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[THE NEW YORK

PUBLiCLIBRARY

F

A8T0R, LENOX AND TtLȣN FOUNDATIONS.

1806

r.

TABOR (First Reformed) CHURCH, LEBANON, PA.

Corner-stone laid Jnne, 26th, 1792. Dedicated May, 8th, 1796

THE NEW YOKK

PUBLIC LIBRARY

F

ASTOR, LENOX ANO TlL0e»i» FO'J^'DATIONS.

190e

A HISTORY

-OF-

T

aboi* * — ^^

LEBANON, RENNA.

PUBLISHED AND COMPILED BY THE PASTOR,

REV. D. EARNEST KUORP, D. D.

' ' '', , -. > 3

,5 5 5 > J '

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(oommemoratioe of the Qne hundredth Anniversary

of ti2e ^a^in6 of tl^e (odrqer-stor^e, June S6t!i, /^f^. -^ //f^"

Lebanon, June, 1892 ?-

THE T^IW YORK

AETOR, LENC?^ i^ N D

TILDEN KOUMuATiONS

R 1931 L

M. H. BKRGER

Steam Book, Job and Commercial Printer

No. 1709 Randolph Street

PHILADELPHIA

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THE NEW YORK

PUBLIC LIBRARY F '7 ' ^o)

ASTOH, LEN0X AND TrLOEM FOUNDATIONS.

( 1906

s

DEDK/ITION

In grateful appreciatioii of the goodness of God, in giving our fathers and their chil- dren such a goodly heritage, this little book is affectionately dedicated to the 77ieni07y and work of those throiigh whose devoted and faithful ministry this heritage has beeri preserved and cultivated^ with such signal and blessed 7'esults.

'''Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth : Yea, saith the Spirit ; that they may rest fvm their labows ; and their works do follow THEM."

D. E. K.

y

PREF/IQE

IVE are greatly indebted to the late Mr. J. B. Hies- ter,from whose gathered material, as found in 07ie of the Church Books, a great part of this booklet has been com- piled; especially that relatiyig to the history of the Con- gregation, previous to 1861, as also the section in regard io the Pastors up to that time. We all owe a great debt cf gratitude to him for the labor thus., in love., expended for the Church.

hi the part referring to the Sabbath School, we are glad to acknowledge the great service of Mr. fos. L. Lembeigcr, jt'hofor thirty- two years has superi^itended the Sabbath School of the Church. It is now set forth i7i this foi'in , first as apart of the celebratioft services of the Ofie Hundredth Anniversary of the laying of the corner-stone €f the present Church edifice; seco^idly., that what is now 7vithin the reach of only a few., inay be the possessio7i of the 7nany, and in this multiplication, the preservatio7i of the facts herein contained, may be the 7nore fully assiired. But more than all, that ive may all know more of our Church homelife, and being and be moved by the past to ■?nore ear7iest a7id faithful endeavor i7i the future. May this, iww do7ie, in the M^sier's name be to his glory.

D. E. KLOPP

Lebanon, June, 1892

KiRsT Part

EARLY HISTORY, BEFORE AXD FROM 1760 TO 1 792

PREVIOUvS to the year 1760, beyond which time, few, if ail}', records in regard to the Reformed Church in and about Lebanon are to be found?

our Reformed Ancestr}- worshiped in a Church which then stood on a part of the farm now owned b}- Mr. Jacob Bruljaker. The general name of the section was Grubben Land, and the Church was called "Grub- ben Church." It was about two miles south of Lebanon.

The Church was owned and used in common b}^ the Reformed and Lutherans. We are told that papers referring to this ground and building are in the possession of a now aged descendant of those who worshiped there.

There is no doubt Rcy. Conrad Templeman min- istered to the Reformed people from 1727 or 1728 until 1760 or 1 76 1. He liYcd at what was then called Templeman' s Hill, on a farm now owned by Jacob Bucher, near the present village of Rexmont. (See more about him in the Pastoral Histor3^

In 1861, the house in which Templeman lived, was still standing. There is a picture of this house and its

8 EARLY HISTORY

surroundings at the parsonage. It came into the custody of the present Pastor bj- the kindness of the esteemed sister, and heirs of the late Dr. Kremer, The picture was photographed by Hdu, Rudolph F. Kelker of Harrisburg, Pa., and by him given to his friend Dr. Kremer. With the picture is the following statement :

"Photograph of the front and rear elevations of the residence of the Rev. Conrad Templeman, Pastor in 1744, of the Reformed Congregation, worshipping" in the "Hill Church" about five miles west of Leba- non, Pa. The house (1876) is still standing on the farm of Rev. George Bucher, one mile east of Cornwall Furnace, Lebanon County, Pa."

Belonging to and part of this picture is a photo- graph copy of the original agreement, made between the Reformed and Lutherans, the day preA'ious to the dedication of the "Hill Church, and dated August nth, 1744. This one is the one signed by the Re- formed people and their Pastor Templeman. Another, which is an exact copy of this, was signed by the mem- bers of the Lutheran Congregation and their Pastor, Rev. John Casper Stoever.

On the Seventh (7th) day of Januar}^ ^755> Jacob Hoecker (or Hockerj conveyed ])y deed, two acres of land to Christopher Long, George Ellinger, Jacob Grove and John Wolfersbeger,. for tlie use of the

BEFORE AND FROM I760 TO 1 792 9

Reformed and Lutheran Congregations at Grubben Land, on which the Church was built. On the 226. day of November, 1762, John Hamsher conve3'ed by deed, to John Adam Steiger, Frederick Wolfersbeger, Martin Hiller and David Harpsher, two (2) acres and twelve perches of land for the use of the Lutheran and Reformed Congregations, (afterwards called Grubben Church). The deed is recorded in Deed Book G., page 544, etc., consideration five (5) pounds.

George Steitz, is said to have laid out the town of Lebanon in 1756, (though George Reynold had laid out some lots in 1740) and who died about 1762, con- ve^^ed b}^ indenture, dated June loth, 1760, to Freder- ick Steindorff, Felix Miller and Jacob Sollinger, Dea- cons, as a gift, two contiguous lots of ground, in the town of Lebanon, on the corner of Hill (now Walnut Street) and what is now Partridge Alley, fronting on the South on Hill, or Walnut Street, and running Northward, 12 perches, to what is now Strawberry Alley. These two lots are the greater part of the old grave3'ard east of the Church. The consideration mentioned in this deed, was the payment of one red rose in the month of June of each and every year, if lawfully demanded.

A Church, no doubt a log building, was built on said lots, near, or towards the corner of Partridge and

lO EARLY HISTORY

Strawberry Alle3\s. It was dedicated on the i8th of Jul>', 1762 (see Hebron Diary).

The Church was to be forever called Tabor. Here the Congregation held its services until June 12th, 1792, when the building was much damaged b}- light- ning. During the time elapsing, until the present Church was read}- for use, the Reformed people seem to have worshipped in the Lutheran Church Edifice.

The following is a copy of the original conve}'- ance made by George Stites, and above referred to. This and other deeds here incorporated are links in this historic chain, and tell a part of the story : —

KIRST DKED

|['llfe JJlilSjitDfE, MADE the Tenth day of June, in the year oi our Lord, One Thousand Seven Hundred and Sixty, Betiveeii <^jr:orge Stites of the I'own of Lebanon, in the Township of Lebanon, in the County of Lancaster, and the Province of Pennsylvania, Gent, of the one part, and Frederick Steindorf, Felix Miller and Jacob Sollinger, all of the Township, County and Province aforesaid, Dea- cons of the Dutch Presbyterian Congregation, in the said Tov n of the other part. JVitnesseth, that the said George Stites, as well rejrarding the advancement of true religion and piety, and favoring the niemlers of the said Congi-egation in the said sum of Five Shillings, lawful money of Pennsylvania, to him the said George Stites paid before Ensealing and Delivery of these Presents, the receipt and payment of which is hereby acknowledged, hath given, granted, released and confirmed, and by these Presents, (and the direction and appointment of the members or persons belonging to the said Congregation), Doth give, grant, release and confirm unto the said Frederick SteindorflF, Felix Miller and Jacob Sollinger, their heirs and assigns, All that cer-

BEFORE AND FROM 1760 TO 1^92 II

tain Lot or Piece of Ground, situate, lying and being in the said Town of Lebanon, containing in front on a street in the Plan of the said Town, called Hill Street, eight perches, thence along a Lot of John Myer's, twelve perches to a post, thence along Sirawberry Alley, eight perches to a post, thence along Partridge Alley twelve perches to the place of beginning (part of a certain tract oi Jand containing three hundred and sixty-five acres, and one hundred and twenty-six perches, which by the Patent of the Honorable Proprietaries of the said Prov- iiice of Pennsylvania, dated the Twenty-second Day of May, One Thousand Seven Hundred and Fifty-three, was granted and confirmed to the said George Stites, his heirs and assigns forever,) which said Lot is known in the place of Said Town bv the No. 136, Together \^\\\^ all and singular the Rights, members and ai)purtenances whatsoever to the same belonging or in any-wise appertaining, and the Reversions and Remainders thereof and all the Estate, Rights, Title, Property, Pos- sessions, Claim and Demand as well in Law as in Equity of him the said George Stites, of in and to the same and every part thereof, to have and to hold the said described lot of Ground, Hereditaments and all and singular the Premises hereby granted and released for meant mentioned or intended so to be, w ith the appurtenances unto the said Frederick Steindorf, Felix Miller and Jacob Sollinger, and the Survi- vors and Survivor of them their Heir^ and Assigns forever. In trust to and for the only proper use and benefit and behoof of the said Dutch Presbyterian Congregation forever, And to no other L^se, Intent or Purpose whatsoever (that is to say} as a place whereon to erect a House or Church for ye use of the said Congregation, wherein to per- form Divine Services and Religious \Vorship, and as a Place wherein to bury their dead if need require, yielding and paying therefore unto the said George Stites his Heiis or Assigns, at the said town of Leba- non, the yearly rent of one Red Rose in the Month of June forever if lawTully demanded, Provided, always nevertheless that neither they the said Frederick Steindorfif, Felix Miller and Jacob Sollinger, or any of them or any other person or persons succeeding them in this Trust, who shall or may happen to fall away from the said community or religious Fellowship, and shall be declared by the vestry and wardens for the time being to be out of unity with them, shall be capable to

12 EARLY HISTORY

execute this Trust, or stand seized to the uses aforesaid, nor have any Right or Title in the Premises while he or they shall be out of Unity as aforesaid, but that in all such cases as also wheii any of them the said Frederick Steindorff, Felix Miller and Jacob Sollinger, or others succeeding them in the 'liust aforesaid, shall draw near to depart this life, that then it shall and may be lawful to and for the members of the said Congregation, or such as shall continue of the said community and religious Fellowship, as often as occasion shall require to make choice of others to manage and execute the said Trust, instead of such as shall so fall awav or be Deceased. And further that thev the said Frederick Steindorff, Felix Miller and Jacob Sollinger and the Survi- vors or Survivor of them their Heirs and Assigns, shall at the instance and request of the members of the said Congregation, either Assign, Surrender and set over, or convey and settle the said Lot and Premises to such other person or persons, as they the members of said Congre- gation shall therefore nominate and appoint to and for the Uses, Intents and Purposes aforesaid, in such manner and form as by the members of said Congregation, or by their Council, learned in the law shall reasonably be advised, devised or required. And the said George Stites for himself and his heirs doth Covenant and Promise, grant to and with the said Frederick Steindorff, Felix Miller and Jacob Sollinger, and the Survivors and Survivor of them, their Heirs and Assigns, by these Presents, that he the said George Stites and his heirs, the said above described Lot of Ground and Premises hereby granted and released, (or meant mentioned or intended so to be) with the appurte- nance unto them the said Frederick Steindorff Felix Miller and Jacob Sollinger, and the Survivors and Suivivor of them their Heirs, and Assigns against him the said George Stites, and his Heiis and against all and every other person and Persons whatsoever (for the Uses, In- tents and Purposes aforesaid) shall and will warrant and forever defend by these Presents, In Witness whereof the said parties to these Presents have hereunto interchangeably set their hands and seals, Dated the Day and Year first above written.

Scaled and Delivered in the presence of

ADAM REED \ GEORGE STEITS, [s. s.]

JOHN THORNE /

BEFORE AND FROM 1760 TO 1 792 1 3

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Be it Remetnbered, That on the Twenty-first Day of August, A. D., 1764, Before me the Subscriber, one of his Majesty's Justices of the Peace, for the County of Lancaster, came the above named Geojge Stites, and acknov. ledged the above Indenture to be his Act and Deed, and desired that the same might be recorded as such, according to law. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal.

ADAM REED, [s. s.]

SECOND OR SHERIKK'S DEED

For some reason, which it seems now difficult to determine with certainty, the following Indenture (or Sheriff's Deed) was made and executed, August ist,

1765-

|['i3i |lililllii^ MADE the First Day of August in the year of our Lord, One Thousand, Seven Hundred and Sixty-five, be- tween the Rev. John Casper Stoever, Clerk, and Mary Catharine, his wife, Christopher Wegman, Inn-holder, and Eva Maria his wife Philip Greenawalt, Inn-holder, and Margaretta his wife, Casper Schneble, Shopkeeper and Sabina his wife, Georgt Hock, Tanner, ard Sophia his wife, Christian Gist, Blacksmith, and Sophia his wife, John Ulrich Schnebele, and Eva his wife, all of the Township of Lebanon, in the County of Lancaster, and Province of Pennsylvania, of the <7«^ /ar/, and John Huber, John Rohrer, Jacob Smith and Abraham Weideman, Trustees and Wardens to and for the only use, purpose and benefit of the German Presbyterian Congregation, settled and established in the same place of the other part. Whereas, George Reynolds, of Lebanon, in the County of Lancaster, Yeoman by virtue of some Devises or Conveyances to him made, was lately seized and possessed of three certain contiguous tracts of Land in Lebanon, aforesaid, which said three contiguous Tracts of Land, or the better part thereof were by the said George Reynolds, and one George Stitz, the former owner and possessor thereof, laid out for a Town called

14 EARLY HISTORY

Lebanon, And Whereas, by virtue of several writs issuing out of the County Court of Common Pleas, at Lancaster, to the Sheriff of Lancaster County aforesaid, directed the above mentioned three con- tiguous Tracts of Lami and Premises, and the rent charges issuing out of th" said Town Lots were seized and taken in execution by John Hay, Esquire, then High Sheriff of Lancaster County aforesaid, who sold the same with the Rents Issues and Profits thereof unto the said John Casper Stoever, Christopher Wegman, Philip Greenawalt, Casper Schnebeie, George Hock, Christian Gish and John Ulrich Schnebele, and to theii heirs and assigns forever, as in and by a Deed Roll, duly CKCCuted by the said Sheriff, and acknowledged in open court, the Fourth Day of November, Anno Domini, 1763, relation thereunto being had at large appears Now this Indenlure Witnesseth that the said John Casper Stoever and Mary Catharine his wife, Christopher Wegman and Eva Maria his wife, Philip Greenawalt and Margaretta his wife, Casper Schnebele and Sabina his wife, George Hock and Sophia his wife. Christian Gish and Sophia his wife, John Ulrich Schnebele and Eva his wife, for and in consideration of the sum of Five Pounds lawful money of Pennsylvania, to them in hand paid by the said John Huber, John Rohrer, Jacob Smith and Abraham Wide- man, at and before the execution of these presents, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, have and each of them hath granted and bargained, sold, released and confirmed, and by these presents, they the said John Casper Stoever and Mary Catharine his wife, Chris- topher Wegman and Eva Maria his wife, Philip Greenwalt and Mar- garetta his wife, Casper Schnebele and Sabina his wife, George Hock and Sophia his wife. Christian Gish and Sophia his wife, John Ulrich Schnebele and Eva his wife, Do and hereby each of them doth grant, bargain, sell, alien, demise, release and confirm untc the said John Huber, John Rohrer, Jacob Smith and Abraham Wideman, and the Survivors or Survivor of them, and the heirs and assigns of such Survivor in Trust, to and for the only use, intent and benefit of the German Presbyterian Congregation aforesaid, and for no other use, intent and purpose whatsoever that certain Lot or piece of Ground, situate lying and being in the town of Lebanon aforesaid, containing in front on a street in the general plan of said Town, called Hil'

BEFORE AND FKOM 1760 TO 1792 I5

Street, eight perches, and in depth to Strawberry Alley, twelve perches, bounded on the South by said Street, and on the West by

on the North by and on the East by

whicl' said lot in the plan aforesaid is 136. It being part of the above men- tioned three contiguous Tracts of Land, Together with all and sin^^u- lar the Buildings and Improvements, Right, Liberties, Privileges, Hereditaments and Appurtenances whatsoever to the same, belonging or in any wise appertaining, and the Reversions and Remainders thereof, and TiW the Estate, Right, Title, Interest, Property, Possession, Claim and Demand whatsoever as well in Law as in Equity of them the said John Casper Stoever and Mary Catharine his wife, Christopher Wegman and Eva Maria his wife, Philip Greenwalt and Margaretta his wife, Casper Schnebele and Sabina his wife, George Hock and Sophia his wife. Christian Gish and Sophia his wife, John Ulrich Schnebele and Eva his wife, and every of them, of, in and to the same and every part and parcel thereof. To have and to hold the said Lot of Ground described as aforesaid. Hereditaments and all and sin- gular the Premises hereDy granted and released or meant mentioned, and intended so to be with the appurtenances unto the said John Huber, Jacol) Smith and Abraham Wideman, and to the Survivors or Survivor of them, and the Heirs and Assigns of such Survivor, A'ever- theless to-and for the only Use, Benefit and Behoof of all and every of the German Presbyterian Congregation, settled and established in that part of the country where the said granted premises is situate, lying and being and to and for no other Use, Intent and Purpose, for- ever Yielding and paying therefore unto the said John Casper Stoever, Christopher Wegman, Philip Greenwalt, Casper Schnebele, George Hock, Christian Gish and John Ulrich Schnebele, their Heirs and Assigns, at the said Town of Lebanon, in the month of June, yearly, forever hereafter the rent of one Red Rose if the same shall be law- fully demanded, And \}cv& said John Casper Stoever, Christopher Weg. man, Philip Greenwalt, Casper Schnebele, George Hock, Christian Gish and John Ulrich Schnebele, for themselves severally and respect- ively and not jointly, nor the one for the other of them and fcr their

1 6 EARLY HISTORY

several and respective Heir?, Do covenant, promise, grant and agree to and with the said John Huber, John Rohrer, Jacob Smith and Abraham Wideman, Trustees as aforesaid, and Survivors or Survivor of them, and the Heirs and Assigns of such Survivor in Trust, to and for t'le Use, Intents and Purposes aforesaid, and their Successors in the said Trust forever, that they the said John Casper Stoever, Christo- plier Wegman, Philip Greenwalt, Casper Schnebele, George Hock, Christian Gish and John Ulrich Schnebele and their several and re- spective Heirs, the said described Lot of Ground Hereditaments and Premises hereby granted and released or mentioned, and intended so to be with the appurtenances unto the said John Huber, John Rohrer, Jacob Smith and Abraham Wideman in Trust as aforesaid, against the said John Casper Stoever, Christopher Wegman, Philip Greenwalt, Casper Schnebele, George Hock, Christian Gish and John Ulrich Schneble and their several ami respective heirs, and against all and every other person and persons whatsoever, lawfully claiming or to claim any Estate, Right, Title or Interest in the said Premises or any part thereof, by from or under them any or either of them, shall and will warrant and forever defend by these Presents, In witness whereof the said parties to these Presents have interchangeably set their hands and Seals hereunto dated the Day and Year first above written.

Sealed and Delivet-ed in the presence of us,

JOHN HAY,

JOPIN THORNE

DANIEL STRON (or STROW)

Mary Catharine (her X mark) Stoever, John Casper Stoever, [s.s.]

E\a Maria (herXmark) Wegman, Christopher Wegman, [s.S.]

Margaretta (herXmark) Greenwalt, Philip Greenwalt, [s.S.]

Sabina (her Ea mark) Schnebele, Casper Schnebele, [s.s.]

Sophia (her X mark) Hock, George Hock, [s.s.]

Sophia (her X mark) Gish, Christian Gish. [s.s.]

Eva (her E mark) Schnebele, John Ulrich Schnebele, [s.s.]

BEFORE AND FROM I760 TO 1 792

17

Be/ore /ne,T\i& Subscriber, one of His Majesty's Justices of the Peace for the County of Lancaster, came the above named John Casper Stoever :ind Mary Catharine his wife, Christopher V\ egman and Eva Maria his \\ ife, C.isper Schnebele and Sabina his wife, George Hock and Sophia liis wife. Christian Cish and Sophia his wife, and John UU-ich Schneb.e and Eva liis wife, iind acknowledged the above writ- ten Indenture to be their act and deed, and desired that the same might be recorded as such according to law, the said Mary Catharine, Eva Maria, Marg.iretta, Sabina, Sophia, Sophia and Eva, whereunto freely consenting they being each of them of full age, and by me secretly ?ind apart from their husbands examined. In testiviony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this Fifth Day of August, A.D., 1765. JOHN HAY [s. s.]

[l. s.] Entered in the office for Recording of Deeds in and for the County of Lancaster, in Book IVL, page 44, the Eleventh Day of July Anno Domini, One Thousand Seven Hundred and Sixty-six, Witness my hand and Seal of my office.

EDWARD SFHPPEN, Recorder

Accompanying this Deed or Indenture there is also the following receipt : —

Received the Day of the Date of the within written Indenture of and from the within named John Huber, John Rohrer, Jacob Smith and Abraham Wideman, the full sum of Five Pounds, it being the consideration wilhin mentioned in full, received in the name and for each and every of the Grantors within mentioned, say received by me, John Casper Stoever.

Witnesses present at signing,

I. C. DeHAAS, W^\L McCULLOUH.

A True Copy of the Original.

Recorded 783, No, Dated August 1st, 1765

I 8 EARLY HISTORY

In 1772, a dry stone wall was built around said lots at a cost of about $130.00. Masons then worked for 50 cents a da}-, and laborers for 33 cents, with boarding rates at one shilling, (about 23 cents).

In 1773, the congregation already belonged to Soetus or S3^nod.

On the 8th of March, 1780, Philip Greenwalt and wife, in consideration of $80.00, conveyed to Gottfried Eichelberner, Michael Krebs and Rudolph Kelker, Trustees of the congregation, the lot of ground on which the present Church and Sexton's House now stands. A parsonage for the use of the Pastor was purchased in 1783, by Gottfried Eichelbrener, Nicholas Weiss, John Tetweiler, John Bickel, Jacob Labshcr and Henry Dubs, for the use of Lebanon, Jonestown and Hill Congregations.

From the very beginning German Services were doubtless held in the Church every two weeks. Cer- tainly as far back as 1773. Since 1828 regular Eng- lish services have been held. How often, however, does not appear from any accessible records. The Baptismal and Marriage records were carefully kept since 1764.

>i' * ;li H<

BEFORE AND FROM I760 TO I792 I9

DKED OR F»HILIF» aRKKNWALX

TO

Gottfried Eichelbermr and others for use of Presbyterian Congrega- tion, ?>th of March, 1780.

ll/ilUill/JJ^ MADE on the Eighth Day of March, One Thousand (Seven) Hundred and Eighty, between Philip Grecn- yvalt of Lebanon Townbhip, in the County of Lancaster, in the Com- monwealth of Pennsylvania, Esquire and Margaretta his wife, of the one part, and Gottfried Eichelberner, Michael Krebbs and Rudolph Kelker of the same place. Yeomen, Trustees and Wardens, to and for the only Use, Purpose and Benefit of the German Presbyterian Congre- gation, settled and established in the said Township of the other part, Whereas, the late Proprietaries of Pennsylvania, in and by a certain Patent, bearing date the Twenty-seventh day of May, One Thousand, Seven Hundred and Fifty-three, did grant and confirm unto George Stites, his heirs and assigns forever, Two Tracts of Land, situate in the Town- ship and County aforesaid, which said Patent is recovered in the Rolls Office at Philadelphia, in Patent Book A, Vol. 17, page 304, and the said George Stites, by an indenture bearing date the Nineteenth Day of January, One Thousand Seven Hundred and Sixty-one, recorded in the Office for Recording of Deeds, for the County of Lancaster, in Book G, Page 95, granted and conveyed the said Two Tracts of Land with the appurtenances unto George Reynolds, his heirs and assigns forever, And Whereas, the said George Reynolds and Lienor his wife, in and by an Indenture or Conveyance, bearing date the Twentieth Day of May, One Thousand Seven Hundred and Sixty-two, did grant and convey unto John Meyer, a certain Lot or Piece of Ground (part of the said Two Tracts of Land) situate in the Town of Lebanon, befrinninp: at a post iui front, on a street called Hill Street, and from thence four perches to a post, a corner of the Presbyterian Church Lot, and from thence along the said Church Lot, twelve perches in depth to a fifteau foot alley called Strawberry Alley, thence along the same four perches to a post, and thence along Chestnut Street 12 perches to the place of beginning, which said lot is known by the number of 34

20 EARLY HISTORY

in the general plan of the said Town, together with the appurtenances to hold to him the said John Meyer, his heirs and assigns forever, sub- ject to the yearly rent and covenants in the said Indenture mentioned and reserved, And W/iet-eas the said John Meyer, in and by an assign- ment, dated the 17th day of February, One Thousand, Seven Hundred and Sixty-six, endorsed on the same Indenture, did grant, bargain, sell and confirm unto the said Philip Greenwalt, all that the above described Lot or piece of Giound, with the appurtenances to hold to him the said Philip Greenwalt, his heirs and assigns forever, as in and by the said recited Indenture, and Indorsement, relation thereunto being had at large, appears, JVuw this Indenture Wi/nesseth, that the said Philip Greenwalt and Margaretta his wife, for and in considera- tion of the sum of thirty pounds, lawful money of Pennsylvania, thtm or one of them in hand, well and truly paid by the said Gottfried Eich- elberner, Michael Krebs and Rudolph Kelker, at and before the seal- ing of and delivery of these presents (the receipt and payment whereof arv.- hereby acknowledged) have granted, bargained and sold, aliened, released and confirmed, and by these presents, they the said Philip Greenwalt and Margaretta his wife, do grant, bargain, sell, alien, release and confirm unto the said Gottfried Eichelberner, Michael Krebbs and Rudolph Kelker, and the Survivors or Survivor of them and the heirs ar.d assigns of such Survivor, /;/ Trust, to and for the only use, intent and benefit of the German Presbyterian I ongregation aforesaid, and for no other use, intent or purpose whatsoever, all that the above mentioned and described Lot of Ground, according to tbe distances, bounds and limits above set forth and particularly descril td, together with the School House and all other houses and buildings thereon erected, and being members and appurtenances whats<;ever to the same, belonging or in any wise appeitaining, and the Revet sions and Remainders thereof, and all the Estate, Right, Title, Interest, Claim and Demand of him the said Philip Greenwalt and Marcaretta his wife, of, in and to the same and every part and parcel thereof, 7o have and to hold \\ie. above described Lot or Piece of Ground, Hered- itaments and Premises heieby granted and released (or mentioned or intended to be) with the appurtenances to the said Gottfiied Eichel- berner, Michael KrebLs and Rudolph Kelker, and the Surxivcrs and

BEFORE AND FROM I760 TO 1 792 21

Survivor of them, and the heirs and- assigns of sucli Survivor, never- theless to and for the only use, benefit and behoof of all and every of the members of the German Presbyterian Congregation, settled in and near the said Town of Lebanon, and to and for no other use, intent or purpose forever, under and subject to the payment of the yearly rent now due and hereafter to become due and payable for tine same, and the said Philip Greenwalt for himself and his heirs, doth covenant, promise and grant to and with the said Gottfried Eichelbemer, Michael Krebbs and Rudolph Kelker and the Survivors and Survivor of them, and the heirs and assigns of such Survivor in Trust, to and for the purpose aforesaid, and their Successors in the said trust (orever, that he, the said Philip Greenwalt and his heirs, the above described Lot or Piece of Ground, Hereditaments and Premises hereby granted and released, (T mentioned or intended so to be, with the appurtenances unto the said Gottfried Eichelberner, Michael Krebbs and Rudolph Kelker, their Successors in the Trust aforesaid, again^t him the said Philip Greenwalt and his heirs, and against all and every other person or persons, whomsoever lawfully claiming or to claim, by from or under him, ihem or any of them shall and will warrant and forever defend by these presents. In zvitness whereof the said parties to these presents have hereunto intercliangeably set their hands and seals, dated the Dav and Year first above written.

Receipt here

Acktiowl-

edgenients

here

Sealed and Delivered in the presence of us^

PHILIP GREENWALT, y JOHN THOME.

PHILIP GREENWALT, [s.s.] MARGARET (her X mark) GREENWALT

Received on the Day of the Date of the alx)ve written Indenture, of and from the above named Gottfried Eichelberner, Michael Krebbs and Rudolph Kelker, the sum of thirty pounds lawful money of Pennsylvania, being the consideration money above mentioned in full. I say received per me. PHILIP GREENWALT,

IVitueises presetU at signing,

PHILIP GREENWALT, Jr., JOHN THOME,

22 EARLY HISTORY

Lancaster County, SS. :

Be it Remembered, That on the Thirteenth Day of April, Anno Domini, 1780, before me the Subscriber, one of the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas for the said County, came the above named Philip Greenwalt and Margaretta his wife, and acknowledged the above written Indenture to be their Act and Deed, and desire that the same may be recorded as such according to law. In Testiviojty whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the Day and Year aforesaid.

JOHN THOME, [s. s.]

Second Part

EARLY HISTORY FROM 1 792 TO 1845

THERE seemed to be at thivS time a real fraternal feeling existing between these twin churches of the Protestant Reformation. It is certain that

in those early da\'s a very cordial relationship w^as had between the Reformed, Moravian and Lutheran Pastors. The}' were accustomed to meet at each others' houses for mutual conference and the study of God's word.

Feeling the need, and probably driven by neces- sity^, the congregation started to build a new church, about 42 b}' 62 feet; It forms the body of the church as it now stands. June 26th, 1792, the corner-stone was laid in the presence of Rev. Ludwig Lupp, then pastor, and Rev. William Hendeh% who preached the sermon from the words Genesis xxviii : 22, — '*And this stone which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that thou givest me I will surely give the tenth unto thee,"

Among other things the following was deposited in the corner-stone. It was written in German by the Rev. Eudwig Eupp: — "In the name of the Holy

24 EARLY HIvSTORY

Trinit}', Amen. This corner-stone of the German Reformed was laid in a solemn and appropriate manner in the presence of the Rev, Hendel, minister of the German Reformed Church on the 26th of Jmie, 1792.

The Pastor was the Rev. Lndwig Lnpp ; Elders, Philip Greenwalt and David Tice ; Deacons, Henry ShafFner and Nicholas Dinges ; Building Committee, Philip Greenwalt, John Gloninger, Authcu}^ Kelker, Gottfried Eichelberner, George Bowman and Mai tin I mil off.

To our blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, as the true foundation of the Church, we devote the edifice here to be erected, under the name of the Evan- gelical Reformed Congregation in Lebanon Township, Dauphin County. (This must be Lancaster County).

Beloved children and posterity, we deposit in this corner-stone a document or testimonial from which, should it ever come to light, it Avill be seen that the corner-stone of this Reformed Church was laid on the 26th of June, 1792, that thereby your souls, as well as our own, might be edified by the preaching of the blessed gospel according to the only foundation of the Apostles and Prophets. That your children may be admitted by baptism into God's covenant of Grace ; be instructed in the blessed Gospel, — be admitted into full Communion with the Church, by Confirmation ;

FROIM 1792 TO 1845 25

and with "us partake of the Holy Sacrament of our Lord Jesus Christ, to our mutual edification and growth in grace.

God grant, that, in tliis important service and enterprise, we may have only in view the glorification of His holy name ; that it may be our earnest purpose and endeavour, as instruments in the hands of God to save and deliver 3'ou from spiritual and eternal death, and that you may obtain life and everlasting salvation. May you not only through the efforts and services of faithful ministers grow in the knowledge of the Gospel truths and of the duties of our holy religion, but may 3^ou also allow yourselves to be stimulated, and urged to the practical discharge of christian duty and grow in a constant experience of the saving and transforming power of divine truth. May you, be- loved, and your posterit}^ in all coming time earnestl}" endeavour in the use of the divineU' appointed means to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you may be fruitful branches in Christ the living vine, children of light, members of the mystical body, and living stones in God's Spirit- ual Zion, and so remain unto the end. If you thus prove faithful, you shall never want for comfort and con.solation in 3'our darkest hours of trial and tempta- tion,^^ for the gracious promises of our Heavenly

26 EARLY HISTORY

Father shall be 3'ours ; and when at last you shall be called to pass through tlie dark valley of the shadow of death, you shall fear no evil, for the Good Shepherd will be with you, to guard and comfort you with His rod and staff, and will conduct you safely into the Heavenly Jerusalem. Now the God of peace, which brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, that great Shepherd of the Sheep, through blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is w^ell pleasing in his sight through Jesus Christ; to whom be glor}^ forever and ever, Amen."

— :o:

PROGRAM OF CHILDREN'S SERVICE

This service was held on the Lord's Day, June 24th, preceeding the laying of the corner-stone. Though there was as yet no Sunday School, yet we see that the Parish school was thus made to be a real part of the Congregation, and the children made to feel that they had also a great interest in the Church, which was being erected for the worship of God.

The program used came to us through the Hon. Rudolph Kelker, of Harrisburg, wiiose grandfather was Treasurer of the Church when building. Believ- ing it may serve a good purpose now and hereafter, we feel that it should have a place* in this histor}-.

FROM 1792 TO 1845 27

ZUM KN^BCHEN FEST.

LITURGIST.

Kommt Kinder iind laszt euch vom Kinder-freiind Segiien, Er will euch so freundlich, so Zcertlich begegnen, Wie ehnials da man Ihni die Kindlein darbraclite Die Er Seine Gnade gern thielhaftig maclitc.

KINDER.

Du Scgnest so gern, Du Segnest so gern !

CHOP.

Herr wende Dich zu ihnen und sei ihnen gnaedig

Wie du pflegst zu thun denen die deinen Namen lieben,

Lasz sie Dich suchen von ganzeni Hertzen und Dich linden

Lasz ihnen deine Gnade widerfahren, deine Huelfe nach deincni

Du erkennest was fur ein Gemaecht wir sind, [Wort.

Du denkest daran dasz wir Staub sind.

Lasz ihnen ganz gewisz seyn in deineni Wort;

Und lasz kein Unrecht ueber sie herschen.

Lasz dein Antlitzleuchten ueberjedesundlehresie deine Rechte.

Ihr Erbe lasz seyn, Herr, dasz sie deine Wege halten,

Und Ihren Schatz, dasz sie deinen Willen thun,

Deine Rechte sei ihr Lied ini Hausc ihrer Wohlfart;

Setze sie zu oelzweigen in deineni Hause.

Wie die Pfeile in der Hand eines Starken,

Also niueszen Dir gerathen die jungen Knaben.

KINDER.

Ach lasz auf deinen Versuehnen !

SOLO.

Wie wohl ihr schon arnie Kinder seyd, VoU Maengel, Elend, und Suendigkeit. Wird doch alle Gnade und all' Gut, Dasz ihr nun brauchet aus Jesu Blut

Euch niitgetheilt Sucliet Ihn inimer von Hertzens Grund, Und niacht audi lieute niit Ihiii den Bund, Ihr seiii wollt seyn, und ilini auch bleibsn So wird sein Geist zu alleni treiben

Was Ihn erfreu't.

CHOR.

Gib mir niein kind dein Herz Spricht der Herr, und lasz deine Augen nieinc Wege wohlgefallen.

2S IvVRI.Y HISTORY.

LITURGIST.

Ach Moechtc jcdcs rccht scin CTlucck bcdcnkcn, I'nd sich dcm Hcilaiul j^anz zii cij<cn schcnkcn; Dciin Kr will cucli mit scincn Augcn Icitcii Diirch allc Zciten.

KINDER.

1. Dciiie scgensrciche Yugcnd I'nscr Vorbild Jcsu Christ ! Huclf uns all zu solclic Tugcnd,

Die der dcinc lehnlich ist

2. Ninmi Dir hctite ganz aufs neue, Unser Geist, und Seel, und Leib; Gib dasz jedes ganz gedeihe, Und dein Eigenthuni verbleib.

CHOP.

Kindlein l^leibet bei Ihm, dasz ihr nicht zu Schanden werdet vor

Ihni in seiner Zukunft, Ihr seyd tliener erkauft darum preiszet Gott an enreni Leibe und

Cjciste welchc sind Gottes.

LITURGIST UND G>ESTE.

Nun ihr seydsotheurerworben, Der Herr istfuereuch gestorben, Ihr seyd niit seineni Blut erkauft, Daruni gebt Ihni evire Herzcn, Zuni Lohn seiner Bitt're Schnierizen; In seineni Todt seyd ihr

getauft. Bringet Ihni auch jetzo hier, Lob, und Preisz, und Dank dafuer,

Jedes Stininie, — so gut es kann, — Das Loblied an.

ALLE.

Der Herr hat Viel an uns gethan !

CHOR UND KINDER.

Oh, dasz doch jedes niit frcelicheni Cieiste Deni Lamm dasz mit Blut unser Seclcn crworben; Fuer Zeit und fuer Ewig, ganz hertzlich sich Weihe, Und alle Ihn preiszen Der fuer sie gestorben, Und alle Ihn preiszen Der fuer sie gestorben.

ALLE.

Dir Lob, und Preisz, und Ehr, und Macht Von uns Erlresten sei gebracht.

EARLY HISTORY

LEADER

Come, and be blessed by the Friend of the Children. He will as kindly, as g^ently, receive yon. As when they bronght the little ones to Him, And he so gladly gave them his favor.

CHILDREN

Oh, Thou, so cheerfully, dost bless!

CHOIR

Lord, turn and be thou gracious unto them.

As Thou wilt, to all who love Thy name ;

May they seek with the heart and find 1 hee,

Let them find Thy favor and Thy help.

As by Thy word ; who our frame dost know.

And remeniberest we are only dust.

Thy holy word let them securey trust.

And sin have no dominion oyer them :

Th\^ face upon them shine, and thy will

Alway be their blessed heritage.

And the keeping of Thy law their joy,

And Thy praise the burden of their song,

In the house of their inheritance. ,

As olive branches in Thy temple.

Like the arrows of the mighty ones,

Thus, let the children flourish before Thee.

CHILDREN

Oh yes. we praise His tender grace. His reconciling grace we prase.

SOLO

Though you are only children, weak, >eedy, helpless and full of sin. Yet His grace, and every needed good For His blood so freely shed, will

He with you share. Then alway seek Him with the heart, And make with Him this day a bond, That you'll be His, and His remain : Then, His Spirit, >ou will lead For His pleasure

CHOIR

Thus saith the Lord, my child, give me thy heart. And let Thine eyes, with J03-, my way behold !

FROM 1792 TO 1845 LEADER

oh, may each, on liis salvation think. And the heart, in full, with Jesus link ; For the Lord, with watchful eye will guide His own forever.

CHILDREN

Jesus Thy hoh- childhood ways, Be the pattern all our days ; Help us, in all thing's, ever be Our blessed Saviour like to Thee !

Oh take, this day. to Thee, anew, Our spirit, soul, and bodj' too; Help each, more holiness to gain. And thine forever to remain.

CHOIR

children, be ye steadfast ever.

That you maj- never,

At His coining be confounded :

He bought you with His blood.

Honor, Thanks and Laud,

To the Christ so deeply wounded !

LEADER

Now ye are His, and His alone, Who did for each of you atone. And on the cross the price hath paid : B3' baptism in his death j-ou're laid Therefore, give now, the Lord j'our heart, A small return, for bitt'rest smart ; Bring Him, also, here and now. Honor, praise and holy vow ; Let ev'ry happy heart; each devoted tongue Speak out in Holy song.

ALL

The Lord for us great things hath done !

CHOIR AND CHILDREN

Oh. that a joyful song might rise From all below— Above the skies, To Him who once was crucified. And is forever glorified.

ALL

Honor, glory, holy worth.

Be to Him who saved us given.

Amen. — Translated by D. E. K.

FROM 1792 TO 1845 29

Over the door on west side of vestibule is this inscription :

HocH Deutsche Rhformirte Kirche Neu-

EINGERICHTET, A. D., 1S47.

Over several windows on the West :

ist. From the North, "Lassct ans Ihu lieben; denn Er hat uns zuerst geUebet."— I John iv, 19.

2d. "Der vernuenftij^e Mensch Icrnct Gottcs Wort gern, und wer die Weisheit Heb hat hoert gern."

3d. "Dicsen Eckstein diescr Kirche is gelegt worden, den 26sten Juni, 1792."

" Herr lass dcinc Augen olTen scin ueljcr dieses Hans Tag und Nacht. Hnerc das Gebet dcines Volks." — II Chron. 20 and 21.

4th. "Das Gesetz deines Mnndes ist mir liebcr denn viel Tauscnd stueck Gold and vSilber."— Psa. cxix, 72.

5th. " Thut Busze und glaubct an das Evangelium." — Mark i, 15.

May 8th, 1796, the church was dedicated. Three sermons were preached^ b}^ Revs. Becker, Pauli and Hendel. The building cost about $6,500.00. At the dedication the collection amounted to $378.65. At the corner-stone laying the offerings were $89.77.

In the year 1806, the town of Lebanon had within the borough limits (as fixed in 1861) 165 dwelling

30 KARI.V HISTORY

houses. I Ihree-story. 85 twcj-sU^ry and 79 one-story. 4 brick, 18 stone, the remainder built of wood en- tirely. 2 Stone Churches, Reformed and Lutheran.

In tlip year 1809 the organ was bought at a cost of about $1500.00. It was dedicated November 9th, 1809.

The present wall around the old grave-3'ard was built in 1 816. The vSteeple at the .south end of the Church was erected in 1827, at a cost of about $3000. 00. Previous to this the two bells were hung in a belfry over the roof of the Church. Part of the Ceme- tery opposite the Church was bought in 1841, the re- mainder in 1848, the whole co.sting $425.00.

The inside of the Church was remodeled in 1844, and the vestibule end on Strawberry Alley in 1847.

:o:

KIEIvKER LETTER

Harrisburg, March 24th, 1892. Rev. er Dear Bi- other :

Yours soliciting information relative to Tabor Reformed Church, Lebenon, came to hand last evening.

My grandfather, Anthony Kelker, was the Treasurer of Tabor Reformed Church, Lebanon, in which you preach. I have in my possession the book in which he took receipts for all his disbursements for the work and materials done and furnished for the erection of the Church.

On the third page thereof is a receipt signed by Henry Harry, dated June 27th, 1792, for £2, 18 sh., i;^ d., for the brass plate and

FROM 1792 TO 1845 31

engraving thereon, which was put into the corner stone. There is also fasteiieil to the inside cover of the book a manuscript of Religious Exercises entitled, " Zum Knaebchen Fest, den 24stn Juni, 1792,'' which is antiphonal ; (other records shows the Corner-stone as being laid June 26th. This therefore must have been used at a special children's service). From this I have supposed that the corner-stone was laid June 24th, 1792. Thtre is a settlement recorded in the book in the hand write of old Judge John Gloninger, father of the late John W. Gloninger, M. D., dated April I4ih, 1797, made by a committee consisting of Philip Greenawalt, Conrad Merch, Jacob Teiss, Martin Imhoff (?) and John Gloninger, from which it appears that the congre- gation owed Grandfather a balance of £ 102, I sh. and 7 d., the amount overpaid by him for the Church. Then follows nine receipts sijined by Anthony Kelker, from May 28th, 1798 to February 21st 1800, for monies which he received on account of this balance aggre_ gating ;^48, 3 sh. and 9 d., which left due to him ^^53, 17 s and 10 d. No doubt the old gentleman took this sum out in preaching, for there is no evidence that he ever received the same in money.

There is a receipt dated July i6th, 1792, signed by Jacob Karch for two shillings, the price of the receipt book. This "Karch" was no doubt the grandfather of Mr. Karch, Cashier of one of your Leba- non Banks. Christopher Uhler was the Carpenter and Builder, and John McFandien the Stone-mason, Conrad Wittmeyer furni.-hed the sand stone "foot steps," Christian Beck did the gilding, etc., of the Pulpit, Philip Fisher the Schmidt arbeiter, John Rohrer made the locks.

Mr. Uhler's bill was £t(>2, 13 sh. and 7 d. Tobias Greider furnished 252 wagon loads of Stone for 7 d. per load, in all, £1, 7 sh. Mc Fanden's Stone-mason's bill was ;i^436, o sh., I d.

In my Grandfather's hand write there is a summary of payments, viz: ."-'undries which are embraced in tKe first three:

Receipts, ... Stone Cutters, - Henry Harry, brass plate, Am Uhler,

£	sh.	d.
I	6	6
57	7	6
2	18	iK
762	13	7

32 EARLY HISTORY

	£	sh.	d
Stone-mason,	436	0	I
Am Na^el Sclimidi, 1 larrisl)urg,	7	II	3
Am Reim, Ilmribburg,		13	0
Am Fiistnacht,	II	13	0
Am Conrad Ley,	- I	7	0
Am Reinohl,	25	8	4
Am Ege,	4	10	0
Am Gloninger,	7	12	4
Am Beck,	-	10	0
Am l^eifher, -	3	15	4
Am Gieiter,	7	7	0
Am Rohrer,	7	10	6
L	^33^	3	6

Peter Gloninger received £'j, 12 sli , 4 d., for Black Cloth, Candlesticks and other articles for the New Church, (likely for trim- ming the Pulpit).

Grandfather retained it doubtless as a voucher for his disburse- ments. After his decease in 1812, it came into my father's hands, and when he departed this life in 1857 it came to me, and it has been carefully preserved as a family relic. My father, Frederick Kelker, was confirmed in the Church which Grandfather helped to build. My Uncle John Kelker collected the money to buy the Organ. One of the most deliiihtful communions I ever attended was in the Church at the Synod of i860. I shall never forget it while I live.

My Grandparents Anthony and Maria Magdelena Kelker, rest in the "God's Acre" in the rear of your Church.

Yours in Christian Bonds,

RUD. F. KELKER

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Third Part

CHARTKR AND HISTORY FROM 1845 ^O 1892

In 1845. the following charter of iucorporation was granted by the Legislature of Pennsylvania.

AN ACT.

To incorporate tlie German Reformed Congrega- tion, of the borough of Lebanon and its vicinity.

Skction 1 . Be it enacted b}^ the Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsj-l- vauia, in General Assembl}- met, and it is herein- enacted by the authorit}^ of the same. That the mem- bers of the German Reformed Congregation of the borough of Lebanon and its vicinity, be, and the same are hereby created and erected into one body, politic and corporate in deed and in law, by the name, style and title of "The German Reformed" Congregation of the borough of Lebanon and its vicinit\', and by the same name shall have perpetual succession, and be able to sue and be sued, plead and be impleaded in all courts of law and elsewhere, and shall be able and capable in law and in equity, to take, purchase, hold and receive, to them and their successors, in trust for, and totheuseof thesaidcongregation, lands, tenements,

34 CIIAKTKR AND HISTORY

goods and chattels, of whatsoever kind, nature or quality, real, personal or mixed, which are now, or shall, or may at any time hereafter, become the prop- erty of said congregation, or body corporate, by pur- chase, gift, grant, bargain sale, conveyance, devise, bequest or otherwise, from any person or persons whomsoever capable of making the same, and the same to grant, bargain, sell, improve or dispose of, for the use of the said congregation, as maj- be directed by a majority of such persons as are qualified to vote by the fourth section of this act, that may be present at a meeting to be held for that purpose ; and generally adopt all such matters and things, as may be lawful to be done for the well being and due management of the said Church and Congregation, of which said meeting, at least two weeks notice shall be given from the pulpit, or in any public manner, the trustees or a majorit}' of them shall direct : Provided^ That the yearly value or income of the said estate shall not, at any time, exceed three thousand dollars.

Sec. 2. The business of the said corporation shall be conducted b}^ five Trustees, of whom three shall be a quorum, who shall choose from among their num- ber a President and Secretary, and appoint a Treas- urer, who shall receive and account for all moneys coming into his hands, belonging to the corporation, and who shall be required b}^ the Trustees, give security

FROM 1845 TO 1892 35

for the faithful performance of the trust reposed in him, and shall have his accounts annually settled by the Trustees, and may appoint such other officers as the said Trustees, or a majority of them ma}-, from time to time, deem necessary for the better government of the secular affairs of the said congregation, but no compensation shall be allowed to such officers, unless sanctioned by a majority of the members of the con- gregation entitled to vote, agreeably to the fourth sec- tion of thiti act, present at a meeting thereof

Sec. 3. The following named persons shall be Trustees until others are, or shall be elected, as here- inafter provided, viz : Jacob Arndt, Leonard Greena- walt, Christopher Reigert, Philip Sliaak, Senior, and John W. Gloninger, to continue in office until the first day of Januar}', Anno Domini, One Thousand Eight Hundred and Fort} -six, on which day, except when it occurs on the Sabbath, and then on the succeeding da}', the male membersof the said congregation, quali- fied to vote by the fourth section of this act, shall elect five persons to serve as Trustees, one of whom shall serve five 3'ears, one four 3'ears, one three 3'ears, one two 3'ears, and one for one 3'ear ; the term of service to be designated b3' the electors on their ballots, and their places respectivel3^ shall be supplied at the annual election, to be held for that purpose on that da3^, every 3'ear thereafter by the election of one

36 CHARTTCR AND HISTORY

persDH to serve for five years ; Provided, Xo person shall be eligible as Trustee unless he is a citizen of this Commonwealth, and is a member of the German Re- formed Church l)y confirmation, according to the Constitution of the vSynod of the German Refc^rmed Church in the United States, or \)\ having b'een ])ublicly admitted to membershij), and who shall have paid his contribution towards the discharge of the annual expenses of the congregation, accord- ing to his abilitx', within one >'ear, and Provided further^ if the congregation neglect, on the da\- of the annual election, to hold their election as is herein di- rected, the said corporation shall not be dissolved, but a majority of the Trustees remaining in office may appoint any subsequent time, not exceeding one month, at which the election may be held to supply said vacancies, or such as may occur b)' death or other- wise, the time and place of which, at least two weeks notice to the congregation shall be given, by announce- ment from the pulpit, or in any other public manner a majority of the remaining Trustees may direct. And Provided further. In case the Trustees shall ne- glect or refuse to call meetings, or hold elections as is directed in tliis act. then ten members entitled to vote, agreeably to the fourth section of this act. may call such meetings for the transaction of business stated, or for the purpose of holding such elections, b}- giving

* FROM 1845 TO 1892 37

two weeks notice of the time and place thereof, except ill the dismissal of the Pastor, or any officer, when twenty members by conlirniation, according to the Constitution of the vSynod of the German Reformed Church ill the United States, or by having been pub- lich- admitted to membership, and who shall have respectively contributed to the discharge of the Annu- al expenses of the Congregation, according to their abilitx . within one year, shall be necessary to call a meeting for that purpose.

Sec. -).. Aii\- male member of the Congregation by confirmation according to the Constitution of the Synod of the German Refonned Church in the United States, or hv having been pul)licly admitted to membership, or any contributing member, who is not a member of another congregation, and who shall have paid towards the discharge of the yearly expenses of the Congregation, according to his ability, within one year, and no other.s, shall be entitled to vote at the elections or meetings of the said congregation ; of all which elec- tions,, at least two. weeks notice shall be given b}' annoiwicement from the pulpit, or in any other public manner a majority of the Trustees ma\' direct, except such meetings or elections as are otherwise provided for in this act.

Sec. 5. The Consistory shall be composed of the Pastor, for the tirae beino^, four Elders and four Deacons,

3cS CrrAKTKK AND HISTORY "

of whom two ICklers and two Deacons to sen^e for two years shall be elected at the annual election to l>e held 1>y the corporation, on the first day of January in ever>' year, except when it occurs on the Sabbath, and then on the succeeding day, and of whom five shall l>e a quorum, who shall choose from among tlieir number a President and a Secretary : Proi'i'ded, That in case of vacancy by death or otherwise among the Elders and Deacons, a majority of the male members of the Congregation present, at a meeting to be cor.- vened for the purpose, by the Trustees, agieeably to the fourth Section of this Art, may elect a person or persons to supply the same, until the next election : Provided, further^ That no one shall l>e elected an Elder or Deacon,, w^ho is not a confirmed member of the Gennau Reformed Church, or who has not been publicly admitted to membership ; and such members only as are qualified to vote for Pastor, agreeably to the sixth Section of this Act, shall be entitled to vote for Elders and Deacons: And Prai'zded ficrthe? , Tho^t the present Elders and Deacons shall continue in office for the time for which they have been elected.

Sec. 6. The Pastor of the Congregation, who must be a member of the Synod of the German Re- formed Church in the United States, shall be invited by the Consistory or a majority of them, or upon their neglect or refusal,, by a majority of tlie male members

FROM 1845 TO 1892 39

qualified to vote for Pastor, who may be present at a meeting to be held for that purpose, notice of the time and place of which, not exceeding two weeks, shall be given ; and the Pastor shall be elected b}' a majority of the male members, b}^ confirmation, according to the Constitution of the Synod of the German Reformed Church in the United States, or by having been pub- licly admitted to membership, and who shall have respectiveh" contributed within one year, according to their ability, toward the annual expenses of the con- gregation, and ma}^ l)e present at a meeting to be held for that purpose, after tw^o weeks notice given as directed in the fourth Section of this Act: And it is Provided, That the Bible and Heidelberg Catechism, or an extract from it, authorized by the Synod of the German Reformed Church in the United States, shall be used by the Pastor in the instruction of the youth. Sec. 7, The Pastor of the Congregation or any officer thereof, ma}^ be discharged from his office by a majorit}^ of the male members by confinnatiou, accord- ing to the Constitution of the S3mod of the German Reformed Church in the United States, or by having been publicly admitted to membership, and who shall have respectively contributed within one year, accord- ing to their ability, towards the annual expenses of the Congregation, and may be present at a meeting to 1)6 held for that purpose, and to be called by the

40 CHARTHR AND HISTORV

CoTisiston-, upon the written request, stating the object and design to he tor that purpose, of twenty members qualified as aforesaid, at wliich meeting the vote shall be taken 1)y ballot. b>- three members appointed b}- the members pre.sent entitled tu vote, and two weeks notice of the time and place of such meeting shall be given by announcement from the pulpit, or in any other public manner. Provided, In ca.se of absence or neglect or refusal of the C.onsistorv to call such meetint^. then twenty members qualified as aforesaid, shall ha\e the right to call the same, giving at least two weeks public notice thereof.

vSec. 8. The Trustees and their successors, or a majority of them, shall ha\-e power at all times to adopt, alter, amend, and enforce such rules for the discipline of the members of the Congregation as shall be sanctioned by two-thirds of the members present. at a meeting to be held, of which two weeks notice shall be given, agreeably to the directions of the fourth Section of this Act : Provided. That nothing in this Act shall be so construed as to prevent the said Trust- ees or their successors from expelling any member, according to the Constitution of the Synod of the German Reformed Church in the United vStates, and by such expulsion, depriving him or her of all rights and privileges hereby granted.

FRO^t 1845 TO 1892 41

vSe:c. 9. The said Trustees and their Successors, or a uiajoritv of tlieui sliall have full ])o\ver to enact and enforce such B>'-la\vs and Ordinances for their own government, and for the regulation and transaction of the secular ])usiness of said c<jr|)oration, as shall ]>e sanctioned by a majoritv of the members of the con- gregation })resent. at a meeting U) be held agreeably to the directions of the fourth vSection of this Act: and to make, use, and ha\'e a common seal, and the same to break, alter and renew at pleasure; and shall have power also to change the time of holding the general election, if the same shall be deemed advisable by a majority of the members qualified to vote, present at a meeting convened agreeably to the directions of the fourth Section of this Act : Provided. That the said Trustees or their vSuccessors, shall not contract any debt or debts exceeding twenty dollars, or in anywise encumber the real estate belonging to the Congrega- tion, without the consent of a majority of the male members thereof, entitled to vote as aforesaid, present at a meeting to be convened for the purpose, b}- the Trustees or a majority of them, of the time and place of which, at least two weeks notice shall be given bv announcement from the pulpit, or in any other puldic manner : Provided furtJier, That the said rules and by-laws and ordinances, and all acts of the said Trust- ees, framed, enacted and promulgated, shall not be

42 CHARTKR AND HISTORY

contrary to this Charter, nor to the Constitution and laws of this Commonwealth or of the United States.

Signed, FINDLEY PATTERSON,

Speaker of the House of Representatives

Signed, WILLIAM P. WILCOX,

Speaker of the Senate

Approved the Iwenty-seventJi Day of March, One Thousand

Riifht Hundred and Forty- five. ,.. , j-r)/^ n c-iTiTXTTr

^ -^ Sii^ned, FRO. R. SHUNK

:o:-

On the 24tli of May, 1845, according to announce- ment, and agreeabh' to the provisions of the Charter, the Congregation assembled in the lecture-room of the Church. At this meeting the charter was formally accepted, and the following, among other recommen- dations from the Board of Trustees were unanimously adopted :

1. The discipline of the Constitution of the Re- formed Church in the United States, except where it may be contrary to the Charter of the "German Reformed Congregation of the borough of Lebanon and its vicinity."

2. The management of the spiritual affairs of the Congregation shall reside in the Consistor}'.

3. The Consistor}^ shall meet at least every three months, and in all matters relating to the spiritual welfare and prosperity of the Congregation, it shall be the duty of the Pastor to consult the Consistory.

FROM 1845 TO 1892 43

4. The management of the Sabbath School shall be placed in the hands of the Superintendent and Con- sistor}', and the officers of said school shall be ap- pointed by the Consistory. (According to resolution of Consistory the officers of the Sabbath School are to be chosen or appointed by the teachers).

5. Persons, whether members or not, who have not contributed towards the discharge of the annual expenses of the Congregation, according to their abilit}', within one year, shall have no right to bury their dead in the graveyard of said Congregation, nor shall such persons themselves be buried therein, ex- cept upon application first made to the Trustees, and such sum of mone}^ be paid as they may determine according to circumstances, but in no case shall a less sum than two dollars be demanded and paid for the privilege.

6. The family pew sj^stem was adopted at the English Services.

7. The proceeds of the old bell were applied to the purchase of German and English religious books for the use of the Congregation.

8. Whereas, It is conceived to be an imperative religious duty, that the members constituting a con- gregation should not permit any of their poor and destitute members to suffer from the w^ant of the nec- essaries of life. We therefore recommend, that, at

44 CHAKTl-R AND HISToRV

least, once a year, a sennoii be ])reache(l on tlie sub- ject bi)tli in the (iernian imd Ivnglish langiiaj^e, and a collection taken up expressly for their benefit, and applied by llie Consistory in such manner as they may consider proper and necessary.

The Hoard of '^frustees appointed Christopher Rei- chert. President, and Joliu \\\ Olonin^er, vSecretary. Jacob Mark was made Treasurer.

In the minute-; of the B )ard of Trustees, Novem- ber 14th, 1846, before the drawing" of the ])locks in the new cenieter\-, opposite the Church, we find this Action. "It is required that the person holding a Ijlock in the Cemeter\- . . shall annually pa\' towards the discharge of the yearly expenses of the Congregation, according to ability."

In 1852, the Jonestown Congregation conveyed its interest in the parsonage to the Church in Lebanon.

According to the minutes of January ist, 1852, "in view of the increasing prevalence of the English language, the Congregation resolved to take steps to have at least one Engli.sh Sermon preached on each Lord's iJay, from the ist of April, 1846." In pursu- ance of this Action, notice was given to the Annville Congregation of the desire to have the Pastor cease his ministrations among them from and after April ist, 1846.

FROM 1845 TO 1892 45

In 1857, John W. Gloninger and wife, conveyed a lot of ground at the turn-pike, west of town, for a Cemetery. During the year i860, sixty-eight persons. 26 males. 32 females were dismissed for the purpose of organizing the vSt. John's (2d) Reformed Church of Lebanon. In regard to this we quote paU of the Pastor's report made to the Congregation January ist. 1861. " It is proper to note in tliis report, the inter- esting fact, that on the i8th of October last (i860), the new St. John's Reformed Church of this place was dedicated to the service of the Triune God. At the request (>f the officers of said Church, tlie Pastor of the First Reformed Church performed the serA'ice of Consecration. The vSynod of the Reformed Cluirch. in .session in the Church at that time, on invitation, attended the dedication in a ))ody.

The installation of the Pastor elect, the Rev. Henrv Harbaugh. I). D., took place on the evening of the same da\-. The Re\'. Henr\- Wagner preached the sermon, and the Pastor of the First Reformed Church performed the service of installation, assisted b\ the Rev. C. F. McCaully."

It is also due to histor\-, to say here, that in the erection of this Church, the F'irst Reformed Church, not only gave St. John's sympathy, l)ut showed its good will by liberally aiding with their means the accomplishment of the end thus reached.

46 CIIARTKR AND HISTORY

In 1864, at the Annual meeting of Lebanon Classis, assembled in Annville, the First Church Lebanon Wc'S constituted a charge by itself, and the Hill Church was united with Annville, Campbellstown and Palmyra. From the First of October, 1864, the Pastor therefore served in this congregation exclusively.

Steps were at once taken to gather the money to pa}^ the Hill Church the sum of $600.00 agreed on as the amount of their interest in the parsonage, and which interest was dulj^ conveyed to the congregation of the First Church, Lebanon. The eflfort was very successful, as there was $806.76 collected, which was $206.76 more than w^as needed. From the Congrega- tional minutes it appears that much of this success was due to the personal efforts of the Pastor, Rev. F. W. Kremer, D. D.

In 1869 the Pastor's salary- was made $1,200.00 w4th use of parsonage. It had alread}- been several times increased. From time to time w^e find the Pastor formall}^ recognizing the good will and generosity of his people for valuable gifts bestowed on him, show- ing how warm the place he had found in their hearts. The Lecture-room of the Church was changed and made more convenient in 1872. The same year Tabor

Chapel w^as built at a cost of . It was enlarged

and altered again in 1890, so as to give a separate room, seating about 130 children, to be used as an

FROM 1845 I'O 1892 47

Infant Department proper; also a room capable of seating sixty (60) grown persons, which is now used for the Pastor's Class.

The corner-stone of the St. Paul's Church at Bis- mark was laid in July ist, 1877. The services w^ere conducted by Drs. Johnson and George Wolf, the Pastor Rev. F. W. Kremer, D. D., and his son Leigh- ton. The Church w^as dedicated December 2d. Pastors present and participating. Rev. Drs. C. H. Leinbach, T. S. Johnson, J. E. Hiester, F. W. Kremer and his son. The same day a Sunday School was organized with 103 enrolled. The Congregation was regu- larly organized December 28th, 1879. Number of members dismissed from the First Church, Lebanon, to Bismark w^as eight3-six. St. Paul's was connected with the Schaefferstown charge, probabl}- in 1881.

The above building enterprise was no doubt stimu- lated by the generous liberalit\^ of ex-elder Joseph Bowman, w^ho for this purpose had conveyed to Cyrus R. Lantz, Esq., a dwelling on South Tenth Street. This same brother at the same time convej^ed the dwelling next to the above, for the purpose of aiding in the erection of a Chapel in North Lebanon.

During the j^ears 1879 and 1880, a movement was made in the direction of starting a New" Church enter- prise in the northern part of the cit3\ Afterwards a

48 CHARTER AND IHSTORV

vSuiulay-school was opened in tlie U. B. Aid Building, Nintli and tlie Lel)anon Valle\- Railroad.

In December. 1S84, at a .special meeting of the congregation, it was resolved to open a Sunday-school in the northern ])art of the citw in the S})ring of 1883. The Mission thus established was called "St. Mark's Mission vSchool of the First Reformed Church. Lei)anon, Pa

January 13th, 1885. an agreement was entered into ])etween Reinoehl and Meily. and li. I). Krall, one of a committee on behalf of the First Reformed Church, for the purchase of a lot at Eighth and Mifflin vStreets. 100 feet on Eighth Street, and 150 feet on Mifflin, for the sum of Three Thousand (|;3,ooo.oo) Dollars. The action was ratified and the Trustees directed to complete the ])urchase. The congregation also authorized the Trustees to proceed in doing what might be necessary for the erection (jf a brick struct- ure, suitable for vSunda\- -school and other religious services.

On the 31st of October, i88s, a third bell iu possession of the First Church was donated for use at vSt. Marks. On Sunday the iQtli of July, the Corner- stone was laid, and on the 13th of December 1885. the Chapel was dedicated by the Pastor, Rev. Dr. Kremer. who preached in German. Rev. W. C. Schaeffer preached an English Sermon.

FRDM 1845 TO 1892 49

111 the afteruooii a Sunday-school meeting was addressed by the Pastor, Rev. T. S. Johnson, D. D., Mr. Jos. Lr. Ifemberger and others. In the evening Rev. G. B. Resser of St. John's Church occupied the pulpit. At this time the Sunday-school already numbered 200. Of course the teaching force came from the mother Church, and no doubt also many of the scholars.

In 1885, the ground known as the Gloniuger Cemeter}^ was sold to the Cornwall and Lebanon R. R. Co., for $2,000.00. Of this amount $912.82, with $100 known as the John R. Smith legac}^ was loaned to St. Marks, bearing interest at 6 percent. $400 devoted to the benefit of No. i Cemeter}^, and $330.53 the balance, after paying necessary expenses of removing dead, etc., was devoted to the use of the Sunda3'-school librar}', in accordance with the wishes of the donor of said lot. the Hon. J. W. Gloninger.

On the 15th of May, 1887, the St. Marks Congre- gation was duly organized. Up to this date 166 per- sons were dismissed from the First Church for the purpose of joining St. Marks.

At the congregational meeting in January, 1888, a request was made for the organization of persons residing near Templeman's Chapel, and being mem- bers of the First Reformed Church, into a congrega- tion to worship in said chapel. In May of this year

50 CHARTER AND HISTORY

(i88S) the organization was effected. The organiza- tion though small, took again a number, probably 25 or 30, from the membership of the Mother Church of Lebanon and vicinity. Thus the fourth Church was launched under favorable circumstances, and not only w4th the good w^U, but with the liberal material aid of the First Church, and by giving at the very begin- ning about 350 of its most active members to consti- tute these Churches. Since then many others have gone out from us and become members of these Con- gregations. In January of this year (1892) a deed was made to the Pastor, in trust for the Sunday-school Association of the Church, of a lot in Hast Lebanon, at Fourth Avenue and Weidman Street, on which we hope that soon a Sunday-school building may be erected, and in the near future the fifth child of this Church may come into vigorous being.

During the summer and winter of 1890, a commo- dious new parsonage was erected on the site, where for over a hundred years the old had stood, part of the ground having been first sold off. This building situated at the south-west corner of Spring and Chestnut Street, is an honor to the congregation, and cost, excluse of the ground, about $5,500.00.

Note (A). Among those who have been in the ear- lier generations prominent in this communit}^, the fol- lowing are some of the names of such as were identified

FROM 1845 TO 1892 51

with the Histor}^ of the First Reformed Church: Gloniuger, Greenwalt, Bucher, Hiester, Killinger, Bowman, Lineaweaver, Eichelberner, Miller, Rohrer, Karch, Krause, Ranch, Brubaker, Miller, Sliaak, Ebnr, Reichert, Huber, Tice, (Deisz) Smith, Wideman, Kelker, etc.

Note {B). For some years previous to the year 1 86 1, a female praj^er meeting was in vigorous exist- ence, the ladies meeting from house to house. In this band were found the wives and daughters of leading members of the Congregation. Possibly here is where the ' ' Female Benevolent Society ' ' had its origin. This was a band of earnest women who solic- ited monies for the benevolent cause of the Church, outside of what was contributed through the Sunday- school. It continued until 1890, and has a credita- ble record for good work.

A Mite Societ}^ has been in existence for 10 years. The following is the statement for 1891 :

RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES OF THE MITE SOCIETY OF FIRST REFORMED CONGREGATION:

Balance in Treasury, January 1st, 189I, $ 17 57

Received during the year, 238 49

Loan called in about April ist, 300 00

Interest on same, 18 00 ^574 06

Amount forward, ^574 06

52 CHARTER AND HISTORY

Amount brought forward, 5574 06

1 891, Paid out during year.

January 9 — Ranch & Bro., Carpet Joining

and Crash, ^ 17 96

January 23 — F. W. Frost, Blank Book, . . i 00

February 19 — E. K. Woelfly, Sewing and Lay- ing Carpet, 8 14

April 1 — B. F. Gingrich, Laying Carpet, I 50

April 3 — Ranch & Bro., Carpet for Paj-

sonage, 181 94

July 8 — Reinhard & Sharp, Printing State- ments, 2 00 $212 54

$361 52 10 Shares Building Association, i year, 120 00

Balance in Treasury, $241 52

In all the Mite Society has gathered over $1,500, which has been devoted from 3^ear to year in about the same wa}^ as appears in the above statement.

Money collected and paid Ranch & Bro.

Muslin and Blankets for Orphan's Home $g 44 Also for Flowers, etc., Mrs Dr. Bucher, 2 88

$12 32

KouRTH Part

SHORT SKETCHES OF THE PASTORS

Rev Conrad Templeman, was born in Heidel- berg, Germany, in 1687. ^^ learned the trade of a tailor. He received a good German education, and possibh^ had some advantages from and in the Univers- ity of his native place. Came to America in. 1727, and located in what is now South Lebanon Township, \i^here he took up 200 acres of land. He taught school, and in those days of the scarcity of regular ministers, he preached in the neighborhood from the iirst. In 1844 we find him acting as Pastor of the "Hill Church" as well as caring no doubt for the flock at "Grubben Church."

In 1747, Schlatter visited him in his home, and found him now about Go 3^ears old : "A man of correct views, quiet and peaceable in his spirit, by w^hich he lias won the love and respect of the community."

On Schlatter's recommendation, the Synod of Holland directed that ' ' the old man should be ■ordained." Besides Grubben and Hill, he labored in Swatara, and recorded some baptisms at Jonestown as early as 1745.

5+ SHORT SKKTCIIPCS

The " Coetal " minutes of 1760, say that then he was "stone blind " and only seldom preached in the churches, but still held services in his house. He died about 1761, aged 74 years.

* ^^ ii-

Rev. Frederick Miller seems to have been the Pastor in 1762, the year when the First Church in Lebanon was built on the ground given by George Stites,

*v ^ ^

Rev. William Stor3%^ served the congregation from 1763-68. He was born at HerVjorn, in German)-, and studied there. Came over with Schlatter in 1752. Pastor at Tulpehocken, 1752-55; Philadelphia 1755-56; Lancaster 1758-63. He went to Leyden alout 1772, and studied medicine. When he returned he practiced medicine and sometimes preached from 1 773-1 801, In the latter year he died at Lebanon, Pa.

He ^ >5c

In the year 1768, the Rev. John Conrad Bucher, became Pastor. He was born at Schaffhausen, Switz- erland, June loth, 1730. Studied at St. Gall, Basel, Goetingen and Marburg, Came to America in 1756, and entered the British Military Service. About 1765 he resigned his commission and became a minister of

*We are indebted to the Manual of tJif Reformed Church by Dr» Dubs, for many facts La this sketch.

OF THE PASTORS 55

the gospel. Ordained by Coetns, was Royal Chaplain,

Pastor at Carlisle, etc., about 1763-68. He founded

many Churches. He recorded 347 baptisms in the

Church Book,

^ ^ ^

On the morning of the 15th of August, 1780, he had gone to Annville to attend a marriage. In the midst of these joj^ous nuptials, he suddenh^ died. *' It was at first proposed to convey his body decently in a vehicle to Lebanon, But from a nice sense, and in the spirit of deep affection and high regard for their deceased Pastor, they spread a bier, on which he was reverently laid, and delicately coveted ; and in this way ** devout men" bore him on their shoulders to Ivcbanon." — Fathers 0/ the Reformed Church,

* ^ ^

Rev, John William Runkel, born Oberengelheim, Palatinate, April 28th, 1749; licensed in 1777, or- dained 1778. Performed much missionary work and labored in a number of charges. He was Pastor at Ivcbanoii from N'ovember 1780 to November 1784. Recorded 78 baptisms. He died in Gett3^sburg, lNoveml)er 5th, 1832, in the 84th 3^ear of his age,

* ^ ^

It appears from the minutes of the Synod, held in Ileading, in 1785, that Rev, Andrew Lorentz should

56 SHORT sketchp:s

supply the congregation with Tulpehcckcn until a reguhir Pastor coukl l)e had. He was sometimes called the Swiss Preacher. Recorded 14 baptisms from February 14th, 1785 to August 1786. He after- wards again returned to Switzerland.

?pw ^-" ^^

In 1786 Rev. Ludwig Lupp who was born in German}', January 7th, 1733, became the Pastor. He received a fair education. Taught school after l:e came to this countr}', and assisted in holding meetings for the reading of the scriptures and sermons, for prayer and exhortation in private hovises, and soon began to preach in a regular way. When he was received into Coetus and ordained is not known. He w^as however probably considerabh' advanced in years when ordained. He had preached at "Blaser's Church"' near Elizabethtown, at Manheim, Maytown and Rapho, as earl 3' as 1785 and 1791. He recorded 382 baptisms. He died June 28th, 179S, aged 65 3'ears and 5 months. He was buried on the 30th, Rev. William Hendel preaching the sermon from the words in Hebrews iv^ i , and Rev. Mr. Kurtz spoke on Hebrews xiii, 17, exhorting the people not to forget the words of their Pastor, He was Pastor for 12 years. Hebron Diar}' speaks well of him, and among other things the joUowing note is made by the then Moravian Pastor.

OF THE PASTORS 57

''June iitli, 1 791, went early to town to attend b}' an invitation, Rev. Lnpp's confirmation of 50 children. First there was a preparatory sermon, then were the children twice catechised (questions as to their knowledge and fitness) after which the Lord's Supper was celebrated. There was at these solemn services, which continued (6) six hours, a general loud weeping in the Church, and the young hearts were quite carried away." The same diary also says that Rev. Lupp confirmed 70 young persons, June

loth, 1797.

>i< * >l<

Rev. William Hiester, Pastor from iSoo to 1828, was born in Berne Township, Berks Co., Pa., Novem- ber nth, 1770. He was the youngest of seven chil- dren. Learned the trade of Carpenter, and at the same time prepared for future stud}-. In 1796 he studied theology with Rev. Daniel Wagner, at York, Pa., and Greek under the Lutheran minister there. April 30th, 1798 he was examined by the Synod at Lancaster, and was given permission to act as Catechist in the Donegal Church. He served them one 3'ear, when on petition of the congregation he was ordained. At the Synod in May, 1800, he received a call to the Church at Lebanon, which he accepted. In 1808 he relinquished his work in Lancaster Co.

58 SHORT ski<:tciie9

From 1803 to the time of his death, he solemn- ized 874 marriages. Died February 8th, 1828, aged 57 3'ears, 2 months and 28 days. He served as Pastor 28 years, having in charge seven congregations. On the nth, his funeral was attended by a large number of people. Rev. William Hendel preached from Deuteronomy xxxi, 16. "And the Lord said unto Moses, behold, tliou shalt sleep with thy fathers."

He is often mentioned in the Hebron Diar}-, and highly spoken of. Among other things it says "July 1 6th, 1800, visited the Rev. Hiester. He is a dear man, who has the welfare of souls at heart. 1802, . June 5th, attended with pleasure at the confirmation of more than 40 young persons in the Reformed Church. The fatherly admonitions of the Rev. Hies- ter seemed to make a deep impression on old and

young."

* Jk *

In the year 1828, Rev. Henry Kroh became Pastor. He resigned in 1835^ after a pastorate of about 7 3^ears. He recorded 248 baptisms, and sol- emnized 171 marriages.

He was born near Womelsdorf, Berks Co., Pa., June 17th, 1799. His preceptor was Rev. Johnathan Helffenstein, licensed and ordained by Synod in 1824; from 1724 to 1728 served congregations in Virginia and Marjdand. After leaving Lebanon, he labored in

OF THE PASTORS 59

Ohio, Illinois and Indiana. Went to California in 1849, and died at Stockton, December 15th, 1869, in his seventy-first year.

>l4 * *

Rev. Henry Wagner was called in 1835. He was born in 1835. He was born in Berks Co., Pa., April 3d, 1803. Studied in Theological Seminary at Carlisle 1828. Ordained by the Synod in 1828. Pastor at Wilton, Turbutville, Paradise, etc., 1828-35; Lebanon 1835-51; McConnellsburg, 1851-53; Mercersburg, 1853-56; Orwigsburg, etc., 1856-65. Died in Lebanon, May 25th, 1869. His widow still survives in her 83d year. His entries in the Church Records are 502 baptisms and 382 marriages. The fruits of his minis- try are still to be found in the earnest spirit and devo- tion of those who came under his ministr3^

^ * *

Rev. F. W. Kremer, D. D., whose niemor}- fresh and fragrant, and whose long and exceedingl}- success- ful Pastorate is so full of good works, was called to take charge of this field on the 27th daj^ of Januar}^, and entered on the duties of the same April ist of 1851. The charge was then composed of "Annville," "Hill Church" and Lebanon.

Franklin William Kremer was born in the village of Washington, Lancaster Co., November i6th, 18 16.

6o SHORT SKETCHES

After attending school in the neighborhood, he went to the Academy at York, Pa., nnder the principalship of Rev. Stephen Boyer. For one year and a half he studied in the grammar school of Marshall College, when hi^ entered the college proper and graduated September 27th, 1843. Studied Theology under Drs. Nevin and Schaff at Mercersburg. His first charge was Grindstone Hill, near Chambersburg, Pa., whence he came to Lebanon.

While conducting the funeral cortege of Mrs. Samuel Heilman to the Hill Church, he was suddenly translated to his reward in heaven, on the morning of the 14th of June, 1889, his horse and carriage being struck by a fast express on the Lebanon Valley Rail Road, at a crossing near the Hill Church. When thus taken awa}^, he had recxhed the age of 72 j^ears, 6 months, 28 days. The best testimonial to his more than thirty-eight years of ministry in Tabor Reformed Church, is the history of the Congregation from 1851-89. Here are the stones that compose his monument, cemented in the memorj^ bj^ his devo- tion and zeal. His name and life have found lasting place in the hearts of those who so long enjoyed his faithful ministry. Nor was his influence merely' local. He was respected and honored by the w^hole Church in whose bosom he laboured. He w^as a frequent delegate to her ecclesiastical bodies, and took an

OF THE PASTOBS 6 I

active part in all that would advance her interests. During his ministr}" the records show 3245 baptisms, 1754 confirmations, 1247 niarriages, and 1647 funerals.

'K 'K 'f-

The present Pastor was born at Hummelstown, Dauphin County, Pa., September 25th, 1837. After attending the common schools of his native village and a select school at Stouchsburg, Pennsylva- nia, under William H. Seibert, he went to the prepara- tory schools of Franklin and Marshall College at Lan- caster in 1853 and 1854 ^ii<i ^t Gettysburg, 1854 and 1855. In the Fall of 1855 he entered Franklin and Marshall College, and graduated in Jul\^, 1859. Stud- ied Theology at Mercersburg under Drs. SchafF and B. Wolf; was licensed by Lancaster Classis in 1861, and ordained by Zion's Classis in the same 3'ear. Served Zion's charge, Perry Count}^ Pa., three years and a half, and Watson Run charge, Crawford Count}^, Pa., for fifteen months. In April 1867, he went to Philadelphia and organized Trinit}^ Reformed Church. After more than twent3^-two (22) years of labor there, on the 13th of October, 1889, ^^ entered on his work in this*old congregation.

The installation was conducted bj- Rev. O. P. Steckel, preaching in German, Rev. D. U. Wolf in English, and Rev. Geo. B. Resser reading the Installa- tion Service. Thus open the pages of a new pastorate.

62 SHORT SKKTCHKS

What may be written on it only God knows. But in this we take courage, Christ has said to his servants, "Lo ! I am with you always, even to the end,"

Special Note. — On the old Church yard are buried the following ministers of the Reformed Church: Philip Glouinger, J. Conrad Bucher, Ludwig Lupp and William Hiester. On the cemetery opposite are buried the remains of Rev. F. W. Kremer, D. D.

KiKTH Part

PAROCHIAL AND SUNDAY SCHOOLS

Our fathers heartily believed iu the value of an education, but this, as ever livingly joined with moral and spiritual training. So then with our churches, of the last and earlier half of this centur}^, we usuall}^ find the school house, and the schoolmaster, who was also, generally chorister, and was second in dignity only to the Pastor.

In 1773, already there was such a school in con- nection wnth Tabor Reformed Church as in that 3'ear the item of the expense of 40 cents for a bucket and tincup for the school-house. The school-house is also mentioned in the deed of Philip Greenwalt. The school was frequentl}^ remembered in the services on the Lord's Da}'. The books used were, first an A B C and Spelling Book, interspersed with easy religious reading, next the Psalter, then as the highest, the Bible. Writing and Arithmetic were also taught ; the Catechism was committed to memory. The school was always opened with singing and prayer. On most evenings each scholar was required to say a short prayer different from the others. Before

64 PAROCHIAL AND

dismissal in the evening the 3'oungest chikl would audibly sa}^ "Jesum ini Hertzen, Jesum im Sinn, darauf gehen wir in Gottes nanien hin, Amen." (Jesus in the heart, Jesus in the thought, with this, in God's name, we go out, Amen). On ever}^ Satur- da}' all the children who could read, standing up, chanted the gospel for the following Lord's Day." (y. D. Hiester in Church Book) John Reiter, who died in 1 8 14, was school-master for fort}^ (40) 3'ears.

When in the beginning of this century the idea of the Sunda}^ School, as an institution, began to take hold of the minds of religious people, and were established, they did not take the place of these parish schools. Still, our people were among the first, everj'where, especially in the cities and larger towns to join heartily in the movement which has grown to such wonderful proportions, in this centur}^ of great things in the religious w^orld. The compiler of this history, is indebted for the following sketch of the Sunda}' School in the First Reformed (Tabor) Church, to the now, and for the 32 years past, the efficient and eminentl}^ successful Superintendent of the school, Jos. L. Lemberger, written in 1875.

"The Sunday School of Tabor Reformed Church dates its organization as a distinct and separate Reformed School, as of August A. D., 1828, during the Pastorate of the Rev. Henry Kroh,

SUNDAY SCHOOLS 65

and is one of the first distinctly denominational Sunday Schools founded in this part of country. Its members were for the most part among the most efficient workers in the Union Sunda}^ School cause, for at least eight 3'ears prior to this independent organiza- tion. There are living to-day (1875) members of the Reformed and Lutheran Churches, who served as colporteurs under the "American Sunday School Union and Tract Society." A long list of these worthy workers might be given. Many have gone to their reward, a few still remain. Of these is Jacob Roedel, Esq., who is still active in the good work. Although a member of the Lutheran Church, he was one of the founders of this school, and its first Super- intendent for four years. To Mrs. Wm. Moore belongs the credit of having prepared a question-book for the SN^stematic and uniform study of the Sunday School lesson in this place. Until then, each teacher came with his or her own lesson. After this, there being a common lesson, the teachers met weekl}' for its prep- aration for the next Lord's Day."

Our Pastor, the Rev. F. W. Kremer, D. D., Joseph Karch, Esq., Mrs. Eliza Hay, constitute a link of the present with the past, especially the period previous to the last fifteen 3'ears.

We are following as closel}^ as we know in the spirit of the teaching of our fathers, whom we believe

66 PAROCHIAL AND

to be in entire harnion}' with the true doctrines of the Reformation. We know no other. The Bible and the Heidelberg Catechism are our Text Books. We hold that children are born in the covenant, thev are members of the Church, and that the Sunday School is an integral part of the same. Here, and in this way, w^e believe it to be the hope of the future.

A number have gone out of this Church School into the hoh- ministr}^ of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and others are on the way. Ma}^ many more, in the future, be of those who shall feel themselves called to the same blessed work. As above stated, our normal relation to the Church is verj- close and real. The Pastor is the Shepherd of the School, as well as of the adult membership of the congregation ; to him we look, from him we learn. We have a weekly meeting at which the lesson, carefully prepared, is given by the Pastor, and faithful teachers need not lack for help in the discharge of their obligations to those entrusted their care. The School has been blessed with faithful Pastors ; and w^e desire a part of this sketch to be a record of the special fidelity of him wdio now leads the flock. The children are particularly urged and en- couraged to attend the regular services of the Sanc- tuar\% and many of them do so.

A quarterly service, known as the children's Church is held, when the whole school is taken to the

SUNDAY SCHOOLS 67

Audience-room of the Church, and a sermon specially prepared for them is preached. We have no vacations, ever}' Lord's Day has its session. We tr}^ to be pro- gressive, and whatever of good we find in the general Sunday School work, and which is not in conflict with, our Church life and spirit, we cordially welcome and seek to adapt to our use. At this time there are 800 volumes in the librar}^ managed with "Geist's Index System." We are using the "International Lessons" with the Heidelberg Teacher and other Reformed Church helps and lesson leaves as guides. *' Leaves of Light" and "Child's Treasury" are circulated,"

Our work is divided among three (3) departments: The Adult Class, Senior and Primary Departments. The first is composed of young men and women, mar- ried and single, with one Teacher and a Secretary of their own. The Class always joins in the opening services of the school, retiring to the audience cham- ber for the lesson, and returning to take part in the review of the lesson by the superintendent, and the closing exercises.

The Senior Department has thirtj'-three classes of about seven scholars each. It is ofiicered by a Super- intendent, two Assistants, a Librarian with two As- sistants, a Secretary, Treasurer, Organist and Chorister. The Primary Department consists of twenty classes,

68 PAROCiriAL AND

with about ten scholars each. The}- are taught in the use of "Bible Gems," prepared b\' one of our female teachers, and a catechism of easy lessons suited to their age. It has a Superintendent, two Assistants, a Secretary, Organist and Chorister. From time to time transfers and promotions are made, from Primary to Senior Departments, and here from one class grade to a higher, and finally to the Adult Class.

Benevolence is not only faithfully taught, 1jut practiced. A collection is taken at every session, known as the missionary collection, and which, from time to time, is divided between the cause of Foreign and Home Missions and Beneficiary Education. All other expenses are met by separate and voluntar}- effort. There is a sm^ll income for the use of the school from invested funds held in trust.

The list of Superintendents is Jacob Roedel, William Yeho, William Hiester, John Ermentrout, Elias Raber and Jos. L. Lemberger."

Mr. Eemberger is at this time the Superintendent, He was elected June, 13th, i860. During 1890 the Chapel having been enlarged and altered for the pur- pose, the Primary Department was divided, and a distinctively Infant Department constituted. It num- bers about one hundred scholars. In the Fall of 1890, the Pastor organized a Class for such persons as w^ere somewhat advanced in years, male and female, and

SUNDAY SCHOOLS 69

otliers of adult age, who were not, for some reason or other connected with the school.

The School has been steadily increasing in num- bers and efficiency, not withstanding the drains made by the organization of St. John's and St. Mark's. The roll is now about 750 in all departments. In 1890, a Birthday Fund was started, the income of which is devoted to the Christinas Entertainment. It has proved almost sufficient for this purpose, and hy care ma}' be made entirely .so.

Two years ago (i8qo; a Japanese Fund was also inaugurated for the Foreign Mission work. This has been a great success from the start. We are raising more than enough for the education of two students in the Seminary at Sendai. This collection is taken on the last Sunda}' in each month. The regular col- lections have not diminished, but they have increased. We have as our wards at Sendai, Mr. Shida Toshiyuki and Mr. Io:arashi Tadasu.

The following statistics will tell of the Church's work in this department of her activities. Adult Class, 62 and Pastor's Class, 61.

jK * *

559049 A

70 PAROCHIAL AND

SCHOLARS. TEACHERS AND OFFICERS ENROLLED. COLLECTION

1880 624 $^i^^ 56

1*81 435 30

1882 466 76

1S83 491 65

1884 652 472 70

1885 553 430 36

1886 578 399 17

1887 562 423 57

1888 559 433 09

18S9 550 440 07

1890 600 469 17

1891 700 510 53

1890— Japanese Fund, $139.26. Ijirthday, $103.00. Total, $711.43 189I — " " 164.63. " 105. 19. '• 807.39

1884 — there was also collected for the Library 129.33. 1885 — with Buck Fund for Chapel, collected, 187.53.

Meetings of S^-nod held in Lebanon:

1st. "Coetus of Pennsylvania." 1775. F- Dalliker, President.

2d. ' ' Synod of the United States ' ' now ' ' Eastern Synod."

1803, J. H. Helfrich, President.

1829, G. Wack, ^1860, J. W. Nevin,

1879, C. J. Weiser,

3d. *' General Synod of the Reformed Church in the United States."

1890, J. H. A. Bomberger, President.

*The Synod of i860 was held in the St. Johns Reformed Church.

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