6 . / 8- ' '*'■ 
 
 JS.V PRINCETON, N. J. '*// 
 
 Purchased by the 
 Mrs. Robert Lenox Kennedy Church History Fund. 
 
 Division. .S))^. 
 Section i..| o..*J..w.£v 
 
 v>2 
 
UN 18 191R 
 
 HISTORY OF THE ^j,„ lulst »^ 
 ALLEGHANY EVANGEL- 
 ICAL LUTHERAN SYNOD 
 OF PENNSYLVANIA 
 
 TOGETHER WITH A TOPICAL HAND- 
 BOOK OF THE EVANGELICAL LUTH- 
 ERAN CHURCH, ITS ANCESTRY, 
 ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT 
 
 By REV. W. H. BRUCE CARNEY 
 
 IN TWO VOLUMES 
 VOL. II 
 
 PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHORITY OF ALLE- 
 GHANY SYNOD IN COMMEMORATION OF ITS 
 SEVENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY. AND OF THE 
 QUADRICENTENNIAL OF THE REFORMATION 
 
 PRINTED FOR THE SYNOD BY 
 
 THE LUTHERAN PUBLICATION SOCIETY 
 PHILADELPHIA. PA. 
 
Copyright, 1918, by 
 THE LUTHERAN PUBLICATION SOCIETY 
 
ST. PAUL'S, TROUTVILLE 
 
 LUTHERSBURG CHARGE 
 Rev. W . Seiner, Pastor 
 St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church 
 troutville, brady township, clearfield county, pa. 
 The earliest Lutheran traveling missionaries through Clear- 
 field County, of whom Rev. George A. Reichert was the first, 
 preached here in 1822, at Mr. Jacob Kuntz's house. The work 
 continued in this way until the arrival of the Rev. Willox, in 
 
 ST. PAUL S LUTHERAN CHURCH, TROUTVILLE 
 
 1840. And from that time on, services were held in the school- 
 house until the church was built. Here Rev. Christian Diehl 
 had organized a congregation, but during our Civil War and its 
 excitement the organization was not kept up. A part of the time 
 under these circumstances it was rather considered a station 
 belonging to the Luthersburg congregation. From 1822, all the 
 Lutheran ministers preached at Troutville that served Luthers- 
 burg. All who could preach in the German language were 
 preferable here, and all the parochial reports are contained in 
 the history of the Clearfield and Luthersburg congregations. 
 
 455 
 
NORTHEAST CONFERENCE 
 
 On October 7, 1876, Rev. E. Manges, pastor of the Luthers- 
 burg pastorate, organized, or, rather, re-organized the congrega- 
 tion at Troutville, with twenty-eight charter members. His paro- 
 chial report is given in the history of the Luthersburg 
 congregation. 
 
 From October 1, 1879 to January 31, 1882, Rev. J. T. Glad- 
 hill served. On May 1, 1882, Rev. W. Seiner took charge of 
 the Luthersburg pastorate, and on June 29, 1884, the corner- 
 stone for a Lutheran church was laid by him, Rev. Best, of New 
 Bethlehem, preaching the sermon. The new church was dedi- 
 cated on December 21, 1884, free of debt, Rev. W. W. Criley 
 of Altoona preaching the sermon and Rev. Best in the evening. 
 The church is a frame structure, 32 by 50 feet, with a tower 
 and recess of ten feet, well furnished, costing about $2,000. It 
 was a joyful occasion. Three members, Amos Bonsall, Samuel 
 Kuntz and Daniel Rishel, undertook to build the church them- 
 selves. Had it not been for these men, who paid two-thirds of 
 the debt, the likelihood is that the congregation would be without 
 a church to-day, or would have become defunct. Mr. Amos 
 Bonsall gave the lot on which the church stands. 
 
 In the early history of the country, prior to the organization 
 of the Lutheran church at Troutville, Jacob Kuntz immigrated 
 from Germany to the vicinity of what is now the borough of 
 Troutville. The country was but little better than a howling 
 wilderness, settled but very sparsely. Father Kuntz gathered 
 together the few children that were in the vicinity on Sundays 
 and taught them best as he could. Later on a union Sunday 
 school was organized on what is now known as the Kohler 
 farm, about the year 1859. The Kuntz school merged into this 
 school. Later on this school was transferred to the St. Paul's 
 Lutheran place of worship soon after the organization of the 
 congregation. During more recent years it became a Lutheran 
 school, having adopted a Lutheran constitution and using the 
 Augsburg literature. 
 
 St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church 
 luthersr.urg, brady township, clearfield county, pa. 
 This is another and the last of the original congregations 
 which Rev. Willox organized in Clearfield County in 1840. He 
 456 
 
ST. PETER'S, LUTHERSBURG 
 
 resigned at the end of the same year. Rev. Gotwald also 
 preached with great zeal at Luther sburg and adjacent points 
 for awhile. 
 
 Synod had authorized a layman, Father Guelich, as lay reader. 
 During vacancies, Father Guelich visited the congregation. The 
 people assembled, and the lay reader conducted devotional 
 services and read sermons to them. 
 
 In 1844, a Lutheran church was built, forty feet square, a 
 frame structure. Rev. J. A. Nuner, yet a licentiate, served the 
 people for about a year, 1845- 1846. 
 
 ST. PETERS LUTHERAN CHURCH, LUTHERSBURG 
 
 Rev. J. George Donmeyer took charge of the work on April 1, 
 1848. Rev. Donmeyer also preached in the Grube settlement 
 and Sprangle's Mills, and other points in Jefferson County, even 
 as far as Smicksburg, in the southwestern corner of Indiana 
 County. 
 
 On September 9, 1843, the Luthersburg or St. Peter's con- 
 gregation adopted a constitution. After several years of earnest 
 effort, Rev. Donmeyer resigned. 
 
 About June 1, 1847, Rev. Peter P. Lane took charge of the 
 
 457 
 
NORTHEAST CONFERENCE 
 
 congregation. He resigned about the first of 185 1. 
 
 About July 1, 1852, Rev. Christian Diehl, under ad interim 
 license, took charge of the work. He resigned about July 15, 
 1856. 
 
 Rev. William H. Rex, also under ad interim license, took 
 charge of the Clearfield pastorate, of which the Luthersburg or 
 St. Peter's congregation was a part, on July 15, 1856, and on 
 account of ill health resigned on March 1, 1858. 
 
 About April 1, 1858, Rev. J. J. Stine took charge of the work. 
 He resigned about January 1, 1859. 
 
 In the spring of 1859, Rev. J. R. Focht took charge of the 
 Clearfield pastorate, and preached one year at Luthersburg, 
 after which, by action of the joint council, April 1, i860, 
 Luthersburg, Troutville or St. Paul's, a then already organized 
 congregation, and other adjacent points, were made the Luthers- 
 burg pastorate. Rev. Focht resigned at the close of the year. 
 
 Rev. Joseph Welker supplied Luthersburg and the other points 
 with preaching for about one year, and as he belonged to the 
 Pittsburgh Synod, he never reported to the Alleghany Synod. 
 
 About July 1, 1862, Rev. J. H. Bratten took charge of the 
 Luthersburg congregation and the other points connected with 
 it. He also supplied Clearfield. He resigned on July 1, 1864. 
 A vacancy of over three years occurred to the detriment of the 
 congregation and the entire charge. 
 
 On December 1, 1867, Rev. Samuel S. Stouffer took charge 
 of the pastorate. He also supplied the Grube and Paradise con- 
 gregations in Jefferson County. He resigned on September 1, 
 1869, an d moved into the bounds of the Pittsburgh Synod. 
 
 Another vacancy, during which Rev. Thompson, of New Mill- 
 port, occasionally preached for them, and on August 13 held 
 communion. Rev. Fastnacht, from the seminary at Gettysburg, 
 supplied them for a short time. 
 
 On March 1, 1873, Rev. E. Manges took charge of the work. 
 In 1874 he also began to preach for the Grube and Paradise 
 congregations. In 1875, Mr. Frederick K. Arnold, who had 
 bought two lots, for which he had paid $250, deeded them to 
 the congregation, upon which they erected a parsonage at a cost 
 of $1,500. The congregation repaired their church at a cost of 
 $300. The pastor also supplied some other points. On Febru- 
 458 
 
ST. JOHN'S, ROCKTON 
 
 ary 19, 1876, he organized a congregation in DuBois, then a 
 growing town, with nineteen members, which after awhile fell 
 into the hands of the Pittsburgh Synod of the General Council. 
 The pastor resigned on April 1, 1878. 
 
 On April 1, 1879, Rev. J. T. Gladhill took charge. He also 
 supplied other points. He resigned on January 31, 1882. 
 
 On May 1, 1882, Rev. W. Seiner took charge of the congre- 
 gation. A new church was built in 1883. The corner-stone was 
 laid on May 27, 1883, Rev. A. J. Bean, of Clearfield, preaching 
 the sermon. The church was dedicated on November 18, 1883, 
 free of debt, Rev. W. W. Criley, of the Second Church of 
 Altoona, preaching the dedicatory sermon and doing the solicit- 
 ing of funds. Rev. E. Manges preached in the evening.. The 
 church is a frame building, 38 by 60 feet, with a steeple ninety- 
 four feet high. The entire cost was about $5,000. The building 
 committee consisted of Daniel Goodlander, Lucien Seyler, J. H. 
 Edinger and T. F. Rishel. True, the church was dedicated free 
 of debt in the sense that the money was subscribed, but the 
 shrinkages and interest after awhile showed a debt of $1,450, 
 which was finally liquidated. The congregation, though three- 
 quarters of a century old, never stained its record by a single 
 church fight. 
 
 A Sunday school has been sustained from the very origin of 
 the congregation. Originally it was a union school, but gradu- 
 ally merged into a Lutheran school. The prominent fathers 
 and leaders of the school were Frederick K. Arnold, Peter 
 Arnold, Daniel Goodlander. and, later on, J. H. Edinger, who is 
 still active in the work. The congregation has an active Ladies' 
 Aid Society. 
 
 St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Congregation 
 
 rockton, union township, clearfield county, pa. 
 
 Since the year 1857, the Lutheran ministers who served 
 Luthersburg also preached occasionally at Rockton, in a school- 
 house, to accommodate the few Lutheran people there that 
 belonged to the Luthersburg congregation. But as time rolled 
 on and circumstances favored them, Mr. Joseph R. Arnold, a 
 prominent member of the church and enterprising business man, 
 
 459 
 
NOR THE A S T CONFERENCE 
 
 bought the schoolhouse at public sale, in 1874, for church pur- 
 poses. After Rev. E. Manges, on May 31, had organized the 
 congregation with thirty-five charter members, he continued to 
 preach regularly in the schoolhouse. In the spring of 1876, the 
 new congregation decided to build a church. The building com- 
 mittee was Joseph R. Arnold, W. W. Dunlap, P. H. Crick, David 
 Welty and Joseph Schofield. On August 24, 1876, the corner- 
 stone was laid by the pastor, Rev. H. Baker, of Altoona, preach- 
 ing the sermon. Revs. J. M. Wonders, of Brookville ; W. E. 
 Crebs, of Smicksburg; P. B. Shirk, of New Millport, and Smith 
 (Presbyterian), of Reynoldsville, assisted. The church was dedi- 
 cated on September 30, 1877, Rev. J. H. Menges, of York, Pa.,, 
 preaching the sermon. The church was a frame structure, 38 by 
 60 feet, costing about $3,000. Rev. E. Manges resigned on 
 April 1, 1878. 
 
 On April 1, 1879, Rev. J. T. Gladhill took charge of the con- 
 gregation. He resigned on January 31, 1882. 
 
 On May 1, 1882, Rev. W. Seiner took charge of the work, 
 and still continues as pastor. A debt of $865 still stared them 
 in the face like a gruesome ghost. The pastor, with the assistance 
 of J. H. Edinger, of Luthersburg, succeeded in liquidating the 
 debt. The people were glad to get out of bondage. 
 
 In 1910, the congregation erected a neat, beautiful, commodi- 
 ous little frame church, 32 by 54 feet, with tower and bell and 
 furnace. The house is well furnished. The entire cost was 
 $3,000. It was dedicated in August, 191 1, Rev. A. R. Longa- 
 necker, of DuBois, preaching the sermon. Since the debt was 
 only $51, the auctioneering method was dispensed with. The 
 regular offering was taken up, which was $70. Then the dedi- 
 cation was free of debt in a true sense. The building committee 
 consisted of S. B. Welty, Maime Bailey, C. H. Coldwell, Mrs. 
 Cecilia Peoples and Mrs. Recissa Dressier and Oscar Dressier. 
 
 From the first a little Sunday school was sustained. During 
 the early incumbency of the present pastor, thirty-four years ago, 
 J. M. Dressier, William Welty and S. B. Welty were the promi- 
 nent characters in the Sunday school. The school became ever- 
 green, open all the year round, and Lutheran by the adoption 
 of a new constitution. 
 
 A prayer service and weekly teachers' meeting are held regu- 
 460 
 
PARADISE, WINSLOW TOWNSHIP, JEFFERSON COUNTY 
 
 larly. A Ladies' Aid Society exists. A Young People's Tem- 
 perance Society was organized. 
 
 Paradise Evangelical Lutheran Congregation 
 winslow township, jefferson county, pa. 
 
 In the early history of the country, the Fultzes, the Strouses 
 and others came from Westmoreland County, Pa., and settled 
 in the wilds, what is now known as "Paradise." They were the 
 sturdy sons of toil. They were devoutly religious. As Pennsyl- 
 vania-German Lutherans they longed for the preaching of the 
 gospel and the ordinances of the Christian religion according to 
 their faith. The date of the organization of the church is 
 unknown, as no record is to be found. Lutheran ministers from 
 Brookville and elsewhere preached in barns, in dwelling houses 
 and shops until an organization had become effected, when they 
 worshiped in the Cyphert M. E. Church until they succeeded 
 in securing a house of worship of their own, which was an 
 abandoned schoolhouse they purchased, repaired and enlarged. 
 This building was dedicated August 12, 1877, Rev. W. E. Crebs 
 preaching the sermon. 
 
 In 1874, Rev. E. Manges, of Luthersburg, took charge of the 
 congregation, who was greatly beloved by his faithful flock. 
 After his incumbency, a new pastorate was effected in Jefferson 
 County, consisting of the Grube, Swab, St. Matthew and Para- 
 dise congregations, which was of short duration, proving to be 
 a complete failure. Rev. J. T. Gladhill, of Luthersburg, supplied 
 the congregation for about one year. Rev. W. E. Crebs also 
 did some work for them, after Rev. Gladhill's resignation. 
 
 A vacancy of eight years followed, during which time they 
 were not only deprived of pastoral care, but imposed upon by 
 many sects and isms. Finally the door closed. Rev. W. Seiner, 
 of Luthersburg, occasionally supplied them with preaching, and 
 was much pleased with the spirit the people, diminished to eight 
 members, manifested toward him. The congregation took on 
 new life and began to grow. July 15, 1888, Rev. W. Seiner 
 took charge of the congregation as their pastor. October 18, 
 1891, the congregation, by a rising vote, decided to erect a new 
 and more convenient church edifice. Martin Strouse, Noah 
 
 461 
 
NORTHEAST CONFERENCE 
 
 Strouse and Lewis Ludwick were appointed a building commit- 
 tee. Martin Strouse, not wishing to serve, was relieved by 
 appointing William D. Reynolds to take his place. Noah Strouse 
 acted as solicitor and Lewis Ludwick as treasurer. In May, 
 1892, the corner-stone was laid by the pastor, Rev. J. J. Kerr, of 
 Brookville, preaching the sermon. April 30, 1893, the new 
 church was dedicated, free of debt, Rev. J. W. Poffenberger 
 preaching the sermon and doing the soliciting. The building is 
 a frame veneered with brick — a neat little structure, a monument 
 of the devotion and liberality of the faithful few. The building 
 cost about $2,000. 
 
 October 1, 1893, the congregation decided to sever their con- 
 nection with the Pittsburgh Synod and unite with the Alleghany 
 Synod and become an integral part of the Luthersburg pastorate. 
 The request was granted. With the exception of a few years, 
 the congregation always has had a Sunday school almost from 
 the time of its organization. Lewis Ludwick, Noah Strouse, 
 Jacob Strouse and George Strouse were quite prominent in the 
 Sunday school in the past. Lewis Ludwick served as superin- 
 tendent for many years, until affliction and old age compelled 
 him to relinquish the work. The children used to call the school 
 Uncle Lew's school. In more recent years the school became a 
 Lutheran school. The congregation has remained small, only 
 twelve members at present writing, but free from strife and 
 pleasant to serve. 
 
 ST. MATTHEW EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
 
 MARTINSBURG, PA. 
 
 Rev. IV. W . Frey, Pastor 
 
 It is impossible to state when Lutheranism or the church 
 which was named after Luther first came into Morrison's Cove. 
 Among the first settlers were Lutherans, and for many years 
 religious services were held in their dwelling houses, afterwards 
 in school buildings ; then, soon as they were able, in church edi- 
 fices erected for the worship of God. Missionaries came from 
 Harrisburg as early as 1785. Rev. Reichert, from Indiana, Pa., 
 preached here in 1824, Rev. William Yeager, of Bedford, in 1829, 
 462 
 
ST. MATTHEW'S, MARTINSBURG 
 
 and in the Minutes of the West Pennsylvania Synod of 1831, 
 Martinsburg is listed among vacant congregations in Huntingdon 
 County, supplied by Rev. Jacob Martin, of Williamsburg. 
 
 After the Reformed congregation completed their house in 
 1832, by mutual agreement the Lutherans used it at regular inter- 
 vals up to 1842, when they erected one of their own. Rev. 
 Martin, of Williamsburg, was supply for Clover Creek and other 
 churches up to 1833, when Rev. J. H. Hoffman, preaching at 
 Newry, Potter Creek and other places, became supply. Rev. C. 
 
 st. Matthew's Lutheran church, martinsburg, pa. 
 
 C. Guenther was a supply from 1837 to 1838, when Rev. John 
 G. Ellinger, a licentiate, took charge of churches at Clover 
 Creek, Marklesburg, Cassville and Martinsburg as supply. In 
 1839 he moved to Martinsburg and preached here regularly every 
 two weeks, also introducing English preaching. While the exact 
 date of the organization of the congregation is not definitely 
 recorded, yet it is known that there was a church of the Lutheran 
 faith prior to June 9, 1839; for on that date Rev. Ellinger's 
 records show that fifty-five members communed and that a large 
 
 463 
 
NORTHEAST CONFERENCE 
 
 Clerical Roll of Northeast Conference 
 
 REV. ISAAC KRIDER, 
 Duncansville, Pa. 
 
 REV. W. SELNER, 
 Luthersburg, Pa. 
 
 REV. PETER G. BELL, 
 
 Associate Pastor, 
 Temple, Altoona, Pa. 
 
 REV. I. P. HAWKINS, 
 Curwensville, Pa. 
 
 REV. W. R. WIEAND, D.D., 
 Associate Pastor, Temple Church, Altoona 
 
 REV. (',. F. SNYDER, 
 Altoona, Pa. 
 
 REV. J. H. HOUSEMAN 
 luniata, Pa. 
 
 REV. MARION J. KLINE, 
 
 D.D. 
 
 Altoona, Pa. 
 
 464 
 
NORTHEAST CONFERENCE 
 
 Clerical Roll of Northeast Conference 
 
 REV. RALPH BERGSTRESSER, 
 Altoona, Pa. 
 
 REV. J. M. REARICK, 
 Williamsburg, Pa. 
 
 REV. S. J. TAYLOR, D.D., REV. J. F. SEEBACH, REV. H. H. FLICK, JR. 
 
 Juniata, Pa. Hollidaysburg, Pa. . Glasgow, Pa. 
 
 REV. FRANK P. FISHER, 
 Altoona, Pa. 
 
 REV. F. H. SCHRADER, 
 Newry, Pa. 
 
 465 
 
NORTHEAST CONFERENCE 
 
 Clerical Roll of Northeast Conference 
 
 REV. H. E. BERKEY, 
 Roaring Spring, Pa. 
 
 REV. M. H. KRUMBINE, 
 Altoona, Pa. 
 
 REV. EARL J. BOWMAN, REV. A. B. VAN ORMER, 
 
 Philipsburg, Pa. Altoona, Pa. 
 
 REV. W. L. PRICE, 
 Hollidaysburg, Pa. 
 
 REV. CHARLES LAMBERT, 
 Bcllwood, Pa. 
 
 REV. W. W. FREY, 
 Martinsburg, Pa. 
 
 466 
 
NORTHEAST CONFERENCE 
 
 Clerical Roll of Northeast Conference 
 
 REV. J. P. MILLER, 
 Tyrone, Pa. 
 
 REV. M. J. ROSS,, 
 Tyrone, Pa. 
 
 REV. K. E. IRVIN, 
 DuBois, Pa. 
 
 REV. H. L. THOMAS, 
 
 Keewaydin, Pa. 
 
 REV. E. R. HAUSER, 
 East Altoona, Pa. 
 
 REV. J. R. RAUSCH, 
 New Millport, Pa. 
 
 REV. W. W. BARKLEY, 
 Altoona, Pa. 
 
 467 
 
NORTHEAST CONFERENCE 
 
 class of catechumens was confirmed. He continued as pastor 
 until the spring of 1842. 
 
 In the fall of 1842, Rev. Benjamin Laubach, who was 
 licensed on September 13, at the first meeting of the Alleghany 
 Synod, took charge. He had preached as supply at the Barley 
 and Potter churches, while studying theology under Rev. Reuben 
 Weiser of Bedford, and in connection with Clover Creek and 
 Martinsburg served these congregations for about a year. He 
 held his first and last communion here on November 21, 1842, 
 when seventy-five persons communed. During the winter of 
 1843, while going from Martinsburg to Clover Creek to fill his 
 appointment, he was overtaken by a heavy storm of rain and 
 sleet and wind. His garments were all wet to the body. He 
 returned to the home of Christian Acker, took a bad cold, which 
 brought on hasty pulmonary consumption. He died on July 21, 
 
 i843- 
 
 Many of the early church records are lost. In 1843, the 
 
 Lutherans erected a new church, which was dedicated Janu- 
 ary 27. Another church was built in 1852. The corner-stone 
 was laid July 10, and on November 14, 1852, the completed 
 structure was dedicated as St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran 
 Church. The name previously given was Zion Church. Rev. 
 Henry Baker preached the dedication sermon. The edifice then 
 dedicated was afterwards sold to "The Saints" and is now the 
 carriage shop of A. Z. Bulger. 
 
 The Alleghany Synod has met in Martinsburg on different 
 occasions. 
 
 The following were pastors here : Rev. William G. Laitzle, 
 1844-1848; Elias Schwartz, 1848-1850; D. J. Eyler, 1850-1852; 
 Joseph Fichtner, 1852-1853; J. Richards, 1853-1855 ; Henry 
 Seifert, 1855-1860; Daniel Stock, 1860-1864; P. S. Hooper, 1864- 
 1866; P. Sheeder, 1867-1868; Charles L. Streamer, 1 868-1 875 ; 
 Daniel Stock, 1875-1879; E. Dutt, 1880-1897. 
 
 On February 1, 1880, Rev. E. Dutt commenced his labors in 
 the Martinsburg pastorate, consisting of four congregations, viz. : 
 Martinsburg, Roaring Spring, Barley's and Potter's. On May 25, 
 1882, a congregation was organized in Woodbury and the same 
 was added to the charge. April, 1889, Roaring Spring congrega- 
 tion withdrew and became self-sustaining. 
 468 
 
ST. MATTHEWS, MARTINSBURG 
 
 February 19, 1893, a congregational meeting decided to build 
 a new church in Martinsburg. On November 12, a vote was 
 taken in favor of selling the old church and buying a new site 
 east of and adjoining the parsonage, from Daniel Brown. June 9, 
 1894, the corner-stone of the new church was laid by Rev. Dutt. 
 On February 3, 1895, the new church was dedicated by the 
 pastor. Rev. H. H. Weber, D.D. made an address and solicited 
 funds on this occasion. Revs. P. G. Bell, A. H. Shertz and J. F. 
 Hartman were present and participated. The cost of the church 
 was about $7,000. Rev. Dutt resigned on January 18, 1897, and 
 closed his labors here on August 31, 1897, having served the 
 Martinsburg pastorate seventeen years and seven months. 
 
 The edifice as it stands at present is a handsome brick build- 
 ing of substantial proportions, adapted to the needs of a growing 
 congregation, centrally located. It has a large auditorium, lec- 
 ture room, primary department, with sliding partitions, also three 
 vestibules and a cloak room. The building is heated by steam 
 and is lighted by electricity. There are about twenty beautiful 
 memorial art glass windows and the comfortable pews are all 
 equipped with books and racks which aid in the worship of God 
 in His sanctuary. 
 
 Rev. S. E. Slater began his labors in this field April 1, 1898. 
 He resigned in about a year and left June 30, 1899. Rev. C. M. 
 Aurand received a call October 2, 1899, and on November 8 was 
 installed pastor. After renovating the church building at a cost 
 of $1,100, a re-dedication service was held on January 6, 1904. 
 Rev. Aurand's resignation took effect October 6, 1907. Rev. M. 
 S. Sharp became pastor February 1, 1908, and tendered his resig- 
 nation December 28, 1910. Rev. Charles R. Streamer became 
 pastor April 1, 191 1. The charge then consisted of St. Matthew's, 
 Potter, Barley and Woodbury. Rev. Streamer resigned Octo- 
 ber 1, 1914. During 1914-1915 the charge was divided, at the 
 request of the congregations belonging to it, St. Matthew's 
 becoming independent and the other three congregations consti- 
 tuting the Woodbury charge. The parsonage in Martinsburg 
 became the property of the St. Matthew's congregation by pur- 
 chase. The present pastor of St. Matthew's is W. W. Frey, 
 who took charge May 9, 1915. 
 
 The congregation numbers (1916) 311 confirmed members. 
 
 469 
 
NORTHEAST CONFERENCE 
 
 The Sunday school in all its departments, including Cradle Roll 
 and Home Departments, numbers about 275. There are also 
 the Ladies' Aid Society, the Ladies' Quilting Society, Men's 
 Brotherhood, Christian Endeavor Society, and catechetical 
 •classes. This congregation is active in lines of work at home and 
 abroad. From existent records two pastors have gone into the 
 ministry from this congregation, C. G. Aurand, 1913, and C. E. 
 Liebegott, 1914. 
 
 NEWRY CHARGE 
 
 Rev. F. H. Schrader, Pastor 
 
 Evangelical Lutheran Church 
 
 newry, blair county, pa. 
 
 The history of this congregation, without a doubt the oldest 
 Lutheran congregation in Blair County, begins with the latter 
 part of the eighteenth century. It is probable that as early as 
 1785 a considerable number of German Lutherans had settled in 
 this community, coming from Centre and other eastern counties. 
 There is, however, no record of any place of worship or who 
 ministered to them in these early days. We know, however, that 
 they must have settled in these parts in considerable numbers, 
 and probably had some organization, for we find that on June 6, 
 1 80 1, Patrick Cassidy, a Roman Catholic, gave a deed for three- 
 quarters of an acre of ground to Christian Swank, Christian 
 Lingafelter and John Beathel, trustees of the Evangelical Lu- 
 theran Church, on the following conditions : "That the trustees 
 of the Evangelical Lutheran Church are to build or cause to be 
 built on said lot or piece of land, within one year from date of 
 these presents, a church or meeting-house thirty (30) feet long 
 and twenty-six (26) feet wide, and also to fence or pale in the 
 said lot in a good and workmanlike manner." 
 
 These conditions were evidently fulfilled, or the congregation 
 could not have held the lot as they did. The church, however, 
 was not finished at this time, as it has been handed down to this 
 generation that the people sat on the sleepers instead of pews, 
 and used the earth as a floor. The pulpit was made of rough 
 470 
 
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN, NEWRY 
 
 lumber. A receipt found in the old church book states that Peter 
 Cassidy was paid four dollars and twelve cents for boards to close 
 the alley at the church, September 6, 1815. Another receipt, 
 dated May 23, 181 6, states that Mr. E. Hebby was paid forty 
 dollars to put a pulpit into the church : signed, Jacob Weber, 
 building committee. This church was built of logs, and was in 
 use till the second church was built, in 1834-36. 
 
 Of the men who preached here at this time, and what minis- 
 terial acts they performed, we have no records, as the old records 
 written in the German language on sheets of foolscap paper were 
 
 NEWRY LUTHERAN CHURCH. BUILT 1874 
 
 destroyed with a lot of rubbish, as worthless, a number of years 
 ago. We learn, however, that Rev. Haas, who came to Hunt- 
 ingdon County in 1804, preached here till 1810 or 1811, when he 
 resigned. 
 
 Rev. John H. Hammer, a German Reformed minister who 
 preached through these parts about this time, also preached in 
 Newry from 1810 to 1813. The old church book, which was 
 presented to this congregation, April 18, 1813, by Jacob Weber 
 (Weaver), contains a frontispiece in German, done by Rev. John 
 H. Hammer. 
 
 471 
 
N OK THE A S T CONFERENCE 
 
 The first communion and confirmation of which we have any 
 record was held by "Rev. John Paul Ferdinand Kramer, M.V.D. 
 et Professor in Acad.; Bedfordensis." The number confirmed 
 was ten, as follows: Daniel Demmerling, Johonnes Glunt (a 
 son of whom, Abraham Glunt, aged ninety-six [now living, 191 7], 
 two grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and one great-great- 
 granddaughter, are now members of this congregation), William 
 Dustz, Michael Reffner, Lambain Haines, Hengel Masden, 
 Elizabeth Lowes, Elizabeth Beathel, Margaretta Wertz, John 
 Weisner. 
 
 The communicants recorded for that day are as follows : 
 Jacob Wertz and wife, Jacob Weber (Weaver) and wife, Lud- 
 wig Demmerling, Barbara Widna, Anna Reffner, Glory Lown- 
 inglay, John Shadel and wife, Jacob Dauer, Jolmon Stein, Eliza- 
 beth Stein and others, in addition to those confirmed. 
 
 Rev. Kramer served this congregation till 1818; Rev. Kramer 
 was, therefore, the second minister of this congregation of whom 
 we have any record. 
 
 During the next few years the congregation seems to have 
 been without any settled pastor, although we find that Mr. 
 George Schmick baptized children as early as 1817, and recorded 
 the names in the church book, while yet a student. 
 
 Rev. Christian Frederick ("Father") Heyer is known to have 
 exercised some pastoral care over this church along with a num- 
 ber of others, from 1820 to 1822, as a missionary pastor. Rev. 
 Francis Heyer Weaver, now living, was given this name by his 
 father on account of the esteem in which he held Rev. Heyer. 
 
 Rev. George Schmick, who had been given a catechist's license 
 in 1818, now became the next regular pastor in 1822. On 
 May 4 of that year he confirmed thirty-one persons, and 
 June 23, 1825, confirmed thirty-nine persons, a total of seventy. 
 During the years 1826 and 1827 the records show a membership 
 of 107 to 114. In 1828, however, this man was deposed from 
 the Lutheran ministry by the West Pennsylvania Synod for his 
 immoral and unchristian conduct. 
 
 At this same time (1825 to 1828) Rev. Wilhelm An-Dyke, 
 
 . an "ordained minister of the Evangelical Reformed Church." 
 
 also preached here, baptized a number of children, confirmed 
 
 sixteen persons, and October 25, 1829, recorded the names of 
 
 472 
 
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN, NEU'RY 
 
 eighteen persons as members of the Reformed Church in the 
 Lutheran church book. 
 
 About November i, 1828, Rev. Jacob Martin took charge of 
 the Williamsburg pastorate, which consisted of Newry, Franks- 
 town, Alleghany Furnace, Sinking Valley, Williamsburg and 
 Clover Creek congregations. May 20, 1830, Rev. Martin added 
 nineteen members. A new charge was formed in the fall of 
 1 83 1, and Rev. Martin ceased his labors at Newry. 
 
 This new charge, which consisted of Newry, Alleghany Fur- 
 nace, Salem (Antis), Bob's Creek (now St. Clairsville), Potters, 
 in Morrison's Cove and Greenfield, gave Rev. John Henry Hoff- 
 man a call. Rev. Hoffman, however, was not able to secure an 
 ad interim- license, and, therefore, could not accept the call until 
 the meeting of the West Pennsylvania Synod in the fall of 1832. 
 Rev. Martin, therefore, continued to perform such ministerial 
 acts as were desired in the meantime. 
 
 A collection was taken for one Solomon Ritz, a theological 
 student in 1833. This amounted to $3.79. Whether as a result 
 of this and other gifts Mr. Ritz was ever able to enter the 
 ministry or not we do not know. 
 
 The Sunday school is first mentioned in 1830, although noth- 
 ing is known of its first officers or enrollment. 
 
 The second church was built during the pastorate of Rev. 
 Hoffman. The lot was purchased from Francis Cassidy, Feb- 
 ruary 4, 1834, and cost $28.26. The trustees were Elijah Feree, 
 George Weaver and John Gibboney. The old site was abandoned 
 on account of its location on the side of the hill. The founda- 
 tions of the old church can still be traced in the southeast corner 
 of the cemetery. 
 
 The corner-stone was laid July 4, 1834. The Lutheran Ob- 
 server, July 18, 1834, gives the following account: 
 
 "On July 4, 1834, the Brethren Moser, Martin and myself (Rev. 
 F. Heyer), attended the corner-stone laying of a new Lutheran 
 church in Newry, Huntingdon County, belonging to the pastoral 
 care of Brother Hoffman. ... In addition to the Bible the 
 following instruments of writing were deposited in the corner- 
 stone, viz. : Tn the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Ghost. 
 Amen. Be it known to all whom it may concern that the mem- 
 bers of the Evangelical Lutheran congregation of Newry and 
 others favorable to the Redeemer's cause have resolved to build a 
 
 473 
 
NORTHEAST CONFERENCE 
 
 house for God upon the following conditions, viz. : This house 
 to be and remain the property of the Evangelical Lutheran con- 
 gregation of Newry. The present minister and his successors in 
 office to be in regular connection with the Evangelical Lutheran 
 Church in the United States, according to the constitution, rules 
 and usages of the same. The word of God to be preached pure 
 and unadulterated as contained in the Old and New Testaments, 
 and the Holy Sacraments to be administered according to the 
 institution of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The formula 
 for the government and discipline of the Evangelical Lutheran 
 Church which is annexed to our hymn book shall be the basis 
 according to which the members of this church shall be 
 governed.' " 
 
 This building was erected by George Weaver, upon the same 
 lot upon which the present church stands. It was built of brick, 
 30 by 50 feet, and two stories in height, and cost $4,000. It was 
 dedicated in the spring of 1836. The ministers present at the 
 services are not known. According to the custom of the times 
 it was built with galleries on three sides. These galleries were 
 supported by four handsomely turned posts. The rear gallery 
 was built to receive an organ, which, however, was never secured. 
 The chancel was enclosed with a balustrade ; entrance to it was 
 through a gate. The pulpit was raised about eight feet from 
 the floor. It was large enough to accommodate three persons, 
 and was supported by two posts. Two stairways led up to it. 
 It was covered with green velvet draperies, which, being stolen, 
 were replaced with garnet hangings. Light was furnished by 
 tallow dips or candles. This building was frequently filled to 
 overflowing. The people came from a distance of eight or ten 
 miles on horseback or afoot. Rev. Hoffman resigned Novem- 
 ber 1, 1836. 
 
 Rev. Charles C. Guenther took charge of this pastorate about 
 December 15, 1836. During this time the congregation pros- 
 pered greatly ; the communion records showing an attendance 
 of 174 on May 31, 1840. A collection of $12.50 was taken for 
 educational and missionary purposes. 
 
 In 1839 this charge was again divided, Newry, Alleghany 
 Furnace and Salem (Antis) forming at this time the Newry 
 charge. Rev. Jacob Simon became pastor of this charge June 1, 
 1842. On January 24, 1843, a constitution, "best adapted to its 
 474 
 
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN, NEWRY 
 
 situation and circumstances and most consistent with the spirit 
 and the principles of the New Testament . . . and upon the 
 broad basis of these principles and the principles laid down in 
 the formula and discipline adopted and recommended by the 
 General Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the United 
 States of America," was adopted and signed by forty-seven male 
 members of the congregation. 
 
 Difficulties, however, soon arose, both within the congregation 
 and within the Synod, on account of the unrestrained "New 
 Measures" practiced by Rev. Simon, as the following action of 
 Synod indicates : 
 
 "Report of committee in the case of Rev. J. Simons, Sep- 
 tember, 1843, Rev. M. Eyester, chairman. 
 
 "Your committee into whose hands were placed the notes taken 
 by Lawyer Banks, of Hollidaysburg, in a certain case of slander 
 against Rev. J. Simons, are happy in being able, as the result of 
 this investigation, to exculpate him from any immoral conduct 
 implicated in said notes; but 
 
 "Whereas, Brother Simons has, from the beginning of his 
 connection with this body, been guilty of deviating from the dis- 
 tinctive peculiarities of our Church; and 
 
 "Whereas, He has been affectionately admonished by the 
 president to desist and directed to conform to the rules and 
 regulations of our Zion ; and 
 
 "Whereas, He has still persisted, not heeding any effort that 
 Synod could possibly make for his character and standing as a 
 member of this body ; therefore, compelled by his Own voluntary 
 and deliberate determination to disregard the distinctive peculi- 
 arities of the Church; be it 
 
 "Resolved, That nevertheless the licenses of Rev. J. Simons be 
 extended until April i, 1844, and that thenceforward the con- 
 gregations comprising the Newry district be and are hereby 
 ' declared vacant." (Minutes, p. 33.) 
 
 Report was adopted as read. The charge therefore became 
 vacant April 1, 1844, and on that date Rev. William Weaver took 
 charge. One writer says : "Rev. Simons had left, but the tares 
 sown remained, and brought forth their fruit, which to this day 
 have not entirely died out." That this was true is evident. Although 
 112 persons communed November 1, 1844, by April 1, 1845, there 
 were only seventy-eight names (thirty-four men and forty-four 
 women) handed in by request of the council, by persons who 
 "considered themselves members of this congregation." Further 
 
 475 
 
NORTHEAST CONFERENCE 
 
 evidence of this trouble is found in the fact that the Salem 
 (Antis) and the Alleghany Furnace congregations were being 
 served by Rev. Henry Baker instead of Rev. Weaver ; where- 
 upon the Newry congregation, "feeling that it was their duty to 
 preserve their congregation from ruin, declared themselves inde- 
 pendent of the Alleghany Furnace congregation in all and every 
 possible manner." The secession of the Alleghany congregation 
 and the Salem congregation left Newry and the recently organ- 
 ized Sarah Furnace (Claysburg) Church unable to support a 
 pastor, and the Newry congregation now united with the Mar- 
 tinsburg charge by mutual consent. 
 
 Another loss sustained to this church at this time was caused 
 by the organization of a congregation at Duncansville in 1846, 
 with forty-four charter members, by Rev. H. Baker. This was 
 considered "intruding and injurious to our congregation," because 
 of the fact that Duncansville is but two and a half miles from 
 Newry and the Lutheran people of that place were all members 
 of the Newry Church, and a vigorous protest was made. This 
 congregation afterward became a part of the Newry charge and 
 remained so till 1890. In the midst of these difficulties Rev. 
 Weaver resigned, September 1, 1846. 
 
 Rev. Leitzle, of Martinsburg, took charge in 1847, and added 
 eighteen members. The highest number of communicants was 
 at this time again 147. Rev. Leitzle resigned April 1, 1848. 
 
 Rev. Eli Schwartz became pastor of the Martinsburg charge 
 May 14, 1848. Although pastor of a very large territory Rev. 
 Schwartz held five communions by May 14, 1850, when he 
 resigned, the largest number present at any communion being 
 
 Although this church changed pastors quite frequently, yet 
 since the year 18 13 it seems never to have been entirely without 
 pastoral care and supervision of some sort for any great length 
 of time. In fact, where dates are given, no vacancy is found to 
 have existed for one entire year. 
 
 September 1, 1850, Rev. David Eyler became pastor. He con- 
 firmed nineteen persons, but was compelled to resign on account 
 of ill health about October 1, 185 1. 
 
 Rev. Joseph Fichtner became pastor of the Martinsburg 
 charge November 2, 1851, and served this congregation till April 
 476 
 
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN, NEWRY 
 
 i, 1864, the longest pastorate on record. 
 
 Upon a petition of the joint council of the Martinsburg charge 
 in 1 85 1 for a division of this charge, Newry, Claysburg and 
 Greenfield became one charge by consent of Synod. Rev. Ficht- 
 ner became pastor of this new charge about November 1, 1852. 
 He organized the St. Paul's congregation in 1852, and it became 
 a member of this charge. This church was located in "Die 
 Schweitz," near Blue Knob. 
 
 In 1853 a lot was purchased from Robert McNamara and wife, 
 as a location for a parsonage. This lot was deeded to Rudolph 
 Spang, Daniel Beigle, Joshua Morgan, Abraham Yingling, John 
 Diehl, and Peter Winkler, deacons of the three congregations 
 represented. The parsonage was built in 1854, at a cost of about 
 $1,600. This building is still in use as a parsonage and is in 
 an excellent state of preservation. Rev. Fichtner also preached 
 at Roaring Spring in a schoolhouse and organized a congrega- 
 tion there ; most of the charter members coming from the Newry 
 Church. During this time the church prospered very much ; the 
 communion records showing an attendance of 224, the highest on 
 record in the history of the congregation. Because of serious 
 troubles which arose and charges made he resigned April 1, 
 1864. "It is with deepest regret that we are compelled to record 
 that this man took it into his head, when Synod did all in its 
 power to reclaim him, to defy its authority, and thereby incurred 
 his expulsion from the ministry in 1865." (Focht.) 
 
 Rev. Jacob Frazier became the next pastor, April 1, 1865. 
 Because of the unfortunate ending of the preceding pastorate 
 the congregation lost many members ; some even uniting with 
 other churches in other communities, the whole charge reporting 
 but thirty-one more communicants than were at one time reported 
 for this one congregation. Rev. Frazier resigned September 1. 
 1868. 
 
 Rev. M. G. Earhart accepted a call to this charge December 1, 
 1868, and continued in that relation till December 1, 1870. Dur- 
 ing this time the congregation began to prosper again, there 
 being a net increase in membership of forty. 
 
 After a very short vacancy Rev. M. G. Boyer took charge. 
 January 19, 1871. During his pastorate the present church was 
 built. The corner-stone was laid July 7, 1874. Rev. H. Baker 
 
 477 
 
XORTHEAST CONFERENCE 
 
 preached the sermon. Other ministers, whose names are not 
 given, also assisted the pastor in these services. The church was 
 dedicated December 16, 1874. Rev. H. Baker preached the dedi- 
 catory sermon. Services were also held by the Northeast Con- 
 ference. This is a substantial two-story brick structure, 38 by 55 
 feet in dimensions, and cost about $7,000, and stands to-day 
 (1917), with very slight changes, as when built. It is worthy 
 of note that because of the liberal giving of the members, one of 
 whom gave $1,000, and another who gave $800, and still others 
 who gave liberally, that the church was soon entirely paid for. 
 The membership during this time continued to increase, and the 
 work prospered. Rev. Boyer resigned May 1, 1875. 
 
 Rev. Solomon McHenry became pastor October 1, 1875. He 
 was quite successful in his evangelistic efforts. As an evidence 
 of this we note that on January 25, 1877, forty-four persons 
 were confirmed. He resigned January 1, 1881. 
 
 Rev. John W. Henderson, who was the next pastor, April i, 
 1881, to March 11, 1890, has the distinction of having the second 
 longest pastorate in this church. At this time the parsonage was 
 repaired, at a cost of $500; 149 additions were made to the mem- 
 bership of the church. He was a fearless preacher of righteous- 
 ness, and his influence yet remains. 
 
 During the next pastorate Rev. A. K. Felton, July 1, 1890, to 
 (date unknown) 1893, a chapel was built at Puzzletown for the 
 use of those members who live in that community, many of 
 whom live four to five miles from the church at Newry, that 
 they might be able to conduct a Sunday school and have an occa- 
 sional preaching service conducted there. There is now an active 
 Sunday school at work there, and it has been the means of much 
 good to the church to which it belongs. 
 
 Rev. A. H. Shertz, 1893 to 1900, is very favorably remem- 
 bered for his unusual activity for a man of his advanced years ; 
 for through all varieties of weather, heat or cold, sunshine or 
 storm, over roads almost impassable, this faithful servant of God 
 traveled. Few records being left a summary of his work is 
 not attempted. 
 
 Rev. John W. Hutchison served this congregation from 1900 
 to 1903. A fine toned 700-pound Meneely bell was purchased at 
 this time, at a cost of $150. Mr. George M. Robertson and Mr: 
 478 
 
EVAXGELICAL LUTHERAX, XE1VRY 
 
 Henry Marble were the prime movers in this work. The old 
 belfry being found unsafe to support it a new belfry was added 
 to the rear of the church, at a cost of about $150. Total, $300. 
 During 1902 a chapel was built at Dry Run for Sunday school 
 purposes for those who found it too inconvenient to attend regu- 
 larly at Newry. This cost about $700. Most of the Lutheran 
 families, however, have since removed from the vicinity, and the 
 school is quite small at present. There is reason to hope, how- 
 ever, that it will soon again be filled and a great source of help 
 to the church that stands sponsor for it. 
 
 Rev. Calvin F. Gephart became the next pastor, June 1, 1904, 
 and continued in that relation till December, 1909. Much prog- 
 ress was made in this time. The parsonage, which was again 
 sadly in need of repairs, was made comfortable and beautified 
 by placing new single-pane sash in all the windows. The old 
 front porch was torn away and replaced by a seven-foot porch 
 extending the full width of the house. A new zinc roof was also 
 placed on the house, and the whole exterior and some parts of 
 the interior repainted. The entire cost of these repairs was $640, 
 of which Newry congregation paid $390. The remainder was 
 paid by the other two congregations of the charge. 
 
 The new hymn books were introduced during the years of 
 1904-1906. The individual communion service was first used 
 Easter Sunday, April 15, 1906. The windows of the church 
 being sadly in need of repairs it was decided to replace them 
 with memorial art glass sash. This was done at a cost of $450. 
 The two front basement windows were reserved for recording 
 the names and the time of service of all former pastors, a very 
 beautiful way of remembering those who served this church in 
 its long history. The exterior woodwork and brick also received 
 a needed coat of paint. 
 
 Rev. Gephart gives the following as a summary of his labors 
 here. Infant baptisms, ninety ; additions, 136. Money raised : For 
 benevolence, $i.ooo; for local expenses, $5,059. Membership, 
 170. 
 
 Rev. L. N. Fleck, D.D., accepted a call from this charge, 
 1910, and remained till February 1, 1913. The congre- 
 gation continued on the even tenor of its way during this period, 
 and the faithful sowing of Dr. Fleck is attested by the ingather- 
 
 479 
 
NOR THE A S T CONFERENCE 
 
 ings of the following years. 
 
 During the summer following Rev. Paul F. Bloomhart sup- 
 plied the congregation very acceptably, and on November i, 1913, 
 Rev. F. H. Schrader became pastor and continues as such to this 
 present time (1917). 
 
 During the summer of 1914 cement walks were laid all around 
 the outside of the parsonage lot, and concrete steps replaced the 
 old wooden steps at the front of the house, at a cost of $112. 
 The fence was also removed from the lawn, adding much to the 
 appearance of the parsonage. In this same year an Estey organ 
 was purchased and placed in the auditorium. Cost, $140. A 
 new furnace, to replace the two furnaces formerly used, was 
 placed in the basement, at a cost of $135. All these expenses 
 were promptly paid. 
 
 The realization of the need for better accommodations for the 
 primary department of the Sunday school led to the excavation 
 of the unfinished part of the basement, for the use of this depart- 
 ment. A concrete floor was laid, windows were placed in the 
 side and rear walls, the sides and ceiling plastered and divided 
 into two rooms and separated from the main room by accordion 
 doors. This cost $350, and was all provided for on the day of 
 dedication, July 25, 1915. 
 
 The lot of ground adjoining the church was purchased from 
 F. E. Holland and wife in this same year, to provide a suitable 
 place for the erection of sheds for the teams of those coming 
 from a distance, as well as to provide room for a possible remodel- 
 ing or rebuilding of the church. The sheds were built in 1916 
 and cost $109.93. The old K. G. E. Hall being for sale in 1916 
 it was bought by the congregation for a parish house. The par- 
 sonage was also painted, and other necessary repairs made in 
 the last year, at a cost of $150. This congregation now owns a 
 plant for its activities worth $7,500, all in good repair and well 
 adapted to its needs. 
 
 While this old church has been so active in providing for its 
 material welfare she has not forgotten her real place and pur- 
 pose in this community, as her parochial reports for many years 
 will show. The fact that in a history of over a century she has 
 remained the only Protestant church in this village and com- 
 munity, with the exception of the few years in which (1825- 
 480 
 
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN, NEWRY 
 
 1828) the Reformed preached in this community, is an abundant 
 proof of the ability of the Lutheran Church to minister to the 
 spiritual needs of any community, and the faithfulness of her 
 pastors in declaring the whole counsel of God. 
 
 Although she has given of her membership to establish in whole 
 or in part six congregations (First and Second Lutheran in 
 Altoona, Claysburg, Duncansville, Roaring Spring, East Free- 
 dom and St. Paul's in the "Schweitz") she has to-day almost 
 200 members. 
 
 The Sunday school was organized at least as early as 1830, in 
 the old log church on the hill. Little is preserved of her history, 
 however. To-day there is an enrollment of 200, exclusive of the 
 two schools in the chapels. The officers at present are : Super- 
 intendent, George G. Baker ; Assistant Superintendent, Blair B. 
 Baker ; Secretary, Miss Esther Moyer ; Assistant Secretary, Miss 
 Mary Beegle ; Treasurer, Miss Mary Shaw ; Organist, Proctor 
 Lykens. 
 
 The Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor was organ- 
 ized about 1890. The present officers are : President, Thomas 
 A. Bancroft; Vice-President, Rose M. Diehl; Recording Secre- 
 tary, Lulu Holland ; Corresponding Secretary, Nannie Diehl ; 
 Treasurer, Esther Moyer; Organist, Proctor Lykens. Names on 
 roll, forty-five. 
 
 The Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society was 
 organized in 1908, with twenty members. The present active 
 membership is eight. The first officers were : President, Helen 
 Gephart; vice-president, Mrs. Ellen Claar; secretary, Mary D. 
 Shaw. Present officers are : President, Ida Baker ; Secretary, 
 Mary Shaw; Treasurer, Mrs. Harry Deitrick; Vice-President, 
 Mrs. W. J. Shaw. 
 
 A Mission Band was organized in 1916, which gives promise 
 of developing a number of excellent additions to the active band 
 in the parent society. 
 
 The members of the Council at this time are as follows : 
 Elders, William J. Shaw, F. R. Weaver, U. S. Hall; Deacons, 
 J. C. Diehl, B. B. Baker, D. A. Leighty. 
 
 It is a peculiar coincidence that although many new names are 
 on the records now that were not found in the early history of 
 this church that at least five of these names have appeared from 
 
 481 
 
NORTHEAST CONFERENCE 
 
 sixty to one hundred years ago. 
 
 The parochial reports, 1913 to 1916, yield the following totals: 
 Infant baptisms, thirty-six; additions, fifty-eight. Money raised: 
 For benevolence, $1,127; for local expenses, $3,464. M embers : 
 Communicants, 198; confirmed, 222; baptized, 264. 
 
 The Evangelical Lutheran Church 
 claysburg, blair county, pa. 
 
 This congregation was formed partly out of the old Greenfield 
 congregation and partly out of the Newry congregation. It is 
 first mentioned in 1847, when Rev. Laitzle, of the Martinsburg 
 charge, was requested to supply Sarah Furnace, afterwards 
 changed to Claysburg, when Newry united with the Martins- 
 burg charge and this place was unprovided for. 
 
 In 1846 a union church with the Reformed people was built. 
 This church was about 30 by 45 feet, and cost about $1,000. The 
 congregation was not organized till August 6, 1848, when Rev. 
 Eli Schwartz formed an organization with sixteen members, as 
 follows, viz. : Jacob Barnhart, George Harker, R. Spang, J. G. S. 
 Black, Paul Mauk, Henry Walter, Isaac Pressler, Sarah Lingen- 
 felter, Mary Lingenfelter, Elizabeth .Lingenfelter, Rachel Karn, 
 Catherine Black, Mary Jones. Members of council were as fol- 
 lows : Jacob Barnhart, Jacob Filler, John Klotz, Henry Dibert. 
 
 Rev. Schwartz resigned May 14, 1849, and the congregation 
 had increased to thirty-three. 
 
 Rev. David J. Eyler, of the Martinsburg charge, was the third 
 pastor to serve this congregation. He began his work April 1, 
 1850, and resigned on account of ill health, November 2. 185 1. 
 
 By the division of the Martinsburg charge Claysburg again 
 became part of the Newry charge in 1852. Rev. Joseph Fichtner 
 served this charge till March 14, 1863, when, though he continued 
 pastor of the Newry charge till April 1, 1864, he ceased to serve 
 this congregation. 
 
 In this same year it became, at the advice of Synod, a part of 
 the St. Clairsville charge. Rev. J. Zimmerman then took charge 
 of these people till October 24, 1864. 
 
 After the resignation of Rev. Joseph Fichtner from the Newry 
 charge this congregation again returned to the Newry charge, of 
 482 
 
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN, CLAYS BURG 
 
 which it has remained a member until the present. 
 
 It was served in turn by Rev. Jacob Frazier, April 10, 1865, to 
 September 1, 1868; Rev. M. G. Earhart, December 1, 1868, to 
 December 1, 1870; Rev. M. G. Boyer, January 19, 1871, to May 1, 
 1875; Rev. S. McHenry, October 1, 1875, to January 1, 1881. 
 
 Rev. J. W. Henderson became pastor April, 1881. In the same 
 year the Lutheran congregation built their own church on a lot 
 of one acre- of ground set apart for that by Jacob Barnhart, dying 
 
 BbRt ^ 
 
 BR Wj 1 j \K-y. 
 
 
 EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, CLAYSBURG, PA. BUILT l88l — REMODELED IQ'15 
 
 before the building of the church, the sale was made by his heirs. 
 This lot is located on the angle formed by two roads, and is just 
 across the public road from the site of the union church. The 
 building committee consisted of Samuel E. Hoenstine, David 
 Shaffer, Jacob Dibert, Jacob Snowberger. Contractor, Jacob 
 Fries. 
 
 The corner-stone was laid October 28. 1881. Rev. J. F. Shearer, 
 of Altoona, preached the sermon. Besides the pastor, Rev. D. L. 
 Ryder, of Hollidaysburg, and Ephraim Dutt assisted in the serv- 
 
 483 
 
NORTHEAST CONFERENCE 
 
 ices. It was dedicated August 13, 1882. Rev. F. W. Conrad, 
 D.D., of Philadelphia, preached the dedicatory sermon. Rev. 
 Rice, of St. Clairsville, read the Scripture lesson ; Rev. D. L. 
 Ryder offered prayer ; Rev. Henderson had charge of the liturgi- 
 cal service. The church is a two-story frame building, 36 by 50 
 feet, with Gothic stained glass windows, and cost about $4,000 ; 
 $900 of this was unprovided for ; but an effort being made to 
 raise this amount, $826 was subscribed on the day of dedication. 
 
 An edifying farewell sermon was preached in the old Union 
 Church on Saturday afternoon previous to the dedication. Sun- 
 day school was organized immediately after the new church 
 was finished. 
 
 Rev. Henderson labored very successfully in this congregation 
 till March 11, 1890. 
 
 The next pastors of this congregation were : Rev. A. K. 
 Felton, 1890 to 1893; Rev. A. H. Shertz, 1893 to 1900; Rev. J. 
 H. Hutchinson, 1900 to 1903 ; Rev. C. F. Gephart, June, 1904, to 
 December, 1909. During this pastorate (1905) a new zinc shingle 
 roof was placed upon the church, the exterior repainted and the 
 auditorium repapered, at a cost of about $500. At this time 
 twenty-two members were dismissed to form the new congrega- 
 tion at King, Bedford County, Pa. 
 
 Rev. L. N. Fleck became pastor, 1910, and served until 1913. 
 He was followed by Rev. F. H. Schrader, November 1, 1913. 
 The congregation at this time, feeling the need of some alterations 
 and repairs to their church, decided to make some extensive 
 changes. In the winter of 1914 and 1915 plans for the erection 
 of a tower and the changing of the stairways were adopted. 
 The contract for this work was awarded to Abram Burket & Son. 
 
 The old corner-stone was removed, but its contents were found 
 to have been destroyed by dampness. It was relaid in the corner 
 of the new tower foundation, June, 191 5. Rev. D. P. Draw- 
 baugh, of the Fourth Lutheran Church, of Altoona, preached the 
 sermon. The pastor performed the act of laying the corner- 
 stone. Other repairs and changes made at this time were the 
 painting and graining in oak finish of the interior woodwork, 
 repapering the auditorium, painting the exterior, the purchase of 
 an 800-pound Blymyer bell, and the placing of leaded art glass 
 memorial windows; the total cost amounted to $1,875. 
 484 
 
ST. PAUL'S, EAST FREEDOM 
 
 The re-opening services were held November 14, 191 5. Rev. 
 L. P. Young, missionary superintendent, preached the sermon 
 and took charge of the finances. About $900 was required and 
 pledges were secured for that amount. The people are now 
 happy in the possession of a beautiful and substantial house of 
 worship. 
 
 The present members of the Council are : Austin Walter, 
 W. W. Yingling, Clayton Walter, Elders ; Gilbert Black, William 
 A. Hoenstine, Howard Black, Deacons. Among many others who 
 have given long service to this congregation in its councils were 
 Adam Barnhart, Adam Black and J. G. S. Black; 
 
 The congregation now numbers about sixty-five. The Sunday 
 school enrollment is : Officers and teachers, nine ; scholars, 
 eighty-seven. Plans are now being laid for the remodeling of the 
 Sunday school room for greater efficiency. 
 
 Claysburg congregation is located in a rapidly growing com- 
 munity and has great promise of continued growth and 
 usefulness. 
 
 St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church 
 east freedom, blair county, pa. 
 
 This congregation in the village of East Freedom, Pa., grew out 
 of the desire of a number of members of the Newry congregation 
 to have a church nearer than Newry, which necessitated a journey 
 of from three to five miles to attend services. There also seemed 
 to be a good opening for a Lutheran Church in this village. 
 
 Accordingly, a meeting was called, of such persons as would 
 favor the project, to meet at the home of Dr. Appleby, April, 
 1882. At this meeting, Mr. George Benton offered a lot which 
 was accepted as a site for a church. A building committee was 
 appointed which was as follows: G. W. Benton, George Clugh 
 and Henry Hileman. The size of the church was to be 30 by 50 
 feet. 
 
 The corner-stone was laid June 24, 1882, by Rev. John Hen- 
 derson, of the Newry charge, assisted by Rev. E. Dutt, of Mar- 
 tinsburg, who preached the sermon for the occasion. 
 
 The congregation was organized October 1, 1882, with twenty- 
 six charter members, transferred from the Newry congregation 
 
 485 
 
no kThea s t conference 
 
 for that reason, as follows, viz. : George W. Benton, Fred Himes, 
 Harry Hileman, George Clugh, members of the church council; 
 Barbara Benton, Charles W. Benton, Maggie Benton, Maggie 
 Hileman, Kate Shelly, Josie Lorenz, J. Alice Noffsker, John 
 Helsel, Margaret Helsel, Henry Helsel, Jennie Helsel, Rachel 
 Helsel, Elizabeth Helsel, John Feathers, Elizabeth Ruggles, Solo- 
 mon Ruggles, Lizzie Ott, Andrew Ott, Isabel Lingafelter, Melissa 
 Lingafelter, Annie Lingafelter, Sarah McGraw, Mary C. Ruggles, 
 Barbara Hileman. 
 
 The church was dedicated November 19, 1882. Rev. Prof. 
 Ort, D.D., president of Wittenberg college, preached the sermon. 
 Rev. Gruver also assisted the pastor, Rev. Henderson, in the 
 services. The church was filled to overflowing and -the people 
 were very much encouraged. The church cost $2,200, and $800 
 of this was raised on the day of dedication. Mr. D. K. Ramey, 
 of Altoona, was present and assisted by a gift of $100. 
 
 This congregation was admitted to membership in the Alle- 
 ghany Synod and became a part of the Newry charge, and 
 remains so to this present time. 
 
 A Sunday school was at once organized with Mr. Crissman as 
 its first superintendent. Rev. Henderson resigned March 11. 
 1890, and was followed by Rev. A. K. Felton, July 1, 1890, to 
 1893. 
 
 Rev. A. H. Shertz became the next pastor in the same year 
 (1893) and remained till 1900. 
 
 During the pastorate of Rev. John H. Hutchinson, extensive 
 repairs and alterations were made (1900 to 1903). A tower was 
 added to the front of the church giving a much needed vestibule, 
 a bell was purchased, a new roof was placed on the church and 
 other repairs made costing $700. Rev. J. J. Hill, of Roaring 
 Spring, preached the dedicatory sermon. 
 
 June, 1904, Rev. C. F. Gephart became the next pastor. Dur- 
 ing this and the preceding pastorates the congregation steadily 
 increased in membership and justified the judgment of those who 
 founded it there 
 
 In 1905 the concrete walks in front of the church were laid 
 and the iron fence erected at a cost of $300. Rev. Gephart 
 resigned in 1909 and was followed by Rev. L. N. Fleck in 1910. 
 The church was again renovated in 1912. The building was 
 4S6 
 
ST. MARK'S, KING 
 
 repainted within and without and beautifully repapered. Memo- 
 rial art glass windows replaced the old plain glass windows and 
 the house made beautiful at a cost of $700. Rev. S. J. Taylor. 
 D.D., preached the rededicatory sermon and the entire cost of 
 the improvements were provided for. Rev. L. N. Fleck resigned 
 February 1, 191 3. 
 
 Rev. F. H. Schrader took charge November 1, 19 13. The 
 excellent Estey organ was purchased in the beginning of the 
 next year at a cost of $115. The congregation now has a beau- 
 tiful property all in excellent state of preservation, well adapted 
 to its use, valued at $3,000. The congregation now has a com- 
 municant membership of sixty and gives promise of continued 
 growth and service. 
 
 The present council is as follows : M. B. Shade, D. B. Quarry, 
 Allen Lingenf elter, elders ; Grant Lingenf elter, A. S. Snowberger, 
 Philip Ott, deacons. 
 
 The present Sunday school enrollment is : Teachers and offi- 
 cers, nineteen; scholars, 135; superintendent, Allen Lingenf elter; 
 assistant superintendent, D. B. Quarry ; secretary, Jennie Benton ; 
 treasurer, D. A. Mauk. 
 
 St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church 
 king, bedford county, pa. 
 
 This church is located three miles south of Claysburg. Its 
 organization was the outgrowth of a Union Sunday school which, 
 from existing records, was organized prior to 1855, in Shaffer's 
 schoolhouse near the site of the present church building. 
 
 Neighboring ministers of the Reformed and Lutheran churches 
 preached in this schoolhouse occasionally for at least fifty years 
 before the organization of the congregation and the building of 
 the church. 
 
 About 1908, under the leadership of Rev. C. F. Gephart, of the 
 Newry charge, steps were taken in connection with the Reformed 
 people in the same community to build a union church to be 
 called St. Mark's Lutheran and Reformed Church. 
 
 The corner-stone was laid May 15, 1909, by Rev. C. F. Gep- 
 hart, on behalf of the Lutheran congregation, and Rev. Hun- 
 sicker, on behalf of the Reformed Church. The building was 
 dedicated November 27, 1909, Rev. C. F. Gephart, of Newry, 
 
 487 
 
NORTHEAST CONFERENCE 
 
 and Rev. H. C. Salem, of St. Clairsville, were the Lutheran 
 ministers present. Rev. A. F. Nacea and Rev. J. W. Zehring 
 were the Reformed ministers present. 
 
 The church is built of brick, in gothic architecture, 36 by 50 
 feet, a modern two-roomed building and cost about $6,000. 
 
 The organization of the Lutheran congregation was completed 
 on the day of dedication by the adoption of the constitution as 
 required by the discipline of the Evangelical Lutheran Church 
 of the General Synod, with twenty-two charter members, form- 
 
 ST. MARKS EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN AND REFORMED CHURCH, KING, PA. 
 
 erly members of the Claysburg congregation. The following 
 were the members of the church council : Elders, William F. 
 Walter, D. E. Gochnour, D. R. Hoenstine; deacons, H. L. Shoe- 
 maker, Ira Hengst, G. L. Fickes, Harvey Gochnour. 
 
 It was admitted to the Newry charge January 1, 19 10, and 
 has been served by the pastors of that charge as follows : Rev. 
 C. F. Gephart, 1909; Rev. L. N. Fleck, D.D., 1910 to 1913; Rev. 
 Paul F. Bloomhart (supply), 1913; Rev. F. H Schrader, Novem- 
 ber 1, 1913, the present pastor. 
 
 The present membership is thirty-five. There is an active 
 Union Sunday school. Money raised for current expenses 
 (1916), $225; for benevolence, $72. 
 488 
 
ST. PAUL'S, JUNIATA TOWNSHIP 
 
 Though a rural congregation its situation in a community that 
 is near to a rapidly developing industrial centre gives promise of 
 a continued growth and prosperity. 
 
 The St. Paul's Evangelical Lutreran Church 
 juniata township, blair county, pa. 
 
 This congregation was organized by Rev. Joseph Fichtner, of 
 the Newry charge. The corner-stone of this church was laid 
 Sunday, September 4, 1852. It was dedicated June 12, 1863, and 
 cost about $700. 
 
 This church was a one-story frame building, 30 by 45 feet, 
 and cost about $700. In 1853 it made application for admission 
 to Synod and the petition was granted and it became a part of 
 the Newry charge. 
 
 Rev. Fichtner served this congregation till 1864, when he 
 resigned the Newry charge. The following ministers served this 
 congregation, viz.: Rev. J. Frazier, April 1, 1865, to September 
 1, 1868; Rev. M. G. Erhart, December 1, 1868, to December 1, 
 1870; Rev. M. G. Boyer, January 19, 1871, to May 1, 1875. On 
 October 1, 1875, Rev. S. McHenry became pastor, but on account 
 of the weakness of this congregation he ceased preaching there 
 in 1880. The members who remained thereupon were prevailed 
 upon to unite with the German Reformed congregation in that 
 community, while the church stood unused till 1900, when it 
 was torn down and a chapel known as the "Long Memorial 
 Chapel" was built by Mr. Jerry Long, the last surviving member 
 of the congregation. This chapel, however, is unused and stands 
 a silent monument to the Lutheran congregation in that com- 
 munity. 
 
 NEW MILLPORT CHARGE 
 
 Rev. J. R. Ransch, Pastor 
 
 The New Millport or Salem Evangelical Lutheran 
 
 Church 
 
 ferguson township, clearfield county, pa. 
 
 This is one of the oldest congregations in Clearfield County. 
 
 The first Lutheran church in Clearfield County was a log church 
 
 and built by Christian Erhardt in 1843, who also deeded one acre 
 
 489 
 
NORTHEAST CONFERENCE 
 
 of land for the church and graveyard. It stood nearly on the 
 ground where the parsonage of this charge now stands. 
 
 On June, 1847, Rev. Peter P. Lane took charge of the Clear- 
 field pastorate, of which this was a part, and resigned about 
 June 1, 1851. 
 
 On the recommendation of the Western Conference, the presi- 
 dent of Synod gave ad interim license to Mr. Christian Diehl, who 
 took charge of the Clearfield pastorate about July 1, 1852. Dur- 
 ing his ministry a new frame church, 35 by 50 feet, was built. 
 The corner-stone was laid in July, 1853, and dedicated on Janu- 
 ary 7, 1855, and cost about $950 {vide Lutheran Observer, 
 January 9, 1855). He resigned about July 15, 1856. 
 
 Rev. William H. Rex, having received ad interim license, took 
 charge of the Clearfield pastorate on July 15, 1856, and on account 
 of ill health resigned about March 1, 1858. 
 
 About April 1, 1858, Rev. J. J. Stine took charge of the Clear- 
 field pastorate (also see his report in the history of the Clearfield 
 congregation). He resigned about January 1, 1859. 
 
 On May 13, 1859, Rev. Joseph R. Focht, of York County, Pa., 
 took charge of the Clearfield pastorate. He resigned on Decem- 
 ber 15, 1861. 
 
 About July 1, 1862, Rev. J. H. Bratten took charge of the 
 Clearfield pastorate. He resigned about July 15, 1864. Synod 
 now referred the Clearfield charge to the Northeastern Confer- 
 ence, to be supplied with preaching. 
 
 In 1865 a letter from a member of the Clearfield congregation 
 was sent to Synod, calling its attention to a resolution passed at 
 its last meeting, complaining of the neglect on the part of the 
 Northeastern Conference. Synod appointed a special committee, 
 which reported as follows : "That the congregation composing 
 the Clearfield charge, with Glasgow, Tyrone and Antis, be 
 requested to send each a lay-delegate, and the ministers of said 
 congregations, to confer with the Rev. A. C. Ehrenfeld, at Phil- 
 ipsburg, on the third Tuesday of October next, who shall have 
 authority to re-district the whole field ; that Rev. A. C. Ehrenfeld 
 shall be reasonably recompensed for his time and services out of 
 the mission treasury, and that $300 be appropriated out of the 
 mission treasury, to be divided among the charges formed, at the 
 discretion of Rev. A. C. Ehrenfeld, subject to the approval of 
 490 
 
NEW MILPORT, CLEARFIELD COUNTY 
 
 the mission committee" Minutes, p. 19, 1865). This was 
 approved of the mission committee, and Glasgow, New Millport 
 and Bloomington formed the new mission and $1,500 was appro- 
 priated to it. Rev. A. R. Height already serving the Glasgow 
 congregation was continued by the mission committee, taking 
 charge of this and Bloomington congregations, or the Glasgow 
 mission, at is was called, about November 1, 1865. The congrega- 
 tion repaired the church and the mission bought a parsonage and 
 repaired it, which cost about $500. In 1866, Synod appropriated 
 $100 to this mission. Rev. Height reported for this and the 
 Bloomington, two congregations, twelve infant baptisms, four 
 additions, one loss, fifty-eight communicants, two prayer meet- 
 ings, two union Sunday schools, twenty-two teachers, 152 schol- 
 ars; money raised, $309. He resigned on November 1, 1866, and 
 moved to Wilmore. 
 
 In 1867 the mission committee reported to Synod that the Glas- 
 gow Mission has been vacant during the past year, and is still 
 so. Repeated efforts were made to secure a man for the place, 
 but thus far without success. Brother Peterman, a zealous mem- 
 ber at Glasgow, has been conducting religious services in the 
 mission, whether by assuming to preach or simply exhorting his 
 brethren, we have not learned. We understand that they have 
 paid for their parsonage and are willing to make every effort to 
 support a man and desire greatly to be supplied. We would sug- 
 gest that the appropriation voted at our last meeting be paid them 
 as soon as a suitable man can be had to supply them. Synod voted 
 $100 to this mission. 
 
 By the request of the Northeastern Conference, Rev. P. L. 
 Harrison, of Clearfield, supplied this and Bloomington congrega- 
 tions at least a part of the year, and added eight new members to 
 this congregation (church book), but made no report to Synod 
 of his services. 
 
 On December 1, 1867, Rev. J. R. Williams took charge of the 
 Glasgow Mission, and moved into the parsonage at New Mill- 
 port. His parochial report is given in the history of the Glasgow 
 congregation. He resigned on May I, 1869, and reported the 
 charge self-sustaining. 
 
 On December 1, 1869, Rev. Abel Thompson took charge of the 
 New Millport pastorate. The second year he preached at the East 
 
 491 
 
NORTHEAST CONFERENCE 
 
 Ridge congregation as a station. He resigned on January 12, 
 1874, and took charge of Schellsburg pastorate. 
 
 Rev. William Tryday took charge of the New Millport pastor- 
 ate about May 1, 1874. He died on January 25, 1876, and 
 the following obituary notice was adopted by Synod : "God in 
 His inscrutable Providence, having removed from this world our 
 brother and fellow-laborer, Rev. William Tryday, a member of 
 this Synod, who died on January 25, 1876, we bow meekly to the 
 divine summons, and take to heart the solemn admonition. Be 
 ye also ready." 
 
 "Brother Tryday was an earnest Christian, and a zealous min- 
 ister of the gospel. He was taken from the midst of his labors 
 here to his reward in glory. We would herewith express our 
 condolence with his bereaved companion, and command her to 
 take the comfort and care of her Heavenly Father." 
 
 On April 1, 1876, Rev. P. B. Shirk took charge of the New 
 Millport pastorate. On account of ill-health he resigned on 
 April 1, 1881, and died on May 30, 1882, in the same room of the 
 parsonage in which his predecessor died. 
 
 Synod passed obituary notice : "Since God in His all-wise 
 Providence has seen fit to remove from this life P. B. Shirk, an 
 esteemed member of Synod, Resolved, 1st, That we recognize in 
 him a worthy Christian man and earnest laborer as a minister 
 of the gospel. 2d, That we are by his death admonished to be 
 diligent in the Master's work, because in the midst of life we 
 are in death, and should be ever ready to hear also 'Well done, 
 good and faithful servant.' 3d, That we deeply sympathize with 
 the afflicted family in their bereavement, commending them for 
 comfort. 4th, That a copy of these resolutions be sent to the 
 widow, Mrs. Shirk." Aged fifty-eight years, nine months and 
 twenty-three days. 
 
 Rev. Shirk recommended that New Millport and Bloomington 
 should unite with Clearfield, and Mt. Zion (Glasgow) with Bell- 
 wood and Salem (Antis), which advice the congregations fol- 
 lowed in the spring of 1881, and Synod confirmed it. On 
 May t, 1 88 1, Rev. A. J. Bean took charge of the Clearfield pas- 
 torate. He reported for the New Millport and Bloomington 
 congregations: two congregations, eleven infant baptisms, thirty- 
 two additions, eight losses, ninety-three communicants, one 
 492 
 
NEW MILPORT, CLEARFIELD COUNTY 
 
 prayer meeting, two Sunday schools, eighteen teachers, 180 
 scholars; money raised, $1,747.75. He resigned on May 1, 1885, 
 and confined his labors to the Clearfield congregation. 
 
 Rev. George W. Crist took charge of the New Millport pas- 
 torate on October 1, 1885, and organized a new Lutheran con- 
 gregation at Marron on April 23, 1886, and at Synod reported 
 three congregations, and on January 2, 1887, organized a 
 Lutheran congregation at Mahaffey, and on October 21, 1888, 
 organized a congregation at Olanta, thus forming a charge of 
 five congregations, four of which are along the Beech Creek 
 Railroad. He might as well have reported five congregations 
 as four and one station, for in about six weeks after the adjourn- 
 ment of Synod organized the fifth belonging to this charge, 
 and can so be reported five congregations, seventeen infant bap- 
 tisms, 143 additions, thirty-three losses, 189 communicants, four 
 Sunday schools, thirty-six teachers, 2yy scholars ; money raised, 
 $3,200.71. He resigned on April 1, 1889, and took charge of the 
 Jennerstown pastorate, Somerset County, Pa. 
 
 On June 9, Rev. J. P. Schnure took charge of the New Mill- 
 port pastorate. The parsonage was repaired to the amount of 
 $100. He reported five congregations, but in 1890 he omits 
 Bloomington and reports only four congregations, twenty-three 
 infant baptisms, forty-eight additions, forty-two losses, 185 com- 
 municants, three prayer meetings, four Sunday schools, thirty- 
 six teachers, 260 scholars ; money raised, $4,492.34. He resigned 
 on September 1, 1890, and took charge of the Glasgow pastorate. 
 
 The following pastors succeeded to the field : Rev. H. C. 
 Salem, May 29, 1891, to September 3, 1892. He reported but 
 two congregations, — -Salem (New Millport) and Olanta, — Ma- 
 haffey being vacant. Rev. M. O. T. Sahm, April 11, 1893 to . 
 
 He served Salem, Olanta and Bloomington, Olanta and Marron 
 constituting a pastorate separate until 1895, when Bloomington, 
 reporting but eight members in 1894, was dropped. In 1896, 
 he reports the charge as Salem, 136 members, Olanta, fifteen 
 members, and Marron, thirty members, Mahaffey being supplied 
 by Rev. P. G. Bell, with forty-two members. In 1896 the charge 
 is Salem and Marron. He resigned December 1, 1897. Rev. 
 I. P. Hawkins, August, 1898, to August, 1903. He served 
 Salem, Olanta, Bloomington and Marron, reporting members as 
 
 493 
 
XORTHEAST CONFERENCE 
 
 follows : 144, sixteen, seven, twenty-five, respectively. Rev. J. 
 
 E. Zerger, November, 1903, to October, 1904. Bloomington is 
 
 dropped from the parochial reports henceforth. Rev. G. C. H. 
 
 Haskarl, December, 1905, to July, 1906. Rev. W. D. Nicoll, 
 
 April, 1907, to April, 1908. Rev. M. A. Spotts (supply), 1909. 
 
 Rev. G. D. Gross, 1912 to October, 1913. Rev. J. R. Rausch, 
 
 October 1, 19 15, to — 
 
 The congregation in New Millport has the honor and unusual 
 
 distinction of having furnished a missionary to Africa, in the 
 
 person of Rev. Jacob Hiram Straw, who died on the African 
 
 field. 
 
 The St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church 
 
 marron, ferguson township, clearfield county, pa. 
 
 About the year 1868 three members of the Glasgow congre- 
 gation moved into Marron vicinity. The Baptists at that time 
 held the only services in this vicinity. The old Zion Baptist 
 Church stood nearly half way between Ansonville and Marron 
 village, and no longer served their purpose. Hence, they erected 
 a church at Ansonville and in a few years afterward another at 
 Marron village, with the special understanding that on account 
 of the special assistance of many members of other denomina- 
 tions and those not belonging to any church, the house of worship 
 should always be for other church denominations when the Bap- 
 tists did not occupy it. Among those who assisted them most 
 was C. J. Shoff, one of the three Lutherans who moved from 
 the Glasgow congregation into this vicinity, who also served on 
 the building committee. 
 
 The Lutheran ministers preaching at New Millport, sometimes 
 only occasionally and at other times more regularly, for some 
 years preached here. Rev. Abel Thompson preached regularly 
 for sometime and held a series of meetings during the winter of 
 1870 in the schoolhouse. At this meeting a goodly number of 
 those belonging to no denomination professed faith in Jesus 
 Christ and true repentance towards God, and desired to unite 
 with the Lutheran Church, but the Baptists proselyted them over 
 to their church, and Rev. Thompson failed to effect an organiza- 
 tion. Revs. Tryday and Shirk occasionally preached at Marron. 
 When Rev. G. W. Crist became pastor of the New Millport 
 charge, it was agreed that he should devote three-eighths of his 
 494 
 
OLANTA, CLEARFIELD COUNTY 
 
 time to Marron and the surrounding community, where no 
 Lutheran congregations had been organized. In the first week 
 of November, 1885, Rev. Crist visited Marron and preached for 
 them regularly, and in January, 1886, held a series of meetings 
 which resulted in the organization of an Evangelical Lutheran 
 congregation, on April 23, 1886, with thirty charter members, 
 and adopted a constitution and elected its officers in August of 
 the same year. A house of worship was needed. Mr. Shoff 
 donated a lot of ground and the members began the work in 
 earnest. The corner-stone of the church was laid on May 3, 1887. 
 The pastor was assisted on the occasion by Rev. Samuel J. Taylor, 
 of Williamsburg, Blair County, Pa., who preached the sermon 
 for the occasion. On September 25, 1887, the church was dedi- 
 cated. The pastor was assisted by Revs. W. W. Criley and Isaac 
 Krider and $500 was raised on the day of dedication and the 
 church was dedicated free of debt. The building is frame, 33 by 
 46 feet, with recess for pulpit, the aisles and chancel carpeted. 
 The church is surmounted by a spire 70 feet high and cost about 
 $2,200. 
 
 Rev. Crist's parochial report of this congregation is contained 
 in the history of the New Millport congregation. He resigned 
 on April 1, 1889. 
 
 Rev. J. P. Shnure took charge of the New Millport pastorate 
 on June 9, 1889. His parochial report is also contained in the 
 history of the New Millport congregation. He resigned on Sep- 
 tember 1, 1890. 
 
 Licentiate George W. Styer, Selinsgrove (supply), 1892- 1893, 
 Mahaffey and Marron. Rev. M. O. T. Sahm, 1896 to December 
 1. 1897. For the list of pastors later, see Salem congregation. 
 
 The Olanta Evangelical Lutheran Church 
 olanta, pike township, clearfield county, pa. 
 This congregation is partly formed out of the Bloomington 
 congregation, on the railroad and about two miles from Bloom- 
 ington. Soon after Rev. Crist had taken charge of the New 
 Millport pastorate, he began to preach at Olanta in a hall, and 
 as there was no other preaching in the place, there was a good 
 opening for a Lutheran church. Things thus continued for 
 about six months, when a move was made to build a Lutheran 
 
 495 
 
NORTHEAST CONFERENCE 
 
 Church, and on July 10, 1887, the corner-stone was laid. The 
 pastor was assisted on the occasion by Rev. A. J. Bean, of Clear- 
 field, who preached the sermon for the occasion. It was dedi- 
 cated on October 21, 1888, to the service of the Triune God. 
 This church is a frame building, 36 by 50 feet in the main, with 
 pulpit recess, ante-room and tower. It cost $2,500, and is well 
 furnished. About $650 was raised on the day of dedication. 
 Rev. A. K. Felton, of Philipsburg, Pa., assisted the pastor in this 
 dedication feast, and preached the sermon. The lots of ground 
 were presented to the congregation and the church was dedi- 
 cated free of debt. Rev. Crist now organized the congregation 
 with twenty-three charter members, and before he resigned it 
 had increased to thirty-nine members, and has almost entirely 
 absorbed (indeed, so much so that Rev. Schnure did not report 
 Bloomington in his parochial report in 1890) the. Bloomington 
 congregation. 
 
 Rev. Crist's parochial report of this congregation is included 
 in the history of the New Millport congregation. He resigned 
 on April 1, 1889. 
 
 Rev. J. P. Schnure took charge of the New Millport pastorate 
 on June 9, 1889. His parochial report is also included in the 
 history of the New Millport congregation. He resigned on 
 September 1, 1890. 
 
 On July 16, 1916, the Olanta congregation dedicated a new 
 church bell. 
 
 This congregation has always been a part of the New Mill- 
 port charge. For complete list of pastors, see under Salem 
 congregation. 
 
 [Above sketches are largely from the Focht MS. history. — Ed.] 
 
 Additional Historical Data of New Millport Charge, 
 
 Clearfield County, Pa. 
 
 By Rev. J. R. Rausch, Pastor 
 
 Rev. M. O. T. Sahm took pastoral charge of Salem Lutheran 
 Church, April 1, 1893. During the summer of 1893 he made a 
 thorough canvass of the congregation to secure funds for the 
 building of the new Gothic church. Meeting with what was 
 deemed a favorable response, the building committee (consisting 
 of the following persons : Jacob Arnold, President, Samuel 
 496 
 
NEW MILPORT, CLEARFIELD COUNTY 
 
 Tobias, Alvin Erhard, Robert P. Erhard and M. O. T. Sahm), 
 concluded it advisable to lay plans, and collected material for 
 the erection of the new church. In the Spring of 1894 the com- 
 mittee purchased 35,000 red bricks and secured the stones, and 
 during the Summer work was begun. On September 25, the 
 corner-stone was laid with the usual solemn and appropriate serv- 
 ices by the pastor. Preaching the previous evening by Rev. D. 
 B. Treibley, of Clearfield. On September 25, at 1.30 p.m., the 
 corner-stone sermon was delivered by Rev. E. D. Weigle, D.D., 
 of the First Church, of Altoona, who also solicited the funds, 
 amounting to $212, all that was asked for at the time. 
 
 Owing to the exceeding stringency of the times and a serious 
 strike occurring among the miners, the completion of the church 
 was delayed for two years. But on October 25, 1896, the feast 
 of dedication was observed. The day was a bright and delightful 
 one, and the church was packed with an enthusiastic audience. 
 The dedication sermon was delivered by Rev. H. L. Baugher, 
 D.D., president of General Synod, and financial solicitation 
 under Rev. J. F. Hartmann, D.D., president of Alleghany Synod, 
 who also preached in the evening. The entire amount raised 
 during the day was $1,850. In November of the same year the 
 Northeast Conference held its sessions in this church. The entire 
 cost of the new church, which now stands a monument of zeal 
 and untiring energy on the part of pastor and people, was $7,000. 
 
 During the five years of this pastorate, eighteen communion 
 services were held; at one time as high as 140 communed. 
 
 During this pastorate, 105 were received into the church, the 
 largest number of any pastoral supervision during her history. 
 
 The contributions to all objects averaged $2,000 per year, 
 which was also unprecedented in her history. 
 
 This oversight of the field was also one amongst the longest 
 of pastoral care, being five years, only two others being of equal 
 length, viz. : Rev. P. P. Lane and Rev. P. B. Shirk. 
 
 Rev. I. P. Hawkins began as pastor of this charge August 14, 
 1898, serving New Millport, Marron, Olanta and Bloomington. 
 During his pastorate the remaining debt of $1,200 was wiped 
 out, and on December 1, 1899, the last note was paid and burned. 
 While here, Rev. Hawkins' wife died. She is laid to rest in the 
 cemetery opposite the parsonage. On October 1, 1903, Rev. I. P. 
 
 497 
 
NORTHEAST CONFERENCE 
 
 Hawkins moved away from New Millport. 
 
 After being vacant for nearly three years, the congregation, 
 on the last Sunday of September, 191 5, elected Rev. J. R. Rausch 
 as pastor of this charge, and he began his work immediately, 
 and is serving at the time of this writing. 
 
 This pastorate, the history of which is given above, and 
 which is copied from the church record, marks the height of 
 prosperity of the Evangelical Lutheran [Salem] Church, of 
 New Millport. A gradual but constant loss of members by death 
 or by moving away to other localities, begins from this time on. 
 Bloomington has lost all of its members these many years ago, 
 and only the empty church building there reminds of the past. 
 In Marron, where at one time over 100 members were recorded, 
 only nine are left; the others have died or moved away, and no 
 chance of securing others. Internal troubles have greatly hin- 
 dered the growth of the Olanta congregation, where also many 
 members have moved away to other sections of the country. 
 In New Millport there are only thirty-two members left. Many 
 of the old members were laid to their last rest in the cemetery, 
 many more having moved away to Altoona, Pa., where there is 
 quite a colony of New Millport people ; Scalp Level and Wind- 
 ber, Pa., have also received members from here. After once old 
 troubles and their causes have been done away with, Olanta and 
 New Millport have a chance for some growth by patient and 
 faithful labor, provided the people can be aroused. 
 
 The Former East Ridge Evangelical Lutheran 
 Congregation 
 
 burnside township, clearfield county, pa. 
 
 Written by Rev. J. R. Focht 
 
 Among the earliest settlers in the southwestern corner of 
 Clearfield County were several Lutheran families. There being 
 no house for worship in the community, these men resolved to 
 build a church, although they had no preacher, hoping that God 
 would supply them with a pastor. Mr. John Meyer gave one 
 acre of cleared land, beautifully situated on a public road, for a 
 church and graveyard. This is near the border of Cambria 
 County, and not far from the county line of Indiana. The land 
 498 
 
EAST RIDGE, CLEARFIELD COUNTY 
 
 was deeded to the Evangelical Lutheran and "Presbyterian" 
 Churches, that is, German Reformed, as Rev. Barnes or Barnitz, 
 of the German Reformed denomination, preached through those 
 parts, and in the deeds throughout Somerset and Bedford Coun- 
 ties almost invariably they are called Presbyterians. The house 
 to be erected on this lot was to be property of these two denomi- 
 nations jointly. The erection of the church was commenced, 
 and in the meantime the "Presbyterians" resolved to build a 
 church in the town of Cherry Tree, and therefore withdrew their 
 aid from the enterprise at East Ridge, thus leaving a few 
 Lutherans there to struggle for themselves. At the same time 
 with their effort to build a church, they also put forth their 
 best endeavors to obtain a minister. Rev. P. Sahm was then 
 pastor at Indiana, about twenty-five miles off, and to him they 
 appealed. He sent them Mr. Christian A. Fetzer, one of his 
 students, who held meetings among these people occasionally, 
 catechized the young people, and rendered himself useful in pre- 
 paring the way for the organization of a Lutheran congregation. 
 When the proper time seemed to have come, Rev. Sahm visited 
 them in person, and organized a congregation, confirmed a num- 
 ber of catechumens, and administered the Lord's Supper. This 
 took place on August 5, 1855, the first date we find in the church 
 book. Including those first confirmed, twenty had their names 
 recorded as members of this organization. He also baptized 
 several children. 
 
 In 1855, letters were sent to Synod by the East Ridge congre- 
 gation and Butersbach settlement in Indiana County, soliciting 
 the labors of a stated minister to labor among them, and the 
 Cherry Tree Mission was formed by adding Glasgow settlement 
 to it. Rev. Fetzer preached also at another point, probably Tay- 
 lorville. Synod appropriated $50 to this mission. Rev. Fetzer 
 was licensed at this meeting of Synod, and appointed to the 
 Cherry Tree Mission, and at once took charge of it. Rev. 
 Fetzer was beloved by the people and useful here. In 1856, 
 Synod appropriated $100 to this mission. By permission of the 
 missionary committee of Synod, a mutual exchange by Rev. 
 Fetzer and Rev. P. S. Nellis, of the Karthaus Mission, was 
 made. Rev. Fetzer resigned the Cherry Tree Mission, and Rev. 
 Nellis did the same in August, 1857, date unknown. Rev. Fetzer 
 
 499 
 
NORTHEAST CONFERENCE 
 
 reported to Synod thirty-three infant baptisms, twenty-five addi- 
 tions, three losses, ninety-five communicants, three prayer meet- 
 ings, three Sunday schools, twenty-four teachers, ioo scholars ; 
 money raised, $161. 
 
 Rev. Nellis took charge of the Cherry Tree Mission in August, 
 1857. In the same year Synod passed the following resolution : 
 "That Brother Nellis visit certain congregations, in order to see 
 whether, by serving them, he can gain a competent support, and 
 if he does not succeed in obtaining a competency, he shall have 
 appropriated to him $50 from the missionary funds." On 
 July 11, 1858, he resigned the Glasgow congregation. The presi- 
 dent, in his report in 1858, says, "Brother P. Nellis also informed 
 me that new doors of usefulness are open for him, and that at 
 present there is more encouragement to labor in the Cherry Tree 
 than formerly, and by and by it will make an important pas- 
 torate" (p. 7). Fifty dollars was again appropriated to the 
 Cherry Tree Mission, provided the state of the funds admits it 
 (p. 24). In 1859, Rev. P. S. Nellis was dismissed to the 
 Synod of Northern Indiana, but the president's report is as date- 
 less and nameless as the church book above mentioned. He also 
 mentions that a part of the Cherry Tree Mission is vacant. 
 Probably he resigned at the end of his second year, in August, 
 1859, and makes three reports. In 1857 ne reports three con- 
 gregations, seventy-five communicants, three Sunday schools, 
 three prayer meetings; money raised, $11. In 1858 and 1859 
 he reports five congregations, sixteen infant baptisms, eight addi- 
 tions, two losses, 120 communicants, three prayer meetings, three 
 Sunday schools, seven teachers, fifty scholars; money raised, 
 
 $17-35- 
 
 About March 1, i860, Rev. H. Gathers took charge of the 
 
 Cherry Tree pastorate, for it received no aid from the mission- 
 ary society at this time. He also reports, in i860, three congre- 
 gations, eleven infant baptisms, six additions, sixty-four com- 
 municants, one prayer meeting, two Sunday schools, nineteen 
 teachers, 100 scholars ; money raised, $5.59. In 1861 he reported 
 five congregations, sixteen infant baptisms, thirty-three additions, 
 one loss, two prayer meetings, one Sunday school, eight teachers, 
 sixty scholars; money raised, $15.93. He resigned in 1863, but 
 what month is unknown. This congregation has been left with- 
 500 
 
EAST RIDGE, CLEARFIELD COUNTY 
 
 out a minister up to the present time in this deplorable condi- 
 tion. During the summer of 1863, Rev. A. R. Height, to whom 
 we are almost entirely indebted for our history of this congre- 
 gation, visited this congregation for six or eight weeks, and 
 administered the Lord's Supper to them. 
 
 As to the church enterprise, it proceeded so far at once that 
 meetings could be held in it. All was done except plastering it 
 within, and painting the seats and pulpit. In this unfinished 
 condition it stood till recently. In the spring of 1863, a preacher 
 of the United Brethren Church induced the few Lutherans yet 
 left there to enter into a written agreement with him, according 
 to which the United Brethren were to finish the house, and to 
 have not only the use of the church, but a claim upon the prop- 
 erty. This was a disgraceful transaction. By a little energy the 
 Lutherans could have finished it themselves, because not much 
 was wanting. But the Brethren were wiser than our people, and 
 the day is now lost. Notice was given that this church, now 
 finished, was to be dedicated. The writer (Rev. A. R. Height), 
 hearing of this, determined to do his utmost to save the Lutheran 
 interest there. Accordingly, having obtained a promise from 
 Rev. J. S. Numen to fill his pulpit on that day, he went to East 
 Ridge to attend to the consecration of the church there. We 
 found matters in a state of confusion. The United Brethren 
 in Christ claimed the privilege of consecrating the church, of 
 owning part of the property, of having one of three trustees to 
 whom the land is deeded, and of having the use of the house ; 
 in all of which we defeated them. Planting ourselves upon the 
 deed, we contended for its stipulations, and secured their assent 
 to our interests. The deed is made to three Lutheran trustees 
 and their successors, who hold the property in trust for the use 
 of the Lutheran and "Presbyterian" Churches. 
 
 The writer preached the dedicatory sermon and consecrated 
 the church according to Lutheran usage, on September 18, 1864, 
 in the presence of a crowded assembly. It was consecrated "The 
 East Ridge Evangelical Lutheran and Presbyterian Church." 
 
 The United Brethren having resigned their claim to the prop- 
 erty, of course they could not have a trustee, and an appoint- 
 ment was made for an election to fill the board of trustees by 
 those concerned. To the United Brethren is secured the right 
 
 501 
 
NORTHEAST CONFERENCE 
 
 to have at least one-third of the time, the perpetual use of the 
 house during this time, and an extra trustee to guard this right. 
 This is all. But this is too much, and we are censurable that 
 they have so much. They have only two male members in that 
 community (in 1864) and we feel confident if we had a good 
 Lutheran minister there we Would have nothing to fear. But if 
 the field is suffered to lie neglected for several years, our interest 
 will be lost. [Since the above was written, in 1864, no Lutheran 
 minister served there, and now (1890) all is lost.] 
 
 The Former Evangelical Lutheran Congregation 
 of bloomington, pike township, clearfield county, pa. 
 
 The principal original members of this congregation belonged 
 to the Salem (New Millport) congregation, about four or more 
 miles distant. 
 
 Rev. P. P. Lane and his successors occasionally preached at 
 Long's schoolhouse. When, in 1859, Rev. Joseph R. Focht took 
 charge of the Clearfield pastorate, he began to preach regularly 
 at Long's schoolhouse, and May 23, i860, he organized a con- 
 gregation with twenty-one charter members in the schoolhouse, 
 by adopting a constitution and electing the proper officers, and 
 by July 1 had $400 subscribed to build a church. The subscrip- 
 tion was continued and a lot of ground secured by deed, from 
 Michael Wise. In the spring of 1861 the foundation wall was 
 built and nearly all the lumber was on the ground. The church 
 is 38 by 54 feet, and the corner-stone was to be laid, but in con- 
 sequence of continued heavy rains and a high flood it was post- 
 poned. The war excitement became the all-absorbing subject of 
 conversation and interest. The lumber run down the river could 
 not be sold on account of so many banks becoming bankrupt. 
 The lumber men came home without money to pay off their 
 hands and a general panic set in. On December 13, Rev. Focht 
 resigned and moved to Baltimore County, Md. 
 
 As this congregation always belonged to the New Millport 
 congregation, the same ministers preached in both, and the paro- 
 chial report of each minister to 1864 is given in the history 
 of the Clearfield congregation. And from that year in the his- 
 tory of the Mt. Zion (Glasgow) congregation to the year 1881 ; 
 502 
 
THE FORMER EVANGELICAL, BLOOMINGTON 
 
 from that to the present time, in the history of the New Mill- 
 port congregation. 
 
 Later pastors were Rev. J. H. Bratten, 1863 to 1864; Rev. 
 A. R. Height, November, 1864, to November, 1865 ; Rev. P. L. 
 Harrison, supply, for six months, 1867; Rev. J. R. Williams, 
 December, 1867, to May, 1869. 
 
 Sunday, June 21, found the Luthern ministers of Clearfield 
 County, Pa., all assembled in Bloomington, to take part in the 
 dedication of a new church. It was a most pleasant meeting, one 
 long to be remembered by all who took part in it. The building 
 is 38 by 50 feet, is tastefully painted, beautifully situated, on the 
 edge of a grove and surrounded by a neat white fence. In fact, 
 it fills our ideal of a country church. The cost of the building 
 was about $2,000. The Lutherans of Bloomington, though not 
 numerous or wealthy, are a working, energetic people. Though 
 much neglected, and in times past often without a pastor, they 
 have not only remained intact, but have also increased in num- 
 bers. They commenced their church during war times and under 
 most adverse circumstances, but they have overcome all obstacles 
 and may now look with becoming pride upon their beautiful little 
 house of worship, an enduring evidence of their self-denial, 
 liberality and perseverance. The ladies furnished and trimmed 
 the interior. Much credit is due to Brother J. R. Williams, who 
 has been their pastor for some months back. He has infused a 
 new life into the charge. Pastor and people all speak hopefully 
 of the future. 
 
 Rev. C. A. Nixdorf, of Clearfield, preached the dedicatory 
 sermon from Psalm 132: 3-5. It was fully equal to the occasion, 
 and rarely have we listened to a better or more appropriate dis- 
 course. After the sermon, Brother P. L. Harrison stated to the 
 congregation that there was still a debt of over $750 on the 
 building, and that it was desirable that the means be furnished 
 to liquidate it before the church be dedicated. That they could 
 not well give to the Lord that which they did not own. They 
 responded nobly to his call. In a short time $947.13 was raised. 
 When the result was announced it made every heart bound with 
 joy. The church was then dedicated according to the formula 
 of the General Synod's Liturgy. We are looking for brighter 
 days in the Lutheran Church here in Clearfield. If cultivated 
 properly, it is a field of much promise. 
 
 Samuel Stouffer, 
 
 Luthersburg, Pa., June 30, 1868. 
 
 — From the Lutheran Observer. 
 
 503 
 
NORTHEAST CONFERENCE 
 
 LATER PASTORS 
 
 Rev. Abel Thompson, of New Millport, 1870 to 1873. Rev. 
 William Tryday, from about May, 1874; died on January 25, 
 1876. Rev. Peter B. Shirk, from April 1, 1876, to April 1, 1881 ; 
 died in 1882. Rev. A. J. Bean, from May 1, 1881, to May 1, 
 1885. Rev. George W. Crist, from October 1 to April 1, 1889. 
 Rev. J. P. Schnure, from June 9, 1889, to September 1, 1890. 
 
 On July 2, 1893, this church was improved to the extent of 
 $316 and rededicated. 
 
 FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH 
 
 PHILIPSBURG, PA. 
 
 Rev. Earl J. Bowman, Pastor 
 
 The history of organized Lutheranism in Philipsburg dates 
 from 1882. The first sermon preached in the town by a Lutheran 
 clergyman was delivered by Rev. Charles L. Streamer, then 
 pastor at Blairsville, in 1879, when a preliminary canvass was 
 made. In July, 1882, Rev. J. H. Walterick, of Tyrone, and Wil- 
 liam Miller, made another canvass. At this time the attention 
 of Rev. D. L. Ryder, of Hollidaysburg, then president of the 
 Alleghany Synod, was called to the prospects here for a church. 
 August 20, 1882, Rev. Ryder preached in the old Union Church 
 at Philipsburg, and that same day the congregation was organ- 
 ized with twelve members. The church record shows these 
 names : Edwin Tyson, William Miller, Mary E. Miller, Hiram 
 Osman, Elizabeth Osman, Eliza Mockle, A. R. Feistle, Annie R. 
 Feistle, Mamie Feistle, Joseph C. Streamer, Mrs. Peter Smith, 
 W. H. Barlow. 
 
 The council was elected as follows : Elders, Edwin Tyson, 
 W. H. Barlow; deacons, William Miller, Joseph C. Streamer, 
 Joseph Favorite. 
 
 The name of Joseph Favorite does not appear on the roll of 
 members until April 8, 1883 ; then he was elected on the first 
 council. On different occasions Rev. Isaac Krider preached to 
 the little band, until it was found that the Moshannon Creek was 
 the boundary between the Alleghany and Central Pennsylvania 
 Synods. When this discovery was made the church was trans- 
 ferred to the Central Pennsylvania Synod. It was again 
 .504 
 
FIRST, PHILIPSBURG 
 
 transferred to the Alleghany Synod in 1901. 
 
 The first pastor was Rev. George W. Crist, who served from 
 December 1, 1882, till June 1, 1885, during which time he 
 increased the membership to thirty-six. From the latter date 
 until April 1, 1886, the pulpit was vacant, when Rev. A. K. 
 Felton became pastor. During his pastorate the present church 
 edifice was erected, at a cost of $6,500. The corner-stone was 
 laid August 14, 1887, the pastor being assisted by Rev. J. C. 
 Zimmerman, secretary of the Board of Church Extension, who 
 preached the sermon of the day. The church was dedicated 
 November 18, 1888, by Rev. J. H. Menges, of Philadelphia, 
 assisted by the pastor and the first pastor, Rev. Crist. Rev. 
 Felton was the architect of the building, and so well did pastor 
 and people labor, that by April 1, 1890, when Rev. Felton 
 resigned, only $1,100 remained to be paid on the building. This 
 left the small congregation with a suitable place of worship and 
 well established for advancement. Since then the following 
 pastors have served: Rev. W. F. Steck, August 3, 1890, to 
 (date not given) ; Rev. J. W. Henderson, August, 1893, to 
 October 1, 1895; Rev. George S. Bright, June 28, 1896, to Feb- 
 ruary 24, 1901. During this pastorate various improvements 
 were made in the church property, chief of which were the 
 installation of electric light and a hot water heating plant, the 
 interior painted and a new carpet laid. The rededication was 
 held November 21, 1897. Dr. H. H. Weber conducted the serv- 
 ices and raised $900 for the payment of all improvements. 
 Rev. Charles D. 'Russell served June 12, 1901, to June 15, 
 1905. During this pastorate a tower was added to the church, 
 and a 1,050 lb. bell placed in the same, at a cost of $1,000. 
 Rev. Charles L. Streamer was supply pastor June, 1905, to 
 April 1, 1906. Rev. H. W. Bender, April 1, 1906, to October 1, 
 1907. Rev. Charles L. Streamer, supply pastor, October 1, 1907, 
 to January 15, 1908, when he was called home to his Heavenly 
 Father, dying peacefully in his home. Rev. E. B. Killinger, D.D., 
 supply pastor, May 1, 1909, to February 1, 1910, when he was 
 elected regular pastor until May 1, 191 1. During this pastorate 
 a slate roof was put on the church, at a cost of $700. Rev. N. 
 G. Phillipy, a student of the Gettysburg Seminary, supplied the 
 summer of 191 1. Rev. J. H. Keller, June 1, 1912, to Novem- 
 
 505 
 
NORTHEAST CONFERENCE 
 
 ber 23, 1913. Rev. Earl J. Bowman, June 1, 1914 to 
 
 During this pastorate concrete steps were built at three entrances, 
 the walls were renovated, a new lighting system installed, new 
 circular pews put in, and a new carpet laid, at a cost of over 
 $1,100. Improvements were dedicated, October 11, 1914, with 
 all money provided for, Dr. J. A. Clutz, of Gettysburg Seminary, 
 preaching three sermons. January 23, 1916, a new two-manual 
 Midmar pipe organ, costing $1,550, was dedicated, with all money 
 provided for, Dr. Clutz again preaching. June 25, 1916, a par- 
 sonage in a good residential section of the town was purchased 
 for $1,600. 
 
 The congregation has had a record of slow but steady gain. 
 It suffered severely on several occasions, when many Lutherans 
 in periods of business depression moved to other communities 
 for better work. Owing to this fact, on several occasions the 
 church was assisted by the Board of Home Missions. The con- 
 gregation at present has a beautiful and commodious church 
 and a comfortable parsonage, both valued at $15,600. It has 142 
 communicant members, a well-arranged Sunday school with an 
 enrollment of 235, an active Young People's Society, a Woman's 
 Missionary Society and an active Aid Society. 
 
 ST. LUKE'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
 
 ROARING SPRING, PA. 
 
 Rev. H. E. Berkey, Pastor 
 
 The Lutheran Church here dates from 1851. November 2 of 
 that year Rev. Joseph Fichtner, from Gettysburg Theological 
 Seminary, became pastor of the Martinsburg charge. He soon 
 began preaching in the schoolhouse. at Spang's Mill, now Roar- 
 ing Spring. In 1852 the Martinsburg charge was divided. Rev. 
 Fichtner continued to serve the Newry portion, including 
 Spang's Mill. 
 
 By an agreement, June 6, 1855, Pastor Fichtner and his people 
 secured from George B. Spang, a Lutheran and leading citizen 
 of the town, a lot "for Church purposes, on the Morrison's Cove 
 Turnpike (near the Graveyard Field Gate)." This lot was 
 exchanged by "Adam Mosey, Jacob Coltabaugh and Joseph 
 506 
 
ST. LUKE'S, ROARING SPRING 
 
 Kelly, deacons of the Lutheran congregation at Newry, duly 
 empowered and authorized to act in the matter by an article of 
 agreement dated July 18, 1857, with the administrator and heirs 
 of G. B. Spang, deceased" (Blair County Deed Book I, pp. 65- 
 66), for the then more central lot opposite the present (1917) 
 depot. The title by this deed being defective, January 18, 1858, 
 Job M. Spang and his wife, Rachael E., "to remedy said defect, 
 and perfect the title to said lot," gave another deed to "Jacob 
 Snowberger, elder, George Clugh, deacon, and Robert Todd, 
 trustee, officers (and their successors in office) of the Evangeli- 
 cal Lutheran Church at Spang's Mill." 
 
 st. luke's evangelical Lutheran church, roaring spring 
 
 On this lot there had been erected in 1856 a brick one-story 
 church building, 30 by 45 feet, and costing $1,600. The corner- 
 stone was laid June 27, 1856, Rev. P. Sahm preaching the 
 sermon from 1 Peter 2 ; 6. This work was presumably directed 
 by the above Newry deacons, as the property was deeded to be a 
 part of the Newry charge. 
 
 The Spang's Mill, afterwards Roaring Spring, congregation 
 was organized Saturday, July 4, 1857, and Sunday, July 5, 1857. 
 the church building was dedicated. Rev. J. Kunkleman preach- 
 ing on this occasion. 
 
 Names of the original members of the congregation are not 
 known, nor the first church officers, except those named above. 
 
 In 1865, when Rev. P. S. Hooper was pastor at Martinsburg. 
 
 507 
 
NORTHEAST CONFERENCE 
 
 Roaring Spring was again added to the Martinsburg charge. A 
 very trying situation had developed in the Roaring Spring con- 
 gregation at the close of Rev. Fichtner's pastorate. Rev. 
 Hooper rendered very valuable services and succeeded in again 
 bringing about normal conditions. 
 
 In 1869 the church property was "nailed up by the sheriff to 
 be sold for debt." Henry B. Walter and his wife, Anna Eliza 
 Walter, with Pastor Streamer, persuaded the heirs of a delin- 
 quent subscriber to the church debt to pay the $300 and interest 
 from that source, and the balance of over $600 Mr. and Mrs. 
 Walter paid themselves. This explains the memorial window 
 and marble tablet, respectively, to these deceased members. 
 
 In 1885 a release of the Roaring Spring Church property from 
 the Newry charge was secured. 
 
 By 1886 the growth of the congregation, as well as the town, 
 made a better located and more commodious church building 
 desirable. The old location was also rendered objectionable by 
 the railroad built directly past the front of the church. The 
 present location corner of East Main and Gerard Streets, near 
 the original "Grave Yard Field Gate" lot, was secured for 
 $2,000. 
 
 The corner-stone for the new church was laid May 1, 1887, 
 Rev. S. J. Taylor preaching, and Rev. E. Dutt laying the stone. 
 Below this corner-stone the old corner-stone from the first 
 church building, dated 1856, was laid. The mason work in 
 laying these stones in both buildings was done by Brother John 
 Mohr who still abides with us (June, 1917). 
 
 The present church building was dedicated March 25, 1888. 
 Rev. J. H. Menges, of Philadelphia, preached the sermon, and 
 Rev. J. W. Henderson, of Newry, assisted the pastor. The 
 church was of brick, 44 by 69 feet, with tower, auditorium, 
 Sunday school room and primary room. The cost was $7,500. 
 
 A church charter was secured June 22, 1887. 
 
 At a meeting of the joint council of the Martinsburg charge, 
 February 12, 1889, the Roaring Spring congregation asked per- 
 mission to withdraw and form a separate pastorate. The request 
 was granted and went into effect April 7, same year. 
 
 In 1893, during the pastorate of Rev. W. H. Hilbish, D.D., 
 the present parsonage was bought for $1,450. 
 508 
 
ST. LUKE'S, ROARING SPRING 
 
 In 1897, during the pastorate of Rev. J. R. Sample, the old 
 parsonage building between the present parsonage and the 
 church was removed and the lot converted into a lawn, and the 
 present parsonage, then and since, much improved. 
 
 In 1906 the church building was largely rebuilt. The old 
 tower was razed, the front gable moved out ten feet, and the 
 present three towers built. Fifteen feet was added to the rear 
 of the building, making the length 94 feet. The interior was 
 rearranged and mostly refurnished, including an Estey pipe 
 organ, at a cost of about $10,000. 
 
 In 191 1, by the will of the Misses Susan B. and Elizabeth B. 
 Snowberger, the congregation received an endowment of $3,000 
 in cash and a $1,500 endowment in the Jacob Snowberger (now 
 Jacob H. Kauffman) farm at East Sharpsburg. 
 
 In 191 5-16 the church was thoroughly repaired, renovated 
 and improved at a cost of about $3,000. 
 
 The Sunday school has existed almost from the beginning of 
 the church. Its superintendents longest in service have been : 
 Samuel Wilderson, Henry B. Walter, D. S. Brumbaugh, Esq., 
 Dr. A. S. Stayer and Prof. J. K. Ritchey. 
 
 The Christian Endeavor Society was organized July, 1892. 
 Its first president was Mrs. J. W. Bogart, nee Miss Minnie M. 
 Slick. 
 
 A Ladies' Aid and Missionary Society was organized by Rev. 
 F. S. Delo in 1900. In 19 14 this was divided, and a separate 
 Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society organized by 
 Mrs. H. E. Berkey, the Aid Society continuing as a separate 
 organization. 
 
 St. Luke's pastors have been: Rev. Joseph Fichtner, 1851- 
 1864; Rev. P. S. Hooper, 1864-1866; Rev. J. W. Schwartz, 
 1866-1867; Rev. P. Sheeder, 1867-1869; Rev. C. L. Streamer, 
 1 869- 1 873; Rev. D. Stock, 1874- 1879; Rev. E. Dutt, 1880- 1889; 
 Rev. C. P. Harrah, 1 889-1891 ; Rev. B. S. Dise, 1891-1893; Rev. 
 W. H. Hilbish, 1893-1894; Rev. J. R. Sample, 1895-1899; Rev. 
 F. S. Delo, 1900-1901 ; Rev. J. J. Hill, 1901-1906; Rev. C. E. 
 Keller, 1906-1913; Rev. H. E. Berkey, 1914 to date. 
 
 The present confirmed membership is 456. 
 
 509 
 
NORTHEAST CONFERENCE 
 
 SINKING VALLEY CHARGE 
 
 Rev. Mervyn J. Ross, Pastor 
 
 The St. John's, or Sinking Valley, Evangelical Lutheran 
 
 Congregation 
 
 sinking valley, tyrone township, blair county, pa. 
 
 It is likely that this congregation had its beginning sometime 
 in the year 1804, when Rev. Haas began his work in Huntingdon 
 County. Tradition has it that he preached here regularly while 
 he was in the Huntingdon charge. The first baptism recorded 
 in the church book (written in German) was administered in 
 1801, but by whom is not recorded, and the same is the case in all 
 the baptisms to 1804 when Rev. Haas took charge. What a 
 satisfaction it would be now to know the name of the minister 
 or ministers ; whether it was a traveling missionary, Rev. llgen, 
 of Aaronsburg, or Rev. Walter, of Middleburg. Most likely the 
 latter, who at least came once a year and administered the Lord's 
 Supper and baptized the children, as the dates of baptism in the 
 church book indicate to have taken place in the spring and fall, 
 and many on or near the same day. 
 
 In these early days when preachers were very few and 
 churches were not yet organized in much of the newly settled 
 territory, it is reasonable to believe that the communities were 
 first given attention where there were devout believers who 
 longed for the preaching of the word and made known their 
 desire by arranging for ministers to visit them to preach and 
 administer the sacraments. In this community Mr. George 
 Fleck seems to have been instrumental in arranging for the 
 services of the traveling missionaries. When Rev. Haas came 
 he preached in his house until the meeting house was built, a 
 period, possibly, of fifteen years. The Fleck family are still 
 active in the church work of this valley. 
 
 The following is a complete list of the pastors who served 
 this congregation from 1804 to the present time : F. Haas, 1804 
 to February 7, 1815; John G. Schmick, 1816 to 1828; Jacob 
 Martin, October 1828 to 1838; Michael Eyster, December 1, 
 1838, to May 1, 1845; William S. Emery, May I, 1845, to 
 October 1, 1847; William Z. Laitzle, April 1, 1848. to July 1, 
 510 
 
ST. JOHN'S, SINKING VALLEY 
 
 1850; John T. Williams, August 1, 1850, to April 1, 1854; 
 Peter M. Rightmeyer, April 1, 1854, to April 1, 1857; Jacob B. 
 Christ, April 1, 1857, to April 1, 1866; A. H. Aughe, May 1, 
 1866, to September 26, 1869; John Kistler, December 1, 1869, 
 to November 1, 1877; John Walterick, January 1, 1878, to Sep- 
 tember 3, 1882; H. M. Oberholtzer, December 1, 1882, to April 
 1, 1888; A. J. Bean, August 1, 1888, to November 10, 1893; 
 L. H. W. Kline, April 1, 1894, to January 1, 1895; C. F. Jacobs, 
 June 1, 1895, to March 15, 1898; J. A. Dunlap, July 1, 1898, to 
 April 1, 1901 ; R. S. Stair, April 1, 1903, to October 1, 1907; 
 C. H. Shull, January 1, 1908, to July 1, 1909; G. L. Courtney, 
 
 ST. JOHN S LUTHERAN CHURCH, SINKING VALLEY 
 
 December 1, 1910, to October 1, 1913; Mervyn J. Ross, July 1, 
 
 19151.0 
 
 The combination of congregations forming the charge in which 
 St. John's has been associated is interesting. Until 1816 it was 
 in the Huntingdon charge, which embraced the whole of what is 
 now Huntingdon and Blair Counties, also a point in Kishaco- 
 quillas Valley near Allenville. In this territory Rev. Haas had 
 no less than fourteen preaching places. In 1816 the territory 
 was divided, and Sinking Valley was served with Waterstreet, 
 Seven Stars, Half-Moon Valley (Gatesburg), Salem, Alleghany 
 Furnace, Newry, Frankstown, Williamsburg and Clover Creek. 
 After about two years two of these, Williamsburg and Clover 
 
 511 
 
NORTHEAST CONFERENCE 
 
 Creek, were taken over by the Huntingdon charge. This 
 arrangement continued until 1828 when Synod put this church 
 in what they called the Sinking Valley charge. The arrangement 
 was as follows : The first Sunday the minister was to preach at 
 Williamsburg and Clover Creek; second Sunday at Frankstown 
 and Alleghany Furnace; third Sunday at Newry; fourth Sunday 
 at Sinking Valley. For ten years the charge was thus served by 
 Rev. Jacob Martin. 
 
 In 1838 a redistricting took place, and Williamsburg and 
 Sinking Valley formed a separate charge. So it remained until 
 1845 when it was put back in the Waterstreet charge, consisting 
 this time of Sinking Valley, Waterstreet and Seven Stars. In 
 1873 tne Seven Stars congregation was dismissed to the Central 
 Pennsylvania Synod, and Rev. Kistler, then pastor, preached at 
 Tyrone instead of at the Stars. Tyrone grew and needed more 
 attention, and in 1876 Waterstreet was dropped, and the new 
 charge consisted of Sinking Valley, Tyrone, Salem and Bells 
 Mills (Bellwood). This was now called the Tyrone charge and 
 the minister lived in Tyrone. During the arrangements of the 
 previous eighteen years the pastors lived at Birmingham, where 
 a parsonage was owned by the charge. In January, 1880, it was 
 again divided and Sinking Valley, Tyrone and Baughmans (a 
 newly organized congregation on the Bald Eagle Creek, after- 
 wards abandoned) were together. 
 
 On March 5, 1888, Tyrone withdrew, and the Sinking Valley 
 charge, as it stands to-day, with the exception that Mt. Olivet was 
 afterwards added, was formed as follows : Sinking Valley, Seven 
 Stars, Center Line, Warrior's Mark. Although the history of 
 the charge connections of this church is somewhat complicated it 
 shows how growth makes changes necessary. We notice that 
 ministers serving this congregation lived at Huntingdon, Water- 
 street, Williamsburg, Tyrone, Birmingham, Warrior's Mark, and 
 not until 1806 did a minister live at this church, except perhaps, 
 Rev. Schmick, who, it is said, lived in this vicinity. 
 
 This congregation is in its third house of worship. As stated 
 before the congregation was organized and services were held 
 for several years in the dwelling house of George Fleck. Mr. 
 Fleck then deeded an acre or two of land for a Lutheran Church 
 and graveyard, on which the little congregation built a two-story 
 512 
 
ST. JOHN'S, SINKING VALLEY 
 
 log church. What year, and whether it was finished at once or 
 during a number of years, as was the custom at that time, are 
 unknown. The probability is that it was built about the year 
 1819 during Rev. Schmick's ministry. This building was of the 
 primitive style, built of logs, a gallery on three sides and a high 
 box pulpit with a sounding board above it. A pulpit settee that 
 was used in this old building is still preserved. When the build- 
 ing was torn down a tenant house, in sight of where it once stood, 
 was constructed of its material. 
 
 In 1840 a new brick church was built. Rev. Michael Eyster, 
 pastor. The building committee was Thomas Christman and 
 Conrad Fleck. The contractors were : For furnishing stone and 
 hauling brick, Henry Fleck ; for burning brick, Thomas Christ- 
 man; for laying brick, doing stone work and plastering, Peter 
 Burket; for wood work and carpenter work, Robert Stewart. 
 David Cree did the painting. The building was 54 by 45 feet, 
 with an end vestibule and basement. The cost was $2,316.39. 
 The corner-stone was laid in the spring and was dedicated in 
 the latter part of October. Dr. S. Schmucker, of the Theological 
 Seminary of Gettysburg, preached the sermon for the occasion. 
 It was a fine building for its day and was the meeting-place for 
 the Lutherans for many miles around. It was popularly called 
 the brick church. It served its purpose for fifty-two years, when 
 being badly in need of repair and because of a desire for a church 
 of more modern arrangement, the present structure took its 
 place. 
 
 At a congregational meeting, after preparatory services, on 
 October 24, 1891, it was decided to build a new church. The 
 building committee consisted of the following: George Lotz, 
 Reuben Fox, John S. Fleck. The following week the committee 
 met and began arrangements for building. Mr. Dempwolf, of 
 York, Pa., was employed to design the building, and his plans 
 were adopted December 6, 189 1. 
 
 The corner-stone was laid June 11, 1892, and on November 13 
 of the same year it was dedicated. On Saturday evening pre- 
 ceding, former pastors and sons of the congregation in the min- 
 istry held a reunion in the church, on which occasion addresses 
 were delivered by Revs. A. S. Fichthorn, E. S. Johnston, C. L. 
 Fleck and John Kistler. A sufficient amount of money was 
 
 513 
 
NORTHEAST CONFERENCE 
 
 secured at the dedication to cover the remaining indebtedness of 
 $1,600. Rev. H. H. Weber preached the sermon and solicited 
 funds. The church is of modern design. It is built of brick, 
 trimmed with Ohio sandstone, and has three rooms with orna- 
 mental porches at the outer entrances. Its windows, containing 
 the best quality of rolled cathedral glass, are memorial. The 
 spire is high and graceful. The building cost $10,000. In the 
 history of the congregation, read by Rev. C. L. Fleck, it is 
 described as "an artistic structure which stands as a monument 
 of the devotion and liberality of the congregation, and the untir- 
 ing effort of the present pastor, Rev. A. J. Bean." 
 
 In 1906, while Rev. Stair was pastor, a parsonage was built 
 by this congregation near their church. It is a well-planned 
 frame structure, situated on a plot of land taken from the Lotz 
 farm. 
 
 The congregation was chartered by the court of Huntingdon 
 County, November 22, 1845. W. S. Emery, J. N. Burket and 
 George Lotz wrote the constitution and articles of incorporation, 
 which are recorded in the above-named court. 
 
 The Cemetery Corporation was chartered in 1898. The officers 
 of the church are the trustees of the cemetery. 
 
 The congregation has an Endowment Fund, to which bequests 
 have been made by the following persons : David Crawford, 
 Mrs. David Crawford, David Ramey, Mrs. Eliza Bridenbaugh. 
 Mr. William A. Patton, of Philadelphia, has also helped the con- 
 gregation in its finances from time to time. The Second Lutheran 
 Church, of Altoona, is at the present time, through the Mission- 
 ary Committee of the Alleghany Synod, paying a portion of the 
 pastor's support. 
 
 ORGANIZATIONS 
 
 The oldest organization was a missionary society, auxiliary to 
 the Parent Education and General Society. This organization 
 has a record that dates back to the year 1837. Peter Burket was 
 the president. The people generally contributed, and quite 
 respectable sums were raised for several years. We cannot tell 
 how long it was in existence ; but we find in an old treasurer's 
 record that contributions were frequently made to this cause. 
 
 On October 9, 1842, we find a record of the church council's 
 authorization of three prayer meetings ; one to be held at the 
 514 
 
ST. JOHN'S, SINKING VALLEY 
 
 church on Sundays when there was no preaching, one in the 
 west end of the valley and one in the east end of the valley. 
 The one in the church was to be presided over by Henry Fleck ; 
 the one in the west end of the valley by George Lotz, and the 
 one in the east end by John G. Fleck. We have no record as to 
 how long these continued, but find many years later that T. M. 
 Fleck led the prayer meetings that were held on Sunday even- 
 ings in the brick church. 
 
 The Sunday school is perhaps the next oldest organization. 
 It has an elegant record since 1843, when Rev. Eyster was pas- 
 tor. George Hubley must have been active in this movement. He 
 presented the school with its first blank record. George Fleck 
 was superintendent for many years ; his successors were as fol- 
 lows: George Lotz, M. L. Fleck, T. M. Fleck, Sanford Ramey, 
 John S. Fleck, J. Howard Lotz. Money was raised for the first 
 Sunday school library August 1, 1845; June 6, the following 
 year, the library, consisting of 461 volumes, was bought, at the 
 cost of $85. There have been two or more libraries bought since; 
 one of them, that was perhaps the largest, was bought about 
 1890. Another splendid collection was received later as a memo- 
 rial to J. Lyn Patton. The school circulated literature in the 
 form of papers and for many years the Sunday School Herald 
 was taken. There have been but few secretaries of the school ; 
 Gabriel Fleck performed the duties of the office for about fifty 
 years. He was also secretary and treasurer of the congregation 
 for many years and kept the best records and the cleanest accounts 
 in its possession to-day. 
 
 The "Men's," Mr. Alexander Miller, teacher, and "Busy Bees," 
 Mrs. H. C. Lotz, teacher, were organized October 22, 1916. 
 
 The Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society was 
 begun in January, 1881, with Sally J. Fleck as president; she 
 remained at its head for a good many years. Its number of 
 members at the beginning were : active, twenty-six ; honorary, 
 nine. Its membership now is : active, twenty-three ; honorary, 
 nine. It has made five life members. This society has a splen- 
 did record in the help it has given to missionary cause. It has 
 been able to repair its loss in membership and has always kept a 
 live interest in the cause of missions in the congregation. It 
 has always kept the men interested by having them listed as 
 
 515 
 
NORTHEAST CONFERENCE 
 
 honorary members. They observe their anniversary regularly 
 and often celebrate it with elegant programs. 
 
 In May, 1916, a Mission Band was organized. They have 
 twenty-nine active and eight honorary members. 
 
 A Young People's Aid Society was organized in August, 1887 ; 
 Howard Lotz, president ; H. S. Fleck, treasurer ; Maggie Fleck, 
 secretary. It was organized with the financial object in view, 
 and the immediate occasion that called it in existence was the 
 repairing of the church. When the plan of repairing was aban- 
 doned it directed its efforts towards raising money for the new 
 building. It contributed more than $500 towards this object. It 
 secured its funds by holding festivals and giving entertainments, 
 and was very successful in its undertakings. When the Blair 
 County Lutheran Reunion was held at Hundred Springs, this 
 organization served the refreshments. Although it was most 
 active during the building of the church, it was later called into 
 action from time to time as occasions needed. 
 
 The Young People's Society Christian Endeavor was organ- 
 ized in March, 1897, with forty-five active members, and in a 
 few months reached a membership of almost 100. It has played 
 an important part in the devotional life of the congregation 
 H. S. Fleck was the first president. 
 
 GENERAL REMARKS 
 
 This congregation has an enviable record in the production of 
 Lutheran clergymen, both in regard to number and character 
 of the men sent out. From her own membership came the fol- 
 lowing five ministers : Revs. Jacob Burket, Henry Fleck, L. N. 
 Fleck, Cyrus Fleck and E. Lee Fleck. Aside from these, sons 
 fostered and trained in this congregation entered the ministry 
 after removal and are credited with some other congregation. 
 Thev are : Revs. E. S. Johnston, J. R. Williams and F. H. Criss- 
 man. These men all enjoyed the church's best gift of education 
 and training, and all became active, energetic and forceful 
 preachers and highly esteemed pastors. 
 
 We note the following fluctuations in the communicant mem- 
 bership. Although we have no record of the members at the 
 beginning, it is not likely they were very many. We have no 
 record at all during Rev. Schmick's ministry of twelve years. 
 516 
 
MT. OLIVET, ALTOONA 
 
 Beginning with the ministry of Rev. Martin in 1829, we have 
 splendid records up to the present time. When Rev. Martin took 
 charge there are but seventeen communicants recorded for the 
 first communion in the spring of 1829. The next Easter he 
 received twenty-two, and records a total of fifty-seven. From 
 that time up to the present the largest number recorded was 
 115, in 1898, and smallest number fifty-five, in 1915. The num- 
 ber in 1916 was ninety-one. 
 
 The congregation had its first Every Member Canvass on 
 April 9, 1916, which seemed to put new life into its activities. 
 
 Although never a large congregation, its members have had a 
 sturdy faithfulness that has always worked together for good. 
 Because of the trend of the times it has passed through crises 
 peculiar to rural churches and has almost as great strength as 
 ever. The present membership is faithful and devoted and we 
 believe it is reasonable to expect even greater things in the days 
 to come. 
 
 Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church 
 
 rural route no. 3, altoona, pa. 
 
 This congregation was organized at Bushman Public School- 
 house, January 3, 1897. Rev. H. M. Heilman, pastor of Bethany 
 Lutheran Church, Altoona, had been preaching nearly every four 
 weeks for about two years. The people of the community 
 expressed a desire to organize a congregation and a meeting was 
 appointed for this purpose. The council of Bethany Church 
 was present at the meeting. Twelve charter members were 
 received; two of them, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas White, were from 
 Bethany Church. The following officers were elected : Robert 
 Cochran and W. S. Coldwell, elders ; Thomas White and William 
 Russel, deacons. Rev. Heilman was elected pastor. 
 
 In the spring of 1900 plans were made to build a church, and 
 the corner-stone was laid in August of the same year. Much of 
 the labor and material being donated, the work went slow and it 
 was not dedicated until November 16, 1902. The following min- 
 isters were present: Revs. H. M. Heilman, Henry Fleck. O. C. 
 Roth, D.D. The choirs from Bethany and St. John's, Sinking 
 Valley, assisted in the service. 
 
 Rev. FI. M. Heilman, Rev. F. B. Thomas, Rev. M. H. Stine 
 
 517 
 
NORTHEAST CONFERENCE 
 
 served this congregation while pastors of Bethany. Since 1909 
 it has been served by the following pastors from Sinking Valley : 
 Rev. C. H. Shull, Rev. G. L. Courtney, Rev. Mervyn J. Ross. 
 
 At a joint council meeting of the Sinking Valley charge, in 
 July, 1916, an invitation was extended to this congregation to 
 become a part of the charge. It was accepted on September 10 
 and sanctioned by Synod on October 4 of the same year. 
 
 Spruce Creek, or Seven Stars, Evangelical Lutheran 
 
 Church 
 
 franklin township, huntingdon county, pa. 
 
 This congregation was organized by Rev. F. Haas about the 
 same time the Huntingdon and Waterstreet congregations were 
 organized, no later than 1805, at the dwelling-house of George 
 Mattern, Sr., who was one of the first settlers in this region. 
 He was a man who loved his church and had Rev. Haas to 
 preach at his house. On March 2, 1806, for the consideration of 
 $5, never collected, he deeded a lot of about one acre of land to 
 the Lutheran congregation for church and graveyard purposes. 
 The congregation was small, as the country was mostly settled 
 with Scotch-Irish Presbyterians and some Germans who belonged 
 to the Lutheran Church from the eastern counties. For some 
 time the congregation worshiped in the log schoolhouse that 
 stood near the location of the present church building. This 
 schoolhouse was of the primitive type ; the timber was all worked 
 out with the axe, the frame was log, the benches were split slabs. 
 The congregation erected a two-story log church, 28 by 30 feet, 
 with a gallery on three sides, high pulpit with a sounding-board 
 above it. It stood near the center of the graveyard. In this 
 primitive church the congregation worshiped until December 18, 
 1853, nearly fifty years. Rev. Haas continued pastor of this 
 congregation until February 7, 181 5, when he resigned. A 
 vacancy of nearly two years occurred and Rev. Ugen, of Aarons- 
 burg, Center County, and Rev. Walter, of Middleburg, Snyder 
 County, visited them and held communion for them and baptized 
 the children. 
 
 Mr. John G. Schmick, who studied under Peter Shindle, of 
 Sunbury, began to supply it with preaching in 1816 and 1817, 
 518 
 
SPRUCE CREEK, HUNTINGDON COUNTY 
 
 while he still pursued his studies, and in 1818 was licensed by 
 the Pennsylvania Synod as a catechist and continued pastor of 
 this congregation until the close of 1827, when by a committee 
 of the West Pennsylvania Synod he was suspended and in 1828 
 expelled by Synod for his unchristian and immoral conduct. He 
 was, along with other faults, greatly in love with gambling. 
 
 In 1828 the whole field, Huntingdon and Blair Counties, which 
 at that time formed Huntingdon County, was formed into two 
 charges, called the Alexandria and Williamsburg charges. This 
 congregation was thrown to the Alexandria, or, as it may be 
 properly called, the Huntingdon charge. 
 
 About November 1, 1829, Rev. Daniel Moser took charge of 
 the Alexandria pastorate. In the early part of his ministry he 
 had but sixteen communing members, and during his ministry, 
 according to the church book, he added forty members to this 
 congregation. Rev. Moser was pastor of this congregation for 
 more than fifteen years, the longest period that any pastor 
 remained on the charge. The work responded under his faithful 
 services, so that at one time he reported sixty members, the most 
 in the history of the congregation. When he became pastor he 
 lived at Waterstreet, but in 1831 he built as his own property a 
 brick house at the Seven Stars. Here he resided until he 
 resigned. The building still stands, and is owned and occupied 
 by John S. Mattern. 
 
 The following is a list of pastors from 1845 : William S. 
 Emery, May 1, 1845, to October 1, 1847; William Z. Laitzle, 
 April 1, 1848, to July 1, 1850; John T. Williams, August 1, 1850, 
 to February 1, 1854; Peter M. Rightmeyer, February 1, 1854, 
 to April 1, 1857; Jacob B. Christ, April 1, 1857, to April 1, 1866; 
 A. H. Aughe, May 1, 1866, to September 26, 1869; John Kistler, 
 December 1, 1869, to 1873; R- H. Fletcher, February, 1873, to 
 
 ; G. S. Battersby, July 19, 1874, to ; G. W. Stroup, 
 
 April 30, 1876, to ; R. Smith, November 1, 1877, to ; 
 
 H. R. Fletcher, December, 1881, to ; Rev. McHenry, 
 
 April, 1883, to ; A. J. Bean, August 1, 1888, to Novem- 
 ber 10, 1893; L. H. W. Kline, April 1, 1894, to January 1, 1895; 
 C. F. Jacobs, June 1, 1895, to March 15, 1898; J. A. Dunlap, 
 July 1, 1898, to April 1, 1901 ; R. S. Stair, April 1, 1903, to Octo- 
 ber 1, 1907; C. H. Shull, January. 1, 1908, to July 1, 1909; G. L. 
 
 519 
 
NORTHEAST CONFERENCE 
 
 Courtney, December i, 1910, to October 1, 1913. 
 
 The present church building was erected in 1853. It was dedi- 
 cated on December 18 of the same year, and cost about $1,500. 
 On November 15, 1858, another lot of ground by the side of the 
 graveyard .was deeded to the congregation by George Mattern, 
 Jr., to enlarge the graveyard. 
 
 Although this is one of our old and faithful congregations, it 
 never had a large membership. No doubt its most flourishing 
 period was when Rev. Moser was pastor, who lived there. On 
 November 18, 1888, twenty-three members communed, and ten 
 years later but nine members are reported. The falling off is 
 largely accounted for by the organization of a congregation at 
 Warriors Mark in 1888, which was made up mostly of members 
 from this place. Because of the condition of the building there 
 have been no services since 1913. There are but three members 
 left in the community. 
 
 This congregation was a victim of circumstances. Situated 
 near the Pittsburgh and Philadelphia Pike, where it is intersected 
 by another pike from Philipsburg and Clearfield, a station on 
 one of the main thoroughfares of travel across the State, its 
 tavern lodged many travelers and teamsters. With the coming 
 of the railroads and growing of the cities, this small congrega- 
 tion became weaker, until it is now considered gone ; but we 
 know the preaching there nourished many precious souls, led 
 them in the path of righteousness and usefulness for the Master, 
 and directed them to the Saviour to whom they have gone. Its 
 usefulness still lives, and those remaining who worshiped there 
 cherish many sacred memories of the place where they called 
 upon the name of the Lord. 
 
 The Evangelical Lutheran Congregation 
 warriors mark, huntingdon county, pa. 
 This congregation is principally formed out of members who 
 formerly belonged to Seven Stars congregation and had between 
 five and six miles to come to church. The ministers who served 
 the Seven Stars congregation occasionally preached at Warriors 
 Mark and those living in the vicinity for years desired to have a 
 congregation organized in the place, but it was thought that the 
 membership would be too weak and also that it would weaken 
 520 
 
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN, WARRIORS MARK 
 
 the Seven Stars congregations; for these reasons some of the 
 most influential members opposed it. And as the vicinity was 
 almost entirely under Methodistic influence for years, it was 
 easily foreseen that there would be great opposition to a Lutheran 
 congregation in the place. But the Lutherans prepared them- 
 selves for the emergency. Center Line and Seven Stars were 
 without a regular pastor because they were unable to support 
 one, and unable to unite with any other charge. Rev. Oberholtzer 
 was invited to preach a few times at Warriors Mark and see 
 what could be done. The Sinking Valley congregation saw their 
 opportunity and favored the plan to organize a congregation; 
 although able to support a pastor themselves they were willing 
 to unite with a new charge and also aid Warriors Mark to build 
 a church. Rev. Oberholtzer felt much encouraged, and at his 
 next appointment in the evening desired to test the matter, and 
 requested that all those who would favor and be willing to join 
 in with a Lutheran organization should remain after the bene- 
 diction was pronounced. To the surprise of pastor and people 
 about forty persons remained. The organization was effected 
 on May 31, 1888, at the house of James Chamberlain, in pursu- 
 ance of a call previously made to organize a Lutheran congrega- 
 tion whose government and discipline shall be in accordance with 
 the formula of the Lutheran Church and constitution of the Gen- 
 eral Synod. A constitution was adopted with twenty-two charter 
 members and at the next congregational meeting the proper offi- 
 cers were elected. This small congregation worshiped in the 
 schoolhouse until the church was finished. Rev. A. J. Bean, on 
 August 1, 1888, took charge of the Sinking Valley pastorate, 
 which had been lately formed, consisting of Sinking Valley, War- 
 riors Mark, Center Line and Seven Stars. The need of a suit- 
 able place in which to worship was deeply felt, and the members, 
 with their pastor, prepared to build ; and so energetic were the 
 members that on September 23, 1888, the corner-stone was laid. 
 Rev. Oberholtzer, of Tyrone, preached the sermon for the occa- 
 sion, and Rev. Bean, pastor loci, laid the corner-stone. About 
 $60 was collected for the new church. On February 11, 1889, 
 the congregation was incorporated, and on August 29. 1889, 
 James Chamberlain, for the consideration of $1, deeded the lot 
 to the congregation. 
 
 521 
 
NORTHEAST CONFERENCE 
 
 The church was dedicated on July 14, 1889. Rev. Manges, of 
 Philadelphia, preached the dedicatory sermon. Revs. I. Krider, 
 H. M. Oberholtzer and Cyrus B. Fleck were also present and 
 assisted in the services. The church is a frame structure, 32 by 
 47 feet, with a side room 16 by 22 feet, with pulpit recess, and 
 a recess in front. It cost about $3,000. It is a neat church 
 and reflects great credit on the congregation and pastor. The 
 pastors who have served this congregation are the same as those 
 of Sinking Valley. 
 
 St. Matthew's, or Center Line Lutheran Church 
 half moon township, center county, pa. 
 
 For many years a union Sunday school was conducted in the 
 Center Line schoolhouse ; occasionally there was preaching by 
 the Methodist pastor of Warriors Mark. The Lutherans and 
 Methodists predominated in the community ; the Lutherans held 
 their membership at Gatesburg and the Methodists at Warriors 
 Mark. The Methodists had a class meeting in the community. 
 
 In 1868, Rev. Daniel Sell, pastor of the Pine Grove charge, con- 
 ducted evangelistic meetings at which several converts were 
 received. This gave the Lutherans encouragement, and an 
 organization was very soon effected, with a membership of about 
 twenty-five. They continued in the schoolhouse until a church 
 building was erected four years later, on land donated by Isaac 
 Beck. It was dedicated on October 20, 1872, by Rev. William 
 Gottwald. The building still remains and has always been kept 
 in good condition. A cemetery plot adjoins the church ; part of 
 it was donated by Isaiah Beck. 
 
 Rev. Daniel Sell, who organized the congregation, remained 
 pastor for a year. During this time he preached once a month. 
 He was succeeded by Rev. M. G. Earhart. 
 
 In the spring of 1872 the Center Line and Gatesburg congre- 
 gations were separated from the Pine Grove pastorate and were 
 united with Spruce Creek, with Warriors Mark as an outpost. 
 This formed a new charge, and in February, 1873, Rev. R. H. 
 Fletcher became pastor. The Synodical connection was with the 
 Central Pennsylvania Synod. On July 19, 1874, Rev. G. S. 
 Battersby became pastor; on April 30, 1876, Rev. G. W. Stroup ; 
 522 
 
FIRST, TYRONE 
 
 on November I, 1877, Rev. Smith became supply pastor; in 
 1881 we find Rev. Fletcher pastor for the second time. He 
 served this charge in connection with the congregations in Nippe- 
 nose Valley, Clinton County, Pa., and resided at Lock Haven, 
 Pa. On April 1, 1883, Rev. McHenry became pastor. 
 
 With its three small congregations this charge was weak and 
 hardly able to support a pastor. Because of this, when, on 
 March 5, 1888, a redisricting of the Sinking Valley took place, 
 Gatesburg went back to the Pine Grove charge, and Center Line, 
 Seven Stars, Warriors Mark and Sinking Valley went together, 
 thus forming the Sinking Valley charge as it stands to-day, with 
 the exception that Mt. Olivet was added in 1916. The first pastor 
 of this new charge was Rev. A. J. Bean, who took charge on 
 August 1, 1888. The names of the succeeding pastors can be 
 found in the history of the Sinking Valley congregation. 
 
 The membership of this congregation was never large ; the 
 largest communion recorded numbers thirty-nine, in 1874. 
 Although not large in numbers, it has always been energetic. 
 The building is kept in good repair, the members are faithful 
 and the Sunday school active. At the present time the situation 
 is unique ; we report sixteen members, and all of them communi- 
 cant and contributing. 
 
 A prayer meeting was held regularly every Sunday evening, 
 from the beginning of the organization until 1894, when a Chris- 
 tian Endeavor Society was organized and met at the prayer 
 meeting hour. This prayer life and consecration accounts for 
 the fact that the congregation has given to the Church three 
 ministers : Revs. A. J. Bean, John J. Minemeier, Frank P. 
 Fisher. Her influence has thus outstretched the bounds of Half 
 Moon Valley, and we believe, in proportion to her consecration, 
 she shall be blessed in the future. 
 
 FIRST ENGLISH LUTHERAN CHURCH 
 
 TYRONE, PA. 
 
 Rev. J. P. Miller, Pastor 
 
 The first record of Lutheran work in Tyrone was in 1854, when 
 by authority of the Alleghany Synod, Rev. H. Baker organized 
 
 523 
 
NORTHEAST CONFERENCE 
 
 a mission in the town. The Tyrone Mission, together with other 
 points in the community, was maintained with considerable regu- 
 larity for a number of years, Synod helping generously in the 
 financial support. By 1866 the congregation numbered eighty- 
 five communicants, owned a church building valued at $2,000, 
 and a parsonage valued at $1,800, free of debt. 
 
 Soon after this, discord arose through the sympathies of the 
 pastor then in charge, Rev. Christian A. Fetzer, with the Joint 
 Synod of Ohio, and his efforts to carry the congregation into 
 that Synod. This was finally accomplished in 1871, by his suc- 
 cessor, Rev. P. Doerr, who threw off all allegiance to the Alle- 
 ghany Synod, organized the congregation in the name of the 
 Joint Synod of Ohio, which Synod he himself joined. 
 
 Quite a number were dissatisfied with the high-handed methods 
 of the pastor in traducing them into another Synod. With these 
 as a nucleus, Rev. J. Kistler, pastor of the Waterstreet pastorate, 
 on March 25, 1872, organized the first English Lutheran Church 
 of Tyrone in connection with the Alleghany Synod. The follow- 
 ing is a list of the twenty-four charter members : W. J. Sausser 
 and wife, Christian Albright and wife, Christopher Opferkuch 
 and wife, Phain Shollenberger and wife, George Schatzer and 
 wife, George Ehman, Mrs. Samuel Study, Sophia Maddy, John 
 A. Hiller and wife, John Fry, Sr., and wife, William Shollen- 
 berger and wife, Robert Waring and wife, Wilhelmina Hiller, 
 Adam Estricher, John Fry, Jr. Of the above there are living 
 at this date, June 1, 1917, only the following: Airs. Christian 
 Albright, Miss Wilhelmina Hiller and Adam Estricher. The fol- 
 lowing are the names of the first church council : W. J. Sausser, 
 Robert Waring, Sr., John Fry, Sr., and William Shollenberger. 
 
 For a number of years this congregation belonged to the Sink- 
 ing Valley charge and received much sympathy and help from 
 the Sinking Valley congregation. In 1877, Rev. J. H. Walterick 
 took charge of the pastorate, which at that time consisted of 
 Tyrone, Sinking Valley, and St. John's (Bald Eagle Furnace). 
 
 In 1881 the congregation began the erection of their first house 
 of worship. This was completed in 1882 and dedicated on 
 August 27 of the same year. Rev. J. H. Menges, of Philadel- 
 phia, preached the dedicatory sermon. The church building and 
 furnishings cost about $6,000, the lot having been secured some 
 524 
 
FIRST, TYRONE 
 
 time previously by the generous aid of the Sinking Valley 
 congregation. 
 
 During the ten years of its history between the organization 
 and the building of the first church, the congregation worshiped 
 in the following places : Public school building on Logan Ave- 
 nue ; in a room on second floor of Public Building; in a room 
 on the second floor of the Garman Building; in the Grand Army 
 Building. These were years of difficulty and discouragement, 
 and consequently of slow growth, the congregation after ten years 
 numbering only fifty-six communicants. 
 
 Soon after the completion of the church, Rev. Walterick 
 resigned, and was succeeded by Rev. H. M. Oberholtzer, who 
 remained in charge for nine years. Until 1888, Rev. Oberholtzer 
 served the Tyrone charge, which consisted of Tyrone, Sinking 
 Valley, and several other congregations in the neighborhood. In 
 the above year Tyrone, by the recommendation of Synod, was 
 constituted a charge under the name of "Tyrone Mission." What 
 appropriation was made towards its support does not appear, but 
 the total amount spent up to 1888 on Tyrone and the various 
 points from time to time connected with it was reported as being 
 about $1,800. Having the full time of its pastor, the congrega- 
 tion now entered upon a more prosperous era. 
 
 In 1894, during the pastorate of Rev. F. L. Bergstresser, who 
 took charge in 1892, the first parsonage was erected on Lincoln 
 Avenue, at a cost of about $4,500, including the lot. In 1904 
 the old church building was sold for $3,500, and the present 
 brownstone church on the corner of Logan Avenue and Thir- 
 teenth Street was begun. It was completed in 1905 and dedicated 
 on September 10 of same year. The cost of the new building, 
 including the price of the lot, was $29,651. At the time of dedi- 
 cation the indebtedness resting upon the congregation was about 
 $19,000. This has been reduced from time to time, till now it 
 is only about $7,000. 
 
 In 191 5 the old parsonage on Lincoln Avenue was sold for 
 $4,000. In 1916 the present parsonage property next the church 
 on Logan Avenue was secured from A. W. Beyer, at a cost of 
 $4,500. 
 
 From March 25 to 29, 1908, during the pastorship of Rev. E. 
 M. Morgan, "Pastors' Old Home Week" was observed. All the 
 
 525 
 
NORTHEAST CONFERENCE 
 
 former pastors, being at that time still living, were present and 
 took part in the celebration. 
 
 The following is a list of the pastors that have served up to 
 this time: Rev. J. Kistler, 1872-1877; Rev. J. H. Walterick, 
 1877-1882; Rev. H. M. Oberholtzer, 1 882-1 891 ; Rev. A. S. 
 Fichthorn, 1891-1892; Rev. F. L. Bergstresser, 1892-1907; Rev. 
 E. M. Morgan, 1907-1911; Rev. W. H. Fahs, 1911-1914; Rev. 
 J. P. Miller, 191 5 . 
 
 The different organizations of the church are as follows : Sun- 
 day school, organized March, 1872, W. J. Sausser, superintend- 
 ent; Dorcas Society, organized 1879, and reorganized 1893, Mrs. 
 C. H. Traynor, president; Senior Christian Endeavor, organized 
 1891 with a membership of sixty-five, T. J. Gates, president; 
 Junior Christian Endeavor, organized 1892 with seven members, 
 Mrs. A. W. Flenner, president ; Woman's Home and Foreign 
 Missionary Society, organized 1885, and reorganized 1891 with 
 fifteen members, Miss Anna Albright, president; Children's Mis- 
 sion Band, organized in 1892; Young People's Mission Guild, 
 organized 1917; Lutheran Brotherhood, organized 1916 with 
 eighty members, H. M. Sausser, president ; Ladies' Aid Society, 
 organized 1909 with twenty members, Miss Jean Miller, 
 president. 
 
 The congregation now numbers 348 confirmed members, has a 
 Sunday school enrollment of 340, and owns a property valued at 
 $40,000. Rev. J. P. Miller is the present pastor, having taken 
 charge July 15, 1915. 
 
 WILLIAMSBURG CHARGE 
 
 Rev. J. M. Rearick, Pastor 
 
 The Zion Evangelical Lutheran Congregation 
 
 williamsburg, blair county, pa. 
 
 Among the early residents of Williamsburg were many 
 Lutheran and German Reformed people. On November 20, 1798, 
 Jacob Ake deeded a lot of ground to these two denominations. 
 About the year 1802 a log building, 20 by 22 feet, was erected 
 thereon and was used for church and school purposes. All the 
 526 
 
ZION, WILLIAMSBURG 
 
 denominations represented in the town at that date worshiped 
 in this building and organized their congregations. 
 
 In the absence of the early records the exact date of the 
 organization of Zion Evangelical Lutheran congregation cannot 
 be determined, but it was sometime during the years of 1805 and 
 1806. Rev. Schmick, of the Sinking Valley pastorate, supplied 
 the congregation with preaching from 1816 to 181 8, when it was 
 made a part of the Huntingdon pastorate to give the pastor of 
 that field a more adequate support ; but it is not known that Rev. 
 Rebenach, of the Huntingdon pastorate, conducted more than 
 one or two services for the Williamsburg congregation. 
 
 In 1823 the Williamsburg congregation petitioned Synod to be 
 made a part of the Sinking Valley pastorate; this petition the 
 Synod granted. This act placed the congregation under the pas- 
 toral care of Rev. Schmick. 
 
 In the year 1823 a stone church building was begun, but was 
 not completed and dedicated until the fall of 1827. The delay 
 was due to the conduct of Mr. Miller, who was sent East to col- 
 lect some money to help pay for this building. After collecting 
 a considerable sum, he disappeared, and was never again heard 
 from. The ministers present at the dedication of this church 
 were : Rev. William Himes, of Loysville, Pa. ; Rev. William 
 Yeager, of Bedford, Pa. ; Rev. Jacob Crigler, of Berlin, Pa. ; 
 Rev. G. A. Reichert, of Indiana, Pa., and the pastor, Rev. J. G. 
 Schmick. The church was 29 by 32 feet and two stories high, 
 with galleries on three sides ; the cost was $3,000. It was erected 
 on the same lot with the log church. At the same meeting the 
 Williamsburg pastorate was formed, consisting of the following 
 points : Williamsburg, Clover Creek, Sinking Valley, Alleghany 
 Furnace, Newry and Frankstown. In 1830 this pastorate bought 
 a parsonage in the town of Williamsburg for $700 and built a 
 stable for $100. 
 
 In the year 1835 the Williamsburg congregation purchased a 
 new lot in the southwestern section of the town and erected 
 thereon a new brick church building. The corner-stone was laid 
 on May 28, 1836. Rev. N. G. Scharretts, of Indiana, preached the 
 sermon for the occasion. The church was dedicated on June 18, 
 1837. Rev. S. R. Boyer preached the dedicatory sermon. The 
 act of dedication was performed by the pastor, Rev. Jacob Martin, 
 
 527 
 
NORTHEAST CONFERENCE 
 
 under whose ministry the pastorate greatly prospered in material 
 and spiritual matters. He may well be called the Father of the 
 Evangelical Lutheran Church in Blair County. In the spire of 
 this building swung the first church bell in all this section of 
 country. 
 
 In the spring of 1844 the Williamsburg congregation and the 
 Sinking Valley congregation were separated, and a new pastorate 
 was formed, consisting of Williamsburg, Yellow Springs and 
 Springfield Furnace (now Clappertown congregation). 
 
 During the ministry of Rev. Jesse Winecoff, the old parsonage 
 was sold, and a few years later, during the ministry of Rev. 
 Jacob Heck, a new parsonage was bought near the church, the 
 amount paid for it unknown. On the same lot with the parson- 
 age a lecture and Sunday school room was built, at a cost of 
 about $500. 
 
 The brick church, built in the year 1835, was a one-story 
 building. During the summer of 1880 and 1881 this church was 
 rebuilt ; the roof was removed and an additional story was added, 
 at a cost of $5,000. It was dedicated on October 16, 1881. The 
 dedicatory sermon was preached by Rev. W. W. Criley, of 
 Altoona. Revs. A. M. Whetstone, M. G. Boyer and D. L. Ryder 
 were also present and assisted the pastor, Rev. John M. Rice. A 
 new parsonage was also bought during the ministry of Rev. John 
 M. Rice, for the sum of $1,400. 
 
 In the year 1906, the Williamsburg congregation bought the 
 interests of the Clover Creek and Yellow Springs congregations 
 in the parsonage. The object of this purchase was to use the 
 site upon which to erect a new church building. The parsonage 
 was torn down, also the brick church built in 1835, which stood 
 a square south of the parsonage site, and the material used in the 
 new church and parsonage. The corner-stone of the new church 
 was laid on July 14, 1907. Rev. C. E. Keller, D.D., preached 
 the sermon ; the offering was $192.49. The church was dedicated 
 June 14, 1908. Rev. H. L. Yarger preached the dedicatory ser- 
 mon. The dedicatory rites were performed by the pastor, Rev. 
 J. B. Umberger. The offering amounted to $1,203.48. The 
 church and parsonage are built together, and are made of brick. 
 The parsonage is modern throughout. The church consists of an 
 auditorium, a Sunday school room with galleries on two sides, 
 528 
 
CLOVER CREEK, OR ST. JOHN'S, BLAIR COUNTY 
 
 and a festal hall. The architecture is semi-Gothic in style. The 
 cost was about $22,000. 
 
 The congregation at present has a membership of 250, a Sun- 
 day school enrollment of 500, a very active Ladies' Aid Society, a 
 Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society, and a Young 
 People's Society of Christian Endeavor. 
 
 The following is a list of pastors who served it : Rev. Haas, 
 1804-1815, the probable organizer of the congregation; Rev. J. G. 
 Schmick, 1816-1818; Rev. Rebenach, 1818-1820; Rev. John F. 
 Osterloh, January, 1820, to July 1, 1821 ; Rev. Henry Heine, Sep- 
 tember 1, 1821, to July 1, 1822; Rev. J. G. Schmick, 1823-1828; 
 Rev. Jacob Martin, November 1, 1828, to November 1, 1838; 
 Rev. Michael Eyester, December 1, 1838, to April 1, 1846; Rev. 
 Jesse Winecoff, April 1, 1846, to April 1, 1847; Rev. Peter M. 
 Rightmeyer, April 1, 1847, to April 1, 1853 > ^ ev - J acoD H. Heck, 
 April 15, 1853, to about April 15, 1855; Rev. A. H. Aughe, 
 November 15, 1855, to November 16, i860; Rev. Jesse Berlin, 
 January 1, 1861, to January 1, 1862 ; Rev. William Hunt, March 6, 
 1862, to August 2, 1865; Rev. Solomon McHenry, December 1, 
 1865 to May 1, 1870; Rev. John N. Unruh, November 1, 1870, 
 to November 1, 1875; Rev. John M. Rice, May 1, 1876, to 
 May 31, 1882; Rev. C. B. Gruver, July 1, 1882, to January 1, 
 1886; Rev. S. J. Taylor, April 1, 1886, to February 1, 1888; Rev. 
 E. J. Metzler, April 1, 1888, to February 1, 1890; Rev. B. R. M. 
 Sheeder, April 5, 1890, to January 10, 1900; Rev. W. M. Spang- 
 ler, October 1, 1900, to April 30, 1905; Rev. J. B. Umberger, 
 June 15, 1905, to April 1, 191 1 ; Rev. J. M. Rearick, July 1, 191 1, 
 the present pastor. 
 
 Rev. Charles L. Streamer entered the ministry from this con- 
 gregation, and Rev. Mosheim Rhodes, D.D., was a baptized mem- 
 ber of the congregation. 
 
 Clover Creek, or St. John's Evangelical Lutheran 
 
 Congregation 
 
 woodbury township, blair county, pa. 
 
 On January 2, 1804, Tobias Hentine leased one-half acre of 
 
 land to Abraham Miller, Adam Sorrick, Abraham Halan, George 
 
 Eberhart, Paul Yerger, Christian Acker, John Scholes, Abraham 
 
 Ditch and John Miller, "For and in consideration of promoting 
 
 529 
 
NORTHEAST CONFERENCE 
 
 public worship, and the education of children, to put a building 
 on the land of hewn logs, the inside of the house to be 26 by 22 
 feet with sufficient windows in it ; and further to fence it in a 
 manner that sufficient room may be for firewood ; the house to 
 be covered with clapboards, and if afterwards it shall be neces- 
 sary the subscribers do promise and agree to keep the above said 
 house and fence in good repair during the term of twenty years." 
 The lease also required that out of their number two men should 
 be elected to have the oversight or inspection of the building, 
 that the same may be made and finished according to the intents 
 of the lease. 
 
 The first person buried on this lot of ground was Barbara 
 Hartman, on December 22, 1804; the second, Casper Hentine, 
 great-grandfather of the Sorrick and Focht families on the 
 mother's side ; of the two families at the present time, six genera- 
 tions are buried in the graveyard. 
 
 On November 16, 1809, Tobias Hentine made a deed for the 
 lot of ground leased to the above named persons. Upon survey- 
 ing it, it was found to contain eighty-two perches, for the con- 
 sideration of $7, which amount was never collected, "To Adam 
 Sorrick and Christian Acker, Sr., Lutheran ; Abraham Miller and 
 Nicholas Fouse, German Reformed, elders and church wardens 
 of the congregation commonly called Clover Creek congregation." 
 This deed was recorded in Huntingdon on May 11, 1818. Soon 
 ' after the lot was deeded, the clapboard roof was removed and a 
 good shingle roof put in the place, and the building weather- 
 boarded and lined with good white pine boards. It was also 
 furnished with a small pulpit, altaf, and yellow pine benches. 
 
 For some time this congregation was regarded as a station 
 belonging to the Williamsburg congregation, although Rev. 
 Haas, in 1809 or 1810, organized a congregation here and held 
 communion services. From 1806 he had occasionally preached 
 here and had a class of catechumens which he confirmed at John 
 Michael Garner's house in Woodcock Valley. In 18 18, Synod 
 made this congregation a part of the Huntingdon charge, and 
 instructed Rev. Rebenach to take charge of it, but it does not 
 appear that he preached here at any time. 
 
 In 1823 this congregation petitioned Synod to permit it to unite 
 with Sinking Valley charge, and said request was granted. It 
 530 
 
CLOVER CREEK, OR ST. JOHN'S, BLAIR COUNTY 
 
 fell, therefore, under the pastoral care of Rev. J. G. Schmick 
 until he was suspended in 1827, and expelled from the ministry 
 in the fall of 1828, by the West Pennsylvania Synod. 
 
 About November 1, 1828, Rev. Jacob Martin took charge 
 of this congregation and preached here every four weeks. 
 He confirmed two catechetical classes ; the first, quite a large 
 one, he confirmed in Williamsburg, the second in this congrega- 
 tion. He resigned the Clover Creek congregation with the object 
 in view of forming a new charge. After much delay, conference 
 urged the congregations, and the new pastorate was formed in 
 the Summer of 1838, consisting of Clover Creek, Woodcock Val- 
 ley (Marklesburg), Russels schoolhouse, Cassville and other 
 points. A petition was sent to Synod by their commissioner, 
 Michael Hetterick, praying Synod to confirm the formation of 
 this new charge. It was confirmed and Rev. John G. Ellinger 
 took charge of this new pastorate and preached the first English 
 sermon at an evening service ever preached to the congregation ; 
 this was very acceptable to the young, but objected to by some 
 of the older members. 
 
 On New Year's Day, 1840, a congregational meeting was held 
 to consider the feasibility of building a Lutheran church. The 
 German Reformed people had withdrawn from the ground, and 
 consequently no more a part of the original pact as contemplated 
 in the deed. It was decided to build a new church and also to 
 buy twenty perches of ground from the William Love heir, that 
 sufficient room may be had for the new building. For this ground 
 they paid $6; the deed was delivered in 1841. The corner-stone 
 for the new church was laid on July 25, 1840. Seats were pre- 
 pared in front of the old church and a stand erected, where Rev. 
 D. Moser, of Pinegrove, Center County, preached the sermon for 
 the occasion in the German language ; Rev. Eyester, of Williams- 
 burg, also preached. The liturgical services were conducted by 
 the pastor, Rev. Ellinger. Rev. Moses Kegler, of the Reformed 
 denomination, was also present. The customary documents were 
 placed in the corner-stone. St. John's Evangelical Lutheran 
 Church was the name chosen for the congregation. The mem- 
 bers of the council at that time were Christian Acker, Sr., and 
 Henry Acker, elders ; John Acker, Henry Acker, Sr., and Samuel 
 Fink, deacons. Building committee, Christian Acker, Sr., George 
 
 531 
 
NORTHEAST CONFERENCE 
 
 Sorrick and Michael Hetterick. On Sunday, July 26, communion 
 services were held in Christian Acker's barn. Rev. D. Moser 
 preached in German and Rev. C. C. Guenther in English. A 
 number were confirmed. 
 
 The church was dedicated on November 24, 1840. It was a 
 one-story brick building, 40 by 50 feet, and cost $1,035.20. 
 
 About October 1, 1842, Rev. Benjamin Laubach became pastor 
 of the congregation. He served the charge only eight months; 
 ill health (consumption) compelled him to resign, much to the 
 regret of his people. Rev. Laubach was the first licentiate of the 
 Alleghany Synod. 
 
 From November 1, 1843, to April 1, 1848, the congregation 
 was served by Rev. William G. Laitzle. 
 
 In 1848, Synod made this congregation a part of the Markles- 
 burg charge without consulting it. Standing upon their rights, 
 they refused to comply with this action of Synod. They pre- 
 ferred to remain with the Martinsburg charge. Consequently it 
 was left without preaching for a time. The German Reformed 
 minister began preaching for them and held communion for them. 
 Rev. Peter M. Rightmeyer, of the Williamsburg charge, seeing 
 the proselyting shame, began in 1850 to supply them with preach- 
 ing, until March, 1853. 
 
 On March 28, 1853, Rev. John Richards took charge of the 
 Martinsburg charge, and Clover Creek resolved to remain with 
 this charge for the present, but faring so badly at the hands of 
 Rev. Richards, they asked to be made a part of the Williams- 
 burg pastorate, which request was granted. From that date on, 
 the pastors are the same as those in the list given in connection 
 with the Williamsburg congregation. 
 
 During the pastorate of Rev. Abraham H. Aughe, the congre- 
 gation greatly prospered. The church was repaired, new pews 
 put in at a cost of $150, and $103 contributed to buy a parsonage 
 in Williamsburg. 
 
 On July 1, 1882, Rev. Charles B. Gruver was called to the 
 Williamsburg pastorate. On March 11, 1883, a congregational 
 meeting was called in the Clover Creek Church, and a resolution 
 was adopted to build a new church. The following building com- 
 mittee was appointed : Rev. C. B. Gruver, chairman ; Samuel 
 Bassler, Thomas Collins, Adam Sorrick, John C. Sorrick, Isaiah 
 532 
 
THE HENRY, OR YELLOW SPRINGS 
 
 S. Garner and William Estep. On June 2 the plan for the church 
 was adopted and preparations made to build the following year. 
 The corner-stone was laid on May 10, 1884, and the customary 
 documents deposited. Rev. M. G. Boyer, of Marklesburg, 
 preached the sermon for the occasion. He was followed by Rev. 
 E. Dutt, of Martinsburg. The pastor laid the corner-stone. The 
 dedicatory services began on the evening of October 16, with a 
 sermon by Rev. Joseph R. Focht, a son of the congregation ; 
 on the evening of October 17, Rev. E. Dutt preached; and on 
 Saturday, at 2 o'clock, the eightieth anniversary of the congrega- 
 tion was celebrated ; Rev. Joseph R. Focht, of Huntingdon, deliv- 
 ered an historical address. On Sunday morning, at 10.30 o'clock, 
 Rev. W. W. Criley, of Altoona, preached the dedicatory sermon. 
 After the sermon, $1,800 was raised to free the building of all 
 incumbrances. At the evening service nearly $100 was raised 
 towards buying an organ. The day was a most joyous and happy 
 one. 
 
 As the last words of this history are written (May 19, 1917), 
 plans are well under way to extensively repair and beautify St. 
 John's Church building. 
 
 For a list of pastors not given above, see list appended to the 
 Williamsburg congregation. 
 
 St. John's gave the following of her sons to the ministry : Rev. 
 Joseph R. Focht, Rev. David Focht and Rev. George J. M. 
 Ketner. 
 
 The Henry, or the Yellow Springs Evangelical Lutheran 
 
 Congregation 
 catharine township, blair county, pa. 
 Yellow Springs is situated on the State Road leading from 
 Hollidaysburg to Huntingdon, five miles north of Williamsburg. 
 For more than a quarter of a century the Lutheran people of this 
 community had their church home with the Williamsburg con- 
 gregation. W 7 hen Rev. Jacob Martin assumed the duties as pastor 
 of the Williamsburg pastorate, he occasionally preached in this 
 community. Some of these preaching services were held in Mr. 
 Kinkade's dwelling-house, and some in the public schoolhouse. 
 
 In 1843, Rev. Michael Eyester organized a congregation in the 
 eight-square schoolhouse along the road leading from the pike 
 
 533 
 
NORTHEAST CONFERENCE 
 
 to the Etna Furnace. In 1844 this congregation became a part 
 of the Williamsburg pastorate. The first communion services 
 were held by Rev. Eyester on August 18, 1844. Forty-two names 
 are recorded who participated in this ordinance, three of whom 
 he confirmed at that time. It is presumable, therefore, that he 
 organized with thirty-nine charter members. 
 
 On August 14, 1857, Mr. Jacob Henry deeded a lot of ground 
 to this congregation on which to erect a church building, for the 
 consideration that the church should be called by their name, 
 Henry's Church. The corner-stone was laid on June 16, 1858. 
 The ministers present were Revs. Lloyd Knight, of Hollidays- 
 burg, who preached the sermon; Seifert, of Martinsburg, who 
 opened services ; and the pastor, A. H. Aughe. A collection in 
 money and subscriptions was taken, amounting to $81.50. The 
 church was dedicated on October 24, 1858. The dedicatory serv- 
 ices began on Saturday morning, when a sermon was preached 
 by the pastor ; on Saturday evening, Rev. Crist, of Waterstreet, 
 preached to the congregation. The dedicatory sermon on Sun- 
 day morning was also preached by Rev. Crist. Sufficient money 
 and subscriptions were secured at this service to cover the entire 
 indebtedness. The church is a one-story frame building, 40 by 47 
 feet, and cost $1,625.47. The pastor, assisted by Revs. Knight 
 and P. P. Lane, continued the services until October 29. 
 
 During the Summer of 191 5 this church building was exten- 
 sively remodeled and beautified, at a cost of almost $1,000, giving 
 it a very neat and churchly appearance. It was rededicated on 
 September 12, 191 5. Rev. L. P. Young, D.D., missionary super- 
 intendent of the Alleghany Synod, preached the dedicatory ser- 
 mon. Money and subscriptions were received to the amount of 
 $200 in excess of all indebtedness. The pastor, Rev. J. M. Rearick, 
 dedicated the church. 
 
 This is the only place where religious services are held in the 
 immediate neighborhood of Yellow Springs, and the congregation 
 has always been a strong factor in moulding the sentiment and 
 character of the community. It has a communicant list at the 
 present time of seventy-one members, and is aggressive and har- 
 monious. It has an interesting Sunday school and Woman's 
 Home and Foreign Missionary Society. 
 
 For list of pastors, see Williamsburg congregation. 
 534 
 
CLAPPERTOWN, BLAIR COUNTY 
 
 Clappertown Evangelical Lutheran Congregation 
 blair county, pa. 
 
 As early as 1834, Rev. Jacob Martin, pastor of the Williams- 
 burg charge, preached at the Springfield Furnace schoolhouse, 
 where some members of the Williamsburg congregation lived. 
 Springfield Furnace is five miles southwest of Williamsburg. 
 Rev. Michael Eyester held communion services in this school- 
 house as early as 1843. His successors in the Williamsburg pas- 
 torate continued to preach in the Springfield schoolhouse until it 
 was found that Clappertown, about two miles southwest from 
 this place, afforded a better opening for a Lutheran congrega- 
 tion; the place of preaching was, consequently, changed to the 
 Clapper schoolhouse, at the latter place. Just when this change 
 was made is not known. 
 
 On April 7, 1859, Rev. Abraham H. Aughe, pastor of the Wil- 
 liamsburg charge, organized a congregation in Henry Clapper's 
 schoolhouse. A constitution was adopted, undersigned by twenty- 
 nine members, and the proper officers were elected. For a period 
 of ten years this new congregation continued to worship in the 
 Clapper schoolhouse. 
 
 Mason Howard deeded a lot of ground to the congregation 
 and immediate steps were taken to erect a church building. The 
 corner-stone was laid in 1868, and the church was dedicated on 
 June 20, 1869. In this service, the pastor, Rev. Solomon Mc- 
 Henry, was assisted by Revs. A. H. Aughe and Peter Sheeder. 
 The church is a one-story frame building and cost about $1,700. 
 
 From 1865 to 1867 this congregation was reported by the Mar- 
 tinsburg pastor. Rev. Hooper, of said pastorate, held communion 
 services for this congregation in October, 1865. Rev. J. W. 
 Schwartz, of the same pastorate, reports it in 1866 and 1867. In 
 1868, Rev. Solomon McHenry again reports it as a part of the 
 Williamsburg pastorate. No record exists how these changes 
 were made. 
 
 The congregation at present reports a membership of fifty-six, 
 a Sunday school of fifty-five, and a Young People's Society. 
 
 For a list of the pastors who served it, see the Williamsburg 
 congregation, excepting the years noted above, viz.: 1865-1867. 
 
 535 
 
CHAPTER XIII 
 
 CHURCHES OF THE SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 ADDISON (PETERSBURG) -CONFLUENCE 
 PASTORATE 
 
 Rev. H. C. Summers, Confluence, Pa., Pastor 
 
 St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Addison, Pa. . 
 
 Tradition tells us that the first Lutheran minister who preached 
 here was Rev. John Gottfried Lambrath (German, Lampbrecht) 
 from Goettigen Seminary, Germany, 1811 to 1813. He belonged 
 to no Synod. The early history of this congregation's existence 
 is involved in flames, together with the house and contents of one 
 of the members, Brother John Stine, one of the officers in the 
 Lutheran Church, who had it for safe keeping. It is claimed, 
 however, by General Ross that the Lutheran congregation is the 
 oldest in this community. The Rev. Philip Mockenhaupt (his 
 own spelling), M.D., perhaps one of the greatest men, was 
 among the first regular pastors. He must have followed the 
 Rev. Lampbrecht very closely (perhaps in 181 5 or 1817), be- 
 cause some of his ministerial work is our evidence. For in- 
 stance, we have here, in German print and filled out in German, 
 the baptism certificate of Margaret, daughter of Daniel and 
 Catherine Long, born December 14, 1820, and baptized January 
 28, 1821, at the age of forty-four days. This child grew up to 
 womanhood and became the wife of Abraham Augustine, and 
 lived here her lifetime until December 1, 1910. However, it has 
 been said that he was the regular pastor previous to this baptism 
 record ; how long we cannot tell. He then had an organization 
 and catechised the young and confirmed them, and held the Holy 
 Supper, and with all, practiced medicine. In former years he 
 preached about Bedford, Salisbury and other places, and while 
 preaching here he preached in Preston County, W. Va., and in 
 Maryland. His parochial reports are lost as described above. 
 He lived in Petersburg, the house now occupied by Jacob Brown, 
 and died here on April 15, 1832, and is buried in the Newberry 
 536 
 
ST. JOHN'S, ADDISON 
 
 Cemetery, midway between Addison and Somerfield. The grave 
 was left without a marker. He evidently was a highly educated 
 man and a fluent speaker and dogmatist. Both these men men- 
 tioned preached in schoolhouses, houses, barns and shade trees 
 for a number of years before a church edifice was erected, as 
 Mrs. Augustine also testifies. His surgical skill is well shown 
 in his saving the life of Alexander Hannah, who was disem- 
 boweled in a fight. In warm water he washed and revived the 
 
 ST. JOHN^S LUTHERAN CHURCH, ADDISON, PA. 
 
 bowels, uniting the severed one by inserting a piece of tallow 
 candle as a support, and in this regard anticipated recent surgery, 
 in its discovery of the value of similar devices. This incident is 
 well authenticated. The Rev. Jacob Crigler, of Berlin, then 
 served this congregation as a supply for several years. The corner- 
 stone of the first Lutheran church was laid June 15, 1832, by 
 Brother Crigler. This was a two-story log building, 28 by 38 
 feet, galleries on three sides. This, however, was not finished 
 
 537 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 until some time later, when, in the nobleness of their souls, they 
 deeded the one-half interest to the German Reformed and Pres- 
 byterians, for the paltry sum of a few dollars, to help complete 
 the building. 
 
 The first deed to this body of worshipers was made June 12, 
 1833, by Jacob and Mary Augustine to Henry Miller and Abra- 
 ham Augustine, trustees. The land purchased June 12, 1833, 
 was lot No. 39 from the original patent, known as "the sports- 
 man," Brothers Valley, Bedford County, Pa., and amounted to 
 one-half acre. The price paid was $55. This was the first 
 house of worship erected in Petersburg. The spot on which 
 it stood is now in the old burial ground. The same Abraham 
 Augustine was a life-long member and officer of this congrega- 
 tion, helped to erect three Lutheran churches consecutively, and 
 donated to the congregation this present parsonage, and gave one 
 of his daughters, Caroline, as wife to the Rev. John W. Tressler. 
 The old charter members were chiefly the Augustines, Turneys, 
 Swalps, Royers, Cummins, Walters, Steins, Wilhelms, Keims, 
 Walkers, etc. Rev. Crigler resigned April 1, 1834. Then Rev. 
 George Leiter, of Berlin, preached for six months. Then Rev. 
 D. Heilig, of Somerset, preached ; how long is not known. Rev. 
 William Gibson supplied this congregation from October, 1836, 
 to October, 1837. With all the discouragements and patience of 
 a Job, this congregation grew to be a power for good in the 
 community. The Rev. Charles Reese, of Berlin, supplied until 
 April 1, 1840. In 1843, the Centerville pastorate comprised Cen- 
 terville, Immanuel and Petersburg, in Pennsylvania, and Cove, 
 Accident and Forks (now known as Bittinger), Maryland. After- 
 wards others in Maryland were added to the charge and some 
 dropped. April 1, 1845, the Rev. Michael F. Pfahler took 
 charge of the Centerville pastorate. In 1846, he resigned the 
 Centerville and Immanuel congregations, moved to Petersburg 
 (Addison), and continued to serve this part of the pastorate. 
 Petersburg is the place where all pastors lived from 1846 to 
 the time of this writing (1911). [The sketches of St. John's, 
 St. Paul's, and Ursina are largely the work of Rev. M. Gross- 
 man. — Ed.] 
 
 Michael Snyder was licensed to preach the gospel, March 27, 
 185 1, and May 1, 185 1, took charge of the Petersburg pastorate. 
 538 
 
ST. JOHN'S, ADDISON 
 
 During his ministry, two lots were purchased from Robert 
 Hunter for $100. Upon this ground was the second Lutheran 
 church built, the corner-stone of which was laid May i, and 
 dedicated October i, 1853. This was a brick structure, 40 by 50 
 feet, with a cupola and bell in it, costing about $2,200. His 
 report to Synod was: Infants baptized, 144; additions, 199; 
 money raised, $3,293. He resigned May 1, 1859. 
 
 The Rev. John W. Tressler took charge November 26, i860. 
 He also added more than 100 members the first year, and raised 
 $1,542. 
 
 At this time the pastorate included Petersburg, Mt. Zion (Fay- 
 ette County), St. Paul, and Accident, in Maryland. During 
 Brother Tressler's ministry the Lutheran and Reformed con- 
 gregations, through him, conjointly petitioned the legislature of 
 Pennsylvania to empower the congregations to sell the old union 
 church and devote the proceeds to the improvement of the grave- 
 yard, which was done. The proceeds of church, pews and all 
 was about $60. He resigned November 1, 1862. He died March 
 5, 1907, and his body rests in this cemetery. April 1, 1863, Rev. 
 John Beaver began to preach and continued till February 26, 
 1866. The same year he was dropped from the office of the 
 gospel ministry by the Alleghany Synod. June 16, 1866, the Rev. 
 Peter Gheen took charge and served until March 29, 1872. Rev. 
 William Tryday served from May 1, 1872, until April 1, 1874. 
 Mr. W. H. Singley, a student of Yale, supplied from April to 
 August, 1874. 
 
 Rev. David T. Koser took charge August 1, 1874, and preached 
 here until April 1, 1877. Brother Koser exceeded all the other 
 pastors financially by raising $3,435. 
 
 Rev. A. M. Smith, September, 1877, to September, 1879. 
 
 Rev. A. M. Felton, October 1, 1879, to February 1, 1881. 
 
 Rev. William G. Gettle, July 1, 1 881, to February 13, 1883. 
 
 Rev. Samuel J. Taylor, June 25, 1884, to April 1, 1886. 
 
 Rev. Ed. L. Folk, August 5, 1886, to April 6, 1890. 
 
 Rev. I. P. Hawkins, December 1, 1890, to April 1, 1893. 
 
 During his ministry the third Lutheran church edifice was 
 erected, the corner-stone of which was laid July 22, 1891. The 
 pastor was assisted by Revs. W. H. Settlemyer and M. L. Young, 
 the latter delivering the sermon. The dedication took place 
 
 539 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 April 24, 1892, the pastor being assisted by Revs. M. L. Young 
 and David T. Koser. This is a beautiful frame structure placed 
 on the same ground as the former, 32 by 50 feet, with pulpit 
 recess and a 65-foot tower with bell. The windows are memo- 
 rials of fine art glass. 
 
 Rev. Henry M. Petrea, 1894 to 1897. Rev. James E. Zerger, 
 1897 to 1901. Rev. William H. Hilbish, January 1, 1903, to 
 October 17, 1904. During his ministry the Confluence congre- 
 gation requested a division. The committee appointed for the 
 work by Alleghany Synod was Revs. A. B. Miller, H. C. Salem 
 and S. A. Zimbeck. The result was Confluence was to remain by 
 itself, and Rev. William H. Hilbish continued as the pastor at 
 Confluence, which left Petersburg, Ursina and St. Paul to con- 
 stitute the Addison pastorate. The remaining three congregations 
 called Rev. Moses Grossman to the charge, December 18, 1904, 
 which he accepted at a salary of $550 and parsonage. His 
 resignation took effect March 20, 191 1. He left the congregations 
 in a healthy condition, financially and spiritually. The charge 
 was supplied by a licentiate, Edmund Manges, summer of 191 1. 
 Pastors since have been Rev. Boyer, of Confluence, under whom 
 the two charges were again united, and the present pastor. Rev. 
 H. C. Summers. 
 
 When the Sunday school had its birth we cannot tell. General 
 Moses A. Ross has in his diary that it was in existence prior to 
 1834. (Its early records are burned together with the church 
 records.) Among the early superintendents were John Campbell 
 and Lott Watson. The price paid for the first parsonage was 
 $400. It was secured previous to 1845, now l° n g i s unknown. 
 In 1853, it was traded for the present one by paying $500 differ- 
 ence. 
 
 This congregation furnished the church with three ministers, 
 namely, John W'elfley, George A. Royer and Victor G. A. 
 Tressler, D.D., Ph.D. Two of her daughters became wives of 
 Lutheran pastors, viz. : Miss Caroline, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. 
 Abraham Augustine, wife of the Rev. John W. Tressler, and 
 Miss Mary E. Campbell, wife of the Rev. John H. Zinn. D.D. 
 The deed to the present church property was made December 29, 
 1852, by Robert Hunter and Suffiah, his wife, to Jacob Wilhelm, 
 Peter Augustine (of Frederick) and John P. H. Walker, trustees 
 540 
 
ST. JOHN'S, ADDISON 
 
 of the Lutheran church. The consideration of lot on which the 
 church stands, $100. The deeds to the lots of church and par- 
 sonage, which were found among the papers of Jacob Wilhelm 
 (deceased) and Abraham Augustine (deceased) were recorded 
 June 20, 1903, fifty-three years after their execution. The deed 
 of the present parsonage was executed October, 1854, by Bar- 
 nabus Dewitt and wife to Jacob Wilhelm, Peter Augustine and 
 Abraham Augustine, trustees of the said church; consideration, 
 $400. This deed was recorded fifty-one years after its execution. 
 
 St. Paul's, or Ringer Evangelical Lutheran Church 
 In the year 1846, the Rev. Michael F. Pfahler began to preach 
 occasionally in the schoolhouse, which stood near the place where 
 the present church stands, known as the Ringer School, and 
 the latter part of his ministry here, began to preach more fre- 
 quently, having served here for six years. The Rev. Michael 
 Snyder began to preach regularly for this people, and on June 28, 
 1854, they organized themselves into a congregation, with twenty- 
 eight charter members, by adopting the doctrine and practices of 
 the Evangelical Lutheran Church. (One of the charter members 
 is still here, viz.: Brother Dietrich Shoemaker, 1911). The same 
 day of organization there was held an election of church officers, 
 which resulted in the following persons being elected : Elder, 
 Christian Gottman ; deacons, Andrew Turney and Harrison 
 Sterner. These officers were installed July 23, 1854. This 
 people meant business in the Lord's vineyard, because the same 
 day of the organization they laid the corner-stone of their new 
 house of worship. In the same year, November 26, this house of 
 worship was dedicated to the Triune God. It was a one-story 
 frame building, 24 by 30 feet, and cost about $700. The lot of 
 ground was donated by Christian Gottman. The first communion 
 w.as held on November 26, 1854. This first edifice served for a 
 period of fifty-two years, when the time came for a more capa- 
 cious building during the pastorate of Rev. Moses Grossman. 
 These good people saw the need of a new house of worship, 
 solicited each other's contribution, and in the spring of 1906, 
 the old church was moved aside, but the regular services were 
 held in it during the erection of the new edifice. The corner- 
 stone was presented by Mary Jane Augustine, of Addison, and 
 
 541 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 was laid Ascension Day, May 24, 1906. The late Rev. John W. 
 Tressler preached the sermon from Isaiah 28: 16. It was dedi- 
 cated June 16, 1907. Previous to dedication, services were held, 
 with sermons by a former pastor, H. M. Petrea; Rev. Slonaker, 
 of Confluence ; Rev. Carney, of Garrett ; Rev. Patterson, of Som- 
 erset. Rev. Petrea preached the dedicatory sermon. Rev. Pat- 
 terson conducted the finances and the necessary amount was 
 
 ST. PAULS LUTHERAN CHURCH 
 
 paid in cash. The house and furniture cost $3,500. This truly 
 is a credit to this people and an honor to Almighty God. The 
 size of building is 35 by 45 feet, with fine art glass memorial 
 windows and a spire containing an 800-pound bell, presented by 
 Jasper Augustine. An additional plot of ground, containing 
 twenty-one perches, was purchased for a burial ground, October 
 16, 1886, for the sum of $150, from Isaac Davis and wife, Sophia, 
 542 
 
TRINITY, URSINA 
 
 to be held in trust by the trustees of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. 
 All pastors of the Addison pastorate, beginning with Rev. 
 Pfahler to the present have served this congregation. St. Paul's 
 congregation furnished one daughter as wife for a Lutheran 
 pastor, viz. : Miss Catharine, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew J. 
 Cramer, to Rev. Henry M. Petrea ; also one son, viz.: Victor 
 Nevin Miller. St. Paul's Sunday school had its origin in a 
 schoolhouse about six years prior to the organization of the con- 
 gregation and erection of the first church building. David Robin- 
 son was the first superintendent, so far as is known ; Isaac Davis 
 was also one of the first superintendents. This school, on account 
 of the scattered people, has been reorganized each spring, and 
 continued for but nine months. 
 
 » 
 
 Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Ursina, Pa. 
 Trinity Lutheran Church, Ursina, was organized A. D. 1795, 
 in Turkeyfoot Township, the second township of the new county, 
 having been formed from Brothers Valley Township, A. D. 1773. 
 Among the list of taxpayers in A. D. 1796, we find persons with 
 whom we have to deal, namely, David Ankeny, James Campbell, 
 Thomas Mitchel, William Tissue and David Ream. The early 
 settlers in this section, aside from the Jersey colony, came mainly 
 from the Kittanning Valley, from Maryland and Virginia. Fol- 
 lowing the old Turkeyfoot road down Whites Creek to the Cas- 
 tleman River, which it crossed near Harnedtsville, crossed the 
 Hog-back Ridge, where Ursina now is, thence across Laurel Hill 
 Creek, where the old stockade stood, and up the Lick River to 
 Steward's Crossing, near Connellsville. On the south side of 
 Hog-back Ridge passes another noted highway, crossing the 
 former road midway between Harnedtsville and Ursina on what 
 was lately the farm of Joseph B. Davis. A number of people set- 
 tled at this cross-road and decided to have a schoolhouse and a 
 church. The following is found in the recorder's office, Somerset, 
 deed book, volume four, page 395 : "The condition of the above 
 obligation is such that whereas the said David Ream hath sold 
 unto the said trustees, above named, of the Dutch and English 
 churches (meaning congregations), a certain piece of land con- 
 taining one acre, which is to be six rods broad and the rest in 
 length, situated in Somerset County, in Turkeyfoot Township, 
 
 543 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 called and known by name of the Cross-roads, including the 
 schoolhouse in the northwest side of the road. Now, the said 
 David Ream shall and truly convey unto the said trustees of the 
 English and Dutch Presbyterian and Lutheran churches, or their 
 successors, by a sufficient deed of warrantee, the above men- 
 tioned land, with its appurtenance, on or before June 4, 1801, 
 provided all the purchase money shall be by them completely paid 
 unto the said David Ream, his heirs, then the above to be void, 
 else to remain in full force and power and value in law. Signed, 
 sealed and delivered in the presence of witnesses, Jacob Metzgar, 
 
 THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF URSINA, PA. 
 
 William De Haven and Thomas Johnston. This purchase was 
 made September 17, 1800. Received by the hands of the 
 trustees, the full sum of four pounds and ten shillings, it being 
 the sum of the purchase money of said land; I say received by 
 me (David Ream)." In deed book, volume six, pages I75" I 77- 
 Deed dated June 5, 1813. This was acknowledged the same day, 
 and recorded June 22, 1813. This contract between David Ream 
 and the parties above named, and Jacob Brunner, trustees of the 
 Presbyterian and Lutheran congregations, was unexecuted, and 
 this deed was made under order of court to execute the same. 
 544 
 
TRINITY, URSINA 
 
 A "Presbyterian" (German Reformed) and Lutheran Church was 
 built here, and services were held in it many years before the 
 second schoolhouse was built, but it was consumed by fire. The 
 oldest man living in Addison Township (David Mitchell, being 
 eighty-nine years in 191 1 ) , says "that when a lad I frequently 
 attended services there in the old log church." He lived there his 
 entire lifetime ; so did his father. Another evidence of a place 
 of worship there is the old graveyard containing several hundred 
 graves, at the six poplars which are near the cross-roads. Three 
 generations by the name of Richard Green are buried here ; the 
 first died 1808; the last 1827. So far we were unable to obtain 
 a record of the former pastors. The "Presbyterians" must either 
 have removed or died. At least we have no record of them for 
 more than fifty years of their existence. The first infant bap- 
 tism on record is Daniel Sheriden Swarner, November 18, 1866, 
 by the Rev. Peter Gheen ; parents, Daniel and Susannah. The 
 first person confirmed, on record, is Augustus Davis, September 
 
 22, 1866. The first communion on record was held September 
 
 23, 1866, with a membership of twenty-nine. The first council 
 was : Elders, John Davis and Israel Welfley ; deacons, John 
 P. H. Walker and Jonathan Bowman. 
 
 Rev. Jno. Beaver, pastor of the Addison pastorate, began to 
 preach in the schoolhouse in 1863. During the ministry of Rev. 
 Peter Gheen in 1869 this congregation divided, some members 
 moved across the ridge to Ursina, that town having a boom, on 
 account of the passing through of the B. & O. R. R. Here the 
 schoolhouse was occupied for awhile. Two lots were donated to 
 the Lutherans by Judge William Bear of Somerset, and deeded 
 to the trustees and building committee, consisting of John P. H. 
 Walker, John B. Davis, Joseph Lichty and Arnold Kuhlman. 
 The corner-stone of the present house of worship at Ursina was 
 laid October 16, 1870. The basement was finished and occupied 
 by the Sunday school and divine services for four years, at which 
 time the auditorium was completed, and dedicated October 25, 
 1874, by the pastor, David T. Koser, assisted by Rev. Whetstone. 
 The church is a one-story structure, 40 by 60 feet, with base- 
 ment, and cost $2,300. All the pastors of this congregation, 
 beginning with Rev. John Beaver, are mentioned in the Addison 
 report. The present edifice has a neat belfry with bell, was twice 
 
 545 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 struck by lightning within two years and had the trial of a law- 
 suit, on account of the one lot donated by Judge William Bear. 
 Regular bi-weekly services are held. There is a Sunday school 
 and a Young People's Society Christian Endeavor. This congre- 
 gation furnished three Lutheran ministers with wives, viz. : Miss 
 Jennie, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John P. H. Walker, to Rev. 
 Abel Tompson ; and Miss Mabel and Miss Edna, daughters of 
 Dr. and Mrs. W. S. Kuhlman, to Rev. M. L. Clare and Rev. Prof. 
 R. A. Wentz, respectively. The exact date of the origin of 
 the Trinity (Ursina) Lutheran Sunday school, started at the 
 Cross-roads, is not definitely known, but thought to be sometime 
 
 W. S. KUHLMAN, M.D. J. B. DAVIS 
 
 in the summer of 1866, with Brother Israel Welfley as super- 
 intendent. He held this position for a number of years, until the 
 town of Ursina was built; since then Brother Joseph B. Davis 
 has served in this capacity. 
 
 Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Confluence, Pa. 
 The following subscribers, John Reiber, Israel Welfley, Philip 
 Stein, Decatur Welfley, Henry Royer, H. W. Hitzrat, Mary A. 
 Stein, Hester Ann Humbert, Jonas Humbert, Adam R. Humbert, 
 Henry Valentine, Kate Valentine, Susan Walker, Eliza Hine- 
 baugh, Harriet Nicholson and Mary Jane Boettner, drew up and 
 546 
 
TRINITY, CONFLUENCE 
 
 presented to the honorable judge of the Court of Common Pleas 
 of Somerset County, Pa., on September 20, 1871, a petition 
 whereby they might be granted by the court a charter for the 
 incorporation of an Evangelical Lutheran Church in Confluence. 
 The petition was granted at next meeting of court. These per- 
 sons had been members of the Cross-roads, whose membership 
 of thirty divided and became the beginning of this and the Ursina 
 congregations, 1870, moving to the towns because of the B. & O. 
 Railroad boom. The first structure erected by this body for wor- 
 ship was a frame building, 55 by 35 feet, costing $2,200, on the 
 corner of Charles and Odin Streets, built by Adam Humbert. 
 The corner-stone was laid by Pastor Gheen, October 9, 1870. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 r - ' . 
 
 
 '1 
 
 11 
 
 1 1 
 
 . 
 
 TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH,, CONFLUENCE, PA. 
 
 It was dedicated by Rev. J. Tomlinson, of Alleghany Synod, and 
 Pastor Gheen, October 1, 1871. The first council in the old 
 church, appointed September 20, 1871, was John Reiber, Israel 
 Welfley, Joseph Commins and Henry Rover. This served as the 
 place of worship until April 17, 1904, when the brick building 
 now standing was dedicated. The style is Gothic, 65 by 45 feet, 
 divided into two rooms, with pastor's study attached, and has 
 beautiful memorial windows. Revs. R. S. Patterson and J. W. 
 
 5-17 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 Poffenberger assisted the pastor on the occasion of the dedica- 
 tion. The old building was torn down and the new one erected 
 on the same lot at a cost of $7,000. August 28, 1904, this con- 
 gregation began efforts toward a separation from the Addison 
 charge. This they accomplished two months later, October 17, 
 calling Rev. Hilbish, then pastor at Addison, as their first pastor. 
 The Synod of Alleghany approved, and the congregation received 
 Home Mission funds for three years, and then became self- 
 sustaining. 
 
 The committee appointed for building of this church was : 
 E. E. McDonald, Hiram Frantz, G. G. Groff, A. C. Miller and 
 N. H. Crow ; and the first council was : G. G. Groff, Hiram 
 Frantz, William Reiber and E. E. McDonald. The congregation 
 was served by Rev. Hilbish until October 28, 1906. Supplies 
 were then called until March 31, 1907, when Rev. W. G. Slonaker 
 became pastor, serving until December 31, 1908. From this date 
 until May 22, 1910, no regular pastor was on the field, but sup- 
 plies were had when possible. On May 22, 1910, Rev. E. B. 
 Boyer, newly graduated from Gettysburg Seminary, became 
 pastor. He left the congregation free of all debt and in a pros- 
 perous condition. A Christian Endeavor Society was organized 
 in June, 1910, with twenty members, and continues. A Sunday 
 school was organized in 1870, with Adam Humbert as superin- 
 tendent. Officers and teachers not known. Superintendents 
 since Adam Humbert were Dr. W. S. Mountain, G. G. Groff, 
 E. E. McDonald and Lloyd Kurtz. 
 
 Pastors who served this congregation prior to the separation 
 from the Addison charge : Rev. Peter Gheen, from organization 
 to 1872; Rev. W. Try day, 1872 to 1874; Rev. David T. Koser, 
 1874 to 1877; Rev. A. M. Smith, 1877 to 1880; Rev. A. K. 
 Felton, 1880 to 1881 ; Rev. W. G. Gettle, 1881 to 1885; Rev. S. 
 J. Taylor, 1885 to 1887; Rev. Ed. L. Folk, 1887 to 1892; Rev. 
 I. P. Hawkins, 1892 to 1894; Rev. H. M. Petrea, 1894 to 1897; 
 Rev. J. E. Zerger, 1897 to 1902; Rev. W. 11. Hilbish, 1902 to 
 1904. 
 
 Pastors since separation: Rev. W. H. Hilbish, 1904 to Octo- 
 ber 28, 1906; Rev. W. G. Slonaker, March 3T, 1907, to Decem- 
 ber 31, 1908; Rev. E. B. Boyer, May 22. 1910, to 1916. The 
 four congregations reunited into the Addison-Confluence charge, 
 548 
 
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN, BERLIN 
 
 under the zealous Pastor Boyer, in 191 5, and thus strengthened 
 are able to support a pastor comfortably and encouragingly in his 
 arduous labors. H. C. Summers began his work early in 1917, 
 and resigned November I, 19 17. 
 
 THE TRINITY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
 
 BERLIN, PA. 
 
 Rev. H. B. Burkholder, Pastor 
 The history of this congregation covers a period of 140 years. 
 Of the first fifteen years of this period little is known. Here, 
 as in many localities where the early settlers were Germans, you 
 find the union of the Lutheran and Reformed Churches. The 
 oldest church record extant was purchased for both denomina- 
 tions. This is the oldest church record in Somerset County. On 
 the first page is written: "Church book for both- congregations : 
 Evangelical Lutheran and Evangelical Reformed, in the Glade, 
 Bedford County, Province of Pennsylvania" ; then interlined, 
 "Brothers Valley Township" ; "Written in the year of our Re- 
 deemer, Jesus Christ, 1777." 
 
 Then follows an account of the first building erected for edu- 
 cational and religious purposes : "Both the above-named con- 
 gregations have in the above-named year united together to build 
 a good schoolhouse to have their children instructed in the word 
 and grace of God ! Also, on certain days, to hold public worship 
 in it, as well as reading of sermons on Sunday by the school- 
 teacher ; or other religious books by a person who is a member 
 of one of the congregations ; also at certain times to preach in 
 it by certain ministers of the honorable Reform Classes and 
 Ministerium, who pay us a visit and also attend to the sacrament 
 until either congregation is in a condition to build a comfortable 
 church." 
 
 It is a fact worthy of note, that these Fathers considered re- 
 ligion fundamental in education. Hence the provision they made 
 for religious education. And we believe we are true to the Bible, 
 and true to the best traditions of our Church, when we unite 
 religion and education. 
 
 Whether a Lutheran pastor labored in this field prior to the 
 above date is unknown. Baptisms are recorded previous to this 
 
 549 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 time, but who performed them is not stated. We have the record 
 of John Wolf Litzel, who was the first minister to labor within 
 the bounds of the Alleghany Synod. The following is a part of 
 what is written in the record : "Nomine Domini Patris Filius 
 Spiritus : Soli Dei Gloria, written by me, ordained teacher and 
 preacher of the Evangelical Lutheran doctrine according to the 
 Augsburg Confession. J. W. Litzel." 
 
 It is a remarkable fact that so early in the history of our 
 
 TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, BERLIN, PA. 
 
 Church we should have a man who declared his adherence to the 
 Augsburg Confession. It is even more remarkable when we 
 remember that this record was for both the Reformed and 
 Lutheran Churches. This was forty-three years before the Gen- 
 eral Synod was organized, and thirty-five years after Muhlenberg 
 reached Philadelphia to begin his great work for the Lutheran 
 Church in America. 
 
 It is supposed that Rev. Litzel labored here until sometime in 
 550 
 
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN, BERLIN 
 
 the eighties. Whether an organization was effected during his 
 stay here we have no means of knowing. 
 
 "On April 4, 1786, the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsyl- 
 vania granted to Jacob Keffer, in trust for the Calvinist and 
 Lutheran Churches for the use of schools, a tract of land con- 
 taining forty and one-half acres (of land), on the headwaters of 
 Stony Creek, upon which said Calvinistic and Lutheran congre- 
 gations had laid out a town calling it Berlin" ; (the settlers were 
 from Prussia) ; "the name of the tract of land was (named) 
 'Pious Springs'." 
 
 "On April 22, 1789, a charter was obtained from the Common- 
 wealth of Pennsylvania, signed by Governor Thomas McKean, 
 for the addition to Berlin, whereby the proprietors of said addi- 
 tion gave the ground rent of one Spanish milled dollar yearly, 
 to the Evangelical Lutheran congregation of Berlin, forever." 
 The congregation receives an annual income of $94 from this 
 provision. 
 
 In the office, of the Recorder of Deeds of Bedford County is 
 found the record of the division of the Church property between 
 the Lutheran and Reformed Churches of Berlin. This was 
 effected by lot. Lots numbered 34, 35 and 36 fell to the Lu- 
 therans; lots numbered 61, 62 and 63 fell to the Reformed. 
 The old schoolhouse, by this method, came into the possession of 
 the Reformed. It was estimated to be worth twenty pounds. 
 Both congregations were to hold possession until the Reformed 
 paid the Lutherans ten pounds. 
 
 We now enter the period of historic certainty. In the year 
 1789, Michael Steg [English, Steck] became pastor of the Berlin 
 charge. A new church record was purchased for the sole use of the 
 Lutheran congregation, at a cost of six shillings and four pence. 
 From the record it would appear that Rev. Steg received seventy- 
 five persons into the church during his pastorate. Whether this 
 number constituted the entire membership is difficult to deter- 
 mine. 
 
 Rev. Steg resigned the charge in 1792, and was succeeded by 
 Rev. Frederick William Lange. It was during his ministry that 
 the first Lutheran Church was built, in 1800. It was a two-story 
 log building with a gallery on three sides. The pulpit was of 
 large dimensions and elevated, according to the style of that day. 
 
 551 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 The size and cost of the church is unknown. The bell then in 
 use was cast in Amsterdam in 1753. In 1808, Jacob Fisher, Jacob 
 Keffer and others of this congregation emigrated to Sherwood, 
 Canada, and established a Lutheran Church, a child of this con- 
 gregation. 
 
 Rev. Lange died in Somerset in the beginning of the year 1812, 
 and was succeeded by Rev. Ernest Henry Tiedeman. From the 
 old records it would seem he was first appointed by the Penn- 
 sylvania Synod to take charge of the churches in Somerset 
 County. Whether this appointment contemplated all the Lutheran 
 Churches in the county we do not know. But in 1813 we find 
 the following churches elected him as their pastor and gave him 
 a call : Somerset, Berlin, Stoyestown, New Centerville and San- 
 ner. In the year 1818 the charge was divided and Rev. Tiede- 
 man's labors ceased in this field. 
 
 In April, 1819, Rev. Jacob Crigler visited the charge composed 
 of the following churches : Berlin, Pine Hill, Comps, Wills' 
 Creek, Shafer's, Mull's, Stony Creek, Gebhard's and Sanner's. 
 
 His labors bore magnificent results. In the fall of 1819 and 
 the winter of 1820, there was a religious awakening, as a result 
 of which many were converted, and the spiritual condition of 
 the people was greatly revived. 
 
 On January 1, 1825, Rev. Crigler and John Fletcher, with a 
 few other persons, organized a Sunday school in the Lutheran 
 Church — the first Sunday school of any denomination in Somer- 
 set County. Mr. Peter Lane was the first superintendent. From 
 its organization Mr. Fletcher took a very active part in the Sun- 
 day school ; and in his old age, when he could no longer attend, 
 he delighted to sit at his window and watch the children go to 
 and from it. At his death he bequeathed the sum of $2,140, the 
 interest of which is to be used to purchase Bibles, New Testa- 
 ments and sacred literature for the Sunday school. Every scholar 
 attending is presented with a Bible. By an act of the Legislature, 
 $800 of this bequest was used, in 1846, to erect the brick Sunday 
 school room. Though dead, this good man lives through this 
 generous bequest. And we believe many persons have learned 
 to love their Bibles more dearly because of this thoughtful 
 provision. In 1875 the semi-centennial of the Sunday school was 
 celebrated. Intense interest was manifested. This was shown 
 552 
 
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN, BERLIN 
 
 by the large number of persons who attended the services. 
 The history of the Sunday school has been marked by constant 
 growth and development. It has been a mighty factor for good 
 in the church and the community. Out of it have gone men 
 and women who are filling prominent positions in every sphere 
 of life. It is a fact worthy of note that for sixty years this Sunday 
 school held two sessions every Sunday ; one in the morning and 
 one in the afternoon. 
 
 An event of more than passing interest was the meeting of the 
 West Pennsylvania Synod in the Berlin Church, on September 9, 
 1826. This was the second regular meeting of the Synod. The 
 minutes record the sum of $7.50, which the Berlin congregation 
 contributed at the Chambersburg meeting in 1825. This meeting 
 at Berlin was the first Synodical meeting held on what is now 
 the territory of the Alleghany Synod. Two young men were 
 ordained to the gospel ministry. The occasion was one of solemn 
 and impressive moment. "The house was as silent as the grave. 
 It appeared as though the house was filled with breathless beings." 
 "Never was Synod entertained with a more cordial welcome, 
 and at no time was the word of God listened to with more atten- 
 tion than at this time at Berlin." 
 
 Rev. Crigler resigned the Berlin charge April 1, 1834. His 
 ministry extends over a period of fifteen years and was unu- 
 sually blessed. He left his impress upon the congregation for all 
 time. There were blended in his personality elements that make 
 strong characters. He was a close student of God's word, and 
 represented in his life and preaching the best traditions of our 
 beloved Church. The pietistic element found in this congrega- 
 tion, in the middle of the last century, was due largely to his 
 influence. He laid the foundation upon which the future of the 
 church grew. His works truly follow him. 
 
 On December 11, 1852, a congregational meeting was held to 
 consider the advisability of erecting a new church. At a subse- 
 quent meeting the report of the committee appointed to present 
 plans, specifications and cost, was adopted. The contract was 
 given to Jacob Zorn. The building, 65 by 45 feet, was built of 
 brick, with a basement under the whole church. The audience 
 room was to be eighteen feet high. The building was to be com- 
 pleted in 1853 and was to cost $2,145. The corner-stone was laid, 
 
 553 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 and the church was dedicated in 1853; the dates not given. This 
 second church was built during the pastorate of Rev. Elias Fair, 
 who served the congregation for five years. 
 
 Special mention should be made of the services and work of 
 Rev. Jesse Winecoff. He served this congregation at two differ- 
 ent times. His first pastorate covered the years of 1844-1846, 
 and his second pastorate the years of 1864-1872. He was a man 
 of scholarly attainments, of deep piety, and of fervent zeal for 
 the cause of Christ. It was largely through his ministry that a 
 number of young men entered college and seminary to prepare 
 themselves for the gospel ministry, Revs. B. B. Collins, W. E. 
 Fischer, D.D., and John Brubaker, D.D., having prepared for 
 college under his teaching. These men have all done splendid 
 work for the Master. 
 
 Rev. Winecoff was held in the highest esteem by his brethren 
 and was revered by his members. When he died, at Lavansville, 
 through the solicitation of the members of the Berlin congrega- 
 tion he was buried in the Odd Fellows' Cemetery, at Berlin. 
 The beautiful monument which marks his grave, costing about 
 $500, was erected by the members of the Berlin pastorate. It 
 is worthy of note that Mr. Gardill, not a member of the Lutheran 
 Church, was active in soliciting funds for this worthy project. 
 The following inscription on the monument tells its own -story : 
 "This monument is erected by the friends of the deceased, and 
 members of the Berlin charge of the Evangelical Lutheran 
 Church, as a token of esteem." 
 
 During the pastorate of the Rev. A. M. Strauss the north wing 
 of the Sunday school building was erected at a cost of $500. 
 This addition made the room much more convenient and added 
 greatly to its comfort. 
 
 Rev. John W. Poffenberger became pastor of the Berlin charge 
 July 11, 1875. He served the charge for ten years. 
 
 At the meeting of the Alleghany Synod in the Berlin Church, 
 in 1880, the Synodical Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary 
 Society was organized. At the same time the local organization 
 was effected. The first officers of this Woman's Society were: 
 President, Mrs. Daniel H. Ault ; secretary, Miss Olive Hefrley ; 
 corresponding secretary, Miss Annie M. Hefrley ; treasurer, Mrs. 
 A. C. Floto. With the exception of a short period, it has had a 
 554 
 
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN, BERLIN 
 
 continuous existence. It has always been one of the strongest 
 societies of the Synod and has been aggressive in missionary 
 work. 
 
 In the winter of 1908-1909 the Young Woman's Home and 
 Foreign Missionary Society was organized. A little later a Mis- 
 sion Band came into existence. The Senior Society has a cradle 
 roll of about seventy-four members. 
 
 It was also during Rev. Poffenberger 's pastorate that the Som- 
 erset County Lutheran Sunday School Association was founded, 
 in the Berlin Lutheran Church, in 1876. Rev. Poffenberger was 
 very active in its formation and was one of the leading spirits in 
 its early history. The immediate success of the association was 
 largely due to his efforts. 
 
 Rev. Poffenberger was succeeded by Rev. Charles B. Gruver. 
 The numerical strength of the congregation demanded a new and 
 larger church. The corner-stone was laid June 8, 1889, and the 
 church was dedicated June 29, 1890. Rev. J. W. Menges, of 
 Philadelphia, and Rev. W. E. Fischer, D.D., of Center Hall, Pa., 
 assisted the pastor in the services. The church was dedicated 
 free of debt, although costing, including furnishings, $13,630.61. 
 Mr. J. J. Zorn was the contractor, while the building committee 
 was composed of Rev. C. B. Gruver, Mr. D. G. Reitz and Mr. 
 J. C. Philson, the latter acting as treasurer of the committee. This 
 church building stands as a monument to the zeal, energy and 
 sacrifice of pastor and people. 
 
 When Rev. Gruver resigned, the question of the Berlin congre- 
 gation becoming a separate pastorate was considered at a con- 
 gregational meeting held January 22, 1893, when the following 
 action was taken : "Resolved, That the congregation proceed to 
 determine by ballot whether or not the Berlin congregation shall 
 constitute a separate and distinct pastorate, a majority vote of 
 all the members present to be taken as a final decision and choice 
 in the matter." The vote stood as follows: Yeas, 100; nays, 
 thirty. After this decision was made, the Rev. S. J. Taylor, D.D., 
 was then called to become the first pastor of the Berlin Church 
 as a separate pastorate. He served the pastorate very efficiently 
 for a period of six years. 
 
 The next pastor called was the Rev. R. S. Patterson, under 
 whose administration the numerical strength of the congregation 
 
 555 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 passed the 400 mark. It was during this pastorate that the' old 
 parsonage opposite the High School building was. sold, and a lot 
 was bought on Main Street, where the present commodious par- 
 sonage was built at a cost of about $3,000. Rev. Patterson was 
 also instrumental in having the pipe organ placed in the church, 
 thus adding not only to the beauty of the building, but giving a 
 new inspiration in the services as well. 
 
 The Rev. A. J. Rudisill became pastor in 1906, and served the 
 congregation for a period of five years. In the summer of 1907 
 an. addition of twenty-five feet was built to the Sunday school 
 room, at a cost of $2,000. The growth of the school demanded 
 this enlargement. During Rev. Rudisill's pastorate the communi- 
 cant membership of the church was increased to 478, and there 
 was marked progress along all lines of the work. He was active 
 in the work of Synod and Conference, and started the movement 
 which resulted in the preparation of this History. He prepared 
 the sketch of this congregation up until the time of his resigna- 
 tion. 
 
 The present pastor, Rev. H. B. Burkholder, took up the work 
 in September, 191 1. In the summer of 1916 it was seen that 
 the Sunday school had again outgrown its quarters, and it was 
 decided to make another addition to the room. This was done by 
 widening the room ten and one-half feet, at a cost of about 
 $1,700. The improvement furnishes the desired space and adds 
 much to the appearance. The present enrollment of the Sunday 
 school is 425, while the congregation numbers 540 communicant 
 members. 
 
 This congregation furnished for the Lutheran ministry Revs. 
 Peter Lane, John P. Hentz, D.D., B. B. Collins, W. E. Fischer, 
 D.D., Frank Fischer, D.D., John Brubaker, D.D., Oscar H.Gruver, 
 D.D., Jesse Ball, Ph.D., C. F. Floto. 
 
 It is in place, before closing this historical sketch, to state that 
 this congregation has always been liberal in its benevolent con- 
 tributions. Not only has it met the regular apportionment, but 
 it has given liberally to the various institutions of the Church. 
 Many years ago the congregation endowed a scholarship in Penn- 
 sylvania College, and some of the members contributed liberally 
 to the Seminary when that institution was in great financial 
 need. The total benevolent contributions for the last Synodical 
 556 
 
THE CHRIST (CASE BEER) 
 
 year were $1,349. Every member should feel proud of this 
 splendid history, and all should endeavor to make both the pres- 
 ent and the future worthy of the past. 
 
 Names of pastors who have served the Berlin congregation : 
 
 Rev. John Litzel, 1777 to ; Rev. Michael Steg, 1788 to 1792; 
 
 Rev. Frederick W. Lange, 1793 to 1813; Rev. Ernest H. Tiede- 
 man, 1813 to 1819; Rev. Jacob Crigler, 1819 to 1834; Rev. George 
 Leiter, 1834 to 1835; Rev. Charles Reese, 1835 to 1840; Rev. 
 Louis Gustiniani, 1840 to 1842; Rev. Charles Reese, 1842 to 
 1843; Rev. Jesse Winecoff, 1843 to 1846; Rev. Charles Young, 
 1846 to 1851; Rev. Elias Fair, 1851 to 1856; Rev. Philip Shee- 
 der, 1856 to 1864; Rev. Jesse Winecoff, 1864 to 1872; Rev. A. 
 M. Strauss, 1872 to 1875 ; Rev. J. W. Poffenberger, 1875 t0 l88 5 I 
 Rev. C. B. Gruver, 1885 to 1893; Rev. S. J. Taylor, 1893 to 
 1899; Rev. R. S. Patterson, 1899 to 1906; Rev. A. J. Rudisill, 
 1906 to 191 1 ; Rev. H. B. Burkholder, 191 1 to . 
 
 THE CHRIST (CASEBEER) LUTHERAN CHURCH 
 
 SOMERSET, R. D., PA. 
 
 Rev. Guy E. McCarney, Pastor 
 
 The Christ (Casebeer) Lutheran Church had its inception 
 in Rhodes' schoolhouse, Edie, Pa., March 9, 1845. 
 
 After due notice to the community, divine services were held 
 in Rhodes' schoolhouse, March 9, 1845. The pastor, Rev. Peter 
 Rizer, preached a sermon, after which he recorded the names of 
 those desirous of becoming members of the new organization. 
 The charter members of the church, as recorded that day by 
 Rev. Rizer, numbered fifty-six. One member of this enterpris- 
 ing band of Christians, Mrs. Savilla Darr, has, by God's mercy, 
 been permitted to help bear the burdens and rejoice in the suc- 
 cesses of this church from its founding to the present time. She 
 is eighty-seven years of age, and the only charter member now 
 living. 
 
 The next meeting of the infant church was held in Rhodes' 
 schoolhouse, April 6, 1845. At this service the following men 
 were elected to direct the destinies of the church : Philip Maurer 
 and Jacob Baker, elders ; John Casebeer and Samuel Miller, 
 deacons. 
 
 557 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 At the same time the congregation was organized, it was deter- 
 mined, in reliance on divine aid, to undertake the erection of a 
 new church. 
 
 Deacon John Casebeer, residing on the Johnstown Pike, five 
 miles north of Somerset, generously offered one acre of his land 
 for the church site. This offer was accepted, and ground was 
 broken for the building of the church in the spring of 1845. 
 
 The contract for the church was given to Benjamin F. Beattie, 
 of Somerset, and so rapidly was the work accomplished, that on 
 Sunday, November 30, 1845, the church was dedicated to the 
 
 THE OLD "CASEBEER" CHURCH, ERECTED 1845 
 
 service of Almighty God. The consecration service was read 
 by the pastor, Rev. Peter Rizer, and the sermon was preached 
 by the Rev. Reuben Weiser, of Bedford, Pa., on the text, Rev. 
 19: 10, "Worship God." 
 
 This church is popularly known as the "Casebeer" Church, 
 because it is located on the John Casebeer farm. 
 
 The "Casebeer" Church remained a part of the Somerset cir- 
 cuit, composed of Somerset, Bakersville, Lavansville and Case- 
 558 
 
THE CHRIST (CASEBEER) 
 
 beer, until December 31, 1871, when the Somerset congregation 
 and the "Casebeer" congregation united in a separate charge 
 known as the "Somerset charge." 
 
 The congregation grew steadily from a membership of fifty- 
 six in 1845, to 270 in 1903, and the desire for a new church stole 
 into the hearts of the people. Consequently a new, commodious, 
 well-appointed brick building replaced the old well-loved wooden 
 structure. The old church was moved from its foundation, but 
 retained as the place of worship until the new church could be 
 
 THE NEW "CASEBEER" CHURCH, ERECTED I9O3 
 
 completed on the same spot where the old one had stood. The 
 plans for the new church were drawn by Architects George Wild 
 and H. M. Rogers, of Johnstown. 
 
 The new church was erected during the ministry of Rev. R. L. 
 Patterson. It is a two-roomed building, auditorium 40 x 58, 
 and Sunday school 30x40 feet. It cost $14,000. Those holding 
 the honorable position of building committee were : G. F. 
 Schmucker, William H. Bowman, Wilson H. Maurer, David A. 
 Swank and Henry W. Bittner. The new brick church was ded- 
 icated June 19, 1904. The morning sermon was preached by Rev. 
 
 559 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 D. Stuart Hoover, of Manasquan, N. ]., and Rev. R. S. Patter- 
 son, of Berlin, Pa., had charge of the service of offering. Other 
 ministers present at the dedication were: Revs. Shearer, Lambert 
 and Fleck. 
 
 This live, energetic and progressive congregation has profited 
 by the leadership of the following ministers : Rev. Peter Rizer 
 organized the congregation and remained with the circuit for two 
 years, when he was succeeded by Rev. William Uhl, who served 
 the congregation until 185 1. By the latter year the membership 
 had increased from fifty-six to 113 souls. Since 1851 the church 
 
 REV. G. E. MCCARNEY, PRESENT PASTOR CASEBEER CHURCH 
 
 has been served by the Revs. A. Babb, 1851 to 1857; C. Whit-' 
 mer, 1857 to i860; G. M. Pile, i860 to 1861 ; L. Gerhart, 1861 
 to 1866; J. P. Hentz, 1866 to 1872; A. M. Whetstone, 1873 to 
 1881 ; J. F. Shearer, 1882 to 1890; E. Manges, 1890 to 1893; 
 C. F. Gephart, 1893 to 1897; D. Stuart Hoover, 1897 to 1902; 
 R. L. Patterson, 1902 to 1908; I. Hess Wagner, 1909 to 1914. 
 On October t, 1914, the old Somerset charge dissolved and the 
 Somerset congregation and the "Casebeer" congregation each 
 felt strong enough to support its own pastor. Consequently the 
 560 
 
ST. STEPHEN'S, CUMBERLAND, MD. 
 
 Christ (Casebeer) Church called the Rev. E. Roy Hauser as 
 pastor. Rev. Hauser took charge of the work March 14, 191 5, 
 and served until July 9, 1916. A call was then extended to the 
 present pastor, the Rev. G. E. McCarney, who assumed the duties 
 of pastor January 1, 1917. 
 
 In 1917 the congregation completed the erection of a beautiful 
 brick-cased parsonage at Sipesville, Pa., about one and one- 
 fourth miles from the church. The parsonage is equipped with 
 electric light, bath, running water, and hot water heat, making a 
 very comfortable, well-planned home for the pastor. 
 
 The progress and development of this congregation is unique, 
 because of the fact that it is a distinctively rural church. The 
 church building stands in the midst of a beautiful farming sec- 
 tion, but has no houses very near. Its present membership of 
 275, with a Sunday school of about 300, and the consistent, regu- 
 lar attendance of the members would make it hard for us to agree 
 with those who claim that the country church is dying. 
 
 ST. STEPHEN'S LUTHERAN CHURCH 
 
 CUMBERLAND, MD. 
 
 Rev. C. E. Kuhnert, Pastor 
 
 Lutheranism in Cumberland dates well back in the nineteenth 
 century in the organization of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, from 
 which, through periodic differences of opinion, nearly all, if not 
 all, of the present Lutheran churches branched off. It was dur- 
 ing one of these periodic differences in the spring of 1902 that 
 the pastor, Rev. T. J. Yost, and many members of St. Paul's 
 withdrew and organized a new congregation. The seceders met 
 in the Reformed Episcopal Church and organized on the evening 
 of March 19, 1902, with eighty-six charter members, under the 
 name of the First English Lutheran Church of Cumberland. This 
 name, however, was subsequently changed to St. Stephen's Lu- 
 theran Church, which continues to be its name. In organizing, 
 the following brethren were elected elders : Brothers W. H. 
 Haller, George Weber, J. E. McBeth and H. L. Hartsock. The 
 following were elected deacons : Brothers L. S. Bramble, George 
 L. Mobly, L. W. Yost and C. M. Ridgely. The young congre- 
 
 561 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 gation was fortunate and blessed in securing as their first pastor 
 the Rev. M. L. Young, Ph.D., who was called April 23, 1902. 
 Dr. Young labored faithfully and devotedly, and laid the foun- 
 dations of the congregation with great wisdom and foresight. 
 As the parent church was successful in restraining the Maryland 
 Synod from recognizing the congregation, it was refused admit- 
 tance to that body. Disowned by the body that should have 
 admitted it, through the untiring labors of its pastor, the congre- 
 gation applied to and was admitted to the Alleghany Synod of 
 Pennsylvania, September 25, 1902. Before securing a permanent 
 location, meetings were held in the following places respectively : 
 
 
 
 ;■%-■':: l-'yTfr'n- *>:,;■:,,..,. 
 
 
 
 '.'I 1 
 
 
 : -:• : "-■■ > '-- 
 
 
 III 
 
 u 1 
 ■f 1 
 
 1 ~i 
 
 A. , 
 
 Hi : :\ 
 
 Ml * ., 
 
 
 
 
 11 i 1 
 
 •HI .-■ ' m; ■■, - mm~'l 
 
 
 
 
 — ~ '■'•"" 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ST. STEPHEN S LUTHERAN CHURCH, CUMBERLAND, Mil. 
 
 The Reformed Episcopal Church, K. of P. Hall, Genvey Hall, 
 Maennerchor Hall, and finally back to the Christ Reformed Epis- 
 copal Church, at the corner of South Center and Union Streets, 
 their present location. 
 
 While meeting in the Genvey Hall it was learned that the 
 Christ Reformed Episcopal Church property could be secured 
 at a cost of $8,500. With no funds in hand, but with a deeply 
 devoted pastor and a good supply of pluck, the members went to 
 work with a will and bought the property they now occupy, 
 April 1, 1903. Here again good fortune smiled on the congrega- 
 tion, for it was only through a gas explosion that had blown off 
 the roof and broken a number of the windows in the auditorium, 
 562 
 
ST. STEPHEN'S, CUMBERLAND, MD> 
 
 thus rendering the auditorium useless without repairs, that they 
 were able to secure their beautiful property at such a low figure. 
 This good fortune, however, has always been used as an excuse 
 by the various Boards of the General Synod for denying assist- 
 ance to the congregation in its hours of need. The needed repairs 
 were made quite largely by pastor and people, as they worked side 
 by side, cleaning, repairing and painting. These repairs increased 
 the actual cost of the property to $9,200. 
 
 Although busy with a multitude of details, Dr. Young found 
 time to frequently visit and confer with his warm friend, Dr. 
 L. A. Mann, pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church. Soon, how- 
 ever, Dame Rumor said that Dr. Young's visits at the home of 
 Dr. Mann were not all for the discussion and study of theological 
 problems, but many were for the study of the attractive daughter 
 of the parsonage, Miss Carrie M. Mann. Dame Rumor, for 
 once at least, told the truth, as Dr. Young and Miss Mann were 
 married in the Sunday school of St. Stephen's on the evening 
 of July 14, 1903. The ceremony was performed by the bride's 
 father, Rev. Dr. Mann, assisted by Dr. E. J. Wolf. 
 
 Meanwhile the repairs upon the church were rapidly moving 
 along. The auditorium windows were replaced with beautiful 
 stained glass memorials presented by various members and 
 friends of the pastors. One was also presented by the Somerset 
 County Lutheran Sunday School Association. A handsome altar 
 was presented by the Western Maryland Railway Trainmen, 
 through the able leadership of Mr. C. M. Ridgely. These repairs 
 were completed early in September. The dedicatory services took 
 place September' 20, 1903, and were conducted by Dr. Wolf, 
 president of General Synod, assisted by Rev. Poffenberger, of 
 Vandergrift, Pa. The work was abundantly blessed and pros- 
 pered under the untiring labors of Dr. Young until he was sud- 
 denly called home, December 12, 1904, through an attack of 
 appendicitis. The passing of their beloved pastor was a sad blow 
 to the congregation, the effects of which were felt for years 
 afterwards. 
 
 On March 19, 1905, the Rev. George G. M. Brown assumed 
 charge, only to resign one year later without having done any- 
 thing, practically, in the way of carrying out and establishing 
 the well-laid plans of Dr. Young. The resignation of Rev. 
 
 563 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 Brown, on March 19, 1906, was unexpected and very discour- 
 aging. 
 
 The congregation was so discouraged that the next pastor, the 
 Rev. C. F. Floto, found the work much run down and the mem- 
 bers widely scattered. It was only after much hard work and 
 patience on the part of Rev. Floto, who assumed charge Septem- 
 ber 10, 1906, that the members were persuaded to again loyally 
 stand by the church. Under Pastor Floto the church debt was 
 decreased $500, and the work prospered until the close of his 
 ministry, January 1, 1910, when he accepted a call to Benders- 
 ville, Pa. 
 
 The charge was now without a shepherd until May 8, 1910, 
 when the Rev. Curtis Edgar Kuhnert, of Philadelphia, Pa., 
 accepted a call and came direct from Wittenberg Seminary. The 
 young pastor found . the charge in a lamentable condition ; the 
 members were again scattered and discouraged, largely through 
 the presence of several factions, which soon undid the faithful 
 work of their former pastor. These factions first had to be har- 
 monized before any constructive work could be accomplished. 
 The new pastor spent the first several months in carefully going 
 over the situation and personally calling on all the members. 
 The congregational problems were not the only ones that were 
 troubling the pastor's mind at that time, for in spirit at least he 
 was frequently visiting a certain maiden in Philadelphia, Pa. On 
 September 7, 1910, he was happily married to the above-men- 
 tioned maiden, Miss Leila O. Beitler, in St. Matthew's Lutheran 
 Church, of Philadelphia, Pa., of which both bride and groom 
 were members. Dr. Edwin Heyl Delk, pastor of St. Matthew's, 
 performed the ceremony. When finally settled in Cumberland, 
 the pastor and his bride set about using the information already 
 gathered in getting the church organizations and the social life 
 of the church on good working foundations. It soon became 
 apparent that something must be done to decrease the heavy 
 burden of interest on the church debt. After much planning and 
 hard work, the debt was decreased $1,150, and the first mort- 
 gage was secured at a lower rate of interest, thereby saving $60 
 per year in the running expenses of the church. The organ in 
 the Sunday school room had long since ceased to be musical or 
 useful, and therefore a new piano was bought, costing $325. 
 564 
 
ST. STEPHEN'S, CUMBERLAND, MD. 
 
 During these years of struggle and discouragement nothing had 
 been done in the way of repairing the property. Indeed, it was 
 all the congregation could do to keep its head above water with 
 its heavy burden of debt, without incurring any heavier obliga- 
 tions. The condition of the church property was going from bad 
 to worse, and the members were not only getting discouraged 
 but it became increasingly hard to get new members to unite 
 with us. In the spring of 19 16 it was very evident that extensive 
 repairs had to be made at once if the congregation was to con- 
 tinue. After much prayer and careful investigation, it was 
 decided, with no money in hand but with strong faith in God, to 
 make the necessary repairs, believing firmly that God, Who had 
 so abundantly blessed in the days gone by, would surely bless in 
 the seemingly impossible task before us. The church was re- 
 roofed, the halls and auditorium were repainted, new cocoa mat- 
 ting was placed in the halls, and new carpet on the floor of the 
 auditorium, and the God in Whom we had put our trust so 
 abundantly blessed that we were able to announce on Easter 
 morning all bills paid. The committee on improvements, Mr. 
 R. H. Hill and Mr. H. W. Lottig, labored hard and faithfully 
 and received the thanks of the congregation. 
 
 These improvements so aroused the members that not only 
 were the improvements costing almost $900 paid for, but out- 
 standing debts of many months were all cleared off and the 
 church debt was decreased $250. Nor were things allowed to 
 stop there ; the members, under the able leadership of Mr. Frank 
 A. Good, carried on the good work and repainted the Sunday 
 school room, replaced the old windows with chipped glass, and 
 put new cocoa matting on the floor, and the church as well as 
 the Sunday school room has been refitted with electric lights to 
 take the place of the old gas lights, which are no longer practical 
 owing to the failure of the gas company to supply the city with 
 gas. In addition another $50 has been paid on the church debt, 
 and more will be paid off at the next opportunity. 
 
 The officers of the church at present are as follows : Elders, 
 Brothers J. George Hermann, W. M. W'adsworth, H. B. Scharf, 
 William Judy, Sr., C. W. Beamer ; Deacons, Brothers R. H. 
 Hill, H. W. Lottig, George Lottig, F. A. Good, Lawrence Mid- 
 dlekamp. 
 
 565 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 St. Stephen's has been a self-supporting church from the very 
 beginning, as it received no aid from the Board of Home Mis- 
 sions and no aid from the Board of Church Extension beyond a 
 few nominal gifts. It has also always met its apportionment 
 during the fifteen years of its history, with but one exception, 
 which was due to change of pastors. 
 
 CAIRNBROOK CHARGE, 
 
 Rev. IV. A. Bauman, Pastor 
 
 The Mt. Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Shade Town- 
 ship, Somerset County, Pa. 
 
 This congregation has been called "Alleghany," because of its 
 nearness to this mountain; "Moses," because of its proximity to 
 where Mr. Moses once lived; and "Shade," from the groves 
 which surround it. 
 
 As early as 1822, Rev. Carl Rebenach occasionally preached 
 here in houses. The first effort to build a church dates from 
 1823, when Messrs. Reel, Stumpf, Moses and the two Statlers 
 hewed logs, hauled stones, and began a building. June 19, 1823, 
 the corner-stone was laid. The church was placed on an un- 
 occupied and stony piece of ground. Tradition says that Father 
 Heyer, then of Cumberland, laid the corner-stone. Services 
 were held here occasionally by Rev. Peter Schmucker, pastor at 
 Somerset. In 1824, Hon. John Statler from Stoyestown, a 
 member of the Legislature, secured from the State, by a parch- 
 ment deed, still possessed, thirty acres of land for the use of the 
 Lutheran and the Reformed congregations. According to tradi- 
 tion the congregation was organized by Rev. Heyer in 1824, after 
 his coming to Somerset, and that he received twelve members. 
 
 The building was a "Union" church, one-story, log, 35 x 35. A 
 later addition of fifteen feet was made. It was weather-boarded 
 and plastered, and cost about $800. 
 
 It is probable that Rev. Heyer cared for this congregation, 
 one of the five he was serving until 1827. On December 1, of 
 that year, Rev. Gustavus Schultz preached here and at Living- 
 ston's, and reported 96 communicants for the two places. He 
 resigned in 1830 to go as a missionary for the Pennsylvania 
 566 
 
MT. ZION, SHADE TOWNSHIP, SOMERSET COUNTY 
 
 Ministerium to Tioga County. If this congregation had any care 
 during 1831, it was from the Somerset pastor, Rev. Daniel 
 Heilig. 
 
 In 1832, Rev. Heyer received a call to return to Somerset, 
 signed by five congregations, Shade being one of them. He 
 resigned again January i, 1836. 
 
 FIRST CHURCH, SHADE, BUILT IN 1823, CAIRNBROOK PASTORATE 
 
 His successor in the charge was Rev. Haverstick. It seems that 
 this pastor did not preach here, and that whatever services were 
 received were given by Rev. William Yeager, of Friends' Cove. 
 
 Rev. Peter Rizer, the next Somerset pastor, served this con- 
 gregation, 1839-1843, having in all six congregations. 
 
 The Stoyestown Charge was now formed, 1845, and this was 
 made a part of it until 1846. The pastor was Rev. S. B. Lawson, 
 In this same year a new charge, the Davidsville, was formed of 
 St. James, Moses, Livingston's and Davidsville. Rev. Gideon 
 Butler supplied it till Synod, where he was licensed, and was 
 pastor for about a year under the direction of Rev. Rizer, Presi- 
 dent of Synod. But as this church was far from the others, it 
 was again put to the Stoyestown Charge, and supplied by re- 
 quest of Synod again by Rev. Lawson, from April 1, 1849 to 1850. 
 
 With the coming of Rev. W. A. Kopp to Davidsville, it again 
 
 567 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 became a part of this charge, and was served by him from May I, 
 1850 to May 1, 1852. 
 
 Jacob K. Bricker, a student and licentiate under Rev. Peter 
 Sahm, of Johnstown, served it June 1, 1852 to October 1, 1854. 
 
 Other pastors from Davidsville were : Rev. Joseph J. Bechtell, 
 January 1, 1855 to January 1, 1857. Rev. Jacob K. Bricker, 
 May 1, 1857 to May I, 1859. Rev. John Beaver, November 11. 
 i860 to March 23, 1863; Jacob K. Bricker, January 1, 1864 to 
 February 1, 1866; Rev. J. B. Crist, February 24, 1867 to Decem- 
 
 SHADE LUTHERAN CHURCH OF 1893, CAIRNBROOK PASTORATE 
 
 ber 22, 1869. During 1867 the charge purchased a parsonage in 
 Hooversville for $1,400. 
 
 Rev. A. R. Height, January 9, 1870 to April 1, 1871. In 
 1 87 1, the Conference formed a new charge, putting Shade with 
 W'eigle's at Hooversville, Graeff's, Lambertsville and Shanks- 
 ville. This last congregation, however, did not come into the 
 charge. From this time on, the other four churches were known 
 as the Hooversville Charge. 
 568 
 
GRAEFF, CAIRNBROOK 
 
 The following pastors served it as thus formed : Rev. J. K. 
 Bricker, August I, 1871 to August 1, 1874. Rev. Reuben Smith, 
 January 1, 1875 to January 1, 1876. Rev. J. H. Walterick, July 
 1, 1876 to December 1, 1877. Rev. J. L. Miller (supply), May 
 to September, 1878. Rev. J. B. Shoup, January 1, 1879 to July 
 10, 1881. Rev. John N. Unruh, October 18, 1881 to November 
 21, 1886. Rev. J. H. Houseman, May 1, 1887 to August 1, 1891. 
 Rev. A. H. Shertz, November 1, 1892 to 1893. Rev. D. B. Lau, 
 November 1, 1893 to 1895. November 19, 1893, the new frame 
 church was dedicated, the pastor being assisted by Rev. M. L. 
 Young, Ph.D., President of Synod. Its total cost was $2,600. 
 Rev. Samuel Krider, October 27, 1895 to 1897. 'Rev. C. M. 
 Wachter, November 8, 1899 to 1901. Student G. F. Sheese, 1902 
 (supply). Rev. A. H. Shertz, November 1, 1902 to 1904. Rev. 
 C. F. Floto, November 31, 1905 to September, 1906. Rev. G. K. 
 Allen, November 31, 1907 to March 24, 1912. Rev. P. J. Shriver, 
 March 25, 191 2 to March 25, 1914. Rev. W. E. Sunday, April 
 15, 1915 to May 1, 1916. Rev. J. A. Richter, May 1, 1916 to 
 December 8, 19 16. Rev. W. A. Bauman, 19 17 — 
 
 Graeff Evangelical Lutheran Church, 
 
 cairnbrook, pa. 
 
 Some of the members of the Shade congregation prevailed 
 upon Rev. J. K. Bricker, pastor in 1864, to hold services for 
 them in the McGregor school-house. He also preached in some 
 of their homes, especially in that of John Graeff. His successor, 
 Rev. J. B. Christ, continued services in the community, as like- 
 wise did Rev. A. R. Height. At his resignation. Rev. John 
 Tomlinson upon invitation organized a congregation in the 
 McGregor school-house, May 24, 1871. The laymen who presided 
 at this meeting were John Graeff, President, and Samuel 
 McGregor, Secretary. The vote to organize was unanimous, and a 
 constitution was immediately prepared and signed by twenty 
 members. The congregation was incorporated May 6, 1872. The 
 charter members were as follows : Samuel McGregor, John J. 
 Wilt, John Koontz, Harrison Lohr, John Graef, Anthony Wech- 
 tenheiser, Philip Reitz, Jacob Yost, John Wallace, John Manges, 
 John \Y. Wechtenheiser, Jacob M. McGregor, Joseph Wilt, Alex- 
 
 569 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 ander McGregor, Barbara Wallace, Sophia Manges, Rachel 
 Koontz, Susan Lohr, Elizabeth Bash, Elizabeth Bradley, Eleanor 
 McGregor, Caroline Wilt, Hannah Yost, Elizabeth Lambert, Susan 
 Berkeybile. The following are still living: Philip Reitz, Jacob 
 Yost, Jacob McGregor, Rachel Koontz, Susan Berkeybile. 
 
 The church building was already under way, the corner-stone 
 being laid May 25, 1871, by Rev. Tomlinson. As the new 
 Hooversville Charge was now formed, the dedication of the 
 building was under the direction of that pastor, Rev. Bricker, 
 
 GRAEFF LUTHERAN CHURCH, CAIRNBROOK PASTORATE 
 
 and was performed October 29, 1871. Rev. J. M. Graybill, of 
 Everett, assisted on the occasion. The building, a one-story frame, 
 32 x 40, with steeple and bell, was dedicated free of debt. The 
 cost was $1,700. It made the forty-fourth Lutheran church of 
 Somerset County. In 1908, improvements amounting to $350 
 were made. 
 
 From this time until the division of the Hooversville Charge, it 
 continued to be a part of the same, and shared with Hoovers- 
 ville, Shade and Lambertsville the services of their pastors. 
 
 570 
 
THE LIVINGSTON CONGREGATION 
 
 During the summer of 1 9 1 5 , the town of Cairnbrook, near the 
 Graeff Church, began to develop so rapidly that it was felt that 
 a division of the Hooversville Charge would be advantageous. 
 At a meeting of the Joint Council this was decided upon. Synod 
 confirmed the action October 9, 191 5, with the proviso that the 
 pastor at Hooversville and Lambertsville continue to care for the 
 entire field as formerly until the new Cairnbrook Charge could 
 secure a pastor. This condition was fulfilled by the coming, May 
 1, 1916, of Rev. J. A. Richter. He served until December 8 of 
 the same year. 
 
 W. A. Bauman was secured as supply pastor beginning 
 January 1, 19 17, to continue through the year and as much 
 longer as may be agreed upon. Early in the year they succeeded 
 in getting a plot of ground donated by Loyalhanna Coal and 
 Coke Company, in the town of Cairnbrook, upon which they are 
 erecting a new brick church, costing about $15,000. The church 
 will be situated on a corner of four regular town lots. The walls 
 are now under construction. The superstructure will be built 
 as rapidly as possible. It will be a two-roomed church, 40 x 80 
 feet, divided by rolling partitions, built of buff brick. The corner- 
 stone was laid October 14, 1917. 
 
 DAVIDSVILLE CHARGE 
 
 Rev. D. IV. Lecronc, Pastor 
 
 The Livingston Congregation 
 
 The earliest record found of the early Lutherans in and near 
 Davidsvile is that given in the report of Rev. Lambrecht, who 
 preached at Addison, Samuel's, and in Indiana County, and on 
 his way back and forth preached ( 1813) in Livingston's school- 
 house, near Foustwell, near the junction of Shade Creek with 
 Stony Creek, on land of Frederick Custer. 
 
 In 1818, Rev. William Schultze notified Synod that he had 
 taken charge of the congregation of Johnstown. As he reported 
 two congregations, it is very likely that Livingston's was the 
 other point. 
 
 Rev. John C. Rebenach served this congregation one year, 
 '826-1827. 
 
 Rev. Gustavus Schultze, son of the above, served (1827- 
 
 571 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 1830) this place, Moses, and likely Johnstown. During this time 
 a union church, Lutheran, Reformed, and Mennonite, was started 
 near the schoolhouse. It was never finished. 
 
 Rev. Rebenach again (1830-1834) served these people. In 
 1834, Synod grants $100 mission funds to this charge (Johns- 
 town, Livingston and Moses), for which the Johnstown congre- 
 gation expresses thanks (1835) and asks Synod to continue to 
 help them. 
 
 Father Heyer preached here and at Johnstown occasionally, 
 and began preaching at Davidsville, during 1836, as he journeyed 
 to and fro to his Clearfield County missions, his family residing 
 in Somerset. In 1837, Synod asked "neighboring" pastors to 
 care for these places. Accordingly, Rev. Yeager, of Friends' 
 Cove, preached for Shade ; Revs. N. G. Sharretts and Jacob 
 Medtart, pastors at Indiana, preached at Johnstown ; wtiile with 
 the coming of Rev. P. Rizer to Somerset (1839), Livingston's 
 and Davidsville again had services from there. 
 
 The Lutheran Church of Davidsville, Pa. 
 
 In the year 1839 the Davidsville congregation was organized 
 by Rev. Rizer, who served it till 1843, when he resigned four of 
 his seven congregations, which becanfe the Stoyestown charge, 
 viz. : Friedens, Stoyestown, Moses and St. James. He retained 
 only Somerset and Samuel's ; but having organized Bakersville, 
 July 31, 1842, he reported to Synod three congregations in 1843, 
 and in 1845, four, having organized Casebeer's, March 9, 1845. 
 It would seem that Livingston and Davidsville were still consid- 
 ered a part of Johnstown charge, for they are reported to Synod 
 as vacant (1842). 
 
 Rev. Samuel B. Lawson came to the new Stoyestown charge 
 in 1845, Dut apparently during his first year resigned St. James, 
 Davidsville, Livingston's and Moses, out of which was formed 
 the Davidsville charge. 
 
 The pastors follow: Rev. Gideon Butler, 1846 to April 1, 
 1849; Rev. P. Sahm, 1849 to 1850; Rev. William A. Kopp, 1850 
 to 1852. About this time a plot of ground in Davidsville for a 
 church was given by Isaac Kaufman. Rev. J. K. Bricker, 1852 
 to 1855. At a communion service held about May 5, 1853, Rev. 
 J. K. Miller, of Stoyestown, laid the corner-stone. August 13. 
 572 
 
DAVIDSVILLE 
 
 1854, the church was dedicated, the pastor being assisted by 
 Rev. A. Babb, of Somerset. The building committee was Henry 
 Unbarn, Samuel Livingstone, Daniel Border, Samuel Border and 
 Josiah Swank, who were also members of the first council, whose 
 pious zeal and hard labor brought the venture to a successful issue. 
 The Livingston Church was now abandoned, and has long since 
 rotted down. Rev. Joseph B. Bechtell, January 1, 1855, to Jan- 
 uary 1, 1857; Rev. J. K. Bricker, May 1, 1857, to May 1, 1859; 
 Rev. John Beaver, November 11, i860 to 1863 ; Rev. J. K. Bricker, 
 July 1, 1864, to 1867; Rev. Jacob B. Crist, February 24, 1867, to 
 
 DANIEL HOFFMAN, 
 Charier Member of Davidsville Church 
 
 December 22, 1869; Rev. A. R. Height, January 9, 1870, to April 
 1, 1871 ; Rev. D. Stufft, January 1, 1872, to April 1, 1873; Rev. J. 
 A. Nuner, June 1, 1873, to June 1, 1875. I n l $7 2 , the Scalp 
 Level and Dunmeyer congregations became a part of the Davids- 
 ville charge, and the new Jennerstown charge was formed. Dur- 
 ing this pastorate the St. Thomas Church was organized and 
 admitted a part of the pastorate, making four congregations. 
 Rev. D. Stufft, July 1, 1875, to October 1, 1882; Rev. E. M. 
 Hubler, March 15, 1883, to December 1, 1885. During this time 
 the charge bought a parsonage in Scalp Level for $700, and 
 became known as the "Scalp Level charge." Rev. J. A. Lerch, 
 
 573 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 February 16, 1886, to January 1, 1889; Rev. A. B. Erhard, 
 April 1, 1889, to 1893. During this pastorate the church was 
 remodeled at a cost of $400, and the membership grew rapidly, 
 increasing to the number of 245 communicant members. Rev. 
 H. C. Salem, 1893 to November 17, 1898. Ben's Creek was now 
 organized (1897), and a parsonage built in Davidsville (1899), 
 at a cost of $1,700, and the charge called "Davidsville" charge 
 again, constituted as at present, of Davidsville, St. Thomas and 
 Ben's Creek. Rev. G. D. Gross, December 12, 1899, to Octo- 
 ber 31, 1 90 1 ; Rev. C. M. Wachter, December 15, 1901, to 1908. 
 
 SAMUEL R. LIVINGSTON, 
 
 One of the Building Committee of 
 
 First Church at Davidsville 
 
 DANIEL BORDER, 
 
 Contractor and Builder of First Church 
 
 at Davidsville 
 
 Under Pastor Wachter the charge enjoyed substantial progress. 
 Two new churches were built in 1903, Davidsville and St. 
 Thomas. Rev. H. O. Reynolds, September 15, 1908, to Febru- 
 ary 25, 1912; Rev. D. W. Lecrone, May 15, 1912, to . 
 
 Milo A. and Ellis K. Lecrone, sons of the pastor, are students 
 for the ministry. 
 
 The Davidsville church was dedicated August 16, 1903, the 
 pastor assisted by Revs. R. S. Patterson and C. W. Anschutz. 
 The building occupies the site of the former structure, is 40 by 50 
 feet, with tower, colored glass, Gothic windows, with a seating 
 capacity of 450. The cost was $3,000. 
 574 
 
ST. THOMAS', WINDBER 
 
 The St. Thomas Lutheran Church, Windber, R. D. 
 
 The St. Thomas Evangelical Lutheran Church, of Paint Town- 
 ship, Somerset County, Pa., was organized in the Flatrock school- 
 house, April ii, 1874, by Rev. J. A. Nuner, with twenty-nine 
 charter members, as follows : Cartharine Kaltenbaugh, Rosanna 
 Weible, David Naugle, Caroline Naugle, Reuben Miller, Eliza- 
 beth Holsopple, George Fosler, Eliza J. Miller, Mary Naugle, 
 Delilah Livingstone, Eve Berkey, Caroline Livingstone, Susanna 
 Naugle, Christena Fosler, Samuel Naugle, John Kaltenbaugh, 
 Joseph Naugle, John Roudabush, Henry C. Kaltenbaugh, George 
 Livingston, John W. Naugle, Susannah Naugle, Lavina Harsh- 
 berger, Jacob Miller, Jacob Weible, Polly Naugle, Sophia 
 Naugle, John Naugle, Christiana Naugle. 
 
 ST. THOMAS LUTHERAN CHURCH, DAVIDSVILLE CHARGE 
 
 This organization, known at first as the "Ridge congregation," 
 belonging to the Scalp Level charge, decided to build a new 
 church of which the corner-stone was laid August 15, 1874. Rev. 
 H. Seifert preached in German from 1 Pet. 2 : 6, and Rev. J. K. 
 Bricker in English from Eph. 2 : 20. Rev. David Stufft, being 
 present, also assisted in the service. The ceremony of the corner- 
 stone laying was read by the pastor, J. A. Nuner. 
 
 This church was dedicated October n, 1874. The dedicatory 
 sermon in English was preached by J. K. Bricker, from Col. 1 : 
 
 575 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 1 8, and by David Stufft in German. The dedicatory ceremony 
 was read by the pastor, J. A. Nuner. Notwithstanding the hard 
 times, the church was dedicated free of debt, costing $1,000. 
 
 Brother Thomas Lohr, after whom the church has been named, 
 donated the ground for this church, and was a very liberal con- 
 tributor to its erection. Brother Lohr, up to the time of his 
 death, was one of the leading spirits in the church. He was a 
 staunch Lutheran, faithful to his Church, loyal to Synod, and 
 above all a faithful and devout Christian. 
 
 What has been said about Brother Lohr as a worker and 
 
 DAVID NAUGLE, 
 One of Charter Members, and large 
 contributor 
 
 JACOB J. WEIBLE, 
 
 One of First Council of St. Thomas' 
 Davidsville 
 
 faithful Christian is equally applicable to all the charter mem- 
 bers upon whom the prosperity of the church depended; for the 
 church prospered and grew in numbers as it was served by the 
 following pastors: Rev. J. A. Nuner, 1874 to 1875; Rev. David 
 Stufft, 1875 to 1885; Rev. E. M. Hubler, 1885 to 1887; Rev. 
 j. E. Lerch, 1887 to 1890; Rev. A. B. Erhard, 1890 to 1894; 
 Rev. II. C. Salem, 1894 to 1899; Rev. G. D. Gross, 1899 to 1902. 
 During Rev. Gross' ministry the Scalp Level charge was divided 
 and a new charge formed by taking St. Thomas, Davidsville and 
 Benscreek congregations together, since known as the Davids- 
 576 
 
ST. THOMAS', WINDBER 
 
 ville charge and served by pastors from there. During Rev. 
 Wachter's ministry, 1902 to 1907, this congregation decided to 
 
 THOMAS LOHR, 
 
 Who Donated Ground for Church, 
 After whom Church is named 
 
 BENJAMIN NAUGLE, 
 
 Secretary of Crunc.il, St. Thomas' 
 Church 
 
 10HN T. LOHR 
 
 build a new and larger building, which was badly needed. 
 Charles Naugle and Mahlon Berkey, deacons, and Josiah Naugle 
 and Henry C. Kaltenbaugh, elders, constituted the council ; and 
 
 577 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 Benjamin Naugle, John T. Lohf and Henry E. Ott were selected 
 as a building committee. 
 
 The ground for the new church was donated by the widow 
 and heirs of David Naugle, Sr., deceased. The corner-stone was 
 laid May 24, 1903, by the pastor, C. M. Wachter. The church 
 was dedicated August 30, by C. M. Wachter, assisted by Dr. C. 
 B. King preaching the morning sermon and by Rev. H. D. 
 Hoover preaching the evening sermon. This church was dedi- 
 cated free of debt, arid cost $3,000. This church is a plank struc- 
 ture, weather-boarded and plastered, with yellow pine ceiling, 
 
 HENRY D. NAUGLE, 
 St. Thomas', Sunday School Superin- 
 tendent for twenty three years 
 
 HENRY E. OTT, 
 Member of Building Committee 
 
 slate roof with a tower and bell and oak furniture, size 36 by 50 
 feet. Brother Benjamin Naugle was the contractor and builder. 
 He has been the faithful secretary of the congregation for many 
 years. The financial success of the congregation was due to the 
 co-operation of the council and the building committee with his 
 efforts, so that all obligations were promptly met. 
 
 Vernon and Clarence Naugle, sons of Henry D. Naugle, are at 
 present students for the ministry. 
 
 A Sunday school was organized in 1880, with Hiram Lohr as 
 superintendent, numbering about thirty, and open six months. 
 
BENSCREEK 
 
 John T. Lohr and John C. Kaltenbaugh were elected for a few 
 years as superintendents. 
 
 In 1887, H. D. Naugle was elected superintendent and contin- 
 ued in office every year since but three (1917). The Sunday 
 school has grown from a mere babe to a mature man. When he 
 first accepted the office, few fathers and mothers of the congre- 
 gation took any interest in Sunday school, but in a short time 
 every father and mother became a member of the school, which 
 also made it easy to have school open the year around. Through 
 his untiring efforts and the splendid co-operation of all the mem- 
 bers, knowing that success can only be attained by working 
 together, the school has become in many respects one of the best 
 schools in the county. 
 
 The Benscreek Lutheran Church 
 
 For several years after the organization of this congregation 
 in 1897 by Rev. H. C. Salem, they continued worshiping in a 
 schoolhouse which stood where the present church now stands. 
 When the house was abandoned by the township, it was bought 
 by Peter Thomas, changed to a chapel, and used by the congre- 
 gation, having been fitted up for the purposes of worship. 
 
 The charter members are : Jacob Heckman, Mrs. Jacob Heck- 
 man, William Heckman, Ellen C. Heckman, Mrs. H. F. Barndt, 
 Robert C. Barndt, Jacob Croyle, Adam Keefer, Mrs. Rachel 
 Keefer, Jacob Keefer, Mrs. Lena Keefer, Mrs. John Y. Keefer, 
 Tobias Keefer, Mrs. Tobias Keefer, Edward Rhodes, Susan 
 Rhodes, Minnie Rhodes, Ida Rho.des, Peter Rhodes, Mrs. Katie 
 Thomas, Sophia Thomas, Eliza Thomas, Allen Thomas, Hilda 
 Thomas, H. A. Walker, Mrs. H. A. Walker. 
 
 The first council was: Elders, Adam K. Keefer, Jacob Heck- 
 man; deacons, V. A. Shaffer, D. E. Heckman, H. A. Walker, 
 Allen Thomas. 
 
 During the pastorate of Rev. Salem, he instructed and con- 
 firmed a class of fifty catechumens. The chapel proving too 
 small, subscriptions for a new building were solicited by D. E. 
 Heckman during the summer of 1899, liberal contributions being 
 made by Jacob Heckman and family and H. F. Barndt, the 
 former of whom supervised the erection. The full amount of 
 the cost ($1,000) was secured by the dedication, on April 14, 
 
 579 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 1901. It is a frame building. The sermon was preached by 
 Rev. Isaac Krider, president of Synod, and Revs. Fleck, Stabley 
 and Salem were present to assist the pastor, Rev. G. D. Gross. 
 
 The members of the Benscreek congregation are very loyal 
 and zealous Lutherans. Brother Jacob Heckman has held the 
 same office since the organization, and has helped much toward 
 the financial success of this church, which has always met its 
 obligations to benevolence and current expenses. 
 
 Brother John Rhodes has been secretary of the congregation 
 and teacher of the men's Bible class for years. Brother Her- 
 man A. Walker has been the efficient Sunday school superintend- 
 ent for many years, and has brought the school to a point of 
 interest and good size. Brother Isaac Yoder is another zealous 
 member who is looked to because of his able judgment and love 
 for the cause. 
 
 The pastors have been those of the Davidsville charge. 
 
 ELK LICK, OR SALISBURY CHARGE 
 
 Rev. E. E. Oncy, Pastor 
 
 St. John's Lutheran Church 
 
 elk lick, pa. 
 
 The history of the congregation was not an easy one to write. 
 This was made so from the fact that it had to do with some of 
 the years of three centuries, and the absence of the early records. 
 The writer spent much time in considering all available records 
 and comparing various histories. In these records and histories 
 he has found evidence to confirm about all the statements made, 
 though some few of the dates may vary a little. 
 
 This is one of the oldest congregations in Somerset County, 
 and dates back to about 1778. Tradition has it that ministers 
 from the East visited the settlement from time to time, preach- 
 ing in private houses and baptizing children. Who these minis- 
 ters were is no longer known. From the old records of the Ber- 
 lin congregation it is believed one who signed his name J. W. 
 Litzel was among the first of these ministers. In 1765, Rev. 
 Litzel ( sometimes spelled Lizel) was preaching in Northampton 
 and Lehigh Counties. One of the towns in which he preached 
 580 
 
ST. JOHN'S, ELK LICK 
 
 in Northampton County was called Salisbury. Nothing is re- 
 corded of him in the East after 1769. Sometime in the 1770's 
 he is found among the pioneers of Berlin and Salisbury, preach- 
 ing in Somerset County, and perhaps in Alleghany County, Md., 
 and Preston County, W. Va. 
 
 The tract of land upon which Salisbury was founded was 
 known as "John's Fancy." It belonged to John Markley. The 
 village was founded by Joseph Markley, April 15, 1796. The 
 town has had five names : John's Fancy, Quiertown, Brushtown, 
 Shiretown, Salisbury and Elk Lick. It is believed the name 
 Salisbury was first given to it by this Lutheran pastor, Rev. J. 
 
 ST. JOHN S LUTHERAN CHURCH AND PARSONAGE, SALISBURY, 
 REV. L. P. YOUNG, D.D. 
 
 W. Litzel, in honor of the Salisbury Church in Northampton 
 County, from whence he came, which in turn was doubtless 
 named for the Saltzburg emigrants to America. We have never 
 heard another theory as to the name Salisbury, and are inclined 
 to believe this is its origin. 
 
 In 1788, Rev. John Michael Steck moved from Chambersburg 
 to Bedford and preached at Berlin and occasionally at Salisbury. 
 It appears that the congregation was organized by Rev. 
 Steck somewhere between 1789 and 1792. This would give the 
 
 581 
 
M KUERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 congregation a history of about 125 years. 
 
 In 1794, Rev. Frederick William Lange became pastor. The 
 first baptism recorded by him was May 1, 1795. 
 
 In 1809, during Rev. Lange's pastorate, the first church build- 
 ing was erected. The building was constructed jointly by the 
 Lutheran and Reformed congregations and used by them until 
 1853. ■ It stood in the east end of the town, near the old ceme- 
 tery on the hill overlooking the village. The cost was estimated 
 at $600. It was a two-story log house, weather-boarded on the 
 outside and lined on the inside. A gallery extended along three 
 sides, with a high pulpit on the north side. 
 
 According to the best information obtainable, it was in this 
 church, in 1838, during the ministry of Rev. Charles Reese, that 
 
 JOSIAH DIVELY 
 
 the first union Sunday school of the town was organized. John 
 Lowry was the first superintendent. 
 
 This congregation in its early history was connected at various 
 times with the Berlin, Cumberland, Frostburg and Wellersburg 
 Churches and served by their pastors. 
 
 In 1826, when the West Pennsylvania Synod convened at 
 Berlin, Rev. Frederick Haas was present as pastor of the Salis- 
 bury and Greenville churches. Michael Dively, of Salisbury, 
 was in attendance as lay delegate from these churches. He was 
 given a seat and the right to vote. Mr. Dively was undoubtedly 
 the first lay delegate to represent this congregation at Synod. 
 Rev. Haas made application to be received as a member of that 
 582 
 
ST. JOHN'S, ELK LICK 
 
 body. The following resolution was passed : "That Rev. Haas 
 cannot be received until he has obtained a special recommenda- 
 tion from the president of the Synod to which he belongs." 
 
 It is believed that Rev. Haas lived in Salisbury, but this cannot 
 be verified. He appears to have resigned in 1826, when Rev. 
 Philip Muchenhaupt, pastor at Addison, began supplying here. 
 Many strange stories are related of this weak brother. Many 
 acts of unministerial conduct are charged against him. He had 
 a fondness for the cup. He knew his weakness, and it is said 
 he nearly always closed his sermons with an appeal to his hearers 
 to follow his advice and not his example. He also practiced 
 medicine. He was fond of fine horses. One of these once saved 
 
 MR. AND MRS. PETER WELFLEY 
 
 his life. One day in 1827 he and Abraham Harshberger, a well- 
 known farmer of this community, were riding along the road 
 near the old Beachy Mill, on Laurel Run. In passing a large 
 tree, it fell to the ground, killing Mr. Harshberger. The break- 
 ing tree frightened Doctor Muchenhaupt's high-spirited horse ; it 
 plunged forward, cleared the tree, and thus saved his life, while 
 his companion perished. He died in 1832, at Addison, Pa. 
 
 The first known resident pastor of this congregation was Rev. 
 S. B. Lawson. He came here April 1, 1849, and resigned April 1, 
 185 1. During his pastorate the congregation was reorganized. 
 He records that in the spring of 1849 he reorganized the congre- 
 gation with twenty-six members, besides five who were con- 
 firmed that day. Joseph Dively and Peter Welfley were elected 
 
 583 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 elders, and Casper Loechel and George Lowry, deacons. The 
 following- are the charter members, none of whom are living, the 
 last surviving one, William Kretchman, dying October 14, 1906; 
 Mr. and Mrs. Henry Brewer, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Welfley, John 
 Rosenbaum, Josiah Dively, Mr. and Mrs. Casper Loechel, Mr. 
 and Mrs. John Stein, Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Wahl, Mr. and 
 Mrs. Lewis Bockes, George Lenker, George Lowry, Henry Geese, 
 Henry Weimer, Samuel Raymon, Mr. and Mrs. Adam Smith, 
 Catharine DeHaven, Anna M. Livengood, Elizabeth Stutzman, 
 Julia Dively, Catherine Lawson, Mary Neclrick. The following 
 were confirmed : Cybilla Lawson, Elizabeth Dively, Mary 
 Long, William Kretchman and Daniel Duecker. Miss Lydia 
 
 MR. AND MRS. CASPER LOECHEL 
 
 Dively, now Mrs. C. R. Haselbarth, was confirmed December 5, 
 1853, by Rev. M. F. Pfahler. She is the daughter of Mr. and 
 Mrs. Michael Dively, one of the pioneer Lutheran families. Her 
 membership dates back further than any other living member. 
 
 Until the time of reorganization, in 1849, it is likely the con- 
 gregation was not regularly supplied. They worshiped with 
 the Reformed congregation, having Lutheran pastors come from 
 the neighboring charges at intervals. Many of their children, 
 as they grew up, united with the Reformed Church. It is known 
 that Michael Dively sent some of his children to Berlin to be 
 catechized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church. 
 
 Upon the resignation of Rev. Lawson, the Rev. P. S. Nellis, 
 pastor of the W'ellersburg charge, supplied the congregation. On 
 584 
 
ST. JOHN'S, ELK LICK 
 
 June 26, 1852, he reported to the president of Synod that he had 
 conceded two of his congregations to Rev. M. F. Pfahler, mean- 
 ing Salisbury and Greenville. About July I, 1852, Rev. Pfahler 
 became pastor. The two congregations, Reformed and Lutheran, 
 decided to build another union church. They purchased a lot 
 near the center of the town, of one Mr. Henry Brewer. The 
 corner-stone was laid July 7, 1853. The dedicatory sermons were 
 preached by Rev. A. Babb, of the Lutheran Church, and by Rev. 
 William Conrad of the German Reformed Church ; the former 
 preaching from 1 Kings 8: 18, the latter from John 4:24. The 
 building was of brick, with a basement in which Sunday school 
 was conducted. 
 
 On March 17, 1888, during the pastorate of Rev. O. F. Harsh- 
 
 ... - K 
 
 
 
 
 l|*i i 
 
 ^B ' w ^^^^^'■^^^^B^BH 
 
 
 wlA 
 
 ■ -3SjJ 
 
 JHL 
 
 
 wkiJk 
 
 MR. AND MRS. C. R. HASELBARTH 
 
 man, at a congregational meeting the two trustees, Casper Loechel 
 and George Lowry, were instructed to sell the church. Accord- 
 ingly, on April 25, 1888, the trustees of the two churches drew 
 up the condition of the sale, and on April 28 it was sold for $546, 
 and a deed delivered May 28, 1888, to William Lichty for the 
 Reformed Church. This building later passed into the hands of 
 the Progressive Brethren, and is now used by them. 
 
 Three lots on Union Street were purchased from Mrs. Mary 
 McBride for $500, and ground broken for a new church April 18, 
 1889, by Rev. Harshman, H. A. Reitz and J. N. Ringler. The 
 corner-stone was laid July 24, 1889. Rev. J. H. Zinn preached 
 from 1 Pet. 2 : 6. Revs. M. L. Young and M. F. Pfahler and 
 
 585 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 the local ministers of the other denominations were present and 
 participate.! in the services. On Sunday, March 2, 1890, the 
 church was dedicated. Rev. J. H. Menges, of Philadelphia, Pa., 
 preached the dedicatory sermon, from Hag. 2 : 9. Revs. Settle- 
 meyer, Young, Menges, Spangler and Zinn participated in the 
 services. The church is Gothic in design, two rooms, 60 by 85 
 feet. The interior is furnished in ash, cherry and red oak. The 
 entire cost was $5,200. This is the third church building the 
 congregation has used. 
 
 During the pastorate of Rev. L. P. Young, a new parsonage 
 was built, in 1907, upon the church lot, at a cost of $3,500. It is 
 conceded to be one of the most comfortable parsonages in the 
 county. 
 
 MR. AND MRS. GEORGE LOWRY 
 
 From all available sources it would appear that twenty-six 
 different pastors have served this congregation, only five of 
 whom are living: Revs. Koser, Cribbs, Johnston, Young and 
 Oney. 
 
 Seventeen pastors have served the congregation, as follows : 
 Rev. John Michael Steck, 1788 to 1792, from Bedford; Rev. F. 
 William Lang, 1795 to 1812. from Berlin; Rev. C. F. Heyer, 
 1819 to 1825, from Cumberland; Rev. F. Haas, .December 25, 
 1826 to May, 1827, resident; Rev. George Leiter, 1834 to 1835; 
 from Berlin; Rev. Charles Lepley, 1843 to 1S44, from Frostburg; 
 Rev. S. B. Lawson, 1848 to 1851, Salisbury; Rev. M. F. Pfahler, 
 1852 to [865; \iv\-. John Forthman, 1865 to 1868; Rev. M. F. 
 586 
 
GREENVILLE 
 
 Pfahler, 1868 to 1875; Rev. J. A. Koser, 1875 to 1878; Rev. J. 
 M. Snyder, 1878 to 1879; Rev. Reuben Smith, 1880 to 1884; 
 Rev. O. F. Harshman, 1885 to 1891 ; Rev. W. W. Kribbs, 1891 
 to 1892; Rev. E. S. Johnston, D.D., 1894 to 1905; Rev. L. P. 
 Young, D.D., 1906 to 1915; Rev. Elbert E. Oney, 1915 to 1917. 
 
 One young man from the congregation entered the ministry of 
 the Lutheran Church, — Rev. John Welfley, son of Peter and Eva 
 Welfley. He died December 19, 1889, aged seventy-five years. 
 The congregation never had a phenomenal growth. Its advance- 
 ment has been steady. It enjoys the reputation of paying its 
 debts promptly and raising its apportionment. In the years gone 
 by it has given to the community many God-fearing men and 
 women, who loved their church and were faithful and loyal to 
 her. 
 
 The life of many staunch Lutheran families clusters around 
 this church. The likeness of a few are given. July 1, 1916, 
 there were enrolled 174 members, the largest membership in the 
 history of the congregation. The Sunday school numbers 163 
 enrolled members. During 1916 the congregation gave $244 for 
 benevolence and $864 for all purposes. 
 
 The Somerset Conference has met in this church six times : 
 November 20, 1866; May 30, 1871 ; May 26, 1874; November 19, 
 1878; May ir, 1886; October 3, 1899. 
 
 The Greenville Lutheran Church 
 This congregation has an existence of at least 100 years. While 
 its early history is somewhat hazy, the records date back to 181 5. 
 From these records it would appear that the church had an 
 existence as early as 1803 or even earlier. It is supposed the 
 first preaching was in the house of Peter Deal, by one Rev. 
 Hunger. [This was likely Rev. Hanker, of Friends' Cove. — Ed.] 
 Tradition says, in the year 1810 a log schoolhouse was built in 
 the community and services held in it until the erection of the 
 first church edifice. 
 
 This schoolhouse was known as "Werner's." It was covered 
 with shingles fastened with wooden pins driven in holes made 
 by gimlets. 
 
 The first minister's name recorded is Rev. Oestereich. When 
 he came and departed is unknown. His Synodical relation is 
 
 587 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 very much in doubt. One of the writers of this early history 
 says : "He no doubt belonged to those early ministerial 
 tramps who went from place to place and pretended to be regular 
 ordained ministers, when they were but wicked wretches, and 
 never even ministers in any denomination." 
 
 Rev. Philip Muchenhaupt was the second pastor. He resided 
 at Bedford at this time. He was not a member of the only Synod 
 then in existence in the State, the Ministerium. 
 
 It was during this period that ministerial acts were first re- 
 corded. These records show that on May 20, 181 5, Frederick, 
 
 GREENVILLE "I'XION" AND GREENVILLE LUTHERAN CHURCH (THE OLD AND THE 
 NEW), GREENVILLE TOWNSHIP, SOMERSET COUNTY, PA. 
 
 son of Philip and Christina Infeld, was baptized, Peter and Mag- 
 dalena Keefer acting as sponsors. 
 
 This church was first connected with the Cumberland, Md., 
 pastorate, whether as a station or a regularly organized congre- 
 gation cannot be determined. This was during the pastorate of 
 Rev. C. F. Heyer, from 1819 to 1825. 
 
 Greenville has been served by the pastors from five different 
 pastorates, namely, Cumberland, Berlin, Frostburg. Wellersburg 
 and Salisbury, and has been at one time or another a component 
 part of all these pastorates. It is known that at least twenty 
 588 
 
GREENVILLE 
 
 different pastors have ministered to this congregation : Rev. 
 
 Oesfreich, to 1815; Rev. P. Muchenhaupt, 1815 to 1818, 
 
 from Bedford ; Rev. C. F. Heyer, 1819 to 1825, from Cumber- 
 land; Rev. Frederick Haas, 1825 to 1826, from Salisbury; Rev. 
 Henry Haverstick, 1830 to 1832, from Cumberland; Rev. George 
 Leiter, 1834 to 1836, from Berlin; Rev. Christian Lepley, 1842 
 to 1845, from Frostburg; Rev. John Gaver, 1845 to 1846, from 
 Wellersburg; Rev. C. Lepley, 1846 to 1848, from Frostburg; 
 Rev. S. B. Lawson, 1849 to 1851, from Salisbury; Rev. P. S. 
 Nellis, 1851 .to 1852, from Wellersburg; from Salisbury, Rev. 
 M. F. Pfahler, 1852 to 1865; Rev. John Forthman. 1865 to 1868; 
 Rev. M. F. Pfahler, 1868 to 1875; Rev. John A. Koser, 1875 to 
 1878 ; Rev. J. M. Snyder, 1878 to 1879; Rev. Reuben Smith, 
 1880 to 1885 ; Rev. O. F. Harshman, 1885 to 1891 ; Rev. W. W. 
 Cribbs, 1891 to 1892; Rev. E. S. Johnston, D.D., 1894 to 1905; 
 Rev. L. P. Young, D.D., 1906 to 1915; Rev. Elbert E. Oney, 
 1915 to November 1, 1917. 
 
 This congregation has worshiped in three edifices. The first 
 was in "Werner's" schoolhouse, which was used by the Lutheran 
 and German Reformed congregations. The two congregations 
 continued to worship in this building until 1848. 
 
 There appears on the records the following resolutions : 
 
 "Whereas, The schoolhouse in Greenville Township, Somer- 
 set County, generally known by the name of 'Werner's school- 
 house,' is free and open as a place of worship to all denomina- 
 tions of Protestants ; and 
 
 "Whereas, It not only might, but has occurred that appoint- 
 ments for public worship by two different denominations have 
 fallen on the same day and hour ; and 
 
 "Whereas, Such occurrences have a tendency not only to dis- 
 turb the peace and harmony, to break the bond of Christian fel- 
 lowship, but, also, to lay the foundations of dissension and strife, 
 which things are at variance with the spirit of true Christianity 
 and expressly forbidden by the word of God ; Eph. 4:31; Col. 8 ; 
 Titus 3:2; Hebrews 12 : 14 ; and 
 
 "Whereas, It is the positive injunction of the Apostle Paul 
 that all things be done decently and in order; 1 Cor. 14:40. 
 Therefore, 
 
 " 1. Resolved, That the regular and stated minister, that is, he 
 whose appointments are regularly and statedly made, shall in 
 each and every case have the preference when appointments are 
 made by others on the same day and hour. 
 
 589 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 "2. Resolved, That in order to prevent all contention and strife 
 on this subject in the future, the members of each denomina- 
 tion, who have, or may have, any interest in this house as a place 
 of worship, and who statedly or occasionally assemble here for 
 that purpose, annex their signatures either for or against the 
 foregoing preamble and resolutions whose adoption or rejection 
 depends upon a majority of signatures for or against it. 
 
 "j. Resolved, That these resolutions, with the signatures 
 thereto annexed, be deposited in a place of safety, to be referred 
 to for decision in case any dispute should hereafter arise, who is 
 to have preference, when appointments for public worship are 
 made by two denominations on the same day and hour." 
 
 This paper is without date. It is signed by fifteen persons in 
 favor of the resolutions. No names appear as being against 
 them. The signers are : John Beal, Isaiah Diehl, Jacob Infelt, 
 Joseph Hare, Edmond Diehl, John Long, Jonas Hutzell, Henry 
 Hare, Peter Engel, Jacob Diehl, John Schultz, John Engel, John 
 Bare, Daniel Long and William Bare. From the records and the 
 knowledge of the older members it is learned that a majority of 
 these were members of the Lutheran congregation. 
 
 Early in the spring of 1848, it was agreed to erect a house of 
 worship to be held as joint property of the Lutheran and German 
 Reformed churches in equal proportions. A lot of ground near 
 the cemetery was donated by Jacob Diehl. The corner-stone 
 was laid July 15, 1848. There were no ministers present, except 
 the two pastors of the churches, Rev. C. Lepley, Lutheran pastor, 
 and Rev. B. Knepper, Reformed pastor. Communion services 
 were held the same day, when Rev. Lepley confirmed eighteen 
 young people. 
 
 The contract for the erection of the new building was given 
 to Mr. H. Fitzbaugh, of Frostburg, Md., for $800. The building 
 was finished according to contract and the services of dedication 
 appointed for November 19, 1848. The services began Friday 
 evening, November 17, 1848. On the day appointed, November 
 19, 1848, the building was dedicated to the worship of God. 
 The dedicatory sermon was preached by the Lutheran pastor, 
 Rev. C. Lepley, from Matt. 26 : 8 : "To what purpose is this 
 waste?" Theme: "The building of churches is of more profit 
 than loss or waste." Subscriptions to the amount of $117 were 
 raised on the day of dedication. All those subscribing were 
 590 
 
GREENVILLE 
 
 allowed until May I, 1849, to P a y their pledges. Rev. B. Knepper, 
 pastor of the Reformed church, was present and assisted in the 
 services. Communion services were held the following day, 
 Monday. The record reads : "The scene was solemn and 
 interesting." The membership of the Lutheran church at this 
 time was thirty-eight. 
 
 The building was a one-story frame structure, with a seating 
 capacity of 200, and is supposed to have cost $1,000. This 
 building continued to be used by both congregations until 1910, 
 in which year the Lutheran congregation erected a new church 
 edifice. This new building stands near the cemetery, on the 
 opposite side of the road from the union church. The plot of 
 
 BENJAMIN LOWRY 
 
 JACOB MILLER 
 
 ground containing almost an acre was purchased from Mr. 
 John D. Arnold. Ground was broken and the work of excava- 
 tion began 1910. 
 
 The corner-stone was laid on Sunday morning, June 5, 19 10. 
 The day was very inclement. The sermon was preached in the 
 old church by Rev. C. P. MacLaughlin, pastor of the Meyersdale 
 Lutheran Church, after which the congregation, in a heavy down- 
 pour of rain, repaired to the site of the new building where the 
 corner-stone was formally laid by the pastor, Rev. L. P. Young, 
 assisted by Rev. MacLaughlin. The building committee consisted 
 of Messrs. Isaiah Bare, Herman Keefer, John D. Arnold, Harvey 
 Miller, Irvine Shockey, W. C. Paul and the pastor. Rev. L. P. 
 Young. The contract was awarded to Petry Brothers, of Elk 
 
 591 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 Lick, Pa. The feast of dedication was held Sunday, October 
 1 6, 19 io. The dedicatory sermon was preached by Rev. O. F. 
 Harshman, of Springfield, Ohio, a former pastor. It was a 
 beautiful autumn day, clear and warm. People came from far 
 and near. The attendance was conservatively estimated at 1,500. 
 A free dinner was served in the groves nearby to all who cared 
 to remain. 
 
 Addresses were made at the afternoon services by Rev. S. C. 
 Stover, the Reformed pastor, Rev. E. S. Johnston, D.D., a former 
 pastor, and Rev. A. C. Miller, of the Salisbury Evangelical 
 Church. In the evening, Rev. W. H. B. Carney, of Garrett, 
 preached. 
 
 The report of the building committee at the morning service 
 revealed the fact that almost $1,400 was needed to pay all 
 indebtedness. The pastor, Rev. L. P. Young, presented the 
 matter, and asked that the offering plates be passed and all give 
 
 MRS. SALLY BARE 
 
 a free-will thank-offering. Much to the surprise of the entire 
 audience, when the offering was counted, it was found to be more 
 than sufficient to pay all indebtedness, amid great rejoicing and 
 thanksgiving. 
 
 The pastor conducted the dedicatory service, when the Green- 
 ville Evangelical Lutheran Church was consecrated to the wor- 
 ship of the Triune God. The building is of solid brick, is Gothic 
 in architecture. The main auditorium is 50 by 46 feet. The 
 Sunday school room is 30 by 22 feet. These two rooms are 
 592 
 
GRANT SVILLE, MD. 
 
 separated by a rolling partition. All of the fourteen art glass 
 windows are memorials or the gifts of friends. It is beautifully 
 furnished and very churchly in arrangement. The entire cost 
 was $8,900. Much hard work was done by the members. This 
 church stands as a monument of the liberality and devotion of 
 the congregation. 
 
 Two bequests were made to this building. One of $400, by 
 Mrs. Sally Bare, one of the early members of the church, and a 
 bequest of $250 made by Mr. John Gumbert, of the Pine Hill 
 Church. Many former members contributed. 
 
 The membership, June 1, 1916, was 165 confirmed members. 
 During 1916, they contributed $212 for benevolence and $711 
 for all purposes. 
 
 The congregation has had a steady growth and has exerted 
 no little influence upon the life of the community. 
 
 Rev. L. P. Young, D.D., resigned as pastor, February 1, 1915, 
 to accept the office of missionary superintendent of the Alle- 
 ghany Synod. The pastorate remained vacant until June 1, 
 when Rev. Elbert E. Oney, a member of the graduating class of 
 our seminary at Gettysburg, became pastor, resigning November 
 1, 1917. 
 
 The Lutheran Church of Grantsville, Md. 
 
 The early history of the Grantsville congregation is shrouded in 
 mystery. There are no records available of the pioneer Lutheran 
 ministers who visited the community. However, we are sure 
 that our Church has had an existence of at least seventy-five 
 years and possibly more in the "Old Town on the Pike." 
 
 The earliest recorded preaching we have in Grantsville was 
 by Rev. M. F. Pfahler, about 1856. The congregation at this 
 time must have belonged to the Salisbury pastorate. The 
 Lutheran and Reformed people worshiped in the same house at 
 this time. In 1857 or 1858, Rev. Pfahler built the Lutheran 
 church. The building was dedicated some time in 1858. A Rev. 
 Coleman, of Addison, Pa. (perhaps Rev. Frederick Kuhlman, 
 licensed this year by Synod), and the pastor of the Lutheran 
 Church of Frostburg, Md., were present and took part in the 
 dedicatory services. The lot was donated by Adam Schuttz. 
 The foundation for the building was laid by David Custer, and 
 
 593 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 the contract for erecting the edifice was let to George Seibert of 
 Accident, Md. 
 
 Rev. Matthew F. Pfahler, the founder of this church, was 
 born in Wurttemberg, Germany, December 10, 1815, and died 
 February 13, 1890, near Meyersdale, where he was buried. His 
 parents, of staunch Lutheran faith, came to the United States in 
 1818 and settled on a farm near Millerstown, Pa. He entered 
 school at Gettysburg in 1836, graduating from the Seminary in 
 1844. During forty years of active ministry, nearly all in south- 
 ern Somerset County, he served five charges, as follows: Addi- 
 
 OLD LUTHERAN CHURCH OF GRANTSVILLE, MD. 
 
 son, 1845-1851; Freeport, 111., 1851-1852; Salisbury, 1852-1865; 
 Lewisburg, 1865-1868; Salisbury, 1868-1875; Wellersburg, 1876- 
 1885. For years, as a member of the Synod's Examining Com- 
 mittee, he examined on Personal Piety, of which his life was a 
 shining example. The esteem in which he was held was mani- 
 fested in the Synod by the undertaking by this body to purchase 
 a house for him in which he spent his declining years. He was 
 survived by two daughters and two sons, now deceased, the one, 
 John Pfahler, long a leader in the Lutheran Church of Meyers- 
 dale. 
 594 
 
GRANTSVILLE, MD. 
 
 The first separate parochial report we have of the Grantsville 
 'congregation is dated September 4, 1862. It reads as follows: 
 Infant baptisms, five ; confirmations, two ; received by letter, two ; 
 confirmed membership, thirty-five. 
 
 From 1862 until 1888, we have no reports from Grantsville. 
 During these twenty-six years the congregation belonged to the 
 Maryland Synod, and was, we suppose, an integral part of the 
 Friendsville-Accident pastorate, of that Synod. It is known 
 that the congregation was served for many years by a Rev. 
 Shoup, better known in the community as "Father Shoup." Rev. 
 
 THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF GRANTSVILLE, MD. 
 
 Shoup made his preaching tours on foot, preaching at Grants- 
 ville in the morning, at Bittinger, Md., in the afternoon and 
 Accident in the evening. The distance between any two of these 
 points is about ten miles. This task alone speaks for the faith- 
 fulness and consecration of this minister. 
 
 In 1888, during the pastorate of Rev. O. F. Harshman, the 
 Grantsville congregation was transferred from the Maryland 
 Synod to the Alleghany Synod and became a part of the Salis- 
 bury charge. There were enrolled at this time sixty-two con- 
 firmed members, and the Sunday school reported an enrollment 
 of sixty-two- members the same year. 
 
 595 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 Rev. Brininger served this congregation as pastor at two dif- 
 ferent periods. He went from here as a missionary to Africa, 
 where his beloved wife died. 
 
 About 1864, it is said a Rev. Lazarus began a second term of 
 services as pastor of Grantsville. In 1865, Rev. Lenn was 
 serving the congregation, and continued pastor for a number of 
 years. These pastors evidently resided at Grantsville. While 
 Rev. J. J. Young, D.D., was pastor, the parsonage was moved 
 from Grantsville to Accident. Since the congregation was 
 transferred to this Synod in 1888 it has been served by five 
 pastors in the following order : 
 
 Rev. O. F. Harshman, 1 888-1 891 ; Rev. W. W. Cribbs, 1891- 
 1892. Improvements to the amount of $450 were made and the 
 
 MR. AND MRS. CHARLES BILL,. GRANTSVILLE, ELK LICK CHARGE 
 
 church rededicated October 25, 1892. Rev. E. S. Johnston, D.D., 
 1894-1905; Rev. L. P. Young, D.D., 1906-1915; Rev. Elbert E. 
 Oney, 191 5 to November 1, 19 17. 
 
 A number of years ago the old church became inadequate for 
 the use of the congregation. Under the splendid leadership of 
 Rev. L. P. Young, the pastor, steps were taken toward the 
 building of a new house of worship. The old church was aban- 
 doned February 9, 191 3. 
 
 On Sunday, June 1, 1 9 1 3 , the congregation proceeded to lay 
 the corner-stone of their new church edifice. The afternoon was 
 beautiful and the services were attended by a large concourse of 
 people. A splendid address was delivered by Rev. J. C. 
 596 
 
GRANTSV1LLE, MD. 
 
 McCarney of Friedens, Pa., the president of the Somerset 
 County Conference. Revs. E. S. Hassler, of the Reformed 
 Church, W. WV Morris, of the M. E. Church, and Edward 
 Miller, of the Mennonite Church, took part in the services. A 
 large union choir rendered excellent music. The thank-offering 
 amounted to $100. The stone was formally laid by the pastor. 
 The new church was dedicated October 12, 1913. The day 
 was one of those most beautiful autumnal days which are so 
 delightful in all these higher regions of the Alleghany Mountains, 
 but so seldom enjoyed by the inhabitants of the lower lands of 
 the country. The building is of brick. It is Gothic in style. 
 The auditorium is 50 by 33 feet in size, with a Sunday school 
 room, 30 by 20 feet, connected with it by a movable partition. 
 
 MR. AND MRS. AUGUST BONIG, GRANTSVILLE,, MD. 
 
 The church proper is nicely furnished with oak pews ; the pulpit 
 furniture is of quartered oak, including altar and lecturn ; the 
 windows are all memorials and are exceptionally beautiful. The 
 building is heated from a hot air furnace. The high metal ceiling 
 and the internal arrangements make the auditorium altogether 
 churchly. 
 
 Services connected with the dedication were held three times 
 during the day. The dedicatory sermon was preached by the 
 Rev. C. B. King, D.D., of Pittsburgh, Pa., in the morning at 
 10.30. The sermon was very interesting, forceful and edifying. 
 After the sermon the pastor, Rev. Young, stated that the build- 
 ing, as it appeared before, them, had cost in work and money 
 
 597 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 about $8,500, and not less than $2,300 must be secured to-day 
 that the church could be dedicated without mortgage ; and having 
 placed two secretaries and a cashier at a table 'within the altar 
 railing the most difficult work of the day began. 
 
 The afternoon service, which was perhaps more largely 
 attended than in the morning, was one of greeting. Addresses 
 were made by Rev. E. S. Johnston, D.D., of Elk Lick, Pa., a 
 former pastor of the congregation, and ex-Senator of the United 
 States George R. Wellington, of Cumberland, Md. At the close 
 of his splendid address of greeting, Mr. Wellington added to 
 the force and emphasis of his remarks by handing over his check 
 for $50. In a very short time in the afternoon some two or 
 three hundred dollars were added to the amount received in the 
 
 MR. AND MRS. HENRY WINTERBERG, GRANTSVILLE, MD. 
 
 morning, and the secretaries and the cashier reported that a 
 sufficient sum had been paid to meet all outstanding obligations. 
 After satisfying himself and others the pastor announced to the 
 assembled crowd that the sum of $2,750 was in the hands of the 
 clerks. Then the solemn services of dedication were conducted 
 by the pastor. Rev. Young, and the church, with its altar, its 
 puipit, its vessels, etc., was dedicated to the service of Almighty 
 God, amid much rejoicing and great thanksgiving. 
 
 In the evening, at 7. 15, the beautiful sanctuary was again filled 
 to its utmost capacity. Addresses were delivered by Rev. E. B. 
 Boyer, of Confluence, and Rev. W. H. B.' Carney, of Garrett. 
 Thus concluded a service long to be remembered by the people 
 598 
 
ST. PAUL'S, KEIM 
 
 of Grantsville. They doubtless went to their homes that Lord's 
 Day evening, saying, "We have seen great things to-day." 
 
 The music furnished during the morning and afternoon serv- 
 ices, by a select Salisbury choir for this joyful occasion, was 
 greatly appreciated by the hundreds present. 
 
 The Grantsville people are a loyal, devoted people. The con- 
 gregation has given to the community some of its best and 
 staunchest citizens. In addition to a gift of $1,500 to the new 
 church, Sara A. Broadwater bequeathed a legacy of $500. 
 
 The migratory spirit has hurt the congregation, but, even with 
 this drawback the church has had a steady growth. 
 
 ST. PAULS LUTHERAN CHURCH. ELK LICK CHARGE 
 
 St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church 
 St. Paul's Lutheran Church, of Keim, was organized December 
 10, 1865. The organization was effected through the efforts of 
 Rev. John Forthman, pastor of the Salisbury charge. Some of 
 the members comprising this organization were formerly mem- 
 bers of the Salisbury Church. A union church building was 
 erected in 1859 at a cost of $535. In this church the pastor of 
 the Salisbury Church preached at intervals previous to the date 
 of organization. At the first communion services, held Decem- 
 ber 10, 1865, the following resolution was adopted : 
 
 "We, the members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, resid- 
 
 599 
 
SOMERSET CONEEREAX E 
 
 ing in the vicinity of the union church, near Jacob Keim's, in the 
 Township of Elk Lick, Somerset County, Pa., have resolved to 
 form ourselves into a regularly organized congregation, and 
 have adopted a constitution and elected officers, with a view of 
 having stated preaching among us. We, therefore, mutually and 
 respectively agree to be united into a religious and congrega- 
 tional compact for the purpose of enjoying a preached gospel, 
 and the means of grace, and the Holy Sacraments as they are 
 dispensed by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in North 
 America, and for the better attainment of our object, we, the 
 undersigned communicants, have adopted this constitution (as 
 
 LUIS BOCKES 
 
 MANASSES KRETCHMAN 
 
 follows), and affixed hereunto our respective names, December 
 io, 1865." 
 
 The constitution was signed by the following charter members 
 on the day of organization : Daniel Duecker, Mary Ann 
 Duecker, William Kretchman, Christina Kretchman,' Luis 
 Bockes, Catharine Bockes, Henry A. Miller, Ann Miller, Henry 
 Bockes, Samuel Bockes, Mary Hay, Catharine Griffy and 
 Elizabeth Miller. 
 
 The following members were elected as the first officers : 
 Elder, Manasses Kretchman ; deacons, Daniel Duecker and 
 William Kretchman; trustees, Luis Bockes and Daniel Duecker. 
 The offering recorded was $3.34. 
 
 The second communion was held May 27, 1866, at which time 
 all the charter members, except one, communed. Five names 
 600 
 
ST. PAUL'S, KEIM 
 
 are added to the communicant list as having communed : Joseph 
 Keim, Hiram Findly, Elizabeth Kinsinger, Elisa Keim and Nancy 
 Kretchman. 
 
 The congregation continued to worship in the union church 
 until 1893, when they secured from the Mennonites full title to 
 it, and expended $600 on improvements. They continue to hold 
 same. The building is a one-story frame structure, with a seat- 
 ing 'capacity of one hundred and twenty-five. 
 
 A Sunday school is held during the summer months, with a 
 good regular attendance. The Lutheran constituency in this 
 community is small and for this reason the church has never 
 had a large growth. The members are loyal and devoted, and 
 
 CATHERINE BOCKES (DECEASED), NANCY KRETCHMAN,, EMMA GALBRAITH, 
 SAVILLA BROKMAN, IRENE BROKMAN, 
 Five Generations of Lutherans, St Paul's, Elk L,ick Pastorate 
 
 are usually found in their places at the regular services. The 
 financial obligations of the congregation are promptly met, and 
 the full apportionment always paid. Many of her older mem- 
 bers have passed away in recent years, and the migration of the 
 younger people has resulted in keeping the church very little 
 above its average membership. 
 
 Nine pastors have served this congregation, in the following 
 order and at the designated times : 
 
 601 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 Clerical Roll of Somerset Conference 
 
 REV. E. S. JOHNSTON, D.D., 
 Elk Lick, Pa. 
 
 REV. W. H. B. CARNEY. 
 Garrett, Pa. 
 
 REV. J. S. ENGLISH, 
 Stoyestown, Pa. 
 
 REV. L. P. YOUNG, D.D., REV. J. C. MCCARNEY, 
 
 Elk Lick, Pa. Friedens, Pa. 
 
 REV. 1. HESS WAGNER, D.H., 
 Some: -i t, Pa. 
 
 REV. II. M. I'KTREA, 
 
 Somerset, Pa., R. D. 
 
 602 
 
FRIEDENS 
 
 Rev. John Forthman, 1865-1868; Rev. M. F. Pfahler, 1868- 
 1875; Rev. J. A. Koser, 1875-1878; Rev. Reuben Smith, 1880- 
 1885; Rev. O. F. Harshman, 1885-1891 ; Rev. W. W. Cribbs. 
 1891-1893; Rev. E. S. Johnston, D.D., 1 894-1 905 ; Rev. L. P. 
 Young, D.D., 1906-1915; Rev. Elbert E. Oney, 1915 to November 
 1, 1917. 
 
 The membership is now sixty-two. The congregation, in 191 6, 
 raised $89 for benevolence and $345 for all purposes. The con- 
 gregation owns one-eighth interest in the parsonage at Salisbury. 
 It has always been an integral part of the Salisbury charge. 
 
 FRIEDENS CHARGE 
 
 Rev. J. C. McCarney, Pastor 
 
 The Lutheran Church of Friedens, Pa. 
 
 Among the first settlers here were Frederick Mostoller, 
 Andrew Woy, Casper Swank, Henry Shaffer, Jacob Swank, 
 Thomas Swank, Jacob Barnhart, Joseph Miller, John Mostoller, 
 Michael Mowry and Benjamin Zerfoss. 
 
 Upon their arrival all was virgin forest, but like the Pilgrims 
 to Plymouth, they loved and worshiped God. When they had 
 their land patented, Frederick Mostoller pointed out to his neigh- 
 bors, in 1787 (some say 1780- 1783), a piece unoccupied, and in 
 September of that year, he and Andrew Woy picked out sixty 
 acres for school and church purposes and cut down the trees. It 
 was patented 1808 to the Lutherans and Presbyterians (i. e. 
 German Reformed), the trustees being Andrew Woy, H. Shaffer, 
 Jacob Swank. It was called "Harmony." It is related, how- 
 ever, by Father Heyer that as early as 1785, the people would 
 assemble together in the dwelling houses, sing hymns, offer 
 prayers, listen to an exhortation by Andrew Woy, or a sermon 
 read by him. 
 
 Though it is possible that there was service held here by a 
 licensed pastor, as perhaps Lizel, from Berlin, none such are 
 known positively earlier than the time of Father Steck, who 
 seems to have visited this county prior to his moving to Bedford, 
 in 1789, while still living at Chambersburg, where he began work 
 upon his receiving license in 1785. He moved to Greensburg, 
 1792. Rev. Lange preached here as elsewhere between 1793 and 
 
 603 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 1810. The members, however, communed at Somerset and 
 Stoyestown, and not till [820 was there a regular organized 
 congregation here. During this period, it is claimed, the people 
 never failed to assemble, being led by Andrew Woy in reading, 
 singing and reading to them a printed sermon. 
 
 In the fall of 1819, Rev. Rebenach began to preach here, con- 
 tinuing till 182 1. 
 
 During 1819, it was decided to build a new church on the old 
 site, in what is now called the Friedens Lutheran Cemetery. The 
 corner-stone was laid May 2, 1820, and finished enough to be 
 used. 
 
 THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF FRIEDENS, PA. 
 
 About May 1, 1821, Rev. Peter Schmucker came to Somerset. 
 On May 12, 1821, the following council was elected: Elders, 
 C. Spangler, B. Zerfoss ; deacons, P. Maurer, A. Woy. He 
 resigned 1823. 
 
 During the winter of 1823-24, Rev. C. F. Heyer preached 
 here as a supply, and became pastor 1824, upon his coming to 
 Somerset that summer, where he resided. He served also 
 Samuels', PIofTman's, Stoyestown and other points with occa- 
 sional preaching. 
 
 During this time a parsonage was built at Friedens, beside the 
 604 
 
FRIEDENS 
 
 church, of which he writes (Autobiography) : "With this country 
 dwelling I was more pleased than with the small towns I had 
 lived in before." He moved into it November, 1825. He 
 resigned July 1, 1828. 
 
 There followed Rev. Daniel Heilig, March 1, 1829, to March 
 1, 1831 ; Rev. C. F. Heyer (second time), 1831, to January 1, 
 1836; Rev. H. Haverstick, 1836, to July, 1838; Rev. P. Rizer, 
 November 1, 1838, to October, 1843. During this pastorate a 
 revival was held, the first of its kind here, and spiritual life was 
 much quickened. When the Somerset charge was divided, 1843, 
 Friedens was put with Stoyestown, and Rev. Rizer moved to 
 
 REV. J. J. WELCH 
 
 Somerset. There served from Stoyestown the following pastors : 
 Rev. S. B. Lawson, 1845 to 1849; Rev. J. T. Williams, August 1, 
 1849, to August 1, 1850; Rev. J. K. Miller, November 1, 1850, 
 to November 1, 1857. Rev. Miller resigned to become county 
 superintendent of schools, moving to Berlin. 
 
 It was decided to build a new Lutheran Church, the former 
 one being union, and now too small. The tract of sixty acres 
 was divided ; a lot was donated elsewhere by Gabriel Walker. 
 The building committee, Gabriel Walker, Peter Suter, Josiah 
 Snyder, Josiah P. Walker and Philip Shaver, were instructed by 
 the congregation to build a two-story brick building, 60 by 45 
 
 605 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 feet. The corner-stone was laid June 25, 1858, by Pastor Rev. 
 Peter Sahm, and dedicated July 2, 1859, the pastor being assisted 
 by Revs. C. Witmer, P. Sheeder, J. K. Bricker and John Tomlin- 
 son. It cost $4,500. 
 
 Rev. P. Sahm, pastor, February 1, 1858, to September 9, 1861 ;. 
 Rev. J. Tomlinson, pastor, September 15, 1861, to September 28, 
 1874. During Rev. Tomlinson's service the church was entirely 
 paid for. Toward it Father Gunder gave $1,000, with a fund of 
 $2CO to the Sunday school. Adam Friedline gave $500 ; others 
 according to their ability. Repairs amounting to $600 were also 
 made, and the present parsonage built. A call was extended 
 Rev. J. J. Welch, of Osborne, Ohio, who served December 1, 
 1874, till his death, January 3, 1902. 
 
 In 1879, Friedens and Wills withdrew from the Stoyestown 
 pastorate. November 29, 1885, Shanksville Church voted itself 
 a part of the charge, and remained so till 1894. 
 
 A pleasant meeting was held in the Friedens Church, Septem- 
 ber 28, 1899, to celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of "Father" 
 Welsh's pastorate. Addresses were made on his work in Synod, 
 Conference, Sunday School Association and pastorate, and a 
 purse of $500 presented. He died in the midst of the building of 
 Mizpah Church. But he still lives in power, in the community. 
 Rev. H. D. Hoover, May 12, 1902, to February 1, 1904; Charles 
 Lambert, June 1, 1904, to October 1, 1907; Rev. J. C. McCarney, 
 December 1, 1907, to . 
 
 The corner-stone for the present church building was laid 
 August 29, 191 1, with appropriate services, the sermon being 
 delivered by Rev. W. H. B. Carney. It was dedicated Septem- 
 ber 29, 191 2. It is an imposing brick structure of Gothic design, 
 with art memorial windows, finished basement, and cost com- 
 plete $28,000, one-third of which was raised on the day of 
 dedication. Revs. Carney, Burkholder, English, Shriver, Wag- 
 ner, M. J. Ross, Guy McCarney, C. B. King, Ph.D., and former 
 Pastors Charles Lambert and H. D. Hoover, Ph.D., participated 
 in the various services of the occasion. 
 
 The congregation is much interested in missions, and is 
 abreast in Sunday school and Young People's Society work. It 
 is noted for its hospitality, and has frequently entertained the 
 Somerset Conference, the Conference Sunday School convention 
 606 
 
ST. JOHN'S {WILLS) 
 
 and the Missionary Conventions of Conference and Synod. It 
 has furnished one minister, Rev. Mervyn J. Ross, to the Church. 
 It is progressive, liberal, and in many ways an ideal rural con- 
 gregation. 
 
 St. John's (Wills) Lutheran Church 
 This congregation was organized in May, 1838, by Rev. Charles 
 Reese. Worship had been held for some years previously regu- 
 larly in the schoolhouse. On April 4, 1839, the first communion 
 was held. At this time there was a class of fifteen who had 
 
 WILLS EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
 
 been previously catechised. They were received into fellowship 
 with the church at the first communion. 
 
 On May 20, 1839, Jacob Will deeded one-fourth acre to the 
 Lutherans and German Reformed, Daniel Will and William Will 
 being the trustees in the beginning. On August 28, 1849, Joseph 
 Witmer, Henry Frank and William Will were elected trustees. 
 Rev. Reese held his last communion on July 2, 1849. He resigned 
 August 1, 1849. . Rev. Samuel B. Lawson took charge of the 
 Stoyestown pastorate and served Wills as a part of that pastorate. 
 
 607 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 The first church was built in 1844. It was a frame structure, 
 35 by 45 f eet - ^ cost about $800. Rev. Williams served this 
 congregation from 1849 to 1850; Rev. Jacob Miller, from Novem- 
 ber 1, 1850, to November 1, 1857; R ev - P eter Sahm, from Febru- 
 ary 1, 1858, to September 1, 1861 ; Rev. John Tomlinson, from 
 September 15, 1861, to April 1, 1874. Rev. J. J. Welch became 
 pastor December 1, 1874. In 1879 the Stoyestown charge was 
 divided, Friedens and Wills forming the Friedens pastorate. In 
 1 88 1, Shanksville congregation was added to this pastorate. 
 
 In July, 1886, the Lutheran congregation bought the German 
 Reformed interest in the church property. The Reformed con- 
 gregation had no organization at the time. A new church was 
 
 MIZPAH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, FRIEDENS CHARGE 
 
 begun in 1886. August 7, 1886, the corner-stone was laid. The 
 sermon was preached by the Rev. C. B. Gruver, of Berlin. Revs. 
 J. F. Shearer and A. Sell were also present. The church was 
 dedicated May 15, 1887. The building is a one-story frame, 
 35 by 55 feet, with cupola and bell. The cost was $2,100. Rev. 
 J. F. Shearer preached the dedicatory sermon. 
 
 Rev. J. J. Welch relinquished his work only at the call of the 
 Master, on January 3, 1902, serving the charge twenty-seven 
 years, one month and two days. His work here was of unusual 
 merit. Although dead he yet speaketh. 
 
 Rev. H. D. Hoover was elected, and became pastor May 12, 
 608 
 
MIZPAH 
 
 1902. He served until February 1, 1904. Rev. Charles Lambert 
 succeeded him, June 1, 1904, and served until October 1, 1907. 
 Rev. J. C. McCarney succeeded him December 1, 1907. 
 
 The church was re-roofed, painted, and the steeple removed, 
 at a cost of $700, i 11 1912. This congregation is the home church 
 of Rev. H. S. Rhoads. 
 
 Mizpah Lutheran Church 
 Mizpah Lutheran Church itself is of recent origin. But it 
 must be borne in mind that there had been preaching in the Zer- 
 fors schoolhouse for many years. The Rev. Father Welch had 
 
 THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF LISTIE, PA. 
 
 served the people because most of them were members of his 
 churches, but too far removed to attend services regularly. It 
 was during the end of his earthly career that these people began 
 plans for their congregation and church. The work on the 
 church was begun in the fall of 1901. 
 
 The congregation was organized January 18, 1902. The church 
 was dedicated the following day, January 19, 1902. The revered 
 pastor was not permitted to see this new monument to his labors. 
 It was dedicated by Rev. M. L. Young, Ph.D. It was from its 
 incipiency a part of the Friedens pastorate, and. therefore, has 
 
 609 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 Clerical Roll of Somerset Conference 
 
 REV. W. A. SHIPMAN, D.D., 
 Johnstown, Pa. 
 
 REV. R. D. CLARE, 
 Johnstown, Pa. 
 
 REV. C E. KUHNERT, REV. H. B. BURK HOLDER, REV. SIMON SNYDER, 
 
 Cumberland, Md. Berlin, Pa. Scalp Level, Pa. 
 
 REV. JOHN BRUBAKER, D.D., REV. D. W. LECRONE, 
 Berlin, Pa. Davidsville, Pa. 
 
 610 
 
 REV. E. F. RICE, 
 Tcnnerstown, Pa. 
 
ST. PAUL'S (FRITZ) GARRETT 
 
 been served by Rev. H. D. Hoover, Rev. Charles Lambert and 
 the present pastor. Improvements, painting, etc., were made in 
 19 1 2, to the extent of $200. 
 
 Listie Evangelical Lutheran Church 
 The desire for a church here was growing for some time. 
 Because of its nearness to Friedens the pastor was not favorable 
 to a new organization. However, after some little time, upon 
 the advice of the older members of the Friedens congregation 
 and the president of the Conference, an organization was effected 
 with forty charter members, May 8, 19 10. The corner-stone for 
 the edifice was laid September 25, 1910. The building, under 
 the contract of Mr. H. W. Walker, was finished and dedicated 
 August 6, 191 1. It is a frame structure, 38 by 45 feet, slate roof, 
 tower and bell. The three large beautiful windows were donated 
 by the other congregations of the charge. The cost was $5,000. 
 
 GARRETT CHARGE 
 
 Rev. W. H. B. Carney, Pastor 
 
 St. Paul (Fritz) Lutheran Church 
 
 garrett, pa v r. d. 
 
 There arose in the Pine Hill congregation some feeling of 
 resentment against the predominating influence of the Berlin 
 congregation over the former. But the need of a church to care 
 for people living near and west of the Castleman River led 
 chiefly and fully to the decision, May 4, 1842, to build a separate 
 church. William Fritz and wife Elizabeth, upon the payment of 
 $1, deeded one acre of ground to the newly elected trustees, 
 Frederick P. Walker, John Fritz and William Fritz, of which 
 land the original patent is dated 1786. A building committee 
 consisting of Jacob P. Walker, Frederick P. Walker and John 
 Fritz was chosen. The first of these suggested the name "St. 
 Paul" for the new church ; the last secured most of the money, 
 about $900. With this there was erected a one-story frame build- 
 ing, 50 by 30 feet, which stood about 100 feet south of the pres- 
 ent edifice. Simon Knepper was builder. The first council, 
 consisting of Jacob P. Walker, elder; William Fritz. Sr., George 
 
 611 
 
SOMERSET CONFEREXCE 
 
 Fritz and William G. Stahl, deacons, was installed November 6, 
 1842: The time of dedication is not known, though thought to 
 have been in 1844, under Pastor Winecoff. 
 
 August 20, 1843, the first communion was celebrated, at which 
 time eighty persons partook, twenty-one of whom had been 
 received by Pastor Reese the day previous, by confirmation. The 
 last of these, Mrs. Harriet Walter-Judy, born in 182 1, lived in 
 close fellowship until her death in 1914. 
 
 The congregation became a member of Alleghany Synod 
 October 3, 1845. Preaching service was held but once a month. 
 
 THE ST. PAUL (FRITZ) LUTHERAN CHURCH. REV. M. L. YOUNG, PH.D. 
 
 thnc out of every four being conducted in the German language. 
 On this account Rev. Winecoff consented only to supply the 
 congregation from his arrival at Berlin, January 4. 1844, until 
 spring, when having become more fluent in that tongue, became 
 regular pastor. During the pastorate of Rev. Charles Young 
 the services became bi-weekly, about 1846. September 29, 1849, 
 he confirmed a class of twenty-six, the largest class in the his- 
 tory of the congregation. Communions were held about twice 
 a vear. At Pastor Young's last, June 7, 185T. 108 persons par- 
 612 
 
ST. PAUL'S (FRITZ), GARRETT 
 
 took of the sacrament. The organization of Center (1850), and 
 of Meyersdale (1851), caused a great loss in the congregation's 
 territory. Accordingly the communicant list dropped to about 
 forty under Pastors Fair and Sheeder. Rev. Winecoff, in his 
 second time of service, gave English and German equal honor 
 in conveying his splendid messages of sermon and prayer. He 
 was a great power in the pulpit, and the last of the pastors to 
 conduct the old-time "revival meetings." He reported in 1865, 
 his first year, seventy-five members, and gave sacrament to 
 seventy- four at his last communion, October 29, 1871. 
 
 On March 2, 1874, during the pastorate of Rev. Strauss, it 
 was decided at a congregational meeting to build a new church. 
 The building committee chosen consisted of Peter P. H. Walker, 
 William Fritz, William H. Fritz, Hiram P. Walker, Silas Walker, 
 Herman N. Walker, A. J. Boose and H. C. Wahl. The corner- 
 stone was laid by the pastor, August 4, 1874, on which occasion 
 Rev. A. M. Whetstone preached a German sermon (text 1 Cor. 
 3: 11), and Rev. D. Earhart an English one. A free dinner was 
 served to 600 persons, and $500, in addition to the $5,000 previ- 
 ously secured, was pledged. The completion of the building 
 was made under the pastorate of Rev. J. W. Poffenberger, who 
 came here from the Seminary at Gettysburg, July II, 1875. 
 August 1, 1875, was dedication day. Rev. Whetstone made an 
 appeal for funds, and $1,400 was secured. The church cost 
 about $8,000. The balance, about $900, though later subscribed, 
 was finally paid personally by Peter P. H. Walker. The dedica- 
 tory sermon was delivered by James A. Brown, D.D., LL.D., 
 president of the Gettysburg Seminary, from Ex. 20 : 24. Pastor 
 Poffenberger read the dedicatory service. 
 
 The structure is a two-story building, 40 by 62^ feet, of solid 
 brick walls (J. L. Curley, contractor), the bricks having been 
 made in a field near, by Alexander Markle. The carpenter was 
 L. Morrell, of Meyersdale, the building being a reproduction of 
 the M. E. Church of that town. In the ninety-six foot tower 
 was hung a 912-pound Meneely bell. This tower was struck by 
 lightning in a storm, July, 1912, and removed. 
 
 Rev. Poffenberger was the last of the Berlin pastors. He was 
 the first to use the English language exclusively. He resigned 
 July, 1879. 
 
 613 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 A meeting of the St. Paul council with that of Zion, of Meyers- 
 dale, in August, resulted in the formation of a new charge com- 
 posed of these two congregations. Synod ratified the same 
 September 4, 1879. October 18, 1879, Rev. J. Milton Snyder 
 came as first Myersdale pastor. Services were held every Sunday 
 morning and afternoon, alternately. He compiled a valuable 
 history of the congregation up to December 30, 1883. 
 
 In 1 88 1. an organ costing $165.50 was bought, and first used 
 August 7. A special meeting of Conference to celebrate the 
 400th anniversary of Luther's birth was held here November 14, 
 1883, addresses being made by Revs. Stuff t, Welch, Kuhlman, 
 Whetstone, Felton, Nuner, Shearer and Brodfuehrer. Previous 
 to this meeting the congregation spent $60 to repaper the 
 auditorium. 
 
 In 1898 the building was re-roofed, frescoed, the stoves en- 
 cased, at the cost of $300, and a reopening service held Septem- 
 ber 25, Rev. E. S. Johnston, D.D., president of Synod, being the 
 speaker. 
 
 From August 24, 1884, to the same date in 1889, Rev. M. L. 
 Young was pastor here and at Meyersdale. At the latter date 
 a new pastorate known as St. Paul's Pastorate, of Meyersdale, 
 was formed of St. Paul, Garrett and Center. Dr. Young also 
 supplied awhile Mt. Carmel of the Wellersburg charge. In 1893 
 the St. Michael's congregation of Pine Hill was received from 
 the Berlin charge, in place of Mt. Carmel. The charge as then 
 constituted erected a parsonage in Garrett, in 1902, since which 
 time it is known as St. Paul's Charge of Garrett. During his 
 service for these congregations. Dr. Young proved himself a 
 scholarly, earnest preacher, a faithful and devoted pastor, a sys- 
 tematic and tireless laborer, a fearless and loyal citizen, a cher- 
 ished friend, and a well-beloved man. 
 
 During his pastorate a new fence was built around the ground 
 (1893), exterior woodwork and spire painted, new pulpit furni- 
 ture and matting secured ; the church was beautifully frescoed 
 (1898) and great advances made in contributions to benevolence. 
 
 The first organization in the church was an "Educational 
 Society," organized October 12, 1843. It was a member of the 
 "Synodical and Missionary Society," whose purpose was to raise 
 monev to support missions, missionaries, and to educate worthy 
 614 
 
ST. PAUL'S (FRITZ), GARRETT 
 
 young men for the ministry. It lived three years and contrib- 
 uted $33.13 to the Synodical Society. Its officers were: Presi- 
 dent, Jacob P. Walker ; secretary, Perry Walker ; treasurer, John 
 Fritz, with William Stahl, Frederick P. Walker, William Fritz, 
 Henry Kuhlman, Daniel Hoover, Benjamin Bittner, Eva Fritz 
 and Elizabeth Stahl as "directors." It met on Saturday after- 
 noons. 
 
 The Sabbath school was organized October 27, 1850, in a new 
 schoolhouse which stood in the field south of the cemetery, about 
 twenty rods from the church. It was called "Mt. Union," later 
 changed to St. Paul's Lutheran Sunday school. Fifty were pres- 
 ent at its first session. The church kept it open the entire first 
 year. 
 
 Its first officers were : President, John Fritz ; superintendents, 
 Jacob P. W^alker, Gerhardt Meassman ; librarian, Jacob Stahl ; 
 secretary, William G. Stahl ; treasurer, Jacob Bowman ; man- 
 agers, Benjamin Bittner, Peter P. H. Walker, William Fritz. 
 Its first teachers were : Elijah Walker, Henry Boose, Jacob 
 Countryman, Nelson Walker, Frederick Specht, Aaron W^alker, 
 Mary Countryman, Henrietta Walker, Mary Ann Walker, Han- 
 nah Fregle, Elizabeth Walker. The first separate congregational 
 report to Synod (1862) gives 100 members, $18 benevolence, 
 with a Sunday school of forty-five teachers and scholars. 
 
 May 2, 1875, the Sunday school met first in the new church, 
 and organized as follows : President, Herman N. Walker ; 
 superintendents, Silas Walker, Frederick F. Walker ; secretary, 
 Hiram P. Walker ; librarian, A. J. Boose ; treasurer, Miss Mary 
 Egolf ; managers, William G. Stahl, H. C. Wahl, Nelson Domer ; 
 chorister, Alexander Markle. The first delegates were elected 
 to attend the Sunday school convention at Stoyestown, 1878, and 
 were the following: Henry C. Wahl, Simon W. Fritz, Millard 
 W. Walker, A. J. Boose, Nelson J. Judy, William H. Fritz, Simon 
 A. Bittner, Mrs. A. J. Boose. For many years there were spell- 
 ing and "A, B, C" classes in the Sunday school. 
 
 The longest continuous term of service for any officer was 
 doubtless the office of Sunday school superintendent, filled by 
 W. E. Walker for about eighteen years, 1893-1911. 
 
 A W r oman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society was organ- 
 ized May 7, 1881, consisting of seventeen members. Its officers 
 
 615 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 were: President, Mrs. A. J. Boose; vice-presidents, Airs. Her- 
 man Walker and Mrs. William Fritz, Sr. ; treasurer, Mrs. Silas 
 Walker ; recording secretary, Annie Walker ; corresponding sec- 
 retary, Ellen Fritz. Under the leadership of Mrs. Boose and 
 others the members held many joyous meetings, and received 
 many a spiritual uplift. It met regularly for fifteen years, and 
 contributed to the Synodical Society about $75. 
 
 In June, 1890, there was organized a Christian Endeavor 
 Society, which in 1896 reorganized as a Luther League, the mem- 
 bership being fifty and their contributions reaching a total of 
 S40. It ceased to meet after 1901. 
 
 The storm of 191 2 wrecked the steeple and windows. The 
 geometric cathedral stained glass was replaced by opalescent, 
 with painted figures, all private memorial gifts by members. In 
 the spring of 1914. an altar, the gift of P. B. Walker, also an or- 
 gan platform and a pipe organ were added at a cost of about 
 $1,600. Sheds for teams and autos were erected in 1916, and in 
 191 7, new stoves procured, two additional art windows placed, 
 making them now all memorials, and a Mothers' Room built. 
 
 It is a matter of some pride that Rev. J. F. Kuhlman, the vet- 
 eran pioneer missionary at Ponca, Nebr., was received into mem- 
 bership with this congregation, May 15, 1847, the only minister 
 from the congregation. His parents lived on what is known as 
 the "Baer Place," east of the church. Anna Marie Fritz became 
 the first wife of Rev. L. Gearhardt. 
 
 List of pastors from Berlin: Rev. Charles Reese, 1842 to 
 1843; Rev. Jesse Winecoff, 1843 to 1846; Rev. Charles Young, 
 1846 to 1851 ; Rev. Elias Fair, 1851 to 1856; Rev. Philip Sheeder, 
 1856 to 1864; Rev. Jesse Winecoff, 1864 to 1872; Rev. A. M. 
 Strauss, 1872 to 1875 ; Rev. J. W. Poffenberger, 1875 to 1879. 
 From Meyersdale: Rev. J. M. Snyder, 1879 to 1884; Rev. M. L. 
 Young, Ph.D., 1884 to December, 1900; Rev. A. H. Burk (sup- 
 ply), December, 1901, to June, 1902. From Garrett: Rev. W. 
 E. Brown, June, T902, to February, 1904; Rev. W. H. B. Carney, 
 June, 1904, to . 
 
 St. Michael Lutheran Church, Pink Hill, Pa. 
 The book, one of the oldest church records of the Synod, con- 
 taining the early records of this congregation, was bought for 
 61.6 
 
ST. MICHAEL'S, PIKE HILL 
 
 six shillings in Philadelphia, by "Philson and Fletcher," Novem- 
 ber 28, 1789, "for the use of the Lutheran Church in Brothers 
 Valley Township, Bedford County." There follows verse 1 of 
 Is. 66, in German script. The entries, chiefly of baptisms, are 
 in German, Latin, and after 1836, in English. The first bap- 
 tisms recorded, however, were performed August 26, 1787. It is 
 likely, therefore, that a congregation was organized about this 
 time, worshiped in the schoolhouse, and was served by Pastor 
 Lizel or some other pastor, perhaps Rev. John Michael Steck 
 from Chambersburg, or a school teacher. In 1788, Rev. Steg 
 
 ST. MICHAEL (PIXE HILL) LUTHERAX CHURCH. REV. W. R. STAHL 
 
 [English Steck] moved to Bedford, and served congregations 
 in this section from there. He confirmed a class of thirty-two 
 April 22, 1 79 1, Good Friday, and held communion on Easter, 
 April 24. The ages of these ranged from thirteen to twenty- 
 seven years. Infant baptisms are recorded about every, three 
 months, which indicates, perhaps, the times of his visits and 
 services. His last entry is April 1, 1793. If he was here then, 
 he came from Greensburg, whither he had moved in 1792. 
 Among the earliest names that appear we find some still in the 
 
 617 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 Clerical Roll of Somerset Conference 
 
 REV. S. N. CARPENTER, D.D., 
 Johnstown, Pa. 
 
 REV. F. S. SCHULTZ 
 Summerhill, Pa. 
 
 REV. W. I. GOOD, 
 Johnstown, Pa. 
 
 REV. H. W. BENDER, REV. JOHN ERLER, PH.D. 
 Lilly, Pa. Rockwood, Pa. 
 
 REV. \V. E. SUNDAY, 
 Ilooversville, Pa. 
 
 REV. E. E. ONEY, 
 Elk Lick, Pa. 
 
 618 
 
ST. MICHAEL'S, PINE HILL 
 
 community, such as Schultz, Engel, Wacker, Schmidt, Berkly, 
 Bittner, Merker (Marker), Koch (Cook), Kuhlman (Coleman), 
 Baer, Kober (Cober), Maurer, Rauch, Schadt, Kiester, Foust, 
 Sutter (Suder), Fritz, Baker, etc. 
 
 The entries, in the Latin language, from May 27, 1793, to 
 August 22, 1813, are in the beautiful handwriting of Rev. Lange. 
 He confirmed a class November 1, 1795, of thirty-three persons, 
 their ages ranging from 14 to 29 years, which made his mem- 
 bership forty-five. 
 
 July 10, 1798, Nickolas Coleman and Frederika, his wife, of 
 
 INTERIOR PINE HILL UNION CHURCH 
 (About to be torn down) 
 
 his land secured by patent of date June 10, 1797, from the Com- 
 monwealth, granted to Michael Keffer and Michael Miller, in 
 trust, for twenty shillings, one acre of ground, "for the use of 
 the Lutheran congregation at Pine Hill Church." The first 
 house of worship was placed in what is now the cemetery, and 
 was likely erected that summer. 
 
 As the first pastor's name was Michael, and he had been or- 
 dained in St. Michael's Church, Philadelphia, and as that was 
 also the name of the first two trustees, it likely came natural to 
 name the church "St. Michael." 
 
 619 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 February 9, 1818, the Perm heirs granted to George Walker 
 and George Hay, trustees for the German Lutheran and Ger- 
 man Reformed congregations, respectively, at Pine Hill, twenty- 
 three acres of land which had been left vacant by the settlers 
 for school and church purposes. 
 
 In 1842, members of the congregation living towards the 
 Castleman River considered it convenient and advisable, for the 
 sake of the scattered membership, to erect a church nearer them. 
 The St. Paul Church thus originated, and a number of members 
 withdrew here. 
 
 In 1847, an act of the Legislature was passed which allowed 
 
 PINE HILL UNION CHURCH 
 
 the selling of twenty acres of the land secured in 1818. Accord- 
 ingly, there- was built in 1848 with the money, the "Union" brick 
 church, owned jointly by the Lutherans and the Reformed people, 
 these latter having worshiped hitherto in Berlin. It was 40 by 
 26 feet, had a gallery on three sides and a high pulpit, after the 
 style of those days. The cost was $1,000. 
 
 The two congregations apparently got along harmoniously until 
 the pastorate of Rev. Eli Fare, 1851-1854. This pastor appar- 
 ently had zeal, but not "according to knowledge." He was more 
 enthusiastic for the revival methods of the time than his congre- 
 620 
 
ST. MICHAEL'S, PINE HILL 
 
 gation, and thus he estranged some. But he showed on two par- 
 ticular occasions serious and fatal lack of judgment and tact. 
 While preaching on missions, an influential member had occa- 
 sion to withdraw from the audience. The pastor, thinking per- 
 haps that he disapproved of the sermon, remarked to the effect 
 that though the brother might run away from the sermon, he 
 couldn't run away from hell. Upon another occasion, he repri- 
 manded a leading family whose sugar camp was rented to another 
 party, for allowing this renter to haul sugar-water on the Sabbath. 
 
 ST. MICHAEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, PINE HILL, PA., OF i860 
 
 He became so offensive that he was finally threatened with a gun 
 if he didn't leave. 
 
 The result was that a petition was sent to Alleghany Synod 
 in 1854, signed by twenty-seven members of the congrega- 
 tion, asking permission to withdraw from the Berlin charge. 
 A paper signed by twenty-three members of the Berlin congrega- 
 tion was also presented, asking Synod to refuse. In 1855, after 
 a committee, consisting of Revs. M. F. Pfahler, William Kopp 
 and J- K. Miller, had investigated the difficulties and reported to 
 Synod, Synod refused the request, but gave the Pine Hill con- 
 
 621 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 gregation the privilege for the time being to ask any pastor of 
 the Alleghany Synod to supply them. Feeling, no doubt, that 
 Synod had not properly treated them, Rev. Franz Julius Bilz, of 
 Cumberland, Md., was invited to visit them, a member of the 
 .Missouri Synod. Sometime after his visit, a majority of the 
 congregation voted to leave the General Synod and to become 
 a member of the Missouri Synod, with Rev. Bilz as pastor. The 
 Reformed congregation now withdrew and built the "Hays' " 
 Church, in 1856. Rev. Bilz served from about 1856 to i860. 
 The departure of this pastor from the charge seemed the occa- 
 sion for the reorganization of a new General Synod Church, 
 having for a nucleus some of the original congregation who 
 declined to go to the Missouri Synod. Accordingly the General 
 Synod pastor at Berlin, Rev. Philip Sheeder, secured the follow- 
 ing officers, August 17, i860: Daniel Fritz, Samuel Boger and 
 William G. Coleman, trustees. September 22, a constitution was 
 adopted, a charter asked for, and October 20, of the same year, a 
 congregation was organized by the election of Daniel Fritz and 
 John G. Walker, elders ; William N. Coleman and Nickolas 
 Dickey, deacons. A charter was secured on the petition of Daniel 
 Fritz, Jno. G. Walker, Nickolas Dickey, Samuel Boger, William 
 G. Coleman, Jonathan Walker, William N. Coleman, Samuel 
 Stahl and Solomon Coleman, on April 22, 186 1. A legal suit in 
 the County Court for the right of possession of the brick church 
 resulted in a verdict for the General Synod. The Supreme 
 Court, however, overruled this and decided that each Synod 
 had a right to it. The General Synod supporters then secured 
 a lot of one-fourth acre for $20, deed dated November 10, i860, 
 from William N. Coleman and Matilda Coleman, his wife, and 
 Henry N. Coleman and Mary Ann Coleman, his wife, and erected 
 thereon a second "St. Michael's" Evangelical Lutheran Church. 
 It was dedicated October 13, 1861, by Rev. Sheeder. It was a 
 frame building, 35 by 50 feet, a gallery at the rear, a tower and a 
 416-pound bell, cast in England. On the day of dedication, the 
 following seventeen persons were enrolled as charter members : 
 John G. Walker, Nickolas Dickey, William N. Coleman, Daniel 
 Fritz. Samuel Boger, Samuel Stahl, Solomon Coleman, Susannah 
 1 [ay, Catharine Dickey, Dinah Boger, William G. Coleman, 
 Phoebe Cover, Maria Turner, Emeline Hay, Mary A. Coleman, 
 622 
 
ST. MICHAEL'S, PINE HILL 
 
 Ludwig Kobe, Catharine Kobe. 
 
 At this same service, Amos Walker, E. J. Walker, Joseph 
 Walker, Simon P. Fritz and Elizabeth Kobe were confirmed, and 
 Elizabeth and Sally Dickey received by adult baptism, making a 
 membership of twenty-four, to whom communion was then 
 administered. The first infant baptisms recorded are those of 
 Lizzie Coleman and Susan Malinda Bittner, October 26, 1862. 
 The first communion offering recorded is for October 25, 1863, 
 when nineteen communed and the offering was $1.67. In 1865, 
 Rev. Winecoff reported thirty members and $19.15 benevo- 
 lence. For the first ten years, progress continued slow. The 
 
 SOLOMON COLEMAN 
 
 SAMUEL STAHL 
 
 use of the German language was discarded, under the enthusi- 
 astic leadership of Pastor Poffenberger. The efficient Pastor 
 Gruver began to reap the sowing in increased members and to 
 see events point to a time when the General Synod would again 
 come into possession of its own. Repairs to the building and 
 gains to the church were made under the devoted care of Dr. 
 M. L. Young, of whose pastorate St. Michael's became a part 
 in 1893. New pulpit furniture and matting were received in 
 1894. 
 
 By 1903 the congregation felt itself able to erect a new church. 
 It extended an invitation to the seven surviving members of the 
 
 623 
 
CLERICAL ROLL 
 
 Clerical Roll of Somerset Conference 
 
 REV. E. R. M. SHEEDER, REV. H. 0. REYNOLDS, REV. H. C. MICHAEL, D.D. 
 
 Portage, Pa. Sidman, Pa. Johnstown, Pa. 
 
 REV. H. C. SUMMERS. 
 Confluence, Pa. 
 
 REV. J. LUTHER FRANTZ, 
 Meyersdale. Pa. 
 
 REV. VV. A. BOWMAN, 
 Cairnbrook, Pa. 
 
 REV. G. E. MCCARNEY, 
 Sipesville, Pa. 
 
 6_'4 
 
 REV. C. E. BERKEY, 
 
 Shanksville, Pa. 
 
ST. MICHAEL'S, PINE HILL 
 
 Missouri Synod congregation to unite with it in the enterprise, 
 as the "Union" Brick was also too old to be profitably repaired. 
 This was agreed to by them. The St. Michael congregation then 
 paid to the Mt. Zion, or Hay, German Reformed congregation 
 the sum of $150 for whatever right, title or interest they might 
 have in the remaining three acres, thirty-five perches, of the 
 original twenty-three acres of the 1818 grant. By deed dated 
 August 13, 1904, Peter Gumbert, surviving trustee, conveyed to 
 the St. Michael congregation a portion (one and one-half acres) 
 of the tract and the present structure was erected during that 
 summer. The corner-stone was laid July 10, 1904, the sermon 
 
 JONATHAN G. WALKER, PINE HILL 
 
 being preached by Rev. R. L. Patterson and money solicited by 
 Rev. R. S. Patterson. On December 4, 1904, the beautiful edi- 
 fice was dedicated. Services were held during the preceding 
 week, Rev. William Knoke, pastor of the Missouri congregation, 
 preaching an excellent sermon on "Justification by Faith," and 
 Rev. W. R. Stahl, a son of the congregation, on Rom. 14 : 7. 
 Rev. E. J. Wolf, D.D., LL.D., Professor of New Testament 
 Exegesis at Gettysburg Seminary, preached the dedicatory ser- 
 mon; text, Matt. 16:18, 19. Offerings were solicited by the 
 former pastor, J. W. Poffenberger, and the church dedicated 
 free of debt in the evening, by the pastor, after a sermon by 
 the preceding pastor, Rev. W. E. Brown. 
 
 The main building is 50 by 30 feet, the brick, art windows, and 
 
 625 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 all interior furnishing, of superior grade. The annexed Sunday 
 school room is 30 by 22 feet. The total cost was $8,000. Among 
 the special gifts were three memorial windows and quartered 
 oak pulpit furniture, presented by J. Harry Fritz, Esq., once a 
 boy of the congregation. Amos Walker, H. J. Walker, E. J. 
 Walker, John Gambert, F. C. Lichty, W. J. Gumbert and Pastor 
 Carney, were the building committee. Two of the charter mem- 
 bers, Samuel Stahl and Solomon Coleman, lived to worship in 
 the new church. 
 
 On May 8, 1905, the frame church was deeded to S. P. Fritz, 
 who, after remodeling, uses it for his home. On November 6, 
 
 1910, the "Union" Church was sold to George Gumbert, who 
 removed the same and built of it a dwelling-house. February 12, 
 
 191 1, Peter Gumbert, surviving trustee of the Missouri congre- 
 gation, was received by the right hand of fellowship, and in like 
 manner, on January 28, 1912, Henry Gumbert and Peter Baker, 
 the remaining resident members. With them came also the resi- 
 due, about $700, of a legacy of $1,000, given to "the Lutheran 
 Church at Pine Hill for the support of the preaching of the 
 gospel," by George Fritz, the interest of which is to be given to 
 the pastor in addition to the stated salary. They also conveyed 
 the remaining portion of the tract of 1818, about one and three- 
 fourths acres, which was then resold to Henry Gumbert for 
 $250, the interest of which sum is to go to the keeping up of 
 the cemetery. 
 
 And thus, after two generations of divided homes and 
 estranged friends, there is again none but a General Synod 
 Lutheran Church at Pine Hill, as there was prior to 1846. The 
 fathers preferred the German language and the historic liturgi- 
 cal order, while the children naturally chose the English and the 
 less formal service of the General Synod congregation. The 
 harvester, Death, did the rest. He steadily reaped among the 
 riper grain, until of the three score or more there were left but 
 three golden sheaves for us to gather from the German congre- 
 gation of the fathers and keep awhile until the final Harvest 
 Home. 
 
 The Sunday School 
 
 There had been a Sunday school in the "Union" Church, date 
 of organization unknown. Rev. Jesse Winecoff reports in 1865 
 626 
 
ST. MICHAEL'S, PINE HILL 
 
 a Sunday school of twenty members. But the local records of 
 the new congregation of i860 show that a Sunday school was 
 first organized April 24, 1870. It met in the nearby schoolhouse, 
 and was for seven years a union school. Its first organization 
 was as follows : President, Joseph Walker ; vice-president, 
 Henry S. Coleman ; superintendents, Solomon Coleman and Sam- 
 uel Stahl ; secretary, John R. Boose ; librarian, Irvin P. Walker ; 
 treasurer, Amos Walker ; managers, John Stahl, Aaron F. Bitt- 
 ner and Joseph Brugh ; teachers, Benjamin Dickey, Simon P. 
 Fritz, Amos Walker, Elias Cober, Albert Hay, Annie M. Cober, 
 Mary W^alker, Mary Laub, Belle Hauger, Samantha Dull, Annie 
 M. Turner. The superintendents to 1877 were Simon P. Fritz, 
 Samuel Stahl, Joseph Brugh, E. J. Walker, Joseph Walker. In 
 this year this school of fifteen officers and teachers and seventy 
 scholars and $6.27 of an annual offering, was transferred to the 
 church, and became a Lutheran school. Other superintendents 
 who have served for some time since include J. R. Boose. Ernest 
 Smith, H. J. W^alker, George A. Stahl, W. J. Gumbert, Joseph 
 F. Stahl, John H. Rhoads. Starting with $4.50 for its first 
 year's offerings (school was open for six months only), it 
 reached §22 in 1886, $42 by 1896, $170 by 1906, and $300 in 
 1916. 
 
 A Brief Sketch of Rev. Philip Sheeder, Organiser of the Second 
 St. Michael Church at Pine Hill 
 
 Rev. Philip Sheeder was born in Chester County, Pa., in the. 
 year 1819. He attended Pennsylvania College at Gettysburg and 
 graduated from this institution in the year 1847, and from the 
 Seminary in 1849. 
 
 His first charge was Brookville, Jefferson County, Pa., where 
 he served faithfuly till 1853, when he was called to the Black 
 Hole Valley charge, Lycoming County. Having resigned this 
 charge he accepted a call to Berlin, Somerset County. From here 
 he went to the Wilmore charge, serving the congregation of 
 Scalp Level and Elton earnestly and faithfully. 
 
 His work there, as elsewhere, was not without its fruitage. 
 Many of his members remember him gratefully. From this 
 charge he was called successively to the following places : Mar- 
 tinsburg, Blair County; New Berlin, Lnion County ; New Bloom- 
 
 627 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 field, Perry County ; Idaville, Adams County ; Silver Run, Car- 
 roll County, Md. 
 
 Shortly before his death his house burned down with all his 
 personal effects, books, sermons and other papers. This partly 
 accounts for brevity and indefiniteness in this sketch. He died 
 October 21, 1906, in triumph of the Christian faith which he 
 preached not only to the people of this charge but to all he 
 served so well, his mantle having fallen to his son; Rev. B. R. 
 M. Sheeder. 
 
 The Ladies' Aid Society 
 
 April 12, 1901, eleven of the Sunday school members met at 
 the home of Mrs. Samuel Stahl and organized a "Willing Work- 
 ers' Society" by electing : Miss Lizzie Stahl, president ; Miss 
 Lillian Pritz, vice-president ; Miss Lillian Fritz, secretary ; and 
 Mrs. J. C. Werner, treasurer. For four years they met twice 
 a month, and in various ways contributed more than $1,300 to 
 the church. The organ, carpet, reflector, Bethany Home win- 
 dow, pews, hymnals, marble font, altar cloths, individual com- 
 munion outfit, hymn board, choir lamps, vacuum cleaner, organ 
 mirror, rubber mats, lawn mower, and a lifesize front wall 
 painting in oil, "Easter Morning," — all these are memorials of 
 their good taste, devotion, and sacrifice. 
 
 Luther League 
 The first Luther League in Somerset County was organized 
 in St. Michael's Church, December 22, 1894, Rev. M. L. Young, 
 pastor. Its first officers were : President, George A. Stahl ; 
 vice-president, F. A. Stuck ; secretary, Miss Tillie B. Stahl ; 
 treasurer, William Gumbert. It met weekly for about five years, 
 and contributed about $75 to various objects. During July 30-31, 
 1896, it entertained the fourth semi-annual County Convention 
 of Leagues of the county. 
 
 Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society 
 This, the latest of the church's societies, was organized Octo- 
 ber 31, 1915, by the Conference Convention, guests of the con- 
 gregation, with twenty-four active charter members and eleven 
 honorary charter members. 
 
 The first officers were: President, Mrs. Harvey J. Walker; 
 vice-president, Mrs. Wilson J. Gumbert; recording secretary, 
 62S 
 
MT. TABOR, GARRETT 
 
 Miss Tillie Stahl ; corresponding secretary, Miss May Walker ; 
 treasurer, Mrs. J. C. Werner. Contributions for 1916 were $59.12. 
 
 In October, 191 7, Bruce Hay and Paul Luther, sons of the 
 pastor, were made the first life members of the society. 
 
 During 1911, the church membership passed from ninety-two 
 to no, and has remained above this latter number since. Of 
 the members of this congregation the great majority are inter- 
 ested and devoted, and their church, in consequence, has influence 
 in the community and a high standing in the Synod. 
 
 Revs. Ephraim Dickey and William R. Stahl are the congrega- 
 tion's gift to the ministry. 
 
 Pastors : Rev. Michael John Steck (Steg), 1788 to 1793 ; Rev. 
 Frederick William Lange, 1793 to 1813; Rev. Ernest H. Tied'e- 
 man, 1813 to 1819; Rev. Jacob Crigler, 1819 to 1834; Rev. 
 George Leiter, 1834 to 1835; Rev. Charles Reese, 1835 to 1840; 
 Rev. Louis Gustiniani, 1840 to 1842; Rev. Charles Reese, 1842 
 to 1843 ; Rev. Jesse Winecoff, 1844 to 1846; Rev. Charles Young, 
 1846 to 1851 ; Rev. Elias Fare, 1851 to 1854; Rev. Franz J. Bilz, 
 1856 to i860 (Missouri Synod) ; Rev. Philip Sheeder, i860 to 
 1864; Rev. Jess.e Winecoff, 1864 to 1872; Rev. A. M. Strauss, 
 1872 to 1875 ; Rev. J. W. Poffenberger, 1875 to 1885 ; Rev. C. B. 
 Gruver, 1886 to 1893 ; Rev. M. L. Young, 1893 to : 9 01 > ^ ev - 
 A. H. Burke (supply), 1901 to 1902; Rev. W. E. Brown, 1902 
 to 1904 ; Rev. W. H. B. Carney. 1904 to . 
 
 Mt. Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church 
 
 garrett, pa. 
 
 One of the earliest persons to come to what was Brothers' 
 Valley Township of Bedford County, which county was only 
 separated in 1771 from Cumberland County, was Mathias Judia, 
 who lived with Henry Rhoads who took up land near where 
 Fogeltown now is, one mile north of Garrett. In 1775 he bought 
 one hundred acres along the Buffalo, of Mr. Rhoads, for £75, that 
 he might hunt and fish. He became a soldier in the Revolution, 
 and in 1795 had a saw mill. He was likely one of the first 
 Lutherans in the community and was a member at Pine Hill, 
 where he is buried. His grandchildren are the older generation 
 of the Judy families now among us. 
 
 629 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 The construction of the Pittsburgh and Connellsville Railroad 
 through what was farm lands of Peter P. H. Walker, caused 
 a town to come here. The first resident was Franklin Enos, of 
 Mil ford Township, who erected a store near the junction of 
 Buffalo Creek with the Castleman River, about 1868. Some 
 time later he opened a union Sunday school in the house at pres- 
 ent occupied by W. H. Miller, then the office of the Ernest & 
 Delp Lumber Company. For awhile it met in the schoolhouse, 
 and later in the Lutheran Church. One of the first scholars to 
 attend was Charles H. Tilp, now Pastor Tilp of Cleveland, Ohio. 
 
 JIT. TABOR EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH GARRETT, PA. (BUILT 1884) 
 REV. W. E. BROWN 
 
 In the earliest Sunday school record in possession of the Luth- 
 eran Church there are reports of a Sunday school of the years 
 1854-1857, which was apparently under United Brethren man- 
 agement. The organization never became permanent. 
 
 Early in 1871, the erection of a Lutheran Church was begun 
 under the care of Rev. Jesse Winecofr, who had preached for 
 some time in the schoolhouse. It was dedicated by him the first 
 Sunday of October that year. The deeds for two lots were 
 63(1 
 
MT. TABOR, GARRETT 
 
 granted to Baltzer Walter, in trust, for $100. The lumber for 
 the building was furnished by Mr. Enos. It is a frame building, 
 about 40 by 24 feet, the same building now owned and occupied 
 by the United Evangelical congregation, and cost $800. 
 
 The Lutheran congregation was organized December 13, 1871, 
 by electing a church council and the adoption of the Rules and 
 Discipline of the General Synod. The council consisted of 
 Andrew Hoover, Baltzer Walter, elders ; Jacob Christner, Wil- 
 liam Fisher, Chauncy Hoover, deacons. The elders were also 
 elected as trustees. Bylaws were adopted which called for a 
 yearly election of one-half of the officers, at each new year, the 
 number to be two elders, four deacons and two trustees, any of 
 which might be re-elected. Rev. Winecoff resigned in April, 
 1872. His successor at Berlin was Rev. A. M. Strauss, who 
 
 PARSONAGE,, GARRETT 
 
 served one vear,- reporting one confirmation, twenty-four com- 
 municants, one prayer meeting, one Sunday school with eight 
 teachers and sixty scholars. 
 
 The congregation was much neglected for ten years. Janu- 
 ary 8, in 1874, Rev. I. B. Crist held a communion here. On 
 January 31, 1875, a communion was held by Rev. J. K. Bricker. 
 Rev. J. A. Koser, pastor at Salisbury, gave occasional services 
 August, 1875, to August, 1876. During 1878, two communions 
 were held by members of Conference assigned to the duty. Prog- 
 ress was slow. The congregation was very small. The Sunday 
 school, however, under the fostering care of Mr. and Mrs. 
 Enos, George Tilp, Mr. Kessler and Baltzar Walter, continued 
 to flourish, there being no other one in the town. In 1876 Mr. 
 
 631 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 Tilp, who had attended the Centennial in Philadelphia, brought 
 back some Augsburg helps, and by their introduction made the 
 school Lutheran. The school was open all year, had an at- 
 tendance of about fifty, with collections from one cent to twenty- 
 five cents. The secretary during 1879 was C. J. Ringer, Lutheran 
 pastor now at Council Bluffs, Iowa, the only son of the congre- 
 gation in the ministry so far. 
 
 Kessler and Walter were exhorters of unusual power. About 
 this time they conducted a thirteen weeks' mourners' bench 
 revival. Seventy persons professed conversion. During 1878- 
 1879, fi^y adults joined the congregation, making the total mem- 
 
 MT. TABOR LUTHERAN CHURCH, OF IQI4, GARRETT, PA. 
 
 bership sixty-three. Rev. John Unruh, of Centerville, who 
 preached occasionally during 1 879-1881, and Rev. Poffenberger, 
 received these converts. In 1881 the congregation and Sunday 
 school each numbered seventy-six. Rev. J. B. Shoup supplied, 
 January 10, 1882. to April 1, 1883. A debt unprovided for at 
 the time of the dedication amounted at this time to $253, held 
 against the church by Baltzar Walter. It was paid in full, out 
 of friendship for the members, by Peter P. H. Walker, of the St. 
 Paul congregation. About this time Mr. Walter withdrew and 
 opened in a private house another Sunday school, from which de- 
 632 
 
MT. TABOR, GARRETT 
 
 veloped the Evangelical congregation. 
 
 Occasional services were conducted by pastors appointed by 
 conference during 1883. Rev. J. M. Snyder, of Meyersdale, 
 supplied it January to July, 1884. His successor, Rev. M. L. 
 Young, Ph.D., supplied it regularly from August 1, 1884, to the 
 meeting of Synod, 1887, when it was made an integral part of the 
 Meyersdale charge. It has had regular pastoral care since. 
 
 In 1884 a building in course of erection by the Evangelical 
 congregation was sold by the sheriff. It was purchased by the 
 Lutherans for the sum of $425, who in turn sold their own two 
 lots and building to the Evangelical people. An additional $195 
 was spent to complete the new building, a frame structure, 26 by 
 42 feet, situated on a hill, and named Mt. Tabor. A corner- 
 stone was inserted July 11, 1885, the sermon being preached by 
 Rev. M. L. Beard. Revs. L. N. Fleck and J. W. Poffenberger 
 were also present. The next day, Rev. S. J. Taylor preached the 
 sermon of dedication. In 1894 the walls were papered, new 
 carpets laid, and opalescent memorial windows placed, Rev. B. 
 B. Collins preaching at the reopening service, May 27. Rev. 
 W. E. Brown had a pulpit recess added in 1903. During the 
 present pastorate, there were secured new carpets, electric light- 
 ing, warm air heating, pulpit furniture and walks. 
 
 In the fall of 1912, the lots and building were purchased by 
 the B. & O. Railroad Company, for the sum of $5,000. The con- 
 gregation, forced to migrate and build, elected a building com- 
 mittee to erect a new church home. This committee, J. H. 
 Nedrow, Rudolf Christner, Mahlon Christner, U. S. Lape, Wil- 
 liam Clements and the pastor, purchased two corner lots of Elder 
 N. J. Judy, in the heart of the town, for $2,000, Mr. Judy donat- 
 ing $300 of the purchase price. Ground was broken in March, 
 1913. As about all the material and much of the labor were 
 secured locally, few contracts being given, the building was not 
 complete until October, 1914. 
 
 The structure is brick-cased, 60 by 76 by 20 feet, the Sunday 
 school room separated by accordion doors. The interior is fin- 
 ished in hardwood and has some unique features, such as wood 
 chandeliers, a tiled vestibule (a gift from the pastor), a paint- 
 ing of the founder of the church, Rev. Winecoff (a gift of the 
 Berlin Lutheran Sunday school), one of the first regular pastors, 
 
 633 
 
SOMERSET a INFERENCE 
 
 Rev. M. L. Young, Ph.D. (a gift of the Meyersdale Luther 
 League), and a window each, as a gift from the other three 
 Sunday schools of the present pastorate, St. Paul, St. Michael 
 and Center. A baptismal font was presented by Mr. and Mrs. 
 \V. L. Brant. An "Easter Morn" window, the gift of the Ladies' 
 Aid Society, is an adaptation of the "Women at the Tomb" by 
 Plockhurst, to the "Gordon Tomb" and Mt. of Olives, from 
 photographs as they appear to-day, an unusual work of art. 
 The Enos window commemorates the thirty-eight years which 
 the founder of the Sunday school served as its superintendent. 
 The other windows are all gifts of Sunday school classes, or 
 memorial. It cost, including lot, in money but $15,000. 
 
 The persons who were most closely associated with the origin 
 and early development of the religious work of the town were 
 Mr. and Mrs. Franklin Enos. He came here from Meyersdale 
 about 1868 and opened a store ; the first citizen, first merchant, 
 first postmaster, first justice of the peace, first burgess, as he had 
 been of Meyersdale, serving also many years on the school board 
 and town council. He was catechised under Rev. Lawson, at 
 the Laurel Church, but was not confirmed. He was awakened to 
 religious conviction by the death of a comrade in the Civil War, 
 and united with the United Brethren church, at Rockwood. He 
 was for a while superintendent of the Lutheran, the Dunker and 
 of a Sunday school at Althouse, all at the same time. He with- 
 drew from the school temporarily in 1883, and, with Mr. Baltzar 
 Walter, organized the Evangelical Sunday school ; but through 
 the influence of Mrs. Enos, a member of the Lutheran Church, 
 returned and served again as superintendent almost till his death 
 in 191 2, at the age of eighty-two years. In 1899, he organized 
 a society of young people which he conducted with singing and in 
 answering difficult Bible questions. He was for years a can- 
 vassing Bible agent, and visited all sections of the county. 
 
 The Aid Society had been organized already in October, 1909, 
 for the purpose of securing a building fund toward the erection 
 of a new and more modern church edifice. Its first officers were : 
 Mrs. Zack Walter, president; Mrs. Perry Sheeler, vice-president; 
 Mrs. C. D. Fritz, secretary, and Mrs. Sadie Rector, treasurer. 
 Through the untiring efforts of the members, working awhile in 
 two sections, for the most part together and harmoniously, a 
 634 
 
CENTER, SUMMIT TOWNSHIP, SOMERSET COUNTY 
 
 sum exceeding $2,100 has been paid by them, the carpets, pews 
 and steel ceilings being some of the individual items presented. 
 
 The Sunday school has always been well conducted. Of late 
 its superintendents have been N. J. Judy, U. S. Lape, C. D. Fritz, 
 J. H. Nedrow and Zack Walter. 
 
 The charge as now constituted erected, in 1902, a seven- 
 roomed parsonage, 26 by 32 feet, on a corner lot in Garrett, at a 
 cost of $2,500, and is since known as the Garrett charge. 
 
 The congregation experienced a genuine revival as the result 
 of a cottage prayer meeting campaign during 1914-1915, which 
 doubled the membership and manifested itself in increased gifts, 
 greater lay activity, and a fuller devotion to all its interests. 
 
 Center Lutheran Church 
 summit township, somerset county, pa. 
 
 This congregation was founded by persons who were com- 
 pelled previously to attend services at Salisbury or St. Paul 
 (Fritz), and before that at Pine Hill, where the names Merker 
 ( Marker) and Schadt are found, ancestors of some of the Center 
 church members of to-day. 
 
 From the old church book we copy the following record : 
 "This congregation was commenced by preaching the first sermon 
 on Ascension Day (May 17, 1849), by Rev. Samuel B. Lawson, 
 in a small schoolhouse, then vacant, standing opposite to the 
 newly built church. But this little house was soon found to be 
 too small, so that they found it necessary to build a church, 
 which, at the same time in August, was agreed upon, and at a 
 meeting held August 21 for the purpose to give away the building 
 of the church and elect a building committee, which resulted in 
 the election of Adam Swerner, Benjamin Backis and William 
 Vought." The first council, elected January 20, 1850, was as 
 follows : Godfried W^iltrout, John Burkholder, elders ; Benjamin 
 Backis, Christian Christner and Jacob Swerner, deacons. These 
 men were installed February 17, 1850, and the congregation 
 organized with twenty-four members. August 4, 1849, there 
 was "struck off from the plantation owned by Benjamin Backis, 
 lying along the public road from Centerville to Meyers Mills, at 
 the request of said Benjamin Backis, a lot of i6o T / 2 perches for 
 Center church, in the presence of Adam Swerner, John Burg- 
 
 635 
 
SOi 1 ERSE T CONFERENCE 
 
 holder and William Vought, trustees of said church, to be called 
 the Evangelical Lutheran congregation of Center Church, of Elk 
 Lick Township." The original survey of this land is dated 
 December 16, 1775, and conveyed to John Burkholder, February 
 12, 1813. The deed for the lot given the church was delivered 
 May 11, 1850, by Benjamin Backis and wife, Eliza, on the pay- 
 ment by the trustees of fifty cents. The lot was on the "Center- 
 ville Road," and believing the church ought to be the "community 
 center," it was named appropriately "Center" church. 
 
 The first communion was held November 29, 1849, at which 
 time the following persons partook of the Sacrament, most of 
 
 CENTER EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, GARRETT, R. D. REV. W. H. B. CARNEY 
 
 whom, no doubt, became charter members of the organization 
 which was completed February 17, 1850. The original spelling is 
 retained : Godfried Wiltrout, John Borkholder, Adam Swerner, 
 Benjamin Backis, William Vough, Jacob Swerner, Christian 
 Christner, John Shaad, Sr., Adam Swerner, Jr., Daniel Swerner, 
 John Shaad, Jr., Henry Shaad, William Briske, Baltzer Walter, 
 Matthias Judy, Conrad Engel, Henry Smearman, Sr., John 
 Henry Smearman, Jr., Monroe Leonhard, Augustus Heining, 
 636 
 
CENTER, SUMMIT TOWNSHIP, SOMERSET COUNTY 
 
 Philip Kraft. Philip Bedinger, Margaret Wiltrout, Christian 
 Swerner, Lydia Hochstetler, Joana Swerner, Rosan Loenhard, 
 Useba Loenhard, Elizabeth Bidinger, Catharine Swerner, Eliza- 
 beth Backis, Hanna Walter, Mary Judy, Eliz. Kretchman, Mary 
 Jonson, Susanna Christner, Catharine Shaad, Mary Shaad, 
 Susanna Vough, Carolina Wiltrout, Catharine Hutzel, Madlene 
 Bidinger, Christina Kraft, Catharine Smearman, Susana Brisky, 
 Elizabeth Engel, Wilimeana Heining. 
 
 The contract for the building was given to Monroe Lenhart 
 for $450. It was a one-story frame, 45 by 35 feet, and stood 
 immediately in front of the present structure. It was dedicated 
 in the spring of 185 1. Rev. Lawson, who had preached here 
 every four weeks, resigned April 1, 185 1. 
 
 The following sketch of Rev. Samuel B. Lawson, first pastor 
 at Center and at Scalp Level, will be of interest : 
 
 My father, Rev. Samuel B. Lawson, was born near New 
 Freedom, York County, Pa., in 1808. In his youth he learned 
 the carpenter and cabinet trade and followed it for years until 
 after his fourth child was born, by which he earned and laid by 
 some twelve hundred dollars which he spent in his studies for 
 the ministry, besides maintaining his family. He was married 
 at the age of twenty-one to Miss Catharine Smith, by whom he 
 had ten children, all of whom survived him many years and five 
 still remain. He took a partial course of studies at Pennsyl- 
 vania College and spent two years at the Seminary under 
 Dr. S. S. Schmucker. He received ad interim license from the 
 president of the West Pennsylvania Synod, April, 1844, and was 
 regularly licensed by the same Synod on October 2, 1844, and 
 ordained at the Friedens Church, Somerset County, Pa., Novem- 
 ber 1, 1845. His first charge was Friedens, Somerset County, 
 Pa., which consisted of five churches and three preaching sta- 
 tions: all of which gave him a salary of $400. He served that 
 charge for about six years. Then he took the Salisbury charge, 
 Salisbury, Pa., and served it perhaps for three years. Then he 
 retired from the ministry for a few years and returned to the 
 bounds of the Friedens charge. 
 
 From there he moved to Fryburg, Clarion County, Pa., and 
 served that charge some years (how many I cannot tell). From 
 Fryburg he came back and took charge of West Newton, Pa., 
 
 637 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 where he remained for about six years and died (I think ) Feb- 
 ruary, iX(>j, and lies buried in the cemetery of that town. 
 
 The churches and preaching places constituting the various 
 charges which my father served I cannot now recall. Many 
 of them, I know, have since been divided and now constitute 
 separate charges. This is no doubt the case of Scalp Level, Pa., 
 if my father was ever pastor there. This is about all the infor- 
 mation I can give you of my father. Rev. Samuel B. Lawson. I 
 still have his books in which he recorded all his accessions, bap- 
 tisms and marriages during his whole ministerial career, in all the 
 charges he served. I am sorry my information is not more 
 definite, but it is the best I can do. — Written by J. S. Lawson, a 
 son, in 191 1, then seventy-nine years old. 
 
 The following Salisbury pastors served it later : 
 
 Rev. M. F. Pfahler, July 1, 1852, to April 1, 1865; Rev. John 
 Forthman, May 1, 1865, to January 1, 1868; Rev. M. F. Pfahler, 
 April 1, 1868, to April 1, 1875; Rev. J. A. Koser, August 1, 1875, 
 to 1878; Rev. J. M. Snyder, August 4, 1878, to November, 1879; 
 Rev. Reuben Smith, February 15, 1880, to February 12, 1885; 
 Rev. O. F. Harshman, November 26, 1885, to August 24, 1889. 
 
 At this date, St. Paul and Garrett became separate from 
 Meyersdale, and Center from Salisbury, and the next pastor 
 called served this new charge. 
 
 Rev. M. L. Young, Ph.D., September, 1889, to February, 1901. 
 
 In 1890, the frame church was sold by auction to John Hoover 
 for $100. On September 16, of the same year, the corner-stone 
 of the present building was laid, Rev. J. H. Zinn, president of 
 Synod, preaching the sermon. The new church is 52 by 28 feet, 
 brick cased. In its 55-foot tower there hangs a 548-pound 
 McShane bell. It is covered with Cartwright metal rooting. 
 The rear of the interior is partitioned by folding doors, making 
 a room 22 by 9 feet. In this room is a triple memorial window : 
 To Hannah Haer by George Haer; Mary E. Judy by Samuel 
 Judy, and by Revs. J. M. Snyder and M. L. Young. The build- 
 ing committee was Samuel Judy, Christian Haer and Willis 
 Duecker. The pulpit furniture was given by friends of Pastor 
 Young, of Meyersdale. 
 
 A circular window above the pulpit contains the above list of 
 pastors. Tt was dedicated January 29, 1891, Rev. C. B. Gruver 
 638 
 
CENTER, SUMMIT TOWNSHIP, SOMERSET COUNTY 
 
 preaching the sermon ; the cost, about $2,000, being provided for. 
 It was since served by Revs. Brown and Burk. In 1894 and in 
 191 2, the exterior woodwork was painted. 
 
 During the present pastorate it was papered, repaired, a new 
 organ bought and a new fence put around the grounds in 1912. 
 Extensive changes are being planned at present (1917). 
 
 The Sunday school apparently dates from May, 1854. A 
 constitution of this date provides for the office of conductor, 
 whose duties are "to maintain proper order in the school, to 
 prevent persons from scarring and disfiguring the pews or any 
 other part of the house." The earliest list of officers is of the 
 year 1858, and consisted of William Wought and Christ Christ- 
 
 GEORGE HAER 
 
 ner, superintendents ; Daniel D. Johnson, secretary ; Joseph 
 Ringer, librarian ; Rheuben Krechman and Augustis Heining, 
 conductors. These workers were succeeded by others in later 
 years, among them being George Haer, Sr., H. Emery, John 
 Briskey, W. M. Enfield, Charles Ebbakae, Christian Haer, Willis 
 Duecker, Reuben Johnson, Cornelius Burkholder. In the year 
 1858, the constitution was enlarged by the addition of the fol- 
 lowing "by-law for April, 1858, until September 30, 1858": 
 
 "1. It is required that the conductor shall and will keep the 
 house in good order, so that there shall be no misconduct in or 
 outside of the church. 2. And that he have the privilege to 
 enforce the punishment of the transgressor at any or all 
 times. 3. No laughing, no joking, no jumping, no swearing, no 
 
 639 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 intoxicating drink shall be allowed in the church house or out- 
 side the house from this on and hereafter." If conditions were 
 as bad as this would indicate there was need of a Sunday school 
 surely. 
 
 Note is made of a spelling class, in this early period, taught by 
 John Hochstetler. As the people were largely German, or spoke 
 Somerset County "Dutch," he likely had plenty of work for his 
 class. Under Rev. M. L. Young the preaching services first 
 
 DANIEL JOHNSON, DIED MARCH 28, 1896, AGED 83 YEARS, 2 MONTHS, 8 DAYS. 
 
 DELEGATE TO SYNOD OF 1869 
 
 MRS. MARY JOHNSON, DIED JULY 2, 1893, AGED 84 YEARS, I MONTH, 24 DAYS. 
 
 A CHARTER MEMBKR 
 
 became entirely English. The earliest separate congregational 
 report to Synod (1862) gives rive teachers and twenty-five schol- 
 ars to this school. It was a summer Sunday school until 191 1, 
 reorganizing any time from May to July, and closing in Sep- 
 tember. Under the superintendency of M. C. Haer it first became 
 "evergreen." The Sunday school and church now conducted 
 640 
 
SAMUEL'S 
 
 by the grandchildren of the founders, have had an encouraging 
 development in every way, and better days are in store for this 
 good-hearted people. 
 
 THE GLADE PASTORATE 
 
 ROCKWOOD, R. D. 
 
 Sketches by Rev. P. B. Fasold 
 
 Samuel's Evangelical Lutheran Church 
 In the first church record of this congregation, twenty-four 
 infant baptisms are recorded for the year 1785, the first ten on 
 April 26, 1785. The minister's name is not given. One of the 
 first children baptized was named Samuel ; from this child the 
 church got its name. 
 
 It is surmised by Rev. J. R. Focht that Rev. Litzel preached 
 here in the "Barron's" settlement. However, it is possible that 
 the Rev. Steck visited the scattered Lutherans in this county 
 while yet pastor at Chambersburg. This record follows : 
 "Church council installed September 21, 1788." This is in the 
 handwriting of Rev. Steck, as also ten pages of infant baptisms, 
 dated 1787 and 1788, part of them in this pioneer's bold hand- 
 writing. A list of those communing October 2, 1790, twenty- 
 seven in number, is also given by him. It is also of interest to 
 read in this record that on April 17, 1791, a colored woman, 
 "Rachel" by name, "a slave of Peter Ankeny, after a public 
 confession of her faith and promise to conform as far as possible 
 her life to the commandments of God, was received by holy 
 baptism into the covenant of God's grace and church. In order 
 that she might have shelter and support, the elder, Peter Ankeny, 
 and deacon, Henry Stahl, became her sponsors." 
 
 The second church record begins thus : "Church book for the 
 Evangelical Lutheran congregation of Samuel's Church, in the 
 County and Township of Somerset, State of Pennsylvania, con- 
 taining the Church discipline, baptismal record, record of com- 
 municants, record of confirmation, and the annual settlement of 
 the collections. Arranged at the time when Rev. Fr. William 
 Lange was pastor, and Ludwig Funk, elder, John Adam Neii, 
 deacon, had been elected by the congregation, in the year of 
 Christ 1797, the eighteenth day of November." 
 
 641 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 The constitution is undersigned by thirty-five members, seven- 
 teen of whom made their mark, July 5, 1801. They worshiped 
 in a log schoolhouse near where the church now stands. In this 
 schoolhouse, with its crevices closed with clay, and a large chim- 
 ney at one end, lived the schoolmaster and his family. To it 
 came the early settlers, carrying with them their muskets and 
 powder horns needed ofttimes to protect themselves from the 
 wolves in going to and from church. 
 
 Rev. Lange, on Whitsuntide, 1798, confirmed thirteen young 
 men and fifteen young women. In 1800, seventy persons are 
 recorded as communing; in 1805, ninety, with twenty-nine con- 
 firmations; Whitsuntide, 1807, twenty-one confirmations and 
 eighty-three communing. This may indicate that communions 
 were held here every two to five years. His last record is dated 
 July 1, 1810. 
 
 For a short while in 181 1 and 1812, Rev. Lampbrecht preached 
 here. Then followed Revs. E. H. Tiedeman, 1812 to 1819; John 
 Rebenack, November, 1819, to November, 1820; Peter 
 Schmucker, 1821, to April 1, 1824; C. F. Heyer, November, 
 1824, to July 1, 1828; Daniel Heilig, March 1, 1829, to March 1, 
 1831; C. F. Heyer, January 1, 1832, to January 1, 1836; H. 
 Haverstick, July 15, 1836, to July 15, 1838; Peter Rizer, Novem- 
 ber 1, 1839, to May 1, 1847. Rev. C. F. Heyer introduced the 
 English language for the first in 1834. 
 
 During the pastorate of Rev. Rizer, a revival was held of 
 which he gives an account in the Lutheran Observer of August 
 22 and 29, 1845. He states that if the Kirchen Ordnung (church 
 discipline, of the Pennsylvania Ministerium, adopted in 1801) 
 had been observed there would have been no need for a refor- 
 mation. But spiritual death was brooding over the church. So a 
 revival was started June 21, 1845. No mourners' bench was 
 used ; the penitents asked only to kneel in their pews. But two 
 of the aged members, one an elder, objected, and after four 
 meetings the church was locked by George Flick and others of 
 the church officers, and the key refused the pastor. After a 
 meeting under the trees, however, August 6, the key was handed 
 over. The church was a "union" owned by the Lutheran and 
 the Reformed. 
 
 In 1846 and 1847, occurred the erection of a Lutheran church 
 642 
 
SAMUEL'S 
 
 in Lavansville, nearby, under the leadership of David Woy and 
 others favorable to the revivalistic methods of the period, to 
 which most of the Lutherans of the community now joined. 
 
 In 1854 and 1855, a new union church was built at Samuel's. 
 The movement was headed by Henry Corpennig (Corbenig), 
 though no Lutheran services were held in it from the dedication 
 of the Lavansville Church till 1872. At this time, fearing that 
 the pastor of Somerset, Lavansville and Bakersville, Rev. John 
 Hentz, would influence the latter two congregations to withdraw 
 to join the General Council, Rev. Winecoff, pastor at Berlin, 
 organized a new Lutheran congregation at Samuel's, with forty- 
 two charter members, and became pastor of these three churches 
 (Somerset becoming independent), June 23, 1873. He was 
 stricken with apoplexy July 6, 1873, an d died the same day, at 
 the age of fifty-eight years. He was succeeded by Rev. David 
 Earhart, who was pastor from July 13, 1873, to July 13, 1876. 
 Then followed Rev. L. L. Sieber as pastor from September 1, 
 1876, to 1878. 
 
 Trouble having now arisen among the three churches because 
 the other two asked Samuel's to pay one-third of the salary, 
 which they declined to do, Conference was asked by Synod to 
 care for these people. Rev. Unruh, pastor of the Glade charge, 
 began to supply them in 1879, and on the recommendation of 
 Synod, Samuel's congregation became a part of the Glade pas- 
 torate. This charge thus constituted has been served since then 
 by the following pastors : 
 
 Rev. J. H. Zinn, May 1, 1882, to April 22, 1891 ; Rev. A. B. 
 Miller, June, 1891, to December 1, 1906; Rev. D. S. Weimer, 
 December, 1906, to December 3, 1909 ; Rev. J. E. Lowe, Jr., May 
 21, 1910. to December 31, 1913; Rev. P. B. Fasold, March 25, 
 1914, to April, 1917. 
 
 During the summer of 1915, in the second year of Rev. 
 Fasold's pastorate, the present splendid new church was built. 
 The building committee consisted of the following brethren : 
 Elias Zerfoss, chairman, John Marteeny and John Ankeny. 
 
 The corner-stone was laid, in the presence of a very large con- 
 gregation, on the afternoon of Sunday, May 9. The pastor was 
 assisted by the Rev. H. M. Petrea, of the Lavansville charge. 
 Rev. Petrea made the address and the pastor laid the stone. The 
 
 643 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 edifice is a brick-cased building, 40 by 50 feet. It is very well 
 constructed and is a thing of beauty, both inside and outside. 
 It is a credit to the pastor and congregation, as well as to the 
 community at large. There was no friction between the com- 
 mittee and the congregation, everything going splendidly to its 
 completion. The building was dedicated October 27, 1915. Rev. 
 A. B. Miller preached the sermon. Revs. L. P. Young, D.D., 
 H. M. Petrea, S. A. Shaulis and E. R. Hauser were present and 
 assisted. 
 
 The cost was about $8,000. About $800 more was raised than 
 was necessary to liquidate the unprovided-for debt. After this 
 very generous giving on the part of the immense congregation 
 that had assembled, the pastor performed the solemn act of 
 dedication just at about the noon hour. Rev. Young preached in 
 the evening to a reassembled large congregation. 
 
 Messiah Lutheran Church, at New Centerville 
 
 According to the minutes of Synod, as far back as 1813 
 this congregation was formerly called Gephardt's. Then after 
 the dedication of its first church building, in 1819, they named 
 it Gideon's, which name it retained until 1874, when it was again 
 renamed and called "Messiah." 
 
 The earliest baptisms recorded in this church record are three 
 children of John Gephardt, who moved here some time after 
 1793. The baptismal dates are 1782, 1786, 1788, and the pastor, 
 Rev. J. G. Young. 
 
 [He was pastor at Hagerstown, where these baptisms were 
 administered before the parents moved from there, and the 
 names were simply copied later into the church record here. This 
 fact may explain the early baptisms recorded in some other 
 church records which precede in date the presence of any local 
 pastor. — Ed.] 
 
 May 21, 1796, John Gephardt deeded a parcel of ground for 
 five shillings, a*nd Mr. Philipi some additional land to David Jones 
 and Christian Bender for school and church purposes. On this 
 ground was built a large schoolhouse and a house for the school 
 teacher. 
 
 In this schoolhouse, Rev. Lange began services, and in 1796 
 644 
 
MESSIAH, NEW CENTERVILLE 
 
 organized the Lutheran congregation. Later a written agree- 
 ment, signed by Rev. Lange and the Lutheran council, and Rev. 
 Henry Geise, German Reformed pastor, and his consistory, was 
 made to erect a union church building. The corner-stone was 
 laid May 19, 181 1. It was built of logs, and its construction 
 was superintended by John Carbaugh. The work on the build- 
 ing went slowly. On March 6, 181 5, Rev. Tiedeman, pastor 
 from 181 3 to 1818, held a meeting of both councils. After sing- 
 ing "Komm, O Komm, Du Geist des Lebens," and a heart-stirring 
 prayer, things were beginning to move, with a sum of $69.25 in 
 the treasury. The building, however, was not completed until 
 the autumn of 1819. 
 
 When the second Somerset County charge was formed, in 181 8, 
 this congregation was put with Sanner's, Schafer's, Wills Creek, 
 Salisbury, Addison, Pine Hill and Berlin, and was thus served by 
 Rev. Criegler. 
 
 Then followed Rev. George Leiter, from May, 1834, to May, 
 1836, and Rev. Charles Reese from May 1, 1836,^0 May 1, 1840. 
 At his first communion held here May 22, 1836, sixty-three com- 
 muned. In 1839, he was serving nine congregations, but after his 
 resignation in 1840 the charge was divided. Rev. Reese moved to 
 Masonville, but May 1, 1841, preached again in this field and 
 reported six congregations. He resigned again August 1, 1842. 
 For a year (1844 to 1845) Rev. Jesse Winecoff, from Berlin, 
 served some of the congregations of this charge. In 1845, 
 April 1, Rev. M. F. Pfahler began his ministry in this charge. 
 He lived in Addison and preached here for three years. During 
 1849, R ev - William Uhl, of Somerset, at the request of Synod 
 and Conference, cared for Centerville, Sanners, etc., holding 
 communion here December 25. 1850. Rev. Samuel B. Lawson, 
 of Salisbury, also assisted Rev. Uhl in caring for these churches 
 
 January 1, 185 1, to April 1, 1854, Rev. Solomon McHenn 
 served Centerville, Emmanuel (Laurel), Sanner's, Barron's. 
 Pines, which he organized, and at Kooser Schoolhouse, west of 
 Laurel Ridge. He reported to Synod two Sunday schools. In 
 185 1 or 1852, a parsonage was built at a cost of $600. Rev. 
 McHenry was followed by Rev. J. K. Bricker from November 1, 
 1854, to May 1, 1857. Then came Rev. John Tomlinson's pas- 
 torate from May 1, T857, to September 15, 1861. He reported 
 
 645 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 four Sunday schools (union) ; confirmed, thirty-seven; preached 
 to seven congregations, and raised for benevolence, $498.26. 
 
 Rev. Charles Young served the charge from April 11, 1862, to 
 December 11, 1864. Then followed Rev. Josiah Zimmerman 
 from January 15, 1865, to June 1, 1869, after whom came Reuben 
 Smith, who served from July 20, 1870, to January 1, 1875. Dur- 
 ing his pastorate, on June 8, 1873, the corner-stone of the present 
 church was laid; Conference being present on the occasion 
 assisted in collecting $1,300. On July 3, a storm blew down 
 the uncompleted side walls, but the church was dedicated the 
 first Sunday in February, 1874. Rev. John Tomlinson preached 
 the sermon, and Revs. Whetstone and Earhard assisted. The 
 edifice is built of brick, 70 by 40 feet, of a good style of archi- 
 tecture. It cost $10,000, and was for years one of the finest 
 churches in the county. The building committee consisted of the 
 following brethren : John Boucher, John Snyder, Jeremiah 
 Weimer and Peter Dull. 
 
 Rev. John Unruh was pastor from January 1, 1876, to October 
 18, 1 88 1. During his pastorate the church enjoyed great spiritual 
 prosperity. The membership increased one-third. A new par- 
 sonage was bought for $1,500. After Rev. Unruh, Rev. John H. 
 Zinn came on the field May 1, 1882. He remained until April 22, 
 1 89 1. While he was pastor the church was remodeled, a debt 
 canceled and the benevolent offerings increased. The envelope 
 system was introduced by him. 
 
 Rev. A. B. Miller began his pastorate June, 1891, and closed 
 December 1, 1906. During his long pastoral service memorial 
 windows were put in the church, the woodwork repainted and a 
 bell placed in the cupola, the gift of Mr. and Mrs. Zachariah 
 Walker. A young people's society was organized in 1894, which 
 society obligated itself to educate a native boy in our mission in 
 Africa. 
 
 Rev. D. S. Weimer succeeded Rev. Miller, beginning Decem- 
 ber 1, 1906, and ending December 3, 1909. During his pastorate 
 new carpet was laid in the auditorium, the frescoing retraced 
 and a heating plant installed. 
 
 Rev. J. E. Lowe, Jr., while yet a student in the seminary at 
 Gettysburg, was secured as a supply during the summer of 19 10. 
 He was later elected as regular pastor and served until the close 
 of 1913. 
 646 
 
ST. PAUL'S, OR BARRON'S 
 
 Rev. P. B. Fasold accepted a call to this field and began his 
 pastorate March 26, 1914. As it is ill becoming a man to com- 
 mend his own work, we will let future historians do for us what 
 we have done for our predecessors. 
 
 This congregation furnished two sons for the Lutheran 
 ministry, namely, William Tedrow and Luther T. Snyder. 
 
 St. Paul's, or "Barron's" Lutheran Church 
 The first services held here were inaugurated by Rev. Reese, in 
 Putman's Schoolhouse. After a protracted service, conducted by 
 Rev. William Uhl, of Somerset, in 1849, preparations were made 
 to build a church. The corner-stone was laid in May, 1850, and 
 the church was dedicated September 11, 1850. This first church 
 was a one-story frame building, 45 by 36 feet, with cupola con- 
 taining a bell. The church cost $1,000. The ground was donated 
 by George Barron. The present building was constructed at the 
 close of Rev. Zinn's pastorate, but was dedicated November 27, 
 1892, after Rev. A. B. Miller came on the field. The church is a 
 frame building, 50 by 30 feet, with a pagoda steeple in which 
 has been placed a bell. The annex is also frame, 30 by 30 feet. 
 The cost of construction was $3,400. The building committee 
 consisted of Levi Long, W'estley Pyle and Jesse M. Whipkey. 
 
 The congregation was organized December 7, 1850, with 
 twenty-four charter members, six being received at the first com- 
 munion following. In the church record we find the following: 
 "We receive the word of God as contained in the Old and New 
 Testaments as the only infallible rule of faith and practice. We 
 receive Luther's Smaller Catechism as a book for instructing the 
 children of the Church, and those who make application for 
 Church membership, when deemed necessary. We receive the 
 formula and discipline of the General Synod of the Evangelical 
 Lutheran Church attached to the Lutheran hymn book for the 
 government of this congregation." 
 
 During the pastorate of Rev. McHenry this church became a 
 part of the Glade charge. 
 
 Ziox Lutheran Church, Kingwood, Pa. 
 In 1846, Rev. M. F. Pfahler began preaching in a schoolhouse 
 about a mile northwest of the present church, continuing thus 
 
 647 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 until June i, 1849. Rev. McHenry, of Centerville, served as 
 pastor of these people, who, in 1852, erected their church on a 
 lot deeded by Samuel King. The church was dedicated Decem- 
 ber 31, 1852. It is a frame building, 40 by 36 feet, and cost $800. 
 The congregation was organized January 22, 1853, with twenty- 
 seven charter members. They adopted the constitution and dis- 
 cipline of the General Synod, and received communion January 
 23, 1853. This congregation, since its organization, has been a 
 part of the Glade charge. A new deed for the land was secured 
 in 1859. The old one was found to be defective. For five or 
 six years this church was the only building in the village of 
 Kingwood. Its early members embraced families by the names 
 of Gauk, Kreager, Kuhlman, Hoffelt, Forespring, Leer, Lucas, 
 Gephart, Snyder, King, etc. 
 
 HOOVERSVILLE CHARGE, 
 Rev. IV. E. Sunday, Pastor. 
 
 HOOVERSVILLE CHURCH 
 
 In 1849 the community, desiring a new place of worship, be- 
 gan to agitate the subject of building a church, at the head of 
 which was Rev. Gugenheim, who preached here, and Rev. Ernst, 
 of Somerset; both were German Reformed pastors. 
 
 The former desired a Reformed Church, the latter a union 
 church — Reformed and Lutheran. The latter sentiment pre- 
 vailed, and it so happened that when the building committee was 
 appointed they were all Lutherans, as follows:— John Weigle, 
 Emanuel Wolfgood, Emanuel Lohr. 
 
 The building erected was 26x32, frame, costing $1,000. The 
 burden of the cost was borne by the Lutheran element. The lot 
 was donated by John Weigle, and the church named Weigle's in 
 his honor. 
 
 It was dedicated 1850, by Revs. P. Sahm and W. A. Kopp. 
 Lutheran ministers from Johnstown. During that summer Rev. 
 Kopp organized the congregation and became its first pastor. 
 He served till 1852. 
 
 From his resignation till May 1, 1853, Jacob K. Bricker, a 
 theological student under Rev. Sahm, served under the direction 
 648 
 
H00VERSV1LLE 
 
 of Rev. Kopp. Having been licensed that year, he served as 
 pastor to October i, 1854. 
 
 Rev. Joseph J. Bechtel, January 1, 1855 to January 1, 1857. 
 Rev. J. K. Bricker, May 1, 1857 to May 1, 1859. Rev. John 
 Beaver, November 11, i860 to March 23, 1863. Rev. J. K. 
 Bricker, January 1, 1864 to January 1, 1866. Rev. Jacob B. 
 Crist, February 24, 1867 to December 22, 1869. Rev. Adam R. 
 Height, January 9, 1870 to April 1, 1871. 
 
 Hooversville Charge now formed with pastor, Rev. J. K. 
 Bricker, August 1, 1871 to August 1, 1874. He reported 4 con- 
 
 LUTHERAN CHURCH AND PARSONAGE, HOOVERSVILLE, PA. 
 
 gregations, 187 communicants, 4 prayer meetings, 3 Lutheran 
 and 1 Union Sunday school. 
 
 Rev. Reuben Smith, January 1, 1875 to February 1, 1876. 
 Rev. J. H. Walterick, July 1. 1876 to December 1, 1877. Rev. 
 John L. Miller, May 3. 1878 to September 4, 1878. His license 
 was not renewed by Synod. 
 
 Rev. J. B. Shoup, January 1. 1879 to July 10, 1881. Rev. 
 John N. Unruh, October 18, 1881 to November, 1886. Rev. J. 
 H. Houseman, April 20, 1887 to 1892. Rev. A. H. Shertz, No- 
 vember 1, 1892 to 1893. Rev. D. B. Lau, November 1, 1893 t0 
 1895. Rev. Samuel Krider, October 27, 1895 to 1897. Rev. C. 
 
 649 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 M. Wachter, November 8, 1899 to 1901. Rev. G. F. Sheese, 
 May 1, 1902, student from Seminary, supplied during summer; 
 Rev. A. R. Shertz, November 1, 1902 to 1904. Rev. C. F. 
 Floto, November 1, 1905 to September 1906. Rev. G. K. Allen, 
 November 31, 1907 to March 24, 19 12. Rev. P. J. Schriver, 
 March 25, 1912 to March 25, 1914. Rev. W. E. Sunday, April 
 
 15- 1915 — 
 
 The only young man entering the ministry from this field is 
 Professor V. D. Naugle, of the Hooversville congregation, who 
 is at present at school preparing. 
 
 Later History of Hooversville. 
 
 In the year 1881 the Hooversville congregation began to con- 
 sider the proposition of building a new Lutheran church of their 
 own (prior it was Reformed and Lutheran). 
 
 The corner-stone dates 1882, but the account of the dedication 
 services dates November 30, 1884. Rev. Shearer, of Somerset, 
 preached the sermon. Revs. Felton and Brodfuhrer were also 
 present. The amount to be raised was $1,600; of this amount 
 $1,300 was raised in the morning and the remaining portion 
 raised at the evening session, when the church was dedicated 
 by the pastor, Rev. John N. Unruh, free of debt. 
 
 The corner-stone for the present building was laid during 1901 
 by Rev. Wachter, pastor. The building was dedicated January 
 26, 1902. It is a frame, 35 x 68, and cost $2,700. Revs. W. A. 
 Shipman, D.D., R. S. Patterson, J. H. Houseman, L. N. Fleck 
 and M. S. Romig were present during the services. 
 
 On April 18, 191 5, W. E. Sunday entered upon his duties as 
 pastor of Hooversville Charge. It then consisted of Hoovers-* 
 ville, Graef's, Shade, Lambertsville. 
 
 During the summer of 191 5, Cairnbrook building up so rapidly, 
 and Graef's Church being located so near this new town, a move- 
 ment on the part of that congregation was started for a division 
 of the charge. 
 
 A special meeting of the Joint Council was called. Dr. Young, 
 our Missionary Superintendent, presided ; a decision was reached 
 to divide the charge. 
 
 Hooversville and Lambertville to form the Hooversville 
 Charge. 
 650 
 
HOOVERSVILLE 
 
 Graef's and Shade to form the new charge which has taken 
 the name Cairnbrook Charge. 
 
 Necessary papers were arranged and presented before Synod 
 that fall, meeting at Huntingdon. The division was sanctioned, 
 with the clause that the pastor of the Hooversville Charge supply 
 the newly-formed charge till they called a pastor. 
 
 Rev. J. A. Richter was called May I, 1916, to the Cairnbrook 
 Charge, and fulfilled the condition and completed the separation. 
 
 St. John's, Lambertville 
 The Lutherans in this community were members of Shade, 
 
 .-. 4M a % 
 
 
 jtTm 
 
 SSh&HhHH 
 
 LUTHERAN CHURCH AT LAMBERTSVILLE, PA., HOOVERSVILLE CHARGE 
 
 Shanksville and Stoyestown, when in 1857 they organized under 
 the leadership of Rev. J. K. Bricker. 
 
 This congregation and the Reformed built the first church in 
 Lambertsville in 1861, Rev. John Beaver their pastor. 
 
 The first church council : Elders — Abraham Lambert, John 
 Sipe. Deacons — Adam Grimm, Joseph Sipe. 
 
 The edifice was 45x40, costing $1,200. The day of dedica- 
 tion was December 13, 186 1. 
 
 651 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 From this date on it has been served by the same pastors as 
 Hooversville. 
 
 In 1890 a new Lutheran church was built in Lambertsville. It 
 is a frame structure, Gothic in design, 38 x 65 feet, and contains 
 two rooms, separated by a sliding partition, so arranged as 
 to be thrown into one in case of a crowded house. 
 
 The church is well adapted to the needs of the congregation, 
 and reflects great credit to the pastor and people who labored 
 so earnestly for the accomplishment of this noble work, the 
 pastor being Rev. J. H. Houseman. 
 
 The entire cost of the church was $3,100. Of this amount, 
 $1,200 remained to be raised on the day of dedication. Rev. C. 
 B. Graver, of Berlin, Pa., preached the dedicatory sermon, and 
 solicited the subscriptions. The people so nobly responded to the 
 call that in a short time $1,250 was subscribed, and the church 
 was solemnly set apart to divine worship free of debt. 
 
 The following pastors were also present and participated in 
 the services : Rev. J. H. Zinn, of Glade, Pa. ; Rev. E. S. John- 
 ston, of Stoyestown, Pa. ; Rev. J. J. Welch, of Friedens, Pa. 
 Rev. Zinn preached on Saturday evening, and Rev. Johnston on 
 Sunday evening. 
 
 THE JENNERSTOWN CHARGE 
 
 Rev. Elmer F. Rice, Pastor 
 
 St. James' Evangelical Lutheran Church 
 
 St. James' is the oldest congregation of this pastorate, the first 
 one to be organized on the west side of Stony Creek between 
 Stoyestown and Johnstown. The Emmanuel Cover Schoolhouse, 
 in which services were first held, was located in a settlement 
 almost entirely of Quaker persuasion. There were only six 
 families of the Lutheran faith in the community : Michael Stufft 
 and wife, Joseph Boyer and wife, Emmanuel Cover and wife, 
 George Swank and wife, John Deibert and wife and Jacob 
 Shaffer and wife. Here is the nucleus of Lutheranism which 
 has grown until it has become the strongest faith of this section. 
 In 1836, Rev. C. F. Heyer, who traveled as a missionary from 
 Somerset to Cambria and Clearfield Counties, stopped sometimes 
 652 
 
ST. JAMES' 
 
 on his way and preached for these people. He was the first 
 Lutheran minister who preached in this vicinity. In 1839, the 
 Somerset pastor, Rev. P. Rizer, took charge of St. James' as a 
 station, preaching in the Quaker meeting house. Early in 1840, 
 
 ST. JAMES, JENNERSTOWN PASTORATE 
 
 a congregation was organized with the above-named persons and 
 two others in the Hopewell M. E. Church. 
 
 At once preparations were made to build, and in the autumn 
 of 1840, a little church, costing $1,000, was dedicated on a piece 
 of ground given by Simon P. Shaffer, in Jenner Township. The 
 work was largely done by Emmanuel Cover. This edifice, a 
 one-story frame structure, 40 by 45 feet, served the people until 
 1887, when a new church was erected to the service of God. 
 
 653 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 After the church was built Emmanuel Cover, a local preacher, 
 served during the vacancies of an ordained minister. 
 
 This congregation became a part of the Stoyestown pastorate 
 in 1843, its pastor, Rev. Samuel B. Lawson, serving until January 
 1, 1845. During 1845, the Davidsville pastorate was formed, 
 including St. James'. By the consent of the president of the 
 Synod the Rev. Gideon Butler took charge of the Davidsville 
 pastorate in 1846, and served for three years as the first regular 
 pastor. We have an interesting letter written by him and pub- 
 lished in the Lutheran Observer of October 1, 1847. In this 
 letter he says : "I found it a rough country and the nature of 
 the people corresponding with the face of the country — the people 
 spiritually dead — with the exception of one congregation (St. 
 James'), where they have enjoyed regular preaching by Brother 
 Rizer, and after his charge was divided by Brother S. B. Lawson, 
 who has added a great number of members to the Church through 
 this section of the country. A certain good sister at whose house 
 I stopped when first I came to this place observed to me : 'Sir, 
 do you know you are going to Stony Creek, so-called from its 
 rocky channel.' Upon my answering in the affirmative, 'Well,' 
 said she, 'you will find the people much like the name of the 
 creek; you will need a heavy sledge and you must handle it well, 
 for it will take sledging before those rocks will break.' And so 
 I have found it, generally, with the above exception, but thank 
 God some impression has been made on some of the rocks, and 
 if they are not broken they are pretty well cracked, and I hope 
 with a few more blows with the gospel sledge judiciously aimed 
 will, by the blessing of God, break some of the flinty rocks. In 
 one congregation there are four male members who, when I first 
 came, though they are members of the Lutheran Church, had 
 many reasons to urge why they ought not to pray in public, yet 
 they are long since praying members. All is dead and lifeless 
 in my other congregations. Vital religion is denounced as a 
 new measure, wild fire, etc. 
 
 "I had four congregations when I first came here, one of which 
 I had to abandon (Moses) on account of its distance from the 
 one I had to supply on the same day, being eleven miles apart 
 and a very rough road. I have commenced to preach at a place, 
 Jennersville, where they never had Lutheran preaching, in hopes 
 654 
 
ST. JAMES' 
 
 that I might establish a preaching place or a small congregation. 
 I have to preach half of my time in German. If all goes well my 
 salary may amount to $150, which will require great economy 
 to pay board and keep a horse, etc. 
 
 "Your brother in Christ, 
 
 "Gideon Butler." 
 
 Rev. Butler resigned the pastorate May 15, 1849, on account of 
 failing health and moved to Frostburg where he died. 
 
 The pastors who succeeded Rev. Butler were : Rev. William A. 
 Kopp, who was the principal of the Johnstown Academy where 
 he lived, 1850-1852 ; Rev. Jacob K. Bricker, 1852-1854; Rev. 
 Joseph J. Bachtell, 1855-1857; Rev. Jacob K. Bricker, 1857- 
 1859; R- ev - J ori n Beaver, 1860-1863 ; Rev. Jacob K. Bricker, 1864- 
 1865; Rev. Jacob B. Crist, 1867-1869; Rev. Adam R. Height, 
 1870-1871 ; Rev. David Stufft, 1872-1873. 
 
 This congregation adopted a constitution April 22, 1861. Dur- 
 ing the early part of 1873, the Jennerstown pastorate was formed 
 consisting of the St. James', Mt. Zion and Jennerstown congre- 
 gations. The Rev. Henry Seifert took charge of this pastorate 
 June 16, 1873, and served for three years. He was succeeded 
 by Rev. William M. Spangler, 1877-1882; Rev. Luther Kuhlman, 
 1882-1884; Rev. Samuel Stouffer, 1884-1888; Rev. George W. 
 Crist, 1889-1896; Rev. J. W. Hutchinson, 1896-1900; Rev. J. F. 
 Stabley, 1900-1906; Rev. Charles E. Berkey, 1907-1913; Rev. 
 Elmer F. Rice, 19 13 
 
 The corner-stone of a new church was laid May 6, 1886, by 
 the pastor, Rev. Samuel Stouffer. Rev. J. F. Shearer, of Som- 
 erset, and Rev. A. Sell, of Stoyestown, assisted in the services. 
 The dedication services were held January 9, 1887. Rev. J. F. 
 Shearer preached the dedicatory sermon. The pastor was also 
 assisted by Revs. A. Sell, E. Manges and C. B. Gruver. It is a 
 frame structure. 50 by 32 feet, with spire and bell, and cost 
 $2,570. On the day of dedication $365 was given. 
 
 Christ Lutheran Church, Jennerstown, Pa. 
 When Rev. J. K. Bricker resigned the Davidsville pastorate 
 January 1, 1866, he continued to supply a portion of the charge 
 in the absence of a pastor. He is thought to have preached in a 
 schoolhouse here. 
 
 655 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 The organization dates from March 3, 1871, when the Rev. 
 John P. Hentz assisted at the adoption of a constitution, and 
 on March 4, of articles of incorporation and of union with the 
 Davidsville pastorate. This organization, made under the over- 
 sight of the pastor present, was later nullified, because it was 
 thought to bear the impress of the sympathies of Rev. Hentz for 
 
 CHRIST CHURCH, JENNERSTOWN PASTORATE 
 
 the General Council ; and Rev. A. R. Height, of the Davidsville 
 charge, reported to Synod his organization of the congregation, 
 March 25, 1871. On this date the first council was chosen: 
 Elders, Jeremiah Shaffer and Jacob Friedline ; deacons, Henry 
 Brook, George Blanset ; trustees, John Brook. Henry W. Maurer 
 and Adam B. Shaffer. A building committee, consisting of H. 
 656 
 
MT. ZION 
 
 W. Maurer, George Friedline and Benjamin Klein, was 
 appointed. A lot was secured free. The corner-stone was laid 
 September 23, 1871, by Rev. John Tomlinson, president of Synod, 
 assisted by Rev. C. F. Heyer, D.D., then of Philadelphia. The 
 work was largely done by George S. Blanset. The church was 
 dedicated by the Rev. Jesse Winecoff, who preached the sermon. 
 At this time the first regular pastor, Rev. D. Stufft, confirmed 
 a class. The building is a plank-frame structure, 60 by 38 feet, 
 and cost about $3,000. In 1873 a plot of ground near the church 
 was purchased for a parsonage, at a cost of $1,300. During Rev. 
 G. W. Grist's pastorate a new parsonage was built, at a cost of 
 $1,400. This church passed through a crisis because of the 
 removal and the death of so many of its members; but new life 
 has appeared and the membership has been increased so that at 
 the present there are 105 members on the roll (1916). During 
 1915, the church was repapered, electric light installed, and two 
 flues built, at a cost of $200. This church has always been a 
 part of the Tennerstown pastorate since its organization, June 16, 
 
 1873- 
 
 Mt. Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church 
 
 The Mt. Zion congregation, composed of members largely from 
 the St. James' congregation, was organized April 27, 1S71, by 
 the Rev. John Tomlinson, in the Maurer's schoolhouse. It had 
 forty charter members. A constitution was adopted and the 
 following officers were elected and installed : Elders, Daniel 
 Fisher, George Rink and Samuel Boyer ; deacons, Noah Lohr, 
 William H. Rink and Alexander Landers; trustees, Jeremiah 
 Maurer, John Rink and Samuel Boyer. 
 
 The congregation made arrangements to build a brick church 
 on a lot donated by Aaron Walker on the eastern slope of the 
 Laurel Hill, about four miles northwest of Jennerstown. The 
 corner-stone was laid September 23, 1871, by the Rev. John Tom- 
 linson, assisted by the Rev. C. F. Heyer, D.D. The church, a 
 one-story brick structure, 60 by 38 feet, was built at a cost of 
 $3,000, and was dedicated to the public worship of God, June 30. 
 1872, by the pastor, Rev. D. Stufft. The dedicatory sermon was 
 preached by the Rev. J. B. Crist, of Altoona. 
 
 The work of this congregation flourished until 1888, when it 
 
 657 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 passed through a crisis. "Many prominent members moved 
 away, and others being removed by death, led some to believe 
 that the work might as well be abandoned. But a change for 
 the better came and the work has maintained a steady growth, 
 until it has attained a membership of seventy-seven, the largest 
 at present in the pastorate," so wrote Rev. Berkey in 191 1. The 
 
 MT. ZloX, JENNERSTOWN 
 
 work has continued to grow, until we now have a membership 
 of no on the roll (1917). 
 
 During the summer of 1916 this congregation decided to 
 remodel their church building. Two rooms were excavated, a 
 new ceiling was placed in the building, and the walls and ceiling 
 frescoed, the interior woodwork and the outside of the building 
 658 
 
STANTON MILLS 
 
 were treated to a coat of paint, a steam heating system was 
 installed, a flue built on the outside of the building, figured art 
 glass was put in all of the windows, an oil painting of the ascen- 
 sion of Christ was painted back of the altar, new pews and pul- 
 pit furniture were installed. A cement walk was laid in front 
 of the church. The total cost was about $2,800. Services of 
 rededication were held February 4, 1917. The pastor, Rev. Elmer 
 F. Rice, was assisted by the Rev. L. P. Young, D.D., of Elk 
 Lick, and the Rev. Robert D. Clare, of Johnstown, Pa. The 
 entire indebtedness was cancelled on the day of dedication. The 
 Mt. Zion Church is now one of the most beautiful of the country 
 churches in the Alleghany Synod. 
 
 Stanton Mills Evangelical Lutheran Church 
 Members of the Stoyestown, Horner's and St. James' congre- 
 gations who lived at Stanton Mills and vicinity having been 
 served with preaching by the Stoyestown pastors, took steps to 
 organize a congregation of their own at this place. The congre- 
 gation was organized November 13, 1886, with thirty-two char- 
 ter members. The corner-stone was laid the same day by the 
 Rev.' A. Sell, on a lot donated by Frederick Slagle. The pastor 
 was assisted by the Revs. C. B. Gruver, Welch, and S. Stouffer. 
 A building was erected at a cost of $1,500, and was dedicated 
 May 15, 1887, Dv tne pastor, A. Sell. Rev. W. W. Criley preached 
 the sermon. Revs. Houseman and Stouffer assisting in the serv- 
 ices. This congregation was received into the Alleghany Synod 
 in 1887, as a part of the Jennerstown pastorate. Its present 
 membership is sixteen. The work was abandoned in 191 1, as 
 the building stands on ground at the very end of the waters of 
 Lake Quemahoning. The members were compelled to move 
 elsewhere when this artificial lake was built. Services have been 
 resumed with the hope that it may be continued for the con- 
 venience of the people in the vicinity. 
 
 St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, Boswell 
 The Merchants' Coal Company, in the early spring of 1901, 
 started operations about one and one-half miles north of Tenners, 
 Pa., and in a verv short time a town sprang up called Boswell. 
 Lutherans from the immediate vicinity moved into the town and 
 began business. The need of a church was reported to the 
 
 659 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 Somerset Conference of the Alleghany Synod in the autumn of 
 1901. On motion of the Conference Rev. J. F. Stabley and Rev. 
 E. S. Johnston, D.D., were appointed a committee to secure a 
 lot. This committee reported favorably at the spring Conference. 
 Revs. J. F. Stabley, E. S. Johnston and L. N. Fleck were 
 appointed a committee to organize a Sunday school and to hold 
 preaching services if they deemed it advisable. 
 
 On June 10. 1902, the committee met and rented a hall and 
 organized a Sunday school with J. H. Mahaffey, superintendent, 
 
 ST. ANDREW S LUTHERAN CHURCH, BOSWELL, PA. 
 
 and Bruce Phillippi, secretary. The first preaching services were 
 held July 6, 1903, by the Rev. J. F. Stabley. Services were held 
 regularly each Sabbath evening by the committee assisted by the 
 Rev. C. M. Wachter, of Davidsville, until September 20, 1903, 
 on which date an organization was effected with twenty-one 
 charter members. A constitution was adopted and the name of 
 St. Andrew was decided upon. The following officers were 
 elected: Elders, J. J. Shaffer and R. B. Phillippi; deacons, 
 Charles F. Livengood and Charles A. Miller. 
 
 The Alleghany Synod, held in Meyersdale from September 
 25 to October 1, received the St. Andrew's congregation as an 
 660 
 
ST. AN DREW- S, BOSWELL 
 
 integral part of the Alleghany Synod, and placed it under the 
 care of the Jennerstown pastorate. 
 
 A lot was purchased of John Mock on the corner of Main 
 Street and Merchant's Avenue for the sum of $500. A building 
 committee of R. O. Crist, R. B. Phillippi, C. A. Miller, Kane 
 Ober, Joseph Silva, George Schorl" and F. C. Elden was 
 appointed. Charles F. Livengood and R. O. Crist were 
 appointed to solicit funds. Ground was broken with appropriate 
 services August 22, 1904. The corner-stone was laid by the 
 pastor September 18, 1904. The sermon was preached by Rev. 
 L. N. Fleck, D.D. The building was dedicated to the service of 
 God, May 14, 1905. The sermon was preached by the Rev. R. S. 
 Paterson, Revs. Charles Lambert, George W. Crist and J. F. 
 Stabley assisting in the services. It cost about $2,500, and was 
 dedicated free of debt. It was a frame structure, 35 by 50 feet, 
 Gothic, with tower and bell, circular oak pews, stained glass and 
 electric lights. 
 
 Rev. Berkey writes in 191 1 : "We have thirty-five members at 
 the present. Many of the members come and go so that its 
 growth has not been steady. After four years of service the 
 present pastor has on the roll a new list of members with the 
 exception of five." But during the winter and spring of 
 1914, St. Andrew's took on new life. A successful revival was 
 held in which the pastor was assisted by the Rev. L. L. Sieber, 
 of Gettysburg, Pa. From that time to the present (1916) we 
 have been growing steadily, until now we have on the roll 250 
 members. Our building became too small for the great increase 
 and on April 15, 191 5, it was decided to build a new church. The 
 adjoining lot on Main Street was purchased for $350. A build- 
 ing committee of L. G. Hoffman, L. L. Ober, R. B. Phillippi, 
 John O. Himble and Herman Krause was elected. Ground was 
 broken July 14, 1916, and the corner-stone was laid by the pastor 
 September 3, 1916. The sermon for the occasion was preached 
 by the Rev. John McCarney, of Friedens, Pa. 
 
 The contract was let to B. F. Gindlesperger. It is 78 by 58 
 feet, of Gothic design, figured and ornamental art glass, brick and 
 tile structure, with separate Sunday school rooms and social 
 rooms in the basement, electric lights, circular oak pews, and 
 cost, approximately, $20,000. 
 
 661 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 Services of dedication were held from April 30 to May 13. 
 The dedicatory services were conducted by the pastor, Rev. 
 Elmer F. Rice, at the evening- service of May 6, 1917. The 
 morning sermon on the day of dedication was delivered by the 
 Rev. F. R. Wagner, president of Synod. The Rev. Robert D. 
 Clare preached in the afternoon, and the Rev. S. N. Carpenter 
 in the evening. The Rev. L. P. Young, D.D., had charge of the 
 finances for the day. 
 
 The week previous and the week following the day of dedi- 
 cation the following brethren preached : Revs. I. H. Wagner, 
 D.D., I. P. Hawkins, Simon Snyder, Roy V. Derr, Clay E. Rice, 
 J. S. English, E. Roy Hauser, Guy E. McCarney, E. E. Oney and 
 C. E. Berkey. The building was dedicated to the service of God 
 with a debt of only $5,500 upon it. Great was the rejoicing that 
 this beautiful church was dedicated with so small a debt upon 
 it. The completion of this church is a remarkable achievement 
 for this congregation. May 6, 19 17, will be a day long remem- 
 bered in the history of St. Andrew's Evangelical Lutheran 
 Church of Boswell. 
 
 THE FIRST ENGLISH LUTHERAN CHURCH 
 
 Rev. R. D. Clare, Pastor 
 
 Johnstown, Pa. 
 
 Special interest attaches to the history of the First English 
 Lutheran Church of Johnstown, because of the fact that this 
 church holds the position of a mother organization among all the 
 other strong Lutheran congregations which now exist in Johns- 
 town and its vicinity. 
 
 For most of our information concerning the earliest years of 
 this church's career we are indebted to data collected in 1876 by 
 the Rev. Reuben A. Fink and embodied by him in a valuable 
 historical sketch, while the files of the Johnstozun Tribune and the 
 Lutheran Observer, together with an important sketch written in 
 1902 by the Rev. William Alfred Shipman, D.D., have preserved 
 for us all the most important facts connected with the church's 
 more recent development. Unfortunately, many of the church's 
 most valuable records were swept away by the great flood 
 which devastated Johnstown in the spring of 1889, and for that 
 662 
 
FIRST, JOHNSTOWN 
 
 reason certain periods of its history cannot be treated with that 
 fullness and accuracy of detail that might be desired. 
 
 Lutheran settlers evidently located upon the present site of 
 Johnstown at the very beginning of the last century. While it is 
 probable that they were visited occasionally by some of the pio- 
 neer Lutheran preachers of that period there is apparently no 
 record to that effect. There are reliable records, however, which 
 tell us that for a few years prior to 1824, the Rev. John C. 
 Rebenach, pastor at Somerset in 1819 and 1820, preached occa- 
 sionally in this vicinity, while in the year mentioned— 1824 — he 
 began to preach at stated intervals in a schoolhouse situated in 
 what is now the First Ward of the city of Johnstown. Others 
 who preached in the same schoolhouse at intervals more or less 
 regular in the years immediately following were the Revs. Wil- 
 helm Shultz, C. F. Heyer of Somerset, N. G. Sharretts and 
 Jacob Medtart, pastors at Indiana, 1827-1838, and 1838-1842, 
 respectively. In 1829 or 1830, the schoolhouse was apparently 
 abandoned and services were held in a brick warehouse built by 
 Peter Levergood. At this time, Peter Levergood, J. A. Trefts 
 and Daniel Seigh were appointed to care for the interests of 
 the Lutherans in the town and its vicinity. The organization of 
 the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Johnstown dates from this 
 period. 
 
 In 1832 the first church edifice was erected on the site of the 
 present building, the formal dedication taking place on Ascen- 
 sion Day, 1834. The ground upon which the new church was 
 built was owned by Peter Levergood ; but the latter subsequently 
 gave to the congregation a deed for the property, and, besides 
 paying all but $300 of the cost of the building, also provided his 
 fellow-Lutherans with a parsonage and a Sunday school building. 
 
 The first settled pastor of the congregation after the erection 
 of the church building was the Rev. C. Barnitz. At the close of 
 his pastorate, in 1842, the Alleghany Synod was formed and a 
 change occurred in the congregation's Synodical affiliations. 
 
 After the resignation of the Rev. Barnitz, the Rev. Jacob 
 Martin, of Hollidaysburg, preached occasionally until 1843 when 
 the Rev. Peter Reitmeyer became pastor. The latter served only 
 two years, and from the time of his resignation until 1847 the 
 church's pulpit was supplied occasionally by the Rev. Mr. Butler, 
 
 663 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 of Cumberland, Md. In 1847, the Rev. A. Bosserman became 
 pastor, remaining with the congregation just one year ; and in 
 1848 the Rev. P. Sahm took charge and continued to serve 
 until 1852. During the Rev. Sahm's pastorate the German ele- 
 ment of the congregation withdrew and established the Zion 
 Evangelical Lutheran Church of Johnstown, now one of the 
 largest congregations in the General Council. Previous to the 
 withdrawal of the German members services had been conducted 
 in both languages, but since that event only the English has been 
 required. 
 
 On April 2, 1849, the congregation was incorporated by the 
 court of Cambria County as "The Evangelical Lutheran congre- 
 gation at Johnstown," the incorporators being the Rev. P. Sahm, 
 with the Messrs. Jacob Levergood, Dr. Michael Hay and Gott- 
 lieb Beierly, as elders, and the Messrs. Frederick Marbourg, John 
 Benton and J. W. Wehn, as deacons. 
 
 During the Rev. Sahm's pastorate the Wilmore Lutheran 
 Church was organized as a part of the Johnstown charge. On 
 June 5, 1844, the Rev. Peter Reitmeyer had organized a congre- 
 gation at the "Half-way House," the name then given to what 
 is now Summerhill. Up to within a few years of the Civil War 
 these congregations constituted one charge. 
 
 On April 1, 1853, the Rev. Jacob Martin was called to the 
 Johnstown pastorate. Some time in the year 1855 ne resigned. The 
 Rev. D. Swope assumed charge April 1, 1856, and remained with 
 the congregation until March 27, 1859. From the third Sunday 
 in October, 1859, until February 10, 1861, the Rev. C. L. Keedy 
 was pastor, the latter being succeeded on January 1, 1862, by the 
 Rev. A. C. Ehrenfelt, who continued to labor here until March 31, 
 1864. During the year and a half immediately following the 
 Rev. Keedy's resignation the pastoral office was vacant, but occa- 
 sional preaching services were conducted by the Rev. J. W. 
 Schwartz, of Johnstown. 
 
 On November 1, 1865, the Rev. Reuben A. Fink, D.D., previ- 
 ously of Lewisburg, assumed pastoral relations, and with his 
 advent the church entered upon a new epoch of material growth 
 and spiritual vitality. At this time the congregation numbered 
 175 communicant members, while the Sunday school had an 
 enrollment of 340 scholars. 
 664 
 
FIRST, JOHNSTOWN 
 
 Near the close of the Rev. Ehrenfelt's pastorate, in 1864, it 
 was resolved by the congregation to build a new church, and the 
 following building committee was chosen : Messrs. John Benton, 
 Jacob Levergood, F. W. Hay, Jacob Fend and James McMillen. 
 Because of ill health Mr. Levergood was able to serve for only a 
 short time, his place on the committee being taken by Mr. John 
 Parke, while the committee was subsequently enlarged by the 
 addition of Messrs. Joseph Koontz and Jacob Swank. 
 
 FORMER FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH BUILDING, JOHNSTOWN,, PA. 
 
 The old church, a neat and commodious brick structure, occu- 
 pied by the congregation for more than thirty years, was torn 
 down in February, 1864, and from that time until the new build- 
 ing was ready for occupancy the congregation worshiped suc- 
 cessively in the German Lutheran Church, on Locust Street, and 
 the Methodist Protestant Church, then located on Franklin 
 Street. 
 
 The work upon the foundations of the new building was begun 
 
 665 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 in the spring of 1864, but the corner-stone was not laid until 
 June 18, 1865. In this latter ceremony the Revs. S. A. Holman, 
 of Altoona, and J. W. Schwartz, of Johnstown, officiated. In 
 June, 1866, the congregation began holding services in the base- 
 ment of the new structure, and on May 19, 1867, the formal 
 dedication took place, the services being in charge of the newly 
 elected pastor, the Rev. Reuben A. Fink, D.D., and the dedicatory 
 sermon being preached by the Rev. F. W. Conrad, D.D., of 
 Philadelphia. The cost of the new building was $30,000, the 
 entire amount being raised before the dedication. 
 
 The building was beautiful in design and commodious in all 
 its appointments. One of its most distinguishing features was a 
 large tower, the top of which was just 160 feet from the ground. 
 In this tower there was, in addition to a clear-toned 1455-pound 
 bell, a great three-faced clock. This clock was donated in 1902 to 
 the City Hall. 
 
 In 1887, necessary repairs were made to the church at a cost 
 of about $1,700, and on September 25 of this year the improved 
 edifice was rededicated, the Rev. F. W. Conrad again preaching 
 the dedicatory sermon. 
 
 It was near the close of Dr. Fink's long and fruitful pastorate 
 that the terrible Johnstown Flood occurred. In the appalling 
 rush of waters on May 31, 1889, the First Lutheran Church 
 stood firm, but the congregation suffered inestimable losses in 
 precious lives and material resources. Christian faith and cour- 
 age triumphed, however, even over this great calamity with its 
 many reverses and a new start was again made. 
 
 In February, 1890, Dr. Fink, because of bodily infirmities 
 which were largely the result of the distressing experiences and 
 excessive labors incident to the awful catastrophe of the previous 
 year, resigned as active pastor of the First Lutheran Church. 
 The congregation, having no alternative, reluctantly accepted his 
 resignation, but as an evidence of love and appreciation it at 
 once elected him as pastor emeritus, which position he continued 
 to hold up to the time of his lamented death on March 25, 1895. 
 
 On March 13, 1890, the Rev. William Alfred Shipman, D.D., 
 then of Plollidaysburg, was elected as successor to Dr. Fink. 
 Dr. Shipman accepted the call on April 25, 1890. and on June 1, 
 of that year, he assumed full pastoral relations. 
 666 
 
FIRST, JOHNSTOWN 
 
 Another period of remarkable growth and prosperity now 
 followed. As a new Johnstown sprang up out of the wreck 
 and ruin of the awful flood, the First Church more than kept 
 pace with surrounding developments, and in point of both 
 numerical strength and social influence it soon became the com- 
 munity's leading congregation. 
 
 In the spring of 1901, the congregation for the third time in 
 its history took steps to erect a new house of worship, the 
 following persons being chosen as a building committee : Messrs. 
 H. H. Weaver, Curt G. Campbell, Alexander McKeever and 
 William Cooke. The last services in the old church were held 
 Easter Sunday, April 7, and from that time until the new edifice 
 was completed the congregation met for its services in the 
 Cambria Library auditorium. During the summer of 1901, the 
 old building was demolished, and on August 3, the corner-stone 
 of the new structure was laid. The work of building was finished 
 late in the fall of 1902, and on Sunday, November 9, of this year, 
 a joyful feast of dedication was observed, the Rev. Charles S. 
 Albert, D.D., of Philadelphia, preaching the dedicatory sermon. 
 This new building is the one now occupied by the congregation. 
 It has many beautiful and modern appointments, and is one of 
 the handsomest church edifices in the city. The total cost of 
 building and equipment was approximately $60,000. 
 
 While industriously seeking to acquire a better material equip- 
 ment for its work, the congregation was also very active during 
 this period in enlarging her sphere of spiritual endeavor and 
 fruitfulness. In 1901, a Lutheran Sunday school, which had 
 been conducted in Moxham for about four years by members of 
 the First Church, was organized into a mission and provided with 
 a place of worship, to which was given the name, "The Coleman 
 Avenue Chapel." Under the fostering care of the pastor and 
 members of the First Church this mission experienced a steady 
 and substantial growth, and in the spring of 1907, it became a 
 separate and independent congregation under the name of "The 
 Moxham Evangelical Lutheran Church." 
 
 With the year 1910. Dr. Shipman's long term of service as 
 pastor of the First Church was brought to a close by his re- 
 tiring from the pastorate December 31. In Dr. Shipman's last 
 parochial report to Synod we find the congregation credited with 
 
 667 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 an active communicant membership of 750, and the Sunday school 
 with a membership of 400. 
 
 At a congregational meeting held Sunday, February 5, 191 1, 
 the Rev. Robert D. Clare, then pastor of the St. Matthew's 
 Lutheran Church, Vork, was elected to succeed Dr. Shipman. 
 His acceptance of the call extended to him was announced one 
 
 FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH, JOHNSTOWN, PA. 
 
 week later, and on Sunday, March 19, he assumed full pastoral 
 relations. 
 
 During the following year special attention was paid to the 
 organization of the Sunday school- along most modern and effi- 
 cient lines. A Home Department and a Cradle Roll were formed, 
 the classes were graded, new literature was introduced and more 
 668 
 
FIRS T, JOHNS TO WN 
 
 than six hundred members were added to the general enrollment. 
 Special work was also undertaken with the boys of the school 
 and congregation, and a Junior Brotherhood was organized. 
 
 In November, of 191 1, the young people of the First Church 
 took the initiative in bringing all the Lutheran congregations of 
 the city together for an inspiring joint Luther Day observance. 
 This observance, which has ever since been an annual event of 
 considerable importance and prominence, has served to unite our 
 Lutheran congregations for enthusiastic co-operation along 
 various other lines of church activity. 
 
 In January, 191 2, the finances of the congregation were put 
 upon a more efficient plane, and the weekly duplex envelope 
 system was introduced. The rapid growth of the Sunday school 
 in one year from 400 to 1,000 brought a demand for larger 
 quarters. Consequently, in the summer of 1912, the basement 
 of the Sunday school annex was excavated and a large room for 
 adults, with two extra class rooms and a kitchen attached, was 
 created. At the same time the other rooms of the Sunday school 
 were enlarged and improved. The entire cost of this work was 
 something in excess of $7,000. At an impressive service of 
 rededication, held November 10, this amount was fully provided 
 for by cash contributions and subscriptions. 
 
 In the fall of 191 3, the congregation purchased a beautiful 
 and commodious parsonage, located at 332 Vine Street, at a cost 
 of $16,000. 
 
 During the six and one-half years of the present pastorate 
 more than seven hundred members have been received into the 
 congregational fellowship, a fine efficiency of organization has 
 been attained, all financial obligations have been met, and an 
 ever-increasing spirit of benevolent and missionary activity has 
 greatlv enlarged the congregation's sphere of Christian service 
 and fruitfulness. 
 
 The First English Lutheran Church of Johnstown has had a 
 noble history. Since its humble beginning nearly a century ago 
 it has passed through many trying vicissitudes, but it has always 
 enjoyed signal evidences of the Divine favor and guidance. It 
 has been greatly blessed and it has also been a blessing, multitudes 
 both at home and abroad having come within the sphere of its 
 beneficent influences. Its present is bright and prosperous. Its 
 
 669 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 future, in this year of grace 1917, is as hopeful and inspiring as 
 the promises of God. 
 
 TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH 
 
 Johnstown, Pa. 
 
 Rev. S. N. Carpenter, D.D., Pastor 
 
 In the year 1885, Mr. A. J. Follmar, an active member of the 
 First Lutheran Church of Johnstown, made a canvass of the 
 Seventh Ward of the city and the immediate vicinity. The 
 canvass disclosed a sufficient number of families to justify the 
 establishment of a Sunday school. During the same year a 
 Sunday school was organized in a small frame building located 
 on Horner Street, which had been formerly used as a German 
 schoolhouse. This building was used as a Sunday school room 
 for a period of a few months. The school afterward occupied a 
 room leased from the Johnstown Borough schools for the space 
 of one year. 
 
 At the expiration of the lease for the schoolhouse a lot on 
 Horner Street was leased from the Grafe heirs for a term of ten 
 years at an annual rental of $20. In the spring of 1886, a 
 frame chapel, 30 by 50 feet, was erected on the aforesaid lot at 
 a cost of $1,000, not including the cost of the simple furnishings 
 of the room. Sunday school services were held in this chapel 
 regularly. There were occasional preaching services through 
 the assistance of neighboring pastors, such as the Revs. David 
 Stuft, of the Scalp Level charge; J. N. Unruh, of the Hoovers- 
 ville charge, and W. H. Settlemeyer, of the Rockwood charge. 
 
 The congregation was organized March 21, 1887, with the 
 name, Second Lutheran Church of Johnstown, by the Rev. R. A. 
 Fink, D.D., who was at that time the pastor of the First Lutheran 
 Church. The organization consisted of thirteen charter members 
 as follows: Mr. and Mrs. Adam J. Follmar, Mr. and Mrs. 
 Daniel Ott, Mr. and Airs. Emmanuel Seese, Mr. and Mrs. H. C. 
 Adams, Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Seelar and Mrs. Eliza Stickler, all 
 former members of the First Lutheran Church, and Mr. and 
 Mrs. Robert Crissey, who were former members of Graef 
 Lutheran Church. The new organization was supplied by the 
 67o 
 
TRINITY, JOHXS TO J J 'N 
 
 aforementioned pastors and by the Rev. [. J. Kerr, of 
 Altoona, Pa. 
 
 At the convention of the Alleghany Synod held at the First 
 Lutheran Church of Johnstown, in 1888, the organization was 
 represented by A. J. Follmar, as commissioner, and the congre- 
 gation was received as a part of the Alleghany Synod. 
 
 TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, JOHNSTOWN, PA. 
 
 In the fall of 1888, the congregation of thirty members 
 extended a call to Rev. J. J. Kerr. Rev. Kerr accepted the call, 
 but did not move to the city, and resigned after a few months' 
 pastorate. The first officers who served the congregation were : 
 Elders, A, J. Follmar, Isaac Ream and Emmanuel Seese ; deacons, 
 Jacob Wonders, George E. Thomas and Conrad Block. 
 
 671 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 The first resident pastor was the Rev. G. W. W. Amick, who 
 came to the charge from Oakland, Md. He served the congre- 
 gation as pastor from April, 1889, to February, 1898. 
 
 Just as the people were about to proceed with the installation 
 of their new pastor their plans were averted by the disaster of 
 May 31, 1889, which is known as the Johnstown Flood. The 
 chapel was flooded and the furniture and fixtures were destroyed, 
 
 THREE REMAINING CHARTER MEMBERS, TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, JOHNS- 
 TOWN — MR. AND MRS. A. J. FOLLMAR, MRS. MARY ADAMS 
 
 leaving the congregation without a place of worship for some 
 time. The chapel was fitted up temporarily and used as a com- 
 missary from whence were distributed food and clothing to the 
 stricken people of the Conemaugh Valley. Regular services were 
 resumed in Jul)- of the same year. 
 
 On November 15, 1889, the two lots which constitute the pres- 
 ent site of the church, at Pine and Hickory Streets, were pur- 
 672 
 
TRINITY, JOHNSTOWN 
 
 chased from E. J. Govier for the sum ■ of $3,000. On March 9, 
 1890, at a congregational meeting, the name of the church was 
 changed to Trinity Lutheran Church of Johnstown. The organ- 
 ization was incorporated in the courts of Cambria County the 
 same year. 
 
 On April 9, 1893, the congregation decided to erect a house of 
 worship at a cost of $16,000. The work was well in progress 
 when the financial panic and depression of 1893 set m - O ne °f 
 the leading industries of the city, known as the Johnson Works, 
 moved their large rail mill to Lorain, O., working financial 
 disaster to the congregation. In spite of these adversities the 
 new edifice was erected and the Sunday school apartment was 
 completed, leaving the auditorium to be completed later. All 
 services were now held in the Sunday school room until 1903. 
 
 The second regular pastor was the Rev. Charles W. Anschutz, 
 D.D., who served as pastor from May, 1898, to September 30, 
 1909. Rev. Anschutz came to this work from North Manchester, 
 Ind. During the period of vacancy the congregation was sup- 
 plied with preaching services by the Rev. P. G. Bell, of Altoona, 
 Pa. 
 
 Rev. Anschutz found a congregation of about two hundred 
 members. There was a debt of $22,000. and a growing and 
 promising field of labor. The main auditorium of the church 
 was completed and dedicated in 1903. The cost of this improve- 
 ment was $2,500. A part of the basement was excavated and 
 fitted up for the work of the Ladies' Aid Society and social 
 gatherings at a cost of about $600, and the primary room of the 
 Sunday school was partitioned and fitted with small chairs. 
 
 During the years from 1898 to 1909, these improvements were 
 paid and the debt was reduced to $7,500. These financial opera- 
 tions were accomplished by means of great and heroic sacrifices 
 on the part of the congregation. Special credit is due to the 
 members of the Ladies' Aid Society for their untiring efforts to 
 put the credit and financial status of the congregation on a 
 secure foundation. Rev. Anschutz left a congregation of 350 
 members. 
 
 A Luther League was organized on September 14, 1902. It 
 continued for some years, but was finally discontinued. A 
 Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society was organized 
 
 673 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 about January i, 1904. It was in existence for about two years. 
 After the resignation of Rev. Anschutz the congregation was 
 without a pastor for the period of five months. 
 
 The Rev. H. C. Rose was the third regular pastor of the con- 
 gregation. He served as pastor from February, 19 10, to Sep- 
 tember 1, 1913. He came to his work at Trinity from Saxton, Pa. 
 
 In May, 1910, the auditorium and the Sunday school rooms 
 of the church were frescoed at a cost of $564. 
 
 The' church celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of the 
 
 REV. S. N. CAKI'KNTER, D.D. 
 
 organization of the Sunday school during the week, October 
 26-30, 1910. During the process of this celebration the congre- 
 gation subscribed the entire remaining indebtedness of the church. 
 Part of the sum thus subscribed was consumed in the payment 
 of interest while awaiting the time for the maturity of the obli- 
 gations, and some of the subscriptions were not redeemed. 
 674 
 
TRINI TY, JOHNS TO J VN 
 
 A Moller pipe organ was installed and dedicated on October i, 
 191 1. Practically the entire cost of the organ was paid within 
 the short space of two years. The cost of the organ was $2,600, 
 Mr. Andrew Carnegie donating one-half the cost. 
 
 The Young Ladies' Missionary Society was organized on 
 October 23, 191 1. It continues as one of the flourishing organiza- 
 tions of the church. Rev. Rose left a membership of 450. 
 
 The present pastor of the church is the Rev. Sanford N. Car- 
 penter, D.D., who took charge on November 6, 1913, coming to 
 this field of labor from Carthage, 111. 
 
 The first "Every Member Canvass" was conducted on March 
 29, 1914. It resulted in a substantial increase in the offerings for 
 current expenses and benevolence. Since the above date the 
 duplex envelope system has been installed and the "canvass" is a 
 regular feature of the church work. 
 
 The congregation set to work to remove the last vestige of the 
 old debt which they had gradually reduced during the years of 
 struggle preceding the year 1914. At a grand "Cash Rally," held 
 on June 4, 19 14, cash offerings to the amount of $3,300 were 
 brought in. This was more than enough to pay off the remain- 
 ing indebtedness of $3,100. The removal of this old obstruction 
 proved, indeed, a case of "Barriers Burned Away" for Trinity 
 Lutheran Church as it enabled the congregation to go ahead with 
 its plans for the very necessary improvement and enlargement 
 of the church building. At a congregational meeting, held June 
 25, 1914, the church council was authorized to proceed with the 
 repair of the church. The following were the members of the 
 building committee : F. B. Kinzey, chairman ; David Ott, R. W. 
 Horner, C. S. Boyts, S. C. Ream, R. O. Miller, Edgar Bantly,. 
 Lewis Shirey, S. N. Carpenter, D.D., C. E. Frank, H. L. Bolden, 
 Sem Kauffman, August Ohlson and J. R. Crissey. The repairs 
 consisted of the excavation and furnishing of the unimproved 
 part of the basement. A steam heating plant was installed, the 
 auditorium was enlarged by the removal of the former "Lecture 
 Room" partition. The church was refrescoed, relighted and 
 furnished with new pews and carpet, with hardwood floors and 
 new chancel furniture. Extensive repairs were also made to the 
 outside walls, roof and tower. The cost of these improvements 
 was $8,000. During the summer of 191 5. an additional room for 
 
 675 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 the Beginners' Department was provided at an expense of $1,000. 
 For the payment of these and other obligations the congregation 
 has consistently followed the cash system of giving without 
 soliciting subscriptions. By means of the system of cash rallies 
 the congregation is free from debt and is ready for aggressive 
 action along lines of Missionary endeavor. 
 
 A men's brotherhood, which has rendered excellent service in 
 all these enterprises, was organized on April 7, 1914. The 
 Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society was reor- 
 ganized December 1, 19 14. The Luther League was reor- 
 ganized on October 18, 191 5. The Mission Band was organized 
 March 17, 1917. The congregation does the work of missions 
 on the home field largely through the process of catechetical 
 instruction. The Sunday school is organized on a most efficient 
 basis and does excellent work. By reason of the harmonious 
 co-operation of all the forces of the church, the membership has 
 grown until there are now 700 communicants and over 800 "con- 
 firmed" members. The church raises its apportionment for mis- 
 sionary purposes without difficulty and contributes a total of over 
 $1,500 annually for all benevolent purposes. The contributions 
 for current expenses are about $4,000 per year. 
 
 The thirtieth anniversary of the organization of the church was 
 celebrated during the week of March 14-21, 1917, with appro- 
 priate services. All of the ex-pastors were present to participate 
 and preached to large and enthusiastic assemblies. There is a 
 conviction in the hearts of those who know her best that Trinity 
 Church has just fairly started on her great work. 
 
 MOXHAM LUTHERAN CHURCH 
 
 Johnstown, Pa. 
 
 Rev. H. C. Michael, D.D., Pastor 
 
 After the Johnstown Flood in 1889, this beautiful suburb grew 
 rapidly due to the exodus from the central part of the city as 
 well as from Somerset, Bedford and adjacent counties. Many 
 of these people were Lutherans and before long a Sunday school 
 was organized in Paul's Hall. The first meeting was held in 
 the autumn of 1893. Among those present were Rev. F. S. 
 676 
 
MOXHAM, JOHNSTOWN 
 
 Shultz, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church ; Rev. W. W. Amick, 
 pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, and Rev. W. A. Shipman, 
 D.D., pastor of the First Lutheran Church. The attendance was 
 about eighty. Mr. S. H. Cauffiel was the first superintendent of 
 the school. Other superintendents were Dr. J. S. Koontz, Samuel 
 Shaffer and Albert Berkey. 
 
 A Ladies' Aid Society was organized in November. 1896, with 
 the following officers : President, Mrs. Peter Fullmer ; vice- 
 president, Mrs. S. H. Barefoot; secretary, Mrs. W. M. Risch ; 
 treasurer, Mrs. J. W. Buchanan. In 1897, this society purchased 
 the lot on Coleman Avenue numbered 637-639. In 1901, a com-- 
 
 MOXHAM EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, JOHNSTOWN, PA. 
 
 mittee consisting of S. H. Cauffiel, C. E. Walker and \Y. H. 
 Rietz was authorized to erect a church building upon the lot 
 already purchased. This building was dedicated May 11, 1902. 
 Cost of building was $2,400. In this building the following 
 Sunday school superintendents officiated in order : H. E. Shaffer, 
 S. H. Cauffiel, M. D. Conrath and George H. Klahre. 
 
 In 1905, Rev. C. E. Smith became assistant to Dr. Shipman, 
 of the First Church, his particular field being the Moxham 
 Lutherans. Sunday and mid-week services were conducted by 
 Rev. Smith. 
 
 677 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 In 1906, a basement was put under the original building at a 
 cost of $2,700, thus doubling the capacity for the school. 
 
 A meeting was held on April 7, 1907, for the purpose of 
 organizing a separate congregation. Rev. Smith resigned April 
 21, 1907, to take up work in Camden, N. J. On May 5, the 
 organization of the congregation was completed with these offi- 
 cers elected: Elders, \Y. H. Rink, J. J. Shaffer, Dr. J. S. 
 Koontz ; deacons, D. W. Sorber, C. E. Walker, J. W. Buchanan. 
 Rev. H. S. Rhoads was elected pastor May 19, 1907. He was in 
 reality the first pastor of the congregation. He took charge 
 July 15. About 125 persons were received as charter members 
 of the new organization. 
 
 In 191 1, two lots on the corner of Park Avenue and Ohio 
 Streets were secured. In 1914, two adjoining lots were pur- 
 chased, making a frontage on Park Avenue of 160 feet. Ground 
 was broken for a new church March 1, 191 5, the corner-stone was 
 laid May 16, 1915, and the building dedicated March 12, 1916. 
 The congregation now has a building that is beautiful, com- 
 modious and modern in all its appointments. The cost, including 
 lots, was about $65,000. The main auditorium seats about 650. 
 The Sunday school is made up of a series of class rooms, the 
 main section of which can be thrown open so that the auditorium 
 may accommodate 1,000. With this splendid equipment the pros- 
 pects for the Moxham congregation seem to be exceptional. 
 
 Rev. H. S. Rhoads resigned as pastor to take effect May 1, 
 1916, he having accepted the pastorate at Leipsic, O. 
 
 Rev. H. C. Michael, the present pastor, was elected May 21, 
 and took charge July 1, 19 16. 
 
 The congregation has an Aid Society, organized 1896 ; a Mis- 
 sionary Society, reorganized in 1908; a Young Ladies' Mission 
 Band, organized in 1908; a Christian Endeavor Society and 
 numerous class organizations. The Sunday school enrollment is 
 over 500 and the church membership 450. The congregation has 
 furnished to the Lutheran ministry the Rev. David Shaffer. 
 67, S 
 
GRACE, JOHNSTOWN 
 
 GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH 
 
 Johnstown, Pa. 
 
 Rev. W. I. Good, Pastor 
 
 The original name of congregation: "The First Evangelical 
 English Lutheran Church." The name was changed to Grace 
 Lutheran Church on August i, 1898, when the Borough of 
 Morrellville became incorporated into the city of Johnstown. 
 
 The Sunday school was organized the latter part of December. 
 
 GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH, JOHNSTOWN 
 
 1 89 1, with G. R. Stewart, superintendent, and about twenty 
 members, in the Garfield School building, on Garfield Street, 
 in which building they held their Sunday school for a short time, 
 when they moved to Anderson's Hall, corner Garfield and Chand- 
 ler Streets. In this hall the first preaching services were held. 
 Rev. B. B. Collins, traveling secretary for the Alleghany Synod, 
 preached several times, after which Rev. P. G. Bell, of Altoona, 
 preached for them regularly every other Sunday until he suc- 
 ceeded in organizing the congregation, which organization was 
 
 679 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 effected on August 14, 1892, in Burkhart's Hall, with the fol- 
 lowing officers and members present : 
 
 Charter members : Dr. A. S. Fichtner and wife, G. R. Stewart 
 and wife, U. Younkin and wife, W. H. Marsh and wife, W. F. 
 Bingell and wife, J. H. Dye, Jr., and wife, Mrs. Annie McFeat- 
 ers, Mrs. Annie Hill, Mrs. Nancy Strayer, Mrs. Matilda Bain, 
 Airs. Mary Howard, Mrs. Bella McClintock, G. W. Miller and 
 wife. 
 
 Officers : Rev. P. G. Bell, supply pastor ; elder, G. R. Stewart ; 
 deacons, W. H. Marsh and U. Younkin; secretary, J. H. Dye, Tr. ; 
 treasurer, U. Younkin. They were admitted to the Alleghany 
 Synod on September 12, 1892. 
 
 Sunday school continued to meet in Anderson's Hall until 
 destroyed by fire, when Burkhart's Hall became quarters (at the 
 foot of Chandler Avenue), until December, 1892. Excessive rent 
 necessitated moving to Bonner's Hall, on Fairfield Avenue. 
 
 Rev. F. S. Shults, First Pastor 
 
 Elected May 7, 1893, while a student of the Gettysburg Theo- 
 logical Seminary. The call stipulated that he was to reside in 
 Morrellville, and that "he was to give one-half of his services 
 to Morrellville and the other half to New Florence and Germany." 
 
 Rev. P. G. Bell preached his last sermon as supply pastor 
 June 18, 1893. During his administration the membership had 
 increased from twenty to twenty-two, and the Sunday school 
 had grown to a membership of forty. 
 
 Rev. Shultz preached his first sermon as pastor on July 2, 
 1893. The charge consisted of Morrellville, New Florence and 
 Germany congregations. Salary, $700, of which the Home 
 Mission Board paid $200. 
 
 On April 1, 1895, the congregation moved from Bonner's I Tall 
 into Cusic's Hall, larger and better adapted, where both the con- 
 gregation and the Sunday school made more rapid, progress. 
 
 July 1, 1895, a lot was purchased for $1,000. August 1, of 
 the same year, a building committee was appointed, consisting of 
 W. TT. Marsh, John Esterly, Gabriel Fleck, Lewis Leckey, Samuel 
 Britcher and the pastor. On October 1, ground was broken and 
 on June 14, 1896, the corner-stone was laid. Rev. Dr. John 
 Weidley, of Pittsburgh, was the principal speaker, and was 
 680 
 
GRACE, JOHNSTOWN 
 
 assisted by Revs. Shipman and Amick, local pastors of First and 
 Trinity Churches, respectively. Beginning with November i, the 
 congregation worshiped in the Sunday school room. 
 
 Dedication : Dedicatory services September 26, 1897. Rev. 
 Dr. M. J. Firey, of Pottsville, preached in the morning. Rev. 
 Dr. W. A. Shipman, of the First Lutheran Church, preached in 
 the evening. The pastor, Rev. F. S. Shultz, had charge of the 
 formal dedicatory service in the evening. A week of special 
 services followed by various visiting pastors. The building as 
 completed cost a little over $8,000. Of this amount $5,600 was 
 provided on and before the day of dedication. 
 
 Charge divided: On September 17, 1897, by the action of 
 Alleghany Synod this charge was divided, Morrellville congrega- 
 tion constituting a separate charge. The pastor, Rev. F. S. 
 Shultz, received a salary of $560, of which amount the Home 
 Mission Board contributed $200. At the close of the fifth year of 
 this pastorate the membership of the congregation had grown 
 to 130, and that of the Sunday school to 235. On July 1, 1903, 
 the congregation became self-supporting, the pastor receiving a 
 salary of $800. November 1, 1903, a steam-heating plant was in- 
 stalled at a cost of $500. On May 1, 1905, the congregation paid 
 the Board of Church Extension $1,000, and they donated $400, 
 thus entirely freeing the church of debt. Close of pastorate, 
 December 31, 1908. 
 
 Pastorate of Rev. Edward L. Keller 
 From May 23, 1909, to February 28, 1914 
 
 During the fall of 1909 and the spring of 1910, the debt of 
 some $1,500, caused by litigation over strip of ground — Grace 
 Lutheran Church vs. Gale Heslop — was paid off. 
 
 During the spring of 1910, work was begun in excavating the 
 basement under the church that it might be finished and used. 
 This was completed in 191 1 along with an outside entrance at a 
 cost of about $1,400. These improvements necessitated the 
 removing of the furnace to the rear of the church and changing 
 the heating system. 
 
 On November 12, 191 1, a pipe organ was dedicated. Cost, 
 $2,000, of which amount Andrew Carnegie donated $750. 
 
 A Young People's Missionary Society was organized during 
 
 681 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 the fall of 191 1, and a Junior C. E. on Palm Sunday, 1912. 
 
 At a special congregational meeting held April 13, 1913, the 
 church council was authorized to purchase the residence of Mr. 
 John Esterly, 118 Sheridan Street, for the sum of $5,440, the 
 same to become the parsonage of the church. (The entire amount 
 was raised and paid in the following pastorate.) 
 
 The Sunday school rooms were refrescoed during August, 
 1913. Cost, $75. Also new carpet purchased for these same 
 rooms at a cost of $300. 
 
 Pastorate of Re?'. William I. Good 
 
 From May 1, 1914, to . Called March 29, 
 
 at a salary of $1,200 and free use of parsonage. 
 
 Parsonage debt paid: On April 15, 1917, the last of the $5,400 
 indebtedness on the parsonage was paid. This sum, representing 
 the total cost of the parsonage, was raised in little over a year by 
 a series of cash rallies and hard work by the Ladies' Aid Society. 
 At the same time a balance indebtedness of $200 on the pipe 
 organ was paid. 
 
 Mission Band was organized on March 4, 19 17, with thirty 
 members. 
 
 Retaining wall was built around church lawn in the summer 
 of 1915 at a cost of $75. 
 
 Remodeling fund was established on May 13, 191 7, by action 
 of the congregation in preparation for extensive alterations in 
 interior of church and the erection of a new parsonage adjoining 
 the church. (According to present plans these improvements will 
 approximate $12,000 in cost.) 
 
 H. H. Cupp is the present superintendent of the Sunday school. 
 
 Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor organized April 
 25, 1894, with thirty-six members. First officers: President, 
 Ben Marsh ; vice-president, Frank Howard ; recording secretary, 
 Kate Leckey ; corresponding secretary, Annie Bingell ; treasurer, 
 Mrs. Amanda Lamoreaux. Present officers : President, Fred 
 Sprengel ; vice-president, Naomi Bingell ; recording secretary, 
 Sarah Rightnour ; corresponding secretary, Ethel Shultz ; treas- 
 urer, William Leckey. Present enrollment of members, forty- 
 two. It supports a native worker in India at a cost of $30 a 
 year. 
 6S2 
 
ST. LUKE'S, LILLY 
 
 Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society organized 
 October 8, 1905, with twenty-two members and the following 
 officers: President, Mrs. F. S. Shultz ; vice-president, Mrs. 
 Tillie Fichtner ; recording secretary, Mrs. C. A. Marsh ; corre- 
 sponding secretary, Miss Lillian Clark ; treasurer, Mrs. G. W. 
 Butler. Present membership, thirty-eight, and the following offi- 
 cers : President, Mrs. Geary W. Shultz ; vice-president, Miss 
 Lillian Clark ; recording secretary. Miss Ethel Shultz ; corre- 
 sponding secretary, Miss Annie Fleck ; treasurer, Mrs. William 
 Haddle. 
 
 Young People's Missionary Society organized in the fall of 
 191 1. Present membership, eighteen, and the following officers: 
 President, Naomi Bingell; vice-president, Mrs. William I. Good; 
 recording secretary, Sarah Rightnour; corresponding secretary, 
 Mary Croft ; treasurer, Kathryn Danker. 
 
 ST. LUKE'S LUTHERAN CHURCH 
 
 Lilly, Pa. 
 
 Rev. H. IV. Bender, Pastor 
 
 The history of Lutheranism in the community (known in its 
 early days by the name of Hemlock) dates from about the year 
 1850. Among the early settlers who came to this section were 
 several Lutheran families, and in the year 1854, the Lutherans, 
 Methodists and United Brethren, constituting the Protestant ele- 
 ment in the community, joined hands in the erection of a union 
 house of worship, which, up to the time a church edifice was 
 erected by the Lutherans alone, served as the only house of 
 worship in the community. 
 
 In these early days neighboring Lutheran pastors came to the 
 community at intervals, and ministered to the few families of 
 the Lutheran faith, Rev. J. F. Kuhlman, among others, supplying 
 from 1 858- 1 860. 
 
 But the St. Luke's Lutheran congregation of Lilly, Pa., was 
 organized June 22, 1873, by the Rev. S. Croft, and became a 
 part of the Wilmore pastorate, and this relation was sustained 
 until the year 1889, when St. Luke's was made a separate 
 pastorate. 
 
 683 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 The organization was effected by the adoption of a constitu- 
 tion signed by eighteen members, viz. : Philip Pritsch, Charles 
 Studt, Fredrick Veigle, Miss Anna B. Pritsch, Mrs. Dorothy L. 
 Pritsch, Mrs. Mary Smith, Henry Ehrenfeldt, Michael Ehren- 
 feldt, Mrs. Louisa Ehrenfeldt, Mrs. E. McCreary, John Warner, 
 Mrs. Margaret Warner, John C. Warner, Mrs. Barbara Studt, 
 Jacob Leap, Miss Dortha Pritsch, Adam Miller, Mrs. Catharine 
 Helsel. 
 
 The following constituted the first council : Charles Studt, two 
 years, and Adam Miller, three years, as elders; Frederick Veigle, 
 
 ST. LUKE S CHURCH AND PARSONAGE, LILLY, PA. 
 
 two years, and Philip Pritsch, three years, as deacons. 
 
 In the latter part of the year 1881, work was begun on the 
 first Lutheran church edifice which was not completed, however, 
 until the following year. It was located on Main Street, and the 
 building was a frame structure, 32 by 50 feet, and in height, 16 
 feet to the square. The cost was $1,200, one-third of which was 
 secured on the day of dedication. 
 
 The service of dedication was held November 5, 1882, and 
 the pastor, Rev. G. D. Gross, was assisted by the Rev. M. G. 
 684 
 
ST. LUKE'S, LILLY 
 
 Boyer, president of Synod. 
 
 The congregation at this time consisted of about forty com- 
 municant members, and the following comprised the church 
 council: George Schwaderer, Charles Studt, Philip Pritsch and 
 Thomas McCreary. 
 
 In the year 1889, the congregation, numbering about sixty 
 communicant members, by due process of Synodical action, 
 became a separate pastorate and called a pastor that same year. 
 
 The first parsonage was erected in the year 1892, located on 
 Portage Street. It was a frame building containing ten rooms 
 and furnace and cost $2,200. The council, Rev. O. F. Harsh- 
 
 J. F. KLEMSTINE, LILLY PASTORATE 
 A member of the congregation since 1 88^. Prominent in the building 
 operations of the congregation; also a member of the Council twenty 
 years 
 
 man, pastor ; Charles Studt and Daniel Diehl, elders ; M. K. Piper, 
 Luther Miller, George Diehl and Joshua Aurandt, deacons, con- 
 stituted the building committee. 
 
 Act of incorporation: On December 12, 1901, application was 
 made to the court of Cambria County, Pa., for a charter. The 
 application was confirmed March 5, 1902, and on September 16, 
 1902, the final requirement having been complied with, the con- 
 gregation became an incorporated body. The application for said 
 charter contains the signatures of the Rev. G. F. Snyder, pastor; 
 
 685 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 M. K. Piper, Joshua Aurandt, Charles Studt, Julius F. Klemstine, 
 Luther Miller and David L. Diehl as comprising the church 
 council at the time. 
 
 The second and present church building was erected in the 
 years 1904 and 1905. It is 86 by 46 feet, constructed of concrete 
 blocks, contains memorial windows of a beautiful and artistic 
 type, tower clock, etc. The original cost was $15,000, and in 
 every respect it is a modern up-to-date house of worship, a credit 
 to the congregation and community. The corner-stone was laid 
 on September 4, 1904, and on June 18, 1905, the building was 
 dedicated to the worship of the Triune God. The pastor, the 
 
 LUTHER MILLER, LILLY PASTORATE 
 
 A son of one of the original members and a member of the congregation since 1880. 
 Twenty-four years a member of the Council. Nineteen years Superintendent of 
 the Sunday school. 
 
 Rev. J. A. Dunlap, Ph.D., was assisted in the dedicatory services 
 by the following visiting ministers : Rev. \Y. A. Shipman, D.D., 
 Rev. J. W. PofTenberger, Rev. P. G. Bergaman, Rev. I. P. 
 Hawkins and Rev. G. F. Snyder. 
 
 The council at this time consisted of the pastor, M. K. Piper, 
 Charles Studt, elders; Luther Miller, Julius F. Klemstine, D. L. 
 Diehl and Joshua Aurandt, deacons, and the building committee 
 of the church council, together with George Forsythe, James 
 Forsythe and B. E. Shears. 
 686 
 
ST. LUKE'S, LILLY 
 
 In the year 1910, the second and present parsonage was 
 erected. It is constructed of brick, contains eleven rooms and 
 finished attic, hot water heating system, electric light, wide 
 veranda around two sides, cement walks, etc. In plan and 
 structure it is all that any pastor could desire in the way of a 
 parsonage. The first cost was $3,300, but this does not include 
 the improvements and additions made since its erection. The 
 council in office at the time constituted the building committee : 
 Rev. J. A. Dunlap, Ph.D., pastor ; M. K. Piper and Luther Miller, 
 elders ; Julius F. Klemstine, Charles A. Edwards, Joshua Aurandt 
 and David L. Diehl, deacons. 
 
 The present equipment of buildings includes a garage also, 
 
 JOSHUA AURANDT, LILLY PASTORATE 
 
 A member of the congregation since 1885. Twenty-four years a member of the 
 Council, twenty-nine years a teacher in the Sunday school. 
 
 which was erected summer of 1914. It is constructed of brick 
 covered with asbestos roofing. The building is 243^ by 12 feet, 
 and 10 feet to the square. Cost, $500. 
 
 As near as can be ascertained the following is a roster of the 
 pastors serving the congregation from the date of its organiza- 
 tion to the present : 
 
 1. Pastors serving the congregation as a part of the YVilmore 
 charge: Rev. S. Croft, May 11, 1873, to 1874; Rev. J. J. Kerr, 
 
 to 1881 ; Rev. G. D. Gross, March, 1882, to June, 1883; Rev. 
 
 P. G. Bell, 1884 to 1886; Rev. J. N. Unruh, November, 1886, to 
 November, 1888. 
 
 687 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 2. Pastors who served the congregation after it became a 
 separate charge in 1889: Rev. Shile Miller, August 1, 1889, to 
 January 1, 1891 ; Rev. O. F. Harshman, June 1, 1891, to Novem- 
 ber 22, 1892; Rev. I. P. Hawkins, March 15, 1893, to March 1, 
 1898; Rev. P. E. Bergeman, June 1, 1898, to February 25, 1900; 
 Rev. G. F. Snyder, July 8, 1900, to October 1, 1903; Rev. J. A. 
 Dunlap, Ph.D., November 15, 1903, to November 15, 1910; Rev. 
 P. H. Miller, D.D., January 27, 1911, to June 2, 1912; Rev. 
 Paul H. Ketterman, July 14, 1912, to November 30, 1913; Rev. 
 H. W. Bender, May 1, 1914 — . 
 
 The several organizations within the congregation consist of a 
 Sunday school, Ladies' Aid Society, Lutheran Brotherhood and a 
 company of the United Boys' Brigade. 
 
 The history of the Sunday school dates from fall of 1878, 
 up to which time for some years previous the Lutherans of the 
 community had joined in with a union school. In the fall of 1878, 
 however, the Lutherans decided to have their own school and 
 forthwith one was organized, the Veigles, Pritschs, Ehrenfeldts, 
 Studts, Millers, Martzs, Georges, McCrearys, Felkers taking an 
 active part therein. The number of scholars enrolled was about 
 fifty. At the time of the organization the following officers were 
 elected : W. H. Brady, superintendent ; Zachariah George, Sr., 
 secretary ; Philip Pritsch, treasurer. 
 
 Since the organization the office of superintendent has been 
 filled by Charles Studt, Philip Pritsch, Nicolas Evens, Joshua 
 Aurandt, Luther Miller, George Forsythe, Sr., Henry Shaules 
 and Charles A. Edwards. 
 
 The organization of the Ladies' Aid Society dates from the 
 year 1898, when the society was organized with about twelve 
 members. Officers at the time of organization: Mrs. Minnie 
 Krebbs, president; Mrs. George Forsythe, Jr., secretary; and 
 Mrs. Sherman Allen, Treasurer. 
 
 Others who have served the society one or more terms as 
 president are the following: Mrs. M. K. Piper, Mrs. Sallie 
 Hughes, Mrs. George Forsythe, Jr., Mrs. James Forsythe, Mrs. 
 B. E. Shears, Mrs. Josiah Zimmerman and Mrs. Joshua Aurandt. 
 
 The Lutheran Brotherhood and the local company of the 
 United Boys' Brigade have been organized during the present 
 pastorate. 
 688 
 
ST. LUKE'S, LILLY 
 
 The Brotherhood was organized, November 22, 19 14, with 
 fifteen charter members — James For sy the, president; E. R. Lan- 
 gil, vice-president; Howard Veigel, recording secretary; W. L. 
 Piper, corresponding secretary ; John Sample, treasurer. 
 
 The local company of the United Boys' Brigade was organ- 
 ized May 2, 1916, with sixteen charter members, the boys of the 
 company ranging in age from ten to seventeen years. The fol- 
 lowing is the official roster : Commandant and chaplain, Rev. 
 H. W. Bender; captain, James K. George; first lieutenant and 
 secretary, Arthur H. Mussleman; corporals, Dervin Walters and 
 George Dewey Felker ; treasurer, James Forsythe, Jr. 
 
 The congregation deserves much credit for what it has accom- 
 plished in the years past, despite difficult and peculiar circum- 
 stances. At the present time the congregation possesses a church 
 plant worth. $30,000 at the lowest calculation, with no debt except 
 several hundred dollars for recent improvements. Moreover, 
 whilst providing for the needs at home and for their own com- 
 fort, the membership has not neglected the needs of the Church 
 at large. In the matter of benevolence it is known as one of the 
 banner congregations in our Synod, providing for the apportion- 
 ment in full from year to year, and usually with an excess. Nor 
 does it show any signs of abatement in 'this good work. The 
 last Synodical report was, in many respects, the best in its his- 
 tory, particularly so in the matter of benevolence, taking the 
 first place in the Synod with a credit of $3.28 per communicant 
 member paid on the apportionment, or an excess of $1.35 per 
 communicant member. 
 
 In common with all congregations, St. Luke's of Lilly has 
 given of her sons and daughters to the Church at large. She has 
 also contributed one pastor, the Rev. C. E. Butler, and the wife 
 of a pastor, Mrs. Rev. J. W. McCauley, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. 
 M. K. Piper. 
 
 In the work accomplished by the congregation in the years 
 past, special mention should be made of the services rendered 
 by the Sunday school and the Ladies' Aid Society. 
 
 The Sunday school has furnished a field of Christian training 
 and activity for a large number of adults in the capacity of 
 officers and teachers. In it the children of the congregation have 
 been taught the word of God and from it the church has drawn 
 
 689 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 its communicant membership, in a large measure, from year to 
 year. 
 
 The Ladies' Aid Society has been from its organization a most 
 active and helpful arm of the church. At the time the society 
 was organized, in 1898, there was a debt of $900 on the first 
 parsonage, and the society at once set to work in an effort to 
 cancel the obligation and in due process of time accomplished 
 the work taken in hand. 
 
 When the erection of the present church edifice was deter- 
 mined upon, the society assumed the cost of the lot ($1,500), 
 and one of the large memorial windows at a cost of $180. And 
 
 MRS. M. K. PIPER AND DAUGHTER PEARL, LILLY, PA. 
 Mr. and Mrs. M. K. Piper, members since 1888, are both alike active and prominent 
 in its affairs. The above picture was taken prior to the marriage of their daughter 
 to the Rev. J. Wm. McCauley, Salem, Va. 
 
 later, when the church was dedicated, the society pledged $1,000. 
 When these pledges had been fulfilled, there were unpaid sub- 
 scriptions to the amount of $826.67, and this additional amount 
 the society assumed and paid over to the treasurer of the church. 
 Recently — fall of 1915 — the society concluded to carry out an 
 ambition of years' standing, i.e., the erection of a neat, substan- 
 tial rustic stone fence about the church property; and although 
 the work was begun with less than $200 in the treasury, and 
 completed at a cost of $900, there is at the present time less than 
 $100 to be provided for. Moreover, at the same time this work 
 was in progress, the society contributed to the fitting up of a 
 690 
 
MT. CALVARY 
 
 room in the basement of the church, an amount equal to the sum 
 of their indebtedness at the present time on their original under- 
 taking. 
 
 PRESENT MEMBERSHIP, INNER ORGANIZATIONS, OFFICIAL 
 DIRECTORY, ETC., MAY I, I917 
 
 At the present time the congregation consists of 125 communi- 
 cant, 165 confirmed, and 230 baptized members. Personnel of 
 Church Council: Pastor, Rev. H. W. Bender; Elders, Thomas 
 W. Hanna, B. E. Shears, E. R. Langil; Deacons, James For- 
 sythe, Sr., James K. George, Charles A. Edwards, (Charles A. 
 Edwards, Secretary, and E. R. Langil, Treasurer). 
 
 The Sunday school has a total membership of 222 in the vari- 
 ous departments. General and Assistant Superintendents, W. 
 H. Brady and B. E. Shears ; Secretary, Miss Mabel Appleyard ; 
 Treasurer, Mrs. L. M. Piper ; Organists, Mrs. H. W. Bender and 
 Mrs. B. E. Shears ; Librarians, Miss Anna Hanna, Miss Mabel 
 Diehl, James Forsythe, Jr. ; Superintendent Primary Department, 
 W. L. Piper ; Superintendent Home Department, Mrs. Carl 
 Shaules ; Superintendent Cradle Roll, Mrs. M. K. Piper ; teachers 
 in the Main Department, E. R. Langil, Luther Miller, M. K. 
 Piper, Mrs. L. M. Piper, James K. George, Dervin Walters, Mrs. 
 H. W. Bender, Miss Ida L. Klemstine ; teachers in the Primary 
 Department, W. L. Piper, Mrs. B. E. Shears, Mrs. M. K. Piper. 
 
 The present membership of the Ladies' Aid Society numbers 
 thirty-eight, and the officers : President, Mrs. H. W. Bender ; 
 Vice-President, Mrs. Carl Shaules ; Secretary, Mrs. William F. 
 Shaules ; Assistant Secretary, Mrs. J. D. Sample ; Treasurer, 
 Mrs. James Forsythe. 
 
 LAVANSVILLE PASTORATE 
 Rev. H. M. Pctrca, Pastor 
 This charge consists of two churches : Mt. Calvary, at Lavans- 
 ville, and Mt. Zion, at Bakersville, four miles apart. 
 
 Mt. Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church 
 This congregation was an outgrowth from the Samuel's Ger- 
 man Reformed and Lutheran Union Church, one mile distant, 
 because of a disagreement of the members as to the manner and 
 
 691 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 mode of conducting" special religious services. 
 
 Rev. Peter Rizer, of Somerset, was pastor. He was favorable 
 to the mourners' bench method in use at the time. It seems that 
 during a revival here some of the members disapproved of this 
 method and under the leadership of Mr. George Flick locked 
 the church. Mr. David Woy was the leader of the revival party, 
 and with him most of the members withdrew and built the church 
 here, Mr. Woy giving the ground. The remainder of the con- 
 gregation at Samuel's was now left without pastoral care until 
 the organization of the General Council. The effort of Pastor 
 
 M.VARY CHURCH AND PARSONAGE, LAVANSVILLE, PA. 
 
 Hentz, of Somerset, to build up a pastorate of congregations 
 which would go with him into this new body, caused the Rev. 
 YVinecoff, pastor here, to reorganize a Lutheran congregation at 
 Samuel's in 1872, the Reformed people having also withdrawn 
 and built in Lavansville. 
 
 The congregation was organized in 1846, the charter members 
 being members from the Samuel's Union Church, and the old 
 church edifice built in 1846 and 1847, Rev. Rizer pastor. 
 
 The charter members of the Lavansville congregation were 
 David Woy, Daniel Adams, David Miller, Christian Barkley, 
 George Barkley, Samuel Barkley. Jonathan Flick, Samuel 
 Kooser. Isaac Flick, Joe Barkley, ( ieorge Barkley, Jr.. Joseph 
 692 
 
MT. CALVARY 
 
 Young. Daniel Beatty built the church, aided by Chauncey 
 Berkey. It cost about $2,000. It was a one-room building. 
 
 Rev. William Uhl served this charge from 1848 to 1852; Rev. 
 A. Babb, from 1852 to 1856; Rev. Charles Witmer, 1857 to 1859 ; 
 Rev. G. M. Pile, from January 1, i860, to September 1, 1861 ; 
 Rev. Leonhard Gerhardt, from October 1, 1861, to April 1, 1866; 
 Rev. J. P. Hentz, from July 1, 1866, to April r, 1871. All of 
 these pastors served this congregation as a part of the Somerset 
 charge. 
 
 In 1870 Rev. Hentz attempted to take the Lavansville and 
 Bakersville congregations, with Somerset, into the General Coun- 
 cil, but failed, and then resigned the Somerset charge ; after 
 which the Lavansville charge was formed, in 1872. April 1, 1872, 
 Rev. J. Winecoff took charge of the new pastorate, but only 
 served a short time on account of ill health. He resigned on 
 June 23, 1873, an d died July 6 of same year. 
 
 Rev. David Earhart served the charge from July 13, 1873, to 
 July 13, 1876; Rev. L. L. Seiber, from September 1, 1876, to 
 September 1, 1882; Rev. J. F. Kuhlman, from October 1, 1882, 
 to October 1, 1885; Rev. W. L. Remsberg, from March 1, 1886, 
 to September 1, 1886; Rev. E. Manges began his work on this 
 charge in September, 1886, and in 1888 the old church edifice 
 was torn down. Joseph Young and Edward Berkey served as 
 sextons in the old church for many years. 
 
 The corner-stone of the new or present building was laid by 
 Pastor Manges, on September 30, the same year. The new 
 church was not formally opened till March 8, 1890. The old 
 church was a brick building, and the present church is also brick, 
 42 by 75 feet. The style of the church is Gothic. 
 
 Rev. Manges resigned the charge October 1, 1892. The pas- 
 torate was without regular services until May 18, 1893, when 
 Rev. C. F. Gephart accepted the call as pastor and served it suc- 
 cessfully for a number of years, after which he resigned, Decem- 
 ber 30, 1903. During his service the Christian Endeavor Society 
 was organized. Again for six months it was without regular 
 pastoral care. 
 
 June 1, 1904, Rev. S. A. Zimbeck took charge of the work, 
 pleasantly serving until December 1, 1909, when he resigned. 
 
 On January 1, 1910, Rev. H. M. Petrea entered the field as 
 
 693 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 pastor. Thus we have a complete list of the former pastors of 
 this church. Many of them have gone to their reward, while 
 still a goodly number are preaching the same Christ and His 
 gospel. Of the Sunday school superintendents, Isaac Ankeny, 
 Jacob Baker and Conrad Shultz have served long terms. It has 
 furnished for the Lutheran ministry Revs. H. H. Flick, Sr. 
 and Jr. 
 
 This congregation, once strong and vigorous, has weakened 
 somewhat numerically. Human material has centralized else- 
 where ; and some people are like the evergreen tree, while others 
 are like the oak and chestnut. Faithfully has the Word been 
 preached during all these years, and catechetical instructions 
 have been employed for the development of the congregation 
 numerically and spiritually. 
 
 Mt. Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church 
 bakersville, pa. 
 
 The first records of Mt. Zion Lutheran Church of Bakers- 
 ville dates from the year 1839, when baptism was administered 
 at Lohr's schoolhouse, locally known as the "Red Schoolhouse," 
 where Jacob Beck now lives. The pastor is not known, but doubt- 
 less was of the Reformed Church. 
 
 Father Heyer about this time began to preach at the same place 
 for the Lutherans. The first formal organization was effected 
 with forty members, largely members of the Samuel's congre- 
 gation, by Rev. P. Rizer, pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran 
 Church, of Somerset, on July 31, 1842. The first officers of the 
 church, known as the "Laurel Hill" Evangelical Lutheran 
 Church, were: Elders, Jacob Lenhart and George Mull; dea- 
 cons, David Lohr and John Baker. The first communion was 
 held August 8, 1843, and the officers installed September 25, 1842. 
 
 Rev. Rizer preached and administered the sacrament for these 
 people at Lohr's schoolhouse till April 24, 1847. Rev. William 
 Uhl was his successor, and on October 18, 1848, reorganized the 
 congregation and adopted a constitution, in accordance with the 
 Evangelical Lutheran Church. 
 
 The corner-stone for the building was laid April 20, 1849, and 
 the edifice dedicated November 4, 1849, by Rev. Uhl. 
 694 
 
MT. Z10N, BAKERSVILLE 
 
 The church was built at Bakersville and name changed from 
 "Laurel Hill" to Mt. Zion. 
 
 The pastors of the congregation began their labors at the fol- 
 lowing dates: Rev. William Uhl, 1847; Rev. A. Babb, 1852; 
 Rev. Witmer, 1857; Rev. G. M. Pile, i860; Rev. L. Gerhardt, 
 1861 ; Rev. J. P. Hentz, 1866. Rev. Hentz was the last of the 
 Somerset pastors, the congregation being a part of the Lavans- 
 ville-Bakersville charge since. Rev. Winecoff, 1872 ; Rev. D. 
 Earhart, 1873; Rev - Sieber, 1876; Rev. J. F. Kuhlman, 1882; 
 Rev. Remsberg, 1886; Rev. E. Manges, 1886; Rev. Gephart. 
 
 MT. ZION, BAKERSVILLE, PA. 
 
 1893; R ev - S. A. Zimbeck, 1904; Rev. Petrea, 1910. At present 
 there are 255 members in congregation. 
 
 The Sunday school was organized at time of organization of 
 the church and has grown and prospered in proportion with 
 growth of church. The membership of school, with all its 
 departments, exceeds that of the church. 
 
 In the year 1886, under Rev. Remsberg, this congregation 
 organized a Christian Endeavor Society, which was one of the 
 first in the Alleghany Synod. This society at present has nearly 
 
 695 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 ioo members and the society, with the Sunday school, are great 
 helpers of the church. 
 
 The officers of the church at present are : Elders, Samuel 
 Friedline, W. H. H. Knupp, W. B. Putman; Deacons, W. H. 
 Bruner, Josiah Beck, James Friedline. 
 
 We have now a Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary 
 Society, also a Young People's Mission Band. 
 
 The following ministers were sent out from this congrega- 
 tion : Rev. Charles Jacobs, Rev. Shile Miller, Rev. Charles 
 Baker, Rev. S. A. Shaulis, Rev. Charles Brugh (Reformed), 
 Rev. H. A. Brugh. 
 
 Two young men, Dwight Putman and Samuel Shaulis, Jr., are 
 now in preparation for the ministry. 
 
 This little congregation, backed by men and women of great 
 faith and energy, and upheld by higher power and influence, had 
 grown and prospered until their little church was not large 
 enough. So their first church edifice was torn down, and in 
 1905, on February 14, they laid the corner-stone for the new or 
 present building, and formally dedicated it to the worship and 
 service of the true God on July 4, 1905, their former pastor, 
 Rev. C. F. Gephart, preaching the dedicatory sermon. 
 
 It is a beautiful little church of frame structure, and these 
 good people can justly feel proud of results from efforts put forth 
 in earnestness. 
 
 This congregation is a fairly strong one in numbers, but may 
 be denoted a "Hercules" in working power. Their grandparents 
 and parents before them have left them a spirit of activity in 
 God's service ; and to-day, few schools of God's word bear a 
 better record per membership. 
 
 This charge has successfully withstood satan for about seventy- 
 five years, and no man can tell what has been done for God. Time 
 alone can efface it and bring its labors to an end. 
 
 MT. ZION EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
 
 MEYERSDALE, PA. 
 
 Rev. J. Luther Fronts, Pastor 
 Early in 185 1, Rev. Elias Fair, of Berlin, began holding serv- 
 ices here in the "Red Schoolhouse," on the High School grounds, 
 696 
 
AIT. Z10N, MEYERSDALE 
 
 and organized a Lutheran congregation. Later the lot on North 
 Main Street was purchased jointly by the Lutheran and Re- 
 formed people, for $125, the deed received November 11, 1854, 
 and the union church which had been erected, dedicated (perhaps 
 September 3, 1854), with the name of Amity. The building 
 committee consisted of Levi Heckart, John Bowers, Frederick 
 Measman, Adolphus Just, Conrad M. Hicks. The following 
 persons were members : Joseph Keim, Peter Kessler, Catharine 
 dinger, Margaret Shultz, Mary A. Albright, John J. Hicks, 
 Catharine Geary, Catharine Walker, Elizabeth Keim, Frederick 
 
 ZION EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, MEYERSDALE 
 
 Smearman, Alexander Walker, Christopher Shiver, Catharine 
 Herring, Wilhelmina Smearman, Miss Harriet Hicks, Miss Bar- 
 bara Yorty, Miss Mary E. Yorty. 
 
 The building was a single story, frame, 40 by 30 feet, with 
 belfry, bell and spire, and cost about $2,800. Considerable funds 
 were secured in Baltimore by Conrad Hicks. For more than 
 twenty years this building was used on alternate Sundays by the 
 Lutheran and Reformed congregations. In 1857, Mr. Simon 
 Bittner, a Lutheran, was elected a deacon by the joint vote of 
 both; pastors were supported also conjointly, without reference 
 to creed, evidences of amity in more than name. This building 
 is now a private residence. 
 
 October 28, 1865; Rev. John Forthman reorganized the Luther- 
 
 697 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 ans under the name of St. James' Evangelical Lutheran Church, 
 which was as such received into Synod. The first report to 
 Synod ( 1866) shows twenty communicants, forty Sunday school 
 scholars and eight teachers. At the first communion, held Octo- 
 her 29, 1865, the following communed : Joseph Keim, Joseph 
 Baldwin, Lucinda Baldwin, Alexander Walker, Peter Gumbert, 
 John Smith, William Smith, Lydia Keim, Dinah Enos, Catharine 
 dinger, Catharine Walker, Mary Miller, Catharine Geary, 
 A. Altmiller, Eliza Finefrock, Harriet Staub, Catharine Shunk. 
 The following council was chosen the same day : Elders, Joseph 
 Baldwin, Alexander Walker ; deacons, Joseph Keim, Joseph Bald- 
 win ; trustees, Joseph Keim, Alexander Walker. 
 
 September 22, 1874, a lot situated east of the old public school 
 building was purchased for $300, for a Lutheran church. This 
 lot and an additional $300 were given for another more suitable 
 lot, fronting forty-five feet on Main Street, June 19, 1876, by 
 H. J. Friedline, W. H. Zufall and Solomon Grine, trustees. 
 These men, for the congregation, let a contract August 7, 1876, 
 for a frame church to be erected thereon, to Daniel Schultz, 
 35 by 5° feet, story sixteen feet high, arched ceiling, stained 
 glass windows, with vestibule, belfry and spire. The congrega- 
 tion, which had been meeting in the old schoolhouse and the 
 union church, all the Lutheran interest in which had been sold 
 to the Reformed people in 1875 for the sum of $775, met in the 
 union church, August 16, 1876, and after a sermon by Rev. Pof- 
 fenberger, on 1 Cor. 3 : 11, led by Pastor Koser, proceeded to the 
 new foundation for the corner-stone laying. The pastor was 
 assisted here by Rev. Whetstone, of Somerset. A sum of .$318 
 was subscribed toward the building that day. The membership 
 was only eleven communicants. On August 27, 1876, after re- 
 ceiving "a goodly number" of new members, the following com- 
 muned : W. M. Wadsworth, Mary E. Hammond, Henry J. 
 Ebbecka, Susan Beynon, Harriet Livengood, Christian Fisher, 
 Augusta Fisher, C. P. Heffley, Ellen C. Heffley, John Wolf, Caro- 
 line W r olf, Ellen Bittner, Elizabeth May, Andrew Shultz. 
 
 The dedication took place July 29, 1877. Rev. W'hetstone 
 1 (reaching the sermon from Hab. 2:20, Revs. Poffenberger, 
 Pfahler and Spangler also being present. The building, plas- 
 tered, frescoed, painted, with walnut furniture, was neat, modern 
 698 
 
MT. ZION, MEYERSDALE 
 
 and comfortable, its cost complete over $3,000. It received the 
 name of Alt. Zion. The few who sacrificed so nobly for its 
 realization deserve great credit. 
 
 Supply pastors from Berlin charge: Rev. Eli Fair, 185 1 to 
 1856; Rev. Philip Sheeder, 1856 to i860; occasional services by 
 various ministers during i860 to 1864; Rev. Jesse Winecoff, 1864 
 to 1865. 
 
 Supply pastors from Salisbury: Rev. John Forthman, 1865 to 
 1867; Rev. M. F. Pfahler, 1868 to 1873; Rev. I. B. Crist served 
 Meyersdale, Garrett and Rockwood, residing in Meyersdale, 
 
 1873 to 1874; Rev. D. Earhart (supply sent by conference), 
 
 1874 to 1875 ; Rev. J. A. Koser, 1875 to 1878. By action of the 
 joint council, the Meyersdale congregation was made a part of 
 the Elk Lick charge, consisting then of Salisbury, St. Paul, Cen- 
 ter, Greenville and Meyersdale. Rev. J. Milton Snyder, 1878 
 to 1884. 
 
 Pastor Snyder served the five congregations above till Octo- 
 ber 18, 1879, giving each congregation one service every two 
 weeks, with two communions each yearly. At this date, Synod 
 having approved (September 4, 1879), the withdrawal of the 
 Fritz Church from the Berlin charge, and the Meyersdale from 
 Salisbury, these two were united as a pastorate, and Rev. Snyder 
 became pastor, removing to Meyersdale. He also served Garrett 
 as a supply, during 1883 and 1884. This congregation numbered 
 about 150 members at this time. He prepared detailed histories 
 of these two churches, which are yet in existence. 
 
 The Meyersdale Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary 
 Society organized May 8, 1882, with twenty members and the 
 following officers : President, Mrs. A. W. Gassman ; vice-presi- 
 dent, Mrs. W. H. Zufall ; recording secretary, Mrs. G. W. Day ; 
 corresponding secretary, Mrs. G. L. Benford ; treasurer, Mrs. 
 J. T. Shipley. 
 
 A bell was purchased, weight 1,300 pounds, and placed in the 
 belfry, January 20, 1881, now on the new church on Center 
 Street. The audience room was repainted and repapered in 
 1883. Total benevolence contributed during this pastorate. $189. 
 The balance of the church debt was paid October 31, 1883, as a 
 part of the celebration of the 400th birthday of Luther. Novem- 
 ber 13-14, 1883, the church opened its doors to a celebration of 
 
 699 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 this event by the local pastors and the Lutheran ministers of the 
 county. 
 
 Rev. M. L. Young, Ph.D., August 24, 1884, to August 18, 1889. 
 The list of communicants was increased by 103, and totaled 250 
 at the close of this pastorate. The Synodical Missionary Society 
 were guests August 17-18, 1886. 
 
 Rev. J. W. Byers, Ph.D., D.D., December 1, 1889, to Decem- 
 ber, 1, 1891. 
 
 Rev. B. B. Collins, April 1, 1892, to April 1, 1906. Pastor 
 Collins introduced quarterly communions and led the congrega- 
 tion to numbers and influence. His material monument is the 
 present house of worship. 
 
 This structure, a combination of Romanesque and Gothic, 
 is unusually pleasing and churchly. It has an octagonal domed 
 ceiling, supported by pilasters, fine art windows, oak finish and 
 furniture, artistically frescoed and lighted. It stands on ground 
 purchased in 1895 for $3,000, including a brick house, now the 
 parsonage. Its present value is more than ten times that amount. 
 The cost of the church and improvements to the parsonage were 
 $26,000. 
 
 The corner-stone was laid August 9, 1899, the sermon being 
 preached by Rev. E. S. Johnston, D.D. Revs. Welch and P. 
 Bergstresser were also present, as also Revs. A. E. Truxall, D.D., 
 and J. H. Knepper, local pastors. The building committee was 
 S. B. Philson,J. C. Speicher, J. H. Pfahler, H. J. Ebbecka and 
 J. G. Mognet. 
 
 Services of dedication were held February 10, 1901, the pastor 
 assisted by many local Lutheran and other brethren, and by 
 Rev. J. W. Poffenberger, whose soliciting secured the needed 
 funds ($6,000) to dedicate free of debt. 
 
 Pastor Collins, whose ashes lie in the local cemetery, has also 
 as memorials the cherished memory of all who knew him. 
 
 This congregation has furnished one pastor, Rev. Charles H. 
 Tilp, and one pastor's wife, Mrs. C. H. Tilp, nee Shipley, to the 
 Church at large; also, Miss Grace Kendall to preside over a 
 Presbyterian manse. 
 
 Rev. Charles P. MacLaughlin, D.D., October 1, 1906, to Octo- 
 ber 1, 1910. Under this energetic and resourceful pastor, a 
 Brotherhood was organized (1906), and a basement room pro- 
 
FIRST, PORTAGE 
 
 vided for their meetings, a fine pipe organ installed, and the musi- 
 cal and liturgical elements of worship emphasized by vested 
 junior choir and altar colors and decorations. The twentieth 
 anniversary of the congregation as a separate pastorate was cele- 
 brated September 19, 1909, lay addresses being delivered by S. B. 
 Philson, Hon. S. A. Kendall and Hon. W. H. Floto, members. 
 
 Rev. John A. Yount, March 1, 191 1, to December 1, 1913. 
 Many minor improvements and repairs were made, $2,644 gi ven 
 to benevolence, 116 members received, and a total of $8,753 con " 
 tributed for all purposes, and a quickened interest in all church 
 and mission work rewarded this pastor's fervent zeal and conse- 
 crated service. 
 
 Rev. D. W. Michael, June 3, 1914, to July 9, 1916. The larg- 
 est amount of benevolence ($1,200) ever paid marked the first 
 pastoral year; 150 adults received to membership and a Sunday 
 school of 400 were some of the fruits of this very congenial rela- 
 tionship, reluctantly severed. 
 
 Rev. J. Luther Frantz, from the United Synod in the South, 
 accepted the charge, December 10, 19 17. He brought to the par- 
 sonage, February 17. 1917, a bride, who was Miss Beulah Love 
 Eckel, of Knoxville, Tenn. 
 
 PORTAGE-GALITZIN PASTORATE 
 
 Rev. B. R. M. Sheedcr, Pastor 
 
 First Lutheran Church, Portage 
 
 The first Lutheran minister to preach here was Rev. Samuel 
 Croft, of ^'ilmore, Md., who began in the spring of 1872. A 
 congregation of ten charter members was organized August 21, 
 1872. to which twenty-one were soon added. 
 
 The coal company furnished the ground and material for the 
 building, a frame building, 28 by 45 feet, costing about $1,200. 
 The overseer of the erection was Mr. J. C. Martin, who later 
 gave the Lutheran congregation a deed for the same. It was dedi- 
 cated October 20, 1872, Revs. Dr. Conrad, Fink and Rev. Hart- 
 sock assisting. As the town had only about fifteen houses, the 
 edifice was considered a "union" church, and served as such for 
 the Protestants of the entire community. 
 
 701 
 
SOMERSE T CONFERENCE 
 
 Mr. Martin and others later joined the other congregations, 
 and the history of the church is a story of struggle and largely 
 failure, until the recent years. 
 
 It was served by Rev. Settlemeyer from Wilmore during 1874. 
 Other pastors followed at intervals, about as follows, supplying 
 from Wilmore or Lilly: 1884 and 1885, Rev. P. G. Bell; 1887 
 and 1888, Rev. John N. Unruh. 
 
 THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN' CHURCH OF PORTAGE, PA. 
 
 The membership increased from five to forty-two, with $50 
 reported to Synod. In 1889, Rev. Shile Miller. September 27, 
 1891, a reorganization was effected by Rev. B. B. Collins, travel- 
 ing secretary of Synod, with twenty-two members. In 1892 an 
 application was made to Synod by "Luther's Monumental Con- 
 gregation," of Portage, for admission. Synod asks that it adopt 
 the formula of government and the constitution provided by the 
 General Synod, and promises a reception then to it, to be a part 
 702 
 
FIRST, PORTAGE 
 
 of the Lilly charge. It is cared for this year by Rev. O. F. 
 Harshman. 
 
 In 1893 and 1894, this congregation of eighteen members, with 
 "Puritan," of ten members, is cared for by Joseph Minto, not a 
 member of Alleghany Synod. 
 
 In 1896, Rev. I. P. Hawkins supplies Portage, Martinsdale and 
 Jamestown, the first two points with fourteen members each, the 
 last with fifteen. During 1897, he supplies Portage and Puritan. 
 Rev. Isaac Krider supplies Portage, Martinsdale and Patton dur- 
 ing 1899, with eleven, four and eight members respectively. 
 
 It is "vacant" now until 1905, when it disappears from the 
 parochial reports. The Lilly pastors again take it up, beginning 
 with Rev. J. C. Dunlap, Ph.D., in 1906, who reports fifteen mem- 
 bers; property valued at $3,000. He is succeeded in 191 1 by 
 Rev. P. H. Miller, who reports eighteen members. Rev. P. H. 
 Ketterman reports, in 1912, eighteen, and in 1913, twenty mem- 
 bers. Rev. H. W. Bender supplies during 1914. 
 
 July 9, 191 5, for the first time, a pastor comes to reside among 
 them, Rev. B. R. M. Sheeder. Seeing the great need of a church 
 building suited to the times and place, amidst a commercial popu- 
 lation of about 10,000 souls, and the growing opportunities for 
 our church, it was unanimously agreed upon, at a congregational 
 meeting held October 9, 191 5, to commence the erection of a new 
 church in the spring following. 
 
 This enterprise was commenced, and on October 22, 1916, the 
 corner-stone was laid, Revs. L. P. Young, D.D., R. D. Clare and 
 R. H. Bergstresser delivering sermons during the day, with local 
 pastors assisting. 
 
 This church, commodious, churchly, and well suited to all pur- 
 poses, and regarded by experts as the best in the town, has been 
 erected, a cut of which appears in connection with this brief 
 history. 
 
 The church was dedicated May 27, 19 17, Revs. J. E. Bittle, 
 D.D., R. D. Clare and A. B. Van Ormer, Pd.D., preaching the 
 sermons during the day, the last named delivering the dedicatory 
 sermon proper. 
 
 Dr. Young conducted the worship of offerings, the pastor 
 performing the act of dedication. 
 
 Pre-dedicatorv services were held during the preceding week 
 
 703 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 and Monday following, during which Revs. F. S. Schultz, S. N. 
 Carpenter, D.D., F. R. Wagner, D.D., W. A. Shipman, D.D., L. P. 
 Young, D.D., and H. E. Berkey, preached on respective evenings. 
 
 The church plant has grown from practically nothing to pos- 
 sess a property worth from $18,000 to $20,000. 
 
 From this period virtually a new congregation and a new his- 
 tory have sprung. There is now a growing Sabbath school, an 
 active Ladies' Aid Society, and Sewing Circle, well equipped to 
 do aggressive work. Much new material has been added, new 
 life infused, and the future is full of promise. 
 
 St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church 
 gallitzin, pa. 
 
 This congregation was organized September 4, 1887, by Rev. 
 P. G. Bell with forty-nine charter members. For awhile they 
 worshiped in a private house, but later what is now the Pres- 
 byterian church was erected by general subscriptions, and both 
 the Lutheran and the Presbyterian congregations worshiped in 
 it. Rev. Bell resigned September 1, 1890. Rev. O. F. Harshman, 
 Lilly, supplied during 1891, reporting fifteen members. 
 
 The sainted Rev. E. J. Metzler, of St. Paul's, Altoona, served 
 as a supply from this time till his death May 10, 1905, with the 
 exception of 1903, when it was left without pastoral care. The 
 membership had increased to thirty-eight communicants. 
 
 Rev. J. H. Houseman served from Juniata from June 24, 1905, 
 to February 12, 1906. 
 
 About July, ,1906, Rev. William Hoffman became pastor. 
 
 Plans were already on foot for a new church. A committee 
 was appointed July 10, and on the twenty-fourth reported plans 
 which were accepted and work started. On September 30, the 
 corner-stone was laid. Rev. P. G. Bell preached the sermon and 
 Rev. C. E. Smith assisted in the services. 
 
 On September 15, 1907, the church was dedicated. The 
 ministers present were Revs. H. L. Yarger, D.D., J. H. House- 
 man. J. H. Dunlap, Ph.D., and J. E. Pleindel. Subsequent serv- 
 ices were given by Dr. A. E. W'agner and Dr. C. E. Keller. Mr. 
 Schultz, an active layman of the church, was architect, contractor 
 and financier, and secured splendid architectural results, the 
 finest Protestant church in the community, at a cost of $10,600. 
 704 
 
ST. JOHN'S (SANNER'S) 
 
 Rev. Hoffman resigned July i, 1909, reporting 127 members. 
 
 From October, 1909, to September, 1910, Rev. D. S. Hafer 
 served this place in connection with Cresson. 
 
 Rev. Hoffman is pastor a second time, January 4, 191 1, to 
 March 31, 1912. He reported 100 members. 
 
 A vacancy now occurs until the coming of the present pastor, 
 Rev. B. R. M. Sheeder, July 10, 191 5. The number of members 
 reported to Synod October, 1916, was sixty, and a debt on the 
 congregation of $3,700. Both pastor and people feel that a better 
 day and brighter history for St. John's is not far distant. 
 
 ROCKWOOD CHARGE 
 Rev. John Erler, Ph.D., Pastor 
 
 St. John's (Sanner's) Evangelical Lutheran Church 
 black township, somerset county, pa. 
 
 Tradition credits the beginning of this congregation to the 
 work of Rev. John Wolf Lizel as early as 1783, and to his 
 successor, the Rev. John Michael Steck from 1789 to 1792, but 
 its recorded congregational history begins with the pastoral labors 
 of Rev. Frederick William Lange, who served from 1795 to 181 1, 
 and was followed in order of succession as pastors by the Revs. 
 Ernest Henry Tiedeman in the year 1812-1819; Jacob Criegler 
 (Berlin charge), 1819-1834; George Leiter (Berlin charge), 
 1834-1836; Charles Rees (Berlin charge), 1836-1840; Charles 
 Rees (Centreville charge), 1841-1842; supplied from other 
 charges, 1842-1845; Michael Frederick Pfahler (Centreville 
 charge), 1845-1848; William Uhl (supply), 1848-1849; Samuel 
 B. Lawson (Salisbury charge), 1849-1850; Solomon McHenry 
 (Centreville charge), 1851-1854; Jacob K. Bricker (Centreville 
 charge), 1854-1857; John Tomlinson (Centreville charge), 1857- 
 1861 ; Charles Young (Centreville charge), 1862-1864; Josiah 
 Zimmerman (Centreville charge), 1865-1869; Reuben Smith 
 (Centreville charge), 1870-1873; I. B. Crist (a new charge), 
 [873-1874; supplied (Smith, of Centreville), 1 874-1 875 ; John 
 X. Unruh (Centreville charge), 1876-1881 ; John Buehler Shoup 
 (Rockwood charge), 1881-1883; L. N. Fleck (Rockwood 
 charge), 1884-1888; William H. Settlemyer (Rockwood charge). 
 1888-1892; Peter Bergstresser, D.D. (Rockwood charge), 1893- 
 
 705 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 1901 ; J. Calvin Fasold (Rockwood charge), 1901-1903; H. Clin- 
 ton Salem (Rockwood charge), 1904-1905; Charles H. Day 
 (Rockwood charge), 1905-1908; Daniel S. Kurtz (Rockwood 
 charge), 1908-1914; John Erler, PhD., 1915 
 
 On the title page of the old church record is written in the 
 German language in the handwriting of the Rev. Frederick 
 William Lange, "The church book of the Evangelical congrega- 
 tion in Milford Township, Somerset County, Pa., 1795." The 
 first record of infant baptism made in this book is that of March 
 25, 1795, in Rev. Lange's handwriting. There is, however, tra- 
 ditional evidence that there was a log building erected for church 
 and school purposes as early as 1783, in which the pioneers of 
 this congregation heard the gospel preached that' led to the 
 organization of the congregation which was known as the Evan- 
 gelical Lutheran congregation, and worshiped together with 
 another Evangelical congregation in the building that was after- 
 ward erected on the plot of ground which James Wilson and his 
 wife, Rebecca, gave by deed on March 26, 1814, to John Gephart, 
 Jr., and Jonathan Miller, trustees of the Lutheran and Presbyte- 
 rian (i.e., Reformed) Societies for the consideration of ten cents, 
 and the love, respect and esteem in which they held both societies. 
 This plot, containing two acres of ground, was a part of the 400 
 acres of land Mr. Wilson had surveyed on March 4, 181 1, and 
 covering the ground on which had been built a log church build- 
 ing and a schoolhouse, and including the cemetery. The said 
 church building was 25 by 30 feet in dimension, with galleries on 
 three sides, but never reached completion as designed. An 
 agreement was written between the two congregations that each 
 denomination shall have an equal right to the privileges and in 
 the property of the above conveyance. 
 
 The Rev. Ernest Henry Tiedeman was licensed to preach by 
 the Pennsylvania Ministerium in 1812, and was appointed mis- 
 sionary to travel for three months in the State of Ohio and the 
 western part of Pennsylvania. A special meeting of the Western 
 Conference, which included all the ministers west of the Alle- 
 ghany Mountains, was held on December 12, 181 2, in Washington 
 County, Pa., at which Rev. Tiedeman was urged to take charge 
 of the vacant congregations in Somerset County, which he did 
 until the time of Synod in 181 3. He then became the regular 
 706 
 
ST. JOHN'S (SANNER'S) 
 
 pastor of Somerset, Samuel's, Berlin, Stoyestown, Gebhard's 
 and Sanner's which had united in a call which Synod ratified. In 
 1818, the charge was divided by the Western Conference in 
 forming the Berlin charge, and Rev. Tiedeman resigned as pastor 
 of Berlin, Gebhard's, Sanner's and Pine Hill congregations, but 
 retained, to form the Somerset charge, Somerset, Samuel's, Fried- 
 ens, and Stoyestown. He died in serving Schellsburg, Bedford 
 and other points. 
 
 On April 1, 1819, Rev. Jacob Criegler took charge of Berlin 
 pastorate, and in June of the same year a letter to Synod desired 
 Rev. Criegler to become pastor of this congregation which was 
 granted. He resigned on April 1, 1834, and moved to Florence, 
 Boone County, Kentucky. As part of the Berlin charge this 
 congregation was served by Revs. George Leiter from May, 1834, 
 to May 1, 1836, and by Rev. Charles Rees from May 1, 1836, to 
 May 1, 1840. On May 1, 1841, Rev. Charles Rees, as the pastor 
 of the Centreville charge, served this congregation the second 
 time and closed his labors here on August 1, 1842. 
 
 From 1842 to 1845, ^ was dependent upon supplies from 
 various sources. In the year 1845, on April 1, the Rev. Michael 
 Frederick Pfahler took charge of the Centreville Mission, but 
 seldom preached here. He resigned on April 1, 1848. In 1849, 
 Rev. William Uhl, from Somerset, Pa., supplied them with 
 preaching, and reclaimed the congregation from the intrusions 
 made by pastors of other denominations. He served one year 
 and was succeeded by Rev. Samuel B. Lawson, of the Salisbury 
 charge, who supplied from 1849 to the close of the year 1850. 
 
 On January 1, 1851, Rev. Solomon McHenry became pastor 
 and resigned on April 1, 1854. On November 1, 1854, Rev. 
 Jacob K. Bricker took charge of the Centreville pastorate and 
 resigned on May 1, 1857. On the same day the Rev. John 
 Tomlinson began his labors in this field and resigned his office on 
 September 15, 1861. On April 1, 1862, Rev. Charles Young 
 became pastor of the Centreville charge, but seldom preached in 
 this congregation. He resigned on December 15, 1864. Rev. 
 Josiah Zimmerman served the Centreville charge from February 
 15, 1865, to February 15, 1869, but only occasionally preached at 
 Sanner's Church. 
 
 On July 20, 1870, Rev. Reuben Smith began his labors in the 
 
 707 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 Centreville charge, and occasionally preached for this congrega- 
 tion. On October 3, 1871, the two congregations worshiping at 
 Sanner's Church met to take counsel in regard to the matter of 
 rebuilding the church. They agreed to rebuild on the old con- 
 stitutional privileges of equal rights to each denominational con- 
 gregation, and the following building committee was nominated 
 and elected : Lutheran, George Humbert and Levi Sanner ; 
 Reformed, David Wabel and Peter J. Baker. They proceeded to 
 build. The papers and money in the old corner-stone of 1809 
 were found in a good state of preservation, and were redeposited 
 in the corner-stone of the new church building without the pres- 
 ence of a minister. Hence there was no list preserved of the 
 contents of the corner-stone. When this church building was 
 finished, neither the Lutheran nor the German Reformed 
 minister would dedicate this union church and so it stood undedi- 
 cated. It was a one-story frame building, 30 by 40 feet, having 
 a cupola and bell, and cost $800 to erect it. In 1873, Rev. Smith 
 ceased to supply them with preaching, and on January 1, 1875, 
 resigned. Because of this the Sanner's congregation, together 
 with the Meyersdale, Garret, Center and other congregations 
 formed a new charge and called Rev. I. B. Crist to become their 
 pastor on October 1, 1873. He accepted the call but left them 
 in June of the following year. The pastor of the Centreville 
 charge supplied them with preaching until January 1, 1876, when 
 Rev. John N. Unruh became pastor of the Centreville charge 
 and supplied them with week-day evening preaching until he 
 resigned on October 18, 1881. From this date on it became a 
 part of the Rock wood charge, and was served by the same pastors 
 as that charge. Under the pastoral care of Rev. Charles H. Day 
 in Kjo'i. having purchased the interests of the German Reformed 
 congregation, the Lutheran congregation erected a beautiful 
 church building, and removed the old "Baker Church" building 
 from the premises. A congregation of fifty members now wor- 
 ship here. 
 
 During the Lenten season of 1916, the pastor. Dr. John Erler, 
 issued a pastoral letter calling upon the congregation to bring a 
 Lenten self-denial offering into the house of God with which 
 to pay off the mortgage and notes left since the erection of the 
 new church. 
 708 
 
EMANUEL, BLACK TOWNSHIP, SOMERSET COUNTY 
 
 In the fall of the same year, after a Sunday service, the pastor 
 burned the mortgage and notes, leaving this church entirely 
 without any debt. 
 
 The church was repainted and redecorated during the same 
 year. 
 
 This church was incorporated in the year of 1916 under the 
 laws of the State as St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church. 
 
 Emanuel, or Laurel Evangelical Lutheran Church 
 black township, somerset county, pa. . 
 
 If there was preaching in this vicinity prior to 1819, there is 
 no record of it to which we have access. The records of this 
 congregation begin with the ministry of Rev. Jacob Criegler. who 
 probably was the first Lutheran minister to preach regularlv in 
 this community. The Lutheran families attended services in the 
 church at New Centreville, and even during the first vear of 
 Rev. Criegler's preaching they attended communion services 
 there, though they attended the services he held in the YVeimer's 
 Schoolhouse where he began to preach. He closed his pastoral 
 labors at Laurel Church on April 1, 1834, which he served as 
 part of the Berlin charge. He was succeeded by the following 
 pastors : 
 
 Revs. George Leiter (Berlin Charge), 1834- 1836; Charles 
 Rees (Berlin charge), 1 836-1 843 ; Jesse Winecoff (Berlin 
 charge), 1843-1845 ; Michael F. Pfahler (Centreville Charge), 
 1845-1848; Samuel B. Lawson (Salisbury charge), 1849-1850; 
 Solomon McHenry (Centreville charge), 1851-1854; Jacob K. 
 Bricker (Centreville charge), 1854-1857; John Tomlinson (Cen- 
 treville charge), 1857-186 1 ; Charles Young (Centreville charge), 
 1862-1864; Josiah Zimmerman (Centreville charge), 1865-1869; 
 Reuben Smith (Centreville charge), 1 870-1 875 ; John N. Unruh 
 (Centreville charge), 1876-1881 ; John Buehler Shoup (Rock- 
 wood charge), 1881-1883; L. N. Fleck (Rockwood charge), 1884- 
 1888; William H. Settlemyer (Rockwood charge), 1888-1892; 
 Peter Bergstresser, D.D. (Rockwood charge), 1893-1901 ; J. 
 Calvin Fasold (Rockwood charge), 1901-1903; H. Clinton Salem 
 (Rockwood charge), 1 904-1 905 ; Charles H. Day (Rockwood 
 charge), 1905-1908; Daniel S. Kurtz (Rockwood charge), 1908- 
 
 1914; John Frier, Ph.D., 191 5 
 
 709 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 The organization of Emanuel congregation for permanency is 
 due to the work of the Rev. George Leiter, who, on May 31, 1835, 
 held his first communion at which twenty-nine were confirmed 
 and thirty-three communed. He did a great work here in a 
 short time. He resigned on May 1, 1836, and on June 1, 1836, 
 Rev. Charles Rees succeeded him. In 1837, a one-story frame 
 church building was erected on a lot of ground which Mr. 
 "Weimer donated to the congregation which was located about 
 thirty rods south of the old schoolhouse. The record of the dimen- 
 sions and what has become of the old church and when it was dedi- 
 cated are lost to view. Rev. Rees resigned in April, 1840, and 
 went to Masontown, Fayette County, Pa., but returned to take 
 charge of the Centreville pastorate on May 1, 1841, of which 
 Emanuel's congregation was to be a part, and when he resigned 
 on August 1, 1842, the Synod had not ratified the proposed for- 
 mation of the Centreville charge, which left Emanuel's congre- 
 gation without a place in the charge. Rev. Jesse Winecoff, the 
 pastor of the Berlin charge, supplied Emanuel's congregation, 
 holding his communion there on July 28, 1844, and closed his 
 labors on April 1, 1845, when Rev. Michael F. Pfahler took 
 charge of the Centreville pastorate to which Emanuel's congre- 
 gation then belonged. Rev. Pfahler resigned on April 1, 1848, 
 and they were without a pastor until April 1, 1849, when Rev. 
 Samuel B. Lawson, from the Salisbury charge, began to supply 
 them and continued until the close of the year 1850. 
 
 On January 1, 1851, Rev. Solomon McHenry accepted the call 
 from the Centreville charge, including Emanuel's congregation, 
 which he served until his resignation on April 1, 1854. On 
 November 1, 1854, Rev. Jacob K. Bricker entered upon his 
 duties as pastor and resigned his office on May 1, 1857. The 
 Rev. John Tomlinson accepted the call from the Centreville 
 charge on May 1, 1857, and resigned his office on September 15, 
 [861. He was followed by Rev. Charles Young on April 1, 1862, 
 who closed his labors on December 11, 1864. 
 
 ( )n February 15, 1865, Rev. Josiah Zimmerman began his work 
 in the charge. It was during his incumbency in office in 1867 
 that the new frame one-story church building was erected near 
 the site of the old church building. It was built 32 by 40 feet 
 and at a cost of $800. In February, 1869, he moved to the west. 
 710 
 
ST. LUKE'S, ROCKIVOOD 
 
 He was followed in office by Rev. Reuben Smith on July 20, 
 1870, and after laboring four and a half years resigned on 
 January 1, 1875. Rev. John N. Unruh entered the charge on 
 January 1, 1876, and resigned on October 18, 1881. On Decem- 
 ber 31, 1 88 1, the Rockwood pastorate was formed principally 
 out of congregations belonging to the Centreville charge, and 
 Emanuel's became a constituent part of it. On the same day. 
 Rev. John Buehler Shoup was elected to be pastor and entered 
 upon his duties in the charge at once. He resigned his office on 
 April 1, 1883. Rev. L. N. Fleck was installed as pastor of the 
 Rockwood charge, at Rockwood, Pa., on December 24, 1884, 
 and resigned his office on July 1, 1888. 
 
 All the other pastors were the same as those of the Rockwood 
 congregation. (See its history.) 
 
 This church was remodeled inside and out during the summer 
 of 191 5, and rededicated by the pastor, Dr. Erler, on Sunday, 
 October 31, 1915. 
 
 In June, 1916. the old tower of St. Luke's Church was removed 
 and added to this church giving it a vestibule entrance and a 
 very churchly appearance. 
 
 On Easter Sunday, 1917, the pastor dedicated anew 1000-pound 
 bell which had been placed in the tower of the church. 
 
 St. Luke's Evangelical Lutheran Church 
 rockwood, PA. 
 The Rev. Reuben Smith, of the Centreville charge, began to 
 hold preaching services in Mineral Point, which has since become 
 Rockwood, Pa., as early as 1870. The services in the beginning 
 were held in the Evangelical Church, then in the United Brethren 
 Church and later in the German Reformed Church. The congre- 
 gation was organized under the pastoral care of Rev. John N. 
 Unruh, of the Centreville charge. The exact date of the 
 organization is not recorded. It was at the close of the year 
 1881, when a division of the Centreville charge was being con- 
 sidered, which led to a meeting of delegates from the Emanuel's 
 (Laurel), Pines, Sanner's, Garret and Rockwood congregations, 
 which was held in the public school building in Rockwood, Pa., 
 on December 31, 1881. at which a new pastorate was formed and 
 named the "Rockwood charge," of the Alleghany Evangelical 
 
 711 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 Lutheran Synod. Immediately after this action was taken the 
 Rockwood congregation reorganized with the understanding that 
 the congregation thus organized and known as the "Messiah 
 Evangelical Lutheran Church, of Rockwood, Pa.," should be 
 governed by the "form of government" contained in the Book of 
 Worship of the General Synod Lutheran Church. At this meet- 
 ing Mr. John Stein was elected an elder, and James D. Critch- 
 field and R. H. Dull, deacons. 
 
 At the meeting on December 31, 1881, Rev. John Buehler 
 Shoup was elected the first pastor of the newly formed charge, 
 and entered at once upon his duties at a stipulated salary of $360 
 
 ST. LUKES EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, ROCKWOOD, PA. 
 
 per year. In the beginning of the year 1883, the above named 
 five congregations added the newly organized congregation at 
 Markleton to the Rockwood charge and increased the salary to 
 $500 per year, and urged him to stay with them. But Rev. 
 Shoup's acceptance of the Grantsville charge led him to resign 
 his office on April 1, 1883. 
 
 Rev. J. Milton Snyder, pastor at Meyersdale, supplied Rock- 
 wood congregation from January 1, 1884, to July 6, 1884. 
 
 On February 21, 1884, the Messiah congregation met in the 
 Evangelical Church, at Rockwood, Pa., when Rev. John W. Pof- 
 712 
 
ST. LUKE'S, ROCKWOOD 
 
 fenberger preached the sermon preparatory to a business meet- 
 ing that was held the following day at which steps were taken 
 toward the erection of a Lutheran church building in Rockwood. 
 A committee to secure a location and a lot of ground for a church 
 building was appointed to report at an adjourned meeting to be 
 held on March 21, 1884. The committee, consisting of Harrison 
 Snyder, Joseph D. Miller and W. H. H. Baker, were ready with 
 their report on March 21, 1884, and the meeting was held. 
 James D. Critchfield was chosen chairman, and Rev. J. H. Zinn, 
 the secretary. The committee reported that they had secured a 
 
 INTERIOR ST. LUKES EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, ROCKWOOD, PA. 
 
 very desirable lot on the corner of Market and Broadway Streets 
 for the sum of $100. Their report was adopted after which 
 elections for officers of the church were held, which resulted as 
 follows : Trustees, James D. Critchfield and R. H. Dull ; elders, 
 Harrison Snyder and John Stein; deacons, William H. H. Baker 
 and Jon. L. Bittner. A building committee was also chosen con- 
 sisting of Rev. J. W. Pofrenberger, Joseph D. Miller and John 
 Stein, and the plans and specifications for the building were then 
 presented and adopted, and the contract was duly awarded to 
 Messrs. A. Growall & Sons, of Rockwood, Pa. Strenuous efforts 
 
 713 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 to secure funds were amply repaid with great success. 
 
 On June 16, 1884, the corner-stone was laid by Rev. J. W. 
 Poffenberger, after an appropriate sermon was preached by Rev. 
 J. F. Shearer. Others present were Revs. J. H. Zinn, J. N. 
 Unruh, Luther Kuhlman and Hubler. 
 
 On December 14, 1884. the building was dedicated to the serv- 
 ice of God. Rev. J. H. Zinn preached the dedicatory sermon, 
 and Rev. J. W. Poffenberger conducted the liturgical services in 
 the morning. At the evening service the newly elected pastor, 
 Rev. L. N. Fleck, was installed in the Rockwood pastorate, the 
 Rev. J. H. Zinn delivering the charge to the congregation and 
 
 D. H. WOLFERSBURGER, ST. LUKE S„ ROCKWOOD, PA. 
 
 Rev. Hubler to the pastor. The church was a beautiful one-story 
 frame building, 50 by 35 feet, erected at a cost of about $2,500, 
 and was a model of economy. Prior to the dedication a week of 
 evening services were held in which Revs. Taylor, Shearer, 
 Hubler, Zinn, Young. Kuhlman, Welch, Poffenberger and Fleck 
 participated. 
 
 The congregation changed its name and title from "Messiah" 
 to "St. Luke's" at its reorganization. On February 3, 1885, the 
 ( iarret congregation withdrew from the Rockwood charge, leaving 
 Rockwood, Emanuel's, Pines and Sanner's congregations to con- 
 stitute the charge. Rev. L. \. Fleck resigned this charge on 
 714 
 
ST. LUKE'S, ROCK WOOD 
 
 July i, 1888, and on September 15, 1888, Rev. William H. Settle- 
 myer became the pastor, and completed the building of a parson- 
 age for which preparation was made under the ministrations of 
 Rev. Fleck. 
 
 The Rockwood charge had purchased a parsonage on Main 
 Street, Rockwood, Pa., of which the record of May 12, 1883, has 
 minutes. It was ordered to be sold on March 19, 1887, and the 
 sale was effected. The proceeds of the sale were used in the 
 purchase of two lots on Broadway Street, adjoining the church 
 property, and in building the new parsonage on them in 1889. 
 
 HON. C. J. HEMMIXGER, M.D., ST. LUKES, ROCKWOOD 
 
 The cost of the parsonage was $1,527.92 on which a debt 
 remained of $500 till the close of 1892. Rev. Settlemyer closed 
 his labors here on December 15, 1892. After a vacancy of nine 
 and a half months Rev. Peter Bergstresser, D.D., was called on 
 September 1, 1893, and was pastor for nearly eight years, closing 
 his labors in 1901. 
 
 On March 1, 1901, Rev. J. Calvin Fasold began his ministry 
 in this charge, and after two years' service resigned on March 1, 
 1903. He was succeeded by Rev. H. Clinton Salem, on February 
 
 715 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 2, 1904, who remained in the charge till April 2, 1905, when he 
 resigned. 
 
 Rev. Charles H. Day became the pastor of this charge on June 
 11, 1905, and resigned his office in June, 1908. 
 
 On December 12, 1908, the writer of this sketch, Rev. Daniel 
 S. Kurtz, entered upon his labors in this field. He was 
 installed in office on February 28, 1909, by Revs. Levi P. Young 
 and I. Hess Wagner, who delivered the charges to the congrega- 
 tion and pastor. 
 
 The following pastors served in the order of their succession : 
 
 HARRISON SNYDER, ST. LUKE S, ROCKWOOD 
 
 Revs. John N. Unruh ( Centreville charge), 1876-1881 ; John 
 Buehler Shoup (Rockwood charge), 1881-1883; J. Milton Snyder 
 (supply), 1884; L. N. Fleck (Rockwood charge), 1884-1888; 
 William H. Settlemyer (Rockwood charge), 1888-1892; Peter 
 Bergstresser, D.D. (Rockwood charge), 1893-1901 ; J. Calvin 
 Fasold (Rockwood charge), 1901-1903; H. Clinton Salem (Rock- 
 wood charge), 1904-1905; Charles H. Day (Rockwood charge), 
 1905-1908; Daniel S. Kurtz (Rockwood charge), 1 908-1914; 
 John Frier, Ph.D. (Rockwood charge), 191 5- 
 716 
 
ST. LUKE'S, ROCKWOOD 
 
 Additional Sketch by Rev. John Erler 
 
 On January 18, 191 5, a call was extended to the Rev. John 
 Erler, Ph.D., of New York City, N. Y. This call was accepted 
 on February 25, and the pastorate assumed on March 1 of the 
 same year. 
 
 During the first year of this pastorate large classes of adults 
 were received at every communion into the fellowship of the 
 church. The Sunday school grew rapidly also. 
 
 The parsonage was remodeled and every modern convenience 
 installed at a cost of about $1,200, which amount was raised and 
 paid for at the end of the year. 
 
 On November 9, the church council met at the home of Dr. 
 Saylor with the architects, Messrs. Fulton and Butler, of Union- 
 town, Pa., to consider the feasibility of a new church edifice. 
 
 It was then and there decided to have proposed plans prepared 
 by the architects. At a congregational meeting held on January 
 2, 1 9 16, the congregation voted unanimously in favor of the 
 proposed plans of a solid brick building, 92 by 96 feet. A can- 
 vass was made and $8,000 was secured on share cards. 
 
 On June 6, 1916, the contract for the proposed building was 
 let to Roy D. Hostetler. In the early part of June the old 
 church was moved and ground broken. On August 2J, the cor- 
 ner-stone was laid by the pastor, the following participating in 
 the services : Revs. I. Hess Wagner. R. D. Clare, L. L. Sieber, 
 D.D. 
 
 During the time of the erection $2,000 more was secured by the 
 untiring efforts of the pastor through memorial windows in 
 church and Sunday school, pulpit and altar furnishings, etc., 
 bringing the sum total prior to the dedication to $10,000. The new 
 sanctuary was dedicated by the pastor on Sunday, June 10, 1917. 
 
 The following pastors participated: L. P. Young, D.D., F. R. 
 Wagner, D.D., H. B. Burkholder, R. D. Clare, Simon Snyder. 
 The sum raised on the day of dedication amounted to $8,000, 
 bringing the total up to $18,000, the entire cost of the building 
 being $26,000 ; it left the small indebtedness of $8,000. The base- 
 ment is admirably fitted up for social service work, the Sunday 
 school building well adapted for class instruction, while the audi- 
 torium, in arrangement and furnishings, is according to the most 
 approved ideas of Lutheran church architecture. 
 
 717 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 The Former Markleton Evangelical Lutheran Church 
 black township, somerset county, pa. 
 
 The Rev. John Buehler Shoup, soon after entering upon his 
 duties as pastor of the newly formed Rockwood charge, accepted 
 an offer made by the Markle brothers to donate a plot of ground 
 and half the cost of the erection of a church building to the 
 congregation organizing there, provided that they would make a 
 payment of $700 toward the completion of the building. The 
 terms of this offer were subscribed to and they proceeded to 
 build. The corner-stone for the building was laid on April 28, 
 1882, by the Rev. Shoup, who was assisted by Revs. L. L. Sieber 
 and J. W. Ryder. A congregation was organized on July 18, 
 1882, with eleven members. The building was of a beautiful 
 Gothic chapel style, measuring 57 by 28 feet, and erected at a 
 cost of $1,300. It was dedicated on September 24, of the same 
 year. Unfortunately, the location was not a suitable one for 
 development and the failure of the Markle brothers' enterprise 
 left the struggling congregation without financial support or hope 
 of success. On April 1, 1883, Rev. Shoup resigned, and the few 
 members of the congregation found church fellowship elsewhere. 
 The building was sold and in recent years the United Brethren 
 denomination holds services in it. 
 
 The above sale was made by authority of Conference, and the 
 proceeds disbursed under its direction. 
 
 The Former St. John's (Pines) Evangelical Lutheran 
 
 Church 
 milford township, somerset county, pa. 
 
 A certain Mr. Graff, of Somerset, owning a large tract of pine 
 timber land and a saw mill, put up a number of houses for the 
 use of his employees in the immediate neighborhood in which the 
 St. John's Church now stands. This was the nucleus for a 
 spiritual work begun by Rev. Solomon McHenry, of the Centre- 
 ville pastorate, who began preaching there in 185 1. In the winter 
 of 1852, he held a series of protracted meetings, and in the spring 
 of that year organized a congregation. Most of the members 
 of this congregation had a membership in the Lutheran Church 
 of Somerset, Pa., so Rev. McHenry requested Rev. Babb to come 
 718 
 
MT. ZION, SCALP LEVEL 
 
 and preach to them, which he refused to do. Preparations were 
 then made in 1853, to build a church under the pastoral care of 
 Rev. McHenry, who served them until April 1, 1854. Then Rev. 
 Martin M. Bachtel, whose health failed while serving the McCon- 
 nellsville charge, in Fulton County, moved to Somerset to assist 
 his father-in-law, Mr. Graff, in the lumber enterprise. He was 
 requested to preach occasionally to this congregation, which he 
 did until November, 1854. In the meanwhile Mr. Graff donated 
 a lot of ground for a church building and graveyard on which 
 the building was begun, but the work on it moved very slowly and 
 was not finished until in 1855. It was dedicated by Rev. John K. 
 Bricker, of the Centreville charge, on September 30, 1855, as 
 St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church. The building is one- 
 story frame, measuring 32 by 44 feet, and erected at a cost of 
 about $800. The following pastors served this congregation in 
 the order of their succession: Revs. Solomon McHenry (Cen- 
 treville charge), 1851-1854; Martin M. Bachtel (Centreville 
 charge), 1854-1854; John K. Bricker (Centreville charge), 1854- 
 1857; John Tomlinson (Centreville charge), 1857-1861 ; Charles 
 Young (Centreville charge), 1862-1864; Josiah Zimmerman 
 (Centreville charge), 1865-1869; Reuben Smith (Centreville 
 charge), 1 870-1 875 ; John N. Unruh (Centreville charge), 1876- 
 1881 ; John Buehler Shoup (Rockwood charge), 1882-1883 ; L. N. 
 Fleck (Rockwood charge), 1885-1888; William H. Settlemyer 
 (Rockwood charge), 1888-1892. 
 
 The congregation being unable to meet the payment of the 
 debt they owed the pastor the matter was referred to Con- 
 ference, which raised the amount and paid the debt. While 
 occasional services were held after this the building was neglected 
 and the congregation has ceased to exist entirely, and the build- 
 ing is rapidly deteriorating. 
 
 SCALP LEVEL CHARGE 
 
 Rev. Simon Snyder, Pastor 
 
 Mt. Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church 
 
 scalp level, pa. 
 
 In the year 1844, R ev - Samuel Lawson began to preach the 
 
 gospel in the homes of Jacob Seese, Jacob Custer and others. 
 
 719 
 
SOMERSE T CONFERENCE 
 
 A catechetical class was organized and the members of the same 
 confirmed that fall. 
 
 During the year 1845, Rev. Cobb, of Johnstown, Pa., preached 
 once a month, after which for about ten years there were only 
 occasional services conducted by different clergymen. 
 
 In the year 1856, Rev. Lewis J. Bell came on the field and 
 
 MT. ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH, SCALP LEVEL, PA. 
 
 preached regularly at the homes of Jacob Seese and John E. 
 Seese, and organized Mt. Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church. 
 The organization was composed of the following charter mem- 
 bers : Jacob Seese, Sophia Seese, John E. Seese, Hannah Seese, 
 |. Adam Fulmer, Sophia Fulmer, Melchoir Seese, Elizabeth 
 Seese, Philip Seese, Susannah Seese, Peter Statler, Josephine 
 720 
 
MT. ZION, SCALP LEVEL 
 
 Statler, Andrew Shaffer, Sarah Shaffer, Daniel Shaffer, Elizabeth 
 Shaffer, Daniel Bordner, Charlotte Bordner, Peter Ott, Anna 
 Ott, Theodore P. Bantley, Susan Shaffer, Henry Berkey, Polly 
 Berkey, Christian Kaltenbaugh, Catherine Kaltenbaugh, Reuben 
 Miller, Martha Miller, Daniel Miller, Elizabeth Miller, Peter 
 Naugle, Anna Naugle, Charles Ott, Mary Ott, Susannah Eash, 
 Emanuel J. Seese, Rachel Seese, Jacob Straub, Margaret Straub. 
 Emanuel Seese, Sr., and Elizabeth Seese. 
 
 The first church council was composed of the following : 
 Elders.: Jacob Seese, Peter Statler; deacons, John E. Seese, 
 Daniel Border. 
 
 Catechetical work was begun and steps taken for the building 
 of a house of worship. 
 
 JOHN E. SEESE AND HANNAH, HIS WIFE, SCALP LEVEL CHARGE 
 
 In October of 1856, the congregation celebrated the first com- 
 munion in the new church, a frame building, 26 by 36 feet, at 
 which time the catechumens were confirmed. This was done 
 before the building was entirely finished, which was not till 1858. 
 The building stood at the junction of the Foustwell and Shade 
 Furnace Road. The lot for church and cemetery was donated 
 by Jacob Seese. The following ministers were called successively 
 to this field : 
 
 Rev. Lewis J. Bell, 1856 to 1858; Rev. J. F. Kuhlman. 1858 to 
 1863; Rev. P. Sheeder, 1864 to 1867; Rev. A. R. Height, 1867 to 
 1869; Rev. David Stuft, 1872 to 1873; Rev. John A. Nuner, 
 1873 to 1875 ; Rev. David Stuft, 1875 to 1882 ; Rev. E. M. Hubler, 
 February 1. 1883, to October 26, 1885; Rev. J. E. Lerch, Febru- 
 
 721 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 ary 4, 1886, to January 22, 1889; Rev. A. B. Erhard, February 
 10, 1889, to March 12, 1893; Rev. H. C. Salem, November 17, 
 1893, to November 17, 1898; Rev. G. D. Gross, March, 1899, to 
 April, 1899; Rev. P. B. Fasold, January 6, 1900, to April 7, 1901 ; 
 Rev. J. W. Weeter (supply), May to October, 1901 ; Rev. L. A. 
 Bush, March 23, 1902, to October 5, 1903 ; Rev. D. S. Hafer, 
 June 1, 1904, to October 17, 1909; Rev. J. A. Richter, June 4, 
 1910 to February, 1912; Rev. Simon Snyder, May, 1912 — . 
 
 The pastors up to and including Rev. Hubler used the German 
 and English alternately. Most of them were faithful God-fearing 
 
 REV. DAVID STUFFT, SCALP LEVEL CHARGE 
 
 men and had some share in the congregation's splendid develop- 
 ment. Rev. Kuhlman seems to have been the man who gave 
 stability to the pastorate. 
 
 During the pastorate of Rev. Erhard the church building was 
 remodeled, a tower being built to it, in which was placed a 500- 
 pound bell. 
 
 From the beginning until the year 1871, this congregation 
 belonged to the Wilmore charge. At this time the Davidsville 
 pastorate was formed and Mt. Zionwas made a part of it, but in 
 1872, Mt. Zion congregation was received into the Alleghany 
 722 
 
MT. ZION, SCALP LEVEL 
 
 Synod as a part of the Scalp Level charge in which blessed 
 fellowship it still abides. 
 
 In the year 1896 or 1897, a lot in town was purchased, and 
 preparations made for the building of a new buff brick veneer 
 church edifice. The same was in due time erected, which will 
 always be an ornament to the town of Scalp Level or Paint 
 Borough. 
 
 The corner-stone was laid in July, 1898, by the Rev. H. C. 
 Salem, pastor, assisted by Rev. J. H. Barb, D.D., who preached 
 the sermon. 
 
 The Rev. H. C. Salem having resigned, the dedication took 
 place during the brief pastorate of the Rev. G. D. Gross on July 
 
 JOHN WEAVER AND CATHERINE WEAVER,, HIS WIFE, SCALP LEVEL CHARGE 
 
 2, 1899. Rev. E. S. Johnston, D.D., Rev. G. W. Anschutz and 
 Rev. M. L. Young, Ph.D., preached the sermons. 
 
 The building has an auditorium 40 by 49 feet, and a Sunday 
 school room, 32 by 34 feet. The debt was finally cancelled during 
 Rev. Hafer's pastorate. 
 
 This was a great day in Mt. Zion's congregation and marks an 
 epoch in it. The congregation has steadily increased so that at 
 this writing we now number 350 baptized members, 319 confirmed 
 and 225 communicant members. 
 
 The present church council is : Simon Snyder, Pastor ; Elders, 
 H. W. Barnhart, H. E. Strunk, L. E. Wirick, S. P. Naugle, S. E. 
 Claycomb, Dr. O. J. Shank ; Deacons, Jacob Weaver, J. S. High, 
 Irwin Barnhart, G. A. Ott, Jonas J. Weaver, Daniel Ott. 
 
 723 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 The officers of the Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary 
 Society are as follows : President, Mrs. W. A. Weaver ; Secre- 
 tary, Mrs. E. J. Wissinger ; Treasurer, Miss Emma Faust. 
 
 The officers of the Mission Band are : President, Olive 
 Weaver; Superintendent, Mrs. E. J. Wissinger; Treasurer, 
 Florence Strunk ; Secretary, Bertha Hoffman. 
 
 The first Sunday school of the congregation was organized in 
 the spring of i860, with E. J. Seese as its first superintendent. 
 It was conducted as follows : Song, prayer, reading of the 
 Scripture. The children were taught 'to read and spell, while 
 the older ones read alternately from the word of God, closing 
 with song and prayer. 
 
 In 1872, the question book system was introduced which was 
 in the form of a catechism, and was used about two years, 
 after which the lesson leaves and books were installed. Up to 
 this time the school was held as a union Sunday school, open six 
 months of each year. It united with the Evangelical x\ssociation, 
 1874-1876, using David C. Cook's literature. 
 
 In 1876, the Lutheran Sunday school, with Lutheran helps, 
 was organized as an Evergreen school, which organization has 
 been in effect ever since. 
 
 Since 1889, a Sunday school association of the schools of the 
 charge has met semi-annually to the great benefit of all the 
 workers. 
 
 Mt. Zion Sabbath school has grown from a small beginning to 
 a school of which any pastor may be proud, holding the banner 
 of the Sunday school association of the Conference for eight 
 years for the best average attendance and contribution to missions. 
 It is equipped and manned as well as any school of the County, 
 having a Cradle Roll, a Home Department, six organized classes 
 and a total membership of nearly 500. Officers: Superintendent, 
 G. A. Ott; superintendent of elementary department, Jonas J 
 Weaver; secretary, Edna Strunk; treasurer, Mrs. Catherine 
 Weaver. 
 
 It is active in special mission work, having educated a student 
 in India and contributed $250 to the Gretna Mission Fund, 
 Nebraska. 
 
 724 
 
DUN MEYER, ELTON 
 
 Dunmeyer Evangelical Lutheran Church 
 
 ELTON, PA. 
 
 The Dunmeyer congregation was organized by the Rev. Peter 
 Sahm, October 29, 1849, with the following thirty charter mem- 
 bers : Adam Lefler, Lewis Dunmeyer, John Fried Brenner, John 
 Seese, Adam Folmer, Fred Keiper, Adam Strayer, John Paul, 
 Daniel Stineman, Abraham Keiper, Fred Feuder, Peter Statler, 
 George Helsel, Jr., Sarah Stineman, Elizabeth Keiper, Mary 
 Feuder, Savilla Fried Brenner, Rebecca Paul, Elizabeth Feuder, 
 
 DUNMEYER LUTHERAN CHURCH, ELTON, PA. 
 
 Mary Folmer, Mary Keiper, Jacobina Statler, Sophia Helsel, 
 Philip Meyer, Jacobina Meyer, Wendel Meyer, John Statler, 
 Michael Nipps, Joseph Reynold and Peter Gillman. 
 
 The first church council elected by the newly organized con- 
 gregation were : Elders, Lewis Dunmeyer, Adam Strayer ; dea- 
 cons, John Paul, Daniel Stineman. A house of worship was 
 erected on a plot of ground procured from Lewis Dunmeyer. 
 From the records the Rev. Sahm served until about 1853. For a 
 
 725 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 year or more the church was vacant. The pulpit was supplied by 
 various brethren. In October, 1855, the Rev. Lewis J. Bell 
 accepted a call to the pastorate and served it until November, 
 1856. On April 15, 1859, tne R ev - J- F- Kuhlman accepted a call 
 to the pastorate. From this time the Dunmeyer Church has 
 been a part of the Scalp Level pastorate and served by its pastors. 
 
 In the year 1896 or 1897, while Rev. H. C. Salem was pastor, 
 a movement was launched to have the Dunmeyer congregation 
 move its house of worship from the Dunmeyer farm to the 
 growing town of Elton. After much discussion this move was 
 consummated. A lot was purchased in Elton and a house of 
 worship costing $2,400 was erected. 
 
 The corner-stone was laid June 12, 1898. Rev. J. R. Dimm, 
 D.D., preached the sermon and assisted the pastor in the laying 
 of the corner-stone. 
 
 Rev. H. C. Salem having resigned and departed the dedication 
 took place during the pastorate of the Rev. G. D. Gross in the 
 spring of 1899. 
 
 Rev. William Spangler preached the dedicatory sermon. Rev. 
 G. K. Allen, of Hooversville, assisted the pastor in a week's 
 service previous to the dedication. The church was dedicated 
 free of debt. 
 
 The old church was sold to the Mennonites who took the 
 material and erected a house of worship near Salix. 
 
 At present the Dunmeyer congregation continues to do effective 
 work. Its communicant membership numbers seventy-five; con- 
 firmed members, 117; baptized members, 133. The present offi- 
 cers of the council are: Pastor, Simon Snyder; elders, John 
 Bloom, J. F. Wissinger, G. F. Ickes ; deacons, J. H. Ickes, Stan- 
 ley Ickes, Earle Helsel. The officers of the Sunday school are : 
 Superintendent, D. C. Miller; Secretary, Bertha Miller; Treas- 
 urer, J. H. Ickes. 
 
 Grace Evangelical Lutheran Congregation 
 rum mel, PA. 
 In the year 1903, a church was erected at Rummel during the 
 pastorate of the Rev. L. A. Bush. This church was used for 
 Sunday school purposes and as a preaching station in connection 
 with the Scalp Level pastorate. 
 726 
 
GRACE, RUM MEL 
 
 In May, 191 3, during the pastorate of the Rev. Simon Snyder, 
 an organization was effected with fifty-four charter members. 
 The name of the church was changed from the Rummel Lutheran 
 Church to Grace Lutheran Church. The organization was 
 effected May 4, 1913, with special services. The Rev. H. S. 
 Rhoads, of Johnstown, assisted the pastor in this service. 
 
 During the fall of 191 5, the church was greatly enlarged and 
 beautified. A new steam heating plant was installed, electric 
 lights installed and everything to make the church beautiful and 
 useful was done. The cost of reconstruction amounted to 
 
 GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH, RUMMEL, PA. 
 
 $1,507.60. This amount, with an excess, was provided on the 
 day of rededication. This service of rededication was held 
 November 21, 191 5. The Rev. H. S. Rhoads preached both 
 morning and evening. 
 
 Sunday, February 13, 1916, a Young People's Society of 
 Christian Endeavor was organized. This society has been doing 
 excellent work. Grace Church has a weekly prayer meeting 
 conducted by the church officers. 
 
 The Sunday school is doing excellent work, numbering more 
 than 100 members. Its present officers are : Superintendent, 
 
 727 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 L. L. Faust; secretary, Oscar Kellar; treasurer, D. E. Penrod. 
 
 The church numbers seventy communicant members, ninety- 
 three confirmed and ninety-nine baptized members. Its present 
 officers are : Elders, L. L. Faust and William Petry ; deacons, 
 J. M. Rummel and W. C. Knavel. 
 
 Grace Church was received as a part of the Scalp Level pas- 
 torate and also admitted to the Alleghany Synod. 
 
 Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church 
 
 windber, pa. 
 
 (Non-existent) 
 
 For over four years the members of the Trinity Lutheran 
 organization held Sunday school and church services in the 
 Swedish Lutheran Church. 
 
 The congregation was organized in the old Y. M. C. A. build- 
 ing the first Sunday of November, 1905, and the Sunday school 
 the second Sunday of January, 1906. Early in the summer the 
 place of worship was changed to the Odd Fellows' building over 
 the post-office, and in the fall of the following year to the Swedish 
 Lutheran Church. 
 
 The congregation consisted of twenty-five members. W. S. 
 Otto was installed as deacon and W. H. Yost as elder by the 
 Rev. Samuel Krider, the first pastor, who served over one year. 
 
 Rev. Krider's successor was the Rev. C. E. Smith, of (Mox- 
 ham) Johnstown. He was succeeded by the Rev. C. W. 
 Anschutz, late pastor of Johnstown Trinity Church. 
 
 From the fall of 1910, the Rev. J. A. Richter, pastor of 
 the Scalp Level charge, held services every two weeks. Dur- 
 ing this time the congregation was received as a part of 
 Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, Scalp Level, Pa., and since then the 
 members of the same have taken the sacrament of the Lord's 
 Supper with Mt. Zion. 
 
 The first officers of the Sunday school were : \Y. H. Yost, 
 superintendent ; Philip Erhard, assistant ; Miss E. McLuckie, 
 secretary; G. P. Vance, assistant; Nellie Erhard, treasurer; Mrs. 
 Keefe Aldstadt, assistant, and Mrs. Willis Reeser, librarian. 
 
 This mission was discontinued August 8, 191 1, the members 
 uniting with Mt. Zion, Scalp Level. 
 728 
 
MT. C ARM EL, OGLETOWN 
 
 Mt. Carmel Evangelical Lutheran Church 
 
 ogletown., pa. 
 
 Sketch by Rev. J. A. Richter 
 
 The union Sunday school which was "the forerunner of the 
 Lutheran Church of Ogletown"' was organized through the lead- 
 ership of Mr. E. J. Seese, the pioneer Sunday school worker of 
 this charge. To him belongs the credit of organizing the first 
 schools at both Scalp Level and Elton from which "mothers" 
 all the other schools of Scalp Level and Elton have sprung. 
 
 Brother Seese is a venerable patriarch in Sunday school work. 
 Having passed four score years he is still actively engaged in 
 the home school of Ogletown. This school was started in the 
 year 1879, and has since been conducted as a union school. The 
 Mt. Carmel Lutheran congregation was organized August 20, 
 1896, and at once it was decided to erect a house of worship. 
 
 The corner-stone was laid by the pastor, Rev. H. C. Salem, 
 assisted by Revs. Young, Courtney Bergstresser and Fleck. The 
 dedication took place September 12, 1897. Rev. Brown preached 
 the dedicatory sermon. This church edifice is comfortable and 
 commodious, and enjoys the distinction of being the only church 
 in Ogletown that has a tower and a bell to call the people to the 
 house of God. 
 
 The following ministers supplied Ogletown : Revs. Stuft, 
 Gruver, Walterick, Beaver, Unruh, Salem, Courtney, Deloe, 
 Hafer and Richter. For years a small debt had been resting on the 
 congregation which was liquidated by the help of the congrega- 
 tions of the Somerset County conference. 
 
 SHANKSVILLE PASTORATE 
 
 Rev. C. E. Berkey, Pastor 
 
 Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church 
 
 shanksville, pa. 
 
 This congregation was organized of members largely of the 
 
 Glade Church in 1849, by Rev. Charles Young, of Berlin. An 
 
 acre of ground for a building was deeded by John Speicher for a 
 
 union — Lutheran and Reformed — house. It was dedicated in the 
 
 fall of the same year. It was the first church built in Shanks- 
 
 ville. 
 
 729 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 Rev. Young held his first communion, May, 1850, when sixty- 
 three names are recorded in the church book. Rev. S. B. Lawson 
 held spring and fall communions during 1852. 
 
 The following ministers served from Berlin : Rev. Elias Fair, 
 July, 1852, to November 9, 1856; Rev. Philip Sheeder, November, 
 1856, to April 10, 1864; Rev. J. Winecoff, 1864, to April 15, 
 1872; Rev. A. M. Strauss, April 22, 1872, to April 22, 1875; 
 Rev. J. W. Poffmberger. July 11, 1875, to July 11, 1882. 
 
 The first Christmas exercise ever held in the village was given 
 during this pastorate by the Lutheran Sunday school. 
 
 Monday, July 9, 1877, the corner-stone of the new Lutheran 
 church was laid, the services being held in the union church. 
 Two sermons were preached by Rev. F. W. Conrad, D.D., editor, 
 Lutheran Observer, one English, and in the afternoon, one Ger- 
 man. Rev. John Brubaker, D.D., Rev. J. J. Welch and Rev. 
 A. M. Whetstone were present and assisted the pastor. 
 
 May 23, 1880, was the day of dedication. Rev. H. L. Baugher. 
 D.D., of Gettysburg College, preached the sermon. 
 
 The church was 65 by 37 feet, two-story brick, with tower 112 
 feet high. In this was a 2,000-pound bell. The interior was finished 
 in walnut, walls frescoed, floor carpeted, circular pews, art win- 
 dows, pulpit, font, reading desk, all complete and beautiful. The 
 building committee was Charles L. Baltzer, John Speicher and 
 Josiah J. Walker. 
 
 November 29, 1885, the congregation voted to become a part 
 of the Friedens charge, to which it belonged till 1894, when it 
 united with Glade, Roxbury and Buckstown, forming the Shanks- 
 ville pastorate. 
 
 These pastors followed: Rev. J. L. Buck, May 17, 1894 to 
 November, 1895; Rev. J. A. Dunlap, Ph.D., September 15, 1896. 
 to July, 1898; Rev. M. S. Romig, November, 1898, to March, 
 1902 ; Rev. W. L. Remsberg, December, 1902, to December, 1903. 
 July 4, 1903, a severe thunder storm passed over the village, 
 and the tower was struck and church burned. It was not insured. 
 The strength of the tower resisted the efforts of block and tackle 
 to pull it down. All the contents, the beautiful chandelier 
 excepted, were saved, and also the parsonage near, through the 
 heroic efforts of the people. Mr. C. A. Brant immediately offered 
 to donate a chandelier to a new church to replace the one he had 
 730 
 
GLADE, STONY CREEK TOWNSHIP, SOMERSET CO. 
 
 given to the building burned. Thus encouraged an effort was 
 made to rebuild yet that year but failed. The corner-stone was 
 laid in 1904 and an effort made to dedicate, January 5, 1905. 
 Rev. R. S. Patterson preached a dedication sermon, Sunday 
 morning; Rev. W. H. B. Carney, Saturday evening, and Rev. 
 J. A. Dunlap, Ph.D., of Lilly, Sunday evening. 
 
 But an unusually severe snowstorm had so shut the roads that 
 few people could attend, and the efforts of Rev. J. F. Shearer and 
 the visiting pastors to raise the remaining debt failed. A second 
 attempt was made May, 1905, and the church then dedicated free 
 of debt. The building is one-story brick, with a Sunday school 
 annex, is large and beautiful though not so fine as the one 
 destroyed. The building committee : Edward Lowry, Charles 
 Landis and Daniel Schrock. 
 
 October 9, 1905, Rev. W. R. Stahl, who became pastor May 29, 
 1904, was called to the company of the redeemed in glory. Sister 
 Anna, of the Deaconess Home, served as nurse. He had endeared 
 himself to the people through his earnest work and interest in 
 their behalf, and his death was greatly lamented. Services were 
 conducted in the church he so lately had dedicated by Revs. R. L. 
 Patterson, W. H. B. Carney and Charles Lambert, and at Hays 
 Reformed Church, where he was buried, a sermon was preached 
 by Rev. R. S. Patterson on 2 Tim. 4 : 7. 
 
 May 20, 1906, Rev. L. M. Daubenspeck came from the semi- 
 nary at Selinsgrove and served with much success as pastor. 
 
 Rev. M. L. Schmucker served as pastor from January, 1912, to 
 January 1, 1917. 
 
 The present pastor, Rev. C. E. Berkey, began his labor May 1, 
 1917. 
 
 Glade Evangelical Lutheran Church 
 
 stony creek township, somerset co., pa. 
 Sketch prepared by Pastor Daubenspeck 
 This congregation was organized some time about the beginning 
 of the nineteenth century, the exact date being unknown. There 
 is, however, a record in existence showing baptisms and other 
 church services in this congregation as early as January, 18 13. 
 The minister then preaching at this place was Rev. Earnest H. 
 Tiedeman, pastor of the Berlin charge. It is generally supposed 
 
 731 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 there was preaching in this vicinity prior to this date by the 
 Berlin pastors, of which, however, we have no record. 
 
 Since 1813, the records show that this congregation had regular 
 preaching from the Berlin pastors, and this congregation was 
 for a time part of the Berlin pastorate. The record of the pastors 
 of the Berlin charge who have served in this congregation are as 
 follows : 
 
 Earnest H. Tiedeman, from 1812 to 1819; Jacob Crigler, from 
 1819 to 1834; George Leiter, from 1834 to 1835; Charles Reese, 
 from 1836 to 1840; Lewis Gustiniani, from 1841 to 1842; Charles 
 Reese, from 1842 to 1843; Jesse Winecoff, from 1843 to 1846; 
 Charles Young, from 1846 to 1851 ; Eli Fair, from 1852 to 1856; 
 Philip Sheeder, from 1856 to 1864; Jesse Winecoff, from 1864 
 to 1872; Abraham M. Strauss, from 1872 to 1875; John W. 
 Poffinberger, from 1875 to 1885 ; Charles B. Gruver, from 1886 
 to January 1, 1893. 
 
 There is a record of one baptism in the congregation by Rev. 
 Frederick William Lange, April 11, 181 1, which is the earliest 
 record concerning this congregation. This congregation was 
 generally known as Stony Creek Lutheran congregation and first 
 worshiped in a log schoolhouse about three-fourths of a mile 
 east of the present church building called "Manges Schoolhouse." 
 A portion of land for the use of the Lutheran and Reformed 
 congregations conjointly was presented by Jacob Mosholder for 
 church purposes. Upon this piece of ground a union church was 
 built about the year 1820. The first communion recorded as 
 being held in this union church was by Rev. Jacob Crigler, 
 October 28, 1820. There is no record existing showing when 
 this church was built, but as it was built by Rev. Jacob Crigler 
 it must have been in 1 819- 1820. The church was a log building, 
 34 by 34 feet ; it was afterwards weatherboarded and beyond its 
 ancient appearance it remained in a remarkable state of preserva- 
 tion until torn down to make way for a new structure. In this 
 church the Lutheran and the Reformed worshiped regularly 
 for many years. This church was dedicated St. Mary's Union 
 Church. It stood on the highest point of the lot on the west side 
 near the road leading to Berlin ; the same ground is now occupied 
 for a cemetery. In the spring of 1887, the Lutheran congrega- 
 tion at a congregational meeting called by the pastor, "Rev. 
 732 
 
GLADE, STONY CREEK TOWNSHIP, SOMERSET CO. 
 
 Charles B. Gruver," decided to build a church for themselves. 
 They accordingly purchased a half acre of ground of Mrs. 
 Rachel Gisel, "widow," and her son, George Gisel, and his wife, 
 Alary Gisel, for the sum of $25. This lot joins the former lot 
 "presented by Jacob Mosholder," being separated by the road 
 leading to Berlin, being a corner lot west of the Berlin road and 
 north of the road leading to Shanksville. At a congregational 
 meeting Alexander Walker, William M. Schrock and Abraham 
 Carver were chosen to form the building committee of the new 
 church and steps were at once taken to contract and put the work 
 in operation. 
 
 The corner-stone of the new church was laid on Saturday at 
 ten o'clock a. m., June 11, 1887, the following ministers being 
 present from other charges: Rev. S. Stoufer, of Jennertown; 
 Rev. A. Sell, of Stoyestown; Rev. J. J. Welch, of Friedens. Rev. 
 C. B. Gruver, "the pastor," conducted the opening service, read 
 the first hymn, the liturgical service and laid the corner-stone. 
 Rev. J. J. Welch read the Scripture lesson, offered the prayer 
 and dismissed the congregation with the benediction. Rev. S. 
 Stoufer preached the sermon and read the third hymn. Rev. A. 
 Sell read the second hymn and offered the second prayer. The 
 services were conducted in the old church, except what was neces- 
 sary for the laying of the corner-stone according to the form in 
 our liturgy. The articles put in the corner-stone are as follows : 
 The Lutheran Observer, of June 10, 1887 ; the Somerset Herald, 
 of June 8, 1887; the Somerset Democrat, of June 8, 1887; the 
 Berlin Record, of June 11, 1887; the Prohibition Era, for May 
 of 1887; the Lutheran Missionary Journal, for June, 1887; the 
 Augsburg Teacher, for June, 1887; the Lutheran Sunday School 
 Herald, for June, 1887; the Augsburg Lesson Book, Second 
 Quarter, 1887; a copy of the minutes of the Alleghany Synod, 
 for 1886; Lutheran Almanac, for 1887; the Mcycrsdale Com- 
 mercial, of June 9, 1887; also a short history of the congrega- 
 tion, the names of all the members and the amount each one 
 had contributed for the building up to that time. 
 
 The church is a frame building, 34 by 50 feet, with recess for 
 the pulpit and a vestibule in the tower attached, making the entire 
 length 63 feet. The ceiling is Gothic, paneled with chestnut 
 and having false rafters. The wainscoting is of cherry and ash. 
 
 733 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 The pews have curved backs and seats, and also are made of 
 cherry and ash. The pulpit and the pulpit chairs are made from 
 walnut. The windows are all memorial, containing rolled cathe- 
 dral stained glass. The inside finish is all in the natural wood 
 color. The tower, which contains a 1,500-pound McShane bell, is 
 surmounted by a beautiful and well-proportioned steeple. 
 
 The church was dedicated on Sunday morning, November 20, 
 1887. Rev. J. F. Shearer preached the dedicatory sermon. The 
 pastor made a statement showing that it was necessary to secure 
 $600 in order that the church might be free from debt and the 
 response of the people was the raising of $725, sufficient to pay 
 all indebtedness and also to purchase an organ. The entire cost 
 of the church, including the bell, chandelier, carpet, pulpit, chairs, 
 pews, etc., amounted to about $2,650. 
 
 On Sunday morning, December 25, 1887, the pastor, Rev. C. B. 
 Gruver, addressed the children of the church, after which pre- 
 liminary steps were taken to organize a Lutheran Sunday school. 
 A constitution was adopted and officers were elected as fol- 
 lows : William M. Schrock and Ira G. Carver, superintendents ; 
 Michael J. Snyder, secretary. The organization was fully effected 
 on Sunday morning, January 1, 1888, when the first session of 
 school was held in the new church and known as the Glade 
 Evangelical Lutheran Sunday school. In 1893-1894, this con- 
 gregation, uniting with Shanksville, Roxbury and Buckstown, 
 formed the Shanksville charge and called the Rev. J. L. Buck 
 to become their pastor. He served from May 17, 1894, to No- 
 vember, 1895. Since that time other pastors have served as 
 follows: Rev. James A. Dunlap, from September 15, 1896, to 
 July, 1898; Rev. M. S. Romig, from November, 1898, to March, 
 1902 ; Rev. W. L. Remsburg, from December, 1902, to December, 
 1903. The Rev. William R. Stahl was called to the Shanksville 
 pastorate and assumed his labors as pastor May 29, 1904, and 
 remained their pastor until the time of his death in the fall of 
 1905. He was greatly loved and sincerely mourned for by his 
 people. The Rev. L. M. Daubenspeck began his labor in this 
 congregation May 20, 1906, and continued to May 14, 191 1. 
 Other pastors since are given under Trinity of Shanksville. 
 
 734 
 
ST. MA TTHE IV S, . ROXB UR Y 
 
 St. Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran Church 
 
 roxbury, somerset county, pa. 
 
 History of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church as Written by the 
 
 Rev. John IV. Poffinbcrgcr, First Pastor and 
 
 Founder of the Congregation 
 
 Owing to the fact that nearly fifty members of the Lutheran 
 Church lived in and around Roxbury and had from three to 
 five miles to any Lutheran church, and that the many children in 
 the community did not regularly attend Sabbath school and 
 church anywhere, it was deemed wise to inaugurate the erection 
 of a church building. During the fall and winter of 1881, the 
 pastor at Berlin in consultation with the influential members of 
 the community concluded to undertake the project. By mutual 
 agreement of the Reitzes, Divelys, Boyers, Spencers and Sny- 
 ders, William M. Dively, Peter Boyer and Daniel Snyder were 
 appointed trustees. William M. Dively, Peter Boyer and the 
 pastor commenced then the solicitation of funds for the building. 
 One-half acre of ground was bought of Mrs. Lena W'alker for 
 the consideration of $18, and the ground was surveyed by Jona- 
 than Homer ; but when, on the Monday following, the pastor 
 took Alexander Brubaker from Berlin to Roxbury to have the 
 deed signed, for as we had intimation of opposition to the erec- 
 tion of the building (we thought we would not proceed with 
 the building without having deed for the lot), when we reached 
 the home of Mrs. W'alker, we found that she had been influenced 
 not to let us have the lot ; after talking, persuading and coaxing 
 for several hours, the pastor brought her to terms by paying out 
 of his own pocket $7 in addition to the amount she had agreed 
 to take for the land ; this settled the matter, and on that day, 
 January 2, 1882, she signed the deed. We now went actively 
 to work, and by early spring the wall was complete, frame 
 erected, and before the middle of the summer the house was 
 ready for the plasterers. But the work did not proceed as rapidly 
 as we expected, and before we received the window frames we 
 began to fear that winter would overtake us and intercept the 
 work. We were also delayed with the glass until in November, 
 so that the house was only completed about ten days before 
 Christmas. 
 
 735 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 Christmas Day, December 25, 1882, had been duly announced 
 as the time for the consecration of the chapel. During the week 
 preceding Christmas we held services in the chapel, for we 
 desired to have the people together for worship before organiza- 
 tion. Rev. Zinn and Rev. Keener, also Rev. Breitenbaugh, of 
 Berlin (Reformed) assisted me during these meetings. On Sat- 
 urday, December 23, we appointed a meeting for organization 
 and elected officers. We 'organized with the following twenty- 
 nine members : Philip Ling, Peter Boyer, Susanna Boyer, Uriah 
 Boyer, Mary Boyer, Harvey Boyer, Ida S. Boyer, Anna Stoner, 
 Emma Stoner, Susan Hoyle, Rebecca Gindlesparker, Joseph 
 Reitz, William H. Reitz, Henry A. Reitz, Jacob J. Reitz, Eliza- 
 beth Schrock, William M. Dively, George Mc. Dively, Mary M. 
 Dively, Daniel Snyder, Eve Snyder, Rebecca Schrock, Sarah M. 
 Glessner, Mary Spencer, Emma Spencer, John J. Ginder, Alex- 
 ander Ware, Sarah Ware 3 Matilda Suder Wellensburg. 
 
 At the same time, December 23, 1882, the following officers 
 were elected and were duly installed in the evening of the same 
 day : Elders, Philip Ling and Peter Boyer ; deacons, William 
 Dively, Daniel Snyder, Joseph Reitz and W'illiam Reitz ; trustees, 
 John Ginder, Alexander Ware and Henry Reitz. At a meeting 
 of the building committee it was found that the entire cost of 
 the chapel amounted to $1,115.29, and that there was a deficit 
 of $210.44. O n December 25, Rev. A. M. Whetstone preached 
 the dedicatory sermon, from Hab. 2 : 20, "The Lord is in His 
 holy temple" ; after the sermon he proceeded in his own wonder- 
 ful way of collecting the deficit, which was not so easily accom- 
 plished as we had anticipated; but in due time the amount was 
 raised, and also about $25 for Sunday school material. W'ith a 
 glad heart the dedicatory service was read by the pastor and 
 the congregation was dismissed. On Sabbath morning, Decem- 
 ber 31, the first regular preaching service was held in the chapel, 
 the pastor preaching from Deut. 1 1 : 26. After the preaching 
 service we proceeded to organize a Sabbath school. The result 
 was the forming of seven classes and the appointment of teachers 
 and the election of officers. In the meantime the money which 
 had been so cheerfully given was taken by the pastor and used 
 in the purchasing of one dozen Bibles, ten Augsburg Teachers, 
 junior lesson leaves, Sunday School Heralds, class books, sec- 
 736 
 
ST. PAUL'S, BUCKSTOWN 
 
 retary book and thirty gospel . hymns. The following officers 
 were elected by recommendation of the pastor : Superintend- 
 ents, William Dively and John Schrock; assistant superintend- 
 ents, William Reitz and Jacob Glessner ; secretary, Henry Reitz, 
 and treasurer, Peter Boyer. 
 
 The above brief history of St. Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran 
 Church and Sabbath school we certify is correct. 
 
 John W. Poffinberger, 
 Pastor of Berlin Charge. 
 
 Written this day, January 25, 1883. 
 
 This congregation remained a part of the Berlin charge until 
 the year 1893-1894, when it became a part of the Shanksville 
 charge. 
 
 The St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church 
 buckstown, pa. 
 
 For a number of years prior to the year 1888, a Lutheran Sun- 
 day school was conducted in a vacant house at Buckstown, Som- 
 erset County, Pa. 
 
 Sometime during the winter of 1888, the matter of forming 
 a new organization and building a Lutheran Church in the vil- 
 lage was agitated. Daniel W. Wagner and Zachariah Lambert 
 volunteered to furnish the timber for the lumber of the build- 
 ing, and Charles W. Williamson and wife gave a very valuable 
 lot for the building. The people of the village and of the sur- 
 rounding neighborhood kindly manifested their interest by giv- 
 ing their aid in the cutting and hauling of the timber to a nearby 
 sawmill, and in the returning of it to the place of building. The 
 digging of the foundation, the hauling of the stone and other 
 material needed for the erection of the house, was done gratui- 
 tously. A public meeting was called for the evening of April 6, 
 1890. for the purpose of organizing the new congregation, the 
 majority of them being members belonging to the Shade congre- 
 gation of the Hooversville charge. The Rev. J. H. Houseman, 
 pastor of the above-named charge, was present and presided at 
 the meeting; he also spoke of the responsibility that would rest 
 upon the members forming the new congregation and of the 
 influence it would exert in the community. The constitution 
 
 737 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 was read by the secretary, M. D. Reel, and after some comment, 
 was adopted. The following named persons were elected and 
 installed as members of the first council in the new congrega- 
 tion : L. B. Manges and C. W. Williamson for elders ; C. A. 
 Wagner, Elsworth Ling, John Giger and C. W. Lambert, 
 deacons. 
 
 The corner-stone of the building was laid August 10, 1889, 
 and the dedication took place July 20, 1890, Rev. Shearer preach- 
 ing the dedicatory sermon. The church building is 65 by 35 
 feet, Gothic in style, beautifully and tastefully finished, at a cost 
 of $3,075.42. For three years the congregation was served by 
 pastors of the Hooversville charge, and in 1893-1894 became a 
 part of the Shanksville charge. 
 
 SOUTH FORK CHARGE, 
 
 Rev. H. 0. Reynolds, Pastor. 
 
 Trinity, South Fork, Pa. 
 
 J. B. CUSTER, ELDER AND TREASURER, TRINITY, SOUTH FORK, PA. 
 
 Mr. Benjamin Lester was sent to Synod in 1894 as a commis- 
 sioner from this congregation. A constitution was also pre- 
 738 
 
TRINITY, SOUTH FORK 
 
 sented here which was approved, and the congregation was ad- 
 mitted to Synod. It was made a part of the Wilmore Charge. 
 The membership at this time was twenty-one. It was served by 
 Rev. A. B. Erhard, of Wilmore, from its organization to 1897, the 
 time of his death. Rev. Erhard, the first pastor, was born at 
 Rebersburg, Center County, January 12, 1842. He served three 
 years in the war, then entered Susquehanna University. His 
 other charges were Fisherville, Rossville, Muncy Creek, and 
 Scalp Level. 
 
 TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, SOUTH FORK, PA. 
 
 Rev. G. K. Allen, who succeeded him, September 23, 1897, laid 
 the corner-stone for the church building April 3, 1898. The mem- 
 bership at this time was fifty-one. In 1901 Rev. Samuel Krider, 
 of Windber, supplied it, reporting fifty-seven members. The 
 church was without a pastor until the coming of Rev. Guiney, 
 January 21, 1904, who was installed, July 31, by Revs. W. A. 
 Shipman D.D., and F. S. Shultz. A new parsonage was built 
 
 739 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 during this summer. The report to Synod gave thirty communi- 
 cants, with a Sunday school of sixty. Electric lights were in- 
 stalled during 1905 and the parsonage painted. Rev. Guiney re- 
 signed March 11, 1906, and was succeeded by Rev. William Hoff- 
 man, May 25, 1906, who reports thirty-four members and seventy 
 scholars in the Sunday school. He also served Gallitzin in addition 
 to Lovett. On November 14, 1907, Rev. Hoffman resigned and 
 moved to Gallitzin, leaving the other two churches vacant. He 
 was succeeded here by Rev. G. W. Dunlap, Ph.D., May'i, 1908. 
 He reported to Synod for Trinity, South Fork, twenty-five com- 
 
 JAMES GREGORY, PIONEER MEMBER 
 AND COUNCILMAN, TRINITY, 
 SOUTH FORK, PA. 
 
 NEFF LOHR, SUNDAY SCHOOL SUPER- 
 INTENDENT AND ELDER, SOUTH 
 FORK, PA. 
 
 municants, and for Trinity, Lovett, twenty-seven. During the year 
 1909 improvements to the amount of $500 were made to the 
 church, and the membership increased to eighty communicants. 
 Rev. Dunlap resigned August 1, 191 1. 
 
 Rev. D. S. Weimer took charge March 1,1912. He reported a 
 membership of 106. Rev. W. W. Frey took charge January 28, 
 1914, Rev. Weimer having been dismissed January 6 to Pitts- 
 burgh Synod. His first report to Synod gives the membership as 
 148, and a Sunday school of 160. At this time both church and 
 740 
 
TRINITY, LOVETT 
 
 parsonage were again repaired and renewed. The charge built 
 a cottage-style parsonage at a cost of $1,500, giving thus a 
 summer home for the pastor at Sidman. He resigned October 
 18, 1914. He was succeeded by Rev. H. O. Reynolds, a son of 
 the congregation, June 1, 191 5, who is pastor at this date. 
 
 Trinity, Lovett, Pa. 
 The corner-stone for the new church at Lovett was laid June 
 2, 1901, in the Scalp Level Charge, the pastor, Rev. P. B. Fasold, 
 
 TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, LOVETT, PA. 
 
 being assisted by Rev. Isaac Krider. It was supplied by the new 
 Scalp Level Pastor, Rev. L. A. Bush, during 1902, at which time 
 the membership was reported as twenty, with a Sunday school 
 of fifty-nine. Rev. S. Krider, of Windber, supplied it in 1903. 
 In 1904 it was united with South Fork, to form a pastorate. Since 
 this time it has been served by the same pastors. It has had a 
 slow but a gradual growth. 
 
 The first council of Trinity Church, Lovett, consisted of S. R. 
 Miller, C. A. Harbaugh, Henry Sauters, S. J. Miller, George 
 Harbaugh and S. L. Miller. 
 
 Brother S. R. Miller has been a council man ever since, and 
 
 741 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 has been the superintendent of the Sunday school since 1906. 
 And through his self-sacrificing labors and loyalty, the Sunday 
 school and church have been and are making steady progress. The 
 present energetic council of loyal Lutheran men consists of S. R. 
 Miller, George Miller, G. A. Thomas, C. A. Himebaugh, Max 
 Weaver and Albert Slaniforth. The devoted women of the 
 Ladies' Aid Society of Trinity, Lovett, deserve special credit for 
 
 S. R. MILLER, SUNDAY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT SINCE I906, ELDER AND 
 TREASURER, TRINITY, LOVETT, PA. 
 
 the splendid help they rendered financially — who through their 
 efforts made it possible to build the beautiful parsonage. Mrs. 
 S. R. Miller is president, and has served many years in that 
 capacity. 
 
 TRINITY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
 
 SOMERSET, PA. 
 
 Rci'. I. Hess Wagner, D.D., Pastor 
 
 The exact date of the organization of the Lutheran congrega- 
 tion at Somerset, now named Trinity Evangelical Lutheran 
 Church, is not known, though the year of its organization can be 
 742 
 
TRINITY, SOMERSET 
 
 closely, if not accurately, determined. 
 
 There are no records of the first pastorate extant. The earliest 
 document in the possession of the congregation is a church record 
 started by the second pastor, Rev. E. H. Tiedemann, in 1813. 
 The book is in an excellent state of preservation and contains 
 fairly complete entries of ministerial acts, especially of infant 
 baptisms, from 1813 to 1871. From April 1, 1871, to February 4, 
 1877, there is no record, the book for that period having been 
 destroyed in the fire of 1876. Therefore, with the exception of 
 the first pastorate and the period covered by the burned book, 
 the congregation's record of ministerial acts is complete for the 
 now 123 years of its history. 
 
 The congregation at Somerset, as nearly as can be determined, 
 was organized in 1794. Probably as early as 1785 and up to the 
 time of formal organization, occasional preaching services for 
 the Lutherans in Somerset were held by Rev. John Michael 
 Steck, and later by Rev. F. Lange, the latter of whom organized 
 the congregation in 1794 and served as its first pastor for 
 eighteen years, the only pastor then in the county. The grave 
 of Rev. Lange, with a plain sandstone marker at its head, is in 
 the southeast section of the Lutheran cemetery at Somerset. 
 
 Among the earliest members were Adam Schneider, John 
 Kurtz, Sr., Frederick Neff, Sr., George Pile, Sr., Frederick 
 Beigle, George Chorpenning, Jacob Schneider, Henry Schneider, 
 and their wives. 
 
 The first place of worship was a log building in the southeast 
 corner of the Lutheran cemetery. The second church building, 
 erected about 18 10, was a frame edifice on West Union Street, 
 on the lot immediately west of the present parsonage. This lot 
 and the cemetery, both of which have passed out of the hands 
 of the congregation, were donated by Adam Schneider, one of 
 the charter members. 
 
 The number of members during the first pastorates is 
 unknown, as the pastors reported to Synod the number in their 
 charges only. The second pastor. Rev. E. H. Tiedemann, 
 served Berlin, Somerset and several congregations in Bedford 
 County. The first register of membership extant appears during 
 the ministry of the third pastor, Rev. John C. Rebenach, in 1819, 
 which, including a class of fourteen then confirmed, numbered 
 
 743 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 fifty-seven communicants. 
 
 The fourth pastor, Rev. P. Schmucker, 1 821- 1824, was a physi- 
 cian, and practiced medicine in connection with his pastoral work, 
 and, it appears, paid more attention to bodily than spiritual 
 ministry. 
 
 The historical notes, which up to this time are quite vague, 
 become more definite with the first pastorate of Father Heyer 
 in 1824. Heyer came at a time of crisis in the congregation; and 
 it is well that a man of his parts was at hand to cope with the 
 situation. He speaks of dissensions and misunderstandings 
 within the congregation, and of troubles without. 
 
 The Campbellite sect, now known as Christians or Disciples 
 of Christ, had been organized but a short time before, and one 
 of their earliest congregations was located in Somerset. With 
 unbounded zeal they prosecuted their proselyting campaign, 
 preaching immersion as necessary to salvation. The excitement 
 was intense, and the young, especially, were being drawn away. 
 Heyer says that though he was opposed to controversial preach- 
 ing, he found it necessary to state and defend the Lutheran posi- 
 tion. He therefore began a series of sermons on the controverted 
 points. After a number of these had been delivered, the disci- 
 ples sent for their great leader and founder, Alexander Camp- 
 bell, who, they said, "would crush the little Lutheran preacher 
 by putting but the weight of his hand upon him." A dramatic 
 climax to the great controversy came when, on the night of 
 Campbell's arrival, the frame church of the Lutherans on Union 
 Street was burned to the ground. There were no other buildings 
 in close proximity, and as there had been no fire in the church 
 the week previous, it was generally conceded to have been the 
 work of an incendiary, no doubt by someone overwrought in the 
 excitement of the controversy. Services were appointed for the 
 following Sunday on the site of the burned church, when Rev. 
 Heyer used as his text : "They have cast fire into thy sanctuary, 
 they have defiled by casting down the dwelling place of thy name 
 to the ground." Ps. 74:7. 
 
 This excitement having somewhat subsided, another crisis 
 came with the rise of the Anti-Masonic party. The strife was 
 very bitter in Somerset and made trouble in the congregation, 
 which condition was also admirably handled by Father Heyer. 
 744 
 
TRINITY, SOMERSET 
 
 The Masons had built their temple on the lot east of the church. 
 The lodge being disrupted in the Anti-Masonic trouble, the build- 
 ing was afterward purchased by the congregation and converted 
 into a parsonage, for which purpose it is still used. 
 
 The corner-stone for a new brick church, on the site of the 
 burned edifice, was laid in 1825. The rebuilding proved to be a 
 long and hard struggle. There remained an indebtedness on the 
 building that had been destroyed, and the congregation was small 
 in numbers and poor in worldly goods. Although Father Heyer, 
 by the sanction of Svnod, collected monev throughout its terri- 
 
 PARSONAGE, SOMERSET, PA. (OLD MASONIC HALL) 
 
 tory, the congregation was unable to complete the building dur- 
 ing his first pastorate or during that of his successor, Rev. 
 Heilig. It was finally completed and dedicated in June, 1832, 
 in the first year of Father Heyer's second pastorate, seven years 
 after the corner-stone had been laid. This building is still stand- 
 ing, west of the parsonage, and is now used as a residence. Dur- 
 ing the seven years of its building, the congregation worshiped 
 in the Reformed Church. 
 
 An entry in the record by Rev. Heilig, who served between 
 Father Heyer's two pastorates, has these items : "Collection for 
 
 745 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 the Synod, $1.42. Collection on a sacramental occasion, $3.16. 
 Expenditures: Candles, $1.31; wood-chopping, $2.50." 
 
 When Father Heyer began his second pastorate, serving Som- 
 erset, Friedens, Stoyestown, Samuel's, Hoffman and Shade, he 
 states that the congregation was scattered and in worse shape 
 than when he left it. He served a year without -salary to aid in 
 finishing the church. He remarks that the Campbellites taunt- 
 ingly asked : "What will the Lutherans ever want with so large 
 a building?" 
 
 In 1858 the congregation built its fourth church edifice, on the 
 southwest corner of Main Cross and Union Streets, where the 
 
 
 
 \m 
 
 
 LUTHERAN CHURCH ON UNION STREET (THIRD BUILDING) SOMERSET, PA. 
 
 Somerset Trust Company's building now stands. This was dur- 
 ing the pastorate of Rev. Charles Witmer. Why the substantial, 
 and then commodious, brick structure on Union Street was 
 abandoned and a new church built at this time, is not apparent, 
 except that it was considered far out, in those days of no street 
 lighting and poor pavements. The new building was used for 
 eighteen years, when, just as the indebtedness on the same had 
 been cancelled, it was destroyed in the fire of 1X72, during the 
 first year of Rev. Whetstone's pastorate. 
 
 A new location was sought, and the second lot west of the 
 746 
 
TRINITY, SOMERSET 
 
 public square, on the south side of Main Street, was secured, 
 where the present imposing edifice, the fifth church building of 
 the congregation, now stands. The lot, as originally secured, 
 was sixty-six feet wide and 264 feet deep, extending to Patriot 
 
 TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, SOMERSET. PA. 
 
 Street. Immediately 132 feet was sold from the rear and ten 
 feet from the west side, leaving a lot 132 by ^6 feet. 
 
 The corner-stone of the present edifice was laid on October 13, 
 1873. The basement was first finished and used as a place of 
 worship for nearly four years, when the entire building was 
 
 747 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 completed and dedicated on July 8, 1877. The sermon on the 
 day of dedication was preached by Rev. F. W. Conrad, D.D., 
 of Philadelphia. 
 
 The building is a two-story brick structure in the Romanesque 
 style of architecture, with art glass memorial windows. The 
 original dimensions were 45 by 91 feet, with a spire 150 feet in 
 height, containing a bell weighing 2,000 pounds. The cost of 
 the building was $21,000. This churchly edifice stands as a 
 monument to Rev. A. M. Whetstone and those who labored with 
 him in those days of great trial for the congregation. 
 
 With a beautiful building completed, Trinity Church entered 
 upon another stressful period of her history. The congrega- 
 tion was heavily in debt. Soon after the fire, $4,000 was in hand 
 from subscriptions at home and contributions from abroad. The 
 Synod contributed an additional $1,000. On the day of dedica- 
 tion, $3,500 was raised. We do not have record of what w r as 
 contributed at the laying of the corner-stone, but a large indebt- 
 edness remained after the day of dedication, which became 
 burdensome, owing to the conditions then obtaining. Many of 
 the members had suffered heavily in the fire. The full effects 
 of the panic of 1873 did not reach Somerset, as an inland town, 
 till, about 1877, the time of the dedication, when conditions 
 became very distressing. Many of the members moved away, 
 seeking better conditions elsewhere. These circumstances made 
 the financing of the congregation an heroic struggle for a num- 
 ber of years. 
 
 Until 1887 church services were held in the upper room dur- 
 ing the summer only. During the winter season the service was 
 conducted in the Sunday school room, as no heating plant had 
 been installed for the auditorium. In 1887 a successful effort 
 was made to secure subscriptions to wipe out the old indebted- 
 ness and to install a steam heating plant. 
 
 In 1905, during the pastorate of Rev. R. L. Patterson, D.D., 
 the building was enlarged and remodeled, and a fine pipe organ 
 installed, at a total cost of about $12,000. Exceptionally good 
 taste was shown in the furnishing and arrangement of the sanc- 
 tuary, resulting in one of the most churchly and satisfying 
 houses of worship in the Synod. 
 
 These, in brief, are some of the crises through wmich Trinity 
 748 
 
TRINITY, SOMERSET 
 
 Church has passed, and the noble achievements of pastors and 
 people in the days of smaller things. Others have labored and 
 we have entered into their labors. Trinity has grown with the 
 growth of the town, its increase in membership in later years 
 being coincident with the increased population of the county seat. 
 At the beginning of the ministry of Dr. Patterson, the communi- 
 cant membership was 280; at its close it was 480. During the 
 present pastorate the communicant membership has grown from 
 480 to 825, making it the fourth largest congregation in the 
 Synod, and the largest congregation of any denomination in the 
 county. 
 
 INTERIOR TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, SOMERSET, PA. 
 
 The following are the pastors who have served this congrega- 
 tion : F. W. Lange, 1794 to 1812; E. H. Tiedemann, 1813 to 
 1818; John C. Rebenach, 1819 to 1820; P. Schmucker, 182 1 to 
 1824; C. F. Heyer, 1824 to 1828; D. Heilig, 1829 to 1831 ; C. F. 
 Heyer," 183 1 to 1836. He reported, in 1834, five congregations 
 with 562 members; H. Haverstick, 1836 to 1838; P. Rizer, 1838 
 to 1847. He reported to Synod, 1840, seven congregations and 
 494 members, with $10 for education, $20 for missions, $3.60 
 for Synodical treasury; W. Uhl, 1848 to 1852; Augustus Babb, 
 1852 to 1856; Charles Witmer, 1857 to 1859; G. M. Pile, i860 to 
 1861 ; L. Gerhard, 1861 to 1866; J. P. Hentz, 1866 to 1871 ; 
 A. M. Whetstone, 1872 to 1881 ; J. F. Shearer, 1882 to 1891 ; 
 
 749 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 J. S. Harkey, 1891 to 1897; D. S. Hoover, 1898 to 1902; R. L. 
 Patterson, D.D., 1902 to 1908; I. Hess Wagner, D.D., 1909, the 
 present pastor. At this time the average length of pastorates, in- 
 cluding vacancies, has been six years. 
 
 The Sunday School 
 
 We have no record as to when the Sunday school was organ- 
 ized, or who were its first officers, though there is evidence that 
 it was organized at an early date. 
 
 Among the earlier superintendents were John L. Snyder, John 
 C. Kurtz and Samuel Kurtz. Since 1881, or for a period of 
 thirty-six years, at this writing, Hon. W. H. Ruppel has faith- 
 fully and efficiently served as Superintendent, during which 
 period the school has grown to be the second largest in the 
 Synod. 
 
 The school has enjoyed a phenomenal growth during the pres- 
 ent pastorate, especially in the Adult Department. The Brother- 
 hood, Bible Class has an enrollment of 350 men, and the Seekers' 
 Bible Class an enrollment of 200 women. The total enrollment 
 of the school is now, including officers and teachers, Home De- 
 partment and Cradle Roll, 979. 
 
 Missionary Societies 
 
 The Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society was 
 organized on May 30, 1881, by Miss Emma Dengler, during the 
 last year of Rev. Whetstone's pastorate. The first officers were : 
 President, Mrs. Oliver Knepper ; vice-presidents, Mrs. John 
 Holderbaum and Mrs. Curtis Kooser ; secretaries, Laura K. 
 Knepper and Belle Walker ; treasurer, Mrs. Clara Ruppel. This 
 society continues in active service after thirty-six years of faith- 
 ful and telling work in the missionary cause. 
 
 The Dorcas Missionary Society, for some years known as the 
 Young Ladies' Missionary Society, was later organized, and is 
 composed of the younger members of the congregation. This 
 is an active and progressive society and is doing a most important 
 work. 
 
 Items of Interest 
 
 The charter of incorporation was originally granted at the 
 February term of court in 1846. It was later revised, at which 
 750 
 
TRINITY, SOMERSET 
 
 time the name "Trinity" was adopted. 
 
 The women were granted the privilege of voting in congrega- 
 tional matters by a revision of the old constitution on Febru- 
 ary 26, 1866. 
 
 The system of pew rents was used in the earlier days. We 
 find record of receipts from pew rents as late as 1866. 
 
 Graff M. Pile and H. S. Rhoads are the only men who have 
 entered the ministry from this congregation, as far as we are 
 able to learn. 
 
 The dedication of the church in 1877 was apparently an event 
 of more than local interest, as it was attended by the following 
 pastors, viz., Revs. J. J. Welsh, Friedens ; J. W. Poffinberger, 
 Berlin ; Prof. John Brubaker, Carthage College, 111. ; B. B. Collins, 
 Berlin ; L. L. Sieber, Lavansville ; Wm. Spangler, of New Lexing- 
 ton ; J. A. Koser, of Salisbury ; Abel Thompson, of Ursina ; B. 
 Pugh, Somerset Township, and H. Haverstick, a former pastor. 
 
 Bequests to the congregation of which we have record are as 
 follows : Adam Schneider, the church lot on West Union Street 
 and the cemetery, both of which have passed out of the hands 
 of the congregation. Rev. Leonard Gerhard, 120 acres of land 
 in Iowa, which was sold many years ago. Mrs. Minnie Hun- 
 secker, $300 for the Sunday school and $500 for the church. 
 William Statler, $100 to be held in trust for the first of his 
 descendants who may study for the Lutheran ministry. 
 
 Trinity has formed a pastorate by itself since November 1, 
 1914, when Synod authorized its separation from Casebeer 
 Church. Before this time, except during the pastorate of Rev. 
 J. S. Harkey, 1891 to 1897, when Trinity stood alone, the con- 
 gregation was always a part of a charge composed of a varying 
 number of congregations. As late as 1840, Rev. Rizer served 
 seven congregations, but the membership of the seven congrega- 
 tions numbered far less than Trinity alone now has, the total 
 membership of the seven being 650. L'p to the end of the pas- 
 torate of Rev. Hentz, i860 to 1871, four congregations composed 
 the charge, Somerset, Casebeer, Samuel's and Bakersville. 
 Beginning with the ministry of Rev. W'hetstone in 1872, Trinity 
 and Casebeer composed the charge up to the time of the final 
 separation in 1914. 
 
 751 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 STOYESTOWN CHARGE 
 
 Rev. J . S. English, Pastor. 
 
 The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Stoyestown, Pa. 
 
 The Stoyestown congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran 
 Church is one of the oldest congregations of this denomination 
 in Somerset County. To trace its earliest history is rather a 
 difficult matter, and this for several different reasons. About 
 i oo years ago, what Lutheran Churches were then in the county 
 
 GRACE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, STOYESTOWN, PA. 
 
 composed one charge. Think of this, ye pastors whose territory 
 now embraces from twenty to forty square miles. Think of this 
 in a day when automobiles were undreamed of and even the 
 ordinary buggy had not yet made its appearance. Think of this 
 when bridle-paths were oftentimes the only highways between 
 the different settlements. An old historian in writing about the 
 affairs of the Lutheran Church on this territory, makes the state- 
 ment that until 1818 there was only one regular Lutheran pastor 
 752 
 
THE LUTHERAN CHURCH OF STOYESTOWN 
 
 in Somerset County. This being the case, it was not often that 
 the individual congregations had their records on their own 
 territory. And even in those places where such records were 
 kept, it has frequently occurred that through the lapse of years 
 these same records have been largely mutilated or entirely 
 destroyed. The oldest records of the Stoyestown congregation 
 lack some of their most important pages. It can be stated, how- 
 ever, that when the congregation was organized, the name Grace 
 was given to it. This fact seems to have been forgotten, for in 
 later years it has been known simply as the Stoyestown Lutheran 
 Church. As to the exact year of its organization and by whom 
 organized, cannot be definitely stated. It is thought that Rev. 
 Steck preached at this place as far back as 1788. In 1796, Rev. 
 Lange recorded in the Berlin Church book that he baptized 
 twelve children in Quemahoning, and in 1797, ten children. In 
 the oldest existing record of the Stoyestown congregation it is 
 written that Rev. Lange baptized seven children on June 7, 1797. 
 From the most reliable information obtainable, it is thought that 
 Rev. Lange organized this congregation about 1807. If a church 
 organization was not effected until this time, services either regu- 
 larly or occasionally were held at this place for twenty years 
 previous to this date. 
 
 About 1796, a log building was erected for church and school 
 purposes, on the site of the old cemetery at the east end of the 
 borough. This building some few years later was destroyed by 
 tire. On the same location, about 1810, a Lutheran and German 
 Reformed Union Church was built. It was a frame structure, 
 two stories high and about 28 by 30 feet. Its cost is not 
 recorded, neither is the numerical strength of the congregations 
 that worshipped there. In accordance with the ideas of church 
 architecture at that time, the building had a gallery around three 
 sides ; straight, high-backed benches or pews ; pulpit with a wind- 
 ing stairway, and above the pulpit the sounding-board. The 
 Lutheran congregation worshipped in this building until 1841. 
 About that time the building was torn down. 
 
 In that same year the Lutheran congregation built its own 
 church on a corner lot in almost the central part of the borough. 
 The lot, or, rather, as much ground as was needed on which to 
 build a church, was given by Mr. Jacob Maurer. The new 
 
 753 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 church was a one-story frame building, 38 by 58 feet, and four- 
 teen feet high. The building cost $1,200 and was considered a 
 fine structure for the time in which it was built. At this time 
 the Stoyestown charge consisted of the following congregations : 
 Stoyestown, Friedens, Will's, Hoffman's, Homers and St. James. 
 
 The St. James congregation later on became a part of the 
 Jennerstown pastorate. On December 1, 1879, during the pas- 
 torate of Rev. J. J. Welch, the Stoyestown charge was divided 
 into two charges. Rev. W'elch resigned the pastorate of the 
 Stoyestown, Horner and Hoffman congregations and retained 
 the pastorate of the Friedens and Will's congregations. Rev. 
 J. W. Ryder was the first pastor of the Stoyestown charge as 
 this charge is known at this present time. 
 
 In 1888, the entire lot on which the old church building stood 
 was bought for $700. The old church was then moved to the 
 rear of the lot to make way for the erection of a new church 
 building. The old structure was used until the new edifice was 
 completed when it was sold for $300. The corner-stone of the 
 new church was laid on May 23, 1888, and was dedicated on 
 May 12, 1889, during the pastorate of the Rev. E. S. Johnston, 
 D.D. Rev. J. H. Menges, of Philadelphia, had charge of the 
 services on the day of dedication and on that day all indebted- 
 ness was liquidated. The new church, which is still serving the 
 purpose of the congregation, is built of brick, and is 40 by 70 
 feet. It contains two rooms separated by sliding partitions. 
 
 Since its erection it has been improved at different times. It 
 now has a slate roof, is heated by steam and lighted by electricity. 
 During the pastorate of Rev. E. S. Johnston, D.D., the old par- 
 sonage in the eastern end of the borough was sold and a new 
 parsonage was erected on the same lot as the church. It is a 
 frame structure containing ten rooms and is now equipped with 
 .all the modern conveniences. The congregation at the present 
 time has an active Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary 
 Society and an aggressive Sunday school. This charge has 
 furnished Revs. J. E. Maurer, Lovettsville, Va., W. A. Berkey, 
 Grand Junction, Colo., and C. E. Berkey, Shanksville, to the 
 ministry. The following pastors have served the Stoyestown 
 congregation : 
 
 Rev. Lange, from the time of its organization, about 1807, 
 754 
 
HOFFMAN 
 
 until 1811; Rev. Ernest H. Tiedeman, 1812 to 1818; Rev. John 
 Rebenach, 18 19 to 1821 ; Rev. Peter Schmucker, 1821 to May, 
 1824; Rev. Charles F. Heyer, 1824 to July, 1828; Rev. Daniel 
 Heilig, March, 1829, to March, 183 1 ; Rev. C. F. Heyer, a second 
 time, January, 1832, to January, 1836; Rev. Haverstick, July, 
 1836, to July, 1839; Rev. Peter Rizer, 1839, to 1843; ^ ev - 
 Samuel B. Lawson, 1845 to 1849; Rev. John T. Williams, 
 August, 1849, to August, 1850; Rev. Jacob K. Miller, November, 
 1850, to November, 1857; Rev. Peter Sahm, February, 1858, to 
 September, 1861 ; Rev. John Tomlinson, September, 1861, to 
 April, 1874; Rev. J. J. Welch, December, 1874, to December, 
 1879 ; Rev. J. W. Ryder, no dates on record ; Rev. A. K. Felton, 
 February, 1881, to April, 1885; Rev. A. Sell, October, 1885, to 
 August, 1888; Rev. E. S. Johnston, D.D., December, 1888, to 
 1894; Rev. L. N. Fleck, November, 1894, to November, 1904; 
 Rev. J. S. English, March, 1905, until the present. 
 
 Hoffman Evangelical Lutheran Church 
 
 Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, commonly known as Hoff- 
 man's, in Jenner Township, was organized by the Rev. Ernest 
 Henry Tiedeman on November 20, 1814. It is altogether likely 
 that he preached here some time before an organization was 
 effected, for a church was built almost one year previous to this 
 date. For about six years, or from 1812 until 1818, he seems 
 to have had charge of all the Lutheran congregations in this 
 county. From an old record it has been learned that during the 
 month of January, 1814, subscriptions were taken in this vicinity 
 for the purpose of building a church. Those having charge of 
 the work secured subscriptions to the amount of $61.53. Of this 
 amount $35 was marked doubtful. 
 
 Had we lived in those times perhaps these figures would 
 not seem so amusing. At any rate from this record we see 
 that even in those pioneer days there were some who found 
 it an easy matter to subscribe, but it seems the paying part was 
 an entirely different proposition. There is a baptism recorded 
 July 6, 1812, and another one April 30, 1813, which bears out 
 the statement that services were no doubt conducted here before 
 a formal organization took place. The church for which the 
 
 755 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 $61.53 was subscribed was erected. It was built of logs, about 
 25 by 30 feet, and one-story high. The pews were blocks set on 
 end with boards laid across them. No doubt the money paid 
 in together with the work done by the members enabled them to 
 dedicate their church free of debt, and this is more than can 
 be said for many a modern congregation. Rev. Tiedeman 
 administered communion to forty-two persons in this church in 
 1819. What the membership was at that time is not stated, but 
 evidently it was greater than the number which communed. In 
 the early part of 1820, Rev. Tiedeman, the organizer and first 
 
 HOFFMAN S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
 
 pastor of this congregation, died at Bedford. During the pas- 
 torate of Rev. Samuel B. Lawson in 1845, a one-story frame 
 church, 34 by 44 feet, was built at a cost of $1,200, and was 
 dedicated on November 23, 1845. 
 
 In December, 1869, during the pastorate of Rev. John Tomlin- 
 son. this building took fire from a defective flue and was burned 
 to the ground. Arrangements were immediately made to rebuild. 
 
 The corner-stone of the new church was laid on July 4, 1870, 
 and the building was dedicated July 31, 1871. It is a frame 
 structure, 48 by 57 feet, and cost $3,200. This building has 
 756 
 
HORNER'S 
 
 been improved at different times and is still serving the needs 
 of the congregation. 
 
 The following have served as pastors of this congregation : 
 Rev. E. H. Tiedeman, 1814 to 1819; Rev. John Rebenach, 1819 
 to 1 82 1 ; Rev. Peter Schmucker, 1821 to 1824; Rev. Charles F. 
 Heyer, 1824 to 1828; Rev. Daniel Heilig, March, 1829, to March, 
 183 1 ; Rev. C. F. Heyer, a second time, January, 1832, to Jan- 
 uary, 1836; Rev. Haverstick, July, 1836, to July, 1839; Rev. 
 Peter Rizer, November, 1839, to November, 1843; Rev. Samuel 
 B. Lawson, January, 1845, to April, 1849; Rev. John T. 
 Williams, August, 1849, to August, 1850; Rev. Jacob K. Miller, 
 November, 1850, to November, 1857; Rev. Peter Sahm, Febru- 
 ary, 1858, to September, 1861 ; Rev. John Tomlinson, September, 
 1861, to April, 1874; Rev. J. J. Welch. December, 1874, to 
 December, 1879 ; Rev. J. W. Ryder, no dates on record ; Rev. 
 A. K. Felton, February, 1881, to April, 1885; Rev. A. Sell, 
 October, 1885, to August, 1888; Rev. E. S. Johnston, December, 
 1888, to 1894; Rev. L. N. Fleck, November, 1894, to November, 
 1904; Rev. J. S. English, March, 1905, until the present time. 
 
 Horner's Evangelical Lutheran Church 
 The exact date of the organization of the Horner Lutheran 
 congregation is not known. Rev. Charles F. Heyer, one of the 
 pioneer pastors of Somerset County, effected an organization 
 sometime during the year 1835. At this time Rev. Heyer was 
 pastor of what was known as the Somerset charge, and in 1841 
 sailed to India, the first American Lutheran foreign missionary. 
 The first subscription to build a church is dated March 7, 1835. 
 In one of the old records the statement is made that the church 
 was dedicated on November 15, 1839. It seems rather strange 
 that four years elapsed before the first church was finished, but 
 such the records tell us was the case. This first church was 
 built jointly by the Lutheran, the Reformed and the Dunkard 
 people. It was 26 by 36 feet, and cost $850. Each one of these 
 parties paid an equal share toward its erection. This building 
 stood on the side of what is now known as the Horner Union 
 cemetery. The trustees and building committee consisted of the 
 following : Adam Maurer and Valentine Muller, Lutheran ; Jacob 
 Bowman and Josiah Zimmerman, Reformed. No mention is 
 
 757 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 made in the old records as to who the Dunkard representatives 
 were. It was not uncommon in the early days for the Lutheran 
 and Reformed people to build union churches. In fact, this 
 custom is still in existence in many communities. But this is the 
 first instance of which we, personally, have any knowledge of 
 such an arrangement. How it worked out, whether harmoni- 
 ously or otherwise, we are not informed. The first church coun- 
 cil consisted of Adam Maurer, John and William Miller, elders, 
 and Valentine Muller and John Snyder, deacons. The first 
 
 HORNER S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, STOYESTOWN, CHARGE 
 
 Lutheran communion service held in this church was on Decem- 
 ber i, 1839. The services were in charge of Rev. Rizer. 
 
 The Lutheran and Reformed congregations used this church 
 for about thirty-four years. How long the Dunkards used it 
 we have no record. For many years very few of this faith have 
 lived in this immediate vicinity. In the early part of the '70s 
 this building was torn down. Rev. Keefer, who was pastor of 
 the Reformed congregation at that time, asked permission to 
 take the contents of the old corner-stone home, in order that he 
 758 
 
SUMMERHILL CHARGE 
 
 might make a copy of the documents it contained. These docu- 
 ments were never returned. In 1873, during the pastorate of 
 Rev. John Tomlinson, a new Lutheran Church was built on the 
 opposite side of the road from the old structure. The building 
 committee, who were also the trustees, consisted of the follow- 
 ing persons : Jonas Maurer, Judge Daniel Stufft and Adam 
 Maurer. The corner-stone was laid on June 15, 1873, and the 
 church was dedicated on December 25, 1873. This building, 
 having been improved from time to time, is still serving the needs 
 of the congregation. It is commodious, well equipped, and in 
 every way answers the purpose for which it was erected. Its 
 total cost was $3,500. After repairs, consisting of new slate 
 roof, interior and exterior painting, new platform, altar railing, 
 chairs, carpet, chandelier and stoves, the church was reopened 
 September 3, 1899, Revs. H. D. Hoover and Welch assisting 
 Pastor Fleck. The cost of these was $751.30. At one time the 
 Horner congregation was the largest in the Stoyestown charge. 
 During late years there have been many deaths and removals. 
 Some of the most prominent members in the Lutheran Churches 
 of surrounding towns were formerly connected with the Horner 
 congregation. The church at Dibertsville is also a child of this con- 
 gregation. The following pastors have served this congregation : 
 Rev. Charles F. Heyer, organization to 1835 ; Rev. D. Haver- 
 stick, 1836 to 1839; Rev. Peter Rizer, 1839 to 1843; Rev. Samuel 
 B. Lawson, 1845 to 1849; Rev. John T. Williams, 1849 to 1850; 
 Rev. Jacob K. Miller, 1850 to 1857; Rev. Peter Sahm, 1858 to 
 1861 ; Rev. John Tomlinson, 1861 to 1874; Rev. J. J. Welch, 
 1874 to 1879 ; Rev. J. W. Ryder, no dates ; Rev. A. K. Felton, 
 1881 to 1885; Rev. A. Sell, 1885 to 1888; Rev. E. S. Johnston, 
 D.D., 1888 to 1894; Rev. L. N. Fleck, 1894 to 1904; Rev. J. S. 
 English, 1905 until the present. 
 
 SUMMERHILL CHARGE 
 
 CAMBRIA COUNTY, PA. 
 
 Rev. F. S. Shultz, Pastor 
 
 The Summerhill charge, as it is now known, has had the dis- 
 tinction of having three different names in the history of the 
 
 759 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 Synod. First it was called the Jefferson Mission as that was 
 the former name of Wilmore. A short time after Rev. Kuhlman 
 took charge the mission became self-sustaining and the name of 
 the town having been changed to Wilmore the name of the 
 charge was known as the Wilmore charge until 1898, when the 
 present parsonage was built at Summerhill and the name of the 
 charge changed to the same. 
 
 Besides the three congregations now forming the charge, 
 namely, Summerhill, Wilmore and Jackson, the following con- 
 gregations in Somerset and Cambria Counties at one time or 
 another belonged to this charge : Scalp Level, Dunmeyer, Lilly, 
 Portage and South fork, the three last being organized by pastors 
 of the charge. 
 
 The membership has never been very large, that of the Sum- 
 merhill congregation fluctuating from about forty to 200, the 
 present membership being 103. That of Wilmore was up to 
 about 150 at one time, but it is now down to forty. Jackson 
 has never varied a great deal, running from thirty-five to about 
 sixty, the present membership being fifty-three. 
 
 Just recently the parsonage has been equipped with all modern 
 conveniences. 
 
 Summerhill (Halfway House) Lutheran Church 
 About the year 1800, Thomas Croyle and his wife, Barbra, 
 located in this place, having moved from Bedford County. They 
 evidently were leaders in community affairs for the township 
 and the church which were formed shortly after their locating 
 here were both named in their honor. 
 
 In 1832, Mrs. Barbra Croyle deeded two acres and sixty-eight 
 perches of ground to be used as a site for a union church and 
 burying ground. Upon this site a small frame building was 
 erected and used by the Presbyterians [Reformed] and Lutherans 
 as a place of worship. 
 
 As to the exact date of the organization of a Lutheran Church 
 their seems to be some discrepancy between the oldest records 
 and the minutes of Synod. In the Synodical minutes of 1845, 
 this record appears : "The Halfway House congregation in 
 Cambria County was received into Synod." While the earliest 
 record in the church book is that of a congregational meeting of 
 760 
 
SUMMERHILL (HALFWAY HOUSE) 
 
 the Evangelical Lutheran Church at Jefferson and Halfway 
 House held June 5, 1847, in Mrs. Croyle's Church for the elec- 
 tion of church officers which resulted in the choice of Messrs. 
 Palmer and Croyle, for elders, and Messrs. Settlemyer and Paul, 
 for deacons. This would indicate an organization prior to this 
 date. 
 
 Continuing, the record says : "June 6, 1847. List of com- 
 municants at the Halfway House, Rev. A. Bosserman, preacher 
 in charge, pastor of the First Church, Johnstown : Joseph Wisel, 
 
 THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF SUMMERHILL, PA. 
 
 Susan Wisel, William Burnhimer, Adam Rhorbaugh, Maria 
 Rhorbaugh, George Slonaker, Elizabeth Slonaker, Isaac Paul, 
 Peter Barrick, George Settlemyer, Joseph Croyle, Valentine 
 Moyer, Elizabeth Pringle, Susan Paul, Michael Knips, Eliza- 
 beth Ketner, Susan Stineman, Barbra Meyers, Catherine Settle- 
 myer, Enderson Englehart, Margaret Englehart, Jacob Stiffler, 
 Margaret Croyle, Jacob Stineman, Mary Stineman, Catherine 
 Sell, John Paul, Daniel Flenner, Jacob Weaver, Eliza Weaver, 
 Elizabeth Paul, Daniel Stineman, Elizabeth Stineman, Leah 
 Stineman, Febe Rhinehart. Samuel Croyle, William Palmer, 
 
 761 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 Mathias Michel, Daniel Burtnet, Mariah Burtnet, John Karr, 
 Elizabeth Patterson, Susan Stiffler, Mary Karr, Eva Right. 
 
 Among these names are prominent people from both Wilmore 
 and Jackson, who later were the leaders in the organization of 
 their churches. 
 
 Rev. Bosserman continued as supply until April, 1848, when 
 he was succeeded by Rev. P. Sahm, who supplied until about 
 January 1, 1853. 
 
 For the next two years the Revs. J. Klies and C. C. Brandt, of 
 the German Lutheran Church, of Johnstown, supplied. 
 
 On November 1, 1855, Rev. Lewis J. Bell, principal of the 
 Johnstown Academy, began as supply and continued until the 
 spring of 1858. The first regular pastor was Rev. J. F. Kuhl- 
 man, who served from April 1, 1859, to September 1, i860. 
 
 Following is the list of later pastors and their time of service : 
 
 Rev. P. Sheeder, September 25, 1864, to May 1, 1867; Rev. 
 A. R. Height, September 1, 1867, to January 1, 1870; A. J. 
 Hartsock, April 1, 1870, to April 28, 1872. It was during his 
 ministry that the present church was built. The corner-stone 
 was laid on August 19, 1871, the Rev.. R. A. Fink, of Johnstown, 
 preaching the sermon. The Rev. Henry Baker, of Altoona, took 
 part in the services. The church was dedicated on December 
 24, 1871, Rev. J. R. Dimm, of Philadelphia, preaching the sermon. 
 Rev. Baker was present at this service also. The church is a 
 one-story frame building, 32 by 54 feet, and cost about $1,800. 
 A number of repairs and improvements have been macle to the 
 building from time to time and it has thus been kept in fairly 
 good condition. 
 
 Rev. S. Croft, M.D., July 1, 1872, to April 1, 1874; Rev. 
 William H. Settlemyer, June 1, 1874, to June 1, 1879; Rev. J. J. 
 Kerr, December 18, 1878, to October 14, 1881 ; Rev. G. D. 
 Gross, March 1, 1882, to June 12, 1883 ; Rev. P. G. Bell (supply), 
 1883 to 1885; Rev. John Unruh, November 21, 1886, to October 
 17, 1888; Rev. M. O. T. Sahm, April 15, 1890, to April 1, 1893; 
 Rev. A. B. Erhart, April 15, 1893, to June 10, 1897; Rev. G. K. 
 Allen, September 1, 1897, to December 5, 1905. He was the 
 first pastor to reside at Summerhill. This change was made 
 because it was nearer the center of the charge. 
 
 Rev. W. L. Leisher, April 15, 1907, to November 16, 1908; 
 762 
 
WILMORE (JEFFERSON) 
 
 Rev. J. T. Fox, February 23, 1909, to September 1, 1910; Rev. 
 G. D. Gross served then for the second time, December 1, 19 10, 
 to May 1, 1913; Rev. F. S. Shultz, November 1, 1913 — . 
 
 The Croyle and Paul families have been connected with this 
 church from the beginning. The fifth generation of the former 
 family and the fourth of the latter are still loyal to the church 
 of their fathers. 
 
 The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Wilmore (Jeffer- 
 son), Pa. 
 
 The founder of this church was George Settlemyer, born in 
 Penn's Valley, Centre County, in 1801. He came to Cambria 
 County with his father when but a small boy and located in the 
 vicinity of Wilmore, where he spent the remainder of his life. 
 In those early days churches and Sunday schools were few and 
 far between in the county, but that was no hindrance to young 
 Settlemyer for he walked regularly from Wilmore to Ebensburg, 
 a distance of seven miles, to attend Sunday school and preaching 
 in the Congregational Church. As a young man George desired 
 to join the church of his fathers. There being none in the 
 community he walked fifty miles across the mountains and was 
 confirmed in the Lutheran Church at Newry. Shortly after this 
 he became interested in establishing a church in his community, 
 and mainly through his efforts a union church was built at 
 Wilmore. But it was not long until the church became financially 
 involved and was sold for debt. George Settlemyer bought the 
 building and permitted it to be used as a union church. 
 
 It was not until 1844 and 1845 tnat distinctive Lutheran serv- 
 ices began to be held. Then Revs. Rightmeyer and Bosserman 
 preached here occasionally. In 1848, when Rev. P. Sahm was 
 called to the pastorate of the First Lutheran Church, of Johns- 
 town, he began to preach here more regularly, and on May 11, 
 185 1, he organized a congregation of twenty-six charter mem- 
 bers and held the first communion on the same date. Rev. 
 Sahm continued to supply until April 1, 1853, when he resigned 
 Johnstown. 
 
 From this time on the First Church of Johnstown required 
 all the time of its pastors, so the German Lutheran pastors there 
 supplied the mission until they procured a regular pastor. The 
 
 763 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 first German pastor to supply was Rev. Kleis, and then Rev. 
 C. C. Brandt, who at the meeting of Synod in 1854 requested 
 the Synod to look after certain points in Cambria County, when 
 the following action was taken : 
 
 "Resolved, That $50 be appropriated to the Jefferson Mission 
 provided a missionary can be procured to labor in that field and 
 cannot be sustained by the people in said field by applying to the 
 executive committee of the Home Missionary Society." 
 
 But there was no man available so Rev. Brentz continued as 
 supply until November 1, 1855, when Rev. J. Bell, principal of 
 
 THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF W1LMORE, PA. 
 
 the Johnstown Academy, was secured as a supply and served for 
 two years. The Home Missionary Society contributed $100 
 toward his support. 
 
 On April 1, 1859, Rev. J. F. Kuhlman took charge as the' 
 first regular resident pastor residing at Wilmore. At the close 
 of the first year of his ministry the mission became self- 
 supporting. It was during his ministry that the Jackson Church 
 was organized, and in 1862 the first parsonage was purchased 
 at a cost of $603.21. 
 764 
 
ST. PAUL'S (JACKSON) 
 
 The naines of the pastors and the length of their service will 
 be found in the history of the Summerhill congregation. 
 
 Early in 1873, under the ministry of Rev. S. Croft, M.D., the 
 building of a new church was begun on a new site donated by 
 Mr. George Settlemyer. The corner-stone was laid on July 19, 
 1873, Rev. Dr. Fink, of Johnstown, preaching the sermon. The 
 church was not finished until late the following year. In the 
 meantime Rev. William H. Settlemyer, a son of the congrega- 
 tion, had become the pastor. The new church was dedicated on 
 November 8, 1874, Rev. F. W. Conrad, D.D., of Philadelphia, 
 Pa., preaching the dedicatory sermon. 
 
 The church is a two-story frame building, 38 by 60 feet, with 
 a spire almost 100 feet high. The building cost about $5,000. 
 Mr. George Settlemyer again showed his liberality by contribut- 
 ing $1,000 besides material and labor. 
 
 About 1887, a new parsonage was bought for $600. 
 
 On June 10, 1897, Rev. A. B. Erhart, in the midst of his 
 years of usefulness, died very suddenly. 
 
 In 1898, a new parsonage was built at Summerhill and the 
 pastor moved from Wilmore. 
 
 In 1912 and 1913, quite a number of repairs were made to 
 the church, such as new slate roof, concrete sills, with steps and 
 walk, painting without, plastering, papering and carpeting 
 within, all at a cost of about $1,500, so that the church building 
 is now in very good condition. 
 
 The Settlemyers have always been loyal and faithful to the 
 church. Just recently George Lloyd, a great grandson of the 
 founder of the church, was received by baptism. 
 
 St. Paul's (Jackson) Lutheran Church 
 This is strictly a country church, there being no other buildings 
 within one-eighth of a mile. As early as the forties some of 
 the older people drove or rode horseback to Summerhill to 
 church. About 1856, Rev. Lewis J. Bell preached occasionally 
 in what was then known as Burkhart's Schoolhouse. In 1859, 
 when Rev. J. F. Kuhlman took charge of the Jefferson Mission 
 he at once became more interested in the Jackson people and 
 on October T3, i860, he organized the congregation with thirty- 
 five charter members. A plot of ground for church and ceme- 
 
 765 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 tery purposes was donated by Mr. S. P. Dunmeyer and Mrs. 
 Elizabeth Slonaker. The church was erected in the fall of 
 1 86 1, and dedicated on February 23, 1862, and cost about $800. 
 This building has served these loyal people all these years, but it 
 is much the worse for the wear and needs to be replaced by a 
 new one which we hope will come in a very short time. The 
 list of pastors and their time of service will be found in the 
 history of the Summerhill congregation. 
 
 In this church the names of Roherbaugh and Paul have con- 
 tinued from the beginning until now, when the fourth and fifth 
 
 st. Paul's (jackson) Lutheran church 
 
 generations are still active. Mr. D. M. Funk, a great-grandson 
 of Adam Roherbaugh, one of the founders of the congregation, 
 is now in college at Gettysburg preparing to enter the ministry. 
 
 WELLERSBURG PASTORATE 
 
 Sketches by Rev. E. S. Johnston, D.D. 
 
 The Mt. Carmel Evangelical Lutheran Church 
 
 When the Rev. Christian Lepley was pastor of the Frostburg 
 pastorate in 1842, he began to preach in a schoolhouse on the 
 Plank Road east of Wittenburg, Pa., at a place then called 
 White Oak. This house had been built for school purposes and 
 766 
 
MT. C ARM EL 
 
 preaching services. After preaching in this building at various 
 times for two years he organized, in 1844, a congregation in 
 the name and title of "The Mt. Carmel Evangelical Lutheran 
 Church, of Larimer Township, Somerset County, Pa. 
 
 In the spring of 1847, this church united with the Reformed 
 congregation in building a union church to be used for the pur- 
 poses of both organizations, each occupying it on every alternate 
 
 MT. CARMEL 
 
 Sunday. This church was a small frame one-story building, 35 
 by 45 feet, and is said to have cost about $1,200. The corner- 
 stone was laid in the month of A lav, 1847. The sermon of the 
 occasion was preached by Rev. William Uhl, of Somerset. It 
 was dedicated to the worship of God, free of debt, on September 
 28, in the same year, by Rev. Christian Lepley. of the Lutheran 
 Church, and the Rev. Benjamin Knepper, of the Reformed. 
 
 767 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 For forty-four years this church was used jointly by the 
 Lutheran and Reformed congregations until on May 10, 1891, 
 the Lutheran people dedicated to the worship of the Triune God 
 a new church of their own on a lot but a few rods from where 
 the old church then stood. In this most comfortable sanctuary, 
 which is also one of the most beautiful country churches in 
 Somerset County, the congregation is now worshiping and has 
 been for the last twenty years. Cost, $4,500. 
 
 Soon after the organization of the Mt. Carmel Church the 
 Rev. Christian Lepley, still pastor of the Frostburg pastorate and 
 finding that he had more places to preach than he could well 
 attend to, was compelled to make other arrangements for the new 
 congregation. Therefore, we find that on January 1, 1845, the 
 Rev. John Gaver, whether as pastor or supply or in connection 
 with some other congregations does not appear, took charge of 
 this church and served them for one year when death claimed 
 him as its victim and ended his labors on earth. From January 
 1, 1846, to April 1, 1849, Rev. Christian Lepley seems to have 
 preached for them occasionally and also exercised a general 
 supervision over their affairs. On or about the latter date stated 
 above, Rev. Samuel B. Lawson became the pastor of the Salis- 
 bury charge and supplied the Mt. Carmel Church during the 
 years he preached for that pastorate. 
 
 In 1 85 1, the Wellersburg charge was formed consisting of 
 some five congregations, one of which was Mt. Carmel, which 
 was organized as we have seen some time in the year 1844. 
 From this time on up to the present, the ministers who served 
 this pastorate preached also at Mt. Carmel. This church, there- 
 fore, has had sixteen pastors as follows : 
 
 Rev. Peter S. Nellis, from June, 1852, to November 9, 1853; 
 Rev. Charles Witmer, from February 19, 1854, to 1857; Rev. 
 Christian Lepley, the second time, from 1857 to 1859; Rev. 
 Alex. Cupp, from i860 to his death in 1862; Rev. Isaac Augus- 
 tine, from 1863 to 1864; Rev. J. N. A. Kitzmiller, from January 
 15, 1865, to January 3, 1869; Rev. A. M. Strause, from Novem- 
 ber 1, 1869, to April 1, 1873; Rev. W. E. Crebs, from 1874 to 
 1875; Rev. M. F. Pfahler, from April 15, 1876, to 1884; Rev. 
 J. P. Schnure, from September 10, 1886, to 1888; Rev. Emile 
 Shultz, from June 14, 1889, to 1890; Rev. M. L. Young, Ph.D., 
 768 
 
MT. CARMEL 
 
 from 1890 to 1891 ; Rev. O. H. Gruver, from 1893 to 1895 ; Rev. 
 S. J. Ulrich, from 1896 to 1899; Rev. M. L. Young, Ph.D., sec- 
 ond time, from 1900 to his death, 1904; Rev. E. S. Johnston, D.D., 
 from 1905 to 1915. 
 
 It will be noticed that in the above list of pastors the name of 
 Rev. M. L. Young, Ph.D., appears twice. In 1890, after the 
 Meversdale Church, of which he was pastor, determined to 
 undertake alone the support of the minister, Dr. Young assumed 
 charge of the churches which had withdrawn from the Meyers- 
 dale pastorate and had been formed into a new charge. In addi- 
 
 ADAM POORBAUGH 
 
 tion, however, to his regular services in the new St. Paul's 
 parish, he supplied the Mt. Carmel with preaching and superin- 
 tended the work of arranging for and the building of a new 
 church. He continued to serve them until the new church was 
 erected and dedicated, and a minister was secured in the person 
 of the Rev. O. H. Gruver, who was elected as pastor of the 
 Wellersburg charge. 
 
 The Mt. Carmel Church, as you will see by the picture accom- 
 panying this article, is a neat frame structure with auditorium 
 and Sunday school room connected by folding doors. It has 
 
 769 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 a graceful tower, 66 feet in height, in which hangs a large 
 McShane bell. The ceiling is finished with wood laid off in 
 panels. All the windows are of fine art glass, memorials of 
 those whose names they bear. They were placed in the church 
 by those who desired to remember and honor their departed 
 loved ones. One of these windows is memorial of Rev. M. F. 
 Pfahler, who was pastor of the congregation during the last 
 twelve years of his active ministry and of the members of his 
 family who had then gone to their reward. This window was 
 presented by his son, John H. Pfahler, of Meyersdale. 
 
 The most beautiful memorial as well as the most costly, per- 
 haps, was presented by Adam Poorbaugh in remembrance of his 
 daughter. Mr. Poorbaugh also gave to the church a large Frink 
 reflector, and after the building was erected provided an iron 
 fence in front of the edifice. He was a sincere and truly humble 
 Christian man, for many years a devoted and useful member of 
 the church, and honored and beloved by all who knew him. At 
 his death, which occurred April 30, 1900, it was discovered that 
 he had bequeathed to the trustees of Mt. Carmel Church and 
 their successors in office the sum of $650, the interest of which 
 is to be used toward the pastor's salary or any other debts of 
 the congregation, a praiseworthy example of benevolence and one 
 to be commended to those whom God has blessed with worldly 
 prosperity. 
 
 At the same time he also bequeathed $100 to the Somerset 
 County Evangelical Lutheran Conference of the Alleghany Synod, 
 to be used by the said Conference toward establishing a collegiate 
 institution which they then contemplated establishing in Somerset 
 County. But as there was no probability that such an institution 
 would be established in the near future, if at all, and as al! 
 projects toward that end had been abandoned, the Conference 
 at its meeting held in the month of November, 1910, unani- 
 mously passed a resolution which was copied in the minutes, 
 directing the treasurer to refund the one hundred dollars held 
 by the Conference to the heirs of the donor, Adam Poorbaugh. 
 With as little delay as possible the Rev. W. H. B. Carney, treas- 
 urer of the Conference, paid to Herman B. Beal, the only sur- 
 viving heir-at-law, the sum of $100 above mentioned. 
 
 Believing that such a disposition of this money would be most 
 770 
 
MT. C ARM EL 
 
 in accordance with the wishes of the original testator, Air. Beal 
 gave the $100 to the present trustees of the Alt. Carmel Church 
 and their successors in office on the same conditions as those 
 specified in the will of the late Adam Poorbaugh. "The Poor- 
 baugh Fund," now in the hands of the trustees of the Mt. Carmel 
 Church, the interest of which is to be paid annually for the 
 benefit of the church is seven hundred and fifty dollars. 
 
 Some ten years after he had superintended the erection of the 
 Mt. Carmel Church, Dr. Young again regularly supplied both 
 the congregations still remaining in the Wellersburg charge. In 
 1900, he was assisted by Rev. B. B. Collins, pastor of the Meyers- 
 dale Church, and by Dr. Johnston, pastor of the Salisbury charge. 
 For the next two years he did all the preaching in these two 
 churches. But when, in 1903, he became pastor of St. Stephen's, 
 Cumberland, Md., his ministerial duties accumulated to such an 
 extent that he could no longer do the necessary preaching. By 
 an arrangement satisfactory to the Mt. Carmel congregation he 
 secured the assistance of Dr. E. S. Johnston, who preached for 
 that church once a month, from January 1, 1903, to December 31, 
 1904. This relation was dissolved by a Power stronger than any 
 human agency. Dr. Young continued to discharge his part of the 
 ministerial and pastoral duties until within two weeks of his 
 death, which occurred at his residence in Cumberland, Md., on 
 Monday morning, December 12, 1904, in the fifty-first year of 
 his age. 
 
 Dr. Young was a man of clear and decided opinions. He was 
 an honest man, a true friend, a genial companion, a sincere 
 Christian and a clear, earnest, instructive preacher. The esteem 
 in which his memory is held by this community in which he was 
 well known is manifest on every hand, and the respect with 
 which his name is mentioned, his memory cherished, his opinions 
 quoted and his practices approved furnish strong evidence of the 
 scope of his mind and the breadth of his character. "He being 
 dead yet speaketh." 
 
 On January 1, 1905, a few weeks after the death of Dr. Young, 
 Rev. E. S. Johnston, D.D., became pastor of the Wellersburg 
 pastorate, and served until December 31, 1914, when he resigned 
 from active work as a pastor, having attained the age of eighty- 
 one years. This church reported to Synod at the end of the 
 
 771 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 Synodical year, August 31, 1914, ninety-five communicant mem- 
 bers, 115 confirmed members and 210 baptized members, and a 
 contribution for benevolence during the year of $137. 
 
 Mr. Herman Beal, for many years a faithful member and 
 officer of this congregation, at his death a few years ago, made a 
 substantial bequest to the congregation. This bequest has been 
 invested and the interest applied to the salary of the pastor and 
 the benevolence of the church. 
 
 The past few years the congregation has been having supplies 
 in the persons of Mr. A. W. Smith, a student of Susquehanna 
 University; Rev. J. T. Shaffer, and Mr. F. R. Crossland, a 
 student of Susquehanna. 
 
 Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church 
 wellersburg, pa. 
 
 The Zion Church, in Wellersburg, Somerset County, Pa., was 
 originally built of logs, probably in about 181 5, but the time is 
 by no means certain. It was to be conjointly used on alternate 
 Sundays by the Evangelical Lutheran and the Reformed con- 
 gregations. The relationships existing among their members and 
 their associations were so intimate that they held the church 
 property in common and in the main recognized but one form 
 of government. 
 
 Some time between 1820 and 1825, this building gave place 
 to another also of logs. This church was as near as possible a 
 perfect cube, with galleries on three sides and a very high pulpit. 
 In the forties it was weather-boarded inside and out at a cost, 
 perhaps, of $1,000, which added not only to its appearance but 
 also greatly to the comfort of the worshiping congregations. 
 For years it has been used by the borough as a schoolhouse and 
 perhaps for other purposes. It stands on the southeastern corner 
 of a plot of ground of about an acre, which has been used for 
 many years as a cemetery and in which the dead are still buried. 
 
 On the western side of this plot in 1856, the present church 
 was erected. It is a brick building, 38 by 50 feet, with a base- 
 ment, tower and bell, and is said to have cost $2,500. Within 
 the last few years stained glass of fine quality has been placed in 
 the windows by loving ones in memory of departed friends. Two 
 772 
 
ZION, WELLERSBURG 
 
 of these windows are in honor of two former pastors who were 
 then living, Rev. Christian Lepley, of the Lutheran, and Rev. 
 Benjamin Knepper, of the Reformed Church, and a third one 
 is "in memoriam" of Rev. M. L. Young, Ph.D., who was pastor 
 of the church at the time of his death. The old tower has been 
 replaced by a new and very tasteful belfry, and the whole of the 
 exterior of the building painted and penciled at a cost of about 
 $600. All has added greatly to the attractiveness of the church. 
 The Wellersburg Lutheran Church dates its origin on or 
 
 ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH 
 
 about the year 1803, and is, therefore, one of the oldest congre- 
 gations in Somerset County. As the records for the first dozen 
 years were not kept at all or have been lost, the history of the 
 first decade of its existence is wholly dependent upon very 
 unreliable tradition. It is said that the Rev. Mr. Hanker 
 preached here in 1803, but whether he preached only occasionally 
 or was the pastor for a number of years is not known and cannot 
 now be determined. Equally uncertain is the tradition that the 
 Rev. Philip Mockenhaupt, who passed for a Lutheran minister 
 
 773 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 but was a member of no Synod and kept no records of his 
 ministerial acts, preached for the congregation during the two 
 years of 1814 and 1815. 
 
 At first Wellersburg was connected with the Cumberland 
 Lutheran Church and was one of the many stations that belonged 
 to that pastorate, and was served by the ministers who had 
 charge of that congregation. The Rev. C. F. Heyer was pastor 
 from 1818 to 1825. In speaking of his constantly increasing 
 labors Mr. Heyer declares that his appointments from east to 
 west extended to about eighty miles ; that frequently he was 
 absent from home a whole week at a time and that generally he 
 attended to ten or eleven appointments before he returned. 
 
 The other pastors who came from Cumberland, Md., were, 
 viz. : 
 
 Rev. Henry Haverstick, from 1829 to 1832 ; Rev. John Kehler, 
 from 1833 to 1839; Rev, Jesse Winecoff, from 1840 to 1842. 
 
 During the year 1841, a new pastorate was formed consisting 
 of Frostburg, Md., Wellersburg, Kennells Mills, Comps, Fair- 
 hope, Greenville, etc. Of this pastorate the Rev. Christian 
 Lepley took charge in 1842 and consequently became pastor of 
 the Wellersburg congregation in that year and served it till his 
 resignation of the Frostburg charge in 1857, a period of nine 
 years. Up to this time the Wellersburg Church belonged to the 
 Maryland Synod. All her pastors, five in number, were of that 
 reverend body. All Synodical reports were made to it and will 
 be found in the records of that Synod. 
 
 In 185 1, the Wellersburg pastorate was formed consisting of 
 six congregations, Wellersburg, Comps, Kennells Mills, Fairhope, 
 Greenville and Mt. Carmel, a new congregation organized in 
 1844 by Rev. Christian Lepley while pastor of the Frostburg 
 charge. On application the new Wellersburg charge was taken 
 under the care of the Alleghany Synod and thus became a mem- 
 ber of the Somerset County conference, and has remained an 
 integral part of that body up to the present time. 
 
 Fifteen ministers have had charge of the congregation since 
 the year 1851, viz. : 
 
 Rev. Peter Nellis, from 1852 to 1853; Rev. Charles Witmer, 
 from 1854 to 1857; Rev. Christian Lepley, the second time, from 
 1857 to 1859; Rev. Alexander Cupp, from i860 to his death, 
 774 
 
ZION, WELLERSBURG 
 
 1862; Rev. Isaac Augustine, from 1863 to 1864; Rev. J. H. A. 
 Kitzmiller, from 1865 to 1869; Rev. A. M. Strause, from 1870 
 to 1872; Rev. W. E. Crebbs, from 1873 to 1874; Rev. M. F. 
 Pfahler, from 1876 to 1884; Rev. J. P. Schnure, from 1886 to 
 1889; Rev. Emile Schultz, from 1889 to 1890; Rev. O. H. 
 Gruver, from 1893 to 1895 ; Rev. S. J. Ulrich, from 1896 to 
 1899; Rev. M. L. Young, Ph.D., from 1890 to his death, 1904; 
 Rev. E. S. Johnston, D.D., from 1905 to 191 5. 
 
 On August 18, 18 14, John Korns conveyed a parcel of ground 
 in the Borough of Wellersburg, containing sixteen and one-half 
 acres to the Evangelical Lutheran and the German Reformed 
 congregations. During the pastorate of Rev. Jesse Winecoff 
 in 1840, these congregations were incorporated by the legislature 
 of Pennsylvania under the name and title of "The Lutheran and 
 German Reformed Corporation." Charles Uhl and Samuel 
 Gaumer, in behalf of the Lutherans, and Peter Riber and John 
 Kennell, in behalf of the German Reformed, were the charter 
 trustees. These trustees or their successors have had control 
 of the church property from that time to the present. 
 
 In January, 1842, the trustees called a public meeting of both 
 congregations. At this meeting the Rev. Jesse Winecoff was 
 chosen president, and Samuel D. Witt was selected as secretary. 
 By a majority of seventeen votes it was : 
 
 Resolved first, That certain lots be disposed of at public sale. 
 
 Resolved second, That no whole lot shall be sold for less than 
 $50. 
 
 Resolved third, That if the lots cannot be sold for $50 or more 
 they shall be leased or rented for a term of years. 
 
 By the authority thus given the trustees have at different dates 
 since disposed of a certain number of lots by sale or by lease 
 for the term of ninety-nine years. The money thus secured has 
 been used by the trustees for the repairs or the betterment of 
 the church property as the congregations order or the circum- 
 stances require. 
 
 By the will of William Troutman. a life-long and much- 
 beloved member of the Lutheran Church and who entered upon 
 his heavenly reward April 18, 1906, the Lutheran congregation 
 of Wellersburg, Pa., received a legacy of $300, the interest of 
 which is to be used toward the pastor's salary. And John G. 
 
 775 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 Witt, who, from young manhood to old age, was a devoted, 
 honored and beloved member of the same church, and who with 
 Mr. Troutman had witnessed its multitudinous and varied experi- 
 ences and who survived him but a few days over a month, left 
 to the same congregation and on the same conditions a bequest 
 of $250. These bequests, amounting to $550, were duly paid 
 over and are now fulfilling the wishes of their kind and lorig-to- 
 be-remembered donors. 
 
 During the sixty years in which the Wellersburg Church has 
 been a member of the Somerset County Conference they enjoyed 
 
 JOHN A. WITT 
 
 WILLIAM TROUTMAN 
 
 the privilege of entertaining that body but twice, the first time 
 on July 12, 1 88 1, when Rev. M. F. Pfahler was the pastor, and 
 the second time on April 23, 1901, when Rev. M. L. Young, 
 Ph.D., was the pastor. The church and the community do not 
 remember what the Conference did or said or resolved while 
 they were holding their sessions in Wellersburg, but such a 
 body of Christian men, ministers of Christ, preachers of the gos- 
 pel and heralds of salvation to the lost could not fail to leave an 
 influence for good upon all with whom they came in contact. 
 The only regret is that they could not have come oftener, for 
 776 
 
ZION, GERMAN, JOHNSTOWN 
 
 while they were here they taught the church what a grand thing 
 it is to work for Christ and for the good of humanity, and 
 when they were gone Christian men must have found their own 
 souls strengthened and all the energies of the Church multiplied. 
 
 In 1899, Comps reported ten members, Kennell Mills nine and 
 Fairhope fifteen ; nothing for benevolence and nothing for local 
 expenses. Being so few in membership and some of these ready 
 to move away as soon as they could elsewhere better their finan- 
 cial condition ; frequently without preaching for months at a 
 time, and with no prospect whatever of ever being more able to 
 sustain these organizations, even at their present poor dying 
 rate, they were advised to connect themselves with the neigh- 
 boring congregations and give up the effort. There has, there- 
 fore, been no regular Lutheran service in these places since 
 1900, and it seems that these churches no longer exist. A few of 
 them have connected themselves with the Wellersburg and Mt. 
 Carmel Churches, some of them have died, others have moved 
 away and a few, perhaps, have gone into other churches. 
 
 The Greenville Church, which was an integral part of the 
 Frostburg pastorate, formed in 1841, and sometimes wrongly 
 called the Wellersburg charge, became a part of the Salisbury 
 charge in 1849, an d nas remained a member of that pastorate to 
 the present time. 
 
 For the last ten years, therefore, the Wellersburg charge has 
 consisted of but two congregations, Wellersburg and Mt. Carmel. 
 Though few in numbers, if these churches will continue to build 
 their hopes on faith in God and make His glory and the welfare 
 of men the great object of their being, they will find as the 
 years hurry by and the wheels of time move onward that that 
 influence is ever widening and that their work is not in vain, in 
 the Lord. 
 
 777 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 CHURCHES OF OTHER SYNODS 
 ZION GERMAN LUTHERAN CHURCH 
 
 JOHNSTOWN, PA. 
 
 (General Council) 
 
 In 1848, Rev. Bosserman, of Johnstown, and Rev. Sahm, of 
 Blairsville, exchanged charges because Rev. Sahm could preach 
 in German and the Germans of Johnstown wanted German 
 preaching. On December 3, 1852, the Germans called a separate 
 pastor in the person of Rev. Theobald Kleis. A lot of ground 
 corner Lewis and Jackson Streets was secured and a small frame 
 building for school and church purposes erected. On October 7, 
 1853, Rev. Kleis died. Alleghany Synod passed a fitting reso- 
 lution and Rev. J. Martin, Rev. Sahm's successor in the First 
 Church, wrote an obituary for the Observer, in whose church 
 the funeral services were held. He was born in Meissenheim, 
 Baden, Germany, September 29, 1829, and had labored previously 
 in Texas. He was succeeded by Rev. Brandt, 1853-1854, Rev. 
 Lauser and Rev. Gress. In 1863, Rev. Carl M. Taubner, D.D., 
 took charge and united with the Alleghany Synod, though the 
 congregation still remained independent. 
 
 During his pastorate a new brick church and schoolhouse were 
 erected. The church, size 50 by 75 feet, cost $8,000, and the 
 schoolhouse $3,000. He resigned in 1877, and removed to Cali- 
 fornia, but remained a member of Synod until his death in 1891, 
 at the age of eighty -five years. 
 
 He was succeeded by Revs. Knortz and Height, the latter 
 resigning May 1, 1888. 
 
 About May 1, 1889, Rev. John P. -Lichtenberg, of Utica, N. Y., 
 took charge. On May 31, 1889, ne an( ^ n ' s family, of a wife 
 and four children, were drowned in the Flood. He was born 
 in Cassel, Germany, and had studied at Hersfeld, Gymnasium, 
 Marburg University and also at Basle, Switzerland, studying 
 here Arabic and Amharic languages of Abyssinia that he might 
 go thither as a missionary. He was prevented by the war against 
 this country by Great Britain in 1867, and came to Philadelphia, 
 where he entered Mt. Airy Seminary. His body and that of his 
 wife were taken to Philadelphia. Those of his children were 
 not recovered. 
 
 77S 
 
WINDBER 
 
 The church property valued at $30,000 was all swept away, 
 and of the 450 communicants less than half survived, a greater 
 loss than any other congregation suffered. Towards a new plant 
 the congregation received a gift of $4,016, and a schoolhouse was 
 again built. July 20, 1890, Rev. Paul Glasow became pastor and 
 a new church was built and dedicated May 3, 1891, the cost of 
 the new building being $29,000. The congregation, which had 
 hitherto been independent of all Synodical relations, now became 
 a member of the Pittsburgh Synod of the General Council. 
 
 THE SWEDISH LUTHERAN CHURCH 
 
 WINDBER, PA. 
 
 In the new town of Windber the Swedes were among the first 
 church organizations to erect a place of worship. 
 
 Their church has a beautiful location on the corner of Somer- 
 set Avenue and Tenth Street, and was built in 1900. The edifice 
 is 30 by 46 feet, has two stories, and the present value is estimated 
 at $4,500. 
 
 The latest conference report gives the number of members 
 ninety-two with forty-eight communicants. The ministers have 
 always resided elsewhere, Rev. Andrew Palmer, Houtzdale ; O. 
 Chilleen, Irwin ; N. P. Anseen, Greensburg ; E. Rehner, Win- 
 burne ; T. N. Anderson, Houtzdale, having served it. 
 
 SLOVAK LUTHERANS 
 OF JOHNSTOWN AND WINDBER, PA. 
 
 The Swedish Lutheran Church of Windber is also used as a 
 place of worship by the Slovak Lutherans who meet the fourth 
 Sunday of every month. 
 
 Rev. D. Koachala, pastor of Slovaks of Johnstown, took charge 
 of the mission when it was organized, some time before 1906. 
 The business of the organization is transacted by the minister 
 and a benevolent society known as S. E. J., No. 14. 
 
 The following information concerning the Slovak Evangelical 
 Lutheran Synod of America, compiled by the Department of 
 Commerce and Labor as a part of the Eleventh Census, may be 
 of interest: Number of organizations, fifty-nine; members, 
 12,141; church edifices, twenty-nine; halls, thirty; value of 
 church property, $219,300; Sunday schools, twelve; enrollment, 
 
 779 
 
SOMERSET CONFERENCE 
 
 585. One-half of the members, church buildings, etc., are in 
 Pennsylvania. For the purpose of assisting needy members of the 
 churches aid societies have been formed and united under the 
 name of the "Slovak Evangelical Union of America." Of these, 
 there are 192 men's societies with a membership of 7,000, and 
 thirty-eight women's societies with a membership of 1,000. (Cen- 
 sus of 1910.) 
 
 The first congregation was gathered at Streator, 111., in 1885, 
 and was followed by others at Freeland and Nanticoke, Pa., all 
 under the care of the Rev. Cyril Drope, a member of the Penn- 
 sylvania Ministerium. The Synod has no college. In 1906, 
 twenty-six students were in Lutheran institutions of other 
 Synods. There are four parochial schools with 175 pupils. 
 Nearly every congregation has a Saturday school in which the 
 catechism and hymns are taught in the Slovak language. 
 
 THE JOHNSBURG CHARGE 
 (Missouri Synod) 
 Pine Hill Congregation 
 The Missouri Lutheran congregation at Pine Hill was com- 
 posed of members of the General Synod congregation who were 
 dissatisfied with Rev. Fair, the pastor, and with the refusal of 
 the Alleghany Synod to sanction their withdrawal in 1857 from 
 the Berlin pastorate. As German was the only language used by 
 the first pastor Rev. Bilz, and as he was more strictly Lutheran 
 than the General Synod pastors of those days those who preferred 
 the German and the liturgical services came from far and near and 
 formed for a while a strong, congregation. They held the 
 "Union" Lutheran and German Reformed building here under 
 ruling from the court, and prospered for some years. With the 
 building of the new St. Michael's Lutheran Church (General 
 Synod) in 1861, and the introduction there of the English lan- 
 guage, the young people naturally joined the new church. The 
 result was that this congregation died out and the church building 
 with the ground was transferred by the surviving members, John 
 Gumbert, Peter Gumbert, Henry Gumbert and Peter Baker, the 
 last three joining the General Synod congregation, to the latter, 
 together with the residue of an endowment. The pastors since 
 780 
 
TRINITY, GLEN SAVAGE 
 
 1865, following Rev. Bilz, who preached at Pine Hill, have been 
 Revs. H. Steger, Sr., William Koehler, J. F. M. Miller, C. Lau- 
 terbach, H. Steger, Jr., William Knoke and J. Koerber. 
 
 Johnsburg Congregation 
 St. John's, of Johnsburg, had as a nucleus ten voting members 
 who organized in October, 1863, and built a frame church, 32 by 
 26 feet, with steeple and bell, dedicating the same in 1863, under 
 the pastoral oversight of Rev. William Koehler. A parsonage 
 was also erected there at a cost of $900. 
 
 Trinity Lutheran Congregation 
 
 glen savage, pa. 
 
 The congregation here was organized with ten voting mem- 
 bers also, and an edifice, costing in money about $500, size 30 by 
 20 feet, was built some time later. The lot here was donated by 
 Conrad Schiller. 
 
 781 
 
0MBECLAJ1D 
 
 '^>c.Q\g. Iinr.h- \A-w.lf; 
 
DIRECTORY OF ALLEGHANY SYNOD 
 
 ACCORDING TO CONFERENCES, AND MAP, OF DATE 1913, 
 
 SHOWING LOCATION OF SOME OF THE 
 
 CHURCHES OF THAT TIME 
 
 Northeast 
 
 14. Altoona — 7 churches. 
 
 10. Bellwood — 2 churches. 
 
 3. Clearfield, English. 
 
 4. Curwensville — 2 churches. 
 
 1. Dubois, Trinity. 
 
 16. Duncansville. 
 
 12. East Altoona. 
 
 15. Gallitzin — 2 churches. 
 
 19. Geeseytown. 
 
 6. Glasgow — 4 churches. 
 18. Hollidaysburg, Zion. 
 
 13. Juniata, Trinity. 
 
 7. Karthaus — 3 churches. 
 
 2. Luthersburg — 4 churches. 
 
 22. Martinsburg — 2 churches. 
 
 17. Newry — 4 churches. 
 
 5. New Millport — 3 churches. 
 
 8. Philipsburg. 
 
 21. Roaring Spring. 
 
 11. Sinking Valley — 5 churches. 
 
 9. Tyrone, First. 
 
 20. Williamsburg — 4 churches. 
 
 Somerset 
 
 21. Addison — 3 churches. 
 15. Berlin, Trinity. 
 
 20. Confluence, Trinity. 
 
 23. Cumberland, Md. 
 
 6. Davidsville — 3 churches. 
 
 18. Elk Lick — 4 churches. 
 10.. Friedens — 4 churches. 
 17. Garrett — 4 churches. 
 
 14. Glade — 4 churches. 
 
 7. Hooversville — 4 churches. 
 
 8. Jennerstown — 5 churches. 
 
 4. Johnstown — 4 churches. 
 
 1. Lilly — 2 churches. 
 
 11. Lavansville — 2 churches. 
 19. Meyersdale. 
 
 16. Rockwood — 3 churches. 
 
 5. Scalp Level — 2 churches. 
 
 12. Shanksville — 4 churches. 
 3. South Fork — 2 churches. 
 
 13. Somerset. 
 
 9. Stoyestown — 3 churches. 
 
 2. Summer Hill— 3 churches. 
 22. Wellersburg — 2 churches. 
 24. Casebeer, Christ. 
 
 Juniata 
 
 10. Bedford, Trinity. 
 
 11. Everett, Zion. 
 
 13. Friends Cove — 3 churches. 
 
 2. Huntingdon, St. James'. 
 
 3. Mill Creek — 2 churches. 
 
 7. Hawns — 2 churches. 
 
 6. Mt. Union. 
 
 14. Mt. Pleasant — 5 churches. 
 
 4. • Marklesburg-Saxton — 
 
 2 churches. 
 1. Petersburg — 2 churches. 
 
 16. Rainsburg — 2 churches. 
 
 15. Ray's Hill — 3 churches. 
 9. Schellsburg — 3 churches. 
 
 8. St. Clairsville — 4 churches. 
 
 12. West End — 4 churches. 
 
 17. Woodbury — 2 churches. 
 
CHAPTER XIV 
 
 THE SYNOD'S VOLUNTEERS FOR THE RANKS OF THE 
 MINISTRY 
 
 The following list contains the names, as far as it was possi- 
 ble for the Editor to learn, of all ministers who received aid from 
 this Synod, or entered the ministry from the Synod's territory, 
 together with the congregations from which they came : 
 
 Amick, G. W. W., St. Glairsville. 
 
 Aurand, Chas. G., Altoona, Temple. 
 
 Arnold, Thomas, Bedford. 
 
 Baker, C. W., Bakersville. 
 
 Ball. Jesse W., Ph.D., Berlin. 
 
 Barkley, W. W., Imler, St. Clairs- 
 ville. 
 
 Bean, A. J., Center Line. 
 
 Beckley, Geo. H., St. Clairsville. 
 
 Bell, P. G., Altoona. 
 
 Bergstresser, H. C, Altoona. 
 
 Berkey, W. A., Jennerstown. 
 
 Berkey, H. E., Stoyestown. 
 
 Berkey, C. E., Stoyestown. 
 
 Boyer, M. G., D.D., Marklesburg. 
 
 Bright, W. Luther. 
 
 Brubaker, Jno., D.D., Berlin. 
 
 Brugh, Harry A., Bakersville. 
 
 Burket, J. W., Sinking Valley. 
 
 Butler, C. E.. Lilly. 
 
 Butler, John Geo., D.D., Berlin. 
 
 Collins, B. B.. Berlin. 
 
 Coover, M., D.D., ist Johnstown. 
 
 Crissman, F. Harry, Altoona (2nd). 
 
 Daugherty, S. D., D.D., Blairsville. 
 
 Dickey, Ephraim, Pine Hill. 
 
 Domer, Samuel, D.D., Antis (Sa- 
 lem). 
 
 Earhart, David, Indiana Co. 
 
 Fisher, A. H. Frank, Berlin. 
 
 Fisher, F. P., Half moon Valley. 
 
 Fisher, W. E., D.D., Berlin. 
 
 784 
 
 Fleck, Cyrus L., Sinking Valley. 
 Fleck, E. Lee, Sinking Valley. 
 Fleck, Henry R., Sinking Valley. 
 Fleck, L. N., Sinking Valley. 
 Fleck, Wm. K., Sinking Valley. 
 Flick, H. H., Sr., Lavansville. 
 Flick, H. H., Jr., Lavansville. 
 Focht, David, Clover Creek. 
 Focht, J. R., Clover Creek. 
 Gerhardt, Leonidas, Somerset Co. 
 Glanding, W. M. B., 1st Altoona. 
 Gruver, O. H., Berlin. 
 Guiney, J. B., ist Altoona. 
 Haithcox, H. C, Selinsgrove. 
 Heindel, John, D.D. 
 Hentz, J. P.. D.D., Berlin. 
 Hoskinson, W. S., D.D. 
 Jacobs, Chas. F., Bakersville. 
 Johnston, E. S., D.D., Sinking 
 
 Valley. 
 Jones, Alvah K., Hooversville. 
 Kantner, Wayne O., ist Altoona. 
 Kemmerer, D. M., Schellsburg. 
 Kephart, William, 2nd Altoona. 
 Ketner, G. J. M., Williamsburg. 
 Kuhlman, J. F., St. Paul. Garrett. 
 Kuhlman, Luther, Glade, New 
 
 Centerville. 
 Lane, Peter P., Berlin. 
 Langham, Joseph. 
 Liebegott, C. E., Martinsburg. 
 Lowe, James A., Schmicksburg. 
 
SYNOD'S VOLUNTEERS FOR THE MINISTRY 
 
 Lutz, S. M., Bedford Co. 
 Manges, E. L., Somerset Co. 
 Markley, Raymond, 1st Altoona. 
 Maurer. Jacob A., Stoyestown. 
 Miller. Shile, Bakersville. 
 Miller, V. N., St. Paul, Addison. 
 Minemier, John J., Center Line. 
 Minnich, M. R., Schellsburg. 
 Moser, D. M. 
 Ott. E. F. 
 
 Parson, E. E., 1st Altoona. 
 Pee. Ernest L., Mt. Pleasant. 
 Pile. Graft M., Somerset. 
 Pugh. B. F., Somerset Co. 
 Pugh, Moses, Friedens. 
 Reighard, J. C, St. Clairsville. 
 Reinewald, Chas. 
 Reynolds. H. O., South Fork. 
 Rinard, Herbert, Mt. Pleasant. 
 Ringer, C. J., Mt. Tabor, Garrett. 
 Rhoads, H. S., Will's, Friedens. 
 Rhodes, M., Williamsburg. 
 Rizer, Peter, Cumberland. 
 Robinson, Royden, DuBois. 
 Roland, E. V., Grace, Mt. Pleasant. 
 Rose, H. C, Friend's Cove. 
 Ross, M. J., Friedens. 
 Rover, G. A., Addison. 
 Rupley, John B. 
 Sahm, M. O. T.. Blairsville. 
 Schafer, G. F., D.D., Somerset Co. 
 Schultz, F. S.. 1st Altoona. 
 
 Settlemeyer, W. H., Wilmore. 
 Sbaffer, D. S., Jennerstown. 
 Shaulis, Samuel A., Bakersville. 
 Shultz, D. H, Marklesburg. 
 Simonton, Chester, 1st Altoona. 
 Snyder, Edgar E., Mt. Pleasant. 
 Snyder, Luther, Glade. 
 Spangler, Wm. M., Friedens. 
 Stahl, W. R., Pine Hill. 
 Straw, J. H., New Millport. 
 Streamer, C. L., Williamsburg. 
 Streamer, C. R., Martinsburg. 
 Streamer, W. A. H., Philipsburg. 
 Stouffer, Samuel, Hollidaysburg. 
 Stufft, David, Scalp Level. 
 Swank, N. D., 1st Johnstown. 
 Taylor, S. J., D.D., Newburg. 
 Tate, M. L. 
 Tedrow, Wm, Glade. 
 Tilp, C. H., Meyersdale. 
 Tomlinson, D. S. A., St. Clairsville. 
 Tomlinson, J. W., St. Clairsville. 
 Tressler, V. G. A., Addison. 
 Weaver, Francis Heyer, Newry. 
 Weidensall, Robert, Hollidaysburg. 
 Weidley, John, 1st Altoona. 
 Weimer, D. S., Bedford Co. 
 Welfley, Jno., Salisbury. 
 Wicker, Samuel E., 1st Altoona. 
 Williams, J. T., Sinking Valley. 
 Wynn, Wm. H., D.D., Ph.D., 
 Blairsville. 
 
 STUDENTS 
 The following are students for the ministry at the present time : 
 
 Baer, Dalas C, Greenville. 
 Crossland, Frederick, DuBois. 
 Endress, Jos. Earl, Huntingdon. 
 Fisher, H. Earl, Clearfield. 
 Ginter, C. P., Altoona. 
 Hoffman, F. W., Altoona. 
 Lecrone, Ellis K.. Davidsville. 
 Lecrone, Milo A., Davidsville. 
 Lind, Ralph U., ist Altoona. 
 Lotz, James S., St. Paul, Altoona. 
 
 Lutton, A. M., Altoona. 
 Miller, Mahlon M., Philipsburg. 
 Miller, R. S., ist Johnstown. 
 Naugle, Clarence E., St. Thomas, 
 
 Davidsville. 
 Naugle, Vernon D., Hooversville. 
 Putnam, D. F., Bakersville. 
 Ricker, Chas. C, Huntingdon. 
 Rote, John S., Newry. 
 Samuel, W. Raymond, Bedford. 
 
 785 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 Shaulis, Samuel S., Somerset. Weaver, John J., Hollidaysburg. 
 
 Shobert, Vance, DuBois. Weidley, Paul A., 1st Altoona. 
 
 Simonton, Chester, Altoona. 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 The following ministers who have furnished brief sketches, or 
 been written up by others, do not complete the list. They are, 
 however, representative of the character of the men who have 
 gone forth from the territory of "Old Alleghany," and have been 
 doing their share of the work of the great Lutheran Church, in 
 various parts of the globe. They have been a faithful band. 
 May He who has called them make them perfect to do His will, 
 working in and through them that which is well pleasing in His 
 sight. 
 
 G. W. W. Amick, Middleburg, N. Y., born April 16, 1861, at 
 St. Clairsville, Bedford County, Pa. My father, George B. 
 Amick, merchant. Confirmed by Rev. J. H. Zinn. Started to 
 college when 17. Spent two years at Selinsgrove. Entered 
 sophomore class at Gettysburg, graduating in class of 1883, 
 with "third honor." In seminary one year. Then vice-principal 
 at Missionary Institute, Selinsgrove, two years, returning 
 to seminary, Gettysburg, to graduate. Ordained by Alleghany 
 Synod, 1887. Pastorates: Oakland, Md. ; first resident pastor 
 of Trinity, Johnstown, Pa., beginning work there just six weeks 
 before the "flood" ; Peabody, Kan. ; Nevada, Ohio ; Ft. Madison, 
 Iowa. Married twice. First to Miss Florence Phillips, Oak- 
 land, Md. One son, a machinist in Santa Fe shops, but now a 
 soldier in the world war. Second wife, Miss Lydia Orms, 
 Johnstown, Pa. One daughter, now in Carthage College ; son 
 in high school here. One death, an infant son. 
 
 Charles G. Aurand, son of Rev. C. M. Aurand and wife, 
 Anna, was born April 22, 1890, in city of Trenton, N. J. Lived 
 at Berwick, Martinsburg and Altoona, Pa. Was tutored in college 
 preparatory work, then went to Pennsylvania College (Gettys- 
 burg), and graduated there in 1910. Graduated from Theo- 
 logical Seminary at Gettysburg in 1913. Licensed in Trinity 
 Church, Johnstown, in October, 191 2, and ordained at Berlin, 
 786 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 Pa., 1913. Accepted call to Grace Church, York, Pa., and took 
 charge November 1, 1913. January 20th, 1914, was married to 
 Miss Maude W. Fahs, daughter of Rev. W. H. Fahs, Tyrone, Pa. 
 
 Charles Witmer Baker, New Oxford, Pa., son of Philip 
 and Susan (Miller) Baker, born at Bakersville, Somerset County, 
 Pa., on the 28th day of January, 1859. Confirmed by Rev. D. 
 Earhart, in 1875. Farming, and, incidentally, clerking, milling, 
 carpentering. Prepared at Missionary Institute, Selinsgrove, Pa. 
 Entered freshman class at Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, Pa., 
 in 1879, an d graduated with the class of 1883. Theological 
 course at Gettysburg Theological Seminary. Licensed by Alle- 
 ghany Synod in the Second Church of Altoona, Pa., in 1885, and 
 ordained by the same Synod in Trinity Lutheran Church of 
 Somerset, Pa., September 5, 1886. Served as pastor at Dallas- 
 town, Pa., 1886-1888; Dover, Pa., 1888-1890; Auburn, Neb., 
 1890-1893; Davenport, Neb., 1893-1895; York County Mis- 
 sionary, York, Pa., 1895-1897; Youngstown, Ohio, 1897-1899; 
 New Philadelphia, Ohio, ' 1899- 1902 ; Lena, 111., 1902-1908; 
 Princeton, 111., 1908-1911; New Oxford, Pa., since 1911. The 
 major portion of my ministry was given to home mission work. 
 I have organized nine new congregations and reorganized four — ■ 
 thirteen in all. Built seven new churches and remodeled six. 
 Erected four new parsonages and purchased two and remodeled 
 two. Added 1,654 members to the Church, etc. At *Davenport I 
 built a church (which was doing service since 1894) in just thirty 
 working days. This is the record of rapid church building in 
 the Lutheran Church in the General Synod, if not in the United 
 States. In August, 1886, I was married to Miss Anna Kate- 
 Wolf, of Gettysburg, Pa. Seven children were born to us, 
 four of whom died in infancy. Of the three which survive, the 
 oldest is a senior in the Gettysburg Theological Seminary, and 
 the youngest is a junior at Gettysburg College, preparing for 
 the Gospel Ministry, while the daughter is married and a promi- 
 nent worker in St. Mark's Lutheran Church of Hanover, Pa. 
 While in the' seminary I was examined for the foreign field 
 by Drs. Robert and Charles Horner, under direction of Dr. C. A. 
 Hay, but the examination was not favorable to my going to 
 
 *The Davenport church was destroyed by fire a few months ago. 
 
 787 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 Africa, and so I never offered myself to the Board, but devoted 
 myself to home mission work with the above results. 
 
 Jesse YYinecoff Ball, Los Angeles, Cal., was born at Berlin, 
 Pa., December 29, 1870. His parents, Daniel M. and Sarah Ball, 
 being members of Trinity Lutheran Church of Berlin. He was 
 baptized by the Rev. Jesse Winecoff, pastor of the church, a 
 patriarch of the Alleghany Synod, and bears his name. 
 
 Upon the death of his mother, at the age of six years, he was 
 sent with two sisters to the Uniontown Soldiers' Orphan School, 
 located near Uniontown, Pa., in charge of Rev. A. H. Waters, 
 a Lutheran minister. Here he was confirmed and partly pre- 
 pared for college. He went to Gettysburg in 1888, graduating in 
 Pennsylvania College in 1892, and in the Theological Seminary 
 in 1895. Later, he pursued graduate studies in theology, philos- 
 ophy and sociology, and received the degree Ph.D. from 
 Nebraska State University in 1897. 
 
 His pastorates have been: Los Angeles, First Church, 1895- 
 1900; Children's Memorial, Kansas City, 1900-1903; Grace 
 Church, Lincoln, Neb., 1903-1906; Los Angeles, St. Mark's, 
 1908, to the present. During 1906 and 1907, he was engaged in 
 graduate work in Nebraska State University, and later assisted 
 in the reorganization of Tabitha Home. 
 
 Mr. Ball was ordained by the California Synod at San Jose, 
 April 19, 1896. He was married, September 8, 1902, to Mary E. 
 Messerly, of Los Angeles. The family consists of three children. 
 
 His ministry has been entirely in the West, chiefly in Los 
 Angeles, Cal, where he has served two churches and assisted in 
 organizing two others. 
 
 William Wallace Barkley, Altoona, Pa., son of Jacob T. 
 and Susan Barkley, was born at Imler, Bedford County, Pa., 
 August 27, 1878. He united with the Lutheran Church at the 
 above place at the age of seventeen, and was confirmed by Rev. 
 E. E. Parsons, having been baptized in infancy by the Rev. John 
 H. Zinn, D.D. 
 
 Rev. Barkley is "country-bred," and brought up under the 
 discipline of the farm. After completing the "district" school 
 course and some special preparation in local select schools, he 
 788 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 qualified and became a rural school teacher in his native county, 
 serving three terms in this capacity. 
 
 Rev. Barkley spent the spring of 1898 at the Millersville 
 Normal School, and entered the "Prep" School at Gettysburg 
 the fall of '99, graduating from Gettysburg in the A.B. course 
 with the class of 1904, and completing the seminary course 
 the spring of 1907, with the B.D. degree, being one of three 
 commencement speakers. 
 
 He was licensed to preach by the Alleghany Synod in the 
 Grace Church, Altoona, the fall of 1906, and received ordina- 
 tion from the Synod of Central Illinois at Mount Carmel, 111., 
 in October, 1907. 
 
 Upon graduation from the Gettysburg Seminary, Rev. Barkley 
 became the pastor of the Reen Memorial Lutheran Church, in 
 St. Louis, where he remained four years. Since then he has 
 served the First Lutheran Church of Murphy sboro, 111. ; the 
 First Lutheran Church of Fairfield, Iowa, and the Fourth 
 Lutheran Church of Altoona, Pa., at which last place he is the 
 pastor at the present time. 
 
 Rev. Barkley was united in marriage with Miss Marjorie 
 Louise Miller, of Gettysburg, Pa., August 1, 1907. To this union 
 have been born three boys — Donald, Robert and Daniel Luther. 
 
 It may be added that Rev. Barkley started out to prepare him- 
 self to be a lawyer, but the Lord led him most definitely to dedi- 
 cate his life to the ministry of the Gospel during his sophomore 
 year in the college. 
 
 Peter G. Bell. (For sketch see page 404.) 
 
 Charles E. Berkey. The subject of this sketch was born near 
 Stoyestown, Pa., January 10, 1873, his parents being Herman W. 
 Berkey and Ella Grady Berkey. 
 
 Attended Sunday school and church services at the Lutheran 
 Church at Stoyestown regularly, and, after a course of cate- 
 chetical instruction, was confirmed December 6, 1884. 
 
 After teaching two terms of school in Somerset County, he 
 entered Wittenberg College. From this institution he graduated 
 in 1897, and from the Seminary at Wittenberg in 1900. 
 
 Following is the list of pastorates served: Kellersberg, Pa., 
 
 789 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES' 
 
 Pittsburgh Synod, 1900-1903; Tiro, Sulphur Springs, Ohio, Wit- 
 tenberg Synod, 1903-1906; Jennerstown, Pa., Alleghany Synod, 
 1907-1912; Upper Sandusky, Ohio, Wittenberg Synod, 1913-1917; 
 Shanksville, Pa., Alleghany Synod, 1917 — 
 
 Harvey Edmund Berkey, son of Peter Franklin Berkey and 
 Charlotte (Walker) Berkey, was born near Jennerstown, Somer- 
 set County, Pa., January 21, 1866. Confirmed, Christ Lutheran 
 Church, Jennerstown, Pa., 1884. Farmer, cooper, public school 
 teacher, traveling salesman. Educated, public and local normal 
 schools, Gettysburg Academy, 1887, college, class of 1892, Theo- 
 logical Seminary, class of 1895. Post-graduate student, Erlangen, 
 1908, Leipsic, 1909. Licensed, Meyersdale, 1894. Ordained, 
 Somerset, 1895. Married, Cora Elizabeth Hartman (class of 
 1894, Gettysburg), of Gettysburg, Pa., June 18, 1895. Pastor 
 at Red Lion, Pa., 1895-1901 ; Sharpsburg (Pittsburgh), Pa., 
 1901-1903; Monongahela, 1903-1908: St. John's Baltimore, 
 1909-1910; Apollo, Pa., 1910-1914; Roaring Spring, 1914 to date. 
 Author, "Can the Church as Now Constituted Meet Present 
 Demands?" (Lutheran Quarterly, Gettysburg, April, 1902). Ab- 
 stract of same in Literary Digest, New York, June 14, 1902; "Pro- 
 fessor Hoskins on the Lutheran Church and the Reformation" 
 (Lutheran Quarterly, October, 1907) ; "The Quin-Centenary 
 Jubilee of Leipzic University" (Lutheran Quarterly, January, 
 1910) ; "Tschackert vs. Richard on the Augsburg Confession," 
 same on the Lord's Supper, and on the Formula of Concord 
 (Lutheran Observer, September 30, October 7, 14, 1910) ; various 
 articles in Homiletic Reviezv, New York, etc. Delegate to Gen- 
 eral Synod, Des Moines, 1901, Atchison, 1913. President Pitts- 
 burgh Synod, G. S., 1912-1914. 
 
 Matthew Garner Boyer, Chicago, 111. I was born at James 
 Creek, Pa., now Marklesburg, March to, 1839. I am the son of 
 Henry and Susan Boyer. My mother's maiden name was Susan 
 Garner. I was baptized by Rev. Ellinger, and confirmed by Rev. 
 Cyrus Rightmyer. I attended public school and select school at 
 Marklesburg. I taught in the public school one term. I entered 
 Prep, for Pennsylvania College in fall of 1859. Graduated from 
 college in 1865 and entered the Theological Seminary, Gettys- 
 790 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 burg. I enlisted for the emergency in the student company 
 which formed a part of the (Company A) Twenty-sixth Regi- 
 ment of the Pennsylvania Reserves. A statue marks the place 
 in Gettysburg where this company formed in line to go out to 
 meet the enemy. My name is inscribed on the monument erected 
 by the State of Pennsylvania in honor to all who took part in 
 Battle of Gettysburg. When I came to the age when I should 
 
 REV. M. G. BOYER, D.D. 
 
 take my place in the Church, instead of inviting me to come to 
 the catechism class to learn what to believe and to do, they invited 
 me to come to the mourners' bench, to mourn, wrestle and pray, 
 and pray more earnestly, and to believe, without anything to be- 
 lieve except that God would give me some tangible evidence that 
 my sins were pardoned. Many of our ministers had no use 
 for the catechism, but used the mourners' bench system. This 
 
 791 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 confused me so that I did not know what to do when I entered 
 the ministry. I took good care that others should not get into 
 that condition, and if they were in, to get them out. I had lots 
 of scraps in Conferences on this subject. The rupture in the 
 General Synod came the year I entered the ministry. I felt 
 sure that the fact that many of our ministers and churches were 
 Lutheran only in name, went far to cause this division. I have 
 gone upon the principle that to Lutheranize will heal the divisions. 
 
 As a student, I supplied Marklesburg, Huntingdon and Lick 
 Ridges for about six weeks. I was licensed by the Alleghany 
 Synod at Martinsburg, September 12, 1866. I at once took 
 charge of Marklesburg, Cassville and Newburg. I served this 
 charge one year and six months. At the General Synod, at 
 Harrisburg, Rev. Morris Officer, Secretary of Board of Home 
 Missions of General Synod, asked me to go to Atchison, Kan. 
 I consented to go, and arrived in Atchison June 30, 1868. I 
 organized with twenty-three members, and increased that num- 
 ber considerably during the year. Towards the close of the 
 year Secretary Officer informed me that on account of want of 
 money, either the mission at Lawrence or Atchison would have 
 to be suspended. Owing to a slump in business in Atchison, the 
 mission lost almost one-third of its members. This put a damper 
 upon the work. The Board decided to suspend the work, and 
 commended the missionary for his faithfulness. It has gone into 
 history that I did not like it in Atchison, that I resigned and 
 left them in bad shape. I at once took charge of the church at 
 Monrovia, organized a church at Effingham, with thirty-some 
 members, and preached some for a Swedish settlement northwest 
 of Atchison. I helped organize the Kansas Synod. I was or- 
 dained at its first meeting, and was elected its second president. 
 I was in Kansas about two and a half years. 
 
 With a salary that would not keep soul and body together, and 
 a wife in very poor health, I accepted a call from Newry, Pa. 
 I served the Newry charge four and a half years. The Blue 
 Knob was a part of the charge — it made it very difficult to serve. 
 The paying off of an old debt and rebuilding the church at 
 Newry took place during my pastorate. The people treated 
 us royally. In the meantime the church at Marklesburg decided 
 to support a pastor themselves. They sent a call to their only 
 
 792 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 son to become their pastor again. I accepted the call, and com- 
 menced in the spring of 1875. To appreciate what was done in 
 this long pastorate of over twenty years, you must take into 
 consideration the conditions of the times. Farm land came down 
 about one-half in value — farming was a poor business — people 
 flocked to manufacturing centers. It was a very difficult matter 
 to keep up the country or village church. If you look at the 
 shrinkage in the membership at Williamsburg, Clover Creek, 
 Sinking Valley, Water Street, Cassville, etc., and compare them 
 with Marklesburg, taking in Grafton and Saxton, I think you 
 will appreciate the growth of Lutheranism in Woodcock Valley. 
 A church was organized and a church erected at Grafton and 
 Saxton, and the old church at Marklesburg was remodeled and 
 an addition added. 
 
 The time came when a call from West Sandlake, N. Y., "come 
 over and help us," reached me. There was a peculiar work to 
 do there, and I seemed to be the only available man who could 
 do the work. I took charge of the First Lutheran Church of 
 West Sandlake, N. Y., January, 1896. A large field of usefulness 
 was opened in West Sandlake, the Troy Ministerial Union, Con- 
 ference and Synod (Hartwick). I was a Lutheran of a different 
 type. The leaven worked admirably, and in four and a half 
 years there was quite a change. There was no place where my 
 work was more highly appreciated than in West Sandlake. The 
 breaking down of my health seemed a great misfortune, but it 
 led me to more important work. I resigned in 1901 and moved 
 to New Haven, Conn., for recuperation. After eight months, and 
 with the assistance of my son, C. H. Boyer, commenced the or- 
 ganization of a new church. The German and Swedish Lutheran 
 pastors said there is no need of an English Lutheran Church ; 
 neither is there material for one — only one General Synod 
 Lutheran in the city. I did not go very far until I found I was 
 not able to do the work necessary. I, through the Board of 
 Home Missions, secured the help of J. L. Sieber, a student at the 
 seminary, Gettysburg, during vacation. We organized the First 
 English Lutheran Church of New Haven, Conn., with sixty- 
 three charter members. I continued as pastor until Brother 
 Sieber graduated. He then took charge of them. In all proba- 
 bility, if I had not gone to New Haven, there would not now 
 
 793 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 be an English Lutheran Church of the General Synod in New 
 Haven, or in Bridgeport, Conn., or would Dr. Granville be Presi- 
 dent of Pennsylvania College, as he was secured as a charter 
 member of this congregation. I moved to Philadelphia in 1903. 
 I supplied a church in Trenton, N. J., for some time, assisted in 
 the mission work in Philadelphia, supplied pulpits, took an active 
 part in the Ministerial Union and Philadelphia Conference, and 
 wrote the book, "The Wonderful Story of Life and Death." 
 
 I came to Chicago in 1912, with my son, C. H. Boyer. We 
 united with Unity Lutheran Church. The church regularly 
 elected me as an advisory pastor. I have not been able to do 
 much public speaking since I am here. I have done what I 
 could in pushing the work along. I take an active part in the 
 Ministerial Union and the work of the Synod. The Ministerial 
 Union celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of my entrance into the 
 ministry. At death I expect to have my body taken back to the 
 Alleghany Synod, to be buried in the Lutheran Cemetery, at 
 Marklesburg. 
 
 Chicago, Ill v July, 1917. 
 
 By the Editor. — Rev. Matthew G. Boyer received the degree of D.D. 
 from Gettysburg College in 1894, the year that he was elected a member 
 of its Board of Trustees. He served until 1912. Upon his resignation, 
 his son, C. H. Boyer, a successful insurance man, donated the sum of 
 $5,000 to the College as an M. G. Boyer Endowment, the interest of which 
 is to be given annually to needy students. 
 
 In the same year of 1894, D r - Boyer became a director of the seminary 
 at Gettysburg, and served as vice-president and president of its Board. 
 
 In addition to the work "The Wonderful Story of Life and Death," he 
 is author of a popular tract, "The Relation of Children to the Church." 
 
 John Brubaker, D.D., Berlin, Pa. Born November 5, 1848, 
 at Berlin, Somerset County, Pa. Parents, Alexander and 
 Drusilla (Heffley). Confirmed at fifteen, by Rev. Jesse Wine- 
 cofr". Principal of Berlin schools before going to college. Was 
 graduated from Gettysburg College in class of 1872. Received 
 first honor and valedictory. Awarded freshman prize for best 
 general scholarship, and the Graeff prize, in senior year, for best 
 essay on Burns' "Cotter's Saturday Night." Was graduated 
 from Gettysburg Theological Seminary in 1875. Ordained the. 
 same year. Married, August 1, 1877, to Miss Mary L. Gilbert, 
 794 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 Gettysburg. Wife died April 28, 1894. Served as pastor at 
 Everett, Pa. ; Nittany, Pa. ; Wrightsville, Pa. ; Schellsburg, Pa. ; 
 York Springs, Pa. ; East Schodack, N. Y. ; Avis, Pa. ; Piedmont, 
 W. Va. Professor of English literature in Carthage College, 
 1876-1883, and took turn in preaching in college church. Con- 
 tributed a number of articles to Lutheran Quarterly and to other 
 publications. Delivered alumni address before Theological 
 Seminary Association, Gettysburg, 1898. Received the D.D. 
 degree from Susquehanna University, 1904. - Married to Miss 
 Jennie E. Moore, New Lexington, Pa., August 12, 1914. 
 
 J. W. Burket, son of Peter Burket, was born in Sinking 
 Valley, October 19, 1823. He entered Gettysburg College, 1840. 
 In 1846, he went to Springfield, Ohio. He became a member of 
 the first class organized at that institution. The class had only 
 three members. He was the first one to pass away of that trio. 
 He was at that time under the care of Rev. Dr. Keller. He was 
 licensed to preach in 1846. The next year he was appointed 
 missionary to Huntingdon, Pa. He organized a church at Hunt- 
 ingdon, and at Paradise Furnace, and at Cassville, Pa. He 
 preached at six different places. He was the pioneer of the 
 church in Lee County, 111. He worked in Dixon, and he or- 
 ganized a congregation on the prairie ten miles east of Dixon. 
 He was appointed missionary, 1849, and continued his labors 
 in north Illinois. He laid the corner-stone of the first Lutheran 
 church in Ogle County, at Oregon. In 1850, he accepted a call 
 to churches in Westmoreland County, Pa. He laid the corner- 
 stone of a new church at Manorville, in Armstrong County. He 
 also preached in Apollo. In 1857, he took charge of a church in 
 Kishacoquillas Valley; remained until 1861. He preached in 
 Glasgow and Cambria County, Pa. When his voice failed him, 
 he then became assistant postmaster of the House of Repre- 
 sentatives, at Harrisburg. In 1863, he entered the Commissary 
 Department, at Washington, D. C. At the time of his death, 
 February 28, 1883, he was the superintendent of the paper room 
 of the Treasury Department, of Washington, D. C. He was 
 also at one time superintendent of the Government paper mills 
 at Dalton, Mass. During all these years not a single sheet of 
 the many millions of the valuable paper in his charge was lost. 
 
 795 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 He was married to Miss Mary Chritzman, of Gettysburg, Pa. 
 They had nine children. At the time of his death all were still 
 alive. He was a faithful and true member of St. Paul's English 
 Lutheran Church, Washington, D. C, and often preached for 
 them when able. — Written by his daughter, Mrs. Alice Burket 
 Garvin. 
 Williamsburg, Pa., May 31, 1917. 
 
 John George Butler, D.D., LL.D., was born in Cumberland, 
 Md., January 28, 1826. His father, Jonathan Butler, was an 
 elder and Sunday School superintendent. His grandfather, Rev. 
 John George Butler, was a pioneer preacher in Pennsylvania, 
 around Carlisle, in southwestern Virginia and in western Mary- 
 land. Young Butler managed a store for his father in Berlin, 
 Pa. He attended the public schools and the Alleghany County 
 Academy, and was prepared for Pennsylvania College, Gettys- 
 burg, under the Rev. Jesse Winecoff, who had received him into 
 the church, entering college in 1846, and the seminary a year or 
 two later. 
 
 In 1849, ne went to Washington, D. C, as pastor of St. Paul's 
 Church, continuing as such until 1873. In the meantime, the 
 Church of the Reformation had been founded by him and his 
 people. In 1873, with a colony of fifty-five, he withdrew and 
 founded the Luther Place Memorial Church and served it as 
 pastor until his death in 1909, rounding out sixty years of active 
 ministerial service in Washington. 
 
 At the outbreak of the Civil War he was elected chaplain to 
 the Fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers, three months men, and at the 
 conclusion of this service, he was appointed hospital chaplain by 
 President Lincoln, which position he filled until the close of the 
 war. 
 
 From 1869 to 1873, he was chaplain of the House of Repre- 
 sentatives, and from 1886 to 1893, chaplain of the Senate. For 
 twenty years he was professor of Church History and Homiletics 
 in the Theological Department of Howard University (Colored), 
 Washington, and for sixteen years, to the time of his death, he 
 edited the Lutheran Evangelist* published in Springfield, Ohio, 
 and for a longer term of years he was the regular correspondent 
 of the Lutheran Observer. His last work on the Evangelist was 
 796 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 an obituary of Alexander Gebhart, of Dayton, Ohio, the owner 
 of this paper, a stanch supporter of its policies, and a scion of 
 the noted Somerset County family. 
 
 Under his ministry in the Memorial Church he established 
 the Church of the Fatherland (now Zion's German-English) ; 
 Redeemer, a colored mission, and the Keller Memorial, the Sun- 
 day School of the congregation being organized by his son, Rev. 
 Charles H. Butler and served by him for sixteen years. 
 
 He received the degree D.D., from the Pennsylvania College, 
 and that of LL.D., from Newberry College, S. C. 
 
 Dr. Butler was survived by his wife (since deceased, May, 
 191 7), and by four children, Miss Ella C, Dr. W. K., Rev. C. H. 
 and Mrs. H. A. Polkinhom, all of whom live in Washington. — 
 Sketch by Rev. C. H. B. 
 
 Benjamin Brubaker Collins was born in Berlin, Pa., No- 
 vember 28, 1847, son of Mark A. and Ellen Brubaker Collins, 
 and died in Meyersdale, November 2, 1912. He was a student 
 of his noted pastor at Berlin, Rev. Jesse Winecoff. He gradu- 
 ated from the college and the seminary, at Gettysburg, the latter 
 in 1875. He was united in marriage with Miss Emma J. Fisher, 
 of Berlin, and together went as missionaries to Liberia, Africa. 
 As the climate disagreed with Mrs. Collins, they started to return, 
 Mrs. Collins dying, and being buried at sea. After a year's work 
 for the Mission Board, he served the Chalfont charge, in Penn- 
 sylvania, until 1882; then at New Germany, N. J., 1882-1890. 
 From here he was called to serve as traveling missionary secre- 
 tary of Alleghany Synod. For lack of adequate support, the 
 Synod discontinued the office after two years. He became pastor 
 at Meyersdale, April 1, 1892, where a fine church is his material 
 monument, and a warm spot in many hearts a deserving tribute 
 of praise, serving until failing health prevented further labor, in 
 1906. He was married to Miss Ella A. Delp, December 20, 1878, 
 who, with six children, survived. He was a most lovable and 
 kindly man. 
 
 Silas Davis Daugherty, D.D., Philadelphia, Pa., son of Jason 
 D. and Angeline Daugherty, born near Smicksburg, Indiana 
 County, Pa., April 17, 1857, was baptized in Salem Evangelical 
 Lutheran Church, Smicksburg, of which his parents were mem- 
 
 797 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 bers. He was converted under the preaching of Rev. P. S. 
 Hooper, and received into church membership by confirmation at 
 fifteen years of age. He was educated in the public schools of the 
 neighborhood. His father gave up the old Daugherty homestead, 
 west of Smicksburg, when he was eleven, and bought 129 acres, 
 all woodland except five acres, and without buildings, to the east 
 of Smicksburg. Here, with his father and brothers, he toiled 
 in clearing and farming until, in his eighteenth year, he strained 
 his heart by over-exertion, and was given up to die. But God 
 had something more for him to do. Recovering to some degree, 
 his father managed to help him to a few weeks' education at the 
 Blose Normal, a country school for training teachers. He taught 
 for five terms in Indiana and Jefferson Counties, attending school 
 during the summers at Saltsburg Academy and the Smicksburg 
 Summer School, doing his own cooking for four of these terms. 
 For nearly two years, he sold farm implements to pay expenses 
 in college. 
 
 In the fall of 1884, he entered Pennsylvania College, and 
 graduated in the class of 1888, and in theology, 1891. 
 
 Soon after his conversion, he ventured to speak to his father 
 of the conviction that he should enter the Gospel Ministry ; but 
 as his father could not help him to secure the needed education, 
 the matter was dropped for a time. Upon finishing the first year 
 in the Theological Seminary, while at home for a short vacation, 
 his mother said to him, "Silas, I wish to tell you, as you are now 
 beginning to preach, that when I was called upon to give up my 
 first born, I made a covenant with the Lord that if He would 
 give me another son, that I would dedicate him to the work of 
 the Gospel Ministry ; and when you were born, I laid you upon 
 the altar for that work, and I always believed that you would 
 become a minister, although I have never said anything to you 
 about it ; nor to father, either, until you went away to college ; 
 then I told him." This testimony was a great comfort, for he 
 had wrestled with the problem for several years. 
 
 Before leaving the seminary, he had received five calls and 
 requests from different charges to become their pastor. But as 
 he had been disappointed in his desires to go to India, for which 
 he had volunteered, he decided to do Home Mission work, and 
 accepted a call to the Sharpsburg Mission, and began his work 
 798 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 there June 21, 1891. This mission became self-sustaining at the 
 end of the first year of his pastorate, and it became necessary to 
 enlarge the church building twice during the first two and a half 
 years. November 5, of his first year, he was married to Bertha 
 A. Reider, of Williamsport, who became a great help to him in 
 his ministry. He was with the Sharpsburg people five years. 
 During that time, he organized the church at Aspinwall, and 
 through one of his members, organized the Sunday School at 
 West Etna, from which grew the present church there. 
 
 While at Sharpsburg, he was a member of the Synodical Mis- 
 sion Board of the Pittsburgh Synod, and president of it for a 
 time, as well as acting secretary of missions. 
 
 Following a serious nervous break, as a result of overwork, 
 and then typhoid fever, he was called to Grace Church, Altoona, 
 as its first pastor, where he served one year and eight months. 
 During that time, the accessions were increased by more than 
 100, a property for church purposes bought costing $27,500, and 
 plans made to build at a cost of approximately $25,000. Resign- 
 ing here, he was called to Norwood, where he served for one 
 year and nine months, and at the end of the first year there, this 
 mission became self-sustaining. 
 
 He accepted a call to become superintendent of the mission 
 work of the Philadelphia Conference of East Pennsylvania 
 Synod. In this work he organized many churches in and about 
 Philadelphia. At the call of the Woman's Home and Foreign 
 Missionary Executive Committee, he presented the interests of 
 work in South America to the General Synod, at Sunbury, Pa., 
 in 1907, and was sent by the Woman's Board to South America 
 to study the needs of that part of the world. He set sail No- 
 vember 7, 1909, for Buenos Aires, Argentina, via England, and 
 arrived December 13. Although given but a six months' leave 
 of absence, the work took such shape that he was asked to remain 
 on the field until help could be sent. His family came on, and in 
 all, he remained nearly four years, organizing, temporarily, a 
 church of nearly 100 members among the Scandinavians in 
 Buenos Aires, a Sunday School, day school and church, in the 
 English language, and a Sunday School, in Spanish, at Caseros, a 
 suburb, and a Sunday School in Belgrano, Buenos Aires, of more 
 than 100, which was conducted in the Spanish and English 
 
 799 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 languages, besides conducting services in English in the city of 
 Buenos Aires, in the center, as well as in Belgrano. 
 
 Returning home he was reappointed superintendent of the 
 Philadelphia Conference, and a little later, was elected superin- 
 tendent* of missions of the Synod of East Pennsylvania, which 
 position he still holds, and in which he has organized many mis- 
 sions which have become, and are becoming centers of great 
 Christian activity. He was instrumental in organizing the Pan 
 Lutheran Society for Mission Work in Latin-America, of which 
 he is the corresponding secretary. He received the degree of 
 Doctor of Divinity, 1915, from Pennsylvania College. To him 
 and his wife were born Paul R., Ruth and Miriam Angeline. The 
 daughters were called home, Ruth in babyhood, and Miriam in 
 her sixteenth year. 
 
 E. F. Dickey, was raised on a farm near Berlin, Somerset 
 County, Pa. Educated in the public schools. Baptized in the 
 Lutheran church in infancy. Catechised and confirmed in the 
 Pinehill Lutheran Church, at the age of fourteen years, by Rev. 
 Jesse Winecoff, pastor. In later years he was convinced that he 
 had a call to preach the gospel, and having no means at hand to 
 qualify himself for the Lutheran ministry at that particular time, 
 he accepted a license from the Evangelical Association, in which 
 capacity he served as pastor in several charges from 1879 to 1893, 
 at the same time undergoing a two years' classical training and 
 four years' training in theology under the instruction of Rev. Dr. 
 W. Haupt and Rev. Dr. M. Shannon, after which he was or- 
 dained. In all these years he had a great desire to return to his 
 mother Church, and when the opportunity presented itself he 
 was granted his credentials by the Pittsburgh Conference of the 
 now United Evangelical Church, having been previously ex- 
 amined by a board of examiners composed of Rev. M. L. Young, 
 D.D., and Rev. Byers, D.D., and being recommended by that 
 board to the examining board of the Wittenberg Synod, com- 
 posed of Rev. Dr. S. Brackenridge, Rev. Dr. Singly and Rev. 
 Dr. D. H. Bauslin. Upon the recommendation of this committee 
 was received into the Wittenberg Synod by a unanimous vote. 
 He was then in charge of the Montpelier pastorate, which he 
 served successfully for one year, when dumb ague compelled him 
 800 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 to seek another climate. He received a call to St. Paris, Ohio, 
 removing from Montpelier to St. Paris, having served this 
 charge almost a year, when he was called to the First Lutheran 
 Church, New Kensington, Pa., serving this church six years 
 and nine months, when he was called to North Washington 
 charge, which he served one year, then was called to Bethel and 
 Rockville charge ; then continued at Bethel and Hyde Park five 
 years. Later was appointed by the Home Mission Board to 
 Messiah Lutheran Church, Pittsburgh. Pa., as supply pastor, 
 serving same three years. Built a brick church, dedicated it. 
 Then was called to Harmony Grove pastorate in Indiana County, 
 Pa., where he is now pastor. 
 
 Samuel Domer, D.D., was born January 22, 1826, at Sabbath 
 Rest, Blair County, Pa., where his childhood and early youth 
 were passed. His early education was received in the common 
 country schools. When only sixteen years of age he began to 
 teach in the pine forests of Cambria County, Pa., achieving great 
 success among the lumbermen of that district. His pathway on- 
 ward was often rough and steep, but he never swerved from his 
 early ambition to enter the ministry. 
 
 In the spring of 1849, he entered Wittenberg College, Spring- 
 field, Ohio, graduating in 1853. He next entered the Theological 
 Seminary at Gettysburg, Pa., and graduated in 1855. In May, 
 1855, he began his first pastorate, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 
 Selinsgrove, Pa., before he was regularly licensed, which was 
 done in the following month by the old Pittsburgh Synod at Can- 
 ton, Ohio. He was ordained to the ministry by the East Penn- 
 sylvania Synod, in 1856. 
 
 He resided at Selinsgrove fourteen years, eleven years as pas- 
 tor of the church. Here he was married on January 28, 1858, 
 to Miss Lydia L. Davis, who still survives him. They had seven 
 children, two daughters and five sons, six of whom are still living, 
 one son having died in childhood. 
 
 During Doctor Domer's pastorate at Selinsgrove, he was 
 associated with Dr. Benjamin Kurtz and Dr. Henry Ziegler and 
 others in founding Missionary Institute, now Susquehanna Uni- 
 versity. Doctor Domer was also one of the founders of the Sus- 
 quehanna Female College, at Selinsgrove, and at the close of the 
 
 801 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 tenth year of his pastorate, he took charge of this institution, 
 remaining as principal four years. Success crowned his work 
 here, but his tastes running along the line of ministerial work, 
 he resigned his charge of the school and accepted a call to Saint 
 Matthew's English Lutheran Church, Reading, Pa., in June, 
 1869. 
 
 He remained three years in Reading, but his health failing, he 
 was compelled to resign and rest awhile. Six months later he 
 accepted a call to Trinity Lutheran Church, Shamokin, Pa., 
 
 REV. SAMUEL DOMER, D.D. 
 
 where he removed in October, 1872. He labored here until No- 
 vember, 1874, when he accepted a call to Saint Paul's English 
 •Lutheran Church, Washington, D. C. Here he remained all the 
 rest of his life, his ministry of twenty-six years being the longest 
 in the history of St. Paul's Church. For over a quarter of a 
 century Doctor Domer was loved and honored as one of the out- 
 standing figures in the religious and civic life of the National 
 Capital, raising his congregation from uncertainty to a posi- 
 tion of great prosperity and success. 
 802 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 In June, 1876, he received the degree of Doctor of Divinity 
 from Roanoke College, Va. In 1881, he was elected president 
 of the Maryland Synod. He was a frequent delegate to the Gen- 
 eral Synod, and served on various boards and committees of that 
 body. As a writer, Doctor Domer gave to the public a number 
 of sermons, addresses and lectures, and was widely known as a 
 pulpit orator. 
 
 On account of advancing years and failing health. Doctor 
 Domer resigned his pastorate on May 31, 1900, and a year later, 
 almost to the day, on Sunday morning, June 2, 1901, his beautiful 
 life came to a sudden, but peaceful close. He lies buried among 
 the roses in Glenwood Cemetery, Washington, D. C, symbolizing 
 his own favorite text, "Having promise of the life that now is, 
 and of that which is to come." (Sketch by his son, H. T. Domer, 
 Esq., Washington, D. C.) 
 
 David Earhart was born in Indiana County in 1818, of 
 German parentage. As his early life antedated the free school 
 system, he received his schooling largely through private instruc- 
 tion, but was one of the first students at Wittenberg College, 
 where he spent one year. He was ordained by the East Ohio 
 Synod in 1844. He served churches in the vicinity of Leech- 
 burg, Pa. He was the youngest of the eight pastors of Alle- 
 ghany Synod who in 1845 organized the Pittsburgh Synod. 
 From i860 to 1873 he was in Kansas, the second of our pastors 
 there and first in influence and importance in the establishment 
 of our Church in this new territory. At a conference in 1866 
 he prevented the adoption of the "Definite Platform" as the 
 doctrinal basis for the Kansas Synod about to be organized. 
 From 1873 to 1876 he was pastor at Lavansville and Bakers- 
 ville, near Somerset, Pa. Being pastor of St. Michael's Church, 
 in Armstrong County, from about 1877 to 1885, he united with 
 the Pittsburgh Synod of the General Council, to which that 
 church belonged. He had helped organize that Synod. He re- 
 mained a member of this body until his death in Kansas City, 
 August 14, 1903. He was married November 16, 1841, to Mary 
 Wells Patton, of Somerset, Pa., of distinguished ancestry. Her 
 father, John Patton, of Irish lineage, a graduate of Dublin Uni- 
 versity, edited the first paper published in Somerset County. Her 
 
 80S 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 mother, Harriet Wells Patton, was a daughter of John Wells, 
 first surveyor of Somerset County, who was a descendant of 
 Colonel Wells, of the army of Oliver Cromwell. — Sketch indorsed 
 as correct by a daughter. — Mrs. Harriet Earhart Monroe, Wash- 
 ington, D. C. 
 
 W. E. Fischer, D.D., son of John Henry and Elizabeth 
 Fischer. Born in Berlin, Somerset County, Pa., October 6, 1849. 
 Confirmed at the age of fourteen, Berlin, Pa. Occupation : 
 Taught school several years. Schooling : Common school, Ber- 
 lin; preparatory department, Gettysburg, 1868; graduated Penn- 
 sylvania College, 1872; Gettysburg Theological Seminary, 1875. 
 Ordained by Alleghany Synod, 1875. Served Center Hall pas- 
 torate, Center County, Pa., from August, 1875, to September, 
 1893; Shamokin pastorate, from September 14, 1893, to the pres- 
 ent. Married J. Annie Philson, of Berlin, Pa., March, 1877, 
 daughter of Samuel Philson. Secretary of General Synod for 
 four years. Correspondent for Observer and Lutheran World 
 and Observer for twenty years or more. Member of Committee 
 on Ministerial Acts, and Hymnal of 1899, and also New Hymnal 
 to be put on the market this October, 19 17. Member of Com- 
 mittee on Sunday School Hymnal, "Augsburg Songs," etc. 
 
 Frank P. Fisher, the oldest son of James J. and Margaret 
 (Glossner) Fisher, was born on a farm at Snow Shoe Inter- 
 section, Center County, Pa., the fifteenth day of August, 1880. 
 Early in the year 1888, the family moved to a farm in Half- 
 Moon Valley, of his native county, when he became identified 
 with the Center Line Lutheran Sunday School of the Sinking 
 Valley charge. He became a member of this church during the 
 pastorate of the late Rev. James A. Dunlap, Ph.D. He received 
 his early education ■ in the public district schools, and select 
 schools at Port Matilda and Spring Mills, Pa. Taught in the 
 public schools for two years. Entered the Gettysburg Academy 
 in the fall of 1903, and Pennsylvania College, the following fall, 
 from which he graduated in 1908. Entered the Theological 
 Seminary at Gettysburg, Pa., in fall of 1908, completing the 
 course of study in this institution in the spring of 191 1. He 
 taught select schools during the vacation periods of his seminary 
 804 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 course. He was licensed for one year by the Alleghany Synod, 
 at its annual convention held at Hollidaysburg, Pa., in 1910, and 
 fully ordained by the same Synod, in annual session at Everett, 
 Pa., 191 1. Early in the year of 191 1, he received a call from the 
 Petersburg pastorate, Huntingdon County, Pa., which was 
 accepted. He assumed charge of this work on May 19, 191 1, the 
 day following his graduation from the seminary, and faithfully 
 served this pastorate until December 1, 1913, when he became 
 pastor of Temple Church, /\ltoona, Pa., where he still labors. 
 
 Cyrus L. Fleck, Riegelsville, Pa., son of Gabriel and Rebecca 
 Fleck, was born January 12, 1855, in Sinking Valley, Blair 
 County, Pa. His earlier years were spent on the home farm in 
 the valley near the Brick Church. In this immediate locality, 
 Revs. H. R., L. N., and E. Lee Fleck also spent their young 
 years. Cyrus was the seventh child in a family of twelve chil- 
 dren. He enjoyed all the advantages of the public school, which 
 was located, with the church, on the farm, and which he attended 
 until "of age." Through the watchful care of godly parents, who 
 were faithful in attending and supporting the church, he was 
 trained from earliest childhood to attend Sunday school and the 
 regular church services. At the age of sixteen he received 
 catechetical instruction, and joined St. John's Lutheran Church 
 during the pastorate of Rev. J. L. Kistler. In 1876 he enlisted 
 in the National Guard of Pennsylvania for five years, joining 
 Sheridan Troop of Tyrone, under Captain C. S. W. Jones. At the 
 expiration of this time he re-enlisted, became a non-commissioned 
 officer, and was honorably discharged in 1884. 
 
 Having a desire for a more extended education, he entered the 
 teaching profession, teaching in the public schools for three 
 years. During these years a growing desire to enter the ministry 
 prevailed, and, while teaching, the evenings were often spent 
 studying Latin under the tutorship of Mr. L. N. Fleck, then a 
 student at Selinsgrove. This was a correspondence course. In 
 the spring and early summer of 1879 some weeks were spent 
 with Rev. J. H. Walterick, who lived in Tyrone and served the 
 Sinking Valley and Bellwood charge. "I was chore boy, and he 
 was tutor." In the spring of 1880 he attended the Preparatory 
 School at Gettysburg, and entered the Freshman Class of Penn- 
 
 805 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 sylvania College in the fall, graduating in 1884. Entering the 
 Theological Seminary at Gettysburg that same year, he took the 
 complete course and graduated in 1887. In February of this 
 same year he was invited to preach at Riegelsville, Bucks County, 
 Pa., was at once elected pastor of the Riegelsville charge, of 
 which he took charge in July, and which he yet serves. His 
 thirtieth anniversary was celebrated August 5, 191 7. He has 
 filled important offices in the Synod, and was several times dele- 
 gate to the General Synod. 
 
 In October, 1887, he was united in marriage to Miss Annie 
 K. Leas, of Gettysburg, daughter of John B. and Mary Leas. 
 Mrs. Fleck is at present the president of the Woman's Home 
 and Foreign Missionary Society of East Pennsylvania Synod. 
 The children of the family are: Carl W., John G., Cyrus S., 
 Harry W., Margaret A., and George D. Harry and George died 
 in childhood. At this date Carl has enlisted in the United States 
 army and is in the officers' training camp at Fort Oglethorpe, Ga., 
 John is preaching in Baltimore, Cyrus is a sophomore in Penn- 
 sylvania College at Gettysburg, and Margaret is at home. Carl 
 and John are graduates of Pennsylvania College, taking honors. 
 
 E. Lee Fleck, Lincoln, Neb., son of Conrad and Mary Fleck, 
 was born in Sinking Valley, Blair County. At an early age he 
 went west and entered Carthage College in 1878, and graduated 
 with the class of 1884. He entered the theological school at 
 Springfield, Ohio, and graduated in 1887. He was ordained by 
 the Miami Synod in October of the same year. Before his gradu- 
 ation from the seminary he had, at the solicitation of the pastors 
 and members of the college faculty, begun the canvass for mem- 
 bers to form the Third Lutheran congregation in Springfield. 
 He organized the congregation in July and built the first building 
 for this congregation, and until the fall of 1888 he served it and 
 the Rockway Church. 
 
 Failing health caused him to retire from the active ministry 
 until the fall of 1889, when he resumed active work at Sidney, 
 Neb. He resigned this charge in the fall of 1893 to accept a 
 call to the Second Lutheran Church at Dayton, Ohio, about to be 
 organized. This congregation he served almost seven years and 
 built the substantial pressed brick building in which this congre- 
 806 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 gation now worships, and left them with all obligations paid. 
 
 September i, 1900, he began his ministry at Sterling, 111., where 
 he continued for nine years. Resigning the charge, he moved to 
 Lincoln, Neb., where he has since resided, and doing local supply 
 work as opportunity has been afforded. 
 
 Henry Ramey Fleck, son of Henry and Catherine Ramey 
 Fleck, born in Sinking Valley, Blair County, February 26, 1834. 
 Graduated from Pennsylvania College in 1857. In 1857 and 1858, 
 he studied theology at the seminary. In September, 1858, was 
 licensed by the Alleghany Synod, and in 1859, was ordained by 
 the East Pennsylvania Synod, at Harrisburg, Pa.* He entered a 
 mission field in Luzerne County, having nine preaching points. 
 His fifty years in the ministry were spent here and at the follow- 
 ing places: Lewistown, Pa.; New Kingston (twice pastor, 
 twenty-five years in all) ; Newville, Pa. ; Mechanicsburg, Pa. ; 
 St. Paul's Stone Church, Hawn pastorate, Huntingdon County. 
 On Sunday morning, November 15, 1908, he died. On this day 
 he was going to resign as pastor of the Hawn pastorate. Buried 
 at Huntingdon, Pa. Five sons, one in the ministry (W. K. 
 Fleck). We are told that four other pastors testify to having 
 been led into the ministry through his influence. 
 
 Lixdley Neff Fleck, Pine Grove Mills, Pa., is as truly a 
 a son of Alleghany Synod as early ancestry, parentage, youthful 
 religious training, ordination and subsequent ministerial labors 
 can make him such. Three-fourths of his ministerial life has 
 been spent within the bounds of Alleghany Synod. His great- 
 grandparents, original settlers of Sinking Valley, were associated 
 with the St. John's Lutheran Church of this locality from its 
 earliest history, in which church his grandparents and his parents 
 were active members during their lifetime. 
 
 Rev. Fleck is a son of Gabriel and Rebecca Stoner Fleck, and 
 was born at the old Fleck homestead, within sight of St. John's 
 Lutheran Church. He was confirmed at the age of sixteen years. 
 His early educational advantages were such as the district school 
 afforded. His academic training was received at Susquehanna 
 University, then Missionary Institute, where he also took the 
 freshman year of his collegiate course. He was graduated from 
 
 807 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 Pennsylvania College in 1880, and from the Theological Seminary 
 at Gettysburg in 1884. During the year 1881-1882, he was 
 assistant instructor in Missionary Institute, and during the years 
 1 882- 1 884, he was tutor in the preparatory department of Penn- 
 sylvania College. At Tyrone, in 1883, he received licensure, and 
 in 1884, at Stoyestown, he was ordained by the Alleghany Synod. 
 He was joined in marriage, in 1887, to Miss Emma E. Hender- 
 son, of Center County. 
 
 He has served the following pastorates: Rockwood, 1885- 
 1888; Friends Cove, 1888 to 1892; Oriole, Lycoming County, 
 1892-1894; Stoyestown, 1894-1904; Zion, Center County, 1905 to 
 1910; Newry, '1910-1913; St. John's, East Altoona, 1913-1916. 
 At present he is serving the Pine Grove Mills pastorate. In 
 June, 1910, he was honored with the degree of Doctor of Divinity 
 by Susquehanna University. He served as secretary of Alle- 
 ghany Synod during the years 1897- 1898. 
 
 Henry Herman Flick, Litt.A.M., was born near Lavansville, 
 in Somerset Township, Somerset County, Pa., September 4, 1848. 
 He received his early education in his grandfather's home, being 
 taught by his aunt. In his ninth year he read "Parley's Universal 
 History," and recited to his maternal grandfather. He was con- 
 firmed in Mount Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lavans- 
 ville, by the late Rev. J. P. Hentz, D.D. For some years he 
 taught school, and later he assisted on the farm and cared for 
 his grandfather, mother and aunt, until they were called away ; 
 then he entered the Seminary at Gettysburg, from which he 
 graduated in 1893. Afterward he took a post-graduate course, 
 receiving the degree of Master of Ancient Literature. 
 
 Rev. Flick served pastorates in the Susquehanna, East Penn- 
 sylvania, Maryland and Pittsburgh Synods. In some of these 
 charges he preached both German and English. At present he 
 is pleasantly located in the prosperous Grove Chapel pastorate, 
 Indiana County, Pa. In his home is found a library seldom 
 equaled in a parsonage. He traces his ancestry back to the 
 Reformation. His great-grandfather, Johann Adam Flick, was 
 one of the persecuted Saltzburgers who came over to Ebenezer, 
 Ga., with General Oglethorpe and the Wesleys, in 1735. [See 
 page 103. — Ed.] He later went to Berks County, Pa., and thence 
 808 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 to Somerset County, where he permanently located. He and 
 his family were pioneer members of the old Samuels Evangelical 
 Lutheran Church near Lavansville, Pa. Here in the old ceme- 
 tery he and some of his descendants are peacefully resting. Rev. 
 Flick has a son in the ministry, Rev. Herman H. Flick, who 
 began preaching in 191 3. These two descendants of the perse- 
 cuted Saltzburgers, who were driven from their native land, are 
 now proclaiming the Word confessed and witnessed by their 
 fathers, and rejoice in the United Lutheran Church in America. 
 
 REV. HENRY HERMAN FLICK 
 
 Herman H. Flick, Jr., the son of Rev. Henry H. Flick, 
 Litt.A.M., and Sarah M., was born on a farm near Lavansville. 
 Somerset County, Pa. He was educated at Gettysburg and 
 Susquehanna University. Entered the Theological Seminary 
 at Selinsgrove, Pa., in 1910, and graduated in 1913. Was licensed 
 to preach the gospel by the Pittsburgh Synod, at Pittsburgh, Pa., 
 October 17, 1912, and was ordained by the Alleghany Synod, at 
 Berlin, Pa., October 5, 191 3. He is serving his first charge, 
 
 809 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 having preached his first sermon in the pastorate, June i, 1913. 
 Rev. Herman H. Flick, Jr., was married November 1, 1916. 
 to Miss Mabel Edna Duer. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. 
 J. A. Duer, of Apollo, Pa. She was educated at Westminster 
 College, New Wilmington, Pa., and the Pittsburgh Conservatory 
 of Music, at Pittsburgh, Pa., where she graduated in 1914. 
 
 Rev. C. F. Floto, son of August D. and Rose Ann Floto, was 
 born at Berlin, Pa., March 25, 1858, was confirmed at the age of 
 fourteen by the Rev. John Poffenberger, the pastor of Trinity 
 Lutheran Church of Berlin at that time. He began his ministry 
 in the Evangelical Association, after, in preparation for which 
 work along with a class of fourteen others, he took a course of 
 studies, covering the curriculum of Albright College and Theo- 
 logical Seminary for the Education of ministers of that Church. 
 After seven years in the active ministry his early training began 
 to assert itself ; just at that time a division was made in the 
 Church and he found himself geographically on the minority 
 side, and as the courts were everywhere recognizing the majority 
 side as the Evangelical Association, he saw that the minority 
 would be under the necessity of organizing a new Church, and 
 not being in sympathy with multiplying divisions in the Church 
 of Christ, he yielded to the drawings of his early moorings and 
 transferred his membership to the East Ohio Synod of the Luth- 
 eran Church. He served the following charges in the East Ohio 
 Synod : West Brookfield, Pleasant City, Reedsburg ; was recalled 
 to Pleasant City. In the Alleghany Synod, Hooversville, St. 
 Stephen's, Cumberland, Md. West Pennsylvania Synod, Benders- 
 ville, Biglerville. 
 
 He was married twice. His first wife was Miss May Lewis, 
 daughter of Dr. and Jane Lewis, of Berlin, Pa., who died after 
 a period of five years, leaving two children, Mrs. Gertrude Gib- 
 son, of New York City, and Mrs. May Dittlebach, of Santa Fe, 
 X. M. The second marriage, with Miss Emma Jane Laub, was 
 blessed with seven children, of whom one died in infancy. The 
 others are Mrs. Alice Scharf , of Cumberland, Md. ; Harry, 
 of Harrisburg; Mrs. Anna Cline, Mrs. Bessie Capp, Frank and 
 Mary, of Biglerville, Pa. 
 
 810 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 David Henlein Focht was born on a farm near Williams- 
 burg, then in Huntingdon County, in 1820. He was descended 
 from ancestors who settled on the big Antietam Creek, in Frank- 
 lin County, in 1720. His grandfather moved to Huntingdon 
 County, in 1800. Rev. Focht walked across the mountains, from 
 Huntingdon County to Gettysburg, to attend school, where he 
 was educated in the Pennsylvania College and Theological 
 Seminary. After graduation and ordination, he preached at 
 Chambersburg, Marion, Scotland, Fayetteville and Grindstone 
 Hill Church, Franklin County, later serving the New Bloomfield, 
 Perry County, pastorate, where he died, in 1864. 
 
 REV. DAVID HENLEIN FOCHT 
 
 His grandsire was a descendant of German ancestors, whose 
 devotion to the cause of humanity was inspired in the Reforma- 
 tion of the sixteenth century, which found its expression in the 
 pulpit, in the school and on the battlefield. One of his ancestors 
 was identified with the American Revolution of 1776. At Stony 
 Point, with General Wayne ; at Germantown, and through the 
 entire struggle he stood with his American fellow-citizens. 
 
 This spirit was reflected in the whole life of Rev. David Hen- 
 lein Focht. Unable to take the field in the stirring times of 1861 
 to 1865, he was a most loyal supporter of the National Govern- 
 
 811 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 ment. An avowed abolitionist and Unionist, he received not a 
 little of the obloquy once given advocates of human freedom and 
 sturdy champions of a perpetual Union. 
 
 By his patriotic utterances, in public' and private; by his un- 
 wearied devotion to the welfare of the soldier and his family, he 
 won the deep affection of men in the field and at home. Dying, 
 in 1864, from disease incurred while acting with the emergency 
 men in the summer of 1863, he did not live to see the great 
 triumph of right and justice ; but with prophetic forecast, he 
 rested in the assured hope that God would not let this Govern- 
 ment pass away in weakness and disaster. 
 
 He was a man of scholarly habits and an orator and writer of 
 note. He early mastered Latin, Greek and Hebrew. Because of 
 his knowledge of geology and botany and of the local history of 
 the Juniata settlements, his public services were in constant de- 
 mand, and were cheerfully given. He wrote numerous volumes, 
 and many of his lectures and public deliverances were put in 
 printed form. The great outstanding characteristics of Rev. 
 Focht were his never-failing support and advocacy of any issue 
 that touched the rights of men, and his full sympathy with every 
 effort to relieve the needs of his fellows. 
 
 For nearly fifty years, he was survived by his widow, who, with 
 ( Christian and motherly devotion, confined her time to rearing five 
 children, all of whom survive her. They are Rev. Dr. John B. 
 Focht, George M. Focht, Dr. M. L. Focht, former Major Surgeon 
 in the Spanish-American War; Mrs. H. M. McClure, wife of 
 former Judge McClure, and Congressman Benjamin K. Focht. 
 — Sketch by his son, B. K. F. 
 
 Joseph R. Focht was born in 18 19, in Morrison's Cove, near 
 Williamsburg. He was confirmed in the Clover Creek Church. 
 I laving early received a call to the ministry, he entered the insti- 
 tutions at Springfield, Ohio, graduating from the seminary in 
 1847. He entered the ministry in 1849, and at his death, March 
 25, 1899, had completed fifty years in the work, thirty-eight in 
 arduous pastorates in the East and the West. 
 
 Previous to the semi-centennial of the Synod (1892), he trav- 
 eled throughout the territory and gathered material for its his- 
 tory. The manuscript was not published, though purchased by 
 
 812 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 Synod, and has been the source of most of the history of the 
 congregations prior to 1892, now presented to the public. His 
 work was well done, and meagerly compensated, having received 
 about $800 for three years of severe toil. His body lies in the 
 cemetery at Clover Creek Church. 
 
 Leonidas Gearhardt was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, in 1804, 
 son of Balthser and Ann Marie Gearhardt. Here he was con- 
 firmed. In 1819, he came to America with his parents, as a 
 
 REV. J. R. FOCHT 
 
 redemptioner, and was hired to a farmer in Somerset County, 
 Pa., to pay his passage. He engaged in teaching several years, 
 then studied theology at Gettysburg, and entered the ministry in 
 1837, being ordained by the West Pennsylvania Synod. He 
 served charges in Abbottstown, Elizabethtown, Harrisburg. 
 Somerset, Lancaster and Manheim. At the latter place he died, 
 in the latter seventies. He was thrice married. He was a faith- 
 ful minister and laborer in his charges, which flourished under 
 his ministrations. (Written September 20, 1917, by Rev. William 
 Gearhardt, Martinsburg, W. Va., his youngest brother, who was 
 
 813 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 born October 28, 181 7, long a pastor in the General Council, 
 Lutheran Church.) 
 
 The first wife of Rev. Gerhardt was Anna Marie Fritz, a 
 member of the Fritz Church, Garrett Charge, by whom he had 
 three children, Samuel, Luther and Gustavus. 
 
 William Marquard Beetem Glanding, Bellefonte, Pa., son 
 of John N. and Caroline A. Glanding, born in Altoona, Pa., on 
 .May 27, 1856. Confirmed in First Lutheran Church of Altoona, 
 Pa., in 1868. Collegiate course at Dickinson College, Carlisle, 
 Pa.; A.B. in 1878, A.M. in 1881 ; member of Phi Beta Kappa. 
 Graduated at Gettysburg Theological Seminary in 1881. Licensed 
 by Alleghany Synod, in Berlin, Pa., in 1880. Ordained by Synod 
 of Central Pennsylvania, in Newport, Pa., in 1881. Pastor of 
 churches at Newport, Pa. ; Lock Haven, Pa. ; Ashland, Pa. ; York 
 (St. Matthew's), Pa.; Scranton (Grace), Pa.; Syracuse (First 
 English), N. Y. ; Bellefonte, Pa. (at present). Professor of 
 mathematics and natural science in Midland College, Atchison, 
 Kan., during its first two years. Married on June 5, 1883, to 
 Annie E. Howe, in Newport, Pa., and has one daughter, Mar- 
 garet L. Glanding. [Rev. Glanding died suddenly at his home, 
 Sunday, September 2$, 1917, a few days after writing the above 
 brief sketch of his life. — Ed.] 
 
 Oscar Herbert Gruver, Alameda, Cal., was born November 
 30, 1866, at Flicksville, Northampton County, Pa. His parents 
 are Rev. Charles Baker Gruver and Christiana Gruver, nee Bach- 
 man. He was confirmed by his father, at Schellsburg, Pa. In 
 1884 and 1885, he was employed in Law's general merchandise 
 store, at Williamsburg, Pa. He entered Missionary Institute, at 
 Selinsgrove, Pa., March, 1885 ; freshman class in Pennsylvania 
 College, Gettysburg, Pa., September, 1886, graduating June, 
 1890; Gettysburg Seminary, October, 1890, graduating June, 
 1893. He was licensed to preach September, 1892, at Hollidays- 
 burg, Pa., by Alleghany Synod, and ordained by the same Synod, 
 at Huntingdon, Pa., September, 1893. He served the following 
 charges: Hyndman, Pa., August 1, 1893, to October 31, 1895; 
 San Francisco, First Lutheran Church, December 1, 1895, to 
 April 30, 1897; Stockton, Cal., Mission, June 1, 1897, to May 31, 
 814 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 1898; Idaville, Pa., November 1, 1899, to January 10, 1904; Oak- 
 land, Cal., First Lutheran Church, February 1, 1904, to April 30, 
 1910; Alameda, Cal., Christ Lutheran Church, January 1, 191 5, 
 to the present time. He also supplied San Francisco and Oak- 
 land churches while they were without pastors. He was married 
 to Jennie P. Burnett, of San Francisco, May 25, 1904. He re- 
 ceived the degree of Doctor of Divinity from Midland College, 
 Atchison, Kan., in 1916. Has been elected delegate to General 
 Synod twice. Is treasurer of California Synod. Is now residing 
 in Oakland, Cal. 
 
 James Buchanan Guiney, Whitewater, Kan. Parents, 
 William and Elizabeth Guiney. Was born near Greencastle, 
 Franklin County, Pa., March 17, 1856. Father died when I Avas 
 six years old. I was put out on a farm near. When I was six- 
 teen my mother moved to Altoona, Pa. There I worked at 
 moulding and car building. I joined the First Lutheran Church of 
 Altoona in the year 1882. I graduated from Missionary Insti- 
 tute in 1892, and Gettysburg Seminary in 1895. I was licensed 
 to preach, at Myersdale, in 1894, and ordained, at Somerset, in 
 1895. I served the following charges: Cold Spring Mission, 
 missions in South Fork, Loganton, all in Pennsylvania; McCool 
 Junction, Neb. ; Immanuel charge, Montoursville, Pa. ; Mill Creek 
 charge, Pa. At present charge since December 1, 1916, White- 
 water, Kan. I am married, and have two children, Hertha E. 
 Guiney, graduated from Huntingdon High School, in June, now 
 taking a nurses' training course in the Wichita Hospital, Kan. ; 
 one son, Joan, working in Williamsport, Pa. 
 
 Rev. Winfield Scott Hoskinson, Sc.D., D.D., Sacramento, 
 Cal. Born in Indiana County, Pa., October 3, 1852. Confirmed 
 by Rev. S. P. Snyder in the Germany pastorate at the age of fif- 
 teen. Occupation, farmer, school teacher. Trained in common 
 school (country), private normal school (Professor Bonar's), 
 Wittenberg College (all departments), also theological seminary 
 of the same; post-graduate course under Dr. Edgar F. Smith, 
 and two semesters in University of Berlin. Ordained by Miami 
 Synod, 1879. Taught in Wittenberg Academy ten years. Served 
 but one pastorate, First Church of Sacramento, Cal. First time, 
 
 815 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 twenty-one years; now in second pastorate of same two years. 
 Twice chaplain of Senate of California ; once chaplain of Assem- 
 bly of California. 
 
 C. F. Jacobs, McConnellsburg, Pa., the son of Casper Jacobs 
 and Christina Ulery Jacobs, sister of Revs. William F. and 
 Christian D. Ulery, was born at Bakersville, Somerset County, 
 Pa., September i, 1865. Confirmed in Mt. Zion Evangelical 
 Lutheran Church, Bakersville, Pa., March 22, 1880. 
 
 Brought up on a farm, educated in the public schools at Bakers- 
 ville and the local normal schools of the county, with special 
 instruction in the languages by Professor Stutzman, of Somerset, 
 Pa. After teaching for six years in the public schools and local 
 normal schools, entered the freshman class of Pennsylvania Col- 
 lege, Gettysburg, graduating with the class of 1892, and with the 
 class of 1895 in the Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, Pa. 
 
 Ordained October, 1895. First charge, Sinking Valley, 
 Tyrone, Pa., three years ; second, St. Mark's, Steelton, Pa., four 
 years ; third, St. James', York Pa., fourteen years ; present charge, 
 McConnellsburg, Pa. 
 
 On October 2, 1895, united in marriage with Miss Puria H. 
 Krout, of York, Pa., sister of Rev. Joseph D. Krout. Family 
 consists of three daughters, Dorothy L., Margaret L. and Carolyn 
 I., and one son, Charles Richard. 
 
 E. S. Johnston, D.D., Elk Lick, Pa., was born April 9, 1834, 
 in Kishacoquillas Valley, Mifflin County, Pa. Parents were 
 Russell P. and Bridget McGinley. When about two years old, 
 his parents moved to Sinking Valley, Blair County, where the 
 remaining years of his childhood and youth were spent. Here 
 he enjoyed the privileges, and obtained the primary education 
 afforded by the public schools of that valley. In due time he was 
 graduated from the college at Gettysburg, in the class of 1858. 
 He was then tutor at his alma mater for two years. Licensed 
 to gospel ministry by the Central Synod, at Duncannon, on May 
 25, i860, and ordained to his life work by the East Pennsylvania 
 Synod, at Germantown, in the fall, 1861. He organized the 
 Messiah Lutheran Church of Harrisburg, Pa., and pastor there 
 for six vears ; then at Emmitsburg, Md., for twenty-two years; 
 816 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 at Stoyestown, Pa., for six years ; at Elk Lick, Pa., for eleven 
 years, and at Wellersburg, Pa., for ten years. Fifty-four years 
 and eight months in the active work of the Lutheran ministry. 
 For twenty-two years of this time he was a member of the 
 Maryland Synod, and honored by that body by being, for at least 
 one term, their president, and for many years as a director of 
 the Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, and by electing him for 
 some live or six times to General Svnod. 
 
 REV. E. S. JOHNSTON, D.D. 
 
 For the last twenty-nine years he has been a member of the 
 Alleghany Synod. Having been reared on the territory of this 
 Synod, he was always looked, upon as one of the Sons of Alle- 
 ghany Synod, and when he became a member of the Synod, they 
 sent him to the General Synod, made him a member of the Exam- 
 ining Committee, and twice elected him as their president. 
 
 When in Harrisburg, he was married to Miss Annie M. O'Dell, 
 
 817 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 of Gettysburg, Pa, May 28, 1861, by the Rev. Henry L. Baugher, 
 D.D., president of Pennsylvania College. His family numbers 
 four sons and one daughter. Russell, the oldest, lives at Odebolt, 
 Iowa. The next, John, is at home. The third, Edwin, lives in 
 Altoona, Pa., and the youngest son is Robert, who lives in Elk 
 Lick, Pa. Miss Carrie is at home. 
 
 Wayne Oburn Kantner, son of Mr. and Mrs. William G. 
 Kantner, was born at Altoona, Pa., September 22, 1887. As an 
 infant, he was baptized by the Rev. E. D. Weigle, D.D. At the 
 age of six years, he entered the catechetical class, under the in- 
 struction of the Rev. M. W. Hanna, D.D., and was in attendance 
 until confirmed at the age of thirteen years. The rite of con- 
 firmation was received from the hands of the Rev. O. C. Roth, 
 D.D., who was then pastor at the First Lutheran Church. 
 
 As a child, Rev. Kantner entered the Altoona public schools, 
 and was graduated from the high school, June 6, 1905. He 
 worked one year as a clerk in the freight office of the Pennsyl- 
 vania Railroad Company, and then entered the Pennsylvania 
 State College. Here he completed the course in philosophy and 
 education, and graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, on 
 June 15, 19 10. In the fall of the same year he entered the 
 Hamma Divinity School of Wittenberg College, Springfield, 
 Ohio. Here he completed the work, and was graduated with 
 the degree of Bachelor of Divinity, on May 4, 1913. Immediately 
 after graduation, Rev. Kantner was commissioned by the Board 
 of Home Missions, and entered upon the work at St. Paul's 
 Church, Battle Creek, Mich., and he has been serving this congre- 
 gation ever since. He has been greatly helped in this work by 
 the kindly interest of the First Lutheran Church of Altoona, and 
 of its present pastor, the Rev. Marion J. Kline, D.D. 
 
 On October 15, 191 3, Rev. Kantner was ordained by the 
 Wittenberg Synod, at Gabon, Ohio. On June 22, 1914, he was 
 united in marriage to Miss Bernice Cramer, of Battle Creek, 
 Mich. While in attendance at college and in the seminary, Rev. 
 Kantner always took an active interest in religious work. He 
 taught Bible classes and conducted prayer meetings among the 
 students at the Pennsylvania State College, and also did work 
 among the children of the community in one of the local churches. 
 818 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 While at the seminary, Rev. Kantner interested himself in the 
 Juvenile Court work of the city of Springfield, and served as a 
 probation officer for several years. He was also engaged in 
 Sunday School work in several of the city missions. 
 
 George J. M. Ketner, Central Bridge, N. Y. Parents, Daniel 
 Ketner and Catharine Garner Ketner. Place of birth, Aetna, 
 Pa., October 17, 1867. Confirmation in St. James' Evangelical 
 Lutheran Church, Clover Creek, Pa., Easter Sunday, 1879. Occu- 
 pation, farmer. Schooling, Selinsgrove and Gettysburg. Ordina- 
 tion, 1895. Marriage, December 18, 1895. ' Wife, Susie B. 
 Warren Ketner. Children living, three. Charges served : New 
 Chester, Pa. ; St. John's, Davis, West Va. ; Reformation, New 
 York City; St. Paul's, West Camp, N. Y., and Bethany, Central 
 Bridge, N. Y. 
 
 J. F. Kuhlman. (For sketch see page 216.) 
 
 Luther Kuhlman, D.D., York, Pa. The subject of this 
 sketch is the son of Rev. J. F. Kuhlman and his wife, Louisa 
 Smith Kuhlman, and was born at New Centerville, Somerset 
 County, Pa., in 185 1. As a lad, he noticed that some of his com- 
 panions had more than a single name, and when he went to his 
 father for an explanation, the latter explained briefly who Luther 
 was, and concluded by saying that he thought "Luther" was a 
 large enough name for any boy. He has been content ever since. 
 
 Early he lost his mother, and the impressionable years of child- 
 hood and youth were spent in the home of his grandparents, on 
 the father's side. These were plain German people, but deeply 
 religious, and the influence of their simple, genuine piety remains 
 a benediction to this hour. 
 
 His educational advantages were those of a farmer's boy of 
 that day — the common school, and the normal school, which was 
 then quite popular and rendered a splendid service to many a 
 boy and girl. At the age of seventeen, he received his first cer- 
 tificate, and taught his first school in Somerset County. 
 
 Then seven years were spent with his father, who was the 
 home missionary of the Alleghany Synod in Nebraska. There 
 is not space to evaluate the influence of these years. It must 
 
 819 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 suffice to say that in the strong and sterling character of the 
 father the religious element is easily master. His prayers and 
 teaching and preaching, his labors and sacrifices, his devotion and 
 unswerving integrity made abiding impressions. 
 
 Educationally, these years were important. At least three of 
 them were spent in teaching. He is a charter student of the Uni- 
 versity of Nebraska, and spent two years in that institution. In 
 January, 1876, he entered the freshman class of Pennsylvania 
 College, at Gettysburg, graduating in 1879, with second honor 
 and the valedictory. The decision to enter the Christian ministry 
 was reached at the end of the sophomore year, and thereafter, 
 with the exception of one year, he was a beneficiary of the Alle- 
 ghany Synod. 
 
 His theological course was taken at the seminary, in Gettys- 
 burg, under Drs. Brown, Hay, Wolf and Stork. In 1881, after 
 an examination in systematic theology lasting four and one-half 
 hours, he was licensed, at Bedford, and ordained the following 
 year, at Elk Lick. Of the thirty-five years that have elapsed, 
 twenty-one were given to the regular pastorate, first in the Jen- 
 nerstown charge of the Alleghany Synod, then at the Second 
 Lutheran Church, Baltimore, and nearly sixteen years as pastor 
 of our old, historic Evangelical Lutheran Church of Frederick 
 City, Md. Thirteen years he was professor of Biblical theology 
 in the seminary at Gettysburg, and now, for one year, he has 
 been field secretary of the Board of Foreign Missions. Prior to 
 his acceptance of this position, he was for thirty-two years a 
 member of the Board of Foreign Missions, and for nineteen of 
 those years he was president of the Board. In 1910, he was 
 chosen by the Board, one" of the four representatives to which 
 the General Synod was entitled, a delegate to the World Mis- 
 sionary Conference, held in Edinburgh, . Scotland. He took 
 advantage of this opportunity to extend his visit to the principal 
 Luther places in Germany, to Greece, the chief missions of the 
 Near East, to the Holy Land, and to Egypt and the Nile. He 
 has taken an active, and frequently a prominent, part in the work 
 and on the committees of the Maryland Synod. A goodly num- 
 ber of times he has been a delegate to the General Synod, and 
 his voice has been heard on the floor of that body. 
 
 He was united in marriage with Alice Louise Warren, Gettys- 
 820 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 burg, Pa., in 1882. She remains with him to this present, and 
 through all these years she has been his earnest and efficient co- 
 worker. 
 
 Charles Edward Liebegott, Avonmore, Pa., was born of 
 German parentage at Altoona, Pa., August 16, 1888. He was 
 confirmed in 1906. He is a graduate of the Martinsburg High 
 School, Gettysburg Academy, Gettysburg College and Seminary, 
 and was ordained October 5, 1915. He served the Avonmore 
 charge, June 1, 1915, to October 1, 1917, when he goes to Temple 
 Church, Pittsburgh. He was united in marriage with Miss Clara 
 Elaine Paysen, Orange, N. J.. September 7, 1916. 
 
 James A. Lowe, A.M., was born on a farm near Smicksburg, 
 Pa., October 22, 185 1, of English and Scotch-Irish parents. He 
 was baptized by Rev. Pyle, converted and confirmed under the 
 ministry of Rev. Charles L. Streamer. Attended the village 
 school, and later a Presbyterian academy. Taught several terms 
 of public school; advanced his education at Wittenberg College, 
 where he received beneficiary aid from the Alleghany Synod. 
 Taught two years in Ansgari College, Knoxville, 111. Ordained 
 by the Kansas Synod, at Abilene^ Kan., in 1880. Served charges 
 as follows : Hardy, Neb. ; Waterville, Kan. ; Hutchinson, Kan. ; 
 Wichita, Kan. ; Chapman, Kan. ; Jerico, Mo., where he also taught 
 as principal of the high school for eight years ; Beatrice, Neb. ; 
 Wilber, Neb. ; McCool Junction, Neb., and Fernald, la., where he 
 is pastor at present. President of Kansas Synod three years, and 
 of Nebraska Synod three years. Twenty-two years member of 
 Board of Trustees of Midland College. He was married, in 
 1877, to Eugenie Wertz, of Oregon, 111., who died in 1912. Their 
 son, Rev. Charles R. Lowe, is pastor of the Lutheran Church in 
 Dakota City, Neb. J. A. Lowe was married to Mrs. Anna J. 
 Peters, in 1916. He has served about forty years in the Lutheran 
 ministry, about fifteen under control of the Home Mission Board. 
 For any and all the good he may have accomplished, the praise 
 belongeth unto the Lord. 
 
 Edmund L. Manges, Lemoyne, Pa., was born in Alleghany 
 Township, Somerset County, a son of Rev. Edmund and Mar- 
 
 821 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 garet Manges, December I, 1885. I was confirmed at the age 
 of twelve, in St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Felton, Pa., of which 
 my father was pastor. 
 
 I hold diplomas from the York, Pa., High School, Pennsyl- 
 vania College, Gettysburg, Pa. ; the Lutheran Theological 
 Seminary, Gettysburg, Pa., and from Union Theological 
 Seminary, New York City. 
 
 My ordination occurred October 20, 191 2, the Central Illinois 
 Synod being the ordaining body, in Grace Church, Springfield, 
 111. My first pastorate was at Champaign-Urbana, 111., and lasted 
 for one year, after which I became pastor of Trinity Lutheran 
 Church of Lemoyne, Pa. 
 
 Miss Grace Blocher, of Gettysburg, Pa., became my wife on 
 April 17, 1913. We are the parents of one child, Frances May 
 Manges. 
 
 My present pastorate may soon come to an end, for I have 
 word from the War Department that I have been designated to 
 take the examination for a chaplaincy in the National Army. 
 Should I pass, my future address will be "somewhere in, etc." 
 
 Raymond Law Markley, Fayetteville, Pa., son of William 
 Harmon Markley and Sarah Lydia Law Markley, was born at 
 Altoona, Pa., August 31, 1888. Married, June 27, 191 7, to Miss 
 Mary Lydia Thrush, of Chambersburg, Pa. The greatest part 
 of my life has been spent in school, from the time I was admitted, 
 as a boy of six, to the public schools of Altoona, until my gradua- 
 tion, in 191 5. from the Lutheran Seminary, at Gettysburg, as a 
 minister. 
 
 During my grammar school and high school days, carried 
 papers for a time, both morning and evening. I was very am- 
 bitious to be a newspaper man at this time, following the example 
 of my uncle, who at present is general manager and vice-presi- 
 dent of the Altoona Tribune, who rose from the humble position 
 of a carrier. My uncle is a member of this Synod, and has 
 attended several of its sessions. My last two years in high 
 school I was chief mail clerk on the Altoona Tribune, which 
 required me to arise at 3.30 a.m. My first intention when I 
 entered high school was to pursue the commercial course, which 
 would have made me a stenographer. I became dissatisfied when 
 822 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 my classmates would talk about entering college, and I could not. 
 I then, together with my commercial course, studied the principal 
 academic branches. 
 
 I entered Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, Pa., in the fall of 
 1908, as a classical student, and graduated in 1912. My papers 
 had been accepted by Dean Rogers, of Yale Law School, to enter 
 Yale Law School. The unexpected took place. In July, my only 
 sister died. This death in my home made me think seriously of 
 life and religion. During this period the call came for me to 
 dedicate my life to the ministry of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus 
 Christ. During the summer months in college, I secured work 
 wherever I could, and worked as a stenographer for the Altoona 
 Tribune, a real estate firm, and was also on an engineering corps 
 for one summer. Preached in my home church, in 1913, during 
 the month of August, in absence of my pastor, Doctor Kline, of 
 the First Lutheran Church. 
 
 I was licensed by Alleghany Synod, in 191 5. I was elected to 
 the Fayetteville charge, March 7, 19 15. I have been serving the 
 charge since that time. I was ordained, October 14, 191 5, in 
 Christ Lutheran Church, Gettysburg. 
 
 Jacob E. Maurer, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jeremiah Maurer, of 
 Stovestown, Pa., was born in Jenner Township, Somerset 
 County, Pa., October 27, 1854. Was confirmed in St. James' 
 Lutheran Church of his native county, in December, 1868, Rev. 
 J. B. Crist, pastor. Licensed by the Alleghany Synod, Sep- 
 tember 10, 1882, at Salisbury, Pa. Ordained by the Kansas 
 Synod, October 28, 1883, at Eureka, Kan. Served as a home 
 missionary for over nine years ; missionary president of the 
 Pittsburgh Synod for nearly three years ; president of the 
 Maryland Synod, 1901 and 1902 ; pastor at Boonsboro, Md. ; 
 Lititz, Pa. ; Mt. Carroll, 111. ; Minerva, Ohio ; Lovettsville, Va. 
 
 L J. MiNEMiER, Minersville, Pa., son of George and Eliza 
 Minemier, whose parents were of German descent. My parents 
 were stalwart Lutherans, holding fast to the faith once delivered 
 to the saints. I was born in the vicinity of Warrior's Mark, 
 Huntingdon County. Pa., a little over a half century ago. At 
 the age of sixteen, I was confirmed in the Evangelical Lutheran 
 
 823 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 Church of Half Moon Valley, Sinking Valley charge. My occu- 
 pation when a boy was that of a farmer. I attended the district 
 school in what is known as Krider Valley until I was a full-grown 
 young man. When quite young, I was married to Miss Emma 
 Johnson, daughter of Stansberry and Rebecca Johnson, of 
 Warrior's Mark, Pa. In the fall of 1886, in company with my 
 wife, we went to Selinsgrove, Pa., where I attended college. In 
 the spring of 1891, I graduated from the seminary, and in the 
 fall of same year, was licensed to preach the gospel. In the 
 year 1892, I was ordained. Charges served are the following: 
 Liverpool, Pa. ; Espytown, Pa. ; Berrien Springs, Mich. ; Van- 
 dalia, Ohio; Dansville, N. Y. ; Friends Cove, R. F. D., Bedford, 
 Pa., and my present pastorate, Minersville, Pa. We have eight 
 children, all living and doing well — three sons and five daughters. 
 Let me say, in closing my remarks, that I am not sorry I am 
 a minister. It is the most noble calling under the sun, notwith- 
 standing its discouragements. 
 
 Shile Miller, born in 1862, near Bakersville. Father's name, 
 Jacob Miller ; mother's, Elizabeth. He was confirmed at Bakers- 
 ville. Was raised on a farm, educated at Gettysburg, where he 
 graduated in 1889 or 1890. His first charge was Lilly, Pa. ; his 
 last, Smicksburg, Pa. He is laboring in Methodist Church now. 
 He is married, and has four children. 
 
 Michael Reed Minnich, 4935 Larchwood Avenue, Phila- 
 delphia, Pa., born in Schellsburg, Bedford County, Pa., No- 
 vember 14, 1846. Baptized in infancy. Confirmed by the Rev. 
 S. Yingling, in Trinity Lutheran Church, Bedford, Pa., when 
 twelve years old. Preparatory education in the public schools 
 and the Bedford Classical Institute. Completed preparation for 
 college at Gettysburg, where I graduated, A.B., in the class of 
 1870, and received in course A.M., 1873. Graduate of the 
 Lutheran Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, 1873, an< ^ was 
 ordained by the Ministerium of Pennsylvania, in the same year. 
 Parents, John G. and Maria C. (Reed) Minnich. 
 
 Served as deputy clerk of the courts of Bedford County 
 (1864) before I had been called and concluded to study for the 
 ministry. After ordination, was called to the Evangelical 
 824 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 Lutheran Church (Christ), Staunton, Va., which I served until 
 the latter part of 1877. Was secretary and ad interim president 
 of the Virginia Synod ( 1874) ; instructor in English literature in 
 Staunton Female Seminary, 1875-1877; chaplain of Western 
 Lunatic Asylum, Staunton, Va., 1873-1877; recalled, 1880, by the 
 president of the Virginia Synod and a part of the Staunton con- 
 gregation, to act as "peace-maker" in a divided charge. 
 
 Honorably dismissed from the Virginia Synod, 1903, to con- 
 nect with the "Mother Synod" of Pennsylvania. During the 
 years following, to 1906, did missionary supply and preliminary 
 mission work. Charges served : Good Shepherd, Overbrook, 
 Philadelphia, 1907-1908; associate pastor, "Incarnation," Phila- 
 delphia, 1908-1909; missionary, Philadelphia City Mission, July 
 1, 1909. Publications: "Necessity of a Firm Adherence to the 
 Word of God," sermon, 1876, Staunton, Va. ; "Plea for Peace, 
 Harmony and Unity," sermon, published by the congregation, 
 Staunton, Va., 1880; varied contributions to church periodicals, 
 "John Frederick Hillegas," sketch, Pennsylvania Magazine of 
 History and Biography, 1894; "Some Data of the Hillegas 
 Family," American Historical Register, April, 1894 ; "The Schell 
 Family," historical and genealogical, Pennsylvania German 
 Magazine, July, 1901 ; "A Memoir of the First Treasurer of the 
 United States (Michael Hillegas)," eighty-seven pages, acknowl- 
 edged by the United States Treasury Department, by placing 
 Hillegas on the $10 gold certificates, vide; "John Bachman, 
 D.D., LL.D., Ph.D.," Audubon's Collaborator. An address be- 
 fore the meeting of the Historical Society of Montgomery County, 
 at Audubon, Pa., October 7, 1903. Published by the Society, 
 volume three, 1905. Member of the Pennsylvania Society, Sons 
 of the Revolution; Montgomery County (Pa.) Historical So- 
 ciety, and for some time member of Historical Society of Penn- 
 sylvania, and the Franklin Institute. 
 
 Ernest Luther Pee, High Spire, Pa., son of John and Georgie 
 Pee (his mother the daughter of the late Rev. George C. Probst), 
 was born in East Providence Township, near Everett, Pa., on 
 April 18, 1888. He was confirmed in the Mt. Pleasant Church 
 of the Clearville charge. 
 
 His early occupation consisted in helping his father on the little 
 
 825 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 farm and occasionally hiring out among neighbors during the 
 busy seasons. He also worked for some time at well drilling. 
 During the winter, school, reading and chopping wood were 
 always the regular lines of work. After completing the common 
 school work, he attended Summer normal schools for teachers, 
 and received a teacher's certificate at the age of sixteen. As soon 
 as the law allowed, he applied for a position as teacher, and was 
 elected as teacher in one of the home township schools. He 
 taught two years, and then went to Gettysburg Academy and 
 prepared for college. He was graduated from Pennsylvania Col- 
 lege, at Gettysburg, in 1913. In the fall of 1913, he entered the 
 Gettysburg Theological Seminary, and was granted a diploma by 
 that institution in 1916. 
 
 He immediately accepted a call to become pastor of St. Peter's 
 Lutheran Church of High Spire, Pa., and began work on that 
 field June 18, 1916. He was married to Miss Kathryn Diehl, of 
 York, Pa., on August 8, 1916. He was ordained by the East 
 Pennsylvania Synod, on October 4, 1916, in Messiah Lutheran 
 Church, Philadelphia, Pa. 
 
 Just about six months after taking up the work at High Spire, 
 the church building was entirely destroyed by fire. The congre- 
 gation is now rebuilding. The new church, larger and more fully 
 equipped than the old one, will soon be under roof. 
 
 Graft M. Pile was born at Somerset, in 1825, and died at 
 De Soto, Mo., March 8, 1912, aged eighty-seven years. He 
 entered the ministry in 1856. Among the places served were the 
 local churches of Somerset, Lavansville, Bakersville, Center- 
 ville ; also in Indiana County, Pa., and Springfield, 111. For three 
 years he was chaplain of the Fifty-fourth Regiment, Pennsyl- 
 vania Volunteers, a regiment recruited in part locally, in the 
 Civil War. He lived his later years in the town where he died. 
 
 Booz Franklin Pugh, Ottawa, Kan., youngest child of James 
 P. and Rachel Smith Pugh, was born seven miles from Somerset, 
 Pa., on August 4, 1847, on a farm. Attending winter school 
 and working on the farm until August, 1864, when he entered 
 the Union Army, and remained until August. 1865. Returned 
 826 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 to the farm, attended school, and taught until 1871. September, 
 I entered "Missionary Institute," now "Susquehanna University," 
 Selinsgrove, Pa. Graduated, and ordained by Susquehanna 
 Synod, at Bloomsburg, June, 1877. I received aid from Alle- 
 ghany Synod, for four years, at $150 each. I received, and 
 accepted, a call from Orangeville, 111., July 1, 1877. I was bap- 
 tized into the Lutheran Church by Rev. C. W. Shaffer, at Pied- 
 mont, W. Va., where I was teaching, December 11, 1870. In 1883, 
 I accepted a call to missionary work at Rising City, Butler County 
 charge, Neb., until 1888; then to Tekamah, Neb., until 1891 ; to 
 Sabetha, Kan., 1891 to 1894; to Wellington, Kan., until 1898, 
 when I came to Ottawa. Pastor six years. Supplied Garnett, Kan., 
 eight years, and now doing supply work as I have opportunity, 
 for the people do not want an old man as pastor, and I was 
 seventy years young last August 4. I was married to Frances 
 Adaline Cadwell, who was organist at Orangeville, 111., my first 
 charge, September 10, 1878. Together we selected music for 
 Sabbath service, and she selected the him. Miss Cadwell had 
 relatives at Elmira, N. Y., and there we were married by Dr. 
 H. Ziegler, of Selinsgrove, Pa. We have two sons and three 
 daughters. 
 
 John Calvin Reighard, Blaine, Pa., the subject of this sketch, 
 was born in Bedford Township, Bedford County, Pa., October 
 19, 1858. His parents were Andrew J. and Sarah A. (Whet- 
 stone) Reighard. His early life was spent on the farm and in 
 the common schools of the county. In order to fit himself for 
 commercial life, he took the course in Duff's Business College, 
 Pittsburgh, Pa., but being of a literary turn of mind, he entered 
 Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, Pa., and was graduated from 
 that institution June 28, 1888. He studied theology in the 
 seminary of the General Synod, Gettysburg, Pa., and was gradu- 
 ated June 11, 1891. At present he is a member of the Board of 
 Directors of this institution. On October 8, 1890, he was licensed 
 by the Maryland Synod, in the Memorial Lutheran Church, 
 Washington, D. C, and ordained by Central Pennsylvania Synod, 
 at Duncannon, Pa., October 4, 1891. The following pastorates 
 have been served by him up to date: Milroy, Pa., July 1, 1891, 
 to April 1, 1894; McAlisterville, Pa., April 1, 1894, to April 1, 
 
 827 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 1904; St. Thomas, Pa., April 1, 1904, to November 15, 1907, 
 when he became pastor of the Blaine charge. 
 
 In 1892, October 19, he married Annie B. Mickley, of Gettys- 
 burg, Pa., who departed this life June 14, 1917. 
 
 One daughter, Mary A. Reighard, who is now a sophomore, 
 pursuing the regular course in domestic art and science, at State 
 College, Pa., is the only issue of this union. 
 
 The Rev. J. C. Reighard wishes to say in this connection that 
 he was the second beneficiary of the late Job Mann's benefactions, 
 of Bedford, Pa., and to whose generous support he owes the 
 whole trend of his life. 
 
 H. O. Reynolds, Sidman, Pa., is the son of Silvanus A. and 
 Mary A. Reynolds, born at South Fork, March 3, 1870, and 
 united with the Lutheran Church, at South Fork, on the day of 
 its dedication. Entered Susquehanna University, 1898, gradu- 
 ating from the seminary, 1905, and having served the pastorates 
 of McClure, Espy-Briar Creek, Davidsville, Redeemer of Will- 
 iamsport, Pa. Assumed charge of South Fork pastorate June 1, 
 191 5. A prophet in his own country. 
 
 H. S. Rhoads, Leipsic, Ohio, son of William M. and Susan 
 Rhoads, was born near Somerset, April 6, 1871. He was bap- 
 tized by Rev. John Tomlinson, and, by confirmation, received 
 into the Wills Lutheran Church during the pastorate of Rev. J. J. 
 Welch. It was largely through Rev. Welch's influence that he 
 was led to enter the gospel ministry. 
 
 His early days were spent on the farm. His education was 
 secured in the public schools, local normal schools, the California 
 State Normal, Gettysburg College and Theological Seminary. 
 
 While he was yet in the seminary, he was employed by the 
 Home Mission Board to canvass the field in Newark, N. J., and 
 organize the first General Synod Sunday School and church in 
 that city of 300,000 people. He remained here three years, built 
 up a strong Sunday School, a flourishing congregation, and a 
 good church building, making the work permanent. 
 
 He was ordained in St. James' Lutheran Church, New York 
 City, in October, 1904. In 1907, he was called to become the 
 first pastor of the Moxham Lutheran Church, Johnstown, Pa. 
 828 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 He remained here nine years, building up that congregation to 
 one of the strongest in the Synod. In 1916, he accepted a call 
 to the First Lutheran Church of Leipsic, Ohio, in which field he 
 is at present located. 
 
 In 1904, Rev. Rhoads was united in marriage to Miss Sudie 
 Seacrist, of Green Castle, Pa. They have one child, Paul, who 
 is nine years old. 
 
 Herbert Adron Rinard, Pittsburgh, Pa., son of Henry and 
 Rebecca Rinard, born at Breezewood, Bedford County, Pa., 
 1878. Confirmed in Zion Lutheran Church, Breezewood, 1894. 
 Taught by Rev. S. J. McDowell and Rev. G. K. Allen. My early 
 occupation was farming and school teaching. My schooling was 
 as follows : Private tutoring under Professor Charles S. Barton, 
 of Shippensburg Normal School; one year, Susquehanna Pre- 
 paratory ; one year in Gettysburg Academy ; graduate of Gettys- 
 burg College, 1903; Gettysburg Seminary, 1906; graduate student. 
 University of Pennsylvania, receiving master's degree. Dis- 
 tinguished in the activities of the college and seminary while a 
 student in these institutions. Licensed to preach at Martinsburg, 
 Blair County, and ordained, in Grace Lutheran Church, of Al- 
 toona. Have served the following charges : Pastor St. Paul's 
 Lutheran Church, Leetonia, Ohio, and St. Mark's Lutheran 
 Church, Pittsburgh. Registrar and field secretary, Gettysburg 
 College ; vice-principal of Perkiomen School, Pennsburg, Pa. 
 
 M. J. Ross, Tyrone, Pa., was born at Friedens, Pa., October t, 
 1886. His parents, J. W. and Erna S. Ross. Baptized by Rev. 
 J. J. Welsh. Confirmed by Dr. H. D. Hoover. Entered school at 
 Susquehanna, in spring of 1905. Graduated from college in 
 1909, and seminary, in 1912. Was licensed by Alleghany Synod, 
 on October 8, 191 1, and ordained by Central Synod of Pennsyl- 
 vania, on October 10, 1912. Served Salona pastorate for about 
 three years, and came to Sinking Valley in July, 191 5. 
 
 Calvin J. Ringer, Council Bluffs, Iowa, son of Joseph 
 Ringer, was born near Summit Mills, Somerset County, Pa., 
 December 9, 1859. Received catechetical instructions and con- 
 
 829 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 firmation at the Mt. Tabor Lutheran Church, Garrett, Pa., 
 1876, by Rev. John N. Unruh, pastor, 1879-1881 
 
 Was educated at Midland College and The Western Theo- 
 logical Seminary, Atchison, Kans. W ? as ordained by the Evan- 
 gelical Lutheran Synod of Nebraska in 1894. Pastorates served : 
 Hardy, Neb., 1894-1899; Wayne, Neb., 1899-1912; Benson, 
 Neb., 1912-1915; Council Bluffsj Iowa, 1915 — . His ancestor, 
 Mathias Ringer, came from Germany prior to 1730, and settled 
 near New Hanover, Philadelphia County, Pa. (now Mont- 
 gomery County) ; he was a member of the Council of the New 
 Hanover Lutheran Church at the time, and with other members 
 of the church council signed the call in 1741 to Rev. Henry 
 Melchior Muhlenberg to become their pastor, who arrived in 
 1742. 
 
 The ancestor on mother's side (Caroline Hostetler Ringer), 
 was Jacob Hostetler, who came to America from Switzerland, 
 landing at Philadelphia, Pa., September 1, 1736. The subject 
 of this sketch is of the sixth generation. 
 
 E. Victor Roland, present pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, 
 Butler, Pa., was born at Chapman's Run, Bedford County, Pa., 
 December 7, 1879, being the youngest son of a family of eleven 
 children born to Hezekiah Roland and Nancy Jane Roland, who 
 resided for the greater part of their married life, a period of 
 sixty years, at the above place. The mother of Rev. Roland is 
 still living, being seventy-seven years of age. His father died 
 March 14, 1917, at the ripe age of eighty-seven years. Both have 
 been lifelong members of the Lutheran Church. 
 
 It was during the ministry of Rev. W. G. Slifer, who served 
 the Mt. Pleasant pastorate, Bedford County, a number of years, 
 that Rev. Roland decided to enter the ministry. It may be added 
 here that the ministry of Rev. Slifer, covering a period of four 
 or five years, was most productive in sending young men into the 
 ministry. During this time, at least four young men were primed 
 for the gospel ministry. 
 
 Further facts in Rev. Roland's career are : Confirmed in Grace 
 Lutheran Church, Mt. Pleasant charge, November 20, 1898; 
 entered preparatory department of Pennsylvania College, Gettys- 
 burg, fall of 1902 ; entered freshman class of Pennsylvania Col- 
 830 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 lege, in the fall of 1903, being graduated from same in June, 
 1907 ; entered Gettysburg Theological Seminary, September, 
 1907, graduating from the same, May, 1910; May 22, 1910, en- 
 tered upon the pastorate of Redeemer Lutheran Church, Harris- 
 burg, Pa., where he had a successful ministry of about six years ; 
 assumed the pastorate of Grace Lutheran Church, Butler, Janu- 
 ary 16, 1916, succeeding the Rev. J. C. Nicholas, pastor of the 
 First Church, Chambersburg. 
 
 Rev. Roland was married to Miss Nellie Zoe Snyder, daughter 
 of Mr. and Mrs. Baltzer Snyder, of Clearville, Pa., June 29, 
 1910. Two children add to the pleasures and joys of home life, 
 Charles Harold, born September 27, 191 1, and Jane Elizabeth, 
 born June 7, 191 6. These, with their parents, make up the happy 
 pastor's home, at 321 Federal Street, Butler, Pa. 
 
 Henry Calhoun Rose, Lewisburg, Pa., is a son of William 
 Henry and Elizabeth Rose. My mother's maiden name was 
 Deremer, of French stock, and all. of them were Methodists. 
 Born in Centerville, down the Cumberland Valley from Bedford, 
 on January 25, 1877, and was confirmed at age of fifteen. Passed 
 teachers' examination, and taught for four years in the country 
 schools of Bedford County before going to Gettysburg. Gradu- 
 ated from college in 1902, seminary, 1905. Supplied at Eglon, 
 W. Va., two summer vacations, while in seminary, 1903 and 
 1904. Licensed September 30, 1904, at Phillipsburg, Pa. Or- 
 dained October 1, 1905, at Martinsburg, Pa. 
 
 Began ministry at Saxton, November 12, 1905. Married to 
 Erma Leora Esken, of Berlin, Pa., June 28, 1906. Resigned at 
 Saxton, January 9, 1910. Accepted Trinity Church, Johnstown, 
 and began work there on February 13, 1910. Elected at Lewis- 
 burg, June 21, 1913, and came here September 1, 1913. 
 
 We have two children, Margaret Elizabeth, born May 2, 1908, 
 and Helen Esken, born September 24, 1916. 
 
 Melanchthon CEcolampadius Tritle Sahm, Avis, Pa., 
 son of Rev. Peter Sahm, D.D., and Susannah Tritle Sahm. Born 
 in Indiana, Indiana County. Pa., on April 11, 1853. In June, 
 1853, was baptized by Rev. Lloyd Knight, president of Alleghany 
 Synod, at its annual session, which convened in Indiana that year, 
 
 831 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 of which charge the child's father was then pastor. This boy 
 was also at this time made a life member of the Alleghany 
 Synod Education Society, by the contribution of $10 by mem- 
 bers of the congregation and Synod. 
 
 He was confirmed in Christ's, or College Church, Gettysburg, 
 Pa., by Rev. Charles Hay, D.D., on Good Friday, April n, 1874, 
 the twenty-first anniversary of my birth. 
 
 Was in boyhood educated in the common schools of the State. 
 At fifteen, entered Missionary Institute, Selinsgrove, Pa., to pre- 
 pare for college. At sixteen years, entered Pennsylvania College, 
 Gettysburg, graduating in the class of 1874. 
 
 Taught public school for several years, then entered upon his 
 theological studies at Selinsgrove, under Dr. Henry Ziegler, com- 
 pleting his course in 1879. 
 
 Ordained at the session of Alleghany Synod, which convened 
 at Berlin, Somerset County, Pa., September, 1880. 
 
 Charges served : Cookport, Pa. ; Fay, Pa. ; Boalsburg, Pa. ; 
 Espy, Pa. ; Wilmore, Pa., and New Millport,, Pa. 
 
 Married in 1878, to Miss Flora B. Albert, of New Berlin, Pa. 
 Family consists of three sons, their wives, three grandsons and 
 five granddaughters. At present postmaster at Avis, Pa. 
 
 Franz Sigel Schultz, the subject of this sketch, was born 
 in Newry, Blair County, Pa., on the third day of June, 1862. 
 His parents dedicated him to God, in holy baptism, in early child- 
 hood. He was catechized by Rev. S. McHenry, and confirmed 
 in the Lutheran Church on January 28, 1877. I* 1 l &79> ne located 
 in Altoona, having procured a position in the machine shops of 
 the Pennsylvania Railroad. He then transferred his church 
 membership to the First Lutheran Church, Rev. Henry Baker, 
 pastor. He became active in the Young Men's Christian Associ- 
 ation of the city and in the young people's work of the church. 
 In the fall of 1884, he entered the preparatory department of 
 Missionary Institute, Selinsgrove, and graduated in the class of 
 1888. The same fall, he entered the junior class of Pennsyl- 
 vania College, Gettysburg, and graduated in the class of 1890, 
 and from the Theological Seminary in 1893. 
 
 He was licensed by the Alleghany Synod in 1892, at Hollidays- 
 burg, and ordained at Huntingdon, on the tenth day of Sep- 
 832 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 tember, 1893. On July I, 1893, he took charge of the Morrell- 
 ville Mission, as its first pastor. The mission was composed of 
 three congregations, Morrellville (now in Johnstown), New 
 Florence, in Westmoreland County, and Germany, in Indiana 
 County. After serving this charge for four years, the Morrell- 
 ville Mission demanded the entire time of the pastor, so the 
 other two points were dismissed back to the Pittsburgh Synod. 
 He continued at Morrellville until December 31, 1908. During 
 his pastorate, the present brick church was built and paid for, 
 the mission became self-supporting and the membership increased 
 from 14 to about 200. 
 
 He moved to Pine Grove Mills, in Center County, January 1, 
 1909, and remained a little more than three years, and on No- 
 vember 1, 1912, he accepted a call to the Summerhill charge, and 
 came back to the Synod of his first love, to which he has now 
 rendered more than twenty years of service. 
 
 George Francis Schaeffer, bom January 3, 1830, at Carmel 
 (now Aurora), W. Va. His parents were Daniel and Elizabeth 
 Schaeffer. Baptized when a child by "Old Father" Heyer, first 
 Lutheran missionary to India. Was an apprentice under Arthur 
 McKinley (a saddler), in Pennsylvania, when in the "teens." 
 Then came home and prepared himself, and taught school awhile, 
 but soon felt called to preach, and went to Pennsylvania College. 
 Graduated in 1857; then taught in Lutherville Seminary, Md. ; 
 also Mt. Pleasant Seminary, N. C, in i860. Returned to Somer- 
 set, Pa., as principal in school. Ordained in 1863. Served 
 churches in Newport, New Bloomfield, Apollo, Pa. Returned 
 to North Carolina in 1882 ; president of North Carolina College 
 until 1885. Then lived in Georgia until 1903, when he came to 
 Spartanburg, S. C. Superintended farm until his death, Sep- 
 tember 27, 1916. 
 
 Married Martha J. Rupley, 1857; Martha A. Rooks, 1885; 
 Laura A. McDowell, 1903, who, with two sons, by first wife, 
 survive him. Sons, S. Rupley Schaeffer, Denver, Colo. ; S. 
 Samuel Schaeffer, Campton, Ga. 
 
 He was a great educator. He was "the scholar" of the place 
 where he lived. His Christian character was unquestioned — 
 "a strong preacher of the word, and faithful pastor." 
 
 833 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 He was a member of North Carolina Synod from 1883 to time 
 of his death, and the minutes just sent me, has a page to his 
 memory (In Memoriam). He attended Synod last in 1914, at 
 China Grove, N. C, and desired so much to go to Synod meeting 
 at Concord, N. C, in May, 1916, but was then growing more 
 feeble. He was pastor at Concord in 1884, when his two daugh- 
 ters, teachers in the college, died, and are buried at Concord. 
 He was loved by all, white and negroes alike. — Sketch by Mrs. 
 Laura A. Schacffer, Spartanburg, S. C. 
 
 September, 1917. 
 
 W. H. Settlemyer, A.M., Middletown, Md. I was born on 
 a farm one mile north of Wilmore, Pa., on March 8, 1838. My 
 father's name was George, and my mother was Susanna (Shine- 
 felt) Settlemyer. I worked with my father on the farm until 
 I went to school. After the district school I attended a term 
 under Rev. L. J. Bell, at Johnstown, and subsequently a term 
 under Rev. G. F. Schaeffer, at Somerset. Then taught a winter 
 in a district school, which made me hungry for a larger educa- 
 tion. 
 
 My health being delicate, I chose Wittenberg College, Spring- 
 field, Ohio, to secure a change of climate to better my health. 
 Graduated in a class of sixteen in 1866. Entered Theological 
 Seminary at Gettysburg in the first class taking a three years' 
 course, and graduated in 1869. Was licensed to preach the 
 gospel at Bedford, Pa., in 1869. 
 
 Returned from Bedford to find that a beloved sister had departed 
 this life from typhoid fever. Remained at home for a season be- 
 cause of the serious illness of mother and another and only re- 
 maining sister at home. 
 
 Was ordained by the Alleghany Synod at Johnstown, Pa., 
 September, 1870. In 1870 took charge of the churches at North 
 Liberty and Banner Valley (Ely), Iowa. In 1873, owing to the 
 severity of the winters, I resigned and returned to my father's 
 home in Wilmore. Providential circumstances constrained me, 
 after awhile, to accept the charge at Wilmore. In May, 1878, 
 I accepted a call to Jefferson, Md., and continued to May, 1886. 
 Then took charge in Staunton, Va., and remained there fifteen 
 months. In 1888 took charge of Rockwood, Pa., and served them 
 834 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 to January i, 1893, when I accepted a call to Bedford, Pa., to 
 serve the Friends Cove Charge. In July, 1896, went to Idaville, 
 Pa., pastorate, and resigned July, 1899. 
 
 Remained for over a year with wife's sister and brother to 
 care for them in their last years of life, then spent a year, 1901-2, 
 in California to recuperate our health ; returned and built a 
 home in Middletown, Md. Have since aided our brethren by 
 supply work. 
 
 On September 2j, 1876, I was joined in wedlock to Miss Mar- 
 garet Beckwith, of Middletown, Md., who has been a very de- 
 cided success as a pastor's wife, social, economical, a genuine 
 home-maker, and ever lending inspiration to my work. The home 
 is made especially attractive by reason of her superior talent as a 
 portrait and landscape painter. 
 
 As Secretary of the Alleghany Synod and a member of the 
 Constitutional Revising Committee, I originated the custom of 
 recognizing a certified copy of the printed Minutes as the official 
 copy, instead of entering the whole of the minutes in the procotol. 
 I also introduced the custom of electing the officers of the Synod 
 at the close of the session, instead of at the opening of the session. 
 
 God blessed me in many ways in my work, and secured me 
 many fast friends. 
 
 Rendering conscientiously the tenth of our income (an aver- 
 age salary of less than $650) to the Lord's work, we never once 
 lacked money to pay for all necessary current expenses. Having 
 been handicapped through my active ministerial life with in- 
 different health, I am now enjoying renewed health and strength 
 in this period of my retired life, for which I am truly grateful. 
 
 Middletown, Md., October 12, 1917. 
 
 David Luther Shaffer, Homestead, Pa., son of Adam B. 
 Shaffer and Eliza Jane Shaffer, was born at Jenner Cross Roads, 
 Somerset County, on August 9, 1886, the tenth in a family of 
 eleven children. Was confirmed in the Jennertown Lutheran 
 Church. A son of the soil, attended the rural school, and later 
 taught three terms in native township of Jenner. Was graduated 
 from Gettysburg Academy; College, 1913, and Theological 
 Seminary. Ordained into Christian ministry at Pittsburgh, Oc- 
 tober, 1916. Is serving first charge, Homestead, May, 1916. 
 
 835 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 Was married in June, 1916, to Miss Helen Edna Rupp, of 
 Gettysburg, Pa. One son, Paul Luther, born March 29, 19 17. 
 
 Samuel A. Shaulis, Somerset, Pa., son of Frederick W. and 
 Mary E. Shaulis, was born May 31, 1862, near Sipesville, Somer- 
 set County, Pa. Confirmed March 31, 1877, by the Rev. L. L. 
 Sieber, pastor of Bakersville Lutheran Church. Remained with 
 father, on the farm, laboring, attending and teaching public 
 school. Also attended school at Tiffin, Ohio, and Gettysburg, 
 Pa., graduating from Gettysburg Seminary, June, 1893. 
 
 Ordained at St. James' Lutheran Church, Huntingdon, Pa., 
 September, 1893. Called to serve Cassville charge, consisting 
 of Cassville, Hawns and Grafton Churches, July 1, 1893 to 1897; 
 also New Florence charge, Westmoreland County, Pa., 1897 to 
 1907, consisting of New Florence and Germany. Erected a new 
 parsonage ; organized Garfield and Lockport congregations, and 
 erected new edifices at each place. 
 
 In 1907, accepted a call to Grace Chapel charge, Indiana 
 County, Pa. After enjoying a very fruitful and blessed work 
 for the Master, on account of physical weakness, moved to 
 father's farm, April 1, 1909, residing there for seven years; then 
 moved to Somerset, Pa. 
 
 In 1890, July 10, Mary Elizabeth Miller, daughter of Henry 
 F. and Catharine Miller, and Rev. S. A. Shaulis were united in 
 holy matrimony by Rev. Edmund E. Manges, of Lawrenceville, 
 Pa., to which union there were born Roy H., Earl F. and Mary E. 
 Shaulis and Samuel S. Shaulis. 
 
 David H. Shultz, oldest son of John A. and Sarah Beaver 
 Shultz, was born at Marklesburg, Pa., March 9, 1843. He 
 attended school until sixteen years old, and then began teaching. 
 At the age of sixteen, he was converted and confirmed at 
 Marklesburg, under the pastoral care of Rev. William Jordan 
 Bechtel. He finished an academic course at Cassville, Pa., and 
 a normal training course at Kishacoquillas, Pa. ; taught in the 
 public schools of Belleville, Mount Union Academy and the gov- 
 ernment schools of Cassville and Bristol City, Pa. Took his theo- 
 logical course at Juniata University ; was ordained in the Susque- 
 hanna Synod, June 30, 1876. 
 836 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 He accepted a call to the Salem pastorate, in northern Illinois ; 
 was called to a mission church at Lanark City, 111., under the 
 direction of the Northern Illinois Synod. On account of the fail- 
 ing health of his wife, Sarah Aiken, to whom he was married 
 on the fifth day of October, 1876, he moved, in the winter of 
 1880-1881, to Rising City, Neb., where she died, October 9, 1881. 
 
 He began missionary work at Rising City, Cresswell, Benedict 
 and other promising points, and was instrumental in organizing 
 churches at Rising City, Benedict, Surprise and David City. 
 
 On the thirtieth day of June. 1885, he was married to Alice 
 Crownover, and in the fall of 1886, moved to the western part 
 of the State, where he organized the church at Potter, Neb., and 
 served this pastorate until failing sight compelled him to retire 
 from the active ministry. He has been in connection with the 
 Rocky Mountain Synod from its beginning to the present time. 
 The death of his wife occurred at Potter, March 24, 1907. He 
 resided at Potter until about four years ago, when he moved to 
 Osceola, Neb., his present residence. 
 
 Luther T. Snyder, son of Moses M. and Adaline Snyder, 
 was born at New Lexington, Pa., January 9, 1861. He became 
 a member of Messiah congregation in early life, from which 
 church he never removed his membership. He took his prepara- 
 tory course for college at Missionary Institute, now Susquehanna 
 University, and graduated at Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, 
 Pa., in 1890, and three years later, from the seminary there. His 
 only charge was the Upper Strasburg pastorate, where he labored 
 until failing health compelled him to relinquish his work, after 
 which he went home to his parents, at New Lexington, where he 
 died, November 22, 1904, aged forty-three years, ten months and 
 thirteen days. 
 
 W. M. Spangler, Hampstead, Md., the subject of this sketch, 
 was born on a farm near Friedens, Somerset County, Pa., on 
 February 2, 1849. He is the son of Michael and Hannah 
 Spangler. His great-grandfather on his father's side came from 
 Wittenberg, Germany, and his grandfather on his mother's side 
 was of Scotch-Irish extraction. He was reared to farm life, in 
 which his early years were spent. At the age of six years began 
 
 837 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 his initiation into school-life. It was a country school he at- 
 tended about a mile and a half from his father's farm. The 
 school-house was built of hewed logs, and was one among the 
 first in the county, and was, therefore, quite old. The furniture 
 was among the simplest. A ten-plate iron stove stood in the 
 center of the room. Large chunks of wood were used in it to 
 keep the room warm. The benches were made of slabs. The 
 desks were made of boards which were hand-planed and nailed 
 on with wooden pins driven into the logs along the sides and 
 ends of the building. This old log school-house, however, gave 
 way to a better and more modern building in the course of a 
 few years. At the age of seventeen he attended a term of normal 
 school of ten weeks at Stoyestown, Pa. Attending a second 
 term of normal school at the same place the year following, he 
 taught his first term of public school at the age of eighteen. He 
 taught public school during four winter terms, using the summer 
 vacations in preparation for better work by attending two terms 
 of normal school of ten weeks each at Stoyestown, Pa., and 
 two terms of select school of ten weeks each in the academy at 
 Somerset, Pa. In the spring of 1870 he matriculated as a student 
 of Missionary Institute at Selinsgrove, Pa., now known as Sus- 
 quehanna University. He completed his classical course at the 
 commencement of 1874. He then entered the Theological Semi- 
 nary at Gettysburg, where he received his theological training. 
 He was licensed to preach the gospel by Alleghany Synod at its 
 meeting in Altoona in 1876. He was ordained to the gospel 
 ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church by the same Synod 
 at its meeting in Trinity Lutheran Church of Somerset, Pa., 
 in September, 1877. He served charges respectively at Jenners, 
 Somerset County, Pa. ; Friends' Cove, Bedford County, Pa. ; 
 Accident, Garrett County, Md. ; Glasgow, Cambria County, Pa. ; 
 Salona, Clinton County, Pa. ; Williamsburg, Blair County, Pa. ; 
 Beaver Springs, Snyder County, Pa. ; Seven Valleys, York 
 County, Pa. ; New Florence, Westmoreland County, Pa. ; Kimber- 
 ton, Chester County, Pa., and the Hampstead Charge, Hampstead, 
 Md. His Alma Mater conferred upon him the degree of A.M. 
 in July, 1908. He was married to Sarah Boucher, youngest 
 daughter of John and Johanna Boucher, of New Lexington, Som- 
 erset County, Pa., on September 10, 1874. To this union were 
 838 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 born seven children — five sons and two daughters — all still 
 living. 
 
 N. B. — Was catechised by Rev. John Tomlinson, and con- 
 firmed at the age of fourteen in the Lutheran church at Friedens, 
 Pa. 
 
 William Rufus Stahl, son of John and Adaline Stahl, was 
 born near Pine Hill, Somerset County, August 12, 1868, and died 
 at Shanksville, in the same county, October 11, 1905, of typhoid 
 fever. He was educated in the common schools and the institu- 
 tions at Gettysburg, graduating from the seminary in 1900. He 
 was pastor of the Liverpool charge, Perry County, 1900-1904, and 
 of the Shanksville charge, 1904-1905. Reared on the farm, he 
 always manifested a retiring disposition, but possessed sterling 
 qualities, which won him many friends. The new church in his 
 second charge is a fitting monument to his work there. His wife, 
 Miss Tholan, of Mervin, Pa, with a daughter, survived. 
 
 Samuel Stouffer, born in Hollidaysburg, Pa., November 17, 
 1842. Parents, Jonathan and Mary M. Stouffer. Educated at 
 Gettysburg. My course there was broken by my enlistment; 
 served in Battery C, First Reserves, Light Artillery. 
 
 Served in the following pastorates : Luthersburg, two years ; 
 West Sunbury, four years; Licking, four years; Piedmont, 
 W. Va., two years; Jenners, five years; Donegal, seven years; 
 German Township, Fayette County, Pa., eleven years ; Union- 
 ville, Ontario, four years; Hampstead, Md., two years; Accident, 
 Md., two years. Have been living in Somerset, retired, the last 
 seven years. 
 
 My first wife was Miss E. A. Wick, born in Butler County, 
 Pa. ; died at Donegal. My second wife, Miss Edith M. Morrison, 
 born in Somerset County. Have four children living and three 
 dead. Edgar H., John M. and Mary Alice live in Somerset, Pa. ; 
 William lives at Springdale, Pa. 
 
 Several of these charges were reorganized by me — I only 
 served them until I could secure them a regular pastorate. They 
 had, in a measure, broken up during the Civil War. 
 
 Jacob Hiram Straw was born at Ansonville, Clearfield 
 County, Pa., in 1871, a son of Arthur Bell and Sarah M. Straw, 
 
 839 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 members of the Baptist Church. His mother having died when 
 he was two years old, he was cared for by his maternal grand- 
 parents, Jacob and Sarah Arnold, of New Millport, Pa., who 
 were Lutherans. He was received as a member, January 3, 
 1886, by baptism. He took a course at Lock Haven State Nor- 
 mal School, and taught school. In 1895, he entered college at 
 Gettysburg, and in 1899, the seminary. Upon his graduation, 
 1902, he went to our Muhlenberg Mission, Africa, returning in 
 1904. He served as pastor, the North Baltimore, Ohio, charge, 
 1905-1907; Trenton, N. J., 1907-1909. He returned to Africa in 
 
 REV. J. H. STRAW 
 
 1909, and labored faithfully until his death, April 20, 1913. He 
 was married to Miss Nellie Cashman, Gettysburg, now Mrs. Rev. 
 F. S. Shultz, of Summerhill, Pa. One daughter, Ruth, also sur- 
 vives. 
 
 Charles L. Streamer. Parents, Christian Streamer, native 
 of Prussia, and Elizabeth Knoephler, York, Pa. Born Williams- 
 burg, Pa., December 22, 1828. Attended public schools; learned 
 the trade of a tinner, and was a first-class mechanic ; followed 
 the business at Marklesburg, Pa., and Williamsburg, Pa. Studied 
 840 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 for the ministry, with Father P. Sahm, pastor at Indiana, Pa. 
 Ordained to the Gospel Ministry by Alleghany Synod, 1858. 
 
 Served the following charges: Smicksburg, 1858-1869 and 
 1885-1897 (twenty-three years in all) ; Martinsburg, Pa., 1869- 
 1875; Blairsville, 1875-1878; West Sunbury, Pa., and North 
 Washington, 1878-1885; Hempfield, Westmoreland County, 
 1897-1903. Retiring for a time, because of ill health, having 
 been, for fifteen weeks, in bed with typhoid fever, he removed 
 to Phillipsburg. While a resident there, he supplied that congre- 
 gation during two vacant periods, and frequently preached for 
 other congregations. He was a supply at the time of his death, 
 January 15, 1908. His active ministry covered a period of nearly 
 fifty years. He was a tireless worker, and vacations to him were 
 an unknown thing. Most of his ministry was spent in Alleghany 
 Synod, and the remainder in Pittsburgh Synod. For several 
 terms he was president in each. He was known in both Synods 
 as a master parliamentarian, and as a theologian, took first rank. 
 He was a master of English, and was able to present the deepest 
 doctrinal truths in the language of every-day folks. He was 
 called by many of his brethren, "He of the golden tongue." 
 Others spoke of him as "Always being found on the side of the 
 'under dog.' " These accurately describe the man. He never 
 lacked for a word to express his meaning. He was always a 
 champion of the downtrodden. He was, indeed, a worthy disciple 
 of his Lord. — SketcJi by his son, Rev. W. A. H. S. 
 
 Charles R. Streamer, Liberty, Pa., a son of Rev. C. L. 
 Streamer, for many years a member of this Synod, was born at 
 Martinsburg, Blair County, April 27, 1871, in the present 
 Lutheran parsonage, erected during his father's pastorate there 
 of eight years. At an early age, with the family, he removed to 
 Blairsville and other points in the Pittsburgh Synod, and finally 
 to Greensburg, from which place this son entered the Gospel 
 Ministry. While a resident at Smicksburg, after he had finished 
 an academic course, he went to Punxsutawney to learn the trade 
 of printing in the News office. After two years, from "printer's 
 devil" to foreman, he went to Selinsgrove, where he graduated 
 from the Missionary Institute in the class of 1894. From here 
 he went to Springfield, and two years later, graduated from Wit- 
 
 841 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 tenberg College, in the class of 1896; then three years later, from 
 our Theological Seminary, at Gettysburg, in the class of 1899. 
 During his Summer and Christmas vacations, he canvassed for 
 church papers, and the last vacation periods of his seminary days 
 he was manager of the student missionary campaign, under our 
 Board of Foreign Missions. He was ordained at the meeting of 
 the Pittsburgh Synod, at Wheeling, in 1899, and took charge of 
 St. Paul's Church, Lionville, soon after, where he remained as 
 pastor for five years, also serving as supply pastor at St. Paul's, 
 Camden, N. J., until called as managing editor of The Lutheran 
 Evangelist, in 1904. He remained in Dayton, Ohio, for seven 
 years, in connection with church paper work, until given a call 
 to the Martinsburg charge, his birthplace, where he remained for 
 four years as pastor, doing two men's work. Recognizing a 
 necessity for a division of the Bedford County churches from the 
 Martinsburg Church, he resigned, to take charge of churches in 
 Liberty Valley, Pa., where he has been the successful pastor of an 
 important work for three years. In October, 1900, he was united 
 in marriage to Miss Mary Phipps, a member of his first church, 
 in Chester County. Their union has been blessed with four 
 children, all of whom survive: Phoebe, aged fifteen; Paul, 
 twelve; Charles T., eight (who is also to be a minister), and 
 Mary Elizabeth, aged two years, respectively. 
 
 William A. H. Streamer, Saxton, Pa., first saw the light of 
 day in Smicksburg, Pa., September 12, 1862. He was a son of 
 Rev. Charles L. and Sarah L. Robinson Streamer. The public 
 schools of Martinsburg and Blairsville, Pa., furnished the basis 
 of his education, and the normal academies at West Sunbury 
 and North Washington, Pa., provided such finishing touches as 
 were possible to him in those days. The years 1879 to 1909 were 
 spent, mostly, behind the counter, in mercantile pursuits, broken 
 by two terms of school teaching, 1884, at North Washington, Pa.; 
 1885, at Smicksburg, Pa. In 1886, he removed to Punxsutawney, 
 Pa., and in 1887, July 11, was married to Miss Sallie E. Hughes, 
 of that place, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alexander G. Hughes. 
 Four children, three sons and a daughter, have come to bless 
 their home. Two of them, the daughter, Elizabeth, and Alfred, 
 the youngest son, remain at home. Two have taken their places 
 842 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 as men in the world of men, the oldest, Hayden, a pharmacist, in 
 West Philadelphia, Pa., and Joseph, the second son, in the ambu- 
 lance service of his country's army. September, 1909, Mr. 
 Streamer entered the department of theology, Susquehanna Uni- 
 versity, graduating in 19 12. He was licensed to preach, at 
 Everett, Pa., by Alleghany Synod, and ordained to the Gospel 
 Ministry the following year, 1912, in Trinity Lutheran Church, 
 Johnstown, Pa. September 1, 1912, he was called to the Markles- 
 burg-Saxton pastorate, and still remains in his first field. 
 
 David Stufft was born near Connor Post Office, Somerset 
 County, Pa., September 14, 1828, where he attended public 
 school. Later he moved to Friedens, where he enjoyed many 
 pleasant years. 
 
 He received license to preach from Alleghany Synod, in 1858, 
 and was ordained, 1861. His charges were Wills Creek, seven 
 churches; Scalp Level, 1869-1882. Having resigned, he took up 
 his residence here. At times he taught school, was a justice of 
 the peace, surveyor, and dentist, his frail health not permitting 
 his re-entering the ministry. His wife, Miss Sarah Foust, died 
 in 1893. Six children were born to them. His death occurred 
 October 11, 1896, with interment at Scalp Level. 
 
 Samuel Japheth Taylor. Born at Newberg, Huntingdon 
 County, Pa. Parents, Ephraim and Mary E. (Focht) Taylor. 
 Lived with parents on a farm until 1868, when the family moved 
 to Altoona, Pa., where clerked in grocery store 1869-70. Learned 
 telegraphy and entered the service of the Pennsylvania Railroad 
 in 1870, and remained with the railroad as operator and ticket 
 agent until December 31, 1876. January, 1877, entered the 
 Preparatory School of Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, Pa., 
 and graduated with the class of 1881, and from the Theological 
 Seminary with the class of 1884. Was licensed to preach by the 
 East Pennsylvania Synod at Germantown in 1883, and ordained 
 by Alleghany Synod at Stoyestown, Pa., in 1884. Have served 
 in the order named the following pastorates : Addison, Williams- 
 burg, Lock Haven, Berlin, Carey, Ohio ; Selinsgrove and Juniata, 
 Pa., since 191 1. 
 
 843 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 William Tedrow, son of Jonas and Catherine Tedrow, was 
 born in Milford Township, Somerset County, Pa. He was a 
 member of Messiah congregation. He graduated at Mt. Union 
 College in 1878, and at the Lutheran Seminary, in Springfield, 
 Ohio, in 1880. He served the following charges: Shanesville, 
 Ohio, 1880-1884; Constantine, Mich., 1884-1893; Ann Arbor, 
 Mich., 1893-1904; Kalamazoo, Mich., 1904-1908. More than 
 half of Rev. Tedrow's ministry was spent in Home Mission fields. 
 He died in Kalamazoo, Mich., February 10, 191 1, aged fifty- 
 seven years, six months and seven days. 
 
 Charles Henry Tilp, Cleveland, Ohio, son of George and 
 Julia (Schissler) Tilp, was born at Garrett, Pa., May 24, 1873. 
 His desire to be a minister was encouraged by his father and by 
 his pastor, Rev. M. L. Young, Ph.D., who catechized and con- 
 firmed him at Garrett, in 1884. 
 
 Clerked in father's store, and managed same after father's 
 death. Removed to Meyersdale, and served as bookkeeper. 
 Attended public schools, Meyersdale Academy and Stevens Hall ; 
 entered Pennsylvania College, in 1894, graduating with second 
 honor, in 1898. Graduated from the Gettysburg Theological 
 Seminary in 1901, with B.D. degree. 
 
 Licensed to preach the gospel by the Alleghany Synod, in 1900, 
 and ordained by the same Synod, September 29, 1901, at Berlin, 
 Pa. Served the following churches : Fort Washington, Pa. ; 
 Murphysboro, 111. ; Kittanning, Pa., and Lakewood, Cleveland, 
 Ohio. 
 
 Married Miss Emily J. Shipley, of Meyersdale, August 29, 
 1901. They have three children, Julia, Charles H., Jr., and Mary. 
 
 Student solicitor for Pennsylvania College in 1900; secretary 
 Pennsylvania Intercollegiate Oratorical Union, assistant editor 
 college publications. Delegate to General Synod, 1909 and 1915; 
 president and secretary Southern Illinois Synod and Conference ; 
 president, secretary and treasurer Eastern Conference, Pitts- 
 bugh Synod. One of first scholars in the Garrett Sunday School, 
 organized by his father and Mr. Frank Enos. 
 
 Victor George Augustine Tressler, D.D., Ph.D., born April 
 10, 1865, near Somerfield, Somerset County. Pa., son of Rev. 
 844 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 John William and Mrs. Carrie Augustine Tressler. Confirmed 
 in the Addison Lutheran Church, at an early age. Graduated at 
 Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, 1886, summa cum laude ; 
 student of law, Chicago, 1887-1888; B.D., McCormick Theo- 
 logical Seminary, 1891 ; corresponding student of Hebrew, Chi- 
 cago University, 1896; student, Leipsic University, 1897-1900; 
 received there, Ph.D., magna cum laude, 1900; Berlin Uni- 
 versity, 1 901 ; student British Museum, London, summer 1900; 
 University of Paris, Fall semester 1901. 
 
 Extensive traveler in Europe and Asia ; ordained to the Gospel 
 Ministry, 1902, by California Synod; D.D. from Susquehanna 
 University, 1905; pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, San Jose, 
 Cal., 1891-1898; professor philosophy, Ansgar College, .1901- 
 1902; professor Greek, Wittenberg College, 1902-1905; professor 
 New Testament philology and criticism, 1905 ; president General 
 Synod, 1917 Married Mary Baugher Gotwald, 1906. 
 
 Francis Heyer Weaver, born May 20, 1844, in Newry, Pa., 
 of George and Lovina Fetters Weaver. Baptized, catechized 
 and confirmed in St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Newry. Plow 
 boy. Enlisted October 10, 1861 ; discharged October 17, 1864; 
 was struck by missiles twenty-two times during Civil War. 
 Graduate of Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, class of 1873, and 
 of seminary, 1876. Carried into effect the Felix Brunot treaty 
 with the Southern Ute Indians, 1877 and 1878, after having been 
 pastor at Grafton, W. Va., 1876 and 1877. Chaplain Tenth Cav- 
 alry, June 16, 1880. Retired August 16, 1897. Major retired, 
 April 23, 1904, by special act of Congress. Married to Katharine 
 M. Schneider, of Washington, D. C, November 30, 1876. 
 
 Robert Weidensall. Alleghany Synod has a special interest 
 in Robert Weidensall. Not only may she claim credit for the 
 development of this devoted servant of God and man — a debt 
 which he gladly acknowledges — but, through the efforts of this 
 most eminent of her sons, her influence has been more widely 
 and powerfully exerted than that of most Synods in the Lutheran 
 Church. 
 
 Robert Weidensall, the third son of Jacob and Nancy Weid- 
 ensall, was born in Hollidaysburg, Pa., on April 20, 1836. His 
 
 845 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 parents were devoted members of Zion Lutheran Church of that 
 place, and young Robert grew up under the inspiring influences 
 and activities of his home and church. 
 
 As a child of six years, he was present on the momentous occa- 
 sion when Alleghany Synod was organized in the old church 
 building at Hollidaysburg, September 9, 1842. At the age of 
 sixteen, he joined Zion Church, and at the age of eighteen, he 
 was "selected from it to be sent to Pennsylvania College" to study 
 for the ministry. This occurred upon the great occasion when 
 the present church building at Hollidaysburg was dedicated. 
 
 Seven years later, when his term of preparation was nearing its 
 
 ROBERT WEIDENSALL 
 
 close, Robert Weidensall was compelled to abandon his hope of 
 the ministry on account of serious throat trouble. In its stead, 
 he was allowed to take up teaching, a profession which he fol- 
 lowed until September, 1862. At this time he was teaching a 
 Lutheran parish school at Middletown, Md., when the sessions 
 were interrupted by the Confederate Army, on its way to the 
 battles of South Mountain and Antietam. His schoolhouse 
 became the first hospital of the battle of South Mountain. 
 
 His experience at this time sent him into the Union Army. 
 He entered the Quartermaster's Department at Washington, 
 846 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 D. C, but later joined the Construction Corps, U. S. Military 
 Railroads, at Alexandria, Va., serving with the Army of the 
 Potomac. November, 1863, he was transferred to the corps act- 
 ing with the armies of the Cumberland and the Tennessee, in 
 which he served until November, 1864. 
 
 It was in 1866 that Robert Weidensall first came into touch 
 with the movement that was destined to absorb the rest of his 
 life. After a year spent in and about Oil City, Pa., during the 
 first days of the great oil excitement, he returned to his home in 
 Hollidaysburg, where he promptly connected himself with the 
 movement to establish a local Young Men's Christian Associa- 
 tion, one of the earliest of such organizations in this country. 
 
 In the fall of that year, 1866, he went to Omaha, Neb., where 
 he entered the Union Pacific Railroad shops, and helped to build 
 the first cars that crossed the Rocky Mountains. Here he joined 
 the Lutheran Church which had shortly before been organized by 
 the Rev. H. W. Kuhn. It is interesting to learn by the grateful 
 testimony of Robert Weidensall that this pastor "was supported 
 in his work by the Alleghany Synod; so the Synod followed me 
 out here with its helpfulness." 
 
 While in Omaha, Robert Weidensall was active in organizing 
 (1867), a local Young Men's Christian Association. His peculiar 
 fitness for the work must have early manifested itself, for in the 
 following year, October, 1868, he was chosen and sent forth as 
 the first field secretary of the Young Men's Christian Association, 
 the office which he has held continuously to the present day. In 
 this position he has labored mightily "to disseminate the funda- 
 mental principles of the association, to designate its definite work 
 and intimate relation to the evangelical church, and to organize 
 individual associations as parts of a great movement in extending 
 the Kingdom of Christ among young men." 
 
 As pioneer secretary of the Young Men's Christian Associa- 
 tion, Robert Weidensall was intimately connected with every 
 development of its work. He took the first steps in the beginning 
 and early development of the principal departments of the asso- 
 ciation movement. His most important achievements are : First, 
 his work for railroad men, 1868-1875, now a mighty power in all 
 parts of North America ; second, his work for Germans and other 
 foreign-speaking young men in America, 1869- 1874, since ex- 
 
 847 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 tended to most of the European nations, and now bringing forth 
 its harvest of good on Europe's fields of carnage;* third, his work 
 for college students in North America, 1870- 1878, since extended 
 to at least twenty-six nations, from which has also come the won- 
 derful student volunteer movement and the world's Student Fed- 
 eration; fourth, his creation of the county work field division of 
 the association, an agency now regarded as the most helpful and 
 effective for the best development of all kinds of Christian effort 
 in the small towns and rural districts of our country. 
 
 In 1873, Robert Weidensall reorganized the first Young Men's 
 Christian Association, then existing in Normal University, 
 Normal, 111., putting it upon an evangelical basis of church mem- 
 bership. This he followed up with the organization of other 
 Young Men's Christian Association units, with a view to a united 
 movement on behalf of the young women of America ; his active 
 assistance was likewise given to the formation of their State and 
 national organizations, and the establishment of their training 
 school. 
 
 In the midst of this vast and varied work, Robert Weidensall 
 found time to write many papers and pamphlets on all phases of 
 association work for young men and young women. The year 
 1913 witnessed the completion of nineteen volumes of history of 
 the beginning and early development of the Young Men's Chris- 
 tian Association, a task that filled nearly 6,000 pages. 
 
 Meantime, Robert Weidensall's activity in the church of his 
 faith was never abated. A member of but three congregations 
 during his lifetime — Hollidaysburg, Pa. ; Omaha and Yutan, 
 Neb. ; — he gave freely of his fine abilities in the establishment of 
 many Lutheran missions in Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, 
 Washington, Oregon and California. He was prominent in the 
 formation of the Kansas and Rocky Mountain Synods ; he helped 
 to found Midland College, and gave it its name ; he was the prin- 
 cipal factor in bringing about the first home mission convention 
 of the General Synod at Omaha, Neb., which resulted in the 
 employment of the first Western secretary of the Board of Home 
 Missions and the first secretary of the Board of Church Exten- 
 sion for the General Synod. 
 
 Now in the advanced evening of life the level rays of heaven 
 shine brightly on "Uncle Robert," as the whole Young Men's 
 848 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 Christian Association brotherhood loves to call him. The spirit 
 of youth is stronger than ever in this seer of the association, and 
 his eager interest is in nowise abated in the welfare of his 
 beloved church, to which he gives the credit for all he has been 
 permitted to do. "You see," he said one day, in humble comment 
 on his splendid work, "what the Hollidaysburg Lutheran Church 
 and Alleghany Synod have to account for by preparing me for 
 my work, as they most assuredly have done !" 
 
 It is left to us of another generation, however, to see the side 
 of this affair that Robert Weidensall has never thought of — we 
 must see how highly Alleghany Synod has been honored by the 
 life and service of this great son of hers, and that we honor our- 
 selves most by this recognition of his deserved place in our 
 records. — Sketch by Rev. Julius F. Seebach, Hollidaysburg, Pa. 
 
 John Weidley. Born at Hollidaysburg, Pa. Parents, Fred- 
 erick and Mary Weidley. Six brothers and two sisters. At 
 eleven began work away from home. Served at brick making at 
 thirteen. At fifteen until twenty-one worked in the rolling mill, 
 at Altoona, Pa. At twenty-one entered Missionary Institute, 
 Selinsgrove, Pa. Received aid from the Alleghany Synod. 
 Graduated in June, 1886. Entered Junior class at Gettysburg 
 College in September, 1886. Graduated in June, 1888. Entered 
 Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, Pa. in September, 
 1888, and graduated in June, 1891. Accepted pastorate of 
 Bethany Lutheran congregation, Pittsburgh, Pa., in July, 1891, 
 and served until March 1, 1906. During this period a fine church 
 was erected, and a new congregation organized, now strong and 
 influential. Entertained the Woman's General Synodical Society 
 in 1903, and General Synod in 1905. Became pastor of the 
 Lutheran Church of the Reformation, Washington, D. C, in 1906, 
 March 1. President of the Board of Trustees of the National 
 Lutheran Home for the Aged, Washington, D. C. During this 
 term of office a splendid new home for the aged has been con- 
 structed at a cost of $95,000. Was confirmed by the Rev. Henrj 
 Baker, D.D., pastor of the First Lutheran congregation, Altoona, 
 Pa. Ordained by the Alleghany Synod, at Altoona, Pa., Septem- 
 ber 6, 1891. Received the title of Doctor of Divinity from Susque 
 hanna University, Selinsgrove, Pa. Married by the Rev. J. B 
 
 849 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 Keller, at Smithsburg, Md., to Miss S. R. Richardson, daughter 
 of Rev. X. J. Richardson. One daughter, Mary. 
 
 David S. Weimer, Kimberton, Pa., eldest son and child of 
 Wilson and Sophia Jane Weimer, was born in Monroe Township, 
 Bedford County, Pa., September i, 1866. His early years were 
 spent on the farm. At the age of seventeen he was confirmed 
 in the Lutheran faith. His schooling consisted of the training 
 afforded by the common schools and select normal schools, a 
 two years' course in the Cumberland Valley State Normal School 
 at Shippensburg, one year's course in Stevens Academy and four 
 years' course in Pennsylvania College at Gettysburg, and a three 
 years' course in the Lutheran Seminary at the same place. He 
 taught eleven terms in the common schools of his home county, 
 besides a number of Summer normals. On September 13, 1906, 
 he was ordained to the Gospel Ministry according to the rites of 
 the Evangelical Lutheran Church, General Synod, which he has 
 served in the following charges : Glade, Somerset County ; 
 Liberty, Liberty Valley, Tioga County ; Friends Cove, Bedford 
 County ; South Fork and Lovett, Cambria County ; New Florence. 
 Westmoreland and Indiana Counties; Brookville, Jefferson 
 County; Pikeland-Kimberton, Chester County. In 1892, Septem- 
 ber 14, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Means, youngest 
 daughter of Horatio and Honor Means, to which union has been 
 born seven children, Ellis Fay, Harvey Parson, Del Raymond, 
 Honor Sophia, Alta Floe, Erma Leona and Joseph Michael. 
 Ellis Fay and Erma Leona are deceased. 
 
 John Welfley, was born at Salisbury, Somerset County, Pa., 
 August 7, 1823. He was the son of Peter and Eva Welfley. In 
 the maternal line a grandson of Catherine Barbara Weimer. At 
 the division in 1866, he united with the General Council. He 
 labored largely in the Pittsburgh Synod. Rev. Welfley's death 
 occurred at Braddock, Pa., December 19, 1898. He was buried 
 at Donegal. Westmoreland County, Pa. 
 
 Samuel Evaristus Wicker, Oakland, Md., son of John 
 Henry and Alice Regina Wilt Wicker, was born at Altoona, Pa., 
 March 10, 1892. Attended the public schools and high school 
 850 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 of the city, but left high school to study pharmacy. After three 
 years' apprenticeship he returned to high school and prepared for 
 Pennsylvania College, which he entered in 191 o, and graduated 
 in 1914, seminary, 191 7. Was baptized by the Rev. E. D. Weigle. 
 Was confirmed in 1913, by the Rev. O. C. Roth. Was licensed 
 by the Alleghany Synod in 1916, and expects to be ordained by 
 the West Virginia Synod next month. Received a call to St. 
 Mark's, Oakland, Md., and took charge on June 1. Am still in 
 the ranks of happy bachelorhood and expect to remain there for 
 sometime to come. 
 
 William Hillis Wynn, D.D., Ph.D., Tacoma, Wash., born 
 in Blairsville, Pa., September 9, 1832. Second son of a family 
 of nine, parentage. Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Wynn. 
 
 REV. JOHN WELFLEY 
 
 Was a member of the Lutheran Church of Blairsville, and was 
 put forth by Rev. Peter Sahm, pastor of that church, as a bene- 
 ficiary of the Alleghany Synod at the age of fourteen, and sent to 
 the newly founded Wittenberg College, where I graduated in 
 the college course, the first class, at the age of seventeen, and in 
 the theological courses at the age of nineteen. 
 
 First regular pastorate at Hamilton, Ohio,, where I served a 
 mission church, and was principal of the Hamilton Academy, 
 in all nine years. First wife, Mary Ann Caruthers, of Pitts- 
 burgh, Pa., died there, leaving a child, now Robert C. Wynn. 
 Four years afterward, while principal of the City Schools of 
 
 851 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 Middletown, Ohio, married my second wife, Elizabeth Coles, 
 of that place, who died on June 19, having shared with me the 
 duties and trials of a college career lasting for over fifty-five 
 years. A family of five, three of whom survive. 
 
 Resuscitated and reorganized Mendota College, in Mendota, 
 111., in 1865, with the help of David Harbaugh, of sainted 
 memory. 
 
 Founded Midland College, in Atchison, Kan., in 1887, was 
 with it for seven years, when I was recalled to the State College 
 at Ames, Iowa, where I had served fifteen years before going 
 to Atchison. 
 
 Was one of the founders of the State College of Iowa, going 
 there from the office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, 
 Des Moines, Iowa, 1870, serving there in all, twenty-two years. 
 
 Retired from the State College of Iowa, from age limit, 1901, 
 coming directly to this city of Tacoma, where for sixteen years, 
 without a break, I have been writing the leading editorial for the 
 Tacoma Sunday Ledger, one of the largest and most influential 
 papers on the Pacific coast. 
 
 For all of which I am indebted to the generous aid rendered 
 me by the Alleghany Synod. 
 
 [Since writing the above Dr. Wynn died, October 23, 1917, 
 after two days' illness. — Ed.] 
 
 We reach the end, the work complete ; 
 The task — to choose alone the meet — 
 Is given o'er. With kindly eye, 
 Review the faults you may decry : 
 Dwell on the vast amount of good 
 Accomplished by our brotherhood ! 
 And fill the ranks ! In dread array 
 The hosts of sin stand yet to-day. 
 Fight as the fathers did of yore : 
 Our deeds will make theirs shine the more. 
 
 W. H. B. Carney. 
 
 852 
 
CONVENTIONS OF ALLEGHANY SYNOD 
 
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 855 
 
PORTRAITS OF MINISTERS AND 
 LAYMEN 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Adams, Mrs. Mary 672 
 
 Alleghany Synod of 1869, (Iden- ■ 
 tifications by Rev. J. H. Zinn, 
 
 D.D.) 194 
 
 Alleghany Synod Missionary So- 
 ciety Presidents — Mrs. Helen C. 
 Beegle, Mrs. A. F. Dickey, Mrs. 
 J. F. Hartman, Mrs. T. B. Patton, 
 Mrs. W. W. Blake, Miss Kate 
 M. Stewart, Miss Nellie E. 
 
 Berg 235 
 
 Aughey, Samuel, D.D., LL.D.... 221 
 Aurandt, Joshua 687 
 
 Baker, Henry, D.D 367 
 
 Bare, Mrs. Sally 592 
 
 Bell, William 385 
 
 Bill, Mr. and Mrs. Charles 596 
 
 Bockes, Luis 600 
 
 Bockes, Catharine and Descend- 
 ants 601 
 
 Bonig, Mr. and Mrs 597 
 
 Border, Daniel 574 
 
 Bossert, W. H 428 
 
 Boyer, M. G., D.D 791 
 
 Brown, W. E 630 
 
 Carney, W. H. B 636 
 
 Carpenter, S. N., D.D 674 
 
 Coleman, Solomon 623 
 
 Collins, Benjamin B 227 
 
 Crider, George 429 
 
 Criley, W. W., D.D 387 
 
 Custer, J. R 738 
 
 Davis, J. B 546 
 
 Dively, Josiah 582 
 
 Domer, Samuel, D.D 802 
 
 Faust, R. J 293 
 
 Firey, M. J., D.D 367 
 
 Flick, H. H 809 
 
 Focht, D. H 811 
 
 Focht, J. R 813 
 
 Folmar, Mr. and Mrs. A. J 672 
 
 Gregory, James 740 
 
 Hackman, C. V 295 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Haer, George 639 
 
 Hamma, M. W., D.D. 372 
 
 Hartman, J. F 387 
 
 Hazlebarth, Mr. and Mrs. C. R... 585 
 
 Hemminger, C. J 715 
 
 Henkel, Paul 125 
 
 Heyer, J. C. F 197 
 
 Hoffman, Daniel 573 
 
 Johnston, E. S., D.D 817 
 
 Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel. . . 640 
 
 Klemstine, J. F 685 
 
 Kline, M. J., D.D 377 
 
 Krauth, Chas. Porterfield, D.D... 142 
 
 Kretchman, Manasses 600 
 
 Kuhlman, W. S 546 
 
 Kuhlman, J. F 216 
 
 Kuhns, H. W., D.D 207 
 
 Kurtz, Benjamin, D.D 132 
 
 Lafferty, J. P 397 
 
 Livingston, Samuel 574 
 
 Loechel, Mr. and Mrs. Caspar. . . 584 
 
 Lohr, Neff 740 
 
 Lohr, Thomas 577 
 
 Lohr, John T 577 
 
 Lowe, C. Luther 420 
 
 Lowry, George 586 
 
 Lowry, Benjamin 591 
 
 McCarney, Guy 560 
 
 McCauley, Mrs. Rev. J. Wm 690 
 
 Miller, Jacob 591 
 
 Miller, Luther 686 
 
 Miller, S. R 742 
 
 Muhlenberg, H. M 112 
 
 Naugle, H. D 578 
 
 Naugle, Benjamin 577 
 
 Naugle, David 576 
 
 Ott, Henry E 578 
 
 Pastors of the Juniata Confer- 
 ence 254 
 
 Pastors of the Northeast Confer- 
 ence 464-467 
 
 Pastors of the Somerset Confer- 
 ence 602, 610, 618, 624 
 
 857 
 
PORTRAITS OF MINISTERS AND LAYMEN 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Piper, Mrs. M. K 690 
 
 Poorbaugh, Adam 769 
 
 Ramey. D. K 385 
 
 Reed, William 428 
 
 Roth, 0. C, D.D 37s 
 
 Ruppel, Hon. W. H 241 
 
 Scholl, George, D.D 386 
 
 Shearer, J. F 386 
 
 Schmucker, S. S., D.D 131 
 
 Snyder, Harrison 716 
 
 Sorrick, A. C 4 26 
 
 Sprecher, Samuel, D.D., LL.D... 132 
 
 Stahl, W. R 617 
 
 Stahl, Samuel 623 
 
 Steck, Charles T 386 
 
 Straw, J. H 840 
 
 Stuft't, David 722 
 
 Troutman, William 776 
 
 858 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Turner, J. C 429 
 
 Van Ormer, W. W 329 
 
 Van Ormer, A. B. Bunn, Pd.D... 389 
 
 Wagner, A. E., D.D 388 
 
 Walker, Jonathan G 625 
 
 Weaver, John and Catherine.... 723 
 
 Weible, Jacob J 576 
 
 Weidensall, Robert 846 
 
 Weigle, E. D., D.D 369 
 
 Welch, J. J 60s 
 
 Welfley, Mr. and Mrs, Peter 583 
 
 Welfley, John 851 
 
 Westley, John B 386 
 
 Winterberg, Mr. and Mrs 598 
 
 Witt, John A 776 
 
 Wolfersberger, D. H 714 
 
 Yon, Mr. and Mrs. W. H 427 
 
 Young, M. L., Ph.D 612 
 
 Young, L. P., D.D 229, 581 
 
PICTURES OF CHURCHES 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Addison Charge : 
 
 St. John's 537 
 
 St. Paul's 54 2 
 
 Ursina 544 
 
 Trinity (Confluence) 547 
 
 Altoona : 
 
 First 373 
 
 Christ's Second 384 
 
 Fourth 390, 391 
 
 St. Paul's 394 
 
 Bedford, Trinity 253 
 
 Berlin, Trinity 550 
 
 Oirnbrook : 
 
 Shade 567, 568 
 
 Graeff 570 
 
 Casebeer 558, 559 
 
 Cumberland, St. Stephen's 562 
 
 Davidsville, St. Thomas' 575 
 
 Du Bois, Trinity 422, 423 
 
 Elk Lick: 
 
 St. John's 581 
 
 Greenville 58S 
 
 Grantsville 594. 595 
 
 St. Paul's 599 
 
 Parsonage 581 
 
 Frankstown, Old 431 
 
 Friedens * 
 
 Friedens 604 
 
 Wills 607 
 
 Mizpah 608 
 
 Listie 609 
 
 G rrett : 
 
 St. Paul's (Fritz) 612 
 
 St. Michael (Pine Hill) ... 617, 621 
 
 Pine Hill, Union 619, 620 
 
 Mt. Tabor . 630, 632 
 
 Center 636 
 
 Parsonage 631 
 
 Glasgow : 
 
 Glasgow 434. 435 
 
 Coalport 438 
 
 Hooversville : 
 
 Hooversville 649 
 
 Lambertsville 651 
 
 Huntingdon 274, 277, 279 
 
 Jennerstown : 
 
 St. James' 653 
 
 Christ 656 
 
 Mt. Zion 658 
 
 St. Andrew's 660 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Johnstown : 
 
 First 665,668 
 
 Trinity 671 
 
 Moxham 677 
 
 Grace 679 
 
 Karthaus : 
 
 Trinity 45 1 
 
 Oak Hill 452 
 
 Keewaydin 454 
 
 Lavansville : 
 
 Mt. Calvary and Parsonage... 692 
 
 Mt. Zion 695 
 
 Lilly, St. Luke's 684 
 
 LUTHERSBURG : 
 
 St. Paul's 455 
 
 St. Peter's 457 
 
 Marklesburg-Saxton : 
 
 Old Stone, Marklesburg 300 
 
 Saxton Church and Parsonage. 302 
 
 Martinsburg, St. Matthew's 463 
 
 Meyersdale, Zion 697 
 
 Mt. Union, Church and Parson- 
 age 292 
 
 Newry : 
 
 Newry 47 1 
 
 Claysburg 483 
 
 St. Mark's 488 
 
 Petersburg : 
 
 Zion 305 
 
 First and Trinity, Water- 
 street 309, 3 1 r 
 
 Portage, Portage 7 02 
 
 Roaring Spring, St. Luke's 507 
 
 Rockwood, St. Luke's 712, 713 
 
 Scalp Level : 
 
 Mt. Zion 721 
 
 Dunmeyer 725 
 
 Grace 7 2 ~7 
 
 Schellsburg : 
 
 Union 326 
 
 St. Matthew's 33° 
 
 Sinking Valley, St. John's 511 
 
 Somerset 746, 747, 749 
 
 Parsonage 745 
 
 South Fork : 
 
 South Fork 739 
 
 Lovett 74i 
 
 Stoyestown : 
 
 Grace 752 
 
 859 
 
PICTURES OF CHURCHES 
 
 PAGE PAGE 
 
 Hoffman 756 St. Paul (Jackson) 766 
 
 Horner 758 West End, West E^nd 345 
 
 Summerhill: Wellersburg : 
 
 Summerhill 761 Zion (Wellersburg) 773 
 
 Wihnore 764 Mt. Carmel 767 
 
 860 
 
INDEX OF PASTORS 
 
 Allen, G. K 323, 569, 650, 739, 762 
 
 Allenbach, C. R 414 
 
 Altman, Daniel S 320, 328, 342 
 
 Amick, G. W. W 336, 786 
 
 Anschutz, C. W 673 
 
 Anstadt, Peter 433, 444 
 
 Anstadt, W. W 262, 277, 447 
 
 Aughe, A. H 304, 3 1 1 
 
 Aughe, Samuel 213, 2i9ff. 
 
 Augustine, Isaac 775 
 
 Aurand, C. M 355ff., 402ft., 469 
 
 Aurand, Charles G 786 
 
 Babb, Augustus. 450, 560, 693, 695, 749 
 Bachtel, W. B 264,284,289,295, 
 
 301, 317, 321, 322 
 
 Bachtel, Martin M 719 
 
 Baker, Henry. 191, 363, 366ft., 409, 425, 
 
 433,435,476, 523 
 
 Baker, Charles 696, 787 
 
 Ball, Jesse W 556, 788 
 
 Barkley, W. W..., 336,393,788 
 
 Barnitz, F. A 264, 317, 663 
 
 Barry, D. R. P 277,286,392,437 
 
 Bassler, Gottlieb 207, 208 
 
 Battersby, G. S 306,312,519,522 
 
 Baughman, G. W 265 
 
 Bauman, W. A 569, 571 
 
 Bean, A. J 413, 492, 504, 511, 514, 
 
 519, 521, 523 
 
 Beaver, John 539, 545, 568, 573, 
 
 649, 651, 655 
 
 Beckley, G. H 336 
 
 Bechtel, Joseph J.. . 568, 573, 649, 655 
 
 Bell, P. G 394, 404, 419, 679, 687 
 
 702, 704, 762 
 Bell, Lewis J. . .720, 726, 762, 764, 765 
 
 Bender, H. W 329, 331, 343, 505, 
 
 688, 703 
 Benedict, F.. . . 260, 266, 270, 271, 335 
 
 Bergstresser, F. L 525 
 
 Bergstresser, Peter 705, 709 
 
 Bergstresser, Ralph H 
 
 Bergman, P. E 
 
 Berkey, W. A 
 
 Berkey, C. E 655,658 
 
 Berkey, H. E. 
 Berlin, S. J... 
 Biltz, F. J.... 
 
 409 
 
 ... 401 
 . .. 68S 
 
 ■ • • 754 
 S61, 731, 
 
 754. 789 
 
 509. 790 
 425,529 
 . . . 629 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Black, L. S 450 
 
 Blackwelder, D. M 301,303,335 
 
 Bloomhardt, Paul 480, 488 
 
 Bosserman, A 664, 761, 763 
 
 Bowman, E. J 506 
 
 Boyer, E. B 540, 548 
 
 Boyer, M. G.... 194,276,284,288,299, 
 
 301, 303. 305,425,477, 
 483, 489, 790 
 
 Brame, Ira C 343, 345 
 
 Brant, C. C 762, 764 
 
 Bratton, J. H 276,281,287,301, 
 
 412,458,490,503 
 Bricker, Jacob K.. . 275, 287, 289, 301, 
 
 568, 569, 572,631, 645, 
 648,651,655, 707 
 
 Bright, George S 505 
 
 Brininger, ■ 596 
 
 Brown, G. G. M 265, 563 
 
 Brown, W. E 6i6ff. 
 
 Brubaker, John. 325, 329, 554, 556, 794 
 
 Buck, J. L 323, 730, 734 
 
 Burk, A. H 616, 629, 639 
 
 Burket, Jacob. . 273. 283, 289, 301, 795 
 
 Burkholder, H. B 556ft'. 
 
 Bush, L. A 722, 726, 741 
 
 Butler, Gideon 572, 654, 663 
 
 Butler, J. G 199, 796 
 
 Byers, J. W 700 
 
 Campbell, W. G 265 
 
 Carney, W. H. Bruce 6i6ff. 
 
 Carpenter, Sanford N 675 
 
 Claney, W. Blair 355ft-, 422 
 
 Clare, Robert D 668 
 
 Collins, Benjamin B.. .. 227, 228, 439, 
 554, 556, 679, 700, 702, 797 
 
 Colson, 199 
 
 Courtney, G. L 282, 332, 343, 
 
 5n,5i8ff. 
 
 Crebs, W. E 768, 775 
 
 Crebs, W. W 461 
 
 Crigler, Jacob... 173, 177ft., 202, 342, 
 
 348,352, 537, 551ft., 557, 
 
 629, 644, 707, 732 
 
 Criley, W. W 387 
 
 Crist, Isaiah B 631, 699 
 
 Crist, George W 418ft., 493, 495, 
 
 504, 519.655 
 861 
 
IXDEX OF PASTORS 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Crist, J. B 306,311,409,435,511, 
 
 568ft"., 649, 708 
 
 Croft, Samuel.. 281,285,290,450,453, 
 
 683, 687, 701, 762, 765 
 
 Crossland, Frederick R 424, 772 
 
 Crouse, T. L 292ff. 
 
 Culler, M. L 262,268 
 
 Curtis, S 320, 409 
 
 Cutter, W. 1 219 
 
 Daubenspeck, L. M 731 
 
 Daugherty, S. D 396, 797 
 
 Davis, McLean 297 
 
 Day, C. H 7 o8ff. 
 
 Delo, F. S 332, 509 
 
 Dickey, E. F 800 
 
 Diehl, Christian. ... 411, 455, 458, 490 
 
 Diehl, J. H 335 
 
 Dieterick, E. E 281 
 
 Dieterick, J. F 327ft. 
 
 Dingman, Edwin 282 
 
 Dise, B. S 416,419,450,453,509 
 
 Doerr, Philip 317, 524 
 
 Domer, Samuel 409, 435, 801 
 
 Donmeyer, J. G 163,450, 452, 457 
 
 Drawbaugh, u. P 393 
 
 Dunlap, J. A 511,519,686,688, 
 
 703. 730, 734 
 
 Dunlap, G. W 740 
 
 Dutt, E 355ft'., 432ft., 46S, 509 
 
 Dye, S. V 450 
 
 Earhart, D 643, 693 
 
 Ebert, J. W 2 
 
 Ehrenfeld, C. L... 366, 409, 
 
 Ehrenfeld, A. C 
 
 Ellinger, John G 301, 355 
 
 Emery, W. S 311 
 
 Emerson, J. M 
 
 Enartie, J 
 
 Enders, G. W. Jr 
 
 English, J. S • 301 
 
 Erhard, A. B 574-576, 
 
 Erhard, M. G. .. 425,477,483 
 
 Erler, John 
 
 Essick, Abraham 261 
 
 Eyler, D. J 355**-, 468 
 
 Eyester, Michael 510, 
 
 699, 803 
 
 84, 289ft. 
 
 425,433. 
 
 435. 446 
 
 664 
 
 ,463, 53i 
 , 510, 519 
 
 450 
 
 414 
 
 414 
 
 ft'., 752ft. 
 721, 739. 
 762, 765 
 489, 522 
 . . 708ft. 
 269, 271 
 476, 482 
 513. 529, 
 533. 535 
 
 Pahs, W. H 450, 526 
 
 Fair, Elias 347, 349, 557, 616, 620, 
 
 629, 696, 730, 732 
 
 Fasold, P. B 643,646,722,741 
 
 Fasold, J. C 706, 709 
 
 S62 
 
 p,\r,K 
 
 Fastnacht, — — 458 
 
 Felton, A. M 539. 548, 755^. 
 
 Felton, A. K 478, 483, 486, 504 
 
 Fetzer, C. A 409,434,450,453, 
 
 499. 524 
 
 Fichtner, Joseph 355fr., 468, 476, 
 
 482, 489, 506 
 
 Finckle, S. D 351 
 
 Fink, Reuben S 664ft., 670 
 
 Firey, M. J 367, 380 
 
 Fishburn, Jeremiah 264, 317, 322 
 
 Fisher, W. E 554, 556, 804 
 
 Fisher, A. H . . . '556 
 
 Fisher, F. P 306, 312, 403, 804 
 
 Fleck, L. N... 267, 270, 429, 479ft., 705 
 709, 714. 755ff.,8o7 
 
 Fleck, H. R 285, 289, 807 
 
 Fleck, E. Lee 806 
 
 Fleck, Cyrus 805 
 
 Fletcher, R. H 275,281,286, 
 
 5'9. 522 
 
 Flick, H. H., Sr 694, 808 
 
 Flick, H. H., Jr 437ft".. 694, 809 
 
 Flickinger, J. A 323 
 
 Floto, C. F 564,569,650,810 
 
 Focht, Cyrus 343, 345 
 
 Focht, D. H 342, 349, 81 1 
 
 Focht, Joseph R. . . . 276, 324, 41 1, 417, 
 
 458, 490, 502, 812 
 
 Folk, Ed. L 509, 548 
 
 Follmer, H. N 278, 291 
 
 Forthman, John.. . . 284, 290, 586, 589, 
 
 599, 603, 638, 697 
 
 Fox, J. T 702 
 
 Frazier, J 285, 301, 425, 483, 489 
 
 Freas, W. S 265 
 
 Frantz, J. Luther 701 
 
 Frey, W. W 469, 740 
 
 Furtz, M. L 323 
 
 Furtz, S. E 329, 331 
 
 Gathers, H 500 
 
 Gaver, John 352, 589 
 
 Geisenheimer, F. W 152,450 
 
 Gephart, C. F. ... 479, 483, 486ft., 560, 
 
 693,695 
 
 Gerhardt, Leonidas. 178,560,693,695, 
 
 749, 75i,8i3 
 
 Gettle, Wm. G 539, 548 
 
 Gheen, Peter 539, 545, 547 
 
 Gibson, Wm. L 257,320,53s 
 
 Gladhill, J. T 456, 4 59ff. 
 
 Glanding, W. M. B 380,814 
 
 Glaze, A. R 301,303 
 
 Good. W. 1 406ft'., 682 
 
 Graybill, J. M 265,318,324 
 
 Greenhoe, S. F 450 
 
INDEX OF PASTORS 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Groenmiller, J. G 213, 219, 224ft'., 
 
 342, 351.353 
 
 Gross, G. D.. 343, 494, 574, 576, 648ft., 
 
 721, 726, 762 
 
 Grossman, Moses 538, 540, 541 
 
 Gruver, C. B... 191.328,529,532,555, 
 557. 629, 732 
 
 Gruver, O. H 556, 769, 775, 814 
 
 Guenther, C. C 334^-. 355. 4»9, 
 
 463. 474 
 
 Guiney, J. B 282,381,739,815 
 
 Guistiniani, L 204, 342, 344, 348, 
 
 352, 361, 629, 732 
 
 Haas, Frederick. 166, 272ft., 282, 299, 
 308, 358, 409, 430, 433, 441. 
 510, 518, 529. 582, 586, 589 
 
 Hafer, D. S 722 
 
 Hamma, M. W 37 iff-, 380 
 
 Hanker, Henry.. . 256, 314, 323, 326ft., 
 34i,35off., 587 
 
 Harkey, J. S ■ 750, 75 1 
 
 Harrah, C. P 509 
 
 Harrison, P. L 412,491,503 
 
 Hartman, J. A 406ft. 
 
 Hartman, J. F 387 
 
 Hartsock, A. J 412, 762 
 
 Harshman, O. F.. 5S7, 589, 595ft., 603, 
 638,685.688,703ft. 
 
 Haskarl, G. C. H 494 
 
 Hassinger, R. F 450 
 
 Haus, L. R 417 
 
 Hauser, E. Roy 429, 561 
 
 Haverstick, Henry.. 203,567,589,605, 
 
 642, 749. 755ft-, 774 
 
 Hawkins, I. P... 417,419,450,493,497, 
 
 539, 548, 688, 703 
 
 Hay, E. G 276, 286 
 
 Heck, Jacob 528ft. 
 
 Hege, J. H 297 
 
 Height, Adam R. .. .264, 281, 297, 317, 
 
 320, 342, 491, 501, 503, 
 
 56Sff., 649, 656, 721, 762 
 
 Heilig, Daniel. . 157, 178, 450, 538, 605, 
 
 642, 745, 749, 755,757 
 
 Heilman, H. M 400, 517 
 
 Heim, G. R 319 
 
 Heine, Henry 529 
 
 Henderson, J. W.. .413, 425, 478, 483, 
 
 486, 505 
 Hentz, J. P 556,560,656,693,695, 
 
 749, 75J 
 
 Heslig, J. S 301 
 
 Heyer, C. F.. . 136, 153, 168, 173, 178, 
 
 196ft'., 350, 450ft'., 472, 566, 
 
 572, 586ft"., 604, 642, 652, 
 
 663, 744, 749, 755ff-, 774 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Hilbish, W. H 508, 540, 548 
 
 Hill, J. J 509 
 
 Hilty, J. K 323 
 
 Hoffman, William 704, 740 
 
 Hoffman, John H 334ft-, 3 6l > 409. 
 
 463, 473 
 
 Holman, S. A 367 
 
 Hooper, P. S 355ft'., 413, 468, 507 
 
 Hoover, D. Stuart 560, 740 
 
 Hoover, H. D 606,608,611 
 
 Hoskinson, W. S 815 
 
 Houseman, J. H.. . 282, 407, 409, 569, 
 649, 652, 655, 704, 737 
 
 Huber, Eli. . .' 219, 226 
 
 Hubler, E. M 573. 576, 721 
 
 Hunt, Wm 409. 425, 529 
 
 Hunt, B. F 262,328 
 
 Hutchinson, J. W 478, 486, 655 
 
 Ibach, W. 437ft- 
 
 Irwin, K. E 424 
 
 Jacobs, C. F 511, 519. 696, 816 
 
 Johnston, E. S 587.589.596,603, 
 
 754ft- 769. 771, 775- 816 
 Jones, E. H 319, 3^9 
 
 Kantner. W. 818 
 
 Kast, A. J. B 266, 269, 272, 318, 
 
 320, 328, 331, 34^ 
 
 Keedy, C. L 664 
 
 Keller, E. L 329, 440, 68 r 
 
 Keller, C. E 329, 440, 509 
 
 Keller, Jos. H 505 
 
 Keller, J. B 26 1 , 269, 272 
 
 Kerlin, A. A 281,306,312,437ft. 
 
 Kerr, J. J... 276, 281, 285, 287, 305, 314. 
 392, 448ft., 670, 687, 762 
 
 Ketner, G. J. M. 819 
 
 Ketterman, P. H 680, 703 
 
 Keyl, 450 
 
 Killinger, E. B.. .406ft"., 432ft'.. 446, 505 
 Kistler, John 311, 350, 405, 409, 
 
 511,519, 524 
 
 Kitzmiller, J. H. A 328, 768, 775 
 
 Klies, John 762, 764, 778 
 
 Kline, L. W. H 450, 511,519 
 
 Kline, M. J 377ft- 
 
 Knight, Lloyd. 266, 411, 425, 423ft., 445 
 
 Koehler, John 774 
 
 Koons, H. S 264, 3 1 7 
 
 Kopp, Wm. A 328, 331ft- 342, 567, 
 
 572,648,655 
 
 Koser, D. T.. . . 539, 545, 548, 5S7, 589, 
 
 603, 631, 638, 699 
 
 Kramer, J. P. F. ... 256, 333, 336, 339, 
 
 354,472 
 863 
 
IX HEX OF PASTORS 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Kril.hs. \Y. W 587ft- 
 
 Krider, Samuel. 569,649,728,739,741 
 Krider, Isaac. 4o6ff., 425, 432ft., 436ft. 
 
 Krumbine, M. H 397 
 
 Kuhlman, J. F. . 210,216,683,693,695, 
 72iff., 726, 760, 764ft. 
 
 Kuhlman, Luther 655, 819 
 
 Kuhnert, Curtis E 564 
 
 Kuhns, H. W 2o6ff., 218ft". 
 
 Kunkleman, J. A 328. 342 
 
 Kurtz, D. S 706ft. 
 
 Laitzle, W. G.... 301,311, 355ft., 468, 
 476,482, 510, 519,532 
 
 Lambert, Charles 407ft., 606ft. 
 
 Lampbrecht, John G 167, 536, 642 
 
 Lane, Peter P.. 257,410,450,457,490, 
 
 502,556 
 
 Lange, Frederick W.... 124,165,199, 
 
 255. 314, 336, 55i, 557. 582, 586, 
 
 603, 619, 629, 641, 643, 706, 732, 
 
 743. 749. 753 
 
 Lau, D. B 569, 649 
 
 Laubach, Benjamin 183,259,263, 
 
 301, 322, 355>463, 532 
 
 Lawson, S. B.. . 567, 572, 583, 586, 589, 
 
 605, 507, 637, 645, 654, 707, 719, 
 
 7SSff.,768 
 
 Lazarus, 596 
 
 Leisher, W. L 437ft-, 762 
 
 Leiter, George 158, 342, 348, 351, 
 
 450, 538, 557, 586, 589, 629, 645, 
 707, 710, 732 
 
 Lenn, 596 
 
 Lentz, D. S 393 
 
 Lepley, Christian. 281, 351ft., 586, 589, 
 766, 768, 774 
 
 Lerch. J. A 573. 576. 721 
 
 Lichtenberg, John P 778 
 
 Liebegott, C. E 822 
 
 Lilly, A. W 214 
 
 Lingle, J. W 285, 323. 437ft- 
 
 Litzel, John W..164, 255, 314, 336, 550, 
 557. 58o, 603, 641, 705 
 
 Lochman, A. H 155,450ft. 
 
 Long, A 193 
 
 Longanecker, A. R 420ft. 
 
 Lowe, J. E., Jr 643, 646 
 
 Lowe, J. A 822 
 
 Manges, E 560, 693 
 
 Manges, Edmund 1 54°, 821 
 
 Markley, R. L 822 
 
 Martin, Jacob.. 301 , 334. 360, 409, 433, 
 442ft., 473, 5'0, 512, 527ft-, 663 
 
 Matter, F. J 265, 296 
 
 er, Jacob 754. 823 
 
 864 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Medtart, Jacob 572, 663 
 
 Metzler, E. J 395, 529, 704 
 
 MacLaughlin, C. P 700 
 
 McAtee, J. G 261, 269, 271 
 
 McCarney, J. C 606ft. 
 
 McCarney, Guy E 561 
 
 McCauley, E. R 396 
 
 McClintic, Hugh 319ft. 
 
 McDowell, S.J 323 
 
 McHenry, Solomon. 276,281,285,305, 
 
 409, 425, 432ft'., 477, 483, 489, 519. 
 
 529, 535, 645ff., 707, 718 
 
 Michael, D. W 701 
 
 Michael, H. C 678 
 
 Miller, A. B 268, 643ft'. 
 
 Miller, J. K 605,608,755ft. 
 
 Miller, P. H •. 688,703 
 
 Miller, J. P 526 
 
 Miller, Victor N 543 
 
 Miller, Shile 688, 696, 702, 824 
 
 Miller, John L 649 
 
 Minemier, J. J 268, 823 
 
 Mockenhaupt, Philip... 315,333,336, 
 339, 354, 536, 588ft"., 773 
 
 Morgan, E. M 525 
 
 Moser, Daniel M... 283,287, 301,310, 
 
 334, 412, 519ft- 
 
 Mumford, Carl 294 
 
 Xellis, P. S 351, 435,450ft., 499ft., 
 
 584, 589,768,774 
 
 Nicoll, W. D 282, 494 
 
 Nixdorf, G. A 412 
 
 Null, A. G 306, 312 
 
 Nuner, J. A 321,342,450,457, 
 
 573. 575ff- 721 
 
 Oberholtzer, H. M 511.521,525 
 
 Oestereich, 587 
 
 Oney, E. E 587ft. 
 
 Osterloh, John F.. . 256, 273, 301, 315, 
 335ff- 354. 529 
 
 Parson, E. E 268,335,381,400 
 
 Patterson, R. S 555ft- 
 
 Patterson, R. L 559ft-, 748ft. 
 
 Pee, E. L 825 
 
 Peter, J 323, 334ft-, 4°7 
 
 Petersen, J. D 327, 348, 350 
 
 Petrea, H. M 323, 546ft'., 693ft'. 
 
 Pfahler, M. F... 538, 541, 585ft-, 593ft"-, 
 /} 603, 638, 645ft., 699ft-, 768ff. 
 
 Phillipy, N. G 323, 505 
 
 Pile, G. M 560, 693ft., 749ft-, 826 
 
 Poifenberger, J. W 
 
 Potts, A. D 306. 312 
 
INDEX OF PASTORS 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Price, W. L 432ff. 
 
 Probst, G. C 265, 295ft-. 3i7 
 
 Pugh, B. F 826 
 
 Quinn, C. L 330 
 
 Rearick, W. M 529, 534 
 
 Rausch, J. R 494, 498 
 
 Rebenach, J. C. . 172, 273, 282, 301, 309, 
 
 529, 566, 571, 604, 642, 743, 749, 
 755, 757 
 
 Reck, A 200, 202 
 
 Reese, J. W 267ft., 3 1 8 
 
 Reeser, T. F 447 
 
 Reichert, J. G. . . 154, 160, 202, 358, 433, 
 442, 4Soff., 455,462 
 
 Reighard, J. C 338, 827 
 
 Reisch, Thomas 447 
 
 Reitmyer, Cyrus. . . . 283, 285, 290, 301 
 Reitmeyer, Peter M.. .. 260, 266, 273, 
 
 283ff., 301, 311, 335, 511, 519,529, 
 532, 663, 763 
 
 Remsberg, W. L 693ft., 730, 734 
 
 Reynolds, H. 574, 828 
 
 Rex, William H 411,458,490 
 
 Rhoads, H. S 678, 751, 828 
 
 Rhodes, G. M 261 
 
 Rice, J. M 335, 529 
 
 Rice, E. F 655ft. 
 
 Richards, John 355ft-, 468, 532 
 
 Richter, J. A 569, 571, 722, 72% 
 
 Ries, Charles. . 342, 348, 352, 538, 557, 
 607, 612, 616, 629, 645, 647, 707, 732 
 
 Rinard, H. A 829 
 
 Ringer, C. J 829 
 
 Ritz, Solomon 263, 270, 321, 473 
 
 Rizer, Peter. . 187, 351, 556ft., 560, 567, 
 
 572, 605, 642, 653, 692, 694, 749, 
 
 75i, 755ft- 
 
 Roland, E. Victor 343, 830 
 
 Romig, M. S 730, 734 
 
 Rose, H. C 301, 303, 670, 831 
 
 Ross, M. J 512, 518, 829 
 
 Roth, O. C 374ft., 380 
 
 Royer, George A 540 
 
 Rudisill, A. J 557 
 
 Russell, C. D 265,319,428,505 
 
 Ruthrauff, W 320, 328, 342 
 
 Ryder, D. L 431, 446 
 
 Sahm, Peter 208, 6o6ff., 648, 664, 
 
 755ff., 762ft. 
 
 Sahm, M. O. T 493ft., 762, 831 
 
 Salem, H. C 335, 493, 574ft- 706ft". 
 
 Sample, J. R 509 
 
 Sandt, CM 278 
 
 Schaeffer, G. F 833 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Schindler, Daniel 433, 445 
 
 Schluttig, Richard 319 
 
 Schmick, J. G 170, 308, 358, 409, 
 
 433, 441, 472, sioff., 518, 527ft 
 
 Schmidt, J. H 381ft'. 
 
 Schmucker, Peter. . 566, 604, 642, 749, 
 
 755, 757 
 
 Schmucker, M. L 731 
 
 Schnure, J. P.. . 419, 436ft'., 493ft., 504, 
 
 768, 775 
 
 Schoch, W. H 343 
 
 Scholl, George 385 
 
 Schrader, F. H 480ft. 
 
 Schriver, P. J 569, 650 
 
 Schroeder, H. B 329, 4 1 1; 
 
 Schuler, William 283 
 
 Schultze, William 571, 663 
 
 Schutze, 322ft. 
 
 Schwartz, J. W 191, 509, 664 
 
 Schwartz, Elias. . 335ft'., 468, 476, 482 
 
 Sechrist, C. W 323 
 
 Seebach, Julius F 447ft- 
 
 Seifert, Henrv. . . 298, 355ft., 381, 468, 
 
 655 
 
 Sell, A 659, 755ft- 
 
 Sell, D 522 
 
 Seiner, W 456ft. 
 
 Settlemeyer, W. H. . . . 670, 702ft"., 762, 
 
 76S, 834 
 
 Shaffer, D. L 835 
 
 Shaffer, J. T 772 
 
 Shannon, J. W 294 
 
 Sharretts, N. G.... 156, 202, 301, 450, 
 
 572, 663 
 
 Sharp, M. S 355ft-, 469 
 
 Shaulis, S. A 285, 696, 836 
 
 Shearer, J. F 386, 560, 749 
 
 Sheeder, Philip.... 347ft., 355ft., 368, 
 
 S09, 557, 616, 627ft., 699, 721, 
 
 730ft., 762 
 
 Sheeder, B. R. M 703, 704 
 
 Sheese, G. F 509, 649 
 
 Shertz, A. H 478ft., 509, 649 
 
 Shipman, W. A 432ft., 446, 666ff. 
 
 Shirk, P. B 436, 450, 492, 504 
 
 Shoup, J. B... 569, 632, 649, 705, 709, 
 
 711, 718 
 
 Shull, C. H 511, 518ft. 
 
 Shultz, F. S 381, 680, 763, 832 
 
 Shultz, Gustavus.. 157,178,450,566. 
 
 57i 
 
 Shultz, Emile 768, 775 
 
 Shultz, David H 836 
 
 Sieber, L. L 241 , 243, 643, 693 
 
 Simons, Jacob S 361,409,474ft. 
 
 Singley, W. H 539 
 
 Slater, S. E 278, 356ft., 469 
 
 865 
 
INDEX OF PASTORS 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Slifer, W. G 297 
 
 Slonaker, W. G 297, 343, 548 
 
 Spangler, William. . . . 267, 270, 437ff., 
 
 529, 655, 837 
 
 Spangler, L. Stoy 265 
 
 Spayd, W. C 294 
 
 Spotts, M. A 30iff., t94 
 
 Smith, C. E 677, 728 
 
 Smith, A. M 539, 548 
 
 Smith, Reuben.... 519, 523, 569, 587, 
 589, 603, 638, 646, 649, 707 
 
 Smith, S. E 419 
 
 Smith, A. W 772 
 
 Snyder, J. M 297, 589, 614, 616, 
 
 633. 638, 699, 7' 2 
 
 Snyder, Simon 722 
 
 Snyder, G. F 395, 685, 688 
 
 Snyder, Luther T 647, 837 
 
 Snyder, Michael 538 
 
 Stabley, J. F 655, 660 
 
 Stahl, William R... 625, 731, 734, 839 
 
 Stair, R. S 51 iff. 
 
 Steck, Jacob 409, 425, 435 
 
 Steck, J. M 124, 165, 255, 314, 336, 
 
 SSi, 557, 581, 586, 617, 629, 641, 
 
 70S, 743, 753 
 
 Steck, W. F 505 
 
 Steck, Charles T 385 
 
 Stine, J. J 411, 458, 490 
 
 Stine, M. H 401 
 
 Stock, D 355ft-, 468, 509 
 
 Stock, C. M 262, 318 
 
 Stouffer, Samuel S 321, 342, 458, 
 
 503, 655, 839 
 
 Stover, J. M 319 
 
 Strauss, A. M 554ff., 613ft., 629ff., 
 
 73ofL, 768, 775 
 
 Straw, J. H 839 
 
 Streamer, C. L.. . 191, 355*1., 468, 504 
 
 509, 840 
 
 Streamer, W. A. H 30 iff., 842 
 
 Streamer, C. R 355ft-, 469, 841 
 
 Stroh, Nicolas J 15S, 450 
 
 Stroup, G. W 343, 347, 450, 453- 
 
 519, 522 
 
 Stufft, David. . . . 321, 342, 344, 351ft-, 
 
 573, 576, 655, 670, 721, 843 
 
 Stup, G. Z 323 
 
 Styer, G. W 419 
 
 Sunday, W. E 569, 650 
 
 Swope, D 664 
 
 Taubner, Carl M 77^ 
 
 Taylor, S. J.. 450, 529, 539, 548, 555^- 
 
 Tedrow, William 647, 844 
 
 Thomas, H L 4Soff . 
 
 Thomas, T. B 400 
 
 866 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Tiedeman, E, H.... 168, 256, 315, 327, 
 
 333, 336, 342, 557, 629, 642ft., 
 
 706, 731, 743, 749, 755ff. 
 
 Thompson, A. . . 328, 436, 458, 491, 504 
 
 Tilp, C. H 844 
 
 Tomlinson, John W. . . 338, 413, 6o6ff., 
 
 645, 657, 707, 75sff- 
 
 Tomlinson, D. S. A.. 338, 342, 344, 349 
 
 Traver, S 282, 306, 312 
 
 Treibley, D. B 413 
 
 Tressler, J. W 539 
 
 Tressler, V. G. A iii, 540, 844 
 
 Trostle, George 343 
 
 Tryday, Wm„ . 436, 492, 504, 539, 548 
 
 Uhl, Wm.. . 560, 645ft., 693ft., 707, 749 
 
 Ulrich, S. J 323, 769, 775 
 
 Umberger, J. B 528ff. 
 
 Unangst, E 191, *93 
 
 Unruh, John N... 529, 569, 643ft., 670, 
 687, 702, 708, 711, 762 
 
 Valentine, M. H., Jr 262 
 
 Van Ormer, A. B. Bunn 387 
 
 Wachter, C. M 569, 574, 578, 649 
 
 Wagner, W. J 437ft- 
 
 Wagner, A. E 387 
 
 Wagner, F. R 278ft. 
 
 Wagner, I. H 560, 750 
 
 Walterick, J. H 327ft-, 407ft-, 5", 
 
 S24 
 
 Weaver, William 362ft., 409, 475, 
 
 569, 649 
 
 Weaver, F. H 845 
 
 Weeter, J. W 722 
 
 Weidensall, Robert 845 
 
 Weidley, John 380, 849 
 
 Weigle, E. D 192,368ft. 
 
 Weigle, L. A 292 
 
 Weimer, D. S.. . 268, 643, 646, 740, 850 
 
 Weiser, Reuben,. . 172, 176, 183, 256ft., 
 
 259, 270, 320, 328, 335, 337, 356 
 
 Welch, J. J 6o6ff., 755ft. 
 
 Welfley, John 850 
 
 Welker, Joseph 45 8 
 
 Whetstone, A. M 560, 746ft. 
 
 Wicker, S. E 429, 850 
 
 Wieand, W. R 404 
 
 Wieand, H. E... 228, 262, 426, 449ff- 
 Williams, J. R.. 436, 449, 49i, 503, 516 
 Williams, J. T... 311, 511, 519, 605ft., 
 
 755ff. 
 
 Willox, John 162, 450, 452 
 
 Winecoff, Jesse... 260, 266, 335, 349, 
 
 528ft., 554ft., 6i2ff., 629ft., 643ff-> 
 
 693ft., 7io, 73off. 
 
INDEX OF PASTORS 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Witmer, Charles 351, 560, 693s., 
 
 746, 749, 768, 774 
 
 Wolf, M 382 
 
 Wynn, W. H 851 
 
 Yeager, William 172, 187, 257ft. 
 
 297ft; 3i5ff-, 3^0, 328, 335ff., 355, 
 402, 567, 572 
 
 Yingling, Samuel 261, 269, 335 
 
 Yost, T. J 561 
 
 Young, J. J 596 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Young, M. L...191, 562, 614, 616,623, 
 
 629, 633, 638, 700. 707, 
 
 768, 771, 775 
 
 Young, L. P 229, 5873. 
 
 Yount, J. A 701 
 
 Yung, Charles.... 557, 612, 629, 645, 
 
 730, 732 
 
 Zerger, James E 494, 540, 548 
 
 Zimbeck, S. A. 693, 695 
 
 Zimmerman, Josiah. . . . 646, 707, 710 
 
 Zimmerman, W. J 276, 335ft. 
 
 Zinn, J. H 3 35 ff., 6 43 ff. 
 
 867 
 
GENERAL INDEX 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Abelard 52 
 
 Alaric 22, 23, 25 
 
 Albigenses 8, 50, 88, 118 
 
 Alcuin 51 
 
 Alleghany Synod : 
 
 Early Settlements 148 
 
 Organization 179 
 
 First Convention 182 
 
 Synodical Basis 188 
 
 Synodical Losses 190 
 
 Synodical Orphans' Home .. 190 
 
 Synodical School 189 
 
 Synodical Semi-Centennial . 190 
 
 Ambrose 1 1 , 24 
 
 Anointing 12 
 
 Apocryphal Books 3, 16, 67, 79 
 
 Apology to Augsburg Confession. 77 
 
 Aquinas 5 1 , 64 
 
 Arches, Triumphal 19 
 
 Arianism 23, 24 
 
 Armenian Church 8, 31 
 
 Arminius 87 
 
 Arndt, John 118, 144 
 
 Articles of Smalkald 77 
 
 Athanasius 119 
 
 Attila 24 
 
 Augustine 11, 24, 87, 97, 1 19 
 
 Augsburg Confession 77 
 
 Augsburg, Diet of 77. 81 
 
 Augsburg, Peace of 82 
 
 Aurelius, Marcus 5 
 
 Baalbec 21 
 
 Ban, The 45 
 
 Baptism 7, 74 
 
 Bells 38 
 
 Berkenmeyer, William 123 
 
 Bernard of Clairvaux 47, 50 
 
 Bible, of Somerset 169 
 
 Blandina 6 
 
 Boccacio 55 
 
 Boniface 29 
 
 Calvin, John 76, 78 
 
 Campanius, John 92 
 
 Canon, The 2 
 
 Catacombs 18 
 
 < lharlemagne 29, 37, 42, 5 1 
 
 Church Architecture 8, 54, 133 
 
 Church Councils. ... 1, 2, 8, 12, 13, 14, 
 25,35.57,78,84,86 
 
 868 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Church Discipline 17 
 
 Church Government 17, 88 
 
 Church Hymns 37, 53, 75 
 
 Church Leaders 1, 24 
 
 Church Plays 53 
 
 Church Practices .. 12,17,31,33,36, 
 40, 133, 143, 145 
 
 Church Schools 16, 134 
 
 Church Worship 9, 36, 136 
 
 Church Year 10, 133, 139 
 
 Churches of Juniata Conference. 252 
 Churches of Northeast Confer- 
 ence 358 
 
 Churches of Somerset Confer- 
 ence 536 
 
 Clement of Alexandria.... 11,13,16 
 
 Clovis 27 
 
 Colet, John 55 
 
 Columba 27, 28 
 
 Columban 29 
 
 Confirmation 12 
 
 Congregationalists 80 
 
 Constantine 6, 23, 42 
 
 Controversies 25 
 
 Constantinople, Fall of 55 
 
 Coptic Church 8, 13 
 
 Creeds 2, 25 
 
 Crusades, The 46 
 
 Cyprian 16 
 
 Cyril 30, 3 1 
 
 Dante 55 
 
 Day, David A 136 
 
 Definite Platform, The.. 127, 133, 140 
 
 Diocletian 4 
 
 Divisions of the Church 32 
 
 Division of the Empire 23 
 
 Diet of Augsburg 77. 81 
 
 Diet of Spires 81 
 
 Diet of Worms 68 
 
 Doctrinal Bases of the General 
 
 Synod 128 
 
 Doctrinal Bases of the United 
 
 Synod, South 138 
 
 Doctrinal Basis of the General 
 
 Council 142 
 
 Doctrinal Basis of the Missouri 
 
 Synod ! 45 
 
 Doctrinal Bases of the Alleghany 
 
 Synod 188 
 
 Domitian 4 
 
GENERAL INDEX 
 
 Dunkers 104, 113, 150 
 
 Dutch Lutherans 91 
 
 Eckhart 56 
 
 Edict of Nantes 79 
 
 Edict of Worms 80 
 
 Education Society 185, 189 
 
 Education Society, Parent 136 
 
 Edwin 28 
 
 Ember Days 15 
 
 Erasmus 55, 56, 68, 71 
 
 Ethelbert 27 
 
 Evangelism 187 
 
 Faith Healing 15 
 
 Falckner, Daniel 94ff. 
 
 Falckner, Justus 95, 108 
 
 Fasting 14 
 
 First Congregations 1 
 
 Foot-washing 14 
 
 Francke, G. A 1 1 1 
 
 Francke, A. H 1 18, 144 
 
 Frederic, Elector 65, 68 
 
 General Council 138, i39ff. 
 
 General Synod i25ff. 
 
 German Iowa Synod 146 
 
 German Reformed, The 113 
 
 "Gloria Dei" Church 92 
 
 Gratian, Emperor 22 
 
 Greek Orthodox Church. 15,18,33,34 
 
 Gunn, Walter 204 
 
 Gustavus Adolphus 84, 91 
 
 Gutenberg 58 
 
 Hadrian 5 
 
 Halle Institution 198 
 
 Hartwig, John 122, 135 
 
 Harris, J. G 203 
 
 Heidelberg 98 
 
 Helena, Empress 46, 63 
 
 Helmuth, J. C 123, 134, 165, 196 
 
 Henkel, Anthony Jacob 108 
 
 Henkel, Paul 109, 124 
 
 Henry VIII, 72, 74, 79 
 
 Herkimer 101 
 
 Huss, John 37, 57. 58 
 
 Ilgen 198 
 
 Indulgence, Plenary 49 
 
 Inquisition, The 80, 86 
 
 Inner Missions 137 
 
 Interdict, The 45 
 
 Irenseus 1, 27 
 
 Jacobs, H. E 90, 1 1 7 
 
 Jerome 24 
 
 Jerome of Prague 57 
 
 Jesuits 85, 86 
 
 Julian, Emperor 22 
 
 Justinian, Emperor 22, 23, 24 
 
 Justin Martyr 1, 6, 7, 9, 12, 16 
 
 Kelpians, The 94, 104 
 
 a Kempis 56 
 
 Knights of Malta 47 
 
 Knights Templar 47 
 
 Kocherthal, Joshua. . 99, 100, 108, 123 
 
 Koester, Henry 94 
 
 Krauth, Charles Porterfield 141 
 
 Krauth, Charles Philip 200 
 
 Kunze, J. C 116, 123, 134 
 
 Kurtz, John Nicolas 114,122 
 
 Kurtz, Benjamin.. . . 132, 135, 186, 200 
 
 Lehmanosky 202 
 
 Liturgical Forms 231 
 
 Longobards 23 
 
 Lord's Supper, Views of. 11, 35, 51, 74 
 
 Loyola 85 
 
 Lull, Raymond 49 
 
 Luther 35, 37, 38, sgff. 
 
 Lutheran Reunion 233 
 
 Mack, Alexander 103, 1 18 
 
 Magdeburg 60, 82ff. 
 
 Martin of Tours 27 
 
 Massacre of St. Bartholomew... 79 
 
 Martel 29, 40 
 
 Melanchthon 34, 71, 77, 78 
 
 Meldonius 89 
 
 Mennonites ... SS, 93, 94, 113, 118, 150 
 
 Methodists 105, 1 14 
 
 Miller, Peter 104 
 
 Ministerium, Pennsylvania 122 
 
 Ministerium, New York 123 
 
 Missions — 
 
 In France 26 
 
 In Great Britain 27 
 
 In Germany 29 
 
 In Northern Europe 29 
 
 In Russia 30 
 
 In Bulgaria 30 
 
 In Central Europe 31 
 
 In Asia 31 
 
 Missions of General Synod.. 136,237 
 Missions of General Council.... 144 
 Missions of Alleghany Synod.. i93ff. 
 
 Missouri Synod 144 
 
 Mohammedanism 38, 40 
 
 Monasteries 26, 34 
 
 Monks, Orders of 50, 78 
 
 Moors, The 49 
 
 More, Thomas 55 
 
 Mosheim 36 
 
 Mosheim Society 196 
 
 869 
 
GENERAL INDEX 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Muhlenberg, H. M i iff. 
 
 Muhlenberg, J. P. G 116 
 
 Muhlenberg, F. A. C 1 16 
 
 Muhlenberg, H. E 116 
 
 Muhlenberg Mission 136 
 
 Music 75 
 
 Nero 3 
 
 Nestorius 25 
 
 Nicene Creed 2, 25 
 
 Palatines, The o6ff. 
 
 Palatinate, The 97 
 
 Papal Disputes 32 
 
 Parent Education Society 136 
 
 Pastoral Support 16 
 
 Passavant, W. A 2o6ff. 
 
 Peace of Augsburg 82 
 
 Peace of Westphalia 84 
 
 Pelagius 25 
 
 Pennsylvania in 1770 149 
 
 Persecutions 3, 40, 80, 85 
 
 Petrarch 55 
 
 Philo 16 
 
 Pietism 113,114,117 
 
 Pliny 4 
 
 Polycarp 1,6,27 
 
 Pope Boniface VIII 44, 55 
 
 Pope Gregory VII 43 
 
 Pope Innocent III 50, 54 
 
 Pope Innocent IV 86 
 
 Pope Leo 1 24 
 
 Pope Leo III 42 
 
 Pope Leo IV 86 
 
 Pope Leo X 66 
 
 Pope Leo XIII 33 
 
 Pope Pius IX 44 
 
 Pope Nicolas V 55 
 
 Pope Sylvester II 47 
 
 Redemptioners, The 102 
 
 Renaissance, The 55 
 
 Reuchlin, John 56 
 
 Revivals 129 
 
 Richard, J. W 191 
 
 Rizer, Martin 200 
 
 Rowe, A. D 232 
 
 Saints 37 
 
 Salutation 13 
 
 Salzburgers, The i04ff. 
 
 Savonarola 57ff- 
 
 Schmucker, S. S.... 131,132,141,208 
 
 Schmucker, J. G 156 
 
 Schmauk, T. E 90 
 
 Schlatter, Michael 113 
 
 Schoharie 100, 102 
 
 870 
 
 Scholasticism 51 
 
 Schoolmen, The 50 
 
 Schools 1 89 
 
 Schultze, J. C 1 1 o, 1 1 6 
 
 Schwartz, Christian F 111,119 
 
 Singmaster, J. A 137, 141 
 
 Socinus 88 
 
 Slavery 1 89 
 
 Spener 118 
 
 Sprecher, Samuel 133 
 
 St. Anthony 26 
 
 St. Benedict 26 
 
 St. Simeon 26 
 
 St. Patrick 28 
 
 St. Sophia Church 30, 37 
 
 Staupitz, John 60 
 
 Stoevers, The no 
 
 Sunday n 
 
 Sunday School Association, Bed- 
 ford County 248 
 
 Sunday School Association, Som- 
 erset County 240 
 
 Swedes, The 91, 108, 122, 127 
 
 Synod of Maryland and Virginia. 123 
 
 Synod of Ohio 124, 142 
 
 Synod of North Carolina 124 
 
 Synod of West Pennsylvania.... 124 
 
 Synod of Iowa 142 
 
 Synod of Nebraska 215 
 
 Tatian 16 
 
 Trajan 4 
 
 Teaching of the Twelve 7 
 
 Temple Vessels 24 
 
 Tertullian 2, 8, 10, 12, 13, 35 
 
 Theodosius 22 
 
 Titus, Arch of 18, 24 
 
 Temperance 18S 
 
 Tennyson 41 
 
 Tauler 56 
 
 Tetzel 63, 64 
 
 Torkillus 92 
 
 Ulfilas 23 
 
 Union of the Church. 33, 34, 41, 77, 130 
 United Synod in the South 138 
 
 Vandals, The 24, 25 
 
 Veils 13 
 
 Vulgate, The 24 
 
 Waldenses, The 50, 64, 78, 1 1 8 
 
 Walther, C. F. W 144 
 
 Weiser, Conrad 98, 101, 1 15 
 
 Wentz, Ross Abdel 72 
 
 Wesleys, The 4, 105 
 
 Wessel 56 
 
GENERAL INDEX 
 
 PAGE 
 
 William of Orange 80 
 
 William of Occam 52 
 
 Wolf, E. J 104, 126, 245 
 
 Woman's Home and Foreign Mis- 
 sionary Society 234ft. 
 
 Wyclif 37, 57, 58 
 
 PAGK 
 
 Xavier 86 
 
 Young Lutheran, The 233 
 
 Ziegenbalg 119 
 
 Zinzendorf 105, 113, 118 
 
 Zwingli 76, 77, 119 
 
 871