ANNALS OF

 

 

 

THE EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION

OF NORTH AMERICA

 

 

 

AND

 

 

 

History of the United Evangelical Church

 

 

 

BY

 

REV. A. STAPLETON, M. S.

 

Author of Natural History of the Bible.

 

 

 

The Lord has done great things for us,

whereof we are glad. — Psalms cxxvi.3.

 

 

 

published by

 

Publishing House of the United Evangelical Church

 

Harrisburg, Penna.

 

 

Copyrighted in the year 1896

by the Board of Publication

 

of the

United Evangelical Church.

 

 

iii

 

AUTHOR'S INTRODUCTION

 

 

 

"We take no note of time

But from its loss. To give it then a tongue

Is wise in man." — Young.

 

Almost a century has passed by since the ecclesiastical foundations of the

Evangelical Association were laid, and the hands that, under the Providence of

God, gathered the materials, have long since been folded in death. Yea, even

the immediate successors of our Church fathers are already growing old and fast

passing away. One by one the few remaining links are being broken, and soon

our aged Evangelical pilgrims, who in their youth came in contact with, and under

the influence of our early pioneers, will also have joined the triumphant Evan-

gelical host beyond the tide.

 

The Evangelical Association has come to her present position through many

severe trials and tribulations. No denomination originating in America has a

more interesting history than our Evangelical Zion.

 

Although several histories of the Association have been published, all excel-

lent in their way, it has nevertheless been felt for many years that one of the

most interesting phases of her history has been passed over too lightly by previous

authors. This deficiency the author of this work has endeavored to supply in

the first part of this volume, in the recovery of the names of early members and

preaching places, as well as incidents connected with the establishment of the

work by our early preachers.

 

The publication of this work is the consummation of a long and fondly

cherished desire of the author. There are many things connected with it which

to him seem providential. In early youth it was his good fortune to be a member

of several of the first classes of the Association, in which were still found some of

the original members, who had much to say about Albright and his co-laborers.

Many of these old people had very clear and distinct recollections of the stirring

scenes of the olden times. In course of time the knowledge thus gained was

reduced to notes, without any regard to their connection with the history of the

Association. The accumulation of so many interesting facts and incidents pertain-

ing to the olden time, naturally found expression in a desire for their preservation

in a permanent form.

 

A circumstance very remarkable and worthy of record, is the fact that so

many very aged people kept alive and cherished in their memories the knowledge

of facts pertaining to our early denominational history, in the hope of some day

 

 

iv AUTHOR'S INTRODUCTION.

 

communicating it to the right person for publication. Some of these people

communicated important matters to their children, and in this way many of the

facts here recorded were preserved.

 

Our older preachers often expressed a desire that the names of the old

appointments and first members might be recovered for the benefit of posterity,

before all the sources of information should be forever closed. This desire the

author has endeavored to meet in the publication of this work, which was under-

taken, as he firmly believes, none too soon, seeing that most of the sources of

information from which materials of the first part were gathered, have passed

away since the work was commenced, and much of the matter could not again

be reproduced from the sources now at command.

 

There are doubtless some errors in this work, as may be expected in such a

vast mass of details, embracing many hundreds of names and dates. Yet the

author confidently believes that such errors are few in number. Neither pains

nor expense have been spared to secure accuracy. Records in the state and

county archives have been examined to ascertain facts, and to verify such as

were doubtful.

 

The oldest living preachers of the Association co-operated with a zeal which

evinced their deep interest in the work. Among them may be mentioned father

Joseph M. Saylor, who entered the ministry in 1824, and was a contemporary

of some of the first preachers of the Association. He not only furnished a large

amount of material, but also reviewed a considerable portion of the copy pertain-

ing to the first circuits. Father Francis Hoffman, who entered the ministry

in 1826, also did considerable in the same line. To father Daniel Long (1835)

the author owes his first knowledge of Albright's work in Bedford county, and

other important matters, but while gathering fuller details for this work, he was

suddenly called to his eternal reward. Father Joseph Harlacher (1832) also

rendered valuable services. The recovery of the names of early preaching places

and members in Ohio is largely due to fathers Lewis Einsel (1836), Daniel

Swartz (1835), Abraham Loehner (1837), and Ch. Idleman. The latter

was one of the first converts in northwestern Ohio. The four last named brethren

traveled in Ohio when most of the appointments established by our first mission-

aries were still maintained. A great many other brethren, both ministerial and

lay, co-operated heartily in the preparation of this work, some going to great

pains to ascertain or verify facts. Without their help this work could never have

been accomplished.

 

To the reader who is not a member of the Evangelical Association it may

seem strange that so much attention has been paid to the laity, and matters of

family history. This feature finds its explanation in the following grounds: The

author holds that men who were willing to come out from among the formal

churches and espouse the cause of Evangelical truth in the face of bitter perse-

cution, and opened their houses as preaching places, which often required great

sacrifices, deserve a wider recognition than has been hitherto accorded them.

Another reason is the fact that most of these old fathers became centers of

Evangelical influence. Their houses served as preaching places until churches

were built, and in many cases they provided for the maintenance of public worship

 

 

AUTHOR'S INTRODUCTION. v

 

at their homes after their death. There are homesteads now in the Evangelical

Association where preaching appointments have been maintained ever since the

days of the founder of the Church; a period of almost one century.

 

A great many of the first families of the Association were among the most

prominent in their respective communities. This is contrary to a generally received

opinion. We have for many years been misrepresented in this respect, and the

reproach has been laid at our doors that our early members and adherents were

composed of the ignorant classes and gathered from the humbler walks of life.

From a careful study of this subject, we can assure the reader that this opinion

is an erroneous one, as the following chapters will abundantly show. It required

no small degree of moral courage for them to abandon the formal churches with

which they stood connected. Many of them were officers in these churches, and

cases were not infrequent in which their former pastors incited their parishioners

to violent measures to prevent them from receiving the “false prophets,” as our

first preachers were called.

 

In this connection it may be observed that most of the early conversions

were deep and powerful. This assertion must not be understood as implying

that conversions now are less genuine. The spiritual condition of the masses at

that time was at such a low ebb, and such erroneous opinions respecting the

character of experimental religion prevailed, that when people were thoroughly

converted to God, its immediate effects upon the individual, as well as those with

whom he came in contact, were far more powerful than at the present time.

The converts then were especially drawn to God in prayer. They sometimes

gave pledges to each other of special remembrance in prayer. When such per-

secution as they endured is prevalent, it requires special grace to remain faithful.

Although denounced by their formal pastors as heretics, and in many cases

disowned and disinherited by parents and relatives, they held out well, and their

inspiring examples still live among us to incite us to follow, as they did, the

footsteps of the Lord Jesus, and ever reminding us that

 

"By the thorn road, and none other,

Is the mount of vision won."

 

The preparation of the second and third parts of this book was less difficult,

as the sources of information were more accessible. The works of Orwig,

Raidabaugh, Breyfogel and Yeakel, and also the periodical literature of

the Church, were freely consulted. To the many friends who have rendered

valuable aid, and above all, to our dear Heavenly Father, who has blessed us with

health and the spirit of perseverance for the successful accomplishment of our

arduous but agreeable task, we give our most heartfelt thanks.

 

A. STAPLETON.

 

Berwick, Pa.

 

 

7

THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS.

 

 

 

PART I.

 

Containing an Account of the Origin and Development

of the Evangelical Association Through the Labors of

REV. JACOB ALBRIGHT and His Co-Laborers. Also

an Account of the Early Preaching Places and of Prom-

inent Laymen.

 

8  [page 8 is blank]

 

9

CHAPTER I.

 

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS.

 

The Pennsylvania Germans — The Immigration to America.

Their Spiritual Condition — Awakening Among Them.

Conversion of Jacob Albright, and beginning of his

work.

 

The Pennsylvania Germans. The Evangelical Asso-

ciation, of North America owes its origin, under the providence

of God, to the labors of Rev. Jacob Albright and his co-laborers

among the Pennsylvania Germans. As our early preachers labored

exclusively among this people, and as they have a dialect, cus-

toms and traits of character peculiarly their own, a brief history

of them seems proper in this connection.

 

The Pennsylvania Germans were mostly emigrants from the

Palatinate, or Lower Rhinish provinces of Germany. Prior to

1702 very few Germans had settled in Pennsylvania. The first

settlement by them was made in 1683, when a small colony under

Pastorius founded Germantown, now a part of Philadelphia.

This was the beginning of one of the most remarkable emigrations

of modern times, chiefly because such a large proportion of the

emigrants represented a distinct division of the great Germanic

race. So large indeed was this proportion, that it absorbed and

assimilated in a great measure' all other racial elements with which

it came in contact, and thus were laid in America the foundations

of a new and distinct Germanic people, differing widely in many

respects from the typical native of the Fatherland.

 

In this we see the necessity for inquiring more minutely into

the circumstances which led to this remarkable development.

 

 

10 EVANGELICAL ASS0CIATI0N ANNALS.

 

The Huguenots. There is no more eventful period in

modern history than the close of the seventeenth century. Oct.

18, 1685, marked the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes, by

Louis XIV. of France. In 1598 Henry IV. granted religious

tolerance to French Protestants who were called Huguenots, and

by its revocation Louis XIV. kindled anew the fires of persecu-

tion against them. He deprived them of all exercise of their

religion, and tore their children from them to be educated as

Catholics. He was very ambitious of the fame that would attach

to the extirpation of heresy from his dominions. Notwithstand-

ing his tyrannical decree against the emigration of his unhappy

subjects, and the strict guard on his borders, great multitudes

escaped the vigilance of his guards and spies, and in a few years

over half a million of the best and most intelligent people of the

nation had fled the country, many thousands of whom in course

of time found a congenial refuge on the shores of the New World,*

and many of their descendants were among the first to open their

doors to Albright and his co-laborers.

 

The Mennonites. About this same time the Mennonites were

also bitterly persecuted, especially in Switzerland, and thousands

fled to Holland and the Lower Rhine provinces, and later came

to Pennsylvania. The Mennonite emigration properly began in,

1709. In 1706, or 1707, the Mennonites of the Canton of Bern,

Switzerland, sent several agents to London to make arrangements

with William Penn for the settlement of a large number of their

people in his province.* Soon thereafter the envoys came direct

to Pennsylvania, and after considerable exploration selected a

very fine tract of 10,000 acres on the north side of Pequea Creek,

now in Strasburgh township, Lancaster county. The title was

perfected Oct. 10, 1710, and the land divided according to

previous arrangement the following April 27, 1711.*** In a few

decades thousands of these conscientious and peaceable people

had found homes in Pennsylvania.

 

The Palatinates. In 1688 Heidelberg was taken the sec-

ond time by the French Papists and laid in ashes. Like the

Phoenix of old it arose again from its ruins, only to be stormed

and destroyed again by the same inveterate enemy in 1693.

The panic-stricken inhabitants were compelled to flee from the

 

* Bancroft says the United States are full of monuments of this Huguenot

emigration.

** Col. Records iii. p. 397.

*** Rupp's Hist. of Lancaster county, p. 75.

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 11

 

relentless foe in the darkness of the night. Manheim, Speyer

and Worms were also pillaged and partly destroyed, and the whole

region was laid waste and desolate by the wanton fury of the

Papists.

 

The unfortunate inhabitants were, however, induced to rebuild

their ruined homes again under promise of religious freedom, and

immunity from taxes for a certain length of time. In this they

were cruelly deceived by their Elector, who doubtless acted on

the Papistical principle then prevalent, that promises made to

heretics should not be redeemed. Betrayed by their heartless

Elector, and despoiled by their old enemy, the French, they were

well nigh driven to despair.

 

Emigration to Pennsylvania. Queen Ann of England

issued a proclamation in 1708, inviting the persecuted, long-

suffering Palatinates to her dominion, and before the end of the

year nearly 12,000 of them were quartered in warehouses and

tents in London and vicinity. Stripped of all their earthly

possessions they were very poor, and were supported by the gov-

ernment and the munificent charity of the queen.

 

The presence of so many thousand indigent foreigners became

a serious burden to England, and plans were devised to transport

them to the Provinces. In the summer of 1710 about 3,000 who

had lived on the bounty of Queen Ann, were shipped to New

York. One large party, under Rev. Kocherthal, settled at

Schoharie, New York. Trouble, however, arose, and the Ger-

mans became dissatisfied, many gradually working their way to

Pennsylvania, and were the first Palatinates in the province.

Their dissatisfaction soon became known to their kindred in

Europe, and thereafter New York was shunned by them. In

1723 the proprietaries of New York invalidated the titles of the

Schoharie settlers and they came to Pennsylvania that same winter,

suffering incredible hardships in traveling through the wilderness.

In this company was the famous Conrad Weiser, afterwards

Colonial Indian agent and interpreter. This colony settled on

the Tulpehocken, fifteen miles northwest of Reading, Pa.

 

While the English emigration was comparatively insignifi-

cant, the Germans from the Lowlands and the war -scourged

Palatinate poured into the province at a rapid rate. James

Logan, provincial secretary, wrote the proprietor in 1717, "We

have of late a great number of Palatinates pouring in upon us

without any recommendation or notice, which gives the country

 

 

12 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

some uneasiness, for foreigners do not so well among us as our

own English people." Two years later Jonathan Dickinson

wrote, "We are daily expecting ships from London which bring

over Palatinates in number six or seven thousand." In 1717

Gov. Keith appeared before the Colonial Council with a state-

ment that great numbers of foreigners from Germany, who were

strangers to the language and customs, were dispersing themselves

immediately after landing, "without producing certificates from

whence they came, or what they are," etc. This was considered

dangerous to the colony, and led to the adoption of a measure

which has preserved the names of upwards of 30,000 male emi-

grants, (Germans), as all males sixteen years old and upwards

were thereafter compelled to subscribe to an oath, or article of

allegiance to the English government and obedience to the Colo-

nial authorities. This was equivalent to the naturalization of the

present day. The lists containing these names are among the

most precious treasures in the archives of the Commonwealth.

 

In 1727 no less than six vessels arrived in Philadelphia, well

laden with Palatinates, followed in 1728 by three more vessels, and

the same number in 1729. The Palatine emigration, however,

was unprecedented from 1730 to 1740, as no less than sixty-five

ship-loads arrived. In 1730 the region west of the Susquehanna

river was opened to settlement, and what are now York and

Adams counties were soon filled up with Germans. Thousands

also mingled with the Scotch Irish in the fertile Cumberland

Valley, and many Palatine settlements were made in Maryland

and in the Shenandoah Valley, in Virginia, as far south as Shen-

andoah and Rockbridge counties. "When George Washington

and others were surveying lands in that part of Virginia in April,

1748, they were attended by a great company of people, men,

women and children, who followed them through the woods. They

would never speak English, but when spoken to would always

speak Dutch"* (German). In 1742 the Germans of Pennsylva-

nia were estimated to number 100,000,** and in many sections

formed fully nine-tenths of the inhabitants. After the treaty of

Fort Stanwix, Nov. 5, 1758, the rich and fertile valleys of the

west and northwest were penetrated by the Germans, and some

extensive settlements were made by them west of the main ridge

of the Allegheny mountains, prior to the war of the Revolution.

 

* Sparks' Washington, Vol. ii. 418.

** Horn's History of Lehigh Co., p. 23.

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 13

 

Their Language. The language spoken by the Pennsyl-

vania Germans is a slight variation of the soft and beautiful dialect

still prevailing in the Palatinate (German "Pfaltz"). This dia-

lect in America retains its grammatical forms, but has acquired

some additional idiomatic features, and a curious intermixture'

of English words which have been adapted to it. As a dialect

it holds a place between High and Low German. By many it is

supposed that "Pennsylvania Dutch" is merely a corrupt German

and English. The reader will see that this is not the case. As

originally spoken it is one of the finest and softest dialects of the

great Teutonic tongue. Some fine works have been published in

this dialect, notably those of Rev. H. Harbaugh, Prof. Horn,

and Henry Fisher, Esq.

 

Their Religious Condition. The German emigration to

Pennsylvania, as already indicated, was mainly the result of relig-

ious intolerance in the Fatherland. The co-religionists generally

settled together. The Mennonites and Dunkards mostly located

in Lancaster county. The Schwenkfelders, most of whom arrived

in 1734,* settled in a section now embraced in Berks, Lehigh and

Montgomery counties. The Moravians, under the patronage of

Count Zinzendorf,** settled in the Lehigh Valley, in 1741, and

founded the towns of Bethlehem and Nazareth. The Lutherans

and Reformed, who were mostly Palatinates, and formed the bulk

of emigrants, spread themselves more generally over the country.

 

Strange as it may seem, the strong tide of religious feeling

which led to this influx of Germans seems to have subsided in a

great measure soon after their establishment here. Their new

surroundings may have contributed to this condition. It became

a hand-to-hand struggle for subsistence. For more than a quar-

ter of a century they had no pastors, and religious training was

woefully neglected. This statement has particular reference to

the Palatinates.

 

* They came in the ship St. Andrew, Sept. 12, 1734 (Col. Records iii. 568).

Among them were the Yeakels, Schuberts, Huebners, Kribels, Hoffmans.

** Nikolaus Ludwig (Count Von Zinzendorf). Born 1700, died 1760. A

German nobleman of deep piety. He espoused the faith of the Moravians,

who were then reduced to a mere handful through the religious persecutions then

prevalent. He invited them to settle on his estates, which they did, and founded

the town of Herrnhut. Z. was made a minister and bishop of the reorganized

church, and thereafter was its leader until his death. He established numerous

Moravian colonies. He was the author of more than one hundred works in

prose and poetry.

 

 

14 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Although there were some congregations formed as early as

1735, still the great mass of the people were strangers to the

sanctuary. In 1742 the noted Lutheran divine, Henry Melchior

Muhlenberg,* was sent from the Fatherland to look after the

spiritual interests of the Lutherans in Pennsylvania. He found

the spiritual condition of his countrymen most deplorable, and in

letters published in the Halliche Nachrichten, describes their con-

dition in a vivid manner. In 1746 Rev. Michael Schlatter,**

a Reformed minister from Switzerland, came to Pennsylvania

on a similar mission. His communications to the home church

convey the same sad story of spiritual decline. In 1752 there

were but sixteen Reformed congregations, having regular pastors,

in a Reformed population of thirty thousand souls.

 

The war of the Revolution likewise had a demoralizing effect

on the Pennsylvania Germans. Intemperance, especially, became

alarmingly prevalent among them. Their pastors seldom raised

a hand to stem this rising tide of evil. Many of the clergy con-

doned the use of ardent spirits and, alas, in many instances were

themselves openly intemperate. This was overlooked by their

people, who regarded it as only a "Fehler" (an infirmity) in

their preacher, about which it was best not to say anything.

 

Beginnings of Religious Revival. It is gratifying to

know that the darkness and spiritual ignorance of this period was

relieved by many burning and shining lights. Signs of promise

multiplied, and harbingers of better days everywhere appeared.

While we would not disparage the influence of the great Wesleyan

revival in England, and its spread in America through the preaching

of that man of God, George Whitefield, still it is a remarkable

•fact that many conversions of prominent men were brought about

spontaneously, a considerable number of the ministry and laity

in nearly all denominations professing conversion, and becoming-

 

* Heinrich Melchior Muhlenberg, D. D. Born at Einbeck, Germany,

1711, died 1787. A distinguished German divine. He was sent by the Univer-

sity of Halle to organize and promote the interests of the Lutheran Church in

America. He is justly regarded as the founder of the church in America. Several

of his sons became men of great distinction. Muhlenberg and his sons were

great patriots during the war of the Revolution.

** Rev. Michael Schlatter. Born in Switzerland 1716, died 1790. Edu-

cated at St. Gall. Sent by the synods of Holland 'to organize the Reformed

Church in Pennsylvania. In 1751 he went to Europe and secured six missionaries,

with whom he returned to Pennsylvania. He was a patriot in the war of the

Revolution, for which he was imprisoned by the British.

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 15

 

dissatisfied with the cold and formal worship of the times. This

was the state of affairs about the close of the Revolutionary War.

 

Among those who cried aloud and spared not, was the Men-

nonite preacher, Martin Boehm.* He was brought to see his

own unconverted state, and after experiencing God's saving grace

in his own heart, he became a strong advocate and forcible

expounder of experimental religion in his church. His fearless

denunciation of sin and his views on experimental religion were

so radical as to constitute a great gap between him and his corelig-

ionists. The spirit of toleration was then almost unknown, and

Boehm was excluded from the Mennonite Church. His influence,

however, was felt powerfully among the people of that denomi-

nation, and contributed in a marked degree to preparing the way

for the great success of later evangelists.

 

A well defined movement was also about this time noticeable

in the Reformed Church. William Otterbein,** one of the

prominent preachers of that church, began to preach Evangelical

repentance and conversion in a very forcible manner, and made

profound impressions. George Adam Guething [Geeting], John G.

Phruemer [Pfrimmer], and Anthony Hautz, all of the Reformed Church,

became earnest preachers of repentance and conversion. The

two former associated themselves with Otterbein and Boehm,

and became prominent ministers of the United Brethren Church.

Mention should also be made of John Neidig, of Dauphin county,

Felix Licht [Light], of Lebanon county, and Christian Newcomer.***

 

* Rev. Martin Boehm was born in Lancaster county, Pa. in 1725. He

became a Mennonite preacher in 1756. Five or six years later he was excluded

from that denomination, "for holding fellowship with other societies of a

different language." Thereafter he was an active co-worker in the Evangelical

movement of the times, and became one of the founders of the United Brethren

in Christ, of which church he was made a bishop in 1800. After a long life of

signal usefulness, he died in Shenandoah Valley, Va., in 1812.

** Philip William Otterbein. Born in Germany 1726, died in Baltimore,

Md., 1813. Was one of the Reformed missionaries sent by the Holland Synod to

America in 1752. Became pastor of a Reformed Church at Lancaster, Pa., and

later at Baltimore, Md. Many revivals and conversions followed his preaching.

He was associated with Martin Boehm, and through their labors the movement

which resulted in the formation of the United Brethren Church was brought about.

*** Rev. Christian Newcomer, whose name occurs prominently in this

work, was a son of Wolfgang Newcomer, and was born in Lancaster county,

Pa., 1749. He began to preach in 1787, and was a member of the first United

Brethren Conference in 1789. He was elected as bishop of that denomination

in 1818. He labored with great zeal in that capacity until March 12, 1830, when

he died at his home near Hagerstown, Md.

 

 

16 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Separation from the Old Churches. We have now out-

lined the beginning of the Reformation among the Pennsylvania

Germans. The churches for the most part being closed against

these men of God, they were compelled to preach in houses and

barns and on the streets. Hundreds of people opened their houses

as regular preaching places. There was, however, a strong aver-

sion on the part of many against leaving the old churches where

they had rendered their confirmation vows. Many of the laity

were excluded from the churches for following after or abetting

the so-called "heretics," but the churches soon discovered that

thereby they excluded their best, their fraying people, and were

glad enough to retain them if possible. Many of these preach-

ing places were open to all preachers who were approved and

converted 'men of God. Bishop Newcomer's journal reveals the

fact that he frequently preached at the houses of persons who

had connected themselves with Albright's society, and the same

is probably true of nearly all the "New Measure" preachers of

that day. Therefore it follows that because some prominent

member of the old churches opened his house as a regular preach-

ing place, we must not at once conclude that he left his church.

The converted people of the various churches often met as an

unorganized society — if such an expression is allowable — calling

themselves "Brethren." Later they became "The United Breth-

ren." Still later, when the number of those professing conversion

was considerable, it became quite common to speak of them as

a class, as "die bekehrte Lent" (the converted people), and the

adherents of the old churches as "die Kirche lent" (the church

people).

 

While it is an undeniable fact that the spirit of sectarianism is

an evil in the Christian church, it is also true that the lack of

organization and administrative powers is an evil equally deplor-

able. At first view there is something noble in the thought of

coming out and standing aloof from a cold and dead church, and

seeking the genial warmth of true devotion burning on other altars,

but this spirit of independence and non-allegiance to church

organization is found to be an evil in practice. It weakens the

incentives to support the cause of the church, her ministry, her

ordinances and her work. This fact soon became apparent to

the many gospel workers of the various denominations who for

several years had labored independently of the denominations

with which they were formally connected. In 1789 a number

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 17

 

of them, under the leadership of Boehm, Otterbein, and others,

connected themselves together under the name of "The United

Brethren in Christ." It does not seem that a separate church

organization was at first contemplated, but the hostility of the

old church against this movement drew the converted ministry

and laity more closely together, which necessarily developed into

denominational organization. A large number, however, remained

independent of any organization.

 

A remarkable incident relating to this subject is worthy of

record. In the early ministry of John Seybert, (afterwards

bishop,) he had an extensive revival near the Black Oak Hill,

Lebanon county, Pa., at a meeting held at the house of Joseph

Kreider,* at which the noted Felix Licht, was present. Licht

had been a prominent Mennonite, but after his conversion he,

with many others, stood aloof from churches. Seybert urged

the converts to hold together, and showed the necessity and advan-

tages of organization. Licht astonished the assembly by arising

and contradicting the advice of Seybert and spoke against the

formation of a class, to which little attention was paid.

 

Rise of the Evangelical Association. In the religious

movements which we have outlined, the Evangelical Association

also took its rise. The establishment of our Zion was not the

result of disruption, or secession from any of the old denomina-

tions. Neither is it the result of a difference in faith or church

polity, but it represents, as its name indicates, a revival of the

evangelical or spiritual element, which existed only in the creeds,

but not in the practice of the German churches of that day.

Herein we see her standpoint and distinctive features as a church.

Should the Evangelical Association ever lose sight of the funda-

mental principles of her existence, namely, the conversion of

sinners to Christ and the building up of God's people in true

holiness of heart, then may it be truthfully said, there is no apol-

ogy for her existence. That such a stage should ever be reached,

may God forbid!

 

The Evangelical Association has no connection whatever with

any of the more recently established churches in America. Her

origin and development were entirely independent of them all.

Her's was a growth by accretion, brought about by instrumental-

ities of her own, which were blessed and owned of God in the

 

•Near Palmyra, Pa. He died in 1878, aged eighty-four years. His place

was for many years an important point.

 

 

18 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNAL8.

 

conversion of souls. We have already seen how for some time

the new measure preachers labored side by side without formal

organization, and with them the founder of the Evangelical Asso-

ciation. But in its organization and subsequent development

there does not seem to have been much material except that which

Jacob Albright and his co-laborers could properly call their own.

This of course has reference to the fruits of their labors. Most

of the members of the original classes were the spiritual children

of Albright and his assistants, as will appear to every candid

reader of the subsequent details of their labors in this work.

 

Conversion of Albright. In 1790 Jacob Albright, who

then lived in West Cocalico township, Lancaster county, Pa.,

lost several of his children by death. On the occasion of their

burial Rev. Anthony Hautz,* a Reformed minister already

referred to, officiated. The word spoken had the effect of bringing

Albright into a penitent condition. He failed, however, to find

peace, and after many months of prayerful seeking he was brought

to the verge of despair. Not very far from him lived a minister

named Adam Riegel, who, like many others of his day, stood

independent of the churches. To this man Albright went for

counsel and help after having been in the deepest spiritual distress

for over a year. The Sun of Righteousness then arose upon him

with healing in his wings, and he was converted in the house of

Riegel, in 1792, and together they subsequently enjoyed many

happy hours in Christian communion and devotion.

 

We have already noticed the aversion of the early German

converts to a separate church organization, a feeling in which

Albright did not share. He felt the need of a church home in

which he could serve God according to his new light and experi-

ence. He therefore united with the Methodist Episcopal Church,

a class of which had been established in his locality. This, on

the whole, maybe regarded as a fortunate circumstance, inasmuch

as he found not only congenial Christian fellowship, but also

opportunities for the free exercise of the gifts with which he was

 

* Rev. Anthony Hautz, a deeply spiritual Reformed minister and faithful

preacher of experimental religion was licensed as a Reformed preacher in 1787,

was a co-worker with the independent brethren, but never withdrew from his

church. Because he advocated the "New Measures” he came in conflict with

his conservative parishioners, and changed charges a number of times; finally he

removed, in 1804, to the state of New York. Here he died in Groton township,

Tompkins county, in 1830, at an advanced age.

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 19

 

naturally endowed. Although a German, so well did his Metho-

dist brethren think of Albright that they granted him license as

an exhorter. After laboring in this capacity for some time, he

felt the inward call to the holy ministry. The difficulties in the

way, however, seemed insurmountable. The church with which

he was connected was English in language, while the people with

whom his labors as a minister could be successful, were German.

After much fasting and prayer, he finally determined to enter the

gospel field as an independent evangelist, and labor among his

German countrymen, in the full belief that God had called him

to this work, and would open the way for him. Albright never

withdrew from the Methodist Church, neither was he excluded.

His membership simply lapsed when his sphere of usefulness was

enlarged from the exhorter to the itinerant preacher.

 

Beginning of Albright's Ministry. In 1796 Albright

started on his first evangelistic tour, which, as he himself says,

embraced, a portion of Maryland and Virginia and the interior of

Pennsylvania. The first definite account we have of his labors

refers to October of this same year, when he preached at the mar-

ket house at Shafferstown, Lebanon county, Pa., on the occasion

of the dedication of the new Reformed Church at that place.

It is exceedingly difficult to gain definite information of his early

labors, for the reason already advanced, that he doubtless preached

at many places where all godly ministers were alike welcome.

The first tangible results of his work, so far as we know, appear

in the eastern part of Berks county, near the Colebrookdale iron

works. Here he preached at Samuel Liesser's, and Abraham

and Joseph Buchwalter's. At Quakertown, Bucks county,

eighteen miles northeast of this, he preached at Peter Walter's

and Charles Bissey's. In Penn township, Schuylkill county,

he preached regularly at Leonhart Zimmerman's. In North-

ampton county, along the Blue mountains, he preached at the

houses of George Phillips and his sons, Conrad and Jacob, and

Jacob Riedy. In what is now Lebanon county, near Jonestown,

he preached at the house of Ludwig Zehring. At the foregoing

places he preached prior to 1800. The persons named, with their

families, were his first fruits in the ministry, and loved him as

their spiritual father. As the number of the converts through

his ministry increased, he clearly saw the necessity of organizing

them into classes. This he did in 1800, when his adherents num-

bered about twenty.

 

 

20 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

The first class was formed on the Ridge, three miles east of

Quakertown, Bucks county, and consisted of Charles Bissey

and wife, and Peter Walter with his wife and family. Peter

Walter was the leader of the class. The second class was formed

about twenty miles southwest, at the Colebrookdale iron works,

in Berks county, and consisted of Samuel Liesser, his wife and

several children, Abraham Buchwalter and wife, and Joseph

Buchwalter and wife. Samuel Liesser was leader. The third

class was formed along the Blue mountains, in Hamilton town-

ship, Northampton county, and consisted of father George

Phillips and his two sons, Conrad and Jacob, and their wives,

Jacob Riedy and wife, Phillip Miller and wife, and Barbara

Hecht. Conrad Phillips was leader.

 

First Co-laborers of Albright. After laboring alone in

the vineyard for a period of about five years, the Lord gave his

servant, Jacob Albright, an assistant, in the person of John

Walter, son of Peter Walter, the first class-leader. This

young man entered the Evangelical work in 1802, and became

noted for his untiring zeal and powerful eloquence. From his

biography and the numerous references to him in this work, the

reader will perceive that he was a man of brilliant talents whose

oratorical powers have never been excelled in the history of the

Association. The following year, 1803, another young brother

entered the work. This was Abraham Liesser, son of father

Samuel Liesser, of Colebrookdale, Berks county. He was a

young man of mild and quiet disposition, zealously devoted to

the saving of souls, but does not seem to have possessed a strong

bodily constitution. In 1805 he broke down altogether and died

the same year. In 1804 Alexander Jemison, of Lancaster

county, entered the active work. The following year, however,

he located, after which but very little is known of him. In 1805

George Miller entered the itinerancy and eventually became

the leader of the Association. In 1806 the number was not

increased. In 1807 John Dreisbach, of Buffalo Valley, in Union

county, and Jacob Frey, of Middle Creek Valley, in (now)

Snyder county, entered the work. The former became in course

of time the leading man of the church. John Erb, of Conestoga,

Lancaster county, began to preach in Albright's time, was

received on trial in 1808, and became a very useful man* The

foregoing brethren entered the ministry under the supervision

of the founder of the church.

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 21

 

Of local preachers of this period it is doubtful whether all the

names of those who exercised the office, and were recognized as

such, can be definitely ascertained. Several of the names given

below do not appear on the records of the church, but of their

license as local preachers there is no doubt. In 1806 the office

of local preacher was established in the society. The first to be

received were the following: Charles Bissey, of Quakertown,

Bucks county; Jacob Phillips, of Northampton county, and

Solomon Miller, brother of Rev. George Miller. The great

revival on the new circuit, in 1806, almost doubled the mem-

bership of the society. The number of local preachers was also

increased as follows: In 1807 Christopher Spangler accom-

panied John Dreisbach to attend the first conference of the

church. Spangler, at this conference, received license to

preach,* and for half a century was a pillar in the church. John

Thomas, Jr., of Mifflin county (died in Wayne county, O., 1837),

whose license was given him by Albright.**  Christian Wolf,

of Derrstown (now Lewisburg, Union county), who removed

to Seneca county, New York, 1807, and died 1833. Besides the

above, mention should also be made of Michael Maize and

Henry Niebel, of Dry Valley, Union county, and Matthias

Betz, of Millheim, Centre county. These brethren without doubt

began to preach in Albright's time, Niebel and Betz entering

the active work immediately after the founder's death (1808).

 

Biographies of nearly all the co-workers of Albright will be

found in subsequent chapters. They were men of untiring zeal,

and willing to endure hardness as good soldiers of Jesus Christ

(II. Tim. ii. 3). Amid many privations and disappointments

they laid the foundations of our Evangelical Zion.

 

Pentecostal Meeting. The first meeting of Albright and

his adherents, of which we have any knowledge, was held when

he had but four male followers, of whom Charles Bissey*** was

one. The names of the others are not known. The place and

time of the meeting are also unknown, but the time must have

been soon after he began his ministry. The object was to seek

a closer union with God, and to pray together for the power of

 

* Letter of Dreisbach in "Chr. Botschafter," 1843, P. 189.

** Orwig's History of the Ev. Association, p. 219.

*** This fact was given in a historical address at the General Conference at

Allentown, Pa., in 1883, by Rev. Henry Stetzel, who had obtained his infor-

mation from Charles Bissey.

 

 

22 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

the Holy Ghost. The Lord blessed them in a wonderful manner,

and the meeting no doubt proved a great encouragement to

Albright and his little band.

 

First General Assembly. After Albright had labored

in the gospel ministry about six years, it was felt necessary to give

a more definite and formal recognition of his call and work.

Hence a general Council Assembly was called, which met Nov. 3,

1803, at Samuel Liesser's.* Besides Albright and his two

assistants, John Walter and Abraham Liesser, there were pres-

ent the following brethren: Jacob Phillips, George Miller,

Carl Bissey, Conrad Phillips, John Brobst, Solomon W.

Frederick, Chr. Brobst, George Phillips, Michael Brobst,

Samuel Liesser, Peter Walter, Adam Miller, Jacob Riedy

and Solomon Miller. This assembly transacted the following

important business:

 

1. An ecclesiastical organization was effected by the adoption

of the Holy Scriptures as the guide and rule of faith.

 

2. Jacob Albright was declared to be a minister of the gos-

pel in the full sense of the term and recognized as their spiritual

father and teacher.

 

3. He was solemnly ordained as such by the laying on of hands;

 

4. And was given a license or commission, of which the fol-

lowing is a close translation:

 

"From the Elders and Brethren of His Society of Evangelical Friends.

We, the undersigned Evangelical and Christian friends, declare and recog-

nize Jacob Albright as a genuine (Wahrhaftigen) Evangelical preacher, in

word and deed, and a believer in the Universal Christian Church and the commun-

ion of saints. This testify we as brethren and elders of his society (Gemeinde).

Given in the State of Pennsylvania Nov. 5, 1803.”

 

The document was signed by Albright's two colleagues,

Walter and Liesser, and the fourteen laymen mentioned.

 

Second Assembly. Some time between 1805 and 1807

another council was held in the house of George Becker, of the

Muehlbach. Of this meeting there is no record whatever; but that

it was held, is substantiated by the testimony of two daughters of

George Becker who were present, namely, Mrs. Gockley and

Mrs. Catharine Klinefelter, the wife of Rev. John Kline-

felter. Some time prior to their death they made definite

statements relative to the assembly, Mrs. Gockley especially

 

* This statement of the place is according to the testimony of John

Dreisbach.

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 23

 

having a vivid recollection of it. Mother Elizabeth Stump, a

daughter of Samuel Becker, in whose house the first conference

was held in 1807, related to the author that she frequently heard

her relatives, including her uncle, George Becker, speak of the

council at the house of the latter.

 

First Conference. The first regular conference was held

in November, 1807, at the house of Samuel Becker, on the

Muehlbach, Lebanon county, a few miles east of Schaefferstown.

With this conference the official history of the Association prop-

erly begins.

 

 

24

 

CHAPTER II.

 

THE "OLD CIRCUIT."

 

An Account of the First Field of Labor, Commonly Called

"Schuylkill and Lancaster Circuit" — Its Preaching

Places and Classes as Established by Rev. Jacob Al-

bright and His Co-Laborers, with Copious Biographical

Notes.

 

We have already in a previous chapter noted the beginning

of Jacob Albright's ministry. In this chapter we will seek to

give a description of the first field of labor, with an account of

its preaching places, and the noble families who, in the face of

great persecution, opened their homes to the founder of the

church and his co-laborers. In doing this it will, however, be

impossible to follow the work in the order of its establishment,

as that plan would necessitate a frequent recurrence to the same

locality. The number of preaching places on the old circuit,

prior to Albright's death (1808), was upwards of sixty. In

their enumeration We deem it proper to begin with the locality in

which the first class was organized.

 

Bucks County. On the rocky ridge, about three miles east

of Quakertown, Bucks county, Albright was received by Peter

Walter and Carl Bissey.

 

Peter Walter, who lived in Rockland township, three miles

east of Quakertown, was the father of a large family, nearly all

of whom were grown when Albright first visited them, and so far

as can be ascertained, Walter was one of the very first to asso-

ciate himself with Albright. In the year 1800, when Albright

decided to organize his spiritual children into classes, he began

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 25

 

here, and father Walter was made leader of the first class of the

Evangelical Association. In the year 1805 he and his entire

family removed to the Swatara Creek, near Jonestown (now),

Lebanon county. In that connection the reader will find a

further account of him and his family.

 

Carl Bissey, of Richland township, lived three miles north of

Walter, and was also one of the first adherents, and was promi-

nent in the early days of the society. He was present at the

council assembly of 1803, and became one of the first local

preachers of the church. In this capacity he rendered good

service until his death, Oct. 20, 1847, at the age of seventy-

five years.

 

Northampton County. Along the southern slope of the

Blue Mountains, in Hamilton township, Northampton county,

was organized the third class of the Evangelical Association in

the year 1800. The first to open their houses to Albright as

preaching places, prior to the organization of the class, were

father George Phillips and his sons, Conrad and Jacob, Jacob

Riedy and Adam Miller, all of whom were present at the Gen-

eral Assembly of 1803. The following were the members of the

class: Father George Phillips and wife, Conrad Phillips and

wife, Jacob Phillips and wife, Peter and Jacob Riedy and

their wives, Philip Miller and wife, Adam Miller and wife

and Barbara Hecht. Conrad Phillips was the class leader.

 

In the fall of 1802 Jacob Albright held the third general

meeting of the society at Conrad Phillips', and was assisted by

John Walter, his first fruits for the ministry. This meeting

was attended by George and Solomon Miller, who at this time

publicly identified themselves with the work of Albright, and

soon became very efficient instruments in the establishment and

promotion of the society.

 

Jacob Phillips became one of the first local preachers of the

society. He died in the prime of life, in 1809.

 

In 1811 Conrad Phillips removed to Dry Valley, in Union

county, where his house became a prominent preaching place.

Here he died in 1816, and his aged father, who had removed

with him, died in 1822.

 

Adam Miller was one of the first converts under Albright

 

Note. — Catharine Hecht died in 1808, leaving a bequest of $100 to the

society, which was the first it received. This was considered a large amount at

that time, and was added to the fund for the support of the preachers.

 

 

26 EVANGELICAL ASS0CIATION ANNALS.

 

in Northampton county. In the early part of the century he

removed to Crawford county, O., where he died in 1848, aged

eighty-one years.

 

Berks County. At the Colebrookdale iron works near the

eastern line of Berks county, Rev. Jacob Albright found some

open doors in the very beginning of his ministry, and here formed

his second class in 1800. The men who received him and opened

their houses as preaching places were the following: Samuel

Liesser, who with his family was converted through the labors

of Albright and became the leader of the class that bore his

name. His son Abraham became Albright's second assistant

in 1803. Father Liesser was widely known as a man of exem-

plary piety. At his house Albright held his first "general

meeting"* in June 1802. Brother Liesser died in the early part

of the century. His wife Anna died in 1838, at the ripe age of

eighty-two years.

 

Abraham** and Joseph Buchwalter and their families also

became adherents of Albright. They were Mennonites in faith

but became dissatisfied with the cold and formal worship of their

society, and cast their lot with the persecuted "converted peo-

ple." The Buchwalters were men of deep piety and sterling

worth, and quite prominent in the community. In 1820 they

removed to Ross county, O., where they were among the first to

receive the Evangelical preachers. John Buchwalter, a son

of Abraham, married to a sister of Rev. John Dreisbach, also

removed to Ross county in 1827, and his house was for years a

preaching place.

 

In Albany township, almost surrounded by the Blue Moun-

tains, lived a very wealthy man named Michael Brobst. He

was an iron master, and his furnace and two forges stood in the

very heart of the valley. His landed possessions comprised over

10,000 acres. About the year 1800 his daughters, Magdalena

and Maria, married George and Solomon Miller respectively.

 

* "General meetings" were meetings held at irregular intervals in various

'parts of the society. They usually began on Saturday, and continued over the

Sabbath. As the work became more established, these meetings gave way to

the "quarterly meetings."

** Abraham Buchwalter was born in Berks county, Pa., 1761, and died in

Ross county, O., 1837. Barbara, his wife, born 1764, died in Ross county, O.,

1868, aged 102 years. Their son John, who served 1812 in the ministry, born

1787, died 1872. His wife Susanna (Dreisbach) born 1793, died 1881. Joseph

Buchwalter, born 1767, died 1838.

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 27

 

The Millers, with their wives, were soon afterwards converted

through the labors of Jacob Albright, which greatly incensed

Mr. Brobst, who was a strict adherent of the old churches.

Soon after the conversion of the Millers the three sons of

Brobst were also converted. Circumstances point to father

Zimmerman's house as the place of their conversion. Their

names were John, Michael and Christian. They were all pres-

ent at the Council Assembly of 1803, and their names are on the

instrument declaring Albright a gospel minister. Of Christian

nothing can be learned, and it is probable that he died prior to

his father. John and Michael lived on the estate and were con-

nected with the business of their father, and at his death inherited

the vast estate, but through circumstances not necessary to detail

here, lost their possessions in after years. The homes of John

,and Michael were regular preaching places for Albright and

his co-workers from 1803. The home of John is especially

worthy of note from the fact that here at a general meeting, held

on Easter day, 1808, Albright stationed his preachers for the

last time.

 

Northwest of Reading, along the Tulpehocken, Albright

and co-laborers found entrance at an early day. The home of

father Peter Dundore was the chief preaching place. A class

was formed here in 1806. In 1809 an extensive revival occurred

in this region and a considerable ingathering took place. Among

the converts at this time were George Lantz,w1io entered the min-

istry in 1820, and Lewis Henkey, who became a local preacher

in 1828. Later he removed to Summit county, O., where he

was an Evangelical pioneer, and where he died in 1873, aged

83 years. The Miesse family were also members on the Tulpe-

hocken, and later removed to Ohio, where they became strong

supporters of the work, and some of the younger members later

became ministers.

 

About 1823 the Evangelical preachers were received by John

Tobias, Sr., and his wife, Mary Elizabeth, who lived on the

Tulpehocken, about six miles from Reading. A great revival

began here in this year, and many souls were converted at his

house, among whom were his sons, John, Jr., Benjamin, Peter,

Abraham, David, Samuel, Daniel and Henry, who in later

years became pillars in the church. In 1832 father Tobias

removed to a locality six miles north of Circleville, O., where

the family again received the preachers and were instrumental in

 

 

28 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

the establishment of a church. Here father Tobias died Aug.

23, 1847, aged seventy-eight years, three months and fourteen

days. His last words were, "I know that my Redeemer liveth."

Mother Tobias survived a number of years. In course of time

most of the sons removed to Illinois. Samuel entered the min-

istry in 1826, preached many years in Pennsylvania and Illinois,

and died at Naperville, Ill., in 1890. Daniel entered the min-

istry in 1833 and died the following year while serving Wooster

circuit. David was a local preacher. Of grandsons the following

entered the ministry: Benjamin Franklin, son of Benjamin,

died in the ministry of the Ohio Conference; Simon A. and L.

B., sons of John Jr., entered the Illinois Conference, and J. H.,

a son of Peter, is a prominent member of the Kansas Conference.

 

In Bern township, along the southern slope of the Blue

Mountains, in Berks county, Albright and his associates gained

entrance prior to 1805, and a class was formed here about this

year. The preaching places were at father Levergood's, Val-

entine Brobst's, John Miller, Sr.'s (see Miller family), and

father Jacob Kline's. The latter resided about four miles west

of Shoemakersville. All the foregoing were men of means and

high standing in their respective communities. They had been

connected with the old churches, and when they opened their

houses as preaching places for the expounders of Evangelical

truth, they became the objects of ridicule and persecution, yet

they stood like pillars of light in that region of moral darkness.

Camp-meetings were held at father Levergood's at an early day.

In later times the families of Earnst and Loose became strong

pillars in this section.

 

Near the gap where the Schuylkill River forces its way through

the Blue Mountains, is the town of Hamburgh. Here Albright

was entertained by a merchant named Diehl. In 1801, when

passing through, he asked permission of Diehl to preach at his

house, but the latter said it was hardly a suitable time, as there

was a "frolic" in progress at the tavern not far away. A mill

stood in close proximity to the tavern, at the front of which was

a worn-out millstone. Albright obtained permission from the

proprietor to mount the stone and preach. A multitude soon

gathered, to whom he delivered a heart-searching address. As it

had the effect of breaking up the frolic, the tavern-keeper became

incensed at Albright and attempted to punish him with a whip.

George Miller, who a few years later was converted and became

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 29

 

a co-laborer with Albright, was at this time engaged in working

at the mill, and received impressions which came to an early

fruitage.

 

Some time later Albright and his co-laborers began to preach

in a small school-house in the town, but because of opposition the

work made but little progress for years.

 

A Wayside Meeting. In 1812 an officer who had died in

the war with England then in progress, was brought to his home

in Hamburg for interment. To this funeral, which was attended

with considerable demonstrations, Mrs. Saylor, of Orwigsburg,

came, accompanied by her son, Joseph M. Saylor, who was

then a boy of nine years of age. The town was full of people

who had come to witness the obsequies of the dead officer. The

attention of the mother and son was attracted by a crowd gath-

ered around a man who was holding a religious service on the

pavement. The mother drew near and with close attention lis-

tened for the first time to an Evangelical preacher, who was none

other than George Miller, who eleven years before had first

heard Albright preach from the millstone, a few hundred yards

away. Miller was at this time the chief man in the society.

An incident which impressed itself upon the mind of the little boy

was that of a man who took off his hat and reverently bowed his

head when Miller kneeled on the pavement in prayer, while all

the rest of the hearers kept on their hats and laughed and talked

in a disrespectful manner.

 

The Bertoletts. Near Friedensburg, in Oley township,

Berks county, is the old home of the Bertoletts. In 1726 Jean

Bertolett, a French Huguenot, of Chartien Duise, Switzerland,

with his wife Susanna and five children, was compelled to flee

from his home because of religious persecution. He settled in

Oley, Pa., and many of his descendants became members of the

Evangelical Association. In 1735 his son Abraham married

Esther DeTurk, through whom he came in possession of the

estate still owned by the Bertoletts at Friedensburg. In 1736

he built a stone house which is still standing, and is one of the

most interesting landmarks of the church. In course of time

Daniel Bertolett, a grandson of Abraham, came in possession

of the estate. He, like his ancestors, was noted for his inde-

pendence of thought and thrifty habits. When still young he

became dissatisfied with the dead formality of the churches, and

became an earnest inquirer after spiritual life, and through a

 

 

30 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

providential circumstance became acquainted with the Evangel-

ical Association.

 

In 1809 a traveler stopped at the Bertolett home and asked

for dinner, which was cheerfully given him. He was young,

entertaining in his manners and made a favorable impression.

Soon after this he stopped again, this time feeding his horse.

Bertolett was naturally curious to know his name and business,

but not until the stranger had mounted his horse and was ready

to proceed on his journey did he ask him. The reply was, "I am

John Walter, and my business is to -preach the gospel to rich

and poor wherever doors are opened to receive me." He then

bade farewell and rode away. Bertolett stood awhile engaged

in thought concerning the strange visitor, when a voice seemed

to say to him, "Why did you not invite him to preach in your

house?" Following its promptings, he ran after the preacher

now disappearing in the distance and succeeded in stopping him.

The conversation on religious matters was resumed, with the

result that an appointment was made for Walter. This was the

beginning of a great work in that locality and the organization

of a strong class, the principal members of which were the Ber-

toletts, Clevers, Weidners, Yeakels and Hochs. For many

years Bertolett's house was a preaching place and he one of

the chief pillars of the church. A camp-meeting was held on his

land in 1814 and many years thereafter, besides many important

general meetings. He was one of the principal promoters of the

Book Establishment in 1816, and was elected by the conference

as one of the commission. He possessed fine poetical talent;

many of his hymns became familiar throughout the church, and

some are still to be found in our German hymn book. One of

his notable hymns begins with the lines:

 

"Die Wasserbaeche rauschen dar

Die Stern' am Himmel leuchten klar,

Die kuehlen Winde weh'n."

 

Many of his productions were published in a separate volume.

In the conference records of 1820 is a resolution ordering the

publication of a volume of hymns written and translated by John

Dreisbach and Daniel Bertolett. In 1832 Bertolett was

licensed as a local preacher. He was severely plain in his habits,

so that many who did not understand him thought him peculiar.

In his house was posted a notice forbidding the use of tobacco

on his premises, which he considered a great evil. He was a:so

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 31

 

a prominent anti-slavery man. He died in 1868, at the age of

eighty-eight years, and his son Jacob, born in 1815, succeeded

to the ancestral estate. He was a local deacon of the church

and also a prominent man. He died in 1878.

 

Lehigh County. At Lynnville, Albright found entrance

to several families who opened their homes for preaching places.

His leading support here was George Kuster, whose house

became a regular preaching place as early as 1800. He died in

the early part of the century, but his house continued as one of

the preaching places of the Schuylkill circuit as late as 1835. In

1842 the widow Maria Kuster died, aged eighty-three years.

Having no children, she bequeathed the entire estate to the East

Pa. Conference, which in turn very generously transferred all the

proceeds of the estate, which were considerable, to the Charitable

Society of the Evangelical Association.

 

Near the present town of Macungie lived a liberal-minded

man named Philip Wescoe, who welcomed Albright to his

home, and permitted him to preach in his house. No immediate

results were apparent until 1834, when J. M. Saylor preached

to an assembly of over one thousand people in the orchard of

Mrs. Susan Mohr, near the old home of Wescoe. This was

the beginning of a great work.

 

Schuylkill County. In West Penn township lived that

eminent man of God, Leonard Zimmerman, and his wife Sophia.

He was a member and officer of the Reformed Church, and a

spiritually enlightened, pious man. About 1797 he turned his

back to the dead formality of his church and opened his house

as a preaching place for the zealous evangelist Albright. For

this he was decried as a heretic and became the subject of sore

persecution. His former pastor did his utmost to keep him from

"falling from the faith," and urged him to close his door against

the "false prophets" and "deceivers." Zimmerman at this time

was well advanced in years. He was the father of a large family,

nearly all of whom were grown, and some were already heads of

families. The following is a list of his children, all of whom

became members of the church prior to Albright's death:

 

(1) John Zimmerman, Esq., for many years a justice of the

peace in Schuylkill county, and whose house was one of the early

preaching places; (2) Rev. Leonard Zimmerman; (3) Maria

and (4) Eve, married brothers, John D. and Michael Sey-

bert, respectively; (5) Catharine, married to John George

 

 

 

32 EVANGELICAL ASS0CIATION ANNALS.

 

Zehner. The Seyberts and Zehner lived in the North Branch

valley, in (now) Columbia and Luzerne counties, where Albright

and associates preached in their homes. (6) Susan, married

Conrad Biebelheimer; (7) Barbara, married H. Balliet,

and (8) Albertina, married Jacob Bochard. About 1806 the

three latter sons-in-law also emigrated to the same valley, and

received the Evangelical preachers. Bochard settled a short

distance above Danville, in (now) Montour county. After the

death of the parents (9) Margaret, the youngest, was cared for

by Rev. Solomon Miller, who in 1816 removed to New Berlin,

Pa., to take charge of the Printing Establishment of the society.

Here she met, and in 1818 married, George Miller, "the

printer." In the early history of the church father Zimmerman's

was one of the leading points of the connection. In the begin-

ning of the century Albright preached there a sermon of great

power from the words, "But who may abide the day of His

coming?" (Mal. iii. 2.) The whole assembly was melted under

its influence and many were converted, among whom was father

Zimmerman's son Leonard, who later became a minister. At

another meeting held here in 1802 George Miller, who became

so eminent and useful in the church, was fully confirmed in the

faith. Father Zimmerman's house was open to all godly preach-

ers, whether adherents of Albright or not. Father Peter

Beaver,* one of the first German Methodist preachers in Amer-

ica, frequently preached at Z.'s house, and often spoke of his

deep piety and his zeal for the work of the Lord. Father Zim-

merman was gathered home, like a shock of corn fully ripe (Job

v. 26), in the latter part of 1812, and his wife soon thereafter.

A great number of his descendants are members of the Evangelical

Association, some being useful ministers of the gospel.

 

In 1803 the first Evangelical class was formed in Schuylkill

county, and George Miller was appointed leader by Albright.

 

The Miller Family. Jacob Miller and his wife Eliza-

beth were highly respectable people of Pottstown, Pa., and

members of the Lutheran Church at that place. During the

Revolutionary War they removed to Alsace township, Berks

county, where Miller died in 1784. As their sons became

prominently identified with the society through the ministry of

Albright, a notice of them seems proper in this connection:

 

 

* Grandfather of ex-Governor James A. Beaver.

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 33

 

(1) John Miller and his wife Sabilla lived in Bern town-

ship, Berks county, and their house was one of the first preaching

places. John Miller never united with the society, but his wife

did. He died early in the century. She died at the home of

her son Solomon G., in Stoyestown, Somerset county, Pa., in

1850, at a very advanced age. John Miller, Jr., son of the

foregoing, entered the Evangelical ministry in 1822, traveled

seven years, broke down in health, and died near Shoemakers-

ville, Pa., in 1833. Solomon G. Miller, another son of John,

was a very talented man. He entered the ministry in 1829, trav-

eled a number of years, and later was employed at the Book

Establishment at New Berlin, Pa. He resided for some time at

Stoyestown, Pa., and still later removed to Kansas, where he

died, near Augusta, Nov. 19, 1883, aged seventy-six years.

 

(2) George Miller lived in Schuylkill county, where he, in

June 3, 1802, became a subject of saving grace, but some years

later removed across the mountain to Allemangel, near his father-

in-law. In 1805 he entered the active ministry. As his biogra-

phy appears elsewhere, a further notice of him in this connection

is unnecessary.

 

(3) Solomon Miller lived in Schuylkill county, near his

brother George. He was also converted in 1802, and his house

became a regular preaching place in the Autumn of that year.

On Easter day, 1803, Albright held his fourth general meeting

at his house. In the Fall of 1803 he attended the First Council,

and in 1807 the first annual conference, where he was licensed as

one of the first local preachers. In 1816 he removed to New

Berlin, Pa., to take charge of the newly established printing busi-

ness of the society. As he derived no income from this source,

he carried on his trade as a hatter. His good work for the church

was, however, soon cut short, as he died March 29, 1820, aged

forty-two -years, five months and twenty-two days. His body

reposes near that of his brother George.

 

(4) Frederick Miller in the early part of the century re-

moved to the upper end of Lehigh county, near the Blue

 

Note. — A few years after their conversion, George and Solomon Miller

removed from Schuylkill county to the head of Allemangel corner, near their

father-in-law Michael Brobst. Here George built a saw mill, and Solo-

mon erected a small hat factory, on the same premises. In 1809 the second

annual conference was held at their house, and in the Fall of 1810 the second

camp-meeting was held on the north bank of the mill dam, where there is a

beautiful spring. Still later they removed to New Berlin, as elsewhere noted;

 

 

34 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Mountains, where his house was for many years a preaching place.

He became quite wealthy, and being without issue, willed his

entire estate to the East Pa. Conference. This was the largest

bequest ever made to the church. The will, however, was con-

tested by other claimants, and after a very costly litigation the

conference saved about $10,000, which was very generously

turned over to the Charitable Society of the church. He died

in 1854, at a very advanced age.

 

In the vicinity of Orwigsburg, Schuylkill county, lived George

Orwig, who was a member of the Lutheran Church, and a highly

respectable citizen. He was liberal in his views and strongly

opposed to the dead and formal worship so prevalent in his

locality. He therefore opened his house as a preaching place

for Jacob Albright.* Although he never withdrew from the

church of his fathers, he was nevertheless a warm friend of the

Evangelical Association, and his children and grandchildren be-

came prominent members. Several of his sons having removed

to Buffalo Valley, Union county, he and his wife Magdalena

went thither to spend their last days with them, and there they

both died in 1841, each at the age of eighty-two years.

 

In Lower Mahantongo Valley lived John Haldeman, whose

house became a preaching place for Albright and his asso-

ciates. Probably nowhere else in Pennsylvania was there greater

spiritual darkness than in this region, and the work seemed fruit-

less. Brother Haldeman, however, did not become discour-

aged, although he stood almost alone for a quarter of a century

as a professor of experimental religion. His house was for many

years a noted stopping place for the preachers in their travels to

and fro. The precious seed of the gospel sown in this place was

not lost, however, as in course of time it came to a rich fruitage,

and a class was formed. John Seybert and others took up ap-

pointments in adjoining places, and a rich harvest of souls was

realized. One of the chief pillars in this valley for many years

was Henry Heppler. Many victorious camp-meetings were held

on his place, and the Evangelical work throughout that region

has continued to nourish to the present time.

 

* This statement is from his grandson, Bishop W. W. Orwig.

 

Note. — Father John Haldeman died 1842, aged seventy-four years. His

wife Salome in 1838, aged seventy-one years.

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 35

 

Lebanon County. For some unknown reason Albright

was specially interested in Schaefferstown and vicinity. This place

is situated about seven miles south-east of Lebanon, in one of the

finest agricultural regions of the State. It is especially noted as

the place of Albright's first labors, of which we have definite

knowledge. In October, 1796, the Reformed church here was

dedicated, and we find him addressing an overflow meeting from

a board pile at the entrance of the market house, in the public

square. A furious attack was made upon him by a godless mob,

and the result would doubtless have been serious to him had not

the arm of the Lord encircled him. At the critical moment when

a rush was about to be made upon him, a powerful man, named

Maize, who saw his danger, seized him, and carried him away,

as though he were a child. The cowardly mob well knew the

strength and courage of Maize, and made no further attempt to

harm him. A kind hearted man named Peter Mohr then took

him to his home and sheltered him. This perilous attempt to

preach Evangelical doctrine in this wicked place did not in the

least discourage him, but with true Christian heroism he fre-

quently returned, and the Lord not only opened doors for him,

but also hearts to receive the truth, and the precious seed thus

sown in tears and sorrow, came to a rich and glorious fruitage,

as will be observed. But before this result could be reached,

God's servant must pass through a still more fiery ordeal.

 

Albright's Terrible Persecution. In the Autumn of

1799 a fair was held at Schaefferstown, at which time he preached

to a large multitude by the wayside. On this occasion he was

attacked by a mob and shamefully abused. Bruised and bleed-

ing, and with garments almost torn from his body, he escaped

with his life to father Zentmyer's, who lived two miles distant,

and at whose home he had often found a warm welcome. Here

he lay for two weeks under the care of a physician.

 

Among Albright's hearers at the fair was George Becker,

who lived two miles east, at the Muehlbach. The word of truth

made an impression upon his heart, and some years later he was

converted, and became one of the strongest pillars the church has

ever had. (See Muehlbach.)

 

Near Schaefferstown lived Jacob Gleim, a man of sterling

worth and deep piety. Soon after Albright began his labors

here Brother G. opened his house for preaching, and it was for

many years a noted place. He died in 1837, at the age of

 

 

36 EVANGELICAL ASS0CIATION ANNALS.

 

seventy-one years. It is worthy of note that when Albright

was suffering from his last illness and was on his way home, as

he said, to die, he was brought from Linglestown to brother

Gleim's. From there he resumed his journey, but was compelled

to stop at George Becker's, only two miles distant, where he

breathed his last.

 

Among the converts of Albright at Schaefferstown was Jacob

Bricker, who was, so far as we know, the first in the town to

open his house as a preaching place. He died in Lebanon,

in 1840, aged seventy-three years. Bishop Newcomer, of the

United Brethren Church, mentions in his journal the fact of

having preached in Bricker's house in 1823. John Grumbein

and family were also converted under the preaching of Albright,

and their house was a preaching place. (Father G. died in 1868,

aged ninety years.) A little later Jacob Bucks became a prom-

inent member. He was class leader for many years, and was the

father of Rev. H. Bucks, who entered the ministry in 1832.

 

The Muehlbach and Vicinity. In West Cocalico town-

ship, in the northeastern part of Lancaster, and near the line of

Lebanon county, is a locality known as "The Swamp," opening

in the direction of Schaefferstown, between the Muehlbach and

Chestnut Ridge. The Muehlbach is a few miles north and Schaef-

ferstown northwest. In this place Albright was received by

John Wenger,* who opened his house for the preachers of exper-

imental religion. On one occasion when Albright preached

here, the house was so thronged that the floor gave way, and

a disaster was narrowly averted. Some people regarded this

mishap as a sign of God's disfavor and thereafter kept aloof.

 

In the Spring or Summer of 1805 George Miller, Albright's

co-laborer, gained entrance a little farther north towards the

Muehlbach. In his autobiography he says, "One evening I

stopped with a man in Lancaster county named Lesher, and

was lovingly received. In the evening and morning I prayed

with them, and as I was about to take my departure, he asked

me whether I was not a Methodist preacher. I replied that I

was no Methodist. 'But,' said he, 'you are a preacher, and in

what connection do you stand?' I replied, 'I am an Evangelical

preacher, and preach the gospel to all who receive and hear me.'

 

* He was a brother to Jacob and Joseph, of State Line, Pa., which see, and

brother-in-law to father Philip Breidenstein, and Bishop H. Kummler.

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 37

 

'Tell me the truth,' said he, 'are you not a Methodist preacher?'

'You can depend upon it,' said I. 'I would like to hear you

preach, but the Methodists I would not receive, because they are

too boisterous. Or are you so loud too? At any rate, I will

give out an appointment for you and then we will see.'

 

"An appointment was given out, and the house was filled

with people. The Lord gave me grace to preach His Word with

feeling and power, so that nearly all were melted. Lesher desired

another appointment, and as I preached again others desired it

also, and the Lord so wrought that in a short time sinners began

to seek for pardon. As Lesher heard the noise he left the

assembly, but God worked powerfully so that many sinners were

converted, and also this old man with nearly his entire family

were converted."*

 

The Beckers and Lefflers Converted. Among the peo-

ple who came to the meetings at Lesher's were some from the

Muehlbach, about three miles distant, among whom was Cath-

arine, wife of Frederick Becker, a highly respected man, and

a brother of George and Samuel, of the Muehlbach. John

Leffler, married to Becker's sister Julianna, lived near Lesh-

er's, and also attended the meetings. Mrs. Becker was con-

verted and a little later her husband Frederick. This opened

the way for the introduction of the work.

 

Soon after his conversion Frederick Becker began to urge

his brothers, Samuel and George, to attend the meetings at the

Swamp. After much persuasion they agreed to do so, and went

together. The service made a deep impression upon them, and

on their return they discussed the propriety of having Albright

preach at the Muehlbach also. Samuel thought that inasmuch

as he was an officer in the Lutheran Church, it would not do for

him to open his house as a preaching place, but urged his brother

George to do so. George signified his willingness, but there

were domestic obstacles in the way, and the project was deferred.

Quite unexpectedly, however, whether in jest or earnest we can-

not say, the wife of George told him to have an appointment

made at their house. This was just what he desired, but she had

hitherto shown no disposition in favor of the work. An appoint-

ment was accordingly made, which was filled by Albright.

The wife, however, opposed a second meeting, but Albright

 

* Miller's Leben, page 83.

 

 

38 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

persuaded her to permit another appointment, to which she finally

agreed. At the second meeting he was assisted by his colleagues

John Walter and George Miller. The house was thronged

with people. Much opposition was manifested by the enemies

of the cause, and considerable damage was done about the prem-

ises. The meeting nevertheless was a glorious triumph, and

among the saved was George Becker. The precious seed

dropped into his heart by Albright at the Schaefferstown fair,

five years previous, at last matured in his salvation. Becker's

sister Julianna, and her husband John Leffler, from the Swamp,

were also present at this meeting. She was powerfully wrought

upon, and with contending emotions within her soul she stole

away ere the meeting closed and returned to her home, several

miles distant. When her husband returned he found his wife in

bed and the door securely barred. To his repeated calls to open

the door she paid no attention, whereupon he bowed down and

offered up a fervent prayer in her behalf. This induced her to

open the door, but she immediately returned to bed. She there

began to upbraid him for falling away from the faith of their

fathers. It was quite evident, however, that her heart had been

touched by the spirit of conviction, and she was in that condi-

tion in which the enemy of souls makes a last desperate effort to

hold his victim. Her husband then bowed down by the side of

a chest near the bed, and with tears began to pray for her salva-

tion. Soon the mighty power of God came down upon them,

and the woman cried out with a loud voice, "Der Teufel muss

weichen." (The devil must flee.) After a season of Jacob-like

wrestling the unseen One revealed His hidden name, and the

house resounded with shouts of joy and praise from the lips of

husband and wife.

 

Samuel Becker was still unconverted. Soon after the con-

version of Lefflers a prayer-meeting was appointed at their

house. When the time for the prayer-meeting came, Samuel

Becker's wife, who had been converted, said to her husband,

"Come, get ready, and let us go over to Leffler's to the prayer-

meeting." "No," said he, "I must go to church to-day or they

will throw me out of office, as I have missed church pretty often

of late." After much persuasion, however, she induced him

to accompany her. The meeting was one of great power, and

Becker resolved to seek the Lord in the salvation of his soul.

The friends joined in fervent supplications with him, and he was

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 39

 

soon overwhelmed with the power of saving grace. Springing to

his feet, with his streaming eyes turned heavenward, he repeated

that grand old hymn of Rothe, beginning,

 

"Ich habe nun den Grund gefunden

 Der meinen Anker ewig haelt;

Wo anders als in Jesu Wunden;

 Da lag er vor der Zeit der Welt,

Ein Grund der unbeweglich steht

Wann Erd und Himmel untergeht."*

 

Deacon Samuel Becker was now converted, and another

strong pillar added to Albright's little society. His conversion,

however, was the signal for abuse from his former co-religionists.

He had "fallen away from the faith," according to their notion,

and to ridicule him and disturb the meetings at his house was

considered just what he deserved. His father-in-law, who was a

man of considerable means, was especially hostile to him and

his wife, and finally announced to them that he had disinherited

them. Mrs. Becker said, "Dear father, you may do me all the

harm you can. You may throw me out of my inheritance, if you

will, but you cannot take from me my inheritance above, which

rests in God's hands, and is incorruptible, undefiled, and fadeth

not away.” The aged father spent much of his time at her house,

but whenever there was preaching there, he left and remained

away until the service was over. His bitterness against the

Evangelical work never abated, and at his death it was found

that he had executed his cruel threat, and his dear daughter, who

had bestowed upon her aged father the tenderest care and affec-

tion, was cut off from her father's estate. In the light of eternity

this was of little moment to her, for she has for many years

enjoyed her more enduring substance in the City of God.

 

Becker Family History. Among the early German emi-

grants in Pennsylvania were a number of Baptists, who fled from

the religious intolerance of the Old World to seek homes in the

New, where they might serve God according to the dictates of

their consciences. At first they were somewhat scattered, but

Conrad Bissel having settled at the Muehlbach in 1721,** he

was in 1724 joined by others, and a society was organized. This

society chose one of their number named Peter Becker*** as

 

* See English translation in Evangelical Hymn Book, No. 324.

** Egle'S History of Lancaster county.

*** Becker was from Dilsheim, Germany.

 

 

40 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

their official baptizer.* This was the ancestor of the Becker

family. In 1724 he baptized Bissel in the Pequea Creek,**

Bissel was a man of considerable intelligence, and changing his

views somewhat, he a few years later withdrew and founded the

famous Communistic Society at Ephrata. Becker's estate on

the Muehlbach was quite large, and a good portion of it has

remained in the hands of his descendants continuously to the

present time. Among the sons of the emigrant was John George,

to whom the estate descended.

 

John George Becker was the father of fifteen children, nearly

all of whom became supporters of Albright and members of his

society, and multitudes of his descendants are to be found as hon-

ored members in almost every quarter of the church. He died

prior to 1800, aged ninety-two years. His aged companion, who

was his third wife, lived to see the Evangelical work established,

became a member of the Muehlbach class, and died in peace soon

afterwards. Of the children of John George Becker, several

of whom have already been mentioned, a brief reference can only

be given in this connection. John Jacob soon after his conver-

sion removed to Windsor township, York county, where he was a

pillar for many years. Michael lived on the Swatara, where he

received Albright and his co-laborers. Frederick, (wife Eliza-

beth), Elizabeth, married to John Lesher, of Dauphin county.

Frederick Becker and his brother-in-law Lesher removed to

Seneca county, O. Julianna, wife of John Leffler, already

referred to; Christina, who became the wife of Rev. John

Walter, the first co-laborer of Albright; Samuel and George,

of whom more will be found presently.

 

The Becker mansion is one of the most interesting land-

marks connected with the history of the church. It was erected

by John George Becker, and is a two story stone edifice of

large size. The body of the building is of limestone, but the

corners, windows, and doors are of fine red sandstone trimmings.

Over the door is neatly cut the legend, "G, 1767, B." The edi-

fice is in an excellent state of preservation. An abiding interest

attaches to it, because in it was held, in 1807, the first annual

conference of the Evangelical Association. Brother Samuel

Becker gained possession of the homestead, and it has been

 

•Rupp's History of Lancaster county, page 214.

** Ephrata Chronicles.

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 41

 

retained by his descendants ever since. He was killed in 1809

by accidentally falling under the wheel of his wagon, while on his

way to Reading. George Becker lived on the western end of

the estate. The old homestead was situated near a large spring,

which is the source of the stream known as the Muehlbach,

(Millcreek.) In this house Albright died in 1808. The an-

nual conference was held here in 1810 and 1811. The old home

has long since given way to a more modern edifice. George

Becker was blessed with a family of godly children, of whom

his eldest daughter Mary married Rev. John Erb, but died in

the bloom of life in 1814. Catharine in 1823 became the wife

of Rev. John Klinefelter, who was one of the leading men of

the church. Father George Becker died in 1855, at the age

of eighty-eight years, his wife Maria having preceded him many

years.

 

The Muehlbach class was organized in 1805, John Leffler,

leader. Members: Father John Lesher and family, John Lef-

fler and wife Julianna, mother Julianna Becker, Frederick

Becker and wife Catharine, John Jacob Becker, Catharine

(Becker) Kissinger, Christina Becker, (afterwards Mrs. Rev.

J. Walter), Anna Yost, John A. Hake, and also Jacob Bricker,

Jacob Gleim, and John Grumbein, with their families, of Schaef-

ferstown.

 

Albright was buried in the private burying ground of George

Becker. In course of time it was enlarged, father John Kline-

felter donating considerable land for the purpose, and it is now

known as the Albright, or Evangelical cemetery. In the midst

 

Notes. — 1. Frederick Becker's son Abraham entered the ministry in

1822 and traveled five years. John Jacob was noted for his wonderful gift of

prayer, under which the hearts of many sinners melted like wax before the flame.

He died in Windsor township, York county, Pa.

2. John Adam Haake, whose remarkable conversion at Michael Becker's

in 1805 is elsewhere related. He was blind through the premature explosion of

a blast, which accident occurred before his conversion. He was a powerful

exhorter, and was accustomed to go to meetings in distant localities and wrought

much good. He died in 1851, aged seventy-five years. He is buried close by

Rev. Jacob Albright.

3. Anna Yost lived in a small house belonging to George Becker. She

was one of the first converts, and especially noted as a sweet singer. She was

Albright's nurse during his last illness at Becker's, and cheered him by

singing the sweet songs of Zion. Later she married Brother J. Snavely and

removed to Cornwall, Lebanon county, where she died in 1855.

 

 

42 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

of it stands the Albright Memorial Church, built in memory of

the founder in 1850. The material is red sandstone. It is,

however, not as originally constructed. Because of faulty work

in its erection, it became necessary to rebuild the entire struc-

ture. The inscription on the marble slab above the entrance

reads as follows:

 

"Albrechts Kirche,

errichted

zum andenken des verewigten

Jacob Albrecht,

Stifter der Evangelischen Gemeinschaft in Nerd Amerika,

im 50 ten Jahr der Gemeinschaft,

Anno. 1850.

Ganz neu aufgebaut im Jahr 1860."

 

Translation. — "Albright Church, erected to the memory of the Sainted

Jacob Albright, founder of the Evangelical Association of North America, in

the 50th year of the Association, Anno. 1850. Rebuilt in the year 1860."

 

The Breitenstein Family. A few miles south-west of

Lebanon, Pa., lived Philip Breitenstein, a man in good cir-

cumstances and highly respected in his community. Albright

had become acquainted with him prior to the beginning of the

century, when he lived at Adamstown, Lancaster county. Late

in the Fall of 1805 he preached in his house for the first time.

The weather being unfavorable, his audience consisted of the

family and a pumpmaker, who was then doing some work for

Breitenstein. Although favorable to Albright, he did not

fully yield to the influence of the gospel. His wife was still less

inclined than her husband. She was not only indifferent, but

also in a measure opposed to Albright's pretensions as a min-

ister of the gospel. On the score of old acquaintance, and the

fact that he was welcomed by her brother, John Wengerd, near

Adamstown, it would seem she tolerated his services at their

house. But with the exception of the privilege of preaching there

occasionally, his work for the time being seemed in vain. Sev-

eral providential circumstances occurred by which the Lord

turned these otherwise excellent people to Himself, and raised

them up as pillars in His church. The following remarkable

account of Mrs. Breitenstein's conversion she related to her

pastor, J. M. Saylor, from whose lips the author received it:

 

The evening was drawing near, when a young man on horse-

back drew rein in front of Breitenstein's house. He inquired

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 43

 

whether they could tell him of the whereabouts of Jacob Al-

bright. The appearance of the young man and his inquiry at

once aroused the interest of Breitenstein, who asked' his name.

The young man replied, "I am John Walter, Albright's helper."

He was then kindly requested to remain for the night, an invita-

tion which he thankfully accepted. Mrs. B. at once proceeded

to prepare supper, and the young itinerant was invited to share

the repast. He was requested to ask the blessing at the table,

which he did in a unique manner. He made it the occasion for

praying specially for her who had prepared the meal. This was

something new to her, but it was of God. "The words of the

wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assem-

blies, which are given from one shepherd." (Eccles. xii. 11) It

was this remarkable prayer that led her to the Saviour, and like

Lydia her heart was opened "that she attended to the things

spoken of." (Acts xvi. 14.)

 

Brother B. still refused to receive Christ fully, but mark how

strange are the ways of Providence. Soon after the foregoing

incident (May 18, 1808) Albright was called to his rich reward,

and the same Walter who could lead souls to Christ by saying

grace at meals, preached such a sermon at the funeral of the

sainted founder of the church that the hearts of the hearers

melted like wax before the flame, and father Breitenstein was

led into "the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Jesus

Christ." (Rom. xv. 29.) From this time on he was a pillar in

the society. Many important general meetings and camp-meet-

ings were held on his place. Later he was licensed as a local

preacher, in which capacity he was signally useful. His son

John, who was also converted at an early day, entered the active

ministry in 1818.

 

After faithfully serving his day and generation father Breit-

enstein was gathered to the fathers above. His mortal remains

were deposited in the little family burying place on his farm. By

his side rests his beloved companion, and his distinguished son

John.

 

Father B. was born in 1764, and died Jan. 22, 1838. His

wife Barbara died April 29, 1851, aged eighty-one years. Their

entire family were prominent members of the church. Their

daughter Catharine became the wife of Rev. J. C. Reisner.

Another daughter, Mary, converted in 1807, married Jacob

Middlekauff, of Hagerstown, Md., and their house was one of

 

 

44 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

the most important preaching places of the old Franklin Circuit

for many years. She died in 1855, aged sixty-one years.

 

In May, 1811, the third camp-meeting of the Connection was

held on Breitenstein's place, and when it is remembered that

ministers and people came from all parts of the church, it will

be seen that an ordinary farm would be taxed to its utmost to

furnish pasturage for their horses. After considering the matter

B. found that he had no suitable field into which he could turn

the horses except a clover field on which he depended for that

season's crop. After much anxiety he referred the matter to the

Lord, praying that He would in some way provide. The time

for holding the camp-meeting arrived, and also people from all

parts of* the church, with a great number of horses, jaded and

hungry. What was to be done? There was no alternative and

brother B. opened the bars to his field of clover then in blossom.

The unconverted people now pointed to this act as proof that the

"false prophets" had completely turned Breitenstein's head,

and said the people would "eat him out of house and home."

Reader, mark the sequel. While the horses were feeding a whole

week in the best pasture they ever had, their owners were enjoy-

ing one of the best camp-meetings ever held. The second day

following the close of the camp and the departure of the people

a steady rain set in which continued several days. This caused

the downtrodden clover to grow afresh and produced the greatest

hay crop ever gathered from that field. The year in general was

a prosperous one to him, which brother B. regarded as a special

indication of God's favor because of his trust in Him.

 

Lebanon and Vicinity. Through the labors of Father Breit-

enstein and his son John the Evangelical work was established

in the vicinity of Lebanon. They were ever ready to secure new

preaching places for the preachers. Although Albright and his

co-laborers had preached in the town of Lebanon as early as 1805,

there was no visible fruit until the Breitensteins effected a reg-

ular appointment.

 

A gracious revival resulted in 1826 under the labors of John

Seybert, afterwards the first bishop of the church. A strong class

was formed and our work has ever prospered at that place.

 

It is worthy of note that of the early converts three young

men, Henry Fisher, Elias Stoever and Jacob Burkett, became

prominent ministers. The former was one of our early publish-

ers, and editor of the Evangelical Messenger.

                                     

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 45

 

About three miles from Lebanon, and the same distance from

Breitenstein's, lived two brothers, Jacob and Henry Eby, both

highly respected farmers. The time and circumstances of their

conversion are unknown, but it is certain that in 1805 George

Miller preached at their houses, and beyond doubt the Founder

of the church often did likewise. Important general meetings

were held here at an early day, and conversions took place, but

no organization was effected. The members of this locality and

Breitenstein's constituted one class. Preaching was kept up

here for many years, and many camp-meetings were held on their

lands. Jacob Eby died in 1838, aged sixty-four, and Henry

died in 1863, in his eighty-second year.

 

Samuel Bien and wife were among the first converts in Leb-

anon county and are supposed to have been members of the

Breitenstein Class. Their house became a preaching place in

Albright's time, but we have not been able to ascertain, with

certainty, the locality of their residence. In the early part of

the century they removed to Warren county, Ohio, where they died

near Lebanon. Father Bien died in 1852, aged seventy-eight

years, and his companion soon afterwards.

 

During the year 1809 a general meeting was held at Henry

Eby's, attended by all the traveling preachers of the Association.

At this meeting George Miller, John Walter, and John Dreis-

bach were solemnly ordained as elders in accordance with a pre-

vious resolution of the conference. The meeting was an occasion

of great rejoicing. The brethren reconsecrated themselves to the

service of God, and the work of the ministry, and the consequence

was that great and unprecedented revivals took place on all the

charges soon afterwards.

 

Jonestown is situated about seven miles northeast of Lebanon,

near the Swatara Creek. Albright and his associates found

some open doors in this region, but also met with violent oppo-

sition. In Jonestown they preached in a small building in which

all denominations were permitted to hold services. Mother

"Ketty" Wingerd (noticed below) often related that she was

present at a meeting held here by the Old Brethren ("Die Alte

Brueder" — meaning Albright and his associates), when the

building was surrounded by a mob and an attack made upon the

worshipers, from which they escaped without injury only with

the greatest difficulty, and their deliverance was ever afterwards

ascribed to the providence of God. After several years of hard

 

 

46 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

labor and great opposition, a class was formed in Jonestown and

vicinity by Rev. George Miller in 1805 ("Miller's Leben"

page 84).

 

Among those who received Albright was Ludwig Zehring,

a man of wealth and influence who lived on the Swatara Creek,

a few miles east of Jonestown. He was a prominent member of

the Reformed Church, and made great sacrifices when he opened

his house to the Evangelical preachers. There seems but little

doubt that Albright visited him in the early part of the ministry,

as his daughter Catharine, already referred to, was converted

in 1799. She died in Jonestown in 1874, at the age of eighty-

eight years, having been connected with the church from its

infancy. Ludwig Zehring's house was a regular preaching

place as late as 1825.

 

Between Jonestown and Mt. Nebo ("Ono" post-office), and

about a mile east of the latter place, lived Adam Faber, whose

father Michael came from the Palatinate, Germany, in 1733.

Adam Faber was a highly respected member of the Reformed

Church and an officer in the same. He was led to see the spir-

itual darkness then prevailing in his own heart, and by the grace

of God, was led into the blissful experiences of salvation. His

house became a regular preaching place for Albright and his

associates, and continued to be one of the strongholds of the

church for many years. His son John, who lived on his father's

estate, also opened his house as a preaching place at an early

day. The first camp-meeting of the Association in this vicinity

was held on Faber's land in 1815, at which time the noted John

Walter (whose little farm adjoined Faber's) preached what

was probably his last sermon. Father Faber died in 1819 and

was laid to rest in the family burial ground by the wayside, on

the north side of the farm. (Rev. John Walter was buried in

the same graveyard.) His wife Anna Faber died in 1839, aged

eighty-two years, and was buried in the Reformed churchyard

at Jonestown.

 

The Walter Family. About three miles west of Jonestown,

Pa., lived Father Peter Walter, who with his wife Margaret,

was of the first to adhere to Albright in the beginning of his

ministry. We have already observed that he was the first class-

leader of the Association, and removed from Quakertown to

this locality in 1805. From the fact that this family was not

only one of the first, but also one of the most noted in the early

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 47

 

history of the society, a more extended account seems proper in

this connection.

 

The family consisted of the following sons: Joseph, John,

Abraham and Peter; and daughters: Elisabeth, Magdalena,

Sarah Christina and Rebecca. Joseph, soon after his father's

removal here, was married to Mary Stine. Their house became

a regular preaching place in Albright's time, and became a noted

place for general meetings and camp-meetings. He died near

Mt. Nebo in 1857, aged seventy-nine years, his companion having

preceded him about ten years. John became Albright's first

co-worker, as will be seen in his biography. After his health

failed he purchased a small farm near his parental home where he

resided till his death. Abraham was a local preacher in the early

days, although his name does not appear in our history as such. He

lived at Linglestown and was class-leader there. Peter removed

to Ohio, where he died. Lena (Magdalena) was noted for her deep

piety, zeal and remarkable courage. Once when attending a gen-

eral meeting at Solomon Miller's, held by Albright and others

in 1804, she with other sisters was engaged in prayer, when a wicked

man named Brobst, father-in-law of Rev. George and Solomon

Miller, who was most bitterly opposed to the work, entered the

house and forced his way up stairs, where he drew a sword, and

in a terrible manner menaced the life of the worshipers. Lena

Walter arose and boldly withstood him, declaring that neither

he nor his sword should prevent her from loving and praising

her Lord, and that she was willing to die for Jesus' sake. With

one accord the worshipers then called on the Lord for help, and

the heart of the cruel old man relented and he withdrew, and

afterwards confessed to having wept and prayed on his way home.*

Lena afterwards was married to a man named Douglass, and

removed across the mountain into Dauphin county, and became

a member of the "Stroh" Class, in Fishing Creek Valley. Sarah

married a brother named Hockman, of Lancaster county. Chris-

tina married John Lesher, a son of Father John Lesher, who

first received our preachers in the Swamp, Lancaster county.

They removed to Seneca county, Ohio, where they were among

our first members. Mrs. Lesher died in 1838, aged forty-seven

years, and her husband the year following, aged fifty years.

Rebecca married a brother named Bader, and also moved to

Ohio. She died in Iowa in 1865, aged seventy-one years.

 

* Miller's "Leben und Wirken."

 

 

48 EVANGELICAL ASS0CIATION ANNALS.

 

A sad story remains to be told in this connection. About

1822 Abraham Walter conceived the idea of removing to Tur-

key Valley, in Juniata county, and persuaded his aged father

to remove thither with him. This was very unfortunate, as the

region is rough and unproductive, and was then a mere wilder-

ness. Despite the entreaty of his children he resolved to go, and

in his old days build up a new home in the forest. Here both

he and his aged companion soon found graves for their home.

Abraham also died here, so far as is known.

 

The following account we take from Orwig's history:

 

"It was in the month of August, 1808, when John Dreisbach returned

from a general meeting near the Muehlbach, accompanied by a young brother,

Andrew Wolf,* in order to fill an appointment that evening in Jonestown,**

but as he had been disturbed while preaching there before, on his way to said

general meeting, it was his intention to preach to the friends there without

giving public notice of it. From fear (not of the Jews, but of the heathen-like

Christians), the doors had been locked and the window shutters fastened inside

before the services commenced. After singing and prayer the sermon com-

menced, but as the exercises had in all probability been heard by some of the

adversaries, a mob gathered in a short time, and forcing the doors and shutters

open, they rushed with a dreadful noise and with still more dreadful impreca-

tions into the house and thus put a stop to the exercises. The preacher then

took a light and went among the crowd to restore order, but several ruffians

seized him and dragged him toward the door, at the same time treating him very

roughly, extinguishing all the lights in the house, and calling to their companions

who were outside, 'Boys, open the door; we have got him!' They replied,

'Give it to him; kill the priest!' The preacher was justly apprehensive of still

worse treatment if they should succeed in getting him out of the house, but how

to get out of their hands he knew not. Suddenly it flashed upon his mind, as if

God had revealed it to him, that if he would jerk himself up with all his might

and then suddenly fall down like a log, he might get out of their hands. He

did so and thus got rid of them, although he was still among the crowd in the

dark. Now as the ruffians were groping for him, they got hold of each other,

letting torrents of blows descend on one another, each fancying he was giving it

to the 'priest;' but while they were thus regaling each other to their heart's

content with blows and pushes, he managed to get out of the crowd and the mob

got out doors. Alarmed for the minister, some of the friends hastened out also,

but were seized and very much abused by the mob. The landlord, father P.

Walter, was so much hurt that the blood gushed from his mouth and nose. A

sister was knocked down and carried into the house for dead, and several more

friends were likewise very roughly dealt with."

 

As an agreeable sequel to the above, we may add that the

leaders of the mob, seven in number, were legally indicted the

 

* Brother Wolf was from Buffalo Valley, Union county, and soon thereafter

was married to Anna Dreisbach, sister of Rev. John Dreisbach. (See

Buffalo Valley.)

** It was three miles west. — Author.

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 49

 

next day and heavily fined by the court when the case came to

trial. The fines were generously remitted by the brethren. One

of the jurors in the case was Philip Breitenstein, who after-

wards became a local preacher and a great pillar in the church,

as already noticed.

 

Lancaster County. Among the first in Lancaster county

to receive Albright was a widow named Elisabeth Thomas,

who resided in Manor township, near the confluence of the Big

and Little Conestoga. By a first marriage she had two sons,

Jacob and John Rippley, and by a second marriage Christian

and David Thomas, all of whom became men of great prominence

in the church.

 

Albright began his labors in this place in 1802 or 1803.

Souls were saved from time to time, and a class was formed in

1806 or 1807. During the latter year a considerable revival

occurred at Millerstown. Among the converts was John Erb,

who entered the ministry the following year.

 

In 1809 another gracious revival took place all along the

Conestoga and many prominent conversions occurred. Among

those who at this time became actively identified with the society

were John Rippley, and David and Christian Thomas. The

latter had some years previous opened his house at Millersville

as a preaching place for Albright. Some years later Jacob

Rippley also united with the society, and thereafter the Evangel-

ical work on the Conestoga made rapid progress. Christian

and David Thomas and John Rippley were licensed as preachers

soon after their conversion. John Rippley's was for many

 

Notes. — David Thomas entered the active ministry in 1815. Traveled

two years and thereafter served in a local capacity with great acceptance until

his death, which took place in 1874. His services to the church were important

and valuable. He was one of the delegates to the "Social Conference" in

1816. In 1818 he conducted the obsequies of Rev. John Walter, Albright's

first co-laborer.

 

Christian Thomas was early licensed as a local preacher. Entered the

active work in 1832. Located next year. Died in 1851.

 

John Rippley, after serving the church many years as a local preacher, died

in 1851, aged seventy-seven years.

 

Jacob Rippley, at an early day, with others, removed to Erie county, Pa.,

where he opened his house to John Seybert, who was sent there as missionary

in 1833. He died in 1851, aged seventy-nine years. His wife Anna died in

1853, aged eighty-two years.

 

 

50 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

years a noted place for meetings. An amusing incident occurred

here which we give, as serving to illustrate the ignorance of divine

things in that day. About 1810 John Walter preached here,

at which time he had among his hearers a man named Adam.

In the course of his sermon he remarked that it was absolutely

necessary that the "Old Adam" be driven out, referring, of

course, to the expulsion of the sinful nature. The individual

Adam, however, did not understand it in that sense, but took it

as a personal matter and left the assembly greatly offended. A

daughter of John Rippley married Michael Kneisley, who also

became a prominent member, and was for many years one of the

pillars of the work on the Conestoga.

 

A few miles distant from mother Thomas', at Conestoga

Centre, lived Philip Herrman, who was the first in this neigh-

borhood to open his house as a preaching place for Albright

and his co-laborers. His wife Barbara, however, was very much

opposed to it, and it was with difficulty that the appointments

were filled. On one occasion when Albright was preaching, she

blew out the lights. In the revival of 1809 she was converted,

and thereafter the preachers were doubly welcome. Herrman's

house was for many years a preaching place. He died near the

close of the first quarter of the century, and his wife died in

1849, aged eighty-three years.

 

The home of Henry Wertz and his wife Mary, near the

Herrman home, was also a preaching place of Albright and

his co-laborers.

 

Henry Mandebach and his wife Maria and David Williams

and his wife Magdalen a were among the first members in Manor

township, and their homes were, in all probability, preaching

places. David Williams removed with Rippley and others to

Fairview, Erie county, Pa., and were among the first members

there. Brother W. died in 1864, aged eighty years, his wife

having preceded him in 1860.

 

At Mt. Joy lived father Samuel Lehn and his wife Magda-

lena. They were converted under the ministry of Albright in

1804, and not long afterwards opened their house as a preaching

place, which was an important point for many years. He was

the father of Rev. Michael Lehn, who entered the ministry in

1839. Father Lehn died in 1854, aged eighty-two years. His

wife preceded him in 1847, aged seventy-five years. A class was

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 51

 

formed here between 1807 and 1809. The sainted John Seybert

served as leader of this class in 1810, as well as the Manheim

Class at the same time.

 

The first and principal preaching place here was at Herman

Long's. He was converted in the early days, probably on the

Conestoga, and some time prior to 1810 his house became a

regular preaching place. He was a man of deep piety and great

zeal for the cause of vital godliness.

 

At Manheim entrance was gained soon after Albright's

death. In 1809 a number of conversions took place under the

labors of John Dreisbach and M. Betz, among whom was David

Boyer. On the evening of April 5, 1810, as Brother Betz

preached his last sermon preparatory to going to conference, a

young man named John Seybert was brought under conviction.

Little did the young preacher think that his words would result

in the conversion of the future first bishop of the church. Brother

Boyer followed up the good impressions made by the preacher

upon the heart of Seybert, and he was soon thereafter (June 21),

as he expressed it, "converted deep into eternal life." He was

then living with Jacob Lehr who, with his entire family, was

soon converted through his instrumentality. This same insatia-

ble thirst for souls remained a predominant characteristic of

Seybert through his entire ministry. He was appointed leader

of both the Manheim and Mt. Joy classes (eight miles distant)

in this same year. One of the first and most important preach-

ing places at Manheim was at Catharine Krall's.

 

A few miles below Columbia, on the Susquehanna River, is

situated the town of Washington. Here lived a number of highly

respected people, who opened their houses as preaching places.

Among them may be named Father Andrew Kauffman, and the

brothers Abraham, Christian and David Herr. The time

when the Evangelical preachers began their labors here cannot

ascertained with certainty, but it is quite probable that Albright

preached at Kauffman's, and Abraham, and Christian Herr's,

as they were connected with the revival movement already prior

 

Notes. — David Boyer was licensed as a local preacher soon after his con-

version. He was the father of a large family, all of whom became useful

members. He died in 1823. His family later removed to Dark county, Ohio,

where his widow died in 1852.

 

Father Lehr at an early day removed to Wayne county, Ohio, where his

house became a preaching place, and here he died in 1846, aged seventy years.

 

 

52 EVANGELICAL ASS0CIATION ANNALS.

 

to 1800, and all ministers who preached experimental religion

were welcome. That eminent servant of God, Christian New-

comer, (later bishop in the United Brethren Church) records in

his journal of 1801. "This day (October 20) came to Abraham

Herr's. (22) To-day I preached here from Jer. xlvi. 13. Bless

the Lord, conviction fastened on a few. We prayed with them

some time. At night I preached at Christian Herr's from Ps. viii.

5. The meeting continued until nearly daylight." An Evangelical

class was formed here about 1810, of which Father Kauffman

was leader.

 

Dauphin County. About eight miles northeast of Harris-

burg Albright found entrance in the early years of his ministry.

A revival took place and a class was organized in 1806. The

principal members were Jacob Becker and family. Also the

Steins and Leonard Crum. The latter became class-leader, a

position which he filled for many years, and the class became

known as "Crum's Class." He died in 1869, aged eighty-three

years. His wife Anna died in 1877, aged eighty-three years.

 

As already noticed, Jacob Becker (also Baker) and family

were members of the Paxton Class in 1805. A little later John

Baker, a son, removed to the vicinity of Linglestown, where he

opened his house as a preaching place. He was a personal friend

of Albright, and sometimes accompanied him to his neighboring

appointments. He was one of the first members of the Paxton

Class in 1805, and sometime after the class was established at

Linglestown, he was made leader. For many years he was a

strong pillar in the church. He died in 1868, aged eighty-four

years. His son, Rev. C. H. Baker, labored many years in the

itinerant ranks of the East Pa. Conference.

 

In Fishing Creek Valley, about five miles north of Crum’s,

beyond the mountain, Albright was received as early as 1800,

by Benjamin and P. Stroh. The latter removed to Ohio at an

early day and was one of the first to receive our missionaries in

that State. Benjamin Stroh and his wife Mary became the

chief pillars of the work in Fishing Creek Valley, and many con-

versions took place in their house. In 1802 Albright baptized

their daughter Mary, of whom more will be said hereafter.

Father S. died in 1855, aged eighty-four years. Other members

 

Note. — Father Andrew Kauffman died 1837, aged eighty-one years.

David Here, died 1846, aged eighty-eight years.

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 53

 

in the vicinity were the Colliers, Hoffmans* and Gippels.**

 

About nine miles from Harrisburg, near the base of the Blue

Mountain, is the village of Linglestown. Hare in the early days

lived Peter Raidabach, a deacon and chorister in the

church. He was a well informed, highly respected man. In the

beginning of 1808, during the prevalence of a snowstorm, a stranger

on horseback stopped before his door, and requested lodging for

the night, which was granted. This stranger was Jacob Albright,

seeking the lost sheep of the house of Israel. He soon made

known his character and requested permission to preach there

that night, which was also granted. Word was sent throughout

the neighborhood, and the house was filled with people, anxious

to hear what the strange preacher had to say. Albright preached

from the words, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just

to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

(I John i. 9.) The preacher spoke with great power, and a

wonderful commotion was produced. The doctrine of the new

birth and heart purity was something new to the people, and

some contended with Albright during the service that his doc-

trine was heretical, as they had never heard their preacher

advance such ideas. Some, however, were convinced that the

doctrine was in accordance with God's Word and that they had

been following blind guides. After the people had dispersed,

Albright convinced his host and the remaining friends from the

Bible and the catechism that his doctrine was true. Another

appointment was made for him and he preached on Sunday

morning, after which he and Raidabach proceeded to Michael

Becker's, where he also preached, little dreaming of the con-

spiracy which Satan instigated to destroy the precious seed he

had sown. That same Sunday morning a large number of people

had met at their church and conspired to break up Albright's

work, and if possible rescue their highly-esteemed chorister from

 

* The Hoffmans removed to Crawford county, Ohio. Mrs. H. was

converted under Albright in 1801. She died in. 1863, aged seventy-eight years.

** George Gippel, a member of the above family, married Mary Ann Stroh.

In 1831 they removed ten miles north to Peter's Mountain, where they opened

their house as a preaching place. A class was formed here of which Bro. G.

became the leader, which position he held until 1852, when he and several other

families removed to Grandview, Iowa, and where they organized themselves into

a class. The first Evangelical church in Iowa was built by them. Bro. G. was

the first leader of this class, and remained in office until he died in 1856, aged

fifty eight years. His wife survived until 1891, aged eighty-eight years.

 

 

54 EVANGELICAL ASS0C1ATION ANNALS.

 

his influence. They proceeded to Raidabach's house to accom-

plish their purpose, but when they arrived Albright and Raida-

bach had already gone to Michael Becker's. When Albright

preached again, a little later, a number of evil disposed persons

gathered around the house, intent on mischief. At the close of

the service they rushed into the house to attack Albright and

his host. In the struggle which ensued they dragged Raidabach

out of the house. He had a number of sons who were fearless, as

well as muscular young men, and who rushed upon their father's

assailants. Bethinking themselves as to whether it would be

right, they cried out, "Vater, sollen wir drauf schlagen?"("Father,

shall we strike?") The father answered “No." Not in the least

daunted by this dreadful persecution, Raidabach still clung to

Albright, and soon after the foregoing occurrence it was deter-

mined to hold a General Meeting at his house. At this meeting

there were present Albright, Walter and Miller. The house

was crowded with people, many of whom were convinced of their

sinful state, while others were there to hinder, if possible, the

spread of the work. In the afternoon Walter preached with

wonderful power, so that during the sermon many cried out for

mercy, while some fled in terror as though from the presence of

God. The meeting was a great victory for the people of God,

Many found salvation in the blood of the Lamb. A strong class

was formed, of which Raidabach was made leader. A peculiar

interest attaches to this man from the fact that at his house

Albright held his lost public service. On Easter day, 1808, there

was a general meeting at John Brobst's in Berks county, where

Albright stationed the preachers for the ensuing year. (There

was no annual conference this year.) Eight days after this another

general meeting was held at Raidabach's, at which time Albright,

Miller and John Dreisbach were present Albright's health,

however, was so precarious that he was not able to preach. He

felt that his work was done, and arrangements were made to

remove him to his home. It was here he gave that admirable

advice which should find a place in the hearts of all Evangelical

preachers. As he gave the parting hand to his faithful co-laborers,

Miller and Dreisbach, he repeated the lines of a familiar hymn:

 

"Kampfe bis auf's Blut und Leben,

Dring hinein in Gottes Reich."

 

"Struggle even unto blood,

Press into the kingdom of God."

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 55

 

When advanced in years, Father Raidabach and his children,

who were then heads of families, removed to Medina county,

Ohio, where they again became pioneers in the establishment of

the church. Several of the sons were prominent members of the

church. Father R. died at Gillfort, Medina county, Ohio, in

1838, aged seventy-four years. His companion followed him

in 1841, aged eighty-four years.

 

The first one to open his house to Albright and his co-laborers

in lower Dauphin county, near Hanover, was Michael Becker,

a brother of the Beckers on the Muehlbach. This was sometime

in 1805, during which year a class was formed here by George

Miller, of which Becker became the leader.

 

As an illustration of the mighty power of God which often

accompanied the preaching of His word, we here append part of*

a letter written by Father John Fleisher and published in the

Christliche Botschafter:

 

Esteemed Brethren in the Lord: I have felt for some time as though

I ought to write something for the Botschafter concerning God's work of years

ago, and since I am old and unable to write much more, I will relate some things

of the early days. Forty-three years ago (1805) Father Albright held a big.

meeting at Michael Becker's, two miles from Hanover, under some apple

trees. On this occasion I found Him in whose blood we have purification from

sin. On Sunday forenoon Brother Albright preached. After him John Walter

spoke so powerfully that a wonderful commotion took place among the audience.

 

There was a blind man present named H--- who was so deeply affected that

he cried "Fire! Fire!" believing that the world was burning. Another man,

then unconverted, sprang upon his horse and hastened to his people and told

them that the world was coming to an end and was even then burning. I did

hot know Brother Miller very well as I only once came to where he preached.

Still I know that God was with him. In course of time Brother Seybert came

to our place to preach the gospel. At this time he also wanted to go into Stone

Valley to preach. A certain man who was very much incensed against him, lay

in ambush with a gun to murder him. In all probability he would have accom-

plished his purpose, had not the Lord sent his servant by another way. Brother

Seybert preached at that place, and gave out another appointment, but before

he came again the audacious miscreant was in eternity* and the way to Stone

Valley was free and open. John Fleisher.**

 

Armstrong county, Pa., Nov. 8, 1848.

 

 

 

* Soon after his attempt to murder Brother S. the would-be assassin became

very ill. He felt that he could not make his peace with God without a confession

of his intended crime. This he made to his pastor. — Author.

** Father John Fleisher after an eventful life, died at Cussawago, Crawford

county, Pa., 1865, aged eighty-four years.

 

 

56

 

 

CHAPTER III.

 

THE "NEW," OR NORTHUMBERLAND CIRCUIT.

Its Bounds and Appointments — Biographical Notes.

 

Shamokin. The region once embraced in the "new," or

Northumberland Circuit was at first known as Shamokin. It

derived its name from an Indian town which occupied the present

site of Sunbury, at the confluence of the North and West branches

of the Susquehanna River. For the protection of the frontiers

a strong fort was built there in 1756, in which the early settlers

often found a refuge during the dark days of the Revolution.

The name has been perpetuated in the beautiful city of Shamokin,

situated east of Sunbury. In 1772 the county of Northumberland

was erected, and comprised all the upper region of the Susque-

hanna River. The West Branch Valley properly begins at the

junction of the two branches and extends north to Williamsport,

thence west to Lock Haven, where the West Branch passes

through the mountains. The distance is over sixty miles. West-

ward from the river (West Branch) are many smaller valleys,

extending laterally from it as follows: West of Sunbury is Middle

Creek Valley, in Snyder county. A few miles north of Sunbury,

and opening on the river, is Dry Valley, in Union county. A

little north of this, and separated from it by the New Berlin

Mountain, is the fertile and lovely Buffalo Valley. Farther north

is White Deer Valley. West of Buffalo and White Deer are

Penns, Brush and Sugar Valleys. The new or Northumberland

Circuit comprised not only the aforenamed valleys, but extended

up the North Branch as far as (now) Luzerne county, south

into Perry and Juniata counties and westward into Bedford and

Cambria counties, and had over fifty preaching places prior to

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 57

 

Albright's death— 1808. This region now comprises a large

part of the Central Pa. and a part of the Pittsburg Conferences.

 

Miller's Successful Work.

 

In 1806 this vast field, hundreds of miles in extent, was given

in charge of Rev. George Miller, who entered upon his work

in the beginning of June. Finding the field too extended, he

did not supply the western appointments, in Morrison's Cove,

Bedford county,* but exerted himself to the utmost to establish

firmly the work of the Lord in the valleys contiguous to the West

Branch, and revivals attended his labors everywhere. Over one

hundred souls were added to the church on this field alone, which

almost doubled the membership of the Association.

 

Six classes were formed on the charge this year, as follows:

New Berlin, in Dry Valley, Michael Maize, leader; the Thomas

Class, in Decatur township, Mifflin county, Fred Herpster,

leader; the Dreisbach Class, in Buffalo Valley, Father Martin

Dreisbach, leader; the Lewisburg Class, Buffalo Valley, Chris-

tian Wolf, leader; the Millheim Class, in Penns Valley; the

Brush Valley Class, Christopher Spangler, leader. In a short

time thereafter several of the classes were divided. The members

of the Thomas Class, who lived in the vicinity of Adamsburg,

were formed into a separate class. The members near Middle-

burg were taken from the Dry Valley Class, about 1807, and,

were formed into Walter's Class, John Walter, leader, who

held that position until his death, in 1828. The Penns Valley

Class was also divided soon after its foundation, and the members

living at the eastern end of the valley were formed into a class.

 

Great Revival. In 1811 another general revival took place

on the circuit under the labors of John Erb and Leonard Zim-

merman, and more than one hundred souls were added to the

church. The meeting at Walter's was especially successful.

Many prominent people were converted there, and a new class

was formed soon after a few miles northeast, called Hummel's

Class. Organizations were also effected, as the outcome of this

revival, in Upper Penns Valley, Centre county (Dauberman's

Class, 1811,), White Deer and East Dry Valley, in Union county,

and Summer Hill, in Columbia county.

 

The Thomas Appointment. The earliest permanent ap-

pointments of Albright, west of the Susquehanna River, were in

 

* Miller's Leben, page 110.

 

 

58 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Musser's Valley, situated partly in Mifflin and partly in Snyder

county, Pa. In this valley was the home of Father John Thomas

and wife Mary, about two miles northeast of the village of

Wagoner. In Decatur township, Mifflin county, Pa., Albright

gained entrance at the home of Father Thomas as early as 1800,

but several years passed before any visible fruits of his labors

appeared. Father Thomas at this time was well advanced in

years. His family consisted of ten adult children, all of whom,

as well as his sons and daughters-in-law and a number of grand-

children, became members of the society in Albright's time.

Father Thomas died in peace in 1813, at an advanced age.

 

The First Revival. In the Autumn of 1802 Albright

held his first general meeting west of the Susquehanna River at

the house of Father John Thomas. This was the second of his

ministry, the first having been held the previous June at Liesser's,

in Berks county. At this meeting he was assisted by his only

colleague, the youthful John Walter. The meeting was held

under some cherry trees near the house. A great mass of people

assembled there from all directions. The character of the meet-

ing was novel to the people and awakened great interest. It

continued from Saturday until Monday. On Sabbath morning

Albright preached from the words, "I Am the Light of the

World,” (John viii. 12), which made a deep impression. Walter

also preached with great effect. After this meeting they visited

many families and secured new preaching places. The following

Spring another meeting was held in the orchard, a stand having

been erected after the manner of modern bush-meetings. At

this meeting Walter preached an unusually powerful sermon,

from the words, "Who is she that looketh forth as the morning,

fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with

banners?" (Sol. Song vi. 10.) During these meetings a con-

siderable number of conversions took place, and in 1803 the

converts formed themselves into a society. In this class or

praying band were Father Thomas and his son John, and others

 

Note. — The family of Father Thomas consisted of the following, according

to their ages: Barbara, married to John Herpster; Margaret, married

to Jacob Treas; Catharine, married to George Herpster; Elizabeth,

married to John Lawver; Susan, married to Fred. Herpster (class leader);

John, married to Catharine Becker; Elizabeth, married to John Wales;

Mary, married to Jacob Reber; Eve, married to Isaac Gill; George,

married to Mary Hartman.

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 59

 

of the family; also Father Andrew Wonder and family. It

does not seem that they considered themselves as having with-

drawn from the formal church of which they were members,

although they recognized Albright and Walter as their spirit-

ual guides.

 

Miller's Arrival. In May, 1806, George Miller took

charge of Northumberland Circuit. The following harvest he

preached at the house of Father Thomas, from the words, "The

Lord be with you." (Ruth ii. 4.) In October he preached again

from the words, "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God

they are the sons of God." (Rom. viii. 14.) A great awakening

resulted from this sermon, and many people were converted soon

after. The godly people no longer hesitated to sever their con-

nection with the formal churches. A class was formed in the

Fall of 1806, with Frederick Herpster as leader and Isaac

Gill as assistant, and was known as the Thomas Class. The

preaching places of this vicinity, besides Father Thomas', were

the homes of his son John, his son-in-law John, Fred. Herpster

and John Lawver, and also at Father Andrew Wonder's.

 

Great Opposition. Soon after the converts had formed

themselves into a class in 1803, they became the subjects of bitter

persecution. Their meetings were sometimes broken up, and

some suffered bodily harm. At one time the young people of

the class, according to previous appointment, met in a secluded

spot in the forest, where they united in agonizing prayer for the

conversion of their persecutors and the establishment of the work.

When the Evangelical Class was formally established, three years

later, the opposition became even more intense. At one time,

when Brother Herpster was conducting a meeting, some of the

chief opponents boldly arose in the assembly and denounced the

praying people. Advancing to where Brother Herpster stood,

one of them violently struck the table and called him a false

prophet and a deceiver. Brother H. then called upon God's

people to fall upon their knees and pray for their persecutors. A

mighty cry for divine help arose, which filled the rabble with

terror and consternation. A number were overpowered by the

influence of the Spirit, others fled precipitately across a stream

near by, after which they stopped and defiantly shook their fists

toward the house, but were afraid to return.,

 

Brother Fred. Herpster and John Thomas, Jr., were licensed

as local preachers soon after the formation of the class. The

 

 

60 EVANGELICAL ASS0CIATION ANNALS.

 

license of the latter bore the signature of Albright. When some

years after the establishment of the class Father Thomas died,

and no suitable minister was within reach, his son John officiated

at the obsequies of his father. This fact is well authenticated.

 

The Wonder Family. It seems proper in this connection

to insert a brief account of Father Andrew Wonder and family.

Father Wonder was the son of George Wonder, who was of a

titled and highly influential family in Germany. He emigrated*

to America when Andrew was still a youth, and settled near

York, Pa., where he died. Andrew married Catharine Swartz,

of York county. Their children were Catharine, John, Jacob,

Daniel, Matthias, George, Benjamin, Samuel, Valentine,

Christopher, Henry and Mary. From York county he removed

to the Greybill settlement, in Juniata county, and again removed,

near the beginning of the present century, to Mifflin county,

where he and his family came under the influence of Albright

at the house of Father Thomas. He and most of his family

were converted in 1803, and became members of the provisional

class. The rest of the children, who were still small, became

members soon afterward. Later he removed across the moun-

tain into Juniata county, where his house also became a preaching

place. While residing there he and his entire household were

baptized in the Cocolamus Creek. From there he removed to

Ohio, as also his children, with one exception. His sons Daniel

 

* Ship "Hope," Philadelphia, Pa., Oct. 1, 1773. Pennsylvania Archives.

 

Biographical Notes. — Father Andrew Wonder died in Ohio in 1846,

aged eighty-three years. Catharine, his wife, died in 1848, aged eighty-three

years. Their son, Rev. Daniel Wonder, born in York county, Pa., in 1791,

was married to Catharine, a daughter of the class leader, F. Herpster. In

1822 he removed to Ohio, and was the first class leader at Flat Rock in 1830.

He entered the active ministry in 1838, located in 1845, and died while on a

visit to Blue Springs, Neb., in 1887, aged almost ninety-six years, having been

a member of the Evangelical Association eighty-two years. Rev. Matthias

Wonder died in Ohio in 1864. Mother Mary Moss, youngest child of Father

Wonder, died in 1877, at a very advanced age. When the Author was pastor

at Newport in 1875-76, Mother Moss was a member of his charge. She was

remarkably active for one of her age, seldom missing a service, and a true mother

in Israel. She had much to say of that holy man of God, Jacob Albright,

and often spake of the angelic expression of his countenance. John Lawver

died in Mifflin county, Pa., in 1843, aged 70 years. After the removal of his

friends to the West, Brother Lawver became the pillar of the old Thomas

appointment, and both the church and class at that place now bear his name.

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 61

 

and Matthias became local preachers in the Ohio Conference,

the former serving several years in the active ranks.

 

Extensive Emigration to Ohio. Near the close of the

first quarter of the century a considerable number of the members

of the Thomas Class removed to Ohio. They were followed a

few years later by others, which comprised almost the entire

class. In this number were John and George Herpster and

their families. Also the family of Fred. Herpster, he having

died in 1818. Also John Thomas, Jr., John Wales, Jacob

Reber, Isaac Gill and Jacob Treas. These were all heads of

families and, as already noted, members of the Thomas family,

and all members of the original class. To the foregoing must

also be added Father Andrew Wonder and all his family, with

the exception of one daughter, Mary. Some of these families

located in Wayne county, in the vicinity of Wooster. Others

settled in the Sandusky country, mostly at Flat Rock, in (now)

Seneca county. A few years afterward a number of the families

in Wayne county also removed to their friends in Seneca county.

 

Beaver Dam and Vicinity. In Beaver township, Snyder

county, in the vicinity of Adamsburg, and about ten miles east of

the Thomas appointment, the founder of the Evangelical Asso-

ciation gained entrance as early as 1802. This locality was known

in the early days as the Beaver Dam. The men who first opened

their doors to Albright in this region were John Muck and Philip

Smith, and in 1805-6, Geo. Hartman, Daniel Mowry and Jacob

Bordner. They were all prominent men, and staunch supporters

of the Evangelical work in its infancy, and merit a fuller notice,

 

John Muck was probably the first in the valley to open his

house as a preaching place. A number of his children were grown,

and also became members of the original class prior to 1808.

They were Jacob, Conrad, Samuel and Daniel. Samuel en-

tered the itinerancy in 1817, and rendered five years of active

service. Several of the family removed to East Rush, N.Y.,

where Father John Muck died in 1848, at the age of eighty-eight

years. It is worthy of record that upon his death bed he obli-

gated his son to write to all his unconverted children and friends

in his name, and entreat them to become Christians. Conrad

and Jacob Muck settled at Bellview, Seneca county, Ohio, where

they died. Conrad was for many years a local preacher.

 

Philip Smith and his wife Eve opened their house as one of

the first appointments of the Northumberland Circuit, and it

 

 

62 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

remained a preaching place for almost forty years. Brother Smith

was the first leader of the Beaver Dam Class, and was licensed

in the early days as a local preacher. He spent one year (1816)

in the active ranks. He died in 1864. George Hartman and

his wife Barbara, who was a sister to Abraham Frey, were con-

verted at the house of the latter, through the ministry of- Jacob

Albright, in 1805, and soon thereafter opened their house as

a preaching place, and both became pillars in the society. Many

general and three camp- meetings were held on their place prior

to 1833. In this year they removed to Sandusky county, Ohio,

where their house also became a preaching place. The first camp-

meeting on Sandusky Circuit was held on their place. Brother

H. died in 1844, aged sixty-three years, and his companion in

1855, aged seventy-three years.

 

Daniel Mowry and his wife Magdalena (nee Frey) were

also of the first members, and their house was one of the first

preaching places. Brother Mowry also removed to Ohio, and

settled near his brother-in-law, Geo. Hartman. Brother Mow-

ry's home in Ohio was also one of the preaching places of the

old Sandusky Circuit.

 

Jacob Bordner and his wife Elizabeth were converted under

Albright and colleagues, and their house became an early preach-

ing place. They were both prominent members of the society.

Their daughter became the wife of Rev. Philip Wagoner, and

for nearly half a century shared with him the privations of the

itinerancy. Brother Bordner died in 1819, aged forty-five years.

His wife died in Seneca county, N.Y., in 1851, aged seventy-

one years.

 

Freeburg and Black Oak Ridge. In the vicinity of

Freeburg, Snyder county, several families opened their homes to

our first preachers. The most important preaching place was

at Charles Straub's, where in course of time a society was

established.

 

Several miles from Adamsburg, at Black Oak Ridge, lived a

highly respected man named William Becker, better known as

Squire Becker, as he was a Justice of the Peace for many years.

He was a converted man long before the advent of Albright in

this region, and was one of the first to welcome him to his house

when he first visited this locality. His house became a regular

preaching place probably as early as 1803. In later years many

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 63

 

conversions took place there and a society was formed, called the

Manbeck Class.

 

Middleburg and Vicinity. A few miles north of Mid-

dleburg, and almost midway between the latter place and New

Berlin, was one of the first appointments west of the Susquehanna

River. This was at John Walter's, Sr.* Inasmuch as he be-

came a pillar in the church, a more extended notice of himself

and connections seems proper. His father, Jacob Walter, was

one of the first settlers in this locality. His home was about one

mile west of Middleburg in (now) Snyder county, Pa. He was

born in Germany in 1727, and died in 1803. He was an upright

man, liberal and evangelical in his views, and his house was a

preaching place long before churches were built in this locality.

Three of his sons received our first preachers, and their houses

were among the chief preaching places in the early days. They

were John, Philip and Henry.

 

John Walter's house was one of the first appointments. It

is certain that it was a preaching place prior to 1800. There are

a number of entries in the Journal of Bishop Christian Newcomer

of visits to John Walter's house, and preaching there about

that time. Albright may not have embraced John Walter's

in his list of appointments quite so early, but when the new cir-

cuit was formed in 1804, it was one of the chief places, and many

important revivals took place at his house, notably in 18 n.

Some of the most victorious camp-meetings were held on his

land, and many persons who in later years became prominent

ministers and laymen were converted here, among whom may be

mentioned Bishop W. W. Orwig and Daniel Brickley, in 1826,

who together bowed at the same altar. A class was organized

here at an early day, of which Brother Walter was leader until

his death in 1828. His family likewise were members of the

church in its infancy. John Walter, Jr., entered the active

ministry in 1813, served awhile in the itinerancy, located, and

later removed to Michigan, where he died in 1874, aged seventy-

seven years. Michael entered the itinerancy in 1814, and ren-

dered five years of active service, broke down in health, and

later removed to Sandusky county, Ohio, where he rendered

great service in establishing the Evangelical work. He died in

1856, aged sixty- two years. A daughter of Father John Walter

 

* This family had no connection with the Jonestown family.

 

 

64 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

was married to Rev. John Stambach, who also entered the active

ministry in 1813.

 

Philip Walter, son of the emigrant, and brother to John,

Sr., also opened his home to Albright and colleagues, and his

house was a preaching place for many years. He died about

1819, and his wife Eve Maria in 1843, aged seventy-seven years.

 

Henry Walter, youngest son of the emigrant, lived about

one mile and a half north-east of Middleburg. His house was

also one of the early preaching places. He was a most exem-

plary man and highly esteemed. His place was also noted for

general and camp-meetings. He died in 1840, aged sixty-seven

years. His wife Magdalena died the same year.

 

Another important family at this place were the Frey's.

About 1796 Jacob Frey, Sr., emigrated from Berks county, Pa.,

and settled in the vicinity of Middleburg. He was then well

along in years and his children were grown up. They all be-

came, so far as known, members of the Evangelical Association

in its infancy, and a number became prominent, as follows:

Jacob Frey, Jr., entered the itinerancy under Albright in 1807.

In 1808 he was sent to organize a new circuit in York county,

but owing to an indiscretion he was obliged to retire from the

work. Later he removed to Ohio, where he was again received

into the ministry, and rendered several years of service. Abra-

ham Frey and his wife Margaret lived about three miles from

Middleburg. Their house became a regular preaching place in

1805. Brother Frey was a very devoted and liberal man, and

especially noted as a fine singer. He died in 1850, aged eighty-

two years. His son Abraham, Jr., entered the active ranks of

the Eastern Conference in 1832, traveled a number of years in

Pennsylvania, then entered the work in Ohio, where he labored

successfully, but broke down in health, and died in 1843, aged

thirty-three years. Two daughters of Jacob Frey, Sr., Barbara

and Magdalena, married to Geo. Hartman and Daniel Mowry

respectively, were converted, as also their husbands. (See Beaver

Dam.)

 

George Adam Bowersox and his wife Mary, who lived in

the vicinity of Middleburg, were also of the first members, and

their home was a preaching place. He was for many years one

of the leading men of the charge. He was born in 1774, and

died in 1852. Many of his descendants are prominent members

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 65

 

of the Evangelical Association, among whom may be mentioned

the brothers Reuben and Josiah Bowersox, of the Central Pa.

Conference. The former died in 1879; the latter has been, since

1870, on the Pacific Coast, where he has contributed more than"

any other man to build up the interests of the Evangelical Asso-

ciation

 

Centreville and Hummels Class. A few miles west of

New Berlin, near Centreville, lived Jacob Kehr and his wife

Mary. They were converted in the great revival of 1806, and

immediately thereafter their house became a regular preaching

place for Albright and his colleagues. Some very important

revivals took place here, and Father Kehr was known throughout

the society as one of its strongest pillars. He died in 1830, aged

sixty-five years, and his wife in 1849, aged seventy-nine years.

They were the parents of Rev. Daniel Kehr. (See biography.)

 

About four miles east of New Berlin lived Father Christian

Hummel, whose house became a preaching place in 1810. A

class was organized here about this time called Hummel's Class,

2nd is still known by that name. Father Hummel died in 1848,

aged sixty-six years.

 

Chapman. In Chapman township, now Snyder county,

Albright gained entrance as early as 1804, when John Schwartz

opened his house as a preaching place. This was a famous place

for general meetings, and many important revivals took place

here. Father S. died in 1843, aged seventy-six years, and his

wife Mary in 1847, aged eighty years. George Shetterly and

his wife Elizabeth, who were converted here, opened their house

as a preaching place in 1806. He died in 1846, aged seventy-

three years, and his wife in 1851, aged eighty-one years.

 

John Thornton and his wife Magdalena, who lived in this

locality, were converted under the ministry of Albright and

colleagues, and circumstances point to their house as a preaching

place in 1806. Thornton died in 1816. In 1831 his son Henry,

a prominent member of the church, removed to Greensburg,

Ohio, where his mother died in 1847, aged eighty-one years. In

1856 he removed to Elkhart, Ind., where he died in 1879, aged

eighty-two years.

 

Juniata County. Several miles northwest of Liverpool,

Pa., was the home of Father John Rough and his wife Marga-

ret, formerly of Dauphin county. They were among the first

 

 

66 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

members of the Association, and their house was a preaching

place from 1806 to the time of his death in 1846, at the age of

seventy years. Some of his children were converted at an early

day, and the house of John Rough, Jr., who lived west of his

father, became a preaching place in later years.

 

About the middle of the century, the sons of Father Rough

removed to Portage Prairie, Berrien county, Mich., where for

many years they were pillars in the church and known far and

wide for their liberality. Here Mother Rough died in 1853, aged

eighty years. John Rough, Jr., died near Buchannan, Mich.,

in 1892, aged almost ninety-five years. His brother David pre-

ceded him a few years, at an advanced age.

 

Dry Valley — The Maize Family. About 1796 a widow

named Maize (also Miesse) removed from Lebanon county, Pa.,

to Dry Valley, Union county. Their home was about one and

a half miles below the town of New Berlin, on the Penns Creek.

She had two sons, Michael and John Adam, both of whom be-

came supporters of Albright and pillars in the church. Michael

occupied the homestead, while John lived in New Berlin. The

former opened his house as a preaching place upon the establish-

ment of the New Circuit in 1804. When the great revival of

1806 crowned the labors of Rev. George Miller on the New

Circuit, many conversions also took place at the house of Michael

Maize. In consequence of his support of Albright, Brother

Maize was sorely persecuted. So great was the opposition against

the work that on one occasion when John Dreisbach preached

at his house an attack was made and the preacher narrowly

escaped serious injury. Persecution, however, did not daunt

the zeal of Brother Maize. Through his instrumentality entrance

was gained in the town Of New Berlin.

 

When the Dry Valley Class was organized, in 1806, he became

its leader, and as this was the first class organized on the New

Circuit, he has the distinction of being the first regular Evangel-

ical class leader west of the Susquehanna River. At an early day

he was licensed as a local preacher, in which office he served the

church efficiently until his death in 1842, aged seventy-two years.

His wife Anna Barbara died in 1848, aged seventy-two years.

His daughter Mary was the wife of Rev. James Barber. Michael

Maize's home was a sort of headquarters in the early days. In

his large barn were held many important general meetings before

the erection of the church at New Berlin.

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 67

 

First Camp-Meeting. The first camp-meeting of the

Association was held on the land of Brother Maize in June, 1810.

This was the first German camp-meeting ever held in America,

and perhaps of the world. The camp was attended by members

from all parts of the society, some from a distance of nearly one

hundred miles. The meeting was a season of great rejoicing and

spiritual quickening. Great multitudes of people were induced

by curiosity to see what the meeting was like.

 

The remarkable superstition and spiritual darkness of that

period is well illustrated by the following description of the camp-

meeting given the author by a very aged lady in 1868: She, in

company with a great number of young men and women, started

from the Hills in (now) Snyder county. They agreed to keep

close together for mutual protection against the influence of the

"Strawveler preachers." They all waded across Penns Creek,

which is a stream of considerable size. A half mile farther on

was the camp-ground. She said the woods was crowded with

people from far and near, and that nearly all who entered the

circle of tents and took seats were taken with a "spell," so that

some cried and some shouted and clapped their hands, etc.

She and her company, however, kept a safe distance from the

preachers, fearing they might be overcome by the magic power

which they (the preachers) scattered over the people.

 

Beginning of the Work at New Berlin. There is no

place in our connection more replete with interesting memories

than New Berlin. What the city of Mecca is to the Moslem, or

Jerusalem to the Jew, New Berlin is to every true Evangelical.

For almost half a century it was the general headquarters of the

church. The town is beautifully situated at the head of Dry

Valley, on the banks of Penns Creek, which separates Union

from Snyder county, and is about seven miles west of the Sus-

quehanna River.

 

When Union county was erected, in 1813, from part of

Northumberland county, New Berlin became the county seat.

Over forty years later Union county was divided, and the south-

ern part constituted Snyder county and the county seat of Union

county was removed to Lewisburg, This, in addition to the re-

moval of the Publishing House of the Evangelical Association

from New Berlin to Cleveland, Ohio, proved a severe blow to

the prosperity of the town, and its decadence followed.

 

In June, 1805, Albright and his colleagues, Walter and

 

 

68 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Miller, traveled in company over the newly established North-

umberland Circuit. They had been to various places in Penns

and Buffalo Valleys. In the latter part of the month they filled

an appointment on Sunday at Mifflinburg, in Buffalo Valley, about

five miles north of New Berlin. On Monday following they came

to Dry Valley and dined at Michael Maize's, who resided a short

distance below New Berlin. At Walter's request Brother Maize

secured permission for him to preach in a school-house near the

southern end of the town, and he preached there a number of

times. Opposition, however, arose, and the trustees refused the

further use of the school-house. In August, Walter came to fill

an appointment here, and found the door barred against him.

He then preached to an immense number of people, standing in

front of the school-house door. The wonderful incident of the

door flying open during the sermon as by miraculous power the

reader will find in Walter's biography.

 

The first man to open his house in New Berlin as a preaching

place for Albright and his colleagues was Henry Shreffler,

who later removed to Penns Valley, Centre county, where he died

in 1837, aged eighty-five years. A number of his family were

also members of the original class. Other influential members

of the society at New Berlin, who were converted under the min-

istry of Albright and his colleagues in 1805—7, were the follow-

ing: John Adam Maize and his wife Mary. He was a close

friend of Rev. Geo. Miller, and it is said he assisted him in the

preparation and publication of the first Discipline of the church,

in 1809. His son, Michael F. Maize, entered the itinerancy in

1833, and was for some years a prominent man in the church.

John Adam Maize died in 1866, aged eighty-three years. Peter

Smith and his wife Magdalena were chief members of the New

Berlin society. He died in the early part of the century. ',His

wife died in the western part of the State in 1851, aged eighty-

eight years. Michael Shower and wife, and also Adam Shower

and his wife Catharine (the latter family removed to Venango

county, Pa.) were also members of the original class. Frederick

Shower, a member of one of these families, entered the itiner-

ancy in 1812, and rendered several years of successful service.

In 1816 he was sent as one of the two missionaries to Ohio to

establish the work of the Evangelical Association in that State,

but was lost to the church through a misalliance. This he after-

wards regretted, and was again received into the church in 1828,

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 69

 

and died within her fold. Michael Wagoner and his wife

Grate were also of the first members of the class, and lived to

an advanced age. He died in 1863.

 

The First Church. The first church edifice of the Evan-

gelical Association was erected at New Berlin in 1816, and dedi-

cated March 2, 1817, by Rev. John Dreisbach, who preached

from Psalm xxxvii. 4. The building was a log structure, 34x38

feet in dimensions. In later years it was remodeled and sur-

mounted with a belfry and bell. When the church was demolished

in 1873, a general expression of regret was manifested in all parts

of the church that a place of such historic interest was not pre-

served. How sacred the memories that clustered around it! In

it the infant church, which but the previous year was named

"The Evangelical Association," found a home, and for five suc-

cessive years the annual conference was held in it (1818-1822),

besides thirteen times thereafter, also three sessions of the Gen-

eral Conference. Men who afterwards became prominent in the

church here received their commissions, among whom may be

mentioned Bishops Seybert, Long and Orwig, James Barber,

P. Wagoner, Adam Kleinfelter, John Breitenstein, John

Hamilton, J. M. Saylor and Francis Hoffman. In this church

also, great revivals took place. Immediately in the rear of the

church, on the bank of the creek, stood the school-house where

the remarkable incident recorded in the biography of Walter

occurred.

 

The first printing house of the society was erected by the side

of the church in 1817. Its size was 20x28 feet. Many years

afterwards it was removed to the opposite corner and is still

(1894) in use as a dwelling.

 

On April 27, 1816, Conrad Phillips and John Walter,

acting for the Association, purchased a lot on the north side of

the town for burial purposes, in which many of our Evangelical

fathers found sepulture, among whom may be mentioned George

and Solomon Miller, Albright's associates, Thos. Buck, Jas.

Barber, Michael Maize, Sr., and his brother John H., Geo.

Miller, "the printer," and many others.

 

Educational Interests. New Berlin is also the birthplace

of the educational interests of the church. In 1846 the West

Pennsylvania Conference at its annual session here organized the

first educational society. At the General Conference held here

the following year John Dreisbach offered the first resolution

 

 

70 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

for the establishment of an institution of learning, the ultimate

result of which was the establishment of Union Seminary at New

Berlin, which in course of time developed into Central Pennsyl-

vania College.

 

Dry Valley — The Eyer Family. In 1773 a Mennonite

preacher named Abraham Eyer removed from Lancaster county,

Pa., to Dry Valley, Northumberland county (now Union). The

peculiar circumstances which led to his removal to this valley,

and his important connection with the church in its infancy,

entitle him to prominent notice in its history.

 

Being in somewhat straitened circumstances, with an increas-

ing family dependent upon him for support, he resolved to bring

the matter before the Lord in prayer, and ask His will and

guidance in taking such a course that would bring both him and

his family temporal and spiritual blessings. The answer of the

Lord was, "Go to Shamokin."* As oft as he repeated his peti-

tion, the answer came with unmistakable clearness — to his mind

— "Go to Shamokin." How similar the case of Father Eyer

with that of the patriarch Abraham of old. "Now, the Lord

had said unto Abraham, get thee out of thy country, and from

thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will

show thee," &c. Gen. xii. 1.

 

Following the leading of Providence, he started with his fam-

ily for the Shamokin country. Turning up the valley, he halted

at a big white-oak tree, at a point about two miles west of the

West Branch, and about five miles east of New Berlin. His

earthly possessions consisted of his team, and such articles as he

was able to bring with him, and three dollars in money.

 

Here he found a considerable tract of land still vacant, which

he took up. For many years the oak tree was permitted to stand

as a memorial of the event, and was a conspicuous object, as

viewed from the road leading to New Berlin.

 

After making extensive improvements here, he acquired in

May, 1797, another farm on the river, where the town of Winfield

now stands. Leaving the old farm in the hands of other mem-

bers of the family, he removed to his River farm about the

commencement of the present century. Eyer was one of the first

 

* The region about the confluence of the North and West Branches of the

Susquehanna River was then called "Shamokin."

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 71

 

men in this region to open his doors to Albright, and his house

on the "River farm" became one of the first regular preaching

places west of the Susquehanna, in 1804.

 

Although he was for many years previous a consistent Chris-

tian, as he understood it, and an expounder of the Bible, yet it

would seem that he lived only a moral life and knew but little

of the spiritual power of religion. A great change, however, was

wrought in him and his family (most of whom were now grown)

by the faithful preaching of the gospel. We will give the circum-

stances as recorded in George Miller's journal of his labors in

1806: "In Eyer's neighborhood the Lord wrought repentance,

but the family I gave up for some time because it seemed to be

their purpose to be destroyed in their own self-righteousness.

However, through God's leadings I received new courage to

preach the word to them. I then preached with might against

the love of the world and self-righteousness, that they might own

themselves condemned sinners. They were at first offended over

it, but God gave grace, so that most of them became true Chris-

tians, as well as other persons in the neighborhood."

 

Henceforth this large and excellent family, with the exception

of one son, threw the weight of its influence on the side of

Albright and his associates. The father became a power in the

infant society, many general meetings were held at his place, at

which times he would feed hundreds of people. The son already

referred to, predicted that the Albrights would eat him out of

house and home, and he would be obliged to beg for a living,

but his brother Isaac told him that he that dug a pit for others

was apt to fall into it himself. This prediction was literally ful-

filled, as the recreant son died in want on top of Nippenose

Mountain, while the liberal father always had enough and to

spare. Although Father Eyer was small of stature, he possessed

extraordinary strength and agility, and frequently surprised the

big rowdies who disturbed the meetings by the summary manner

in which he ejected them from the house. He always maintained

that God gave him special strength for such occasions.

 

A remarkable instance of the importance of a word in season

deserves to be recorded here. It was Father Eyer's custom to

gather his family every Sabbath afternoon around a large table,

when he would read and explain the Scriptures to them. About

this time there was living with them the young school teacher of

the place, who was preparing himself for the ministry of the

 

 

72 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Reformed Church. At one of these Bible readings this young

man began to criticize the old gentleman's comments and exhort-

tations by saying that this was unnecessary, and that superfluous,

etc., whereupon Father Eyer arose to his feet and began to exhort

the young man in an earnest manner, telling him that he was a

stranger to vital godliness and knew nothing of experimental

religion. The effect on the young man's mind was immediate

and powerful. He was deeply convicted of his sinful condition,

and soon thereafter converted to God, and in 1809 entered the

itinerancy. This was none other than Henry Niebel, whose

name stands inseparably connected with the early history of the

church.

 

No laymen in the early history of the church wielded a greater

influence than Father Eyer. His two sons-in-law, when still

young men, became the leaders of the society, and it-is no pre-

sumption to say that his fatherly counsels had great weight in

shaping the affairs of the church. His family consisted of thir-

teen adult children, as follows, in the order of their ages: John,

Barbara, Abraham, Elizabeth, Magdalena, Anna, Catharine,

Mary, Fannie, Isaac, Jacob, Sarah and Christian.

 

John Dreisbach, who, next to Albright himself, is the most

important figure in the history of the church, married Eyer's

daughter Catharine in 1811. On April 4, 1815, she died, leav-

ing two children. About two years after her death he married

her sister Fannie, with whom he had eleven children. Of the

above two sons, Abraham and Jacob, became ministers, while

many grandchildren are ministers and ministers' wives. Barbara

married Rev. David Shellenberger, and their son also was a

minister. Sarah married John Van Buskirk. One of their

daughters married Rev. S. Aurand, of the Central Pa. Confer-

ence, who is now one of the fathers of the conference. Henry

Niebel (the young schoolmaster) married Mary. Two brothers,

Daniel and Philip Hoy, married Molly (Magdalena) and

Lizzie, respectively. Both brothers migrated to Ohio in 1806,

and were the first to receive our missionaries in 1816, and without

doubt the first members of the church in that State. They were

both strong pillars on the old Lancaster Circuit. Some of the

first camp and general meetings of our church in that State were

held at their places. Molly Hoy (Daniel's wife) was especially

noted for her kindness of heart. When that region was still

sparsely settled she would go many miles through the darkness

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 73

 

of the night to visit the sick and relieve the suffering. Her

daughter Catharine married Rev. Joseph Long, who became

the second bishop of the church. Martin Dreisbach (cousin

of Rev. John D.) married Anna Eyer. Said Martin D. had

migrated to Ohio about 1809 or 1810 with wife and five children.

On his way to Ohio his wife died, at or near Pittsburg, Pa. He

proceeded on his way with his motherless children and settled in

Ross county, twelve miles east of Chillicothe. In course of time

he returned East and married Anna Eyer, who made her bridal

trip of over four hundred miles, through great forests and over

unbridged streams on horseback. They were also among the

first to receive our preachers in Ohio.

 

Of the sons of Father Eyer, perhaps the best known to the

church was the late Isaac Eyer, who possessed the "Valley"

farm of his father. He was born in 1793, and when a youth

gave his heart to God in the great revival of 1806. For fully

seventy years he was identified with the church, giving liberally

of his abundant means for the furtherance of her interests and

enterprises. When a young man he was married to Elizabeth

Klinefelter, sister of Adam K., one of the early and prominent

preachers of the church. He died June 15, 1879, at the age of

eighty-five years. His wife died in 1888, aged ninety years.

 

Abraham Eyer and wife repose in the cemetery a few hundred

yards from the old home, still standing as a monument of the

days of power. The tombstones are mossy with age. The inscrip-

tions are German, and translated read, "In memory of Abraham

Eyer. Was born 16th of May, 1748, and died 3rd October, 1823."

"Catharine Eyer was born 15th October, 1752, and was mar-

ried to Abraham Eyer in the month of May, 1770. Died the

22nd September, 1805, aged fifty-three years, less twenty-four days."

 

As we stand by the silent grave of this illustrious father and

recall the history of his family, in all its connections with the

church, we feel that we speak within the bounds of propriety,

when we say that no other layman of the early church (with

perhaps one exception) has made his influence felt more potently

in our Evangelical Zion than Abraham Eyer, including his sons-

in-law, Revs. Dreisbach, Niebel and Shellenberger. The

number of preachers and preacher's wives who represent his

family in the itinerant ranks number upwards of thirty.

 

His old home on the river was an important point in the early

history of the church. In June, 1816, the ninth annual conference

 

 

74 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

was held here. His two sons-in-law were now the leaders of

the church. John Dreisbach was president and Henry Niebel

secretary of the conference, and both of them presiding elders.

The whole church at this time consisted of twelve fields of labor,

divided into two districts.

 

As our work at this point was exclusively German, the follow-

ing incident may serve to illustrate the effect of a powerful sermon

— even though imperfectly understood. In the vicinity of Eyer's

lived an Irishman by the name of "Billy" Gibbons. One day

in 1807, in going to the mill, he was obliged to pass Eyer's

house at preaching time. The preacher spoke with the force and

earnestness characteristic of our early preachers. This made an

impression on "Billy." Stopping a moment, he listened. He

knew enough of German to understand that he said, "One must

know that his sins are forgiven." This was God's message of

salvation to him. He was deeply convicted of sin, and after a

long penitential struggle was gloriously saved, and was thereafter

known as "Happy Billy." He was indeed a happy Christian,

and became a pillar in the church. His wife was also converted

at the same time. He died in 1850, aged eighty years.

 

The members here were connected with the Dry Valley Class,

which originally embraced all the members in the valley from

the river to New Berlin.

 

The Phillips Family. In 1811 George Phillips and his

son Conrad, from Northampton county, who were among the

first fruits of Albright's labors, removed to a farm adjoining

the Eyer place. Their house became a regular preaching place,

and about this time a separate class was formed. In 1827 John

Young was converted here. He was soon thereafter licensed to

preach, and in 1831 entered the active ministry and rendered

sixteen years of service. He died in peace near Williamsport,

Pa., in 1873, aged seventy-six years. His wife Elizabeth pre-

ceded him about one week. They gave as a precious legacy to

the church five sons, who entered the ministry of the Central Pa.

Conference, viz.: John, Jacob, Reuben, Noah and William,

the latter a local preacher.

 

Buffalo Valley — The Dreisbach Family. Among the

first settlers of Buffalo Valley, Northumberland (now Union)

county, Pa., was Martin Dreisbach, Sr., who came from Germany

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 75

 

and landed at Philadelphia Oct. 4, 1751.* After residing in

Lancaster and Berks counties he purchased a tract of land in

Buffalo Valley, to which he removed in 1773. There he died in

1799, aged eighty- two years. His wife Anna died ten years

previous, aged sixty-five years. He had four sons, Jacob, Henry,

John and Martin, and two daughters, Margaret and Catha-

rine, married to Henry Aurand and Peter Fisher, respectively.

 

In 1788 Martin Dreisbach, Sr., donated several acres of

land for the use of the first German church in the valley, which

was a log structure, built jointly by the Lutheran and Reformed

people. This church was replaced by a brick edifice in 1839.

 

The Dreisbachs, in common with the early settlers of the

valley, suffered much from the incursions of the Indians, and

several of their neighbors were cruelly massacred by them. On

July 14, 1780, Baltzer Kleinsmith, who lived about one mile

south of Dreisbach's, was murdered by the savages in a field

in which he was working. This was near the house of Father

George Books, Sr., whose daughter Sabina assisted in carrying

the dead man to his home.** A few years later this young woman

was married to Martin Dreisbach, and became the mother of

Rev. John Dreisbach. Her father, George Books, emigrated

from Germany in 1736.***

 

The family of Martin Dreisbach, Jr., and his wife Sabina

were the following: Rev. John Dreisbach, who became a co-

laborer with Albright; Anna, married to Rev. Andrew Wolf,

who was also one of the first members; Susan, married to John

Buchwalter; Leah, married to John S. Dunkel, and Eliza-

beth, married to David Dunkel, and Martin Dreisbach, late

associate judge of Union county.

 

Religious Awakening. The first religious awakening in

Buffalo Valley began about 1792, under the preaching of Rev.

John G. Pfrimmer, who was a co-worker with Boehm, Chris-

tian Newcomer and others, in the religious movement which

led to the establishment of the United Brethren Church. He

frequently preached at Dreisbach's church, and his labor was

not in vain. The spiritual condition of Buffalo Valley at this

 

* Ship Queen of Denmark. George Parish, captain. Shipped from Rot-

terdam.

** Linn's Annals of Buffalo Valley, page 189.

*** Rupp's History, page 47.

 

 

76 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

time was truly deplorable, as the following extract from "Har-

baugh's Fathers of the Reformed Church” will show:

 

"The Buffalo church, now called Dreisbach's, had for some

time been in a distracted condition, having the irregular attention

of the irregular Pfrimmer, but was for the most part closed

entirely. The young men were growing up without adequate

spiritual instruction, and the old members having passed through

scenes of strife, had grown to a great degree indifferent."

 

In 1795 Christian Newcomer* and George Adam Geet-

ing visited the valley and strengthened the work of Pfrimmer.

Many of the best families opened their houses as preaching places

for the "new preachers," as they were called. Among those

who received them was Martin Dreisbach, Jr. On Oct. 18,

1800, the first quarterly or big meeting was held at Dreisbach's,

attended by Newcomer, Pfrimmer, Snyder and Geeting.

It would seem that from that time Martin Dreisbach actively

identified himself with the Evangelical movement, but like many

others retained his connection with the Reformed Church. He

formed a strong attachment for that eminent man of God, Chris-

tian Newcomer, as the numerous entries in the journal of the

latter plainly indicate. His house, however, was open to all who

preached the gospel in its purity, among whom was the founder

of the Evangelical Association, Jacob Albright.

 

Albright's Visit — Great Revival. The time when Al-

bright first visited Dreisbach cannot now be ascertained, but

was some time prior to 1804. Notwithstanding the labors of the

brethren mentioned, there was no class organization of the people

professing conversion, as many considered it very wrong to leave

the fold of the old church in which they had made their confir-

mation vows. Neither had a revival, such as in olden times was

called a “Durchbruch,” taken place.

 

When Rev. George Miller was appointed to the new circuit

in June, 1806, a revival began which, in one year, resulted in

almost doubling the membership of the Association, and in the

organization of six classes. This glorious result was the fruit of

the faith and extraordinary zeal of this man of God. He says

in his autobiography: "I resolved therefore to commence the

work with fasting and prayer, relying on the help of God, and to

preach the truth unfeignedly, even if no man should be pleased

 

*Later a bishop in the United Brethren Church.

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 77

 

with my preaching, if only God be satisfied with it. Hence I

often wept during my journeyings from one preaching place to

another, that I might be acceptable to God and useful to my

fellow beings." In this spirit the preacher prosecuted his minis-

try, and the Lord wonderfully blessed his labors.

 

On Oct. 25, 1806, a general meeting was held at Dreisbach's,

which was attended by great numbers. Of this meeting Miller

says: "I expected that the penitent and newly-converted souls

on the circuit, of whom I had united about forty into classes,

would meet there; therefore I prayed much on their account

unto the Lord, and that He would be pleased to bring the breth-

ren Albright and Walter, clothed with power from on high, to

the meetings. The appointed day came and my wishes were

realized, for both preachers and members, together with a large

number of penitents, were present. My feelings on that occasion

cannot be described, for I was sad and joyful at the same time,

and experienced in my own soul the powerful words of our

Saviour, 'Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be com-

forted.' While humbled before God, praying that sinners might

be converted, the happiest feelings of consolation and divine

favor filled my heart. I had to preach the opening sermon, and

during its delivery the power of God came in such torrents upon

the congregation that many fell upon their knees and prayed with

tears to the Lord for the pardon of their sins. Albright and

Walter preached so powerfully and pointedly that the congre-

gation was visited with showers of divine grace, and in every

room the cries of penitent sinners were heard, and many souls

were converted. The voice of praise and thanksgiving unto the

Lord could also be heard everywhere in the house, and there

was great joy in the Lord among the brethren."

 

The fire of the Lord thus kindled in the hearts of his people

at Dreisbach's was carried to all parts of the charge, revivals

followed everywhere and class organizations were effected. Mar-

tin Dreisbach became the leader of the Buffalo Valley Class.

 

Dreisbach Class. Father Dreisbach's entire family, with

the exception of the youngest, who was small, were converted

and became members of the society, with his aged mother-in-law,

Christina Books, widow of the emigrant George Books, Sr.,

and Martin Dreisbach, Jr. (son of Jacob), and his wife. About

1810 Martin Dreisbach removed to Ohio, and was one of our

first members there. Other important preaching places in this

 

 

78 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

neighborhood were as follows: John Aurand and wife Catha-

rine. Their house, about one and a half miles east of Dreis-

bach's, was a preaching place as early as 1802. Bro. A. died in

1809. His son John was also one of the first members, and later

his son Abraham also became a member. This place was noted

for camp-meetings. Philip Hoy, one of the first settlers of

Buffalo Valley, who died at an early day, lived several miles west

of Dreisbach's. His house was one of the first preaching places,

as was also that of George Wormley, near Dreisbach's, and

Bro. W. and wife were among our first members. In later years

they removed to Seneca county, N.Y. George Wolf's house,

a few miles southeast of Dreisbach's, was also a preaching place,

and his sons Christian and Leonard, with their wives, and

Andrew, and Catharine, the wife of his son Michael, became

members in 1806. (See Lewisburg.) Besides the foregoing,

Henry Herpst and his wife Catharine and George Riehm and

 

 

Biographical Notes on the Dreisbach Family. — Martin Dreis-

bach was one of the main supporters of Jacob Albright and his work. He

was known throughout the entire connection as a devoted father in Israel. He

was entrusted with the conference subsidiary funds and bequests, which office

he resigned in 1829 because of failing health. In his house the annual confer-

ences of 1812, 1813 and 1814 were held, as was also the first General Conference

in 1816, at which conference our connection received its name, "The Evangelical

Association." Father Dreisbach was born in Berks county, near Reading,

Pa., in 1764, and died in 1831. His wife Sabina Fredrica was born in 1762

and died in 1847, at Amanda, Fairfield county, Ohio, whither she had gone

to spend her last days with her youngest daughter, Elizabeth Dunkel. Their

oldest son, Rev. John Dreisbach, was born in 1789, and died at Circleville,

Ohio, in 1871, aged eighty-two years. Anna (Wolf) died near Lewisburg,

Pa., in 1871, aged seventy-nine years. Susan (Buchwalter) died in Ross

county, Ohio, in 1881, aged eighty-seven years. Leah (Mrs. J. S. Dunkel)

died in 1884, aged eighty-eight years. Elizabeth (Mrs. David Dunkel) died

in 1883, aged eighty-four years. Hon. Martin Dreisbach died in Lewisburg,

Pa., in 1880, aged seventy-nine years.

 

John S. Dunkel, son-in-law of Martin Dreisbach, deserves mention in

this connection. He was a man of means and business abilities, and favorably

known far and near. His house, which was near that of his father-in-law,

became Evangelical headquarters for the valley after the death of the latter.

His large barn was a favorite place for holding general meetings, and in his

house was organized, on March 1, 1839, the General Missionary Society of the

Evangelical Association. Bro. Dunkel was its first treasurer, and retained the

office many years. He died in 1864, aged sixty-seven years. Three daughters,

Susan, Sophia and Mary, were united in marriage with Evangelical ministers

Charles Hammer, J. G. Miller and Benjamin Hengst, respectively.

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 79

 

wife were of the first members. The persons named, who consti-

tuted the Dreisbach Class as organized in 1806, were with few

exceptions in good circumstances and highly respectable citizens.

In course of time it became one of the most important classes in

the church, but through extensive emigration and deaths it was

greatly reduced in later years.

 

Lewisburg, in the early days known as Derrstown, is situated

at the eastern extremity of Buffalo Valley, on the West Branch

of the Susquehanna River. Our first preachers did not gain

entrance there until 1806. Christian Wolf became acquainted

 

Biographical Notes on the Wolf Family. — About 1796 George Wolf,

Sr., emigrated from Tulpehocken, Berks county, Pa., to Buffalo Valley, and

settled about three miles southwest of Lewisburg. He was a pious man, then

well advanced in life, and most of his children were heads of families. He had

sons, Christian, Michael, Leonard, Peter, John, Jacob* and Andrew,

besides several daughters. He died in 1823 at the age of ninety years. There

is some uncertainty as to the extent to which he identified himself with the work

of Jacob Albright. It is, however, certain that his house was a preaching

place in the early days. A grandson, the late Jonathan Wolf, who died at

an advanced age, informed the author that in his youth he often attended the

"Albright” meetings at his grandfather's house. A number of his children

were among the first members of our society in the valley, several of whom we

will notice in this connection: Rev. Christian Wolf lived in Lewisburg, and

through him principally the work was established there. In 1807 he, with

others, removed to Seneca county, N.Y., where he was instrumental in the

organization of the first society of the church outside of Pennsylvania. He was

early licensed to preach, and was ordained deacon in 1821. In 1825 he served

as an itinerant. He died near Seneca Falls, N.Y., in 1833, aged fifty-four

years. His companion (Barbara) died in 1838, aged fifty-nine years. Andrew

Wolf, youngest son of George Wolf, Esq., was married to Anna, a daugh-

ter of Martin Dreisbach. He was one of the first local preachers. In 1808

he accompanied his brother-in-law, John Dreisbach, to a general meeting at

Becker's, on the Muehlbach, Lebanon county. On their return they held a

meeting at the house of Peter Walter, near Jonestown, where they were

mobbed and treated shamefully. Bro. Wolf died in 1871, aged eighty-seven

years. His wife died the same year, aged seventy-nine years. Their son

Aaron entered the itinerancy in 1842, and after a number of years of successful

labor in the West Pa. Conference, removed to Illinois. Simon, another son,

entered the itinerancy in 1846, and rendered twenty-one years of service in the

(now) Central Pa. Conference. He died in 1890, aged seventy-five years.

Two daughters, Anna and Leah, were married to Evangelical itinerants, Henry

Rohland and Benjamin Hess, respectively. Leonard Wolf removed to

Ohio, and with his family was among the first members in that State, and his

house was one of the first preaching places in 1816. Michael Wolf never

became a member, but his wife was converted under Albright and colleagues

and became a member, and their house was opened to the preachers.

 

* Grandfather of the late Hon. Chas. S. Wolf.

 

 

80 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

with Albright and co-laborers at the house of his brother-in-

law, Martin Dreisbach. When George Miller was sent by

Albright, in i3o6, to serve the new circuit, he was received by

Wolf and others. A revival took place here in the Autumn of

1806, and a class was formed comprised of the following: Chris-

tian Wolf and his wife Barbara,* who was a sister of Mrs.

Martin Dreisbach. Bro. Wolf was a hatter, and his place of

business and house stood on the northwest corner of Market

and Second streets. He was the first class leader. Matthias

Shaeffer and his wife Polly. Bro. S. was a carpenter, and a

man of great respectability. His house was also a preaching

place, and after Bro. Wolf's removal to New York, in 1807, he

became the class leader, which office he held for many years.

Elizabeth Grove (Groff) survived to a great age, and often

related how she and other members of the class accompanied

their class leader, Bro. Wolf, to New Berlin to assist in the

meetings there in the Winter of 1806. These journeys of about

twenty miles were made on foot across the mountain at night.

They generally returned the same night. Michael Smith was

then advanced in years, and it cannot now be definitely ascer-

tained whether he was a member, but the probabilities are that

he was, as his family are known to have been converted at Wolf's,

and our preachers were welcomed by him. Of his children we

mention the following: Catharine, married to Michael Wolf,**

who was a brother of Christian, the class leader. He lived

near the Turtle Creek, on the road leading across the mountain

to Dry Valley. He never became a member, but was in hearty

sympathy with our work. His wife was one of the most devoted

members the church has ever had. Their house was a preaching

place in Albright's time. Another daughter of Father Smith

was Susan Cochrane. She was converted in 1806 and died in

1882, aged ninety-one years, probably the last survivor of the

converts of Albright and co-laborers in the now Central Pa.

Conference. When a young woman she became the wife of John

Cochrane. Their home, a few miles south of Lewisburg, became

a preaching place in 1817, and remained a regular appointment

for nearly half a century. Elizabeth and Henry, younger

children of Father Smith, became members a little later. John

 

* See previous note,

** See previous note.

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 81

 

Aurand and his wife Hannah, who lived near Lewisburg, also

became members in 1806, and their house a preaching place.

Other original members were Jacob Zentmeyer and his wife

Eve, Peggy Metzger, Martha Christ, Samuel Ream and his

wife Sarah, Daniel Ream and wife, Father Henry Bellman

and wife, and son Jacob, and daughter-in-law Mary; also Rev.

J. G. Conser and his wife, who was a daughter of Father Bell-

man. Peter Brouse and wife Christena, who were converted

at the house of Father Eyer, in Dry Valley, in 1806, also opened

their house as a preaching place. They lived south of Lewisburg.

Bro. Brouse died in 1849, at Liverpool, Pa., aged seventy-seven

years. His wife, who was remarkable for her deep piety and

zeal, died in 1866, aged eighty-eight years.

 

Mifflinburg — The Orwigs and Brickleys. The town

of Mifflinburg is situated in Buffalo Valley, ten miles west of

Lewisburg, and five miles from Dreisbach's. Albright and

co-laborers preached there frequently in the old Lutheran church,

and some conversions took place, but no organization was effected.

The late John Rank, Esq., often related that in 1805 he and

several other young men went from White Deer to hear Albright

 

Biographical Notes. — John Brickley, Sr., and wife Magdalena, from

Schuylkill county, settled near Mifflinburg in the early part of the century, united

with the Evangelical Association in 1826, and became prominent members, He

died in 1838, aged seventy-one years. He gave three sons to the ministry of

the church, as follows: George Brickley, born in Schuylkill county, Pa.;

entered the active ministry of the Eastern Conference in 1828; was elected pre-

siding elder in 1839; located in 1846; died in York, Pa., March 17, 1889, aged

eighty-one years. Daniel Brickley, born in Schuylkill county, Pa., in 1810;

entered the Eastern Conference in 1831; was chosen presiding elder of Ohio

District in 1836; traveled a number of years in Ohio; died in Morrow county,

Ohio, in 1884, aged seventy-four years. John Brickley, born in Schuylkill

county, Pa., in 1795; entered the Eastern Conference in 1835; died in Indiana

county, Pa., in 1872.

 

The Orwig family, Gottfried Orwig and his wife Gloria emigrated from

Germany in 1741, and settled north of the Blue Mountain in (now) Schuylkill

county, Pa., where the town of Orwigsburg, formerly the county-seat, was named

in his honor. One of his sons was George, Sr., who opened his house as a

preaching place for Jacob Albright. (See Orwigsburg.) George Orwig

had two sons, George, Jr., and Abraham, who in 1811 removed to Buffalo

Valley, Union county, a few miles north-west of Mifflinburg. George Orwig,

Jr., soon after his conversion in 1826 removed to the Sandusky country, Ohio,

where his house was one of the early preaching places. He died in 1852, aged

seventy-one years. Abraham Orwig (father of Rev. W. W. Orwig), died

in Buffalo Valley, Union county, Pa., in 1852, aged sixty-five years.

 

 

82 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

preach there. Walter and Miller, his colleagues, were also

present Albright preached with wonderful power, so that a

great commotion was caused, and many fell on their knees and

cried aloud for mercy. Brother Rank's companions became

terror-stricken, and pulling him by the coat said, "Come, let us

get out of this, the preacher is mad. See, he is foaming at the

mouth."

 

A short distance west of Mifflinburg lived John Buechler,

whose house was a preaching place at an early day. A very suc-

cessful camp-meeting was held on his land in 1814. In 1826 a

great awakening took place in this locality, and a number of

prominent families were brought into the Evangelical Associa-

tion, among them the Brickleys and Orwigs. This revival

came to pass in the following manner: In 1825 the wife of Abra-

ham Orwig, accompanied by her son (the late Bishop W. W.

Orwig), journeyed to their former home in Orwigsburg, Pa., to

visit her relatives. The great revival so notable in the history of

the Evangelical Association was still in progress there, and both

mother and son were deeply convicted of sin, but did not then

yield to the influences brought to bear upon them. The follow-

ing year, however, the son was happily converted and his bright

experience and godly life soon made itself felt in the home circle,

and was the real beginning of the revival which followed.

 

White Deer. White Deer Valley is separated from Buffalo

Valley by a mountain known as White Deer. Most of this region

is embraced in a township of that name. This place was fre-

quently visited by Albright and his colleagues. The principal

preaching place was at Jacob Hoch's.

 

South of the mountain, on the west branch of the Susque-

hanna, is the village of New Columbia. Here our first preachers

also found entrance, but it is impossible to ascertain with cer-

tainty who received them. This was the home of father John

Rank, Sr., who in 1796 removed hither from Lancaster county

with his family. His house became a preaching place for all

godly ministers soon after his arrival. In Bishop Christian

Newcomer's journal are several entries of services held at

Rank's in the beginning of the century. That Albright was

also welcomed seems probable, from the fact that they were well

acquainted with each other in Lancaster county. His son John

often related a pleasing incident connected with a business trans-

action between his father and Albright, before the conversion

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 83

 

-of the latter. A class was formed at New Columbia soon after

Albright's death, among whom were the Ranks, Stahls, Yosts

and Rothrocks. In later years Jacob Rothrock removed

to Williamsport, and was the first member of the church there.

Henry Rothrock removed to Seneca county, N.Y., and was an

early member of our society at that place.

 

John Rank, Esq. It remains for us to honor the memory

of one whose name is "as an ointment poured forth," and who

in the early days was one of the pillars in the Church. This was

John Rank, Jr., Esq., already referred to. He was born in

Lancaster county in 1783, and removed with his parents to New

Columbia, in Union county. He frequently heard Albright

preach,* but was not converted until some years afterwards, when

be attended a watch-night meeting at Martin Dreisbach's. He

at once took a high position in the church as a man of probity

and good judgment. His home, which was a short distance west

of New Columbia, became Evangelical headquarters for this

region. The Church soon recognized his business abilities. In

1832, when the Charitable Society was organized, he was made

the first treasurer. At the same conference he was also elected

to the office of Publisher and Book Agent for the Church, and

for many years thereafter was connected with the publishing in-

terests of the Church. When the General Conference of 1836

reorganized the publishing interests and elected a board of trus-

tees to purchase, or erect, a suitable building for our publishing

business, Brother Rank and Revs. W. W. Orwig and P. Wagoner

were elected to the position, and by them the purchase of the

building was consummated.

 

Brother Rank was for many years a Justice of the Peace, and

so justly did he administer the law, that but few of his decisions

were appealed to a higher court. He was prudent and method-

ical in all his business matters, and generally prospered in all his

ventures, for the reason that he undertook nothing without mak-

ing it a subject of prayer.

 

His house was for many years a preaching place, and in his

woods camp-meetings were held many years in succession. His

liberality was proverbial. He often said he was God's steward,

and hence must be systematic in his benevolence.

 

It is worthy of record that thirty-three junior preachers had

their homes with him in the same number of successive years.

 

* See Mifflinburg incident.

 

 

84 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

As one would depart at the close of the conference year, and an-

other come, he was told to make himself at home like one of the

family. Horse feed, a furnished room, with board and washing,

all as free as air. If the preachers were poor, the good man

purchased clothing for them; when cast down, discouraged, and

tempted to leave the ministry, his fatherly counsels gave them

new courage. After a long and singularly useful life, the Lord

called his servant home to his rich reward, Oct. 14, 1878, at the

advanced age of ninety-four years, ten months and twelve days.

He retained his faculties to the last moment of life, and died

triumphantly, crying out as he crossed the Jordan of death,

"Gelobet sei Gott! Gelobet sei Gott!" (Praise the Lord! Praise

the Lord!)

 

Woodward, Centre County. At the extreme eastern end

of Penns Valley, where the road from Buffalo Valley emerges

from the long narrows of the mountains, is situated the village of

Woodward. In this neighborhood Albright and his co-laborers

found a fruitful field, notwithstanding the bitter opposition against

their work. The first one to receive Albright here was Father

John Wise and his wife Eve. This must have been soon after

the beginning of the century, and certainly prior to 1805. His

house was a very important point, and many conversions took

place there in 1806. George Wise, a brother of John, and his

wife Susan were converted in 1806, and their house became a

regular preaching place from that time. In later years their son

George opened his house for regular services. The house of

Bro. Jacob Merk and his brother Rudolph became preaching

places about 1805. John Adam Hennig and family in part were

converted in the great revival of 1806, probably at the house

of John Wise. His house also became a preaching place in

Albright's time, and was one of the most noted places of the

 

Biographical Notes. — John Adam Hennig, born in Lebanon county,

Pa., in 1757, was the son of John Jacob and Anna Hennig. His family

was large and highly respectable, and all became members of the church. Two

daughters, Elizabeth and Barbara, were married to ministers, Jacob Fry

and John Stull, respectively. His son Adam entered the ministry in 1B13,

and was one of the first missionaries west of the Alleghenies (1813) and Ohio

(1816). His sons Philip and Peter were converted in youth and later emi-

grated, to Ohio, where their homes were among the first preaching places on

Canton Circuit. Father Hennig died in 1839, aged eighty-two years. Father

John Wise died in 1844, aged seventy-nine years, and his wife Eve in 1855,

aged eighty-three years. Jacob Merk died in 1837, aged seventy-two years.

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 85

 

church for many years, especially for general and camp-meetings.

The camp-meeting on his place in 1827 was especially victorious.

Scores of souls were converted, some of whom became minis-

ters and prominent members. The fourth General Conference,

which was one of the most important sessions, was held at his

house in 1830.

 

Millheim is situated about seven miles west of Woodward,

in the very heart of Penns Valley. In and around this town

Albright and his colleagues found some open doors. The first

in the town to receive him was Paul Bachman, in 1805. George

Swartz, who lived about half a mile south of the town, also

received him and opened his house as a regular preaching place

in 1805. A little farther south lived Henry Smith and wife

Mary, and Peter Smith and wife Maria. Henry Smith's house

was opened as a preaching place for Albright as early as 1804.

Peter was converted in 1806, and thereafter their house was a

regular appointment. The great revival of 1806 also extended

to this place, and many conversions occurred at the houses of

George Swartz and Henry Smith. Prominent among the con-

verts were two young brothers Matthias and John Betz, the

former of whom became a minister, while the latter removed to

Seneca county, Ohio, and was one of the first to receive our min-

isters there.

 

The first class in Penns Valley was organized by George

Miller in the Fall of 1806, and included all the members in the

valley, some of whom, as we have noticed; lived a considerable

distance from Millheim. During the second great revival on the

Northumberland Circuit, which occurred in 1811, there were

many conversions, and separate classes were formed at Woodward

(seven miles east), at Musser’s and at Potters Plains. The class

at Musser’s became quite strong, and a church was built there,

about four miles from Millheim, which was the first in Penns

Valley. In that church was held, in 1839, the General Confer-

ence at which John Seybert was elected the first bishop of the

church.

 

Green Grove. Several miles west of Millheim, at Green

Grove, lived Michael Ream, who was one of the first in Penns

Valley to open his house to Albright. In 1806 his brother-in-

law, David Merk, and also Henry Smith opened their houses.

At a later period a flourishing society was formed there. Father

Ream died in 1813. Many of his descendants became prominent

 

 

 

86 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

and useful members of the church. His son, Rev. Abraham

Ream, in the early part of the century removed to Ohio, where

he was largely instrumental in establishing the work. Another

descendant, Rev. A. E. Gobble, D.D., has for many years stood

in the front rank as an able preacher and the honored president

of Central Pennsylvania College.

 

Potters Plains. The work of our Church was not estab-

lished in the upper end of Penns Valley in Albright's time, as

it cannot be ascertained that he and his colleagues had any

appointment farther west than Spring Mills. In 1811 John Erb

and L. Zimmerman extended the work westward to Spring Creek

and the broad plain where the State College is now situated.

There were many conversions in this vicinity, and a good class

was organized, called the Spring Creek Class. Ten or more

congregations are the direct results of the work in this section.

The men who received our preachers and opened their houses as

regular preaching places were Conrad Dillman, John Dauber-

man and later John George Rishel, all of whom became known

throughout the entire Church, and deserve more than mere

mention.

 

John Dauberman, Sr., lived a few miles east of Old Fort,

near Egg Hill. Here he built with his own means a church for

the use of the society, which was dedicated Oct. 22, 1837. He

died in 1853, in his eighty-second year. His son, John, Jr.,

who was also one of the first members, worthily represented his

heroic father until his death.

 

Conrad Dillman removed to Ohio, where he was among the

first to receive our first preachers in 1816, in which connection

a further notice of him will be found.

 

John George Rishel lived nearly four miles southwest of

Old Fort, near Spring Creek. He was converted in 1806, but

did not unite with the society until 1826. He was an influential

and prominent man, and did much for the establishment of the

Church. He died in 1852, in his seventy-first year. Three of his

daughters were married to Evangelical ministers of prominence:

Susan, to Bishop W. W. Orwig; Sarah, to John Kreamer; and

Rachel, to Daniel Kehr. His son David entered the minis-

try of the West Pa. Conference in 1842, and was a young man

of bright promise. In 1847 he was sent as missionary to Pitts-

burg, where his usefulness was suddenly cut short by death in the

Autumn of the same year, in the thirtieth year of his age.

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 87

 

Brush Valley. North of Penns Valley is situated a long,

narrow valley called Brush Valley, one of the early settlers of

which was Christopher Spangler, who came here from one of

the lower countries in 1803. He was a man of means, and erected

in 1805 a large stone mansion, which is to-day one of the land-

marks of the Church. At the house of father Bachman, in Penns

Valley, Brother S. first heard Albright preach, and invited him

to preach also in his house in Brush Valley. To this invitation

Albright responded in the Autumn of 1805, and from that time

Brother Spangler became one of his chief supporters and his

house a regular preaching place.

 

During the great revival, under the labors of George Miller,

in 1806, many conversions took place here, and a class was

formed, of which Brother Spangler was made leader. In the

Fall of 1807 he and the youthful John Dreisbach journeyed to-

gether to attend the first annual conference of the Association,

at which time Brother S. was also made a local preacher. He

never entered the active ranks, but frequently accompanied the

first preachers, and preached a great deal. His name through-

out the Church was "as ointment poured forth." When past

eighty years of age he preached a remarkable sermon from the

text, "As I live, saith the Lord, I have no pleasure in the death

of the wicked." (Ezek. xxxiii. 11.) He died in great peace in

1855, aged eighty-eight years. His companion died in 1832,

aged sixty-one years. They rest in the union cemetery at Rebers-

burg. Their sons Jacob, Samuel and Jonathan were of the first

converts in the valley and became strong pillars in the Church.

A daughter, Anna Mary, also converted in 1806, married Con-

rad Hare. They removed to Wyandotte county, Ohio, where

they opened their house as one of the first preaching places.

Brother H. was a local preacher and a very useful man.

 

Abraham Reber and wife were converted at Spangler's in

1806, after which they opened their house as a preaching place.

Rev. J. G. Conser, one of the first members at Lewisburg, re-

moved to Rebersburg, and in 1823 opened his house as a preach-

ing place. A little later the brothers George, Joseph and Jacob

Gramley, who were of the leading citizens of the valley, became

members, as did also the Becks, Leidlers and Myers. A

church was built in Rebersburg in 1833. The valley became an

Evangelical stronghold, and the work has continued to flourish to

this day.

 

 

88 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

North Branch Valley. On the North Branch of the Sus-

quehanna River, Albright and his associates found some open

doors. We have already noted in a previous chapter the emi-

gration of the sons-in-law of Leonard Zimmerman, of Schuylkill

county, to this region. As they were the first to open their

houses to our preachers we will notice them in order: John

Detrich Seybert and his brother Michael, and John George

Zehner, married to Maria, Eve, and Catharine Zimmerman,

respectively, emigrated to the North Branch Valley near the be-

ginning of the century. The Seyberts settled in Salem township,

Luzerne county, a few miles above Berwick, and Zehner settled

a few miles south, in Briar Creek township, Columbia county.

 

About 1806 two more sons-in-law of Zehner removed to this

region. They were Jacob Bochard and Conrad Biebelheimer,

who were married to Albertina and Susan Zimmerman, respec-

tively. Bochard settled about two miles northeast of Danville,

now in Montour county. Biebelheimer settled near Orange-

ville, Columbia county, but removed to Ohio at an early day.

 

All the foregoing were, so far as is known, converted under

the ministry of Albright and co-laborers, and, with the exception

of John D. Seybert, they were members of the church. When

they removed to the North Branch Valley they were followed by

their spiritual father and his colleagues, and through them a good

foundation was laid for the work in the valley.

 

The first revival and ingathering of note was at Zehner's, at

Summer Hill, Columbia county, and at Bochard's, near Dan-

ville, in 1811 and 1812, at which time classes were formed at

both places.

 

Notes.— Jacob Bochard died in 1824 and his wife in 1860. Biebel-

HEIMers removed to Franklin county, Ohio, where Sister B. died in 1839,

aged sixty-five years, and her husband soon afterwards. George Zehner and

his wife died at Briar Creek in 1848, aged respectively eighty-three and eighty

years. Revs. George E. Zehner and Isaiah Bower, of the Central Pa.

Conference, are grandsons. Michael Seybert died in 1852, aged eighty-five

years. His wife Eve died in 1854, aged eighty-four years. They all repose

in the Summer Hill cemetery.

 

 

89

CHAPTER IV.

 

SOWING AND REAPING.

 

The Great Revival at Orwigsburg — Spread of the Work

in Lehigh County, Philadelphia, Reading, Lebanon,

Baltimore — The Blockhouse — John Seybert's Mission-

ary Work — Establishment of the Church in New York

State and Canada.

 

Ringgold. Near Ringgold, in Schuylkill county, lived Dan-

iel Focht, who was a man of high respectability, and possessed

of considerable means; being proprietor of what was then called

Brunswick Forge. In 1818, when M. Dehoff and Adam Kline-

felter served the Schuylkill Circuit, he became interested through

them in his own salvation, and was soon thereafter converted to

God. He at once exerted his talents and great influence for the

cause of Christ, and was soon the instrument in the hands of God

in the conversion of others who were organized into a class. He

was a fluent speaker, was greatly respected, and his influence in

favor of the Evangelical Association was very considerable. In

1821 he was licensed to preach, and most faithfully did he serve

the Church in a local capacity until his death, in 1844, at the age

of sixty years.

 

Orwigsburg. Through Focht the first seed of the Church

was sown in Orwigsburg, (then the county seat of Schuylkill

county), which culminated in one of the most extensive and im-

portant revivals that ever took place in the Evangelical Associa-

tion. In 1822 he preached a powerful sermon in the Court House,

which made a profound impression on the audience. The same

year there was held on his land one of the most remarkable camp-

meetings in the history of the Church. A great number of people

 

 

90 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

were gathered on the grounds. Most of whom were in a state of

spiritual darkness, and very much disposed to make mischief.

This opposition one day took a most serious turn. Some of the

brethren were assaulted by the ruffians, and suffered bodily in-

jury at their hands. While John Miller was preaching an attack

was made upon the preachers and he was struck on the face with

a sharp stone and very severely injured.

 

At this meeting there were, however, many intelligent and

sensible people who disapproved of the persecution of God's peo-

ple, and heard with deep concern — and many for the first time

in their lives — the doctrine of experimental religion. Much pre-

cious seed was sown, some of which came to early fruitage. The

camp-meeting thus became an important factor in the promotion

of the great revival which soon followed.

 

Richard Rickert. Soon after this camp-meeting a prom-

inent man of Orwigsburg, named Richard Rickert, had occasion

to call on Focht on business. Mrs. F. informed him that her

husband was not at home, but would return soon, and added that

their minister, John Breitenstein, was in the house, with whom'

he could converse until the return of Mr. Focht. Mr. Rickert

complied with the kind invitation, and was very much pleased

with Mr. Breitenstein, and invited him to preach at Orwigs-

burg, to which Mr. B. assented. Mr. Rickert arranged an ap-

pointment for him in the Court House, and there Mr. B. preached

a number of times. The enemies of the cause, however, were

not idle, and soon fomented such an opposition against him, that

the Court House was closed, and he was compelled to preach in

the schoolhouse and in private houses.

 

Among the men who received Mr. B. and opened their houses

as preaching places for him were Richard Rickert, who first

invited him to Orwigsburg, Jos. Zoll, Peter Ashbach, Daniel

Reifschneider, and a little later, John Hammer. All were men

of prominence and high respectability. The spirit of awakening

was powerfully at work throughout the town, and the grain was

ripe for the harvest.

 

John Seybert at Orwigsburg. In June, 1823, John Sey-

bert was appointed to Schuylkill Circuit. It was indeed a fort-

- unate circumstance that this consecrated aad tireless worker

became the preacher at Orwigsburg at this time. His blameless

life was the best commentary on the doctrines which he preached,

while his extraordinary zeal for souls was a living torch that set

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 91

 

on fire the hearts of the people with love and devotion to the

cause of Christ. Although the people generally heard Seybert

with gladness, and many doors were opened to him, still the work

of conversion and ingathering did not immediately take place.

An adverse circumstance, which proved to be a blessing in dis-

guise, was the means of bringing about the desired result. On

Sept. 14 Seybert went to fill an appointment at a schoolhouse

three miles east of Orwigsburg, which his enemies locked against

him. A poor colored man named Wilson invited him to come

into his house and preach. Seybert accepted the invitation, and

was followed to the house by a number who were anxious to hear

him. On this occasion he preached from the words, "He came

unto his own and his own received him not." (John i. n.) A

profound impression was made, and Wilson and his wife were

soon afterwards converted to God. The house of this colored

man played an important part in subsequent events.

 

Seybert found entrance at the house of a tavern-keeper named

Christopher Wagoner in the same vicinity, several of whose

children were then under conviction. On Nov. 30 Seybert

preached in the house of Wagoner, from Acts iii. 22, 23. This

was one of the most remarkable meetings known in the history of

the Church. The spirit of conviction wrought deeply. A great

cry arose from penitents who were scattered through the house in

large numbers. "Lost! Lost! I am lost!" could be heard on

every side. Wagoner and all of his family who were present

were among the penitents. While the cry of agony went up to

God a female relative of Wagoner, who had no sympathy for the

work, went among the weepiDg penitents and endeavored to dis-

courage them. Notwithstanding this mighty demonstration of

the Spirit to convict, it would seem that there were but few con-

versions at this time. The next day Seybert held a prayer-

meeting for the benefit of the penitents, but still there was no

victory. Harbingers of a brighter day were everywhere visible,

however. The number of those under conviction increased every

day, and Seybert, having to fill his appointments elsewhere, wrote

to Focht to take charge during his absence, who accordingly

preached the following Sunday at the house of Wilson. The

meetings in the afternoon and evening were remarkably powerful

and victorious, and seven souls were saved, which was but the

beginning of the gracious shower of blessings, the refreshing in-

fluences of which was felt in every part of the Church.

 

 

92 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Seybert's Testimony. On the fly leaf of a volume of

"Thomas A'Kempis," bought from Bishop Seybert by Father

Richard Rickert, in 1850, occur these lines in the bishop's own

handwriting: "Erster Bekehrungs-Durchbruch nahe bei Orwigs-

burgh an des Wilson's, Dezember 7, 1823, wo sieben Seelen zu Gott

bekehrt wurden," — which translated somewhat literally reads:

"First converting breakthrough nearby Orwigsburg, at Wilson's,

December 7, 1823, when seven souls were converted to God."

It may here be incidentally remarked that "Durchbruch," liter-

ally a breakthrough, was a favorite term used in the early days

to express the victory after penitential struggles. The names of

the seven souls referred to by Bishop Seybert were the follow-

ing, as given to me by Father and Mother George and Amelia

(Hammer) Rickert, of Pottsville, Pa.: Mary Neff; Hannah

Wagoner, afterwards married to Rev. Charles Hesser; Re-

becca Wagoner, afterwards married to Rev. Francis Hoffman;

Benjamin Wagoner, Sally Wagoner, Mother Fisher, Polly

Fisher. The Wagoners mentioned were children of Christopher

Wagoner. After the victory at Wilson's, conversions became

frequent. When Seybert preached again in that neighborhood

— which was at Philip Dreher's — a young man was present

who had for some time been under conviction. A young lady,

Rebecca Wagoner,* who had often entreated him before, now

again urged him to yield his heart to God. He accordingly

bowed in penitence and was happily converted. This was the now

sainted Rev. Joseph M. Saylor. Soon afterwards his brother

Jacob, and also Samuel Rickert, were converted. A little later

Charles Hesser was converted at Father Wagoner's. All of

whom became ministers.

 

On Jan. 23, 1824, the first class was organized, consisting of

about twenty-five members. Philip Dreher was made leader

and B. Neff exhorter. Great opposition to the work prevailed,

and the leader became utterly discouraged. A reorganization of

the class was effected Feb. 19, and Joseph M. Saylor became

leader. The work now made rapid progress, and people of all

classes were converted almost daily.

 

The Hammer Family Converted. A remarkable episode

of this revival was the conversion of the Hammer family. The

circumstances are as follows: John Hammer was a highly re-

 

* Afterwards Mrs. Rev. F. Hoffman.

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 93

 

spected citizen and merchant of Orwigsburg and an elder in the

Lutheran Church. He had a large family of sons and daughters,

all highly respectable save the oldest son John, who was given

to wayward habits, which caused his parents deep sorrow and

constant solicitude. The anxious mother could think of no bet-

ter way to stay his downward course than to bring him under the

influence of that man of God, John Seybert. There was an ap-

pointment for him at the house of Rickert one night, and Mother

Hammer said to the erring son, "John, how would it be if you

were to go to the 'Strawveler' meeting to-night? I would much

rather see you there than with your bad company at the tavern.”

He followed the suggestion, went to the Service, and was deeply

convicted of his sinful condition. The next Sunday there was a

prayer-meeting at the house of the colored man Wilson, and here

young Hammer was converted after a very severe penitential

struggle.* The change in his life and conduct was at once no-

ticed at home, but he said nothing about his experiences, because

his parents were strict members of one of the old churches, al-

though, like many others, they knew nothing of vital godliness.

The course he took, however, met with God's approval, as the

end will show.

 

In the rear of Father Hammer's store was a warehouse, and

the watchful mother noticed that her son frequently repaired

thither alone and without any apparent reason. She determined

to solve the mystery, and one day cautiously followed him. To

her surprise she found him prostrate on the bare floor, pouring

out his soul to God in prayer. Such a prayer. the surprised

mother had never heard before. The son entreated as though

his heart would break in behalf of his dear father and mother

that they might come to the true light and saving grace of God.

The mother was almost overcome by her feelings, and with diffi-

culty restrained herself from disturbing with her weeping her once

wayward son. "Is it possible that our poor John, whom we

thought as good as lost, should now pray in this manner for us

who profess to be good?" thus she said in her heart. In deep

penitence she returned and told the circumstances to her hus-

band. The outcome of it all was that the whole family — father,

 

* J. M. Saylor, who was present at the meeting, says it was a remarkably

bright conversion. With tears of joy streaming from his eyes young Hammer

went through the assembly shaking hands with the people, saying, "Now I am

also a brother!”

 

 

94 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

mother, sons and daughters, eleven in number, were soon there-

after converted to God and united with the society. The Church

has never embraced within her fold a more godly and useful fam-

ily than that of Father Hammer. Three of his daughters were

married to Evangelical preachers, all of whom became promi-

nent. Elizabeth was married to Rev. J. P. Leib; Sarah to

Rev. Charles Schnerr, and Susan to Rev. Solomon Neitz.

One son, Charles, became a minister, and one of the pillars of

the Evangelical Association.

 

The Saylor Family Converted. Another incident worthy

of record is the case of the widow Saylor, whose sons Joseph

and Jacob have already been referred to. This woman, with a

large family of children, some of whom were quite young, lived

with her father, who was bitterly opposed to the work. After

she and her children were converted, they erected a family altar,

against which the father demurred. The godly mother, however,

gathered her loving children around her as aforetime and offered

her petitions at the throne of grace. The cruel father finally de-

clared that if they did not cease going to the "Strawveler" meet-

ings and quit their family prayers they would be compelled to

leave his house. This was a trying ordeal for the poor widow.

A family council was held and she, with the devoted children,

decided to remain faithful to their God and the Church. She

accordingly left the parental roof, accompanied by her little ones,

and made her home in a little house near the canal, where for

several years she supported herself by selling refreshments to the

boatmen who. daily passed her door. The Lord was her support

and she never came to want, but lived to see two of her sons be-

come useful preachers. She enjoyed the sympathy of the public

because of the harsh treatment of her father, while her blameless

life won the esteem of all, and when at last the Lord granted her.

a triumphant death, she was deeply lamented by a very wide circle

of friends.

 

Opposition. As may be inferred, the work was most bitterly

opposed by a certain class of people, and many cases of violence

occurred. As an example we give the case of a meeting which

was held by Joseph Saylor at the house of a man named Jona-

than Wynn. At this meeting there were a number of penitents,

among them a young woman named Phosbe Huntzinger, who

was very popular in the society of the town. Her friends and

admirers determined to rescue her from the influence of the

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 95

 

"Albrights," and accordingly a rush was made into the house

where the meeting was in progress. In the struggle which ensued

the would-be friends of the young lady, finding it impossible to

get her out through the door which was blocked up, opened a

window near her, through which the pleading penitent was drawn

out of the house. This triumph of the rabble, however, was short

lived, as the young lady was sincere, and soon thereafter was

happily converted, and afterwards became the wife of Joseph

Hammer, a prominent man in the society.

 

The revival continued for a number of years. Scores of fam-

ilies, among them many of the leading people of the place, were

converted, and good seed was scattered, which brought forth a

golden harvest. Many instances might be given of families who

removed from here to Ohio, Illinois, and other States, and there

became centers of Evangelical influence, through which new con-

gregations were organized and churches built. Among the fruits

of this great ingathering were a large number whom the Lord

called into the gospel ministry. Among them may be mentioned

the brothers Joseph M. and Jacob Saylor, John P. Leib, Fran-

cis Hoffman, Daniel Berger, Charles Hesser, Charles

Hammer and Bishop W. W. Orwig (indirectly) of the active

ministry, besides many who served in a local capacity.

 

Evangelical Church and Cemetery. Soon after the

establishment of the work at Orwigsburg, Benjamin Wagoner, a

son of Christopher Wagoner, died. He was a devoted and

zealous young man, and because he became an Evangelical, his

 

Biographical Notes. — 1. John Hammer died in 1839, aged sixty-six

years. He was for many years a local preacher. His wife Elizabeth died in

1837, aged sixty years.

2. Christopher Wagoner died in 1843, aged seventy-five years. He was

a strong pillar in the Church. His daughters Rebecca and Hannah were mar-

ried to Rev. Francis Hoffman and Rev. Charles Hesser, respectively. His

daughter Elizabeth was married to Abraham Orwig; they were the parents

of Bishop W. W. Orwig.

3. Richard Rickert, (wife Christina) who first invited the Evangelical

preachers to Orwigsburg, died in 1857, aged eighty-three years. They were the

parents of Rev. Samuel Rickert, and Dinah, wife of Rev. Joseph M. Saylor.

4. Joseph Zoll died in 1877, aged eighty-eight years. He was a tanner by

occupation, and had in his employ his nephew, Francis Hoffman, who was

also converted and entered the active ministry in 1826.

5. Daniel Riefsnyder removed to Stark county, Ohio, where he was for

many years a class-leader, and his house a preaching place. He died in 1872,

aged seventy-two years.

 

 

96 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

burial in the graveyard of the Church of which he had been a

former member was forbidden. In great sorrow Father Wag-

oner came to Orwigsbu'rg to consult with Father Hammer. After

explaining the circumstances to Hammer, the latter said, "Come

with me," and together they went to look at some vacant lots

owned by Hammer. A suitable selection was made for a bury-

ing ground, which Father Hammer donated to the society, and

here the body of young Wagoner was laid to rest. The society

then erected a church edifice on the ground in 1826, which was

the third church of the Association. The following year the con-

ference was held in it, and many times thereafter. In 1823 the

first camp-meeting in this section was held on the land of Chris-

topher Wagoner, and thereafter for several years.

 

The Work in Lehigh County. Soon after Albright's

entry into the ministry he attended the funeral of a child in Upper

Hanover township, Montgomery county. The parents of the

child, and also the minister and most of the attendants, were

Schwenkfelders. At the conclusion of the services Albright

asked permission to preach in the church, which was granted.

Several appointments were filled, and light was beginning to

dawn, when a great storm of opposition was raised, and the

churches were closed against him in consequence. A Schwenk-

felder named David Shultz, who lived near the mountain, then

opened his house as a preaching place for him. This was near

the Lehigh county line. Although the work was not permanently

established at this time, yet the good seed was sown, which in

course of time bore a rich fruitage. The direct results were the

establishment of the work in Lehigh county, first in Upper Mil-

ford, from thence to Cedar Creek, Allentown, Emaus, and other

places.

 

In Upper Milford, in the very midst of the Schwenkfelder

community, lived a good, upright man named John Hittel, who

received the Evangelical preachers as early as 1825. Although

he was in sympathy with the society, no public service was

attempted at his house for some years. At the house of Hittel

a number of people became acquainted with the Evangelical

preachers, among whom were David and Christopher Shubert

and Melchior Yeakel, who were prominent Schwenkfelders.

Yeakel had already been enlightened, in a great measure, by the

preaching of Albright at the house of Shultz and elsewhere.

Public services were held at Hittel's in 1828, without any

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 97

 

notable results, until Sept. 13, 1829. W. W. Orwig and Charles

Hammer held a service on the barn floor of David Shubert,

which was richly blessed and may be considered the real begin-

ning of the great work which followed. Many prominent Schwenk-

felders became identified with the work of the Lord, and in a few

years this section became an Evangelical stronghold. John

Hittel, in 1828, having removed to a place near Macungie, an

appointment was also established at his house. Mention should

also be made of Peter Wiest, Daniel Wieand and George

Yeakel, who lived near Shubert's, and who also received the

Evangelical preachers and opened their houses for services.

Among the accessions to the Church was Rev. Andrew Yeakel,

a Schwenkfelder preacher, and with him a great number of his

people.

 

Allentown and Vicinity. The waters of Cedar Creek

take their rise in a large spring at the head of Cedar Creek

Valley, in Lehigh county, Pa., and empty into the Lehigh River

near Allentown. In the early part of the century there lived near

the head of this stream, a highly respectable man named Henry

Mertz. He was a man of intelligence and influence, and a

deacon in the Lutheran Church. He had distinguished himself

as a member of the State Legislature, but was most commonly

known as General Mertz, because he held that rank in the State

military service.

 

Near his mansion lived his son David, who was proprietor of

a woolen mill. Although the General and his family were mem-

bers of the church, they were ignorant of the saving power of

grace. In 1831 a young man named Francis Gabel, from

Upper Milford, Lehigh county, a member of the Evangelical

Association, applied to David Mertz for employment. He was

engaged at once and entered upon his work. He was pious and

exemplary in his conduct, and soon commanded the confidence

 

Note. — The Schwenkfelders were the followers of Casper Schwenkfeld,

who was born in Lower Silesia, in 1490. In April, 1734, a large number of his

society emigrated to Pennsylvania in the ship "St. Andrew," which arrived in

Philadelphia Sept. 22, having on board 261 souls, among whom were the

Yeakels, (Baltzer, George, Abraham, Baltzer, Jr., Casper, Jeremias

and Henry), also the Kreibels, Hoffmans, Shuberts, Reinwalds, Weig-

ners, Huebners, Mentzels, Meisthers and Auders. They had.been pre-

ceded in 1733 by a small party, among whom were the Klemms and Shultzs.

Rev. Andrew Yeakel, who with many of his people united with the Evangei-

cal Association, died in 1837, in his fifty-first year.

 

 

98 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

of his employer. His heart went out in love for spiritual welfare

of Mertz and his wife, and he daily talked with them about their

salvation, and the certainty and blessedness of the hidden life in

Christ. In this way their hearts were opened to the spirit of

conviction. They were as yet unacquainted with the Church

and had never heard any of the Evangelical ministers preach.

 

Late in the Fall of this year, Gabel gained their consent to

make an appointment at their house for Rev. J. G. Zinser, who

that year served Lebanon Circuit. Zinser accordingly preached,

and had as his audience General Mertz, David Mertz and his

wife Catharine, F. Gabel, and John Hittel, who had brought

the preacher from his home on the Lehigh Mountain, seven miles

distant, where he had preached the evening before. Soon after

this meeting David Mertz and wife became the subjects of sav-

ing grace. March 13, 1832, J. P. Leib, the colleague of Zinser,

preached, and thereafter the house was a regular preaching place.

 

Mertz and his wife and Gabel had at this time their regular

prayer-meeting and the two men would in turn read and expound

the Scriptures; Mrs. Mertz constituting the audience. When

the zeal and devotion of this little band is considered, is it strange

that God has so wonderfully prospered the work in that region?

To their number the names of Susanna Garber and Susanna

Mohr were subsequently added, and this was the Cedar Creek

Class of 1832. Gabel was leader and Mertz exhorter.

 

General Mertz and family were members of the Saltzberger

Church, (Lutheran) near Emaus. Soon after the conversion of

David and his wife, they, with Father Mertz, attended the ser-

vices on one occasion when the pastor, Benjamin Garman,

preached a special sermon against the new doctrine of conversion.

He was a bitter opponent of the Evangelical work, and the trend

of his sermon was to discountenance the new movement, and

warn his flock against the "false prophets," as our preachers were

then called. After the conclusion of his services, he descended

the pulpit and assailed Gen. Mertz for abetting the "deceivers,"

by permitting them to preach at the house of his son. He warned

Mertz against giving further countenance to the heretics, and

that hereafter he must prohibit the meetings on his place. The

General, after listening patiently to the angry and inconsiderate

accusations and demands of his pastor, replied to him:

 

"You must understand that I do not harbor deceivers and

false prophets. These men do what you do not. They preach

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 99

 

the pure Gospel, and before you condemn them you had better

come and hear them for yourself. You allow all kinds of evil,

such as drinking and frolicking, and you never stood by me in

remedying these evils in my neighborhood. The preaching of

these men is doing good. This I see for myself. Here is my

son David, he is a new man. Then why should I stop a good

work. No, I will not interfere. It may go on."

 

When the congregation saw that General Mertz had taken a

position in favor of the Evangelical preachers, great excitement

prevailed in the church. Hot words were exchanged, and threats

of bodily harm were freely made, but the General was a man of

strong and commanding frame, and undoubted courage, and his

enemies did not venture to strike him. One of the more excited

ones made a move to strike the General, but was discreetly pre-

vented by the pastor. The Mertz's were, however, unceremoni-

ously crowded out of the church. Outside, the disorder became

still greater, and it was with difficulty the more considerate ones

prevented violence. An old Revolutionary soldier, named Kamme,

said he had some experience in disposing of evil-doers, and would

like to shoot these heretics. This was the last time the Mertz

family attended this church. The violent and unchristian con-

duct of the people led Mertz to incline more strongly than ever

to the Evangelical movement, and not long thereafter he and his

companion realized the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ

and thereafter their mansion was opened as a preaching place.

Soon thereafter they agreed with their preacher to have a "gen-

eral meeting" at their house which was attended by a great

number of people, some of whom had came a distance of over

fifty miles.

 

Opposition Silenced. Soon after his appointment to this

circuit, in 1834, Joseph M. Saylor had an appointment to preach

at the house of David Mertz. A certain pastor named Dering

determined to break up the work by going with about a dozen of

his chief members, (some of them very much under the influence

of liquor,) directly to the house of Mertz, and proved that Say-

lor and his co-laborers were "false prophets," and his followers

deluded heretics. They made no serious disturbance during the

service, but immediately at the close the pastor entered into an

animated discussion with General Mertz. The point of argu-

ment was the possibility of deliverance from sin in this life. At

a certain stage of the debate Saylor asked permission to take

 

 

100 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

the place of General Mertz, which was granted by the pastor,

whereupon Saylor asked him what was meant by the pas-

sage, "The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth us from

all sin." (I. John i. 7.) This perplexed the pastor, and after

venturing an absurd explanation, said the greatest of all the

Apostles — Paul — had said,.that of all the great sinners in the

world, he was the greatest. Saylor charged him with misquota-

tion, but he insisted on his correctness. Being called on to pro-

duce the passages, he failed completely, and turned to his elders

for assistance, which they were unable to give. Saylor then

turned to the passage and read, "This is a faithful saying and

worthy of all acceptation that Jesus Christ came into the world

to save sinners, of whom I am chief." (I. Tim. i. 15.) Saylor

then explained that Paul was a saved sinner. This made a deep

impression on those who were in a condition to understand the

subject. They declared themselves disgusted with their pastor,

and said he had brought them all to shame.

 

Conversion of Solomon Butz. In the Summer of 1834

a highly respected and well-to-do farmer, named Solomon Butz,

who lived in the vicinity of Mertz's, was engaged with his son-

in-law, Solomon Mertz, at harvesting in a field adjoining the

factory of David Mertz. The day being hot they repaired to a

shade tree close to the factory to rest. Mertz was just then in

the third story of his factory near an open window. Father

Butz, who was somewhat blunt in speech, called up to Mertz,

"Helloo, you 'Stawveler,' up there, come down, I want to speak

to you.” Mertz came down to the party, when Butz continued,

"You proud 'Strawvelers' think you are the only ones who are

good," etc., and in his blunt way further sought to show Mertz

his folly, and the harm he was doing in repudiating the faith

of his fathers. But Mertz met his accusations in a Christian

spirit, and told him plainly that unless he repented and sought

the favor of God in the pardon of his sins he would be lost.

Mertz referred him to his (Reformed) catechism as proof of

what he said. These words touched the old man's heart, and he

was brought to reflection. Daily he became more seriously con-

cerned for his soul. He searched the Scriptures carefully but

quietly, as also the rest of his family. Sometime after the fore-

going incident Mertz and his wife were awakened at 1 o'clock

at night by Father Butz, who seemed to be in an excited state

of mind. "What is the matter?" called Mertz. "Oh, nothing

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 101

 

serious," said Butz, "only the Lord Jesus has come to our house

and five of our family have found Him already, and the others

are seeking." They then went to the house of Butz and labored

with the seekers until daybreak. The entire family was converted,

among them little Edmund, then seven years of age, and whom

the Lord called into the ministry in later years, and who has ever

stood in the front rank of the mother conference. The conver-

sion of Butz and his family contributed in a great measure to the

subsequent development of our work in this valley.

 

In 1835 Mertz and his son David determined to build a

church, for which they had to furnish the means themselves.

In the very beginning of the undertaking they met with an unex-

pected difficulty, the mechanics of the valley positively refusing

to touch the work under any consideration, so they were com-

pelled to go to Upper Milford, a distance of twelve miles, and

secure workmen from among our people there. The church,

which was a stone structure, was dedicated Nov. 14 and 15, by

John Seybert, presiding elder of the district and Joseph M.

Saylor, preacher in charge. An immense concourse of people

were in attendance, so that a double service was conducted,

Seybert preaching in the church, and Saylor outside, standing

on a large stone. What a contrast between this service and that

of Zinser at David Mertz's house four years before! There

were, however, still many evil disposed people in the valley, who

shamefully desecrated the new edifice. The fence was torn down,

the windows shattered, and the doors and seats defaced in a

barbarous manner. This did not dampen in the least the zeal

of the little Evangelical band. The light of God's Word had

already dawned upon many eyes, and a better day was coming.

This was thejlrsi church of our denomination in Lehigh county.

Behold what God hath wrought! There are now upwards of

twenty.

 

Allentown. In 1834 J. M. Saylor succeeded in gaining

entrance in Allentown, and for some time preached at the house

of a colored man named J. Grove, whose landlord, however, be-

ing opposed to the work, forbade the use of the house for meet-

ing purposes.

 

On Oct. 10, 1837, there was an election in Allentown, and

General Mertz, accompanied by his son David and wife, and

Rev. John Seybert and S. Altimos, drove thither in the family

carriage — not to mingle in politics, but to rear the standard of

 

 

102 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

the cross. After the fashion of all colonial towns, the market

house stood in the center of the square, and there the carriage,

with the little Evangelical band, stopped, and soon the songs of

Zion ascended from the market place. The first service in the

forenoon was conducted by Altimos, who preached in the Eng-

lish language. In the afternoon Seybert preached in the German

language, with remarkable power. By his side stood the little

Evangelical band, while around them surged a great mass of peo-

ple, for the most part strangers to the experience of gospel grace.

While preaching, Seybert held in his hand a Testament, from

which he quoted freely during his discourse. Suddenly a small

stone whizzed past the head of Mrs. Mertz, as though coming

from a sling, and struck the Testament, passing through a leaf

which Seybert was just then turning. Raising up the book so

that all could see it, he said, "See, some one has cast a stone on

God's Word, but he will pay for it some day," and then resumed

his discourse. A prominent lawyer who stood near and was an

attentive observer was heard to say, "These men know what they

are doing."

 

Very soon after this event, Henry Smith opened his house

as a preaching place, and soon thereafter Charles Hesser, then

stationed at Philadelphia, came up a number of times and preached

for the friends in the Presbyterian Church, through which means

a number of souls were converted. In the early Spring of 1838

the first class was organized, with Henry Smith as leader. The

work gained ground every day, and a few months later the sec-

ond class was organized, with Henry Mertz as leader. To give

permanency to the work, Mertz and his Cedar Creek friends

determined to purchase a lot on which to erect a church. The

purchasing committee were Father Mertz and his son, David,

Solomon Butz, Benjamin Mohr and Reuben Glick. The

church was erected in 1838, on Linden Street, from which three

additional strong congregations have since sprung.

 

In August, 1836, the first camp-meeting in that region was

held on the land of Father Mertz. Great masses of people at-

tended it, especially from Allentown. John Seybert was the

 

Note. — General Henry Mertz and wife died in 1844, only a few hours

apart. Their son David and his wife Catharine, who did so nmch for the

establishment of the Evangelical work in this vicinity, after spending a number

of years in the active ministry, removed to Allentown, where he died in 1891,

aged about eighty-six years.

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 103

 

presiding elder, and had as his assistants such mighty men as J.

Schnerr, J. P. Leib, John Breitenstein, J. M. Saylor and

others. The power of God was wonderfully manifested, many

souls were saved, and the good seed was scattered in all direc-

tions.

 

In the course of a few years classes were organized in the

neighboring towns of Emmaus, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Springtown,

Catasauqua, Weissport, Easton and others.

 

Establishment of the Work in Lebanon. The present

flourishing work in the city of Lebanon owes its origin to the

labors of Philip Breitenstein and his son John, who lived

southeast of the city, and Felix Licht, a Mennonite preacher of

Lebanon. Through their labors a number of souls were con-

verted in and around the place between 1824 and 1826. Like

many other converted people of that time, they were unfavorable

to a separate organization. In 1826, when John Seybert was

presiding elder of Canaan District, he succeeded, after consider-

able effort, in organizing a small class, consisting of the following

members, of which Henry Fisher was made leader: Henry

Fisher, George Reinoehl and wife, Henry Bowman and wife

Sarah, John Marlin and wife Margaret, David Fisher, Elias

Stoever, Jacob Borkert, Barbara Riegel and Fronica Licht.

The work gained ground very rapidly, and commanded the favor

and respect of the people. In 1830 the first church was erected

and dedicated by Henry Niebel on Sept. 26th. Henry Fisher,

Elias Stoever and Jacob Borkert (also Burkitt) became min-

isters of great prominence in the Association.

 

The Work Established In Philadelphia. Although

John Dreisbach in 1815 preached a number of times in Phila-

delphia, no permanent foothold was gained until 1833. In

November of that year Jacob Schnerr, preacher-in-charge of

Lebanon Circuit, visited the city with a view of establishing the

work. Nov. 30th he preached his first sermon at the house of a

widow named Ramer, on Poplar street, near where a few years

 

Notes. — See biographies of Fisher and Stoever in Biographical Depart-

ment. Rev. Jacob Burkitt was born in Lebanon in 1805, and entered the

ranks of the Eastern Conference in 1839. He was the first missionary of the

Church in New York City. He died at Greensburg, Ohio, Jan. 11, 1881. David

Light, one of the early members and a local preacher, died in 1873, aged

sixty-eight years. George Reinoehl, one of the first pillars of the society,

died in 1875, aged seventy-nine years.

 

 

104 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

later the first Evangelical church in the city was built. His text

was, "What must I do to be saved?" A man named David

Gutbrodt was deeply impressed with the message of salvation,

and invited the speaker to preach at his house the following

evening, which he did, from Acts xxvi. 18. Thereafter he visited

the city a number of times in the course of a few months, and a

number of families gladly received him. Many souls were saved

through his instrumentality, and in April, 1834, he organized a

class of thirty members. The society was served by the preachers

of an adjoining circuit until 1835, when it was constituted a

mission, with Jacob Schnerr as missionary. He met with good

success, and at the end of the year reported seventy-two mem-

bers. The following year, about Christmas, a glorious revival

began, and at the end of the conference year the society num-

bered one hundred and twenty-four members. Sunday, Oct. 1,

1837, the first church of the Association was dedicated by John

Seybert, and the dedicatory services continued as a revival

meeting for several weeks, during which time many souls were

converted.

 

Beginning of the Work at Reading. Reading was taken

up as a mission in 1844, and Joseph M. Saylor appointed as

missionary. The outlook in the beginning was not very encour-

aging. He secured the upper story of a tannery as a preaching

place, but soon found it unsuitable, and fitted up his house for

the purpose. In course of time some souls were converted and

the prospects grew brighter. Finally a kind-hearted man, Dr.

Nagel, became interested in the mission, and encouraged Saylor

to erect a church. He, however, encountered great difficulty in

gathering funds for the purpose, on account of opposition to the

work by the formal Churches. Finally, however, the basement

• was completed, in which he began a protracted meeting, resulting

in the conversion of many souls. This success greatly incensed

the opponents of the work, and an attack was made upon the

assembly, causing great disorder. Dr. Nagel determined to

make an example of the disturbers and brought them before the

bar of justice, where they were heavily fined. Thereafter there

was peace, the mission daily grew in favor and soon became

self-sustaining. In no other place has the work prospered more

than in the city of Reading. Its congregations are four in

number, one of which (Salem, Eighth street,) is the strongest of

the denomination.

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 105

 

Founding of the Work in Baltimore, Md. At the ses-

sion of the West Pa. Conference, in 1840, Rev. Jacob Boas was

sent as a missionary to Baltimore, Md. He arrived there on

May 7th, and was received by E. Haupt, in whose house he

preached his first sermon soon after his arrival. There were at

this time but two members of the Evangelical Association in that

city. After preaching in private houses for some time, he secured

a small chapel on Fremont and Noeberg streets. Here a con-

siderable revival took place and many united with the Church.

The little band was soon increased by the addition of about forty

members from the Otterbein United Brethren Church. In Feb-

ruary of the following year another revival took place and many

more were added to the Church. The chapel was purchased by

the society during the year, but soon became too small, and in

March, 1841, a lot was secured on Camden street, where a church

was erected, which was dedicated Dec. 12, 1841. Two years

later a parsonage was erected by the side of the church. At the

end of two years Boas reported a membership of 215. On Dec.

14, 1851, the church was destroyed by fire. While preparations

were going on for the rebuilding of the church, an offer of $9,000

for the property by a railway company was accepted. Another

site was secured on Green street, on which a church was erected

the following year. The work in Baltimore is now in a prosper-

ous condition, consisting of six congregations, three English and

three German.

 

In the Blockhouse. This term represents a region of

country in the northern part of Pennsylvania known as the Lib-

erty, or Blockhouse Valley, situated in Lycoming and Tioga

counties. It is a rugged region, about 1,500 feet above sea

level, surrounded by the broken ridges of the Allegheny Moun-

tains. In the middle of this valley lies the town of Blockhouse,

or Liberty, in Tioga county. This valley contained a large

number of Pennsylvania and European Germans. In the Fall of

 

Biographical Note. — William Numson, one of the leading members of

the Otterbein Church, with many others, joined the little society organized by

Boas, of which he became one of the chief members and was its chief support

for many years. He was blessed with abundant means and gave thereof to the

Church with a liberal hand, his most munificent gift being a contribution of

many thousands of dollars for the erection of a new edifice for the first English

society in Baltimore. The church was named in his honor the "Memorial."

N. was for about half a century a local preacher. He died in 1891, in the

eighty-ninth year of his age.

 

 

106 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNAL8.

 

1830 John Seybert, presiding elder of Salem District, passed

through this region on his way to the State of New York. He

stopped for the night at the house of John Michael Sindlinger,

on the Blossburgh road, about three miles west of Blockhouse.

Before leaving he arranged for a meeting at Sindlinger's on

his return. Meanwhile the news spread among the people, and

when he returned, in the course of a few weeks, the house was

crowded with people anxious to hear the new preacher. When

he was about to announce his text, a somewhat captious man

named Gloeckler — doubtless for the purpose of embarrassing

him, asked him to preach from the nineteenth verse of the

fifteenth chapter of Jeremiah, which is very expressive in the

German language. This he did without a moment's preparation,

and it proved to be the message of God to that people. The

power of the Lord came down and soon tears began to flow, and

before the sermon was concluded great numbers were on their

knees wrestling with God for mercy. This was indeed a mem-

orable service. James Barber, preacher-in-charge of Centre

Circuit, then made a journey to the Blockhouse to establish the

work more fully. A number of other preaching places were

secured in the valley the following year, but owing to its isolation

the work here could not receive the desired attention.

 

On April 21, 1832, Seybert held the first Evangelical quar-

terly meeting in the Blockhouse settlement. The services on

Saturday were held at the house of Father Sindlinger, and on

the following Sunday at a church a little farther west. James

Barber was still preacher-in-charge. Many souls were converted

and the first class in Blockhouse was formed, consisting of

twenty-one members, with John M. Sindlinger as leader. In

a few years Blockhouse settlement became one of the strongholds

of the Church, and has since developed into four flourishing

charges. The principal preaching places in the valley were the

homes of John Michael Sindlinger, Christian Essig, W.

 

Biographical Notes. — John Michael Sindlinger emigrated from Wur-

temburg, Germany, in 1818. His two sons, John and Michael, became

prominent ministers of our Church, the former in 1834 and the latter in 1840.

Father Sindlinger died in 1837, aged fifty-seven years. Samuel Hartman,

Sr., died in 1852, aged sixty-two years, and Leonard Schabacher in 1842.

He had emigrated from Germany in 1824. Solomon Rupp died in 1863, aged

sixty-seven years. Rev. Michael Sindlinger died near Philadelphia, Pa.,

in 1888, aged seventy-eight years. He served many years in the itinerancy of

the East Pa. Conference.

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 107

 

Landis, G. Kreager, Samuel Hartman, Sr., Weltie's and

Diebler's. North of Blockhouse was the German settlement

proper. The preaching places were at the houses of Christian

Diehr, Solomon Rupp, Jacob Gloeckler and Leonard Scha-

bacher. The latter was the father-in-law of the late Judge C.

F. Veil, who was also a local preacher of the Church.

 

John Seybert in Northwestern Pennsylvania. In

1833 John Seybert was appointed missionary to explore the

northwestern part of Pennsylvania and form a new circuit if

practicable. He entered upon his work in July, arriving on the

12th at the house of Mr. Gingerich, near Erie, Erie county,

Pa. He at once sought suitable preaching places and soon found

many open doors. On Sunday morning, July 14, he preached

his first sermon at the house of J. Long. The principal families

in Erie and vicinity who received him and opened their houses

for religious services were: John Hershey (1), Jacob and John

Long, Jacob Miller, William Heiss (2), Jacob Rippley (3),

David Williams (4) and the families of Gimber, Metzler,

Brown and Kurtes. A number of the foregoing lived at Fair-

view, four miles east of Erie. Three classes were organized at

Erie during the year, the leaders of which were John Hershey,

Samuel Heiss and Jacob Long. In and around Warren, in

Warren county, Seybert met with equally good success, and

formed three classes there. Among the families converted there

were the following: Gross, Ott, Knopf, Esher, Grunder,

Trier, Vetter and Stubler. The leaders of the classes were

 

Biographical Notes. — (1) John Hershey became a minister and ren-

dered several years of active service in the Ohio Conference.

(2) William Heiss emigrated with his family from Berks county to Erie

county, Pa., where they were, all converted and became a noted Evangelical

family. He died in 1861, aged seventy-nine years. Five of his sons entered

the active ministry of the church, as follows: Samuel, born in 1803, entered

the itinerancy in 1839 and rendered many years of active service in Pennsylva-

nia and Ohio, died in 1883, aged seventy-nine years; Henry entered the ranks

of the Ohio Conference in 1837, Levi in 1840, died in Indiana in 1870; Jacob

in 1841 and Peter in 1842. The latter in the (now) Central Pa. Conference.

He died in 1871, at Mifflinburg, Pa. They were humble, devoted men, and

did good work for the Master's cause.

(3) Jacob Rippley, from Manor township, Lancaster county, was a son of

Elizabeth Thomas, who was one of the first to open her house as a preaching

place for Albright.

(4) David Williams and wife, from the same place, were converted under

Albright.

 

 

108 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Henry D. Grunder, Martin Esher and John Ott. In Craw-

ford county Seybert was also kindly received by a number of

families, among whom were the Gehrs (5). In Mercer county he

was received by the families of Eberhart (6), Phillips (7),

Bernhart, Meyer, Blank and Faulk, and in Allegheny county

by the families of Huntsberger, Shoutz and Herr. After a

year of unsurpassed activity and great success, he closed his

labors April 24, 1834, having traveled 3,011 miles, preached 218

sermons and reported 121 members, 100 of whom were converted

under his labors. This field continued to prosper and has devel-

oped into many flourishing charges.

 

Founding of the Work in New York State. Near the

beginning of the eighteenth century the Indian titles to the land

in Northwestern New York were extinguished and the country

was opened for settlement. Among the people who flocked

thither in quest of new homes were a great many Pennsylvania

Germans. In 1807 Christian Wolf removed from Buffalo Val-

ley (see "Lewisburgh"), in (now) Union county, Pa., to a

place four miles west of Seneca Falls, in Seneca county, N.Y.

Wolf was a local preacher and uncle of Rev. John Dreisbach,

at whose father's house he formed the acquaintance of Jacob

Albright and became one of his staunchest supporters. When

Wolf and others from Northampton, Lehigh and Union counties

settled here they were deprived of the public means of grace, and

 

Notes. – continued from previous page

(5) From this family came Nicholas Gehr, editor of the Christliche

Botschafter in 1848.

(6) Abraham Eberhart and wife Esther lived in Hickory township,

Mercer county, about nine miles from the town of Mercer. His house was a

preaching place for many years. He died near Chicago, Ill., in 1880. Five

of his sons became ministers, of whom the following two served many years in

the Evangelical Association: Uriah Eberhart, born in 1821, entered the

itinerancy of the West Pa. Conference in 1843; was elected presiding elder in

1849, located on account of failing health at the end of his term, and later

removed to Illinois. Levi Eberhart, born in 1822, entered the ministry of

the West Pa. Conference in 1841, serving seventeen years in the itinerancy.

In 1852 he withdrew from the active work of the conference and later removed

to Illinois, where he again entered the active ranks and served one term as

presiding elder. Prof. John F. Eberhart, born in 1829, became principal of

the newly-established Albright Seminary, at Berlin, Somerset county, in Sep-

tember, 1853.

(7) Samuel Phillips, son of Conrad Phillips, one of the first supporters

of Albright, and present at the first council of 1803, lived several miles east

of Sharon. He died in 1888, aged eighty-three years.

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 109

 

Wolf began holding prayer-meetings among the settlers. In

1812 John Dreisbach and Robert McCray were sent to the

newly-settled region by the conference. The Germans there were

widely scattered and the brethren did not succeed as they antici-

pated, so that they became discouraged, and leaving the work in

charge of Wolf, they returned to Pennsylvania. Notwithstand-

ing the departure of the missionaries, the work in New York

continued to live under the care of Wolf. A class was formed

about this time in this locality which was the first organization

of Evangelicals beyond the bounds of Pennsylvania. The mem-

bers of the class were Rev. Christian Wolf (leader) and wife

Barbara, Jacob Riegel and wife Maria, Abraham Bachman

and wife, John Vreeland and wife, J. Pontius and wife, besides

a number of younger members of these families.

 

Wolf remained in charge of the work until 1816, when Jacob

Klinefelter was sent thither, and from that time the field was

regularly supplied: The charge was called Lake Mission, by

which name it was known for many years. At the close of 1816

the membership was forty-two. John Dreisbach, presiding

elder, also visited the work this year, extending his trip to Buf-

falo. In this vicinity he preached at the houses of Christian

Thomas and P. Bluecher. Twelve miles from Buffalo he preached

at the house of Jacob Schopp. Crossing over into Canada, six

miles above Niagara Falls, he preached at the house of Jacob

Miller. Near Burlington he preached at the houses of his

uncles, John and Jacob Books. This was the first visit of an

Evangelical presiding elder beyond the bounds of Pennsylvania.

 

From Seneca county as a center the Evangelical work spread

into Lyons, Syracuse, Rochester, Lockport and also Stueben

county, all prior to 1835. The entire work in the State was com-

prised in one great circuit until 1832, when Buffalo Circuit was

formed, and in 1833 Mohawk Circuit. In 1833 Joseph Har-

lacher, who served Buffalo Circuit, began to preach in the city

of Buffalo. The following year Buffalo was made a mission and

Harlacher appointed to the same. He met with great success

 

Biographical Notes. — Jacob Riegel, formerly of Northampton county,

Pa., was the main-stay of Lake Circuit after the death of Wolf. His house

was a regular preaching place for many years. He was the father of Rev. J.

Riegel. He died in 1858, aged eighty-three years, and his wife Maria in

1861, aged eighty-one years. John Vreeland, also one of the early pillars in

Seneca county, died in 1863. Jacob Schopp, whose house was the first preaching

place in the vicinity of Buffalo, died in 1853, aged eighty-seven years.

 

 

110 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

and in 1837 organized a society of about sixty members. It was

then again connected with the circuit until 1840, when it was made

a station, of which F. Krecker was the first pastor. In 1839 a

mission was located in the city of New York, with Jacob Burkett

as missionary. The work at first" made slow progress, but finally

a flourishing church was established.

 

The first Evangelical church in the State of New York was

erected at Clarence, fifteen miles east of Buffalo, and was dedi-

cated in 1834. The year following another was dedicated at the

first appointment in Seneca county, another at Rochester in 1842,

and in 1844 at Lyons, Syracuse and New York City.

 

The Church Established In Canada. As already noticed,

J. Dreisbach visited Upper Canada as early as 1816, but with-

out permanent results. In 1836 Rev. J. G. Zinser visited the

province, remaining nine days. The same year Rev. Charles

Hammer, who was serving Buffalo Circuit, also went thither, and

again in the following January, everywhere meeting with open

doors to preach the Word of Life. A little later J. Harlacher

also visited the province, but no regular appointment was

maintained.

 

In September, 1838, a very remarkable appeal from H. W.

Peterson, Waterloo, Upper Canada, was published in the Bot-

schafter. Mr. P. was a highly influential man. In this com-

munication he set forth the deplorable condition of the people,

and entreated the Church to send them missionaries. In 1830

the Eastern Conference established two missions in Canada —

Waterloo and Black Creek. Christian Holl and Michael Eis

were the first missionaries. They met with remarkable success.

So great was the religious interest that Holl was enabled to hold

a camp-meeting on his charge — the first in Canada. It was

held on the land of David Erb, two miles north of Waterloo,

beginning Aug. 23. Many were converted, among whom was

Philip Smith, who afterwards became a prominent minister of

the Canada Conference. Two classes were organized as a result

of this meeting, which were the first organizations of the Church

in Canada. In Berlin and Waterloo the work gained ground

daily. The following year Joseph Harlacher was appointed

to this work and met with continued success. So rapid was the

growth of the work that in 1847 it was constituted a district.

The first Evangelical church in Canada was dedicated in Berlin,

Sept. 26, 1841.

 

111

 

CHAPTER V.

 

FRANKLIN CIRCUIT.

 

Establishment of the Evangelical Association in South-

western Pennsylvania and Maryland — Early Preach-

ing Places, Classes and Prominent Laymen.

 

On Easter day, 1808, Rev. Jacob Albright stationed his

little band of preachers for the last time. John Walter and

Jacob Frey were appointed by him to the "Old" or Schuylkill

Circuit. Some time after Albright's death a change was made,

John Erb, who entered the ministry in the Fall of 1808, taking

the place of Frey, who was sent to explore York and adjacent

counties. Frey found some open doors and established a num-

ber of preaching places. After some months of labor he resigned,

and the work remained unsupplied for one year. In 1810 John

Erb and Matthias Betz were appointed to form a new circuit

and in a short time extended the work into the counties of York,

Adams, Cumberland and Franklin in Pennsylvania, and Carroll

and Washington in Maryland. The bounds of this great field

remained without material change until 1815, when James Bruer

extended the work into West Virginia, as will be noted in a

subsequent chapter.

 

In describing the establishment of the Evangelical work on

this field, we deem it best to begin at the eastern extremity and

proceed westward.

 

York County — Freysville. Near the Susquehanna River,

in Windsor township, is the village of Freysville. This was one

of the preaching places of Jacob Frey in 1808. A class was

formed here in 1810, the principal members of which were: John

Frey (leader), Daniel and John Oberdorf, Peter and Henry

Yeider, John Dellinger, Fred. Ilgenfritz and Michael

 

 

112 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Hess. About this time also John Jacob Becker, of the noted

family of that name on the Muehlbach, also removed to this

place. It is a remarkable circumstance that so many of our

early Evangelical people. emigrated to the West, in some instances

almost entire classes left the homes of their nativity. We call

attention to this fact as indicating that by far the greater number

of the first members of the Association in the West were sons and

daughters of the Old Keystone State. In 1822 a large number

of the Freysville Class emigrated to Brush Valley, Indiana county,

Pa., and were immediately followed by the Evangelical preachers.

Among them were the class-leaders, John Frey,* Daniel and

John Oberdorf and Michael Hess. Henry Yeider** removed

to Wayne county, O., where he opened his house as a regular

preaching place.

 

Mount Zion. About six miles west of Freysville was the

Seitz settlement. Here was the old home of John Seitz, Sr.,

who came from Germany about the middle of the last century.

He had a large family, some of whom became prominent in the

Association. The emigrant died in 1793, but his aged companion

Catharine, who, with her youngest son John, occupied the old

homestead, received the Evangelical preachers, died in 1813.

Four married daughters and one son of this excellent family had

removed to Ohio in the first years of the century, and were

among the first to open their doors to the Evangelical mission-

aries in 1816. (See Lancaster Circuit.) The Seitz appointment

became one of the strongholds of the Association at an early day.

A stone church was erected here in 1827, which was one of the

first churches of the Association.

 

The Seitz Class. A class was formed at Mt. Zion in 1810.

The following were the principal members: John Seitz (1),

leader; Jacob Baily (2), Nicholas Enders (3), Michael

 

* John Frey died in 1876, aged eighty-nine years.

** Henry Yeider died in Wayne county, O., in l846, aged seventy-six years.

 

Biographical Notes. — 1. Rev. J. Seitz and wife died in 1856, aged

seventy-eight and seventy-one years, respectively. He was a strong pillar in

the church in the early days.

2. Jacob Baily and wife Catharine at an early day removed to Elims-

port, Lycoming county, Pa., and were the means of establishing the work there.

He served thirty-three years as class-leader, and died in 1846, aged sixty years.

3. Nicholas Enders, class-leader, and later local preacher, removed to

Portage county, O., and died there in 1846.

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 113

 

Fisher, J. Reber, Conrad Hess, Conrad Reinhart (4), John

Staebler (5), John Philip Dick, Jacob Reinhart, Christian

Aubel (6), G. Gladfelter and John Lucas.

 

John Reber lived near Loganville. His home was one of the

first preaching places (1810), and soon thereafter a class was

formed there. This was the origin of the Church at Loganville.

 

Shrewsbury — The Klinefelters. Several miles from the

Seitz appointment was the village of Strassburgh, now Shrews-

bury. In this vicinity lived the Klinefelters, a name prominent

in the history of the Evangelical Association. John Klinefel-

ter was one of several brothers who came from Germany and

settled here. He was born in Hanover in 1736, and died Oct.

1, 1821, aged eighty-four years. His wife Margaret died in

1813. These were the grandparents of Rev. John and Jacob

Klinefelter.

 

One of the sons of the emigrant was named Jacob, whose

wife's name was Julia. They had a large family of sons and

daughters, nearly all of whom were grown up when the Evangel-

ical preachers first visited them. The names of the children

were: John, Jacob, Michael, Peter, George, Henry, William,

Joseph, Elizabeth, Mary (both the latter married brothers

named Baker and removed to Ohio), Julia, Lena and Leah.

This entire family, with few exceptions, removed to Ohio, where

they became pillars in the Church. Jacob Klinefelter, the

father, was born in York county in 1767 and died in 1830. His

wife Julia died at the home of her son, Rev. Jacob Klinefelter,

near Marion, O., in 1843, aged seventy-one years.

 

When the Evangelical preachers first came to Jacob Kline-

felter, Sr., his aged parents were yet living and were made the

subjects of saving grace. When the old homestead became an

Evangelical preaching place in 1810 the Klinefelters, who

were members of a formal Church, became the victims of sore

persecution which for bitterness has seldom been exceeded in

the history of the Association. When the wife of the emigrant

 

Notes. – continued from previous page

4. Conrad Reinhart also removed to Ohio, and became prominent there.

He died in 1871, aged eighty-six years.

5. John Staebler (wife Susanna) removed to Wayne, Clinton county, Pa.,

where they were the first to receive our preachers. A fine congregation is the

result of the work begun at their house.

6. Rev. Christian Aubel died in Medina county, O., in 1871, aged

eighty-two years.

 

 

114 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

died in 1813 preparations were made to bury her in the graveyard

of a church near by where the whole family had been members.

The church council, however, decided that inasmuch as mother

K. "had fallen away from the faith" she could not be buried in

that churchyard. Great indeed was the tribulation of her aged

husband, who, after having been the chief instrument in building

that church, and had laid away his dead in its consecrated

enclosure, was now denied sepulture for his companion, who had

come with him from the Fatherland. A family consultation was

held, the result of which was that she was buried in a field on the

old homestead. Soon after this others who were denied burial

at the church were interred by the side of Mother Klinefelter,

so that this became the first burying ground of the Evangelical

Association. In later years a church was built here (Klinefel-

ter's Chapel).

 

Jacob Klinefelter's became a famous place for general and

camp-meetings. In 1815 the conference held its annual session

here. John Klinefelter was the secretary, and both he and

his brother Jacob were ordained in the house in which they were

born. It is said their parents and grandfather rejoiced greatly

on this occasion.

 

In the town of Shrewsbury lived Joseph Klinefelter, who

first heard of the Evangelical preachers at the house of John

Seitz. He invited them to preach in his place, which they did

soon after the new circuit was established. He fitted up his barn

for services, and this served very well until a church was built

jointly with the Methodists in 1822. This church is generally

considered the second edifice of the Association. The conference

was held here immediately after its erection. Joseph Klinefel-

ter also had his trials to endure, because he espoused the cause

of Evangelical truth. He had been a deacon in the Lutheran

Church and one of the leading citizens of the town. His aged

mother was greatly shocked that he had "fallen away from the

faith," and serious family trouble seemed inevitable as the result

of his course. The mother, however, became convinced of the

truth, became a subject of saving grace, joined the society and

soon thereafter died triumphantly. Joseph K. died in 1837,

aged fifty-four years. His wife Margaret died in 1877, aged

ninety-four years.

 

Where Rail Road borough is now situated, near Shrewsbury,

lived John Adam Klinefelter, an older brother of Joseph,

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 115

 

noticed in the preceding paragraph. He was a man of means

and considerable influence, and was the father of Rev. Adam

Klinefelter, who became one of the leading men of the Church.

When the circuit was formed, in 1810, his children, most of

whom were grown up, became acquainted with John Walter

and John Dreisbach, the preachers-in-charge. The family of

Klinefelter arranged to have Dreisbach preach at their house.

Mr. K., who was a worldly man, did not interfere. After the

first service the formal Church people waited on him and incited

him against the Evangelical work, and it was with the greatest

difficulty that preaching was maintained at his place. In course

of time, however, he became reconciled to the meetings, but

never united with the society. His children, however, nine in

number, became noted Evangelicals. His son-in-law, Peter

Kohler, was one of the first class-leaders at Shrewsbury, and

later removed to Ohio, where he was a prominent, useful member

for many years.

 

Carroll County, Maryland. John Philip Dick and his

wife Mary were converted at the house of John Seitz, in York

county, Pa., in the beginning of the work there, and soon after

removed a few miles south into Maryland, where his home became

a preaching place, the result of which was a fine congregation

and church in later years (Ruhl's church). Dick died in 1855,

aged sixty-nine years. His son Joseph entered the ministry of

the West Pa. Conference in 1844. In 1810 the Evangelical

preachers found entrance near Manchester. They were received

by Peter Bixler, Father Fruh, the Dehoffs and others. A

class was formed, which continued to flourish for many years.

 

Conewago — The Ettingers. In the northwestern part of

York county, twenty-five miles from Shrewsbury, Walter and

Dreisbach found open doors in 1810, and good appointments

were taken up in Dover and Warrington townships, along the

Conewago Creek. Near Mt. Royal was the home of Rev. Adam

Ettinger, a Reformed minister, who died in 1809. He was a

man of liberal and Evangelical views, and encouraged the relig-

 

Biographical Notes. — Father Bixler died in 1853, aged eighty-two years.

His son Jacob entered the ministry in 1821, and died at Fairview, Iowa, in

1887, aged eighty-six years. John Dehoff entered the ministry in 1815, trav-

eled about ten years and settled in Wayne county, O. His brother, Moses

Dehoff, entered the ministry in 1816, and later settled in Sandusky county, O.

John Fruh entered the ministry in 1816.

 

 

116 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

ious awakening of that day. Christian Newcomer and other

promoters of the Evangelical movement were often guests at his

house. His widow and her sons were still living at the old home

when our first preachers made their appearance in this locality.

The names of the sons were Adam, Jacob, John, Benjamin,

Jonas and Daniel. The conversion of this family occurred

under somewhat peculiar circumstances. Late in the Autumn

of 1810 Walter and Dreisbach held a general meeting at the

house of Christian Meyers, near the Conewago, which was

attended by the widow Ettinger and a number of her sons.

The preaching of Walter made a profound impression on her,

and she was led to see and feel the insufficiency of her profession.

In the midst of the service, and as if completely overcome by

the power of God, she exclaimed, "This is the work of the Lord,

and the precious truth of the Gospel." Then going to her son

Adam, who was in the assembly, she fell upon his neck and

exclaimed, "Adam we are lost, we must be converted to God."

This pathetic incident greatly moved the assembly, many more

became concerned for their salvation and many conversions fol-

lowed, among whom was the widow Ettinger, with all her

children, of whom Adam, Benjamin and Jacob became Evan-

gelical preachers a few years thereafter.

 

The homes of Michael Jacobs and Michael Ashenfelter

were the chief preaching places on the north side of the Cone-

wago. The first Evangelical camp-meeting in York county was

held on the land of brother Jacobs in 1814. A class was formed

in this region in 1811, the chief members of which were Michael

Ashenfelter, Michael Jacobs, Christian Meyers and Anna

Ettinger, with their families, Abraham Bayer and wife Maria

and Conrad Miller and wife. Dorothea.

 

In 1820 George Gladfelter, an influential man, received

the Evangelical preachers and became a great support to the

cause. On his place were held the camp-meetings for Upper

York county for many years.

 

Biographical Notes. — Mother Anna Ettinger died in 1842, aged

seventy-six years. Rev. A. Ettinger, Jr., died in 1877, aged ninety years

(see biography). Rev. Benjamin Ettinger died in Sandusky county, O., in

1838, aged forty-four years. Jon Ettinger died in Morrow county, O., in

1863, aged seventy-eight years. Jonas Ettinger died near Leavenworth,

Kan., in 1863, aged seventy-eight years. His family were of the first Evangel-

icals in Kansas. Michael Ashenfelter, who was class-leader of the Cone-

wago Class for thirty years, and died in 1855, aged seventy-four years.

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 117

 

Adams County. One of the first to receive the Evangeli-

cal preachers in Adams county were Father Conrad Bender and

wife Susan. This was probably as early as 1810. All their chil-

dren were grown, and several of them heads of families, and so

far as can be learned, all were converted and became members

of the society. The sons, Jacob and Henry, were for upwards

of half a century the chief men of the old Gettysburg Circuit.

 

The Bendersville Class was organized about 1814. Follow-

ing were the members: Father Conrad Bender and wife Susan,

Henry Bender and wife Elizabeth, Jacob Bender and wife

Eve Catharine, Elizabeth (Bender) Wahley, John Schlos-

ser and wife Susan, Christian Price and wife Catharine.

Jacob Bender was class-leader for many years, and his place

was noted for general and camp-meetings.

 

The Evangelical work here, as elsewhere, was at first bitterly

opposed. The following incident, related by an eye witness,

shows the spirit of self-sacrifice of our early Evangelical people:

John Schlosser was a tavern-keeper when he was converted, and

at once forsook the business. His father, Peter Schlosser, who

was a wealthy man, having heard that his son had "fallen away

from the faith," (he was a member of one of the formal churches)

came to him in a towering rage, and with oaths and impreca-

tions denounced the "Albrights” as heretics, and their preach-

ers as deceivers, and declared that none of his children who

joined them should be his heirs. He then flung fifty dollars in

gold on the table, and told his son to take it as his portion.

Then going to his daughter Elizabeth (Mrs. Jacob Bender),

the same scene was enacted, and a like sum paid her. The cruel

father never relented, but what he withheld the Lord supplied for

his disinherited children, and they had an abundance of this

world's goods. At a later date Jacob and Henry Bender pur-

chased the tavern stand and laid out the town of Bendersville,

now a place of considerable size, and where the church repre-

senting the old class is situated. Some years after his conver-

sion, John Schlosser removed to Cumberland county, where he

opened his house as an Evangelical preaching place. While liv-

ing there a friendless youth named Jacob Schnerr found a home

 

Biographical Notes. — Henry Bender died in 1863, aged seventy-eight

years. Jacob Bender died in 1865, aged eighty-three years. John Schlosser

died in Chambersburg, Pa., in 1840.

 

 

118 EVANGELIGAL ASS0CIATION ANNALS.

 

with him and was converted. His call to a signally useful min-

istry is elsewhere related.

 

Near the base of the South Mountain lived J. Bishop,* who

was converted (presumably) at Benders, and in 1816 opened

his house as a preaching place. Ludwig Group, a wealthy and

influential man, also received our preachers at an early day, and

a good class was formed in this vicinity.

 

Cumberland County. At the extreme western end of

Cumberland county, near the base of the South Mountain, and

about four miles from Shippensburg, is a locality known as "The

Pines." Here lived the excellent families of Buchman, Clever,

Helm, Reese and Mower. Philip Buchman had four sons

named Abraham, Joseph, Henry and Philip. Several cir-

cumstances seem to indicate that this place was visited by our

preachers prior to the formation of the circuit. When the Frank-

lin Circuit was formed in 1810, Abraham Buchman opened his

house as a regular preaching place, as did also Henry Mower,

who lived a few miles farther south. The former, who was con-

verted in 1808, became the chief instrument in the hands of

God in the establishment and extension of our work here. His

brother Joseph also became a noted worker.

 

About this time Abraham Buchman's father-in-law, "Barney"

Clever, who had a large family, became very ill, and as he was

old and unprepared to die, Abraham and Joseph Buchman went

to his house to pray with him. While they were kneeling by his

bedside engaged in prayer in his behalf, a brother of Clever's,

who had heard of his illness, arrived and entered the room.

Being bitterly opposed to the Evangelical work, he became very

angry at the sight and seized Joseph, who was a small man, and

threw him out of the door. This godless act greatly shocked

the community, and turned out to the furtherance of our work.

Clever was converted, and after his recovery united with the

Church, as did also his family,**

 

Several miles southwest of the Pines our preachers found

open doors at the homes of John and Jacob Vandersall, whose

houses became regular preaching places in 1810. No class was

formed here. The Vandersalls as well as others here belonged

to the class in the Pines. The principal members of the Pines

 

* J. Bishop died in 1852.

** This incident was related to the author by Mother Helm, a daughter of

"Barney" Clever, who witnessed it.

 

 

THB EARLY DAYS. 119

 

Class in 1811 were: Abraham Buchman (leader) and wife,

Joseph Buchman and wife, Barney Clever, wife and family,

Henry Mower and wife, David Mower (son of Henry) and

wife, Adam Reese and wife Catharine, John Vandersall and

wife, Jacob Vandersall and wife Barbara, besides others whose

names cannot be ascertained with certainty. The Pines Class

in the course of a few years became one of the strongest and best

in the Association. Three flourishing congregations, each pro-

vided with a good church, are now found in this vicinity.

 

Abraham Buchman — Incidents. Abraham Buchman

was one of the most remarkable men of the Church. Soon after

his conversion he was licensed to preach, and in 1813 entered

the active ministry. After three years of hard service he located,

but continued to travel and preach as circumstances permitted.

His crowning work was the holding of camp-meetings on his land

for many years. At one time when he exhorted after some one

else had preached, the audience was greatly moved and his aged

father, who had thus far resisted the Gospel, came to the altar

as a penitent. Hundreds of souls were converted here, some of

whom became useful ministers. Buchman's liberality became

proverbial. Although in very moderate circumstances, he gave

most royally. He often said that what he gave to the Lord

through the door was sent back to him through the windows.

On one occasion, at a camp-meeting in his grove, when a specially

good collection was desired and a strong appeal was made, he

surprised everybody by opening his purse over the plate and

emptying all its contents, which were considerable, upon it.*

On another occasion he surprised an indigent candidate for the

ministry by presenting him with horse, saddle and bridle.** At

 

* This was related to the author by an eye witness.

** See biography of Jacob Schnerr.

 

Biographical Notes. — 1. John Vandersall entered the active ministry in

1821, having served several years prior as a local preacher. Failing in health

he located in 1823, and died in 1826. His daughter Elizabeth was the wife

of the noted Rev. John Hamilton.

2. Jacob Vandersall became a local preacher soon after his conversion. In

1817 he removed to Summit county, O., where his house became one of the first

preaching places. He rendered great service to the Church in Ohio. He died

in 1853, aged seventy years. His wife Barbara died in 1865.

3. Joseph Buchman at an early day removed to Stark county, O., where his

house became a preaching place. He died in 1839, aged fifty-six years.

4. Rev. Abraham Buchman removed to Adams county, Ind., in 1840, where

he died in 1856, aged seventy-seven years.

 

 

120 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

another time he gave the conference forty dollars wherewith to

purchase a horse for any poor preacher it might designate.

 

Buchman was a remarkably fearless man. One incident,

which he related to his nephew, from whom the author obtained

it, may suffice to show his courage. In 1814, when he traveled

Somerset Circuit, which then embraced nearly half of the terri-

tory of the present Pittsburg Conference, he learned that two

men had declared their intention to kill him the next time he

made his trip across the Alleghenies. Nothing daunted, trusting

in God, he started on his trip as usual. When crossing the

mountains from Morrison's Cove he saw the men who had threat-

ened his life standing, gun in hand, one on each side of the road.

Knowing their dangerous character and evil designs, he looked

to God for help and advanced. The men seemed dumbfounded

at his boldness and stood motionless and silent, and he passed

them in safety.

 

Mount Rock and Vicinity. About midway between Car-

lisle and Shippensburg the Evangelical work was introduced in

1818. The first preaching place was at the house of Mrs. Anna

Maria Spangler. She invited the preachers to her house, and

was a great support to the cause until her death. In the above

year J. Zinn and George Nailor also opened their houses as

preaching places. The latter became a local preacher and did

much to build up the Evangelical, work in Cumberland Valley.

John Minnich and J. Wagoner were- also of the first members

in Cumberland Valley. At the home of the latter a class was

formed and later a church built, which bears his name. Quite a

number of the young converts became eminent ministers, among

whom was Philip Wagoner, in 1822. In Mifflin township the

Evangelical preachers were received by Peter. Jacoby in 1824.

 

In 1832, when J. M. Saylor had charge of Franklin Circuit,

a camp-meeting was held near Mount Rock, which was attended

by several highly respectable people from the vicinity of Carlisle,

who, although members of another Church, felt their need of

greater spirituality, and attended the meeting with that end in

 

Biographical Notes. — 1. Mrs. Anna Maria Spangler, who was the first

to receive the Evangelical preachers at Mount Rock, died in 1842, aged eighty

years.

2. Rev. George Nailor died in 1854, aged seventy-six years.

3. Peter Jacoby, the first to receive the preachers in Mifflin township, died in

1854, aged eighty years.

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 121

 

view. Among these people was the wife of David Kutz, who

resided a few miles east of Carlisle. It was she who first invited

J. M. Saylor to come to their place and preach for them, which

he did soon after the camp-meeting closed. Great opposition

was brought to bear against the Evangelical work in this vicinity,

and the faith of the Kutz family in the preacher was severely

tried. All manner of scandalous stories were circulated against

him. They, however, remained firm friends to him and the cause,

and a good footing was gained. Other influential people also

were converted, among them Jacob Kutz, Christian Ruhl and

John Kratzer. A strong society and a good church was the

immediate outcome of this work, which later led to the establish-

ment of societies at New Kingston, Carlisle, Mt. Holly, Stoney-

town and other points.

 

State Line. Nearly midway between Greencastle, Pa., and

Hagerstown, Md., where the Mason and Dixon Line separates

Franklin county, Pa., from Washington county, Md., lived a large

number of Pennsylvania Germans, who had emigrated thither

from Lancaster county. This is doubtless the place visited by

Albright in the first year of his ministry, 1796. He and his

co-laborers were here entertained by Leonard Middlekauff, and

when the circuit was established in 1810, Middlekauff's house,

which was in Maryland, two miles south of the line, became a

regular preaching place. In 1818 he purchased from the heirs

of Lord Carroll an estate of almost 1,000 acres situated at the

east limits of Hagerstown. Here his large stone mansion became

farm house, Evangelical church, and parsonage combined, and

remained such until his death. Father M. had a large family,

some of whom were members of the first class. Daniel entered

the ministry of our Church in 1820, traveled three years, located,

and later removed to the West, where he died. Jacob married

Polly, a daughter of Philip Breitenstein, of Lebanon. The

house of Jacob also was a preaching place for many years.

 

The Wingerts. About the year 1800 Jacob Wenger (now

Wingert) and Henry Kummler removed from the Swamp, in

Lancaster county, to Antrim township, Franklin county, Pa.,

about three miles north of Middlekauff. They were both doubt-

 

Notes on State Line. — Leonard Middlekauff died in 1851, aged

eighty-seven years. His wife Elizabeth, who was a daughter of Petes

Schlosser, the old gentleman who disinherited his children for becoming Evan-

gelicals (See Bendersville), died in 1826, aged sixty-eight years.

 

 

122 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

less well acquainted with Jacob Albright, as the latter frequently

preached at the house of John Wenger, brother of Jacob, at the

Swamp. Jacob had embraced religion and forsaken the dead

churches, and it is therefore probable that he opened his doors to

Albright in his new home. He and H. Kummler joined the

United Brethren, and both became prominent ministers, Kummler

being elected bishop in 1825.

 

In 1809 Jacob Wenger sold his farm to his brother Joseph,

who at once removed from the Swamp to this place. They were

well acquainted with Albright, and circumstances point to their

conversion under his ministry. When the Franklin Circuit was

established (1810) his house became one of the first preaching

places, and a regular appointment was maintained there until the

death of the last male survivor of his family, the late Samuel

Wingert, Esq., in 1888 — seventy-eight years a preaching place!

What a bright record the scroll of eternity will unfold to the honor

of this royal Evangelical family.

 

Joseph Wenger* had a large family of sons and daughters, all

members of the Church; some of them of the original class. A

large portion of the estate was given to the various interests of

the Church, such as the missionary, educational and church

building enterprises. The sums given aggregate many thousand

dollars. It was the author's good fortune to be personally ac-

quainted with the last survivor of this royal family, Lydia, whose

name will be cherished for many generations to come, as one of

the last acts of her life was the bestowal of the munificent gift of

over $1,000 to the educational interests of the Central Pa. Con-

ference.

 

Another original appointment of Franklin Circuit was at

Father Eisenberger's in Little Cove, near Mercersburg. This

was one of Albright's preaching places, noticed in another con-

nection. A small class existed here for some time, but was dis-

solved by the death and emigration of the members.

 

When J. M. Saylor was appointed to York Circuit, in the

Spring of 1825, he had many misgivings as to the reality of his

call to the ministry, and often wished for some special assurance.

 

* Joseph Wenger died in 1848, in his seventy-fifth year; his wife Barbara

in 1846, in her sixty-eighth year. Henry Kummler was married to Susan, a

sister of Jacob and Joseph Wenger. The "Social Conference," which had

for its object the union of the United Brethren and the Evangelical Association,

was held in his house in 1816. The Evangelical delegates were nil quartered at

Joseph Wenger 's.

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 123

 

On a certain journey to the upper end of the circuit, which then

extended into Adams county, he once stopped with a man some

distance north of Gettysburg. He asked permission to preach

in the house on his return, which was granted. When he returned

to fill the appointment, on a week-day afternoon, he found the

yard full of people, who were curious to see and hear the new

preacher. The house, however, was empty, and no persuasion

could induce the people to enter. The remarkable conduct of

the people can only be explained on the supposition that they

were afraid of the magical powers so generally ascribed to the

itinerant preachers of that day. The assembly, however, was

very orderly, and composed of the most respectable people of that

place, among whom a conspicuous figure was a venerable looking

Dunkard, whose long white beard gave him a patriarchal appear-

ance. Saylor preached from the doorsteps from the words,

"The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was

lost." Luke xix. 10. The Lord strengthened His servant, and

a profound impression was made on the assembly. Before dis-

missing them the preacher said, "Now you have heard me and

can judge whether my doctrine is true or not, and if any one

desires it, I will leave an appointment.” The old Dunkard, whose

name was Moyer, then said, "Do you see that large stone house

over yonder? That is my place. The house is well adapted for

meetings, and you may leave an appointment with me." Then

the man at whose house Saylor had preached, said, "You are

welcome to leave another appointment here." Another man

said, "I live about three miles from here, in a good neighbor-

hood, and if you give me an appointment, you can preach at my

house, and I will make it known.” This success was accepted

as a token from God to the young preacher that he was called to

preach the gospel. In due time he filled all the desired appoint-

ments, and a gracious work of the Lord begun which resulted in

the organization of a class.

 

 

124

 

CHAPTER VI.

 

ACROSS THE ALLEGHENIES.

 

Establishment of the Evangelical Association in Western

Pennsylvania and Virginia.

 

In Miller's biography of Albright it is said that he visited

Maryland and Virginia as early as 1796, and that he was per-

mitted to preach in churches and school- and dwelling-houses.

After years of careful research the author of this work was unable

to recover definitely — with one exception — any of Albright's

preaching places in Virginia. 'The localities visited may, how-

ever, be assumed with some degree of certainty. Albright

labored exclusively among the Pennsylvania Germans, large num-

bers of whom had settled in the great valley between the South

and the Blue Mountains, known in Pennsylvania as the Cumber-

land and in Virginia as the Shenandoah Valley.

 

A considerable number of Germans had settled near Ship-

pensburg, at a place called "The Pines"* (now Leesburg), where

our work dates prior to the establishment of the Franklin Circuit

in 1810. About thirty-five miles south of the Pines, on the State

Line, were also many Germans, nearly all of whom came from

Lancaster county, Pa., where some of their friends are known

to have received Albright. This serves as a connecting link.

In the locality under consideration Albright was received by

Leonard Middlekauff,** who then lived several miles south of

the State Line, in Washington county, Md. Others also doubt-

less received him here, but their names are lost.

 

Following the great valley into Virginia, we find a large colony

of Germans in the vicinity of Woodstock, most of whom were

 

* See "The Pines," Franklin Circuit,

** See, "State Line," Franklin Circuit.

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 125

 

from Lancaster county, Pa., and had settled here prior to 1746.*

This place was often visited by Boehm and Newcomer, and was

also doubtless the point of Albright's visits. North of this

region, in Morgan and Berkley counties, W. Va., were also several

colonies of Germans from Pennsylvania whom Albright visited,

among them John Snyder and others, twelve miles east of

Berkley Springs.

 

In southwestern Pennsylvania the traces of Albright and

co-laborers are more tangible. Near Mercersburg, Pa., there is

a gap in the Blue Mountains, leading to a narrow valley called

"Little Cove." Here were a few German families who were

visited by Albright. The preaching place was at G. Eisen-

berger's, who died prior to 1835. His wife died in* 1837, aged

eighty-four years. Their place became a regular appointment

when the circuit was formed in 1810. John Eisenberger, their

son, entered the ministry in 1821.

 

In Bedford county Albright met with considerable success.

On Will's Creek, near the present town of Hyndman, lived John

and Mary Wilhelm. Here both Albright and his colleagues

preached frequently. Wilhelm died in the early part of the

century, but his widow survived until 1855, and was a true mother

in Israel. Their house was a preaching place for nearly half a

century.

 

In Morrison's Cove, near the village of New Enterprise, a con-

siderable work was accomplished byALBRiGHT and his co-laborers.

There seems to be no doubt that a class was formed here prior

ito 1808. In 1806 it was connected with Northumberland Cir-

cuit, but was left unsupplied by Rev. George Miller, owing to

its great distance. That Albright and Walter preached here

during that year is proven by the fact that the conversion and

membership of a number date to this period. The families

who identified themselves with Albright and co-laborers were

Stoll, Lyon, Schnebly (Snavely), Muhleisen (Milliron) and

Kring. The homes of all were preaching places of Albright

and co-laborers prior to 1806, with perhaps the exception of

Milliron. George and Catharine Stoll were very highly

esteemed. Their children were George, Catharine and Jacob,

all of whom became members of the Church in youth. George

imarried Susan Schnebly, and later moved to Red Bank, Clarion

 

* Spark's Washington, Vol. II., p. 418.

 

 

126 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

county, where he became one of the early pillars of our work.

Catharine married a Barr and removed in 1830 to Richland

county, O., where she died in 1866, aged seventy-two years.

Jacob also removed to Ohio in 1832. His son John was for

many years a leading minister in the Ohio Conference. Father

S. died in Morrison's Cove in the first quarter of the century;

his widow removed to Ohio with her children and died in Rich-

land county in 1854, aged eighty-six years.

 

Henry Schnebly and wife Elizabeth lived near Stoll's,

and received our preachers at the same time. Of their children,

Rudolf, John Henry, David and Susan became members of

the Church. Father S. died at an early day, and his wife in

1843, aged' seventy years. Susan (Stoll), converted in 1806,

died in 1873, aged seventy-seven years. David died in Johns-

town, Pa., in 1881. John H. removed across the Cove Mountain

into the "Dutch Corner," where for many years he was a promi-

nent member. He died in 1875.

 

Philip Muhleisen (Milliron) is not known to have been

a professor of religion in the time of Albright, but received

him. His wife Mary became a member in 1806. Later he also

became.a member. They removed to Jefferson county, Pa.,

where their home was one of the first preaching places. Father

M. died in 1837, aged eighty-two years, and his widow in 1852

at a very advanced age. Their son Abraham was a member in

the early days, and was for many years a pillar on the Indiana

Circuit. Of the family named Lyon we have not been able to

gain any particulars.

 

George Kring and wife Magdalena became members of the

Church in Morrison's Cove in 1806, and the same year removed

across the mountain into Cambria county, about ten miles east

of Johnstown, to a place now called Elton, in a region then very

sparsely settled. Into this wild, mountainous region Albright

and Walter followed Kring and laid the foundation of our work

west of the Allegheny Mountains. The following year Albright

and Walter established several new preaching places in the

vicinity, but no organization was effected, and after Albright's

death but little more was accomplished until the advent of Dreis-

bach and Hennig, in 1813. Kring's place was for many years

one of the chief points of the Association. His son Conrad

entered the ministry in 1823, and for nearly half a century bore

the hardships of an itinerant life, and had a worthy successor

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 127

 

in his son, S. B. Kring.* George Kring died in 1844, aged

seventy-eight years; his wife died in 1853, aged eighty-three years.

 

About four miles from Kring lived Jacob Stoll (a brother

of George Stoll, of Morrison's Cove,) and wife Catharine.

Their house became a preaching place, and both Albright and

Walter are known to have preached here. Jacob Stoll never

united with the church, but his wife and entire family did at a

later day. Stoll died in 1832. His widow survived many years.

The reader will find more particulars of this family farther on.

 

About 1807 John Walter began to preach some miles north

of Kring's at Wilmore. It is probable that Albright also vis-

ited this place. Nicholas Varner lived four miles northeast

of Johnstown, on the Frankstown Road. His son John, hearing

that a strange preacher was to preach at Wilmore at a certain

time, went to hear him. The preacher was the noted John

Walter. The sermon had a remarkable effect upon the young

man, who reported to his parents that he had heard "a wonderful

sermon, by a wonderful man, which made his hair stand up."

This pleased his father very much, and he told his son that the

next time he heard the man he should invite him down to preach

at his house also. The next time Walter crossed the mountains

young John Varner and his mother rode to Wilmore to hear him,

and invited him to preach at their house, which he did, and the

place became a regular appointment. Albright preached here

but once.

 

Walter's Beautiful Hymn. Most every member of the

Church who has any knowledge of the German language is famil-

iar with the hymn beginning, Kommt, Brueder, Kommt, wir

eilen fort. This beautiful hymn was written by John Walter,

Albright's first co-laborer, some time prior to 1810, and is still

very popular among the Pennsylvania Germans. The following

account of its origin the author obtained from Rev. J. M. Saylor:

 

"When I was presiding elder of Salem District (1833) I was

once brought across the mountains by Father Kring. When we

came to a certain place he said to me, 'Here, Brother Saylor,

is where Brother Walter composed the hymn, Kommt, Brueder,

Kommt, wir eilen fort.'" and them related the circumstances as

 

* It is worthy of record that Savilla, daughter of Rev. S. B. Kring, and

great-granddaughter of George Kring, became noted as the first female evan-

gelist in the Evangelical Association, and scores of souls were saved through her

labors. She became the wife of Rev. C. C. Poling, of the Oregon Conference.

 

 

128 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

follows: "Some time after Kring moved across the mountains

(1806) Walter had an appointment to preach there. Kring

had gone to a neighboring appointment and then piloted Walter

across the mountains. A very deep snow had fallen, and Kring

took the lead to break a path. After proceeding in this way for

some time Walter called out, 'Brother Kring, I have composed

a verse,' whereupon he repeated the first stanza of the famous

hymn. Kring commended it and encouraged him to go on.

Soon the second stanza followed, and so on until he had com-

pleted the ten four-line stanzas of this grand hymn which has

thrilled and cheered the hosts of our Israel for almost a century.

"When they arrived at Kring's house writing materials were fur-

nished and the hymn was committed to paper."

 

Organization of Work West of the Allegnenies. In

the Spring of 1813 the conference took steps to follow up the work

begun by Albright and colleagues in western Pennsylvania.

Accordingly D. Yearlitz and John Klinefelter were sent to

explore the region east of the mountains in Huntingdon and Bed-

ford counties, and John Dreisbach and Adam Hennig were

sent west of the mountains. The charges were named respectively

Bedford and Somerset Circuits. In Huntingdon county no good

foothold was obtained, and in the course of some years the work

was discontinued entirely.

 

Bedford County. The Evangelical work was established

in Bedford county by Albright and co-laborers. A small class

existed as early as 1806 in Morrison's Cove. Here lived the

Stulls, Krings, SchnebLys, Millirons and others. The mis-

sionaries D. Yerlitz and John Klinefelter met with consid-

erable success in 1813 and organized several classes, one near

Bedford, of which Jacob Eck was leader, another in the vicinity

of Williamsburg, John Rickel (1), leader. Other preaching places

were at the homes of George Cook, F. Rishel, Henry Hart-

man, John Long (near Wellersburg), J. Harter, John Bowser,

John Heltzel, M. Nichols, Peter Stiffler (2) and John

 

Notes. — (1) John Rickel entered the ministry in 1816, traveled a number

of years, removed to West Salem, Wayne county, O., where he died in 1859.

His wife (second) died in 1879. She was converted under Albright at the

Millbach, Lebanon county, Pa., in 1806.

(2) Peter Stiffler lived three miles west of Newry, Blair county. It is

thought that he was visited by Albright and colleagues. His house became

a regular preaching place in 1813. He died in 1855. His granddaughter

became the wife of Rev. I. A. Rohland, of the Pittsburg Conference.

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 129

 

Wilhelm, the latter on Will's Creek, near the present town of

Hyndman. As elsewhere noticed, Albright established the

appointment as early as 1805. The first members in the

"Dutch Corner" were the Rickels, Heltzels, Schneblys and

Earnsts (3).

 

Somerset County. The first revival under the labors of

the missionaries in 1813 is thus described by Adam Hennig:

"In July Brother Dreisbach returned home because of family

circumstances and I was left for a time alone, during which time

I preached one Sunday in a barn six or seven miles east of

Stoyestown, where the power of God was revealed in such a man-

ner that many fell on their knees and began to plead earnestly

for mercy. The same evening a number experienced salvation,

whereupon I organized a class of twelve members" (Chr. Bot-

schafter, 1844, page 39). Of this class a youth named Jacob

Paul was made leader. His father had died a short time before,

and he and his mother were left to care for themselves. Although

but fifteen years of age when he became class-leader, he was far

in advance of his years. A few years later he was licensed as a

local preacher and became a strong pillar in the society. About

the middle of the century he removed to Tazwell county, I11.,

where he died March 12, 1868, aged seventy-one years. Among

other members of this first class were Brothers Joseph and Peter

Bowman. The latter was the grandfather of Rev. H. J. Bowman,

a prominent minister of the Church. Their homes were of the

first preaching places, and in later years many camp-meetings

were held on their farms. J. Metzler and wife Sarah and

Christian Boyer and wife were also of the first.

 

Soon after the ingathering near Stoyestown similar revivals

took place in the vicinity of Somerset, Laurel Hill and Brother's

Valley, and classes were formed at the latter two places. Henry

Wieand (1) became the leader of the Laurel Hill and Henry

Meyer (2) of the Brother's Valley Class. Other leading mem-

bers who were of the first in the neighborhood of Somerset and

 

(3) The first church erected on the old missionary field was in the Sill and

Earnst neighborhood, and was dedicated Nov. 28, 1841.

 

Notes. — (1) Henry Weand, and wife Catharine, were converted in

1813. He became a minister in 1817. Both died in 1854, aged seventy-two

and sixty-eight years respectively.

(2) Henry Meyer became a minister in 1816, and died in 1882.

 

 

130 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Stoyestown were Samuel Witt (3) and wife Catharine, Conrad

Zimmerman and wife Maria, Fred. Wegley and wife Catharine,

John Emmert and Wife Susan, Christian Emmert and wife

Catharine, John Cobaugh and wife, John Hager (4) and wife

and Daniel Lichty and wife. These people, with perhaps one

or two exceptions, opened their houses as preaching places.

Lichty's, especially, became a prominent place, and a church

was erected here in 1848.

 

Mention should also be made of John Puttman, who lived in

the “Glades;” also of John Harbach and wife Susan. Harbach

at an early day removed to West Salem, O., where his house

became a very important appointment. He was a liberal and

noble-hearted man, and one of the chief supports of the work in

Ohio. He died in 1854, aged seventy-six years, and his wife in

1874, aged ninety-one years.

 

Martin Fichtner (5) and wife Susan, in the town of Berlin,

were the first to receive the Evangelical preachers in that place

in 1813. A class was formed here in after years, and the first

Evangelical Church in Somerset county was erected here and

dedicated Nov. 20, 1842.

 

Great Revival. About 1830-32 there was an extensive

ingathering of souls in Somerset county. Prominent among the

converts were John Ferner and wife Susanna, and Abraham

Ferner and wife Barbara. Their houses became preaching

places, and many very successful camp-meetings were held on

their land. At the house of John Ferner the special General

Conference was held in 1836, at which time the printing estab-

lishment was revived. John Ferner died in 1848, aged seventy-

three years. Abraham Ferner later removed to Fairfield county,

Ohio, where he died in 1851, aged sixty-four years, A daughter

 

(3) Samuel Witt entered the active ministry in 1818, traveled several years,

located because of failing health, died in Somerset in 1842, aged fifty-two years.

His wife Catharine died in 1871, aged eighty-two years.

(4) John Hager lived near Stoyestown. His house was a preaching place

for many years. In 1846 Moses Bower, presiding elder of Potomac District,

died of pneumonia at his house. A memorial church was erected here in his

memory and dedicated Oct. 29; 1882.

(5) Their son, Dr. Daniel Fichtner, became a local preacher in 1832,

and was for many years a prominent man in the Church. In 1835 he was married

to Rebecca, daughter of John Ferner. In 1855, he removed to Cranesville,

W. Va., where he was instrumental in establishing an Evangelical society. He

died in 1884.

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 131

 

was the wife of Rev. J. G. Zinzer. Ulrick, Samuel, and

Rudolf Ellenberger also at this time united with the Church

and became pillars therein. The latter was the father of Revs.

G. W. and D. P. Ellenberger. Nathan Long and family

also became members at this time. A daughter, Barbara, mar-

ried Michael Baumgardner, whose five sons became preachers.

Daniel Long, a son of Nathan, entered the ministry in 1835,

and became prominent. He removed to Fayette county, where

his house became a preaching place. Here he died, in 1852,

aged sixty-two years. Joseph Brubaker was also one of the

fruits of this ingathering, and became a pillar and great support.

When he was taunted by the formalists that the Evangelicals

would "eat him out of house and home," he was wont to say

that the more he did for them, the more the Lord did for him.

When requested to "take" the camp-meeting, he made it a sub-

ject of prayer, and requested the Lord to indicate to him what

course he should pursue. He opened his Bible at random and

his eyes fell on the words, "Now faith is the substance of things

hoped for," etc. This he took as an indication that he should

take the camp-meeting, and accordingly prepared his grove at

his own expense. Here for many years the Evangelical hosts

met in battle array against the enemy of souls and great numbers

were converted, many of whom in after years became ministers.

Jacob Sheaffer, a wealthy and influential man near Stoyestown,

became a member about 1830. His was also a preaching and

camp-meeting place for many years. A daughter became the

wife of Rev. S. G. Miller.

 

John Seybert's Work. There has perhaps been no more

eventful period in the history of the Evangelical work in Somerset

county than 1829-30. John Seybert was presiding elder of the

work in western Pennsylvania at this time. Some of the great revi-

vals of this period are directly traceable to his quarterly meetings,

which to him were not successful unless souls were saved. In

August, 1830, he held a quarterly meeting in the barn of Simon

Hangen, near Gebhartsville, which was accompanied by won-

derful displays of the power of God, and a very large number

were saved. A strong class was organized, of which Daniel

Hangen was leader. The regular preaching places were at

Daniel Hangen's and his brother Simon's (father of Rev. John

Hangen) and at Frederick Cupp's, (father of Revs. G. W. and

A. Y. Cupp).

 

 

132 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Cambria County. The Evangelical work was establisned

west of the Allegheny Mountains in Cambria county by Al-

bright and his collegues, but no organization was effected.

Owing to its isolation the region was visited irregularly until the

establishment of the circuit in 1813. The appointments established

by Albright and Walter in the vicinity of Johnstown, at Kring's,

Stull's and Varner's, were maintained. The Cambria Class was

organized sometime in 1814. Following is a list of the original

members, although several whose names are given may have

became members a few years later: George Kring and wife

Magdalena and their children: (1) Conrad, Jacob, Henry,

John and Catharine (Baumgardner), Elizabeth Stull and

son (2) John, Elizabeth Baumgardner and son Jacob (3) and

daughter Elizabeth. Jacob Fye and wife Peggy and son Jacob

(4) Conrad Fye (leader) and wife Lizzie and son Conrad, Jr.

Also several of the Varners near Johnstown, and A. Peters

and wife of Stoney Creek. In later years the Donmyers and

Hershbergers were added and became pillars in the society.

 

The first Evangelical camp-meeting in Cambria county was

held on the land of Father Kring in 1824, and thereafter for

many years, on the land of Mother Elizabeth Stull.

 

Fayette County. In 1813 the Evangelical missionaries

gained entrance on Indian Creek and in Salt Lake township.

The principal preaching places were at the houses of James Ful-

ton, Daniel Senff, Abraham Davis and J. Bernd. A camp-

meeting was held on the land of the latter in the Spring of 1822,

at which time he died on the camp-ground at the age of 63 years.

 

The first church of the Ev. Association in Fayette county was

erected in 1847.

 

The Evangelical preachers gradually pushed their way north-

westward to the head waters of the Susquehanna river. In 1822

Jacob Baumgardner and his colleague, Joseph Long, (after-

wards Bishop) visited the German settlements of Indiana county.

In Brush Valley lived a large number who had emigrated thither

from York county. Among them were the families Bowmaster,

Enders, Frey, Miller, and Oberdorf. A number of them had

been converted and brought into the society through the first

Evangelical preachers in York county, in 1810. (See Freysville.)

A considerable revival took place in Brush Valley under the labors

of Baumgardner and Long, and a class was formed at Mechan-

icsburg. In the early days Brush Valley was famous for its

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 133

 

camp-meetings which were mostly held on tne land of John

Oberdorf. At one of these meetings, in 1840, over forty souls

were converted, among whom was Joseph Truby, (i) who be-

came a minister the following year.

 

In the first quarter of the century the Evangelical preachers

also found open doors in Westmoreland county. The chief

appointments were in Ligonier Valley, near Donegal and West

Newton. The house of Jacob Dietz was one of the first preach-

ing places and Evangelical headquarters for the valley for many

years. The work was also established in the counties of Mercer,

Clarion, Armstrong, Clearfield, Venango, and Jefferson, prior

to 1835. This entire region was constituted a field of labor in

1832, and called Indiana Circuit. This great charge, extending

over a half dozen counties in a mountainous region was one of

the most extensive and difficult fields to travel within the bounds

of. the Church.

 

Several preaching places in Mercer county have already been

noted in connection with John Seybert's missionary labors in

1833. In Rockland the chief point was the house of Mathias

Domer, father of Rev. G. S. Domer, and Rev. J. D. Domer,

and grandfather of Bishop W. M. Stanford.

 

In Clarion county a chief appointment was near Shippens-

ville. Andrew Weaver and John Alsbach (2) were of the

first to receive the preachers. Camp-meetings were held on their

lands for many years.

 

In Armstrong county two of the chief places were Henry

Shaffner's, in Red Bank township, and John Fleisher's. (3)

In 1837 camp-meeting was held on Shaffner's place, and many

times thereafter. The first camp was held at Fleisher's in 1839,

 

In Clearfield county the chief appointment was at or near

Burnside. In Venango county, the home of Samuel Dreibel-

bis, Esq., was an important place in the early days, and in the

vicinity of Agnew's Mills a good work was established.

 

In Jefferson county Abraham Milliron's(4) place was an im-

 

Biographical Notes.— (1) Joseph Truby entered the active ministry in

1841, and became a very successful preacher. He died in 1856.

(2) John Alsbach, one of the pillars of the old Indiana Circuit, died in 1850.

(3) John Fleisher was converted in Dauphin county under the preaching

of Albright, in 1805. See his interesting letter in Chapter II., paragraph

"Hanover."

(4) The parents of Abraham Milliron received Albright in Bedford county,

in 1805-7. See "Morrison's Cove." He died in 1851, aged sixty-three years.

 

 

134 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

portant point The first camp-meeting of the church in Jefferson

county was held on his place in 1835, and many others after-

wards. In the vicinity of Brookville, Punxsutawney and Sum-

merville societies were established.

 

Old-time Circuit Riding. The following account of the

appointments on Somerset Circuit in 1832, when it embraced all

the missionary territory of 1813, is from the pen of Joseph Har-

lacher, who began his ministry there that year, with Daniel

Kehr as his senior colleague. He says: "I commenced in the

Conemaugh neighborhood, about ten miles east of Johnstown.

Here lived George Kring, father of Conrad Kring, who was

an itinerant preacher, and several families named Stull and

Baumgardner. Samuel Baumgardner, who started in the

ministry with me, was born here. From here we went into

Somerset county, in the neighborhood of A. Ferner. We

preached in houses of John Emmert, J. Metzler, Ellenberger,

John Cobaugh, etc. From here I crossed the Laurel Hill into

Fayette county, and preached at the houses of Abraham Davis,

Kahler, William Senff, and others. Then in a southern direc-

tion back over the Laurel Hill to H. Weand, Daniel Hangen,

and Nathan Long. This man was not yet converted, but he

and his son (Daniel)* were converted this year, and the son

afterwards became a preacher. (1835. See biography.) From

here to Widow Moyers (of Rev. Henry Meyers), then to Father

Smith, then to Somerset, to Samuel Witt, who was a local

preacher, and was at this time sheriff. Then north (of Somerset)

to D. Lichty's, and (Rev. Jacob) Paul's, etc. (N. E. of Stoyejs-

town). My next trip led me east over the Allegheny and Cove

Mountains, into Bedford county, when I preached at the house

of a Stull, (Morrison's Cove.) Then towards the city of Bed-

ford to M. Nichols, and John Heltzel's (Dutch Corner).

From here south through Bedford, down the Cumberland Valley

road (fifteen to twenty miles south of Bedford) to H. Hartman's.

Then westward in different houses of Wilhelm's, (on Wills

Creek, near Hyndman) J. Harter's John Bowser's and then

again across the Allegheny to Fichtner's (Martin Fichtner's,

at Berlin), and Moyer's, and several other places. We also

had a preaching place near Stoyestown by a man named (Jacob)

Shaeffer, and others, (Peter, and Joseph Bowman). Then to

 

* Notes in brackets by the Author.

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 135

 

John Emmert's, where my colleague and I met to exchange

appointments. In one round I had to preach in four counties.

We had thirty-two preaching places, all in private houses except

one, which was in a school-house. I had to preach every even-

ing in the week except Saturday, and sometimes then also, and

twice on Sunday. In August, 1832, I traveled on horseback 274

miles and preached thirty-three times. The first twelve months

of my itineracy I rode on horseback 3,300 miles."

 

Development of Work in Virginia. In 1815 Thomas

Bruer, and J. Dehoff, who served Franklin Circuit, which

embraced the work in Western Maryland, extended the field into

Morgan and Berkley counties, (now) W. Va. In 1815-16 a

class was formed on Timber Ridge, Morgan county. Here lived

Adah Hinkel and wife Christina. They, with their family,

became members at this time, and one of the daughters became

the wife of Thomas Bruer. Adam Borer and John Yost and

families were also members, and their houses were preaching

places. Twelve miles east of Berkley Springs a small class was

formed of which the principal member was John Snyder. An-

other class was formed on Back Creek, where lived Jacob Shimp,

an excellent man, strong in prayer, and a fine singer. In 1834

he entered the ministry and traveled a number of years. He

died in 1870, aged seventy-six years. Along Sleepy Creek a

class was formed. The principal members were Daniel Cough-

enour, J. Reser, Father Nichols, a Revolutionary soldier, and

Nicholas Caw, a soldier of the War of 1812. The house of the

latter was for many years a preaching place, as was also that of

Jacob Kerper, who, with his family, were excellent members. In

1817 the work in Virginia was detached from Franklin Circuit and

constituted Berkley Circuit. Little progress was made for some

years after this, and in 1823 it was served by Joseph Long and J.

C. Reisner in connection with Franklin Circuit. The charge was

called Franklin and. Berkley Circuit until 1830, when it was again

divided. In 1834 the name was changed to Shenandoah Circuit.

In 1826-27 John Hamilton greatly extended the work in Fred-

lck, Shenandoah and Hardy counties. About 1830 our preachers

met with considerable success near Woodstock, Shenandoah

county. The men who received them were W. Funkhouser,

William and Larry W. Seibert. A few years later two sons

of the latter, James L. W. and Samuel W. Seibert entered the

ministry and became prominent. In Cedar Creek Valley there

 

 

136. EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

was a class, and in Trout Run Valley, Hardy county, two classes

were formed. Prominent members were William Sager (father

of Rev. George Sager), and Abraham, Jacob and John Heigh-

man, the former of whom became a local preacher.

 

In Quaker Hollow, Hampshire county, a good class was

formed, whose leading members were George Wolf, Enoch

Parks and Jonathan Pownell, a soldier of the War of 1812.*

At Tare Coat, five miles from Romney, another class was formed.

Leading men, H. Haines, J. Shinkelton and Father Poling,

whose two sons, William and Daniel, became ministers, the

latter being the father of Rev. C. C. Poling, of the Oregon

Conference.

 

In the proceedings of the West Pa. Conference for 1839 and

1840, the work once so promising in Virginia does not appear

on the published records, but was nevertheless served by D. N.

Long. In 1841 it appears again as Virginia Circuit, with M.

Bower as preacher, who served it two years; 1843, D. N. Long;

1844, J. Shimp and N. Schlosser; 1845, N. Schlosser and W.

Plannett; 1846, Geo. CuppandC. Miller; 1847, D. N. Long

and C. Miller; 1848, W. B. Gregg and Geo. Hunter. In

1849 the work was again divided and called Morgan, and Shen-

andoah Circuit. Chas. Miller was appointed to the former,

and W. B. Gregg to the latter field. In 1850 Preston Circuit

was formed.

 

The breaking out of the Civil War had an immediate and

disastrous effect on the interests of our Church in Virginia, as

the sections embraced by the fields of labor became the scene of

the early conflicts in 1861. At the conference session of 1861,

Shenandoah Circuit, once so prosperous, was abandoned, and

Morgan and Preston Circuits were consolidated and left for the

presiding elder to supply, if possible. In 1862 it was supplied

by conference, but not in 1863, '64 and '65. In 1866 Morgan

and Preston Circuits were again separately supplied. Since then

the work has recovered somewhat in Virginia.

 

* Bro. Pownell died in 1878, aged ninety-four years. Our preachers vis-

ited him as early as 1818.

 

 

137

 

CHAPTER VII.

 

PUSHING WESTWARD.

 

The Evangelical Work Established in Ohio by Hennig,

Shower, the Klinefelters and Others — First Preach-

ing Places — The Laity.

 

Work In Ohio. The Evangelical work in Ohio and the

more distant West is the result of a true missionary spirit in the

Association when it was still in its infancy. Thither the sturdy

Pennsylvanians nocked by thousands in quest of new homes,

many of whom were members of the Association. These early

members had a great desire that the Evangelical preachers should

follow them, a wish which their friends in the East were equally

desirous of gratifying. This was especially the case with Abra-

ham Eyer, of Dry Valley, Pa., who had a special interest in

Ohio. In 1806 two of his sons-in-law, Philip and Daniel Hoy,

removed thither, and their wives were the first members of the

society in that State. In 1810 another son-in-law, Martin

Dreisbach, removed thither also. In June, 1816, the conference

was held at the house of Father Eyer. His sons-in-law, Revs.

John Dreisbach and Henry Niebel, were then the leading men

of the Church. The former was president and the latter secre-

tary of the conference. After a full discussion, it was decided

to send two men to Ohio, and Adam Hennig and Fred. Shower

were chosen for the work. They were both young and vigorous,

and the Church had every reason to anticipate that the under-

taking Would be successful. To Hennig was assigned the eastern

portion of the State, while Shower was directed to labor in the

interior. As churches were then almost unknown in the western

wilds, the pioneers dedicated their houses to the service of God

as preaching places.

 

 

138 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Canton Circuit. Immediately after his appointment as

missionary to Ohio, Adam Hennig, after visiting his parents in

Penn's Valley, Pa., returned to Bedford county, where he was

united in marriage to Catharine Rishel, whose parents were

among the first to receive him when he was sent across the Alle-

ghenies as missionary in 1813. His journey to Ohio and his

commencement of the work there is thus described by himself

in a letter dated Bristol, O., July 2, 1844:

 

"In June, 1816, I took my departure from Bedford, Pa., and

traveled by way of Washington and Wheeling to Charleston,

Va. (now West Virginia). Here I crossed the Ohio River, and

by way of Mt. Pleasant and Cadiz, arrived at New Philadelphia,

O. About eight miles northwest from here I met a family of

friends from Pennsylvania who had arrived the day before, and

our meeting afforded us mutual joy. An appointment for me to

preach was immediately circulated, and that evening I preached

my introductory sermon in a little log house (text: I. Pet. iv. 8)

to a number of orderly and attentive people, who all seemed glad

to hear the Gospel in the German language. The blessing of

God was with us. Encouraged by these promising circumstances,

I concluded to establish my field of labor from this point, and

traveled from here to Wooster and Mansfield. From here I

turned and traveled to Canton and New Lisbon, and thence back

again to New Philadelphia. In a short time I had formed a

great circuit, about 400 miles around, and consisting of thirty

to forty appointments. Open doors and hearts I found every-

where, and soon there was a general inquiry awakened 'What

must we do to be saved?'

 

"Already in the Autumn of this year I began the formation

of classes, and by the next conference session I had taken up

from sixty to seventy members. No one, however, can imagine

the discomforts which the new settlers and the preachers who

traveled among them endured. I will not easily forget the heavy

and toilsome journeys which I was compelled to make on my

extensive circuit. Many days from one appointment to the other

I had no better road than narrow and obscure Indian trails. And

many roads in general led through swamps and deep morasses,

where both man and beast were often imperiled. But few bridges

had then been built, and more than once I was thoroughly

drenched by the swollen streams, which I ventured to cross by

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 139

 

swimming my horse, at the risk of my life. Still a merciful

Providence preserved me.

 

"Some of the friends who entertained me had but recently

moved into the forest and had neither field, stable nor provender,

so that I was often necessitated to put a bell to my horse's neck

and turn him loose to feed in the woods during the night. At

first I was anxious lest he might stray away, but he soon became

accustomed to it, and seldom went far away from the dwelling,

so that I generally had but little trouble to find him.

 

"Twenty-eight years have passed by since I first traveled

through this section, and Oh what a change do I behold! Every-

thing has a different aspect, not only in the natural, but also in

the spiritual. Where dense and dark forests stood, are now

beautiful fields of thickly-standing corn. Where for many miles

no house was visible, I now see palatial residences, and the wil-

derness I see changed into cities and villages, well provided with

churches, in some of which I have the pleasure of preaching.

Where narrow and swampy foot-paths led, are now substantial

roads, while good and safe bridges everywhere span the streams.

But best of all, many of the people who were as rough as the

original country, are now converted and lead a zealous life.

How cheering it is to meet here and there some of the aged

pilgrims who have battled for the Lord for many years, and

though they go bowed, with staff in hand, yet they are blooming,

fruitful and fresh. Many others whom I knew are no more.

Who am I, that I still stand on Zion's walls? Soon, soon my

work under the sun will also cease. 'When a few years are come,

then I shall go the way whence I shall not return.' Job xvi. 22."

 

With regards to the family who first received Hennig in the

wilderness, we have the following from J. M. Saylor, who ten

years later (1826) preached in that locality: "The family was

from Penn's Valley, Centre county, Pa., and well acquainted with

Hennig. The day after their arrival in the forest the family

began to lament that they were so far removed from the means of

grace and our preachers. The father comforted them by telling

them that they would not very long be deprived of these bless-

ings. While this conversation was in progress a lonely horseman

was seen coming through the forest. 'There,' said the father,

'comes our preacher now!' Sure enough, it was the missionary,

and despondency gave way to joy. By the campfire they partook

of a frugal repast together, and then the family scoured the forest

 

 

140 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

to bring the settlers together for preaching that night in a neigh-

boring cabin."

 

Truly this was an humble beginning. But as we survey the

three-quarters of a century that have passed by and also the

grand results achieved, we are led to say, "This is the Lord's

doing. It is marvelous in our eyes." Ps. cxviii. 23.

 

Wayne County. In Wayne County the preaching places

were numerous, but their names can not all be recovered. Some

of the principal appointments were in the vicinity of Wooster.

Hence when the Canton Circuit was divided, about ten years

after its formation, the new charge was called Wooster Circuit

Near Wooster lived Henry Rauch, in whose house was held the

first Evangelical conference in Ohio, in 1827, where also the first

ordination took place. Near Bristol lived P. Stroh, who had

removed thither from Fishing Creek Valley, Pa., where he and

his brother had been influenced by the ministry of Albright.

In later years one of his sons entered the Ohio Conference. J.

Hegermans was an important place. Through a camp-meeting

held there in 1828 a new impetus was given to our work in Ohio,

after years of stagnation. Hegerman and his wife Sarah were

among the first members of our Church. She, at least, was con-

verted under the preaching of Albright. (She died, a widow,

in 1848, aged sixty-five years.) In 1817 Rev. Jacob Vander-

sall, removed from Cumberland county, Pa., to Wayne county,

Ohio, and his house became a preaching place. (See "Pines.")

 

The house of Peter Hennig, a brother of the missionary,

was an original preaching place, and for years a point of great

importance for camp and general meetings. Hennig was con-

verted under Albright in Penn's Valley, Pa., in 1806. He died

in 1873, aged eighty-two years. Also John Vetters (died in

1854, aged sixty-one); John Herbach, from Somerset county,

Pa.; A. Shilling, at whose house the first general meeting in the

West was held in 1818; and a few years later his brother Rev.

John Shilling (1); Rev. Abraham Huth; P. Strayer; M.

Reidinger, and later, at West Salem, Rev. John Reigel (2)

and Fred. Borauff (3). The home of Jacob Lehr was also an

 

Biographical Notes. — (1) John Shilling entered the ministry in 1816.

He traveled about five years, mostly in Ohio, then located.

(2) John Reigel was licensed in 1816, and traveled a number of years;

died, 1859.

(3) Fred. Borauff was licensed in 1822, traveled a number of years and

settled near West Salem, Ohio, where he died.

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 141

 

important place. Lehr was from Manheim, Pa., where he was

converted in 1810, through the instrumentality of John Seybert,

who was then a class-leader. He died in 1846, aged seventy

years. Rev. Adam Hennig, the missionary, maintained an ap-

pointment at his place for many years. Other appointments on

the old Canton Circuit were at the homes of J. Row, the founder

of Rowsburgh, Ashland county, Ohio; Gabriel Putman, an ear-

nest, liberal man who died at Wilmot, Stark county, in 1882,

aged eighty-eight, and who made a liberal bequest to the Orphan

Home.

 

Stark County. In Stark county the Evangelical mission-

aries met with good success. At (now) Greensburg, Summit

county, a class was formed, the appointments being as follows:

At the home of Conrad Dillman, who in 1815 had removed

from Fenn's Valley, Pa. He was converted in 1806, and became

a member of the Church in 1811. He welcomed the mission-

aries with open arms, and for many years his home was a preach-

ing place. Michael Dillman, a son of Conrad, was also one

of the fifst members, and became a pillar in the Church. In 1849

he removed to Plainfield, Ill., where he died in 1861, aged sixty-

three years. Mary, a daughter of Conrad D., became the wife

of Rev. Adam Kleinfelter. Abraham Willhelm, an old mem-

ber of the Church, had come from Pennsylvania near the same

as Dillman, and his house also was one of the first preaching

places. J. Kreitz's place became noted for camp-meetings,

where very many persons were converted, of whom a large num-

ber became ministers. Among these was Rev. J. J. Kopp, who

became one of the most prominent men of the Church. His

parents, John and Christina Kopp, were also converted near

the same time and opened their house as a preaching place. In

1822 Rev. Abraham Ream and wife Anna Maria, removed hither

from Penn's Valley, and their place became a noted point. The

father of Ream was one of the first in Penn's Valley to receive

Albright. The society at Greensburgh became one of the most

flourishing in Ohio, and had the honor of entertaining, in 1843,

the first General Conference consisting of elected delegates.

About eight miles north of Canton lived W. Wise, from Centre

 

Note. — Rev. J. J. Kopp was born in Germany, 1805,. entered the Western

Conference in 1832, and at once took high rank as an earnest minister of the

Gospel. He was elected presiding elder in 1839; re-elected in 1845 and 1849;

located in 1866; died at Lafayette, Ohio, Jan. 27, 1889, aged eighty-three years.

 

 

142 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

county, Pa., whose house was a preaching place. In 1819 the

first camp-meeting of our Church in Ohio was held on his land.

 

Columbiana County. In Columbiana county the first

preachers of the Association gained a strong foothold in Salem

township and a society was formed in the vicinity of New Lisbon.

The house of Peter Miller was one of the first preaching places

and some of the first conversions took place there. Miller died

in 1843. Other important points were the homes of Joseph

Gangawer, who died in 1843, aged sixty-nine, and Daniel Gil-

bert. In 1818 Killian Long, from Dauphin county, Pa., opened

his house as a preaching place, and some of his children were

converted about this time, among them Joseph, who soon after-

wards entered the ministry of the Church, and rose to the office

of bishop. Their daughter Anna Barbara became the wife of

Rev. George Mattinger. Killian Long died in 1842, aged

eighty years, and his wife Barbara in 1836, aged sixty-six years.

 

Tuscarawas County. In Tuscarawas county the work was

very weak and no organization was effected by the missionaries.

In 1832 Charles Hammer, while traveling through this region,

met David Ressler and wife Rachel. They had been mem-

bers in Pennsylvania, and had lately removed to this place. A

regular appointment was at once established here, and a class

formed soon afterwards. Their son Jacob became a minister in

the Ohio Conference.

 

Another important point was the house of Henry Kretzer

and wife Sarah. They were converted in Berks county, Pa.,

under the labors of Albright and co-laborers, and removed to

this place, where they were among the first members of the Church.

Through their instrumentality a society was organized and a

church built. Kretzer died in 1844, aged sixty-one years.

 

Fairfield County. In the Spring of 1816 Fred. Shower

entered the Scioto Valley, Ohio, to begin his work. We first find

him in a settlement of Pennsylvania Germans, twelve miles north-

west of Lancaster. Here liver the brothers Philip and Daniel

Hoy, who had married Lizzie and Molly Eyer, respectively,

daughters of Abraham Eyer, Esq., of Dry Valley, Pa. The

parents of the Hoys and their wives were among the chief sup-

porters of Albright. The Hoys emigrated to Ohio in 1806,

and their wives were the first members of the Church, so far as

known, in the State. On their way out, Catharine, the four-

year-old daughter of Daniel and Molly, fell from the wagon,

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 143

 

which passed over her head and almost killed her. She, how-

ever, recovered and afterwards became the wife of Joseph Long,

second bishop of the Church. Daniel Hoy's was the first preach-

ing place of the Scioto or Lancaster Circuit, and the first class

was organized here the following year (1817). Both Philip and

Daniel became members at this time. Daniel Hoy's was espe-

cially noted for general and camp-meetings. The first camp-

meeting of the circuit was held here in 1822.

 

About twenty miles east of Hoy's, and about eight miles from

Lancaster, was another settlement of Pennsylvanians, mostly from

York county, among them was George Swartz, whose wife

Elenore was a member of a prominent family named Seitz, who

were among the first to receive the Evangelical preachers in York

county, near Strassburgh, now Shrewsbury. On a farm adjoin-

ing Swartz lived his brother-in-law Henry Einsel, whose wife

was Barbara Seitz. They had moved to the Western wilds in

1805. A few years later two more brothers-in-law arrived. They

were Henry Keller and Joseph Leib, married to Catharine

and Elizabeth Seitz, respectively. They located a consider-

able distance from Swartz. The pioneer of this colony was

Lewis Seitz, a brother of the above women. He had settled

here in 1801, about midway between Swartz and Einsel, and

Keller and Leib. Besides the foregoing families, there were

others from the same locality who will be noticed hereafter.

 

The news of Showers' arrival at Hoy's soon spread, and

George Swartz traveled twenty miles to hear him. Being well

pleased he invited Showers to preach at his house, which he did,

with the gratifying result that through Swartz all the other rela-

tives named also opened their door to the new preacher, and

their homes became regular preaching places.

 

In the Autumn of 1816 Rev. John Seitz, of York county,

Pa., visited his above named brother and sisters. During this

visit he did all he could to further the good work begun among

his friends and relatives. On one occasion he preached at the

 

Biographical Notes. — Philip Hoy died in 1823, aged fifty-three years.

His wife Elizabeth died in 1850, aged seveuty-three years. Their family of

ten children became members of the Church. Two daughters married preachers.

     Daniel Hoy died in 1871, aged ninety years, his wife Molly in 1863, aged

eighty-four years. Their entire family became members of the Church. Catha-

rine became the wife of Bishop Long.

    Rev. Samuel Hoy, for many years a prominent member of the Ohio Con-

ference, and Rev. John Hoy, are grandsons of Daniel Hoy.

 

 

144 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

house of George Swartz, when the power of God was signally

manifested, and three young women were converted. This made

a deep impression on the community, and prepared the way for

the ingathering the following year. Showers extended his work

through Fairfield county, and also found open doors in the coun-

ties of Franklin, Ross and Pickaway. He visited and preached

in the houses of most of the families enumerated hereafter. He

was generally esteemed and acceptable, and might have been

very successful, had he not yielded to influences which led him

to abandon his work. He, however, retained a warm friendship

for the Church of his youth, and had no rest until, years after-

wards (1827), he was again received, and died in the Evangeli-

cal fold.

 

In 1817 John and Adam Klinefelter, of Strausburg, York

county, Pa., were sent to develop this great and promising field;

They were well acquainted with many of the settlers and were

welcomed in the homes of many. They resumed the work where

Showers had dropped it, extending its borders into Hocking

county.

 

We have already seen that a work of grace was commenced at

George Swartz's in the Fall of 1816. He and his wife were

converted, and he began holding prayer-meetings, keeping the

work alive until the arrival of the Klinefelters. Soon there-

after Adam K. preached at the house of Swartz. A young man

named Henry Downey (i), who sat near the preacher, was

brought to a deep sense of his lost condition, fell upon his knees,

and began to plead for mercy. After a remarkable penitential

struggle he was gloriously saved. He was soon after licensed as

a local preacher.

 

George Swartz was one of the strong supports of the work

in Ohio, and contributed in no small degree to its success. Fa-

ther Loehner says: "My earliest recollections of these things

carry me back about seventy years. In my mind I can see Fa-

ther George Swartz on his gray horse 'Bob,' in company with

 

Biograhical Note. — (1) Henry Downey was born in Maryland in 1800.

When a youth his parents removed to Fairfield county, Ohio, where he was con-

verted when eighteen years of age. Three years later he was licensed to preach,

and later removed to Seneca county. He was a man of considerable ability and

exemplary piety. The last five years of his life he spent in the active ministry

of the Ohio Conference. His last charge was St. Joseph mission, in Michigan,

where he died at his post, Nov. 11, 1852.

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 145

 

the preacher, coming from Rush Creek to my father's house on

Raccoon, where we had preaching in the evening." Swartz was

called to his reward in 1821, and his wife in 1847. Their whole

family of ten children became useful members of the Church.

 

Joseph Swartz, eldest son of the foregoing, was one of the

converts of 1817. He was married to Catharine Beery. They

had a large family, all of whom became members of the Church.

He worthily took the place of his deceased father, and his house

became a preaching place and a home for the itinerant. In course

of time he removed to a place where the Church was not repre-

sented, and there also his house became a preaching place. His

devotion to the Church was well rewarded, as a class was soon

formed, and a little later a church was built, called Mt. Tabor,

four miles east of Lancaster. This place became a stronghold,

where revivals took place and many of the converts became min-

isters. Andrew Swartz, the youngest son of Joseph, entered

the ministry of the Ohio Conference in 1857, and became noted

as a revivalist. George Swartz, Jr., son of the pioneer, be-

came class-leader at Rush Creek at an early day, and was for

many years a pillar in the society. His son Simon entered the

ranks of the Ohio Conference in 1857, and rendered many years

of service in Ohio, Illinois, and Kansas. Daniel Swartz, an-

other son of the pioneer, entered the ative ministry of the Ohio

Conference in 1835, and rendered effective service to the work.

He died in 1891, aged eighty-five years.

 

The relatives of Swartz, Henry Keller, Joseph Leib, and

Lewis Seitz, already referred to, also received the Evangelical

preachers in 1816-17, and their houses were preaching places

for a number of years.

 

Henry Einsel lived on a farm adjoining his brother-in-law,

George Swartz. He died in 1814, two years before the advent

of the Evangelical preachers. The widow opened her house as

a preaching place for our first missionaries. She was well known

throughout our Western work because of her zeal and hospitality.

She raised a large family of children, who became an honor to

her and the Church. In a beautiful grove on her land were held

a number of camp-meetings remarkable for their power. In 1842

a church was built near the camp ground, one of the first of the

society in Ohio, and an important point in the early history of

the work in that State. Mother Einsel was called to her reward

in 1857. Her son John was one of the pillars of the old Lan-

 

 

146 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

caster Circuit, serving many years as a class-leader. Lewis, a

younger son, entered the ministry.

 

On Raccoon Creek the first Evangelical preachers were re-

ceived by George Loehner and wife Catharine. They had

emigrated thither from Virginia in 1814. Their home was a

preaching place for many years and they lived to see the Evan-

gelical work established. Several of their sons became eminent

in the society. Father L. died in 1851, aged eighty-one, and

Mother L. in 1874, aged ninety-five years. Their son Abraham,

born in Virginia in 1812, was converted in youth, entered the

ministry of the Ohio Conference in 1837, and rendered many

years of service in the Master's cause.

 

On Walnut Creek the Evangelical preachers found preaching

places at the homes of J. Knepper, several families named Pon-

tius, Adam Klahr, (died in 1871, aged eighty-nine) one of the

most earnest and consecrated members in Ohio, and John Bright

(Brecht), in Liberty township. (Died in 1853, aged sixty-six

years.)

 

In 1829 a remarkable series of camp-meetings commenced on

the land of John Brecht. For thirteen years in succession the

Evangelical hosts gathered here, and great victories were achieved.

Sometimes scores of souls were at the altar, some of whom be-

came ministers. Brecht's house was always a royal home for

the itinerants. When the lamented young preacher, Wm. Berk-

heimer, broke down, after five years of itinerant work, he found

here such a home as is seldom found even under a parental roof.

Here this servant of the Lord died in 1840, at the age of twenty-

six years. Not far from this locality lived John Miller, Sr.

He also received our first preachers; his house became a regular

preaching place; most of his family united with the Church, and

four of his sons opened their houses as preaching places. The

session of the Western Conference was held at his house in 1833.

(Died in 1856, aged seventy-eight years.)

 

In the early part of the century Jos. Miesse removed from

Bern township, Berks county, Pa., and settled four or five miles

north of Lancaster, Ohio, where his house became one of the

noted preaching places of Lancaster Circuit for general and

camp-meetings. (Died in 1859, aged seventy-one years.) Other

important preaching places, some as early as 1816, were at the

homes of J. Flick, Mich. Bravtigam, (died in 1841, aged seventy

years) Daniel Hoddel, J. Lidel, Ulrick Wagoner, (a Swiss)

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 147

 

and Rev. Shem Sager. (Died in 1857, aged seventy-one years.)

 

The appointments thus far noticed were all in Fairfield county.

South of this region, in Hocking county, some of the first preach-

ing places were at Benj. Bucher's, John Gass' and G. Zellers',

and in Ross county at the home of Lorentz Bernhart, a strong

pillar of the early work, who had come from York county, Pa.,

where he was converted in 1809. (Died in 1842, aged sixty-six

years.) The Buchwalters, who came to Ross county in 1820,

were converted under Albright in the beginning of his ministry.

They lived in Berks county, Pa., not far from the Colbrookdale

furnace, and with their wives were members of Liesser's Class,

one of the first three classes organized by Albright in 1800.

John Buchwalter, a son of Abraham, and a prominent and

useful man, was married to Susan Dreisbach, a sister of Rev.

John Dreisbach, and in 1827 they removed from Buffalo Valley,

Pa., to Hallsville, where they received our preachers. He died

in 1872, aged eighty-five years, and his wife in 1881, aged eighty-

seven years.

 

Twelve miles east of Chillicothe lived Martin Dreisbach,

a cousin of Rev. John D., whose wife was Anna Eyer, a daugh-

ter of Abraham Eyer, of Dry Valley, Pa. Both were converted

under Albright, removed to Ohio, and were among the first to

receive our preachers in 1816-17. Jacob Stump and Father

Weaver, at Adelphia, and the Bernharts and John Adam

Gates, at Dry Run, opened their homes to our preachers. Father

Gates died in 1840, at an advanced age. His son, Peter Gates,

entered the gospel ministry.

 

In Franklin county some of the first families of the Church,

whose homes were preaching places, were the following: John

Bishop and his noble wife Mary; Samuel Riegel and wife

Sarah; J. Neiswander (for many years class-leader: Died in

1872, aged eighty-six years.) and wife; D. Zwicker and wife;

H. Stouffer (local preacher) and wife; Peter Quinn and wife,

(converted under Albright in 1806; removed to Ohio at an

early day; died in 1862, aged seventy-six years). Most of the

foregoing resided on Rocky Fork.

 

In Pickaway county our first preachers were received by

Samuel and Henry Dreisbach, and Leonard Wolf (all from

Buffalo Valley, Pa.), Mich. Whistler (died in 1864, aged

seventy-five years), and several families named Moyer. At a

later day, Solomon Zinzer and family were converted, and his

 

 

148 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

home became an important place. A son, J. G. Zinzer, became

one of the most prominent ministers of the Church (Zinzer died

in 1847, aged sixty-nine years). In 1831 John Dreisbach, the

last surviving colleague of Albright, removed from Buffalo

Valley, Pa., to a place near Circleville. His house became a

regular preaching place, and one of the first churches in Ohio

was erected here.

 

We have now traced out the bounds of this vast field of labor

as established by our first preachers. We have also noticed

most of the prominent families whose homes were Evangelical

sanctuaries and whose sons took the places of the devoted men

who were sent from year to year to these Western wilds by the

mother conference. The bounds of this great circuit, with few

changes, remained, as outlined in this chapter, for many years,

and was not permanently divided until 1840. In 1836 it num-

bered forty-two preaching places. This field furnished its full

share of workers for the Master's vineyard. In thirteen years

no less than thirteen young men entered the Gospel ministry from

its bounds, several of whom became prominent in the Church.

They were Henry Wissler (i), 1824; J. G. Zinzer (2), 1829;

W. Roehrig, 1830; Daniel Tobias, Peter Gates (3), and

Aaron Yambert (4), 1833; Peter Wiest and Samuel Van

Gundy, 1834; Daniel Swartz, 1835; L. Einsel (5) and A B.

Shaffer (6), 1836; A. Loehner and Isaac Hoffer, 1837. Bight

worthily did these noble sons of Ohio take the places of their

spiritual fathers, and most of them were spared to see the work

established throughout the State and all over the more distant

West.

 

Biographical Notes. — (1) Henry Wissler was born in Pennsylvania.

When a youth his parents removed to Ohio and were of the first members. He

died at Webster, Iowa, in 1887, aged ninety-three years.

(2) See Biographic Department.

(3) Peter Gates rendered about twenty-five years of active service; located

because of ill health, and settled at West liberty, Iowa, where he died in 1882,

aged seventy-five years.

(4) Aaron Yambest was born in Berks county, Pa., in 1809. After serv-

ing the Church many years, he located because of impaired health. Died July

4, 1888.

(5) Lewis Einsel was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, in 1813; was the first

Evangelical missionary in Chicago, Ill., in 1839, and also at Cleveland, Ohio,

in 1841, where he erected a church the following year. In 1842 he was married

to Catharine, a daughter of Rev. John Dreisbach. He died in Holdrege,

Neb., in 1893.

(6) See Biographic Department.

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 149

 

Sandusky Circuit. In the Autumn of 1826 at a quarterly

meeting held near Mansfield, Ohio, the presiding elder, Adam

Klinefelter, informed Rev. J. M. Saylor that there were a

number of praying people in tne region of Upper Sandusky, and

directed him to visit them as soon as convenient, and if possible

establish an appointment. In due time Saylor went to the des-

ignated locality, where he arrived near noon, and found most of

the people of the neighborhood gathered for the purpose of clear-

ing land for cultivation. Ox teams, brawny arms, axes, and

burning brush greeted the eyes of the itinerant. Saylor informed

the men that he was a missionary sent to look after their spirit-

ual welfare. They all seemed very much pleased, informed him

that they had heard no sermon for six years, and declared that

they would work no more until they had heard a sermon. Ac-

cordingly they repaired to the house, where a lunch was served

by the women, after which Saylor held divine service, and found

a number of praying people among them. Another meeting was

held in the evening, which was largely attended. Then a class

of twenty-five members was organized, which was the beginning

of the work in this part of the State. Sayi.or did not visit the

place again, but Rev. Jacob Fry did so, repeatedly, previous to

the conference session.

 

At the session of the Ohio Conference in June, 1827, the

great Sandusky Circuit, embracing four or five counties, was

formed, and assigned to Adam Klinefelter. This region had

been recently purchased from the Indians, and settlers were com-

ing in from all directions.

 

About the time Sandusky Circuit was formed, William Pon-

tius, originally from Berks county, Pa., removed from Pickaway

to the northern part of Marion county, Ohio. He and his house-

hold were members of the Church, and his house became one of

the first preaching places, and as it was, perhaps, the most impor-

tant point on the southern end of the charge it seems proper to

speak of some of the other appointments in relation to distance

and direction from this place. Pontius died in 1832, aged fifty

years, and his wife Susanna in 1836, aged fifty-two years. They

had eight children and constitued a godly family. Their third

son, Peter, was one of the first-fruits of the ministry from this

circuit. He died in 1853, aged thirty-two years. Joseph K.,

youngest son of William, was licensed in 1856, and traveled in

Ohio and later in Michigan, where he died in 1887, aged sixty-

 

 

150 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

three years. Susanna M., a daughter, became the wife of Rev.

Christian Idleman, a member of the Ohio Conference.

 

About eight miles east of the Pontius home was the Beech,

another of the first points of the charge. The preaching places

were at Henry and John Diebert's and Henry Miller's.

Miller had removed hither from Fairfield county, where he was

converted in youth. He was born in Berks county, Pa., in 1800,

and died in 1879. It is held that the first church on the circuit

was erected at the Beech. About four miles west of Pontius

was a settlement by European Germans, where our first preach-

ers found entrance, and where a church was built at an early day.

The principal members were Xavier Zachman, Peter Acham,

and two men each named John Myers. This was known as the

Bethlehem Class. Brother Zachman was the leader of the class

for almost forty years. He died in 1889, aged eighty-four years.

 

John Boyer, from Pennsylvania, moved about seven miles

northeast of Pontius. He and family were all members of the

Church; among them his son John, Jr., and his son-in-law Peter

Gabel. An appointment was maintained here for some time.

 

In 1826 Rev. Jacob Klinefelter, one of the prominent

preachers of the early days, removed from Pennsylvania, and

settled about six miles northwest of Pontius. His house was

one of the first preaching places. Some years later Jacob Kline-

felter, a relative of the former, settled about three miles north

of Pontius. In course of time a class was formed here and a

church built. The places enumerated were all in Marion county,

and constituted the southern end of the circuit.

 

In Crawford county the chief point was at Broken Sword.

The leading members were Jacob and Fronica Lintner, from

Dauphin county, Pa., and their son-in-law Rev. John Myers,

also Michael and Susanna Shupp, parents of Rev. N. Shupp.

A church was built here at an early day. West of Broken Sword

was Indian Bush, one of the first preaching places.

 

In Seneca county the work prospered greatly, and a number

of strong classes were organized prior to 1832. About 1830 a

number of members from Wayne county removed to the vicinity

of Flat Rock and Bellview, most of whom had been members in

Pennsylvania. Some were converted under Albright and his

co-laborers. Their number was increased about the same time

by direct removals from Pennsylvania, nearly all from Musser's

Valley, in (now) Snyder and Mifflin counties. Among them were

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 151

 

George, John, and Fred Herpster, sons of Fred Herpster,

who was one of the first class-leaders of the Church, also their

brother-in-law, Wm. McCauley, the Wonders, the Mooks, and

John Wales. The class was organized in 1830, and Rev. Daniel

Wonder was the first leader.*

 

The home of Rev. John and Barbara Betz was one of the

first preaching places. They were converted under Albright

and co-laborers at Millheim, Pa., in 1806. (B. was a brother

of Rev. M. Betz; he died in 1848, aged sixty-eight years.) The

town of Bettsville was named in his honor. Other preaching

places were at the homes of John Lesher and Fred Becker,

who were among the first members in 1806 at the Muhlbach, Pa.;

John and Susan Wagoner, who became members in Albright's

time, and died in 1872; and Henry Sheller. At McCuchen-

ville one of the chief places was that of John H. Yambert, of

Berks county, Pa. He died in 1862, aged eighty-two years.

His two sons Aaron and J. H. became prominent ministers in

the Ohio Conference.

 

In Sandusky county one of the chief places was the home of

George and Mary Hartman, who became members in 1805, in

Pennsylvania, and removed to Ohio in 1833. It is held that the

first camp-meeting on Sandusky Circuit was on their land.

Daniel Mowry, brother-in-law of Hartman, was a prominent

old-time member and his house a preaching place. George

Orwig (uncle of Rev. W. W. Orwig), and Rev. Benj. Ettinger,

were also among the first to open their homes as preaching places.

 

In Morrow county one of the early strongholds was at Steam

Corners. Among the principal members were Conrad Rein-

hart and John Ettinger, both from York county, Pa., and J.

Stoll, from Bedford county, Pa.

 

Interesting Incidents. In midwinter of 1827 Rev. J. M.

Saylor, junior preacher on the charge, traveled about twenty-

five miles to attend a general meeting at Adam Klahr's. Snow

and sleet fell almost continually during the entire journey, and

his garments were frozen stiff and covered with an icy crust. At

the place of meeting he was met at the barn by his presiding

elder, Adam Klinefelter, who assisted him from his horse, he

being unable to alight, and informed him that he had appointed

 

* Nearly all these families were converted in Albright's time at the Thomas

appointment, in Mifflin county, Pa., in 1803, in which connection the reader

will find a fuller history of them.

 

 

152 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

him to preach that night; "but," said he, "you are almost

frozen to death, and it is out of the question for you to preach,

so I will preach this evening, and you will preach to-morrow

morning in my place." Saylor's preaching at the camp-meet-

ings the previous Summer seems to have made a favorable im-

pression on the presiding elder, so he added, "And, Brother

Saylor, I want you to preach one of your big camp-meeting

sermons." Fearing that his preaching ability had been over-

estimated, and that his compliment might prove a snare to him,

he resolved, after spending much time in prayer, to preach the

simplest text that presented itself. At the morning service the

house was filled with people. Saylor took as his text, "To-day

if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts." The Lord

stood by him in a wonderful manner and opened the hearts of

the people. As the sermon progressed the Holy Ghost fell

mightily on the assembly, and the voice of the preacher became

inaudable on account of the prayers of the penitents and the vic-

torious shouts of the saved. The sermon was cut short, and the

preachers began laboring with the penitents. The hour for din-

ner arrived, but no one seemed to have a thought for the needs

of the body, so intent were they on the salvation of their souls.

The meeting continued with unabated interest all the afternoon.

Evening approached, but in every room were wrestling Jacobs,

who had taken hold on the Lord and would not let Him go with-

out a blessing. The multitude had partaken of neither dinner

nor supper. "We must have salvation now," was the prevailing

sentiment. So the meeting continued until the jubilant shouts

of the saved could be heard in every room of the house. At 9

o'clock at night the meeting closed, after eleven hours' contin-

uous duration. This was a great triumph for God's cause. Many

were converted who afterwards became pillars in the Church,

and eternity alone can count the sheaves of that golden harvest.

 

In 1826 there was a considerable awakening at a certain place

on Lancaster Circuit, which was attended by J. M. Saylor.

Observing a young woman with a pitiable expression of sadness,

he asked her whether she was a Christian. "No," said she,

"but I will get down right here and seek salvation." This she

did, and Saylor bowed by her side, when a remarkable struggle

for mercy began. The evening wore away and still darkness

veiled the soul of the weeping penitent. Midnight approached,

and some of the brethren told Saylor that his labors would be

 

 

THE EARLY BAYS. 153

 

in vain. "She has been a seeker for five years," said they.

"She comes out at every meeting, but she makes no headway."

"No, said Saylor, "I will not give up. I will see whether my

dear Saviour will not bless a poor penitent that struggles so ear-

nestly." The wrestling continued until 2 o'clock in the morn-

ing, when they were both exhausted, and the young woman's

heart was filled with unutterable sorrow. Both preacher and

penitent remained under the same roof that night. When morn-

ing came Saylor said to the young woman, "We have a general

meeting next Sunday about twenty-five miles from here, which I

want you to attend. Ask your father to give you a horse to carry

you, and come without fail." When the meeting opened the

young woman was on hand, and during the Saturday evening

service she was very much broken up and wept pitifully. On

Sunday morning following, as Saylor took a stroll in a grove near

by, to collect his thoughts for the services, his attention was

arrested by the voice of weeping, and, going in the direction of

the sound, he found the young woman engaged in agonizing

prayer. In the evening service she was most gloriously and tri-

umphantly saved. With eyes suffused with tears of joy, and both

hands raised to greet her pastor, she exclaimed, "O, Brother

Saylor, I am so glad that there was yet one soul (meaning S.)

that had faith that the Lord Jesus would save me!" This young

lady, whose name was Rearick, a cousin of Bishop Long, be-

came a most useful and exemplary member.

 

In the Fall of 1826 Rev. J. M. Saylor preached at the house

of H. Rauch, near Wooster, Wayne county. The following

morning he started for his next appointment, to be filled that

evening. About six miles east of Wooster he saw a large num-

ber of people gathered in front of a log cabin, and was hailed by

a man who asked him whether he was a minister. Saylor an-

swered in the affirmative. Said the stranger, "There is a widow

living here whose daughter is dead, and the minister has refused

to officiate at her funeral because she is poor. Would you have

the kindness to give her Christian burial?" Saylor replied that

he had a long distance to go to his preaching place that night,

but would give them a short discourse and offer prayer, but could

not accompany them to the place of burial. This was satisfac-

tory, and Saylor dismounted. He found the house full of peo-

ple, and felt much embarrassed before his strange audience. He

felt very much chagrined with his miserable attempt to preach,

 

 

154 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

and as soon as possible mounted his horse and rode away, heart-

ily glad that no one knew him, and never expecting to hear of

the affair again.

 

In the Spring of 1827 Saylor preached in a cabin near Co-

lumbus, and after services remained there for the night. The

family, with the preacher, and an elderly lady, who was also a

guest, gathered around the blazing fire by the open hearth, for a

friendly conversation, whereupon the lady, who appeared to be

in very delicate health, remarked to the preacher, "Brother Say-

lor, I had appointed you to preach my funeral sermon. I was

very sick and expected to die, and told my friends to bury me

privately, and when you came around you should then preach the

funeral sermon." This astonished Saylor very much, and he

knew that there must be some secret motive for this strange

request. So he asked, "Why did you make such arrangements?

Why appoint me in preference to my colleague" (C. Kring)?

"Well, I will tell you," said she. "Last year I lived near

Wooster. I am a poor widow, and while I lived there I lost my

daughter by death. I was slighted by my minister, who paid no

attention to me, because I was poor. I could not bear to have

my daughter buried without a funeral service. A young circuit

preacher, who was passing by, was asked to come in and preach

the sermon, and under that sermon I and my whole family were

led to the Saviour." "But," said Saylor, "why did you appoint

me." "Why," said the widow, "because you look just like that

man." "What was his text?" said Saylor. The woman re-

peated it. "Why, I am that preacher," said S. Whereupon

the woman arose, and falling upon the neck of the preacher, wept

aloud for joy and gratitude.

 

What an encouragement this is for the servant of God, who

often feels ashamed of his feeble attempts to preach the Gospel!

"Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many

days" (Eccl. xi. 1).

 

In 1826, when the work in Ohio still consisted of two circuits,

that good man Joseph Long, who afterwards became an honored

bishop of the Church, was appointed to the consolidated Mans-

field and Canton Circuit. He had as colleague Francis Hoff-

man, a young man recently converted at the great revival at

Orwigsburg, Pa. He had already traveled as a supply on Schuyl-

kill Circuit, in his native State, so that he was in some measure

inured to the hardships of an itinerant's life. One thing, however,

 

 

THE EARLT DAYS. 155

 

gave him deep concern, and sometimes unsettled his mind with

regard to his future course — an oft recurring doubt as to his

call to the ministry. On one occasion his appointment was at

the house of Rev. John Shilling, in Wayne county. The fol-

lowing day he started for the next appointment, some twelve or

fourteen miles distant. He had not proceeded far until his old

doubts, as to his calling, returned with unusual force. A great

conflict began to wage within his breast. After a long and severe

struggle, he turned his horse in the direction of Pennsylvania.

This was the crucial moment of his life. With his horse turned

away from his appointment, he hesitated an instant, when, sud-

denly, a voice spake to his soul: "Go to your appointment."

This was unmistakably the voice of the Lord, and the young man

fully realized its significance. He, therefore, raised his heart to

God in earnest prayer for further guidance in this matter. He

again turned his horse in the direction of his appointment, and

made a solemn covenant with God. The agreement on his part

was that he would go to his appointment and do the best he could,

and the Lord should on His part, give him that night as a seal to

his calling at least one soul. Once more he started and the ap-

pointment was reached in due season. At the house he met Rev.

John Dayhoff, one of the early preachers, and a most powerful

speaker. This somewhat discouraged Hoffman, and he urged

Dayhoff to preach for him, but he refused, telling him that it

would not do, as the people would expect to hear the new preacher.

 

While the people were gathering in the house for service,

young Hoffman sought the seclusion of a chamber, where he

betook himself to prayer. With fear and trembling he entered

the room, which was crowded with expectant people, some of

whom had come many miles to hear him. Immediately in front

of the table which served as a pulpit was a bench, on which sat

six fine looking young women. When the preacher arose to an-

nounce his hymn he was so overcome by his feelings that he

could scarcely read it. In his prayer which followed he lost all

sight of self, and with a heart almost breaking, besought the

Lord to set his seal to the covenant made that day. After an-

other hymn was sung, the young man arose and announced his

text with a voice tremulous with emotion. In the name of Jesus

he began his discourse. After speaking but a short time a pen-

tecostal wave swept over the assembly. One of the young women

in front of him cried out in a loud voice, "I am lost! I am lost!"

 

 

156 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

With this heart rending cry, she fell upon her knees to implore

God's mercy. She was immediately followed by her companion

by her side. The others on the seat also bowed, one after an-

other, until all six were pleading for salvation. This brought the

sermon to an abrupt close. The arrow of conviction had been

driven home to many other hearts. In all parts of the room the

cries of penitent souls arose, mingled with the triumphant shouts

of the saved. It was, indeed, a great victory. Many people

were converted, who afterwards became prominent members of

the Church.

 

After this meeting, Dayhoff, to whom Hoffman had narrated

his great struggle and the covenant of the previous day, put him

on his guard by telling him that now the tempter would seek more

powerfully than ever to discourage him. True to the prediction,

the spirit of doubt again sought to unsettle his convictions of

duty, but the same divine voice that spake to him when he was

discouraged on the way, now spake to him again. This time it

said, "Remember your covenant." This forever settled all

doubt. The young man rose to great eminence and usefulness

in the Church, and became one of its chief pillars. For sixty

years he stood in the front ranks of the itinerancy and was given

the most responsible offices and positions within the gift of his

conference (East Pennsylvania). In 1886 he retired from active

work, whereupon his conference adopted suitable resolutions in

regard to his long and useful ministry.

 

 

157

 

CHAPTER VIII.

 

ON THE PRAIRIES.

 

Extensive Emigration of Evangelicals to Illinois and

Indiana — Missionary Work of Jacob Boas, and Estab-

lishment of Societies.

 

In 1834 a young German, named Daniel Stanger, migrated

from Warren, Pa., to Cook county, Illinois. He had been con-

verted the previous year under the ministry of John Seybert,

and was a member of the Church. He was unmarried, with no

means other than a brave heart, willing hands, and trust in God.

A good part of the distance from Warren to his new home he

traveled on foot. Near Des Plains he secured a fine body of

land, on which he erected a dwelling house soon after his arrival.

Through correspondence with his Warren friends he induced

Jacob Kreihnbill, J. G. Esher, J. Arnold, and another young

man to join him in 1836. These at once saw the superior advan-

tages of this region over the rough and unproductive lands of

their Pennsylvania homes. Their glowing description of the

beauty and fertility of the West created a general desire among

the Warren people to remove thither. Accordingly, in the Spring

of 1837, a large number, nearly all members of the Church, re-

moved to Illinois in a body. Among them were the families of

Schally, Ott, Trier, Strubler, Martin and Jacob Esher,

Wirth, Gross, Knopf, Schuler, Arnet, and Rink. They

settled into three colonies, the larger number remaining in the

vicinity of Des Plains, another party going to Naperville, about

thirty miles distant, and the third party to Henry county.

 

Near Mt. Carmel, Wabash county, lived John Butz, who

about 1830 had removed thither from Lehigh county, Pa. When

the great revival took place in Cedar Creek Valley, Lehigh county,

 

 

158 EVANGELICAL AB80CIATI0N ANNALS.

 

he returned with his family, and they were converted there. In

1837 they returned with others to their old home in Illinois.

Our first missionaries soon found John Butz, and his house be-

came one of our first preaching places in Illinois, and one of the

first classes was formed here.*

 

Our people in the far West were without pastors, which they

deeply lamented, and many prayers ascended to the chief Shep-

herd that pastors might be sent to minister to the needs of the

scattered members.

 

Immediately after their arrival in Illinois our Evangelical

members organized themselves into classes, the first at Des

Plains, in June, 1837; the second at Naperville, soon after; the

third on Rock River, Henry county, and from the following ex-

tract of a letter from J. Butz, Mount Carmel, Ill., June 21,1837,

published in the Botschafter, it is evident that an organization

existed in Wabash county: "Thus I am like a solitary bird upon

the roof, and meet with sore opposition, but the Lord has been

with us thus far. Three souls have already been converted to

God, who were awakened through our instrumentality. Two of

whom obtained peace in our prayer-meetings." So far as known,

these were the first conversions through the instrumentality of

our people in the State.

 

In the midsummer of 1837 Jacob Boas, a young energetic

Pennsylvanian, then in charge of Miami Circuit, Ohio, received

directions from his presiding elder, Henry Niebel, to proceed

to Illinois, to look after our members in that State and minister

to their needs. The year previous Boas had traveled Erie Cir-

cuit, Pa., and had promised the Warren friends that in case they

removed to the West he would endeavor to visit them. He now

proceeded not only to carry out the directions of his presiding

elder, but also to fulfil his promise. The distance was many

hundred miles, across bridgeless streams and trackless prairies.

He often lost his way amid the tall grass, which almost hid him

 

* In 1845 another colony of Evangelicals emigrated from Cedar Creek Val-

ley, Lehigh county, Pa., to Illinois, consisting of the following, all of whom

were heads of families: Amos and Aaron Butz, Solomon and Edward

Mertz, John Drissler, John Neitz, Joseph Roth, Daniel Keck, Peter aad

Chas. Fehr, Reuben and Efhrim Hauser.Chas.Guth, and Geo. Steihnger.

In 1846 Charles Butz, Simon Strauss, Adam Gaser, and Philip Rass-

weiler. Most of the above settled in the vicinity of Naperville, Ill. The

journey was made in covered wagons, and required several weeks, during which

time they had their prayer and class-meetings on the way as usual.

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 159

 

from view. The weather was intensely hot, and his horse, in

addition to being utterly jaded, was tormented by a peculiar fly

which almost drove the poor animal mad. He was once com-

pelled to stop a day or two for rest to both man and beast. Be-

fore starting again a kind-hearted blacksmith procured netting,

with which he completely enveloped the animal, and with this

queer rig he entered Chicago, then but a small town, on July 23.

Here he visited a number of members, and the next day resumed

his journey to Des Plains. Upon his arrival an appointment was

made for him immediately at the house of Daniel Stanger, the

pioneer of the colony. His coming was an occasic of great joy

to our people, and the service was one of great power and tri-

umph. The preacher's text was John xvi. 22. After a brief

rest Boas proceeded to Naperville, where he also preached.

 

The following September the first quarterly meeting was held

under a large oak tree, on the banks of the Des Plains River,

near Wheeling. Here Boas preached to a large concourse of

people, many of whom had come a great distance in wagons.

During this meeting the first quarterly conference was held, and

Boas ratified the organization of the classes and the election of

officers prior to his arrival. This meeting was a season of grace

and great rejoicing, and a number of souls were converted.

Boas remained in Illinois until Christmas, when he returned to

his charge in Ohio. There were now upwards of seventy mem-

bers in Illinois, for whose Denefit a circuit was formed at the fol-

lowing session of the Western Conference in March, 1838, and

P. Wiest was appointed the first regular pastor, who took charge

of the field the following September.

 

When John Seybert was presiding elder of Caanan District,

Eastern Conference, just before his election as bishop in 1839,

 

Note. — As the histories hitherto published give the residence of Jacob

Esher, Sr., as the place where the first sermon was preached, it is due to the

memory of the sainted Father Stanger that this correction should be made.

The fact is that Esher had but recently arrived from Warren, Pa., and at this

time was living with Stanger, as he had not yet built a house for himself. The

above facts appeared in the biography of Stanger in the Botschafter in 1878,

and were never refuted. Bishop Esher himself seemed anxious to correct this

error, as he wrote: "The first sermon was preached in Brother D. Stanger 's

house, with whom my father lived at that time" (Botschafter, Dec. 15, 1869).

In a historical address which he delivered in 1887, at Des Plains, commemor-

ative of the semi-centennial of the establishment of the society there, he made

the same statement.

 

 

160 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

he spoke at a meeting, in Centre county, Pa., of the advantages

and desirability of Illinois as a place for emigrants, and many

people became enthusiastic to remove thither as soon as possible.

They informed Seybert of their intention, and as nearly all were

members of the Church, they were, at his suggestion and under

his direction, organized as a class, with Conrad Eppley as leader,

and William Weirick exhorter. Besides the above were John

Folgate, James McKee, John Rockey, George Riegel, Dinah

Auman (widow), and Henry Zerby, all, save the last, having

families, most of whom were members of the Church. The entire

colony, numbering forty-eight souls, left their homes along Penn's

Creek, Pa., in April, 1839, and started for Stephenson county,

Ill., over a thousand miles away. Their conveyances were large

covered wagons. The journey was slow and tiresome, yet they

did not neglect their means of grace, but had many blessed

prayer-meetings on the way. They settled in and around Cedar-

ville, six miles north of Freeport.

 

The first Evangelical preacher who visited them was John

Ltjtz, of whose visit the following report appeared in the Bot-

schafter, dated March 28, 1840: "By order of our bishop and

Brother Zinzer, I traveled last December to Illinois, and since

then explored several counties, and also made a visit to Wiscon-

sin territory, and found many Germans, who were hungering for

the Bread of Life. I preached as much as I possibly could, and

the people received the Word, with tears rolling down their

cheeks. For want of time I could not stay anywhere as long as

I desired, with the exception of Brothers Eppley's and Fol-

gate's, in Stephenson county, where I stayed, providentially, I

believe, longer than I had intended. I had preached a number

of times in that vicinity, and only one soul was brought from

death to life, whereupon I took my departure. I did not go far

however; my heart felt for the people, and my mind became un-

easy, so that after traveling eight or nine miles; I could go no

further, but turned my horse about, returned again, and gave out

appointments. The people streamed together to hear the Word

of God, and God laid His hand to the work, and there was a

shaking among the dry bones, so that in a short time some

twenty were seeking, of whom twelve were hopefully converted,

and rejoiced in the living God of their salvation. Others stand

near the narrow way, who will doubtless soon enter, and with the

others journey heavenward."

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 161

 

This was the first considerable revival in our work in Illinois;

the settlement soon constituted a separate charge; and the mem-

bership greatly increased in a short time by additional arrivals

from Pennsylvania.

 

In the Spring of 1839 Lewis Einsel was appointed to the

work in Illinois. One of his first official acts was the dedication,

June 20, 1839, of the first church of the Evangelical Association

in the State, a small log building, located at Des Plains.

 

During this year Einsel began to preach in Chicago, being

the first preacher of our Church to labor there. His work being

interrupted by illness, John Lutz was sent to his assistance in

December. During Fall and Winter the work was greatly strength-

ened. Lutz visited tne Cedarville settlement repeatedly, and

also did pioneer work in the vicinity of Milwaukee, Wis. In

May, 1840, he and Einsel started for the session of the Ohio

Conference, where they reported a membership of ninety-three

in Illinois. At this time the work in Illinois was divided. Des

Plains, Naperville,.Chicago, and other places, constituted a field

called Illinois Circuit, to which Isaac Hoffer and Daniel Kern

were appointed, while northwestern Illinois and Wisconsin were

formed into Illinois Mission, to which John Lutz was appointed.

He organized a class near Milwaukee. Hoffer and Kern

preached in private houses and shops in various parts of Chicago,

and organized a class there. During this year the Illinois work

was visited for the first time by a presiding elder, J. G. Zinzer,

with whose district the charges were connected.

 

In 1841 the name of Illinois Circuit was changed to Des

Plains Circuit, and assigned to Adam Stroh and Christian

Lintner. Isaac Hoffer was appointed to Illinois Mission.

Both charges prospered. A regular preaching place was secured

in the Chicago City Hall, corner Clark and Randolph Streets,

greatly to the advantage of the work. A successful revival fol-

lowed, and the class was greatly strengthened. The accessions

on the charge were upwards of 100, and the total membership at

the close of the year was 186.

 

In July, 1841, the first camp-meeting of the Association in

Illinois was held on the land of Jacob Esher, two miles south-

east of Wheeling, Cook county, and about twenty miles north-

west of Chicago. On Monday, July 12, Bishop Seybert arrived

among the friends, twelve miles north of Chicago. This was his

first visit and was unexpected, but an appointment was made for

 

 

162 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

him, and he preached the same evening from Luke xi. 28. On

July 15, the camp-meeting began. The preachers present, be-

sides the bishop, were Adam Stroh, Christian Lintner and

Isaac Hoffer. There were eighteen tents on the grounds,

mostly occupied by two or more families. Many had come

great distances, some on foot not less than seventy miles. The

meeting closed after a season of great grace and victory.

 

At the quarterly conference connected with the camp-meeting

a young brother named Christian Ebinger was received as a

preacher on probation, and was the first one admitted into the

ministry of our Church in Illinois.

 

From the camp-meeting Bishop Seybert proceeded to Naper-

ville, where he preached; thence about 125 miles to Illinois

Mission, where he arrived July 28, at Conrad Epply's, on Cedar

Creek; a few days later attended a quarterly meeting at J. Fal-

gkt's, then returned to Des Plains, and thence proceeded east-

ward. This visit -greatly impressed the bishop with the great

resources of the West and the bright prospects of the Evangelical

Association in that region.

 

In 1842 Mt. Carmel Mission, (partly in Indiana) was consti-

tuted and assigned to Christian Augen stein. Illinois Mission

was changed to Rock River Mission, with Levi Heiss and Daniel

Kern in charge, while Des Plains Circuit was served by Fred

Wahl and G. A. Blank. A camp-meeting was held on Mt.

Carmel Mission, on the land of P. Dundore. At the close of

this prosperous year the membership numbered upwards of 100.

 

In 1843 Illinois was constituted the fifth district of the Ohio

Conference, with appointments as follows: Saml. Baumgardner,

P. E.; (1) Des Plains Circuit, Ch. Kopp; (2) Rock River Circuit,

Levi Heiss and J. G. Miller; (3) Chicago Mission, (new)

Fred Wahl; (4) Milwaukee Mission, Wis., Mathias Hauert.

This was another very successful year. Presiding Elder Baum-

gardner moved with his- family to Des Plains in June, so that

he could serve the district to better advantage.

 

On Rock River Circuit Heiss met with great success. He

organized a class of thirty-three members at Peoria. At Free-

port also a beginning was made, C. J. Mease having moved

thither from Centre county, Pa., the previous year. On Mil-

waukee Mission a church edifice was commenced. At Naper-

ville a church was dedicated, which was the second of our society in

Illinois. This was followed by another in Chicago the same year.

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 163

 

In this city the Canal Company donated to the society a lot on

the corner of Washington and Wabash Avenues, on which a frame

edifice was erected. This was the first German Protestant church

in Chicago. In 1846 a parsonage was erected here, which was

the first of our society in Illinois.

 

Beginning of the Work in Indiana. Our work in In-

diana began October, 1835, when the first general meeting was

held at Abbington, in the southern part of Wayne county, at

which Rev. J. G. Zinzer was present. There were then, so far

as known, but three members of the Church in the State. In

1835 Henry Ehrhart removed from Pennsylvania to German-

town, Ind. John Dill, from the same State, lived in this vicinity.

In 1836 the second general meeting was held at the house of one

of these brethren, at which time there were twelve members in

the State. From this time Germantown was regularly served,

and became an Evangelical stronghold. The work in the begin-

ning was connected with Miami Circuit, of the Western Confer-

ence. It developed so rapidly that a separate charge was con-

stituted in a few years. Soon after the commencement of the

work at Germantown, appointments were also established at

Dubois and Mt. Carmel, in the southwestern portion of the State,

which were for many years Evangelical strongholds. In 1840

the Miami Circuit embraced appointments in fifteen counties, six

in Ohio and nine in Indiana, and this great field, requiring eight

weeks to complete a "round," was Served by two men.

 

In 1841 the work in Indiana was divided, the appointments

in the eastern part of the State constituting White Water Circuit,

and the central work of Wayne Mission. At the close of the year

the former numbered ninety-one members and the latter thirty-

two, with one class organized. In 1842 Mt. Carmel Mission

was established in southeastern Illinois, whose bounds extended

 

Biographical Notes. — John Dill was born in Berks county, Pa., Dec.

21, 1800, and removed to Indiana in 1822. He was one of the first members of

the Church in Indiana, and the first camp-meeting was held on his land. He

was one of the chief instruments in the erection of the first church. He was

industrious, economical, very liberal, and made handsome bequests to the vari-

ous interests of the Church. His death occurred Oct. 30, 1868.

     Henry Ehrhart was born in York county, Pa., and converted in 1828.

He removed to Germantown, Indiana, in 1835, where he became one of the first

members, and the first Evangelical class-leader in the State. He was a pillar in

the Church, and a true father in Israel. He died June.9, 1882, aged eighty-two

years, three months and sixteen days.

 

 

164 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

into Indiana. On Nov. 8 the missionaries began a meeting in

Dubois county, which resulted in some conversions and the in-

gathering of twenty-two members. The year following a camp-

meeting was held in this county. The work continued to nourish

especially in the vicinity of Huntingburgh, where a strong con-

gregation was established. Soon after this, that part of Mt.

Carmel Mission in Indiana was constituted Dubois Mission. In

1843 the fields of labor in Indiana, including Mt. Carmel Mis-

sion (partly in Illinois), were constituted a presiding elder

district. In 1844 the district embraced White Water, Elkhart,

Mt. Carmel, St. Mary's, and Dubois charges.

 

The first Evangelical camp-meeting in Indiana was held on

the land of John Dill, near Germantown, beginning August 31,

1840. On the last day of the meeting a great crowd of ill dis-

posed people came to make disturbance. They first engaged in

a mock battle with knives and clubs, some distance from the

camp, to draw the people away. Failing in this, they made an

attack upon the people in the inclosure, where many penitents

were at the altar engaged in prayer. A great disturbance fol-

lowed, and some were injured. The camp-meeting people did

not resort to violence to repel the attack, which gained for them

the praise and favor of all well disposed citizens. Camp-meet-

ings were held for many years thereafter at Dill's, and many

souls were saved there.

 

The first Evangelical church in the State was built at Ger-

mantown, and dedicated Jan. 1, 1844. The second was built at

Huntingburg, and dedicated Sept. 14, 1845. Another was dedi-

cated near Germantown, Oct. 31, 1847.

 

We have now, in a general way, noted the establishment and

development of the Evangelical Association during the first half

century of her existence. The reader will hardly fail to note the

many striking manifestations of Divine Providence as our early

preachers advanced the work, step by step, from its birthplace

in Pennsylvania to the distant West, and from thence spreading

in all directions. The story of the onward march of the Church

to the Gulf on the south, to the Pacific on the west, to Europe

and the Orient, will be found in a subsequent part of this work.

 

 

165

 

CHAPTER IX.

 

The Distinctive Features of the Evangelical

Association.

 

The Doctrines of the Evangelical Association, as set forth

in her book of Discipline, are preeminently orthodox. Her gen-

eral views on the subject of the Atonement and Christian Perfec-

tion are Wesleyan in expression, and in substantially the same

language as set forth by that eminent divine. The founders of

the Evangelical Association, however, while not indifferent to the

great importance of a system of clear and well denned Christian

doctrine, nevertheless gave more attention to the practical side

of religion. Evangelization was the watchword. The one great

and burning desire of our early evangelists was to bring sinners

to Christ. The moral condition of the people, with whom our

early preachers came in contact, demanded special emphasis of

the practical and experimental side of religion. This was the

standpoint and the mission of the founders of the Association,

and was maintained by their successors. The great success

which has ever attended her ministry in this direction is ample

proof that the Evangelical Association is a child of Providence.

Without this predominating aim — evangelization — which is a

true apostolic spirit, there would be no good reasons for her

existence.

 

The Episcopacy. The episcopal polity of the Association

is characteristic, and is the result of development and adaptation

to the requirements of her work. While in some respects her

polity is identical with some of her sister denominations, in others

it is widely divergent. This difference is perhaps nowhere so

noticeable as in her views on the episcopacy. It is sometimes

held that the Evangelical Association is nearly, if not altogether,

identical in faith and government with the Methodist Episcopal

 

 

166 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Church, from which she is erroneously held to have originated.

In respect to faith there is no essential difference, the difference

in polity, however, is very apparent by a comparison of the char-

acter and functions of the episcopacy. The episcopacy in the

Evangelical Association is not an order. The bishops are not

ordained, but elected to the office only, and their tenure of office

is not for life, but limited to four years, unless they are re-elected

by the General Conference. In the character of the episcopal

powers also the difference is very marked. The bishops of the

Evangelical Association do not, as in the Methodist Episcopal

Church, possess the power of fixing the times of the annual con-

ference sessions, changing or transferring preachers, appointing

presiding elders to their offices and districts, and the preachers

to their respective charges, changing and fixing the bounds of

presiding elder districts, and interpreting the laws of the Church

in the intervals of the General Conference. This great differ-

ence, as already indicated, was the result of mature deliberation,

covering many years. There was no bishop elected, in the proper

sense of the word, until 1839, yet prior to that time provisions

were made for that office, with a steady tendency to limit more

and more the powers already conferred. This long delay in

electing a bishop, extending from the death of Albright, in

1808, to the election of John Seybert, in 1839, undoubtedly had

its grounds in an apprehension that the office would be perverted

to the injury of the society.

 

Our forefathers had ample opportunity of knowing the danger

arising from vesting unrestricted authority in the hands of an

aristocratic prelacy. While the episcopacy of modern times is

more circumscribed in its powers, they nevertheless felt that the

best interests of the Church would be subserved by making the

office simply administrative. Hence it follows that if the day

should ever come, in the history of the Evangelical Association,

that a bishop should cause disquietude by the undue exercise of

authority, it may at once be considered a departure from the

original intent and spirit of the fathers. The following is cor-

roborative of this view:

 

The first historian of the Church says, in reference to the

action of the General Conference on the episcopacy, in 1839:

"This conference limited also very materially the power of the

bishops, especially with regard to the appointment of the

preachers, and their transfer from one place to another, during

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 167

 

the interval of the annual conferences. Heretofore a bishop was

authorized, with the assistance of two presiding elders, to assign

at the annual conferences both to the presiding elders their dis-

tricts, and to the preachers their circuits, and in the interval of

the annual conferences to transfer both the presiding elders and

preachers, according to his option. Attempts have since been

made to restore this power to the bishops,* especially with regard

to the transfer of preachers from one conference to another, but

not being supported by a constitutional majority (three-fourths)

of the General Conference, it proved a failure. As, however,

the connection had no bishop from the publication of its Doc-

trines and Discipline up to this time, this power vested in the

bishop was never exercised by an incumbent. But as this con-

ference elected a bishop, it was therefore considered expedient

to circumscribe his power." (Orwig, page 259.)

 

This same author, who himself filled the episcopal office, fur-

ther says: "The episcopal dignity in the Ev. Association, how-

ever, is scarcely enviable, and indeed is only nominal. * * *

Of his power in the society, no one need be afraid, as it is in

many respects far more limited than that of several other officers

of the Church. The same is the case with his privileges. At the

conference he has to act as Chairman, without expressing, or

even intimating, his views on any subject, unless he is requested

to do so. Neither has he a right to vote, except when there is a

tie." (Page 373-74.)

 

Similar sentiments, emanating from the fathers of the Church,

might be adduced, but we deem the foregoing sufficient. Our

first bishops rarely spoke of themselves in relation to the dignity

and power supposed to inhere in that office, but preferred to re-

gard themselves rather as superintendents, a term which they

frequently employ in their official communications.

 

* Note. — At the session of the Pittsburg Conference in 1855, the matter of

increasing the power of the bishops came before that body, with the view of

introducing it for action at the coming General Conference. Bishop Long, who

was in the chair, said to the conference prior to calling the vote, "You must

remember, first of all, that when you vote power to men, they will use it. This

may do, as long as you have Bishop Seybf.rt and myself in office, but you will

get men who will use all the powers you give them, and not always for the best

interests of the Church." At another time, in reference to the episcopacy, this

same bishop said, "As long as we are all brethren, I will' go along, but as soon

as you make lords and servants, then I cannot go with you, for you miy then

look out for trouble." Prophetic words!

 

 

168 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Book of Discipline. We deem it desirable to give a brief

account of the origin and development of the book of Discipline

in order to show more clearly the development of the polity of

the Church. Some of the changes noted here, with others not

indicated, may be found in the General Conference transactions.

 

Jacob Albright, the founder of the Association, was author-

ized at the first annual conference, held in 1807, to formulate

articles of faith and rules of government for the" use of the society.

The undertaking, however, was cut short by his death. The

conference of 1809 entrusted the work to Rev. George Miller,

who at once proceeded to perform this duty. He published the

work the same year, at his own expense. It contained seventy-

five pages, and was printed at Reading, Pa., by John Ritter.

The following is a translation of the title page:

 

"Doctrines of Faith, and General Rules of Christian Church

Discipline, and regulations for the so-called Albright people,

as an exposition of the nature and purpose of their union with

God, and among themselves, by God's grace, to work out their

salvation, and to live and walk in unity of faith and implicit

obedience to such rules, according to the Word of God. On the

advice of the elders of this Evangelical society and the endorse-

ment of the conference, furnished by George Miller, Reading;

printed by John Ritter & Co., for the Author, 1809."

 

A considerable portion of this work was taken from the Ger-

man edition of the Methodist Episcopal Discipline. While the

little book gave directions how to proceed with a transgressing

bishop, it contained nothing pertaining to his election, or term

of office. The book, however, did a vast amount of good in the,

society. Miller afterwards drew up rules and regulations for.

the annual conference, and in 1812 he was authorized to formu-

late a plan of episcopal government, and incorporate the whole

in a revised edition of the Discipline. His health was very pre-

carious, and he did not live to complete the work.

 

At the conference of 1816 John Dreisbach and Henry

Niebel were authorized to collect the materials and properly

arrange them, and supply what might be wanting. This second

edition of the Discipline was published at New Berlin, Pa., in

1817. It contained provisions for the election of a bishop from

among the presiding elders. The term was limited to four years,

and re-election not restricted. It also contained a formula for

ordaining the bishop. The General Conference of 1830 made

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 169

 

radical changes in the Discipline, of which a third edition ap-

peared in 1831. It contained 135 pages, ten less than the pre-

vious edition, but was a vast improvement. The articles of

Faith and the articles on Christian Perfection and on Temper-

ance were amplified, and improved in expression. The General

Rules were abridged and improved. The annual conference was

thereafter to be composed of itinerants only — local preachers

also having previously been members. The ordination formula

for the bishop was dropped; his power to station the preachers,

except with the assistance of two presiding elders, was annulled,

and his tenure of office limited to two terms of four years each.

John Seybert and Thomas Buck were authorized to effect the

changes, and John Dreisbach and Henry Niebel to inspect the

book before its publication.

 

The General Conference of 1839 also made material changes

and additions. For the changes in the episcopacy the reader is

referred to the article on the Episcopacy. This conference de-

fined and limited the scope and power of the General Conference,

for which no provisions had hitherto been made. Orwig says:

"Together with these changes of the Discipline, some more were

made, and a number of new clauses and rules introduced, espe-

cially in the chapter of Temporal Economy. Of these new laws

and rules, the following are the most important: 'Of selling and

using spirituous liquors,' 'of slavery,' the above mentioned con-

stitution or rules touching the powers of the General Conference,

and the section 'of the support of missions.'" (Orwig, page

260.)

 

Other great changes were made, from time to time, but we

deem the foregoing sufficient for the purpose of showing the gen-

eral character and development of the Discipline, which is the

Constitution of the Evangelical Association.

 

Proposed Union With Other Churches. The Evangel-

ical Association has existed for a period of almost 100 years; and

in that time has developed features and peculiarities which are

sufficient to indicate her distinctive character as a religious de-

nomination. In the earlier part of her history, it was thought by

many, that the Association would eventually be absorbed by one

of the stronger Methodistic bodies, or a union would be formed

with one of the weaker ones. Instead of this, the great Head

of the Church, has opened new channels of usefulness for the

Association, and very materially strengthened the elements of

 

 

170 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

perpetuity. As a matter of historical interest we will note a few

of the movements looking toward a union of the Association with

other denominations.

 

On August 2, 1810, John Dreisbach met Bishop Asbury and

Rev. Henry Boehh, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, near

Halifax, Pa. The meeting was on the public road, and acci-

dental. After conversing on minor topics, the subject of a union

with the Methodist Episcopal Church came under consideration.

The character of the conversation may be inferred from the fol-

lowing account from Orwig's history, as given by John Dreis-

bach himself:

 

"The bishop made me a very liberal and respectable offer,

on certain conditions, to unite with his Church. I was to with-

draw from the Evangelical Association, and go with them to Bal-

timore to attend their conference, there to join them, and to

travel, a year with Jacob Gruber, who was then presiding elder,

for the purpose of better acquainting myself with the English

language, wherein Brother G. might be very useful to me, that

I might then be able to preach according to circumstances, both

in English and in German; and I was to receive my salary as if

I had traveled on a circuit, etc. Moreover, the bishop remarked

that, by being able to preach in both languages, I could make

myself so much more useful, and that among them there would

be less dangsr of my becoming self-conceited and falling away,

than in my present position. But, however enticing the offer

and truthful the statement of the bishop was, yet I could not de-

termine in my mind to take such a treacherous step toward the

Evangelical Association.

 

"I, therefore, told the bishop that we considered ourselves

called of God to labor principally among the German population,

and that thus far our labors had not been in vain. To this he

replied, that the German language could not exist much longer

in this country. I rejoined that if this should ever be the case,

it would then be time enough to discontinue preaching in Ger-

man, and gave it as my opinion that this would not very soon

occur, but that the German language would rather increase, at

least as long as the immigration from the Old World would con-

tinue. I then gave him my views, in which I expected my breth-

ren to concur, and made him the following offer: 'If you will

give us German circuits, districts, and conferences, we are wil-

ling to make your Church ours, be one people with you, and

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 171

 

have one and the same Church government.'  'This cannot be —

it would not be expedient,' was the bishop's reply." (Page 57.)

 

The prospect of a union with that denomination was more or

less agitated, until 1871, when delegates from the Methodist

Episcopal Church appeared before the General Conference of

the Evangelical Association, with overtures, and the question

was then finally settled in the negative.

 

The prospects of a union with the United Brethren in Christ

were more promising, and seemed almost certain of consumation.

To this end Bishop Christian Newcomer, of that denomination,

labored hard, as the following extracts from his journal will

show:*

 

"April 21, (1813) — Reached Martin Dreisbach's. The

Albright brethren had their conference here; eighteen preach-

ers were assembled. I tarried with them till the 24th. During

my stay we discussed the propriety and practicability of a union

between the two societies. I laid the Discipline of the United

Brethren before them for examination. They made no objec-

tions thereto, on the contrary appeared to approve the same.

They delivered to me a written communication on the subject

addressed to the conference of the United Brethren; so I de-

parted.

 

"Nov. 9, (1813) — This forenoon we had a meeting at Chas.

Stroub's. Rode to Chas. Walter's, on Middle Creek; preached,

etc. 10th — This forenoon preached at Mr. Mack's, near New

Berlin, from Psalm xxxiv., last four verses. 11 2th — The purpose

of our journey to this place was to try whether a union could not

be effected between the United Brethren in Christ, and the peo-

ple denominated the Albright brethren. This forenoon the

following brethren were present: Ch. Crum, Joseph Hoffman,

Jacob Baulus, and myself, of our society, and Miller, Walter,

Dreisbach, and Niebel, of the Albright brethren. Our con-

sultation continued until the 13th, but we were not able to effect

a union. The greatest stumbling block appeared to be this, that

according to our Discipline our local preachers have a vote in

the conference, as well as the traveling preachers. This was a

 

* Remarks in parenthesis by the Author.

 

Note. — Straub's and Walter's were Evangelical preaching places, in

(now) Snyder county. Mack lived in Dry Valley, Union county, Pa. It is

evident this was a committe meeting of representatives of both societies; of which

there has been no record in our Church histories thereto.

 

 

172 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

sine qua non, which the Albright brethren could or would not

accede to.

 

."April 1, (1814) — I attended a meeting of the Albright

brethren, near Conewago, and returned to Naylor's. Sunday,-

2d — In York. 3d — I rode with Brother Henry Smith to Jacob

KlineCeltbr's. The Albright brethren had their conference

here. AboUt fourteen or fifteen preachers were assembled. I

made another attempt to effect a union between the two societies,

but in vain.*

 

"April 15, (1814)— Rode to Michael Maize's, in Union

county (near New Berlin). 16th — This morning I rode to

Martin Dreisbach's (in Buffalo Valley, near New Berlin),where

I preached with great liberty. 17th — I preached at George

Miller's, from II. Peter ii. 5-8. (Rev. George Miller, two

miles east of New Berlin.) 18th — Remained here and had a

long conversation with Miller and Niebel respecting the union

of our respective societies, but all in vain. We could not bring

matters to bear. 19th — This morning I left them and came to

Frey's (Abraham Frey). He rode with me to Charles Straub's,

where I preached, from Rom. viii. 17.**

 

"Oct. 11, (1816) — I preached at old Mr. Eyer's. (Father

Abraham Ever, six miles east of New Berlin.) 12th — Came

to Martin Dreisbach's (in Buffalo Valley, five miles north of

New Berlin). 13th — This day we had a meeting here, forenoon

and night, 14th — This day the conference of the Albright

brethren commenced at this place. I attended the session, and

stayed for the night at Wormley's.

 

"Feb. 14, (1817) — Twelve preachers, six of the United Breth-

ren, and six of the Albright brethren met this day at Henry

Kummler's to make another attempt to unite the two societies,

but we could not succeed in coming to an agreement."

 

This was the famous "Social Conference," an account of

which appears elsewhere in this work, and was the last attempt

at union with the United Brethren. These extracts from the

 

* The places mentioned in this entry were in York county, Pa.

** The foregoing were all regular Evangelical preaching places, and men-

tioned in this work.

 

Note. — This was the first General Conference of the Evangelical Associa-

tion, which see. Bishop Newcomer and his colleagues again appeared before

this conference to work for an organic union, and succeeded in having a com-

mittee appointed to arrange the terms. See General Conference of 1816.

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 173

 

bishop's journal not only show his own interest in the matter,

but also disclose the fact that the subject of union was discussed

at the conference of 1813. The reader's attention is also called

to the very close connection between the "converted people,"

as they were called, as evinced by these extracts. The places at

which Bishop Newcomer preached were all old "Albright"

preaching places. Bishop Newcomer entered the ministry long

before Jacob Albright, the founder of the Evangelical Associa-

tion, and his journal reveals the fact that they were intimate

friends, and sometimes held meetings together. There was, how-

ever, an evident difference in the development of the societies

they represented, which, in the opinion of Albright and his col-

leagues, was inimical to a union. The following extract will

indicate the character of one of these differences:

 

"The lack of denominational spirit also worked to the serious

injury of the Church, even down to a period as late as 1830.

The brethren, as already seen, were converts to Christ, gathered

from the various German Churches, — all of whom were of the

straightest sect, — against the intolerant spirit which they had

been accustomed. The reaction of those converts, when they

found themselves to be all one in Christ by virtue of the new

birth, was so powerful as to push many of them in an opposite

direction."*

 

We have already shown, in the first part of this work, that

Albright did not approve of the continued severance of the

"converted people" from ecclesiastical connections. Hence he

organized his followers, when less than two score in number.

He believed that God had a hand in this movement, and deemed

it best to follow the leadings of Providence in the future, as he

had experienced them in the past. This feeling was shared by

his colleagues, as plainly shown in the reply of Dreisbach to the

overtures of Bishop Asbury.

 

On this line the Evangelical Association continued to develop

from year to year. The Lord Jesus gradually opened new and

more extensive avenues of usefulness, which she entered in His

name. In view of the many attempts to effect a union with other

connections, and attendant failures, and the deeply rooted con-

viction of tne ministry of the Evangelical Association that Prov-

idence raised her up to perform a special work, it is not probable

 

* Lawrence's History of the United Brethren Church, Vol. II., page 34.

 

 

174 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

that she will cease to exist as a religious body in the near future.

The Guiding Hand is continually leading her into wider fields,

all covered with a ripening harvest of souls, into which she enters

to fulfil her divine mission.

 

The Language Question. We have already noticed, in

the first chapter of this work, that the Evangelical Association

had her origin among the Germans of Pennsylvania. These con-

ditions strongly impressed her early ministry with a sense of their

providential call to labor among the Germans, and this view of

their mission exercised a controlling influence in many important

events of the early history of the Association. One of the rea-

sons why little attention was paid to the English element, was

the fact that the Methodist Episcopal Church, which held essen-

tially the same doctrines, and pursued the same evangelistic

methods, was supposed to fully occupy that field.

 

It will be observed that in the interview recorded between

Bishop Asbury, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and John

Dreisbach, of the Evangelical Association, the latter agreed

on behalf of the Association to an organic union with the former

on condition that they be permitted to carry out thier project in

relation to the Germans. The bishop's non-approval of the pro-

posal is one of the reasons for the separate existence of the Evan-

gelical Association. In his proposal to the bishop, Dreisbach

simply reflected the general conviction of the Evangelical minis-

try in regard to their mission among the Pennsylvania Germans.

 

Towards the close of the first quarter of the century, circum-

stances made it absolutely necessary for the preachers who were

able to do so, to use the English language to some extent, be-

cause that was the language of the land, and where the societies

were small, and the Germans were scattered, it became a ques-

tion of preaching English or suffering extinction, which in many

instances happened by absorption into a sister Church.

 

The Evangelical preachers too often allowed their German

predilections to prevail over their manifest denominational inter-

ests, and hence many calls from English quarters were unheeded

and many open doors in the interior towns and cities of the State

were passed by. In some localities, where societies were formed,

the work was suffered to die, instead of resorting to a change of

language, and English missions were established in the same

places many years afterwards. Thus the Evangelical Associa-

tion has often been regarded as an intruder upon fields of which.

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 175

 

she was the original occupant. Whatever our views may be con-

cerning the convictions of our early preachers in respect to the

Germans, their short-sighted policy in abandoning fields, rather

than change the language of worship, is to be deeply deplored.

Notwithstanding the indifference of the Church to the English

element, a number of societies were established where English

predominated. In 1823 there were such societies in Virginia,

Maryland, the Cumberland Valley, and elsewhere in Pennsyl-

vania.

 

History of John Hamilton. In this connection we give

a brief account of the first English preacher of the Association,

in his relation with the subject now under consideration, as his

career had a far-reaching influence on the polity of the Church.

His course subsequent to his expulsion is given simply as a mat-

ter of interest.

 

In 1825 John Hamilton, a young man of remarkably fine

abilities, entered the active ranks of the ministry. Although ex-

clusively English, he nevertheless grew rapidly in favor and was

soon regarded as one of the most eloquent men of the Church.

He became very popular in the Cumberland Valley and Virginia,

and it seemed as though the right man had came at last to lead

the way through the transition period. But the time was not yet

ripe. The Church must first learn a lesson from sad experience.

In many portions of the Church the transition of language had

already begun, and Hamilton was justly regarded as the leader

of the English element. In 1830 he became somewhat radical

in his views regarding the faith and polity of the Church, and

published the same in a pamphlet. That he represented the

spirit of transition from the old to the new in many particulars,

the leading men of the Church at that time failed to see, and it

is to be regretted that he was not met by his brethren in the spirit

of forbearance, In 1831 he was expelled from the society, but

had the sympathy of most of the younger and progressive portion

of the ministry.

 

After this summary treatment, it was quite natural for Ham-

ilton to become more radical than ever, and once cut loose from

his ecclesiastical moorings, he soon drifted far away. His avowed

purpose, while still connected with the society, was to bring her

back again to the fundamental principles established by Albright,

from which he held she had departed. His chief following was

in Virginia, where he set about establishing an independent

 

 

176 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

society. He at first met with some success, and a number of the

ministers and many of the members in Virginia adhered to him.

In 1833 he and a number of his adherents held a conference,

when the following articles were adopted:*

 

"We, the subscribers, ministers of the Gospel, have met on

Sept. 28, 1833, and adopted the following resolutions:

 

"1. This society shall be called the Christian Church, and

never by any other name.

 

"2. Jesus Christ shall be the only Head.

 

"3. Believers in Him, together with infants, the only members.

 

"4. The New Testament the only rule of faith and practice.

 

"5. In mental matters each member shall enjoy his own senti-

ments, and freely discuss every subject, but in discipline a strict

conformity with the precepts of Christ is required.

 

"6. Every society, wherever they associate themselves to-

gether under the present rule, shall have the power of admitting

members, electing officers, etc.

 

"7. Delegates from the different congregations shall meet

annualy to consult the general interests.

 

"8. At every monthly meeting a collection shall be lifted for

the poor and the promulgation of the Gospel.

 

"(Signed) John Hamilton,

 

Robert G. Hunter,

James H. Brewer,**

John Dawson,

Henry Dawson"

 

At this conference they also adopted twelve reasons why they

could not consistently attach themselves to any of the "sects"

then in existence. In the Fall of 1834 Hamilton and his fol-

lowers held a camp-meeting in Cedar Valley, Va., which was

well attended, but great disturbances took place, which were dis-

astrous to the meeting. J. H. Brewer died soon after this, which

was a great blow to Hamilton's cause. The work gradually

declined, and Hamilton subsequently united with the Lutheran

Church.

 

Notwithstanding the failure of Hamilton's movement, the

 

* W. W. Orwig is in error when he says (History of the Evangelical Asso-

ciation, page 157) that none of Hamilton's adherents came to the appointed

conference.

** This was "J. Breur," the first preacher of the Evangelical Association,

in Virginia.

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 177

 

work of the Evangelical Association sustained great injury, chiefly

because of the repressive measures employed against the English

element. Although it was evident that the English language

would eventually supplant the German, and the transition was

well under way in western Pennsylvania and Virginia, the Gen-

eral Conference of 1830 adopted a course most subversive to the

interests of the Church. We will let W. W. Ohwig, who was a

contemporary, speak of these critical times:

 

"Some years before this conference (1830) several men had

been received into the itinerant ministry who preached exclusively

in English, and hence could travel only on a few circuits, the

others, being nearly all German, and as fears were entertained

that the English language might prevail, this conference ordered

that the itinerant ministry in general, confine their labors to the

German portion of the population, and that no more preachers

be received into that body, who had not at least some knowledge

of the German language. This resolution vexed and discour-

aged the English brethren a great deal, and its consequences was,

that the English work suffered and languished till finally it died

out almost entirely. Thus many parts of the country were, and

remained closed against the Association, as by far the most

States of the Union were almost exclusively, and the few remain-

ing for the most part English.

 

"Herein the Evangelical Association fared like most of the

German Churches of this country; i.e., it learned a lesson by

sad experience. In many parts they lost a considerable number

of useful members, and even many of their own sons and daugh-

ters, besides a great many others, for this reason, joined other

denominations, who would otherwise have preferred to remain

in the Evangelical Association. These are facts which no one

can truthfully deny, and which were afterwards deplored by

many of the preachers and members." (Page 153.)

 

At the General Conference of 1843 the whole subject was

under discussion for several days, and that body found it expe-

dient not only to reverse its former action, but also took steps to

encourage and foster the English element in the Church. This

had a very beneficial effect, and the work in central and western

Pennsylvania took a new start and progressed rapidly.

 

While the author would not uphold the course of Hamilton

after his expulsion, yet a careful consideration of all the circum-

stances in the ease, gathered from his contemporaries, both of

 

 

178 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

the ministry and the laity, inclines to the belief, that the course

adopted toward him was harsh, and his expulsion unwise. The

testimony of those best acquainted with him should have great

weight in this matter. In 1827 Rev. Francis Hoffman, who for

over sixty years has been a pillar in the Church, traveled Frank-

lin and Berkley Circuits with Hamilton, as junior preacher, and

in 1831 he was sent to Berkley Circuit (Virginia) immediately

after Hamilton's expulsion, to save if possible the interests of

the Church in the very stronghold of Hamilton. In several in-

terviews with Hoffman on the subject, he did not hesitate to say

that Hamilton was a most excellent man. His life was above

reproach, and had the brethren laid aside their prejudices against

him, dealt less harshly with him, he would have been saved to

the ChuTch. In 1832 J. M. Saylor was sent to the field of

Hamilton's operations in Virginia. He was a classmate and

intimate friend of Hamilton. His testimony was exactly simi-

lar to that of Hoffman, with this addition, that Hamilton was

a progressive man, and while holding to the simplicity of the

faith as promulgated by Albright, he was nevertheless opposed

to some of the methods, and the spirit of exclusiveness prevail-

ing in the society. Had the German brethren understood him,

and recognized the fact that he represented the spirit of transi-

tion, which the times demanded, and all could foresee must

come, and had he been met in the spirit of forbearance, a great

calamity would have been averted, and the development of the

Church would have been along lines to which the leaders of the

Church were glad to bring her in after years.

 

It is a circumstance far-reaching in its relations to the subse-

quent history of the Church, that while John Dreisbach and

most of his Pennsylvania German associates, on the one hand,

accepted the situation, that the occasion for laboring in their

original sphere in relation to language had passed away by change

of conditions and circumstances. The European element, on

the other hand, failed to harmonize with the lines of action of

their American brethren, and thus was laid the foundation for

racial prejudices and distinctiveness which had its influence in

shaping the polity and legislation of the Church in a manner not

always consistent with her original spirit and her prosperity and

unity.

 

In corroboration of this statement, we may here say that John

Dreisbach, who had been one of the strongest advocates of the

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 179

 

distinctive mission of the Evangelical Association among the

Germans, himself led the way for the widening of her sphere of

operations, by earnestly championing a change of policy at the

Greensburgh General Conference, in 1843. At that memorable

conference the Pennsylvania delegates (themselves Germans)

stood unitedly for a complete change of polity in relation to lan-

guage, and found in Dreisbach (a co-laborer of the founder of

the Association) a powerful support. In later years he was quite

pronounced in his declarations that all occasion for the. special

work among the Germans had passed away. He himself says

(Evangelical Messenger, 1855, page 60): "Now it must be clear

to every candid mind, as we judge, that we were directed by Di-

vine Providence to labor also among our English population;

although in the commencement, we considered ourselves called

of God to labor only for the good of our German inhabitants.

Hence we acknowledge that we did not at first comprehend the

full extent of our calling, as it has from time to time been dis-

closed to us by the Divine guidance."

 

Notwithstanding this change of attitude in respect to her

sphere of influence by the original representatives of the Church,

certain influences were brought to bear upon her polity by men

of European birth, which have had a steady tendency to impress

certain phases of Church life upon her, not at all in harmony

with her true aims and original character. Let no German rashly

conclude that we have an undue bias against the German char-

acter. We must be true to the logic of history, and in doing so

we must deal with facts and circumstances as we find them. The

long array of controversial articles and editorials in the Church

periodicals, along these lines, during the last three decades,

abundantly show that a foreign born Church life is already too

strongly prevalent in many quarters. The true Evangelical As-

sociation makes no racial distinctions, and any influence which

nurtures and fosters racial interests and prejudices, to the detri-

ment of others, is wholly foreign to the true spirit of the Church.

That the Church has good reasons for guarding well her interests

in these particulars is becoming more and more apparent.

 

The Ministry of the Evangelical Association. The

Evangelical Association has suffered in some measure in the

estimation of many, because, as is held, her ministry is not in the

line of "apostolic succession," and lacks the scholastic training

given the ministry of the older denominations. By apostolic

 

 

180 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

succession we are to understand the succession of ordination

from the apostles, through the representatives of the Church;

down to the present time. It may be remarked that the advo-

cates of apostolic succession, so-called, as the only valid ordina-

tion, must assume a heavy responsibility, and are confronted by

insuperable difficulties in establishing an unbroken succession.

So great are these difficulties that many of the greatest scholars

of modern times regard the doctrine of an unbroken succession

as a myth. Even John Wesley, whose claims to be in that line

were of the best, himself declared: "The uninterrupted succes-

sion I know to be a fable, which no maD ever did, or can

prove" (i). It may be casually remarked that Wesley was in

good company among Churchmen in his denunciation of the

"fable" of the succession. The learned Chillingworth said:

"I am fully pursuaded that there hath been no such succession."

While Bishop Stillingfleet, one of the best Biblical authorities

of modern times, declares: "This succession is as muddy as the

Tiber itself" (2). A certain writer has said:

 

"There is a consecration not of man,

Nor given by laid-on hands, nor acted rite."

 

The Evangelical Association recognizes this fact, as without this

Divine separation and anointing for the ministerial office, all

human rites would be insufficient, even though supported by the

strongest claims of direct transmission from apostolic times.

 

The Evangelical Association, as a branch of the Christiar

Church, is, therefore, content with an ordination which comes

through the laying on of the hands of the elders of the Church,

whose lives are known and open to the eye of the world, and who

themselves are persuaded in their hearts, that the candidate for

orders is called of God to preach the Gospel. It may also be

added, that the ministry of the Evangelical Association has given

abundant proof of its regularity in the Church of Christ, as it has

met with uniform success. Many thousand souls have been saved

through its instrumentality, and its power for good has been felt

in a marked degree on three continents of the earth.

 

While it is true that most of the ministers of the Evangelical

Association lack the advantages of a scholastic training, they are

nevertheless, as a class, close students in almost every depart-

ment of knowledge that may be made contributary to their work.

 

(1) McClintock & Strong Encyclopaedia. Article, "Wesley," page 170.

 

(2) Ibid, Vol. II, page 234.

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 181

 

In relation to true Bible knowledge, and the interpretation and

application of Divine Truth to the salvation of souls and the

edification of the Church, they will compare favorably with those

of any Christian denomination. The Church has never been

opposed to an educated ministry, but has always opposed a

scholastic training as a substitute for the special and spiritual

gifts of God which alone can enable the ministry to render ac-

ceptable service in the vineyard of the Lord.

 

Hardships and Self-Denial. The early ministers of the

Evangelical Association were impelled in their work by a true

apostolic spirit. Aroused to a deep sense of the moral depravity

of the age and the formal worship of the established Churches,

their hearts were set on fire with a burning zeal for perishing

souls. The doctrine of experimental religion being entirely new

in many places, the preachers met great opposition there. They

were decried as "heretics," "false prophets" and "deceivers."

The clergy of the old Churches denounced them from their pul-

pits, and warned their members against them. Those who re-

ceived them, or sympathized with them, were persecuted by their

fellow Church members, friends and neighbors. Their names

were cast out as vile, and all manner of abuse was heaped upon

them. Their work called for sacrifices and self-denial unsur-

passed in the history of the Christian Church. In many instances

their income from their work was far less than their actual out-

lay, and many itinerants, after several years of service, found

themselves impoverished. In many instances, while the husband

was engaged in the ministry, his family supported themselves as

best they could. For many years all the money received by the

ministers for support, was added together at the end of the year

and equally divided. In 1811 the amount each man received

was only $29.33. In the first quarter of the century the average

salary seldom exceeded $50. In 1818 the support fell far below

the actual needs of the preachers, and the conference was obliged

to give each preacher a petition addressed to the members, to

satisfy their needs.

 

Note. — As illustrating the spirit of self-sacrifice of our early ministry, we

insert the following from Rev. Francis Hoffman, Sept. 25, 1891: "In the

early part of my ministry, my income was much less than my expenses, and I

several times wanted to stop, but my wife would not consent, so I was compelled

to sell my property, consisting of two houses, to support myself in the ministry.

My salary from 1826 to 1840, a period of fourteen years, amounted to $627.77,

an average of $40.29 a year."

 

 

182 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Higher Education Desired. At the General Conference

held at Greensburgh, Ohio, in 1843, the first action -was taken

in favor of higher education. No definite action, however, was

taken toward the establishment of an institution of learning, but

a committee was appointed, consisting of Bishops Seybert and

Long, and J. C. Reisner, W. W. Orwig and Adam Ettinger,

who were instructed to devise a plan, or course of study, for the

ministry of the Church. This plan was published in the Christ-

liche BotschafUr, March 1, 1844, over the signature of the com-

mittee. It consisted of a four years' course, and also contained

directions for the proper improvement of time, and preservation

of health, closing with an exhortation to seek the unction of the

Spirit; as the only means of successfully applying the literary

qualifications gained. An English adaptation of this course was

published in the Messenger, Nov. 24, 1852. Since then the

course of study has been extended and improved from time to

time. A very animated discussion was begun in the Christliche

Botschafter in 1846, and continued several years, on the subject

of an educated ministry. It began with an article published in

1845, from the pen of John Dreisbach, entitled, "Teachers and

Preachers Should Not be Ignorant." The discussion of the sub-

ject in all its aspects embraced over a score of articles from

various pens, its general trend being that a converted ministry is

indispensible to the work of the Lord, but a converted, educated

ministry is very desirable, and more efficient in general, and de-

manded by the times and the enlightened condition of the masses.

The discussion was fraught with good results which soon became

apparent. In 1847 the West Pennsylvania Conference perfected

the first Educational Society of the Church and published the

constitution, and at the General Conference which met at New

Berlin in the same year, John Dreisbach offered the first resolu-

tion for the establishment of an institution of learning, which

took tangible form a few years later.

 

When Jacob Albright was assembled with his little band of

co-workers for the last time on earth, he gave them this parting

advice: "In all you do, or intend to do, let it be your aim to

promote the honor and glory of God, and to promulgate and

exalt the operations of His grace, both in your own hearts and

among your brethren and sisters, and be faithful co-workers with

them in the path which the Lord has shown you, and to which

He will grant you His blessing."

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 183

 

Prayer and Call for Laborers. When the West Pa.

Conference was constituted jn 1839, a disproportionate number

of the ministers chose to remain with the East Pa. Conference,

while a number united with the Ohio Conference. When the

first session of the West Pa. Conference was held in 1840, the

number of its ministers was still further reduced, which greatly

crippled the work. Charges which hitherto had been served by

two and three men were now supplied with but one. The general

condition of affairs was so serious that the conference appointed

the following Fourth of July as a day of fasting and prayer, that

God would refresh His work in the conference and provide

laborers for His vineyard. The preachers were enjoined to

preach special sermons bearing on the subject, the services to be

held at nine o'clock in the morning, and where no preachers were

at hand, prayer-meetings were to be held.

 

A committee, consisting of George Brickley, Charles

Hammer and W. W. Orwig, was appointed by the conference to

prepare and publish a pastoral letter bearing on the condition of

the work. The letter appeared in the Botschafter of May 15,

1840, filling nearly five columns of the paper, and was a most

excellent production. It was divided into eight paragraphs, as

follows: (1) A general review of the Lord's work in the con-

ference. Reasons for encouragement and our duty to thank and

praise Him for His mercies. (2) Scarcity of active preachers

and the situation generally. (3) The responsibility of the con-

ference in this matter. (4) Appeal to local preachers for greater

zeal and more earnest co-operation with the circuit preachers.

(5) Appeal to class-leaders and exhorters for greater diligence

in their office. (6) Appeal to the laity to give the preachers a

more liberal support. (7) Appeal to all for a deeper concern

for the welfare and prosperity of the work of the Lord. (8)

Reminder of the day appointed for prayer and fasting, and exhor-

tation to earnest observance of the same.

 

The effect of these measures was most salutary. Great pros-

perity and general success attended the labors of the ministers.

No other conference made such rapid progress. Plenty of

devoted and gifted men offered themselves for the ministry.

Since then scores of men have left the conference to enter the

work in the West, and yet her ranks are always full, and all this

in answer to prayer. (See Matt. ix. 37, 38.)

 

 

184 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Dwellings for Preachers. Resolutions to provide suita-

ble dwellings for ministers were passed many years before actual

steps were taken to carry them into effect. The first action

taken was in 1812, when the conference resolved that efforts

should be made to purchase lots and erect houses for the use

Of itinerants on Schuylkill and Northumberland Circuits. The

trustees of said circuits were instructed to apply bequests for

that purpose in equal proportions to said charges. This resolu-

tion was never carried into effect. In 1832 the eastern conference

instructed the trustees of the printing house at New Berlin to

convert that building into a parsonage, at the expense of the

circuit, while it still remained the property of the conference.

In 1838 the same conference resolved: "That upon each charge

a parsonage shall be erected, if practicable, and that the quarterly

conference elect three men as trustees, who shall, by the advice

of the presiding elder and preacher-in-charge, select a suitable

locality on the circuit for the erection or purchase of such a

house."

 

In the early days the preachers did not remove their families

to the charges to which they were appointed. In course of time,

when two-year pastorates became more frequent, they began to

move from charge to charge, as they were appointed. In 1833

Francis Hoffman removed his family from Orwigsburg to

Mifflinburg, Pa. This was the first removal of a preacher's

family to a charge of which we have certain knowledge. J. M.

Savlor also was one of the first to remove his family from charge

to charge.

 

The General Meeting, so-called, was the forerunner of

the quarterly meeting as now in vogue among us, and was a very

important factor in the development and establishment of the

Church. In the early days it was customary for all the preachers

to attend the meeting, and the members came from all directions,

sometimes from thirty to forty miles on foot,* and some are

known to have traveled a hundred miles to attend them. The

appointment of time and place was altogether dependent upon

circumstances. The brother agreeing to "take" the meeting

 

* The sainted wife of Rev. Francis Hoffman related to the author that in

1824 she walked from Orwigsburg, Pa., to attend a general meeting at Daniel

Bertolett's, at Friedensburg, a distance of twenty-five miles; at another time

she walked to Turkey Hill, Lancaster county, near forty miles. She was accom-

panied by six other single ladies.

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 186

 

was expected to shelter and feed all who came, unless, as was

sometimes the case, other friendly doors in the neighborhood

were opened to receive them. The meeting was held in the

house, if sufficiently large, but the barn floor was also much

used, and in Summer time the yard or orchard. The meeting

usually began on Saturday afternoon and closed on Sunday even-

ing, and consisted of preaching, testimony, praise and revival

services. The brethren always sought to take their unconverted

friends to these meetings, where they were almost sure to be

converted.

 

The first general meeting was held by Albright, on the day

of Pentecost, 1802, at the house of Samuel Leeser, near Boyer-

town, Pa.; the second immediately after harvest of the same

year, at the home of John Thomas, Sr., Decatur township, Mif-

flin county, near the present town of Wagoner; the third at

Jacob Phillip's, in Northampton county, about a month later;

the fourth on Easter day, 1803, at Solomon Miller's, Brunswick

township, Schuylkill county. The meetings usually resulted in

great awakenings and many conversions, of which there are many

remarkable instances recorded in this volume. In addition to

the religious exercises, it seems that considerable business was

transacted relative to the affairs of the society, as the following

instances will show: In 1808 there was no annual conference

held, but in lieu thereof the business pertaining to it was trans-

acted at a general meeting, held at the house of John Brobst,

in Albany township, Berks county, on Easter day, at which time

Albright stationed his preachers for the last time. In 1809 the

second annual conference was held, at which time elder's orders

were voted John Walter and John Dreisbach, and at a general

meeting held several months later, at the house of Henry Eby,

near Lebanon, they and George Miller (whose orders had

been voted him in 1807) were solemnly, ordained. This was a

great event in the early history of the society.

 

The Quarterly Meeting. In course of time, as the work

became more extensive and the membership multiplied, the

general meetings were more confined to the separate charges,

occurring at regular intervals, and thus generally developed into

the quarterly meeting, conducted by a presiding elder or his

substitute. The quarterly meeting consists, first, of a business

meeting, attended by the officials of the charge; second; the

religious service connected with the dispensation of the Lord's

 

 

186 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Supper. The business meeting, or quarterly conference, was

usually preceded by a religious service and a sermon on Chris-

tian duties.

 

Protracted Meetings, as now conducted among us, were

unknown in the early days of the Church. The first report of

what seems to have been the first meeting of this kind appeared

in the Christliche Botschafter, in August, 1836, from Rev. Jacob

Boas, who then served Erie Circuit. The report is as follows:

 

"Erie County, June 27, 1836.

"It affords me pleasure to have an opportunity of telling,

through the Botschafter, what the Lord is doing in various local-

ities on Erie Circuit. Although in comparison with the work in

other places, it seems insignificant, yet when we take into con-

sideration the severe opposition from the ungodly, etc., it is

nevertheless remarkable, and we can say with pleasure, 'The

Lord has done great things for us, whereof we are glad. 'We

had an eight days' meeting in a settlement about four miles south

of Brighton, near the Conneaut Lake. It began May 27. The

Lord was present and wrought so powerfully that I had never

witnessed the like before. During the first few days there was

but little stir, yet the Word of God often reached the hearts of

the hearers, so that they melted, and bewailed their sins. On

Sunday we had considerable stir in the meeting. In the even-

ing a number prayed for pardon. On Monday we had three

services and God bestowed his blessing, especially in the even-

ing, so that sinners called upon the Lord for mercy and pardon,

which they also realized through the prayer of faith. Tuesday

at 10 o'clock there was preaching, and in the afternoon we had

an experience meeting, when God's power was revealed among

us, and hearts were softened and melted. In the evening quite

a number of people were converted. Wednesday, June 1, was a

good day. In the evening, before I began to preach, the whole

assembly was moved and sinners began to plead for mercy. I

then delivered an exhortation, and God accompanied his Word

with power to the hearts of the people, which caused a mighty

noise among the dry bones. Here lay many smitten and wounded

souls, yet, God be praised, many of them found the good Physi-

cian, who can heal all infirmities, who also released them from

their load of sin, and transplanted them into the fellowship of

His children. Life was here, with shouts and praise to God.

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 187

 

On Thursday, we again had a blessed time, and quite a number

of penitents were converted this day, and the meeting continued

all night, so that we could joyfully say with Peter, 'Lord, it is

good for us to be here.' On Friday I preached twice. On this

day a number found Jesus, to the comfort and joy of their souls.

The same evening, after preaching, I requested all to arise who

had found grace and pardon during the meeting, and who knew

that they had passed from death unto life, whereupon between

twenty-five and thirty were not ashamed to arise and testify that

they had obtained peace with God during the meeting.

 

"At the close of the meeting I gave an invitation to all who

desired to unite with the Association, and a considerable number

of the newly converted gave me their right hand, to go with us to

the kingdom of heaven. Two years ago we had no members in

this locality, but now we have a congregation consisting of near

fifty members. Now we prosper. The persecution since our

meeting is pretty severe. Still the Lord is with His people, and

all things shall work together for good to them that love Him.

 

"I believe it would in general be a great advantage on the

various circuits, if more such protracted meetings were held, be-

cause frequently, when the two or three days' meetings are held,

the interest is not reached until near the close. Then they are

ended, and perhaps little good has been accomplished, and the

work of God's servants is sometimes almost in vain.* But if

such meetings were continued, many more precious souls might

be saved. In many cases they go home under the pressure of

their sins, and perhaps after a while became cold and indifferent,

and may never again come to such a realization of their state.

O, brethren in the Gospel, let us work right earnestly in the

vineyard of the Lord, and make use of every good means pos-

sible for the salvation of souls and the extension of the kingdom

of Christ.

 

"In the beginning of this month, I held a three days* meet-

ing in Mayer's settlement, near Clarksville, where the Lord be-

stowed his blessing. God's children were revived, and sinners

 

* The idea of Boas was that the general or quarterly meeting should be con-

tinued, or followed up with services specially intended to bring about the con-

version of souls under conviction. This idea was favorably received. The

following year, 1837, in the announcement of the dedication of our first church

in Philadelphia, John Seybert, the presiding elder, adds; "The services will

be continued during the week, and as long as it may be advisable."

 

 

188 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

became alarmed, so that they prayed to God earnestly for the

pardon of their sins. Several went away wounded, while others

realized the pardon of their sins the following Monday, after

earnestly pleading, and were made happy in God. Things are

prosperous, in general, in our borders. There have been con-

versions again and again since we are on this district, and God's

children are encouraged. The prospects in many places are

good for conversions. We live in good hopes that Babel will

soon fall, and Christ's kingdom will be established. J. Boas."

 

Camp-Meetings were introduced into the society in 1810,

and have ever since been an important means for the promotion

of the work of the Lord. The Jirsl one was held on the land of

Brother Michael Maize, about one and a half miles east of New

Berlin, Pa., and began May 10, 1810. This seems to have been

the first German camp-meeting ever held either in America or

Europe. Great multitudes attended it, and the society entered

a new opoch of its history. Another camp was held the follow-

ing October, on the land of Rev. George Miller, in Allemangel

Corner, Berks county. The third camp was held in the latter

part of May, 1811, on the land of Philip Breitenstein, near

Lebanon. The year 1812 was a year of sifting and sore trial for

the society, and it appears no camp-meeting was held. In 1813

there was one held at Turkey Hill, Lancaster county, beginning

Sept. 1, and another at Michael Maize's, beginning Sept. 8,

both of which resulted in many conversions. In 1814 four camp-

meetings were held, one in Warrington township, York county,

on the land of Michael Jacobs, which was the first one in York

county; another on the land of Daniel Bertolett, near Fried-

ensburgh; a third one several miles northwest of MifHinburgh,

Union county, on the land of John Buechler, and the fourth

on the land of George Swartz, near Millheim, Centre county.

In 1815 six meetings were held as follows: (1) Near Shrews-

bury, York county, on the land of John Seitz; (2) Near Man-

heim, Lancaster county, on the land of Rev. John Seybert;

(3) West of Jonestown, Lebanon county, on the land of Adam

Faber; (4) In Buffalo Valley, Union county, on the land of

Father Martin Dreisbach; (5) A few miles east of Hagers-

town, Md., on the land of Leonard Middlekauff; (6) In

Somerset county.

 

Some of the most interesting and exciting episodes in the his-

tory of the Church are connected with the camp-meetings, not

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 189

 

only in the early days, but also in. comparatively recent years.

It was nothing unusual for mobs to attack the camp and break

it up altogether. In a number of instances the evil designs of

tne ruffians were thwarted by special providences. Sometimes

God's people would fall upon their knees and cry mightily for

help. This would sometimes over-awe the mob and strike terror

to the hearts of some, who would fall down at the altar and plead

for mercy. It is worthy of record that in many places where

the opposition against our Church was greatest, our work is now

the strongest.

 

In some localities the camp-meeting became very popular in

course of time, and civic and military organizations resorted to

them to hear special sermons. An interesting incident of this

kind took place at a camp-meeting held on the land of Abraham

Buchman, at "the Pines," near Shippensburgh, where a consid-

erable body of State troops attended service. In his report of

Salem District, dated Aug. 20, 1838, John Seybert gives the

following: "On Wednesday, July 4, the Independent Company

came from Blockhouse in their uniforms, with music, and in

military order, to the camp-ground, to hear a sermon. Their

conduct was commendable. The sermon dwelt on civil and re-

ligious liberty. The same night one of the soldiers became

-spiritually distressed, and cried most earnestly to the Lord for

the pardon of his sins, which he also realized to the comfort of

his soul."*

 

In 1830 a camp-meeting was held near New Bloomfield, Perry

county, Pa. Rev. J. M. Saylor, who was present as a visitor,

was requested to preach on Sunday. An immense crowd thronged

the ground, and there was great disturbance, caused chiefly by

the under-sheriff of the county, who was very much under the

influence of liquor. He encouraged the rabble in their disorder,

against the entreaties of the peaceable citizens who took the part

of the camp-meeting people. The disturbances were finally

quelled and the encampment passed a quiet night. Early next

morning four men, strangers, entered the camp-ground, talking

in an excited and boisterous manner. Saylor divined their

intentions, and advised the friends to remain in their tents, as

there might be trouble. At this instant one of the men exclaimed,

"That's one of them," and proceeded to seize Saylor. He at

 

* This camp-meeting was held on the land of Father Christian Essig, a

few miles west of Blockhouse (Liberty), Tioga county, Pa.

 

 

190 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

first resisted, bat discovering the character of the men he said,

"Excuse me, I did not know you were an officer." This was

the high sheriff of the county. Saylor was arrested without a

warrant. The friends begged the officers to permit him to eat

breakfast before taking him away. He was then taken to New

Bloomfield, the county-seat. Great excitement prevailed in the

town, and the people came in throngs to learn the particulars of

the affair. Saylor was taken to a hotel, and while the officers

of the law for a moment disappeared, he began pacing the floor,

when he was accosted by a large man with the words: "What

was up out there? I guess king whiskey ruled out at your camp

last night." The man proved to be Mr. McIntyre, the leading

lawyer of the town, who had come to befriend the camp-meeting

people. He denounced the action of the sheriff as outrageous

and a disgrace to the county, and said, "We'll get you out of

this predicament in ten minutes, and make it warm for the sheriff."

He advised Saylor to give no bail, as the arrest was illegal.

Upon this the sheriff again made his appearance and said to

Saylor, "Come on; you must appear before a 'squire," where-

upon the attorney said, "Hold on, sheriff, I claim this man as

my client." Saylor was hustled off, however, to a magistrate's

office, the good-hearted lawyer following to defend the innocent

preacher. When Saylor appeared before the officer of the law,

there was no indictment against him, no warrant for his arrest,

and nothing by which he could be held, so the magistrate said,

"Mr. Saylor, you are clear; you can go." The lawyer, turning

to the sheriff, said, "I will give you half an hour to call at my

office and make this matter right." The sheriff, however, did

not appear, and the lawyer advised a process against him. To

this Saylor assented, and the attorney associated with him

another able lawyer named Penrose to prosecute the case.

 

The suit against the sheriff awakened great interest through-

out the county. During the trial, which lasted several days,

the court-room was crowded with interested spectators. When

Attorney Penrose addressed the jury in the interests of his perse-

cuted client, and described the shameful and cruel treatment

inflicted on a weak and defenseless preacher, at the hands of

officers who should have protected him, there was a great out-

burst of feeling in the court-room; many people wept, others

were filled with indignation. The counsel for the defense then

arose, not to defend his client, but to plead the mercy and leniency

 

 

THE EARLY DAYS. 191

 

of the Court Said he, "God forbid that I should justify the

conduct of my client. I plead the leniency of the judge, on

account of the family of my client," etc. The judge then charged

the jury, denouncing the prisoner unmercifully. He declared

that it was not ignorance that led the high sheriff and under-

sheriff of the county to persecute the good camp-meeting people

in such a barbarous manner, but "the spirit of the fourteenth

century, the spirit of religious bigotry, and the spirit of the

inquisition." Saylor then asked permission to address the jury,

which was granted. He explained that they were not prompted

by motives of revenge in prosecuting the sheriff, but to vindicate

more fully the cause of religious freedom. The sheriff was found

guilty on several charges and fined several hundred dollars,

besides the costs, which were considerable. Saylor desired this

fine remitted, but the attorneys declared that the offense of the

sheriff was not only against the camp-meeting people, but also

against the fair name of the county and the dignity of the law,

and a remission of punishment would defeat the ends of justice

and prove detrimental to law and order. When the sheriff saw

there was no escape from the penalty of the law, he fled from his

home and left his bondsmen to satisfy the demands of the law.

Saylor's counsel, who had so ably defended and vindicated their

client, made but a nominal charge for their services.

 

This prosecution of camp-meeting disturbers had a molt

wholesome effect. Camp-meetings were thereafter unmolested,

and the work of the Church was highly successful throughout

that section.

 

One of the most remarkable incidents in the history of camp-

meetings occurred on Aug. 23, 1840, on the land of Daniel

Shreffler, at Egg Hill, in Centre county. The author of this

work was personally acquainted with a number of people who

witnessed the wonderful phenomenon, and all corroborate the

following account of Rev. George Brickly, which was published

in the Christliche Botschafter soon thereafter. Brickley was the

presiding elder in charge of the camp-meeting. He says:

 

"On Sunday previous to the meeting, there was preaching

on the ground,* and in the afternoon the friends and others from

the vicinity, assembled for the purpose of holding a prayer-

meeting. During the first prayer a violent storm arose which

 

* The stand, etc., had been erected with some tents, but the camp-meeting:

proper had not yet opened. — Author.

 

 

192 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

broke down the trees by hundreds, and many were torn out by

the roots, but not a single tree on the camp-ground was broken

off or damaged. All around the tent area were strewn the fallen

trees and branches broken off and torn down by the storm. Near

the tent ground there was a tree of immense size, measuring over

twelve feet in circumference, and very firmly rooted, so that it

could not be torn up. This tree was broken off near the ground,

although. nearly sound all the way through. This may give some

idea of the violence of the storm. The assembly was not aware

of the coming storm, until it was too late to flee out of the woods.

Several, however, made the attempt, but were frightened by the

crashing and breaking trees and returned. But few remained on

their knees in prayer; most of them sprang up, and were much

confused. Some cried out, "We shall all be killed," Others

were overcome by the power of God, and broke out in praise,

The Lord demonstrated that He is with His people, and all were

protected, and all who witnessed the scene acknowledged the

hand of the Most High in the protection of His people."

 

 

193

 

CHAPTER X.

 

Institutions of the Evangelical Association, Embracing

Her Educational, Missionary, Benevolent and Pub-

lishing Interests.

 

The Higher Education. The General Conference of 1843

appointed a committee, consisting of Bishops John Seybert and

Joseph Long, and Absalom B. Shaefer, to formulate a declara-

tion expressing the views of that body on the subject of an edu-

cated ministry. This action seems to have become necessary to

correct a general impression that the Evangelical Association

was antagonistic to an educated clergy. This committee not

only voiced the sentiment of the General Conference of 1843, but

also of prior and subsequent times. It is the sentiment of the

Church to-day, because it is Biblical. The report, which ap-

peared in the Botschafter of Dec. 1, 1843, is as follows:*

 

"As the Evangelical Association is charged by many, though

unjustly, with looking upon learning, or rather a classical edu-

cation of the ministry, as altogether superfluous and useless, yea,

even as dangerous and injurious, and despising for this reason

all higher institutions of learning; this body feels itself called

upon, and under obligations to declare and express its views on

this subject in public, and to repel thereby this false charge.

 

"It is indeed true, that this conference believes and teaches,

that all human wisdom, learning, and knowledge, without a di-

vine call, and the unction of the Spirit, qualify no man for the

ministry; and that a man, called of God to this office, and filled

with the Holy Ghost and with power from on high, without great

human learning, or, as a comparatively illiterate man, can be a

 

* We give Orwio's translation, History of the Evangelical Association,

cage 367.

 

 

194 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNAL8.

 

preacher of the Gospel, and accomplish much good, if he fears

God, and is conscientious in the discharge of his duties.

 

"But notwithstanding this, the conference acknowledges and

maintains, that learning, in the common acceptation of the term,

or a classical education, is, in many respects, of great use to a

man who is called of God to the Gospel ministry, and endowed

with the Holy Ghost, and enhances his usefulness; or, in other

words, that he who has the Divine unction, and great learning

. can, in many instances, and even generally, accomplish far more

in the vineyard of the Lord, and toward the conversion of the

world and the spread of the Redeemer's kingdom, than the un-

learned man, though he may possess the same measure of Divine

unction and grace.

 

"Entertaining these views of the advantages of learning in a

minister of the Gospel, this conference recommends to all its

candidates for the ministry, and to all the ministers generally, to

take proper measures to store their minds with as large an amount

of useful information as they possibly can, or to endeavor to

become learned and literary men, who have also the unction of

the Holy Ghost."

 

Union Seminary. At the session of the West Pa. (now

Central Pa.) Conference, held in 1854, it was resolved to estab-

lish an institution of learning, to be called "Union Seminary of

the West Pa. Conference of the Evangelical Association," with

the provision that work should be begun as soon as $15,000 should

be secured. W. W. Orwig and Simon Wolf were appointed to

collect funds and a board of trustees was elected, consisting of

W. W. Orwig, James Dunlap, Jacob Boas and Lewis May,

ministers, and H. High, H. D. Maize and Hon. Martin Dreis-

bach, laymen. The requisite sum of money being secured, six

acres of ground were purchased, on a beautiful slope adjoining

New Berlin, Union county, Pa. On this ground was erected a

three-story brick edifice, 75x48 feet.

 

The West Pa. Conference appointed a committee to attend

the session of the East Pa. Conference in 1855 for the purpose

of interesting that conference in the project, and to tender an

offer to unite in the establishment of the institution. This offer

was accepted by a rising vote, and the conference elected a board

of trustees, composed of ministers and laymen, equal in number

to that of the West Pa. Conference, and Solomon Neitz was

 

 

INSTITUTIONS. 195

 

elected agent to collect funds in the conference. The institution

was chartered, and embraced a course of three years.

 

In January, 1856, the seminary was opened for the admission

of students. The faculty consisted of the following: President,

W. W. Orwig, professor of moral science and German; F.Hen-

dricks, mathematics; J. S. Whitman, natural sciences; A. S.

Sassaman, ancient languages and literature; F. C. Hoffman,

English and book-keeping; G. B. Dechant, vocal music;

Amanda M. Evans, preceptress and instrumental music; Hester

A. Stoner, primary department. The faculty was acknowledged

to be a strong one. Soon after the seminary opened, a "teachers'

course" of three years was added, and in 1859 a "classical col-

legiate" course. The first class of five young ladies graduated

in 1859. The scholastic year of 1858-59 was the most successful

in the history of the institution. There were 264 students regis-

tered. At the end of the collegiate year in June, 1859, President

Orwig resigned, and Prof. Hendricks was elevated to the

position. He was both able and popular, and worked hard to

maintain the success of the school. In 1860, however, he resigned

and Prof. Sassaman accepted the presidency. The number of

students during the year had been 241. At the close of the year

1861-62 President Sassaman resigned and Prof. J. H. Leas suc-

ceeded him.

 

Misfortunes now began to press the institution severely, threat-

ing its very existence. Chief among them was the fact that the

large amount of money had been raised by the sale of scholarships

— a plan that has proved disastrous to many other institutions.

Then, also, the country was very much disturbed with anxiety and

suspense, and finally the Civil War broke out and a large number

of actual and prospective students enlisted in their country's

service. The continued decrease of students and financial embar-

rassment soon made it evident that the institution would be

compelled to suspend, and this came to pass with the close of

the Spring session of 1863. In the Spring of 1865 the property

passed into the hands of the sheriff. Rev. M. J. Carothers, of

the Central Pa. Conference, the newly-elected president of the

board of trustees, determined to rescue the institution for the

church, if possible, and by assuming its liabilities, in connection

with several others, saved it from going into other hands. A

society was then formed, called "The Educational Society of

the Central Pa. Conference of the Evangelical Association of

 

 

196 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNAL8.

 

North America." Under this new control the school was again

opened in 1865, with Prof. F. C. Hoffman as president. Al-

though Prof. Hoffman was an able instructor, the school had a

precarious existence for years. Its charter had been forfeited

by the suspension and its field of patronage very materially

limited. Prof. Hoffman was succeeded, in 1869, by Prof. D.

Denlinger, who continued until 1874, when he was succeeded

by Prof. F. M. Baker. In the Centennial year of 1876 the

Central Pa. and East Pa. Conferences again united to establish

anew an institution worthy of the Church. A certain amount

was agreed upon as the basis of active operations, collectors were

appointed, but, alas, it failed, and besides the wreck of its own

prospects, the "Centennial College" project diverted attention

and interest from the struggling seminary. In 1872 Prof. J. W.

Bentz became connected with the school, under Prof. Den-

linger, and continued under the administration of Prof. Baker.

In March, 1879, Prof. Baker resigned, and Prof. Bentz succeeded

to the presidency, continuing in that capacity until Autumn, when

he resigned, and was succeeded by Prof. A. E. Gobble, the

present incumbent. With the presidency of Prof. Gobble a new

era dawned upon the school. Rev. S. I. Shortiss became super-

intendent of the school, having charge of the building and the

boarding of the students. In the Spring of 1880 a new curriculum

was adopted, and in the following September a new charter was

obtained for the institution. Soon afterwards there was added a

commercial department, and in 1882 an additional course called

"The Elementary Course." The institution was now better equip-

ped than ever before, and prosperity again began to dawn.

 

At the annual session of the Central Pa. Conference, in 1883,

the educational society made a tender of the institution to that

body for a nominal sum, with the proviso that the conference

assume its liabilities. The offer was accepted on condition that

the liabilities shall not exceed $1,000. The transfer was con-

summated at the conference session, and that body at once elected

a board of trustees, who met in the seminary June 12, 1883, when

the legal transfer was made to the conference. A collegiate

charter was obtained this year, and the building was entirely

remodeled and another story added.

 

In 1887 the name was changed to "Central Pennsylvania

College." In 1890 a proposal was made to the Pittsburgh Con-

ference that a two-seventh interest in the institution should be

 

 

INSTITUTIONS. 187

 

transferred to them. They to be entitled to two trustees in the

Board, on condition that they take up annually a collection for

its benefit, and Jn other ways use their influence for its further-

ance. At the conferences of 1891 this arrangement was fully

consummated. The institution now embraces five courses, viz.: the

Classical, Scientific, Theological, Commercial and Elementary.

Finally it remains to be said that the growth and prosperity of

Central Pa. College is greatly due to the untiring zeal of its pres-

ident, Prof. A. E. Gobble, A.M., D.D., who since 1880 has been

its honored head.

 

Plainfield and Northwestern College. This institution

was founded in January, 1861, by a joint committee of the Illi-

nois and Wisconsin Conferences. The citizens of Plainfield, Ill,

having made a very. generous offer, arrangements were entered

into between them and the conference committees for the estab-

lishment of the institution at that place. This arrangement was

sanctioned by the conferences interested. The following invita-

tion was extended to other conferences, and personally presented

to them by the agent:

 

"Resolved, That we invite any of our sister conferences, which

may desire to unite with us in the erection and maintenance of

Plainfield College, to do so, with the assurance that they shall

enjoy equal privileges with this and the Wisconsin Conferences,

provided they unite with us within a year from this date."

 

J. J. Esher, of the Illinois Conference, was appointed agent

for the institution, through whose instrumentality the Iowa and

Indiana Conferences united in the compact, and in later years

eleven others joined them. In 1863 R. Dubs was elected finan-

cial agent, who proved an efficient and energetic collector, and

succeeded in securing a considerable endowment fund, which has

since been increased to over $100,000.

 

Plainfield College was opened in 1862, with Prof. A. A. Smith,

as president. The institution received its collegiate charter in

1865, and graduated its first class in 1866.

 

Plainfield being isolated from the railroads, and the buildings

being inadequate for the purposes of the school, it was resolved

to remove it. This was done in 1870, when it was established

at Naperville, Ill., as Northwestern College. Here fine and

commodious buildings were erected, and with good railroad

facilities the institution entered upon a career of great prosper-

ity. Its. curriculum embraced nine courses of study. The

 

 

198 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

faculty has always been a strong one, and the institution has

richly merited the success it has enjoyed.

 

In 1883 President Smith, after a faithful service of twenty-

one years, resigned the position because of the infirmities of age.

He was, however, retained as president emeritus, and Prof. H.

H. Rassweiler, Ph.D., was elected acting president.

 

Union Biblical Institute, as an adjunct to Northwestern

College, was founded in 1875. It embraces a three years' course

in Theology and Biblical Literature. It has an endowment fund

of $30,000, and is well maintained.

 

Schuylkill Seminary was founded at the session of the

East Pa. Conference in 1881. The committee to whom was

entrusted its establishment consisted of seven ministers and two

laymen. A suitable building was secured in the city of Reading,

Pa., on the corner of Sixth and Walnut Streets. The institution

was formally opened Aug. 16, 1881, the exercises being held in

the Eighth Street church. Rev. S. S. Chubb was the general

manager, and Prof. W. E. Walz, principal. At the conference

session of 1882 the new charter was adopted and the previous

officers were reelected.

 

During the Summer of 1882 Col. J. H. Lick, a benevolent

citizen of Lebanon, Pa., made a munificent offer to the confer-

ence toward the permanent establishment of the seminary. The

trustees of the institution were instructed to consider the proposal

and also to look after other proposed locations. The conference

after mature deliberation accepted the offer of Col. Lick, which

was as follows: Eight acres of land on which to erect the build-

ings, situated at Fredericksburgh, Lebanon county, Pa.; a cash

donation of $20,000 towards the building, which shall not cost

less than $25,000; $3,000 towards furnishing the institution, and

$1,000 towards beautifying the grounds. The conditions im-

posed on the conference were duly met, and work on the edifice

was commenced in 1884. The building is situated on a com-

manding eminence, overlooking a beautiful valley with the Blue

Mountains in the distance. The main building is seventy-five

by fifty feet in dimension, with an eastern wing seventy-eight by

forty feet, four stories in height, built of brick and stone, and

cost upwards of $30,000. On Sept. 1, 1886, it was dedicated

with imposing ceremonies, all the bishops, and many of the

leading men of the Church being present. Ths school opened

with the Fall term of this year. In 1883 President Walz was

 

 

INSTITUTIONS. 199

 

appointed missionary to Japan, and was succeeded by Prof. J. F.

Crowell. Prof. C. desiring to finish a post graduate course,

Prof. T. S. Stein took his place as acting president. After com-

pleting his course Prof. Croweli, took charge of the school,

but resigned in 1888, and Prof. G. Holtzapfel was elected and

took charge at the Fall term of this year. Schuylkill Seminary

embraces three regular courses of instruction, viz.: Classical,

Greek and Latin Scientific, and English Scientific.

 

LaFayette Seminary. This youngest institution of learn-

ing in the Evangelical Association was founded by the Educa-

tional Association of the Oregon Conference. The seminary is

situated in the town of LaFayette, Oregon. The property was

generously donated to the society by the citizens of the place.

The dedicatory services were held in the chapel of the seminary

Sept. 10, 1889, and the following day the school was opened for

the reception of students under very favorable auspices.

 

Albright Seminary,* the first institution of learning in the

association, was projected at the first session of the Pittsburg

Conference in 1852. A committee of five was appointed, to

whom the work of establishment was entrusted, with directions

to begin as soon as $1,500 was secured. When this was accom-

plished a suitable edifice was secured in Berlin, Somerset county,

Pa., and the school was opened in August, 1853, with Prof. J. F.

Eberhart as principal. At the conference session of 1854 the

number of students was 108. On March 8, 1854, the citizens of

Berlin held a public meeting to give expression to their satisfac-

tion with the school and take steps for the erection of buildings

for it. Four thousand dollars was subscribed for this purpose.

It seems, however, that the people generally in the conference

were not prepared for the project, and the school began to lan-

guish for lack of support. In 1856 the Ohio Conference invited

the Pittsburg Conference to unite with it in the establishment of

Greensburg Seminary. This proposition was accepted and the

interests of Albright Seminary were absorbed by the new insti-

tution in Ohio.

 

* Note. — We give the following account of the defunct literary institutions

of the Evangelical Association, not only as a matter of interest, but also to illus-

trate the general desire in the Church for literary culture. In this direction the

Church has experienced many bitter disappointments and vicissitudes, in common

with other denominations, in the establishment of institutions of learning.

 

 

300 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Greensburg Seminary was founded in 1855 by the Ohio

Confeience. At its annual session this year it was resolved to

purchase the Greenfield Seminary building, situated at Greens-

burg, O. The committee to whom the matter was entrusted

consisted of Bishop Long, Rev. Chas. Hammer and Rev. G. F.

Spreng. The edifice purchased was of brick, 56x36 feet. A

committee of eight ministers and four laymen of the Ohio Con-

ference took charge of it. The school opened Oct. 21, 1855,

Prof. J. A. Reubelt, president. In 1856 J. Kanaga was elected

agent, and a union was effected with Albright Seminary, under

the supervision of the Pittsburg Conference. In 1857 Prof. A.

A. Smith became principal and continued as such until 1862,

when he was called to the presidency of Plainfield College. Prof.

W. J. Hahn succeeded him and remained its head until its close.

The Civil War had a disastrous effect on the institution. This,

and a lack of interest on the part of the conferences under whose

auspices it was established, crippled it very badly. Bishop Long

canceled the indebtedness of die seminary, and in 1861 the Ohio

Conference vested the title in him. From this time Bishop Long

continued the school, at a heavy financial loss to himself, until

1865, when he disposed of the property, and Greensburg Semi-

nary was a thing of the past.

 

Blairstown Seminary was founded by the Iowa Confer-

ence in 1867, at Blairstown, Ia. Prof. W. J. Hahn, formerly

president of Greensburg Seminary, was its president. It embraced

two courses, a classical course of four, and a teacher's course of

three years. After being in operation thirteen terms, the insti-

tution, unable to overcome the many difficulties with which it

had to contend, was forced to suspend.

 

Missionary Society. The Eastern Conference, at its ses-

sion in 1838, organized itself into a missionary society, of which

W. W. Orwig was president; J. P. Leib, vice president; J.

Vogelbach, secretary, and T. Buck, treasurer. A deep interest

was awakened in the missionary cause by this organization, aux-

iliaries were formed and money was collected, which, at the close

of the year, amounted to $500.

 

Notwithstanding the prospective efficiency and usefulness of

this organization, it was felt that a General or Parent Society,

to which conference organizations should be auxiliary, was a

necessity. At a general meeting held at New Berlin, Pa., over

Christmas, 1838, a number of ministers and laymen met at the

 

 

INSTITUTIONS. 201

 

house of W. W. Orwig for the purpose of discussing the advisa-

bility of organizing such a society. At this meeting a committee,

composed of Revs. John Seybert, George Brickley and W.W.

Orwig, was appointed to prepare a constitution for adoption at

a subsequent meeting. On March 1, 1839, another meeting was

held at the house of John S. Dunkel, in Buffalo Valley, near

New Berlin. At this meeting the missionary society of the Evan-

gelical Association was organized, and the constitution prepared

by the committee submitted and adopted. The officers of the

society were the following: President, John Seybert; first vice

president, James Barber; second vice president, Daniel Berger;

third vice president, George Brickley; secretary, Solomon G.

Miller; corresponding secretary, W.W. Orwig; treasurer, John

S. Dunkel; directors (ministers), Charles Hammer, Henry

Thomas, Sebastian Mosser, Philip Wagoner, Michael F.

Maize and Philip Smith (local); laymen, Dr. I. Brugger, Hon.

Martin Dreisbach, Martin D. Reed, John Rohland, Isaac

Ever, John Maize, Leonard Gebhart and John Kauffman.

At the General Conference held a few weeks later, the constitu-

tion of the society was submitted for inspection, with the result

that it was approved and the society recognized as a general

church organization, at which time its official history properly

begins. The previously organized society of the Eastern Con-

ference became an auxiliary to the Parent Society soon after its

organization. The first meeting of the board of directors of the

general society was held at New Berlin, June 17, 1839, at which

time by-laws were adopted. The first annual meeting of the

society was held at New Berlin, April 21, 1840. At this meeting

it was resolved to have 500 copies of the constitution printed for

distribution. A committee, consisting of Charles Hammer,

George Brickley and S. G. Miller, was appointed to have

the society incorporated. The corresponding secretary, W. W.

Orwig, read the first annual report, which indicates a prosperous

condition of the society, and all the missionaries receiving sup-

port from the society reported success on their respective fields.

The receipts of the society for the year, inclusive of the $500

gathered by the conference society of the year previous, was

$1,434.31. The officers elected at this meeting were: President,

Rev. Chas. Hammer; vice presidents, J. Barber, G. Brickley

and P. Wagoner; secretary, S. G. Miller; corresponding sec-

retary, W. W. Orwig; treasurer, J. S. Dunkel. This is in brief

 

 

202 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

a history of the beginning of the Parent Missionary Society of

the Evangelical Association. All the annual conferences are

auxiliaries, while the Woman's Missionary Society may also be

regarded in that relation. It has sent hundreds of missionaries,

not only to the western frontiers and the Pacific and gulf coast,

but also to Europe and the heathen world, and many thousand

souls have been saved through its instrumentality.

 

In 1859 the corresponding secretary was elected by the Gen-

eral Conference, and from that time on that officer devoted

himself entirely to the interests of the society.

 

Woman's Missionary Society. The first Woman's Mis-

sionary Society in the Evangelical Association was organized in

Philadelphia, Pa., in the Autumn of 1839. The society numbered

over sixty members. They adopted an excellent constitution

which was published in the Christliche Botschafter in December,

1839. Soon after this the pastor forsook his charge, and through

the commotion which ensued, the society was discontinued.

Local societies were afterwards formed at several places in the

Church, but there was no connection whatever between them.

 

In 1877-78 a movement took shape which finally resulted in

the formation of the Woman's Missionary Society of the Evan-

gelical Association. In 1878 there appeared in the Evangelical

Messenger appeals on the subject by Miss Rachel Hudson, one

of our missionaries in Japan, and also from Miss Ella J. Yost

(Preyer), of Cleveland, O. About this time (1878) a number

of the sisters in Cleveland, O., petitioned the Board of Missions

for the privilege of organizing a society, auxiliary to the Parent

Society, but their appeal was refused, through the determined

opposition of several of the highest dignitaries of the Church,

whose influence prevailed in the board. A second appeal was

made by the society of Lindsey, O., in October, 1880, which

would have met the same fate as the former, but for the earnest

efforts of the editors of the Evangelical Messenger, through whose

efforts, chiefly, the petition was granted, on the condition that

the society be organized with the consent and under the super-

vision of the preacher-in-charge where such society is organized.

Under this arrangment the first society was formed at Lindsey,

O., Oct. 27, and another about this time in South Chicago, Ill.

In the following year another was formed in Cleveland, O. The

subject was agitated in the Church papers, and appeals were

made to the sisters to organize local societies. The movement

 

 

IN8TITUTI0N8. 203

 

gradually resulted in the organization of the General Society, with

headquarters at Cleveland, O. The central society was called

the Cleveland Woman's Missionary Society, of which Miss Ella

J. Yost was president.

 

The third general convention of the society was opened June

4, 1883, in Calvary Evangelical Church in Cleveland, O. Very

cheering reports were rendered by the local societies and the

prospects of the General Society were very encouraging. The

chief aim of this convention was to take steps to secure the recog-

nition of the W. M. S. by the coming General Conference (1883).

For this purpose a committee of seven ladies was appointed to

prepare an appeal to be presented to the General Conference for

recognition. This committee consisted of Mrs. W. H. Hammer,

Mrs. E. J. Y. Preyer, Mrs. H. C. Smith, Mrs. W. C. Kantner,

Mrs. H. B. Hartzler, Mrs. S. P. Spreng, and Miss Minerva

Strawman. The General Conference took favorable action, and

the W. M. S. became an auxiliary to the Parent Society.

 

The first general convention of the society in its new relation

was held in the Calvary Evangelical Church, Cleveland, O., Oct.

10-14, 1884. At this meeting the new constitution was adopted

and the following officers were elected for the ensuing year:

President, Mrs. E. J. Y. Preyer, vice presidents, Mrs. H. C.

Smith, Mrs. J. Bowman, Miss Minerva Strawman; recording

secretary, Miss Emma Yost; corresponding secretary, Mrs. W.

H. Hammer; treasurer, Mrs. U. F. Swengel. In 1885 the

convention was held in Lindsey, O., Sept. 25-27. The progress

of the society was very gratifying; forty-six local societies ren-

dered reports. The treasurer reported the amount of $1,532.84

contributed for the past year. The following officers were elected:

President, Mrs. H. B. Hartzler; vice president, Mrs. E. J. Y.

Preyer; corresponding secretary, Mrs.W. H. Hammer; record-

ing secretary, Mrs. S. S. Condo; treasurer, Mrs. U. F. Swengel.

In 1886 the convention met in Naperville, Ill., Oct. 1. The

auxiliaries numbered sixty, with 1,651 members. The contribu-

tions aggregated ji, 573.95. The officers elected were: President,

Mrs. H. B. Hartzler; vice presidents, Mrs. H. C. Smith, Mrs.

G. F. Stauffer and Mrs. Dr. Krecker; recording secretary,

Mrs. S. S. Condo; corresponding secretary, Mrs.W. H. Hammer;

treasurer, Mrs. U. F. Swengel.

 

"Missionary Messenger." In the Autumn of 1886 a

number of the brethren at the book establishment formed them-

 

 

204 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

selves into a company for the purpose of publishing a paper for

the society. Rev. H. B. Hartzler was the managing editor

and Rev. U. F. Swengel publisher of the paper. It made its

appearance in October of this year, and bore the title of Mission-

ary Messenger. The W. M. S. Convention of this month adopted

the periodical as the organ of the society, and Mrs. E. J. Y.

Preyer was elected editress on behalf of the society.

 

In 1887 the convention was held in Calvary Evangelical

Church, Cleveland, O., Aug. 26. There were seventy-eight aux-

iliary societies reported, with 2,048 members. The contributions,

amounted to $2,066.60. The following officers were elected:

President, Mrs. H. B. Hartzler; vice presidents, Mrs. Elizabeth

Krecker, Mrs. H. C. Smith, Mrs. F. G. Stauffer; recording

secretary, Mrs. S. P. Spreng; corresponding secretary, Mrs.W.

M. Hammer; treasurer, Mrs. U. F. Swengel:. Editor Mission-

ary Messenger, Mrs. E. J. Y. Preyer.

 

At the General Conference of 1887 the Missionary Messenger

was tendered to the authorities of the Church and accepted, and

taken charge of by the General Conference. The corresponding

secretary and treasurer of the Parent Society became the editors,

and also Mrs. E. J. Y. Preyer for the W. M. S. The society

also, petitioned the General. Conference to permit them to devote

their funds to some definite purpose, whereupon the conference

passed the following:: "Whereas, Our sisters express a desire

to undertake the support of a special part of our mission field;

therefore, be it further Resolved, That the support of our mis-

sionary in Washington Territory and that of Sister Johnson in

Japan be committed to their care, under the direction of the

Executive Committee of the Missionary Society."

 

Ebenezer Orphan Home owes its origin chiefly to a spirit

of benevolence manifested in several articles which appeared in

the Christliche Botschafter, about the year 1860. These articles?

awakened an interest in the orphan cause throughout the Church,

and contributions for an Orphan Home were freely sent in before

any arrangments for its establishment were made. The General

Conference of 1863, reflecting the general interest in the cause,

authorized the establishment of Orphan Homes by the annual

conferences. Ohio was the first to move in the matter, as in

1865 George Weiker, of Belleview, very generously donated a

fine farm of 100 acres to the Ohio Conference for the orphan

cause. The conference at its following session, 1866, took prac-

 

 

INSTITUTIONS. 206

 

tical steps in the matter by purchasing a property at Tiffin, O.,

and elected Rev. J. G. Zinzer superintendent and collector, and

also elected a board of trustees. The institution was opened

July 1, 1866, with eight children, and grew in favor rapidly, and

soon the building was too small for the number of children placed

tinder its charge. The farm donated by Brother Weiker and

the property in Tiffin were accordingly sold, and several tracts

adjoining each other and containing 170 acres were purchased

near Flat Rock, O. The erection of suitable buildings was soon

after commenced. At the General Conference of October, 1867,

the Ohio Conference tendered the institution to the Church. The

tender was accepted, and the General Conference named the

home Ebenezer Orphan Institution of the Evangelical Association

of North America. Brother Zinzer was retained as superintend-

ent and L. Scheurman general collector. In the Winter of 1867

Brother Zinzer's health failed and Rev. Charles Hammer was

elected to take his place. By the latter part of April, 1868, the

buildings at Flat Rock were completed, and on the 28th of that

month the furniture and inmates of the institution were removed

from Tiffin to the new quarters. The building is of brick, two

stories in height, and consists of two wings, each 36x50 feet.

The estimated assets, when adopted by the General Conference,

was $23,600, which included the building then in course of erec-

tion. May 3, 1868, the new edifice was dedicated with imposing

ceremonies.

 

In his quadrennial report to the General Conference of 1871,

Supt. C. Hammer reports that since the last General Conference

(1867) eighty-nine orphans had been admitted and thirteen dis-

charged. Brother Hammer was re-elected for another quadren-

nium. In 1875 he reports that sixty-two children were received

during the last four years and fifty-three discharged. The assets

of the institution, after deducting liabilities, were estimated at

$96,208. At this conference Jacob Dreisbach, of the Ohio Con-

ference, was elected superintendent and in 1879 he was re-elected.

The estimated assets of the home, after deducting indebtedness,

were $71,004. The General Conference of 1883 passed a vote

of thanks to Supt. Dreisbach for his efficient services during the

last term. The assets were reported at $71,530. Rev. E. Kohr,

of the Central Pa. Conference, was elected superintendent, who

shortly afterward resigned on account of impaired health, and

Rev. D. Strohman, of the Ohio Conference, was elected.

 

 

206 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

During the quadrennium the home prospered greatly. H.

Engel, who lived near Flat Rock, bequeathed a fine farm of

fifty acres to the home, valued at $4,000. The institution also

came in possession of the Stambach farm, in Indiana, valued at

$4,500. The treasurer in 1877 reported the assets to be $101,781,

unencumbered. At this conference Rev. C. K. Fehr, of the

East Pa. Conference, was elected superintendent.

 

The Charitable Society was organized at Orwigsburg, Pa.,

July 4, 1836, for the purpose of aiding the worn-out preachers

of the association and preachers' widows and orphans. This

chartered fund was the outgrowth of a benevolent spirit mani-

fested by members of the Church who made provisions in their

wills for this purpose, a number of bequests of this kind having

been made prior to the organization of this society. The first

large bequest was that of Maria Kuster, of Lehigh county, whose

house had been a preaching place in the days of Albright. She

willed her entire estate for the benefit of superannuated preachers

within the limits of Pennsylvania exclusively, but the Eastern

Conference, after acquiring the legacy, which amounted to

$2,600,* very generously relinquished their exclusive claim, and

it flowed into the common treasury. Previous to the organization

of the society, the beneficiary fund had been accumulating for a

number of years, so that it amounted to $4,312.03 at the time of

the organization of the society, at which time the treasurer of the

fund, Rev. John Seybert, paid that sum into the new treasury.

The first bequest to the society was made by Sister Kugler, of

of Adams county, Pa., and amounted to $3,150. The largest

bequest was that of Frederick Miller, of Washington township,

Lehigh county, Pa. He was converted under Albright, and

was a brother of Rev. George Miller, one of the first preachers

of the association. His legacies to the Church aggregated the

sum of $12,000, of which $8,124** was secured. Other bequests

were those of Bishop Seybert, $1,400; Henry Eby, $600;

Daniel Kriebel, $463; all from Pennsylvania. The entire fund

in 1887 amounted to $24,822, the interest of which is divided

annually among the conferences of the association. John

 

* Notes. — This will was contested, and the amount here given was awarded

to the Church.

** This will was also contested, and the above sum realized after a litigation

of six or seven years.

 

 

INSTITUTIONS. 207

 

Seybert was its president from its organization until 1844, when

J. P. Leib succeeded him, continuing in the office until 1860.

 

Sunday-Schools and Sunday-School Literature. The

Evangelical Association has ever taken a deep interest in Sabbath-

schools. The first school organized was at Lebanon, Pa., in the

Autumn of 1832.* The General Conference of 1835 directed

that Sunday-schools should be organized wherever practicable,

and they were accordingly organized in almost every church then

erected, New Berlin, Philadelphia, Orwigsburg, etc. Interesting

reports concerning our Sunday-schools appear in the first volume

of the Christliche Botschafter (1836).

 

Of literature our early Sunday-schools had but a scanty sup-

ply, compared with the present time. The Eastern Conference

in 1837 ordered the printing of the well-known tickets with Bible

verses. This was the first direct provision in that line. Soon

after this little Sunday-school books, including a small primer,

followed and did good service for many years.

 

Periodicals. The General Conference in 1855 made pro-

vision for the publication of a Sunday-school paper, which made

its appearance in January of the following year, in the German

language, under the name of Der Christliche Kinderfreund. It

appeared monthly, but after 1871 bi-monthly, and still later

weekly, as desired. In 1863 the General Conference ordered

the publication of an English Sunday-school paper, which made

its appearance in 1864 as The Evangelical Sunday-School Mes-

senger. It was also published monthly at first, then bi-monthly,

and weekly in later years. The International Sunday-School

Lesson System was adopted by the Church almost in the begin-

ning of its appearance, and the lessons were published in the

form of Lesson Leaves, and also. in the magazines and weeklies

of the Church. In 1875 the General Conference ordered the

publication of The Sunday-School Teacher, and also lesson papers,

 

* Note. — In the Christliche Botschafter of 1839, page 39, is found a report

of the Lebanon Sunday-school, furnished by Rev. J. C. Reisner, in which he

states that the "society" was organized in 1832. As the locality of the first

Sunday-school in the Church has been a matter of controversy, Dr. C. B. Wag-

oner, who has been connected with the First Evangelical Church at Lebanon

and superintendent of the Sunday-school for over a quarter of a century, began

an investigation into the facts many years ago, the results of which were conclu-

sive. He found documentary evidence showing that the school was organized

in the Fall of 1833, besides the testimony of several persons who attended the

school at that time.

 

 

808 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

in both languages, for the primary department. Under a reso-

lution of encouragement from the General Conference of 1867, a

company was formed for the publication of an English monthly

magazine. This periodical made its appearance in January, 1869,

under the title of The Living Epistle, and was specially devoted to

the subject of holiness. In 1871 it was tendered to and accepted

by the General Conference, and thereafter appeared as one of

the publications of the Church. It was much enlarged in 1875.

The German monthly, Das Evangelisehe Magazine, was estab-

lished about the same time as the Epistle. The Epistle is edited

by the English, and the Magazine by the German editor of the

Sunday-school literature.

 

Children's Day. In 1880 all Christian denominations

celebrated the centennial anniversary of the establishment of

Sunday-schools by Robert Raikes in England. At a meeting

of the Sunday-School and Tract Union of the Evangelical Asso-

ciation in Cleveland, O., April 24, 1880, it was decided to observe

June 27 as Children's Day, and the editors of the Sunday-school

literature were directed to prepare a suitable program, which was

furnished gratis to all schools desiring it. The collections of

that day were devoted to the Sunday-School and Tract cause. The

xlay was generally observed, and a general desire was expressed

by Sunday-schools to continue its observance. It was decided

to celebrate the last Sunday in June as Children's Day. Several

of the annual conferences passed resolutions endorsing the move-

ment. The General Conference of 1883 took cognizance of the

matter. The day was continued by that body, and the editors

of Sunday-school literature were directed to prepare the program

annually. The collections on this day were ordered to be paid

into the General Missionary Treasury. The day has ever since

been celebrated annually with great enthusiasm, adding another

source of revenue to the missionary treasury. The aggregate

collections for the missionary cause from its first observance to

1891 amounted to the enormous sum of $50,000.

 

Book Establishment and Church Periodicals. After

an existence of fifteen years, during which time several works

authorized by the conference were published, the society fe.lt the

need of a publishing house of its own. On Nov. 30, 1815, John

Dreisbach went to Philadelphia and purchased a small printing

outfit, which he presented to the society. The entire cost of

press, etc., was $375.08. The following Spring he purchased

 

 

INSTITUTIONS. 209

 

additional material costing $65.50. In January, 1816, he went

to Philadelphia in a sleigh to bring some of the material to New

Berlin, but a sudden thaw necessitated another mode of trans-

portation.

 

At the annual conference in June following, a Board of Pub-

lication was elected, consisting of seven members, viz.: John

Dreisbach, Henry Niebel, Solomon Miller, Adam Ettinger,

Daniel Bertolet, Philip Breidenstein and Christopher

Spangler. To them was entrusted the entire business. They

were required to render a report annually to the conference. At

the first General Conference, October, 1816, Rev. Solomon Miller

was elected the first book agent, with Henry Niebel assistant.

A frame building, 20x26 feet, was erected by the side of the first

church, then also in course of erection in New Berlin, Pa.

 

The next step was to secure a competent printer. For this

purpose John Dreisbach went to Harrisburg to consult Chris-

tian Gleim, an extensive publisher, who recommended a young

man named George Miller,* who was well skilled in all the

branches of the business, and was also a member of the Evangel-

ical Association. Miller was engaged at once, and removed to

New Berlin. As soon as possible the work of printing the new

hymn book and Discipline was begun.

 

In the first years of the establishment the Book Committee

had but few meetings, owing to the absence of the lay members;

accordingly, it was resolved at the conference of 1822 to constitute

the committee of ministers only. This committee consisted of

John Dreisbach, general book agent; John Erb, John Klein-

felter, Jacob Kleinfelter, J. Dehoff, D. Wolf and John

Seybert.

 

Towards the close of the first quarter of the century a season

of great depression set in. Business in general was prostrated

and money was scarce. This had a disastrous effect upon the

little printing establishment, and it was deemed best to let it out

to George Miller ("the printer") at a yearly rental of $60.

 

* Note. — George Miller, "the printer," was no relative of the preachers

of that name in the Association. He was a most useful man, and served the

Church faithfully for many years. In 1818 he married Margaret Zimmerman,

the youngest daughter of Leonard Zimmerman, who was one of the first to

receive Albright in the beginning of his ministry. Miller died Jan. 23, 1859,

aged sixty-four years, three months and twenty-five days. His wife preceded

him March 10, 1845, aged fifty-five years, nine months and twelve days.

 

 

210 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

At the conference of 1827 it was resolved to sell the printing

material and apply the proceeds to the management of the book

trade. John Dreisbach, James Barber and Benj. Ettinger

were appointed a committee to attend to this matter. At the

following conference Dreisbach was authorized to sell the estab-

lishment. Returning prosperity and the rapid increase of the

society awakened a general desire for the re-establishment of a

printing house and the publication of a periodical. A special

General Conference was convened in 1836, at the house of John

Ferner, in Somerset county, Pa., to take practical steps in this

direction. A committee was appointed, consisting of Rev. P.

Wagoner, Rev. W. W. Orwig and John Rank, Esq., who were

authorized to purchase or build a suitable printing house in New

Berlin. Orwig was appointed collector for the enterprise, and

met with great success. The committee purchased a commodious

brick edifice in the central part of the town, at a cost of $1,900.

New printing materials were secured. Miller again took charge

of the work, while the committee supervised the whole. The

enterprise was a success from the start, book after book was

published, and all met with a ready sale. Among the first works

published were, "Das Kernwesen der Erlocsung durch Jesum

Christum" (Substance of Redemption by Jesus Christ), written

by Rev. Samuel Miller, a son of George Miller; Dow's

"Chain of Reason;" "Thomas a' Kempis;" Miller's "Practical

Christianity;" Collier's "Introduction to the Study of the Scrip-

tures;" Fletcher's "Appeal," and also a small hand Bible.

 

In the middle of the century the business of the establishment

had so increased, while the facilities for shipment from New

Berlin were so poor, that a change of location was felt to be a

necessity. At the General Conference of 1851 action was taken

in the matter. The places put in nomination were Cleveland,

Pittsburg, Harrisburg, Philadelphia and New Berlin. Cleveland

was selected by a majority of five votes. The condition of re-

moval was that the cost of lot and buildings should not exceed

the sum of $12,000, three-fourths of which should be raised or

subscribed by Jan. 1, 1853. Success attended the efforts of the

agents, and in 1854 the business was removed to the newly erected

establishment at Cleveland, O., where it has remained. The

committee to whom was assigned the responsible task of removal

consisted of Bishop Joseph Long, Henry Fisher, John Dreis-

bach, W. W. Orwig, J. G. Zinzer and G. F. Spreng. A lot on

 

 

INSTITUTIONS. 211

 

Woodland avenue was purchased for $4,360, on which was erected

a substantial three and one-half-story brick edifice at a cost of

almost $3,000. In 1874 the building had became too small, and

an additional lot was purchased, on which was erected an edifice

costing over $40,000. To this was added another building ten

years later, at a cost of $30,000. The whole now presents a

uniform front, four stories high, on Woodland avenue of 123 feet

and a depth of 100 feet.

 

The enormous growth of the establishment may be inferred

from the following quadrennial statement of assets: 1867, $84,-

675; 1871, $153,186; 1875, $306,223; 1879, $398,568; 1883,

$461,201; 1887, $498,483. Besides paying off the remaining

indebtedness of the old, the new establishment was able to pay

to the Church a dividend of $500. From that time on it has paid

yearly dividends to the Church, with the exception of the years

1839, 1842 and 1868, amounts ranging from $500, the lowest, to

$20,302, the highest (1883). The total dividends to annual con-

ferences from 1837 to 1887 aggregated $240,024.36, besides a

loan in 1879 of $10,000 to the branch establishment in Germany.

 

"Christliche Botschafter" and "Evangelical Mes-

senger." The Christliche Botschafter was established in 1836.

Rev. Adam Ettinger and George Miller ("the printer") were

its editors and publishers. It was eight pages, 8½ x 10½ inches

in size, and published monthly, at seventy-five cents per annum.

The list of subscribers was 700, which was increased to 1,100 in

less than a year. At the special General Conference in Novem-

ber, 1836, W. W. Orwig was elected editor, and assumed the office

in April, 1837, serving also in the capacity of book agent. He

continued in this two-fold office until 1839, when Chas. Hammer

was elected book agent. In 1840 the Botschafter was consid-

erably enlarged and appeared bi-monthly, and the price was

raised to $1. Orwig continued as editor until 1843, when Adam

Ettinger succeeded him. In the Spring of 1842 C. Hammer

resigned the office of book agent and publisher, and T. Buck was

elected in his place by the West Pa. Conference. He died the

following October, and the office remained vacant until the fol-

lowing General Conference (1843), when Adam Ettinger was

elected editor and J. C. Reisner publisher. At the General

Conference of 1847 N.Gehr, of the Ohio Conference, was elected

editor, and H. Fisher, of the East Pa. Conference, publisher.

The same conference having also ordered the publication of the

 

 

212 EVANGELICAL AB800IAT10N ANNALS.

 

Evangelical Messenger, Gehr also served as editor of that period-

ical. The Evangelical Messenger made its appearance on Jan.

8, 1848, at $1 per annum, with 800 subscribers. In 1849 Gehr

resigned his office, J. G. Zinzer was elected in his stead, and

Henry Fisher was chosen editor of the Messenger in addition to

his office as agent, Bersch continuing as his assistant. Zinzer,

however, resigned the office before he had assumed its duties,

whereupon Fisher issued a call for a meeting of the Book Com-

mittee June 21, at which time W. W. Orwig was again elected.

In 1850 the Botschafter was again enlarged. Its subscription

list had increased to 4,000. The General Conference of 1851

again elected W. W. Orwig as editor of the Botschafter and chief

book steward, with J. G. Zinzer as assistant. Zinzer, however,

resigned the office in the course of about a year, because of ill-

health, and Bersch again served in his stead until April, 1854.

The same conference also re-elected H. Fisher editor of the

Evangelical Messenger, which was also enlarged. Fisher served

in this capacity until his death, Feb. 20, 1854. In 1853 Orwig

resigned the office of editor of the Botschafter and book agent,

and the West Pa. Conference, which had the oversight of the

establishment in the interim of the General Conference, elected

Charles Koch editor, and M. F. Maize publisher. Maize,

however, resigned, and Orwig continued to serve as agent until

the session of the West Pa. Conference in March, 1854, when

Charles Hammer was elected book agent, and J. L. W. Seybert

editor of the Evangelical Messenger. In April of this year the

periodicals made their appearance from their new quarters in

Cleveland, O. In September Seybert resigned, and the Board

of Publication elected John Dreisbach in his place. At the

General Conference of 1855 Charles Hammer was elected book

agent, Charles G. Koch, editor of the Botschafter, and John

Dreisbach, editor of the Messenger. At the Ohio Conference in

May, 1856, Dreisbach resigned on account of old age and infir-

mities, and T. G. Clewell, of the East Pa. Conference, was

elected to fill the vacancy. At the General Conference of 1859

Hammer, Koch and Clewell were re-elected to their respective

 

Biographical Note. — In 1837 William Bersch, a well-educated young

German, was converted in Philadelphia. The following year he went to New

Berlin for employment at the book establishment, and continued in the work until

his death at Cleveland, O., Jan. 12, 1882. Bersch was a remarkable man, and

his services to our publishing interests were invaluable. He always considered

his connection with the establishment his life-work and providential.

 

 

INSTITUTIONS. 213

 

offices. In 1861 both periodicals appeared as weeklies. The

General Conference of 1863 re-elected Hammer as book agent

and Clewell as editor of the Messenger, with W. W. Orwig as

editor of the Botschafter. At the General Conference of 1867

W. W. Orwig was elected book agent, R. Dubs, of the Iowa

Conference, editor of the Botschafter, and Clewell was re-elected

editor of the Messenger. The Botschafter was again enlarged in

1867 and the price advanced to $2 per annum. In 1868 the

Messenger was also enlarged and the price advanced to $2. In

the Spring of 1870 Orwig resigned the office of book agent and

W. F. Schneider, of the Wisconsin Conference, was elected by

the Board of Publication to fill the vacancy. In January, 1871

Clewell resigned the editorship of the Messenger and R. Yeakel

was appointed to fill the vacancy. The General Conference of

1872 re-elected W. F. Schneider as publisher, R. Dubs, editor

of the Botschafter, and J. Hartzler, of the Central Pa. Confer-

ence, editor of the Messenger. The General Conference of 1875

re-elected Schneider and Hartzler to their respective offices,

and elected M. Lauer, of the New York Conference, editor of

the Botschafter. In 1879 Lauer was elected publisher,* W.

Horn, of the Wisconsin Conference, editor of the Botschafter,

and H. B. Hartzler, of the Central Pa. Conference, editor of

the Messenger. In 1883 the foregoing were re-elected to their

respective offices, with the addition of H. Mattill, of the Kansas

Conference, as assistant publisher. In 1887 Lauer and Mattill

were re-elected publishers, W. Horn, editor of the Botschafter,

and S. P. Spreng, of the Ohio Conference, editor of the Mes-

senger. The Christliche Botschafter has the distinction of being

the most extensively circulated, and perhaps the oldest, German

church paper in America. In 1887 its circulation was 23,500.

The Evangelical Messenger ranks also as a great religious jour-

nal. In 1884 it was changed to book form of sixteen pages. Its

circulation in 1887 was 13,000.

 

The Board of Publication was established by the General Con-

ference of 1859, to consist of seven members, and to be legally

incorporated, and the members to be elected every four years by

the General Conference. The first board, which was elected at

this conference, consisted of Bishop J. Long, J. G. Zinzer, A. B.

Shaefer, J. J. Esher, S. Neitz, M. Lauer and A. Niebel.

 

* W. F. Schneider, publisher, died Aug; 22, 1879, and W. W. Orwig was

appointed to the vacancy until General Conference.

 

 

214 [page 214 is blank]

 

215

 

THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS.

 

 

 

PART, II.

 

An Outline History of the Association, Including a

Summary of the Transactions of the Annual and Gen-

eral Conferences, From Its Organization to the Year

1887 Inclusive. Arranged in Chronological Order. Also

a Biographical Department.

 

 

216 [page 216 is blank]

 

 

 

217

 

CHAPTER I.

 

Annals of the Evangelical Association from Its Origin

to the Year 1839.

 

 

Prefatory Remarks. It has been deemed best to give the

official records of the Association from its origin to 1839 as a

distinct period. The reasons for this appear obvious upon con-

sideration. This period was practically the old dispensation of

the society: old notions, customs and methods largely prevailed.

 

The annual and General Conferences were often held jointly,

and the latter conference had as yet no constitutional limitations

of authority and power. All elders could attend, as members,

the highest body of the Church.

 

The Church had no bishop during this period. Although the

Discipline provided for his election, and denned his functions,

yet the Church hesitated to invest an incumbent with what little

power was left to such a dignitary after repeated curtailments

covering a lapse of over a quarter of a century.

 

It is true, there were two conferences from the year 1826, but

the Western was only a nursling under the watchful eye of the

mother conference until the close of this period. Her acts were

subject to correction and revocation, and her records were an-

nually spread upon the journal of the Eastern Conference until

1836. The Western Conference depended on the Eastern for

men to carry on the work among them, and new men were sent

from year to year to replace the many who availed themselves of

the superior advantages offered in the West to procure homes and

those who could no longer endure the hardships of pioneer work.

 

For many years the West was also in a great measure depend-

ent on the East for financial support. The emigrants to the West

were poor and unable to do much toward the support of the mis-

sionaries, and the Eastern brethren continued to share their

 

 

218 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

scanty stipends equally with the Western, until the close of this

period. Gladly did they make this sacrifice in the spirit and for

the sake of Christ, for the advancement of whose cause they were

willing with the Apostle Paul, to "suffer the loss of all things."

 

FIRST PERIOD— 1800-1839.

 

Jacob Albright, the founder of the Evangelical Association,

was born near Pottstown, Pa., May 1, 1759. He was united in

marriage with Catharine Cope in 1785, and soon thereafter re-

moved to Lancaster county, Pa. He was converted in 1792 and

started on his first tour, as an independent evangelist, in October,

1796. Souls were converted through his instrumentality in vari-

ous places, and in course of time he found it necessary to or-

ganize them into classes.

 

1800. First classes organized: Walter's class, near Quak-

ertown, Bucks county; Liesser's, near Colebrookdale, Berks

county, and Phillip's, in Hamilton township, Northampton

county.

 

1802. Albright holds his first general meeting in June, at

Samuel Liesser's; his second at John Thomas', in Mifflin

county, in August, and his third a few weeks later, at Jacob

Phillip's, in Northampton county. The brothers George and

Solomon Miller are converted. John Walter enters the min-

istry as Albright's first assistant. Membership about twenty.

 

1803. Abraham Liesser enters the ministry. Fourth class

formed, in Schuylkill county, George Miller, leader. Gen-

eral meeting at Solomon Miller's, on Easter day. First council

held, in November, attended by Albight, his two assistants,

and fourteen laymen, who declare Albright to be a true Evan-

gelical minister and ordain him as such. Membership, forty.

 

1804. Second circuit (Northumberland) formed. Alex.

Jameson enters the ministry. Membership, sixty.

 

1805. George Miller enters the ministry. Abraham

Liesser dies. General spread of the work. Societies formed

on the Muehlbach, at Jonestown, Lebanon county, and at Han-

over, Dauphin county. Membership, seventy-five. Remark-

able meeting at New Berlin, and establishment of the work there.

 

1806. A year of great success. Among the most impor-

tant steps taken is the establishment of the office of local preacher.

Charles Bissy, Jacob Phillips, Solomon Miller and John

Dreisbach are granted license as such. It is also determined to

 

 

OONFERENCE RECORDS. 219

 

hold regular annual conferences hereafter. A collection is intro-

duced, called the subsidiary collection, a sort of contingent fund

applied to such purposes, as making up deficiency in salary and

aiding the poor of the Church. Extensive revivals in both cir-

cuits. Classes formed on the "new" circuit as follows: New

Berlin, Union county, Michael Maize, leader; Thomas' settle-

ment, Mifflin county, Fred. Herpster, leader; Millheim, Centre

county; Buffalo Valley, Union county, Martin Dreisbach,

leader; Brush Valley, Centre county, Christian Spangler,

leader; Lewisburg, Union county, Christian Wolf, leader. The

work also successful in Morrison's Cove. Membership, 120.

 

1807. The first annual conference was held Nov. 15, in the

house of Samuel Becker, on the Muehlbach, near Kleinfelters-

ville, Pa. There were present five itinerant and three local

preachers, and twenty class-leaders and exhorters. The society

is named "The Newly Formed Methodist Conference." Al-

bright is elected bishop and George Miller elder. John

Dreisbach and Jacob Frey were received into the itinerancy.

Albright was directed to formulate Articles of Faith and a Dis-

cipline for the society. Membership, 220.

 

Appointments: Lancaster and Schuylkill Circuit, George Mil-

ler and John Dreisbach; Northumberland, John Walter and Jacob

Frey. Jacob Albright, general overseer.

 

1808. There was no conference held this year. At a gen-

eral meeting on Easter day, at the house of John Brobst, in

Albany township, Berks county, Albright stationed his preach-

ers for the last time as follows:

 

Lancaster and Schuylkill Circuit, John Walter and Jacob

Frey; Northumberland, George Miller, and John Dreisbach.

 

Jacob Albright dies May 18, at the house of George Becker,

on the Muehlbach, where he was also buried. M. Betz of Mill-

heim and John Erb entered the itinerancy in Autumn. The lat-

ter, who was associated with John Walter on the old circuit,

took the place of Jacob Frey, who was sent to York county to

establish the work, but afterwards withdrew from the ministry.

Henry Niebel, of New Berlin, began to preach in the Winter.

The society suffered unusual persecution.

 

1809. The second annual conference was held in April, at

the house of Rev. George Miller, Albany township, Berks

county. Itinerants present were George Miller, chairman,

John Walter, John Dreisbach, secretary, John Erb, M. Betz

 

 

220 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

and Henry Nikbel. Miller was instructed to write Articles of

Faith and Discipline in place of Albright, deceased. The Dis-

cipline was published this year. J. Dreisbach was instructed

to publish a Catechism. This conference named the society

"The So-called Albrights." George Miller was instructed

to write and preach as his health would permit.

 

Appointments: Lancaster and Schuylkill Curcuit, J. Dreis-

bach, M. Bete and H. Niebel; Northumberland, J. Walter and

John Erb.

 

George Miller, John Walter and John Dreisbach were

ordained elders at a general meeting held at the house of Henry

Eby, near Lebanon, soon after the conference. Glorious revivals

took place during the year and five new classes were formed.

John Seybert, afterwards bishop, was converted near Manheim.

Jacob Phillips, local preacher, died. (For statistics of this and

subsequent conferences see statistical tables.)

 

1810. Third conference, April 18-20, at the house of George

Becker, on the Muehlbach. George Miller, president; J.

Dreisbach, secretary. Michael Becker and David Yerlitz

were newly received; John Erb and M. Betz were ordained

deacons. A new circuit called Franklin was formed extending

into York, Adams, Cumberland and Franklin counties, in Penn-

sylvania, and Carroll and Washington counties, in Maryland.

George Miller was directed to write and preach as his strength

would permit. John Walter published a hymn book by per-

mission of conference.

 

Appointments: Schuylkill and Lancaster Circuit, J.Walter,

H. Niebel and M. Becker; Northumberland, John Dreisbach

and David Yerlitz; Franklin, J. Erb, and M. Betz.

 

The work made very rapid progress and fourteen new classes

were formed. Camp-meetings were introduced, the first being

held on land of Michael Maize, near New Berlin, in June, and

the second on land of Rev. George Miller, in Albany town-

ship, Berks county, in October.

 

1811. Fourth conference, April 9, 10, on the Muehlbach,

George Miller, president; John Dreisbach, secretary. Leon-

ard Zimmerman was received on trial and Henry Niebel was

ordained deacon. The conference recommended catechetical

instruction, and the preachers were directed to organize cate-

chetical classes on their circuits.

 

 

OONFEBENCB RECORDS. 221

 

Appointments: Schuylkill and Lancaster Circuit, J. Walter,

M. Betz and D. Yerlitz; Northumberland, J. Erb and L. Zim-

merman; Franklin, J. Dreisbach, H. Niebel and M. Becker.

 

Great revivals took place near Shrewsbury and Conewago, in

York county, and near Shippensburg. Miller's "Practical

Christianity" was published.

 

1812. Fifth conference, April 2, 3, at Martin Dreisbach's

Buffalo Valley. George Miller, president; J. Dreisbach,

secretary. Fred. Shower, Abraham Huth, Michael Diebler,

Robert McCray and John Buchwalter were received into the

ministry. John Erb was ordained elder. Several circuits were

divided and a mission was established in Central New York.

(This mission failed, however, during the year and was not re-

established until 1816.)

 

Appointments: Schuylkill Circuit, H. Niebel and Abraham

Huth; Lancaster, J. Erb and Michael Diebler; Franklin, John

Walter and D. Yerlitz; York, M. Betz and M. Becker; New

York, J. Dreisbach and Robert McCray; Northumberland, L.

Zimmerman, J. Buchwalter and F. Shower.

 

1813. Sixth session, April 21-23, at Martin Dreisbach's.

George Miller, president; J. Dreisbach, secretary. George

Miller and J. Erb located. Henry Niebel and M. Betz were

ordained elders and D. Yerlitz and L. Zimmerman deacons.

Received on trial, Abraham Buchman, John Kleinfelter, Jacob

Kleinfelter, John Walter, Jr., John Stambach and Adam

Kendig.

 

Appointments: Schuylkill Circuit, J. Walter, Jacob Klein-

felter and John Walter, Jr.; Northumberland, M. Betz, Robert

McCray, A. Buchman and John Stambach; Franklin, H. Niebel

and M. Diebler; York, L. Zimmerman and Fred. Shower. To

seek new territory, J. Dreisbach and A. Hennig, D. Yerlitz and

John Kleinfelter.

 

The work greatly advanced. Yerlitz and Kleinfelter

found open doors in Bedford and Huntingdon counties, while

Dreisbach and Hennig met with equal success in Somerset and

adjoining counties, and organized a number of classes. M. Betz

died and John Walter, Albright's first assistant, broke down

completely.

 

1814. Seventh session, April 13-15, at Martin Dreisbach's.

John Dreisbach, president; Henry Niebel, secretary. Thomas

Bruer, Michael Walter and Henry Stauffer were newly

 

 

222 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

received. F. Shower, A. Hennig and Abraham Buchman were

ordained deacons. J. Dreisbach was elected presiding elder

(the first in this office) for four years.

 

Appointments: J. Dreisbach, presiding elder. Union Cir-

cuit, H. Niebel and John Kleinfelter; Bedford, D. Yerlitz and

Michael Walter; York, J. Stambach and T. Bruer; Somerset,

Abraham Buchman and Jacob Kleinfelter; Lancaster, L. Zim-

merman and H. Stauffer; Franklin, F. Shower; Schuylkill, Adam

Hennig.

 

This was a successful year. Four camp-meetings, fourteen

general meetings, and eight watch-night meetings were held.

 

1815. Eighth session, April 4-6, at Jacob Kleinfelter’s,*

near Shrewsbury. Henry Niebel, president; John Kleinfelter,

secretary. D. Yerlitz located; John and Jacob Kleinfelter

and Thomas Bruer were ordained deacons; David Thomas,

John Dehoff and James Bruer were newly received; Henry

Niebel was elected the second presiding elder. Highest salary

received, $89.67. The time of holding the conference session

was changed from April to June.

 

Appointments: I. Canaan District, John Dreisbach, presid-

ing elder. Franklin Circuit, Thomas Bruer and J. Dehoff; York,

Abraham Buchman and David Thomas; Lancaster, John Klein-

felter and James Bruer; Schuylkill, L. Zimmerman.

      II. Salem District, Henry Niebel, presiding elder. Union

Circuit, John Stambach and Jacob Kleinfelter; Centre, Fred.

Shower and Henry Stauffer; Somerset, Adam Hennig and Michael

Walter.

 

This was a year of general success. Six camp-meetings were

held. John Dreisbach visited Philadelphia, and preached, May

7, in Masonic Hall, near Poplar and N. Second Streets, and in

the house of George Fisher. On a second visit he preached in

Commissioners' Hall. During this visit he purchased a printing

press and outfit at his own expense, for the use of the society at

New Berlin.

 

1816. Ninth session, June 11-13, at Abraham Eyer's,** in

Dry Valley. John Dreisbach, president; Henry Niebel, sec-

retary. The newly received into the ministry were John Frueh,

Philip Smith, Moses Dehoff, Adam and Benjamin Ettinger,

 

* Father of Revs. John and Jacob Kleinfelter.

** Note. — This important session was held in Eyer's barn, which is still

standing (1896).

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 223

 

John Shilling, John Rickel, Fred. Kaltreiter and Andrew

Wolf. D. Thomas, M. Walter, John Dehoff and S. Miller

were ordained deacons, and Fred. Shower and L. Zimmerman

elders. Abraham Buchman, Thomas Bruer and H. Stauffer

located. This was the most important session yet held, as the

following transactions will show: Two mission fields were estab-

lished in Ohio. Local preachers shall hereafter be entitled to

deacon's orders, after trial of six years, and recommendation of

twelve itinerants. J. Dreisbach and H. Niebel shall have

preachers licenses printed, and shall make a proper collection of

hymns, and also improve the Discipline. A General Conference

shall be held. A committee of seven was elected to superintend

the new printing office established by J. Dreisbach, as follows:

J. Dreisbach, H. Niebel, S. Miller, A. Ettinger, D. Bertolet,

J. Breitenstein and Christian Spangler. Twelve delegates

were elected for the coming General Conference. Ministers shall

hereafter receive $56 salary and expenses, if the state of the treas-

ury will allow it.

 

Appointments: I. Canaan District, J. Dreisbach, presiding

elder. Franklin Circuit, J. Bruer and F. Kaltreiter; York, L.

Zimmerman and A. Ettinger; Lancaster, David Thomas; Schuyl-

kill, J. Frueh and B. Ettinger; Lake Mission (Seneca county,

N.Y.), Jacob Kleinfelter.

      II. Salem District, H. Niebel, presiding elder. Union Cir-

cuit, John Kleinfelter and M. Dehoff; Bedford, John Dehoff and

J. Shilling; Somerset, M. Walter and J. Rickel; Columbia, P.

Schmidt; Centre, J. Stambach; Canton Mission (O.), Adam

Hennig; Scioto Mission (O.), Fred Shower.

 

April 5 Rev. George Miller, co-laborer with Albright, died

at New Berlin, Union county. April 27 Conrad Philips and

John Walter, trustees, purchased a lot at New Berlin, for the

use of the society as a burial place.

 

 

224

 

CHAPTER II.

 

First General Conference, Held at the House of Mar-

tin Dreisbach, in Buffalo Valley, Union County, Pa.,

Oct. 14-17, 1816.

 

1816. The first General Conference of the society was held

at the house of Martin Dreisbach, in Buffalo Valley, Union

county, Pa., Oct. 14-17. J. Dreisbach, president; H. Niebel,

secretary. The following important business was transacted:

Solomon Miller was elected general book agent and publisher

for the newly-established printing office at New Berlin, and H.

Niebel assistant. The propriety of effecting an organic union

with the United Brethren in Christwas discussed, Bishop Chris-

tian Newcomer and several others of the latter denomination

being present and joining in the discussion. A committee was

appointed to meet a similar committee of the United Brethren

to consummate the union if practicable. The new hymn book,

Das Geistliche Saitenspiel, prepared by J. Dreisbach and Henry

Niebel, was approved, and the publication of 1,500 copies was

ordered. This was the first hymn book of the society. The

same brethren also submitted the Articles of Faith and Discipline,

also approved, and ordered 1,500 copies to be printed. The

publication of these books, however, was deferred, pending the

action of the Joint Committee on Church union. The yearly

salary of an itinerant was raised from $56, as fixed by the last

annual conference, to $60. The name of the society was changed

from "The So-called Albrights" to "The Evangelical Asso-

ciation."

 

Delegates: J. Dreisbach, H. Niebel, John Walter, L.

Zimmerman, J. Erb, J. Stambach, J. Kleinfelter, S. Miller,

J. Dehoff, D. Thomas, A. Ettinger and J. Frueh.

 

 

CONFERENCE REC0RD8. 225

 

The Social Conference. The Joint Committee to effect

the proposed union of the Evangelical Association and the United

Brethren in Christ met at the house of Henry Kummler, in

Antrim township, Franklin county, Pa., Feb. 14, 1817. The

committees representing the Association consisted of J. Dries-

bach, H. Niebel, S. Miller, J. Kleinfelter, D. Thomas and

A. Ettinger. On behalf of the United Brethren there were

present: Bishop Christian Newcomer, Joseph Hoffman, J.

Paulus, A Meyer, C. Berger and C. Roth.

 

The difficulties in the way of consummating this union were

greater than had been anticipated. Some of these difficulties, as

gathered from the histories of both denominations, were: A suit-

able name for the proposed new organization; the rights of local

preachers; the itinerancy; Discipline and Church government.

The chief difficulty seems to have been the following, as given

by Rev. J. Dreisbach:* "It was then understood and agreed

upon that there should be six delegates of each of the two denom-

inations, and that these delegates should be authorized by both

sides to negotiate a union, as we had postponed the new edition

of our Discipline till after our conference. But when we met at

Bro. H. Kummler's it was soon announced by the Brethren that

they had no such authority to make a final decision on the subject

of the contemplated union. This was to us very repulsive indeed,

and the result of this conference has been stated." The result

of the conference was the abandonment of the project.

 

Church and Printing Establishment. The first church

edifice of the Association was erected at New Berlin this year,

and dedicated March 2, 1817, by Rev. J. Dreisbach. Text,

Psalm xxvii. 4. The printing house was erected by the side of

the church (1816) and taken charge of by Rev. Solomon Mil-

ler, the agent. This establishment never flourished, and in 1828

the conference directed John Dreisbach to sell at his own

discretion. The printing for the society thereafter was done by

George Miller ("the printer"), who had been connected with

the establishment from the beginning.

 

1817. The tenth conference was held in the new church at

New Berlin June 2-7. H. Niebel, president; J. Kleinfelter,

secretary, The following members located: D. Thomas, A.

Hennig and P. Smith. James Barber, Adam Kleinfelter,

 

* Correction of Rev. H. G. Spayth, historian of the United Brethren Church,

in Evangelical Messenger, 1855, page 68,

 

 

226 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Samuel Muck, Henry Weiand, and B. Boeshore were newly

received. James Bruer and Adam Ettinger were ordained

deacons, and John and Jacob Kleinfelteh and J. Stambach,

elders. One itinerant and one local preacher were expelled from

the Church for misconduct, and three were deposed from the

ministry for neglect of duty. In addition to the Book Commis-

sion previously elected, the following were elected as agents of

the commission, to whom books were sent to be disposed of;

York Circuit, Joseph Kleinfelter; Franklin, J. Erb; Berkley

(Va.), Jacob Kerber; Columbia, Peter Reidy; Lake (N.Y.),

Christian Wolf; Somerset, N. Neith; Canton (O.), A. Hennig.

 

Appointments: I. Canaan District, J. Driesbach, presiding

elder. York Circuit, John Kleinfelter and B. Boeshore; Lancas-

ter, A. Ettinger and J. Barber; Schuylkill, J. Frueh and S. Muck;

Franklin, M. Walter; Berkley (Va.), J. Bruer; Lake (N.Y.),

J. Schilling.

      II. Salem District, H. Niebel, presiding elder. Union Cir-

cuit, B. Ettinger and F. Kaltreiter; Somerset, J. Stambach and

H. Weiand; Columbia, L. Zimmerman; Centre, M. Dehoff;

Bedford, J. Rickle; Lancaster, John and Adam Kleinfelter;

Canton, John Dehoff.

 

1818. Eleventh conference at New Berlin, June 1-5. J.

Dreisbach, president; H. Niebel, secretary. J. Frueh, J.

Bruer, A. Ettinger, and H. Weiand located. Samuel Witt,

Henry Hassler, John Peters and John Breidenstein were

newly received. Ordained Deacons — J. Rickel, J. Frueh, M.

Dehoff, B. Ettinger, F. Kaltreiter, J. Schilling and James

Barber. Dreisbach and Niebel were re-elected presiding elders.

Columbia Circuit was consolidated with Union. The following

rules were enacted: (1) That every preacher be forbidden to

wear gloves during Summer, or to use any of the following articles

at any time of the year, viz.: Silver-plated stirrups and bridle-

bits, loaded whips and large watch keys. (2) That it shall be

considered a transgression for any one of our minister to receive

members of the Methodist Episcopal Church into our connection

without the consent of the preacher having charge over them,

except in cases where they move from the bounds of their Church

into those of the Association, or have been regularly dismissed

by their Church.

 

Appointments: I. Canaan District, H. Niebel, presiding

elder. Schuylkill Circuit, M. Dehoff and A. Kleinfelter; Lan-

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 327

 

caster, J. Shilling and B. Boeshore; York, John Kleinfelter and

John Breidenstein; Franklin, H. Hassler; Berkley (Va.), Jacob

Kleinfelter; Lake (N.Y.), F. Kaltreiter.

      II. Salem District, J. Dreisbach, presiding elder. Union

Circuit. J. Stambach and John Dehoff; Centre, L. Zimmerman

and J. Peters; Somerset, J. Barber and S. Witt; Bedford, S.

Rickel; Canton (O.), M. Walter; Lancaster, B. Ettinger and

S. Muck.

 

John Walter, Albright's first assistant, died Dec. 3, aged

thirty-seven years. John Dreisbach, presiding elder, visited

the work in Ohio this year.

 

1819. The twelfth conference was held in New Berlin, June

7-11. J. Dreisbach, president; H. Neibel, secretary. Jacob

Peters, David Wolf and Jacob Baumgardner were newly re-

ceived. Adam Kleinfelter, Samuel Muck and Jacob Frey

were ordained deacons. Henry Niebel and J. Rickel located.

Dreisbach was presiding elder of both districts.

 

The following statistics of the various fields of labor are here

subjoined, that the reader may judge for himself as to the con-

dition and strength of the various charges: Pennsylvania — Union

Circuit, 239; Centre, 304; Lancaster, 277; York, 194; Somer-

set, 204; Bedford, 43; Franklin (partly in Maryland), 93; Schuyl-

kill, 93. Virginia— Canton Circuit, 160. New York — Lake

Circuit, 59. Ohio — Canton Circuit, 139; Lancaster, 90. Total

membership, 1,895.

 

Appointments: John Dreisbach, presiding elder. Schuylkill

Circuit, J. Schilling and J. Baumgardner; Lancaster, L. Zim-

merman and S. Mack; York, M. Walter and M. Dehoff; Frank-

lin, J. Frueh; Berkley (Va.), B. Ettinger; Lake (N.Y.), John

Kleinfelter; Union, H. Hassler and J. Breitenstein; Centre, J.

Stambach and J. Peters; Bedford, S. Witt; Somerset, A. Klein-

felter and John Peters; Canton (O.), Jacob Kleintelter and

Jacob Frey; Lancaster (O.), J. Barber and D. Wolf.

 

 

228

 

CHAPTER III.

 

Second General Conference, in Connection with the Thir-

teenth Annual Conference, at New Berlin, Pa., June

5-9, 1820.

 

1820. Thirteenth annual and second General Conference

convened in New Berlin, June 5-9. John Dreisbach, president;

Henry Niebel, secretary. Located — J. Stambach, J. Peters,

S. Witt and Jacob Frey. Newly received — Daniel Middle-

kauff and George Lantz. Became effective— -J. Erb, J. Rickel

and J. Dehoff. Ordained deacons — H. Hassler, D. Wolf,

John Breitenstein and George Lantz. Elders — M. Walter,

J. Barber, M. Dehoff, J. Frueh, B. Ettinger and J. Schil-

ling. J. Erb was elected presiding elder. Rev. S. Miller, the

general book agent, having died during the preceding year, J.

Dreisbach was elected in his stead. J. Dreisbach H. Niebel

and J. Stambach were constituted a standing book committee.

J. Dreisbach and Daniel Bertolet having written and trans-

lated a collection of hymns, they were ordered to be published,

besides such other works as were of a profitable character.

 

"As this was the fourth year since the session of the first

General Conference, therefore the annual and General Confer-

ences were held simultaneously, although but few items of a

General Conference nature were transacted, and these had ref-

erence chiefly to the book and printing affairs of the society.

Hence no delegates had been chosen, as was the case at the first

General Conference; But all members of the annual conference,

who had a right, to vote, had a voice in the proceedings. From

this time henceforth, until the introduction of the regular dele-

gate system at the General Conference of 1839, every minister

in the office of elder had a right to attend General Conference,

and was entitled to a vote." (Orwig, page 102.)

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 229

 

Appointments: I. Canaan District, J. Erb, presiding elder.

Schuylkill Circuit, B. Ettinger and Jacob Peters; Lancaster, John

Kleinfelter and D. Wolf; York, J. Barber and J. Dehoff; Frank-

lin, L. Zimmerman; Berkley, J. Frueh; Lake, S. Muck.

II. Salem District, J. Dreisbach, presiding elder. Union

Circuit, A. Kleinfelter and G. Lantz; Centre, J. Schilling and

J. Baumgardner; Bedford, J. Rickel; Somerset, M. Walter and

M. Dehoff; Canton (O.), Henry Hassler and D. Middlekauff;

Lancaster (O.), Jacob Kleinfelter, J. Breidenstein.

 

1821. Fourteenth conference, New Berlin, June 4-9. John

Erb, president; Jacob Kleinfelter, secrstary. The following

located — J. Dreisbach, J. Rickel, J. Frueh, S. Muck, G. Lantz,

J. Schilling and L. Zimmerman. Newly received — John Sey-

bert, John Vandersal, Fred. Glasser, John Stoll, Jacob

Bixler and John Eisenberger. Ordained deacons — J. Baum-

gardner, Christian Wolf and J. Vandersal. Elders — A.

Kleinfelter and J. Dehoff. Membership, 1,974; decrease of

eighteen. Salary of each itinerant, $26.66, besides a small

amount for traveling expenses. This was a period of sore trial

for the society. Besides the meager support of the ministers,

they were shamefully persecuted. John Dreisbach was allowed

the sum of $24 for his services as book agent. The book estab-

lishment being in a very unsatisfactory condition, the standing

Book Committee was authorized to lease it for three ears, which

was done.

 

Appointments: I. Canaan District, J. Erb, presiding elder.

Schuylkill Circuit, Jacob Kleinfelter and Jacob Bixler: Lancas-

ter, J. Breidenstein and J. Eisenberger; York, B. Ettinger and

J. Vandersal; Franklin, J. Baumgardner; Berkley, J. Dehoff;

Lake, M. Walter.

      II. Salem District, John Kleinfelter, presiding elder. Union

Circuit, John Seybert and F. Glasser; Centre, D. Wolf and M.

Dehoff; Somerset and Bedford, J. Barber and D. Middlekauff;

Canton (O.), H. Hassler and J. Peters; Lancaster (O.), A.

Kleinfelter and J. Stoll.

 

1822. Fifteenth conference, New Berlin, June 3-6. John

Kleinfelter, president; John Erb, secretary. The following

located — B. Ettinger, M. Walter, and M. Dehoff. Ordained

elders — D. Wolf, H. Hassler and J. Breidenstein. Deacons —

J. Seybert and D. Middlekauff. Newly received — William

 

 

330 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Sholty, John W. Miller, Joseph Long, Abraham Becker,

Philip Wagoner and Fred. Borauf.

 

As the lay members of the Book Commission seldom attended

the meetings of the committee, which caused great inconvenience,

it was deemed best to constitute the committee altogether of

itinerants, whose attendance at annual conference made the meet-

ings of the committee more convenient. The following were

elected according to this new rule: J. Dreisbach, general agent;

J. Erb, John Kleinfelter, Jacob Kleinfelter, J. Dehoff, D.

Wolf and John Seybert.

 

Although this was a year of great trial, there were signs of

better days to come. A camp-meeting was held on Canton Cir-

cuit (O.), on the land of Mrs. Jolly, and another on Lancaster

Circuit (O.), on the land of Daniel Hoy, in Fairfield county.

John Breidenstein gained entrance into Orwigsburg.

 

Appointments: I. Canaan District, J. Erb, presiding elder.

Union Circuit, James Barber and J. Eisenberger; Centre, D.

Middlekauff and J. Stoll; York, A. Kleinfelter and W. Sholty;

Lancaster, J. Vandersal and J. W. Miller; Schuylkill, J. Breid-

enstein and F. Borauf; Lake (N.Y.), J. Dehoff.

      II. Salem District, John Klinefelter, presiding elder. Franklin

Circuitjacob Kleinfelter and A. Becker; Berkley(Va.), F.Glasser;

Somerst, J. Baumgardner and J. Long; Canton (O.), John Sey-

bert and P. Wagoner; Lancaster (O.), D. Wolf and J. Peters;

H. Hassler to seek and organize a new circuit.

 

1823. Sixteenth conference, in the Union Evangelical

Church at Shrewsbury, Pa., June 2-4. John Erb, president;

John Kleinfelter, secretary. The following located — John

Erb, John Vandersal, D.Wolf, J.W. Miller, J. Eisenberger,

H. Hassler and W. Sholty. Newly received — J. Conrad

Reisner, Conrad Kring, Jacob Foy, Thomas Buck and Ben-

Jamin Bixler. Elders — James Barber and Adam Kleinfelter.

Ordained deacons — J. Stoll, F. Glasser and W. Sholty.

 

Membership, 1,854, a decrease of eighty-two. Average sal-

ary, $31.66. Notwithstanding the serious decrease in member-

ship for several years, this year marked the turning tide in the

history of the Church. A great revival at Orwigsburgh began

this year and continued several years, spreading in all directions,

and affecting the whole Church.

 

Appointments: I. Salem District, James Barber, presiding

elder. Union and Centre Circuit, J. Breidenstein, A. Becker

 

 

CONFERENCE BECORDS. 231

 

and J. Foy; Somerset, J. Dehoff and T. Buck; Lake (N- Y.),

Fred. Glasser.

II. Canaan District, John Kleinfelter, presiding elder. Lan-

caster Circuit, Jacob Kleinfelter; York, Benjamin Bixler and

Conrad Kring; Schuylkill, John Seybert; Franklin, Joseph Long

and J. C. Reisner.

      III. Ohio District, Adam Kleinfelter, presiding elder. Lan-

caster Circuit, J. Stoll and Phillip Wagoner; Canton, J. Baum-

gardner; J. Frey to seek a new circuit.

 

1824. Seventh conference, Shrewsbury, Pa., June 7-10.

John Kleinfelter, president; Jacob Kleinfelter, secretary.

Located — Jacob Frey, John Breidenstein and J. Baumgard-

ner. Newly received — Henry Wissler and Daniel Man-

weiler. J. Bixler and Fred. Borauf were received a second

time. Ordained deacons — Joseph Long, A. Becker, P. Wag-

oner and J. C. Reisner. Elder — John Seybert. Jacob Peters

died during the year. Average salary, besides traveling expenses,

 

Appointments: I. Salem District, James Barber, presiding

elder. Union and Centre Circuit, P. Wagoner, C. Kring and T.

Buck; Somerset, J. Stoll and F. Borauf; Lake (N.Y.), F.

Glasser.

      II. Canaan District, John Kleinfelter, presiding elder. Lan-

caster Circuit, W. Scholty and A. Becker; Schuylkill, J. C.

Reisner and J. W. Miller. Without a presiding elder: York

Circuit, J. Seybert and J. Bixler;* Franklin, J. Kleinfelter, B.

Bixler and Henry Wissler.

      III. Ohio District, Adam Kleinfelter, presiding aider. Can-

ton Circuit, J. Foy; Mansfield, J. Dehoff; Lancaster, Joseph

Long and D. Manweiler.

 

1825. Eighteenth conference, New Berlin, June 5. Adam

Kleinfelter, president; John Seybert, secretary. The' fol-

lowing located — J. Stoll, J. Bixler, John Kleinfelter, Jacob

Kleinfelter, Benjamin Bixler and F. Glasser. Ordained

elder — J. Stoll. Ordained deacons — C. Kring, J. Foy, J. W.

Miller and Thomas Buck. Newly received — John Hamilton,

Jacob Early, Joseph M. Saylor, George Reich, George

Schneider and Benjamin Becker, M. D. John Seybert was

 

* J. Bixler was disabled by sickness, and Joseph Saylor took his place in

the Fall.

 

 

232 EVANGELICAL ABS001ATI0N ANNALS.

 

elected presiding elder. An edition of 1,000 copies of the Geist-

liche Viole was ordered to be published this year. Conference

leased the printing house to George Miller, at a rental of $60

per annum.

 

Appointments: I. Canaan District, John Seybert, presiding

elder. Schuylkill Circuit, Conrad Kring and J. Early;* Lan-

caster, Thomas Buck and B. Becker;** York, J. C. Reisner and

J. M. Saylor; Franklin and Berkley, P. Wagoner and F. Borauf.

      II. Salem District, James Barber, presiding elder. Union

Circuit, J. W. Miller and George Reich; Centre, J. Foy and D.

Manweiler; Somerset, A. Becker and J. Hamilton; Lake (N.

Y.), Christian Wolf and F. Glasser.

      III. Ohio District, Adam Kleinfelter, presiding elder. Lan-

caster Circuit, J. Long and George Schneider; Mansfield, J.

Dehoff; Canton, Henry Wissler.

 

* Early became sick in Autumn and Francis Hoffman took his place,

** Becker left the charge daring the year and J. M. Saylor took his place.

 

 

233

 

CHAPTER IV.

 

Third General Conference, in Connection with the Nine-

teenth Annual Conference, at New Berlin, June 5,

1826.

 

1826. Nineteenth annual and third General Conference,

New Berlin, June 5. John Seybert, president; J. C. Reisner,

secretary. J. Foy, B. Becker, F. Borauf and J. Dehoff located.

Francis Hoffman and Samuel Tobias newly received. P.Wag-

oner, J. C. Reisner, J. Long and A. Becker ordained elders,

and H.Wissler, D. MANWEiLERand Michael Hassler, deacons.

Membership, 2, 207; average salary, $38.46.

 

Appointments: I. Canaan District, John Seybert, presiding

elder. Schuylkill Circuit, T. Buck and George Schneider; Lan-

caster, J. W. Miller; York, A. Becker and J. Bruer; Franklin

and Berkley, D. Manweiler and J. Hamilton.

      II. Salem District, James Barber, presiding elder. Union

Circuit, J. C. Reisner; Centre, P. Wagoner and S. Tobias; Som-

erset, H. Wissler, G. Reich and J. Frey; Lake (N.Y.), J. Early.

      III. Ohio District, Adam Kleinfelter, presiding elder. Lan-

caster Circuit, Conrad Kring and J. M. Saylor; Mansfield and

Canton, Joseph Long and F. Hoffman.

 

A resolution of 1824, instituting local preachers' conferences

prior to each annual conference, was reenacted, but was never

carried into effect.

 

A resolution that on every circuit, wherever practical, a par-

sonage be built, was reenacted.

 

The general book agent's accounts were audited by the Book

Committee, and record made of the same. Prices of books were

fixed as follows: Saitenspiel, the large hymn book, at one dollar;

Viole, the small hymn book, fifty cents; New Testament, one

 

 

234 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

dollar; Church Discipline, forty cents; Menschen Furcht, thirty-

seven and one-half cents; Thaetiges Christenthum, fifty cents.

The preachers were allowed an average discount of ten per cent.

 

The following Book Committee was appointed: J. Dreisbach,

general agent; J. Seybert, J. C. Reisner, J. Miller, Thomas

Buck, J. Hamilton and J. M. Saylor.

 

"The Western Conference of the Evangelical Association"

was formed, agreeably to a petition from the Ohio brethren, said

conference to hold its session prior to the Eastern, to which it

shall send its records for inspection and approval. All moneys

received for support of the ministry in both conferences to be

added, and each itinerant receive an equal share.

 

1827. Eastern Conference* Orwigsburg, Pa.,** June 4.

James Barber, president; J. C. Reisner, secretary. A. Becker

located. George Mattinger, George Enders and William

Stoll were newly received. T. Buck and J. W. Miller were

ordained elders, and G. Reich, J. Hamilton and D. Focht,

deacons. John Schneider and John Vandersal died during

the year. Philip Wagoner was elected presiding elder.

 

The total amount of money for preachers' support was $922.55,

of which the Eastern Conference contributed $809.99. The

money was divided among twenty preachers of both conferences.

The preachers of the Eastern Conference (not including locals)

were the following: Elders — J. Seybert, P.Wagoner, J. Barber,

J. C. Reisner, B. Ettinger, J. Dreisbach, A. Becker, J.

Breidenstein, John Kleinfelter, H. Niebel, L. Zimmerman,

J. Stambach, M. Walter, J. Stoll, J. Frueh, T. Buck, John

Miller. Deacons — D. Thomas, A. Buchman, A. Ettinger,

J. Rickel, C. Wolf, G. Lantz, J. Baumgardner, F. Glasser,

Jacob Frey, D. Middlekauff, H. Wissler, D. Manweiler,

G. Reich, D. Focht, J. Hamilton. On trial — G. Schneider,

S. Tobias, George Mattinger, G. Enders, William Stoll.

 

"The quarterly conferences were instructed to co-operate with

the presiding elders in the appointment of proper persons, whose

duty it shall be to collect funds throughout the entire Association

for the support of the worn-out preachers and their families;

with this understanding, however, that the Eastern and Western

Conferences shall each support the said families within their

 

* The records state that this was a joint annual and General Conference, but

for the sake of uniformity we will follow the numbering of previous authors.

** In church erected the year previous, the third one of the Association.

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 235

 

respective bounds, in accordance with the provisions of our

Church Discipline. (Landmarks, page 53.)

 

Conference appointed J. Dreisbach, J. Barber and Benja-

min Ettinger a committee to dispose of the personal property

of the book establishment, and apply the proceeds to the man-

agement of the book trade as the conferences may direct.

 

Appointments: I. Canaan District, J. Seybert, presiding elder.

Schuylkill Circuit, J. C. Reisner and H. Wissler; Lancaster, J.

M. Saylor and W. Stoll; York, T. Buck and James Bruer;

Franklin, J. Hamilton and F. Hoffman.

II. Salem District, Philip Wagoner, presiding elder. Union

Circuit, B. Ettinger and George Mattinger; Centre, J. Barber

and George Schneider; Somerset, D. Manweiler, S. Tobias and

J. Allen; Lake (N.Y.), George Reich.

 

1827. Western Conference, first annual session, at the house

of Henry Rauch, near Wooster, O., May 7. Adam Kleinfel-

ter, president; Joseph Long, secretary. Conrad Kring was

ordained elder, and J. M. Saylor deacon. Conference decided

to have no presiding elder this year, but Adam Kleinfelter was

directed to attend the general meetings in the Spring and Joseph

Long in the Fall.

 

Wooster Circuit, members, 176; Canton, 158; Lancaster, 160;

Sandusky,* 29; total, 523. The following is a list of all the

preachers in the Western Conference, who, with few exceptions,

were from Pennsylvania, and nearly all had been in the itinerancy:

Elders — Adam Kleinfelter, John Shilling, John Erb, Jacob

Kleinfelter, David Wolf, Joseph Long, Conrad Kring, John

Dehoff, Henry Hassler and Moses Dehoff. Deacons — John

Rickel, Joseph M. Saylor, Adam Hennig and Jacob Frey.

On trial — Francis Hoffman, John Peters, Matthew Wonder,

John Miller, Henry Downy, Fred. Borauf, John Thomas,

Jacob Dissler, Peter Miller, Henry Stauffer and Samuel

Sager.

 

Appointments: Canton Circuit, Joseph Long; Wooster, C.

Kring; Sandusky, Adam Kleinfelter; Lancaster, J. Miller and

George Enders. The two latter were sent by the Eastern Con-

ference.

 

* Late in the season of 1826 J. M. Saylor, by direction of Adam Klein-

felter, visited the Sandusky region and established appointments, after which

Jacob Frey served them until Conference.

 

 

236 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Immediately after adjournment of conference J. M. Saylor

and Francis Hoffman, who had traveled in Ohio in 1826, started

for Pennsylvania, carrying with them the proceedings of the

Western Conference to the Eastern or Parent Conference, as

directed by General Conference. They both remained in the East.

 

1828. Eastern Conference, New Berlin, June 2. John

Seybert, president; J. C. Reisner, secretary. The following

located: J. C. Reisner, J. M. Saylor and B. Ettinger. James

Bruer and D. Manweiler were ordained elders, and F. Hoff-

man and J. G. Conser, deacons. The newly received were W.

W. Orwig, Jacob Hoock, John H. Yambert and E. Stoever.

Thomas Buck was elected presiding elder. J. Dreisbach was

authorized to sell the book establishment, according to his best

judgment. George Miller ("the printer") was appointed by

the conference to attend to the book trade.

 

It was resolved "that hereafter married preachers, having

traveled five years or longer, shall draw as much salary for their

families as for themselves, or, in other words, as much again as

a single itinerant, and they were admonished to exert themselves

to have the contributions toward the support of the ministers

increased." (Orwig, page 138.)

 

Appointments: I. Canaan- District, J. Seybert, presiding

elder. Schuylkill Circuit; Adam Kleinfelter and J. W. Miller;

Lancaster, Conrad Kring; York, J. Hamilton and J. H. Yam-

bert; Franklin and Berkley, G. Reich and J. Hoock.

      II. Salem District, Thomas Buck, presiding elder. Union

Circuit, F. Hoffman and George Enders; Centre, J. Barber and

W. W. Orwig; Somerset, James Bruer and G. Mattinger; Lake

(N.Y.), Philip Wagoner.

 

1828. Western Conference, Uniontown, 0., May 5. Joseph

Long, president; J. W. Miller, secretary. Fred. Shower w"as

again received, and ordained deacon. J. W. Miller was ap-

pointed to convey the contributions, etc., to the Eastern Con-

ference, so as to include them in the general account. The

stationing of the preachers was left to the Eastern Conference,

with the proviso that at least three shall be ordained men, and

that Adam Kleinfelter represent the conference in the Station-

ing Committee.

 

Appointments: Joseph Long, presiding elder. Canton Cir-

cuit, D. Manweiler and S. Tobias; Lancaster, Henry Wissler

and E. Stoever; Sandusky, George Schneider.

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 237

 

1829. Eastern Conference, New Berlin, June i. Thomas

Buck, president; J. Seybert, secretary. Located — J. W. Mil-

ler. Died — John Stambach. Newly received — George Brick-

ley, Joseph Ebbert, Solomon G. Miller, Jacob Schnerr and

William Ray. Henry Niebel became effective. J. Seybert

was re-elected presiding elder. Martin Dreisbach, because of

the infirmities of age, resigned as trustee of the subsidiary fund

bequests, and John Seybert was elected to take charge of all

moneys, such as legacies, etc., for worn-out preachers, a number

of such having already been made, Thomas Buck was elected

treasurer of funds from book sales, and to appropriate according

to the directions of conference.

 

Appointments: I. Canaan District, T. Buck, presiding elder.

Schuylkill Circuit, Conrad Kring and J. Ebbert; Lebanon, IL

Niebel and W. W. Orwig; Lancaster, J. M. Saylor and G.

Enders; York, D. Manweiler and S. Tobias; Franklin and Berk-

ley, J. Hamilton, J. Bruer and W. Ray.

      II. Salem District, J. Seybert, presiding elder. Union Cir-

cuit, J. Barber and J. G. Zinzer; Centre, F. Hoffman and Sol-

omon G. Miller; Somerset, H. Wissler and G. Brickley; Lake

(N.Y.), George Reich.

 

1829. Western Conference, Tuscarawas township, Stark

county, O., May 4. Joseph Long, president; Henry Wissler,

secretary. John George Zinzer was newly received. George

Schneider, S. Tobias and E. Stoever were ordained deacons.

Jacob Klinefelter (the second) died during the year.

 

Appointments: Conference District, Joseph Long, presiding

elder. Canton Circuit, Adam Kleinfelter and E. Stoever; New

Lancaster, J. H. Yambert and George Schneider; Sandusky,

George Mattinger.

 

"During this year the preacher in charge of Lancaster Cir-

cuit made the first visit to the southwestern part of Ohio, whither

several old members of our Church had emigrated, and they ex-

pressed a strong desire to be regularly visited by our preachers.

Although the prospects were then not as promising with regard

to the extension of the work in that section, as in many other

places, yet it spread gradually, and extended over the counties

of Montgomery, Warren, Butler, Preble, and at last over Miami

and Dark, as far as Wayne county, in Indiana, till finally a cir-

cuit was formed there." (Orwig.)

 

This year the married preachers, for the first time, drew

 

 

238 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

salaries for their families, i. e., those of them who had traveled five

years, besides their traveling expenses; but among the twenty-

two itinerants of the last year, there were but four who were

entitled to draw for their families, nearly all the rest being single."

(Orwig, page 143.)

 

In the Western Conference one of the preachers having bap-

tized a person who had been baptized in infancy, charges were

brought against him, and the conference took action, which was

also approved by the Eastern Conference, unanimously forbid-

ding re-baptism by our preachers under any circumstances, for

the following reasons: "(1) Our Church Discipline gives no

such directions; (2) We can find no authority in the sacred

Scriptures for re-baptism; (3) It is our belief that its introduc-

tion would be followed by evil consequences."

 

1830. Eastern Conference, Orwigsburgh, Pa., June 1.

Thomas Buck, president; John Seybert, secretary. Died — H.

Meyer, local, of Somerset county. Newly received — Charles

Hammer, Daniel Kehr, John S. Himmelreich and Robert G.

Hunter. Located — J. Hamilton, H. Wissler, J. M. Saylor,

F. Hoffman and J. Ebbert.

 

The Eastern, as the oldest conference, decided that a session

of the General Conference should be held in Haines- township,

Centre county, Pa., to commence on the first Monday in Novem-

ber. George Miller was directed to print 2,000 copies of the

Viole, at $20 per hundred. The price of the Discipline was re-

duced to thirty-one and one-fourth cents per copy.

 

It was resolved that such preachers in either conference, who

do not exert themselves properly to secure money for the general

salary and subsidiary fund, shall have their salaries lessened as

the conference may deem proper.

 

The married preachers of the Western Conference shall re-

ceive' double salary, the same as in the Eastern, on condition

that they make proper efforts to secure funds.

 

Appointments: I. Canaan District, T. Buck, presiding elder.

Schuylkill Circuit, E. Stoever and J. G. Zinzer; Lebanon, W.

W. Orwig and C. Hammer; Lancaster, H. Niebel and J. Schnerr;

York, G. Brickley and J. Bruer; Franklin, C. Kring and R. G.

Hunter; Berkley (Va.), W. Ray.

      II. Salem District, J. Seybert, presiding elder. Union Cir-

cuit G. Schneider and S. Tobias; Somerset, S. G. Miller and

W. Roehrig; Centre, J. Barber; Lake (N.Y.), F. Glasser.

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 239

 

1830. Western Conference, Plain township, Stark county,

O., beginning May 3. Joseph Long, president; Adam Klein-

felter, secretary. Absalom B. Scbaefer, Christian Aubel

and W. Roerig were granted license to preach. Lewis Henkey

and M. Kibler were ordained deacons. Adam Kleinfelter

located. The conference stationed but one preacher, George

Mattinger. The remainder of the stationing was left for the

Eastern Conference to do.

 

Appointments: Conference District, Joseph Long, presiding

elder. Canton Circuit, J. H. Yambert and Daniel Kehr; Lan-

caster, George Mattinger and J, S. Himmelreich; Sandusky,

George Enders.

 

 

240

 

CHAPTER V.

 

Fourth General Conference, Held at the House of John

Adam Hennig, in Penn's Valley, Centre County, Pa.,

Beginning Nov. 1, 1830.

 

1830. In accordance with the resolution of the Eastern

Conference, the General Conference convened in the house of

John Adam Hennig, in Penn's Valley, Centre county, Pa., begin-

ning Nov. 1, 1830. Joseph Long, president; John Seybert,

secretary. The voting members present were: T. Buck, John

Seybert, Joseph Long, H. Niebel, J. Barber, Conrad Kring,

John Dreisbach and H. Hassler. John Dreisbach was elected

general book agent, George Miller ("the printer"), assistant,

and Thomas Buck treasurer of the book funds.

 

It was resolved that the new edition of the Discipline shall

be translated into English.

 

The business of this conference related mostly to the polity

of the Church, and very important amendments were made in the

Discipline, as follows:

 

1. The Articles of Faith. — The first article had already been

changed in 1816, and the expression, "three persons," changed

into "a trinity." In the second article for "In order thus to

reconcile the Father to us,' the words were changed to, "In order

to reconcile the justice of the eternal Father to us.' In Articles

XII. to XV. the words, "sacrament" and "sacraments" were

substituted by "baptism," "Lord's Supper," "means of grace,"

"representation," etc. In the fourteenth article the sentence,

'That only two sacraments have been iustituted by Christ,' was

omitted.

 

2. The General Rules and Instructions in the duties of the

members of the Association were changed and considerably

abbreviated.

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 241

 

3. The power of the bishops was so restricted that they were

eligible only for two terms of four years each in succession.

Formerly they had always been eligible, and this was afterwards

again made the rule. The formula for the ordination of bishops

was dropped.

 

4. Hereafter only itinerants shall be members of the annual

conferences. Before this, local preachers also had been members.

 

5. The power of the bishop to station the preachers was an-

nulled. He shall do this in connection with two elders elected

by the conference for this purpose.

 

6. The responses in the formula for ordaining elders was

abbreviated, and the word "sacrament" omitted. The baptismal

and marriage formulas were also changed.

 

7. The word "deacon" was changed into "minister," and the

articles against antinomianism and the final perseverance of the

saints were omitted.

 

A committee composed of John Seybert and Thomas Buck

was appointed to revise the Discipline in accordance with the

changes made, and J. Dreisbach and H. Niebel were appointed

an additional committee to examine the work before its publica-

tion. Adam Ettinger and J. Dreisbach were appointed to

examine the English translation.

 

The presiding elders were constituted the book agents for

their respective districts, instead of the local agents, as formerly.

 

"This conference ordained that the itinerant ministry in

general confine their labors to the German portion of the popu-

lation, and that no more preachers be received into that body

who had not at least some knowledge of the German language.

This resolution vexed and discouraged the English brethren a

great deal, and its consequence was that the English work suffered

and languished, till finally it died out almost entirely. Thus

many parts of the country were and remained closed against the

Association. * * * Herein the Evangelical Association fared like

most of the German churches of the country, i. e., it learned a

lesson by sad experience. In many parts they lost a considerable

number of useful members. Even many of their own sons and

daughters joined other denominations. * * * These are facts

which no one can truthfully deny, and which were afterwards

deplored by many of the preachers and members." (Orwig.)

 

The General Conference of 1843 rescinded this action and

completely reversed the policy.

 

 

242 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

1831. Eastern Conference, Lebanon, Pa., June 6. T. Buck,

president; J. Seybert, secretary. Newly received — Daniel

Brickley, George Anstein, John P. Leib, William Wagoner,

Charles Hesser, Jacob Borkert, John Campbell and Henry

Fisher. Located — S. Tobias. Died — D. Manweiler. Or-

dained elder — E. Stoever; deacons — J. G. Zinzer, S. G. Mil-

ler, J. Schnerr and W. Ray. Elected presiding elder — H.

Niebel; general book agent — John Rank, Esq. J. C. Reisner

was appointed to write a biography of Rev. George Miller.

A new district, called Zion, was formed.

 

The Church in general prospered greatly this year. The re-

vival in Upper Milford, Lehigh county, continued, and a begin-

ning was made near Allentown, at David Mertz's. Revivals

also took place at Prospect, and Seitz's, in York county, Penn's,

Brush and Nittanny Valleys, in. Centre county, and in Erie

county, N.Y., in the. vicinity of Buffalo.

 

Considerable difficulty ensued this year, chiefly in Virginia,

as a consequence of the exclusion of John Hamilton for heresy,

the general result of which was disastrous to the English work of

the Association. Serious schismatical difficulties also occurred

at Orwigsburgh, Pa., led by one George Kimmel.

 

Appointments: I. Canaan District, H. Niebel, presiding

elder. Schuylkill Circuit, J. Schnerr and J. Young; Lebanon,

J. G. Zinzer and J. P. Leib; Lancaster, E. Stoever and H. Fisher.

II. Zion District, T. Buck, presiding elder. York Circuit,

W.W. Orwig, D. Brickley and J. Borkert; Berkley (Va.), George

Enders;* Somerset, C. Kring, B. Bixler and G. Anstein.

III. Salem District, J. Seybert, presiding elder. Union Cir-

cuit, J. M. Saylor and W. Wagoner; White Deer, J. Barber and

C. Hammer; Centre, P. Wagoner and C. Hesser; Lake (N.Y.),

George Schneider and J. Campbell.

 

1831. Western Conference, Green township, Stark county,

O., May 2. Joseph Long, president; J. H. Yambert, secre-

tary. Newly received — Michael Miller, Christian Leitner

and John Rossner. Ordained elders — George Mattinger and

J. H. Yambert. There were in the conference nine itinerants,

twenty-seven local preachers, and 963 members. Some of the

itinerants took work in Eastern Conference.

 

Appointments: Conference District, Joseph Long, presiding

elder. Canton and Wooster Circuit, George Mattinger, J. S.

 

* In the Fall Enders left the charge and F. Hoffman took his place.

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 243

 

Himmelreich and M. Miller; Sandusky, J. H. Yambert and C.

Leitner; Lancaster, S. G. Miller and Daniel Kehr.

 

1832. Eastern Conference, New Berlin, Pa., June 4. Thomas

Buck, president; J. Seybert, secretary. Located — H. Fisher,

George Enders, J. Bruer and B. Bixler. Newly received —

Jacob Bell, Henry Bucks, Christian Thomas, Samuel Baum-

gardner, Daniel Fichtner and Joseph Harlacher. Ordained

elders — J. M. Saylor, W. W. Orwig, George Brickley and F.

Hoffman. Thomas Buck was reelected presiding elder. Mem-

bers of the Book Committee — T. Buck, H. Niebel, J. Barber,

J. G. Zinzer, J. M. Saylor, C. Hammer, and J. P. Leib.

 

An article on the Evangelical Association was prepared for

insertion in Buck's Theological Dictionary.

 

The conference resolved to establish a fund for the benefit of

worn-out preachers and the families of deceased ministers. This

was the beginning of the Charitable or Sustenation Fund of the

society. John Rank, Esq., of New Columbia, Pa., was elected

treasurer of this fund.

 

Adam Ettinger and Jacob Hammer were appointed a com-

mittee to have the Evangelical Association incorporated, which,

for some reason, was not done. The conference ordered the

publication of 1,500 copies of Miller's Biography, and 1,000

copies of the Discipline in the English language.

 

This was another year of prosperity. Buffalo Circuit, in the

northwestern part of New York, was formed and the work in that

part of the State developed rapidly. A remarkably victorious

camp-meeting was held near Orwigsburg, on the land of George

Rickert, at which about one hundred souls were converted.

 

Appointments: I. Canaan District, H. Niebel, presiding

elder. Schuylkill Circuit, W. W. Orwig and Daniel Brickley;

Lebanon, J. Schnerr and J. P. Leib; Lancaster, George Brick-

ley and F. Hoffman.

II. Zion District, T. Buck, presiding elder. York Circuit,

J. G. Zinzer, J. Rossner and H. Bucks; Franklin, J. M. Siylor

and J. Borkert; Indiana, E. Stover and J. Frey; Shenandoah

(Va.), G. Schneider and C. Thomas; Somerset, D. Kehr and

Joseph Harlacher.

III. Salem District, J. Seybert, presiding elder. Union Cir-

cuit, S. G. Miller and Charles Hesser; Centre, P. Wagoner and

S. Baumgardner; Lycoming, J. Barber and John Young; Lake

(N.Y.), J. S. Himmelreich and J. Campbell; Buffalo (N.Y.),

 

 

244 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

C. Kring and J. Bell. Transferred to Ohio, C. Hammer and

G. Anstein.

 

1832. Western Conference, Green township, Stark county,

O., May 7. Joseph Long, president; J. H. Yambert, secretary.

Newly received — John Lentz, Elias Sichly, John J. Kopp,

David Poorman and Aaron Yambert. Ordained deacons —

Daniel Kehr, J. S. Himmelreich and A. Riehm.

 

Appointments: Conference District, J. Long, presiding elder.

Canton Circuit, G. Anstein and J. J. Kopp; Wooster, C. Ham-

mer and Christian Leitner; Sandusky, George Mattinger and E.

Sichley; Lancaster, J. H. Yambert and M. Miller.

 

1833. Eastern Conference, Orwigsburg, Pa., June 3. T.

Buck, president; J. Seybert, secretary. J. S. Himmelreich

and J. Borkert located. J. Schnerr and J. G. Zinzer were

ordained elders, and J. Rossner, D. Brickley, J. Borkert, J.

P. Leib, C. Hesser, J. Young, and J. Klein, deacons. Newly

received- — John Sensel, Isaac Deppen, Michael F. Maize,

Solomon Altimos, Daniel Miesse and Jacob Boas. Elected

presiding elders — P. Wagoner, W. W. Orwig and J. M. Saylor.

 

A new edition of the Viole was ordered and J. M. Saylor and

J. P. Leib were appointed a committee to compile an English

hymn book. To this committee W. W. Orwig, A. Ettinger and

Joseph Hammer were added the following year, when it was pub-

lished. It contained 333 hymns. About ten years afterwards a

larger and greatly improved hymn book was published.

 

This was a year of great prosperity. Extensive revivals oc-

curred on many charges, and the ingathering of souls was great,

as will be seen from the fact that after deducting all losses by

death, backsliding, withdrawals, etc., there was still a net gain

of 331. The Church extended her borders, new charges were

formed, and plenty of zealous and consecrated men were ready

for work.

 

Appointments: I. Canaan District, T. Buck, presiding elder.

SchUylkill Circuit, J. P. Leib and I. Deppen; Lebanon, J.

Schnerr and J. Sensel; Lancaster, J. Roessner and J. Lutz.

II. Zion District, W. W. Orwig, presiding elder. York Cir-

cuit, J. Z. Zinzer and Joseph Harlacher; Gettysburg, E. Stoever

and H. Bucks; Franklin, J. Barber and S. Baumgardner; Shen-

andoah, J. Bell and M. F. Maize.

III. Salem District, J. M. Saylor, presiding elder. Union

Circuit, J. C. Reisner and F. Hoffman; Lycoming, G. Schneider

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 245

 

and G. Brickley; Centre, Charles Hesser and J. Young; Som-

erset, D. Brickley and A. Frey; Indiana, S. G. Miller and Jacob

Boas.

IV. Carmel District, P. Wagoner, presiding elder. Lake

Circuit (N.Y.), D. Kehr and S. Altimos; Mohawk, (N.Y.), F.

Glasser; Buffalo (N.Y.), J. H. Yambert; Erie (N.Y. and Pa.),

J. Seybert. H. Niebel and C. Kring went to the Western Con-

ference.

 

1833. Western Conference, Pleasant township, Fairfield

county, O., May 6. Joseph Long, president; J. H. Yambert,

secretary. Located — Joseph Long, G. Anstein and Christian

Leitner. Died — Samuel Frey. Ordained elder — Charles

Hammer; deacons — M. Miller, S. Seger and Henry Downey.

Newly received — Daniel Tobias, Peter Getz, John Schreffler

and Henry McBride. Henry Niebel was appointed presiding

elder by the Eastern Conference.

 

Appointments: Conference District, H. Niebel, presiding

elder. Lancaster Circuit, Charles Hammer and Elias Sichley;

Sandusky, M. Miller and P. Getz; Canton, C. Kring and D.

Tobias; Wooster, J. J. Kopp and A. Yambert; Miami, G. Mat'

tinger and J. Schreffler.

 

1834. Eastern Conference, New Berlin, Pa., June 2. W.

W. Orwig, president; J. Seybert, secretary. Located — T.

Buck, J. H. Yambert, S. G. Miller, D. Miesse, J. Borkert

and J. Roessner. Died— Christian Wolf, J. W. Miller and

H. Young. Newly received — John Noecker, Jacob Saylor,

Daniel Berger, Jacob Riegel, John Riegel and John M.

Sindlinger. Jacob Hammer was elected treasurer of the Char-

itable Funds. A committee was appointed to examine the new

English hymn book, compiled by J. M. Saylor and J. P. Leib.

One thousand five hundred copies of the Saitenspiel (the larger

German hymn book), and 1,500 of the Biography of Albright

and Miller were ordered to be published.

 

Appointments: I. Canaan District, J. Seybert, presiding

elder. Schuylkill Circuit, J. P. Leib and J. Sensel; Lebanon,

J. M. Saylor and John Reigel; Lancaster, H. Fisher and Jacob

Saylor.

II. Zion District, W. W. Orwig, presiding eider. York Cir-

cuit, J. Schnerr and M. F. Maize; Gettysburg, D. Kehr and

J. Noecker; Cumberland, C. Hesser and A. Frey; Shenandoah

(Va.), S. Altimos and J. Schimp.

 

 

246 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

III. Salem District, J. G. Zinzer, presiding elder. Union

Circuit, J. Young and D. Berger; Lycoming, G. Brickley and

S. Tobias; Centre, F. Hoffman and J. M. Sindlinger; Somer-

set, H. Bucks and G. Schneider; Indiana, J. Lutz and P. Goetz.

IV. Carmel District, P. Wagoner, presiding elder. Lake

Circuit (N.Y.), J. Harlacher and J. Boas; Mohawk (N.Y.),

Jacob Riegel; Buffalo (N.Y.), D. Brickley; Erie, E. Stoever.

 

1834. Western Conference, Lake township, Stark county,

O., May 5. Henry Niebel, president; C. Hammer, secretary.

J. J. Kopp and E. Sichley were ordained deacons. F. Borauf

died during the year. Newly received — Peter Wiest, Samuel

Van Gundy and Jacob Frey.

 

Appointments: Conference District, H. Niebel, presiding

elder. Lancaster Circuit, S. Baumgardner and G. Mattinger;

Wooster, E. Sichley and D. Tobias; Sandusky, J. J. Kopp and

A. Yambert; Canton, C. Hammer, S. Van Gundy; Miami, C.

Kring and P. Wiest.

 

1835. Eastern Conference, Lebanon, Pa., June 1. W.W.

Orwig, president; J. Seybert, secretary. Located — S. Tobias,

and D. Kehr. Newly received — Sebastian Mosser, Henry

Thomas, John A. Jacobs, Fred. Miller, Jacob Kehr, Daniel

N. Long, John Poorman, Henry Keagel, Samuel Friess and

George Seger. Ordained elders — C. Hesser, J. P. Leib and

D. Brickley. Deacons — J. Boas, H. Fisher, J. Sensel, J.

Lutz, A. Frey, M. F. Maize and S. Altimos.

 

Appointments: I. Canaan District, J. Seybert, presiding

elder. Schuylkill Circuit, C. Hammer and S. Mosser; Lehigh,

J. M. Saylor and Jacob Riegel; Lebanon, C. Hesser and H.

Thomas; Lancaster, Jacob Saylor and John Reigel; Philadel-

phia, J. Schnerr.

II. Zion District, W. W. Orwig, presiding elder. York Cir-

cuit, F. Hoffman and H. Fisher; Gettysburg, S. G. Miller and

J. A. Jacobs; Cumberland, J. P. Leib, G. Schneider and F.

Miller; Shenandoah (Va.), J. Shimp and D. N. Long.

III. Salem District, P. Wagoner, presiding elder. Union

Circuit, J. Sensel and J. Poorman; Columbia, D. Berger and J.

M. Sindlinger; Centre, J. Brickley and H. Keagel; Lycoming,

J. Young; Lake (N.Y.), M. F. Maize and J. Kehr; Buffalo,

J. Harlacher and S. Friess.

IV. Carmel District, J. G. Zinzer, presiding elder. Somer-

set Circuit, J. Lutz, A. Frey and G. Seger; Indiana, S. Altimos

 

 

CONFERENOE REC0RD8. 247

 

and J. Boas; Erie, J. Brickley and J. Noecker; Canton (O.)i

E. Stoever and P. Goetz.

 

1835. Western Conference, Lake township, Stark county,

O., May 4. H. Niebel, president; Chas. Hammer, secretary.

Located — J. Roessner and G. Mattinger. Ordained deacon

Joseph Ebbert.

 

Appointments: Conference District, H, Niebel, presiding

elder. Canton Circuit, J. Frey; Wooster, H. Bucks and P. Wiest;

Mansfield, J. J. Kopp and S. Van Gundy; Sandusky, S. Baum-

gardner and A. Yambert; Lancaster, C. Kring and A. Eby;

Miami, E. Sichley.

 

 

248

 

CHAPTER VI.

 

Fifth General Conference, Held at Orwigsburg, Pa.,

May 25, 1835.

 

1835. General Conference, fifth session, Orwigsburg, Pa.,

May 25. Henry Niebel, president; J. G. Zinzer, secretary.

Somerset, Indiana and Erie Circuits were detached from the

Eastern and added to the Western Conference, and a new district

was formed called "Carmel." The time of holding the confer-

ences was made earlier. Four thousand copies of the Geistliche

Viole were ordered to be published. It was ordered that here-

after the proceedings of the quarterly conference be recorded in

books kept for that purpose. It was resolved to establish a

religious paper to be called Der Christliche Botschafter (The

Christian Messenger), and P. Wagoner, J. M. Saylor and Chas.

Hammer were appointed a committee to formulate rules for its

publication. The committee reported that the periodical should

be issued monthly at seventy-five cents per year, if paid in advance,

or one dollar if paid at the end of the year. All preachers in

oharge shall act as agents; settlements to be made for the same

to the presiding elders, who in turn were to settle with the pub-

lisher. The committee was instructed to take charge of the

enterprise, and begin the publication of the paper as soon as 700

subscribers are secured. The presiding elders shall also act as

general agents for all books and publications of the society, and

shall receive a commission of one cent on each small and two

cents on each large book delivered through him to the preachers.

 

The conference took important action with regard to Sabbath-

schools, making it obligatory on the preachers to be interested

in the matter, and introduced them wherever practicable.

 

Local preachers' conferences were ordered to be held on each

charge having several of them, and conference made rules of

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 249

 

business for their government. This legislation does not seem

to have been carried out, and the holding of such conferences on

each charge, as independent of the quarterly conference, never

met with favor.

 

The conference founded the "Charitable Society of the Evan-

gelical Association," to be located at Orwigsburg, Pa. The dele-

gate system was not yet introduced and all elders had the privilege

of attending and were entitled to vote. Elders present — H.

Niebel, J. G. Zinzer, J. Seybert, W. W. Orwig, P. Wagoner,

J. Barber, J. Breidenstein, J. C. Reisner, J. Long, C. Ham-

mer, J. H. Yambert, C. Kring, J. Schnerr, D. Kehr, S. G.

Miller, G. Brickley, F. Hoffman, E. Stoever, J. M. Saylor.

 

1836. Eastern Conference, Rebersburg, Pa., March 28.

Philip Wagoner, president; Charles Hammer, secretary. Lo-

cated — J. M. Saylor and S. G. Miller. Newly received —

Christian Holl, Martin Hartman, Henry Westhafer, Lud-

wig Shuppert and Jacob Vogelbach. Elected presiding elder

— J. P. Leib. A committee examined Samuel Miller's "Das

Kernwescn von der Erlosung," (Essentials of Redemption), and

Solomon Miller's "Kette der Verunnft," (Chain of Reason),

and both works were approved and soon thereafter published.

J. M. Saylor was elected treasurer of the book funds. A Gen-

eral Conference was ordered to be held Nov. 14, 1836, in Som-

erset county, Pa.

 

Appointments: I. Canaan District, J. Seybert, presiding

elder. Schuylkill Circuit, J. Barber and H. Westhafer; Read-

ing, Jacob Saylor; Lebanon, J. Young and M. Hartman; Lan-

caster, John Riegel and L. Shuppert; Philadelphia, J. Schnerr.

II. Zion District, J. P. Leib, presiding elder. York Circuit,

G. Brickley; Gettysburg, J. Jacobs and H. Thomas; Cumber-

land, C. Hesser and F. Miller; Shenandoah, Va., M. F. Maize.

III. Salem District, P. Wagoner, presiding elder. Union

Circuit, D. Berger and Christian Holl; Columbia, J. M. Sind-

linger; Centre, J. Sensel and H. Keagel; Lycoming, F. Hoff-

man and S. Mosser.

IV. Moriah District, W. W. Orwig, presiding elder. Lake

Circuit, N.Y., Jacob Reigel and P. Henneberger; Buffalo, C.

Hammer and J. Kehr; Buffalo Station, Jos. Harlacher.

 

1836. The Western Conference met in Jackson township,

Wayne county, Ohio, March 7. Henry Niebel, president; J.

G. Zinzer, secretary. Located — Andrew Eby, and Conrad

 

 

250 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Kring. Newly received — Lewis Einsel, William Campbell,

John R. Miller and Matthias Hauert. Ordained elders —

Henry Bucks, Samuel Baumgardner and J. J. Kopp. Dea-

cons — Samuel Van Gundy, John Noecker, John Thomas,

Peter Wiest, Absalom B. Schaeffer and Aaron Yambert.

 

Appointments: I. Ohio District, Daniel Brickly, presiding

elder. Miami Circuit, John Lutz; Lancaster, Samuel Van Gun-

dy and William Bergheimer; Crawford, Henry Bucks and George

Seger; Sandusky, Elias Sichley and Lewis Einsel.

 

II. Tabor District, Henry Niebel, presiding elder. Mans-

field, Elias Stoever and John R. Miller; Wooster, Samuel Baum-

gardner and William Campbell; Canton, Abraham Frey and John

Noecker; Columbianna, J. J. Kopp.

 

III. Carmel District, John G. Zinzer, presiding elder. Erie

Circuit, Jacob Boas and Aaron Yambert; Armstrong, S. Altimos

and Matthias Hauert; Indiana, Pa., Peter Wiest and D. W.

Long; Somerset, Daniel Kehr and Peter Getz.

 

The bounds of the Ohio Conference were considerably en-

larged. Carmel District lay almost entirely in Pennsylvania.

This was a year of unusual progress. Some of the notable events

were the establishment of the Christliche Botschafter; the in-

troduction and establishment of our work in Canada by J. G.

Zinzer and C. Hammer, and the introduction of protracted

meetings. A number of churches were built. The camp-meetings

were uniformly successful, and the work in general prospered.

 

 

251

 

CHAPTER VII.

 

Sixth General Conference, Held Near Somerset, Pa.,

Nov. 14, 1836.

 

1836. General Conference, sixth (special) session, house

of John Ferner, near Somerset, Pa., Nov. 14. Henry Niebel

was president, and Charles Hammer, secretary. The chief

business was the re-establishment of a Publishing House. P.

Wagoner, W. W. Orwig, and John Rank, Esq., were appointed

to build or purchase a suitable edifice in New Berlin, Pa., and

W. W. Orwig was appointed to collect money for that purpose.

In case he did not succeed, a building for the printing business

should be rented. Owing to the distance of his home from New

Berlin, Bro. A. Ettinger resigned the editorship of the Christ-

liche Botschafter, andW. W. Orwig was elected. Charles Ham-

mer was elected presiding elder in place of W. W. Orwig. The

salary of the editor was made equal to that of a married itiner-

ant with an additional allowance equal that of an unmarried man.

It was resolved that hereafter the editor of the Botschafter shall

be elected by the General Conference, and shall be eligible only

for two successive terms of four years each.

 

An edition of 2,000 copies of J. C. Reisner's German school

book was ordered to be published, also an edition of 4,000 copies

of the Viole.

 

"It was resolved that the two annual conferences shall here-

after be independent of each other in their proceedings, the con-

tributions for the support of the preachers alone excepted. Up

to this time the Western Conference had been entirely dependent

on the Eastern in its proceedings, the latter body having the

power to approve or reject them, as it deemed best. The con-

tributions toward the support of the ministers however, remained

 

 

252 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIAT10N ANNALS.

 

the joint property of the two conferences, and were equally di-

vided between them, in proportion to the number of itinerants

composing each conference." (Orwig.)

 

This conference established the rule of discipline requiring

preachers in charge to give certificates of recommendation to

members who move from one charge to another.

 

In reference to the proper subjects and the mode of baptism

the conference granted liberty of conscience to the members of

the society.

 

It was ordained that hereafter the Western Conference shall

annually send two delegates to attend the Eastern Conference,

who shall, in conection with three members of the Eastern Con-

ference, constitute a committe to examine all books and manu-

scripts for publication.

 

Samuel Witt, of Somerset, was ordained deacon. The elders

present were: Henry Niebel, Charles Hammer, H. Bucks,

Samuel Baumgardner, Solomon G. Miller, J. G. Zinzer,

Elias Stover, J. Young, Jacob Schnerr, Charles Hesser, J,

Sevbert, W. W. Orwig, P. Wagoner, Daniel Brickly, Geo.

Brickly, J. J. Kopp, Francis Hoffman, J. P. Leib, and Daniel

Kehr.

 

1837. Eastern Conference, New Berlin, Pa., March 27. P.

Wagoner, president; Charles Hammer, secretary. Located —

M. Hartman. Ordained deacons — Henry Keagel, J. Kehr,

J. Jacobs, Henry Thomas, Peter Henneberger, and Sebas-

tian Musser. Elders — John Young and Michael F. Maize.

Newly received — Henry Stoetzel, Moses Bauer, George Del-

lingr, George Schaeffer, Benjamim Epply, Jacob Rank,

George T. Haines, Charles Wagoner, Jacob Miller, Mich-

ael Eis, Ch. Hummel and Henry Miesse. Philip Wagoner

was elected presiding elder. The following works were ordered

to be printed, (if approved by the board of publication): Thomas

AKempis' works, 1,500 copies; J. Vogelbach's German school

book, 1,000 copies; Miller's "Practical Christianity," 1,000

copies. The Publishing Committee was also instructed to pub-

lish the Bible, several thousand Sunday-school tickets, and 500

copies of the constitution of the Charitable Society.

 

Appointments: I. Canaan District, J. Seybert, presiding

elder. Schuylkill Circuit, Thomas Buck; Lykens, J. Barber and

P. Schwilley; Reading, Jacob Saylor and Michael Eis; Lebanon,

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 353

 

F. Hoffman and J. Vogelbach; Lancaster, J. M. Sindlinger and

J. Noecker; Philadelphia, Charles Hesser.

      II. Zion District, J. P. Leib, presiding elder. York Circuit, J.

Sensel and H. Westhafer; Gettysburg, J. Schnerr and F. Mil-

ler; Cumberland, M. F. Maize, Ch. Holl and George Schaffer;

Shenandoah, (Va.), P. Henneberger and M. Bower.

III. Salem District, P. Wagoner, presiding elder. Union

Circuit, J. Jacobs and H. Thomas; Columbia, George Brickly

and J. Schuppert; Lycoming, S. Mosser and G. T. Haines;

Centre, D. Berger and W. Heim.

IV. Moriah District, C. Hammer, presiding elder. Dans-

ville Circuit, (N.Y.), J. Kehr; Lake, H. Keagel and George

Dellinger; Buffalo Circuit, Jacob Riegel and H. Stoetzel; Buffalo

Station, Joseph Harlacher.

 

1837. Western Conference, Green township, Stark county,

O., March 6-n. Henry Niebel, president; Samuel Bauh-

gardner, secretary. Located — Benjamin Bixler and W. Camp-

bell. Newly received — Isaac Hoffert, Robert Miller and

Henry Heiss. Ordained elders — Solomon Altimos, Jacob

Boas and John Lentz. Deacons — George Seger, Daniel N.

Long, Peter Lentz and Ch. Aubel. Committee to visit the

Eastern Conference — J. C. Zinzer and Daniel Brickly.

 

Appointments: I. Ohio District, H. Niebel, presiding elder.

Miami Circuit, Jacob Boas and Daniel Swartz; Lancaster, J.

Riegel, J. R. Miller and Matthias Hauert; Crawford, A. B.

Schaeffer and Peter Getz; Sandusky, J. Lentz and Isaac Hauert.

II. Tabor District, Samuel Baumgardner, presiding elder,

Mansfield Circuit, Abraham Frey and Lewis Einsel; Wooster, J,

J. Kopp and George Seger; Canton, Samuel Van Gundy and

H. Heiss; Columbianna, E. Stoever and John Kerstetter.

III. Carmel District, J. G. Zinzer, presiding elder. Erie

Circuit, H. Bucks and Robert Miller; Armstrong, Peter Wiest and

D. N. Long; Indiana, Daniel Kehr and William Berkheimer;

Somerset, Aaron Yambert, J. Young and Benjamin Epply.

 

General progress: Philadelphia Station prospered wonder-

fully, and a chureh was built and dedicated Oct. 1. Our work

in Buffalo, N.Y., was founded by Joseph Harlacher. J. Boas

visited Illinois and established the work in that State.

 

1838. Eastern Conference, Orwigsburgh, Pa., March 28.

P. Wagoner, president; F. Hoffman, secretary. Located —

Joseph Harlacher, J. Kehr, and Jacob Saylor. Newly

 

 

254 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

received — Frederick Krecker, William Mintz, John Rosen-

berger, Samuel Krall and Alex. Longsdorf. Ordained

elders — Daniel Berger, Jacob Saylor, Jacob Riegel and J.

M. Sindlinger. Deacons — J. Vogelbach, W. Heim, H. West-

hafer, Fredericr Miller, Christian Holl and George Shaf-

fer. J. Seybert was re-elected, and T. Buck newly elected

presiding elder. The conference sent $410 to the Western Con-

ference for the support of preachers.

 

It was resolved that parsonages be erected, if practicable, on

every charge, the quarterly conferences to elect three trustees to

attend to the same, subject to the advice of the presiding elder

and preacher in charge. Conference ordered the following

works to be printed, subject to the approval of the committee:

3,000 copies of the small English hymn book; 2,000 copies of

Thomas a Kempis' "Imitation of Christ;" and 2,000 copies of

Miller's "Practical Christianity." A missionary society was

organized. A resolution deprecating the use of tobacco, and

forbidding preachers to engage in its traffic, was adopted.

 

Appointments: I. Canaan District, T. Buck, presiding

elder. Lykens Circuit, D. Kehr and S. Mosser; Schuylkill, M.

F. Maize; Womelsdorf, J. Schnerr; Lebanon, J. Vogelbach and

W. Mintz; Lancaster, J. Sindlinger and J. Rosenberger.

II. Philadelphia District, J. P. Leib, presiding elder. Phil-

adelphia Station, C. Hesser. Reading Circuit, H. Fisher and

M. Eis; Lehigh, F. Hoffman and P. Henneberger.

III. Zion District, P. Wagoner, presiding elder. York Cir-

cuit, J. Sensel and W. Heim; Gettysburg, G. Schaffer and H.

Westhafer; Cumberland, J. Young, J. Jacobs and S. Krall;

Shenandoah, (Va.), F. Miller and Moses Bower.

IV. Salem District, J. Seybert, presiding elder. Union Cir-

cuit, H. Thomas and H. Keagel; Columbia, J. Barber, B. Epply

and F. Krecker; Centre, D. Berger and Alex. Longsdorf; Ly-

coming, G. Brickley and P. Schwilley.

 

Moriah District, N.Y., Charles Hammer, presiding elder.

Lake Circuit, J. Reigel and C. Hummel; Dansville, H. Stoetzel;

Buffalo, C. Holl and G. T. Haines.

 

1838. Western Conference, Jackson township, Wayne

county, Ohio, March 5. H. Niebel, president; S. Baumgard-

ner, secretary. Located — George Seger, Daniel Swartz,

J. Kerstetter and John Reigel. Newly received — Joseph

Hummel. Ordained Elder — Samuel Van Gundy. Deacons

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 255

 

Lewis Einsel, William Bergheimer and J. Kerstetter.

Daniel Kehr removed to the Eastern Conference. Henry

Bucks and Jacob Boas were elected delegates to the Eastern

Conference.

 

Appointments: I. Ohio District, H. Niebel, presiding

elder; Illinois, P. Wiest. Miami Circuit, Aaron Yambert; Lan-

caster, J. G. Zinzer and George Dressel; Crawford, J. J. Kopp,

M. Hauert and Jacob Rank; Sandusky, P. Getz and Abraham

Loehner.                                                                 

II. Tabor District, S. Baumgardner, presiding elder. Mans-

field Circuit, A. B. Schaeffer, H. Longbrake and Joseph Hum-

mel; Wooster, D. N. Long and J. R. Miller; Canton, Jacob

Boas and J. Peters; Columbianna, S. Van Gundy and H. D.

Grunder; Erie, E. Stoever and Charles Wagoner.

III. Carmel District, Pa., H. Bucks, presiding elder. Frank-

lin, John Lutz; Indiana, Robert Miller; Armstrong, William

Bergheimer and H. Heiss; Somerset, L. Einsel and Isaac Hof-

fert.

 

In 1838, S. Altimos, an earnest and successful preacher

from the Eastern Conterence removed to Monroe county, Mich-

igan. Invalid though he was, he began to labor without ap-

pointment for the Master's cause, meeting with open doors every-

where. He preached in many places in Adams, Wells and Allen

counties, also in Detroit, visiting also Fort Wayne, Indiana,

where he opened the way for our preachers. His first revival

took place in December, 1838, on Port Creek, Michigan, where

he organized the first class in Michigan.

 

1839. Eastern Conference was held in Lebanon, Pa.,

April 11. Bishop J. Sevbert, president; F. Hoffman, secre-

tary. Located — J. Schnerr, H. Keagel, J. Reigel, S. Krall

and Frederick Miller. Newly received — John Kreamer,

Joseph Rissman, Joseph Best, Henry Rohland, Abraham

Forry, David Mertz, Ceorge Ramige, John Kauffman and

George Dressler. Ordained elders — J. A. Jacobs arid Sebas-

tian Mosser. Deacons — Christian Hummel, B. Epply, H.

Stoetzel, G. T. Haines, and P. Schwilley. Elected presiding

elder — George Brickly and J. M. Sindlinger. The salary of

the preacher for Philadelphia was fixed at $250.

 

Appointments: I. Canaan District, T. Buck, presiding

elder. Lykens Circuit, Benjamin Epply and M. Lehn; Potts-

ville and Minersville, M. F. Maize; Schuylkill, Charles Hesser;

 

 

256 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNAL8.

 

Lebanon, F. Hoffman, F. Krecker and D. Mertz; Lancaster, G.

Schaeffer and J. Kreamer.

II. Philadelphia District, J. P. Leib, presiding elder. Le-

high Circuit, D. Berger and G. T. Haines. Philadelphia Sta-

tion, J. Vogelbach. Reading Circuit, W. Heim and W. Mintz.

III. Moriah District, N.Y., J. M. Sindlinger, presiding

elder. Dansville Circuit, D. Kehr; Lake, J. Harlacher; Buffalo,

P. Schwilley and G. Ramige.

 

Missions, N.Y.: New York Mission, J. Burkett; Mohawk,

C. Hummel; Waterloo, Upper Canada, C. Holl; Black Creek,

Canada, M. Eis.

 

West Pa. Conference: I. Zion District, P. Wagoner, pre-

siding elder. York Circuit, H. Fisher and J. Rosenberger; Get-

tysburg, J. Sensel and P. Henneberger; Cumberland, J. A.

Jacobs, Abraham Forry and H. Westhafer.

II. Salem District, George Brickly, presiding elder. Union

Circuit, J. Barber and J. Best; Centre, H. Thomas and H. Ron-

land; Columbia, S. Mosser and A. Longsdorf; Lycoming, J.

Young and J. Rissman.

 

1839. Western Conference, Green township, Stark county,

Ohio, March 4. Henry Niebel, president; Samuel Baum-

gardner, secretary. Located — Joseph Hummel and Abraham

Loehner. Newly received — Samuel Heiss, Abraham Niebel,

Daniel Kern, Christian Augenstein and John Holl. Or-

dained elders — A. B. Schaeffer, Peter Getz, Peter Wiest

-and Aaron Yambert. Deacons — M. Hauert, George Del-

linger, Henry Heiss, John R. Miller, Isaac Hoffer and

Benjamin Bixler. Henry Buck was re-elected and J. G.

Zinzer newly elected presiding elder.

 

Appointments: I. Ohio District, J. G. Zinzer, presiding elder.

Miami Circuit, I. Hoffer and H. Longbrake; Baltimore, J. Lutz;

Lancaster, A. B. Schaeffer and Ch. Augenstein.

II. Sandusky District, H. Niebel, presiding, elder. Illinois

Circuit, Lewis Einsel; Maumee, William Bergheimer; Sandusky,

J. R. Miller and D. Kern; Marion, Benjamin Bixler; Crawford,

P. Wiest and Robert Miller; Mansfield,. J. J. Kopp and J. Peters;

Wayne, Aaron Lambert and J. Hall.

III. Tabor District, Samuel Baumgardner, presiding elder.

Bristol Circuit, E. Stoever and A. Niebel; Canton, George Dres-

sel and A. Stroh; Columbianna, P. Getz and George Seger;

Harmony, S. Van Gundy; Erie, J. H. Lambert.

 

 

CONFERENCE RE00RD8. 257

 

IV. Carmel District, (Pa.), H. Buck, presiding elder.

Franklin, Henry Heiss; Armstrong, George Dellinger and Sam-

uel Heiss; Indiana, D. N. Long and Charles Wagoner; Somer-

set, M. Hauert and Jacob Rank; Bedford, J. Boas and J.

Noecker.

 

SECOND PERIOD — 1839-1850.

 

1839. General Conference, seventh session, Mosser's

church, near Millheim, Pa, March 25. After the opening exer-

cises, conducted by Henry Niebel, Thomas Buck was elected

president, who appointed George Brickley secretary.

 

This was one of the most important sessions ever held, and

marks the beginning of a new epoch in the history of the Church.

 

Hitherto the Discipline neither defined nor limited the pow-

ers of the General Conference, and its power to alter or add to

the Articles of Faith and Discipline was practically unlimited.

Provisions were made at this conference, limiting and denning its

power in accordance with a constitution by which it shall here-

after be governed.

 

The powers of the bishop, which were materially limited by

the last General Conference, were still further curtailed by re-

moving his authority to assign (with the assistance of two pre-

siding elders) the presiding elders to their districts and the itin-

erants to their circuits, and to transfer, in the intervals of the an-

nual conference, presiding elders or preachers at his discretion.

 

Hitherto all members had a right to sit as members of Gen-

eral Conference. This conference introduced the delegate sys-

tem by ordaining that hereafter the General Conference shall be

constituted on a basis of one member out of every four of the

annual conferences.

 

The following sections were added to the Discipline: "Of

selling and using spiritous liquors;" "Of slavery;" "Of the

support of missions;" with many changes of minor importance.

 

The Christliche Botschafter was ordered to be enlarged, and

to appear semi-monthly instead of monthly, the price to be raised

from seventy-five cents to $1 per annum. Arrangements were

made to publish a German pocket Bible. An elementary school

book by W. W. Orwig, in manuscript, was approved, and 6,000

copies were ordered to be printed, as also a number of Sunday

school books. Steps were taken for the publication of a history

 

 

258 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

of the Evangelical Association. A committee of three was ap-

pointed to gather material, viz., T. Buck for the East Pennsyl-

vania, Charles Hammer for the West Pennsylvania, and John

Dreisbach for the Ohio Conference. They were to place the

matter thus collected in the hands of W. W. Orwig, who was to

prepare it for publication.

 

A standing book committee was appointed to inspect annu-

ally the chief book concern, and audit the accounts of the chief

book steward. A second committee was appointed to inspect

manuscripts offered for publication, and a third to select and pre-

pare Sunday-school books for publication.

 

The annual conference bounds were changed as follows:

Zion and Salem Districts, of the Eastern Conference, and Car-

mel District, of the Western Conference, were constituted a new

annual conference, called the West Pennsylvania. The Western

Conference was changed to the Ohio. The geographical bounds

of the conferences were as follows: The first named embraced

that part of Pennsylvania east of the Susquehanna River, New

York, as far as Buffalo, and subsequently Upper Canada. The

second embraced the territory west of the Susquehanna (and

the north branch of the same), Carroll county, Maryland, and

Washington county in the western part of the State. The Shenan-

doah Valley in Virginia, as far south as Woodstock, and several

of the counties in (now) West Virginia, along the Potomac

River. The third embraced the greater part of Ohio, and ex-

tended into Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan.

 

John Seybert was elected bishop, W. W. Orwig was re-

elected editor of the Christliche Botschafttr, and Charles Ham-

mer was elected book agent.

 

A constitution for a general missionary society was approved

and adopted, and the organization already effected under that

constitution was called "The Missionary Society of the Evan-

gelical Association of North America." This was constituted the

parent society, all conference societies to be auxiliaries.

 

Stringent resolutions were adopted, making it incumbent upon

local preachers to attend local preachers' conferences. In case

of neglect, for the first offence the offender shall be put on pro-

bation, and for the second offense he shall be deposed.

 

The preachers were enjoined to preach, defend and admin-

ister infant as well as adult baptism, according to our Discipline,

and if any who were baptized in infancy are not satisfied, they

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 259

 

shall be re-baptized; but no preacher shall advocate re-baptism.

 

Elders present — Eastern Conference: Thomas Buck, James

Barber, John Sensel, George Brickley, Daniel Kehr, Joseph

Harlacher, Francis Hoffman, J. M. Sindlinger, John Young,

Charles Hammer, Charles Hesser, John Seybert, Michael

F. Maize, Solomon G. Miller, John P. Leib, Daniel Berger,

Philip Wagoner, W. W. Orwig.

 

Western Conference: Joseph Long, Elias Stoever, John

Lutz, Henry Niebel, Jacob Boas, Peter Wiest, John G.

Zinzer, Absalom B. Shaefer, Peter Gates, Henry Buck,

Samuel Van Gundy, Aaron Yambert, J. J. Kopp.

 

This period is especially eventful in the history of the Evan-

gelical Association. The General Conference of 1839 marks

the introduction of a new era in the church. Narrow methods

were thrown aside, and the church caught the spirit of progress

everywhere astir in the land. The most marked characteristic

of this period is the wonderful impetus given the church by the

development of the great West. Soon after his elevation to the

episcopacy, Bishop Seybert paid a visit to Illinois. The great

influx of Germans into that State and Wisconsin, in addition to

the extensive emigration from Pennsylvania, deeply impressed

him with the importance of our work in that ever-widening field.

His foresight is well attested by the success which crowned the

labors of the Evangelical missionaries in that region. They

were the first German missionaries in many cities of Illinois,

notably Chicago, and were among the first to carry a pure gos-

pel to the sons and daughters of the Fatherland in the territory

of Wisconsin.

 

This period also marks the revival of the English interests of

the Evangelical Association. The first General Conference

composed of regularly elected delegates was held in 1843. Here

the old tradition that the church should confine itself to the Ger-

man element, was thrown aside. The narrow policy of former

years was completely reversed, and the pace was set in accord-

ance with what seemed to be the manifest destiny of the Church.

The General Conference having sounded the key note of prog-

ress, the church in general caught up the refrain. While the

work gained ground rapidly among the Germans of the West,

it was no less successful in the East.

 

The establishing of the English organ of the church, the

Evangelical Messenger, was proof positive that the Association

 

 

260 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

had enlarged her sphere of labor beyond the lines of language

and national prejudices, and that her calling, whatever it may

have been in the past,' was now manifestly to work in whatever

way or capacity the guiding hand of Providence might direct.

 

1840. East Pa. Conference, Schuylkill Haven, Pa., March

25. Bishop J. Seybert, president: Jacob Vogelbach, secre-

tary. Newly received — F. Danner, D. Fisher and Michael

Sindlinger. Ordained elders — J. Vogelbach, W. Heim, G.

Schaeffer and C. Holl. Deacons — W. Minie, F. Krecker,

J. Rosenberger, M. Eis and M. Lehn. J. P. Leib was re-

elected presiding elder.

 

Appointments: I. Philadelphia District, J. P. Leib, presid-

ing elder. Philadelphia, J. Vogelbach; Milford Circuit, J. Sen-

sel and H. Stoetzel; Lehigh, M. F. Maize and G. T. Haines;

Reading, Jacob Saylor and Henry Fisher.

II. Canaan District, T. Buck, presiding elder. Lykens Cir-

cuit, C. Holl and W. Mintz; Schuylkill, F. Hoffman, Charles

Hesser and D. Mertz; Lebanon, D. Berger and F. Danner; Lan-

caster, W. Heim and J. Kramer.

III. Moriah District, (N.Y.), J. M. Sindlinger, presiding

elder. Mohawk Circuit, C. Hummel and G. Ramige; Lake, M.

Lehn and D. Fisher; Buffalo, P. Schwilley, Buffalo Station, Fred.

Krecker; Black Creek, M. Eis and Michael Sindlinger; Water-

loo Mission, J. Harlacker; New York City Mission, Jacob

Burkett.

 

1840. West Pa. Conference, New Berlin, Pa., April 8.

Bishop J. Seybert, president; George Brickley, secretary.

Henry Thomas was ordained elder, and Jacob Rank and Alex-

ander Longsdorf deacons. Owing to a great lack of preach-

ers, the West Pa. Conference was at this session sadly reduced,*

and the Fourth of July next was appointed as a day of fasting

and prayer, that God would raise up ministers to carry on the

work.

 

Appointments: I. Zion District, P. Wagoner, presiding elder.

York and Gettysburg Circuits, John A. Jacobs and J. Kauffman;

Cumberland, George Shaffer and Moses Bower; Baltimore Sta-

tion, Jacob Boas.

II. Salem District, George Brickly presiding elder. Union

Circuit, Benjamin Epply; Lycoming, James Barber; Columbia,

 

* See Article on Ministry.

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 261

 

Alexander Longsdorf and J. Noecker; Centre, Henry Thomas

and Jacob Brobst.

III. Carmel District, Henry Bucks, presiding elder. Franklin

Circuit, D. N. Long; Indiana, Jacob Rank; Armstrong, George

Dellinger and Samuel Heiss; Somerset, Henry Rohland, Charles

Wagoner; Bedford, M. Hauert.

 

1840. Ohio Conference was held in the house of Solomon

Moyer, in Walnut township, Pickaway county, Ohio, beginning

May 13. Bishop J. Seybert, president; A. B. Schaeffer, sec-

retary. Located — George Seger, William Bergheimer, Ben-

jamin Bixler and J. Peters. Ordained elder — Lewis Einsel.

Deacons — Jacob Frey, H. Longbrake, Christian Thomas and

Robert Miller. Newly received — John Hershey, Levi Heiss,

Jacob Miller, Jacob Kemmerling, John Schaffer, Frederick

Wahl, John Mayer, Christian Lintner and Jacob Lutz.

Samuel Van Gundy and George Dressel died during the year.

 

Appointments: I. Ohio District, J. G. Zinzer, presiding

elder. Illinois Circuit, Isaac Hoffer and D. Kern; Miami, A.

B. Schaeffer and Levi Heiss; Pickaway, Lewis Einsel and Fred-

erick Wahl; Lancaster, Aaron Yambert and Jacob Lutz.

II. Sandusky District, H. Niebel, presiding elder. Sandusky

Circuit, Robert Miller and Christian Thomas; Lake, Adam

Stroh and John Hall; Crawford, John R. Miller and John

Mayer; Marion, H. Longbrake; Mansfield, Abraham Niebel

and Jacob Kemmerling; Wayne, Samuel Baumgardner and

Christian Lintner.

III. Tabor District, J. J. Kopp, presiding elder. Harmony

Circuit, E. Stoever; Erie, P. Getz and Christian Augenstein.

Illinois Mission, John Lutz. Bristol Circuit, Jacob Frey and

John Shaffer; Canton, P. Wiest and Jacob Miller; Columbianna,

Henry Heiss and John Hershey.

 

General developments during the year were: Considerable

ingathering of souls in Canada, especially at Waterloo. Great

success of J. Boas in Baltimore, Md. Beginning of the work in

Rochester, N.Y., by Samuel Muck. Class formed, Jan. 10,

1841. In Philadelphia J. Vogelbach forsook his congregation.

First class in Wisconsin was formed, near Wilwaukee, John G.

Esslinger, leader. The work in Indiana (connected with Mi-

ami Circuit), was considerably extended and the first camp-

meeting of the church in the State held on land of John Dill, in

Wayne county. Work established this year in Cleveland, Ohio,

 

 

263 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

by A. Stroh, taken up as a mission, 1841, and Lewis Einsel

appointed missionary. A small church was built the latter year.

In the Fall of 1840, J. G. Zinzer, presiding elder, visited the

work in Illinois. The book establishment prospered remarkably.

Michael Maize, Sr., L. Zimmerman (1), S. Altimos(2) and

William Bergheimer died during the year.

 

1841. East Pa. Conference, four miles west of Seneca Falls,

N.Y., March 17. Bishop J. Seybert, president; William

Mintz, secretary. Located — H. Stoetzel and D. Mertz.

Newly received — J. Dareich. Ordained elders — G. T. Haines,

P. Schwilley, Ch. Hummel and M. Eis. deacons — J. Kreamer,

G. Ramige and F. Danner.

 

Appointments: I. Philadelphia District, J. P. Leib, presid-

ing elder. Philadelphia, Ch. Hesser; Reading Circuit, J. Burkitt;

Milford, G. T. Haines and W. Garrett; Lehigh, M. F. Maize

and J. Kreamer; Womelsdorf, Jacob Saylor.

II. Canaan District. T. Buck, presiding elder. Lancaster

Circuit, H. Fisher and C. Holl; Lebanon Station, D. Berger;

Dauphin, J. Sensel. Orwigsburgh, W. Mintz; Schuylkill, F.

Hoffman; Pottsville Station, W. Heim; Lykens, F. Danner and

S. Neitz.

III. Moriah District, J. M. Sindlinger, presiding elder.

Mohawk Circuit, G. Ramige and D. Fisher; Lake, M. Lehn and

M. Sindlinger; Buffalo, Ch. Hummel; Buffalo Station, F. Kreck-

er; Black Creek, P. Schwilley; Waterloo, J. Harlacher and J.

Dareich; New York City, Miss., M. Eis.

 

1841. West Pa. Conference, New Berlin, Pa., April 7.

Bishop J. Seybert, president; H. Bucks, secretary. Located —

H. Thomas. Newly received — Joseph Truby, John Brickley,

 

Biographical. — (1) Leonard Zimmerman, Jr., was the son of Leonard

and Sophia Z., who were among the first supports of Albright. He was born

in Schuylkill county, 1783, and died at Manheim, Pa., in 1840. His wife Anna

died in 1846, aged 68 years. He was converted in his father's house in the be-

ginning of the century. He was awakened by a powerful sermon preached by

Albright from the words, "But who may abide the day of His coming?"

(Mal. iii. 2). His penitential struggle was severe, so that even Albright de-

clared he had never witnessed anything like it. In 1811 he was received into

the traveling ministry and labored with great acceptance until 1821, when im-

paired health compelled him to locate, and thereafter he continued in a local

capacity until his death.

(2) Solomon Altimos born in Pennsylvania; received in the Eastern Con-

ference 1833; removed to Michigan 1838, where he organized the first Evangel-

ical societies in that year; died in Monroe county, Michigan, March 18, 1841.

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 263

 

Jacob Heiss, Joseph Weber and Levi Eberhart. Ordained

elders — Benjamin Eppley, Adam Ettinger, M. Hauert and

George Dellinger. Deacons — S. Heiss, M. Bower and H.

Rohland. Re-elected presiding elder — P. Wagoner.

 

Appointments: I. Zion District, P. Wagoner, presiding

elder. York Circuit, A. Ettinger and M. Lehn; Gettysburg,

George Dellinger; Cumberland, J. A. Jacobs and D. N. Long;

Virginia, M. Bower; Baltimore Mission, J. Boas.

II. Salem District, George Brickley, presiding elder. Colum-

bia Circuit, D. Kehr; Lycoming, Benjamin Eppley; Union,

George Schaffer and Joseph Truby; Centre, James Barber and

Jacob Heiss.

III. Carmel District, Henry Bucks, presiding elder. Bed-

ford Circuit, Jacob Rank; Somerset, H. Rohland and John

Brickley; Indiana, Alex. Longsdorf and Levi Eberhart; Clarion,

M. Hauert and Joseph Weber; Warren, Samuel Heiss.

 

1841. Ohio Conference, Lafayette O., May 12. Bishop

Seybert, president; A. B. Schaeffer, secretary. Located —

J. Mayer, J. Hershey, Jacob Miller and Christian Thomas.

Newly received — John Nicolai, George Klopfer, Christian

B. Gattle and Simon Keil. Ordained elders — Isaac Hoffer

and Henry Heiss. Deacons — John Hall, Adam Stroh, Abra-

ham Niebel, Christian Augenstein and M. Wonder.

 

Appointments: I. Ohio District, J. G. Zinzer, presiding

elder. Lancaster Circuit, A. Niebel and Frederick Wahl; Pick-

away, Jacob Frey and Simon Keil; Miami, A. B. Schaeffer and

J. Nicolai; Des Plains (Ill.), Adam Stroh and Christian Lintner;

White Water Mission, Christian Augenstein and George Klopfer;

Fort Wayne Mission, John Hall; Illinois Mission, Isaac Hoffer.

      II. Sandusky District, Henry Niebel, presiding elder. San-

dusky Circuit, R. Miller and D. Wonder; Lake, J. Lutz; Craw-

ford, Jacob Kemmerling and L. Heiss; Marion, H. Longbrake

and D. Kern; Mansfield, S. Baumgardner; Wayne, P. Wiest;

Cleveland Mission, Lewis Einsel.

III. Tabor District, J. J. Kopp, presiding elder. Canton

and Columbianna Circuit, E. Stoever, H. Heiss and B. Gattle;

Harmony, Joseph Long; Erie, P. Getz and John Schaeffer;

Bristol, Aaron Yambert and J. R. Miller.

 

In the East Pa. Conference the work progressed finely, and

almost 1,000 new members were added. Philadelphia, which

 

 

264 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

had suffered through the withdrawal of J. Vogelbach, was again

greatly revived. In Canada, on Waterloo Mission, Joseph Har-

lacher had great success. The newly-established mission at

Cleveland, O., under Lewis Einsel, made good progress. Bishop

Sevbert visited Illinois, in July, for the first time and attended

the first Evangelical camp-meeting in that State, beginning July

15, on the land of Jacob Esher, near Wheeling, During the

year Bishop Seybert sent an order to the printing establishment

for 23,725 books for the Ohio Conference, at a costof $4,406.25½. 

This taxed the resources of the establishment to its utmost. Sev-

eral articles appeared in the Church paper in favor of a learned

clergy, which made a good impression. During the year several

newspapers made serious attacks on the Association and several

pamphlets were published to injure the cause, to all of which

the editor of the Botschafter replied in a mild, Christian spirit.

 

1842. East Pa. Conference, Allentown, Pa., March 2.

Bishop J. Seybert, president; Henry Fisher, secretary. Lo-

cated — J. Burkett and Joseph Harlacher. T. Buck permitted

to remain in the itinerancy and preach as his health will permit.

Newly received — H. Sauer, Joseph Gross, T. Steck and

William Schmidt. Ordained elders — W. Mintz, F. Krecker

and M. Lehn. Deacons — S. Neitz, D. Fisher, M. Sindlinger,

C. Meyers, S. Miesse and D. Mertz. Elected presiding elder —

H. Fisher.

 

Appointments: I. Philadelphia District, H. Fisher, presid-

ing elder. Philadelphia Station, M. F. Maize; New York Mis-

sion, C. Meyers; Milford Circuit, C. Hummel, J. Kreamer and

Joseph Gross; Lehigh, C. Hesser and William Mintz; Womels-

dorf, F. Hoffman and P. Swilley; Germantown and Manayunk,

J. M. Saylot.

II. Canaan District, J. P. Leib, presiding elder. Lancaster

Circuit, J. C. Reisner, J. Dareich and T. Steck; Lebanon, Jacob

Saylor and F. Danner; Schuylkill, D. Berger and S. Neitz;

Lykeris, J. Sensel and G. T. Haines; Pine Grove, T. Buck;

Pottsville Station, W. Heim.

III. Moriah District (N.Y.), J. M. Sindlinger, presiding

elder. Mohawk Circuit, M. Lehn and H. Sauer; Jefferson, D.

Fisher; Lake, C. Holl and M. Sindlinger; Rochester Mission,

F. Krecker; Buffalo Circuit, G. Ramige; Buffalo Station, Jacob

Riegel; Waterloo Circuit, M. Eis and W. Schmidt; Black Creek,

J. Kehr.

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 265

 

1842. West Pa. Conference, New Berlin, Pa., April 6.

Bishop Seybert, president; H. Bucks, secretary. Located —

J. A. Jacobs and Joseph Weber. Died — Samuel Witt. Newly

received — Daniel Sill, Aaron Wolf, David Rishel, George

Weirich, James Dunlap and Peter Heiss. Ordained elders —

Jacob Rank and Alex. Longsdorf. Deacon — Moses McLehn.

George Brickley resigned the office of presiding elder. Henry

Bucks was transferred to the East Pa. Conference. Samuel

Heiss went to the Ohio Conference. Adam Ettinger and

Daniel Kehr were elected presiding elders.

 

Appointments: I. Zion District, Adam Ettinger, presiding

elder. York Circuit, H. Thomas and J. Edgar; Gettysburg,

George Dellinger; Cumberland, Jacob Boas, James Dunlap and

Peter Heiss; Virginia, M. Bower; Baltimore Station, Charles

Hammer; Baltimore County Mission, L. Eberhart; York Mis-

sion, George Brickley.

II. Salem District, Ph. Wagoner, presiding elder. Union

Circuit, H. Rohland and Aaron Wolf; Columbia, George Schaf-

fer and David Rishel; Lycoming, Alex. Longsdorf and Simon

McLehn; Centre, James Barber and Joseph Truby.

III. Carmel District, Daniel Kehr, presiding elder. Somer-

set Circuit, John Brickley and Daniel Sill; Bedford, Moses Lehn

and George Weirick; Indiana, Benjamin Eppley; Warren, Jacob

Rank; Clarion, M. Hauert and Jacob Heiss.

 

1842. Ohio Conference, Walnut township, Pickaway county,

O., May 11. Bishop J. Seybert, president; A. B. Schaeffer,

secretary. Simon Keil died. J. R. Miller, J. Schaeffer,

Isaac Hoffer, J. Kemmerling and G. Klepfer located. Newly

received on probation — Christian Kopp, J. K. Bayer, Fred-

erick Mayer, J. Bernhart, P. Becker, P. Hahn, G. A. Blank

and F. R. Tobias. Ordained elders — Jacob Frey and Henry

Longbrake. Deacons — J. Mayer, Frederick Wahl, J. Schaef-

fer, Daniel Kern, Levi Heiss and Abraham Loehner.

 

Appointments: I. Ohio District, J. G. Zinzer, presiding

elder. Lancaster, A. B. Schaeffer and J. K. Bayer; Pickaway,

H. Longbrake and P. Hahn; Miami, L. Einsel and F. Mayer;

Des Plains (Ill.), F. Wahl and G. A. Blank; White Water (Ind.),

A. Stroh and F. R. Tobias; Fort Wayne (Ind.), J. Hall and J.

Nicolai; Rock River (Ill.), L. Heiss and D. Kern; Mt. Carmel

(Ill.), Christian Augenstein.

 

 

 

266 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

II. Sandusky District, H. Niebel, presiding elder. San-

dusky Circuit, Peter Wiest and J. Bernhart; Lake, P. Gates;

Crawford, J. Mayer and C. Kopp; Marion, J. Frey and S. K.

Miesse; Mansfield, A. Yambert and H. Downey.

      III. Tabor District, J. J. Kopp, presiding elder. Wayne

Circuit, E. Stoever and N. Gehr; Bristol, S. Baumgardner and

D. Wonder; Canton, J. Long and C. B. Gattle; Columbianna,

J. Lutz and P. Becker; Harmony, S. Heiss; Erie, Abraham

Niebel and Christian Lintner; Cleveland, H. Heiss.

 

The East Pa. Conference located missions in Germantown,

Pa., and Rochester, N.Y. The West Pa. Conference established

a mission in York, Pa., and Baltimore county, Md. Ohio Con-

ference established Mt. Carmel and Rock River Missions. This

was a year of great ingathering, and revivals occurred on almost

every charge. Owing to the stringency of the times the book

establishment did not prosper so well, and no dividend could

be given the conferences. Charles Hammer, the agent, had

resigned and T. Buck had been elected in his place, who entered

upon his duties in May and died Oct. 26 following. Besides

the death of T. Buck, who was considered one of the leading

men, the Church sustained the loss of three itinerants: Adam

Stroh, who was received by the Ohio Conference in 1840, "and

died April 2, 1843, in Summit county, O., aged twenty-five years;

J. Schaeffer, received by the Ohio Conference in 1840, and

died March 8, 1843, in Erie, Pa., aged twenty-six years; Abra-

ham Frey, born near Middleburg, Pa., received by the Eastern

Conference in 1832, and died in Richland county, O., Jan. 29,

1843, aged thirty-two years.

 

This was the first year in the history of the Association that

a fixed salary was full. An unmarried man received $60, married

men $105, with $15 for each child under fourteen years of age,

and an additional amount for traveling expenses. This caused

considerable rejoicing. There was a surplus in the treasury,

which was also divided.

 

1843. East Pa. Conference, Lebanon, Pa., March 22.

Bishop J. Seybert, president; Henry Fisher, secretary. W.

Heim located. Ordained elders — G. Ramige, F. Danner, J.

Kreamer and J. Kehr. Deacon —J. Dareich. Newly received

— J. C. Farnsworth, G. C. Schmidt, Theobald Schneider, W.

L. Reber, J. Raus and Frederick Scharf. Died during the

year — Charles Hesser. W. Mintz and M. Lehn were elected

 

 

CCNFERENOE RE00RD8. 267

 

presiding elders. A mission was located in Lancaster, Pa. The

work in New York was divided into two presiding elder districts.

Appointments: I. Philadelphia District, H. Fisher, presid-

ing elder. Philadelphia Station, M. F. Maize; Monroe Circuit,

G. T. Haines; Milford, W. L. Reber, J. Kreamer and G. C.

Schmidt; Lehigh, C. Hesser and J. C. Farnsworth; Womelsdorf;

D. Berger and F. Scharf; Germantown Mission, J. M. Saylor;

New York Mission, Christian Hummel.

II. Canaan District, J. P. Leib, presiding elder. Lancaster

Circuit, Jacob Saylor, T. Steck and S. Miesse; Lebanon, F.

Danner and S. Neitz; Orwigsburg Station, J. Sensel; Pine Grove

Station, F. Hoffman; Pottsville Station, H. Bucks; Lykens Cir*

cuit, J. C. Reissner and C. Holl; Schuylkill Haven Station,

Christian Meyers.

III. Mohawk District (N. Y), W. Mintz, presiding elder.

Mohawk Circuit, D. Fisher and T. Schneider; Jefferson, M. Sind-

linger; Danville, J. Dareich; Lake, F. Krecker and H. Sauer.

IV. Niagara District (N.Y.), M. Lehn, presiding elder.

Buffalo Circuit, G. Ramige; Buffalo Station, Jacob Riegel; Black

Creek Circuit, J. Kehr; Waterloo, M. Eis and J. Raus.

 

1843. West Pa. Conference, near Carlisle, Pa., April 5.

Bishop J. Seybert, president; Charles Hammer, secretary.

Jacob Heiss located. Newly received — George Cupp, Uriah

Eberhart and John Hanshaw. Ordained elders — H. Rohland,

Moses Bower and D. N. Long. Deacons — Levi Eberhart,

John Brickley, Simon McLehn, Aaron Wolf, Joseph Truby,

James Dunlap, John Edgar, Daniel Eckert, Samuel Strohm.

 

Appointments: I. Zion District, Adam Ettinger, presiding

elder. York Circuit, H. Thomas and P. Heiss; York Mission,

George Brickley; Gettysburg Circuit, M. Bower; Perry, James

Dunlap; Cumberland, J. Boas and Frederick Miller; Washing-

ton (Md.), George Dellinger; Virginia, D. N. Long; Baltimore

Station, C. Hammer; Baltimore County Mission, Moses McLehn.

II. Salem District, P.Wagoner, presiding elder. Union Cir-

cuit, H. Rohland and J. Barber; Columbia, George Schaeffer

and George Weirick; Centre, J. M. Sindlinger and A. Wolf;

Lycoming, Alexander Longsdorf and Benjamin Epply.

III. Carmel District, Daniel Kehr, presiding elder. Bedford,

Circuit, J. Edgar and D. Sill; Indiana, J. Brickly; Somerset,

Simon McLehn and Uriah Eberhart; Clarion, Joseph Truby and

 

 

268 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

David Rishel; Warren, Jacob Rank; Pittsburg Mission, Levi

Eberhart.

 

1843. Ohio Conference, Thompson township, Seneca county,

O., May 10. Bishop J. Seybert, president; A. B. Schaeffer,

secretary. Located — 3?. Wiest. Newly received — C. Kable,

G. F. Spreng, G. Haley, J. G. Miller, A. Nicolai, C. Glaus,

Conrad Kauffman and J. McQuilling. Ordained elders — C.

Augenstein, S. Heiss, Abraham Niebel and John Hall.

Deacons — Jacob Kemmerling, C. Lintner, J. Nicolai and

Jacob Hartman.

 

Appointments: I. Tabor District. Joseph Long, presiding

elder. Erie Circuit, Samuel Heiss and P. Becker; Harmony,

A. Niebel; Columbianna, J. Hall and George F. Spreng; Canton,

Nicholas Gehr and F. R. Tobias.

      II. Mohickan District, J. G. Zinzer, presiding elder. Bris-

tol Circuit, George Mattinger and J. Bernhart; Lake, E. Stoever;

Wayne, P. Getz and C. Glaus; Cleveland Mission, Henry Heiss;

Mansfield Circuit, Adam Hennig and C. Kable.

      III. Sandusky District, Jacob Frey, presiding elder. Pick-

away Circuit, C. Augenstein and George Haley; Marion, H.

Niebel and Henry Hassler; Lancaster, H. Longbrake and Joseph

Boyer; Crawford, Lewis Einsel and D. Wonder; Sandusky, John

Lutz and J. McQuilling.

      IV. Indiana District, J. J. Kopp, presiding elder. White

Water Circuit, J. Nicolai and Peter Hahn; Miami, A. Yambert

and F. Mayer; Dayton Mission, A. B. Schaeffer; Fort Wayne

Mission, Daniel Kern and G. A. Blank; Mt. Carmel Mission,

C. Lintner and A. Nicolai.

V. Illinois District, Samuel Baumgardner, presiding elder.

Des Plains Circuit, C. Kopp; Rock River, Levi Heiss and J. G.

Miller; Chicago Mission, F. Wahl; Milwaukee Mission (Wis.),

Matthias Hauert.

 

 

269

 

CHAPTER VIII.

 

Eighth General Conference, Held at Greensburg, 0.,

Oct. 23, 1843.

 

1843. General Conference, eighth session. This was the

first General Conference composed of regularly elected delegates.

It convened at Greensburg, O., Oct. 23, and continued eleven

days. A large volume of business was transacted, of which the

following is a summary:

 

Suitable business rules were adopted. Recommendations from

the annual conferences regarding changes in the Discipline were

considered and acted upon. The salary of a single preacher,

which had been fixed at $60, was raised to $100, and that of

married men from $105 to $200, with $25 additional for every

child under fourteen years of age, besides a reasonable allowance

for traveling' expenses. The salary of the officials at the Book

Establishment was increased $50 each. The conference appointed

W. W. Orwig to prepare a catechism for the use of the society,

and revise for a new edition of Miller's "Practical Christianity."

The two German hymn books were ordered to be combined into

one, to be called Evangelische Gesangbuch (Evangelical Hymn

Book). The subject of a denominational history was again revived,

and John Dreisbach was appointed to write the same. John

Seybert was re-elected and Joseph Long newly elected bishop.

J. C. Reisner was elected book agent and Adam Ettinger editor

of the Christliche Botschafter. A committee consisting of the

bishops and secretary was instructed to express the views of

the conference on the subject of education. A committee was

appointed to prepare a plan of study for the ministers. The for-

mer anti-English policy of the General Conference was reversed,

the English element encouraged, and an English Conference was

permitted to be formed as soon as ten preachers desire it, and it

 

 

270 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

is deemed advisable. The Discipline was ordered to be published

in English and an English periodical to be published bi-monthly

as soon as practicable. The western portion of the Ohio Con-

ference was constituted the Illinois Conference. "The annual

conferences, it was resolved, shall for the future be independent

of each other with regard to the support of the preachers. Thus

far, all the preachers of the different conferences had received

the same salary, as in former years the conference that had col-

lected the largest contributions had to assist those which had

fallen short, and in the years immediately preceding this confer-

ence these short-coming conferences had drawn the most from

the Chartered Fund and the proceeds of the Book Establishment.

But after this each conference had, in this respect, to take care

of itself." (Orwig.) N. Callender and William Nast, of

the Methodist Episcopal Church, appeared as fraternal delegates

from that body to convey the greetings of their brethren, and

delivered addresses for the purpose of drawing the bonds of fel-

lowship more closely between the two churches.

 

The total membership of the Church was 13,070, viz.: East

Pa. Conference, 4,372; West Pa., 4,508; Ohio, 4,190. Total

number of elders, 76. Assets of the book establishment,

$27,733.14½.

 

Following are the names of the delegates: East Pa. Confer-

ence — J. P. Leib, W. Mintz, J. C. Reisner, J. M. Saylor, H.

Fisher, M. Lehn, Charles Hesser, F. Hoffman, M. F. Maize

and H. Bucks; alternates, Jacob Saylor, D. Berger and J.

Reigel. West Pa. Conference — W. W. Orwig, P. Wagoner,

A. Ettinger, D. Kehr, Charles Hammer, George Brickly,

J. Boas, S. G. Miller and Henry Rohland; alternates, J. M.

Sindlinger, M. Bower and H. Thomas. Ohio Conference —

John Dreisbach, Joseph Long, Samuel Baumgardner, J. J.

Kopp, H. Niebel, J. G. Zinzer, A. B. Schaeffer, Jacob Frey,

A. Kleinfelter, Elias Stoever, H. Longbrake, Lewis Einsel,

Aaron Yambert and George Mattinger; alternates, Abraham

Niebel, H. Hassler and P. Getz.

 

This was a year of general progress. In the East Pa. Con-

ference the New York City Mission prospered, and J. M. Saylor

met with good success in Germantown and vicinity. Pittsburg

Mission, under the care of Levi Eberhart, succeeded well, and

a class was organized which numbered thirty- two members at the

close of the year. The missions in the far West succeeded very

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 271

 

well, and resulted in a glorious harvest of souls. A church was

built in Naperville, Ill., which was the second of the Association in-

that State; and also one in Chicago, which was the first German

Protestant church in that city. A church edifice was commenced

near Milwaukee, Wis., said to have been the first German Protest-

ant church in the State.

 

1844. East Pa. Conference, Orwigsburg, Pa., Feb. 28.

Bishop J. Seyb'ert, president; F. Danner, secretary. Located —

H. Sauer and C. Holl. Newly received — Martin Lauer,

Abraham Shultz, J. Bush, John Eckert, S. Spohn, Daniel

Wieand and J. G. Marquardt. Ordained elders — C. Meyers

and S. Neitz. Deacons — J. C. Farnsworth, T. Steck and D.

K. Miesse. Elected presiding elder — H. Bucks. The confer-

ence paid a bill of $8 incurred by an accident to a team used by

the conference delegates to the last General Conference.*

 

Appointments: I. Philadelphia District, H. Fisher, presiding

elder. Philadelphia Station, D. Berger; Germantown Mission,

F. Krecker; Milford Circuit, J. C. Farnsworth and W. L. Reber;

Lehigh, F. Hoffman; Northampton, C. Hummel and G. C.

Schmidt; Monroe, G. T. Haines; Womelsdorf, F. Danner and

F. Scharf; Reading Mission, J. M. Saylor; New York City Mis-

sion, M. F. Maize.

II. Harrisburg District, H. Bucks, presiding elder. Lan-

caster Circuit, J. Sensel and Abraham Schultz; Lebanon, Solomon

Neitz and J. G. Bush; Dauphin, Jacob Saylor and T. Steck;

Lykens, J. Kreamer and E. Bast; Pottsville Station, William

Heim; Schuylkill Haven Station, C. Meyers; Orwigsburg Cir-

cuit, J. P. Leib.

III. Mohawk District, William Mintz, presiding elder. Mo-

hawk Circuit, S. Miesse and M. Sindlinger; Jefferson, M. Eis;

Lake, G. Ramige and J. Raus; Syracuse Mission, J. Riegel.

IV. Niagara District, M. Lehn, presiding elder. Dansville

Circuit, J. Dareich; Buffalo, D. Fisher; Buffalo Station, J.

Burkett; Black Creek Circuit, T. Schneider; Waterloo, Jacob

Kehr and M. Lauer.

 

1844. West Pa. Conference, Millheim, Pa., March 13.

Opened by Bishop Seybert with religious exercises, after which

 

* Note.— The delegates were H. Fisher, C. Hesser, M- F. Maize and J.

M. Saylor. They occupied a two-horse carriage, and were on their way to

Greensburg.O. An accident occurred to them near Trevorton, by which Hesser

sustained fatal injuries. (See biography.)

 

 

 

272 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Bishop Joseph Long took the chair and named George Brickly

as secretary. Newly received — Emanuel Kohr, Wm. Reeser,

Benjamin Hess, Elias Stambach, Conrad Link and Noah

Schlosser. Ordination text of Bishop Long, I. Tim. iv. 16.

George Weirich, David Rishel and Daniel Sill were ordained

deacons. Charles Hammer and Alexander Longsdorf were

elected presiding elders. Potomac District was formed.

 

Appointments: I. Baltimore District, Charles Hammer, pre-

siding elder. Baltimore, George Brickly; Baltimore Circuit,

Joseph Dick; Gettysburg, J. Boas and E. Kohr; Washington

(Md.), D. N. Long; York Station, W. W. Orwig; York Circuit,

George Schaeffer and M. McLehn; Cumberland, M. Bower and

Levi Hummelsheim.

II. Susquehanna District, P.Wagoner, presiding elder. Clin-

ton Circuit, J. M. Sindlinger; Union, J. Barber and C. Link;

Columbia, H. Rohland and George Weirick; Lycoming, B. Epply

and W. Reeser; Centre, A. Wolf and Benjamin Hess; Perry, J.

Dunlap and George Dellinger; Loyalsock, H. Thomas.

III. Potomac District, Daniel Kehr, presiding elder. Pitts-

burg Mission, Levi Eberhart; Bedford Circuit, J. Edgar and E.

Stambach; Westmoreland, Uriah Eberhart; Somerset, D. Rishel

and P. Heiss; Virginia, J. Shimp and N. Schlosser.

IV. Allegheny District, Alexander Longsdorf, presiding elder.

Indiana Circuit, Daniel Sill and George Cupp; Clarion, Jacob

Rank and S. McLehn; Warren, Joseph Truby.

 

1844. Ohio Conference, Wayne county, 0., May 8. Bishop

Joseph Long, president; H. Niebel, secretary. Located — H.

Niebel, L. Einsel, H. Heiss, S. Heiss, George Haley and

F. Spreng. Newly received — C. Haldeman, George Platz,

F. Frech, S. Tobias, William Kolb and George Kaag. Bishop

Long's ordination text, I. Tim. iv. 16. Ordained elders — F.

Wahl, Adam Hennig, Levi Heiss and D. Kern. Deacons —

George A. Blank, J. Bernhart, N. Gehr, C. Kopp, Peter

Hahn, F. Mayer and Daniel Wonder.

 

Appointments: I. Columbianna District, Elias Stoever, pre-

siding elder. Erie Circuit, Peter Hahn; Greenville, Peter Getz;

Harmony, George Mattinger; Columbianna, P. Wiest and F. R.

Tobias; Canton, Abraham Niebel and C. Haldeman; Bristol,

J. Lutz and Adam Hennig.

II. Mohickon District, J. G. Zinzer, presiding elder. Wayne

Circuit, J. J. Kopp and J. K. Bayer; Mansfield, E. Sichley and

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 273

 

F. Freeh; Lake, J. Bernhart and C. Kabel; Cleveland Mission,

Nicholas Gehr; Sandusky Circuit, Daniel Kern and George Kaag.

III. Scioto District, Jacob Frey, presiding elder. Crawford

Circuit, Jacob Kleinfelter and Daniel Wonder; Lancaster, Henry

Hasslerand Matthias Ruf; Pickaway, Frederick Wahl and John

Nicolai; Miami, Aaron Yambert and Peter Becker; Marion, H.

Longbrake; Dayton Mission, John Hall; Chillicothe Mission,

Levi Heiss.

 

1844 — Illinois Conference. At the General Conference

of 1843 the Illinois Conference was ordered to be formed, being

the fourth conference of the Association. At the following ses-

sion of the Ohio Conference at Lafayette, O., May 8, 1844, the

organization was effected, and consisted of two presiding elder

districts, the Indiana and the Illinois. This conference occupied

an immense territory, stretching across Illinois into Indiana and

Wisconsin, about 500 miles long and 400 wide. It started with

fourten itinerants, nine charges, 763 members, five churches and

five Sunday-schools. Entrance was gained this year in many

new places, and the foundations laid for flourishing congrega-

tions. In the annual report of the missionary society of the

Ohio Conference Chicago is denominated the "key" to our work

in the West, a designation which has been amply justified by the

rapid grotwh of our churches in that metropolis of the West.

 

Appointments: I. Indiana District, A. B. Schaeffer, presid-

ing elder; White Water Circuit, Frederick Moyer; Fort Wayne,

George A. Blank and Simon Tobias; Mt. Carmel Mission,

Andrew Nicolai and George Platz.

II. Illinois District, Samuel Baumgardner, presiding elder;

Des Plains Circuit, Christian Lintner; Rock River, C. Klaus

and William Kolb; Chicago Mission, C. Augenstein; Milwau-

kee, Mission, Wis., Matthias Hauert; Peoria Mission, C. Kopp;

Galena Mission, John G. Miller.

 

This was a very successful year. In the East Pa. Conference

Northampton and Dauphin Circuits were formed. The Reading

Mission did well, and a church was built. Success crowned

Syracuse (N.Y.) Mission, where a church was erected. The

West Pa. Conference formed Westmoreland Circuit, West of the

Allegheny Mountains, and Loyalsock Circuit, near Williamsport.

Potomac district was constituted. The Illinois Conference

prospered; very successful meetings were held in Chicago and

 

 

274 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

in Milwaukee, Wis. M. Hauert, established the Evangelical

work in Racine Wis., and J. G. Miller, of Galena Mission,

extended the work into Iowa. Membership at the close of the

year, 14,918; an increase of 1,010.

 

1845. East Pa. Conference, Philadelphia, Feb. 26. Bishop

Joseph Long, president; William Mintz, secretary. Jacob

Saylor, located. Daniel Focht (local) died during the year.

Newly received — Reuben Deisher and C. Yeakel. Ordained

elders — Jacob Dareich and Samuel Miesse. Deacons — W.

L. Reber, G. C. Schmidt, F. Scharf, Theobald Schneider,

E. Bast, and D. W. Krissinger. A mission was located in

Albany, N.Y.

 

The Book Committee was instructed to have English and

German marriage certificates printed. The ministers were in-

structed to organize auxiliary missionary societies at each ap-

pointment.

 

Appointments: I. Philadelphia District, H, Fisher, presid-

ing elder. Philadelphia Station, D, Berger; Germantown Cir-

cuit, C. Meyers and C. Eckert; Lehigh, F. Hoffman; Milford,

J. Farnsworth and G. C. Smith; Monroe, C. Hummel, North-

ampton, E. Bast and A. Shultz; Womelsdorf, F. Danner and

T. Steck; Reading Mission, Joseph M. Saylor; New York City

Mission M. F. Maize.

II. Harrisburg District, H. Bucks, presiding elder. Dau-

phin Circuit, F. Krecker; Lancaster, W. L. Reber and C. Holl;

Lebanon, J. P. Leib and D. Wieand; Lykens, J. Kraemer

and M. Sindlinger; Mahantongo, J. Sensel; Schuylkill, G. T.

Haines and F. Scharf; Pottsville, William Heim.

III. Mohawk District, (N.Y.) W. Mintz, presiding elder.

Jefferson Circuit, M. Eis; Mohawk, S. Miesse and M. Lauer;

Syracuse Mission, Jacob Riegel; Lake Circuit, G. Ramige and

J. Burkett; Albany Mission, J. G. Marquardt.

IV. Niagara District, M. Lehn, presiding elder. Dansville

Circuit, T. Schneider; Buffalo, D. Fisher; Buffalo Station,

S. Neitz; Black Creek Circuit, (Can.) J. Dareich; Waterloo,

J. Kehr and J. G. Bosch.

 

1845. West Pa. Conference, York, Pa., March 12. Bishop

J. Long, president; Charles Hammer, secretary. Ordained

Elders — Aaron Wolf, J. Dunlap, Levi Eberhart, Simon Mc-

Lehn and Joseph Truby. Deacons — P. Heiss, U. Eserhart

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 275

 

and Leyi Hummelsheim. Located — Jacob Shimp and M. Mc-

Lehn. Newly received — J. L. W. Seybert and William Plan-

ett. Benjamin Epply took credentials for the Illinois Conference.

 

Appointments: I. Baltimore District, C. Hammer, presiding

elder. Baltimore Station, Jacob Boas; York Circuit, George

Shaffner and J. C. Link; Cumberland, M. Bower and George

Weirick; Gettysburg, J. A. Jacobs and L. Hummelsheim;

Washington (Md.) D. N. Long; Strassburgh, George Brickly;

York Station, W. W. Orwig.

II. Susquehanna District, P. Wagoner, presiding elder.

Union Circuit, David Rishel and Joseph Dick; Centre, H.

Rohland and E. Stambach; Clinton, J. M. Sindlinger; Lycom-

ing, P. Heiss and Benjamin Hess; Columbia, James Dunlap;

Buffalo, James Barber and W. Reeser; Loyalsock, H. Thomas;

Perry, George Dellinger, and E. Kohr.

III. Potomac District, Daniel Kehr, presiding elder; Bed-

ford Circuit, S. McLehn and Jacob Bower; Somerset, J. Edgar

and J. C. W. Seybert; Westmoreland, U. Eberhart and J. C.

Fulton; Virginia, N. Schlosser and W. Planett; Pittsburg Mis-

sion, A. Wolf.

IV. Allegheny District, Allexander Longsdorf, presiding

elder. Indiana Circuit, Daniel Sill and G. J. Frey; Clarion,

Jacob Rank and George Cupp; Venango, Levi Eberhart; War-

ren, Joseph Truby.

 

1845. Ohio Conference, Fairfield county, O., May 14.

Bishop J. Seybert, president; H. Niebel, secretary. Newly

received — G. Behner, Jacob Honecker, G. Doll, H. Born,

C. A. Munk and H. Paul. Located — E. Sichley, C. Kabel,

D. Wonder, C. Haldeman, A. Hennig and H. Longbrake.

Ordained elders — J. Nicolai and E. Sichley. Deacons — F. R.

Tobias, P. B. Becker, Daniel Schwartz and David Wolf.

 

Appointments: I. Columbianna District, E. Stoever, presid-

ing elder. Erie Circuit, P. Wiest; Greenville, Abraham Niebel;

Harmony, P. W. Hahn; Liverpool, H. Hassler; Columbianna,

P. Swilley and J. Honecker; Cleveland Mission, N. Gehr; Can-

ton Circuit, J. Lutz and G. F. Spreng; Bristol, J. Hall and

George Doll.

II. Mohickon District, J. G. Zinzer, presiding elder. Lake

Circuit, H. Niebel; Wayne, George Mattinger and H. Paul;

Maumee Mission, Daniel Kern; Mansfield Circuit, Jacob Klein-

felterandF. R. Tobias; Ann Arbor Mission, G. Kaag; Wyandott

 

 

276 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Circuit, J. J. Kopp and Matthias Ruf; Sandusky, Levi Heiss

and G. F. Behner.

III. Scioto District, Jacob Frey, presiding elder. Marion

Circuit, Aaron Yambert and F. Freeh; Lancaster, J. Bernhart

and P. B. Becker; Pickaway, Abraham Behner and P. Getz;

Miami, J. Nicolai and George Haley; Dayton Mission, Fred-

erick Mayer.

 

1845. Illinois Conference, Des Plains, Ill., June 11. Bishop

J. Seybert, president; A. B. Schaeffer, secretary. John Jacob

Esher was newly received. C. Lintner was ordained elder and

C. Glaus, J. G. Miller, A. Nicolai and Jacob Trometer, dea-

cons. Single salary, $72.24. The preachers contributed all in

excess of J60, or $12.24 each, to the missionary cause.

 

Appointments: I. Indiana District, A. B. Schaeffer, pre-

siding elder. White Water Circuit, C. Augenstein; Elkhart, G.

G. Plate and William Kolb; Mt. Carmel, S. Tobias and William

Bretch; St. Mary's Mission, C. Glaus; Du Bois Mission, Jacob

Trometer.

II. Illinois District, Samuel Baumgardner, presiding elder.

Peoria Circuit, C. Lintner; Dubuque Mission, M. Hauert; Rock

River Circuit, Benjamin Epply and J. J. Esher; Des Plains, G.

A. Blank; Chicago Mission, C. Kopp; Winnebago Mission (la.),

J. G. Miller; Milwaukee Mission (Wis.), A. Nicolai.

 

Although many hundred conversions took place this year,

still the net increase was comparatively small. This year the

famous discussion in the Botschafter on the subject of a learned

ministry began, with an article from the pen of John Dreisbach,

entitled, "Teachers and Preachers Should Not Be Ignorant."

 

At its last session the Illinois Conference divided Galena

Mission into three fields of labor. The appointments west of the

Mississippi River, in Iowa, were called Dubuque Mission, and

those in Wisconsin Winnebago Mission, and the rest were attached

to Rock River Circuit. Total membership of the Church, 15,013.

 

1846. East Pa. Conference, Schuylkill Haven, Pa., Feb.

25. Bishop J. Seybert, president; F. Danner, secretary. G.

C. Schmidt located, and Jacob Burkett removed to the Ohio

Conference. Ordained elders — J. Burkett, J. C. Farnsworth

and D. Fisher. Deacons — M. Lauer, A. Shultz, J. G. Bosch,

J. Eckert and J. G. Marquardt. Newly received — F. Dot-

terer, John Koehl, Jacob Gross and P. Miller. H. Fisher

was re-elected and J. M. Saylor newly elected presiding elders.

 

 

CONFERENCE RE00RD8. 277

 

A new district was formed called Orwigsburg. The preach-

ers in charge were instructed to be prepared to report at the

next annual conference the number of Sunday-schools, teachers,

scholars and volumes in library on their fields of labor. The

first Monday after Whitsuntide was set apart as a day of fasting

and prayer for the conference.

 

Appointments: I. Philadelphia District, J. M. Saylor, pre-

siding elder. Philadelphia Station, F. Hoffman; Germantown

Circuit, J. C. Farnsworth and D. Wieand; Lehigh, J. Kraemer;

Northampton, E. Bast and F. Dotterer; Milford, C. Holl and

J. Koehl; New York Mission, C. Meyers.

II. Lebanon District, H. Bucks, presiding elder. Lebanon

Circuit, G. T. Haines and M. Lauer; Lancaster, F. Danner

and M. Sindlinger; Dauphin, T. Steck; Womelsdorf, A. Shultz;

Reading Mission, D. Berger; Lancaster Mission, W. L. Reber.

III. Orwigsburg District, H. Fisher, presiding elder. Schuyl-

kill Circuit, M. F. Maize and R. Deisher; Lykens, J. Sensel and

F. Scharf, Mahantongo, J. G. Bosch; Pottsville Station, J. P.

Leib; Pine Grove, F. Krecker; Carbon Circuit, C. Hummel.

IV. Mohawk District (N.Y.) W. Mintz, presiding elder.

Jefferson Circuit, J. Kehr; Mohawk, M. Eis and J. Eckert;

Syracuse Mission, Samuel Miesse; Lake Circuit, J. Reigel and

P. Miller; Albany, J. G. Marquardt.

V. Niagara District, M. Lehn, presiding elder. Dansville

Circuit, G. Ramige; Buffalo, T. Schneider; Buffalo Station, S.

Neirz; Black Creek, J. Dareich; Waterloo Circuit, D. Fisher

and Jacob Gross.

 

1846. West Pa. Conference, New Berlin, Pa., March 18.

P. Wagoner, president pro tern. (Bishop Seibert arrived later)

J. Boas, secretary. Located — G. Shaffer, J. E. Fulton, N.

Schlosser, J. Bower, H. Thomas, A. Wolf and J. Edgar.

Newly received — M. J. Carothers, L. D. Brown, S. Wolf,

J. B. Cox, C. Miller, S. W. Seibert, Abram Young, Charles

Lindeman and D. Kramer. Ordained elders — G. Weirick and

D. Rishel. Deacons — J. C. Link, George Cupp, E. Kohr,

E. Stambach, N. Schlosser, B. Hess and P. Smith. J. Truby

removed to the Ohio Conference. Moses Bower was elected

presiding elder.

 

Appointments: I. Baltimore District, Philip Wagoner, pre-

siding elder. Baltimore Station, W. W. Orwig; York Circuit,

 

 

278 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

George Brickly and E. Stambach; York Station, J. Boas; Get-

tysburg Circuit, L. Hummelsheim and J. B. Cox; Washington,

Circuit, George Weirich; Cumberland, U. Eberhart and Jere-

miah Young; Strassburg, George Dellinger.

II. Susquehanna District, C. Hammer, presiding elder. Clin-

ton, Circuit, D. Kehr; Union, P. Rishel and Benjamin Hess;

Centre, J. M. Sindlinger and Joseph Dick; Lycoming, L. Eber-

hart and Abraham Young; Buffalo, J. Barber and D. Kramer;

Columbia, J. Dunlap, S. Wolf and S. W. Seibert; Perry, E.

Kohr and W. Reeser.

III. Potomac District, M. Bower, presiding elder. Bedford

Circuit, J. L. W. Seibert and M. J. Carothers; Westmoreland,

D. N. Long; Somerset, P. Heiss and L. D. Brown; Virginia,

G. Cupp and C. Miller.

IV. Allegheny District, Alexander Longsdorf, presiding elder.

Indiana Circuit, J. Rank and W. Planett. Pittsburg Mission,

H. Rohland; Clarion Circuit, D. Sill and C. Lindeman; War-

ren, J. C. Link; Venango Circuit, S. McLehn and George J.

Foy.

 

1846. Ohio Conference, Thompson township, Seneca county,

O., May 13. Bishop Joseph Long, president; H. Niebel, sec-

retary. Located — Jacob Kleinfelter, F. Mayer, Jacob Frey

and D. Kern. N. Gehr went to the Illinois Conference. Or-

dained elders — J. Bernhart, N. Gehr, P. W. Hahn. Deacons —

George F. Spreng, George Haley, George KAAGand F. Frech.

Newly received — Josiah Kanaga and Abraham E. Dreisbach.

 

Appointments: I. Columbianna District, E. Stoever.'pre-

siding elder. Harmony Circuit, J. Lutz; Erie, Philip Swilley;

Greenville, Abraham Niebel; Columbianna, P.W. Hahn and C.

Kabel; Canton, P. Wiest and J. Nicolai; Bristol, H. Hassler

and J. Honecker; Cleveland Mission, Joseph Truby.

II. Mohickon District, J. G. Zinzer, presiding elder. Wayne

Circuit, F. Frech and G. F. Behner; Sandusky Mission, H.

Niebel; Sandusky Circuit, J. Bernhart and George Doll; Lake,

G. F. Spreng; Wyandott, A.'Yambert and C. Munk; Ann Arbor

Mission (Mich.), George Kaag.

III. Scioto District, J. J. Kopp, presiding elder. Mansfield

Circuit, John Hall and J. Kanaga; Marion, Abraham Loehner;

Lancaster, P. Getz and A. E. Dreisbach; Miami, George Haley;

Pickaway, Levi Heiss and F. R. Tobias; Dayton Mission, Jacob

Burkett.

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 279

 

1846. Illinois Conference, Germantown, Ind., June 10.

Bishop J. Seybert, president; A. B. Schaeffer, secretary. Newly-

received — Samuel Dickover and William Ficht. Ordained

elder — G. A. Blank. Deacons — G. G. Platz, William Kole,

S. Tobias and George Klepfer.

 

Appointments: I. Indiana District, A. B. Schaeffer, presid-

ing elder. Elkhart Circuit, C. Glaus and W. Ficht; White Water,

George Platz; Dubois, P. Bretch; Mt. Carmel, J. G. Miller and

Jacob Trometer; St. Mary's Mission, William Kolb.

II. Illinois District, S. Baumgardner, presiding elder. Des

Plains Circuit, C. Kopp and Samuel Dickover; Peoria, Simon

Tobias; Cedar Creek, C. Lintner; Chicago Mission, C. Augen-

stein; Iowa Mission (la.), J. J. Esher; Madison Mission (Wis.),

Benjamin Epply; Racine Mission (Wis.), George A. Blank;

Milwaukee Mission (Wis.), N. Gehr.

 

1847. East Pa. Conference, Evangelical Church, four miles

west of Seneca Falls, N.Y., Feb. 23. Bishop Joseph Long,

president; F. Hoffman, secretary. Located — Philip Miller.

Superannuated — J. P. Leib. Newly received — L. Jacoby, J.

Wagoner, C. Loos, J. Adams, S. Gaumer and Joseph Gross.

Ordained elders — E. Bast, F. Scharf, T. Schneider and W. L.

Reber. Deacons — D. Wieand and Joseph Gross. Canada

District was formed. A stringent anti-secret society resolution

was adopted, and recommended to the coming General Confer-

ence. William Mintz and M. Lehn were re-elected and Jacob

Riegel newly elected presiding elders. Twelve delegates and

three alternates were elected to attend the coming General

Conference.

 

Appointments: I. Philadelphia District, J. M. Saylor, pre-

siding elder. New York City Mission, C. Meyers; Philadelphia

Station, F. Hoffman; Germantown Circuit, E. Bast and S. Gau-

mer; Northampton, J. C. Farnsworth and Joseph Gross; Lehigh,

J. Kramer and D. Wieand; Milford, C. Holl and C. Loos.

II. Lebanon District, H. Bucks, presiding elder. Lebanon

Circuit, C. Hummel and R. Deisher; Reading, D. Berger; Lan-

caster, F. Danner and J. Koehl; Lancaster Mission, J. Eckert;

Womelsdorf Circuit, A. Shultz and M. Sindlinger.

III. Orwigsburg District, H. Fisher, presiding elder. Orwigs-

burg Circuit, W. L. Reber; Schuylkill, M. F. Maize; Pottsville

Station, S. Neitz; Lykens Circuit, J. Sensel and W. Heim; Pine

Grove, G. T. Haines and J. Adams; Carbon, F. Krecker.

 

 

280 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

IV. Albany District (N.Y.), Jacob Riegel, presiding elder.

Albany Mission, M.Lauer; Mohawk Circuit, G. Ramige and Jacob

Gross; Jefferson, J. Kehr; Syracuse Station, J. G. Marquardt.

V. Buffalo District (N.Y), W. Mintz, presiding elder. Buf-

falo Station, M. Eis; Buffalo Circuit, F. Scharf and J.Wagoner;

Dansville, J. Dareich; Lake, S. Miesse and L. Jacoby.

VI. Canada District (Canada), Michael Lehn, presiding

elder. Black Creek Circuit, J. G. Bosch; Waterloo, D. Fisher;

Home, T. Schneider.

 

1847. West Pa. Conference, Evangelical Church, North

Middleton township, Cumberland county, Pa., March 17. Bishop

Long, president; C. Hammer, secretary. Located — George

Brickly, S, W. Seibert, George Cupp and W. Reeser. Newly

received — J. Kreamer, Levi Kelly, B. Hengst, W. B. Gregg,

John Bolton, Elijah Wilson, Adam Darby, John McCartney

and Azima Vallerchamp. Ordained elders — L. Hummelsheim,

P. Heiss, Daniel Sill, TJ. Eberhart and John Edgar. Dea-

cons — J. L. W. Seibert, Joseph Dick, G. F. Foy, Wm. Reeser,

J. M. Young and Azima Vallerchamp. Moses Bower, presid-

ing elder of Potomac District, and Abraham Young died during

the year. Jacob Boas was elected presiding elder. An anti-

secret society resolution was adopted. Delegates were elected

for the coming General Conference.

 

Appointments: I. Baltimore District, J. Boas, presiding

elder. Baltimore Station, W. W. Orwig; York Circuit, E. Stam-

bach and D. Kreamer; York Station, L. Eberhart; Gettysburg

Circuit, S. McLehn and J. M.Young; Cumberland, James Dunlap;

Franklin, U. Eberhart and W. B. Gregg; Strassburgh, George

Dellinger; Virginia, D. N. Long and Charles Miller.

II. Susquehanna District, Charles Hammer, presiding elder.

Union Circuit, Hi Rohland and J. Kreamer; Clinton, D. Kehr;

Centre, George Weirick and B. Hengst; Lycoming, P. Heiss

and Charles Lindeman; Buffalo, J. M. Sindlinger and B. Hess;

Columbia, E. Kohr and J. Bolton; Perry, L. Hummelsheim and

S. Wolf; Mahantongo, J. Barber; Cherry, Joseph Dick; Luzerne

Mission, Azima Vallerchamp.

III. Somerset District, P.Wagoner, presiding elder. Bedford

Circuit, J. L.W. Seibert and Adam Darby; Somerset, J. Rank, M.

J. Carothers and L. D. Brown; Pittsburg Mission, David Rishel.

IV. Allegheny District, Alex. Longsdorf, presiding elder.

Indiana Circuit, J. Edgar and L. Kelly; Clarion, Daniel Sill

 

 

CONFERENCE BEC0BD8. 281

 

and supply; Venango, George Foy and J. McCartney; Warren,

J. C. Link.

 

1847. Ohio Conference, Evangelical Church, at Manches-

ter, O., May 12. Bishop J. Seybkrt, president; J. G. Zinzer,

secretary. Located — P. Schwilly, C. Kabel, George Mat-

tinger and P. Hahn. Re-entered the active ministry — H.

Longbrake, L. Einsel, D. Kern, H. Westhafer and Jacob

Heiss. Newly received — C. Koch", John Honnecker, Reuben

Riegel, Isaiah Miller, J. G. Wolpert and C. Smith. Ordained

elder — Abraham Loehner. Deacons — G. F. Behner, C. A.

Munk, C. Kabel, Jacob Honecker, H. McBride and Jacob

Willeman. E. Stoever and J. G. Zinzer were re-elected and

H. Longbrake was newly elected presiding elder. Fourteen

delegates and three alternates were elected for the coming Gen-

eral Conference.

 

Appointments: I. Columbianna District, H. Longbrake,

presiding elder. Canton Circuit, J. Bernhart and J. Honnecker;

Erie Mission, Jacob Burkett-; Columbianna, Abraham Niebel

ami C. G. Koch; Harmony, P. Wiest; Erie, Joseph Truby and

Isaiah Miller.

II. Mohickon District, E. Stoever, presiding elder. Bristol

Circuit, F. R. Tobias and R. Riegel; Wayne, J. Lutz and George

Doll; Mansfield, A. Loehner and A. E. Dreisbach; Marion, G.

Behner and C. Schmidt; Liverpool, J. Hall; Coshockton, H.

Hassler; Cleveland Mission, N. Gehr.

III. Sandusky District, J. J. Kopp, presiding elder. Lake

Circuit, G. F. Spreng; Wyandott, G. Haley and D. Kem; San-

dusky, A. Yambert and H. Westhafer; Sandusky City Mission,

George Kaag; Miami Mission, J. Nicolai; Ann Arbor (Mich.),

Jacob Honnecker; St. Joseph Mission, C. Munk.

IV. Scioto District, J. G. Zinzer, presiding elder. Pickaway

Circuit, F. Freeh and J. Kanaga; Lancaster, L. Einsel and J.

G. Wolpert; Miami, P. Getz; Dayton Mission, L. Heiss.

 

1847. Illinois Conference, Naperville, Ill., June 9. Bishop

J. Seybert, president; C. Kopp, secretary. Located — Jacob

Trometer. Newly received — F. Weithaupt, H. Eiterman,

George Messner and H. Weldy. Ordained elders — C. Kopp,

C. Glaus, J. G. Miller and S. Tobias. Deacons — J. J. Esher,

P. Bretch, C. Ebinger and Samuel Rickert. Samuel Baum-

gardner was re-elected, and C. Kopp newly elected presiding

 

 

282 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

elder. Seven delegates and three alternates were elected to attend

the coming General Conference.

 

Appointments: I. Indiana District, A. B. Schaeffer, presid-

ing elder. White Water Circuit, C. Glaus; Elkhart, G. G. Platz,

F. Weithaupt and H. Weldy; Dubois, A. Nicolai; Mt. Carmel,

W. F. Ficht; De Kalb Mission, P. Bretch; St. Mary's Mission,

S. Dickover.

      II. Peoria District, C. Kopp, presiding elder. Sandusky

Circuit, Simon Tobias; Centre Creek, Jacob Kemmerling; Wash-

ington, William Kolband H.Eiterman; Galena, Benjamin Epply;

Iowa Mission, J. J. Esher.

      III. Madison District, Samuel Baumgardner, presiding elder.

Racine Circuit, C. Lintner; Chicago Station, G. A. Blank; Des

Plains Circuit, C. Augenstein and George Messner; Jefferson

Mission, M. Hauert; Milwaukee Mission, J. G. Miller.

 

 

283

 

CHAPTER IX.

 

Ninth General Conference, Held at New Berlin, Pa.,

Sept. 29, 1847.

 

1847. General Conference, ninth session, New Berlin, Pa.,

Sept. 29. Both bishops and forty-five delegates were present.

 

Recommendations from the annual conferences were consid-

ered. On motion of J. Boas it was resolved that it shall be the

duty of class leaders to hold class meetings, at least every four

weeks, in their respective classes. On recommendation of.the

West Pa. Conference it was resolved that hereafter any conference

may keep the money from the various fields of labor independent

of each other. The former committee appointed to combine the

two German hymn books into one was excused for the non-

performance of their work, and it was resolved that the Saitenspiel

and Viole shall remain separate books, and a new and improved

edition of each be published. An anti-secret society resolution

was discussed, at length, but not adopted, because not brought

before that body in accordance with the. Discipline. A resolu-

tion offered by John Dreisbach was adopted, to the effect that

a seminary shall be established for the Church, provided the

members of the Church favor it. All preachers in charge shall,

during the coming year, bring the matter before the various

societies, and a vote shall be taken on the same. In case the

result is favorable, each conference shall elect a director for the

purpose of carrying out the project.* The work in New York

(New York City excepted) and Canada was constituted New

York Conference. The Evangelical Messenger was ordered to

be published as soon as 800 subscribers are secured. Nich-

olas Gehr, of the Ohio Conference, was elected editor of the

 

*The vote resulted "against" the school.

 

 

284 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Botschafter, with William Bersch as assistant. Henry Fisher,

of the East Pa. Conference, was elected book agent. The salary

of the editor and publisher was fixed at $225 per annum, with an

addition of $15 for every child under fourteen years of age.

Bishops J. Seybert and Joseph Long were re-elected. A reso-

lution was passed directing preachers in charge to establish

Sunday-schools wherever practicable. On motion of John Dreis-

bach it was resolved that any conference had the privilege granted

of organizing an English conference as soon as twenty English

members desired it, and that such conferences should draw their

share of the proceeds of the Charitable Society and book estab-

lishment equal to the other conferences. The assets of the book

establishment were $24,795.47½; indebtedness, none. Preachers,

319; members, 14,871.

 

Following are the names of the delegates: East Pa. Confer-

ence — W.Mintz, H. Bucks, H. Fisher, Jacob Reigel, M. Lehn,

J. M. Saylor, F. Danner, F. Hoffman, J. Kehr, M. Eis, D.

Fisher and J. P. Leib; alternates, C. Hummel, F. Krecker and

J. Kreamer. West Pa. Conference — P.Wagoner, C. Hammer,

A. Ettinger, W. W. Orwig, J. Boas, George Brickly, J. C.

Reisner, James Dunlap, J. M. Sindlinger, Alexander Longs-

dorf, H. Rohland and D. N. Long; alternates, J. Barber, U.

Eberhart and D. Kehr. Ohio Conference — J. G. Zinzer, E.

Stoever, J. J. Kopp, Abraham Niebel, L. Einsel, A. Yambert,

J. Erb, A. Kleinfelter, John Dreisbach, Abraham Loehner,

J. Bernhart and P. Wiest; alternates, J. Nicolai, J. Hall and

J. Burkett. Illinois Conference — S. Baumgardner, A. B.

Schaeffer, C. Kopp, C. Augenstein, G. A. Blank, C. Lintner

and J. G. Miller; alternates, M. Hauert, S. Tobias, C. Glaus.

 

The subject of secret or oath-bound societies had agitated

the Church for a number of years, and the prevailing sentiment:

was strongly against them. Both the East and West Pa, Confer-

ences passed resolutions of disapproval of such societies, and the

matter was brought before the General Conference for action.

After much discussion an anti-secret society resolution prevailed.

After its passage, however, questions of expediency and consti-

tutionality led to its reconsideration.

 

The work of the Church advanced encouragingly this year.

In Ohio a new district called Sandusky was formed. St. Joseph*

Mich., was made a mission. In Illinois Peoria and Madison.

Districts were formed, the latter situated mostly in Wisconsin.

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 285

 

1848. East Pa. Conference, Allentown, Pa., Feb. 23. Bishop

J. Seybert, president; F. Danner, secretary. Located — J.

Kreamer, C. Holl, Samuel Miesse, G. Ramige and Jacob

Riegel. Died — Charles Bisse and Emanuel Dieder. F.

Hoffman and J. P. Leib were elected presiding elders. Ordained

elders — J. G. Bosch, J. Eckert, A. Shu'ltz, J. G. Marquardt,

and M. Lauer. Deacons — J. Koehl, S. Gaumer, Jacob Gross

and J. Adams. Newly received — N. McLehn, John Schell, D.

Hambright and I. Hess.

 

A committee was appointed to prepare rules for making the

salaries of the preachers independent of each other. Following

is a summary: (1) The annual appointment of a committee to

investigate the claims of superannuated preachers and preachers'

widows and orphans, and apportion their claims from the inter-

est of the Custer fund and Charitable Society. (2) When two

preachers serve together they shall divide the salary according

to their disciplinary claims, the surplus, if any, to be paid the

presiding elder. (3) The presiding elder shall have all the col-

lections taken at the quarterly meetings, and one-half of the

camp-meeting collections. (4) If he receives more than the

average amount of salary received by preachers on his district

entitled to the highest salary, he shall pay the surplus into the

conference fund. (5) The bishop shall take up collections at

all his appointments. If he receives more than his allowance,

he shall pay the surplus into the conference fund. He shall

make up his deficits the same way as the presiding elders. (6) The

balance in the conference treasury shall be used to make up defi-

ciencies in salary.

 

Appointments: I. Philadelphia District, F. Hoffman, presid-

ing elder. Philadelphia Station, S. Neitz; Germantown Circuit,

D. Wieand and J. Schell; Northampton, M. Sindlinger and I.

Hess; Lehigh, H. Bucks and M. McLehn; New York Station,

D. Berger; Milford Circuit, J. C. Reisner and C. Loos.

      II. Lebanon District, J. P. Leib, presiding elder. Lebanon

Circuit, C. Hummel and R. Deisher; Lancaster, A. Shultz and

D. Hambright; Lancaster Mission, F. Danner; Womelsdorf Cir-

cuit, C. Meyers and Joseph Gross; Reading Station, W. Heim;

Dauphin Circuit, J. Sensel.

      III. Orwigsburg District, J. M. Saylor, presiding elder.

Orwigsburg Circuit, G. T. Haines; Schuylkill, E. Bast; Potts-

ville Station, M. F. Maize; Carbon Circuit, F. Krecker; Pine

 

 

286 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Grove, J. Famsworth and J. Adams; Lykens, W. L. Reber and

J. Koehl.

 

New York Conference. I. Buffalo District, W. Mintz, pre-

siding elder. Buffalo Circuit, F. Scharf and L. Jacoby; Buffalo

Station, M. Eis; Lake Circuit, D. Fisher and S. Gaumer; Dans-

ville, not supplied.

      II. Mohawk District, Jacob Kehr, presiding elder. Mohawk

Circuit, J. G. Bosch; Jefferson, J. Dareich; Syracuse Station,

J. G. Marquardt; Albany Mission, M. Lauer.

      III. Canada District, M. Lehn, presiding elder. Black Creek

Circuit, Jacob Gross; Waterloo, T. Schneider and J. Wagoner;

Home, to be supplied.

 

1848. West Pa. Conference, Milheim,Pa., March 15. Bishop

J. Seybert, president; W. W. Orwig, secretary. Located —

George Cupp, Benjamin Hess and A. Darby. David Rishex,

missionary at Pittsburg, died during the year. Newly received —

Abraham Kraus, Michael Zulauf, George Hunter and Jacob

Weikel. Ordained elders — J. C. Link, E. Kohr and B. Hess.

Deacons — S. Wolf, C. Lindeman, M. J. Carothers, L. D.

Brown, C. Miller, John McCartney and John Bolton. Geo.

Weirick was elected presiding elder. A committee was appointed

to formulate rules for making the districts and all the charges

independent of each other in their finances. The organization

of an English conference was deferred. A new mission was

located in Baltimore.

 

Appointments: I. Baltimore District, J. Boas, presiding

elder. Baltimore Station, Charles Hammer; York Circuit, H.

Rohland and D. Kreamer; York Station, L. Eberhart; Gettys-

burg Circuit, J. M. Young and L. Kelly; Franklin, G. Foy and

supply; Cumberland, J. Dunlap and P. Heiss; Virginia, W. B.

Gregg and George Hunter; Strassburgh, U. Eberhart; Baltimore

Mission, W. W. Orwig.

II. Susquehanna District, Philip Wagoner, presiding elder.

Union Circuit, D. Kehr and J. Barber; Centre, E. Stambach and

B. Hengst; Clinton, Charles Lindeman and J. Kreamer; Lycom-

ing, A. Longsdorf; Buffalo, J. M. Sindlinger and M. Zulauf;

Columbia, E. Kohr and A. Vallerchamp; Tuscarora Mission,

L. Hummelsheim; Muncy, J. Bolton and A. Kraus; Perry, M.

J. Carothers and S. McLehh.

III. Allegheny District, George Weirick, presiding elder.

Bedford Circuit, S. Wolf and C. Miller; Somerset, J. Rank and'

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 287

 

J. L. W. Seibert; Clarion, George Dellinger and L. D. Brown;

Indiana, J. D. McCartney; Venango, Joseph Dick and Jacob

Weikel; Warren, J. Edgar; Pittsburg Mission, J. C. Link.

 

1848. Ohio Conference, Milton, O., May 10. Bishop J.

Long, president; J.G. Zinzer, secretary. Located — L. Einsel.

Superannuated — H. Niebel. Newly received — Peter Pontius.

Again received — D. Swartz, Joseph Ebert, J. G. Stirm and

J. McQuillen. Ordained elders — F. Frech, G. F. Spreng,

George Kaag and George Haley. Deacons — Josiah Kanaga,

George Doll, A. E. Dreisbach and W. Bernhart. J. J. Kopp

resigned the office of presiding elder and Abraham Niebel was

newly elected. Died during the year — Isaiah Miller, James

Steel and Conrad Herr.

 

Appointments: I. Columbianna District, Abraham Niebel,

presiding elder. Harmony Circuit, Joseph Truby; Canton, J. J.

Kopp and H. Westhafer; Greenville, J. Bernhart; Columbianna,

C. G. Koch and P. Pontius; Erie, Jacob Burkitt.

II. Mohickon District, E. Stoever, presiding elder. Cleve-

land Mission, A. Nicolai; Bristol Circuit, P. Wiest and Joseph

Ebert; Wayne, D. Swartz and R. Riegel; Mansfield, A. Loehner

and Charles Smith; Liverpool, John Hall; Marion, A. E. Dreis-

bach and J. Honnecker; Coshockton, J. Lutz.

III. Sandusky District, H. Longbrake, presiding elder. Lake

Circuit, G. F. Behner; Wyandott, G. Haley and J. McQuillen;

Sandusky City Station, George Kaag; Sandusky Circuit, A.

Yambert and G. Stirm; Maumee, C. Munk; Ann Arbor Mission,

Jacob Honnecker; St. Joseph Mission, George Doll.

IV. Scioto District, J. G. Zinzer, presiding elder. Pickaway

Circuit, Josiah Kanaga and J. G. Wolpert; Lancaster, F. Frech

and D. Kern; Miami, P. Getz; Dayton Mission, G. F. Spreng.

 

1848. Illinois Conference, Emanuel's Church, Cook county,

Ill., June 14. Bishop J. Seybert, president; A. B. Schaeffer,

secretary. Located — Jacob Kemmerling and William Ficht.

C. Holl, Joseph Harlacher, Jacob Heiss and F. D. Loy were

received into the conference. Newly received — B. Uphaus,

Henry Esch, J. Riegel, G. Esher and H. Ragatz. Ordained

elders — G. G. Platz, S. Tobias and William Kolb. Deacon —

Samuel Dickover. A. B. Schaeffer was re-elected and C.

Augenstein newly elected presiding elder. Indiana District was

divided and formed into St. Joseph and Wabash Districts. A

 

 

288 EVNGEL1CAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

vote of thanks was tendered Bishop Long for the gift of ten

grammars for the use of the conference.

 

Appointments: I. Wabash District, A. B. Schaeffer, presid-

ing elder. White Water Circuit, George A. Blank; Dubois, A.

Nicolai and H. Esch; Mt. Carmel, C. Glaus; Vandalia, to be

supplied.

II. St. Joseph District, C. Augenstein, presiding elder. St.

Mary's Mission, F. Weithaupt; Elkhart Circuit, S. Dickover and

B. Uphaus; DeKalb Mission, H. Eiterman.

III. Peoria District, C. Kopp, presiding elder. Hampton

Circuit, C. Lintner; Washington, W. Kolb and J. Riegel; Iowa

Mission, Benjamin Epply; Cedar Creek Circuit, S. Tobias and

George Messner.

IV. Madison District, Samuel Baumgardner, presiding elder.

Des Plains Circuit, C. Holl, H. Welty and Henry Ragatz; Racine,

Philip Bretch and George Esher; Chicago Station, G. G. Platz;

Milwaukee Mission, J. J. Esher; West Bend Mission, Joseph

Harlacher; Jefferson Mission, J. G. Miller; Sauk Mission, M.

Hauert.

 

The great event of this year was the appearance of the long-

looked-for English paper, The Evangelecal Messenger. The first

number was sent out Jan. 8, 1848, and created great enthusiasm

among the English-speaking people of the Church. An abiding

proof of its timely and welcome appearance is furnished by a

perusal of the paper itself. Even the old German fathers, some

of them companions of Albright, "brushed up" their English,

and made their appearance in the Messenger as correspondents.

We give the following extracts from the correspondence of "One-

simus" in the fourth and fifth numbers:

 

"The Messenger has paid us its first visit, and has in our

region received a cordial welcome. From the character of its

name we had reason to expect a plain-dealing. Gospel teacher,

and we have not as yet been disappointed. We look for intelli-

gence, the most useful, important and interesting, at each suc-

cessive visitation. It is our best friend, as it tells us of our

faults, teaches us how to reform and points out to us the advantage

of such a course. * * * The Messenger will undoubtedly be

the unflinching advocate of true Evangelical preaching — Christ

and Him crucified, repentance toward God, faith in our Lord

Jesus Christ, and deep, practical piety. * * * We expect the

Messenger will at proper times and in proper places oppose the

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 289

 

corruptions of the age in which we live. * * * We trust that

no organization, deleterious to the true interests of the Gospel,

will receive any sanction from this periodical; but that the

unfruitful works of darkness will be reproved, and the light of

the Gospel of Jesus Christ allowed to shine in every corner of the

land, and to every department of society, as a guide to the young,

an instructor pf the ignorant, and a help to the benighted and

wayward traveler."

 

1849. East Pa. Conference, Reading, Pa., March 7. Bishop

J. Long, president; F. Danner, secretary. S. Neitz received

permission to rest one year. J. Schnerr died during the session.

M. Sindlinger and D. Wieand were ordained elders, and C.

Loos, deacon. Licensed to preach — Frederick L. Stoever,

H. Kletzinger and George Knerr. Harrisburg and Tamaqu-a

were constituted missions.

 

Appointments: I. Philadelphia District, F. Hoffman, pre-

siding elder. Philadelphia Station, C. Hummel; Germantown

Circuit, F. Krecker and F. L. Stoever; Milford, W. L. Reber

and N. McLehn; Lehigh, H. Bucks and J. Eckert; Northamp-

ton, D. Wieand and I. Hess; New York City, C. Loos.

II. Lebanon District, J. P. Leib, presiding elder. Lebanon

Circuit, W. Heim and J. Adams; Lancaster, Joseph Gross and

J. Schell; Lancaster Mission, D. Berger; Womelsdorf Circuit,

J. Sensel and F. Danner; Chester, D. Hambright; Reading Sta-

tion, C. Meyers; Harrisburg Mission, J. C. Farnsworth.

III. Orwigsburg District, J. M. Saylor, presiding elder.

Orwigsburg Circuit, G. T. Haines; Schuylkill, E. Bast; Potts-

ville Station, M. F. Maize; Carbon Circuit, M. Sindlinger; Pine

Grove, to be supplied; Lykens, J. Koehl and S.Gaumer; Mahan-

tongo, A. Shultz and Jacob Gross; Tamaqua Mission, D. Shultz.

 

1849. West Pa. Conference, Loganville, Pa., March 14.

Bishop J. Long, president; W. W. Orwig, secretary. Received

into the itinerancy — A- Wolf, D. N. Long, J. McKesson, Wm.

Bressler and J. Bishop. Ordained elders — J. M. Young, A.

Vallerchamp, E. Stambach and Joseph Dick. Deacons — D.

Kreamer, J. Kreamer, W. B. Gregg, L. D. Brown and B.

Hengst. George Weirick resigned the office of presiding elder

and the following were elected: P. Wagoner, A- Longsdorf,

J. Dunlap and U. Eberhart. Two new presiding elder districts

(Centre and Somerset) were formed. A committee was appointed

to devise a plan for the formation of a Sunday-schpol union, and

 

 

290 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

report at the next annual session, for the purpose of bringing the

matter before the next General Conference.

 

Appointments: I. Baltimore District, J. Boas, presiding

elder. Baltimore Station, C. Hammer; Baltimore Mission, W.

W. Orwig; Strassburgh Circuit, J. L. W. Seibert and P. Heiss;

York, George Weirick; York Station, H. Rohland; Cumberland

Circuit, L. Eberhart; Gettysburg, D. Kreamer and George Hun-

ter; Franklin, G. J. Foy and Levi Kelly.

II. Susquehanna District, James Dunlap, presiding elder.

Cherry Circuit, A. Vallerchamp; Buffalo, E. Kohr and Benjamin

Hengst; Perry, M. J. Carothers and J. Kreamer; Columbia, J.

M. Young, W. Bressler and John McKesson.

III. Centre District, P. Wagoner, presiding elder. Centre

Circuit, D. Kehr and C. Lindeman; Clinton, E. Stambach;

Union, A. Wolf and Michael Zulauf; Lycoming, J. M. Sindlinger

and Simon Wolf.

IV. Allegheny District, A. Longsdorf, presiding elder. Pitts-

burg Mission, J. C. Link; Clarion Circuit, G. Dellinger and

Jacob Weikel; Venango, G. Cupp and L. D. Brown; Warren,

Joseph Dick.

V. Somerset District, U. Eberhart, presiding elder. Somer-

set Circuit, D. Sill and J. Bolton; Indiana, Jacob Rank; Bedford,

D. N. Long and J. Bishop; Shenandoah (Va.), W. B. Gregg;

Morgan (Va.), Charles Miller.

 

1849. Ohio Conference, Emanuel's Church, Walnut town-

ship, Pickaway county, O., May 16. Bishop J. Se ybert, president;

J. G. Zinzer, secretary. Located — Joseph Truby, D. Kern and

H. Westhafer. Received into the itinerancy — J. G. Kissel,

H. Downy, C. Haldeman, Daniel Brickly, George Schott,

Philip Swartz and Jacob Fisher. Ordained elders — Jacob

Honnecker and G. Behner. Deacons — C. G. Koch, John

Honnecker, J. G. Wolpert, Reuben Riegel and John Rade-

bach. E. Stoever resigned the office of presiding elder, and J.

J. Kopp was elected. Peter Getz went to the Illinois Conference.

A committee was appointed to devise a plan for making salaries

independent of each other, and report at the next annual session.

 

Appointments: I. Columbianna District, Abraham Niebel,

presiding elder. Columbianna Circuit, J. Bernhart and R. Riegel;

Erie, J. Nicolai; Greenville, J. Burkett; Harmony, Jacob Hon*

necker; Canton, Abraham Loehner and Jacob Fisher.

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORD8. 291

 

II. Mohickon District, J. J. Kopp, presiding elder. Bristol

Circuit, P. Wiest and J. G. Kissel; Wayne, Daniel Brickly and

George Schott; Mansfield, A. Yambert and Philip Swartz; Liv-

erpool, J. Lutz; Cleveland Mission, C. G. Koch.

III. Sandusky District, H. Longbrake, presiding elder. Lake

Circuit, G. Behner; Wyandott, G. Kaag and J. G. Stirm; San-

dusky, George Haley and C. Smith; Maumee, C. Munk; Sandusky

City Station, J. Hall; Ann Arbor Mission, J. Honnecker; St.

Joseph Mission, George Doll.

IV. Scioto District, J. G. Zinzer, presiding elder. Lancaster

Circuit, J. Kanaga and C. Haldeman; Pickaway, A. E. Dreisbach

and H. Downy; Miami, J. G. Wolpert; Dayton Mission, G.

F. Spreng.

 

1849. Illinois Conference, Naperville, Ill., June 20. Bishop

J. Seybert, president; J. J. Esher, secretary. J. P. Kramer,

of the East Pa., and P. Getz, of the Ohio Conference, were re-

ceived into this conference, and Jacob Keiser and C. A. Schnake

were newly received. J. G. Miller and Philip Bretch, located.

Ordained elders — J. J. Esher, A. Nicolai and Philip Bretch.

Deacons — George Messner, H. Eiterman, F.Weithaupt and

H. Weldy. Christian Augenstein resigned the office of pre-

siding elder, and St. Joseph District was discontinued. Peoria,

Galena and Sheboygan Missions were formed.

 

Appointments: I. Wabash District, A. B. Schaffer, presid-

ing elder. White Water Circuit, Henry Ragatz; Dubois Mis-

sion, Ch. Glaus and J. Keiser; Mt. Carmel Circuit, S. Dickover;

Elkhart, G. G. Platz, G. Messner and B. Uphaus; Marshall,

A. Nicolai; St. Mary's Mission, P. Getz; De Kalb, F.Weithaupt.

II. Peoria District, Ch. Kopp, presiding elder. Washington

Circuit, H. Eiterman; Florid, M. Hauert and H. Weldy; Cedar

Creek, G. A. Blank and H. Esch; Peoria Mission, Ch. Augen-

stein; Galena, J. P. Kramer; Iowa, to be supplied.

III. Madison District, Samuel Baumgardner, presiding elder.

Naperville Circuit, S. A. Tobias and C. A. Schnake; Des Plaines,

John Riegel; Chicago, Ch. Holl; Racine, Benjamin Epply and

George Esher; Sauk Mission, Ch. Lintner; Jefferson, William

Kolb; Sheboygan, Joseph Harlacher; Milwaukee, J. J. Esher.

 

1849. New York Conference, Buffalo, N.Y., April 25.

Bishop Joseph Long, president; W. Mintz, secretary. Received

into the itinerancy — William Schmidt, Solomon Weber, Frantz

Herlan and Philip Miller. Ordained deacons — Jacob Wag-

 

 

292 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

oner, Levi Jacoby, Solomon Weber, Jacob Bastian, Henry

Sauer and Franz Herlan. Membership, 1,837. Single salary,

$62.52.

 

Appointments: I. Albany District, Jocob Kehr, presiding

elder. Albany Mission, Jacob Wagoner; Syracuse Station, M.

Lauer; Mohawk Circuit, John Bosch.

II. Buffalo District, Wm. Mintz, presiding elder. Buffalo,

D. Fisher; Buffalo Circuit, M. Eis and Philip Miller; Lake,

Levi Jacoby; Dansville, F. Herlan; Rochester Mission, J. G.

Marquardt.

III. Canada District, Michael Lehn, presiding elder. Water-

loo Circuit, Theobald Schneider and William Schmidt; Black

Creek, F. Scharf; Home, Solomon Weber.

 

THIRD PERIOD.

 

The year 1850 marks the semi-centennial of the Evangelical

Association, and it would be strange indeed if the Church did

not in some way demonstrate her appreciation of such an event.

We accordingly find her all aglow with sentiments and projects

befitting the consummation of such an interesting event, and her

literature of this year not only voices sentiments of gratitude to

God for his mercy and superintending care over her during the

first half century of her existence, but also tells of her noble

achievements in the various lines of Christian activity, her ample

justification of her existence, and her worthiness to take her

place among the denominations of the world as a factor in the

evangelization of the human race.

 

In the first issues of the German and English periodicals of

the Church for this year, the editors review the remarkable de-

velopment of the society from her beginning, and offer sugges-

tions as to the most appropriate way of giving expression to her

gratitude for the prosperity that has marked her history. We

give the following extract from an editorial in the Evangelical

Messenger, of Jan. 8th, as sounding the keynote for the future of

the Church:

 

"Considering the unassuming and apparently feeble instru-

ment employed in establishing this branch of the Christian

Church, the small and unpromising beginning of it, together with

the opposition, contempt, and reproach it had to endure, espe-

cially during the first half of its existence, no unprejudiced

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 293

 

Christian can justly accuse us of arrogance and undue enthu-

siasm, if we declare the founding, extension, and prosperity of

the Evangelical Association as the work of God, and as marvel-

ous in our eyes, and exclaim, 'The Lord hath done great things

for us, whereof we are glad' I Or, if we at the close of the first

half century of the existence of our ecclesiastical community,

with one of the ancient servants of God, raise an Ebenezer, say-

ing, 'Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.' Have we not abundant

cause to rejoice, and in the depth of humility to praise the Lord

for His great mercy and faithfulness toward us, and His fatherly

protection and guidance to the present day? What shall we

render unto the Lord for all His benefits toward us? Let us

take the cup of salvation, and proclaim the glory, and the name

of the Lord, and pay our vows to Him in the presence of all His

people!

 

"Oh I how great our obligations to Him! Should we not at

this important era of our Church, bring an especial thank-offering,

and celebrate a jubilee to the Most High — our, and our father's

God and helper! This appears to us to be the duty of the mem-

bers of the Evangelical Association, who have lived to see the

close of its first half century, to evince their obligation to Him,

and their grateful acknowledgement of His gracious providence,

guidance and protection, by a practical matter-of-fact monu-

ment, through the observance of a general thanksgiving day at a

suitable time during the year, and the offering of especial gifts

and contributions, for the advancement of God's kingdom, as

well as through a united effort for a general revival of the Church,

the enlargement of its borders, and for a closer union by the

bond of Christian love.

 

"The present period of the Evangelical Association appears

to us particularly suitable for commencing foreign missions, and

other important enterprises, calculated to promote the honor and

cause of God. No doubt, all faithful and in the welfare of the

Church interested members, would take an active part in the cele-

bration of such a jubilee, and appear with liberal hearts, and

with hands richly filled before the Lord, and bring Him an ac-

ceptable and well pleasing thank-offering. What a glorious and

advantageous result might we not expect from such a jubilee!

The Association would not only acquire more firmness, and in-

fluence thereby, but probably on the whole a more general and

enlarged participation in the cause of God."

 

 

294 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

To these noble sentiments the Church responded most heart-

ily, not in words alone, but in deeds that shall live coeval with

her history.

 

The celebration of the semi-centennial of the existence of the

Evangelical Association was commemorated along several lines,

first as a memorial, in remembrance of her founder, Jacob Al-

bright. Hence the jubilee was fixed on the day on which he

started out as an independent evangelist, of which the bishops

gave official notice in the periodicals, as follows:

 

"Whereas we the undersigned, as superintendents of the

Evangelical Association, have been requested by the East and

West Pa. Conferences to appoint a thanksgiving day for the pro-

posed jubilee; and, whereas, we do fully concur with the recom-

mendation of observing such a festival; therefore we appoint for

said purpose, Thursday, the 17th of October next, and recom-

mend the observance of it to all societies and members of our

whole Church union, with the hope and confidence and inmost

desire that it may prove a blessed and joyful day for all."

 

John Seybert,

Joseph Long.

 

New Berlin, March 23, iSjo.

 

In addition to this memorial day, there was projected by the

East Pa. Conference, a memorial church, to be erected at the

grave of Jacob Albright, at Klinefeltersville, Pa. This church

was dedicated with great solemnity, Oct. 13. Rev. J. M. Saylor

read the dedicatory formula, and Rev. J. P. Leib preached the

sermon from Haggai ii. 9. Henry Fisher, chief book steward,

preached in the afternoon from Psalm xciii. 5, and J. C. Farns-

worth in the evening from I. Peter v. 4.

 

The educational interests of the Church were somewhat re-

vived, and the West Pa. Conference appointed a committe to

devise plans for the establishment of an academy. This project

however did not develop as successfully as some others of the

jubilee year.

 

By far the most important interest developed at this time was

the undertaking of foreign missions. With remarkable unanimity

— as though preconcerted — the various annual conferences ap-

proved and agreed to support the plan projected by the East Pa.

Conference for the establishment of a mission in Germany.

Without any delay or hesitation, plans were matured and funds

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 295

 

collected, and in November the first missionary, Rev. J. C. Link,

was on his way to preach Evangelical truth in the Fatherland.

 

1850. East Pa. Conference, Philadelphia, Pa., Feb. 27.

Bishop J. Seybert, president; Fred. Danner, secretary. M.

F. Maize and John Eckert received permission to rest a year.

D. Berger and C. Loos, located. F. L. Stoever died. A.

Ziegenfus was licensed to preach. H. Bisse, A. Ziegenfus,

Geo. Knerr and R. Deisher were received into the itinerancy.

F. Danner was elected presiding elder. "H. Bucks, C. Hum-

mel and F. Krecker were appointed a committee to prepare

resolutions with reference to the establishment of a mission in

Germany." A resolution relative to the erection of a memorial

church at the grave of the founder of the Evangelical Associa-

tion was adopted.

 

A recommendation to the next General Conference was adopt-

ed — to introduce a probationary system in the Church for new

members.

 

Districts: Philadelphia, F. Hoffman, presiding elder; Leba-

non, F. Danner; Orwigsburg, J. P. Leib.

 

1850. West Pa. Conference, New Columbia, Pa., March

13. Bishop Joseph Long, president; Charles Hammer, sec-

retary. Memorial services were held in memory of George

Weirick and John Bishop, deceased. Daniel Berger was

received from the East Pa. Conference. Received into the itin-

erancy — L. May, C. Deininger, B. Hall, A. Stahley, Isaac

Leas, J. E. Langer, S. Kring, A. Kraus, W. H. Berry and

J. W. F. Young. Ordained elders — M. J. Carothers, Chari.es

Lindeman, S. Wolf and G. J. Foy. Deacons — G. Hunter and

J. Kaufman. J. M. Sindlinger was elected presiding elder.

C. Miller and A. Wolf, located. H. Rohland took creden-

tials for the Illinois Conference. A resolution for the founding

of an institution of learning was adopted. Oct. 17th was desig-

nated as a day of thanksgiving for the founding of the Evangel-

ical Association. W. W. Orwig was elected editor of the Christ-

liche Botschafter, and H. Fisher of the Evangelical Messenger

until the next General Conference.

 

The conference concurred in the project of the East Pa., for

the establishment of a mission in Germany. A recommendation

to the General Conference was passed, providing for stewards to

collect money on the various charges.

 

Districts: Baltimore, J. Boas, presiding elder; Susquehanna,

 

 

296 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION AlfNALS.

 

J. Dunlap; Centre, Alex. Longsdorf; Allegheny, J. M. Sind-

linger; Somerset, Uriah Eberhart.

 

1850. Ohio Conference, North Lima,0., May 15. Bishop

J. Long, president; J. G. Zinzer, secretary. Located — C.

Haldeman, George Schott, C. Schmidt; in part — Daniel

Swartz and Daniel Brickly. Received into the conference —

A. B. Schaeffer, Peter Hahn, Joseph Truby and J. Schnell-

bacher. Received into the ministry — Daniel Strohman, Jacob

Schaffer, H. Hampe, C. Eitelman and M. Hoehn. Ordained

Elders — A. E. Dreisbach, H. Downy, J. Kanaga, George Doll

and C. Munk. Deacons — J. H. Stirm, C. Schmidt, J. Schnell-

bacher, D. Fleisher, J. G. Kissel. Resolutions favorable to

the semi-centennial jubilee and the establishment of a German

Mission were adopted. A plan was adopted making the charges

independent of each other in the support of the preachers. A

committee was appointed to examine the young preachers in

their studies at the next annual session.

 

Districts: Columbianna, A. Niebel, presiding elder; Mo-

hickon, J. J. Kopp; Sandusky, H. Longbrake; Scioto, J. G.

Zinzer.

 

1850. Illinois Conference, Des Plains, Ill., June 12. Bishop

j. Long, president; J. J. Esher, secretary. C. GLAUS, located.

A. B. Schaffer resigned the office of presiding elder and returned

to the Ohio Conference. J. J. Kopp resigned on account of

failing health. Newly received — Peter Bergner, J. Shaffle,

F. Shuerman, George Fleisher, Benjamin Raudenbush, j.

F. Wolf, A. Michael, Joseph Fisher and William Strass-

Burgher. Samuel Dickover was ordained elder, and J. H.

Ragatz, H. Esh, J. G. EsHer, J. Riegel and B. UphoOse dea-

cons. Resolutions favorable to the proposed jubilee and German

Mission were adopted. C. Augenstein, G. G. Platz and G. A.

Blank were elected presiding elders.

 

Districts: Wabash, G. A. Blank, presiding elder; St. Joseph,

C. Augenstein; Peoria, G. G. Platz; Madison, S. Baumgardnfer.

 

1850. New York Conference, Syracuse, N.Y., April 17.

Bishop J. Seybert, president; Wm. Mentz, secretary. Philip

Miller, located. Jacob Bastian, John Schaaf, A. Z. Gott-

wals and John Greuzenbach were received into the itinerancy.

William Schmidt was ordained elder and J. Schaaf deacon.

Conference expressed itself favorable to the proposed semi-

centennial jubilee, and the establishment of a German Mission.

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 297

 

Districts: Albany, J. Kehr, presiding elder; Buffalo, William

Mintz; Canada, M. Lehn.

 

1851. East Pa. Conference, Schuylkill Haven, Pa., Feb. 26.

Bishop Joseph Long, president; F. Krecker, secretary. John

Sensel, located. J. Young and G. L. Miller were licensed to

preach. Received into the itinerancy — S. G. Rhoads, C. Ging-

erich, L. Snyder, Jesse Young and N. Goebel. W. Garret

and H. Bisse were ordained deacons. A mission was located

in New Jersey. Germantown, Pa., was made a station.

 

Districts: Philadelphia, F. Hoffman, presiding elder; Leba-

non, F. Danner; Orwigsburg, J. P. Leib.

 

1851. West Pa. Conference, Berlin, Somerset county, Pa.,

March 12. Bishop J. Long, president; L. Eberhart, secre-

tary. Daniel Sill, located. Received into the itinerancy — A.

Bower, J. S. Hyde, J. W. Marlin, J. G. Pfeifer, H. H.

Buecker, W. B. Poling, J. Kaufman, A. Bender, also J. G.

Miller, of the Illinois Conference. Ordained elders — B.

Hengst, W. B. Gregg, J. Bolton, L. D. Brown, J. L. W.

Seibert, Daniel Kramer, John Kramer and George Cupp.

Deacons — M. Zulauf, J. Weikel, J. M. McKesson and W.

Hammer. Jacob Boas was elected presiding elder.

 

Districts: Baltimore, Alex. Longsdorf, presiding elder; Sus-

quehanna, J. Dunlap; Centre, J. Boas; Somerset, U. Eberhart;

Allegheny, J. M. Sindlinger.

 

1851. Ohio Conference, West Salem, Ohio, May 14. Bishop

J. Seybert, president; A. B. Schaffer, secretary. Located —

J. Hall, P. Pontius, Jacob Shaffer and John Lutz. Ordained

elders — C. G. Koch and J. G. Wolpert. Deacons — P. Swartz

and P. Pontius. J. G. Strohm, of West Pa. Conference, was

received into the conference. Received into the itinerancy — Wm.

Traeger, Philip Purr, L. Sheurman, G. M. Young and John

Erb, anew. A. B. Shaeffer was elected presiding elder. Henry

Niebel and E. Stoever were superannuated.

 

1851. Illinois Conference, Brookville, Ill., June 18. Presi-

dent, Bishop Seybert; secretary, C. A. Schnake. Benjamin

Eppley, located. Benj. Raudenbush and Geo. Schmidt died

during the year. Received into the itinerancy — H. Rohland,

from the West Pa. Conference, Jacob Kemmerling and John

Mayer. On probation — G. Franzen, J. C. Anthes and Paul

Benker. Ordained elders — George Messner and F. Weit-

haupt. Deacons — C. A. Schnake and Jacob Keiper. C. Aug-

 

 

298 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

ENSTErN and G. G. Platz resigned the office of presiding elder;

and S. Baumgarder was re-elected, and J. J. Esher, S. Dickover

and Joseph Harlacher were newly elected.

 

Districts: Wabash, G. A. Blank, presiding elder; St. Joseph,

S. Dickover; Peoria, S. Baumgardner; Wisconsin, J. J. Esher;

Chicago, Joseph Harlacher.

 

1851. New York Conference, Lyons, N.Y., April 16,

Bishop J. Long, president; M. Lehn, secretary. Newly received

— P. Alles and J. Jenny. Ordained elders — S. Weber, L.

Jacoby and Jacob Wagoner. Deacon — Philip Miller. M.

Eis, located.

 

Districts: Albany, M. Lehn, presiding elder; Buffalo, Jacob

Kehr; Canada, W. Schmidt

 

 

299

 

CHAPTER X,

 

Tenth General Conference, Held at Flat Rock, O.,

Sept. 17-30, 1851.

 

1851. General Conference, tenth session, Flat Rock, O.,

Sept. 17-30. Both bishops were present. Bishop J. Long opened

the session and appointed H. Bucks, secretary. Notice was

given of the death of Samuel Baumgardner, of Illinois Confer-

ence, and it was "Resolved that the members of this conference,

in order to attest their tender regard for the deceased, hold reg-

ular funeral services on next Sabbath afternoon. Bishop Long

at that time delivered a memorial sermon from Dan. xii. 3.

 

It was resolved to remove the book concern to Cleveland, O.,

on certain conditions, and many changes were ordered in its

business. A. Vallerchamp introduced a motion for the estab-

lishment of a Sunday-School Union, which was referred to a

committee, whose report was not adopted. Much time was spent

in discussing missionary projects. The action of the Board of

Missions (appointed by the annual conferences) in sending J. C.

Link to Germany was approved, and J. Nicolai was elected as

an additional missionary. W. W. Orwig offered a resolution

looking to the establishment of a heathen mission, which was

adopted, and the matter referred to the Board of Missions. The

Pittsburg Conference was formed of parts of the West Pa. and

Ohio Conferences, and the Indiana Conference was formed of

Wabash and St. Joseph Districts of the Illinois Conference.

Bishops J. Seybert and Joseph Long were reelected. W. W.

Orwig was elected general book agent and editor of the Botschaf-

ter, and J. G. Zinzer assistant editor. H. Fisher was elected

editor of the Evangelical Messenger.

 

Amendments to the Discipline were made, chiefly as follows:

(1) The order of procedure of the annual conferences in the

 

 

 

300 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

missionary cause was improved. (2) The marriage formula was

improved. (3) Class leaders to be chosen every two years.

(4) "Resolved, That in all cities and places where preachers and

societies promise themselves more benefit from a six months'

probation, they shall be at liberty to introduce the same." (5)

An additional paragraph on the management of foreign missions.

(6) The introduction of a burial formula.

 

The recommendation to increase the power of the bishop,

especially in regard to restoring the transferring power, evoked

a lengthy discussion. The matter was finally referred to a com-

mittee of five, who submitted the following: "Resolved, That

in case one of our bishops at any time finds it necessary to remove

one or more preachers from one conference to another, he shall

be authorized to do so, with the consent of the preacher con-

cerned, and of the presiding elder having charge over him. Such

a preacher shall then be considered a member of that conference,

whithersoever he may have been removed, until the next session

of the same, when it is to be decided whether he shall be retained

as a member or not. If however that conference sees proper not

to retain him, he shall have the right to return to his conference."

The discussion was renewed upon the presentation of this reso-

lution. "Fear was expressed of episcopal power, which in some

parts of Christendom had already become so dreadful. The

less power in the hands of the bishop, it was thought, the more

safe for the society in the future."* The recommendation was

not adopted.

 

A Board of Foreign Missions was constitued, consisting of

the secretary of the Parent Missionary Society, John Seybert,

Henry Fisher, J. Boas and the presiding elder of Orwigsburg

District, East Pa. Conference.

 

Delegates to the General Conference of 1851, with year of

birth:

 

Bishop J. Seybert, 1791.      F. Hoffman, 1806.       West Pa. Conference.

Bishop Jos. Long, 1800.       C. Hummel, 1810.

                              H. Bucks, 1810.         H. Fisher, 1800.

East Pa. Conference.          M. F. Maize, 1813.      Philip Wagoner, 1800.

                              C. Meyer, 1814.         D. Kehr, 1803.

J. P. Leib, 1802.             F. Krecker, 1816.       A. Vallerchamp, 1803.

Jos. M. Saylor, 1803.         S. Neita, 1821.         J. M. Sindlinger, 1807.

Fred. Danner,                                         1805. James Dunlap, 1809.

 

*Official report in Evangelical Messenger, Oct. 22, 1851.

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 301

 

C. Hammer, 1809.        J. G. Zinzer, 1806.     Wm. Smith, 1809.

W. W. Orwig, 1810.      H. Longbrake, 1809.     Wm. Mentz, 1811.

Alex. Longsdorf, 1812. D. Brickie y, 1809.     D. Fisher, 1814.

D. N. Long, 1813.       F. Freeh, 1809.

Jacob Boas, 1815.       G. Haley, 1814.         Illinois Conference.

E. Kohr, 1823.          C. G. Koch, 1817.

U. Eberhart, 1821.      A. Niebel, 1817.        J. F, Kramer, 1809.

Levi Eberhart, 1822.    A. E. Dreisbach, 1818. Benj. Epply, 1810.

                        G. F. Behner, 1818.     J. Harlacher, 1812.

Ohio Conference.        P. W. Hahn, 1819.       H. Rotiland, 1817.

                        G. F. Spreng, 1823.     C. Augenstein, 1818.

H. Niebel, 1784.                                Wm. Kolb, 1820.

J. Dreisbach, 1789.     New York Conference.    G. A. Blank, 1822.

A. B. Shaefer, 1797.                            S. A. Tobias, 1822.

E. Stoever, 1805.       Jacob Kehr, 1808.       J. J. Esher, 1823.

J. J. Kopp, 1805.       Jacob Reigel, 1809.     S. Dickover. 1826.

 

 

1852. East Pa. Conference, Pine Grove, Pa., Feb. 95.

Bishop J. Seybert, president; Abraham Schultz, secretary.

Newly received — J. L. Fritz, E. Ely, W. Rogers, A. Hinkel

and Abraham Saylor. Received into the itinerancy — C. Loos,

H. C. Major and Ehp. Ely. Ordained elders — N. McLean,

I. Hess and J. Schell. Deacons — A. Ziegenfus, L. Snyder,

George Knerr, S. G. Roads and C. Gingerich. F. Danner

resigned the office of presiding elder, and F. Hoffman and J. P.

Leib were re-elected, and G. T. Haines newly elected.

 

Districts: Philadelphia, G. T. Haines, presiding elder; Leb-

anon, F. Hoffman; Orwigsburg, J. P. Leib.

 

1852. West Pa. Conference, Prospect, Pa., March 17.

Bishop J. Long, president; H. Fisher, secretary. Located —

A. Vallerchamf, D. Berger and J. Kauffman. Chas. Ham-

mer and D. Kehr were permitted to rest one year. L. Eber-

hart withdrew from active service. Received into the itinerancy

— H. Kaegel, H. Althouse, E. B. Wilson, S. W. Seibert,

H. R. Price, Jacob Young and George Hinkel. Ordained

deacons — L. May, C. F. Deininger, Abraham Kraus, W. H.

Berry, J. C. Lunger and Isaac Leas. The preachers were in-

structed to organize catechetical classes wherever practicable,

and rules governing the same were adopted. Stewards were

ordered to be elected on the various charges, to collect the sal-

ary. The preachers were enjoined to be more active in organ-

izing Sunday-schools.

 

Districts: Baltimore, Alex. Longsdorf, presiding elder; Cen-

tre, J. Boas; Susquehanna, J. Dunlap.

 

 

302 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

1852. Pittsburg Conference held its first session in Pitts-

burg, Pa., March 3. Bishop J. Long, president; C. G. Koch,

secretary. Withdrawn from the Church — J.Bolton. Received

into the itinerancy — J. Weikel, H. W. Thomas, J. M. Zirkel,

L. W. Reichman and B. Schade. Ordained deacons — A. Bower,

Andrew Stahley, S. B. Kring, Wm. Bressler, J. M. Zirkel,

and H. Hampe. D. N. Long was elected presiding elder. Reso-

lutions were adopted and a committee appointed looking to the

establishment of an institution of learning within the bounds of

the conference.

 

Districts: Somerset, U. Eberhart, presiding elder; Allegheny,

D. N. Long; Pittsburg, J. M. Sindlinger.

 

1852. New York Conference, Berlin, Canada, April 14.

Bishop J. Seybert, president; W. Schmidt, secretary. Received

into the itinerancy — J. G. Staebler and W. Oetzel. Ordained

elders — F. Herlan and J. Schaaf. Deacons — A. Z. Gottwals

and J. Grenzebach. The charges were made independent of

each other in the matter of salary.

 

Districts: Albany, M. Lehn, presiding elder; Buffalo, J.

Kehr; Canada, W. Schmidt.

 

1852. Ohio Conference, Bristol, O., May 12. Bishop J.

Seybert, president; J. G. Wolpert, secretary. J. G. Stirm

died during the year. Newly received — Benjamin Keller, John

Waltz, George Theuer and J. Lutz. Ordained elders — J.

Honecker, R. Riegel and J. Schnellbacher. Deacons —

Christian Idleman, M. Hoehn and D. Strohman. An anti-

secret society resolution was adopted.

 

Districts: Wooster,H.Longbrake, presiding elder; Sandusky,

J. J. Kopp; Scioto, A. B. Schaefer.

 

1852. Illinois Conference, Naperville, Ill., June 16. Bishop

J. Seybert, president; J. J. Esher, secretary. S. Baumgard-

ner, a presiding elder, died and C. Holl withdrew during the

year. J. Moyer located. C. Glaus, N. McLain, J. H. Yam-

bert and J. G. Esslinger were received from other conferences,

and B. Ruh, F. Weihe and L. Buehler on probation. Ordained

elders — B. Uphaus, John Reigel and H. Esh. Deacons — P.

Burgner, J. Schafle, Wm. Strassberger, Geo. Fleisher and

Joseph Fisher. G. A. Blank and Joseph Harlacher resigned

the office of presiding elder and C. Glaus and S. A. Tobias were

elected. Fox River, DeKalb and Evansville Missions were estab-

lished. The Indiana Conference was formed. -

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 303

 

Illinois Conference Districts: Peoria, Henry Rohland, pre-

siding elder; Wisconsin, J. J. Esher; Chicago, S. A. Tobias.

 

Indiana Conference Districts: St. Joseph, S. Dickover, pre-

siding elder; Wabash, C. Glaus.

 

New York Conference sustained the loss of one of its leading

men, Jacob Riegel, who died near Seneca Falls, N.Y., aged

forty-two years. He was born in Northampton county, Pa., and

entered the ministry in 1834.

 

1853. East Pa. Conference, Reading, Pa., Feb. 23. Bishop

J. Long, president; H. Bucks, secretary. Retained in the itin-

erancy without appointments — M. F. Maize, F. Danner and J.

Adams. Died — J. Sensel. Credentials were voted JesseYoung.

Ordained elders — C. Loos and R. Deisher. Deacons — H. C.

Major and N. Goebel. Licensed to preach — P. V. Platz, T.

G. Clewell, W. Yost, Z. Hornberger, S. P. Reinoehl, L.

Kelly and H. Koester. Received into the itinerancy — D.

Berger, Jesse Yeakel, T. G. Clewell, William Yost, S. P.

Reinoehl, L. Kelly and F. P. Lehr. Easton was taken up as

a mission. Lebanon was detached from the circuit and made a

station. Monroe and Kutztown Circuits were formed.

 

Districts: Philadelphia, G. J. Haines, presiding elder; Leb-

anon, F. Hoffman; Orwigsburg, J. P. Leib.

 

1853. West Pa. Conference, Buffalo Valley, Pa., March 2.

Bishop J. Long, president; Chas. Hammer, secretary. Located

— Daniel Kehr and Henry Althouse. Ordained elders — M.

Zulauf and George Hunter. Deacons — A. J. Bender, E.

Wilson, P. Graham and J. G. Bertch. W. W. Orwig resigned

the editorship of the Botschafter and the office of book steward.

C. G. Koch, of the Pittsburg Conference, was elected to the

former office and C. Hammer to the latter. Hammer resigned,

and M. F. Maize was elected. He also resigned, and Hammer

was induced later to accept the position. C. Hammer was newly

elected and A. Longsdorf, reelected presiding elders.

 

Districts: Baltimore, A. Longsdorf, presiding elder; Centre,

J. Boas; Susquehanna, C. Hammer.

 

1853. Pittsburg Conference, Zion Church, Jefferson county,

Pa., March 16. J. Seybert, president; C. G. Koch and U.

Eberhart, secretaries. Abraham Niebel, of the Ohio Confer-

ence, and John Pfeifer and Jacob Rosenberger were received

into the itinerancy. J. M. McKesson and Jacob Weikel were

ordained elders, and H. H. Bicker, W. B. Poling, J. G. Pfeifer,

 

 

304 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

J. S. Hyde and A. Weaver, deacons. Jacob Rank was elected

presiding elder. A German mission was located in Allegheny-

City, and an English mission in the "West." U. Eberhart was

permitted to rest one year. Albright Seminary was established at

Berlin, Somerset county, Pa.

 

Districts: Somerset, D. N. Long, presiding elder; Allegheny,

J. Rank; Pittsburg, J. M. Sindlinger.

 

1853. New York Conference, Buffalo, N.Y., April 27.

Bishop J. Seybert, president; W. Mentz, secretary. J. D.

Jenni and P. Alles were ordained deacons. Jacob Riegel

died during the year.

 

Districts: Albany, M. Lehn, presiding elder; Buffalo, J.

Kehr; Canada, Wm. Schmidt.

 

1853. Ohio Conference, Immanuel's Church, Pickaway

county, Ohio, May 11. President, Bishop J. Long; secretary,

J. G. Wolpert. Died — H. Downy, P. Pontius and Jacob Van-

dersal. Newly licensed — C. M. Reinhold, Philip Schatz and

Abraham Long. Ordained elder — Philip Swartz. Deacon -

L. Shireman, G. M. Young and Philip Porr. Elected presid -

ing elders — G. F. Spreng and A. E. Driesbach. R. Reigel,

located. Canton was made a mission.

 

Districts: Cleveland, G. F. Spreng, presiding elder; Wooster,

H. Longbrake; Sandusky, A. E. Driesbach; Scioto, A. B. Shaefer.

 

1853. Illinois Conference, Racine, Wis., June 29. Bishop

J. Long, president; J. J. Esher, secretary. Joseph Harlacher,

George Messner and Jacob Kemmerling, located. G. G.

Platz joined the Indiana Conference. Received into the itin-

erancy — L. Von Wald, Oswald Ragatz, D. S. Boyer, Israel

Kuter, Henry Shelp, John Miller, Henry Lagenshulte

and Conrad Pfeil, and H. Eiterman anew. Ordained elders

— J. G. Esher and C. A. Schnake. Deacons — J. C. Anthes,

Jacob Trumbaur and J. G. Esslinger. The southern part of

Chicago was taken up as a mission, also Waukeesha, Wis., Iowa

was supplied with two preachers.

 

Districts: Peoria, H. Rohland, presiding elder; Chicago, S.

A. Tobias; Wisconsin, J. J. Esher.

 

Note. — At this session the conference appointed J. W. McKesson to estab-

lish an English work in the West. June 28 he arrived in McDonough county,

Ill., and began his labors. He laid the foundations for the English work in

western Illinois and eastern Iowa. Owing to ill health he did not continue the

second year, and the Illinois Conference was asked to take charge of the work,

owing to a scarcity of preachers in the Pittsburg Conference.

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 305

 

1853. Indiana Conference, first session, Germantown, Ind.,

June 1. Bishop J. Long, president; A. Nicolai, secretary.

Bishop Long was appointed to frame rules for the conference.

Received into the itinerancy — H. Strickler, John Fuchs, J.

Rookstuhl, W. Bockman and J. M. Kronmiller, also G. G.

Platz, of the Illinois Conference. Jacob Keiper was ordained

elder and G. Franzen deacon. Huntington and Olney missions

were established. It was resolved to build a meeting house at

Evansville.

 

Districts: St. Joseph, Samuel Dickover, presiding elder;

Wabash, C. Glaus.

 

Note. — The year 1853 marks a number of notable events in

the history of the Association. Albright Seminary, at Berlin, Som-

erset county, Pa., the first institution of learning in the connec-

tion, was opened Aug. 8. The Board of Foreign Missions held

its annual session at New Berlin, Sept. 24, at which time the

subject of a heathen mission was discussed, and resolutions, look-

ing to its establishment, were adopted. The first Evangelical

camp-meeting in Iowa began Sept. 8, on land of Brother J. Bal-

liet, ten miles northwest of Muscatine.

 

1854. East Pa. Conference, Pottsville, Pa., Feb. 22. Bishop

J. Seybert, president; H. Bucks and F. Krecker, secretaries.

Located — J. G. Marquardt, A. Schultz, H. Bucks and C.

Hummel. G. T. Haines resigned the office of presiding elder,

and F. Krecker was elected. H. A. Bisse died. Received on

trial — J. O. Lehr, T. Plattenberger, R. Yeakel, H. Koester,

Elias Miller and Moses Dissinger. Ordained elders — G.

Knerr, A. Ziegenfus, C. Gingerich, D. Hambright and S.

G. Rhoads. Deacons — E. Ely, J. Yeakel and J. Rhoads.

Harrisburg was constituted a mission. Fredrick Miller, of

Washington township, Lehigh county, Pa., died, leaving to the

conference an estate of $14,000, which the conference turned

over to the Charitable Society. Ordination text — Luke xii. 42.

 

Districts: Philadelphia, J. P. Leib, presiding elder; Leba-

non, F. Krecker; Orwigsburg, F. Hoffman.

 

1854. West Pa. Conference, York, Pa., March 1. Bishop

J. Long, president; C. Hammer, secretary. Henry Fisher,

editor of the Evangelical Messenger, died during the year. Isaac

Leas, located. Ordained elders — B. F. Hall, L. May, J. C.

Lunger, A. Kraus and C. F. Deininger. Deacons — H. R.

 

 

306 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Price, Jacob Young, S. W. Seibert and N. Doebler. P.

Wagoner was elected presiding elder, C. Hammer chief book

agent of the establishment, and J. L. W. Seibert, editor of the

Evangelical Messenger, in place of H. Fisher, deceased. After

much debating and planning it was resolved to establish at

New Berlin, Pa., an institution of learning to be called Union

Seminary.

 

Districts: Baltimore, P. Wagoner, presiding elder; Centre,

J. Boas; Susquehanna, A. Longsdorf.

 

1854. Pittsburg Conference, Somerset, Pa., March 15.

Bishop J. Long, president; Chas. Lindeman, secretary. John

Rosenberger died. B. Shady, A. Bower and J. M. Sind-

linger, located, the. latter two going West. Received into the

traveling connection — B. L. Miller, E. Peer, A. Long, G. W.

Reisinger and A. T. Doll. Ordained elders — H. Hampe, A.

Stehley, S. B. Kring, A. Bower and J. M. Zirkle. Deacons

— L. L. Reichman, H. W. Thomas, J. Rosenberger, B. L.

Miller, D. J. Paul and J. Hanger. Cambria andi Centreville

Circuits were formed. The preachers were instructed to deliver

lectures in favor of a prohibitory liquor law. Anti-tobacco res-

olutions were adopted.

 

Districts: Somerset, D. N. Long, presiding elder; Allegheny,

J. Rank; Pittsburg, Charles Lindeman.

 

1854. New York Conference, Rochester, N.Y., April 26.

Bishop J. Long, president; M. Lehn, secretary. John Wag-

oner and Joseph Unbach were received into the itinerancy.

John Grenzenbach was ordained elder, and J. G. Stabler, W.

Oetzel and John Wagoner, deacons. A mission was estab-

lished at Sougien, Canada.

 

Districts: Albany, M. Lehn, presiding elder; Buffalo, Jacob

Kehr; Canada, W. Schmidt.

 

1854. Ohio Conference, Dayton, Ohio, May 17. Bishop

J. Seybert, president; G. F. Spreng, secretary. George Kaag

and A. Loehner, located. Received into the itinerancy— t-Reuben

Riegel, J. Strome, A. Hasenpflug, M. Miller, S. Swartz,

C. Rohm and S. Hoy, the latter on probation. Ordained elders

— G. Theur, J. Waltz and B. Keller. Deacons — C. Idleman,

D. Strohman and M. Hoehn. J. G. Zinzer was permitted to

rest because of an affection of his eyes. Pomeroy Mission was

established, and Sandusky and Cleveland Missions were consti-

tuted stations.

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 307

 

Districts: Cleveland, G. F. Spreng, presiding elder; Wooster,

H. Longbrake; Sandusky, A. E. Dreisbach; Scioto, A. B.

Schaeffer.

 

1854. Illinois Conference, Brookville, Ill., June 28. Bishop

J. Seybert, president; J. J. Esher, secretary. Received on

probation — Jacob Himmel and Joseph Gibens. Received into

the itinerancy — C. Hummel, John Schneider, J. M. Sind-

linger, Elias Musselman, C. Augenstein, L. Nauman, Jos.

Gibens, Conrad Spielman, Jacob Himmel, J. F. Schnee and

George Vetter. Ordained elders — Jacob Schaffle, George

Fleischer, W. Strassburger and L. H. Eiterman. Deacons

— L. Buehler and Elias Musselman. An independent salary

system was adopted. H. Lageschulte and Jacob Trumbower,

located. The work in Iowa was divided into Cedar River Cir-

cuit and Dubuque Mission. Oshkosh Mission was divided. Kan-

kakee Mission was established.

 

Districts: Peoria, H. Rohland, presiding elder; Chicago,

S. A. Tobias; Wisconsin, J. J. Esher.

 

1854. Indiana Conference, East Germantown, Wayne

county, Ind., May 31. Bishop J. Seybert, president; A.

Nicolai, secretary. F. Scheurman and J. Rookstuhl, located.

Philip Bretsch, of Illinois Conference, was received into the

itinerancy, and George Eckard on probation. Ordained elders

— Joseph Fisher and P. Burghner. Deacons — M. W. Steffy

and B. Ruh. South Bend and Newville were constituted missions.

 

Districts: St. Joseph, S. Dickover, presiding elder; Wabash,

C. Glaus.

 

Notes. — The year 1854 was one of the most eventful in the

history of the Church. On Jan. 20 occurred the death of Rev.

Henry Fisher, editor of the Evangelical Messenger, at New

Berlin, Pa. He was one of the most devoted and consecrated

of men, and his death cast a gloom over the Association.

 

In the Spring of this year the book establishment was removed

from New Berlin, Pa., to Cleveland, Ohio.

 

During the early Spring a public meeting was held in the

town hall of New Berlin, to take steps for the founding of an in-

stitution of learning, under the auspices of the West Pa. Confer-

ence. Resolutions were adopted, which were laid before the

conference at its next session. After a lengthy discussion it was,

on motion of M. J. Carothers, resolved to found such an insti-

tution at New Berlin, to be called "Union Seminary." Com-

 

 

308 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

mittees and collectors were appointed, and subsequently the East

Pa. Conference united in the enterprise, and the establishment

of that noble institution, now the oldest in the Association, was

successfully accomplished.

 

1855. East Pa. Conference, Philadelphia, Pa., Feb. 28.

Bishop J. Long, president; S. Neitz, secretary. Located — J.

M. Saylor, I. Hess, C. Loos, A. Shultz and W. Heim. Newly

received on trial — J. Werner, C. S. Haman, T. Sebold and W.

Bachman; also J. C. Reisner anew. Received into the itiner-

ancy — J. Frey, Joseph Werner, F. Walker, C. S. Haman and

T. Sebold. Ordained deacons — T. G. Clewell, S. P. Rein-

oehl, W. Yost, F. P. Lehr, P. H. Lehr, Joshua Frey, R.

Yeakel and Adam Hinkel. Concerning the establishment of

Union Seminary, it was "Resolved, that we will unite in the

project according to the constitution and offer presented, the

seminary to be named Union Seminary of the East and West Pa.

Conferences of the Evangelical Association. Solomon Neitz

was appointed traveling agent for the same in the conference.

 

Districts: Philadelphia, J. P. Leib, presiding elder; Lebanon,

F. Krecker; Orwigsburg, F. Hoffman.

 

1855. West Pa. Conference, Baltimore, Md., March 8.

Bishop J. Long, president; Benjamin Hengst, secretary. Died

during the year — A. Vallerchamp, C. Spangler and George

Nailor. Peter Heiss located, and H. Keagel was dismissed

to go West. Received into the itinerancy — D. W. Miller, H.

Althaus, H. Broadbeck and Sebastian Mosser (anew). Or-

dained elders — W. H. Berry and E. B. Wilson. Deacons —

 

G. W. F. Young and A. L. Reeser. Si Wolf was re-elected

agent of Union Seminary. J. Boas was elected presiding elder.

W. W. Orwig was left without appointment because engaged in

writing the history of the Evangelical Association.

 

Districts: Baltimore, J. Boas, presiding elder; Centre, P.

Wagoner; Susquehanna, A. Longsdorf.

 

1855. Pittsburg Conference, Pittsburg, Pa., March 21.

Bishop J. Long, president; Joseph Truby, secretary. S. Hyde

and A. G. T. Doll located. W. B. Gregg and L. D. Brown

withdrew from the Church. C. Bender and William Fisher

were licensed to preach, and W. H. Stoll, W. H. Pfeuffer, W.

J. Stattler and William Fisher were received into the itiner-

ancy. Ordained elders — J. G. Pfeuffer and H. H. Buecker.

Deacons — H. W. Pfeuffer and Abraham Long.

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 309

 

Districts: Somerset, D. N. Long, presiding elder; Alle-

gheny, J. Rank; Pittsburg, Charles Lindeman.

 

1855. New York Conference, Conrad Settlement, N.Y.

Bishop J. Seybert, president; M. Lauer, secretary. Jacob

Bastian located. P. Alles was ordained elder. Geo. Hunter,

of the West Pa. Conference, took an appointment in this confer-

ence. The Finance Committee reported that all the preachers

had received full salary.

 

Districts: Albany, W. Mentz, presiding elder; Buffalo, M.

Lauer; Canada, J. Kehr.

 

1855. Ohio Conference, Zion Church, Hancock county,

O., May 16. Bishop J. Long, president; J. G. Wolpert and

C. Idleman, secretaries. Died — George Kaag. Located — J.

J. Kopp, P. Wiest, S. Swartz and J. Snellbacher. Received

into the traveling connection — Michael Alsbach, Geo. Berry,

John Stull, Henry Cover, Jacob Resler and Henry Strauch.

Ordained elders — P. Purr, L. Shireman and G. M. Young.

Deacons — J. P. Schnatz, C. M. Reinhold and J. Strome. It

was resolved to establish Greensburg Seminary, and committees,

trustees and a collector were appointed. Elias Stoever was

chosen for collector. John Dreisbach was re-elected editor of

the Evangelical Messenger until the next General Conference.

A. B. Shaefer and J. G. Zinzer were elected presiding elders.

 

Districts: Cleveland, G. F. Spreng, presiding elder; Woos-

ter, J. J. Zinzer; Sandusky, A. B. Shaefer; Scioto, A. E.

Dreisbach.

 

1855. Illinois Conference, Des Plaines, Ill., June 27. Bishop

J. Long, president; C. A. Schnake, secretary. Located — J. H.

Yambert, William Kolb, L. Nauman and J. H. Esch. Died —

C. Lintner. Received into the itinerancy — John Kurtz, John

Schweitzer, H. Rothermund, Andrew Tarnutzer, August

Huelster, William Zikerick, Jacob Sill, John Dengel, Fred.

Schreiber and Henry Lageschulte. Ordained elder — J. G.

Esslinger. Deacons — O. Ragatz, John Miller, Henry Shelp,

Israel Kuter, Conrad Pfeil and L. VonWald. Henry Roh-

land was reelected and C. Kopp and G. A. Blank were newly

elected presiding elders. Resolved that churches be built in

Madison, Wis., and Kankakee and Pekin, Ill.

 

Districts: Peoria, C. Kopp, presiding elder; Chicago, S. A.

Tobias; Madison, H. Rohland; Milwaukee, G. A. Blank.

 

 

310 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

1855. Indiana Conference, Elkhart county, Ind., May 30.

Bishop J. Seybert, president; A. Nicolai, secretary. George

Eckart, located. Received into the itinerancy — C. Heiden,

Fred. Geissel, Wm. Wessler, Melchoir Meyer and C. Wess-

ling. Ordained deacons — John Fuchs, H. Strickler, Wm.

Bockman and J. M. Kronmiller. C. Glaus resigned the office

of presiding elder, and S. Dickover and G. G. Platz were

elected. A mission was established in Indianapolis, Ind., and

Berrien, Mich.

 

Districts: St. Joseph, G. G. Platz, presiding elder; Wabash,

S. Dickover.

 

 

311

 

CHAPTER XL

 

Eleventh General Conference, Held vr Lebanon, Pa.,

Sept. 19, 1855.

 

1855. General Conference, eleventh session, Lebanon, Pa.,

Sept. 19. Bishop J. Seybert, president; J. J. Esher, of Illinois

Conference, secretary; J. G. Wollpert, of the Ohio, and Benj.

Hengst, of the West Pa. Conference, assistants.

 

A committee was appointed to draft rules for the founding

and regulation of higher institutions of learning, which were

adopted. The conference further expressed its views on educa-

tion, as follows: "On motion of W. W. Orwig it was resolved

that this body concurs in the favorable sentiment expressed at

several of the former sessions of General Conference, in refer-

ence to the usefulness and advantages of a literary education, if

subordinate to the Christian religion. Hence this conference

again declares itself in favor of literary institutions in the Evan-

gelical Association. Resolved, that the action of the East and

West Pa. Conferences, as well as the Ohio, to erect and establish

seminaries, is not only approved and rejoiced over, but that this

conference wishes them success in said undertakings."

 

It was resolved to publish a monthly juvenile paper, to be

called, Der Christliche Kinderfruend (The Christian Children's

Friend).

 

Bishop J. Seybert having presented to the conference ster-

eotype plates of Rambach's Leiden Christi, he was accorded a

vote of thanks, and 1,500 copies of the work were ordered to be

published.

 

W. W. Orwig was urged to have the History of the Evangel-

ical Association ready for publication by Jan. 1, 1856, the first

edition to consist of 7,000 copies in the German, and 3,000 in

the English language.

 

 

312 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

The English hymn book was ordered to be revised and en-

larged. A committee was appointed to prepare Sunday-school

books for publication. The editors and correspondents of the

Church periodicals were enjoined to remain neutral in politics in

their communications.

 

A committee was appointed to revise the Plan of Study for

junior preachers.

 

"Resolved, That the principal book agent shall be allowed to

keep an assortment of good books on hand in the establishment

for the convenience of our preachers, if he should deem it proper

to do so."

 

"Resolved, That the functionaries in our book establishment,

together with the congregation at Cleveland, be requested to

form themselves into a Tract Society, to draft a constitution and

give a general invitation, through our periodicals, for member-

ship in said society.

 

"The Board of Foreign Missions shall, without delay, look

out for promising young men, in order to have them properly

trained and prepared for missionary services in the heathen

world."

 

The Wisconsin Conference was formed of part of the Illinois,

John Seybert and Joseph Long were re-elected bishops. Chas.

Hammer was re-elected chief book agent, C. G. Koch editor of

the Christliche Botschafter, and John Dreisbach editor of the

Evangelical Messenger. Assets of the Publishing House were

$42,144.

 

Delegates to General Conference, 1855.

 

East Pa. Conference. — J. P. Leib, F. Hoffman, F. Krecker,

S. Neitz, J. M. Saylor, G. T. Haines, Joseph Gross, W. Reber,

D. Berger, J. C. Farnsworth, C. Meyers, J. Schell, E. Bast, M.

F. Maize.

 

West Pa. Conference. — W. W. Orwig, J. Boas, Philip Wag-

oner, J. Dunlap, B. Hengst, M. J. Carothers, E. Kohr, J. M.

Young, D. Kreamer, S. Wolf.

 

Pittsburg Conference. — Jacob Rank, C. Lindeman, D. N.

Long, H. Hampe, Joseph Truby, Andrew Stahle, G. W. Cupp.

 

New York Conference. — W. Mintz, W. Schmidt, M. Lauer,

M. Lehn, J. Kehr, D. Fisher.

 

Ohio Conference. — J. G. Zinzer, A. B. Shaeffer, John Dries-

bach, A. E. Driesbach, G. F. Spreng, C. Hammer, C. G. Koch,

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 313

 

E. Stoever, J. G. Wolpert, F. Freeh, J. Kanaga, J. Bernhart,

P. W. Hahn, J. Burkitt, C. A. Munk, H. Longbrake, C. Idleman.

 

Illinois Conference. — S. A. Tobias, J. J. Esher, J. Riegel, C.

A. Schnake, J. M. Sindlinger, J. P. Kramer, J. G. Esher, L. H.

Eiterman, J. G. Esslinger.

 

Indiana Conference. — S. Dickover, G. G; Platz, J. Fisher, J.

Keiper, A. Nicolai.

 

1856. East Pa. Conference, Allentown, Pa., Feb. 27. Bishop

J. Seybert, president; Solomon Neitz, secretary. E. Bast,

located. F. Danner died. J. C. Farnsworth took no appoint-

ment. L. Kelly received credentials. Samuel Werner was

licensed to preach. Ordained elders — E. Eby, J. Yeakel, N.

Goebel and L. Snyder. Deacons — H. Koester, J. O. Lehr,

M. Dissinger, E. B. Miller, L. Kelly, T. Blattenberger,

T. Sebold, I. Oberholtzer and W. Egge. Collections were

ordered to be taken in July for the support of superannuated

preachers, and preachers' widows and orphans.

 

Frederick Danner, whose death is recorded here, was born

near Manheim, Pa. Entered the ranks of the East Pa. Confer-

ence in 1840. Served fourteen years, two as presiding elder of

Lebanon District (1850-51). His health being feeble he was

compelled to locate. He died at Manheim in 1855.

 

Districts: Philadelphia, C. Meyers, presiding elder; Leba-

non, F. Krecker; Orwigsburg, Solomon Neitz.

 

1856. West Pa. Conference, Mt. Zion Church, York county,

Pa., March 5. Bishop J. Seybert, president; L. May and B.

F. Hall, secretaries. J. Boas and W. H. Berry were permitted

to rest one year. E. Kohr and J. G. Miller, located, the lat-

ter to go to Wisconsin. Jacob Henn, E. Klinefelter and J.

Zimmerman were licensed. Received'into the traveling connec-

tion — N. Doebler, S. Aurand, J. Henn, Jacob Hartzler, J.

Zimmerman, S. Musser, Jacob Young, G. Hunter and Philip

Graham. Ordained elders — H. R. Price, J. Young and S. W.

Seibert. Deacon — H. Althouse. S. Wolf was re-elected

agent for Union Seminary. B. Hengst was elected presiding

elder. Middle Creek and Lock Haven Circuits in Pennsylva-

nia, and Harford Circuit in Maryland, were formed. B. F.

Hall was authorized to purchase a suitable conference book,

and record the proceedings of conference in the English language.

 

Districts: Baltimore, B. Hengst, presiding elder; Centre,

Philip Wagoner; Susquehanna, A. Longsdorf.

 

 

314 EVANGEL1CAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

1856. Pittsburg Conference, Warren.Pa., March 26. Bishop

J. Long, president; Charles Lindeman, secretary. Located —

E. Peer, H. H. Bucker and George Doll. Jacob Rosen-

berger and Uriah Eberhart took credentials for a Western

Conference. Joseph Truby died. Elias Beaty received license,

and A. T. Doll, Joseph Weber, D. S. Poling and E. Beaty

were received into the itinerancy. Jacob Rosenberger was

ordained elder and John Peuffer and A. T. Doll deacons. G.

W. Cupp was elected presiding elder. Erie Mission was changed

into a station.

 

Districts: Somerset, G. W. Cupp, presiding elder; Allegheny,

Jacob Rank; Pittsburg, C. Lindeman.

 

1856. New York Conference, Clinton, Canada, April 30.

Bishop J. Long, president; P. Alles, secretary. W. Oetzel

died. A. Z. Gottwals located. George Nott received license.

Received into the itinerancy — George Eckert (Indiana Con-

ference), Philip Miller, George Clark, George Nott, H.

Holtzman, H. Weiser, Jacob Sweitzer, Thomas Hauch, N.

Geltzelichter and S. Morley. John Wagoner and J. D.

Jenny were ordained elders, and G. Eckert, L. Herman, Joseph

Umbach, G. Clark and N. Schneider deacons. M. Lauer

resigned the office of presiding elder and M. Lehn was elected.

 

Districts: Albany, W. Mintz, presiding elder; Buffalo, M.

Lehn; Canada, Jacob Kehr.

 

1856. Ohio Conference, Hoffnungs Church, Wayne Co.,

O., May 14. Bishop J. Long, president; J. G. Wolpert, sec-

retary. J. Rosenberg, of the Pittsburg Conference, was received.

A. B. Shaefer and M. Hoehn received a transfer to the Indiana

and T. M. Young to the Illinois Conference. Ordained elders —

J. G. Theuer, J. Waltz and Benjamin Keller. Deacons — C.

Roehm, S. Hoy and M. Miller. J. Kanaga was appointed

collector for Greensburg Seminary. John Dreisbach, editor

of the Evangelical Messenger, resigned, and T. G. Clewell, of

the East Pa. Conference, was elected.

 

Districts: Cleveland, G. F. Spreng, presiding elder; San-

dusky, J. G. Zinzer; Scioto, A. E. Dreisbach.

 

1856. Illinois Conference, Freeport, Ill., April 16. Bishop

J. Seybert, president; C. A. Schnake, secretary. Located —

J. P. Kramer, L. H. Eiterman and C. Hummel. L. Nauman

died. Received on probation — Henry Huelster, A. Stroh-

meyer, C. Berner, J. W. Mohr, Daniel B. Byers, W. Stegner,

 

 

CONFERENCE RE00RD8. 315

 

P. Held, George Shaefer and Rudolph Dubs. Received into

the itinerancy — J. Meyer, W. Kolb, M. Hauert, George Mess-

ner and J. G. Miller (the latter from West Pa. Conference).

Ordained elders — E. Musselman, L. Buehler and J. E. Auther.

Deacons — Jacob Himmel, J. Schneider, Joseph F. Schnee,

G. Vetter, J. E. Spielman, Joseph Gibens and Henry Lage-

schulte. Henry Rohland resigned the office of presiding

elder, and S. A. Tobias, J. J. Esher and J. G. Esher were elected.

 

The report of the committee on the division of the conference

reported as follows: "The Illinois Conference shall consist of

three Districts — Peoria, Chicago and Freeport. Peoria District

shall consist of Geneseo, Peru, Washington and Mason Circuits,

and Peoria, Fekin, Mount Pulaski and Rock Island Missions.

Chicago District shall consist of Des Plains, Dunkleys Grove,

Naperville and Kaneville Circuits, Chicago Station, and Chicago,

Cedar Lake and Kankakee Missions. Freeport District shall

consist of Cedar Creek, Brookville and Grandview Circuits,

Freeport Station, and Cedar River and Dubuque Missions. The

Wisconsin Conference shall consist of two Districts — Milwaukee

and Madison. Milwaukee District shall consist of Greenfield,

Menomonee, Sheboygan, Lomira and Jefferson Circuits, Racine

Station, and Milwaukee Mission. Madison District shall consist

of Sauk and Fox River Circuits, and Madison, Dane County,

Monroe, Oshkosh and La Crosse Missions."

 

The sum of $131.50 was raised at the conference for the

establishment of a mission in Minnesota.

 

Illinois Conference Districts: Peoria, C. Kopp, presiding

elder; Freeport, S. A. Tobias; Chicago, J. J. Esher.

 

Wisconsin Conference, Milwaukee District, G. A. Blank,

presiding elder. Greenfield Circuit, J. G. Esslinger and H.

Huelster; Menomonee, Noah McLain and George Shaffer; She-

boygan, C. Pfeil and W. Zickerick; Lomira, O. Ragatz; Jefferson,

John Meyer; Racine, C. Augenstein; Milwaukee Mission, Israel

Kuter. Madison District, J. G. Esher, presiding elder. Madison

Mission, J. G. Miller; Fox River Circuit and Portage Mission,

L. Buehler and A. Tarnutzer; Monroe Mission, Jacob Sill;

Dane County, M. Hauert; Oshkosh, Augustus Huelster; La

Crosse, L. VonWald.

 

1856. Indiana Conference, Mt. Carmel, Ill. Bishop Jos.

Long, president; A. Nicolai, secretary. C. Heiden located.

M. Krieger was licensed to preach. A. B. Schaeffer, M.

 

 

316 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Hoehn, L. Shireman and M. Alsbach, of the Ohio Conference,

were received into the Indiana Conference. M. W. Steffey

was ordained elder and G. Koch deacon. A new district was

formed and A. B. Schaeffer was elected presiding elder.

 

Districts: Wabash, S. Dickover, presiding elder; White

Water, A. B. Schaeffer; St. Joseph, G. G. Platz.

 

Note. — Considerable advancement was made in the year 1856.

In the East Pa. Conference the Philadelphia English Mission, un-

der T. G. Clewell, made an auspicious beginning, with a class

organization and nourishing Sunday-school. The work prospered

in LancAster and Lebanon. In the West, Detroit Mission was

founded and a good beginning made. John Dreisbach, editor

of the Evangelical Messenger, was necessitated, because of bodily

infirmities, to resign his office at the session of the Ohio Confer-

ence. The conference, in suitable resolutions, expressed its

appreciation of his long and valuable services to the Church, and

sympathy in his afflictions, and in his stead elected T. G. Cle-

well, of the East Pa. Conference. A. Tarnutzer, junior preacher

of Fox River Circuit, was sent to Minnesota to begin the work.

He reached Winona Nov. 8, and was welcomed by G. Hess, a

member of the Church from Cleveland, O. On the following

evening he preached in Winona. From thence he went to Roll-

ing Stone Valley, where he was welcomed. A meeting was begun

and souls were converted. Afterwards he gained entrance in

Rochester, Olmstead county. This was the commencement of

our work in Minnesota. At the following session of the Wiscon-

sin Conference three fields of labor were formed in that territory.

 

1857. East Pa. Conference, New York City, Feb. 25. Bishop

J. Long, president; S. Neitz, secretary. T. G. Clewell re-

ceived credentials to the Ohio and J. C. Farnsworth to the

West Pa. Conference. M. Sindlinger located. A. Boetzel

was licensed, and H. Stoetzel was again received into the itin-

erancy. Ordained elders — J. Frey, S. P. Reinoehl, W. Yost,

R. Yeakel and T. G. Clewell. Deacons — R. Litzenberger,

F. Walker, J. Werner, C. S. Haman and R. Wright.

 

Districts: Philadelphia, C. Myers, presiding elder; Lebanon,

F. Krecker; Orwigsburg, S. Neitz.

 

1857. West Pa. Conference, New Berlin, Pa., March 12.

Bishop J. Long, president; L. May, secretary. J. C. Lunger

withdrew. B. F. Hall and J. Kramer located. Received into

the itinerancy — J. C. Farnsworth (of the East Pa. Conference),

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 317

 

E. Kohr, Samuel Smith, D. L. Sutton and George Hunter.

Ordained elders — G. W. F. Young, A. L. Reeser and N. Doeb-

ler. Deacons — H. Broadbeck and G. Rishel. S. Wolf was

re-elected agent for Union Seminary. J. Dunlap was elected

presiding elder.

 

Districts: Baltimore, B. Hengst, presiding elder; Centre,

P. Wagoner; Susquehanna, J. Dunlap.

 

1857. Pittsburg Conference, Zion Church, Westmoreland

county, Pa., April i. Bishop J. Long, president; C. Lindeman

and D. N. Long, secretaries. Joseph Truby and Jacob Frey

died. A. Bower withdrew from the Church. S. F. Crowther

was licensed. Received into the itinerancy — J. L. W. Seibert,

James Croasman, J. Shaefer, A. R. Teats and S. F. Crowther.

 

A. Niebel was elected presiding elder. J. Weber and W. B.

Poling located. Ordained elders — A. Long, W. B. Pfeufer,

 

B. L. Miller, L. D. Reichman and W. B. Poling. Deacons —

W. Fisher and A. R. Teats.

 

The report of the committee appointed to arrange a union

-with the Ohio Conference, in the interests of Greensburg Semi-

nary, was received, and the agent of said institution was invited

to collect funds within the bounds of the conference.

 

Districts: Somerset, G. W. Cupp, presiding elder; Allegheny,

A. Niebel; Pittsburg, C. Lindeman.

 

1857. New York Conference, Lyons, N.Y., April 22. Bishop

J. Long, president; M. Lauer, secretary. F. Scharffe and

N. Geltzlichter located. Received into the itinerancy — J.

Stabler, A. Spies, S. Krupp, D. Dibble and M. Pfitzinger.

Ordained elders — E. G. Stabler and P. J. Muller. Deacon —

A. Kline. Croghan, Liverpool, South Buffalo and Oxford Mis-

sions were formed.

 

Districts: Albany, W. Mintz, presiding elder; Buffalo, M.

Lehn; Canada, J. Kehr.

 

1857. Ohio Conference, Bristol, O., May 23. Bishop J.

Long, president; J. G. Wolpert, secretary. Located — A. E.

Dreisbach, J. Erb, P. W. Hahn, Jacob Ressler, Geo. Berry,

J. Strohm, G. H. Behner and G. M. Reinhold. John Lentz

took credentials for another conference. Died — Michael Wal-

ter, Shem Sager and Jacob Spring. T. G. Clewell, editor

of the Evangelical Messenger, was received as a member of con-

ference. Received into the itinerancy — Jacob Shaeffer, George

Doll, P. Wiest, C. Haldeman, D. Swartz, David Rohland,

 

 

318 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

J. A. Ruppert, Elias Kraus and John Haug. J. G. Wolpert,

missionary to Germany. Ordained elder — J. P. Schnatz. Dea-

cons — H. F. Strouch, John Stoll, Jacob Ressler, H. Cover,

Jacob Shaeffer, J. Hoehn, George Schott, Joseph Keiser

and C. Haldeman. George Haley was elected presiding elder.

 

A resolution was passed recommending that district ministe-

rial conventions be held, under the presidency of the presiding

elders, for the purpose of discussing biblical subjects and matters

of general interest, for the welfare of the Church.

 

Districts: Cleveland, G. Haley, presiding elder; Scioto, G.

F. Spreng; Sandusky, J. G. Zinzer.

 

1857. Illinois Conference, Washington, Ill., April 22. Bishop

J. Seybert, president; C. Kopp, secretary. Received into the

itinerancy — G. M. Young, Adam Rohrbach, William Lechler

and Henry Hintze. C. Kopp resigned the office of presiding

elder, and John Riegel and Wm. Kolb were elected. Ordained

elder — John Miller, Jr. Deacons — John Kurtz, H. Roth-

mund, F. Schreiber and John Dengel. The work in Iowa was

constituted a presiding elder district. Rush Creek Circuit and

North Bend Mission were formed, and missions established in

Kansas and Nebraska.

 

Districts: Chicago, J. J. Esher, presiding elder; Freeport,

S. A. Tobias; Peoria, J. Riegel; Iowa, W. Kolb. Charges in

Iowa: Grandview, J. Schneider; North Bend Mission, Joseph

Gibens, Jr.; Cedar River, J. Schaffleand J.W. Mohr; Dubuque,

Henry Schelp and R. Dubs.

 

1857. Indiana Conference, East Germantown, Ind., Sept.

23. Bishop J. Seybert, president; A. B. Schaeffer, secretary.

H. Strickler died. P. Getz and A. Nicolai located. Con.

Kohlmeyer and C. Ude were newly received, and George Kloep-

fer, D. Bartholomew, H. Kramer, D. Gorell, Joshua Paulin,

Con. Kohlmeyer, C. Ude, E. Kiplinger and Jacob Trometer

were received into the itinerancy. Ordained elders — John

Fuchs, J. M. Kronmiller and William Bockman. Deacons —

Michael Alsbach, F. Geisel, M. Meyer, C. Wessling and W.

Wessler. Philip Bretsch was elected presiding elder. Carmi

and Calhoun Missions and Yellow River Circuit were established.

 

Districts: Wabash, P. Bretsch, presiding elder; White River,

A. B. Schaeffer; St. Joseph, G. G. Platz.

 

1857. Wisconsin Conference held its first annual session

in Zion Church, five miles east of Jefferson, Wis., May 6. Bishop

 

 

CONFERENOE RECORDS. 319

 

J. Seybert, president; C. A. Schnake, secretary. Located —

C. Augenstein and J. Meyer. Received into the itinerancy

— John Hammeter, P. Massuger and George VonEschen.

Ordained elders — Israel Kuter, Con. Pfeil, L. Vonwald, O.

Ragatz and J. Meyer. Deacons — J. Sills, A. Tarnutzer,

Augustus Huelster and W. Zickerick. The work in Min-

nesota was divided into three fields — St. Paul, St. Peters and

Winona Missions.

 

Districts: Milwaukee, G. A. Blank, presiding elder; Madi-

son, J. G. Esher.

 

Note. — This year is marked by manynotable events in the his-

tory of the Church, among them the building of the first Evangelical

Church in Minnesota, at St. Paul, which was dedicated Oct. n.

The first church in Iowa was built at Grandview, and dedicated

Nov. 27. The second in that State was built at Independence,

in 1858, and the third at Green Castle, in 1859. This year also

marks the appearance of the first history of the Evangelical Asso-

ciation byW. W. Orwig. The missionary interests of the Church

flourished. Rev. J. G. Wolpert was sent as additional missionary

to Germany, while in the periodicals appear acknowledgments

of funds received for a heathen mission. This year the first

district ministerial convention in the history* of the Church was

held at Greensburg, O., Sept. 29, and continued three days.

This was favorably noted by the periodicals, and the general

introduction of such conventions recommended. An examination

of the program and the editorial comments, shows the charac-

ter of the convention to have been the same as those of more

recent times.

 

1858. East Pa. Conference, Weissport, Pa., Feb. 24. Bishop

J. Seybert, president; S. Neitz, secretary. Received into the

itinerancy — Joseph Specht, M. Guhl, Jesse Young, Edmund

Butz, I. Overholtzer, Jos. Kutz and A. Boetzel. Ordained

elders — H. Stoetzel, H. Koester, T. Sebold, E. B. Miller,

T. Plattenberger, F. P. Lehr and J. O. Lehr. Deacons —

W. Bachman, J. Zern, J. H. Miller, J.Young and H. Kempfer.

Missions were located in North Philadelphia, New York City

and New Rochelle. F. Hoffman was elected presiding elder.

 

Districts: Philadelphia, C. Myers, presiding elder; Lebanon,

F. Hoffman; Orwigsburg, S. Neitz.

 

1858. West Pa. Conference, New Kingston, Pa., March 11.

Bishop J. Long, president; B. Hengst, secretary. Died — Jacob

 

 

320 EVANGEL10AL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Nees and J. G. Bartch. Located — M. J. Carothrrs, D. L.

Sutton and George Dellinger. D. Kramer was elected agent

for Union Seminary. Received into the itinerancy — J. Clair, J.

Kramer, W. H. Gottwald, G. P. Weaver and Albert Sommer-

ville. Ordained elder — H. Althouse. Deacons — S. Aurand,

 

D. W. Miller, J. Hartzler and J. Henn. E. Kohr was elected

presiding elder.

 

Districts: Baltimore, B. Hengst, presiding elder; Centre,

E. Kohr; Susquehanna, J. Dunlap.

 

1858. Pittsburg Conference, Pittsburg, Pa., March 24.

Bishops Seybert and Long were both present. C. Lindeman,

secretary. Located — A. T. Doll and J. Rank. Again received

— J. Weaver, Philip Swilley and J. Honecker. Newly re-

ceived — J. Ream, J. C. Bender, A. Weaver and D. Strayer.

Ordained elder — J. Pfeuffer. Deacons — B. Shade, J. Weaver,

E. Beatty, J. Croasman and D. S. Poling. A. Niebel resigned

the office of presiding elder, and A. Stahle and J. Weikel were

elected.

 

Districts: Pittsburg, A. Stahle, presiding elder; Allegheny,

J. Weikel; Somerset, G. W. Cupp.

 

1858. Ohio Conference, Salem Church, Marion Co., O.,

May 13. Bishop J. Long, president; C. G. Koch, secretary.

P. Swartz was dismissed from conference. Located — Benjamin

Keller, D. Rohland, J. A. Ruppert and C. Idleman. Died —

H. Longbrake, John Erb, Jacob Kleinfelter and George

Berry. Received on trial— Andrew Swartz, F. Zeller, Daniel

Heininger, J. Haldeman, J. Ressler, C. Thomas, D. Eckert,

Jonas Hager and J. Hoehn. Ordained elders — M. J. Miller,

D. Swartz, C. Ream and Samuel Hoy. Deacons — C.Tramer,

R. Spatz and Simeon Swartz. D. Strohman was elected pre-

siding elder.

 

Districts: Cleveland, G. F. Spreng, presiding elder; San-

dusky, G. Haley; Scioto, D. Strohman; Michigan, J. G. Zinzer.

 

M. J. Miller and Philip Porr were appointed to the Mis-

souri and Kansas Missions. Miller arrived at Leavenworth,

Kan., Aug. 9, where a number of members resided, among them

J. G. Ettinger, four miles west of Leavenworth, who received

him with joy. At Lawrence and Franklin he found members

who had been organized into classes by Bro. Fleisher. Kansas

City, Mo., was visited and a preaching place secured. On the

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 321

 

whole, the brethren succeeded very well, and a firm footing was

gained in Missouri and Kansas.

 

A plan of study for preachers was adopted, and 500 copies

of the same were ordered to be printed. Michigan District was

formed. Zanesville was taken up as a mission. A mission was

established in Kansas and Missouri, and the preachers were direct-

ed to take up collections on their charges for the same.

 

Henry Longbrake was born in Fairfield county, O., Sept. 26,

1809, entered the ranks of the Ohio Conference in 1838, and

spent about fifteen years in the itinerancy. He was one of the

leading men of his conference. He died in Hancock county, O.,

June 24, 1857.

 

1858. Illinois Conference, Spring Creek Church, Stephen-

son county, Ill., April 21. Bishop J. Long, president; J. J.

Esher,.secretary. Died — P. Woodring, H. Aslbach and J.

Gebhart. Located — C. Kopp and L. H. Eiterman. Ordained

elders — Joseph Gibens, Jacob Himmel, H. L. Schulde, J. F.

Schnee, John Schneider, George Vetter, J. C. Spielman and

H. Shelp. Deacons — J. W. Mohr, R. Dubs, A. Strohmeier,

W. Lechler and D. B. Byers. L. Eberhart, of the West Pa.

Conference, was received. Bloomington, Ill., and Muscatine,

Cedar River, Waterloo and Des Moines, Iowa, Missions were

established.

 

Districts: Chicago, J. J. Esher; Freeport, S. A. Tobias;

Peoria, John Riegel; Iowa, William Kolb.

 

J. F. Schreiber was appointed to Nebraska Mission. He

began his labor at Council Bluffs. By the end of the conference

year he had secured a number of appointments, mostly in the

vicinity of Council Bluffs. This was the commencement of our

work in Nebraska.

 

1858. Indiana Conference, Bethlehem Church, St. Joseph

county, Ind., Sept. 8. Bishop Joseph Long, president; A. B.

Schaeffer, secretary. P. Swartz, of the Ohio Conference, was

received. John Hoffman was licensed. John Hoffman and

M. Klaiber were received into the itinerancy. B. Ruh was

ordained elder, and Michael Kreuger, deacon. Vandalia,

Cicero and Waupecong Missions were established. A. Nicolai,

a former missionary in Germany, was received and took an

appointment.

 

Districts: Wabash, P. Bretsch, presiding elder; White Water,

A. B. Schaeffer; St. Joseph, G. G. Platz.

 

 

322 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

1858. New York Conference, Buffalo, N.Y., April 21.

Bishop J. Seybert, president; M. Lauer, secretary. The work

in Canada was divided into Hamilton and Waterloo Districts.

 

1858. Wisconsin Conference, Salem Church, Prairie Du

Sac, Wis., May 6. Bishop J. Long, president; C. A. Schnake,

secretary. The missions in Minnesota were reported as very

prosperous.

 

Note. — The leading event of this year in the Association was

the establishment of the Missouri, Nebraska and Kansas Missions,

as well as the extensive development of the work in the North-

west. The many and strong editorials and numerous communi-

cations on the subject in the periodicals, indicate a glowing

missionary spirit.

 

1859. East Pa. Conference, Lancaster, Pa., Feb. 23. Bishop

J. Long, president; F. Krecker, secretary. D. Berger and

S. P. Reinoehl were given permission to rest one year. J.

Young and I. Oberholtzer, located. J. Eckert was granted

credentials. Joseph Werner, F. Walker, R. Litzenberger,

C. S. Haman and Moses Dissinger were ordained elders, and

M. Guhl, J. Schneider, B. Gressley, D. Witmer and C. H.

Baker, deacons. J. Miller and J. Kurtz were licensed on

trial. M. Sindlinger was again, and J. A. Apgar, Jacob

Schneider and Thomas Bowman were newly received into the

itinerancy.

 

Districts: Philadelphia, C. Meyers, presiding elder; Leba-

non, F. Hoffman; Orwigsburg, S; Neitz.

 

1859. West Pa. Conference, Baltimore, Md., March 3.

Bishop J. Long, president; L. May, secretary. Died — G. W.

F. Young and S. Peters. Located — A. Summerville and S.

Wolf. W. H. Gottwald and G. Weber withdrew from the

Church. J. Dunlap resigned the office of presiding elder and

took credentials for the Illinois Conference. P. Wagoner was

elected presiding elder, and J. Kramer agent of Union Semi-

nary. M. Walter was licensed on trial, and Z. Hornberger,

S. Davis, M. Walter, S. D. Bennington and W. M. Harris

were received into the itinerancy. Ordained elders — P. Gra-

ham and H. Broadbeck. Deacons — J. Zimmerman, Jacob

Clair, S. Smith and Z. Hornberger.

 

Districts: Baltimore, B. Hengst, presiding elder; Centre, E.

Kohr; Susquehanna, P. Wagoner.

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 323

 

1859. Pittsburg Conference, Salem Church, Armstrong

county, Pa., March 17. Bishop J. Long, president; A. Niebel

and J. L. W. Seibert, secretaries. Charles Lindeman and J.

C. Bender, located. S. B. Kring was permitted to rest a year.

A. Weaver died. Received into the itinerancy — Jabob Rank

(again), George Domer and J. Q. A. Weller. Ordained elder

A. R. Teats. Deacon — S. F. Crowther.

 

Districts: Pittsburg, A. Stahle, presiding elder; Somerset,

G. W. Cupp; Allegheny, J. Weikel.

 

1859. New York Conference, "Stone Church," North East-

hope, Canada, April 20. Bishop Joseph Long, president; Wm.

Schmidt, secretary. S. Marley, located. L. Jacoby and J.

Kehr were permitted to rest a year. C. A. Thomas and F. Bol-

ler were licensed, and A. Mueller, J. Kechele, L. Wildfang,

G. Bish and C. A. Thomas were received into the itinerancy.

Ordained elder — A. Klein. Deacons — A. Spies, M. Pfitzinger.

T. Hauch, S. Kropp, P. Winkler and U. Graves. Hamilton

District was discontinued.

 

Districts: Albany, S. Weber, presiding elder; Buffalo, M.

Lehn; Waterloo (Canada), W. Schmidt.

 

1859. Ohio Conference, Emanuel's Church, Morrow county,

Ohio, May 18. Bishop J. Long, president; C. G. Koch, sec-

retary. Located — F. Frech, J. Hoehn, J. Hager and C.

Haldeman. Received into the itinerancy — C. M. Reinhold,

G. F. Behner, E. Loos, W. Eckley, H. Longbrake, F. G.

Bachman, Wm. Wonder and T. George. Ordained elders —

C. Thomas, H. Cover, John Stoll, H. T. Strauch and C.

Haldeman. Deacons — E. B. Crouse, J. M. Hough, F., R.

Tothero and S. K- Miesse. C. A. Munk was elected presid-

ing elder. Subscriptions were ordered to be taken, immediately

after conference, on all the charges, for the support of Kansas

and Missouri Missions.

 

Districts: Cleveland, G. F. Spreng, presiding elder; San-

dusky, George Haley; Scioto, Daniel Strohman; Michigan, C.

A. Munk.

 

1859. Illinois Conference, Brookville, Ill., April 27. Bishop

J. Seybert, president; J. J. Esher, secretary. Located — J. C.

Anthes, C. Pfeil, H. Libke and G. Messner. Received on

probation — A. Guckley and P. M. Welty. Received into the

itinerancy — H. Bucks, (of the East Pa. Conference), H. Klein-

sorge and A. Gockley. Ordained elders — J. F. Schreiber,

 

 

324 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

John Kurtz and J. Dengel. Deacons— H. Hintze, A. Heil-

man, J. Schweitzer and C. Berner. Wm. Kolb resigned the

office of presiding elder, and Wm. Strassburger was elected.

The following circuits were formed: Deer Grove, Plainfield,

Rock Run, Hampshire and Brookville. The missions formed

were: Aurora (Ill.), and Dubuque, Independence and Green-

castle, in Iowa.

 

Districts: Chicago, J. J. Esher, presiding elder; Freeport,

S. A. Tobias; Peoria, J. Riegel; Iowa, Wm. Strassburger.

 

1859 Indiana Conference, Indianapolis, Ind., Sept. 7.

Bishop J. Seybert, president; M. Hoehn, secretary. Newly

licensed — P. Roth, Michael Gomer and E. Evans. Received

into the itinerancy — G. A. Hertle, S. Blauser, P. Roth, M.

Gomer and E. Evans (newly), and R. Riegel, of the Ohio Con-

ference. Ordained elders — M. Alsbach, F. G. Geisel, C.

Wessling, M. Meier, J.Trometter and G. Kloepfer. Deacons

— CColmeier, C. Ude, J. Paulin, D. Bartholemew, E. Kip-

plinger and John Riegel (again). P. Bretsch and A. B.

Shaeffer resigned the office of presiding elder, because of bodily

infirmities, and Joseph Fisher and M. W. Steffey were elected.

 

Districts: Wabash, M. W. Steffey, presiding elder; White

Water, G. G. Platz; St. Joseph, J. Fisher.

 

1859. Wisconsin Conference, Racine, Wis., May 11. Bishop

J. Seybert, president; H. Huelster, secretary. O. Ragatz,

located. Received on probation — C. Lahr, F. Huelster, F.

Schroeder, J. Rasskopf, A. Niehrens and W. Frederick.

Received into the itinerancy — C. Lahr, W. Frederick, F.

Huelster, F. Schroeder and J. Rasskopf. Ordained elders

— A. Tarnutzer, A. Huelster and W. Zickerick. Deacons

- — J. Hammetter, G. Von Eschen and P. Massueger. L.

Buehler was newly elected and G. A. Blank re-elected presid-

ing elder. Minnesota District was formed. St. Peter's Mission

was formed into Cannon River, New Ulm and Upper Mississippi

Missions.

 

Districts: Milwaukee, J. G. Esher, presiding elder; Madi-

son, G. A. Blank; Minnesota, L. Buehler.

 

 

325

 

CHAPTER XII.

 

Twelfth General Conference, Held at Naperville, Ill.,

Oct. 5, 1859.

 

1859. General Conference, twelfth session, Naperville, Ill.,

Oct. 5. Bishops John Seybert and Joseph Long, and all the

delegates but one were in attendance. Bishop Long opened the

conference. C. G. Koch, secretary; B. Hengst and J. J.

Esher, assistants.

 

The constitution of the Missionary Society was materially

changed. A General Board was created, to consist of one dele-

gate from each annual conference, with a corresponding secre-

tary to devote his entire time to the office, and collect funds

throughout the Church. Action was also taken looking to the

establishment of a heathen mission. A Missionary Department

was ordered to be maintained in the Church periodicals. The

Missionary Board was advised to locate a mission in Switzerland.

 

The Board of.Publication was created, and ordered to be in-

corporated. Said Board to be composed of seven members, to

be elected by the General Conference.

 

It was resolved that as soon as the Christliche Botschafter

and Evangelical Messenger have an aggregate circulation of

15,000 they shall be published weekly. An English Sunday-

school paper, to be called the Sunday-School Messenger, was

ordered to be published as soon as 5,000 subscribers are assured.

The larger Catechism was ordered to be improved by printing

the references in small type, and the smaller Catechism to be

translated into English and published.

 

A committee, composed of Bishops Long and Orwig, and

C. G. Koch and T. G. Clewell were appointed to prepare a

course of study for junior preachers. (A similar committee had

been appointed for this purpose by the last General Conference,

 

 

326 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

but it had not attended to the matter.) It was resolved that the

editors and publishers shall always be eligible for election. The

committee on revision of the Discipline reported a chapter rela-

tive to the appointment and duties of stewards, and a form of

recommendation for applicants for the ministry, which were

adopted.

 

It was resolved that a Sunday-School and Tract Union be

organized, to be located at Cleveland, Ohio, and a committee,

consisting of J. G. Zinzer, Joseph Long, C. G. Koch and T.

G. Clewell, was appointed to prepare a constitution for said

union, and to make the necessary arrangements for its establish-

ment, the constitution to be submitted to the annual conferences,

which are to organize themselves into auxiliaries.

 

Iowa District, of the Illinois Conference, and Minnesota

District, of the Wisconsin Conference, besides the mission fields

in Nebraska, Missouri and Kansas, were constituted a new con-

ference, called Iowa Conference. The name of the West Pa.,

was changed to the Central Pa. Conference.

 

John Seybert and Joseph Long were re-elected, and W. W.

Orwig, was newly elected to the office of bishop. C. G. Koch

was re-elected editor of the Christliche Botschafter, T. G. Clewell

editor of the Evangelical Messenger, and Charles Hammer

chief book agent. Reuben Yeakel was elected corresponding

secretary of the Missionary Society.

 

Delegates. — East Pa. Conference. — F. Hoffman, J. P. Leib,

S. Neitz, C. Myers, F. Krecker, W. L. Reber, H. Stetzel, J.

Yeakel and J. Breitenstein. Alternates — G. T. Haines, S. G.

Rhoads, J. Koehl.

 

West Pa. Conference. — E. Kohr, W. W. Orwig, B. Hengst,

P. Wagoner, M. J. Carothers, D. Kramer, A. Longsdorf. Alter-

nates — J. Dunlap, L. May, J. M. Young.

 

Pittsburg Conference. — A. Stahley, J. L. W. Seibert, C.

Lindeman, A. Niebel. Alternates — J. G. Pfeuffer, G. W. Cupp.

 

N.Y. Conference.— W. Schmidt, S. Weber, M. Lehn, F.

Herlan. Alternates — D. Fisher, T. Schneider.

 

Wisconsin Conference. — G. A. Blank, J. G. Esher, C. A.

Schnacke.

 

Ohio Conference. — John Dreisbach, J. G. Zinzer, G. F.

Spreng, C. Hammer, C. G. Koch, G. Haley, T. G. Clewell, D.

Strohman, J. Nicolai, C. A. Munk. Alternates — C. Idleman,

J. J. Kopp, G. F. Behner.

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 327

 

Illinois Conference. — J. J. Esher, S. A. Tobias, J. Riegel, W.

Strassberger, H. Rohland, C. Augenstein, C. Kopp, J. P.

Kreamer, S. Dickover. Alternates — S. Musselman, H. Bucks,

L. Eberhart.

 

Indiana Conference. — A. B. Shaefer, G. G. Platz, J. Fisher,

M. W. Steffey, P. Bretsch.

 

1860. East Pa. Conference, Annville, Pa., Feb. 29. Bishop

W. W. Orwig, president; Jesse Yeakel, secretary. E. Bast

withdrew from the Church. Abraham Frey (local) died. R.

Deisher, G. Gaumer, W. Heim and Joseph Werner, located.

George Harm was licensed on trial. A. Schultz was again

received. T. Harper, H. Kempfer, J. Steltzer, D. Yingst,

L. Schmidt, G. B. Fisher and S. S. Chubb were received into

the itinerancy. Ordained elders — J. Zern and W. H. Bachman.

Deacons — E. Butz, J. Specht, T. Harper, A. Boetzel and J.

Bertolett. S. Neitz was re-elected and G. T. Haines and L.

Snyder were newly elected presiding elders. "The custom of

retaining in the itinerancy such preachers who had located was

abolished." It was resolved to organize a Sunday-School and

Tract Union, auxiliary to the Parent Society of the Evangelical

Association. Suitable action was taken on the death of Bishop

Seybert.

 

Districts: Philadelphia, G. T. Haines, presiding elder; Le-

high, S. Neitz; Lebanon, F. Hoffman; Orwigsburg, L. Snyder.

 

1860. Central Pa. Conference, Williamsport, Pa., March 8.

Bishop W.W. Orwig, president; L. May, secretary; M. J. Caro-

thers and S. Wolf became effective. Licensed to preach — A.

H. Irvine, F. C. Hoffman, E. Conser and George Focht.

Received into the itinerancy — Michael Sloat, F. C. Hoffman,

S. T. Buck, A. H. Irvine, D. W. Miller, H. A. Deatrick, J.

M. McGaw and A. Rearick. Ordained elders — S. Aurand and

J. Hartzler. Deacons — D. Kepner, S. Bookman and George

Dressler. Jacob Young was elected presiding elder. Agent

for Union Seminary, S. Wolf. An auxiliary Sunday-School and

Tract Society was formed. It was resolved that ministers engaged

in literary institutions shall be considered as sustaining itinerant

relations.

 

Districts: Baltimore, Jacob Young, presiding elder; Centre,

E. Kohr; Susquehanna, P. Wagoner.

 

1860. Pittsburg Conference, Bethel Church, Indiana county,

Pa., March 22. W.W. Orwig, president; A. Niebel, secretary.

 

 

328 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Jacob Rank located. D. N. Long and H. W. Pfbuffer were

granted credentials. C. Lindeman, C. Stauffer, J. Bernhart,

Sr., H. J. Bowman, M. H. Shannon, W. Smith, G. W. REis-

inger, E. Peer and H. McBride were received into the itinerancy.

Ordained elders — G. W. Fisher, J. Grossman, D. S. Poling

and E. Beatty. Deacons — J. Reams, G. W. Reisinger, L. B.

Donmeyer and J. H. Shaffer. A. Niebel and J. L. W. Seibert

were elected presiding elders.

 

Districts: Pittsburg, A. Stahle, presiding elder; Cleveland,

A. Niebel; Allegheny, J. Weikel, J. L. W. Seibert.

 

1860. New York Conference, Lockport, N.Y., April 18.

Bishop W. W. Orwig, president; M. Lauer, secretary. Ordained

elders — J. Stabler, H. Holyman, and D. Dippel. Deacons—

F. Lohmeyer and U. Graves. S. Weber resigned the office of -

presiding elder, and M. Lauer, L. Jacobi and J. D. Jenni were

elected. The work in Canada was again divided into two districts.

 

Districts: Albany, L. Jacobi, presiding elder; Buffalo, M.

Lauer; Hamilton, J. D. Jenni; Waterloo, W. Schmidt.

 

1860. Ohio Conference, Flat Rock, O., May 16. Bishop

W. W. Orwig, president; G. F. Spreng, secretary. Located —

E. Loos, J. Haldeman and A. Yambert. Died — A. Hennig,

John Riegel and John Betz. Received into the itinerancy on

trial — John Meck, Stephen Henni, L. C. Morse, F. R.Tothero,

F. W. Walkey, L. H. Lindner and E. Boyer; also F. Frech

and W. H. Pfeuffer of the Pittsburg Conference. Ordained

elders — C. Tramer, S. Swartz, C. M. Reinhold, J. Ressler,

and J. Shaffer. Deacons — Andrew Swartz, F. Zeller, E.

Loos, D. Heininger, F. R.Tothero, J. Haldeman, J. McQuil-

len and C. Deike. An auxiliary branch of the Sunday-School

and Tract Union was formed. Resolutions denouncing secret

and oath-bound societies were adopted. M. J. Miller and P.

Porr, missionaries in Kansas, were granted credentials to the

Iowa Conference. Inasmuch as conference was held in close

proximity to the grave of Bishop Seybert, recently deceased, a

very impressive memorial service was held at his grave.

 

Districts: Wayne, G. F. Spreng, presiding elder; Scioto,

George Haley; Sandusky, D. Strohman; Michigan, C. A. Munk.

 

1860. Illinois Conference, Plainfield, Ill., April 25. Bishop

J. Long, president; H. Bucks, secretary. Received license —

Henry Messner, C. Dimmer and W. Uber. Received into the

itinerancy — J. Lutz, D. N. Long, L. H. Eiterman, C. Ott, H.

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 329

 

Shoemaker, H. H. Bair, H. Messner, E. Dimmer and W. User.

Ordained elders — W. Lechler, D. B. Byers, A. Strohman, J.

W. Mohr and R. Dubs. Deacons — W. Goessele, C. Tobias,

J. G. Kleinknecht and E. Freeden. J. Riegel and W. Strass-

berger resigned the office of presiding elder, and S. A. Tobias.

was re-elected and H. Rohland, H. Bucks, S. Dickover and

Levi Eberhart were newly elected. That part of this conference

now belonging to the Iowa Conference shall be divided into two

presiding elder districts, called Iowa and Kansas districts. Iowa

District shall consist of Marion, Grandview and North Bend

Circuits, and Dubuque, Maquoketa, Muscatine Waterloo and

Cedar Rapids Missions. Kansas District to consist of Green

Castle, Fort Des Moines, Nebraska, Franklin and Humboldt

Missions. An auxiliary branch of the Sunday-School and Tract

Union was formed.

 

Districts: Chicago, H. Rohland, presiding elder; Freeport,

H. Bucks; Peoria, S. A. Tobias; Iowa, S. Dickover; Kansas,

L. Eberhart.

 

1860. Wisconsin Conference, Jefferson, Wis., May 9. Bishop

J. Long, president; H. Huelster, secretary. Located — F.

Shroeder and W. Frederick. Received into the itinerancy —

O. Ragatz,G. Zellhoefer, C. Brill, J. P. Veil, M. Hammetter

and E. Shultz. Ordained elders — G. Shaeffer, H. Huelster,

P. Held and W. Stegner. Deacons — E. H. Linse, J. Lauzhof,

N. Schneck, W. Schneider, J. Smith, G. Fritsche and L.

Seeler. J. G. Esher was re-elected, and Israel Kuter newly

elected presiding elder. A branch society of the Sunday-School

and Tract Union was formed.

 

Districts: Milwaukee, J. G. Esher, presiding elder; Madi-

son, G. A. Blank; Minnesota, Israel Kuter.

 

1860. Indiana Conference, Dayton, Ohio, Sept. 5. Bishop

J. Long, president; M. Hoehn, secretary. F. Hoffman re-

ceived license. M. Speck and P. Schwilley were received into

the itinerancy. M. Krueger was ordained elder, and J. Hoff-

man, M. Klaiber and S. Miesse, deacons. Oath-bound societies

were deprecated. An auxiliary Sunday-school and Tract So-

ciety was formed.

 

Districts: Wabash, M. W. Steffy, presiding elder; White

River, G. G. Platz; St. Joseph, Joseph Fisher.

 

1860. Iowa Conference. The appointments of Iowa Dis-

 

 

330 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

trict were in Iowa and Minnesota, and those of the Kansas Dis-

trict in Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas.

 

Iowa District, S. Dickover, presiding elder. Grandview

Circuit, J. F. Schreiber; Maquoketa and Dubuque Missions, J.

Himmel and W. Uber; Independence Mission, W. Kolb and C.

Dimmer; Waterloo Mission, H. Hintze; Muscatine, I. Keiper.

 

Kansas District, Levi Eberhart, presiding elder. Greencastle

Mission, C. Tobias; Ft. Des Moines Mission, A. Strohman;

Nebraska Mission, H. Kleinsorge; Franklin Mission (Kan.),

C. Berner; Humbolt Mission (Kan.), R. Dubs.

 

Owing to illness and other causes L. Eberhart, the presiding

elder, did not visit Kansas until the Spring of 1861. On March

26 he reached Levenworth, held a number of quarterly meetings,

and licensed F. Delfelder on recommendation of the quarterly

conference. This was the first fruits for our ministry in Kansas.

 

First Church in Kansas. — Brother R. Dubs, who served

Humbolt Mission during this year, built a frame church, 24x36

feet, at this place, which was finished at the close of the year.

 

Note. — Many notable events occurred this year. Bright

sunshine and dark shadows alternated in rapid succession. The

first issues of the periodicals of this year were draped in mourn-

ing for the death of Bishop Seybert, who was called to his

reward on Jan. 4.

 

"In ardor he led in the van of the host,

And fell like a soldier — he died at his post."

 

All the annual conferences passed suitable memorial resolu-

tions. The Sunday-School and Tract Union was organized

agreeably to the directions of the last General Conference, in

the Salem Church, Cleveland, Ohio, Feb. 10, and the constitu-

tion published. The annual conferences subsequently organized

themselves into auxiliary societies. The missionary interests

were pushed with vigor. The Missionary Society at its annual

meeting, held at Pittsburg, Pa., Nov. 15, reported eighty-three

missions, an increase of sixteen over the previous year. Urgent

calls came from many quarters for missionaries, especially from

the southwest. The society was fully alive to the promising op-

portunities, and exerted itself to the full ability of its resources.

 

1861. East Pa. Conference, Schuylkill Haven, Pa., Feb.

27. Bishop J. Long, president; J. Yeakel, secretary. J.

Schneider, located. M. Guhl was ordained elder. J. Kutz,

D. Yuengst, A. Savlor, T. Bowman, J. A. Apgar, J. Steltzer

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 331

 

and H. Kletzing, deacons. J. K. Knerr was licensed on trial.

W. Heim, R. Deisher were again, and J. Kurtz and I. E.

Knerr, newly received into the itinerancy. S. Neitz resigned

the office of presiding elder in order to write the biography of

Bishop J. Seybert, and W. L. Reber was elected in his place.

 

Districts: Philadelphia, G. T. Haines, presiding elder; Le-

high, W. L. Reber; Lebanon, F. Hoffman; Orwigsburg, L.

Snyder.

 

1861. Central Pa. Conference, Glen Rock, Pa., March 7.

Bishop J. Long, president; J. Young, secretary. H. Broad-

beck and John Frey (local), died. Ordained elders — S. Smith,

Z. Hornberger, J. W. Clair, J, Henn and D. W. Miller.

Deacons — Prof. J. H. Leas, H. A. Dieterick, M. Walter, M.

W. Harris, S. D. Bennington and A. Rearick. S. W. Seibert

was elected presiding elder.

 

Districts: Baltimore, J. Young, presiding elder; Centre, E.

Kohr; Susquehanna, S. W. Seibert.

 

1861. Pittsburg Conference, North Lima, Ohio, March 20.

J. Long, president; C. Lindeman, secretary. Received into

the itinerancy — J. Rank, P. W. Hahn, Robert Mott, J. D.

Hollinger, J. J. Bernhart and Prof. A. A. Smith. S. F.

Crowther was ordained elder, and G. S. Domer, E. Peer, H.

J. Bowman, D. Strayer and Wm. Smith, deacons. District

ministerial meetings were recommended to be held upon every

presiding elder district.

 

Districts: Pittsburg, A. Stahle, presiding elder; Allegheny,

J. Weikel; Cleveland, A. Niebel; Somerset, J. L. W. Seibert.

 

1861. New York Conference, Syracuse, N.Y., April n.

Bishop J. Long, president; J. D. Yenni, secretary. G. Clark,

located. Jacob Kehr, died. A. Holzworth, J. Schmidt and

H. Werner were received into the itinerancy. Ordained elders

— S. Kopp, M. Pfitzinger, H. Weisel, T. Hauch, A. Spies,

G. Rott and S. Morley. Deacons — A. Miller, L. Wildfang,

J. Kaechle, C. A. Thomas, A. Stoebe and G. F. Buesh. A

resolution deprecating secret societies was adopted.

 

Districts: Albany, L. Jacoby, presiding elder; Buffalo, M.

Lauer; Hamilton, J. D. Yenni; Waterloo, W. Schmidt.

 

1861. Ohio Conference, Tabor Church, Carey, Ohio, May

15. Bishop J. Long, president; J. P. Schnatz, secretary.

Located — G. F. Behner, P. Wiest, J. G. Zinzer and J. Rosen-

berger.- J. Kanaga took credentials for another conference.

 

 

332 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Received into the itinerancy — L. Seither, Geo. Hasenpflug,.

J. Frankhauser, C. Deike, J. Berk, D. H. Wonder, W. W.

Morse and Jos. Felger. Ordained elder — E. B. Crouse.

Deacons-* -W. Wonder, J. G. Bachman, T. George, H. Long-

brake and J. Haldeman. George Haley was re-elected, and

John Stoll newly elected presiding elder.

 

Districts: Wayne, G. Haley, presiding elder; Scioto, J.

Stoll; Sandusky, D. Strohman; Michigan, C. A. Munk.

 

1861. Illinois Conference, Des Plaines, Ill., April i o. Bishop

W. W. Orwig, president; J. J. Esher, secretary. Daniel.

Shreffler (local), died. Licensed on probation— C. Gock-

stetter, E. Wise and Michael Heyl. A. S. Heilman, ordained

elder. H. H. Bair and A. Gockly, deacons. Lee Centre, El

Paso, Henry and Lockport Missions were established. The

conference in union with the Wisconsin Conference resolved to

establish an institution of learning at Plainfield. Agent for the

same — J. J. Esher. Trustees for Illinois Conference — H. Roh-

land, J. J. Esher, S. A. Tobias and C. Kopp, ministers, and

J. Dillman, M. Dice and E. Hartung, laymen. Received into

the itinerancy — Jacob Himmel, D. B. Byers, Martin Stamm,

C. Hummel, M. Heil, P. Hoffman, C. Gockstetter and

Samuel Tobias.

 

Districts: Chicago, H. Rohland, presiding elder; Freeport,

H. Bucks; Peoria, S. A. Tobias.

 

1861. Indiana Conference, Indianapolis, Ind., Sept. 18.

Bishop Orwig, president. Two brethren were ordained elders and

four deacons. The conference united in the establishment of Plain-

field College, and also supported fifteen missions during the year.

 

Districts: Wabash, M. W. Steffy, presiding elder; White

River, G. G. Platz; St. Joseph, J. Fisher.

 

1861. Wisconsin Conference, Menomonee Falls, Wis.,

April 18. Bishop Orwig, president; C. A. Schnake, secretary.

G. A. Blank, (presiding elder), died; P. Feil, located. Re-

ceived into the itinerancy — C. Finger, Peter Tenny, and E.

Bockenmuehl. Ordained elder — P. Massuager. Deacons — F.

Huelster, and Geo. Zelhoefer. La Cross, Beaverdam, Wau-

kesha, and Waupaca Missions were established. C. A. Schnake

was elected presiding elder. Conference concurred in the estab-

lishment of Plainfield College, and elected seven trustees for the

same. Resolutions condemning secret societies, intemperance,

and the use of tobacco were adopted.

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 333

 

Districts: Milwaukee, J. G. Esher, presiding elder; Madison,

C. A. Schnake.

 

1861. Iowa Conference, first session, GrandvieW, Iowa,

May 29. Bishop Orwig, president; J. Keiper, secretary. F.

Emde, and F. Berner were received on trial. Ordained Elders

— C. Berner, H. Hurtze, Geo. Von Eshen, and J. Hammet-

ter. Deacons — C. Lahr, J. Kahskoff, H. Kleinsorge, and

Jos. Bussard. Jos. Bussard, F. Berner, F. Emde, C. Sauder,

and A. Nierens were received into the itinerancy. L. Eberhart

resigned the office of presiding elder and M. J. Miller was

elected in his stead. Several Iowa appointments were detached

from Kansas District. The conference united in the Plainfield

College project.

 

Iowa District, S. Dickover, presiding elder, nine charges

twelve preachers; Minnesota District, I. Kuter, presiding elder,

eight charges and twelve preachers; Kansas District, M. J.

Miller, presiding elder, four charges and six preachers.

 

Notes.— The operations of the church for this year are marked

by a uniform measure of success. The breaking out of the Civil

War occasioned the development of intense patriotism throughout

the denomination, and editorials and communications of the church

periodicals breathe an ardent spirit of loyalty. The Evangelical

Messenger, editorially says, "The Star Spangled Banner is

proudly waving right over our office window with its thirty-four

stars so arranged on their beautiful field of blue, as to constitute

one large star, the same as the many states make one large na-

tion, announcing to all passers by that we at headquarters are

for the old flag and the glorious old union."

 

The missionary interests continued to prosper. The Mis-

sionary Society met in Baltimore, Md., Nov. 14. The number

of missions reported was 98, an increase of 16 during the year.

The missionaries, beyond the Mississippi River, labored with

great fortitude and self-denial. The following extracts from

communications of Presiding Elder M. J. Miller, illustrate the

spirit of devotion to the cause of Christ, shown by the faithful

missionaries: "I made a round on the north end of this district,

and found the Missionaries UBERaud Kleinsorge in good spirits

and their mission in a prosperous condition. Bro. Uber has

taken up a new appointment since conference, and on Thursday,

Aug. 22, we will commence a camp-meeting on his (Holton)

Mission. This will be the first German camp-meeting in Kansas.

 

 

334 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

We will also hold one on Lawrence Mission, commencing Aug.

29. * * * " The Council Bluffs Mission is a very extensive

field of labor, and bids fair for the future, but we should have

two men there. This mission extends from Council Bluffs north

to Dakota Territory. I spent two Sabbaths with Bro. Klein-

sorge on the mission, aud was up north to Sioux City with him,

where we held a quarterly meeting and had a precious season.

But Bro., I. tell you, this is an almost endless district, I traveled

early and late from Monday morning, the 18th, till Monday even-

ing, the 26th, in the following week to get home, a distance of

330 miles. This trip takes me through six or seven Indian reser-

vations, and unsettled prairies of from ten to twenty miles in

length and width where there is not a single house to be seen,

and were it not for the frequent springs and rivulets along the

dim and wearisome tracks, both man and beast would pine away

before reaching a settlement. I made 720 miles in the round,

and must make this distance as often as I go to Council Bluffs."

 

"I met with entertainment wherever I came. One night,

however, I was entertained all alone, out on the open prairie.

A piece of dry bread and three eggs, which I had with me, served

for supper, and my buggy cushions and great coat for my bed,

down in the grass by the side of my buggy. I had a far better

time of it than in many of the small smothering cabins along the

road, where bugs and fleas are your night long associates." Aug.

20, 1861.

 

"On Council Bluff Mission the Lord gathered a little flock of

faithful souls, and the prospects are good. * * Bro. Klein-

sorge is well and labors very dilligently on this mission. He

travels frequently from forty to forty-five miles a day, and is

content with a piece of dry bread for his dinner on the open

prairie. * * * We held a camp-meeting on Holton and also

one on Lawrence Mission. At each we had four tents, about

thirty members, one hundred hearers and five preachers. These

meetings were much blessed, and a few souls were converted.

It was refreshing to see our friends putting up their tents, con-

sisting of wagon-covers, rails, etc., in the small grove. These

were the first German camp-meetings in this large and thinly

settled State. They were times of great encouragement to the

preachers which we had missed for the last three years. The

missionary cause was not forgotten at these meetings. After a.

missionary sermon by Bro. R. Dubs, $65 was subscribed,

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 335

 

which was well done, considering the circumstances. Besides

these subscriptions, a brother will give the half of a cow, and

another a large ox to the cause. Ye missionary friends in the

East, your noble gifts are bearing fruit in Kansas! Soon we ex-

pect also to have self-supporting fields of labor in the far away

Kansas. The best of all is, souls are brought to the Saviour."

Leavenworth, Sept. 21, 1861.

 

At Grand View, Iowa, the first session of the Iowa Confer-

ence was held. In 1852 a number of members emigrated from

Dauphin county, Pa., and settled in that vicinity. Previous to

their departure Bishop Seybert had promised to supply them

with a preacher, which he did. In September a class was formed

composed for the following members: George Gipple* and wife

Mary, and children; J. Samuel, Margaret, Geo. W., and

Mary; Solomon Wagner and wife Susanna; Jacob Snyder,

and wife Catharine; Jos. Martin and wife Mary; James

Shartzer, and wife Eliza; John Snyder aud wife Susanna.

Also three European Germans, F. Beik, Geo. Hahn and Chas.

Wabnitz, with their wives. Geo. Gipple was class leader and

Martin exhorter. The first Evangelical Church west of the

Mississippi was dedicated here in 1856.

 

1862. East Pa. Conference, Reading, Feb. 26. Bishop

Orwig, president; J. Koehl, secretary. Located — H. Kempfer,

D. Hambright, H. Koester and T. Sebold. P. H. Lehr,

withdrew. F. W. Walker took credentials. S. Neitz was

elected presiding elder. A. Boetzel, J. Specht, and E. Butz,

were ordained elders. S. S. Chubb, L. Smith, G. B. Fisher,

C. Wolf, and W. Rodgers, deacons. Licensed on trial, W.

Alsbach, B. F. Bohner, L. Miller, A. Scharf, S. Franken-

feld, S. Brown, A. Goetschel and D. Lentz. Received into

the itinerancy, R. M. Lichtenwalner, C. K. Fehr, C. H. Baker

and Seneca Breyfogel.

 

Districts: Philadelphia, G. T. Haines"; Lehigh, W. L. Reber;

Lebanon, S. Neitz; Orwigsburgh, L. Snyder.

 

1862. Central Pa. Conference, Milheim, Pa. March 6.

Bishop Orwig, president; C. F.Dininger, secretary. Located —

Sloat, D. W. Miller, J. W. Clair, E. B. Wilson and D.

Kreamer, the latter going West. Received in the traveling con-

nection, F. C. Pandel, I. M. Pines, and A. Ettinger. Recom-

 

* See "Fishing Creek Vally."

 

 

336 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

mended to the Stationing Committee, F. Methfessel, C. W.

Davis, A. Sommerville, W. H. Davis, and J. Y. Reed. Or-

dained deacons — S. T. Buck, S. E. Davis, A. H. Irvine, F. C.

Hoffman and J. M. McGaw. E. Kohr was elected presiding

elder. "Resolved, That henceforth we keep our conference

records exclusively in the English language." A strong resolu-

tion favoring the government in its conduct of the war for the

Union, was offered by M. J. Carothers, and adopted by the

conference.

 

Districts: Baltimore, E. Kohr; Centre, J. Young; Susque-

hanna, S. W. Seibert. The conference statistics were not pub-

lished this year.

 

1862. Pittsburg Conference, Pittsburg, Pa., April 30.

Bishop Orwig, president; T. G. Clewell, secretary. John

Geisse (local) died. S. Vandersal was licensed. Received

in the itinerancy, S. Vandersal. A. Loehner, John Domer,

T. Monasmith, W. Summers, and W. Hammer. H. J. Bow-

man, received credentials to go to the Iowa Conference. Or-

dained elders, J. Reams and G. W. Reisinger. Deacons, M.

H. Shannon and J. Q. A. Weller. G. W. Cupp and S. B.

Kring were elected to the office of presiding elder.

 

District: Pittsburg, J. L. W. Seibert, presiding elder; Cleve-

land, G. W. Cupp; Allegheny, A. Niebel; Somerset, S. B. Kring.

 

1862. Ohio Conference, Sandusky City, Ohio, May 14.

Bishop Orwig, president; L. Scheurman, secretary. H. Sichley

and P. Foltz were licensed. J. Rosenberger, H. Sichley, J.

Dick and H. Faus were received into the itinerancy. C. Gabel

died. H. Cover, J. G. Theuer, J. Berk and C. Thomas

located. J. J. Kopp was permitted to rest a year. E. Boyer

received credentials. Ordained deacons, J. W. Walkey, S.

Henny, C. H. Lindner, J. Meck, L. Seiter and H. Faus.

Elders, F. Zeller, D. Heininger, J. M. Haug, F. R. Totheroh

and Andrew Swartz.

 

Districts: Wayne, Geo. Haley, presiding elders; Scioto, John

Stoll; Sandusky, C. A. Munk; Michigan, D. Strohman.

 

1862. New York Conference, Morristown, Canada, April

10. Bishop W. W. Orwig, president; P. Alles, secretary. G.

Schmidt and P. Alles, located. J. H. Fisher was licensed.

G. Eckard, F. Hehr, J. Sechrist, D. Moose, C. G. Curtis,

C. Shoepflein, J. G. Stetter, J. H. Fisher and W. Wittington

were received into the traveling connection. F. Lohmeyer was

 

 

CONFERENCE REC0RD8. 337

 

ordained elder, and C. Boller deacon. Elmira and Batavia

Missions were established. S. Weber was elected presiding

elder.

 

Districts: Albany, L. Jacoby, presiding elder; Buffalo, M.

Lauer; Hamilton, J. D. Yenni; Waterloo, S. Weber.

 

1862. Illinois Conference, Peoria, Ill., April 10. Bishop

J. Long, president; J. J. Esher, secretary. Noah McLehn

located. J. Kanaga, of the Ohio, W. F. Walker, of the East

Pa., D. Kramer, of the Central Pa. Conference, and H. W.

Crandall, P. Himmel, and J. M. Sindlinger were received into

the itinerancy. H. Hold ridge was licensed. J. Kleinknecht,

W. Goessele, E. VonFreeden and D. B. Byers were ordained

elders, and C. Ott, H. Messner, H. Shoemaker, and J. Him-

mel deacons. J. J. Esher resigned as agent of Plainfield Col-

lege and S. A. Tobias was elected to the same. H. Bucks and

S. A. Tobias resigned the office of presiding elder, and C. Klopp,

C. Hummel and C. Augenstein were elected to the same. The

conference passed strong resolutions in favor of the Union, and

in support of the Government of the United States.

 

Districts: Chicago, C. Hummel, presiding elder; Naperville,

C. Kopp; Freeport, H. Rohland; Peoria, C. Augenstein.

 

1862. Wisconsin Conference, Madison, April 24. Bishop

J. Long, president; C. A. Schnake, secretary. M. Hauert

and P. Yenni located. Received into the itinerancy, William

Horn, F. Zimmerman, P. Speich, M. Wittenwiler, L. Strobel

and G. Schwartz of the German Reformed Church. Ordained

elders, W. F. Schneider, G. Fritsche, N. Schuck and J.

Banshaf. Deacons, E. Shultz and H. Hammetter. Strong

pro-union resolutions were adopted. William Zickerick, one

of the itinerants, joined the army in defence of his country.

 

Districts: Milwaukee, J. G. Esher, presiding elder; Madison,

C. A. Schnake.

 

1862. Indiana Conference, East Germantown, Ind., Sept.

18. Bishop J. Long, president; M. Mayer, secretary. Located

P. Burgner, P. Bretsch, P. Swilley and F. Geisel. D. S.

Oaks, P. Thornton and A. Dassel were received into the

itinerancy. M. Klaiber, J. Hoffman, J. Paulin, and E. Kip-

plinger were ordained elders, and M. Speck and J. Kipplin-

ger, deacons. Strong pro-union resolutions were adopted.

Catechetical classes, 13.

 

 

338 EVANGELICAL ABSOCIAT10N ANNALS.

 

Districts: Wabash, M. W. Steffey, presiding elder; White

River, G. G. Plantz; St. Joseph, J. Fisher.

 

1862. Iowa Conference, Grand View, Iowa, May 8. Bishop

J. Long, president; R. Dubs, secretary. The work of the Lord

advanced wonderfully in this conference during the year, and

the following new missions were established, Ft. Dodge, Fontenac,

Menomonee, Crow River, New Ulm, Painsville, and Decorah.

The conference embraced, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota and Ne-

braska.

 

Note. — In August the Sioux Indians of Minnesota rebelled

against the Government, and committed the most horrible out-

rages, devastating with fire and tomahawk many of the most pros-

perous settlements. They began their outrages Aug. 18, at the

Sioux agency in Brown county and continued for many days, until

nearly one thousand white men, women and children were

slaughtered, and many women carried away to meet a fate more

horrible than death. In this terrible slaughter almost one hun-

dred of our Evangelical members were slain on New Ulm and

Ft. Ridgley Missions. At Crow River two of our heroic mis-

sionaries fell at their posts at the hands of the savages. Rev.

Le Seder, of New Ulm Mission, preached Aug. 17, about twenty

miles northwest of Ft. Ridgley, where there was an Evangelical

society of over seventy members. The following day he was

killed, with nearly all our members there. He left a widow and

three children. Rev. A. Nerenz, of Crow River Mission, es-

caped the first attack of the savages and returned home Sept. 1,

and the following day was killed in a shocking manner. He

also left a wife and three children.

 

1863. East Pa. Conference, Millersburg, Dauphin county,

Pa., Feb. 25. Bishop W. W. Orwig, president; J. Koehl, sec-

retary. J. Frey and Joseph Gross, located. C. Loose was

again, and C. B. Fliehr, and D. Lentz were newly received in-

to the itinerancy. T. Bowman, J. Steltzer, D. Yingst, were

ordained elders, and J. Kurtz, S. K. Fehr, R. M. Leichten-

walner, C. B. Fliehr, I. E. Knerr, Seneca Breyfgoel and

J. C. Bliem, deacons. W. L. Reber resigned the office of pre-

siding elder, and Jesse Yeakel was elected in his place. Res-

olutions favoring the Union and upholding the Government were

adopted, and the editors of our church periodicals were endorsed.

 

Districts: Philadelphia, G. T. Haines, presiding elder; Le-

high, J. Yeakel; Lebanon, S. Neitz; Orwigsburg, L. Snyder.

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 339

 

1863. Central Pa. Conference, York, Pa., March 5. Bishop

W. W. Orwig, president; Jacob Hartzler, secretary. Noah

Diebler, located. I. Y. Reed, W. H. Davis, T. M. Morris,

F. Methfessel, W. E. Detwiler and Josiah Bowersox were

received into the itinerancy. P. H. Rishel, F. Kurtz and W.

Reeser were recommended to the presiding elders for work.

Jacob Hartzler was elected traveling agent for Union Semi-

nary. Ordained elders — A. Rearick, H. A. Dietrick, M.

Walter and M. W. Harris. Deacon — D. L. Sutton.

 

Districts: Baltimore, E. Kohr, presiding elder; Centre, J.

Young; Susquehanna, S. W. Seibert.

 

1863. Pittsburg Conference, Salem Church, Stark county,

Ohio, April 9. Bishop Joseph Long, president; J. L. W. Sei-

bert,. secretary. The conference passed strong Union resolu-

tions, and called upon all ministers and members to defend by

word and doctrine our assailed Government in public and pri-

vate, according to the teachings of St. Paul, Rom. xiii. 1-7 and

Tim. ii. 1-3. None of the Virginia charges were supplied by

the conference.

 

Districts: Pittsburg, J. L. W. Seibert, presiding elder; Cleve-

land, A. Niebel; Allegheny, G. W. Cupp; Somerset, S. B.

Kring.

 

1863. New York Conference, Niagara City, N.Y., April

9. Bishop W. W. Orwig, president; M. Lehn, secretary. The

sum of $1,111 was raised at this conference for missionary pur-

poses. Some forty preachers were present, and a comparatively

small congregation. President Lincoln was made an honorary

member of the Board of Missions, by the payment of $50, raised

for that purpose. This being done, a Canadian brother pro-

posed Queen Victoria for the same membership, and a like

amount of money was raised for that purpose.

 

1863. Ohio Conference, Bettsville, Seneca county, Ohio,

May 21. Bishop Joseph Long, president; J. G. Zinzer, sec-

retary. Located — Jacob Shaeffer, D. Heininger and D.

Swartz. Licensed — A. Rex, J. Stover, L. Nauman, H. K.

Rea, J. Cramin and C. Knisley. Ordained elders — H. Long-

brake, J. G. Baughman, T. George, William Wonder and C.

Deike. Deacons — Joseph Felger, D. H. Wonder, George

Hasenpflug, J. Frankhauser, Joseph Pontius, D. Rohland

and J. Borough. G. F. Spreng was elected presiding elder.

There were nineteen applicants for the itinerancy, of whom

 

 

340 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

eleven were received. Resolutions were passed sustaining the

Government and approving the Emancipation Proclamation.

 

"Whereas, The future prosperity of our Zion makes it ne-

cessary that the English language should be actively encouraged,

and not only tolerated; and, Whereas, We have a lively appre-

ciation of the importance of a wholesome literature to the pros-

perity of our Church; therefore,

 

Resolved, That this conference respectfully requests our next

General Conference, and does hereby instruct our delegates to

that body, so to labor, and to vote that in our Board of Publi-

cation there be a fitting representation in future of the English

interests of our Church; hoping that by these means we shall be

enabled to offer our English people such desirable works, as for

example, 'The Life and Labors of Bishop Seybert,' as near as

may be simultaneously with the German."

 

Districts: Wayne, George Haley, presiding elder; Scioto,

John Stoll; Sandusky, G. F. Spreng; Michigan, D. Strohman.

 

1863. Illinois Conference, Freeport, Ill., April 9. Bishop

J. Long, president; G. W. Lechler, secretary. Located, H.

Bucks and J. Kanaga. Withdrew from the Church — J. P.

Kramer and H. W. Crandall. Licensed — L. B. Tobias and

H. Keller. Received into the itinerancy — B. C. Wagoner,

J. G. Miller and L. B. Tobias. Ordained elders — A. Gackle

and H. H. Bair. Deacons — M. Stamm, P. Hoffman, C.

Gagstetter, Michael Heil, S. McKesson and Prof. A. A.

Smith. President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation was

endorsed. "Resolved, That we declare ourselves uncondition-

ally in favor of the Union and the enforcement of the laws."

 

Districts: Chicago, C. Hummel, presiding elder; Naperville,

C. Kopp; Freeport, H. Rohland; Peoria, C. Augenstein.

S. A. Tobias, agent for Plainfield College.

 

1863. Indiana Conference, Marshall, Ind., Sept. 9. Bishop

W. W. Orwig, president; M. Hoehn, secretary. Died — A.

Dassel, J. Gruenisen and D. Garl. P. Thornton, located.

E. Kohlmayer and H. L. Fisher were received into the itiner-

ancy. J. Kauffman, C. Shomo and G. Zimmer were employed

by the presiding elder. Ordained elders — E. Evans, J. M.

Gomer and R. Roth. Deacons — G. Schmoll and H. L. Fisher.

Elected presiding elders — M. W. Steffey, J. Fisher and M.

Hoehn. The cause of the Union was sustained and the Eman-

 

 

CONFERENCE REC0RD8. 341

 

cipation Proclamation endorsed. All the preachers received their

salary in full.

 

Districts: Wabash, M. Hoehn, presiding elder; White River,

J. Fisher; St. Joseph, M. W. Steffey.

 

1863. Wisconsin Conference, Milwaukee, Wis., April 23.

Bishop Joseph Long, president; C. A. Schnake, secretary. C.

Miller was licensed. F. Kauffman was received into the itin-

erancy. Ordained elders — F. Huelster and G. Zoellhoefer.

Deacons — C. Finger, E. Bockemuehl, G. Yahn and M. Zick-

erick. J. G. Miller united with the Illinois Conference. J. G.

Esher resigned the office of presiding elder, and H. Huelster

was elected in his place. Sheboygan, Sharon, New Glarus and

Oconto Missions were formed. The loyalty of the conference

to the Government was reaffirmed.

 

Districts: Milwaukee, H. Huelster, presiding elder; Madi-

son, C. A. Schnake.

 

1863. Iowa Conference, Lisbon, Iowa, May 7. Bishop J.

Long, president; R. Dubs, secretary. L. Seder and A. Nierens

died (killed by the savages — see previous year). Received into

the itinerancy — E. Wise, E. Bowman, S. W. McKesson, W.

Geiss and L. H. Gehman. Ordained elders — H. Kleinsorge,

J. Buzzard, J. Rahskoff, C. Lahr and C. Tobias. Deacons

— J. F. Berner and F. Emde. R. Dubs, general agent for Plain-

field College. Memorial resolutions were adopted on the death

of the brethren, slain by the savages. President Lincoln's

Emancipation Proclamation was endorsed.

 

Districts: Iowa, S. Dickover, presiding elder, six missions,

four circuits and twelve itinerants; Minnesota, I. Kuter, nine

missions, three circuits and fifteen itinerants; Kansas, M. J.

Miller, eight missions and nine itinerants.

 

 

342

 

CHAPTER XIII.

 

Thirteenth General Conference, Held at Buffalo, N.Y.,

Oct. 1-20, 1863.

 

1863. General Conference, thirteenth session, Buffalo, N.

Y., Oct. 1-20. Bishops J. Long, W. W. Orwig and J. J. Esher

presiding; secretary, Jesse Yeakel, assistants, R. Dubs, J. G.

Zinzer and C. A. Schnake. On motion of Bro. Niebel, it was

resolved that Father John Dreisbach, the only living colaborer

of the Founder of the Church, was requested to address the con-

ference, which he did. After this the bishops delivered the first

regular episcopal message in the history of the Association.

The country at this time was passing through the most critical

period of the Great Civil War. The General Conference ac-

cordingly took steps to express itself on the great issues which

then hung trembling in the balance. A committee was ap-

pointed consisting of one delegate from each conference, to give

expression to the views of the Church on the great questions of

the day. The report, which is too lengthy for insertion in this

work, is the very embodiment of loyalty and patriotic devo-

tion to the cause of the Union. It recognizes the hand of

God in the emancipation of the slaves, the recent triumph of the

Union arms, endorses the Government, praises the bravery and

self-sacrificing spirit of the National troops, and exhorts the

ministry and laity of the entire Church to fidelity, obedience, and

prayerful interests.

 

Three new conferences were formed, viz: The Canada,

Michigan, and Kansas, and a mission was established on the

Pacific coast.

 

An English Sunday-School paper, to be called the Sunday-

School Messenger, was established.

 

Bishop Joseph Long was re-elected, and J. J. Esher was newly

elected to the office of bishop. W. W. Orwig, was newly elected

editor of the Christliche Botschafter. T. G. Clewell was re-

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 343

 

elected editor of the Evangelical Messenger. R. Yeakel, editor

of Sunday-School and Tract Literature. C. Hammer, General

Book Agent. Wm. Yost, Corresponding Secretary of the Mis-

sionary Society.

 

The following rules were adopted for the conduct of the

Christliche Botschafter and Evangelical Messenger.

 

1. Resolved, That our papers, the Christliche Botschafter and

Evangelical Messenger, shall be conducted in accordance with

the spirit of the Holy Scriptures and our Church Discipline, and

that all subjects discussed in the same, shall be treated from a

throughly Christian, and with the Church Discipline of the

Evangelical Association harmonizing standpoint, and shall al-

ways have in view the glory of God, the spread of his knowledge,

and aim at promoting the general welfare of mankind, in their

moral, religious and civil relations.

 

2. Resolved, That our papers shall watch over, advocate, and

defend all the various interests of the Evangelical Association;

and shall also publish all proceedings of the General and An-

nual Conferences, of the Missionary Society, or the Board of

Publication, and other official documents, when such are offered

in official form for publication, without mispresenting the sense

by abbreviation.

 

3. Resolved, That all well written communications, composed

according to the spirit of the foregoing resolutions, shall be im-

partially treated; and in all controversies and discussions of

said nature, each party shall have equal rights, and allowed to

speak at least twice through the papers. — General Conference

Journal, page 34.

 

A rule was introduced that in case a bishop's time expires,

and he is not re-elected, General Conference shall make pro-

vision for his employment and support, in accordance with the

rules for our preachers. — Page 45.

 

A motion prevailed that a presiding elder be elected, who

shall have charge of the missions in Germany. To this office

S. Neitz was almost unanimously elected. To the great regret

of the conference he however resigned the office the following

day, because of temporal and family circumstances. J. G.

Wollpert was elected.

 

Delegates. — East Pa. Conference. — S. Neitz, G. L. Haines,

J. Yeakel, L. Snyder, J. P. Leib, F. Hoffman, S. G. Rhoads,

F. Krecker, C. Meyers, H. Stoetzel and J. Koehl.

 

 

344 EVANOEL10AL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Central Pa. Conference. — E. Kohr, J. Young, S. W. Seibert,

M. J. Carothers, J. M. Young, C. F. Deininger, A. L. Reeser

and L. May.

 

Pittsburg Conference. — C. Lindemen, J. L. W. Seibert, A.

Niebel, S. B. Kring, J. Rank, A. Stanley and J. G. Pfeuffer.

 

Illinois Conference. — C. Kopp, C. Augenstein, S. A. Tobias,

E. Musselman, C. Hummel, H. Rohland, J. Schaffle, J. J. Esher

and J. Schneider.

 

Wisconsim Conference. — J. G. Esher, C. A. Schnake, L.

Buehler and H. Huelster.

 

Indiana Conference. — M. W. Steffey, G. G. Platz, M. Hoehn,

A. B. Shaefer, J. Fisher and J. Fuchs.

 

Iowa Conference. — S. Dickover, J. Kuter, R. Dubs and J.

Keiper.

 

New York Conference. — M. Lauer, M. Lehn, L. Jacoby; J.

D. Jenni, S. Weber and A. Herlan.

 

Ohio Conference. — J. Stull, D. Strohman, G. F. Spreng, G.

Haley, J. G. Zinzer, L. Scheurman, John Dreisbach, C. M.

Reinhold, C. A. Munk, J. Waltz and F. Freeh.

 

1864. East Pa. Conference, Philadelphia, Pa., Feb. 25.

Bishop J. Long, president; F. Krecker, secretary. John

Klinefelter died. W. L. Reber, L. Schmidt, R. Litzen-

berger and W. H. Bachman, located. Lincensed on trial, J.

F. Yerger, A. H. Overholt, and H. Guelich. Received in

the itinerancy — B. F. Bohner, S. B. Brown, A. Goetschel and

D. Z. Kembel. Ordained elders — S. S. Chubb, T. Harper,

G. B. Fisher, C. H. Baker, and J. A. Apgar. Beacons — D.

Lentz. G. T. Haines and L. Snyder were re-elected to the

office of presiding elder. An English mission was located in

Philadelphia. M. Guhl was appointed as a missionary to the

Pacific Coast by the Board of Missions.

 

Districts: Philadelphia, L. Snyder, presiding elder; Lehigh,

J. Yeakel; Lebanon, S. Neitz; Orwigsburg, G. T. Haines.

 

1864. Central Pa. Conference, Lewisburg, Pa., March 3.

Bishop J. Long, president; J. Young, secretary. Licensed to

preach — J. Wilhelm, J. Manbeck, J. G. M. Swengel, and S.

Yearick. Received into the itinerancy — D. W. Miller, J. G.

M. Swengel, H. W. Buck, P. H. Rishel and W. Reeser. Or-

dained elders — S. T. Buck, A. H. Irvine, S. E. Davis and S.

D. Bennington. Deacons — I. M. Pines, W. H. Davis, D. F.

Methfessel, F. C. Pandal, I. Y. Reed, and T. M. Morris.

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 345

 

S. W. Seibert resigned the office of presiding elder, and S.

Wolf was elected to the same. C. F. Deininger was appointed

a missionary to the Pacific coast by the Board of Missions. A

mission was established in Washington, D. C., to which Jacob

Henn was appointed. Rev. S. T. Buck joined the war for the

Union during the conference year. F. Kurtz took credentials

for the Wisconsin Conference.

 

Districts: Baltimore, E. Kohr, presiding elder; Centre, J.

M. Young; Susquehanna, S. Wolf.

 

1864. Pittsburg Conference, Erie, Pa., March 16. Bishop

J. Long, president; J. L. W. Seibert, secretary; S. Lerch,

died. H. W. Hampe, located. D. S. Poling was received into

the itinerancy. M. H. Shannon was ordained elder, and J. D.

Domer, T. Monismith, S. Vandersal, C. W. Davis, H. B.

Summers, C. F. Hartung, and C. Stauffer, deacons. J. L.

W. Seibert was re-elected, and G. S. Domer newly elected

presiding elder. Resolutions were passed re-affirming the loyalty

of the conference to the Union, etc.

 

Districts: Erie, S. B. Kring, presiding elder; Pittsburg, J.

L. W. Seibert; Alleghany, G. W. Cupp; Somerset, G. S. Domer.

 

1864. New. York Conference, Utica, N.Y., April 14.

Bishop J. Long, president; M. Pfitzinger, secretary. J.

Stabler and L. Wildfang, located. Wm. Schwand, R. Clark

and L. Rothermel, were received into the itinerancy. C. F.

Boller was ordained elder, and C. A. Wiseman, H. Fisher,

C. Schoepflein, and H. Werner, deacons. M. Lehn was

newly elected and L. Jacoby re-elected presiding elder.

 

Districts: New York Conference, Albany, M. Lehn; Buffalo,

L. Jacoby. Canada Conference, Waterloo, S. Weber; Hamil-

ton, F. Herlan.

 

1864. Illinois Conference, Naperville, Ill., April 14. Bishop

J. J. Esher, president; J. W. Lechler, secretary. Located —

D. B. Byers, G. Fleisher, D. Kramer, C. Hummel, H. H.

Bear, T. M. Young and J. Lutz. Received into the itinerancy

- S. Dickover, George Vetter, L. Keller, L. William, J.

Kuegel, L. Tobias, B. Ruh, J. Dunlap and L. H. Eiterman.

Ordained elders — C. Ott, H. Shoemaker and H. Messner.

Deacons — J. C. Kuest and B. C. Wagoner. E. Musselman

and J. Schafle were elected presiding elders. It was made the

duty of each presiding elder to hold district ministerial meetings,

 

 

346 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

and the preachers were made amenable to conference for non-

attendance. Pro-Union resolutions were again adopted.

 

Districts: Chicago, C. Augenstein, presiding elder; Naper-

ville, C. Kopp; Freeport, E. Musselman; Peoria, J. Schafle.

 

1864. Ohio Conference, Carey, Ohio, May 5. Bishop J.

Long, president; J. G. Zinzer, secretary. Benjamin Bixler,

died. J. Rosenberger, L. Seiter, W. W. Morse and S. Swartz,

located. John Gillhausen, E. E. Turner, C. Frillman and

D. Sherrick were licensed. Received into the itinerancy — C.

Roehm, A. Wehr, P. Wiest and D. Rohland. J. M. Fuchs

was employed by the presiding elder. Ordained elders — J. W.

Walkey, C. H. Lindner, S. Henny, J. Meck, H. Faus and L.

Seither. Deacons — L. C. Morse, G. Schott, H. F. Sichley,

A. Wehr and W. W. Morse. C. M. Reinhold was elected

presiding elder. It was resolved to establish an Orphan Home.

District meetings were ordered to be held, and the preachers

shall be held accountable to conference for non-attendance of

the same. B. Hoffman, J. Ressler and J. Rosenberger took

credentials to unite with other conferences.

 

Districts: Cleveland, G. Haley, presiding elder; Sandusky,

C. M. Reinhold; Scioto, J. Stoll; Wayne, G. F. Spreng; Mich-

igan Conference, Detroit, D. Strohman; St. Joseph (unsup-

plied).

 

1864. Wisconsin Conference, Lomira Centre, Wis., April

28. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; W. F. Schneider, secre-

tary. H. Esch and J. G. Esher, located. F. Stroebel and

W. Pfefferkorn, were licensed. Received into the itinerancy

— C. Ragatz, G. Von Eschen, C. Laehr, G. Fleisher, F.

Kurtz, Wm. Huelster, C. Mueller, W. Pfefferkorn and

F. Stroebel. Ordained elders — E. Shultz, J. W. Hammeter,

and G. Schwautes. Deacons — W. Horn, L. Stroebel,

M. Wittenweiler, P. Speich, F. Kauffman, F. Zimmerman

and A. Huelster was elected presiding elder.

 

Districts, Milwaukee; H. Huelster, presiding elder, Fon Du

Lac, C. A. Schnake; Madison, A. Huelster.

 

1864. Iowa Conference, Dubuque, Iowa, May 13. Bishop

J. J. Esher, president; R. Dubs, secretary. Received on pro-

bation — C. Esher, C. Warner and J. Shearer. Received into

the itinerancy — J. Shearer, C. Esher, William Kolb, J. Von

Eschen, J. Bauman, P. Fricker and J. Nuhn. Ordained elders

— C. Brill, W. Uber and C. Sanders. Deacons — H. Hol-

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 347

 

dredge, E. Bauman and H. Bunse. R. Dubs, H. Lageschulte

and J. Hammeter were elected presiding elders. A new mission

was established in northwest Missouri, and also in western Kan-

sas. The loyalty of the conference to the Union was reaffirmed.

 

Districts: Des Moines, R. Dubs, presiding elder; Dubuque,

H. Lageschulte; St. Paul, J. Hammeter; Kansas Conference

District, M. J. Miller. Charges in Kansas — Leavenworth and

Lawrence, J. F. Schreiber; Humboldt, P. Fricker; Holton, S.

W. McKesson; Argo and Rockport, C. Berner and J. Shearer;

West Kansas Mission, to be supplied.

 

1864. Indiana Conference, Indianapolis, Ind., Sept. 8.

J. J. Esher, president; M. Meyer, secretary. P. Swartz died.

L. Kohlmayer andW. Buckman located. Licensed — A. Parker,

G. Cuttler, M. Boyer, C. Brown, M. Condo, J. Beck and

John Berger. Received into the itinerancy — C. Shamo, J.

Kaufman, A. Parker, G. Zimmer, J. Berger, J. Beck, M.

Condo, C. Heim, B. Hoffman and J. Rosenberger. G. A.

Hertel was ordained elder and S. K. Oaks, C. Heim and C.

Frillman deacons. A. Nicolai was elected presiding elder.

Resolutions expressive of continued loyalty to the Union were

adopted.

 

Districts: Wabash, M. Hoehn, presiding elder; White River,

J. Fisher; St. Joseph, M. W. Steffey; Michigan Conference Dis-

trict, A. Nicolai.

 

Note. — The year 1864 was an eventful one in the history of the

Church. Notwithstanding the ravages of Civil War, the interests

of the Church were not only maintained, but substantial advance-

ment was made. The activity of the Church will be best meas-

ured by a reference to her missionary operations. In 1863 the

missionary society supported 106 missions; in 1864, 117; a gain

of eleven. This year three missionaries were sent to found our

Evangelical work on the Pacific slope, viz.: C. F. Deininger,

J. Croasman and M. Guhl, and also John Waltz as an addi-

tional missionary to Germany. One feature of importance was

the great number of churches built during this and several pre-

ceding years. This was chiefly owing to the unprecedented

development of the great Trans-Mississippi country.

 

1865. East Pa. Conference, Allentown, Pa., Feb.22. Bishop

J. Long, president; S. G. Rhoads, secretary I. Shugar died.

George Focht took credentials for the West. O. L. Say-

lor, L. N. Worman, W. W. Rhoads, J. C. Hornberger, J. N.

 

 

348 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Metzgar, J. Laros, L. Kolb, A. Leopold and D. Yeakel were

licensed on trial. J. Fry and D. Hambright were again and

W. H. Weidner, L. Worman, J. N. Metzgar, A. H. Overholt,

J. C. Hornberger, A. Leopold and B. Moyer were newly

received into the itinerancy. Ordained elders — C. K. Fehr,

R. M. Lichtenwalner, I. E. Knerr, C. B. Fliehr, J. Kurtz and

Seneca Breyfogel. Deacons — D. Z. Kembel,W. H. Weidner,

B. F. Bohner, A. Goetschel, G. Harm and G. Focht.

 

Districts: Philadelphia, L. Snyder, presiding elder; Lehigh,

J. Yeakel; Lebanon, S. Neitz; Orwigsburg, G. T. Haines.

 

1865. Central Pa. Conference, Williamsport, Pa., March 2.

Bishop J. Long, president; J.Young, secretary. Philip Smith

died. H. A. Stoke was received into the itinerancy. J. H.

Leas and F. C. Hoffman were ordained elders, and J. Bowersox,

W. E. Detwiler, P. H. Rishel and M. Sloat deacons. A. L.

Reeser and J. M. McGraw located. Jacob Hartzler was

elected collector for the Washington, D. C., church.

 

Districts: Baltimore, E. Kohr, presiding elder; Centre, J.

M. Young; Susquehanna, S. Wolf.

 

1865. Pittsburg Conference, Allegheny City, March 8.

Bishop J. Long, president; J. D. Hollinger, secretary. J.

Hane and William Mauk (local preachers) died. The latter

fell in battle. A. Niebel, G. W. Fisher, C. Stauffer and C.

Lindeman were granted credentials for western conferences. J.

Spotts was granted license. J. Q. A. Weller, J. H. Shafer,

William Stoll and George Focht received appointments. J. D.

Hollinger, J. J. Barnhart and R. Mott were ordained elders

and S. Lowry and William Stoll deacons. Rochester and

Johnstown were constituted missions. Rev. T. Monismith en-

tered the army for the Union.

 

Districts: Pittsburg, J. L. W. Seibert, presiding elder; Erie,

S. B. Kring; Allegheny, G. W. Cupp; Somerset, G. S. Domer.

 

1865. New York Conference, Rochester, N.Y., March 30.

Bishop J. Long, president; M. Pfitzinger, secretary. A. Klein

was again and A. Lusher and H. Graves were newly received

into the itinerancy. J. Sechrist, D. Moose, A. Holzwarth

and C. G. Curtis were ordained elders, and J. Lerch deacon.

L. Jacoby resigned the office of presiding elder and D. Fisher

was elected to the same. J. Grenzenbach died during the year.

All the preachers reported full salary.

 

Districts: Albany, M. Lehn, presiding elder; Buffalo, D. Fisher.

 

 

CONFERENCE REC0RD8. 349

 

1865. Canada Conference, Berlin, Can., April 6. Bishop

J. Long, president; G. F. Buesh, secretary. William Witting-

ton was granted credentials for the Ohio Conference. G. Brown,

C. Steuernagel and J. Ingram were licensed on trial. W.

Wittington was ordained elder, and G. Leaf and William

Schwand deacons.

 

Districts: Waterloo, S. Weber, presiding elder; Hamilton,

Frederick Herlan.

 

1865. Illinois Conference, Washington, I11., April 27. Bishop

J. Long, president; G. W. Lechler, secretary. S. A. Tobias

and J. Dunlap located. Val Forkel was licensed. Received

into the itinerancy — Abraham Niebel, C. Hummel, H. Bucks, V.

Forkel, F. Steubig, J. G. Esher and C. Lindeman. Ordained

elders — M. Stamm, P. Hoffman, C. Gagstetter and M. Heyl.

Deacons — L. B. Tobias, Peter Himmel, William Ficht and A.

Wagoner. E. Musselman resigned the office of presiding elder

and S. Dickover was elected to the same. H. Rohland was

elected agent for Northwestern College. Prof. J. H. Lease was

received into conference in the same relation he sustained in the

Central Pa. Conference.

 

Districts: Chicago, C. Augenstein, presiding elder; Peoria,

J. Shane; Naperville, C. Kopp; Freeport, S. Dickover.

 

1865. Ohio Conference, Tiffin, O., May 4. G. F. Spreng,

president; J. G. Zinzer, secretary. M. Wonder and H. Hen-

sel died. J. Honecker, C. A. Munk, H. Faus and P. Wiest

located. Licensed on trial — D. Stoll, S. Hippert, J. Brown, J.

Jauch, A. S. Hallowell, J. Kuenzeli, F. Kuenzeli,W. Koenig,

G. Blasser, J. McIntyre, C. W. Gray, J. Lawrence and S.

Copley. Received into the itinerancy — W. Wittington, C.

Weiss, W. Koenig, G. F. Behner, J. Kuenzeli and A. S. Hal-

owell. H. Frillman and Daniel Brickley withdrew from the

Church. Ordained elders — D. H. Wonder, J. Frankhouser,

J. Felger, J. K. Pontius and G. Hasenpflug. Deacons — C.

Ehrhart, L. Nauman, A. Decker, C. Kuinzeli, J. Seigrist,

O. H. Rhea, C. Bishop and L. Moyer. J. Stoll was re-elected

presiding elder. The districts were reduced to three.

 

Districts: Cleveland, G. F. Spreng, presiding elder; San-

dusky, J. Stoll; Scioto, C. Reinhold.

 

1865. Wisconsin Conference, Menomonee Falls, Wis., May

4. Bishop J. Long, president; W. F. Schneider, secretary.

G. Schaefer died. Joseph Harlacher joined the Iowa Con-

 

 

350 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

ference. T. Umbreit, H. Assman and F. Moser were licensed

on trial. E. Bockemuehl and C. F. Finger were ordained

elders and F. Kurtz deacons. J. Koch, T. Umbreit, H. Gue-

lich and J. Karcher were received into the itinerancy. L.

Buehler was elected presiding elder.

 

Districts: Milwaukee, H. Huelster, presiding elder; Madi-

son, A. Huelster; Fon du Lac, L. Buehler.

 

1865. Iowa Conference, East Prairie, Minn., May 12.

Bishop J. Long, president; J. Hammeter, secretary. Anton

Huelster and C. W. Anthony were licensed on trial. Joseph

Harlacher, Anton Huelster, J. Smith and C. W. Anthony

were received into the itinerancy. Joseph Raskoff removed to

the Kansas Conference. J. F. Berner and F. Emde were

ordained elders, and W. Gies, J. Nuhn, L. H. Gehman, E.Weis,

J. Von Eschen and J. Smith deacons. Conference provided

tombstones for the brethren slain by the Indians in 1862.

 

Districts: Des Moines, R. Dubs, presiding elder; Dubuque,

H. Lageschulte; St. Paul, J. Hammeter.

 

1865. Michigan Conference, first annual session, Blissfield,

Mich., April 12. Bishop J. Long, president; J. Meck, secre-

tary. D. C. Rohland located. Wm. Reinecke was licensed.

J. M. Fuchs and H. B. McBride were received into the itin-

erancy. M. Speck and J. Borauf were ordained elders.

 

Districts: Detroit, Daniel Strohman, presiding elder; St.

Joseph, A. Nicolai.

 

1865. Indiana Conference, South Bend, Ind., Sept. 14.

Bishop J. Long, president; M. Mayer, secretary. H. Meyer

(local) died. M. Condo and J. Rosenberger located. S. S.

Albert, S. Shultz, A. Hartzler, E. Grim and S. Shuh were

licensed, and C. Ade, of the U. B. Church, was received. P.

Wiest, A. Shultz, J. Castetter, S. S. Albert, C. F. Mathes,

C. Shuh, C. Ade, A. Hartzler and P. Porr were received into

conference. Ordained elder — H. L. Fisher. Deacons — J.

Kaufman, C. Shamo, G. Zimmer and M. Zimmer.

 

Districts: Wabash, M. Hoehn, presiding elder; White River,

Joseph Fisher; Elkhart, M. W. Steffey.

 

1865. Kansas Conference met in Leavenworth, Kan., May

26, to hold its first regular session. Bishop J. Long, president;

C. Berner, secretary. H. Haas was received into the itinerancy.

Philip Fricker was ordained deacon, and S. W. McKesson,

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDB. 351

 

elder. J. Rahskopf, of the Iowa Conference, was received.

G. W. Bugh, of the Free Methodist Church, was admitted. J.

F. Schreiber was elected presiding elder.

 

Appointments: Conference District, J. F. Schreiber, presiding

elder. Leavenworth, Jos. Rahskopf; Lawrence, Philip Fricker;

Humboldt, Chas. Tobias; Holton, S. W. McKesson; Big Blue,

G. W. Bugs; Arago, Ch. Berner; Rockport, H. Haas.

Note. — The year 1865 was marked by many notable events.

 

The country, which had been engaged for four years in the most

sanguinary war of modern times, experienced the return of peace

during this year. The return of national quietude, the restora-

tion of the Union, the abolition of slavery, and other matters of

national interest, are all materially reflected in the literature and

conference proceedings of the Church during this eventful

period. The Evangelical Association showed a remarkable de-

gree of loyalty for the cause of the Union during the Civil War.

Almost every session of the annual conference, as well as the

General Conference of 1863, passed resolutions breathing the

most ardent patriotism. The loyalty of the Church is in nothing

more manifest than in the vigorous manner in which the Union

cause was championed by the periodicals, and the hearty en-

dorsement of the editors in their course by the conferences.

The columns of the paper abound with communications from

the camps, battlefields and hospitals, from the pens of Evangel-

ical soldiers. For several years the papers maintained a cap-

tion, "Our Patriotic Dead," under which appeared weekly the

obituaries of our fallen brave. "Sometimes the number was very

large, especially after a severe battle. From six to eight was

nothing unusual, but alas, sometimes the number was far greater.

A perusal of the names of the "Patriotic Dead "shows how

great was the sacrifice which many of the fathers and mothers of

our Church laid on the altar of their country. Among that

number is a grandson of the founder of the Church, Jacob

Albright, a gifted son of Bishop W. W. Orwig, as well as

preachers, class-leaders and private members who responded to

their country's call and paid the price of freedom and their

country's integrity with their lives. The spirit of the times is

also reflected in the poetic effusions which appeared from time

to time in the periodicals of the Church. We subjoin one, as

an example, from the pen of a young man who was not then a

minister, but who has since endeared himself to the Church, and

 

 

352 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

acquired a national reputation as a forcible writer, an eloquent

preacher and a gifted poet.

 

The Fallen Heroes.*

 

[Air of "The Prairie Flower"]

 

"Fold the starry banner, hush the rolling drum

Tread with rev'rend footsteps as ye come,

Sheathe the gleaming sabre, sadly bow the head,

Drop a tear above the dead.

 

Cho. — Peace to the fallen! where'er they rest,

Light lie the sods on every breast,

In the starry future may they richly reap —

Then let the gallant heroes sleep!

 

'Neath the heaving billows, in the roaring main,

On the rugged hillside, on the plain,

Where the shock of battle rent the shrouded sky,

There the gallant heroes lie.

 

Soon the smoke- of battle shall be swept away,

And the dawning morning bring the day,

Then the light of freedom shall forever glow

And the hero's laurel grow.

 

Flow'ry be the valleys, green the sacred hills

Where each narrow tomb a freeman fills,

And the flag of freedom, may it ever wave,

Hallowed by each soldier's grave."

 

— H. B. Hartzler.

 

Nov. 2, 1865, the Missionary Society held its twenty-sixth an-

nual session at Dayton, Ohio. One hundred and twenty-four

missions were reported — a gain of seven over the previous year,

and upwards of 2, 000 conversions. The contributions for home

and foreign missions were $42,000 — a gain of $7,000 over the

previous year.

 

J. Kaechele, of the Canada Conference, was appointed as an

additional missionary to Germany.

 

1866. East Pa. Conference, Schuylkill Haven, Pa., Feb.

28. Bishop Jos. Long, president; Fr. Krecker, secretary. B.

Moyer located. Received on trial, H. Oehrle, J. Hunsberger,

F. Leuther, A. Yeakel, C. Burkhart, E. Snyder, W. Loose,

J. L. Werner, B. J. Smover, G. H. Landis, J. R. Siegfried,

 

* From Evangelical Messenger, Feb. 24, 1864.

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 353

 

W. K. Wieand and J. S. Scheimer. Received into the itiner-

ancy, J. Laros, S. Ely, J. S. Scheimer, W. K. Wieand, D.

Mertz, J. K. Knerr and B. J. Smoyer, and R. Litzenberger,

(again). Ordained deacons, S. B. Brown, A. H. Overholt,

A. Leopold and S. Ely. S. Neitz was re-elected, and J. P.

Leib newly elected presiding elder. An English mission was

located in Lancaster.

 

Districts: Philadelphia, S. Neitz, presiding elder; Easton,

J. Yeakel; Allentown, G. T. Haines; Reading, L. Snyder;

Pottsville, J. P. Leib.

 

1866. Central Pa. Conference, Baltimore, Md., March 8.

Jos. Long, president; J. Young, secretary. L. May, itinerant

and J. Wilhelm and D. Oberdorf, locals, died. J. M. Ett-

inger and B. F. Winegarden received license. M. Sloat and

S. I. Shortess were recommended to the presiding elder for

work. I. M. Pines, T. M. Morris, I. Y. Reed, F. Methfes-

sel and W. H. Davis were ordained elders, and H. W. Buck,

H. A. Stoke, J. Snavely, J. G. M. Swengel and A. Snyder,

deacons. E. Kohr was re-elected presiding elder. Jacob

Henn was appointed collector for Washington City Mission.

Lock Haven Mission was established.

 

Districts: Baltimore, J. M. Young, presiding elder; Centre

S. Wolf; Susquehanna, E. Kohr. Prof. F. C. Hoffman, presi-

dent of Union Seminary.

 

1866. Pittsburg Conference, Pittsburg, Pa., March 14.

Bishop J. Long, president; R. Yeakel, secretary. Licensed — L.

M. Boyer, E. B. Arthur, W. J. Hahn and A. W. Teats. J. S.

Hyde died. A. R. Teats located. A. Stahle, J. G. Pfeuffer

and T. Monismimh took credentials for western conferences.

Received into the itinerancy — L. Ross, E. B. Arthur, S. Book-

man, L. M. Boyer, H. Rhoads, L. B. Donmeyer, S. Werner,

J. Q. A. Weller, J. H. Shaffer, P. Plotts and C. G. Koch.

Ordained Elders — J. D. Domer, H. B. Summers, C. F. Har-

tung, S. Vandersal, T. Monismith, J. Q. A. Weller, C. W.

Davis, J. H. Shaffer and S. Bookman. Deacons — L. Ross

and H. Rhoads. D. S. Poling was newly elected presiding

elder.

 

Districts: Pittsburg, S. B. Kring, presiding elder; Erie, G.

W. Cupp; Allegheny, G. S. Domer; Somerset, D. S. Poling.

 

1866. New York Conference, Lyons, N.Y., March 29.

Bishop J. Long, president; M. Pfitzinger, secretary. J.

 

 

354 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Luttenberger, M. Yauch and A. Unholtz were licensed. C.

A. Wisseman, H. Fisher, C. Schoeflein and H. Graves

were ordained elders.

 

Districts: Albany, M. Lehn, presiding elder; Buffalo, D.

Fisher.

 

1866. Canada Conference, Hamburg, C. W., April 5.

Bishop J. Long, president; G. F. Buesh, secretary. M.

Maurer, G. Bernhart and J. Andes were licensed. L. Roth-

ermel, W. Schand and R. Clark were ordained deacons. J.

Wagoner joined the Iowa Conference. P. Winkler, C.

Steuernagel, M. Maurer, G. Brown and F. Scharf were re-

ceived into the itinerancy. J. Kaechele took an appointment

from the Board of Missions as missionary to Germany. Jos.

Umbach was elected presiding elder.

 

Districts: Waterloo, Jos. Umbach, presiding elder; Hamil-

ton, F. Herlan.

 

1866. [Illinois Conference] Kankakee, Ill., April, 12. Bishop J. J. Esher,

president; Geo. Vetter, secretary. C. Bucks, J. Brewer, M.

Eller, W. W. Shuler, P. Wagoner and A. Davis were licensed.

W. W. Shuler, J. Riegel, J. P. Wengerd, M. Ellea, G.

Ramige, S. A. Tobias, A. Davis and A. Stahle were received

into the intinerancy. C. Augenstein was re-elected, and John

Schneider was newly elected presiding elder. Full salary for

the preachers was reported.

 

Districts: Chicago, C. Augenstein, presiding elder; Naper-

ville, J. Schneider; Freeport, S. Dickover; Peoria, J. Schafle.

 

1866. Michigan Conference, Emahuels Church, near Ann

Arbor, Mich., April 12. Bishop J. Long, president; J. Meck,

secretary. J. Orth was licensed. L. Engel was received on

probation. M. J. Miller, (formerly of Kansas Conference), L.

Engel, S. Coply and C. S. Brown were received into the itin-

erancy. J. M. Fuchs and C. Beuckel were ordained deacons.

Daniel Strohman joined the Ohio Conference. M. J. Miller

was elected presiding elder. Preachers of this conference were

forbidden from uniting with any secret society.

 

Districts: Detroit, M. J. Miller, presiding elder; St. Joseph,

A. Nicolai.

 

1866. Wisconsin Conference, Madison, Wis., April 19.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; W. Horn, secretary. Received

on trial — J. P. Viel, J. Kahl, G. Kaufman, T. Trayer and G.

Zimmerman. Ordained elders — W. Horn, F. Kaufman, L.

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 355

 

Stroebel, M. Wittenwyler, P. Speith and F. Zimmerman.

Deacons — W. Heulster, J. Karchner and W. Pfefferkorn.

Secret societies were deprecated, and no one shall be received as

a preacher in this conference who is a member of such a society.

Districts: Milwaukee, H. Huelster, presiding elder; Fon du

Lac, L. Buehler; Madison, A. Huelster.

 

1866. Ohio Conference, Cleveland, O., May 3. Bishop

J. Long, president; J. G. Zinzer, secretary. Licensed — S.

Rife, C. Negle and B. Berry. Received into the itinerancy —

G. Blasser, D. Stoll, C. Negle, L. Schleich and P.W. Hahn.

Located — G. Hasenpflug, F. Zeller, H. G. Ray, J. J. Kopp,

G. Haley, G. Shott and G. F. Behner. A. Wehr was ordained

elder. An orphan home was established and J. G. Zinzer ap-

pointed superintendent of the same. Resolutions deprecating

secret societies were re-enacted.

 

Districts: Cleveland, G. F. Spreng, presiding elder; San-

dusky, J. Stoll; Scioto, C. M. Reinhold.

 

1866. Kansas Conference, Leavenworth, Kan., March 30.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; C. Berner, secretary. J. Wuerth

was received on probation. G. W. Bugh, J. Wuerth and J. G.

Pfeuffer were received into the itinerancy. Conference resolved

not to admit any minister into their body who is a member of a

secret society. J. F. Schreibfr, presiding elder.

 

1866. Iowa Conference, East Prairie, Minn., May 18.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; R. Dubs, secretary. E. Wise

and J. Schmidt, Sr., located. J. F. Hahn, H. Brauer, C. H.

Egge, F. Beltzer, A. Knebel, L. P. Rohland and S. Reep

were licensed. Received into the itinerancy — L. Eberhart, J.

F. Yerger, C. H. Egge, N. H. Diehl, F. Beltzer, G. C.

Brauer, J. Kuehnholtz, C. Werner, A. Knebel, G. Simon,

J. F. Hahn, T. Monismith and J. Wagoner. Ordained elders—

H. Holdridge, H. Bunse and E. Bauman. Deacons — C. Esher

and M. Wunderlich.

 

Districts: Des Moines, R. Dubs, presiding elder; Dubuque,

H. Lageschulte; St. Paul, J. Hammetter.

 

1866. Indiana Conference, Evansville, Ind., Sept. 13.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; M. Mayer, secretary. E. Evans,

G. Klepfer and G. Zimmer located. A. B. Schaeffer was

superannuated. P. Miller, E. Condo, F. Louner, J. Miller

and J. Mayer were licensed. G. Schmoll, C. Heim and D. S.

 

 

356 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Oaks were ordained elders. J. Berger, A. Parker, S. Kip-

linger, C. Ade and C. F. Mathias, deacons.

 

Districts: Wabash, M. Hoehn, presiding elder; White River,

Joseph Fisher; Elkhart, M. W. Steffey.

 

Note. — The general interests of the Church prospered measur-

ably during the year 1866. The Missionary Society held its annual

session at Lebanon, Pa., Nov. 1. The proposed heathen mission

was again discussed, and a mission proposed to be established

among the freedmen of the South. The receipts for home and

foreign missions were $39,000, a decrease of almost $3,000 from

last year. The number of missions was 137, an increase of 13,

and near 3,000 souls were converted on the mission charges.

 

1867. East Pa. Conference, Bethlehem,Pa., Feb.27. Bishop

J. J. Esher, president; J. Koehl, secretary. J. A. Apgar and

R. Litzenberger located. Licensed — B. D. Albright, J. P.

Smith, W. A. Leopold, F. Sechrist, I. Zimmerman, H. A.

Neitz, A. Kindt, J. Shimer and L. Ruhl. Received into the

itinerancy — H. A. Neitz, J. C. Bliem, G. Scharf, W. A. Leo-

pold, J. G. Sands, B. D. Albright and E. A. Hoffman. Or-

dained elders — D. Lentz, W. H. Weidner, A. Getschel and

D. Z. Kembel. Deacons — L. T. Worman, J. K. Knerr, J. C.

Hornberger, J. N. Metzgar, G. Scharf and L. Miller. J.

Yeakel was re-elected presiding elder. The Conference organ-

ized itself into a church building society. C. B. Fuehr was

appointed to collect money for church building.

 

Districts: Philadelphia, S. Neitz, presiding elder; Easton,

G. T. Haines; Allentown, J. Yeakel; Reading, L. Snyder;

Pottsville, J. P. Leib.

 

1867. Central Pa. Conference, New Kingston, Pa., March

7. Bishop J. Long, president; J. Young, secretary. Licensed

— J. Shuler, J. M. Price, W. H. Houtz, J. Bear, A. W.

Kremer, J. W. Bentz, U. F. Swengel and W. P. Thomas.

Ordained elders — W. E. Detwiler and J. Bowersox. Deacons

— S. I. Shortess and J. N. Allen. Received into the itiner-

ancy — J. M. Ettinger, W. P. Thomas, J. W. Bentz, U. F.

Swengel, A. W. Kramer, M. Sloat and S. I. Shortess. Glen

Rock, Danville and Scranton were constituted missions.

 

Districts: Baltimore, J. M. Young, presiding elder; Centre,

S. Wolf; Susquehanna, E. Kohr.

 

1867. Pittsburg Conference, Warren, Pa., March 13.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; R. Yeakel, secretary. J. M.

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 357

 

Zirkel located. A. Loehner joined the Ohio Conference. J.

Kern, G. W. Brown, J. S. Grimm, J. Dooley, J. W. Reichard,

J. Dovenspike, J. Keller and J. Fogel were licensed. Ordained

elders — W. H. Stoll, G. Focht, L. B. Donmyer. Deacons —

L. M. Boyer, S. Werner, T. S. Messner and P. W. Plotts.

J. Rank was granted credentials.

 

Districts: Pittsburg, S. B. Kring, presiding elder; Erie, G.

W. Cupp; Alleghany, G. S. Domer; Somerset, D. S. Poling.

 

1867. New York Conference, Batavia, N.Y., March 29.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; M. Lauer, secretary. P.

Glantz and E. Wier were licensed. A. Unholtz and P.

Glantz were received into the itinerancy. J. Lerch was or-

dained elder, and A. Luscher and L. Herman deacons. D.

Moos was granted credentials.

 

Districts: Albany, M. Lehn, presiding elder; Buffalo, D.

Fisher.

 

1867. Canada Conference, St. Jacobs, C. W., April 4.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; C. A. Thomas, secretary. R.

Clark located. J. Martzolf and G. M. Groff were licensed.

H. Werner was ordained elder, and C. Steuernagel and G.

Brown deacons. W. Schmidt was elected presiding elder.

 

Districts: Waterloo, Jos. Umbach, presiding elder; Hamil-

ton, Wm. Schmidt.

 

1867. Ohio Conference, West Salem, O., May 2. Bishop

J. J. Esher, president; J. Zinzer, secretary. Located — L.

Schleich, Jos. Dick, T. George and G. F. Spreng. H. G.

Rhea, J. Brown and S. Strome (locals) died. Received on

trial — G. A. Sickel, G. W. Phillips, F. Graff, N. Shupp and

J. Platz. Received into the itinerancy — S. Hippert, B. Berry,

Jonas Strome and John Honnecker. Ordained elders — C.

Erhart, C. Kinzeli. H. F. Sichley, L. Nauman and A.

Deckert. Deacons — J. Kinzeli, D. Stoll, G. Blasser and

W. King.

 

Districts: Cleveland, J. Stull, presiding elder; Sandusky,

D. Strohman; Scioto, C. M. Reinhold.

 

1867. Illinois Conference, Naperville, Ill., April n.

Bishop J. Long, president; H. Bucks, secretary. Licensed —

H. Finger, H. Heine, H. Meier, G. Bosser, J. Cabel, also

R. Morry (of 'the U. B. Church). D. B. Byers, R. Morry,

H. Meier and H. Finger were received into the itinerancy.

Ordained elders — P. Himmel and L. B. Tobias. Deacons —

 

 

358 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

W. Shuler, A. Lieberknecht. V. Forkel and P. Leidner.

English missions were established at Naperville and Freeport.

 

Districts: Chicago, Ch. Augenstein, presiding elder; Naper-

ville, J. Schneider; Freeport, S. Dickover; Peoria, J. Schaffle.

 

1867. Wisconsin Conference, Racine, Wis., April 15.

Bishop J. Long, president; C. A. Schnake, secretary. F.

Traeger (local) died. H. Esch and F. Zimmerman located.

F. Assman, A. Rash, G. Lihs, F. Gloege, P. Port, O. Knet-

terling and C. Seiberling were licensed. Ordained elder —

F. Kurtz. Deacons — F. Stroebel, J. Koch, H. Guelich, T.

Umbreit and J. T. Vail. All the preachers shall, during the year,

preach at least one sermon on education. Full salary was

reported.

 

Districts: Milwaukee, A. Huelster, presiding elder; Madison,

H. Shelp; Fon du Lac, L. Buehler; Mississippi, G. Fritsche.

 

1867. Iowa Conference, Grand View, Iowa, May 6. Bishop

Joseph Long, president; R. Dubs, secretary. Located — N.

H. Diehle, C. W. Anthony and Anton Huelster, the latter

going to Germany to attend a university. J. Keiper took cre-

dentials. J. Hammetter died. Ordained elders — J. Nuhn,

W. Gies, J. Von Eschen. Deacons — Anton Huelster, J.

F. Yerger, H. Brauer and H. Kohl. Licensed — G. Herring,

E. Mell, L. Mueller, F. Dreblow and R. Baker. Received

into conference — A. Loehner, of the Pittsburg, E. H. Shultz,

of the Wisconsin Conference, and E. Mell, D. Baker, D. H.

Kooker, G. Knebel and H. Kohl. W. Stegner was elected

presiding elder. Conference prospectively formed the Minne-

sota Conference.

 

Districts: Des Moines, R. Dubs, presiding elder; Dubuque,

H. Lageschulte; St. Paul, W. Stegner.

 

1867. Kansas Conference, Leavenworth, Kansas, March 8.

Bishop J. Long, president; C. Berner, secretary. Licensed —

W. Folger, H. Mattill and D. Zoeller. Ordained elder —

Wm. Fricker. Deacons — H. Haas, C. Trimmer, J. Wuerth

and G. W. Bugs. J. F. Schreiber, presiding elder of the con-

ference district.

 

1867. Indiana Conference, Dayton, O., Sept. 5. Bishop

J. Long, president; M. Mayer, secretary. C. Shuh and W.

Wessler located. J. Miller (local) died. Licensed — W. H.

Honstett, G. W. Wales, H. W. Funk and Jacob Troyer. Re-

ceived into the itinerancy — P. Miller, E. E. Gondo, F. Launer,

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 359

 

J. Miller, J. A. Maier, D. J. Pontius, J. Keiper, G. W. Walse

and W. H. Honstett. Ordained elder — J. Kaufman. Deacons

— C. Shuh, S. S. Albert, A. Hartzler and D. J. Pcntius. M.

Krueger, M. Mayer and G. G. Platz were elected presiding elders.

 

Districts: Wabash, G. G. Platz, presiding elder; Elkhart, M.

Kreuger; White River, M. Mayer.

 

1867. Michigan Conference, Portage Piairie, Mich., April

11. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; J. M. Haug, secretary.

Benjamin Wade, E. Weiss, Joseph Birk and Jacob Young

received license to preach. C. S. Braun was ordained deacon.

 

Districts: Detroit, M. J. Miller, presiding, elder; St. Joseph,

A. Nicolai.

 

Notes of Progress. — In 1866 a gentleman of Louisville,

Ky., who had purchased a fine church from another denomina-

tion, offered it on very reasonable terms to the Indiana Confer-

ence. The offer was accepted, and in 1867 J. M. Gomer was

appointed pastor and collector for the Church. This was the

beginning of our work in Kentucky.

 

 

360

 

CHAPTER XIV.

 

Fourteenth General Conference, Held at Pittsburg, Pa.,

Oct. io, 1867.

 

1867. General Conference, fourteenth session, Pittsburg,

Pa., Oct. 10. Bishops J. Long and J. J. Esher, presidents;

R. Yeakel, secretary.

 

Considerable time was consumed in examining the charges

for heresy brought against Rev. S. Neitz. At the General Con-

ference of 1859 complaints were made against him concerning

his views on the subject of sanctification. The charges were

revived at this session. The report of the committee, which was

adopted, is as follows: "Resolved, that after thoroughly exam-

ining the above-named sermon,* in the light of the Scriptures

and our disciplinary article, we have come to the conclusion that

he (Neitz) makes use of terms, phrases and figures of speech of

which we decidedly disapprove, but upon his explanation, it

appears to us that he does not design to teach doctrines essen-

tially different from those held by our Church, and therefore we

unanimously recommend his acquittal."

 

Inasmuch as divergent opinions prevailed concerning the

views of the Church on the subject of sanctification, a committee

was appointed consisting of Bishops Long and Esher, and F.

Hoffman, E. Kohr, T. G. Clewell, D. Fisher, H. Rohland,

H. Huelster, John Dreisbach, W. Smith, M. Kreuger, M. J.

Miller, H. Lageschulte and J. F. Schreiber to formulate the

views of the Church on that doctrine. The report of the com-

mittee was adopted, and is essentially the same as found incor-

porated in the book of Discipline. After its adoption Bishop

Long, the chairman, said: "I wish just here to remark that the

 

* Published in the Lehigh County Patriot, 1867.

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 361

 

General Conference of the Evangelical Association has now voted

unanimously, and if this is not paramount authority there is none

in the Church."

 

The Committee on the State of the Country submitted a report,

which was adopted, and of which the following is a summary:

 

"Preamble. At the time of the session of the last General

Conference at Buffalo, N.Y., in 1863, the battle with the rebels

of the South for justice, order and liberty still raged fiercely.

By the help of God and the bravery of our soldiers the govern-

ment finally achieved the victory over treason and slavery. With

the overthrow of the rebellion, many difficult questions regarding,

the reconstruction of the Southern States presented themselves,

for solution of which, to the welfare of those concerned, great

wisdom and moderation were necessary. Now as this body

expressed itself with regard to the state of the country at our last.

session, we owe it to ourselves to speak out again; therefore,

 

"Resolved, 1. That we, and our entire nation, owe the most

heartfelt thanks to God for the victory he has vouchsafed to

us. * * * *

"2. That we owe this victory under God to the patriotic-

bravery of our fellow-citizens who ventured their lives for our

country and liberty. * * * Our members and brethren in the

Lord have conducted themselves worthy of all praise by entering

heroically into battle for the dearest rights of our fatherland,

and holding fast at the same time to the faith in our Lord Jesus

Christ. Many of these dear ones fell in the struggle, and sealed

their love of liberty with their blood.

"3. That this chastisement is intended to teach us our de-

pendence upon God. The best institutions of our land are useless

if God is not with us." (Then follows a deprecation of the fact

that the Constitution of the United States gives no intimation

that we are a Christian nation, and hearty co-operation in the

movement, then so prominent, to introduce the recognition of the

Supreme Being in the constitution.

"4. That we deplore the inattention of the people to the

voice of God in this chastisement.

"5. That we deplore that a disposition is manifested here

and there to sacrifice moral principals to those infidels who want

to have our wholesome Sunday laws, and the legislative acts of

several states respecting the cause of temperance, abolished forth-

with. No compromise in order to secure political power and a.

 

 

362 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

false peace ought to be made with these pioneers of social and civil

dissolution, but we ought to stand immovably upon these noble

institutions, even if we should suffer temporary political defeat.

"6. Relates to the abolition of slavery and the reconstruc-

tion of the South.

"7. Deprecates the course of President Johnson in obstruct-

ing the measures of Congress in dealing with the important issues

of the day.”

 

A form of trust and incorporation- clauses were submitted and

approved, to be inserted in the Discipline for the securing of

churches, parsonages and other property to the control of the

Evangelical Association.

 

One of the most important actions of this conference was the

adoption of a resolution as found embodied in Section 74 of the

Discipline, constituting the General Conference "the supreme

court of law in the Church."

 

"The Committee on Revision recommended that the recom-

mendation from the annual conferences, which changes the basis

for the election of a delegate from seven to ten preachers, and

which has already been rejected, be now reconsidered. Recon-

sideration was carried, and the recommendation adopted."

 

A recommendation was adopted, empowering the General

Conference to send recommendations for adoption to the annual

conferences.

 

Dr. William Nast, fraternal delegate from the Methodist

Episcopal Church, addressed the conference. The Ebenezer

Orphan Home, founded by the Ohio Conference was made denom-

inational. The Minnesota Conference was formed. Bishops J.

Long and J. J. Esher were re-elected; W.W. Orwig was elected

chief book agent; R. Dubs, editor of the Christliche Botschafter;

T. G. Clewell, editor of the Evangelical Messenger; R. Yeakel,

editor of Sunday-School and Tract Literature; J. G. Walpert,

book agent in Germany and editor of Evangelische Botschafter;

W. Yost, corresponding secretary of the Missionary Society; J.

G. Zinzer, superintendent of Orphan Home. The following reso-

lution was adopted by a vote of sixty-six yeas to eleven nays, as

a recommendation to the annual conferences:

 

"Resolved, That the book agent, the editor of the Christliche

Botschafter, the editor of the Evangelical Messenger, the editor

of the Sunday-School Literature, the corresponding secretary of

the Missionary Society and the bishops, at the time when they

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 363

 

are not in the chair, be members of the General Conference,

ex-officio, provided they are elders, but that the annual confer-

ences to which they may belong shall not, in making up the

number of delegates to be elected by them, count the above-

named officers of the book establishment." This was the begin-

ning of ex-officio representation, a measure fraught with danger,

and a source of frequent disquietude to the Church.

 

Delegates. — East Pa. Conference. — S. Neitz, J. P. Leib, L.

Snyder, F. Hoffman, T. Bowman, C. S. Haman, S. G. Rhoads,

F. Krecker, J. Koehl and C. Meyers. Alternates — J. Adams

and J. Hess.

 

Central Pa. Conference. — E. Kohr, J. M. Young, M. J. Caro-

thers, J. Young, S. Wolf, S. W. Seibert, Z. Hornberger, S. Smith.

Alternates — K. Ettinger and J. C. Farnsworth.

 

Pittsburg Conference. — S. B. Kring, G. S. Domer, G. W.

Cupp, C. G. Koch, J. L. W. Seibert, T. G. Clewell, R. Yeakel,

J. D. Hollinger.

 

New York Conference. — M. Lehn, M. Lauer, D. Fisher, M.

Pfitzinger.

 

Illinois Conference. — John Schneider, S. Dickover, J. Schaffle,

H. Rohland, C. Kopp, S. A. Tobias, J. F. Schnee, G. W. Lechler,

C. Hummel, J. G. Esher, William Goessele, C. Augenstein.

 

Ohio Conference. — C. Hammer, J. Stull, W. W. Orwig, D.

Strohman, C. M. Reinhold, John Dreisbach, W. Yost, J. G. Zin-

zer, G. F. Spreng, L. Sheuerman.

 

Indiana Conference. — M. W. Steffey, M. Krueger, M. Maier,

A. B. Shafer, G. G. Platz, M. Hoehn.

 

Wisconsin Conference. — C. Fritche, L. Buehler, A. Huelster,

H. Shelp, W. F. Schneider, H. Huelster.

 

Michigan Conference. — M. J. Miller, A. Nicolai, J. Meek.

 

Canada Conference. — S. Weber, W. Smith, Frederick Herlan,

P. Alles.

 

Iowa Conference. — R. Dubs, H. Lageschulte, W. Stegner, H.

J. Bowman, H. E. Linse, A. Strohmeier.

 

Kansas Conference. — J. F. Schreiber.

 

1868. East Pa. Conference, Reading, Pa., Feb. 26. Bishop

J. Long, president; S. G. Rhoads, secretary. C. Loos located.

A. Goetschel received credentials. W. Dewees (local) died.

Licensed— E. Shultz, I. Hoch, J. Shaffer, B. Wimmer, S.

Licht, W. A. Shoemaker, A. M. Stirk, J. K. Lutz, R. Drie-

belbis, S. Engel and B. H. Miller. Ordained elders — B. F.

 

 

364 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Bohner, S. Ely, A. F. Leopold, S. B. Brown, A. H. Overholt,

J. C. Bliem and D. Mertz. Deacons — J. S. Shimer, J. G.

Sands, W. K. Wieand, J. Laros, E. A. Hoffman, B. J. Smoyer,

H. A. Neitz and S. Frankenfield. J. M. Saylor and F. Hoff-

man were elected presiding elders.

 

Districts: Philadelphia, S. Neitz, presiding elder; Easton,

F. Hoffman; Allentown, J. Yeakel; Reading, J. M. Saylor;

Pottsville, J. P. Leib.

 

1868. Central Pa. Conference, Lewisburg, Pa., March 5.

Bishop J. Long, president; J. Young, secretary. W. Reeser

located. H. Althouse was granted credentials. Died — Father

James Barber, also D. L. Sutton and H. Hippenstiel (locals).

D. A. Kepner, H. Ream, G. E. Zehner, J. M. Price, J. Man-

beck, C. H. Gramley and S. P. Remer were receired into the

itinerancy. Ordained elders — P. H. Rishel, H. W. Buck, H.

A. Stoke, J. G. M. Swengel and M. Sloat. Deacons — J. W.

Bentz, B. W. A. Young and H. Wilhelm. M. J. Carothers

and Jacob Young were elected presiding elders.

 

Districts: Centre, M. J. Carothers, presiding elder; Susque-

hanna, E. Kohr; Baltimore, J.Young.

 

1868. Pittsburg Conference, Rochester, Pa., March 12.

Bishop J. Long, president; J. D. Hollinger, secretary. W.

Haupt received license. J. A. Grimm, W. Haupt, J. Vought

and Joseph Dick were received into the itinerancy. Ordained

elders — L. Ross and H. Rhoads. Deacons — E. B. Arthur,

J. Arkless, J. L. Bowman, G. Nicholas, J. Liebendorfer and

G. Phillips.

 

Districts: Pittsburg, S. B. Kring, presiding elder; Erie, G.

W. Cupp; Allegheny, G. S. Domer; Somerset, D. S. Poling.

 

1868. Ohio Conference, Zion Church, Fairfield county, O.,

May 7. Bishop J. Long, president; G. F. Spreng, secretary.

W. Bernhart (local) died. W. H. Ingel, W. Schneider, J.

Wonder, G. Hinkel, P. Foltz, J. Saeger, C. Stucky, H. Darr,

I. N. Richert and J. S. Hancks were granted license. Ordained

elder — J. Strohm. Deacons — C. F. Negele, E. E. Turner and

H. Sechrist. C. M. Reinhold was re-elected presiding elder.

 

Districts: Cleveland, J. Stoll, presiding elder; Sandusky, D.

Strohman; Scioto, C. M. Reinhold.

 

1868. New York Conference, Liverpool, N.Y., March 26.

Bishop J. Long, president; J. Siegrist, secretary. H. Fisher

died. Licensed — G. Frech, L.Glasser and F. Hehr. Ordained

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 365

 

deacons — A. Unholtz and M. Yauch. M. Pfitzinger was

elected presiding elder.

 

Districts: Albany, M. Pfitzinger, presiding elder; Buffalo,

D. Fisher.

 

1868. Canada Conference, Blenheim, Can., April 2. Bishop

J. Long, president; P. Alles, secretary. Licensed — C. Braun,

S. N. Moyer and C. Pfeffer.- S. Bean, of the Wesleyan Church,

was received. Ordained elders — P. Winkler, L. Rothermel

and W. Schwandt. Deacons — G. Bernhart, M. Maurer and

J. Anthes.

 

Districts: Waterloo, Joseph Umbach, presiding elder; Ham-

ilton, W. Schmidt.

 

1868. Illinois Conference, Davis, Ill., April 2. Bishop J.

J. Esher, president; M. Stamm, secretary. G. Langenstein,

W. Linglebach, E. Schmucker, J. F. Worick and J. Schlittler

were received on trial. Ordained elders — L. Willman, L. Kel-

ler, J. Knechel and F. E. Stuewig. Deacons — M. Ellert

and J. P. Wingert.

 

Districts: Chicago, J. Schafele, presiding elder; Naperville,

J. Schneider; Freeport, D. B. Byers; Mendota, C. Augenstein;

Peoria, S. Dickover.

 

1868. Iowa Conference, Cedar Falls, Iowa, April 9. Bishop

J. J. Esher, president; J. Nuhn, secretary. Located — B.Baker,

W. Kolb, D. N. Long and Levi Eberhart. Received on trial —

W. Klinefelter, L. Scheurer, J. Knoche and G.Youngblood.

J. J. Richardson, of the M. E. Church, was received. Ordamed

elder — C. Esher. Deacons — E. H. Egge, F. Beltzer and

L. Schobert. H. Lageschulte was re-elected and J. Buzzard

and H. J. Bowman were newly elected presiding elders.

 

Districts: Dubuque, J. Buzzard, presiding elder; Cedar Rap-

ids, H. Lageschulte; Des Moines, H. J. Bowman.

 

1868. Minnesota Conference, Castle Rock, Minn., April

24, to hold its first annual session. Bishop J. J. Esher, presi-

dent; H. E. Linse, secretary. Licensed — J. Huelscher and

J. Frehmel. Ordained deacons — A. Knebel, G. Simon, J.

Kiehnholtz and C. Werner. Israel Kuter was elected pre-

siding elder. The presiding elder of St. Paul District was directed

to visit the northern part of the State during the year, with a view

of establishing the work.

 

Districts: Winona, J. Kuter, presiding elder; St. Paul, W.

Stegner.

 

 

366 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

1868. Wisconsin Conference, Jefferson, Wis., April 16.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; H. Huelster, secretary. A.

Kammerer, F. Diete, J. F. Eickert, R. Raukel, D. Herb, S.

Kortenmeier, J. C. Brendel, J. Rabus, F. Trapp and A. Tar-

nutzer were received. Ordained elders — W. Hueister, W.

Pfefferkorn, J. Karcher and George Harm. Deacons — C.

Miller, J. Thieke and E. Hack. C. A. Schnake was elected

presiding elder.

 

Districts: Milwaukee, C. A. Schnake, presiding elder; Mad-

ison, H. Schelp; Fon du Lac, L. Buehler; Mississippi, G. Fritsche.

 

1868. Michigan Conference, Flowerfield, Mich., April 9.

Bishop J. Long, president; J. Meck, secretary. Licensed — G.

Haller, E. Weisbrodt, T. Davis and J. Rhoads. Ordained

elders — J. M. Fuchs and R. Spatz. Deacon — S. Copley. A.

Nicolai was re-elected presiding elder.

 

Districts: Detroit, A. Nicolai, presiding elder; St. Joseph,

M. J. Miller.

 

1868. Kansas Conference, school house, Nickel's Grove,

Kan., March 26. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; C. Berner,

secretary. C. Comstock was licensed. J. F. Schreiber, pre-

siding elder of the Conference District.

 

1868. Indiana Conference, South Bend, Ind., Sept. 10.

Bishop J. Long, president; M. Klaiber, secretary. Licensed —

J. Wales, C. Harte, A. Scheitler, A.Troyer and Enos Troyer.

Ordained elders — C. F. Matheis, E. Shamo, J. Berger and S.

Kiplinger. Deacons — F. Launer, J. Miller, J. Mayer and

E. Condo.

 

Districts: Wabash, G. G. Plata, presiding elder; White River,

M. Meyer; Elkhart, M. Krueger.

 

1869. East Pa. Conference, Salem Church, Philadelphia,

Pa., Feb. 24. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; Jesse Yeakel,

secretary. J. Frey located. A. Saylor, I. Deppen and L. Ruhl

died. Licensed — M. Canzler, N. Heil, N. Kaufman, A. Weaver,

A. Light, F. B. Luttman, W. W. Hambright, S. L. Wiest and

W. Wagoner. E. Bast and L. Schmidt were again received.

Ordained elders — J. N. Metzgar, J. K. Knerr, L. N. Worman,

J. C. Hornberger, G. Scharf and L. H. Gehman. Deacons- —

S. K. Seyfrit, I. E. Zimmerman, D. B. Albright, H. E.Oehrle,

W. A. Leopold and F. Sechrist.

 

Districts: Philadelphia, S. Neitz, presiding elder; Easton,

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 367

 

F. Hoffman; Allentown, J. Yeakel; Reading, J. M. Saylor;

Pottsville, J. P. Leib.

 

1869. Central Pa. Conference, Baltimore, Md., March 4.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; J.Young, secretary. Located —

W. P. Thomas and P. Graham. Granted credentials — H. R.

Price, J. Herm and F. Methfessel. H. B. Hartzler was

received. Licensed — P. F. Coup, W. H. Stover, M. Walton,

P. S. Orwig, I. S. Frain, P. Raidabaugh, H. Conrad, J. M.

King, H. Schriber, S. Stayman, W. M. Croman, W. Row, J.

W. Graham and J. Dum. Ordained as elder — D. A. Kepner.

Deacons — U. F. Swengel, J. M. Price, A. W. Kramer, W. P.

Thomas and J. M. Ettinger.

 

Districts: Baltimore, J. Young, presiding elder; Centre, M.

J. Carothers; Susquehanna, E. Kohr.

 

1869. Pittsburg Conference, near Orangeville, Pa., March

17. S. B. Kring, president; J. D. Hollinger, secretary. J. S.

Seip,. J. Woodhull, A. J. Myers, D. Baumgardner, J. Esch,

G. Felix, C. Helsel, J. T. Bowls, B. F. Feit, C. Dehaven and

A. W. Teats were licensed on trial. Ordained elders — L. M.

Boyer, P. W. Platts and S. Werner. Deacons — G. W. Brown,

J. Vogel, J. A. Grimm, J. A. Dunlap and W. Moody. A com-

mittee was appointed to write a letter of condolence to Bishop

Long, who was ill and could not preside at the session.

 

Districts: Pittsburg, S. B. Kring, presiding elder; Erie, G.

W. Cupp; Allegheny, G. S. Domer; Somerset, D. S. Poling.

 

1869. New York Conference, Warsaw, N.Y., April 1. Bishop

J. J. Esher, president; J. Siegrist, secretary. Jacob Dereich

died (born in Germany in 1805, licensed in 1841. An original

member of the conference and traveled many years). J. G. Sie-

grist was licensed. Ordained elder — A. Luscher. Deacons — P.

Glantz and E. Weier. L. Jacoby was elected presiding elder.

 

Districts: Albany, L. Jacoby, presiding elder; Buffalo, M.

Pfitzinger.

 

1869. Canada Conference, Waterloo, Can., April 15. Bishop

J. J. Esher, president; C. A. Thomas, secretary. Licensed —

J. Lingelbach, H. Dierlam, J. Walter and F. F. Meyer. Or-

dained elder — G. Brown. Deacon — J. Matzolf. C. F. Boller

entered the New York Conference.

 

Districts: Waterloo, Joseph Umbach, presiding elder; Ham-

ilton, W. Schmidt.

 

 

368 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

1869. Kansas Conference, Oregon, Mo., March 18. Bishop

J. J. Esher, president; C. Berner, secretary. Licensed — E.

Troyer and C. Emmel. Ordained elders — J. Wurth, H. Haas

and C. Zimmer. Deacons — J. Beck, H. Mattill and W. Fol-

get. C. Berner and J. G. Pfeuffer were elected to the office

of presiding elder.

 

Districts: Kansas, C. Berner, presiding elder; Missouri, J.

G. Pfeuffer.

 

1869. Michigan Conference, Bainbridge, Mich., April 8.

M. J. Miller, president; J. M. Haug, secretary. Licensed —

E. K. Dewitt. Ordained elder — C. S. Brown. Deacons — J.

Orth, C. Wiest and E. Boyer. Received into the itinerancy —

C. Thomas, P. Wiest and E. Boyer.

 

Districts: St. Joseph, M. J. Miller, presiding elder; Detroit,

A. Nicolai.

 

1869. Ohio Conference, Sandusky, O., May 6. Bishop J.

J. Esher, president; H. Longbrake, secretary. Licensed — S.

Shupp, G. F. Heinrich, H. H. Harrod, D. Curles and A.

Vandersal. Ordained elders — E. Peer, G. Blaser and D.

Stoll. Deacons — E. Reif and J. Plants. E. A. Hoffman, of

the East Pa. Conference, was received. Jonas Strohm joined

the Iowa Conference. J. Stoll was re-elected presiding elder.

 

Districts: Cleveland, C. M. Reinhold, presiding elder; San-

dusky, D. Strohman; Scioto, J. Stoll.

 

1869. Illinois Conference, Washington, Ill., April 8. Bishop

J. J. Esher, president; A. S. Heilman, secretary. J. G. Zinzer,

of the Ohio Conference, was received. J. G. Miller and A.

Finger joined the Wisconsin Conference. Located — G. W.

Lechler, G. Ramige, A. Niebel, C. Kopp and S. A. Tobias.

Licensed — W. Neitz, A. Knobel, W. H. Bucks, A. J. Culver,

H. H. Duth, A. Fuesele, J. Reif and A. Bartels. Ordained

- elders — W. W. Schuler and V. Forkel. Deacons — H. Meier

and A. Rohrbach. S. Dickover was elected presiding elder.

 

Districts: Chicago, J. Schaefele, presiding elder; Naperville,

J. Schneider; Freeport, D. B. Byers; Mendota, C. Augenstein

Peoria, S. Dickover.

 

1869. Iowa Conference, Belle Plain, Iowa, April 22. Bishop

J. J. Esher, president; J. Nuhn, secretary. Jacob Zimmerman

died. Licensed — W. Tallerheit, G. C. Heckathorn, Obed

Long, J. Herwig, S. Stoll, H. Reisland, F. Zager, S. Fen-

stermacher and J. Burden. Received on probation — C. C.

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 369

 

Pfund and George Bremer. Ordained elders — J. F. Yerger,

H. Brauer and H. Kohl. Deacons — D. H. Kooker, E. F.

Mell and L. Sheurer. L. H. Gehman joined the East Pa. and

H. Bunse the Minnesota Conference.

 

Districts: Cedar Rapids, H. Lageschulte, presiding elder;

Dubuque, Joseph Buzzard; Des Moines, H. J. Bowman.

 

1869. Minnesota Conference, East Prairie, Minn., May 14.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; C. Brill, secretary. Licensed —

A. Walch. Ordained deacons — G. Knebel and L. Miller.

 

Districts: Winona, Israel Kuter, presiding elder; St. Paul,

W. Stegner.

 

1869. Wisconsin Conference, Milwaukee, Wis., April 27.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; W. Horn, secretary. M. Hauert,

J. Banzhof and T. Rabus died. Licensed — A. Piepenburg, M.

Werner, J. Fritsche and H. Umbreit. Ordained elders — H.

Guelich, F. Strobel, J. Koch and T. Umbreit. Deacons —

F. Moser, A. Yockel, O. Kuterling, J. Kahl, F. J. Scheir-

mier, G. ZiMMERMAN and F. Assman. H. Huelster was elected

to the office of presiding elder.

 

Districts: Milwaukee, C. A. Schnake, presiding elder; Fon du

Lac, H. Schelp; Madison, H. Huelster; Mississippi, G. Fritsche.

 

1869. Indiana Conference, Olney, Ill., Sept. 9. Bishop J.

J. Esher, president; M. Klaiber, secretary. Licensed — S.

Condo, W. Koenig, E. Hochstetler, W. Lueder, C. L. Atkin-

son, W. Knaubloch, W. Wildermuth, Jacob Dreisbach and J.

Maurer. Ordained elders — A. Hartzler, S. S. Albert, A.

Parker, D. Pontius and C. Ade. Deacons — G. Wales and J.

K. Troyer. A. Parker joined the Iowa Conference.

 

Note. — June 23 of this year marks the demise of Bishop Joseph

Long, the second bishop of the Evangelical Association. The

periodicals were draped in mourning, and a general gloom over-

spread the entire Church. The reader is referred to the biograph-

ical department for a further account of this mighty man of God.

 

1870. East Pa. Conference, Catasauqua, Pa., Feb. 23. J.

J. Esher, president; J. Yeakel, secretary. Licensed — S. F.

Dundore, J. M. Soliday, A. Straub, E. Gaumer, I. W. Yeakel,

J. A. Feger, D. S. Stauffer, M. Trumbore and M. N. Bern-

hart. Ordained elders — H. A. Neitz, B. J. Smoyer, W. K.

Wiend, J. Laros and J. G. Sands. Deacons — A. M. Stirk,

A. Kindt, J. L. Werner, J. Savitz and G. Miller. Located

 

 

370 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

— J. Shimer. S. Neitz was re-elected and C. S. Haman was

newly elected presiding elder.

 

Districts: Philadelphia, C. S. Haman, presiding elder;

Easton, F. Hoffman; Allentown, J. Yeakel; Reading, J. M.

Saylor; Pottsville, S. Neitz.

 

1870. Central Pa. Conference, Williamsport, Pa., March 4.

J. J. Esher, president; J. Hartzler, secretary. Died — M.

Walter, P. Graham, P. Wagoner and T. Zulauf. Located —

I. Y. Reed. Licensed — W. N. Wallace, L. K. Harris, E.

Swengel, A. W. Shenberger, J. A. Irvine and B. Craly.

Ordained elders — J. W. Bentz and S. I. Shortiss. Deacons —

H. H. Ream, S. P. Reamer, H. B. Hartzler, S. Yearick, J.

Swartz, C. H. Gramley, G. E. Zehner, J. Manbeck, A. Houser

and J. Shafer.

 

Districts: Baltimore, E. Kohr, presiding elder; Centre, M.

J. Carothers; Susquehanna, J. Young.

 

1870. Pittsburg Conference, Pittsburg, Pa., March 17.

J. J. Esher, president; J. Q. A. Weller, secretary. D. Stayer

and A. R. Teats, withdrew. Licensed — H. S. Herr, D. B.

Enterline, N. Yoder, A. Platt, S. M. Baumgardner, H. S.

Stauffer, J. King, T. Eisenhower and I. A. Rohland. Or-

dained elder — E. B. Arthur. Deacons W. Houpt, J. H. Bates

and J. Spatz. S. B. Kring and D. S. Poling were re-elected and

J. D. Hollinger and J. L. W. Seibert were newly elected pre-

siding elders.

 

Districts: Pittsburg, G. S. Domer, presiding elder; Erie, S.

B. Kring; Allegheny, J. D. Hollinger; Somerset, J. L. W.

Seibert; Potomac, D. S. Poling.

 

1870. Ohio Conference, Flat Rock, Ohio, May 5. J. J.

Esher, president; H. Longbrake, secretary. A. Miller, died.

Licensed — J. D. Seip, D. H. Rosenberger, O. Faus J. Lusler,

G. Miesse and J. Schmaus. E. Tramer, A. Ware, C. H.

Lintner and J. F. Wonder took credential. C. F. Negele

and E. C. Turner were voted elder's, and N. Shupp, W. H.

Ingel, P. Foltz, S. Hippert, A. Ruble, D. B. Johnson, J. N.

Richards, J. Yauch and J. H. Hauks were voted deacon's

orders.

 

Districts: Cleveland, J. Frankhouser, presiding elder; San-

dusky, J. Stoll; Fremont, C. M. Reinhold; Scioto, D. Strohman.

 

1870. New York Conference, March 10. J. J. Esher,

president; J. Siegrist, secretary. Licensed to preach — H.

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 371

 

Bush, K. F. Stuebe, G. Stortz and A. L. Link. Ordained

elders — A. Unholtz and M. Yauch. Deacons — G. Frech, F.

Heher and S. Bean.

 

Districts: Albany, L. Jacoby, presiding elder; Buffalo, M.

Pfitzinger.

 

1870. Canada Conference, Stephen, Ont., March 31. J.

J. Esher, president; P. Alles, secretary. J. Reuber was

licensed to preach. J. Anthes, M. Maurer and C. Stener-

nagel were voted elder's, and S. N. Moyer, C. Braun and J.

Bechtel were granted deacon's orders.

 

Districts: Hamburg, Joseph Umbach, presiding elder; Wat-

erloo, W. Schmidt; Hamilton, S. Kropp.

 

1870. Wisconsin Conference, near Jefferson, Wis., April

28. J. J. Esher, president; J. Huelster, secretary. The fol-

lowing were licensed — U. Elmer, J. Schneller, Chas. Koch,

Michael Russ, J. Dietrich, Alex. Wagoner, Karl Graff and

W. Kammerer. Also Chas. Buehner, of the M. E. Church,

was received. Elders ordained — J. P. Veil and C. Miller.

Deacons — J. C. Brendel, A. Kammerer, D. Herb, S. Kort-

myer, L. Kunkel and F. Dite.

 

Districts: Milwaukee, C. A. Schnake, presiding elder; Mad-

ison, H. Huelster; Fond du Lack, H. Schelp; N. Mississippi,

G. Fritsche.

 

1870. Indiana Conference, Indianapolis, Ind., Sept. 8.

J. J. Esher, president; M. Hoehn, secretary. Absalom B.

Shaeffer and G. W. Wales, died. Licensed — L. Grimm, H.

Overmier, W. Braeckly and Cleophas Baumgardner. Re-

ceived — H. Price, of the Central Pa., and E. Tramer, of the

Ohio Conference. C. Ade, D. J. Pontius, B. Hoffman, E. E.

Condo and J. E. Dreisbach took credentials. F. Launer, J.

Miller, J. A. Mayer and C. Schuh, were granted elder's, and

J. Wales, deacon's orders.

 

Districts: Wabash, G. G. Platz, presiding elder; Indian-

apolis, M. Mayer; Elkhart, M. Krueger.

 

1870. Illinois Conference, Des Plaines, Ill., April 14. J.

J. Esher, president; M. Stamm, secretary. Died — N. McLean

and E. Wirth. Located — A. Stahle, H. Bucks, E. Mussel-

man and J. F. Weirich. Licensed — T. Alberding, G. Lauten-

slager, G. Eichenlaub, A. Schlenkel and C. H. Kolb. Or-

dained deacons — W. F. Heidner, C. Schmucker, C. Burkhart

and J. Hersch. Elders — J. P. Wingert and M. Eller. S.

 

 

373 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Dickover resigned the office of presiding elder, and John

Schneider and C. Augenstein were re-elected, and W. Goes-

sele newly elected to the same.

 

Districts: Chicago, J. Schaffle, presiding elder; Naperville,

C. Augenstein; Mendota, J. Schneider; Freeport, D. B. Byers;

Peoria, W. Goessele.

 

1870. Iowa Conference, Blairstown, Iowa, April 21. J. J.

Esher, president; Jacob Nuhn, German, H. J. Bowman, Eng-

lish secretary. J. M. Condo, died. Licensed — F. Zager, J.

Lehew, J. H. Pippert, M. Knoll, F. Drake, W. Neuman,

Otto Ball and W. Warfield. E. H. Egge, L. Schobert, J.

J. Richardson and H. Kletzing were voted elder's, and J.

Knoche, G. Youngblood, W. Kleinfelter, C. W. Anthony

and W. H. Hahn, deacon's orders.

 

Districts: Cedar Rapids, H. Lageschulte, presiding elder;

Dubuque, Joseph Bossert; Des Moines, H. J. Bowman; Ne-

braska, E. J. Schultz.

 

1870. Michigan Conference, Freedom, Mich., April 7.

J. J. Esher, president; J. M. Haug, secretary. Licensed —

Samuel Heininger, E. H. Hess, J. H. Keeler, George Kolb

and J. Tim. B. F. Wade was voted deacon's and C. Copley

elder's orders. M. J. Miller was re-elected and J. Meck was

newly elected presiding elder.

 

Districts: Adrian, A. Nicolai, presiding elder; St. Joseph,

M. J. Miller; Flint, J. Meck.

 

1870. Minnesota Conference, Pleasant Grove, Minn., May

12. J. J. Esher, president; E. H. Bowman, secretary. L.

Miller, died. Licensed — J. Zimmerman, J. Manthei, P. Bott,

J. L. Stegner and A. Schmidt. A. Knebel, J. Keinholtz,

G. Simon and G. Yohn were granted elder's orders and J. Heil-

scher and J. Drehmel deacon's.

 

Districts: Winona, Israel Kuter, presiding elder; St. Paul,

W. Stegner.

 

1870. Kansas Conference, Deer Creek, Kan., March 24.

J. G. Pfeuffer, president; C. Berner, secretary. F. W.

Voegelein, C. Linge, H. Koepsel. and S. Schneider were

newly received. Deacon's orders were granted W. Lingelbach.

Conference organized itself into a Sunday-School and Tract

Society.

 

Districts: Kansas, C. Berner, presiding elder; Missouri, J.

G. Pfeuffer.

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 373

 

1871. East Pa. Conference, Lebanon, Pa., Feb. 22. Bishop

J. J. Esher, president; J. Koehl, secretary. S. Dundore (local)

died. Licensed — E. J. Miller, W. Minsker, M. Steckley, A.

A. Delong, A. Hofsomer, J. F. Wolfarth, U. H. Hershey,

J. K. Fehr, S. S. Young, W. W. Weaver and S. H. Dunkel-

berger. A. Markley, of the M. E. Church, was received; R.

Mott, of the Pittsburg Conference, was also received. Ordained

elders — W. A. Leopold, J. K. Seyfrit, I. E. Zimmerman, F.

Sechrist and B. D. Albright. Deacons — W. A. Shoemaker,

S. L. Wiest, J. Kurtz, O. L. Saylor, R. Driebelbis, J. Moyer,

D. Lehman and J. Painter. J. Yeakel was re-elected and T.

Bowman newly elected presiding elder. New missions — Wilkes-

Barre, Scranton, Newmanstown, Shamokin, Tremont, Hamburg,

Hellertown, Williams Valley and Schuylkill Haven (English).

 

Districts: Philadelphia, C. S. Haman, presiding elder; Read-

ing, J. M. Saylor; Harrisburg, F. Hoffman; Pottsville, T. Bow-

man; Allentown, S. Neitz; Easton, J. Yeakel.

 

1871. Central Pa. Conference, York, Pa., March 2. Bishop

J. J. Esher, president; I. M. Pines, secretary. Licensed — A.

Stapleton, J. Fenner, H. Hummelbach,. G. Jackson, H. Gren-

inger, R. C. Bowersox, R. Young, N. Young and C. Stroup.

Ordained elders — J. M. Ettinger, U. F. Swengel, A. Kramer

and J. M. Price. Deacons — J. M. King, H. Conrad, P. S.

Orwig, P. W. Raidabaugh, W. M. Croman and W. W. Rhoads.

M. Walton died. E. Kohr resigned the office of presiding

elder owing to ill-health, and C. F. Deininger and S. Smith were

were elected to the same. An appeal from Seneca charge, New

York State, to supply their charge abandoned by the New York

Conference, was favorably considered. Williamsport District

was formed.

 

Districts: Baltimore, J. Young, presiding elder; Carlisle, C.

F. Deininger; Lewisburg, M. J.Carothers; Williamsport, S.Smith.

 

1871. Pittsburg Conference, Erie, Pa., March 15. Bishop

J. J. Esher, president; J. D. Hollinger, secretary. J. Shimp

died. Licensed — W. M. Stanford, L. H. Hetrick.W. D.Ortz,

F. Bone, S. Milliron, W. Kunselman, J. J. Carmany and G.

W. White, H. R. Gathers, of the Lutheran Church, was re-

ceived. Ordained elders — J. A. Grimm, G. W. Brown and J.

A. Dunlap. Deacons — B. F. Feitt, A. J. Myers, J. Woodhull

and Y. Esch.

 

 

374 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Districts: Pittsburg, G. S. Domer, presiding elder; Erie, S.

B. Kring; Allegheny, J. D. Hollinger; Somerset, J. L.W. Seibert.

 

1871. New York Conference, Lyons, N.Y., March 9. Bishop

J. J. Esher, president. S. Sechrist, secretary. C. L. Witt was

licensed. Ordained elder — P. Glantz and E. Wier. Deacon —

G. Sechrist. M. Lauer was elected presiding elder. Received into

the itinerancy — J. Schaf, C. L.Witt, J. REUBERand A. Schlenk.

 

Districts: Albany, L. Jacoby, presiding elder; Rochester,

M. Pfitzingcr; Buffalo, M. Lauer.

 

1871. Canada Conference, Berlin, Can., March 30. Bishop

J. J. Esher, president; C. A. Thomas, secretary. S; Morely

located. F. Brekow was licensed. C. Pfeffer and F. Brekow

were received into conference. Ordained deacons — G.M.Groff,

F. F. Meyer and J. Lingelbach. J. McCauly, of the Menno-

nite Church, was received as an elder.

 

Districts: Hamburg, J. Umbach, presiding elder; Waterloo,

W. Schmidt; Hamilton, S. Krupp.

 

1871. Ohio Conference, Cleveland, Ohio, May 4. Bishop

J. J. Esher, president; H. Longbrake, secretary. A. Decker

and C. Aubel, died. Licensed — S. Frey, D. Ellenberger, W.

Kitchen, J. U. Loy, A. W. Orwig, C. B. Pershing and L. W.

Henky. Ordained elders — S. E. Rife and J. Plantz. Dea-

cons — A. Vandersall, G. Heinrich, B. Berry and J. Zeller.

A. Lochner again joined the conference. S. Hoy and J. W.

Walkey were elected presiding elders.

 

Districts: Cleveland, J. Stull, presiding elder; Sandusky, C.

M. Reinhold; Freemont, J. W. Walkey; Columbus, S. Hoy.

 

1871. Illinois Conference, Chicago, Ill., April 13. Bishop

J. J. Esher, president, G. Vetter, secretary. H. Heiner

(local), died. Located — D. Kramer, J. F. Schnee and H.

Rothermund. Licensed — G. C. Knoble, S. Hansing, W.

Trapp, S. Umbach, C. Stockhowe, J. Wellner, H. Lashell,

S. Petett, D. E. Fehr, F. Busse, J. Tobias and M. E. Myers.

Ordained elders — A. Rohrbach, H. Myers and E. E. Condo.

Deacons — A. Knoble, J. Reif, W. Neitz, L. Glasser, A.

Fuessele, H. Honstett, H. H. Doth, J. Myers and J. Erb.

Christian Augenstein resigned the office of presiding elder

and Jacob Himmel was elected to the same.

 

Districts: Chicago, J. Schafle, presiding elder; Naperville,

J. Himmel; Freeport, D. B. Byers; Mendota, J. Schneider;

Peoria, W. Goessele.

 

 

OONFERENCE RECORDS. 375

 

1871. Michigan Conference, Van Buren, Ind., April 6.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; J. M. Hogue, secretary. Lo-

cated — J. Paulin, P. Wiest and E. Boyer. Licensed —J. W.

Loose, L. Kemmerling, C. Schafer, L. Brum, J. Long, C.

Dietrich and F. Sweitzer. Ordained elders — E. Weis, J. Orth

and D. C. Rowlan. Deacons — W. Reimke, E. H. Hess and

J. H. Keeler.

 

Districts: Adrian, A. Nicolai, presiding elder; Flint, J.

Meek; St. Joseph, M. J. Miller.

 

1871. Iowa Conference, Ackley, Iowa, April 20. Bishop

J. J. Esher, president; H. Brauer, secretary. Located — F.

Zager. J. J. Miller, D. J. Pontius, A. Bussard, W. King

and A. Wagoner were received into the itinerancy. Ordained

elders — L. Scheurer, D. H. Kooker and E. F. Mell. Dea-

cons — O. Long, G. Brenner, W. H. Bucks, C. C. Pfund, J.

J. Miller and S. Reep. A. Loehner took credentials for an-

other conference.

 

Districts: Cedar Rapids, H. Lageschulte, presiding elder,

Dubuque, J. Bussard; Des Moines, H. J. Bowman; Nebraska,

E. J. Schultz.

 

1871. Wisconsin Conference, Racine, Wis., April 27. Bishop

J. J. Esher, president; W. Horn, secretary. Located — G.

von Eschen. Licensed — J. Robinson, W. Kemmerer, H.

Clement, F. G. Gehler and F. Nickel. Ordained elders —

A. Yokel, O. Kuderling, F. F. Moser, J. Kahl, G. Zimmer-

man and F. Assman. Deacons — A. Peipenburgh, W. Kaun,

M. Werner, A. Finger, H. Assman, P. Jenny, F. Muejil, J.

Zimmerman and H. Uphof. G. Fritsche was re-elected and

P. Massueger newly elected presiding elder.

 

Districts: Milwaukee, C. A. Schnake, presiding elder; Mad-

ison, H. Huelster; Fon du Lac, G. Fritsche; Mississippi, P.

Massueger.

 

1871. Kansas Conference, Salem Church, thirteen miles

east of St. Joseph, Mo., March 23. Bishop J. J. Esher, presi-

dent; C. Berner, secretary. Located — C. Zimmer. Licensed

— J. Emmel, F. Harter, J. Gering, W. Luttman, J. Kipp-

linger and J. Shesser. Ordained elders — W. Folgate, J. Beck

and H. Mattill. Deacons — W. Lingelbach, L. Emmel and

E. Troyer.

 

Districts: Kansas, C. Berner, presiding elder; Missouri, J.

G. Pfeuffer.

 

 

376 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

1871. Minnesota Conference, St. Paul, Minn., May 12.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; H. E. Linse, secretary. Israel

Kuter took credentials for another conference. Licensed — W.

Lentz, C. W. Sydow and H. Hensel. Ordained elder — G.

Knebel. Deacon — A. Walsh. W. Stegner was again and L.

von Wald newly elected presiding elder.

 

Districts: Winona, W. Stegner, presiding elder; St. Paul,

L. von Wald.

 

1871. Indiana Conference, Louisville, Ky., Sept. 7. Bishop

J. J. Esher, president; J. Berger, secretary. Located — G. G.

Platz, G. Schmoll and S. Albert. L. V. Krim, died. Or-

dained elder — J. K. Troyer. Deacons — J. Maurer, S. S.

Condo, W. Lueder and W. Koenig. M. W. Steffey, John

Fuchs, M. Meier and H. L. Fisher were elected presiding

elders.

 

Districts: Evansville, M. Meyer, presiding elder; Indian-

apolis, J. Fuchs; Fort Wayne, M. W. Steffey; Elkhart, H. L.

Fisher.

 

 

377

 

CHAPTER XV.

 

Fifteenth General Conference, Held at Naperville, Ill.,

Oct. 12-27, 1871.

 

1871. General Conference, fifteenth session, Naperville,

Ill., Oct. 12-27. Bishops J. J. Esher and R. Yeakel, presi-

dents; J. Yeakel, secretary; C. A. Thomas and S. Smith,

assistants.

 

The delegates were required to change their lodging places,

every Monday noon.

 

The Committee on Memorials reported the death of Bishop

Joseph Long and Father John Dreisbach, P. Wagoner, A. B.

Schaefer and J. D. Hollinger, former members of General

Conference, since the last session.

 

Union with the Methodist Episcopal Church occupied a

considerable portion of time. The delegates present from the

Methodist Episcopal Church to open the way for an organic

union with that body were Revs. R. Haney, P. Kuhl and W.

Nast, D. D. The measure failed, however, to command the

requisite number of votes (two-thirds).

 

The agitation regarding the changing of our denominational

name was also closed by a recommendation to adopt the name

of "The Evangelical Church," which did not pass.

 

The pastoral limit was increased from two to three years.

 

The resolution of the General Conference of 1851, giving per-

mission to preachers and congregations to introduce a six months'

probation system in the reception of members was rescinded.

 

It was ordered that the bishops shall draw any deficit that may

be due them for salary quarterly from the book establishment.

 

Biblical Institutes, rules and regulations for the establish-

ment of Theological Institutions under the auspices of the Church

were established.

 

 

378 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Resolved, That all the officers of the book establishment shall

be members of the Ohio Conference.

 

The monthly magazines, The Living Epistle and Das Evan-

gelische Magazin, were accepted from their proprietors, and were

made denominational publications. The Sunday-school papers

were ordered to be published semi-monthly, and contain the

Sunday-school lessons.

 

T. Bowman, R, Dubs and J. Young were elected as a dele-

gation to bear the fraternal greeting of the Evangelical Associa-

tion to the General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal

Church at its next session.

 

The following were elected to the various offices of the church:

Bishops, J. J. Esher and R. Yeakel; general book agent, W.

F. Schneider; editor of Christliche Botschafter, R. Dubs; editor

of Evangelical Messenger, J. Hartzler; editor of Das Evan-

geliche Magazin and Christliche Kinderfreund, W. Horn; editor

of The Living Epistle and Sunday-School Messenger, J. Young;

Corresponding Secretary of the Missionary Society, W. Yost;

Treasurer of Missionary Society, W. W. Orwig; Superintend-

ent of Orphan Home, C. Hammer; editor of Evangelische Bot-

schafter (in Germany), J. Kaechele; editor of Evangelische

Kinderfreund (Germany), J. Fuessele.

 

Delegates. — East Pa. Conference. — J. M. Saylor, F. Hoff-

man, J. P. Leib, C. S. Hainan, George Knerr, L. Snyder, S. G.

Rhoads, T. Bowman, S. Neitz, C. H. Baker, J. Yeakel.

 

Central Pa. Conference. — M. J. Carothers, Jacob Young, C.

F. Deininger, Z. Hornberger, S. Smith, Jacob Hartzler, S. W.

Seibert.

 

Pittsburg Conference. — J. D. Domer, J. Q. A. Weller, G. S.

Domer, S. B. Kring, J. L. W. Seibert, James Croasman.

 

Illinois Conference. — John Schneider, Jacob Schaefle, Jacob

Himmel, S. Dickover, C. Hummel, G. Vetter, J. G. Esher, W.

Goesele, H. Rohland, J. G. Zinzer.

 

Indiana Conference. — M.W. Steffey, John Fuchs, M. Krueger,

E. L. Kiplinger, M. Mayer, H. L. Fisher.

 

Wisconsin Conference. — C. A. Schnake, H. Huelster, H.

Schelp, G. Fritsche, P. Massueger, W. Horn.

 

Canada Conference. — W. Schmidt, P. Alles, J. Umbach, C.

A. Thomas.

 

Michigan Conference. — J. Meek, M. J. Miller, A. Nicolai,

J. M. Haug.

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 379

 

Iowa Conference. — H. Lageschulte, J. Buzzard, H. J. Bow-

man. J. C. Schultz.

 

New York Conference. — M. Lehn, M. Lauer, M. Pfitzinger.

 

Ohio Conference. — W. W. Orwig, G. F. Spreng, L. Scheuer-

man, J. Stoll, D. Strohman, C. M. Reinhold, J.W.Walkey, S. Hoy.

 

Minnesota Conference. — C. Brill, W. Stegner.

 

Kansas Conference. — J. G. Pfeiffer, C. Berner.

 

Germany Conference. — J. Kaechele. Ex-officio members — J.

J. Esher, R. Dubs, W. F. Schneider, W. Yost, R. Yeakel.

 

Note. — Several events of great importance transpired during

this year. In January T. G. Clewell, who, since April, 1857,

had been the able editor of the Evangelical Messenger, was sus-

pended from office by the Board of Publication on the charge of

holding and supporting views contrary to our Articles of Faith,

and particularly so, as they relate to the subject of sanctification.

He was succeeded by R. Yeakel, who was appointed by the

Board of Publication. Brother Clewell held that the board had

no authority to remove him in the manner it did, and appealed

to the civil courts to prevent it. For this and other alleged

misconduct he was deposed from the ministry. He was, how-

ever, restored again at the session of the Pittsburg Conference

in March following. The case created considerable feeling

throughout the Church. The East and Central Pa. Conferences,

while disapproving of Brother Clewell's invoking the arm of

the law, maintained that the board acted without sufficient reason

or jurisdiction. Among the objections of the East Pa. Confer-

ence to the proceedings were that a diversity of opinion regard-

ing the doctrine of sanctification had always existed in the

Church, and Brother Clewell's views being well known prior

to his last election, he should have at that time been brought to

account; and further, that the articles from his pen, on which

the charges were based, did not contain sufficient reasons for his

suspension. At the following General Conference the proceed-

ings of the board in the case were nevertheless ratified.

 

In August the Church periodicals were draped in mourning

at the death of Father John Dreisbach, the last co-laborer of

Albright, the founder of the Evangelical Association. The

reader is referred to his biography in this work.

 

On October 4 occurred the death of Rev. J. D. Hollinger,

presiding elder of Allegheny District, Pittsburg Conference, at

the age of thirty-two years, nine months and twelve days. He

 

 

 

380 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNAL8.

 

was converted in youth and received a thorough education at

Greensburg Seminary, entered the Pittsburg Conference as a

licentiate in 1861, was twice elected delegate to General Confer-

ence and presiding elder in 1870. He was one of the most

brilliant and promising young men of the Church, and his untimely

death was greatly lamented.

 

The Church also sustained the loss of Father Daniel Kehr,

son of Jacob and Mary Kehr, who lived a few miles west of New

Berlin, Pa. Their house was a preaching place in Albright's

time. Daniel was converted in youth, entered the Eastern Con-

ference in 1830, was elected presiding elder in 1842 and served

Carmel and Potomac Districts in succession. Brother Kehr

was a member of five General Conferences. He excelled in his

command of the Scriptures. In this he often astonished not only

the laity, but his ministerial brethren as well. He died near the

"Loop," Centre county, Pa., Sept. 9, 1871, aged sixty-eight

years. Text (his own selection), Dan. xii. 13.

 

1872. East Pa. Conference, Pine Grove, Pa., Feb. 28.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; T. Bowman, secretary. Licensed

to preach — D. A. Medlar, C. Bliem, J. M. Oplinger, J. Wil-

son, H. R. Yost, C. Pfeifle, T. Hess, C. Brown, S. Newhart

and W. N. Nicholas. Ordained elders — J. L. Werner, J.

Savitz, A. M. Stirk and A. Kindt. Deacons — I. W. Yeakel,

J. A. Feger, B. H. Miller, D. S. Stauffer, A. A. DeLong, E.

Miller and J. K. Fehr. J. M. Saylor was re-elected and G.

T. Haines was newly elected presiding elder. The salary of

preachers was fixed. The minimum shall be $250 for the first

two years and $500 thereafter. Samuel Brown, a local preacher,

died during the year.

 

Districts: Philadelphia, C. S. Haman, presiding elder; Read-

ing, G. T. Haines; Harrisburg, J. M. Saylor; Pottsville, T.

Bowman; Allentown, S. Neitz; Easton, J. Yeakel.

 

1872. Central Pa. Conference, Baltimore, Md., March 7.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; Z. Hornberger, secretary. Li-

censed to preach — E.Goodling, H. Berger, L. Dice, S. Herold,

P. Graham, F. C. Pandel, R. W. Runyan, G. W. Currin, L.

Matthias, J. A. Hetner, E. M. Beaver, J. M. Brader, A. W.

Bower, S. Harding, H. Bower, F. M. Baker, A. J. Gramley,

G. W. Gilmore, J. M. Longsdorf and C. F. Veil. Ordained

elders — G. E. Zehner, H. B. Hartzler, S. P. Reamer, S.

Yearick, H. Ream and C. H. Gramley. Deacons — A. W. Shen-

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 381

 

berger, W. H. Stover, L. K. Harris and G. L. Burson. Died

— Daniel Kehr and Peter Heiss. A. L. Reeser was newly

and M. J. Carothers was re-elected presiding elder. The sal-

ary was fixed as follows: Minimum — Unordained, single, $200;

ordained, single, $300; ordained, married, $500.

 

Districts: Baltimore, C. F. Deininger, presiding elder; Car-

lisle, A. L. Reeser; Lewisburg, M. J. Carothers; Williamsport,

S. Smith.

 

1872. Pittsburg Conference, Allegheny, Pa., March 17.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; J. J. Bernhart, secretary.

Licensed — W. Stadtlander, J. Garner, T. Bach, L. I. Baum-

gardner and R. Sneadon. Ordained elders — W. Houpt and

J. H. Bates. Deacons — S. M. Baumgardner, J. King, D. M.

Baumgardner and I. A. Rohland. J. D. Hollinger, presiding

elder, died. G. W. Cupp and H. B. Sommers were re-elected

and G. S. Domer was newly elected presiding elder. The salary

of preachers was fixed as follows: Minimum (besides house) —

First year, single, $200; married, $300. Second year, single,

$300; married, $400. Thereafter — single, $400; married, $600.

T. G. Clewell and C. W. Davis took credentials.

 

Districts: Pittsburg, S. B. Kring, presiding elder; Canton,

H. B. Summers; Allegheny, G. W. Cupp; Somerset, J. L. W.

Seibert; Franklin, G. S. Domer.

 

1872. New York Conference, Buffalo, N.Y., March 7. R.

Yeakel, president; J. Sechrist, secretary. Licensed — C. Roe-

her, A. Bornheimer and C. Mowitz. Ordained elders — G.

Frech, S. Bean and F. Hehr. Deacons — J. Reuber and A.

Schlenk. M. Pfitzinger was re-elected presiding elder.

 

Districts: Albany, L. Jacoby, presiding elder; Rochester,

M. Pfitzinger; Buffalo, M. Lauer.

 

1872. Canada Conference, New Hamburg, Ont., April 11.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; C. A. Thomas, secretary. Li-

censed — F. Schwartz and J. H. Damm. Ordained elders —

C. F. Braun and N. S. Moyer. Deacons — H. Dierlam and

C. Pfeffer.

 

Districts: Hamburg, J. Umbach, presiding elder; Waterloo,

W. Schmidt; Hamilton, S. Krupp.

 

1872. Ohio Conference, Burbank, O., May 2. R. Yeakel,

president; J. Lerch, secretary. John Dreisbach and John

Frueh died. Licensed — W. Shisler, H. Spitler, A. Stull, J.

Drinkwater, G. Ellenberger and V. Brown. Ordained elders

 

 

382 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION AHNAL8.

 

— J. S. Hanks, N. Shupp, S. Hippert and W. H. Ingle. Dea-

cons — J. Dooly, G. Miesse and J. D. Seip. C. M. Reinhold

was re-elected presiding elder. The salary (minimum) was fixed

as follows: Unmarried and unordained, $200; unordained but

married, $250; ordained and married, $500. The conference

entered the Northwestern College compact.

 

Districts: Cleveland, J. Stull, presiding elder; Sandusky, C.

M. Reinhold; Fremont, J. W. Walkey; Columbus, S. Hoy.

 

1872. Michigan Conference, Woodland, Mich., April 4.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; J. M. Houg, secretary. Licensed

— W. D. Schafer, A. Plocher and J. Houghtby. Ordained

elder — B. F. Wade. Deacons — T. F. Davis, J. Young and S.

Heininger. L. Scheuerman, of the Ohio Conference, was re-

ceived and elected presiding elder. A single man's salary was

fixed at not less than $150. If married, not less than $200 for

the first two years, and after that not less than $500, besides

house rent.

 

Districts: Adrian, L. Scheuerman, presiding elder; St. Joseph,

M. J. Miller; Flint, J. Meek.

 

1872. Illinois Conference, Geneseo, Ill., April 4. R.Yea-

kel, president; G. Vetter, secretary. Licensed — C. Byerer,

E. D. Einsel, W. Caton and W. Schmus. W. Honstedt died.

Ordained elders — C. Schmucker and C. Burkhart. Deacons —

T. Alberding, G. Laugenstein, G. Eichenlaub, J. Worrick

and G. Himmel. J. Schneider, having been elected treasurer of

Northwestern College, resigned the office of presiding elder.

The salary (minimum) was fixed as follows: Unordained, single,

$250; ordained, single, $300; ordained, married, $500. C. W.

Davis and I. Kuter, of other conferences, were received. S.

Dickover was elected traveling agent for Northwestern College.

J. J. Kanaga took credentials for the Ohio, and the brethren

Houpt and Culp for the Iowa Conference.

 

Districts: Chicago, G. Vetter, presiding elder; Naperville, J.

Himmel; Freeport, H. Rohland; Mendota, J. Schafele; Peoria,

W. Goessele.

 

1872. Indiana Conference, Elkhart, Ind., Sept. 12. Bishop

J. J. Esher, president; J. Berger, secretary. Licensed — J.

Mode, F. Brauer, G. Berstecher, J. Hunzinger, B. F. Dill,

H. Brechtel, A. Geist and D. Licht. Ordained elder — J.

Wales. Deacons — E. Troyer, E. T. Hochstedler, H. E,

Overmeyer, M. Byers, S. Plantz and W. Wildermuth. H. L.

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 383

 

Fisher resigned the office of presiding elder and E. L. Kiplinger

was elected in his stead. L. Kiplinger was granted credentials.

The minimum salary of the preachers was fixed.

 

Districts: Evansville, M. Moyer, presiding elder; Indian-

apolis, J. Fuchs; Fort Wayne, M. W. Steffey; Elkhart, E. L.

Kiplinger.

 

1872. Iowa Conference, Grandview, Iowa, April 18. Bishop-

J. J.Esher, president; C. C. Pfund (German) and D. H. Kooker

(English), secretaries. Licensed— E. B. Urr, A. Heckathorn,

E. E. Bonta, M. Gruener, F. Loehle, P. Desgranges, L.

Reib, J. Pflaum and H. Stelrecht. Ordained elders — W. J.

Hahn, W. Kleinfelter, F. Beltzer, G.Youngblood,W. King,.

J. Knoche and C. W. Anthony. Deacons — O. Rall, J. P. Just,

M. Knoll, W. C. Reinke, J. H. Pippert, and W. H. Newman.

D. J. Pontius took credentials. J. Bussard, H. J. Bowman and

H. Lageschulte were re-elected to the office of presiding elder.

 

Districts: Cedar Rapids, H. J. Bowman, presiding elder;

Dubuque, H. Lageschulte; Des Moines, Joseph Bussard; Ne-

braska, J. E. Schultz.

 

1872. Kansas Conference, Nicholas Grove, Mo., March 21.

R. Yeakel, president; J. Wurth, secretary. Licensed — W.

Meier, L. Wenger, W. Heiser, R. P. Condrea. Ordained

elder — W. Lingelbach. Deacons — F.W.Volgelein, H. Koep-

sel, C. Linge and A. Rex. J. E. Dreisbach, of the Indiana

Conference, was received. S. W. McKesson and D. Zeller

took credentials.

 

Districts: Kansas, C. Berner, presiding elder; Missouri, J-

G. Pfeuffer.

 

1872. Wisconsin Conference, Milwaukee, Wis., April 27.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; F. Huelster, secretary. Licensed

— F. Nickel, F. Eilert, G. Winkelwisch, C. Schneider and

H.Clements. Ordained elders — A. Kammerer, S. Kortmeier,

J. C. Brendel, L. Runkel and D. Herb. Deacons — J. Schnel-

ler and J. Dietrich. W. Kaufman was elected presiding elder.

The salary (minimum) was fixed as follows: Unmarried proba-

tioners, $175; unmarried deacons, $300; married deacons, $300-

elders, $500.

 

Districts: Milwaukee, W. F. Kaufman, presiding elder; Fon.

du Lac, G. Fritsche; Madison, H. Huelster; Mississippi, P-

Massneger.

 

 

384 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

1872. Minnesota Conference, near Blue Earth, Minn., May

2, Bishop J. J. Esher, presiding. There were under the care of

the conference thirteen missions, served by fourteen missionaries,

and three mission churches were built during the past year.

 

Districts: Winona, W. Stegner, presiding elder; St. Paul,

L. Von Wald.

 

Notes. — On Jan. 24 Brother W. H. Honstett, a talented

young minister of the Illinois Conference, died. He was born

in 1846, and entered the active ranks of the conference in 1867.

 

Father William Mentz, of the New York Conference, born

in Germany in 1811, entered the Eastern Conference in 1838,

elected presiding elder in 1843 and served several terms, and who

was an original member of the New York Conference, died at

Suspension Bridge, N.Y., Jan. 22, 1872.

 

1873. East Pa. Conference, Tamaqua, Pa., Feb. 26. Bishop

J. J. Esher, president; T. Bowman, secretary. Died — C.Meyers

(itinerant) and C. Wolf (local). R. Mott received credentials.

John Dick (local) withdrew. A. H. Overholt located. Father

J. P. Leib was retained in the itinerancy without appointment.

Ordained elders — W. A. Shoemaker, S. L. Wiest and R. Drei-

belbis. Deacons — J. F. Wohlfarth, U. H. Hershey, J. M.

Oplinger, W. Loos and G. H. Landis. Licensed — W. Miller,

A. W. Warfel, J. Moyer, J. M. Rinker, E. Glaeser, D. Schne-

bel, J. F. Weidner, J. Workman, J. J. High, F. B. Copp, S.

Butterweck, W. B. Romig, W. L. Black, L. E. Leslie, G. H.

Laurey, J. Bowman, W.Webber, S. C. Breyfogel and E.Wilson.

 

Districts: Philadelphia, C. S. Haman, presiding elder; Read-

ing, G. T. Haines; Harrisburg, J. M. Saylor; Pottsville, T.

Bowman; Allentown, S. Neitz; Easton, J. Yeakel.

 

1873. Central Pa. Conference, Lewisburg, Pa., March 6.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; I. M. Pines, secretary. Located

for a year — W. H. Davis, H. A. Stoke, W. M. Croman, E. Swen-

gel and D. Kepner. Died — John Young, J. F. Manbeck and

Abraham Snyder. Ordained elders— 3?. S.Orwig,W. W. Rhoads,

P. W. Raidabaugh, H. Conrad, J. M. King and W. M. Croman.

Deacons — N.Young, R.Young, D. P. Rumberger, J. A. Irvine,

J. A. Hetner, J. S. Bear and B. Winegarden. Licensed — E.

S. Brownmiller, E. Wilcox, H. W. Freed, M. D. Shirk, Abra-

ham Sutton, P. F. Jarrett, A. W. Maxwell, H. E. Weirick,

J. B. Curns, W. F. Reitmeyer, H. W. Kuhns, G. F. Yeager and

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 385

 

J. Hendricks, and A. T. Mead of the M. E. Church. J. Kurtz,

a former member of this conference, was again received.

 

Districts: Baltimore, C. F. Deininger, presiding elder; Car-

lisle, A. L. Reeser; Lewisburg, M. J. Carothers; Williamsport,

S. Smith.

 

1873. Pittsburg Conference, Salisbury, Pa., March 13.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; L. M. Boyer. secretary. H. W.

Hampe, J. Honecker, J. Crousman and S. Werner took cre-

dentials. G. W. Cupp and J. Weikel became supernumeraries.

Licensed to preach — Joseph Porch, H. Hurd, F. P. Saylor,

A. M. Bowlin and G. W. Dunlap. Ordained elders — J. Wood-

hull, A. J. Meyers, B. F. Feitt and J. Esh. Deacons — J. S.

Seip, N. Yoder, F. Bone, T. Eisenhour, A. W. Platt, L. H.

Hetrick and J. Bower. Received into the itinerancy — J. J.

Carmany, F. Bone, T. Eisenhour, J. Porch, L. I. Baumgard-

ner, D. K. Lavan, R. Mott and G. W. Fisher. J. J. Bernhart

was elected presiding elder.

 

Districts: Pittsburg, S. B. Kring, presiding elder; Canton,

H. B. Summers; Franklin, G. S. Domer; Allegheny, J. J. Bern-

hart; Somerset, J. L. W. Seibert.

 

1873. New York Conference, Albany, N.Y., March 6.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; J. Siegrist, secretary. Licensed

— J. Burkhard, H. Horn and G. H. Gelser. Ordained elder —

J. G. Siegrist. Deacon — C. F. Stube. J. Holzworth was

elected presiding elder. Granted credentials — C. O. Roehr, N.

Geltzleichter, P. E. Glanz and G. Eckhard.

 

Districts: Albany, M. Pfitzinger, presiding elder; Rochester,

A. Holzwarth; Buffalo, M. Lauer.

 

1873. Canada Conference, South Cayuga, Ont., April 18.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; C. A. Thomas, secretary. J. G.

Staebler and S. Morely located. Ordained elders — F. F.

Meyer, J. Lingelbach and G. M. Graeff. Licensed — G. Fink-

binder, Joseph Thede and G. H. Schmidt. S. Kropp, presid-

ing elder, resigned and P. Alles was elected in his stead. The

conference united in the interests of Northwestern College.

 

Districts: Hamburgh, J.Umbach, presiding elder; Waterloo,

W. Schmidt; Hamilton, P. Alles.

 

1873. Ohio Conference, Lindsey, O., May 1. W.W.Orwig,

president; J. Lerch, secretary. Licensed — Theo. Suhr, E.

Britton, E. Wingard, Benjamin Oyler, G. F. Everhart and

J. Ball. Ordained elders — E. A. Hoffman, G. Heinrich and

 

 

386 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNAL8.

 

A. Vandersall. Deacons — A. W. Orwig, D. H. Rosenberg,

J. Sager and C. Stuckey. J. Smouse took credentials. Hiram

Sichley died.

 

Districts: Cleveland, J. Stoll, presiding elder; Sandusky, C.

M. Reinhold; Fremont, J. W. Walkey; Columbus, S. Hoy.

 

1873. Illinois Conference, Forreston, Ill., April 3. Bishop

J. J. Esher, president; M. Stamm, secretary. C. F. Steuwig

and W. Strausberger located. Licensed — G. Fuhs, F. Lue-

dicke, C. Shuster, A. Strickfaden, P. Zahn and T. L. Haines.

Ordained elders — A. Fuessele, W. Neitz, L. Glaesser, J. B.

Rife, A. Knoble and C. Smucker. Deacons- — F. Hansing, J.

Wellner, F. Busse, D. Fehr, H. F. Lashell, J. Cable and

H. H. Duth. George Mattinger, formerly an itinerant in the

Ohio Conference, died.

 

Districts: Chicago, George Vetter, presiding elder; Naper-

ville, J. Himmel; Freeport, H. Rohland; Mendota, J. Shaeffele;

Peoria, W. Goessele.

 

1873. Wisconsin Conference, Lomira, Wis., April 24.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; C. A. Schnake, secretary. Li-

censed — E. Rhode, G. Kern, A. Haas, C. Gruen and C.Oertli.

Ordained elders — M. C. Werner, W. Kaun, F. Diete, H. Uphoff

and A. Pipenburg. Deacons — F. Nickel and J. U. Elmer.

H. Guelich was elected presiding elder.

 

Districts: Madison, H. Guelich, presiding elder; Milwaukee,

F. Kauffman; Fon du Lac, G. Fritche; Mississippi, P. Massueger.

 

1873. Minnesota Conference, Painsville, Minn. Bishop J.

J. Esher, president; H. E. Linse, secretary. Ordained elder —

A. Walch. Deacons — C. W. Sydow and H. Hensel.

 

Districts: Winona, W. Stegner, presiding elder; St. Paul,

L. Von Wald.

 

1873. Indiana Conference, East Germantown, Ind., Sept.

11. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; J. Berger, secretary. W.

Luether, C. Heim and H. R. Price located. G. A. Hertel

tlied. Licensed — John Stover, S. Shoop, J. N. Loop, W. H.

Jones and E. Bolander. P. Burgner was reinstated as an elder.

Ordained elders — W. Koenig, J. Maurer and S. S. Condo.

Deacons — J. Bockman, H. Schleicher, C. Stockhow, J. C.

Young, G. W. Brackley and H. W. Funk. J. Berger accepted

work in Germany. C. F. Hansig, of the Illinois, J. Beck, of

the Kansas, and M. Speck, of the Michigan Conference, were

received.

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 387

 

Districts: Evansville, M. Meyer, presiding elder; Indianap-

olis, J. Fuchs; Fort Wayne, M. Steffey; Elkhart, E. L. Kiplinger.

 

1873. Iowa Conference, La Porte, Iowa. Bishop J. J.

Esher, president; D. H. Kooker, secretary. Licensed — S. H.

Witte, G. Koehn, T. R. Matter, F. Schultzky and A. T. Wil-

kins. Ordained elders — C. W. Anthony, C. C. Pfund, W. EL

Bucks, G. Breuner, j. McCauley and O. Long. Deacons —

A. Bussard and A. Wagoner. H. Lageshulte, presiding elder,

resigned and J. Henn was elected in his place.

 

Districts: Cedar Rapids, H, J. Bowman, presiding elder;

Dubuque, J. Henn; Des Moines, Joseph Bussard; Nebraska,

E. J. Schultz.

 

1873. Michigan Conference, Delta, O., March 27. Bishop

J. J. Esher, president; J. M. Houg, secretary. Licensed — J.

Miller, A. Rupel, W. Berge and P. Berg. Granted creden-

tials — J. Long, C. Thomas and M. Speck. Ordained elders —

J. H. Keeler, J. H. Hess and W. Reimke. Deacons — J. Long,

J. W. Loose, L. Kemmerling, F. Dietrich, L. Brumm and F.

Schweitzer. C. Roehm located. M. J. Miller, presiding

elder, resigned and S. Copley was elected in his place. "Re-

solved, that we as a conference unite with Northwestern College

and Biblical Institute."

 

Districts: Adrian, L. Scheuerman, presiding elder; St. Joseph,

S. Copley; Flint, J. Meek.

 

1873. Kansas Conference, Holton, Kan., March 20. Bishop

J. J. Esher, president; J. Wuerth, secretary. Licensed — H.

Toedman and J. McQuilling. Ordained elders — C. Emmel

and E. J. Troyer. Deacons — J. C. Emmel, W. Meier and F.

Harder. J. G. Pfeiffer was re-elected and J. Wuerth newly

elected presiding elder.

 

Districts: Kansas, J. G. Pfeiffer, presiding elder; Missouri,

J. Wuerth.

 

Notes. — At the beginning of the year was published the Ever-

green, the first Sunday-school music book, by Rev. E. A. Hoff-

man. It was received with great favor. The Church Record

also made its appearance in the Spring.

 

The total number of missions supported by the Church was

248, an increase of twenty-eight over the previous year. Twenty-

five churches were erected on the mission fields during the year.

 

This year marks the loss to the Church of a number of her

most prominent men by the hand of death, as. follows: Alex.

 

 

388 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Longsdorf, born in Dauphin county, Pa., in 1812, entered the

Eastern Conference in 1838, was elected presiding elder in 1844,

re-elected in 1848 and 1852, and died at Loganton, Clinton county,

Pa., in 1876. Brother Longsdorf spent thirty-three years in

the active work. He was an excellent preacher in both the Eng-

lish and German languages.

 

C. A. Schnake, born in Germany in 1819, and entered the

Illinois Conference in 1849. He was an original member of the

Wisconsin Conference, in which he served three years as presiding

elder. He died at Jefferson, Wis., in 1876. Brother Schnake

was a highly gifted man and a tireless worker, and his services

in establishing the Evangelical Association in the West were very

valuable.

 

George Hertel, born in Germany in 1821, and was for many

years one of the leading members of the Indiana Conference.

He was elected presiding elder in 1864. He died at Elkhart,

Ind., July 12, 1873.

 

Christian Myers, born in Switzerland in 1814, entered the

East Pa. Conference in 1839, and was for many years one of the

principal members. He was elected presiding elder in 1856, and

served one term. He died at Bethlehem, Pa., Feb. 22, 1873.

 

1874. East Pa. Conference, Salem Church, Allentown, Pa.,

Feb. 26. Bishop R. Yeakel, president; T. Bowman, secretary.

Licensed — I. J. Reitz, J. Hollenbach, H. Shultz and Aug.

Dilabar. Ordained elders — B. H. Miller, D. S. Stauffer, J.

A. Fager, A. A. DeLong, I. W. Yeakel, J. K. Fehr, E. J. Mil-

ler and O. L. Savlor. Deacons — J. S. Newhart, J. Bowman,

D. A. Medlar, A. Markley, H. R. Yost and E. J. Glasser.

Died — E. Eby (itinerant) and D. Thomas, E. Snyder and D.

Light (locals). G. T. Haines resigned the office of presiding

elder, and C. S. Haman was re-elected and S. G. Rhoads and

C. K. Fehr were newly elected to the office. Missions were

established in Southwestern Reading, Scranton,Lehighton, North-

ern Allentown, Bangor, and English missions in Harrisburg and

Mauch Chunk. The following were constituted stations: Tre-

mont, Ashland, Hazleton, Orwigsburg and Slatington.

 

A committee of seven was appointed to take active steps in

the location of an institution of learning, and Thomas Bowman

was appointed as collector to secure funds for its establishment.

 

Districts: Philadelphia, S.G. Rhoads, presiding elder; Read-

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 389

 

ing, C. S. Haman; Harrisburg, C. K. Fehr; Pottsville, T. Bowman:

Allentown, J. M. Saylor; Easton, J. Yeakel.

 

1874. Central Pa. Conference, Carlisle, Pa., March 5.

Bishop R. Yeakel, president; I. M. Pines, secretary. Licensed —

J. F. Thomas, G. Gohn, J. R. Smith, J. E. Courter, B. Garri-

son, W. E. Shoemaker, D. P. Kline, D. G. Peters, A. F.

Terwilliger. Ordained elders — G. L. Burson, A. W. Shen-

berger, R. J. Derrick and L. K. Harris. Deacons — J. Dum,

P. Graham, P. Coup, N. T. Meads, L. Matthias, J. M. Brader,

A. W. Bower, E. Kleinfelter, H. N. Grenninger, R. W.

Runyan, J. M. Longsdorf, E. Swengel, G. W. Currin, F. M.

Baker and G. F. Yeager. C. H. Gramley took credentials.

 

Districts: Baltimore, C. F. Deininger, presiding elder; Car-

lisle, A. L. Reeser; Lewisburg, M. J. Carothers; Williamsport,

S. Smith.

 

1874. Pittsburg Conference, North Lima, O., March 12.

Bishop R. Yeakel, president; L. M. Boyer, secretary. Licensed —

J. A. Burkett, A. S. Baumgardner, W. A. Reininger, D. Mor-

rison, J. Yundt, J. Vandyke, N. George, S. A. Milliron, F.

Strayer and W. Diser. Ordained elders — D. M. Baumgard-

ner, S. M. Baumgardner and J. King. Deacons — J. Kern,

T. J. Baumgardner, T. Bach, J. Garner, W. M. Stanford and

A. W. Teats. Because of declining health, H. B. Summers

resigned the office of presiding elder, S. B. Kring was re-elected

and J. A. Grimm and A. Niebel were newly elected to the same.

Granted credentials — A. J. Myers, J. Arkless and D. W. Ortz.

 

Districts: Pittsburg, A. Niebel, presiding elder; Canton, S.

B. Kring; Franklin, G. S. Domer; Allegheny, J. J. Bernhart;

Somerset, J. A. Grimm.

 

1874. New York Conference, Syracuse, N.Y., March 26.

Bishop R. Yeakel, president; A Unholtz, secretary. Licensed —

H. Newinger and J. Vossler. Ordained elders — J. Reuber,

C. L. Witt and A. Schlenk. Deacon — J. H. Damm. Located —

L. Jacoby.

 

Districts: Albany, M. Pfitzinger, presiding elder; Rochester,

A. Holzwarth; Buffalo, M. Lauer.

 

1874. Canada Conference, Carrick, Ont., April 23. Bishop

R. Yeakel, president; C. A. Thomas, secretary. Ordained

elders — C. Pfeffer and H. Dierlam. Deacon — S. L.Umbach.

G. Bernhart, located. W. Lingelbach, of the Kansas Confer-

ence, was received. J. G. Staebler, John Lingelbach and

 

 

390 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Jacob Anthes died. J. Umbach was re-elected presiding elder.

 

Districts: Hamilton, P. Alles, presiding elder; Hamburg,

W. Schmidt; Waterloo, J. Umbach.

 

1874. Ohio Conference, Circleville, O., May 7. Bishop

R. Yeakel, president; H. Longbrake, secretary. F. Zeller

took credentials. J. J. Kanaga, A. Rex, D. J. Pontius, A. Shaub

and C. Gahn were received with the same. Licensed — J. E.

Stewart, F. Stecher, J. Isch, S. Gammertsfelder, R. Smith,

D. C. Eckerman, S. Cocklin and F. Swartz. Ordained elders —

J. D. Seip and G. W. Miesse. Deacons — L. W. Hankey, G.

Ellenberger, H. Spitler, A. C. Stoll, D. Sherrick and W.

Snyder. Elias Sichley died.

 

Districts: Cleveland, J. Stoll, presiding elder; Sandusky, C.

M. Reinhold; Fremont, J. W. Walkey; Columbus, S. Hoy.

 

1874. Michigan Conference, Flint, Mich., April 2. Bishop

J. J. Esher, president; S. Henne, secretary. N. T. Davis died.

O. Ragatz located. Ordained elders — S. Heininger and J.

Young. Deacons — F. Miller, E. K. Dewitt, J. Schmus, G.

Haller, W. Berge, G. Kutler and J. Miller. S. Copley

resigned the office of presiding elder on account of ill-health, and

J. M. Houg was newly elected and J. Meck re-elected to the office.

 

Districts: Detroit, J. Meck, presiding elder; St. Joseph, L.

Scheuerman; Saginaw, J. M. Houg.

 

1874. Illinois Conference, Kankakee, Ill., April 9. Bishop

J. J. Esher, president; M. Stamm (German) and D. B. Byers

(English), secretaries. Ordained elders — Prof. A. A. Smith,

Prof. W. F. Heidner, G. Eichenlaub and T. Alberding. Dea-

con — W. Schmus. Licensed — J. Fry, A. Riemensnyder, C.

Koch, J. W. Ferner, C. Riegel, H. Eller and D. W. Fink.

J. Schaad, of the M. E. Church, was received. F. C. Stuebig

withdrew. N. Leonard and W. Grissinger (locals) died. J.

Himmel resigned the office of presiding elder, and W. Goessele

and H. Hintze were elected to the same. S. Swartz, J. Den-

gel, E. E. Condo and J. J. Kanaga took credentials for other

conferences.

 

Districts: Chicago, G. Vetter, presiding elder; Naperville,

W. Goessele; Freeport, H. Rohland; Mendota, J. Schaffle;

Peoria, H. Hintze.

 

1874. Wisconsin Conference, Menomonee Falls, Wis., April

30. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; C. A. Schnake, secretary.

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 391

 

Newly received — F. Homuth and C. Heineck. Ordained elders

— J. Deitrich, A. Piepenburg and J. Schneller. Deacons —

C. Schneider and F. Eilert.

 

Districts: Milwaukee, F.W. Kaufman, presiding elder; Mad-

ison, H. Guelich; Fon du Lac, G. Fritsche; Mississippi, P.

Massueger.

 

1874. Iowa Conference, Ackley, Iowa, April 16. Bishop

J. J. Esher, president; C. C. Pfund (German) and D. H. Kooker

(English), secretaries. Licensed — J. H. Yaggy, J. A. Rank, C.

Manwell, J. W. Steinbach, G. Heinmiller, E. Miller, W.

Jonas, J. B. Cole and F. Frase. Located — O. Long, J. Rank

and G. Eckert. Ordained elders — W. H. Newman, O. Rall,

M. Knoll, J. H. Pippert, J. J. Miller, J. P. Just, W. C. Reinke

and C. Hiller. Deacons — E. B. Utt, L. Keep, A. P. Haupt,

A. C. Heckathorne, E. E. Bonta, A. J. Culver, J. P. Pflaum,

M. Gruener, H. Stettrecht, F. Loehle, W. Werfeld and J.

F. Hahn. Supernumerary — J. Harlacher, H. J. Bowman and

J. Nuhn. H. J. Bowman resigned the office of presiding elder,

and E. J. Schultz was re-elected and H. Brauer and D. H,

Kooker newly elected to the same. Missions were located at

Stanton, Aurora, Sioux City, Humboldt, Grand Junction, Moin-

gona, Seneca, Nora Springs and Boone.

 

Districts: Cedar Rapids, Joseph Buzzard, presiding elder;

Dubuque, E. J. Schultz; Des Moines, D. H. Kooker; Ackley,

J. Henn; Nebraska, H. Brauer.

 

1874. Kansas Conference, near Rulo, Neb., March 19.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; C. Berneu, secretary. George

Merk was licensed. H. Alleman and B. Hoffman withdrew.

Located — W. Folgate and W. Luttman. W. Lingelbach took

credentials. Ordained elders — H. Koepsel, F. W. Volgelein

and C. Linge. Deacons — L. Wenger and J. H. Kiplinger.

E. E. Condo, of the Illinois Conference, was received.

 

Districts: Kansas, J. G. Pfeiffer, presiding elder; Missouri,

J. Wuerth.

 

1874. Minnesota Conference, Salem Church, Olmstead

county, Minn., May 7. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; H. E.

Linse, secretary. Licensed — B. Simon, C. Sydow, J. Gongall,

C. Stegner and C. Roedge. Ordained elders — J. Manthey*

W. Lenz, J. L. Stegner, P. Bott and C. A. Schmidt. Deacons —

M. Knopf, W. Oehler and F. Sahr. - A. Strohmeier was elected

presiding elder. Mankato District was formed.

 

 

392 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Districts: Winona, W. Stegner, presiding elder; St. Paul, L.

Von Wald; Mankota, A. Strohmeier.

 

1874. Indiana Conference, Noblesville, Ind., Sept. 10.

Bishop R. Yeakel, president; M. Hoehn, secretary. J. Stoll

died. Located — H. Praechtel,W.Wildermuth and H. Price.

J. Keiper, A. Parker and J. Ressler took credentials. Licensed

— J. Reamer, N. Platz, J. Schamber, G. Roederer, J. Dust-

man, J. Fritz and J. Sutter. Ordained elders — E. H. Over-

meyer, E. T. Hochstedler and E. Troyer. Deacons — G. W.

Freehafer, A. Guist, E. D. Einsel, C. C. Beyrer, A. Shaefer,

F. Brauer, A. Troyer and A. V. Scheidler. J. Ressler was

granted credentials.

 

Districts: Evansville, M. Mayer, presiding elder; Indian-

apolis, J. Fuchs; Fort Wayne, M. W. Steffey; Elkhart, E. L.

Kipplinger.

 

Notes. — During this year the remarkable temperance move-

ment, called the Woman's Crusade, was at the height of its influ-

ence, and consequently we find the temperance resolutions of the

various conferences very radical, and a number of them fully

endorse the methods followed by the Woman's Crusade.

 

On Oct. 8 the new Evangelical Publishing House at Cleveland

was dedicated with imposing ceremonies. Dedicatory addresses

were delivered by Bishops Esher and Yeakel, and historical

addresses by various other brethren. The structure cost $37,000.

 

During this year the Church maintaiued 270 missions, 26

having been stricken from the list. The actual increase over the

previous year was 48. The number of church edifices erected

on the mission fields during the year was 35.

 

By a reference to the statistics for this year the reader will

observe a remarkable increase of conversions and accessions

over the previous year. This ratio of increase was pretty evenly

maintained throughout the entire bounds of the Church.

 

1875. East Pa. Conference, Millersburg, Pa., Feb. 24.

Bishops J. J. Esher and R. Yeakel, presidents; C. B. Fliehr

(German) and J. C. Hornberger (English), secretaries. Li-

censed — J. C. Waehlte, J. D. Campbell, M. L. Custer, J. A.

Transue, H. J. Glick, F. E. Erdman, G. W. Gross, A. Krecker

and S. T. Leopold. Ordained elders — U. H. Hershey, J. F.

Wohlfarth and J. M. Oplinger. Deacons — T. Hess, William

Black, G. H. Laury, J. M. Rinker, A. Straub, C. S. Brown

and A. Warfel. Died — R. Driebelbis (itinerant) and I. Ober-

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 393

 

holtzer, C. Yeakel and George Reich (locals). Resolutions

recommending Cedar Hill Seminary, Mt. Joy, Pa., were adopted.

 

Districts: Philadelphia, S. G. Rhoads, presiding elder; Read-

ing, C. S. Haman; Harrisburg, C. K. Fehr; Pottsville, S. Neitz;

Allentown, J. M. Saylor; Easton, T. Bowman.

 

1875. Central Pa. Conference, New Berlin, Pa., March 4.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; I. M. Pines, secretary. Licensed —

C. C. Reen, J. Laden. O. Barges, J. Shambach, P. W. Group,

B. F. Keller, S. O. Musselman, D. Fry, J. H. Peters, J.

Shultz, I. Bower, C. Price, H. Wagoner, J. D. Stover, G. H.

Schleh, G. Carothers, G. Hoffman and B. F. Anthony; also

J. James and J. Archer, of the M. E. Church. Ordained elders —

R. Young, R. C. Bowersox, N. Young, J. H. Hetner, J. A.

Irvine and W. H. Stover. Deacons — A. Stapleton, H. S.

Bowers and W. N. Wallace,; also I. S. Frain and I. Vonedi

(locals). E. Kohr and S. W. Seibert were elected presiding

elders. D. P. Rumberger and W. E. Weirick took credentials

for other conferences.

 

Districts: Baltimore, E. Kohr, presiding elder; Carlisle,

S. W. Seibert; Lewisburg, A. L. Reeser; Willi amsport, M. J.

Carothers.

 

1875. Pittsburg Conference, Pittsburg, Pa., March 18.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; L. M. Boyer, secretary. Li-

censed — J. More, F. Baumgardner, E. C- Martin, J. Swartz,

P. Hauptfueher, E. W. Smith, I. A. Smith, D. Saylor, E. P.

Hare, J. Weaver and W. Yoder. Ordained elders — T. Eisen-

hower, J. Seip, A. W. Platt, N. Yoder, F. Bone and L. H.

Hetrick. Deacons — G. W. White, D. K. Lavan, J. Portch,

S. Milliron, G. W. Dunlap, J. J. Carmany and J. P. Saylor.

Died — E. Stoever and E. B.Vandyke. G. W. Fisher located.

 

Districts: Pittsburg, A. Niebel, presiding elder; Canton, S.

B. Kring; Franklin, G. S. Domer; Allegheny, J. J. Bernhart;

Somerset, J. A. Grimm.

 

1875. New York Conference, Rochester, N.Y., March 25.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; A.Unholtz, secretary. Licensed

— J. Risius, C. Brant, J.Eberling, and W. Waterman. Ordained

elders — J. Lang and C. F. Stube. Deacons — H. Horn, G. H.

Gelser, A. Bornheimer and L. Schleich. M. Pfitzinger

resigned the office of presiding elder, and M. Lauer was re-elected

and M. Lehn newly elected to the office. The conference united

in the interests of Northwestern College.

 

 

394 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Districts: Albany, M. Lauer, presiding elder; Rochester,

A. Holzwarth; Buffalo, M. Lehn.

 

1875. Canada Conference, Woolwich. Ont., April 15. W.

Schmidt, president; C. A. Thomas, secretary. Licensed — J.

A. Schmidt, F. Haist and W. Simmons. Ordained deacons —

G. Finkbeiner and H. G. Schmidt. W. Schmidt was re-elected

presiding elder.

 

Districts: Hamilton, P. Alles, presiding elder; Hamburg,

W. Schmidt; Waterloo, Joseph Umbach.

 

1875. Ohio Conference, Tiffin, O., April 22. Bishop J. J.

Esher, president; H. Longbrake, secretary. Licensed — E. L.

Over, M. Mohn, D. Ewald and J. Stoltz. A. P. Dutcher,

M.D., was received from the M. E. Church. Ordained elders —

J. Yauch, A. W. Orwig and D. H- Rosenberg. Deacons — T.

Suhr, E. Wengert, W. A.' Shissler and J. Drinkwater. H.

Zimmerman and D. Wolf (locals) died. J. K. Pontius located.

G Ehrhart took credentials; also J. Lawrence and F. Stecher

(locals). S. Hoy and J. W. Walkey were re-elected presiding elders.

 

Districts: Sandusky, J. Stoll, presiding elder; Cleveland, S.

Hoy; Fremont, C. M. Reinhold; Columbus, J. W. Walkey.

 

1875. Wisconsin Conference, Mazomane, Wis., April 29.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; A. Tarnutzer, secretary. Li-

censed — F. Illian, C. Kunst, F. Nehs, W. Kolander, H.

Kiekhoefer, W. HenneMan and H. Hosli. Ordained elders— J.

U. Elmer and F. Nickel. Deacons — H. Clements, C.Oertle,

G. Kern, C. Green and E. Rothe. W. F. Kaufman died. A.

Yockel located. G. Fritsche was again elected and H. Huel-

ster, H. Shelp and M. Wittenwyler were newly elected pre-

siding elders.

 

Districts: Milwaukee, G. Fritsche, presiding elder; Madison,

H. Huelster; Fon du Lac, H. Schelp; Mississippi, M. Wittenwyler.

 

1875. Illinois Conference, Elgin, Ill., April 8. Bishops J.

J. Esher and R. Yeakel, presidents; M. Stamm, secretary.

Ordained elders — H. H. Duth, H. F. Lashell, F. Busse, D. E.

Fehr and J. Wellner. Deacons — A. Strickfaden, C. Shuster,

P. Zahn, J. F. Grob, G. C. Knoble and G. Fuchs. Received

into the ministry — E. Elfring, W. Fry, W. Shuster, J. Klip-

hart. G. Messner located. P. Hoffman and C. Holl died.

 

Districts: Chicago, G. Vetter, presiding elder; Naperville,

W. Goessele; Freeport, H. Rohland; Mendota, J. Schaffele;

Peoria, H. Hintze.

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 395

 

1875. Iowa Conference, Belle Plaine, Iowa, April 15. Bishop

J. J. Esher, president; H. J. Bowman, secretary. Licensed —

F. Backmeier, G. G. Zellhofer, M. Hart, W. Fisher, R.

Schmitz, P. Rickel and O. Beck, and J. G. Bixler, of the U.

B. Church. Ordained elders — A. Buzzard and A. Wagoner.

Deacons — S. H. Witte, A. Houser, G. Koehn, F. Schnelsky,

S. A. Pettit and G. Herrinc. J. Nuhn died. J. Croasman,

A. J. Culver and C. H. Egge took credentials. N. Schuck,

of the Wisconsin Conference, was received. Resolutions recom-

mending the division of the conference by the next General

Conference were adopted.

 

Districts: Cedar Rapids, J. Buzzard, presiding elder; Des

Moines, D. H. Kooker; Dubuque, E. J. Shultz; Ackley, J. Henn;

Nebraska, H. Brauer.

 

1875. Minnesota Conference, East Prairie, Minn., May 7.

W. Stegner, president; H. E. Linse, secretary. Licensed —

J. Fondri and G. Brizius. Ordained elders — C. W. Sydow and

H. Hensel. Deacons — L. Passer F. Moede and J. Zimmer-

man. C. Brill was newly elected and W. Stegner re-elected

presiding elder.

 

Districts: Winona, A. Strohmeier, presiding elder; St. Paul,

W. Stegner; Mankato, C. Brill.

 

1875. Michigan Conference, La Salle, Mich., April 1.

Bishop R. Yeakel, president; E. Weiss, secretary. Licensed —

N. G. Curtis, A. Fry, G. Provost, P. Brumm and C. Staffeld.

Ordained elders — L. Brumm, J. W. Loose, F. Sweitzer, L.

Kemmerling and F. Dietrich. Deacon — W. Schefer. C.

Bickel (local) died. C. Dieke located. J. Meck resigned the

office of presiding elder and S. Copley was elected to the same.

L. Scheurman also resigned the office of presiding elder and

E. Weiss was elected in his stead. Samuel Heininger took an

appointment in Oregon under the Board of Missions.

 

Districts: Detroit, E. Weiss, presiding elder; St. Joseph, S.

Copley; Saginaw, J. M. Houg.

 

1875. Kansas Conference, near Lawrence, Kan., March 18.

Bishop R. Yeakel, president; C. Berner, secretary. Licensed —

S. Weaver, J. Brower and C. Buchel. C. Erhart, of the

Ohio Conference, was received. Ordained elders — W. Meier

and F. Harder. Deacons — W. Heiser and D. K. Zeller.

H. Mattill was elected presiding elder A new district called

Southwestern District was formed.

 

 

396 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Districts: Missouri, J. Wuerth, presiding elder; Holten, J.

G. Pfeifer; Southwestern, H. Mattill.

 

1875. Indiana Conference, Mt. Camel, Ill., Sept. a.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; M. Hoehn, secretary. Licensed —

C. Stier, C. Hansing, J. Kolmer, G. Frederick, H. B. Lyons,

J. Bruckert and L. W. Crawford. Ordained elders — H.

Schleicher, W. G. Brackly, F. Hansing, J. C. Young and C.

Stockhowe. Deacon — G. Berstecher. J. Mauer located.

A. Parker, S. Heiss and J. Ressler withdrew. H. L. Fisher

and M. Kreuger were newly elected and M. W. Steffey and

J. Fuchs were re-elected presiding elder. H. E.Overmever, C.

Glaus and R. Riegel took credentials.

 

Districts: Olney, J. Fuchs, presiding elder; Evansville, H.

L. Fisher; Indianapolis, M. Kreuger; Fort Wayne, E. L. Kip-

linger; Elkhart, M. W. Steffey.

 

 

397

 

CHAPTER XVI.

 

Sixteenth General Conference, Held at Philadelphia, Pa.,

Oct. 14-Nov. 4, 1875.

 

1875. General Conference, sixteenth session, Philadelphia,

Pa., Oct. 14-Nov. 4. J. J. Esher, R. Yeakel, R. Dubs and T.

Bowman, bishops; H. Huelster, secretary; R. Mott, E. J.

Schultz, J. C. Hornberger, H. B. Hartzler and S. Smith,

assistant secretaries.

 

The conference was addressed by J. Rothweiler, fraternal

delegate from the General Conference of the Methodist Episco-

pal Church. Bishop Simpson, of the same Church, also favored

the conference with a very edifying address.

 

Memorial services were held in respect to Father J. P. Leib,

a member of the last General Conference, and who recently had

entered upon his eternal rest.

 

Inasmuch as great preparations were being made for the cele-

bration of the one hundredth anniversary of American Independ-

ence, the conference referred the matter to a committee. The

report, which was adopted, finds ample reasons for recognizing

the hand of God in our national history, and suggests that during

the Centennial year (1876) appropriate services, commemorative

of the event, be held, and that memorial funds be raised for

educational purposes, etc.

 

It was resolved (1) to publish a monthly, eight-page, illus-

trated Sunday-school paper, for use in primary department work;

(2) the Sunday-School Messenger and Chris tliche Kinderfreund

shall also be published weekly; (3) a monthly Sunday-school

journal shall be published; (4) the revised German hymn book

shall be published in two forms; (5) a revised English hymn

book with notes shall be published.

 

 

398 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

(1) The southern part of Indiana Conference was constituted

into South Indiana Conference. (2) The English work in the

Iowa Conference was constituted the Des Moines Conference.

(3) The Iowa Conference was also authorized to form the Ne-

braska District into a conference within the coming four years,

provided two-thirds of the members of the Iowa Conference shall

agree to the same. (4) The Germany Conference was "vested

with the right and power to divide her territory according to

best judgment into two conference districts." (5) A German

conference was constituted of the German congregations along

the Atlantic seaboard and called the Atlantic Conference. (6) A

German conference was constituted in the interior, called the

Erie Conference. (7) The work on the Pacific Coast was con-

stituted into "The Pacific Conference." Steps shall be taken at

once to provide for organization. The bishops shall designate

the time and place of the first session.

 

Elections: Bishops, J. J. Esher, R. Yeakel, R. Dubs and

T. Bowman; publisher, W. F. Schneider; editor of Christliche

Botschafter, M. Lauer; Evangelical Messenger, J. Hartzler;

Evangelical Magazine and German Sunday-School Literature,

W. Horn; Living Epistle and English Sunday-School Litera-

ture, H. J. Bowman; Corresponding Secretary of the Missionary

Society, J. Young; Treasurer of the Missionary Society, W.

Yost; Superintendent of Orphan's Home, Jacob Dreisbach;

editor of Evangelische Botschafter, J. Kaechele; Kinderfreund,

G. Fuessele; book agent in Germany, J. Waltz.

 

After some discussion, it was resolved to establish a mission

in Japan, and the Board of Missions was instructed to undertake

the work as soon as two suitable men can be found. Before the

vote was taken C. F. Deininger, of the Central Pa. Conference,

suggested a season of silent prayer, after which the vote was

taken amid great enthusiasm, resulting unanimously in favor of

the mission.

 

The last General Conference having appointed a Committee

on Questions of Law, said committee submitted their report on

upwards of twenty questions, which was adopted and ordered to

be appended to the Discipline.

 

As the advisability of changing our Church name had been

agitated for some time, recommendations to that effect were sub-

mitted to the General Conference. After a full discussion on the

subject, the matter was disposed of negatively.

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 399

 

Delegates — East Pa. Conference. — Thos. Bowman, J. Yea-

kel, J. M. Saylor, J. Koehl, S. G. Rhoads, C. S. Haman, J. O.

Lehr, F. Hoffman, S. Neitz, L. Snyder, J. C. Hornberger, C.

K. Fehr, and F. Krecker alternate for J. P. Leib, deceased.

 

Central Pa. Conference. — M. J. Carothers, S. Smith, C. F.

Deininger, E. Kohr, S. W. Seibert, I. M. Pines, A. L. Reeser,

H. B. Hartzler and B. Hengst. Also S. T. Buck, alternate in

place of the latter, who was necessitated to leave.

 

Pittsburg Conference. — G. S. Domer, J. L. W. Seibert, J.

D. Domer, J. J. Bernhart, S. B. Kring, R. Mott and H. B. Sum-

mers.

 

New York Conference. — M. Lauer, M. Pfitzinger, A. Holz-

worth and M. Lehn.

 

Ohio Conference. — J. Stoll, J. W. Walkey, W. W. Orwig, C.

M. Reinhold, D. Strohman, G. F. Spreng, S. Hoy, C. Hammer

and J. Lerch.

 

Canada Conference. — P. Alles, C. A. Thomas and J. Umbach;

alternate, F. Herlan.

 

Indiana Conference. — M. W. Steffy, E. L. Kiplinger, J.

Fuchs, M. Krueger, J. Kaufman and M. Mayer; alternate, M.

Hoehn.

 

Michigan Conference. — J. M. Haug, S. Coply and J. Mueller;

alternate, E. Weiss.

 

Illinois Conference. — W. Goessele, G. Vetter, H. Rohland,

J. Himmei, J. Schneider, D. B. Byers, J. Schaffle, S. Dickover,

H. Hintze, M. Stamm and C. Hummel.

 

Iowa Conference. — J. Bossert, H. Brauer, H. J. Bowman,

J. Henn, E. J. Shultz, J. F. Berner, D. H. Kooker and H.

Lageschulte.

 

Wisconsin Conference. — G. Fritsche, M. Wittenwyler, H.

Huelster, C. F. Zimmerman, H. Schelp, C. A. Schnake and

A. Tarnutzer.

 

Minnesota Conference. — W. Stegner, C. Brill and A. Stroh-

mier.

 

Kansas Conference. — J. G. Pfeuffer and J. Wuerth.

 

Germany Conference. — J. Kaechele and J. Waltz.

 

Ex-officio Delegates. — W. F. Schneider, W. Horn, R. Dubs,

J. Young, J. Hartzler and W. Yost.

 

1876. East Pa. Conference, Schuylkill Haven, Pa., Febru-

ary 23. Bishop R. Yeakel, president; W. K. Wieand, secre-

tary. Licensed — J. Shirey, J. W. Wohrley, J. W. Hoover,

 

 

400 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Dr. F. Krecker, J. R. Hensel and S. H. Dunkelberger.

Ordained elders — J. Bowman, H. R. Yost, A. Markly, J. S.

Newhart and D. A. Medlar. Deacons — S. T. Leopold,

H. D. Shultz, I. J. Reitz, A. Dilabar, A. Krecker and G.

D. Sweigert. Died — J. P. Leib, S. G. Rhoads and J.

Shell. W. C. Kantner and M. Guhl took credentials. J. O.

Lehr and J. E. Knerr were newly, and J. M. Saylor was re-

elected presiding elder. H. A. Neitz was elected as collector

for the proposed Centennial College.

 

Districts: Philadelphia, J. M. Saylor, presiding elder; Read-

ing, C. S. Hamaa; Harrisburg, C. K. Fehr; Pottsville, I. E.

Knerr; Allentown, S. Neitz; Bethlehem, J. O. Lehr.

 

1876. Central Pa. Conference, Green Street Evangelical

Church, Baltimore, Md., March 2. Bishop T. Bowman, presi-

dent; U. F. Swengel, secretary. Licensed — J. W. Lindsey,

J. F. McCachran, D. S. Lepley, H. S. Basom, J. J. Lohr, F.

Passmore, George Josephs, H. W. Lilly, P. C. Weidemyer

and J. Hertz. Ordained elders — E. Swengel, G. W. Currin,

G. F. Yeager, L. Matthias, P. M. Coup, J. M. Longsdorf,

J. M. Brader, H. N. Greninger. F. M. Baker and A. W.

Bower. Deacons — D. P. Kline, J. E. Courter, P. F. Jarrett,

L. Dice and George Carothers. Located — P. Graham, H.

Conrad and H. H. Ream. Withdrawn — S. Wolf. Died —

J. M. Young. Granted credentials — G. F. Yeager, A. Rear-

ick, S. O. Musselman, H. Hummelbach and D. C. Frey.

Jacob Young and H. E. Weirick were again received. M. J.

Carothers and A. L. Reeser were re-elected presiding elders.

S. Buck was elected as collector for the projected Centennial

College. H. B. Hartzler, assistant editor of the Evangelical

Messenger.

 

Districts: York, S. W. Seibert, presiding elder; Carlisle,

E. Kohr; Lewisburg, A. S. Reeser; Williamsport, M. J. Ca-

rothers.

 

1876. Pittsburg Conference, Franklin Pa., March 16.

Bishop T. Bowman, president; L. M. Boyer, secretary. Li-

censed — J. Smith, E. Duffy, J. S. Mercer and R. Reed.

Ordained elders — T. Bach, W. M. Stanford, A. W. Teats

and I. A. Rohland. Deacons — J. A. Smith, A. S. Baum-

gardner and W. A. Reininger. Died — W. H. Stoll. A.

Rearick, of the Central Pa. Conference, was received. A.

Niebel resigned the office of presiding elder and G. S. Domer

 

 

OONFERENCE RECORDS. 401

 

was re-elected to the same. Granted credentials — W. Schmidt.

J. Stroup, a local preacher of the U. B. Church, was received.

J. Weikel and G. W. Cupp were granted a supernumerary rela-

tion.

 

Districts: Pittsburg, G. S. Domer, presiding elder; Franklin,

S. B. Kring; Allegheny, J. J. Bernhart; Somerset, J. A. Grimm.

 

1876. New York Conference, Ebenezer, near Buffalo, N.Y.,

March 9. Bishop R. Yeakel, president; J. Siegrist, secre-

tary. G. Flegler was received on probation. Ordained

elders — J. Burkhardt, J. Vosseler, H. Newinger and C.

Mowitz. Deacons — J. Schaff was superannuated. T. Schneider

was elected presiding elder.

 

Districts: Albany, T. Schneider, presiding elder; Rochester;

A. Holzwarth; Buffalo, M. Lehn.

 

1876. Canada Conference, Campden, Ont., April 20.

Bishop R. Yeakel, president; C. A. Thomas, secretary. Li-

censed — H. A. Thomas and A. Eby. Ordained elder — S. L.

Umbach. Deacon — F. Swartz. F. F. Meyer was granted

credentials.

 

Districts: Hamilton, P. Alles, presiding elder; Waterloo,

J. Umbach; Hamburg, W. Schmidt.

 

1876. Ohio Conference, West Salem, Ohio, April 13.

Bishop T. Bowman, president; J. Lerch, secretary. Died —

W. Snyder. E. C. Turner, H. Wissler, J. Frankhouser,

W. H. Ingel and W. Wonder took credentials. J. Yauch and

J. Drinkwater, located. Licensed — J. Hoy, A. Evans, S. P.

Spreng, E. Loose, J. Hensel, H. Brenneman, J. O. Stoll,

J. W. Smith, P. W. Bidelbach and F. Shubert. S. S. Condo,

of the Indiana Conference, J. Mason, of the U. B. Church,

and W. Horn, of the Congregational Church, were received.

Ordained elders — G. W. Ellenberger, L. W. Hankey and H.

Spitler. Deacons — J. E. Stewart, B. C. Oyler, D. Ellen-

berger and S. Cocklin.

 

Districts: Cleveland, John Stoll, presiding elder; Fremont,

S. Hoy; Columbus, J. W. Walkey.

 

1876. Michigan Conference, Iona, Mich., April 6. Bishop

J. J. Esher, president; S. Heime, secretary. F. Klump, F.

Walter and F. S. Root were received on probation. Ordained

elders — D. P. Rumberger, W. Berge, J. G. Haller and F.

Miller. Deacons — P. Bittner, P. Berg, J. Timm and G. A.

Hettler.

 

 

402 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Districts: Detroit, E. Weiss, presiding elder; St. Joseph,

S. Coply; Saginaw, J. M. Haug.

 

1876. Illinois Conference, Naperville, Ill., April 13.

Bishop J. J. Eshbr, president; A. Knoble, secretary. Li-

censed — J. Fink, W. H. Fouke, W. Gross, J. J. Lintner, S.

A. Miller, M. Obergfeld, P. Keinders, W. Schweiker, C. F.

Stuewig and Prof. H. H. Rassweiler. Ordained elders —

J. F. Grob and W. Schmus. Deacons — H. Eller, C. Danner,

G. Martin and A. Riemschneider, J. Kuechel located.

J. Schneider, D. B. Byers and J. Himmel were elected presid-

ing elders.

 

Districts: Chicago, J. Schneider, presiding elder; Naper-

ville, W. Goessele; Freeport, D. B. Byers; Mendota, J. Him-

mel; Peoria, H. Hintze.

 

1876. Wisconsin Conference, Monroe, Wis., April 27.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; A. Tarnutzer, secretary. Li-

censed — C. Wiegand, J. E. Staufacher, G. Friedrich, J. Dick-

fuss, C. Reichert, F. Haberman and H. Best. Ordained

elders — C. Schneider and T. F. Eilert. G. Von Eschen took

credentials.

 

Districts: Milwaukee, G. Fritsche, presiding elder; Madison,

H. H. Huelster; Fond du Lac, H. Schelp; Mississippi, M.

Wittenweiler.

 

1876. Minnesota Conference, near Blue Earth City, Minn.,

May 5. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; E. J. Hielscher, secre-

tary. Ordained elders — M. Knopf, W. Oehler and F. Sahr.

Deacons — C. R. Koch, J. Gongell, B. Simon, C. Sydow.

Licensed — H. Ohs, H. Klatt, C. Priebe, W. C. Stegner, F.

Wotter, G. Syboldt, F. Schmidt and E. Movins. W. Stegner

resigned the office of presiding elder, and H. E. Linse was

elected to the same.

 

Districts: Winona, A. Strohmeier, presiding elder; St. Paul,

H. E. Linse; Mankato, C. Brill.

 

1876. Iowa Conference, Merrill, Ia., April 20. Bishop R.

Dubs, president; J. Berner, secretary. Licensed — V. Griese,

C. A. Mueller, J. M. Zellhoefer, W. Schoerin, M. In-

halter, N. Nagle, A. Fisher, H. Hiebenthal and C. Schmidt.

Ordained elders — M. Gruener, W. Warfield, H. Stellrecht

and J. P. Pflaum. Deacons — Emil Mueller, W. Jonas, O.

Gerhart, G. Heinmiller, F. W. Fisher, F. A. Frase, E.

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 403

 

Nolte and H. S. Butz. L. Reep and J. Abrams were received

into the conference.

 

Districts: Dubuque. E. J. Shultz, presiding elder: Ackley,

J. Henn; Nebraska, H. Brauer.

 

1876. Kansas Conference, near Leavenworth, Kan.,

March 23. Bishop R. Dubs, president; C. Berner, secretary.

Licensed — D. Honstadt and R. Stahle. Ordained elders —

J. Kiplinger and L. Wenger. Deacon — J. G. Merkt. J. C.

Emmel located. J. Dengel, S. Swartz, F. Stecher, G. F.

Yeager, S. Werner, H. A. Hummelbach and W. Wonder

from other conferences were admitted. E. E. Condo was dis-

missed. F. W. Voegelein went to the Pacific Conference

under appointment of the Board of Missions.

 

Districts: Holton, J. G. Pfeifer, presiding elder; Missouri,

J. Wuerth; South West, H. Mattill.

 

1876. Des Moines Conference held its first annual session

in Blairstown, Iowa, beginning April 13. Bishop R. Dubs,

president; William Klinefelter, secretary. Ordained elders —

A. C. Heckathorn, L. Reep and E. E. Bonta. Deacons —

J. H. Yaggy, J. A. Rank, A. T. Wilkins, I. Baker, J. Houtz

and J. A. Carpenter. E. E. Condo, of the Kansas, J. D.

Campbell, of the Central Pa., and J. F. Strayer, of the Pittsburg

Conference, were admitted; also G. W. Lutz, of the M. E.

Church. Licensed — L. Piper. C. W. Anthony was elected

presiding elder.

 

Districts: Cedar Rapids, C. W. Anthony, presiding elder;

Des Moines, D. H. Kooker.

 

1876. Erie Conference held its first session in the Heights

Church, Cleveland, O., March 3. Bishop R. Dubs, president;

R. Mott, secretary. Conference organized with nineteen mem-

bers. W. W. Orwig and G. F. Spreng were elected presiding

elders. Ordained elder — L. Seither. Deacon — V. Braim.

J. A. Yingst was received on probation. J. Honecker located.

 

Districts: Cleveland, W. W. Orwig, presiding elder; Pitts-

burg, G. F. Spreng.

 

1876. Atlantic Conference was organized at the session of

the East Pa. Conference, Schuylkill Haven, Pa., February 24,

with twelve members. Bishop R. Yeakel, president; J. Koehl,

secretary. Licensed — J. K. Shultz. Jesse Yeakel was elected

presiding elder for the conference district.

 

 

404 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

1876. Indiana Conference, Bremen Ind., September 14.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; C. C. Byrer, secretary. Died —

C. Glaus. Granted credentials — E. Evans and J. Schmidli

Licensed — T. L. Coverdale, W. Ackerman, A. Evans and J. H.

Stedke. Ordained elders — E. D. Einsel. G. W. Freehafer,

A. R. Shafer, A. Geist, C. C. Byrer and A. J. Troyer. Dea-

cons — N. J. Platz, J. Mode, B. F. Dill and C. C. Baum-

gardner. Located — B. Uphaus and A. J. Troyer.

 

Districts: Elkhart, M. W. Steffy, presiding elder; Fort

Wayne, E. L. Kipplinger; Indianapolis, M. Krueger.

 

1876. South Indiana Conference held its first session in

Bremen, Ind., September 14. Bishop J. J. Esher, president;

W. G. Braeckly, secretary. Auxiliary missionary and Sunday-

school and tract societies were organized. The conference re-

mained in union with Northwestern College.

 

Districts: Olney, John Fuchs, presiding elder; Evansville,

H. L. Fisher.

 

1876. Pacific Conference was organized at Salem, Ore.,

September 28. Bishop R. Dubs, president; J. Bowersox,

secretary. Deacon — W. C. Kantner. This was the first ordi-

nation preformed by a bishop of the Evangelical Association on

the Pacific Coast. One hundred and two conversions and 142

accessions were reported for the past year. J% Bowersox was

elected presiding elder of the conference district.

 

Appointments: J. Bowersox, presiding elder, and also mis-

sionary al Albany; Salem, Miss., S. Heininger; Yamhill, Miss.,

W. C. Kantner; Corvallis, Miss., J. Croasman; San Francisco,

Cal., F. W. Vogelein.

 

Note. — The first Evangelical camp-meeting on the Pacific

Coast was held in June, 1876, three miles southwest of Wheat-

land, attended by all the missionaries in Oregon.

 

This year was one of unusual activity within the church.

The last General Conference having taken cognizance of the

coming centennial year, and having advised the annual confer-

ences to take suitable action, nearly all the conferences passed

appropriate resolutions, and most of them recommended that

jubilee services be held on July 2. The funds collected by the

conferences connected with Northwestern College, were con-

tributed to that institution, while in the East they were applied

for(conference purposes.

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 405

 

In the East and Central Pennsylvania Conferences measures

were taken for the establishment of a higher institution of learn-

ing. Strong committees were appointed, the purpose being to

raise un endowment of $100,000, and work was to begin in the

selection of a site and erection of buildings as soon as three-

fourths of the above amount was pledged. Rev. H. A. Neitz

was the collector for the East Pa. and Rev. S. T. Buck, for the

Central Pa. Conference. The Pittsburg Conference, while en-

dorsing the movement, did not deem it advisable to put a col-

lector in the field. The canvass of the agents showed conclu-

sively that the movement was premature, and at the close of the

year the project was abandoned. In other ventures the work

of the Church was more successful. Especially was this true of

the heathen mission. In October Dr. F. Krecker, with his

family, and A. Halmhuber, started on their journey for Japan.

God's favor rested on the undertaking.

 

Biographical Notes. — Among the ministrers who closed

their work on earth during this year was Father Jeremiah M.

Young, of the Central Pa. Conference, who died near Hazelton,

Pa., January 20. He was born in York, Pa., in 1806, entered

the West Pa. Conference in 1846, and was elected presiding elder

in 1864, serving one term. February 21, Isaac Hoffert died

in Chicago, Ill. He was born near Reading, Pa., in 181 r,

entered the active ranks of the Western Conferences in 1837,

and traveled in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Illinois.

 

1877. East Pa. Conference, Shamokin, Pa., February 28.

Bishop T. Bowman, president; S. B. Brown, secretary. Li-

censed — H. Wingert, A. M. Sampsel, A. V. Hirst, F. Smith,

D. W. Bixler, I. S. Dissinger, G. W. Wagoner, C. Y.

Weidenhammer, J. B. Cole, A. E. Fordman and G. W. Moore.

Ordained elders — A. W. Warfel, L. E. Leslie, W. L. Black,

T. A. Hess, C. S. Brown, J. M. Rinker and C. S. Breyfogel.

Deacons — G. W. Gross, H. J. Glick, M. L. Custer, N. B.

Shirk and Dr. F. Krecker, missionary in Japan. G. B. Fisher

and J. K. Workman located. H. A. Neitz to rest a year on

account of ill health. Granted credentials — M. L. Custer

and N. B. Shirk.

 

Districts: Philadelphia, J. M. Saylor, presiding elder; Read-

ing, C. S. Haman; Harrisburg, C. K. Fehr; Pottsville, I. E.

Knerr; Allentown, S. Neitz; Bethlehem, J. O. Lehr.

 

 

406 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

1877. Central Pa. Conference, Williamsport, Pa., March 8.

Bishop R. Yeakel, president; U. F. Swengel, secretary. Died —

A. Longsdorf. Licensed — D. M. Strine, C. S. Strouf, J. C.

Reeser, J. McCamey, W. H. Hartman, H. Vanson, J. A.

Hollenbach, T. A. Shortiss, H. W. Gross, F. S. Vought, S.

F. Sheary, C. F. Gephart, S. Wright and A. W. Berry.

Ordained elders — A. Stapleton, H. S. Bower and W. N.

Wallace. Deacons — P. W. Group, B. F. Keller, B. F. An-

thony, H. C. Berger and J. F. Shultz. J. Bowersox and A.

W. Bower joined the Pacific Conference. H. S. Bower also

took credentials. P. M. Coup withdrew. M. Graham, I.

Leas and C. Knoll, members of other churches, were admitted.

 

Districts: York, S. W. Seibert, presiding elder; Carlisle, E.

Kohr; Lewisburg, A. L. Reeser; Williamsport, M. J. Ca-

rothers.

 

1877. Pittsburg Conference, Millville, Pa., May 15.

Bishop R. Yeakel, president; W. M. Stanford, secretary.

Licensed — J. W. Domer, N. S. George, A. J. Greenawalt,

P. S. File, T. Green, J. Lowman, J. D. Miller, S. Coy and

M. J. Balentine. Ordained elders — L. I. Baumgardner, S.

Milliron, D. K. Lavan, F. P. Saylor, G. W. Dunlap and J. J.

Carmany. Deacons — Jacob Smith, R. P. Van Meter and J.

Trezise, of another church, were admitted. J. L. W. Seibert

and J. King took a supernumerary relation. J. J. Bernhart

was re-elected presiding elder.

 

Districts: Pittsburg, G. S. Domer, presiding elder; Frank-

lin, S. B. Kring; Allegheny, J. A. Grimm; Somerset, J. J.

Bernhart.

 

1877. New York Conference, Utica, N.Y., March 8.

Bishop T. Bowman, president; J. Siegrist, secretary. Or-

dained elders — H. Horn and G. H. Geiser. Deacons — J.

Eberling and J. Luttberger. F. Nussbukel was received on

probation. A. Holzwarth was re-elected presiding elder.

 

Districts: Albany, A. Holzwarth, presiding elder; Rochester,

T. Schneider; Buffalo, M. Lehn.

 

1877. Canada Conference, Sebringville, Ont., April 19.

Bishop T. Bowman, president; C. A. Thomas, secretary. Li-

censed — D. Kreh, I. Moyer, F. Meier and D. D. Rife. Or-

dained elders — H. G. Schmidt and G. Finkbiner. Deacons —

J. J. Klipphart, W. Simmons, J. A. Schmidt and F. Haist.

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 407

 

S. Morley, F. Scharffe and C. Pfeuffer located. P. Alles

was re-elected presiding elder.

 

Districts: Waterloo, P. Alles, presiding elder; Sebringville,

W. Schmidt; Carrick, Joseph Umbach.

 

1877. Ohio Conference, Mt.Cory, Ohio, April 12. Bishop

R. Yeakel, resident; J. Lerch, secretary. Died — A. E.

Dreisbach. Licensed — W. A. Sechrist, W. F. McMillan,

C. L. Crowther and J. Nonnamaker. H. B. Davis and J. D.

Downy, of the Methodist Episcopal, and J. Hall, of the Lu-

theran Church, were admitted. Ordained elder — E. Wengerd.

Deacons — J. Burkett and D. Curlis. J. N. Richards and

O. P. Fahs withdrew. S. Hippert took credentials. W. Wit-

tington was elected presiding elder.

 

Districts: Cleveland, J. W. Walkey, presiding elder; Fre-

mont, S. Hoy; Columbus, W. Wittington.

 

1877. Illinois Conference, Washington, Ill., April 12.

Bishop R. Dubs, president; M. Stamm, secretary. Licensed —

C. Stoebler, P. Spath, H. F. Kletzing, W. Coon, J. W.

Buck, C. F. Fehr and A. Egli. Ordained elders — P. Zahn,

G. Fuchs and C. Shuster. Deacons — W. C. Frey and W.

Shuster. H. H. Duth, J. Switzer and G. M. Young located.

J. F. Grob joined the Atlantic Conference.

 

Districts: Chicago, J. Schneider, presiding elder; Naper-

ville, W. Goessele; Freeport, D. B. Byers; Mendota, J. Him-

mel; Peoria, H. Hintze.

 

1877. Wisconsin Conference, Milwaukee, Wis., April 26.

Bishop R. Yeakel, president; A. Tarnutzer, secretary.

Died — C. A. Schnake and D. Herb. C. Koch withdrew.

W. Karm and J. G. Kern located. Licensed — J. Elfman and

W. Detert. Ordained elders — H. Clement, J. G. Kern,

C Green, E. Rhode and C. Oertli. Deacons — F. Hohn-

muth, J. W. Henneman, A. Haas, C. Kunst, F. Illian and

M. Nuss.

 

Districts: Milwaukee, G. Fritsche, presiding elder; Madi-

son, H. Huelster; Fond du Lac, H. Schelp; Mississippi, W.

Wittenwyler.

 

1877. Michigan Conference, Riga, Mich., April 5. Bishop

R. Dubs, president; F. F. Meyer, secretary. Licensed — H.

Schneider, H. Schuhknecht, G. Wilson, C. Z. Stewart and

F. A. Hamp. Ordained elders — J. Miller, D. W. Schafer

 

 

408 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

and J. Schmus. Deacons — C. C. Staffeld and J. A. Fry.

Located — C. Rohn, J. Borough and J. Frankhauser.

 

Districts: Detroit, E. Weiss, presiding elder; St. Joseph, S.

Coply; Saginaw, J. M. Haug.

 

1877. Iowa Conference met April 5, at La Porte, Ia.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; T. F. Berner, secretary. Li-

censed — D. Rieder, H. Illian and J. Ashenbrenner. Or-

dained elders — F. Lohle, S. H. White, G. Kohn, A. Houser

and F. Schulsky. Deacons — F. Backemeier, O. Beck and J.

Abrams. Located — W. Warfield. C. Sanders withdrew.

C. A. Mueller took credentials. J. Henn was re-elected

presiding elder.

 

Districts: Dubuque, E. J. Shultz; Ackley,.J. Henn; Ne-

braska, H. Brauer.

 

1877. Des Moines Conference, Lisbon, Iowa, April ia.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; E. B. Utt, secretary. Located —

E. E. Bonta and J. A. Rank. A. J. Meyers withdrew. E. E.

Condo, F. J. Strayer and W. Kolb received credentials. Li-

censed — J. H. Kolb, J. M. Johnston, F. Drake, J. Brickley,

G. Springer and A. F. Hahn. N. B. Sherk and M. L. Cus-

ter, of the East Pa. Conference, were received, as also S.

Hoover, of another church. Ordained elders — E. B. Utt and

S. A. Pettit. Deacons — D. W. Fink and C. Manwell. D.

H. Kooker, presiding elder, resigned, and E. F. Mell was

elected in his place.

 

Districts: Cedar Rapids, C. W. Anthony, presiding elder;

Des Moines, E. F. Mell.

 

1877. Minnesota Conference, near New Trier, Minn.,

May 4. Bishop R. Yeakel, president; E. H. Bowman, secre-

tary. Located — J. Van Eschen. Licensed — G. W. Hielscher,

W. Passer and W. Fritz. Ordained elder — L. Passer, J. Zim-

merman and F. Moede.

 

Districts: Winona, A. Strohmeier, presiding elder; St. Paul,

H. E. Linse; Mankato, C. Brill.

 

1877. Erie Conference, Allegheny City, Pa., March 1.

Bishop R. Dubs, president; R. Mott, secretary. Ordained

elders — Theo. Suhr and A. Bornheimer. The following was

adopted: "As the East Pa. Conference is now in session

at Shamokin, Pa., therefore, Resolved, That we send the follow-

ing salutation to that body by telegraph. Erie Conference, the

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 409

 

youngest now in session, sends greetings to the East. Pa. Con-

ference, the oldest sister, II. Thes. iii. 16." The following

response was received: "The oldest conference has received

the greetings of the youngest with pleasure, and returns them

in Scriptural measure, II. Peter i. 2."

 

1877. Atlantic Conference, Philadelphia, Pa., April 5.

Bishop T. Bowman, president; J. Koehl, secretary. J. F.

Grobe, of the Illinois, and C. A. Miller, of the Iowa Confer-

ence, were admitted. Deacons — M. Stockley, D. Schnebel,

and L. Kolb. Ordained elder — M. Straub. Jesse Yeakel, pre-

siding elder of the conference district.

 

1877. Kansas Conference, Nickel's Grove Circuit, Kan-

sas, March 22. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; C. Berner,

secretary. Located — J. G. Merk. Ordained elders — W.

Heiser and R. Zeller. Deacons — J. Bower, C. Buchel and

C. F. Stecher.

 

Districts: Holton, J. Wuerth, presiding elder; Missouri, J.

G. Pfeiffer; Southwest, H. Mattill.

 

1877. Indiana Conference, Buena Vista, Ind., September

20. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; C. C. Baumgardner, secre-

tary. Licensed — I. B. Fisher. Ordained elders — J. F. Bork-

man. Deacons — J. Brockert and G. Roeder. Located — L.

W. Dustman.

 

Districts: Elkhart, M. W. Steffy, presiding elder; Fort

Wayne, E. L. Kiplinger; Indianapolis, M. Krueger.

 

1877. South Indiana Conference, Huntingburg, Ind.,

September 6. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; W. G. Braeckly,

secretary. Deacon; — C. Stier. Ordained elder — G. Ber-

stecher. Licensed — F. Danner and W. L. Luehring. The

time of holding the conference was changed from September to

March.

 

Districts: Olney, J. Fuchs, presiding elder; Evansville, H.

L. Fisher.

 

1877. Pacific Conference, Albany, Ore., September 6.

Bishop J. Bowersox, president; S. Heininger, secretary. A.

W. Bower, of the Central Pa. Conference, was received.

 

Appointments: J. Bowersox, presiding elder and mission-

ary at Albany; Corvallis, W. C. Kantner; Buena Yista, J.

Croasman; Salem, A. W. Bower; Yamhill, S. Heininger; Port-

land, to be supplied; San Francisco, F. W. Voegelin.

 

 

410 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNAL8.

 

Note. — The interests of the church were well maintained

during this year. The Board of Missions in Racine, Wis.,

October 12, passed the following resolution: "Resoived, That

we greatly rejoice that our missionaries in Japan were able to

report in their first annual statement to this board, the glad

news that one Japanese, who bids fair to be of great use to the

Church, has, through their efforts, been converted, and that in

this we see, with thankfulness to God, a new token of the ap-

probation of the Lord with regard to our heathen mission."

 

Biographical. — In October, 1877, Father Adam Ettinger,

the oldest surviving minister of the church, passed to his re-

ward, at the age of almost ninety-one years. J. Conrad Reis-

ner died in October at Lebanon, in the eighty-second year of

his age. He entered the ministry in 1822 and had the distinc-

tion of being the first European German minister of the Evan-

gelical Association. A fuller reference to these brethren will be

found elsewhere in this work.

 

1878. East Pa. Conference, Reading, Pa., Feb. 27. Bishop

J. J. Esher, president; J. C. Hornberger, secretary. Licensed

— J. Keller, N. A. Barr, J. M. Shopp, D. A. Light, J. D.

Woodring, A. S. Steltz, A. L. Yeakel, C. N. Snyder and E.

A. Hummel. Deacons — J. H. Shirey, J. W. Woehrley, F. E.

Erdman, W. Wagoner and W. Minsker. Ordained elders — S.

T. Leopold, A. Krecker, H. D. Shultz, I. J. Reitz, G. D.

Swiegert and A. Dilabar. Credentials — J. F. Wohlfarth, F.

E. Erdman and E. Leslie. S. Neitz resigned the office of pre-

siding elder and C. S. Haman and C. K. Fehr were re-elected

to the same. The Board of Publication having loaned the pub-

lishing house in Germany the sum of $10,000, the East Pa. Con-

ference, by resolution, declared this loan as illegal.

 

Districts: Philadelphia, J. O. Lehr, presiding elder; Allen-

town, C. K. Fehr; Reading, J. M. Saylor; Harrisburg, C. S.

Haman; Pottsville, I. E. Knerr.

 

1878. Central Pa. Conference, Glen Rock, Pa., March 7.

Bishop R. Dubs, president;, U. F. Swengel, secretary. Li-

censed — E. Crumbling, E. James, J. S. Lowe, E. P. Leonard,

J. Lawver, J. N. Ross and W. F. Gladfelter. Ordained

elders — D. P. Kline, P. F. Jarrett, L. Dice. Deacons — G.

Joseph, J. Shambach, J. J. Lohr, P. C. Weidemeyer, J. H.

Peters, W. H. Lilly and A. J. Gramley. F. C. Pandel was

restored to his former relation of deacon. Granted credentials

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 411

 

— H. C. Berger and R. J. Derrick. J. Archer and H. H.

Ream withdrew.

 

Districts: York, S. W. Seibert, presiding elder; Carlisle,

E. Kohr; Lewisburg, A. C. Reeser; Williamsport, M. J. Ca-

rothers.

 

1878. Pittsburg Conference, Canton, Ohio, March 14.

Bishop R. Dubs, president; W. M. Stanford, secretary. Lo-

cated — J. Portch and A. Rearick. Credentials — J. A. Dun-

lap and P. W. Hahn. Licensed — D. R. Dalzell, T. B. Zel-

lers, J. Myers, C. M. Killhefer, E. F. Dicky, C. Manka-

mier, M. Tichnell, G. W. Finney, W. Evans, W. M. Covert,

and T. B. Coburn. Ordained elders — G. W. White, I. A.

Smith, A. S. Baumgardner, W. A. Reininger and J. Trezise.

Deacons — H. Hurd. J. Q. A. Weller was newly and J. A.

Grimm was re-elected presiding elder.

 

Districts: Pittsburg, G. S. Domer, presiding elder; Franklin,

J. J. Barnhart; Allegheny, J. A. Grimm; Somerset, J. Q. A. Weller.

 

1878. New York Conference, Lyons, N.Y., March 14.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; M. Pfitzinger, secretary.

Died — J. Siegrist and J. Luttenberger. Licensed — H. Kock.

Ordained elders — J. Burkhart, J. Vossler, H. Newinger and

C. Mowitz.

 

Districts: Albany, A. Holzwarth, presiding elder; Roches-

ter, T. Schneider; Buffalo, M. Lehn.

 

1878. Canada Conference, Lingelbach's, Ont., April 19.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; C. A. Thomas, secretary. Li-

censed — D. Brant, W. Birk, M. Wiegand and J. C. Mor-

lock. Deacon — F. Schwartz.

 

Districts: Waterloo, P. Alles, presiding elder; Sebringville,

W. Schmidt; Carrick, Joseph Umbach.

 

1878. Erie Conference, Huron, Ohio, March 7. Bishop

T. Bowman, president; R. Mott, secretary. Licensed — G.

Goetz, P. J. Faul and J. Cordes. Ordained elder — V. Brown.

Deacons — G. Orr and J. A. Junt. Credentials — J. S. Seip

and J. G. Martin. H. C. Berger, of the Central Pa. Confer-

ence, was received.

 

Districts: Cleveland, W. W. Orwig, presiding elder; Pitts-

burg, G. F. Spreng.

 

1878. Atlantic Conference, Easton, Pa., April 4. Bishop

J. J. Esher, president; J. P. Schwatz, secretary. Credentials —

C. A. Miller and J. P. Schultz. Licensed — J, B. Deroni.

 

 

412 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

C. B. Fliehr was elected presiding elder. Died — Adam Et-

tinger, York, Pa.

 

Districts: Philadelphia, J. Yeakel, presiding elder; New

York, C. B. Fliehr.

 

1878. Kansas Conference, Zion church, Douglass county,

Kansas, March 21. Bishop T. Bowman, president; C. Ber-

ner, secretary. F. Schaefer, C. F. Erfmeier, P. Shuman, A.

J. Voegelein and A. M. Dreisbach were received on proba-

tion. Ordained elders — J. Emmel. Deacons — C. Waehlte

and R. Stahle. H. S. Bower, of the Central Pa. Conference,

was received. Located — M. Alsbach, J. Bower, C. Buechel

and W. Folgate. Credentials — G. F. Yeager.

 

Districts: Holton, J. Wuerth, presiding elder; Missouri, J.

G. Pfeuffer; South West, H. Mattill.

 

1878. Iowa Conference, Waterloo, Iowa, April 4. Bishop

T. Bowman, president; C. Pfund, secretary. Ordained elders —

O. Gerhart, E. Mueller, E. Nolte, W. Jonas, H. Butz, F.

A. Frase, F. W. Fisher and G. Heinmiller. Deacons — G. G.

Zellhoefer, V. Griese A. Fisher, C. Schmidt, M. Einhelder,

W. Schwerine, J. Ashenbrenner. Licensed — Peter Belzer,

A. Braenchle, C. Bockenhauer, H. Braun and R. Schmitz.

W. Kolb and Joseph Bussard, of the Des Moines and C. A.

Mueller, of the Atlantic Conference, received; the latter was

granted deacon's orders. J. P. Just was newly and H. Brauer

and E. J. Shultz were re-elected presiding elders.

 

Districts: Dubuque, J. Henn, presiding elder; Ackley, H,

Brauer; Council Bluffs; E. J. Schultz; Nebraska, J. P. Just.

 

1878. Des Moines Conference, Colo, Iowa, April 11.

Bishop T. Bowman, president; E. B. Urr, secretary. Li-

censed — J. Auracher, H. Leiphart and H. H. Long. Or-

dained elders — J. H. Yaggy and A. T. Wilkins. Deacons —

H. A. Hummelbach and J. C. Burton. Died — G. Herring.

Credentials — J. Bussard, J. McCauley and H. Holdridge.

J. A. Dunlap, of the Pittsburg, J. A. Hetner and A. J.

Gramley, of the Central Pa., and C. H. Gramley, of the Illinois 

Conference, and H. M. Sexton and L. Parks, of the Metho-

dist Episcopal Church, were admitted. E. B. Utt was elected

presiding elder.

 

Districts: Cedar Rapids, C. W. Anthony, presiding elder;

Des Moines, E. B. Utt; Afton, E. F. Mell.

 

1878. Illinois Conference, Freeport, Ill., April 11.

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 413

 

Bishop R. Yeakel, president; A. Knoble, German, W. H.

Bucks, English, secretary. Credentials — C. H. Gramley and

J. Kurtz. Located — A. Rohrbach, B. Ruh and H. Eller.

Licensed — A. Buende, George Spaeth, C. Frey, George

Franks, J. Wuerth, O. Radensky, C. Roloff, C. Shultz, W.

A. Unangst, C. Diesmeier and J. W. Shaefele. Ordained

elders — W. Caton, C. Danner, H. Eller, A. Strickfaden,

A. Riemenschneider, A. J. Culver and G. C. Knobel. Dea-

cons — W. Schweiker, W. H. Fouke, J. W. Tobias and H.

Scheffner. S. Torry, of the Baptist Church, was received.

M. Stamh was newly and W. Goessele was re-elected presid-

ing elder. V. Forkel was eleeted collector for church debts.

 

Districts: Chicago, J. Schneider, presiding elder; Naper-

ville, M. Stamm; Freeport, D. B. Byers; Mendota, J. Himmel;

Peoria, W. Goessele.

 

1878. Michigan Conference, Litchfield, Mich., April 4.

Bishop R. Yeakel, president; F. F. Meyer, secretary. Lo-

cated — J. Young, D. C. Fry, P. Berg and R. Riegel. Cre-

dentials — J. M. Reimke. Licensed — W. Binder, A. Kuehn,

M. E. Blizzard, H. Voelker, J. Schneider and J. Suther-

land; also F. Knopf, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and

W. White, of the Protestant Episcopal Church; also S. Hip-

pard of the Ohio and J. Nicolai, of the Illinois Conference,

were admitted. Ordained elder — G. A. Hetler and P. Bittner.

Deacons — F. Klump, A. Frey, G. Provost, D. C. Fry and D.

Russel. J. M. Fuchs and J. M. Haug were elected presiding

elders. Conference organized itself into a church building so-

ciety.

 

Districts: Monroe, F. Weiss, presiding elder; Three Rivers,

S. Coply; Flint, J. M. Haug; Iona, J. M. Fuchs.

 

1878. Ohio Conference, Marshallville, April 11. Bishop

R. Dubs, president; J. Lerch, secretary. Licensed — W. W.

Sherrick, C. Waltz, Otto Spreng, M. A. Butts, Martin A.

Hildebrand and P. Powell. Ordained elders — S. Cocklin.

Deacons — S. P. Spreng, J. A. Hensel, W. Bates, of the

Methodist Episcopal Church, and P. W. Hahn, of the Pitts-

burg Conference, were admitted. N. Shupp was again elected

collector for the church debts. Located — A. W. Orwig and

G. Balser.

 

Districts: Cleveland, J. W. Walkey, presiding elder; Fre-

mont, S. Hoy; Columbus, S. Wittington.

 

 

414 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Father H. Niebel, the oldest preacher of the Church, died.

(See biography).

 

1878. Indiana Conference, Urbana, Ind., April 18.

Bishop R. Dubs, president; C. C. Baumgardner, secretary.

Located— P. Roth. Licensed — A. O. Raber and W. Pinker-

ton. Ordained elders — C. C. Baumgardner and B. F. Dill.

Deacon — J. M. Dustman.

 

Districts: Elkhart, M. W. Steffey, presiding elder; Fort

Wayne, E. L. Kiplinger; Indianapolis, M. Krueger.

 

1878. South Indiana Conference, Carmi, Ill., March 14.

Bishop T. Bowman, president; W. G. Brackley, secretary.

Deacon — M. F. Finkbeiner. W. L. Luehring was received in

the traveling connection.

 

Districts: Olney, J. Fuchs, presiding elder; Evansville, H.

L. Fisher.

 

1878. Pacific Conference, Salem, Ore., September 15.

Bishop T. Bowman, president; S. Heininger, secretary. Li-

censed — Joseph Taylor and W. Axthelm. Ordained elder —

W. C. Kantner. Irvine Robinson, a local preacher of Wis-

consin conference, and G. C. Barger, of the Methodist Epis-

copal Church, were received.

 

J. Bowersox, presiding elder of the Conference District.

 

1878. Wisconsin Conference, Mazomaine, Wis., April 25.

Bishop R. Dubs, president; A. Tarnutzer, secretary. Li-

censed — L. E. Emmert, W. Elmer, D. Schneider, A. Buch-

oltz. Deacons — F. Nehs, W. Colander, C. Weigand, C. F.

Reichard, F. Haberman and H. Best. Located — J. Karcher.

Died — E. Bockemuehl, itenerant, and J. M. Walter, local.

 

Districts: Milwaukee, G. Fritsche, presiding elder; Madi-

son, H. Huelster; Fond du Lac, H. Schelp; Portage, M. Wit-

tenweiler.

 

1878. Minnesota Conference, near Morristown, Minn.,

May 3, Bishop R. Dubs, president; W. Oehler, secretary.

Ordained elders — B. Simon, E. R. Koch and J. Gongall.

Deacons — H. Ohs, G. Britzius, W. C. Stegner, F. C.

Schmidt, G. W. Heilscher and E. F. Movius. Licensed —

J. G. Haller, M. Gagstatter and F. R. Plantikow. Cre-

dentials — C. R. Koch. C. Ortli, of the Wisconsin and G.

Spath, of the Illinois Conference were admitted. A. Stroh-

meier was re-elected presiding elder.

 

 

CONFERENCE BE00RD8. 415

 

Districts: Winona, A. Strohmeier, presiding elder; St. Paul,

H. E. Linse; Mankato, C. Brill.

 

1879. East Pa. Conference, Allentown, Pa., February 26.

Bishop R. Dubs, president; J. C. Hornberger, secretary.

Licensed — George Schwartz, A. E. Gobble, J. L. Ginther,

J. W. Hoover, H. H. Romberger and W. H. Reineck. J. S.

McNutt, a local preacher of the Methodist Episcopal Church,

was received. Ordained elders — G. W. Gross, H. J. Glick

and Dr. F. Krecker. Deacons — F. Smith and A. M. Sampsel.

Credentials — L. Snyder, Moses Dissinger, S. B. Brown, W.

H. Bachman, G. W. Moore and C. W. Snyder. Died— S. P.

Reinoehl, H. Kempfer and W. Heim, itinerants, and J. Ber-

tolet and I. Dissinger, locals.

 

Districts: Philadelphia, J. O. Lehr, presiding elder; Allen-

town, C. K. Fehr; Reading, J. M. Saylor; Harrisburg, C. S.

Haman; Pottsville, I. E. Knerr.

 

1879. Central Pa. Conference, Lewisburgh, Pa., March 6.

Bishop T. Bowman, president; U. F. Swengel, secretary. Li-

censed — John Messinger, J. A. Kepner, H. M. Evans, C. W.

Finkbinder, D. M. Baumgardner, I. Reynolds and H. H.

Douty. Ordained elders — P. W. Group, B. F. Keller, B. F.

Anthony and J. F. Shultz. Deacons — J. A. Hollenbaugh, J. C.

Reeser, G. H. Schleh, C. F. Gephart, J. H. Hertz and H.

W. Gross. Died — George Dellinger. Withdrawn — B. Mat-

thias, S. D. Bennington, S. Wright, F. Passmore, H. Van-

sant and Prof. F. M. Baker. Credentials — A. W. Kramer.

B. Hengst, of the Atlantic Conference, was received. W. E.

Detweiler was newly, and E. Kohr was re-elected presiding

elder.

 

Districts: York, M. J. Carothers, presiding elder; Juniata,

E. Kohr; Lewisburg, W. E. Detweiler; Williamsport, A. L.

Reeser.

 

1879. Pittsburg Conference, Salisbury, Pa., March 13.

Bishop T. Bowman, president; W. M. Stanford, secretary.

Withdrew — J. H. Bates, I. Moore and J. Myers. Licensed —

D. J. Hershberger and J. Wagoner. J. A. Yunt, of the Erie

Conference, was admitted. A. Rearick and J. Q. A. Weller

were deposed from the ministry. Died — Adam Klinefelter

and P. S. Feil. Credentials — F. Bone. Ordained elders —

J. Smith, R. P. Vanmeter. Deacons — J, W. Domer, F. J.

 

 

416 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Strayer, E. C. Martin, J. T. Bowles, A. M. Bowlin and C.

Dehaven.

 

Districts: Pittsburg, G. S. Domer, presiding elder; Frank-

lin, J. J. Bernhart; Johnstown, J. A. Grimm.

 

1879. New York Conference, Liverpool, N.Y., March 13.

Bishop R. Dubs, president; M. Pfitzinger, secretary. Li-

censed — H. W.Schneider, P. Bahn, G. Schneider and R. W.

Ziehm. Ordained deacon — P. Spath.

 

Districts: Albany, A. Holzwarth, presiding elder; Roches-

ter, M. Lehn; Buffalo, T. Schneider.

 

1879. Canada Conference, Berlin, Ont, April 17. Bishop

R. Dubs, president; C. A. Thomas, secretary. Ordained

Elders — J. J. Klipphart, J. A. Schmidt, F. Haist. Deacons —

H. A. Thomas, D. Kreh, D. Reider. Licensed — S. Graep, J.

Baechtel and G. Braun.

 

Districts: Waterloo, P. Alles, presiding elder; Sebringville,

Joseph Umbach; Carrick, C. A. Thomas.

 

1879. Ohio Conference, Lindsey, Ohio, April 17, Bishop

J. J. Esher, president; A. Vandersall, secretary. Licensed —

J. Wengerd, E. Shoemaker and L. Sweetland. J. Lerch,

D. H. Wonder, G. W. Ellenberger and A. Loehner were

granted a supernumerary relation. W. Horn and J. E. Stewart

took letters of dismissal. Ordained elders — W. A. Shisler and

J. A. Burkett. Deacons — J. O. Stoll, H. B. Davis, M. B.

Mohn, W. F. McWilliams and D. C. Eckerman. F. Bone, of

the Pittsburg, and F. Zeller, of the Michigan Conference,

were admitted. J. Stull was elected presiding elder.

 

Districts: Cleveland, j. Stull, presiding elder; Fremont, S.

Hoy; Columbus, W. Wittington.

 

1879. Illinois Conference, Geneseo, April 10. Bishop T.

Bowman, president; E. Von Freeden and W. Caton, secretaries.

Credentials — J. H. Tobias, H. F. Kletzing and G. C. Knobel.

Licensed — H. B. Grumbine, J. Stone, J. Hamilton, T. Murry,

E. Held, T. W. Woodside, H. Arlen, C. Nauman, A. Haefele,

W. Grobe, G. Zoller and C. Paeth, also G. A. Kearney, of

the Methodist Episcopal Church. Ordained elders — J. B.

Elfring, W. C. Frye and W. Shuster. Deacons — S. A.

Miller, J. J. Elftman, A. Egle, W. Gross and J. J. Lintner.

Died — A. Davis, J. K. Lutz and C. Ebinger.

 

Districts: Chicago, J. Schneider, presiding elder; Naper-

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 417

 

ville, M. Stamm; Freeport, D. Byers; Mendota, J. Himmel;

Peoria, W. Goessele.

 

1879. Erie Conference, Cleveland, Ohio, March 6.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; R. Mott, secretary. Ordained

elder — H. C. Berger. C. Waltz and H. Cordes were received

into the itinerancy. Credentials — J. A. Junt and C. Kuenzeli.

 

Districts: Cleveland, W. W. Orwig, presiding elder; Pitts-

burg, G. F. Spreng.

 

1879. Atlantic Conference, York, Pa., April 3. Bishop

R. Dubs, president. J. P. Schnatz, secretary. Credentials —

B. Hengst. C. Heinrich and C. Brey were received on pro-

bation. Ordained elder — D. Schnebel. Deacon — C. Phillip-

bar. R. Deisher located.

 

Districts: Philadelphia, J. Yeakel, presiding elder; New York,

C. B. Fliehr.

 

1879. Wisconsin Conference, Bishop J. J. Esher, presi-

dent; A. Tarnuntzer, secretary. Died — F. J. Schirmeier.

Licensed — J. Schneller, A. Heinhouse and J. A. Stewart.

Ordained elders — J. W. Henneman, F. Illian, F. Homuth and

C. Kunst. Deacons — H. Kiekhoefer, M. Muehl, G. Fred-

erick and W. Detert. J. U. Elmer located. H. Schelp was

reelected and C. F. Finger, A. Tarnutzer and L. Buehler

were newly elected presiding elder.

 

District: Milwaukee, L. Buehler, presiding elder; Madison,

H. Schelp; Fond du Lac, C. F. Finger; Portage, A. Tarnutzer.

 

1879. South Indiana Conference, Mt. Tabor, Ind.,

March 20. Bishop R. Dubs, president; G. W. Brackley,

secretary. Ordained elders — J. Mode and N. J. Platz. H. C.

Fisher and J. Fuchs were re-elected presiding elders.

 

Districts: Olney, H. L. Fisher, presiding elder; Evansville,

J. Fuchs.

 

1879. Indiana Conference, Bremen, Ind., April 17.

Bishop R. Yeakel, president; C. C. Baumgardnrr and D. S.

Oakes secretaries. Died — A. Hartzler, itinerant, and J. Car-

stetter and J. Kiplinger, locals. D. J. Pontius, G. W. Free-

hafer and J. F. Bockman located. H. Funk and J. Loop,

locals, withdrew. Licensed — J. E. Myers, G. W. Bryson, D.

Black and L. Stock. Ordained elders — J. Bruckert, and G.

Roeder. Deacons — A. Iwan, J. B. Fisher, H. Prechtel and

J. Huntzinger. M. Krueger was re-elected and C. C. Baum-

 

 

418 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Gardner was newly elected presiding elder. Credentials — D. J.

Pontius and E. D. Einsel.

 

Districts: Elkhart, E. L. Kiplinger; Ft. Wayne, M. Krue-

ger; Indianapolis, C. C. Baumgardner.

 

1879. Iowa Conference, Ackley, Iowa, April 3. Bishop

J. J. Esher, president; C. C. Pfund, secretary, Licensed —

C. Brenner and J. Herrman. Credentials — W. F. Fisher, F.

Methfessel and D. Rieder. Ordained elders — J. Abrams,

F. Backemeyer, E. O. Beck. Deacons — H. Hibenthal and

H. Illian.,

 

Districts: Dubuque, J. Henn, presiding elder; Ackley, H.

Brauer; Council Bluffs, E. J. Shultz.

 

1879. Des Moines Conference, Afton, Iowa, April 10. Bishop R. Dubs,

president; W. J. Hahn, secretary. Licensed — S. Kern, H.

Grumbine, P. Gressly, H. Kinly, S. Krell and J. Halder-

man. Ordained elders — D. W. Fink, S. Hoover, M. L. Custer,

and C. Manwell. Deacons — J. E. Staufacher, J. Auracher,

J. M. Johnson and A. Y. Cupp. Credentials — J. H. Kiplinger

and A. Driesbach, of the Kansas, R. J. Derrick and G. F.

Yeager, of the Central Pa., W. Coon, D. Ellenberger and

H. F. Kletzing, of the Illinois, B. C. Oyler and J. Strome,

of the Ohio, and E. D. Einsel, of the Indiana Conference.

Died— J. H. Culp.

 

Districts: Cedar Rapids, C. W. Anthony, presiding elder;

Des Moines, E. B. Utt; Afton, E. F. Mell.

 

1879. Kansas Conference, near Rulo, Neb., March 20.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; C. Berner, secretary. Li-

censed — A. Yoder, W. Descher, L. C. Schnake, H. Lindner.

Deacons — J. Dreisbach, C. Geiser, H. Todeman, D. Honsted

and H. Lindner. D. Woder located. L. Wenger was elected

presiding elder.

 

Districts: Holton, J. Wuerth, presiding elder; Missouri, J.

 

G. Pfeuffer; South West, L. Wenger.

 

1879. Michigan Conference, Park, Mich., April 3. Bishop

T. Bowman, president; F. F. Meyer, secretary. F. S. Root,

withdrew. F. Zeller and J. T. Gingrich located. Creden-

tials — P. Bittner. Licensed — A. Scheuer, Q. Walker, W. F.

Zander and J. A. Lawrence. Ordained elders — J. A. Frye,

W. Simmons and C. C. Staffeld. Deacons — H. Schneider

and F. C. Walker, C. G. Koch, of the Ohio and S. Heininger,

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 419

 

of the Pacific Conference, were received. S. Copley was re-

elected and J. Frankhouser newly elected presiding elder.

 

Districts: Monroe, S. Coply, presiding elder; Three Rivers,

J. Frankhouser; Flint, J. M. Haug; Iona, J. Fuchs.

 

1879. Minnesota Conference, Quincy, Minn., May 2.

J. J. Esher, president, W. Oehler, secretary. Deacons — F.

R. Plantikow, W. Fritz, W. Passer and M. Redman. The

Conference was re-districted and the districts St. Paul, Minne-

apolis, St. Peter's and South. W. Stegner was newly and C.

Brill was re-elected presiding elder.

 

Districts: St. Paul, H. E. Linse, presiding elder; Minne-

apolis, C. Brill; St. Peters, A. Strohmeyer; South, W. Stegner.

 

1879. Pacific Conference, Corvallis, Ore., June 5.

Bishop J. Bowersox, president; W. C. Kantner, secretary.

Licensed — J. L. Hershner and G. Ketterman. Credentials —

S. Heininger. A. W. Bower withdrew. California district

was formed and F. W. Voegelein was elected presiding elder.

A. Krecker, of the East Pa., J. C. Emmel, of the Kansas Con-

ference, and F. W. Fisher were received into the conference.

 

Districts: Oregon, J. Bowersox, presiding elder; California,

F. W. Voegelein.

 

 

420

 

CHAPTER XVII.

 

Seventeenth General Conference, Held at Noble Street

Church, Chicago, Ill., Oct. 2-20.

 

1879. General Conference, seventeenth session, Noble

Street Church, Chicago, Ill., Oct. 2-20. Presiding Bishops:

J. J. Esher, R. Yeakel, R. Dubs and T. Bowman. Bishop

Dubs delivered the opening address. C. A. Thomas was ap-

pointed secretary. His assistants were J. C. Hornberger, M.

Stamm, M. Pfitzinger, S. Smith and C. W. Anthony.

 

Rev. J. W. Freund, the fraternal delegate of the Methodist

Episcopal Church, addressed the conference, as also Bishop

Merrill, of the same church.

 

On the fourteenth day of the sessions memorial services were

held in respect to W. F. Schneider, Publisher, C. A. Schnake

and S. G. Rhoads, members of the last General Conference

who died during the quadrennium.

 

The General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

having arranged for the holding of a Ecumenical Council of all

Methodistic bodies, and an invitation having been sent to this

General Conference to send representatives from the Evangelical

Association, the matter was referred to a committee, who later

substituted the following, which was adopted.

 

"Resolved, That we duly appreciate and most heartily re-

ciprocate the fraternal spirit which prompted, and which per-

vades said invitaton to participate in the deliberations of said

conference.

 

2. That, although we are not a Methodist body, but yet are

closely allied to Methodism, in doctrine and practice, we here-

with accept the invitation and make arrangements to be properly

represented at said conference.

 

 

OONFERENCE RECORDS. 421

 

3. That the Committee of Ways and Means make necessary

arrangements to have our Church properly represented at the

Ecumenical Conference.”

 

Delegates: Bishop R. Dubs and D. B. Byers were ap-

pointed to represent the church at the Ecumenical Conference

of Methodism, J. C. Hornbrrger was appointed as fraternal

delegate to the General Conference of the United Brethren, and

E. C. Kiplinger to that of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

 

The following were some of the more important recom-

mendations of the General Conference to the annual confer-

ences for adoption, as submitted by committees:

 

"The bishops of our church shall be permitted to take part

in the deliberations of the General Conference when they do

not occupy the chair, but shall not have the right to vote.

 

"The senior book-agent, the editors and the corresponding

secretary of the missionary society, who are at present members

of the General Conference by virtue of office, shall have the

privilege of choosing the annual conference of which they desire

to be members, and such as may be elected, whose conference

relations have not been changed, shall have the right to retain

their membership in their respective conferences, and thus the

ex-offieio membership of this body of all the officers of our church

shall cease."

 

"Whereas, The need of a more appropriate English render-

ing of our original church name among our English-speaking

people, has been felt for many years, and is becoming more

and more urgent, so that there seems to be a very general desire

apparent in favor of a change, and,

 

Whereas, We believe that the time has come when some-

thing ought to be done iu the matter, inasmuch as we are not

merely an "association," but a church; therefore,

 

Resolved, 1. That the English rendering or translation of our

original name "Evangelische Gemeinschaft," shall in the future

be "Evangelical Church of North America," instead of Evan-

gelical Association of North America.

 

2. That a committee of four be appointed to consult with a

competent jurist, and see to it that the necessary measures are

executed to legalize the change, and that we suggest as such a

committee, Bishop R. Dubs, W. Yost, H. B. Hartzler and

M. Lauer.”

 

The Board of Publication was excused for not publishing

 

 

422 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNAL8.

 

the Evangelical Hymn Book with notes, as ordered by the last

General Conference, but ordered that its publicaton shall not be

longer delayed. The last General Conference having offered a

premium of $1,000 for a manuscript of systematic theology, and

no one having availed himself of the inducement, the conference

continued the offer.

 

It was resolved that two instead of one book agent shall be

elected, to have equal power, rights and perogatives, and be

equally responsible for the managment of the establishment.

The agent first elected shall be the senior, and an ex-officio mem-

ber of the General Conference.

 

Permission was given the Minnesota, Kansas and Germany

Conferences to divide their conferences during the coming

quadrennium, with the consent of the Board of Bishops. The

Des Moines Conference was granted the same privilege, on the

same conditions, for the formation of the Platte River and

Nebraska Conferences, provided two-thirds of the members of

conference shall agree to such a division.

 

Salaries, house rent included, were fixed as follows: Bishop's,

$1,500; book agents, $1,400; editor's, $1,400; assistant edi-

tor's, $1,000.

 

The following officials were elected for the quadrennium:

Bishops, J. J. Esher, R. Dubs and T. Bowman; Book Agents,

M. Lauer and W. Yost; editor of the Christliche Botschafter,

W. Horn; editor of Evangelical Messenger, H. B. Hartzler;

editor of Evangelical Magazine and German Sunday-School

literature, C. A. Thomas; editor of the Living Epistle; S. L.

Wiest, Superiendent of Orphan Home; Jacob Dreisbach, Gen-

eral Book Agent for the Germany Publishing House; J. Waltz,

editor of Evangelische Botschafter and Sunday-School Literature,

G. Fuessele.

 

Delegates — East Pa. Conference. — C. S. Haman, J. O. Lehr,

J. C. Hornberger, I. E. Knerr, C. K. Fehr, B. F. Bohner, S.

Nietz, J. M. Saylor.

 

Central Pa. Conference. — M. J. Carothers, C. F. Deininger,

W. E. Detweiler, E. Kohr, A. L. Reeser, S. Smith, S. W. Sei-

bert.

 

Pittsburg Conference. — G. S. Domer, J. J. Barnhart, J. D.

Domer, G. W. Brown,* J. A. Grimm.

 

* Alternates.

 

 

CONFERENCE REC0RD8. 423

 

New York Conference. — M. Pfitzinger, M. Lehn, T. Schnei-

der.*

 

Kansas Conference. — J. Wuerth, H. Mattill, L. Wenger C.

Berner.*

 

Erie Conference. — W. W. Orwig, G. F. Spreng.

 

South Indiana Conference. — J. Fuchs, J. Kauffman.*

 

Atlantic Conference. — J. Yeakel, F. Kurtz.

 

Iowa Conference- — J. Henn, H. Brauer, E. J. Schultz.

 

Des Moines Conference. — D. H. Kooker, C. W. Anthony,

E. B. Utt, E. F. Mell.

 

Nebraska Conference. — J. P. Just.

 

Ohio Conference. — S. Hoy, J. Lerch, D. Strohman, J. Stoll,

W. Wittington, J. W. Walkey.

 

Illinois Conference. — J. Schneider, W. Goessele, H. Rohland,

D. B. Byers, M. Stamm, C. Lindeman, J. Himmel, S. Dickover.

 

Indiana Conference. — E. L. Kiplinger, M. W. Steffy, M.

Krueger.

 

Michigan Conference. — S. Coply, J. M. Fuchs, J. M. Haug,

C. Ude,* J. Frankhauser.

 

Canada Conference. — J. Umbach, C. A. Thomas, S. N.

Moyer.*

 

Wisconsin Conference. — L. Buehler, A. Tarnutzer, H. Schelp,

P. Speich, C. F. Finger.

 

Minnesota Conference. — C. Brill, W. L. Stegner, A. Stroh-

meyer.

 

Pacific Conference. — J. Bowersox.

 

German Conference. — J. Kaechle.

 

Switzerland Conference. — H. Guelich.

 

Ex-officio. — M. Lauer, W. Yost, Jacob Hartzler, W. Horn,

H. J. Bowman.

 

Among the recommendations of General Conference to the

annual conferences for adoption were two of vital interest,

namely, the repeal of ex-officio representation in the General

Conference, and the change of our Church name, and an ex-

traordinary degree of interest was manifested throughout the

entire church in the final outcome. In regard to the recdm-

mendation to abolish ex-officio representation (see General Con-

ference of 1867). The conference very strenuously held that

the tendency of ex-officio representation was to centralize power

 

* Alternates.

 

 

424 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

in the hands of the church officials, and hence a menace to the

polity of the church. Although the opposition to this measure

was not very serious when first introduced as a recommendation

to the annual conferences, when, however, the system was

finally adopted, and it was soon regarded as a dangerous

menace, and many of the leading men of the church, especially

of the East, were anxious for its abolition. S. Neitz, of the

East Pa conference, who had opposed it from the beginning,

brought the matter before the General Conference. The vote

of the annual conferences on its repeal resulted adversely by a

very narrow margin, the Central Pa. Conference voting unan-

imously for its repeal and the East Pa. and Pittsburg Confer-

ences nearly so. The recommendation to alter our Church name

also failed to receive the sanction of a majority.

 

1880. East Pa. Conference, Weissport, Pa., February 26.

Bishop T. Bowman, president; J. C. Hornberger, secretary.

Licensed — J. C. Krause, H. M. Capp, A. M. Hartman, W. H.

Stauffer, F. G. Stauffer, W. F. Heil, and J. Wejdel. Or-

dained elders — J. W. Woehrle, and J. H. Shirey. Deacons —

N. A. Barr and J. R. Hensyl. Credentials — T. G. Clelwell

and G. C. Knobel, also H. S. Clemens, of the Methodist

Episcopal Church. Died — G. T. Haines and S. Graumer.

 

Districts: Allentown, C. K. Fehr; Philadelphia, J. C. Horn-

berger,; Reading, I. E. Knerr; Harrisburg, C. S. Haman;

Pottsville, J. O. Lehr.

 

1880. Gentral Pa. Conference, Berwick, Pa., March 4.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president, U. F. Swengel, secretary. Li-

censed — J. E. Britcher, C. H. Goodling, J. R. Sechrist, H.

H. Brenneman, W. J. Davis, I. C. Yeakel, M. F. Fosselman,

H. T. Searl, E. Dietrick, H. Price and J. M. Dick. E. W.

Koontz, of the United Brethren, and J. D. Kneisley, of the

Methodist Episcopal Church, were received. Ordained elders —

J. Shambach, J. J. Lohr, W. H. Lilly, G. Joseph, P. C.

Weidemeyer and J. H. Peters. Deacons — E. P. Leonard,

H. H. Douty, E. Crumbling, B. Garrison, and D. Shoe-

maker. J. G. M. Swengel located. Died — R. C. Bowersox.

Credentials — John Kreamer and D. S. Lepley. U. F. Swen-

gel was newly elected and A. L. Reeser re-elected presiding

elder. Jacob Hartzler, superintendent of Japan mission, was

enrolled as a member of conference.

 

Districts: York, E. Kohr, presiding elder; Juniata, U. F.

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 425

 

Swengel; Lewisburg, W. E. Detweiler; Williamsport, A. L_

Reese r.

 

1880. Pittsburg Conference, Johnstown, Pa., March 18.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; W. M. Stanford, secretary.

Licensed— F. P. Hummel, C. C. Poling, N. W. Bloom, W. F.

Shannon, D. F. Platt, G. W. Weaver, F. P. Ellenberger,

A. J. Bird and J. Fichtner. Ordained elder — H. H. Hurd.

Deacon — W. M. Covert. D. Saylor was restored to his former

relation. E. C. Martin located. Credentials — G. W. Brown, E.

B. Arthur, J. J. Bernhart and J. Trezise. F. W. Barlett, of

the M. E. Church, was admitted. J. D. Domer, D. S. Poling

and L. M. Boyer were elected to the office of presiding elder.

 

Districts: Pittsburg, J. A. Grimm, presiding elder; Frank-

lin, D. S. Poling; Allegheny, J. D. Domer; Somerset, L. M.

Boyer.

 

1880. Ohio Conference, Lancaster, Ohio, March n.

Bishop T. Bowman, president; A. Vandersall, secretary.

Licensed — C. H. Dreisbach, J. Keiser, J. Kanaga, J. H.

Vought and S. A. McBride. Ordained elder — S. P. Spreng

and J. A. Hensel. Deacons — S. J. Gamertsfelder, E. Evans,

W. W. Sherrick, C. L. Crowther, Otto Spreng, J. J. Nona-

maker and W. Bates. G. H. Schneider, of the New York

Conference, was received.

 

Districts: Cleveland, S. Hoy, presiding elder; Fremont,

J. Stoll; Columbus, W. Whittington.

 

1880. Erie Conference, Erie, Pa., March 4. Bishop R.

Dubs, president; R. Mott, secretary. Licensed — H. Hue-

bner and Charles Suhr. Ordained elder — G. Ott. Deacons —

H. Cordes and G. Waltz. Credentials — H. C. Berger. J. J.

Bernhart, of the Pittsburg Conference, was received, also L.

Pfeifer, of the Evangelical Synod of North America. C. F.

Negle and J. G. Theuer were elected presiding elders.

 

Districts: Cleveland, J. G. Theuer, presiding elder; Pitts-

burg, C. F. Negle.

 

1880. Atlantic Conference, Baltimore, Md., April 1.

Bishop T. Bowman, president; F. Kurtz, secretary. A. Strauk

located. Died— A. Hinkle. Deacons — A. Steltz and J.

Keller. J. Yeakel was re-elected presiding elder.

 

Districts: Philadelphia, J. Yeakel, presiding elder; West

Jersey, C. B. Fliehr.

 

 

426 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

1880. New York Conference, Buffalo, N.Y., March 4.

Bishop T. Bowman, president; M. Pfitzinger, secretary.

Credentials — G. H. Schneider. — Deacons — P. Bohn, H. Koch.

Ordained elder — J. Eberling. Licensed—: D. Miller and C.

Hardel. D. Fisher located.

 

Districts: Albany, A. Holzwarth, presiding elder; Roches-

ter, M. Lehn; Buffalo, M. Pfitzinger.

 

1880. Canada Conference, Mildmay, Ont, April 15.

Bishop T. Bowman, president; C. F. Braun, secretary. Li-

censed — S. Kraft and L. Wittich. Deacons — C. Staebler,

M. L. Wing, D. Brand and J. C. Morelock. C. Steuer-

nagel located. C. A. Spies was elected presiding elder. D.

Kreh went as missionary to Texas.

 

Districts: Waterloo, P. Alles, presiding elder; Sebringville,

J. Umbach; Carrick, C. A. Spies.

 

1880. Kansas Conference, Platte River Circuit, March 18.

Bishop R. Dubs, president; C. Berner, secretary. Licensed —

G. E. Dienst, M. F. Shupe and E. Bruner. C. Emmil and

J. Bowers located. Ordained elder — C. Waehlte. Deacons —

C. F. Erffmeyer, A. J. Voegelein, P. Shuman, S. H. Dun-

kelberger and C. Brant. Moses Dissinger and C. W. Sny-

der, of the East Pa. Conference, A. W. Kramer, of the Central

Pa. Conference, and S. H. Dunkelberger and J. H. Tobias

were received into the itinerancy. Credentials — S. O. Mussel-

man and J. F. Wohlfarth.

 

Districts: Holton, J. Wuerth, presiding elder; Missouri, J.

G. Pfeuffer; South West, L. Wenger.

 

1880. Nebraska Conference, near Louisville, Neb., March

25. Bishop R. Dubs, president; A. Fisher, secretary. Li-

censed — H. Sohl and G. Altstadt. Ordained elders — A.

Fisher, M. Einhelder and W. F. Schwerin. Deacon — A.

Brauchle. Credentials — L. Reep. A. Haas, of the Wisconsin

Conference, was admitted.

 

J. P. Yust presiding elder of conference district.

 

1880. Iowa Conference, Cedar Falls, Iowa, April 1.

Bishop R. Dubs, president; J. F. Berner, secretary. Licensed—

J. W. Epley, H. Raecker and F. Tostlebe. Ordained elders—

C. A. Mueller, V. Griese, J. J. Ashenbrenner and C.

Schmidt. Deacons — J. M. Zellhoefer, P. Belzer and G. D.

Flegler. Credentials — G. Heinmiller.

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 427

 

Districts: Dubuque, J. Henn, presiding elder; Ackley, H.

Brauer; Des Moines, E. J. Shultz.

 

1880. Des Moines Conference, Grandview, Iowa, April 8.

Bishop R. Dubs, president; J. H. Yaggy, secretary. J. H.

Kiplinger and A. C. Hackathorn located. Ordained elders —

A. J. Gramley. Deacons — H. H. Long and T. J. Fink. E. B.

Utt resigned the office of presiding elder and J. H. Kooker

was newly and C. W. Anthony was re-elected to the same.

 

Districts: Afton, E. F. Mell, presiding elder; Cedar Rapids,

D. H. Kooker; C. W. Anthony, Nebraska.

 

1880. Minnesota Conference, Racine, Minn., May 7.

Bishop T. Bowman, president; H. Bunse, secretary. Li-

censed — G. Husser, G. Duebendorf and W. Blanchard. Dea-

cons — J. G. Haller, G. Spaeth and M. Gagstetter. Or-

dained elders — G. W. Heilscher, H. Ohs, G. Britzius, F.

Smith and E. Movius. Died — G. Von Eschen. A. Huel-

ster, of the Wisconsin Conference, was received. H. Bunse

was elected presiding elder.

 

Districts: St. Paul, H. Bunse, presiding elder; Minneapolis,

C. Brill; St. Peter, A. Strohmeyer; Mankato, W. Stegner.

 

1880. Illinois Conference, Naperville, Ill., April 8.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; A. Fuessele, secretary. Li-

censed — J. G. Ziegler, J. S. Reinhart, J. Buck, L. Becher,

C. Apel, L. Schaefele, T. Shaible and J. C. Sills. Ordained

elders — W. Schweiker and W. H. Fouke. Deacons — C.

Roloff, J. K. Shultz, J. W. Schaefele, O. Radinsky, C. S.

Fehr and Prof. H. H. Rassweiler. T. Hamilton of the

Methodist Episcopal Church was received. Died — S. A.

Tobias. A. Knobel and I. Kuter located.

 

Districts: Chicago, W. Goessele, presiding elder; Naper-

ville, M. Stamm; Freeport, H. Messner; Mendota, J. Schnei-

der; Peoria, G. Vetter.

 

1880. Wisconsin Conference, Fon du Lac, Wis., April 22.

Bishop R. Dubs, president; F. Huelster, secretary. Li-

censed — W. Messersmith, G. Keller and G. Reicherd.

Deacon — L. F. Emmert. Ordained elders — W. Kolander, F.

A. Haberman, H. Best, C. F. Reicherd, C. Weigand and F.

L. Nehs. Credentials — A. Huelster and A. Haas.

 

Districts: Milwaukee, L. Buehler, presiding elder; Madi-

son, H. Schelp; Fond du Lac, C. F. Finger; Portage, A. Tar-

nutzer.

 

 

428 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

1880. South Indiana Conference, Louisville, Ky., March

11. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; W. J. Braeckly, secre-

tary. Licensed — F. Theis and G. Halwachs. Ordained

elder — C. Stier. Deacons — W. L. Luehring and E. Bohlan-

der.

 

Districts: Evansville, J. Fuchs, presiding elder; Olney, H.

L. Fisher.

 

1880. Indiana Conference, April 1, Bishop J. J. Esher,

president; D. S. Oakes, secretary. Ordained elders — J. M.

Dustman. Deacons — A. O. Raber, W. Ackerman and J.

Fritz. Licensed — J. E. Smith. D. Martz, of the Methodist

Episcopal and I. W. Kemmerling, of the United Brethren

Church, were admitted. E. T. Hochstedler located. J. M.

Gomer, missionary to Texas, was retained in the conference.

F. F. Meyer, of the Michigan Conference, was received. E. L.

Kipling was re-elected presiding elder.

 

Districts: Elkhart, E. L. Kiplinger, presiding elder; Fort

Wayne, M. Krueger, Indianapolis, C. C. Baumgardner.

 

1880. Michigan Conference, East Rasinville, Mich.,

April 8; Bishop T. Bowman, president; F. F. Meyer, secre-

tary. J. Schmaus, F. Dietrich, F. Walter and O. Ragatz

located. H. C. Berger, of the Erie, and E. B. Arthur, of

the Pittsburg Conferences, were admitted. Licensed — W. A.

Kohler, W. H. Wagoner and N. Wunderlich. Deacons —

W. F. Binder, W. F. Zander and H. Voelker. Ordained

elders — F. Klump, A. Fry, F. E. Ereman and G. Provost.

Credentials — P. Bittner and F. F. Meyer. J. Frankhouser

resigned the office of presiding elder.

 

Districts: Monroe, L. Coply, presiding elder; Flint, J. M.

Haugh; Iona, J. M. Fuchs.

 

1880. Pacific Conference, Wheatland, Ore., June 18.

Bishop R. Dubs, president; A. Krecker, secretary. Died —

 

G. Ketterman. Licensed — H. Bittner. Deacon — H. W.

Axthelm. J. C. Emmel located. C. Waehlte, of the Kansas

Conference, was admitted. J. Bowersox was re-elected pre-

siding elder.

 

Districts: Oregon, J. Bowersox, presiding elder; California,

F. W. Voegelein.

 

Notes. — In 1879 Bishop J. J. Esher visited Texas with a view

to the establishment of our Church in that State. His report of

the prospects was favorable, and the Board of Missions soon after

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 429

 

appointed J. M. Gomer, of the Indiana, and D. Kreh, of the

Canada Conference, to the work. The missionaries entered

upon their work in the early part of 1880, Gomer at Galveston

and Kreh at San Antonio. Very soon after his arrival Gomer

purchased a church and parsonage of another society. He also

found entrance in other localities where he met with some de-

gree of success. In 1883 he organized a society at Temple,

and May 13 the first church erected by the Evangelical Associa-

tion in Texas was dedicated there. About this time also a par-

sonage was built at San Antonio, and a church soon afterwards.

At the General Conference of 1887 the work in Texas was con-

stituted an annual conference. The first session was held at

Temple, November 25, 1887, Bishop Esher, presiding.

 

Biographical. — The death roll of prominent ministers of

the Association is this year unusually large, among whom we

notice the following:

 

Rev. Daniel Berger died at Orwigsburg, Pa., April 12.

He was born in Pennsylvania in 1797. Entered the Eastern

Conference in 1834, and served in the itinerancy twenty-six

years.

 

Rev. William L, Reber died at Reading, Pa., May 21.

He was born in Berks county Pa., in 1810, entered the active

ranks of the East Pa. Conference in 1843. In 1861 he was

elected presiding elder, but resigned after serving the office two

years because of declining health.

 

Rev. Levi S. Jacoby, died at Newark, N.Y., August 30.

He was born in Berks county, Pa., 1826, and entered the East

Pa. Conference in 1846, and was an original member of the

New York Conference. He was elected presiding elder in the

New York Conference 1860-64-69.

 

Rev. Jacob Weikel, died in Mercer county, Pa., May 25.

He was born in Berks county, Pa., 1812, entered the ministry

of the West Pa. Conference 1851, and remained in the Pitts-

burg Conference. Presiding elder in 1857-61.

 

Rev. H. L. Fisher, died at Olney, Ind., June 22. He was

born in Lebanon county, Pa., 1828, entered the East Pa. Con-

ference 1857. Joined the Indiana Conference 1863. Elected

presiding elder 1870, 1875 and 1879. An earnest, consecrated

man.

 

Rev. Simon A. Tobias, died at Davis, Ill., February 11.

He was born near Reading, Pa., 1822. Entered the Ohio

 

 

430 EVANGELICAL AB8001AT10N ANNALS.

 

Conference 1844, and later became a member of the Illinois

Conference. Elected presiding elder 1852. Re-elected 1855.

General agent for Plainfield College 1860-62.

 

1881. East Pa. Conference, Millersburg, Pa., February 23.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; B. J. Smoyer, secretary. Or-

dained elders — A. M. Sampsel and F. Smith. Deacons — D. W.

Bicksler, J. W. Hoover, J. D. Woodring and H. S. Clemens.

Licensed — J. B. Fox, I. Heisler W. C. Weiss, R. Teter,

R. Roessel, G. Reinhold and J. R. Overholser. Creden-

tials — T. G. Clewell, A. E. Gobble and I. E. Zimmerman.

Died — Jacob Snyder, D. Berger, W. L. Raber and J. Kurtz.

 

Districts: Philadelphia, J. C. Hornberger, presiding elder;

Allentown, C. K. Fehr; Reading, I. E. Knerr; Harrisburg,

C. S. Haman; Pottsville, J. O. Lehr.

 

1881. Central Pa. Conference, Lock Haven, Pa., March 3.

Bishop T. Bowman, president; E. Swengel, secretary. Li-

censed — A. W. Swengel, M. J. Snyder, E. D. Keene, S. O.

McCurdy and J. D. Shortiss. Ordained elders — J. C. Reeser,

H. W. Gross, J. A. Hollenbach, G. H. Schleh and C. F.

Gephart. Deacons — J. W. Messenger, C. W. Finkbinder,

W. H. Hartman, S. F. Vought, J. D. Stover, I. Bower and

C. C. Reen. J. H. Hollenbach took credentials for the Pa-

cific Conference. A. E. Gobble, of the East Pa., and S. O.

Musselman, of the Kansas Conference, were received. M. J.

Carothers, collector for mission churches.

 

Districts: York, E. Kohr, presiding elder; Juniata, U. F.

Swengel; Lewisburg, W. E. Detweiler; Williamsport, A. L.

Reeser.

 

1881. Pittsburg Conference, Franklin Pa. March 10.

Bishop R. Dubs, president; W. M. Stanford, Secretary. Li-

censed — C. H. Miller, S. J. Caton and J. Q. A. Curry.

E. C. Martin withdrew. Died — Jacob Burkett and J. Weikel.

Ordained elders — F. J. Strayer, J. W. Domer and J. A. Yunt.

Deacons — M. L. Weaver, M. J. Balentine, H. S. Stauffer,

F. W. Barlett, T. B. Zeller, R. D. Dalzell and E. F.

Dickey.

 

Districts: Pittsburg, J. A. Grimm, presiding elder; Somer-

set, L. M. Boyer; Franklin, D. S. Poling; Allegheny, J. D.

Domer.

 

1881. Ohio Conference, Independence, Ohio March 10.

Bishop T. Bowman, president; A. Vandersall, secretary. G-

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 431

 

W. Ellenberger located. Died — J. Stultz. Licensed— B.

Niebel and J. D. Lamb. Ordained elders — D. C. Eckerman,

J. O. Stoll, W. F. McMillen, H. B. Davis and M. B. Mohn.

Deacons — J. Wengert, D. Ewald, G. H. Snyder and Dr. A. P.

Dutcher. J. Lerch joined the Illinois Conference. C. L.

Crowther was expelled. W. Wittington was re-elected pre-

siding elder.

 

Districts: Fremont, J. Stull, presiding elder; Cleveland,.

W. Wittington; Columbus, S. Hoy.

 

1881. New York Conference, Newark, N.Y., March 3.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; A. Unholtz, secretary. Li-

censed — J. Schenk and L. Heinmiller. Ordained elder —

Phil Spaeth. Deacons — H. A. Snyder and R. W. Ziehme.

A. Umholtz was elected presiding elder. L. Jacoby, an itiner-

ant, died.

 

Districts: Albany, A. Umholtz, presiding elder; Rochester,

M. Lehn; Buffalo, M. Pfitzinger.

 

1881. Erie Conference, Pittsburg, Pa., March 3. Bishop

R. Dubs, president; R. Mott, secretary. J. Liebendorfer,

local, Died. Licensed — R. Lehman. Deacons — P. J. Fowl.

and G. Goetz. G. G. Zellhofer, of the Nebraska Confer-

ence, was received.

 

Districts: Cleveland, J. G. Theuer, presiding elder; Pitts-

burg, C. F. Naegle.

 

1881. Canada Conference, Crediton, Ont., April 21,

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; C. F. Braun, secretary. Li-

censed — I. K. Devitt. Ordained Elders — H. A. Thomas and

D. Kreh. Deacons — S. Graeb and E. Eby. S. Morely was

again admitted. S. Weber and P. Winkler were super-

annuated. S. L. Umbach was elected presiding elder.

 

Districts: Waterloo, S. L. Umbach, presiding elder; Seb-

ringville, Joseph Umbach; Garrick, C. A. Spies, Ottawa, C. F.

Braun.

 

1881. Atlantic Conference, Philadelphia, May 6. Bishop

J. J. Esher, president; F. Kurtz, secretary. F. Leiter, local,

died. Licensed — R. Low and J. Himmel. Ordained elder —

C. Philipbar. J. Yeakel, elder of the conference district,

J. G. Marquardt was received into the itinerancy.

 

1881. Indiana Conference, Elkhart, Ind., April 7. Bishop

T. Bowman, president; D, S. Oakes, secretary. Licensed —

E. Nitsche, C. A. Steffey, J. H. Evans and E. A. Zirkle.

 

 

432 EVANGEL1CAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Ordained elders — A. Iwan, I. B. Fisher, H. Prechtel and W.

Wildermuth. Deacon — H. Arlen.

 

Districts: Elkhart, E. L. Kiplinger, presiding elder; Fort

Wayne, M. Krueger; Indianapolis, C. C. Baumgardner.

 

1881. South Indiana Conference, West Salem, Ill., March

31. Bishop T. Bowman, president; G. W. Braeckly, secre-

tary. Died — H. L. Fisher. J. Mode located. J. Kaufman

was elected presiding elder in place of H. L. Fisher, deceased.

Fred Schweitzer, of the Michigan Conference, was received.

 

Districts: Evansville, J. Fuchs, presiding elder; Olney, J.

Kaufman.

 

1881. Illinois Conference, Barrington, Ill., April 7.

Bishop R. Dubs, president; A. Fuessele, G. W. Caton, secre-

taries. Licensed — J. Shultz, E. K. Yeakel, J. H. Johnston,

S. F. Spiess and H. Lueder. Ordained elders — J. J. Lintner,

J. J. Elftman, W. Gross, A. Egli and S. A. Miller. Dea-

cons — C. J. Fry, C. A. Paeth, George Harris, C. Dismeier

and J. Fry. Died — C. Kopp. Credentials — J. Buck and O.

Radinsky. Three thousand four hundred and thirty-three dol-

lars was raised at the missionary meeting during the conference.

C. Dismier and L. Schaefele were received into the itinerancy.

A. Haefele, T. W. Woodside, T. Murry, J. Lerch, of the

Ohio Conference, also.

 

Districts: Chicago, W. Goessele, presiding elder; Naper-

ville, M. Stamm; Freeport, H. Messner; Mendota, J. Schnei-

der; Peoria, G. Vetter.

 

1881. Iowa Conference, Fort Dodge, Iowa, April 7.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; J. Berner, secretary. Li-

censed — P. Ettinger, J. Heinmiller, H. W. Hartman, G.

Brandstetter, L. H. Smith and H. M. Trumbauer. Or-

dained elders — H. Hiebenthal. Deacons — A. H. Buente and

A. Knoche.

 

Districts: Dubuque, J. Henn, presiding elder; Ackley, H.

Brauer; Des Moines, E. J. Shultz.

 

1881. Des Moines Conference, Blairstown, Iowa, April 1.4.

Bishop T. Bowman, president; J. H. Yaggy, secretary. Li-

censed — C. Muller, F. A. Gasman and H. Whistler. Dea-

con — S. Krell. Ordained elders — J. E. Stauffacher, J. M.

Johnston and D. P. Ellenberger. J. H. Yaggy and A. Bus-

sard were elected presiding elders. Credentials — J. H. Kip-

linger, J. A. Dunlap and G. W. Killhoefer. W. Bates, F.

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 433

 

Methfessel, J. Hamilton and J. Buck were received.

 

Districts: Afton, A. Bussard, presiding elder; Cedar Rapids,

J. H. Yaggy; Des Moines, D. H. Kooker.

 

1881. Platte River Conference. In accordance with the

provisions of the General Conference the Platte River Confer-

ence was formed April 16, during the session of the Des Moines

Conference at Blairstown, Iowa. C. W. Anthony was elected

presiding elder of the Conference District. There were four-

teen- fields of labor, some of which were not supplied at con-

ference. Eleven itinerants appear on the list. The work of

the conference is located mostly in Nebraska.

 

1881. Wisconsin Conference, Menomonee Falls, April 28.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; W. Wittenwyler. Licensed —

M. Gauerke and J. Nickels. Deacons — J. Schneller and J.

A. Liewert. Ordained elder — H. Kickhoefer. J. Thilke,

local, died.

 

Districts: Milwaukee, L. Buehler, presiding elder; Madi-

son, H. Schelp; Portage, A. Tarnutzer; Fond du Lac, C. F.

Finger.

 

1881. Michigan Conference, Sharon, Mich., April 14.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; C. G. Koch, secretary. J.

Nicolai and L. Kemmerling located. Ordained elder — H.

Schneider. Deacons — A. A. Schneder and J. Schneider.

M. J. Miller was dismissed.

 

Districts: Monroe, S. Copley, presiding elder; Flint, J. M.

Haug; Iona, J. M. Fuchs.

 

1881. Minnesota Conference, Castle Rock, Minn., May 6.

Bishop R. Dubs, president.

 

Districts: St. Paul, H. Bunse, presiding elder; Minae-

apolis. C. Brill; St. Peters, A. Strohmeier; Mankato W. Stegner.

 

1881. Nebraska Conference, Washington county, Neb.,

March 25. Bishop R. Dubs, president; A. Fisher, secretary.

Deacon — N. Nagel. Ordained elder — H. Illian. Licensed —

W. H. Althouse. S. H. Witte withdrew. O. Radinsky, of

the Illinois Conference, was admitted.

 

J. P. Just presiding elder of conference district.

 

1881. Kansas Conference, Holton, Kan., March 31.

Bishop R. Dubs, president; C. Berner, secretary. Licensed —

T. W. Serf, G. W. Edgar, M. Grabenstein and A. Brunner.

Ordained elders — J. M. Dreisbach, H. Todeman, D. F.

Honstedt, C. F. Geiser and R. Stahle. Deacons — L. C.

 

 

434 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Schnacke, F. J. Schafer, C. W. Snyder, W. Dashner and

E. A. Brunner. S. Werner, of the Pittsburg Conference,

was received. Credentials — R. Stahle. H. Mattill was

re-elected and P. Fricker newly elected presiding elder.

 

Districts: Holton, L. Wenger, presiding elder; Missouri,

H. Mattill; South West, P. Fricker.

 

1881. Pacific Conference, San Francisco, CaL, June 3.

J. Bowersox, president; A. Krecker, secretary. J. A. Holen-

bach, of the Central Pa., and R. Stahle, of the Kansas Con-

ference were admitted. Ordained deacon — J. C. Hershner.

Credentials — W. C. Kantner. I. Robinson (local), died.

 

Districts: Oregon, J. Bowersox, presiding elder; California,

F. W. Voegelein.

 

Notes. — The work of the Lord prospered in a general way this

year. While the statistics of some conferences indicate a de-

clension, others marked activity and unusual development.

During the year there were employed in the home and for-

eign field 391 missionaries, of these, 324 were in America, fifty-

eight in Europe and seven in Japan, besides seven native

helpers in Japan. In Japan there were thirty-seven members

reported, with six Sunday-schools and 122 scholars in con-

nection with the mission. The missionary contributions of

this year were the highest in the history of the church, and

$20,000 in advance of the previous year.

 

Biographical. — Rev. L. Snyder, died at Marion Centre,

Kansas, July 13. He was born in Montgomery county, Pa.,

1819. Entered the East Pa. Conference 1851. Elected pre-

siding elder in 1860, and served two terms. United with the

Kansas Conference 1878, and died on his charge.

 

Rev. Jacob Himmel, died at Mendota, Ill., August 21.

He was born in Germany 1832. Entered the Illinois Confer-

ence 1854. Elected presiding elder 1871 and 1876. He was

appointed to Mendota Mission at the end of his last term, where

he died.

 

1882. East Pa. Conference, Bethlehem, Pa., February 22.

Bishop R. Dubs, president; B. J. Smoyer, secretary. Li-

censed — M. W. Harris, W. Hashinger, C. D. Dreher, T. L.

Wentz; also Uyeno Mikuma and Hirakawa Loyotsura, the

first natives of Japan licensed by the Evangelical Association.

Ordained elder — J. R. Hensyl and N. A. Barr. Deacons —

W. F. Heil, J. L. Guenther, J. C. Krause, H. M. Capp and

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 435

 

W. H. Rineck. A. V. Hirst withdrew. W. L. Black located.

J. K. Knerr was superannuated, also Father J. M. Saylor.

Died — J. Adams and A. Schultz. C. S. Haman and C. K.

Fehr were re-elected to the office of presiding elder.

 

Districts: Philadelphia, J. C. Hornberger, presiding elder;

Allentown, C. S. Haman; Reading, I. E. Knerr; Harrisburg,

C. K. Fehr; Pottsville, J. O. Lehr.

 

1882. Central Pa. Conference, Carlisle Pa., March 2.

Bishop R. Dubs, president; P. W. Raidabaugh, secretary.

Ordained elders — E. Crumbling and H. H. Douty. Dear

cons — Prof. A. E. Gobble, J. M. Dick, J. McCamy and E. W.

Koontz. Licensed — J. H. Welch, J. F. Craul, H. A. Ben-

fer and H. Armstrong. S. E. Davis went to the Pacific and

E. P. Leonard to the Des Moines Conference. A. Kraus was

superanuated. M. J. Carothers was re-elected collector for

mission churches.

 

Districts: York, E. Kohr, presiding elder; Juniata, U. F.

Swengel; Lewisburg, W. E. Detweiler; Williamsport, A. L.

Reeser.

 

1882. Pittsburg Conference, Zion Church, Venango

county, Pa., March 9. Bishop T. Bowman, president; W. M.

Stanford, secretary. J. Dick was superannuated. W. Evans

took credentials. T. G. Clewell was received. Licensed —

A. J. Saylor, C. F. Floto. W. B. Shafeer, A. C. Miller, S. S.

Shirey, D. Stall and J. C. Liebhart. Ordained elders — W.

M. Covert. Deacons — D. J. Hershberger, F. P. Hummel,

A. J. Bird, C. C. Poling and A. J. Greenawalt. D. S.

Poling resigned the office of presiding elder because of ill

health, and T. G. Clewell was newly and J. A. Grimm re-

elected to the same.

 

Districts: Pittsburg, J. A. Grimm, presiding elder; Alle-

gheny, J. D. Domer; Franklin, T. G. Clewell; Somerset, L. M.

Boyer.

 

1882. Ohio Conference, Akron, Ohio, March 9. Bishop

J. J. Esher, president; A. Vandersall, secretary. Licensed —

I. Lively, A. N. McCauley and A. Case. Ordained elders —

W. W. Sherrick, J. J. Nonamaker, A. Evans, Otto Spreng

and S. J. Gamertsfelder. Deacons — C. H. Dreisbach, J. S.

Reinhart, E. B. Shoemaker, J. W. Smith and E. Cover.

Credentials — J. J. Kanaga, W. F. McMillen and H. Spitler.

J. J. Bernhart was received.

 

 

436 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Districts: Cleveland, W. Whittington, presiding elder;

Tiffin, J. Stall; Fremont, S. Hoy; Columbus, H. T. Strauch.

 

1882. Indiana Conference, Waterloo, Ind., April 6.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; D. S. Oakes, secretary. Lo-

cated — J. Beck and W. Wildermuth. Licensed — L. Neitzel,

W. H. Mygrant and R. Rainy. Ordained elders — W. Acker-

man and A. O. Raber. Deacon — George Frederick.

 

Districts: Elkhart, E. L. Kiplinger, presiding elder; Fort

Wayne, M. Krueger; Indianapolis, C. C. Baumgardner.

 

1882. South Indiana Conference, Huntingburgh, Ind.,

March 31. Bishop J. J. Esher, president. Died — C. R.

Koch. Ordained elders — W. L. Luehring and E. Bohlander.

 

Districts: Evansville, J. Fuchs, presiding elder; Olney, J.

Kaufman.

 

1882. Michigan Conference, Oregon, Mich., April 6.

Bishop T. Bowman, president; C. G. Koch, secretary. O.

Ragatz withdrew. Credentials — F. E. Erdman. L. B. Eaton,

of the M. E. Church, was received. Licensed — I. Wheeler.

A. J. Gramley, of the Des Moines, J. G. Haller, of the Minne-

sota, and J. Drinkwater and H. Spitler of the Ohio Confer-

ence, were admitted. Ordained elders — H. Volker, W. F.

Binder and W. F. Zander. Deacons — H. Shuknecht, N.

Wunderlich and W. A. Kohler. J. H. Keeler was newly

and J. M. Haug was re-elected presiding elder.

 

Districts: Monroe, J. H. Keeler, presiding elder; Flint, S.

Copley, Iona, J. M. Haug.

 

1882. Illinois Conference, Spring Creek, Ill., April 13.

Bishop Bowman, president; A. Fuessele (German), and W.

Caton, (English), secretary. Licensed — O. F. Brose, C. W.

Schlueter, W. H. Fehr and H. Shafer. Ordained elders —

C. Roloff, C. S. Fehr, J. W. Schaefele and J. K. Shultz.

Deacons — L. Schaefele, T. Murry, A. Haefele, T. A. Wood-

side and H. F. Kletzin.g. C. Burkhart located. Became,

supernumerary — H. Meyer, J. B. Reif, C. Schumaker and

W. A. Unangst. Died — J. Himmel, H. H. Duth, G. M.

Young and S. McLean. J. J. Kanaga, of the Ohio, and W.

Elmer, of the Swiss Conference, received. D. B. Byers and

S. Dickover were newly elected presiding elders.

 

Districts: Chicago, J. Schneider, presiding elder; Naper-

ville, D. B. Byers; Freeport, H. Messner; Mendota; S. Dick-

over; Peoria, G. Vetter.

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 437

 

1882. Iowa Conference, Dubuque, Iowa, April 20. Bishop

T. Bowman, president; J. F. Berner, secretary. M. J. Mil-

ler, of the Michigan Conference, was admitted. Ordained

elders — J. M. Zellhoefer, G. D. Flegler and P. Belzer.

Deacon — H. Raecker. Died — Peter Gates and J. Herman.

H. Kleinsorge and H. Lageschulte were elected presiding

elders.

 

Districts: Ackly, H. Lageschulte, presiding elder; Dubuque,

H. Klinesorge; Des Moines, J. Henn.

 

1882. Des Moines Conference, Des Moines, Iowa, April

13. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; E. B. Utt, secretary.

Licensed — S. Skogsburg, J. Smith, G. Heilman, C. M. Pal-

mer and C. M. Swender. Located — A. Y. Cupp and W. King.

S. Hoover was superannuated. Ordained elders — H. H. Long,

J. Auracher, T. J. Fink, William Bates and E. P. Leonard.

Deacons — J. Wirth, J. W. Hamilton, C. J. Miller and Virgil

Urbino. Credentials — A. J. Gramley and William Newman.

 

Districts: Cedar Rapids, J. H. Yaggy, presiding elder; Des

Moines, D. H. Kooker; Afton, A. Bussard.

 

1882. Kansas Conference, Captain's Creek, Kan., March

16. Bishop T. Bowman, president. C. Berner, secretary.

S. B. Brown returned to the East Pa. Conference. Died — L.

Snyder. S. Weber, P. H. Rishel and J. S. Seip withdrew.

Licensed — M. P. Waehlte. Ordained elders — C. F. Erf-

meyer, P. Schuman, C. Brunt and S. H. Dunkelberger.

 

Districts: Holton, L. Wenger, presiding elder; Missouri,

H. Mattill; South West, P. Fricker.

 

1882. Platte River Conference, Blue Springs, Neb.,

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; S. W. Kiplinger, secretary.

Died — T. Monismith and Joseph Brox. Licensed — B. E.

Smith, Josiah Haldeman, George Andrews and H. H. Ot-

tinger and N. F. Kletzing. Deacon — H. M. Liebhart, P. J.

Gressly and P. N. Lantz.

 

C. W. Anthony, presiding elder of the conference district.

 

1882. Nebraska Conference, Hastings, Neb., March 24.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; A. Fisher, secretary. H. Alt-

house was superannuated. Conferences was divided into two

districts. F. Backemeyer was newly and J. P. Just was re-

elected presiding elder. Ordained elders — A. Brauchle and

O. Radinsky. Deacons — H. Sohl and G. Altstadt.

 

 

438 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNAL8.

 

Districts: Fremont, J. P. Just, presiding elder; Hastings,

F. Backemeyer.

 

1882. Erie Conference, North Amherst, Ohio, March 2.

Bishop T. Bowman, president; R. Mott, secretary. Licensed —

C. Newton Dubs, E. Moeller, J. Dietrich and C. Wohlge-

muth. Ordained elders — H. Cordes and L. Pfifer. Dea-

cons — C. A. Waltz and G. Zellhoefer. J. J. Bernhart

joined the Ohio Conference. G. Berstecher, of the Indiana

Conference, was received.

 

Districts: Cleveland, J. G. Theuer, presiding elder; Pitts-

burg, C. F. Negele.

 

1882. New York Conference, Syracuse, N.Y., March 30.

Bishop R. Dubs, president; J. Reuber, secretary. Licensed —

A. E. Mosher and J. Schlagenhauf. Ordained elders — H.

Koch and P. E. Bahn. Deacons — J. G. Held and K. Har-

del. D. Fisher became supernumerary. F. A. Sydow, of the

Lutheran Church, was admitted. Died — H. Graves.

 

Districts: Albany, A. Unholtz; Rochester, M. Lehn; Buf-

falo, M. Pfitzinger.

 

1882. Canada Conference, Jacobs, Ont., April 20.

Bishop R. Dubs, president; C. F. Braun, secretary. Died —

H. Holzman. Licensed — L. H. Wagoner and W. Berberich.

Ordained elders — M. L. Wing, D. Rieder, J. C. Morelock

and C. Staebler. Deacons — L. Wittich and F. Meyer.

Joseph Umbach was re-elected presiding elder.

 

Districts: Waterloo, S. L. Umbach, presiding elder; Sebring-

ville, Joseph Umback; Carrick, C. H. Spies; Ottawa, C. F.

Braun.

 

1882. Atlantic Conference, Harrisburg, Pa., April 27.

Bishop R. Dubs, president; F. Kurtz, secretary. Licensed —

F. Egger. H. Guelich, of the Swiss Conference, was ad-

mitted. Credentials — R. Deisher and E. Heinrich.

 

Jesse Yeakel presiding elder of the Conference District.

 

1882. Wisconsin Conference, Jefferson, Wis., April 27.

Bishop T. Bowman, president; M. Wittenwyler, secretary.

Licensed — G. F. Kiekhoefer, L. M. Siewert, F. Kruger

and H. M. Scheurman. Deacon — D. Schneider. Ordained

Elders — L. F. Emmert, G. Frederich, A. H. Finger and W.

Detert. Credentials — C. Gruen. Died — A. Pipenburg.

 

Districts: Milwaukee, L. Buehler, presiding elder; Madison,

H. Schelp; Fond du Lac, C. Finger; Portage, A. Tarnutzer.

 

 

OONFERENCE RECORDS. 439

 

1882. Minnesota Conference, Zion, Minn., May 5.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; H. Oks, secretary. Deacons —

G. Dubendorf and P. Mumm. Ordained elders — J. G. Hal-

ler, G. Spaeth, M. Gagstatter and F. C. Sydow. Licensed —

L. S. Koch, G. J. Schmidt, A. Berreth, F. C. Yenny and J.

Richards. Credentials — J. G. Haller, Jr.

 

Districts: St. Paul, H. Bunse, presiding elder; Minne-

apolis, C. Briel; St. Peter, A. Strohmeier; Mankato, W.

Stegner.

 

1882. Pacific Conference, San Jose, Cal., June 9. Bishop

J. J. Esher, president; F. W. Voeglein, secretary. The fol-

lowing were received: S. E. Davis, of the Central Pa., P.

Bott, of the Minnesota, C. Gruen, of the Wisconsin, and W.

Ackerman, of the Indian Conference. R. Stahle was ordained

elder and was permitted to attend college.

 

Districts: Oregon, J. Bowersox, presiding elder; California,

F. W. Voegelein.

 

Notes. — The missionary operations of the Church during

this year were more extensive than ever. The number of mis-

sionaries in the home and foreign field was 401, serving be-

tween 800 and 1,000 different appointments. The number of

conversions on the mission fields aggregated 4,603, and the ac-

cessions 6,034. Rev. A. Halmhuber, one of the missionaries

in Japan, was compelled by reason of ill health to discontinue

the work and return to the Fatherland. The missionary con-

tributions of the year were liberal. The bequests made to the

Missionary Society amounted to $16,403, which was the largest

amount received during any year in the history of the society

from such sources.

 

1883. East Pa. Conference, Philadelphia, Pa., February

28. Bishop T. Bowman, president; B. J. Smoyer, secretary.

Died — J. M. Oplinger, J. Rhoads and W. W. Hambright, also

Moses Dissinger, of the Kansas, but late of this conference.

F. E. Erdman, of the Michigan Conference, was received, and

also R. Deisher, of the Atlantic Conference. F. G. Stauffer

went to the Ohio Conference. Licensed — W. E. Waltz, J.

Stermer, F. D. Geary, A. Benfield, M. Manshard, W.

Schuler, A. S. Kline, W. H. Medlar and A. B. Saylor.

Ordained elders — D. Woodring, J. W. Hoover and D. W.

Bixler. Deacons — F. G. Stauffer, W. H. Stauffer, H. H.

Romberger and D. G. Reinhold.

 

 

440 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Districts: Philadelphia, J. C. Horaberger, presiding elder;

Allentown, C. S. Haman; Reading, I. E. Knerr; Harrisburg,

C. K. Fehr; Pottsville, J. O. Lehr.

 

1883. Central Pa. Conference, Williamsport, Pa., March 1.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; P. W. Raidabaugh, secretary.

Granted credentials — S. E. Davis, George Carothers and W.

H. Davis. J. B. Fox, of the East Pa. Conference, was received.

Licensed — G. S. Smith, J. C. Morgenthaler, O. L. Jacobs, S.

M. Mounts, L. E. Crumbling, and two native Japanese, Motoi

Matsuda and Jazo Takano. Ordained elders — C. W. Fink-

binder, W. H. Hartman, S. F. Vought, J. W. Messinger and

R. W. Runvan. Deacons — M. J. Snyder, A. W. Swengel, E.

D. Keene, H. T. Searle, C. H. Goodling, I. C. Yeakel, H.

S. Basom and C. F. Vale. A. L. Reeser resigned the office of

presiding elder because of declining health. W. E. Detwiler

was re-elected and M. J. Carothers and P. W. Raidabaugh

were newly elected presiding elders. Jacob Boas, A. L. Reeser,

E. Kohr, George Hunter, P. S. Orwig and S. W. Seibert took

a superannuated relation.

 

Districts: York, M. J. Carothers, presiding elder; Juniata,

U. F. Swengel; Lewisburg, P. W. Raidabaugh; Williamsport,

W. E. Detwiler.

 

1883. Pittsburg Conference, Immanuel's Church, Somerset

county, Pa., March 15. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; H. H.

Hurd, secretary. Licensed — A. B. Day, F. M. Brickley, G.

J. Coleman and M. DeVaux. Ordained elders — M. J. Balen-

tine, M. L. Weaver, E. F. Dickey, F. W. Barlett, T. B. Zel-

ler and R. D. Dalzell. Deacons — W. F. Shannon, J. Q. A.

Curry, D. F. Platt and N. S. George. Superannuated — G. S.

Domer, J. A. Yount, A. W. Platt and J. Woodhull.

 

Districts: Pittsburg, J. A. Grimm, presiding elder; Alle-

gheny, J. D. Domer; Franklin, T. G. Clewell; Somerset, L.

M. Boyer.

 

1883. New York Conference, Buffalo, N.Y., March 8.

Bishop T. Bowman, president; J. Reuber, secretary. John

Herrman was licensed. Ordained elder — H. A. Schneider.

Deacons — L. Heinmiller and P. Bahn. P. Beck, of the Ger-

many Conference, was received.

 

Districts: Albany, A. Unholtz, presiding elder; Rochester,

A. Holzwarth; Buffalo, M. Pfitzinger.

 

1883. Canada Conference, Zurich, Ont., April 19. Bishop

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 441

 

T. Bowman, president; M. L. Wing, secretary. Ordained elders

— D. K. Brandt, E. Eby and S. C. Graef. Deacons — S. B.

Kraft.

 

Districts: South, S. L. Umbach; West, Joseph Umbach;

North, C. A. Spies; Ottawa, C. F. Braun.

 

1883. Ohio Conference, Mt. Cory, O., March 8. Bishop

R. Dubs, president; A. Vandersal, secretary. F. G. Stauffer,

of the East Pa., and W. H. Bucks, of the Illinois Conference,

were admitted. Granted credentials — C. H. Dreisbach and S.

Hov. Licensed — A. Coply, W. P. Schott, and D. D. Hard.

Ordained elders — J.Wengerd and G. H. Schneider. Deacons

— J. H. Lamb and H. Brenneman. Located — J. Plantz.

 

Districts: Cleveland, W.Whittington, presiding elder; Tiffin,

H. T. Strauch; Fremont, E. B.Crouse; Columbus, S. P. Spreng.

 

1883. Illinois Conference, Chicago, Ill., April 8. Bishop

J. J. Esher, president; F. Busse, secretary. Licensed — J.Van-

deberg, F. Kraushaar, M. C. Frey, W. L. Walker, S. F.

Entorf, J. Fager, G. W. Ballenger, I. Divan, F. Schwartz,

A. W. Rohland and W. Hoffman. Ordained elders — C. Dis-

meyer, C. A. Paeth, C. J. Frey, G. Harris and Prof. H. H.

Rassweiler. Granted credentials — W. H. Bucks and J. W.

Schaefle. G. Fuchs took an appointment at Denver, Col.,

under the Board of Missions. Died — T. Murry.

 

Districts: Chicago, J. Schneider, presiding elder; Naperville,

D. B. Byers; Freeport, H. Mesner; Mendota, S. Dickover;

Peoria, G. Vetter.

 

1883. Erie Conference, Cleveland, O., March 8. Bishop

J. J. Esher, president; R. Mott, secretary. Licensed — E.

Koehne, H. Wigand and C. W. Neuendorf. G. F. Behner

was restored as local elder. Ordained elders — G. Goetz and P.

Faul. Deacon — J. G. Ziegler. Died — N. Yoder.

 

Districts: Cleveland, J. H. Theuer, presiding elder; Pitts-

burg, C. F. Negele.

 

1883. Atlantic Conference, Baltimore, Md., April 26.

Bishop T. Bowman, president; F. Kurtz, secretary. Licensed —

G. Redman and O. Arnold. M. Steckley, of the M. E. Church,

was received. Ordained elders — J. Keller and A. Steltz.

Deacon — A. L. Yeakel. Average salary for the past year, $594.

 

J. Yeakel, presiding elder of the Conference District.

 

1883. Iowa Conference, Trumbull's Grove, Iowa, April 19.

Bishop R. Dubs, president; J. F. Berner, secretary. Licensed —

 

 

442 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

S. Staebler, W. J. Schmalle and H. Knoll. Ordained elder —

A. H. Buente. Deacons — L. F. Schmidt, G. Brandstetter,

J. D. Schaible and H. W. Hartman.

 

Districts: Dubuque, H. Kleinsorge, presiding elder; Ackley,

H. Lageschulte; Des Moines, J. Henn.

 

1883. Des Moines Conference, Afton, Iowa, April 12.

Bishop R. Dubs, president; E. B. Utt, secretary. Licensed —.

C. Knoll, G. W. Mullen, J. H. Rosenberg, G. McNeally,

W. W. Morgan and F. S. Locke. Ordained deacons — B. H.

Niebel, I. W. Kemberling, J. W. Buck, S. Skogsburg, T. M.

Evans, A. F. Hahn and J. W. Walton. Located — S. Krell.

S. W. Kiplinger, of the Platte River Conference, was received.

 

Districts: Cedar Rapids, J. H. Yaggy, presiding elder; Des 

Moines, D. H. Kooker; Afton, A. Bussard.

 

1883. Wisconsin Conference, Baraboo, Wis., April 26.

Bishop R. Dubs, president; P. Speich, secretary. Licensed —

Theo. Schauer. Ordained elders — J. Schneller, J. A. Lie-

wert and A. Heinhouse. Deacons — J. Nickel, M. Gaurke,

W. H. Messerschmit, C. Heineck and A. Bucholtz. Died —

G. Winkowitch.

 

Districts: Milwaukee, G. Fritsche, presiding elder; Madi-

son, J. C. Brendle; Fon du Lac, C. F. Zimmerman; Portage,

H. Schelp.

 

1883. Indiana Conference, East Germantown, Ind., March

29. Bishop R. Dubs, president; D. S. Oakes, secretary. Li-

censed — D. E. Hoover, D. H. Fuchs, P. A. Orth, W. Weiden-

heft, J. E. Stoops, W. H. Brightmyer and L. S. Fisher.

Ordained elders — H. Arlen and D. Martz. Deacon — J. E.

Smith. Located — D. J. Pontius and J. Beck. Died — Samuel

Heiss and S. K. Miesse. J. Berger was received. Granted

credentials — E. R. Troyer and F. F. Meyer.

 

Districts: Elkhart, C. C. Baumgardner, presiding elder;

Fort Wayne, D. S. Oakes; Indianapolis, E. L. Kiplinger.

 

1883. South Indiana Conference, Evansville, Ind., March

22. Bishop R. Dubs, president; W. G. Braeckly, secretary.

Licensed — G. Koch. Ordained deacons — G. M. Hallwachs,

and F. Theiss. Located — J. Mode. J. Fuchs and J. Kaufman

were re-elected presiding elders.

 

Districts: Evansville, J. Kaufman, presiding elder; Olney,

J. Fuchs.

 

 

CONFERENCE REC0RD8 443

 

1883. Michigan Conference, Lima, Ind., April 5. Bishop

R. Dubs, president; C. G. Koch, secretary. Licensed — A. C.

Winter and L. Soldan. Ordained elders — A. Scheurer and

J. Snyder. Deacons — W. H. Wagoner and W. White. Died —

R. Spatz. Located — P. Bittner. S. Coply was re-elected

presiding elder.

 

Districts: Monroe, J. H. Keeler, presiding elder; Flint, S.

Coply; Iowa, J. M. Haug; North Michigan, F. Mueller.

 

1883. Platte River Conference, Alma, Neb., March 16.

Bishop T. Bowman, president; B. C. Oyler, secretary. Licensed —

R. H. Miller and W. D. Stambach. Ordained elder — B. C.

Oyler.

 

C. W. Anthony, presiding elder of Conference District.

 

1883. Nebraska Conference, Louisville, Neb., March 22.

Bishop T. Bowman, president; A. Fisher, secretary." Licensed—

H. Wagoner and F. Wiegert. Ordained deacons — C. Suhr

and W. H. Althouse.

 

Districts: Fremont, J. P. Yust, presiding elder; Hastings,

F. Backemeyer.

 

1883. Minnesota Conference, Big Stone Circuit, Minn.,

May 4. Bishop T. Bowman, president; H. Ohs, secretary.

Licensed — H. Loewen, G. Seibold, W. Walter, W. Suckow,

J. Fondrey and R. Leichman. Ordained elder — G. Husser,

Deacons— G. J. Schmidt, H. Isker, W. Tesh, P. Laux and L.

S. Koch. F. F. Meyer was received. Located — R. Johnston

and W. C. Stegner. Died — P. Munn. H. E. Linse, A. Huel-

Ster and A. Knebel were newly elected presiding elders.

 

Districts: Mankato, H. E. Linse, presiding elder; Minne-

apolis, A. Strohmeier; St. Paul, H. Bunse; Yankton, A. Knebel;

Fargo, A. Huelster.

 

1883. Kansas Conference, Marion county, Kan., March 23.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president, C. Berner, secretary. Licensed

— J. F. Lance, G. Stamm and J. Naninga. Ordained elders —

L. C. Schnacke, W. Daeschner, F. J. Schaefer and C. W.

Snyder. Deacons — A. Bruner and T. W. Serf. S. Werner

and K. W. Edgar withdrew. J. L. Pierce, of the M. E. Church,

was received. J. Wuerth was elected presiding elder.

 

Districts: Holton, J. Wuerth, presiding elder; Missouri, H.

Mattill; Southwest, P. Fricker.

 

1883. Pacific Conference, Sacramento, Cal., May 31.

Bishop T. Bowman, president; F. W. Voegelein, secretary.

 

 

444 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Licensed — F. Reiser. Ordained deacons — H. I. Bittner and

J. L. Hershner. Theodore Suhr was received and C. Waehlte

was granted credentials. A resolution was passed requesting

the coming General Conference to divide the Pacific Conference

owing to the great extent of territory covered.

 

Districts: Oregon, J. Bowersox, presiding elder; San Fran-

cisco, F. W. Voegelein.

 

Notes. — The year 1883 was characterized by events of the

greatest moment to the Association. Dr. F. Krecker died at

Tokio, Japan, April 26. His death, in that far-off land, and in

the midst of great usefulness, created a feeling of profound sor-

row throughout the entire Church. This sad circumstance was

somewhat relieved by the early appointment of Prof.W. E. Waltz

as an additional missionary to that country.

 

The annual report of the corresponding secretary of the Mis-

sionary Society indicates unusual missionary interest. The

number of mission fields was 427, and the number of missionaries

420. The number of new missions located was 45; the total

membership of the missions, 35,767. The mission Sunday-

schools numbered 775, with 6,910 officers and teachers and 47,230

scholars. The conversions on the missions numbered 4,593 and

the accessions 6,158. The missionary contributions were larger

than ever before, and aggregated $111,566. During the past

quadrennium the sum of $36,906 was raised in the American

conferences for building churches and paying church debts in

Europe.

 

Biographical. — In addition to the large number of deaths

noted in the various conference proceedings of this year, we give

the following a more extended biographical notice:

 

Rev. William B. STENGER died at Minneapolis, Minn., Aug. 6,

in the very prime of his usefulness. He was born in Germany

in 1832, entered the Illinois Conference in 1856 and was one

of the first missionaries in Minnesota, and an original member

of the Minnesota Conference. He was elected presiding elder

in 1867 and three times thereafter.

 

Rev. John Sindlinger died at Plainfield, Ill., Oct. 21. He

was born in Germany in 1807, in 1819 his father removed to

Pennsyvlania (see Blockhouse), where the whole family was con-

verted under the labors of John Seybert, in 1834 he entered

the Eastern Conference, was- elected presiding elder in 1839 in

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS 445

 

the West Pa. Conference, and again in 1850; removed in 1854

to Illinois, where he labored several years.

 

Rev. Samuel Dickover, presiding elder of Mendota District,

Illinois Conference, died Nov. 10. He was born in Wayne

county, Ind., in 1826, converted at a camp-meeting in 1841, in

1846 entered the Illinois Conference, and in 1881 was elected

presiding elder for the sixth time. In November he was fatally

injured in a railway collision while on his way to attend a quar-

terly meeting on Vermillion Circuit. He was many times a

delegate to General Conference, and a man of prominence.

 

 

446

 

CHAPTER XVIII

 

Eighteenth General Conference, Held at Allentown,

Pa., Oct. 4-25, 1883.

 

1883. General Conference, eighteenth session, Allentown,

Pa., Oct. 4-25. Presiding bishops: J. J. Esher, R. Dubs and

T. Bowman; W. Horn, secretary; R. Matt, G. Heinmiller,

S. P. Spreng and U. F. Swengel, assistant secretaries.

 

Rev. E. Light, fraternal delegate from the United Brethren

Church, delivered an address before the conference, which was

suitably acknowledged.

 

The following resolutions were adopted by a rising vote:

 

“Whereas, Brother S. Neitz, a delegate elected by the East

Pa. Conference to this body, has been stricken down by disease,

so as to be unable to attend this General Conference; therefore,

 

"Resolved, That we hereby express our sympathy with our

dear brother in his affliction, and pray our kind heavenly Father

to speedily restore him to usual health.”

 

The Committee on Memorials, in their report, noted the

death of John George Zinzer, Dr. Frederick Krecker and

John M. Sindlinger, more extended mention of whom will be

found elsewhere in this work.

 

Among the items adopted was the making of women eligible as

stewards, and another expunging from the Discipline the rule put-

ting members on probation for marrying an unconverted person.

 

The Woman's Missionary Society, at a convention held in

Cleveland, O., June 4, petitioned the General Conference to

permit their organization to be denominational, and operate as

an auxiliary to the Parent Society. The conference took the

following action at their request:

 

"Resolved, That permission to organize such a society is

hereby granted under the following conditions: (1)That all local

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 447

 

women's societies shall be under the supervision of the preacher-

in-charge, where such societies shall be or are already organized;

(2) that the Woman's Missionary Society of the Evangelical

Association shall be auxiliary to the Missionary Society of the

Evangelical Association, and under the supervision of the Board

of Missions, and shall annually submit their proceedings to said

board for examination and approval."

 

The Pacific Conference was divided, and the Oregon and

California Conferences constituted. The Dakota Conference

was formed of part of the Minnesota.

 

The Christliche Botschafter and Evangelical Mesesnger were

ordered to be published in book form. An English family mag-

azine was ordered to be published as soon as 16,000 subscribers

to the same are secured.

 

The election of officers resulted as follows: Bishops, J. J.

Esher, R. Dubs and T. Bowman; senior publisher, M. Lauer;

junior publisher, W. Yost; editor of Christliche Botschafter, W.

Horn; editor of Evangelical Messenger, H. B. Hartzler; editor

of Evangelische Magazine and German Sunday-School Litera-

ture, C. A. Thomas; editor of Living Epistle and English Sunday-

School Literature, P. W. Raidabaugh; corresponding secretary

of the Missionary Society, S. Heininger; treasurer of the Mis-

sionary Society, S. L. Wiest; agent of the publishing house in

Germany, J. Waltz; editor of the Evangelische Botschafter,

etc., in Germany, G. Fuessele; superintendent of Orphan

Home, E. Kohr.

 

Delegates — East Pa. Conference. — C. K. Fehr, C. S. Haman

J. C. Hornberger, J. O. Lehr, I. E. Knerr, B. J. Smoyer, S. S.

Chubb, S. C. Breyfogel,* B. F. Bohner* and A. M. Stirk.*

 

Central Pa. Conference. — W. E. Detwiler, M. J. Carothers,

S. W. Seibert, U. F. Swengel, P. W. Raidabaugh, J. Young and

E. Kohr.

 

Pittsburg Conference. — J. D. Domer, L. M. Boyer, T. G.

Clewell, W. M. Stanford, G. S. Domer and T. Bach.

 

Ohio Conference. — W. Wittington, E. B.Crouse, H.T. Strauch

S. P. Spreng, J. Stull, D. Strohman and William Yost.*

 

New York Conference. — M. Pfitzinger, A. Holzwarth and

M. Lehn.

 

Atlantic Conference. — F. Kurtz and J. Yeakel.

 

* Alternates.

 

 

448 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Erie Conference.— C. F. Negele, J. G. Theuer and N. Mott.

 

Canada Conference. — J. Umbach, C. A. Spies, S. L. Umbach

and C. F. Braun.

 

Michigan Conference. — J. M. Haug, J. M. Fuchs, S. Hein-

inger, E. Weis and S. Coply.

 

Indiana Conference. — E. L. Kiplinger, C. C. Baumgardner,

D. S. Oakes and M. W. Steffy.

 

South Indiana Conference. — J. Fuchs and J. Kaufman.

 

Illinois Conference. — H. Messner, D. B. Byers, S. Dickover,

J. Schneider, H. Rohland, C. Lindeman, C. Augenstein, W.

Huelster and M. Stamm.

 

Wisconcin Conference. — G. Fritsche, C. F. Zimmerman, J.

E. Brendel, H. Schelp and A. Tarnutzer.

 

Iowa Conference. — H. Kleinsorge, H. Lageschulte and J. F.

Berner.

 

Des Moines Conference. — D. H. Kooker, J. H. Yaggy, A.

Bussard and J. F. Yerger.*

 

Platte River Conference. — C. W. Anthony.

 

Nebraska Conference. — F. Backemeyer.

 

Kansas Conference. — H. Mattill, J. Wuerth, P. Fricker and

J. G. Pfeifer.

 

Minnesota Conference. — H. E. Linse, H. Bunse, A. Stroh-

meier and Augustus Huelster.

 

Pacific Conference. — F. W. Voegelein.

 

German Conference. — J. Kaechele and G. Fuessele.

 

Swiss Conference. — H. Hintze and G. Heinmiller.

 

Ex-officio Members. — M. Lauer, W. Horn, H. B. Hartzler,

C. A. Thomas, H. J. Bowman and S. L. Wiest.

 

1884. East Pa. Conference, Lebanon, Pa., Feb. 27. Bishop

J. J. Esher, president; S. C. Breyfogel, secretary. Licensed —

E. B. Mauger, H. A. Smith, C. C. Speicher, C. Rothermel,

W. W. Yost, J. P. Miller, A. H. Snyder and G. Holtzapple.

Ordained deacons — C. D. Dreher, H. M.Wingert, I. F. Heis-

ler, J. S. Overholtzer and C. J. Warmkessel. M. W. Harris

was reinstated to his former relation as elder. Granted creden-

tials — J. H. Hashinger. Died — Joseph Gross, S. Miesse, J.

B. Cole and Dr. F. Krecker, missionary in Japan. J. C.

Hornberger was re- elected and B. J. Smoyer and A. M. Stirk

were newly elected presiding elders.

 

* Alternates

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS 449

 

Districts: Philadelphia, C. K. Fehr, presiding elder; Allen-

town, C. S. Haman; Reading, J. C. Hornberger; Harrisburg,

A. M. Stirk; Pottsville, B. J. Smoyer.

 

1884. Central Pa. Conference, Milton, Pa., March 6.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; J. M. Ettinger, secretary.

Granted credentials — E. James and J. O. McCurdy. Licensed —

E. O. Goodling and J. Tyler. Ordained elder — J. M. Dick.

Deacons — J. R. Sechrist, J. H. Welch, J. D. Shortiss, H. D.

Benfer, S. M. Mountz, 'C. Stroup and D. M. Strine. S. W.

Seibert and J. M. Ettinger were newly elected presiding elders.

 

Districts: York, M. J. Carothers, presiding elder; Juniata,

J. M. Ettinger; Lewisburg, S. W. Seibert; Williamsport, W.

E. Detwiler.

 

1884. Pittsburg Conference, Johnstown, Pa., March 13.

Bishop T. Bowman, president; G. W. Brown, secretary. Died —

H. Gathers and J. H. Yount. Licensed — A. W. Brickley, J.

N. Buzza, A. Haun and J. Stouffer. Ordained deacons — S.

J. Eaton, C. H. Miller, A. C. Miller and I. B. Coban. J. D.

Domer was re-elected and D. K. Lavan was newly elected pre-

siding elder. J. H. Vote, of the Ohio Conference, was received.

C. C. Poling and F. T. Strayer took work in the Oregon con-

ference.

 

Districts: Pittsburg, J. D. Domer; Allegheny, J. A. Grimm;

Franklin, T. G. Clewell; Somerset, D. K. Lavan.

 

1884. New York Conference, Webster, N.Y., March 13.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; J. Reuber, secretary. Licensed —

G. Schloerb. Ordained elder — J. G. Held. Deacons — J.

Shenk and J. Schlagenhauf. Located — C. Hardel. With-

drew — F. A. Sydow. Granted credentials — S. Bean and A.

Schlenk. M. Pfitzinger was re-elected presiding elder.

 

Districts: Albany, A. Holzwarth, presiding elder; Rochester,

M. Pfitzinger; Buffalo, A. Unholtz.

 

1884. Canada Conference, Waterloo, Ont., April 10. Bishop

J. J. Esher, president; M. L. Wing, secretary. Licensed — S.

Knechtel, D. Clemens, J. Ortwein and J. Schwalm. Ordained

elders — L. Wittich and F. Meyer. Deacon — L. H. Wagner.

C. Bohlender, of the Mennonite Church, was received. Granted

credentials — W. Lingelbach. C. A. Spies resigned the office

of presiding elder and J. J. Kliphart was elected in his stead.

 

Districts: South, S. L. Umbach, presiding elder; West, J. J.

Kliphart; North, Joseph Umbach; Ottawa, S. N. Moyer.

 

 

450 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

1884. Erie Conference, Sandusky, O., March 6. Bishop

T. Bowman, president; R. Mott, secretary. Licensed — C.

Klaholtz, H. Fuessner and J. Hosbach. Ordained deacons —

C. Wohlgemuth, P. Wiest and E. Beck. Received— R. Yea-

kel, W. F. Zander, C. Munk, and W. Lingelbach. Granted

credentials — L. Scheuerman and L. Pfeifer. C. F. Negele

was re-elected and C. L. Witt newly elected presiding elder.

 

Districts: Cleveland, C. F. Negele, presiding elder; Pitts-

burg, C. L. Witt.

 

1884. Atlantic Conference, Brooklyn, N.Y., April 25.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president. Licensed — A. Swan and F.

Frank. Ordained elders — A. D. Pfort and H. P. Boll. Dea-

con — F. Egger. J. Dooly was dismissed. T. Plattenberger

and J. S. Farnsworth died. S. Werner was.received. H.

Guelich was elected presiding elder.

 

H. Guelich, presiding elder of the Conference District.

 

1884. South Indiana Conference, Jonesboro, Ind., March

19. Bishop T. Bowman, president; G. Braeckly, secretary.

Licensed — John Mundorf. Ordained deacon — E. J. Nitsche.

J. Fuchs resigned the office of presiding elder and F. Schweitzer

was elected to the same. Located — C. F. Matheis and J. Fuchs.

F. Launer and W. Koenig were received.

 

Districts: Evansville, J. Kaufman, presiding elder; Olney,

J. Schweitzer.

 

1884. Indiana Conference, Rochester, Ind., March 27.

Bishop T. Bowman, president; D. S. Oakes, secretary. Li-

censed — G. B. Holdeman, C. Benner, F. Rousch and J. H.

Schnitz. B. Ruh was restored. R. Reigel was received. F.

Launer and W. Koenig joined the South Indiana Conference.

E. L. Kiplinger located. J. Berger was elected presiding elder.

 

Districts: Elkhart, C. C. Baumgardner; Fort Wayne, D. S.

Oakes; Indianapolis, J. Berger.

 

1884. Ohio Conference, Belleview, O., April 10. Bishop

T. Bowman, president; A. Vandersal, secretary. Licensed —

I. M. Houser, P. Cocklin, E. Spreng, M. E. Rife and T. C.

Luse. Ordained elders — J. S. Reinhart and E. B. Shoemaker.

Deacons — A. N. McCauly, J. S. Fitterer and J. B. Kanaga.

F. C. Hoffman, withdrew. Granted credentials — J. J. Bernhart,

C. A. Munk and H. T. Strauch. H. C. Berger was received.

 

Districts: Cleveland, W. Whittington, presiding elder; Tiffin,

A. Vandersal; Fremont, E. B. Crouse; Columbus, S. P. Spreng.

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS 451

 

1884. Illinois Conference, Geneseo, Ill., April 10. Bishop

R. Dubs, president; A. Fuessele, secretary. Licensed — W.

Waldhausen, G. Hemkens, J. M. Schaefele, J. Buente, J.

Alber, D. T. Kahl, G. Barth, A. J. Culver and I. T. Haver-

field. Ordained elders — A. Haefele, T. W. Woodside, W. A.

Unangst and L. W. Schaefele. Deacons — J. H. Johnson and

J. W. Franks. J. J. Elftman took credentials. Died — J. G.

Zinzer, J. M. Sindlinger and S. Dickover. J. Schneider

and H. Messner were re-elected, and A. Fuessele and W. Huel-

ster were newly elected presiding elders.

 

Districts: Chicago, J. Schneider, presiding elder; Naper-

ville, D. B. Byers; Freeport, W. Huelster; Mendota, H. Mess-

ner; Peoria, A. Fuessele.

 

1884. Wisconsin Conference, Menomonee, Wis., April 17.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; J. L. Runkel, secretary. Li-

censed — G. J. Erfmeyer, C. Berg, G. Klaiber and G. Kurtz.

Ordained elder — D. Schneider. Deacons — G. F. Kiekhoefer

and L. M. Siewert. J. Meyer and G. Keller (locals), and

P. Held and O. Kuederling (itinerants) received credentials.

J. Koch located. J. G. Esslinger died.

 

Districts: Milwaukee, G. Fritsche, presiding elder; Madison,

J. C. Brendel; Fon du Lac, C. F. Zimmerman; Portage, H. Schelp.

 

1884. Michigan Conference, Portage Prairie, Mich., April

3. Bishop T. Bowman, president; F. Klump, secretary. Wm.

Binder died. Licensed— Wm.Vogel, C.Vincent, J. L. Haltz-

man, A. Bogen, P. Scheurer, Chas. Ross, Chas. Kramer,

Noah Frey, J. A. Swenk, George Johnson and S. P. Krause.

Ordained elders— W. A. Koehler, H. Schuknecht and M.

Wunderlich.

 

Districts: Monroe, J. H. Keeler, presiding elder; Detroit,

S. Coply; Iona, J. M. Haug; North Michigan, F. Miller.

 

1884. Des Moines Conference, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, April

17. Bishop T. Bowman, president; E. B. Utt, secretary.

Licensed— L. Staufacher, W. J. Conrad and S. P. Hayden.

Ordained elders — C. J. Miller and Virgil Urbino. Deacons —

A. E. Mosher and G. L. Springer. J. Wagoner was super-

annuated. Granted credentials— William Bates. W. Piper

was received from the M. E. Church. D. H. Kooker was re-

elected presiding elder.

 

Districts: Cedar Rapids, J. H. Yaggy, presiding elder; Des

Moines, D. H. Kooker; Afton, A. Bussard.

 

 

452 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

1884. Iowa Conference, Ackley, Iowa, April 24. Bishop

T. Bowman, president; E. J. Shultz, secretary. Licensed —

A. Goetz, S. Sassman, Carl Gerhart, G. Knoche, J. Belau

and A. Schmalle. Ordained elder — H. Raeker. P. Held, of

the Wisconsin Conference, was received. Granted credentials —

H. Brauer, C. Pfeil and H. Raeker.

 

Districts: Dubuque, H. Kleinsorge, presiding elder; Ackley,

H. Lageschulte; Des Moines, J. Henn.

 

1884. Minnesota Conference, St. Paul, Minn., May 2.

Bishop R. Dubs, president; H. Ohs, secretary. Licensed —

L. Stapf, F. Arndt, H. Seder and D. Seder. Ordained elder

— G. Duebendorf. Masatada Schmidzu and Neba Rage

Horiye, natives of the Japan Mission, were licensed to preach.

Wm. Stegner died. H. Bunse was re-elected presiding elder.

 

Districts: St. Paul, H. E. Linse, presiding elder; Minneap-

olis, A. Strohmeier; Mankato, H. Bunse.

 

1884. Dakota Conference, first session, Big Stone City,

D. T., May 9. Bishop R. Dubs, president; F. F. Meyer, sec-

retary. Licensed — A. Oertli. Ordained deacons — W. Blanch-

ard, A. Berreth, J. Fandrey and F. C. -Yenny. W. Bates

and O. Kuederling were received.

 

Districts: Yankton, A. Knebel, presiding elder; Fargo, A.

Huelster.

 

1884. Nebraska Conference, Stanton, Neb., March 6.

Bishop R. Dubs, president; A. Fisher, secretary. Licensed —

F. Beckman and B. F. Meyers. Ordained elder — H. Soul.

Deacons — L. Neitzel and I. Laipley. G. Alstadt located.

H. Raeker was received. Granted credentials — S. W. McKesson.

 

Districts: Fremont, J. P. Just, presiding elder; Hastings,

F. Backemeyer.

 

1884. Platte River Conference, Glenville, Neb., March 14.

Bishop R. Dubs, president; B. C. Oyler, secretary. Licensed —

S. B. Dillow, D. W. Anderson, W. L. Dillow and L. G.

Brooker. Ordained elders — P. N. Lantz, P. J. Gressly and

H. M. Liebhart. Deacons — N. F. Kletzing, Josiah Halde-

man, J. Richards and S. J. Shupp. S. W. McKesson and T.

W. Serf were received.

 

C. W. Anthony, presiding elder of the Conference District.

 

1884. Kansas Conference, Nemaha Circuit, Kan., March 20.

Bishop R. Dubs, president; C. Berner, secretary. Licensed —

A. Ernst, M. Walter, A. Sweitzer and D. Swart. Ordained

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 453

 

deacon — G. Dienst. T. Serf joined the Platte River Confer-

ence. G. Sorg and A. Mattill were received. J. H. Tobias

was elected presiding elder. Two thousand seven hundred and

ten dollars was raised at the conference session for the mission-

ary cause.

 

Districts: Holton, J. Wuerth, presiding elder; Kansas City,

H. Mattill; Emporia, P. Fricker; Newton, J. H. Tobias.

 

1884. California Conference, first session, Santa Ana,Cal.,

Feb. 12. Bishop R. Dubs, president; F. W. Fisher, secretary.

Ordained deacon — H. P. Hoesly. T. Suhr was elected presid-

ing elder. H. W. Axthelm was deposed from the ministry and

expelled from the Church.

 

T. Suhr, presiding elder of the Conference District; F. W.

Voegelein, missionary in Japan.

 

1884. Oregon Conference, first session, Corvallis, Ore.,

May 23. Bishop R. Dubs, president: C. C. Poling, secretary.

Conference was organized with the following members: J. Bow-

ersox, A. Schlenk, A. Krecker, F. J. Strayer, J. A. Hollen-

bach, H. I. Bittner, J. L. Hershner, S. E. Davis and C. C.

Poling. J. Bowersox was elected presiding elder.

 

J. Bowersox, presiding elder of the Conference District.

 

1885. East Pa. Conference, Catasauqua, Pa., Feb. 25.

Bishop R. Dubs, president; C. S. Breyfogel, secretary. Died —

A. H. Overholt, D. Hambright and S. Breyfogel. Granted

credentials — A. D. Light. Ordained elders — H. H. Rumber-

ger, D. G. Reinhold and W. H. Stauffer. Deacons — J.

Stermer, F. D. Geary, A. B. Saylor, A. S. Kline, W. Shuler

and W. E. Waltz. Licensed— E. R. Seip, D. J. Ebert, B. C.

Krupp, A. J. Brunner, S. Buntz, W. J. Johnson, A. E. Wil-

liams, W. M. Fetter, D. S. Manning and A. H. Doerstler.

A. Krecker, of the Oregon, and J. M. Longsdorf, of the Cen-

tral Pa. Conference, were admitted. A mission was established

in Florida.

 

Districts: Philadelphia, C. K. Fehr, presiding elder; Allen-

town, C. S. Haman; Reading, J. C. Hornberger; Harrisburg,

A. M. Stirk; Pottsville, B. J. Smoyer.

 

1885. Central Pa. Conference, York, Pa., March 4. Bishop

R. Dubs, president; A. Stapleton, secretary. Died — Jacob

Boas and M. Sloat. Licensed — C. W. Leonard, C. L. Sones,

C. V. B. Aurand, W. L. Beaumont, R. Hollenbach and M. I.

 

 

454 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Jamison. Ordained elders — M. F. Fosselman, H. T. Searle,

E. D. Keene, C. H. Goodling, I. C. Yeakel and Prof. A. E.

Gobble. Deacons — J. B. Fox, L. E. Crumbling and J. F.

Thomas. Granted credentials — J. M. Longsdorf. A. S. Baum-

gardner was received from the Pittsburg Conference; also J.

L. Miller, of the United Brethren Church.

 

Districts: York, M. J. Carothers, presiding elder; Juniata,

J. M. Ettinger; Lewisburg, S. W. Seibert; Williamsport, W. E.

Detwiler.

 

1885. Pittsburg Conference, Millville, Pa., April 23. Bishop

R. Dubs, president; G. W. Brown, secretary. Granted creden-

tials — A. W. Platt and A. S. Baum Gardner. S.Coy withdrew.

J. Dick and A. Niebel were superannuated. Died — H. H. Hurd

and T. Eisenhower (itinerants), and H. S. Stouffer (local).

Licensed — J. Smith, H. M. Fink, E. E. Rickenbrod, J. B.

Ward, F. Berkey, J. L. Mull, W. H. Cramer, H. Houst, C.

F. McCauly, J. H. Shimp, H. J. Wise and C. D. Slagel.

Ordained elders — W. F. Shannon, J. Q. A. Curry and D. F.

Platt. Deacons — F. D. Ellenberger, F. M. Brickley, C. J.

Coleman, G. W. Finnecy and M. V. Devaux. J. A. Grimm

resigned the office of presiding elder because of ill-health, and

I. A. Rohland was elected to the same.

 

Districts: Franklin, T. G. Clewell, presiding elder; Pitts-

burg, J. D. Domer; Allegheny, I. A. Rohland; Somerset, D.

K. Lavan.

 

1885. Illinois Conference, Naperville, Ill., April 9. Bishop

T. Bowman, president; G. Vetter (German) and W. Caton

(English), secretaries. Died — J. Dunlap, J. Erb and C. Bar-

tels. Licensed — J. Kraft, J. Elmer, H. Moser, H. Thoren,

J. Klupp, J. Stengel, C. Vaubel, A. Wiegman, J. Divan and

H. Pope. Ordained elders — E. K. Yeakel and J. H. Shultz.

Deacons — O. Brose, F. Schwartz, F. Kraushaar, H. Lueder,

S. F. Entorf, G. W. Ballenger, I. Divan and J. Sturm.

 

Districts: Chicago, J. Schneider, presiding elder; Naper-

ville, D. B. Byers; Freeport, W. Huelster; Mendota, H. Mess-

ner; Peoria, A. Fuessele.

 

1885. Ohio Conference, Cary, O., April 9. Bishop R.

Dubs, president; A. C. Stull, secretary. Died — F. R. Tothe-

roh, E. L. Over, Daniel Brickley and J. Ebert. Licensed —

W. D. Huddle, A. F. Beery, J. H. Ablett and W. H. Munk.

Ordained elders — J. H. Lamb and F. G. Stauffer. Deacons —

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 455

 

A. S. Copley and J. H. Blaser. Granted credentials — C. T.

Luce. W. H. Bucks was elected presiding elder.

 

Districts: Columbus, S. P. Spreng, presiding elder; Cleve-

land, W. H. Bucks; Tiffin, A.Vandersal; Fremont, E. B. Crouse.

 

1885. Michigan Conference, Iona, Mich., April 2. Bishop

R. Dubs, president; F. Klump, secretary. Died — P. Swilly.

Licensed — A. Norton, F. C. Berger, W. Snyder and J. J.

Marshall. Ordained elder — W. H. Wagner. Deacons — A.

Winter and L. Gingerich.

 

Districts: Monroe, J. H. Keeler, presiding elder; Iona, J.

M. Haug; Detroit, S. Copley; North Michigan, F. Mueller.

 

1885. Nebraska Conference, West Point, Neb., March 26.

Bishop T. Bowman, president; A. Fisher, secretary. Licensed —

M. Miller. Ordained elders — C. Suhr and W. H. Althouse.

Deacons — H. Wegner and F. L. Wiegert.

 

Districts: Fremont, J. P. Just, presiding elder; Hastings,

F. Backemeyer.

 

1885. Platte River Conference, Blue Springs, Neb., March

13. Bishop T. Bowman, president; B. C. Oyler, secretary.

Licensed — J. M. Humbert, B. F. Rogers, N. J. Kirkpatrick,

T. Leland and J. W. Nye. Ordained elder — T. W. Serf.

Deacon — W. D. Stambach. E. L. Kiplinger, of the Indiana

Conference, was received.

 

C. W. Anthony, presiding elder of Conference District.

 

1885. Erie Conference, Allegheny, Pa., March 5. Bishop

T. Bowman, president; R. Mott, secretary. Licensed — J.

Elrich, F. Rothert and T. C. Meckel. Ordained elder — J.

G. Zeigler. Deacons — H. Wiegand, H. Huebner, E. Koehne

and W. Stadhelder. H. Cordes went to the California Con-

ference.

 

Districts: Cleveland, C. F. Negele, presiding elder; Pitts-

burg, C. L. Witt.

 

1885. Atlantic Conference, Philadelphia, Pa., April 30.

Bishop R. Dubs, president; J. F. Grob, secretary. Licensed —

P. Blank and G. Hauler. Ordained elder — A. L. Yeakel.

Deacon — G. Redman. C. B. Fliehr died. Granted creden-

tials — A. F. Leopold.

 

H. Guelich, presiding elder of Conference District.

 

1885. New York Conference, Utica, N.Y., March 12.

Bishop R. Dubs, president; R. Reuber, secretary. Located —

M. Yauch. J. Kaechele, of the Germany Conference, was

 

 

456 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

received. Licensed — A. A. Holswarth, B. Miller, W. Schoep-

flein, H. Merle and W. Merle. Ordained elders — L. Hein-

miller and D. Miller. J. Schaaf and D. Fisher were super-

annuated.

 

Districts: Albany, C. F. Schoepflein, presiding elder;

Rochester, A. Holswarth; Buffalo, M. Pfitzinger.

 

1885. Canada Conference, New Hamburg, Ont., April 16.

Bishop R. Dubs, president; C. F. Braun, secretary. Licensed —

J. T. Hauch and D. H. Mover. Ordained elder— S. B. Kraft.

Deacons— S. R. Knechtel, F. S. Spies and G. B. Braun. S. L.

Umbach was re-elected presiding elder.

 

Districts: South, J. J. Kliphart, presiding elder; North, S.

L. Umbach; West, J. Umbach; Ottawa, S. N. Mover.

 

1885. Indiana Conference, South Bend, Ind., March 26.

Bishop R. Dubs, president; H. Arlen, secretary. Licensed—

G. Streicher, E. Myers and D. D. Speicher. Ordained elder

— J. E. Smith. Deacons — P. A. Orth, J. C. Stoops, L. S.

Fisher, W. H. Brightmyer, R. Raney and C. Hansing. Granted

credentials — W. Koenig and E. L. Kiplinger. E. Weishaar,

of the Germany Conference, was admitted. Died — F. Hoff-

man (local).

 

Districts: Elkhart, C. C. Baumgardner, presiding elder;

Fort Wayne, D. S. Oakes; Indianapolis, J. Berger.

 

1885. South Indiana Conference, Carmi, Ill., March 19.

Bishop R. Dubs, president; W. G. Braeckley, secretary. Li-

censed — C. Doering. Ordained elders — G. M. Hallwachs and

F. Theiss.

 

Districts: Evansville, J. Kaufman, presiding elder; Olney,

F. Schweitzer.

 

1885. Minnesota Conference, Winona, Minn., April 30.

Bishop T. Bowman, president; H. Ohs, secretary. Licensed —

C. F. Kachel, O. Shultz and J. Graeben. Ordained elders —

H. Isker and G. J. Schmidt. Deacons — G. H. Siebold and

W. Walter. Granted credentials — M. Knopf.

 

Districts: St. Paul, H. E. Linse, presiding elder; Minneap-

olis, A. Strohmeier; Mankato, H. Bunse.

 

1885. Des Moines Conference, Des Moines, Iowa, April 2.

Bishop T. Bowman, president; E. B. Urr, secretary. Died —

S. Hoover. Licensed — J. V. Hummel, T. Fee, N. Day, N. B.

Niebel, J. A. Hornberger and S. Smith. Ordained elders —

J. Wirth, S. A. Walton and J. Buck. Deacons — G. W. Mul-

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 457

 

len, C. Knoll, G. F. Hcilman and W. Piper. D. H. Kooker,

because of ill-health, resigned the office of presiding elder, and

J. H. Yaggy was re-elected and E. B. Utt newly elected to

the office.

 

Districts: Cedar Rapids, E. B. Utt, presiding elder; Des

Moines, J. H. Yaggy.

 

1885. Iowa Conference, Dysart, Iowa, April 16. Bishop

T. Bowman, president; E. J. Shultz, secretary. Ordained

elders — G. Brandstetter, J. D. Schaible and H. W. Hartman.

Deacons — S. L. Staebler and W. J. Schmalle.

 

Districts: Dubuque, H. Kleinsorge, presiding elder; Ackley,

H. Lageschulte; Des Moines, J. Henn.

 

1885. Wisconsin Conference, Milwaukee, Wis., April 23.

Bishop T. Bowman, president; J. L. Runkel, secretary. Li-

censed — R. Eilert, A. Lutz, H. Lutz, J. Trautman, C. W.

Wilson, C. Punzel and F. A. Mundt. Ordained elders — M.

Gauerke, J. Nickel and W. H. Messersmith. Deacons — C.

Shauer, G. Reichert, F. Krueger and H. M. Schuerman.

Granted credentials — J. P. Viel.

 

Districts: Milwaukee, G. Fritsche, presiding elder; Fon du

Lac, C. F. Zimmerman; Madison, C. F. Brendel; Portage,

H. Schelp.

 

1885. Kansas Conference, Camp Creek, Kan., March 19.

Bishop T. Bowman, president; C. Berner, secretary. Died —

W. Heiser (local). Granted credentials — L. C. Schnacke.

L. E. Becher, W. Wolthousen and W. H. Rosenberg were

received. Licensed — E. Brown, G. Wilson, M. C. Platz, W.

Stauffer and J. K. Young. Ordained deacons — T. R. Man-

inga, L. E. Becher and J. W. Kaiser. H. Mattill was re-

elected presiding elder.

 

Districts: Holton, H. Mattill, presiding elder; Kansas City,

J. Wuerth; Newton, J. H. Tobias.

 

1885. Dakota Conference, Casselton, Dak., May 15. Bishop

T. Bowman, president; F. F. Meyer, secretary. Licensed —

J. Price, A. Geyman W. Green and H. Wolf. Ordained elders —

L. S. Koch, P. Laux and W. Tesch. Deacons — W. Suckow, R.

W. Teichman and A. Ortli. Granted credentials — F. C. Yenny.

 

Districts: Fargo, A. Huelster, presiding elder; Yankton,

A. Knebel.

 

1885. Oregon Conference, Portland, Ore., May 23. Bishop

R. Dubs, president; C. C. Poling, secretary. Ordained elder —

 

 

458 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

H. I. Bittner. Deacons — A. R. Johnson and Joseph Taylor.

H. Shuknecht was received.

 

J. Bowersox, presiding elder of Conference District.

 

1885. California Conference, San Francisco, Cal., May

29. Bishop R. Dubs, president; F. W. Fisher, secretary. H.

Brauer, J. M. Schaefele and H. Cordes were received. R.

Stahli was dismissed. T. Suhr resigned the office of presiding

elder and H. Brauer was elected in his stead.

 

H. Brauer, presiding elder of Conference District.

 

Notes — The year 1885 was in many particulars an eventful

one. In December, 1884, Bishop J. J. Esher, accompanied by his

wife, started from San Francisco, Cal., for Japan. He remained

a considerable length of time in the Orient, and in his episcopal

capacity, made some radical changes in the management of the

mission. His official report to the Board of Missions gave rise

to very serious misunderstandings which eventuated in an acrimo-

nious controversy respecting his attitude toward several of the

missionaries, and especially towards the Superintendent, J.

Hartzler. The consequences of this report are inseperably con-

nected with subsequent events of the greatest moment in the

history of the church. Bishop Esher returned by the Western

route, thus circumnavigating the globe. On his return he stopped

sufficiently long in Europe to hold the German and Swiss Con-

ferences in the beginning of June.

 

The annual report of the Corresponding Secretary of the Mis-

sionary Society, shows that the church supported this year 443

missions in the homeland, supplied with 435 missionaries. The

number of new missions located was 53. These missions sus-

tained 742 Sunday-schools, with 8,581 officers and teachers and

42,425 scholars. The numbers of conversions on these missions

was 5,123 and the number of accessions 6,871. The receipts

of the Missionary Treasury were in round numbers $114,000,

which was less than the previous years. The debt had increased

to over $41,000.

 

The East Pennsylvania Conference, at its session of 1885,

established a mission in the state of Florida, with Rev. J. L.

Guinther as missionary. In midwinter 1886, Rev. J. C. Horn-

berger, a presiding elder of the East Pa. Conference, made the

first official visit to the mission, at which time the first three

Evangelical Churches in that state were dedicated. The first

at Oriole, Jan. 2, 1886. The second a re-opening of a church

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 459

 

purchased from another society at Bronson, Jan. 9th. The

third at Fairmount, Jan. 16th. The work was visited about a

year later by Bishop R. Dubs.

 

At the General Conference of 1883, a Normal Course of

study, similar to the Chautauqua, was recommended for home

study, with special regard to the needs of Sunday-school work-

ers. The editors of the Sunday-school literature were author-

ized to prepare the series of books necessary and arrange for the

formation of classes throughout the church, and the granting of

suitable diplomas upon the completion of the course. The

series consisted of ten small hand-books, written by various

ministers of the church, and covered pretty thoroughly the

field of Biblical knowledge. These books made their appear-

ance at irregular intervals during this year, (1885), the last

volume being issued, near the close of the year. The Normal

Plan met with general favor, and many classes were formed.

 

Biographical. — The ministerial death roll this year was quite

large. Although most of the following names occur in the pro-

ceedings of their respective conferences, we summarize them

here for ready reference, with place of death and age. Jos.

Ebert, Ohio, 77; Jos. Erb, Brookville, Ill., 53; Charles

Erhardt, Orange Co., Florida, 48; C. B. Fliehr, Phila., Pa.,

61; Frank Frech, Hancock Co., O., 76; Thos. George,

Burgoon, O., 56; Wm. Colb, Laport, Iowa, 64; H. Major,

Buttsville, N. J., 76; Solomon Neitz, Reading, Pa., 64; E. L.

Over, Coshocton, O., 43; Daniel Ross, Lackawanna Co.,

Pa., 83; Phillip Schwilly, Lima, Ind., 83; H. Shoemaker,

Elgin, Ill., 49; Jacob Smith, Somerset, Pa., 34; F. R. Toth-

ero, Marshallville, Ind., 62; David Tobias, Washington, Ill.,

79; Geo. Zellhgefer, Grand Junction, Iowa, 67; J. G. Esher,

(brother of Bishop Esher), born in Germany 1816, entered the

ministry in Illinois, 1848, served as presiding elder, both in the

Illinois and Wisconsin Conferences. Died in Illinois.

 

1886. East Pa. Conference, Reading, Pa., Feb. 24. Bishop

T. Bowman, president; C. S. Breyfogel, secretary. Died —

Geo. Miller and A. C. Major. Licensed to preach — J. D.

Acker, J. B. Esenwein, G. A. Knerr, H. Dutill, T. S. Kresge,

W. R. Fluck, and J. K. Freed. Granted deacon’s orders — H.

A. Smith, A. H. Snyder and I. U. Royer. Elder's — H. M.

Wingerd, I. F. Heisler, C. D. Dreher, and J. S. Over-

holtzer. Granted credentials — D. G. Reinhold. S. C. Brey-

 

 

460 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

fogel was newly, and C. S. Haman and C. K. Fehr were re-

elected presiding elders. Father Francis Hoffman was super-

annuated after 60 years of labor in the work of the Lord "un-

interruptedly."

 

Districts: Philadelphia, C. K. Fehr, presiding elder; Allen-

town, C. S. Breyfogel; Reading, J. C. Homberger; Lebanon,

A. M. Stirk; Pottsville, C. S. Haman; Millersburg, B. J.

Smoyer.

 

1886. Central Pa. Conference, Millheim Pa., March 4th.

Bishop T. Bowman, president; E. Swengel, secretary. Li-

censed — E. S. Bollinger, G. Gallagher, F. S. Norman, A.

Williamson, C. J. Dick, M. S. Thomas, C. D. Moore and J.

Womeldorf. Ordained deacons — E. O. Goodling and T. A.

Shortiss. Elders — J. R. Sechrist, J. H. Welch, J. D. Stover,

H. S. Bason, S. M. Mountz, H. A. Benfer, J. D. Shortiss

and A. W. Swengel. Dr. J. C. Hummer, of the Methodist

Episcopal Church, was received. S. T. Buck, W. M. Croman

and A. W. Maxwell, withdrew.

 

Districts: York, M. J. Carothers, presiding elder; Juniata,

J. M. Ettinger; Lewisburg, S. W. Seibert; Williamsport, W.

E. Detwiler.

 

1886. Pittsburg Conference, East Liberty, O., April 15th.

Bishop R. Dubs, president; J. W. Domer, secretary. Licensed

— W. W. Elrick, J. McAllister, P. Devaux, A. J. Beale, J.

A. Shaffer and J. C. Hadlock. Ordained elders — C. H.

Miller, A. C. Miller, J. H. Voght, and S. J. Caton. Dea-

cons — A. B. Day and A. W. Brickley. Died — J. Smith. R.

D. Dalzell took credentials, also S. B. Kring, who went to

the Indiana Conference. F. P. Saylor was newly elected pre-

siding elder.

 

Districts: Franklin, F. P. Saylor, presiding elder; Pittsburg,

J. D. Domer; Alleghany, J. A. Rohland; Somerset, D. K. Lavan.

 

1886. Ohio Conference, Westerville, O., Sept. 16. Bishop

R. Dubs, president; A. C. Stull, secretary. Died — F. Frech.

O. F. Colwell was licensed. Deacons orders were granted —

P. Cocklin and E. Spreng. Elders — A. N. McCauly, J. S.

Fitterer and J. B. Kanaga. H. J. Bowman took credentials.

John Stull was newly and E. B. Crouse was re-elected presid-

ing elder. Father A. Loshner, the oldest preacher of the con-

ference, delivered a sermon commemorative of the semi-centen-

nial of the organization of the conference.

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 461

 

Districts: Columbus, J. Stull, presiding elder; Cleveland,

W. H. Bucks; Tiffin, E. B. Crouse; Fremont, A. Vandersal.

 

1886. Michigan Conference, Reed City, April 1. Bishop

R. Dubs, president; F. Klump, secretary. Died — Benj. Keller.

Licensed — W. Gamersfelder, L. B. Felix, J. M. Bittner

and D. Strohl. Ordained elder — F. Walters. Deacons G.

Johnson, C. Krulger, L. V. Soldan, P. Scheurer, J. A.

Swenk, A. Bogen, J. C. Dietrich and C. Brown. A. Halm-

huber, of the Germany, P. Alles, of the Canada and F.

Kraushaar, of the Illnois Conferences, were received.

 

Districts: Monroe, S. Copley, presiding elder; St. Joseph,

G. A. Hettler; Flint, C. C. Staffield; Reed City, E. Weiss.

 

1886. Erie Conference, Cleveland, O., March 4. Bishop

R. Dubs, president; R. Mott, secretary. Died — A. Born-

heimer. Located — W. F. Zander and J. Vogel. Licensed —

H. Wendt. Ordained elder — C. Wohlgemuth. Deacons —

C. Neuendorf, H. Fuessner, C. Klaholtz and J. E. Moeller.

 

Districts: Cleveland, C. F. Negele, presiding elder; Pitts-

burg;. C. L. Witt.

 

1886. New York Conference, Batavia, N.Y., March 11.

Bishop T. Bowman, president; J. Reuber, secretary. Died —

M. Yauch. Ordained elder — J. M. Schlagenhauf. Deacon

— G.” Schloerb. Licensed — A. Stark and A. Holzworth.

 

Districts: Albany, C. F. Schoefflein, presiding elder; Ro-

chester, A. Holzwarth; Buffalo, M. Pfitzinger.

 

1886. Canada Conference, Wallace, Ont., April 15. Bishop

T. Bowman, president; C. F. Braun, secretary. Licensed —

A. Gcebel, J. G. Litt, J. H. Grenzenbach, G. F. Braun and

C. Finkbiner. Ordained elder — L. H. Wagoner. Granted

credentials — P. Alles. M. C. Frey and A. T. Shuttler were

received. J. Umbach was re-elected paesiding elder.

 

Districts: South, J. J. Kliphart, presiding elder; West, J.

Umbach; North, S. L. Umbach; Ottawa, S. N. Moyer.

 

1886. Atlantic Conference, Easton, Pa., April 29. Bishop

T. Bowman, president; J. F. Grob, secretary. Licensed — H.

Sturm. Ordained deacons — R. Lau and F. Frank. Died — G.

Redman. J. A. Rozsch, of the Methodist Episcopal Church,

was received.

 

1886. Indiana Conference, Dayton. O., April 1. Bishop

T. Bowman, president; H. Arlen, secretary. Licensed— H.

E. Meyers, H. Neff and L. Carroll. Ordained deacons —

 

 

462 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

F. Rousch and G. B. Holdeman. M. KrUeger, located. S.

B. Kring, of the Pittsburg Conference, was received. Granted

credentials — G. Streicher and D. E. Hoover.

 

Districts: Elkhart, C. C. Baumgardner, presiding elder;

Ft. Wayne, D. S. Oakes; Indianapolis, J. Berner.

 

1886. South Indiana Conference, Mt. Carmel, Ill., March

11. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; W. G. Breckly, sec-

retary. Ordained elder — E. E. Nitsche.

 

Districts: Evansville, J. Kaufman, presiding elder; Olney,

F. Schweitzer.

 

1886. Wisconsin Conference, Appleton, Wis., April 29.

Bishop R. Dubs, president; J. L. Runkel, secretary. Li-

censed — E. Gassman, H. Brockhouse, C. Zcerb, O. Barow-

askie and F. Zimmerman. Ordained elders — L. M. Siewert

and G. F. Kiekhoefer. Deacons — H. E. Erffmeyer and H.

Umbreit. Granted credentials — C. Mueller.

 

Districts: Milwaukee, G. Fritsche, presiding elder; Fon du

Lac, C. F. Zimmerman; Madison, J. C. Brendel; Portage, H.

Scheip.

 

1886. Minnesota Conference, near Courtland, Minn, April

29. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; H. Ohs, secretary. Li-

censed — W. J. Vetter, F. Walter, A. Sahr and R. Mueller.

Died — G. J. Schmidt. Ordained deacons — L. S. Staff, H. A.

Seder and F. Arut. A. Knabel was received. Granted cre-

dentials — S. Bean and W. Kaun. A. Strohmeier was re-

elected presiding elder.

 

Districts: St. Paul, H. E. Linse, presiding elder; Minnesota,

A. Strohmeier; Mankato, H. Bunse.

 

1886. Illinois Conference, Freeport, Ill., April 8. Bishop

R. Dubs, president; M. Stamm, German, and W. Caton, Eng-

lish, secretaries. Died — J. G. Esher, H. Schumaker and D.

Tobias. Licensed — C. F. Kiest, J. H. Keagel, P. H. Hines,

D. W. Kerr, J. Merley, S. Hoffman and G. W. Nickolai.

Ordained elder — J. H. Johnson. Deacons — W. L. Waeker,

D. F. Fox, J. W. Fager and W. A. Schultz. J. Zipperer, of

the German Conference, was received. Granted credentials —

F. Kraushaar.

 

Districts: Chicago, F. Busse, presiding elder; Naperville,

J. Schneider; Freeport, Wm. Huelster; Elgin, D. B. Byers;

Mendota, H. Messner; Peoria, A. Fuessele.

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 463

 

1886. Des Moines Conference, Columbus Junction, Iowa,

April i. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; B. H. Niebel, sec-

retary. Licensed — G. W. McCracken, C. E. Sheldon, L. A.

Jones, E. C. Wallace and A. L. Smith. Ordained elders —

A. E. Mosher and B. H. Niebel. Deacons — F. S. Locke, D.

T. Kahl and L. Staueacher. Granted credentials — J. Hout,

A. T. Wilkins, T. S. Fink, W. J. Conard, T. Fee, D. N. Long

and M. C. Fry.

 

Districts: Cedar Rapids, E. B. Utt, presiding elder; Des

Moines, J. H. Yaggy.

 

1886. Iowa Conference, Cedar Falls, Iowa, April 15.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; E. J. Shultz, secretary. Died

— W. Kolb and G. Zellhofer. Licensed — D. S. Staebler

N. Ramage and A. L. Bock. Ordained deacons — A. Schmalle,

A. Goetz, G. Knoche, H. Sessman and J. Below. Granted

credentials — W. H. Hartman. H. Lageschulte and M. Grue-

ner were elected presiding elders.

 

Districts: Dubuque, M. Gruener, presiding elder; Ackley,

J. Henn; Des Moines, H. Lageschulte.

 

1886. Dakota Conference, Wittenberg, Dakota, May 6.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; F. F. Meyer, secretary. Li-

censed — J. A. Young and B. F. Snyder. Ordained deacon

— J. Price and J. F. Buente. Elders — A. Blauchard and A.

Berreth. A. Knebel resigned the office of presiding elder and

G. W. Hielscher was elected to the same. Granted credentials

— A. Knebel.

 

Districts: Fargo, A. Huelster, presiding elder; Yankton,

G. W. Hielscher.

 

1886. Platte River Conference, near Aurora, Neb., March

11. Bishop R. Dubs, president; E. L. Kiplinger, secretary.

Ordained deacons — S. B. Dillow and G. M. Andrews. Elders

— J. H. Haldeman, S. J. Shupp, N. F. Kletzing and J. Rich-

ards. C. J. Miller, T. J. Fink, J. Haut, of the Des Moines,

and G. Carothers, of the Central Pa. Conferences, were re-

ceived. C.W. Anthony, presiding elder.

 

1886. Nebraska Conference, Sutton, Neb., March 25.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; A. Fischer, secretary. Or-

dained deacon — F. Beckman. Elders— L. Neitzel and I.

Laiply. Licensed — F. Martin and C. Schneider. A. Wich-

man and G. Streicher. F. Backemeyer was re-elected, and M.

Inhelder was newly elected presiding elder.

 

 

464 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Districts: Fremont, F. Backemeyer, presiding elder; Hast-

ings, M. Inhelder.

 

1886. Kansas Conference, Willow Springs, Kan., March

18. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; C. Berner, secretary. Located

— J. G. Pfeifer. Died — C. Ehrhart. Licensed — S. Luring,

G. J. Schmucker, F. M. Peek, R. Brant, W. Shuerman and A.

E. Flickinger. Ordained elder — G. E. Dienst. Deacons — A.

Matill and W. Wolthausen. Granted credentials — A. M.

Dreisbach. J. Neufer and S. Miller, of the Germany, D. G.

Reinhold, of the East Pa., and A. U. Platt, of the Pittsburg

Conferences, were received.

 

Districts: Holton, H. Mattill, presiding elder; Kansas City,

J. Wuerth; Newton, J. H. Tobias.

 

1886. California Conference, Wilmington, Cal., May 14.

Bishop R. Dubs, president; T. Suhr, secretary. Licensed —

G. Gluntz. Ordained elder — J. M. Scim:fele. Located — P.

Bott. J. Croassman and R. Stahle withdrew. A. Heinhaus,

of the Wisconsin Conference, was received. H. Brauer, pre-

siding elder.

 

1886. Oregon Conference, Salem, Oregon, June 4. Bishop

R. Dubs, presiding elder; C. C. Poling, secretary. Licensed

— H. Pratt and J. M. Beauchamp. A. G. Boyd withdrew.

J. Bowersox, presiding elder.

 

Notes — In the corresponding secretary's annual report to

the Missionary Society, we find that the number of home mis-

sions for this year was 459, supplied by 460 missionaries, 13

missions were made self-supporting, while 46 new missions were

constituted, The total membership on these missions was 39,-

905. The mission Sunday-schools numbered 743, with 8,313

officers and teachers, and 43,513 scholars. The number con-

verted was 6,050, and 6,593 accessions. The total missionary

receipts from all sources were $124,355, an increase of over $9,-

000 over the previous year. The contributions to the mission-

ary treasury by the Woman's Missionary Society, was $1,422

and Children's Day collection, $7,434.

 

The Society having established an Emigrant Mission last

year, in the city of New York, it was supplied in the Spring of

this year, by the appointment of E. Glaeser.

 

In the Spring of 1885 the Board of Missions appointed H.

Schuknecht, of the Michigan Conference, as an additional mis-

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 465

 

sionary to the Pacific Coast, with Washington Territory as his

field of labor. He met with good success, and soon established

societies. Bro. Schuknecht succeeded in erecting the first Evan-

gelical Church at Sassin, Lincoln County, which was dedicated

by Rev. J. Bowersox, July 25, 1886. The second was erected

at Wildrose Prairie, and dedicated some months after the first.

 

Biographical — The ministerial death roll of this year, both

local and active, is as follows:

 

Jacob McQuillen, local, Dec. 12, 1885, 60, Mo.; M. Yauch,

itinerant, Dec. 17, 1885, 40, N.Y.; Geo. J. Miller, local,

Sept. 7, 1885, 83, Pa.; Mich. F. Maize, local, Feb. 11, 1886,

72, Pa.; C. L. Wolf, local, Feb. 1, 1886, 35, P.; Mich. Else,

superannuated, March 12, 1886, 70, N.Y.; Adam R. Shafer,

itinerant, April 15, 1886, 54, Ind.; Benj. Keller, local, March

23, 1886, 67, Ohio; G. J. Schmidt, (killed by a cyclone while

holding service), itinerant, April 14, 1886, 30, Minn.; B. F.

Anthony, itinerant, May 23, 1886, 42, Pa.; Brumm, 69, Mich.;

Geo. Phillips, local, March 18, 1886, 86, Pa.; J. Schnell-

bacher, local, May 16, 1886, 65, Iowa; M. Alsbach, local,

Aug. 21, 1886, 73, Minn.; A. K. F. Winter, itinerant, Aug.

29, 25, 1886, Mich.; A. Forry, itinerant, Aug. 22, 1886, 80,

Ill.; D. Woodmansee, local, Aug. 26, 1886, 70, Fla.; John

Kreamer, itinerant, Aug. 14, 1886, 69, Kan.; G. Klepfer,

local, Sept. 21, 1886, 74, Ind.; Daniel Eckert, local, Nov. 4,

1886, 77, Ohio; Q. E. Knerr, itinerant, Nov. 12, 1886, 47, Pa.

 

1887. East Pa. Conference, Bangor, Pa., Feb. 23. Bishop

J. J. Esher, president; W. A. Leopold, secretary. Died —

I. E. Knerr, itinerant, and D. Clouser. local. Ordained

elders — F. D. Geary, C. J. Warmkessel, J. Stermer, Wm.

Shuler, A. B. Saylor, A. S. Kline, and Hirakawa Toyotsura,

of Japan. Granted credentials — W. M. Harris and D. J.

Ebert. Licensed — J. C. Malseed, G. McCloud and D. T.

Kostenbader. Father F. Krecker was superannuated after a

half century of active service.

 

Districts: Philadelphia, C. K. Fehr, presiding elder; Allen-

town; S. C. Breyfogel; Reading, J. C. Hornberger; Lebanon,

A. M. Stirk; Pottsville, C. S. Haman; Millersburg, B. J.

Smoyer.

 

1887. Central Pa. Conference, Baltimore, Md., March 3.

Bishop T. Bowman, president, E. Swengel, secretary. Li-

censed — Chas. F. Garrett, H. B. Barshinger, G. L. Mace,

 

 

466 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

J. D. Liester, H. H. Trumpfheller and D. M. Metzgar.

Ordained deacon — W. L. Beaumont, C. L. Sones, C. V. B.

Aurand, E. S. Bollinger, C. D. Moore, M. I. Jamison, E. M.

Beaver and Jazo Takano, of Japan. Elders — L. E. Crumb-

ling, J. B. Fox, and J. L. Miller. H. W. Buck and I. M.

Pines were newly, and M. J. Carothers was re-elected pre-

siding elder. Granted credentials — D. P. Kline for the Platte

River Conference.

 

Districts: York, J. M. Ettinger, presiding elder; Carlisle,

S. W. Seibert; Centre, J. M. Pines; Lewisburg, M. J. Caroth-

ers; Williamsport, H. W. Buck.

 

1887. Erie Conference, Erie Pa., March 3. Bishop J. J.

Esher, president; R. Mott, secretary. Licensed — Ralph S.

Dubs and Bunjiro Inouye, of Japan. Ordained deacon — T.

C. Meckel. Elders — E. Koehne, W. Weigand and H. Hueb-

ner. D. Heininger was received.

 

Districts: Cleveland, C. F. Negele, presiding elder; Pitts-

burg, C. L. Witt.

 

1887. New York Conference, Lyons, N.Y., March 10.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; J. Reuber, secretary. Died —

Mich. Eis. Licensed — F. J. Holzwarth. Ordained deacons

H. R. Houst and A. A. Holzwarth. Granted credentials — J.

M. Schlagenhauf.

 

Districts: Albany, C. F. Shoepflein, presiding elder; Roch-

ester, A. Holzworth; Buffalo, M. Pfitzinger.

 

1887. Canada Conference, Hamilton, Ont., April 14.

Bishop T. Bowman, president; C. F. Brown, secretary. Died

— J. Goetz. Ordained elder — S. R. Knechtel. Deacons — H.

 

D. Moyer, G. F. Braun, J. H. Grenzenbach and J. Devitt.

Licensed — W. J. Yeager and A. Y. Haist. J. J. Klibhart,

presiding elder, resigned and took credentials.

 

Districts: South, S. L. Umbach, presiding elder; West,

Jos. Umbach; North, S. N. Moyer.

 

1887. Atlantic Conference, New York City, April 28.

Bishop — J. J. Esher, president; J. Yeakel, secretary. Died

— G. Redman. Licensed — O. Panton. Ordained elder — F.

Egger. Deacon — J. Fenner.

 

H. Guelich, presiding elder of the conference district.

 

1887. Pittsburg Conference, Zion Church, Venango Cir-

cuit, Pa., April 7. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; J. W. Do-

mer, secretary. Licensed — J. M. Weaver, G. M. Alshouse, R.

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 467

 

B. Perr and Dr. J. C. Bowman. Ordained deacons — C. F.

Floto, J. Smith, W. H. Cramer, J. C. Leabhart, J. H. Shimp

and C. D. Slagel. Elders — F. M. Brickley, F. D. Ellen-

beger, M. V. DeVaux, G. W. Finnecy and G. J. Coleman.

Died — G. S. Domer. Granted credentials — D. F. Platt and

J. H. Voght. F. J. Strayer was received.

 

Districts: Franklin, F. P. Saylor, presiding elder; Pittsburg,

J. D. Domer; Allegheny, I. A. Rohland; Somerset, D. K.

Levan.

 

1887. Ohio Conference, Cleveland, O., Oct. 13. Bishop

T. Bowman, president; A. C. Stull, secretary. Died — Conrad

Kring, Daniel Wonder and D. Eckert. Licensed — J. M.

Turner, D. M. Yeagley, E. Behner and J. Atkinson. Or-

dained elders — J. H. Bazer, A. S. Copley and I. M. Houser.

Deacons — A. C. Corfman, W. H. Munk, J. H. Ablett, E.

Loose and S. Fry. Granted Credentials — G. H. Schneider.

H. B. Hartzler and S. L. Wiest. A. J. Gramley was re

ceived. A. Vandersail was elected presiding elder.

 

Districts: Cleveland, W. H. Bucks, presiding elder; Colum-

bus, J. Stull; Tiffin, E. B. Crouse; Fremont, A. Vandersail.

 

1887. Michigan Conference, Park, Mich., March 24.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; F. Klump, secretary. Licensed

— E. Alles, A. Ostroth, H. Geringer, C. Weber, E. Roth,

F. Koehler and J. D. Baker. Ordained deacons — F. E.

Berger, N. Frye, J. J. Marshall, M. W. Snyder and C. Vin-

cent. Elder — F. Craushaar. Died — A. Winter and P.

Brown. Granted credentials — J. H. Keeler andE. B. Miller.

S. Copley was re-eleated presiding elder.

 

Districts: Monroe, S. Copley, presiding elder; Flint, C.

C. Staffield; Reed City, E. Weiss; St. Joseph, G. A. Hettler.

 

1887. South Indiana Conference, Huntingburg, Ind.,

March 7. Bishop T. Bowman, president; G. M. Hallwachs,

secretary. Ordained deacon — F. Dauner. Died — J. Mode.

J. Kaufman was re-elected presiding elder. Granted credentials

— M. Koehl.

 

Districts: Evansville, F. Schweitzer, presiding elder; Olney,

J. Kaufman.

 

1887. Indiana Conference, Rochester, Ind., March 31.

Bishop J. J. Esher, president; H. Arlen, secretary. Li-

censed — C. M. Pierce, M. L. Schidler, D. D. Spangler, F.

L. Snyder, B. J. Fahnel, S. H. Baumgardner, A. S. Fisher,

 

 

468 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

G. Steininger, M. S. Metzler and B. Webb. Ordained dear

con — D. D. Speicher. Elder — L. S. Fisher, J. E. Stoops,

R. Rainy. W. H. Brightmire and C. F. Hansing. Died — A.

Schafer and O. Kloepfer.

 

Districts: Elkhart, D. S. Oakes, presiding elder; Ft. Wayne,

A. Geist; Indianapolis, J. Berger.

 

1887. Illinois Conference, Peoria, Ill., April 14. Bishop J.

J. Esher, president; Geo. Vetter, German, and W. Caton, Eng-

lish secretaries. Died — A. Forry. Licensed — P. Ilgen, W. For-

kel, J. Bunte, F. W. Landwehr, R. Pfluege, H. Pieper, A.

Good, A. Mertz, C. S. Lang, J. A. Schweitzer, F. Neitz, H.

L. Bechtol, G. Schwartz, J. W. Michael, E. W. Huelster

and H. A. Kramer. Ordained elders — O. Brose, S. F. Entorf,

F. Schwartz, I. Divan and G. W. Ballanger. Deacons — G.

Barth, C. Vaubel, H. H. Thoren, H. Moser and J. Divan.

 

Districts: Chicago, F. Busse, presiding elder; Naperville,

J. Schneider; Elgin, D. B. Byers; Freeport, Wm. Huelster;

Mendota, H. Messner; Peoria, A. Fuessele.

 

1887. Des Moines Conference, Belle Plaine, Ia., April 7.

Bishop R. Dubs, president; B. H. Niebel, secretary. Died —

J. Suellbacher and H. Wissler. Licensed — J. W. McCurdy,

J. Pritchard and W. Force. Ordained elders — W. Piper, C.

Knoll, T. M. Evans and G. W. Mullen. Deacons — N. Day,

N. B. Niebel and S. Smith. Credentials — A. E. Mosher.

 

Districts: Cedar Rapids, E. B. Utt, presiding elder; Des

Moines, J. H. Yaggy.

 

1887. Iowa Conference, Waterloo, Ia., April 14. Bishop

R. Dubs, president; J. F. Berner, secretary. Licensed — L.

Belzer, J. Staebler, J. DeWall, A. L. Hauser and F. Bentz.

Ordained elders — S. L. Staebler, W. J. Schmalle and L. F.

Smith. Credentials — H. Hiebenthal.

 

Districts: Dubuque, M. Gruener, presiding elder; Ackley,

J. Henn; Des Moines, H. Lageschulte.

 

1887. Wisconsin Conference, Racine, Wis., April 23.

Bishop T. Bowman, president; J. L. Runkel, secretary. Li-

censed — J. Hoffman, H. Goetz, S. Erffmeyer. Ordained

elders — F. Krueger, G. Reichert, T. Shauer and W. M.

Schuerman. Deacons — C. W. Wellsow, C. Punzel F. A.

Mundt, A. Lutz, J. Trautman and C. W. Schleuter. J. C.

Brendel and C. F. Zimmerman were newly, and M. Witten-

wyler and C. Weigand were re-elected presiding elders.

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 469

 

Districts: Milwaukee, C. F. Zimmerman, presiding elder;

Fond du Lac, J. C. Brendel; Madison, M. Wittenwyler; Port-

age, C. Wiegand.

 

1887. Minnesota Conference, Minneapolis Minn., April

28. Bishop R. Dubs, president; H. Ohs, secretary. Li-

censed — W. Yuedes, C. W. Wolthausen, S. B. Goetz and

J. B. Bauerfeind. Ordained elders — G. Siebold. Deacons —

A. Iwan, J. Erich, C. F. Kachel, O. Schultz and Masetada

Schimidzu, of Japan. Credentials — J. Erich. Augustus

Huelster, of the Dakota Conference, was received. H. E.

Linse was re-elected presiding elder.

 

Districts: St. Paul, A. Strohmeier, presiding elder; Minne-

apolis, H. E. Linse, Mankato, H. Bunse.

 

1887. Dakota Conference, Milbank, Dak., May 5. Bish-

op R. Dubs, president; F. F. Meyer, secretary. Licensed —

H. Lewis and G. Liening. Ordained elders — W. Luckow, A.

Oertli, R. W. Teichman and H. Loewen. C. Oertli was

elected presiding elder.

 

Districts: Aberdeen, G. W. Hielscher, presiding elder;

Fargo, C. Oertli.

 

1887. Kansas Conference, Jewell City, Kan., March 17.

Bishop R. Dubs, president; C. Berner, secretary. Died —

John Kramer,* W. Elmer and M. Albach. Licensed — O.

Roerich, H. Holsknabe, C. H. Hartman and M. Manshart.

Deacons — E. Brown C. W. Stauffer, A. Ernst, F. Schue-

man, M. C. Platz, J. K. Young, M. Walder and J. K. Elmer.

Ordained Elders — L. E. Becher and T. R. Naninga. H. J.

Bowman and M. W. Harris were received. J. Wuerth was

elected presiding elder.,

 

Districts: Holton, H. Mattill, presiding elder; Kansas

City, J. Wuerth; Newton, J. H. Tobias.

 

1887. Nebraska Conference, Swanton, Neb., March 24.

Bishop R. Dubs, president; A. Fischer, secretary. Licensed —

E. Marks, J. G. Schwab, F. Doescher and C. Fuehrer.

Deacons — G. Streicher. Ordained elders — H. Wegner and

F. L. Wiegert. Credentials — H. Althouse.

 

Districts: Hastings, M. Inhelder, presiding elder; Fremont,

F. Backemeyer.

 

* Formerly of the Central Pa. Conference.

 

 

470 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

1887. Platte River Conference, Dawson, Neb., March n.

Bishop T. Bowman, president; F. W. Serf, secretary. Li-

censed — J. P. Ash and S. B. Anderson. Deacons — R. H. Mil-

rer, J. W. Nye, L. L. Brooker, W. L. Dillow and G. M. An-

drews. D. P. Kline was received. Died — Daniel Wonder.*

 

C. W. Anthony, presiding elder of the conference district.

 

1887. Oregon Conference, Pleasant Dale, Ore., May 28.

J. Bowersox, president; C. C. Poling, secretary. Ordained

elder — A. R. Johnson. Credentials — J. A. Hollenbach, for

the Central Pa., and F. J. Strayer, for the Pittsburg Confer-

ence. J. M. Dick, of the Central Pa.; L. S. Fisher, of the In-

diana, and C. J. Miller, of the Platte River Conferences, were

received. Also M. H, Jackson, J. H. Baumerman and P. Des-

granges, of the U. B. Church.

 

J. Bowersox, presiding elder of the conference district.

 

1887. California Conference, Santa Ana, Cal., May 13.

Bishop T. Bowman, president;T. Suhr, secretary. Deacon —

J. M. Price. F. A Frase, of the Iowa, and A. Althouse, of

the Nebraska Conferences, were received. J. Croasman with-

drew.

 

H. Brauer, presiding elder of the conference district.

 

Note — The number of missions reported at the annual meet-

ing of the Parent Missionary Society was 542, an increase of

115 during the quadrennium. The number of missionaries was

552; total membership of missions 46,531, an increase of 10,-

764 during the past four years. These missions now sustained

1,057 Sunday-schools, with 9,904 officers and teachers and

63.733 scholars; 6,609 souls were converted, and 8,770 united

with the church. The sum of $127,927 was contributed to

the cause, of which the Woman's Missionary Society contri-

buted $1,824.

 

* He was converted under Albright and co-laborers. See Biog.

 

 

471

 

CHAPTER XIX.

 

Nineteenth General Conference, Held at Buffalo, N.Y.,

September 1, 1887.

 

1887. General Conference, Nineteenth Session, Buffalo,

N.Y., September 1. The presiding officers were: Bishops J. J.

Esher, R. Dubs and T. Bowman, secretary, W. Horn; as-

sistant secretaries, S. P. Spreng, C. F. Negle, J. C. Brendel

and S. L. Umbach. Rev. J. H. Becker, fraternal delegate

from the General Conference of the United Brethren Church,

delivered a fraternal address, which was suitably recognized by

the conference. H. Bucks and Joseph Harlacher, two of the

oldest ministers of the church, sent fraternal letters to the

conference. The Committee on Memorials reported on the

death of Solomon Neitz, I. E. Knerr, G. S. Domer, S.

Dickover and Charles Hammer.

 

Authority was given for the formation of the Texas Con-

ference.

 

Rev. C. S. Breyfogel was elected as fraternal delegate to

the next session of the General Conference of the United Breth-

ren Church.

 

The Missionary Messenger, a monthly periodical hitherto

published by the Woman's Missionary Society, was taken under

the auspices of the church. The indebtedness of the mission-

ary society was reported to be over $40,000.

 

The election of general officers resulted as follows: Bishops,

J. J. Esher, T. Bowman and R. Dubs; publishers, M. Lauer

and H. Mattill; editor of the Christliche Botschafter, W.

Horn; editor of The Evangelical Messenger, S. P. Spreng;

editor of Evangelical Magazine and German Sunday-school lit-

erature, C. A. Thomas; editor of Living Epistle and English

Sunday-school literature, J. C. Hornberger; editor of publi-

 

 

472 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

cations in Germany, G. Fuessele; publisher in Germany, J.

Waltz; corresponding secretary of the Missionary Society,

Samuel Heininger; general statistical secretary and treasurer

of the Missionary Society, W. Yost; superintendent of Eben-

ezer Orphan Home, C. K. Feur.

 

Charges of "unchristian conduct, official misconduct, and

grievous official offenses as a minister, and as editor in our

church," were brought against Rev. H. B. Hartzler, editor of

the Evangelical Messenger. The plantiffs were M. Pfitzinger,

G. Vetter and E. B. Esher. The trial began on the seventh day

of the conference and continued with but little interruption until

the eighteenth day, when a verdict of "guilty" was reached.

The committee appointed to formulate a verdict reported the

following, which was accepted:

 

"Whereas, The specification under the charges against Rev.

H. B. Hartzler have been sustained by the General Confer-

ence, and in view that this involves the severest penalty in the

jurisdiction of our church for such offense, but the General

Conference prefers to pronounce the mildest sentence, be it

 

Resolved, That Rev. H. B. Hartzler be deposed from the

office as editor of the Evangelical Messenger."

 

Delegates: East Pa. Conference — A. M. Stirk, B. J. Smoyer,

C. S. Haman, S. S. Chubb, S. C. Breyfogel, D. A. Medlar,

J. C. Hornberger, R. M. LichtenwalnerR, J. K. Seyfrit.

Central Pa. Conference — M. J. Carothers, I. M. Pines, J. M.

Ettinger, S. W. Seibert, U. F. Swengel, E. Kohr, H. W.

Buck, W. E. Detweiler. Pittsburg Conference — J. D. Domer,

F. P. Saylor, W. M. Stanford, J. A. Rohland, D. K. Lavan,

T. Bach, H. B. Summers,* L. M. Boyer.* Illinois Confer-

ence — A. Fuessele, F. Busse, J. Schneider, W. Huelster,

D. B. Byers, W. Caton, C. A. Paeth, C. Lindeman, H. Mess-

ner. Ohio Conference — A. Vandersall, W. H. Bucks, E. B.

Crouse, S. P. Spreng, J. Stull, D. Strohman, W. Yost,* J.

A. Hensel.* Michigan Conference — G. A. Hettler, S. Cop-

ley, E. Weiss, J. Meck, J. M. Haug, C. C. Staffield. Wis-

consin Conference — J. C. Brendel, C. F. Zimmerman, M. Wit-

tenwyler, C. Wiegand, A. Tarnutzer, J. L. Runkel. Des

Moines Conference — E. B. Utt, A. Buzzard, B. H. Niebel,

 

Note. The California Conference sent no delegate.

* Alternates.

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 473

 

E. F. Mell. Indiana Conference — M. Gruener, J. Henn, H.

Lageschuelte, J. F. Bermer. Canada Conference, S. L. Um-

bach, J. Umbach, S. N. Moyer, M. L. Wing. Minnesota Con-

ference — H. E. Linse, A. Sthohmeier, H. Bunse, W. Oehler.

Erie Conference — R. Yeakel, C. F. Negele, C. L. Witt, J.

D. Seip. Kansas Conference — J. Wuerth, C. Berner, H.

Mattill, J. F. Schreiber, J. H. Tobias. New York Confer-

ence — M. Pfitzinger, A. Holzwarth, C. F. Schoepflein, M.

Lehn.* Platte River Conference — C. W. Anthony, E. L. Kip-

linger, B. C. Oyler. Nebraska Conference — M. Inhelder,

F. Beckemeyer. South Indiana Conference — J. Kaufman, E.

R. Troyer. Atlantic Conference — H. Guelich, F. Kurtz.

Dakota Conference — G. W. Heilscher, C. Oertli. Oregon

Conference — J. Bowersox. Germany Conference — J. Waltz,

J. G. Wolpert. Swiss Conference — G. Gahr. Ex Officio

Delegates — M. Lauer, W. Horn, H. B. Hartzler, C. A.

Thomas, S, Heininger, P. W. Raidabaugh.

 

 

474

 

CHAPTER XX.

 

Establishment of the Evangelical Association in Europe —

Being an Account of Work in Prussia, Wurtemberg,

Alsace, Saxony, Baden, Switzerland, Etc.

 

The year 1850 marked the semi-centennial of the existence of

the Evangelical Association. The entire church was alive with

a missionary and educational spirit. The duty and opportunity

of the church in relation to these things was freely discussed in

the periodicals by the best writers of the Association, and it is

no presumption to say that our foreign missions and first lit-

erary institutions owe their existence to the intense enthusiasm

of that year.

 

GERMANY MISSION.

 

In the establishment of this work, the East Pa. Conference

took the initiative at its session in February, 1850. A commit-

tee was appointed to prepare resolutions concerning the pro-

posed mission. After a reference to the gracious providence of

God in bringing us to the middle of the first century af our ex-

istence, our duty in relation to the missionary cause, and espe-

cially towards the Fatherland, the report continues:

 

"Resolved, That we recommend to conference the following:

First, That in case the necessary support be forthcoming, and

suitable men be found, we as a conference favor the establish-

ment of a mission in Germany. Second, That we request our

sister conferences to co-operate with us in carrying out this un-

dertaking in the fellowing manner: (a) that each of the annual

conferences choose one man, and these men chosen by the dif-

ferent conferences, together with the bishops, shall constitute a

board which shall make all necessary arrangements, for the es-

tablishment of the mission, in case it be found practicable.

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 475

 

(b) that as soon as the bishops consider the carrying out of the

project feasible, subscriptions shall be opened in our church

periodicals, and money received for said object, (c) that each

preacher in charge, is hereby authorized to receive money for

this purpose, and forward the same to the treasurer of the

Parent Missionary Society."

 

All the annual conferences passed concurrent resolutions

at their following sessions, and a provisional board was con-

stituted in accordance with the resolution of the East Pa.

Conference, as follows: East Pa. Conference, J. P. Leib;

West Pa. Conference, W. W. Orwig; Ohio Conference, J. G.

Zinzer; Illinois Conference, Samuel Baumgardner; New

York Conference, W. Mentz.

 

In due time all the arrangements were completed, and the

first missionary, Rev. J. C. Link, of the West Pa. Conference,

set sail for the Fatherland, Nov. 20, 1850. He was successful

from the first, although he met with bitter opposition from the

ministers of the State Church. He made his headquarters at

Stuttgart, the capital of Wuertemburg. From this place he

made excursions into various places, meeting with uniform suc-

cess. In October of the following year, he reported having or-

ganized a society of 130 persons in Stuttgart. The General

Conference of 1851, approved of the action of the Board of

Missions, and appointed Rev. John Nicolai, of the Ohio Con-

ference, as an additional missionary, with instructions to labor

in the Grand Duchy of Hesse-Darmstadt. In November, 1851,

Nicolai arrived on his appointed field and created a great stir

by the preaching of Evangelical religion. The interest was so

great as to alarm the formal clergymen, and through their insti-

gation Nicolai was forbidden to preach by the government, and

after visiting Ulm, where he was also forbidden, he joined Link

at Stuttgart, where they labored with great success. Oct. 18,

1852, the loving, faithful wife of Link died. Nicolai's health

failed, and he was compelled to discontinue his work for the time

being. The General Conference of 1855 made provision for his

recall, and the appointment of another in his stead, in case of

his continued ill health. The following year Nicolai was re-

lieved, and Rev. J. G. Wollpert, of the Ohio Conference, was

appointed in his place, who departed for Germany soon after

his appointment, while Nicolai returned.

 

In September, 1858, the Board of Missions appropriated

 

 

476 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

$3,000, for the erection of churches in Germany. Wollpert hav-

ing met with great success in Plochigen, the first church of our

work in Germany, was erected there, and dedicated July 31,

1859. Churches were erected soon thereafter at other places.

 

In the spring of 1858, at the request of the Board of Mis-

sions, Link returned to America, and preached and collected

in the interests of the work in Germany, and awakened a great

interest in the cause.

 

The General Conference of 1859, resolved that a mission be

established in Switzerland, and the Board of Missions, the fol-

lowing year appointed J. C. Link to the work. After making a

visit to that country, Link concluded not to enter upon the

work at that time. In the spring of 1861, J. P. Schnatz, of the

Ohio Conference, was appointed to relieve Link, who was then

laboring in Stuttgart.

 

In 1863, the Board made arrangements with Rev. S. Neitz,

of the East Pa. Conference, to make a tour of inspection to our

work. As is well known, Neitz was a very eloquent man, and

his sermons created a great stir wherever he went. He visited

all the appointments, and contributed greatly by his preaching

and counsel to the better establishment of the mission.

 

In 1863, the work included seven missionaries, with sixty-

four preaching places. The General Conference of 1863, took

Steps to strengthen the work by electing J. G. Wollpert, pre-

siding elder, for the European missions, and also ordered the

publication of a paper in Germany, to be called Der Evangel-

iche Botschafter, the presiding elder to be the publisher, and P.

Paulus, editor. Steps were also taken to found a Missionary

Institute, which later on became an important adjunct to the

mission. Provision was made for the organization of the work

into an annual conference.

 

In Dec, 1864, Bishop J. J. Esher started for Europe on

an episcopal visit. He was accompanied by Rev. John Walz,

of the Ohio Conference, who was appointed as an additional

missionary. Bishop Esher remained five months, visiting all

the appointments of our European mission and organized the

conference.

 

1865. The Germany Conference was organized Feb.

24, 1865, at Stuttgart. Bishop J. J. Esher, president, and J. P.

Schnatz, secretary. There were present the following min-

isters: J. G. Wollpert, J. P. Schnatz and J. Walz, from

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 477

 

America. G. Fuessele, M. Erdle and L. Eisenhart, of

Germany, who had labored with us some years, also three

applicants: B. Beck, A. H, Beck and F. Stuber. A mission-

ary society, auxiliary to the parent society, was organized. In

March Bishop Esher, accompanied by G. Fuessele, who was

appointed to that country, arrived in Switzerland and began

operations there.

 

In 1865 J. Kaechle, of the New York, and G. Vetter,

of the Illinois Conference, were sent by the board. The for-

mer went to Switzerland, and the latter, to Ulm, Germany.

 

1866. Germany Conference, Sept. 4, 1866, J. G. Woll-

pert, president. J. Schmidli, F. Bauer and J. P. Luippold

were licensed. Itinerants, 11; local, 3; preaching places, 123;

Members, 3,015. J. Kaechle, B. Beck and J. Schmidli were

appointed to Switzerland, where great success attended their

labors. Five hundred and ninety-one members were added to

the church in Switzerland this year. In Germany the brethren

were also very successful.

 

1867. There was no annual conference held this year, for

the reason that a change in the time was desirable, and also,

that by the postponement a bishop could be present to preside.

 

1868. Bishop Esher paid his second visit to Europe and

held the Germany Conference in Reutlingen, June n. The

work in Switzerland was made a presiding elder district, with

J. Kaechele as presiding elder. Strasburg, in Alsace -, was

taken up as a mission by J. P. Schnatz. The total number

of itinerants was 18. Membership, 3,701.

 

1869. Conference met in Thun, Switzerland, June 19.

J. G. Wollpert, president. The itinerants numbered 25.

 

1870. Bishop Esher again visited Germany and held

the conference June 16. In his report the bishop says:

"Our work has made good progress in the last few years in

Europe, but in Switzerland our progress is simply astonishing."

 

1871. Conference was held in Strasburg June 15, J.

Kaechele, president. Five brethren were ordained as dea-

cons. The work was very prosperous. Switzerland reported

1,500 members and 11 preachers. There were 28 itinerants

this year, serving 350 preaching places.

 

1872. Conference met June 20, in Reutlingen, J.

Kaechele, president. J. Walz was newly and J. Kaechele

 

 

478 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

was re-elected presiding elder. Itinerants, 29; total member-

ship, 3,855.

 

1873. Conference met in Thun, Switzerland, Bishop

Esher, presiding. Members, 4,738; Sunday-schools, 94;

Scholars, 5,340. The latter part of this year J. Berger, of

the Indiana Conference, was appointed as the first mission-

ary to Prussia. He entered upon his work in the beginning

of the following year.

 

1874. Conference met in Zofingen, Switzerland, June 18,

J. Kaechele, president. Great success was reported every-

where. H. Guelich, of the Wisconsin Conference, was sent as

an additional missionary to Prussia. Itinerants, 36; members,

5,445.

 

1875. Conference met in Kircheim, Wurt, June 17, J. J.

Esher, president. Prussia received five missionaries. Itiner-

ants, 44. The General conference of this year took charge of

the publishing interests in Germany, electing J. Waltz, book

agent; J. Kaechele, editor of Ev. Bostchafter, and G. Fues-

sele, editor oiKinderfreund. General Conference also approved

of the establishment of an institution of learning at Reutlingen.

 

1876. Conference met in Stuttgart, Wurt, June 15, J.

Kaechele, president; 1,155 new members were received.

Total membership, 6,801; itinerants, 42; locals, 9; church

edifices (mostly connected with parsonages), 22.

 

The European work was re-districted as follows: I. Switzer-

land, H. Guelich; II. Reutlingen, J. Kaechele; III. Stuttgart,

J. Waltz; IV. North Germany, J. Berger. Itinerants, 48;

members, 6,801. The first Evangelical Church in Prussia, was

built this year, at Muehlheim. The proposed institution of learn-

ing was established this year, in Reutlingen, J. Kaechele and L.

Eisenhart, were the instructors.

 

1877. Conference was held in Basle, Switzerland, Bishop

R. Dubs, presiding. Eleven young men were licensed, and

great revivals were reported. Bishop Dubs made a thorough

inspection of the work, preaching to great and enthusiastic con-

gregations in court houses, halls, theaters, state churches and

in the open air. His work in Europe was highly commended by

the Board of Missions, upon his return.

 

1878. Conference met in Esslingen, Wurtemberg, June

20, J. Kaechele, president. The membership was 7,240; Sun-

day-schools, 213; scholars, 11,634; churches, 29.

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 479

 

Publishing House.— A Publishing House was established in

Stuttgart. The American Board advanced $10,000 as a loan

for its establishment. This sum the General Conference do-,

nated to the German work in 1879. Prior to this, the printing

in Germany was done in Nuertingenby Mr. Raiger. H. Hintze,

of the Illinois Conference, was sent this year as an additional

missionary to North Germany.

 

1879. Conference met in Bern, Switzerland, June 3. Bishop

R. Yeakel presided. G. Heinmiller, of the Iowa Conference,

was received as an additional missionary and stationed in Dres-

den. H. Hintze was elected presiding elder and placed on the

North German District.

 

Switzerland Conference, which also included the appoint-

ments in Alsace, was formed at this session.

 

It embraced two presiding elder districts: Bern, H. Guelich,

presiding elder; Oberland, G. Gaehr, presiding elder.

 

1880. Germany Conference, Stuttgart, June 17. Bishop

J. J. Esher, president. A new district, called Ulm District, was

formed. G. Fuessele, presiding elder.

 

1880. Swiss Conference, Zofingen, June 3. Bishop J. J. Esher,

president. Basle District was formed.

 

1881. Germany Conference, Reutlingen, Wurtemberg, July

6. Bishop T. Bowman, president. Itinerants, 41; locals, 10;

churches, 19; members, 4,356.

 

Districts: J. Kaechele, presiding elder; Reutlingen, J. Waltz;

Ulm, G. Fuessele; North Germany, H. Hintze,

 

1881. Swiss Conference, Basle, July 14. Bishop Bowman,

presiding. Itinerants, 21; locals, 3; members, 3,505.

 

Districts: Basle, H. Guelich, presiding elder; Bern, G.

Gaehr, presiding elder.

 

1882. Germany Conference, Durlach, Baden, June 1.

Bishop Dubs, president. J. Knapp was newly elected presiding

elder and stationed on North Germany District. Itinerants,

38; locals, 9; churches, 20; members, 4,477.

 

1882. Swiss Conference, Thun, June 8. Bishop Dubs,

president. H. Hintze was elected presiding elder and stationed

on Bern District. Itinerants, 19; locals, 5; churches, 18; mem-

bers, 3,470; Sunday-schools, 110, scholars. 6,982.

 

1883. Germany Conference, Muehlheim, a. d. Ruhr, Prus-

sia, June 7. Bishop Esher, president. Itinerants, 35; locals,

 

 

480 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

11; churches, 21; members, 4,715; Sunday-schools, 156; schol-

ars, 10,000.

 

1883. Swiss Conference, Strasburg, in Alsace, June 14.

Bishop Esher, president. G. Gaehr was re-elected presiding

elder. Itinerants, 21; locals, 6; churches, 19; members, 3,632.

 

1884. Germany Conference, Stuttgart, June 5.  J. Waltz,

president. J. Waltz, G. Fuessele and J. Kaechele were re-

elected presiding elders. Itinerants, 40; locals, 10; churches,

21; members, 4,766; Sunday-schools, 142; scholars, over 10,000.

 

1884. Swiss Conference, Bern, June 12. H. Hintze presi-

dent. Itinerants, 21; locals, 8; churches, 20; members, 3,723;

Sunday-schools, 119; scholars, 8,100.

 

1885. Germany Conference, June 4, at Kirchheim, Bishop

J. J. Esher, president. J. Kaechele, principal of the semi-

nary, resigned because of ill health, and G. Heinmiller, took

his place. North Germany District was divided. B. Beck,

and J. G. Wollpert were elected presiding elders. Itinerants,

45; locals, 10; members, 4,794; churches, 21.

 

Districts: Stuttgart, G. Fuessele; Esslingen, J. Waltz;

Reutlingen, J. G. Wollpert; Eisnach, B. Beck; Muehlheim, J.

Knapp.

 

1885. Swiss Conference, Basle, June n. Bishop Esher,

presided. Itinerants, 24; locals, 5; churches 20; members,

3.731.

 

Districts: H. Hintze, presiding elder; Alsace, G. Gaehr.

 

1886. Germany Conference, Essen, Prussia, May 27.

 

1886. Swiss Conference, Zofingen, Switzerland, June 17.

Bishop Thomas Bowman, presided. The total membership in

Europe, was 9,006. The Ev. Botschafter, reported the remark-

able circulation of 14,000.

 

1887. Germany Conference, Reutlingen, June 9. Bishop

R. Dubs, president. Itinerants, 37; locals, 20; churches, 26;

members, 5,300; Sunday-schools, 181; officers and scholars,

11,087.

 

Districts: Stuttgart, G. Fuessele; Reutlingen, J. G. Woll-

pert; Muehlheim, J. Knapp; Eisnach, B. Beck.

 

1887. Swiss Conference, Thun, June 17. Bishop R.

Dubs, president. Alsace District was discontinued. Itinerants,

23; locals, 8; churches, 20; Sunday-schools, 137; officers and

scholars, 8,980.

 

H. Hintze, presiding elder of conference district.

 

 

OONFERENCE RECORDS. 481

 

JAPAN MISSION.

 

Our work among the heathen in a measure owes its origin to

the great missionary enthusiasm awakened in 1850, by the semi-

centennial celebration of the establishment of the Evangelical

Association. This year a number of communications appeared

in the church periodicals on the subject of establishing a work

among the heathen. Propositions were made by laymen to start

a fund for that purpose. The General Conference of 1851, dis-

cussed the subject at length, and the matter was referred to the

Board of Missions, and directions given that money for the pro-

posed mission be sent to the treasurer of the Parent Society.

In 1853 the board announced that as soon as there was sufficient

money in the treasury the work would be undertaken, and an

appeal was made for funds. At the General Conference of

1855, resolutions in reference to the mission were again adopted,

and the Board of Missions was directed to look about for suit-

able men for the work. Funds, however, were wanting, as the

treasury contained but $864 contributed for this purpose. At

the General Conference of 1859, resolutions looking to the early

establishment of the mission were again adopted. In 1860 the

board resolved to undertake the work. The amount in the treas-

ury was $4,835.

 

The field selected in which to begin operations was India.

Two young men, F. W. Heidner* and F. C. Hoffman** were

selected for the work, and instructed to prepare themselves ac-

cordingly. Their departure, however, was deferred until the

following General Conference, which proved to be the end of

the proposed India mission. The General Conference of 1863

decided that in view of the prospective cost, and the fact that

the amount in the treasury was but $9,234, the establishment of

the mission should be postponed until such time that it could be

undertaken with better prospects of success. The General Con-

ference of 1867 also passed resolutions, and still the board hesi-

tated to undertake the work. The fund now amounted to

$15,896. In 1869 the fund had increased to $18,000, and the

board then contemplated a mission among the Chinese who

were pouring into California by thousands. No definite steps,

however, were taken. In 1873, the board declared that "the

 

* For many years a professor in Northwestern College.

** Formerly principal of Union Seminary, and a son of Rev. F. Hoffman.

 

 

482 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

period seems to be drawing near in which we should enter upon

this important work in the name of the Lord. In 1874, the

board decided that Japan should be considered as our mission

field.

 

At the succeeding General Confernce (1875) the following

resolutions were adopted:

 

"(1) Resolved, That a mission among the heathen be estab-

lished forthwith.

 

"(2) Resolved, That we consider Japan as the most favor-

able field for such a mission, and that it be established in that

country.

 

"(3) Resolved, That the Board of Missions be instructed to

take the necessary steps, that this mission be supplied with

at least two suitable men as soon as possible."

 

Before action was taken on the resolutions Rev. C. F. Dein-

inger, of the Central Pa. Conference, suggested the propriety

of first engaging in silent prayer. This was done amid deep

solemnity, after which the resolutions were adopted amid great

enthusiasm. The fund at this time amounted to $25,650.

 

The board, after mature deliberation, engaged as mission-

aries Dr. Frederick Krecker, of the East Pa. Conference, and

Miss Rachel Hudson, an accomplished teacher, also from

Pennsylvania, and Rev. A. Halmhuber, of the Swiss Con-

ference.

 

On Sunday, Oct. 1, 1876, a very impressive farewell service

was held in the Calvary Evangelical Church at Cleveland,

Ohio, after which the missionaries made their final preparations

for departure. They sailed October 18 from San Francisco,

and after a somewhat boisterous voyage, they landed safety at

Yokohama, Japan. They remained in Yokohama for a brief

season. Tokio was selected by them as the place for begin-

ning operations, and they accordingly established themselves

there. A good beginning was made in 1877. A Sunday-school

was organized and some souls were converted. In September

of this year Bro. Halmhuber established himself at Osaka,

about 300 miles distant from Tokio. The missionaries suffered

much from the change of climate, and the work developed

somewhat slowly at first. A small class was organized at Tokio

prior to the General Conference of 1879.

 

In the Spring of 1880 the Board of Missions selected Jacob

Hartzler, formerly editor of the Evangelical Messenger, as an

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 483

 

additional missionary, and also to take the oversight of the Mis-

sion as superintendent. A farewell meeting was tendered him

in the Calvary church, Cleveland, O., April 15, and on May 4

he and his wife sailed from San Francisco, and after a voyage

of twenty days arrived safely at Yokohama. The superintend-

ent submitted his first report to the Board of Missions June 30,

1880. The Mission then embraced the following: Tokio —

Preaching places, 5; natives baptized during the year, 10;

newly received, 10; whole number of native members, 23; Sun-

day-schools, 4; average attendance, 110. Osaka — Preaching

places, 1; baptized, 1; native members, 3; Sunday-schools, 2;

scholars, 40. In his next report, published in October, 1881,

the superintendent reports six Sunday-schools, with 122 scholars;

six preaching places, and 37 members, and several young native

converts under training for the gospel ministry. At the session

of the East Pa. Conference in 1882, these first fruits for our

ministry were licensed, namely, Hirakawa Toyotsura and Uyeno

Mikuma. In later years many others were licensed by various

conferences on recommendation of the missionaries. The pe-

culiar climatic condition of Japan affected the missionaries un-

favorably. The health of Halmhuber became so impaired that

he was compelled to abandon the work, and on June 24, 1882,

he departed for Europe, and the work at Osaka was discon-

tinued. The superintendent's report, made in August, 1882, shows

the following: One chapel, three preaching places, one Sunday-

school, officers and teachers, 15; scholars, 117; two day schools,

with 72 scholars; adults baptized, 26; newly converted, 26;

newly received, 25; whole number of members, 51. The mis-

sion also had a half interest in a school for the training of ap-

plicants for the ministry.

 

Although misfortunes had already befallen the mission, a

still greater calamity awaited it. In the beginning of April,

1883, Dr. Krecker contracted typhus fever while in the dis-

charge of his duties, visiting and administering to the sick. After

an illness of several weeks, April 26 his noble spirit passed into

the realms of bliss to receive a crown from the hands of Jesus,

while his body filled the first missionary's grave of our church.

His noble wife, with four children, remained to work for the

Master.

 

On August 4, 1883, Prof. W. E. Waltz and wife sailed for Ja-

pan, under appointment by the Board of Missions. This was a

 

 

484 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

welcome addition to our little band of heroic missionaries. In

the superintendent's report, June 30, 1883, appear the following

encouraging items: Newly converted, 94; newly received, 96;

whole number of native members, 146; adults baptized, 9; in-

fants baptized, 28; native preachers, 3; chapels, 2; value,

$500; parsonage, 1; value, $125; Sunday-schools, 4; officers

and teachers, 15; scholars, 191; day schools, 3; pupils, 191.

 

On the 18th of Dec., 1883, F. W. Voegelein and wife, of

the California Conference, and Miss Ada B. Johnson, of Cleve-

land, O., sailed from San Francisco, under appointment of the

Board of Missions. On Dec. 6, 1884, Bishop Esher, accom-

panied by his wife, sailed from San Francisco, for the purpose

of inspecting the mission work in Japan. On Jan. n, 1885,

he ordained as deacon T. Hirakawa, which was the first ordi-

nation of a converted heathen by an Evangelical bishop. At

the annual session of the Board of Missions, Oct. 2, 1885, the

work in Japan was committed to a Managing committee, com-

posed of F. W. Voegelein, president; W. E. Waltz, secretary;

and J. Hartzler, treasurer.

 

The report of the superintendent for the past year was as

follows: Died, 6; expelled, 26; withdrawn, 70; withdrew with

certificate, 10; moved away, 8; converted, 3; newly received,

12. Three active and two local native preachers, three churches,

four parsonages, five Sunday-schools, officers and teachers 16;

average attendance, 215. Also three day schools.

 

Oct. 22, 1885, Mrs. Elizabeth Krecker sailed for the

home land, two of her children having preceded her several

months. She soon afterwards began to labor in the interests

of the missionary cause throughout the church by appointment

of the Board of Missions. Several weeks after the departure

of Mrs. Krecker from Japan, she was followed by Miss Hud-

son, who was completely broken down in health. Thus the

entire original missionary band had left the field, but not with-

out leaving behind them many enduring monuments of their

zeal and devotion to the Master's cause.

 

Although the little band was thus reduced in number, our

missionaries in the Sunrise Kingdom were not discouraged.

New men were ready to fill the broken ranks. F. W. Fisher, of

the California, and G. E. Dienst, of the Kansas Conference,

were appointed by the board, and with their families set sail

or Japan in the Autumn of 1886, and arrived in safety in

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 485

 

Japan. The report of the mission for the General Conference

of 1887 was as follows: Died, 6; expelled, 2; withdrew, 18;

moved away, 17; newly converted, 82; newly received, 78;

received with certificate, 10; whole number of members, 150;

adults baptized, 65; infants baptized, 10; itinerants 8 (four of

whom were natives); locals, 2; churches, 4; parsonages 2;

Sunday-schools, 7; missionary houses in foreign concessions,

6; probable value, $10,790.

 

Soon after the General Conference of 1887, a training

school was established at Tokio, for the better education of

the candidates for the ministry. This school has proved a great

advantage to the mission, and has been successful from the be-

ginning.

 

WORK ON THE PACIFIC COAST.

 

A number of members of the church who had removed to

San Francisco, Cal., in November, 1862, petitioned the Board

of Missions, for a missionary to be sent them. Owing to a lack

of funds, the call was not complied with at the time. The Gen-

eral Conference of 1863 decided that the field should be occu-

pied at once, and appeals were made to the church for funds

with such success that the board proceeded with the project, and

selected three men for the mission field. C. F. Deininger, of

the Central; J. Croasman, of the Pittsburg and M. Guhl, of

the East Pa. Conference. The missionaries departed for their

destination in the Spring of 1864, arriving in San Francisco,

June 8th. Deininger remained in San Francisco, Guhl went

to San Jose, Cal., and Croasman to Oregon.

 

California proved to be a very difficult field of labor. In

San Francisco the Sabbath was but nominally observed, and sa-

loons and stores were open as on other days. Deininger began

his labors in a hall, July 3rd, by preaching to twelve hearers,

eleven of whom united with the church. A class was formed, of

which C. Smith was elected leader. In 1866, a good church

was built in San Francisco, by Deininger.

 

Croasman selected Salem, Oregon, as the central point of

his operations. He met with considerable success and organ-

ized a society of about fifty members. He also erected a church

here, which was dedicated by Deininger, in the latter part of

August, 1866.

 

In 1867, J. G. Marquardt, of the New York Conference,

 

 

486 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

was sent to San Francisco, and Deininger was transferred to

Salem, Oregon, while Croasman was sent up the Willametta

Valley, some thirty-five miles. During the year, he organized

a class of twenty members, at Corvallis, and another at Harris-

burg, thirty miles south, with the same number of members.

During this year. Deininger organized at Salem, the first Evan-

gelical Sunday-school in Oregon.

 

Guhl met with no success whatever, at San Jose, although

he labored faithfully. In 1866, the Board of Missions trans-

ferred him to Stockton, where he met with no better success,

and the work was discontinued. In 1869, Deininger desired

to return east, and Josiah Bowersox, of the Central Pa. Con-

ference, was sent to fill the vacancy, who arrived in Oregon in

the Spring of 1870. While all the early missionaries on the

coast have returned, Bowersox has remained up to the present

time, having labored for a period of over twenty years, with

untiring zeal and devotion for the upbuilding of our work in

Oregon and Washington. In 1871, D. S. Oakes, of the Indiana

Conference, was sent to Oregon as an additional missionary.

 

In 1872, after eight years of work, we had in Oregon three

churches, two parsonages, and about one hundred members.

While the result seems insignificant, the reader should remember

that there were many and peculiar difficulties to be overcome.

 

In 1875, S. Heininger, of the Michigan Conference, was

sent as an additional missionary and was appointed to Salem.

The following year he took up a number of appointments in the

surrounding country, meeting with great success. In 1876, the

work on the Pacific Coast took a long stride forward. F. W.

Voegelein, of the Kansas Conference, was sent to San Fran-

cisco, Cal., and W. C. Kantner, of the East Pa. Conference, to

Oregon. The latter arrived in Salem in April, and assisted

Heininger on Salem Mission until September. This mission

then extended from Rock Creek, thirty-seven miles S. E. of

Salem, to West Chehalem, thirty-five miles N. W. of the same

city. In June the first camp-meeting of the Evangelical Asso-

ciation on the Coast was held three miles S. W. of Wheatland.

The number of tents was twenty-two, and all our missionaries

in Oregon were in attendance. Sept. 28, 1876, the Pacific Con-

ference was organized at Salem, Oregon. The reader is referred

to the proceedings of the conference sessions for further detail

of the work on the Pacific slope.

 

 

487

 

CHAPTER XXI.

 

Statistics of the Evangelical Association from its Origin,

in 1800, to the Year 1887, Inclusive.

 

The following tables required the most exacting and labor-

ious work in their preparation. The difficulty of producing full

statistics of all the conferences was found to be well nigh in-

superable. It frequently happens that the statistics were only

published in one of the periodicals, which made the examina-

tion of both the German and English papers necessary. In

many instances they contained inaccuracies which were after-

wards corrected. In all such instances the author has used

all available help in order to make the tables as accurate as

possible. In several instances where typographical errors were

manifest without subsequent correction, the figures were omit-

ted.

 

These tables furnish food for earnest thought and reflection.

The observant reader will often discover evidences of victory

on the one hand, and seemingly reverses on the other hand.

He will be able to read the history of the early struggles of

our ministry in the pittance they received as support, while

preaching the unsearchable riches of Christ. He will notice

gradual improvement by the increased support and the erection

of churches and parsonages.

 

While errors will doubtless be detected here and there, we

do not believe they will be of sufficient importance to impair

the general usefulness of these tables.

 

 

488 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

1 001

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 489

 

1 002

 

 

490 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

1 003

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 491

 

1 004

 

 

492 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

1 005

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 493

 

1 006

 

 

494 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

1 007

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 495

 

1 008

 

 

496 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

1 009

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 497

 

1 010

 

 

498 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

1 011

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 499

 

1 012

 

 

500 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

1 013

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 501

 

1 014

 

 

502 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

1 015

 

 

OONFERENOE RECORDS. 503

 

1 016

 

 

504 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

1 017

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 505

 

1 018

 

 

506 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

1 019

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 507

 

1 023

 

 

508 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

1 020

 

 

CONFERENCE RECORDS. 509

 

1 021

 

 

510 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

1 022

 

 

511

 

BIOGRAPHICAL DEPARTMENT.

 

THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS.

 

PART III.

 

Containing Biographies of Jacob Albright and His

colaborers and of blshops seybert, long, and orwig,

with Briefer Notices of Many Other Ministers of the

Evangelical Association.

 

 

512 [page 512 is blank]

 

 

513

 

Jacob Albright and His Colaborers.

 

My thoughts are with the dead, with them,

     I live in long past years,

Their virtues love, their faults condemn,

     Partake their hopes and fears,

And from their lessons seek and find

Instruction, and an humble mind.

 

My hopes are with the dead, anon

     My place with them shall be,

And I with them shall travel on

     Through all eternity,

Yet leaving here a name I trust

That will not perish in the dust. — Southey.

 

 

JACOB ALBRIGHT.

 

Near Pottstown, Montgomery County, Pa., at what is locally

known as the Fox Mountain, was born May 1, 1759, Jacob

Albright, who was singled out in the providence of God to

inaugurate a work, the influence of which has spread and is

already felt on three continents, and bids fair to widen in its

influence with the on-coming years, until its power, as a factor

in the salvation of the human race, shall be felt in every quarter

of the globe.

 

His father was John Albright, who emigrated from the

Palatinate, Germany, in 1750. So far as known, his early life

was uneventful, until his marriage with Catharine Cope, in

1785, soon after which he removed to West Cocalico town-

ship, Lancaster county, Pa., where he established himself in

the business of tile making. In the days of Albright, tiles

were mostly used for covering buildings, and their manufacture

was a good and profitable business. In the management of his

business Albright was industrious and economical, and in

course of time he was in comfortable circumstances.

 

 

514 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Some particulars of Albright's conversion and the begin-

ning of his ministry have already been given, and need not

here be repeated. In his youth he had no literary advantages,

except such as were afforded by the crude country schools of

his day. Reading, writing, and the elements of mathematics

were the branches of education then considered necessary, and

the acquirement of these constituted Albright's early scholas-

tic advantages. He was, however, a diligent student, and in

course of time gained a good stock of general knowledge. He

was, moreover, a man of good judgment, very discreet in his

demeanor, punctual in meeting his appointments, and prompt

in executing his plans. His oratorical abilities were of a high

order, and while he may not have possessed the quick and impul-

sive command over great assemblies of his spiritual son, John

Walter, his eloquence was of a more refined order and, he

seldom become boisterous in his preaching. His life was hid

with Christ in God, and all his deportment was constant proof

of uninterrupted intercourse with his Master.

 

Albright does not seem, in the beginning, to have had the

least intention of forming a distinct denomination. His heart

yearned for souls, and this was the secret of his eloquence and

zeal. His discourses were permeated with Bible truth and di-

vine unction, as may be inferred from the formal condition of

the church of his day, his theme was a present, personal sal-

vation, as embraced in the new birth, justification by faith,

sanctification, witness of the Holy Spirit, and the enjoyment of

a personal knowledge of these divine operations, and gifts. In

the presentation of these fundamental evangelical truths his

soul was filled with a holy fervor, hence his manner of address

was earnest and persuasive. The eloquence of love is the most

effective and permanent in its results, hence it is that all who

came under his ministry retained to their dying day the im-

pressions made upon them by him. The writer has met many,

who, at a very advanced age, retained a mental picture of his

angelic visage, while his words of love were indelibly stamped

upon their memory.

 

A careful perusal of this work will give the reader an idea

of the stupendous work of this tireless worker. Although our

knowledge of a great many of his preaching places is irrecover-

ably lost, the reader will find more than one hundred indicated

in this work. These appointments are now embraced within

 

 

EVANGELICAL BIOGRAPHIES. 515

 

the bounds of twenty-two counties, in the state of Pennsyl-

vania alone. Most of this territory is in the mountainous por-

tion of the state, which was little more than a wilderness.

Many unbridged rivers and mountain torrents had to be forded,

and numerous spurs and divisions of the Alleghenies had to be

crossed and recrossed at almost every trip. In this way he

continued with a tireless and unswerving devotion to scatter the

good seed in lonely cottages of the poor as well as in the man-

sions of the rich. In the twelve years of his ministerial career

about 300 souls were converted under his labors. But who can

estimate the number saved indirectly through his instrumen-

tality?

 

It seems almost incredible that in this enlightened age and

country people should be persecuted, stoned and smitten

almost unto death, for preaching the Gospel of Christ, yet this

was the case with many of our first ministers, who were objects

of hatred to the formal religionists of that period. No one,

however, was compelled to drink the bitter cup of persecution

more deeply than Jacob Albright. Already in his first public

ministration of which we have any definite information, namely,

at the dedication of the Reformed Church at Schaefferstown,

in 1796, he narrowly escaped serious injury (See Shaeffers-

town). In 1799 he preached at the same place, by the way-

side, to a multitude of people attending a fair at that place,

when he was set upon by a cruel mob and shamefully mal-

treated. More dead than alive, he escaped to Father Zent-

mayer's, who lived about two miles distant, and under whose

friendly roof he had often found shelter. The circumstances

of his arrival there are thus given by a son of Zentmayer:

 

It was late in the afternoon when a son of Father Z. (our

informant) saw Albright slowly coming toward their home from

the direction of Schaefferstown. There seemed to be something

wrong, and the boy ran to open the gate of the lane leading to

the barn. Without saying a word, Albright entered the lane.

His face was covered with blood, his clothing torn and soiled,

and he was so much injured that he could scarcely sit on his

horse. Father Zentmayer, who had been absent from home,

at this moment returned, and he and his son assisted the bruised

and smitten servant of God from his horse and into the house.

The boy was sent at once for a physician, who, after an exami-

nation, pronounced the injuries of a serious nature. For two

 

 

516 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

weeks Albright lay in this friendly home under the care of the

physician. When he was able to depart, Father Z. and the

physician informed him that their services to him were gratui-

tous. Thus, did the Lord, in the dark hour of persecution,

raise up friends for his servant. Numerous attacks were nrade

upon him in various places, but God's protecting providence

was ever around him. Many instances are given in this work,

in which he and his colaborers made miraculous escapes from

the violence of their enemies.

 

Through the hardships of constant travel and exposure, the

germs of consumption were planted in his system, from which

he suffered very much in the Winter of 1807-08. Notwithstand-

ing his debilitated condition, nothing could induce him to cease

his labors. On Easter Day, 1808, he and all his assistants at-

tended a general meeting at the house of John Brobst, in Al-

bany township, Berks county, and there he stationed his preachers

for the last time. His strength had greatly declined, and it was

observable that his work on earth would soon be done. Eight

days later he and his colleagues, Miller and Dreisbach, at-

tended another general meeting at Peter Raidabaugh's, at

Linglestown, Dauphin county. There he was so weak that he could

not preach. He evidently felt that his mission was ended, and

he gave his ministers the excellent advice elsewhere recorded.*

As he extended the parting hand to John Dreisbach, he quoted

for his encouragement the lines,

 

“Kampfe bis auf's blut und leben;

Dring hinein in Gottes Reich.”

 

["Fight even unto blood and death; press into the kingdom of

God."] From Linglestown Albright started homeward, accom-

panied by Abraham Walter (brother of Rev. John Walter),

who was class-leader there. Walter accompanied him as far

as Jacob Gleim's, who lived a little north of Schaefferstown.

Gleim then accompanied him to George Becker's, on the

Muehlbach, three miles further. When he arrived there, he put

a question to them that must have sent a pang of sorrow to their

hearts: "Have you prepared my bed? I have come here to die."

Yes, the bed was ready, for this godly family had a preacher's

room, which was always in readiness for the weary itinerant,

and there Jacob Albright laid down his wasted frame to rise no

 

* See "The Ministry,"

 

 

EVANGELICAL BIOGRAPHIES. 517

 

more until loving hands carried it to its last resting place.

There, at the home of Becker, about eleven miles from his

own home, he finished his great work. On the 18th day of May,

1808, the gates of the New Jerusalem opened, and he swept

through triumphantly. Just prior to his death he was asked

how he felt, and replied: "Happy and heavenly," and smilingly

added, "soon I shall be in heaven," and soon thereafter fell

asleep in Jesus.

 

After his demise his wife, and his daughter, Sarah, who

had been sent for, arrived. When met by Mrs. Becker on the

porch, the poor woman, who did not know as yet that she was a

widow, asked, "How is he?" and Mrs. Becker simply replied,

"He rests well," and then conducted her to the lifeless form of

her husband. How eloquent and full of meaning in this con-

nection were the words of Mrs. Becker!

 

The funeral occasion was a memorable one, and the power

of God was wonderfully manifested. It was indeed befitting

that Albright's first spiritual son in the ministry, John Walter,

should conduct the obsequies. His text was Dan. xii. 3, "They

that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament, and

they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever.”

The remains were interred in the Becker family burying ground.

A plain marble stone, with the following inscription (in Ger-

man), marks his resting place:

 

To the Memory of the Evangelical Preacher,

JACOB ALBRIGHT.

Was Born, May 1, 1759, Died, May 18, 1808,

Aged, 49 years and 17 days.

 

'Precious in the sight of the Lord

is the death of His saints.'

 

Of Albright's nine children only one daughter and two

sons survived him, and one of the sons soon afterward followed

him to the grave. The surviving son, David, in course of time

gained possession of the estate, and with him the widow lived,

and died in 1828.

 

Much has been said of the opposition of Albright's wife

to his work, and the sorrow she caused him. While it is true

that during life, she was not in harmony with his work, which

doubtless, lay as a heavy burden upon him, yet she was

industrious and frugal, and during his years of almost constant

 

 

518 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

absence, the managed the little farm well. On one occasion,

as he and John Dreisbach started from his home to their ap-

polntments, he remarked to Dreisbach: "It gives one pain to

go out into the world to preach repentance and salvation to the

people, and one's own people are still unconverted. Still, for

my Sally I have hopes." He did not live to realize his hopes,

but God graciouily wrought more than he seemingly expeeted.

The only daughter, Sarah, married Noah Rank, who later re-

moved to Tioga county, where the whole family were converted

and all became members of the Association but one. Two sons,

Jacob and Richard, became ministers of the Association. The

former entered the active work of the Eastern Conference in

1837, spent forty years In the itinerant ranks, and served with

distinction as presiding elder and Oencral Conference delegate,

and he has also given a son to the Evangelical ministry.

 

In 1826, David, the surviving son of Albright married

Maria Raidabaugh, with whom he had eleven children, of

whom nine survive at the present time (1890). It will be

gratifying to the reader to know that the widow of David, who

is now 83 years of age, and all her children, with their hus-

bands, and wives and many of her grandchildren, are members

of the Evangelical Association. The best of all remains to he

told. In an interview which the author had with her in the

presence of a number of her children, she stated that her

mother-in-law, the widow of Jacob Albright, while not in sym-

pathy with his work, never opposed it. After his death his

words and prayers and godly life were not without their Mean

upon her, and later she came to an experimental knowledge of

salvation and identified herself with the Evangelical Association.*

 

"Go to thy rest! At noon from labor cease,

  Rest on thy sheaves, thy harvest task is done,

Come from the heat of battle and in peace,

  Soldier go home! With thee the fight is won"

 

Of the family of John Albright, father of Rev. Jacob Al-

Bright, but little is known. One son, Daniel, who was much

opposed to the work of his brother Jacob, was once visited by

 

* This last statement is very important, from the fact that other authorities

hold, that Albright’s widow lived and died a member of the Reformed

Church.  When I asked Mother David Albright how she knew that the

widow died as a member of the Associatoion, she replied, “I ought to know,

because she lived with us and died at our house!”

 

 

EVANGELICAL BIOGRAPHIES. 519

 

him. After Jacob's departure, it was discovered it was written

on the fly leaf of the Bible, the lines,

 

"Tis better never to be born,

Than be forever lost."

 

Sometime after 1830, Daniel removed to Bucyrus, Ohio.

In 1851, when very aged, he was made the subject of saving

grace, after a deep and earnest penitential straggle. He often

spoke of the good counsel of his brother Jacob, and his conver-

sion was doubtless the result of the precious seeds sown in his

heart by his sainted brother, nearly a half a century before.

 

Another brother of Rev. Jacob Albright was George, who

was born 1774. About 1800, he removed to (now) Beaver-

town, in Snyder county, where his brother Jacob, often visited

him, and established preaching places in the vicinity as early as

1803. In 1831, George Albright removed to Yeagertown,

near Lewistown, where he died in 1852. Many descendants re-

side in that vicinity. He was a member of the Lutheran

Church, and a highly respected citizen.

 

JOHN WALTER.

 

John Walter, the first co-laborer of Albright, was born in

Rockland township, Bucks county, Pa., Aug. 13, 1781. His

father, Peter Walter, was a higly respected citizen, and was

one of the first to receive Albright in the beginning of his min-

istry, and under whose labors the entire family were brought to

Christ. A close friendship sprang up between the youthful

John and his spiritual father, who in 1801 took him to his home,

to teach him the business of tile making. The young man, how-

ever, felt himself called to the ministry, and tbe following

Spring (1802), accompanied Albright on his evangelistic trip.

Of all the co-laborers of Albright, there was none who pos-

sessed such peculiar traits as John Walter. He was deprived

of scholastic advantages in youth, so that he could scarcely

read when he began the work of the ministry, yet he stands as a

prominent example for the encouragement of all young men

desiring to enter the ministry, but who have been similarly de-

prived of literary advantages. With all bis heart he followed

Paul's advice to Timothy: "Give attendance to reading, to

exhortation, to doctrine, * * * * meditate upon these things.

Give thyself wholly to them, that they profiting may appear to

 

 

520 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

all." I. Tim. 4:13. The mind of Walter was exceedingly

fertile and many sided. His memory was remarkable, and en-

abled him to reproduce the various facts and incidents of his

own experience and operations with great readiness in his ser-

mons. Many of his sermons evinced a profundity of thought

and mental grasp. Altogether beyond what would be expected

from one of his antecedents. His oratorical powers were ex-

traordinary. His gospel bow was always well strung, and with

a masterly hand he sent the arrows of truth into the hearts of

his hearers. It is a great pity that he did not keep a journal of

his remarkable experiences, but enough has come down to us to

warrant the assertion, that he has never been surpassed, and

perhaps never equaled by any minister of the Association, in

the direct and immediate effects of preaching. We will notice

a few incidents connected with his wonderful ministry.

 

One of his preaching places, in 1810, was in the court

house, in York. This was one of the most historic buildings

in America. The Continental Congress sat there from Sept. 30,

1777, to May, following, after being driven from Philadelphia

by the British, and some of the most important measures of the

Revolution were enacted there. In that historic building Wal-

ter was wont to pour out his burning eloquence, yea, over the

very desk on which were signed the Articles of Confederation

by which the colonies became a nation. Among the regular

hearers was Rev. J. G. Schmucker, D. D.,* pastor of the Lu-

theran Church at York, and president of the Synod. He seems

to have regarded with favor the Evangelical movement then in

progress. He once listened to a sermon preached by Jacob

Albright in a graveyard in Lebanon, when the Lutheran Synod

was in session there. After hearing Walter preach repeatedly,

this eminent man left this testimony concerning him: "Had

Walter had the advantages of scholastic training, he would

have been one of the foremost preachers of the day."

 

Perhaps the most remarkable incident of his ministry oc-

curred in New Berlin, in August, 1805. In the month of June

previous, Albright, Walter and Miller made a trip over the

Northumberland Circuit. On their return from Penn's and

Buffalo Valley, they stopped at the house of Michael Maize,

near New Berlin. Walter requested Maize to gain permission

 

* Father of the lale Samuel Schmucker, the celebrated theologian.

 

 

EVANGELICAL BIOGRAPHIES. 521

 

for him to preach in a school-house in New Berlin, which

was done. Many people were averse to his preaching there,

and after he had filled several appointments, the door was

closed against him. It was a beautiful moonlight evening in

August, when Walter came to preach, that he found the door

securely barred. A great concourse of people awaited further

developments. Finally, the friends began worship on the street

in front of the school-house. Walter stood on a large flat

stone in front of the door. On the door-step, sat the wife of

Michael Maize.* On this occasion Walter preached with

more than ordinary power. His clear, ringing voice was heard

all over the town, and people listened from windows and open

doors. When in the midst of his address, a peculiar influence

came upon both the preacher and his strange audience, and he

exclaimed with a remarkable outburst of feeling, "God has

opened for Himself a door in New Berlin, and he will build up

His work here in spite of the opposition of hell and wicked

men." At this instant a loud report was heard, and the door

was burst open wide by some unseen agency. The door had

been secured by a cross-bar inside, and one of the staples with

which the bar was fastened, was found the next morning on the

opposite side of the floor. We will not attempt to explain this

remarkable phenomenon, but of its occurrence there can be no

doubt. With the statement here given, agrees the testimony of

witnesses, with some of whom the author was personally ac-

quainted. The Lord did indeed open a way for His work in

New Berlin, and it became the headquarters of the church.

 

Walter possessed poetical talents of a high order, and his

hymns became popular in the society. In 1810, he was author-

ized to publish his hymns in book form, and this was the first

hymn book of the society, and was used until the authorized

edition of Dreisbach and Niebel made its appearance. Some

of Walter's hymns have retained their popularity to the pres-

ent time, especially the one beginning,

 

"Kommt, Brueder Kommt, wir eilen fort,

Nach Neu Jerusalem."

 

Owing to incessant labors, Walter's health became seri-

ously impaired, almost before he reached the prime of man-

 

* Note — Mrs. Maize had in her arms a babe several months of age, who

afterwards became the wife of Rev. James Barber. To whom the author is

indebted for many reminiscences.

 

 

522 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

hood. In 1813 he was unable to take work. He accordingly

settled at the Swamp, near his wife's relatives — the Beckers.

Later he purchased a small farm near his father, about one mile

north of the present village of Mt. Nebo, Lebanon county.

There he waited with Christian fortitude and patience for the

end, which came Dec. 3, 1818. His age was 37 years, 3 months

and 6 days. Rev. David Thomas preached his funeral sermon

from Heb. xiii. 17. He was interred in the family burying

ground of Adam Faber, near by. His grave is under a pine

tree, and is marked by a rough, angular stone, without inscrip-

tion. Soon after his death his widow returned to her parental

home, where in a little house on the lawn of her brother Sam-

uel, Becker's home, she lived forty-nine years. She was in-

deed a consistent and happy Christian, and with hope un-

dimmed awaited the time of her departure, which came March

12, 1868. Her age was 88 years, 1 month and 22 days. She was

buried in the Samuel Becker graveyard.

 

GEORGE MILLER.

 

George Miller was born Feb. 16, 1774, in Pottstown,

Montgomery county, Pa. His parents, Jacob and Elizabeth

Miller, were strict members of the Lutheran Church. When

George was still a child, they removed to Alsace township,

Berks county, where the father died in 1784. From his pa-

rents George received a strict moral training, and when at the

age of sixteen, he attended a course of catechetical instruction

at Reading, his mind became deeply exercised with regard to

his salvation. Deep as was his concern, he had no true spirit-

ual adviser; so in course of time he became indifferent, his

mind became shrouded with doubts, and he was driven to the

verge of unbelief. In this extremity he prayed God to save him

from this danger, promising that he would serve Him.

 

In 1798 he purchased a mill property in Schuylkill county,

and the same year heard a sermon preached by Jacob Albright

from the words, "Behold I set before you the way of life and

the way of death," (Jer. xxi. 8.) God's word so affected his

heart that he clung to a table to keep himself from sinking to

the floor. After the services he conversed with Albright, who

said to him, "You must diligently pray, and humble yourself,

and bear the cross for Christ's sake, and believe with all your

heart, and you will soon find pardon." This led him to seek

 

 

EVANGELICAL BIOGRAPHIES. 523

 

the Lord more earnestly. Still he failed at that time to realize

the pardon of his sins. In 1800, he married Magdalena

Brobst, whose father was proprietor of an iron forge in Albany

township, Berks county. For several years the cares of the

world burdened him, and there was no material change in his

spiritual condition. In 1802 it pleased the Lord to send His

servant Jacob Albright to him, on his way to an appoint-

ment. His earnest prayers and godly counsels again awoke

the deepest feelings in Miller's heart, and the next day he ac-

companied Albright to his appointment at Zimmerman's, ten

miles distant. The way thither was occupied in spiritual con-

versation, and the sermon seemed specially adapted to Mil-

ler's spiritual needs, and he was led to see more clearly his

true condition. On June 3, 1803, after a day of prayerful

wrestling with God, he was wonderfully saved. In the Fall of

this year he and his brother Solomon attended a general meet-

ing at the house of Jacob Phillips, in Northampton county.

The Lord poured out His Spirit upon them in copious measure,

and they were wonderfully blessed, and from that time fully

identified themselves with the Evangelical work, and their

homes became regular preaching places. Others in the neigh-

borhood were soon afterwards converted, and a class was

formed, of which Miller was made the leader.

 

The bitterest persecution was now directed against Miller.

An unconverted pastor urged his congregation to break up the

work by force, otherwise he would resign his charge. Another

pastor went to his house one Sunday with upwards of thirty of

his flock to convince him of the error of his way. Failing in

this, he became very violent, and his followers became heartily

ashamed of his conduct. The evil-disposed, however, after-

wards gave vent to their hatred by breaking his windows and

damaging his mill flume. He was forbidden to cross the church

property, over which a road led to one of his fields, and if he

ventured to do so, the school teacher attacked him with stones

and clubs. Many of his customers refused to patronize him

any longer. Debtors refused to pay their bills. He was sev-

eral times smitten without being able to get redress at the hands

of the law. Once when Albright preached at his house an at-

tack was made upon them by a great mob with stones and clubs.

 

In April, 1805, Miller entered the active work of the min-

istry under the immediate direction of Albright. His first

 

 

534 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

labors were mostly confined to the old circuit. This was a year

of unprecedented trial for him. Besides the terrible persecution

directed against him,. he passed through an ordeal of doubt re-

specting his call to the ministry, and was at times almost over-

come by a strong temptation to abandon the work. At one

time when his temptations were severest, Albright, as though

directed by providence, came to his relief from a long distance.

Miller revealed to him his great trials, and harrassing doubts,

and told him he could preach no longer, as the burden was too

great. Albright merely smiled and said, "Come, let us go

aside and pray with each other." They retired to a grove and

there together poured out their hearts to God for help. Albright

then said, "You must not surrender the Scriptures to the devil,

but hold them fast and resist him therewith.” He further ex-

horted him to seek a closer fellowship with God and be entire

submission to His will as the only safeguard against the assaults

of the devil and the opposition of a wicked world.

 

After severe heart-searching and renewed consecration to

God's service, Miller resumed the work with greater zeal. On

May 25, 1806, he received directions from Albright to labor on

the new, or Northumberland Circuit, which then embraced all

of the work West of the Susquehanna River. On this vast field

he served appointments scattered over a territory now embraced

by ten counties. He labored with a zeal and devotion unsur-

passed in the history of the church. Great revivals took place

all over the circuit. Over one hundred members were received,

which almost doubled the membership of the Association. Six

new classes were organized. Among the converts were Chris-

tian Spangler, John Dreisbach, John Thomas, Jr., Christian

Wolf, Michael Maize, Henry Nieble and Jacob Frey, all of

whom became ministers within a short time, and doubled the

ministerial force of the society. The third year of his ministry

was devoted to the old circuit, and his fourth to the new, which

year ended his service in the active ranks.

 

On Christmas eve, 1808, while Miller and his collegue,

John Dreisbach, were filling an appointment at the house of a

Methodist brother in Juniata county, he had a remarkable

dream, which he related to Dreisbach, and told him he had a

premonition of coming illness. The following day, however, he

preached twice, that night became very ill, as predicted, and as

soon as he was able, started for his home in Albany, Berks

 

 

EVANGELICAL BIOGRAPHIES. 525

 

county, and his place in the itinerant ranks was vacant forever.

 

Although his health was shattered as the result of his itin-

erancy, Miller continued to serve the church with all the

strength at his command. He was directed by the conference

to prepare the book of Discipline for the society, a task com-

mitted to Albright, but cut short by his death. Miller under-

took the work, and before the close of 1809 the book was issued,

and proved a great blessing. His life was graciously prolonged,

and in the course of time he published a work entitled "Prac-

tical Christianity," which was published by order of the confer-

ence in 1814. This little book has been a blessing to thousands.

Near the close of his life he wrote a brief biography of Albright,

as well as his own, which was completed a few months previous

to his death.

 

Miller was by occupation a miller, and also had some

land connected with his business in Schuylkill county. Later

he removed to Allemangel, in Albany township, Berks county.

There the second annual conference was held in his house

(1809). In the fall of 1810 the second camp-meeting of the

Association was held on his land. In May, 1812, he sold his

home and purchased a farm in Dry Valley, Union county, a

few miles below New Berlin, whither he removed.

 

In the Spring of 1815 Miller's health failed rapidly, but

he lingered until April 5, 1816, when he exchanged the cross for

the crown, aged 42 years, 1 month and 19 days. At his obse-

quies Henry Nieble officiated, choosing as a text, "Because

thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee

from the hour of temptation which shall come upon all the

world, to try them that dwell upon the earth." Rev. iii. 10.

 

Miller was tall and angular, with long, smoothly shaven

face, and high cheek bones and black hair. His grave near the

lower entrance of the New Berlin cemetery is marked by a plain

marble stone, with brief German inscription.

 

JOHN DREISBACH.

 

John Dreisbach, was born in Buffalo Valley, Union

county, Pa., June 5, 1789. His parents were Martin and

Sabina Fredrica Dreisbach, who were among the first west of

the Susquehanna River to open their house as a preaching

place for Jacob Albright. Of this eminent family the reader

will find a more extensive account in this work.

 

 

526 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

In 1806 John Dreisbach became a subject of saving grace,

during a revival which Albright and his collegues held in his

father's house. On the day of Pentecost, 1807, he attended a

General meeting in Penn's Valley, at which he received from

the hands of Jacob Albright a license as a minister of the

gospel. In November of the same year he attended the first

conference of the church, held at the home of Samuel Becker,

on the Muehlbach. There he entered the active work and was

appointed to the Old, or Schuylkill Circuit, with George Mil-

ler as colleague. This field comprised nearly all of South

Eastern Pennsylvania and had upwards of forty appointments,

some of which were from thirty to forty miles apart. On

Easter day, 1808, Albright stationed his little band of evan-

gelists for the last time, and appointed George Miller and

John Dreisbach to the New or Northumberland Circuit. This

field was even more extensive than the old, and comprised ap-

pointments in the present counties of Union, Snyder, Centre,

Mifflin, Northumberland, Montour, Luzerne, Columbia and

Juniata.

 

On Christmas day, 1808, Dreisbach's colleague, Miller,

became very ill, and soon after departed for his home in Berks

county, leaving this great field, now embracing over twenty

charges of the Central Pa. Conference, entirely in the care of

the youthful itinerant. In 1809 he was placed in charge of the

old circuit again, with Mathias Betz and Henry Niebel as

colleagues. A few months after the session of conference he

was ordained as elder at the house of Henry Eby, near Leba-

non. He was then but twenty years of age. In 1810 he again

was placed in charge of Northumberland Circuit. During this

year he met Bishop Asbury, of the Methodist Episcopal

Church, near Halifax, Dauphin county. Asbury proposed a

union of the society with his denomination. His conditions,

however, were such that Bro. D. could not approve of them.

In 1811 he served the newly formed Franklin Circuit, which

comprises the counties of York, Adams, Cumberland and

Franklin in Pennsylvania, and Washington and Carroll counties

in Maryland. This year he labored with especial success, and

a number of new classes were formed. In 1812, with Robert

McCray as colleague, he was sent as missionary to the central

part of New York, but for reasons elsewhere noted, he returned

and labored on Northumberland Circuit the remainder of the

 

 

EVANGELICAL BIOGRAPHIES. 527

 

year. In 1813, with Adam Henning as colleague, he was sent

to form a new circuit west of the Allegheny Mountains, in

which they were remarkably successful.

 

At the conference of 1814, which which was held in his

father's house, and of which he was chairman, Dreisbach was

elected as the first presiding elder of the Society, which then

numbered thirteen traveling preachers and one thousand and

sixteen members. He discharged his duties with great ac-

ceptance until 1821, when he was compelled to locate because

of the complete breaking down of his health. Thereafter he

followed farming on his place, which adjoined that of his

father's in Buffalo Valley.

 

On Oct. 9, 1827, Bro. Dreisbach was elected as a "Jack-

sonian," to the State Legislature. He discharged his duties

with such fidelity that he was re-elected.

 

In 1831, Dreisbach removed to Pickaway county, O., where

his house became a regular preaching place. In the Fall and

Winter of 1839-40, and also 1851, he served as supply on Pick-

away Circuit. In 1853 he served Dayton, and in 1854, Chilli-

cothe Mission until October of that year, when he was elected

editor of the Evangelical Messenger. On March 18, 1857, he

resigned because of his many infirmities, and removed to Cir-

cleville, O., where he spent the evening of his life peacefully

and quietly and with Christian fortitude awaited the time of his

departure. After a period of great suffering the welcome sum-

mons came, Aug. 20, 1871, and the last co-worker of Albright,

was gathered to his illustrious compeers, at the age of 82 years,

2 months, and 15 days. His wife Fanny, died in 1876, aged

85 years. (See Eyer).

 

Dreisbach possessed literary abilities of a high order,

which proved a great blessing to the church. In 1809 he pub-

lished a German Catechism. In 1816 he and Henry Niebel

prepared and published the first authorized hymn book, and

also greatly improved the Discipline, by direction of the con-

ference, which duty they were also directed to perform in 1830.

Dreisbach's numerous articles in the German and English or-

gans of the church, attest his desire for her welfare. They give

evidence of much thought and careful preparation. He espe-

cially excelled as a poet, and many of his hymns, especially in

the German, found a permanent place in the hymnology of the

church.

 

 

528 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Dreisbach was a man of progress. He lived to see the so-

ciety grow from a handful of seventy-five members, to almost

one hundred thousand, and during all this long period of almost

three-quarters of a century he was the advocate of progressive

methods and measures. In February, 1846, he published in the

Botschafter the cut and explanation of a seal which he had de-

vised, and which was adopted as the seal of the society.

 

He was the friend of higher education. In the Botschafter of

1845, page 118, appeared a remarkable letter from him entitled:

"Ministers and teachers should not be ignorant." This was

the beginning of a discussion on higher education, which was

continued for several years in that periodical, the general result

of which was the creation of a strong sentiment in favor of in-

stitutions of learning. At the General Conference of 1847, at

New Berlin, Pa., Dreisbach introduced the first resolution for

the establishment of such an institution in the church, which led

to the founding of Union Seminary, now Central Pennsylvania

College, at New Berlin, several years afterwards.

 

It was a matter of general regret that Dreisbach's precari-

ous health precluded his elevation to the Episcopacy. Gladly,

indeed, would the church, which he helped to plant and de-

velop, have honored him with the office, which he was well com-

petentto fill, but he felt physically unable to perform the ardu-

ous duties of the office. His place as one of the founders and

pillars of the Evangelical Association is nevertheless assured.

 

 

 

529

 

Bishops Seybert, Long and Orwig

 

JOHN SEYBERT.

 

During the Revolutionary War, the British brought to

America several thousand Hessian mercenaries to aid in the

war against the revolted colonies. Among these Germans was

a lad of fifteen years, named Henry Seybert, who, at the

close of the war decided to remain in America, and settled near

Manheim, Lancaster county, Pa. In 1790 he was married, by

the distinguished Dr. Henry Muehlenberg, to Susan Kreuzer.

Their first child, the subject of this sketch, was born July 7,

1791. Other children were Henry, Christian and David.

In March, 1806, Henry Seybert died, leaving an estate of

one hundred and seven acres, which afforded a comfortable

living for the widow and her two sons, John and David, the

other two children having died.

 

In the vicinity of Manheim were several places where the

early preachers of the Evangelical Association had appoint-

ments and where John Seybert, then grown to maturity,

heard the doctrine of the new birth from the lips of our first

preachers. In 1809-1810 the Lancaster Circuit was served by

John Dreisbach and Matthias Betz. On the 15th of April

Betz preached his valedictory sermon in the vicinity of Man-

heim, preparatory to going to conference. Young Seybert

attended this meeting. The preached word wrought powerfully

upon him, and he was brought under deep conviction and was

soon thereafter converted. Seybert's occupation was that of

a cooper, to which he applied himself very industriously. Still

he found time after his conversion to attend the meetings far

and wide, and soon became known as a most devoted Chris-

tian. Soon after his conversion he was appointed exhorter of

the Manheim Class by Dreisbach, and soon after that, he was

elected class leader. So conscientious was he, that the class at

 

 

530 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Mt. Joy, about eight miles distant, also elected him as their

leader, and he served in that capacity for both classes a num-

ber of years.

 

In 1819, Seybert was licensed to preach. He records that

his first text was I John iii. 8-9. On Sept. 12, 1820, he

entered the active ministry in place of John Klinefelter, who

had become sick while serving Lancaster Circuit. In 1821 he

served Union Circuit; 1822, Canton Circuit, Ohio; 1823,

Schuylkill Circuit; 1824, York Circuit; 1825, elected presiding

elder and appointed to Canaan District. In 1829 he was re-

elected and stationed on Salem District. In 1833 he refused

a re-election, prefering rather to labor as a pioneer missionary.

He was accordingly appointed to organize a new field in the

northwestern part of Pennsylvania. His labors on this field

were remarkably successful. Much of this region was then a

wilderness with settlements few and far between, and involved

great hardships and privations on the part of the missionary.

Sebyert established the Evangelical work in five counties and

organized seven classes this year. At the following conference

session he was again re-elected presiding elder, and again in

1838. At the General Conference of 1839 he was elected the

first bishop of the Evangelical Association, in the proper sense

of the word, and was successfully re-elected to the office until

his death.*

 

Bishop Seybert stands unique in the history of the Evan-

gelical Association, and it is questionable whether the Protest-

ant Church has ever produced a more consecrated, earnest,

tireless worker than he. He repeatedly expressed a desire to

"die in the harness," and literally wore himself out in the ser-

vice of the Lord and Master. His zeal for God burned with an

ever increasing fervor upon the altar of his heart. In 1837 he

records in his journal the pleasing fact that an increasing mis-

 

* Note. — As elsewhere noticed, the founder of the church, Jacob Albright,

was himself elected to this office at the first conference of the Society in 1807,

and was therefore its first bishop. Both, W. W. Orwig, the first historian of

the Evangelical Association, and S. Neitz, the biographer of Bishop Seybert,

agree that inasmuch as Jacob Albright was elected to the office but a short

time prior to his death, and also before the introduction of the Discipline,

which sets forth our articles of faith and principles of government, and defines,

the character and functions of the Episcopacy in the Association, therefore, Sey-

bert is rightfully called the first bishop of the Evangelical Association within

the meaning, and under the provisions of the Discipline.

 

 

EVANGELICAL BIOGRAPHIES. 531

 

sionary spirit was observable in the church and adds, "Accord-

ing to all appearances I must now bestir myself lest I be set in

the background. I herewith serve notice that I am not to be

looked for in the rear end of the race, but must be sought for

pretty well in the front, where the ice is being broken." This

sentiment well expresses his true character. He was a famous

spiritual ice-breaker and path-finder.

 

During the period of his ministry this indomitable servant

of God traveled about one hundred and seventy-five thousand

miles, made about forty-six thousand pastoral visits, attended

about eight thousand prayer- and class-meetings, visited about

ten thousand sick, and preached almost ten thousand times.

 

The personal appearance of Bishop Seybert was striking

and peculiar. He was of medium size, somewhat spare, with

prominent chin, blue eyes, high forehead and smooth face.

He was restless and nervous, never idle. Even down to the end

of his life he continued to travel in his light, open conveyance,

rather than by railroad. His object, as he said, was that he

might call on the friends, and preach to the small societies,

while on his way to some point.

 

He was a strict temperance man, and advocated, both in pri-

vate and public, the most advanced temperance sentiments, in

a day when it required greater moral courage than at the pres-

ent time. He was decidedly opposed to the use tobacco, and

earnestly admonished both the ministry and laity against

its use.

 

His liberality was proverbial. He practiced the most rigid

self-denial and economy, that he might give the more to good

purposes, and when he died it was found that he had bequeathed

all his estate to the church he loved so well.

 

The evening shadows at last fell upon his pathway, and

his physical powers began to abate rapidly. At the General

Conference of 1859 it was noticed that he was very feeble. He

had served the church as bishop twenty years. It was plainly

evident that the old hero could not do battle much longer, and

it was deemed prudent to elect an additional bishop. Both he

and Bishop Long, who had been his coadjutor since 1843,

were re-elected, and W. W. Orwig was newly elected. Soon

after the close of the General Conference he revisited many of

the old charges in the Illinois Conference. Nov. 7th he started

for the East, as usual in his conveyance, preaching and visiting

 

 

532 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

as he passed through Indiana, and Michigan. Dec. 4th, he

reached the State of Ohio, Dec. 18th, he preached his last ser-

mon at Lindsay, O., and attended the dedication of the new-

church on Christmas, but did not officiate. Dec. 29, he reached

the residence of Isaac Parker, near Bellevue, O. There he

stopped his horse for the last time, alighted, and taking his sad-

dle bags he entered the house greatly exhausted. His intention

was to rest a few days and then proceed on his journey. Jan.

4th, (1860,) he arose after sleeping fairly well, and partook of

some breakfast with the rest. At the table he related a dream

which he had that night. He said he dreamed of meeting a

great number of preachers, who were delighted at his coming.

The number was so great that it seemed impossible to shake

hands with them all. After telling this dream he retired to a

lounge.

 

There was something so unearthly in the demeanor of the

bishop, and he was so pitiably feeble that his host became con-

cerned about him and at once went to call in a neighbor. Soon

after Parker had left the room, the bishop said, "How terrible

death must be to a wicked man." A little later he remarked

that death begins at the extremities, and when it reaches the

heart, it is over, and said that so he would die. He had scarcely

said this when he fell over on the lounge on which he was sitting.

 

The bishop was dead! He died with his armor on, in the

heat of the battle, as he had desired. He fought a good fight,

and the great multitude of whom he had dreamed in reality

greet him with rejoicing, while the Master said, "Well done,

thou good and faithful servant," and placed on his brow the

victor's crown.

 

On Jan. 6th his mortal remains were laid to rest at Flat

Rock, O., near when he died, on which occasion Bishop Long

preached an eloquent funeral sermon from the words, "And

they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament,

and they that turn many to righteousness, as the stars forever

and ever." (Dan. xii. 3.) A fine monument marks the grave.

His age was 68 years, 5 months and 28 days. The reader need

hardly be told that Bishop Seybert was never married. He

remained single that he might better devote himself to his

Masker's work.

 

 

EVANGELICAL BIOGRAPHIES. 533

 

JOSEPH LONG.

 

Joseph Long was born in Dauphin county, Pa., Oct. 21, 1800.

His father, Killian Long, removed to Columbiana county,

Ohio, when Joseph was still a youth. When the Evangelical

work was established in Ohio, in 1816, the family came under

the influence of her ministry, and the following year they were

converted to God. Joseph was then seventeen years of age.

His conversion was thorough, and evinced itself at once in his

zeal and devotion to the Lord's cause.

 

He entered the ministry of the church in 1822, and served

as follows: 1822, Somerset; 1823, Franklin; 1824-25, Lancas-

ter, Ohio; 1826, Mansfield; 1827, Canton; 1828, elected

chairman of the Western Conference and presiding elder of the

conference district; 1830, president of the General Conference;

1832, re-elected presiding elder; 1833, located because of fam-

ily circumstances; 1841, again entered the work and was ap-

pointed to Harmony Circuit; 1842, Canton Circuit; 1843,

elected presiding elder and stationed on Tabor District of the

Western or Ohio Conference.

 

In the Autumn of 1843, the first General Conference, com-

posed of regularly elected delegates convened at Greensburg,

Ohio, at which time Joseph Long was elected bishop, and be-

came the coadjutor of John Seybert. He was thereafter regu-

larly re-elected to the office until his death.

 

Bishop Long was in every way a remarkable man. In the

pulpit he was a master. His speech was somewhat slow and

measured, but became more animated as he advanced in the

sermon. Sometimes he became impressively grand and elo-

quent in his discourses. He was one of the profoundest think-

ers the church has ever had. With mental endowments of the

highest order and a life of very close fellowship with God, he

was able to present the truth with overwhelming force and

power. At conference sessions his sermons were especially im-

pressive and powerful. In 1857, at the session of the East Pa.

Conference, in New York City, he preached an ordination ser-

mon from Acts xx:18, "Take heed therefore unto yourselves,

and to all the flock over which the Holy Ghost hath made you

overseers to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased

with His own blood." This sermon was described by hearers

as having been overwhelmingly grand and impressive. The

 

 

534 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

great deep of almost every heart was broken up. Fathers in Is-

rael wept like children, and many vows of fidelity were re-

corded in heaven as the result of that sermon.

 

Bishop Long possessed executive abilities of a high order.

He was shrewd and far-seeing, and a good judge of human na-

ture. He did not form conclusions hastily, but weighed in a

deliberate and impartial manner all the circumstances upon

which his judgments rested. He was no man-pleaser, but dis-

charged with scrupulous fidelity his duties towards all men, as

he understood them. His strict demeanor bordered on stern-,

ness, and his sharp rebukes sometime caused pain even to his

most intimate friends. It was necessary to study him in order

to understand him. Behind the caustic speech and sharp re-

buke was a heart full of tenderness and love. He was a true

man, as all who knew him acknowledged. Beneath that seem-

ing stern and impassive exterior the elements of a noble man-

hood held full sway.

 

Bishop Long was a great friend and patron of learning. Al-

though in youth he was denied the scholastic advantages so de-

sirable to one of his position, he greatly overcame this defi-

ciency by a very thorough and varied course of study. He was

well versed in the great civil and religious questions of his day.

He encouraged young ministers to a broad and liberal course of

study. He was the principal instrument in the establishment of

Greensburg Seminary, and on him the chief responsibilities of

its management rested. When in course of time the institution

failed financially, he purchased it and continued its existence,

at a heavy expense to himself. In like manner all the interests

of the Evangelical Association were dear to his heart, especially

the missionary cause. He endeavored at all times to promote

a missionary spirit in every quarter of the church.

 

Bishop Long was over six feet tall, somewhat spare in body,

with high forehead, and a very positive expression pf counte-

nance. He possessed a somewhat choleric temperament, the

influence of which dominated his general demeanor. In the

pulpit his appearance was solemn, commanding, and impressive.

His movements and gestures were becoming and well timed.

 

Bishop Long was married to Catherine Hoy, a daughter

of Daniel and Mollie Hoy, of Fairfield county, Ohio. As

elsewhere noticed, the Hoys were among the first members of

the Evangelical Association in Ohio. Mrs. Hoy was a daughter

 

 

EVANGELICAL BIOGRAPHIES. 535

 

of that prominent Evangelical and friend of Albright, Abram

Eyer.* After sharing the vicissitudes of her husband's life al-

most half a century, Mrs. Long died, May 12, 1869.

 

The health of the bishop was greatly shattered in conse-

quence of the great hardships he endured in the itinerancy, from

the effects of which he suffered greatly in after years. When he

was re-elected for the last time, in 1867, he was comparatively

feeble, and thereafter performed his official duties with difficulty.

The death of his faithful companion was a severe blow, and his

enfeebled frame gave way rapidly under manifold bodily ail-

ments and domestic bereavements. June 23, 1869, only forty-

two days after the departure of his companion, Bishop Long

breathed his last at the home of his son-in-law, Rev. A. Stah-

ley, at Forreston, Ill., at the age of 68 years, 8 months, and 2

days. His family consisted of three sons and three daughters.

His obsequies took place June 26. Rev. Henry Rohland

preached the funeral sermon in the German language, from II

Tim. iv:7-8, and Rev. D. B. Byers preached in English, Daniel

xii:13.

 

WILLIAM W. ORWIG.

 

William W. Orwig was born at Orwigsburg, Schuylkill

county, Pa., Sept. 25, 1810. In his early youth his parents re-

moved to Buffalo Valley, Union county, Pa. In 1826 he and

a young friend, Daniel Brickley, attended a camp-meeting at

John Walter's, three miles south of New Berlin. They bowed

at the altar together, were converted, and became eminent her-

alds of the cross. Orwig entered the Eastern Conference in

1 S28, when but eighteen years of age. He at once took high rank

among his brethren, and in 1833 was elected presiding elder.

At the special General Conference of 1836, he was elected gen-

eral publishing agent and editor of the newly established Christ-

liche Botschafter, assuming editorial charge in 1837. In 1839

he was relieved of the duties as publisher, and continued as edi-

tor until 1844, when he again entered the itinerancy, serving

1844-45, York, Pa.; 1846-47, Baltimore, Md.; 1848-49, Balti-

more Mission.

 

In July, 1849, Orwig was elected by the standing Book Com-

mittee, editor of the Christliche Botschafter, in place of N.

Gehr, who had withdrawn from the church. In 1850 the West

 

* See Dry Valley, also Lancaster Circuit, Ohio.

 

 

536 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Pa. Conference confirmed the election. In the Spring of 1854,

with the removal of the establishment to Cleveland, O., he re-

signed and removed to Carlisle, Pa., where he devoted himself

to writing the history of the Evangelical Association. In 1856

he became president of the Union Seminary, at New Berlin, Pa.,

and continued until the General Conference of 1859, when he

was elected bishop. In 1863 he was again elected editor of the

Christliche Botschafter. In 1867 he was elected general book

agent, but resigned in 1869, because of impaired health, after

which he served several years as treasurer of the Missionary

Society. He was engaged in literary labors for several years.

In 1876 he became a member of the newly formed Erie Confer-

ence, in which he served as an itinerant and presiding elder a

number of years. Orwig was the most prolific author of his

church in his time. Besides assisting in the revision and com-

pilation of the German and English hymn books and other

works, he, in 1846, published a catechism, which for over a

quarter of a century was the standard in the church. In 1856,

he completed his history of the Evangelical Association. In

1862 appeared his "Heilsf uelle," a work on holiness, in 1876 his

"Pastoral Theology," and in 1882 a volume of sermons.

 

No one in the Evangelical Association has done more for its

establishment and development than W. W. Orwig. His gifts

were manifold, and all were given to the service of the church.

He was one of the foremost in promoting all her interests and

institutions. He was one of the founders of the missionary

society and other church enterprises. The literary and pub-

lishing interests of the church owe more to his talents and en-

ergy, perhaps, than those of any other person, and his in-

fluence will be felt for many years to come.

 

Orwig was united in marriage with Susanna Rishel, of

Centre county, Pa., who survived him. One son, Aaron W.

became a minister in the church, while one daughter was mar-

ried to Rev. J. Bowersox, another to Rev. E. A. Hoffman, and

a third to Rev. S. L. Wiest.

 

Orwig died in great peace in Cleveland, O., May 29, 1889.

His last words were, "I think I have done my duty. God

bless you.” More than thirty ministers of the Evangelical As-

sociation were in attendance at his funeral on which occasion

Bishop R. Dubs delivered a memorial discourse.

 

 

EVANGELICAL BIOGRAPHIES. 587

 

BRIEFER SKETCHES OF SAINTED MINISTERS.

 

Matthias Betz was converted under the labors of Al-

bright and Miller, at Millheim, Centre county, Pa., in 1806.

He entered the ministry in 1809, and labored with remarkable

success until his death in the Autumn 1813. He was at that

time preacher in charge of the extensive Northumberland Cir-

cuit, which embraced all of Central Pennsylvania. He died of

pneumonia, at Boalsburg, at the early age of thirty-one years,

and was buried in the Presbyterian graveyard, near the present

town of Lemont, Centre county. It is a matter of great regret

that his grave is unknown. Bishop John Seybert was con-

verted through his instrumentality, in Lancaster county in 1810.

 

James Barber was born in Manor township, Lancaster

county, Pa., April 22, 1797; converted an 1815; entered the

active ministry in 1817; was elected presiding elder, and sta-

tioned on Salem District in 1823; was chosen president of the

conference in 1827. Barber was a man of large frame and

commanding appearance, with excellent voice, a preacher of

more than ordinary ability, and held in high esteem by his

brethren. He spent over thirty years in the active work. His

arduous labors completely undermined his health and he was

compelled, much against his will, to locate. He suffered much

for many years and finally died of paralysis, Sept. 19, 1867.

His wife Mary, daughter of Michael Maize, of Dry Valley,

Union county, Pa., died in 1870, aged sixty-five years. Both

are buried in the Evangelical cemetery at New Berlin, Pa.

 

Samuel Baumgardtier was born near Johnstown, Pa.,

entered the active ministry of the Eastern Conference in 1832;

joined the Ohio Conference several years later; was elected

presiding elder in 1843 and stationed on the newly formed Illi-

nois District, and continued in that office until his sudden

death by cholera, in the house of John Harbach, Bureau county,

Ill., Aug. 17, 1851, in the forty- third year of his age. He was

one of the most devoted and tireless ministers of the Evangeli-

cal Association, and his death was felt to be a great loss to the

church.

 

Jacob Boas was born in Reading, Pa., Nov. 15, 1815, con-

verted in youth, and in 1833 entered the active ministry of the

Eastern Conference. In 1836, while in charge of Erie Circuit,

he introduced protracted meetings. The following year he was

 

 

538 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

sent to Illinois, where he laid the foundations of the Evangelical

work. In 1840 he was sent to Baltimore, Md., where he

founded the work and met with great success. In 1848 he was

elected presiding elder in the West Pa. (now Central Pa.)

Conference, and served two terms. He located and settled in

Carlisle, Pa., became effective in 1872, served ten years more,

and died in Carlisle, April 4, 1884, in his sixty-ninth year,

leaving a widow and five children, his eldest daughter being the

wife of Rev. J. M. Ettinger. Boas was a man of fine appear-

ance, a good preacher, equally effective in the English and the

German languages.

 

George Adam Blank was born in Berks county, Pa., in

1822; entered the Ohio Conference in 1841, became a member

of the Illinois Conference; was elected presiding elder in 1850;

was a member of the Indiana Conference a short time; again

elected presiding elder in 1855, serving Milwaukee District. He

was an original member of the Wisconsin Conference, in which

he continued as presiding elder until his death, Feb. 5, 1861,

at the age of thirty-nine years. Blank was one of the most de-

voted and energetic of men and his death was greatly lamented.

 

Thomas Buck was born in Lancaster county, Pa., Jan.

27, 1789, was converted in youth, and became a member of the

church. In 1823 he entered the active ministry, and in a few

years was regarded as one of the leading men of the church.

In 1828, he was elected presiding elder and was re-elected in

1832. In 1834 he located, but re-entered the active ranks in

1838, and was again elected presiding elder. In the Spring of

1842 he was elected publisher, but died Oct. 26th, of that year,

and was buried in the Evangelical cemetery at New Berlin, Pa.

He was president of the conference from 1829 to 1833 inclu-

sive, and president of the General Conference in 1839. His

services to the church were very important. His abilities as a

preacher were eminent. He was a strict disciplinarian, border-

ing on the severe, yet withal, kind hearted and considerate, es-

pecially to beginners. His sudden death cast a great gloom

over the entire church, and it was felt that a Master in Israel

had fallen. He gave two sons to the ministry of the church,

S. T. and H. W. Buck, of the Central Pa. Conference, the lat-

ter being three terms elected presiding elder.

 

John Breidenstein was born in Lancaster county, Pa., in

1795. His father removed to Lebanon county and opened his

 

 

EVANGELICAL BIOGRAPHIES. 539

 

house as a preaching place for Albright and his colleagues.

Here John was converted in youth, entered the ministry in 1818,

and became one of the most devoted preachers the church has

ever had. His sermons were profound and powerful. He was

especially adapted to sow the seed, and his successors nearly -

everywhere had great revivals, of which Orwigsburgh is an ex-

ample. He was never in robust health and after six years of

service he took a local relation, but continued to labor as cir-

cumstances permitted. For the last twelve years of his life he

was blind. He died on the old homestead near Lebanon, Oct.

12, 1878, aged eighty-three years.

 

Moses Dissinger was born in Schaefferstown, Lebanon

county, Pa., March 17, 1824. This man was in some respects

unrivalled in the church. He was the very embodiment of pe-

culiarities. His manners, speech, sermons, everything about

him, bore the stamp of his marked individuality. Notwith-

standing his irresistible humor and grotesque manner he was

a good preacher and a highly useful man. In 1854 he was li-

censed to preach by the East Pa. Conference, and two years

thereafter entered the active ranks, in which he did valiant ser-

vice for twenty-seven years, filling some of the most important

appointments of his native conference during twenty-three

years, after which, in 1879, he took work in the Kansas Con-

ference, where he served four years. After severe suffering he

died, in Douglass county, Kansas, Jan. 25, 1883, in the fifty-

ninth year of his age. An interesting volume might be written

about this eccentric son of the church, whose quaint manners

and sayings will long be the theme of conversation around thou-

sands of firesides. He was a strong advocate of temperance,

and his discourses on that subject were unique and very effective.

During the Civil War he was a radical Unionist, and delivered

numerous speeches in support of the administration. He was

fearless, brave, and'patriotic, a foe to sin and evil of every kind

and his memory will ever be revered in the church.

 

John Erb was born in Manor township, Lancaster county,

Pa., in 1787. Under the ministry of the first preachers of the

Association he was awakened to a sense of his condition, and

during the great revival along the Conestoga, in 1807, he was

converted. In the Fall of 1808 he entered the active ministry.

In 1810, with Mr. Betz as colleague he formed the third or

Franklin Circuit, and in 1811, with L. Zimmerman as colleague,

 

 

540 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

he served Northumberland Circuit, where the accessions num-

bered over one hundred. In 1813 he located because of im-

paired health, and the following year suffered the loss of his

wife, Mary, who was a daughter of George Becker, of the

Muehlbach. In 1820 he re-entered the work and was elected

the third presiding elder of the church. He was president of

the conference in 1821, 1822 and 1823. He was then com-

pelled to locate again, and soon after removed to Ohio. In

1851 he again entered the active work and located in 1857.

The last year of his life was one of great suffering from cancer.

He died in triumph, Feb. 12, 1858, in his seventy-second year,

and was interred at Bettsville, Ohio.

 

Adam Ettinger, eldest son of Rev. Adam and Anna Et-

tinger, was born near Mt. Royal, York county, Pa., March

19, 1787; converted under the labors of Walter and Dreis-

bach in 1810; entered the ministry in 1816 and traveled two

years and then located. He was the first editor of the Christ-

liche Botschafter, in 1836, which position he resigned in Febru-

ary, 1839. In 1841 he resumed the itinerant work, and in 1842

was elected presiding elder, and stationed on Zion District,

West Pa. Conference. In 1844 he was again elected editor of

the Botschafter, which he edited for four years with marked

ability. In 1862 he once more resumed pastoral work, con-

tinuing until 1866, when he took a superannuated relation at the

age of seventy-nine years. In 1872 he supplied the pulpit of

York Station. He died in York, Pa., Nov. 2, 1877.

 

Father Ettinger was one of the most erudite men of his

church. His radical views sometimes brought him into con-

flict with his brethren, but no one doubted his sincerity and

purity of motive. It is to be regretted that the church did not

realize in a greater measure the benefit of his great abilities and

long life. At the age of ninety, his tall form was still erect and

dignified, his step elastic, and his mental powers unimpaired.

His stately form and venerable appearance will always be re-

membered by those who knew him.

 

Jessie M. Ettinger, Jr., A. M., son of Jesse M. Et-

tinger, Senior, and grandson of the eminent Rev. Adam Et-

tinger, was born in York county, Pa., Dec. 13, 1846, and died

in York, Pa., Feb. 3, 1895. In 1867 he entered the ministry in

the Central Pa. Conference and served some of its most im-

portant charges. In 1884 he was elected presiding elder and

 

 

EVANGELICAL BIOGRAPHIES. 541

 

stationed on Juniata District. He was re-elected in 1888 and

served York District until 1891, when on account of failing

health he resigned. In the Autumn of this year he was called

to the editorship of The Evangelical, which had become vacant

by the election of Rev. W. M. Stanford to the office of bishop.

He continued in the faithful discharge of his editorial duties

until the time of his triumphant death. As a preacher and ora-

tor Ettinger ranked very high, and was surpassed by few, if

any, of his church. As a writer he was versatile and polished.

His language, whether oral or written, was of the choicest char-

acter, and whether in the pulpit, editoral office, or social circle,

he uniformly impressed everyone with a sense of his superior

character and endowments. He served as delegate to the Gen-

eral Conferences of 1887, 1891, and 1894. His wife, a daugh-

ter of the late Rev. Jacob Boas, and several children survived

him. His last words were, "Tell the brethren I die at my

post."

 

Henry Fisher was born near Lebanon, Pa., Aug. 23,

1800. He was a man of more than ordinary ability, always

serious, careful and painstaking, and full of faith and the Holy

Ghost. In early life he served as a school teacher and gained

experience which proved very valuable in his subsequent labors

in the church. He became the subject of saving grace in 1824,

under the labors of Rev. John Breitenstein, and was one of

the twelve members of the class organized in Lebanon in 1826,

and of which he became the first leader. In 1831, he entered

the ministry of the Eastern Conference. He was elected pre-

siding elder in 1842, serving Philadelphia District three years

and Orwigsburg District one year. At the General Conference

of 1847 he was elected general agent of the publishing house,

and served in that capacity until the General Conference of

1851, when he was elected editor of The Evangelical Messenger,

which he edited very successfully until his death, which oc-

curred at New Berlin, Pa., Jan. 20, 1854. His remains were

taken to his native town.

 

David Fisher was born at Minersville, Pa., in 1814, and

died at Buffalo, N.Y., 1890, He entered the East Pa. Confer-

ence in 1840, traveled mostly in the State of New York, and

was an original member of the New York Conference. In 1865

he was elected presiding elder. He served forty-four years in

the itinerancy.

 

 

542 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

G. T. Haines was born near Philadelphia, Pa., in 1809.

In 1811 his parents, Henry and Phoebe Haines, removed to

York county, Pa., where parents and children were converted

and became members of the church. One daughter became

the wife of Rev. Thos. Buck and another the wife of Rev. E.

Kohr. Haines entered the ministry of the Eastern Conference

in 1838, was elected presiding elder in the East Pa. Conference

in 1853; resigned after two years, was again elected in 1862;

re-elected in 1866; served forty-one years in the ministry;

died on his last charge, Catasaqua, Pa., Dec. 19, 1879.

 

Joseph Harlacher was born near Lewisburg, Pa., Aug.

5, 1812; entered the Eastern Conference and rendered many

years of successful service in Pennsylvania, New York, Canada,

Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois. He was the founder of our work

in Buffalo, N.Y., in 1835. He was elected presiding elder in

Illinois Conference in 1851, but was compelled by ill health to

resign the year following. He is author of a work entitled

"The New Jerusalem." He died at Naperville, Ill., in 1893.

 

George Hasenpflug was born in Germany, Dec. 31,

1834, and died in Cleveland, Ohio, July 23, 1896. He

came with his parents to Ohio when a mere youth; was con-

verted at the age of fifteen under the labors of Rev. Grorge.

Haley and became a member of the church. After taking a

course in Greensburg Seminary he was licensed by the Ohio

Conference in 1860, and entered the active ranks the following

year. His charges were: Tuscarawas, 1861; Coshocton, 1862 j,

Tiffin, 1863-64; Sandusky, 1865; then he retired on account

of ill health; became effective again, and served Cleveland

South Side Mission, 1868-69; Bath, 1870-71; Perrysburg,.

1873; Toledo, 1874-78; Huron, 1879-8i; Cleveland, Salem

Church, 1882-83, then retired because of ill health.

 

Hasenpflug was especially successful as a revivalist, and

was instrumental in organizing quite a number of congrega-

tions. For the United Evangelical Church he rendered invalu-

able services. He was one of the promoters of the Evangelical

Publishing Company, and a most liberal supporter of all the

enterprises and benevolences of the church.

 

Charles Hammer was born at Orwigsburg, Pa., Dec. 7,

1809; received into the ministry of the Eastern Conference in

1830; elected presiding elder at the special General Confer-

 

 

EVANGELICAL BIOGRAPHIES. 543

 

ence in 1836, and served Moriah District in New York; at the

General Conference in 1839 was elected general book agent,

and after three years resigned and resumed pastoral work. In

1844 he was again elected presiding elder, serving two years

each on Baltimore and Susquehanna District. In 1853 he was

again elected presiding elder. In 1854 he was the second time

elected general book agent, and under his management the es-

tablishment was removed to Cleveland, Ohio. He served until

1867. In 1868 he was elected superintendent of the newly

founded Orphan's Home at Flat Rock, Ohio, and continued

until 1876. Later he served, several charges in the Erie Con-

ference. His last charge was Albany, N.Y., in 1884, which

he served as a vacancy. He died in Cleveland, Ohio, Jan. 2,

1887. He was for many years recognized as one of the ablest

men of the church, a deep thinker, noble minded, earnest and

consecrated to God's cause.

 

Charles Hesser was born at Orwigsburg, Pa., Nov. 5,

1807; converted at the house of Charles Wagoner, near his

native town in 1825: entered the ministry of the Eastern Con-

ference in 1831; was chosen delegate to the General Confer-

ence of 1839 and 1843. His life was suddenly cut short while

on his way to the latter conference. On Oct. 6, he, in com-

pany with H. Fisher, J. M. Saylor, and Michael F. Maize,

started in a carriage for the seat of the conference at Greens-

burg, O. On the 7th, they dined with Daniel Zartman near

McKee's Half Falls, below Sunbury, Pa. Proceeding on their

journey they were driving down a hill, when the tongue of the

carriage gave way, causing the horses to kick, and Hesser's

leg was fractured. He was taken to Zartman's house and ten-

derly cared for. His injury resulted in a fever from which he

died in five days, Oct. 12, aged 35 years, 11 months, 7 days.

Just before his death his wife arrived, to whom he spake

words of cheer and comfort. His last words were "Preis

sei dem Lamme von ewigkeit zu ewigkeit" (Praise be to the

Lamb from everlasting to everlasting). Hesser was a man

of pleasing manners, with a rich and winning voice, deeply

pious, and a tireless worker. Great numbers were converted

under his brief ministry. In 1828 he was married to Hannah,

a daughter of Charles Wagoner, who survived him until 1883,

when she died, aged 73 years. Hesser's body is interred at

Orwigsburg.

 

 

544 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

Adam Hennig, son of John Adam Hennig, was born in

Centre county, Pa., March 7, 1794. At the age of sixteen he

was converted, and soon thereafter gave evidence of talents for

the ministry. In 1813 he was received into the ministry, and

with John Dreisbach as senior colleague, was appointed to ex-

plore and form a new circuit west of the Allegheny Mountains.

As the church had then neither bishop nor presiding elder, to

Dreisbach was assigned the duty of visiting the eastern fields

and holding meetings, which threw the burden of the work on

the untried shoulders of the youthful Hennig. His operations

embraced a vast territory and he was very successful. In less

than forty years the field of labor thus established formed the

foundations of the present flourishing Pittsburg Conference. In

1816 (with F. Shatter) he was sent to begin the Evangelical

work in Ohio. He was very successful and laid foundations for

the present flourishing work in that State. As the result of

overwork, he broke down and was compelled to locate at the

end of his first year's labor in Ohio. He suffered much and

long from his early ministerial hardships, and although he

served several charges afterwards as supply, he was never able

to bear the arduous labor of the regular itinerancy again. He

nevertheless became a strong support to our work in Ohio. His

house was a preaching place, and he labored as much as his en-

feebled condition would permit, until called to his reward, in

1860, at Salem, O., aged 65 years. His wife Catharine, died

in 1865, aged 67 years.

 

Francis Hoffman was born at Orwigsburg, Pa., in 1806,

and began to preach in the Autumn of 1825. He entered the

itinerancy in 1826, and was sent to Ohio. Returned to the

East in 1827; was elected presiding elder in 1848, served in

that capacity a great many years, and was always held in the

highest esteem. In 1833 he served Union Circuit. Finding it

inconvenient to travel to and fro, from Orwigsburg, he re-

moved his family to Mifflinburg. This was, so far as we know,

the first removal of a preacher to his charge, in the Evangelical

Association. Two of his sons, Francis C. and Elisha A., be-

came ministers. The former was for some time principal of

Union Seminary. The latter is a well known musical author.

Father Hoffman, at the time of his death, was the oldest

minister of the church. He fell asleep in Jesus, in Reading,

Pa., July 26, 1894, aged 88 years, 6 months, and 23 days.

 

 

EVANGELICAL BIOGRAPHIES. 545

 

In 1866, the East Pa. Conference passed the following, which

was adopted by a rising vote:

 

"Whereas, Father F. Hoffman, who for the past sixty years

has uninterruptedly served in the active itinerant work of this

conference, serving during this long term of years as circuit,

station and mission preacher, as well as for quite a number of

years in the office of presiding elder, to the edification of the

church, and the glory of Christ, and,

     Whereas, On account of his age he has signified his willing-

ness to accept a superannuated relation if the conference sees

At, therefore,

     Resolved, That Brother Hoffman be placed in a superannu-

ated relation, and that he be allowed to travel and preach within

the bounds of this conference as he may see fit."

 

Conrad Kring was born in Morrison's Cove, Bedford

county, Pa., Sept. 12, 1800. In his father's house Jacob Al-

bight found a welcome home and frequently preached there.

In 1806, his father, George Kring, moved across the Alle-

gheny mountains and settled near Johnstown, whither Albright

and his colleagues followed him. Here young Conrad was

converted and became a member of the church in 1813. In

1823 he entered the ministry, and spent thirteen years in the

service in Pennsylvania and Ohio. In 1836 he settled near

Westerville, O., where he died, March 23, 1887, aged 86 years,

6 months, and 11 days.

 

S. B. Kring, son of Conrad Kring, was born in 1827;

received into the West Pa. Conference in 1850. In the newly

formed Pittsburg Conference he was elected presiding elder in

1863 and served several terms. Later he became a member of

the Indiana Conference. He died in 1893.

 

Frederick Krecker, Jr., son of Rev. Frederick Krecker,

was born Jan. 31, 1841. He practiced medicine a number of

years. In 1875 he was licensed as a preacher by the East Pa.

Conference. On May 1, 1876, he was appointed missionary to

Japan.

 

As one of the first missionaries of the Evangelical Associa-

tion in Japan, Dr. Krecker rendered valuable service. He was

a diligent student and soon became familiar with the language

and customs of the people, and success attended his labors. In

the midst of his usefulness he was smitten with a fatal fever and

died, April 26, 1883, in Tokio. His wife Elizabeth, remained

 

 

546 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

four years longer in Japan, continuing in missionary work, then

returned to America, and was engaged by the Board of Missions

to labor in the interest of missionary cause in the home land.

 

John Klinefelter was born in York county, Pa., May 5,

1791; entered the ministry in 1813; was presiding elder from

1821 to 1824; and president of the conference in 1822 and

1824. In 1823 he married Catharine Becker, a daughter of

George Becker, at whose house Albright died. In 1824 he

located because of impaired health, and settled on the farm of

his father-in-law. The town of Klinefeltersville was laid out

on bis land, and named in his honor. He died in 1863, aged a

few days less than 72 years. His wife died in 1883, aged 87

years, and was the last surviving witness of Albright's death.

Klinefelter ranked among the leading men of the church in

the early days. He was an able preacher, of very sound judg-

ment, and commanded the highest esteem of his brethren. His

services to the church were important and valuable.

 

Jacob Klinefelter, a brother of Rev. John Klinefelter,

was born in York county, Pa., Oct. 29, 1792, and entered the

ministry in 1813. In 1826 he removed to Marion county, O.,

and his home became one of the first preaching places of the

Sandusky Circuit. In later years he entered the ranks of the

Ohio Conference, where he rendered six years more of service,

and then took a local relation. He was secretary of the con-

ference in 1821 and 1824. His impaired health was the result

of the hardships of the itinerancy. After years of dreadful suf-

ferings, he died near Marion, O., Jan. 25, 1858. His com-

panion died Dec. 18, 1888, aged 83 years.

 

Adam Klinefelter, second son of John Adam Kline-

felter, Esq., of Shrewsbury, Pa., was born in 1796, entered

the ministry in 1817, and was sent with his relative, John

Klinfelter, to Ohio, where he rendered good service. In 1823

he was elected presiding elder and served on the newly-formed

Ohio District four years. In 1830 he located. He was an

earnest, tireless worker and did much to build up the work in

Ohio. His long and wearisome journeys and severe exposure

so impaired his health that his work ceased almost before he

reached the meridian of his. life, yet in the thirteen years of

his itinerancy he accomplished a great work. After his location

he settled at Greensburg, Ohio. In 1825 he married Margaret

Dilliman, a daughter of that eminent Evangelical, Father Con-

 

 

EVANGELICAL BIOGRAPHIES. 547

 

rad Dilliman. After years of great suffering he was called to

rest March 22, 1878, aged 81 years, 10 months and 21 days.

His son William was for many years an active minister of the

church in Iowa.

 

Emanuel Kohr was born in York county, Pa., Sept. 24,

1823. He was licensed to preach by the West Pa. (now Cen-

tral Pa.) Conference in 1843, and entered the active ministry

in 1844. In 1858 he was elected presiding elder and served as

follows: Centre District, 1858-61; Baltimore District, 1862-

65; Susquehanna District, 1866-69; Baltimore District, 1870.

Health failing him, he resigned his office and took a super-

numerary relation in 1871. In 1872 he again became effective

and in 1875 was again elected presiding elder and served Balti-

more District, 1875; Carlisle District, 1876-78; Juniata Dis-

trict, 1879; York District, 1880-82. In 1883 he took a super-

annuated relation, and again. became effective in 1886, continu-

ing in the work until 1891, when he became superannuated for

the last time because of failing health.

 

Kohr justly ranked as one of the ablest men of the church.

For eloquence, sound judgment and executive ability he had

few if any superiors in the church. Beginning with 1851, he

was a member of ten General Conferences. In the councils of

the church his services were invaluable. He was for many

years a member of the Board of Publication, besides occupying

many other important positions. He died at Lewisburg, Pa.,

Aug. 19, 1894, aged 70 years, 10 months, and 26 days. At the

time of his death he was the oldest preacher of his conference.

Twenty-seven of his ministerial brethren attended his obsequies.

 

John P. Leib was born at Cornwall, Lebanon county,

Pa., Dec. 30, 1802; converted during the great revival at

Orwigsburg; entered the Eastern Conference in 1831; was

elected presiding elder in 1836, in 1840, in 1848, in 1852 and

in 1866. He died at his post while pastor at Phoenixville

in 1875, being found dead in his bed on the morning of Sep-

tember 7. He was justly regarded as one of the leading men

of the church. A short time prior to his death he attended a

camp-meeting at Milford, during which he made the following

statement at a praise meeting. Raising his right hand, tremb-

ling with age, he said: "I John P. Leib, seventy-two years of

age, having spent fifty-one years in the service of God, and

forty-five years in uninterrupted succession in the ministry of the

 

 

648 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

gospel, confess before you all that I have found pardon and

salvation in the blood of the Lamb, and that I am the Lord's

with body, soul and spirit, witJi all I am and possess both for

time and eternity." His wife Hannah, a sister of Rev. Chas.

Hammer, preceded him in death.

 

Solomon Neitz was born in Lehigh county, Pa., April 2,

1821. He was converted at the age of fourteen at the Mertz

church (the first Evangelical church in Lehigh county), in

March, 1833. He entered the ministry of the East Pa. Confer-

ence, 1840. In 1855 he was conference agent for Union

Seminary. He was elected presiding elder in 1856 and 1860,

but having been appointed by the Board of Publication to write

the "Life of Bishop Seybert," he resigned in 1861, and

devoted himself to that work. He was re-elected presiding

elder in 1862, 1866 and 1870; served Reading Eighth Street

church in 1874, was re-elected presiding elder in 1875; resigned

in 1878, and was appointed to Reading, Eighth Street again,

where he served three years. In 1881 he rested because of

failing health, and in 1882 he was appointed to Reading, Ninth

Street, which he served until September, 1883, when he became

disabled for further service and thereafter was retained in the

itinerancy without appointment until his death. He was a dele-

gate to the General Conference of 1856, and to every subse-

quent one until his death. In 1863 he was sent by the Board

of Missions to Germany to inspect and more firmly establish

the work there. He was the faithful and efficient treasurer of

the Charitable Society for a number of years.

 

As an orator Solomon Neitz has probably never been sur-

passed in the church. His speech was always weighty, impres-

sive and convincing, and he often swept his audience into

raptures by his grand and overwhelming oratory. Unlike

many, whose only strength is in their oratory, Neitz was always

fertile in resources and fresh in his subject matter, and fre-

quently led his hearers into fields not often traversed by others,

in 1844 Neitz was married to Susan Hammer, a member of an

eminent Evangelical family of that name, who were among the

fruits of the great Orwigsburg revival. His son Henry entered

the ministry of the East Pa. Conference in 1867. Father Neitz

suffered a stroke of paralysis in Sept., 1883, which caused his

death May n, 1885, in Reading, Pa. His wife and four chil-

dren survived him.

 

 

EVANGELICAL BIOGRAPHIES. 549

 

Henry Niebel, son of Nicholas Niebel, of Buffalo Valley,

Union county, Pa., was born March 16, 1784. When a young

man he studied for the ministry of the Reformed Church. In

1807 he taught school in Dry Valley, near New Berlin, where

he became acquainted with Albright and his colleagues at the

house of Abraham Eyer. (For an account of his remarkable

conversion the reader is referred to the paragraph, "Dry Val-

ley.") In the Autumn of 1808 Niebel entered the ministry as

a supply, and in 1809 was received into the itinerancy. In

1815 he was elected the second presiding elder of the church,

and stationed on Salem District. He located in 1819; became

effective again in 1829; was elected presiding elder in 1831,

and stationed on Canaan District; in 1833, was appointed by

the Eastern Conference, presiding elder of Ohib District which

embraced the entire Western Conference. He accordingly re-

moved to that State, settling in Wyandotte county. In Ohio

he became the leading man of the conference, serving many

times as its president. He served sixteen years as presiding

elder, six years in Pennsylvania and ten in Ohio. In 1846 he

served Sandusky Mission, which was his last year in the work.

Niebel ranks as one of the leading men of the church in its in-

fancy. In 1816 he and John Dreisbach, by order of the con-

ference, compiled a hymn book called Das geistliche Saitenspcil,

which was approved by the General Conference. In the same

year he and Dreisbach also improved the Discipline. In 1817

he was one of the committee appointed by General Conference

to arrange for a union between our society and the United

Brethren in Christ. Soon after his conversion, Niebel was

married to Mary, a daughter of Abraham Eyer, of Dry Valley.

She died in 1857, aged 69 years. Father Niebel lingered until

May 2, 1877, when he died at the home of his son Enos, in

Wyandotte county, O., at the advanced age of 93 years.

 

Abraham Niebel, son of Rev. Henry and Mary Niebel,

was born in 1817 in Buffalo Valley, Union county, Pa., entered

the ministry of the Western (Ohio) Conference in, 1838, and

devoted almost half a century in the active ranks, serving sev-

eral terms as presiding elder, both in the Ohio and Pittsburg Con-

ference and many times as General Conference delegate. He was

the father of Rev. B. H. Niebel of the Des Moines Conference.

 

Henry Rohland was born in Dauphin county, Pa., Nov.

15, 1817, and died in. Freeport, Ill., April 14, 1895. In 1839

 

 

550 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

he entered the active ranks of the West Pennsylvania (now-

Central Pa.) Conference, and labored with general acceptance

until 1850, when he removed to Illinois. He accepted work

upon his arrival there, and although a new comer, he was

elected delegate to the General Conference of 1851. Rev. S.

Baumgardner, the presiding elder of the conference district,

having died, the General Conference in 1851 elected Rohland,

in his stead. He served Freeport District one term (1851-55),

was re-elected and served Madison District, one year, 1855-56,

when he resigned, and served charges until 1860, when he was

again elected presiding elder and served Chicago District, 1860-

62, and Freeport District, 1862-64. He was treasurer of Plain-

field College in 1866-68, was re-elected presiding elder and

served Freeport District in 1876-79, and took a superannuated

relation in 1887. Rohland ranked very highly as a good

preacher, sound theologian, and safe counsellor. The success

of our educational interests in the West was largely due to his

zeal in the good cause. In 1844 he was united in marriage with

Miss Leah Wolf, daughter of Andrew Wolf, Esq., of Buffalo

Valley, Pa., whose mother was a sister of the sainted Rev. John

Dreisbach.

 

S. G. Rhoads was born at Colebrookdale, Berks county,

Pa. In 1850 he served under the presiding elder on Lehigh

Circuit and was received into the itinerancy of the East Pa. Con-

ference at the session of 1851. The characteristics of Rhoads

were deep piety, great zeal and tireless devotion to his calling.

He soon arose to prominence in his conference and served as

a delegate to the General Conference in 1863, '67, '71 and '75;

at the latter conference he was elected a member of the Board

of Publication, but his useful career was cut short before he

met the Board in regular session. At the session of 1874 he

was elected presiding elder and stationed on Philadelphia Dis-

trict, which he served with marked ability until called to his

reward. He died in Philadelphia Jan. 4, 1876, in the forty-

fifth year of his age. His death was felt to be a great loss to

the church. His educational advantages were very limited,

but by his close application he became a profound thinker and

valuable contributor to the literature of the church. He was

the author of a very helpful work entitled "The Old Way."

 

Joseph M. Saylor was born at Orwigsburg, Pa., Sept.

4, 1803, and died at Reading, Pa., Oct. 12, 1891, aged 88

 

 

EVANGELICAL BIOGRAPHIES. 551

 

years, 1 month and 8 days. He was converted at Orwigsburg

under the labors of John Seibert in 1823, with whom he

traveled York Circuit in 1824. He was licensed by the con-

ference in 1825, and in 1826 he traveled in Ohio, where he was

ordained at the first annual session in the West. He was

elected presiding elder in 1833. In 1843 he founded the Evan-

gelical work in Germantown, and in Reading in 1844; was

again elected presiding elder in 1848, 1861, 1872 and 1876.

He became superannuated in 1882, but preached frequently

until within a short time of his death, being the oldest preacher

in years and length of service in the church. He was in many

respects a remarkable man, and his services to the church were

indeed great and valuable. He was one of the compilers of

the English hymn book and other church literature. His

mind remained clear to the last, his memory retaining with

great vividness the events of the early days. Upon his retire-

ment from the active work in 1882, the East Pa. Conference

adopted suitable resolutions recognizing his long and valuable

services.

 

William F. Schneider was born in Prussia in 1834. In

1849, in company with his mother and uncle, he came to

America and settled at Lomira, Wis. His mother soon dying,

he was left to battle with the world alone when still a boy. He

obtained employment with a merchant at Fon du Lac, where he

was converted in 1851 under the labors of C. A. Schnake. In

1858 he was licensed to preach and served as an itinerant eight

years in the Wisconsin Conference. In 1866 he was appointed

agent of Plainfield (now North Western) College, Ill., in

which capacity he served with great acceptance four years. In

1869 he was elected general publishing agent of the book es-

tablishment, in which position he continued until death. His

reelection, in 1873, being by acclamation, the whole General

Conference rising to their feet, which was unprecedented.

Schneider was very quiet and unassuming, but very shrewd

and far-seeing, with wonderful business tact. Under his man-

agement a large, new building was erected and all the publish-

ing interests became amazingly prosperous. He died of fever,

Aug. 22, 1879, aged about 45 years, leaving wife and six chil-

dren. His untimely death cast a heavy gloom over the entire

church. His funeral at Cleveland was attended by the em-

ployees of the publishing house in a body, and also many of

 

 

552 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

the church officials and ministers. Addresses were delivered

by Bishops Esher and Dubs.

 

Jacob Schnerr was born in Adams county, Pa., March 17,

1806, and entered the ministry in 1829. He was a man of

singular piety and was greatly beloved. His service in the

ministry was brief, yet eminently successful. His crowning work

was the founding of the first Evangelical Society in Philadel-

phia, in 1835. Among the converts was Frederick Krecker,

who spent over forty years in the Evangelical ministry, besides

giving several sons to the church, one of whom found a mis-

sionary's grave in Japan. Schnerr was a consumptive, and

was compelled to locate in 1839, and thereafter served as agent

for the American Tract Society, as his enfeebled health per-

mitted. He died at Orwigsburg, Pa., March 10, 1849. His

wife Sarah, a sister of Rev. Charles Hammer, survived him

many years.

 

Jacob Schaefele was born in Alsace, Germany, in 1821,

and died at Aurora, Ill., December, 1888. He entered the

ministry of the Illinois Conference in 1850, and continued in

service until death. He was presiding elder twelve years, and

many times General Conference delegate. He was held in high

esteem and his death was greatly lamented.

 

Absalom B. Shaeffer was born in Shenandoah county,

Va., 1797, his parents having removed thither from Lebanon

county, Pa. Later they removed to Ohio, where Bro. Schaef-

fer was converted in 1829, and entered the Western Confer-

ence in 1836. He was one of the pioneer Evangelical preach-

ers in Indiana, and upon the organization of a conference in

that State, he became a member. He may justly be regarded

as the father of the Indiana Conference, having had the general

oversight of the work when connected with the Ohio, and later

the Illinois Conference. He was a good preacher, an earnest

worker, and an excellent organizer. He labored uninterrupt-

edly in the ministry for twenty-nine years, fifteen of which were

spent as presiding elder in the Ohio, Illinois and Indiana Con-

ferences. He located in 1866, and died Dec. 20, 1869. His

body sleeps at East Germantown, Ind.

 

Elias Stoever was born in Lebanon, Pa., Sept. 18, 1805,

and died near Greensburgh, Ohio, Aug. 16, 1874. He became

the subject of saving grace in 1824, under the labors of Rev.

Philip Breitenstein and his son John. With him were also

 

 

EVANGELICAL BIOGRAPHIES. 553

 

converted Henry Fisher and Jacob Burkitt, all of whom be-

came most eminent servants of the Lord. Stoever became a

member of the class organized at Lebanon, by John Seybert,

in 1826. He was licensed to preach and assigned by John

Seybert as junior preacher to Schuylkill Circuit, in 1827. In

1843 ne was elected presiding elder of Columbiana District,

Ohio, and served three years, was re-elected in 1847, and served

Mohican District, but became disabled in 1848, and superannu-

ated in 1849. He was a grand man, universally beloved, and

only retired from the active ranks when completely broken down.

His ministry covered forty-seven years, twenty-two in the active-

work. He was a member of six General Conferences.

 

Philip Wagoner was born near Carlisle, Pa., Nov. 22,

1800; entered the active ministry in 1822, and was elected pre-

siding elder in 1833, in which capacity he served almost a quar-

ter of a century. He was also president of the conference a

number of sessions. He was a member of ten General Confer-

ences, and his great services to the church are inseparably con-

nected with its history. He had a powerful body, a very fine-

voice, an excellent command of language, preaching in English

and German with equal fluency. The author heard him preach

an unusually powerful sermon in 1868, at a camp-meeting in

Centre ville, Pa., his text being: "But one thing is needful."

In the course of his sermon, he said of himself that he had al-

ways cherished the hope that the Lord would permit him to fin-

ish half a century of active service in the ministry. Should

this be denied him, he prayed God that he might die with the

harness on. This desire was granted, for he labored to within

a few days of his death, and died on his charge, Williamsport,

Pa., Feb. 15, 1870, aged 69 years, 3 months and 22 days. His-

remains repose at Lewisburgh. His loving wife Catharine,

born April 3, 1799, died Sept. 8, 1870, and who bore such trials-

as but few are called on to bear, reposes by his side.

 

In The Evangelical Messenger of March 13, 1858, we find a

remarkable letter from this old veteran of which we give an ex-

tract to indicate its spirit, as follows:

 

"With the close of this conference year, my term as presid-

ing elder expires, a capacity in which I have served the church

for twenty-two years. During all this time I have not missed a

single appointment, unless through sickness of myself or family,

and for the last four years I have succeeded in meeting every

 

 

554 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

 

one, and in all the temptations, both external and internal,

through which I had to pass, the Lord has been my Sun, my

Shield, and my Support, and I am still willing to serve the

church as itinerant preacher so long as I am able, for it is my

meat and drink to do my Master's will."

 

The home of Philip Wagoner was for a number of years in

Brush Valley, Centre county, Pa. During a protracted meeting

there, he preached one evening and then walked down the aisle,

pleading with sinners to come to the altar. As he passed a certain

pew, when a young man named George Weirick suddenly thrust

out his foot and tripped the portly preacher, who fell heavily to

the floor. This created a great sensation, but Wagoner did not

resent the mischief in the least, and his kind words smote the

young man's conscience, who not only became ashamed of his

conduct, but also distressed because of his sib. He began to

seek the Saviour, and some time afterwards was converted, and

sought Wagoner's pardon. He became a very devoted Chris-

tian, and was called of the Lord to the ministry in 1842, was

elected presiding elder in 1848, and served Allegheny District,

resigning in 1849 because of failing health, and died in 1850, at

Millheim, Pa. He was a man of great promise, and his early

death was deeply mourned. Through that mischievous act of

the young man and Wagoner's fall, the Lord won scores of

souls.

 

J. G. Zlnzer was born in Germany, in 1806, entered the

ranks of the Western Conference in 1839, but labored mostly in

the early part of the ministry in the Eastern Conference, in which

he was elected presiding elder in 1834; was elected presiding

elder in the Ohio Conference in 1839, and re-elected in 1843,

1847. In 1852 he was elected editor of the Christliche Botschaf-

ter, again elected presiding elder in 1855, and later superin-

tendent of Ebenezer Orphan Home. He located in 1872, set-

tling in El Paso, Ill., where he died, October, 1883. He was

justly regarded as one of the foremost men of the Church. He

was the chief promoter and founder of our orphan home, and

was its first superintendent and collector, in 1866-67.

 

 

555

 

THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS.

 

PART IV.

 

THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH.

 

Embracing an Account of the Division of the

Evangelical Association,

The Causes which led thereto, and the Organization

of the

United Evangelical Church.

Also a Continuation of the Annals of the Annual Con-

ferences Adhering thereto, and Brief Abstracts of Gen

eral Conference Proceedings, Church Organizations,

Literary Institutions, Statistics, Etc.

 

 

 

556 [page 556 is blank]

 

 

557

 

CHAPTER I.

 

A Preliminary Dissertation on the Division of the Evan-

gelical Association, and the Causes Which

Led Thereto.

 

The Element of Discord. — The picture hitherto pre-

sented to the reader in this work, has been one of peace and

prosperity. He must not, however, conclude that the Evangel-

ical Association did not have its seasons of trials and dfficulties,

in common with all newly formed denominations. So long as

affairs were under the control of her original people, and domi-

nated by the fathers of the church and their immediate succes-

sors, difficulties were overcome in the spirit of Christian

forbearance.

 

A new element now appears on the horizon of her history,

which casts a dark shadow over this era of peace and prosper-

ity. It will be recalled that the uniform tendency of the fathers

was to restrict the powers of the bishops, and to guard against the

centralization of power.

 

The reader will also recall the warning of Bishop Long,

when steps were being taken to increase the power of the epis-

copacy: "You must remember first of all that when you vote

power to men they will use it. This may do as long as you

have Bishop Seybert and myself in office, but you will get men

who will use all the powers you give them, and not always for

the best interests of the church." To narrate the fulfillment

of this prophecy has now become a mournful duty. Its de-

velopments and terminations, however, have been so manifold

and extensive as to preclude anything but a brief review of the

cause, process and final accomplishment of the disruption of

the church.

 

 

558 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS.

 

In 1845 there was licensed by the Illinois Conference a

young man named J. J. Esher, who in a few years attracted

the attention of the church. His ability was undoubted and

his promotion was rapid. At the General Conference of 1855

his admirers put him forward as a candidate for an important

office. Bishop Long at that conference expressed himself in so

pronounced a manner against the proposed candidature of

Esher as to incur the ill will of many prominent men who

advanced the latter's claim for preferment. Bishop Long died

in 1869, from which time until the Autumn of 1871, Bishop

Esher was the only incumbent of the office, and to this period

must be assigned the development of his peculiar ecclesias-

ticism, which perhaps, undesigned by himself, has made the

general interests of the church subservient to his own will

and purposes, and caused grave apprehensions to fill the

minds of many of the leading men of the church for her

safety.

 

Beginning with his elevation to the episcopacy, Bishop

Esher sought to gather around himself, in special bonds of

confidence, such as were like-minded and in accord with his

distinctive polity. Such as he would not trust, he held aloof,

and such as opposed his aspirations he uniformly regarded as

enemies. When in his native element it is said he sometimes

took occasion to speak disparagingly of the Eastern confer-

ences. In this way a nativistic spirit was engendered and deep-

rooted prejudices were implanted, which became painfully man-

ifest, not only in the church periodicals, but in her legislative

bodies as well. Long before the final culmination of these

troubles, Bishop Esher had come in serious conflict with his

own (the Illinois) conference, and incurred a vote of censure

by that body, which censure, however, was later disapproved

of by the General Conference, and ordered to be expunged

from the conference minutes. The matters involved were very

intricate and of far-reaching consequence. So serious did

affairs become, that a "Peace Conference" was convened in

Chicago, in November, 1878, attended by some of the leading

men of the church. An adjustment of the difficulty was made,

as was supposed, and the conference dissolved. But what was

their surprise to learn that Esher had declared soon afterwards

that the matters remained "unadjusted." To such an extent

 

 

THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 559

 

did Bishop Esher's peculiar polity manifest itself that it be-

came a matter of deep concern to the delegates of the General

Conference in 1875, and produced considerable agitation. Two

additional bishops were elected at this conference — Rudolph

Dubs and Thomas Bowman. In the Spring of 1882, the fam-

ilies of Esher and Bowman became united by matrimonial ties,

and, as a consequence, the isolation of Bishop Dubs followed.

Thereafter the Episcopal Board was divided. Bowman's atti-

tude on church questions was in hearty accord with Esher.

 

Ecumenical Council Difficulties. — By reference to the.

proceedings of the General Conference of 1879, it will be seen

that an invitation was received by that body to send delegates

to the Ecumenical Council of Methodism to be held in London.

The delegates elected were Bishop Dubs and Rev. D. B. Byers,

of the Illinois Conference. This selection was very unaccept-

able to the Esher party, who, soon after the adjournment of

the General Conference, held that they had not been elected as

delegates, but merely as a committee of arrangements, notwith-

standing the explicit language of the resolution.

 

The Board of Bishops met in October, 1880, at which time

a new arrangement was made by them, whereby Bishop T.

Bowman and Rev. H. Hintze were constituted — as Bishop

Dubs held — additional delegates. However, immediately after-

wards, Bishops Esher and Bowman asserted that the new

arrangement did not include Bishop Dubs and Rev. D. B.

Byers at all. This misunderstanding led to an acrid contro-

versy in the church periodicals, and by which the church be-

came aware of the difficulty. Bishop Dubs, as secretary of

the Episcopal Board, being of necessity in correspondence

with Dr. George, the secretary of the Committee of Arrange-

ments for the Methodist Episcopal Church, learned that Bishop

Esher had accused him (Bishop Dubs) of making false state-

ments in reference to the matter in his communications to Dr.

George. This new entanglement at once served to widen the

breach between the two bishops.

 

At the General Conference of 1883, held at Allentown, Pa.,

an earnest effort was made by that body to heal the breach.

The conference, sitting as a committee of the whole, occupied

many days in listening to the allegations of the interested

parties, especially Esher, who openly accused Bishop Dubs of

 

 

560 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS.

 

falsehood, and declared that he had lost "the last vestige of

confidence in him." The General Conference, after hearing

both sides of the controversy, and after mutual concessions

had been made tending to reconciliation, directed the bishops

to settle their difficulties privately. For this purpose Bishops

Esher, Dubs and Bowman met on the evening of October

18, in the home of the latter. The following morning Bishop

Esher appeared before the General Conference, and in an

unequivocal manner retracted his charge of falsehood against

Bishop Dubs, and their differences were in open conference,

declared adjusted. A few days later he gave Bishop Dubs a

written statement of the adjustment of which the following is

a translated copy:

 

My Explanation Before the Conference.

 

"In reference to the letter of Bishop Dubs to Dr. George,

I declare herewith that upon the analysis and explanation of

Bishop Dubs, I retract herewith the acousation of falsehood,

which I had made under the then existing opinions and im-

pressions. (So far, according to agreement made before con-

ference.) Then I added verbally: 'Further, I say I never

held Bishop Dubs responsible for the contents of the lost

letter, but could not avoid believing that he stood in a corres-

pondence whose nature and substance was indicated by the lost

letter. And further, I declare here, that I regard Bishop Dubs'

explanation as honest and sincere, and not, as was said yester-

day by a pretended friend, that it had proceeded from a weak-

ened condition of his health and mind, and upon this ground I

wish to serve God and the church with him in proper confi-

dence, in whatever position the church may place me.' (So

far verbally.)

 

"The following I added substantially: 'I might further add

that no one shall meddle with our matters. I believe we are

capable to settle the matters between ourselves, without the

intermeddling of others. The matter is done.'"

 

"J. J. Esher."

"Allentown, Pa., Oct. 20, 1883."

 

The result of the reconciliation was that the three bishops

were reelected, Dubs having by far the largest number of votes,

 

 

THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 561

 

and Esher a very narrow margin. The reconciliation,

however, was only temporary. The factional feelings and na-

tivistic prejudices, engendered by many years of shrewd ma-

nipulation were not in the least allayed.

 

In 1885 one of Bishop Esher's most subservient friends, a

European German, declared to the author that Dubs had be-

trayed his countrymen, and "had gone over to the other party,"

and at the next General Conference they would succeed in de-

feating him. With the conversion of Bishop Bowman to his

interests, Bishop Esher naturally became more aggressive in

furthering his High Church views

 

Japan Mission Difficulties. — In 1884 circumstances

led to an inspection of the Japan Mission by Bishop Esher,

who prolonged his visit to that field a considerable length of

time, returning home in the Spring of the following year. The

purpose of his visit, and details of his actions while there, must

be passed by for the present. Suffice it to say that in his of-

ficial report to the Board of Missions, the bishop cast unwar-

ranted reflections on the administration of the superintendent

of the mission, Rev. Jacob Hartzler. That Bishop Esher's

conduct toward the superintendent while in Japan, and his

aspersions on his work in his report were the result of personal

feeling and prejudice, is clearly apparent to any one capable of

forming an unbiased judgment.

 

Esher's report caused great dissatisfaction among that ele-

ment of the church afterwards known as the "Minority," and the

Editor of the Evangelical Messenger, Dr. H. B. Hartzler,

severely criticised it. But Bishop Esher never could endure

unfavorable criticism, and regarded every critic as his enemy.

The reader will therefore not be surprised that an unusually

acrimonious controversy ensued in the Evangelical Messenger

between the editor and the bishop, in which their friends also

became involved and new issues were opened.

 

The controversy also incidentally involved important prin-

ciples of church polity. For instance, Bishop Esher claimed

that his report, being an official document, was not a proper

subject for criticism. Every free-born American knows that

this principle is at utter variance with the spirit of our institu-

tions. If applied to the public press, all debate on the great

civil and political questions of the day would cease, and free

 

 

562 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS.

 

speech and a free press, would give way to the despotism and

censorship characteristic of the dominion of the Czar.

 

On the other hand, the editor held that the bishop must

be subject to the rules governing controversies, irrespective

of his rank, just like any other person, as established by

the General Conference of 1863, no exceptions being made

for any one because of superior rank. The bishop refused

to conform to this rule, and the publishers being his allies,

permitted him to insert his productions in the advertising

department of the paper, over which the editor had no control.

 

Sentiment focalized rapidly around the contestants; party

lines were drawn more and more distinctly; the minority

being entirely on the defensive. Meanwhile the leading men

of the church foresaw that a conflict at the approaching

General Conference of 1887 was imminent. It was generally

understood that Bishop Esher would prefer charges against

the editor of the Evangelical Messenger, while counter charges

were also probable. To such an extent did the Esher party

pursue its questionable course to crush the liberal sentiment of

the church, that a caucus was held by its leaders in Cleveland,

O., at the house of an "official," in the month of June, 1887.

This caucus was presided over by a dignitary, and was at-

tended by many of the faithful allies from the book estab-

lishment and other places. To their shame and disgrace it

must be said that they then and there conspired and planned

the defeat and overthrow of all who were in accord with

the minority. Talented, consecrated, inoffensive men were

marked to be sacrificed. The meeting and action of this

reprehensible conclave might never have been known outside

of its own circle, had not one of the participants afterwards

been led to see its injustice, and in 1893 made public confession

thereof through the press.

 

The Issues Joined. — The General Conference of 1887

was the most momentous ever held in the history of the Evan-

gelical Association. It now became a question whether the

liberal and truly Evangelical polity of the first Delegate Con-

ference of 1843, or a foreign ecclesiastical hierarchy, should

 

 

THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 563

 

henceforth prevail in the church. Immediately after the open-

ing of the conference charges were preferred against H. B.

Hartzler by Attorney E. B. Esher, son of Bishop Esher,

Rev. M. Pfitzinger and Rev. George Vetter. The unlawful

character of the eharges, as well as the undisciplinary character

of the trial is set forth in documents which follow. The trial

court consisted of the conference, sitting as a committee of the

whole, hence Bishop Esher himself sat as a judge and served

as Si juror at the trial of his opponent. It may here be said

that the issue at once resolved itself into a question, not of

moral, but of numerical strength, hence the verdict was antici-

pated before the trial actually began.

 

The first question to be settled was whether the confer-

ence had jurisdiction. Bishop Esher, the accused editor's

public opponent, was in the chair, and decided in the affirma-

tive. A protest was offered by the defendant against the pro-

ceedings on the ground that the conference had no disciplinary

jurisdiction in the case; that the charges were vague, indefinite

and inadequate, and that the moral and official conduct of the

defendant now on trial, had been repeatedly approved, with a

full knowledge of all the allegations of the plaintiff, by the

bodies to which he was primarily amenable. To this protest

the plaintiff offered a rejoinder. This action then brought the

question of the regularity of the charges before the body.

Bishop Dubs in the chair ruled against the plaintiff in the fol-

lowing decision:

 

1. Whenever charges are presented, the first requisite is the consideration

of their legality. It must be determined whether the proper legal requirements

have been complied with.

     These requirement have a twofold purpose: (a) the protection of the ac-

cused against all summary dealing with him, by affording him ample oppor-

tunity to defend himself against a too hasty procedure and an unjust judgment;

(i) the furnishing of the court with all the information essential to a correct

knowledge of the guilt or innocence of the accused, thus enabling it to judge

correctly and justly.

     The object of these requirements is, above all things else, the realization of

this twofold purpose.

 

2. It is the duty of the Plaintiff to comply with the legal requirements in

the presentation of his charges, and the accused is under no obligation to call

the attention of the Plaintiff to any illegalities or defects in his bill of charges

prior to the time of investigation, but it is his privilege to do so at the time of

the opening of the trial.

     Technical questions assume the following character: (l) are they before

 

 

564 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS.

 

the proper tribunal? (2) are the charges formulated in accordance with the

provisions of the law?

     The first of these questions was decided yesterday, the other is now be-

fore us.

 

3. In this case the Defendant did call the attention of the Plaintiff to the

irregularity of the charge in form, as it appeared to him, and the indefiniteness

of its specifications, and requested that he be furnished clearer specifications.

The Plaintiff was not under obligation to grant the request of the Defendant,

but, inasmuch as the Defendant has called attention to this matter and requests

the decision of this body, it is incumbent upon us to decide whether his objec-

tion is well taken, and whether it shall be confirmed.

 

4. The action of the Defendant shows that he does not seek to evade a trial

by availing himself of technicalities, since, in thatevent, he would not have

called the attention of the Plaintiff to the same.

     This, though it cannot be decisive, should at least be taken into considera-

tion in our inquiry into his present objections. The demand for a more specific

statement of the charges and more definite specifications be based upon the fact

that this is essential to enable him to fully prepare his defense, and, that

legally, he is entitled thereto.

 

5. On this point the court is required to consider that each specification

must be voted upon whether it is proven or not, and for that reason, clearness

and definiteness of statement are indispensable. Specifications must be stated

clearly in order to enable the court to vote intelligently. When shall this be

done? The Defendant is to meet the charges and defend himself. When shall

his request be granted, so that he may be able to prepare his defense?

 

6. This body being the highest tribunal of our church and, since by the

decision regarding the powers of the court, the Defendant has virtually lost his

right of appeal, and it is important that we act very cautiously on all these

points. Moreover, the charges are of such a character that Defendant, if found

guilty, may have to endure the severest penalty the church can inflict.

     We may not have definite directions how to proceed with every particular

phase of a trial, but in cases where such directions are wanting we should not

act contrary to the definite declarations of such legal provisions as are universally recognized and generally sanctioned in cases of charge and investigations, and in accordance with these provisions the objections of the Defendant are to be considered.

 

7. Our entire course of procedure in a trial is upon the broad basis, recog-

nized universally, that the Defendant be definitely informed of what he is ac-

cused, for what he is called to account, that he may be able to prepare his de-

fense. For this reason, also, his objections should be considered.

 

8. Charges should be stated concisely and briefly, plainly designating the

charges to be investigated and naming the offenses upon which it is based.

The specifications should immediately follow the charges which they are to

prove. A specification must allege a fact, and that must designate the relation

of the alleged fact to the Defendant, also the time when and the place where

the alleged fact, or facts, shall have occurred should be stated as definitely as possible.

     And, whereas, these requirements have not been compiled with in all points

of the charges in question, therefore the charges shall be referred back to the

Plaintiff for amendature on these points.

 

 

THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 565

 

Immediately after this ruling, Bishop Bowman offered the

following appeal from the chairman's decision:

 

     Whereas, Neither in our book of Discipline, nor by any enactment of

General Conference, any form has been laid down, according to which charges

must be preferred, hence every one preferring charges, must be allowed to use

his own judgment; and,

     Whereas, The matter before us is one of the greatest importance to out

church, and ought to be decided upon the broad principle of righteousness

and truth, I therefore appeal from the decision of the chair, to this conference,

that the charges and specifications are in sufficient legal form for us to proceed

with the trial.

 

Any one familiar with the laws and usages of the Evangel-

ical Association will know that the appeal of Bishop Bowman

is a piece of transparent sophistry. The fact is, that full and

explicit provisions are made for such cases in the Discipline,

but for the purposes of the "majority" they were then, and

have been ever since, ignored or perverted, to suit their pur-

poses. The appeal, of course, prevailed by a strictly party

vote, and the farce, miscalled a "trial," began, continuing over

three weeks, during which time all the issues involved were

thoroughly canvassed, the outcome being a verdict of "guilty"

pronounced by a vote of 57 to 47. A committee of thirteen

was appointed to formulate a sentence, which was as follows:

 

     Whereas, The specifications under the charges against Rev. H. B. Hartz-

ler have been sustained by General Conference, and in view that this in-

volves the severest penalty in the jurisdiction of our church for such offenses,

but the General Conference prefers the mildest sentence; be it

     Resolved, That Rev. H. B. Hartzler be deposed from the office as editor

of the Evangelical Messenger.

 

Great was the dissatisfaction of the friends of Hartz-

ler, and the "trial" was freely declared an outrage and a

travesty on justice. Hence the following protest, signed by

forty-one delegates, was presented to conference:

 

Protest of the Minority.

 

     We, the undersigned members of the General Conference of the Evan-

gelical Association, in Buffalo assembled, September, 1887, having heard the

charges, specifications and evidence in the matter of the charges by Reverend

M. Pfitzinger and others against Reverend H. B. Hartzler, are thoroughly

convinced that the said charges and specifications were too indefinite and un-

certain to warrant a hearing thereon by this body, in harmony with the laws

and usages of our church, and that the evidence adduced by the prosecution

is wholly insufficient to warrant a verdict of guilty under said charges and

specifications.

 

 

566 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS.

 

     We are further convinced that much of the evidence introduced by the

prosecution was wholly irrelevant and immaterial, and calculated to prejudice

the minds of many of the members of this conference against the Defendant,

and that the method employed by the prosecution in obtaining much of said

evidence was unfair towards the accused, whereby he was prevented from hav-

ing a fair and impartial trial in said case.

     We are further convinced that the secret petition wherein the accused was

pronounced guilty of a violation of our Discipline, and wherein he, the ac-

cused, was vilified and slandered, which petition was written by M. Pfitzinger,

one of the accusers, and by him caused to be circulated through a portion of

our church, for the signatures of ministers and laymen, long before the session

of this conference, had a great influence upon the minds of many members of

this conference, and that thereby they became prejudiced against the accused,

so that he was prevented from having a fair and impartial trial.

     That we characterize the conduct of said M. Pfitzinger, in writing and

circulating the said petition, as an act wholly at variance with the Discipline of

our church, and contrary to the teachings of God's word.

     And further; it is our opinion that this matter is illegally before this

body, because of the matters charged against Brother Hartzler were well and

publicly known prior to the latest sessions of the Ohio Conference, to which

he is accountable for his moral conduct, and the Board of Publication, to which

he is accountable for his official conduct, and both these bodies passed his

character without any objection.

     Moreover, the Discipline, in the only rule given for the trial of editors,

requires a two-thirds vote for conviction and deposing from office, and from

that decision the accused has an appeal, while in the case of Brother Hartzler

the accused has no appeal, although a vote for conviction was carried by a mere

majority of this body.

     Wherefore, by reason of the premises herein, we consider the verdict of

"guilty" unwarranted and unjust, and we hereby, in the name of our con-

stituency, numbering nearly one-half of the Evangelical Association, solemnly

protest against any further action in the matter of said charges, and demand

that this, our formal protest, together with our names, which are hereto sub-

scribed, shall be spread at length upon the records of this Conference, and

published in the printed Journal of the proceedings thereof, and that a copy

hereof be published in each of our weekly periodicals. (Signed by forty-one

delegates.)

 

Bishop Bowman occupied the chair when this protest was

presented. The simple request of the protestants, to allow

their paper to be placed on the records of the conference,

was refused, and all debate on the subject was cut off by him

on the ground that the Protest contained allegations that were

untrue, and that it was rebellion against the authority of the

church.

 

The reception of this document, couched in firm but respect-

ful language, and signed by almost one-half of the delegates,

would have been in accordance with parliamentary usage, and

 

 

THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 567

 

in keeping with a brotherly and Christian spirit. Its refusal,

and the subsequent abuse of the protestants, in the church

periodicals, with no opportunity of defense, was in strict ac-

cordance with "Majority" intolerance, and was a potent factor

in the difficulties which followed.

 

Bishop Esher and his allies gained their end, but paid the

price of conquest with the disruption of the church. He and

nearly all his candidates were elected to fill the offices of the

church, but their cup of rejoicing was mingled with the bitter

dregs of disappointment, for Rudolph Dubs, Esher's noted

rival, was also reelected.

 

The conference adjourned amid great dissatisfaction. A

number of delegates departed before its close, while others re-

fused to allow their names to be appended to the records as a

token of acquiescence.

 

With the close of this conference an ecclesiastical despot-

ism was manifestly inaugurated, by the institution of an in-

quisition, which has continued to the time of this writing, and

the severity of which has only been limited by the protection

afforded by the civil law. Immediately after the conference,

men, who had ventured to criticise the "majority's" unevan-

gelical course, were deposed from the ministry and expelled

from the church by strictly partisan tribunals. The official

papers now being under the control of bitter partisans, con-

tained the most rancorous attacks upon the "Minority,"

but when the latter attempted to reply, in vindication of their

position, the columns of the paper were closed against them.

This made the establishment of another medium an absolute

necessity, hence, soon after the General Conference, the Evan-

gelical Publishing Company was established and incorporated

at Harrisburg, Pa., and a weekly periodical called "The Evan-

gelical," was issued, the first number bearing date of Novem-

ber 14, 1887.

 

At the sessions of the annual conferences in 1888 diver-

gent sentiments became openly manifest, the position of the

"majority" being endorsed by some, while by a number of "mi-

nority" conferences the reverse action was taken, and the dele-

gates to said General Conference who refused to sign its pro-

ceedings were vindicated.

 

In 1888 open attacks were made on Bishop Dubs by Bishop

Bowman and others, but he remained silent, under all their as-

 

 

568 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS.

 

saults, although he knew his official destruction was decreed by

them.

 

In 1889 party relations became more strained than ever.

The attack on Bishop Dubs continued, and new assailants ap-

peared on the scene. Bishop Esher now came out publicly

against him, revived all his old charges of falsehood and slan-

der, and insinuated that he had never retracted them. Bishop

Dubs was now forced to reply, but when his chief article of

vindication was placed in the hands of the official editors, he

too found the church organs closed against him. His time had

come; he was marked for destruction.

 

About this time the truly Evangelical portion of the church

was shocked by the publication of a declaration by Bishop

Esher, confessing that he had deceived the General Con-

ference of 1883, by making a false statement before that

body in regard to his relations with Bishop Dubs. Here are

his own words: "I at last yielded, against my own knowledge

and conviction (may God and the Church pardon) admitted that

clear and positive untruth might be a matter of misunderstanding,

and on the following morning so stated in the General Confer-

ence." (Ev. Messenger, Feb. 11, 1890.) This has reference to

Esher's retraction of the charge of falsehood against Dubs,

already referred to.

 

Events now culminated rapidly; we can only touch on the

leading ones. In February, 1890, Bishop Dubs was cited to

appear before a partisan tribunal in Cleveland, O., to an-

swer a long array of charges, emanating (as was held) from

Esher, and in which his son, the attorney, again appeared as

prosecutor, as he had been against Editor Hartzler. Bishop

Bowman and Esher bore an active part in the so-called trial.

The only penalty this court could inflict was a suspension from

office until the next General Conference. This verdict Bishop

Dubs respected. He ceased to perform the functions of a

minister, removed to Chicago, and became the editor of the

"Deutsche Allgemeine Zeitung," which, like The Evangelical,

championed the cause of the "minority."

 

In March, 1890, Bishops Esher and Bowman were also sus-

pended for moral and official misconduct, by competent tri-

bunals, the former at Reading, Pa., and the latter at Chicago,

Ill. At this stage of affairs a shrewd scheme of Esher and his

adherents came to light. It seems that both he and Bowman

 

 

THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 56ft

 

anticipated that disciplinary action would be instituted against

them, and this they determined to forestall by a secret mock ex-

amination of themselves by three of their personal friends.

This so-called examination was not held in accordance with

the provisions of the Discipline, and was a secret affair, and

when active proceedings were instituted the result of the so-

called investigation was published and they claimed exemption

from any further trial. They repudiated the verdict of the

committees, mutually exonerated each other in the "official"'

organs, and declared "by the power in them vested," that all

their accusers and all who had participated in their trials had

rebelled against the order and authority of the church, and had

thereby forfeited their membership. This embraced sixty-three

ministers, many of them among the leading men of the church.

 

Esher and Bowman now forced the disruption of the

church. While under charges, Esher appeared at the session

of the Platte River Conference, in March, 1890, to preside.

The conference refused his presidency, because he was under

charges, whereupon he declared the entire conference had

"ceased to exist," and later he and Bowman, "by the power

in them vested," pretended to excind the conference by episco-

pal edict. In April Esher appeared before the Illinois Con-

ference to preside. He was then under suspension, and was

refused the presidency, when he retired, with about one-third

of the ministers, to another church, and organized a rival con-

ference. Bowman, in March, attempted to preside at the Des

Moines Conference, and upon being refused, retired with half

a dozen members, and organized a rival conference in a hotel.

On May 2d, he appeared at the session of the Oregon Confer-

ence, but was denied the presidency, whereupon he and his fol-

lowers became boisterous and disorderly in their attempt to

gain control of the organization, Bishop Bowman so far for-

getting himself as to become quite violent, at the same time

saying, "I suspend you in the name of God." The confer-

ence, however, was organized, with J. Bowersox as president

and J. L. Hershner as secretary, after which they withdrew

with about two-thirds of the conference to a near-by Metho-

dist church which was offered them and where the session was

held. Bishop Bowman, of course, organized a rival confer-

ence with his adherents, and thus completed the division of

the church on the Pacific Coast. They did not attempt to

 

 

570 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS.

 

hold the Central Pa. and Pittsburg Conferences. With the ex-

ception of the East Pennsylvania, they had a majority of ad-

herents in the other conferences, and presided.

 

The General Conferences of 1891. — In the proceed-

ings of 1887, the reader will see that instead of appointing

the place of the next conference, that duty was delegated to the

Board of Publication in violation of the seventy-first section of

the Discipline, which provides as follows: "The time and place

of the General Conference shall be appointed by the bishops,

with the consent of the majority of the conference; and if there

be no bishop present, the General Conference shall do it by a

majority of votes, or the oldest annual conference, who then

shall give all the other annual conferences due notice of the

time and place."

 

The year 1891 was indeed eventful. In order to complete

the division, Bowman appeared before the East Pennsylvania,

the Central and the Pittsburg Conferences, the three larger

conferences in the church. Being refused the presidency in

each case, he attempted to force a division, but did not succeed,

except at the first-named conference, where about one-fourth of

the ministers went with him.

 

The Board of Publication selected Indianapolis, Indiana,

while East Pennsylvania Conference, in conformity with the Dis-

cipline, appointed Philadelphia as the place of the next Gen-

eral Conference, consequently the conferences known as the

minority elected their delegates to attend the Disciplinary Con-

ference, while the conferences adhering to Esher and Bowman,

with one exception, instructed to attend the Indianapolis Con-

ference.

 

The rival conferences met at the places named in October,

1891. At Indianapolis the unlawful and unchristian conduct

of Bishops Esher and Bowman was approved and vindicated,

and they were of course reelected to office. All the arbitrary

powers they had assumed were legalized and all the undisciplin-

ary powers which Esher had for many years arrogated to him-

self and against which the true Evangelical Association had

-earnestly contended, were now engrafted on the so-called Esher

branch of the church. This system of centralized power, which

is wholly foreign to the genius of the church, constituted what

was then commonly denominated "Esherism."

 

The Philadelphia Conference removed the suspension from

 

 

THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 571

 

Bishop Dubs and reelected him to the office of bishop and C.

S. Haman, of the East Pennsylvania, and W. M. Stanford, of

the Pittsburg Conference, were newly elected to this office.

The suspension of Esher and Bowman was confirmed, and they

were deposed from the ministry and expelled from the church.

Both conferences elected a full complement of officials for the

various offices of the church.

 

The division was now fully established. About two-fifths

of the members of the church adhered to the Philadelphia Con-

ference, and constituted what was called the minority.

 

Responsibility for the Division. — With one voice the

minority declare J. J. Esher to be the cause of the division

of the church. This conclusion is based on a number of facts

that have long been the subject of general comment. The

minority claim, for example, that in the administration of his

office, the bishop had discriminated in various ways against

some of the annual conferences in which his episcopal will

could not have free course. They assert that they were made

to see and feel, more and more, that in thought and feeling

and purpose the bishop was antagonistic and alien to the spirit

and life of these conferences. They believed themselves to be

designedly slighted and depreciated, to the advantage of an

element in the church which was more subservient to his will

than they.

 

During the General Conference of 1887, he was entreated

by one of the oldest and most honored ministers of the church

to step into the breach and heal the disaffection, because he

alone was able to do it. This entreaty he spurned. In 1889

he personally supervised a secret movement among the laymen

of the Illinois Conference to reject and withhold support from

dissenting ministers.

 

In the Spring of 1890, a movement was made by Dr. H. K.

Carroll, Religious Editor of the New York Independent, and

seconded by some of the most influential men of various de-

nominations, looking towards an adjustment of the difficulties.

To this proposal the minority gave their hearty assent. A peti-

tion' to this effect, signed by 441 minority ministers, was pub-

lished in the columns of the Independent. The whole scheme,

however, failed, because of the irreconcilability of Esher,

who loudly protested, in the official organs, against reconcilia-

 

 

572 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS.

 

tion. He declared that "compromise is unthinkable. We have

nothing to arbitrate." At the Philadelphia convention of lay-

men, direct communication was opened with a similar body at

the Indianapolis Conference, with the same end in view, which

also failed, as is held, by the direct intervention of Esher.

 

The True Evangelical Association. — Reference should

here be made to Bishop Bowman's attempt to show that the

difficulties, which culminated in disruption, arose in the oppo-

sition of the so-called minority to the doctrine of holiness as

held by the church. Perhaps the strongest argument to refute

the illy disguised assumptions of Bowman will be found in the

organs of the church. An examination of all the volumes of

The Living Epistle, the holiness organ of the church, reveals

the fact, that of all the living contributors to that magazine

while it was a distinctively holiness periodical (1869-1875),

about two-thirds cast their lot on the side of the minority.

During the period when the discussion of that phase of doctrine

was at its height in the church, Bishop Bowman does not ap-

pear as a contributor of the magazine, while Bishop Dubs ap-

pears prominently, as also such minority leaders as Rev. S. L.

Wiest, who was one of the original proprietors of this maga-

zine; Dr. H. B. Hartzler, who for a number of years has

been an esteemed co-worker with Evangelist Dwight L. Moody;

Rev. D. B. Byers, one of the minority leaders in Illinois; Rev.

J. M. Ettinger, for some years the editor of The Evangelical,

and others of recognized prominence.

 

On the other hand, the minority claim to represent the true

spirit and genius of the church. Their strongest claim to this

distinction is their steady opposition to the encroachment of

an ecclesiastical hierarchy foreign to its original genius, and a

strict adherence to the Discipline. In addition to this, it is a

significant fact that the original people and territory adhere to

the minority.

 

In 1891 it was ascertained by the author that all the old

appointments established by the founders of the church, and

which are still maintained, are on the side of the minority. By

a careful canvass he also ascertained that there were still living

thirty-one ministers of the church who entered the ministry

prior to Esher (1845), of these, eighteen were pronounced op-

ponents of Esher, and of the remaining thirteen, a number

were confessedly neutral. One of the opponents of Esher was

 

 

THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 573

 

the oldest minister of the church, Joseph M. Saylor, who

entered the work in 1824, and who declared to the last moment

of his life that Esher had "split" the church.

 

 

574

 

CHAPTER II.

 

A Summary History of the Minority Conferences,

1888-1898.

 

1888. East Pa. Conference convened Feb. 23 in Norris-

town, Pa. Bishop R. Dubs, president; W. A. Leopold, secre-

tary. The following were licensed to preach: J. A. Weidel,

F. Becker, C. L. Oswald, R. T. Lenhart, G. A. Marquart,

A. L. Erisman, P. Gruver and S. K. Huebner. Ordained as

Elders — I. U. Royer, A. H. Snyder and J. P. Miller. Dea-

cons — G. A. Knerr, C. C. Speicher and J. D. Acker. W. E.

Waltz, missionary in Japan, was voted elder's orders. B. J.

Smoyer and A. M. Stirk were reelected, and S. S. Chubb newly

elected to the office of presiding elder. S. L. Wiest, former

corresponding secretary of the Missionary Society, was again re-

ceived, and J. C. Hornberger and S. O. McCurdy were granted

credentials. Rev. J. Hartzi.er and Mrs. Dr. F. Krecker, re-

turned missionaries from Japan, addressed the conference.

 

1888. Central Pa. Conference met in Lewisburg, Pa.,

March 1, Bishop R. Dubs, president; A. Stapleton, secretary.

Licensed to preach — J. W. Thompson, L. S. Reichard, A.

Rearick, W. C. Bierly, Charles Frey, W. M. Morris, J. W.

Smith, Elmer S. Kessler, Harry Minsker, Ira E. Spangler,

S. S. Mumey, J. L. Davis and T. L. Frymyer. Deacon's orders

were voted G. B. Galligher, J. Womeldorf, C. J. Dick and

J. Lauber. Elder's orders were granted M. J. Snyder. G. H.

Schleh was deposed. C. F. Gephart and E. O. Goodling

withdrew. J. H. Peters was granted credentials to the Platte

River Conference. H. B. Hartzler, D. D., formerly editor

of the Ev. Messenger, and member of the Ohio Conference,

was again received into this conference. J. M. Ettinger was

reelected and Jacob Hartzler newly elected to the office of

 

 

THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHDHCH. 575

 

presiding elder. Prof. G. E. Holtzapfel, a local preacher,

was received from the East Pa. Conference.

 

1888. Pittsburg Conference, Johnstown, Pa., April 19.

Bishop T. Bowman, president; J. W. Domer, secretary. A. L.

Burkitt was licensed to preach. Elder's orders were granted

to A. B. Day and A. W. Brickley; Deacon's orders to A. J.

Beale, C. E. McCauley and J. L. Mull. Died — J. Dick, G.

W. Risinger and J. Pfeifer, J. M. DeWoody (local) of the

M. E. Church, and D. F. Platt, of the Ohio Conference, were,

received. W. B. Shafeer and L. D. Drake withdrew. B. L.

Miller, F. J. Strayer, L. Scobert and T. G. Clewell were

granted credentials. L. H. Hetrick was deposed. F. P.

Saylor resigned the office of presiding elder and T. Bach was

newly elected and D. P. K. Lavan and J. D. Domer were re-

elected to the same.

 

1888. Illinois Conference, Elgin, Ill., April 12. Bishop

Bowman, president; George Vetter, German, and S. F. En-

torf, English, secretaries. Licensed to preach — C. F. Essig, G.

Fidder, J. F. Dunlap, A. E. Fuessele, F. Stevens, and C.

Unangst. Elders order's were granted to D. F. Fox, W. A.

Shultz, W. L. Walker and J. W. Fager. Deacon's orders —

J. Alber, J. H. Keagel, D. W. Kerr, C. F. Kiest, J. J. Klopp,.

H. Pope and J. Stengel. Died — J. F. Schnee, T. Hamilton,.

M. Heyle and J. W. Himmel. J. Schneider, W. Huelster,.

H. Messner and A. Fuessele were reelected presiding elders.

Thomas W. Woodside, a member of the conference under ap-

pointment as missionary to Africa, took leave of his conference-

in a touching address. He was retained on the roll of the con-

ference.

 

1888. Des Moines Conference, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, April

5. J. J. Esher, president; B. H. Niebel, secretary. M. A.

Evans, Charles Pickford, A. L. Golden and A. L. Rucker

were licensed to preach. Deacon's orders were granted to F. A.

Gossman. Credentials were granted O. Long, F. S. Locks.

and F. Methfessel. H. Kletzing and E. C. Wallace died

during the year.

 

1888. Platte River Conference, Shiloh Church, near Kene-

saw, Neb., March 8. Bishop J. J. Esher, president; T. W. Serf,

secretary. Licensed to preach — M. L. Maize, F. Brookhart,

G. S. Smith, M. B. Young, L. A. Kinsey and W. S. Larmon.

P. H. Hines was granted deacon's orders. Jonas Strohm

 

 

576 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS.

 

(a former itinerant of the Ohio Conference), died. J. H.

Peters, of the Central Pa. Conference, was received. The

conference was divided into two presiding elder districts. C.

W. Anthony and A. W. Shenberger were elected presiding

elders.

 

1888. Oregon Conference, East Portland, Ore., May 4.

Bishop R. Dubs, president; C. C. Poling, secretary. A. M.

Mell and F. W. Parker were licensed to preach. J. M. Beau-

-champ and H. L. Pratt were granted deacon's orders. I. B.

Fisher and F. L. Locke were received from other conferences,

and G. F. Burnett, M. R. Shaver and J. A. Ray received

from other churches. C. J. Miller and A. Schlenk were

granted credentials. C. C. Poling was newly elected and J.

Bowersox reelected presiding elders.

 

Notes. — The dissensions of the church became painfully

manifest this year. At a number of the conferences resolutions

were adopted condemning the publication and circulation of

the newly published Evangelical. Ministers were prohibited

under penalty from taking subscriptions for it, and in one in-

stance the support of an aged superannuated preacher was

cut off for circulating it, namely, Father A. Loehner, of the

Ohio Conference. Vigorous attacks were made in the official

papers upon many prominent men on the minority side, who

were denied their disciplinary right to reply to the attacks in

those papers.

 

The Bruder Bund Exposure. — At the General Conference

of 1887 it was discovered that a secret, oath-bound compact ex-

isted among some of the leading men of the church for the

mutual furtherance of their selfish ends. Its existence, how-

ever, was strenuously denied by the majority side. This de-

nial was far from conclusive, as in April of this year the con-

stitution of such a "bund" existing between several members

-of the Japan Mission was published in the Evangelical, one of

the ministers declaring that he had been a member of the com-

pact. In the California Conference another minister made a

similar confession and laid before the conference a copy of the

constitution, as follows:*

 

Compact between * * * * and * * * * wherein the under-

signed in the name of God, and upon their honor and fidelity, form a com-

 

* We omit the names.

 

 

THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 577

 

pact on the following points: (1) Daily to pray and love each other. (2) To

be helpful to each other. (3) To show to each other the deepest and most inti-

mate familiarity and attachment under all circumstances of life, the marriage

relation excepted. (4) In particular to communicate to each other everything,

especially all slanderous reports that may be put into circulation, and when it

may be necessary, to defend each other with the utmost decision, even if we

make enemies thereby. (5) To no human being shall our compact be com-

municated, nor shall anybody know anything about it, except our wives. (6)

If all our friends should forsake us, yet will we, in spite of friend and foe, hold

firmly and decidedly together. (7) Only by mutual agreement can the above

points be changed, or any other persons be received into this Bund.

 

The exposure of these secret compacts created great excite-

ment and distrust throughout the church. The pernicious char-

acter of the "Bund" was ably and fearlessly exposed in the

Evangelical, and no doubt its power for evil was thus curtailed,

as in a few years the fears and discussions occasioned by the

disclosures subsided.

 

1889. East Pa. Conference, Pottsville, Pa., Feb. 28.

Bishop T. Bowman, president; W. A. Leopold, secretary.

Licensed to preach — H. W. Behney, B. F. Egner, J. H.

Smith, J. S. Heisler, A. H. Martin, E. Wolf, G. W. Han-

gen, C. W. Heffner, A. M. Sweigert, W. H. Hartzler and

J. G. Boughter. Elder's orders were granted to T. L. Wentz,

A. E. Williams, B. C. Krupp, J. M. Shoop, A. G. Brunner

and W. W. Yost. Deacon's orders — D. S. Manning, J. B.

Esenwein and C. E. Hess, also Mikuna Uyeno, of Japan. D.

A. Medlar was newly elected presiding elder. Died — F.

Krecker, Dec. 27, 1888, aged 72 y.; H. Stoetzel, Jan. 27,

1889, aged 80 y.; D. Wieand, Feb. 21, aged 74 y. J. Frey, H.

R. Yost and U. H. Hershey. D. A. Medlar was newly elected

presiding elder.

 

1889. Central Pa. Conference, Williamsport, Pa., March

7. J. J. Esher, president; A. Stapleton, secretary. Li-

censed to preach — E. B. Bailey, W. E. Brillhart, W. Simp-

son, D. A. Artman and J. P. Buchner. Elder's orders were

granted to C. V. B. Aurand, M. I. Jamison, C. L. Sones, C.

D. Moore and Jazo Takano, of Japan. Deacons' orders —

D. M. Metzger. E. S. Bollinger took credentials for the

Oregon Conference. S. M. Mountz withdrew. S. E. Davis,

a former member, was received from the Oregon Conference.

Died — C. F. Deininger, itinerant, and J. C. Mergenthaler

and George Gohn, local preachers.

 

 

578 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS.

 

Note. — Rev. C. F. Deininger, died July 17, 1888, aged 62

years. He entered the ministry in 1850. He was sent in 1864

as the first missionary of the church to the Pacific Coast. Re-

maining there a number of years, he returned to his confer-

ence, and was elected presiding elder, and served Carlisle and

York District. He was pastor of the Bethlehem congregation,

York, Pa., at the time of his death.

 

1889. Pittsburg Conference, Brookville, Pa., March 21.

Bishop R. Dubs, president; J. W. Domer, secretary. Licensed

to preach — H. Cook, W. Sorber, A. A. Mohney, F. W. Ware,

H. Robb, W. S. Jenkins and J. H. Booser. Elder's orders

were granted C. F. Floto, C. D. Slagel, J. H. Shimp and J.

Smith. Deacon's orders — W. W. Elrick, G. M. Alshouse,

J. M. Weaver, E. C. Rickenbrodt, E. W. Rishel and P.

Berkey. S. S. Condo was received from the Ohio Confer-

ence. I. A. Rohland was reelected presiding elder.

 

1889. Illinois Conference, Barrington, Ill., April 11.

Bishop R. Dubs, president; M. Stamm, German, and S. F.

Entorf English secretaries. Licensed to preach — L. A. Town-

send and Yendo Chotaro, of Japan. J. Divan, H. H.

Thoren, H. Moser, C. Vaubel and G. Barth were ordained

elders, and C. N. Dubs, W. Forkel, E. W. Huelster and F.

W. Landwer were ordained deacons. C. N. Dubs, of the

Erie Conference, was received. Credentials were granted W.

T. Frey. Died — Jacob Shaefele.

 

1889. Des Moines Conference, Afton, Iowa, March 28,

R. Dubs, president; B. H. Niebel, secretary. Licensed to

preach — E. Hawn, D. W. Rose, G. Bancroft, M. A. Shel-

don, J. B. Edie and G. L. Kolb. Elder's orders were granted

L. Staufacher, N. Day, andN. B. Niebel. Deacon's orders —

C. Lang, L. A. Jones, M. A. Evans, J. W. McCurdy, and

George McNealy. O. Long was received. J. Auracher and

B. H. Niebel were elected presiding elders.

 

1889. Platte River Conference, Lexington, Neb., March

15. T. Bowman, president; T. W. Serf, secretary. Hon. J.

Whitehead and F. Mason were licensed to preach. S. B.

Dillow, J. W. Nye and L. G. Brooker were ordained elders,

and J. P. Ash and R. F. Myers deacons. J. Richards and

S. B. Anderson withdrew.

 

1889. Oregon Conference, Corvalis, Ore., May 2. J. J.

Esher, president; J. L. Hershner, secretary; T. T. Vincent

 

 

THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 579

 

and G. McElroy were licensed to preach. E. S. Bollinger

and F. S. Locke were granted elder's orders. F. W. Parker

withdrew. Credentials were granted S. E. Davis to the Central

Pa. Conference and A. Ernest was received, also M. Bur-

lingame, from the M. E. Church.

 

Notes. — The controversies of the two opposing elements

of the church assumed a very serious form during this year.

December 11, 1888, Bishop Esher published a proclamation

in the official organs of the church in which the Minority peo-

ple were charged as being "the instigators and promoters of a

movement" which he designated as being "from below,"

"Seditious," "a work of the evil one," "a crime against the

body of Christ." This publication gave most serious offense,

and nearly all the Minority conferences at their following ses-

sions passed resolutions deploring its intemperate language, de-

nying, as untrue, its insinuations, and disclaiming any inten-

tion on the part of the minority to oppose the authority of the

church, if administered in accordance with the Discipline. In

the same periodical of May 21, 1889, Bishop Bowman added

fresh fuel to the fire by the publication of an article entitled,

"The Issue Made Up," in which he clearly foreshadowed the

division of the church. Personal attacks were also made in

the official organs on Bishop R. Dubs, by his colleagues Esher

and Bowman, also by M. Pfitzinger and E. B. Esher, son of

the Bishop. It was quite manifest from these communications,

that their object was the overthrow of Bishop Dubs, who was

regarded as siding with the minority, although he had hitherto

maintained a discreet silence. Bishop Dubs replied to these

attacks in the spirit of meekness, but was eventually barred

from the church papers as a means of self-defense.

 

In the spring of this year an ably written pamphlet on the

trial of Dr. H. B. Hartzler, by Rev. W. F. Heil, was pub-

lished by the Evangelical Publishing Co. The issue of this

work gave the laity of the church an opportunity to learn for

themselves something of the utterly corrupt methods by which

Dr. Hartzler's enemies sought his overthrow.

 

1890. East Pa. Conference, Shamokin, Pa. Feb. 27.

J. J. Esher, president; W. A. Leopold, secretary. J. L.

Painter, S. P. Fry, H. D. Kreidler, H. H. Smith, S. P.

Erisman, G. W. Imboden, W. E. Frederick, H. F. Schlegel,

T. Knecht and J. E. Steele were licensed to preach. Elder's

 

 

580 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS.

 

orders were granted to G. A. Knerr, H. Dutill and H. A.

Smith. Deacon's orders to E. Romig, W. S. Harris and

A. S. Kresge. Superannuated — C. H. Baker, N. Gabel, C.

Gingerich, J. K. Knerr, J. M. Saylor, J. O. Lehr, A.

Zingenfuss, T. Harper, F. Hoffman, A. Dilabar and I.

Hess. Died during the year — A. F. Leopold, F. W. G. Becker,

E. Shultz and W. Rodgers. W. F. Heil was newly elected

and C. S. Haman reelected presiding elder. T. A. Hess was

granted credentials.

 

1890. Central Pa. Conference, York, Pa., March 6. M.

J. Carothers, president; A. Stapleton, secretary. C. W.

Siegfried and W. J. Campbell were licensed to preach. Elder's

orders were voted J. Womeldorf, C. J. Dick, E. W. Koontz

and W. Mjnsker. Deacon's orders to G. L. Maice, H. W.

Freed and B. Crailey. J. H. Irvine and F. S. Vought with-

drew. W. L. Beaumont took credentials for the Oregon Con-

ference. P. W. Raidabaugh, a former member of the confer-

ence, was received from the Ohio Conference. J. M. Brader

died at Warrensville, Pa., December 25, 1889, in the 50th year

of his age, P. S. Orwig, superannuated, died at York, Pa.,

Jan. 7, 1890, aged 43 years.

 

At this session the "Educational Aid Society, of the Cen-

tral Pa. Conference," was formed, for the purpose of affording

financial assistance to indigent ministerial students who con-

template entering the work of this conference.

 

1890. Pittsburg Conference, Greensburgh, Ohio, March

13. J. D. Domer, president; J. W. Domer, secretary. L. S.

Wilkinson, P. D. Steelsmith, J. Schweisberger, G. W.

Ringer, G. K. Allen and E. W. Smith were licensed to

preach. Elder's orders were granted to E. J. Beale, J. L.

Mull and C. E. McCauley. Deacon's orders to A. L. Bur-

kett and J. Swartz. T. B. Cobun was received. M. J. Bal-

entyne and F. J. Strayer took credentials for the Oregon

Conference.

 

The conference perfected an agreement with the Central Pa.

Conference for an interest in Central Pennsylvania College.

J. H. Spotts and L. B. Dunmyer died during the year, the

latter in Aurora, Oregon, Dec. 16, 1889, aged 67 years.

 

1890. Illinois Conference, Sheffield Avenue church, Chi-

cago, Ill., April 10. D. B. Byers, president; M. Stamm and

S. F. Entorf, secretaries. Elder's orders were granted to F.

 

 

THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 581

 

C. Kiest, J. H. Keagel, D. W. Kerr and J. Stengel. Dea-

con's orders to H. L. Beightol, J. Michaels and J. G. Fidder.

R. Dubs, Jr., was received from the Erie Conference. J. Meyer,

and J. T. Haverfield withdrew. A. Rohrback, Samuel To-

bias, S. Strassberger, S. Rickert and George Moyer died

during the year. D. B. Byers, F. Busse and S. F. Entorf

were elected presiding elders.

 

1890. Des Moines Conference, Des Moines, Iowa, April 3.

E. B. Utt, president; S. A. Walton, secretary. License was

granted to C. J. W. Triem, S. H. Streyffeler and M. A.

Sheldon. Deacon's orders were granted to C. E. Sheldon, G.

L. Kolb, A. W. Mell, G. F. Kelley, Charles Pickford and

G. W. McCracken. W. W. Shuler and J. H. Keagel, of the

Illinois Conference, were received.

 

1890. Platte River Conference, Beaver Crossing, Neb.,

March 13. E. L. Kiplinger, president; J. H. Peters, secre-

tary. W. M. Shank, R. M. Patterson and W. Kraemer were

licensed to preach. Elder's orders were voted to P. H. Hines

and J. J. Klopp. Deacon's orders to G. S. Smith, M. T.

Maize and S. W. Patterson. J. J. Klopp, of the Illinois Con-

ference, and S. W. Patterson, of the Presbyterian Church,

were received. B. F. Myer took credentials.

 

1890. Oregon Conference, Albany, Ore., May 2. J.

Bowersox, president; J. L. Hershner, secretary. D. V. Pol-

ing and O. S. Haines were licensed to preach. W. C. Kant-

ner, of the East Pa., W. L. Beaumont, of Central, and M. J.

Balentyne and F. J. Strayer, of the Pittsburg Conference,

were received. Elder's orders were granted to H. L. Pratt

and J. M. Beauchamp.

 

Notes. — The factional difficulties of the church culminated

this year in the deplorable disruption of a number of confer-

ences and the institution of litigation, which did not cease

until the law was appealed to over sixty times, on the part of

the majority. Not only was the majority side responsible for

the division of conferences, but also for the commencement of

litigation. In October, 1889, E. B. Esher, son of Bishop

Esher and son-in-law of Bishop Bowman, began a libel suit

in the U. S. Court at Philadelphia, Pa., against the editor and

publisher of The Evangelical and the Evangelical Publishing

Co., claiming fifty thousand dollars damages. Vigorous prep-

arations for defense were made, but the case never came to a

 

 

582 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS.

 

hearing, as Esher suffered a non-suit, April 14, 1890, by non

appearance. The second legal action was instituted by the

majority in Illinois, in April, 1890, for the possession of the

conference records. Soon after the division of the Illinois

Conference, in consequence of ministers of both factions being

appointed to the same charges, many actions at law were begun

for the possession of the pulpits, and with few exceptions, by

the majority people. Civil proceedings were also instituted in

several other states, with varying success to both sides.

 

The most notable civil action was that of the minority

people against the publishing house at Cleveland, Ohio, to re-

strain the officials from withholding missionary money, divi-

dends, etc. This case was decided by Judge Hamilton in favor

of the contestants in October.

 

With few exceptions the press, both civil and religious, was

vehement in its denunciation of the treatment the minority re-

ceived at the hands of the dominant faction. As an example of

public sentimentwe give a brief extract from the Cleveland Leader,

a leading western paper, on the action against Bishop Dubs:

 

To the lay mind it looks as if the trial and conviction of Bishop Ru-

dolph Dubs, of the Evangelical Association, in this city, last week, was about

as gross an outrage as an ecclesiastical court could be guilty of. The packed

committee of trial, the star chamber proceedings, the denials to the accused of

the ordinary privileges allowed to defendants in all civil courts, the introduction

of hearsay testimony, the latitude allowed for vile and wholly unsupported in-

sinuations and the manifest malice of the prosecution and trial committee

carry the mind back to the times of Bloody Mary, and the persecution of Bishop

Ceanmer. From a legal standpoint the evidence against Bishop Dubs was

absolutely worthless, and would never have been entertained in even a justice's

court. The learned and respected divine who is the victim of this travesty, on

ecclesiastical jurisprudence could probably establish a case of criminal libel

against his persecutors, were he so disposed. It is likely, however, that he will

prefer to await the vindication that can hardly fail to come from the General

Conference of his church. It is inconceivable that the verdict will be sustained.

 

1891. East Pa. Conference, Allentown, Pa., Feb. 26.

H. A. Neitz, president pro tern.; C. S. Haman, permanent

president; J. H. Shirey, secretary. E. H. Kistler, J. A.

Sellers, E. L. Watts, A. W. Brownmiller, H. P. Walter

and F. Smith were licensed to preach. Elder's orders were

granted to J. B. Esenwein, S. Buntz, C. E. Hess and J. D.

Acker. Deacon's orders to C. L. Oswald, J. G. Boughter,

G. W. Marquardt, D. F. Kostenbader, A. L. Erisman, W.

H. Hartzler and H. W. Behney. H. W. Hartman, local

preacher, was received from the Central Pa. Conference, also

 

 

THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCB. 583

 

J. W. Cline, a deacon of the M. E. Church. A. Dilabar and

R. T. Lenhart died. Father J. M. Saylor, the oldest minister

of the church, both in years of life and of service, delivered an

encouraging address.

 

1891 Central Pa. Conference, Berwick, Pa., March 5.

W. E. Detweiler, president; A. Stapleton, secretary. M. T.

Crouch, D. L. Kepner, J. H. Ferner, H. Bender, I. N.

Bear, D. P. Shaeffer, W. Horn, E. E. Shaffer and U. S.

Clark were licensed to preach. Deacon's orders were granted

L. S. Reichard, J. P. Buchner, S. E. Koontz, W. C. Bierley,

E. L. Kessler, C. F. Garrett, H. B. Barshinger, W. E.

Brillhart, J. W. Thompson, S. S. Mumey and J. F. Dunlap.

Elder's orders, D. M. Metzger. J. L. Miller was deposed

from the ministry and expelled from the church. J. M. Ettin-

ger, because of failing health, resigned the office of presiding

elder. W. E. Detweiler and A. H. Irvine were elected and

H. W. Buck and M. J. Carothers reelected presiding elders.

F. W. Raidabaugh took a letter of dismissal. Father Elias

Stambach died July 13, 1890, aged 69 years. T. M. Morris

died May 11, 1890, aged 52 years.

 

1891. Des Moines Conference, Lisbon, Iowa, April 2.

D. H. Kooker, president; S. A. Walton, secretary. R. C.

Pippin, J. Percy, J. J. Borrows, L. Sturgis and M. W.

Schraffer were licensed to preach. J. R. Edie was granted

deacon's orders and C. Long elder's order. The following

were received from the Iowa Conference: F. Beltzer, W.

Jonas, Emil Mueller, H. Eller, Otto Gerhardt, J. J.

Miller, H. Klinesorge, J. Henn, H. Lageschulte, C. A.

Mueller, L. Beltzer, M. Trumbauer, H. Borchard, and

J. H. Mayne. Sioux City district was formed, and W. Jonas,

newly elected presiding elder, was appointed to the same.

 

1891. Platte River Conference, Holdredge, Neb., March

12. E. L. Kiplinger, president; J. H. Peters, secretary.

M. B. Young and F. Brookhart were granted deacon's orders.

Credentials were granted C. W. Anthony, J. Whitehead, S. A.

Petit, D. P. Kline and N. F. Kletzing. C. W. Anthony re-

signed as presiding elder and E. L. Kiplinger was elected to

fill the vacancy.

 

1891. Oregon Conference, Lafayette, Oregon, April 2.

J. Bowersox, president; C. C. Poling, secretary; T. Suhr, of

the California, A. W. Teats, of the Pittsburg, and N. F. Kletz-

 

 

584 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS.

 

ing, of the Platte River Conference, were received. A. Parker

and E. Currin were granted license to preach. T. A. Yost

was granted deacon's orders.

 

Notes. — This year marked the actual disruption of the

church. The proposed arbitration by disinterested parties

failed, as elsewhere noted, and the minority had no alternative

but an ignominious surrender of their convictions and a cring-

ing subserviency to an ecclesiastical dictatorship, on the one

hand, or a faithful adherence to the principles and spirit of the

church as handed down by the fathers, on the other. They

chose the latter, leaving the results to God, who judgeth right-

eously.

 

Already in 1889, representatives of the East Pa. Conference,

which was the "oldest annual conference," asserted the dis-

ciplinary rights of the conference in the church periodicals.

Majority writers contended that there was no "oldest" con-

ference. This discussion embraces a considerable part of the

controversial literature of 1890, and was one of the main issues

in the litigation incidental to the disruption. When, therefore,

the East Pa. Conference met in February, 1891, in Allentown,

the following resolutions were passed:

 

     Whereas, Our Church Discipline provides on page 56, sec. 71, that "The

time and place of the General Conference shall be appointed by the bishops,

with the consent of the majority of the conference; and if there be no bishop

present, the General Conference shall do it by a majority of votes, or the oldest

annual conference, which then shall give the other annual conferences due notice

of the time and place;" and

     Whereas, The last General Conference appointed the time, but failed to

appoint the place; therefore,

     Resolved, That we, being tho oldest conference, consider it our right and

our duty, under the Discipline, to appoint the place for the next General Con-

ference, and that we now proceed to perform that duty, and appoint the place.”

 

The conference then appointed Christ church, Eighth Street,

Philadelphia, Pa., as the place, and all the minority conferences

elected delegates to attend this conference, while the majority

delegates attended the conference held at Indianapolis, Ind.

 

With the division of the East Pa. Conference, in 1891,

many actions of law were instituted by the opposition for the

possession of churches, while the minority people permitted the

Esher people to retain the churches wherever they had the con-

trolling power.

 

 

585

 

CHAPTER III.

 

Philadelphia General Conference, Philadelphia, Pa.,.

Oct. 1, 1891.

 

The delegates of the minority of the Evangelical Associa-

tion, assembled in Christ Evangelical church, in Philadelphia,

Pa., Oct. 1, 1891. A temporary organization was effected with

W. E. Detweiler, president; C. A. Paeth, German, and J. H.

Shirey, English, secretary. The permanent organization was

effected with C. S. Haman, president, and the previously elected

secretaries, who chose for assistants, W. Huelster, S. F. En-

torf, W. Jonas, U. F. Swengel, C. C. Poling, J. D. Wood-

ring and B. H. Niebel. The usual rules were adopted and

the various committees appointed.

 

Letters and greetings were received from Father Joseph M.

Saylor, at this time the oldest living minister of the church,

and Abraham Niebel, Henry Rohland, David Mertz, Lewis

Einsel, B. Hengst and J. O. Lehr.

 

Honorary Members. — H. B. Hartzler, chaplain of D. L.

Moody's school at Northfield, Mass., was invited to a seat

within the conference bar, as also J. Keachele, who at this,

iconference was received anew.

 

Review of Trials. — The proceedings in the case of Bishop

J. J. Esher, Thomas Bowman and R. Dubs were reviewed.

The verdicts of guilty in the case of Esher and Bowman were

sustained, and they were suspended from office and from the

church. The verdict against Bishop Dubs was reversed, and

he was fully restored.

 

In the case of John Fuchs, of the South Indiana, George

Harms, of the Wisconsin, and George Hasenpflug, of the

Erie Conference, the verdicts of guilty were reversed and they

were restored. In the case of J. L. Miller, of the Central Pa.

Conference, the verdict was sustained, and his expulsion con-

firmed.

 

 

586 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS.

 

Disciplinary Changes. — Many disciplinary changes were

adopted, but for reasons which may be inferred from subse-

quent developments, never became operative, until original

action was taken at the Naperville General Conference.

 

Lay Representation. — A recommendation was adopted

looking to the admission of lay delegates to annual and Gen-

eral Conference.

 

Memorial. — Action was taken on the death of C. Brill, Ex-

Bishop W. W. Orwig, J. Schaefele, H. Schelp, J. M. Gomer and

J. M. Saylor, the latter having died near the close of the confer-

ence.

 

The Keystone League of Christian Endeavor was

adopted as an institution of the church, and the following were

elected as a Managing Board for the ensuing quadrennium:

Ministers — U. F. Swengel, W. H. Fouke, J. B. Esenwein,

H. H. Rassweiler, C. A. Paeth, Laymen — F. Pfunder,

J. F. Boyer, W. C. Weiss and S. A. Smith.

 

Resolutions. — Resolutions were adopted on Temperance,

the Sabbath, Missions, Sunday-schools, Education, and the State

of the Church.

 

Statistics. — The statistics of the entire church were given

as follows: Members, 150,310; itinerant preachers, 1218;

local preachers, 632; churches, 2,058; parsonages, 691.

 

Elections.— -The following officials were elected: Bishops —

R. Dubs, C. S. Haman and W. M. Stanford. Corresponding

Secretary of the Missionary Society — B. J. Smoyer. Treasurer of

of the Missionary Society — M. Kunkel, (a layman, of Chicago).

Publisher — John Schneider. Editors — For the Christliche Bots-

thafter, J. Kaechele; Evangelical Messenger, W. Caton; Ger-

man Sunday School Literature — M. Stamm; English Sunday

School Literature — U. F. Swengel. Board of Publication: Min-

isters — W. E. Detweiler, T. Bach, D. H. Kooker and E.L. Kip-

linger; Laymen, J. Hendel, D. Z. Herr and T. L. Haines.

 

The conference closed Oct. 16, to hold its next session at

Naperville, Ill.

 

General Conference Delegates.

 

East Pa. Conference. — C. S. Haman, B. J. Smoyer, S. S.

Chubb, D. A. Medlar, W. F. Heil, A. M. Stirk, A. M.

Sampsel, J. D. Woodring, J. H. Shirey, S. L. Wiest, R. M.

Lichtenwalner,* J. M. Rinker.

 

 

THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 587

 

Central Pa. — M. J. Carothers, H. W. Buck, W. E. Det-

weiler, J. Hartzler, A. H. Irvine, S. W. Seibert, U. F.

Swengel, J. M. Ettinger, A. Stapleton,* W. N. Wallis,*

A. L. Reeser.

 

Pittsburg. — T. Bach, I. A. Rohland, J. D. Domer, W. M.

Stanford, D. P. K. Lavan, G. W. Brown.

 

Illinois. — D. B. Byers, J. Schneider, H. Messner, S. F.

Entorf, C. A. Fuessele, F. Busse, W. Caton, W. Huelster,

C. A. Paeth, M. Stamm, H. Meier,* W. H. Fouke.*

 

Des Moines. — J. Auracher, E. B. Utt, B. H. Niebel, D.

H. Kooker, W. Jonas, W. Klinefelter.

 

Platte River. — E. L. Kiplinger, A. M. Shenberger, T. W.

Serf, J. K. Peters.*

 

Oregon. — J. Bowersox and C. C. Poling.

 

The Lay Convention.

 

In connection with the General Conference, a lay conven-

tion met on the same date (Oct. 1), in the lecture room of the

church, closing Oct. 6 and reconvening Oct. 13, for one day.

The permanent officers were, president, I. Bower; vice-presi-

dent, M. Kunkel; secretaries, W. C. Weiss and Jacob Alt;

treasurer, B. B. Kehler. The delegates to this convention

were elected at district meetings, composed of a representative

from each charge.

 

The work of the convention was chiefly designed to bring

about a reconciliation between the two factions into which the

church was divided. Their object and plan being endorsed by

resolution of the General Conference, telegraphic communica-

tions were at once opened with the lay convention of the Indian-

apolis General Conference. The beginning was auspicious, but

the majority leaders of the Indianapolis Conference, notably

Bishops Esher and Bowman, were pronounced in their oppo-

sition, and the work of reconciliation failed.

 

Resolutions were adopted deploring the indisposition of the

Indianapolis gathering toward overtures of peace. The Gen-

eral Conference was asked to open the way fox lay representa-

tion. The great issues on which the church stood divided were

discussed, and the position of the minority strongly indorsed.

 

* Alternates.

 

 

588 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS.

 

Delegates to the Lay Convention.

 

East Pa. Conference. — J. Swartz, J. E. Huber, H. R.

Kreidler, J. H. Painter, J. G. Mohn, W. C. Weiss, J. K.

Maurer, W. G. Borgner, I. Christ, L. Watts, W. J. Egge,

C. W. Bachman, L. F. Brensinger, B. K. Kehler, A. Rath-

von.

 

Central Pa. — D. L. Zerby, I. S. Frain, W. E. Page, Prof.

D. M. Brungard, I. Bower, Dr. W. F. Vallerchamp, Prof.

W. A. Spate, I. M. Dreisbach, C. T. Heil, W. E. Wollet,

J. M. Carothers, J. F. Thomas.

 

Illinois. — M. Kunkel, J. Alt, J. Strickfaden, P. S.

Schnable, J. W. Stocker, C. W. A. Lindeman, J. Kraft, I. A.

Uphofe, W. Ross, J. C. Wessling, T. L. Haines, F. Berg-

man, F. Grimsell, Dr. L. Eberhart, I. J. Vogelgesang.

Also George Hasenpflug, of the Erie Conference.

 

1892. East Pa. Conference, Lebanon, Pa., Feb. 18.

Bishop R. Dubs, president; J. H. Shirey, secretary. L. O.

Wiest, J. H. Workman, C. D. Huber, W. L., Teel, D. A.

Roth, S. H. Chubb, W. J. Edelman, J. W. Zuber, B. K.

Maurer. C. D. Lentz and C. H. Shirk were licensed to preach.

Elder's orders were granted to E. H. Romig and W. S. Harris.

Deacon's orders to G. W. Hangen, J. L. Painter, H. H.

Smith, J. U. Weidel, J. K. Freed, H. D. Kreidler and C.

W. Heffner. Father J. M. Saylor, superannuate, died, also

J. M. Salada, D. Mertz and S. B. Medlar, local preachers.

S. H. Heebner and E. Wolf, local preachers, withdrew. F.

C. Smith took credentials. A. M. Stirk and G. W. Gross

were elected and S. S. Chubb reelected presiding elders.

 

1892. Central Pa. Conference, Williamsport, Pa., March 3.

R. Dubs, president; U. F. Swengel, secretary. W. Brown,

M. A. Kennelly, J. L. Gardner, W. B. Cox, D. B. Artman,

J. E. Heindel, G. H. Dosh, C. W. Hipple, J. G. Whitmire

and I. Fry were licensed to preach. Elder's orders were granted

to G. L. Mace and Deacon's orders to E. B. Bailey and D. A.

Artman, J. W. Smith withdrew. J. Hartzler was reelected

presiding elder. S. Yearik died Jan. 31, aged 64 years, also

D. Peters, J. Heller and N. T. Meads, local preachers.

 

1892. Pittsburg Conference, DuBois, Pa., March 17.

Bishop C. S. Haman, president; J. Q. A. Curry, secretary.

License to preach was granted to F. E. Hetrick, J. H. Elder,

 

 

THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 589

 

S. B. Rohland, M. H. Jones and J. G. Wise. Elder's orders

were granted to A. L. Burkett and Deacon's orders to J. C.

Hadlock, J. E. Robb, J. H. Schweisberger, P. D. Steei.-

smith, H. M. Cook, J. H. Boozer and C. W. Siegfried. C.

H. Miller, C. F. Floto, E. F. Dickey, A. Platt, A. W.

Brickley, C. D. Slagel. G. J. Coleman and D. F. Platt took

credentials. J. Swartz withdrew. G. Focht and L. Ross

died. T. Bach was reelected, and G. W. Brown and J. W.

Domer were newly elected presiding elders.

 

1892. Illinois Conference, Naperville, Ill., April 14.

Bishop C. S. Haman, president; M. Stamm and W. Caton,

secretaries. J. H. Gamber received license to preach. J. W.

Michael, H. L. Beightol and J. G. Fidder were advanced to

Elder's and A. Lutz to Deacon's orders. Died — A. S. Heil-

man, Dec. 12, 1891, aged 66 years, E. Musselman, J. Sills

and J. B. Trumbauer. William Berberich was received from

the Canada Conference. H. Messner was reelected and J.

Schneider and William Caton were newly elected presiding

elders. Jacob Saylor and Joseph Harlacker, two of the

oldest ministers of the church, addressed the conference with

words of cheer and encouragement.

 

1892. Des Moines Conference, Cedar Rapids, Iowa,

March 24. W. M. Stanford, president; S. A. Walton, secre-

tary. Received into the conference — F. C. Smith, of the East

Pa.; J. W. Shaefele, of the Platte River, and C. A. Mertz,

of the Illinois Conference; J. McCallister, of the M. E.

Church, and also P. Beltzer and C. Gerhart, of the Iowa

Conferencer Elder's orders were granted to H. M. Trumbauer,

L. E. Belzer, H. Borchard, C. Pickford and M. A. Evans.

Deacon's orders to J. C. Doering, J. V. Hummel, C. J.

Schalley, J. H. Mayne, C. A. Mertz, A. L. Golden, R. C.

Pippin and W. M. Force. J. C. Porter and C. W. Trieme

withdrew and I. Edie took credentials.

 

1892. Platte River Conference, Glenville, Neb., March 3.

W. M. Stanford, president; T. W. Serf, secretary. C. W.

DeGroot was licensed to preach. S. W. Patterson, M. T.

Maize and G. S. Smith had Elder's and W. A. Coon and W.

M. Shoop had Deacon's orders voted them. G. W. Andrews,

local, withdrew. S. H. Dunkelberger and H. R. Price, of

the Kansas Conference, were received, also D. F. Honestedt

and E. J. Troyer were received in full connection as elders.

 

 

590 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS.

 

E. L. Kiplinger resigned the office of presiding elder and S. B.

Dillow and E. J. Troyer were elected to the same.

 

1892. Oregon Conference, East Portland, Oregon, April 7.

W. M. Stanford, president; C. C. Poling, secretary. T. L.

Weaver and J. Schneider were granted license to preach.

D. V. Poling and O. S. Haines were advanced to Deacon's

orders. A. Parker, a local elder, withdrew. G. D. Kunkel,

of the M. E., and W. Uber, of the Congregational Church,

were received, also C. D. Slagel and G. J. Coleman, of the

Pittsburg Conference.

 

1892. Ohio Conference, Findley, Ohio, Sept. 8. The

dissenting, or minority members, organized their conference

in the First M. E. Church, W. M. Stanford, president; W. W.

Sherrick, secretary. The following were admitted to mem-

bership: George Hasenpflug, of the Pittsburg; D. W. Kerr,

of the Illinois, F. S. Smith, of the DesMoines Conference,

also W. F. Zander, of the Reformed and W. H. Ingel, of the

U. B. Church. A. Evans was elected presiding elder, A.

Loehner and Ch. Idelman, the two oldest preachers of the

Ohio Conference, cast their lot with the minority conference.

The following took charges for the year: A. Evans, P. E. of

conference district; Lancaster, W. S. Herpster; Circleville,

W. L. Teel; Cedar Hill, F. C. Smith; Baltimore, D. F. Platt;

Zion, W. E. Bailey; Fairfield, S. E. Rife; Cleveland, W. F.

Zander; Findley, W. W. Sherrick; Akron, George Hasen-

pflug; Carey, A. Swartz. Unemployed, A. Loehner, C.

Idleman, W. H. Ingel, D. W. Kerr and F. G. Stauffer.

 

Notes. — Great and momentous events crowded each other in

rapid succession this year. Prominent among them was the

renewed attempts of leading divines of various churches to

bring about a peaceful settlement of the difficulties of the

church, notably, Dr. H. K. Carroll, of the New York Inde-

pendent.

 

Inasmuch as the General Conference declared that in view

of the overtures of the minority and the kind offices of dis-

interested ministers that "Proposals of compromise are a

sacrilegious mockery and bear the stamp of hypocrisy and de-

ceit, and deserve no further attention," we deem it important

for the vindication of the minority against the constant charge

of insincerity by the majority to give the declaration signed by

441 minority preachers, including also some editorial remarks,

 

 

THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 591

 

as it appeared in the Independent, under the caption of "A Manly

Proposal," as follows:

 

     Last week we received from Rev. W. F. Heil, of Allentown, Pa., the fol-

lowing paper, which has been signed by 441 ministers, local and itinerant, ad-

hering to the minority. Of these ministers 94 are in the East Pennsylvania, 126

in the Central, 47 in the Pittsburg, 61 in the Illinois, 69 in the Des Moines, 26

in the Oregon, and 14 in the Platte River Conference. We give the paper in

full:

 

Declaration.

 

     With a sincere desire that the position of the so-called minority in the pres-

ent unhappy controversy in our church should be fully and clearly known to

every minister and member of the Evangelical Association and to the general

Christian public, we unite in this statement and declaration.

     While we are confident that our cause is morally right, and we sincerely be-

lieve it to be constitutionally right, and while we do not admit that the responsi-

bility for our present deplorable division, rests in any large degree upon us, we

are constrained to say that it is not our desire that, for the vindication of our

rights, precious as they are to us, the war of brother against brother, congrega-

tion against congregation, should go on.

     When a body of brethren is thus torn asunder the Spirit of Christ is grieved,.

and His cause is injured. We are conscious of the evil results of a controversy

like that which is rending the Ev. Association. It is possible that in the heat

of the conflict, we may have been provoked to the manifestation of a spirit

which should not obtain among brethren.

     The sense of our wrongs has been so keen that our judgment of what is

right may at times have been affected. We do not, therefore, speak as though

we were infallible, but we do speak as men who love the Lord Jesus Christ, and

who covet for ourselves the constant guidance of his Spirit, as ministers and

members who love the old church, and desire that the differences be healed; as

brethren who love those with whom we used to worship and kneel at the com-

munion table.

     We say to these fellow members of the body of Christ, "We be brethren —

let there be no strife, we pray thee, between us and thee." We thus record our

sincere desire that our differences may be amicably settled. And in view of the

fact that we believe it to be impossible to secure an adjudicatory within the

church, whose determination of this matter would be accepted as impartial by

the whole church, we believe in the wisdom of submitting the entire matter to-

a commission of capable and influential ministers of sister churches, and hereby

declare our willingness to have the case determined in this manner.

 

Commenting on the above, the editor of The Independent

says:

 

     This does not sound as though it proceeded from a "generation of vipers."

It will be hard for Bishop Bowman, or his colleague, Bishop Esher, to con-

vince any fair-minded man that these 441 ministers are "vipers" or "hypo-

crites," or "corrupt and designing men." It is, of course, possible that some

of them may be insincere, but it is not possible that all are. It is a manly, Chris-

tian spirit which the paper breathes, and it is entitled to a manly Christian con-

 

 

592 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS.

 

sideration. We do not see what more they could offer or concede. Christian

manliness should demand nothing more.

     If this proposition is spurned as bitterly as that which was made to the

Indianapolis General Conference, the conclusion is inevitable. The majority,

blinded by Bishops Esher and Bowman, are bent on making the disruption of

the church permanent, and in casting out all, both ministers and laymen, who

cannot pronounce their shibboleth.

     If no attempt is made to settle the differences, the responsibility for com-

pleting a grievous schism, dishonoring to the church, to the cause of Christ,

will rest on the majority. We beg of those who can divest themselves of pas-

sion and prejudice, and who are not more anxious for the vindication of two or

three bishops than the whole body of brethren, to come to the front, and insist

that the manly statement of the minority shall have a manly answer.

 

It is sufficient to add that these kind proposals were vin-

dictively spurned and the Independent was roundly abused by

the majority writers.

 

Litigation.— Oil the 39th of July, 1891, Judge Hamilton

issued his second decision in favor of the minority, the first being

a temporary injunction. This decision was based in part on

the valid suspension of Bishops Esher and Bowman. A new

suit was begun, quo warranto, Nov. 30, 1891, in the Circuit

Court of Cleveland, Ohio, by the minority for the possession of

the publishing house. After a most exhaustive hearing, an ad-

verse decision was rendered in the latter part of March, 1892,

which left the majority incumbents in full possession. The

case was appealed to the Supreme Court, which sustained the

lower court.

 

1893. East Pa. Conference, Bethlehem, Pa., Feb. 23.

Bishop C. S. Haman, president; J. H. Shirey, secretary. J. H.

Krecker, H. Fosnacht, William Scheifley, W. H. Rummel,

A. G. Musselman and C. H. Aroh were licensed to preach.

Deacon's orders were granted to Thomas Knecht, A. W.

Brownmiller, J. E. Steele, H. F. Schlegel, E. H. Kistler,

S. P. Erisman, J. A. Sellers, A. M. Swiegert, H. P. Walter

and J. S. Heisler, and Elder's order's to W. H. Hartzler,

A. L. Erisman, C. L. Oswald, G. W. Marquardt, H. W.

Behney, J. G. Boughter and D. W. Kostenbader. This was

the largest number of advancements in the history of the con-

ference. H. W. Hartranft and W. B. Romig, local preaches,

withdrew. D. A. Medlar was reelected presiding elder. A

movement to hold a Bible Conference at Perkasie Park, July

18-20, was indorsed. James O. Lehr, died Dec. 15, 1892,

aged 57 years. Also W. Garrett and M. M. Steckley.

 

 

THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 593

 

1893. Central Pa. Conference, Milton, Pa., March 2.

W. M. Stanford, president; U. F. Swengel, secretary. W. C.

Hoch, E. Fulcomer, W. E. Bailey, F. F. Mayer, J. A. Bull,

J. O. Biggs, W. G. Seifert, W. H. Whitmore, G. W. Heiney,

D. F. Young and A. Duffey were licensed to preach. Elder's

orders were granted to S. S. Mumey, J. W. Thompson, C. F.

Garrett, E. L. Kessler, S. E. Koontz, J. P. Buchner, W. E.

Brillhart, L. S. Reichard, W. C. Bierley and J. F. Dunlap,

and Deacon's orders to E. E. Shaffer, D. P. Schaefer, D. L.

Kepner, W. J. Campbell, H. H. Trumpfheller, H. Minsker,

H. W. Bender and G. C. Hoffman. R. W. Runyan with-

drew. A Church Extension Society was adopted and officers

elected.

 

1893. Pittsburg Conference, Johnstown, March 16. R.

Dubs, president; J. Q. A. Curry, secretary. D. L. Yoder,

A. F. Berkey, W. Lewis, J. C. Powell and C. H. Stewart

were licensed to preach. Elder's orders were granted to A. A.

Mohney, P. F. DeVaux and P. Berkey, and Deacon's orders

to. F. W. Ware, E. S. Deane, G. W. Ringer, G. K. Allen

and J. N. Buzza. G. M. Alshouse took credentials. I. A.

Rohland was reelected presiding elder. J. G. Milliron and

I. A. Smith died, the latter April 25, 1892, aged 41 years.

 

1893. Illinois Conference was held in the Presbyterian

church, Freeport, Ill., in consequence of an injunction by Judge

Cartwright, forbidding the conference to hold its session in

the Salem Evangelical church. In deference to the recent

adverse decision of the Illinois Supreme court, the conference

took the name of "The Illinois Conference of the Regular

Evangelical Association." The conference convened April 6.

Bishop W. M. Stanford, president; M. Stamm and E. K.

Yeakel, secretaries. B. R. Schultze and M. Schmitt were

granted license to preach. M. C. Morelock, J. F. Finkbeiner

and C. G. Unangst were advanced to Elder's orders.

 

The Philadelphia General Conference was recognized and its

legislation indorsed. The previous actions of this conference

were ratified. A committee was appointed to confer with the

majority representatives with a view of adjusting property

claims, etc. In connection with the conference, an enthusiastic

Layman's Convention was held, of which C. W. Lindeman was

president, and S. E. Knecht, Esq., secretary. The actions

and cour-se of the ministry was indorsed and encouraged.

 

 

594 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS.

 

1893. Des Moines Conference met in Centre Point, Iowa,

April 6. Bishop C. S. Haman was present to preside, and

as the conference was about to open, several majority leaders

appeared with an injunction by Judge Preston, prohibiting the

holding of the conference in the name of the Des Moines Con-

ference of the Ev. Association. As the status of the conference

was still undecided by the Supreme Court, and inasmuch as

the injunction by Judge Preston did notforbid it, the ministers,

after spending some time in religious exercises, again returned

to their respective charges. A declaration, signed by fifty-

three members of the enjoined conference, was published, in

which their loyalty to the cause of the minority was re-affirmed,

and the laity were called upon to stand firm in their adherence

to the right

 

1893. Platte River Conference, Blue Springs, Neb., March

16. C. S. Haman, president; T. W. Serf, secretary. J. W. Bis-

sel, James Ramsey, F. Devol and G. Stinson were licensed to

preach. M. B. Young had Elder's and F. L. Mason and N. J.

Kirkpatrick Deacon's orders granted them. E. B. Miller

and R. I. Hassinger were received from the Kansas Confer-

ence.

 

1893. Oregon Conference, Dayton, Oregon, April 5. J.

Bowersox, president; C. C. Poling, secretary. E. D. Farns-

worth, A. C. Tunison and B. C. Rabing were licensed to preach.

Thomas Yost was granted Elder's orders. D. V. Poling and

P. Bott withdrew during the year. A. R. Johnson, J. M.

Dick, O. S. Haines and J. M. Beauchamp took credentials.

Seventeen ministers took work.

 

1893. Ohio Conference, Salem church, Fairfield county,

Ohio, Sept. 21. W. M. Stanford, president; W. W. Sherrick,

secretary. Charles M. Kauffman and M. M. Rader were

licensed to preach. A. S. Hildebrand was advanced to Dea-

con's orders. C. A. Steffy, of the U. B. Church, D. F. Platt,

of the Pittsburg and W. E. Bailey, of the Central Pa. Confer-

ence, were received. F. G. Stauffer took credentials.

 

1893. Oregon Conference. Soon after the session of the

Oregon Conference, in the Spring of 1893, the majority leaders

succeeded in getting a temporary injunction against the minority

preachers, preventing them from occupying their own parsonages

and churches, and restraining them from performing any func-

tions in the name of the Evangelical Association. This sweep-

 

 

THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 595

 

ing order was granted without a hearing, and that while the

question was pending before a higher court. This act was gener-

ally condemned as a great injustice, but the minority had no

remedy except abject submission, or a repudiation of the Evan-

gelical Association as represented by the Indianapolis General

Conference. They chose the latter and assembled at Lafayette,

Oregon, May 30, under the presidency of Bishop Dubs, and

adopted the title "The Oregon Conference of the Regular Ev.

Association," endorsing the Philadelphia General Conference,

and adopted the Discipline as it was prior to 1891. After

ratifying the proceedings of former sessions, and issuing a cir-

cular letter to the minority members and friends on the Pacific

Coast, they adjourned. The proceedings were signed by Bishop

Dubs, president; C. C. Poling, secretary; J. Bowersox, H. L.

Pratt, C. D. Slagel, M. J. Ballantyne, G. J. Coleman, T.

A. Yost, T. L. Weaver and J. Schneider.

 

Note. — This was a year of great trial and conflict for the down-

trodden minority of the Evangelical Association. The Esher

leaders in a most heartless manner deprived the minority of a

great number of churches in which they, the majority, had no

interest whatever, or by having adherents therein. The ma-

jority people having brought suit for the possession of the Read-

ing, Pa., Sixth Street church, Judge Endlich, in June, decided

the case in favor of the minority. Later the case was appealed

to the Supreme Court.

 

Church Building — The Illinois Conference having lost

nearly all its churches and parsonages, began the erection of

new ones in a manner that indicated their great devotion to

the old Evangelical principles on the one hand, and also caused

great chagrin to the majority people on the other. Phoenix-

like the grand conference arose from the ashes of her ruin, re-

deemed and disenthralled, for which the Lord be praised!

 

1893. Bible Conference. The first Bible Conference of

our church was held at Perkasie Park, Pa., July 17-20, under

the auspices or the East Pa. Conference. The project origi-

nated the year previous at the Normal Assembly, at Perkasie,

under the presidency of Rev. D. A. Medlar, who presented

the matter at that meeting with favorable results. The Bible

Conference was a great success. Rev. D. A. Medlar was

president and H. B. Hartzler, D. D., chancellor. Many

distinguished men participated in the program.

 

 

596 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS.

 

Memorials. — During this year the church sustained the

loss by death of a number of prominent ministers, as follows:

 

J. G. Miller, born 1813, in Germany, entered the ministry

in 1843, and rendered valuable service both in the East and

West. Died in Madison, Wis., April 3, 1893.

 

Joseph Harlacker, born in Pennsylvania, died at Naper-

ville, Ill., April 15, 1893, aged 80 years. He entered the ac-

tive work of the ministry in 1832. He was pronounced in his

loyalty to the minority.

 

I. A. Rohland, D. D., a presiding elder of the Pittsburg

Conference, died suddenly April 23, 1893, aged 46 years. In

his death the conference lost one of its strongest pillars, and

the minority one of its staunchest defenders.

 

Lewis Einsel, died at Holdredge, Neb., July 6, 1893. Born

in Ohio in 1813. Entered the ministry 1836. He was a strong

defender of the principles of the minority.

 

Abraham Krause, died in Williamsport, Pa., Aug. 21,

aged 70 years. Entered the active ranks in 1848, and rendered

many years of valuable service.

 

S. B. Kring, son of Rev. Conrad Kring, died in Decatur,

Ind., July 28, aged 65 years. Entered the active work in the

East in 1850, and was presiding elder a number of terms in

the Pittsburg Conference.

 

1894. East Pa. Conference, Reading, Pa., Feb. 22. W.

M. Stanford, president; J. H. Shirey, secretary. J. B. Ehr-

hart, E. E. Btauffer, E. H. Hartenstine and H. C. Lutz

were licensed to preach. N. S. Hawk, of the M. E. Church,

was received. Elder's orders were granted to G. W. Hangen,

H. H. Smith and H. D. Kreidler, and Deacon's orders to

W. L. Teel, C. H. Shirk, E. L. Watts, T. L. Frymier and

L. O. Wiest. Daniel L. Witmer and R. Litzenberger died.

G. W. Imboden, J. C. Krause and H. Dutill took credentials.

W. F. Heil was reelected presiding elder. Mrs. Elizabeth

Krecker, president of the Women's Missionary Society, ad-

dressed the conference in the interests of the society. Bishops

Dubs and C. S. Haman were also present and presided at

times.

 

1894. Central Pa. Conference, East Prospect, Pa., March

1. C. S. Haman, president; A. Stapleton, secretary. I.Day-

ton, F. H. Foss and A. W. Chamberlain were licensed to

preach. E. B. Dunn, of the M. E. Church, was admitted.

 

 

THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 597

 

Elder's orders were granted to D. A. Artman and E. B. Bailey,

and Deacon's orders to J. H. Furner, J. G. Whitmire, W. B.

Cox, M. A. Kennelley, W. N. Morris and J. H. Davis. I. C.

Yeakel withdrew. A. Krause (Sup.), Z. Hornberger and

R. C. Hollenbaugh died. Action was taken for the holding

of a Bible Conference. Bishop R. Dubs addressed the con-

ference. The committee on statistics reported 3,160 conver-

sions during the year, and 2,747 accessions. This was the

largest number in the history of the conference, and caused

great rejoicing.

 

1894. Platte River Conference, Dawson, Neb., March

8. W. M. Stanford, president; T. W. Serf, secretary. H.

L. Price, W. B. Maize and W. R. Gill were licensed to

preach. S. W. Patterson took credentials. J. F. Rose, of

the M. E. Church, was received.

 

1894. Pittsburg Conference, Hyndman, Pa., March 15.

W. M. Stanford, president; J. Q. A. Curry, secretary. R.

Dubs was also present a short time. H. B. Seese, J. R. Clark,

H. E. McElheny, M. E. Borger, H. V. Summers, William

Findlay and A. C. Mock were licensed to preach. J. H.

Schweisberger, P. D. Steelsmith, H. M. Cook, C. W. Seig-

fried and J. H. Boozer were ordained Elders and J. G. Wise,

Deacon, B. F. Feitt was elected presiding elder.

 

1894. Illinois Conference, Barrington, Ill., April 4.

R. Dubs, president; M. Stamm and E. K. Yeakel, secretaries.

The name of the conference was changed from "The Illinois

Conference of the Regular Ev. Association," to "The Illinois

Conference of the United Evangelical Church." L. Schmidt

and J. Eller were licensed to preach. A. Lutz was ordained

Elder and B. F. Ludy, B. R. Schultze, C. F. Rife and H. C.

Stephan Deacons. S. Torry died. George Harris and W.

Schuster took credentials. George Harms was received. A.

Haefele was elected presiding elder. Fifty-three ministers

took work. J. H. Gamber was ordained Deacon by Bishop

Dubs at a campmeeting in June of this year, near Barring-

ton, Ill.

 

Note. — At this conference provision was made for a pos-

sible General Conference during the year by the election of

General Conference delegates. The lay delegates were elected

at the district lay conventions.

 

1894. Oregon Conference, Lafayette, Ore., April 5. C.

 

 

598 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS.

 

S. Haman, president; C. C. Poling, secretary. Prof. C. A.

Bowman and E. E. McVicker were licensed to preach. Cre-

dentials were granted to Theodore Suhr, who went to the Illi-

nois, and C. D. Slagel, who returned to the Pittsburg Confer-

ence, and P. Desgranges. C. C. Poling was elected Finan-

cial Agent for Lafayette Seminary. T. L. Weaver was ordained

Deacon.

 

Convention of the Ohio Conference. — Pursuant to a

general call the ministers of the Ohio Conference, as also a

large number of laymen met in convention in the Salem Evan-

gelical church, Baltimore, Ohio, April 19, 1894. A. Evans

was president and H. F. Hampshire, secretary. Bishop R.

Dubs was also present. Resolutions reaffirming their adher-

ence to minority principles were adopted, and also that the

conference change its name from "The Ohio Conference of the

Evangelical Association," to "The Ohio Conference of the

United Evangelical Church."

 

1894. Ohio Conference, special session. Owing to the

adverse decision of the Supreme Court in the quo warranto

case in Ohio, the ministers and lay delegates of the Ohio Con-

ference met in convention in Baltimore, O., April 19. A.

Evans was president and H. F. Hampshire, secretary. Reso-

lutions were adopted requesting the conference to change its

name to "The Ohio Conference of the United Evangelical

Church." The next day, April 20, R. Dubs convened the

conference. W. W. Sherrick was appointed secretary. The

conference conformed itself to its changed situation by adopt-

ing the recommendation of the convention in regard to name,

and affirming its adherence to the Philadelphia General Con-

ference.

 

1894. Des Moines Conference, Colo, Iowa, May 17.

C. S. Haman, president; S. A. Walton, secretary. Bishop

Dubs was also present and addressed the conference. The

conference adopted the name "The Des Moines Conference

of the United Evangelical Church." License was granted M.

J. Randall, R. Gampe, F. Knuth, J. Bamford, B. Fisher, G.

N. Thompson and E. J. Wicks. Elder's orders were granted

to L. A. Jones, C. A. Mertz, W. M. Force, A. L. Golden,

J. W. Hamilton, J. H. Mayne, C. J. Doering, R. C. Pippin

and L. Skogsberg, and Deacon's orders to E. E. Hahn, S. H.

Streyffeler, W. F. Brecher, M. W. Shrader., S. Sass, Max

 

 

THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 599

 

Schmidt, D. C. Busenberg and M. A. Sheldon. This was

the greatest number of advancements at any session in the

history of the conference. J. Sass, of the Michigan; M.

Schmidt, of the Illinois; S. N. Ramige, of the Iowa Confer-

ence; T. C. Busenberg, of the M. E.; A. H. Vogel, of the

Congregational, and J. W. Martin, of the Reformed Church,

were received into conference. Credentials were granted G.

L. Kolb, L. Stauffacher and J. Henn. Forty-nine ministers

took appointments.

 

1894. Ohio Conference, Johnsville, Ohio, Sept. 21. R.

Dubs, president; W. W. Sherrick, secretary. W. E. Bailey

and C. M. Kaufman had Deacon's orders granted them. D. F.

Platt took credentials. A. Evans resigned the office of pre-

siding elder, and A. Swartz was elected to the same.

 

 

600

 

CHAPTER IV.

 

Preparations for the Organization of the United Evan-

gelical Church — Adverse Decision of Civil Courts.

 

This year was fraught with momentous events in the history

of the church, chief among which was the adverse decision of

several Supreme Courts, and the consequent organization of

the United Evangelical Church by the union of the minority

conferences of the Evangelical Association. In March, the

Ohio Supreme Court decided adversely in the case of the Cleve-

land suit. This was followed in May by the Iowa courts in

the Des Moines case. In both cases the Ohio and Des Moines

Conferences met immediately, and reorganized under the new

name. On the first of October the Supreme Court of Pennsyl-

vania rendered its decision adversely in the Reading case, the

direct result of which was the eviction of the minority people

of Pennsylvania, numbering over 40,000, from upwards of 450

churches, in favor of probably 4,000 Esherites. The verdict

met with general disfavor, not only from the press, but also in

legal circles. To say the least of the decision, and without any

reflection whatever on the integrity of the honorable court, the

minority holds that the conclusions of the court were illegal,

because,

 

1. The court held that the East Pennsylvania Conference,

presided over by C. S. Haman, in the Ebenezer church, Allen-

town, Pa., in 1891, was the legal conference.

 

2. That "Bishop" Bowman and a few friends in organizing

a rival conference were wholly unauthorized by the Discipline,

and the body so organized not having a quorum to sit as mem-

bers of the East Pa. Conference, was an irregular body without

ecclesiastical character under the Discipline.

 

 

THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 601

 

3. The Bowman Conference was branded as "usurpers"

because "his (Bowman's) conduct, and that of his friends

in suspending and expelling presiding elders and others was a

clear usurpation of power, and the sentences so pronounced had

no force or effect."

 

4. That the Indianapolis General Conference (Esherite)

"exceeded its powers under the Discipline," and was guilty of

"unauthorized assumption of power" in legalizing the afore-

said unlawful acts of the majority bishops and their adherents.

 

And yet this same court declared the Indianapolis Confer-

ence legal, which was

 

1. Presided over by bishops, who, according to the court,

were guilty of gross violations of the Discipline.

 

2. There were present at this conference twenty-four dele-

gates from conferences, which, according to the court, were

"without authority or ecclesiastical character under the Dis-

cipline." It is certainly difficult for the ordinary mind to

harmonize the righteousness of the verdict with such char-

acterizations of the majority side. The Christian heroism and

fortitude of the minority under this great calamity was truly

marvelous, and excited wonder and admiration throughout the

entire country. In some instances congregations purchased

back their property, but hundreds of churches were surrendered

to the majority in many instances where they had not a single

adherent. The United Evangelical people were willing to show

to the world their devotion to principles, by sacrificing in many

instances churches worth tens of thousands of dollars, and

some, as in the case of the Ebenezer church, Allentown, Pa.,

which had just been built, at a cost of over $30,000.

 

The loss of members to the minority through the adverse

decision was comparatively small. The people had long be-

fore this settled the question in their own minds. Every effort

was made by the majority to induce the members to stay in

their churches and accept Esherite pastors, but all to no pur-

pose. The Indianapolis General Conference having practically

excluded all who held with the other side, the people would not

be influenced by the seductive pastorals issued and circulated

with a view of holding them to their churches, The minority

people could better afford to vacate their churches, parsonages

and schools than the other side could afford to take them.

 

 

602 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS.

 

Special Conference Sessions to Elect Delegates to a

Special General Conference.

 

The East Pa. Conference met in special session, in the

Metropolitan Hall, Reading, Pa., Oct. 10. The body first

met as a convention, and then constituted itself into a perma-

nent organization, with Bishop W. M. Stanford, president;

Dr. C. B. Wagner, vice president; J. H. Shirey, secretary,

and R. K. Schnader, treasurer. There were present 102

clerical and 79 lay members. Resolutions were adopted resolv-

ing the body into "The East Pennsylvania Conference of the

United Evangelical Church." The principles of the minority,

as represented by the Philadelphia General Conference, were

maintained. All the legislation of the conference under the old

name was confirmed. The conference societies were re-estab-

lished, and a General Conference was called, as follows:

 

Resolved, That this conference calls a General Conference

to meet at Naperville, Ill., the last Thursday in November,

1894, at 7 P.M. The secretary was instructed to inform the

other conferences of this call.

 

The Central Pa. Conference met in special session in

the Bennett Street Evangelical church, Williamsport, Pa., Oct.

16. The body met as a convention. First a temporary, then

a permanent organization was effected, as follows: Bishop C.

S. Haman, president; I. Bower, vice president; A. Stapleton,

secretary; J. W. Ruby, treasurer. The body adopted the name,

and resolved itself into "The Central Pennsylvania Conference

of the United Evangelical Church. The former acts of the

conference were confirmed. The Philadelphia General Confer-

ence was endorsed, so far as its acts did not conflict with the

actions of this session. The call for a General Conference was

endorsed. All the conference societies were reestablished.

 

The Pittsburg Conference met in special session in

Calvary Evangelical church, Johnstown, Pa., Oct. 24. A per-

manent organization, with the following officers was effected:

President, Bishop W. M. Stanford; secretary, J. Q. A. Curry.

The conference adopted the name, "The Pittsburg Conference

of the United Evangelical Church." The conference societies

were reorganized, and the call for a General Conference was

endorsed.

 

The Ohio Conference met in special session in Lancaster,

 

 

THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 603

 

Ohio, Nov. 5. Bishop R. Dubs, president, and W. W. Sher-

rick, secretary. A. Swartz was elected delegate to the "coming"

General Conference, and A. Evans, alternate. W. A. Fur-

geson, a layman, was also elected, and I. W. Keller, alternate.

 

The Oregon Conference met in special session at La-

fayette, Ore., Nov. 7. J. Bowersox, president; C. C. Poling,

secretary. B. Hartman was licensed to preach. Delegates

were elected for the coming General Conference. The confer-

ence again pledged its adherence to the cause of the minority

and the acts of the Philadelphia General Conference. Minis-

ters present, J. Bowersox, C. C. Poling, M. J. Ballantyne,

F. J. Strayer, H. L. Pratt, T. L. Weaver, C. N. Plowman,

E. D. Farnsworth and C. A. Bowman, besides a number of

lay delegates.

 

Lay Representation. — The special conferences, both in

Pennsylvania and the West were the first legislative assemblies

in which the laity participated since the organization of the

first conference, under the presidency of the founder of the

church, Jacob Albright, in 1807. It is a remarkable coinci-

dence that in both instances a denominational name was

adopted. The lay delegates to the special conferences were

elected at lay district conventions, called for that purpose.

 

 

604

 

CHAPTER V.

 

The First General Conference, at Naperville, Ill.,

Feb. 29, 1894.

 

In harmony with the call of the East Pennsylvania Confer-

ence, and the concurrent action of all the other annual confer-

ences, the delegates of the hitherto minority conferences assem-

bled at Naperville, Ill., Nov. 29, 1894. The basis of delegation

was the same as in former years, viz., one ministerial delegate

for every fourteen, and surplus of seven or over, of the regular

ministers. In addition to these, there was an equal number of

lay delegates, who were elected by the laymen, at the special

conference sessions. For prudential reasons there were no dele-

gates present from the Platte River, and Oregon Conferences.

 

Opening. — The conference was opened by Bishop R. Dubs-

William Caton was elected temporary secretary. The dele-

gates were then enrolled. The following day, William Caton

was elected permanent secretary, and A. Stapleton, S. A. Wal-

ton, M. Stamm, W. Jones and A. Haefele, assistants. Bishops.

Dubs, Haman and Stanford presided in their order during the

conference, which closed Thursday evening, December 13th.

 

Honorary Members. — The following named fathers of the

church, all of whom were former members of General Confer-

ences, were made honorary members, and invited to seats within

the bar of conference: Jacob Saylor, Daniel Kreamer, C.

Lindeman, C. A. Fuessele, A. Bussard, J. Keiper, Israel.

Kuter, A. Stahley and L. Eberhart.

 

Greetings were received from Abraham Niebel, who was a

member of the first delegate General Conference (1843), Henry

Rohland, J. Kaechele and J. Bowersox.

 

Fraternal Delegates. — William Bell, D. D., missionary

secretary and G. Funkhouser, D. D., professor of theology in

Dayton, Ohio, addressed the conference, as fraternal delegates

of the United Brethren in Christ. Bishop R. Dubs was chosen

 

 

THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 605

 

to represent this body at the next General Conference of the

United Brethren Church; Bishop W. M. Stanford, alternate.

 

Church Name. — The name "The United Evangelical

Church," was adopted to designate the minority of the Evan-

gelical Association, of which this conference is the representa-

tive body.

 

Committees. — The work of revising the Discipline, Articles

of Faith, etc., was entrusted to a large number of committees,

in which every conference was represented. The Committees on

Temperance, Sabbath, Sunday-schools, Missions, Christian En-

deavor, etc., all submitted well digested reports, which were

adopted. Committees also reported and suitable resolutions

were adopted on the educational interests of the church. A let-

ter from Prof. A. E. Gobble, D. D., president of Central Pa.

College, was read, and Prof. H. H. Rassweiler, late president

of Northwestern College, delivered an address on this subject.

 

Missionary Interests. — The Parent Missionary Society

was reconstructed in accordance with its new status. Anew

constitution was adopted, and closer relations were effected be-

tween the Parent Society, and the Woman's Missionary Society,

Mrs. T. L. Haines, of Chicago, and Mrs. C. F. Rassweiler, of

Naperville, delivered addresses on behalf of the latter society.

In regard to Foreign Missions it was resolved that such a work

may be established as soon as the fund for that purpose shall

amount to $20,000. The Board of Missions was authorized to

appropriate sufficient means for the support of two Bible Women

In the foreign field during the next quadrennium.

 

Memorial Services were held in memory of Francis Hoff-

man, L. Einsel, Joseph Harlacher, E. Kohr, and I. A. Roh-

land, who entered upon their eternal reward during the last

quadrennium.

 

Licensed to Preach. — Edwin S. Woodring, of Allentown,

Pa., a student of Moody's Institute, in Chicago, was granted

license to preach.

 

Publishing Interests. — Provisions were made for the crea-

tion of a Board of Publication, empowered to acquire, condi-

tionally, the publishing concerns of the Evangelical Publishing

Company, of Harrisburg, Pa., and the Volksblatt Printing Com-

pany, of Chicago, Ill. The Evangelical and the Evangelische

Zeitschrift, published by the aforenamed companies, were rec-

ognized as the official organs of the church.

 

 

606 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS.

 

Provisions were made for the publication, in the English and

the German languages, of a hymn book, Discipline, catechism

and almanac. The following constitutued the Hymn book com-

mittees: English. — Rev. H. B. Hartzler, W. M. Stanforb,

Rev. J. B. Esenwein, Rev. J. D. Woodring, Rev. U. F. Swen-

gel and Prof. O. L. Jacobs. German. — Bishop R. Dubs. Rev.

J. Schneider, Rev. C. A. Fuesele, Rev. S. Busse, Rev. W. F.

Schmalle, Rev. G. Barth, Rev. T. Suhr and Rev. C. New-

ton Dubs.

 

An article on the history of the United Evangelical Church,

prepared by Rev. D. Byers for the "American Series of Church

History," was approved. Provision was also made for the pub-

lication of other necessary works.

 

Important Changes. — While it is impracticable to note all the

changes effected in the polity of the church, the following brief

outline may suffice. The old Discipline (prior to 1891) with the

changes made at the Philadelphia General Conference, was used

as a basis for a new one. Three vital restrictive rules were

adopted: (1) The Articles of Faith, shall never be changed,

(2) The itinerancy shall never be abolished. (3) The annual

conferences shall never be deprived of the right to determine

the legality of their own organization. The laymen were

granted equal representation in the conferences with the minis-

try. The tenure of office of bishops and presiding elders was

limited to two consecutive terms, of four years each. Editors

and publishers and the corresponding secretary of the mission-

ary society, were made ineligible as delegates to General Con-

ference. The pastoral term was extended to four years. The

Woman's Missionary Society was granted the privilege of send-

ing a delegate to the Board of Missions, and local societies shall

be entitled to a representative in quarterly conference. Local

Keystone Leagues of Christian Endeavor were also given the

latter privilege. The pastor, officers and teachers of a Sunday-

school shall constitute a Sunday-school Board for the manage-

ment of the school.

 

A form of deed was adopted which makes the loss of church

property impossible in case of denominational division.

 

Charitable Society. — Authority was given to C. S. Haman,

S. S. Chubb, A. M. Sampsel, B. J. Smoyer, John R. Miller,

John Hendel, W. P. Huber, Dr. C. B. Wagoner and John

 

 

THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 607

 

Seibert, all of the East Pa. Conference, to organize a charitable

society on behalf of the church.

 

Election of Officers. — Bishops, R. Dubs and W. M. Stan-

ford; corresponding secretary of missionary society, B. J.

Smoyer; statistical secretary, B. H. Niebel; board of publi-

cation, First District, S. S. Chubb and W. P. Huber; Second

District, W. E. Detwiler and I. Bower; Third District, T.

Bach and H. P. Crouse; Fourth District, J. Schneider and T.

L. Haines; Fifth District, B. H. Niebel and N. R. Clift; of-

ficers of the parent missionary society, president; S. L. Wiest;

recording secretary, U. F. Swengel; corresponding secretary, B.

J. Smoyer; treasurer, J. G. Mohn; managing board of K. L.

C. E., W. H. Fouke, U. F. Swengel, J. B. Esenwein, J. Q.

A. Curry, Prof. H. H. Rassweiler. Lay, F. J. Boyer, C.

Porter, W. C. Weiss and M. J. Randall. William Caton

was elected editor of the General Conference Journal.

 

Boundaries. — All the appointments belonging to the Pitts-

burg Conference, situated in Ohio, were detached from that

conference and added to the Ohio Conference. The Des Moines

Conference was empowered to divide its work during the quad-

rennium and constitute an additional conference.

 

Statistics. — The Committee on Statistics reported the total

membership of the church as 61,120, with 415 itinerant and 226

local preachers.

 

Discipline. — The bishops and Revs. W. F. Heil, U. F.

Swengel and J. B. Esenwein were constituted a committee to

arrange the Discipline for publication.

 

General Conference Delegates. — Bishops, R. Dubs, D.

D., LL.D., C. S. Haman and W. M. Stanford, A. M.

 

East Pa. — B. J. Smoyer, W. F. Heil, S. S. Chubb, A. M.

Stirk, G. W. Gross, D. A. Medlar, J. D. Woodring and A.

M. Sampsel. Central — W. E. Detwiler, H. W. Buck, J. M.

Ettinger, U. F. Swengel, M. J. Carothers, J. Hartzler, A.

H. Irvine and A. Stapleton. Pittsburg — G. W. Brown, T.

Bach, B. F. Feitt, J. W. Domer and J. Q. A. Curry. Illinois —

John Schneider, H. Messner, S. F. Entorf, William Caton,

D. B. Byers, A. Haefele, W. H. Fouke* and F. Busse*.

Des Moines — B. H. Niebel, W. Jonas, J. E. Stauffhcher, E.

B. Utt and S. A. Walton. Ohio — A. Swartz.

 

Laymen. — Bast Pa. — W. Litzenberger, J. H. Reininger,

Dr. C. B. Wagoner, J. G. Mohn, B. K. Kehler, W. P. Huber

 

 

608 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS.

 

and H. Lobien. Central — Isaiah Bower, I. S. Frain, Prof. J.

A. Robb, D. Shoemaker, James M. Carothers, N. T. Dun-

dore, J. W. Ruby and Elmer Ditmar. Pittsburg — M. B.

Templin, D. L. Weaver, S. C. Ream and C. W. Close. Illi-

nois — J. F. Schlosstein, J. Epley, J. Strickfaden, Charles

Markhoff, Isaac Hansam, J. Yeakel, F. Long* and D.

Zahn.* Des Moines — E. Pribbenow, N. R. Clift and E. E.

Hoover. Ohio — W. A. Furgeson.

 

Notes. — Although the United Evangelical Church was organ-

ized with but eight conferences (including the Platte River and

Oregon), this did not by any means represent the total number

of the Minority people, who were scattered in considerable num-

bers throughout the Evangelical Association, and in many in-

stances constituted the majority of members in congregations.

In the former South Indiana Conference, the Minority preserved

organizations at Terre Haute, Jonesboro, Annville, Brazil and

Clarksville. In the Michigan Conference a number of organ-

izations were maintained and connected with the Illinois Con-

ference of the United Evangelical Church. In the autumn of

1892, Bishop Dubs visited Reed City and Pinora and preached

in the Evangelical churches. This so enraged the Majority

minister that he expelled a family for entertaining the bishop,

including also a daughter who was several hundred miles away,

and who knew nothing of the occurrence. In February, Bishop

Dubs also visited Iona, Mich, and preached to large congrega-

tions. The Majority preacher promptly expelled without trial

all who openly adhered to the bishop. The Illinois Conference,

in 1894, appointed A. Lutz to Reed City, and J. G. Finkbeiner

to Owasso and Flint.

 

In the early stages of the disruption, the Bay City, Mich.,

congregation declared itself independent of the church, and Rev.

Henry Schneider, a former presiding elder of the conference,

and who was expelled for his Minority sentiments, became their

pastor. Litigation followed for the possession of the church,

which was finally decided adversely to the congregation, after

which it also, with its pastor, cast its lot with the United Evan-

gelical Church, and erected a new edifice.

 

In the Iowa Conference, probably one-half of the ministers

and members were Minority in sentiment. At the opening of

the conference at Ackley, in 1891, the latter were in the ma-

jority, but Bishop T. Bowman, whose presidency was contested,

 

 

THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 609

 

unlawfully suspended a number of ministers, and thus succeeded

in controlling the conference. A large number of Minority

members thereupon withdrew, and were later constituted the

Sioux City District of the Des Moines Conference.

 

In Minnesota a considerable number adhered to the United

Evangelical Church. In March, 1894, W. Jonas, presiding

elder of Sioux City District, of the Des Moines Conference,

visited East Prairie and was warmly received by the Minority

members. Rev. W. Brecher, of the Des Moines Conference,

also gained entrance this year at various places. In September,

W. Jonas visited Slay ton and vicinity. After great opposition,

a class was formed on Sept. 29th, with Henry Brown as leader

and Albert Busse assistant. This was the first organization in

the State. Bishop Dubs and W. Jonas also visited Nerstrand.

In Kansas, Hiawatha and Clay Circuits were Minority and were

connected with the Platte River Conference.

 

In Buffalo, N.Y., Rev. J. Kaechele gathered the Minority

members into a society in 1890, and with them united with the

East Pa. Conference in 1891.

 

In San Francisco, Cal., the Minority members were gath-

ered into a society by Rev. Theodore Suhr, of the California

Conference.

 

Memorials. — Solomon J. Caton, retired, Somerset county,

Pa., died Feb. 6th, aged 42 years; William Wonder, local,

from Ohio, died Feb. 18th, at Blue Springs, Neb., aged 66

years; R. Litzenberger, retired, Allentown, Pa., died Feb.

17th, aged 78 years; William Miller, local, Lehigh county,

Pa., died March 30th, aged 67 years; Charles Warmkessel,

itinerant, Leib, Pa., died June 21st, aged 40 years; E. Kohr,

retired, Lewisburg, Pa., died Aug. 19th, aged 70 years (See

Biog.); C. W. DeGroot, itinerant, Glennville, Neb., died Sept.

2d, aged 38 years; M. K. Trumbore, local, East Pa., died Nov.

14th, aged 45 yeara 

 

 

610

 

CHAPTER VI.

 

1895. East Pa. Conference, Schuylkill Haven, Pa., Feb.

28. R. Dubs, president; J. H. Shirey, secretary. License to

preach was granted to John E. Kerr, Robert F. Andrews,

Ammon E. Hagner and Solomon Dissinger. Deacon's orders

were granted to W. J. Edleman and H. E. Fasnacht; Elder's

orders to H. P. Walter, J. A. Sellers, H. F. Schlegel and

S. P. Erisman. D. A. Roth, local, withdrew, and H. A.

Smith and J. W. Woehrle were granted credentials.

 

The newly established institution of learning at Myerstown,

Pa., was named "Albright Collegiate Institute." The confer-

ence was re-districted and officered as follows: Reading Dis-

trict, C. S. Haman, presiding elder; Harrisburg District, B. J.

Smoyer; Allentown District, A. M. Stirk.

 

1895. Central Pa. Conference, York, Pa., March 7. W.

M. Stanford, president; A. Stapleton, secretary. H. Smith,

W. N. Fulcomer, N. J. Dubs, A. D. Gramley and R. E. Wil-

son were licensed to preach. D. F. Young, E. Fulcomer, W.

C. Hoch, F. F. Mayer and I. N. Bair had Deacon's, and D. L.

Kepner, E. E. Shaffer, H. Minsker, D. P. Shaffer and W.

L. Campbell had Elder's orders voted them. W. E. Detwiler

H. W. Buck and A. H. Irvine were reelected and A. Staple-

ton and N. Young were newly elected presiding elders and

stationed as follows: York District, A. H. Irvine; Carlisle

District, N. Young; Centre District, A. Stapleton; Lewis-

burg District, H. W. Buck; Williamsport District, W. E. Det-

wiler.

 

1895. Pittsburg Conference, Franklin, Pa., March 14. R.

Dubs and W. M. Stanford, president; J. Q. A. Curry, secre-

tary. The following withdrew: A. A. Mohney, J. H. Shimp,

F. P. Hummel, J. H. Stauffer and S. O. Musselman. Li-

cense to preach was granted to J. T. Horner, J. A. Schaffer

and J. W. Ward. Deacon's orders were granted Wilson Lewis,

 

 

THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 611

 

A. F. Berkley, D. L. Yoder, J. H. Elder, G. W. Imboden, S.

B. Rohland, H. M. Fink, D. Stoll and R. Reed. Elder's

orders to F. W. Ware. C. D. Slagel, of the Oregon Confer-

ence, was admitted.

 

Presiding elder districts: Pittsburg, G. Brown (this be-

came Canton District of the Ohio Conference); Allegheny, T.

Bach; Franklin, B. F. Feitt; Somerset, J. W. Domer.

 

1895. Ohio Conference, Lancaster, Ohio, Sept. 19. W.

M. Stanford, president; J. H. Schweisberger, secretary.

G. A. Smith was granted Elder's orders. Lorrain was con-

stituted a mission. That part of the Pittsburg, which was con-

ceded to this conference, was embraced in Canton District. A.

Swartz, presiding elder of Lancaster, and G. W. Brown, of

Canton District.

 

1895. Illinois Conference, Groveland, Ill, April 11. R.

Dubs, president; S. F. Entorf, secretary. E. Knapp, Elmer

Rife, E. F. Fuessele and Jacob Haehlen were licensed to

preach. M. Smith, of the Des Moines Conference, was re-

ceived.

 

Presiding elder districts: Chicago, J. Schneider, Naper-

ville, H. Messner; Freeport, W. Caton; Southern, A. Haefele.

 

1895. Des Moines Conference, Nora Springs, Iowa,

April 4. R.Dubs, president; S. A. Walton, secretary. W.

W. Shuler and Max Smith were granted credentials. Deacon's

erders were granted to S. M. Ramage, and Elder's orders to

W. F. Brecher and G. L. Springer. E. D. VanHorn and

J. Buzzard were received in the local relation. Ackley District

was constituted.

 

Presiding elder districts: Cedar Rapids, J. E. Stauffacher;

Des Moines, B. H. Niebel; LeMars, W. Jonas; Ackley, F.

Belzer.

 

1895. Platte River Conference, Kearney, Neb., March 7.

R. Dubs, president; T. W. Serf, secretary. E. W. Brooker,

L. Lohr, Henry Wood, A. P. Layton, Ira MoBride, J. H.

Day, A. J. Afflerbach and A. L. Morgan were licensed to

preach. J. Wolford was admitted as an elder. N. J. Kirk-

patrick was admitted into the itinerancy. E. J. Troyer, pre-

siding elder of Blue Spring, and S. B. Dillow, of Kearney

District.

 

1895. Oregon Conference, April 4. W. M. Stanford,

president; C. C. Poling, secretary. J. J. Schneider withdrew.

 

 

612 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS.

 

W. L. Arnold, C. D. Kimberlin, Walter Hamilton and

James A. Renshaw were licensed to preach. E. D. Farns-

worth and B. J. Kelly were granted Deacon's orders. F. D.

Holman was admitted as a local elder. M. J. Ballantyne

was elected presiding elder of the conference district.

 

Special Session. — The Oregon Conference assembled in La-

fayette, Ore., May 2d, to hold a special session mainly for the

purpose of adjusting the relations of Lafayette Seminary to the

new conditions of the conference. Bishop Stanford presided

and C. C. Poling was secretary.

 

Note. — This year was especially remarkable for church

building. Edifices sprang up everywhere as if by magic. From

four to six dedications on a Sunday was no unusual occurrence,

and church projects and dedications formed the chief topic in

church periodicals. A great many congregations succeeded in

purchasing back their churches from the Evangelical Associa-

tion. At Williamsport, Pa., its agents ratified the sale of sixty-

two churches within the bounds of the Central Pa. Conference,

and this in a single day in March, 1895, while many were dis-

posed of afterwards. In all, there were purchased about two

hundred, and newly built about one hundred and fifty churches

during this year.

 

A petition emanating from the East Pa. Conference ad-

dressed to the General Conference of the Evangelical Associa-

tion, proposing that the questions which had not already been

settled, be made the subject of arbitration by representative

men of other churches, and to be chosen in such a manner as

might be mutually agreed upon, was passed by in silence by that

body at its session of 1895.

 

The new Discipline made its appearance in February, and

was well received, annual conferences adopting it by a rising

vote.

 

In February B. J. Smoyer, the corresponding secretary of

the missionary society, resigned his office at the request of the

Executive Committee of the Board of Missions. This was en-

tirely in the interests of economy, and for the purpose of in-

augurating a new system of raising funds by direct appeal

through the ministry and church periodicals.

 

The death of Rev. J. M. Ettinger, the gifted editor of The

Evangelical, on Feb. 3, cast a gloom of sorrow over the entire

church. The vacant post was well filled, however, by the imme-

 

 

THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 613

 

diate appointment of B. J. Smoyer, who served until July,

when he was succeeded by H. B. Hartzler, who, since 1890,

had been associated with D. L. Moody, as a teacher in his Bible

Training School, at Northfield, Mass.

 

On May 14, 15, the Board of Publication met in Harrisburg,

Pa., and unified the publishing interests of the church in ac-

cordance with the provisions of the General Conference. The

German catechism, by Rev. J. Kaechele, was adopted and or-

dered to be published as soon as possible.

 

On May 22, the Supreme Court of Nebraska filed a favorable

decree in the case of the Platte River Conference, thus showing

that at least one court of last resort regarded the position of the

minority as correct from a legal standpoint. The conference

thus being established in its ecclesiastical rights, proceeded to

adjust its relations with the opposition conference and to form-

ally connect itself with the United Evangelical Church.

 

The Charitable Society provided for by the General Confer-

ence was granted a charter during the year by the courts at

Reading, Pa.

 

The work of the church was considerably extended this year

in Minnesota. In the month of September W. Jonas, the pio-

neer presiding elder of Des Moines Conference, whose district

extended into the states of Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and

South Dakota, for the first time visited Oak Lake and in Octo-

ber Blue Earth City, and was warmly received.

 

Memorials. — The church suffered the loss of the following

ministers during the year: J. M. Ettinger, itinerant, York, Pa.,

died Feb. 3, aged 48 years (See Biog.); Benjamin Wagner,

retired, Dwight, Ill., died Jan. n, aged 70 years; Henry Roh-

land, retired, Freeport, Ill. (See Biog.); Cyrus Manwell,

retired, Laporte, Iowa, died, aged 65 years.

 

1896. East Pa. Conference, Shamokin, Pa., Feb. 27. W.

M. Stanford, president; J. H. Shirey, secretary. The follow-

ing were licensed to preach: H. A. Dech, J. G. Rosenberger,

F. G. Borkey, F. G. Danzer, Chas. H. Wagoner, Horace L.

Yeakel, John L. Gruber, A. G. Boyer, Oliver A. Yehl and

William H. Alspach. Deacon's orders were granted C. D.

Huber, N. S. Hawk and H. C. Aroh, and Elder's orders to

J. K. Freed, Thomas Knecht, A. W. Brownmiller,A. M.

Sweigert, J. S. Heisler and C. W. Heffner. Jos. Boothby

withdrew and J. H. Woehrle was again received.

 

 

614 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS.

 

1896. Central Pa. Conference, Newberry (Williamsport),

Pa., March 3. R. Dubs, president; U. F. Swengel, secretary.

G. R. Stover, W. I. Shambach, Chas. W. Shambacher, Chas.

Redeker, H. C. Stover, L. M. Dice, H. A. Kiess, F. M.

Seitz, W. J. Christ, A. A. Winter and L. C. Hunt were li-

censed to preach. Deacon's orders were granted to C. W.

Hipple, I. E. Spangler, F. H. Foss, G. W. Heiney, E. B.

Dunn and C. F. Fry, and Elder's orders to M. A. Kennelly,

W. B. Cox, J. G. Whitmire and J. H. Furner. J. D. Leister

withdrew and W. M. Sanner was received.

 

1896. Pittsburg Conference, Salisbury, Pa., March 12.

R. Dubs, president; J. Q. A. Curry, secretary. J. H. Wise

was licensed to preach. C. H. Stewart and M. E. Borger

were granted Deacon's and J. G. Wise Elder's orders. J. W-

Domer and Theo. Bach were reelected presiding elders. J. W.

Domer was appointed to Allegheny, B. F. Feitt to Franklin, and

T. Bach to Somerset District.

 

1896. Illinois Conference, Davis, Ill., April 9th, W. M.

Stanford, president; S. F. Entorf, secretary; W. W. Un-

derkoffler, Emanuel Eller and J. F. VanEvera, were li-

censed to preach; J. Ellf.r and J. D. Klopp were advanced to

Deacon's, and B. F. Ludy, J. H. G-AMBERandB. R. ScHULTZEto

Elder's orders. Henry Schneider, of Michigan, was received.

W. H. Fouke, F. Busse and E. K. Yeakel were elected pre-

siding elders. The districts were assigned as follows: Chi-

cago, F. Busse; Naperville, E. K. Yeakel; Freeport, W. H.

Fouke; Southern, A. Haefele.

 

1896. Des Moines Conference, Lafayette, Iowa, March

26th, W. M. Stanford, president; S. A. Walton, secretary;

P. Hahn, Jacob Schupp, F. A. Shmalle and E. Wilson were

licensed to preach. Elder's orders were granted to H. F.

Strayfeler and John Sass; P. Schmidt and J. A. Haehlen, of

the Illinois Conference, were received as probationers; L.

Stauffacher returned his credentials; C. A. Rabing, of the

Oregon Conference, H. Ohs, W. F. Schwerin, and G. Bern-

hart, of the Evangelical Association, were admitted.

 

1896. Platte River Conference, Ebenezer church, Clay

county, Kansas, March 12th, W. M. Stanford, president;

T. W. Serf, secretary; D. Baine and Asbury Esley were

licensed to preach; W. D. Morga was received in the local

relation; S. B. Dillow was again and M. T. Maze was

 

 

THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 615

 

newly elected presiding elders and stationed, the former on

Blue Springs and the latter on Kearney District; H. L. Price,

Freeman Devol and George Stinson were granted Deacon's,

and F. L. Mason Elder's orders.

 

1896. Oregon Conference, Salem, Oregon, April 4th. R.

Dubs, president; C. C. Poling, secretary; C. T. Crow was li

censed to preach; B. Hartman, E. E. McVicar and C. A. Rab-

ing were granted Deacon's, and T. L. Weaver Elder's orders;

C. A. Rabing took credentials for the Des Moines Conference;

M. J. Ballentyne, presiding elder of the conference district.

 

1896. Ohio Conference, Carey, Ohio, Sept. 17th. R.

Dubs, president; J. R. Schweisberger, secretary; Jesse

Stoke, N. W. Sager, H. A. Hensel and A., W. Smith were

licensed to preach; H. Victor Summers was granted Deacon's,

and W. Elmer Bailey, J. H. Elder and C. M. Kauffman, El-

der's orders. The presiding elder districts were consolidated

into one, and S. E. Rife was newly elected presiding elder and

placed upon the conference district.

 

Notes. — This was a year of great prosperity for the church,

and all her enterprises were richly blessed of God. With the

opening of the year the Evangelische Zeitschrift was issued from

the Publishing House. The Missionary Tidings appeared in an

enlarged form, and the German Hymn Book was issued.

 

The borders of the church were considerably enlarged, es-

pecially in Minnesota, where several new fields of labor were

formed. This latter success was chiefly owing to the following

circumstances: In 1895 there was held a Lay Convention at

East Prairie, Minn., under the auspices of four adjacent

charges 01 the Evangelical Association, for the purpose of

taking some action against the farcical trial of Rev. H. Linse,

and other matters of importance to the laity. Rev. H. Ohs,

who had been selected to preach a sermon before the conven-

tion, was objected to by the pastor of East Prairie, who made

many groundless accusations against him. This greatly dis-

pleased the laymen, and charges were preferred by one of them

against the accusing minister who in a partisan trial was ex-

onerated. This manifest travesty of justice opened the eyes of

the laity, and many determined to withdraw from the Evangel-

ical Association. Bishop Dubs was sent for, who, owing to

his inability to be present, sent W. Jonas, of the Des Moines

Conference. Jonas arrived at Nerstrand, Minn., on New Year,

 

 

616 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS.

 

and on January 4th organized two classes. The outcome of

the matter was that Rev. H. Ohs withdrew from the Evangel-

ical Association and connected himself with the United Evan-

gelical Church, and near the close of January took charge of

the new work. Morristown was also taken up and a church

building was at once begun. On July 12th, Bishop Dubs dedi-

cated the Nerstrand, and on the 19th, the Morristown church.

Urgent appeals came from many promising places for preach-

ing by our ministers, but the church could do little more than

arrange for an early supply of the places. In October, Jonas

for the first time visted Odessa, Minn., and arranged for the

establishment of the work in that place. In January he also

visited Wakefield, Hoskins and Pierce, Nebraska, and arranged

for the permanent occupation of these places. The visit of

Bishop Dubs to Minnesota in July produced a most salutary

effect upon the church in that state. Besides the places al-

ready mentioned, he preached in St. Paul, Minneapolis, Ken-

yon and Blue Earth City, Minn.

 

Memorials. — The following ministers passed to their re-

ward during the year:

     L. Scobert, local, Oregon, Feb. 18th, aged 59; A. S.

Kline, retired, Allentown, Pa., May 2d, aged 36; Eli Hahn,

itinerant, Ida county, Iowa, April 21st, aged 28; George

Hasenpflug, retired, Cleveland, O., July 23d, (See Biog.);

Thomas Seebolt, retired, Lansdale, Pa., Sept. 9th, aged 86;

T. L. Weaver, itinerant, Dayton, Ore., Sept., 26th, aged 26;

R R. VanMeter, retired, Somerset, Pa., aged 50; A. L. Er-

isman, itinerant, Kutztown, Pa., Oct. 21st, aged 34.

 

1897. East Pa. Conference, Allentown, Pa., Feb. 25th.

R. Dubs, president; J. H. Shirey, secretary; W. H. Snyder,

J. S. Harper, Ammon S. Miller, I. E. Johnson, Walter J.

Dech, S. G. Hass, Daniel P. Longsdorf, Joseph H. Illick

and Harry A. Neitz were licensed to preach; William J.

Skeifley was advanced to Deacon's, and E. H. Kistler and S.

H. Chubb to Elder's orders; E. S. Woodring and A. G. Mus-

selman, probationers, were transferred to other conferences;

George Ott, Henry Horn and P. A. Glantz, elders, and

William J. Ebert and A. H. Martin were received into the

local relation from other denominations; Prof. C. A. Bowman,

of the Oregon Conference, was admitted, and C. Bliem was

regularly added to the list of preachers.

 

 

THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 617

 

1897. Central Pa. Conference, Carlisle, Pa., March 4th.

W. M. Stanford, president; U. F. Swengel, secretary; W.

W. Stittler, H. A. Snook, J. B. Meloy, O. W. Reichly, J. H.

Newhouser, C. C. Johnson, A. Sunday, C. W. Guinter,

James F. Hower and George L. Lovell were licensed to

preach; A. D. Gramley, W. N. Fulcomer and M. T. Crouch

were advanced to Deacon's, and D. F. Young, E. Fulcomer,

I. N. Bair and F. F. Mayer to Elder's orders.

 

1897. Pittsburg Conference, South Fork, Pa., March

11th, W. M. Stanford, president; J. Q. A.Curry, secretary;

C. L. Keilheffer, a probationer, was again, and A. S. Mus-

selman, of the East Pa. Conference, was newly received; S.

H. Barlett and L. O. Worman were licensed to preach; F.

C. Hetrick and Wilson Lewis were granted Deacon's, and A.

F. Berkey and D. L. Yoder Elder's orders.

 

1897. Illinois Conference, Geneseo, Ill., April 8th, R.

Dubs, president; S. F. Entorf, secretary; W. B. McCray

was granted credentials; C. A. Waltz and M. Speck were ad-

mitted; E. LaRosh, P. G. Ludwig, W. B. McCray, G. F.

Rassweiler, A. C. Huffman and Leon Boozer were licensed

to preach; E. G. Knapp, G. O. Rife and Eugene Fuessele

were ordained as Deacons, and H. C. Stephan as Elder.

 

1897. Des Moines Conference, Belle Plaine, Ia., March

22d, W. M. Stanford, president, E. B. Utt, secretary; W. J.

Hahn and C. A. Mueller were granted credentials; E. J.

Wicks withdrew; J. C. Bender, John Meyerhoff, J. P. Gra-

ham and George Herrick were licensed to preach; M. J.

Randall, Karl Kaupp, P. Schmidt, F. Knuth and D. L.

Hauck were ordained Deacons.

 

1897. Platte River Conference, Cozad, Neb., March

11th, R. Dubs, president; T. W. Serf, secretary; R. A. Pat-

terson withdrew, and N. J. Kirkpatrick took credentials;

Jacob Fresch, C. F. Beller, John Skinner and Ralph

Crosser were licensed to preach; W. R. Gill, A. P. Layton,

J. B. Wolford, Ira McBride, E. W. Brooker, Henry Wood

and W. B. Maze were advanced to Deacon's orders.

 

In conformity with the terms of settlement made by the re-

spective attorneys of the two rival Platte River Conferences of

the Evangelical Association, this conference renounced its

ecclesiastical connection with the Association, and formally be-

 

 

618 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS.

 

came in fact, what it had hitherto been in spirit, the Platte

River Conference of the United Evangelical Church.

 

T. W. Serf and L. C. Brooker having been sent out, the

former to Illinois and the latter to Pennsylvania, to solicit

funds in aid of needy churches of this conference, suitable res-

olutions of thanks were adopted. Brooker was again sent East

to continue the canvass for funds, and by his efforts many

weak churches received timely financial help.

 

1897. Oregon Conference, Corvallis, Ore., April 23d,

R. Dubs, president; C. C. Poling, secretary; E. D. Farns-

worth withdrew; F. J. Strayer took credentials; N. W. Sa-

ger, of the Ohio, and H. Dech, of the East Pa. Conference,

were admitted; W. C. Smith was licensed to preach; B. J.

Kelly was granted Elder's orders; M. J. Ballentyne, pre-

siding elder of the conference district.

 

1897. Ohio Conference, Canton, O., Sept. 23d, W. M.

Stanford, president; J. H. Schweisberger, secretary; W. J.

Schmalle, of the Illinois Conference, was received; W. A.

Houck and Charles T. Hurd were licensed to preach; M. M.

Rader was granted Deacon's and G. A. Smith, Elder's orders;

S. E. Rife, presiding elder of the conference district.

 

Notes. — The course of events in the church was, this year,

marked by many evidences of divine favor. On May 22d,

Bishop R. Dubs, as fraternal delegate of the church, appeared

before the General Conference of the United Brethren in Christ

and delivered an address which was warmly received and his

sentiments were reciprocated as in the olden days when Bishop

Newcomer was wont to visit the "Albright Brethren," as de-

tailed in the earlier part of this work.

 

In the latter part of July the English Hymn Book left the

press, giving great delight and satisfaction.

 

The church was called upon to mourn the loss of two of her

strongest pillars, in the person of M. J. Carothers, of Penn-

sylvania, and D. B. Byers, of Illinois, both of whom had

borne a conspicuous part in the re-organization of the church

on the old foundations of the fathers.

 

The lines of the church were materially advanced, espec-

ially in the Northwest. On April 30th, W. Jonas, the pioneer

presiding elder of this region, arrived at Big Stone City, South

Dakota, being the first United Evangelical preacher to carry

the banner of the church to that state. On this same tour he

 

 

THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 619

 

visited Odessa, Minn., where he preached, organized a class

and arranged for the building of a church. H. Borchard was

soon thereafter sent there as a missionary. In June, Jonas

visited Armour, S. D., and gathered the scattered Evangelicals

of that region into a class.

 

In September, Bishop Dubs visited Minnesota and dedi-

cated the new church at Odessa on the 12th, and that of Slay-

ton on the 19th of that month.

 

Memorials. — The following ministers died during the year:

L. N. Worman, retired, at Bethlehem, Pa., Jan. 8th, aged 66

years; Andrew Zeigenfuss, retired, Bethlehem, Pa., Jan. 21st,

aged 76 years; Ferdinand Smith, itinerant, Millersburg, Pa.,

Feb. llth, aged 50 years; John Wagoner, retired, Laporte,

Iowa, Feb. 12th, aged 84 years; Martin J. Carothers, retired,

Newville, Pa., March 18th, aged 72 years, (See Biog.); D. B.

Byers, retired, Naperville, Ill., July 2d, (See Bibg.); H. M.

Liebhart, itinerant, Glennville, Nebr., June 28th, aged 54

years; Professor Otis L. Jacobs, York, Pa., Sept. 29th, aged

35 years; Wm. Shuler, itinerant, Mt. Joy, Pa., Sept. 26th,

aged 36 years; G. L. Burson, retired, Tunkhannock, Pa.,

Nov. —, aged 37 years; Chas. Idleman, retired, Fostoria, Ohio,

Dec. 26th, aged 86 years; Joseph Buzzard, retired, Alburnett,

Iowa, Dec. 26th, aged 78 years.

 

1898. East Pa. Conference, Pottsville, Pa., Feb. 24th,

W. M. Stanford, president; J. H. Shirey, secretary; H. A.

Dech, G. Danzer, W. E. Ebert, H. C. Aroh, and J. W.

Woehrley, were granted credentials. The following were li-

censed to preach: Wm. Rhoda, Jerome Garr, H. S. Landis,

Wm. J. Eby, K. P. Hagner, H. J. Kline, D. H. Gottschalk,

and Thomas Maternas. Deacon's orders were granted to

Henry Heppler, J. B. Ehrhart, A. G. Royer, E. H. Hart-

enstein, Edgar E. Stauffer, H. C. Lutz, and Dr. C. A. Bow-

man, and Elder's orders to C. D. Huber, L. O. Wiest, H. C.

Aroh, W. L. Teel, and W. J. Edleman.

 

1898. Central Pa. Conference, Hughsville, Pa., March

3d, R. Dubs, president; U. F. Swengel, secretary; S. A. Snyder,

J. H. Rider, J. T. Pettit, W. J. Dice, John M. Price, F. E.

Fisher, and J. H. Maice, were licensed to preach. Deacon's

orders were granted to L. M. Dice, R. E. Wilson, J. O. Biggs,

W. M. SanneS, U. G. Seifert, and N. J. Dubs, and Elder's

orders to E. B. Dunn, F. H. Foss, C. W. Hipple, and I. E.

 

 

620 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS.

 

Spangler. W. H. W. Gross withdrew irregularly W. E. Det-

wiler, presiding elder of Williamsport District, was elected

financial agent of Central Pennsylvania College, whereupon he.

resigned the former office, and E. Crumbling was elected to the

same and assigned to that district.

 

1898. Pittsburg Conference, DuBois, Pa., March 10th, R.

Dubs, president; J. Q. A. Curry, secretary; Vinton Car-

many, M. B. Kelly, D. K. Miller, Daniel Berkey, G. C.

McDowell, and T. J. Barlett received license to preach. H.

B. Seese, J. C. Powell, S. M. Cousins, and S. H. Barlett

were granted Deacon's, and S. H. Steward, G. W. Imboden,

and M. E. Borger, Elder's orders; J. Esch withdrew. J. Q.

A. Curry and J. J. Carmany were elected presiding elders.

The districts were assigned as follows: Allegheny, J. W. Domer;

Franklin, J. J. Carmany; Somerset, J. Q. A. Curry.

 

1898. Illinois Conference, Stockton, Ill., March 24th, W.

M. Stanford, president; W. Caton, secretary; W. R. Mar-

shall was licensed to preach. Deacon's orders were granted E.

S. Woodring, J. F. VanEvera, Emanuel Eller, W. W. Un-

derkoffler, and L. C. Schmidt. Elders to J. G. Eller. W.

J. Schmalle withdrew. H. W. Beightol took credentials. W.

Caton was elected financial agent for the prospective college.

H. Schneider was newly elected to the office of presiding elder,

and the districts were assigned as follows: Chicago, F. Busse; 

Naperville, E. K. Yeakel; Freeport, W. H. Fouke; Southern,

H. Schneider.

 

1898. Des Moines Conference, Zearing, Iowa, March 31st,

R. Dubs, president; E. B. Utt, secretary; C. A. Thompson,

L. H. Wood, P. N. Liddell, Arthur B. Morris, Gerhart

Huelsebus, H. C.Weiland, Aug. Thuran, J. A. Harris, Aaron

Ferch, and Carl Affroth were granted license to preach. J.

Bamford, G. W. Thompson, F. A. Schmalle, J. D. Klooz,

and J. Haehlen were advanced to Deacon's, and C. A. Rab-

ing to Elder's order. S. A. Walton withdrew. A. L. Golden

took credentials. H. C. Aroh, of the East Pa. Conference, and

J. J. DeWall, A. Walch, E. Wilson, and J. G. Waltz, of

other denominations were admitted into conference. J. E.

Stauffacher and G. W. Mullen were elected to the office of

presiding elder. The districts were assigned as follows: Cedar

Rapids, G. W. Mullen; Des Moines, J. E. Stauffacher; Le-

Mars, W. Jonas; Ackley, F. Belzer.

 

 

THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 621

 

1898. Platte River Conference, Alma, Nebr., March 17th,

R. Dubs, president; T. W. Serf, secretary; J. Haldeman took

credentials. W. R. Geil withdrew. Wm. Eby, of the East Pa.

Conference, and J. M. Hamon and S. L. Linsey were admitted.

J. L. Beebe, Benj. Hilliar, A. E. Miller, C. C. Talbot and

Charles Taylor were granted license to preach. A. Esley,

and J. M. Runcie were advanced to Deacon's, and H. L. Price,

and F. Devol to Elder's orders.

 

1898. Oregon Conference, Portland, Ore., April 14th, W.

M. Stanford, president; C. C. Poling, secretary; G. J. Cole-

man, returned to the East; Guy Phelps was admitted; S. M.

Woods was licensed to preach; C. T. Crow was granted Deacon's

and Benjamin Hartman and E. E. McVicar Elder's orders.

 

1898. Ohio Conference, Greensburg, O., Sept. 22A, W.

M. Stanford, president; J. H. Schweisberger, secretary;

N. W. Sager, of the Oregon Conference, was received; H. A.

Hensel, R. W. Sager and A. W. Smith were advanced to Dea-

con's, and H. Victor Summers to Elder's orders.

 

Notes. — Many noteworthy events mark the progress of the

year. Many glorious revivals were reported, one of which, at

Carlisle, Pa., under the pastorate of Rev. M. F. Fosselman,

resulted in nearly 350 conversions.

 

Great progress was made along educational lines. Albright

Collegiate Institute was advanced to a college grade. W. E.

Detwiler, of the Central Pa. Conference, was placed in the

field to solicit endowment funds for Central Pa. College, while

W. Caton, of the Illinois, was sent out in the interests of a

prospective educational institution in the West.

 

The church continued to extend her borders in many quar-

ters, and many accessions were reported in Oregon; the South

Indiana Conference, and the North West. In February Wil-

liam Jonas visited Redwood Falls and Renville, Minn., and es-

tablished the United Evangelical work in that region.

 

On July 10th, Bishop Dubs dedicated the first church of our

denomination in the state of North Dakota at Big Stone City.

Another church was dedicated on Odessa Mission, Minn., July

17th, and one at Lake Wilson, Minn., Nov. 13th.*

 

* In the month of December Presiding Elder Jonas for the first time visited

the region contiguous to Paynesville and St. Cloud, Minn., preaching with great

success. A large number of people being desirous of the permanent establish-

ment of the United Evangelical Church in that region, Jonas appointed Rev.

Thomas Koch to take charge of the work.

 

 

622 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS.

 

E. B. Esher, attorney-in-chief of the Evangelical Associa-

tion, having repudiated the settlement made between the attor-

neys and representative of the hitherto rival Platte River Con-

ferences of the Evangelical Association, a new agreement was

entered into on March 24th, of this year, whereby the ecclesi-

astical status of each was finally adjudicated.

 

Memorials. — The sainted dead of this year embrace several

notable names, among them was the most prolific author of the

church, J. Kaechele, and Jacob Saylor, the oldest minister of

the church, who entered the work in 1834. He was a brother

of Rev. J. M. Saylor, and one of the fruits of the great Or-

wigsburg revival of 1821:

     H. R. Price, retired, died Jan. 9th, Oregon, Mo., aged 73

years; J. Kaechele, itinerent, died Jan. 27th, Buffalo, N.Y.,

(See Biog.); Joseph Snavely, local, died Feb. 14th, Yorkanna,

Pa., aged 85 years; F. L. Mason, itinerant, died March 20th,

Kearney, Neb., aged 39 years; Jacob Saylor, retired, died

May 7th, Naperville, Ill., aged 92 years; E. H. Hartenstein,

itinerant, died Aug. 27th, Harrisburg, Pa., aged 23 years; Dr.

J. C. Bowman, local, died Aug. 9th, Girard, O., aged 79 years;

Noah Doebler, retired, Snyder county, Pa., died Oct. 29th,

aged 74 years; H. H. Bair, retired, Austin, Ill., died Nov.

26th, aged 72 years.

 

 

623

 

CHAPTER VII.

 

The Second General Conference, Held at Johnstown,

Pa., 1898.

 

1898. The second General Conference convened in the

Trinity United Evangelical church, in Johnstown, Pa., Oct.

6th, 1898. Bishops R. Dubs and W. M.Stanford presided,

and U. F. Swengel was secretary. There were seated, besides

the bishops, thirty-nine ministerial delegates and two alter-

nates, and thirty lay delegates and six alternates; a total mem-

bership of seventy-nine. Bishop Dubs read the episcopal mes-

sage, which was the first in the history of the church. It was

a very comprehensive document, and gave a lucid review of

the struggles and triumphs of the church during the past four

years, with many valuable suggestions which were referred to

the various committees.

 

Fraternal Delegates. — Dr. I. L. Kephart, editor of the

Religious Telescope and fraternal delegate of the United Breth-

ren in Christ to this body, appeared before the conference and

delivered an inspiring address, which was responded to by

Bishop R. Dubs. H. B.' Hartzler was chosen to represent

this body at the next session of the General Conference of the

United Brethren in Christ.

 

Memorials. — The death of M. J. Carothers, H. Roh-

land, J. M. Ettinger, D. B. Byers and J. Kaechele, minis-

ters, and Prof. O. L. Jacobs and W. P. Huber, laymen, was

reported, and impressive services were held in their memory.

 

Ecumenical Council. — In view of the fact that the third

Ecumenical Council of Methodism is announced to meet in

London in the year 1901, and our church having received a

cordial invitation to participate, Bishops R. Dubs, W. M.

Stanford, and U. F. Swengel were constituted a committee

to arrange for our proper representation in that Council.

 

 

624 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS.

 

Bishop R. Dubs was made the delegate to the Ecumenical

Methodist Conference to meet in London in 1901, and Bishop

W. M. Stanford was made the alternate.

 

Boundaries. — LeMars and Ackley districts of the Des

Moines Conference were detached therefrom and constituted

the Northwestern Conference. Provision was also made for

the formation of another, to be called the Kansas Conference,

by detaching a part of the Platte River Conference at such

time as may be agreed upon by the bishops and the latter con-

ference. South Cleveland Mission of the Ohio, was added

to the Illinois Conference.

 

Missions. — A deep and universal desire throughout the

church for the establishing of a mission among the heathen,

found expression in a resolution for its immediate consumma-

tion. To the Board of Missions was committed this great un-

dertaking, and they were instructed to carry out the desire of

the church just as soon as financial and other conditions would

warrant the success of the project.

 

Books and Publishing Interests. — The report of the pub-

lisher disclosed a rapid development of the publishing inter-

ests of the church. The plant of the Evangelical Publishing

Company at Harrisburg, Pa., was acquired in 1895 at a cost of

$16,000, although its actual value was twice that sum. Ad-

ditional property adjoining the plant had also been purchased;

the publishing house had been enlarged; new printing presses

And other costly machinery had been added, so that the estab-

lishment is now very complete and valuable. A full line of

church literature is published in both the English and German

languages. The conference provided for an English Catechism

by the appointment of a committee consisting of four minis-

ters, who were authorized to make a selection of, and adopt

one of several manuscripts presented, or themselves prepare

one for immediate publication.

 

A new and very comprehensive Course of Study for minis-

ters was adopted, and a committee appointed to whom was en-

trusted the preparation of a German Course as soon as prac-

ticable. The Keystone League of Christian Endeavor Depos-

itory, hitherto located at Reading, Pa., was tendered to, and

accepted by the General Conference under favorable condi-

tions, thus completing the unification of all the publishing in-

terests of the church under her immediate control.

 

 

THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 625

 

The Discipline was thoroughly revised and corrected, the

principal additions being a section on "Bible Study" and

another on "Evangelists."

 

Statistics. — The report of the statistician indicated a re-

markable advancement along all lines of church work, some

items showing a progress above the average of any other de-

nomination. The membership was reported as 59,190, a gain

of 8,950 in three years. Some other items were as follows:

Itinerant preachers, 426; local preachers, 214; churches, 634;

parsonages, 145; Sunday-schools, 784; officers and teachers,

10,602; scholars, 74,651; K. L. C. E. Societies, 427; active

members, 15,170; Junior Societies, 109: membership, 2,667;

Woman's Missionary Societies, 168; membership, 3,532;

Junior Societies, 15; membership, 465; Mission Bands, 90;

membership, 2,917.

 

Church Extension. — A Church Extension Society was or-

ganized, and a constitution adopted. J. G. Mohn, W. E. Det-

wiler, J. W. Domer, B. H. Niebel and T. L. Haines were

elected as trustees of the same.

 

Officials Elected. — The following church officers were

elected for the coming quadrennium: Bishops, R. Dubs and

W. M. Stanford; publisher, S. L. Wiest; editor of the Evan-

gelical, H. B. Hartzler; editor of the Evangelische Zeitschrift,

C. N. Dubs; statistician, B. H. Niebel; Board of Publica-

tion, S. S. Chubb, J. G. Mohn, W. E. Detwiler, I. Bower,

J. W. Domer, H. P. Crouse, W. Jonas, T. L. Haines, B. H.

Niebel and H. L. Lomax.

 

Board of Missions. — President, S. L. Wiest; secretary,

U. F. Swengel; treasurer, J. G. Mohn; corresponding secre-

tary, W. F. Heil.

 

K. L. C. E. Board of Managers. — F. J. Boyer, U. F.

Swengel, J. Q. A. Curry, S. G. Domer, W. H. Fouke, J. S.

Bartley, J. H. Mayne, A. L. Keenan and G. S. Smith.

 

Delegates — East Pa. Conference. — Clerical, B. J. Smoyer,

A. M. Sampsel, A. M. Stirk, C. S. Haman, J. D. Woodring,

W. F. Heil, S. S. Chubb, J. H. Shirey and G. W. Gross*;

laymen, A. S. Beisel, A. C. Nolf, J. G. Mohn, B. K. Kehler,

John Hendel, W. Litzenberger, R. W. Bard, W. G. Borg-

ner.*

 

Central Pa. Conference. — Clerical, U. F. Swengel, W.

E. Detwiler, E. Crumbling, N. Young, A. Stapleton, A. E.

 

 

626 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS.

 

Gobble, J. W. Messenger, H. W. Buck, S. P. Remkr, A. H.

Irvine*; laymen, I. S. Frain, J. S. Anstine, G. W. Thomas,

I. Bower, Charles Shaffer, W. A. Morris,* J. S. Hetrick.*

 

Pittsburg Conference. — Clerical, J. J. Carmany, J. W. Do-

mer, J. Q. A. Curry, B. F. Feitt, A. J. Bird; laymen, J. S.

Kimmel, D. Lavely, F. P. Hetrick, J. Troutman.

 

Ohio Conference. — Clerical, S. E. Rife, L. M. Boyer; lay-

men, D. Z. Herr, R. M. Burkett.

 

Illinois Conference. — Clerical, W. H. Fouke, E. K. Yeakel,

F. Busse, H. Schneider, A. Haefele, W. Caton, S. F. En-

torf; laymen, J. Strickfaden, I. J. Vogelgesang, H. Meisel,

S. Senneff, D. B. Givler, B. H. Sodt*, H. H. Lichten-

walner.*

 

Des Moines Conference. — Clerical, W. Jonas, B. H. Niebel,

J. E. Stauffacher, Emil Mueller, G. W. Mullen; laymen,

N. R. Clift, E. E. Hoover, O. F. Henkel, J. Spies, G.

Nicholas.

 

Platte River Conference. — Clerical, S. B. Dillow, M. T.

Maize; laymen, J. A. Smith, H. Wingart.*

 

Oregon Conference. — Clerical, C. C. Poling; laymen, Eli

Seese.

 

*Alternates.

 

 

627

 

CHAPTER VIII.

 

The Church Societies.

 

 

The Keystone League of Christian Endeavor.

 

This society was constituted an organization of the church

at the Philadelphia General Conference. The Managing Board

met in that city on Oct. 13th, and elected the following officers

for the society: President, W. H. Fouke; vice-president, W.

C. Weiss; secretary, U. F. Swengel; treasurer, F. Pfunder.

In a short time many local societies were formed: The first to

report, were York, (Trinity) Pa., Shannon, Ill., Sterling, Ill.,

Freeport, Ill., and Forreston, Ill., in the order named. The

Keystone League of Christan Endeavor of the United Evangel-

ical Church, was recognized immediately after its organization,

as an integral part of the United Society of Christian Endeavor

by its founder and president, Dr. Francis Clark, and is repre-

sented by a trustee on the Board of the United Society.

 

The first distinctively K. L. C. E. convention was held at

Lewisburg, Pa., June 16, 1892, and was under the auspices of

the Central Pa. Conference. Organizations were soon effected

in all the conferences, and conference and district conventions

held. The influence of the Society in developing the latent tal-

ent, especially of the young, in the church, has been most salu-

tary.

 

Missionary Society.

 

The Parent Missionary Society of

the United Evangelical Church passed through many trying or-

deals during the period of the church disruption. Soon after

the Philadelphia General Conference, an action at law was

brought against the treasurer, M. Kunkel, at Chicago, Ill., by

the "Majority" leaders, restraining him from receiving money

in the name of the Missionary Society of the Evangelical Asso-

ciation. In October, 1892, the society held its annual meeting

 

 

628 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS.

 

at Canton, Ohio, where an additional action was instituted

against its officers by the opposition.

 

Notwithstanding all these difficulties, the energetic corres-

ponding secretary,. Rev. B. J. Smoyer, remained faithfully at his

post and rendered valuable service to the church. The treasurer

having resigned, the executive committee of the Board of Mis-

sions elected J. G. Mohn, of Reading, Pa., to that office in

May, 1892, and who was re-elected to that office by the General

Conference in 1894 and 1898. The meetings of the Board of

Missions have been as follows:

 

1895. Lewisburg, Pa., Oct. 3d, president, S. L. Wiest;

vice-president, I. Bower; secretary, U. F. Swengel; treasurer,

J. G. Mohn; W. F. Heil, for the East Pa. Conference; W. E.

Detwiler, Central Pa. Conference; A. J. Bird, Pittsburg

Conference; A. W. Brown, Ohio Conference; W. H. Fouke,

Illinois Conference; W. Jonas, Des Moines Conference; Bishop

W. M. Stanford, Oregon Conference; Mrs. Elizabeth

Krecker, W. M. S.

 

1896. Baltimore, Md., Oct. 8th, S. L. Wiest, president;

I. Bower, vice president; U. F. Swengel, secretary; J. G.

Mohn, treasurer; W. F. Heil, East Pa. Conference; W. E.

Detweiler, Central Pa. Conference; F. W. Barlett, Pittsburg

Conference; W. E. Bailey, Ohio Conference; W. H. Fouke,

Illinois Conference; B. H. Niebel, Des Moines Conference;

Bishop W. M. Stanford, Platte River Conference; Bishop R.

Dubs, Oregon Conference; Mrs. W. H. Fouke, W. M. S.

 

1897. Reading, Pa., Oct. 7th, S. L. Wiest, president; I.

Bower, vice-president; U. F. Swengel, secretary; J. G.

Mohn, treasurer; A. M. Samfsel, East Pa. Conference; W. E.

Detwiler, Central Pa. Conference; A. J. Bird, Pittsburg

Conference; W. W. Sherrick, Ohio Conference; W. H. Fouke,

Illinois Conference; Emil Mueller, Des Moines Conference;

Bishop W. M. Stanford, Platte River Conference; Bishop R.

Dubs, Oregon Conference; Mrs. W. H. Fouke, W. M. S.

 

1898. Johnstown, Pa., Oct. 10th, S. L. Wiest, president;

I. Bower, vice-president; U. F. Swengel, secretary; A. M.

Sampsel, East Pa. Conference; A. H. Irvine, Central Pa.

Conference; A. J. Bird, Pittsburg Conference; W. S. Harp-

ster, Ohio Conference; W. H. Fouke, Illinois Conference;

Emil Mueller, Des Moines Conference; M. T. Maze, Platte

River Conference; C. C. Poling, Oregon Conference; Mrs.

 

 

THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 629

 

C. F. Rassweiler, W. M. S.; Bishops Dubs and Stanford ad-

visory members.

 

The Woman's Missionary Society.

 

This Society may be

said to be the only organization of the Evangelical Association

that as a whole remained true to the "Minority." This was

due to the fact that its organization was effected, and its cause

championed against considerable opposition from "official"

sources by that part of the church with which it subsequently

cast its lot. The influence of Mrs. Elizabeth Krecker, the

widow of the sainted Dr. F. Krecker, was also most salutary.

Through all these years of conflict she was unremitting in her

labors of love for the holy cause of missions. She attended

nearly all the conference sessions, and made frequent and ex-

tended journeys, organized local societies, delivered addresses,

etc., in the interests of the cause.

 

Owing to the division of the church, the Society was de-

prived of its organ, the Missionary Messenger, but this loss was

soon overcome by the appearance of the Missionary Tidings as

its organ, and hence the various interests of the society have

had a continuous succession from the founding of the society to

the present time.* The annual conventions since 1887 to 1898,

with the officers elected at each session, have been as follows:

 

1888. Chicago, Ill., Sept. 28-30, president, Mrs. H. B.

Hartzler; recording secretary, Mrs. M. A. Baltz; corres-

ponding secretary, Mrs. C. F. Rassweiler; treasurer, Mrs.

Nellie G. Schneider.

 

1889. Reading, Pa., Sept. 20-22, president, Mrs. C. F.

Rassweiler; vice-president, Mrs. Elizabeth Krecker; record-

ing secretary, Mrs. M. A. Baltz; corresponding secretary, Mrs.

S. F. Entorf; treasurer, Mrs. N. G. Schneider; superintendent

of Mission Bands, Mrs. T. L. Haines.

 

1890. Cleveland, Ohio, Sept. 19-22, president, Mrs. C. F.

Rassweiler; vice-president, Mrs. Elizabeth Krecker; re-

cording secretary, Mrs. M. A. Baltz; corresponding secretary,

Mrs. Ada B. Collins; treasurer, Mrs. Nellie G. Schneider;

superintendent Mission Bands, Mrs. T. L. Haines; general or-

ganizer, Mrs. Elizabeth Krecker.

 

* By the re-organization in 1895, the efficiency of the society was greatly

increased. The creation of a Woman's Board of Missions, and by the admit-

tance of a representative in the Board of the Parent Society, the unifying of the

missionary interests of the church became complete.

 

 

630 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS.

 

1891. Naperville, Ill., Nov. 7-10, president, Mrs. C. F.

Rassweiler; vice-president, Mrs. Elizabeth Krecker; record-

ing secretary, Mrs. M. A. Baltz; corresponding secretary, Mrs.

Ada B. Collins; treasurer, Mrs. Nellie G. Schneider; su-

perintendent of Mission Bands, Mrs. T. L. Haines; general

organizer, Mrs. Elizabeth Krecker.

 

1892. Johnstown, Pa., Sept. 24-27, president Mrs. Eliza-

beth Krecker; vice-president, Mrs. C. F. Rassweiler; record-

ing secretary, Mrs. S. P. Remer; corresponding secretary, Mrs.

W. M. Stanford; treasurer, Mrs. S. L. Wiest; superintendent

of Mission Bands, Mrs. T. L. Haines; general organizer, Mrs.

Elizabeth Krecker; editor of the newly established Missionary

Tidings, Mrs. F. G. Stauffer.

 

1893. Lebanon, Pa., Sept. 21-24, president, Mrs. Eliza-

beth Krecker; vice-president, Mrs. U. F. Swengel; record-

ing secretary, Mrs. S. P. Remer; corresponding secretary, Mrs.

W. M. Stanford; treasurer, Mrs. W. Detwiler; superintend-

ent of Mission Bands, Mrs. T. L. Haines; general organizer,

Mrs. Elizabeth Krecker; editor of Missionary Tidings, Mrs.

F. G. Stauffer.

 

1894. Williamsport, Pa., Sept. 20-24, president and or-

ganizer, Mrs. Elizabeth Krecker; vice-president, Mrs. W. M.

Stanford; recording secretary, Mrs. S. P. Remer; correspond-

ing secretary, Mrs. B. F. Bowman; treasurer, Mrs. W. E. Det-

wiler; superintendent of Mission Bands, Mrs. T. L. Haines;

editor of Missionary Tidings, Mrs. Emma Divan.

 

1895. Lewisburg, Pa., Sept. 12-15, president and organ-

izer, Mrs. Elizabeth Krecker; vice-president, Mrs. W. M.

Stanford; recording secretary, Mrs. S. P. Remer; correspond-

ing secretary, Mrs. B. F. Bowman; treasurer, Mrs. W. E. Det-

wiler; superintendent of Mission Bands, Mrs. T. L. Haines;

editor of Missionary Tidings, Mrs. Emma Divan.

 

1896. Glen Rock, Pa., Oct. 1, Mrs. Elizabeth Krecker,

president; Mrs. W. M. Stanford, vice-president; Mrs. S. P.

Remer, recording secretary; Miss Carrie Bordlemay, corres-

ponding secretary; Mrs. W. E. Detwiler, treasurer; Mrs. T.

L. Haines, superintendent of Mission Bands; Mrs. A. H. Irvine,

superintendent of Junior Society; Mrs. C. N. Dubs, superintend-

ent of Bureau of Literature; Mrs. Emma Divan, editor of

Missionary Tidings.

 

1897. Reading, Pa., Sept. 30, Mrs. Elizabeth Krecker,

 

 

THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 631

 

president and organizer; Mrs. T. L. Haines, vice-president

and superintendent of Mission Bands; Mrs. S. P. Remer, secre-

tary; Mrs. W. E. Detwiler, treasurer; Mrs. A. H. Irvine,

superintendent of Junior Society; Mrs. C. N. Dubs, superintend-

ent of literature; Mrs. Emma Divan, editor of Missionary

Tidings; Mrs. Marguerite Krecker Vincent, editor of Mis-

sionary Evangelical.

 

1898. South Fork, Pa., Oct. 6-10, Mrs. Elizabeth

Krecker, president and organizer; Mrs. T. L. Haines, vice-

president and superintendent of Mission Bands; Mrs. S. P.

Remer, secretary; Mrs. W. E. Detwiler, treasurer; Mrs. C.

N. Dubs, superintendent of literature; Mrs. M. M. T. Fouke,

editor of Missionary Tidings; Mrs. Marguerite Krecker Vin-

cent, editor of Missionary Evangelical; Mrs. Josie McLaine,

superintendent of Young People's Societies.

 

Literary Institutions.

 

By the most reprehensible ma-

nipulations the Esher faction gained control of the North

Western College at Naperville, Ill., in the early stages of the

difficulty. Its efficient president, Prof. H. H. Rassweiler,

was removed, and Bishop Thomas Bowman took his place.

 

In the East, Central Pa. College at New Berlin, Pa., and

Schuylkill Seminary at Fredericksburg, Pa., remained in full

control of the minority until after the decision of the supreme

court in October, 1894. In the autumn of this year Prof. G.

Holtzapfel resigned the presidency of Schuylkill Seminary, and

Prof. E. Chubb succeeded him. The buildings of Palatinate

College, situated at Myerstown, Pa., were leased by the repre-

sentatives of the East Pa. Conference, and the school was re-

moved from Schulkill Seminary to that place near the close of

December, the entire faculty and nearly all the students for-

sook the old, and went with the new institution. At the next

session of the East Pa. Conference the institution was named

"Albright Collegiate Institute." In the spring of 1896 the

property was purchased for the sum of $10,000. The value of

the property is at the present time three times the amount paid

for it. In the spring of 1896 the institution was advanced to a

full college grade.

 

Prof. Chubb was succeeded as principal in the summer of

1895 by Rev. J. B. Esenwein, who was succeeded in the autumn

of 1896 by Prof. C. A. Bowman.

 

Central Pa. College suffered no interruption whatever through

 

 

632 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS.

 

the church division, although its patronage was somewhat lim-

ited by reason of the uncertainty of the outcome, which was

happily removed by the purchase of the institution on May 11,

1896.

 

At the session of the Central Pa. Conference in 1898, Rev.

W. E. Detwiler, was elected as financial agent of the institu-

tion, steps having been taken to raise an endowment fund of

$100,000, for the sustentation of the college.

 

Lafayette Seminary, situated at Lafayette, Ore., was also

saved as an institution of the United Evangelical Church by a

process of transfer. Its financial embarrassment, incurred in

consequence of the church troubles, was relieved by confer-

ence pledges in the East in 1895.

 

After the spring session of 1895, Prof. C. A. Bowman, who

had for some time been its efficient president, returned East to

accept a position in Albright College, and Rev. C. C. Poling

took his place. At the opening of the following fall term,

Prof. D. M. Metzger, of the Central Pa. Conference, was

added to the faculty of that institution.

 

 

633

 

CHAPTER IX.

 

Additional Short Biographical Sketches.

 

Rev. Martin J. Carothers. — This distinguished man of

God was born of Scotch-Irish ancestry, Aug. 14, 1825, at

Plainfield, Cumberland Co., Pa., and died in Newville, near

the place of his birth, March 18, 1897. In 1842 he was con-

verted to God under the labors of Rev. Moses Bower and

soon thereafter realized an inward call to the work of the min-

istry. In 1846 he attended the session of the West Pa. (now

the Central) Conference of the Evangelical Church where he

was licensed to preach, and was assigned to a charge. Although

unable to exercise in the German language at a time when that

tongue was almost exclusively used, he nevertheless at once

took high rank among his brethren and was well received by

the people.

 

Already in 1851 he was elected as an alternate to General

Conference, and in 1855 he attended the General Conference

as a delegate, and represented his conference in that capacity

at every succeeding one up to the time of his death. He rep-

resented his conference in the Board of Missions many years,

and also served one term on the Board of Publication.

 

His service to his own conference was varied and valuable,

and for many years he was regarded as the leader of that body.

For seventeen successive years he was treasurer and managed

the finances with exceptional ability. In 1868 he was elected

presiding elder and served three terms; again elected in 1883 he

served three terms more, twenty-four years in all in that office.

Brother Carothers took advanced grounds in educational

matters, and to him may be attributed the saving for the church

of the Union Seminary (now Central Pa. College) when it was

overtaken by financial disaster as the result of the civil war.

As a writer he was little known, but as an eloquent and pow-

erful preacher and leader he stood in his palmy days without a

 

 

634 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS.

 

superior in the church. In the disruption, period he proved a

tower of strength to the minority, and his wise counsels, moral

courage and immovable devotion to the principles of the

fathers was an inspiration to many faltering ones. His wish to

die "in the harness" was virtually granted, as he took a super-

annuated relation but a few weeks before his death. His wife

and five children survived him.

 

Daniel B. Byers was born in Ohio in 1835. In 1850

the family removed to Illinois. In early life he became a sin-

cere Christian, and through the promptings of the Spirit dedi-

cated his life to the work of the ministry. In 1856 he was

licensed by the Illinois Conference, and assigned to a charge.

He rose rapidly in the estimation of his conference and was

always given appointments requiring the highest qualifications.

In 1868 he was elected presiding elder and assigned to Freeport

District. In 1876 he was again elected to that office and once

more assigned to Freeport District. Again elected to that

office in 1882 he served Elgin District two years, and Mendota

District the same length of time. Re-elected in 1890, he was

assigned to Naperville District, but failing health compelled

him to resign the office in 1891.

 

Brother Byers served four times as delegate to the General

Conference under the Evangelical Association, and also to the

General Conferences of the United Evangelical Church at

Philadelphia in 1891, and Naperville in 1894. He possessed

many excellent qualities of mind and heart. His pulpit efforts

evinced thoroughness of preparation, while determinate straight-

forwardness characterized his official life. His pen was tren-

chant and prolific, and furnished many timely articles for the

church periodicals. He was the author of two excellent books,

namely, "Physical Death Not the Penalty" (1869), and "The

Christian Sabbath" (1879). He also furnished articles repre-

senting the United Evangelical Church, for the New York In-

dependent, and "The American Series of Church Histories."

 

After a long season of suffering, he passed to his reward at

Naperville, I11., July 2, 1897, being survived by his wrfe and

six children.

 

Rev. Jacob Kaechele was born Dec. 23, 1832, in Rot-

tenacker, Wuertemberg, Germany. In 1854 he emigrated to

Canada where he was converted in 1855. In 1858 he entered

the ministry of the Evangelical Association in Canada. In 1866

 

 

THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 635

 

he was sent by the Board of Missions as missionary to Switzer-

land where he labored with wonderful success. In 1868 he was

elected presiding elder and assigned to the Swiss District. Re-

elected in 1872, he was placed on Reutlingen District. In 1871

he was elected by the General Conference as editor of the Evan-

gelische Botschafter, and re-elected to the same office in 1875,

thus filling several responsible offices at the same time.

 

He was a delegate to the General Conference of 1871, 1875,

1879 and 1883. In the disruption of the church he was a pro-

nounced minority man, and as pastor of an Evangelical con-

gregation in Buffalo, N.Y., he gathered his members of like

sentiment into an independent society, which later connected it-

self with the United Evangelical Church, and with Bro. Kae-

chele as pastor, was taken into the East Pa. Conference. In

this relation he passed to his reward after intense and pro-

longed suffering, Jan. 27, 1898.

 

Bro. Kaechele was a profound thinker, an intensely spirit-

ual and earnest preacher, and a prolific writer. His published

works comprise the following titles, "Reflections on the Lord's

Prayer," "Reflections on the Decalogue," "The Final Tri-

umph of Christianity," "The Parisian Blood Nuptials," "Blas-

pheming the Holy Spirit," "Restoration of All Things," "On

Mormonism," "On the Signs of the Times," "Jesus in Moses,"

"Sketches of Sermons on Isolated Texts," Discourses at Wed-

dings and Funerals;" "The Evangelical Catechism," "Fifty

Sketches of Sermons on the Holy Spirit," and "Waiting for

the Second Coming of Christ."

 

Rev. Amos M. Stirk was born at Terre Hill, Lancaster

Co., Pa., June '15, 1837, and died suddenly of heart failure, at

his home in Lebanon, Pa., Feb. 6, 1900, aged 62 years, 7 months

and 21 days. Brother Stirk was converted when young, and

was licensed to preach in 1867, by the East Pa. Conference.

 

In 1868 he entered the active ranks, and rose rapidly in pub-

lic estimation. He was a member of every General Conference

from 1883 to the time of his death. In 1884 he was elected

presiding elder and assigned to Harrisburg District, which he

served four years. Re-elected in 1888, he served Reading Dis-

trict three years, when he resigned his office and served Salem

congregation in Allentown one year. Again elected presiding

elder in 1892, he served Philadelphia District two years and

Allentown District one year. Re-elected under the new church

 

 

636 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS.

 

constitution in 1895, he served Allentown District four years

more. He was re-elected in 1899 for the last time and assigned

to Harrisburg District.

 

Brother Stirk was held in high esteem throughout the church

as a faithful minister and wise counsellor, and his loss was keenly

felt. He was survived by a wife and three children.

 

 

637

 

CHAPTER X.

 

ADDENDA.

 

It seems desirable to add a brief resum6 of important events

relating to the United Evangelical Church since 1898, before

finally closing this work. The Great Head of the Church has

continued the bestowment of His gracious favors, and conse-

quent prosperity has crowned the various interests of our Zion

down to the closing year of the century.

 

Boundaries. The boundaries of the church have been

recently extended by the organization of the Northwestern Con-

ference in 1899. The conference was constituted into two dis-

tricts, with W. Jonas and Emil Mueller as the presiding elders.

Kimball and Faynesville Missions in Minnesota, and Anamoose

in North Dakota, were constituted. A mission was also located

this year at Omaha, Neb., and one at St. Paul, Minn., the year

following.

 

Foreign Mission. The Board of Missions carried out the

instructions of the General Conference by establishing a heathen

mission. This, however, was not accomplished without much

research and a careful canvass for unoccupied ground.

 

After prayerful consideration the province of Hunan, in

China, was selected as the mission field. At a meeting of the

Executive Committee, held at Reading, Pa., Jan. 10, 1900, a

superintendent for the work was selected in the person of Rev.

C. Newton Dubs, of the Illinois Conference, a son of Bishop

Dubs, and editor of the Evangelisclie ZeUschrift. At a later

date Rev. A. Wesley Mell, of Iowa, was selected as an addi-

tional missionary. These men of God accepted the responsible

trust, and with their life companions are now making prepara-

tion for their departure to their designated fields.

 

Educational. The educational projects of the Western

conferences culminated in the acquirement of the LeMars

(Iowa) Normal School buildings under very favorable condi-

 

 

638 THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS.

 

tions. The estimated value of the property being $35,000. The

meeting at which final action was taken was held at LeMars,

April 10, 1900, and was attended by Bishops Dubs and Stan-

ford, and the following representatives from their respective

conferences: H. Schneider, S. F. Entorf and C. Plagge, of

the Illinois; M. T. Maze and S. B. Dillow, of the Platte River;

Wm. Klinefelter, E. B. Utt and N. R. Clift, of the Des

Moines; and Wm. Jonas, Emil Mueller and Henry Schneider,

of the Northwestern. The new institution was named the

Western Union College. Prof. H. H. Thoren, of Illinois, was-

chosen as president, and B. F. Niebel as general agent of

the college. Arrangements were made for the opening of the

institution in the month of September following in all depart-

ments with a full and excellent faculty.

 

A change in the location of our institution of learning on the

Pacific Coast became advisable, and in consequence of which a

desirable property was secured in the town of Dallas, Oregon,

under very advantageous conditions. To this new location the

institution, hitherto situated at Lafayette, Oregon, is to be re-

moved as soon as convenient, and without any change in the

management of the same. Rev. C. C. Poling, who for a num-

ber of years has been the president of Lafayette Seminary, will

continue in that capacity in Dallas College.

 

Statistical. The official statistics of the church afford us

the following aggregates: 1899 — membership, 59,830; itinerant

preachers, 454; local preachers, 223; churches, 734. 1900 —

membership, 60,993; itinerant preachers, 478; local preachers,

202; churches, 763.

 

Conference Sessions — 1899. East Pa., Mohnsville,

Pa., Feb. 23, Bishop Dubs, chairman; Central Pa., Lewisburg,

Pa., March 2, Bishop Stanford, chairman; Pittsburg, Haw-

thorne, Pa., March 9, Bishop Stanford, chairman. This con-

ference resolved hereafter to hold its sessions in the Autumn

and effected the change by holding its next session in Septem-

ber of this same year. Ohio, Findlay, O., Sept., 28, Bishop

Dubs, chairman; Illinois, Naperville, Ill., March 23, Bishop

Dubs, chairman; Des Moines, near Hinton, Iowa, March 30,

Bishop Dubs, chairman; Northwestern — this conference was-

formed by a division of the Des Moines, and had its first ses-

sion immediately after the Stationing Committee reported.

Bishop Dubs presided. Platte River, Dawson, Neb., March.

 

 

THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 639

 

16, Bishop Stanford, chairman; Oregon, Lafayette, Ore., April

13, Bishop Stanford, chairman.

 

1900. East Pa., Lancaster, Pa., Feb., 22, Bishop Stan-

ford, chairman; Central Pa., Williamsport, Pa., March 1,

Bishop Dubs, chairman; Pittsburg, Johnstown, Pa., Septem-

ber; Ohio, Youngstown, O., September; Illinois, Barrington,:

Ill., March 22, Bishop Dubs, chairman; Des Moines, Iowa

Centre, Iowa, March 29, Bishop Stanford, chairman; North-

western, Ackley, Iowa, April 5, Bishop Dubs, chairman; Platte

River, Blue Springs, Neb., March 15, Bishop Dubs, chairman;

Oregon, Hilisboro, Ore., April 19, Bishop Dubs, chairman.

 

Ministerial Necrology — 1899. J. F. Thomas, local, at

York, Pa., March 15, aged 74 years; J. B. Fox, itinerant, at

York, Pa., April 29, aged 40 years; W. F. Walker, retired, at

Chicago, Ill., June 12, aged 67 years; P. L. Ellis, local, at

Cambridge, Neb., June 30, aged 86 years; John Miller, re-

tired, at Naperville, Ill., Sept. 11, aged 78 years; Abraham

Loehner, retired, at Colfax, Ohio, Sept. 21, aged 87 years;

0. P. Crawford, local, at Radcliffe, Iowa, Sept. 2, aged 80

years.

 

1900. A. M. Stirk, itinerant, Lebanon, Pa., Feb. 6, aged

62 years; F. P. Lehr, itinerant, died at conference session,

Lancaster, Pa., Feb. 24, aged 71 years; J. G. Whitmire, re-

tired, at Bloomsburg, Pa., April 5, aged 44 years; C. F. Fry,

local, at Nescopeck, Pa., May 5, aged 47 years.

 

 

640

 

CHAPTER XI

 

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THE UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 641

 

gibble 002

 

 

642 [page 642 is blank]

 

 

643

 

 

Index and Ministerial Register of the Evangelical

Association— 1796—1891.

 

 

 

ALBRIGHT, JACOB, beginning of ministry, 19

      — co-laborers of, 20

      — ordination of, 22

      — bios, of, 513.

Albright Memorial church, 42.

"Albrights," the so-called, 220.

Albright Seminary, est., 199; 305.

Apostolic Succession, 179.

Asbury, Bishop, interview, 170.

Adams County, work est. in, 117.

Allentown, work est. in, 97, 101.

 

BAPTISM, subjects and mode, 252, 238.

Beaver Dam class, 61.

Beaver, Rev. Peter, 32

      — Gov. James A., 32.

Becker fam., converted, 37, 39.

Bertolette fam., the, 29.

Bequests of, Mrs. Hecht, 34

      — F. Miller, 34

      — Geo. Putnam, 141

      — H. Henry Eby, 206

      — D. Kreibil, 206.

Bedford County, work est., 128.

Bersch Wm., note on, 212.

      — Engel, 206

      — Maria Kuster, 206

Biblical Institutes, regulation, 377.

Boehm, Rev. Martin, 15.

Blockhouse, work at, 105.

Blairstown Seminary, est., 200.

Book Establishment, hist, of, 208

      — Book com., 230

      — Books pub. of, 223, 249, 252

      — prices regulated, 233

      — Bishop Seybert's great order for, 264.

Board of Publication, 213.

Breitenstein fam., hist., 42.

Brush Valley, work est., 87.

Brobst fam., the, 27.

Buchman fam., 119.

Buckwalter fam., 26.

 

CAMBRIA COUNTY, work est. in, 131.

Canada, 110.

Canton Cir., Ohio, 138.

Catechetical Instruction, 220.

Catechism, 269.

Central Penna. College, 196.

Centennial College project, 404.

Cemetery, the first Evan., 223.

Circuits, the first, 24, 56, 134.

Classes, the first, 25, 26, 57, 218.

Class meetings enjoined, 283.

Conventions, dist., origin of, 319.

Conferences, formed, 219

      — Western, 234

      — West Penna., 268

      — Ohio, 258

      — Illinois, 270

      — New York, 282

      — Pittsburg, 299

      — Indiana, 299

      — Wis., 212

      — Central Pa., 326

      — Iowa, 326

      — Canada, 342

      — Mich., 342

      — Kansas, 342

      — Atlantic, 398

      — Erie, 398

      — Pacific, 398

      — S. Indiana, 398

      — Des Moines, 398

      — Platte River, 433

      — Nebr., 433

      — Oregon, 447

      — Cal., 447

      — Dakota, 447.

Church Edifice, the first, 69, 225.

Charitable Soc, inst. of, 206.

Children's Day, origin of, 208.

Christliche Botschafter, 211.

Crum Class formed, 52.

 

DENLINGER, PROF. DAVID, 196.

Dreisbach fam., hist., 74-77.

Discipline, book of, 168, 362.

 

ECUMENICAL COUNCIL OF Meth., 420.

Education, higher, 182, 193, 269, 276.

Episcopacy, the, 165, 300.

Ettinger fam., hist., 115. 116.

Emigrant Miss., est, 459.

 

 

644 INDEX AND MINISTERIAL REGISTER.

 

Erie Co., Seibert's work in, 107.

Evergreen, the pub. of, 387.

Emigration to, New York, 108

      — Ohio, 151

      — Illinois, 156, 158.

Ev. Botschafter, the, 480.

Ev. Magazine, 378.

Ev. Messenger, 211.

Evangelical Association, origin of, 9-17

      — Name adopted, 224

      — Proposed change, 421

      — Doctrines, 164

      — History of, 258, 311

      — Semi-centennial of, 292

      — Loyalty of, 351, 361.

Eyer fam., hist, of, 20.

 

FAYETTE COUNTY, work in, 132.

Fleisher, John, letter of, 133.

Florida, miss, est., 468.

Fraternal Delegates, the first, 270.

Franklin Cir. formed, I11.

Fry fam., the, 64.

 

GERMANY, work est. in, 474.

Geistliche Saitenspiel, das,224.

General Assembly, the first, 22.

General meetings, 26, 218

      — Conference, the first, 224

      — Members of, 228, 249

      — First delegate conf., 269.

Greensburg Seminary, est., 200.

Gleim, Geo., 35.

Gipple fam., 53

 

HAMMER FAM., conversion of, 92.

Hamburg, Albright, visits, 28.

Haldeman's, preaching place, 34.

Heathen Mission, 481.

Hirakawa, T., ord. of, 484.

History, Orwig's, 311.

Huguenots, the, 10.

Hudson, Miss Rachel, 483.

Hummel Class, org., 65.

 

INDIAN MASSACRE IN MINN., 338.

Indiana, work est. in, 163

      — First church, 164.

Illinois, work est. in., 157

      — First church 161

      — Camp-meeting, the first, 161.

Iowa, work est. in, 335.

 

JAPAN MISS., est. of, 481

      — first fruits of, 483, 434

      — Native ministers, 434, 440-446, 578.

Jonestown Class, est., 46.

 

KANSAS MISSION, 320; first church, 330.

Kimmel, Geo., schism of, 242.

Kleinfelter fam., hist, of, 113.

Kocherthal, Rev. Josiah, colony of, 11.

 

LANDMARKS, quoted, 234.

Language Question, the, 174, 177, 241, 259-340.

Lafayette Seminary, est. of, 199.

Lebanon, 44, 103.

Lehn Class, 50.

Lehigh, 96.

Lewistourg, 79.

Living Epistle, the, 378.

 

METHODIST, conf., the newly formed, 219.

Maryland, work est. in, 115, 121.

Mennonites, the, 10.

Minnesota, work est. in, 316, 319.

Michigan, 255.

Miller fam., 32

Millheim Class, 85.

Missionary Society, hist. of. 200.

Missionary, woman's, 202

      — Foreign, 294.

Missionary Messenger, est., 203.

Ministry, character of, 179

      — Hardships of, 181

      — Prayer for, 183.

Moravians, the, 13.

Morrison's Cove Class, 125.

Mount Rock Class, 120.

Muhlenberg, Rev. H. M., 14.

 

NEWCOMER, BISHOP C., 15.

New Berlin.work est. in, 67, 68.

New York, 108

      — first church, 110.

Normal Course of Study, 459.

 

OATH Bound Societies Condemned, 284.

Orphan Home, est., 204.

Orwig fam., hist, of, 34, 81.

Orwigsburg Revival, the, 89, 92;

      — Bishop Seybert's testlmony,92.

Ohio, work est. in, 137.

 

PASTORAL Limit Extended, 377.

Parsonages, 184, 233.

Pacific Coast, work on, 485.

Palatines, the, 10.

Pentecostal Meeting, first, 21.

Pennsylvania Germans, the, 9, 13.

Periodicals, hist of, 211.

Pines, the work at, 118.

Philadelphia, 103.

Protracted Meetings, origin of, 186.

Plan of Study, 269.

Plainfield College, est., 197.

Phillips fam., the, 74, 108.

Probation System Abolished, 377.

 

QUARTERLY MEETINGS, est., 185.

 

RAIDABAUGH FAM., converted, 53.

Rank, Hon. John, biog. of, 83.

 

 

INDEX AND MINISTERIAL REGISTER. 645

 

Reading, 104.

Ream, Mich., 85.

 

SALARY, lowest, 229

      — full, 266

      — regulated, 285.

Sanctiflcation controversy settled, 360.

Saylor family, the, 94.

Schlatter, Rev. Mich., 14.

Schwenkfelders, the, 13, 97.

Sehaefferstown, Albright visits,35.

Schuylkill Seminary, 198.

Social Conference, the, 225.

Sunday Schools, est., 207, 248.

Sunday Sschool Periodicals, 207.

Sunday School and Tract Union,

Superanuated Preadhers, Fund for, 334-243.

 

TEXAS, work founded, 428.

Thomas fam., hist., 49-58.

 

UNION SEMINARY, est., 194.

Union With Other Churches Proposed, 169, 255.

Union Biblical Institute, 198.

United Brethren in Christ, 17.

 

VARNER APPT., 127.

Virginia, work est. in, 135.

 

WASHINGTON, work est. in, 465.

Walter fam., hist., 46-63.

Wagoner, Christopher, revival at, 91.

Wesco, Philip, appt., 31.

Wisconsin, work est. in, 161.

Woman's Miss. Soc, 446.

Woman's Crusade, the, 392.

White Deer, 82.

 

ZIMMERMAN FAM., the, 31.

Zinzendorf, Count von, 13.

 

----------

 

 

ABLETT, J. H., 454.

Acker, J. D., 459.

Ackerman, W., 404.

Adams, J., 279; di., 435.

Ade, C., 350.

Alber, J, 451.

Alberding, T., 371.

Alles, P., 298; P. E., 385

      — E., 467.

Albright, Jacob, (founder), 512; conversion of, 18; ordination, 22

      — B. D., 356.

Altimos, Solomon, 244, 255, 262.

Althouse, Henry, 301, 308

      — W. A., 433.

Allen, J. N., 356

      — G. K., 580.

Alsbach, Mien., 309, 469

      — H., di.,321

      — W., 335.

Alshouse, G. M., 466.

Alstadt, G., 426.

Ash, J. P., 470.

Albert, S. S. 350.

Anstein, Geo., 242.

Anderson, D. W., 452

      — S. B., 470.

Anthes, J. C., 297

      — Jacob, 390

      — J., 354.

Apgar, J. A., 322.

Anthony, C. W., 350, 403

      — B. F., 393, 465.

Arnt, F., 452.

Arlen, H., 416.

Arnold, O., 441.

Artman, D. A., 577.

Armstrong, H., 435.

Archer, J., 393.

Arkless, J., 364.

Arthur, E. B., 353.

Apel, C., 427.

Ashenbrenner, J., 408.

Assman, H., 350

      - F., 358.

Atchinson, J., 467

      — C. L., 369.

Aueracher, J., 412; P. E., 578.

Augenstein, Ch., 113, 239; P. E., 337.

Aubel, Ch., 133, 239-374.

Aurand, Simon, 313

      — C. V. B., 453.

Axthelm, Wm., 414.

 

BALL, A., 385.

Bach, Theo, 380; P. E., 575.

Backmeier, F., 395

      — P. E.

Barber, James, biog., 537.

Barth, G., 451.

Baker, Prof. F. M., 196, 380, 415

      — R., 358

      — J. D., 467

      — C. H., 332, 335.

Backman, W., 305.

Bancroft, G., 578.

Baily, E. B., 577.

Basom, H. S., 400.

Bates, J. H., 379

      — W., 413.

Bastian, Jacob, 292.

Bair, H. H., 329.

Bartles, A., 368

      —C., di., 454.

Bachman, W., 308

      — J. G., 323.

Banzhof, J., di., 369.

Barr, N. A., 410.

Ballinger, G. W., 441.

Bartges, O., 393.

Ballentine, M. J., 406.

Barshinger, H. B., 465.

Bahn, P., 416.

Barnhart, J. J., 331; P. E., 385

      — J., 265

      — G., 364.

Baumgardner, Jacob, 227

      — Samuel, biog., 537

      — S. M., 379

      — Cleophas, 371-417

      — Daniel, 367

      — G., 354

      — M. N., 369

      — A. S., 389

— F., 393

— S. H., 467

— L. I., 381.

Barowaskie, 0., 462.

Bayer, J. K., 265.

 

 

646 INDEX AND MINISTERIAL REGISTER.

 

Bartholemew, D., 318.

Bauerman, J. H., 470.

Bauerfeind, J. B., 469.

Beaumont, W. L, 453.

Beauchamp, J. M., 464.

Bean, S., 366.

Beck, J., 347

      — O., 395.

Bear, J., 356.

Becker fam., hist., 37, 39

      — Abraham, 230

      — Ben J., 231

      — Michael, 223

      — F., 574.

Beatty, Eliaa, 314.

Berry, A. W., 406.

Beery, A. F., 454

      — W. H., 295

      — Geo., 320

      — B., 356.

Bell, Jacob, 243.

Bentz, Prof. J. W., 196, 356

      — F., 468.

Betz, M., 537

      — John, 328.

Berger, Daniel, 245, 429

      — Henry, 380

      — John, 347; to Germany, 386

      — F. C., 455.

Berner, C., 314, 368

      — F., 333.

Benker, Paul, 297.

Berk, J., 336.

Bechtel, H. L., 468

      — J., 371

      — J., 416.

Behmer, E., 467.

Belzer, P., 412

      — L., 468

      — F., 355.

Beaver, E. M., 380.

Berstecher, G., 382, 396.

Berg, P., 401

      —C., 451.

Becher, L, 427.

Beckman, F., 452.

Beale, A. J., 460.

Berkey, F., 454.

Berberich, W., 438.

Benfer, H. A., 435.

Benfleld, A., 439.

Bennington, S. D., 322.

Bender, A., 297

      — Ch., 308.

Bergner, Peter, 296.

Bergheimer, Wm, 262.

Best, Jos., 255 — H., 402.

Bertolette family

      — Daniel, 29, 229

— Jacob, 415.

Bertch, J. S., 303.

Benner, C., 450.

Beleu, J., 452.

Berreth, A., 439.

Behney, H. W., 677.

Behner, Geo., 275.

Bell, Jacob, 243.

Black, D., 417

      — W. L., 384.

Blizzard, M. E., 413.

Bloom, N. W., 425.

Bird, A. J., 425.

Binder, W., 413, 451.

Birk, W., 411.

Bittner, P., 401

      — H., 428

      — J. M.,461.

Bierly, W. C., 674.

Bixler, Jacob, 229

      — Ben J., 230

      — J. G., 395

      — D. W., 405.

Biddlebach, P. W., 401.

Bissy, Charles, 26

      — Henry, 297, 305.

Bicker, H. H., 303.

Birk, Jos., 359.

Blanchard, W., 427.

Blank, Geo. Adam, 538

      — P., 455.

Bliem, C., 380.

Blasser, G., 349

      — S., 324.

Bower, A., 297

      — Moses, 252

      — A. W., 380

      — H., 380

      — Isaiah, 393.

Boller, C. F., 367

      — F., 323.

Bowles, J. T., 367.

Bott, P., 372.

Bock, A. L,., 463.

Bolender, E., 386.

Boas, Jacob, 537.

Bolton, John, 280.

Bossier, G., 357.

Bohner, B. F., 335.

Bockenmuehl, B., 332, 414.

Born, H., 275.

Borauff, Fred., 140, 230, 246

      — J.,360.

Boyer, David, 51

      — D. S., 304

      — E., 328

      - M., 347

      — L. M., 353; P. E. 425.

Bowersox family, 64

      — Joslah, 339; P. E., 409

      — Reuben, 373, 424.

Boeshore, B., 226.

Bone, F., 373, 385.

Bonta, E. E., 383.

Bornhelmer, A., 381, 461.

Boetzel, A., 316.

Bowlin, A. M., 385.

Bogen, A., 451.

Bollinger, E. S., 460.

Boughter, J. G., 577.

Boozer, J. H., 577.

Bowman, Thomas, 322; P. E., 373; bishop, 398

      — James, 384

      — H. J., 336, 365

— J. L., 364

— Dr. J. C., 467.

Bockmeyer, F., P. E., 437.

Beckenhauer, C., 412.

Bolander, C., 449.

Bretch, Philip, 291.

Braim, C. S., 359, 365.

Brader, J. M., 380, 580.

Brackley, W., 371.

Brant, R., 464

      —C., 393, 411.

Brandstatter, G., 432.

Brauchele, A., 412.

Brey, C., 417.

Brauer, H., 355; P. E., 391

      — F., 382.

Brenneman, H. H., 424

      — H., 401.

Brenner, C., 418.

Breyfogel, Seneca, 335, 453

      — Chas. S., 384; P. E., 459.

Brendle, J. C., 366; P. E., 442.

Brekow, F., 374.

Britoher, J. E., 424.

Britton, E., 385.

Brechtel. H., 382.

Braim, V., 403.

Brightmeyer, W. H., 442.

Britzins, G., 395.

Brill, 329; P. E., 396, 427.

Bishop, J., 289-296.

 

 

INDEX AND MINISTERIAL REGISTER. 647

 

Brillhart, W. E., 677.

Bresaler, Win., 289.

Brickley family, the, 81

      — George, 81, 237; P. E., 255

      — Daniel, 81, 242, 454

      — John, 81, 262, 408

      — F. M., 440

      — A. W., 449.

Breitensteln family, the, 42

      — John, 538.

Broadbeck, Henry, 308, 331, 317.

Brookhart, F., 575.

Breiner, Geo., 369.

Brown, L. D., 277

      — S., 335

      — C., 347

      — G., 349

      — J., 349

      — G. W., 357

      —C., 380

      — V., 381

      — J., 395

      — C., 416

— L., 375

— G. F., 461

— H., 412

— E,. 457.

Bruckert, J., 396.

Bruer, Thomas, 221.

Brookhouse, H., 462.

Broz, Jos., 437.

Brumm, L., 375

      — P., 395.

Brooker, L. S., 452.

Brownmiller, E. S., 384.

Brunner, E., 426

      — A., 433

      — A. J., 453.

Bryson, J. W., 417.

Brose, Otto, 436.

Buntz, S., 453.

Buehner, Chas., 371.

Bussy, F., 374; P. E., 581.

Burkhart, J., 385

      —C., 350.

Buchtel, C., 385.

Bucholtz, A., 414.

Bunse, H., 347; P. E. 427.

Burkett, Jacob, 103, 242, 430

      — J. A., 389

      — A. L,., 575.

Burg, P., 387

      — G. W., 350.

Burge, W., 387.

Buesh, G. F., 331

      — H., 371

      — J., 271.

Buehler, L,., P. E., 417.

Bretz, Solomon, 100

      — Edmund, 319.

Buehner, J. P., 577.

Butterweck, S., 384.

Buzza, J. N., 449.

Burlingame, M., 579.

Burnett, G. F., 576.

Buende, A., 413

      — J., 451

      — J., 468.

Butz, Solomon, 100

      — Edmund, 319.

Burder, J., 368.

Byers, D. B., 314, biog. 634

      — James,222

      — J., 354.

Buck, Thomas, biog., 538

      — Solomon T., 327

      — Henry W., 344; P. E., 466

J. W., 407

      — J., 447.

Bucks, Henry, 30, 243; P. E., 271

      —C., 354

      — W. H., 368; P. E., 455.

Buckwalter family, the, 26

      — John, 221.

Buchman family, the, 119

      — Abraham, 119, 221

      — S., 327.

Buecker, H. H., 297.

Buehler, L., 302; P. E., 350.

Buzzard, Joseph, P. E., 385

      — A., 375.

 

CABLE, J., 357.

Campbell, John, 242

      — William, 250

      — J. D., 392

      — W. J., 580.

Carmany, J., 373.

Canzler, M., 366.

Carothers, Martin J., 277; biog., 633

      — Geo., 393.

Carroll, L., 461.

Case, A., 435.

Caton, TV., 382.

Carpenter, J. A., 403.

Conrad, W. J., 451

      — H., 367.

Condo, M., 347, 372

      — E., 355

      — S., 369.

Conser, E., 327.

Coleman, G. J., 440.

Colwell, O. F., 460.

Coply, A., 441

      — S., 349; P. E., 387.

Copp, F. B., 384.

Condrea, R. P., 383.

Coon, W., 407.

Coburn, S. B., 411.

Cook, H., 578.

Cocklin, S., 390

      - P., 450.

Cole, J. P., 391

      — J. B., 406, 448.

Oourter, J. E., 389.

Comstock, C., 366.

Coverdale, T. L., 404.

Covert, W. M., 411.

Cover, Henry, 309.

Cox, J. B., 277.

Colmeier, C., 324.

Coy, S., 406.

Coup, P. F., 367.

Clark, Geo., 314.

Clair, Jacob, 320.

Clouser, D., 465.

Clapp, H. M., 424.

Clemens, D., 449

      -H., 375, 383

      — H. S., 430.

Clewell, T. G., 303

      — Ed. Ev. Mess., 316, 379; P. E., 435.

Croman, Wm., 367.

Crawford, L. W., 396.

Craly, B., 370.

Cramer, W. H., 454.

Crandall, H. W., 340.

Croasman, James, 317.

Cramin, J., 339.

Crowther, S. F, 317

      — C. L., 407.

Crumbling, E., 410

      — L. E., 440.

Craul, J. F., 436.

Chubb, B. S., 327; P. E., 574.

Curry, J. Q. A., 430.

Culver, A. J., 368, 451.

Culp, J. H., 418.

Cupp, Geo. W., 267; P. E., 336

      — A. T.

Curtis, N. G., 395

      — C. G., 336.

Custer, M. L., 392.

Curies, D., 368.

Cutler, C., 347.

 

 

648 INDEX AND MINISTERIAL REGISTER.

 

DARBY, ADAM, 380.

Danner, Fred, 260, 313

      — C., 402

      — F., 409.

Darr, H., 364.

Damm, J. H., 381.

Day, U., 456

      — A. B., 440.

Davis, Samuel E., 322

      — C. W., 336

      — W. H., 336

      — A., 364

      — T., 366

— N. T., 390

— H. B., 407

— W. J., 424

      — J. L., 574.

Dalzell, D. R., 411.

Dassel, A., 337, 340.

Derom, J. B., 411.

Derrick, R. J., 410.

DeVeau, M., 440

      — P., 460.

Decker, A., 374.

Dehaven, C., 367.

Dewitt, B. K., 368, 431.

Dehoff, John, 115, 222

      — Closes, 115, 222.

Delong, A. A., 373.

Delfelder, F., 330.

Dereioh, Jacob, 367.

Dellinger, Geo., 252, 415.

Deppen, Isaac, 244, 366.

Deininger, C. P., 295; P. E., 373, 578.

Deatrick, H. A., 327

      — J., 371

      —C., 375

      — Elmer, 424

      — T. 438.

Detert, W., 407.

Deisher, Reuben, 274.

Dewoody, J. M., 575.

Dewall, J., 468.

Detwiler, W. E., 339; P. E., 415.

Dengel, John, 309.

Descher, W., 418.

Desgranges, Peter, 383, 470.

Dilabar, Aug., 388.

Dice, Levi, 380.

Diser, W., 389.

Dickfuss, J., 402.

Diete, P., 366.

Dieder, Emanuel, 286.

Dissinger, Moses, biog., 539

      — I. S., 415.

Dill, John, biog., 163

      — B. F., 382.

Dick, Joseph, 280, 575

      — E. F., 411

      — J. M., 424

      — C. J., 460.

Dimmer, C., 328.

Dibble, Jos., 317.

Diehl, N. H., 355.

Diebler, Mich., 221

      — Noah, 306.

Dienst, G. E., 426; miss, to Japan, 484.

Dillow, S. B., 452

      — W. L., 452.

Divan, I., 441

      - J., 454.

Diesmeyer, C., 413.

Dickover, Samuel, 279; P. E., 349, 445.

Dotterer, F., 276.

Donmeyer, L. B., 328, 580.

Doerscher, F., 469.

Doerlng, C., 456.

Dorstler, A. H., 458.

Douty, H. H., 415.

Domer fam., hist., 133

      — G. S., 323; P. E., 345, 467

      - John D., 336; P. E., 425

      — J. W., 415

      — J. W., 406.

Downey, Henry, 144, 290, 304

      — J. D, 407.

Doll, Geo., 275.

Dooly, J., 357.

Dovenspike, J., 357.

Drake, F., 372, 408.

Dreblow, F., 358.

Dreiblebis, R, 366, 392.

Dreher, C. D., 434.

Dressier, Geo., 255, 261.

Dreisbach family, hist, of, 74-78

      — John, biog., 525

      — Abraham, 278, 407

      — Jacob, 369, 422

      — C. H. 425

      — A. M., 412.

Drehmel, J., 372.

Drinkwater, 381.

Dubs, Rudolf, 315; P. E., 347; Ed. Ch. Botschafter, 362; Bishop,398

      — C. Newton, 438

      — Ralph S., 466.

Dunlap, James, 265; P. E., 289, 317, 469

      — J. A., 367

      — G. W., 385

      — J.F., 575.

Dumm, John, 367.

Duebendorf, G., 427.

Dutill, Howard. 459.

Dutcher, Dr. A P., 384.

Dustman, J., 392.

Dunkelberger, Samuel H., 373,399.

Dundore, S. F., 369, 373.

Duffy, E., 400.

Duth, H. H, 368.

 

EATON, L. B., 436.

Early, Jacob, 431.

Eby fam., the, 45

      — E., 388

      — A., 401.

Ebinger, Christian, 162.

Eberling, J., 393.

Ebbert, Joseph, 237, 459

      — J., 453.

Eberhardt fam., the, 109

      — Uriah, 109; P. E.; 289

      — Levi, 109, 263; P. E., 329

      — Prof. J. P., 199

      — G. F., 385.

Eckerman, D. C., 390.

Eckert, John, 271

      — Geo., 307

      — J. F., 366

      — D., 467.

Eckley, W., 323.

Edgar, John, 267

      — G. W., 433.

Eller, M., 344.

Emde, F., 333.

Enders, Nich., 112

      — George, 234.

Engel, L., 344

      — S., 366.

Enterlein, D. B., 370.

Bisenhauer, T., 370, 454.

Eiterman, L. H., 281.

Edie, J. B., 578.

Eichenlaub, G., 371.

Eilert, F., 383

      — R., 467.

Ellert, M., 365

      — H., 390.

 

 

INDEX AND MINISTERIAL REGISTER. 649

 

Ellenberger, D., 374

      — G., 331

      — F. P., 425.

Elfman, J., 407.

Elmer, U., 371

      — W., 414, 469

      — J., 454.

Elrich, J., 455

      — W. W., 460

Elfring, E., 394.

Eisenberger, John, 125, 229.

Eis, Michael, 252, 465.

Einsel, Lewis, 145, 148, 250

      — E. D., 382.

Emmert, L. E., 414.

Emmel, J., 375.

Egger, P., 438.

Egli, A., 407.

Efener, B. P., 577.

Egge, W., 313

      — C. H., 355.

Ernst, A., 452.

Erisman, A. L., 574

      — S. P., 579.

Erdman, P. E., 392.

Erfmeyer, C. F., 412

      — G. J., 451

      — S., 468.

Erhart, Chas., 459, 464.

Erb, John, biog., 539

      — Joseph, 459.

Essig, C. P., 575.

Esslinger, J. G., 451.

Essenwein, J. B., 459.

Each, J., 367

      — Henry, 287

      — T., 373.

Escher, John Jacob, 276; P. E.

      315; Bishop, 343

      — J. George, P.E., 315, 459

      — Christian, 346.

Ettinger fam., hist., 115, 116

      — Adam, biog., 540

      — Jesse M., biog., 540

      — Benj., 222

      — P., 432.

Entorf, S. F., 441; P. E., 581.

Ewald, D., 394.

Epply, Benj., 252

      — J. W., 426.

Evans, E., 324

      — A., 401

      — A., 404

      — E., 404

      — W., 411

      — H. M., 416

      — J. H., 431

      — M. A., 575.

 

FAHNEL, B. J., 467.

Fager, J. A., 369

      — J., 441.

Faus, H., 336

      — O., 370.

Farnsworth; J. C., 266, 450.

Fetter, W. M., 450.

Felix, G., 367

      — L. B., 461.

Fee, T., 456.

Fehr, C. K., 335; P. E., 385

      — J. K., 373

      — D. E., 373

      — C. T., 407

      — W. H., 436.

Feit, B. F., 367.

Ferner, J. W., 390.

Fenner, J., 373.

Fenstermacher, F., 368.

Finger, C. P., 332; P. E., 417

      — H., 357.

Pink, D. W., 390

      — J., 402

      — H. M., 454.

Finkbinder, G., 385

      — C. W., 415

      —C., 461.

Ficht, William, 279.

Pidder, G., 575.

Fiohtner, Daniel, 130

      — J., 425.

Fisher, Henry, biog., 541

      — David, 541

      - Jacob, 290

      — Joseph, 296; P. E., 340

      — William, 308

      — G. B., 327

      — A., 402

      — I. B., 409

      — H. L,., P. E., 376; di., 432

      — L. S., 442

      — A. S., 467.

Finney, G. W., 411.

File, P. S., 406, 415.

Flickinger, A. E., 464.

Fleisher, John, 55, 133

      — D., 296

      — George, 296

      — J. H., 336.

Floto, C. F., 435.

Flegler, G., 401.

Fliehr, C. B., 338; P. E., 425; di., 459

Fluck, W. R., 459.

Fosselman, M. F., 424.

Forry, A., 465

      — Abraham, 255.

Forkel, W., 468

      — Valentine, 349.

Fordman, A. E., 405.

Fondre, A., 395.

Fogel, J., 357.

Folder, W., 358, 368.

Foltz, P., 336.

Force, W., 468.

Foy, Jacob, 230

      — George, 281, 296

      — J. H., 336.

Focht, Daniel, 89, 274

      — Geo. 327.

Fox, John, 305; P. E., 376

      — J. M.,350

      — J. B., 430

      — D. F., 462

      — D. H., 442.

Fondry, J., 443.

Fouke, W. H., 402.

Frase, F., 391.

Franks, Geo., 413

      — F., 450.

Franzen, Geo., 297.

Frankhouser, J., 332; P. E., 419.

Frankenfleld, S., 335.

Frain, Isaac, 367.

Freed, H. W., 384

      — J. K., 453.

Frederick, W., 324

      — G., 896, 402

      — W. E., 579.

Frehmel, J., 365.

Frielmel, C., 346.

Freeh, P., 272, 460

      — Geo., 364

      — F., 459.

Friess, Samuel, 246.

Fricker, Phil., 350; P. E., 434.

Fruh, John, 115, 222, 381.

Fritsche, G., 329; P. E., 358

      — J., 369.

Fritz, J., 392

      — W., 408.

Frymier, T. L., 574.

Fry fam., hist., 64

      — Jacob, 64, 219

      — Jacob, 246, 317

— Samuel, 245

      — Abraham, 266, 327

— Joshua,308

— John, 331— S., 374

— J., 390

— D., 393

— W., 394

— A., 395

— M. C., 441

— Noah, 451

— Charles, 574

— S. P., 579.

Fueher, C., 469.

Fussner, H., 450.

Puhs, G., 386.

Funk, H. W., 358.

 

 

650 INDEX AND MINISTERIAL REGISTER.

 

Fuessele, A., 368; P. E., 451

      — G., 422, 472

      — A. E., 575.

 

GABLE, C., 336.

Garrett, W., 297

      — C. F., 465.

Garner, J., 351.

Garrison, Benj., 389.

Garl, D., 340.

Gassman, F. A., 432

      — E., 462.

Gammertsfelder, S., 390

      — W., 461.

Gathers, H. R., 373, 448.

Gallagher, S., 460.

Gagstatter, M., 414.

Gauerke, M., 433.

Gattle, Chris. B., 263.

Gaumer, S., 279

      — E., 369.

Gates, (Getz) John Adam, 147

      — Peter, 148, 245, 437

      — G., 411, 466

      — A., 452

      — H., 468

      — S. B., 469.

Geary, F. D., 439.

Gerhart, Carl, 452.

Gebhart, J., 321

      — C. F., 406.

George, T., 323

      — N., 389

      — N. S., 406

      — Thos. A., 459.

Gehman, A., 457

      - L. H., 341.

Gehler, F. G., 375.

Gehring, J., 375.

Geist, A., 382.

Gelser, G. H., 385.

Gerlnger, G., 467.

Gelss, W., 341.

Gehr, Nich., 266

      — Editor, 211.

Geisse, F., 336.

Geltzenlichter, N., 314.

Gelssel, Fred., 310.

Gingerich, L., 455

      — C., 297.

Gibens, Jos., 307.

Gilmore, G. W., 380.

Gillhousen, John, 346.

Gluntz, G., 464.

Glasser, Fred., 229

      — L., 364

      — E.,384.

Glaus, C., 268, 404.

Glantz, P., 357.

Glick, H. J., 392.

Gloeg, F., 358.

Gladfelter, W. F., 410.

Gobble, Prof. Aaron E, 196, 415.

Goebel, N., 297

      — A., 461.

Good, A., 468.

Goodling, E., 380

      — C. H., 424

      — E. O., 449.

Gohn, G., 389, 577.

Gongall, J., 391.

Gomer, Mich., 324.

Gottwald, A. Z., 296

      — W. H., 320.

Goessele, W., P. E, 372.

Golden. A. L., 675.

Goetschel, A., 336.

Gogstetter, C., 332.

Gockley, A., 323.

Graham, Philip, 380

      — M., 406

      — Philip, 303, 370

      — J. W., 387.

Graver, P., 574.

Graep, G., 416. '

Green, C., 386— T., 406

      — W., 457.

Graebenstein, M., 433.

Graeben, J., 456.

Grenzenbach, J. H., 461

      — John, 296, 348.

Grenninger, H. N., 373.

Gressly, P., 418.

Gramley, C. H., 364

      — Andrew J., 380.

Gray, C. W., 349.

Graves, Uriah, 323

      — H., 348, 438.

Grimm, E., 350

      — L., 371, 376

      — J. A., 357; P. E., 389.

Graumer, S., 424.

Gregg, W. B., 280.

Grueneisen, J., 340.

Gross, Jos., 264, 448

      — Jacob, 276

      — G. W., 392

      — W., 402

      — H. W.,506.

Greenwald, A. J., 506.

Gruener, M., 383; P. E., 453.

Grlese, Val., 402.

Groff, G. M., 357

      — F., 357

      — Carl,371.

Group, Philip, 393.

Grobe, W., 416.

Grumbeln, H. B., 416

      — H., 418.

Guhl, M., 319, 344, 486.

Guelich, H., 438, 344; P. E., 356.

Guinther, J. L., 415.

 

HAMMER FAM., 92

      — Charles, biog., 544.

Hamilton, John, 831

      — T., 429, 675

      — J., 416.

Hambright, D., 285, 453

      — W. W., 366, 439.

Haman, Chas. S., 308; P. E., 370.

Hammeter, John, 319; P. E., 347; di., 358

      — M., 329.

Hampe, H., 296.

Hansing, S., 374

      —C., 396.

Hanks, J. S., 364.

Hangen, G. W., 577.

Hanger, J., 306.

Hanshaw, John, 267.

Harper, T., 327.

Harm, Geo., 327.

Harris, M. W., 322, 434

      — Leonard K., 370.

Harrod, H. H., 368.

Hallowell, A. S., 349.

Harter, F., 376.

Hass, H., 350

      — A., 386.

Haller, J. G., 414

      — J. G., 439

      — G., 366.

Hallwachs, G., 428.

Haley, Geo., 268; P. E., 318.

Hall, B. F., 296

      — J., 407.

Harlacher, Jos., biog., 642.

Hahn, Prof. W. J., 200

      — Philip. 265

      — P. W., 331

      — A. F., 408

      — W. J., 363

      — J. F., 366

      — A., 449

      — E., 578.

Hager, Jonas, 320.

Haines, G. T., biog., 542

      — T. L., 386

      — O. S., 580.

 

 

INDEX AND MINISTERIAL REGISTER. 651

 

Hassler, Henry, 226.

Haefele, A., 416.

Hartman, Martin, 249

      — W. H. 406

— A. M., 424

      — H. W., 432.

Hadlock,. J. C., 460.

Hampe, F. A., 407.

Hardle, C., 426.

Hard, D. D., 441.

Haist, F., 394

      — A. Y., 466.

Hartung, C. P., 345.

Haverfleld, I. T., 451.

Hare, B. P., 393.

Haberman, P., 402.

Hayden, S. P., 451.

Hauser, G., 455

      — L. M., 450

      — A. L. 468.

Halmtauber, A., 405, 482, 439.

Hauptfueher, P., 393.

Haldeman Ch., 272

      — J., 418

      — G. B., 450.

Haupt, W., 364.

Hart, C., 366

      — M., 395.

Hashinger, W. 434.

Haltzman, J. L., 451.

Hauert, Matthias, 250, 369.

Haucb, Thomas, 314

      — J. T., 456.

Haug John, 318, 436.

Hack, P., 366.

Hartzler, Jacob. 313; Editor Ev. Mess., 378; Supt. Japan Miss., 482; P. E., 574

      — Henry B., 367; Ed. Ev. Mess., 422

      — A., 350, 417

      — W. H., 577.

Hesser, Chas., biog., 543.

Hess, Benj., 272

      — T., 380

      — Isaac, 285

      — B. E., 372.

Heckathorn G. C., 368

      — A., 383.

Heil, Mich., 332, 575

      — N., 366

      — W. P., 424; P. E., 580.

Heilman, G., 437

      — A., 324.

Heininger, Samuel, 372

      — Daniel, 320.

Heiser, W., 383.

Heineck, C., 391.

Heinmiller, G., 391

      — L., 431

      — J., 4, 32.

Heinrich, G. P., 368

      — C., 417.

Heine, H., 357.

Heisler, J. S., 577

      — I., 430.

Heldner, W. P., 371.

Helm, C., 347

      — W., 415.

Helbenthal, H., 402.

Heiden, C., 310.

Heilscher, G. W., 408; P. E., 463.

Heiss fam., the

      — Samuel, Henry, Levi, Jacob, Peter, 107, 380.

Hehr, P., 336

      — P., 364.

Hensel, H., 376, 349

      — J. R., 399

      — J., 401.

Herrold, S., 380.

Hendricks, J., 384.

Henneman, W., 394.

Hetrick. L. H., 373.

Herr, H. S., 370

      — Conrad, 287.

Hemkens, G., 451.

Helsel, C., 367.

Held, E., 416

      — P., 315.

Herb, D., 366, 407.

Hertle, Geo, biog., 388, 324.

Hengst, Benj. P., 280; P. E., 313.

Henn, Jacob, 313; P. E., 387.

Hennig fam., the, 84

      — Adam, 221, 544.

Herman, L., 314

      — J., 418, 437

      — John, 440.

Herlan, Frantz, 291; P. E., 344.

Hershberger, D. J., 415.

Hetner, John A., 380.

Henkey, Lewis, 27

      — L. W., 374.

Hershey, John, 107, 261

      — U. H., 373, 577.

Hertz, John, 400.

Hettler, G. A., 401.

Herwig. J., 368.

Herring, G., 358, 412.

Hershner, J. L., 419.

Henni, Stephen, 328.

Heffner, C. W., 577.

Himmel, Jacob, 307; P. E., 374, 434

      — J., 431, 575.

Himmelreich, John, 238.

Hinkel, Geo., 301

      — Adam, 308, 425

      — G., 364.

High, J. J., 384.

Hippensteel, Henry, 364.

Hippert, S. 349.

Hildebrand, Martin A., 413.

Hines, P. H., 462.

Hirst, A. V., 405.

Hintze, Henry, 318; P. E., 390.

Hohnsted, W., 382

      — W. H., 358

      — D., 403.

Hoch, I., 366.

Hough, J. M.; P. E., 390.

Houst, H., 454.

Hofsomer, A., 373.

Holtzman, H., 438

      - Geo., 314.

Holdridge, H., 337.

Holswarth, A., 331; P. E., 440

      — A. A., 456; P. E., 461

      — A., 461

      — F. S., 466.

Hollinger, J., 331, 379.

Hollyman, H., 338.

Hoffert, Isaac, 253, 405.

Honeoker, Jacob, 276

      — John, 281.

Horn, W., 337; Ed. S. S. Lit., 382; Ch. Bot., 447

      — Henry, 385.

Hornberger, Zach., 303

      — J. C., 347; P. E., 424; Ed. Eng. S. S. Lit.,471.

Holtzappel, G., 448.

Hoehn, M., 296; P. E., 340.

Hook, Jacob, 236.

Holl, Ch., 249, 394

      — John, 266.

Houtz, W. H., 356

      — J., 403.

Hoffman, Francis, biog., 544, 154

      — Prof. P. C., 196, 327

      — Elisha A., 364

      — John, 321

      — Geo., 393

      — P.,

 

 

652 INDEX AND MINISTERIAL REGISTER.

 

Hoy fam., the, 72, 78, 143

      — Samuel, 143; P. E., 374

      — John, 143

      — J., 401.

Hoover, J. W., 399

      — S., 408, 456

      — J. W., 415

      — D. E., 442.

Hosli, H., 394.

Hosbach, J., 450.

Hochstettler, E., 369.

Houghtley, J., 382.

Homuth, F., 391.

Hollenbach, J., 388

      — J. A., 406

      — R., 453.

Husser, G., 427.

Hurd, H. H., 454.

Humbert, J. M., 455.

Huebner, S. K., 574

      — H., 425.

Hunsberger, J., 352.

Huelscher, J., 365.

Hunter, Robt. C., 238

      — Geo., 286.

Huelster, August, 309; P. E., 443

      — Henry, 314; P. E., 341

      — Fred, 324

      — Wm., 346; P. E., 451

      — Anton, 359

      — E. W., 468.

Hurtze, H., 333.

Hummel, Christian, 252

      — Joseph 254

      — A., 410

      — E. P., 425

      — J. V., 450.

Hummelsheim, Levi, 272.

Huth, Abr., 221.

Hummelbach, K., 373.

Hyde, J. S., 297, 353.

 

IDLEMAN, CHRISTIAN, 296,302.

Illian, F., 394

      — H., 408.

Irvine, Armstrong H., 327

      — John A., 374.

Imboden, G. W., 579.

Ingram, J., 349.

Ingel, W. H., 364.

Imrael, C., 368.

Inhelder, M., 402; P. E., 463.

Ilgin, P., 468.

Isker, H., 456.

Isch, J., 390.

 

JACOBS, JOHN A., 246

      — Prof. Otis L., 448.

Jacoby, L., 279; P. E., 367, 429.

Jackson, G., 373

      — H. M., 470.

James, J., 393

      — E., 410.

Jameson, Alex., 218

      — M. J., 453.

Jarrett, P. F., 384.

Jauch, J., 349.

Jenny, J., 298.

Jenkins, W. S., 578.

Johnson, D. B., 370

      — J. M., 408

      — J. H., 432

      — Geo., 451

      — W. J., 453.

Jones, W. H., 386

      — L. A., 463.

Jonas, Wm., 391.

Joseph, Geo., 400.

Just, J. P.; P. E., 412.

 

KAAG, GEO., 272, 309.

Kable, C., 268.

Kanaga, Josiah, 278

      — J. B., 425.

Kantner, W. C. 404.

Kohl, J., 354

      — D. T., 451.

Kaltreiter, Fred, 223.

Karcher, J., 350.

Kauff man, John, 255

      — Conrad, 268,

      — John, 297; P. E., 432

      — G., 354

      — A., 366

      — W.; P. E., 383.

Kessler, Elmer, 574.

Kearstetter, John, 253, 417.

Keagel, Henry, 246, 301

      — J. H., 462.

Kechele, Jacob, biog., 634.

Keil, Simon, 263, 265.

Kelper, Jacob, 291, 297.

Kachel, C. F., 456.

Keene, E. D., 430.

Kempfer, H., 319, 415.

Kehr fam., the, 65

      — Daniel, 235, 380

      — Jacob, 246, 331

      — D. W., 462.

Kembel, D. Z., 344.

Kemerling, Jacob, 262

      — L., 375

      — I. W., 428.

Kemmerer, A., 366

      — W., 371

      — W., 375.

Kearney, G. A., 416.

Kern, Daniel, 256

      — C., 386— S., 418

      — J., 357— J. P., 384.

Kelly, Levi, 280.

Kepner, Daniel, 327

      — J. A., 415.

Keller, Benj., 302, 461

      - H., 340

      — J., 357

      — B. F., 393

      — G., 410

      — G.,427.

Keeler, J. H., 372; P. E., 436.

Keiser, J., 425.

Ketterman, J., 419.

Kiehnholtz, J., 365.

Kinley, H., 418.

Kiplinger, Elias, 318; P. E., 383

      — J., 337

      — J., 375

      — L., 383.

Kiekhofer, H., 394

      — G. F., 438.

Killheffer, C. M., 411.

Kinsey, L. A., 575.

Kiest, C. F., 462.

Kindt, A., 356.

Kitchen, W., 374.

King, J. M., 367

      — J., 370

      — W., 376.

Kirkpatrick, N. J., 455.

Kissel, J. G., 290.

Klaiber, C., 451

      — M. 321.

Klatt, H., 402.

Kline, D. P., 389

      — A., 317

      — A. S., 439.

Kliphart, J. J., 394; P. E., 449.

Klopfer, Geo., 263

      — O., 468.

Kletzinger Henry, 289, 575.

Kletzing, H. F., 407.

Kleinfelter fam., the, 113

      — John, 546

      — Jacob, 546

      — Adam, 546

      — Jacob (second), 237

      — Emanuel, 313

      — William H., 365.

Kleinknecht, J. O., 329.

Kleinsorg, Henry, 323.

Klaholtz, C., 450

 

 

INDEX AND MINISTERIAL REGISTER. 653

 

Klump, P., 401

      — J., 454.

Knebel, A., P. E., 443.

Knechtel, S., 449

      — J., 365.

Knoll, C., 406

      — M., 372

      — H., 442

      — C., 442.

Knoche, Geo., 452

      — J., 365.

Knable, A., 355.

Knoble, A., 368

      — G. C., 374.

Knaublock, W., 369.

Knetterling, O., 358.

Knecht, T., 579.

Knopf, F., 413.

Knerr, Geo., 289

      — J. K., 331

      — I. E., 331; P. E., 400, 465

      — G. A., 459.

Kneisley, C., 339.

Koehl, Johm 276

      — H., 358.

Kohr, Emanuel, biog, 547.

Kohler, W. A., 428

      — P., 467.

Kohlmeyer, Conrad, 318.

Kostenbader, D. T., 465.

Kolmer, J., 396.

Koch, Charles, 280; Ed. Ch. Bot., 312

      — Charles, 371

      — C., 390

      — C. R., 436

      — L. S., 439

      — G., 442.

Koehn, J., 387.

Koenig, W., 349

      — W., 369

      — W., 450.

Kortenmeyer, S., 366.

Koepsel, H., 372.

Kolander, W., 394.

Kopp, J. J., biog., 141

      — Christ., 265, 432

      — S., 331.

Kolb, William, 272, 463

      — C. H., 371

      — Geo., 372

— Wm., 459

— J. H., 408

— L., 347

— J. L., 578.

Koester, H., 303.

Kooker, D. H., 358; P. E., 391.

Koontz, E. W., 424

      — S. E., 583.

Kreamer, John, 255

      — Daniel, 277

      — John, 280, 465

      — Henry, 318

      — A. W., 356

      — W., 581

      — Chas., 451

      — H. A., 468.

Kraus, Abraham, 286

      — Ellas B., 318; P. E., 450

      — J. C., 424

      — S. P., 451.

Krecker, Frederick, 254; P. E., 305, 577

      — Dr. Frederick, Jr., biog., 545

      — Augustus, 392.

Krall, Samuel, 254.

Kraushar, P., 441.

Kraft, S., 426

      — J., 454.

Kreh, D., 406.

Krell, S., 418.

Kring family, the, 126

      — Conrad, 230, 545

      — S. B., 545.

Kresge, T. S., 469.

Krupp, B. C., 453

      - S., 317; P. E., 371.

Kruger, F., 438

      — M., 315; P. E.,396.

Kreidler, H. D., 579.

Kronmiller, J. M., 305.

Kuehn, A., 413

      — E., 441.

Kunselman, W., 373.

Kunkle, L., 371.

Kunst, C., 394.

Kuhns, H. W., 384.

Kuter, Israel, 304; P. E., 365.

Kutz, Jos., 319.

Kuhnholtz, J., 365.

Kuenzeli, J., 349

      — P., 349.

Kuegel, J., 345.

Kurtz, John, 369, 324, 430

      — Fred., 339

      — G., 451.

 

LANTZ, GEO., 27, 288.

Lashall, H., 374.

Landis, G. H., 351.

Laden, Jesse, 393.

Lance, J. F., 443.

Landwehr, F. W., 468.

Lang, C. S., 468.

Langenstein, G., 365.

Lanzhof, J., 329.

Lamb, J. H., 431.

Larmon, W. S., 575.

Lageschulte, Henry, 304; P. E.,347.

Laros, J., 348.

Lautenslager, T., 371.

Lauer, Martin, 271; P. E., 374; Publisher, 447.

Launer, P., 355, 450.

Lawrence, J., 349, 418.

Lavan, D. K., 385; P. E., 449.

Lauver, Jacob, 410.

Laux, P., 457.

Laury, Geo. H., 384

      — S., 348.

Lerch Jesse, 348

      — S., 345.

Leaf, G., 349.

Leopold, A., 348, 580

      — W. A., 356

      — S. T., 392.

Lehn, Mich., 255; P. E., 267, 345.

Lehew, J., 372.

Leland, T., 455.

Lehman, R., 431.

Leuther, F., 350.

Leslie, L. E., 384.

Leply, D. S., 400.

Leonard, E. P., 410

      — C. W., 453

      — R. T., 574.

Leuder, H., 432.

Lewis, H., 469.

Leichman, R, 443.

Leiphart, H., 412

      — J. C., 435.

Leib, John P., biog., 547.

Lentz, John, 244

      — David, 335

      — W., 376.

Leas, Isaac, 295

      — Prof. J. H, 331, 349.

Lechler, Wm., 318.

Lehr, F. P., 303

      — J. O., 305; P. E., 400.

Leibenderfer, J., 364.

Licht, D., 382

      - S., 366.

Lilly, W. H, 400.

Litt, J. G., 461.

Lienlng, G., 469.

Lister, J. D., 466.

Lively, I., 435.

Lindsey, J. W., 400.

 

 

654 INDEX AND MINISTERIAL REGISTER.

 

Light, A., 366

      — D. A., 410

      — David, 103.

Lintner, Christian, 242, 309

      — J. J., 402

      — H., 418.

Linder, L. H., 328.

Linge, C., 372.

Lihs, G., 358.

Linse, H. E., 329; P. E., 402.

Liesser, Abraham, 218.

Libke, H., 323.

Lingelbach, W., 346

      — J., 367, 389.

Lichtenwalner, R. M., 335.

Litzenberger, R., 322

Linderman, Chas., 277; F. E., 306.

Link, Conrad, 272, 296

      — A. L., 371.

Loehner, Abraham, 146, 255.

Long, Joseph, biog., 533

      — Daniel, 246; P. E., 302

      — Abraham, 304

— Obed., 368

— F., 375.

Longbrake, Henry, 255, 321

      — Henry, Jr., 323.

Longsdorf, Alex., biog., 388

      — J. M., 380.

Loos, Ch., 279

      — W., 351

      - J. W., 375

      — E., 401.

Locke, F. S., 442.

Lowe, J. S., 410

      — R., 431.

Lowmai, J., 406.

Loy, J. U., 374.

Loop, J. N., 386.

Loney, H. H., 412.

Lohr, C., 324

      — J. J., 400.

Longer, J. E., 295.

Loewen, H., 443.

Loehle, F., 383.

Lohmeyer, F., 328.

Luttman, W., 375

      — F. B., 366.

Lusler, J., 370.

Lueder, W., 369.

Luering, L., 409

      — S., 464.

Luedicke, F., 386.

Lusher, A., 348.

Lutz, John, 244

      — J. K., 366

      — A., 457

      H., 457.

Luttenberger, J., 354.

Lyons, H. B., 396

      — T. C., 450.

 

MACE, G. L., 465.

Manthei, J., 372.

Manning, D. S., 453.

Mankamire, C., 411.

Manbeck, J., 344, 384.

Manweiler, Daniel, 231, 241.

Manwell, C., 391.

Mattinger, Geo., 334, 386.

Matill, H., 358; P. E., 395

      — A., 453.

Matzolf, J., 357, 367.

Matheis, C. F., 366.

Matthias, L., 380.

Maize fam., the, 66

      — Michael, Sr., 262

      — Michael, Jr., 244

      — M. T., 575.

Miesse, Daniel, 244

      — Henry, 252

      — S. K., 323, 442

      — J., 370

      — S., 448.

Matter, T. R., 387.

Marlin, J. W., 297.

Marquard, John Geo., 271

      — G. A., 574.

Marshall, J. J., 455.

Marks, E., 469.

Martin, E. C., 393.

Mayer, John, 260

      — Fred., 266

      — J., 356

      — J. A., 359.

Markley, A., 373.

Major, H. C., 303, 459

      — S. N., 365.

Mason, J., 401.

May, Lewis, 295, 352.

Massuger, P., 319; P. E., 375.

Maurer, M., 364

      — J., 369.

Malseed, J. D., 465.

Maxwell, A. W., 384.

Manshard, M., 439.

Meade, A. T., 384.

Medler, D. A., 380; P. E., 577

      — W. H., 439.

Mertz, David, 255, 588

      — A., 468

      — D., 428.

Mauger, E. B, 448.

Mentz, Wm., 384.

Merle, H., 456

      — W., 456

      — J., 462.

Meckel, T. C., 455.

Mercer, J. S., 400.

Messenger, J. W., 415.

Messersmith, W., 429.

Metzger, J. N., 348

      — Prof. D. M., 466.

Metzler, M. S., 468.

Mell, E., 358; P. E., 408

      — A. M., 676.

Meek, John, 328; P. E., 372.

Messner, Geo., 281

      — Henry, 328; P. E., 427.

Merk, Geo., 391.

Meier, H., 367

      - M. E., 374, 406

      — W., 383

      — J. E., 417

      — E., 456.

Meyer, Henry, 129

      — John, 160

      — B. F., 452

      — Melchoir, 310

      — A. J., 367

      — F. F., 367

      — H. E., 461

      — Christian, 388

      — J., 411

Methfessel, F., 336.

Middlekauff fam., 121

      — Daniel, 121, 228.

Michael, A., 296

      — J. W., 468.

Milliron, S., 373

      — S. A., 389

      — fam., 126.

Minsker, W., 373

      — H., 574.

Mintz, William, 244;P. E., 267, 384.

Miller, fam., hist., 32

      — George, biog., 522

      — Solomon, 33

      — Solomon G., 33

      — John W., 230, 245

      — George "the printer," 209

      — Mich., 242

      — Fred., 246

      — John R., 250

      — Jacob, 252

      — Robert,263,

— Jacob, 260

— P. H., 276

— John Geo., 268

— Ch., 877

— Isaiah, 281

— Philip, 291

— David W., 308

 

 

INDEX AND MINISTERIAL REGISTER. 655

 

[Miller, comtinued]

      — John, 304

      — Elias 306

      — B. L., 306

      — C., 341

      — P., 355

      — J., 366

      — L., 335

— B. H., 366

— E. J., 373

— W., 384

— J., 387

— E., 391

— W. W., 332

— S. A., 402

— J. D., 406

— D., 426

— C. H., 430

— A. C., 435

— R. H., 443

— J. P., 448

— J. L., 453

— M,. 455

— B., 456

— S., 464.

Mueller, L. 358

      — F., 443

      — R., 462

      — C. A., 402

      — C., 432

      — A. H. 577.

Mohn, M., 394.

Mohr, J., 393

      — G. W., 406

      — C. D., 460.

Moyer. J., 384

      — I., 406

      — D. H., 456

      — J. W., 314.

Movins, E. F., 402.

Mowitz, C., 380.

Morelock, J. C., 411.

Morgenthaler, J. C., 440, 577.

Morris, T. M., 339

      — W. W., 574.

Mohny, A. A., 578.

Monismith, T., 336, 437.

Moser, F., 350

      — H., 457.

Moede, J., 882, 467.

Moody, W., 367.

Mosher, A. E., 438.

Mounts, S. M., 440.

Morrison, D., 389.

Mott, Robert, 331.

Morse, L. C., 328.

Moose, D., 336.

Mosser, Sebastian, 246.

Morely, S., 314.

Mull, J. L., 454.

Mullen, G. W., 442.

Mundorf, J., 450.

Mummey, S. S., 574.

Murry, R., 357

      — Thomas, 416, 441.

Mundt, F. A., 457.

Munk, W. H., 454

      — C. A., 275.

Mumm, P., 443.

Muck fam., hist., 61

      — Samuel, 226.

Musselman, Ellas, 307; P. E., 345.

      — S. O., 393.

Mygrant, M. H., 436.

MoCamey, J., 406.

McCauley, J., 374

      — A. N., 435

      — C. F., 454.

McCachron, J. F., 400.

McAllister, J., 460.

McBride, Henry, 245

      — S. A., 425.

McCray, Robert, 221.

McCracken, G. W., 463.

McCartney, R., 250.

McCurdy, S. O., 430.

McCloud, J. W., 468.

McElroy, G., 579.

McLehn, Simon, 267

      — Noah, 285, 371.

McKesson, J., 289, 304.

MoNealy, G., 442.

McNutt, J. S., 415.

McMiller, W. F., 407.

McIntyre, J. M., 327.

McGaw, J. M., 327

McQuilling, J., 268

      — J., 387, 465.

 

NAILOR, GEO., 120, 308.

Nauman, L., 307, 314, 339

      — C., 416.

Naninga, J., 443.

Negly, C., 355; P. E., 425

      — A., 402

Neufer, J., 464.

Neff, H., 461.

Neuendorf, C. W., 441.

Nehs, F., 394.

Newinger, H., 389.

Newhart, S., 380.

Nelman, W., 372.

Neitz, Solomon, biog., 548

      — H. A., 356

      — William, 368

      — F., 468.

Ney, J. W., 456.

Neitzel, L., 436.

Nitsche, E., 431.

Nlierends, A., 324; killed, 338.

Nlckle, F., 376, 383

      — J., 433.

Nicholas, G., 364

      — W. M., 380.

Nicolai, John, 263

      — A., 268; P. E., 347

      — G. W., 462.

Niebel, Henry, bio., 549

      — Abraham, biog., 549

      — B. H., 431; P.E., 578

      — N. B., 456.

Norman, F. S., 460.

Nott, Geo., 314

      — Norton A., 455.

Noecker, John, 245.

Nuss, M., 407.

Nussbueckel, F., 406.

Nuhn, J., 350.

Nunamaker, J., 407.

Numson, William, 105.

 

OAKS, D. S., 337; P. E., 450.

Obergfeld, M., 402.

Oertle, C., 386; P. E., 469

      — A., 452.

Oehrle, H., 362.

Oberholtzer, I., 313, 392

      — I., 319

      — J. R., 430.

Oetzel, Win., 302, 314.

Ohs, H., 402.

Osteroth, A., 467.

Orth, J., 354

      — W. D., 373

      — P. A., 442.

Ortwein, J., 449.

Opplinger. J. M., 380, 439.

Oswald, C. L., 574.

Over, E. L., 394, 459.

Overholt, A. H., 344, 453.

Overmeyer, H., 371.

Orwig fam., hist., 34, 81

      — William W., biog., 535

      — Aaron W., 374

      — S. P., 367, 680.

 

PARKS, L., 412.

Parker, A., 347

      — F. W., 676.

Paeth, C. A., 416.

Palmer, C. M., 437.

Painter, J., 373

      — J. L., 579.

Panton, A., 466.

 

 

656 INDEX AND MINISTERIAL REGISTER.

 

Pandel, P. C., 335, 380.

Passmore, Fred., 460.

Paul, Jac., 129

      — Henry, 276

      — D. J., 306.

Paulin, Joshua, 318.

Patterson, R. M. 581

      — S. W., 581.

Peters, John, 226

      — Jacob, 227, 231

      — D. G., 389

      — J. H., 393.

Pershing. C., 402.

Pettit, S. A., 374.

Peluege, R., 468.

Peipenburg, A., 369, 438.

Peer, B., 306

      — R. B., 467.

Pefferkorn, W., 346.

Peek, P. M., 464.

Pfeifle, C., 380.

Pfeffer, C., 365.

Pfeifer, J. G., 297; P. E., 365, 575

      — L., 425.

Pfitzinger, M., 317; P. E., 365.

Pfeil, Conrad, 304.

Pflaum, J., 383.

Pfund, C. C., 368.

Piper, L., 403

      — W., 451

      — H., 468.

Pippert, J. H., 372.

Pinkerton, W., 414.

Pines, Isaiah M., 335; P. E., 466.

Pickford, Chas., 575.

Pierce, J. L., 443

      — C. M., 467.

Philipbar, C., 417.

Phillips fam., the, 74, 108

      — G. W., 357.

Plocher, A., 382.

Plantikow, F. R., 414.

Plattenberger, T., 305, 450.

Piatt, R. V., 303

      — A., 370.

Platz, Geo., 272, 359

      — M. C., 457

      — J., 357

      - Noah, 392, D. P., 425

      — P. W., 357.

Plannett, William, 275.

Porch, Jos, 385.

Pope, H., 454.

Port, P., 358.

Pontius fam., the, 149

      — Peter, 149, 287, 304

      — Joseph K., 149

      — D. J., 359.

Poorman, David, 244

      — John, 246.

Poling, W. B., 297

      — Daniel, 314; P.E., 425

      — C. C., 425; P. E., 576

      — D. V., 581.

Powell, S., 413.

Pratt, H., 464.

Provost; G., 395.

Price, H. R., 301

      — J. M., 356

      — C., 393 — H., 424

      — J., 457.

Priebe, C., 402.

Punzel, C., 457.

Prichard, J., 468.

 

RABUS, J., 366, 369.

Rank fam., hist., Jacob, 252; P. E., 304

      - J. A., 391.

Rankle, R., 366.

Raidabaugh fam., hist., 53

      — Peter W., 367; P. E., 440; Ed. Eng. S. S. lit., 447.

Rash, A., 358.

Rail, Otto, 372.

Ramage George, 255

      — N., 463.

Raus, J., 266.

Raney, R., 436.

Raeker, H., 426.

Radensky, O., 413.

Ray, William, 237

      — J. A., 576.

Rassweiler, Prof. H. H., 402, 198.

Ragatz, H., 287

      — Oswald, 304.

Raudenbush, Benj., 296, 297.

Raskopf, C., 324.

Reitmeyer, W. P., 384.

Reeser, William, 272

      — Adam L. 308; P. E., 381

      — J. C., 40

      — J., 443.

Rea, H. K., 339.

Rex, A., 339.

Reen, C. C., 393.

Reep, S., 355.

Reichard, J. W., 357

      — I. N., 364

      — L. S., 574

      — C., 402

      — G., 427.

Reib, L., 383.

Reitz, I. J., 388.

Reed, I. T., 336

      — R., 460.

Reber, W. L., 266, 338,429

      — A. O., 414

      — Reuben J., 371.

Remer S. P., 364

      — J., 392.

Reimke, W., 376.

Reinders, P., 402.

Renninger, W. A., 389.

Redman, G., 461.

Reardck, Adam, 327, 574

      — W., 239.

Reinoehl, S. P., 303, 415.

Reisner, J. Conrad, 230, 410.

Reinhold, C. M., 304; P. E., 346

      — G., 430.

Reigel, Jacob, 109, 245, 303

      — John, 140, 245

      — Reuben, 281

      — C., 390

      — P., 396.

Ream, Mich., 85

      — Abraham, 141

      — H., 364

      — J., 328.

Reisinger, G. W., 306, 575.

Ressler, Jacob, 142, 309.

Reineck, Wm., 350

      — W. H., 415.

Relsland, H., 338.

Reif, S., 355

      — J., 368

      — D. P., 406

      — M. E., 450.

Reich, Geo., 231, 393.

Reiohman, L. W., 302.

Reynolds, I., 415.

Redman, G., 441.

Reinhart, J. S., 427.

Rickert, S., 581.

Richards, J., 439.

Rdckenbroat, E., 454.

Riemensnyder, A., 390.

Ringer, G. W., 680.

Rieder, D., 408.

Rinker, J. M., 384.

Risius, J., 393.

 

 

INDEX AND MINISTERIAL REGISTER. 657

 

Rlshel, David, 266, 288

      — G., 317

      — P. H., 339

      — fam. hist., 86.

Rickel, John, 128.

Rissman, Jos., 255, 365.

Richardson, J. J.,

Rhorback, Adam, 318, 681.

Rhoads, S. G., biog., 550

      — W. W. 347

      — H., 368

      — R., 366

      — J., 439.

Rhode, E., 386.

Ross, J. N., 410

      — Daniel, 459

      — Chas., 451.

Roessel, C., 430.

Rose, D. W., 578.

Row, W., 367.

Rough fam., the, 65.

Roedge, C., 391

      — Robb, H., 577.

Roederer, G., 392.

Robinson, J., 376, 434.

Roth, P., 324

      — B., 467.

Roloff, C., 413.

Rosenberg, J. H., 442.

Rothermel, C., 448

      — L., 345.

Rosenberger, John, 254, 306

      — D. H., 370.

Rogers, B. P., 465— W., 580.

Rousch, F., 450.

Rothert, P., 455.

Rohland, Henry, biog., 549

      — David, 317

      — L. P., 355

      — I. A., 370; P. E., 462

      — A. W., 441.

Rothermund, John, 309.

Roesch, J. A., 461.

Rossner, John, 242.

Roeher, C., 381.

Root, P. S., 401.

Ruble, A., 370.

Russ, Mich., 371.

Rumberger, D. P., 393

      — H., 415.

Ruhl, L., 356.

      —B., 302.

Ruckstuhl, J., 305.

Rucker, A. L., 575.

Ruple, A., 370.

Runyan, Robt. W., 380.

Ruppert, J. A., 305.

 

SAYLOR FAM., 94 — Joseph, biog. of, 660, see 150

      — Jacob, 245

      — O. L., 347

— F. P., 385, 460

— D., 393

— A. J., 435

— A. B., 439.

Sauer, H., 264.

Savitz, J., 369.

Sampsel, A. M., 405.

Sahr, A., 462.

Sands, J. G., 364.

Sassman, S., 452.

Scharf, Fred., 266.

Schand, J., 390.

Schnerr, Jacob, biog., 552.

Schlosser, Noah, 272.

Sohell, John, 286.

Schleuter, C. W., 436.

Schnee, J. F., 307, 575.

Schnatz, J. P., 309.

Scharf, A., 336.

Schaff, John, 296, 374.

Schreiber, J. Fred., 309; P. E., 350.

Schroeder, F. F., 324.

Schneck, N., 329.

Schuerman, L,., 290, 382

      — W., 464

      — H. M., 438.

Schwand, W., 345.

Schmucker, E., 365

      — G. C., 464.

Schmall, G., 356.

Schott, Geo., 290

      — W. P., 441.

Schettler, C., 366.

Schwartz, F., 381.

Schnake, C. A., biog., 388

      — L. C., 418.

Schredber, H., 367.

Schneller, J., 371.

Schlenk, A., 371.

Schneider, S., 372

      — Geo., 231

      — William F., biog., 551

      — Theobald, 266; P. E., 401

      — John, 307; P. E.,354

      — Jacob, 322, 430

      — W., 364

— C., 383

— Henry, 407

— J., 413

— D., 414

— H. W., 416 

— G., 416

— C., 463.

Schmaus, J., 370.

Schnellbacher, J., 596.

Schuknecht, H., 407.

Schenk, J., 431.

Sehwalm, J., 449.

Schittler, M. L., 467.

Schlittler, J., 365.

Schleh, G. H., 393.

Schnitz, J. H., 450.

Schelp, Henry., P. E., 396.

Schweiker, Wm, 402.

Schoerin, W., 402.

Schmolle, W. J., 442

      — A., 452.

Schlorb, G., 449.

Schweisberger, J., 680.

Schlegel, H. F., 579.

Schwab, J. G., 469.

Scheuer, A., 418

      — P., 451

      — L., 365

      — J. W., 413

      — L., 427

      — J. M., 451.

Schafele, Jacob, biog., 652

      — 396, 345, 677.

Sehnebly fam., the, 126.

Schnebel, D., 384.

Schlagenhauf, J., 438.

Schmus, W., 382.

Schmidt, Wm., 264

      — Geo. C., 266, 297

      — L., 327

      — A., 372

      — G. H., 386

- J. A., 384

— R., 395

— P., 402

— C., 402

— R., 412

— G. J., 439, 462.

Schweitzer, P., P. E., 450

      — J. S., 468

      — John, 309

      — A., 452

      — F., 375.

Smith, Philip, 61

      — Prof A. A., 197, 200

      — Ch., 281

      — Samuel, 317; P. E., 373

      - Philip, 348

      — J. P., 356

      — J. R., 389

      — R., 390

      — E. W., 393

      — I. A., 393

      — J., 400

      — J. W., 401

      — F., 405

— J. E., 428

— L. H., 432

— J., 437

— G. S., 440

— H. A., 448

 

 

658 INDEX AND MINISTERIAL REGISTER.

 

[Smith, continued]

      — J., 454

      — S., 466

      — A. L., 462

      — J. W., 574

      — G. S., 675

      - J. H., 677

      — H. H., 579

      — E. W., 680.

Serf, T. W., 433.

Seger, Shem, 317

      — Geo., 446

      — J., 364.

Sensel John, 844, 308.

Seitz, John, 112.

Sexton, H. M., 412.

Seebold, T., 308.

Seip, J. S., 367- E. R., 453

      — W. A., 407.

Sechrist, J., 336

      — F., 366

      — J. G., 867

      — J. R., 424.

Seigfried, J. R., 351

      - C. W., 680.

Seither, L., 332.

Seder, L., killed, 341

      — H., 452

      — D., 452.

Seybert, John, biog., 629

      — James I. W., 275; P. E., 328

      — Samuel W., 277; P. E., 331.

Seebolt, G., 402.

Searle, H. T., 424.

Sheary, S. F., 406.

Shank, W. M., 581.

Shoepfleln, C., 336; P. E., 456

      - W., 456.

Shuh, S., 350.

Shuman, P., 412.

Shoemaker, H., 329

      — W. A., 866

      — W. B., 389

      — E., 416.

Shuttler, A J., 461.

Shambacher, J., 892.

Shambach, J., 398.

Shenberger, A. W., 370; P. E., 626.

Shissler, W., 381.,

Shaible, T., 427.

Shirk, M. D., 384.

Shoop, S., 386, 368

      — N., 357

      — J. M., 410

      — M. F., 426.

Shuster, C., 386

      — W., 394.

Sherrick, W. W., 413

      — D., 346.

Shuler, W., 439.

Shultz, Abr., 271

      — E., 329

      — E., 368

      — S., 350

      — J., K., 403

      — O., 456

      — H., 388, 459

      — J., 393

      — C., 413

      — J., 432

      — A., 435.

Sholty, Wm., 230

      — H. L., 321.

Shower, Fred., 221, 236

      - Theo., 442.

Shaffer, Absalom, 148, 152

      — Geo., 252

      — John, 261, 266

      — Jacob, 296

- Geo., 315, 349

- C., 375

— F., 412

— W. B., 436

— H., 436

— J. A., 460

      — J., 363

      — W. D., 382.

Shuler, Jac., 356

      — W. W., 354.

Shannon, M. H., 336

      — W. F., 425.

Shimer, J., 356, 352.

Shomo, C., 340.

Shortess, S., I., 353

      — T. A., 406

      — J., D., 430.

Shelp, Henry, 304; P. E.

Shilling, John, 140, 223.

Shreffler, John, 245.

Shaver, M. R., 676.

Shesser, J., 875.

Shatz, Phil., 304.

Shiry, J., 399

      — S. S., 485.

Sheldon, C. E., 464

      — M. A., 578,681.

Shlermeyer, F. J., 417.

Shimp, J. H., 454.

Shubert, L., 249

      — F., 401.

Sill, Daniel, 265

      — Wm., 309

      — J. C., 429.

Siberling, C., 358.

Siewert, L. M., 438.

Sickle, G. A., 357.

Sindlinger fam., the, 106

      — John, 245, 255, 444

      — Mich., 106, 260.

Sichley, Elias, 244, 390

      — H., 386.

Simmons, W., 394.

Simpson, W., 477.

Simon, G., 365

      — B., 391.

Skogsberg, S., 437.

Sloat, Mich., 327, 453.

Slagel, C. D., 464.

Smoyer, B. J., 361; P. E., 448.

Snyder, M. J., 430

      — L., 434

      — F. L., 467

      — E., 351

      — C. N., 410

      - A. H., 448

      — L., 297

      — B. F., 463

      — W.,466.

Sneadon, R.,380.

Sommerville, Albert, 320.

Sorber, W., 578.

Sohl, H., 426.

Soliday, J. M., 369, 688.

Soldane, L., 448.

Sones, C. L., 458.

Sorg, G., 453.

Southland, J., 413.

Spies, C. A., 317, 426

      — S. F., 432.

Speicher, D. D., 456

      — C. C., 448.

Speck, M., 329.

Spate, P., 407

      — Geo., 413.

Splttler, H., 381.

Spreng, Geo. F., 268, 339

      — Samuel P., 401; P. E., 450; Ed Ev. Mess., 471

      — E., 450

      — Otto, 413.

Spring, Jacob, 317.

Spohn, J., 271.

Spangler, Christopher, 87, 308

      — D. D., 467

      — Ira B., 674.

Spielman, Conrad, 307.

Spotts, J. H., 680.

Springer, J., 408.

Speich, P., 337.

Specht, Joseph, 319.

Spotts, J., 348

      — J. H., 680

      — R., 320.

Stamm, Martin, 332; P. E., 413

      — G., 443.

Stanford, Wesley M., 378.

Stayman, S., 367.

Stanley, A., 295; P. E., 320

      — R., 403.

Staebler, J. G., 302, 389

      — S., 442

      — J., 468

      — D. S., 463

      — C., 407.

Stattler, J., 308.

Stegner, Wm., 314; P. E., 358, 444

      — J. L., 372

      — C., 391

      — W. C., 402.

Steck, T., 264.

Stortz, G., 371.

 

 

INDEX AND MINISTERIAL REGISTER. 659

 

Steltzer, S., 327.

Steel, J. E., 579

      — Chas., 283.

Steelsmith, P. p., 560.

Stafflield, C., 395; P. E., 461.

Stapleton, A., 373.

Stapf, L., 452.

Steltz, A. S., 410.

Stoltz, J., 394.

Stellrecht, H., 383.

Stadlander W., 381.

Stark, A., 461.

Stambach, John, 221, 237

      — Elias, 272

      — W. D., 443.

Stevens, F., 575.

Stetter, J. G., 336.

Steftfy, M. W., 307; P. E., 340

      — C. A., 431.

Strauch, H., 309; P. E., 406.

Strayer, D., 320, 389.

Stroup, C., 373

      — A., 369

      — J., 400

      — C. S., 406.

Stengel, J., 454.

Stuebe, K. F., 371

      — A., 381.

Stuckey, C., 364.

Stuckhow, C., 374.

Stecher, P., 390.

Steckley, M., 373, 441.

Stewart, J. E., 390.

Stermer, J., 430.

Steuwig, C. F., 408

      — F. E., 365.

Steuernagel, C., 349.

Stirk, Amos M., biog., 635.

Strassberger, Win., 296

      — S., 581.

Strickler, S., 305.

Stroll fam., 52

      — Adam, 266.

Streicher, G., 456.

Stoetzel, Henry, 252, 577.

Strohman, Daniel, 296; P. E.

Strohmeyer, A., 314; P. E., 391.

Stroble, E., 337.

Strine, D. M., 406.

Staufaoher, J. E., 402

      — L., 451.

Stock, L., 417.

Sturn, H., 461.

Streyffeler, S. H., 581.

Stouffer, H. S., 454

      — W., 457

      - F. O., 424

      — W. H., 424

      — H., 147, 221

      — C., 345

      — D. S., 868

      — H. S., 370

      — J., 449.

Stedke, J. H.

Steinbach, J. W., 391.

Steininger, G., 408.

Stoebel, F., 346.

Stoke, H. A., 348.

Stover, Ellas, biog., 552

      — Fred., 289, 295

      — J., 359

      — W. H., 367

      — John, 386

      — J. D., 393.

Stone, J., 416.

Strohm, J. G., 297, 575.

Stoops, J. E., 442.

Stall, D., 435.

Strobe. D., 461.

Stoll fam., the, 125

      — John, 229

      — William, 234

      — John, 309; P. E., 332

      — D., 349

      — W. H., 357, 400

      — S., 308

      — J. O., 401

      — A., 381

Strickfaden, A., 386,

Suhr, Theo., 385; P. E., 453

      — Chas. 425.

Sutton, D. L., 317, 364

      — Abr., 384.

Summers, H. B., 345.

Sutter, J., 392.

Swiely, Phil., 320, 459.

Sweetland, L., 416.

Swengel, J. G. M., 340

      — U. F., 356; P. E., 424

      — Edwin, 370— A. W., 430.

Swartz fam., the, 144

      — Daniel, 275

      — Philip, 290

      — Simon, 306

      — Andrew, 320

      — P., 440

      — G., 468

      — Geo., 415

      — Geo., 837

      — P., 390

      — J., 393.

Swiegert, A. M., 677.

Swender, C. M., 437.

Swenk, J. A., 451.

Swan, A., 450.

Swart, D., 452.

Sukow, W., 443.

Sydow, J. A., 438

      — C. W., 376

      — C., 391.

 

TARNUTZER, A., 309; P. E., 417.

Taelerheit, W., 368.

Taylor, Jos., 414.

Teats, A. R, 317

      — A. W., 353, 367.

Teter, R., 430.

Tesch, W., 457.

Terwilliger, A. P., 389.

Tenny, Peter, 332.

Theide, Jos., 385.

Theis, P., 428.

Theilke, J., 433.

Theuer, Geo., 302; P. E., 425.

Thomson, J. W., 574,

Thoren, H. H., 454.

Thornton fam., 65

      — P., 337.

Tichnall, M., 411

Tim, J., 372.

Townsend, L, A., 578.

Torry,. S., 413;

Tothero, P. R., 323, 459.

Tostleben F., 426.

Toedeman, H., 387.

Thomas fam., hist., (Lancaster Co.), 49

      — (Mifflin Co.), 68

      — David, 49, 232

      — Christian, 243

      — Henry, 246

      — C. A., 323, 422

      — C., 323

      — Wesley P., 356

      — John P., 388

      — H. A., 401

      — H. W., 306

      — M. S., 460.

Tobias fam., hist., 27

      — Samuel, 232, 332, 429, 580

      — Danieel, 245

      — F. R., 265

      — L. B., 340

      — J., 374

      — J. H., 453

      — David, 459.

Trautman, J., 457.

Trapp, W., 374.

Transue, J. A., 192.

Traeger, W., 297.

 

 

660 INDEX AND MINISTERIAL REGISTER.

 

Troyer, Jacob, 358

      — C., 366

      — E., 366, 368

Trayer, T., 364.

Trimmer, C., 358.

Trapp, B., 366.

Triem, C. J. W., 581.

Trezize. J., 406.

Trumpfheller, H. H., 466.

Trumbauer, Jac, 304

      — M., 369

      — H. M., 432.

Truby, Joseph, 133, 262, 314.

Trumater, Jacob, 318.

Turner, E. E., 346

      — J. M., 467.

Tylor, J., 449.

 

UBER, W., 328.

Ude, C., 318.

Utt, E. B., 383; P. E., 575.

Umbreit, T., 350

      — H., 369.

Umbach, Jos. 306; P. E., 411

      — S. L., 374; P. E., 431.

Unholtz, A., 354; P. E., 431.

Unangst, W. A., 413

      — C., 575.

Uphouse, B., 287.

Urbino, Virgil, 437.

 

VANDEKSALL, JOHN, 119, 229, 234

      — Jacob, 119, 304

      — F., 336

      — A 368; P. E., 460.

Vallerchamp, Azima, 280, 308.

Van Gundy, Samuel, 246, 261.

Vail, J. P., 329

      — Hon. C. P., 380.

Vandyke, J., 389

      — E. B., 393.

Vanderberg, J., 441.

Vanson, H., 406.

Vonedi, I., 393.

Vauble. C. 454.

Vetter, Geo., 307

      — W. J., 462.

Vincent. C., 451

      — T. T., 678.

Vogle. W., 451.

Voelker, H., 413.

Voegelein, F. W., 372; P. E., 419; Miss. to Japan, 483

      — A. J., 412.

Von, Freeden E., 329.

Vossler, J., 389.

Von Wald, L., 304; P. E., 371.

Von Eschen, Geo., 319, 427

      — J., 350.

Vogelbach, Jacob, 249.

Vought. J., 364

      — F. S., 406

      — J. H., 416.

 

WALTER FAM., hist., (Lebanon Co.), 46

      — (Snyder Co.), 63

      — John, biog., 519

      — John, Jr., 221

      — Michael, 221, 317

      — Moses, 322, 370

      — J., 367

      — F., 401

      — W., 443

      — M., 452

      — F., 464.

Walton, S. A., 456

      — M., 367, 373.

Wahl, Fred., 261.

Wales, G. W., 368. 371

      — G., 366.

Wade, B. F., 372, 369.

Walker, Q., 418

      — F., 308

      — W. L., 441.

Waldbausen. W., 461.

Walkey. J. W., 328; P. E., 374.

Ward, J. B., 454.

Walch, A., 369.

Wallace, W. N., 370

      — E. C., 463, 675.

Warfleld, W., 372

      — A. W., 384.

Ware, F., 578.

Waterman, W., 393.

Waltz, C., 413

      — John, 302, 422, 476

      — Prof. W. E., 198, 439, 483.

Wagoner, Philip, biog., 553

      — William, 242

      — Charles, 252

      — John, 279

      — P., 354

      — W., 366

      — Alex., 371

- H., 393

— G. W., 405

— J., 415

— W. H., 428

— L. H, 438

— H., 443.

Weber, Joseph, 263— Solomon, 291

— C., 467

— W. W., 384.

Weikel, Jacob, 286, 429.

Weand, Henry, 129, 226

      — Daniel, 271, 577

      — W. K., 353.

Weaver, A., 320

      — A., 366

      — W. W., 373

      — S., 395

      — J., 393.

Werner, M., 369

      — C., 365

      — J., 308

      — Samuel, 313

      — H., 331

      — J. L., 361.

Weirich, Geo., 266, 295, 554

      — H. E., 384

      — J. F., 365.

Weigand, H., 441

      — C., 402; P. E.,468

      — W., 411.

Weldle, J., 424

      — J. A., 674.

Weidner, W. H., 348

      — J. F., 384.

Weldy, Henry, 281

      — J. C., 392.

Weller, J. Q. A., 336; P. E., 411.

Wellner, J., 374.

Wessler, W., 310.

Wear, A., 356.

Weis, W. C., 430.

Weisel, H., 331.

Wengerd, J. P., 354

      — L., 383; P. E., 418

      — E., 385

      — J., 416.

Wendt, H., 461.

Welch, J. H., 435.

Wentz, T. L., 434.

Weihe, F., 302.

Weishaar, E., 456.

Weisbrodt, E., 366.

Weidemeyer, P. C., 400.

Weidenhammer, C. T., 405.

Weidenheft, W., 443.

Weithaupt, Fred., 281.

Welty, P. M., 323

      — M. P., 497.

Weiser, H., 314.

Webb, B., 468.

Westheffer, Henry, 249.

Weigman, A., 464.

Wessling, C., 310.

White, G. W., 373, 393, 411.

Wheeler, J., 436, 378.

Witt, Samuel. 130, 226

      — C. L., 374; P. E., 460

      — S. H., 387.

Wittenweiler, M., 137; P. E., 394.

Wittich, L., 426.

Wier, E., 357.

Wittington, W., 336; P. E., 407.

Wise, John, 84

      — E., 369; P. E., 395

— E., 332

— C., 349

— H. J., 454.

 

 

INDEX AND MINISTERIAL REGISTER. 661

 

Wilson, Elijah, 280

      —  B. B., 301

      — G., 407

      — C. W., 457

      — G., 457

      — J., 380

      — E., 384.

Williams, L., 345

      — A. E., 453.

Williamson, A., 460.

Wiest, Peter, 246

      — Samuel L., 366, 422

Wildermuth, W., 369.

Wimmer, B., 363.

Wissler, Henry, 148, 231

      — H., 432.

Winy, M. U, 426.

Winkler, P., 354.

Wilkinson, L. S., 580.

Wilkins, A. T., 387.

Wiegert, F., 443.

Wilcox, E., 384.

Wlnkelwisch, G., 383, 442,

Willhelm. J, 344.

Wildfang, L., 323.

Winter, A. C., 443

      — A., 455, 467.

Wichman, A., 463.

Wingert fam., the, 121

      — H., 405.

Winegarden, B. F., 353.

Workman, J., 384.

Woodmanaee, D., 465.

Watter, F., 402.

Woodhull, J., 367.

Woodring, P., 321

      — J. D., 410.

Woodside, Thomas, 416, 575.

Walpert, J. G., 281, 476.

Worman, L. M., 347.

Womelsdorf, J., 460.

Wolfhauser, C. W., 469.

Wolfart, J. F., 373.

Wohlgemuth, C., 438

      — C. C., 450.

Wohrley, J. W., 399.

Wolf fam., the, 79

      — Christian, 79,245

      — Andrew, 223

      — David, 227

      — Aaron, 265

      — Simon, 277; P. E., 344

      - John F., 296

      — H., 457

      — C., 384

      — E., 577.

Wonder fam., the, 60

      — Daniel, 467

      — William, 323

      — D. H.,332

      — Matt., 349

      — J., 364.

Wonderlich, M. 355

      — N. 428.

Wright, 8., 406.

Wurth, J., 368; P. E., 387

      — E., 371

      — J., 413.

 

YAMBERT, AARON, 148, 151, 244

      — J. H., 151, 236.

Yaggy, J. H., 391; P. E., 438.

Yanch, M., 354, 465.

Yenny, F. C., 439.

Yerlitz, D., 220.

Yerger, J. F., 344.

Yearick, 8., 344.

Yeager, G. F., 384

      — W. J., 466.

Yeagley, D. M., 467.

Yeakel, C., 275

      — Jesse, 303, 338; P.E., 403

      — Reuben, 305; Cor. Sec. Miss. Soc, 326; Ed. S. S. Lit., 343; Bishop, 378

      — D., 348

      — And., 352

      — I. W., 369

      — A. L,., 410

      — I. C., 424

      — E. K., 432.

Yingst, D., 327

      — J. A., 403.

Yohn, G., 372.

Yockle, A., 369.

Yost, W. W., 303; Cor. Sec. Miss., Soc., 343; Pub., 422

      — H. R, 380, 577

      — W. W., 448.

Yoder, N., 370, 441

      — W., 393

      — A., 418.

Youngblood, J., 365.

Young, H., 246

      - Abr., 277, 280

      — J. F. W., 295

      — Jeremiah, 297, 405

- Jesse, 319

— Geo. W. F., 308

— John,364

— Jacob, 301; Ed. Eng. S. S. Lit., 378

— Jacob, 359

— Reuben, 373

— Noah, 373

- S. S., 373

— J. K., 457

— J. A., 463

— M. B., 675.

Yundt, J., 389, 449.

Yudes, W., 469.

 

ZANDER, W. F., 418.

Zahn, P., 386.

Zager, F., 368, 372.

Zern, J., 319.

Zehner, Geo. E., 364.

Zeigler, J. G., 427.

Zellhofer, G., 329, 459

      — G. G., 395

      — J. M., 402.

Zeller, F., 320

      — D., 358

      — T. B., 411

— G., 416.

Zipperer, J., 462.

Zickerick, W., 309.

Zimmer, G., 340.

Ziehm, R. W., 416.

Zirkle, J. M., 302

      — B. A., 431.

Zinger, John G., 148, biog., 554.

Zimmerman fam., hist., 31

      — Leonard, 262

      — Jacob, 313, 368

      — F., 337; P. E., 442

      — I., 356

      — J., 372

      — H., 394

      — F., 462.

Zoerb, C., 462.

Zulauf, Mich., 286, 370.

 

 

662

 

General Index and Ministerial Register of the United

Evangelical Church— 1891— 1900.

 

 

 

ALBRIGHT Collegiate Inst., 610

— College grade, 621-631.

Allgemeine Zeitung, est., 568.

 

BIBLE Conference, the first, 595.

Board of Publication, 607, 625.

Board of Missions, 607, 625.

Bruder Bund, exposure of, 576.

 

CATECHISM, German, 613

      — English, 624.

Central Pennsylvania College, 631.

Charitable Soc., est., 606, 613.

Church building, 596, 612.

Church Purchasing, 612.

Church Extension Soc., 625.

Course of Study, 624.

Cleveland Leader, quoted, 582.

 

DALLAS College, 638.

Deed, new form of, 606.

Discipline, the new, 605, 606, 607.

 

EDUCATIONAL AID SOC., 580.

Ecumenical Council of Methodism, 603-623.

Ettinger, J. M., death of, 612.

Evangelical, the, est., 567.

Evangelische Zeitechrift, 605.

Evangelical Association, disruption of, 557

      — Ecumenical Council difficulties, 559

      — Japan Mission,560

      — Trial of H. B. Hartzler, 563

      — Ruling of Bishop Dubs, 563

      — Protest of the Minority, 565

      — Arbitration proposed, 590, 612

      — Litigation instituted, 581, 592, 596, 600, 613

      — Gen. Conf., call for, 584.

 

FRATERNAL DELEGATES, 604, 623.

Foreign Mission, 605, 637.

 

HEIL, W. F., pamphlet of, 579.

Hymn Book, 606, 615 618.

 

KEYSTONE LEAGUE, the, 686, 624, 627.

Krecker, Mrs. Elizabeth, work of, 629.

 

LAY CONVENTIONS, 586.

Lay Representatives, 603.

Literary Institutions, 631.

Living Epistle, noted, 572.

 

MISSIONARY SOC., the, 627

      - W. M. S., 629.

Missionary Tidings, the, 630.

Mohn, J. G., missionary Treas., 628.

 

NEW YORK INDEPENDENT, quoted, 671, 691.

North Western Conf. Formed, 624, 637.

 

PLATTE RIVER CONF. EXCINDED, 569

      - settlement effected, 617.

 

RESTRICTIVE RULES, adopted, 606.

"Regular" Evangelical Association, 593-595.

 

SMOYER, B. J., resigns, 612.

Statistics, 640.

Supreme Court, decisions of, 595, 599, 600, 613.

 

THOREN, Pres. H. H., 638.

 

UNITED EVANGELICAL, organized, 600, 605;

      - Historical Article on, 606;

      - Polity of, 606; Bounds of, 608, 615, 624, 637.

 

WESTERN UNION COLLEGE, est., 638.

 

 

INDEX AND MINISTERIAL REGISTER. 663

 

AFFROTOH, CARL, 620.

Aroh, C. H., 592.

Artman, D. B., 588.

Arnold, W. L., 612.

Andrews, Robert,.610.

Alsbach, W., 613.

Afflebach, A. J., 611.

 

BAILEY W. E., 593.

Baine, D., 614.

Bair, H. H., 622.

Bear, I. N., 683.

Barlett, S. H., 617

      — T. J., 620.

Bach, Theo., P. E., 589.

Ballentine, W. J., P. E., 615.

Bamford, J., 598.

Barnhart, G., 614.

Beebe, J. L., 621.

Beller, C. F., 617,

Berkey, A. F., 598.

Belzer, F., P. E., 611.

Berkey, Daniel, 620.

Bender, H., 583

      - J. C., 617.

Bissel, J, W., 594.

Biggs, J. O., 593.

Bliem, C., 616.

Borrows, J. J., 683.

Bowman, Prof., C. A., 698, 631

      — Dr. J. C., 622.

Boyer, A. G., 613.

Borger, M. E., 597.

Boozer, Leon, 617.

Brown, W. H., 688

      — G. W., P. E., 689.

Brownmiller, A. W., 582.

Brooker, E. W., 611.

Busse, F., P. E., 614.

Bull, J. A., 593.

Busenberg, T. C., 699.

Buzzard, J., 611

      — Joseph, 617.

Burson, G. L., 619.

Byers, D. B., 619, 634.

 

CARMANY, VINTON, 620

      - J. J., P. E., 62f.

Carothers M. J., 619, 633.

Caton, W., P. E., 589— Sol. J., 609.

Christ, W. J., 614.

Chamberlain, A. W., 696.

Chubb, S. H., 588

      — S. S., P. E., 588

      — E., 631.

Clark, U. S., 583

      — J. R., 597.

Cllne, J. W., 583.

Cox, W. B., 688.

Crouch, M. T., 683.

Crow, C. T., 615.

Grosser, Ralph, 617.

Crawford, O. P., 639.

CrutHblingr, E., P. E., 620.

Curry, J. Q. A., P. E., 620.

Currin, E., 583.

 

DAY, J. H., 611.

Dayton, I. E., 596.

Danzer, F. G., 613.

DeWall, J. J., 620.

Devol, F., 594.

De Groot, C. W., 589, 609.

Dech, H. A., 613

      — W. J., 616.

Dillow, S. B., P. E., 690.

Dissinger, S., 610.

Dice, L. M., 614

      — W. J., 619.

Doebler, Noah, 622.

Dosch, G. H., 588.

Dorner, J. W., P. E., 589.

Dubs, R., Bishop, 586

      — C. N., Ed. Ev. Zeitschrift, 625; Supt. China Miss., 637

      — N. J., 610.

Dunn, E. B., 596.

Duffy, A., 693.

 

EBERT, W. J., 616.

Eby, W. J., 619.

Edleman, W. J., 588.

Einsel, Lewis, 596.

Ellis, P. L., 639.

Ender, J. H., 588.

Ehrhart, J. B., 596.

Ettlnger, J. M., 612, 540.

Eller, J., 697

      — Emanuel, 614.

Erisman, A L., 616.

Etsley, Asbury, 614.

Evans, A., P. E., 590.

 

FARNSWORTH, E. D., 594.

Ferch, Aaron, 620.

Ferner, J. H., 583.

Feitt, B. F., P. E., 597.

Fresch, J., 617.

Fisher, B., 598

      — F. E., 619.

Flndley, W., 697.

Fobs, J. H., 596.

Fosnacht, H., 692.

Focht, G., 589.

Fry, I., 588

      — C. F., 639.

Fox, J. B., 639.

Fouke, W. H., P. E., 614.

Fulcomer, E., 593

      — W. N., 610.

Fuessele, E. F., 611.

 

GARDNER, J. L., 588.

Garrett, W., 592.

Gamber, J. H., 589.

Gampe, R., 598.

Garr, Jerome, 619.

Gill, W. R., 597.

Gramley, A. D., 610.

Gross, G. W. P. E., 688.

Graham, J. P., 617.

Gruber, J., 613.

Gottschalk, D. H., 619.

Guinter, C. W., 617.

 

HASENPFLUG, GEO., 616, 642.

Harper, J. S., 616.

Hartman, B., 608.

Harris, J. A., 629.

Hass, S. G., 616.

 

 

664 INDEX AND MINISTERIAL REGISTER.

 

Hawk, N. S., 596.

Hamilton, W., 612.

Hartzler, J., P. E., 688

      — H. B., Ed. Ev., 618.

Harlacher, Jos., 596, 542.

Haefele, A., P. E., 597.

Haman, C. S., Bishop, 546.

Hamon, J. M., 621.

Hartenstein, E. H., 596. 622.

Hahn, P., 614

      — Eli, 616.

Hagner, A. E., 610

      — H. B., 619.

Haehlen, Jacob, 611.

Heiney, G. W., 593.

Herrick, Geo., 613.

Hettrick, F. E., 588.

Heilman, A. S., 589.

Heller, J., 588.

Hensel, H. A., 615.

Heindel, J. E., 588.

Hippie, C. W., 588.

Hilliar, B., 621.

Holman, F. D., 612.

Horner, J. T., 610.

Hoch, W. C., 593.

Hower, J. F., 617.

Hoffman, A. C., 617.

Houch, W. A., 618.

Hollenbaugh, R. C., 597.

Holtzappel, Prof. G., 631.

Hurd, C. T., 617.

Hunt, L. C., 614.

Huber, C. D., 588.

Huelsebus, G., 620.

 

IDLEMAN, CHAS., 619.

Illich, J. H., 616.

Irvine, A. H., P. E., 683.

 

JACOBS, PROF. OTIS L., 619.

Johnston, I. E., 616

      — C. C., 617.

Jones, M. S., 689.

Jonas, Wm., P. E., 583.

 

KAUFFMAN, C., 596.

Kaechele, J., 685, 634.

Kepner, D. L., 683.

Kerr, J. E., 610.

Kennelley, M. A. 588.

Keiss, H. A., 614.

Kelly, M. B., 620.

Krause, A., 596.

Krecker, J. H., 592.

Kielheffer, C. L., 617.

Kistler, E. A., 582.

Klppllnger, E. L., P. E., 583.

Knuth, F., 598.

Kimberlin, C. D., 612.

Knapp, E., 611.

Kunkel, J. D., 590.

Koontz, S. E., 583.

 

LAYTON, A. P., 611.

LaRosh, E., 617.

Landls, H. S., 619.

Lentz. C. D., 688.

Lehr, J. O., 592

      — F. P., 689.

Lewis, W., 593.

Linsley, S. L., 621.

Litzenberger, R., 696.

Liebhart, H. M., 619.

Leiddell, P. N., 620.

Loehner, Abr., 639.

Lovell, G. L., 617.

Lohr, L., 611.

Longsdorf. D. P., 616.

Ludwig, P. G., 617.

Lutz. H. C., 596.

 

MAURER. B. K., 688.

Mayer, F. F., 693.

Maze, W. B., 597

      — M. T., P. E.,614.

Martin, J. W., 599

      — A. H., 616.

Manwell, C., 613.

Mace, J. H., 619.

Maternas, T., 619.

Marshall, W. R., 620.

Mason, F. L., 622.

Meloy, J. B., 617.

Mell, A. W., 613.

Metzger, D. M., 632.

Meads, N. T., 688.

Messner, H., P. E., 588.

Medler, D. A., P. E., 592.

Meyerhoff, J., 617.

Miller, J. G., 696

      — Wm., 609

      — A. B., 616

      — John, 639

      — D. K., 620

      — A. E., 621.

Milliron, J. G., 693.

Mock, A. C., 697.

Morris, T. M., 683.

Arthur, B., 620.

Morgan, A. L., 611.

Morga, W. D., 614.

Musselman, E., 589

      — A. G., 592.

Mullen, G. W., P. E., 620.

McElhenny, H. E., 597.

McVicker, E. E., 598.

McBride, Ira, 611.

McCray, W. B., 617.

McDowell, G. C., 620.

 

NEITZ, H. A., 616.

Newhouoer, J. H., 617.

 

OHS, H., 614.

 

PARKER, A., 583.

Percy, J., 583.

Peters, D., 588.

Pettlt, J. T., 619.

Pippin, R. C., 583.

Powell, J. C., 593.

Price, H. L., 597

      — J. M., 619

      — H. R., 622.

 

RAMSEY, J., 593.

Rabing, B. C., 594.

Rader, M. M., 594.

 

 

INDEX AND MINISTERIAL REGISTER. 665

 

Randall, M. J., 598.

Rassweiler, G. P., 617

      — Prof. H. H., 631.

Reichley, O. W., 617.

Redeker, C., 614.

Renshaw, J. A., 612.

Rider, J. H., 619.

Rife, E., 611

      - S. E., P. E., 615.

Rhoda, W., 619.

Roth, D. A., 588.

Rose, J. P., 697

      — Ross, 588.

Rohland, S. B., 689

      — L. A., P. E., 593, 596

      — Henry, 549, 613.

Rummal, W. H., 592.

Rosenberger, J., 613.

 

SANNER, W. M., 614.

Sager, N. W., 615.

Saylor, J., 622.

Seebolt, T., 616.

Schiffly, W., 592.

Schultze, B. R., 593.

Schneider, J., P. E., 559

      — J., 550

      — Henry, 614; P. E., 620.

Schraffner, M. W., 583.

Schupp, J., 614.

Sellers, J. A., 582.

Seifert W. G., 593.

Schmidt, M., 593

      — L,., 597.

Schmalle, P. A., 614.

Scobert, L., 616.

Schwerin, W. F., 614.

Seese, H. B., 597.

Seitz, P. M., 614.

Snook, H. A., 617.

Shambach, W. I., 614.

Shambacher, C. W., 614.

Sills, J., 589.

Snavely, J., 622.

Smoyer, B. J., Cor. Sec. Miss Soc, 586.

Shaeffer, D. P., 583

      — J. A., 610.

Shuler, W. W., 611

      — W., 619.

Shirk, C. H., 588.

Spech, M., 617.

Snyder, W. H., 616

      — S. A., 619.

Smith, F., 582

      - I. A., 593

      — H., 610

      - Max., 611

      — A. W., 615

      — W. C., 618

      - Ferdinand, 619.

Stirk, A. M., P. E., 588, 635.

Stanford, W. M., Bishop, 586.

Stapleton, A., P. E., 610.

Stauffer, E., 596.

Stauffacher, J. E., P. E., 611.

Stairibach, E., 583.

Steckley, M. M., 592.

Stewart, C. H., 593.

Steffy, C. S., 594.

Stlttler, W. W., 617.

Stinson, G., 594.

Stover, G. R., 614

      — H. C., 614.

Stoke, J., 605.

Sturgis, L., 583.

Skinner, J., 617.

Summers, H. V., 597.

Sunday, A., 617.

Swartz, Andrew, P. E., 599.

 

TALBOT, C. C., 621.

Taylor, C., 621.

Teel, W. L., 588.

Torry, S., 697.

Troyer, E. J., P., P. E., 590.

Trumbore, M. K., 609.

Trumbauer, J. B., 589.

Thompson, G. M., 598

      — C. A., 620.

Thomas, J. P., 639.

Thuran, A., 620.

Tunnison, A. C., 594.

 

UBER, W., 590.

Underkoffler, W. W., 614.

 

VAN HORN, E. D., 611.

Van Evera, J. F., 614.

Van Meter, R. R., 616.

Vogel, A. H., 599.

 

WALTER, H. P., 582.

Watts, G. L., 582.

Ward, J. W., 610.

Walker, F. W., 639.

Waltz, C. A., 617

      — J. G., 620.

Walch, A., 620.

Wagoner, B., 613

      — Chas. H., 613

      — John, 619.

Weaver, T. C., 590, 616.

Weiland, I. H., 620.

Winter, A. A., 614.

Whitimore, W. H., 593.

Whitmire, J. G., 588, 639.

Wiest, S. L., Publisher, 625

      — L. O., 588.

Wise, J. G., 589

      — J. H., 614.

Wicks, E. J., 598.

Wilson, R. E., 610

      — E., 614

      — E., 620.

Wolford, J., 611.

Workman, J., 588.

Worman, L. N., 618

      — L,. O., 617.

Wonder, W., 609.

Woodring, E., 605.

Wood, H., 611

      — L. H., 620

      — S. M., 621.

Wormkessel, C., 609.

 

YEAKEL, H. L., 613

      — E. K., P.E., 614.

Yearick, S., 588.

Yehl, O. A., 613.

Yoder, D. C., 593.

Young, D. F., 593

      — Noah, P. E., 610.

 

ZEIGENFUSS, A., 619.

Zuber, J. W., 588.