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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 '
r :!^
(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
CO
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THE NEW YOHK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
F
A8T0H, LENOX AND
T1LDEK POsjnDaTIONS.
1906
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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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