CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS
A HISTORY OF THE
LUTHERAN CONGREGATIONS IN
PERRY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
by
REV. D. H. FOCHT, A.M.
CHAPTER V
SECTION III
ST. MICHAEL'S CHURCH IN
PFOUTZ'S VALLEY, GREENWOOD TOWNSHIP
This is one of the most fertile and beautiful
valleys in Perry County, and was among the first in the county settled by the
white race. The pioneers in this valley were chiefly of German origin,
among the earliest of whom we find a large number. So soon as the
Land-Office was opened, in February, 1755, they located large tracts of
land, viz.: In 1755, Baltzer Schellhorn, Michael Brochard, John Pfautz;*
in 1762, Andrew Long, in 1768, Leonard Pfautz; in 1772, Frederick Kehl, Henry
Altsbach, Martin Waln; in 1774, Michael Wild, Jacob Wild, Jaocb Jobson; in 1775,
Mathias Blocker, John Kepler, David Cargill, Peter Hoofnagel, Frederick Harter,
John Long, Jacob Nighman (German, Nieman) Zacharias Spangel, and a large number
of others who located lands by authority from the Land-Office. Many
others bought lands at the same time at second hand. Nearly the whole of
the German-speaking population in the valley belonged to the Lutheran Church,
and they were the first in the county to enjoy the regular preaching of the
Gospel and to organize themselves into a congregation.
*His land was "Resurveyed 13th November, 1774, in pursuance
of an order from the Secretary's office in part of an original warrant to Thomas
Kerton, dated 28th July, 1736, by the direction from the Secretary's
office." Writ of location. These lands were not bought
of the Indians before July, 1754. How the Provincial Government could
issue warrants for land not yet purchased from the Indians, we cannot
understand. Did the Government take advantage of the Indians? Had
the Indians cause for complaint on account of unwarranted aggressions on their
lands by the whites? Had the Indians not been provoked to vengeance?
Soon after the close of the Indian incursions in 1764, they were
occasionally visited by the messenger of the Gospel, but for want of documents
we cannot give the names of the pioneer missionaries. Some time between
1770 and 1773 the congregation was regularly organized. The baptismal
record commences in October, 1774, when the
Rev. Michael Enderlin
was pastor of the congregation, and who
served it in the Gospel till April, 1789. The names of communicants do not
appear in the record-book whilst he was pastor, though it is evident from the
baptismal record that he administered the Lord's Supper in the congregation and
admitted persons to membership by baptism and confirmation. From this
baptismal record we will give the following names and extracts:
"Baptized on the 30th of October, 1774, Mary Schwigerty, aged sixteen
years, who was at the same time confirmed; Elizabeth Schwigerty, nineteen years
old, baptized and confirmed at the same time; Mary Pfautz, aged seventeen years,
was baptized and at the same time confirmed and received into the Christian
communion. On the same day, George, son of George Gran (English, Crane),
Mary Margaret, daughter of George Trecksel, and John son of Jacob Kinsch, were
baptized. In November, the same year, Christianna Barbara, daughter of
Jacob Kinsch, was baptized." John Kepler and John Long stood as
sponsors for these children.
Two acres of ground, on part of which the pioneer settlers were buried, was
conveyed by deed for the use of the congregation. As this deed is a
document full of interest, by request we give it entire as follows:
"This Indenture, made the fifteenth day of February in the year of our Lord
one thousand seven hundred and seventy-six, by and between John Fouts of
Greenwood Township in Cumberland County and Province of Pennsylvania of the one
part, and John Long and Philip Huber and the whole Lutheran congregation of the
township, county, and province aforesaid of the other part: Witnesseth,
that the said John Fouts, for and in consideration of the sum of six pounds
lawful money of Pennsylvania to him in hand paid by the said John Fouts doth
hereby acknowledge, he the said John Fouts hath granted, bargained, and sold,
aliened and confirmed, and by these presents doth grant, bargain, sell, alien,
and confirm unto the said John Long and Philip Huber, and for the use of the
said Lutheran congregation, their heirs and assigns forever, a certain piece and
tract of land in Greenwood Township aforesaid, and situate and joining John Long
and William Patterson's lands, and to contain two acres, to be laid out from a
certain hickory corner-tree adjoining said Patterson and Long's lands, and to
extend eight perches on said Long's line from said hickory corner and forty
perches joining Patterson's line westward over a certain run coming out of
Patterson's land, and also all trees, roads, underwoods, tithes, commons of
common pastures, appurtenances, and whatsoever to the said land belongeth or in
anywise appertaining, and also the reversion and reversions, remainder and
remainders, rents and services of the said premises and of every part thereof,
and all the estate, right, title, interest, property, claim and demand
whatsoever of him the said John Fouts of, in, and to the said piece and tract of
land and premises and every part and parcel thereof, to have and to hold the
said messuage and tract of land and all and singular the premises above
mentioned and every part and parcel thereof with the appurtenances, unto the
said John Long and Philip Huber for them and their and the whole congregation's
use, their heirs and assigns forever, from all manner of person or persons,
claim or claims whatsoever lawfully claiming the same (the Honorable, the
Proprietor's rights and dues, both principal, interest and quit-rents only
excepted). In witness whereof the said John Fouts hath hereunto set his
hand and seal the day and year first above written. N.B. John Fouts
reserves the liberty to take the water through said two acres of land when
convenient for said Fouts. Done before signing.
"John Pfautz. (Seal).
"Sealed and delivered in the presence of
Michael Wild
John Crane
James Rafter.
"Received, the day and year first within written, the sum of six pounds of
the within named John Long and Philip Huber, it being the full
consideration-money within mentioned to be paid me. As witness my hand.
"John Pfautz.
"Witness present:
Michael Wild,
John Crane,
James Rafter."
"Cumberland County, ss.
"Before the subscriber, one of the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas
for said County, personally appeared John Pfautz, senior party to the above
Indenture, and acknowledged the same as his act and deed, and that he subscribed
his respective name and allowed the same should be recorded for the use within
mentioned. Witness my hand and seal, June 13, 1788.
"James McMurray. (Seal)."
Previous to the time this deed was executed, a large school-house had been
erected on this parcel of ground, and here the early settlers worshipped from
about 1770 to 1798, when St. Michael's Church was erected. Before the
erection of the school-house, and immediately after the last incursion of the
Indians, in 1763, when so many of the settlers were massacred so cruelly, they
worshipped in private dwellings at different places in the valley. At this
place, also, the dead in the whole valley were buried. For fear of a
surprise by the relentless Indians, the men in those early days usually walked
in file with guns on their shoulders on funeral occasions, and on occasions of
divine worship they always assembled well armed to resist the wily foe. We
are informed that a number, who were murdered by the Indians, lie buried in the
graveyard of St. Michael's Church. No graveyard, and no place of regular
worship in Perry County, is as old as this, and one that has connected with it
so many tales of deep interest. And the descendants of those pioneer
fathers, still residing in Pfoutz's Valley, may well look upon this ancient and
hallowed spot with an unusual degree of respect and regard. For more than
one hundred years have the ashes of their fathers slumbered in this venerable
graveyard; and here God was worshipped in prayer and hymns of praise, and the
word of eternal life was preached, when the savage yell of the cruel Indian
sounded on every hill-top and sent terror to every heart. If we are not
misinformed, the ancient hickory tree, mentioned in the deed as the corner of
the church-land, was the tree to which some of the pioneer fathers were tied by
the Indians and made the target of the deadly arrow. Here or close by they
were buried, and thus the graveyard commenced. From worshipping God they
went to the grave. Who can forget this and not cherish veneration for this
place? That hickory tree, we are told, still remains. We say, let it
stand. It has a story of deep interest to tell.
The members of the Church in this valley were at that time supplied with
preaching by ministers who resided on the east of the Susquehanna. They
also met often in a private capacity for singing and prayer.
As it may be of interest to many, we sill subjoin the names of the fathers who
had children baptized during the last century in Pfoutz's Valley. We give the
name of the father only, and only when it first occurs.
In 1775-
Benjamin Kepler
John Kepler
In 1776-
Sebastian Schad (Shade)
John Philip
John Davis
Martin Hauser
Michael Pfautz
["A slave by the name of Bob or Robert, and his wife, also a slave, were
baptized on the 5th of July, 1776 and received as members of the Christian
Church"]
In 1777-
Nicholas Fredericks
George Hoffman
In 1778-
Michael Wilt
Jacob Hanning
Robert Patterson
Jacob Seller
George Traxel
In 1779-
Abraham Kepler
John Long
Philip Strauss
Henry Dubbs
In 1780-
Michael Quickel
John Kepner
Andrew Reutlinger
Adam Barner
Frederick Thomas
George Rexworthy
In 1781-
James Crosbare
In 1782-
John Crain (Crane)
Henry Bull
George Leonhard
In 1783-
John Isch
In 1784-
Henry Bacher
In 1785-
John Rafter
Henry Ults (Ulsh)
George Rex
George Crane
In 1786-
Thomas Kurtz
In 1787-
Frederick Reinhard
Henry Dieben
John Shuman
In 1788-
Christopher Kinny
Paul Heim
In 1789-
Jacob Long
Frederick Wendt (now written Wentz)
David Zillich
Besides these names, we also find the following as sponsors:
In 1774-
Jacob Kepler
In 1776-
Philip Huber
Kraft Gost
In 1777-
George Nagley
In 1778-
Frederick Resch
John Harter
In 1785-
George Wilt
Jacob Wagener
Jacob Long
In 1787-
Christopher Saber or Schaber
In 1788-
Frederick Harter, Esq.
In 1789-
Henry Wagener.
From the 30th of October, 1774 to the 7th of July, 1789, ninety-one
baptisms were administered. The record says: "All the
above-named infants were baptized by Rev. Michael Enderlin, Evangelical Lutheran
minister." After this the name of Rev. Enderlin does not appear in
the record, and without doubt he visited the congregation no more. We have
been informed that he resided in Lyken's Valley, Dauphin County, where he served
congregations, and also extended his labors to the west of the Susquehanna in
Pfautz's Valley, and to perhaps New Buffalo and other places in Sherman's
Valley. The members of the congregation in Pfautz's Valley were
comparatively numerous and the prospects were encouraging. In October,
1789, only a few months after Rev. Enderlin had resigned, the
Rev. Matthias Guntzel
took the congregation in charge. The
record says he was an Evangelical Lutheran minister, and the last time his name
appears in the record is on the 8th of November, 1801. As above, we will
give the names of the fathers only, who are not already named, and had infants
baptized:
In 1790-
George Rudy
John Stehle
In 1791-
Christopher Ulsh
In 1792-
Andrew Fogel (now translated into Bird)
Samuel Meyer
In 1793-
Peter Stots
In 1794-
Frederick Wendt (Mr. Wendt's child was baptized, according to the record,
"by the Evangelical Lutheran minister, the Rev. John Frederick Hieze.")
There is no record of baptisms from August, 1794, to December, 1797. In
1797, Samuel Duwall (Dewalt), Frederick Harter, Esq.; in 1798, Jacob Wagener,
John Luck or Luke (Mr. Luke's two children, as the record states, "were
baptized by the Evangelical Lutheran preacher, the
Rev. Henry Miller
of Harrisburg,") who also baptized an infant here in June, 1800. In 1799, "the Evangelical Lutheran minister, the
Rev. Ludwig Koch,
baptized two infants." In the record of burials we find the first recorded read thus: "On the 31st of January, 1800, was buried in this graveyard, Rev. Ludwig Koch, an Evangelical Lutheran minister, aged thirty-eight years. The funeral sermon was preached by John Grabil from John 14:6." In May, 1800, the
Rev. John Herbst
of Carlisle took regular charge of the
congregation, though he preached for it occasionally some years before. It
seems from the names of ministers recorded, that there was no order in the
administration of baptism so far as regularity of pastor was concerned.
After 1794, and till 1801, Rev. Messrs. Guntzel, Hieze, Miller, Koch, and Herbst,
baptized, each of them, some children. Henry Grubb, Mathias Luchtenteller,
Mihal Amholtz, George Riegel, Abraham Orner, Christian Mitchell, Henry Dimm,
Peter Traub, William Everly, Christian Spahr; in 1802, Daniel Anthony, John
Freyberger. From October, 1774, to November, 1803, one hundred and
forty-seven infants were baptized here. As the names of the members
will hereafter appear in the list of communicants and those received as members
by confirmation, we need not give the names of parents who had children
baptized.
To 1800, the congregation worshipped in a large school-house erected on the
church-land, and private dwellings at different places in the valley. The
need of a church was felt, as the congregation was large and prosperous.
From the record-book we will transcribe the following, relating to the buying of
the book and the erecting of St. Michael's Church, so called in memory of Rev.
Michael Enderlin or Michael Pfautz:
"This Church Protocal was bought in the year of Christ, Anno Domini, 1797,
December the 3d, by the following men or members of Pfautz's Valley
congregation, viz.:
Frederick Harter, Esq., Elder of the Lutheran Church
Frederick Wendt, Deacon of the Lutheran Church
Abraham Kuntz
John Long, Sen.
Martin Swartz
George Hoffman, Sen.
George Rudy
John Kepner
Abraham Sypher
Jacob Kauffman
George Hoffman, Jr.
Marks Brinkly.
"On the 19th of March, in the year 1798, the church-edifice was erected,
and on the 25th of May, Anno 1800, being Sunday Exaudi, the church was
consecrated by the ministerial preachers, the Rev. Johannes Herbst, on
the part of the Lutherans, and Rev. George Geistweit, on the part of the
Reformed, and received the name St. Michaelis. Rev. J. Herbst's
text was 1 Pet. 2:5, and Rev. G. Geistweit's was Acts 16:25-31. The hymn,
introductory of the divine services, was: Kommt her ihr Christen voller
Freud, Erzehlet Gottes freundlichkeit; Kommt her und lass't erklingen, & c."
This was a log structure, about thirty-five by forty-five feet in size.
The logs and other timbers are said to have been of the best quality.
Inside there were three galleries on three sides; the pulpit was high and
supported by a post; and the seats had high and erect backs. For many
years an organ occupied the gallery fronting the pulpit. This instrument
was not played after about 1820; it was all out of tune, and went to ruin.
The old church stood till 1847, when, dilapidated and unfit for use, it was
removed and a new one erected on its site. A large graveyard, known as
"The Old Graveyard," is attached to the church-property. Here
the early pioneers and first settlers of the valley buried their dead, and were
buried themselves before old St. Michael's was erected, and since then this
"God's acre" has been annually receiving the "remains of
men" so that it covers at present a large space of ground.
"On the 3d of May, Anno 1801, being Sunday Cantate, for the first
time, in St. Michael's Church in Pfautz's Valley, the Lord's Supper was
administered, and thirteen catechumens confirmed by Rev. John Herbst of the
Lutheran denomination. The names of the catechumens and communicants are
as follows:
Catechumens.
John Wendt George Long
Frederick Wendt Christiana Swartz
Jonathan Long Susanna Dimm
Michael Wilt, Jr. Elizabeth Miller
John Wagener Mary Wilt
Adam Wilt Susanna Long
John KepnerCommunicants.
Frederick Wendt Anna Cath. Spengel
Matthias Swartz, Sen. Catharine Long
Barbara Swartz Susanna Lomiller
Martin Swartz Catharine Michael
Charlotta Swartz Catharine Wilt, single
Christopher Walter Catharine Long, single
Henry Dimm Christiana Kepner, single
Henry Weiant Elizabeth Kepner, single
Andrew Meyer Mary Wagener
Doratha Meyer Christiana Walter
Anna Alts (Ulsh), widow ----- Wolf
Catharine Harter ----- name not recorded"
Margaret Stotz
Elizabeth Henrich
At this, the first communion in the church, the whole number
of communicants was thirty-nine. Not one of these is now in the land of
the living; all have passed away with the rush of time, and now line in
eternity, receiving the reward for their doings while on earth. Several
years passed away before the communion was held again.
In addition to the two acres of land already owned by the congregation, another
acre was bought, as shown by the following deed of conveyance:
"This Indenture, made this twenty-second day of March, in the year of our
Lord one thousand eight hundred and two, between John Long, Sen., of Greenwood
Township, Cumberland County, and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, yeoman, of the
one part, and Frederick Harter, Esq., Frederick Wendt, and the whole Lutheran
congregation of the aforesaid place, of the other part, Witnesseth, that the
said John Long, Sen., for and in consideration of the sum of one dollar, lawful
money of Pennsylvania, to him, the said John Long, Sen., in hand paid by the
said Frederick Harter, Frederick Wendt, and the whole Lutheran congregation, the
receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, and himself therewith fully and entirely
satisfied, Hath granted, bargained, sold, aliened, released and confirmed, and
by these presents Doth grant, bargain, sell, alien, release and confirm unto the
said Frederick Harter, Frederick Wendt, and the whole Lutheran congregation,
their heirs and assigns, for the use of said congregation forever, a certain
tract or piece of land, situate, lying, and being in Pfoutz's Valley, township
and county and commonwealth aforesaid, beginning at a post adjoining Philip
Hoover's old line and church-ground, bought of John Pfouts, Sen., thence by land
of said John Long, Sen., south seventy-six and a half degrees west forty perches
and six-tenths of a perch to a post, thence south twenty-three degrees east
eight perches to a white oak, thence to the church-ground bough of john Pfouts,
Sen., north sixty-five degrees east forty perches to the post and place of
beginning, containing one acre, being a part of a larger tract of three hundred
and twenty-nine acres more or less, which by virtue of a warrant, bearing date
the 3d of February, A.D. 1755, was surveyed unto a certain John Pfouts, Sen.,
the 17th day of July, 1765, and whereas afterwards by a writ of Venditioni
Exponas of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, issued out of the Court of
Common Pleas, held at Carlisle, for the County of Cumberland, the 22d day of
April, 1785, and directed to Samuel Postlethwaith, then High Sheriff of said
county, the said tract of one hundred acres more or less was sold by the said
sheriff to a certain Sebastian Shade, the 27th day of May, A.D. 1786, for the
consideration of one hundred and thirty-one pounds. And the said Sebastian
Shade by his deed, dated the 21st day of July, 1786, conveyed the said tract
mentioned in Sheriff's deed unto the said John Long, Sen., the 29th day of May,
1790, for the consideration of one hundred and fifty pounds. Now know
ye, that I, the said John Long, Sen., for myself, my heirs, executors and
administrators, do hereby grant, bargain, sell, assign and set over all my
right, title, claim, interest and demand of, in and to the above-mentioned and
described tract of land one one acre aforesaid, together with all and singular
the buildings and improvements, waters, water-courses, rights, liberties,
privileges, hereditaments and appurtenances whatsoever thereunto belonging or in
any wise appertaining, and the reversions and remainders, and the rents, issues,
and profits thereof, to have an to hold the said described tract of one acre of
land and premises hereby granted or mentioned and intended so to be with the
appurtenances, to the said Frederick Harter, Esq., Frederick Wendt, and the
whole Lutheran congregation, and to their heirs and assigns, and to the only
proper use, benefit and behoof of the said Lutheran congregation, their heirs
and assigns forever; and the said John Long, Sen., and his heirs, doth hereby
covenant, promise and agree to and with the said Frederick Harter, Esq.,
Frederick Wendt, and the whole Lutheran congregation, their heirs and assigns,
that the said John Long, Sen., and his heirs, the said tract of land of one acre
with appurtenances hereby granted to the said Lutheran congregation, their heirs
and assigns, against himself, the said John Long, Sen., and against his heirs,
executors and administrators, and against all manner of persons whatsoever
lawfully claiming or to claim the same or any part thereof, by, from or under
him, them or any of them, shall and will warrant and forever defend by these
presents, the fee of the Commonwealth excepted only. In witness whereof,
I, the said John Long, Sen., to these presents have hereunto set my hand and
seal the day and year first within mentioned. N.B. The said John
Long excepts to take the water out of said acre where it suits him and his
heirs. Done before signing.
"John Long (seal)
"Sealed, signed and delivered in the presence of
Christopher Ulsch,
George Rudy.
"Received, March 22d, 1802, of Frederick Harter, Esq., Frederick Wendt, and
the Lutheran congregation, the sum of one dollar, being the full
consideration-money mentioned in this Indenture.
"John Long.
"Testes:
George Rudy,
Christopher Ulsh.
"Cumberland County, ss.
"Before me the subscriber, one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said
county, personally appeared the within-named John Long, and acknowledged the
within instrument of writing to be his act and deed, and desired the same to be
recorded as such. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and
seal, March 22d, 1802.
"Frederick Harter (Seal.)"
Thus the congregation was now in possession of three acres of land. It
seems the design was that the proceeds of the land were to go towards the
support of a school-master, who was also to lead singing in the church, and
perhaps play the organ. A school-house stood on the church-land, and a
congregational school was for many years sustained here. The fathers made
wise arrangements, and laid a deep and broad foundation; but in after years
those arrangements were not carried out and no superstructure was raised on that
foundation.
"On the 18th of December, Anno 1803, being Sunday Advents, the
Lord's Supper was administered by the Rev. John Herbst." This time
there were thirty-three communicants, namely:
Frederick Wendt Jonathan Long, single
Catharine Wendt Henry Wagener
Matthias Swartz John Kepner
Barbara Swartz John Leffember
John Long, the aged Mrs. Bragunner
George Weiant Christiana Kepner
Martin Michael Matthias Grassle
Henry Bragunner Anna Mary Grassle
Margaret Landis Joseph Frey
Magdalene Wagner, widow Elizabeth Frey
Anna Meyer Susan Bragunner, daughter
Catharine Long Cath. Bragunner, daughter
George Hoffman Christian Kepner
Jacob Long Elizabeth Kepner
Elizabeth Long Christiana Long
John Kepner Magdalene Grassle
Christiana Walter
"On the 25th of March, Anno 1804, being Sunday Palmarun, eighteen catechumens were confirmed, and the Lord's Supper was administered by Rev. John Herbst.
Catechumens.
George Wendt Barbara Long
Henry Long Margaret Long
Frederick Frey Christiana Wagener
Joseph Frey Magdalene Wagener
David Rambach Anna Galman
Adam Gallman Margaret Kepler
David Kepler Elizabeth Shuman
Absalom Meyer Sarah Ninmand
Elizabeth Machlin Mary Klein.The following members also communed:
Frederick Harter, Esq. Michael Wilt, Jr.
Margaret Harter Henry Weiant
Frederick Wendt Catharine Wagener
Catharine Wendt Elizabeth Henrich (Henry)
Matthias Swartz Margaret Stuetz, widow
Barbara Swartz Elizabeth Rambach
Joseph Frey Mary Wilt
Elizabeth Frey Elizabeth Gallman
Christian Spaar (Spahr) Catharine Streaer
Mary Spaar Anna Meyer
Christopher Kanie (Kinney) Anna Ulsh, widow
Anna Kinney Catharine Roemer."
Martin Swartz
The whole number of communicants at this time was forty-three. On the same day Rev. Herbst baptized three infants and here his ministerial labors in the congregation closed. The congregation was then without regular preaching for about one year, except that the
Rev. Frederick Sanno,
of Carlisle occasionally visited the members and preached for them, and in May, 1805, baptized two infants. In June of the same year (1805) the
Rev. J. Conrad Walter
of Middleburg, Snyder County, took the
congregation in charge and served it for some ten years. The first time
the Rev. Walter administered the Lord's Supper here was "on the 20th of
October, Anno 1805, it being Sunday, Trinitatis," when forty-seven
members communed. In the list of communicants at this time, the names of
the following persons appear for the first time as members, viz.:
Matthias Blocher
Peter Swartz
Jacob Marcks (Marx, now written March) and his wife Catharine
John Hahn and his wife, Doratha
John Kepler and his wfie
Jacob kepler and his wife
Christian Kepler and his wife Margaret
Matthias Hahn
Magdalene Mickenit
Mary Bricks
Mary Fogel (now Bird)
Anna Roth
Eve Seifer
Barbara Silks
George Hoffman
Hannah Galman
Elizabeth Orner
Elizabeth Machlin
"On the 23d November, Anno 1806, Sunday Trinitatis, Rev. Walter
administered the Lord's Supper here." This time thre were nineteen
communicants. The following names of members appear the first time:
Christopher Walter, Jacob Regel, Elizabeth Vorman.
"On the 28th of June, Anno 1807, the following thirty-eight catechumens
were confirmed and the Lord's Supper was administered by Rev. Conrad Walter, it
being the 5th Sunday Trinitatis.
Catechumens who were confirmed:
Benjamin Cran (Crane) Rachel Galman
John Cran Catharine Galman
Daniel Anthony Maria Ulsh (baptized)
Jacob Bock (now Buck) Elizabeth Roemer
Henry Alts (now written Ulsh) Catharine Bock (Buck)
Daniel Frey Catharine Schmidt (Smith)
Abraham Frey Barbara Schwartz
John Marx (now March) Catharine Marx
John Long Catharine Long
John Strauss Elizabeth Kegel (Cagill)
Andrew Ulsh Catharine Ulsh
Matthias Stollenberger Catharine Weiland
Catharine Ulsh (baptized) Christiana Grassley
Elizabeth Anthony Eve Grassley
Susanna Ulsh (baptized) Maria Hildebrecht
Mary Long Barbara Schuman (Shuman)
Elizabeth Franck Maria Walter
Sarah Cran Christiana Anthony
Juliana Long David Strauss.
"With the above, the following members communed at the same time:
Joseph
Frey
Elizabeth Shuman
Elizabeth
Frey
Jacob Long and wife
Henry Bragunner and his
wife
Fanny Berner
Henry Frey and his
wife
Elizabeth Henrich (Henry)
Frederick Wendt and
wife
Mary Klein
Christian Spaar (Spahr) and wife
Barbara Long
John Kepner and
wife
Daniel Anthony
John Long, the
aged
Catharine Roemer
Christopher
Walter
Anna Kenny (Kinny)
Peter Swartz and
wife
John Hahn
Jacob Marx and
wife
Doratha Hahn
John
Rafter
Matthias Hahn
Philip Strauss and
wife
Eve Seifer
John
Swartz
Charlotta Swartz
Magdalene Stollenberger
Henry Hildebrecht
Catharine Spengel
George Carl and wife
Elizabeth Rambach
Elizabeth Roth
Christina
Walter
Mrs. Landis."
The whole number of communicants was eighty-four at this time. The
congregation was increasing in membership and was in a flourishing
condition. Of those who then communed but few, if any, are spared by
time. All who then thronged the house of God and engaged in divine worship
have passed away.
On the 23d of October, 1808, Rev. Walter administered the Lord's Supper here to
forty-eight communicants. The names of the following persons now first
appear in the list of members of the church: Christian Mitchel and his
wife Catharine, Henry Tiedeman, Catharine Shuman, Barbara Silks, Elizabeth
Hetterich, Doratha Umholtz.
On the 8th of October, 1809, the Lord's Supper was administered to twenty
communicants by Rev. Walter. Having received license to prach, in June, of
this year (1809), the
Rev. George Heim,
under the supervision of Rev. Walter and as
his assistant, preached here alternately with Rev. Walter.
"On the 13th of May, 1810, being Sunday Jubilate, or the third Sunday after
Easter, the following young persons, whom Rev. George Heim had catechized, were
confirmed by Rev. Conrad Walter, and the Lord's Supper was administered to them
and the members:
Catechumens confirmed:
Andrew Fogel
(Bird)
Anna Ulsh of Henry
Frederick Fogel
Anna Ulsh of Jacob
John
Shuman
Magdalene Kepner
David Wendt
(Wentz)
Mary Rothpautsch
John Mohrhart
Catharine Roemer
John Spar (Spahr)
Catharine Meyer
Jacob
Spar
Elizabeth Marx
Isaac
Spar
Elizabeth Carl
Samuel
Spar
Mary Kuntz
John Kless (Cless)
Christiana Kuntz
Susanna Kless
Margaret Westphal) (Westfall)
The following also communed:
Henry Bragunner
Elizabeth Henrich
Catharine Bragunner
Margaret Stotz
Matthias
Swartz
Mary Fogel
Barbara
Swartz
Elizabeth Hetterich
John Kepner
Cath. Marx
Christiana Kepner
Margaret Wilt
Henry Ulsh
Christina Swartz
Anna Ulsh
Elis. Franck (Frank)
Henry Ulsh, Jr. and his
wife
Magdalene Stollenberger
Henry Hildebrecht
Cath. Roemer
Mary Hildebrecht
Catharine Walter
Christian Mitchel
Christiana Kepner
Christiana Mitchel
Elis. Roemer
Henry Dimm
Susanna Ulsh
Susanna Dimm
George Weiant
Frederick Kless
Catharine Weiant
Catharine
Wendt
Mary Detwiler
George Carl and
wife
Catharine Halman
Barbara
Silks
Adam Wilt
Christopher Walter
On the 2d of June, 1811, the Lord's Supper was administered by Rev. George Heim
to twenty-eight communicants. This time the following names appear the
first time in the list: William Sauer (Sour) and his wife Nancy, Susan
Kess, Margaret Reding. For 1812 and '13, if the Lord's Supper was
administered, the names of the communicants were not recorded in the
church-book.
On the 2d of October, 1814, the Lord's Supper was dispensed to forty-five
communicants by Rev. C. Walter. In this list of communicants the following
names appear for the first time: George Heilman, Eve Fisher, Elizabeth
Schneider, Susan Herman, Margaret Herman, Elizabeth Herman, Catharine Herman,
Rachel Heilman, Catharine Heilman, Hannah Heilman. In June of this year
(1814), Rev. George Heim having ceased to preach at this place in connection
with Rev. Walter, his brother, the
Rev. John William Heim,
took charge of the congregation and after
having held communion on the 2d of October, 1814, Rev. C. Walter also ceased to
exercise pastoral care over the congregation.
On the 10th of October, 1815, the Rev J. William Heim administered the Lord's
Supper to twenty-nine communicants. This time the following names first
appear in the list of members: Philip Shrock, John Heim, Jacob Herman,
John Heilman, Magdalene Leckron, Elizabeth Stechly.
On the 2d of June, 1816, twenty catechumens were confirmed and the Lord's Supper
was administered by Rev. J.W. Heim. The whole number of communicants was
sixty-eight. As this is the last list of members on record, we will give
the names of all who communed this time, viz.:
Catechumens who were confirmed:
Samuel
Hoffman
Catharine Shuman
Jacob
Marx
Catharine Wilt
Jacob
Long
Mary Saur (Sour)
John Ulsh
Magdalene Marx
Abraham
Wilt
Sabina Mitschel
Joseph
Meyer
Susanna Wagner
George
Schneider
Elizabeth Long
Fronica Ulsh
Elizabeth Ulsh
Catharine
Harter
Lydia Marx
Elizabeth
Frey
Barbara Wilt
The following communed with the above catechumens:
John Kepner and
wife
Margaret Wilt
Henry Bragunner
Catharine Eberst
Joseph Frey and
wife
Barbara Zwilling
George Weyond
Magdalene Leckron
William Saur (Sour) and
wife
Elizabeth Wilt
Jacob
Marx
Elizabeth Herman
Jacob Marx and
wife
Margaret Wilt
Michael
Wilt
Margaret Herman
Andrew Fogel
Fanny Scholl
Jacob Herman and
wife
Catharine Schrock
Henry Hildebrecht and
wife
Hannah Saur
Barbara
Potter
Mary Ulsh
Elizabeth
Marx
Catharine Herman
Jacob Long and
wife
Susanna Herman
John Steiner and
wife
Catharine Hoffman
Henry Frey and
wife
Catharine Marx
Henry Long and
wife
Christiana Fessler
Elizabeth
Schneider
Magdalene Stollenberger
Margaret Reding.
It is said that Rev. J.W. Heim catechized at St. Michael's about once every
three or four years, and that large classes of catechumens were confirmed in
1819, '22, and '25. In May, 1828, between twenty and twenty five persons
were confirmed, of whom the names of the following were furnished us from
memory:
Henry
Harman
Catharine Kleffman
Joel
Huggins
Elizabeth Kleffman
George
Cline
Catharine Cline
Peter Boose
Catharine Cline
Mr.
Schaeffer
--- Schaeffer
Catharine
Harman
Miss Fogel (Bird or Burd)
Hannah Miller.
So far as we can learn anything to the contrary, the above class of catechumens
was the last Rev. Heim confirmed here, and since then but few, if any, were
added to the membership at St. Michael's Church.
The names of fathers who had infants baptized, but whose names do not appear
anywhere else than in the baptismal record, we will now give when they occur
first, viz.:
In 1804-
Henry Lehman
Conrad Klein
Peter Wolf
In 1805-
John Bacher,
Capt. John Jones
Michael Rau (Rowe)
In 1806-
John Baeshor
David Blocher
Leonard Klein
David Rombach
In 1807-
Abraham Orner
Mr. Dewor
Mathias Schwesy
Adam Elmacher
John Huggins
Michael Umholtz
Nicholas Heterick
Charles Frank
In 1808-
Joseph Egly
Fred. Kless
Jacob Rotpautg
In 1809-
Henry Bar (Bear)
Benj. Bender
Jacob Gesett
In 1810-
Jacob Spahr
Jefferson Gowet
Christian Beasom
John Buchter
In 1811-
Joseph Morris
Mr. Lutz
Abraham Silks
In 1812-
Christian Grubb
In 1814-
Jacob Harman
John Grubb
In 1815-
Philip Evers
Henry Grubb
John Scholl
In 1817-
Robert Kilpatrick
In 1818-
Gabriel Geiger
Abraham Grubb
George Tilman
In 1819-
Adam Heterick
Henry Straub
In 1820-
Samuel Weaver
Peter Straub
In 1824-
Solomon Keiser
Adam Hort
Jacob Esuh
George Seller
Adam Hollman
In 1825-
George Manly
John Gensel
Adam Costeter
John Burd (Fogel, Bird)
In 1826-
Henry Miller
Michael Shetterly
In 1827-
Joseph Pontius
In 1828-
Henry Stoler
Joel Fonestock
Daniel Keim
and by Rev. Erlenmeyer one child, in 1839,--father's name, Augustus
Kirchner. Here ends the baptismal record.
From the record of deaths we will present a few extracts of interest:
On the 31st of January, 1800, Rev. Ludwig Koch, Evangelical Lutheran minister,
aged thirty-nine years, was buried in this graveyard. The funeral sermon
was preached by Rev. John Grabil (a Mennonite minister), from John 14:6.
On the 21st October, 1804, there was buried here Jacob Wagener, Sen., otherwise
known as Indian Jockel (Indian Jack), a man aged seventy-five years. Mr.
Waggener was noted for his successful conflicts with the Indians.
On the 30th of April, 1807, Dr Christopher Keiner was buried, aged seventy
years. Rev. Walter preached the funeral sermon from Isa. 38:19.
On the 17th of August, 1807, Jonathan Foutz, a son of Michael Foutz, was buried
here, aged fifteen years. He was shot by David Spar, a son of Christian
Spar.
On the 26th of April, 1812, Frederick Harter, Esq. (the first elder of St.
Michael's Church) was buried here, aged fifty-five years. Rev. Peter
Bieber preached the funeral sermon. The record of deaths ends in 1820.
"The names of the men who served as Church-Council of the church in
Pfautz's Valley, called St. Michael's namedly:
"In the year of Christ 1797, on the 8th of October, Frederick Harter, Esq.,
as Elder and Frederick Wendt, as Deacon, were elected and installed, and served
to June, 8th, 1808.
"On the 8th of June, 1806, Joseph Frey, as Elder and Henry Bragunner, as
Deacon, were elected and installed.
"On the 23d of October, 1808, Joseph Frey and Frederick Harter, Esq., as
Elders, and Henry Bragunner and Frederick Wendt, as Deacons, were elected and
installed as Church-Council.
"On the 25th of December, 1813, Henry Bragunner, as Elder, and Henry Dimm,
as Deacon, were elected and installed as Church-Council.
"On the 10th of August, 1817, Joseph Frey, as Elder, and Jonathan Long,
were installed as Church-Council.
"In the year 1825, Adam Wilt, Elder, and Daniel Frey, Deacon, were
installed as Church-Council.
"In the year 1827, Samuel Keim, Elder and Daniel Frey, Deacon, were elected
and installed as the Church-Council." Here the record of installation
of Church-Council ends.
To about 1828 the congregation was large and in a prosperous condition; but soon
after this, from various causes, it began to decline. A number of members
moved out of Pfoutz's Valley. Some located in Turkey Valley, where they
afterwards aided in establishing a congregation and building St. James's Church;
some settled in Wild Cat Valley and help to form a congregation and erect
Christ's Church; and others united in organizing a congregation at
Millerstown. Thus, as but few or none were in the meantime added to the
membership at St. Michael's, the congregation was by removals much reduced in
strength. About this time, also, different sects of the wildest stamp
found their way into Pfoutz's Valley, and, as their manner is, did their utmost
to alienate from the Church all they could, and as Father Heim resided at
Loysville, some twenty miles off, and was overwhelmed with constant labors
nearer at home, the weight of his influence was not brought to bear down these
aggressions from without, and consequently from this cause the congregation
sustained a great loss and may not soon recover from its effects. In 1831,
Father Heim still served the following congregations, viz., Mifflintown,
Tuscarora (near Perryville), Zion's at Blain, Loysville, St. Peter's,
Bloomfield, Mount Zion on Fishing Creek, Liverpool, and St. Michael's in
Pfoutz's Valley. How it was possible for Father Heim to serve so many and
remote congregations, without in a great measure neglecting some of them, is
beyond our ability to understand. Of course some of them were neglected,
or, to say the least, did not receive that attention and pastoral oversight
which their interests demanded, and we are sure St. Michael's was one of them,
as will appear clearly from the sequel. This want of pastoral care was a
third cause of the rapid decline of the congregation. Rev. Heim continued
to preach occasionally at St. Michael's until October, 1833, when by action of
Synod
Rev. C. G. Erlenmeyer
was acknowledged as the regularly constituted
pastor of the congregation. At this time the membership was already very
much reduced, and seeing that but little could be accomplished, Rev. Erlenmeyer
was inclined, two years afterward, to cease preaching here. For in
October, 1835, the congregation sent a letter to Synod, recommending him as to
his Christian walk and soundness in doctrine, and desiring at the same time that
he might remain among them as their pastor. We have no means of
knowing what success attended his labors here; but we have reason to believe
that he met with but little encouragement, for early in 1836 he dissolved his
pastoral relation to the congregation, though he may have preached an occasional
sermon for the few remaining members for a few years after. Hence, in the
minutes of Synod, September, 1836, we find the following action in relation to
"a petition from St. Michael's Church in Pfoutz's Valley, formerly under
the care of Rev. Erlenmeyer"--
"Resolved, That the congregation he recommended to Candidate Boyer
of Mifflintown, that he take charge of it, and in case he cannot do so, then to
visit it occasionally." This is the last notice of the congregation
we find in the minutes of Synod, until about ten years after. We do not
think Rev. Boyer visited the congregation often or for any length of time.
Need we wonder that the members were scattered as sheep without a shepherd, and
that the congregation was reduced to the point of extinction. For five or
six years the house of worship stood unvisited by a minister or by the members.
Rev. Andrew Berg,
who took charge at Liverpool in November, 1842, if we are not misinformed, for about six months visited and occasionally preached for the few scattered members still attached to St. Michael's. But Rev. Berg resigned in June, 1843, and the members were again without preaching for about four years. Early in the beginning of 1847, the
Rev. William Weaver
located at Millerstown and took charge of this large and then destitute field. He found but three members belonging to the congregation at St. Michael's Church. Thus this congregation, once so large and flourishing, had now dwindled down to the very verge of extinction. Under the efficient ministry of Rev. Weaver, the few remaining members took courage, and some who had strayed off now returned, and all rallied around the standard of the Cross with new energy. In order to permanent success, the necessity of a new house of worship was obvious to the pastor, as the old church, neglected and dilapidated, was wholly unfit for use. Hence, in the first instance, the chief effort of the pastor was put forth to secure a new church-edifice. In March, 1847, a congregational meeting was held in old St. Michael's Church, when Messrs. David Kepner, Joseph Ulsh, Frederick Reinhard, John Ulsh and George Beaver were appointed the building committee and instructed to solicit subscriptions for the purpose of erecting the proposed new church. A sufficient amount was subscribed to justify the committee in prosecuting the enterprise. Messrs. Albright and Sweinford contracted for the carpenter work for six hundred and eighty dollars. The mason work was not included in this contract. Mr. George Beaver was appointed treasurer by the building committee. The old church was taken down and removed, and some time in June, 1847, the corner-stone was laid on the very site of the old church. The building was pushed rapidly on towards completion, and some time in the fall of the same year was consecrated the new St. Michael's Church, a substantial and well-arranged church-edifice. The congregation revived and the prospects were truly encouraging. As no records were made, we cannot say what the strength of the congregation was at this time, nor do we know how many, if any, were admitted to the membership whilst Rev. Weaver was pastor of the congregation. In the beginning of 1851, Rev. Weaver resigned, having served the congregation about four years. The members were then again without preaching for more than five years. During this time, excepting the new church, as much was lost as Rev. Weaver had gained. No wonder that the members became discouraged. Some, however, remained steadfast, hoping almost against hope. On the 1st of October, 1856,
Rev. Josiah Zimmerman,
as a home missionary for this destitute field, located at Millerstown and preached at St. Michael's regularly for one year; but after that, giving up all as almost hopelessly lost, he preached here only occasionally. On the 1st of April, 1859, he resigned this field of labor and was succeeded in August of the same year by the
Rev. Jacob A. Hackenberger,
who preached here occasionally. In a letter, dated December, 1860, he says: "This congregation is at present in a sad condition. The members are but few; and as the people are generally connected with different denominations and sects with which the Valley abounds, there is but a faint hope that the congregation will soon, if ever, regain what it lost in membership. It was once a flourishing congregation; but it gave being to the congregation in Wild Cat Valley and the one in Turkey Valley. These two migrations so weakened St. Michael's congregation that I fear it can not be restored for some time and without much labor. It has, however, still an existence. None have been added to the membership for many years. I can find no congregational Constitution." The congregation had a Constitution, but we regret, that notwithstanding the many efforts made to find it, it has not yet been brought to light. In August, 1861, Rev. Hackenberger resigned, and then the
Rev. William O. Wilson,
who had located at Millerstown in July previous, preached at St. Michael's about eight months, but without much encouragement. Some preaching in the German language is required by the members; but as he could not supply them in that language, and also because the congregation belongs properly to the Liverpool charge, he resigned it in March, 1862, and on the 1st of April following, the
Rev. John H. Davidson,
having taken charge of the Liverpool pastorate, commenced his ministerial labors here. The present energetic pastor can so well supply the members by preaching in both languages, and though the congregation is weak now, may we not cherish the pleasing hope that by perseverance and God's blessing on the faithful preaching of the word, St. Michael's congregation will at no distant day revive, and rise, and shine in all its pristine glory!
"Savior, visit thy
plantation,
Grant us, Lord, a gracious rain!
All will come to desolation,
Unless thou return again:
Lord, revive us,
All our help must come from thee!"
