Cibrarjp of trhe trheolojical ^tmimvy PRINCETON • NEW JERSEY PRESENTED BY Rufus H, LeFevre A.BQZ ♦ ♦♦/-♦V ll*>* T' omtmt OF SEVERAL OF THE United Brethren Churches OF READING AND VICINITY 3Y l/ C. I. B. B R A N E Press of Behney & Bright, Book and Commercial Printers 610 Washington Street, Reading, Pa. Jcbkatch TO THE FATHERS AND MOTHERS OUT OF WHOSE TOILS AND TEARS THESE CHURCHES SPRANG TO THOSE WHO SUCCEEDED THEM IN THE WORK AND BUILT UPON THE FOUNDATIONS THEY LAID IN LOVE TO GOD AND MAN TO THOSE WHO NOW BEAR THE BURDENS OF CONGREGATIONAL ENLARGEMENT INCLUDING MORE SOULS . AND BETTER FACILITIES FOR THEIR SPIRITUAL CULTURE TO THE PRESENT MEMBERSHIP AND EACH PASTOR OF THESE CHURCHES 'Sljts •§"mn»cnir IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED BISHOP J. S. MILLS. D.D., LL.D. flcUi mxit Wl}^ It was originally suggested that I present the gist of the following pages in the form of a pamphlet, secure enough advertisements to pay for its publication, and then sell the booklet in the interest of the church. Having no taste for such a sandwich, I entered upon the preparation of this Historical Souvenir, and invited our pastors of the city and vicinity to furnish me an historical account of their several congregations, which they have kindly done. So this litde vol- ume is before you, unpretentious but mechanically well executed, not as a money-making venture, but as an expression of interest in the achievements of the fathers and in the welfare of the churches they established. Besides the work of collecting and preparing the matter, this SOUVENIR cost the publisher twenty-five dollars. For the historical stories of their respective congregations, 1 am very grateful to Revs. G. D. Batdorf, S. B. Wengert, S. G. Kauffman, J. E. Keene, J. A. Grier, H. S. Kiefer and 1. H. Albright. Dr. Brane e. J?/d.S. Easier, 1909 DR. D. D. ! OWERY. Presiding Elder JV 11ur^ uf ^ntmbuctiiin The history of the church is simply the Divine story of conse- crated souls and their heroic achievements in His spiritual kingdom. It is but a record of the continuance "concerning all that Jesus began both to do and to teach, until the day in which he was received up." Every detail in this story has bo?h value and power to the devout follow^er. Its value becomes increasingly fascinating and precious with the passing years. Many of the best and most in- spiring facts in the Church's triumphs have never been tabulated in local church records, nor permanently written in her larger history. Much that is spiritually uplifting, as w^ell as intellectually interesting and refreshing, has been preserved only in the memory of individual experience. The meagerness of the preserved records, particularly in the early beginnings, makes all the more precious what has been accurately w^ritten and carefully preserved. Any effort to put in permanent form the fragrance of Christian experi- ence in personal character, and valuable facts in the Church's life, is commended and cherished by all lovers of the Church. The Historical Souvenir, prepared by Dr. C. I. B. Brane, pre- serves an important and inspiring chapter in the Church's history. The living record by pen and picture of the Otterbein Church, Reading, Penn'a, as well as of the other congregations included in this book, permits its readers to live again in holy fellovs^ship with the fathers in the earlier days of their hardships a,nd triumphs. This little volume contains much valuable material, not only of particular interest to the congregations included, but also of permanent value and interest to the Conference and the Church at large. But for the painstaking w^ork of the author, much that this book contains would have remained unavailable in future years, and in all proba- bility w^ould have been entirely lost to the Church. Because of a genuine love and fascination for the landmarks of our denomina- tional life. Dr. Brane is peculiarly fitted for the task to v/hich he gave himself. The Souvenir is a veritable gem, both in design and artistic workmanship, and it will find a cherished place in the homes of many United Brethren people. G. D. BATDORF OTTERBEIN CHAPEL IN 1866, during the pastorate of Rev. Ezekiel Light, 44 members of Zion United Brethren Church, South Ninth Street, Reading, Pa., formed themselves into a sepa- rate class and organized a new congrega- tion, whose services should be exclusively English, especially for the sake of the young people, who preferred that language to their mother tongue. This separation w^as mu- tually agreed upon by the German and English members of Zion Church ; and the latter at once began the erection of a house of worship on North Eighth Street. On the 31st of March, 1867, after worshiping several months in Hagy's Hall, north- east corner of Seventh and Penn Streets, the little chapel was dedicated by Bishop Glossbrenner, assisted by Revs. Ezekiel Light, G. W. M. Rigor and Lewis Peters, the pastor. During the first year of Rev. Peters' gracious ministry over two hundred souls were saved, one hundred and fifty of whom joined the new church, which was called Otterbein Chapel. The original building was a little frame structure which stood down from the grade and back from the building line, as you see in the picture, which was furnished by Mr. Howard Davies, one of the early converts. The first trustees were Michael Sands, Wm. Bingaman, E. G. Fishburn and Joseph Sands. The follow^ing were charter members : Old Chapel Amos Graul Servena Graul Nicholas Zell Elizabeth Zell E. G. Fishburn Joseph Sands John Strunk Susan Strunk Elizabeth Strunk Amanda Bingaman Lillie Sands Lydia Sands Mary C. Lotz Catharine Haus Sophia Dawson Albert Genbise Wm. Bingaman Rebecca Bingaman Ellen Geiger Margaret Weyman Annie Weyman Michael Sands Sabilla Sands Geo. Hefflefinger William Kuser Adam J. Mengel Sarah Mengel Charles Fisher Susan Heafer Anna Staudt Mary A. Zollers Mary Eisenbise Sarah Druckennuck Emma Bingaman Sallie Echtermach William Dewson Henry Zieber Anna Zieber Hannah Bruckenmiller Rachel Bowers Mary E. Dewson Mary Graul In 1879, during the pastorate of Rev. J. B. Funk, the old chapel was re- modeled and enlarged ; and during Rev. H. C. Phillips' administration the (b) 9 10 HISTORICAL SOUVENIR Sunday School room was changed and refurnished. In 1904, during the pastorate of Rev. J. R. Meridith, some important improvements were added to the interior, the Sunday School room and auditorium being refurnished, and a very desirable change effected in the stair- way of the church. These improvements, including a separate room for the primary department, w^ere made at an expense of $2,000. CHARTER MEMBERS REMAINING Of the forty-four charter members only these seven remain : Mr. and Mrs. Henry Zieber, Mrs. Rachel Bowers, Mrs. Rebecca Bingaman, Mrs. Tillie Miller, Mrs. Lydia High and Mary Graul. Mrs. Tillie Miller Present Church nil r 1 r Dl 1 collected the money ror the hrst bible used in Otterbein Chapel, and presented it to the church. OTPERBEIN'S PASTORS Feb.. 1867. to March. 1871, L. Peters March 1888. to Oct March, 1871, " 1872, " 1876, •' 1878, " 1880. •' 1885. •• ' 1872, W. B. Evers 1876, I. Carpenter 1878, M.J. Mumma 1880, J. B. Funk 1885, H. C. Phillips 1888, M. P. Doyle THE DEED 1889, " 1892, " 1895, " 1898. '• 1904, " 1906, " 1889, M. A. Salt 1892, 1. Baltzell 1895, H. D. Lehman 1898, Z. A. Weidler 1904, J. R. Meridith 1906, E. Ludwick 1909, C. I. B. Brane The deed for the lot on which the chapel stands w^as executed before Alderman Washington Rechards, February 25, 1870. It was made by Jacob Sauerbier and w^ife to Michael Sands, John Bauman and Samuel Lessig, in trust for the Church of the United Brethren in Christ. The lot is 40x109 feet and cost $1,600. It is well located for business purposes on the west side of North Eighth Street, between Walnut and Elm. The lot w^as bought several years before the deed was executed ; for the chapel was dedicated on the 31st of March, 1867, which means that the lot was probably purchased and work on the church begun in 1866. The lot and church, as remodeled and improved, including furnishings, cost about $10,000. The auditorium is larger and much more cozy and comfortable than the exterior of the church would indicate. It is just forty-two years since the little chapel on North Eighth Street was dedicated by Bishop Glossbrenner, who was one of the deepest and sweetest Gospel preachers that God ever laid His hand upon. That was a high day in the experience of those fifty members, most of whom have gone to their reward. The above is a picture of the in 1 868. The following is the list of Young Men's Prayer League, organized members as they appear on the picture : Rev. L. Peters Theodore Deysher M. Smith J. H. Wilkinson C. Fisher D. Wilkinson W. Auge W. Spearse W. Homan C. Behney J. Moore B. F. Hill J. Schlosser E. G. Fishburn Howard Davies W. Coleman O. L. Edes Michael Sands B. Fowling J. L. Jennings J. L. Smith H. Morgan A. J. Mengel C. Zieber E. D. Smith N. Foreman J. W. Geiger H. Dowling J. Spangler J. Sands D. Keim T. J. Geiger A. Landis F. Coleman J. R. Staul F. Hawk A. N. Bitting W. Schull W. Killian W. Edes H. Newpher G. Grajf F. Harner J. Dorwart J. D. Lessig A. Graul Wm. H. Miller Wm. H. Achenbach S. D. Burk W. H. H. Fireing W. Angstadt J. H. Neff J. H. Simpson J. B. High S. D. Sheaffer J. Bow^man W. W. Dew^son J. Michael W. M. Miller W. J. Miller C. Richards S. Lehman E. Ziegler Z. Schaffer H. Herner W. Quaintance J. H. Grimes J. H. Echtenmach E. Jeffries ^ $ t t t $ I I H t t s '^^ ^%r A'' %4(^ .V, V i . ^ The above picture includes twenty members of the \ oung Men s Bible Class, taught by Mrs. J. B. Baker, who was one of the most faithful and efficient workers the congregation ever had. In 1905, when the teacher withdrew, the members of this interesting class became widely scattered. May the nail- marked hand rest on each head ! Those on the picture, reading from left to right, are : First row. Homer Meridith, Festus Seip, Clarence L. Miller, William Rhoads, Charles A. Wisler, Harry Snyder, George Pflum, Winfield Snyder. Middle row, Edward Bom- gardner, Clifford Landis, George Lee, John Williams, Philip Bomgardner, Mark Hutchinson, James Rhoads. Rear row, Clyde Snyder, Clifford Spangler, Chester Zimmerman, Charles Sands, Charles Glase. Members of the Class not on the picture : Chester Meridith, Charles Morison, Elwood Guinther, Charles Hurst, William Hurst, William Sterner, Charles Brown, Charles Mc- Donough, James Heller, G. Harel Gundy, Luther Weidman and Isaac Herr. A GOOD YEAR This promises to be a good year in the history of Otterbein Church. It can and should be made the best she has yet enjoyed. The last dollar has been paid on the indebtedness of the church, which was $500, two years ago. Improvements of great comfort and convenience to the pastor and his family have been made at the parsonage, costing about $250. Over $500 has been raised in cash for the building fund. The financial budget for this year ex- ceeds all past records. The last communion, January 3, 1909, was the largest for many years. The public preaching services are well attended, considering the size of our membership. Indeed, the attendance at these services is twice what it was two years ago. 12 UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 13 ROLL OF MEMBERS Adams, Mrs. John, 318 North Sixth Bomgardner, William H., 1571 Mineral Spring Bomgardner, Mrs. Wm. H. Bomgardner, Mary E. Bomgardner, Ruth Behm, Adam M., 1 132 Greenwich Behm, Mrs. A. M. " Bear, Mrs. Lillian, Edison Behney, G. Walter, 1318 Buttonwood Behney, Mrs. G. W. " Behney, Earl Behney, Esther Brane, C. I. B., 519 North Ninth Brane, Mrs. Clara M. Brane, Jessie M. Brane, Roscoe H. Brane, Grace M. Brane, Etta Brane, Dennis D. Blatt, Benjamin, 335 North Twelfth Blatt, Mrs. Benjamin, " Blatt, Sallie Blatt, Annie Blatt, Clarence Batdorf, Mary, 1503 Perkiomen Avenue Becker, Maud, 223 Carpenter Becker, Ethel Becker, Lorain Berg, Mrs. Barbara, 714 North Sixth Covington, Mrs. Annie, 330 North Tenth Covington, Nellie Coyle, L. J., 1117 Greenwich Clouser, William L., 529 Weiser Clouser, Mrs. Annie Cox, Mary A., 834 Green Conrad, Mrs. M. E.. 302 Court Davies, Lev/is O., 317 North Eleventh Davies, Mrs. Annie Davies, Hov^fard, 1117 Elm Davies, Mrs. Mary Deysher, Theodore, 921 Elm Deysher, Mrs. Mary " Dungan, Harry, 436 Pear Dungan, Mrs. Mary " Diller, Amos, Reading, R. D. No. I Diller, Mrs. L. S. " Diller, Hilbert G. " Diller, Allen L. Eyrick, Mrs. Matilda, 212 Jefferson Ford, Edward P., 935 Winder Ford, Mrs. Laura Forney, Sallie, 742 Walnut Frankfort, H. G., Ephrata, Penn'a Frankfort, Mrs. H. G. Geiger, J. H. B., 329 South Thirteenth Geiger, Mrs. Emma Graul, Mary, 315 Moss Gehret, Beckie, I 135 Buttonw^ood Good, Henry, 1319 Good, Noah Goas, Mrs. Emma, 630 Pear Gallagher, Mrs. Mary E., 928 Oley High? Levi, 206 North Ninth High, Mrs. Louisa High, Mrs. Emma Hess, Mrs. Sallie, 1525 Moss Hill, Ida M., 219 Greenwich Hill, Mrs. Richard Hill, Amelia E, 1257 Spring Hayden, Mrs. Edna M., 212 Poplar Heim, Mrs. Ida, 1022 Mulberry Hedrick, Louisa M., 1380 Perkiomen Avenue Herner, Mrs. Cordelia, 1116 Green Herner, Paul Hoverter, Mrs. Emma J., 619 Pear Hoverter, Ruth Hurst, Mrs. Clara, 425 Orange Humelsine, John F., 253 Penn Humelsine, Mrs. Lizzie Hoopes, Howard, 1035 Douglass Hoopes, Mrs. A. S. " Heffner, Mrs. Hettie A., 1051 Buttonwood Herm, Catharine, 242 South Eighth Herm, Mary F. Herm, Elsie E. Hoffman, Mrs. Jennie, 944 Franklin Kline, Mrs. Emma, Rolling Mill Kline, Irvin R., 452 North Eleventh Kline, Mrs. Lizzie Kline, Evan Kline, Mrs. Lovenia, 936 North Tenth Knipe, Mrs. Ella, 230 North Ninth Lied, Harry, 339 North Eighth Lied, Mrs. Susan Lied, Minnie Landis, Samuel, 625 North Eleventh Landis, Mrs. Samuel Lessig, Mrs. Sallie, 329 South Third Lutz, Esther, 318 North Sixth Loose, Mrs. Emma, 531 North Ninth Loose, Alberta Long, George E., 506 Front Long, Mrs. Alice M. Long, Harvey 14 HISTORICAL SOUVENIR Long, Mrs. Annie, 253 Penn Miller, William, 201 Franklin Miller, Mrs. TiUie. Miller, Clarence L., 712 Schuylkill Miller, Mrs. Mary E., 234 South Ninth Miller, Mrs. Mary, 8 Buttonwood Murdorf, William, 623 Ritter Morgan, Hattie, 755 Bingaman Meredith, Rev. J. R., 816 Walnut Meredith, Mrs. J. R. " McCarty, .Abraham, 207 '.j North Third McCarty, Mrs. Abraham Miller, Harry J., 1255 Greenwich Miller, Mrs. Mary J. Moyer, Frank N., 720 Centre Avenue Moyer, Mrs. F. N. " Moyer, C. Walter " Neizel, Bertha M., 237 South Fourth Neizel, Annie E. O'Bryan, John H., 11 39 Church O'Bryan, Mrs. Mary " Pinyard, Mrs. Annie Qyinter, Mark R., 112 Oley Quinter, Mrs. Mary R. " Russel, Mrs. Bettie, 1649 Moss Reiber, Mrs. Alva, 212 Poplar Rothermel, Mrs. Beulah, 1 127 Marion Rothermel, Mrs. Esther, 242 West Buttonwood Reist, Joseph, 143 North Front Reist, Mrs. Laura Reist, Naomi Reist, Ruth Riffert, Mrs. Ella. 333 North Eighth Resser, William P., 112 North Third Rowe, Mrs. Sallie, 168 Clymer Rhoads, Louisa, 736 Moss Smith, Elmer C, 331 North Second Smith, Mrs. Ella " Smith, Virginia Smith, Mrs. Emma, 24 North Sixth Shadell, Mrs. Louisa, 1 1 16 Green Sherker, Mrs. Clara, 318 North Sixth Shaeffer, Harry, 919 Greenwich Shaeffer, Mrs. Annie Schaeffer, James W., 255 Penn Schaeffer, Mrs. Agnes Shaeffer, Harry K., 738 Madison Avenue Shaeffer, Mrs. Harriet K. Saylor, Mrs. Kate, 540 North Eleventh Schable, Mrs. Annie, Philadelphia, Penn'a Sterner, Frank W., 803 North Eleventh Sterner, Mrs. Sallie Sterner, Howard, 803 North Eleventh Sterner, Russel H. Spohn, Charles E., 720 Locust Spohn, Mrs. Esther Strunk, Lillian C, 441 Woodward Spangler, Howard, 759 Bingaman Spangler, Mrs. Estella Spangler, Mrs. Clara J., 453 North Eleventh Spatz, W. D. B., 945 North Fifth Spatz, Mrs. Bessie Schetter, Mrs. Nora H., 936 North Tenth Snyder, Bessie, Stoner, Jacob, 341 South Sixth Stoner, Clay, 418 Woodward Stoner, Mrs. Geneva Stoner, Erma " Stoner, Kise Strohecker, Aaron, Edison, Penn'a Spears, Mrs. Annie C, 230 South Tenth Symonds, Mrs. Ida K., 354 South Fourth Sands, Ephriam, 308 West Oley Sands, Mrs. Kate M. " Shearer, William, I 14 North Ninth Shearer, Mrs. William " Shearer, Marie Strausser, Raymond, Staul, George K., Reading, Penn'a Strohecker, Jacob G., 1011 Church Strohecker, Mrs. J. G. Strohecker, Aaron, Edison, Penn'a Wisler, Mrs. Mary C, 1117 Greenwich Wisler, Charles A. Wisler, Howard W., 527 North Eleventh Wisler, Mrs. Geneva " Wisler, Mary W. Werts, James, 818 Greenwich Werts, Mrs. Annie " Werts, Esther Werts, Annie " Werts, Mrs. W. C, 353 Schuylkill Avenue Wise, Samuel, 104 Oley Wise, Mary C. " Weinhold, Ezra R., 434 Pear Weinhold, Mrs. Ezra R. " Walther, Mrs. Lillian, 223 Carpenter Yerger, Carrie, 343 Miller Yoder, Sarah, Zieber, Henry, 745 Lance Place Zieber, Mrs. Annie " Zell, Ebb N., 316 North Ninth Zell, Mrs. Belle, 512 Cedar Zimmerman, Samuel, Rosedale, Penn'a Zimmerman, Mrs. Mary " " UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 15 PROMOTED The following members and friends died during the present administra- tion : Frederick Zimmerman, Howard Spangler, John Nagle, Elmer E. O'Bry- an, Margaret Strohecker, Milton F. Bear, Harry B. Douglass, Catharine St. Clair Miller, Stephen Walther, Anna Murdorf, J. S. Face, Robert Morgan, Isabella Lutz, Catharine Hill, Amanda Lessig, Barbara Nagle, Richard P. Hill. SEWING CIRCLE The Ladies' Sewing Circle w^as organized January 4, 1 906, at the home of Mrs. Belle Zell, 5 ] 2 Cedar Street, and the following officers were elected : President, Mrs. J. W. Schaffer ; Vice-President, Mrs. George Long ; Secretary, Mrs. J. Walter Behney ; Treasurer, Mrs. L. J. Coyle. The Circle has been active and enterprising, and is doing a good w^ork for the church. CRADLE ROLL The Cradle Roll of the Sunday School w^as organized January 25, 1903. Theodore Deysher is the Superintendent, and these are the present members : Emma Esther Adams, Emma Lula Davies, Elsie Grace Dussinger, Dorothy I. Dussinger, Violet Anna DeBinder, Paul Peter Heim, Catharin Julia Hoopes, Miriam Helen Herm, Thelma Mae Hayden, Mary Ellen Hoopes, Ruth Leibel- sperger, Henry Jeremiah O'Bryan, Esther Laura Reist, Eber James Spatz, Clarence Henry Shaeffer, Wilbur D. B. Spatz, Ralph Reeser Sterner, Ethel Florence Werts. PRIMARY SCHOOL Theodore Deysher, Superintendent ; Mrs. Deysher and Mrs. Annie Pinyard, Assistants. The members are the follow^ing : Esther Behney, Dennis DeWitt Brane, Paul Blatt, Herbert Davis, Elizabeth Ford, Sadie Fick, Lewis Ott Goas, Vera Heffner, Carrie Heffner, Mary Herm, Elsie P. E. Herm, Katharyne Louisa High, Evan Kline, Ada Landis, William A. Moyer, Aaron Mock, Raymond Reeser, Reynolds Riffert, Naomi Reist, James LeRoy Reist, Clara Hilda Sherker, Virginia Smith, Olga Minerva Smith, Russel Sterner, Catharine Spatz, Emily E. Spatz, Warren C. Spatz, Irene Schaeffer, Samuel D. Sellers, Margaret Vernon, Bessie Zell. LADIES' AID SOCIETY The Ladies' Aid Society w^as organized in 1 876, under Rev. M. J. Mumma's administration, his w^ife being the first President and Mrs. Rachel Wise the first Secretary. These are the present officers: President, Mrs. Annie Clouser; Vice-President, Mrs. Mary Davies ; Secretary, Mrs. G. Walter Behney ; Treas- urer, Mrs. Mary Deysher. The following are the Stew^ards : Mrs. Mary Dey- sher, Mrs. Clara Behm, Mrs. William Bomgardner, Mrs. George Long, Mrs. Harry Dungan, Mrs. Annie Pinyard, Mrs. Howard Wisler, Mrs. Ezra Winhold. The Society has about fifty members, and is doing a good work for the church. Its special concern is the care of the parsonage, upon which the Society just spent about $300 for improvements which greatly add to the value of the house. 16 HISTORICAL SOUVENIR ANOTHER TEMPLE •^IJT ERE is room for a new church ! Aye, X^p not only room, but also real need and pressing demand for a comfortable and convenient house of worship, and that on a new and more suitable site. For forty- two years Otterbein Church has been a vital force in the moral and spiritual assets of the city, having won over five thousand souls to an open confession of faith in Jesus, to say nothing of as many more who were secretly led to a life hid with Christ in God, one fifth of whom are estimated to be active members of other churches in the city. Room for a New Church • r 1 f J Moreover, on questions of moral retorm and civic righteousness, including the prompt payment of all sums assessed to her for their support, even when they seemed out of proportion to her limited means and membership, this church has never failed to meet the demands of those who had charge of these great interests. Notwithstanding one unfor- tunate administration, and also a recent organized disaffection, which finally took from the rolls of the church and Sunday School more than a hundred members, the moral and spiritual resources of the congregation today are full of promi.se. More than one hundred of the best people of the city are enrolled in her membership. That alone is an inspiration ! For ten such persons God would have spared Sodom. What will he not do for a hundred pious persons, if they place their hands in His and ask to be led ? I trust He will thus lead us into closer fellowship with Flimself, and into the soul-sympathy of the community at large, upon whom we must depend for material aid, and thence into a new and more suitable sanctuary, and through these channels to glory ! Amen. WOMAN'S MISSIONARY SOCIETY This organization has been in existance for some years, and has always been a substantial help to the wfoman's w^ork in a financial w^ay, as w^ell as an inspiration to the congregation, not only in that department of church life and labor, but also in every other way. The officers are these : President, Mrs. Clara M. Brane ; Vice-President, Mrs. Mary Deysher ; Secretary, Mrs. Clara Behm ; Treasurer, Mrs. Howard Wisler. Collectors: Mrs. Goas, Mrs. Agnes Schaffer, Mrs. Howard Davies, Mrs. Mary Deysher. There are about thirty members in all. The Young Ladies' Missionary Society has about tw^enty-five members. The officers are : President, Miss Bessie Snyder ; Vice-President, Miss Beckie Gehret ; Secretary, Miss Grace M. Brane ; Treasurer, Miss Jessie M. Brane. Collectors, Miss Carrie Troutman, Miss Mary Wisler, Miss Beckie Gehret. UNITED BRETHERN CHURCH 17 REV. J. R. MEREDITH w7\ HE subject of this sketch was born in Benvenue, ^y Dauphin County, Penn'a, July 26, 1840; and a few months later his parents moved to Powels Valley, where they resided until 1852, when they moved to Mata- moras, Dauphin County, Penn'a, where the business of general merchandise w^as entered upon. Young Meredith helped his father in the store until he was 1 4 years old. Then his father hired him to a boat captain as a driver, which business he followed for eight years. He also worked on a farm. His educational opportunities were very limited, the school term lasting only four months. But the boy was fond of reading, and by the time he was tw^enty-one he had ^^^- J- ^- Mereditli gained a large stock of general information. In 1 859 an aunt took young Meredith to Altoona, w^here he became the pupil of Rev. A. H. Sembower, who is now a resident of Reading. The following spring he returned to his home, and was employed in various w^ays. June 23, 1861, he married Miss Mary C. Hiney, and soon thereafter went to teaching school, which profession he followed for several years. Mr. Meredith also served as a soldier in the Civil War, after which he returned to Powels Valley and went to keeping store. While thus engaged, he felt called to the ministry, and was licensed in 1868 at Zion U. B. Church, Halifax Circuit. The same year the Presiding Elder, Rev. Ezekiel Light, sent the young preacher to Lykens Circuit as assis- tant to Rev. Simon Noll. In 1869 he joined the Annual Conference at Mt. Joy, and was sent to Schuylkill Haven, and thereafter as follows : Manheim, Mt. Joy, Annville, Grantville, York, Annville, New Holland, Philadelphia, Steelton, Highspire, Reading and Myerstown. Rev. Meredith is now living in Reading, and is enjoying fairly good health. He is a member of Otterbein Church, w^hich congregation he served as pastor for six years. MR. AND MRS. THEODORE DEYSHER These two persons have long been members of Otterbein Church, and are still active in their relations to its work and worship. Theodore Deysher, who is w^ell known in the city of Reading, was converted January 8, 1 862, in St. Peter's M. E. Church, Reading, and five years later he and his wife joined Otterbein U. B. Church, in which congregation they still live and labor for the Master. Mr. Deysher has been active in Christian work ever since his con- version, and has held almost every office in the gift of the church. For a period of forty-one years he has been Superintendent of the Primary Depart- ment of the Sunday School. In that sort of work he takes special delight, and has probably arranged and rendered more Sunday School entertainments than any other man in town, and always to full houses. Best of all, Mr. Deysher's life has alw^ays been of an exemplary character, justifying his earnest interest (c) HISTORICAL SOUVENIR in all movements of moral reform, especially the temperance cause. Although he is not physically strong, there is no let-up in his zeal for the cause. He is one of the oldest and most honored officers of the church. Mrs. Theodore Deysher is Treasurer of the Ladies' Aid, in w^hich Society she has also served as President, Secretary and Collector. She is a well-knov/n, hard- working member of the congregation, and is a life member and a life director of the Woman's Missionary Society of the United Brethren Church, and also an active member of the local Society. She has done much hard and important work for the church, locally and at large, es- Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Deysher pecially interested in primary Sunday School and missionary work. She is a trustee of the parsonage. MR. AND MRS. ZIEBER Henry L. Zieber and wife were charter members of Otterbein Church, and are still living. They are among the finest people of Reading. Mr. Zieber was born at the southwest corner of Ninth and Penn Streets, Reading, Penn'a, May I 1, 1836. In 1851 he was converted in Salem Evangelical Church; and three months later he was received into Zion's United Brethren Church by Rev. Simeon Noll, under whose powerful sermons and pastoral care many were brought to Christ and into the Church. At that time the Sunday School held two sessions each Sabbath, at 8.30 a.m. and at 1.30 p.m. Both sessions of the school were well attended. Besides the regular church and Sunday School services, cottage prayer meetings were frequently held and largely attended, their songs of joy and shouts of praise sometimes echoing beyond the midnight hour. Mr. Zieber remembers those oc- f . • I • • 1 1- I 1 Mr. and Mrs. Henry L, Zieber casions of joy with increasing dehght. In 1856 Miss Annie C. Kuser was converted under Rev. Joseph Young's pastorate, and one year later she became a member of Zion's U. B. Church. That was on New Year's Eve, 1857. That was "a happy new year" to her! Just seven years thereafter, on the 4th of February, 1 864, Miss Annie Kuser became the wife of Henry L. Zieber ; and from that day to this, a period of forty-four years, these tvs^o have w^alked in blessed fellowship w^ith God and each other, mutually bearing each other's burdens, and also sharing each oth- er's joys. May their evening time and final sunset be bright ! UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 19 WILLIAM H. BOMGARDNER The subject of this sketch, William H. Bomgardner, son of George S. and Margaret Bomgardner, was born in East Hanover Township, Lebanon County, Penn'a, October 1, 1852. He was converted in the fall of 1 866, at Sherk's old meeting house, under the pastorate of Rev. Henry Hack- man. The following spring he was baptized, w^ith a number of others, in Bow Creek, near Grantville, Dauphin County, Penn'a, by Rev. H. V. Mohn. He has since served in almost every official relation in the local churches with which he has been identified, and is at pres- ent a member of the Board of Trus- tees of Otterbein U. B. Church, and is also Secretary of that board. He and his wife and two children, Mary and Ruth, are faithful mem- bers of the church. As life-long members of the church these par- ents have lived and labored for the cause of Christ, and have served in a self-sacrificing way in many in- stances. May they and their dear children all reach the rest at last ! William H. Bomgardner Samuel Wise the loss of his Wife. SAMUEL WISE Samuel Wise was born and reared in Reading, Penn'a, and was brought up in the faith of the United Brethren in Christ. He was converted in Hummelstown about the year 1857, and some time thereafter returned to Reading and became a regu- lar attendant at Otterbein Church. In 1860 he married Miss Rachel Sands, and soon after re- moved to Ida Grove, Iowa, w^here he lived for nineteen years. Mr. Wise became very much at- tached to his Ida Grove friends, w^ho also esteemed him very highly. As a token of their love and high regard, they presented him with a very valuable gold-headed cane, w^hich he admires very much. Soon after his return from Iowa Mr. Wise suffered Although he had been an attendant on the services of 20 HISTORICAL SOUVENIR the church for many years, he was not formally received into the church until after his return to Reading, in 1900, since which time he has been a stand-by in the congregation. He is a modest, manly member, with a churchly spirit, liberal and progressive in all his doings in the church, and highly esteemed by all who know him. Moreover, he buys and reads the literature of the Church, and knows something about her work and worship. MICHAEL SANDS Michael Sands, son of Aaron and Catharine Sands, was born in Adams- town, Lancaster County, Penn'a, December 2, 1819. He married Miss Hannah Geensemer ; and several years later (March 31,1 848) moved to Reading, and settled on the river front. In 1850, just two years after he came to Reading, his wife and three children w^ere drow^ned in the Schuyl- kill during a freshet. This dreadful sorrow almost broke his heart, and led him to seek more definitely the comforts of religion ; and in the course of a few months he sought and found the Saviour, and straight- way became a member of the little church known then as "Weidman's Chapel," which is now^ Zion's U. B. Church, the oldest society of our denomination in the city. In the social circle of that humble church he met Miss Sabilla Graul, one of the most modest and devoted members of that congregation, whom he mar- ried in 1 85 1 . A year later he w^as elected a member of the first United Brethren board of trustees in the city of Reading. In 1 866 he became a charter mem- ber of Otterbein U. B. Church, and also served that new^ congregation as a trustee and as a member of the building committee. He served his church faithfully M,. i,a. I Nin.is ^j^j^ well, and was a devoted Chris- tian to the day of his death, which occurred in 1872. His son, Mr. Ephraim Sands, a fine man and a faithful Christian, is a member of his father's church and congregation. IRVIN R. KLINE This face is a familiar one. Mr. Irvin R. Kline is the official board Treasurer, and is one of the most faithful and efficient officers of the church. He is a quiet, earnest Chris- tian, and always attends to his official duties, and "never misses church." He is engaged in the real estate business. Like his father before him, he is affectionately concerned for the welfare of the church, and exerts a good influence in the community. For twenty-two years he has been a ''^'" ^ '^''"'" member of Otterbein Church. He is still active and painstaking in all his work. UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 21 MR. AND MRS. WALTER BEHNEY G. Walter Behney, Superintendent of Otterbein Sunday School, was born April 14, 1870, at Mt. Nebo, Lebanon County, Penn'a. He was converted in Salem United Brethren Church, Lebanon, Penn'a, in February, 1 < and the same year became a mem- ber of the Centenary United Breth- ren Church in Steelton, Penn'a, w^hich congregation he served as President of the Y. P. C. U., Sunday School teacher and church organist. In June, 1905, he came to Reading and immediately joined Otterbein U. B. Church by certificate ; and a little later he Vi^as elected Superin- tendent of the Sunday School, which position he still holds. Mr. and Mrs. Walter Behney On the 27th of October, 1892, Mr. Behney was married to Miss Clara F. Hoopes, who has proved a blessed helpmeet to her husband. Last year their two children, Earl and Esther, accepted Christ and united with the church. As a family they are churchly and spiritual, and regular in their at- tendance upon the services of the sanctuary. TWO BROTHERS These tw^o were brothers. Emerson G. Kline w^as born May 21, 1842, and died August 5, 1894, aged 52 years, 2 months and 15 days. He was converted and joined the church under the ministry of Rev. H. C. Phillips in 1881, and continued in faithful fellow^- ship w^ith the church thirteen years. He w^as official board Treasurer seven years, and also served the church as Stew^ard and Trustee. His widow, Mrs. Lovenia Kline, and several of his children, Mrs. Riffert, Mrs. Schetter and Mr. Irvin R. Kline, are members of the church. Mr. Joseph Kline was born in Baums- town, Penn'a, and died July 28, 1905, aged 6 1 years. He was converted and joined the church during the pastorate of Rev. H. C. Phillips, and remained a faithful member and Christian to the day of his death, having served the congregation as Steward and Trustee. Being a good man, a kind father and husband, he is greatly missed by his Emerson G. Kline Joseph Kline 22 HISTORICAL SOUVENIR widow and daughter, Mrs. Catharine Khne and Mrs. Ella Knipe, and other relatives and friends. But they all hope to meet him in "Father's house." DR. MATHEWS Dr. James M. Mathew^s, probably the oldest physician in Reading, resid- ing at I 38 North Eighth Street, never formally joined Otterbein Church, but in every practical and spiritual respect he is an esteemed member of that congregation. Soon after the v^riter came to this parish, more than two years ago, he became ac- quainted with Dr. Mathews, whose great age and serious illness called for special interest and sympathy on the part ^^^ V .^^ of the pastor, w^hose ministry was constant and kind, and ■w!^ J^H finally led to his public avow^al and faith in Jesus in the use ^^H of the Holy Communion, w^hich sacramental service he ^^Db^^^^^^ regularly attends. If he lives till February 22, 1909, he ^^^^^B^^^H w^ill be 92 years old. He w^as born in New^ Britian Tow^n- ^^B^^^^^H ship, Bucks County, Penn'a, February 22, 1817. in 1840 ^^l^^^^^^^l he removed to Flintw^ood, Berks County, and in 1 860 to Temple. Since 1 895 he has lived in Reading. He is a well-preserved man, notwithstanding the exposures of thirty-five years, during which time he had a large practice. Intellectually cultivated and widely read, he is interesting and instructive in his fellowship, and exemplifies an up-to-date, youthful spirit. His wife died some years ago. To Dr. and Mrs. Mathew^s eight sons w^ere born, five of w^hom are living. Four are physicians of prominence, active and influential in their professional rela- tions. Nearly two years ago, when the Doctor was ninety, he composed these w^ords : WHEN I'm very old, yet would not die, And have my bones in slumber lie. Until 1 know some things are done Whose doing is but just begun. I'd like to know our eastern sea Had kissed her western majesty At Panama and Colon's gate, And let our ships, both small and great. Pass through Dame Nature's narrow strait. Would then 1 die ? Not yet, not yet ! My heart on other themes is set. I'd like to see the airships fly Athwart the clear or cloudy sky. With or against all winds that blow. With or against all rains and snow ; Sailing through the angry clouds. Bearing safely human crowds From place to place, from town to town. Now high aloft, now coming down. Now taking on, now letting go Its hurrying crowds bent to and fro. WOULD DIE 1 tell you. Cap, I must be there, By 2 o'clock 1 must be there. Some hours ahead of that slow poke That belches forth its cinder smoke — The iron horse whose murderous noise Kills off the sick, the well annoys. Some better is the trolley ride. Ten times as good the airship>s glide. And then you'd willing die? Not 1; You soon shall see v^rhen 1 would die. 1 want to see all w^arring cease, 1 want to see the reign of peace, 1 want to see "Thy kingdom come," The thousands years millennium. Then heaven will be upon this earth And every creature have new birth. Then, sure, you'd willing die ? But why Would one in glory wish to die ? O ^vondrous, wondrous are to be The achievements of futurity. December. 1906. —J. M. M. UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 23 %' THE ASSOCIATE PASTOR HIS face and form are dear to the Pastor. For a period of six years he has been my closest companion in the home, in the study, in the church services, and in my pastoral visiting. By day and by night his little hand has been in mine. When I was sick, he helped to make me well ; w^hen I was stricken with sorrow, he soothed my soul; w^hen I w^as borne to the earth with care, he lightened my load ; w^hen I w^as tempted, he succored me. Indeed, he has been my good angel ! With me he has gone into the man- sions of the rich and the hovels of the poor, and visited thousands of sick and sorrow^ing people, supplementing the ministry of the Lord's Prayer and the Twenty-third Psalm with his sw^eet smiles and kisses. From his birth, in solemn dedication and daily prayer, he has been given to God and the Church ! May his feet never wander from the path of the Just. My highest desire concerning him w^ould be realized if he should become a faith- ful minister of the Gospel — the hardest but the sweetest w^ork to which, in the providence of God, the children of men are called. In speaking of my baby boy Mayor Mar- quart, of Lebanon, w^hose pastor I w^as for ten blessed years, has this to say : "My most distinct recollections of Dennis are the im- pressions he made upon all our minds in the church services. He alw^ays came w^ith his father to prayer meeting, occupied a front seat, and seemed to take as much interest in what was said and done as any of the older persons did. Our church and parsonage being connected. Dr. Brane always entered the auditorium near the pulpit, immediately in front of the congregation w^hile they stood and sang an inspiring ascription of praise. Dennis usually entered with his father and stood, in full view of all the people, with folded hands and bow^ed head during the invocation, after w^hich he took his seat on a front pew^, w^here he remained till the benediction w^as pro- nounced. At the close of the service he w^as alw^ays cordially greeted by the people, especially the young ladies, w^ith w^hom he w^as a favorite. These acts of love and reverence for the house and service of God on the part of The Associate Pastor 24 HISTORICAL SOUVENIR one so tender in years was very impressive, and vividly recalled the Bible story of little Samuel. I trust that his reverence for God's house and for sacred things will increase as he grows older, so that when Dr. Brane's long and faithful ministry is over, his mantle may fall upon Dennis, and he be led to carry forward this blessed v^ork as conscientiously as his father did." Jacob Stoner children, Erma JACOB STONER Mr. Jacob Stoner w^as born near Safe Harbor, Lancaster County, Penn'a, October 16, 1838; and was converted and joined Otterbein U. B. Church during the blessed adminis- tration of Rev. Lewis Peters in 1 868. He is now one of the older members of the church, and considers himself fortunate in having enjoyed her fellow^ship all these years. He has served the congregation as class leader, Trustee, Steward and Sunday School Superintendent. Mr. Stoner's life has been a credit to the cause of religion, and his influence in the church has been good. He considers himself a typical United Brethren, "all wool and a yard w^ide," and is increasingly happy as the shadows of life lengthen. He and his family are striving for a better in- heritance. His son Clay, and his good wife and dear and Kise, are members of the church also. MRS. DELIA M. HERNER Mrs. Herner has been in faithful fellowship with Otter- bein Church ever since she vv^as a tot of tw^o years. When she was only eight years old she w^as received into the church by Rev. H. C. Phillips ; and from that day to this she has been a faithful Christian and an active w^orker in the church and Sunday School. For nine years she served as Secretary of the Sunday School ; and she is nowr serving her second year as Recording Secretary of the Berks County Christian Endeavor Union. In this sort of work Mrs. Herner is especially gifted and faithful. Her books are well kept and clearly written. She and her mother, Mrs. Shadell, and her two boys, Clyde and Paul, have been reared in the Sunday School and church. Mrs. Delia M. Herner MISS BERTHA NEIZEL Miss Neizel is one of the officers of the church and Sunday School .She is a young lady of wide and blessed influence in the congregation and in the city. Moreover, she is active and enterprising in her relations to Christian work and worship, faithful and painstaking in all her efforts to be good and do good. She has comparatively little to say, but her life is an illustrated UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 25 sermon on holy living ; an exemplification of the truth as it is in Jesus. Her godly life and sweet spirit and faithful service are bound to bring the Master's plaudit, "Well done." ERMA DAVIES Erma Davies, child of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis O. Da- vies, is one of our interesting "tots." She is only three years old, attends church and Sunday School, and sometimes "talks out in meeting." But she don't dis- turb the pastor, who is always glad to see her. She calls him "church." MISS ESTHER WERTS' CLASS Allen Diller, Earl Behney, Merlin Goas, Paul Herner, Howard Wisler, Hayes Vernon, L. Kise Sto- ner, Charles Zell, E. Harvey Long. Erma Davies THE PARSONAGE This is a picture of the parsonage, located at 519 North Ninth Street. The deed was executed on the 3 I st of March, 1887, by Sarah E. Hoffman, Mahlon G. Hoffman and Lucien Geiger, executors of John G. Hoffman, de- ceased, to Jacob Stoner, Jacob S. Wisler, Em- erson Kline, Joseph Kline and Abraham Lan- dis, trustees of Otterbein U. B. Church, for $2,500. In connection with a gradual increase in the value of the property, improvements to the extent of $1,500 have been added. It is splendidly located in every w^ay. Of the original board of trustees only one remains, Mr. Jacob Stoner. Every church and parsonage should be v/ell located, attractive and convenient, a joy to those w^ho use it and a credit to the com- munity in w^hich it is situated. Then it w^ill speak in terms of praise, not only of those w^ho own and occupy it, but also of the cause for which it stands. Its very design, in point The Parsonage of appearance and purpose, should be pleas- ing and persuasive, tending to the culture of head and heart. Indeed, every thing we look upon or associate with is educating in its influence and effects. A pure rose on an untidy table will suggest a clean cloth. A clean cloth v/ill demand a still better environment, and thus the good work will go on to completion, (d) 26 HISTORICAL SOUVENIR PARSONAGE TRUSTEES 4 r f f •^^'N CLASS OK MR. SPA!/ AND MISS UKR 1 1 lA NEIZEL UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 27 mSS^ wtm 28 HISTORICAL SOUVENIR AARON STROHECKER Aaron Strohecker was born in Reading, Penn'a, September 24, 1839, and has been a member of the church for twenty-one years. His conversion in Otterbein Church w^as very clear and satis- factory, leaving no doubt of his acceptance in Jesus Christ. His influence as a Chris- tian is truly w^holesome ; and his devotion to the church has been marked by an in- telligent concern for all her interests. His wife, w^ho appears with her husband in the accompanying cut, w^as also an earnest Christian. She was a true helpmeet. She was the daughter of Rev. Jacob S. Gosler. They were married July 4, 1 860, by Rev. J. G. Fritz, since w^hich glad occasion they prayerfully lived for God and each other till December 29, 1907, when she fell asleep. She knew^ of her approaching end, and died in perfect peace. Just a few days later her son-in-law, Milton F. Bear, was called from labor to reward. For Brother Strohecker and Sister Bear these losses w^ere hard to endure. But they w^ill soon meet again. Mr. Strohecker -was an expert swimmer and diver, and was instrumental in saving ten lives, including one soldier. The saving of the soldier occurred at Harrisburg in 1862, while he was in the army. In 1850, when Mr. Strohecker w^as still in his "teens," there vs^as a great freshet in the Schuylkill River, and Mrs. Michael Sands and three of her chil- dren were drowned. Young Strohecker was standing at the foot of Sixth Street, and saw Mrs. Sands drift down the swollen stream on a feather-bed. She waved her hand for help. Abram Homan and Nicholas Burkhart wanted to take a boat that was there and go for Mrs. Sands, but the man who owned the boat would not permit them to use it. Strohecker wanted the men to take the boat and rescue her. Then Mr. Sands himself came down the stream, and Mr. Strohecker drew him out and saved his life. A few days later Mr. Strohecker was at High's Woods, and swam across to the island, where he saw a little white hand sticking out of some debris that had been washed there during the freshet. It was the sweet little hand of Mr. Sands' baby, which young Strohecker put in the lid of an old trunk, which he used as a boat, and, using a grape-vine for a cable, towed it up the canal to "Jackson's lot," where he placed the dead child in the care of Mrs. Stott, who took it to the bereaved father and prepared it for burial. So, you see, young Strohecker saved Mr. Sands' life, and subsequently restored the body of his dead baby to his tender care. How strange is life ! Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Strohecker UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 29 WE ARE THREE Here is an interesting trio — Miriam, Ruth and Naomi, daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Reist. They all be- long to the church of Christ and are a great joy to their parents. Some four years ago, December 10, 1904, Miriam, the one to the left, took sick and died — was called by the Good Shep- herd to the safe and blessed fold above. But Ruth and Naomi still recall her sweet face and familiar form, and so do they all. They expect to meet her again. MISS MARY C. WISE Miss Wise has been identified with Otterbein Church for some years, and is one of our most interested and active members. She is one of the Trustees of the parsonage, and also one of the Stewards, in both of w^hich relations she has served faithfully and well. In her anxiety for the welfare of the congregation she devises liberal things for the Lord, both in money and in labor. Nothing is too hard for her to do. In the Sunday School and Ladies' Aid, and Trustee meetings and church services her seat is rarely vacant. j^^^ JOHN F. HUMELSINE ^^^B^^m y\x. Humelsine w^as born in Chambersburg, Penn'a, Septem- ber II, 1872, and was brought up in the faith of the United Brethren Church. On the 18th of September, 1894, he was married to Miss Elizabeth T, Weeks, in Hagerstown, Md., by the Rev. A. A. Ayers. Mrs. Humelsine is the daugh- ter of Mrs. Annie Long, who formerly lived in Ship- pensburg, Penn'a, but is now a resident of Reading and a worthy member of Otterbein Church. About the year 1902 Mr. and Mrs. Humelsine came to Reading and joined Memorial U. B. Church. In 1905 they transferred their membership to Otter- bein, in whose communion they have each led an John F. Humelsine 30 HISTORICAL SOUVENIR active, useful life. Mr. Humelsine is the President of the Ushers' League, and is popular with the young men of the church. Mrs. Humelsine is Assistant Organist in the Sunday School, and is active in the vv^ork of the church. MR. AND MRS. LONG Mr. George Elmer Long was born in Dauphin County, Penn'a, October 11,1 864 ; and twenty-two years later, on the 1 1 th of September, 1 886, he married Miss Alice M. Long, Rev. Isaac Bagley, of Cam- den, New^ Jersey, being the officiating clergyman. A year later Mr. Long and his wife were converted and joined the United Brethren Church at Royalton, Penn'a, under Rev. H. D. Lehman. In 1 892 they came to Read- ing, Penn'a, and identified themselves w^ith what is now called Memorial U. B. Church, Buttonwood and McKnight Streets, where they served efficiently for several years. On the 29th of September, 1907, Mr. and Mrs. Long, and their son Harvey united with Otterbein U. B. Church. Mr. Long is an officer in the Sunday School, and the family are all regular in their attendance at all the services. Their son Harvey is gifted in a musical way, and plays beautifully. If he gives himself com- pletely to this charming accomplishment, and avails himself of a thorough training, he will certainly do well. At Mr. Sterner's birthday surprise party he entertained the large company most delightfully with selections on the piano. Mr. and Mrs. Long MR. AND MRS. FORD Mr. Edward F. Ford is a "railroad man," and is at the very time when he woul ^:M E. Harvey Long often "called out" at the very time when he would like to go to church ; but he quietly keeps company with the Master, whether at home or "on the road," and thus pursues the path of the just. His wife, Mrs. Laura Ford, is also an earnest Christian, full of zeal for the furtherance of the Gospel, especially in a missionary sense and in foreign lands. Mr. and Mrs. Ford and their little daughter, Elizabeth, are highly esteemed in the church and Sunday School to which they belong ; and their influence is re- sponsive to the cause of Christ. UNITED BRETHERN CHURCH 31 SIRE AND SON Mr. Jacob S. Wisler was born in White Oak, Lancaster County, Penn'a, October 9, 1 844, and came to Reading in 1 864. On September 28, 1865, he was married to Miss Mary C. Sands by Rev. Brew^er at Hummelstown. In 1 865 he entered upon the manufacture of cigars, and continued in that business till his death, which occurred June 1 8, 1 894. Mr. Wisler was converted in the fall of 1 867, under Rev. Lewis Peters, and joined Otterbein U. B. Church. He w^as a useful man in the church, and served in various official capacities: General Steward, Church Treasurer, and also served the Conference as Treasurer. His widow^, Mrs. Mary Wisler, still lives in the enjoyment of fair health and regularly attends the services of the sanctuary. She is spending her re- maining days pleasantly with her daughter, Mrs. L. J. Coyle, and her son Charles, both of whom are members of the church. Mr. Howard W. Wisler is a son of Jacob S. Wisler, and has been prom- inent in the affairs of the church for a number of years. He w^as converted in 1 882 under Rev. H. C. Phillips, and joined church the same year. Since then he has been active in the work of the churchy serving in almost every official ca- pacity — Chorister, General Steward, Delegate to Conference, Treasurer and President of the Young Peo- ple's Society of Christian Endeavor. He has lots of push and enterprise in his church life, and is one of the hardest w^orkers that the congrega- tion has. On the 24th of June, Jacob S. Wisler Howard W. Wisler 32 HISTORICAL SOUVENIR 1890, Mr. Wisler was married to Miss C. Geneva Maitland by Rev. I. Baltzell. To these parents were born two children, Mary W. and "Little Howard," as his mother affectionately calls him, both of whom have been brought up in the church. Mrs. Wisler is a quiet Christian lady of deep piety, an ideal house- keeper and a real helpmeet. She is a member of the Board of Parsonage Trustees, Treasurer of the Woman's Missionary Society, and quietly aids all the other organizations of the congregation. Her larger ministry is in the home, where she combines the qualities of Mary and Martha. Mr. and Mrs. McCarty MR. AND MRS. McCARTY Abraham McCarty was born in Lancaster County, Penn'a, September 10, I860. He and Mrs. McCarty were married December 12, 1878, by Rev. A. W. Warfel. About twenty years ago they were con- verted near Intercourse and joined the old Monterey Church. Later they came to Hinkletown, and thence, in 1907, to Reading. Jan- uary the 5th, 1908, they transferred their member- ship from Ephrata to Otter- bein, where they are loved and appreciated by the whole church. Their daugh- ter and son-in-law^, Mr. and Mrs. Weinhold, are also members of the congregation. May their joy and usefulness increase as the years go by ! REV. J. B. FUNK This minister was the fifth pastor of Otterbein Church, having served from 1878 to 1880. It was under his di- recting hand that the old chapel was re- modeled and enlarged. Rev. and Mrs. Funk are old friends of the writer, who learned to know them when he was a boy preacher. Mr. Funk is a native of Virginia and Mrs. Funk of Maryland. I once served Brother Funk as Presiding Elder, right on the summit of the Allegheny Mountains, and ate buckwheat cakes with him. He , , , Rev. J. B. Funk and Wife sent me one after 1 returned home. It was a "whopper." My! Well, well, that was in 1875. How time flies, and how soon we grow old. Of course, we do not grow old in spiril. Only in years and in physical infirmities. UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 33 i \ ^^. ;:^ k. Vh >. CO j.-a ' (S CO « S 5 ^ I UJ-J-J CO ?t>~C 4) O -'- cO O CO W CO m^ ^) jS^Hf lES^^j ¥i Here is an interesting historic scene, which is laid in the room of the Supreme Court of the United States at Washington, D. C. It is a splendid reproduction of Mrs. Fassett's famous painting of the Electoral Commission, which was a strange device conceived by Congress to determine whether R. B. Hayes or Samuel J. Tilden had been elected President of the United States. William M. Evarts, a noted lawyer and statesman, is addressing the Commission in the interest of the Republican candidate, whose attorney he was. A. G. Thurman, T. F. Bayard, George F. Edmunds, O. P. Morton, Jus- tice Bradley and other noted men are readily recognized on the bench. Roscoe Conkling and Senator Ransom are looking eagerly into the face of Mr. Evarts, while Sam Randall and Ben : Perley Poore are standing behind him. Mrs. Fassett herself, with note-book in hand, sits in the central fore- ground sketching. Just back of her, with face turned this way, in the act of speaking to some one, is James G. Blaine. Matt Carpenter, that gifted genius of the law, sits with his head to one side, at the end of the table, looking this way. Then there is William Windom, Senator Kernan, and John J. Ingalls, of Kansas, who used to say what most politicians seem to believe in their very 70 HISTORICAL SOUVENIR hearts, that "the Decalogue has no place in politics." My, what a power that man was in debate. Logan, Allison and Sherman are plainly seen. Great picture — Great assembly ! Great occasion ! A POLITICAL INCIDENT Here is a picture of the oldest house in Dillsburg, Pa. The Rev. Ander- son B. Quay, pastor of the Presbyterian Church of that town, and father of Hon. Matthew Stan- ley Quay, lived in this house from 1830 to 1839. In this house "Matt" was born in 1833, and spent six of the earliest years of his life. My good friend, the Rev. W. A. Dickson, pastor of the United Breth- ren Church of Dills- burg, knowing my personal interest in landmark history, kindly sent me this Matt Quay's Childhood Home photO SCVCral yearS ago. The picture recalls an interesting political event in the history of my ten-year pastorate at Trinity Church, Lebanon, which city and county were strongly Republican, but also largely anti-Quay. In November, 1900, 1 think it was, Lebanon County was the battle-ground of factional contention, and the Quay people closed the hottest fight of their life with a great meeting in Fish- er Academy, where Senator Quay, Justice John P. Elkins, Adjutant-General Stewart and other high State and Federal officials were to speak. Some ten days before this final rally, six or eight members of the Republican Committee, headed by the late Judge Capp, who was spokesman, called at the parsonage and informed me that I had been unanimously selected to preside at the meeting and introduce the speakers. The members of the committee were personal friends of mine, and some of them were among my most prominent parishioners. This request presented a perplexing problem ; but 1 promptly decided not to preside. Then Judge Capp made another appeal, but I de- clined again, mainly for these reasons: First, I was not in sympathy with Senator Qyay's political methods ; second, I never meddle with partisan poli- tics; third, my church, which was strong and influential, would have felt sorry over my appearance in politics. So, Mayor Gerhard presided at the Quay rally, and the pastor of Trinity Church "saved his bacon" — in more ways than one! Among those who came as a committee were Judge Capp, J. Henry Miller, E. E. McCurdy and John Hunsicker, Sr. The others I do not remember. UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 71 Bakers Valley Chapel BAKERS VALLEY CHAPEL, FREDERICK COUNTY, MD. Here is a spiritual cozy-corner in the memory of my early ministry, even before I was entrusted with a pastorate. Here, in Bakers Valley, a picturesque dell w^ithin a stone's throw of the Mo- nocacy battlefield, about three miles southeast of Frede- rick, Md., lived one of my early friends, Mr. Edward Baker, after whom this chapel in the grove w^as named, and by w^hom it w^as large- ly built. I used to visit Mr. Baker be- fore 1 became a regular pastor, and sometimes preach- ed in this church, which is now used as a dwelling. It was erected in 1867, just a century to the day after the pentecostal meeting at Isaac Long's, and was dedicated by Bishop Glossbrenner, who was a bosom friend of Brother Baker's. Revs. A. M. Evers, John Wesley Grimm, J. Luther Grimm, J. D. Freed and C. T. Stearn were present and assisted at the dedication. Miss Laura Baker, daughter of Edward Baker, the founder of the church, says she distinctly remembers how sweetly Rev. Evers and the Grimms sang on that occasion. Among the prominent laymen present were Uncle Peter Kemp, at whose father's home the United Brethren Church was organized in 1800, Jacob Perry, Sr., and John D. Cramer. Daniel H. Hendrickson hauled the stones for the chapel and boarded the workmen ; Mr. Charles Geisbert did the carpenter work and Mr. Elsworth did the masonry. Miss Lizzie Ridgely and the two Miss Bakers, Laura and Essie, collected the money for the furniture. Mr. Grafton Duvall gave the chandelier and pulpit lamps. On the 1 4th of June, 1 88 1 , Miss Essie .Baker was married in this cozy little church to Mr. Wesley Maxwell. Rev. J. D. Freed was the officiating clergyman. The second marriage that occurred in the church was that of Miss Kate Fout to Mr. John Leith. These were all delightful occasions, full of the old-time cheer and dignity, including a high tide of real sociability. The first trustees were Edward Baker, Daniel Baker, Daniel Hendrickson, Charles Geisbert and Frank Hahn. The Hendricksons, Geisberts, Hahns and Bakers were the principal members then. Mr. Edward Baker gave me a new saddle and bridle when I became a pastor. He and Peter Kemp, Henry 72 HISTORICAL SOUVENIR The Shook Home Perry, Frederick Kintz, Daniel Shook, Daniel H. Hendrickson and Cornelius Staley were good friends of mine. I hope to meet all of them soon. MY PLAYMATE'S HOME This picture revives sacred memories ! It presents the scene of many a sunlit hour, It is the Shook home near Frederick City, Md., w^here our min- isters preached before the church owned a chapel, ex- cept the "Geeting Meeting House" at Antietam. Mr. Daniel Shook ow^ned and oc- cupied this house when 1 first knevs^ it, and after his death his son Grandison bought it. The younger boys, Dan and Will, I knew and loved and played with all through my childhood. Dan w^as near my age and stood closer to me than any other boy. He w^as instrumental in my conversion. He died several years ago. So far as 1 know^. Will is still living and is a useful member of the church. In this house my father's funeral oc- curred. Dr. Zacharias, his pastor, preached the sermon. This house is near my childhood home. Blessed memories come to my heart as I think of my dear playmates ! A COLD MORNING RIDE This snapshot recalls a very cold morning about six years ago. It was taken in front of Trinity United Brethren Church, Ninth and Willow Streets, Leba- non, Penn'a. The morning vs^as bright but intensely cold, the pavement w^as covered with ice and the streets were drifted full of snow, as you see. Still, the Junior preacher, who was very junior then, went out for a ride. Then, as now, he was quiet- ly eager for fun and frolic, and always ready to "go." Indeed, he and I have been on the go together from that day to this, rarely separated except when he was at school. On this particular occasion, our entreaties to the contrary notwithstanding, .1 I • 1 I il 1 I A Cold Morning Hide the mercury being below ?ero, the baby insisted on a "ride." Here he is in the enjoyment of that exquisite delight. DATE DUE ^..it^mism^ dfl"" - - ■ GAYLORD PRINTED IN U S.A. Kffica^Suven,r of several of the Pr,nceton Theological Semmary^Speer Libja^ 1 1012 00044 6874