa., March 28. P. Wagoner, president; F. Hoffman, secretary. Located — Joseph Harlacher, J. Kehr, and Jacob Saylor. Newly 254 B VANGEL1CAL A880CIA TION ANNALS. ' received — Frederick Krecker, William Mintz, John Rosen- berger, Samuel Krall and Alex. Longsdorf. Ordained elders — Daniel Berger, Jacob Saylor, Jacob Riegel and J. M. Sindlinger. Deacons — J. Vogelbach, W. Heim, H. West- hafer, Fredericr Miller, Christian Holl and George Shaf- fer. J. Seybert was re-elected, and T. Buck newly elected presiding elder. The conference sent $410 to the Western Con- ference for the support of preachers. It was resolved that parsonages be erected, if practicable, on every charge, the quarterly conferences to elect three trustees to attend to the same, subject to the advice of the presiding elder and preacher in charge. Conference ordered the following works to be printed, subject to the approval of the committee : 3,000 copies of the small English hymn book; 2,000 copies of Thomas a Kempis' "Imitation of Christ;" and 2,000 copies of Miller's "Practical Christianity." A missionary society was organized. A resolution deprecating the use of tobacco, and forbidding preachers to engage in its traffic, was adopted. Appointments: I. Canaan District, T. Buck, presiding elder. Lykens Circuit, D. Kehr and S. Mosser ; Schuylkill, M. F. Maize ; Womelsdorf, J. Schnerr ; Lebanon, J. Vogelbach and W. Mintz ; Lancaster, J. Sindlinger and J. Rosenberger. II. Philadelphia District, J. P. Leib, presiding elder. Phil- adelphia Station, C. Hesser. Reading Circuit, H. Fisher and M. Eis ; Lehigh, F. Hoffman and P. Henneberger. III. Zion District, P. Wagoner, presiding elder. York Cir- cuit, J. Sensel and W. Heim ; Gettysburg, G. Schaffer and H. Westhafer; Cumberland, J. Young, J. Jacobs and S. Krall; Shenandoah, (Va. ), F. Miller and Moses Bower. IV. Salem District, J. Seybert, presiding elder. Union Cir- cuit, H. Thomas and H. Keagel ; Columbia, J. Barber, B. Epply and F. Krecker; Centre, D. Berger and Alex. Longsdorf; Ly- coming, G. Brickley and P. Schwilley. Moriah District, N. Y., Charles Hammer, presiding elder. Lake Circuit, J. Reigel and C. Hummel ; Dansville, H. Stoetzel ; Buffalo, C. Holl and G. T. Haines. 8838. Western Conference, Jackson township, Wayne county, Ohio, March 5. H. Niebel, president; S. Baumgard- ner, secretary. Located — George Seger, Daniel Swartz, J. Kerstetter and John Reigel. Newly received — Joseph Hummel. Ordained Elder — Samuel Van Gundy. Deacons CONFERENCE RECORDS. 255 Lewis Einsel, William Bergheimer and J. Kerstetter. Daniel Kehr removed to the Eastern Conference. Henry Bucks and Jacob Boas were elected delegates to the Eastern Conference. Appointments: I. Ohio District, H. Niebel, presiding elder ; Illinois, P. Wiest. Miami Circuit, Aaron Yambert ; Lan- caster, J. G. Zinzer and George Dressel ; Crawford, J. J. Kopp, M. Hauert and Jacob Rank ; Sandusky, P. Getz and Abraham Loehner. II. Tabor District, S. Baumgardner, presiding elder. Mans- field Circuit, A. B. Schaeffer, H. Longbrake and Joseph Hum- mel; Wooster, D. N. Long and J. R. Miller; Canton, Jacob Boas and J. Peters; Columbianna, S. Van Gundy and H. D. Grunder ; Erie, E. Stoever and Charles Wagoner. III. Carmel District, Pa., H. Bucks, presiding elder. Frank- lin, John Lutz; Indiana, Robert Miller; Armstrong, William Bergheimer and H. Heiss ; Somerset, L. Einsel and Isaac Hof- fert. In 1838, S. Altimos, an earnest and successful preacher from the Eastern Conterence removed to Monroe county, Mich- igan. Invalid though he was, he began to labor without ap- pointment for the Master's cause, meeting with open doors every- where. He preached in many places in Adams, Wells and Allen counties, also in Detroit, visiting also Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he opened the way for our preachers. His first revival took place in December, 1838, on Port Creek, Michigan, where he organized the first class in Michigan. 1839. Eastern Conference was held in Lebanon, Pa., April 11. Bishop J. Sevbert, president; F. Hoffman, secre- tary. Located — J. Schnerr, H. Keagel, J. Reigel, S. Krall and Frederick Miller. Newly received — John Kreamer, Joseph Rissman, Joseph Best, Henry Rohland, Abraham Forry, David Mertz, Ceorge Ramige, John Kauffman and George Dressler. Ordained elders — J. A. Jacobs arid Sebas- tian Mosser. Deacons — Christian Hummel, B. Epply, H. Stoetzel, G. T. Haines, and P. Schwilley. Elected presiding elder — George Brickly and J. M. Sindlinger. The salary of the preacher for Philadelphia was fixed at $250. Appointments: I. Canaan District, T. Buck, presiding elder. Lykens Circuit, Benjamin Epply and M. Lehn ; Potts- ville and Minersville, M. F. Maize ; Schuylkill, Charles Hesser ; 356 EVANGELIOAL AB8Q0IATI0N ANNAL8. Lebanon, F. Hoffman, F. Krecker and D. Mertz ; Lancaster, G. Schaeffer and J. Kreamer. II. Philadelphia District, J. P. Leib, presiding elder. Le- high Circuit, D. Berger and G. T. Haines. Philadelphia Sta- tion, J. Vogelbach. Reading Circuit, W. Heim and W. Mintz. III. Moriah District, N. Y., J. M. Sindlinger, presiding ■elder. Dansville Circuit, D. Kehr ; Lake, J. Harlacher ; Buffalo, P. Schwilley and G. Ramige. Missions, N. Y.: New York Mission, J. Bnrkett; Mohawk, "C. Hummel; Waterloo, Upper Canada, C. Holl; Black Creek, Canada, M. Eis. West Pa. Conference : I. Zion District, P. Wagoner, pre- siding elder. York Circuit, H. Fisher and J. Rosenberger; Get- tysburg, J. Sensel and P. Henneberger; Cumberland, J. A. Jacobs, Abraham Forry and H. Westhafer. II. Salem District, George Brickly, presiding elder. Union Circuit, J. Barber and J. Best ; Centre, H. Thomas and H. Ron- land ; Columbia, S. Mosser and A. Longsdorf ; Lycoming, J. Young and J. Rissman. 1839. Western Conference, Green township, Stark county, Ohio, March 4. Henry Niebel, president; Samuel Baum- gardner, secretary. Located — Joseph Hummel and Abraham Loehner. Newly received — Samuel Heiss, Abraham Niebel, Daniel Kern, Christian Augenstein and John Holl. Or- dained elders — A. B. Schaeffer, Peter Getz, Peter Wiest -and Aaron Yambert. Deacons — M. Hauert, George Del- linger, Henry Heiss, John R. Miller, Isaac Hoffer and Benjamin Bixler. Henry Buck was re-elected and J.. G. Zinzer newly elected presiding elder. Appointments : I. Ohio District, J. G. Zinzer, presiding elder. Miami Circuit, I. Hoffer and H. Longbrake; Baltimore, J. Lutz ; Lancaster, A. B. Schaeffer and Ch. Augenstein. II. Sandusky District, H. Niebel, presiding, elder. Illinois Circuit, Lewis Einsel ; Maumee, William Bergheimer; Sandusky, J. R. Miller and D. Kern ; Marion, Benjamin Bixler ; Crawford, P. Wiest and Robert Miller ; Mansfield,. J. J. Kopp and J. Peters ; Wayne, Aaron Lambert and J. Hall. III. Tabor District, Samuel Baumgardner, presiding elder. Bri&tol Circuit, E. Stoever and A. Niebel ; Canton, George Dres- sel and A. Stroh ; Columbianna, P. Getz and George Seger ; Harmony, S. Van Gundy ; Erie, J. H. Lambert. CONFERENCE RE00RD8. 257 IV. Carmel District, (Pa.), H. Buck, presiding elder. Franklin, Henry Heiss ; Armstrong, George Dellinger and Sam- uel Heiss ; Indiana, D. N. Long and Charles Wagoner ; Somer- set, M. Hauert and Jacob Rank ; Bedford, J. Boas and J. Noecker. SECOND PERIOD— 1839-1850. 1839. General Conference, seventh sesssion, Mosser's church, near Millheim, Pa, March 25. After the opening exer- cises, conducted by Henry Niebel, Thomas Buck was elected president, who appointed George Brickley secretary. This was one of the most important sessions ever held, and marks the beginning of a new epoch in the history of the Church. Hitherto the Discipline neither defined nor limited the pow- ers of the General Conference, and its power to alter or add to the Articles of Faith and Discipline was practically unlimited. Provisions were made at this conference, limiting and denning its power in accordance with a constitution by which it shall here- after be governed. The powers of the bishop, which were materially limited by the last General Conference, were still further curtailed by re- moving his authority to assign (with the assistance of two pre- siding elders) the presiding elders to their districts and the itin- erants to their circuits, and to transfer, in the intervals of the an- nual conference, presiding elders or preachers at his discretion. Hitherto all members had a right to sit as members of Gen- eral Conference. This conference introduced the delegate sys- tem by ordaining that hereafter the General Conference shall be constituted on a basis of one member out of every four of the annual conferences. The following sections were added to the Discipline: "Of selling and using spiritous liquors;" "Of slavery;" "Of the support of missions ; " with many changes of minor importance. The Christliche Botschafter was ordered to be enlarged, and to appear semi-monthly instead of monthly, the price to be raised from seventy-five cents to $1 per annum. Arrangements were made to publish a German pocket Bible. An elementary school book by W. W. Orwig, in manuscript, was approved, and 6,000 copies were ordered to be printed, as also a number of Sunday school books. Steps were taken for the publication of a history 258 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. of the Evangelical Association. A committee of three was ap- pointed to gather material, viz., T. Buck- for the East Pennsyl- vania, Charles Hammer for the West Pennsylvania, and John Dreisbach for the Ohio Conference. They were to place the matter thus collected in the hands of W. W. Orwig, who was to prepare it for publication. A standing book committee was appointed to inspect annu- ally the chief book concern, and audit the accounts of the chief book steward. A second committee was appointed to inspect manuscripts offered for publication, and a third to select and pre- pare Sunday-school books for publication. The annual conference bounds were changed as follows: Zion and Salem Districts, of the Eastern Conference, and Car- mel District, of the Western Conference, were constituted a new annual conference, called the West Pennsylvania. The Western Conference was changed to the Ohio. The geographical bounds of the conferences were as follows : The first named embraced that part of Pennsylvania east of the Susquehanna River, New York, as far as Buffalo, and subsequently Upper Canada. The second embraced the territory west of the Susquehanna (and the north branch of the same), Carroll county, Maryland, and Washington county in the western part of the State. The Shenan- doah Valley in Virginia, as far south as Woodstock, and several of the counties in (now) West Virginia, along the Potomac River. The third embraced the greater part of Ohio, and ex- tended into Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan. John Seybert was elected bishop, W. W. Orwig was re- elected editor of the Christliche Botschafttr, and Charles Ham- mer was elected book agent. A constitution for a general missionary society was approved and adopted, and the organization already effected under that constitution was called "The Missionary Society of the Evan- gelical Association of North America. " This was constituted the parent society, all conference societies to be auxiliaries. Stringent resolutions were adopted, making it incumbent upon local preachers to attend local preachers' conferences. In case of neglect, for the first offence the offender shall be put on pro- bation, and for the second offense he shall be deposed. The preachers were enjoined to preach, defend and admin- ister infant as well as adult baptism, according to our Discipline, and if any who were baptized in infancy are not satisfied, they CONFERENCE RECORDS. 259 shall be re-baptized ; but no preacher shall advocate re-baptism. Elders present — Eastern Conference : Thomas Buck, James Barber, John Sensel, George Brickley, Daniel Kehr, Joseph Harlacher, Francis Hoffman, J. M. Sindlinger, John Young, Charles Hammer, Charles Hesser, John Seybert, Michael F. Maize, Solomon G. Miller, John P. Leib, Daniel Berger, Philip Wagoner, W. W. Orwig. Western Conference : Joseph Long, Elias Stoever, John Lutz, Henry Niebel, Jacob Boas, Peter Wiest, John G. Zinzer, Absalom B. Shaefer, Peter Gates, Henry Buck, Samuel Van Gundy, Aaron Yambert, J. J. Kopp. This period is especially eventful in the history of the Evan- gelical Association. The General Conference of 1839 marks the introduction of a new era in the church. Narrow methods were thrown aside, and the church caught the spirit of progress everywhere astir in the land. The most marked characteristic of this period is the wonderful impetus given the church by the development of the great West. Soon after his elevation to the episcopacy, Bishop Seybert paid a visit to Illinois. The great influx of Germans into that State and Wisconsin, in addition to the extensive emigration from Pennsylvania, deeply impressed him with the importance of our work in that ever-widening field. His foresight is well attested by the success which crowned the labors of the Evangelical missionaries in that region. They were the first German missionaries in many cities of Illinois, notably Chicago, and were among the first to carry a pure gos- pel to the sons and daughters of the Fatherland in the territory of Wisconsin. This period also marks the revival of the English interests of the Evangelical Association. The first General Conference composed of regularly elected delegates was held in 1843. Here the old tradition that the church should confine itself to the Ger- man element, was thrown aside. The narrow policy of former years was completely reversed, and the pace was set in accord- ance with what seemed to be the manifest destiny of the Church. The General Conference having sounded the key note of prog- ress, the church in general caught up the refrain. While the work gained ground rapidly among the Germans of the West, it was no less successful in the East. The establishing of the English organ of the church, the Grange/tea/ Messenger, was proof positive that the Association 260 EVANGELICAL A880CIATI0N ANNALS. had enlarged her sphere of labor beyond the lines of language and national prejudices, and that her calling, whatever it may have been in the past,' was now manifestly to work in whatever way or capacity the guiding hand of Providence might direct. 1840. East Pa. Conference, Schuylkill Haven, Pa., March 25. Bishop J. Seybert, president: Jacob Vogelbach, secre- tary. Newly received — F. Danner, D. Fisher and Michael Sindlinger. Ordained elders — J. Vogelbach, W. Heim, G. Schaeffer and C. Holl. Deacons — W. Minie, F. Krecker, J. Rosenberger, M. Eis and M. Lehn. J. P. Leib was re- elected presiding elder. Appointments : I. Philadelphia District, J. P. Leib, presid- ing elder. Philadelphia, J. Vogelbach ; Milford Circuit, J. Sen- sel and H. Stoetzel; Lehigh, M. F. Maize and G. T. Haines ; Reading, Jacob Saylor and Henry Fisher. II. Canaan District, T. Buck, presiding elder. Lykens Cir- cuit, C. Holl and W. Mintz ; Schuylkill, F. Hoffman, Charles Hesser and D. Mertz ; Lebanon, D. Berger and F. Danner ; Lan- caster, W. Heim and J. Kramer. III. Moriah District, (N. Y.), J. M. Sindlinger, presiding elder. Mohawk Circuit, C. Hummel and G. Ramige ; Lake, M. Lehn and D. Fisher; Buffalo, P. Schwilley, Buffalo Station, Fred. Krecker ; Black Creek, M. Eis and Michael Sindlinger ; Water- loo Mission, J. Harlacker; New York City Mission, Jacob Burkett. 1840. West Pa. Conference, New Berlin, Pa., April 8. Bishop J. Seybert, president; George Brickley, secretary. Henry Thomas was ordained elder, and Jacob Rank and Alex- ander Longsdorf deacons. Owing to a great lack of preach- ers, the West Pa. Conference was at this session sadly reduced,* and the Fourth of July next was appointed as a day of fasting and prayer, that God would raise up ministers to carry on the work. Appointments : I. Zion District, P. Wagoner, presiding elder. York and Gettysburg Circuits, John A. Jacobs and J. Kauffman ; Cumberland, George Shaffer and Moses Bower ; Baltimore Sta- tion, Jacob Boas. II. Salem District, George Brickly presiding elder. Union Circuit, Benjamin Epply; Lycoming, James Barber; Columbia, * See Article on Ministry. CONFERENCE RECORDS. 261 Alexander Longsdorf and J. Noecker ; Centre, Henry Thomas and Jacob Brobst. Carmel District, Henry Bucks, presiding elder. Franklin Circuit, D. N. Long ; Indiana, Jacob Rank ; Armstrong, George Dellinger and Samuel Heiss ; Somerset, Henry Rohland, Charles Wagoner; Bedford, M. Hauert. 1840. Ohio Conference was held in the house of Solomon Moyer, in Walnut township, Pickaway county, Ohio, beginning May 13. Bishop J. Seybert, president; A. B. Schaeffer, sec- retary. Located — George Seger, William Bergheimer, Ben- jamin Bixler and J. Peters. Ordained elder — Lewis Einsel. Deacons — Jacob Frey, H. Longbrake, Christian Thomas and Robert Miller. Newly received — John Hershey, Levi Heiss, Jacob Miller, Jacob Kemmerling, John Schaffer, Frederick Wahl, John Mayer, Christian Lintner and Jacob Lutz. Samuel Van Gundy and George Dressel died during the year. Appointments: I. Ohio District, J. G. Zinzer, presiding elder. Illinois Circuit, Isaac Hoffer and D. Kern ; Miami, A. B. Schaeffer and Levi Heiss ; Pickaway, Lewis Einsel and Fred- erick Wahl ; Lancaster, Aaron Yambert and Jacob Lutz. II. Sandusky District, H. Niebel, presiding elder. Sandusky Circuit, Robert Miller and Christian Thomas; Lake, Adam Stroh and John Hall; Crawford, John R. Miller and John Mayer; Marion, H. Longbrake; Mansfield, Abraham Niebel and Jacob Kemmerling; Wayne, Samuel Baumgardner and Christian Lintner. III. Tabor District, J. J. Kopp, presiding elder. Harmony Circuit, E. Stoever; Erie, P. Getz and Christian Augenstein. Illinois Mission, John Lutz. Bristol Circuit, Jacob Frey and John Shaffer ; Canton, P. Wiest and Jacob Miller; Columbianna, Henry Heiss and John Hershey. General developments during the year were : Considerable ingathering of souls in Canada, especially at Waterloo. Great success of J. Boas in Baltimore, Md. Beginning of the work in Rochester, N. Y., by Samuel Muck. Class formed, Jan. 10, 1 841. In Philadelphia J. Vogelbach forsook his congregation. First class in Wisconsin was formed, near Wilwaukee, John G. Esslinger, leader. The work in Indiana (connected with Mi- ami Circuit), was considerably extended and the first camp- meeting of the church in the State held on land of John Dill, in Wayne county. Work established this year in Cleveland, Ohio, 263 EVANGELICAL AS80G1A T10N ANNALS. by A. Stroh, taken up as a mission, 1841, and Lewis Einsel appointed missionary. A small church was built the latter year. In the Fall of 1840, J. G. Zinzer, presiding elder, visited the work in Illinois. The book establishment prospered remarkably. Michael Maize, Sr., L. Zimmerman (1), S. Altimos(2) and William Bergheimer died during the year. 1841. East Pa. Conference, four miles west of Seneca Falls, N. Y., March 17. Bishop J. Seybert, president; William Mintz, secretary. Located — H. Stoetzel and D. Mertz. Newly received — J. Dareich. Ordained elders — G. T. Haines, P. Schwilley, Ch. Hummel and M. Eis. deacons — J. Kreamer, G. Ramige and F. Danner. Appointments: I. Philadelphia District, J. P. Leib, presid- ing elder. Philadelphia, Ch. Hesser; Reading Circuit, J. Burkitt; Milford, G. T. Haines and W. Garrett ; Lehigh, M. F. Maize and J. Kreamer ; Womelsdorf, Jacob Saylor. II. Canaan District. T. Buck, presiding elder. Lancaster Circuit, H. Fisher and C. Holl ; Lebanon Station, D. Berger ; Dauphin, J. Sensel. Orwigsburgh, W. Mintz; Schuylkill, F. Hoffman ; Pottsville Station, W. Heim ; Lykens, F. Danner and S. Neitz. III. Moriah District, J. M. Sindlinger, presiding elder. Mohawk Circuit, G. Ramige and D. Fisher ; Lake, M. Lehn and M. Sindlinger ; Buffalo, Ch. Hummel ; Buffalo Station, F. Kreck- er ; Black Creek, P. Schwilley ; Waterloo, J. Harlacher and J. Dareich ; New York City, Miss., M. Eis. 1841. West Pa. Conference, New Berlin, Pa., April 7. Bishop J. Seybert, president ; H. Bucks, secretary. Located — H. Thomas. Newly received — Joseph Truby, John Brickley, Biographical. — (1) Leonard Zimmerman, Jr., was the son of Leonard and Sophia Z., who were among the first supports of Albright. He was born in Schuylkill county, 1783, and died at Manheim, Pa., in 1840. His wife Anna died in 1846, aged 68 years. He was converted in his father's house in the be- ginning of the century. He was awakened by a powerful sermon preached by Albright from the words, "But who may abide the day of His coming?" (Mai. iii. 2). His penitential struggle was severe, so that even Albright de- clared he had never witnessed anything like it. In 18 11 he was received into the traveling ministry and labored with great acceptance until 1821, when im- paired health compelled him to locate, and thereafter he continued in a local capacity until his death. (2) Solomon Altimos born in Pennsylvania ; received in the Eastern Con- ference 1833 ; removed to Michigan 1838, where he organized the first Evangel- ical societies in that year ; died in Monroe county, Michigan, March 18, 1841. CONFERENCE RECORDS. 263 Jacob Heiss, Joseph Weber and Levi Eberhart. Ordained elders — Benjamin Eppley, Adam Ettinger, M. Hauert and George Dellinger. Deacons — S. Heiss, M. Bower and H. Rohland. Re-elected presiding elder — P. Wagoner. Appointments : I. Zion District, P. Wagoner, presiding elder. York Circuit, A. Ettinger and M. Lehn; Gettysburg, George Dellinger ; Cumberland, J. A. Jacobs and D. N. Long ; Virginia, M. Bower; Baltimore Mission, J. Boas. II. Salem District, George Brickley, presiding elder. Colum- bia Circuit, D. Kehr; Lycoming, Benjamin Eppley; Union, George Schaffer and Joseph Truby ; Centre, James Barber and Jacob Heiss. III. Carmel District, Henry Bucks, presiding elder. Bed- ford Circuit, Jacob Rank; Somerset, H. Rohland and John Brickley; Indiana, Alex. Longsdorf and Levi Eberhart ; Clarion, M. Hauert and Joseph Weber ; Warren, Samuel Heiss. 1841. Ohio Conference, Lafayette O., May 12. Bishop Seybert, president; A. B. Schaeffer, secretary. Located — J. Mayer, J. Hershey, Jacob Miller and Christian Thomas. Newly received — John Nicolai, George Klopfer, Christian B. Gattle and Simon Keil. Ordained elders — Isaac Hoffer and Henry Heiss. Deacons — John Hall, Adam Stroh, Abra- ham Niebel, Christian Augenstein and M. Wonder. Appointments: 1. Ohio District, J. G. Zinzer, presiding elder. Lancaster Circuit, A. Niebel and Frederick Wahl ; Pick- away, Jacob Frey and Simon Keil ; Miami, A. B. Schaeffer and J. Nicolai ; Des Plains (111. ), Adam Stroh and Christian Lintner ; White Water Mission, Christian Augenstein and George Klopfer; Fort Wayne Mission, John Hall ; Illinois Mission, Isaac Hoffer. II. Sandusky District, Henry Niebel, presiding elder. San- dusky Circuit, R. Miller and D. Wonder ; Lake, J. Lutz ; Craw- ford, Jacob Kemmerling and L. Heiss ; Marion, H. Longbrake and D. Kern; Mansfield, S. Baumgardner; Wayne, P. Wiest; Cleveland Mission, Lewis Einsel. III. Tabor District, J. J. Kopp, presiding elder. Canton and Columbianna Circuit, E. Stoever, H. Heiss and B. Gattle ; Harmony, Joseph Long; Erie, P. Getz and John Schaeffer; Bristol, Aaron Yambert and J. R. Miller. In the East Pa. Conference the work progressed finely, and almost 1,000 new members were added. Philadelphia, which 264 EVANGELICAL A8S0G1A T10N ANNALS. had suffered through the withdrawal of J. Vogelbach, was again greatly revived. In Canada, on Waterloo Mission, Joseph Har- lacher had great success. The newly-established mission at Cleveland, O. , under Lewis Einsel, made good progress. Bishop Sevbert visited Illinois, in July, for the first time and attended the first Evangelical camp-meeting in that State, beginning July 15, on the land of Jacob Esher, near Wheeling, During the year Bishop Seybert sent an order to the printing establishment for 23,725 books for the Ohio Conference, at a costof $4, 406. 25 j£ . This taxed the resources of the establishment to its utmost. Sev- eral articles appeared in the Church paper in favor of a learned clergy, which made a good impression. During the year several newspapers made serious attacks on the Association and several pamphlets were published to injure the cause, to all of which the editor of the Botschafter replied in a mild, Christian spirit. 1842. East Pa. Conference, Allentown, Pa., March 2. Bishop J. Seybert, president; Henry Fisher, secretary. Lo- cated — J. Burkett and Joseph Harlacher. T. Buck permitted to remain in the itinerancy and preach as his health will permit. Newly received — H. Sauer, Joseph Gross, T. Steck and William Schmidt. Ordained elders — W. Mintz, F. Krecker and M. Lehn. Deacons — S. Neitz, D. Fisher, M. Sindlinger, C. Meyers, S. Miesse and D. Mertz. Elected presiding elder — H. Fisher. Appointments : I. Philadelphia District, H. Fisher, presid- ing elder. Philadelphia Station, M. F. Maize ; New York Mis- sion, C. Meyers ; Milford Circuit, C. Hummel, J. Kreamer and Joseph Gross ; Lehigh, C. Hesser and William Mintz ; Womels- dorf, F. Hoffman and P. Swilley ; Germantown and Manayunk, J. M. Saylot. II. Canaan District, J. P. Leib, presiding elder. Lancaster Circuit, J. C. Reisner, J. Dareich and T. Steck ; Lebanon, Jacob Saylor and F. Danner; Schuylkill, D. Berger and S. Neitz; Lykeris, J. Sensel and G. T. Haines ; Pine Grove, T. Buck ; Pottsville Station, W. Heim. III. Moriah District (N. Y.), J. M. Sindlinger, presiding elder. Mohawk Circuit, M. Lehn and H. Sauer; Jefferson, D. Fisher ; Lake, C. Holl and M. Sindlinger ; Rochester Mission, F. Krecker ; Buffalo Circuit, G. Ramige ; Buffalo Station, Jacob Riegel ; Waterloo Circuit, M. Eis and W. Schmidt ; Black Creek, J. Kehr. CONFERENCE RECORDS. 265 1842. West Pa. Conference, New Berlin, Pa., April 6. Bishop Seybert, president; H. Bucks, secretary. Located — J. A. Jacobs and Joseph Weber. Died — Samuel Witt. Newly received — Daniel Sill, Aaron Wolf, David Rishel, George Weirich, James Dunlap and Peter Heiss. Ordained elders — Jacob Rank and Alex. Longsdorf. Deacon — Moses McLehn. George Brickley resigned the office of presiding elder. Henry Bucks was transferred to the East Pa. Conference. Samuel Heiss went to the Ohio Conference. Adam Ettinger and Daniel Kehr were elected presiding elders. Appointments : I. Zion District, Adam Ettinger, presiding elder. York Circuit, H. Thomas and J. Edgar; Gettysburg, George Dellinger ; Cumberland, Jacob Boas, James Dunlap and Peter Heiss; Virginia, M. Bower; Baltimore Station, Charles Hammer; Baltimore County Mission, L. Eberhart; York Mis- sion, George Brickley. II. Salem District, Ph. Wagoner, presiding elder. Union Circuit, H. Rohland and Aaron Wolf ; Columbia, George Schaf- fer and David Rishel ; Lycoming, Alex. Longsdorf and Simon McLehn ; Centre, James Barber and Joseph Truby. III. Carmel District, Daniel Kehr, presiding elder. Somer- set Circuit, John Brickley and Daniel Sill ; Bedford, Moses Lehn and George Weirick ; Indiana, Benjamin Eppley ; Warren, Jacob Rank; Clarion, M. Hauert and Jacob Heiss. 1842. Ohio Conference, Walnut township, Pickaway county, O., May ii. Bishop J. Seybert, president; A. B. Schaeffer, secretary. Simon Keil died. J. R. Miller, J. Schaeffer, Isaac Hoffer, J. Kemmerling and G. Klepfer located. Newly received on probation — Christian Kopp, J. K. Bayer, Fred- erick Mayer, J. Bernhart, P. Becker, P. Hahn, G. A. Blank and F. R. Tobias. Ordained elders — Jacob Frey and Henry Longbrake. Deacons — J. Mayer, Frederick Wahl, J. Schaef- fer, Daniel Kern, Levi Heiss and Abraham Loehner. Appointments : I. Ohio District, J. G. Zinzer, presiding elder. Lancaster, A. B. Schaeffer and J. K. Bayer ; Pickaway, H. Longbrake and P. Hahn ; Miami, L. Einsel and F. Mayer ; Des Plains (111.), F. Wahl and G. A. Blank ; White Water (Ind. ), A. Stroh and F. R. Tobias ; Fort Wayne (Ind. ), J. Hall and J. Nicolai; Rock River (111.), L. Heiss and D. Kern; Mt. Carmel (111.), Christian Augenstein. 266 BVANQELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. II. Sandusky District, H. Niebel, presiding elder. San- dusky Circuit, Peter Wiest and J. Bernhart ; Lake, P. Gates ; Crawford, J. Mayer and C. Kopp ; Marion, J. Frey and S. K. Miesse j Mansfield, A. Yambert and H. Downey. III. Tabor District, J. J. Kopp, presiding elder. Wayne Circuit, E. Stoever and N. Gehr; Bristol, S. Baumgardner and D. Wonder; Canton, J. Long and C. B. Gattle; Columbianna, J. Lutz and P. Becker; Harmony, S. Heiss; Erie, Abraham Niebel and Christian Lintner ; Cleveland, H. Heiss. The East Pa. Conference located missions in Germantown, Pa., and Rochester, N.Y. The West Pa. Conference established a mission in York, Pa., and Baltimore county, Md. Ohio Con- ference established Mt. Carmel and Rock River Missions. This was a year of great ingathering, and revivals occurred on almost every charge. Owing to the stringency of the times the book establishment did not prosper so well, and no dividend could be given the conferences. Charles Hammer, the agent, had resigned and T. Buck had been elected in his place, who entered upon his duties in May and died Oct. 26 following. Besides the death of T. Buck, who was considered one of the leading men, the Church sustained the loss of three itinerants : Adam Stroh, who was received by the Ohio Conference in 1840, "and died April 2, 1843, i n Summit county, O., aged twenty-five years ; J. Schaeffer, received by the Ohio Conference in 1840, and died March 8, 1843, * n Erie, Pa., aged twenty-six years; Abra- ham Frey, born near Middleburg, Pa. , received by the Eastern Conference in 1832, and died in Richland county, O., Jan. 29, 1843, aged thirty-two years. This was the first year in the history of the Association that a fixed salary was full. An unmarried man received $60, married men #105, with $15 for each child under fourteen years of age, and an additional amount for traveling expenses. This caused considerable rejoicing. There was a surplus in the treasury, which was also divided. 1843. East Pa. Conference, Lebanon, Pa., March 22. Bishop J. Seybert, president ; Henry Fisher, secretary. W. Heim located. Ordained elders — G. Ramige, F. Danner, J. Kreamer and J. Kehr. Deacon —J. Dareich. Newly received — J. C. Farnsworth, G. C. Schmidt, Theobald Schneider, W. L. Reber, J. Raus and Frederick Scharf. Died during the year — Charles Hesser. W. Mintz and M. Lehn were elected CCNFERENOE RE00RD8. 267 presiding elders. A mission was located in Lancaster, Pa. The work in New York was divided into two presiding elder districts. Appointments : I. Philadelphia District, H. Fisher, presid- ing elder. Philadelphia Station, M. F. Maize ; Monroe Circuit, G. T. Haines ; Milford, W. L. Reber, J. Kreamer and G. C. Schmidt ; Lehigh, C. Hesser and J. C. Farnsworth ; Womelsdorf; D. Berger and F. Scharf; Germantown Mission, J. M. Saylor; New York Mission, Christian Hummel. II. Canaan District, J. P. Leib, presiding elder. Lancaster Circuit, Jacob Saylor, T. Steck and S. Miesse; Lebanon, F. Danner and S. Neitz ; Orwigsburg Station, J. Sensel ; Pine Grove Station, F. Hoffman ; Pottsville Station, H. Bucks ; Lykens Cir* cuit, J. C. Reissner and C. Holl ; Schuylkill Haven Station, Christian Meyers. III. Mohawk District (N. Y), W. Mintz, presiding elder. Mohawk Circuit, D. Fisher and T. Schneider ; Jefferson, M. Sind- linger ; Danville, J. Dareich ; Lake, F. Krecker and H. Sauer. IV. Niagara District (N. Y.), M. Lehn, presiding elder. Buffalo Circuit, G. Ramige ; Buffalo Station, Jacob Riegel ; Black Creek Circuit, J. Kehr ; Waterloo, M. Eis and J. Raus. 1843. West Pa. Conference, near Carlisle, Pa., April 5. Bishop J. Seybert, president; Charles Hammer, secretary. Jacob Heiss located. Newly received — George Cupp, Uriah Eberhart and John Hanshaw. Ordained elders — H. Rohland, Moses Bower and D. N. Long. Deacons — Levi Eberhart, John Brickley, Simon McLehn, Aaron Wolf, Joseph Truby, James Dunlap, John Edgar, Daniel Eckert, Samuel Strohm. Appointments : I. Zion District, Adam Ettinger, presiding elder. York Circuit, H. Thomas and P. Heiss ; York Mission, George Brickley ; Gettysburg Circuit, M. Bower ; Perry, James Dunlap ; Cumberland, J. Boas and Frederick Miller ; Washing- ton (Md. ), George Dellinger; Virginia, D. N. Long; Baltimore Station, C. Hammer; Baltimore County Mission, Moses McLehn. II. Salem District, P.Wagoner, presiding elder. Union Cir- cuit, H. Rohland and J. Barber; Columbia, George Schaeffer and George Weirick; Centre, J. M. Sindlinger and A. Wolf; Lycoming, Alexander Longsdorf and Benjamin Epply. III. Carmel District, Daniel Kehr, presiding elder. Bedford, Circuit, J. Edgar and D. Sill ; Indiana, J. Brickly ; Somerset, Simon McLehn and Uriah Eberhart ; Clarion, Joseph Truby and 268 EVANGELICAL A8800IAT10N ANNALS. David Rishel; Warren, Jacob Rank; Pittsburg Mission, Levi Eberhart. 1843. Ohio Conference, Thompson township, Seneca county, O., May 10. Bishop J. Seybert, president; A. B. Schaeffer, secretary. Located — 3?. Wiest. Newly received — C. Kable, G. F. Spreng, G. Haley, J. G. Miller, A. Nicolai, C. Glaus, Conrad Kauffman and J. McQuilling. Ordained elders — C. Augenstein, S. Heiss, Abraham Niebel and John Hall. Deacons — Jacob Kemmerling, C. Lintner, J. Nicolai and Jacob Hartman. Appointments : I. Tabor District. Joseph Long, presiding elder. Erie Circuit, Samuel Heiss and P. Becker; Harmony, A. Niebel; Columbianna, J. Hall and George F. Spreng; Canton, Nicholas Gehr and F. R. Tobias. II. Mohickan District, J. G. Zinzer, presiding elder. Bris- tol Circuit, George Mattinger and J. Bernhart ; Lake, E. Stoever; Wayne, P. Getz and C. Glaus ; Cleveland Mission, Henry Heiss; Mansfield Circuit, Adam Hennig and C. Kable. III. Sandusky District, Jacob Frey, presiding elder. Pick- away Circuit, C. Augenstein and George Haley; Marion, H. Niebel and Henry Hassler ; Lancaster, H. Longbrake and Joseph Boyer; Crawford, Lewis Einsel and D. Wonder ; Sandusky, John Lutz and J. McQuilling. IV. Indiana District, J. J. Kopp, presiding elder. White Water Circuit, J. Nicolai and Peter Hahn ; Miami, A. Yambert and F. Mayer; Dayton Mission, A. B. Schaeffer; Fort Wayne Mission, Daniel Kern and G. A. Blank ; Mt. Carmel Mission, C. Lintner and A. Nicolai. V. Illinois District, Samuel Baumgardner, presiding elder. Des Plains Circuit, C. Kopp ; Rock River, Levi Heiss and J. G. Miller; Chicago Mission, F. Wahl; Milwaukee Mission (Wis.), Matthias Hauert. CHAPTER VIII. Eighth General Conference, Held at Greensburg, 0., Oct. 23, 1843. 1843. General Conference, eighth session. This was the first General Conference composed of regularly elected delegates. It convened at Greensburg, O., Oct. 23, and continued eleven days. A large volume of business was transacted, of which the following is a summary: Suitable business rules were adopted. Recommendations from the annual conferences regarding changes in the Discipline were considered and acted upon. The salary of a single preacher, which had been fixed at £60, was raised to 1 100, and that of married men from £105 to £200, with $25 additional for every child under fourteen years of age, besides a reasonable allowance for traveling' expenses. The salary of the officials at the Book Establishment was increased $$ o each. The conference appointed W. W. Orwig to prepare a catechism for the use of the society, and revise for a new edition of Miller's * ' Practical Christianity. " The two German hymn books were ordered to be combined into one, to be called Evangelische Gesangbuch (Evangelical hymn book) . The subj ect of a denominational history was again revived, and John Dreisbach was appointed to write the same. John Seybert was re-elected and Joseph Long newly elected bishop. J. C. Reisner was elected book agent and Adam Ettinger editor of the Christliche Botschafter. A committee consisting of the bishops and secretary was instructed to express the views of the conference on the subject of education. A committee was appointed to prepare a plan of study for the ministers. The for- mer anti- English policy of the General Conference was reversed, the English element encouraged, and an English Conference was permitted to be formed as soon as ten preachers desire it, and it 270 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. is deemed advisable. The Discipline was ordered to be published in English and an English periodical to be published bi-monthly as soon as practicable. The western portion of the Ohio Con- ference was constituted the Illinois Conference. "The annual conferences, it was resolved, shall for the future be independent of each other with regard to the support of the preachers. Thus far, all the preachers of the different conferences had received the same salary, as in former years the conference that had col- lected the largest contributions had to assist those which had fallen short, and in the years immediately preceding this confer- ence these short-coming conferences had drawn the most from the Chartered Fund and the proceeds of the Book Establishment. But after this each conference had, in this respect, to take care of itself." (Orwig.) N. Callender and William Nast, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, appeared as fraternal delegates from that body to convey the greetings of their brethren, and delivered addresses for the purpose of drawing the bonds of fel- lowship more closely between the two churches. The total membership of the Church was 13,070, viz.: East Pa. Conference, 4,372; West Pa., 4,508; Ohio, 4,190. Total number of elders, 76. Assets of the book establishment, $27,- 733- MK- Following are the names of the delegates : East Pa. Confer- ence — J. P. Leib, W. Mintz, J. C. Reisner, J. M. Saylor, H. Fisher, M. Lehn, Charles Hesser, F. Hoffman, M. F. Maize and H. Bucks; alternates, Jacob Saylor, D. Berger and J. Reigel. West Pa. Conference — W. W. Orwig, P. Wagoner, A. Ettinger, D. Kehr, Charles Hammer, George Brickly, J. Boas, S. G. Miller and Henry Rohland; alternates, J. M. Sindlinger, M. Bower and H. Thomas. Ohio Conference — John Dreisbach, Joseph Long, Samuel Baumgardner, J. J. Kopp, H. Niebel, J. G. Zinzer, A. B. Schaeffer, Jacob Frey, A. Kleinfelter, Elias Stoever, H. Longbrake, Lewis Einsel, Aaron Yambert and George Mattinger ; alternates, Abraham Niebel, H. Hassler and P. Getz. This was a year of general progress. In the East Pa. Con- ference the New York City Mission prospered, and J. M. Saylor met with good success in Germantown and vicinity. Pittsburg Mission, under the care of Levi Eberhart, succeeded well, and a class was organized which numbered thirty- two members at the close of the year. The missions in the far West succeeded very CONFERENCE RECORDS. 271 well, and resulted in a glorious harvest of souls. A church was built in Naperville, 111. , which was the second of the Association in- that State ; and also one in Chicago, which was the first German Protestant church in that city. A church edifice was commenced near Milwaukee, Wis., said to have been the first German Protest- ant church in the State. 1844. East Pa. Conference, Orwigsburg, Pa., Feb. 28. Bishop J. Seyb'ert, president ; F. Danner, secretary. Located — H. Sauer and C. Holl. Newly received — Martin Lauer, Abraham Shultz, J. Bush, John Eckert, S. Spohn, Daniel Wieand and J. G. Marquardt. Ordained elders — C. Meyers and S. Neitz. Deacons — J. C. Farnsworth, T. Steck and D. K. Miesse. Elected presiding elder — H. Bucks. The confer- ence paid a bill of $8 incurred by an accident to a team used by the conference delegates to the last General Conference. * Appointments : I. Philadelphia District, H. Fisher, presiding elder. Philadelphia Station, D. Berger ; Germantown Mission, F. Krecker ; Milford Circuit, J. C. Farnsworth and W. L. Reber ; Lehigh, F. Hoffman; Northampton, C. Hummel and G. C. Schmidt ; Monroe, G. T. Haines ; Womelsdorf, F. Danner and F. Scharf ; Reading Mission, J. M. Saylor; New York City Mis- sion, M. F. Maize. II. Harrisburg District, H. Bucks, presiding elder. Lan- caster Circuit, J. Sensel and Abraham Schultz; Lebanon, Solomon Neitz and J. G. Bush; Dauphin, Jacob Saylor and T. Steck; Lykens, J. Kreamer and E. Bast; Pottsville Station, William Heim ; Schuylkill Haven Station, C. Meyers ; Orwigsburg Cir- cuit, J. P. Leib. III. Mohawk District, William Mintz, presiding elder. Mo- hawk Circuit, S. Miesse and M. Sindlinger ; Jefferson, M. Eis ; Lake, G. Ramige and J. Raus ; Syracuse Mission, J. Riegel. IV. Niagara District, M. Lehn, presiding elder. Dansville Circuit, J. Dareich; Buffalo, D. Fisher; Buffalo Station, J. Burkett; Black Creek Circuit, T. Schneider; Waterloo, Jacob Kehr and M. Lauer. 1844. West Pa. Conference, Millheim, Pa., March 13. Opened by Bishop Seybert with religious exercises, after which •Note.— The delegates were H. Fisher, C. Hesser, M- F. Maize and J. M. Saylor. They occupied a two-horse carriage, and were on their way to Greensburg.O. An accident occurred to them near Trevorton, by which Hesser sustained f atal injuries. (See biography. ) 272 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. Bishop Joseph Long took the chair and named George Brickly as secretary. Newly received — Emanuel Kohr, Wm. Reeser, Benjamin Hess, Elias Stambach, Conrad Link and Noah Schlosser. Ordination text of Bishop Long, I. Tim. iv. 16. George Weirich, David Rishel and Daniel Sill were ordained deacons. Charles Hammer and Alexander Longsdorf were elected presiding elders. Potomac District was formed. Appointments: I. Baltimore District, Charles Hammer, pre- siding elder. Baltimore, George Brickly; Baltimore Circuit, Joseph Dick; Gettysburg, J. Boas and E. Kohr; Washington (Md.), D. N. Long; York Station, W. W. Orwig; York Circuit, George Schaeffer and M. McLehn ; Cumberland, M. Bower and Levi Hummelsheim. II. Susquehanna District, P.Wagoner, presiding elder. Clin- ton Circuit, J. M. Sindlinger; Union, J. Barber and C. Link; Columbia, H. Rohland and George Weirick; Lycoming, B. Epply and W. Reeser; Centre, A. Wolf and Benjamin Hess; Perry, J. Dunlap and George Dellinger ; Loyalsock, H. Thomas. III. Potomac District, Daniel Kehr, presiding elder. Pitts- burg Mission, Levi Eberhart ; Bedford Circuit, J. Edgar and E. Stambach; Westmoreland, Uriah Eberhart ; Somerset, D. Rishel and P. Heiss ; Virginia, J. Shimp and N. Schlosser. IV. Allegheny District, Alexander Longsdorf, presiding elder. Indiana Circuit, Daniel Sill and George Cupp ; Clarion, Jacob Rank and S. McLehn ; Warren, Joseph Truby. 1844. Ohio Conference, Wayne county, 0., May 8. Bishop Joseph Long, president ; H. Niebel, secretary. Located — H. Niebel, L. Einsel, H. Heiss, S. Heiss, George Haley and F. Spreng. Newly received — C. Haldeman, George Platz, F. Frech, S. Tobias, William Kolb and George Kaag. Bishop Long's ordination text, I. Tim. iv. 16. Ordained elders — F. Wahl, Adam Hennig, Levi Heiss and D. Kern. Deacons — George A. Blank, J. Bernhart, N. Gehr, C. Kopp, Peter Hahn, F. Mayer and Daniel Wonder. Appointments : I. Columbianna District, Elias Stoever, pre- siding elder. Erie Circuit, Peter Hahn; Greenville, Peter Getz; Harmony, George Mattinger ; Columbianna, P. Wiest and F. R. Tobias; Canton, Abraham Niebel and C. Haldeman; Bristol, J. Lutz and Adam Hennig. II. Mohickon District, J. G. Zinzer, presiding elder. Wayne Circuit, J. J. Kopp and J. K. Bayer ; Mansfield, E. Sichley and CONFERENCE RECORDS. 273 F. Freeh; Lake, J. Bernhart and C. Kabel; Cleveland Mission, Nicholas Gehr} Sandusky Circuit, Daniel Kern and George Kaag. III. Scioto District, Jacob Frey, presiding elder. Crawford Circuit, Jacob Kleinfelter and Daniel Wonder ; Lancaster, Henry Hasslerand Matthias Ruf; Pickaway, Frederick Wahl and John Nicolai ; Miami, Aaron Yambert and Peter Becker ; Marion, H. Longbrake; Dayton Mission, John Hall; Chillicothe Mission, Levi Heiss. 1844 — Illinois Conference. At the General Conference of 1843 the Illinois Conference was ordered to be formed, being the fourth conference of the Association. At the following ses- sion of the Ohio Conference at Lafayette, O., May 8, 1844, the organization was effected, and consisted of two presiding elder districts, the Indiana and the Illinois. This conference occupied an immense territory, stretching across Illinois into Indiana and Wisconsin, about 500 miles long and 400 wide. It started with fourten itinerants, nine charges, 763 members, five churches and five Sunday-schools. Entrance was gained this year in many new places, and the foundations laid for flourishing congrega- tions. In the annual report of the missionary society of the Ohio Conference Chicago is denominated the "key" to our work in the West, a designation which has been amply justified by the rapid grotwh of our churches in that metropolis of the West. Appointments : I. Indiana District, A. B. Schaeffer, presid- ing elder ; White Water Circuit, Frederick Moyer ; Fort Wayne, George A. Blank and Simon Tobias; Mt. Carmel Mission, Andrew Nicolai and George Platz. II. Illinois District, Samuel Baumgardner, presiding elder ; Des Plains Circuit, Christian Lintner; Rock River, C. Klaus and William Kolb ; Chicago Mission, C. Augenstein ; Milwau- kee, Mission, Wis., Matthias Hauert; Peoria Mission, C. Kopp; Galena Mission, John G. Miller. This was a very successful year. In the East Pa. Conference Northampton and Dauphin Circuits were formed. The Reading Mission did well, and a church was built. Success crowned Syracuse (N. Y.) Mission, where a church was erected. The West Pa. Conference formed Westmoreland Circuit, West of the Allegheny Mountains, and Loyalsock Circuit, near Williamsport. Potomac district was constituted. The Illinois Conference prospered ; very successful meetings were held in Chicago and 274 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. in Milwaukee, Wis. M. Hauert, established the Evangelical work in Racine Wis., and J. G. Miller, of Galena Mission, extended the work into Iowa. Membership at the close of the year, 14,918; an increase of 1,010. 1845. East Pa. Conference, Philadelphia, Feb. 26. Bishop Joseph Long, president; William Mintz, secretary. Jacob Saylor, located. Daniel Focht (local) died during the year. Newly received — Reuben Deisher and C. Yeakel. Ordained elders — Jacob Dareich and Samuel Miesse. Deacons — W. L. Reber, G. C. Schmidt, F. Scharf, Theobald Schneider, E. Bast, and D. W. Krissinger. A mission was located in Albany, N. Y. The Book Committee was instructed to have English and German marriage certificates printed. The ministers were in- structed to organize auxiliary missionary societies at each ap- pointment. Appointments: I. Philadelphia District, H, Fisher, presid- ing elder. Philadelphia Station, D, Berger; Germantown Cir- cuit, C. Meyers and C. Eckert; Lehigh, F. Hoffman; Milford, J. Farnsworth and G. C. Smith; Monroe, C. Hummel, North- ampton, E. Bast and A. Shultz; Womelsdorf, F. Danner and T. Steck; Reading Mission, Joseph M. Saylor; New York City Mission M. F. Maize. II. Harrisburg District, H. Bucks, presiding elder. Dau- phin Circuit, F. Krecker ; Lancaster, W. L. Reber and C. Holl; Lebanon, J. P. Leib and D. Wieand; Lykens, J. Kraemer and M. Sindlinger ; Mahantongo, J. Sensel ; Schuylkill, G. T. Haines and F. Scharf; Pottsville, William Heim. III. Mohawk District, (N. Y. ) W. Mintz, presiding elder. Jefferson Circuit, M. Eis ; Mohawk, S. Miesse and M. Lauer ; Syracuse Mission, Jacob Riegel ; Lake Circuit, G. Ramige and J. Burkett; Albany Mission, J. G. Marquardt. IV. Niagara District, M. Lehn, presiding elder. Dansville Circuit, T. Schneider; Buffalo, D. Fisher; Buffalo Station, S. Neitz; Black Creek Circuit, (Can.) J. Dareich; Waterloo, J. Kehr and J. G. Bosch. 1845. West Pa. Conference, York, Pa., March 12. Bishop J. Long, president; Charles Hammer, secretary. Ordained Elders — Aaron Wolf, J. Dunlap, Levi Eberhart, Simon Mc- Lehn and Joseph Trubv. Deacons — P. Heiss, U. Eserhart CONFERENCE RECORDS. 275 and Leyi Hummelsheim. Located — Jacob Shimp and M. Mc- Lehn. Newly received — J. L. W. Seybert and William Plan- ett. Benjamin Epply took credentials for the Illinois Conference. Appointments : I. Baltimore District, C. Hammer, presiding elder. Baltimore Station, Jacob Boas; York Circuit, George Shaffner and J. C. Link ; Cumberland, M. Bower and George Weirick ; Gettysburg, J. A. Jacobs and L. Hummelsheim ; Washington (Md.) D. N. Long; Strassburgh, George Brickly; York Station, W. W. Orwig. II. Susquehanna District, P. Wagoner, presiding elder. Union Circuit, David Rishel and Joseph Dick; Centre, H. Rohland and E. Stambach ; Clinton, J. M. Sindlinger ; Lycom- ing, P. Heiss and Benjamin Hess ; Columbia, James Dunlap ; Buffalo, James Barber and W. Reeser ; Loyalsock, H. Thomas ; Perry, George Dellinger, and E. Kohr. III. Potomac District, Daniel Kehr, presiding elder ; Bed- ford Circuit, S. McLehn and Jacob Bower ; Somerset, J. Edgar and J. C. W. Seybert ; Westmoreland, U. Eberhart and J. C. Fulton ; Virginia, N. Schlosser and W. Planett ; Pittsburg Mis- sion, A. Wolf. IV. Allegheny District, Allexander Longsdorf, presiding elder. Indiana Circuit, Daniel Sill and G. J. Frey; Clarion, Jacob Rank and George Cupp ; Venango, Levi Eberhart ; War- ren, Joseph Truby. 1845. Ohio Conference, Fairfield county, O., May 14. Bishop J. Seybert, president; H. Niebel, secretary. Newly received — G. Behner, Jacob Honecker, G. Doll, H. Born, C. A. Munk and H. Paul. Located — E. Sichley, C. Kabel, D. Wonder, C. Haldeman, A. Hennig and H. Longbrake. Ordained elders — J. Nicolai and E. Sichley. Deacons — F. R. Tobias, P. B. Becker, Daniel Schwartz and David Wolf. Appointments : I. Columbianna District, E. Stoever, presid- ing elder. Erie Circuit, P. Wiest ; Greenville, Abraham Niebel; Harmony, P. W. Hahn; Liverpool, H. Hassler; Columbianna, P. Swilley and J. Honecker; Cleveland Mission, N. Gehr; Can- ton Circuit, J. Lutz and G. F. Spreng; Bristol, J. Hall and George Doll. II. Mohickon District, J. G. Zinzer, presiding elder. Lake Circuit, H. Niebel; Wayne, George Mattinger and H. Paul; Maumee Mission, Daniel Kern ; Mansfield Circuit, Jacob Klein- felterandF. R. Tobias; Ann Arbor Mission, G. Kaag; Wyandott 276 JC VN0EL10AL A880CIA T10N ANNALS. Circuit, J. J. Kopp and Matthias Ruf ; Sandusky, Levi Heiss and G. F. Behner. III. Scioto District, Jacob Frey, presiding elder. Marion Circuit, Aaron Yambert and F. Freeh ; Lancaster, J. Bernhart and P. B. Becker; Pickaway, Abraham Behner and P. Getz; Miami, J. Nicolai and George Haley; Dayton Mission, Fred- erick Mayer. 1845. Illinois Conference, Des Plains, 111., June 1 1. Bishop J. Seybert, president ; A. B. Schaeffer, secretary. John Jacob Esher was newly received. C. Lintner was ordained elder and C. Glaus, J. G. Miller, A. Nicolai and Jacob Trometer, dea- cons. Single salary, $72.24. The preachers contributed all in excess of J60, or $12.24 each, to the missionary cause. Appointments : I. Indiana District, A. B. Schaeffer, pre- siding elder. White Water Circuit, C. Augenstein ; Elkhart, G. G. Plate and William Kolb ; Mt. Carmel, S. Tobias and William Bretch ; St. Mary's Mission, C. Glaus ; Du Bois Mission, Jacob Trometer. II. Illinois District, Samuel Baumgardner, presiding elder. Peoria Circuit, C. Lintner ; Dubuque Mission, M. Hauert ; Rock River Circuit, Benjamin Epply and J. J. Esher; Des Plains, G. A. Blank ; Chicago Mission, C. Kopp ; Winnebago Mission (la. ), J. G. Miller; Milwaukee Mission (Wis.), A. Nicolai. Although many hundred conversions took place this year, still the net increase was comparatively small. This year the famous discussion in the Botschafter on the subject of a learned ministry began, with an article from the pen of John Dreisbach, entitled, "Teachers and Preachers Should Not Be Ignorant." At its last session the Illinois Conference divided Galena Mission into three fields of labor. The appointments west of the Mississippi River, in Iowa, were called Dubuque Mission, and those in Wisconsin Winnebago Mission, and the rest were attached to Rock River Circuit. Total membership of the Church, 15,013. 1846. East Pa. Conference, Schuylkill Haven, Pa., Feb. 25. Bishop J. Seybert, president; F. Danner, secretary. G. C. Schmidt located, and Jacob Burkett removed to the Ohio Conference. Ordained elders — J. Burkett, J. C. Farnsworth and D. Fisher. Deacons — M. Lauer, A. Shultz, J. G. Bosch, J. Eckert and J. G. Marquardt. Newly received — F. Dot- terer, John Koehl, Jacob Gross and P. Miller. H. Fisher was re-elected and J. M. Saylor newly elected presiding elders. CONFERENCE RE00RD8. 277 A new district was formed called Orwigsburg. The preach- ers in charge were instructed to be prepared to report at the next annual conference the number of Sunday-schools, teachers, scholars and volumes in library on their fields of labor. The first Monday after Whitsuntide was set apart as a day of fasting and prayer for the conference. Appointments: I. Philadelphia District, J. M. Saylor, pre- siding elder. Philadelphia Station, F. Hoffman ; Germantown Circuit, J. C. Farnsworth and D. Wieand ; Lehigh, J. Kraemer ; Northampton, E. Bast and F. Dotterer ; Milford, C. Holl and J. Koehl ; New York Mission, C. Meyers. II. Lebanon District, H. Bucks, presiding elder. Lebanon Circuit, G. T. Haines and M. Lauer; Lancaster, F. Danner and M. Sindlinger ; Dauphin, T. Steck ; Womelsdorf, A. Shultz ; Reading Mission, D. Berger ; Lancaster Mission, W. L. Reber. III. Orwigsburg District, H. Fisher, presiding elder. Schuyl- kill Circuit, M. F. Maize and R. Deisher ; Lykens, J. Sensel and F. Scharf, Mahantongo, J. G. Bosch; Pottsville Station, J. P. Leib ; Pine Grove, F. Krecker ; Carbon Circuit, C. Hummel. IV. Mohawk District (N. Y.) W. Mintz, presiding elder. Jefferson Circuit, J. Kehr; Mohawk, M. Eis and J. Eckert; Syracuse Mission, Samuel Miesse ; Lake Circuit, J. Reigel and P. Miller; Albany, J. G. Marquardt. V. Niagara District, M. Lehn, presiding elder. Dansville Circuit, G. Ramige; Buffalo, T. Schneider; Buffalo Station, S. Neirz ; Black Creek, J. Darei»h ; Waterloo Circuit, D. Fisher and Jacob Gross. 1846. West Pa. Conference, New Berlin, Pa., March 18. P. Wagoner, president pro tern. (Bishop Seibert arrived later) J. Boas, secretary. Located — G. Shaffer, J. E. Fulton, N. Schlosser, J. Bower, H. Thomas, A. Wolf and J. Edgar. Newly received — M. J. Carothers, L. D. Brown, S. Wolf, J. B. Cox, C Miller, S. W. Seibert, Abram Young, Charles Lindeman and D. Kramer. Ordained elders — G. Weirick and D. Rishel. Deacons — J. C. Link, George Cupp, E. Kohr, E. Stambach, N. Schlosser, B. Hess and P. Smith. J. Truby removed to the Ohio Conference. Moses Bower was elected presiding elder. Appointments: I. Baltimore District, Philip Wagoner, pre- siding elder. Baltimore Station, W. W. Orwig; York Circuit, 278 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. George Brickly and E. Stambach ; York Station, J. Boas ; Get- tysburg Circuit, L. Hummelsheim and J. B. Cox ; Washington, Circuit, George Weirich ; Cumberland, U. Eberhart and Jere- miah Young ; Strassburg, George Dellinger. I. Susquehanna District, C. Hammer, presiding elder. Clin- ton, Circuit, D. Kehr; Union, P. Rishel and Benjamin Hess; Centre, J. M. Sindlinger and Joseph Dick; Lycoming, L. Eber- hart and Abraham Young ; Buffalo, J. Barber and D. Kramer ; Columbia, J. Dunlap, S. Wolf and S. W. Seibert; Perry, E. Kohr and W. Reeser. III. Potomac District, M. Bower, presiding elder. Bedford Circuit, J. L. W. Seibert and M. J. Carothers; Westmoreland, D. N. Long ; Somerset, P. Heiss and L. D. Brown ; Virginia, G. Cupp and C. Miller. IV. Allegheny District, Alexander Longsdorf, presiding elder. Indiana Circuit, J. Rank and W. Planett. Pittsburg Mission, H. Rohland ; Clarion Circuit, D. Sill and C. Lindeman ; War- ren, J. C. Link ; Venango Circuit, S. McLehn and George J. Foy. 1846. Ohio Conference, Thompson township, Seneca county, O., May 13. Bishop Joseph Long, president; H. Niebel, sec- retary. Located — Jacob Kleinfelter, F. Mayer, Jacob Frey and D. Kern. N. Gehr went to the Illinois Conference. Or- dained elders — J. Bernhart, N. Gehr, P. W. Hahn. Deacons — George F. Spreng, George Haley, George KAAGand F. Frech. Newly received — Josiah Kanaga and Abraham E. Dreisbach. Appointments: I. Columbianna District, E. Stoever.'pre- siding elder. Harmony Circuit, J. Lutz ; Erie, Philip Swilley ; Greenville, Abraham Niebel; Columbianna, P.W. Hahn and C. Kabel; Canton, P. Wiest and J. Nicolai; Bristol, H. Hassler and J. Honecker ; Cleveland Mission, Joseph Truby. II. Mohickon District, J. G. Zinzer, presiding elder. Wayne Circuit, F. Frech and G. F. Behner; Sandusky Mission, H. Niebel; Sandusky Circuit, J. Bernhart and George Doll; Lake, G. F. Spreng ; Wyandott, A.'Yambert and C. Munk ; Ann Arbor Mission (Mich.), George Kaag. III. Scioto District, J. J. Kopp, presiding elder. Mansfield Circuit, John Hall and J. Kanaga; Marion, Abraham Loehner; Lancaster, P. Getz and A. E. Dreisbach; Miami, George Haley; Pickaway, Levi Heiss and F. R. Tobias ; Dayton Mission, Jacob Burkett. CONFERENCE RECORDS. 279 1846. Illinois Conference, Germantown, Ind., June 10. Bishop J. Seybert, president ; A. B. Schaeffer, secretary. Newly- received — Samuel Dickover and William Ficht. Ordained elder — G. A. Blank. Deacons — G. G. Platz, William Kole, S. Tobias and George Klepfer. Appointments : I. Indiana District, A. B. Schaeffer, presid- ing elder. Elkhart Circuit, C. Glaus and W. Ficht ; White Water, George Platz ; Dubois, P. Bretch ; Mt. Carmel, J. G. Miller and Jacob Trometer; St. Mary's Mission, William Kolb. II. Illinois District, S. Baumgardner, presiding elder. Des Plains Circuit, C. Kopp and Samuel Dickover; Peoria, Simon Tobias ; Cedar Creek, C. Lintner ; Chicago Mission, C. Augen- stein; Iowa Mission (la.), J. J. Esher; Madison Mission (Wis.), Benjamin Epply; Racine Mission (Wis.), George A. Blank; Milwaukee Mission (Wis.), N. Gehr. 1847. East Pa. Conference, Evangelical Church, four miles west of Seneca Falls, N. Y., Feb. 23. Bishop Joseph Long, president ; F. Hoffman, secretary. Located — Philip Miller. Superannuated — J. P. Leib. Newly received — L. Jacoby, J. Wagoner, C. Loos, J. Adams, S. Gaumer and Joseph Gross. Ordained elders — E. Bast, F. Scharf, T. Schneider and W. L. Reber. Deacons — D. Wieand and Joseph Gross. Canada District was formed. A stringent anti-secret society resolution was adopted, and recommended to the coming General Confer- ence. William Mintz and M. Lehn were re-elected and Jacob Riegel newly elected presiding elders. Twelve delegates and three alternates were elected to attend the coming General Conference. Appointments : I. Philadelphia District, J. M. Saylor, pre- siding elder. New York City Mission, C. Meyers ; Philadelphia Station, F. Hoffman ; Germantown Circuit, E. Bast and S. Gau- mer ; Northampton, J. C. Farnsworth and Joseph Gross ; Lehigh, J. Kramer and D. Wieand ; Milford, C. Holl and C. Loos. II. Lebanon District, H. Bucks, presiding elder. Lebanon Circuit, C. Hummel and R. Deisher; Reading, D. Berger ; Lan- caster, F. Danner and J. Koehl ; Lancaster Mission, J. Eckert ; Womelsdorf Circuit, A. Shultz and M. Sindlinger. III. Orwigsburg District, H. Fisher, presiding elder. Orwigs- burg Circuit, W. L. Reber; Schuylkill, M. F. Maize; Pottsville Station, S. Neitz ; Lykens Circuit, J. Sensel and W. Heim ; Pine Grove, G. T. Haines and J. Adams ; Carbon, F. Krecker. 280 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. IV. Albany District (N. Y.), Jacob Riegel, presiding elder. Albany Mission, M.Lauer; Mohawk Circuit, G. Ramige and Jacob Gross ; Jefferson, J. Kehr; Syracuse Station, J. G. Marquardt. V. Buffalo District (N.Y), W. Mintz, presiding elder. Buf- falo Station, M. Eis; Buffalo Circuit, F. Scharf and J.Wagoner; Dansville, J. Dareich ; Lake, S. Miesse and L. Jacoby. VI. Canada District (Canada), Michael Lehn, presiding elder. Black Creek Circuit, J. G. Bosch ; Waterloo, D. Fisher ; Home, T. Schneider. 1847. West Pa. Conference, Evangelical Church, North Middleton township, Cumberland county, Pa., March 1 7. Bishop Long, president; C. Hammer, secretary. Located — George Brickly, S, W. Seibert, George Cupp and W. Reeser. Newly received — J. Kreamer, Levi Kelly, B. Hengst, W. B. Gregg, John Bolton, Elijah Wilson, Adam Darby, John McCartney and Azima Vallerchamp. Ordained elders — L. Hummelsheim, P. Heiss, Daniel Sill, TJ. Eberhart and John Edgar. Dea- cons — J. L. W. Seibert, Joseph Dick, G. F. Foy, Wm. Reeser, J. M. Young and Azima Vallerchamp. Moses Bower, presid- ing elder of Potomac District, and Abraham Young died during the year. Jacob Boas was elected presiding elder. An anti- secret society resolution was adopted. Delegates were elected for the coming General Conference. Appointments: I. Baltimore District, J. Boas, presiding elder. Baltimore Station, W. W. Orwig ; York Circuit, E. Stam- bach and D. Kreamer; York Station, L. Eberhart; Gettysburg Circuit, S. McLehn and J. M.Young; Cumberland, James Dunlap; Franklin, U. Eberhart and W. B. Gregg; Strassburgh, George Dellinger; Virginia, D. N. Long and Charles Miller. II. Susquehanna District, Charles Hammer, presiding elder. Union Circuit, Hi Rohland and J. Kreamer ; Clinton, D. Kehr ; Centre, George Weirick and B. Hengst ; Lycoming, P. Heiss and Charles Lindeman ; Buffalo, J. M. Sindlinger and B. Hess ; Columbia, E. Kohr and J. Bolton ; Perry, L. Hummelsheim and S. Wolf; Mahantongo, J. Barber; Cherry, Joseph Dick; Luzerne Mission, Azima Vallerchamp. III. Somerset District, P.Wagoner, presiding elder. Bedford Circuit, J. L.W. Seibert and Adam Darby; Somerset, J. Rank, M. J. Carothers and L. D. Brown ; Pittsburg Mission, David Rishel. IV. Allegheny District, Alex. Longsdorf, presiding elder. Indiana Circuit, J. Edgar and L. Kelly; Clarion, Daniel Sill CONFERENCE BEC0BD8. 281 and supply ; Venango, George Foy and J. McCartney ; Warren, J. C. Link. 1847. Ohio Conference, Evangelical Church, at Manches- ter, O., May 12. Bishop J. Seybkrt, president; J. G. Zinzer, secretary. Located — P. Schwilly, C. Kabel, George Mat- tinger and P. Hahn. Re-entered the active ministry — H. Longbrake, L. Einsel, D. Kern, H. Westhafer and Jacob Heiss. Newly received — C. Koch", John Honnecker, Reuben Riegel, Isaiah Miller, J. G. Wolpert and C. Smith. Ordained elder — Abraham Loehner. Deacons — G. F. Behner, C. A. Munk, C. Kabel, Jacob Honecker, H. McBride and Jacob Willeman. E. Stoever and J. G. Zinzer were re-elected and H. Longbrake was newly elected presiding elder. Fourteen delegates and three alternates were elected for the coming Gen- eral Conference. Appointments : I. Columbianna District, H. Longbrake, presiding elder. Canton Circuit, J. Bernhart and J. Honnecker; Erie Mission, Jacob Burkett-; Columbianna, Abraham Niebel ami C. G. Koch; Harmony, P. Wiest; Erie, Joseph Truby and Isaiah Miller. II. Mohickon District, E. Stoever, presiding elder. Bristol Circuit, F. R. Tobias and R. Riegel ; Wayne, J. Lutz and George Doll ; Mansfield, A. Loehner and A. E. Dreisbach ; Marion, G. Behner and C. Schmidt; Liverpool, J. Hall; Coshockton, H. Hassler ; Cleveland Mission, N. Gehr. III. Sandusky District, J. J. Kopp, presiding elder. Lake Circuit, G. F. Spreng ; Wyandott, G. Haley and D. Kem ; San- dusky, A. Yambert and H. Westhafer; Sandusky City Mission, George Kaag; Miami Mission, J. Nicolai; Ann Arbor (Mich.), Jacob Honnecker; St. Joseph Mission, C. Munk. IV. Scioto District, J. G. Zinzer, presiding elder. Pickaway Circuit, F. Freeh and J. Kanaga; Lancaster, L. Einsel and J. G. Wolpert ; Miami, P. Getz ; Dayton Mission, L. Heiss. 1847. Illinois Conference, Naperville, 111., June 9. Bishop J. Seybert, president; C. Kopp, secretary. Located — Jacob Trometer. Newly received — F. Weithaupt, H. Eiterman, George Messner and H. Weldy. Ordained elders — C. Kopp, C. Glaus, J. G. Miller and S. Tobias. Deacons — J. J. Esher, P. Bretch, C. Ebinger and Samuel Rickert. Samuel Baum- gardner was re-elected, and C. Kopp newly elected presiding 382 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. elder. Seven delegates and three alternates were elected to attend the coming General Conference. Appointments : I. Indiana District, A. B. Schaeffer, presid- ing elder. White Water Circuit, C. Glaus ; Elkhart, G. G. Platz, F. Weithaupt and H. Weldy ; Dubois, A. Nicolai ; Mt. Carmel, W. F. Ficht; De Kalb Mission, P. Bretch; St. Mary's Mission, S. Dickover. II. Peoria District, C. Kopp, presiding elder. Sandusky Circuit, Simon Tobias ; Centre Creek, Jacob Kemmerling; Wash- ington, William Kolband H.Eiterman; Galena, Benjamin Epply; Iowa Mission, J. J. Esher. III. Madison District, Samuel Baumgardner, presiding elder. Racine Circuit, C. Lintner; Chicago Station, G. A. Blank; Des Plains Circuit, C. Augenstein and George Messner; Jefferson Mission, M. Hauert; Milwaukee Mission, J. G. Miller. CHAPTER IX. Ninth General Conference, Held at New Berlin, Pa., Sept. 29, 1847. 1847. General Conference, ninth session, New Berlin, Pa., Sept. 29. Both bishops and forty-five delegates were present. Recommendations from the annual conferences were consid- ered. On motion of J. Boas it was resolved that it shall be the duty of class leaders to hold class meetings, at least every four weeks, in their respective classes. On recommendation of .the West Pa. Conference it was resolved that hereafter any conference may keep the money from the various fields of labor independent of each other. The former committee appointed to combine the two German hymn books into one was excused for the non- performance of their work, and it was resolved that the Saitenspiel and Viole shall remain separate books, and a new and improved edition of each be published. An anti-secret society resolution was discussed, at length, but not adopted, because not brought before that body in accordance with the. Discipline. A resolu- tion offered by John Dreisbach was adopted, to the effect that a seminary shall be established for the Church, provided the members of the Church favor it. All preachers in charge shall, during the coming year, bring the matter before the various societies, and a vote shall be taken on the same. In case the result is favorable, each conference shall elect a director for the purpose of carrying out the project. * The work in New York (New York City excepted) and Canada was constituted New York Conference. The Evangelical Messenger was ordered to be published as soon as 800 subscribers are secured. Nich- olas Gehr, of the Ohio Conference, was elected editor of the ♦The vote resulted "against " the school. 284 B VAN0EL1CAL A880C1A TION ANNALB. Botschafter, with William Bersch as assistant. Henry Fisher,. of the East Pa. Conference, was elected book agent. The salary of the editor and publisher was fixed at $225 per annum, with an addition of $15 for every child under fourteen years of age. Bishops J. Seybert and Joseph Long were re-elected. A reso- lution was passed directing preachers in charge to establish Sunday-schools wherever practicable. On motion of John Dreis- bach it was resolved that any conference had the privilege granted of organizing an English conference as soon as twenty English members desired it, and that such conferences should draw their share of the proceeds of the Charitable Society and book estab- lishment equal to the other conferences. The assets of the book establishment were J24, 795.47^; indebtedness, none. Preachers, 319; members, 14,871. Following are the names of the delegates : East Pa. Confer- ence — W.Mintz, H. Bucks, H. Fisher, Jacob Reigel, M. Lehn, J. M. Saylor, F. Danner, F. Hoffman, J. Kehr, M. Eis, D. Fisher and J. P. Leib ; alternates, C. Hummel, F. Krecker and J. Kreamer. West Pa. Conference — P.Wagoner, C. Hammer, A. Ettinger, W. W. Orwig, J. Boas, George Brickly, J. C. Reisner, James Dunlap, J. M. Sindlinger, Alexander Longs- dorf, H. Rohland and D. N. Long ; alternates, J. Barber, U. Eberhart and D. Kehr. Ohio Conference — J. G. Zinzer, E~ Stoever, J. J. Kopp, Abraham Niebel, L. Einsel, A. Yambert, J. Erb, A. Kleinfelter, John Dreisbach, Abraham Loehner, J. Bernhart and P. Wiest ; alternates, J. Nicolai, J. Hall and J. Burkett. Illinois Conference — S. Baumgardner, A. B. Schaeffer, C. Kopp, C. Augenstein, G. A. Blank, C. Lintner and J. G. Miller ; alternates, M. Hauert, S. Tobias, C. Glaus. The subject of secret or oath-bound societies had agitated the Church for a number of years, and the prevailing sentiment: was strongly against them. Both the East and West Pa, Confer- ences passed resolutions of disapproval of such societies, and the matter was brought before the General Conference for action. After much discussion an anti-secret society resolution prevailed. After its passage, however, questions of expediency and consti- tutionality led to its reconsideration. The work of the Church advanced encouragingly this year. In Ohio a new district called Sandusky was formed. St. Joseph* Mich., was made a mission. In Illinois Peoria and Madison. Districts were formed, the latter situated mostly in Wisconsin. CONFERENCE RECORDS. 285 1848. East Pa. Conference, Allentown, Pa., Feb. 23. Bishop J. Seybert, president; F. Danner, secretary. Located — J. Kreamer, C. Holl, Samuel Miesse, G. Ramige and Jacob Riegel. Died — Charles Bisse and Emanuel Dieder. F. Hoffman and J. P. Leib were elected presiding elders. Ordained elders — J. G. Bosch, J. Eckert, A. Shu'ltz, J. G. Marquardt, and M. Lauer. Deacons — J. Koehl, S. Gaumer, Jacob Gross and J. Adams. Newly received — N. McLehn, John Schell, D. Hambright and I. Hess. A committee was appointed to prepare rules for making the salaries of the preachers independent of each other. Following is a summary: (1) The annual appointment of a committee to investigate the claims of superannuated preachers and preachers' ■widows and orphans, and apportion their claims from the inter- est of the Custer fund and Charitable Society. (2) When two preachers serve together they shall divide the salary according to their disciplinary claims, the surplus, if any, to be paid the presiding elder. (3) The presiding elder shall have all the col- lections taken at the quarterly meetings, and one-half of the ■camp-meeting collections. (4) If he receives more than the average amount of salary received by preachers on his district entitled to the highest salary, he shall pay the surplus into the ■conference fund. (5) The bishop shall take up collections at all his appointments. If he receives more than his allowance, he shall pay the surplus into the conference fund. He shall make up his deficits the same way as the presiding elders. (6) The balance in the conference treasury shall be used to make up defi- ciencies in salary. Appointments : I. Philadelphia District, F. Hoffman, presid- ing elder. Philadelphia Station, S. Neitz ; Germantown Circuit, D. Wieand and J. Schell ; Northampton, M. Sindlinger and I. Hess; Lehigh, H. Bucks and M. McLehn; New York Station, D. Berger ; Milford Circuit, J. C. Reisner and C. Loos. II. Lebanon District, J. P. Leib, presiding elder. Lebanon Circuit, C. Hummel and R. Deisher ; Lancaster, A. Shultz and D. Hambright ; Lancaster Mission, F. Danner ; Womelsdorf Cir- cuit, C. Meyers and Joseph Gross ; Reading Station, W. Heim ; Dauphin Circuit, J. Sensel. III. Orwigsburg District, J. M. Saylor, presiding elder. Orwigsburg Circuit, G. T. Haines ; Schuylkill, E. Bast ; Potts- ville Station, M. F. Maize; Carbon Circuit, F. Krecker; Pine 286 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. Grove, J. Famsworth and J. Adams ; Lykens, W. L. Reber and J. Koehl. New York Conference. I. Buffalo District, W. Mintz, pre- siding elder. Buffalo Circuit, F. Scharf and L. Jacoby; Buffalo Station, M. Eis ; Lake Circuit, D. Fisher and S. Gaumer ; Dans- ville, not supplied. II. Mohawk District, Jacob Kehr, presiding elder. Mohawk Circuit, J. G. Bosch; Jefferson, J. Dareich; Syracuse Station, J. G. Marquardt ; Albany Mission, M. Lauer. III. Canada District, M. Lehn, presiding elder. Black Creek Circuit, Jacob Gross ; Waterloo, T. Schneider and J. Wagoner ; Home, to be supplied. 1848. WestPa.Conference,Milheim,Pa.,Marchis. Bishop J. Seybert, president; W. W. Orwig, secretary. Located — George Cupp, Benjamin Hess and A. Darby. David Rishex, missionary at Pittsburg, died during the year. Newly received — Abraham Kraus, Michael Zulauf, George Hunter and Jacob Weikel. Ordained elders — J. C. Link, E. Kohr and B. Hess. Deacons — S. Wolf, C. Lindeman, M. J. Carothers, L. D. Brown, C. Miller, John McCartney and John Bolton. Geo. Weirick was elected presiding elder. A committee was appointed to formulate rules for making the districts and all the charges independent of each other in their finances. The organization of an English conference was deferred. A new mission was located in Baltimore. Appointments: I. Baltimore District, J. Boas, presiding elder. Baltimore Station, Charles Hammer; York Circuit, H. Rohland and D. Kreamer ; York Station, L. Eberhart ; Gettys- burg Circuit, J. M. Young and L. Kelly ; Franklin, G. Foy and supply ; Cumberland, J. Dunlap and P. Heiss ; Virginia, W. B. Gregg and George Hunter ; Strassburgh, U. Eberhart ; Baltimore Mission, W. W. Orwig. II. Susquehanna District, Philip Wagoner, presiding elder. Union Circuit, D. Kehr and J. Barber ; Centre, E. Stambach and B. Hengst ; Clinton, Charles Lindeman and J. Kreamer ; Lycom- ing, A. Longsdorf; Buffalo, J. M. Sindlinger and M. Zulauf; Columbia, E. Kohr and A. Vallerchamp ; Tuscarora Mission, L. Hummelsheim; Muncy, J. Bolton and A. Kraus; Perry, M. J. Carothers and S. McLehh. III. Allegheny District, George Weirick, presiding elder. Bedford Circuit, S. Wolf and C. Miller; Somerset, J. Rank and' CONFERENCE RECORDS. 287 J. L. W. Seibert ; Clarion, George Dellinger and L. D. Brown ; Indiana, J. D. McCartney; Venango, Joseph Dick and Jacob Weikel ; Warren, J. Edgar ; Pittsburg Mission, J. C. Link. 1848. Ohio Conference, Milton, O., May 10. Bishop J. Long, president; J.G. Zinzer, secretary. Located — L. Einsel. Superannuated — H. Niebel. Newly received — Peter Pontius. Again received — D. Swartz, Joseph Ebert, J. G. Stirm and J. McQuillen. Ordained elders — F. Frech, G. F. Spreng, George Kaag and George Haley. Deacons — Josiah Kanaga, George Doll, A. E. Dreisbach and W. Bernhart. J. J. Kopp resigned the office of presiding elder and Abraham Niebel was newly elected. Died during the year — Isaiah Miller, James Steel and Conrad Herr. Appointments : I. Columbianna District, Abraham Niebel, presiding elder. Harmony Circuit, Joseph Truby ; Canton, J. J. Kopp and H. Westhafer ; Greenville, J. Bernhart ; Columbianna, C. G. Koch and P. Pontius ; Erie, Jacob Burkitt. II. Mohickon District, E. Stoever, presiding elder. Cleve- land Mission, A. Nicolai ; Bristol Circuit, P. Wiest and Joseph Ebert ; Wayne, D. Swartz and R. Riegel ; Mansfield, A. Loehner and Charles Smith ; Liverpool, John Hall ; Marion, A. E. Dreis- bach and J. Honnecker ; Coshockton, J. Lutz. III. Sandusky District, H. Longbrake, presiding elder. Lake Circuit, G. F. Behner ; Wyandott, G. Haley and J. McQuillen ; Sandusky City Station, George Kaag; Sandusky Circuit, A. Yambert and G. Stirm ; Maumee, C. Munk ; Ann Arbor Mission, Jacob Honnecker; St. Joseph Mission, George Doll. IV. Scioto District, J. G. Zinzer, presiding elder. Pickaway Circuit, Josiah Kanaga and J. G. Wolpert ; Lancaster, F. Frech and D. Kern ; Miami, P. Getz ; Dayton Mission, G. F. Spreng. 1848. Illinois Conference, Emanuel's Church, Cook county, 111., June 14. Bishop J. Seybert, president; A. B. Schaeffer, secretary. Located — Jacob Kemmerling and William Ficht. C. Holl, Joseph Harlacher, Jacob Heiss and F. D. Loy were received into the conference. Newly received — B. Uphaus, Henry Esch, J. Riegel, G. Esher and H. Ragatz. Ordained elders — G. G. Platz, S. Tobias and William Kolb. Deacon — Samuel Dickover. A. B. Schaeffer was re-elected and C. Augenstein newly elected presiding elder. Indiana District was divided and formed into St. Joseph and Wabash Districts. A 288 EVNGEL1CAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. vote of thanks was tendered Bishop Long for the gift of ten grammars for the use of the conference. Appointments : I. Wabash District, A. B. Schaeffer, presid- ing elder. White Water Circuit, George A. Blank; Dubois, A. Nicolai and H. Esch ; Mt. Carmel, C. Glaus ; Vandalia, to be supplied. II. St. Joseph District, C. Augenstein, presiding elder. St. Mary's Mission, F. Weithaupt ; Elkhart Circuit, S. Dickover and B. Uphaus; DeKalb Mission, H. Eiterman. III. Peoria District, C. Kopp, presiding elder. Hampton Circuit, C. Lintner; Washington, W. Kolb and J. Riegel; Iowa Mission, Benjamin Epply; Cedar Creek Circuit, S. Tobias and George Messner. IV. Madison District, Samuel Baumgardner, presiding elder. Des Plains Circuit, C. Holl, H. Welty and Henry Ragatz ; Racine, Philip Bretch and George Esher; Chicago Station, G. G. Platz; Milwaukee Mission, J. J. Esher; West Bend Mission, Joseph Harlacher; Jefferson Mission, J. G. Miller; Sauk Mission, M. Hauert. The great event of this year was the appearance of the long- looked-for English paper, The Evangelecal Messenger. The first number was sent out Jan. 8, 1848, and created great enthusiasm among the English-speaking people of the Church. An abiding proof of its timely and welcome appearance is furnished by a perusal of the paper itself. Even the old German fathers, some of them companions of Albright, "brushed up" their English, and made their appearance in the Messenger as correspondents. We give the following extracts from the correspondence of "One- simus " in the fourth and fifth numbers : "The Messenger has paid us its first visit, and has in our region received a cordial welcome. From the character of its name we had reason to expect a plain-dealing. Gospel teacher, and we have not as yet been disappointed. We look for intelli- gence, the most useful, important and interesting, at each suc- cessive visitation. It is our best friend, as it tells us of our faults, teaches us how to reform and points out to us the advantage of such a course. * * * The Messenger will undoubtedly be the unflinching advocate of true Evangelical preaching — Christ and Him crucified, repentance toward God, faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, and deep, practical piety. * * * We expect the Messenger will at proper times and in proper places oppose the CONFERENCE RECORDS. 289 corruptions of the age in which we Jive. * * * We trust that no organization, deleterious to the true interests of the Gospel, will receive any sanction from this periodical; but that the unfruitful works of darkness will be reproved, and the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ allowed to shine in every corner of the land, and to every department of society, as a guide to the young, an instructor pf the ignorant, and a help to the benighted and wayward traveler." 1849. East Pa. Conference, Reading, Pa., March 7. Bishop J. Long, president; F. Danner, secretary. S. Neitz received permission to rest one year. J. Schnerr died during the session. M. Sindlinger and D. Wieand were ordained elders, and C. Loos, deacon. Licensed to preach — Frederick L. Stoever, H. Kletzinger and George Knerr. Harrisburg and Tamaqu-a were constituted missions. Appointments : I. Philadelphia District, F. Hoffman, pre- siding elder. Philadelphia Station, C. Hummel; Germantown Circuit, F. Krecker and F. L. Stoever ; Milford, W. L. Reber and N. McLehn ; Lehigh, H. Bucks and J. Eckert ; Northamp- ton, D. Wieand and I. Hess ; New York City, C. Loos. II. Lebanon District, J. P. Leib, presiding elder. Lebanon Circuit, W. Heim and J. Adams ; Lancaster, Joseph Gross and J. Schell; Lancaster Mission, D. Berger; Womelsdorf Circuit, J. Sensel and F. Danner ; Chester, D. Hambright ; Reading Sta- tion, C. Meyers ; Harrisburg Mission, J. C. Farnsworth. III. Orwigsburg District, J. M. Saylor, presiding elder. Orwigsburg Circuit, G. T. Haines ; Schuylkill, E. Bast ; Potts- ville Station, M. F. Maize ; Carbon Circuit, M. Sindlinger ; Pine Grove, to be supplied ; Lykens, J. Koehl and S.Gaumer ; Mahan- tongo, A. Shultz and Jacob Gross ; Tamaqua Mission, D. Shultz. 1849. West Pa. Conference, Loganville, Pa., March 14. Bishop J. Long, president ; W. W. Orwig, secretary. Received into the itinerancy — A- Wolf, D. N. Long, J. McKesson, Wm. Bressler and J. Bishop. Ordained elders — J. M. Young, A. Vallerchamp, E. Stambach and Joseph Dick. Deacons — D. Kreamer, J. Kreamer, W. B. Gregg, L. D. Brown and B. Hengst. George Weirick resigned the office of presiding elder and the following were elected : P. Wagoner, A- Longsdorf, J. Dunlap and U. Eberhart. Two new presiding elder districts (Centre and Somerset) were formed. A committee was appointed to devise a plan for the formation of a Sunday-schpol union, and 290 EVANGELICAL A880CIATION ANNALS. report at the next annual session, for the purpose of bringing the matter before the next General Conference. Appointments: I. Baltimore District, J. Boas, presiding elder. Baltimore Station, C. Hammer; Baltimore Mission, W. W. Orwig ; Strassburgh Circuit, J. L. W. Seibert and P. Heiss ; York, George Weirick; York Station, H. Rohland ; Cumberland Circuit, L. Eberhart; Gettysburg, D. Kreamer and George Hun- ter ; Franklin, G. J. Foy and Levi Kelly. II. Susquehanna District, James Dunlap, presiding elder. Cherry Circuit, A. Vallerchamp; Buffalo, E. Kohr and Benjamin Hengst ; Perry, M. J. Carothers and J. Kreamer ; Columbia, J. M. Young, W. Bressler and John McKesson. III. Centre District, P. Wagoner, presiding elder. Centre Circuit, D. Kehr and C. Lindeman ; Clinton, E. Stambach ; Union, A. Wolf and Michael Zulauf ; Lycoming, J. M. Sindlinger and Simon Wolf. IV. Allegheny District, A. Longsdorf, presiding elder. Pitts- burg Mission, J. C. Link; Clarion Circuit, G. Dellinger and Jacob Weikel; Venango, G. Cupp and L. D. Brown; Warren, Joseph Dick. V. Somerset District, U. Eberhart, presiding elder. Somer- set Circuit, D. Sill and J. Bolton ; Indiana, Jacob Rank ; Bedford, D. N. Long and J. Bishop; Shenandoah (Va.), W. B. Gregg; Morgan (Va.), Charles Miller. 1849. Ohio Conference, Emanuel's Church, Walnut town- ship, Pickaway county, O. , May 1 6. Bishop J. Se ybert, president ; J. G. Zinzer, secretary. Located — Joseph Truby, D. Kern and H. Westhafer. Received into the itinerancy — J. G. Kissel, H. Downy, C. Haldeman, Daniel Brickly, George Schott, Philip Swartz and Jacob Fisher. Ordained elders — Jacob Honnecker and G. Behner. Deacons — C. G. Koch, John Honnecker, J. G. Wolpert, Reuben Riegel and John Rade- bach. E. Stoever resigned the office of presiding elder, and J. J. Kopp was elected. Peter Getz went to the Illinois Conference. A committee was appointed to devise a plan for making salaries independent of each other, and report at the next annual session. Appointments : I. Columbianna District, Abraham Niebel, presiding elder. Columbianna Circuit, J. Bernhart and R. Riegel ; Erie, J. Nicolai ; Greenville, J. Burkett ; Harmony, Jacob Hon* necker ; Canton, Abraham Loehner and Jacob Fisher. CONFERENCE RE00BD8. 291 II. Mohickon District, J. J. Kopp, presiding elder. Bristol Circuit, P. Wiest and J. G. Kissel ; Wayne, Daniel Brickly and George Schott ; Mansfield, A. Yambert and Philip Swartz ; Liv- erpool, J. Lutz; Cleveland Mission, C. G. Koch. III. Sandusky District, H. Longbrake, presiding elder. Lake Circuit, G. Behner; Wyandott, G. Kaag and J. G. Stirm; San- dusky, George Haley and C. Smith; Maumee,C. Munk; Sandusky City Station, J. Hall ; Ann Arbor Mission, J. Honnecker ; St. Joseph Mission, George Doll. IV. Scioto District, J. G. Zinzer, presiding elder. Lancaster Circuit, J. Kanaga and C. Haldeman ; Pickaway, A. E. Dreisbach and H. Downy; Miami, J. G. Wolpert; Dayton Mission, G. F. Spreng. 1849. Illinois Conference, Naperville, 111., June 20. Bishop J. Seybert, president; J. J. Esher, secretary. J. P. Kramer, of the East Pa., and P. Getz, of the Ohio Conference, were re- ceived into this conference, and Jacob Keiser and C. A. Schnake were newly received. J. G. Miller and Philip Bretch, located. Ordained elders — J. J. Esher, A. Nicolai and Philip Bretch. Deacons — George Messner, H. Eiterman, F.Weithaupt and H. Weldy. Christian Augenstein resigned the office of pre- siding elder, and St. Joseph District was discontinued. Peoria, Galena and Sheboygan Missions were formed. Appointments: I. Wabash District, A. B. Schaffer, presid- ing elder. White Water Circuit, Henry Ragatz; Dubois Mis- sion, Ch. Glaus and J. Keiser; Mt. Carmel Circuit, S. Dickover; Elkhart, G. G. Platz, G. Messner and B. Uphaus; Marshall, A. Nicolai ; St. Mary's Mission, P. Getz ; De Kalb, F.Weithaupt. II. Peoria District, Ch. Kopp, presiding elder. Washington Circuit, H. Eiterman ; Florid, M. Hauert and H. Weldy ; Cedar Creek, G. A. Blank and H. Esch ; Peoria Mission, Ch. Augen- stein; Galena, J. P. Kramer; Iowa, to be supplied. III. Madison District, Samuel Baumgardner, presiding elder. Naperville Circuit, S. A. Tobias and C. A. Schnake ; Des Plaines, John Riegel; Chicago, Ch. Holl; Racine, Benjamin Epply and George Esher; Sauk Mission, Ch. Lintner; Jefferson, William Kolb; Sheboygan, Joseph Harlacher; Milwaukee, J. J. Esher. 1849. New York Conference, Buffalo, N. Y., April 25. Bishop Joseph Long, president; W. Mintz, secretary. Received into the itinerancy — William Schmidt, Solomon Weber, Frantz Herlan and Philip Miller. Ordained deacons — Jacob Wag- 292 EVANOELIOAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. oner, Levi Jacobv, Solomon Weber, Jacob Bastian, Henry Sauer and Franz Herlan. Membership, 1,837. Single salary, 162.52. Appointments: I. Albany District, Jocob Kehr, presiding elder. Albany Mission, Jacob Wagoner; Syracuse Station, M. Lauer ; Mohawk Circuit, John Bosch. II. Buffalo District, Wm. Mintz, presiding elder. Buffalo, D. Fisher; Buffalo Circuit, M. Eis and Philip Miller; Lake, Levi Jacoby; Dansville, F. Herlan; Rochester Mission, J. G. Marquardt. III. Canada District, Michael Lehn, presiding elder. Water- loo Circuit, Theobald Schneider and William Schmidt; Black Creek, F. Scharf ; Home, Solomon Weber. THIRD PERIOD. The year 1850 marks the semi-centennial of the Evangelical Association, and it would be strange indeed if the Church did not in some way demonstrate her appreciation of such an event. We accordingly find her all aglow with sentiments and projects befitting the consummation of such an interesting event, and her literature of this year not only voices sentiments of gratitude to God for his mercy and superintending care over her during the first half century of her existence, but also tells of her noble achievements in the various lines of Christian activity, her ample justification of her existence, and her worthiness to take her place among the denominations of the world as a factor in the evangelization of the human race. In the first issues of the German and English periodicals of the Church for this year, the editors review the remarkable de- velopment of the society from her beginning, and offer sugges- tions as to the most appropriate way of giving expression to her gratitude for the prosperity that has marked her history. We give the following extract from an editorial in the Evangelical Messenger, of Jan. 8th, as sounding the keynote for the future of the Church: "Considering the unassuming and apparently feeble instru- ment employed in establishing this branch of the Christian Church, the small and unpromising beginning of it, together with the opposition, contempt, and reproach it had to endure, espe- cially during the first half of its existence, no unprejudiced CONFERENCE RECORDS. 293 Christian can justly accuse us of arrogance and undue enthu- siasm, if we declare the founding, extension, and prosperity of the Evangelical Association as the work of God, and as marvel- ous in our eyes, and exclaim, 'The Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad' I Or, if we at the close of the first half century of the existence of our ecclesiastical community, with one of the ancient servants of God, raise an Ebenezer, say- ing, 'Hitherto hath the Lord helped us '/ Have we not abundant cause to rejoice, and in the depth of humility to praise the Lord for His great mercy and faithfulness toward us, and His fatherly protection and guidance to the present day? What shall we render unto the Lord for all His benefits toward us? Let us take the cup of salvation, and proclaim the glory, and the name of the Lord, and pay our vows to Him in the presence of all His people ! " Oh I how great our obligations to Him ! Should we not at this important era of our Church, bring an especial thank-offering, and celebrate a jubilee to the Most High— our, and our father's God and helper ! This appears to us to be the duty of the mem- bers of the Evangelical Association, who have lived to see the close of its first half century, to evince their obligation to Him, and their grateful acknowledgement of His gracious providence, guidance and protection, by a practical matter-of-fact monu- ment, through the observance of a general thanksgiving day at a suitable time during the year, and the offering of especial gifts and contributions, for the advancement of God's kingdom, as well as through a united effort for a general revival of the Church, the enlargement of its borders, and for a closer union by the bond of Christian love. "The present period of the Evangelical Association appears to us particularly suitable for commencing foreign missions, and other important enterprises, calculated to promote the honor and cause of God. No doubt, all faithful and in the welfare of the Church interested members, would take an active part in the cele- bration of such a jubilee, and appear with liberal hearts, and with hands richly filled before the Lord, and bring Him an ac- ceptable and well pleasing thank-offering. What a glorious and advantageous result might we not expect from such a jubilee ! The Association would not only acquire more firmness, and in- fluence thereby, but probably on the whole a more general and enlarged participation in the cause of God. " 294 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. To these noble sentiments the Church responded most heart- ily, not in words alone, but in deeds that shall live coeval with her history. The celebration of the semi-centennial of the existence of the Evangelical Association was commemorated along several lines, first as a memorial, in remembrance of her founder, Jacob Al- bright. Hence the jubilee was fixed on the day on which he started out as an independent evangelist, of which the bishops gave official notice in the periodicals, as follows : "Whereas we the undersigned, as superintendents of the Evangelical Association, have been requested by the East and West Pa. Conferences to appoint a thanksgiving day for the pro- posed jubilee ; and, whereas, we do fully concur with the recom- mendation of observing such a festival ; therefore we appoint for said purpose, Thursday, the 17th of October next, and recom- mend the observance of it to all societies and members of our whole Church union, with the hope and confidence and inmost desire that it may prove a blessed and joyful day for all." John Seybert, Joseph Long. New Berlin, March 23, iSjo. In addition to this memorial day, there was projected by the East Pa. Conference, a memorial church, to be erected at the grave of Jacob Albright, at Klinefeltersville, Pa. This church was dedicated with great solemnity, Oct. 13. Rev. J. M. Saylor read the dedicatory formula, and Rev. J. P. Leib preached the sermon from Haggai ii. 9. Henry Fisher, chief book steward, preached in the afternoon from Psalm xciii. 5, and J. C. Farns- worth in the evening from I. Peter v. 4. The educational interests of the Church were somewhat re- vived, and the West Pa. Conference appointed a committe to devise plans for the establishment of an academy. This project however did not develop as successfully as some others of the jubilee year. By far the most important interest developed at this time was the undertaking of foreign missions. With remarkable unanimity — as though preconcerted — the various annual conferences ap- proved and agreed to support the plan projected by the East Pa. Conference for the establishment of a mission in Germany. Without any delay or hesitation, plans were matured and funds CONFERENCE RECORDS. 295 collected, and in November the first missionary, Rev. J. C. Link, was on his way to preach Evangelical truth in the Fatherland. 1850. East Pa. Conference, Philadelphia, Pa., Feb. 27. Bishop J. Seybert, president; Fred. Danner, secretary. M. F. Maize and John Eckert received permission to rest a year. D. Berger and C. Loos, located. F. L. Stoever died. A. Ziecenfus was licensed to preach. H. Bisse, A. Ziegenfus, Geo. Knerr and R. Deisher were received into the itinerancy. F. Danner was elected presiding elder. "H. Bucks, C. Hum- mel and F. Krecker were appointed a committee to prepare resolutions with reference to the establishment of a mission in Germany. " A resolution relative to the erection of a memorial church at the grave of the founder of the Evangelical Associa- tion was adopted. A recommendation to the next General Conference was adopt- ed — to introduce a probationary system in the Church for new members. Districts : Philadelphia, F. Hoffman, presiding elder ; Leba- non, F. Danner; Orwigsburg, J. P. Leib. 1850. West Pa. Conference, New Columbia, Pa., March 13. Bishop Joseph Long, president; Charles Hammer, sec- retary. Memorial services were held in memory of George Weirick and John Bishop, deceased. Daniel Berger was received from the East Pa. Conference. Received into the itin- erancy — L. May, C. Deininger, B. Hall, A. Stahley, Isaac Leas, J. E. Langer, S. Kring, A. Kraus, W. H. Berry and J. W. F. Young. Ordained elders — M. J. Carothers, Chari.es Lindeman, S. Wolf and G. J. Foy. Deacons — G. Hunter and J. Kaufman. J. M. Sindlinger was elected presiding elder. C Miller and A. Wolf, located. H. Rohland took creden- tials for the Illinois Conference. A resolution for the founding of an institution of learning was adopted. Oct. 1 7th was desig- nated as a day of thanksgiving for the founding of the Evangel- ical Association. W. W. Orwig was elected editor of the Christ- liche Botschafter, and H. Fisher of the Evangelical Messenger until the next General Conference. The conference concurred in the project of the East Pa., for the establishment of a mission in Germany. A recommendation to the General Conference was passed, providing for stewards to collect money on the various charges. Districts : Baltimore, J. Boas, presiding elder ; Susquehanna, 296 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION AlfNALS. J. Dunlap ; Centre, Alex. Longsdorf; Allegheny, J. M. Sind- linger ; Somerset, Uriah Eberhart. 18S0. Ohio Conference, North Lima,0., Majf 15. Bishop J. Long, president; J. G. Zinzer, secretary. Located — C. Haldeman, George Schott, C. Schmidt; in part — Daniel Swartz and Daniel Brickly. Received into the conference — A. B. SchaeffeR, PeteR Hahn, Joseph TrubY and J. ScttNELL- bAcher. Received into the ministry — Daniel StrohmAn, Jacob Schaffer, ft. Hampe. C. EitelmAn and M. Hoehn. Ordained elders— A. E. DfefcisBAcb, H. Downy, J. KAnAgA, Ge6rge Doll and C. Munk. Deacons — J. H. Stirm, C. SchmiUt, J. SchnEll- bacher, D. Fleisher, J. G. Kissel. Resolutions favorable to the semi-centennial jubilee and the establishment of a German Mission were adopted. A plan was adopted making the charges independent of each other in the support of the preachers. A committee was appointed to examine the young preachers in their studies at the next annual session. Districts: Columbianna, A. Niebel, presiding elder; Mo- hickon, J. J. Kopp; Sandusky, H. Longbrake; Scioto, J. G. Zinzer. 1850. Illinois Conference, Des Plains, 111., June 12. Bishop j. Long, president ; J. J. Esher, secretary. C. GLAUS, located. A. B. Schaffer resigned the office of presiding elder and returned to the Ohio Conference. J. J. Kopp resigned on account of failing health. Newly received — Peter Bergner, J. ShAffle, F. Shuerman, George Fleisher, Benjamin Raudenbush, j. F. Wolf, A. Michael, Joseph Fisher and William StrAss- BtrkGHER. SaMueL DicKover faas ordained elder, and J. H. RAgatz, H. Esh, J. G. EsHer, J. Riegel and B. UphoOse dea- cons. Resolutions favorable to the proposed jubilee and German Mission were adopted. C. Augenstein, G. G. Platz and G. A. Blank were elected presiding elders. Districts : Wabash, G. A. Blank, presiding elder ; St. Joseph, C. Augenstein ; Peoria, G. G. Platz ; Madison, S. Baumgardnfer. 1850. New York Conference, Syracuse, N. Y., April 17. Bishop J. Seybert, president; Wm Mentz, secretary. Philip Miller, located. Jacob Bastian, John Schaaf, A. Z. Gott- wals and John Greuzenbach were received into the itinerancy. William Schmidt was ordained elder and J. Schaaf deacon. Conference expressed itself favorable to the proposed semi- centennial jubilee, and the establishment of a German Mission. CONFERENCE RECORDS. 297 Districts : Albany, J. Kehr, presiding elder ; Buffalo, William Mintz; Canada, M. Lehn. 1851. East Pa. Conference, Schuylkill Haven, Pa., Feb. 26. Bishop Joseph Long, president ; F. Krecker, secretary. John Sensel, located. J. Young and G. L. Miller were licensed to preach. Received into the itinerancy — S. G. *Rhoads, C. Ging- erich, L. Snyder, Jesse Young and N. Goebel. W. Garret and H. Bisse were ordained deacons. A mission was located in New Jersey. German town, Pa., was made a station. Districts : Philadelphia, F. Hoffman, presiding elder ; Leba- non, F. Danner; Orwigsburg, J. P. Leib. 1851. West Pa. Conference, Berlin, Somerset county, Pa., March 12. Bishop J. Long, president; L. Eberhart, secre- tary. Daniel Sill, located. Received into the itinerancy — A. Bower, J. S. Hyde, J. W. Marlin, J. G. Pfeifer, H. H. Buecker, W. B. Poling, J. Kaufman, A. Bender, also J. G. Miller, of the Illinois Conference. Ordained elders — B. Hengst, W. B. Gregg, J. Bolton, L. D. Brown, J. L. W. Seibert, Daniel Kramer, John Kramer and George Cupp. Deacons — M. Zulauf, J. Weikel, J. M. McKesson and W. Hammer. Jacob Boas was elected presiding elder. Districts : Baltimore, Alex. Longsdorf, presiding elder ; Sus- quehanna, J. Dunlap ; Centre, J. Boas ; Somerset, U. Eberhart ; Allegheny, J. M. Sindlinger. 1851. Ohio Conference, West Salem, Ohio, May 14. Bishop J. Seybert, president; A. B. Schaffer, secretary. Located — J. Hall, P. Pontius, Jacob Shaffer and John Lutz. Ordained elders — C. G. Koch and J. G. Wolpert. Deacons — P. Swartz and P. Pontius. J. G. Strohm, of West Pa. Conference, was received into the conference. Received into the itinerancy — Wm. Traeger, Philip Purr, L. Sheurman, G. M. Young and John Erb, anew. A. B. Shaeffer was elected presiding elder. Henry Niebel and E. Stoever were superannuated. 1851. Illinois Conference, Brookville, 111., June 18. Presi- dent, Bishop Seybert; secretary, C. A. Schnake. Benjamin Eppley, located. Benj. Raudenbush and Geo. Schmidt died during the year. Received into the itinerancy — H. Rohland, from the West Pa. Conference, Jacob Kemmerling and John Mayer. On probation — G. Franzen, J. C. Anthes and Paul Benker. Ordained elders — George Messner and F. Weit- haupt. Deacons — C. A. Schnake and Jacob Keiper. C. Aug- 398 E VANGEL1CAL AS8001A TIQN A2TNALS. ENSTErN and G. G. Platz resigned the office of presiding elder ; and S. Baumgarder was re-elected, and J. J. Esher, S. Dickover and Joseph Harlacher were newly elected. Districts : Wabash, G. A. Blank, presiding elder ; St. Joseph, S. Dickover; Peoria, S. Baumgardner ; Wisconsin, J. J. Esher; Chicago, Joseph Harlacher. 1851. New York Conference, Lyons, N. Y., April 16, Bishop J. Long, president ; M. Lehn, secretary. Newly received — P. Alles and J. Jenny. Ordained elders — S. Weber, L. Jacoby and Jacob Wagoner. Deacon — Philip Miller. M. Eis, located. Districts : Albany, M. Lehn, presiding elder ; Buffalo, Jacob Kehr; Canada, W. Schmidt CHAPTER X, Tenth General Conference, Held at Flat Rock, O., Sept. 17-30, 1851. 1851. General Conference, tenth session, Flat Rock, O., Sept. 1 7-30. Both bishops were present. Bishop J. Long opened the session and appointed H. Bucks, secretary. Notice was given of the death of Samuel Baumgardner, of Illinois Confer- ence, and it was "Resolved that the members of this conference, in order to attest their tender regard for the deceased, hold reg- ular funeral services on next Sabbath afternoon. Bishop Long at that time delivered a memorial sermon from Dan. xii. 3. It was resolved to remove the book concern to Cleveland, O., on certain conditions, and many changes were ordered in its business. A. Vallerchamp introduced a motion for the estab- lishment of a Sunday-School Union, which was referred to a committee, whose report was not adopted. Much time was spent in discussing missionary projects. The action of the Board of Missions (appointed by the annual conferences) in sending J. C. Link to Germany was approved, and J. Nicolai was elected as an additional missionary. W. W. Orwig offered a resolution looking to the establishment of a heathen mission, which was adopted, and the matter referred to the Board of Missions. The Pittsburg Conference was formed of parts of the West Pa. and Ohio Conferences, and the Indiana Conference was formed of Wabash and St. Joseph Districts of the Illinois Conference. Bishops J. Seybert and Joseph Long were reelected. W. W. Orwig was elected general book agent and editor of the Botschaf- ter, and J. G. Zinzer assistant editor. H. Fisher was elected editor of the Evangelical Messenger. Amendments to the Discipline were made, chiefly as follows : (1) The order of procedure of the annual conferences in the 300 RVANOELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. missionary cause was improved. (2) The marriage formula was improved. (3) Class leaders to be chosen every two years. (4) "Resolved, That in all cities and places where preachers and societies promise themselves more benefit from a six months' probation, they shall be at liberty to introduce the same." (5) An additional paragraph on the management of foreign missions. (6) The introduction of a burial formula. The recommendation to increase the power of the bishop, especially in regard to restoring the transferring power, evoked a lengthy discussion. The matter was finally referred to a com- mittee of five, who submitted the following: "Resolved, That in case one of our bishops at any time finds it necessary to remove one or more preachers from one conference to another, he shall be authorized to do so, with the consent of the preacher con- cerned, and of the presiding elder having charge over him. Such a preacher shall then be considered a member of that conference, whithersoever he may have been removed, until the next session of the same, when it is to be decided whether he shall be retained as a member or not. If however that conference sees proper not to retain him, he shall have the right to return to his conference." The discussion was renewed upon the presentation of this reso- lution. "Fear was expressed of episcopal power, which in some parts of Christendom had already become so dreadful. The less power in the hands of the bishop, it was thought, the more safe for the society in the future."* The recommendation was not adopted. A Board of Foreign Missions was constitued, consisting of the secretary of the Parent Missionary Society, John Seybert, Henry Fisher, J. Boas and the presiding elder of Orwigsburg District, East Pa. Conference. Delegates to the General Conference of 185 1, with year of birth : Bishop J. Seybert, 1791. F. Hoffman, 1806. West Pa. Conference. Bishop Jos. Long, 1800. C. Hummel, 1810. H. Bucks, 1810. H. Fisher, 1800. East Pa. Conference. M. F. Maize, 1813. Philip Wagoner, 1800. C. Meyer, 1814. D. Kehr, 1803. J P. Leib, 1802. F. Krecker, 1816. A. Vallerchamp, 1803. Jos. M. Saylor, 1803. S. Neita, 1821. J. M. Sindlinger, 1807. Fred. Danner, 1805. James Dunlap, 1809. ♦Official report in Evangelical Messenger, Oct. 22, 185 1. CONFERENCE RECORDS. 301 C. Hammer, 1809. J. G. Zinzer, 1806. Wm. Smith, 1809. W. W. Orwig, 1810. H. Longbrake, 1809. Wm. Mentz, 181 1. Alex. Longsdorf, 1812. D. Brickie y, 1809. D. Fisher, 1814. D. N. Long, 1813. F. Freeh, 1809. Jacob Boas, 1815. G. Haley, 1814. Illinois Conference. E. Kohr, 1823. C. G. Koch, 1817. U. Eberhart, 1821. A. Niebel, 1817. J. F, Kramer, 1809. Levi Eberhart, 1822. A. E. Dreisbach, 1818. Benj. Epply, 1810. G. F. Behner, 1818. J. Harlacher, 1812. Ohio Conference. P. W. Hahn, 1819. H. Rotiland, 1817. G. F. Spreng, 1823. C. Augenstein, 1818. H. Niebel, 1784. Wm. Kolb, 1820. J. Dreisbach, 1789. New York Conference. G. A. Blank, 1822. A. B. Shaefer, 1797. S. A. Tobias, 1822. E. Stoever, 1805. Jacob Kehr, 1808. J. J. Esher, 1823. J. J. Kopp, 1805. Jacob Reigel, 1809. S. Dickover. 1826. 1882. East Pa. Conference, Pine Grove, Pa., Feb. 95. Bishop J. Seybert, president; Abraham Schultz, secretary. Newly received — J. L. Fritz, E. Ely, W. Rogers, A. Hinkel and Abraham Saylor. Received into the itinerancy — C. Loos, H. C. Major and Ehp. Ely. Ordained elders — N. McLean, I. Hess and J. Schell. Deacons — A. Ziegenfus, L. Snyder, George Knerr, S. G. Roads and C. Gingerich. F. Danner resigned the office of presiding elder, and F. Hoffman and J. P. Leib were re-elected, and G. T. Haines newly elected. Districts : Philadelphia, G. T. Haines, presiding elder ; Leb- anon, F. Hoffman; Orwigsburg, J. P. Leib. 1852. West Pa. Conference, Prospect, Pa., March 17. Bishop J. Long, president; H. Fisher, secretary. Located — A. Vallerchamf, D. Berger and J. Kauffman. Chas. Ham- mer and D. Kehr were permitted to rest one year. L. Eber- hart withdrew from active service. Received into the itinerancy — H. Kaegel, H. Althouse, E. B. Wilson, S. W. Seibert, H. R. Price, Jacob Young and George Hinkel. Ordained deacons — L. May, C. F. Deininger, Abraham Kraus, W. H. Berry, J. C. Lunger and Isaac Leas. The preachers were in- structed to organize catechetical classes wherever practicable, and rules governing the same were adopted. Stewards were ordered to be elected on the various charges, to collect the sal- ary. The preachers were enjoined to be more active in organ- izing Sunday-schools. Districts: Baltimore, Alex. Longsdorf, presiding elder ; Cen- tre, J. Boas; Susquehanna, J. Dunlap. 302 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. 1852. Pittsburg Conference held its first session in Pitts- burg, Pa., March 3. Bishop J. Long, president; C. G. Koch, secretary. Withdrawn from the Church — J.Bolton. Received into the itinerancy — J. Weikel, H. W. Thomas, J. M. Zirkel, L. W. Reichman and B. Schade. Ordained deacons — A. Bower, Andrew Stahley, S. B. Kring, Wm. Bressler, J. M. Zirkel, and H. Hampe. D. N. Long was elected presiding elder. Reso- lutions were adopted and a committee appointed looking to the establishment of an institution of learning within the bounds of the conference. Districts: Somerset, U. Eberhart, presiding elder; Allegheny, D. N. Long; Pittsburg, J. M. Sindlinger. 1852. New York Conference, Berlin, Canada, April 14. Bishop J. Seybert, president ; W. Schmidt, secretary. Received into the itinerancy — J. G. Staebler and W. Oetzel. Ordained elders — F. Herlan and J. Schaaf. Deacons — A. Z. Gottwals and J. Grenzebach. The charges were made independent of each other in the matter of salary. Districts: Albany, M. Lehn, presiding elder; Buffalo, J. Kehr; Canada, W. Schmidt. 1852. Ohio Conference, Bristol, O., May 12. Bishop J. Seybert, president; J. G. Wolpert, secretary. J. G. Stirm died during the year. Newly received — Benjamin Keller, John Waltz, George Theuer and J. Lutz. Ordained elders — J. Honecker, R. Riegel and J. Schnellbacher. Deacons — Christian Idleman, M. Hoehn and D. Strohman. An anti- secret society resolution was adopted. Districts: Wooster,H.Longbrake, presiding elder; Sandusky, J. J. Kopp; Scioto, A. B. Schaefer. 1852. Illinois Conference, Naperville, III., June 16. Bishop J. Seybert, president; J. J. Esher, secretary. S. Baumgard- ner, a presiding elder, died and C. Holl withdrew during the year. J. Moyer located. C. Glaus, N. McLain, J. H. Yam- bert and J. G. Esslinger were received from other conferences, and B. Ruh, F. Weihe and L. Buehler on probation. Ordained elders — B. Uphaus, John Reigel and H. Esh. Deacons — P. Burgner, J. Schafle, Wm. Strassberger, Geo. Fleisher and Joseph Fisher. G. A. Blank and Joseph Harlacher resigned the office of presiding elder and C. Glaus and S. A. Tobias were elected. Fox River, DeKalb and Evansville Missions were estab- lished. The Indiana Conference was formed. - CONFERENCE RECORDS. 303 Illinois Conference Districts : Peoria, Henry Rohland, pre- siding elder ; Wisconsin, J. J. Esher ; Chicago, S. A. Tobias. Indiana Conference Districts : St. Joseph, S. Dickover, pre- siding elder; Wabash, C. Glaus. New York Conference sustained the loss of one of its leading men, Jacob Riegel, who died near Seneca Falls, N. Y., aged forty-two years. He was born in Northampton county, Pa., and entered the ministry in 1834. 1853. East Pa. Conference, Reading, Pa., Feb. 23. Bishop J. Long, president ; H. Bucks, secretary. Retained in the itin- erancy without appointments — M. F. Maize, F. Danner and J. Adams. Died — J. Sensel. Credentials were voted JesseYoung. Ordained elders — C. Loos and R. Deisher. Deacons — H. C. Major and N. Goebel. Licensed to preach — P. V. Platz, T. G. Clewell, W. Yost, Z. Hornberger, S. P. Reinoehl, L. Kelly and H. Koester. Received into the itinerancy — D. Berger, Jesse Yeakel, T. G. Clewell, William Yost, S. P. Reinoehl, L. Kelly and F. P. Lehr. Easton was taken up as a mission. Lebanon was detached from the circuit and made a station. Monroe and Kutztown Circuits were formed. Districts : Philadelphia, G. J. Haines, presiding elder ; Leb- anon, F. Hoffman; Orwigsburg, J. P. Leib. 1853. West Pa. Conference, Buffalo Valley, Pa., March 2. Bishop J. Long, president ; Chas. Hammer, secretary. Located — Daniel Kehr and Henry Althouse. Ordained elders — M. Zulauf and George Hunter. Deacons — A. J. Bender, E. Wilson, P. Graham and J. G. Bertch. W. W. Orwig resigned the editorship of the Botschafter and the office of book steward. C. G. Koch, of the Pittsburg Conference, was elected to the former office and C. Hammer to the latter. Hammer resigned, and M. F. Maize was elected. He also resigned, and Hammer was induced later to accept the position. C. Hammer was newly elected and A. Longsdorf, reelected presiding elders. Districts : Baltimore, A. Longsdorf, presiding elder ; Centre, J. Boas; Susquehanna, C. Hammer. 1853. Pittsburg Conference, Zion Church, Jefferson county, Pa., March 16. J. Seybert, president; C. G. Koch and U. Eberhart, secretaries. Abraham Niebel, of the Ohio Confer- ence, and John Pfeifer and Jacob Rosenberger were received into the itinerancy. J. M. McKesson and Jacob Weikel were ordained elders, and H. H. Bicker, W. B. Poling,-J. G. Pfeifer, 304 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. J. S. Hvde and A. Weaver, deacons. Jacob Rank was; elected presiding elder. A German mission was located in Allegheny- City, and an English mission in the " West. " U. Eberhart was permitted to rest one year. Albright Seminary was established at Berlin, Somerset county, Pa. Districts: Somerset, D. $. Long, presiding elder ; Allegheny, J. Rank; Pittsburg, J.M. Sjndlinger. 1853. New York Conference, Buffalo, N. Y., April 27. Bishop J. Seybert, president; W. Mentz, secretary. J. D. Jenni and P. Alles were ordained deacons. Jacob Riegel died during the year. Districts: Albany, M. Lehn, presiding elder; Buffalo, J. Kehr; Canada, Wm. Schmidt. 1853. Ohio Conference, Immanuel's Church, Pickaway county, Ohio, May 11. President, Bishop J. Long; secretary, J. G. Wolpert. Died — H. Downy, P. Pontius and Jacob Van- dersal. Newly licensed — C. M. Reinhold, Philip Schatz and Abraham Long. Ordained elder — Philip Swartz. Deacon?-- L. Shireman, G. M. Young and Philip Porr. Elected presj - ing elders — G. F. Spreng and A. E. DriesbacIi. R. Reigel, located. Canton was made a mission. Districts : Cleveland, G. F. Spreng, presiding elder ; Wooster, H. Longbrake; Sandusky, A. E. Driesbach; Scieto, A. B. Shaefer. 1853. Illinois Conference, Racine, Wis., June 29. Bishop J. Long, president ; J. J. Esher, secretary. Joseph Harlacher, George Messner and Jacob Kemmerling, located. G. G. Platz joined the Indiana Conference. Received into the itin- erancy — L. Von Wald, Oswald Ragatz, D. S. Boyer, Israel Kuter, Henry Shelp, John Miller, Henry Lagenshulte and Conrad Pfeil, and H. Eiterman anew. Ordained elders — J. G. Esher and C. A. Schnake. Deacons — J. C. Anthes, Jacob Trumbaur and J. G. Esslinger. The southern part of Chicago was taken up as a mission, also Waukeesha, Wis. . Iowa was supplied with two preachers. Districts : Peoria, H. Rohland, presiding elder ; Chicago, S. v A. Tobias ; Wisconsin, J. J. Esher. Note. — At this session the conference appointed J. W. McKesson to estab- lish an English work in the West. June 28 he arrived in McDonough county, 111., and began his labors. He laid the foundations for the English work in western Illinois and eastern Iowa. Owing to ill health he did not continue the second year, and the Illinois Conference was asked to take charge of the work, owing to a scarcity of preachers in the Pittsburg Conference. CONFERENCE BEC0BD8. 305 1853. Indiana Conference, first session, Germantown, Ind., June i. Bishop J. Long, president; A. Nicolai, secretary. Bishop Long was appointed to frame rules for the conference. Received into the itinerancy — H. Strickler, John Fuchs, J. Rookstuhl, W. Bockman and J. M. Kronmiller, also G. G. Platz, of the Illinois Conference. Jacob Keiper was ordained elder and G. Franzen deacon. Huntington and Olney missions were established. It was resolved to build a meeting house at Evansville. Districts: St. Joseph, Samuel Dickover, presiding elder; Wabash, C. Glaus. Note. — The year 1853 marks a number of notable events in the history of the Association. Albright Seminary, at Berlin, Som- erset county, Pa., the first institution of learning in the connec- tion, was opened Aug. 8. The Board of Foreign Missions held its annual session at New Berlin, Sept. 24, at which time the subject of a heathen mission was discussed, and resolutions, look- ing to its establishment, were adopted. The first Evangelical camp-meeting in Iowa began Sept. 8, on land of Brother J. Bal- liet, ten miles northwest of Muscatine. 1854. East Pa. Conference, Pottsville, Pa., Feb. 22. Bishop J. Seybert, president ; H. Bucks and F. Krecker, secretaries. Located — J. G. Marquardt, A. Schultz, H. Bucks and C. Hummel. G. T. Haines resigned the office of presiding elder, and F. Krecker was elected. H. A. Bisse died. Received on trial — J. O. Lehr, T. Plattenberger, R. Yeakel, H. Koester, Elias Miller and Moses Dissinger. Ordained elders — G. Knerr, A. Ziegenfus, C. Gingerich, D. Hambright and S. G. Rhoads. Deacons — E. Ely, J. Yeakel and J. Rhoads. Harrisburg was constituted a mission. Fredrick Miller, of Washington township, Lehigh county, Pa., died, leaving to the conference an estate of $14,000, which the conference turned over to the Charitable Society. Ordination text — Luke xii. 42. Districts: Philadelphia, J. P. Leib, presiding elder; Leba- non, F. Krecker; Orwigsburg, F. Hoffman. 1854. West Pa. Conference, York, Pa., March 1. Bishop J. Long, president; C. Hammer, secretary. Henry Fisher, editor of the Evangelical Messenger, died during the year. Isaac Leas, located. Ordained elders — B. F. Hall, L. May, J. C. Lunger, A. Kraus and C. F. Deininger. Deacons — H. R. 306 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. Price, Jacob Young, S. W. Seibert and N. Doebler. P. Wagoner was elected presiding elder, C. Hammer chief book agent of the establishment, and J. L. W. Seibert, editor of the Evangelical Messenger, in place of H. Fisher, deceased. After much debating and planning it was resolved to establish at New Berlin, Pa., an institution of learning to be called Union Seminary. v Districts: Baltimore, P. Wagoner, presiding elder; Centre, J. Boas; Susquehanna, A. Longsdorf. 1854. Pittsburg Conference, Somerset, Pa., March 15. Bishop J. Long, president; Chas. Lindeman, secretary. John Rosenberger died. B. Shady, A. Bower and J. M. Sind- linger, located, the. latter two going West. Received into the traveling connection — B. L. Miller, E. Peer, A. Long, G. W. Reisinger and A. T. Doll. Ordained elders — H. Hampe, A. Stehley, S. B. Kring, A. Bower and J. M. Zirkle. Deacons — L. L. Reichman, H. W. Thomas, J. Rosenberger, B. L. Miller, D. J. Paul and J. Hanger. Cambria andi Centreville Circuits were formed. The preachers were instructed to deliver lectures in favor of a prohibitory liquor law. Anti-tobacco res- olutions were adopted. Districts: Somerset, D. N. Long, presiding elder; Allegheny, J. Rank ; Pittsburg, Charles Lindeman. 1854. New York Conference, Rochester, N. Y., April 26. Bishop J. Long, president; M. Lehn, secretary. John Wag- oner and Joseph Unbach were received into the itinerancy. John Grenzenbach was ordained elder, and J. G. Stabler, W. Oetzel and John Wagoner, deacons. A mission was estab- lished at Sougien, Canada. Districts : Albany, M. Lehn, presiding elder ; Buffalo, Jacob Kehr; Canada, W. Schmidt. 1854. Ohio Conference,. Dayton, Ohio, May 17. Bishop J. Seybert, president ; G. F. Spreng, secretary. George Kaag and A. Loehner, located. Received into the itinerancy— t-Reuben Riegel, J. Strome, A. Hassenpflug, M. Miller, S. Swartz, C. Rohm and S. Hoy, the latter on probation. Ordained elders • — G. Theur, J. Waltz and B. Keller. Deacons — C. Idleman, D. Strohman and M. Hoehn. J. G. Zinzer was permitted to rest because of an affection of his eyes. Pomeroy Mission was established, and Sandusky and Cleveland Missions were consti- tuted stations. CONFERENCE RECORDS. 307 Districts: Cleveland, G.F. Spreng, presiding elder; Wooster, H. Longbrake; Sandusky, A. E. Dreisbach; Scioto, A. B. Schaeffer. 18S4. Illinois Conference, Brookville, 111. , June 28. Bishop J. Seybert, president; J. J. Esher, secretary. Received on probation — Jacob Himmel and Joseph Gibens. Received into the itinerancy — C. Hummel, John Schneider, J. M. Sind- linger, Elias Musselman, C. Augenstein, L. Nauman, Jos. Gibens, Conrad Spielman, Jacob Himmel, J. F. Schnee and George Vetter. Ordained elders — Jacob Schaffle, George Fleischer, W. Strassburger and L. H. Eiterman. Deacons — L. Buehler and Elias Musselman. An independent salary system was adopted. H. Lageschulte and Jacob Trumbower, located. The work in Iowa was divided into Cedar River Cir- cuit and Dubuque Mission. Oshkosh Mission was divided. Kan- kakee Mission was established. Districts: Peoria, H. Rohland, presiding elder; Chicago, S. A. Tobias; Wisconsin, J. J. Esher. 1854. Indiana Conference, East Germantown, Wayne county, Ind., May 31. Bishop J. Seybert, president; A. Nicolai, secretary. F. Scheurman and J. Rookstuhl, located. Philip Bretsch, of Illinois Conference, was received into the itinerancy, and George Eckard on probation. Ordained elders — Joseph Fisher and P. Burghner. Deacons — M. W. Steffy and B. Ruh. South Bend and Newville were constituted missions. Districts : St. Joseph, S. Dickover, presiding elder ; Wabash, C. Glaus. Notes. — The year 1854 was one of the most eventful in the history of the Church. On Jan. ao occurred the death of Rev. Henry Fisher, editor of the Evangelical Messenger, at New Berlin, Pa. He was one of the most devoted and consecrated of men, and his death cast a gloom over the Association. In the Spring of this year the book establishment was removed from New Berlin, Pa., to Cleveland, Ohio. During the early Spring a public meeting was held in the town hall of New Berlin, to take steps for the founding of an in- stitution of learning, under the auspices of the West Pa. Confer- ence. Resolutions were adopted, which were laid before the conference at its next session. After a lengthy discussion it was, on motion of M. J. Carothers, resolved to found such an insti- tution at New Berlin, to be called "Union Seminary." Com- 308 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. mittees and collectors were appointed, and subsequently the East Pa. Conference united in the enterprise, and the establishment of that noble institution, now the oldest in the Association, was successfully accomplished. 1855. East Pa. Conference, Philadelphia, Pa., Feb. 28. Bishop J. Long, president; S. Neitz, secretary. Located — J. M. Saylor, I. Hess, C. Loos, A. Shultz and W. Heim. Newly received on trial — J. Werner, C. S. Haman, T. Sebold and W. Bachman ; also J. C. Reisner anew. Received into the itiner- ancy — J. Frey, Joseph Werner, F. Walker, C. S. Haman and T. Sebold. Ordained deacons — T. G. Clewell, S. P. Rein- oehl, W. Yost, F. P. Lehr, P. H. Lehr, Joshua Frey, R. Yeakel and Adam Hinkel. Concerning the establishment of Union Seminary, it was "Resolved, that we will unite in the project according to the constitution and offer presented, the seminary to be named Union Seminary of the East and West Pa. Conferences of the Evangelical Association. Solomon Neitz was appointed traveling agent for the same in the conference. Districts: Philadelphia, J. P. Leib, presiding elder ; Lebanon, F. Krecker ; Orwigsburg, F. Hoffman. 1855. West Pa. Conference, Baltimore, Md., March 8. Bishop J. Long, president ; Benjamin Hengst, secretary. Died during the year — A. Vallerchamp, C. Spangler and George Nailor. Peter Heiss located, and H. Keagel was dismissed to go West. Received into the itinerancy — D. W. Miller, H. Althaus, H. Broadbeck and Sebastian Mosser (anew). Or- dained elders — W. H. Berry and E. B. Wilson. Deacons — G. W. F. Young and A. L. Reeser. Si Wolf was re-elected agent of Union Seminary. J. Boas was elected presiding elder. W. W. Orwig was left without appointment because engaged in writing the history of the Evangelical Association. Districts: Baltimore, J. Boas, presiding elder; Centre, P. Wagoner; Susquehanna, A. Longsdorf. 1855. Pittsburg Conference, Pittsburg, Pa., March ax. Bishop J. Long, president ; Joseph Truby, secretary. S. Hyde and A. G. T. Doll located. W. B. Gregg and L. D. Brown withdrew from the Church. C. Bender and William Fisher were licensed to preach, and W. H. Stoll, W. H. Pfeuffer, W. J. Stattler and William Fisher were received into the itiner- ancy. Ordained elders — J. G. Pfeuffer and H. H. Buecker. Deacons — H. W. Pfeuffer and Abraham Long. CONFERENCE RECORDS. 309 Districts: Somerset, D. N. Long, presiding elder; Alle- gheny, J. Rank ; Pittsburg, Charles Lindeman. 1855. New York Conference, Conrad Settlement, N. Y. Bishop J. Seybert, president; M. Lauer, secretary. Jacob Bastian located. P. Alles was ordained elder. Geo. Hunter, of the West Pa. Conference, took an appointment in this confer- ence. The Finance Committee reported that all the preachers had received full salary. Districts : Albany, W. Mentz, presiding elder ; Buffalo, M. Lauer; Canada, J. Kehr. 1855. Ohio Conference, Zion Church, Hancock county, O., May 1 6. Bishop J. Long, president; J. G. Wolpert and C. Idleman, secretaries. Died — George Kaag. Located — J. J. Kopp, P. Wiest, S. Swartz and J. Snellbacher. Received into the traveling connection — Michael Alsbach, Geo. Berry, John Stull, Henry Cover, Jacob Resler and Henry Strauch. Ordained elders — P. Purr, L. Shireman and G. M. Young. Deacons — J. P. Schnatz, C. M. Reinhold and J. Strome. It was resolved to establish Greensburg Seminary, and committees, trustees and a collector were appointed. Elias Stoever was chosen for collector. John Dreisbach was re-elected editor of the Evangelical Messenger until the next General Conference. A. B. Shaefer and J. G. Zinzer were elected presiding elders. Districts : Cleveland, G. F. Spreng, presiding elder ; Woos- ter, J. J. Zinzer; Sandusky, A. B. Shaefer; Scioto, A. E. Dreisbach. 1855. Illinois Conference, Des Plaines, 111. , June 27. Bishop J. Long, president; C. A. Schnake, secretary. Located — J. H. Yambert, William Kolb, L. Nauman and J. H. Esch. Died — C. Lintner. Received into the itinerancy — John Kurtz, John Schweitzer, H. Rothermund, Andrew Tarnutzer, August Huelster, William Zikerick, Jacob Sill, John Dengel, Fred. Schreiber and Henry Lageschulte. Ordained elder — J. G. Esslinger. Deacons — O. Ragatz, John Miller, Henry Shelp, Israel Kuter, Conrad Pfeil and L. VonWald. Henry Roh- land was reelected and C. Kopp and G. A. Blank were newly elected presiding elders. Resolved that churches be built in Madison, Wis., and Kankakee and Pekin, 111. Districts: Peoria, C. Kopp, presiding elder; Chicago, S. A. Tobias ; Madison, H. Rohland ; Milwaukee, G. A. Blank. 310 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. 1855. Indiana Conference, Elkhart county, Ind., May 30. Bishop J. Seybert, president ; A. Nicolai, secretary. George Eckart, located. Received into the itinerancy — C. Heiden, Fred. Geissel, Wm. Wessler, Melchoir Meyer and C. Wess- ling. Ordained deacons — John Fuchs, H. Strickler, Wm. Bockman and J. M. Kronmiller. C. Glaus resigned the office of presiding elder, and S. Dickover and G. G. Platz were elected. A mission was established in Indianapolis, Ind., and Berrien, Mich. Districts : St. Joseph, G. G. Platz, presiding elder ; Wabash, S. Dickover. CHAPTER XL Eleventh General Conference, Held vr Lebanon, Pa., Sept. 19, 1855. 1855. General Conference, eleventh session, Lebanon, Pa., Sept. 19. Bishop J. Seybert, president; J. J. Esher, of Illinois Conference, secretary ; J. G. Wollpert, of the Ohio, and Benj. Hengst, of the West Pa. Conference, assistants. A committee was appointed to draft rules for the founding and regulation of higher institutions of learning, which were adopted. The conference further expressed its views on educa- tion, as follows: "On motion of W. W. Orwig it was resolved that this body concurs in the favorable sentiment expressed at several of the former sessions of General Conference, in refer- ence to the usefulness and advantages of a literary education, if subordinate to the Christian religion. Hence this conference again declares itself in favor of literary institutions in the Evan- gelical Association. Resolved, that the action of the East and West Pa. Conferences, as well as the Ohio, to erect and establish seminaries, is not only approved and rejoiced over, but that this conference wishes them success in said undertakings. " It was resolved to publish a monthly juvenile paper, to be called, Der Christliche Kinderfruend (The Christian Children's Friend). Bishop J. Seybert having presented to the conference ster- eotype plates of Rambach's Leiden Christi, he was accorded a vote of thanks, and 1,500 copies of the work were ordered to be published. W. W. Orwig was urged to have the History of the Evangel- ical Association ready for publication by Jan. 1, 1856, the first edition to consist of 7,000 copies in the German, and 3,000 in the English language. 312 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. The English hymn book was ordered to be revised and en- larged. A committee was appointed to prepare Sunday-school books for publication. The editors and correspondents of the Church periodicals were enjoined to remain neutral in politics in their communications. A committee was appointed to revise the Plan of Study for junior preachers. "Resolved, That the principal book agent shall be allowed to keep an assortment of good books on hand in the establishment for the convenience of our preachers, if he should deem it proper to do so." "Resolved, That the functionaries in our book establishment, together with the congregation at Cleveland, be requested to form themselves into a Tract Society, to draft a constitution and give a general invitation, through our periodicals, for member- ship in said society. "The Board of Foreign Missions shall, without delay, look out for promising young men, in order to have them properly trained >and prepared for missionary services in the heathen world." The Wisconsin Conference was formed of part of the Illinois, John Seybert and Joseph Long were re-elected bishops. Chas. Hammer was re-elected chief book agent, C G. Koch editor of the Christliche Botschafter, and John Dreisbach editor of the Evangelical Messenger. Assets of the Publishing House were #42,144. Delegates to General Conference, 1855. East Pa. Conference. — J. P. Leib, F. Hoffman, F. Krecker, S. Neitz, J. M. Saylor, G. T. Haines, Joseph Gross, W. Reber, D. Berger, J. C. Farnsworth, C. Meyers, J. Schell, E. Bast, M. F. Maize. West Pa. Conference. — W. W. Orwig, J. Boas, Philip Wag- oner, J. Dunlap, B. Hengst, M. J. Carothers, E. Kohr, J. M. Young, D. Kreamer, S. Wolf. Pittsburg Conference. — Jacob Rank, C. Lindeman, D. N. Long, H. Hampe, Joseph Truby, Andrew Stahle, G. W. Cupp. New York Conference. — W. Mintz, W. Schmidt, M. Lauer, M. Lehn, J. Kehr, D. Fisher. Ohio Conference. — J. G. Zinzer, A. B. Shaeffer, John Dries- bach, A. E. Driesbach, G. F. Spreng, C. Hammer, C. G. Koch, CONFERENCE RECORDS. 313 E. Stoever, J. G. Wolpert, F. Freeh, J. Kanaga, J. Bernhart, P. W. Hahn, J. Burkitt, C. A. Munk, H. Longbrake, C. Idleman. Illinois Conference. — S. A. Tobias, J. J. Esher, J. Riegel, C. A. Schnake, J. M. Sindlinger, J. P. Kramer, J. G. Esher, L. H. Eiterman, J. G. Esslinger. Indiana Conference. — S. Dickover, G. G; Platz, J. Fisher, J. Keiper, A. Nicolai. 1856. East Pa. Conference, Allentown, Pa., Feb. 27. Bishop J. Seybert, president; Solomon Neitz, secretary. E. Bast, located. F. Danner died. J. C. Farnsworth took no appoint- ment. L. Kelly received credentials. Samuel Werner was licensed to preach. Ordained elders — E. Eby, J. Yeakel, N. Goebel and L. Snyder. Deacons — H. Koester, J. O. Lehr, M. Dissinger, E. B. Miller, L. Kelly, T. Blattenberger, T. Sebold, I. Oberholtzer and W. Egge. Collections were ordered to be taken in July for the support of superannuated preachers, and preachers' widows and orphans. Frederick Danner, whose death is recorded here, was born near Manheim, Pa. Entered the ranks of the East Pa. Confer- ence in 1840. Served fourteen years, two as presiding elder of Lebanon District (1850-51). His health being feeble he was compelled to locate. He died at Manheim in 1855. Districts: Philadelphia, C. Meyers, presiding elder; Leba- non, F. Krecker ; Orwigsburg, Solomon Neitz. 18S6. West Pa. Conference, Mt. Zion Church, York county, Pa., March 5. Bishop J. Seybert, president; L. May and B. F. Hall, secretaries. J. Boas and W. H. Berry were permitted to rest one year. E. Kohr and J. G. Miller, located, the lat- ter to go to Wisconsin. Jacob Henn, E. Klinefelter and J. Zimmerman were licensed. Received'into the traveling connec- tion — N. Doebler, S. Aurand, J. Henn, Jacob Hartzler, J. Zimmerman, S. Musser, Jacob Young, G. Hunter and Philip Graham. Ordained elders — H. R. Price, J. Young and S. W. Seibert. Deacon — H. Althouse. S. Wolf was re-elected agent for Union Seminary. B. Hengst was elected presiding elder. Middle Creek and Lock Haven Circuits in Pennsylva- nia, and Harford Circuit in Maryland, were formed. B. F. Hall was authorized to purchase a suitable conference book, and record the proceedings of conference in the English language. Districts: Baltimore, B. Hengst, presiding elder; Centre, Philip Wagoner; Susquehanna, A. Longsdorf. 314 * EVANQEL1CAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. 1856. PittsburgConferen.ee, Warren.Pa., March 26. Bishop J. Long, president ; Charles Lindeman, secretary. Located — E. Peer, H. H. Bucker and George Doll. Jacob Rosen- berger and Uriah Eberhart took credentials for a Western Conference. Joseph Truby died. Elias Beaty received license, and A. T. Doll, Joseph Weber, D. S. Poling and E. Beaty were received into the itinerancy. Jacob Rosenberger was ordained elder and John Peuffer and A. T. Doll deacons. G. W. Cupp was elected presiding elder. Erie Mission was changed into a station. Districts : Somerset, G. W. Cupp, presiding elder ; Allegheny, Jacob Rank ; Pittsburg, C. Lindeman. 1856. New York Conference, Clinton, Canada, April 30. Bishop J. Long, president; P. Alles, secretary. W. Oetzel died. A. Z. Gottwals located. George Nott received license. Received into the itinerancy — George Eckert (Indiana Con- ference), Philip Miller, George Clark, George Nott, H. Holtzman, H. Weiser, Jacob Sweitzer, Thomas Hauch, N. Geltzelichter and S. Morley. John Wagoner and J. D. Jenny were ordained elders, and G. Eckert, L. Herman, Joseph Umbach, G. Clark and N. Schneider deacons. M. Lauer resigned the office of presiding elder and M. Lehn was elected. Districts : Albany, W. Mintz, presiding elder ; Buffalo, M. Lehn; Canada, Jacob Kehr. 1856. Ohio Conference, Hoffnungs Church, Wayne Co., O., May 14. Bishop J. Long, president; J. G. Wolpert, sec- retary. J. Rosenberg, of the Pittsburg Conference, was received. A. B. Shaefer and M. Hoehn received a transfer to the Indiana and T. M. Young to the Illinois Conference. Ordained elders — J. G. Theuer, J. Waltz and Benjamin Keller. Deacons — C. Roehm, S. Hoy and M. Miller. J. Kanaga was appointed collector for Greensburg Seminary. John Dreisbach, editor of the Evangelical Messenger, resigned, and T. G. Clewell, of the East Pa. Conference, was elected. Districts: Cleveland, G. F. Spreng, presiding elder; San- dusky, J. G. Zinzer; Scioto, A. E. Dreisbach. 1856. Illinois Conference, Freeport, 111., April 16. Bishop J. Seybert, president; C. A. Schnake, secretary. Located — J. P. Kramer, L. H. Eiterman and C. Hummel. L. Nauman died. Received on probation — Henry Huelster, A. Stroh- meyer, C. Berner, J. W. Mohr, Daniel B. Byers, W. Stegner, CONFERENCE RE00RD8. 315 P. Held, George Shaefer and Rudolph Dubs. Received into the itinerancy — J. Meyer, W. Kolb, M. Hauert, George Mess- ner and J. G. Miller (the latter from West Pa. Conference). Ordained elders — E. Musselman, L. Buehler and J. E. Auther. Deacons — Jacob Himmel, J. Schneider, Joseph F. Schnee, G. Vetter, J. E. Spielman, Joseph Gibens and Henry Lage- schulte. Henry Rohland resigned the office of presiding elder, and S. A. Tobias, J. J. Esher and J. G. Esher were elected. The report of the committee on the division of the conference reported as follows: "The Illinois Conference shall consist of three Districts — Peoria, Chicago and Freeport. Peoria District shall consist of Geneseo, Peru, Washington and Mason Circuits, and Peoria, Fekin, Mount Pulaski and Rock Island Missions. Chicago District shall consist of Des Plains, Dunkleys Grove, Naperville and Kaneville Circuits, Chicago Station, and Chicago, Cedar Lake and Kankakee Missions. Freeport District shall consist of Cedar Creek, Brookville and Grandview Circuits, Freeport Station, and Cedar River and Dubuque Missions. The Wisconsin Conference shall consist of two Districts — Milwaukee and Madison. Milwaukee District shall consist of Greenfield, Menomonee, Sheboygan, Lomira and Jefferson Circuits, Racine Station, and Milwaukee Mission. Madison District shall consist of Sauk and Fox River Circuits, and Madison, Dane County, Monroe, Oshkosh and La Crosse Missions." The sum of $131.50 was raised at the conference for the establishment of a mission in Minnesota. Illinois Conference Districts: Peoria, C. Kopp, presiding elder ; Freeport, S. A. Tobias ; Chicago, J. J. Esher. Wisconsin Conference, Milwaukee District, G. A. Blank, presiding elder. Greenfield Circuit, J. G. Esslinger and H. Huelster ; Menomonee, Noah McLain and George Shaffer ; She- boygan, C. Pfeil and W. Zickerick ; Lomira, O. Ragatz ; Jefferson, John Meyer; Racine, C. Augenstein ; Milwaukee Mission, Israel Kuter. Madison District, J. G. Esher, presiding elder. Madison Mission, J. G. Miller ; Fox River Circuit and Portage Mission, L. Buehler and A. Tarnutzer ; Monroe Mission, Jacob Sill ; Dane County, M. Hauert; Oshkosh, Augustus Huelster; La Crosse, L. VonWald. 1856. Indiana Conference, Mt. Carmel, 111. Bishop Jos. Long, president; A. Nicolai, secretary. C. Heiden located. M. Krieger was licensed to preach. A. B. Schaeffer, M. 316 EVANOELIOALA88001A T10N ANNALS. Hoehn, L. Shireman and M. Alsbach, of the Ohio Conference, were received into the Indiana Conference. M. W. Steffey was ordained elder and G. Koch deacon. A new district was formed and A. B. Schaeffer was elected presiding elder. Districts: Wabash, S. Dickover, presiding elder; White Water, A. B. Schaeffer ; St. Joseph, G. G. Platz. Note. — Considerable advancement was made in the year 1856. In the East Pa. Conference the Philadelphia English Mission, un- der T. G. Clewell, made an auspicious beginning, with a class organization and nourishing Sunday-school. The work prospered in LancAster and Lebanon. In the West, Detroit Mission was founded and a good beginning made. John Dreisbach, editor of the Evangelical Messenger, was necessitated, because of bodily infirmities, to resign his office at the session of the Ohio Confer- ence. The conference, in suitable resolutions, expressed its appreciation of his long and valuable services to the Church, and sympathy in his afflictions, and in his stead elected T. G. Cle- well, of the East Pa. Conference. A. Tarnutzer, junior preacher of Fox River Circuit, was sent to Minnesota to begin the work. He reached Winona Nov. 8, and was welcomed by G. Hess, a member of the Church from Cleveland, O. On the following evening he preached in Winona. From thence he went to Roll- ing Stone Valley, where he was welcomed. A meeting was begun and souls were converted. Afterwards he gained entrance in Rochester, Olmstead county. This was the commencement of our work in Minnesota. At the following session of the Wiscon- sin Conference three fields of labor were formed in that territory. 1857. East Pa. Conference, New York City, Feb. 25. Bishop J. Long, president; S. Neitz, secretary. T. G. Clewell re- ceived credentials to the Ohio and J. C. Farnsworth to the West Pa. Conference. M. Sindlinger located. A. Boetzel was licensed, and H. Stoetzel was again received into the itin- erancy. Ordained elders — J. Frey, S. P. Reinoehl, W. Yost, R. Yeakel and T. G. Clewell. Deacons — R. Litzenberger, F. Walker, J. Werner, C. S. Haman and R. Wright. Districts : Philadelphia, C. Myers, presiding elder ; Lebanon, F. Krecker; Orwigsburg, S. Neitz. 18S7. West Pa. Conference, New Berlin, Pa., March 12. Bishop J. Long, president; L. May, secretary. J. C. Lunger withdrew. B. F. Hall and J. Kramer located. Received into the itinerancy — J. C. Farnsworth (of the East Pa. Conference), CONFERENCE RECORDS. 817 E. Kohr, Samuel Smith, D. L. Sutton and George Hunter. Ordained elders — G. W. F. Young, A. L. Reeser and N. Doeb- ler. Deacons — H. Broadbeck and G. Rishel. S. Wolf was re-elected agent for Union Seminary. J. Dunlap was elected presiding elder. Districts: Baltimore, B. Hengst, presiding elder; Centre, P. Wagoner ; Susquehanna, J. Dunlap. 1857. Pittsburg Conference, Zion Church, Westmoreland county, Pa., April i. Bishop J. Long, president; C. Lindeman and D. N. Long, secretaries. Joseph Truby and Jacob Frey died. A. Bower withdrew from the Church. S. F. Crowther was licensed. Received into the itinerancy — J. L. W. Seibert, James Croasman, J. Shaefer, A. R. Teats and S. F. Crowther. A. Niebel was elected presiding elder. J. Weber and W. B. Poling located. Ordained elders — A. Long, W. B. Pfeufer, B. L. Miller, L. D. Reichman and W. B. Poling. Deacons — W. Fisher and A. R. Teats. The report of the committee appointed to arrange a union -with the Ohio Conference, in the interests of Greensburg Semi- nary, was received, and the agent of said institution was invited to collect funds within the bounds of the conference. Districts : Somerset, G. W. Cupp, presiding elder ; Allegheny, A. Niebel; Pittsburg, C. Lindeman. 1857. New York Conference, Lyons, N. Y. , April 2 2 . Bishop J. Long, president; M. Lauer, secretary. F. Scharffe and N. Geltzlichter located. Received into the itinerancy — J. Stabler, A. Spies, S. Krupp, D. Dibble and M. Pfitzinger. Ordained elders — E. G. Stabler and P. J. Muller. Deacon — A. Kline. Croghan, Liverpool, South Buffalo and Oxford Mis- sions were formed. Districts: Albany, W. Mintz, presiding elder; Buffalo, M. Lehn; Canada, J. Kehr. 1857. Ohio Conference, Bristol, O., May 23. Bishop J. Long, president; J. G. Wolpert, secretary. Located — A. E. Dreisbach, J. Erb, P. W. Hahn, Jacob Ressler, Geo. Berry, J. Strohm, G. H. Behner and G. M. Reinhold. John Lentz took credentials for another conference. Died — Michael Wal- ter, Shem Sager and Jacob Spring. T. G. Clewell, editor ■of the Evangelical Messenger, was received as a member of con- ference. Received into the itinerancy — Jacob Shaeffer, George Doll, P. Wiest, C. Haldeman, D. Swartz, David Rohland, 318 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. J. A. Ruppert, Elias Kraus and John Haug. J. G. Wolpert, missionary to Germany. Ordained elder — J. P. Schnatz. Dea- cons — H. F. Strouch, John Stoll, Jacob Ressler, H. Cover, Jacob Shaeffer, J. Hoehn, George Schott, Joseph Keiser and C. Haldeman. George Haley was elected presiding elder. A resolution was passed recommending that district ministe- rial conventions be held, under the presidency of the presiding elders, for the purpose of discussing biblical subjects and matters of general interest, for the welfare of the Church. Districts : Cleveland, G. Haley, presiding elder ; Scioto, G. F. Spreng; Sandusky, J. G. Zinzer. 1857. Illinois Conference, Washington, 111., April 22. Bishop J. Seybert, president; C. Kopp, secretary. Received into the itinerancy — G. M. Young, Adam Rohrbach, William Lechler and Henry Hintze. C. Kopp resigned the office of presiding elder, and John Riegel and Wm. Kolb were elected. Ordained elder — John Miller, Jr. Deacons — John Kurtz, H. Roth- mund, F. Schreiber and John Dengel. The work in Iowa was constituted a presiding elder district. Rush Creek Circuit and North Bend Mission were formed, and missions established in Kansas and Nebraska. Districts : Chicago, J. J. Esher, presiding elder ; Freeport, S. A. Tobias ; Peoria, J. Riegel ; Iowa, W. Kolb. Charges in Iowa: Grandview, J. Schneider; North Bend Mission, Joseph Gibens, Jr.; Cedar River, J. Schaffleand J.W. Mohr; Dubuque, Henry Schelp and R. Dubs. 1857. Indiana Conference, East Germantown, Ind., Sept. 23. Bishop J. Seybert, president; A. B. Schaeffer, secretary. H. Strickler died. P. Getz and A. Nicolai located. Con. Kohlmeyer and C. Ude were newly received, and George Kloep- fer, D. Bartholomew, H. Kramer, D. Gorell, Joshua Paulin, Con. Kohlmeyer, C. Ude, E. Kiplinger and Jacob Trometer were received into the itinerancy. Ordained elders — John Fuchs, J. M. Kronmiller and William Bockman. Deacons — 1 Michael Alsbach, F. Geisel, M. Meyer, C. Wessling and W. Wessler. Philip Bretsch was elected presiding elder. Carmi and Calhoun Missions and Yellow River Circuit were established. Districts : Wabash, P. Bretsch, presiding elder ; White River, A. B. Schaeffer; St. Joseph, G. G. Platz. 1857. Wisconsin Conference held its first annual session in Zion Church, five miles east of Jefferson, Wis., May 6. Bishop CONFERENOE RECORDS. 319 J. Seybert, president; C. A. Schnake, secretary. Located — C. Augenstein and J. Meyer. Received into the itinerancy — John Hammeter, P. Massuger and George VonEschen. Ordained elders — Israel Kuter, Con. Pfeil, L. Vonwald, O. Ragatz and J. Meyer. Deacons — J. Sills, A. Tarnutzer, Augustus Huelster and W. Zickerick. The work in Min- nesota was divided into three fields — St. Paul, St. Peters and Winona Missions. Districts : Milwaukee, G. A. Blank, presiding elder ; Madi- son, J. G. Esher. Note. — This year is marked by manynotable events in the his- tory of the Church, among them the building of the first Evangelical Church in Minnesota, at St. Paul, which was dedicated Oct. n. The first church in Iowa was built at Grandview, and dedicated Nov. 27. The second in that State was built at Independence, in 1858, and the third at Green Castle, in 1859. This year also marks the appearance of the first history of the Evangelical Asso- ciation byW. W. Orwig. The missionary interests of the Church flourished. Rev. J. G. Wolpert was sent as additional missionary to Germany, while in the periodicals appear acknowledgments of funds received for a heathen mission. This year the first district ministerial convention in the history* of the Church was held at Greensburg, O., Sept. 29, and continued three days. This was favorably noted by the periodicals, and the general introduction of such conventions recommended. An examination of the program and the editorial comments, shows the charac- ter of the convention to have been the same as those of more recent times. 1858. East Pa. Conference, Weissport, Pa., Feb. 24. Bishop J. Seybert, president; S. Neitz, secretary. Received into the itinerancy — Joseph Specht, M. Guhl, Jesse Young, Edmund Butz, I. Overholtzer, Jos. Kutz and A. Boetzel. Ordained elders — H. Stoetzel, H. Koester, T. Sebold, E. B. Miller, T. Plattenberger, F. P. Lehr and J. O. Lehr. Deacons — W. Bachman, J. Zern, J. H. Miller, J.Young and H. Kempfer. Missions were located in North Philadelphia, New York City and New Rochelle. F. Hoffman was elected presiding elder. Districts: Philadelphia, C. Myers, presiding elder ; Lebanon, F. Hoffman; Orwigsburg, S. Neitz. 1858. West Pa. Conference, New Kingston, Pa., March 11. Bishop J. Long, president; B. Hengst, secretary. Died — Jacob 320 EVANGEL10AL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. Nees and J. G. Bartch. Located — M. J. Carothrrs, D. L. Sutton and George Dellinger. D. Kramer was elected agent for Union Seminary. Received into the itinerancy — J. Clair, J. Kramer, W. H. Gottwald, G. P. Weaver and Albert Sommer- ville. Ordained elder — H. Althouse. Deacons — S. Aurand, D. W. Miller, J. Hartzler and J. Henn. E. Kohr was elected presiding elder. Districts: Baltimore, B. Hengst, presiding elder; Centre, E. Kohr; Susquehanna, J. Dunlap. 1858. Pittsburg Conference, Pittsburg, Pa., March 24. Bishops Seybert and Long were both present. C. Lindeman,, secretary. Located — A. T. Doll and J. Rank. Again received — J. Weaver, Philip Swillev and J. Honecker. Newly re- ceived — J. Ream, J. C. Bender, A. Weaver and D. Strayer. Ordained elder — J. Pfeuffer. Deacons — B. Shade, J. Weaver, E. Beatty, J. Croasma.n and D. S. Poling. A. Niebel resigned the office of presiding elder, and A. Stahle and J. Weikel were elected. Districts : Pittsburg, «A. Stahle, presiding elder ; Allegheny, J. Weikel; Somerset, G. W. Cupp. 1858. Ohio Conference, Salem Church, Marion Co., O., May 13. Bishop J. Long, president; C. G. Koch, secretary. P. Swartz was dismissed from conference. Located — Benjamin Keller, D. Rohland, J. A. Ruppert and C. Idleman. Died — H. Longbrake, John Erb, Jacob Kleinfelter and George Berry. Received on trial— Andrew Swartz, F. Zeller, Daniel Heininger, J. Haldeman, J. Ressler, C. Thomas, D. Eckert, Jonas Hager and J. Hoehn. Ordained elders — M. J. Miller, D. Swartz, C. Ream and Samuel Hoy. Deacons — C.Tramer, R. Spatz and Simeon Swartz. D. Strohman was elected pre- siding elder. Districts : Cleveland, G. F. Spreng, presiding elder ; San- dusky, G. Haley ; Scioto, D. Strohman ; Michigan, J. G. Zinzer. M. J. Miller and Philip Porr were appointed to the Mis- souri and Kansas Missions. Miller arrived at Leavenworth, Kan., Aug. 9, where a number of members resided, among them J. G. Ettinger, four miles west of Leavenworth, who received him with joy. At Lawrence and Franklin he found members who had been organized into classes by Bro. Fleisher. Kansas City, Mo., was visited and a preaching place secured. On the CONFERENCE RECORDS. 321 whole, the brethren succeeded very well, and a firm footing was gained in Missouri and Kansas. A plan of study for preachers was adopted, and 500 copies of the same were ordered to be printed. Michigan District was formed. Zanesville was taken up as a mission. A mission was established in Kansas and Missouri, and the preachers were direct- ed to take up collections on their charges for the same. Henry Longbrake was born in Fairfield county, O., Sept. 26, 1809, entered the ranks of the Ohio Conference in 1838, and spent about fifteen years in the itinerancy. He was one of the leading men of his conference. He died in Hancock county, O., June 24, 1857. 1858. Illinois Conference, Spring Creek Church, Stephen- son county, 111., April 21. Bishop J. Long, president; J. J. Esher, .secretary. Died — P. Woodring, H. Aslbach and J. Gebhart. Located — C. Kopp and L. H. Eiterman. Ordained elders — Joseph Gibens, Jacob Himmel, H. L. Schulde, J. F. Schnee, John Schneider, George Vetter, J. C. Spielman and H. Shelp. Deacons — J. W. Mohr, R. Dubs, A. Strohmeier, W. Lechler and D. B. Byers. L. Eberhart, of the West Pa. Conference, was received. Blpomington, 111., and Muscatine, Cedar River, Waterloo and Des Moines, Iowa, Missions were established. Districts: Chicago, J. J. Esher; Free ort,> S. A. Tobias; Peoria, John Riegel ; Iowa, William Kolb. J. F. Schreiber was appointed to Nebraska Mission. He began his labor at Council Bluffs. By the end of the conference year he had secured a number of appointments, mostly in the vicinity of Council Bluffs. This was the commencement of our work in Nebraska. 1858. Indiana Conference, Bethlehem Church, St. Joseph county, Ind., Sept. 8. Bishop Joseph Long, president; A. B. Schaeffer, secretary. P. Swartz, of the Ohio Conference, was received. John Hoffman was licensed. John Hoffman and M. Klaiber were received into the itinerancy. B. Ruh was ordained elder, and Michael Kreuger, deacon. Vandalia, Cicero and Waupecong Missions were established. A. Nicolai, a former missionary in Germany, was received and took an appointment. Districts : Wabash, P. Bretsch, presiding elder; White Water, A. B. Schaeffer; St. Joseph, G. G. Platz. 322 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. 1858. New York Conference, Buffalo, N. Y., April 21. Bishop J. Seybert, president ; M. Lauer, secretary. The work in Canada was divided into Hamilton and Waterloo Districts. 1858. Wisconsin Conference, Salem Church, Prairie Du Sac, Wis., May 6. Bishop J. Long, president; C. A. Schnake, secretary. The missions in Minnesota were reported as very prosperous. Note. — The leading event of this year in the Association was the establishment of the Missouri, Nebraska and Kansas Missions, as well as the extensive development of the work in the North- west. The many and strong editorials and numerous communi- cations on the subject in the periodicals, indicate a glowing missionary spirit. 1859. East Pa. Conference, Lancaster, Pa., Feb. 23. Bishop J. Long, president; F. Krecker, secretary. D. Berger and S. P. Reinoehl were given permission to rest one year. J. Young and I. Oberholtzer, located. J. Eckert was granted credentials. Joseph Werner, F. Walker, R. Litzenberger, C. S. Haman and Moses Dissinger were ordained elders, and M. Guhl, J. Schneider, B. Gressley, D. Witmer and C. H. Baker, deacons. J. Miller and J. Kurtz were licensed on trial. M. Sindlinger was again, and J. A. Apgar, Jacob Schneider and Thomas Bowman were newly received into the itinerancy. Districts: Philadelphia, C. Meyers, presiding elder; Leba- non, F. Hoffman ; Orwigsburg, S; Neitz. 1859. West Pa. Conference, Baltimore, Md., March 3. Bishop J. Long, president; L. May, secretary. Died — G. W. F. Young and S. Peters. Located — A. Summerville and S. Wolf. W. H. Gottwald and G. Weber withdrew from the Church. J. Dunlap resigned the office of presiding elder and took credentials for the Illinois Conference. P. Wagoner was elected presiding elder, and J. Kramer agent of Union Semi- nary. M. Walter was licensed on trial, and Z. Hornberger, S. Davis, M. Walter, S. D. Bennington and W. M. Harris were received into the itinerancy. Ordained elders — P. Gra- ham and H. Broadbeck. Deacons — J. Zimmerman, Jacob Clair, S. Smith and Z. Hornberger. Districts: Baltimore, B. Hengst, presiding elder; Centre, E. Kohr; Susquehanna, P. Wagoner. CONFERENCE RECORDS. 323 1859. Pittsburg Conference, Salem Church, Armstrong county, Pa., March 17. Bishop J. Long, president; A. Niebel and J. L. W. Seibert, secretaries. Charles Lindeman and J. C. Bender, located. S. B. Kring was permitted to rest a year. A. Weaver died. Received into the itinerancy — Jabob Rank (again), George Domer and J. Q. A. Weller. Ordained elder A. R. Teats. Deacon — S. F. Crowther. Districts: Pittsburg, A. Stahle, presiding elder j Somerset, G. W. Cupp ; Allegheny, J. Weikel. 1859. New York Conference, « ' Stone Church, " North East- hope, Canada, April 20. Bishop Joseph Long, president ; Wm. Schmidt, secretary. S. Marley, located. L. Jacoby and J. Kehr were permitted to rest a year. C. A. Thomas and F. Bol- ler were licensed, and A. Mueller, J. Kechele, L. Wildfang, G. Bish and C. A. Thomas were received into the itinerancy. Ordained elder — A. Klein. Deacons — A. Spies, M. Pfitzinger. T. Hauch, S. Kropp, P. Winkler and U. Graves. Hamilton District was discontinued. Districts: Albany, S. Weber, presiding elder; Buffalo, M. Lehn ; Waterloo (Canada), W. Schmidt. 1859. Ohio Conference, Emanuel's Church, Morrow county, Ohio, May 18. Bishop J. Long, president; C. G. Koch, sec- retary. Located — F. Frech, J. Hoehn, J. Hager and C. Haldeman. Received into the itinerancy — C. M. Reinhold, G. F. Behner, E. Loos, W. Eckley, H. Longbrake, F. G. Bachman, Wm. Wonder and T. George. Ordained elders — C. Thomas, H. Cover, John Stoll, H. T. Strauch and C. Haldeman. Deacons — E. B. Crouse, J. M. Hough, F., R. Tothero and S. K- Miesse. C. A. Munk was elected presid- ing elder. Subscriptions were ordered to be taken, immediately after conference, on all the charges, for the support of Kansas and Missouri Missions. Districts: Cleveland, G. F. Spreng, presiding elder; San- dusky, George Haley ; Scioto, Daniel Strohman ; Michigan, C. A. Munk. 1859. Illinois Conference, Brookville, 111., April 27. Bishop J. Seybert, president; J. J. Esher, secretary. Located — J. C. Anthes, C. Pfeil, H. Libke and G. Messner. Received on probation — A. Guckley and P. M. Welty. Received into the itinerancy — H. Bucks, (of the East Pa. Conference), H. Klein- sorge and A. Gockley. Ordained elders — J. F. Schreiber, 324 EVANGELICAL A8B001A TION ANNALS. John Kurtz and J. Dengel. Deacons— H. Hintze, A. Heil- man, J. Schweitzer and C. Berner. Wm. Kolb resigned the office of presiding elder, and Wm. Strassburger was elected. The following circuits were formed: Deer Grove, Plainfield, Rock Run, Hampshire and Brookville. The missions formed were: Aurora (111.), and Dubuque, Independence and Green- castle, in Iowa. Districts: Chicago, J. J. Esher, presiding elder; Freeport, . S. A. Tobias ; Peoria, J. Riegel ; Iowa, Wm. Strassburger. 18594 Indiana Conference, Indianapolis, Ind., Sept. 7. Bishop J. Seybert, president; M. Hoehn, secretary. Newly licensed — P. Roth, Michael Gomer and E. Evans. Received into the itinerancy — G. A. Hertle, S. Blauser, P. Roth, M. Gomer and E. Evans (newly), and R. Riegel, of the Ohio Con- ference. Ordained elders — M. Alsbach, F. G. Geisel, C. Wessling, M. Meier, J.Trometter and G. Kloepfer. Deacons — CColmeier, C. Ude, J. Paulin, D. Bartholemew, E. Kip- plinger and John Riegel (again). P. Bretsch and A. B. Shaeffer resigned the office of presiding elder, because of bodily infirmities, and Joseph Fisher and M. W. Steffey were elected. Districts: Wabash, M. W. Steffey, presiding elder; White Water, G. G. Platz ; St. Joseph, J. Fisher. 1859. Wisconsin Conference, Racine, Wis. , May 1 1 . Bishop J. Seybert, president; H. Huelster, secretary. O. Ragatz, located. Received on probation — C. Lahr, F. Huelster, F. Schroeder, J. Rasskopf, A. Niehrens and W. Frederick. Received into the itinerancy^— C. Lahr, W. Frederick, F. Huelster, F. Schroeder and J. Rasskopf. Ordained elders — A. Tarnutzer, A. Huelster and W. Zickerick. Deacons - — J. Hammetter, G. Von Eschen and P. Massueger. L. Buehler was newly elected and G. A. Blank re-elected presid- ing elder. Minnesota District was formed. St. Peter's Mission was formed into Cannon River, New Ulm and Upper Mississippi Missions. Districts: Milwaukee, J. G. Esher, presiding elder; Madi- son, G. A. Blank; Minnesota, L. Buehler. CHAPTER XII. Twelfth General Conference, Held at Naperville, III., Oct. 5, 1859. 1859. General Conference, twelfth session, Naperville, 111., Oct. 5. Bishops John Seybert and Joseph Long, and all the delegates but one were in attendance. Bishop Long opened the conference. C. G. Koch, secretary; B. Hengst and J. J. Esher, assistants. The constitution of the Missionary Society was materially changed. A General Board was created, to consist of one dele- gate from each annual conference, with a corresponding secre- tary to devote his entire time to the office, and collect funds throughout the Church. Action was also taken looking to the establishment of a heathen mission. A Missionary Department was ordered to be maintained in the Church periodicals. The Missionary Board was advised to locate a mission in Switzerland. The Board of .Publication was created, and ordered to be in- corporated. Said Board to be composed of seven members, to be elected by the General Conference. It was resolved that as soon as the Christliche Botschafter and Evangelical Messenger have an aggregate circulation of 15,000 they shall be published weekly. An English Sunday- school paper, to be called the Sunday-School Messenger, was ordered to be published as soon as 5,000 subscribers are assured. The larger Catechism was ordered to be improved by printing the references in small type, and the smaller Catechism to be translated into English and published. A committee, composed of Bishops Long and Orwig, and C. G. Koch and T. G. Clewell were appointed to prepare a course of study for junior preachers. (A similar committee had been appointed for this purpose by the last General Conference, 326 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANN ALB. but it had not attended to the matter. ) It was resolved that the editors and publishers shall always be eligible for election. The committee on revision of the Discipline reported a chapter rela- tive to the appointment and duties of stewards, and a form of recommendation for applicants for the ministry, which were adopted. It was resolved that a Sunday-School and Tract Union be organized, to be located at Cleveland, Ohio, and a committee, consisting of J. G. Zinzer, Joseph Long, C. G. Koch and T. G. Clewell, was appointed to prepare a constitution for said union, and to make the necessary arrangements for its establish- ment, the constitution to be submitted to the annual conferences, which are to organize themselves into auxiliaries. Iowa District, of the Illinois Conference, and Minnesota District, of the Wisconsin Conference, besides the mission fields in Nebraska, Missouri and Kansas, were constituted a new con- ference, called Iowa Conference. The name of the West Pa., was changed to the Central Pa. Conference. John Seybert and Joseph Long were re-elected, and W. W. Orwig, was newly elected to the office of bishop. C. G. Koch was re-elected editor of the Christ licke Botschafter, T. G. Clewell editor of the Evangelical Messenger, and Charles Hammer chief book agent. Reuben Yeakel was elected corresponding secretary of the Missionary Society. Delegates. — East Pa. Conference. — F. Hoffman, J. P. Leib, S. Neitz, C. Myers, F. Krecker, W. L. Reber, H. Stetzel, J. Yeakel and J. Breitenstein. Alternates — G..T. Haines, S. G. Rhoads, J. Koehl. West Pa. Conference. — E. Kohr, W. W. Orwig, B. Hengst, P. Wagoner, M. J. Carothers, D. Kramer, A. Longsdorf. Alter- nates — J. Dunlap, L. May, J. M. Young. Pittsburg Conference. — A. Stahley, J. L. W. Seibert, C. Lindeman, A. Niebel. Alternates — J. G. Pfeuffer, G. W. Cupp. N. Y. Conference.— W. Schmidt, S. Weber, M. Lehn, F. Herlan. Alternates — D. Fisher, T. Schneider. Wisconsin Conference. — G. A. Blank, J. G. Esher, C. A. Schnacke. Ohio Conference. — John Dreisbach, J. G. Zinzer, G. F. Spreng, C. Hammer, C. G. Koch, G. Haley, T. G. Clewell, D. Strohman, J. Nicolai, C. A. Munk. Alternates — C. Idleman, J. J. Kopp, G. F. Behner. CONFERENCE MEC0BD8. 327 Illinois Conference. — J. J. Esher, S. A. Tobias, J. Riegel, W. Strassberger, H. Rohland, C. Augenstein, C. Kopp, J. P. Kreamer, S. Dickover. Alternates — S. Musselman, H. Bucks, L. Eberhart. Indiana Conference. — A. B. Shaefer, G. G. Platz, J. Fisher, M. W. Steffey, P. Bretsch. 1860. East Pa. Conference, Annville, Pa., Feb. 29. Bishop W. W. Orwig, president; Jesse Yeakel, secretary. E. Bast withdrew from the Church. Abraham Frey (local) died. R. Deisher, G. Gaumer, W. Heim and Joseph Werner, located. George Harm was licensed on trial. A. Schultz was again received. T. Harper, H. Kempfer, J. Steltzer, D. Yingst, L. Schmidt, G. B. Fisher and S. S. Chubb were received into the itinerancy. Ordained elders — J. Zern and W. H. Bachman. Deacons — E. Butz, J. Specht, T. Harper, A. Boetzel and J. Bertolett. S. Neitz was re-elected and G. T. Haines and L. Snyder were newly elected presiding elders. "The custom of retaining in the itinerancy such preachers who had located was abolished." It was resolved to organize a Sunday-School and Tract Union, auxiliary to the Parent Society of the Evangelical Association. Suitable action was taken on the death of Bishop Seybert. Districts : Philadelphia, G. T. Haines, presiding elder ; Le- high, S. Neitz; Lebanon, F. Hoffman; Orwigsburg, L. Snyder. 1860. Central Pa. Conference, Williamsport, Pa., March 8. Bishop W.W. Orwig, president; L. May, secretary; M. J. Caro- thers and S. Wolf became effective. Licensed to preach — A. H. Irvine, F. C. Hoffman, E. Conser and George Focht. Received into the itinerancy — Michael Sloat, F. C. Hoffman, S. T. Buck, A. H. Irvine, D. W. Miller, H. A. Deatrick, J. M. McGaw and A. Rearick. Ordained elders — S. Aurand and J. Hartzler. Deacons — D. Kepner, S. Bookman and George Dressler. Jacob Young was elected presiding elder. Agent for Union Seminary, S. Wolf. An auxiliary Sunday-School and Tract Society was formed. It was resolved that ministers engaged in literary institutions shall be considered as sustaining itinerant relations. Districts : Baltimore, Jacob Young, presiding elder; Centre, E. Kohr; Susquehanna, P. Wagoner. 1860. Pittsburg Conference, Bethel Church, Indiana county, Pa., March 22. W.W. Orwig, president; A. Niebel, secretary. 328 EVANQEUQAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. Jacob Rank located. D. N. Long and H. W. Pfbuffer were granted credentials. C. Lindeman, C. Stauffer, J. Bernhart, Sr., H. J. Bowman, M. H. Shannon, W. Smith, G. W. REis- inger, E. Peer and H. McBride were received into the itinerancy. Ordained elders — G. W. Fisher, J. Grossman, D. S. Poling and E. Beatty. Deacons — J. Reams, G. W. Reisinger, L. B. Donmeyer and J. H. Shaffer. A. Niebel and J. L. W. Seibert were elected presiding elders. Districts : Pittsburg, A. Stahle, presiding elder ; Cleveland, A. Niebel ; Allegheny, J. Weikel, J. L. W. Seibert. 1860. New York Conference, Lockport, N. Y., April 18. Bishop W. W. Orwig, president ; M. Lauer, secretary. Ordained elders — J. Stabler, H. Holyman, and D. Dippel. Deacons— F. Lohmeyer and U. Graves. S. Weber resigned the office of - presiding elder, and M. Lauer, L. Jacobi and J. D. Jenni were elected. The work in Canada was again divided into two districts. Districts : Albany, L. Jacobi, presiding elder ; Buffalo, M. Lauer ; Hamilton, J. D. Jenni ; Waterloo, W. Schmidt. 1860. Ohio Conference, Flat Rock, O., May 16. Bishop W. W. Orwig, president ; G. F. Spreng, secretary. Located— E. Loos, J. Haldeman and A. Yambert. Died — A. Hennig, John Riegel and John Betz. Received into the itinerancy on trial — John Meck, Stephen Henni, L.C. Morse, F. R.Tothero, F. W. Walkey, L. H. Lindner and E. Boyer ; also F. Frech and W. H. Pfeuffer of the Pittsburg Conference. Ordained elders — C. Tramer, S. Swartz, C. M. Reinhold, J. Ressler, and J. Shaffer. Deacons — Andrew Swartz, F. Zeller, E. Loos, D. Heininger, F. R.Tothero, J. Haldeman, J. McQuil- len and C. Deike. An auxiliary branch of the Sunday-School and Tract Union was formed. Resolutions denouncing secret and oath-bound societies were adopted. M. J. Miller and P. Porr, missionaries in Kansas, were granted credentials to the Iowa Conference. Inasmuch as conference was held in close proximity to the grave of Bishop Seybert, recently deceased, a very impressive memorial service was held at his grave. Districts: Wayne, G. F. Spreng, presiding elder; Scioto, George Haley ; Sandusky, D. Strohman ; Michigan, C. A. Munk. 1860. Illinois Conference," Plainfield, 111., April 25. Bishop J. Long, president; H. Bucks, secretary. Received license — Henry Messner, C. Dimmer and W. Uber. Received into the itinerancy — J. Lutz, D. N. Long, L. H. Eiterman, C. Ott, H. COJSTWBRENQE RECORDS. 32& Shoemaker, H. H. Bair, H. Messner, E. Dimmer and W. User. Ordained elders — W. Lechler, D. B. Byers, A. Strohman, J. W. Mohr and R. Dubs. Deacons — W. Goessele, C. Tobias, J. G. Kleinknecht and E. Freeden. J. Riegel and W. Strass- berger resigned the office of presiding elder, and S. A. Tobias. was re-elected and H. Rohland, H. Bucks, S. Dickover and Levi Eberhart were newly elected. That part of this conference now belonging to the Iowa Conference shall be divided into two presiding elder districts, called Iowa and Kansas districts. Iowa District shall consist of Marion, Grandview and North Bend Circuits, and Dubuque, Maquoketa, Muscatine Waterloo and Cedar Rapids Missions. Kansas District to consist of Green Castle, Fort Des Moines, Nebraska, Franklin and Humboldt Missions. An auxiliary branch of the Sunday-School and Tract Union was formed. Districts : Chicago, H. Rohland, presiding elder ; Freeport, H. Bucks; Peoria, S. A. Tobias; Iowa, S. Dickover; Kansas, L. Eberhart. 1860. Wisconsin Conference, Jefferson, Wis., May 9. Bishop J. Long, president; H. Huelster, secretary. Located — F. Shr'oeder and W. Frederick. Received into the itinerancy — O. Ragatz,G. Zellhoefer,C. Brill, J. P. Veil, M. Hammetter and E. Shultz. Ordained elders — G. Shaeffer, H. Huelster, P. Held and W. Stegner. Deacons — E. H. Linse, J. Lauzhof, N. Schneck, W. Schneider, J. Smith, G. Fritsche and L. Seeler. J. G. Esher was re-elected, and Israel Kuter newly elected presiding elder. A branch society of the Sunday-School and Tract Union was formed. Districts : Milwaukee, J. G. Esher, presiding elder ; Madi- son, G. A. Blank ; Minnesota, Israel Kuter. 1860. Indiana Conference, Dayton, Ohio, Sept. 5. Bishop J. Long, president; M. Hoehn, secretary. F. Hoffman re- ceived license. M. Speck and P. Schwillev were received into the itinerancy. M. Krueger was ordained elder, and J. Hoff- man, M. Klaiber and S. Miesse, deacons. Oath-bound societies were deprecated. An auxiliary Sunday-school and Tract So- ciety was formed. Districts: Wabash, M. W. Steffy, presiding elder; White River, G. G. Platz; St. Joseph, Joseph Fisher. 1860. Iowa Conference. The appointments of Iowa Dis- 330 EVANGELICALAS80C1AT10N ANNALS. trict were in Iowa and Minnesota, and those of the Kansas Dis- trict in Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas. Iowa District, S. Dickover, presiding elder. Grandview Circuit, J. F. Schreiber ; Maquoketa and Dubuque Missions, J. Himmel and W. Uber; Independence Mission, W. Kolb and C. Dimmer; Waterloo Mission, H. Hintze; Muscatine, I. Keiper. Kansas District, Levi Eberhart, presiding elder. Greencastle Mission, C. Tobias; Ft. Des Moines Mission, A. Strohman; Nebraska Mission, H. Kleinsorge; Franklin Mission (Kan.), C. Berner; Humbolt Mission (Kan.), R. Dubs. Owing to illness and other causes L. Eberhart, the presiding elder, did not visit Kansas until the Spring of 1861. On March 26 he reached Levenworth, held a number of quarterly meetings, and licensed F. Delfelder on recommendation of the quarterly conference. This was the first fruits for our ministry in Kansas. First Church in Kansas. — Brother R. Dubs, who served Humbolt Mission during this year, built a frame church, 24x36 feet, at this place, which was finished at the close of the year. Note. — Many notable events occurred this year. Bright sunshine and dark shadows alternated in rapid succession. The first issues of the periodicals of this year were draped in mourn- ing for the death of Bishop Seybert, who was called to his reward on Jan. 4. "In ardor he led in the van of the host, And fell like a soldier — he died at his post." All the annual conferences passed suitable memorial resolu- tions. The Sunday-School and Tract Union was organized agreeably to the directions of the last General Conference, in the Salem Church, Cleveland, Ohio, Feb. 10, and the constitu- tion published. The annual conferences subsequently organized themselves into auxiliary societies. The missionary interests were pushed with vigor. The Missionary Society at its annual meeting, held at Pittsburg, Pa., Nov. 15, reported eighty-three missions, an increase of sixteen over the previous year. Urgent calls came from many quarters for missionaries, especially from the southwest. The society was fully alive to the promising op- portunities, and exerted itself to the full ability of its resources. 1861. East Pa. Conference, Schuylkill Haven, Pa., Feb. 27. Bishop J. Long, president; J. Yeakel, secretary. J. Schneider, located. M. Guhl was ordained elder. J. Kutz, D. Yuengst, A. Savlor, T. Bowman, J. A. Apgar, J. Steltzer CONFERENCE RECORDS. 331 and H. Kletzing, deacons. J. K. Knerr was licensed on trial. W. Heim, R. Deisher were again, and J. Kurtz and I. E. Knerr, newly received into the itinerancy. S. Neitz resigned the office of presiding elder in order to write the biography of Bishop J. Seybert, and W. L. Reber was elected in his place. Districts: Philadelphia, G. T. Haines, presiding elder; Le- high, W. L. Reber; Lebanon, F. Hoffman; Orwigsburg, L. Snyder. 1861. Central Pa. Conference, Glen Rock, Pa., March 7. Bishop J. Long, president; J. Young, secretary. H. Broad- beck and John Frey (local), died. Ordained elders — S. Smith, Z. Hornberger, J. W. Clair, J, Henn and D. W. Miller. Deacons — Prof. J. H. Leas, H. A. Dieterick, M. Walter, M. W. Harris, S. D. Bennington and A. Rearick. S. W. Seibert was elected presiding elder. Districts : Baltimore, J. Young, presiding elder ; Centre, E. Kohr; Susquehanna, S. W. Seibert. 1861. Pittsburg Conference, North Lima, Ohio, March 20. J. Long, president; C. Lindeman, secretary. Received into the itinerancy — J. Rank, P. W. Hahn, Robert Mott, J. D. Hollinger, J. J. Bernhart and Prof. A. A. Smith. S. F. Crowther was ordained elder, and G. S. Domer, E. Peer, H. J. Bowman, D. Strayer and Wm. Smith, deacons. District ministerial meetings were recommended to be held upon every presiding elder district. Districts: Pittsburg, A. Stahle, presiding elder; Allegheny, J. Weikel ; Cleveland, A. Niebel ; Somerset, J. L. W. Seibert. 1861. New York Conference, Syracuse, N. Y., April n. Bishop J. Long, president ; J. D. Yenni, secretary. G. Clark, located. Jacob Kehr, died. A. Holzworth, J. Schmidt and H. Werner were received into the itinerancy. Ordained elders — S. Kopp, M. Pfitzinger, H. Weisel, T. Hauch, A. Spies, G. Rott and S. Morley. Deacons — A. Miller, L. Wildfang, J. Kaechle, C. A. Thomas, A. Stoebe and G. F. Buesh. A resolution deprecating secret societies was adopted. Districts : Albany, L. Jacoby, presiding elder ; Buffalo, M. Lauer; Hamilton, J. D. Yenni; Waterloo, W. Schmidt. 1861. Ohio Conference, Tabor Church, Carey, Ohio, May 15. Bishop J. Long, president; J. P. Schnatz, secretary. Located — G. F. Behner, P. Wiest, J. G. Zinzer and J. Rosen- berger.- J. Kanaga took credentials for another conference. 332 EVAN&EL1GAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. Received into the itinerancy— L. Seither, Geo. Hasenpflug,. J. Frankhauser, C, Deike, J. Berk, D. H. Wonder, W. W. Morse and Jos. Felger. Ordained elder — E. B. Crouse. Deacons-*-W. Wonder, J. G. Bachman, T. George, H. Long- brake and J. Haldeman. George Haley was re-elected, and John Stoll newly elected presiding elder. Districts: Wayne, G. Haley, presiding elder ; Scioto, J. Stoll; Sandusky, D. Strohman; Michigan, C. A. Munk. 1861. Illinois Conference, DesPlaines, 111., April i o. Bishop W. W. Orwig, president; J. J. Esher, secretary. Daniel. Shreffler (local), died. Licensed on probation— C. Gock- stetter, E. Wise and Michael Heyl. A. S. Heilman, ordained elder. H. H. Bair and A. Gockly, deacons. Lee Centre, El Paso, Henry and Lockport Missions were established. The conference in union with the Wisconsin Conference resolved to establish an institution of learning at Plainfield. Agent for the same — J. J. Esher. Trustees for Illinois Conference — H. Roh- land, J. J. Esher, S. A. Tobias and C. Kopp, ministers, and J. Dillman, M. Dice and E. Hartung, laymen. Received into the itinerancy — Jacob Himmel, D. B. Byers, Martin Stamm, C. Hummel, M. Heil, P. Hoffman, C. Gockstetter and Samuel Tobias. Districts : Chicago, H. Rohland, presiding elder ; Freeport, H. Bucks; Peoria, S. A. Tobias. 1861. Indiana Conference, Indianapolis, Ind., Sept. 18. Bishop Orwig, president. Two brethren were ordained elders and four deacons. The conference united in the establishment of Plain- field College, and also supported fifteen missions during the year. Districts: Wabash, M. W. Steffy, presiding elder; White River, G. G. Platz; St. Joseph, J. Fisher. 1861. Wisconsin Conference, Menomonee Falls, Wis., April 1 8. Bishop Orwig, president; C. A. Schnake, secretary. G. A. Blank, (presiding elder), died; P. Feil, located. Re- ceived into the itinerancy — C, Finger, Peter Tenny, and E. Bockenmuehl. Ordained elder — P. Massuager. Deacons — F. Huelster, and Geo. Zelhoefer. La Cross, Beaverdam, Wau- kesha, and Waupaca Missions were established. C. A. Schnake was elected presiding elder. Conference concurred in the estab- lishment of Plainfield College, and elected seven trustees for the same. Resolutions condemning secret societies, intemperance, and the use of tobacco were adopted. CONFERENCE RECORDS. 333 Districts : Milwaukee, J. G. Esher, presiding elder ; Madison, C. A. Schnake. 1861. Iowa Conference, first session, GrandvieW, Iowa, May 29. Bishop Orwig, president ; J. Keiper, secretary. F. Emde, and F. Berner were received on trial. Ordained Elders — C. Berner, H. Hurtze, Geo. Von Eshen, and J. Hammet- ter. Deacons — C. Lahr, J. Kahskoff, H. Kleinsorge, and Jos. Bussard. Jos. Bussard, F. Berner, F. Emde, C. Sauder, and A. Nierens were received into the itinerancy. L. Eberhart resigned the office of presiding elder and M. J. Miller was elected in his stead. Several Iowa appointments were detached from Kansas District. The conference united in the Plainfield College project. Iowa District, S. Dickover, presiding elder, nine charges twelve preachers ; Minnesota District, I. Kuter, presiding elder, eight charges and twelve preachers; Kansas District, M. J. Miller, presiding elder, four charges and six preachers. Notes.— The operations o f the church for this year are marked by a uniform measure of success. The breaking out of the Civil War occasioned the development of intense patriotism throughout the denomination, and editorials and communications of the church periodicals breathe an ardent spirit of loyalty. The Evangelical Messenger, editorially says, "The Star Spangled Banner is proudly waving right over our office window with its thirty-four stars so arranged on their beautiful field of blue, as to constitute one large star, the same as the many states make one large na- tion, announcing to all passers by that we at headquarters are for the old flag and the glorious old union." The missionary interests continued to prosper. The Mis- sionary Society met in Baltimore, Md., Nov. 14. The number of missions reported was 98, an increase of 16 during the year. The missionaries, beyond the Mississippi River, labored with great fortitude and self-denial. The following extracts from communications of Presiding Elder M. J. Miller, illustrate the spirit of devotion to the cause of Christ, shown by the faithful missionaries : "I made a round on the north end of this district, and found the Missionaries UBERaud Kleinsorge in good spirits and their mission in a prosperous condition. Bro. Uber has taken up a new appointment since conference, and on Thursday, Aug. 22, we will commence a camp-meeting on his (Holton) -Mission. This will be the first German camp-meeting in Kansas. 334 EVANGELICAL AS8001AT10N ANNALS. We will also hold one on Lawrence Mission, commencing Aug. 29. * * * " The Council Bluffs Mission is a very extensive field of labor, and bids fair for the future, but we should have two men there. This mission extends from Council Bluffs north to Dakota Territory. I spent two Sabbaths with Bro. Klein- sorge on the mission, aud was up north to Sioux City with him, where we held a quarterly meeting and had a precious season. But Bro., I. tell you, this is an almost endless district, I traveled early and late from Monday morning, the 18th, till Monday even- ing, the 26th, in the following week to get home, a distance of 330 miles. This trip takes me through six or seven Indian reser- vations, and unsettled prairies of from ten to twenty miles in length and width where there is not a single house to be seen, and were it not for the frequent springs and rivulets along the dim and wearisome tracks, both man and beast would pine away before reaching a settlement. I made 720 miles in the round, and must make this distance as often as I go to Council Bluffs." " I met with entertainment wherever I came. One night, however, I was entertained all alone, out on the open prairie. A piece of dry bread and three eggs, which I had with me, served for supper, and my buggy cushions and great coat for my bed, down in the grass by the side of my buggy. I had a far better time of it than in many of the small smothering cabins along the road, where bugs and fleas are your night long associates. " Aug. 20, 1861. "On Council Bluff Mission the Lord gathered a little flock of faithful souls, and the prospects are good. * * Bro. Klein- sorge is well and labors very dilligently on this mission. He travels frequently from forty to forty-five miles a day, and is content with a piece of dry bread for his dinner on the open prairie. * * * We held a camp-meeting on Holton and also one on Lawrence Mission. At each we had four tents, about thirty members, one hundred hearers and five preachers. These meetings were much blessed, and a few souls were converted. It was refreshing to see our friends putting up their tents, con- sisting of wagon-covers, rails, etc., in the small grove. These were the first German camp-meetings in this large and thinly settled State. They were times of great encouragement to the preachers which we had missed for the last three years. The missionary cause was not forgotten at these meetings. After a. missionary sermon by Bro. R. Dubs, #65 was subscribed, CONFERENCE RECORDS. 335 which was well done, considering the circumstances. Besides these subscriptions, a brother will give the half of a cow, and another a large ox to the cause. Ye missionary friends in the East, your noble gifts are bearing fruit in Kansas ! Soon we ex- pect also to have self-supporting fields of labor in the far away Kansas. The best of all is, souls are brought to the Saviour." Leavenworth, Sept. 21, 1861. At Grand View, Iowa, the first session of the Iowa Confer- ence was held. In 1852 a number of members emigrated from Dauphin county, Pa., and settled in that vicinity. Previous to their departure Bishop Seybert had promised to supply them with a preacher, which he did. In September a class was formed composed for the following members : George Gipple* and wife Mary, and children; J. Samuel, Margaret, Geo. W., and Mary ; Solomon Wagner and wife Susanna ; Jacob Snyder, and wife Catharine; Jos. Martin and wife Mary; James Shartzer, and wife Eliza ; John Snyder aud wife Susanna. Also three European Germans, F. Beik, Geo. Hahn and Chas. Wabnitz, with their wives. Geo. Gipple was class leader and Martin exhorter. The first Evangelical Church west of the Mississippi was dedicated here in 1856. 1862. East Pa. Conference, Reading, Feb. 26. Bishop Orwig, president ; J. Koehl, secretary. Located — H. Kempfer, D. Hambright, H. Koester and T. Sebold. P. H. Lehr, withdrew. F. W. Walker took credentials. S. Neitz was elected presiding elder. A. Boetzel, J. Specht, and E. Butz, were ordained elders. S. S. Chubb, L. Smith, G. B. Fisher, C. Wolf, and W. Rodgers, deacons. Licensed on trial, W. Alsbach, B. F. Bohner, L. Miller, A. Scharf, S. Franken- feld, S. Brown, A. Goetschel and D. Lentz. Received into the itinerancy, R. M. Lichtenwalner, C. K. Fehr, C. H. Baker and Seneca Breyfogel. Districts: Philadelphia, G. T. Haines"; Lehigh, W. L. Reber ; Lebanon, S. Neitz ; Orwigsburgh, L. Snyder. 1862. Central Pa. Conference, Milheim, Pa. March 6. Bishop Orwig, president; C.F.Dininger, secretary. Located — Sloat, D. W. Miller, J. W. Clair, E. B. Wilson and D. Kreamer, the latter going West. Received in the traveling con- nection, F. C. Pandel, I. M. Pines, and A. Ettinger. Recom- * See "Fishing Creek Vally. 1 , 336 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. mended to the Stationing Committee, F. Methfessel, C. W. Davis, A. Sommerville, W. H. Davis, and J. Y. Reed. Or- dained deacons — S. T. Buck, S. E. Davis, A. H. Irvine, F. C. Hoffman and J. M. McGaw. E. Kohr was elected presiding elder. "Resolved, That henceforth we keep our conference records exclusively in the English language." A strong resolu- tion favoring the government in its conduct of the war for the Union, was offered by M. J. Carothers, and adopted by the conference. Districts: Baltimore, E. Kohr; Centre, J. Young ; Susque- hanna, S. W. Seibert. The conference statistics were not pub- lished this year. 1862. Pittsburg Conference, Pittsburg, Pa., April 30. Bishop Orwig, president; T. G. Clewell, secretary. John Geisse (local) died. S. Vandersal was licensed. Received in the itinerancy, S. Vandersal. A. Loehner, John Domer, T. Monasmith, W. Summers, and W. Hammer. H. J. Bow- man, received credentials to go to the Iowa Conference. Or- dained elders, J. Reams and G. W. Reisinger. Deacons, M. H. Shannon and J. Q. A. Weller. G. W. Cupp and S. B. Kring were elected to the office of presiding elder. District : Pittsburg, J. L. W. Seibert, presiding elder ; Cleve- land, G. W. Cupp ; Allegheny, A. Niebel; Somerset, S. B. Kring. 1862. Ohio Conference, Sandusky City, Ohio, May 14. Bishop Orwig, president; L. Scheurman, secretary. H. Sichley and P. Foltz were licensed. J. Rosenberger, H. Sichley, J. Dick and H. Faus were received into the itinerancy. C. Gabel died. H. Cover, J. G. Theuer, J. Berk and C. Thomas located. J. J. Kopp was permitted to rest a year. E. Boyer received credentials. Ordained deacons, J. W. Walkey, S. Henny, C. H. Lindner, J. Meck, L. Seiter and H. Faus. Elders, F. Zeller, D. Heininger, J. M. Haug, F. R. Totheroh and Andrew Swartz. ' Districts : Wayne, Geo. Haley, presiding elders ; Scioto, John Stoll ; Sandusky, C. A. Munk ; Michigan, D. Strohman. 1862. New York Conference, Morristown, Canada, April 10. Bishop W. W. Orwig, president ; P. Alles, secretary. G. Schmidt and P. Alles, located. J. H. Fisher was licensed. G. Eckard, F. Hehr, J. Sechrist, D. Moose, C. G. Curtis, C. Shoepflein, J. G. Stetter, J. H. Fisher and W. Wittington were received into the traveling connection. F. Lohmeyer was CONFERENCE RE00RD8. 837 ordained elder, and C. Boller deacon. Elmira and Batavia Missions were established. S. Weber was elected presiding elder. Districts : Albany, L. Jacoby, presiding elder ; Buffalo, M. Lauer ; Hamilton, J. D. Yenni ; Waterloo, S. Weber. 1862. Illinois Conference, Peoria, 111., April 10. Bishop J. Long, president ; J. J. Esher, secretary. Noah McLehn located. J. Kanaga, of the Ohio, W. F. Walker, of the East Pa., D. Kramer, of the Central Pa. Conference, and H. W. Crandall, P. Himmel, and J. M. Sindlinger were received into the itinerancy. H. Hold ridge was licensed. J. Kleinknecht, W. Goessele, E. VonFreeden and D. B. Byers were ordained elders, and C. Ott, H. Messner, H. Shoemaker, and J. Him- mel deacons. J. J. Esher resigned as agent of Plainfield Col- lege and S. A. Tobias was elected to the same. H. Bucks and S. A. Tobias resigned the office of presiding elder, and C. Klopp, C. Hummel and C. Augenstein were elected to the same. The conference passed strong resolutions in favor of the Union, and in support of the Government of the United States. Districts: Chicago, C. Hummel, presiding elder; Naperville, C. Kopp; Freeport, H. Rohland ; Peoria, C. Augenstein. 1862. Wisconsin Conference, Madison, April 24. Bishop J. Long, president; C. A. Schnake, secretary. M. Hauert and P. Yenni located. Received into the itinerancy, William Horn, F. Zimmerman, P. Speich, M. Wittenwiler, L. Strobel and G. Schwartz of the German Reformed Church. Ordained elders, W. F. Schneider, G. Fritsche, N. Schuck and J. Banshaf. Deacons, E. Shultz and H. Hammetter. Strong pro-union resolutions were adopted. William Zickerick, one of the itinerants, joined the army in defence of his country. Districts: Milwaukee, J. G. Esher, presiding elder; Madison, C. A. Schnake. 1862. Indiana Conference, East Germantown, Ind., Sept. 18. Bishop J. Long, president ; M. Mayer, secretary. Located P. Burgner, P. Bretsch, P. Swilley and F. Geisel. D. S. Oaks, P. Thornton and A. Dassel were received into the itinerancy. M. Klaiber, J. Hoffman, J. Paulin, and E. Kip- plinger were ordained elders, and M. Speck and J. Kipplin- ger, deacons. Strong pro-union resolutions were adopted. Catechetical classes, 13. 338 EVANGELICAL ABSOCIA T10N ANNALS. Districts : Wabash, M. W. Steffey, presiding elder ; White River, G. G. Plantz ; St. Joseph, J. Fisher. 1862. Iowa Conference, Grand View, Iowa, May 8. Bishop J. Long, president ; R. Dubs, secretary. The work of the Lord advanced wonderfully in this conference during the year, and the following new missions were established, Ft. Dodge, Fontenac, Menomonee, Crow River, New Ulm, Painsville, and Decorah. The conference embraced, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota and Ne- braska. Note. — In August the Sioux Indians of Minnesota rebelled against the Government, and committed the most horrible out- rages, devastating with fire and tomahawk many of the most pros- perous settlements. They began their outrages Aug. 18, at the Sioux agency in Brown county and continued for many days, until nearly one thousand white men, women and children were slaughtered, and many women carried away to meet a fate more horrible than death. In this terrible slaughter almost one hun- dred of our Evangelical members were slain on New Ulm and Ft. Ridgley Missions. At Crow River two of our heroic mis- sionaries fell at their posts at the hands of the savages. Rev. Le Seder, of New Ulm Mission, preached Aug. 1 7, about twenty miles northwest of Ft. Ridgley, where there was an Evangelical society of over seventy members. The following day he was killed, with nearly all our members there. He left a widow and three children. Rev. A. Nerenz, of Crow River Mission, es- caped the first attack of the savages and returned home Sept. 1, and the following day was killed in a shocking manner. He also left a wife and three children. 1863. East Pa. Conference, Millersburg, Dauphin county, Pa., Feb. 25. Bishop W. W. Orwig, president; J. Koehl, sec- retary. J. Frey and Joseph Gross, located. C. Loose was again, and C. B. Fliehr, and D. Lentz were newly received in- to the itinerancy. T. Bowman, J. Steltzer, D. Yingst, were ordained elders, and J. Kurtz, S. K. Fehr, R. M. Leichten- walner, C. B. Fliehr, I. E. Knerr, Seneca Breyfgoel and J. C. Bliem, deacons. W. L. Reber resigned the office of pre- siding elder, and Jesse Yeakel was elected in his place. Res- olutions favoring the Union and upholding the Government were adopted, and the editors of our church periodicals were endorsed. Districts: Philadelphia, G. T. Haines, presiding elder; Le- high, J. Yeakel; Lebanon, S. Neitz; Orwigsburg, L. Snyder. CONFERENCE RECORDS. 339 1863. Central Pa. Conference, York, Pa., March 5. Bishop W. W. Orwig, president; Jacob Hartzler, secretary. Noah Diebler, located. I. Y. Reed, W. H. Davis, T. M. Morris, F. Methfessel, W. E. Detwiler and Josiah Bowersox were received into the itinerancy. P. H. Rishel, F. Kurtz and W. Reeser were recommended to the presiding elders for work. Jacob Hartzler was elected traveling agent for Union Semi- nary. Ordained elders — A. Rearick, H. A. Dietrick, M. Walter and M. W. Harris. Deacon — D. L. Sutton. Districts: Baltimore, E. Kohr, presiding elder; Centre, J. Young; Susquehanna, S. W. Seibert. 1863. Pittsburg Conference, Salem Church, Stark county, Ohio, April 9. Bishop Joseph Long, president; J. L. W. Sei- bert,. secretary. The conference passed strong Union resolu- tions, and called upon all ministers and members to defend by word and doctrine our assailed Government in public and pri- vate, according to the teachings of St. Paul, Rom. xiii. 1-7 and Tim. ii. 1-3. None of the Virginia charges were supplied by the conference. Districts: Pittsburg, J. L. W. Seibert, presiding elder ; Cleve- land, A. Niebel; Allegheny, G. W. Cupp; Somerset, S. B. Kring. 1863. New York Conference, Niagara City, N. Y., April 9. Bishop W. W. Orwig, president ; M. Lehn, secretary. The sum of #1,111 was raised at this conference for missionary pur- poses. Some forty preachers were present, and a comparatively small congregation. President Lincoln was made an honorary member of the Board of Missions, by the payment of £50, raised for that purpose. This being done, a Canadian brother pro- posed Queen Victoria for the same membership, and a like amount of money was raised for that purpose. 1863. Ohio Conference, Bettsville, Seneca county, Ohio, May 21. Bishop Joseph Long, president; J. G. Zinzer, sec- retary. Located — Jacob Shaeffer, D. Heininger and D. Swartz. Licensed — A. Rex, J. Stover, L. Nauman, H. K. Rea, J. Cramin and C. Knisley. Ordained elders — H. Long- brake, J. G. Baughman, T. George, William Wonder and C. Deike. Deacons — Joseph Felger, D. H. Wonder, George Hasenpflug, J. Frankhauser, Joseph Pontius, D. Rohland and J. Borough. G. F. Spreng was elected presiding elder. There were nineteen applicants for the itinerancy, of whom 340 EVANGELICAL A880CIA TION ANNALS. eleven were received. Resolutions were passed sustaining the Government and approving the Emancipation Proclamation. "Whereas, The future prosperity of our Zion makes it ne- cessary that the English language should be actively encouraged, and not only tolerated ; and, Whereas, We have a lively appre- ciation of the importance of a wholesome literature to the pros- perity of our Church ; therefore, Resolved, That this conference respectfully requests our next General Conference, and does hereby instruct our delegates to that body, so to labor, and to vote that in our Board of Publi- cation there be a fitting representation in future of the English interests of our Church ; hoping that by these means we shall be enabled to offer our English people such desirable works, as for example, 'The Life and Labors of Bishop Seybert,' as near as may be simultaneously with the German." Districts: Wayne, George Haley, presiding elder; Scioto, John Stoll; Sandusky, G. F. Spreng; Michigan, D. Strohman. 1863. Illinois Conference, Freeport, 111., April 9. Bishop J. Long, president; G. W. Lechler, secretary. Located, H. Bucks and J. Kanaga. Withdrew from the Church — J. P. Kramer and H. W. Crandall. Licensed — L. B. Tobias and H. Keller. Received into the itinerancy — B. C. Wagoner, J. G. Miller and L. B. Tobias. Ordained elders — A. Gackle and H. H. Bair. Deacons — M. Stamm, P. Hoffman, C. Gagstetter, Michael Heil, S. McKesson and Prof. A. A. Smith. President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation was endorsed. "Resolved, That we declare ourselves uncondition- ally in favor of the Union and the enforcement of the laws." Districts: Chicago, C. Hummel, presiding elder; Naperville, C. Kopp; Freeport, H. Rohland; Peoria, C. Augenstein. S. A. Tobias, agent for Plainfield College. 1863. Indiana Conference, Marshall, Ind., Sept. 9. Bishop W. W. Orwig, president; M. Hoehn, secretary. Died — A. Dassel, J. Gruenisen and D. Garl. P. Thornton, located. E. Kohlmayer and H. L. Fisher were received into the itiner- ancy. J. Kauffman, C. Shomo and G. Zimmer were employed by the presiding elder. Ordained elders — E. Evans, J. M. Gomer and R. Roth. Deacons — G. Schmoll and H. L. Fisher. Elected presiding elders — M. W. Steffey, J. Fisher and M. Hoehn. The cause of the Union was sustained and the Eman- CONFERENCE REC0BD8. 341 cipation Proclamation endorsed. All the preachers received their salary in full. Districts : Wabash, M. Hoehn, presiding elder ; White River, J. Fisher; St. Joseph, M. W. Steffey. 1863. Wisconsin Conference, Milwaukee, Wis., April 23. Bishop Joseph Long, president; C. A. Schnake, secretary. C. Miller was licensed. F. Kauffman was received into the itin- erancy. Ordained elders — F. Huelster and G. Zoellhoefer. Deacons — C. Finger, E. Bockemuehl, G. Yahn and M. Zick- erick. J. G. Miller united with the Illinois Conference. J. G. Esher resigned the office of presiding elder, and H. Huelster was elected in his place. Sheboygan, Sharon, New Glarus and Oconto Missions were formed. The loyalty of the conference to the Government was reaffirmed. Districts: Milwaukee, H. Huelster, presiding elder; Madi- son, C. A. Schnake. 1863. Iowa Conference, Lisbon, Iowa, May 7. Bishop J. Long, president ; R. Dubs, secretary. L. Seder and A. Nierens died (killed by the savages — see previous year). Received into the itinerancy — E. Wise, E. Bowman, S. W. McKesson, W. Geiss and L. H. Gehman. Ordained elders — H. Kleinsorge, J. Buzzard, J. Rahskoff, C. Lahr and C. Tobias. Deacons — J. F. Berner and F. Emde. R. Dubs, general agent for Plain- field College. Memorial resolutions were adopted on the death of the brethren, slain by the savages. President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation was endorsed. Districts: Iowa, S. Dickover, presiding elder, six missions, four circuits and twelve itinerants; Minnesota, I. Kuter, nine missions, three circuits and fifteen itinerants; Kansas, M. J. Miller, eight missions and nine itinerants. CHAPTER XIII. Thirteenth General Conference, Held at Buffalo, N. Y. , Oct. 1-20, 1863. 1863. General Conference, thirteenth session, Buffalo, N. Y., Oct. 1-20. Bishops J. Long, W. W. ORWiGandJ. J. Esher presiding ; secretary, Jesse Yeakel, assistants, R. Dubs, J. G. Zinzer and C. A. Schnake. On motion of Bro. Niebel, it was resolved that Father John Dreisbach, the only living colaborer of the Founder of the Church, was requested to address the con- ference, which he did. After this the bishops delivered the first regular episcopal message in the history of the Association. The country at this time was passing through the most critical period of the Great Civil War. The General Conference ac- cordingly took steps to express itself on the great issues which then hung trembling in the balance. A committee was ap- pointed consisting of one delegate from each conference, to give expression to the views of the Church on the great questions of the day. The report, which is too lengthy for insertion in this work, is the very embodiment of loyalty and patriotic devo- tion to the cause of the Union. It recognizes the hand of God in the emancipation of the slaves, the recent triumph of the Union arms, endorses the Government, praises the bravery and self-sacrificing spirit of the National troops, and exhorts the ministry and laity of the entire Church to fidelity, obedience, and prayerful interests. Three new conferences were formed, viz : The Canada, Michigan, and Kansas, and a mission was established on the Pacific coast. An English Sunday-School paper, to be called the Sunday- School Messenger, was established. Bishop Joseph Long was re-elected, and J. J. Esher was newly elected to the office of bishop. W. W. Orwig, was newly elected editor of the Christliche Botschqfter. T. G. Clewell was re- CONFERENCE RECORDS. 343 elected editor of the Evangelical Messenger. R. Yeakel, editor of Sunday-School and Tract Literature. C. Hammer, General Book Agent. Wm. Yost, Corresponding Secretary of the Mis- sionary Society. The following rules were adopted for the conduct of the Christliche Botschafter and Evangelical Messenger. i. Resolved, That our papers, the Christliche Botschafter and Evangelical Messenger, shall be conducted in accordance with the spirit of the Holy Scriptures and our Church Discipline, and that all subjects discussed in the same, shall be treated from a throughly Christian, and with the Church Discipline of the Evangelical Association harmonizing standpoint, and shall al- ways have in view the glory of God, the spread of his knowledge, and aim at promoting the general welfare of mankind, in their moral, religious and civil relations. 2. Resolved, That our papers shall watch over, advocate, and defend all the various interests of the Evangelical Association ; and shall also publish all proceedings of the General and An- nual Conferences, of the Missionary Society, or the Board of Publication, and other official documents, when such are offered in official form for publication, without mispresenting the sense by abbreviation. 3. Resolved, That all well written communications, composed according to the spirit of the foregoing resolutions, shall be im- partially treated ; and in all controversies and discussions of said nature, each party shall have equal rights, and allowed to speak at least twice through the papers. — General Conference Journal, page 34. A rule was introduced that in case a bishop's time expires, and he is not re-elected, General Conference shall make pro- vision for his employment and support, in accordance with the rules for our preachers. — Page 45. A motion prevailed that a presiding elder be elected, who shall have charge of the missions in Germany. To this office S. Neitz was almost unanimously elected. To the great regret of the conference he however resigned the office the following day, because of temporal and family circumstances. J. G. Wollpert was elected. Delegates. — East Pa. Conference. — S. Neitz, G. L. Haines, J. Yeakel, L. Snyder, J. P. Leib, F. Hoffman, S. G. Rhoads, F. Krecker, C. Meyers, H. Stoetzel and J. Koehl. 344 EVANOEL10AL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. Central Pa. Conference. — E. Kohr, J. Young, S. W. Seibert, M. J. Carothers, J. M. Young, C. F. Deininger, A. L. Reeser and L. May. Pittsburg Conference. — C. Lindemen, J. L. W. Seibert, A. Niebel, S. B. Kring, J. Rank, A. Stanley and J. G. Pfeuffer. Illinois Conference. — C. Kopp, C. Augenstein, S. A. Tobias, E. Musselman, C. Hummel, H. Rohland, J. Schaffle, J. J. Esher and J. Schneider. Wisconsim Conference. — J. G. Esher, C. A. Schnake, L. Buehler and H. Huelster. Indiana Conference. — M. W. Steffey, G. G. Platz, M. Hoehn, A. B. Shaefer, J. Fisher and J. Fuchs. Iowa Conference. — S. Dickover, J. Kuter, R. Dubs and J. Keiper. New York Conference. — M. Lauer, M. Lehn, L. Jacoby; J. D. Jenrii, S. Weber and A. Herlan. Ohio Conference. — J. Stull, D. Strohman, G. F. Spreng, G. Haley, J. G. Zinzer, L. Scheurman, John Dreisbach, C. M. Reinhold, C. A. Munk, J. Waltz and F. Freeh. 1864. East Fa. Conference, Philadelphia, Pa., Feb. 25. Bishop J. Long, president; F. Krecker, secretary. John Klinefelter died. W. L. Reber, L. Schmidt, R. Litzen- berger and W. H. Bachman, located. Lincensed on trial, J. F. Yerger, A. H. Overholt, and H. Guelich. Received in the itinerancy — B. F. Bohner, S. B. Brown, A. Goetschel and D. Z. Kembel. Ordained elders — S. S. Chubb, T. Harper G. B. Fisher, C. H. Baker, and J. A. Apgar. Beacons — D. Lentz. G. T. Haines and L. Snyder were re-elected to the office of presiding elder. An English mission was located in Philadelphia. M. Guhl was appointed as a missionary to the Pacific Coast by the Board of Missions. Districts : Philadelphia, L. Snyder, presiding elder ; Lehigh, J. Yeakel ; Lebanon, S. Neitz ; Orwigsburg, G. T. Haines. 1864. Central Pa. Conference, Lewisburg, Pa., March 3. Bishop J. Long, president ; J. Young, secretary. Licensed to preach — J. Wilhelm, J. Manbeck, J. G. M. Swengel, and S. Yearick. Received into the itinerancy — D. W. Miller, J. G. M. Swengel, H. W. Buck, P. H. Rishel and W. Reeser. Or- dained elders — S. T. Buck, A. H. Irvine, S. E. Davis and S. D. Bennington. Deacons — I. M. Pines, W. H. Davis, D. F. Methfessel, F. C. Pandal, I. Y. Reed, and T. M. Morris. CONFERENCE RECORDS. 345 S. W. Seibfrt resigned the office of presiding elder, and S. Wolf was elected to the same. C. F. Deininger was appointed a missionary to the Pacific coast by the Board of Missions. A mission was established in Washington, D. C, to which Jacob Henn was appointed. Rev. S. T. Buck joined the war for the Union during the conference year. F. Kurtz took credentials for the Wisconsin Conference. Districts: Baltimore, E. Kohr, presiding elder; Centre, J. M. Young ; Susquehanna, S. Wolf. 1864. Pittsburg Conference, Erie, Pa., March 16. Bishop J. Long, president ; J. L. W. Seibert, secretary ; S. Lerch, died. H. W. Hampe, located. D. S. Poling was received into the itinerancy. M. H. Shannon was ordained elder, and J. D. Domer, T. Monismith, S. Vandersal, C. W. Davis, H. B. Summers, C. F. Hartung, and C. Stauffer, deacons. J. L. W. Seibert was re-elected, and G. S. Domer newly elected presiding elder. Resolutions were passed re-affirming the loyalty of the conference to the Union, etc. Districts : Erie, S. B. Kring, presiding elder ; Pittsburg, J. L. W. Seibert ; Alleghany, G. W. Cupp ; Somerset, G. S. Domer. 1864. New. York Conference, Utica, N. Y., April 14. Bishop J. Long, president; M. Pfitzinger, secretary. J. Stabler and L. Wildfang, located. Wm. Schwand, R. Clark and L. Rothermel, were received into the itinerancy. C. F. Boller was ordained elder, and C. A. Wiseman, H. Fisher, C. Schoepflein, and H. Werner, deacons. M. Lehn was newly elected and L. Jacobv re-elected presiding elder. Districts : New York Conference, Albany, M. Lehn ; Buffalo, L. Jacoby. Canada Conference, Waterloo, S. Weber ; Hamil- ton, F. Herlan. 1864. Illinois Conference, Naperville, 111., April 14. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; J. W. Lechler, secretary. Located — D. B. Byers, G. Fleisher, D. Kramer, C. Hummel, H. H. Bear, T. M. Young and J. Lutz. Received into the itinerancy S. Dickover, George Vetter, L. Keller, L. William, J. Kuegel, L. Tobias, B. Ruh, J. Dunlap and L. H. Eiterman. Ordained elders — C. Ott, H. Shoemaker and H. Messner. Deacons — J. C. Kuest and B. C. Wagoner. E. Musselman and J. Schafle were elected presiding elders. It was made the duty of each presiding elder to hold district ministerial meetings, 346 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. and the preachers were made amenable to conference for non- attendance. Pro-Union resolutions were again adopted. Districts: Chicago, C. Augenstein, presiding elder; Naper- ville, C. Kopp; Freeport, E. Musselman; Peoria, J. Schafle. 1864. Ohio Conference, Carey, Ohio, May 5. Bishop J. Long, president; J. G. Zinzer, secretary. Benjamin Bixler, died. J. Rosenberger, L. Seiter, W. W. Morse and S. Swartz, located. John Gillhausen, E. E. Turner, C. Frillman and D. Sherrick were licensed. Received into the itinerancy — C. Roehm, A. Wehr, P. Wiest and D. Rohland. J. M. Fuchs was employed by the presiding elder. Ordained elders — J. W. Walkey, C. H. Lindner, S. Henny, J. Meck, H. Faus and L. Seither. Deacons — L. C. Morse, G. Schott, H. F. Sichley, A. Wehr and W. W. Morse. C. M. Reinhold was elected presiding elder. It was resolved to establish an Orphan Home. District meetings were ordered to be held, and the preachers shall be held accountable to conference for non-attendance of the same. B. Hoffman, J. Ressler and J. Rosenberger took credentials to unite with other conferences. Districts: Cleveland, G. Haley, presiding elder; Sandusky, C. M. Reinhold ; Scioto, J. Stoll ; Wayne, G. F. Spreng ; Mich- igan Conference, Detroit, D. Strohman; St. Joseph (unsup- plied). 1864. Wisconsin Conference, Lomira Centre, Wis., April 28. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; W. F. Schneider, secre- tary. H. Esch and J. G. Esher, located. F. Stroebel and W. Pfefferkorn, were licensed. Received into the itinerancy — C. Ragatz, G. Von Eschen, C. Laehr, G. Fleisher, F. Kurtz, Wm. Huelster, C. Mueller, W. Pfefferkorn and F. Stroebel. Ordained elders — E. Shultz, J. W. Hammeter, and G. Schwautes. Deacons — W. Horn, L. Stroebel, M. Wittenweiler, P. Speich, F. Kauffman, F. Zimmerman and A. Huelster was elected presiding elder. Districts, Milwaukee; H. Huelster, presiding elder, Fon Du Lac, C. A. Schnake ; Madison, A. Huelster. 1864. Iowa Conference, Dubuque, Iowa, May 13. Bishop J. J. Esher, president ; R. Dubs, secretary. Received on pro- bation — C. Esher, C. Warner and J. Shearer. Received into the itinerancy — J. Shearer, C. Esher, William Kolb, J. Von Eschen, J. Bauman, P. Fricker and J. Nuhn. Ordained elders — C. Brill, W. Uber and C. Sanders. Deacons — H. Hol- CONFERENCE RECORDS. 347 dredge, E. Bauman and H. Bunse. R. Dubs, H. Lageschulte and J. Hammeter were elected presiding elders. A new mission was established in northwest Missouri, and also in western Kan- sas. The loyalty of the conference to the Union was reaffirmed. Districts : Des Moines, R. Dubs, presiding elder ; Dubuque, H. Lageschulte; St. Paul, J. Hammeter; Kansas Conference District, M. J. Miller. Charges in Kansas — Leavenworth and Lawrence, J. F. Schreiber; Humboldt, P. Fricker; Holton, S. W. McKesson ; Argo and Rockport, C. Berner and J. Shearer ; West Kansas Mission, to be supplied. 1864. Indiana Conference, Indianapolis, Ind., Sept. 8. J. J. Esher, president ; M. Meyer, secretary. P. Swartz died. L. Kohlmayer andW. Buckman located. Licensed — A. Parker, G. Cuttler, M. Boyer, C. Brown, M. Condo, J. Beck and John Berger. Received into the itinerancy — C. Shamo, J. Kaufman, A. Parker, G. Zimmer, J. Berger, J. Beck, M. Condo, C. Heim, B. Hoffman and J. Rosenberger. G. A. Hertel was ordained elder and S. K. Oaks, C. Heim and C. Frillman deacons. A. Nicolai was elected presiding elder. Resolutions expressive of continued loyalty to the Union were adopted. Districts : Wabash, M. Hoehn, presiding elder ; White River, J. Fisher ; St. Joseph, M. W. Steffey ; Michigan Conference Dis- trict, A. Nicolai. Note. — The year 1864 was an eventful one in the history of the Church. Notwithstanding the ravages of Civil War, the interests ■of the Church were not only maintained, but substantial advance- ment was made. The activity of the Church will be best meas- ured by a reference to her missionary operations. In 1863 the missionary society supported 106 missions ; in 1864, 117; a gain of eleven. This year three missionaries were sent to found our Evangelical work on the Pacific slope, viz. : C. F. Deininger, J. Croasman and M. Guhl, and also John Waltz as an addi- tional missionary to Germany. One feature of importance was the great number of churches built during this and several pre- ceding years. This was chiefly owing to the unprecedented development of the great Trans-Mississippi country. 1865. East Pa. Conference, Allentown, Pa.,Feb.22. Bishop J. Long, president; S. G. Rhoads, secretary I. Shugar died. George Focht took credentials for the West. O. L. Say- lor, L. N. Worman, W. W. Rhoads, J. C. Hornberger, J. N. 348 E VANGELJCAL AS80CIA TJON ANNALS. Metzgar, J. Laros, L. Kolb, A. Leopold and D. Yeakel were licensed on trial. J. Fry and D. Hambright were again and W. H. Weidner, L. Worman, J. N. Metzgar, A. H. Overholt, J. C. Hornberger, A. Leopold and B. Moyer were newly received into the itinerancy. Ordained elders — C. K. Fehr, R. M. Lichtenwalner, I. E. Knerr.C. B. Fliehr, J. Kurtz and Seneca Breyfogel. Deacons — D. Z. Kembel,W. H. Weidner, B. F. Bohner, A. Goetschel, G. Harm and G. Focht. Districts : Philadelphia, L. Snyder, presiding elder ; Lehigh, J. Yeakel ; Lebanon, S. Neitz ; Orwigsburg, G. T. Haines. 1865. Central Pa. Conference, Williamsport, Pa., March 2. Bishop J. Long, president] J.Young, secretary. Philip Smith died. H. A. Stoke was received into the itinerancy. J. H. Leas and F.C. Hoffman were ordained elders, and J. Bowersox, W. E. Detwiler, P. H. Rishel and M. Sloat deacons. A. L. Reeser and J. M. McGraw located. Jacob Hartzler was elected collector for the Washington, D. C, church. Districts : Baltimore, E. Kohr, presiding elder ; Centre, J. M. Young; Susquehanna, S. Wolf. 1865. Pittsburg Conference, Allegheny City, March 8. Bishop J. Long, president; J. D. Hollinger, secretary. J. Hane and William Mauk (local preachers) died. The latter fell in battle. A. Niebel, G. W. Fisher, C. Stauffer and C. Lindeman were granted credentials for western conferences. J. Spotts was granted license. J. Q. A. Weller, J. H. Shafer, William Stoll and George Focht received appointments. J. D. Hollinger, J. J. Barnhart and R. Mott were ordained elders and S. Lowry and William Stoll deacons. Rochester and Johnstown were constituted missions. Rev. T. Monismith en- tered the army for the Union. Districts: Pittsburg, J. L. W. Seibert, presiding elder; Erie, S. B. Kring; Allegheny, G. W. Cupp; Somerset, G. S. Domer. 1865. New York Conference, Rochester, N.Y., March 30. Bishop J. Long, president; M. Pfitzinger, secretary. A. Klein was again and A. Lusher and H. Graves were newly received into the itinerancy. J. Sechrist, D. Moose, A. Holzwarth and C. G. Curtis were ordained elders, and J. Lerch deacon. L. Jacoby resigned the office of presiding elder and D. Fisher was elected to the same. J. Grenzenbach died during the year. All the preachers reported full salary. Districts: Albany, M. Lehn, presiding elder; Buffalo, D.Fiiher. CONFERENVE REQ0RD8. 349 1865. Canada Conference, Berlin, Can., April 6. Bishop J. Long, president; G. F. Buesh, secretary. William Witting- ton was granted credentials for the Ohio Conference. G. Brown, C. Steuernagel and J. Ingram were licensed on trial. W. Wittington was ordained elder, and G. Leaf and William Schwand deacons. Districts : Waterloo, S. Weber, presiding elder ; Hamilton, Frederick Herlan. 1865. Illinois Conference, Washington, 111., April 27. Bishop J. Long, president; G. W. Lechler, secretary. S. A. Tobias and J. Dunlap located. Val Forkel was licensed. Received into the itinerancy — Abraham Niebel,C. Hummel, H. Bucks, V. F"orkel, F. Steubig, J. G. Esher and C. Lindeman. Ordained •elders — M. Stamm, P. Hoffman, C. Gagstetter and M. Heyl. Deacons — L. B. Tobias, Peter Himmel, William Ficht and A. Wagoner. E. Musselman resigned the office of presiding elder and S. Dickover was elected to the same. H. Rohland was elected agent for Northwestern College. Prof. J. H. Lease was received into conference in the same relation he sustained in the Central Pa. Conference. Districts: Chicago, C. Augenstein, presiding elder; Peoria, J. Shane ; Naperville, C. Kopp ; Freeport, S. Dickover. 1865. Ohio Conference, Tiffin, O., May 4. G. F. Spreng, president ; J. G. Zinzer, secretary. M. Wonder and H. Hen- sel died. J. Honecker, C. A. Munk, H. Faus and P. Wiest located. Licensed on trial — D. Stoll, S. Hippert, J. Brown, J. Jauch, A. S. Hallowell, J. Kuenzeli, F. Kuenzeli,W. Koenig, •G. Blasser, J. McIntyre, C. W. Gray, J. Lawrence and S. Copley.- Received into the itinerancy — W. Wittington, C. Weiss, W. Koenig, G. F. Behner, J. Kuenzeli and A. S. Hal- owell. H. Frillman and Daniel Brickley withdrew from the Church. Ordained elders — D. H. Wonder, J. Frankhouser, J. Felger, J. K. Pontius and G. Hasenpflug. Deacons — C. Ehrhart, L. Nauman, A. Decker, C. Kuinzeli, J. Seigrist, O. H. Rhea, C. Bishop and L. Moyer. J. Stoll was re-elected presiding elder. The districts were reduced to three. Districts: Cleveland, G. F. Spreng, presiding elder; San- dusky, J. Stoll; Scioto, C. Reinhold. 1865. Wisconsin Conference, Menomonee Falls, Wis., May 4. Bishop J. Long, president; W. F. Schneider, secretary. «G. Schaefer died. Joseph Harlacher joined the Iowa Con- 350 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. ference. T. Umbreit, H. Assman and F. Moser were licensed on trial. E. Bockemuehl and C. F. Finger were ordained elders and F. Kurtz deacons. J. Koch, T. Umbreit, H. Gue- lich and J. Karcher were received into the itinerancy. L. Buehler was elected presiding elder. Districts : Milwaukee, H. Huelster, presiding elder ; Madi- son, A. Huelster; Fon du Lac, L. Buehler. 1865. Iowa Conference, East Prairie, Minn., May 12. Bishop J. Long, president; J. Hammeter, secretary. Anton Huelster and C. W. Anthony were licensed on trial. Joseph Harlacher, Anton Huelster, J. Smith and C. W. Anthony were received into the itinerancy. Joseph Raskoff removed to the Kansas Conference. J. F. Berner and F. Emde were ordained elders, and W. Gies, J. Nuhn, L. H. Gehman, E.Weis, J. Von Eschen and J. Smith deacons. Conference provided tombstones for the brethren slain by the Indians in 1862. Districts : Des Moines, R. Dubs, presiding elder; Dubuque, H. Lageschulte; St. Paul, J. Hammeter. 1865. Michigan Conference, first annual session, Blissfield, Mich., April 12. Bishop J. Long, president; J. Meck, secre- tary. D. C. Rohland located. Wm. Reinecke was licensed. J. M. Fuchs and H. B. McBride were received into the itin- erancy. M. Speck and J. Borauf were ordained elders. Districts: Detroit, Daniel Strohman, presiding elder; St. Joseph, A. Nicolai. 1865. Indiana Conference, South Bend, Ind., Sept. 14. Bishop J. Long, president; M. Mayer, secretary. H. Meyer (local) died. M. Condo and J. Rosenberger located. S. S.. Albert, S. Shult^, A. Hartzler, E. Grim and S. Shuh were licensed, and C. Ade, of the U. B. Church, was received. P. Wiest, A. Shultz, J. Castetter, S. S. Albert, C. F. Mathes, C. Shuh, C. Ade, A. Hartzler and P. Porr were received into conference. Ordained elder — H. L. Fisher. Deacons — J. Kaufman, C. Shamo, G. Zimmer and M. Zimmer. Districts: Wabash, M. Hoehn, presiding elder; White River, Joseph Fisher; Elkhart, M. W. Steffey. 1865. Kansas Conference met in Leavenworth, Kan., May 26, to hold its first regular session. Bishop J. Long, president; C. Berner, secretary. H. Haas was received into the itinerancy. Philip Fricker was ordained deacon, and S. W. McKesson, CONFERENCE RECORDB. 351 elder. J. Rahskopf, of the Iowa Conference, was received. G. W. Bugh, of the Free Methodist Church, was admitted. J. F. Schreiber was elected presiding elder. Appointments : Conference District, J. F. Schreiber, presiding elder. Leavenworth, Jos. Rahskopf; Lawrence, Philip Fricker; Humboldt, Chas. Tobias; Holton, S. W. McKesson; Big Blue, G. W. Bugs; Arago, Ch. Berner; Rockport, H. Haas. Note. — The year 1865 was marked by many notable events. The country, which had been engaged for four years in the most sanguinary war of modern times, experienced the return of peace during this year. The return of national quietude, the restora- tion of the Union, the abolition of slavery, and other matters of national interest, are all materially reflected in the literature and conference proceedings of the Church during this eventful period. The Evangelical Association showed a remarkable de- gree of loyalty for the cause of the Union during the Civil War. Almost every session of the annual conference, as well as the General Conference of 1863, passed resolutions breathing the most ardent patriotism. The loyalty of the Church is in nothing more manifest than in the vigorous manner in which the Union cause was championed by the periodicals, and the hearty en- dorsement of the editors in their course by the conferences. The columns of the paper abound with communications from ■ the camps, battlefields and hospitals, from the pens of Evangel- ical soldiers. For several years the papers maintained a cap- tion, " Our Patriotic Dead," under which appeared weekly the obituaries of our fallen brave. "Sometimes the number was very large, especially after a severe battle. From six to eight was nothing unusual, but alas ! sometimes the number was far greater. A perusal of the names of the "Patriotic Dead "shows how great was the sacrifice which many of the fathers and mothers of our Church laid on the altar of their country. Among that number is a grandson of the founder of the Church, Jacob Albright, a gifted son of Bishop W. W. Orwig, as well as preachers, class-leaders and private members who responded to their country's call and paid the price of freedom and their country's integrity with their lives. The spirit of the times is also reflected in the poetic effusions which appeared from time to time in the periodicals of the Church. We subjoin one, as an example, from the pen of a young man who was not then a minister, but who has since endeared himself to the Church, and 352 EVANGELICAL A8B0G1ATI0N ANNALS. acquired a national reputation as a forcible writer, an eloquent preacher and a gifted poet. The Fallen Heroes.* [Air of " The Prairie Flower,") " Fold the starry banner, hush the rolling drum Tread with rev 'rend footsteps as ye come, Sheathe the gleaming sabre, sadly bow the head, Drop a tear above the dead. Cho. — Peace to the fallen ! where'er they rest, Light lie the sods on every breast, In the starry future may they richly reap — Then let the gallant heroes sleep ! 'Neath the heaving billows, in the roaring main, On the rugged hillside, on the plain, Where the shock of battle rent the shrouded sky, There the gallant heroes lie. Soon the smoke- of battle shall be swept away, And the dawning morning bring the day, Then the light of freedom shall forever glow And the hero's laurel grow. Flow'ry be the valleys, green the sacred hills Where each narrow tomb a freeman fills, And the flag of freedom, may it ever wave, Hallowed by each soldier's grave." — H. B. Hartzler. Nov. 2, 1865, the Missionary Society held its twenty-sixth an- nual session at Dayton, Ohio. One hundred and twenty-four missions were reported — a gain of seven over the previous year, and upwards of 2, 000 conversions. The contributions for home and foreign missions were $42,000 — a gain of $7,000 over the previous year. J. Kaechele, of the Canada Conference, was appointed as an additional missionary to Germany. 1866. East Pa. Conference, Schuylkill Haven, Pa., Feb. 28. Bishop Jos. Long, president ; Fr. Krecker, secretary. B. Moyer located. Received on trial, H. Oehrle, J. Hunsberger, F. Leuther, A. Yeakel, C. Burkhart, E. Snyder, W. Loose, J. L. Werner, B. J. Smover, G. H. Landis, J. R. Siegfried, * From Evangelical Messenger, Feb. 24, 1864. CONFERENCE RECORDS. 353 W. K. Wieand and J. S. Scheimer. Received into the itiner- ancy, J. Laros, S. Ely, J. S. Scheimer, W. K. Wieand, D. Mertz, J. K. Knerr and B. J. Smoyer, and R. Litzenberger, (again). Ordained deacons, S. B. Brown, A. H. Overholt, A. Leopold and S. Ely. S. Neitz was re-elected, and J. P. Leib newly elected presiding elder. An English mission was located in Lancaster. Districts: Philadelphia, S. Neitz, presiding elder; Easton, J. Yeakel; Allentown, G. T. Haines; Reading, L. Snyder; Pottsville, J. P. Leib. 1866. Central Pa. Conference, Baltimore, Md., March 8. Jos. Long, president; J. Young, secretary. L. May, itinerant and J. Wilhelm and D. Oberdorf, locals, died. J. M. Ett- inger and B. F. Winegarden received license. M. Sloat and S. I. Shortess were recommended to the presiding elder for work. I. M. Pines, T. M. Morris, I. Y. Reed, F. Methfes- sel and W. H. Davis were ordained elders, and H. W. Buck, H. A. Stoke, J. Snavely, J. G. M. Swengel and A. Snyder, deacons. E. Kohr was re-elected presiding elder. Jacob Henn was appointed collector for Washington City Mission. Lock Haven Mission was established. Districts: Baltimore, J. M. Young, presiding elder; Centre S. Wolf; Susquehanna, E. Kohr. Prof. F. C. Hoffman, presi- dent of Union Seminary. 1866. Pittsburg Conference, Pittsburg, Pa., March 14. Bishop J. Long, president; R. Yeakel, secretary. Licensed — L. M. Boyer, E. B. Arthur, W. J. Hahn and A. W. Teats. J. S. Hyde died. A. R. Teats located. ' A. Stahle, J. G. Pfeuffer and T. Monismimh took credentials for western conferences. Received into the itinerancy — L. Ross, E. B. Arthur, S. Book- man, L. M. Boyer, H. Rhoads, L. B. Donmeyer, S. Werner, J. Q. A. Weller, J. H. Shaffer, P. Plotts and C. G. Koch. Ordained Elders — J. D. Domer, H. B. Summers, C. F. Har- tung, S. Vandersal, T. Monismith, J. Q. A. Weller, C. W. Davis, J. H. Shaffer and S. Bookman. Deacons — L. Ross and H. Rhoads. D. S. Poling was newly elected presiding elder. Districts : Pittsburg, S. B. Kring, presiding elder ; Erie, G. W. Cupp ; Allegheny, G. S. Domer ; Somerset, D. S. Poling. 1866. New York Conference, Lyons, N. Y., March 29. Bishop J. Long, president; M. Pfitzinger, secretary. J. 354 E VANUEL1GAL A8S0G1A TION ANNAL8. Luttenberger, M. Yauch and A. Unholtz were licensed. C. A. Wisseman, H. Fisher, C. Schoeflein and H. Graves were ordained elders. Districts: Albany, M. Lehn, presiding elder; Buffalo, D. Fisher. 1866. Canada Conference, Hamburg, C. W., April 5. Bishop J. Long, president; G. F. Buesh, secretary. M. Maurer, G. Bernhart and J. Andes were licensed. L. Roth- ermel, W. Schand and R. Clark were ordained deacons. J. Wagoner joined the Iowa Conference. P. Winkler, C. Steuernagel, M. Maurer, G. Brown and F. Scharf were re- ceived into the itinerancy. J. Kaechele took an appointment from the Board of Missions as missionary to Germany. Jos. Umbach was elected presiding elder. Districts : Waterloo, Jos. Umbach, presiding elder ; Hamil- ton, F. Herlan. 1866. Kankakee, 111., April, 12. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; Geo. Vetter, secretary. C. Bucks, J. Brewer, M. Eller, W. W. Shuler, P. Wagoner and A. Davis were licensed. W. W. Shuler, J. Riegel, J. P. Wengerd, M. Ellea, G. Ramige, S. A. Tobias, A. Davis and A. Stahle were received into the intinerancy. C. Augenstein was re-elected, and> John Schneider was newly elected presiding elder. Full salary for the preachers was reported. Districts : Chicago, C. Augenstein, presiding elder ; Naper- ville, J. Schneider; Freeport, S. Dickover; Peoria, J. Schafle. 1866. Michigan Conference, Emahuels Church, near Ann Arbor, Mich., April 12. Bishop J. Long, president; J. Meck, secretary. J. Orth was licensed. L. Engel was received on probation. M. J. Miller, (formerly of Kansas Conference), L. Engel, S. Coply and C. S. Brown were received into the itin- erancy. J. M. Fuchs and C. Beuckel were ordained deacons. Daniel Strohman joined the Ohio Conference. M. J. Miller was elected presiding elder. Preachers of this conference were forbidden from uniting with any secret society. Districts : Detroit, M. J. Miller, presiding elder ; St. Joseph, A. Nicolai. 1866. Wisconsin Conference, Madison, Wis., April 19. Bishop J. J. Esher, president ; W. Horn, secretary. Received on trial — J. P. Viel, J. Kahl, G. Kaufman, T. Trayer and G. Zimmerman. Ordained elders — W. Horn, F. Kaufman, L. CONFERENCE RECORDS. 355 Stroebel, M. Wittenwylerj P. Speith and F. Zimmerman. Deacons — W. Heulster, J. Karchner and W. Pfefferkorn. Secret societies were deprecated, and no one shall be received as a preacher in this conference who is a member of such a society. Districts : Milwaukee, H. Huelster, presiding elder ; Fon du Lac, L. Buehler ; Madison, A. Huelster. 1866. Ohio Conference, Cleveland, O., May 3. Bishop J. Long, president; J. G. Zinzer, secretary. Licensed — S. Rife, C. Negle and B. Berry. Received into the itinerancy — G. Blasser, D. Stoll, C. Negle, L. Schleich and P.W. Hahn. Located — G. Hasenpflug, F. Zeller, H. G. Ray, J. J. Kopp, G. Haley, G. Shott and G. F. Behner. A. Wehr was ordained elder. An orphan home was established and J. G. Zinzer ap- pointed superintendent of the same. Resolutions deprecating secret societies were re-enacted. Districts : Cleveland, G. F. Spreng, presiding elder ; San- dusky, J. Stoll ; Scioto, C. M. Reinhold. 1866. Kansas Conference, Leavenworth, Kan., March 30. Bishop J. J. Esher, president ; C. Berner, secretary. J. Wuerth was received on probation. G. W. Bugh, J. Wuerth and J. G. Pfeuffer were received into the itinerancy. Conference resolved not to admit any minister into their body who is a member of a secret society. J. F. Schreibfr, presiding elder. 1866. Iowa Conference, East Prairie, Minn., May 18. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; R. Dubs, secretary. E. Wise and J. Schmidt, Sr., located. J. F. Hahn, H. Brauer, C. H. Egge, F. Beltzer, A. Knebel, L. P. Rohland and S. Reep were licensed. Received into the itinerancy — L. Eberhart, J. F. Yerger, C. H. Egge, N. H. Diehl, F. Beltzer, G. C. Brauer, J. Kuehnholtz, C. Werner, A. Knebel, G. Simon, J. F. Hahn, T. Monismith and J. Wagoner. Ordained elders— H. Holdridge, H. Bunse and E. Bauman. Deacons — C. Esher and M. Wunderlich. Districts : Des Moines, R. Dubs, presiding elder ; Dubuque, H. Lageschulte; St. Paul, J. Hammetter. 1866. Indiana Conference, Evansville, Ind., Sept. 13. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; M. Mayer, secretary. E. Evans, G. Klepfer and G. Zimmer located. A. B. Schaeffer was superannuated. P. Miller, E. Condo, F. Louner, J. Miller and J. Mayer were licensed. G. Schmoll, C. Heim and D. S. 356 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. Oaks were ordained elders. J. Berger, A. Parker, S. Kip- linger, C. Ade and C. F. Mathias, deacons. Districts : Wabash, M. Hoehn, presiding elder ; White River, Joseph Fisher j Elkhart, M. W. Steffey. Note. — The general interests of the Church prospered measur- ably during the year 1866. The Missionary Society held its annual session at Lebanon, Pa., Nov. 1. The proposed heathen mission was again discussed, and a mission proposed to be established among the freedmen of the South. The receipts for home and foreign missions were $39,000, a decrease of almost $3,000 from last year. The number of missions was 137, an increase of 13, and near 3,000 souls were converted on the mission charges. 1867. East Pa. Conference, Bethlehem,Pa.,Feb.27. Bishop J. J. Esher, president ; J. Koehl, secretary. J. A. Apgar and R. Litzenberger located. Licensed — B. D. Albright, J. P. Smith, W. A. Leopold, F. Sechrist, I. Zimmerman, H. A. Neitz, A. Kindt, J. Shimer and L. Ruhl. Received into the itinerancy — H. A. Neitz, J. C. Bliem, G. Scharf, W. A. Leo- pold, J. G. Sands, B. D. Albright and E. A. Hoffman. Or- dained elders — D. Lentz, W. H. Weidner, A. Getschel and D. Z. Kembel. Deacons — L. T. Worman, J. K. Knerr, J. C. Hornberger, J. N. Metzgar, G. Scharf and L. Miller. J. Yeakel was re-elected presiding elder. The Conference organ- ized itself into a church building society. C. B. Fuehr was appointed to collect money for church building. Districts: Philadelphia, S. Neitz, presiding elder; Easton, G. T. Haines; Allentown, J. Yeakel; Reading, L. Snyder; Pottsville, J. P. Leib. 1867. Central Pa. Conference, New Kingston, Pa. , March 7. Bishop J. Long, president ; J. Young, secretary. Licensed — J. Shuler, J. M. Price, W. H. Houtz, J. Bear, A. W. Kremer, J. W. Bentz, U. F. Swengel and W. P. Thomas. Ordained elders — W. E. Detwiler and J. Bowersox. Deacons — S. I. Shortess and J. N. Allen. Received into the itiner- ancy — J. M. Ettinger, W. P. Thomas, J. W. Bentz, U. F. Swengel, A. W. Kramer, M. Sloat and S. I. Shortess. Glen Rock, Danville and Scranton were constituted missions. Districts : Baltimore, J. M. Young, presiding elder ; Centre, S. Wolf; Susquehanna, E. Kohr. 1867. Pittsburg Conference, Warren, Pa., March 13. Bishop J. J. Esher, president ; R. Yeakel, secretary. J. M. 001TFERENCE RECORDS. 357 Zirkel located. A. Loehner joined the Ohio Conference. J. Kern, G. W. Brown, J. S. Grimm, J. Dooley, J. W. Reichard, J. Dovenspike, J. Keller and J. Fogel were licensed. Ordained elders — W. H. Stoll, G. Focht, L. B. Donmyer. Deacons — L. M. Boyer, S. Werner, T. S. Messner and P. W. Plotts. J. Rank was granted credentials. Districts: Pittsburg, S. B. Kring, presiding elder; Erie, G. W. Cupp; Alleghany, G. S. Domer; Somerset, D. S. Poling. 1867. New York Conference, Batavia, N. Y., March 29. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; M. Lauer, secretary. P. Glantz and E. Wier were licensed. A. Unholtz and P. Glantz were received into the itinerancy. J. Lerch was or- dained elder, and A. Luscher and L. Herman deacons. D. Moos was granted credentials. Districts: Albany, M. Lehn, presiding elder; Buffalo, D. Fisher. 1867. Canada Conference, St. Jacobs, C. W., April 4. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; C. A. Thomas, secretary. R. Clark located. J. Martzolf and G. M. Groff were licensed. H. Werner was ordained elder, and C. Steuernagel and G. Brown deacons. W. Schmidt was elected presiding elder. Districts: Waterloo, Jos. Umbach, presiding elder; Hamil- ton, Wm. Schmidt. 1867. Ohio Conference, West Salem, O., May 2. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; J. Zinzer, secretary. Located — L. Schleich, Jos. Dick, T. George and G. F. Spreng. H. G. Rhea, J. Brown and S. Strome (locals) died. Received on trial — G. A. Sickel, G. W. Phillips, F. Graff, N. Shupp and J. Platz. Received into the itinerancy — S. Hippert, B. Berry, Jonas Strome and John Honnecker. Ordained elders — C. Erhart, C. Kinzeli. H. F. Sichley, L. Nauman and A. Deckert. Deacons — J. Kinzeli, D. Stoll, G. Blasser and W. King. Districts : Cleveland, J. Stull, presiding elder ; Sandusky, D. Strohman; Scioto, C. M. Reinhold. 1867. Illinois Conference, Naperville, 111., April n. Bishop J. Long, president; H. Bucks, secretary. Licensed — H. Finger, H. Heine, H. Meier, G. Bosser, J. Cabel, also R. Morry (of 'the U. B. Church). D. B. Byers, R. Morry, H. Meier and H. Finger were received into the itinerancy. Ordained elders — P. Himmel and L. B. Tobias. Deacons — 358 E VA mMLICAL A880G1A T10N AN7TAL8. W. Shuler, A. Lieberknecht. V. Forkel and P. Leidner. English missions were established at Naperville and Freeport. Districts : Chicago, Ch. Augenstein, presiding elder ; Naper- ville, J. Schneider; Freeport, S. Dickover; Peoria, J. Schaffle. 1867. Wisconsin Conference, Racine, Wis., April 15. Bishop J. Long, president; C. A. Schnake, secretary. F. Traeger (local) died. H. Esch and F. Zimmerman located. F. Assman, A. Rash, G. Lihs, F. Gloege, P. Port, O. Knet- terling and C. Seiberling were licensed. Ordained elder — F. Kurtz. Deacons — F. Stroebel, J. Koch, H. Guelich, T. Umbreit and J. T. Vail. All the preachers shall, during the year, preach at least one sermon on education. Full salary was reported. Districts: Milwaukee, A. Huelster, presiding elder ; Madison, H. Shelp; Fon du Lac, L. Buehler; Mississippi, G. Fritsche. 1867. Iowa Conference, Grand View, Iowa, May 6. Bishop Joseph Long, president; R. Dubs, secretary. Located — N. H. Diehle, C. W. Anthony and Anton Huelster, the latter going to Germany to attend a university. J. Keiper took cre- dentials. J. Hammetter died. Ordained elders — J. Nuhn, W. Gies, J. Von Eschen. Deacons — Anton Huelster, J. F. Yerger, H. Brauer and H. Kohl. Licensed — G. Herring, E. Mell, L. Mueller, F. Dreblow and R. Baker. Received into conference — A. Loehner, of the Pittsburg, E. H. Shultz, of the Wisconsin Conference, and E. Mell, D. Baker, D. H. Kooker, G. Knebel and H. Kohl. W. Stegner was elected presiding elder. Conference prospectively formed the Minne- sota Conference. Districts: Des Moines, R. Dubs, presiding elder; Dubuque, H. Lageschulte ; St. Paul, W. Stegner. 1867. Kansas Conference, Leavenworth, Kansas, March 8. Bishop J. Long, president ; C. Berner, secretary. Licensed — W. Folger, H. Mattill and D. Zoeller. Ordained elder — Wm. Fricker. Deacons — H. Haas, C. Trimmer, J. Wuerth and G. W. Bugs. J. F. Schreiber, presiding elder of the con- ference district. 1867. Indiana Conference, Dayton, O., Sept. 5. Bishop J. Long, president; M. Mayer, secretary. C. Shuh and W. Wessler located. J. Miller (local) died. Licensed — W. H. Honstett, G. W. Wales, H. W. Funk and Jacob Troyer. Re- ceived into the itinerancy — P. Miller, E. E. Gondo, F. Launer, CONFERENCE RECORDS. 359 J. Miller, J. A. Maier, D. J. Pontius, J. Keiper, G. W. Walse and W. H. Honstett. Ordained elder — J. Kaufman. Deacons — C. Shuh, S. S. Albert, A. Hartzler and D. J. Pcntius. M. Krueger, M. Mayer and G. G. Platz were elected presiding elders. Districts : Wabash, G. G. Platz, presiding elder ; Elkhart, M. Kreuger ; White River, M. Mayer. 1867. Michigan Conference, PortagePiairie, Mich., April n. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; J. M. Haug, secretary. Benjamin Wade, E. Weiss, Joseph Birk and Jacob Young received license to preach. C. S. Braun was ordained deacon. k Districts : Detroit, M. J. Miller, presiding, elder ; St. Joseph, A. Nicolai. . Notes of Progress. — In 1866 a gentleman of Louisville, Ky., who had purchased a fine church from another denomina- tion, offered it on very reasonable terms to the Indiana Confer- ence. The offer was accepted, and in 1867 J. M. Gomer was appointed pastor and collector for the Church. This was the beginning of our work in Kentucky. CHAPTER XIV. Fourteenth General Conference, Held at Pittsburg, Pa., Oct. io, 1867. 1867. General Conference, fourteenth session, Pittsburg, Pa., Oct. 10. Bishops J. Long and J. J. Esher, presidents; R. Yeakel, secretary. Considerable time was consumed in examining the charges for heresy brought against Rev. S. Neitz. At the General Con- ference of 1859 complaints were made against him concerning his views on the subject of sanctification. The charges were revived at this session. The report of the committee, which was adopted, is as follows : "Resolved, that after thoroughly exam- ining the above-named sermon,* in the light of the Scriptures and our disciplinary article, we have come to the conclusion that he (Neitz) makes use of terms, phrases and figures of speech of which we decidedly disapprove, but upon his explanation, it appears to us that he does not design to teach doctrines essen- tially different from those held by our Church, and therefore we unanimously recommend his acquittal." Inasmuch as divergent opinions prevailed concerning the views of the Church on the subject of sanctification, a committee was appointed consisting of Bishops Long and Esher, and F. Hoffman, E. Kohr, T. G. Clewell, D. Fisher, H. Rohland, H. Huelster, John Dreisbach, W. Smith, M. Kreuger, M. J. Miller, H. Lageschulte and J. F. Schreiber to formulate the views of the Church on that doctrine. The report of the com- mittee was adopted, and is essentially the same as found incor- porated in the book of Discipline. After its adoption Bishop Long, the chairman, said: "I wish just here to remark that the * Published in the Lehigh County Patridt, 1867. CONFERENCE RECORDS. 361' General Conference of the Evangelical Association has now voted! unanimously, and if this is not paramount authority there is none in the Church." The Committee on the State of the Country submitted a report, which was adopted, and of which the following is a summary : "Preamble. At the time of the session of the last General Conference at Buffalo, N. Y., in 1863, the battle with the rebels of the South for justice, order and liberty still raged fiercely. By the help of God and the bravery of our soldiers the govern- ment finally achieved the victory over treason and slavery. With the overthrow of the rebellion, many difficult questions regarding, the reconstruction of the Southern States presented themselves, for solution of which, to the welfare of those concerned, great wisdom and moderation were necessary. Now as this body expressed itself with regard to the state of the country at our last. session, we owe it to ourselves to speak out again ; therefore, "Resolved, 1. That we, and our entire nation, owe the most heartfelt thanks to God for the victory he has vouchsafed to US '*'!'* *^ * "2. That we owe this victory under God to the patriotic- bravery of our fellow-citizens who ventured their lives for our country and liberty. * * * Our members and brethren in the Lord have conducted themselves worthy of all praise by entering heroically into battle for the dearest rights of our fatherland, and holding fast at the same time to the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Many of these dear ones fell in the struggle, and sealed their love of liberty with their blood. "3. That this chastisement is intended to teach us our de- pendence upon God. The best institutions of our land are useless if God is not with us. " (Then follows a deprecation of the fact that the Constitution of the United States gives no intimation that we are a Christian nation, and hearty co-operation in the movement, then so prominent, to introduce the recognition of the Supreme Being in the constitution. "4. That we deplore the inattention of the people to the voice of God in this chastisement. "5. That we deplore that a disposition is manifested here and there to sacrifice moral principals to those infidels who want to have our wholesome Sunday laws, and the legislative acts of several states respecting the cause of temperance, abolished forth- with. No compromise in order to secure political power and a. 362 EVANGELICAL AS800IAT10N ANNALS. false peace ought to be made with these pioneers of social and civil dissolution, but we ought to stand immovably upon these noble institutions, even if we should suffer temporary political defeat. "6. Relates to the abolition of slavery and the reconstruc- tion of the South. "7. Deprecates the course of President Johnson in obstruct- ing the measures of Congress in dealing with the important issues of the day. A form of trust and incorporation- clauses were submitted and approved, to be inserted in the Discipline for the securing of churches, parsonages and other property to the control of the Evangelical Association. One of the most important actions of this conference was the adoption of a resolution as found embodied in Section 74 of the Discipline, constituting the General Conference "the supreme court of law in the Church. " "The Committee on Revision recommended that the recom- mendation from the annual conferences, which changes the basis for the election of a delegate from seven to ten preachers, and which has already been rejected, be now reconsidered. Recon- sideration was carried, and the recommendation adopted." A recommendation was adopted, empowering the General Conference to send recommendations for adoption to the annual conferences. Dr. William Nast, fraternal delegate from the Methodist Episcopal Church, addressed the conference. The Ebenezer Orphan Home, founded by the Ohio Conference was made denom- inational. The Minnesota Conference was formed. Bishops J. Long and J. J. EsHERwere re-elected; W.W. Orwig was elected chief book agent ; R. Dubs, editor of the Christ liche Botschafter ; T. G. Clewell, editor of the Evangelical Messenger; R. Yeakel, editor of Sunday-School and Tract Literature ; J. G. Wqlpert, book agent in Germany and editor of Evangelische Botschafter; W. Yost, corresponding secretary of the Missionary Society ; J. G. Zinzer, superintendent of Orphan Home. The following reso- lution was adopted by a vote of sixty-six yeas to eleven nays, as a recommendation to the annual conferences : "Resolved, That the book agent, the editor of the Christ liche Botschafter, the editor of the Evangelical Messenger, the editor of the Sunday-School Literature, the corresponding secretary of the Missionary Society and the bishops, at the time when they CONFERENCE RECORDS. 363 are not in the chair, be members of the General Conference, ex-officio, provided they are elders, but that the annual confer- ences to which they may belong shall not, in making up the number of delegates to be elected by them, count the above- named officers of the book establishment. " This was the begin- ning of ex-officio representation, a measure fraught with danger, and a source of frequent disquietude to the Church. • Delegates. — East Pa. Conference. — S. Neitz, J. P. Leib, L. Snyder, F. Hoffman, T. Bowman, C. S. Haman, S. G. Rhoads, F. Krecker, J. Koehl and C. Meyers. Alternates — J. Adams and J. Hess. Central Pa. Conference. — E. Kohr, J. M. Young, M. J. Caro- thers, J. Young, S. Wolf, S. W. Seibert, Z. Hornberger, S. Smith. Alternates-^-K. Ettinger and J. C. Farnsworth. Pittsburg Conference. — S. B. Kring, G. S. Domer, G. W. Cupp, C. G. Koch, J. L. W. Seibert, T. G. Clewell, R. Yeakel, J. D. Hollinger. New York Conference. — M. Lehn, M. Lauer, D. Fisher, M. Pfitzinger. Illinois Conference. — John Schneider, S. Dickover, J. Schaffle, H. Rohland, C. Kopp, S. A. Tobias, J. F. Schnee, G.W. Lechler, C. Hummel, J. G. Esher, William Goessele, C. Augenstein. Ohio Conference. — C. Hammer, J. Stull, W. W. Orwig, D. Strohman, C. M. Reinhold, John Dreisbach, W. Yost, J. G. Zin- zer, G. F. Spreng, L. Sheuerman. Indiana Conference. — M. W. Steffey, M. Krueger, M. Maier, A. B. Shafer, G. G. Platz, M. Hoehn. Wisconsin Conference. — C. Fritche, L. Buehler, A. Huelster, H. Shelp, W. F. Schneider, H. Huelster. Michigan Conference. — M. J. Miller, A. Nicolai, J. Meek. Canada Conference. — S. Weber, W. Smith, Frederick Herlan, P. Alles. Iowa Conference. — R. Dubs, H. Lageschulte, W. Stegner, H. J. Bowman, H. E. Linse, A. Strohmeier. Kansas Conference. — J. F. Schreiber. 1868. East Pa. Conference, Reading, Pa., Feb. 26. Bishop J. Long, president ; S. G. Rhoads, secretary. C. Loos located. A. Goetschel received credentials. W. Dewees (local) died. Licensed— E. Shultz, I. Hoch, J. Shaffer, B. Wimmer, S. Licht, W. A. Shoemaker, A. M. Stirk, J. K. Lutz, R. Drie- belbis, S. Engel and B. H. Miller. Ordained elders — B. F. 364 B V ANGELICAL A8S0CIA T10N ANNALS. Bohner, S. Ely, A. F. Leopold, S. B. Brown, A. H. Overholt, J. C. Bliem and D. Mertz. Deacons — J. S. Shimer, J. G. Sands, W. K. Wieand, J. Laros, E. A. Hoffman, B. J. Smoyer, H. A. Neitz and S. Frankenfield. J. M. Saylor and F. Hoff- man were elected presiding elders. Districts: Philadelphia, S. Neitz, presiding elder; Easton, F. Hoffman; Allentown, J. Yeakel; Reading, J. M. Saylor; Pottsville, J. P. Leib. 1868. Central Pa. Conference, Lewisburg, Pa., March 5. Bishop J. Long, president ; J. Young, secretary. W. Reeser located. H. Althouse was granted credentials. Died — Father James Barber, also D. L. Sutton and H. Hippenstiel (locals). D. A. Kepner, H. Ream, G. E. Zehner, J. M. Price, J. Man- beck, C. H. Gramley and S. P. Remer were receired into the itinerancy. Ordained elders — P. H. Rishel, H. W. Buck, H. A. Stoke, J. G. M. Swengel and M. Sloat. Deacons — J. W. Bentz, B. W. A. Young and H. Wilhelm. M. J. Carothers and Jacob Young were elected presiding elders. Districts : Centre, M. J. Carothers, presiding elder; Susque- hanna, E. Kohr; Baltimore, J.Young. 1868. Pittsburg Conference, Rochester, Pa., March 12. Bishop J. Long, president; J. D. Hollinger, secretary. W. Haupt received license. J. A. Grimm, W. Haupt, J. Vought and Joseph Dick were received into the itinerancy. Ordained elders — L. Ross and H. Rhoads. Deacons — E. B. Arthur, J. Arkless, J. L. Bowman, G. Nicholas, J. Liebendorfer and G. Phillips. Districts: Pittsburg, S. B. Kring, presiding elder; Erie, G. W. Cupp ; Allegheny, G. S. Domer ; Somerset, D. S. Poling. 1868. Ohio Conference, Zion Church, Fairfield county, O. , May 7. Bishop J. Long, president; G. F. Spreng, secretary. W. Bernhart (local) died. W. H. Ingel, W. Schneider, J. Wonder, G. Hinkel, P. Foltz, J. Saeger, C. Stucky, H. Darr, I. N. Richert and J. S. Hancks were granted license. Ordained elder — J. Strohm. Deacons — C. F. Negele, E. E. Turner and H. Sechrist. C. M. Reinhold was re-elected presiding elder. Districts : Cleveland, J. Stoll, presiding elder ; Sandusky, D. Strohman; Scioto, C. M. Reinhold. 1868. New York Conference, Liverpool, N.Y., March 26. Bishop J. Long, president ; J. Siegrist, secretary. H. Fisher died. Licensed — G. Frech, L.Glasser and F. Hehr. Ordained CONFERENCE RECORDS. 385 deacons — A. Unholtz and M. Yauch. M. Pfitzinger was elected presiding elder. Districts: Albany, M. Pfitzinger, presiding elder; Buffalo, D. Fisher. 1868. Canada Conference, Blenheim, Can., April 2. Bishop J. Long, president; P. Alles, secretary. Licensed — C. Braun, S. N. Moyer and C. Pfeffer.- S. Bean, of the Wesleyan Church, was received. Ordained elders — P. Winkler, L. Rothermel and W. Schwandt. Deacons — G. Bernhart, M. Maurer and J. Anthes. Districts : Waterloo, Joseph Umbach, presiding elder ; Ham- ilton, W. Schmidt. 1868. Illinois Conference, Davis, 111., April 2. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; M. Stamm, secretary. G. Langenstein, W. LlNGELBACH, E. SCHMUCKER, J. F. WORICK and J. SCHLITTLER were received on trial. Ordained elders — L. Willman, L. Kel- ler, J. Knechel and F. E. Stuewig. Deacons — M. Ellert and J. P. Wingert. Districts : Chicago, J. Schafele, presiding elder ; Naperville, J. Schneider ; Freeport, D. B. Byers ; Mendota, C. Augenstein ; Peoria, S. Dickover. 1868. Iowa Conference, Cedar Falls, Iowa, April 9. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; J. Nuhn, secretary. Located — B.Baker, W. Kolb, D. N. Long and Levi Eberhart. Received on trial — W. Klinefelter, L. Scheurer, J. Knoche and G.Youngblood. J. J. Richardson, of the M. E. Church, was received. Ordamed elder — C. Esher. Deacons — E. H. Egge, F. Beltzer and L. Schobert. H. Lageschulte was re-elected and J. Buzzard and H. J. Bowman were newly elected presiding elders. Districts : Dubuque, J. Buzzard, presiding elder ; Cedar Rap- ids, H. Lageschulte; Des Moines, H. J. Bowman. 1868. Minnesota Conference, Castle Rock, Minn., April 24, to hold its first annual session. Bishop J. J. Esher, presi- dent; H. E. Linse, secretary. Licensed — J. Huelscher and J. Frehmel. Ordained deacons — A. Knebel, G. Simon, J. Kiehnholtz and C. Werner. Israel Kuter was elected pre- siding elder. The presiding elder of St. Paul District was directed to visit the northern part of the State during the year, with a view of establishing the work. Districts: Winona, J. Kuter, presiding elder; St. Paul, W. Stegner. ' 366 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. 1868. Wisconsin Conference, Jefferson, Wis., April i&. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; H. Huelster, secretary. A. Kammerer, F. Diete, J. F. Eickert, R. Raukel, D. Herb, S. Kortenmeier, J. C. Brendel, J. Rabus, F. Trapp and A. Tar- nutzer were received. Ordained elders — W. Hueister, W. Pfefferkorn, J. Karcher and George Harm. Deacons — C. Miller, J. Thieke and E. Hack. C. A. Schnake was elected presiding elder. Districts : Milwaukee, C. A. Schnake, presiding elder ; Mad- ison, H. Schelp; FonduLac, L. Buehler; Mississippi, G. Fritsche. 1868. Michigan Conference, Flowerfield, Mich., April 9. Bishop J. Long, president; J. Meck, secretary. Licensed — G. Haller, E. Weisbrodt, T. Davis and J. Rhoads. Ordained elders — J. M. Fuchs and R. Spatz. Deacon — S. Copley. A. Nicolai was re-elected presiding elder. Districts: Detroit, A. Nicolai, presiding elder; St. Joseph, M. J. Miller. 1868. Kansas Conferencej school house, Nickel's Grove, Kan., March 26. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; C Berner, secretary. C Comstock was licensed. J. F. Schreiber, pre- siding elder of the Conference District. 1868. Indiana Conference, South Bend, Ind. , Sept. 10. Bishop J. Long, president ; M. Klaiber, secretary. Licensed — J. Wales, C. Harte, A. Scheitler, A.Troyer and Enos Troyer. Ordained elders — C. F. Matheis, E. Shamo, J. Berger and S. Kiplinger. Deacons — F. Launer, J. Miller, J. Mayer and E. Condo. Districts : Wabash, G. G. Plata, presiding elder ; White River, M. Meyer; Elkhart, M. Krueger. 1869. East Pa. Conference, Salem Church, Philadelphia, Pa., Feb. 24. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; Jesse Yeakel, secretary. J. Frey located. A. Saylor, I. Deppen and L. Ruhl died. Licensed — M. Canzler, N. Heil, N. Kaufman, A. Weaver, A. Light, F. B. Luttman, W. W. Hambright, S. L. Wiest and W. Wagoner. E. Bast and L. Schmidt were again received. Ordained elders — J. N. Metzgar, J. K. Knerr, L. N. Worman, J. C. Hornberger, G. Scharf and L. H. Gehman. Deacons- — S. K. Seyfrit, I. E. Zimmerman, D. B. Albright, H. E.Oehrle, W. A. Leopold and F. Sechrist. Districts: Philadelphia, S. Neitz, presiding elder; Easton, CONFERENCE RECORDS. 367 F. Hoffman; Allentown, J. Yeakel; Reading, J. M.< Saylor; Pottsville, J. P. Leib. 1869. Central Pa. Conference, Baltimore, Md., March 4. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; J.Young, secretary. Located — W. P. Thomas and P. Graham. Granted credentials — H. R. Price, J. Herm and F. Methfessel. H. B. Hartzler was received. Licensed — P. F. Coup, W. H. Stover, M. Walton, P. S. Orwig, I. S. Frain, P. Raidabaugh, H. Conrad, J. M. King, H. Schriber, S. Stayman, W. M. Croman, W.'Row, J. W. Graham and J. Dum. Ordained as elder — D. A. Kepner. Deacons — U. F. Swengel, J. M. Price, A. W. Kramer, W. P. Thomas and J. M. Ettinger. Districts : Baltimore, J. Young, presiding elder ; Centre, M. J. Carothers; Susquehanna, E. Kohr. 1869. Pittsburg Conference, near Orangeville, Pa., March 17. S. B. Kring, president; J. D. Hollinger, secretary. J. S. Seip,. J. Woodhull, A. J. Myers, D. Baumgardner, J. Esch, G. Felix, C. Helsel, J. T. Bowls, B. F. Feit, C. Dehaven and A. W. Teats were licensed on trial. Ordained elders — L. M. Boyer, P. W. Platts and S. Werner. Deacons — G.W. Brown, J. Vogel, J. A. Grimm, J. A. Dunlap and W. Moody. A com- mittee was appointed to write a letter of condolence to Bishop Long, who was ill and could not preside at the session. Districts : Pittsburg, S. B. Kring, presiding elder ; Erie, G. W. Cupp; Allegheny, G. S. Domer; Somerset, D. S. Poling. 1869. New York Conference, Warsaw, N. Y. , April 1 . Bishop J. J. Esher, president; J. Siegrist, secretary. Jacob Dereich died (born in Germany in 1805, licensed in 1841. An original member of the conference and traveled many years). J. G. Sie- grist was licensed. Ordained elder — A. Luscher. Deacons — P. Glantz and E. Weier. L. Jacoby was elected presiding elder. Districts: Albany, L. Jacoby, presiding elder; Buffalo, M. Pfitzinger. 1869. Canada Conference, Waterloo, Can. , April 1 5 . Bishop J. J. Esher, president; C. A. Thomas, secretary. Licensed — J. Lingelbach, H. Dierlam, J. Walter and F. F. Meyer. Or- dained elder — G. Brown. Deacon — J. Matzolf. C. F. Boller entered the New York Conference. Districts: Waterloo, Joseph Umbach, presiding elder ; Ham- ilton, W. Schmidt. 308 E V ANGELICAL AS80CIA T10N ANN ALB. 1869. Kansas Conference, Oregon, Mo., March 18. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; C. Berner, secretary. Licensed — E. Troyer and C. Emmel. Ordained elders — J. Wurth, H. Haas and C. Zimmer. Deacons — J. Beck, H. Mattill and W. Fol- get. C. Berner and J. G. Pfeuffer were elected to the office of presiding elder. Districts : Kansas, C. Berner, presiding elder ; Missouri, J. G. Pfeuffer. 1869. Michigan Conference, Bainbridge, Mich., April 8. M. J. Miller, president; J. M. Haug, secretary. Licensed — E. K. Dewitt. Ordained elder — C. S. Brown. Deacons — J. Orth, C. Wiest and E. Boyer. Received into the itinerancy — C. Thomas, P. Wiest and E. Boyer. Districts: St. Joseph, M. J. Miller, presiding elder; Detroit, A. Nicolai. 1869. Ohio Conference, Sandusky, O., May 6. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; H. Longbrake, secretary. Licensed — S. Shupp, G. F. Heinrich, H. H. Harrod, D. Curles and A. Vandersal. Ordained elders — E. Peer, G. Blaser and D. ,Stoll. Deacons — E. Reif and J. Plants. E. A. Hoffman, of the East Pa. Conference, was received. Jonas Strohm joined the Iowa Conference. J. Stoll was re-elected presiding elder. Districts : Cleveland, C. M. Reinhold, presiding elder ; San- dusky, D. Strohman ; Scioto, J. Stoll. 1869. Illinois Conference, Washington, 111. , April 8. Bishop J. J. Esher, president ; A. S. Heilman, secretary. J. G. Zinzer, of the Ohio Conference, was received. J. G. Miller and A. Finger joined the Wisconsin Conference. Located — G. W. Lechler, G. Ramige, A. Niebel, C. Kopp and S. A. Tobias. Licensed — W. Neitz, A. Knobel, W. H. Bucks, A. J. Culver, H. H. Duth, A. Fuesele, J. Reif and A. Bartels. Ordained - elders — W. W. Schuler and V. Forkel. Deacons — H. Meier and A. Rohrbach. S. Dickover was elected presiding elder. Districts : Chicago, J. Schaefele, presiding elder ; Naperville, J. Schneider ; Freeport, D. B. Byers ; Mendota, C. Augenstein Peoria, S. Dickover. 1869. Iowa Conference, Belle Plain, Iowa, April 22. Bishop £ J. Esher, president ; J. Nuhn, secretary. Jacob Zimmerman died. Licensed — W. Tallerheit, G. C. Heckathorn, Obed Long, J. Herwig, S. Stoll, H. Reisland, F. Zager, S. Fen- ..stermacher and J. Burden. Received on probation — C. C. CONFERENCE RECORDS. 369 Pfund and George Bremer. Ordained elders — J. F. Yerger, H. Brauer and H. Kohl. Deacons — D. H. Kooker, E. F. Mell and L. Sheurer. L. H. Gehman joined the East Pa. and H. Bunse the Minnesota Conference. Districts: Cedar Rapids, H. Lageschulte, presiding elder; Dubuque, Joseph Buzzard ; Des Moines, H. J. Bowman. 1869. Minnesota Conference, East Prairie, Minn., May 14. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; C. Brill, secretary. Licensed — A. Walch. Ordained deacons — G. Knebel and L. Miller. Districts : Winona, Israel Kuter, presiding elder ; St. Paul, W. Stegner. 1869. Wisconsin Conference, Milwaukee, Wis., April 27. Bishop J. J. Esher, president ; W. Horn, secretary. M. Hauert, J. Banzhof and T. Rabus died. Licensed — A. Piepenburg, M Werner, J. Fritsche and H. Umbreit. Ordained elders — H. Guelich, F. Strobel, J. Koch and T. Umbreit. Deacons — F. Moser, A. Yockel, O. Kuterling, J. Kahl, F. J. Scheir- mier, G. ZiMMERMAN and F. Assman. H. Huelster was elected to the office of presiding elder. Districts : Milwaukee, C. A. Schnake, presiding elder ; Fon du Lac, H. Schelp ; Madison, H. Huelster ; Mississippi, G. Fritsche. 1869. Indiana Conference, Olney, 111., Sept. 9. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; M. Klaiber, secretary. Licensed — S. Condo, W. Koenig, E. Hochstetler, W. Lueder, C. L. Atkin- son, W. Knaubloch, W. Wildermuth, Jacob Dreisbach and J. Maurer. Ordained elders — A. Hartzler, S. S. Albert, A. Parker, D. Pontius and C. Ade. Deacons — G. Wales and J. K. Troyer. A. Parker joined the Iowa Conference. Note. — June 23 of this year marks the demise of Bishop Joseph Long, the second bishop of the Evangelical Association. The periodicals were draped in mourning, and a general gloom over- spread the entire Church. The reader is referred to the biograph- ical department for a further account of this mighty man of God. 1870. East Pa. Conference, Catasauqua, Pa., Feb. 23. J. J. Esher, president; J. Yeakel, secretary. Licensed — S. F. Dundore, J. M. Soliday, A. Straub, E. Gaumer, I. W. Yeakel, J. A. Feger, D. S. Stauffer, M. Trumbore and M. N. Bern- hart. Ordained elders — H. A. Neitz, B. J. Smoyer, W. K. Wiend, J. Laros and J. G. Sands. Deacons — A. M. Stirk, A. Kindt, J. L. Werner, J. Savitz and G. Miller. Located 370 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALB. — J. Shimer. S. Neitz was re-elected and C. S. Haman was newly elected presiding elder. Districts: Philadelphia, C. S. Haman, presiding elder; Easton, F. Hoffman; Allentown, J. Yeakel; Reading, J. M. Saylor; Pottsville, S. Neitz. 1870. Central Pa. Conference, Williamsport, Pa., March 4. J. J. Esher, president; J. Hartzler, secretary. Died — M. Walter, P. Graham, P. Wagoner and T. Zulauf. Located — I. Y. Reed. Licensed — W. N. Wallace, L. K. Harris, E. Swengel, A. W. Shenberger, J. A. Irvine and B. Craly. Ordained elders — J. W. Bentz and S. I. Shortiss. Deacons — H. H. Ream, S. P. Reamer, H. B. Hartzler, S. Yearick, J. Swartz, C H. Gramlv, G. E. Zehner, J. Manbeck, A. Houser and J. Shafer. Districts : Baltimore, E. Kohr, presiding elder ; Centre, M. J. Carothers ; Susquehanna, J. Young. 1870. Pittsburg Conference, Pittsburg, Pa., March 17. J. J. Esher, president ; J. Q. A. Weller, secretary. D. Stayer and A. R. Teats, withdrew. Licensed — H. S. Herr, D. B. Enterline, N. Yoder, A. Platt, S. M. Baumgardner, H. S. Stauffer, J. King, T. Eisenhower and I. A. Rohland. Or- dained elder — E. B. Arthur. Deacons W. Houpt, J. H. Bates and J. Spatz. S. B. Kring and D. S. Poling were re-elected and J. D. Hollinger and J. L. W. Seibert were newly elected pre- siding elders. Districts : Pittsburg, G. S. Domer, presiding elder ; Erie, S. B. Kring; Allegheny, J. D. Hollinger; Somerset, J. L. W. Seibert ; Potomac, D. S. Poling. 1870. Ohio Conference, Flat Rock, Ohio, May 5. J. J. Esher, president; H. Longbrake, secretary. A. Miller, died. Licensed — J. D. Seip, D. H. Rosenberger, O. Faus J. Lusler, G. Miesse and J. Schmaus. E. Tramer, A. Ware, C. H. Lintner and J. F. Wonder took credential. C. F. Negele and E. C. Turner were voted elder's, and N. Shupp, W. H. Ingel, P. Foltz, S. Hippert, A. Ruble, D. B. Johnson, J. N. Richards, J. Yauch and J. H. Hauks were voted deacon's orders. Districts: Cleveland, J. Frankhouser, presiding elder; San- dusky, J. Stoll ; Fremont, C. M. Reinhold ; Scioto, D. Strohman. 1870. New York Conference, March 10. J. J. Esher, president; J. Siegrist, secretary. Licensed to preach — H. CONFERENCE RECORDS. 371 Bush, K. F. Stuebe, G. Stortz and A. L. Link. Ordained elders — A. Unholtz and M. Yauch. Deacons — G. Frech, F. Heher and S. Bean. Districts: Albany, L. Jacoby, presiding elder; Buffalo, M. Pfitzinger. 1870. Canada Conference, Stephen, Ont., March 31. J. J. Esher, president; P. Alles, secretary. J. Reuber was licensed to preach. J. Anthes, M. Maurer and C. Stener- nagel were voted elder's, and S. N. Moyer, C. Braun and J. Bechtel were granted deacon's orders. Districts : Hamburg, Joseph Umbach, presiding elder ; Wat- erloo, W. Schmidt; Hamilton, S. Kropp. 1870. Wisconsin Conference, near Jefferson, Wis., April 28. J. J. Esher, president; J. Huelster, secretary. The fol- lowing were licensed — U. Elmer, J. Schneller, Chas. Koch, Michael Russ, J. Dietrich, Alex. Wagoner, Karl Graff and W. Kammerer. Also Chas. Buehner, of the M. E. Church, was received. Elders ordained — J. P. Veil and C. Miller. Deacons — J. C. Brendel, A. Kammerer, D. Herb, S. Kort- myer, L. Kunkel and F. Dite. Districts : Milwaukee, C. A. Schnake, presiding elder ; Mad- ison, H. Huelster ; Fond du Lack, H. Schelp ; N. Mississippi, G. Fritsche. 1870. Indiana Conference, Indianapolis, Ind., Sept. 8. J. J. Esher, president ; M. Hoehn, secretary. Absalom B. Shaeffer and G. W. Wales, died. Licensed — L. Grimm, H. Overmier, W. Braeckly and Cleophas Baumgardner. Re- ceived — H. Price, of the Central Pa., and E. Tramer, of the Ohio Conference. C. Ade, D. J. Pontius, B. Hoffman, E. E. Condo and J. E. Dreisbach took credentials. F. Launer, J. Miller, J. A. Mayer and C. Schuh, were granted elder's, and J. Wales, deacon's orders. Districts: Wabash, G. G. Platz, presiding elder; Indian- apolis, M. Mayer; Elkhart, M. Krueger. 1870. Illinois Conference, Des Plaines, 111., April 14. J. J. Esher, president; M. Stamm, secretary. Died — N. McLean and E. Wirth. Located — A. Stahle, H. Bucks, E. Mussel- man and J. F. Weirich. Licensed — T. Alberding, G. Lauten- slager, G. Eichenlaub, A. Schlenkel and C. H. Kolb. Or- dained deacons — W. F. Heidner, C. Schmucker, C. Burkhart and J. Hersch. Elders — J. P. Wingert and M. Eller. S. 373 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. Dickover resigned ' the office of presiding elder, and John Schneider and C. Augenstein were re-elected, and W. Goes- sele newly elected to the same. Districts : Chicago, J. Schaffle, presiding elder ; Naperville, C. Augenstein ; Mendota, J. Schneider j Freeport, D. B. Byers ; Peoria, W. Goessele. 1870. Iowa Conference, Blairstown, Iowa, April 21. J. J. Esher, president; Jacob Nuhn, German, H. J. Bowman, Eng- lish secretary. J. M. Condo, died. Licensed — F. Zager, J. Lehew, J. H. Pippert, M. Knoll, F. Drake, W. Neuman, Otto Ball and W. Warfield. E. H. Egge, L. Schobert, J. J. Richardson and H. Kletzing were voted elder's, and J. Knoche, G. Youngblood, W. Kleinfelter, C. W. Anthony and W. H. Hahn, deacon's orders. Districts: Cedar Rapids, H. Lageschulte, presiding elder; Dubuque, Joseph Bossert; Des Moines, H. J. Bowman; Ne- braska, E. J. Schultz. 1870. Michigan Conference, Freedom, Mich., April 7. J. J. Esher, president; J. M. Haug, secretary. Licensed — Samuel Heininger, E. H. Hess, J. H. Keeler, George Kolb and J. Tim. B. F. Wade was voted deacon's and C. Copley elder's orders. M. J. Miller was re-elected and J. Meck was newly elected presiding elder. Districts: Adrian, A. Nicolai, presiding elder; St. Joseph, M. J. Miller; Flint, J. Meck. 1870. Minnesota Conference, Pleasant Grove, Minn., May 12. J. J. Esher, president; E. H. Bowman, secretary. L. Miller, died. Licensed — J. Zimmerman, J. Manthei, P. Bott, J. L. Stegner and A. Schmidt. A. Knebel, J. Keinholtz, G. Simon and G. Yohn were granted elder's orders and J. Heil- scher and J. Drehmel deacon's. Districts: Winona, Israel Kuter, presiding elder; St. Paul, W. Stegner. 1870. Kansas Conference, Deer Creek, Kan., March 24. J. G. Pfeuffer, president; C. Berner, secretary. F. W. Voegelein, C. Linge, H. Koepsei. and S. Schneider were newly received. Deacon's orders were granted W. Lingelbach. Conference organized itself into a Sunday-School and Tract Society. Districts: Kansas, C. Berner, presiding elder; Missouri, J. G. Pfeuffer. CONFERENCE RECORDS. 373 1871. East Pa. Conference, Lebanon, Pa., Feb. 22. Bishop J. J. Esher, president ; J. Koehl, secretary. S. Dundore (local) died. Licensed — E. J. Miller, W. Minsker, M. Steckley, A. A. Delong, A. Hofsomer, J. F. Wolfarth, U. H. Hershey, J. K. Fehr, S. S. Young, W. W. Weaver and S. H. Dunkel- berger. A. Markley, of the M. E. Church, was received ; R. Mott, of the Pittsburg Conference, was also received. Ordained elders — W. A. Leopold, J. K. Seyfrit, I. E. Zimmerman, F. Sechrist and B. D. Albright. Deacons — W. A. Shoemaker, S. L. Wiest, J. Kurtz, O. L. Saylor, R. Driebelbis, J. Moyer, D. Lehman and J. Painter. J. Yeakel was re-elected and T. Bowman newly elected presiding elder. New missions — Wilkes- Barre, Scranton, Newmanstown, Shamokin, Tremont, Hamburg, Hellertown, Williams Valley and Schuylkill Haven (English). Districts: Philadelphia, C. S. Haman, presiding elder ; Read- ing, J. M. Saylor ; Harrisburg, F. Hoffman ; Pottsville, T. Bow- man; Allentown, S. Neitz; Easton, J. Yeakel. 1871. Central Pa. Conference, York, Pa., March 2. Bishop J. J. Esher, president ; I. M. Pines, secretary. Licensed — A. Stapleton, J. Fenner, H. Hummelbach,. G. Jackson, H. Gren- inger, R. C. Bowersox, R. Young, N. Young and C. Stroup. Ordained elders — J. M. Ettinger, U. F. Swengel, A. Kramer and J. M. Price. Deacons — J. M. King, H. Conrad, P. S. Orwig, P. W. RaidabaUgh, W. M. Croman and W. W. Rhoads. M. Walton died. E. Kohr resigned the office of presiding elder owing to ill-health, and C. F. Deininger and S. Smith were were elected to the same. An appeal from Seneca charge, New York State, to supply their charge abandoned by the New York Conference, was favorably considered. Williamsport District was formed. Districts : Baltimore, J. Young, presiding elder ; Carlisle, C. F. Deininger; Lewisburg, M. J.Carothers; Williamsport, S.Smith. 1871. Pittsburg Conference, Erie, Pa., March 15. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; J. D. Hollinger, secretary. J. Shimp died. Licensed — W. M. Stanford, L. H. Hetrick.W. D.Ortz, F. Bone, S. Milliron, W. Kunselman, J. J. Carmany and G. W. White, H. R. Gathers, of the Lutheran Church, was re- ceived. Ordained elders — J. A. Grimm, G. W. Brown and J. A. Dunlap. Deacons — B. F. Feitt, A. J. Myers, J. Woodhull and Y. Esch. 374 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. Districts : Pittsburg, G. S. Domer, presiding elder ; Erie, S. B. Kring; Allegheny, J. D. Hollinger; Somerset, J. L.W. Seibert. 1871. New York Conference, Lyons, N.Y., March 9. Bishop J. J. Esher, president. S. Sechrist, secretary. C. L. Witt was licensed. Ordained elder — P. Glantz and E. Wier. Deacon — G. Sechrist. M. Lauer was elected presiding elder. Received into the itinerancy — J. Schaf, C. L.Witt, J. REUBERand A. Schlenk. Districts: Albany, L. Jacoby, presiding elder; Rochester, M. Pfitzingcr; Buffalo, M. Lauer. 1871. Canada Conference, Berlin, Can., March 30. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; C. A. Thomas, secretary. S; Morely located. F. Brekow was licensed. C. Pfeffer and F. Brekow were received into conference. Ordained deacons — G.M.Groff, F. F. Meyer and J. Lingelbach. J. McCauly, of the Menno- nite Church, was received as an elder. Districts : Hamburg, J. Umbach, presiding elder ; Waterloo, W. Schmidt; Hamilton, S. Krupp. 1871. Ohio Conference, Cleveland, Ohio, May 4. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; H. Longbrake, secretary. A. Decker and C. Aubel, died. Licensed — S. Frey, D. Ellenberger, W. Kitchen, J. U. Loy, A. W. Orwig, C. B. Pershing and L. W. Henky. Ordained elders — S. E. Rife and J. Plantz. Dea- cons — A. Vandersall, G. Heinrich, B. Berry and J. Zeller. A. Lochner again joined the conference. S. Hoy and J. W. Walkey were elected presiding elders. Districts : Cleveland, J. Stull, presiding elder ; Sandusky, C. M. Reinhold; Freemont, J. W. Walkey; Columbus, S. Hoy. 1871. Illinois Conference, Chicago, 111., April 13. Bishop J. J. Esher, president, G. Vetter, secretary. H. Heiner (local), died. Located — D. Kramer, J. F. Schnee and H. Rothermund. Licensed — G. C. Knoble, S. Hansing, W. Trapp, S. Umbach, C. Stockhowe, J. Wellner, H. Lashell, S. Petett, D. E. Fehr, F. Busse, J. Tobias and M. E. Myers. Ordained elders — A. Rohrbach, H. Myers and E. E. Condo. Deacons — A. Knoble, J. Reif, W. Neitz, L. Glasser, A. Fuessele, H. Honstett, H. H. Doth, J. Myers and J. Erb. Christian Augenstein resigned the office of presiding elder and Jacob Himmel was elected to the same. Districts: Chicago, J. Schafle, presiding elder; Naperville, J. Himmel; Freeport, D. B. Byers; Mendota, J. Schneider; Peoria, W. Goessele. OONFBRENOE RECORDS. ■ 375 1871. Michigan Conference, Van Buren, Ind., April 6. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; J. M. Hogue, secretary. Lo- cated — J. Paulin, P. Wiest and E. Boyer. Licensed —J. W. Loose, L. Kemmerling, C. Schafer, L. Brum, J. Long, C. Dietrich and F. Sweitzer. Ordained elders — E. Weis, J. Orth and D. C. Rowlan. Deacons — W. Reimke, E. H. Hess and J. H. Keeler. Districts: Adrian, A. Nicolai, presiding elder; Flint, J. Meek; St. Joseph, M. J. Miller. 1871. Iowa Conference. Ackley, Iowa, April 20. Bishop J. J. Esher, president! H. Brauer, secretary. Located — F. Zager. J. J. Miller, D. J. Pontius, A. Bussard, W. King and A. Wagoner were received into the itinerancy. Ordained elders — L. Scheurer, D. H. Kooker and E. F. Mell. Dea- cons — O. Long, G. Brenner, W. H. Bucks, C. C. Pfund, J. J. Miller and S. Reep. A. Loehner took credentials for an- other conference. Districts: Cedar Rapids, H. Lageschulte, presiding elder, Dubuque, J. Bussard; Des Moines, H. J. Bowman; Nebraska, E. J. Schultz. 1871. Wisconsin Conference, Racine, Wis., April 27. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; W. Horn, secretary. Located — G. von Eschen. Licensed — J. Robinson, W. Kemmerer, H. Clement, F. G. Gehler and F. Nickel. Ordained elders — A. Yokel, O. Kuderling, F. F. Moser, J. Kahl, G. Zimmer- man and F. Assman. Deacons — A. Peipenburgh, W. Kaun, M. Werner, A. Finger, H. Assman, P. Jenny, F. Muejil, J. Zimmerman and H. Uphof. G. Fritsche was re-elected and P. Massueger newly elected presiding elder. Districts : Milwaukee, C. A. Schnake, presiding elder ; Mad- ison, H. Huelster; Fon du Lac, G. Fritsche; Mississippi, P. Massueger. 1871. Kansas Conference, Salem Church, thirteen miles east of St. Joseph, Mo., March 23. Bishop J. J. Esher, presi- dent ; C. Berner, secretary. Located — C. Zimmer. Licensed — J. Emmel, F. Harter, J. Gering, W. Luttman, J. Kipp- linger and J. Shesser. Ordained elders — W. Folgate, J. Beck and H. Mattill. Deacons — W. Lingelbach, L. Emmel and E. Troyer. Districts : Kansas, C. Berner, presiding elder ; Missouri, J. G. Pfeuffer. 376 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALB. 1871. Minnesota Conference, St. Paul, Minn., May 12. Bishop J. J. Esher, president ; H. E. Linse, secretary. Israel KtJTER took credentials for another conference. Licensed — W. Lentz, C. W. Sydow and H. Hensel. Ordained elder — G. Knebel. Deacon — A. Walsh. W. Stegner was again and L. von Wald newly elected presiding elder. Districts: Winona, W. Stegner, presiding elder; St. Paul, L. von Wald. 1871. Indiana Conference, Louisville, Ky., Sept. 7. Bishop J. J. Esher, president ; J. Berger, secretary. Located — G. G. Platz, G. Schmoll and S. Albert. L. V. Krim, died. Or- dained elder — J. K. Troyer. Deacons — J. Maurer, S. S. Condo, W. Lueder and W. Koenig. M. W. Steffey, John Fuchs, M. Meier and H. L. Fisher were elected presiding elders. Districts: Evansville, M. Meyer, presiding elder; Indian- apolis, J. Fuchs; Fort Wayne, M. W. Steffey; Elkhart, H. L. Fisher. CHAPTER XV. Fifteenth General Conference, Held at Naperville, III., Oct. 12-27, 1871. 1871. General Conference, fifteenth session, Naperville, 111., Oct. 12-27. Bishops J. J. Esher and R. Yeakel, presi- dents; J. Yeakel, secretary; C. A. Thomas and S. Smith, assistants. The delegates were required to change their lodging places, every Monday noon. The Committee on Memorials reported the death of Bishop Joseph Long and Father John Dreisbach, P. Wagoner, A. B. Schaefer and J. D. Hollinger, former members of General Conference, since the last session. Union with the Methodist Episcopal Church occupied a considerable portion of time. The delegates present from the Methodist Episcopal Church to open the way for an organic union with that body were Revs. R. Haney, P. Kuhl and W. Nast, D. D. The measure failed, however, to command the requisite number of votes (two-thirds). The agitation regarding the changing of our denominational name was also closed by a recommendation to adopt the name of " The Evangelical Church," which did not pass. The pastoral limit was increased from two to three years. The resolution of the General Conference of 1851, giving per- mission to preachers and congregations to introduce a six months' probation system in the reception of members was rescinded. It was ordered that the bishops shall draw any deficit that may be due them for salary quarterly from the book establishment. Biblical Institutes, rules and regulations for the establish- ment of Theological Institutions under the auspices of the Church were established. 378 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. Resolved, That all the officers of the book establishment shall be members of the Ohio Conference. The monthly magazines, The Living Epistle and Das Evan- gelische Magazin,yrere accepted from their proprietors, and were made denominational publications. The Sunday-school papers were ordered to be published semi-monthly, and contain the Sunday-school lessons. T. Bowman, R, Dubs and J. Young were elected as a dele- gation to bear the fraternal greeting of the Evangelical Associa- tion to the General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church at its next session. The following were elected to the various offices of the church: Bishops, J. J. Esher and R. Yeakel; general book agent, W. F. Schneider; editor of Christliche Botschafter, R. Dubs ; editor of Evangelical Messenger, J. Hartzler ; editor of Das Evan- geliche Magazin and Christliche Kinderfreund, W\ Horn ; editor of The Living Epistle and Sunday-School Messenger, J. Young ; Corresponding Secretary of the Missionary Society, W. Yost ; Treasurer of Missionary Society, W. W. Orwig; Superintend- ent of Orphan Home, C. Hammer ; editor of Evangelische Bot- schafter (in Germany), J. Kaechele ; editor of Evangelische . Kinderfreund (Germany), J. Fuessele. Delegates. — East Pa. Conference. — J. M. Saylor, F. Hoff- man, J. P. Leib, C. S. Hainan, George Knerr, L. Snyder, S. G. Rhoads, T. Bowman, S. Neitz, C. H. Baker, J. Yeakel. Central Pa. Conference. — M. J. Carothers, Jacob Young, C. F. Deininger, Z. Hornberger, S. Smith, Jacob Hartzler, S. W. Seibert. Pittsburg Conference.—]. D. Domer, J. Q. A. Weller, G. S. Domer, S. B. Kring, J. L. W. Seibert, James Croasman. Illinois Conference. — John Schneider, Jacob Schaefle, Jacob Himmel, S. Dickover, C. Hummel, G. Vetter, J. G. Esher, W. G-oesele, H. Rohland, J. G. Zinzer. Indiana Conference. — M.W. Steffey, John Fuchs, M. Krueger, E. L. Kiplinger, M. Mayer, H. L. Fisher. Wisconsin Conference. — C. A. Schnake, H. Huelster, H. Schelp, G. Fritsche, P. Massueger, W. Horn. Canada Conference. — W. Schmidt, P. Alles^J. Umbach, C. A. Thomas. Michigan Conference. — J. Meek, M. J. Miller, A. Nicolai, J. M. Haug. CONFERENCE RECORDS. 379 Iowa Conference. — H. Lageschulte, J. Buzzard, H. J. Bow- man. J. C. Schultz. New York Conference. — M. Lehn, M. Lauer, M. Pfitzinger. Ohio Conference. — W. W. Orwig, G. F. Spreng, L. Scheuer- man, J. Stoll, D. Strohman,C. M. Reinhold, J.W.Walkey, S. Hoy. Minnesota Conference. — C. Brill, W. Stegner. Kansas Conference. — J. G. Pfeiffer, C. Berner. Germany Conference. — J. Kaechele. Ex-officio members — J. J. Esher, R. Dubs, W. F. Schneider, W. Yost, R. Yeakel. Note. — Several events of great importance transpired during this year. In January T. G. Clewell, who, since April, 1857, had been the able editor of the Evangelical Messenger, was sus- pended from office by the Board of Publication on the charge of holding and supporting views contrary to our Articles of Faith, and particularly so, as they relate to the subject of sanctification. He was succeeded by R. Yeakel, who was appointed by the Board of Publication. Brother Clewell held that the board had no authority to remove him in the manner it did, and appealed to the civil courts to prevent it. For this and other alleged misconduct he was deposed from the ministry. He was, how- ever, restored again at the session of the Pittsburg Conference in March following. The case created considerable feeling throughout the Church. The East and Central Pa. Conferences, while disapproving of Brother Clewell's invoking the arm of the law, maintained that the board acted without sufficient reason or jurisdiction. Among the objections of the East Pa. Confer- ence to the proceedings were that a diversity of opinion regard- ing the doctrine of sanctification had always existed in the Church, and Brother Clewell's views being well known prior to his last election, he should have at that time been brought to account; and further, that the articles from his pen, on which the charges were based, did not contain sufficient reasons for his suspension. At the following General Conference the proceed- ings of the board in the case were nevertheless ratified. In August the Church periodicals were draped in mourning at the death of Father John Dreisbach, the last co-laborer of Albright, the founder of the Evangelical Association. The reader is referred to his biography in this work. On October 4 occurred the death of Rev. J. D. Hollinger, presiding elder of Allegheny District, Pittsburg Conference, at the age of thirty-two years, nine months and twelve days. He 380 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNAL8. was converted in youth and received a thorough education at Greensburg Seminary, entered the Pittsburg Conference as a licentiate in 1861, was twice elected delegate to General Confer- ence and presiding elder in 1870. He was one of the most brilliant and promising young men of the Church, and his untimely death was greatly lamented. The Church also sustained the loss of Father Daniel Kehr, son of Jacob and Mary Kehr, who lived a few miles west of New Berlin, Pa. Their house was a preaching place in Albright's time. Daniel was converted in youth, entered the Eastern Con- ference in 1830, was elected presiding elder in 1842 and served Carmel and Potomac Districts in succession. Brother Kehr was a member of five General Conferences. He excelled in his command of the Scriptures. In this he often astonished not only the laity, but his ministerial brethren as well. He died near the "Loop," Centre county, Pa., Sept. 9, 1871, aged sixty-eight years. Text (his own selection), Dan. xii. 13. 1872. East Pa. Conference, Pine Grove, Pa., Feb. 28. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; T. Bowman, secretary. Licensed to preach — D. A. Medlar, C. Bliem, J. M. Oplinger, J. Wil- son, H. R. Yost, C. Pfeifle, T. Hess, C. Brown, S. Newhart and W. N. Nicholas. Ordained elders — J. L. Werner, J. Savitz, A. M. Stirk and A. Kindt. Deacons — I. W. Yeakel, J. A. Feger, B. H. Miller, D. S. Stauffer, A. A. DeLong, E. Miller and J. K. Fehr. J. M. Saylor was re-elected and G. T. Haines was newly elected presiding elder. The salary of preachers was fixed. The minimum shall be $250 for the first two years and #500 thereafter. Samuel Brown, a local preacher, died during the year. Districts: Philadelphia, C. S. Haman, presiding elder; Read- ing, G. T. Haines; Harrisburg, J. M. Saylor; Pottsville, T. Bowman ; Allentown, S. Neitz ; Easton, J. Yeakel. 1872. Central Pa. Conference, Baltimore, Md., March 7. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; Z. Hornberger, secretary. Li- censed to preach — E.Goodling, H. Berger, L. Dice, S. Herold, P. Graham, F. C. Pandel, R. W. Runyan, G. W. Currin, L. Matthias, J. A. Hetner, E. M. Beaver, J. M. Brader, A. W. Bower, S. Harding, H. Bower, F. M. Baker, A. J. Gramly, G. W. Gilmore, J. M. Longsdorf and C. F. Veil. Ordained elders — G. E. Zehner, H. B. Hartzler, S. P. Reamer, S. Yearick, H. Ream and C. H. Gramly. Deacons — A. W. Shen- CONFERENCE RECORDS. 381 berger, W. H. Stover, L. K. Harris and G. L. Burson. Died — Daniel Kehr and Peter Heiss. A. L. Reeser was newly and M. J. Carothers was re-elected presiding elder. The sal- ary was fixed as follows : Minimum — Unordained, single, $200 ; ordained, single, #300; ordained, married, $500. Districts: Baltimore, C. F. Deininger, presiding elder ; Car- lisle, A. L. Reeser ; Lewisburg, M. J. Carothers ; Williamsport, S. Smith. 1872. Pittsburg Conference, Allegheny, Pa., March 17. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; J. J. Bernhart, secretary. Licensed — W. Stadtlander, J. Garner, T. Bach, L. I. Baum- gardner and R. Sneadon. Ordained elders — W. Houpt and J. H. Bates. Deacons — S. M. Baumgardner, J. King, D. M. Baumgardner and I. A. Rohland. J. D. Hollinger, presiding elder, died. G. W. Cupp and H. B. Sommers were re-elected and G. S. Domer was newly elected presiding elder. The salary of preachers was fixed as follows : Minimum (besides house) — First year, single, $200; married, #300. Second year, single, #300; married, $400. Thereafter — single, $400; married, $600. T. G. Clewell and C. W. Davis took credentials. Districts: Pittsburg, S. B. Kring, presiding elder; Canton, H. B. Summers ; Allegheny, G. W. Cupp ; Somerset, J. L. W. Seibert; Franklin, G. S. Domer. 1872. New York Conference, Buffalo, N.Y., March 7. R. Ye akel, president ; J. Sechrist, secretary. Licensed — C. Roe- her, A. Bornheimer and C. Mowitz. Ordained elders — G. Frech, S. Bean and F. Hehr. Deacons — J. Reuber and A. Schlenk. M. Pfitzinger was re-elected presiding elder. Districts: Albany, L. Jacoby, presiding elder; Rochester, M. Pfitzinger; Buffalo, M. Lauer. 1872. Canada Conference, New Hamburg, Ont., April 11. Bishop J. J. Esher, president ; C. A. Thomas, secretary. Li- censed — F. Schwartz and J. H. Damm. Ordained elders — C. F. Braun and N. S. Moyer. Deacons — H. Dierlam and C. Pfeffer. Districts : Hamburg, J. Umbach, presiding elder ; Waterloo, W. Schmidt; Hamilton, S. Krupp. 1872. Ohio Conference, Burbank.O., May 2. R.Yeakel, president; J. Lerch, secretary. John Dreisbach and John Frueh died. Licensed — W. Shisler, H. Spitler, A. Stull, J. Drinkwater, G. Ellenberger and V. Brown. Ordained elders 382 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION AHNAL8. — J. S. Hanks, N. Shupp, S. Hippert and W. H. Ingle. Dea- cons — J. Dooly, G. Miesse and J. D. Seip. C. M. Reinhold was re-elected presiding elder. The salary (minimum) was fixed as follows: Unmarried and unordained, $200; unordained but married, $250; ordained and married, $500. The conference entered the Northwestern College compact. Districts: Cleveland, J. Stull, presiding elder; Sandusky, C. M. Reinhold ; Fremont, J. W. Walkey ; Columbus, S. Hoy. 1872. Michigan Conference, Woodland, Mich., April 4. Bishop J. J. Esher, president ; J. M. Houg, secretary. Licensed — W. D. Schafer, A. Plocher and J. Houghtby. Ordained elder — B. F. Wade. Deacons — T. F. Davis, J. Young and S. Heininger. L. Scheuerman, of the Ohio Conference, was re- ceived and elected presiding elder. A single man's salary was fixed at not less than $ 150. If married, not less than $200 for the first two years, and after that not less than $500, besides house rent. Districts : Adrian, L. Scheuerman, presiding elder ; St. Joseph, M. J. Miller; Flint, J. Meek. 1872. Illinois Conference, Geneseo, 111., April 4. R.Yea- kel, president; G. Vetter, secretary. Licensed — C. Byerer, E. D. Einsel, W. Caton and W. Schmus. W. Honstedt died. Ordained elders — C. Schmucker and C. Burkhart. Deacons — T. Alberding, G. Laugenstein, G. Eichenlaub, J. Worrick and G. Himmel. J. Schneider, having been elected treasurer of Northwestern College, resigned the office of presiding elder. The salary (minimum) was fixed as follows : Unordained, single, $250; ordained, single, $300; ordained, married, £500. C. W. Davis and I. Kuter, of other conferences, were received. S. Dickover was elected traveling agent for Northwestern College. J. J. Kanaga took credentials for the Ohio, and the brethren Houpt and Culp for the Iowa Conference. Districts : Chicago, G. Vetter, presiding elder ; Naperville, J. Himmel ; Freeport, H. Rohland ; Mendota, J. Schafele ; Peoria, W. Goessele. 1872. Indiana Conference, Elkhart, Ind., Sept. 12. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; J. Berger, secretary. Licensed — J Mode, F. Brauer, G. Berstecher, J. Hunzinger, B. F. Dill, H. Brechtel, A. Geist and D. Licht. Ordained elder — J Wales. Deacons — E. Troyer, E. T. Hochstedler, H. E, Overmeyer, M. Byers, S. Plantz and W. Wildermuth. H. L. CONFERENCE RECORDS. 383' Fisher resigned the office of presiding elder and E. L. Kiplinger was elected in his stead. L. Kiplinger was granted credentials. The minimum salary of the preachers was fixed. Districts: Evansville, M. Moyer, presiding elder; Indian^ apolis, J. Fuchs ; Fort Wayne, M. W. Steffey ; Elkhart, E. L. Kiplinger. 1872. Iowa Conference, Grandview, Iowa, April 18. Bishop- J. J.Esher, president; C.C. Pfund (German) and D. H. Kooker (English), secretaries. Licensed— E. B. Urr, A. Heckathorn, E. E. Bonta, M. Gruener, F. Loehle, P. Desgranges, L. Reib, J. Pflaum and H. Stelrecht. Ordained elders — W. J.. Hahn, W. Kleinfelter, F. Beltzer, G.Youngblood,W. King,. J. Knoche and C. W. Anthony. Deacons — O. Rall, J. P. Just, M. Knoll, W. C. Reinke, J. H. Pippert, and W. H. Newman. D. J. Pontius took credentials. J. Bussard, H. J. Bowman and H. Lageschulte were re-elected to the office of presiding elder. Districts: Cedar Rapids, H. J. Bowman, presiding elder; Dubuque, H. Lageschulte ; Des Moines, Joseph Bussard ; Ne- braska, J. E. Schultz. 1872. Kansas Conference, Nicholas Grove, Mo., March 21. R. Yeakel, president; J. Wurth, secretary. Licensed — W. Meier, L. Wenger, W. Heiser, R. P. Condrea. Ordained elder — W. Lingelbach. Deacons — F.W.Volgelein, H. Koep- sel, C. Linge and A. Rex. J. E. Dreisbach, of the Indiana Conference, was received. S. W. McKesson and D. Zeller took credentials. Districts : Kansas, C. Berner, presiding elder ; Missouri, J- G. Pfeuffer. 1872. Wisconsin Conference, Milwaukee, Wis., April 27. Bishop J. J. Esher, president ; F. Huelster, secretary. Licensed — F. Nickel, F. Eilert, G. Winkelwisch, C. Schneider and H.Clements. Ordained elders — A. Kammerer, S. Kortmeier, J. C Brendel, L. Runkel and D. Herb. Deacons — J. Schnel- ler and J. Dietrich. W. Kaufman was elected presiding elder. The salary (minimum) was fixed as follows : Unmarried proba- tioners, $175; unmarried deacons, $300; married deacons, $300- elders, #500. Districts : Milwaukee, W. F. Kaufman, presiding elder ; Fon. du Lac, G. Fritsche ; Madison, H. Huelster ; Mississippi, P- Massneger. 384 B V ANGELICAL A8800JA T10N ANNALS. 1872. Minnesota Conference, near Blue Earth, Minn., May 2, Bishop J. J. Esher, presiding. There were under the care of the conference thirteen missions, served by fourteen missionaries, and three mission churches were built during the past year. Districts: Winona, W. Stegner, presiding elder; St. Paul, L. Von Wald. Notes. — On Jan. 24 Brother W. H. Honstett, a talented young minister of the Illinois Conference, died. He was born in 1846, and entered the active ranks of the conference in 1867. Father William Mentz, of the New York Conference, born in Germany in 181 1, entered the Eastern Conference in 1838, elected presiding elder in 1843 and served several terms, and who was an original member of the New York Conference, died at Suspension Bridge, N. Y., Jan. 22, 1872. 1873. East Pa. Conference, Tamaqua, Fa., Feb. 26. Bishop J. J. Esher, president ; T. Bowman, secretary. Died — C.Meyers (itinerant) and C. Wolf (local). R. Mott received credentials. John Dick (local) withdrew. A. H. Overholt located. Father J. P. Leib was retained in the itinerancy without appointment. Ordained elders — W. A. Shoemaker, S. L. Wiest and R. Drei- belbis. Deacons — J. F. Wohlfarth, U. H. Hershey, J. M. Oplinger, W. Loos and G. H. Landis. Licensed — W. Miller, A. W. Warfel, J. Moyer, J. M. Rinker, E. Glaeser, D. Schne- bel, J. F. Weidner, J. Workman, J. J. High, F. B. Copp, S. Butterweck, W. B. Romig, W. L. Black, L. E. Leslie, G. H. Laurey, J. Bowman, W.Webber, S. C. Breyfogel and E.Wilson. Districts: Philadelphia, C. S. Haman, presiding elder; Read- ing, G. T. Haines; Harrisburg, J. M. Saylor; Pottsville, T. Bowman ; Allentown, S. Neitz ; Easton, J. Yeakel. 1873. Central Pa. Conference, Lewisburg, Pa., March 6. Bishop J. J. Esher, president ; I. M. Pines, secretary. Located for a year — W. H. Davis, H. A. Stoke, W. M. Croman, E. Swen- gel and D. Kepner. Died — John Young, J. F. Manbeck and Abraham Snyder. Ordained elders— 3?. S.Orwig,W. W. Rhoads, P. W. Raidabaugh, H. Conrad, J. M. King and W. M. Croman. Deacons — N.Young, R.Young, D. P. Rumberger, J. A. Irvine, J. A. Hetner, J. S. Bear and B. Winegarden. Licensed — E. S. Brownmiller, E. Wilcox, H. W. Freed, M. D. Shirk, Abra- ham Sutton, P. F. Jarrett, A. W. Maxwell, H. E. Weirick, J. B. Curns, W. F. Reitmeyer, H. W. Kuhns, G. F. Yeager and CONFERENCE RECORDS. 385 J. Hendricks, and A. T. Mead of the M. E. Church. J. Kurtz, a former member of this conference, was again received. Districts : Baltimore, C. F. Deininger, presiding elder ; Car- lisle, A. L. Reeser; Lewisburg, M. J. Carothers; Williamsport, S. Smith. 1873. Pittsburg Conference, Salisbury, Pa., March 13. Bishop J. J. Esher, president ; L. M. Boyer. secretary. H. W. Hampe, J. Honecker, J. Crousman and S. Werner took cre- dentials. G. W. Cupp and J. Weikel became supernumeraries. Licensed to preach — Joseph Porch, H. Hurd, F. P. Saylor, A. M. Bowlin and G. W. Dunlap. Ordained elders — J. Wood- hull, A. J. Meyers, B. F. Feitt and J. Esh. Deacons — J. S. Seip, N. Yoder, F. Bone, T. Eisenhour, A. W. Platt, L. H. Hetrick and J. Bower. Received into the itinerancy — J. J. Carmany, F. Bone, T. Eisenhour, J. Porch, L. I. Baumgard- ner, D. K. Lavan, R. Mott and G. W. Fisher. J. J. Bernhart was elected presiding elder. Districts: Pittsburg, S. B. Kring, presiding elder; Canton, H. B. Summers ; Franklin, G. S. Domer ; Allegheny, J. J. Bern- hart ; Somerset, J. L. W. Seibert. 1873. New York Conference, Albany, N. Y., March 6. Bishop J. J. Esher, president ; J. Siegrist, secretary. Licensed — J. Burkhard, H. Horn and G. H. Gelser. Ordained elder — J. G. Siegrist. Deacon — C. F. Stube. J. Holzworth was elected presiding elder. Granted credentials — C. O. Roehr, N. Geltzleichter, P. E. Glanz and G. Eckhard. Districts : Albany, M. Pfitzinger, presiding elder ; Rochester, A. Holzwarth ; Buffalo, M. Lauer. 1873. Canada Conference, South Cayuga, Ont., April 18. Bishop J. J. Esher, president ; C. A. Thomas, secretary. J. G. Staebler and S. Morely located. Ordained elders — F. F. Meyer, J. Lingelbach and G. M. Graeff. Licensed — G. Fink- binder, Joseph Thede and G. H. Schmidt. S. Kropp, presid- ing elder, resigned and P. Alles was elected in his stead. The conference united in the interests of Northwestern College. Districts : Hamburgh, J.Umbach, presiding elder; Waterloo, W. Schmidt; Hamilton, P. Alles. 1873. Ohio Conference, Lindsey,0.,May 1. W.W.Orwig, president; J. Lerch, secretary. Licensed — Theo. Suhr, E. Britton, E. Wingard, Benjamin Oyler, G. F. Everhart and J. Ball. Ordained elders — E. A. Hoffman, G. Heinrich and 386 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNAL8. A. Vandersall. Deacons — A. W. Orwig, D. H. Rosenberg, J. Sager and C. Stuckey. J. Smouse took credentials. Hiram Sichley died. Districts: Cleveland, J. Stoll, presiding elder; Sandusky, C. M. Reinhold ; Fremont, J. W. Walkey ; Columbus, S. Hoy. 1873. Illinois Conference, Forreston, 111., April 3. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; M. Stamm, secretary. C. F. Steuwig and W. Strausberger located. Licensed — G. Fuhs, F. Lue- dicke, C. Shuster, A. Strickfaden, P. Zahn and T. L. Haines. Ordained elders — A. Fuessele, W. Neitz, L. Glaesser, J. B. Rife, A. Knoble and C. Smucker. Deacons- — F. Hansing, J. Wellner, F. Busse, D. Fehr, H. F. Lashell, J. Cable and H. H. Duth. George Mattinger, formerly an itinerant in the Ohio Conference, died. Districts : Chicago, George Vetter, presiding elder ; Naper- ville, J. Himmel ; Freeport, H. Rohland ; Mendota, J. Shaeffele ; Peoria, W. Goessele. 1873. Wisconsin Conference, Lomira, Wis., April 24. Bishop J. J. Esher, president ; C. A. Schnake, secretary. Li- censed — E. Rhode, G. Kern, A. Haas, C. Gruen and C.Oertli. Ordained elders — M. C. Werner, W. Kaun, F. Diete, H. Uphoff and A. Pipenburg. Deacons— F. Nickel and J. U. Elmer. H. Guelich was elected presiding elder. Districts: Madison, H. Guelich, presiding elder ; Milwaukee, F. Kauffman; FonduLac,G. Fritche; Mississippi, P. Massueger. 1873. Minnesota Conference, Painsville, Minn. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; H. E. Linse, secretary. Ordained elder — A. Walch. Deacons — C. W. Sydow and H. Hensel. Districts: Winona, W. Stegner, presiding elder; St. Paul, L. Von Wald. 1873. Indiana Conference, East Germantown, Ind., Sept. 11. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; J. Berger, secretary. W. Luether, C. Heim and H. R. Price located. G. A. Hertel tlied. Licensed — John Stover, S. Shoop, J. N. Loop, W. H. Jones and E. Bolander. P. Burgner was reinstated as an elder. Ordained elders — W. Koenig, J. Maurer and S. S. Condo. Deacons — J. Bockman, H. Schleicher, C. Stockhow, J. C. Young, G. W. Brackley and H. W. Funk. J. Berger accepted work in Germany. C. F. Hansig, of the Illinois, J. Beck, of the Kansas, and M. Speck, of the Michigan Conference, were received. CONFERENCE RECORDS. 387 Districts : Evansville, M. Meyer, presiding elder ; Indianap- olis, J. Fuchs; Fort Wayne, M. Steffey ; Elkhart, E. L. Kiplinger. 1873. Iowa Conference, La Porte, Iowa. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; D. H. Kooker, secretary. Licensed — S. H. Witte, G. Koehn, T. R. Matter, F. Schultzky and A. T. Wil- kins. Ordained elders — C. W. Anthony, C. C. Pfund, W. EL Bucks, G. Breuner, j. McCauley and O. Long. Deacons — A. Bussard and A. Wagoner. H. Lageshulte, presiding elder, resigned and J. Henn was elected in his place. Districts: Cedar Rapids, H, J. Bowman, presiding elder; Dubuque, J. Henn; Des Moines, Joseph Bussard; Nebraska, E. J. Schultz. 1873. Michigan Conference, Delta, O., March 27. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; J. M. Houg, secretary. Licensed — J. Miller, A. Rupel, W. Berge and P. Berg. Granted creden- tials — J. Long, C. Thomas and M. Speck. Ordained elders — J. H. Keeler, J. H. Hess and W. Reimke. Deacons — J. Long, J. W. Loose, L. Kemmerling, F. Dietrich, L. Brumm and F. Schweitzer. C. Roehm located. M. J. Miller, presiding elder, resigned and S. Copley was elected in his place. "Re- solved, that we as a conference unite with Northwestern College and Biblical Institute." Districts: Adrian, L. Scheuerman, presiding elder; St. Joseph, S. Copley; Flint, J. Meek. 1873. Kansas Conference, Holton, Kan. , March 20. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; J. Wuerth, secretary. Licensed — H. Toedman and J. McQuilling. Ordained elders — C. Emmel and E. J. Troyer. Deacons — J. C. Emmel, W. Meier and F. Harder. J. G. Pfeiffer was re-elected and J. Wuerth newly elected presiding elder. Districts: Kansas, J. G. Pfeiffer, presiding elder; Missouri, J. Wuerth. Notes. — At the beginning of the year was published the Ever- green, the first Sunday-school music book, by Rev. E. A. Hoff- man. It was received with great favor. The Church Record also made its appearance in the Spring. The total number of missions supported by the Church was 248, an increase of twenty-eight over the previous year. Twenty- five churches were erected on the mission fields during the year. This year marks the loss to the Church of a number of her most prominent men by the hand of death, as. follows : Alex. 388 E VANQELIOAL AS80GIA TION ANNALS. Longsdorf, born in Dauphin county, Pa., in 1812, entered the Eastern Conference in 1838, was elected presiding elder in 1844, re-elected in 1 848 and 1 85 2, and died at Logan ton, Clinton county, Pa., in 1876. Brother Longsdorf spent thirty-three years in the active work. He was an excellent preacher in both the Eng- lish and German languages. C. A. Schnake, born in Germany in 1819, and entered the Illinois Conference in 1849. He was an original member of the Wisconsin Conference, in which he served three years as presiding elder. He died at Jefferson, Wis., in 1876. Brother Schnake was a highly gifted man and a tireless worker, and his services in establishing the Evangelical Association in the West were very valuable. George Hertel, born in Germany in 182 1, and was for many years one of the leading members of the Indiana Conference. He was elected presiding elder in 1864. He died at Elkhart, Ind., July 12, 1873. Christian Myers, born in Switzerland in 18 14, entered the East Pa. Conference in 1839, and was for many years one of the principal members. He was elected presiding elder in 1856, and served one term. He died at Bethlehem, Pa., Feb. 22, 1873. 1874. East Pa. Conference, Salem Church, Allentown, Pa., Feb. 26. Bishop R.Yeakel, president; T. Bowman, secretary. Licensed — I. J. Reitz, J. Hollenbach, H. Shultz and Aug. Dilabar. Ordained elders — B. H. Miller, D. S. Stauffer, J. A. Fager, A. A. DeLong, I. W. Yeakel, J. K. Fehr, E. J. Mil- ler and O. L. Savlor. Deacons — J. S. Newhart, J. Bowman, D. A. Medlar, A. Marklev, H. R. Yost and E. J. Glasser. Died — E. Eby (itinerant) and D. Thomas, E. Snyder and D. Light (locals). G. T. Haines resigned the office of presiding elder, and C. S. Haman was re-elected and S. G. Rhoads and C. K. Fehr were newly elected to the office. Missions were established in Southwestern Reading, Scranton,Lehighton, North- ern Allentown, Bangor, and English missions in Harrisburg and Mauch Chunk. The following were constituted stations : Tre- mont, Ashland, Hazleton, Orwigsburg and Slatington. A committee of seven was appointed to take active steps in the location of an institution of learning, and Thomas Bowman was appointed as collector to secure funds for its establishment. Districts: Philadelphia, S.G. Rhoads, presiding elder ; Read- CONFERENCE RECORDS. 389 ing, C. S. Hainan; Harrisburg, C. K. Fehr; Pottsville, T.Bowman: Allentown, J. M. Saylor ; Easton, J. Yeakel. 1874. Central Pa. Conference, Carlisle, Pa., March 5. Bishop R. Yeakel, president; I. M. Pines, secretary. Licensed — J. F. Thomas, G. Gohn, J. R. Smith, J. E. Courter, B. Garri- son, W. E. Shoemaker, D. P. Kline, D. G. Peters, A. F. Terwilliger. Ordained elders — G. L. Burson, A. W. Shen- berger, R. J. Derrick and L. K. Harris. Deacons — J. Dum, P. Graham, P. Coup, N. T. Meads, L. Matthias, J. M. Brader, A. W. Bower, E. Kleinfelter, H. N. Grenninger, R. W. Runyan, J. M. Longsdorf, E. Swengel, G. W. Currin, F. M. Baker and G. F. Yeager. C H. Gramley took credentials. Districts: Baltimore, C. F. Deininger, presiding elder; Car- lisle, A. L. Reeser ; Lewisburg, M. J. Carothers ; Williamsport, S. Smith. 1874. Pittsburg Conference, North Lima, O., March 12. Bishop R. Yeakel, president; L. M. Boyer, secretary. Licensed — J. A. Burkett, A. S. Baumgardner, W. A. Reininger, D. Mor- rison, J. Yundt, J. Vandyke, N. George, S. A. Milliron, F. Strayer andW. Diser. Ordained elders — D. M. Baumgard- ner, S. M. Baumgardner and J. King. Deacons — J. Kern, T. J. Baumgardner, T. Bach, J. Garner, W. M. Stanford and A. W. Teats. Because of declining health, H. B. Summers resigned the office of presiding elder, S. B. Kring was re-elected and J. A. Grimm and A. Niebel were newly elected to the same. Granted credentials — A. J. Myers, J. Arkless and D. W. Ortz. Districts: Pittsburg, A. Niebel, presiding elder; Canton, S. B. Kring; Franklin, G. S. Domer; Allegheny, J. J. Bernhart; Somerset, J. A. Grimm. 1874. New York Conference, Syracuse, N. Y., March 26. Bishop R. Yeakel, president; A Unholtz, secretary. Licensed — H. Newinger and J. Vossler. Ordained elders — J. Reuber, C. L. Witt and A. Schlenk. Deacon — J. H. Damm. Located — L. Jacoby. Districts : Albany, M. Pfitzinger, presiding elder ; Rochester, A. Holzwarth; Buffalo, M. Lauer. 1874. Canada Conference, Carrick,Ont., April 23. Bishop R. Yeakel, president; C. A. Thomas, secretary. Ordained elders — C. Pfeffer and H. Dierlam. Deacon — S. L.Umbach. G. Bernhart, located. W. Lingelbach, of the Kansas Confer- ence, was received. J. G. Staebler, John Lingelbach and 390 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. Jacob Anthes died. J. Umbach was re-elected presiding elder. Districts: Hamilton, P. Alles, presiding elder; Hamburg, W. Schmidt; Waterloo, J. Umbach. 1874. Ohio Conference, Circleville, O., May 7. Bishop R. Yeakel, president; H. Longbrake, secretary. F. Zeller took credentials. J. J. Kanaga, A. Rex, D. J. Pontius, A. Shaub and C. Gahn were received with the same. Licensed — J. E. Stewart, F. Stecher, J. Isch, S. Gammertsfelder, R. Smith, D. C. Eckerman, S. Cocklin and F. Swartz. Ordained elders — J. D. Seip and G. W. Miesse. Deacons — L. W. Hankey, G. Ellenberger, H. Spitler, A. C. Stoll, D. Sherrick and W. Snyder. Elias Sichley died. Districts: Cleveland, J. Stoll, presiding elder ; Sandusky, C. M. Reinhold ; Fremont, J. W. Walkey ; Columbus, S. Hoy. 1874. Michigan Conference, Flint, Mich., April 2. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; S. Henne, secretary. N. T. Davis died. O. Ragatz located. Ordained elders — S. Heininger and J. Young. Deacons — F. Miller, E. K. Dewitt, J. Schmus, G. Haller, W. Berge, G. Kutler and J. Miller. S. Copley resigned the office of presiding elder on account of ill-health, and J. M. Houg was newly elected and J. Meck re-elected to the office. Districts : Detroit, J. Meck, presiding elder ; St. Joseph, L. Scheuerman; Saginaw, J. M. Houg. 1874. Illinois Conference, Kankakee, 111., April 9. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; M. Stamm (German) and D. B. Byers (English), secretaries. Ordained elders — Prof. A. A, Smith, Prof. W. F. Heidner, G. Eichenlaub and T. Alberding. Dea- con — W. Schmus. Licensed — J. Fry, A. Riemensnyder, C. Koch, J. W. Ferner, C. Riegel, H. Eller and D. W. Fink. J. Schaad, of the M. E. Church, was received. F. C. Stuebig withdrew. N. Leonard and W. Grissinger (locals) died. J. Himmel resigned the office of presiding elder, and W. Goessele and H. Hintze were elected to the same. S. Swartz, J. Den- gel, E. E. Condo and J. J. Kanaga took credentials for other conferences. Districts: Chicago, G. Vetter, presiding elder; Naperville, W. Goessele ; Freeport, H. Rohland ; Mendota, J. Schaffle ; Peoria, H. Hintze. 1874. Wisconsin Conference, Menomonee Falls, Wis., April 30. Bishop J. J. Esher, president ; C. A. Schnake, secretary. CONFERENCE RECORDS. 391 Newly received — F. Homuth and C. Heineck. Ordained elders — J. Deitrich, A. Piepenburg and J. Schneller. Deacons — C. Schneider and F. Eilert. Districts: Milwaukee, F.W. Kaufman, presiding elder; Mad- ison, H. Guelich; Fon du Lac, G. Fritsche; Mississippi, P. Massueger. 1874. Iowa Conference, Ackley, Iowa, April 16. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; C.C. Pfund (German) and D. H. Kooker (English), secretaries. Licensed — J. H. Yaggy, J. A. Rank, C. Manwell, J. W. Steinbach, G. Heinmiller, E. Miller, W. Jonas, J. B. Cole and F. Frase. Located — O. Long, J. Rank and G. Eckert. Ordained elders — W. H. Newman, O. Rali.,, M. Knoll, J. H. Pippert, J. J. Miller, J. P. Just, W. C. Reinke and C. Hiller. Deacons — E. B. Utt, L. Keep, A. P. Haupt, A. C. Heckathorne, E. E. Bonta, A. J. Culver, J. P. Pflaum, M. Gruener, H. Stettrecht, F. Loehle, W. Werfeld and J. F. Hahn. Supernumerary — J. Harlacher, H. J. Bowman and J. Nuhn. H. J. Bowman resigned the office of presiding elder,, and E. J. Schultz was re-elected and H. Brauer and D. H, Kooker newly elected to the same. Missions were located at Stanton, Aurora, Sioux City, Humboldt, Grand Junction, Moin- gona, Seneca, Nora Springs and Boone. Districts: Cedar Rapids, Joseph Buzzard, presiding elder; Dubuque, E. J. Schultz ; Des Moines, D. H. Kooker ; Ackley, J. Henn; Nebraska, H. Brauer. 1874. Kansas Conference, near Rulo, Neb., March 19. Bishop J. J. Esher, president ; C. Berneu, secretary. George Merk was licensed. H. Alleman and B. Hoffman withdrew. Located — W. Folgate and W. Luttman. W. Lingelbach took credentials. Ordained elders — H. Koepsel, F. W. Volgelein and C. Linge. Deacons — L. Wenger and J. H. Kiplinger. E. E. Condo, of the Illinois Conference, was received. Districts : Kansas, J. G. Pf eiffer, presiding elder ; Missouri, J. Wuerth. 1874. Minnesota Conference, Salem Church, Olmstead county, Minn., May 7. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; H. E. Linse, secretary. Licensed — B. Simon, C. Sydow, J. Gongall, C. Stegner and C. Roedge. Ordained elders — J. Manthey* W. Lenz, J. L. Stegner, P. Bott and C. A. Schmidt. Deacons — M. Knopf, W. Oehler and F. Sahr. - A. Strohmeier was elected presiding elder. Mankato District was formed. 392 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. Districts : Winona, W. Stegner, presiding elder ; St. Paul, L. Von Wald ; Mankota, A. Strohmeier. 1874. Indiana Conference, Nobles ville, Ind., Sept. 10. Bishop R. Yeakel, president ; M. Hoehn, secretary. J. Stoll died. Located — H. Praechtel,W.Wildermuth and H. Price. J. K eiper, A. Parker and J. Ressler took credentials. Licensed —J. Reamer, N. Platz, J. Schamber, G. Roederer, J. Dust- man, J. Fritz and J. Sutter. Ordained elders — E. H. Over- meyer, E. T. Hochstedler and E. Troyer. Deacons — G. W. Freehafer, A. Guist, E. D. Einsel, C. C. Beyrer, A. Shaefer, F. Brauer, A. Troyer and A. V. Scheidler. J. Ressler was granted credentials. Districts: Evansville, M. Mayer, presiding elder; Indian- apolis, J. Fuchs ; Fort Wayne, M. W. Steffey ; Elkhart, E. L. Kipplinger. Notes. — During this year the remarkable temperance move- ment, called the Woman's Crusade, was at the height of its influ- ence, and consequently we find the temperance resolutions of the various conferences very radical, and a number of them fully endorse the methods followed by the Woman's Crusade. On Oct. 8 the new Evangelical Publishing House at Cleveland was dedicated with imposing ceremonies. Dedicatory addresses were delivered by Bishops Esher and Yeakel, and historical addresses by various other brethren. The structure cost $37,000. During this year the Church maintaiued 270 missions, 26 having been stricken from the list. The actual increase over the previous year was 48. The number of church edifices erected on the mission fields during the year was 35. By a reference to the statistics for this year the reader will observe a remarkable increase of conversions and accessions over the previous year. This ratio of increase was pretty evenly maintained throughout the entire bounds of the Church. 1875. East Pa. Conference, Millersburg, Pa., Feb. 24. Bishops J. J. Esher and R. Yeakel, presidents ; C. B. Fliehr (German) and J. C. Hornberger (English), secretaries. Li- censed — J. C. Waehlte, J. D. Campbell, M. L. Custer, J. A. Transue, H. J. Glick, F. E. Erdman, G.W. Gross, A. Krecker and S. T. Leopold. Ordained elders — U. H. Hershey, J. F. Wohlfarth and J. M. Oplinger. Deacons — T. Hess, William Black, G. H. Laury, J. M. Rinker, A. Straub, C. S. Brown and A. Warfel. Died — R. Driebelbis (itinerant) and I. Ober- CONFERENCE RECORDS. 393 holtzer, C. Yeakel and George Reich (locals). Resolutions recommending Cedar Hill Seminary, Mt. Joy, Pa., were adopted. Districts : Philadelphia, S. G. Rhoads, presiding elder ; Read- ing, C. S. Haman ; Harrisburg, C. K. Fehr ; Pottsville, S. Neitz ; Allentown, J. M. Saylor; Easton, T. Bowman. 1875. Central Pa. Conference, New Berlin, Pa., March 4. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; I. M. Pines, secretary. Licensed — C. C. Reen, J. Laden. O. Barges, J. Shambach, P. W. Group, B. F. Keller, S. O. Musselman, D. Fry, J. H. Peters, J. Shultz, I. Bower, C. Price, H. Wagoner, J. D. Stover, G. H. Schleh, G. Carothers, G. Hoffman and B. F. Anthony ; also J. James and J. Archer, of the M. E. Church. Ordained elders — R. Young, R. C. Bowersox, N. Young, J. H. Hetner, J. A. Irvine and W. H. Stover. Deacons — A. Stapleton, H. S. Bowers and W. N. Wallace,; also I. S. Frain and I. Vonedi (locals). E. Kohr and S. W. Seibert were elected presiding elders. D. P. Rumberger and W. E. Weirick took credentials for other conferences. Districts: Baltimore, E. Kohr, presiding elder; Carlisle, S. W. Seibert; Lewisburg, A. L. Reeser; Willi amsport, M. J. Carothers. 1875. Pittsburg Conference, Pittsburg, Pa., March 18. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; L. M. Boyer, secretary. Li- censed — J. More, F. Baumgardner, E. C- Martin, J. Swartz, P. Hauptfueher, E. W. Smith, I. A. Smith, D. Saylor, E. P. Hare, J. Weaver and W. Yoder. Ordained elders — T. Eisen- hower, J. Seip, A. W. Platt, N. Yoder, F. Bone and L. H. Hetrick. Deacons — G. W. White, D. K. Lavan, J. Portch, S. Milliron, G. W. Dunlap, J. J. Carmany and J. P. Saylor. Died — E. Stoever and E. B.Vandyke. G. W. Fisher located. Districts : Pittsburg, A. Niebel, presiding elder ; Canton, S. B. Kring; Franklin, G. S. Domer; Allegheny, J. J. Bernhart; Somerset, J. A. Grimm. 1875. New York Conference, Rochester, N. Y., March 25. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; A.Unholtz, secretary. Licensed — J. Risius,C. Brant, J.Eberling, and W. Waterman. Ordained elders — J. Lang and C. F. Stube. Deacons — H. Horn, G. H. Gelser, A. Bornheimer and L. Schleich. M. Pfitzinger resigned the office of presiding elder, and M. Lauer was re-elected and M. Lehn newly elected to the office. The conference united in the interests of Northwestern College. 394 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. Districts: Albany, M. Lauer, presiding elder; Rochester, A. Holzwarth; Buffalo, M. Lehn. 1875. Canada Conference, Woolwich. Ont., April 15. W. Schmidt, president; C. A. Thomas, secretary. Licensed — J. A. Schmidt, F. Haist and W. Simmons. Ordained deacons — G. Finkbeiner and H. G. Schmidt. W. Schmidt was re-elected presiding elder. Districts: Hamilton, P. Alles, presiding elder; Hamburg, W. Schmidt ; Waterloo, Joseph Umbach. 1875. Ohio Conference, Tiffin, O., April 22. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; H. Longbrake, secretary. Licensed — E. L. Over, M. Mohn, D. Ewald and J. Stoltz. A. P. Dutcher, M.D., was received from the M. E. Church. Ordained elders — J. Yauch, A. W. Orwig and D. H- Rosenberg. Deacons — T. Suhr, E. Wengert, W. A.' Shissler and J. Drinkwater. H. Zimmerman and D. Wolf (locals) died. J. K. Pontius located. G Ehrhart took credentials ; also J. Lawrence and F. Stecher (locals) . S. Hoy and J. W. Walkey were re-elected presiding elders. Districts: Sandusky, J. Stoll, presiding elder; Cleveland, S. Hoy ; Fremont, C. M. Reinhold ; Columbus, J. W. Walkey. ' 1875. Wisconsin Conference, Mazomane, Wis., April 29. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; A. Tarnutzer, secretary. Li- censed — F. Illian, C. Kunst, F. Nehs, W. Kolander> : H; Kiekhoefer, W. HenneMan and H. Hosli. Ordained elders— J. U. Elmer and F. Nickel. Deacons -^H. Clements, C.Oertle, G. Kern, C. Green and E. Rothe. W. F. Kaufman died. A< Yockel located. G. FRiTSCHE was again elected and H. Huel- ster, H. Shelp and M. Wittenwyler were newly elected pre- siding elders. Districts : Milwaukee, G. Fritsche, presiding elder; Madison, H. Huelster; FonduLac, H. Schelp; Mississippi, M. Wittenwyler. 1875. Illinois Conference, Elgin, 111., April 8. Bishops J. J. Esher and R. Yeakel, presidents; M. Stamm, secretary. Ordained elders — H. H. Duth, H. F. Lashell, F. Busse, D. E. Fehr and J. Wellner. Deacons — A. Strickfaden, C. Shuster, P. Zahn, J. F. Grob, G. C. Knoble and G. Fuchs. Received into the ministry — E. Elfring, W. Fry, W. Shuster, J. Klip- hart. G. Messner located. P. Hoffman and C. Holl died. Districts: Chicago, G. Vetter, presiding elder; Naperville, W. Goessele; Freeport, H. Rohland; Mendota, J. Schaffele; Peoria, H. Hintze. CONFERENCE RECORDS. 395 1875. Iowa Conference, Belle Plaine, Iowa, April 1 5. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; H. J. Bowman, secretary. Licensed — F. Backmeier, G. G. Zellhofer, M. Hart, W. Fisher, R. Schmitz, P. Rickel and O. Beck, and J. G. Bixler, of the U. B. Church. Ordained elders — A. Buzzard and A. Wagoner. Deacons — S. H. Witte, A. Houser, G. Koehn, F. Schnelsky, S. A. Pettit and G. Herrinc. J. Nuhn died. J. Croasman, A. J. Culver and C H. Egge took credentials. N. Schuck, of the Wisconsin Conference, was received. Resolutions recom- mending the division of the conference by the next General Conference were adopted. Districts : Cedar Rapids, J. Buzzard, presiding elder; Des Moines, D. H. Kooker; Dubuque, E. J. Shultz ; Ackley, J. Henn; Nebraska, H. Brauer. 1875. Minnesota Conference, East Prairie, Minn., May 7. W. Stegner, president; H. E. Linse, secretary. Licensed — J. Fondri and G. Brizius. Ordained elders — C. W. Sydow and H. Hensel. Deacons — L. Passer F. Moede and J. Zimmer- man. C. Brill was newly elected and W. Stegner re-elected presiding elder. Districts : Winona, A. Strohmeier, presiding elder ; St. Paul, W. Stegner; Mankato, C. Brill. 1875. Michigan Conference, La Salle, Mich., April 1. Bishop R. Yeakel, president ; E. Weiss, secretary. Licensed — N. G. Curtis, A. Fry, G. Provost, P. Brumm and C. Staffeld. Ordained elders — L. Brumm, J. W. Loose, F. Sweitzer, L. Kemmerling and F. Dietrich. Deacon — W. Schefer. C. Bickel (local) died. C. Dieke located. J. Meck resigned the office of presiding elder and S. Copley was elected to the same. L. Scheurman also resigned the office of presiding elder and E. Weiss was elected in his stead. Samuel Heininger took an appointment in Oregon under the Board of Missions. Districts : Detroit, E. Weiss, presiding elder ; St. Joseph, S. Copley ; Saginaw, J. M. Houg. 1875. Kansas Conference, near Lawrence, Kan., March 18. Bishop R. Yeakel, president ; C. Berner, secretary. Licensed — S. Weaver, J. Brower and C. Buchel. C. Erhart, of the Ohio Conference, was received. Ordained elders — W. Meier and F. Harder. Deacons — W. Heiser and D. K. Zeller. H. Mattill was elected presiding elder A new district called Southwestern District was formed. 396 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. Districts : Missouri, J. Wuerth, presiding elder ; Holten, J. G. Pfeifer; Southwestern, H. Mattill. 1875. Indiana Conference, Mt. Camel, 111., Sept. a. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; M. Hoehn, secretary. Licensed — C. Stier, C. Hansing, J. Kolmer, G. Frederick, H. B. Lyons, J. Bruckert and L. W. Crawford. Ordained elders — H. Schleicher, W. G. Brackly, F. Hansing, J. C. Young and C. Stockhowe. Deacon — G. Berstecher. J. Mauer located. A. Parker, S. Heiss and J. Ressler withdrew. H. L. Fisher and M. Kreuger were newly elected and M. W. Steffey and J. Fuchs were re-elected presiding elder. H. E.Overmever, C. Glaus and R. Riegel took credentials. Districts : Olney, J. Fuchs, presiding elder ; Evansville, H. L. Fisher ; Indianapolis, M. Kreuger ; Fort Wayne, E. L. Kip- linger ; Elkhart, M. W. Steffey. CHAPTER XVI. "Sixteenth General Conference, Held at Philadelphia, Pa., Oct. 14-Nov. 4, 1875. 1875. General Conference, sixteenth session, Philadelphia, Pa., Oct. 14-Nov. 4. J. J. Esher, R. Yeakel, R. Dubs and T. Bowman, bishops; H. Huelster, secretary; R. Mott, E. J. Schultz, J. C. Hornberger, H. B. Hartzler and S. Smith, assistant secretaries. The conference was addressed by J. Rothweiler, fraternal delegate from the General Conference of the Methodist Episco- pal Church. Bishop Simpson, of the same Church, also favored the conference with a very edifying address. Memorial services were held in respect to Father J. P. Leib, a member of the last General Conference, and who recently had entered upon his eternal rest. Inasmuch as great preparations were being made for the cele- bration of the one hundredth anniversary of American Independ- ence, the conference referred the matter to a committee. The report, which was adopted, finds ample reasons for recognizing the hand of God in our national history, and suggests that during the Centennial year (1876) appropriate services, commemorative of the event, be held, and that memorial funds be raised for educational purposes, etc. It was resolved (1) to publish a monthly, eight-page, illus- trated Sunday-school paper, for use in primary department work ; (2) the Sunday-School Messenger and Chris tliche Kinderfreund •shall also be published weekly; (3) a monthly Sunday-school journal shall be published; (4) the revised German hymn book •shall be published in two forms; (5) a revised English hymn ,book with notes shall be published. 398 EVANGELICAL A880CJA T10N ANNALS. (i) The southern part of Indiana Conference was constituted into South Indiana Conference. (2) The English work in the Iowa Conference was constituted the Des Moines Conference. (3) The Iowa Conference was also authorized to form the Ne- braska District into a conference within the coming four years, provided two-thirds of the members of the Iowa Conference shall agree to the same. (4) The Germany Conference was "vested with the right and power to divide her territory according to best judgment into two conference districts." (5) A German conference was constituted of the German congregations along the Atlantic seaboard and called the Atlantic Conference. (6) A German conference was constituted in the interior, called the Erie Conference. (7) The work on the Pacific Coast was con- stituted into "The Pacific Conference." Steps shall be taken at once to provide for organization. The bishops shall designate the time and place of the first session. Elections : Bishops, J. J. Esher, R. Yeakel, R. Dubs and T. Bowman ; publisher, W. F. Schneider ; editor of Christliche Botschafter, M. Lauer ; Evangelical Messenger, J. Hartzler ; Evangelical Magazine and German Sunday-School Literature, W. Horn ; Living Epistle and English Sunday-School Litera- ture, H. J. Bowman ; Corresponding Secretary of the Missionary Society, J. Young ; Treasurer of the Missionary Society, W. Yost; Superintendent of Orphan's Home, Jacob Dreisbachj editor of Evangelische Botschafter, J. Kaechele ; Kinderfreund, G. Fuessele ; book agent in Germany, J. Waltz. After some discussion, it was resolved to establish a mission in Japan, and the Board of Missions was instructed to undertake the work as soon as two suitable men can be found. Before the vote was taken C. F. Deininger, of the Central Pa. Conference, suggested a season of silent prayer, after which the vote was taken amid great enthusiasm, resulting unanimously in favor of the mission. The last General Conference having appointed a Committee on Questions of Law, said committee submitted their report on upwards of twenty questions, which was adopted and ordered to be appended to the Discipline. As the advisability of changing our Church name had been agitated for some time, recommendations to that effect were sub- mitted to the General Conference. After a full discussion on the subject, the matter was disposed of negatively. CONFERENCE RECORDS. 399 Delegates — East Pa. Conference. — Thos. Bowman, J. Yea- kel, J. M. Saylor, J. Koehl, S. G. Rhoads, C. S. Haman, J. O. Lehr, F. Hoffman, S. Neitz, L. Snyder, J. C. Hornberger, C. K. Fehr, and F. Krecker alternate for J. P. Leib, deceased. Central Pa. Conference. — M. J. Carothers, S. Smith, C. F. Deininger, E. Kohr, S. W. Seibert, I. M. Pines, A. L. Reeser, H. B. Hartzler and B. Hengst. Also S. T. Buck, alternate in place of the latter, who was necessitated to leave. Pittsburg Conference. — G. S. Domer, J. L. W. Seibert, J. D. Domer, J. J. Bernhart, S. B. Kring, R. Mott and H. B. Sum- mers. New York Conference. — M. Lauer, M. Pfitzinger, A. Holz- worth and M. Lehn. Ohio Conference.—]. Stoll, J. W. Walkey, W. W. Orwig, C. M. Reinhold, D. Strohman, G. F. Spreng, S. Hoy, C. Hammer and J. Lerch. Canada Conference. — P. Alles, C. A. Thomas and J. Umbach ; alternate, F. Herlan. Indiana Conference. — M. W. S terry, E. L. Kiplinger, J. Fuchs, M. Krueger, J. Kaufman and M. Mayer; alternate, M. Hoehn. Michigan Conference. — J. M. Haug, S. Coply and J. Mueller; alternate, E. Weiss. Illinois Conference. — W. Goessele, G. Vetter, H. Rohland, J. Himmei, J. Schneider, D. B. Byers, J. Schaffle, S. Dickover, H. Hintze, M. Stamm and C. Hummel. Iowa Conference. — J. Bossert, H. Brauer, H. J. Bowman, J. Henn, E. J. Shultz, J. F. Berner, D. H. Kooker and H. Lageschulte. Wisconsin Conference. — G. Fritsche, M. Wittenwyler, H. Huelster, C. F. Zimmerman, H. Schelp, C. A.. Schnake and A. Tarnutzer. Minnesota Conference. — W. Stegner, C. Brill and A. Stroh- mier. Kansas Conference.—]. G. Pfeuffer and J. Wuerth. Germany Conference. — J. Kaechele and J. Waltz. Ex-officio Delegates. — W. F. Schneider, W. Horn, R. Dubs, J. Young, J. Hartzler and W. Yost. 1876. East Pa. Conference, Schuylkill Haven, Pa., Febru- ary 23. Bishop R. Yeakel, president; W. K. Wieand, secre- tary. Licensed— J. Shirey, J. W. Wohrley, J. W. Hoover, 400 EVANGELICAL ASB001AT10N ANNALB. Dr. F. Krecker, J. R. Hensel and S. H. Dunkelberger. Ordained elders — J. Bowman, H. R. Yost, A. Markly, J. S. Newhart and D. A. Medlar. Deacons — S. T. Leopold, H. D. Shultz, I. J. Reitz, A. Dilabar, A. Krecker and G. D. Sweigert. Died — J. P. Leib, S. G. Rhoads and J. Shell. W. C. Kantner and M. Guhl took credentials. J. O. Lehr and J. E. Knerr were newly, and J. M. Saylor was re- elected presiding elder. H. A. Neitz was elected as collector for the proposed Centennial College. Districts : Philadelphia, J. M. Saylor, presiding elder ; Read- ing, C. S. Hamaa; Harrisburg, C. K. Fehr; Pottsville, I. E. Knerr ; Allentown, S. Neitz; Bethlehem, J. O. Lehr. 1876. Central Pa. Conference, Green Street Evangelical Church, Baltimore, Md., March 2. Bishop T. Bowman, presi- dent; U. F. Swengel, secretary. Licensed — J. W. Lindsey, J. F. McCachran, D. S. Lepley, H. S. Basom, J. J. Lohr, F. Passmore, George Josephs, H. W. Lilly, P. C. Weidemyer and J. Hertz. Ordained elders — E. Swengel, G. W. Currin, G. F. Yeager, L. Matthias, P. M. Coup, J. M. Longsdorf, J. M. Brader, H. N. Greninger. F. M. Baker and A. W. Bower. Deacons — D. P. Kline, J. E. Courter, P. F. Jarrett, L. Dice and George Carothers. Located — P. Graham, H. Conrad and H. H. Ream. Withdrawn — S. Wolf. Died — J. M. Young. Granted credentials — G. F. Yeager, A. Rear- ick, S. O. Musselman, H. Hummelbach and D. C. Frey. Jacob Young and H. E. Weirick were again received. M. J. Carothers and A. L. Reeser were re-elected presiding elders. S. Buck was elected as collector for the projected Centennial College. H. B. Hartzler, assistant editor of the Evangelical Messenger. Districts: York, S. W. Seibert, presiding elder; Carlisle, E. Kohr; Lewisburg, A. S. Reeser; Williamsport, M. J. Ca- rothers. 1876. Pittsburg Conference, Franklin Pa., March 16. Bishop T. Bowman, president; L. M. Boyer, secretary. Li- censed — J. Smith, E. Duffy, J. S. Mercer and R. Reed. Ordained elders — T. Bach, W. M. Stanford, A. W. Teats and I. A. Rohland. Deacons — J. A. Smith, A. S. Baum- gardner and W. A. Reininger. Died — W. H. Stoll. A. Kearick, of the Central Pa. Conference, was received. A. N'irrf.t. resigned the office of presiding elder and G. S. Domer OONFERENCE RECORDS. 401 was re-elected to the same. Granted credentials — W. Schmidt. J. Stroup, a local preacher of the U. B. Church, was received. J. Weikel and G. W. Cupp were granted a supernumerary rela- tion. Districts : Pittsburg, G. S. Domer, presiding elder ; Franklin, S. B. Kring ; Allegheny, J. J. Bernhart ; Somerset, J. A. Grimm. 1876. New York Conference, Ebenezer, near Buffalo, N. Y., March 9. Bishop R. Yeakel, president; J. Siegrist, secre- tary. G. Flegler was received on probation. Ordained elders — J. Burkhardt, J. Vosseler, H. Newinger and C. Mowitz. Deacons — J. Schaff was superannuated. T. Schneider was elected presiding elder. Districts : Albany, T. Schneider, presiding elder; Rochester; A. Holzwarth ; Buffalo, M. Lehn. 1876. Canada Conference, Campden, Ont., April 20. Bishop R. Yeakel, president ; C. A. Thomas, secretary. Li- censed — H. A. Thomas and A. Eby. Ordained elder — S. L. Umbach. Deacon — F. Swartz. F. F. Meyer was granted credentials. Districts: Hamilton, P. Alles, presiding elder; Waterloo, J. Umbach; Hamburg, W. Schmidt. 1876. Ohio Conference, West Salem, Ohio, April 13. Bishop T. Bowman, president; J. Lerch, secretary. Died — W. Snyder. E. C. Turner, H. Wissler, J. Frankhouser, W. H. Ingel and W. Wonder took credentials. J. Yauch and J. Drinkwater, located. Licensed — J. Hoy, A. Evans, S. P. Spreng, E. Loose, J. Hensel, H. Brenneman, J. O. Stoll, J. W. Smith, P. W. Bidelbach and F. Shubert. S. S. Condo, of the Indiana Conference, J. Mason, of the U. B. Church, and W. Horn, of the Congregational Church, were received. Ordained elders — G. W. Ellenberger, L. W. Hankey and H. Spitler. Deacons — J. E. Stewart, B. C. Oyler, D. Ellen- berger and S. Cocklin. Districts: Cleveland, John Stoll, presiding elder; Fremont, S. Hoy; Columbus, J. W. Walkey. 1876. Michigan Conference, Iona, Mich., April 6. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; S. Heime, secretary. F. Klump, F. Walter and F. S. Root were received on probation. Ordained elders — D. P. Rumberger, W. Berge, J. G. Haller and F. Miller. Deacons — P. Bittner, P. Berg, J. Timm and G. A. Hettler. 402 E VANGELIOAL ABB0O1A T10N AXIS ALB. Districts : Detroit, E. Weiss, presiding elder ; St. Joseph, S. Coply; Saginaw, J. M. Haug. 1876. Illinois Conference, Naperville, 111., April 13. Bishop J. J. Eshbr, president; A. K noble, secretary. Li- censed — J. Fink, W. H. Fouke, W. Gross, J. J. Lintner, S. A. Miller, M. Obergfeld, P. Keinders, W. Schweiker, C. F. Stuewig and Prof. H. H. Rassweiler. Ordained elders — J. F. Grob and W. Schmus. Deacons — H. Eller, C. Danner, G. Martin and A. Riemschneider, J. Kuechel located. J. Schneider, D. B. Byers and J. Himmel were elected presid- ing elders. Districts: Chicago, J. Schneider, presiding elder; Naper- ville, W. Goessele; Freeport, D. B. Byers; Mendota, J. Him- mel ; Peoria, H. Hintze. 1876. Wisconsin Conference, Monroe, Wis., April 27. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; A. Tarnutzer, secretary. Li- censed — C. Wiegand, J. E. Staufacher, G. Friedrich, J. Dick- fuss, C. Reichert, F. Haberman and H. Best. Ordained elders — C. Schneider and T. F. Eilert. G. Von Eschen took credentials. Districts: Milwaukee, G. Fritsche, presiding elder; Madison, H. H. Huelster; Fond du Lac, H. Schelp; Mississippi, M. Wittenweiler. 1876. Minnesota Conference, near Blue Earth City, Minn. , May 5. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; E. J. Hielscher, secre- tary. Ordained elders — M. Knopf, W. Oehler and F. Sahr. Deacons — C. R. Koch, J. Gongell, B. Simon, C. Sydow. Licensed — H. Ohs, H. Klatt, C. Priebe, W. C. Stegner, F. Wotter, G. Syboldt, F. Schmidt and E. Movins. W. Stegner resigned the office of presiding elder, and H. E. Linse was elected to the same. Districts : Winona, A. Strohmeier, presiding elder ; St. Paul, H. E. Linse; Mankato, C. Brill. 1876. Iowa Conference, Merrill, la., April 20. Bishop R. Dubs, president ; J. Berner, secretary. Licensed — V. Griese, C. A. Mueller, J. M. Zellhoefer, W. Schoerin, M. In- halter, N. Nagle, A. Fisher, H. Hiebenthal and C. Schmidt. Ordained elders — M. Gruener, W. Warfield, H. Stellrecht and J. P. Pflaum. Deacons — Emil Mueller, W. Jonas, O. Gerhart, G. Heinmiller, F. W. Fisher, F. A. Frase, E. CONFERENCE RECORDS. 403 NoLTE l and H. S. Butz. L. Reep and J. Abrams were received into the conference. Districts : Dubuque. E. J. Shultz, presiding elder : Ackley, J. Henn ; Nebraska, H. Brauer. 1876. Kansas Conference, near Leavenworth, Kan., March 23. Bishop R. Dubs, president; C. Berner, secretary. Licensed — D. Honstadt and R. Stahle. Ordained elders — J, Kiplinger and L. Wenger. Deacon — J. G. Merkt. J. C. Emmel located. J. Dengel, S. Swartz, F. Stecher, G. F. Yeager, S. Werner, H. A. Hummelbach and W. Wonder from other conferences were admitted. E. E. Condo was dis- missed. F. W. Voegelein went to the Pacific Conference under appointment of the Board of Missions. Districts : Holton, J. G. Pfeifer, presiding elder ; Missouri, J. Wuerth ; South West, H. Mattill. 1876. Des Moines Conference held its first annual session in Blairstown, Iowa, beginning April 13. Bishop R. Dubs, president; William Klinefelter, secretary. Ordained elders — A. C. Heckathorn, L. Reep and E. E. Bonta. Deacons — J. H. Yaggy, J. A. Rank, A. T. Wilkins, I. Baker, J. Houtz and J. A. Carpenter. E. E. Condo, of the Kansas, J. D. Campbell, of the Central Pa., and J. F. Strayer, of the Pittsburg Conference, were admitted ; also G. W. Lutz, of the M. E. Church. Licensed — L. Piper. C. W. Anthony was elected presiding elder. Districts : Cedar Rapids, C. W. Anthony, presiding elder; Des Moines, D. H. Kooker. 1876. Erie Conference held its first session in the Heights Church, Cleveland, O., March 3. Bishop R. Dubs, president; R. Mott, secretary. Conference organized with nineteen mem- bers. W. W. Orwig and G. F. Spreng were elected presiding elders. Ordained elder — L. Seither. Deacon — V. Braim. J. A. Yingst was received on probation. J. Honecker located. Districts : Cleveland, W. W. Orwig, presiding elder ; Pitts- burg, G. F. Spreng. 1876. Atlantic Conference was organized at the session of the East Pa. Conference, Schuylkill Haven, Pa., February 24, with twelve members. Bishop R. Yeakel, president ; J. Koehl, secretary. Licensed — J. K. Shultz. Jesse Yeakel was elected presiding elder for the conference district. 404 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. 1876. Indiana Conference, Bremen ind., September 14. Bishop J. J. Esher, president ; C. C. Byrer, secretary. Died — C. Glaus. Granted credentials — E. Evans and J. Schmidli Licensed — T. L. Coverdale, W. Ackerman, A. Evans and J. H. Stedke. Ordained elders — E- D. Einsel. G. W. Freehafer, A. R. Shafer, A. Geist, C. C. Byrer and A. J. Troyer. Dea- cons — N. J. Platz, J. Mode, B. F. Dill and C. C. Baum- gardner. Located — B. Uphaus and A. J. Troyer. Districts : Elkhart, M. W. Steffy, presiding elder ; Fort Wayne, E. L. Kipplinger ; Indianapolis, M. Krueger. 1876. South Indiana Conference held its first session in Bremen, Ind., September 14. Bishop J. J. EsheRj president; W. G. Braeckly, secretary. Auxiliary missionary and Sunday- school and tract societies were organized. The conference re- mained in union with Northwestern College. Districts : Olney, John Fuchs, presiding elder ; Evansville, H. L. Fisher. 1876. Pacific Conference was organized at Salem, Ore., September 28. Bishop R. Dubs, president; J. Bowersox, secretary. Deacon — W. C. Kantner. This was the first ordi- nation preformed by a bishop of the Evangelical Association on the Pacific Coast. One hundred and two conversions and 142 accessions were reported for the past year. J% Bowersox was elected presiding elder of the conference district. Appointments : J. Bowersox, presiding elder, and also mis- sionary al Albany; Salem, Miss., S. Heininger; Yamhill, Miss., W. C. Kantner; Corvallis, Miss., J. Croasman ; San Francisco, Cal., F. W. Vogelein. Note. — The first Evangelical camp-meeting on the Pacific Coast was held in June, 1876, three miles southwest of Wheat- land, attended by all the missionaries in Oregon. This year was one of unusual activity within the church. The last General Conference having taken cognizance of the coming centennial year, and having advised the annual confer- ences to take suitable action, nearly all the conferences passed appropriate resolutions, and most of them recommended that jubilee services be held on July 2. The funds collected by the conferences connected with Northwestern College, were con- tributed to that institution, while in the East they were applied for(conference purposes. CONFERENCE RECORDS. 405 In the East and Central Pennsylvania Conferences measures were taken for the establishment of a higher institution of learn- ing. Strong committees were appointed, the purpose being to raise un endowment of $ 100,000, and work was to begin in the selection of a site and' erection of buildings as soon as three- fourths of the above amount was pledged. Rev. H. A. Neitz was the collector for the East Pa. and Rev. S. T. Buck, for the Central Pa. Conference. The Pittsburg Conference, while en- dorsing the movement, did not deem it advisable to put a col- lector in the field. The canvass of the agents showed conclu- sively that the movement was premature, and at the close of the year the project was abandoned. In other ventures the work of the Church was more successful. Especially was this true of the heathen mission. In October Dr. F. Krecker, with his family, and A. Halmhuber, started on their journey for Japan. God's favor rested on the undertaking. Biographical Notes. — Among the ministrers who closed their work on earth during this year was Father Jeremiah M. Young, of the Central Pa. Conference, who died near Hazelton, Pa., January 20. He was born in York, Pa., in 1806, entered the West Pa. Conference in 1846, and was elected presiding elder in 1864, serving one term. February 21, Isaac Hoffert died in Chicago, 111. He was born near Reading, Pa., in 181 r, entered the active ranks of the Western Conferences in 1837, and traveled in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Illinois. 1877. East Pa. Conference, Shamokin, Pa., February 28. Bishop T. Bowman, president; S. B. Brown, secretary. Li- censed — H. Wingert, A. M. Sampsel, A. V. Hirst, F. Smith, D. W. Bixler, I. S. Dissinger, G. W. Wagoner, C. Y. Weidenhammer, J. B. Cole, A. E. Fordman and G. W. Moore. Ordained elders — A. W. Warfel, L. E. Leslie, W. L. Black, T. A. Hess, C. S. Brown, J. M. Rinker and C. S. Breyfogel. Deacons — G. W. Gross, H. J. Glick, M. L. Custer, N. B. Shirk and Dr. F. Krecker, missionary in Japan. G. B. Fisher and J. K. Workman located. H. A. Neitz to rest a year on account of ill health. Granted credentials — M. L. Custer and N. B. Shirk. Districts : Philadelphia, J. M. Saylor, presiding elder ; Read- ing, C. S. Haman; Harrisburg, C K. Fehr; Pottsville, I. E. Knerr ; Allentown, S. Neitz ; Bethlehem, J. O. Lehr. 406 E V ANGELICAL A8B00IA TION ANNAL8. 1877. Central Pa. Conference, Williamsport, Pa., March 8. Bishop R. Yeakel, president ; U. F. Swengel, secretary. Died — A. Longsdorf. Licensed — D. M. Strine, C. S. Strouf, J. C. Reeser, J. McCamey, W. H. Hartman, H. Vanson, J. A. Hollenbach, T. A. Shortiss, H. W. Gross, F. S. Vought, S. F. Sheary, C. F. Gephart, S. Wright and A. W. Berry. Ordained elders — A. Stapleton, H. S. Bower and W. N. Wallace. Deacons — P. W. Group, B. F. Keller,, B. F. An- thony, H. C. Berger and J. F. Shultz. J. Bowersox and A. W. Bower joined the Pacific Conference. H. S. Bower also took credentials. P. M. Coup withdrew. M. Graham, I. Leas and C. Knoll, members of other churches, were admitted. Districts : York, S. W. Seibert, presiding elder ; Carlisle, E. Kohr; Lewisburg, A. L. Reeser; Williamsport, M. J. Ca- rothers. 1877. Pittsburg Conference, Millville, Pa., May 15. Bishop R. Yeakel, president; W. M. Stanford, secretary. Licensed — J. W. Domer, N. S. George, A. J. Greenawalt, P. S. File, T. Green, J. Lowman, J. D. Miller, S. Coy and M. J. Balentine. Ordained elders — L. I. Baumgardner, S. Milliron, D. K. Lavan, F. P. Saylor, G. W. Dunlap and J. J. Carmany. Deacons — Jacob Smith, R. P. Van Meter and J. Trezise, of another church, were admitted. J. L. W. Seibert and J. King took a supernumerary relation. J. J. Bernhart was re-elected presiding elder. Districts : Pittsburg, G. S. Domer, presiding elder ; Frank- lin, S. B. Kring; Allegheny, J. A. Grimm; Somerset, J. J. Bernhart. 1877. New York Conference, Utica, N. Y., March 8. Bishop T. Bowman, president; J. Siegrist, secretary. Or- dained elders — H. Horn and G. H. Geiser. Deacons — J. Eberling and J. Luttberger. F. Nussbukel was received on probation. A. Holzwarth was re-elected presiding elder. Districts : Albany, A. Holzwarth, presiding elder ; Rochester, T. Schneider ; Buffalo, M. Lehn. 1877. Canada Conference, Sebringville, Ont., April 19. Bishop T. Bowman, president; C. A. Thomas, secretary. Li- censed — D. Kreh, I. Moyer, F. Meier and D. D. Rife. Or- dained elders — H. G. Schmidt and G. Finkbiner. Deacons— * J. J. Klipphart, W. Simmons, J. A. Schmidt and F. Haist. CONFERENCE RECORDS. 407 S. Morley, F. Scharffe and C. Pfeuffer located. P. Alles was re-elected presiding elder. Districts : Waterloo, P. Alles, presiding elder ; Sebringville, W. Schmidt ; Carrick, Joseph Umbach. 1877. Ohio Conference, Mt.Corj, Ohio, April 12. Bishop R. Yeakel, resident; J. Lerch, secretary. Died — A. E. Dreisbach. Licensed — W. A. Sechrist, W. F. McMillan, C. L. Crowther and J. Nonnamaker. H. B. Davis and J. D. Downy, of the Methodist Episcopal, and J. Hall, of the Lu- theran Church, were admitted. Ordained elder — E.Wengerd. Deacons — J. Burkett and D. Curlis. J. N. Richards and O. P. Fahs withdrew. S. Hippert took credentials. W. Wit- tington was elected presiding elder. Districts: Cleveland, J. W. Walkey, presiding elder; Fre- mont, S. Hoy; Columbus, W. Wittington. 1877. Illinois Conference, Washington, 111., April 12. Bishop R. Dubs, president; M. Stamm, secretary. Licensed — C. Stoebler, P. Spath, H. F. Kletzing, W. Coon, J. W. Buck, C. F. Fehr and A. Egli. Ordained elders — P. Zahn, G. Fuchs and C. Shuster. Deacons — W. C. Frey and W. Shuster. H. H. Duth, J. Switzer and G. M. Young located. J. F. Grob joined the Atlantic Conference. Districts: Chicago, J. Schneider, presiding elder; Naper- ville, W. Goessele; Freeport, D. B. Byers; Mendota, J. Him- mel ; Peoria, H. Hintze. 1877. Wisconsin Conference, Milwaukee, Wis., April 26. Bishop R. Yeakel, president; A. Tarnutzer, secretary. Died — C. A. Schnake and D. Herb. C. Koch withdrew. W. Karm and J. G. Kern located. Licensed — J. Elfman and W. Detert. Ordained elders — H. Clement, J. G. Kern, C Green, E. Rhode and C. Oertli. Deacons — F. Hohn- muth, J. W. Henneman, A. Haas, C. Kunst, F. Illian and M. Nuss. Districts : Milwaukee, G. Fritsche, presiding elder ; Madi- son, H. Huelster ; Fond du Lac, H. Schelp ; Mississippi, W. Wittenwyler. 1877. Michigan Conference, Riga, Mich., April 5. Bishop R. Dubs, president; F. F. Meyer, secretary. Licensed — H. Schneider, H. Schuhknecht, G. Wilson, C. Z. Stewart and F. A. Hamp. Ordained elders — J. Miller, D. W. Schafer 408 BVANGBLICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. and J. Schmus. Deacons — C. C. Staffeld and J. A. Fry. Located — C. Rohn, J. Borough and J. Frankhauser. Districts: Detroit, E. Weiss, presiding elder; St. Joseph, S. Coply ; Saginaw, J. M. Haug. 1877. Iowa Conference met April 5, at La Porte, la. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; T. F. Berner, secretary. Li- censed — D. Rieder, H. Illian and J. Ashenbrenner. Or- dained elders — F. Lohle, S. H. White, G. Kohn, A. Houser and F. Schulsky. Deacons — F. Backemeier, O. Beck and J. Abrams. Located — W. Warfield. C. Sanders withdrew. C. A. Mueller took credentials. J. Henn was re-elected presiding elder. Districts: Dubuque, E. J. Shultz; Ackley,.J. Henn; Ne- braska, H. Brauer. 1877. Des Moines Conference, Lisbon, Iowa, April ia. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; E. B. Utt, secretary. Located — E. E. Bonta and J. A. Rank. A. J. Meyers withdrew. E. E. Condo, F. J. Strayer and W. Kolb received credentials. Li- censed — J. H. Kolb, J. M. Johnston, F. Drake, J. Brickley, G. Springer and A. F. Hahn. N. B. Sherk and M. L. Cus- ter, of the East Pa. Conference, were received, as also S. Hoover, of another church. Ordained elders — E. B. Utt and S. A. Pettit. Deacons — D. W. Fink and C. Manwell. D. H. Kooker, presiding elder, resigned, and E. F. Mell was elected in his place. Districts: Cedar Rapids, C. W. Anthony, presiding elder; Des Moines, E. F. Mell. 1877. Minnesota Conference, near New Trier, Minn., May 4. Bishop R. Yeakel, president ; E. H. Bowman, secre- tary. Located — J. Van Eschen. Licensed — G. W. Hielscher, W. Passer and W. Fritz. Ordained elder — L. Passer, J. Zim- merman and F. Moede. Districts : Winona, A. Strohmeier, presiding elder ; St. Paul, H. E. Linse; Mankato, C. Brill. 1877. Erie Conference, Allegheny City, Pa., March 1. Bishop R. Dubs, president; R. Mott, secretary. Ordained elders — Theo. Suhr and A. Bornheimer. The following was adopted: "As the East Pa. Conference is now in session at Shamokin, Pa., therefore, Resolved, That we send the follow- ing salutation to that body by telegraph. Erie Conference, the CONFERENCE RECORDS. 409 youngest now in session, sends greetings to the East. Pa. Con- ference, the oldest sister, II. Thes. iii. 16." The following response was received: "The oldest conference has received the greetings of the youngest with pleasure, and returns them in Scriptural measure, II. Peter i. 2." 1877. Atlantic Conference, Philadelphia, Pa., April 5. Bishop T. Bowman, president; J. Koehl, secretary. J. F. Grobe, of the Illinois, and C. A. Miller, of the Iowa Confer- ence, were admitted. Deacons — M. Stocklev, D. Schnebel, and L. Kolb. Ordained elder — M. Straub. Jesse Yeakel, pre- siding elder of the conference district. 1877. Kansas Conference, Nickel's Grove Circuit, Kan- sas, March 22. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; C. Berner, secretary. Located — J. G. Merk. Ordained elders — W. Heiser and R. Zeller. Deacons — J. Bower, C. Buchel and C. F. Stecher. Districts : Holton, J. Wuerth, presiding elder ; Missouri, J. G. Pfeiffer; Southwest, H. Mattill. 1877. Indiana Conference, Buena Vista, Ind., September 20. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; C. C. Baumgardner, secre- tary. Licensed — I. B. Fisher. Ordained elders — J. F. Bork- man. Deacons — J. Brockert and G. Roeder. Located — L. W. Dustman- Districts : Elkhart, M. W. Steffy, presiding elder ; Fort Wayne, E. L. Kiplinger ; Indianapolis, M. Krueger. 1877. South Indiana Conference, Huntingburg, Ind., September 6. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; W. G. Braeckly, secretary. Deacon; — C. Stier. Ordained elder — G. Ber- stecher. Licensed — F. Danner and W. L. Luehring. The time of holding the conference was changed from September to March. Districts : Olney, J. Fuchs, presiding elder ; Evansville, H. L. Fisher. 1877. Pacific Conference, Albany, Ore., September 6. Bishop J. Bowersox, president ; S. Heininger, secretary. A. W. Bower, of the Central Pa. Conference, was received. Appointments : J. Bowersox, presiding elder and mission- ary at Albany; Corvallis, W. C. Kantner; Buena Yista, J. Croasman ; Salem, A. W. Bower ; Yamhill, S. Heininger ; Port- land, to be supplied ; San Francisco, F. W. Voegelin. 410 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNAL8. Note. — The interests of the church were well maintained during this year. The Board of Missions in Racine, Wis., October 12, passed the following resolution: "Jiesoived, That we greatly rejoice that our missionaries in Japan were able to report in their first annual statement to this board, the glad news that one Japanese, who bids fair to be of great use to the Church, has, through their efforts, been converted, and that in this we see, with thankfulness to God, a new token of the ap- probation of the Lord with regard to our heathen mission." Biographical. — In October, 1877, Father Adam Ettinger, the oldest surviving minister of the church, passed to his re- ward, at the age of almost ninety-one years. J. Conrad Reis- ner died in October at Lebanon, in the eighty-second year of his age. He entered the ministry in 1822 and had the distinc- tion of being the first European German minister of the Evan- gelical Association. A fuller reference to these brethren will be found elsewhere in this work. 1878. East Pa. Conference, Reading, Fa., Feb. 27. Bishop J. J. Esher, president ; J. C. Hornberger, secretary. Licensed — J. Keller, N. A. Barr, J. M. Shopp, D. A. Light,, J. D. Woodring, A. S. Steltz, A. L. Yeakel, C. N. Snyder and E. A. Hummel. Deacons — J. H. Shirey, J. W. Woehrley, F. E. Erdman, W. Wagoner and W. Minsker. Ordained elders — S. T. Leopold, A. Krecker, H. D. Shultz, I. J. Reitz, G. D. Swiegert and A. Dilabar. Credentials — J. F. Wohlfarth, F. E. Erdman and E. Leslie. S. Neitz resigned the office of pre- siding elder and C. S. Haman and C. K. Fehr were re-elected to the same. The Board of Publication having loaned the pub- lishing house in Germany the sum of $10,000, the East Pa. Con- ference, by resolution, declared this loan as illegal. Districts : Philadelphia, J. O. Lehr, presiding elder ; Allen- town, C. K. Fehr ; Reading, J. M. Saylor j Harrisburg, C. S Haman ; Pottsville, I. E. Knerr. 1878. Central Pa. Conference, Glen Rock, Pa., March 7. Bishop R. Dubs, president ; , U. F. Swengel, secretary. Li- censed — E. Crumbling, E. James, J. S. Lowe, E. P. Leonard, J. Lawyer, J. N. Ross and W. F. Gladfelter. Ordained elders — D. P. Kline, P. F. Jarrett, L. Dice. Deacons — G. Joseph, J. Shambach, J. J. Lohr, P. C. Weidemeyer, J. H. Peters, W. H. Lilly and A. J. Gramly. F. C. Pandel was restored to his former relation of deacon. Granted credentials CONFERENCE RECORDS. 411 — H. C. Berger and R. J. Derrick. J. Archer and H. H. Ream withdrew. Districts: York, S. W. Seibert, presiding elder; Carlisle, «E. Kohr; Lewisburg, A. C. Reeser ; Williamsport, M. J. Ca- rothers. 1878. Pittsburg Conference, Canton, Ohio, March 14. Bishop R. Dubs, president; W. M. Stanford, secretary. Lo- cated — J. Portch and A. Rearick. Credentials — J. A. Dun- lap and P. W. Hahn. Licensed — D. R. Dalzell, T. B. Zel- lers, J. Myers, C. M. Killhefer, E. F. Dicky, C. Manka- mier, M. Tichnell, G. W. Finney, W. Evans, W. M. Covert, and T. B. Coburn. Ordained elders — G. W. White, I. A. Smith, A. S. Baumgardner, W. A. Reininger and J. Trezise. Deacons — H. Hurd. J. Q. A. Weller was newly and J. A. Grimm was re-elected presiding elder. Districts : Pittsburg, G. S. Domer, presiding elder ; Franklin, J. J. Barnhart ; Allegheny, J. A. Grimm ; Somerset, J. Q. A. Weller. 1878. New York Conference, Lyons, N. Y., March 14. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; M. Pfitzinger, secretary. Died — J. Siegrist and J. Luttenberger. Licensed — H. Kock. Ordained elders — J. Burkhart, J. Vossler, H. Newinger and C. Mowitz. Districts : Albany, A. Holzwarth, presiding elder ; Roches- ter, T. Schneider ; Buffalo, M. Lehn. 1878. Canada Conference, Lingelbach's, Out., April 19. Bishop J. J. Esher, president ; C. A. Thomas, secretary. Li- censed — D. Brant, W. Birk, M. Wiegand and J. C. Mor- lock. Deacon — F. Schwartz. Districts : Waterloo, P. Alles, presiding elder ; Sebringville, W. Schmidt ; Carrick, Joseph Umbach. 1878. Erie Conference, Huron, Ohio, March 7. Bishop T. Bowman, president; R. Mott, secretary. Licensed — G. Goetz, P. J. Faul and J. Cordes. Ordained elder — V. Brown. Deacons — G. Orr and J. A. Junt. Credentials — J. S. Seip and J. G. Martin. H. C. Berger, of the Central Pa. Confer- ence, was received. Districts : Cleveland, W. W. Orwig, presiding elder; Pitts- burg, G. F. Spreng. 1878. Atlantic Conference, Easton, Pa., April 4. Bishop J. J. Esher, president ; J. P. Schwatz, secretary. Credentials — C. A. Miller and J. P. Schultz. Licensed — J, B. Deroni. 41 2 E V ANGELICAL A8B0CIA TION ANNALS. C. B. Fliehr was elected presiding elder. Died — Adam Et- tinger, York, Pa. Districts: Philadelphia, J. Yeakel, presiding elder; New York, C. B. Fliehr. 1878. Kansas Conference, Zion church, Douglass county, Kansas, March 21. Bishop T. Bowman, president ; C. Ber- ner, secretary. F. Schaefer, C. F. Erfmeier, P. Shuman, A. J. Voegelein and A. M. Dreisbach were received on proba- tion. Ordained elders — J. Emmel. Deacons — C. Waehte and R. Stahle. H. S. Bower, of the Central Pa. Conference, was received. Located — M. Alsbach, J. Bower, C. Buechel. andW. Folgate. Credentials — G. F. Yeager. Districts : Holton, J. Wuerth, presiding elder ; Missouri, J. G. Pfeuffer; South West, H. Mattill. 1878. Iowa Conference, Waterloo, Iowa, April 4. Bishop T. Bowman, president ; C. Pfund, secretary. Ordained elders — O. Gerhart, E. Mueller, E. Nolte, W. Jonas, H. Butz, F. A. Frase, F. W. Fisher and G. Heinmiller. Deacons — G. G. Zellhoefer, V. Griese A. Fisher, C. Schmidt, M. Einhelder,, W. Schwerine, J. Ashenbrenner. Licensed — Peter Belzer, A. Braenchle, C. Bockenhauer, H. Braun and R. Schmitz. W. Kolb and Joseph Bussard, of the Des Moines and C. A. Mueller, of the Atlantic Conference, received ; the latter was granted deacon's orders. J. P. Just was newly and H. Brauer and E. J. Shultz were re-elected presiding elders. Districts : Dubuque, J. Henn, presiding elder ; Ackley, H, Brauer ; Council Bluffs ; E. J. Schultz ; Nebraska, J. P. Just. 1878. Des Moines Conference, Colo, Iowa, April u. Bishop T. Bowman, president; E. B. Urr, secretary. Li- censed — J. Auracher, H. Leiphart and H. H. Long. Or- dained elders — J. H. Yaggy and A. T. Wilkins. Deacons — H. A. Hummelbach and J. C. Burton. Died — G. Herring. Credentials — J. Bussard, J. McCauley and H. Holdridge. J. A. Dunlap, of the Pittsburg, J. A. Hetner and A. J. Gramly, of the Central Pa., and C H. Gramly, of the Illinois- Conference, and H. M. Sexton and L. Parks, of the Metho- dist Episcopal Church, were admitted. E. B. Utt was elected presiding elder. Districts : Cedar Rapids, C. W. Anthony, presiding elder ; Des Moines, E. B. Utt ; Afton, E. F. Mell. 1878. Illinois Conference, Freeport, 111., April 11. CONFERENCE RECORDS. ,,« 413 Bishop R. Yeakel, president ; A. Knoble, German, W. H. Bucks, English, secretary. Credentials — C. H. Gramly and J. Kurtz. Located — A. Rohrbach, B. Ruh and H. Eller. Licensed — A. Buende, George Spaeth, C. Frey, George Franks, J. Wuerth, O. Radensky, C. Roloff, C. Shultz, W. A. Unangst, C. Diesmeier and J. W. Shaefele. Ordained elders — W. Caton, C. Danner, H. Eller, A. Strickfaden, A. Riemenschneider, A. J. Culver and G. C. Knobel. Dea- cons — W. Schweiker, W. H. Fouke, J. W. Tobias and H. Scheffner. S. Torry, of the Baptist Church, was received. M. Stamh was newly and W. Goessele was re-elected presid- ing elder. V. Forkel was eleeted collector for church debts. Districts : Chicago, J. Schneider, presiding elder ; Naper- ville, M. Stamm ; Freeport, D. B. Byers ; Mendota, J. Himmel ; Peoria, W. Goessele. 1878. Michigan Conference, Litchfield, Mich., April 4. Bishop R. Yeakel, president; F. F. Meyer, secretary. Lo- cated — J. Young, D. C. Fry, P. Berg and R. Riegel. Cre- dentials — J. M. Reimke. Licensed — W. Binder, A. Kuehn, M. E. Blizzard, H. Voelker, J. Schneider and J. Suther- land ; also F. Knopf, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and W. White, of the Protestant Episcopal Church ; also S. Hip- pard of the Ohio and J. Nicolai, of the Illinois Conference, were admitted. Ordained elder — G. A. Hetler and P. Bittner. Deacons — F. Klump, A. Frey, G. Provost, D. C. Fry and D. Russel. J. M. Fuchs and J. M. Haug were elected presiding elders. Conference organized itself into a church building so- ciety. Districts : Monroe, F. Weiss, presiding elder ; Three Rivers, S. Coply ; Flint, J. M. Haug ; Iona, J. M. Fuchs. 1878. Ohio Conference, Marshallville, April n. Bishop R. Dubs, president ; J. Lerch, secretary. Licensed — W. W. Sherrick, C. Waltz, Otto Spreng, M. A. Butts, Martin A. Hildebrand and P. Powell. Ordained elders — S. Cocklin. Deacons — S. P. Spreng, J. A. Hensel, W. Bates, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and P. W. Hahn, of the Pitts- burg Conference, were admitted. N. Shupp was again elected collector for the church debts. Located — A. W. Orwig and G. Balser. Districts : Cleveland, J. W. Walkey, presiding elder ; Fre- mont, S. Hoy; Columbus, S. Wittington. 414 EVANGELICAL A88001AT10N ANNALS. Father H. Niebel, the oldest preacher of the Church, died. (See biography). 1878. Indiana Conference, Urbana, Ind., April 18. Bishop R. Dubs, president ; C. C. Baumgardner, secretary. Located— P. Roth. Licensed— A. O. Raber and W. Pinker- ton. Ordained elders— C. C. Baumgardner and B. F. Dill. Deacon — J. M. Dustman. Districts : Elkhart, M. W. Steffey, presiding elder ; Fort Wayne, E. L. Kiplinger; Indianapolis, M. Krueger. 1878. South Indiana Conference, Carmi, 111., March 14. Bishop T. Bowman, president; W. G. Brackley, secretary. Deacon — M. F. Finkbeiner. W. L. Luehring was received in the traveling connection. Districts : Olney, J. Fuchs, presiding elder ; Evansville, H. L. Fisher. 1878. Pacific Conference, Salem, Ore., September 15. Bishop T. Bowman, president; S. Heininger, secretary. Li- censed — Joseph Taylor and W. Axthelm. Ordained elder — W. C. Kantner. Irvine Robinson, a local preacher of Wis- consin conference, and G. C. Barger, of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, were received. J. Bowersox, presiding elder of the Conference District. 1878. Wisconsin Conference, Mazomaine, Wis., April 25. Bishop R. Dubs, president; A. Tarnutzer, secretary. Li- censed — L. E. Emmert, W. Elmer, D. Schneider, A. Buch- oltz. Deacons — F. Nehs, W. Colander, C. Weigand, C. F. Reichard, F. Haberman and H. Best. Located — J. Karcher. Died — E. Bockemuehl, itenerant, and J. M. Walter, local. Districts : Milwaukee, G. Fritsche, presiding elder ; Madi- son, H. Huelster ; Fond du Lac, H. Schelp ; Portage, M. Wit- tenweiler. 1878. Minnesota Conference, near Morristown, Minn., May 3, Bishop R. Dubs, president; W. Oehler, secretary. Ordained elders — B. Simon, E. R. Koch and J. Gongall. Deacons — H. Ohs, G. Britzius, W. C. Stegner, F. C. Schmidt, G. W. Heilscher and E. F. Movius. Licensed — J. G. Haller, M. Gagstatter and F. R. Plantikow. Cre- dentials — C. R. Koch. C. Ortli, of the Wisconsin and G. Spath, of the Illinois Conference were admitted. A. Stroh- meier was re-elected presiding elder. CONFERENCE BE00RD8. 415 Districts : Winona, A. Strohmeier, presiding elder ; St. Paul, H. E. Linse ; Mankato, C. Brill. 1879. East Pa. Conference, Allentown, Pa., February 26. Bishop R. Dubs, president; J. O Hornberger, secretary. Licensed — George Schwartz, A. E. Gobble, J. L. Ginther, J. W. Hoover, H. H. Romberger and W. H. Reineck. J. S. McNutt, a local preacher of the Methodist Episcopal Church, was received. Ordained elders — G. W. Gross, H. J. Glick and Dr. F. Krecker. Deacons — F. Smith and A. M. Sampsel. Credentials — L. Snyder, Moses Dissinger, S. B. Brown, W. H. Bachman, G. W. Moore and C. W. Snyder. Died— S. P. Reinoehl, H. Kempfer and W. Heim, itinerants, and J. Ber- tolet and I. Dissinger, locals. Districts : Philadelphia, J. O. Lehr, presiding elder ; Allen- town, C. K. Fehr ; Reading, J. M. Saylor ; Harrisburg, C. S. Haman; Pottsville, I. E. Knerr. 1879. Central Pa. Conference, Lewisburgh, Pa., March 6. Bishop T. Bowman, president ; U. F. Swengel, secretary. Li- censed — John Messinger, J. A. Kepner, H. M. Evans, C. W. Finkbinder, D. M. Baumgardner, I. Reynolds and H. H. Douty. Ordained elders — P. W. Group, B. F. Keller, B. F. Anthony and J. F. Shultz. Deacons — J. A. Hollenbaugh, J. C. Reeser, G. H. Schleh, C. F. Gephart, J. H. Hertz and H. W. Gross. Died — George Dellinger. Withdrawn — B. Mat- thias, S. D. Bennington, S. Wright, F. Passmore, H. Van- sant and Prof. F. M. Baker. Credentials — A. W. Kramer. B. Hengst, of the Atlantic Conference, was received. W. E. Detweiler was newly, and E. Kohr was re-elected presiding elder. Districts : York, M. J. Carothers, presiding elder ; Juniata, E. Kohr ; Lewisburg, W. E. Detweiler ; Williamsport, A. L. Reeser. 1879. Pittsburg Conference, Salisbury, Pa., March 13. Bishop T. Bowman, president; W. M. Stanford, secretary. Withdrew — J. H. Bates, I. Moore and J. Myers. Licensed — D. J. Hershberger and J. Wagoner. J. A. Yunt, of the Erie Conference, was admitted. A. Rearick and J. Q. A. Weller were deposed from the ministry. Died — Adam Klinefelter and P. S. Feil. Credentials — F. Bone. Ordained elders — J. Smith, R. P. Vanmeter. Deacons — J, W. Domer, F. J. 416 E V ANGELICAL ABBOOIA TION ANNALS. Strayer, E. C. Martin, J. T. Bowles, A. M. Bowlin and C. Dehaven. Districts: Pittsburg, G. S. Domer, presiding elder; Frank- lin, J. J. Bernhart; Johnstown, J. A. Grimm. 1879. New York Conference, Liverpool, N. Y., March 13. Bishop R. Dubs, president; M. Pfitzinger, secretary. Li- censed — H. W.Schneider, P. Bahn, G. Schneider and R. W. Ziehm. Ordained deacon — P. Spath. Districts : Albany, A. Holzwarth, presiding elder ; Roches- ter, M. Lehn; Buffalo, T. Schneider. 1879. Canada Conference, Berlin, Ont, April 17. Bishop R. Dubs, president; C. A. Thomas, secretary. Ordained Elders — J. J. Klipphart, J. A. Schmidt, F. Haist. Deacons — H. A. Thomas, D. Kreh, D. Reider. Licensed — S. Graep, J. Baechtel and G. Braun. Districts : Waterloo, P. Alles, presiding elder ; Sebringville, Joseph Umbach ; Carrick, C. A. Thomas. 1879. Ohio Conference, Lindsey, Ohio, April 17, Bishop J. J. Esher, president; A. Vandersall, secretary. Licensed — J. Wengerd, E. Shoemaker and L. Sweetland. J. Lerch, D. H. Wonder, G. W. Ellenberger and A. Loehner were granted a supernumerary relation. W. Horn and J. E. Stewart took letters of dismissal. Ordained elders — W. A. Shisler and J. A. Burkett. Deacons — J. O. Stoll, H. B. Davis, M. B. Mohn, W. F. McWilliams and D. C. Eckerman. F. Bone, of the Pittsburg, and F. Zeller, of the Michigan Conference, were admitted. J. Stull was elected presiding elder. Districts : Cleveland, j. Stull, presiding elder; Fremont, S. Hoy ; Columbus, W. Wittington. 1879. Illinois Conference, Geneseo, April 10. Bishop T. Bowman, president ; E. Von Freeden and W. Caton, secretaries. Credentials — J. H. Tobias, H. F. Kletzing and G. C. Knobel. Licensed — H. B. Grumbine, J. Stone, J. Hamilton, T. Murry, E. Held, T. W. Woodside, H. Arlen, C. Nauman, A. Haefele, W. Grobe, G. Zoller and C. Paeth, also G. A. Kearney, of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Ordained elders — J. B. Elfring, W. C. Frye and W. Shuster. Deacons — S. A. Miller, J. J. Elftman, A. Egle, W. Gross and J. J. Lintner. Died — A. Davis, J. K. Lutz and C. Ebinger. Districts: Chicago, J. Schneider, presiding elder; Naper- CONFERENCE RECORDS. 417 ville, M. Stamm ; Freeport, D. Byers ; Mendota, J. Himmel; Peoria, W. Goessele. 1879. Erie Conference, Cleveland, Ohio, March 6. Bishop J. J. Esher, president ; R. Mott, secretary. Ordained elder — H. C. Berger. C. Waltz and H. Cordes were received into the itinerancy. Credentials — J. A. Junt and C. Kuenzeli. Districts : Cleveland, W. W. Orwig, presiding elder ; Pitts- burg, G. F. Spreng. 1879. Atlantic Conference, York, Pa., April 3. Bishop R. Dubs, president. J. P. Schnatz, secretary. Credentials — B. Hengst. C. Heinrich and C. Brey were received on pro- bation. Ordained elder — D. Schnebel. Deacon — C. Phillip- bar. R. Deisher located. Districts : Philadelphia, J. Yeakel, presiding elder ; New York, C. B. Fliehr. 1879. Wisconsin Conference, Bishop J. J. Esher, presi- dent; A. Tarnuntzer, secretary. Died — F. J. Schirmeier. Licensed — J. Schneller, A. Heinhouse and J. A. Stewart. Ordained elders — J. W. Henneman, F. Illian, F. Homuth and C. Kunst. Deacons — H. Kiekhoefer, M. Muehl, G. Fred- erick and W. Detert. J. U. Elmer located. H. Schelp was reelected and C. F. Finger, A. Tarnutzer and L. Buehler were newly elected presiding elder. District : Milwaukee, L. Buehler, presiding elder ; Madison, H. Schelp ; Fond du Lac, C. F. Finger ; Portage, A. Tarnutzer. 1879. South Indiana Conference, Mt. Tabor, Ind., March 20. Bishop R. Dubs, president; G. W. Brackley, secretary. Ordained elders — J. Mode and N. J. Platz. H. C. Fisher and J. Fuchs were re-elected presiding elders. Districts : Olney, H. L. Fisher, presiding elder ; Evansville, J. Fuchs. 1879. Indiana Conference, Bremen, Ind., April 17. Bishop R. Yeakel, president ;• C. C. Baumgardnrr and D. S. Oakes secretaries. Died — A. Hartzler, itinerant, and J. Car- stetter and J. Kiplinger, locals. D. J. Pontius, G. W. Free- hafer and J. F. Bockman located. H. Funk and J. Loop, locals, withdrew. Licensed — J. E. Myers, G. W. Bryson, D. Black and L. Stock. Ordained elders — J. Bruckert, and G. Roeder. Deacons — A. Iwan, J. B. Fisher, H. Prechtel and J. Huntzinger. M. Krueger was re-elected and C C. Baum- 418 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. Gardner was newly elected presiding elder. Credentials — D. J. Pontius and E. D. Einsel. Districts : Elkhart, E. L. Kiplinger ; Ft. Wayne, M. Krue- ger ; Indianapolis, C. C. Baumgardner. 1879. Iowa Conference, Ackley, Iowa, April 3. Bishop J. J. Esher, president ; C. C. Pfund, secretary, Licensed — C. Brenner and J. Herrman. Credentials — W. F. Fisher, F. Methfessel and D. Rieder. Ordained elders — J. Abrams, F. Backemeyer, E. O. Beck. Deacons — H. Hibenthal and H. Illian. , Districts : Dubuque, J. Henn, presiding elder ; Ackley, H. Brauer; Council Bluffs, E. J. Shultz. 1879. Des Moines, Afton, Iowa, April 10. Bishop R. Dubs, president; W. J. Hahn, secretary. Licensed — S. Kern, H. Grumbine, P. Gressly, H. Kinly, S. Krell and J. Halder- man. Ordained elders — D. W. Fink, S. Hoover, M. L. Custer, and C. Manwell. Deacons — J. E. Staufacher, J. Auracher, J. M. Johnson and A. Y. Cupp. Credentials — J. H. Kiplinger and A. Driesbach, of the Kansas, R. J. Derrick and G. F. Yeaqer, of the Central Pa., W. Coon, D. Ellenberger and H. F. Kletzing, of the Illinois, B. C. Oyler and J. Strome, of the Ohio, and E. D. Einsel, of the Indiana Conference. Died— J. H. Culp. Districts : Cedar Rapids, C. W. Anthony, presiding elder ; Des Moines, E. B. Utt ; Afton, E. F. Mell. 1879. Kansas Conference, near Rulo, Neb., March 20. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; C. Berner, secretary. Li- censed — A. Yoder, W. Descher, L. C. Schnake, H. Lindner. Deacons — J. Dreisbach, C. Geiser, H. Todeman, D. Honsted and H. Lindner. D. Woder located. L. Wenger was elected presiding elder. Districts : Holton, J. Wuerth, presiding elder ; Missonri, J- G. Pfeuffer ; South West, L. Wenger. 1879. Michigan Conference, Park, Mich., April 3. Bishop T. Bowman, president; F. F. Meyer, secretary. F. S. Root, withdrew. F. Zeller and J. T. Gingrich located. Creden- tials — P. Bittner. Licensed — A. Scheuer, Q. Walker, W. F. Zander and J. A. Lawrence. Ordained elders — J. A. Frye, W. Simmons and C. C. Staffeld. Deacons — H. Schneider and F. C. Walker, C. G. Koch, of the Ohio and S. Heininger, CONFERENCE RECORDS. 419 of the Pacific Conference, were received. S. Copley was re- elected and J. Frankhouser newly elected presiding elder. Districts : Monroe, S. Coply, presiding elder ; Three Rivers, J. Frankhouser; Flint, J. M. Haug; Iona, J. Fuchs. 1879. Minnesota Conference, Quincy, Minn., May 2. J. J. Esher, president, W. Oehler, secretary. Deacons — F. R. Plantikow, W. Fritz, W. Passer and M. Redman. The Conference was re-districted and the districts St. Paul, Minne- apolis, St. Peter's and South. W. Stegner was newly and C. Brill was re-elected presiding elder. Districts : St. Paul, H. E. Linse, presiding elder ; Minne- apolis, C. Brill ; St. Peters, A. Strohmeyer ; South, W. Stegner. 1879. Pacific Conference, Corvallis, Ore., June 5. Bishop J. Bowersox, president; W. C. Kantner, secretary. Licensed — J. L. Hershner and G. Ketterman. Credentials — S. Heininger. A. W. Bower withdrew. California district was formed and F. W. Voegelein was elected presiding elder. A. Krecker, of the East Pa., J. C. Emmel, of the Kansas Con- ference, and F. W. Fisher were received into the conference. Districts : Oregon, J. Bowersox, presiding elder ; California, F. W. Voegelein. CHAPTER XVII. Seventeenth General Conference, Held at Noble Street Church, Chicago, III., Oct. 2-20. 1879. General Conference, seventeenth session, Noble Street Church, Chicago, 111., Oct. 2-20. Presiding Bishops : J. J. Esher, R. Yeakel, R. Dubs and T. Bowman. Bishop Dubs delivered the opening address. C. A. Thomas was ap- pointed secretary. His assistants were J. C. Hornberger, M. Stamm, M. Pfitzinger, S. Smith and C. W. Anthony. Rev. J. W. Freund, the fraternal delegate of the Methodist Episcopal Church, addressed the conference, as also Bishop Merrill, of the same church. On the fourteenth day of the sessions memorial services were held in respect to W. F. Schneider, Publisher, C. A. Schnake and S. G. Rhoads, members of the last General Conference who died during the quadrennium. The General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church having arranged for the holding of a Ecumenical Council of all Methodistic bodies, and an invitation having been sent to this General Conference to send representatives from the Evangelical Association, the matter was referred to a committee, who later substituted the following, which was adopted. "Resolved, That we duly appreciate and most heartily re- ciprocate the fraternal spirit which prompted, and which per- vades said invitaton to participate in the deliberations of said conference. 2. That, although we are not a Methodist body, but yet are closely allied to Methodism, in doctrine and practice, we here- with accept the invitation and make arrangements to be properly represented at said conference. OONFERENOE RECORDS. 421 3. That the Committee of Ways and Means make necessary arrangements to have our Church properly represented at the Ecumenical Conference. " Delegates : Bishop R. Dubs and D. B. Byers were ap- pointed to represent the church at the Ecumenical Conference of Methodism, J. C. Hornbrrger was appointed as fraternal delegate to the General Conference of the United Brethren, and E. C. Kiplinger to that of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The following were some of the more important recom- mendations of the General Conference to the annual confer- ences for adoption, as submitted by committees : "The bishops of our church shall be permitted to take part in the deliberations of the General Conference when they do not occupy the chair, but shall not have the right to vote. "The senior book- agent, the editors and the corresponding secretary of the missionary society, who are at present members of the General Conference by virtue of office, shall have the privilege of choosing the annual conference of which they desire to be members, and such as may be elected, whose conference relations have not been changed, shall have the right to retain their membership in their respective conferences, and thus the ex-offieio membership of this body of all the officers of our church shall cease." " Whereas, The need of a more appropriate English render- ing of our original church name among our English-speaking people, has been felt for many years, and is becoming more and more urgent, so that there seems to be a very general desire apparent in favor of a change, and, Whereas, We believe that the time has come when some- thing ought to be done iu the matter, inasmuch as we are not merely an "association," but a church; therefore, Resolved, 1. That the English rendering or translation of our original name " Evangelische Gemeinschaf t, " shall in the future be "Evangelical Church of North America," instead of Evan- gelical Association of North America. 2. That a committee of four be appointed to consult with a competent jurist, and see to it that the necessary measures are executed to legalize the change, and that we suggest as such a committee, Bishop R. Dubs, W. Yost, H. B. Hartzler and M. Lauer. The Board of Publication was excused for not publishing 422 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNAL8. the Evangelical Hymn Book with notes, as ordered by the last General Conference, but ordered that its publicaton shall not be longer delayed. 'The last General Conference having offered a premium of #1,000 for a manuscript of systematic theology, and no one having availed himself of the inducement, the conference continued the offer. It was resolved that two instead of one book agent shall be elected, to have equal power, rights and perogatives, and be equally responsible for the managment of the establishment. The agent first elected shall be the senior, and an ex-officio mem- ber of the General Conference. Permission was given the Minnesota, Kansas and Germany Conferences to divide their conferences during the coming quadrennium, with the consent of the Board of Bishops. The Des Moines Conference was granted the same privilege, on the same conditions, for the formation of the Platte River and Nebraska Conferences, provided two-thirds of the members of conference shall agree to such a division. Salaries, house rent included, were fixed as follows : Bishop's, #1,500; book agents, #1,400; editor's, #1,400; assistant edi- tor's, #1,000. The following officials were elected for the quadrennium : Bishops, J. J. Esher, R. Dubs and T. Bowman ; Book Agents, M. Lauer and W. Yost ; editor of the Christliche Botschafter, W. Horn ; editor of Evangelical Messenger, H. B. Hartzler ; editor of Evangelical Magazine and German Sunday-School literature, C. A. Thomas ; editor of the Living Epistle ; S. L. Wiest, Superiendent of Orphan Home ; Jacob Dreisbach, Gen- eral Book Agent for the Germany Publishing House ; J. Waltz, editor of Evangelische Botschafter and Sunday-School Literature, G. Fuessele. Delegates — East Pa. Conference. — C. S. Haman, J. 0. Lehr, J. C. Hornberger, I. E. Knerr, C. K. Fehr, B. F. Bohner, S. Nietz, J. M. Saylor. Central Pa. Conference. — M. J. Carothers, C. F. Deininger, W. E. Detweiler, E. Kohr, A. L. Reeser, S. Smith, S. W. Sei- bert. Pittsburg Conference. — G. S. Domer, J. J. Barnhart, J. D. Domer, G. W. Brown,* J. A. Grimm. * Alternates. CONFERENCE RE00RD8. 423 New York Conference. — M. Pfitzinger, M. Lehn, T. Schnei- der.* Kansas Conference. — J. Wuerth, H. Mattill, L. Wenger C. Berner. * Erie Conference. — W. W. Orwig, G. F. Spreng. South Indiana Conference. — J. Fuchs, J. Kauffman. * Atlantic Conference. — J. Yeakel, F. Kurtz. Iowa Conference- — J. Henn, H. Brauer, E. J. Schultz. Des Moines Conference. — D. H. Kooker, C. W. Anthony, E. B. Utt, E. F. Mell. Nebraska Conference. — J. P. Just. Ohio Conference. — S. Hoy, J. Lerch, D. Strohman, J. Stoll, W. Wittington, J. W. Walkey. Illinois Conference. — J. Schneider, W. Goessele, H. Rohland, D. B. Byers, M. Stamm, C. Lindeman, J. Himmel, S. Dickover. Indiana Conference. — E. L. Kiplinger, M. W. Steffy, M. Krueger. Michigan Conference. — S. Coply, J. M. Fuchs, J. M. Haug, C. Ude,* J. Frankhauser. Canada Conference. — J. Umbach, C. A. Thomas, S. N. Moyer.* Wisconsin Conference. — L. Buehler, A. Tarnutzer, H. Schelp, P. Speich, C. F. Finger. Minnesota Conference. — C. Brill, W. L. Stegner, A. Stroh- meyer. Pacific Conference. — J. Bowersox. German Conference. — J. Kaechle. Switzerland Conference. — H. Guelich. Ex-officio. — M. Lauer, W. Yost, Jacob Hartzler, W. Horn, H. J. Bowman. Among the recommendations of General Conference to the annual conferences for adoption were two of vital interest, namely, the repeal of ex-officio representation in the General Conference, and the change of our Church name, and an ex- traordinary degree of interest was manifested throughout the entire church in the final outcome. In regard to the recdm- mendation to abolish ex-officio representation (see General Con- ference of 1867). The conference very strenuously held that the tendency of ex-officio representation was to centralize power •Alternates. 424 EVANGELICAL A880C1A T10N ANNAL8. in the hands of the church officials, and hence a menace to the polity of the church. Although the opposition to this measure was not very serious when first introduced as a recommendation to the annual conferences, when, however, the system was finally adopted, and it was soon regarded as a dangerous menace, and many of the leading men of the church, especially of the East, were anxious for its abolition. S. Neitz, of the East Pa conference, who had opposed it from the beginning, brought the matter before the General Conference. The vote of the annual conferences on its repeal resulted adversely by a very narrow margin, the Central Pa. Conference voting unan- imously for its repeal and the East Pa. and Pittsburg Confer- ences nearly so. The recommendation to alter our Church name also failed to receive the sanction of a majority. 1880. East Pa. Conference, Weissport, Pa., February 26. Bishop T. Bowman, president; J. C. Hornberger, secretary. Licensed — J. C. Krause, H. M. Capp, A. M. Hartman, W. H. Stauffer, F. G. Stauffer, W. F. Heil, and J. Wejdel. Or- dained elders — J. W. Woehrle, and J. H. Shirey. Deacons — N. A. Barr and J. R. Hensyl. Credentials — T. G. Clelwell and G. C. Knobel, also H. S. Clemens, of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Died — G. T. Haines and S. Graumer. Districts : Allentown, C. K. Fehr ; Philadelphia, J. C. Horn- berger, ; Reading, I. E. Knerr ; Harrisburg, C. S. Haman ; Pottsville, J. O. Lehr. 1880. Gentral Pa. Conference, Berwick, Pa., March 4. Bishop J. J. Esher, president, U. F. Swengel, secretary. Li- censed — J. E. Britcher, C. H. Goodling, J. R. Sechrist, H. H. Brenneman, W. J. Davis, I. C. Yeakel, M. F. Fosselman, H. T. Searl, E. Dietrick, H. Price and J. M. Dick. E. W. Koontz, of the United Brethren, and J. D. Kneisley, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, were received. Ordained elders — J. Shambach, J. J. Lohr, W. H. Lilly, G. Joseph, P. C. Weidemeyer and J. H. Peters. Deacons — E. P. Leonard, H. H. Douty, E. Crumbling, B. Garrison, and D. Shoe- maker. J. G. M. Swengel located. Died — R. C. Bowersox. Credentials — John Kreamer and D. S. Lepley. U. F. Swen- gel was newly elected and A. L. Reeser re-elected presiding elder. Jacob Hartzler, superintendent of Japan mission, was enrolled as a member of conference. Districts : York, E. Kohr, presiding elder ; Juniata, U. F. CONFERENCE RECORDS. 42& Swengel ; Lewisburg, W. E. Detweiler ; Williamsport, A. L_ Reese r. 1880. Pittsburg Conference, Johnstown, Pa., March 18. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; W. M. Stanford, secretary. Licensed— F. P. Hummel, C. C. Poling, N. W. Bloom, W. F. Shannon, D. F. Platt, G. W. Weaver, F. P. Ellenberger,, A. J. Bird and J. Fichtner. Ordained elder — H. H. Hurd_ Deacon— ^W. M. Covert. D. Saylor was restored to his former relation. E.C. Martin located. Credentials — G.W. Brown, E. B. Arthur, J. J. Bernhart and J. Trezise. F. W. Barlett, of the M. E. Church, was admitted. J. D. Domer, D. S. Poling and L. M. Boyf.r were elected to the office of presiding elder. Districts : Pittsburg, J. A. Grimm, presiding elder ; Frank- lin, D. S. Poling ; Allegheny, J. D. Domer ; Somerset, L. M„ Boyer. 1880. Ohio Conference, Lancaster, Ohio, March n. Bishop T. Bowman, president ; A. Vandersall, secretary. Licensed — C. H. Dreisbach, J. Keiser, J. Kanaga, J. H. Vought and S. A. McBride. Ordained elder — S. P. Spreng and J. A. Hensel. Deacons — S. J. Gamertsfelder, E. Evans, W. W. Sherrick, C. L. Crowther, Otto Spreng, J. J. Nona- maker and W. Bates. G, H. Schneider, of the New York Conference, was received. Districts : Cleveland, S. Hoy, presiding elder ; Fremont, J. Stoll ; Columbus, W. Whittington. 1880. Erie Conference, Erie, Pa., March 4. Bishop R. Dubs, president ; R. Mott, secretary. Licensed — H. Hue- bner and Charles Suhr. Ordained elder — G. Ott. Deacons — H. Cordes and G. Waltz. Credentials — H. C. Berger. J. J. Bernhart, of the Pittsburg Conference, was received, also L. Pfeifer, of the Evangelical Synod of North America. C. F. Negle and J. G. Theuer were elected presiding elders. Districts : Cleveland, J. G. Theuer, presiding elder ; Pitts- burg, C. F. Negle. 1880. Atlantic Conference, Baltimore, Md., April 1. Bishop T. Bowman, president; F. Kurtz, secretary. A. Strauk located. Died— A. Hinkle. Deacons — A. Steltz and J. Keller. J. Yeakel was re-elected presiding elder. Districts : Philadelphia, J. Yeakel, presiding elder ; West Jersey, C. B. Fliehr. 426 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. 1880. New York Conference, Buffalo, N. Y., March 4. Bishop T. Bowman, president ; M. Pfitzinger, secretary. ■Credentials — G. H. Schneider. — Deacons — P. Bohn, H. Koch. Ordained elder — J. Eberling. Licensed— : D. Miller and C. Hardel. D. Fisher located. Districts : Albany, A. Holzwarth, presiding elder ; Roches- ter, M. Lehn ; Buffalo, M. Pfitzinger. 1880. Canada Conference, Mildmay, Ont, April 15. Bishop T. Bowman, president ; C. F. Braun, secretary. Li- censed — S. Kraft and L. Wittich. Deacons — C. Staebler, M. L. Wing, D. Brand and J. C. Morelock. C. Steuer- nagel located. C. A. Spies was elected presiding elder. D. Kreh went as missionary to Texas. Districts : Waterloo, P. Alles, presiding elder ; Sebringville, J. Umbach ; Carrick, C. A. Spies. 1880. Kansas Conference, Platte River Circuit, March 18. Bishop R. Dubs, president ; C. Berner, secretary. Licensed — ■ G. E. Dienst, M. F„ Shupe and E. Bruner. C. Emmil and J. Bowers located. Ordained elder — C. Waehlte. Deacons — C. F. Erffmeyer, A. J. Voegelein, P. Shuman, S. H. Dun- kelberger and C. Brant. Moses Dissinger and C. W. Sny- der, of the East Pa. Conference, A. W. Kramer, of the Central Pa. Conference, and S. H. Dunkelberger and J. H. Tobias were received into the itinerancy. Credentials — S. O. Mussel- man and J. F. Wohlfarth. Districts : Holton, J. Wuerth, presiding elder ; Missouri, J. G. Pfeuffer ; South West, L. Wenger. 1880. Nebraska Conference, near Louisville, Neb., March 25. Bishop R. Dubs, president ; A. Fisher, secretary. Li- censed — H. Sohl and G. Altstadt. Ordained elders — A. Fisher, M. Einhelder and W. F. Schwerin. Deacon — A. Brauchle. Credentials — L. Reep. A. Haas, of the Wisconsin Conference, was admitted. J. P. Yust presiding elder of conference district. 1880. Iowa Conference, Cedar Falls, Iowa, April 1. Bishop R. Dubs, president ; J. F. Berner, secretary. Licensed— J. W. Epley, H. Raecker and F. Tostlebe. Ordained elders— C. A. Mueller, V. Griese, J. J. Ashenbrenner and C. Schmidt. Deacons — J. M. Zellhoefer, P. Belzer and G. D. Flegler. Credentials — G. Heinmiller. CONFERENCE RECORDS. 427 Districts : Dubuque, J. Henn, presiding elder ; Ackley, H. Brauer ; Des Moines, E. J. Shultz. 1880. Des Moines Conference, Grandview, Iowa, April 8. Bishop R. Dubs, president ; J. H. Yaggy, secretary. J. H. Kiplinger and A. C. Hackathorn located. Ordained elders — A. J. Gramley. Deacons — H. H. Long and T. J. Fink. E. B. Utt resigned the office of presiding elder and J. H. Kooker was newly and C. W. Anthony was re-elected to the same. Districts : Afton, E. F. Mell, presiding elder ; Cedar Rapids, D. H. Kooker ; C. W. Anthony, Nebraska. 1880. Minnesota Conference, Racine, Minn., May 7. Bishop T. Bowman, president; H. Bunse, secretary. Li- censed — G. Husser, G. Duebendorf and W. Blanchard. Dea- cons — J. G. Haller, G. Spaeth and M. Gagstetter. Or- dained elders — G. W. Heilscher, H. Ohs, G. Britzius, F. Smith and E. Movius. Died — G. Von Eschen. A. Huel- ster, of the Wisconsin Conference, was received. H. Bunse was elected presiding elder. Districts : St. Paul, H. Bunse, presiding elder ; Minneapolis, C. Brill ; St. Peter, A. Strohmeyer ; Mankato, W. Stegner. 1880. Illinois Conference, Naperville, 111., April 8. Bishop J. J. Esher, president ; A. Fuessele, secretary. Li- censed — J. G. Ziegler, J. S. Reinhart, J. Buck, L. Becher, C. Apel, L. Schaefele, T. Shaible and J. C. Sills. Ordained elders — W. Schweiker and W. H. Fouke. Deacons — C. Roloff, J. K. Shultz, J. W. Schaefele, O. Radinsky, C. S. Fehr and Prof. H. H. Rassweiler. T. Hamilton of the Methodist Episcopal Church was received. Died — S. A. Tobias. A. Knobel and I. Kuter located. Districts : Chicago, W. Goessele, presiding elder ; Naper- ville, M< Stamm ; Freeport, H. Messner ; Mendota, J. Schnei- der ; Peoria, G. Vetter. , 1880. Wisconsin Conference, Fon du Lac, Wis., April 22. Bishop R. Dubs, president ; F. Huelster, secretary. Li- censed — W. Messersmith, G. Keller and G. Reicherd. Deacon — L. F. Emmert. Ordained elders — W. Kolander, F. A. Haberman, H. Best, C. F. Reicherd, C. Weigand and F. L. Nehs. Credentials — A. Huelster and A. Haas. Districts : Milwaukee, L. Buehler, presiding elder ; Madi- son, H. Schelp ; Fond du Lac, C. F. Finger ; Portage, A. Tar- nutzer. 428 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. 1880. South Indiana Conference, Louisville, Ky., March ii. Bishop J. J. Esher, president ; W. J. Braeckly, secre- tary. Licensed — F. Theis and G. Halwachs. Ordained elder — C. Stier. Deacons — W. L. Luehring and E. Bohlan- der. Districts : Evansville, J. FuchSj presiding elder ; Olney, H. L. Fisher. 1880. Indiana Conference, April i, Bishop J. J. Esher, president; D. S. Oakes, secretary. Ordained elders — J. M. Dustman. Deacons — A. O. Raber, W. Ackerman and J. Fritz. Licensed — J. E. Smith. D. Martz, of the Methodist Episcopal and I. W. Kemmerling, of the United Brethren Church, were admitted. E. T. Hochstedler located. J. M. Gomer, missionary to Texas, was retained in the conference. F. F. Meyer, of the Michigan Conference, was received. E. L. Kipling was re-elected presiding elder. Districts : Elkhart, E. L. Kiplinger, presiding elder ; Fort Wayne, M. Krueger, Indianapolis, C. C. Baumgardner. 1880. Michigan Conference, East Rasinville, Mich., April £; Bishop T. Bowman, president j F. F. Meyer, secre- tary. J. Schmaus, F. Dietrich, F. Walter and O. Ragatz located. H. C. Berger, of the Erie, and E. B. Arthur, of the Pittsburg Conferences, were admitted. Licensed — W. A. Kohler, W. H. Wagoner and N. Wunderlich. Deacons — W. F. Binder, W. F. Zander and H. Voelker. Ordained elders — F. Klump, A. Fry, F. E. Ereman and G. Provost. Credentials — P. Bittner and F. F. Meyer. J. Frankhouser resigned the office of presiding elder. Districts : Monroe, L. Coply, presiding elder ; Flint, J. M. Haugh ; Iona, J. M. Fuchs. 1880. Pacific Conference, Wheatland, Ore., June 18. Bishop R. Dubs, president ; A. Krecker, secretary. Died — G. Ketterman. Licensed — H. Bittner. Deacon — H. W. Axthelm. J. C. Emmel located. C. Waehlte, of the Kansas Conference, was admitted. J. Bowersox was re-elected pre- siding elder. Districts : Oregon, J. Bowersox, presiding elder ; California, F. W. Voegelein. Notes. — In 1879 Bishop J. J. Esher visited Texas with a view to the establishment of our Church in that State. His report of the prospects was favorable, and the Board of Missions soon after CONFERENCE RECORDS. 429 appointed J. M. Gomer, of the Indiana, and D. Kreh, of the Canada Conference, to the work. The missionaries entered upon their work in the early part of 1880, Gomer at Galveston and Kreh at San Antonio. Very soon after his arrival Gomer purchased a church and parsonage of another society. He also found entrance in other localities where he met with some de- gree of success. In 1883 he organized a society at Temple, and May 13 the first church erected by the Evangelical Associa- tion in Texas was dedicated there. About this time also a par- sonage was built at San Antonio, and a church soon afterwards. At the General Conference of 1887 the work in Texas was con- stituted an annual conference. The first session was held at Temple, November 25, 1887, Bishop Esher, presiding. Biographical. — The death roll of prominent ministers of the Association is this year unusually large, among whom we notice the following : Rev. Daniel Berger died at Orwigsburg, Pa., April 12. He was born in Pennsylvania in 1797. Entered the Eastern Conference in 1834, and served in the itinerancy twenty-six years. Rev. William L, Reber died at Reading, Pa., May 21. He was born in Berks county Pa., in 1810, entered the active ranks of the East Pa. Conference in 1843. In 1861 he was elected presiding elder, but resigned after serving the office two years because of declining health. Rev. Levi S. Jacoby, died at Newark, N. Y., August 30. He was born in Berks county, Pa., 1826, and entered the East Pa. Conference in 1846, and was an original member of the New York Conference. He was elected presiding elder in the New York Conference 1860-64-69. Rev. Jacob Weikel, died in Mercer county, Pa., May 25. He was born in Berks county, Pa., 181 2, entered the ministry of the West Pa. Conference 1851, and remained in the Pitts- burg Conference. Presiding elder in 1857-61. Rev. H. L. Fisher, died at Olney, Ind., June 22. He was born in Lebanon county, Pa., 1828, entered the East Pa. Con- ference 1857. Joined the Indiana Conference 1863. Elected presiding elder 1870, 1875 and 1879. An earnest, consecrated man. Rev. Simon A. Tobias, died at Davis, 111., February 11. He was born near Reading, Pa., 1822. Entered the Ohio 430 EVANGELICAL AB8001AT10N ANNALS. Conference 1844, and later became a member of the Illinois Conference. Elected presiding elder 1852. Re-elected 1855. General agent for Plainfield College 1860-62. 1881. East Pa. Conference, Millersburg, Pa., February 23. Bishop J. J. Esher, president ; B. J. Smoyer, secretary. Or- dained elders — A. M. Sampsel and F. Smith. Deacons — D. W. Bicksler, J. W. Hoover, J. D. Woodring and H. S. Clemens. Licensed — J. B. Fox, I. Heisler W. C Weiss, R. Teter, R. Roessel, G. Reinhold and J. R. Overholser. Creden- tials — T. G. Clewell, A. E. Gobble and I. E. Zimmerman. Died — Jacob Snyder, D. Berger, W. L. Raber and J. Kurtz. Districts : Philadelphia, J. C Hornberger, presiding elder ; Allentown, C. K. Fehr; Reading, I. E. Knerr ; Harrisburg, C. S. Haman ; Pottsville, J. O. Lehr. 1881. Central Pa. Conference, Lock Haven, Pa., March 3. Bishop T. Bowman, president ; E. Swengel, secretary. Li- censed — A. W. Swengel, M. J. Snyder, E. D. Keene, S. O. McCurdy and J. D. Shortiss. Ordained elders — J. C. Reeser, H. W. Gross, J. A. Hollenbach, G. H. Schleh and C. F. Gephart. Deacons — J. W. Messenger, C. W. Finkbinder, W. H. Hartman, S. F. Vought, J. D. Stover, I. Bower and C. C. Reen. J. H. Hollenbach took credentials for the Pa- cific Conference. A. E. Gobble, of the East Pa., and S. O. Musselman, of the Kansas Conference, were received. M. J. Carothers, collector for mission churches. Districts : York, E. Kohr, presiding elder ; Juniata, U. F. Swengel ; Lewisburg, W. E. Detweiler ; Williamsport, A. L. Reeser. 1881. Pittsburg Conference, Franklin Pa. March 10. Bishop R. Dubs, president ; W. M. Stanford, Secretary. Li- censed — C. H. Miller, S. J. Caton and J. Q. A. Curry. E. C. Martin withdrew. Died — Jacob BuRKETr and J.Weikel. Ordained elders — F. J. Strayer, J. W. Domer and J. A. Yunt. Deacons — M. L. Weaver, M. J. Balentine, H. S. Stauffer,. F. W. Barlett, T. B. Zeller, R. D. Dalzell and E. F. Dickey. Districts : Pittsburg, J. A. Grimm, presiding elder ; Somer- set, L. M. Boyer; Franklin, D. S. Poling; Allegheny, J. D. Domer. 1881. Ohio Conference, Independence, Ohio March 10. Bishop T. Bowman, president ; A. Vandersall, secretary. G- CONFERENCE RECORDS. 431 W. Ellenberger located. Died — J. Stultz. Licensed— B. Niebel and J. D. Lamb. Ordained elders — D. C. Eckerman, J. O. Stoll, W. F. McMillen, H. B. Davis and M. B. Mohn.. Deacons — J. Wengert, D. Ewald, G. H. Snyder and Dr. A. P. Dutcher. J. Lerch joined the Illinois Conference. C. L. Crowther was expelled. W. Wittington was re-elected pre- siding elder. Districts : Fremont, J. Stull, presiding elder ; Cleveland,. W. Wittington ; Columbus, S. Hoy. 1881. New York Conference, Newark, N. Y., March 3. Bishop J. J. Esher, president ; A. Unholtz, secretary. Li- censed — J. Schenk and L. Heinmiller. Ordained elder — Phil Spaeth. Deacons — H. A. Snyder and R. W. Ziehme. A. Umholtz was elected presiding elder. L. Jacoby, an itiner- ant, died. Districts : Albany, A. Umholtz, presiding elder ; Rochester, M. Lehn ; Buffalo, M. Pfitzinger. 1881. Erie Conference, Pittsburg, Pa., March 3. Bishop R. Dubs, president ; R. Mott, secretary. J. Liebendorfer, local, Died. Licensed — R. Lehman. Deacons — P. J. Fowl. and G. Goetz. G. G. Zellhofer, of the Nebraska Confer- ence, was received. Districts : Cleveland, J. G. Theuer, presiding elder ; Pitts- burg, C. F. Naegle. 1881. Canada Conference, Crediton, Ont., April 21, Bishop J. J. Esher, president ; C. F. Braun, secretary. Li- censed — I. K. Devitt. Ordained Elders — H. A. Thomas and D. Kreh. Deacons — S. Graeb and E. Eby. S. Morely was again admitted. S. Weber and P. Winkler were super- annuated. S. L. Umbach was elected presiding elder. Districts : Waterloo, S. L. Umbach, presiding elder j Seb- ringville, Joseph Umbach ; Garrick, C. A. Spies, Ottawa, C. F. Braun. 1881. Atlantic Conference, Philadelphia, May 6. Bishop J. J. Esher, president ; F. Kurtz, secretary. F. Leiter, local, died. Licensed — R. Low and J. Himmel. Ordained elder — C. Philipbar. J. Yeakel, elder of the conference district, j. G. Marquardt was received into the itinerancy. 1881. Indiana Conference, Elkhart, Ind., April 7. Bishop T. Bowman, president; D, S. Oakes, secretary. Licensed — E. Nitsche, C. A. Steffey, J. H. Evans and E. A. Zirkle. 432 ' BVANGBL1CAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. Ordained elders — A. Iwan, I. B. Fisher, H. Prechtel and W. Wildermuth. Deacon — H. Arlen. Districts : Elkhart, E. L. Kiplinger, presiding elder ; Fort "Wayne, M. Krueger ; Indianapolis, C. C. Baumgardner. 1881. South Indiana Conference, West Salem, 111., March ji. Bishop T. Bowman, president ; G. W. Braeckly, secre- tary. Died — H. L. Fisher. J. Mode located. J. Kaufman was elected presiding elder in place of H. L. Fisher, deceased. Fred Schweitzer, of the Michigan Conference, was received. Districts: Evansville, J. Fuchs, presiding elder; Olney, J. Kaufman. 1881. Illinois Conference, Barrington, 111., April 7. Bishop R. Dubs, president ; A. Fuessele, G. W. Caton, secre- taries. Licensed — J. Shultz, E. K. Yeakel, J. H. Johnston, :S. F. Spiess and H. Lueder. Ordained elders — J. J. Lintner, J. J. Elftman, W. Gross, A. Egli and S. A. Miller. Dea- cons — C. J. Fry, C A. Paeth, George Harris, C. Dismeier and J. Fry. Died — C. Kopp. Credentials — J. Buck and O. Radinsky. Three thousand four hundred and thirty-three dol- lars was raised at the missionary meeting during the conference. •C. Dismier and L. Schaefele were received into the itinerancy. A. Haefele, T. W. Woodside, T. Murrry, J. Lerch, of the Ohio Conference, also. Districts : Chicago, W. Goessele, presiding elder ; Naper- ville, M. Stamm ; Freeport, H. Messner ; Mendota, J. Schnei- der; Peoria, G. Vetter. 1881. Iowa Conference, Fort Dodge, Iowa, April 7. Bishop J. J. Esher, president ; J. Berner, secretary. Li- censed — P. Ettinger, J. Heinmiller, H. W. Hartman, G. Brandstetter, L. H. Smith and H. M. Trumbauer. Or- dained elders — H. Hiebenthal. Deacons — A. H. Buente and A. Knoche. Districts : Dubuque, J. Henn, presiding elder ; Ackley, H. Brauer ; Des Moines, E. J. Shultz. 1881. Des Moines Conference, Blairstown, Iowa, April 1.4. Bishop T. Bowman, president; J. H. Yaggy, secretary. Li- censed — C. Muller, F. A. Gasman and H. Whistler. Dea- con — S. Krell. Ordained elders — J. E. Stauffacher, J. M. Johnston and D. P. Ellenberger. J. H. Yaggy and A. Bus- sard were elected presiding elders. Credentials — J. H. Kip- linger, J. A. Dunlap and G. W. Killhoefer. W. Bates, F. CONFERENCE RECORDS. 433 Methfessel, J. Hamilton and J. Buck were received. Districts : Af ton, A. Bussard, presiding elder ; Cedar Rapids, J. H. Yaggy ; Des Moines, D. H. Kooker. 1881. Platte River Conference. In accordance with the provisions of the General Conference the Platte River Confer- ence was formed April 16, during the session of the Des Moines Conference at Blairstown, Iowa. C. W. Anthony was elected presiding elder of the Conference District. There were four- teen- fields of labor, some of which were not supplied at con- ference. Eleven itinerants appear on the list. The work of the conference is located mostly in Nebraska. 1881. Wisconsin Conference, Menomonee Falls, April 28. Bishop J. J. Esher, president ; W. Wittenwyler. Licensed — M. Gauerke and J. Nickels. Deacons — J. Schneller and J. A. Liewert. Ordained elder — H. Kickhoefer. J. Thilke, local, died. Districts : Milwaukee, L» Buehler, presiding elder ; Madi- son, H. Schelp ; Portage, A. Tarnutzer ; Fond du Lac, C. F. Finger. 1881. Michigan Conference, Sharon, Mich., April 14. Bishop J. J. Esher, president ; C. G. Koch, secretary. J. Nicolai and L. Kemmerling located. Ordained elder — H. Schneider. Deacons — A. A. Schneder and J. Schneider. M. J. Miller was dismissed. Districts : Monroe, S. Copley, presiding elder ; Flint, J. M. Haug ; Iona, J. M. Fuchs. 1881. Minnesota Conference, Castle Rock, Minn., May 6. Bishop R. Dubs, president. Districts : St. Paul, H. Bunse, presiding elder ; Minae- apolis.C. Brill ; St. Peters, A. Strohmeier; Mankato W. Stegner. 1881. Nebraska Conference, Washington county, Neb., March 25. Bishop R. Dubs, president; A. Fisher, secretary. Deacon — N. Nagel. Ordained elder — H. Illian. Licensed — W. H. Althouse. S. H. Witte withdrew. O. Radinsky, of the Illinois Conference, was admitted. J. P. Just presiding elder of conference district. 1881. Kansas Conference, Holton, Kan., March 31. Bishop R. Dubs, president ; C. Berner, secretary. Licensed — T. W. Serf, G. W. Edgar, M. Grabenstein and A. Brunner. Ordained elders — J. M. Dreisbach, H. Todeman, D. F. Honstedt, C. F. Geiser and R. Stahle. Deacons — L. C. 434 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALb. Schnacke, F. J. Schafer, C. W. Snyder, VV. Dashner and E. A. Brunner. S. Werner, of the Pittsburg Conference, was received. Credentials — R. Stahle. H. Mattill was re-elected and P. Fricker newly elected presiding elder. Districts : Holton, L. Wenger, presiding elder ; Missouri, H. Mattill ; South West, P. Fricker. 1881. Pacific Conference, San Francisco, CaL, June 3. J. Bowersox, president ; A. Krecker, secretary. J. A. Holen- bach, of the Central Pa., and R. Stahle, of the Kansas Con- ference were admitted. Ordained deacon — J. C. Hershner. Credentials — W. C. Kantner. I. Robinson (local), died. Districts : Oregon, J. Bowersox, presiding elder ; California, F. W. Voegelein. Notes. — The work of the Lord prospered in a general way this year. While the statistics of some conferences indicate a de- clension, others marked activity and unusual development. During the year there were employed in the home and for- eign field 391 missionaries, of these, 324 were in America, fifty- eight in Europe and seven in Japan, besides seven native helpers in Japan. In Japan there were thirty-seven members reported, with six Sunday-schools and 122 scholars in con- nection with the mission. The missionary contributions of this year were the highest in the history of the church, and $20, - 000 in advance of the previous year # . Biographical. — Rev. L. Snyder, died at Marion Centre, Kansas, July 13. He was born in Montgomery county, Pa., 1819. Entered the East Pa. Conference 1851. Elected pre- siding elder in i860, and served two terms. United with the Kansas Conference 1878, and died on his charge. Rev. Jacob Himmel, died at Mendota, 111., August 21. He was born in Germany 1832. Entered the Illinois Confer- ence 1854. Elected presiding elder 187 1 and 1876. He was appointed to Mendota Mission at the end of his last term, where he died. 1882. East Pa. Conference, Bethlehem, Pa., February 22. Bishop R. Dubs, president ; B. J. Smoyer, secretary. Li- censed — M. W. Harris, W. Hashinger, C. D. Dreher, T. L. Wentzj also Uyeno Mikuma and Hirakawa Loyotsura, the first natives of Japan licensed by the Evangelical Association. Ordained elder — J. R. Hensyl and N. A. Barr. Deacons — W. F. Heil, J. L. Guenther, J. C. Krause, H. M. Capp and CONFERENCE RECORDS. 435 W. H. Rineck. A. V. Hirst withdrew. W. L. Black located. J. K. Knerr was superannuated, also Father J. M. Saylor. Died — J. Adams and A. Schultz. C. S. Haman and C K. Fehr were re-elected to the office of presiding elder. Districts : Philadelphia, J. C. Hornberger, presiding elder ; Allentown, C. S. Haman ; Reading, I. E. Knerr ; Harrisburg, C. K. Fehr ; Pottsville, J. O. Lehr. 1882. Central Pa. Conference, Carlisle Pa., March 2. Bishop R. Dubs, president; P. W. Raidabaugh, secretary. Ordained elders — E. Crumbling and H. H. Douty. Dear cons — Prof. A. E. Gobble, J. M. Dick, J. McCamy and E. W. Koontz. Licensed — J. H. Welch, J. F. Craul, H. A. Ben- fer and H. Armstrong. S. E. Davis went to the Pacific and E. P. Leonard to the Des Moines Conference. A. Kraus was superanuated. M. J. Carothers was re-elected collector for mission churches. Districts : York, E. Kohr, presiding elder ; Juniata, U. F. Swengel ; Lewisburg, W. E. Detweiler ; Williamsport, A. L. Reeser. 1882. Pittsburg Conference, Zion Church, Venango county, Pa., March 9. Bishop T. Bowman, president; W. M. Stanford, secretary. J. Dick was superannuated. W. Evans took credentials. T. G. Clewell was received. Licensed — A. J. Saylor, C. F. Floto. W. B. Shafeer, A. C. Miller, S. S. Shirey, D. Stall and J. C. Liebhart. Ordained elders — W. M. Covert. Deacons — D. J. Hershberger, F. P. Hummel, A. J. Bird, C. C. Poling and A. J. Greenawalt. D. S. Poling resigned the office of presiding elder because of ill health, and T. G. Clewell was newly and J. A. Grimm re- elected to the same. Districts : Pittsburg, J. A. Grimm, presiding elder ; Alle- gheny, J. D. Domer ; Franklin, T. G. Clewell ; Somerset, L. M. Boyer. \ 1882. Ohio Conference, Akron, Ohio, March 9. Bishop J. J. Esher, president ; A. Vandersall, secretary. Licensed — I. Lively, A. N. McCauley and A. Case. Ordained elders — W. W. Sherrick, J. J. Nonamaker, A. Evans, Otto Spreng and S. J. Gamertsfelder. Deacons — C H. Dreisbach, J. S. Reinhart, E. B. Shoemaker, J. W. Smith and E. Cover. Credentials — J. J. Kanaga, W. F. McMillen and H. Spitler. J. J. Bernhart was received. 436 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. Districts : Cleveland, W. Whittington, presiding elder ; Tiffin, J. Stall ; Fremont, S. Hoy ; Columbus, H. T. Strauch. 1882. Indiana Conference, Waterloo, Ind., April 6. Bishop J. J. Esher, president ; D. S. Oakes, secretary. Lo- cated — J. Beck and W. Wildermuth. Licensed — L. Neitzel, W. H. Mygrant and R. Rainy. Ordained elders — W. Acker- man and A. O. Raber. Deacon — George Frederick. Districts : Elkhart, E. L. Kiplinger, presiding elder ; Fort Wayne, M. Krueger ; Indianapolis, C. C. Baumgardner. 1882. South Indiana Conference, Huntingburgh, Ind., March 31. Bishop J. J. Esher, president. Died — C. R. Koch. Ordained elders — W. L. Luehring and.Ei Bohlander. Districts : Evansville, J. Fuchs, presiding elder ; Olney, J. Kaufman. 1882. Michigan Conference, Oregon, Mich., April 6. Bishop T. Bowman, president; C. G. Koch, secretary. O. Ragatz withdrew. Credentials — F. E. Erdman. L. B. Eaton, of the M. E. Church, was received. Licensed — I. Wheeler. A. J. Gramly, of the Des Moines, J. G. Haller, of the Minne- sota, and J. Drinkwater and H. Spitler of the Ohio Confer- ence, were admitted. Ordained elders — H. Volker, W. F. Binder and W. F. Zander. Deacons — H. Shuknecht, N. Wunderlich and W. A. Kohler. J. H. Keeler was newly and J. M. Haug was re-elected presiding elder. Districts : Monroe, J. H. Keeler, presiding elder ; Flint, S. Copley, Iona, J. M. Haug. / H 2. — * 288 - Illinois Conference, Spring Creek, 111., April 13. ' ^ " Bishop Bowman, president; A. Fuessele (German), and W. Caton, (English), secretary. Licensed — O. F. Brose, C. W. Schlueter, W. H. Fehr and H. Shafer. Ordained elders — C. Roloff, C. S. Fehr, J. W. Schaefele and J. K. Shultz. Deacons — L. Schaefele, T. Murry, A. Haefele, T. A. Wood- side and H. F. Kletzin.g. C. Burkhart located. Became, supernumerary — H. Meyer, J. B. Reif, C. Schumaker and W. A. Unangst. Died — J. Himmel, H. H. Duth, G. M. Young and S. McLean. J. J. Kanaga, of the Ohio, and W. Elmer, of the Swiss Conference, received. D. B. Byers and S. Dickover were newly elected presiding elders. Districts : Chicago, J. Schneider, presiding elder ; Naper- ville, D. B. Byers • Freeport, H. Messner ; Mendota ; S. Dick- over; Peoria, G. Vetter. CONFERENCE RECORDS. 437 1882. Iowa Conference, Dubuque, Iowa, April 20. Bishop T. Bowman, president ; J. F. Berner, secretary. M. J. Mil- ler, of the Michigan Conference, was admitted. Ordained elders — J. M. Zellhoefer, G. D. Flegler and P. Belzer. Deacon — H. Raecker. Died — Peter Gates and J. Herman. H. Kleinsorge and H. Lageschulte were elected presiding elders. Districts : Ackly, H. Lageschulte, presiding elder ; Dubuque, H. Klinesorge ; Des Moines, J. Henn. 1882. Des Moines Conference, Des Moines, Iowa, April 13. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; E. B. Utt, secretary. Licensed — S. Skogsburg, J. Smith, G. Heilman, C. M. Pal- mer and C. M. Swender. Located — A. Y. Cupp and W. King. S. Hoover was superannuated. Ordained elders — H. H. Long, J. Auracher, T. J. Fink, William Bates and E. P. Leonard. Deacons — J. Wirth, J. W. Hamilton, C. J. Miller and Virgil Urbino. Credentials — A. J. Gramly and William Newman. Districts : Cedar Rapids, J. H. Yaggy, presiding elder ; Des Moines, D. H. Kooker ; Afton, A. Bussard. 1882. Kansas Conference, Captain's Creek, Kan., March 16. Bishop T. Bowman, president. C. Berner, secretary. S. B. Brown returned to the East Pa. Conference. Died — L. Snyder. S. Weber, P. H. Rishel and J. S. Seip withdrew. Licensed — M. P. Waehlte. Ordained elders — C. F. Erf- meyer, P. Schuman, C. Brunt and S. H. Dunkelberger. Districts : Holton, L. Wenger, presiding elder ; Missouri, H. Mattill; South West, P. Fricker. 1882. Platte River Conference, Blue Springs, Neb., Bishop J. J. Esher, president ; S. W. Kiplinger, secretary. Died — T. Monismith and Joseph Brox. Licensed — B. E. Smith, Josiah Haldeman, George Andrews and H. H. Ot- tinger and N. F. Kletzing. Deacon — H. M. Liebhart, P. J. Gressly and P. N. Lantz. C. W. Anthony, presiding elder of the conference district. 1882. Nebraska Conference, Hastings, Neb., March 24. Bishop J. J. Esher, president ; A. Fisher, secretary. H. Alt- house was superannuated. Conferences was divided into two districts. F. Backemeyer was newly and J. P. Just was re- elected presiding elder. Ordained elders — A. Brauchle and O. Radinsky. Deacons — H. Sohl and G. Altstadt. 438 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANN AL8. Districts : Fremont, J. P. Just, presiding elder • Hastings, F. Backemeyer. 1882. Erie Conference, North Amherst, Ohio, March 2. Bishop T. Bowman, president ; R. Mott, secretary. Licensed — C. Newton Dubs, E. Moeller, J. Dietrich and C, Wohlge- muth. Ordained elders — H. Cordes and L. Pfifer. Dea- cons — C. A. Waltz and G. Zellhoefer. J. J. Bernhart joined the Ohio Conference. G. Berstecher, of the Indiana Conference, was received. Districts : Cleveland, J. G. Theuer, presiding elder ; Pitts- burg, C. F. Negele. 1882. New York Conference, Syracuse, N. Y., March 30. Bishop R. Dubs, president ; J. Reuber, secretary. Licensed — A. E. Mosher and J. Schlagenhauf. Ordained elders — H. Koch and P. E. Bahn. Deacons — J. G. Held and K. Har- del. D. Fisher became supernumerary. F. A. Sydow, of the Lutheran Church, was admitted. Died — H. Graves. Districts : Albany, A. Unholtz ; Rochester, M. Lehn ; Buf- falo, M. Pfitzinger. 1882. Canada Conference, Jacobs, Ont., April 20. Bishop R. Dubs, president ; C. F. Braun, secretary. Died — H. Holzman. Licensed — L. H. Wagoner and W. Berberich. Ordained elders — M. L. Wing, D. Rieder, J. C. Morelock and C. Staebler. Deacons — L. Wittich and F. Meyer. Joseph Umbach was re-elected presiding elder. Districts : Waterloo, S. L. Umbach, presiding elder ; Sebring- ville, Joseph Umback ; Carrick, C. H. Spies ; Ottawa, C. F. Braun. 1882. Atlantic Conference, Harrisburg, Pa., April 27. Bishop R. Dubs, president ; F. Kurtz, secretary. Licensed — F. Egger. H. Guelich, of the Swiss Conference, was ad- mitted. Credentials — R. Deisher and E. Heinrich. Jesse Yeakel presiding elder of the Conference District. 1882. Wisconsin Conference, Jefferson, Wis., April 27. Bishop T. Bowman, president; M. Wittenwyler, secretary. Licensed — G. F. Kiekhoefer, L. M. Siewert, F. Kruger and H. M. Scheurman. Deacon — D. Schneider. Ordained Elders — L. F. Emmert, G. Frederich, A. H. Finger and W. Detert. Credentials — C. Gruen. Died — A. Pipenburg. Districts : Milwaukee, L. Buehler, presiding elder; Madison, H. Schelp; Fond du Lac, C. Finger; Portage, A. Tarnutzer. OONFERBNOB RECORDS. 439 1882. Minnesota Conference, Zion, Minn., May 5. Bishop J. J. Esher, president ; H. Oks, secretary. Deacons — G. Dubendorf and P. Mumm. Ordained elders — J. G. Hal- ler, G. Spaeth, M. Gagstatter and F. C. Sydow. Licensed — L. S. Koch, G. J. Schmidt, A. Berreth, F. C. Yenny and J. Richards. Credentials — J. G. Haller, Jr. Districts : St. Paul, H. Bunse, presiding elder ; Minne- apolis, C. Briel ; St. Peter, A. Strohmeier ; Mankato, W. Stegner. 1882. Pacific Conference, San Jose, Cal., June 9. Bishop J. J. Esher, president ; F. W. Voeglein, secretary. The fol- lowing were received : S. E. Davis, of the Central Pa., P. Bott, of the Minnesota, C. Gruen, of the Wisconsin, and W. Ackerman, of the Indian Conference. R. Stahle was ordained elder and was permitted to attend college. Districts : Oregon, J. Bowersox, presiding elder ; California, F. W. Voegelein. Notes. — The missionary operations of the Church during this year were more extensive than ever. The number of mis- sionaries in the home and foreign field was 401, serving be- tween 800 and 1,000 different appointments. The number of conversions on the mission fields aggregated 4,603, and the ac- cessions 6,034. Rev. A. Halmhuber, one of the missionaries in Japan, was compelled by reason of ill health to discontinue the work and return to the Fatherland. The missionary con- tributions of the year were liberal. The bequests made to the Missionary Society amounted to $16,403, which was the largest amount received during any year in the history of the society from such sources. 1883. East Pa. Conference, Philadelphia, Pa., February 28. Bishop T. Bowman, president ; B. J. Smoyer, secretary. Died — J. M. Oplinger, J. Rhoads and W. W. Hambright, also Moses Dissinger, of the Kansas, but late of this conference. F. E. Erdman, of the Michigan Conference, was received, and also R. Deisher, of the Atlantic Conference. F. G. Stauffer went to the Ohio Conference. Licensed — W. E. Waltz, J. Stermer, F. D. Geary, A. Benfield, M. Manshard, W. Schuler, A. S. Kline, W. H. Medlar and A. B. Saylor. Ordained elders — D. Woodring, J. W. Hoover and D. W. Bixler. Deacons — F. G. Stauffer, W. H. Stauffer, H. H. Romberger and D. G. Reinhold. * 1 % 1 * * % % 440 EVANGELICAL AS800IA TION ANNALS. Districts : Philadelphia, J. C. Horaberger, presiding elder ; Allentown, C. S. Haman ; Reading, I. E. Knerr ; Harrisburg, C. K. Fehr ; Pottsville, J. O. Lehr. 1883. Central Pa. Conference, Williamsport, Pa., March I. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; P. W. Raidabaugh, secretary. Granted credentials — S. E. Davis, George Carothers and W. H. Davis. J. B. Fox, of the East Pa. Conference, was received. Licensed — G. S. Smith, J. C. Morgenthaler, O. L. Jacobs, S. M. Mounts, L. E. Crumbling, and two native Japanese, Motoi Matsuda and Jazo Takano. Ordained elders — C. W. Fink- binder, W. H. Hartman, S. F. Vought, J. W. Messinger and R. W. Runvan. Deacons — M. J. Snyder, A. W. Swengel, E. D. Keene, H. T. Searle, C. H. Goodling, I. C. Yeakel, H. S. Basom and C. F. Vale. A. L. Reeser resigned the office of presiding elder because of declining health. W. E. Detwiler was re-elected and M. J. Carothers and P. W. Raidabaugh were newly elected presiding elders. Jacob Boas, A. L. Reeser, E. Kohr, George Hunter, P. S. Orwig and S. W. Seibert took a superannuated relation. Districts: York, M. J. Carothers, presiding elder; Juniata, U. F. Swengel ; Lewisburg, P. W. Raidabaugh ; Williamsport, W. E Detwiler. 1883. Pittsburg Conference, Immanuel's Church, Somerset county, Pa., March 15. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; H. H. Hurd, secretary. Licensed — A. B. Day, F. M. Brickley, G. J. Coleman and M. DeVaux. Ordained elders — M. J. Balen- tine, M. L. Weaver, E. F. Dickey, F. W. Barlett, T. B. Zel- ler and R. D. Dalzell. Deacons — W. F. Shannon, J. Q. A. Curry, D. F. Platt and N. S. George. Superannuated — G. S. Domer, J. A. Yount, A. W. Platt and J. Woodhull. Districts : Pittsburg, J. A. Grimm, presiding elder ; Alle- gheny, J. D. Domer; Franklin, T. G. Clewell; Somerset, L. M. Boyer. 1883. New York Conference, Buffalo, N. Y., March 8. Bishop T. Bowman, president; J. Reuber, secretary. John Herrman was licensed. Ordained elder — H. A. Schneider. Deacons — L. Heinmiller and P. Bahn. P. Beck, of the Ger- many Conference, was received. Districts : Albany, A. Unholtz, presiding elder ; Rochester, A. Holzwarth; Buffalo, M. Pfitzinger. 1883. Canada Conference, Zurich, Ont., April 19. Bishop CONFERENCE RECORDS. 441 T. Bowman, president ; M. L. Wing, secretary. Ordained elders — D. K. Brandt, E. Eby and S. C. Graef. Deacons — S. B. Kraft. Districts : South, S. L. Umbach ; West, Joseph Umbach ; North, C. A. Spies; Ottawa, C. F. Braun. 1883. Ohio Conference, Mt. Cory, O., March 8. Bishop R. Dubs, president ; A. Vandersal, secretary. F. G. Stauffer, of the East Pa. , and W. H. Bucks, of the Illinois Conference, were admitted. Granted credentials — C. H. Dreisbach and S. Hov. Licensed — A. Coply, W. P. Schott, and D. D. Hard. Ordained elders — J.Wengerd and G. H. Schneider. Deacons — J. H. Lamb and H. Brenneman. Located — J. Plantz. Districts: Cleveland, W.Whittington, presiding elder; Tiffin, H. T. Strauch; Fremont, E. B.Crouse; Columbus, S. P. Spreng. 1883. Illinois Conference, Chicago, 111., April 8. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; F. Busse, secretary. Licensed — J.Van- deberg, F. Kraushaar, M. C. Frey, W. L. Walker, S. F. Entorf, J. Fager, G. W. Ballenger, I. Divan, F. Schwartz, A. W. Rohland and W. Hoffman. Ordained elders — C. Dis- meyer, C. A. Paeth, C. J. Frey, G. Harris and Prof. H. H. Rassweiler. Granted credentials — W. H. Bucks and J. W. Schaefle. G. Fuchs took an appointment at Denver, Col., under the Board of Missions. Died — T. Murry. Districts: Chicago, J. Schneider, presiding elder ; Naperville, D. B. Byers; Freeport, H. Mesner; Mendota, S. Dickover; Peoria, G. Vetter. 1883. Erie Conference, Cleveland, O., March 8. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; R. Mott, secretary. Licensed — E. Koehne, H. Wigand and C. W. Neuendorf. G. F. Behner was restored as local elder. Ordained elders — G. Goetz and P. Faul. Deacon — J. G. Ziegler. Died — N. Yoder. Districts: Cleveland, J. H. Theuer, presiding elder; Pitts- burg, C. F. Negele. 1883. Atlantic Conference, Baltimore, Md., April 26. Bishop T. Bowman, president ; F. Kurtz, secretary. Licensed — G. Redman and O. Arnold. M. Steckley, of the M. E. Church, was received. Ordained elders — J. Keller and A. Steltz. Deacon — A. L. Yeakel. Average salary for the past year, #594. J. Yeakel, presiding elder of the Conference District. 1883. Iowa Conference, Trumbull's Grove, Iowa, April 19. Bishop R. Dubs, president; J. F. Berner, secretary. Licensed — 442 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. S. Staebler, W. J. Schmalle and H. Knoll. Ordained elder — A. H. Buente. Deacons — L. F. Schmidt, G. Brandstetter, J. D. Schaible and H. W. Hartman. Districts : Dubuque, H. Kleinsorge, presiding elder ; Ackley, H. Lageschulte ; Des Moines, J. Henn. 1883. Des Moines Conference, Afton, Iowa, April 12. Bishop R. Dubs, president; E. B. Utt, secretary. Licensed — . C. Knoll, G. W. Mullen, J. H. Rosenberg, G. McNeally, W. W. Morgan and F. S. Locke. Ordained deacons — B. H. Niebel, I. W. Kemberling, J. W. Buck, S. Skogsburg, T. M. Evans, A. F. Hahn and J. W. Walton. Located — S. Krell. S. W. Kiplinger, of the Platte River Conference, was received. Districts : Cedar Rapids, J. H. Yaggy, presiding elder ; Des • Moines, D. H. Kooker; Afton, A. Bussard. 1883. Wisconsin Conference, Baraboo, Wis., April 26. Bishop R. Dubs, president ; P. Speich, secretary. Licensed — Theo. Schauer. Ordained elders — J. Schneller, J. A. Lie- wert and A. Heinhouse. Deacons — J. Nickel, M. Gaurke, W. H. Messerschmit, C. Heineck and A. Bucholtz. Died — G. Winkowitch. Districts: Milwaukee, G. Fritsche, presiding elder; Madi- son, J. C. Brendle ; Fon du Lac, C. F. Zimmerman ; Portage, H. Schelp. 1883. Indiana Conference, East Germantown, Ind., March 29. Bishop R. Dubs, president ; D. S. Oakes, secretary. Li- censed — D. E. Hoover, D. H. Fuchs, P. A. Orth, W. Weiden- heft, J. E. Stoops, W. H. Brightmyer and L. S. Fisher. Ordained elders — H. Arlen and D. Martz. Deacon — J. E. Smith. Located — D. J. Pontius and J. Beck. Died — Samuel Heiss and S. K. Miesse. J. Berger was received. Granted credentials — E. R. Troyer and F. F. Meyer. Districts: Elkhart, C. C. Baumgardner, presiding elder; Fort Wayne, D. S. Oakes ; Indianapolis, E. L. Kiplinger. 1883. South Indiana Conference, Evansville, Ind., March 22. Bishop R. Dubs, president; W. G. Braeckly, secretary. Licensed — G. Koch. Ordained deacons — G. M. Hallwachs, and F. Theiss. Located — J. Mode. J. Fuchs and J. Kaufman were re-elected presiding elders. Districts : Evansville, J. Kaufman, presiding elder ; Olnev, J. Fuchs. CONFERENCE BE00RD8 443 1883. Michigan Conference, Lima, Ind., April 5. Bishop R. Dubs, president; C. G. Koch, secretary. Licensed — A. C. Winter and L. Soldan. Ordained elders — A. Scheurer and J. Snyder. Deacons — W. H. Wagoner and W. White. Died — R. Spatz. Located — P. Bittner. S. Coply was re-elected presiding elder. Districts : Monroe, J. H. Keeler, presiding elder ; Flint, S. Coply; Iowa, J. M. Haug; North Michigan, F. Mueller. 1883. Platte River Conference, Alma, Neb., March 16. Bishop T. Bowman, president; B.C. Oyler, secretary. Licensed — R. H. Miller and W. D. Stambach. Ordained elder — B. C. Oyler. C. W. Anthony, presiding elder of Conference District. 1883. Nebraska Conference, Louisville, Neb., March 22. Bishop T. Bowman, president ; A. Fisher, secretary." Licensed— H. Wagoner and F. Wiegert. Ordained deacons — C. Suhr and W. H. Althouse. Districts: Fremont, J. P. Yust, presiding elder; Hastings, F. Backemeyer. 1883. Minnesota Conference, Big Stone Circuit, Minn., May 4. Bishop T. Bowman, president; H. Ohs, secretary. Licensed — H. Loewen, G. Seibold, W. Walter, W. Suckow, J. Fondrey and R. Leichman. Ordained elder — G. Husser, Deacons— G. J. Schmidt, H. Isker, W. Tesh, P. Laux and L. S. Koch. F. F. Meyer was received. Located — R. Johnston and W. C. Stegner. Died — P. Munn. H. E. Linse, A. Huel- Ster and A. Knebel were newly elected presiding elders. Districts: Mankato, H. E. Linse, presiding elder; Minne- apolis, A. Strohmeier; St. Paul, H. Bunse; Yankton, A. Knebel; Fargo, A. Huelster. 1883. Kansas Conference, Marion county, Kan., March 23. Bishop J. J. Esher, president, C. Berner, secretary. Licensed — J. F. Lance, G. Stamm and J. Naninga. Ordained elders — L. C. Schnacke, W. Daeschner, F. J. Schaefer and C. W. Snyder. Deacons — A. Bruner and T. W. Serf. S. Werner and K. W. Edgar withdrew. J. L. Pierce, of the M. E. Church, was received. J. Wuerth was elected presiding elder. Districts : Holton, J. Wuerth, presiding elder; Missouri, H. Mattill; Southwest, P. Fricker. 1883. .Pacific Conference, Sacramento, Cal., May 31. Bishop T. Bowman, president; F. W. Voegelein, secretary. 444 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. Licensed — F. Reiser. Ordained deacons — H. I. Bittner and J. L. Hershner. Theodore Suhr was received and C.Waehlte was granted credentials. A resolution was passed requesting the coming General Conference to divide the Pacific Conference owing to the great extent of territory covered. Districts : Oregon, J. Bowersox, presiding elder ; San Fran- cisco, F. W. Voegelein. Notes. — The year 1883 was characterized by events of the greatest moment to the Association. Dr. F. Krecker died at Tokio, Japan, April 26. His death, in that far-off land, and in the midst of great usefulness, created a feeling of profound sor- row throughout the entire Church. This sad circumstance was somewhat relieved by the early appointment of Prof.W. E. Waltz as an additional missionary to that country. The annual report of the corresponding secretary of the Mis- sionary Society indicates unusual missionary interest. The number of mission fields was 427, and the number of missionaries 420. The number of new missions located was 45 ; the total membership of the missions, 35,767. The mission Sunday- schools numbered 7 75, with 6, 9 10 officers and teachers and 47, 230 scholars. The conversions on the missions numbered 4,593 an ^ the accessions 6, 158. The missionary contributions were larger than ever before, and aggregated 1111,566. During the past quadrennium the sum of £36,906 was raised in the American conferences for building churches and paying church debts in Europe. Biographical. — In addition to the large number of deaths noted in the various conference proceedings of this year, we give the following a more extended biographical notice : Rev. William B. STENGERdied at Minneapolis, Minn.,Aug. 6, in the very prime of his usefulness. He was born in Germany in 1832, entered the Illinois Conference in 1856 and was one of the first missionaries in Minnesota, and an original member of the Minnesota Conference. He was elected presiding elder in 1867 and three times thereafter. Rev. John Sindlinger died at Plainfield, 111., Oct. 21. He was born in Germany in 1807, in 181 9 his father removed to Pennsyvlania (see Blockhouse), where the whole family was con- verted under the labors of John Seybert, in 1834 he entered the Eastern Conference, was- elected presiding elder in 1839 in CONFERENCE RECORDS 445 the West Pa. Conference, and again in 1850; removed in 1854 to Illinois, where he labored several years. Rev. Samuel Dickover, presiding elder of Mendota District, Illinois Conference, died Nov. 10. He was born in Wayne county, Ind., in 1826, converted at a camp-meeting in 1841, in 1846 entered the Illinois Conference, and in 1881 was elected presiding elder for the sixth time. In November he was fatally injured in a railway collision while on his way to attend a quar- terly meeting on Vermillion Circuit. He was many times a delegate to General Conference, and a man of prominence. CHAPTER XVIII Eighteenth General Conference, Held at Allentown, Pa., Oct. 4-25. i« 8 3- 1883. General Conference, eighteenth session, Allentown, Pa., Oct. 4-25. Presiding bishops : J. J. Esher, R. Dubs and T. Bowman; W. Horn, secretary; R. Matt, G. Heinmiller, S. P. Spreng and U. F. Swengel, assistant secretaries. Rev. E. Light, fraternal delegate from the United Brethren Church, delivered an address before the conference, which was suitably acknowledged. The following resolutions were adopted by a rising vote : ' 'Whereas, Brother S. Neitz, a delegate elected by the East Pa. Conference to this body, has been stricken down by disease, so as to be unable to attend this General Conference ; therefore, " Resolved, That we hereby express our sympathy with our dear brother in his affliction, and pray our kind heavenly Father to speedily restore him to usual health. " The Committee on Memorials, in their report, noted the death of John George Zinzer, Dr. Frederick Krecker and John M. Sindlinger, more extended mention of whom will be found elsewhere in this work. Among the items adopted was the making of women eligible as stewards, and another expunging from the Discipline the rule put- ting members on probation for marrying an unconverted person. The Woman's Missionary Society, at a convention held in Cleveland, O., June 4, petitioned the General Conference to permit their organization to be denominational, and operate as an auxiliary to the Parent Society. The conference took the following action at their request : "Resolved, That permission to organize such a society is hereby granted under the following conditions : ( 1 )That all local CONFERENCE RECORDS. 447 women's societies shall be under the supervision of the preacher- in-charge, where such societies shall be or are already organized; (2) that the Woman's Missionary Society of the Evangelical Association shall be auxiliary to the Missionary Society of the Evangelical Association, and under the supervision of the Board of Missions, and shall annually submit their proceedings to said board for examination and approval." The Pacific Conference was divided, and the Oregon and California Conferences constituted. The Dakota Conference was formed of part of the Minnesota. The Christliche Botschafter and Evangelical Mesesnger were ordered to be published in book form. An English family mag- azine was ordered to be published as soon as 16,000 subscribers to the same are secured. The election of officers resulted as follows : Bishops, J. J. Esher, R. Dubs and T. Bowman ; senior publisher, M. Lauer ; junior publisher, W. Yost; editor of Christliche Botschafter,^ '. Horn; editor of Evangelical Messenger, H. B. Hartzler; editor of Evangelische Magazine and German Sunday-School Litera- ture, C. A. Thomas ; editor of Living Epistle 'and English Sunday- School Literature, P. W. Raidabaugh ; corresponding secretary of the Missionary Society, S. Heininger ; treasurer of the Mis- sionary Society, S. L. Wiest; agent of the publishing house in Germany, J. Waltz ; editor of the Evangelische Botschafter, etc., in Germany, G. Fuessele ; superintendent of Orphan Home, E. Kohr. Delegates — East Pa. Conference. — C. K. Fehr,C. S. Haman J. C. Hornberger, J. O. Lehr, I. E. Knerr, B. J. Smoyer, S. S. Chubb, S. C. Breyfogel,* B. F. Bohner* and A. M. Stirk.* Central Pa. Conference. — W. E. Detwiler, M. J. Carothers, S. W. Seibert, U. F. Swengel, P. W. Raidabaugh, J. Young and E. Kohr. Pittsburg Conference. — J. D. Domer, L. M. Boyer, T. G. Clewell, W. M. Stanford, G. S. Domer and T. Bach. Ohio Conference. — W.Wittington, E. B.Crouse, H.T. Strauch S. P. Spreng, J. Stull, D. Strohman and William Yost. * New York Conference. — M. Pfitzinger, A. Holzwarth ani M. Lehn. Atlantic Conference. — F. Kurtz and J. Yeakel. •Alternates. 448 B VANQELIOAL A S80C1A TION ANNALS. Erie Conference.— C. F. Negele, J. G. Theuer and N. Motfc. Canada Conference. — J. Umbach, C. A. Spies, S. L. Umbach and C. F. Braun. Michigan Conference.—]. M. Haug, J. M. Fuchs, S. Hein- inger, E. Weis and S. Coply. Indiana Conference. — E. L. Kiplinger, C. C. Baumgardner, D. Si Oakes and M. W. Steffy. South Indiana Conference. — J. Fuchs and J. Kaufman. Illinois Conference. — H. Messner, D. B. Byers, S. Dickover, J. Schneider, H. Rohland, C. Lindeman, C. Augenstein, W. Huelster and M. Stamm. Wisconcin Conference.— -G. Fritsche, C. F. Zimmerman, J. E. Brendel, H. Schelp and A. Tarnutzer. Iowa Conference. — H. Kleinsorge, H. Lageschulte and J. F. Berner. Des Moines Conference. — D. H. Kooker, J. H. Yaggy, A. Bussard and J. F. Yerger.* Platte River Conference. — C. W. Anthony. Nebraska Conference. — F. Backemeyer. Kansas Conference. — H. Mattill, J. Wuerth, P. Fricker and J. G. Pfeifer. Minnesota Conference. — H. E. Linse, H. Bunse, A. Stroh- meier and Augustus Huelster. Pacific Conference. — F. W. Voegelein. German Conference. — J. Kaechele and G. Fuessele. Swiss Conference. — H. Hintze and G. Heinmiller. Ex-officio Members. — M. Lauer, W. Horn, H. B. Hartzler, C. A. Thomas, H. J. Bowman and S. L. Wiest. 1884. East Pa. Conference, Lebanon, Pa., Feb. 27. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; S. C. Breyfogel, secretary. Licensed — E. B. Mauger, H. A. Smith, C. C. Speicher, C. Rothermel, W. W. Yost, J. P. Miller, A. H. Snyder and G. Holtzapple. Ordained deacons — C. D. Dreher, H. M.Wingert, I. F. Heis- ler, J. S. Overholtzer and C. J. Warmkessel. M. W. Harris was reinstated to his former relation as elder. Granted creden- tials — J. H. Hashinger. Died — Joseph Gross, S. Miesse, J. B. Cole and Dr. F. Krecker, missionary in Japan. J. C. Hornberger was re- elected and B. J. Smoyer and A. M. Stirk were newly elected presiding elders. •Alternates CONFERENCE RECORDS 449 Districts : Philadelphia, C. K. Fehr, presiding elder ; Allen- town, C. S. Haman; Reading, J. C. Hornberger; Harrisburg, A. M. Stirk; Pottsville, B. J. Smoyer. 1884. Central Pa. Conference, Milton, Pa., March 6. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; J. M. Ettinger, secretary. Granted credentials — E. James and J. O. McCurdy. Licensed — E. O. Goodling and J. Tyler. Ordained elder — J. M. Dick. Deacons — J. R. Sechrist, J. H. Welch, J. D. Shortiss, H. D. Benfer, S. M. Mountz, 'C. Stroup and D. M. Strine. S. W. Seibert and J. M. Ettinger were newly elected presiding elders. Districts : York, M. J. Carothers, presiding elder ; Juniata, J. M. Ettinger; Lewisburg, S. W. Seibert; Williamsport, W. E. Detwiler. 1884. Pittsburg Conference, Johnstown, Pa., March 13. Bishop T. Bowman, president ; G. W. Brown, secretary. Died — H. Gathers and J. H. Yount. Licensed — A. W. Brickley, J. N. Buzza, A. Haun and J. Stouffer. Ordained deacons — S. J. Eaton, C. H. Miller, A. C. Miller and I. B. Coban. J. D. Domer was re-elected and D. K. Lavan was newly elected pre- siding elder. J. H. Vote, of the Ohio Conference, was received. C. C. Poling and F. T. Strayer took work in the Oregon con- ference. Districts : Pittsburg, J. D. Domer ; Allegheny, J. A. Grimm ; Franklin, T. G. Clewell; Somerset, D. K. Lavan. 1884. New York Conference, Webster, N. Y., March 13. Bishop J. J. Esher, president ; J. Reuber, secretary. Licensed — G. Schloerb. Ordained elder — J. G. Held. Deacons — J. Shenk and J. Schlagenhauf. Located — C. Hardel. With- drew — F. A. Sydow. Granted credentials — S. Bean and A. Schlenk. M. Pfitzinger was re-elected presiding elder. Districts : Albany, A. Holzwarth, presiding elder; Rochester, M. Pfitzinger; Buffalo, A. Unholtz. 1884. Canada Conference, Waterloo, Ont. , April 10. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; M. L. Wing, secretary. Licensed — S. Knechtel, D. Clemens, J. Ortwein and J. Schwalm. Ordained elders — L. Wittich and F. Meyer. Deacon — L. H. Wagner. C. Bohlender, of the Mennonite Church, was received. Granted credentials — W. Lingelbach. C. A. Spies resigned the office of presiding elder and J. J. Kliphart was elected in his stead. Districts : South, S. L. Umbach, presiding elder ; West, J. J. Kliphart ; North, Joseph Umbach ; Ottawa, S. N. Moyer. 450 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. 1884. Erie Conference, Sandusky, O., March 6. Bishop T. Bowman, president; R. Mott, secretary. Licensed — C. Klaholtz, H. Fuessner and J. Hosbach. Ordained deacons — C. Wohlgemuth, P. Wiest and E. Beck. Received— *R. Yea kel, W. F. Zander, C. Munk, and W. Lingelbach. Granted credentials — L. Scheuerman and L. Pfeifer. C. F. Negele was re-elected and C. L. Witt newly elected presiding elder. Districts: Cleveland, C. F. Negele, presiding elder; Pitts- burg, C. L. Witt. 1883. Atlantic Conference, Brooklyn, N. Y., April 45. Bishop J. J. Esher, president. Licensed — A. Swan and F. Frank. Ordained elders — A. D. Pfort and H. P. Boll. Dea- con — F. Egger. J. Dooly was dismissed. T. Plattenberger and J. S. Farnsworth died. S. Werner was .received. H. Guelich was elected presiding elder. H. Guelich, presiding elder of the Conference District. 1884. South Indiana Conference, Jonesboro, Ind., March 19. Bishop T. Bowman, president; G. Braeckly, secretary. Licensed — John Mundorf. Ordained deacon — E. J. Nitsche. J. Fuchs resigned the office of presiding elder and F. Schweitzer was elected to the same. Located — C. F. Matheis and J. Fuchs. F. Launer and W. Koenig were received. Districts : Evansville, J. Kaufman, presiding elder ; Olney, J. Schweitzer. 1884. Indiana Conference, Rochester, Ind., March 27. Bishop T. Bowman, president; D. S. Oakes, secretary. Li- censed — G'. B. Holdeman, C. Benner, F. Rousch and J. H. Schnitz. B. Ruh was restored. R. Reigel was received. F. Launer and W. Koenig joined the South Indiana Conference. E. L. Kiplinger located. J. Berger was elected presiding elder. Districts: Elkhart, C. C. Baumgardner ; Fort Wayne, D. S. Oakes ; Indianapolis, J. Berger. 1884. Ohio Conference, Belleview, O., April 10. Bishop T. Bowman, president; A. Vandersal, secretary. Licensed — I. M. Houser, P. Cocklin, E. Spreng, M. E. Rife and T. C. Luse. Ordained elders — J. S. Reinhart and E. B. Shoemaker. Deacons — A. N. McCauly, J. S. Fitterer and J. B. Kanaga. F. C. Hoffman, withdrew. Granted credentials — J. J. Bernhart, C. A. Munk and H. T. Strauch. H. C. Berger was received. Districts : Cleveland, W. Whittington, presiding elder ; Tiffin, A. Vandersal; Fremont, E. B. Crouse; Columbus, S. P. Spreng. CONFERENCE RECORDS 451 1884. Illinois Conference, Geneseo, 111., April 10. Bishop R. Dubs, president; A. Fuessele, secretary. Licensed — W. Waldhausen, G. Hemkens, J. M. Schaefele, J. Buente, J. Alber, D. T. Kahl, G. Barth, A. J. Culver and I. T. Haver- field. Ordained elders — A. Haefele, T. W. Woodside, W. A. Unangst and L. W. Schaefele. Deacons — J. H. Johnson and J. W. Franks. J. J. Elftman took credentials. Died — J. G. Zinzer, J. M. Sindlinger and S. Dickover. J. Schneider and H. Messner were re-elected, and A. Fuessele and W. Huel- ster were newly elected presiding elders. Districts : Chicago, J. Schneider, presiding elder ; Naper- ville, D. B. Byers; Freeport, W. Huelster; Mendota, H. Mess- ner; Peoria, A. Fuessele. 1884. Wisconsin Conference, Menomonee, Wis., April 17. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; J. L. Runkel, secretary. Li- censed — G. J. Erfmeyer, C. Berg, G. Klaiber and G. Kurtz. Ordained elder — D. Schneider. Deacons — G. F. Kiekhoefer and L. M. Siewert. J. Meyer and G. Keller (locals), and P. Held and O. Kuederling (itinerants) received credentials. J. Koch located. J. G. Esslinger died. Districts: Milwaukee, G. Fritsche, presiding elder ; Madison, J.C. Brendel ; Fondu Lac,C. F. Zimmerman; Portage, H.Schelp. 1884. Michigan Conference, Portage Prairie, Mich., April 3. Bishop T. Bowman, president; F. Klump, secretary. Wm. Binder died. Licensed— Wm.Vogel, C.Vincent, J. L. Haltz- man, A. Bogen, P. Scheurer, Chas. Ross, Chas. Kramer, Noah Frey, J. A. Swenk, George Johnson and S. P. Krause. Ordained elders— W. A. Koehler, H. Schuknecht and M. Wunderlich. Districts: Monroe, J. H. Keeler, presiding elder; Detroit, S. Coply; Iona, J. M. Haug; North Michigan, F. Miller. 1884. Des Moines Conference, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, April 17. Bishop T. Bowman, president; E. B. Utt, secretary. Licensed— L. Staufacher, W. J. Conrad and S. P. Hayden. Ordained elders — C J. Miller and Virgil Urbino. Deacons — A. E. Mosher and G. L. Springer. J. Wagoner was super- annuated. Granted credentials— William Bates. W. Piper was received from the M. E. Church. D. H. Kooker was re- elected presiding elder. Districts : Cedar Rapids, J. H. Yaggy, presiding elder; Des Moines, D. H. Kooker; Afton, A. Bussard. 452 BVANGBLICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. 1884. Iowa Conference, Ackley, Iowa, April 24. Bishop T. Bowman, president; E. J. Shultz, secretary. Licensed — A. Goetz, S. Sassman, Carl Gerhart, G. Knoche, J. Belau and A. Schmalle. Ordained elder — H. Raeker. P. Held, of the Wisconsin Conference, was received. Granted credentials — H. Brauer, C. Pfeil and H. Raeker. Districts : Dubuque, H. Kleinsorge, presiding elder ; Ackley, H. Lageschulte ; Des Moines, J. Henn. 1884. Minnesota Conference, St. Paul, Minn., May 2. Bishop R. Dubs, president; H. Ohs, secretary. Licensed — L. Stapf, F. Arndt, H. Seder and D. Seder. Ordained elder — G. Duebendorf. Masatada Schmidzu and Neba Rage Horiye, natives of the Japan Mission, were licensed to preach. Wm. Stegner died. H. Bunse was re-elected presiding elder. Districts : St. Paul, H. E. Linse, presiding elder ; Minneap- olis, A. Strohmeier; Mankato, H. Bunse. 1884. Dakota Conference, first session, Big Stone City, D. T., May 9. Bishop R. Dubs, president; F. F. Meyer, sec- retary. Licensed — A. Oertli. Ordained deacons — W. Blanch- ard, A. Berreth, J. Fandrey and F. C. -Yenny. W. Bates and O. Kuederling were received. Districts : Yankton, A. Knebel, presiding elder ; Fargo, A. Huelster. 1884. Nebraska Conference, Stanton, Neb., March 6. Bishop R. Dubs, president ; A. Fisher, secretary. Licensed — F. Beckman and B. F. Meyers. Ordained elder — H. Soul. Deacons — L. Neitzel and I. Laipley. G. Alstadt located. H. Raeker was received. Granted credentials — S. W. McKesson. Districts : Fremont, J. P. Just, presiding elder ; Hastings, F. Backemeyer. 1884. Platte River Conference, Glenville, Neb., March 14. Bishop R. Dubs, president ; B. C. Oyler, secretary. Licensed — S. B. Dillow, D. W. Anderson, W. L. Dillow and L. G. Brooker. Ordained elders — P. N. Lantz, P. J. Gressly and H. M. Liebhart. Deacons — N. F. Kletzing, Josiah Halde- man, J. Richards and S. J. Shupp. S. W. McKesson and T. W. Serf were received. C. W. Anthony, presiding elder of the Conference District. 1884. Kansas Conference, Nemaha Circuit, Kan. , March 20. Bishop R. Dubs, president ; C. Berner, secretary. Licensed — A. Ernst, M. Walter, A. Sweitzer and D. Swart. Ordained CONFERENCE RECORDS. 453 deacon — G. Dienst. T. Serf joined the Platte River Confer- ence. G. Sorg and A. Mattill were received. J. H. Tobias was elected presiding elder. Two thousand seven hundred and ten dollars was raised at the conference session for the mission- ary cause. Districts : Holton, J. Wuerth, presiding elder ; Kansas City, H. Mattill; Emporia, P. Fricker; Newton, J. H. Tobias. 1884. California Conference, first session, Santa Ana,Cal., Feb. 12. Bishop R. Dubs, president; F. W. Fisher, secretary. Ordained deacon — H. P. Hoesly. T. Suhr was elected presid- ing elder. H. W. Axthelm was deposed from the ministry and expelled from the Church. T. Suhr, presiding elder of the Conference District; F. W. Voegelein, missionary in Japan. 1884. Oregon Conference, first session, Corvallis, Ore., May 23. Bishop R. Dubs, president : C. C. Poling, secretary. Conference was organized with the following members : J. Bow- ERSOX, A. SCHLENK, A. KrECKER, F. J. StRAYER, J. A. HOLLEN- bach, H. I. Bittner, J. L. Hershner, S. E. Davis and C. C. Poling. J. Bowersox was elected presiding elder. J. Bowersox, presiding elder of the Conference District. 1885. East Pa. Conference, Catasauqua, Pa., Feb. 25. Bishop R. Dubs, president ; C. S. Breyfogel, secretary. Died — A. H. Overholt, D. Hambright and S. Breyfogel. Granted credentials — A. D. Light. Ordained elders — H. H. Rumber- ger, D. G. Reinhold and W. H. Stauffer. Deacons — J. Stermer, F. D. Geary, A. B. Saylor, A. S. Kline, W. Shuler and W. E. Waltz. Licensed— E. R. Seip, D. J. Ebert, B. C. Krupp, A. J. Brunner, S. Buntz, W. J. Johnson, A. E. Wil- liams, W. M. Fetter, D. S. Manning and A. H. Doerstler. A. Krecker, of the Oregon, and J. M. Longsdorf, of the Cen- tral Pa. Conference, were admitted. A mission was established in Florida. Districts : Philadelphia, C. K. Fehr, presiding elder ; Allen- town, C. S. Haman; Reading, J. C. Hornberger; Harrisburg, A. M. Stirk; Pottsville, B. J. Smoyer. 188S. Central Pa. Conference, York, Pa., March 4. Bishop R. Dubs, president; A. Stapleton, secretary. Died — Jacob Boas and M. Sloat. Licensed — C. W. Leonard, C. L. Sones, C. V. B. Aurand, W. L. Beaumont, R. Hollenbach and M. I. 454 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. Jamison. Ordained elders — M. F. Fosselman, H. T. Searle, E. D. Keene, C. H. Goodling, I. C. Yeakel and Prof. A. E. Gobble. Deacons — J. B. Fox, L. E. Crumbling and J. F. Thomas. Granted credentials — J. M. Longsdorf. A. S. Baum- gardner was received from the Pittsburg Conference ; also J. L. Miller, of the United Brethren Church. Districts: York, M. J. Carothers, presiding elder ; Juniata, J. M. Ettinger ; Lewisburg, S. W. Seibert ; WilliamspQrt, W. E. Detwiler. 1885. Pittsburg Conference, Millville, Pa,, April 23. Bishop R. Dubs, president; G. W. Brown, secretary. Granted creden- tials — A. W. Platt and A. S. Baum Gardner. S.Coy withdrew. J. Dick and A. Niebel were superannuated. Died — H. H. Hurd and T. Eisenhower (itinerants), and H. S. Stouffer (local). Licensed — J. Smith, H. M. Fink, E. E. Rickenbrod, J. B. Ward, F. Berkey, J. L. Mull, W. H. Cramer, H. Houst, C F. McCauly, J. H. Shimp, H. J. Wise and C. D. Slagel. Ordained elders — W. F. Shannon, J. Q. A. Curry and D. F. Platt. Deacons — F. D. Ellenberger, F. M. Brickley, C. J. Coleman, G. W. Finnecy and M. V. Devaux. J. A. Grimm resigned the office of presiding elder because of ill-health, and I. A. Rohland was elected to the same. Districts: Franklin, T. G. Clewell, presiding elder; Pitts- burg, J. D. Domer; Allegheny, I. A. Rohland; Somerset, D. K. Lavan. 1885. Illinois Conference, Naperville, 111., April 9. Bishop T. Bowman, president; G. Vetter (German) and W. Caton (English), secretaries. Died — J. Dunlap, J. Erb and C. Bar- tels. Licensed — J. Kraft, J. Elmer, H. Moser, H. Thoren, J. Klupp, J. Stengel, C. Vaubel, A. Wiegman, J. Divan and H. Pope. Ordained elders — E. K. Yeakel and J. H. Shultz. Deacons — O. Brose, F. Schwartz, F. Kraushaar, H. Lueder, S. F. Entorf, G. W. Ballenger, I. Divan and J. Sturm. Districts: Chicago, J. Schneider, presiding elder; Naper- ville, D. B. Byers ; Freeport, W. Huelster ; Mendota, H. Mess- ner; Peoria, A. Fuessele. 1885. Ohio Conference, Cary, O., April 9. Bishop R. Dubs, president; A. C. Stull, secretary. Died — F. R. Tothe- roh, E. L. Over, Daniel Brickley and J. Ebert. Licensed — W. D. Huddle, A. F. Beery, J. H. Ablett and W. H. Munk. Ordained elders — J. H. Lamb and F. G. Stauffer. Deacons — CONFERENCE RECORDS. 455 A. S. Copley and J. H. Blaser. Granted credentials— C. T. Luce. W. H. Bucks was elected presiding elder. Districts: Columbus, S. P. Spreng, presiding elder; Cleve- land, W. H. Bucks; Tiffin, A.Vandersal; Fremont, E. B. Crouse. 1885. Michigan Conference, Iona, Mich., April 2. Bishop R. Dubs, president; F. Klump, secretary. Died — P. Swilly. Licensed — A. Norton, F. C. Berger, W. Snyder and J. J. Marshall. Ordained elder — W. H. Wagner. Deacons — A. Winter and L. Gingerich. Districts: Monroe, J. H. Keeler, presiding elder; Iona, J. M. Haug; Detroit, S. Copley; North Michigan, F. Mueller. 1885. Nebraska Conference, West Point, Neb., March 26. Bishop T. Bowman, president ; A. Fisher, secretary. Licensed — M. Miller. Ordained elders — C. Suhr and W. H. Althouse. Deacons — H. Wegner and F. L. Wiegert. Districts: Fremont, J. P. Just, presiding elder; Hastings, F. Backemeyer. 1885. Platte River Conference, Blue Springs, Neb., March 13. Bishop T. Bowman, president; B. C. Oyler, secretary. Licensed — J. M. Humbert, B. F. Rogers, N. J. Kirkpatrick, T. Leland and J. W. Nye. Ordained elder — T. W. Serf. Deacon — W. D. Stambach. E. L. Kiplinger, of the Indiana Conference, was received. C. W. Anthony, presiding elder of Conference District. 1885. Erie Conference, Allegheny, Pa., March 5. Bishop T. Bowman, president; R. Mott, secretary. Licensed — J. Elrich, F. Rothert and T. C. Meckel. Ordained elder — J. G. Zeigler. Deacons — H.Wiegand, H. Huebner, E. Koehne and W. Stadhelder. H. Cordes went to the California Con- ference. Districts : Cleveland, C. F. Negele, presiding elder ; Pitts- burg, C. L. Witt. 1885. Atlantic Conference, Philadelphia, Pa., April 30. Bishop R. Dubs, president ; J. F. Grob, secretary. Licensed — P. Blank and G. Hauler. Ordained elder — A. L. Yeakel. Deacon — G. Redman. C. B. Fliehr died. Granted creden- tials — A. F. Leopold. H. Guelich, presiding elder of Conference District. 1885. New York Conference, Utica, N. Y., March 12. Bishop R. Dubs, president; R. Reuber, secretary. Located — M. Yauch. J. Kaechele, of the Germany Conference, was 456 E VANQELIGAL A880C1A T10N ANNALS. received. Licensed — A. A. Holswarth, B. Miller, W. Schoep- flein, H. Merle and W. Merle. Ordained elders — L. Hein- miller and D. Miller. J. Schaaf and D. Fisher were super- annuated. Districts : Albany, C. F. Schoepflein, presiding elder ; Rochester, A. Holswarth; Buffalo, M. Pfitzinger. 1885. Canada Conference, New Hamburg, Ont., April 16. Bishop R. Dubs, president; C. F. Braun, secretary. Licensed — J. T. Hauch and D. H. Mover. Ordained elder— S. B. Kraft. Deacons— S. R. Knechtel, F. S. Spies and G. B. Braun. S. L. Umbach was re-elected presiding elder. Districts: South, J. J. Kliphart, presiding elder; North, S. L. Umbach ; West, J. Umbach ; Ottawa, S. N. Mover. 1885. Indiana Conference, South Bend, Ind., March 26. Bishop R. Dubs, president; H. Arlen, secretary. Licensed— G. Streicher, E. Myers and D. D. Speicher. Ordained elder — J. E. Smith. Deacons — P. A. Orth, J. C. Stoops, L. S. Fisher, W. H. Brightmyer, R. Raney and C. Hansing. Granted credentials — W. Koenig and E. L. Kiplinger. E. Weishaar, of the Germany Conference, was admitted. Died — F. Hoff- man (local). Districts : Elkhart, C. C. Baumgardner, presiding elder ; Fort Wayne, D. S. Oakes ; Indianapolis, J. Berger. 1885. South Indiana Conference, Carmi, 111., March 19. Bishop R. Dubs, president; W. G. Braeckley, secretary. Li- censed — C. Doering. Ordained elders — G. M. Hallwachs and F. Theiss. Districts: Evansville, J. Kaufman, presiding elder; Olney, F. Schweitzer. 1885. Minnesota Conference, Winona, Minn., April 30. Bishop T. Bowman, president; H. Ohs, secretary. Licensed — C. F. Kachel, O. Shultz and J. Graeben. Ordained elders — H. Isker and G. J. Schmidt. Deacons — G. H. Siebold and W. Walter. Granted credentials — M. Knopf. Districts : St. Paul, H. E. Linse, presiding elder ; Minneap- olis, A. Strohmeier; Mankato, H. Bunse. 1885. Des Moines Conference, Des Moines, Iowa, April 2. Bishop T. Bowman, president ; E. B. Urr, secretary. Died — S. Hoover. Licensed — J. V. Hummel, T. Fee, N. Day, N. B. Niebel, J. A. Hornberger and S. Smith. Ordained elders — J. Wirth, S. A. Walton and J. Buck. Deacons — G. W. Mul- CONFERENCE RECORDS. 457 len, C. Knoll, G. F. Hcilman and W. Piper. D. H. Kooker, because of ill-health, resigned the office of presiding elder, and J. H. Yaggy was re-elected and E. B. Utt newly elected to the office. Districts: Cedar Rapids, E. B. Utt, presiding elder; Des Moines, J. H. Yaggy. 1885. Iowa Conference, Dysart, Iowa, April 16. Bishop T. Bowman, president; E. J. Shultz, secretary. Ordained elders — G. Brandstetter, J. D. Schaible and H. W. Hartman. Deacons — S. L. Staebler and W. J. Schmalle. Districts : Dubuque, H. Kleinsorge, presiding elder ; Ackley, H. Lageschulte; Des Moines, J. Henn. 1885. Wisconsin Conference, Milwaukee, Wis., April 23. Bishop T. Bowman, president; J. L. Runkel, secretary. Li- censed — R. Eilert, A. Lutz, H. Lutz, J. Trautman, C. W. Wilson, C. Punzel and F. A. Mundt. Ordained elders — M. Gauerke, J. Nickel and W. H. Messersmith. Deacons — C. Shauer, G. Reichert^ F. Krueger and H. M. Schuerman. Granted credentials — J. P. Viel. Districts : Milwaukee, G. Fritsche, presiding elder ; Fon du Lac, C. F. Zimmerman ; Madison, C. F. Brendel ; Portage, H. Schelp. 1885. Kansas Conference, Camp Creek, Kan., March 19. Bishop T. Bowman, president; C. Berner, secretary. Died — W. Heiser (local). Granted credentials — L. C. Schnacke. L. E. Becher, W. Wolthousen and W. H. Rosenberg were received. Licensed — E. Brown, G. Wilson, M. C. Platz, W. Stauffer and J. K. Young. Ordained deacons — T. R. Man- inga, L. E. Becher and J. W. Kaiser. H. Mattill was re- elected presiding elder. Districts : Holton, H. Mattill, presiding elder ; Kansas City, J. Wuerth ; Newton, J. H. Tobias. 1885. Dakota Conference, Casselton, Dak., May 15. Bishop T. Bowman, president; F. F. Meyer, secretary. Licensed — J. Price, A. Geyman W. Green and H. Wolf. Ordained elders — L. S. Koch, P. Laux and W. Tesch. Deacons — W. Suckow, R. W. Teichman and A. Ortli. Granted credentials — F. C. Yenny. Districts: Fargo, A. Huelster, presiding elder; Yankton, A. Knebel. 1885. Oregon Conference, Portland, Ore., May 23. Bishop R. Dubs, president; C. C. Poling, secretary. Ordained elder — 458 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. H. I. Bittner. Deacons — A. R. Johnson and Joseph Taylor. H. Shuknecht was received. J. Bowersox, presiding elder of Conference District. 1885. California Conference, San Francisco, Cal., May 29. Bishop R. Dubs, president ; F. W. Fisher, secretary. H. Brauer, J. M. Schaefele and H. Cordes were received. R. Stahli was dismissed. T. Suhr resigned the office of presiding elder and H. Brauer was elected in his stead. H. Brauer, presiding elder of Conference District. Notes — The year 1885 was in many particulars an eventful one. In December, 1 884, Bishop J. J. Esher, accompanied by his wife, started from San Francisco, Cal., for Japan. He remained a considerable length of time in the Orient, and in his episcopal capacity, made some radical changes in the management of the mission. His official report to the Board of Missions gave rise to very serious misunderstandings which eventuated in an acrimo- nious controversy respecting his attitude toward several of the missionaries', and especially towards the Superintendent, J. Hartzler. The consequences of this report are inseperably con- nected with subsequent events of the greatest moment in the history of the church. Bishop Esher returned by the Western route, thus circumnavigating the globe. On his return he stopped sufficiently long in Europe to hold the German and Swiss Con- ferences in the beginning of June. The annual report of the Corresponding Secretary of the Mis- sionary Society, shows that the church supported this year 443 missions in the homeland, supplied with 435 missionaries. The number of new missions located was 53. These missions sus- tained 742 Sunday-schools, with 8,581 officers and teachers and 42,425 scholars. The numbers of conversions on these missions was 5,123 and the number of accessions 6,871. The receipts of the Missionary Treasury were in round numbers $114,000, which was less than the previous years. The debt had increased to over $41,000. * The East Pennsylvania Conference, at its session of 1885, established a mission in the state of Florida, with Rev. J. L. Guinther as missionary. In midwinter 1886, Rev. J. C. Horn- berger, a presiding elder of the East Pa. Conference, made the first official visit to the mission, at which time the first three Evangelical Churches in that state were dedicated. The first at Oriole, Jan. 2, 1886. The second a re-opening of a church CONFERENCE RECORDS. 459 purchased from another society at Bronson, Jan. 9th. The third at Fairmount, Jan. 16th. The work was visited about a year later by Bishop R. Dubs. At the General Conference of 1883, a Normal Course of study, similar to the Chautauqua, was recommended for home study, with special regard to the needs of Sunday-school work- ers. The editors of the Sunday-school literature were author- ized to prepare the series of books necessary and arrange for the formation of classes throughout the church, and the granting of suitable diplomas upon the completion of the course. The series consisted of ten small hand-books, written by various ministers of the church, and covered pretty thoroughly the field of Biblical knowledge. These books made their appear- ance at irregular intervals during this year, (1885), the last volume being issued, near the close of the year. The Normal Plan met with general favor, and many classes were formed. Biographical. — The ministerial death roll this year was quite large. Although most of the following names occur in the pro- ceedings of their respective conferences, we summarize them here for ready reference, with place of death and age. Jos. Ebert, Ohio, 77 ; Jos. Erb, Brookville, 111., 53 ; Charles Erhardt, Orange Co., Florida, 48 ; C. B. Fliehr, Phila., Pa., 61 ; Frank Frech, Hancock Co., O., 76; Thos. George, Burgoon, O., 56; Wm. Colb, Laport, Iowa, 64; H. Major, Buttsville, N. J., 76 ; Solomon Neitz, Reading, Pa., 64; E. L. Over, Coshocton, O., 43; Daniel Ross, Lackawanna Co., Pa., 83; Phillip Schwilly, Lima, Ind., 83; H. Shoemaker, Elgin, 111., 49; Jacob Smith, Somerset, Pa., 34; F. R. Toth- ero, Marshallville, Ind., 62 ; David Tobias, Washington, 111., 79; Geo. Zellhgefer, Grand Junction, Iowa, 67 ; J. G. Esher, (brother of Bishop Esher), born in Germany 18 16, entered the ministry in Illinois, 1848, served as presiding elder, both in the Illinois and Wisconsin Conferences. Died in Illinois. 1886. East Pa. Conference, Reading, Pa., Feb. 24. Bishop T. Bowman, president ; C. S. Breyfogel, secretary. Died — Geo. Miller and A. C. Major. Licensed to preach — J. D. Acker, J. B. Esenwein, G. A. Knerr, H. Dutill, T. S. Kresge, W. R. Fluck, and J. K. Freed. Granted deacon*s orders — H. A. Smith, A. H. Snyder and I. U. Royer. Elder's— H. M. Wingerd, I. F. Heisler, C. D. Dreher, and J. S. Over- holtzer. Granted credentials — D. G. Reinhold. S. C. Brey- 460 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. fogel was newly, and C. S. Haman and C. K. Fehr were re- elected presiding elders. Father Francis Hoffman was super- annuated after 60 years of labor in the work of the Lord " un- interruptedly." Districts : Philadelphia, C. K. Fehr, presiding elder ; Allen- town, C. S. Breyfogel ; Reading, J. C. Homberger ; Lebanon, A. M. Stirk; Pottsville, C. S. Haman; Millersburg, B. J. Smoyer. 1886. Central Fa. Conference, Millheim Pa., March 4th. Bishop T. Bowman, president; E. Swengel, secretary. Li- censed — E. S. Bollinger, G. Gallagher, F. S. Norman, A. Williamson, C. J. Dick, M. S. Thomas, C. D. Moore and J. Womeldorf. Ordained deacons — E. O. Goodling and T. A. Shortiss. Elders — J. R. Sechrist, J. H. Welch, J. D. Stover, H. S. Bason, S. M. Mountz, H. A. Benfer, J. D. Shortiss and A. W. Swengel. Dr. J. C. Hummer, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, was received. S. T. Buck, W. M. Croman and A. W. Maxwell, withdrew. Districts : York, M. J. Carothers, presiding elder ; Juniata, J. M. Ettinger ; Lewisburg, S. W. Seibert ; Williamsport, W. E. Detwiler. 1886. Pittsburg Conference, East Liberty, O., April 15th. Bishop R. Dubs, president ; J. W. Domer, secretary. Licensed — W. W. Elrick, J. McAllister, P. Devaux, A. J. Beale, J. A. Shaffer and J. C. Hadlock. Ordained elders — C. H. Miller, A. C. Miller, J. H. Voght, and S. J. Caton. Dea- cons — A. B. Day and A. W. Brickley. Died — J. Smith. R. D. Dalzell took credentials, also S. B. Kring, who went to the Indiana Conference. F. P. Saylor was newly elected pre- siding elder. Districts : Franklin, F. P. Saylor, presiding elder ; Pittsburg, J. D. Domer ; Alleghany, J. A. Rohland ; Somerset, D. K. Lavan. 1886. Ohio Conference, Westerville, O., Sept. 16. Bishop R. Dubs, president ; A. C. Stull, secretary. Died — F. Frech. O. F. Colwell was licensed. Deacons orders were granted — P. Cocklin and E. Spreng. Elders — A. N. McCauly, J. S. Fitterer and J. B. Kanaga. H. J. Bowman took credentials. John Stull was newly and E. B. Crouse was re-elected presid- ing elder. Father A. Loshner, the oldest preacher of the con- ference, delivered a sermon commemorative of the semi-centen- nial of the organization of the conference. CONFERENCE RECORDS. 461 Districts : Columbus, J. Stull, presiding elder ; Cleveland, W. H. Bucks ; Tiffin, E. B. Crouse ; Fremont, A. Vandersal. 1886. Michigan Conference, Reed City, April i . Bishop R. Dubs, president ; F. Klump, secretary. Died — Benj. Keller. Licensed — W. Gamersfelder, L. B. Felix, J. M. Bittner and D. Strohl. Ordained elder — F. Walters. Deacons G. Johnson, C. Krulger, L. V. Soldan, P. Scheurer, J. A. Swenk, A. Bogen, J. C. Dietrich and C. Brown. A. Halm- huber, of the Germany, P. Alles, of the Canada and F. Kraushaar, of the Illnois Conferences, were received. Districts : Monroe, S. Copley, presiding elder ; St. Joseph, G. A. Hettler ; Flint, C. C. Staffield ; Reed City, E. Weiss. 1886. Erie Conference, Cleveland, O., March 4. Bishop R. Dubs, president ; R. Mott, secretary. Died — A. Born- heimer. Located — W. F. Zander and J. Vogel. Licensed — H. Wendt. Ordained elder — C. Wohlgemuth. Deacons — C. Neuendorf, H. Fuessner, C. Klaholtz and J. E. Moeller. Districts : Cleveland, C. F. Negele, presiding elder ; Pitts- burg;. C. L. Witt. 1886. New York Conference, Batavia, N. Y., March 11. Bishop T. Bowman, president ; J. Reuber, secretary. Died — M. Yauch. Ordained elder — J. M. Schlagenhauf. Deacon — G. " Schloerb. Licensed — A. Stark and A. Holzworth. Districts : Albany, C. F. Schoefflein, presiding elder ; Ro- chester, A. Holzwarth ; Buffalo, M. Pfitzinger. 1886. Canada Conference, Wallace, Ont., April 15. Bishop T. Bowman, president; C. F. Braun, secretary. Licensed — A. Gcebel, J. G. Litt, J. H. Grenzenbach, G. F. Braun and C. Finkbiner. Ordained elder — L. H. Wagoner. Granted credentials — P. Alles. M. C. Frey and A. T. Shuttler were received. J. Umbach was re-elected paesiding elder. Districts : South, J. J. Kliphart, presiding elder ; West, J. Umbach ; North, S. L. Umbach ; Ottawa, S. N. Moyer. 1886. Atlantic Conference, Easton, Pa... April 29. Bishop T. Bowman, president ; J. F. Grob, secretary. Licensed — H. Sturm. Ordained deacons — R. Lau and F. Frank. Died — G. Redman. J. A. Rozsch, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, was received. 1886. Indiana Conference, Dayton. O., April 1. Bishop T. Bowman, president ; H. Arlen, secretary. Licensed— H. E. Meyers, H. Neff and L. Carroll. Ordained deacons — 462 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. F. Rousch and G. B. Holdeman. M. KrUeger, located. S. B. Kring, of the Pittsburg Conference, was received. Granted credentials — G. Streicher and D. E. Hoover. Districts : Elkhart, C. C. Baumgardner, presiding elder ; Ft. Wayne, D. S. Oakes ; Indianapolis, J. Berner. 1886. South Indiana Conference, Mt. Carmel, 111., March ii. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; W. G. Br 1865, at Stuttgart. Bishop J. J. Esher, president, and J. P. Schnatz, secretary. There were present the following min- isters : J. G. Wollpert, J. P. Schnatz and J. Walz, from CONFERENCE RECORDS. 477 America. G. Fuessele, M. Erdle and L. Eisenhart, of Germany, who had labored with us some years, also three applicants : B. Beck, A. H, Beck and F. Stuber. A mission- ary society, auxiliary to the parent society, was organized. In March Bishop Esher, accompanied by G. Fuessele, who was appointed to that country, arrived in Switzerland and began operations there. In 1865 J. Kaechle, of the New York, and G. Vetter, of the Illinois Conference, were sent by the board. The for- mer went to Switzerland, and the latter, to Ulm, Germany. 1866. Germany Conference, Sept. 4, 1866, J. G. Woll- pert, president. J. Schmidli, F. Bauer and J. P. Luippold were licensed. Itinerants, 11 ; local, 3 ; preaching places, 123 ; Members, 3,015. J. Kaechle, B. Beck and J. Schmidli were appointed to Switzerland, where great success attended their labors. Five hundred and ninety-one members were added to the church in Switzerland this year. In Germany the brethren were also very successful. 1867. There was no annual conference held this year, for the reason that a change in the time was desirable, and also, that by the postponement a bishop could be present to preside. 1868. Bishop Esher paid his second visit to Europe and held the Germany Conference in Reutlingen, June n. The work in Switzerland was made a presiding elder district, with J. Kaechele as presiding elder. Strasburg, in Alsace - , was taken up as a mission by J. P. Schnatz. The total number of itinerants was 18. Membership, 3,701. 1869. Conference met in Thun, Switzerland, June 19. J. G. Wollpert, president. The itinerants numbered 25. 1870. Bishop Esher again visited Germany and held the conference June 16. In his report the bishop says : "Our work has made good progress in the last few years in Europe, but in Switzerland our progress is simply astonishing." 1871. Conference was held in Strasburg June 15, J. Kaechele, president. Five brethren were ordained as dea- cons. The work was very prosperous. Switzerland reported 1,500 members and 11 preachers. There were 28 itinerants this year, serving 350 preaching places. 1872. Conference met June 20, in Reutlingen, J. Kaechele, president. J. Walz was newly and J. .Kaeohele 478 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. was re-elected presiding elder. Itinerants, 29 ; total member- ship, 3,855. 1873. Conference met in Thun, Switzerland, Bishop Esher, presiding. Members, 4.738; Sunday-schools, 94; Scholars, 5,340. The latter part of this year J. Berger, of the Indiana Conference, was appointed as the first mission- ary to Prussia. He entered upon his work in the beginning of the following year. 1874. Conference met in Zofingen, Switzerland, June 18, J. Kaechele, president. Great success was reported every- where. H. Guelich, of the Wisconsin Conference, was sent as an additional missionary to Prussia. Itinerants, 36 ; members, 5.445- 1875. Conference met in Kircheim, Wurt, June 17, J. J. Esher, president. Prussia received five missionaries. Itiner- ants, 44. The General conference of this year took charge of the publishing interests in Germany, electing J. Waltz, book agent ; J. Kaechele, editor of Ev. Bostchafter, and G. Fues- sele, editor oiKinderfreund. General Conference also approved of the establishment of an institution of learning at Reutlingen. 1876. Conference met in Stuttgart, Wurt, June 15, J. Kaechele, president; 1,155 new members were received. Total membership, 6,801 ; itinerants, 42 ; locals, 9 ; church edifices (mostly connected with parsonages), 22. The European work was re-districted as follows : I. Switzer- land, H. Guelich ; II. Reutlingen, J. Kaechele; III. Stuttgart, J. Waltz ; IV. North Germany, J. Berger. Itinerants, 48 ; members, 6,801. The first Evangelical Church in Prussia, was built this year, at Muehlheim. The proposed institution of learn- ing was established this year, in Reutlingen, J. Kaechele and L. Eisenhart, were the instructors. 1877. Conference was held in Basle, Switzerland, Bishop R. Dubs, presiding. Eleven young men were licensed, and great revivals were reported. Bishop Dubs made a thorough inspection of the work, preaching to great and enthusiastic con- gregations in court houses, halls, theaters, state churches and in the open air. His work in Europe was highly commended by the Board of Missions, upon his return. 1878. Conference met in Esslingen, Wurtemberg, June 20, J. Kaechele, president. The membership was 7,240 ; Sun- day-schools, 213; scholars, 11,634; churches, 29. CONFERENCE RECORDS. 479 Publishing House.— A Publishing House was established in Stuttgart. The American Board advanced #10,000 as a loan for its establishment. This sum the General Conference do-, nated to the German work in 1879. Prior to this, the printing in Germany was done in Nuertingenby Mr. Raiger. H. Hintze, of the Illinois Conference, was sent this year as an additional missionary to North Germany. 1879. Conference met in Bern, Switzerland, June 3. Bishop R. Yeakel presided. G. Heinmiller, of the Iowa Conference, was received as an additional missionary and stationed in Dres- den. H. Hintze was elected presiding elder and placed on the North German District. Switzerland Conference, which also included the appoint- ments in Alsace, was formed at this session. It embraced two presiding elder districts : Bern, H. Guelich, presiding elder ; Oberland, G. Gaehr, presiding elder. 1880. Germany Conference, Stuttgart, June 17. Bishop J. J. Esher, president. A new district, called Ulm District, was formed. G. Fuessele, presiding elder. Swiss Conference, Zofingen, June 3. Bishop J. J. Esher, president. Basle District was formed. 1881. Germany Conference, Reutlingen, Wurtemberg, July 6. Bishop T. Bowman, president. Itinerants, 41 ; locals, 10; churches, 19 ; members, 4,35 6 - Districts : J. Kaechele, presiding elder ; Reutlingen, J. Waltz; Ulm, G. Fuessele ; North Germany, H. Hintze, 1881. Swiss Conference, Basle, July 14. Bishop Bowman, presiding. Itinerants, 21 ; locals, 3 ; members, 3,505. Districts : Basle, H. Guelich, presiding elder ; Bern, G. Gaehr, presiding elder. 1882. Germany Conference, Durlach, Baden, June 1. Bishop Dubs, president. J. Knapp was newly elected presiding elder and stationed on North Germany District. Itinerants, 38 ; locals, 9 ; churches, 20 ; members, 4.477- 1882. Swiss Conference, Thun, June 8. Bishop Dubs, president. H. Hintze was elected presiding elder and stationed on Bern District. Itinerants, 19 ; locals, 5 ; churches, 18 ; mem- bers, 3,470; Sunday-schools, no, scholars. 6,982. 1883. Germany Conference, Muehlheim, a. d. Ruhr, Prus- sia, June 7. Bishop Esher, president. Itinerants, 35 ; locals, 480 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. ri ; churches, 21 ; members, 4,715; Sunday-schools, 156 ; schol- ars, 10,000. . 1883. Swiss Conference, Strasburg, in Alsace, June 14. Bishop Esher, president. G. Gaehr was re-elected presiding elder. Itinerants, 21 ; locals, 6; churches, 19; members, 3,632. 1884. Germany Conference, Stuttgart, Junes- J- Waltz, president. J. Waltz, G. Fuessele and J. Kaechele were re- elected presiding elders. Itinerants, 40 ; locals, 10; churches, 21; members, 4,766; Sunday-schools, 142; scholars, over 10,000. 1884. Swiss Conference, Bern, June 12. H. Hintze presi- dent. Itinerants, 21 ; locals, 8; churches, 20 ; members, 3,723; Sunday-schools, 119; scholars, 8,100. 1885. Germany Conference, June 4, at Kirchheim, Bishop J. J. Esher, president. J. Kaechele, principal of the semi- nary, resigned because of ill health, and G. Heinmiller, took his place. North Germany District was divided. B. Beck, and J. G. Wollpert were elected presiding elders. Itinerants, 45; locals, 10; members, 4,794; churches, 21. Districts : Stuttgart, G. Fuessele ; Esslingen, J. Waltz ; Reutlingen, J. G. Wollpert ; Eisnach, B. Beck ; Muehlheim, J. Knapp. 1885. Swiss Conference, Basle, June n. Bishop Esher, presided. Itinerants, 24 ; locals, 5 ; churches 20 ; members, 3.73i- Districts : H. Hintze, presiding elder ; Alsace, G. Gaehr. 1886. Germany Conference, Essen, Prussia, May 27. 1886. Swiss Conference, Zofingen, Switzerland, June 17. Bishop Thomas Bowman, presided. The total membership in Europe, was 9,006. The Ev. Botschafter, reported the remark- able circulation of 14,000. 1887. Germany Conference, Reutlingen, June 9. Bishop R. Dubs, president. Itinerants, 37 ; locals, 20; churches, 26; members, 5,300; Sunday-schools, 181; officers and scholars, 11,087. Districts : Stuttgart, G. Fuessele ; Reutlingen, J. G. Woll- pert ; Muehlheim, J. Knapp ; Eisnach, B. Beck. 1887. Swiss Conference, Thun, June 17. Bishop R. Dubs, president. Alsace District was discontinued. Itinerants, 23 ; locals, 8 ; churches, 20 ; Sunday-schools, 137 ; officers and scholars, 8,980. H. Hintze, presiding elder of conference district. OOXFEBENOE RECORDS. 481 JAPAN MISSION. Our work among the heathen in a measure owes its origin to the great missionary enthusiasm awakened in 1850, by the semi- centennial celebration of the establishment of the Evangelical Association. This year a number of communications appeared in the church periodicals on the subject of establishing a work among the heathen. Propositions were made by laymen to start a fund for that purpose. The General Conference of 185 1, dis- cussed the subject at length, and the matter was referred to the Board of Missions, and directions given that money for the pro- posed mission be sent to the treasurer of the Parent Society. In 1853 the board announced that as soon as there was sufficient money in the treasury the work would be undertaken, and an appeal was made for funds. At the General Conference of 1855, resolutions in reference to the mission were again adopted, and the Board of Missions was directed to look about for suit- able men for the work. Funds, however, were wanting, as the treasury contained but #864 contributed for this purpose. At the General Conference of 1859, resolutions looking to the early establishment of the mission were again adopted. In i860 the board resolved to undertake the work. The amount in the treas- ury was $4,835. The field selected in which to begin operations was India. Two young men, F. W. Heidner * and F. C. Hoffman f were selected for the work, and instructed to prepare themselves ac- cordingly. Their departure, however, was deferred until the following General Conference, which proved to be the end of the proposed India mission. The General Conference of 1863 decided that in view of the prospective cost, and the fact that the amount in the treasury was but #9,234, the establishment of the mission should be postponed until such time that it could be undertaken with better prospects of success. The General Con- ference of 1867 also passed resolutions, and still the board hesi- tated to undertake the work. The fund now amounted to $15,896. In 1869 the fund had increased to $18,000, and the board then contemplated a mission among the Chinese who were pouring into California by thousands. No definite steps, however, were taken. In 1873, the board declared that "the * For many years a professor in Northwestern College. f Formerly principal of Union Seminary, and a son of Rev. F. Hoffman. 482 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. period seems to be drawing near in which we should enter upon this important work in the name of the Lord. In 1874, the board decided that Japan should be considered as our mission field. At the succeeding General Confernce (1875) the following resolutions were adopted : " (1) Resolved, That a mission among the heathen be estab- lished forthwith. "(2) Resolved, That we consider Japan as the most favor- able field for such a mission, and that it be established in that country. " (3) Resolved, That the Board of Missions be instructed to take the necessary steps, that this mission be supplied with at least two suitable men as soon as possible." Before action was taken on the resolutions Rev. C. F. Dein- inger, of the Central Pa. Conference, suggested the propriety of first engaging in silent prayer. This was done amid deep solemnity, after which the resolutions were adopted amid great enthusiasm. The fund at this time amounted to $25,650. The board, after mature deliberation, engaged as mission- aries Dr. Frederick Krecker, of the East Pa. Conference, and Miss Rachel Hudson, an accomplished teacher, also from Pennsylvania, and Rev. A. Halmhuber, of the Swiss Con- ference. On Sunday, Oct. 1, 1876, a very impressive farewell service was held in the Calvary Evangelical Church at Cleveland, Ohio, after which the missionaries made their final preparations for departure. They sailed October 18 from San Francisco, and after a somewhat boisterous voyage, they landed safety at Yokohama, Japan. They remained in Yokohama for a brief season. Tokio was selected by them as the place for begin- ning operations, and they accordingly established themselves there. A good beginning was made in 1877. A Sunday-school was organized and some souls were converted. In September of this year Bro. Halmhuber established himself at Osaka, about 300 miles distant from Tokio. The missionaries suffered much from the change of climate, and the work developed somewhat slowly at first. A small class was organized at Tokio prior to the General Conference of 1879. In the Spring of 1880 the Board of Missions selected Jacob Hartzler, formerly editor of the Evangelical Messenger, as an CONFERENCE RECORDS. 483 additional missionary, and also to take the oversight of the Mis- sion as superintendent. A farewell meeting was tendered him in the Calvary church, Cleveland, O., April 15, and on May 4 he and his wife sailed from San Francisco, and after a voyage of twenty days arrived safely at Yokohama. The superintend- ent submitted his first report to the Board of Missions June 30, 1880. The Mission then embraced the following : Tokio — Preaching places, 5 ; natives baptized during the year, 10 ; newly received, 10 ; whole number of native members, 23 ; Sun- day-schools, 4 j average attendance, no. Osaka — Preaching places, 1 ; baptized, 1 ; native members, 3 ; Sunday-schools, 2 ; scholars, 40. In his next report, published in October, 1881, the superintendent reports six Sunday-schools, with 122 scholars ; six preaching places, and 37 members, and several young native converts under training for the gospel ministry. At the session of the East Pa. Conference in 1882, these first fruits for our ministry were licensed, namely, Hirakawa Toyotsura and Uyenb Mikutna. In later years many others were licensed by various conferences on recommendation of the missionaries. The pe- culiar climatic condition of Japan affected the missionaries un- favorably. The health of Halmhuber became so impaired that he was compelled to abandon the work, and on June 24, 1882, he departed for Europe, and the work at Osaka was discon- tinued. The superintendent's report, made in August, 1882, shows the following : One chapel, three preaching places, one Sunday- school, officers and teachers, 15 ; scholars, 117 ; two day schools, with 72 scholars; adults baptized, 26; newly converted, 26; newly received, 25 ; whole number of members, 51. The mis- sion also had a half interest in a school for the training of ap- plicants for the ministry. Although misfortunes had already befallen the mission, a still greater calamity awaited it. In the beginning of April, 1883, Dr. Krecker contracted typhus fever while in the dis- charge of his duties, visiting and administering to the sick. After an illness of several weeks, April 26 his noble spirit passed into the realms of bliss to receive a crown from the hands of Jesus, while his body filled the first missionary's grave of our church. His noble wife, with four children, remained to work for the Master. On August 4, 1883, Prof. W. E. Waltz and wife sailed for Ja- pan, under appointment by the Board of Missions. This was a 484 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. welcome addition to our little band of heroic missionaries. In the superintendent's report, June 30, 1883, appear the following encouraging items : Newly converted, 94 ; newly received, 96 ; whole number of native members, 146 ; adults baptized, 9 ; in- fants baptized, 28 ; native preachers, 3 ; chapels, 2 ; value, $500 ; parsonage, 1 ; value, #125 ; Sunday-schools, 4 ; officers and teachers, 15 ; scholars, 191 ; day schools, 3 ; pupils, 191. On the 18th of Dec, 1883, F. W. Voegelein and wife, of the California Conference, and Miss Ada B. Johnson, of Cleve- land, O., sailed from San Francisco, under appointment of the Board of Missions. On Dec. 6, 1884, Bishop Esher, accom- panied by his wife, sailed from San Francisco, for the purpose of inspecting the mission work in Japan. On Jan. n, 1885, he ordained as deacon T. Hirakawa, which was the first ordi- nation of a converted heathen by an Evangelical bishop. At the annual session of the Board of Missions, Oct. 2, 1885, the work in Japan was committed to a Managing committee, com- posed of F. W. Voegelein, president ; W. E. Waltz, secretary ; and J. Hartzler, treasurer. The report of the superintendent for the past year was as follows : Died, 6 ; expelled, 26 ; withdrawn, 70 ; withdrew with certificate, 10 ; moved away, 8 ; converted, 3 ; newly received, 1 2 . Three active and two local native preachers, three churches, four parsonages, five Sunday-schools, officers and teachers 1 6 ; average attendance, 215. Also three day schools. Oct. 22, 1885, Mrs. Elizabeth Krecker sailed for the home land, two of her children having preceded her several months. She soon afterwards began to labor in the interests of the missionary cause throughout the church by appointment of the Board of Missions. Several weeks after the departure of Mrs. Krecker from Japan, she was followed by Miss Hud- son, who was completely broken down in health. Thus the entire original missionary band had left the field, but not with- out leaving behind them many enduring monuments of their zeal and devotion to the Master's cause. Although the little band was thus reduced in number, our missionaries in the Sunrise Kingdom were not discouraged. New men were ready to fill the broken ranks. F. W. Fisher, of the California, and G. E. Dienst, of the Kansas Conference, were appointed by the board, and with their families set sail or Japan in the Autumn of 1886, and arrived in safety in CONFERENCE RECORDS. 485 Japan. The report of the mission for the General Conference of 1887 was as follows : Died, 6; expelled, 2 ; withdrew, 18 ; moved away, 17 ; newly converted, 82 ; newly received, 78 ; received with certificate, 10; whole number of members, 150; adults baptized, 65 ; infants baptized, 10 ; itinerants 8 (four of whom were natives) ; locals, 2 ; churches, 4 ; parsonages 2 ; Sunday-schools, 7 ; missionary houses in foreign concessions, 6 ; probable value, #10,790. Soon after the General Conference of 1887, a training school was established at Tokio, for the better education of the candidates for the ministry. This school has proved a great advantage to the mission, and has been successful from the be- ginning. WORK ON THE PACIFIC COAST. A number of members of the church who had removed to San Francisco, Cal., in November, 1862, petitioned the Board of Missions, for a missionary to be sent them. Owing to a lack of funds, the call was not complied with at the time. The Gen- eral Conference of 1863 decided that the field should be occu- pied at once, and appeals were made to the church for funds with such success that the board proceeded with the project, and selected three men for the mission field. C. F. Deininger, of the Central j J. Croasman, of the Pittsburg and M. Guhl, of the East Pa. Conference. The missionaries departed for their destination in the Spring of 1864, arriving in San Francisco, June 8th. Deininger remained in San Francisco, Guhl went to San Jose, Cal. , and Croasman to Oregon. California proved to be a very difficult field of labor. In San Francisco the Sabbath was but nominally observed, and sa- loons and stores were open as on other days. Deininger began his labors in a hall, July 3rd, by preaching to twelve hearers, eleven of whom united with the church. A class was formed, of which C. Smith was elected leader. In 1866, a good church was built in San Francisco, by Deininger. Croasman selected Salem, Oregon, as the central point of his operations. He met with considerable success and organ- ized a society of about fifty members. He also erected a church here, which was dedicated by Deininger, in the latter part of August, 1866. In 1867, J. G. Marquardt, of the New York Conference, 486 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. was sent to San Francisco, and Deininger was transferred to Salem, Oregon, while Croasman was sent up the Willametta Valley, some thirty-five miles. During the year, he organized a class of twenty members, at Corvallis, and another at Harris- burg, thirty miles south, with the same number of members. During this year. Deininger organized at Salem, the first Evan- gelical Sunday-school in Oregon. Guhl met with no success whatever, at San Jose, although he labored faithfully. In 1866, the Board of Missions trans- ferred him to Stockton, where he met with no better success, and the work was discontinued. In 1869, Deininger desired to return east, and Josiah Bowersox, of the Central Pa. Con- ference, was sent to fill the vacancy, who arrived in Oregon in the Spring of 1870. While all the early missionaries on the coast have returned, Bowersox has remained up to the present time, having labored for a period of over twenty years, with untiring zeal and devotion for the upbuilding of our work in Oregon and Washington. In 187 1, D. S. Oakes, of the Indiana Conference, was sent to Oregon as an additional missionary. In 1872, after eight years of work, we had in Oregon three churches, two parsonages, and about one hundred members. While the result seems insignificant, the reader should remember that there were many and peculiar difficulties to be overcome. In 1875, S. Heininger, of the Michigan Conference, was sent as an additional missionary and was appointed to Salem. The following year he took up a number of appointments in the surrounding country, meeting with great success. In 1876, the work on the Pacific Coast took a long stride forward. F. W. Voegelein, of the Kansas Conference, was sent to San Fran- cisco, Cal., and W. C. Kantner, of the East Pa. Conference, to Oregon. The latter arrived in Salem in April, and assisted Heininger on Salem Mission until September. This mission then extended from Rock Creek, thirty-seven miles S. E. of Salem, to West Chehalem, thirty-five miles N. W. of the same city. In June the first camp-meeting of the Evangelical Asso- ciation on the Coast was held three miles S. W. of Wheatland. The number of tents was twenty-two, and all our missionaries in Oregon were in attendance. Sept. 28, 1876, the Pacific Con- ference was organized at Salem, Oregon. The reader is referred to the proceedings of the conference sessions for further detail of the work on the Pacific slope. CHAPTER XXI. Statistics of the Evangelical Association from its Origin, in 1800, to the Year 1887, Inclusive. The following tables required the most exacting and labor- ious work in their preparation. The difficulty of producing full statistics of all the conferences was found to be well nigh in- superable. It frequently happens that the statistics were only published in one of the periodicals, which made the examina- tion of both the German and English papers necessary. In many instances they contained inaccuracies which were after- wards corrected. In all such instances the author has used all available help in order to make the tables as accurate as possible. In several instances where typographical errors were manifest without subsequent correction, the figures were omit- ted. These tables furnish food for earnest thought and reflection. The observant reader will often discover evidences of victory on the one hand, and seemingly reverses on the other hand. He will be able to read the history of the early struggles of our ministry in the pittance they received as support, while preaching the unsearchable riches of Christ. He will notice gradual improvement by the increased support and the erection of churches and parsonages. While errors will doubtless be detected here and there, we do not believe they will be of sufficient importance to impair the general usefulness of these tables. 487 488 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. FROM 1800 TO THE FORMATION OF THE WESTERN CONFERENCE IN 1826. Year. Si! It o •3 s M •O B as W ■a § ■c ■S 1800, 1 80 1, 1802, 1803, 1804, 1805, 1806, 1807, 1808, 1809, 1810, 1811, 1812, 1813, 1814, 1815, 1816, 1817, 1818, 1819, 1820, 1821, 1822, 1823, 1824, 1825, 1826, 35 40 60 75 78 72 160 101 196 235 33o 224 267 273 303 208 204 175 179 231 254 114 112 202 129 304 266 392 306 396 355 343 258 215 205 200 265 345 120 220 426 528 740 761 796 1,016 1,108 1,401 1.493 1,707 1,895 1,992 1.974 1,936 1.854 1,878 2,039 2,207 $ 61 00 T l 9 283 344 414 588 553 700 769 935 938 708 611 642 637 676 616 775 * 44 42 3° 51 "3 65 59 171 206 354 362 174 177 149 160 137 108 97 123 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 6 6 7 7 12 13 12 12 12 11 12 10 10 11 10 Note. — The statistics of the first two tables have been taken from Evangelical Association" by kind permission of the author. Landmarks of the CONFERENCE RECORDS. 489 EASTERN AND WESTERN CONFERENCES, 1827-1839. Year. 3. ■8 en •c 1827, . . . Eastern, 1828, . . . Eastern, 1829, . . . Eastern, 1830, . . . Eastern, 1831, . . . Eastern, 1832, . . . Eastern, 1833, • • • Eastern, 1834, . . . Eastern, 1835, . . . Eastern, 1836, . . . Eastern, 1837, • • • Eastern, 1838, . . . Eastern, 1839, • • • Eastern, 346 293 382 320 366 246 632 381 555 446 697 546 606 47i 717 56i 723 508 948 464 1,168 644 478 393 458 373 435 271 720 538 663 521 808 627 762 560 2.567 2,044 2,677 2,176 2,862 2,214 3.245 2.373 3.58o 2,617 3.925 2,792 4.252 3,026 9064,689 707 3.377 97o5,«9 6983.630 943 5.628 6i7|3.379 1,4206,665 747 512 603 664 '3.677 7.309 ^3.954 • • 7.859 7114,206 46 32 46 33 40 35 53 36 56 4o 53 35 63 42 66 41 72 47 40 45 51 5o I 817 704 935 796 932 790 1.275 1.065 1.428 1. 133 1.633 1,360 2,157. 1,808 2,543 2,064 2,54o 2,011 *i°5 105 200 185 272 252 302 266 453 424 513 464 34o 269 487 404 636 475 1,833 2,168 505 811 04 28 3.090 37 89 3,607 794 713 45 12 8 11 8 12 9 13 10 14 11 17 13 21 16 21 16 25 19 28 16 30 18 33 19 36 22 Note. — The figures opposite the years indicate the aggregates for both conferences. By deducting the Eastern or lower figures, the statistics of the Western Conference for that year may be found. In 183s three circuits were transferred from the Eastern to the Western Con- ference, which accounts for the decrease in the former. 490 ENANQELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. EAST PA. CONFERENCE. Year. 1 ■1 a I en 1840, 1841, 1S42, 1843. 1844, 1845. 1846, 1847, 1848, i849f 1850, 1851, 1852, 1853. 1854. 1855. 1856, 1857, 1858, 1859. i860, 1861, 1862, 1863, 1864, 1865, 1866, 1867, 1868, 1869, 1870, 1871, 1872, 1873. 1874, 1875, 1876, 1877I: 1878, 525 476 796 1. 175 575 667 557 528 703 53° 487 75o 735 824 738 905 75o 858 1,286 1,209 1,071 1.303 2,029 2,188 2,196 3.005 2,512 3.283 2.741 2.763 618 982 I.37I 696 833 736 638 1.041 620 691 875 878 960 865 1.038 766 1,002 1.543 1.397 1. 251 1.537 1. 113 155 1.095 1,242 1,718 1,562 1.535 1,766 1.563 1.655 2,212 2,012 2,649 2,464 2,888 2.177 2,365 2.723 3.439 4.372 4.497 4.747 4.790 4.930 5.169 3.9io 4,087 4.538 4,829 5.293 5.7oi 5.967 6,000 6,145 7,009 7.564 7.863 8,299 8,633 8,755 8,793 8,775 9,000 9.507 9.854 10,035 11,060 11,297 12,470 I 3>475 14,401 14.730 J5.959 14.799 H.998 21 *46 53 58 63 65 59 67 45 34 36 4o 42 45 46 51 5o 48 53 55 58 58 59 55 60 69 76 80 78 80 9i 94 98 107 «5 102 105 98 46 53 78 77 80 82 94 94 1 01 94 83 79 81 86 103 108 109 117 125 129 133 138 148 153 154 177 177 186 195 205 190 194 35 4i 42 47 58 65 70 67 75 86 80 79 84 86 95 97 104 112 "5 129 143 146 149 160 174 180 200 178 191 354 444 507 527 647 717 725 618 900 1.630 964 1,071 1,308 1,162 1.389 i.35o 1,480 1,811 1,620 1,872 2,196 2,343 2,604 2,555 3.034 3.205 3.396 3,022 3.124 2,003 2,363 2,036 3.030 3.646 3.947 4.136 4.532 5.000 5.552 5.395 5.467 5.838 5.898 6,687 6,770 7,622 8,587 8,677 8,972 10,946 11,613 12,849 14.745 16,500 17.507 19,148 17,729 18,174 1,620 2,204 1,881 3. 1 13 4.562 7,284 3.418 4.540 4.950 8.255 5.924 7.707 8,289 7.831 7.37o 7.4" 6,516 4.739 $48 60 60 52 48 58 56 56 54 89 80 95 94 96 100 97 95 87 93 * Includes itinerant elders, deacons and traveling preachers on trial, t The organization of the New York Conference accounts for die decrease of this year, t The formation of the Atlantic Conference caused a decrease. CONFERENCE RECORDS. 491 EAST PA. CONFERENCE — Continued. V •a" B 3 E tn i 2 i _2 *i > 1 J3 8 £ 3 Year. > a % 55 S I e 1 a ■a H K p. "« J u W : n ar a 2 •8 a a C/3 eft en 1 u 1/3 § § u "cn Cfl en 1879. 2,007 1,928 14.790 91 84 195 30 191 3.147 18,889 4,272 1880, . 2,225 2,027 14,863 95 88 192 31 I89 3.258 20,083 7.385 1881, . 1.549 1.590 14.805 100 79 194 30 193 3.258 19,900 8,264 1882, . 1.719 1,782 14,867 98 88 191 32 187 3,242 20,740 8,705 1883, . 1,926 1,884 15.275 107 75 193 34 183 3.215 20.921 14,246 1884, . 1.913 2,088 15.472 107 70 20I 36 189 3.256 22,356 12,048 1885, . 1,682 1.742 15.763 "5 79 203 35 189 3.234 22,865 11,182 z886, . 2,207 2,152 16,456 117 80 206 37 I84 3.244 22,504 10,446 1887, . 2,062 2,146 16,933 118 84 2IO 35 I8 5 3.437 23.569 13.183 WEST PENNSYLVANIA CONFERENCE. Year. "3 i *o V) JS u v . i > IE >■> a £ s "5 5 w V 1" ■a a E !? & cn cn 298 , # $44 16 549 • . 55 56 593 3.429 4687 % • 1.384 4.508 47 52 828 *4.56i 42 84 871 5.200 44 76 48 84 812 5.152 52 56 954 5.352 51 84 77 00 , 1.034 5.927 44 398 1. 179 6,105 80 584 567 4,020 684 4.203 45 693 4.383 539 3.906 . 604 4,309 31 247 753 4.474 28 286 923 4,972 32 214 929 5,188 37 42 5 1840, 1841, 1842, 1843, 1844, 1845. i846f 1847. 1848, 1849* 1850, 1851. i852§ 1853. 1854. 1855. 1856, 1857, 1858, 1859. 724 722 800 876 999 464 592 588 540 479 646 800 784 2,063 3.303 4.803 1.273 1,626 I.7I3 1,360 * Membership of Cumberland Circuit not reported because of the absence of Brother Boas, pastor in charge, who was taken ill. t No statistics published, t Owing to the absence of a number of preachers no statistics were given. § The Pittsburg Conference was constituted, hence the decrease. 492 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA (Formerly the West Pa. Conference.) Year. B 3 i860, 1861, 1862, 1863, 1864, 1865, 1866, 1867, 1868, 1869, 1870, 1871, 1872, 1873. 1874, i87S. 1876, i877» 1878, 1879. 1880, 1881, 1882, 1883, 1884, 1885, 1886, 1887, 837 1,027 I.I73 5.689 6,143 373 613 2, 008 1.79° 524 867 i.77i 1.599 865 674 686 1,180 1. 177 2,296 1.777 2,694 2,042 2,903 1,941 2,780 2,406 1,968 i.45o 2,230 1,667 1,891 1,876 2,200 2,418 1.949 1,487 2,140 1.537 1.964 1.5X9 2,046 1,691 1,656 1,187 1.739 1.375 1.483 1,528 1,424 J.979 6.338 6,303 6,221 6,769 6,772 6,918 7.774 8,261 8,667 9,468 10,135 10,829 11,003 IM57 10,870 11,023 11. 215 11,618 II.395 12,055 . 12,22783 12,077 78 12,74584 12,75786 13.734 92 84 87 86 72 89 94 107 116 121 136 140 151 157 156 161 167 168 184 185 198 194 199 201 214 216 606 609 623 606 794 2,849 2,856 3,006 3.248 4.361 $1,089 1.525 2.774 3.067 2,226 113 128 127 128 131 153 161 167 178 177 173 182 177 170 28188 29197 1,410 1,506 1.654 1,627 1,807 1,892 2,309 1.977 2,234 2,255 2,217 2,228 2.199 2,288 2.237 2.275 7.049 8,105 8,956 8.837 9.755 10,730 u,978 12,318 19.091 14,264 14.452 13,611 13.646 14,210 15.288 16,568 3.889 3.704 3.993 3.063 2,848 2,667 2,641 2,647 5.058 4.613 4.277 4,928 4.493 4.330 4.357 CONFERENCE RECORDS. PITTSBURG CONFERENCE. 493 Year. 1 £ § I 1852,* 1853. 1854. i855,t 1856, 1857. 1858, 1859. i860, 1861, 1862,}: 1863, 1864, 1865, 1866, 1867, 1868, 1869, 1870, 1871, 1872, 1873. 1874, 1875, 1876, 1877, 1878, 1879, 1880, 1881. 1882, 1883, 1884, 1885, 1886, 1887, 423 528 496 SOS 276 519 73o S44 485 693 545 632 607 609 388 642 776 651 580 780 721 748 568 368 763 832 i, 108 r,i86 842 1,442 1,716 1.485 1,289 1,489 1,180 i>i94 862 i,5" 1,019 1,263 1.698 1,207 1,414 1,130 196 841 1,256 1,762 1.39° 1,258 1,420 1,115 1,102 938 1,289 1,029 1.257 1.472 1,102 1,362 2,790 3.486 3.498 3.348 3.414 3.818 3.811 4.292 4.171 5.237 4.132 5.247 5.484 4,968 4,858 4.870 5,223 5,384 5.692 6,279 7.053 *6,375 7,068 7,786 7,803 7,457 7,635 7,967 7,735 7,582 7,746 8,177 8,517 8,858 9,225 8,712 54 53 52 54 65 57 71 70 75 81 95 112 "3 125 139 131 143 151 170 143 145 155 155 156 152 160 109 206 378 212 344 433 389 527 562 509 660 740 737 754 576 866 1,346 1,146 4,45o 1,8/ 1,760 2,630 3.033 1,640 2,859 3.703 3.649 4,119 992 1,227 1,247 1,348 1,385 i,55o i,455 1,363 1,434 1,316 1,309 1,414 1,519 1,505 i,443 1.503 1.583 5.122 6,327 6,466 7,627 7,098 10,558 7.707 8,281 8,338 8,055 8,056 8,465 9,069 9,47o 9.431 9,708 9.986 62 58 69 74 7i 75 75 79 80 84 90 94 90 "3 "3 121 118 128 131 130 136 133 149 152 158 161 160 *I,00O 849 1,600 2,043 1,668 2,018 2,320 3>5I3 1,836 2,581 1,690 i,307 1.576 i,35i 1,506 1.994 i,3!6 2,076 i.93o 2,095 1958 1,937 * Statistics incomplete, t Statistics incomplete, $ A number of charges in Virginia were practically abandoned, owing to the Civil War, hence the decrease. 494 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. OHIO CONFERENCE. Year. 1840, . 1841, . 1842, . 1843, • 1844 . 1845,* 1846, . 1847, • 1848, . 1849, • 1850, . 1851, • 1852, • 1853, • 1854, • 1855, • 1856, . 1857, • 1858, . 1859, ■ i860, . 1861, . 1862, . 1863, . 1864, . 1865, . 1866, . 1867, . 1868, . 1869, . 1870, . 1871, . 1872, . 1873, ■ 1874, • 1875, • . 1876, . . 441 347 461 367 377 411 345 534 592 400 419 7i6 539 545 678 670 850 779 524 596 822 940 886 1.338 9°5 1,487 403 494 596 504 556 600 563 741 791 558 599 931 813 948 515 1.039 923 759 582 897 904 t,658 3.638 4.19° 4.521 3.923 952 985 978 1,366 1,124 1.436 3.257 3.908 4.147 4.272 4.451 3.841 4.135 4.39 2 4.667 4,7i8 4.457 4,806 5.213 5.439 3,222 5,809 6,140 6,157 5,451 5,456 5.530 6,079 6,398 6,489 6,716 6,838 6,935 7,598 7.975 8,455 ■a $46 18 49 68 50 64 43 80 40 98 49 08 50 52 56 52 47 10 53 43 46 32 74 00 39 56 6959 44 47 48 35 40 54 46 40 60 60 35 74 84 75 67 68 73 83 89 96 108 "5 112 131 138 130 231 250 356 200 422 432 408 427 612 566 367 732 778 798 672 777 783 1,225 1,100 1,219 r,5i9 1.595 1,509 s ■e 979 1,347 1,487 1. 135 2.433 2,309 6,385 i.78i 2,352 2,647 1,592 3.934 4.436 3.886 1.257 3.472 3.672 6,368 6,447 6,631 8,926 9,104 9.705 78 49 83 87 89 94 89 90 104 100 108 "3 120 2 7 "3 138 149 16 11 14 18 17 16 16 17 19 20 21 26 29 28 28 28 30 2,894 2,255 2,490 3,9io 4,640 4,144 4.093 3.791 2,888 *The decrease is owing to the formation of the Illinois Conference. CONFEBENCE RECORDS. OHIO CONFERENCE.— Continued. 495 Year. 14 c 55 C O O 1877, . . 1878, . . 1879, • • 1880, . . 1881, . . 1882, . . 1883, . . 1884, . . 1885, . . 1886, . . 1887, . . 1. 134 721 1. 149 1,004 721 658 996 997 r»378 i,45o 1,063 1.305 1,085 1,032 975 917 821 1,090 1,082 1,344 1,283 1,113 7.371 7.484 7.526 7.983 7.792 7.746 7.99° 8,170 8,427 8,424 8,535 127 127 127 129 129 117 135 127 135 139 134 1.372 1,530 1,421 i,45i 1.522 1,416 1,308 1,664 1.633 1,812 1,804 8,287 8,413 8,256 9,028 8.337 9.699 6,574 9.305 9.585 10,719 10,462 134 135 131 135 134 136 137 141 139 142 145 2,445 3,685 2,417 2,635 3,857 4,525 6,097 5.178 3,86i 496 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. ILLINOIS CONFERENCE. YEAR. J3 a 1 s s 1845.* 1846, 1847, 1848, 1849. 1850, 1851, 1852, 1853. t 1854, 1855, 1856, 18574 1858, 1859, i860, 1861, 1862, 1863, 1864, 1865, 1866, 1867, 1868,' 1869, 1870, 1871, 1872, 1873. 1874, 1875, 1876, 1877, 216 292 454 486 650 474 542 672 815 717 544 940 726 246 224 359 551 637 687 845 695 673 815 1,067 943 644 1,074 956 1,048 1,466 1,980 2,613 2,985 3.597 3.936 2,825 3.505 4.109 4.642 3.575 4,110 4.639 5.177 827 553 823 600 384 657 919 935 1,114 1,085 753 644 1,360 938 928 1,780 1,041 1,087 874 824 1.445 1,127 944 1,859 4,5oi 5.075 5.258 5.098 5,i9i 5.691 6,148 6,538 7,062 7.526 8,009 8,238 8,171 8.749 8,831 9,006 10,062 8370 8563 83 r 72 282 306 249 283 1,001 1,383 1,211 1,046 34 263 936 41 32 45 54 51 56 60 63 66 74 82 88 91 94 99 101 107 "3 "5 33i 368 580 L425 1.357 2,135 59 60 66 66 63 72 81 89 99 105 115 116 120 123 127 149 147 572 618 670 731 712 824 958 2,528 2,542 2,911 3,056 3,196 3,285 4.297 *3,333 3,982 2,411 3,050 4,798 5.58o 7,702 1,420 1,513 1,623 1,618 1,772 1,786 1,992 2,070 6,483 7,178 8,007 8,383 4,080 9,334 10,614 11,003 7,076 5,190 6,074 6,866 12,752 9,5i8 7,284 6,567 *The salary of the missionaries was only $35.28, while that of the circuit preachers amounted to $72.24. The latter unanimously deducted $13.24 from their salary and added it to that of the missionaries, making the salaries $47.52 each for the missionaries and $60.00 for the circuit missionaries, t The Indiana Conference formed — hence the decrease, t The Wis- consin Conference formed — previous session caused the decrease. CONFERENCE RECORDS. ILLINOIS CONFERENCE— Continued. •497 Year. a 1 s a Ph 1878, 1879, 1880, l88l, 1882, I883, 1884, 1885, 1886, 1887, 1,085 1,021 849 916 90O 96S 1,185 911 956 I,l88 1,029 1,025 1,136 1,176 I.IOO 1,523 1,241 1,228 1,292 178 213 207 434 571 708 989 882 95o 326 99 117 122 122 123 125 126 130 129 132 132 142 147 148 147 144 141 145 149 147 149 2,199 2,084 2,166 2,150 2,173 2,209 2,253 2,270 2,320 11,617 11,308 11,471 11,858 ii,69S 11,787 12,005 12,423 8,169 7,686 6,312 12,513 14, ie8 15,766 16,697 8,581 12,84814,614 13,418 14,053 498 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. NEW YORK CONFERENCE. Year. IS 1848, 1849, 1850, 1851, 1852, 1853, 1854, 1855, 1856, 1857. 1858, 1859. i860, 1861, 1862, 1863, 1864, * 1865, 1866, 1867, 1868, 1869, 1870, 1871, 1872, i87 3 , 1874, 1875, 1876, 1877. 1878, 1879. 1880, 1881, 1882, 1883, 1884, 1885, 1886, 1887, 304 366 257 262 437 395 469 422 525 393 416 57o 554 566 53o 647 1.837 2,148 2,285 2,524 2,856 3.165 3.365 3.59° 3.7" 89 117 128 194 467 637 732 1.051 225 230 264 1.235 1,292 1.378 856986 604 628 654 4,689 4.703 4.065 5.372 5.413 144 67 94 370 469 572 2,099 2,244 2,556 2.797 4.004 $2,143 253 317 315 306 184 668 360 448 448 34o 236 267 308 332 212 410 3i8 275 413 321 338 755 439 527 527 422 304 393 448 452 374 560 408 364 431 3.066 3.021 3.032 3.043 3,222 3.489 3.639 3.585 3,621 3.962 4.056 4.259 4.247 4.138 4,101 4, 108 4,187 4.252 4.265 4.374 4.476 4.397 4.56r 402 410 2,077 2,011 2.159 3.677 2,184 2,061 607 630 661 690 714 3, 792 3 8i7 3 7633 7503 747 3. 7763, 7893, 7633. 8713. 8023, 8043. 785 3. 1,964 i.054 1,081 .124 j 221 1.769 .469 510 .458 470 556 ,612 585 832 933 703 ,827 2,626 3. "3 5.196 4.421 3.356 2,685 2.995 3.045 2.777 2.389 2,641 3.848 3.058 2,087 3,048 4,o77 •The decrease was due to the formation of the Canada Conference. CONFERENCE RECORDS. INDIANA CONFERENCE. 499 Year. 1 S 1853, 1854, 1855, 1856, 1857, 1858, 1859, i860, 1861, 1862, 1863, 1864, 1865, 1866, 1867, 1868, 1869, 1870, 1871, 1872, 1873. 1874. 1875. 1876, 1877.* 1878, 1879, 1880, 1881, 1882, 1883, 1884, 1885, 1886, 1887, 23s 176 221 236 434 447 368 292 250 320 342 692 611 545 1,445 I.5I9 1,746 1.936 2,874 3.I3I 3.500 3.836 360 344 339 555 486 544 583 534 670 644 417 675 520 1,028 565 855 487 475 375 442 781 579 761 902 672 1,001 751 582 795 850 1.344 885 1,012 578 576 648 540 955 754 739 837 753 1,066 901 3.989 4.067 4.364 4.519 4,049 4.449 4.672 4,987 5.165 5,353 5.777 5.909 6,053 6.631 6,723 6,944 5.042 5.242 5.224 5.285 5.58i 4.792 5.871 6,162 5.906 6,470 6,710 3638 39 39 56 53 64 67 77 85 87 84 96 101 100 "5 118 114 124 94 80 81 84 78 83 102 87 94 90 98 143 179 217 261 278 258 237 521 490 618 706 844 1. 139 955 1,119 1.732 43 19 555 573 586 607 774 817 1. 125 1,144 1,304 1.457 1.378 1.435 1,131 913 964 995 935 992 1,096 1,086 i,i54 1,221 1,221 2,021 2,339 2,543 2,638 3,431 3-971 5.33° 5.080 6,271 7,686 6,322 7>i56 5,570 4,568 5,on 5,091 _ 247 5,640 6,032 6,157 6,036 4,933 7,107 53 55 60 63 66 75 85 82 86 9 2 98 109 112 in 116 87 88 93 97 98 101 103 105 103 104 IOI $2,578 3,256 3,307 4,822 4,068 4,622 4.930 6,580 6,968 6,694 5.629 4.004 2,525 2.494 2,627 4.226 4,181 3,507 3,087 2,964 4,839 5,092 "Decrease is owing to the formation of the South Indiana Conference. 500 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. WISCONSIN CONFERENCE. Year. X> s .a s C .a S 1857. 1858, 1859. i860, 1861, 1862, 1863, 1864. 1865, 1866, 1867, 1868, 1869, 1870, 1871, 1872, 1873, 1874, 1875. 1876, 1877, 1878, 1879, 1880, 1881, 1882, 1883, 1884, 1885, 1886, 1887, 378 514 2,004 24 163 629 694 681 579 554 665 738 896 807 476 474 739 726 677 806 968 73o 710 691 ,247 922 739 ,038 766 813 602 5i8 740 576 825 790 819 782 821 779 807 1,366 1,058 909 1,01 844 1.033 878 701 1,059 1,009 1,270 1,038 1,024 1,030 3.256 3,794 3,667 3,783 4,066 4,439 4,859 5.201 5,793 6,372 6,811 7,437 7,672 7,990 8,038 8,739 9> I2 3 9,3io 9,782 9,920 10,054 10,097 10,003 10,355 10,467 10,831 11,171 ".399 11,620 32 33 37 45 50 53 57 64 69 79 83 90 95 102 107 no 118 122 122 121 130 134 139 143 149 150 153 156 52 62 63 60 78 88 97 100 109 107 114 126 141 141 147 156 167 171 170 173 171 178 182 186 186 184 181 181 374 -370 488 498 548 584 598 651 842 278 5i6 811 844 240 547 840 100 692 Si, 507 1,074 1,209 1,289 1.299 1,462 1,518 1,583 1,608 1,695 i,754 1,804 1,883 1,928 ',999 2,000 2,056 2,0569, 473 862 000 199 777 352 392 612 777 059 243 735 726 070 800 202 203 2,274 2,602 1,704 3,242 6,174 4,085 6,756 8,055 7,214 7,o95 6,836 9,061 6,421 6,862 6,719 7,33i 7,202 11,808 10,310 9,605 9,543 *This amount is from the auxiliaries and does not represent the aggregate which is not given. CONFERENCE RECORDS. IOWA CONFERENCE. 501 Year. § ■a JS O o I 1861, . 1862, . 1863, . 1864, . 1865, . 1866, . 1868, . 1869, . 1870, . 1871, . 1872, . 1873, • 1874, . 1875, • 1876,* . 1877, • 1878, . 1879, • 1880, . 1881, . 1882, . 1883, . 1884, . 1885, • 1886, . 1887, . 810 871 655 i, 108 762 347 603 420 427 280 262 3°9 225 S35 252 404 532 499 467 488 37o 554 1,028 929 833 1,294 1,186 571 820 55o 663 439 437 479 463 704 477 478 710 1,605 1.895 2,104 2,458 2.444 2,980 2.553 3.034 3.614 4.173 4,762 4.717 5,260 5.702 3.328 3.78o 3,080 4,198 3.583 3.652 3-724 3.8i3 4.159 4,018 4.406 4.825 17 23 34 46 48 59 38 44 67 .79 78 89 9i 106 75 9i 97 107 75 86 91 94 103 104 102 106 119 234 331 309 456 386 1,105 1.787 1,138 1,362 2,020 $1,419 2,447 892 1,923 2,155 839 742 836 1,025 987 831 877 1,048 850 892 907 1.054 1,080 1,051 1,129 3.037 3.002 3.261 3.870 5.004 2,825 3,247 3.526 4,060 3.677 3.487 3,572 3.883 4.130 4,067 4,240 4,709 1.435 1,478 3.100 3.545 3.957 2,591 2,667 4.153 3.019 2,960 3.56i 4,240 4.467 5.932 6,828 6,092 5.222 *The decrease is owing to the formation of the Des Moines Conference. 503 ENANQELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. KANSAS CONFERENCE. Year. i ■a a a B a •S 9 1865, 1866, 1867, 1868, 1869, 1870, 1871, 1872, 1873. 1874. 187S. 1876, 1877. 1878, 1879. 1880, 1881, 1882, 1883, 1884, 1885, 1886, 1887, 34 108 51 137 165 179 160 319 209 284 245 210 240 500 358 550 269 370 593 625 717 235 244 280 446 333 387 365 388 527 809 590 727 363 567 525 899 1,041 176 250 412 607 696 1. 125 I.5I7 1.423 1.694 1,848 2,156 2,249 2,382 2,646 3.087 3.245 3.512 3.409 3.772 3.923 4.442 4*878 4 7 13 15 21 24 29 3i 39 45 45 48 52 63 63 64 68 65 72 83 86 29 47 130 201 156 211 225 296 316 364 455 470 504 605 626 655 663 649 73o 830 839 608 76! 726 978 1. 159 1,219 1,660 1,900 2,429 2,606 2,973 3.000 3.864 3.453 3.791 4,189 *i,303 913 1,140 1,467 2,021 1,867 2,488 2,364 2,370 3.6os 3.366 3.153 3.812 6,157 5.065 6,951 OONFERENOE RECORDS. CANADA CONFERENCE. 503 Year. "3 .a ■s 1865, 1866, 1867, 1868, 1869, 1870, 1871, 1872, 1873. 1874, 1875, 1876, 1877. 1878, 1879. 1880, 1 881, 1882, 1883, 1884, 1885, 1886, 1887, 485 472 3°5 345 423 343 3" 480 366 599 489 402 367 608 527 386 344 580 543 490 399 395 308 371 515 358 709 666 523 544 I 43 643 730 441 620 704 524 529 2,810 2,842 2,986 2,956 3-07° 3,417 3,427 3-664 3,727 3,856 3,946 4,1 4,459 4,621 4,684 4,920 5,088 5,o43 5,066 5,292 4,580 5.689 5,770 354 347 415 1,723 779 2,008 $2,704 1,548 1,727 586 620 724 787 793 823 923 984 3,107 4,350 3,793 4,223 4,282 4,325 5,487 4,917 - 5,289 983 5,999 1,0415 1.0255 1,434 332 1,007 5,320 ,015 5, [,0695 :,os8 5 654 ,783 868 1,077 5,959 2,291 2,975 4,170 3,795 3,535 5-906 4,020 7,287 4,091 3,276 4,182 4,355 6,204 4,675 4,134 4,276 5,403 504 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. MICHIGAN CONFERENCE. Year. o ■a O o U x 1865. 1866, 1867, 1868, 1869, 1870, 1871, 1872, 1873. 1874, 1875. 1876, , 1877. 1878. . 1979. i88o, , 1881, 1882, 1883, 1884, . 1885, . 1886, 1887, . 113 566 301 417 720 789 997 755 705 640 619 556 687 485 782 961 .191 975 225 315 593 337 486 743 885 902 75i 847 737 703 679 647 613 932 .033 999 972 1,414 1.369 1,892 2,144 2.49 1 2,860 3.230 3.29 1 3.342 3,660 4.285 4,600 4.931 5.055 5.309 5.302 5.419 5.442 5. 61 1 5.99° 6,332 6,516 6,929 14 20 31 27 35 44 50 54 64 69 82 86 96 94 9 7> 108 101 102 104 99 106 105 114 no 124 323 576 1,074 *978 i, 185 423 487 538 654 725 821 928 968 955 1,013 1,023 1,024 1,081 1,073 1,116 1,106 1,546 i,739 r.952 2,393 2,865 3.210 3,889 4,134 4,319 4.356 4.671 4,66i 5,069 4,926 5,249 5,589 5,951 6,695 2,562 2,427 4,267 3.000 2,900 2,585 3,658 2,689 4,470 3.55o 3,679 3,313 3,926 3,833 5,583 4,915 4,304 CONFERENCE RECORDS. MINNESOTA CONFERENCE. 505 Year. £ e o ■a 3 J3 o 1868, 1869, 1870, 1871, 1872, 1873, 1874, 1875. 1876, 1877, 1878, 1879. 1880, 1881, 1882, 1883. 1884, 1885, 1886, 1887, 230 203 242 432 326 519 467 472 323 441 324 640 446 417 447 397 513 3" 327 604 491 610 53i 586 577 791 533 990 833 495 596 596 666 1.536 1.743 2,059 2,223 2,376 2,424 2,790 3.076 3,399 3.609 3,801 3.978 4,292 4.436 4,818 5.140 4,180 4,489 4,787 4,934 390 1,595 65 74 79 88 89 96 98 in "3 119 125 95 97 99 104 525 612 633 810 837 891 903 1,011 990 1,099 1,153 1,025 1,068 1, 101 1,128 1,911 2,267 2,442 2,705 3.023 3.069 3,200 3.535 3.676 4.056 4,164 3.696 3.910 4.134 6.396 f2,8lO 3.194 4.305 4.259 3.904 4.927 4.370 6,283 5.645 5,218 6,805 7,031 7.403 6,221 6,417 7,702 6,794 506 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. ATLANTIC CONFERENCE. Ykar. o I % 1876, 1877. 1878, 1879. 1880, 1881, 1882, 1883, 1884, 1885, 1886, 1887, 202 285 160 216 178 183 208 232 201 130 146 253 228 262 304 335 365 351 424 33i 246 293 1,677 1.798 1,940 2'020 2,148 2.195 2,339 2,438 2,6l6 2,557 2,54o 2,500 315 344 356 378 392 417 434 433 423 448 433 449 2,015 1,889 2,282 2,414 2,682 2,840 2,943 2,95o 3,121 3,509 3-704 3.718 *2,434 2,278 2,55o 2,774 3,267 3,584 4,069 4.527 5,025 4,576 6,248 ERIE CONFERENCE. 1876, 1877, 1878, 1879. 1880, 1881, 1882, 1883. 1884, 1885, 1886, 1887, 217 188 245 109 263 294 251 357 336 3" 301 269 322 205 336 373 432 452 419 377 2,459 2,624 2,685 2,782 2,924 2,998 3.013 3.290 3.540 3,544 3-597 399 460 5io 519 523 55i 57i 618 625 640 654 065 320 359 934 958 986 094 400 633 720 789 $1,700 2,204 2,892 2,020 2,608 4,074 4,248 2,989 3,143 4,220 CONFERENCE RECORDS. 507 SOUTH INDIANA CONFERENCE. Year. s •C s 1876, 1877. 1878, 1879. 1880, 1881, 1882, 1883, 1885, 1886, 1887, 156 76 197 231 156 215 152 205 207 84 204 198 IOO 233 293 227 303 210 218 258 187 219 1,794 1,819 1,896 2,046 2,145 2,250 2,293 2,329 2,399 2,367 2,739 428 358 39i 429 449 443 468 509 5io 509 2,028 i,958 1,833 2,055 2,160 2,220 2,244 2,171 2,349 2,252 499 2,392 $2,105 2,699 2,227 1,850 1,818 2,002 2,601 2,381 2,036 1,940 2,115 DES MOINES CONFERENCE. 1876, . 1977, • 1878, . 1879, • 1880, . 1881, . 1882, * 1883, . 1884, . 1885, . 1886, . 1887, . 784 847 376 555 708 585 53o 387 830 661 665 836 842 836 538 7«3 788 604 573 470 808 890 642 966 2,781 3,°>8 2,950 3,121 3,274 3,615 3.076 3,045 3,34i 3,612 3,7io 3,832 293 386 487 552 513 585 419 463 519 584 592 634 1,636 ',953 2,39 2 2,804 2,750 3,440 2,564 3,016 3,526 3,705 2,672 4,000 *i,i39 75 » 1,243 1,250 i,376 2,000 1,859 1,781 1,820 1,911 1,819 i,495 * The decrease is owing to the formation of th» Platte River Conference 508 EVANQEIICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. PACIFIC CONFERENCE. Year. .a w 8 V •6 V •a u 4) s M-t u "o ■8 rt 0) u !► O ja > J3 -O a a. rt , (3 u U 55 55 u ■3 S3 a u C 0. u l-I oa V J3 u 1- 3 XI bo « a m (- rt Oh 5- a 3 CO 01 V u O E u CO 2^6 26s 487 6 I 4 4 7 69 354 107 168 5«9 6 I 6 4 12 no 600 87 148 658 7 3 6 5 14 97 671 119 212 708 9 4 9 7 1.3 no 698 80 I46 749 10 4 10 8 16 i.S7 817 132 I8 7 826 11 5 13 9 20 1 6b 1,216 15s 209 890 12 4 14 10 21 191 1,126 s 1877. 1878, 1879. 1880, 1881, 1882, 1883, $323 344 493 590 522 817 950 CALIFORNIA CONFERENCE. 1884, 1885, 1886, 1887, 14 33 257 S 2 S 4 7 69 425 44 "5 302 7 2 b 6 9 87 589 24 81 34i 7 6 5 8 93 706 20 79 360 7 4 7 b 10 108 770 *434 908 841 OREGON CONFERENCE. 1884, 1885, 1886, 1887. 71 in 686 9 4 12 6 15 124 650 171 235 849 n 5 13 7 23 138 I.OS9 264 297 1,000 10 4 lb 7 24 230 I.3&8 258 318 J. 137 13 8 '9 7 32 291 1,608 J43 1 813 904 780 CONFERENCE RECORDS. NEBRASKA CONFERENCE. 509 Year. ■b a o 1880, 1881, 1882, 1883, 1884, 1885, 1886, 1887, 3" 75 121 144 126 2 53 176 128 90 124 '99 241 267 39i 244 261 675 761 927 1,069 1,148 1.413 1,428 >,598 139 219 244 282 3" 403 414 460 566 671 955 "3 ,140 493 5°7 49' *773 974 1,558 i.5 2 ° 1.476 3.346 3,210 3,284 PLATTE RIVER CONFERENCE. 1882, 1883, 1884, 1885, 1886, 1887, 220 207 634 5 14 2 3 14 114 6.S5 151 194 726 6 16 2 5 12 121 567 260 292 893 '3 18 2 5 16 '54 752 322 302 1,018 12 21 8 5 19 '54 728 364 417 11,91 H 2S 12 8 19 208 1,044 578 695 1,678 23 *9 16 9 25 256 1,395 *538 604 789 1,023 1,415 1,168 DAKOTA CONFERENCE. 1884, 1885, 1886, 1887, 132 264 230 240 294 433 411 393 i,247 i,575 1,881 2,062 244 3'8 441 460 861 1,042 1,562 1,627 $1,122 2,182 3.9°5 2,569 510 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. a o U v a V O m U i-i H to i— i H C ■snaranno3]«o m *-» N v© v© wirOH o»oo r*oo oo u-> too nT nT ef mvo* oo* oo" o*. •SSSSHJD |«01)9q33)«3 NNfON C\vO (-< 00 m 0000 C\ O ****** m w N *«*■ w»vO vO t*» •s«loqog to to moo O * m r- r*»oo os^9^»-« o» to - to*o -uaqoia) pus sjsogjo N<0 *P>A to*© O VDN O 00 NW'tH <-* o to o oo m\o t^ ■«£<©* 00* to*cT o" ef *■* M H. W « N •sjoonos-Xepung to *-too n o\oo *-> «■» NX O* OHrt-t ■»*■ moo n mo\N m •snpeA aiq-Eqoa,! o *** o O 0>H «nfJ» 0*000 w ** -* OOO MO-*N O -ON W «+ m « oo* ■* *p" **■ m TvO ^nooQO m 4* n Mto* mvo ssSbuosjej oo «eooo « -to N « i-t c* ro'rwui •9I1IBA sjqrqoi.j NO O *"!"*© N fOOO 00 «*•« »-*■ o v© oo ox m to d* ^f m O* tCvo ■N NOO ■^■fO*>.^.tO '** nT «* n" to to ■* •ssipiniQ ^■^•yiMNMmN *0 . , n^-vo no\« *\ooo M »-4 M tH •sjsqxnsnj jo -on siotjm m O . OvO O "t»^N MtfjwM ■ot-« nnh nn o\»on to\o O O . n O fOvO N »- n t>» n \o ef to nT iCoo" frCocTvcp m o\ 0*ocT •sJsqoBSjd jtbooi . . . »o t^-00 00 Ox O* fO^O 00 ** 00 NVO >ONN0 fO« to *•* N N ro to *>*• m\o *© \o -sjsqavsjd )utu3ui)j m N in r-. O so *o "t\o o* to to O* <«*■ N 00 0O »A«0 m N . •-• N tOtO«*vO00 O\0 H 3 £ c r * Ot ) oo oo a 1C 111 JOC Xf« DC It* vC oc oc Td TO os •oc oc It oc oc BIOGRAPHICAL DEPARTMENT. THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS. PART III. Containing Biographies of Jacob Albright and His colaborers and of blshops seybert, long, and orwig, with Briefer Notices of Many Other Ministers of the Evangelical Association. 511» Jacob Albright and His Colaborers. My thoughts are with the dead, with them, I live in long past years, Their virtues love, their faults condemn, Partake their hopes and fears, And from their lessons seek and find Instruction, and an humble mind. My hopes are with the dead, anon My place with them shall be, And I with them shall travel on Through all eternity, Yet leaving here a name I trust That will not perish in the dust. — Southey. JACOB ALBRIGHT. Near Pottstown, Montgomery County, Pa., at what is locally known as the Fox Mountain, was born May i, 1759, Jacob Albright, who was singled out in the providence of God to inaugurate a work, the influence of which has spread and is already felt on three continents, and bids fair to widen in its influence with the on-coming years, until its power, as a factor in the salvation of the human race, shall be felt in every quarter of the globe. His father was John Albright, who emigrated from the Palatinate, Germany, in 1750. So far as known, his early life was uneventful, until his marriage with Catharine Cope, in 1785, soon after which he removed to West Cocalico town- ship, Lancaster county, Pa., where he established himself in the business of tile making. In the days of Albright, tiles were mostly used for covering buildings, and their manufacture was a good and profitable business. In the management of his business Albright was industrious and economical, and in course of time he was in comfortable circumstances. 513 514 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. Some particulars of Albright's conversion and the begin- ning of his ministry have already been given, and need not here be repeated. In his youth he had no literary advantages, except such as were afforded by the crude country schools of his day. Reading, writing, and the elements of mathematics were the branches of education then considered necessary, and the acquirement of these constituted Albright's early scholas- tic advantages. He was, however, a diligent student, and in course of time gained a good stock of general knowledge. He was, moreover, a man of good judgment, very discreet in his demeanor, punctual in meeting his appointments, and prompt in executing his plans. His oratorical abilities were of a high order, and while he may not have possessed the quick and impul- sive command over great assemblies of his spiritual son, John Walter, his eloquence was of a more refined order and, he seldom become boisterous in his preaching. His life was hid with Christ in God, and all his deportment was constant proof of uninterrupted intercourse with his Master. Albright does not seem, in the beginning, to have had the least intention of forming a distinct denomination. His heart yearned for souls, and this was the secret of his eloquence and zeal. His discourses were permeated with Bible truth and di- vine unction, as may be inferred from the formal condition of the church of his day, his theme was a present, personal sal- vation, as embraced in the new birth, justification by faith, sanctification, witness of the Holy Spirit, and the enjoyment of a personal knowledge of these divine operations, and gifts. In the presentation of these fundamental evangelical truths his soul was filled with a holy fervor, hence his manner of address was earnest and persuasive. The eloquence of love is the most effective and permanent in its results, hence it is that all who came under his ministry retained to their dying day the im- pressions made upon them by him. The writer has met many, who, at a very advanced age, retained a mental picture of his angelic visage, while his words of love were indelibly stamped upon their memory. A careful perusal of this work will give the reader an idea of the stupendous work of this tireless worker. Although our knowledge of a great many of his preaching places is irrecover- ably lost, the reader will find more than one hundred indicated in this work. These appointments are now embraced within EVANGELICAL BIOGRAPHIES. 515 the bounds of twenty-two counties, in the state of Pennsyl- vania alone. Most of this territory is in the mountainous por- tion of the state, which was little more than a wilderness. Many unbridged rivers and mountain torrents had to be forded, and numerous spurs and divisions of the Alleghenies had to be crossed and recrossed at almost every trip. In this way he continued with a tireless and unswerving devotion to scatter the good seed in lonely cottages of the poor as well as in the man- sions of the rich. In the twelve years of his ministerial career about 300 souls were converted under his labors. But who can estimate the number saved indirectly through his instrumen- tality ? It seems almost incredible that in this enlightened age and country people should be persecuted, stoned and smitten almost unto death, for preaching the Gospel of Christ, yet this was the case with many of our first ministers, who were objects of hatred to the formal religionists of that period. No one, however, was compelled to drink the bitter cup of persecution more deeply than Jacob Albright. Already in his first public ministration of which we have any definite information, namely, at the dedication of the Reformed Church at Shaefferstown, in 1796, he narrowly escaped serious injury (See Shaeffers- town). In 1799 he preached at the same place, by the way- side, to a multitude of people attending a fair at that place, when he was set upon by a cruel mob and shamefully mal- treated. More dead than alive, he escaped to Father Zent- mayer's, who lived about two miles distant, and under whose friendly roqf he had often found shelter. The circumstances of his arrival there are thus given by a son of Zentmayer : It was late in the afternoon when a son of Father Z. (our informant) saw Albright slowly coming toward their home from the direction of Schaefferstown. There seemed to be something wrong, and the boy ran to open the gate of the lane leading to the barn. Without saying a word, Albright entered the lane. His face was covered with blood, his clothing torn and soiled, and he was so much injured that he could scarcely sit on his horse. Father Zentmayer, who had been absent from home, at this moment returned, and he and his son assisted the bruised and smitten servant of God from his horse and into the house. The boy was sent at once for a physician, who, after an exami- nation, pronounced the injuries of a serious nature. For two 516 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS. weeks Albright lay in this friendly home under the care of the physician. When he was able to depart, Father Z. and the physician informed him that their services to him were gratui- tous. Thus, did the Lord, in the dark hour of persecution, raise up friends for his servant. Numerous attacks were nrade upon him in various places, but God's protecting providence was ever around him. Many instances are given in this work, in which he and his colaborers made miraculous escapes from the violence of their enemies. Through the hardships of constant travel and exposure, the germs of consumption were planted in his system, from which he suffered very much in the Winter of i8o7-'o8. Notwithstand- ing his debilitated condition, nothing could induce him to cease his labors. On Easter Day, 1808, he and all his assistants at- tended a general meeting at the house of John Brobst, in Al- bany township, Berks county, and there he stationed his preachers for the last time. His strength had greatly declined, and it was observable that his work on earth would soon be done. Eight days later he and his colleagues, Miller and Dreisbach, at- tended another general meeting at Peter Raidabaugh's, at Linglestown, Dauphin county. There he was so weak that he could not preach. He evidently felt that his mission was ended, and he gave his ministers the excellent advice elsewhere recorded.* As he extended the parting hand to John Dreisbach, he quoted for his encouragement the lines, ' ' Kampfe bis au/'s blut und leben ; Dring hinein in Gottes Reich. " ["Fight even unto blood and death ; press into the kingdom of God. "] From Linglestown Albright started homeward, accom- panied by Abraham Walter (brother of Rev. John Walter), who was class-leader there. Walter accompanied him as far as Jacob Gleim's, who lived a little north of Shaefferstown. Gleim then accompanied him to George Becker's, on the Muehlbach, three miles further. When he arrived there, he put a question to them that must have sent a pang of sorrow to their hearts : ' ' Ha ve you prepared my bed t I have come here to die. " Yes, the bed was ready, for this godly family had a preacher's room, which was always in readiness for the weary itinerant, and there Jacob Albright laid down his wasted frame to rise no * See "The Ministry," EVANGELICAL BIOGRAPHIES. 517 more until loving hands carried it to its last resting place. There, at the home of Becker, about eleven miles from his own home, he finished his great work. On the 18th day of May, 1808, the gates of the New Jerusalem opened, and he swept through triumphantly. Just prior to his death he was asked how he felt, and replied : ' ' Happy and heavenly, " and smilingly added, "soon I shall be in heaven," and soon thereafter fell asleep in Jesus. After his demise his wife, and his daughter, Sarah, who had been sent for, arrived. When met by Mrs. Becker on the porch, the poor woman, who did not know as yet that she was a widow, asked, " How is he I " and Mrs. Becker simply replied, " He rests well," and then conducted her to the lifeless form of her husband. How eloquent and full of meaning in this con- nection were the words of Mrs. Becker ! The funeral occasion was a memorable one, and the power of God was wonderfully manifested. It was indeed befitting that Albright's first spiritual son in the ministry, John Walter, should conduct the obsequies. His text was Dan. xii. 3, "They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament, and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever. " The remains were interred in the Becker family burying ground. A plain marble stone, with the following inscription (in Ger- man), marks his resting place : "To the Memory of the Evangelical Preacher, JACOB ALBRIGHT. Was Born, May i, 1759, Died, May 18, 1808, Aged, 49 years and 17 days. ' Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.' " Of Albright's nine children only one daughter and two sons survived him, and one of the sons soon afterward followed him to the grave. The surviving son, David, in course of time gained possession of the estate, and with him the widow lived, and died in 1828. Much has been said of the opposition of Albright's wife to his work, and the sorrow she caused him. While it is true that during life, she was not in harmony with his work, which doubtless, lay as a heavy burden upon him, yet she was industrious and frugal, and during his years of almost constant BIS EVANGELICAL AB8001ATI0N ANNA LB. absence, the managed the little farm well. On one occasion, as he and John Dukisiiach itarted from his home to their up polntments, he remarked to Dkihshaiii : " It. give* one pain to go out Into the world to preach repentance and salvation to tho people, and one'* own people arc still unconverted. Htill, for my Sally I have hopei." I In did not live to realize hi* hope*, but God graciouily wrought more than he seemingly rxpeeted. The only daughter, Sarah, married Noah Hank, who latrr re- moved to Tioga county, where the whole family were converted and all became member* of the Association but out;. Two sons, Jacoh and Kicmaku, became TnlnUt«rn of the Association, The former entered the active work of the Kastern Conference In 1837, spent forty year* In the Itinerant ranks, and served with distinction as presiding elder and Oencral Conference delegate, and he has also given a son to the Evangelical ministry. In 1826, Davio, the surviving son of Awihjuht married Mahia Raioaiiauoh, with whom he had eleven children, of whom nine survive at the present time, (1890.) It will be gratifying to the reader to know that the widow of Davio, who is now 83 years of age, and all her children, with their hus- bands, and wives and many of her grand children, are memb<*»s of the Evangelical Association. The best of all remains to he told. In an interview which the author had with h<-r in the presence of a number of her children, she stater) that her mother-in-law, the widow ot Jai.hh Auo/ioht, while not in sym pathy with his work, never opposed it. After his death his words and prayers and godly life were not without their Mean upon her, and later she came to an experimental knowledge of salvation and identified her let/ with (he Evangelical A 1 nidation.* " do Ui thy rMt I At uwm from Isbar <;«■»»«, K«st '/n thy #h«»v«#, thy }i»/v*i imU h 6dm, Own Irmn tb« tost h'i, VxMltt %u turn* t with ttuw the fight I* won," Of the family of Jom* Auwuwi, father of Rev, Jacoi* At, nui'iui, but little is known. One son, IMmikj,, who w«s much opposed to the work of his brother J amid, was once visited by *TM# last staUrmtnt i» < »nttnriHim \uM, that AiMuimrt >% vMtm Jfy«d »Mi /fnM I'MwrM. Wh«fl f a#ke<) Mirihtr Jiaviii Ai.hhiuhi, h>m t/m hi>m th»i Urn vA&ttvt 4i*4 as a mnm\*.i ut Oi* \w>ii;hHm, «b« t«ul>44, "I '/f/ght >/> Inw, bceauM #h* Yi**A with w »« presiding elder. Prof. G. E. Holtzapfel, a local preacher,, was received from the East Pa. Conference. 1888. Pittsburg Conference, Johnstown, Pa., April 19. Bishop T. Bowman, president; J. W. Domer, secretary. A. L. Burkitt was licensed to preach. Elder's orders were granted to A. B. Day and A. W. Brickley ; Deacon's orders to A. J. Beale, C. E. McCauley and J. L. Mull. Died — J. Dick, G. W. Risinger and J. Pfeifer, J. M. DeWoody (local) of the M. E. Church, and D. F. Platt, of the Ohio Conference, were, received. W. B. Shafeer and L. D. Drake withdrew. B. L. Miller, F. J. Strayer, L. Scobert and T. G. Clewell were granted credentials. L. H. Hetrick was deposed. F. P. Saylor resigned the office of presiding elder and T. Bach was newly elected and D. P. K. Lavan and J. D. Domer were re- elected to the same. 1888. Illinois Conference, Elgin, 111., April 12. Bishop Bowman, president ; George Vetter, German, and S. F. En- torf, English, secretaries. Licensed to preach — C. F. Essig, G.. Fidder, J. F. Dunlap, A. E. Fuessele, F. Stevens, and C. Unangst. Elders order's were granted to D. F. Fox, W. A. Shultz, W. L. Walker and J. W. Fager. Deacon's orders — J. Alber, J. H. Keagel, D. W. Kerr, C. F. Kiest, J. J. Klopp,. H. Pope and J. Stengel. Died — J. F. Schnee, T. Hamilton,. M. Heyle and J. W. Himmel. J. Schneider, W. Huelster,. H. Messner and A. Fuessele were reelected presiding elders. Thomas W. Woodside, a member of the conference under ap- pointment as missionary to Africa, took leave of his conference- in a touching address. He was retained on the roll of the con- ference. 1888. Des Moines Conference, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, April 5. J. J. Esher, president ; B. H. Niebel, secretary. M. A. Evans, Charles Pickford, A. L. Golden and A. L. Rucker were licensed to preach. Deacon's orders were granted to F. A. Gossman. Credentials were granted O. Long, F. S. Locks. and F. Methfessel. H. Kletzing and E. C. Wallace died during the year. 1888. Platte River Conference, Shiloh Church, near Kene- saw, Neb., March 8. Bishop J. J. Esher, president ; T. W. Serf, secretary. Licensed to preach — M. L. Maize, F. Brookhart, G. S. Smith, M. B. Young, L. A. Kinsey and W. S. Larmon. P. H. Hines was granted deacon's orders. Jonas Strohm 576 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS. (a former itinerant of the Ohio Conference), died. J. H. Peters, of the Central Pa. Conference, was received. The conference was divided into two presiding elder districts. C. W. Anthony and A. W. Shenberger were elected presiding ■elders. 1888. Oregon Conference, East Portland, Ore., May 4. Bishop R. Dubs, president ; C. C. Poling, secretary. A. M. Mell and F. W. Parker were licensed to preach. J. M. Beau- -champ and H. L. Pratt were granted deacon's orders. I. B. Fisher and F. L. Locke were received from other conferences, and G. F. Burnett, M. R. Shaver and J. A. Ray received from other churches. C. J. Miller and A. Schlenk were granted credentials. C. C. Poling was newly elected and J. Bowersox reelected presiding elders. Notes. — The dissensions of the church became painfully manifest this year. At a number of the conferences resolutions were adopted condemning the publication and circulation of the newly published Evangelical. Ministers were prohibited under penalty from taking subscriptions for it, and in one in- stance the support of an aged superannuated preacher was cut off for circulating it, namely, Father A. Loehner, of the Ohio Conference. Vigorous attacks were made in the official papers upon many prominent men on the minority side, who were denied their disciplinary right to reply to the attacks in those papers. The Bruder Bund Exposure. — At the General Conference of 1887 it was discovered that a secret, oath-bound compact ex- isted among some of the leading men of the church for the mutual furtherance of their selfish ends. Its existence, how- ever, was strenuously denied by the majority side. This de- nial was far from conclusive, as in April of this year the con- stitution of such a "bund" existing between several members -of the Japan Mission was published in the Evangelical, one of the ministers declaring that he had been a member of the com- pact. In the California Conference another minister made a similar confession and laid before the conference a copy of the constitution, as follows : * Compact between * * * * and * * * * wherein the under- signed in the name of God, and upon their honor and fidelity, form a com- * We omit the names. THE ITNTTKD EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 577 pact on the following points : (t) Daily to pray and love each other. (2) To be helpful to each other. (3) To show to each other the deepest and most inti- mate familiarity and attachment under all circumstances of life, the marriage relation excepted. (4) In particular to communicate to each other everything, especially all slanderous reports that may be put into circulation, and when it may be necessary, to defend each other with the utmost decision, even if we make enemies thereby. (5) To no human being shall our compact be com- municated, nor shall anybody know anything about it, except our wives. (6) If all our friends should forsake us, yet will we, in spite of friend and foe, hold firmly and decidedly together. (7) Only by mutual agreement can the above points be changed, or any other persons be received into this Bund. The exposure of these secret compacts created great excite- ment and distrust throughout the church. The pernicious char- acter of the "Bund" was ably and fearlessly exposed in the Evangelical, and no doubt its power for evil was thus curtailed, as in a few years the fears and discussions occasioned by the disclosures subsided. 1889. East Pa. Conference, Pottsville, Pa., Feb. 28. Bishop T. Bowman, president ; W. A. Leopold, secretary. Licensed to preach — H. W. Behney, B. F. Egner, J. H. Smith, J. S. Heisler, A. H. Martin, E. Wolf, G. W. Han- gen, C. W. Heffner, A. M. Sweigert, W. H. Hartzler and J. G. Boughter. Elder's orders were granted to T. L. Wentz, A. E. Williams, B. C. Krupp, J. M. Shoop, A. G. Brunner and W. W. Yost. Deacon's orders — D. S. Manning, J. B. Esenwein and C. E. Hess, also Mikuna Uyeno, of Japan. D. A. Medlar was newly elected presiding elder. Died — F. Krecker, Dec. 27, 1888, aged 72 y. ; H. Stoetzel, Jan. 27, 1889, aged 80 y. ; D. Wieand, Feb. 21, aged 74 y. J. Frey, H. R. Yost and U. H. Hershey. D. A. Medlar was newly elected presiding elder. 1889. Central Pa. Conference, Williamsport, Pa., March 7. J. J. Esher, president ; A. Stapleton, secretary. Li- censed to preach — E. B. Bailey, W. E. Brillhart, W. Simp- son, D. A. Artman and J. P. Buchner. Elder's orders were granted to C. V. B. Aurand, M. I. Jamison, C. L. Sones, C. D. Moore and Jazo Takano, of Japan. Deacons' orders — D. M. Metzger. E. S. Bollinger took credentials for the Oregon Conference. S. M. Mountz withdrew. S. E. Davis, a former member, was received from the Oregon Conference. Died — C. F. Deininger, itinerant, and J. C. Mergenthaler and George Gohn, local preachers. 578 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS. Note. — Rev. C. F. Deininger, died July 17, 1888, aged 62 years. He entered the ministry in 1850. He was sent in 1864 as the first missionary of the church to the Pacific Coast. Re- maining there a number of years, he returned to his confer- ence, and was elected presiding elder, and served Carlisle and York District. He was pastor of the Bethlehem congregation, York, Fa., at the time of his death. 1889. Pittsburg Conference, Brookville, Pa., March 21. Bishop R. Dubs, president ; J. W. Domer, secretary. Licensed to preach — H. Cook, W. Sorber, A. A. Mohnev, F. W. Ware, H. Robb, W. S. Jenkins and J. H. Booser. Elder's orders were granted C. F. Floto, C. D. Slagel, J. H. Shimp and J. Smith. Deacon's orders — W. W. Elrick, G. M. Alshouse, J. M. Weaver, E. C. Rickenbrodt, E. W. Rishel and P. Berkey. S. S. Condo was received from the Ohio Confer- ence. I. A. Rohland was reelected presiding elder. 1889. Illinois Conference, Barrington, 111., April 11. Bishop R. Dubs, president ; M. Stamm, German, and S. F. Entorf English secretaries. Licensed to preach — L. A. Town- send and Yendo Chotaro, of Japan. J. Divan, H. H. Thoren, H. Moser, C Vaubel and G. Barth were ordained elders, and C. N. Dubs, W. Forkel, E. W. Huelster and F. W. Landwer were ordained deacons. C. N. Dubs, of the Erie Conference, was received. Credentials were granted W. T. Frey. Died — Jacob Shaefele. 1889. Des Moines Conference, Afton, Iowa, March 28, R. Dubs, president; B. H. Niebel, secretary. Licensed to preach — E. Hawn, D. W. Rose, G. Bancroft, M. A. Shel- don, J. B. Edie and G. L. Kolb. Elder's orders were granted L. Staufacher, N. Day, andN. B. Niebel. Deacon's orders — C. Lang, L. A. Jones, M. A. Evans, J. W. McCurdy, and George McNealy. O. Long was received. J. Auracher and B. H. Niebel were elected presiding elders. 1889. Platte River Conference, Lexington, Neb., March 15. T. Bowman, president ; T. W. Serf, secretary. Hon. J. Whitehead and F. Mason were licensed to preach. S. B. Dillow, J. W. Nye and L. G. Brooker were ordained elders, and J. P. Ash and R. F. Myers deacons. J. Richards and S. B. Anderson withdrew. 1889.' Oregon Conference, Corvalis, Ore., May 2. J. J. Esher, president ; J. L. Hershner, secretary ; T. T. Vincent THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 579 and G. McElroy were licensed to preach. E. S. Bollinger and F. S. Locke were granted elder's orders. F. W. Parker withdrew. Credentials were granted S. E. Davis to the Central Pa. Conference and A. Ernest was received, also M. Bur- lingame, from the M. E. Church. Notes. — The controversies of the two opposing elements of the church assumed a very serious form during this year. December n, 1888, Bishop Esher published a proclamation in the official organs of the church in which the Minority peo- ple were charged as being "the instigators and promoters of a movement" which he designated as being "from below," "Seditious," "a work of the evil one," "a crime against the body of Christ." This publication gave most serious offense, and nearly all the Minority conferences at their following ses- sions passed resolutions deploring its intemperate language, de- nying, as untrue, its insinuations, and disclaiming any inten- tion on the part of the minority to oppose the authority of the church, if administered in accordance with the Discipline. In the same periodical of May 21, 1889, Bishop Bowman added fresh fuel to the fire by the publication of an article entitled, "The Issue Made Up," in which he clearly foreshadowed the division of the church. Personal attacks were also made *n the official organs on Bishop R. Dubs, by his colleagues Esher and Bowman, also by M. Pfitzinger and E. B. Esher, son of the Bishop. It was quite manifest from these communications, that their object was the overthrow of Bishop Dubs, who was regarded as siding with the minority, although he had hitherto maintained a discreet silence. Bishop Dubs replied to these attacks in the spirit of meekness, but was eventually barred from the church papers as a means of self-defense. In the spring of this year an ably written pamphlet on the trial of Dr. H. B. Hartzler, by Rev. W. F. Heil, was pub- lished by the Evangelical Publishing Co. The issue of this work gave the laity of the church an opportunity to learn for themselves something of the utterly corrupt methods by which Dr. Hartzler's enemies sought his overthrow. 1890. East Pa. Conference, Shamokin, Pa. Feb. 27. J. "j. Esher, president; W. A. Leopold, secretary. J. L. Painter, S. P. Fry, H. D. Kreidler, H. H. Smith, S. P. Erisman, G. W. Imboden, W. E. Frederick, H. F. Schlegel, T. Knecht and J. E. Steele were licensed to preach. Elder's 580 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS. orders were granted to G. A. Knerr, H. Dutill and H. A. Smith. Deacon's orders to E. Romig, W. S. Harris and A. S. Kresge. Superannuated — C. H. Baker, N. Gabel, C. Gingerich, J. K. Knerr, J. M. Saylor, J. O. Lehr, A. Zingenfuss, T. Harper, F. Hoffman, A. Dilabar and I. Hess. Died during the year — A. F. Leopold, F. W. G. Becker, E. Shultz and W. Rodgers. W. F. Heil was newly elected and C. S. Haman reelected presiding elder. T. A. Hess was granted credentials. 1890. Central Fa. Conference, York, Fa., March 6. M. J. Carothers, president ; A. Stapleton, secretary. C. W. Siegfried and W. J. Campbell were licensed to preach. Elder's orders were voted J. Womeldorf, C. J. Dick, E. W. Koontz and W. Mjnsker. Deacon's orders to G. L. Maice, H. W. Freed and B. Crailey. J. H. Irvine and F. S. Vought with- drew. W. L. Beaumont took credentials for the Oregon Con- ference. P. W. Raidabaugh, a former member of the confer- ence, was received from the Ohio Conference. J. M. Brader died at Warrensville, Pa., December 25, 1889, in the 50th year of his age, P. S. Orwig, superannuated, died at York, Pa., Jan. 7, 1890, aged 43 years. At this session the "Educational Aid Society, of the Cen- tral Pa. Conference," was formed, for the purpose of affording financial assistance to indigent ministerial students who con- template entering the work of this conference. 1890. Pittsburg Conference, Greensburgh, Ohio, March 13. J. D. Domer, president; J. W. Domer, secretary. L. S. Wilkinson, P. D. Steelsmith, J. Schweisberger, G. W. Ringer, G. K. Allen and E. W. Smith were licensed to preach. Elder's orders were granted to E. J. Beale, J. L. Mull and C. E. McCauley. Deacon's orders to A. L. Bur- kett and J. Swartz. T. B. Cobun was received. M. J. Bal- entyne and F. J. Strayer took credentials for the Oregon Conference. The conference perfected an agreement with the Central Pa. Conference for an interest in Central Pennsylvania College. J. H. Spotts and L. B. Dunmyer died during the year, the latter in Aurora, Oregon, Dec. 16, 1889, aged 67 years. 1890. Illinois Conference, Sheffield Avenue church, Chi- cago, 111., April 10. D. B. Byers, president ; M. Stamm and S. F. Entorf, secretaries. Elder's orders were granted to F. THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 581 C. Kiest, J. H. Keagel, D. W. Kerr and J. Stengel. Dea- con's orders to H. L. Beightol, J. Michaels and J. G. Fidder. R. Dubs, Jr., was received from the Erie Conference. J. Meyer, and J. T. Haverfield withdrew. A. Rohrback, Samuel To- bias, S. Strassberger, S. Rickert and George Moyer died during the year. D. B. Byers, F. Busse and S. F. Entorf were elected presiding elders. 1890. DesMoines Conference, Des Moines, Iowa, April 3. E. B. Utt, president; S. A. Walton, secretary. License was granted to C. J. W. Triem, S. H. Streyffeler and M. A. Sheldon. Deacon's orders were granted to C. E. Sheldon, G. L. Kolb, A. W. Mell, G. F. Kelley, Charles Pickford and G. W. McCracken. W. W. Shuler and J. H. Keagel, of the Illinois Conference, were received. 1890. Platte River Conference, Beaver Crossing, Neb., March 13. E. L. Kiplinger, president ; J. H. Peters, secre- tary. W. M. Shank, R. M. Patterson and W. Kraemer were licensed to preach. Elder's orders were voted to P. H. Hines and J. J. Klopp. Deacon's orders to G. S. Smith, M. T. Maize and S. W. Patterson. J. J. Klopp, of the Illinois Con- ference, and S. W. Patterson, of the Presbyterian Church, were received. B. F. Myer took credentials. 1890. Oregon Conference, Albany, Ore., May 2. J. Bowersox, president ; J. L. Hershner, secretary. D. V. Pol- ing and O. S. Haines were licensed to preach. W. C. Kant- ner, of the East Pa., W. L. Beaumont, of Central, and M. J. Balentyne and F. J. Strayer, of the Pittsburg Conference, were received. Elder's orders were granted to H. L. Pratt and J. M. Beauchamp. Notes. — The factional difficulties of the church culminated this year in the deplorable disruption of a number of confer- ences and the institution of litigation, which did not cease until the law was appealed to over sixty times, on the part of the majority. Not only was the majority side responsible for the division of conferences, but also for the commencement of litigation. In October, 1889, E. B. Esher, son of Bishop Esher and son-in-law of Bishop Bowman, began a libel suit in the U. S. Court at Philadelphia, Pa., against the editor and publisher of The Evangelical and the Evangelical Publishing Co., claiming fifty thousand dollars damages. Vigorous prep- arations for defense were made, but the case never came to a 683 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS. hearing, as Esher suffered a non-suit, April 14, 1890, by non appearance. The second legal action was instituted by the majority in Illinois, in April, 1890, for the possession of the conference records. Soon after the division of the Illinois Conference, in consequence of ministers of both factions being appointed to the same charges, many actions at law were begun for the possession of the pulpits, and with few exceptions, by the majority people. Civil proceedings were also instituted in several other states, with varying success to both sides. The most notable civil action was that of the minority people against the publishing house at Cleveland, Ohio, to re- strain the officials from withholding missionary money, divi- dends, etc. This case was decided by Judge Hamilton in favor of the contestants in October. With few exceptions the press, both civil and religious, was vehement in its denunciation of the treatment the minority re- ceived at the hands of the dominant faction. As an example of public sentimentwe give a brief extract from the Cleveland Leader, a leading western paper, on the action against Bishop Dubs : To the lay mind it looks as if the trial and conviction of Bishop Ru- dolph Dubs, of the Evangelical Association, in this city, last week, was about as gross an outrage a3 an ecclesiastical court could be guilty of. The packed committee of trial, the star chamber proceedings, the denials to the accused of the ordinary privileges allowed to defendants in all civil courts, the introduction of hearsay testimony, the latitude allowed for vile and wholly unsupported in- sinuations and the manifest malice of the prosecution and trial committee carry the mind back to the times of Bloody Mary, and the persecution of Bishop Ceanmer. From a legal standpoint the evidence against Bishop Dubs was absolutely worthless, and would never have been entertained in even a justice's court. The learned and respected divine who is the victim of this travesty, on ecclesiastical jurisprudence could probably establish a case of criminal libel against his persecutors, were he so disposed. It is likely, however, that he will prefer to await the vindication that can hardly fail to come from the General Conference of his church. It is inconceivable that the verdict will be sustained. 1891. East Pa. Conference, Allentown, Pa., Feb. 26. H. A. Neitz, president pro tern.; C. S. Haman, permanent president; J. H. Shirey, secretary. E. H. Kistler, J. A. Sellers, E. L. Watts, A. W. Brownmiller, H. P. Walter and F. Smith were licensed to preach. Elder's orders were granted to J. B. Esenwein, S. Buntz, C. E. Hess and J. D. Acker. Deacon's orders to C. L. Oswald, J. G. Boughter, G. W. Marquardt, D. F. Kostenbader, A. L. Erisman, W. H. Hartzler and H. W. Behney. H. W. Hartman, local preacher, was received from the Central Pa. Conference, also THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCB. 583 J. W. Cline, a deacon of the M. E. Church. A. Dilabar and R. T. Lenhart died. Father J. M. Saylor, the oldest minister of the church, both in years of life and of service, delivered an encouraging address. 1891 Central Pa. Conference, Berwick, Pa., March 5. W. E. Detweiler, president ; A. Stapleton, secretary. M. T. Crouch, D. L. Kepner, J. H. Ferner, H. Bender, I. N. Bear, D. P. Shaeffer, W. Horn, E. E. Shaffer and U. S. Clark were licensed to preach. Deacon's orders were granted L. S. Reichard, J. P. Buchner, S. E. Koontz, W. C Bierley, E. L. Kessler, C. F. Garrett, H. B. Barshinger, W. E. Brillhart, J. W. Thompson, S. S. Mumey and J. F. Dunlap. Elder's orders, D. M. Metzger. J. L. Miller was deposed from the ministry and expelled from the church. J. M. Ettin- ger, because of failing health, resigned the office of presiding elder. W. E. Detweiler and A. H. Irvine were elected and H. W. Buck and M. J. Carothers reelected presiding elders. F. W. Raidabaugh took a letter of dismissal. Father Elias Stambach died July 13, 1890, aged 69 years. T. M. Morris died May 11, 1890, aged 52 years. 1891. DesMoines Conference, Lisbon, Iowa, April 2. D. H. Kooker, president; S. A. Walton, secretary. R. C. Pippin, J. Percy, J. J. Borrows, L. Sturgis and M. W. Schraffer were licensed to preach. J. R. Edie was granted deacon's orders and C. Long elder's order. The following were received from the Iowa Conference: F. Beltzer, W. Jonas, Emil Mueller, H. Eller, Otto Gerhardt, J. J. Miller, H. Klinesorge, J. Henn, H. Lageschulte, C. A. Mueller, L. Beltzer, M. Trumbauer, H. Borchard, and J. H. Mayne. Sioux City district was formed, and W. Jonas, newly elected presiding elder, was appointed to the same. 1891. Platte River Conference, Holdredge, Neb., March 12. E. L. Kiplinger, president; J. H. Peters, secretary. M. B. Young and F. Brookhart were granted deacon's orders. Credentials were granted C. W. Anthony, J. Whitehead, S. A. Petit, D. P. Kline and N. F. Kletzing. C. W. Anthony re- signed as presiding elder and E. L. Kiplinger was elected to fill the vacancy. 1891. Oregon Conference, Lafayette, Oregon, April 2. J. Bowersox, president; C. C. Poling, secretary; T. Suhr, of the California, A. W. Teats, of the Pittsburg, and N. F. Kletz 584 THE EVAN&ELICAL ANNALS. ing, of the Platte River Conference, were received. A. Parker and E. Currin were granted license to preach. T. A. Yost was granted deacon's orders. Notes. — This year marked the actual disruption of the church. The proposed arbitration by disinterested parties failed, as elsewhere noted, and the minority had no alternative but an ignominious surrender of their convictions and a cring- ing subserviency to an ecclesiastical dictatorship, on the one hand, or a faithful adherence to the principles and spirit of the church as handed down by the fathers, on the other. They chose the latter, leaving the results to God, who judgeth right- eously. Already in 1889, representatives of the East Pa. Conference, which was the " oldest annual conference," asserted the dis- ciplinary rights of the conference in the church periodicals. Majority writers contended that there was no "oldest" con- ference. This discussion embraces a considerable part of the controversial literature of 1890, and was one of the main issues in the litigation incidental to the disruption. When, therefore, the East Pa. Conference met in February, 1891, in Allentown, t»he following resolutions were passed : Whereas, Our Church Discipline provides on page 56, sec. 71, that "The time and place of the General Conference shall be appointed by the bishops, with the consent of the majority of the conference ; and if there be no bishop present, the General Conference shall do it by a majority of votes, or the oldest annual conference, which then shall give the other annual conferences due notice of the time and place ;" and Whereas, The last General Conference appointed the time, but failed to appoint the place ; therefore, Resolved, That we, being tho oldest conference, consider it our right and our duty, under the Discipline, to appoint the place for the next General Con- ference, and that we now proceed to perform that duty, and appoint the place. ' ' The conference then appointed Christ church, Eighth Street, Philadelphia, Pa., as the place, and all the minority conferences elected delegates to attend this conference, while the majority delegates attended the conference held at Indianapolis, Ind. With the division of the East Pa. Conference, in 1891, many actions of law were instituted by the opposition for the possession of churches, while the minority people permitted the Esher people to retain the churches wherever they had the con- trolling power. CHAPTER III. Philadelphia General Conference, Philadelphia, Pa.,. Oct. i, 1891. The delegates of the minority of the Evangelical Associa- tion, assembled in Christ Evangelical church, in Philadelphia, Pa., Oct. 1, 1891. A temporary organization was effected with. W. E. Detweiler, president ; C. A. Paeth, German, and J. H. Shirey, English, secretary. The permanent organization was effected with C. S. Haman, president, and the previously elected secretaries, who chose for assistants, W. Huelster, S. F. En- torf, W. Jonas, U. F. Swengel, C. C. Poling, J. D. Wood- ring and B. H. Niebel. The usual rules were adopted and the various committees appointed. Letters and greetings were received from Father Joseph M. Saylor, at this time the oldest living minister of the church, and Abraham Niebel, Henry Rohland, David Mertz, Lewis Einsel, B. Hengst and J. O. Lehr. Honorary Members. — H. B. Hartzler, chaplain of D. L. Moody's school at Northfield, Mass., was invited to a seat within the conference bar, as also J. Keachele, who at this, iconference was received anew. Review of Trials. — The proceedings in the case of Bishop J. J. Esher, Thomas Bowman and R. Dubs were reviewed. The verdicts of guilty in the case of Esher and Bowman were sustained, and they were suspended from office and from the church. The verdict against Bishop Dubs was reversed, and he was fully restored. In the case of John Fuchs, of the South Indiana, George Harms, of the Wisconsin, and George Hasenpflug, of the Erie Conference, the verdicts of guilty were reversed and they were restored. In the case of J. L. Miller, of the Central Pa. Conference, the verdict was sustained, and his expulsion con- firmed. £.63 .586 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS. Disciplinary Changes. — Many disciplinary changes were adopted, but for reasons which may be inferred from subse- quent developments, never became operative, until original action was taken at the Naperville General Conference. Lay Representation. — A recommendation was adopted looking to the admission of lay delegates to annual and Gen- eral Conference. Memorial. — Action was taken on the death of C. Brill, Ex- Bishop W. W. Orwig, J. Schaefele, H. Schelp, J. M. GoMERand J. M. Saylor, the latter having died near the close of the confer- ence. The Keystone League of Christian Endeavor was -adopted as an institution of the church, and the following were elected as a Managing Board for the ensuing quadrennium : Ministers — U. F. Swengel, W. H. Fouke, J. B. Esenwein, H. H. Rassweiler, C A. Paeth, Laymen — F. Pfunder, J. F. Boyer, W. C. Weiss and S. A. Smith. Resolutions. — Resolutions were adopted on Temperance, the Sabbath, Missions, Sunday-schools, Education, and the State of the Church. Statistics. — The statistics of the entire church were given as follows: Members, 150,310; itinerant preachers, 1218; local preachers, 632 ; churches, 2,058; parsonages, 691. Elections.— -The following officials were elected : Bishops — R. Dubs, C. S. Haman and W. M. Stanford. Corresponding Secretary of the Missionary Society — B. J. Smoyer.. Treasurer of of the Missionary Society — M. Kunkel, (a layman, of Chicago). Publisher — John Schneider. Editors — For the Christliche Bots- thafter, J. Kaechele ; Evangelical Messenger, W. Caton ; Ger- man Sunday School Literature — M. Stamm ; English Sunday School Literature — U. F. Swengel. Board of Publication : Min- isters — W. E. Detweiler, T. Bach, D. H. KooKERandE.L. Kip- linger ; Laymen, J. Hendel, D. Z. Herr and T. L. Haines. The conference closed Oct. 16, to hold its next session at Naperville, 111. General Conference Delegates. East Pa. Conference. — C. S. Haman, B. J. Smoyer, S. S. Chubb, D. A. Medlar, W. F. Heil, A. M. Stirk, A. M. Sampsel, J. D. Woodring, J. H. Shirey, S. L. Wiest, R. M. Lichtenwalner,* J. M. Rinker. THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 5S7 Central Pa. — M. J. Carothers, H. W. Buck, W. E. Det- weiler, J. Hartzler, A. H. Irvine, S. W. Seibert, U. F. Swengel, J. M. Ettinger, A. Stapleton,* W. N. Wallis,* A. L. Reeser. Pittsburg. — T. Bach, I. A. Rohland, J. D. Domer, W. M. Stanford, D. P. K. Lavan, G. W. Brown. Illinois. — D. B. Byers, J. Schneider, H. Messner, S. F. Entorf, C. A. Fuessele, F. Busse, W. Caton, W. Huelster, C. A. Paeth, M. Stamm, H. Meier,* W. H. Fouke.* Des Moines. — J. Auracher, E. B. Utt, B. H. Niebel, D. H. Kooker, W. Jonas, W. Klinefelter. PlatU River. — E. L. Kiplinger, A. M. Shenberger, T. W. Serf, J. K. Peters.* Oregon. — J. Bowersox and C. C. Poling. The Lay Convention. In connection with the General Conference, a lay conven- tion met on the same date (Oct. i), in the lecture room of the •church, closing Oct. 6 and reconvening Oct. 13, for one day. The permanent officers were, president, I. Bower ; vice-presi- dent, M. Kunkel ; secretaries, W. C. Weiss and Jacob Alt; treasurer, B. B. Kehler. The delegates to this convention were elected at district meetings, composed of a representative from each charge. The work of the convention was chiefly designed to bring about a reconciliation between the two factions into which the church was divided. Their object and plan being endorsed by resolution of the General Conference, telegraphic communica- tions were at once opened with the lay convention of the Indian- apolis General Conference. The beginning was auspicious, but the majority leaders of the Indianapolis Conference, notably Bishops Esher and Bowman, were pronounced in their oppo- sition, and the work of reconciliation failed. Resolutions were adopted deploring the indisposition of the Indianapolis gathering toward overtures of peace. The Gen- eral Conference was asked to open the way fox lay representa- tion. The great issues on which the church stood divided were discussed, and the position of the minority strongly indorsed. •Alternates. 688 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS. Delegates to the Lay Convention. East Pa. Conference. — J. Swartz, J. E. Huber, H. R. Kreidler, J. H. Painter, J. G. Mohn, W. C. Weiss, J. K. Maurer, W. G. Borgner, I. Christ, L. Watts, W. J. Egge, C. W. Bachman, L. F. Brensinger, B. K. Kehler, A. Rath- von. Central Pa. — D. L. Zerby, I. S. Frain, W. E. Page, Prof. D. M. Brungard, I. Bower, Dr. W. F. Vallerchamp, Prof. W. A. Spate, I. M. Dreisbach, C. T. Heil, W. E. Wollet, J. M. Carothers, J. F. Thomas. Illinois. — M. Kunkel, J. Alt, J. Strickfaden, P. S. Schnable, J. W. Stocker, C. W. A. Lindeman, J. Kraft, I. A. Uphofe, W. Ross, J. C. Wessling, T. L. Haines, F. Berg- man, F. Grimsell, Dr. L. Eberhart, I. J. Vogelgesang. Also George Hasenpflug, of the Erie Conference. 1892. East Pa. Conference, Lebanon, Pa., Feb. 18. Bishop R. Dubs, president; J. H. Shirey, secretary. L. 0. Wiest, J. H. Workman, C. D. Huber, W. L., Teel, D. A. Roth, S. H. Chubb, W. J. Edelman, J. W. Zuber, B. K. Maurer. C. D. Lentz and C. H. Shirk were licensed to preach. Elder's orders were granted to E. H. Romig and W. S. Harris. Deacon's orders to G. W. Hangen, J. L. Painter, H. H. Smith, J. U. Weidel, J. K. Freed, H. D. Kreidler and C W. Heffner. Father J. M. Saylor, superannuate, died, also J. M. Salada, D. Mertz and S. B. Medlar, local preachers. S. H. Heebner and E. Wolf, local preachers, withdrew. F. C. Smith took credentials. A. M. Stirk and G. W. Gross were elected and S. S. Chubb reelected presiding elders. 1892. Central Pa. Conference, Williamsport, Pa., March 3. R. Dubs, president ; U. F. Swengel, secretary. W. Brown, M. A. Kennelly, J. L. Gardner, W. B. Cox, D. B. Artman, J. E. Heindel, G. H. Dosh, C. W. Hipple, J. G. Whitmire and I. Fry were licensed to preach. Elder's orders were granted to G. L. Mace and Deacon's orders to E. B. Bailey and D. A. Artman, J. W. Smith withdrew. J. Hartzler was reelected presiding elder. S. Yearik died Jan. 31, aged 64 years, also D. Peters, J. Heller and N. T. Meads, local preachers. 1892. Pittsburg Conference, DuBois, Pa., March 17. Bishop C. S. Haman, president; J. Q. A. Curry, secretary. License to preach was granted to F. E. Hetrick, J. H. Elder, THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 589 S. B. Rohland, M. H. Jones and J. G. Wise. Elder's orders were granted to A. L. Burkett and Deacon's orders to J. C. Hadlock, J. E. Robb, J. H. Schweisberger, P. D. Steei.- smith, H. M. Cook, J. H. Boozer and C. W. Siegfried. C. H. Miller, C. F. Floto, E. F. Dickey, A. Platt, A. W. Brickley, C. D. Slagel. G. J. Coleman and D. F. Platt took credentials. J. Swartz withdrew. G. Focht and L. Ross died. T. Bach was reelected, and G. W. Brown and J. W. Domer were newly elected presiding elders. 1892. Illinois Conference, Naperville, 111., April 14. Bishop C. S. Haman, president ; M. Stamm and W. Caton, •secretaries. J. H. Gamber received license to preach. J. W. Michael, H. L. Beightol and J. G. Fidder were advanced to Elder's and A. Lutz to Deacon's orders. Died — A. S. Heil- man, Dec. 12, 1891, aged 66 years, E. Musselman, J. Sills and J. B. Trumbauer. William Berberich was received from the Canada Conference. H. Messner was reelected and J. Schneider and William Caton were newly elected presiding elders. Jacob Saylor and Joseph Harlacker, two of the ■oldest ministers of the church, addressed the conference with words of cheer and encouragement. 1892. Des Moines Conference, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, March 24. W. M. Stanford, president ; S. A. Walton, secre- tary. Received into the conference — F. C. Smith, of the East Pa. ; J. W. Shaefele, of the Platte River, and C. A. Mertz, of the Illinois Conference ; J. McCallister, of the M. E. Church, and also P. Beltzer and C. Gerhart, of the Iowa Conferencer Elder's orders were granted to H. M. Trumbauer, L. E. Belzer, H. Borchard, C. Pickford and M. A. Evans. Deacon's orders to J. C. Doering, J. V. Hummel, C. J. Schalley, J. H. Mayne, C. A. Mertz, A. L. Golden, R. C. Pippin and W. M. Force. J. C. Porter and C. W. Trieme -withdrew and I. Edie took credentials. 1892. Platte River Conference, Glenville, Neb., March 3. W. M. Stanford, president ; T. W. Serf, secretary. C. W. DeGroot was licensed to preach. S. W. Patterson, M. T. Maize and G. S. Smith had Elder's and W. A. Coon and W. M. Shoop had Deacon's orders voted them. G. W. Andrews, local, withdrew- S. H. Dunkelberger and H. R. Price, of the Kansas Conference, were received, also D. F. Honestedt and E. J. Troyer were received in full connection as elders. 590 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS. E. L. Kiplinger resigned the office of presiding elder and S. B. Dillow and E. J. Troyer were elected to the same. 1892. Oregon Conference, East Portland, Oregon, April 7. W. M. Stanford, president; C. C. Poling, secretary. T. L. Weaver and J. Schneider were granted license to preach. D. V. Poling and O. S. Haines were advanced to Deacon's orders. A. Parker, a local elder, withdrew. G. D. Kunkel, of the M. E., and W. Uber, of the Congregational Church, were received, also C. D. Slagel and G. J. Coleman, of the Pittsburg Conference. 1892. Ohio Conference, Findley, Ohio, Sept. 8. The dissenting, or minority members, organized their conference in the First M. E. Church, W. M. Stanford, president ; W. W. Sherrick, secretary. The following were admitted to mem- bership : George Hasenpflug, of the Pittsburg ; D. W. Kerr, of the Illinois, F. S. Smith, of the DesMoines Conference, also W. F. Zander, of the Reformed and W. H. Ingel, of the U. B. Church. A. Evans was elected presiding elder, A. Loehner and Ch. Idelman, the two oldest preachers of the Ohio Conference, cast their lot with the minority conference. The following took charges for the year : A. Evans, P. E. of conference district; Lancaster, W. S. Harpster; Circleville, W. L. Teel; Cedar Hill, F. C. Smith ; Baltimore, D. F. Platt; Zion, W. E. Bailey ; Fairfield, S. E. Rife ; Cleveland, W. F. Zander; Findley, W. W. Sherrick; Akron, George Hasen- pflug ; Carey, A. Swartz. Unemployed, A. Loehner, C. Idleman, W. H. Ingel, D. W. Kerr and F. G. Stauffer. Notes. — Great and momentous events crowded each other in rapid succession this year. Prominent among them was the renewed attempts of leading divines of various churches to bring about a peaceful settlement of the difficulties of the church, notably, Dr. H. K. Carroll, of the New York Inde- pendent. Inasmuch as the General Conference declared that in view of the overtures of the minority and the kind offices of dis- interested ministers that "Proposals of compromise are a sacrilegious mockery and bear the stamp of hypocrisy and de- ceit, and deserve no further attention, " we deem it important for the vindication of the minority against the constant charge of insincerity by the majority to give the declaration signed by 441 minority preachers, including also some editorial remarks, THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 591 as it appeared in the Independent, under the caption of "A Manly Proposal, as follows : Last week we received from Rev. W. F. Heil, of Allen town, Pa., the fol- lowing paper, which has been signed by 441 ministers, local and itinerant, ad- hering to the minority. Of these ministers 94 are in the East Pennsylvania, 12& in the Central, 47 in the Pittsburg, 61 in the Illinois, 69 in the Des Moines, 26 in the Oregon, and 14 in the Platte River Conference. We give the paper in full : Declaration. With a sincere desire that the position of the so-called minority in the pres- ent unhappy controversy in our church should be fully and clearly known to every minister and member of the Evangelical Association and to the general Christian public, we unite in this statement and declaration. While we are confident that our cause is morally right, and we sincerely be- lieve it to be constitutionally right, and while we do not admit that the responsi- bility for our present deplorable division, rests in any large degree upon us, we are constrained to say that it is not our desire that, for the vindication of our rights, precious as they are to us, the war of brother against brother, congrega- tion against congregation, should go on. When a body of brethren is thus torn asunder the Spirit of Christ is grieved,. and His cause is injured. We are conscious of the evil results of a controversy like that which is rending the Ev. Association. It is possible that in the heat of the conflict, we may have been provoked to the manifestation of a spirit which should not obtain among brethren. The sense of our wrongs has been so keen that our judgment of what is right may at times have been affected. We do not, therefore, speak as though we were infallible, but we do speak as men who love the Lord Jesus Christ, and who covet for ourselves the constant guidance of his Spirit, as ministers and members who love the old church, and desire that the differences be healed ; as brethren who love those with whom we used to worship and kneel at the com- munion table. We say to these fellow members of the body of Christ, " We be brethren — let there be no strife, we pray thee, between us and thee. ' ' We thus record our sincere desire that our differences may be amicably settled. And in view of the fact that we believe it to be impossible to secure an adjudicatory within the church, whose determination of this matter would be accepted as impartial by the whole church, we believe in the wisdom of submitting the entire matter to- a commission of capable and influential ministers of sister churches, and hereby declare our willingness to have the case determined in this manner. Commenting on the above, the editor of The Independent says : This does not sound as though it proceeded from a "generation of vipers."' It will be hard for Bishop Bowman, or his colleague, Bishop Esher, to con- vince any fair-minded man that these 441 ministers are "vipers" or "hypo- crites," or " corrupt and designing men." It is, of course, possible that some of them may be insincere, but it is not possible that all are. It is a manly, Chris- tian spirit which the paper breathes, and it is entitled to a manly Christian con- •592 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS. -sideration. We do not see what more they could offer or concede. Christian manliness should demand nothing more. If this proposition is spurned as bitterly as that which was made to the Indianapolis General Conference, the conclusion is inevitable. The majority, blinded by Bishops Esher and Bowman, are bent on making the disruption of 'the church permanent, and in casting out all, both ministers and laymen, who cannot pronounce their shibboleth. If no attempt is made to settle the differences, the responsibility for com- pleting a grievous schism, dishonoring to the church, to the cause of Christ, will rest on the majority. We beg of those who can divest themselves of pas- sion and prejudice, and who are not more anxious for the vindication of two or three bishops than the whole body of brethren, to come to the front, and insist that the manly statement of the minority shall have a manly answer." It is sufficient to add that these kind proposals were vin- dictively spurned and the Independent was roundly abused by the majority writers. Litigation.— Oil the 39th of July, 1891, Judge Hamilton issued his second decision in favor of the minority, the first being a temporary injunction. This decision was based in part on the valid suspension of Bishops Esher and Bowman. A new ■suit was begun, quo warranto, Nov. 30, 1891, in the Circuit Court of Cleveland, Ohio, by the minority for the possession of 4he publishing house. After a most exhaustive hearing, an ad- verse decision was rendered in the latter part of March, 1892, which left the majority incumbents in full possession. The -case was appealed to the Supreme Court, which sustained the ■lower court. 1893. East Pa. Conference, Bethlehem, Pa., Feb. 23. Bishop C. S. Haman, president ; J. H. Shirey, secretary. J. H. Krecker, H. Fosnacht, William Scheifley, W. H. Rummel, A. G. Musselman and C. H. Aroh were licensed to preach. Deacon's orders were granted to Thomas Knecht, A. W. Brownmiller, J. E. Steele, H. F. Schlegel, E. H. Kistler, S. P. Erisman, J. A. Sellers, A. M. Swiegert, H. P. Walter and J. S. Heisler, and Elder's order's to W. H. Hartzler, A. L. Erisman, C. L. Oswald, G. W. Marquardt, H. W. Behney, J. G. Boughter and D. W. Kostenbader. This was the largest number of advancements in the history of the con- ference. H. W. Hartranft and W. B. Romig, local preaches, withdrew. D. A. Medlar was reelected presiding elder. A movement to hold a Bible Conference at Perkasie Park, July 18-20, was indorsed. James O. Lehr, died Dec. 15, 1892, ■aged 57 years. Also W. Garrett and M. M. Steckley. THE UNITED hVANQELICAL CHURCH. 593 1893. Central Pa. Conference, Milton, Pa., March 2. W. M. Stanford, president ; U. F. Swengel, secretary. W. C. Hoch, E. Fulcomer, W. E. Bailey, F. F. Mayer, J. A. Bull, J. O. Biggs, W. G. Seifert, W. H. Whitmore, G. W. Heiney, D. F. Young and A. Duffey were licensed to preach. Elder's orders were granted to S. S. Mumey, J. W. Thompson, C. F. Garrett, E. L. Kessler, S. E. Koontz, J. P. Buchner, W. E. Brillhart, L. S. Reichard, W. C. Bierley and J. F. Dunlap, and Deacon's orders to E. E. Shaffer, D. P. Schaefer, D. L. Kepner, W. J. Campbell, H. H. Trumpfheller, H. Minsker, H. W. Bender and G. C. Hoffman. R. W. Runyan with- drew. A Church Extension Society was adopted and officers elected. 1893. Pittsburg Conference, Johnstown, March 16. R. Dubs, president; J. Q. A. Curry, secretary. D. L. Yoder, A. F. Berkey, W. Lewis, J. C. Powell and C. H. Stewart were licensed to preach. Elder's orders were granted to A. A. Mohney, P. F. DeVaux and P. Berkey, and Deacon's orders to. F. W. Ware, E. S. Deane, G. W. Ringer, G. K. Allen and J. N. Buzza. G. M. Alshouse took credentials. I. A. Rohland was reelected presiding elder. J. G. Milliron and I. A. Smith died, the latter April 25, 1892, aged 41 years. 1893. Illinois Conference was held in the Presbyterian church, Freeport, 111., in consequence of an injunction by Judge Cartwright, forbidding the conference to hold its session in the Salem Evangelical church- In deference to the recent adverse decision of the Illinois Supreme court, the conference took the name of "The Illinois Conference of the Regular Evangelical Association. " The conference convened April 6. Bishop W. M. Stanford, president; M. Stamm and E. K. Yeakel, secretaries. B. R. Schultze and M. Schmitt were granted license to preach. M. C. Morelock, J. F. Finkbeiner and C. G. Unangst were advanced to Elder's orders. The Philadelphia General Conference was recognized and its legislation indorsed. The previous actions of this conference were ratified. A committee was appointed to confer with the majority representatives with a view of adjusting property claims, etc. In connection with the conference, an enthusiastic Layman's Convention was held, of which C. W. Lindeman was president, and S. E. Knecht, Esq., secretary. The actions and cour-se of the ministry was indorsed and encouraged. 594 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS. 1893. DesMoines Conference met in Centre Point, Iowa, April 6. Bishop C. S. Haman was present to preside, and as the conference was about to open, several majority leaders appeared with an injunction by Judge Preston, prohibiting the holding of the conference in the name of the Des Moines Con- ference of the Ev. Association. As the status of the conference was still undecided by the Supreme Court, and inasmuch as the injunction by Judge Preston did notforbid it, the ministers, after spending some time in religious exercises, again returned to their respective charges. A declaration, signed by fifty- three members of the enjoined conference, was published, in which their loyalty to the cause of the minority was re-affirmed, and the laity were called upon to stand firm in their adherence to the right 1893. Platte River Conference, Blue Springs, Neb., March 1 6. C. S. Haman, president; T. W. Serf, secretary. J. W. Bis- sel, James Ramsey, F. Devol and G. Stinson were licensed to preach. M. B. Young had Elder's and F. L. Mason and N. J. Kirkpatrick Deacon's orders granted them. E. B. Miller and R. I. Hassinger were received from the Kansas Confer- ence. 1893. Oregon Conference, Dayton, Oregon, April 5. J. Bowersox, president; C. C. Poling, secretary. E. D. Farns- worth, A. C. Tunison and B. C. Rabing were licensed to preach. Thomas Yost was granted Elder's orders. D. V. Poling and P. Bott withdrew during the year. A. R. Johnson, J. M. Dick, O. S. Haines and J. M. Beauchamp took credentials. Seventeen ministers took work. 1893. Ohio Conference, Salem church, Fairfield county, Ohio, Sept. 21. W. M. Stanford, president; W. W. Sherrick, secretary. Charles M. Kauffman and M. M. Rader were licensed to preach. A. S. Hildebrand was advanced to Dea- con's orders. C. A. Steffy, of the U. B. Church, D. F. Platt, of the Pittsburg and W. E. Bailey, of the Central Pa. Confer- ence, were received. F. G. Stauffer took credentials. 1893. Oregon Conference. Soon after the session of the Oregon Conference, in the Spring of 1893, the majority leaders succeeded in getting a temporary injunction against the minority preachers, preventing them from occupying their own parsonages and churches, and restraining them from performing any func- tions in the name of the Evangelical Association. This sweep- THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 595 ing order was granted without a hearing, and that while the question was pending before a higher court. This act was gener- ally condemned as a great injustice, but the minority had no remedy except abject submission, or a repudiation of the Evan- gelical Association as represented by the Indianapolis General Conference. They chose the latter and assembled at Lafayette, Oregon, May 30, under the presidency of Bishop Dubs, and adopted the title "The Oregon Conference of the Regular Ev. Association," endorsing the Philadelphia General Conference, and adopted the Discipline as it was prior to 1891. After ratifying the proceedings of former sessions, and issuing a cir- cular letter to the minority members and friends on the Pacific Coast, they adjourned. The proceedings were signed by Bishop Dubs, president; C. C. Poling, secretary; J. Bowersox, H. L. Pratt, C. D. Slagel, M. J. Ballantyne, G. J. Coleman, T. A. Yost, T. L. Weaver and J. Schneider. Note. — This was a year of great trial and conflict for the down- trodden minority of the Evangelical Association. The Esher leaders in a most heartless manner deprived the minority of a great number of churches in which they, the majority, had no interest whatever, or by having adherents therein. The ma- jority people having brought suit for the possession of the Read- ing, Pa., Sixth Street church, Judge Endlich, in June, decided the case in favor of the minority. Later the case was appealed to the Supreme Court. Church Buildincs — The Illinois Conference having lost nearly all its churches and parsonages, began the erection of new ones in a manner that indicated their great devotion to the old Evangelical principles on the one hand, and also caused great chagrin to the majority people on the other. Phoenix- like the grand conference arose from the ashes of her ruin, re- deemed and disenthralled, for which the Lord be praised ! 1893. Bible Conference. The first Bible Conference of our church was held at Perkasie Park, Pa., July 17-20, under the auspices or the East Pa. Conference. The project origi- nated the year previous at the Normal Assembly, at Perkasie, under the presidency of Rev. D. A. Medlar, who presented the matter at that meeting with favorable results. The Bible Conference was a great success. Rev. D. A. Medlar was president and H. B. Hartzler, D. D., chancellor. Many distinguished men participated in the program. 596 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS. Memorials. — During this year the church sustained the loss by death of a number of prominent ministers, as follows : J. G. Miller, born 1813, in Germany, entered the ministry in 1843, and rendered valuable service both in the East and West. Died in Madison, Wis., April 3, 1893. Joseph Harlacker, born in Pennsylvania, died at Naper- ville, 111., April 15, 1893, aged 80 years. He entered the ac- tive work of the ministry in 1832. He was pronounced in his loyalty to the minority. I. A. Rohland, D. D., a presiding elder of the Pittsburg Conference, died suddenly April 23, 1893, aged 46 years. In his death the conference lost one of its strongest pillars, and the minority one of its staunchest defenders. Lewis Einsel, died at Holdredge, Neb., July 6, 1893. Born in Ohio in 1813. Entered the ministry 1836. He was a strong defender of the principles of the minority. Abraham Krause, died in Williamsport, Pa., Aug. 21, aged 70 years. Entered the active ranks in 1848, and rendered many years of valuable service. S. B. Kring, son of Rev. Conrad Kring, died in Decatur, Ind., July 28, aged 65 years. Entered the active work in the East in 1850, and was presiding elder a number of terms in the Pittsburg Conference. 1894. East Pa. Conference, Reading, Pa., Feb. 22. W. M. Stanford, president ; J. H. Shirey, secretary. J. B. Ehr- hart, E. E. Btauffer, E. H. Hartenstine and H. C. Lutz were licensed to preach. N. S. Hawk, of the M. E. Church, was received. Elder's orders were granted to G. W. Hangen, H. H. Smith and H. D. Kreidler, and Deacon's orders to W. L. Teel, C. H. Shirk, E. L. Watts, T. L. Frymier and L. O. Wiest. Daniel L. Witmer and R. Litzenberger died. G. W. Imboden, J. C. Krause and H. Dutill took credentials. W. F. Heil was reelected presiding elder. Mrs. Elizabeth Krecker, president of the Women's Missionary Society, ad- dressed the conference in the interests of the society. Bishops Dubs and C. S. Ham an were also present and presided at times. 1894. Central Pa. Conference, East Prospect, Pa., March 1. C. S. Ham an, president ; A. Stapleton, secretary. I.Day- ton, F. H. Foss and A. W. Chamberlain were licensed to preach. E. B. Dunn, of the M. E. Church, was admitted. THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 597 Elder's orders were granted to D. A. Artman and E. B. Bailey, and Deacon's orders to J. H. Furner, J. G. Whitmire, W. B. Cox, M. A. Kennelley, W. N. Morris and J. H. Davis. I. C. Yeakel withdrew. A. Krause (Sup.), Z. Hornberger and R. C. Hollenbaugh died. Action was taken for the holding of a Bible Conference. Bishop R. Dubs addressed the con- ference. The committee on statistics reported 3,160 conver- sions during the year, and 2,747 accessions. This was the largest number in the history of the conference, and caused great rejoicing. 1894. Platte River Conference, Dawson, Neb., March 8. W. M. Stanford, president ; T. W. Serf, secretary. H. L. Price, W. B. Maize and W. R. Gill were licensed to preach. S. W. Patterson took credentials. J. F. Rose, of the M. E. Church, was received. 1894. Pittsburg Conference, Hyndman, Pa., March 15. W. M. Stanford, president; J. Q. A. Curry, secretary. R. Dubs was also present a short time. H. B. Seese, J. R. Clark, H. E. McElheny, M. E. Borger, H. V. Summers, William Findlay and A. C. Mock were licensed to preach. J. H. Schweisberger, P. D. Steelsmith, H. M. Cook, C. W. Seig- fried and J. H. Boozer were ordained Elders and J. G. Wise, Deacon, B. F. Feitt was elected presiding elder. 1894. Illinois Conference, Barrington, 111., April 4. R. Dubs, president ; M. Stamm and E. K. Yeakel, secretaries. The name of the conference was changed from "The Illinois Conference of the Regular Ev. Association," to "The Illinois Conference of the United Evangelical Church." L. Schmidt and J. Eller were licensed to preach. A. Lutz was ordained Elder and B. F. Ludy, B. R. Schultze, C. F. Rife and H. C. Stephan Deacons. S. Torry died. George Harris and W. Schuster took credentials. George Harms was received. A. Haefele was elected presiding elder. Fifty-three ministers took work. J. H. Gamber was ordained Deacon by Bishop Dubs at a campmeeting in June of this year, near Barring- ton, 111. Note. — At this conference provision was made for a pos- sible General Conference during the year by the election of General Conference delegates. The lay delegates were elected at the district lay conventions. 1894. Oregon Conference, Lafayette, Ore., April 5. C. 598 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS. S. Haman, president; C. C. Poling, secretary. Prof. C. A. Bowman and E. E. McVicker were licensed to preach. Cre- dentials were granted to Theodore Suhr, who went to the Illi- nois, and C. D. Slagel, who returned to the Pittsburg Confer- ence, and P. Desgranges. C. C. Poling was elected Finan- cial Agent for Lafayette Seminary. T. L. Weaver was ordained Deacon. Convention of the Ohio Conference. — Pursuant to a general call the ministers of the Ohio Conference, as also a large number of laymen met in convention in the Salem Evan- gelical church, Baltimore, Ohio, April 19, 1894. A. Evans was president and H. F. Hampshire, secretary. Bishop R. Dubs was also present. Resolutions reaffirming their adher- ence to minority principles were adopted, and also that the conference change its name from "The Ohio Conference of the Evangelical Association," to "The Ohio Conference of the United Evangelical Church." 1894. Ohio Conference, special session. Owing to the adverse decision of the Supreme Court in the quo warranto case in Ohio, the ministers and lay delegates of the Ohio Con- ference met in convention in Baltimore O., April 19. A. Evans was president and H. F. Hampshire, secretary. Reso- lutions were adopted requesting the conference to change its name to "The Ohio Conference of the United Evangelical Church." The next day, April 20, R. Dubs convened the conference. W. W. Sherrick was appointed secretary. The conference conformed itself to its changed situation by adopt- ing the recommendation of the convention in regard to name, and affirming its adherence to the Philadelphia General Con- ference. 1894. Des Moines Conference, Colo, Iowa, May 17. C. S. Haman, president; S. A. Walton, secretary. Bishop Dubs was also present and addressed the conference. The conference adopted the name "The Des Moines Conference of the United Evangelical Church." License was granted M. J. Randall, R. Gampe, F. Knuth, J. Bamford, B. Fisher, G. N. Thompson and E. J. Wicks. Elder's orders were granted to L. A. Jones, C. A. Mertz, W. M. Force, A. L. Golden, J. W. Hamilton, J. H. Mayne, C. J. Doering, R. C. Pippin and L. Skogsberg, and Deacon's orders to E. E. Hahn, S. H. Streyffeler, W. F. Brecher, M. W. Shrader., S. Sass, Max THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 599 Schmidt, D. C. Busenberg and M. A. Sheldon. This was the greatest number of advancements at any session in the history of the conference. J. Sa'ss, of the Michigan ; M. Schmidt, of the Illinois; S. N. Ramige, of the Iowa Confer- ence; T. C. Busenberg, of the M. E.; A. H. Vogel, of the Congregational, and J. W. Martin, of the Reformed Church, were received into conference. Credentials were granted G. L. Kolb, L. Stauffacher and }. Henn. Forty-nine ministers took appointments. 1894. Ohio Conference, Johnsville, Ohio, Sept. 21. R. Dubs, president; W. W. Sherrick, secretary. W. E. Bailey and C. M. Kaufman had Deacon's orders granted them. D. F. Platt took credentials. A. Evans resigned the office of pre- siding elder, and A. Swartz was elected to the same. CHAPTER IV. Preparations for the Organization of the United Evant gelical Church — Adverse Decision of Civil Courts. This year was fraught with momentous events in the history of the church, chief among which was the adverse decision of several Supreme Courts, and the consequent organization of the United Evangelical Church by the union of the minority conferences of the Evangelical Association. In March, the Ohio Supreme Court decided adversely in the case of the Cleve- land suit. This was followed in May by the Iowa courts in the Des Moines case. In both cases the Ohio and Des Moines Conferences met immediately, and reorganized under the new name. On the first of October the Supreme Court of Pennsyl- vania rendered its decision adversely in the Reading case, the direct result of which was the eviction of the minority people of Pennsylvania, numbering over 40,000, from upwards of 450 churches, in favor of probably 4,000 Esherites. The verdict met with general disfavor, not only from the press, but also in legal circles. To say the least of the decision, and without any reflection whatever on the integrity of the honorable court, the minority holds that the conclusions of the court were illegal, because, 1. The court held that the East Pennsylvania Conference, presided over by C. S. Hanan, in the Ebenezer church, Allen- town, Pa., in 1 89 1, was the legal conference. 2. That " Bishop " Bowman and a few friends in organizing a rival conference were wholly unauthorized by the Discipline, and the body so organized not having a quorum to sit as mem- bers of the East Pa. Conference, was an irregular body without ecclesiastical character under the Discipline. 600 THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 601 3. The Bowman Conference was branded as "usurpers" because "his (Bowman's) conduct, and that of his friends in suspending and expelling presiding elders and others was a clear usurpation of power, and the sentences so pronounced had no force or effect." 4. That the Indianapolis General Conference (Esherite) "exceeded its powers under the Discipline," and was guilty of "unauthorized assumption of power" in legalizing the afore- said unlawful acts of the majority bishops and their adherents. And yet this same court declared the Indianapolis Confer- ence legal, which was 1. Presided over by bishops, who, according to the court, were guilty of gross violations of the Discipline. 2. There were present at this conference twenty-four dele- gates from conferences, which, according to the court, were " without authority or ecclesiastical character under the Dis- cipline." It is certainly difficult for the ordinary mind to harmonize the righteousness of the verdict with such char- acterizations of the majority side. The Christian heroism and fortitude of the minority under this great calamity was truly marvelous, and excited wonder and admiration throughout the entire country. In some instances congregations purchased back their property, but hundreds of churches were surrendered to the majority in many instances where they had not a single adherent. The United Evangelical people were willing to show to the world their devotion to principles, by sacrificing in many instances churches worth tens of thousands of dollars, and some, as in the case of the Ebenezer church, Allentown, Pa., which had just been built, at a cost of over $30,000. The loss of members to the minority through the adverse decision was comparatively small. The people had long be- fore this settled the question in their own minds. Every effort was made by the majority to induce the members to stay . in their churches and accept Esherite pastors, but all to no pur- pose. The Indianapolis General Conference having practically excluded all who held with the other side, the people would not be influenced by the seductive pastorals issued and circulated with a view of holding them to their churches, The minority people could better afford to vacate their churches, parsonages and schools than the other side could afford to take them. 602 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS. Special Conference Sessions to Elect Delegates to a Special General Conference. The East Pa. Conference met in special session, in the Metropolitan Hall, Reading, Pa., Oct. 10. The body first met as a convention, and then constituted itself into a perma- nent organization, with Bishop W. M. Stanford, president; Dr. C. B. Wagner, vice president; J. H. Shirey, secretary, and R. K. Schnader, treasurer. There were present 102 clerical and 79 lay members. Resolutions were adopted resolv- ing the body into "The East Pennsylvania Conference of the United Evangelical Church." The principles of the minority, as represented by the Philadelphia General Conference, were maintained. All the legislation of the conference under the old name was confirmed. The conference societies were re-estab- lished, and a General Conference was called, as follows: Resolved, That this conference calls a General Conference to meet at Naperville, 111., the last Thursday in November, 1894, at 7 F - M - The secretary was instructed to inform the other conferences of this call. The Central Pa. Conference met in special session in the Bennett Street Evangelical church, Williamsport, Pa., Oct. 16. The body met as a convention. First a temporary, then a permanent organization was effected, as follows : Bishop C S. Haman, president ; I. Bower, vice president ; A. Stapleton, secretary ; J. W. Ruby, treasurer. The body adopted the name, and resolved itself into "The Central Pennsylvania Conference of the United Evangelical Church. The former acts of the conference were confirmed. The Philadelphia General Confer- ence was endorsed, so far as its acts did not conflict with the actions of this session. The call for a General Conference was endorsed. All the conference societies were reestablished. The Pittsburg Conference met in special session in Calvary Evangelical church, Johnstown, Pa., Oct. 24. A per- manent organization, with the following officers was effected : President, Bishop W. M. Stanford ; secretary, J. Q. A. Curry. The conference adopted the name, "The Pittsburg Conference of the United Evangelical Church." The conference societies were reorganized, and the call for a General Conference was endorsed. The Ohio Conference met in special session in Lancaster, THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 603 Ohio, Nov. 5. Bishop R. Dubs, president, and W. W. Sher- -tck, secretary. A. Swartz was elected delegate to the "coming" General Conference, and A. Evans, alternate. W. A. Fur- geson, a layman, was also elected, and I. W. Keller, alternate. The Oregon Conference met in special session at La- fayette, Ore., Nov. 7. J. Bowersox, president; C. C. Poling, secretary. B. Hartman was licensed to preach. Delegates were elected for the coming General Conference. The confer- ence again pledged its adherence to the cause of the minority and the acts of the Philadelphia General Conference. Minis- ters present, J. Bowersox, C. C. Poling, M. J. Ballantyne, F. J. Strayer, H. L. Pratt, T. L. Weaver, C. N. Plowman, E. D. Farnsworth and C. A. Bowman, besides a number of lay delegates. Lay Representation. — The special conferences, both in Pennsylvania and the West were the first legislative assemblies in which the laity participated since the organization of the first conference, under the presidency of the founder of the church, Jacob Albright, in 1807. It is a remarkable coinci- dence that in both instances a denominational name was adopted. The lay delegates to the special conferences were elected at lay district conventions, called for that purpose. CHAPTER V. The First General Conference, at Naperville, III., Fek " 29, 1894. la harmony with the call of the East Pennsylvania Confer- ence, and the concurrent action of all the other annual confer- ences, the delegates of the hitherto minority conferences assem- bled at Naperville, 111., Nov. 29, 1894. The basis of delegation' was the same as in former years, viz., one ministerial delegate for every fourteen, and surplus of seven or over, of the regular ministers. In addition to these, there was an equal number of lay delegates, who were elected by the laymen, at the special conference sessions. For prudential reasons there were no dele- gates present from the Platte River, and Oregon Conferences. Opening. — The conference was opened by Bishop R. Dubs- William Caton was elected temporary secretary. The dele- gates were then enrolled. The following day, William Caton was elected permanent secretary, and A. Stapleton, S. A. Wal- ton, M. Stamm, W. Jones and A. Haefele, assistants. Bishops. Dubs, Haman and Stanford presided in their order during the conference, which closed Thursday evening, December 13th. Honorary Members. — The following named fathers of the church, all of whom were former members of General Confer- ences, were made honorary members, and invited to seats within the bar of conference: Jacob Saylor, Daniel Kreamer, C. Lindeman, C. A. Fuessele, A. Bussard, J. Keiper, Israel. Kuter, A. Stahley and L. Eberhart. Greetings were received from Abraham Niebel, who was a member of the first delegate General Conference (1843), Henry Rohland, J. Kaechele and J. Bowersox. Fraternal Delegates. — William Bell, D. D., missionary secretary and G. Funkhouser, D. D., professor of theology in Dayton, Ohio, addressed the conference, as fraternal delegates of the United Brethren in Christ. Bishop R. Dubs was chosen 604 THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 605 to represent this body at the next General Conference of the United Brethren Church; Bishop W. M. Stanford, alternate. Church Name. — The name "The United Evangelical Church," was adopted to designate the minority of the Evan- gelical Association, of which this conference is the representa- tive body. Committees. — The work of revising the Discipline, Articles of Faith, etc., was entrusted to a large number of committees, in which every conference was represented. The Committees on Temperance, Sabbath, Sunday-schools, Missions, Christian En- deavor, etc., all submitted well digested reports, which were adopted. Committees also reported and suitable resolutions were adopted on the educational interests of the church. A let- ter from Prof. A. E. Gobble, D. D., president of Central Pa. College, was read, and Prof. H. H. Rassweiler, late president of Northwestern College, delivered an address on this subject. Missionary Interests. — The Parent Missionary Society -was reconstructed in accordance with its new status. Anew constitution was adopted, and closer relations were effected be- tween the Parent Society, and the Woman's Missionary Society, Mrs. T. L. Haines, of Chicago,, and Mrs. C. F. Rassweiler, of Naperville, delivered addresses on behalf of the latter society. In regard to Foreign Missions it was resolved that such a work may be established as soon as the fund for that purpose shall amount to $20,000. The Board of Missions was authorized to appropriate sufficient means for the support of two Bible Women In the foreign field during the next quadrennium. Memorial Services were held in memory of Francis Hoff- man, L. Einsel, Joseph Harlacher, E. Kohr, and I. A. Roh- land, who entered upon their eternal reward during the last quadrennium. Licensed to Preach. — Edwin S. Woodring, of Allentown, Pa., a student of Moody's Institute, in Chicago, was granted license to preach. Publishing Interests. — Provisions were made for the crea- tion of a Board of Publication, empowered to acquire, condi- tionally, the publishing concerns of the Evangelical Publishing Company, of Harrisburg, Pa., and the Volksblatt Printing Com- pany, of Chicago, 111. The Evangelical and the Evangelische Zeitschrift, published by the aforenamed companies, were rec- ognized as the official organs of the church. 606 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS. Provisions were made for the publication, in the English and the German languages, of a hymn book, Discipline, catechism and almanac. The following constitutued the Hymn book com- mittees: English. — Rev. H. B. Hartzler, W. M. Stanforb> Rev. J. B. Esenwein, Rev. J. D. Woodring, Rev. U. F. Swen- gel and Prof. O. L. Jacobs. German. — Bishop R. Dubs. Rev. J. Schneider, Rev. C. A. Fuesele, Rev. S. Busse, Rev. W. F. Schmalle, Rev. G. Barth, Rev. T. Suhr and Rev. C. New- ton Dubs. An article on the history of the United Evangelical Church, prepared by Rev. D. Byers for the "American Series of Church History," was approved. Provision was also made for the pub- lication of other necessary works. Important Changes. — While it is impracticable to note all the changes effected in the polity of the church, the following brief outline may suffice. The old Discipline (prior to 1891) with the changes made at the Philadelphia General Conference, was used as a basis for a new one. Three vital restrictive rules were adopted : (1 ) The Articles of Faith, shall never be changed, (2) The itinerancy shall never be abolished. (3) The annual conferences shall never be deprived of the right to determine the legality of their own organization. The laymen were granted equal representation in the conferences with the minis- try. The tenure of office of bishops and presiding elders was limited to two consecutive terms, of four years each. Editors and publishers and the corresponding secretary of the mission- ary society, were made ineligible as delegates to General Con- ference. The pastoral term was extended to four years. The Woman's Missionary Society was granted the privilege of send- ing a delegate to the Board of Missions, and local societies shall be entitled to a representative in quarterly conference. Local Keystone Leagues of Christian Endeavor were also given the latter privilege. The pastor, officers and teachers of a Sunday- school shall constitute a Sunday-school Board for the manage- ment of the school.' A form of deed was adopted which makes the loss of church property impossible in case of denominational division. Charitable Society.— Authority was given to C. S. Haman, S. S. Chubb, A. M. Sampsel, B. J. Smoyer, John R. Miller, John Hendel, W. P. Huber, Dr. C. B. Wagoner and John THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 607 Seibert, all of the East Pa. Conference, to organize a charitable society on behalf of the church. Election of Officers. — Bishops, R. Dubs and W. M. Stan- ford ; corresponding secretary of missionary society, B. J. Smoyer ; statistical secretary, B. H. Niebel ; board of publi- cation, First District, S. S. Chubb and W. P. Huber ; Second District, W. E. Detwiler and I. Bower; Third District, T. Bach and H. P. Crouse ; Fourth District, J. Schneider and T. L. Haines ; Fifth District, B. H. Niebel and N. R. Clift ; of- ficers of the parent missionary society, president; S. L. Wiest; recording secretary, U. F. Swengel; corresponding secretary, B. J. Smoyer ; treasurer, J. G. Mohn ; managing board of K. L. C. E., W. H. Fouke, U. F. Swengel, J. B. Esenwein, J. Q. A. Curry, Prof. H. H. Rassweiler. Lay, F. J. Boyer, C. Porter, W. C. Weiss and M. J. Randall. William Caton was elected editor of the General Conference Journal. Boundaries. — All the appointments belonging to the Pitts- burg Conference, situated in Ohio, were detached from that conference and added to the Ohio Conference. The Des Moines Conference was empowered to divide its work during the quad- rennium and constitute an additional conference. Statistics. — The Committee on Statistics reported the total membership of the church as 61,120, with 415 itinerant and 226 local preachers. Discipline. — The bishops and Revs. W. F. Heil, U. F. Swengel and J. B. Esenwein were constituted a committee to arrange the Discipline for publication. General Conference Delegates. — Bishops, R. Dubs, D. D., LL.D., C. S. Haman and W. M. Stanford, A. M. East Pa.—B. J. Smoyer, W. F. Heil, S. S. Chubb, A. M. Stirk, G. W. Gross, D. A. Medlar, J. D. Woodring and A. M. Sampsel. Central — W. E. Detwiler, H. W. Buck, J. M. Ettinger, U. F. Swengel, M. J. Carothers, J. Hartzler, A. H. Irvine and A. Stapleton. Pittsburg — G. W. Brown, T. Bach, B. F. Feitt, J. W. Domer and J. Q. A. Curry. Illinois — John Schneider, H. Messner, S. F. Entorf, William Caton, D. B. Byers, A. Haefele, W. H. Fouke* and F. Busse*. Des Moines — B. H. Niebel, W. Jonas, J. E. Stauffhcher, E. B. Utt and S. A. Walton. Ohio — A. Swartz. Laymen. — Bast Pa. — W. Litzenberger, J. H. Reininger, Dr. C. B. Wagoner, J. G. Mohn, B. K. Kehler, W. P. Huber 808 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS. and H. Lobien. Central — Isaiah Bower, I. S. Frain, Prof. J. A. Robb, D. Shoemaker, James M. Carothers, N. T. Dun- dore, J. W. Ruby and Elmer Ditmar. Pittsburg — M. B. Templin, D. L. Weaver, S. C. Ream and C. W. Close. Illi- nois — J. F. Schlosstein, J. Epley, J. Strickfaden, Charles Markhoff, Isaac Hansam, J. Yeakel, F. Long* and D. Zahn.* Des Moines — E. Pribbenow, N. R. Clift and E. E. Hoover. Ohio — W. A. Furgeson. Notes. — Although the United Evangelical Church was organ- ized with but eight conferences (including the Platte River and Oregon), this did not by any means represent the total number of the Minority people, who were scattered in considerable num- bers throughout the Evangelical Association, and in many in- stances constituted the majority of members in congregations. In the former South Indiana Conference, the Minority preserved organizations at Terre Haute, Jonesboro, Annville, Brazil and Clarksville. In the Michigan Conference a number of organ- izations were maintained and connected with the Illinois Con- ference of the United Evangelical Church. In the autumn of 1892, Bishop Dubs visited Reed City and Pinora and preached in the Evangelical churches. This so enraged the Majority minister that he expelled a family for entertaining the bishop, including also a daughter who was several hundred miles away, and who knew nothing of the occurrence^ In February, Bishop Dubs also visited Iona, Mich, and preached to large congrega- tions. The Majority preacher promptly expelled without trial all who openly adhered to the bishop. The Illinois Conference, in 1894, appointed A. Lutz to Reed City, and J. G. Finkbeiner to Owasso and Flint. In the early stages of the disruption, the Bay City, Mich., congregation declared itself independent of the church, and Rev. Henry Schneider, a former presiding elder of the conference, and who was expelled for his Minority sentiments, became their pastor. Litigation followed for the possession of the church, which was finally decided adversely to the congregation, after which it also, with its pastor, cast its lot with the United Evan- gelical Church, and erected a new edifice. In the Iowa Conference, probably one-half of the ministers and members were Minority in sentiment. At the opening of the conference at Ackley, in 1891, the latter were in the ma- jority, but Bishop T. Bowman, whose presidency was contested, THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 608 unlawfully suspended a number of ministers, and thus succeeded in controlling the conference. A large number of Minority members thereupon withdrew, and were later constituted the Sioux City District of the Des Moines Conference. In Minnesota a considerable number adhered to the United Evangelical Church. In March, 1894, W. Jonas, presiding elder of Sioux City District, of the Des Moines Conference, visited East Prairie and was warmly received by the Minority members. Rev. W. Brecher, of the Des Moines Conference, also gained entrance this year at various places. In September, W. Jonas visited Slay ton and vicinity. After great opposition, a class was formed on Sept. 29th, with Henry Brown as leader and Albert Busse assistant. This was the first organization in the State. Bishop Dubs and W. Jonas also visited Nerstrand. In Kansas, Hiawatha and Clay Circuits were Minority and were connected with the Platte River Conference. In Buffalo, N. Y., Rev. J. Kaechele gathered the Minority members into a society in 1890, and with them united with the East Pa. Conference in 1891. In San Francisco, Cal., the Minority members were gath- ered into a society by Rev. Theodore Suhr, of the California Conference. Memorials. — Solomon J. Caton, retired, Somerset county, Pa., died Feb. 6th, aged 42 years ; William Wonder, local, from Ohio, died Feb. 18th, at Blue Springs, Neb., aged 66 years ; R. Litzenberger, retired, Allentown, Pa., died Feb. 17th, aged 78 years; William Miller, local, Lehigh county, Pa., died March 30th, aged 67 years; Charles Warmkessel, itinerant, Leib, Pa., died June 21st, aged 40 years; E. Kohr, retired, Lewisburg, Pa., died Aug. 19th, aged 70 years (See Biog.); C. W. DeGroot, itinerant, Glennville, Neb., died Sept. 2d, aged 38 years ; M. K. Trumbore, local, East Pa., died Nov. 14th, aged 45 yeara • CHAPTER VI. 189S. East Pa. Conference, Schuylkill Haven, Pa., Feb. 28. R. Dubs, president ; J. H. Shirey, secretary. License to preach was granted to John E. Kerr, Robert F. Andrews, Ammon E. Hagner and Solomon Dissinger. Deacon's orders were granted to W. J. Edleman and H. E. Fasnacht ; Elder's orders to H. P. Walter, J. A. Sellers, H. F. Schlegel and S. P. Erisman. D. A. Roth, local, withdrew, and H. A. Smith and J. W. Woehrle were granted credentials. The newly established institution of learning at Myerstown, Pa., was named "Albright Collegiate Institute." The confer- ence was re-districted and officered as follows : Reading Dis- trict, C. S. Haman, presiding elder ; Harrisburg District, B. J. Smoyer ; Allentown District, A. M. Stirk. 1895. Central Pa. Conference, York, Pa., March 7. W. M. Stanford, president ; A. Stapleton, secretary. H. Smith, W. N. Fulcomer, N. J. Dubs, A. D. Gramly and R. E. Wil- son were licensed to preach. D. F. Young, E. Fulcomer, W. C. Hoch, F. F. Mayer and I. N. Bair had Deacon's, and D. L. Kepner, E. E. Shaffer, H. Minsker, D. P. Shaffer and W. L. Campbell had Elder's orders voted them. W. E. Detwiler H. W. Buck and A. H. Irvine were reelected and A. Staple- ton and N. Young were newly elected presiding elders and stationed as follows : York District, A. H. Irvine ; Carlisle District, N. Young ; Centre District, A. Stapleton ; Lewis- burg District, H. W. Buck ; Williamsport District, W. E. Det- wiler. 1895. Pittsburg Conference, Franklin, Pa., March 14. R. Dubs and W. M. Stanford, president ; J. Q. A. Curry, secre- tary. The following withdrew : A. A. Mohney, J. H. Shimp, F. P. Hummel, J. H. Stauffer and S. O. Musselman. Li- cense to preach was granted to J. T. Horner, J. A. Schaffer and J. W. Ward. Deacon's orders were granted Wilson Lewis, 610 THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 611 A. F. Berkley, D. L. Yoder, J. H. Elder, G. W. Imboden, S. B. Rohland, H. M. Fink, D. Stoll and R. Reed. Elder's orders to F. W. Ware. C. D. Slagel, of the Oregon Confer- ence, was admitted. Presiding elder districts : Pittsburg, G. Brown (this be- came Canton District of the Ohio Conference) ; Allegheny, T. Bach ; Franklin, B. F. Feitt ; Somerset, J. W. Domer. 1895. Ohio Conference, Lancaster, Ohio, Sept. 19. W. M. Stanford, president; J. H. Schweisberger, secretary. G. A. Smith was granted Elder's orders. Lorrain was con- stituted a mission. That part of the Pittsburg, which was con- ceded to this conference, was embraced in Canton District. A. Swartz, presiding elder of Lancaster, and G. W. Brown, of Canton District. 1895. Illinois Conference, Groveland, 111, April 11. R. Dubs, president; S. F. Entorf, secretary. E. Knapp, Elmer Rife, E. F. Fuessele and Jacob Haehlaen were licensed to preach. M. Smith, of the Des Moines Conference, was re- ceived. Presiding elder districts : Chicago, J. Schneider, Naper- ville, H. Messner ; Freeport, W. Caton ; Southern, A. Haefele. 1895. Des Moines Conference, Nora Springs, Iowa, April 4. R.Dubs, president; S. A. Walton, secretary. W. W. Shuler and Max Smith were granted credentials. Deacon's erders were granted to S. M. Ramage, and Elder's orders to W. F. .Brecher and G. L. Springer. E. D. VanHorn and J. Buzzard were received in the local relation. Ackley District was constituted. Presiding elder districts : Cedar Rapids, J. E. Stauffacher; Des Moines, B. H. Niebel ; LeMars, W. Jonas ; Ackley, F. Belzer. 1895. Platte River Conference, Kearney, Neb., March 7. R. Dubs, president ; T. W. Serf, secretary. E. W. Brooker, L. Lohr, Henry Wood, A. P. Layton, Ira MoBride, J. H. Day, A. J. Afflerbach and A. L. Morgan were licensed to preach. J. Wolford was admitted as an elder. N. J. Kirk- patrick was admitted into the itinerancy. E. J. Troyer, pre- siding elder of Blue Spring, and S. B. Dillow, of Kearney District. 1895. Oregon Conference, April 4. W. M. Stanford, president ; C. C. Poling, secretary. J. J. Schneider withdrew. 61fc THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS. W. L. Arnold, C. D. Kimberlin, Walter Hamilton and James A. Renshaw were licensed to preach. E. D. Farns- worth and B. J. Kelly were granted Deacon's orders. F. D. Holman was admitted as a local elder. M. J. Ballantyne was elected presiding elder of the conference district. Special Session. — The Oregon Conference assembled in La- fayette, Ore., May 2d, to hold a special session mainly for the purpose of adjusting the relations of Lafayette Seminary to the new conditions of the conference. Bishop Stanford presided and C. C. Poling was secretary. Note. — This year was especially remarkable for church building. Edifices sprang up everywhere as if by magic. From four to six dedications on a Sunday was no unusual occurrence, and church projects and dedications formed the chief topic in church periodicals. A great many congregations succeeded in purchasing back their churches from the Evangelical Associa- tion. At Williamsport, Pa., its agents ratified the sale of sixty- two churches within the bounds of the Central Pa. Conference, and this in a single day in March, 1895, while many were dis- posed of afterwards. In all, there were purchased about two hundred, and newly built about one hundred and fifty churches during this year. A petition emanating from the East Pa. Conference ad- dressed to the General Conference of the Evangelical Associa- tion, proposing that the questions which had not already been settled, be made the subject of arbitration by representative men of other churches, and to be chosen in such a manner as might be mutually agreed upon, was passed by in silence by that body at its session of 1895. The new Discipline made its appearance in February, and was well received, annual conferences adopting it by a rising vote. In February B. J. Smoyer, the corresponding secretary of the missionary society, resigned his office at the request of the Executive Committee of the Board of Missions. This was en- tirely in the interests of economy, and for the purpose of in- augurating a new system of raising funds by direct appeal through the ministry and church periodicals. The death of Rev. J. M. Ettinger, the gifted editor of The Evangelical, on Feb. 3, cast a gloom of sorrow over the entire church. The vacant pqst was well filled, however, by the imme- THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 613 diate appointment of B. J. Smoyer, who served until July, when he was succeeded by H. B. Hartzler, who, since 1890, had been associated with D. L. Moody, as a teacher in his Bible Training School, at Northfield, Mass. On May 14, 15, the Board of Publication met in Harrisburg, Pa. , and unified the publishing interests of the church in ac- cordance with the provisions of the General Conference. The German catechism, by Rev. J. Kaechele, was adopted and or- dered to be published as soon as possible. On May 22, the Supreme Court of Nebraska filed a favorable decree in the case of the Platte River Conference, thus showing that at least one court of last resort regarded the position of the minority as correct from a legal standpoint. The conference thus being established in its ecclesiastical rights, proceeded to adjust its relations with the opposition conference and to form- ally connect itself with the United Evangelical Church. The Charitable Society provided for by the General Confer- ence was granted a charter during the year by the courts at Reading, Pa. The work of the church was considerably extended this year in Minnesota. In the month of September W. Jonas, the pio- neer presiding elder of Des Moines Conference, whose district extended into the states of Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and South Dakota, for the first time visited Oak Lake and in Octo- ber Blue Earth City, and was warmly received. Memorials. — The church suffered the loss of the following ministers during the year: J. M. Ettinger, itinerant, York, Pa., died Feb. 3, aged 48 years (See Biog.); Benjamin Wagner, retired, D wight, 111., died Jan. n, aged 70 years ; Henry Roh- land, retired, Freeport, 111. (See Biog.); Cyrus Manwell, retired, Laporte, Iowa, died, aged 65 years. 1896. East Pa. Conference, Shamokin, Pa., Feb. 27. W. M. Stanford, president ; J. H. Shirey, secretary. The follow- ing were licensed to preach : H. A. Dech, J. G. Rosenberger, F. G. Borkey, F. G. Danzer, Chas. H. Wagoner, Horace L Yeakel, John L. Gruber, A. G. Boyer, Oliver A. Yehl and William H. Alspach. Deacon's orders were granted C. D. Huber, N. S. Hawk and H. C. Aroh, and Elder's orders to J. K. Freed, Thomas Knecht, A. W. Brownmiller, A, M. Sweigert, J. S. Heisler and C. W. Heffner. Jos. Boothby withdrew and J. H. Woehrle was again received. 614 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS. 1896. Central Pa. Conference, Newberry (Williamsport), Pa., March 3. R. Dubs, president ; U. F. Swengel, secretary. G. R. Stov.er, W. I. Shambach, Chas. W. Shambacher, Chas. Redeker, H. C. Stover, L. M. Dice, H. A. Kiess, F. M. Seitz, W. J. Christ, A. A. Winter and L. C. Hunt were li- censed to preach. Deacon's orders were granted to C. W. Hipple, I. E. Spangler, F. H. Foss, G. W. Heiney, E. B. Dunn and C. F. Fry, and Elder's orders to M. A. Kennelly, W. B. Cox, J. G. Whitmire and J. H. Furner. J. D. Leister withdrew and W. M. Sanner was received. 1896. Pittsburg Conference, Salisbury, Pa., March 12. R. Dubs, president; J. Q. A. Curry, secretary. J. H. Wise was licensed to preach. C. H. Stewart and M. E. Borger were granted Deacon's and J. G. Wise Elder's orders. J. W- Domer and Theo. Bach were reelected presiding elders. J. W. Domer was appointed to Allegheny, B. F. Feitt to Franklin, and T. Bach to Somerset District. 1896. Illinois Conference, Davis, 111., April 9th, W. M. Stanford, president; S. F. Entorf, secretary; W. W. Un- derkoffler, Emanuel Eller and J. F. VanEvera, were li- censed to preach ; J. Ellf.r and J. D. Klopp were advanced to Deacon's, and B. F. Ludy, J. H. G-AMBERandB. R. ScHULTZEto Elder's orders. Henry Schneider, of Michigan, was received. W. H. Fouke, F. Busse and E. K. Yeakel were elected pre- siding elders. The districts were assigned as follows : Chi- cago, F. Busse ; Naperville, E. K. Yeakel ; Freeport, W. H. Fouke ; Southern, A. Haefele. 1896. Des Moines Conference, Lafayette, Iowa, March 26th, W. M. Stanford, president ; S. A. Walton, secretary ; P. Hahn, Jacob Schupp, F. A. Shmalle and E. Wilson were licensed to preach. Elder's orders were granted to H. F. Strayfeler and John Sass ; P. Schmidt and J. A. Haehlen, of the Illinois Conference, were received as probationers; L. Stauffacher returned his credentials ; C. A. Rabing, of the Oregon Conference, H. Ohs, W. F. Schwerin, and G. Bern- hart, of the Evangelical Association, were admitted. 1896. Platte River Conference, Ebenezer church, Clay county, Kansas, March 12th, W. M. Stanford, president; T. W. Serf, secretary ; D. Baine and Asbury Esley were licensed to preach ; W. D. Morga was received in the local relation ; S. B. Dillow was again and M. T. Maze was THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 615 newly elected presiding elders and stationed, the former on Blue Springs and the latter on Kearney District ; H. L. Price, Freeman Devol and George Stinson were granted Deacon's, and F. L. Mason Elder's orders. 1896. Oregon Conference, Salem, Oregon, April 4th. R. Dubs, president ; C. C. Poling, secretary ; C. T. Crow was li censed to preach ; B. Hartman, E. E. McVicar and C. A. Rab- ing were granted Deacon's, and T. L. Weaver Elder's orders ; C. A. Rabin g took credentials for the Des Moines Conference ; M. J. Ballentyne, presiding elder of the conference district. 1896. Ohio Conference, Carey, Ohio, Sept. 17th. R. Dubs, president; J. R. Schweisberger, secretary; Jesse Stoke, N. W. Sager, H. A. Hensel and A., W. Smith were licensed to preach ; H. Victor Summers was granted Deacon's, and W. Elmer Bailey, J. H. Elder and C. M. Kauffman, El- der's orders. The presiding elder districts were consolidated into one, and S. E. Rife was newly elected presiding elder and placed upon the conference district. Notes. — This was a year of great prosperity for the church, and all her enterprises were richly blessed of God. With the opening of the year the Evangelische Zeitschrift was issued from the Publishing House. The Missionary Tidings appeared in an enlarged form, and the German Hymn Book was issued. The borders of the church were considerably enlarged, es- pecially in Minnesota, where several new fields of labor were formed. This latter success was chiefly owing to the following circumstances : In 1895 there was held a Lay Convention at East Prairie, Minn., under the auspices of four adjacent charges 01 the Evangelical Association, for the purpose of taking some action against the farcical trial of Rev. H. Linse, and other matters of importance to the laity. Rev. H. Ohs, who had been selected to preach a sermon before the conven- tion, was objected to by the pastor of East Prairie, who made many groundless accusations against him. This greatly dis- pleased the laymen, and charges were preferred by one of them against the accusing minister who in a partisan trial was ex- onerated. This manifest travesty of justice opened the eyes of the laity, and many determined to withdraw from the Evangel- ical Association. Bishop Dubs was sent for, who, owing to his inability to be present, sent W. Jonas, of the Des Moines Conference. Jonas arrived at Nerstrand, Minn., on New Year, 616 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS. and on January 4th organized two classes. The outcome of the matter was that Rev. H. Ohs withdrew from the Evangel- ical Association and connected himself with the United Evan- gelical Church, and near the close of January took charge of the new work. Morris town was also taken up and a church building was at once begun. On July 12th, Bishop Dubs dedi- cated the Nerstrand, and on the 19th, the Morris town church. Urgent appeals came from many promising places for preach- ing by our ministers, but the church could do little more than arrange for an early supply of the places. In October, Jonas for the first time visted Odessa, Minn., and arranged for the establishment of the work in that place. In January he also visited Wakefield, Hoskins and Pierce, Nebraska, and arranged for the permanent occupation of these places. The visit of Bishop Dubs to Minnesota in July produced a most salutary effect upon the church in that state. Besides the places al- ready mentioned, he preached in St. Paul, Minneapolis, Ken- yon and Blue Earth City, Minn. Memorials. — The following ministers passed to their re- ward during the year : L. Scobert, local, Oregon, Feb. 18th, aged 59; A. S. Kline, retired, Allentown, Pa., May 2d, aged 36 ; Eli Hahn, itinerant, Ida county, Iowa, April 21st, aged 28; George Hassenpflug, retired, Cleveland, O., July 23d, (See Biog.); Thomas Seebolt, retired, Lansdale, Pa., Sept. 9th, aged 86 ; T. L. Weaver, itinerant, Dayton, Ore., Sept., 26th, aged 26 j R R. VanMeter, retired, Somerset, Pa., aged 50 ; A. L. Er- isman, itinerant, Kutztown, Pa., Oct. 21st, aged 34. 1897. East Pa. Conference, Allentown, Pa., Feb. 25th. R. Dubs, president ; J. H. Shirey, secretary ; W. H. Snyder, J. S. Harper, Ammon S. Miller, I. E. Johnson, Walter J. Dech, S. G. Hass, Daniel P. Longsdorf, Joseph H. Illick and Harry A. Neitz were licensed to preach ; William J. Skeifley was advanced to Deacon's, and E. H. Kistler and S. H. Chubb to Elder's orders ; E. S. Woodring and A. G. Mus- selman, probationers, were transferred to other conferences ; George Ott, Henry Horn and P. A. Glantz, elders, and William J. Ebert and A. H. Martin were received into the local relation from other denominations ; Prof. C. A. Bowman, of the Oregon Conference, was admitted, and C. Bliem was regularly added to the list of preachers. THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 617 1897. Central Fa. Conference, Carlisle, Pa., March 4th. W. M. Stanford, president; U. F. Swengel, secretary; W. W. Stittler, H. A. Snook, J. B. Meloy, O. W. Reichly, J. H. Newhouser, C. C. Johnson, A. Sunday, C. W. Guinter, James F. Hower and George L. Lovell were licensed to preach ; A. D. Gramly, W. N. Fulcomer and M. T. Crouch were advanced to Deacon's, and D. F. Young, E. Fulcomer, I. N. Bair and F. F. Mayer to Elder's orders. 1897. Pittsburg Conference, South Fork, Pa., March nth, W. M. Stanford, president; J. Q. A.Curry, secretary ; C. L. Keilheffer, a probationer, was again, and A. S. Mus- selman, of the East Pa. Conference, was newly received ; S. H. Barlett and L. O. Worman were licensed to preach ; F. C. Hetrick and Wilson Lewis were granted Deacon's, and A. F. Berkey and D. L. Yoder Elder's orders. 1897. Illinois Conference, Geneseo, 111., April 8th, R. Dubs, president ; S. F. Entorf, secretary ; W. B. McCray was granted credentials ; C. A. Waltz and M. Speck were ad- mitted ; E. LaRosh, P. G. Ludwig, W. B. McCray, G. F. Rassweiler, A. C. Huffman and Leon Boozer were licensed to preach ; E. G. Knapp, G. O. Rife and Eugene Fuessele were ordained as Deacons, and H. C. Stephan as Elder. 1897. Des Moines Conference, Belle Plaine, la., March 22d, W. M. Stanford, president, E. B. Utt, secretary ; W. J. Hahn and C. A. Mueller were granted credentials ; E. J. Wicks withdrew ; J. C. Bender, John Meyerhoff, J. P. Gra- ham and George Herrick were licensed to preach ; M. J. Randall, Karl Kaupp, P. Schmidt, F. Knuth and D. L. Hauck were ordained Deacons. 1897. Platte River Conference, Cozad, Neb., March 1 ith, R. Dubs, president ; T. W. Serf, secretary ; R. A. Pat- terson withdrew, and N. J. Kirkpatrick took credentials ; Jacob Fresch, C. F. Beller, John Skinner and Ralph Crosser were licensed to preach ; W. R. Gill, A. P. Layton, J. B. Wolford, Ira McBride, E. W. Brooker, Henry Wood and W. B. Maze were advanced to Deacon's orders. In conformity with the terms of settlement made by the re- spective attorneys of the two rival Platte River Conferences of the Evangelical Association, this conference renounced its ecclesiastical connection with the Association, and formally be- 618 THE EVAN&ELICAL ANNALS. came in fact, what it had hitherto been in spirit, the Platte River Conference of the United Evangelical Church. T. W. Serf and L. C. Brooker having been sent out, the former to Illinois and the latter to Pennsylvania, to solicit funds in aid of needy churches of this conference, suitable res- olutions of thanks were adopted. Brooker was again sent East to continue the canvass for funds, and by his efforts many weak churches received timely financial help. 1897. Oregon Conference, Corvallis, Ore., April 23d, R. Dubs, president ; C. C. Poling, secretary ; E. D. Farns- worth withdrew ; F. J. Strayer took credentials ; N. W. Sa- ger, of the Ohio, and H. Dech, of the East Pa. Conference, were admitted ; W. C. Smith was licensed to preach ; B. J. Kelly was granted Elder's orders ; M. J. Ballentyne, pre- siding elder of the conference district. . 1897. Ohio Conference, Canton, O., Sept. 23d, W. M. Stanford, president ; J. H. Schweisberger, secretary ; W. J. Schmalle, of the Illinois Conference, was received ; W. A. Houck and Charles T. Hurd were licensed to preach ; M. M. Rader was granted Deacon's and G. A. Smith, Elder's orders ; S. E. Rife, presiding elder of the conference district. Notes. — The course of events in the church was, this year, marked by many evidences of divine favor. On May 2 2d, Bishop R. Dubs, as fraternal delegate of the church, appeared before the General Conference of the United Brethren in Christ and delivered an address which was warmly received and his sentiments were reciprocated as in the olden days when Bishop Newcomer was wont to visit the "Albright Brethren," as de- tailed in the earlier part of this work. In the latter part of July the English Hymn Book left the press, giving great delight and satisfaction. The church was called upon to mourn the loss of two of her strongest pillars, in the person of M. J. Carothers, of Penn- sylvania, and D. B. Byers, of Illinois, both of whom had borne a conspicuous part in the re-organization of the church on the old foundations of the fathers. The lines of the church were materially advanced, espec- ially in the Northwest. On April 30th, W. Jonas, the pioneer presiding elder of this region, arrived at Big Stone City, South Dakota, being the first United Evangelical preacher to carry the banner of the church to that state. On this same tour he THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 619 visited Odessa, Minn., where he preached, organized a class and arranged for the building of a church. H. Borchard was soon thereafter sent there as a missionary. In June, Jonas visited Armour, S. D., and gathered the scattered Evangelicals of that region into a class. In September, Bishop Dubs visited Minnesota and dedi- cated the new church at Odessa on the 12th, and that of Slay- ton on the 19th of that month. Memorials. — The following ministers died during the year : L. N. Worman, retired, at Bethlehem, Pa., Jan. 8th, aged 66 years; Andrew Zeigenfuss, retired, Bethlehem, Pa., Jan. 21st, aged 76 years; Ferdinand Smith, itinerant, Millersburg, Pa., .Feb. nth, aged 50 years; John Wagoner, retired, Laporte, Iowa, Feb. 12th, aged 84 years; Martin J. Carothers, retired, Newviile, Pa., March 18th, aged 72 years, (See Biog.); D. B. Byers, retired, Naperville, 111., July 2d, (See Bibg. ); H. M. Liebhart, itinerant, Glennville, Nebr., June 28th, aged 54 years; Professor Otis L. Jacobs, York, Pa., Sept. 29th, aged 35 years; Wm. Shuler, itinerant, Mt. Joy, Pa., Sept. 26th, aged 36 years; G. L. Burson, retired, Tunkhannock, Pa., Nov. — , aged 37 years; Chas. Idleman, retired, Fostoria, Ohio, Dec. 26th, aged 86 years ; Joseph Buzzard, retired, Alburnett, Iowa, Dec. 26th, aged 78 years. 1898. East Pa. Conference, Pottsville, Pa., Feb. 24th, W. M. Stanford, president ; J. H. Shirey, secretary ; H. A. Dech, G. Danzer, W. E. Ebert, H. C. Aroh, and J. W. Woehrley, were granted credentials. The following were li- censed to preach: Wm. Rhoda, Jerome Garr, H. S. Landis, Wm. J. Eby, K. P. Hagner, H. J. Kline, D. H. Gottschalk, and Thomas Maternas. Deacon's orders were granted to Henry Heppler, J. B. Ehrhart, A. G. Royer, E. H. Hart- enstein, Edgar E. Stauffer, H. C. Lutz, and Dr. C. A. Bow- man, and Elder's orders to C. D. Huber, L. O. Wiest, H. C. Aroh, W. L. Teel, and W. J. Edleman. 1898. Central Pa. Conference, Hughsville, Pa., March 3d, R. Dubs, president; U. F. Swengel, secretary; S. A. Snyder, J. H. Rider, J. T. Pettit, W. J. Dice, John M. Price, F. E. Fisher, and J. H. Maice, were licensed to preach. Deacon's orders were granted to L. M. Dice, R. E. Wilson, J. O. Biggs, W. M. SanneS, U. G. Seifert, and N. J. Dubs, and Elder's orders to E. B. Dunn, F. H. Foss, C. W. Hipple, and I. E. 620 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS. Spangler. W. H. W. Gross withdrew irregularly W. E. Det- wiler, presiding elder of Williamsport District, was elected financial agent of Central Pennsylvania College, whereupon he . resigned the former office, and E. Crumbling was elected to the same and assigned to that district. 1898. Pittsburg Conference, DuBois, Pa., March xoth, R. Dubs, president ; J. Q. A. Curry, secretary ; Vinton Car- many, M. B. Kelly, D. K. Miller, Daniel Berkey, G. C. McDowell, and T. J. Barlett received license to preach. H. B. Seese, J. C. Powell, S. M. Cousins, and S. H. Barlett were granted Deacon's, and S. H. Steward, G. W. Imboden, and M. E. Borger, Elder's orders ; J. Esch withdrew. J. Q. A. Curry and J. J. Carmany were elected presiding elders. The districts were assigned as follows : Allegheny, J. W. Domer ; Franklin, J. J. Carmany; Somerset, J. Q. A. Curry. 1898. Illinois Conference, Stockton, 111., March 24th, W. M. Stanford, president; W. Caton, secretary; W. R. Mar- shall was licensed to preach. Deacon's orders were granted E. S. Woodring, J. F. VanEvera, Emanuel Eller, W. W. Un- derkoffler, and L. C. Schmidt. Elders to J. G. Eller. W. J Schmalle withdrew. H. W. Beightol took credentials. W. Caton was elected financial agent for the prospective college. H. Schneider was newly elected to the office of presiding elder, and the districts were assigned as follows : Chicago, F. Busse j Naperville, E. K. Yeakel ; Freeport, W. H. Fouke ; Southern, H. Schneider. 1898. Des Moines Conference, Zearing, Iowa, March 31st, R. Dubs, president ; E. B. Utt, secretary ; C. A. Thompson, L. H. Wood, P. N. Liddell, Arthur B. Morris, Gerhart Huelsebus, H. C.Weiland, Aug. Thuran, J. A. Harris, Aaron Ferch, and Carl Affroth were granted license to preach. J. Bamford, G. W. Thompson, F. A. Schmalle, J. D. Klooz, and J. Haehnlan were advanced to Deacon's, and C. A. Rab- ing to Elder's order. S. A. Walton withdrew. A. L. Golden took credentials. H. C. Aroh, of the East Pa. Conference, and J. J. DeWall, A. Walch, E. Wilson, and J. G. Waltz, of other denominations were admitted into conference. J. E. Stauffacher and G. W. Mullen were elected to the office of presiding elder. The districts were assigned as follows : Cedar Rapids, G. W. Mullen ; Des Moines, J. E. Stauffacher ; Le- Mars, W. Jonas ; Ackley, F. Belzer. THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 621 1898. Platte River Conference, Alma, Nebr., March 17th, R. Dubs, president ; T. W. Serf, secretary ; J. Haldeman took credentials. W. R. Geil withdrew. Wm. Eby, of the East Pa. Conference, and J. M. Hamon and S. L. Linsey were admitted. J. L. Beebe, Benj. Hilliar, A. E. Miller, C. C. Talbot and Charles Taylor were granted license to preach. A. Esley, and J. M. Runcie were advanced to Deacon's, and H. L. Price, ' and F. Devol to Elder's orders. 1898. Oregon Conference, Portland, Ore., April 14th, W. M. Stanford, president ; C. C. Poling, secretary ; G. J. Cole- man, returned to the East; Guy Phelps was admitted; S. M. Woods was licensed to preach ; C. T. Crow was granted Deacon's and Benjamin Hartman and E. E. McVicar Elder's orders. 1898. Ohio Conference, Greensburg, O., Sept. 22A, W. M. Stanford, president ; J. H. Schweisberger, secretary ; N. W. Sager, of the Oregon Conference, was received ; H. A. Hensel, R. W. Sager and A. W. Smith were advanced to Dea- con's, and H. Victor Summers to Elder's orders. Notes. — Many noteworthy events mark the progress of the year. Many glorious revivals were reported, one of which, at Carlisle, Pa., under the pastorate of Rev. M. F. Fosselman, resulted in nearly 350 conversions. Great progress was made along educational lines. Albright Collegiate Institute was advanced to a college grade. W. E. Detwiler, of the Central Pa. Conference, was placed in the field to solicit endowment funds for Central Pa. College, while W. Caton, of the Illinois, was sent out in the interests of a prospective educational institution in the West. The church continued to extend her borders in many quar- ters, and many accessions were reported in Oregon ; the South Indiana Conference, and the North West. In February Wil- liam Jonas visited Redwood Falls and Renville, Minn., and es- tablished the United Evangelical work in that region. On July 10th, Bishop Dubs dedicated the first church of our denomination in the state of North Dakota at Big Stone City. Another church was dedicated on Odessa Mission, Minn., July 17th, and one at Lake Wilson, Minn., Nov. 13th. * *In the month of December Presiding Elder Jonas for the first time visited the region contiguous to Paynesville and St. Cloud, Minn., preaching with great success. A large number of people being desirous of the permanent establish- ment of the United Evangelical Church in that region, Jonas appointed Rev. Thomas Koch to take charge of the work. 622 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS. £. B. Esher, attorney-in-chief of the Evangelical Associa- tion, having repudiated the settlement made between the attor- neys and representative of the hitherto rival Platte River Con- ferences of the Evangelical Association a new agreement was. entered into on March 24th, of this year, whereby the ecclesi- astical status of each was finally adjudicated. Memorials. — The sainted dead of this year embrace several notable names, among them was the most prolific author of the church, J. Kaechele, and Jacob Saylor, the oldest minister of the church, who entered the work in 1834. He was a brother of Rev. J M. Saylor, and one of the fruits of the great Or- wigsburg revival of 182 1 : H. R. Price, retired, died Jan. 9th, Oregon, Mo., aged 73 years ; J. Kaechele, itinerent, died Jan. 27th, Buffalo, N. Y., (See Biog.) ; Joseph Snavely, local, died Feb. 14th, Yorkanna, Pa., aged 85 years; F. L. Mason, itinerant, died March 20th, Kearney, Neb., aged 39 years ; Jacob Saylor, retired, died May 7th, Naperville, 111., aged 92 years ; E. H. Hartenstein, itinerant, died Aug. 27th, Harrisburg, Pa., aged 23 years; Dr. J. C. Bowman, local, died Aug. 9th, Girard, O., aged 79 years ; Noah Doebler, retired, Snyder county, Pa., died Oct. 29th, aged 74 years; H. H. Bair, retired, Austin, 111., died Nov. 26th, aged 72 years. CHAPTER VII. The Second General Conference, Held at Johnstown, Pa., 1898. 1898. The second General Conference convened in the Trinity United Evangelical church, in Johnstown, Pa., Oct. 6th, 1898. Bishops R. Dubs and W. M.Stanford presided, and U. F. Swengel was secretary. There were seated, besides the bishops, thirty-nine ministerial delegates and two alter- nates, and thirty lay delegates and six alternates ; a total mem- bership of seventy-nine. Bishop Dubs read the episcopal mes- sage, which was the first in the history of the church. It was a very comprehensive document, and gave a lucid review of the struggles and triumphs of the church during the past four years, with many valuable suggestions which were referred to the various committees. Fraternal Delegates. — Dr. I. L. Kephart, editor of the Religious Telescope and fraternal delegate of the United Breth- ren in Christ to this body, appeared before the conference and delivered an inspiring address, which was responded to by Bishop R. Dubs. H. B.' Hartzler was chosen to represent this body at the next session of the General Conference of the United Brethren in Christ. Memorials. — The death of M. J. Carothers, H. Roh- land, J. M. Ettinger, D. B. Bvers and J. Kaechele, minis- ters, and Prof. O. L. Jacobs and W. P. Huber, laymen, was reported, and impressive services were held in their memory. Ecumenical Council. — In view of the fact that the third Ecumenical Council of Methodism is announced to meet in London in the year 1901, and our church having received a cordial invitation to participate, Bishops R. Dubs, W. M. Stanford, and U. F. Swengel were constituted a committee to arrange for our proper representation in that Council. £24 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS. Bishop R. Dubs was made the delegate to the Ecumenical Methodist Conference to meet in London in 1901, and Bishop W. M. Stanford was made the alternate. Boundaries. — LeMars and Ackley districts of the Des Moines Conference were detached therefrom and constituted the Northwestern Conference. Provision was also made for the formation of another, to be called the Kansas Conference, by detaching a part of the Platte River Conference at such time as may be agreed upon by the bishops and the latter con- ference. South Cleveland Mission of the Ohio, was added to the Illinois Conference. Missions. — A deep and universal desire throughout the ■church for the establishing of a mission among the heathen, found expression in a resolution for its immediate consumma- tion. To the Board of Missions was committed this great un- dertaking, and they were instructed to carry out the desire of the church just as soon as financial and other conditions would warrant the success of the project. Books and Publishing Interests. — The report of the pub- lisher disclosed a rapid development of the publishing inter- ests of the church. The plant of the Evangelical Publishing Company at Harrisburg, Pa., was acquired in 1895 at a cost of {16,000, although its actual value was twice that sum. Ad- ditional property adjoining the plant had also been purchased ; the publishing house had been enlarged ; new printing presses And other costly machinery had been added, so that the estab- lishment is now very complete and valuable. A full line of church literature is published in both the English and German languages. The conference provided for an English Catechism by the appointment of a committee consisting of four minis- ters, who were authorized to make a selection of, and adopt one of several manuscripts presented, or themselves prepare one for immediate publication. A new and very comprehensive Course of Study for minis- ters was adopted, and a committee appointed to whom was en- trusted the preparation of a German Course as soon as prac- ticable. The Keystone League of Christian Endeavor Depos- itory, hitherto located at Reading, Pa., was tendered to, and accepted by the General Conference under favorable condi- tions, thus completing the unification of all the publishing in- terests of the church under her immediate control. THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 625 The Discipline was thoroughly revised and corrected, the principal additions being a section on "Bible Study" and another on " Evangelists." Statistics. — The report of the statistician indicated a re- markable advancement along all lines of church work, some items showing a progress above the average of any other de- nomination. The membership was reported as 59,190, a gain of 8,950 in three years. Some other items were as follows: Itinerant preachers, 426; local preachers, 214; churches, 634 ; parsonages, 145 ; Sunday-schools, 784 ; officers and teachers, 10,602; scholars, 74,651 ; K. L. C. E. Societies, 427; active members, 15,170; Junior Societies, 109: membership, 2,667 ; Woman's Missionary Societies, 168; membership, 3,532; Junior Societies, 15 ; membership, 465 ; Mission Bands, 90 ; membership, 2,917. Church Extension. — A Church Extension Society was or- ganized, and a constitution adopted. J. G. Mohn, W. E. Det- wiler, J. W. Domer, B. H. Niebel and T. L. Haines were elected as trustees of the same. Officials Elected. — The following church officers were elected for the coming quadrennium : Bishops, R. Dubs and W. M. Stanford ; publisher, S. L. Wiest ; editor of the Evan- gelical, H. B. Hartzler ; editor of the Evangelische Zeitschrift, C. N. Dubs ; statistician, B. H. Niebel ; Board of Publica- tion, S. S. Chubb, J. G. Mohn, W. E. Detwiler, I. Bower, J. W. Domer, H. P. Crouse, W. Jonas, T. L. Haines, B. H. Niebel and H. L. Lomax. Board of Missions. — President, S. L. Wiest; secretary, U. F. Swengel ; treasurer, J. G. Mohn ; corresponding secre- tary, W. F. Heil. K. L. C. E. Board of Managers. — F. J. Boyer, U. F. Swengel, J. Q. A. Curry, S. G. Domer, W. H. Fouke, J. S. Bartley, J. H. Mayne, A. L. Keenan and G. S. Smith. Delegates — East Pa. Conference. — Clerical, B. J. Smoyer, A. M. Sampsel, A. M. Stirk, C. S. Haman, J. D. Woodring, W. F. Heil, S. S. Chubb, J. H. Shirey and G. W. Gross*; laymen, A. S. Beisel, A. C. Nolf, J. G. Mohn, B. K. Kehler, John Hendel, W. Litzenberger, R. W. Bard, W. G. Borg- ner.* Central Pa. Conference. — Clerical, U. F. Swengel, W. E. Detwiler, E. Crumbling, N. Young, A. Stapleton, A. E. «26 THE EVANGELICAL AlfNALS. Gobble, J. W. Messenger, H. W. Buck, S. P. Remkr, A. H. Irvine* ; laymen, I. S. Frain, J. S. Anstine, G. W. Thomas, I. Bower, Charles Shaffer, W. A. Morris,* J. S. Hetrick.* Pittsburg Conference. — Clerical, J. J. Carmany, J. W. Do- mer, J. Q. A. Curry, B. F. Feitt, A. J. Bird ; laymen, J. S. Kimmel, D. Lavely, F. P. Hetrick, J. Troutman. Ohio Conference. — Clerical, S. E. Rife, L. M. Boyer ; lay- men, D. Z. Herr, R. M. Burkett. Illinois Conference. — Clerical, W. H. Fouke, E. K. Yeakel, F. Busse, H. Schneider, A. Haefele, W. Caton, S. F. En- torf ; laymen, J. Strickfaden, I. J. Vogelgesang, H. Meisel, S. Senneff, D. B. Givler, B. H. Sodt*, H. H. Lichten- WALNER.* Des Moines Conference. — Clerical, W. Jonas, B. H. Niebel, J. E. Stauffacher, Emil Mueller, G. W. Mullen ; laymen, N. R. Clift, E. E. Hoover, O. F. Henkel, J. Spies, G. Nicholas. Platte River Conference. — Clerical, S. B. Dillow, M. T. Maize; laymen, J. A. Smith, H. Wingart.* Oregon Conference. — Clerical, C. C Poling ; laymen, Eli Seese. 'Alternates. CHAPTER VIII. The Church Societies. — The Keystone Leagwe of Chris- tian Endeavor. This society was constituted an organization of the church at the Philadelphia General Conference. The Managing Board met in that city on Oct. 13th, and elected the following officers for the society : President, W. H. Fouke ; vice-president, W. C. Weiss ; secretary, U. F. Swengel ; treasurer, F. Pfunder. In a short time many local societies were formed : The first to report, were York, (Trinity) Pa., Shannon, 111., Sterling, 111., Freeport, 111., and Forreston, 111., in the order named. The Keystone League of Christan Endeavor of the United Evangel- ical Church, was recognized immediately after its organization, as an integral part of the United Society of Christian Endeavor by its founder and president, Dr. Francis Clark, and is repre- sented by a trustee on the Board of the United Society. The first distinctively K. L. C. E. convention was held at Lewisburg, Pa., June 16, 1892, and was under the auspices of the Central Pa. Conference. Organizations were soon effected in all the conferences, and conference and district conventions held. The influence of the Society in developing the latent tal- ent, especially of the young, in the church, has been most salu- tary. Missionary Society. — The Parent Missionary Society of the United Evangelical Church passed through many trying or- deals during the period of the church disruption. Soon after the Philadelphia General Conference, an action at law was brought against the treasurer, M. Kunkel, at Chicago, 111., by the "Majority" leaders, restraining him from receiving money in the name of the Missionary Society of the Evangelical Asso- ciation. In October, 1892, the society held its annual meeting 687 888 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS. at Canton, Ohio, where an additional action was instituted against its officers by the opposition. Notwithstanding all these difficulties, the energetic corres- ponding secretary,. Rev. B. J. Smoyer, remained faithfully at his post and rendered valuable service to the church. The treasurer having resigned, the executive committee of the Board of Mis- sions elected J. G. Mohn, of Reading, Pa., to that office in May, 1892, and who was re-elected to that office by the General Conference in 1894 and 1898. The meetings of the Board of Missions have been as follows : 1895. Lewisburg, Pa., Oct. 3d, president, S. L. Wiest ; vice-president, I. Bower ; secretary, U. F. Swengel ; treasurer, J. G. Mohn ; W. F. Heil, for the East Pa. Conference ; W. E. Detwiler, Central Pa. Conference; A. J. Bird, Pittsburg Conference ; A. W. Brown, Ohio Conference ; W. H. Fouke, Illinois Conference ; W. Jonas, Des Moines Conference ; Bishop W. M. Stanford, Oregon Conference; Mrs. Elizabeth Krecker, W. M. S. 1896. Baltimore, Md., Oct. 8th, S. L. Wiest, president; I. Bower, vice president; U. F. Swengel, secretary; J. G. Mohn, treasurer; W. F. Heil, East Pa. Conference; W. E. Detweiler, Central Pa. Conference ; F. W. Barlett, Pittsburg Conference ; W. E. Bailey, Ohio Conference ; W. H. Fouke, Illinois Conference; B. H. Niebel, Des Moines Conference; Bishop W. M. Stanford, Platte River Conference; Bishop R. Dubs, Oregon Conference; Mrs. W. H. Fouke, W. M. S. 1897. Reading, Pa., Oct. 7th, S. L. Wiest, president ; I. Bower, vice-president; U. F. Swengel, secretary; J. G. Mohn, treasurer ; A. M. Samfsel, East Pa. Conference ; W. E. Detwiler, Central Pa. Conference ; A. J. Bird, Pittsburg Conference ; W. W. Sherrick, Ohio Conference ; W. H. Fouke, Illinois Conference; Emil Mueller, Des Moines Conference; Bishop W. M. Stanford, Platte River Conference ; Bishop R. Dubs, Oregon Conference ; Mrs. W. H. Fouke, W. M. S. 1898. Johnstown, Pa., Oct. 10th, S. L. Wiest, president; I. Bower, vice-president; U. F. Swengel, secretary; A. M. Sampsel, East Pa. Conference ; A. H. Irvine, Central Pa. Conference ; A. J. Bird, Pittsburg Conference ; W. S. Harp- ster, Ohio Conference ; W. H. Fouke, Illinois Conference ; Emil Mueller, Des Moines Conference; M. T. Maze, Platte River Conference ; C. C. Poling, Oregon Conference ; Mrs. THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 629 C. F. Rassweiler, W. M. S ; Bishops Dubs and Stanford ad- visory members. The Woman's Missionary Society. — This Society may be said to be the only organization of the Evangelical Association that as a whole remained true to the "Minority." This was due to the fact that its organization was effected, and its cause championed against considerable opposition from "official" sources by that part of the church with which it subsequently cast its lot. The influence of Mrs. Elizabeth Krecker, the widow of the sainted Dr. F. Krecker, was also most salutary. Through all these years of conflict she was unremitting in her labors of love for the holy cause of missions. She attended nearly all the conference sessions, and made frequent and ex- tended journeys, organized local societies, delivered addresses, etc., in the interests of the cause. Owing to the division of the church, the Society was de- prived of its organ, the Missionary Messenger, but this loss was soon overcome by the appearance of the Missionary Tidings as its organ, and hence the various interests of the society have had a continuous succession from the founding of the society to the present time.* The annual conventions since 1887 to 1898, with the officers elected at each session, have been as follows : 1888. Chicago, 111., Sept. 28-30, president, Mrs. H. B. Hartzler; recording secretary, Mrs. M. A. Baltz; corres- ponding secretary, Mrs. C. F. Rassweiler; treasurer, Mrs. Nellie G. Schneider. 1889. Reading, Pa., Sept. 20-22, president, Mrs. C. F. Rassweiler; vice-president, Mrs. Elizabeth Krecker ; record- ing secretary, Mrs. M. A. Baltz ; corresponding secretary, Mrs. S. F. Entorf ; treasurer, Mrs. N. G. Schneider ; superintendent of Mission Bands, Mrs. T. L. Haines. 1890. Cleveland, Ohio, Sept. 19-22, president, Mrs. C. F. Rassweiler; vice-president, Mrs. Elizabeth Krecker; re- cording secretary, Mrs. M. A. Baltz; corresponding secretary, Mrs. Ada B. Collins ; treasurer, Mrs. Nellie G. Schneider ; superintendent Mission Bands, Mrs. T. L. Haines ; general or- ganizer, Mrs. Elizabeth Krecker. * By the re-organization in 1895, the efficiency of the society was greatly increased. The creation of a Woman's Board of Missions, and by the admit- tance of a representative in the Board of the Parent Society, the unifying of the missionary interests of the church became complete. 630 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS. 1891. Naferville, 111., Nov. 7-10, president, Mrs. C. F. Rassweiler ; vice-president, Mrs. Elizabeth Krecker ; record- ing secretary, Mrs. M. A. Baltz ; corresponding secretary, Mrs. Ada B. Collins ; treasurer, Mrs. Nellie G. Schneider ; su- perintendent of Mission Bands, Mrs. T. L. Haines ; general organizer, Mrs. Elizabeth Krecker. 1892. Johnstown, Pa., Sept. 24-27, president Mrs. Eliza- beth Krecker ; vice-president, Mrs. C. F. Rassweiler ; record- ing secretary, Mrs. S. P. Remer ; corresponding secretary, Mrs. W. M. Stanford; treasurer, Mrs. S. L. Wiest; superintendent of Mission Bands, Mrs. T. L. Haines ; general organizer, Mrs. Elizabeth Krecker ; editor of the newly established Missionary Tidings, Mrs. F. G. Stauffer. 1893. Lebanon, Pa., Sept. 21-24, president, Mrs. Eliza- beth Krecker ; vice-president, Mrs. U. F. Swengel ; record- ing secretary, Mrs. S. P. Remer ; corresponding secretary, Mrs. "W. M. Stanford ; treasurer, Mrs. W. Detwiler ; superintend- ent of Mission Bands, Mrs. T. L. Haines ; general organizer, Mrs. Elizabeth Krecker; editor of Missionary Tidings, Mrs. F. G. Stauffer. 1894. Williamsport, Pa., Sept. 20-24, president and or- ganizer, Mrs. Elizabeth Krecker ; vice-president, Mrs. W. M. Stanford ; recording secretary, Mrs. S. P. Remer ; correspond- ing secretary, Mrs. B. F. Bowman ; treasurer, Mrs. W. E. Det-' wiler; superintendent of Mission Bands, Mrs. T. L. Haines; editor of Missionary Tidings, Mrs. Emma Divan. 1895. Lewisburg, Pa., Sept. 12-15, president and organ- izer, Mrs. Elizabeth Krecker; vice-president, Mrs. W. M. Stanford; recording secretary, Mrs. S. P. Remer; correspond- ing secretary, Mrs. B. F. Bowman ; treasurer, Mrs. W. E. Det- wiler; superintendent of Mission Bands, Mrs. T. L. Haines; editor of Missionary Tidings, Mrs. Emma Divan. 1896. Glen Rock, Pa., Oct. 1, Mrs. Elizabeth Krecker, president ; Mrs. W. .M. Stanford, vice-president ; Mrs. S. P. Remer, recording secretary ; Miss Carrie Bordlemay, corres- ponding secretary ; Mrs. W. E. Detwiler, treasurer ; Mrs. T. L. Haines, superintendent of Mission Bands ; Mrs. A. H. Irvine, superintendent of Junior Society ; Mrs. C. N. Dubs, superintend- ent of Bureau of Literature ; Mrs. Emma Divan, editor of Missionary Tidings. 1897. Reading, Pa., Sept. 30, Mrs. Elizabeth Krecker, THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 631 president and organizer ; Mrs. T. L. Haines, vice-president and superintendent of Mission Bands ; Mrs. S. P. Remer, secre- tary; Mrs. W. E. Detwiler, treasurer; Mrs. A. H. Irvine, superintendent of Junior Society; Mrs. C. N. Dubs, superintend- ent of literature ; Mrs. Emma Divan, editor of Missionary Tidings; Mrs. Marguerite Krecker Vincent, editor of Mis- sionary Evangelical. 1898. South Fork, Pa., Oct. 6-10, Mrs. Elizabeth Krecker, president and organizer; Mrs. T. L. Haines, vice- president and superintendent of Mission Bands; Mrs. S. P. Remer, secretary; Mrs. W. E. Detwiler, treasurer; Mrs. C. N. Dubs, superintendent of literature ; Mrs. M. M. T. Fouke, editor of Missionary Tidings ; Mrs. Marguerite Krecker Vin- cent, editor of Missionary Evangelical; Mrs. Josie McLaine, superintendent of Young People's Societies. Literary Institutions. — By the most reprehensible ma- nipulations the Esher faction gained control of the North Western College at Naperville, 111., in the early stages of the difficulty. Its efficient president, Prof. H. H. Rassweiler, was removed, and Bishop Thomas Bowman took his place. In the East, Central Pa. College at New Berlin, Pa., and Schuylkill Seminary at Fredericksburg, Pa., remained in full control of the minority until after the decision of the supreme court in October, 1894. In the autumn of this year Prof. G. Holtzapfel resigned the presidency of Schuylkill Seminary, and Prof. E. Chubb succeeded him. The buildings of Palatinate College, situated at Myerstown, Pa., were leased by the repre- sentatives of the East Pa. Conference, and the school was re- moved from Schulkill Seminary to that place near the close of December, the entire faculty and nearly all the students for- sook the old, and went with the new institution. At the next session of the East Pa. Conference the institution was named "Albright Collegiate Institute." In the spring of 1896 the property was purchased for the sum of #10,000. The value of the property is at the present time three times the amount paid for it. In the spring of 1896 the institution was advanced to a full college grade. Prof. Chubb was succeeded as principal in the summer of 1895 by Rev J. B. Esenwein, who was succeeded in the autumn of 1896 by Prof. C. A. Bowman. Central Pa. College suffered no interruption whatever through 632 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS. the church division, although its patronage was somewhat lim- ited by reason of the uncertainty of the outcome, which was happily removed by the purchase of the institution on May n, 1896. At the session of the Central Pa. Conference in 1898, Rev. W. E. Detwiler, was elected as financial agent of the institu- tion, steps having been taken to raise an endowment fund of $ 1 00,000, for the sustentation of the college. Lafayette Seminary, situated at Lafayette, Ore., was also saved as an institution of the United Evangelical Church by a process of transfer. Its financial embarrassment, incurred in consequence of the church troubles, was relieved by confer- ence pledges in the East in 1895. After the spring session of 1895, Prof. C. A. Bowman, who had for some time been its efficient president, returned East to accept a position in Albright College, and Rev. C. C. Poling took his place. At the opening of the following fall term, Prof. D. M. Metzger, of the Central Pa. Conference, was added to the faculty of that institution. CHAPTER IX. Additional Short Biographical Sketches. Hev. Martin J. Carothers.— This distinguished man of God was born of Scotch-Irish ancestry, Aug. 14, 1825, at Plainfield, Cumberland Co., Pa., and died in Newville, near the place of his birth, March 18, 1897. In 1842 he was con- verted to God under the labors of Rev. Moses Bower and soon thereafter realized an inward call to the work of the min- istry. In 1846 he attended the session of the West Pa. (now the Central) Conference of the Evangelical Church where he was licensed to preach, and was assigned to a charge. Although unable to exercise in the German language at a time when that tongue was almost exclusively used, he nevertheless at once took high rank among his brethren and was well received by the people. Already in 1851 he was elected as an alternate to General Conference, and in 1855 he attended the General Conference as a delegate, and represented his conference in that capacity at every succeeding one up to the time of his death. He rep- resented his conference in the Board of Missions many years, and also served one term on the Board of Publication. His service to his own conference was varied and valuable, and for many years he was regarded as the leader of that body. For seventeen successive years he was treasurer and managed the finances with exceptional ability. In 1868 he was elected presiding elder and served three terms ; again elected in 1883 he served three terms more, twenty-four years in all in that office. Brother Carothers took advanced grounds in educational matters, and to him may be attributed the saving for the church of the Union Seminary (now Central Pa. College) when it was overtaken by financial disaster as the result of the civil war. As a writer he was little known, but as an eloquent and pow- erful preacher and leader he stood in his palmy days without a 633 634 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS. superior in. the church. la the disruption, period he proved a tower of strength to the minority, and his wise counsels, moral courage and immovable devotion to the principles of the *athers was an inspiration to many faltering ones. His wish to die * ' in the harness " was virtually granted, as he took a super- annuated relation but a few weeks before his death. His wife and five children survived him. Daniel B. Byers was born in Ohio in 1835. In 1850 the family removed to Illinois. In early life he became a sin- cere Christian, and through the promptings of the Spirit dedi- cated his life to the work of the ministry. In 1856 he was licensed by the Illinois Conference, and assigned to a charge. He rose rapidly in the estimation of his conference and was always given appointments requiring the highest qualifications. In 1868 he was elected presiding elder and assigned to Freeport District. In 1876 he was again elected to that office and once more assigned to Freeport District. Again elected to that office in 1882 he served Elgin District two years, and Mendota District the same length of time. Re-elected in 1890, he was assigned to Naperville District, but failing health compelled him to resign the office in 1891. Brother Byers served four times as delegate to the General Conference under the Evangelical Association, and also to the General Conferences of the United Evangelical Church at Philadelphia in 1891, and Naperville in 1894. He possessed many excellent qualities of mind and heart. His pulpit efforts evinced thoroughness of preparation, while determinate straight- forwardness characterized his official life. His pen was tren- chant and prolific, and furnished many timely articles for the church periodicals. He was the author of two excellent books, namely, "Physical Death Not the Penalty" (1869), and "The Christian Sabbath " (1879). He also furnished articles repre- senting the United Evangelical Church, for the New York In- dependent, and "The American Series of Church Histories." After a long season of suffering, he passed to his reward £t Naperville, 111., July 2, 1897, being survived by his wrfe and six children. Rev. Jacob Kaecuele was born Dec. 23, 1832, in Rot- tenacker, Wuertemberg, Germany. In 1854 he emigrated to Canada where he was converted in 1855. In 1858 he entered the ministry of the Evangelical Association in Canada. In 1866 THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 635 iie was sent by the Board of Missions as missionary to Switzer- land where he labored with wonderful success. In 1868 he was elected presiding elder and assigned to the Swiss District. Re- elected in 1872, he was placed on Reutlingen District. In 1871 he was elected by the General Conference as editor of the .Evan- jrelische Botschafter, and re-elected to the same office in 1875, thus filling several responsible offices at the same time. He was a delegate to the General Conference of 187 1, 1875, 1879 and 1883. In the disruption of the church he was a pro- nounced minority man, and as pastor of an Evangelical con- gregation in Buffalo, N. Y., he gathered his members of like sentiment into an independent society, which later connected it- self with the United Evangelical Church, and with Bro. Kae- chele as pastor, was taken into the East Pa. Conference. In this relation he passed to his reward after intense and pro- longed suffering, Jan. 27, 1898. Bro. Kaechele was a profound thinker, an intensely spirit- ual and earnest preacher, and a prolific writer. His published works comprise the following titles, "Reflections on the Lord's Prayer," "Reflections on the Decalogue," "The Final Tri- umph of Christianity," "The Parisian Blood Nuptials," "Blas- pheming the Holy Spirit," "Restoration of All Things," "On Mormonism, " "On the Signs of the Times," "Jesus in Moses," "Sketches of Sermons on Isolated Texts," Discourses at Wed- dings and Funerals;" "The Evangelical Catechism," "Fifty Sketches of Sermons on the Holy Spirit, " and " Waiting for the Second Coming of Christ." Rev. Amos M. Stirk was born at Terre Hill, Lancaster •Co., Pa., June '15, 1837, and died suddenly of heart failure, at his home in Lebanon, Pa., Feb. 6, 1900, aged 62 years, 7 months and 21 days. Brother Stirk was converted when young, and was licensed to preach in 1867, by the East Pa. Conference. In 1868 he entered the active ranks, and rose rapidly in pub- lic estimation. He was a member of every General Conference from 1883 to the time of his death. In 1884 he was elected presiding elder and assigned to Harrisburg District, which he •served four years. Re-elected in 1888, he served Reading Dis- trict three years, when he resigned his office and served Salem congregation in Allentown one year. Again elected presiding elder in 1892, he served Philadelphia District two years and Allentown District one year.' Re-elected under the new church 686 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS. constitution in 1895, he served Allentown District four years more. He was re-elected in 1899 for the last time and assigned to Harrisburg District. Brother Stirk was held in high esteem throughout the church as a faithful minister and wise counsellor, and his loss was keenly felt. He was survived by a wife and three children. CHAPTER X. ADDENDA. It seems desirable to add a brief resum6 of important events relating to the United Evangelical Church since 1898, before finally closing this work. The Great Head of the Church has continued the bestowment of His gracious favors, and conse- quent prosperity has crowned the various interests of our Zion down to the closing year of the century. Boundaries. The boundaries of the church have been recently extended by the organization of the Northwestern Con- ference in 1899. The conference was constituted into two dis- tricts, with W. Jonas and Emil Mueller as the presiding elders. Kimball and Faynesville Missions in Minnesota, and Anamoose in North Dakota, were constituted. A mission was also located this year at Omaha, Neb., and one at St. Paul, Minn., the year following. Foreign Mission. The Board of Missions carried out the instructions of the General Conference by establishing a heathen mission. This, however, was not accomplished without much research and a careful canvass for unoccupied ground. After prayerful consideration the province of Hunan, in China, was selected as the mission field. At a meeting of the Executive Committee, held at Reading, Pa., Jan. 10, 1900, a superintendent for the work was selected in the person of Rev. C. Newton Dubs, of the Illinois Conference, a son of Bishop Dubs, and editor of the Evangelisclie ZeUschrift. At a later date Rev. A. Wesley Mell, of Iowa, was selected as an addi- tional missionary. These men of God accepted the responsible trust, and with their life companions are now making prepara- tion for their departure to their designated fields. Educational. The educational projects of the Western conferences culminated in the acquirement of the LeMars (Iowa) Normal School buildings under very favorable condi- 637 638 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS. tions. The estimated value of the property being £35,000. The meeting at which final action was taken was held at LeMars, April 10, 1900, and was attended by Bishops Dubs and Stan- ford, and the following representatives from their respective conferences: H. Schneider, S. F. Entorf and C. Plagge, of the Illinois ; M. T. Maze and S. B. Dillow, of the Platte River ; Wm. Klinefelter, E. B. Utt and N. R. Clift, of the Des Moines ; and Wm. Jonas, Emil Mueller and Henry Schneider, of the Northwestern. The new institution was named the Western Union College. Prof. H. H. Thoren, of Illinois, was- chosen as president, and B. F. Niebel as general agent of the college. Arrangements were made for the opening of the institution in the month of September following in all depart- ments with a full and excellent faculty. A change in the location of our institution of learning on the Pacific Coast became advisable, and in consequence of which a desirable property was secured in the town of Dallas, Oregon, under very advantageous conditions. To this new location the institution, hitherto situated at Lafayette, Oregon, is to be re- moved as soon as convenient, and without any change in the management of the same. Rev. C. C. Poling, who for a num- ber of years has been the president of Lafayette Seminary, will continue in that capacity in Dallas College. Statistical. The official statistics of the church afford us the following aggregates : 1899 — membership, 59*830 ■ itinerant preachers, 454; local preachers, 223; churches, 734. 1900 — membership, 60,993 ; itinerant preachers, 478 ; local preachers, 202 ; churches, 763. Conference Sessions — 1899. East Pa., Mohnsville, Pa., Feb. 23, Bishop Dubs, chairman ; Central Pa., Lewisburg, Pa., March 2, Bishop Stanford, chairman; Pittsburg, Haw- thorne, Pa., March 9, Bishop Stanford, chairman. This con- ference resolved hereafter to hold its sessions in the Autumn r and effected the change by holding its next session in Septem- ber of this same year. Ohio, Findlay, O., Sept., 28, Bishop Dubs, chairman; Illinois, Naperville, 111., March 23, Bishop Dubs, chairman; Des Moines, near Hinton, Iowa, March 30, Bishop Dubs, chairman; Northwestern — this conference was- formed by a division of the Des Moines, and had its first ses- sion immediately after the Stationing Committee reported. Bishop Dubs presided. Platte River, Dawson, Neb., March. THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 639 1 6, Bishop Stanford, chairman ; Oregon, Lafayette, Ore., April 13, Bishop Stanford, chairman. 19Q0. East Pa., Lancaster, Pa., Feb., 22, Bishop Stan- ford, chairman; Central Pa., Williamsport, Pa., March 1, Bishop Dubs, chairman ; Pittsburg, Johnstown, Pa., Septem- ber; Ohio, Youngstown, O., September; Illinois, Barrington,: 111., March 22, Bishop Dubs, chairman; Des Moines, Iowa Centre, Iowa, March 29, Bishop Stanford, chairman; North- western, Ackley, Iowa, April 5, Bishop Dubs, chairman ; Platte River, Blue Springs, Neb., March 15, Bishop Dubs, chairman; Oregon, Hilisboro, Ore., April 19, Bishop Dubs, chairman. Ministerial Necrology— 1899. J. F. Thomas, local, at York, Pa., March 15, aged 74 years ; J. B. Fox, itinerant, at York, Pa., April 29, aged 40 years ; W. F. Walker, retired, at Chicago, 111., June 12, aged 67 years; P. L. Ellis, local, at Cambridge, Neb., June 30, aged 86 years ; John Miller, re- tired, at Naperville, 111., Sept. 11, aged 78 years; Abraham Loehner, retired, at Colfax, Ohio, Sept. 21, aged 87 years; 0. P. Crawford, local, at Radcliffe, Iowa, Sept. 2, aged 80 years. 1900. A. M. Stirk, itinerant, Lebanon, Pa., Feb. 6, aged 62 years ; F. P. Lehr, itinerant, died at conference session, Lancaster, Pa., Feb. 24, aged 71 years; J. G. Whitmire, re- tired, at Bloomsburg, Pa., April 5, aged 44 years ; C. F. Fry, local, at Nescopeck, Pa., May 5, aged 47 years. CHAPTER XL Statistical Table of Membership Since 1887 of the Con- ferences Constituting THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. Conferences. £ 1890 I 73 5 1891 2 I East Fa., .... Central Pa.,. , Pittsburg, . . . Ohio , Illinois, Des Moines, . , Platte River, Oregon, 17.148 I4.903 8,817 17.958 14,280 9,066 114 88 63 18,190 I4.4?4 9.5IO 116 92 62 18,532 14.562 9.992 "3 97 63 87 57 38 ".455 3.915 1.836 1.295 105 4i 25 14 n.637 4.249 1,8' 1.539 101 40 25 17 11,507 4.503 *2,OO0 *I,650 4.543 1.855 1.521 38 21 10 Conferences. 1892 £ a 1893 1894 1895 East Pa., . . . Central Pa., Pittsburg, .. Ohio Illinois Des Moines, , Platte River, , Oregon, .... 18,334 14.932 9.737 92 102 64 5,407 1,860 18,819 15.430 9.3IO 1,688 5,i3i 2,083 1,063 87 100 61 8 62 20 17 18,524 16,754 9.992 2.254 4,627 5.426 3,781 98 103 62 13.990 15.829 8,795 2,409 5.053 4,602 2,166 926 8948 102 58 20 72 48 69 17 5'io 17 * Estimated. 640 THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. Ml Statistical Table of Membership Since 1887 of the Con- ferences Constituting THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. ( Concluded. ) Conferences. 1896 1897 .a a J3 a V -a e rt JH a. of Fritsche, G., 329; P. E., 358— J., 369. Fritz, J., 392— W., 408. Frymier, T. L., 574. Fry fam., hist., 64— Jacob, 64, 219 —Jacob, 246, 317— Samuel, 245 —Abraham, 266, 327— Joshua, 308— John, 331— S., 374— J., 390 — D., 393— W., 394— A., 395— M. C, 441— Noah, 451— Charles, 574— S. P., 579. Fueher, C, 469. Fussner, H., 450. Puhs, G., 386. Funk, H. W., 358. 650 INDEX AND MINISTERIAL REGISTER. Fuessele, A., 368; P. E., 451— G., 422, 472— A. E., S7S. fJABLB, C, 336. v> Garrett, W., 297— C. F., 465. Garner, J„ 3S1. Garrison, Ben;)., 389. Garl. D.. 340. Gassman, F. A., 432— E., 462. Gammertsfelder, S., 390— W., 461. Gathers, H. R.. 373, 448. Gallagher, S., 460. Gagstatter, M., 414. Gauerke, M., 433. Gattle, Chris. B., 263. Gaumer, S., 279— E., 369. Gates, (Getz) John Adam, 147— Peter, 148, 245, 437— G, 411, 466 —A, 452— ., 415. UAMMER FAM., 92— Charles, 11 biog., 544. Hiamilton, John, 831— T., 429, 675— J., 416. Haimbright, D., 285, 453— W. W., 366, 439. Haman, Chas. S., 308; P. E., 370. Hammeter, John, 319; P. E., 347; di., 358— M., 329. Hampe, H., 296. Hansing, S., 374— C, 396. Hanks, J. S., 364. Hangen, G. "W., 677. Hanger, J., 306. Hanshaw, John, 267. Harper, T., 327. Harm, Geo., 327. Harris, M. W.. 322, 434— Leonard K., 370. Harrod, H. H., 368. Hallowell, A. S., 349. Harter, F., 376. Hass, H., 350— A.. 386. Haller, J. G., 414— J. G., 439— G., 366. Hallwachs, G., 428. Haley, Geo., 268; P. E., 318. Hall, B. F., 296— J., 407. Harlacher, Jos., biog., 642. Hahn, Prof. W. J., 200— Philip. 265 —P. W., 331— A. F., 408— W. J., 363— J. F.. 366— A., 449— E., 678. Hager, Jonas, 320. Hainea, G. T., biog., 542— T. L., 386—Q. S., 680. INDEX AND MINISTERIAL REGISTER. 651 Hassler, Henry, 226. Haefele, A., 416. Hartman, Martin, 249— W. H 406 —A. M.. 424-,H. W., 432. ' Hadlock,. J. C, 460. Hampe, F. A., 407. Hardle, C, 426. Hard, D. D., 441. Haist, F., 394— A. Y., 466. Hartung, C. P., 345. Haverfleld, I. T., 451. Hare, B. P., 393. Haberman, P., 402. Hayden, S. P., 451. Hauser, G., 455— L. ., 382. Shuler, Jac., 356— W. W., 354.— Shannon, M. H., 336— W. F., 425. Shimer, J., 356, 352. Shomo, C, 340. Shortess, 8., I., 353— T. A, 406— J., D„ 430. Shelp, Henry, 304; P. E. Shilling, John, 140, 223. Shreffler, John, 245. Shaver, M. R., 676. Shesser, J., 875. Shatz, Poll., 304. Shiry, J., 399— S. S., 485. Sheldon, C. E., 464— M. A, 578,681. Shlermeyer, F. J., 417. Shimp, J. H., 454. Shubert, L., 249— F., 401. Sill, Daniel, 265— Wm, 809— J. C, 429. Siberling, C, 358. Siewert, L. M., 438. Sickle, G. A, 357. Sindlinger fam., the, 106— John, 245, 255, 444-tMich., 106, 260. Sichley, Eliae, 244, 390— H., 386. Simmons, W., 394. Simpson, W., 477. Simon, G., 365— B., 391. Skogsberg, S., 437. Sloat, Mich., 327, 453. Slagel, C. D., 464. Smoyer, B. J., 361; P. E., 448. Snyder, M. J., 430— L., 434— F. L., 467— E., 351— C. N., 410-^-A. H., 448— L., 297— B. F., 463— W.,466. Sneadon, R.,380. Sommerville, Albert, 320. Sorber, W., 578. Sobl, H., 426. Soliday, J. M., 369, 688. Soldane, I*, 448. Sones, C. X>., 458. Sorg, G., 453. Southland, J., 413. Spies, C. A., 317, 426— S. F., 432. Speicher, D. D., 456— C. C, 448. Speck, M., 329. Spate, P., 407— Geo., 413. Splttler, H., 381. Spreng, Geo. F., 268, 339— Samuel P., 401; P. E., 450; Ed Ev. Hess., 471— E., 450— Otto, 413. Spring, Jacob, 317. Spohn, J., 271. Spangler, Christopher, 87, 308— D. D., 467— Ira B., 674. Spielman, Conrad, 307. Spotts, J. H., 680. > Springer, J., 408. Speieh, P., 337. Specht, Joseph, 319. Spotts, J., 348— J. H., 680— R., 320. Stamm, Martin, 332; P. E., 413— G., 443. Stanford, Wesley M., 378. Stayman, S., 367. Stanley, A, 295; P. E., 320— R., 403. Staebler, J. G., 302, 389-S., 442— J., 468— D. S., 463— C., 407. Stattler, J., 308. Stegner, Wm., 314; P. E., 358, 444 J.L., 372— C., 391— W. C, 402. Steck, T., 26*. Stortz, G., 371. INDEX AND MINISTERIAL REGISTER. Steltzer, S., 327. Steel, J. E., 579— Chas., 283. Stfelsmith, P. p., 560. Stafflield, C, 395; P. E., 461. Stapleton, A., 373. Stapf, L., 452. Steltz, A. S., 410. Stoltz, J., 394. Stellrecht, H., 383. Stadlander W., 381. Stark, A., 461. Stambach, John, 221, 237— Eiias, 272— W. D., 443. Stevens, P., 675. Stetter, J. G., 336. Stefty, M. W., 307; P. B., 340— C. A., 431. Strauoh, H., 309; P. B., 406. Strayer, D., 320, 389. StJBUBi. C, 373— A., 369— J., 400— C. S., 406. Stejwel, J., 454. Sfciebe, K. P.. 371— A., 381. «Sc»ey, C-, 364. Stuckhow, C, 374. Stecher, P., 390. Steckley, M., 373, 441. Stewart, J. E., 390. Stermer, J., 430. Steuwigr, C. P., 408— P. B., 365. Steuernagel, C, 349. St Irk, Amos M., biog., 635. Strasdberger, Win., 296— S., 581. Strickler, S., 305. Stroll fam., 52— Adam, 266. Streicher, G„ 456. Stoetzel, Henry, 252, 577. Strohman, Daniel, 296; P. B. Strohmeyer, A., 314; P. B., 391. Stroble, E., 337. Strine, D. M., 406. Staufaoher, J. E., 402— L., 451. Stock, L., 417. Stum, H., 461. Streyffeler, S. H., 581. Stoufter, H. S., 454— W„ 457^-F. O., 424— W. H., 424— H., 147, 221— C, 345— D. S.. 868— H. S„ 370— J., 449. Stedke, J. H. Stelnbach, J. W., 391. Stefninger, G., 408. Stoelbel, P., 346. Stoke, H. A., 348. Stover, Ellas, biog., , 552— Fred., 289, 295— J., , 35*-W. H., 367— Jdlfn, 386— tf. Di, 39ft Stone, J., 416. Strohm, J. GL, 29T, 575. Stoops, J. E., 442. Stall, D„ 435. Strobe. D., 461. Stoll fam., the, 125— John, 229— William, 234— John, 309; P. E., 332— D., 349— W. H., 357, 400— S., 308-J. O., 401— A, 38L Strickfaden, A., 386, Suhr, Theo., 385; P. E., 453— Chas. 425. Sutton, D. L., 317, 364— Abr., 384. Summers, H. B., 345. Sutter, J., 392. Swiely, Phil., 320, 459. Sweetland, L., 416. Swengel, Jft d. M., 340— TX F.» 356; P. E., 424— Edwin, 370— A. W., 430. Swartz fam., the, 144— Daniel, 275 —Philip, 290— Simon, 306— Andrew, 320— P., 440— G., 468— Geo., 415-Geo., 837— P., 390— J., 393. Swiegert, A. M., 677. Swender, C. M., 437. Swenk, J. A., 451. Swan, A., 450. Swart, D., 452. Sukow, W., 443. Sydow, J. A., 438— C. W., 376— C., 391. TARNUTZER, A.,, 309; P. E., 417. 1 Taelerheit, W., 368. Taylor, Jos., 4-14. Teats, A. R, 317— A. W., 353, 367. Teter, R., 430. Tesch, W., 457. Terwllliger, A. P., 389. Tenny, Peter, 332. Theide, Jos., 385. Theis, P., 428. Theilfce,- J., 433. Theuer, Geo., 302; P. E., 425. Thomson, J. W., 574, Thoren, H. H., 454. Thornton fam,, 65— P., 337. Tichnall, M., 411 Tim, J., 372. Tbwnsend, L,« A., 578. Torry,. S., 413; Tothero, P. R., 323, 459. Tostlefcen,, P., 426. Toedeman, H., 387. Thomas fam., hist., (Lancaster Co.), 49— (Mifflin Co.), 68— David; 49, 232— Christian,- 243-^ Henry, 246— C. A., 323, 422— C., 323— Wesley P., 356— John P., 388— H. A, 401— HI W., SOS- SI. 8., 460. "Tobias fam., Siet., 27— Samuel,233; 332, 429, 580— DSBlel, 24E— P. R; 2B»-Ei ft, 340^-J., 37«-J». JE* 453— David; 4691. Trautman, J., 457. Trapp, W„ 374. Transue, J. A., 192. Traeger, W„ 297. 060 INDEX AND MINISTERIAL REGISTER. Troyer, Jacob, 358— C, 366— E.,366, 368 Trayer, T., 364. Trimmer, C, 358. Trapp, B., 366. Triem, C. J. W„ B81. Trezize. J., 406. Trumpfheller, H. H.. 466. Trumbauer, Jac, 304— M., 369— H. M„ 432. Truby, Joseph, 133, 262, 314. Trumater, Jacob, 318. Turner, E. E., 346— J. M., 467. Tylor, J., 449. 1 JBER, W., 328. " Ude, C, 318. TTtt, E. B., 383; P. E., 575. Umbreit, T., 350— H., 369. TJmbach, Jos. 306; P. E., 411— S. L., 374; P. B., 431. Unfcoltz, A., 354; P. E., 431. Unangst, W. A., 413— C, 575. Uphouse, B., 287. TTrbino, Virgil, 437. '"VANDEKSALL, JOHN, 119. 229 T 234— Jacob, 119, 304— F., 336— A 368; P.