CHURCH: Part 1:  History of Saint Aloysius Church of Littlestown, Adams County, PA

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History of Saint Aloysius Church of Littlestown, Penn'a.  
By William McSherry, Jr., A. M.

J. E. Wible, Printer, Carlisle Street, (Second Square) 1893

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                      HISTORY OF SAINT ALOYSIUS CHURCH
                                    OF
                            LITTLESTOWN, PENN’A.


                       BY WILLIAM MCSHERRY, JR., A. M.


         J. E. WIBLE, PRINTER, CARLISLE STREET (SECOND SQUARE). 1893


























                                  TO
                    HONORABLE WILLIAM MCSHERRY, LL. D.,
                       WHO FOR MORE THAN THREE
                       SCORE YEARS AND TEN HAS
                       BEEN A WITNESS TO MANY OF
                       THE FACTS HEREIN RECORDED,
                       THIS BOOK IS DEDICATED AS
                       A MARK OF FILIAL AFFECTION,
                       BY HIS SON,
                                     THE AUTHOR.















































PREFACE

These pages have been written so that some of the good deeds and the memory of 
those who have gone may not be forgotten.  If but to one they bring back a happy 
past, or aid another in a future duty, the labor will be well repaid.

It is by recalling the trials, the self-sacrifices, the liberality and the 
constant faith of our fore-fathers that we best learn how to serve well our God 
and our fellowman.

Much of this book has been written upon the very ground whereon took place the 
events therein recorded.  There may be some inaccuracies, but yet the fact is 
true that those of the past did their part well; the present are doing better; 
and those to come may surpass them all.

The author acknowledges his obligation to John T. Reily, author of “Conowago,” 
and returns to him to Rev. T. O’Leary, S. J. Superior at Conowago, and to Mr. T. 
J. Stahle, editor of Gettysburg Compiler, thanks for courtesies extended.

If anything herein written may honor the founders of our Church, do justice to 
its present members, or continue its prosperity, my labor will not have been in 
vain.

                                           William McSherry, Jr.

Home-Wood, Germany Township,
Christmas Eve., 1892.






























SKETCH OF LITTLESTOWN.

The land adjoining Littlestown was the boundary of the disputed tract known as 
“Digges Choice.”  In 1727 a warrant was issued by the Maryland authorities for a 
tract of 6822 acres to John Digges, which embraced Conewago township and part of 
Germany township, which were then in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, but were 
supposed to be in the county of Baltimore, in the province of Maryland.  This 
land was surveyed in 1732.  Andrew Schreiber and David Young, in 1734, settled 
on what is now the land of George Basehoar, about three miles from Littlestown.

The Lancaster county Court directed the Monocacy road, leading from 
Wrightsville, York, Hanover and Littlestown to Frederick, Maryland, to be opened 
in 1736.  Martin Houser, on the 2d of July 1741, and on the same day of July 
1743, took out warrants, which were afterwards assigned to Peter Little, to whom 
a patent for 311 acres was granted by the Penns, September 18th, 1760.

Five years later Peter Little laid out a town on this land, dividing it into 57 
lots of 66 feet frontage and having a depth of 264 feet.  The purchaser was to 
build a substantial dwelling house on each lot, at least 18 feet square, within 
three years from May 1st, 1765.  The road opened in 1736 he called King street, 
and the road leading from Baltimore to Pittsburg (now the Gettysburg and 
Petersburg turnpike) was called Queen street.  In his deeds he calls the town 
Petersburg; and states that he wished it to be called so forever.  His wishes 
were not carried out.  Captain Joseph McClellan, in his “Diary of The 
Pennsylvania Line,” says:

“May 26th, 1781.  Marched from York at 9 A.M., under the command of Gen. Wayne, 
and encamped 11 miles on the road to Fredericktown. 

“May 27th.  The general beat at daylight, and the troops took up the line of 
march at sunrise, and halted near Peter Littlestown, it being 14 miles.

“May 28th.  Marched through Taneytown, and halted upon the banks of Pipe Creek 
being 14 miles.”

The force consisted of 800 effective men, and the troops were on their way to 
Yorktown, Va.  The town grew slowly.  In 1797 it contained about 80 houses.  In 
1800 the population was 250; and the next census it had grown to 287.  By the 
formation of Adams county out of York, in 1800, Littlestown became the oldest 
town in the new county.

The building of the Gettysburg and Petersburg turnpike road in 1807-14 was an 
event in the history of the place, making it an important stop for stages and 
wagons on their route from Baltimore to Pittsburg.

The Littlestown railroad-a line of 7 miles-extending to Hanover was begun July 
4th, 1857 and completed in June following.  This gave new life to the town.  
James Renshaw and George Myers laid out new lots, two warehouses were built, and 
a new hotel.  Business increased and the population grew from 394 in 1850 to 702 
in 1860.  During the battle of Gettysburg the Union troops passed through the 
town on their way to battle, while trains of wagons and lines of prisoners kept 
coming and going.  The U. B. Church was turned into a hospital.

Among the distinguished wounded cared for at Littlestown was General Daniel E. 
Sickles who had lost his leg at Round Top and who was carried on a stretcher 
from the field of battle to Littlestown where he was placed on the cars.  Col. 
W. W. Dudley, late U. S. Pension Commissioner, was wounded at Gettysburg and had 
his leg amputated at the house of Hon. Ephraim Myers, in Littlestown, by Dr. 
Thomas Kinzer.  The National Hotel was also used as a hospital.  The land about 
town, especially that of Hon. Wm. McSherry, was used for several days by Gen. 
Geary’s command as a camping ground; he and his staff, embracing Major Moses 
Veale, now Health Commissioner of Philadelphia, occupying the family residence 
as their Headquarters.  The fences were burnt, crops destroyed, and fields cut 
up and damaged.

About a century after it began to exist, Littlestown received legal recognition 
by being incorporated as a borough by the Court of Adams county, February 23d, 
1864.  The litigation began August 20th, 1860, by filing a petition for 
incorporation, which was followed by remonstrances and exceptions.  Jan. 2d, 
1863, the Court ordered an election to be held on Feb. 28th following, to 
determine the wishes of the residents of the territory embraced in the proposed 
borough, and appointed Dr. R. S. Seiss, judge; Dr. E. F. Shorb and Joseph 
Barker, inspectors.  At the election 34 votes were cast in favor of and 28 
against the erection of a borough.  This was followed by petitions for resurvey 
by James Renshaw and Wm. McSherry.  There were 96 freehold residents in the 
proposed borough.  From 1855 to 1863, about 30 houses were put up near the 
railroad and the square.  The first election was held August 20th 1864, at the 
“most westerly school house,” in the borough.  The result of the litigation was 
that the land of Mr. McSherry was excepted from the borough limits and that of 
Mr. Renshaw retained.  The walks were dug down, or filled up, as required; and 
excellent pavements were laid.  The next event of importance was the completion 
of the railroad to the Maryland line in 1871.

Littlestown is located in Adams county, Pennsylvania.  The population of the 
borough proper is 991, and with those adjacent, about 1200.  The chief streets, 
East and West King, and North and South Queen, are well piked; and are 66 feet 
wide; there are also Lombard and Cemetery streets.  The length of the borough is 
about one mile, and its breadth about three quarters of that distance.  The town 
is compactly built and has many fine residences.  Many of the houses are 
surrounded by beautiful yards ornamented with flowers.  The streets are well 
shaded and the houses and fences are neat and well kept.  The stores and public 
building compare favorably with those of the cities.  There are two commodious 
warehouses, the same number of hotels, a fine bank building, a large public 
school house, a two-story brick Fire Engine house, fully equipped, and an 
excellent weekly newspaper, “The Adams County Independent.”  The citizens are 
thrifty, industrious, and intelligent.  All are engaged in some pursuit and find 
occupation in making cigars, carriages, and the usual avocations.  There are 
five churches in the town the Catholic, United Brethren, Methodist, German 
Reformed and Lutheran.  The country about Littlestown is rolling.  The soil is 
fertile, and the climate healthy.  The hospitality of the past has descended to 
the present citizens; and to their other good qualities they have added an 
energy which promises to win wealth for themselves and descendants, and 
prosperity for their town.











HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.

1741 TO 1800.

More than a century and a half ago, a humble Jesuit left his European home and 
crossed the ocean to share the labors and trials of those adventurous pioneers, 
who had left the old world for the new, that he might keep fresh in their minds 
the faith of their fathers, and comfort them in their sorrows and tribulations.  
The little log cabin which Reverend William Wapeler, S. J., built in the valley 
of Conowago, in 1741, although most humble in appearance, was, indeed, a true 
temple of God.  Many weary pilgrims entered this chapel in the wilderness, foot-
sore and sick at heart, left who comforted by the hospitality and wise counsel 
of this pious priest.  Among these were the fore-fathers of some of those who 
now worship at St. Aloysius church at Littlestown, Pennsylvania.  From that day 
even unto this many of their descendants have gone to that sacred spot and in 
that humble chapel, or its successor, have bent their knee in prayers of 
thanksgiving for past favors and begged the God of their fathers to bless them 
and their children as he had blessed those who had gone before them.  For nearly 
fifty years from the building of that little chapel the Catholics about 
Littlestown went, on Sundays and holidays of obligation, to assist at the 
sacrifice of the Mass at this the first House of God in their midst.  And when 
the old building was replaced by the magnificent stone church of the Sacred 
Heart, erected upon the same site in 1787, by the Rev. James Pellentz, S. J., 
they still turned with loving hearts towards Conowago.  Even within the present 
decade, it was not an unusual thing for those who sought God’s blessing in 
marriage to kneel at the feet of some devout Jesuit in that same church in which 
their parents were married a quarter or a half century ago.  Many a proud father 
and happy mother have brought their infant child from Littlestown to Conowago to 
have the waters of baptism poured upon its head; and have the record of a 
century continued by its name.  And when the hand of death comes, many a sad 
funeral train passes from Littlestown to the cemetery of Conowago, that the 
loved dead may mingle with the sacred dust of its ancestors.

It is a common occurrence for members of the Littlestown, as well as other 
congregations, to come to Conowago and join with the parishioners in the 
celebration of Mass on Sundays and great festivals.  There is scarcely one 
family in either congregation that has not some relation, or acquaintance, in 
the other; and thus even to this day the mother and daughter are closely united, 
almost as much so as before their separation.  As early as 1784 mass was said in 
the house of Joseph Flauth, near Littlestown.  There were a good many Catholics 
living in the vicinity and the good Jesuits at Conowago, - seven miles distant-
frequently came here.  The most active of these was Father James Pellentz, S. J.  
Thus the congregations of Littlestown and Conowago were intimately associated, 
and continue so.

The territory about Littlestown received its name from the nationality of the 
original settlers who were chiefly Germans.  About this period the Irish were 
also locating here, and Germany township was becoming well settled.  The 
Catholics of both nationalities, led on by their zealous pastor, were eager to 
have a permanent place of worship.  Two places were contesting for this great 
honor.  On the 5th of February, 1791, Mathias Baker and Mary, his wife, of the 
town of Petersburg (alias Littlestown), in Germany township, county of York, and 
State of Pennsylvania, conveyed to Patrick McSherry, Joseph Flauth and Henry 
O’Hara, trustees for the Roman Catholic congregation of Littlestown, “for the 
good purpose of assisting and establishing a Roman Catholic Church or Chapel at 
Littlestown, and for the further sum of five shillings did grant and convey a 
certain piece or parcel of ground adjoining the north end of the lots of 
Littlestown, beginning at the town alley opposite to widow Smith’s lot, No. 13, 
and running thence to the land of Patrick McSherry; thence with said land – 
perches, thence by Mathias Baker’s other land to the town alley, thence with the 
same to the place of beginning, so as to include one full acre,” “to the only 
profit, use, benefit and behoof of the congregation aforesaid forever, and to 
nor for no other use, intent, or purpose else whatever to be used and disposed 
of for the use aforesaid as two-thirds of the members of said congregation shall 
appoint and determine.”

On the same day the said trustees appeared before R. McIllhenny, Esq., a Justice 
of the Peace and acknowledged that they held said lot in trust.

“This deed was made over for the use of the Catholic Church and afterwards it 
was agreed to sell the property for the use aforesaid and it was sold and as the 
deed was not recorded the grantor conveyed the property to the purchaser and 
this deed was made void by defacing the names and seals”        R. M.

The above is written on the deed.

The deed from Joseph Flauth and Mary, his wife, of Germany township, is also 
dated February 5th, 1791, by which, in consideration of the sum of one hundred 
and ninety pounds in gold or silver, they conveyed “a certain house and lot of 
ground in Germany township and county of York, lying on the westward of the road 
leading from Petersburg to Baltimore, and bounded as followeth:  Beginning at 
the town alley adjoining Joseph Stealy’s lot and running southward with the 
great road aforesaid, seven perches and a half; thence westward by other land of 
Joseph Flauth, sixteen perches; thence northward, seven perches and a half to 
the alley aforesaid; thence with the alley eastward, sixteen perches, to the 
place of beginning; containing three quarters of an acre; to Patrick McSherry, 
Mathias Baker and Henry O’Hara, trustees of the Roman Catholic congregation of 
Littlestown, their heirs and successors to the only use, benefit and behoof of 
the Roman Catholic congregation of Littlestown for ever, and to nor for no other 
use, intent or purpose whatever; to be converted into a Roman Catholic church, 
or chapel, and burying ground, for the congregation aforesaid to be known and 
distinguished by the name of the Roman Catholic Church or chapel of Littlestown, 
and to remain for the purpose and use forever, unless otherwise agreed upon by 
two-thirds of the members of the congregation aforesaid.”  The trustees named 
accepted the trust on the same day.

Here was a very nice question to be settled in the very outset.  The Baker lot 
was on King street where Lana Hahn’s house and the Lutheran parsonage are built, 
and, in many respects, a more desirable location than the Flauth lot.  The 
difficulty was adjusted by substituting Mathias Baker for Joseph Flauth as one 
of the trustees and accepting Mr. Baker’s offer of his lot, which was afterwards 
sold for $60.06; and thus the home of Mr. Flauth became the first Catholic 
Church of Littlestown, in 1791.  The house upon the lot was originally a hotel, 
and was at once changed so as to be adapted for the higher purpose for which it 
was to be used.  It stood on the corner of the alley and Baltimore street where 
the Catholic parsonage is now located.  It remained standing until 1840, when it 
was taken down and converted into a house by Joseph Ocker, Sr., which is still 
standing.  There is no record of the dedication of the church; but as Fr. 
Pellentz was the Superior at Conowago, and also at this time the Vicar-General 
to Bishop Carroll, and the first pastor at Littlestown, it is most likely that 
he dedicated the new church.  It is supposed that the church received at this 
time its present name St. Aloysius.  From 1791 to 1800 the charge was served 
from Conowago by Fathers Pellentz, Demetrius A. Gallitzen and F. X. Brosius.  On 
October 2d, 1791, Henry O’Hara and James McSherry, surviving trustees, conveyed 
the church property unto the Rt. Rev. John Carroll, “which house is since (1791) 
converted into a chapel” - he being Bishop of Baltimore.  Patrick McSherry died 
in 1795 and Mathias Baker about 1798.

The following list is made up from an old account book of Patrick McSherry who 
was a merchant in Littlestown in 1791, and as the parties named came to the 
village to purchase their merchandise, it is likely they also attended church 
there; so I give it as partial list of the first Catholic congregation of 
Littlestown; as their names are Catholic:

Baker, Mathias            Gallagher, Hugh           Rider, Jacob
Bartholomew, John         Hagen, James              Riffle, Melchoir
Bamgardner, Jacob         Hembler, Christian        Riffle, Mathias
Connor, Henry             Little, Andrew            Sponseller, Andrew
Collins, Joseph           McSherry, Patrick         Stagers, Henry
Collins, Denis            McSherry, Barnabas        Storm, John
Elseroad, France          McSherry, Hugh            Shilling, Conrad
Elseroad, Nicholas        McGumsey, James           Topper, Andrew
Emick, Nicholas           Owings, William           Weaver, Jacob
Flaut, Joseph             O’Hara, Henry             Weems, John
Fink, Adam                Owings, Richard
Gallagher, Michael        Plunkert, Patrick.

Females.

McSherry, Catharine       Flauth, Mary              Baker, Mary 

1800 TO 1825.

The year 1800 still found the Littlestown congregation attached to Conowago, and 
the history of the latter is a part of the former.

Among the clergy at Conowago from 1800 to 1825 are the following who were likely 
attendants at Littlestown:  F. X. Brosius, D. Stanislaus Cerfoumont, John 
Nicholas Mertz, Lewis DeBarth, Mathew Lekeu, Francis Roloff, P. J., Dwin, Adam 
Marshall, M. Rautzan, V. P. Mayerhoffer, Adam Britt, and Wm. O’Brien.  It will 
be remembered that while many of the priests were friendly to the Jesuits but 
few of them at Conowago were members of the society until about 1815, owing to 
the small number of members in the United States at that time.

In 1803 the good people of the Littlestown congregation began to improve their 
church property by putting a new roof on the church and surrounding the grounds 
with a paling fence.  The entire cost and expenses amounting to $150.95.  This 
was provided for by disposing of the Mathias Baker lot for $60.06, and also a 
stable, which formerly stood on the church lot, for $24 thus realizing $84.06; 
so the little congregation was left with a debt of $66.89.  This indebtedness 
must have been soon paid, for much more extensive improvements were soon after 
planned and carried to completion.  The following is a copy of a subscription 
paper in my possession:

We promise to pay to Henry Fink, Joseph Hemler, Jacob Rider, Doctor E. Davis, 
James McSherry or either of them the sums annexed to our names for repairing the 
Catholic church in Littlestown.  September 9, 1818.

R. L. Barth, $50.00; Henry Fink, $18.00; Joseph Hemler, $10.00; Jacob Rider, 
$12.00; E. Davis, $15.00; James McSherry, $30.00; Joseph Riddlemoser, $2.00; 
Christie Dopper, $3.00; Joseph Rider, $6.00; Abr. Diffendal, $5.00; Sam. 
Diffendal, $2.00; Mathias Dopper, $2.00; Billy Exiferius, $1.00; Paul Rider, 
$10.00; Benjamin Fink, $6.00; Jacob Koon, $3.00; A. Will for wife, $5.00; Andrew 
McSherry, $2.00; John Arentz, $8.00; John Norbeck, $4.00; Henry Cunseman, $2.00; 
Benjamin Butler, $2.00; Edward Lynch, $5.00; John Stine, $5.00; Rev’d Adam 
Marshall, $5.00; Henry Althoof, Sr., $1.00; Denis Cunnaghan, $1.00; Theodore 
Eck, $5.00; J.(no) O.(wings), $1.00; Mrs. Murphy, $3.00; Marg’t King, $1.00; 
Peter Overbaugh, $4.00; Henry Stonebreaker, $5.00; Anthony Rider, $5.00; Joseph 
Fink, $2.00; David Fink, $5.00; Jacob Fink, $1.00; John Lilly, $5.00; John Piet, 
$5.00; Richard Brawner, $1.00; Joseph A. Shorp, $5.00; Peter Topper, $1.00; 
Michael Tiernan, $10.00; Mr. Lendre, $5.00; Joseph -------, $1.50; John Eline, 
$2.00; Rich’d Moony, $1.00; Jas. A. Shorb, $5.00; John Eline, $2.00; Augustin 
Schneider, $3.00; Richard Coale, $5.00; John Shorb, Sr., $5.00; Samuel Lilly, 
$5.00; Henry Fink, Jr., $5.00; Jacob Delone, $1.00; Joseph Hilt, $2.00; Henry 
Kuhn, $1.00; Jacob Riddlemoser, $3.00; Mrs. Zimmer, $1.00; And’w Dopper, Sr., 
$1.00; Nichl Umstead, $2.00; Peter Arthen, $1.00; Jacob Will, $2.00; Nace Adams, 
$3.00; Mrs. Shorb, $3.00; Blosery Noel, Sr., $1.00; And. Dopper, Sr., $1.00; 
Peter Dopper, $1.00; Blosery Noel, Jr., $1.00; M. Frankhouse, 50c; Henry 
Althoff, Sr., $5.00; John Kase, $2.00; Theodore Eck, $1.00; Jacob Eline, $1.00; 
Sam’l Baumgardner, $2.00; George Wivel, $1.00; Henry Eckenrode, $1.00; Jacob 
Mathias, $5.00; Andrew McSherry, $1.00; Samuel Wills, $1.00; Jacob Rider, $6.00; 
David Hoover, $1.00; Joseph Bartley, 50c.

The original amount of the subscription as shown by the list was $234.50.  The 
amount must have been encouraging, for the next year the proposed work was 
commenced.  Father Lewis De Barth, who was the pastor, was the first to pay his 
subscription which also was the largest.  The trustees were active and consisted 
of the above named solicitors, - excepting Jacob Rider who died and was 
succeeded by Paul Rider.  

As near as I can gather from receipts, &c., the improvements consisted of 
building a brick addition to the church.  8900 bricks were purchased at $6.50 
per 1000, and 5000 laths at $2.50 per 1000.  John Sohn received $210 for the 
carpenter work; and Abraham Eckert laid the brick and did the plastering.  He 
charged $1.25 per 1000 for the brick-work; and refers to plastering “two long 
sides each 62 yards” at 2 cents a yard, front and back gable balcony, new part, 
small entry and small room.  His bill was $60, but he settled for $50 - likely 
giving $10 for subscription.  Joseph Rider received 75c. a day for 15 days 
attending the masons and $1.00 per day for 4 days for painting.  The total cost 
of the repairs was $662.39.  The work was not completed until 1821.  The church 
was 35x25 feet.  In November of 1819 an organ was purchased for the sum of $111.  
The money was raised by James McSherry and Joseph Rider giving their note to 
John McConaughy and Thaddeus Stevens.  The energetic ladies of the congregation, 
especially Mrs. Sarah Will, were active in soliciting subscriptions to pay off 
the note and by April 18th, 1820, $36 had been raised, and some time afterwards 
$17 additional.

On April 5th, 1821, the trustees examined James McSherry’s accounts; and the 
pastor L. Barth with them approved of the same and found that the church was 
indebted to Bank for Eckert, $40.00; to McSherry, $33.12½; Dr. E. Davis, 
$45.10½; Jos. Hemler, $39.66; A. & G. Will, $4.66½; David Fink, $4.00; Paul 
Rider, $3.00; balance on church, $169.55½; note at bank, balance due on organ, 
$58.00; total, $227.55½.

A novel way was taken to pay the church debt.  A list of the members of the 
congregation was made out and a tax was laid.  James McSherry was taxed $35 more 
than his subsciption,($30) and in many cases the tax doubled the original 
subscription.
The plan was successful.  After the treasurer and his sister, Sarah (Will), had 
provided for the organ debt by giving their note (the note was finally paid July 
2d, 1830) the church debt was reduced by collections subscriptions, &c., until 
April, 1833, the balance was only $63.19 and this was advanced by James McSherry 
which was practically having no indebtedness.  The Sunday collections varied 
from 19 cents to 91 cents during this period.  The pew system was introduced 
about this time but does not appear to have been compulsory.  The following are 
the only pew holders so far as I can find any record.

Joseph Hemler, Sr., James McSherry, and Dr. Ep. Davis.  The salary of the Priest 
was paid out of the collections and by subscription.  Mass was said only once a 
month.

The following list shows the names of the head of families of the congregation 
about this time, 1823, and the amount of tax assessed on each.  The names number 
86 and the tax amounts to $173.50.

John Arents, Sr., $2.00; John Arents, Jr., $1.00; Jacob Arents, $1.00; Joseph 
Arents, $1.00; Jacob Baumgartner, Sr., $4.00; Jacob Baumgartner, Jr., $1.00; 
Jno. Baumgartner, $1.00; George Brown, 50c; Ben. Butler,-----; George Becker, 
$1.00; Mrs. Jas. Collins, $1.00; Dr. Eph. Davis, $10.00; Abr. Divendall, Sr., 
$2.00; Abr. Divendall, $1.00; Sam’l Divendall, $2.00; David Divendall, $1.00; 
Christian Dopper, $1.00; Andrew Dopper, Sr., $2.00; Peter Dopper, $1.00; Joseph 
Dopper, $1.00; Anthony Dopper, $1.00; Isaac Davis, 50c; Moses Dopper, $1.00; 
Jacob Eckenrode, $2.00; John Eline, $1.00; John Eline, $1.00; Henry Eck, $1.00; 
Jacob Eline, $1.00; David Fink, $4.00; Anthony Fink, $2.00; David Fink, of 
Anthony, $1.00; Henry Fink, Jr., $1.00; Joseph Fink, $1.00; Jacob Fink, $1.00; 
Joseph Flauth, 50c.; ----- Felia, $1.00; Joseph Hemler, Sr., $15.00; Joseph 
Hemler, Jr., $1.00; Christian Hemler, $1.00; Jacob Hemler, $1.00; Mrs. David 
Hoover, $1.00; Joseph Henry, $1.00; Mrs. Hughes, $5.00; Mrs. Hughes and Mrs. 
Spalding, $3.00; Kellenberger, $1.00; Jacob Koon, $2.00; Henry Kuhn, $1.00; John 
Kase, $1.00; Henry Kase, $1.00; Peter Kase, $1.00; Barbara Kase, $1.00; Peter 
Kase, Jr., $1.00; Mrs. Leckner, $1.00; James McSherry, $35.00; Patrick McSherry, 
$1.00; Andrew McSherry, $1.00; Jas. McSherry, of Jno., $1.00; John Mathias, 
$2.00; Mrs. Murphy, $1.00; Joseph Miller, $1.00; Blausy Noel, Sr., $1.50; 
Michael Noel, $1.00; John Norbeck, $1.00; Paul Rider, $3.00; Joseph Rider, 
$2.00; Jacob Rider, Jr., $1.50; Jno. Rider, $1.00; Joseph Riddlemoser, $1.00; 
Jacob Riddlemoser, $1.00; Andrew Riffle, 50c.; Henry Riffle, $1.00; Jacob 
Ramsey, $1.00; John Shorb, Sr., $5.00; John Shorb, of Anthony, $10.00; Peter 
Shenfelter, $2.00; Jos. A. Shorb, $1.00; Augustin Schneider, $1.00; Andrew 
Shoenebrook, $1.00; Joseph F. Smidt, 50c.; John Stine, $2.00; Peter Sommers, 
$1.00; Sarah Will, $2.00; Jacob Whitman, $1.00; Mrs. Wyrick, $1.00.

1825 TO 1850.

The beginning of the year 1825 found Frs. De Barth and Lekeu the resident 
priests at Conowago, and they in turn held service at Littlestown.  The next 
year they were joined by Fr. Nicholas Mertz, who remained about three years.  In 
1828 Fr. De Barth left Conowago and the same year Revs. C. Paul Kohlman and 
Michael Dougherty came there.  The trustees at Littlestown this year were Joseph 
Hemler, Senior, Dr. Eph. Davis, James McSherry, Joseph Rider, and Joseph Fink.  
Fr. Lekeu became the attending priest at Littlestown on the leaving of Fr. De 
Barth, although his place was supplied from time to time by other priests among 
them Frs. Kohlman and Dougherty.  Father Michael Dougherty is the attending 
priest in 1831.  Among the new names of members of the congregation about this 
time are John Becker, Maurice Budy, Anthony Bricker, Hannah Brown, Charles 
Canady, James Davis, John Grover, Mrs. Gulden, Henry Hemler, Wm. Kuhns of Henry, 
Patrick Kelly, Andrew Little, Mrs. Weams Lease, Wm. Lansinger, Jacob Marshall, 
Michael R. Nusser, Mary Orndorff, Sebastian O’Bold, Christian Riddlemoser, 
Caspar Shaenebrook, James Shultz, John Staup, Thos. Simpson, Thos. Simpson, Jr., 
Eliza Simpson, Henry Spalding, Teresa -----, Samuel Weirick.

Fr. Dougherty received for his services from May 1831 to May 1832 $18.94.  This 
was paid by Jacob Baumgardner, Sr., $2.00; Jacob Baumgardner, Jr., $3.00; Dr. 
Jos. Shorb, $3.00; James McSherry, $5.00; Widow Rider, $1.00; Jno. Shorb, $2.00; 
Mary Shriver, 94c.; Sarah Will, $1.00; Mrs. Hughes, $1.00.  The renting of pews 
appears to be in full operation and James McSherry pays $8.00 per year and 
agrees to pay $2.00 of this amount each year towards Fr. Dougherty’s salary.  
Service is held at Littlestown on the 3rd Sunday of the month and Fr. Dougherty 
is the Pastor.

No sooner have the congregation gotten out of debt before they again contemplate 
not only improvements but a new church.  This time the subscription list reads:  
“We and each of us do promise to pay to Dr. Joseph Shorb or Henry Spalding the 
several sums annexed to our names to be applied by them in aid of erecting a 
Catholic Church in Littlestown on the lot held in trust for said congregation.  
Witness our hands this day of August, 1838.”  On the opposite page is written:  
“I approve of the proposed undertaking to build a church in Littlestown and 
recommend it to the generous support of the public.  Given at Conowago this 8th 
of Sept. 1838.  Francis Patrick Kenrick, Bp., &c.”  The amount subscribed was 
$2264.34.

While this undertaking was in progress the generous Catholics were liberally 
contributing towards another charitable establishment as appears from the 
following:  “We the subscribers members of the congregation of the church of St. 
Aloysius, in Littlestown, Adams county, do promise to pay to the Philadelphia 
Theological Seminary of St. Charles Borromeo the several sums set opposite our 
names, Feb. 17th, 1839.”  This is signed by 35 persons and the amount is $88.00.  
The following is the Bishop’s reply:

“Dear Sir:  I hasten to make my grateful acknowledgments for your favor with the 
handsome enclosure of your donation and those of several other benefactors of 
the congregation of Littlestown.  I have handed the whole to the treasurer of 
the seminary who will make the due acknowledgment in the list published in the 
Herald.  Please to accept my warmest thanks, with assurance of high personal 
regard.
                         Your faithful friend and servant in Xt.,
                                  †Francis Patrick Kenrick, Bp., &c.
Phila., May 27th, 1839.
     James McSherry, Esq.”

During the year 1835, and likely until 1840, Mass was said on the third Sunday 
of the month at Littlestown, and beginning with the last named year, twice a 
month.  In the Spring of 1840 the building of a new church was begun.  Rev. 
Michael Dougherty was the pastor, Dr. Joseph A. Shorb, Henry Spalding, Joseph 
Fink, John Shorb, Joseph Riddlemoser, Andrew Little and Jacob Baumgardner were 
trustees.  Dr. Shorb was the president, Henry Spalding, the secretary and James 
McSherry the treasurer.  There were three proposals for building:





                     
                     Moul             Orrndorff              Clapsaddle
Carpenter,          $1,390               $1,625                $1,600
Bricks,                400                  400                   400
Mason,                 340                  340                   340
                    _______            ________              ________
                    $2,130               $2,365                $2,340

Carpenter extra,       130                                        130
Mason      “            60                                         60
Painting,               26                            
                     _____                                     ______
                    $2,346                                     $2,530

None of the proposals were accepted.  The mason work was given to Ephraim Swope 
at $250, and the extra work amounted to $64.85.  Conrad Moul did the carpenter 
work for which he received $336.50; and Wm. Otter was the plasterer.  Most of 
the work began in September, 1840.  The lumber was hauled from York by wagons.  
Joseph A. Shorb and Henry Spalding were the building committee.  The corner-
stone was laid June 3d, 1841, as appears from the parchment found therein on the 
tearing down of the church, of which the following is a copy:

                      “D. O. M.
     “In honorem Deiparæ ac D. Aloysii Gonzaga.
     “Angularis hic lapis Gregorio XVI, Petri sedem tenente;
Illmo. ac Rmo. D. D. Henrico Conwell Episcopo Philadelphiæ;
Illmo. Ac Rmo. D. D. Francisco Patricio Kenrick, ejus Coadjutore et Diocœsis 
Administratore substituto Episcopo Arathensi, et Rev. Dmo. Mich. Doughterty, S. 
J., Rectore hujus ecclesiac.

                      In civilibus,
Joanne Tyler Fœderatorum Statuum Præside; Davide Porter Pennsylvaniæ 
Gubernatore; Curantibus ædituis, Josepho A. Shorb, H. Spalding, Josepho Fink, 
Joanne Shorb, J. Riddlemoser, Andrea Little, Jacob Baumgartner, et Jacobo 
McSherry, Thes., et Gulielmo Guinn, Sec.,
                   Benedictus et pasitus fuit
a Rev. Dno. Phil. Borgna, D. D. S. Theol. Prof. in Seminario Sta. Maria ad 
Montes, assistentibus Rev. Joanne McCaffrey ejusdem Sem. Et Collegii Præside ac 
Superiore, quique etiam ad populum concionatus est, admodum Rev. Dno. Math. 
Lecue Superiore, S. J., pro districto Conowago; Rev. Phil. Antonio Sacchi, S. 
J., Patricio Corry Collegii Sta. Mariæ ad Montes Professore, et Francisco 
Kendeler.
“Die Junii III, A. D., 1841.”

The following were found in the copper box of the corner-stone: a silver dollar 
of 1799, a half dollar of 1836, a quarter of a dollar of 1839, and a ten cent 
piece of 1840; a number of religious tracts, New York Freeman’s Journal, Herald, 
and Metropolitan Catholic Almanac of 1839.

The collection taken on the day of laying the corner-stone amounted to $30.88.  
The work progressed rapidly and on the 26th of June, 1842, the church was 
dedicated by Rt. Rev. Dr. Francis P. Kenrick, Bishop of Philadelphia.  The 
amount collected on that day was $47.84.  The total amount collected up to and 
including June 27th, 1842, was $2,501.56, and the amount paid out, $2,536.47½.  
This is a most creditable showing for the managers and contributors and 
evidences prudence and good management.  The entire cost of the church was 
$3165.87¾ up to March 23rd, 1846, and the receipts to that date were $3165.67¾, 
balance due treasurer 19¼ cents.  The treasurer’s book shows every cent and 
fraction of a cent received and paid, and date of receipt, as well as date of 
payment, and to whom paid.

William Lansinger made the altar for which he received $75, the painting was $15 
and the entire amount was about $100.

It appearing in 1842 that the original subscription was not sufficient an 
assessment was laid on the members as had been done in 1819.  It amounted to 
about $249.25.  About the same time, an additional subscription was taken.  Oct. 
27th, 1843, a part of the old church was sold to Joseph Ocker for about $50, and 
a part to David King for about $29; the whole bringing $89.00.  The building was 
60 by 40 feet.  The centre aisle was 6 feet wide and the two side aisles 2 feet 
6 inches each; the pews were 7 feet 1 inch by 2 feet 10 inches, and 3 feet 2 
inches high.  There were 16 pews in a row which, made 64 pews, each holding 6 
persons; so the church seated 384 persons.  There were 12 windows 10 feet by 5, 
and the glass was 6x8, 5 feet from the floor.  The basement was 8 feet clear in 
height 10 feet of the length was for sacristry and sanctuary.  The aisle from 
pews to the communion rail was 5 feet 8 inches.  The gallery for the choir was 
over the entrance to the church.  The church was surmounted with a Roman cupola.

About the end of the year 1843 Fr. Dougherty was recalled from Conowago, and 
Rev. Joseph Roger Dietz became the Pastor at Littlestown.  In March 1843 an 
effort was made to obtain a resident priest at Littlestown as appears from the 
following outlines of a letter written by James McSherry to Bishop Kenrick.  
Although this letter was not sent it is here given for its historical data.

                                        Littlestown, January 5th, 1844.
Right Rev’d Sir-When I wrote you in March last we then had church once a month, 
on Sunday being supplied from Conowago by the Rev’d Mr. Dougherty.  The 
congregation were anxious that we should have a resident clergyman on account of 
having church more frequently and also that the priest might be here more of his 
time to instruct the children in the Catechism.  Your answer then was that you 
could not supply us then, that you were then without a priest whom you could 
send us, that you hoped for an increase of clergymen, that you regretted 
exceedingly that it was out of your power to meet our wishes at present.  We are 
now without a supply from Conowago as Fr. Lekeu and Rev’d Mr. Dougherty have 
both been called from Conowago and Fr. Dietz has to attend Gettysburg, the 
Mountain Church, Paradise and York each one Sunday in the month so that no 
Sunday but the 5th in the month would be left for us.  There was a meeting of 
some of our congregation and they agreed to send Mr. Henry Spalding and Dr. 
Guinn to call on the Rev’d Mr. Zacchy at Conowago to know if we could be 
supplied from that place or if not we must again call on your Reverence to send 
us a priest if you possibly can do so.  Rev’d Mr. Zacchy stated to Messrs. 
Spalding and Guinn that he would also write to you on the subject favorable to 
our application to you.  In my former letter to you I mentioned that as your 
Reverence had consented that the Mt. St. Mary’s College and Emmittsburg should 
have the services of the Rev’d Mr. Miller out of your diocese whether the 
consent of the Arch-bishop could not be obtained by your Reverence from him if 
we could procure the consent of Rev’d Mr. Flaut (who was formerly of this 
diocese) to agree to attend us here, from here one or two Sundays in the month 
to attend the church at Westminster if the congregation at Westminster can 
obtain the consent of Rev’d Mr. Nicholas Zocchy of Taneytown who formerly 
attended that congregation.”

The above is in the hand-writing of James McSherry.  The following is a copy of 
the letter sent:

                                       Jan’y 5th, 1844.
“Bishop Kenrick of Philadelphia.

“Right Rev’d Sir:  As we cannot be supplied by a Priest from Conowago we must 
again apply to your reverence to supply us with one.  There was a meeting of 
some of the members of our congregation on Monday last, who appointed Mr. Henry 
Spalding and Dr. Guinn to go to Conowago and consult with Rev. Mr. Zacchy on the 
subject.  They did so, and he agreed with them that we should again make 
application to you for one, and he said he would also write you in favor of our 
application.  He seems to wish that if we could get a priest to reside here that 
he would like to give Gettysburg up to him, but we do not known how that would 
answer.  If we could get one here, he might perhaps get Westminster to attend 
part of the time, or Gettysburg, as you should think best.  Mr. Spalding and Dr. 
Guinn will meet the members of the congregation to-day, as they had agreed to 
adjourn to meet to-day, they will then write out a statement of the situation of 
our congregation and the prospects of having a resident priest if possible.  
They will I expect be prepared to write by next Monday or Tuesday’s mail. 
                           Very respectfully yours,
                                  James McSherry.”

The following was written but not sent with the above letter:

“Could we obtain your consent to apply to Rev’d Mr. Flaut of Emmittsburg 
Mountain church to know if he could attend us, if he could obtain the consent of 
the Arch-bishop, as they have now Rev’d Mr. Miller, who was of your diocese and 
who you permitted to attend there at Mt. St. Mary’s College.

“This is only suggested in case you should not have one to send us who you think 
would suit our congregation.”

Messrs. H. Spalding, W. Guinn, James McSherry

“Gentlemen-I regret that it is not in my power to provide the congregation of 
Littlestown with a priest.  I shall gladly do so when an opportunity will be 
afforded.  The arrangement which you suggest is not practicable.  In the mean 
time the members of the congregation should pray that God may send laborers into 
his vineyard.
                          With great respect I remain, Gentlemen,
                             Your Obed’t Serv. In Xt.,
Phila. Jan. 10, 1844.           †Francis Patrick, Bp. Phila.

Michael R. Nusser was the first organist in the new church.  He served up to 
about 1845 and received $25 salary a year.  Among the choir at this date were 
Catharine Davis (Mrs. Grover) Mary and Kitty Gray and Delia Grate.  John Eline 
was the first sexton after the new church was built.

Father Dietz began the records at Littlestown, - prior to 1844 entries of 
baptisms and marriages were made in the records at Conowago.  The first entry is 
the baptism of Charles Augustus Sneeringer, son of Pious Sneeringer, and 
Elizabeth Ann Brothers his wife, Feb. 28th, 1844.  The first marriage is that of 
Aloysius Groft to Sarah Reck, April 7th, 1844.  Samuel Baumgartner succeeded Mr. 
Nusser as organist in 1844.  The following interesting letter shows the needs of 
the choir at that time.

Piney Run, Carroll County, MD., Sept. 1st, 1844.
To Dr. Jos. Shorb, John Shorb, Jas. McSherry, Henry Spalding, Jos. Fink, Capt. 
Little and Jacob Baumgartner Trustees of the Catholic Church in Petersburg, Pa.
Gentlemen:  Allow me to invite your attention to two subjects which I feel 
confident will be remedied so soon as they fall under your observation:  the 
first is a kneeling bench for the choir, the organ loft is not supplied with one 
for the benefit of the singers.  The expense of procuring one will be far less 
than the benefit.  The second is a want of hymns for the service, you want a 
communion hymn, for which get “Jesus Saviour of my Soul” (as sung by Mrs. 
French), and other hymns which are printed in occasional numbers as your own 
fancy may suggest, together with “Hail Heavenly Queen” for the seasons of the 
year not contained in the Walter collection, such as Sound the Loud Timbrel, St. 
Augustine to his Sister, Strike the Harp.  For particular wants consult the 
organist.
                           Yours respectfully,
                                 S. Baumgardner.”

Father Dietz received a salary of $120; the organist $30.  There were 56 pews, 
and they were supposed to rent for $247.89½, and the net balance was estimated 
$86.24½.

After the old church was torn down and the new built much inconvenience was 
sustained by reason of the peculiar shape of the front approach.  A small angle 
of ground belonging to the U. B. Church, which adjoined the Catholic burying 
ground lay immediately in front of the new Catholic Church.  This inconvenience 
was removed by an application to the Court for a road to the church.  The 
petition was granted, and in September, 1846, a road was opened “from a locust 
tree near the land of the Catholic burying ground in Littlestown to the 
Gettysburg and Petersburg Turnpike Road.”  Commencing at a locust tree standing 
nearly on the line bounding said burying ground opposite the front door of the 
new Catholic Church in Littlestown and running from said locust tree to 
intersect said turnpike at or near the brick house at present occupied by Widow 
Bishop.  Sept. 22d, 1846, report confirmed and road ordered to be opened 20 feet 
wide, F. 228.

From 1844 to 1849 Father Dietz was the regular pastor.  Fr. Dietz left Feb. 
1846, but returned.  Among the priests who attended there during these years 
were Revs. Milesius Gibbons, J. B. Cattani, F. X. Denecker.  Mass was said twice 
a month during this time.  He whose life began before the first congregation had 
been formed, who had seen the first church built, who for more than a half 
century had been its faithful supporter and friend, was borne from that Holy 
Edifice in which he loved to commune with his God, to his resting-place among 
the humble graves of those with whom he had passed his youth and manhood.  On 
the 3d of February 1849, James McSherry died, and on the following Monday, the 
5th, the first solemn funeral mass was sung in the church which he so long and 
faithfully loved.

1850 TO 1884.

But few are now with us who passed through the events we have been narrating.  
With this period, however, many are more familiar than the writer; but it is not 
so much for them as for those who are to take their places that these pages are 
written.  The second half of the 18th century found the saintly De Neckere 
caring for the spiritual interests of the members of St. Aloysius congregation; 
at the same time he had a fatherly care for the financial interests of the 
church.  With the purpose to advance both, he placed the temporal affairs of the 
congregation under the immediate care of the trustees, and as a proof of his 
faith in them, both he and they became incorporated under the law of 
Pennsylvania as appears by the following Charter:

Whereas, The Catholic congregation of Littlestown, in the County of Adams, and 
State of Pennsylvania, have purchased several lots in the town aforesaid and 
have erected a church on said lots and desire to be incorporated under the name, 
style and title of “Saint Aloysius.”

SECTION I.  Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in General Assembly met, and it is hereby enacted 
by the authority of the same that Francis X. De Neckere, Joseph A. Shorb, Henry 
Spalding, Joseph Fink, Jacob Baumgartner, William McSherry, Sebastian O’Bold, 
Jacob Marshall and Andrew Little, and their successors, be and are hereby 
declared and constituted a body politic and corporate in law under the name 
style and title of “The Congregation of Saint Aloysius.”

SECTION 2.  That the persons named in the first section of this act shall be the 
first board of trustees of the congregation of Saint Aloysius, and that five of 
them shall be a quorum and be competent to perform the duties hereinafter 
authorized and required to be performed by the said trustees.

SECTION 3.  That the said trustees, or a quorum of them, shall have power to 
provide for their succession by filling such vacancies in the board of said 
trustees as may from time to time be caused by death, resignation or otherwise, 
and to prescribe the duties to be performed by the officers of the institution.

SECTION 4.  That the said trustees and their successors forever, shall be 
empowered and authorized, and are hereby declared capable in law to hold the 
lots now in the possession of the Congregation of Saint Aloysius, in the town of 
Littlestown, in the County of Adams and State aforesaid, wherever the church is 
erected for the use of said congregation, and take by purchase, gift, bequest, 
devise or otherwise, real and personal estate not exceeding in its clear yearly 
value the sum of two thousand dollars, and the same to hold for said 
congregation, and to sell, convey, mortgage and transfer the same from time to 
time as occasion may require for said purposes, and to enjoy all the usual 
privileges and rights of religious corporate bodies, to sue and be sued, to make 
by-laws, rules and regulations for their own government as the said by-laws 
shall determine:  Provided that the by-laws, rules, regulations or any of them 
be not repugnant to the laws and constitution of the United States, or the laws 
and constitution of this Commonwealth, to have a corporate seal, which may be 
altered when necessary, and generally do everything needful for the support and 
government of the institution, subject always to the last proviso aforesaid.

SECTION 5.  No misnomer of said corporation shall defeat any intended gift, 
grant, conveyance or bequest thereto if the interest shall sufficiently appear 
therein.

SECTION 6.  The Legislature hereby reserves the right to alter, amend or annul 
the charter hereby granted, whenever in their opinion the same may be necessary.

                                      J. S. McCalmont,
                                 Speaker of the House of Representatives.
                                      V. Best,
                                 Speaker of the Senate.

Approved:  The nineteenth day of April, one thousand eight hundred and fifty.
                                            Wm. F. Johnston.

The golden or Half-centennial jubilee was celebrated at Littlestown in May, 
1851.  Fr. Cotton was jointly with Fr. De Neckere an attendant there this year, 
and they received for their salaries $170, which was paid to Rev. Joseph Enders.  
This year there were services during Holy Week, and on August 18, -----Bishop 
Newman administered confirmation.  A baptismal font was gotten which cost $20 
and a remonstrance for $31.  Fr. De Neckere contributed generously to the 
purchase of both of these; to the former $5, and to the latter $2.

John L. Gubernator became the organist in 1850.  In 1848 a subscription was 
started for a bell.  The only name I have found is that of Samuel Baumgardner, 
who was then the organist and gave $5.  Fr. J. B. Cattani was Fr. De Neckere’s 
alternate in 1852.  The first bell was gotten about this time, but it broke 
shortly afterwards and was replaced by a better and larger one.  The second bell 
has the following inscription:  “Wm. Peters, Balto. A. D. 1852,” on the top, and 
on its base:  “S. Aloysii et Smae Dei Parae V. Mariae sub Patroc B. B. V. M. and 
Sti Aloysii Honor Cath. Congr. Littlestown.”  On its front is a cross and below 
the cross “I. H. S MR.”  The meaning of which is:  that Wm. Peters was the 
founder of the bell, that it was erected in honor of Saint Aloysius and the Most 
Holy Mother of God under the patronage of the most Blessed Virgin and Saint 
Aloysius by the Catholic congregation of Littlestown.

In September 1853 a Retreat was given at Littlestown.  The baptismal record this 
year shows the names of Frs. De Neckere, Michael Haering (May 1st), and M. 
Dougherty (June 2d) as officiating.  A new organ was bought in 1854; and the old 
one sold to the congregation at Paradise.  Father De Neckere’s salary was raised 
from $120 to $150.  There seems to have been some irregularity in the attendance 
of the priests this year.  The name of Fr. De Neckere appearing March 15th.  Fr. 
Doughterty in June, Rev. Al. Zanalit, S. J., Sept. 3-8, and Fr. De Neckere again 
in November.  David C. Smith, Esq., became the organist, Jan. 20th, 1855, at a 
salary of $48 annually.  In the fall of 1854 Fr. De Neckere left, and 
Littlestown was attended by Rev. M. Dougherty.  He continued in 1855, and was 
assisted by Fr. Geo. Villiger.  Sept. 4th, 1856, John Walter became the sexton 
at $13 per year, and Lewis Norbeck was treasurer.  Frs. Villiger and Dougherty 
still appear on the records; and on September 21st, the name of Fr. Ernestus 
Reiter, and on Nov. 16th and 17th that of Rev. P. J. Creighton.  In 1857 Fathers 
Reiter, Dougherty, Creighton and De Neckere served in turn.  The next year Fr. 
Creighton’s name does not appear.  The receipts from pew rents in 1858 were 
$334.36, and the amount paid out was $317.91.  In 1859 the pew rents went down 
to $304.29 and the expenses to $281.23.  This may be accounted for by the 
forming of a new congregation at Bonneauville in 1859.  Fr. Reiter again 
attends, and Fr. Peter Manns and Rev. George Haller.  In 1860 and 1861 to 
November 17th, Fr. Manns alone attended Littlestown; on the latter date Fr. De 
Neckere again took his turn.  The receipts in 1860 went up to $360.14, and the 
payments amounted to $272.02.  Frs. De Necker and Manns alternated in 1862 and 
1863.  In this latter year Fr. Barrister was also an occasional visitor.  Fr. De 
Necker had the altar remodeled in 1864.  The work was done by Joseph Stambaugh 
at a cost of $74.  On June 3rd Bishop Wood administered confirmation.  The same 
priest was pastor in 1865 and 1866.  Fr. Manns was also an attendant in the last 
year.  A controversy arose between the congregation and the borough this year as 
to the laying of the pavement in front of the church grounds.  The trustees 
finally paid the claim, $33.60.

Mr. Nicholas Baker was the sexton in 1867 at a salary of $36.  Fr. De Neckere 
was still here and Fr. Manns occasionally.  Miss Mary C. Wilson became the 
organist at $20 a year.  Frs. Manns and De Neckere jointly attended in 1868.  
Father De Neckere preached a beautiful sermon at the funeral of Mrs. Eliza T. 
McSherry, who was buried March 28th.  D. C. Smith was the organist.  On the 
following Sunday the children of the congregation made their Frst Communion.  Up 
to this time for more than fifty years the priests had made their home, when at 
Littlestown, with Hon. James McSherry and afterwards with his son William; but 
after Mrs. McSherry’s death Fr. De Neckere went to Mr. Pius P. Fink’s house.  
From 1864 until 1879 Fr. De Neckere was the pastor without intermission at 
Littlestown, and did nearly all the work alone.

The first nuptial mass of which there is any tradition was said August 30th, 
1868, by Father De Neckere.  The occasion was the marriage of Miss Mary Coale 
Wilson to Mr. Francis D. Steffy.  She had been the first catholic school teacher 
and nearly the entire school was present.  Miss Jennie Steffy was the 
bridesmaid, and James Hann, Esq., the deputy sheriff, was the best man.  Miss 
Harriet Shillen of Gettysburg presided at the organ.  It was a very impressive 
ceremony, and will long pleasantly remembered.

John F. McSherry became the sexton in 1870.  The church receipts from Feb. 15th, 
1875, to Feb. 15th, 1876, amounted to $488.08, and the expenses were $350.24.

Fr. George Villiger took Fr. De Neckere’s place Feb. 15th 1879.  He boarded with 
Mr. Samuel J. Shorb.  He received his boarding $60 and a salary of $437.  Frs. 
J. B. Emig, J. A. Dunan and Fr. Casey also attended occasionally in 1879.  In 
1881 Fr. Villger boarded with Mr. John H. Spalding.  The amount collected from 
March 6th, 1881, to Feb. 25th, 1882, was $757.40, and the amount paid out was 
$753.24.

Fr. Villiger continued pastor until Sept. 20th, 1882, the date of his death, and 
was succeeded by Fr. Ignatius Renaud, who remained until Aug. 1884 when the 
congregation was given up by the Jesuits and taken charge of by the Bishop.  On 
June 8th, 1882, Bishop Jeremiah F. Shannahan administered confirmation to a 
class of 33.  The trustees in office at the time of the transfer to the Bishop 
from the Jesuits were:  Joseph L. Shorb, V. President, John F. McSherry, 
Treasurer, E. F. Shorb, Secretary, James G. Spalding, William Rider, Wm. Kuhns 
and Pius P. Fink. 

1884 TO 1892.

There was no formal transfer of the congregation of St. Aloysius to the Rt. Rev. 
Jeremiah F. Shannahan, Bishop of Harrisburg.  For years there had been a desire 
on the part of some of the members to have a resident priest.  This was not 
possible under the arrangement with the Jesuits.  The first knowledge that the 
congregation had that the Jesuits had given up the church was a telegram 
received by Dr. E. F. Shorb, the Secretary to the trustees, from the Rt. Rev. 
Bishop on Saturday, Aug. 1st, 1884, “stating that the said Jesuits should 
discontinue attending St. Aloysius Church and that the congregation would be 
supplied by a secular priest.”  Fr. Renaud held services the following day and 
he was the last Jesuit in charge.

While all quietly accepted the changes, there were, and are yet, many of the 
congregation, who, accustomed from childhood to the practices and customs of the 
Jesuit Fathers, regret their separation from them.

This change was an entirely amicable one growing out of the increasing number of 
the congregation at Littlestown which had out-grown the boundaries of a Mission 
Church, - the especial care of the zealous Jesuit.

Rev. James. J. Gormley the pastor of St. Joseph’s Bonneauville, Penn’a was 
directed to add Littlestown to his charge.  He began his service here August 2d, 
1884, saying a mass at each place every Sunday, the distance between the two 
places being five miles.  This continued until February 26th, 1885.  The labor 
was too great for this devoted priest, and the arrangements too inconvenient for 
the congregations.

Rev. Thomas Joseph Crotty succeeded Fr. Gormley as pastor of St. Aloysius Church 
March 9th, 1885.  He has been very energetic, and has done much to promote the 
welfare of those under his care.  The desire and endeavor to advance the 
interests of the church and to improve their surroundings on the part of the 
pastor is only equalled by the generosity of his congregation.  When he first 
came Fr. Crotty made his home with the family of Mrs. Alexander C. Shorb.  
Although surrounded with many comforts, it was desirable that the pastor should 
have a parochial residence.  At a congregational meeting held Oct. 4th, 1885, it 
was determined to build a house for the priest on the corner of the old church 
yard.  There was some delay; but on August 18th, 1887, a contract was entered 
into between John W. Eline and the pastor for the erection of a pastoral 
residence.  The contract price was $4100.  Mr. Geo. W. Bell was the Architect.  
Work was at once commenced and to-day the Catholics of Littlestown have not only 
the handsomest house in Littlestown but one of the finest parochial residences 
in the State.  To their credit it is handsomely furnished and practically paid 
for.  The next event was the purchase of a new cemetery, as appears elsewhere.

The Right Rev. Thomas McGovern administered confirmation to a class of 67 in 
Sept. 1888.

On the fourth of March 1885 William Rider a trustee, and one of the prominent 
members, of the Saint Aloysius congregation, made his last will, by which he 
provided as follows:  “To the trustees of the Catholic Church of Littlestown, 
Adams County, Pennsylvania, known as ‘the congregation of Saint Aloysius,’ and 
their successors, I do hereby give, grant, and bequeath one hundred and sixty 
shares of stock standing in my name on the books of the Littlestown Savings 
Institution, the interests or dividends on said shares of stock to be drawn 
annually by said trustees and their successors, or by such person as may be 
appointed by a resolution of the Board of Trustees as aforesaid for that 
purpose, and the said interest or dividends so drawn shall be paid over to the 
‘pastor of the congregation of Saint Aloysius’ aforesaid for the purpose of 
saying masses for my wife and for myself, the deceased members of my family and 
the suffering souls in Purgatory.  The principal sum of said stock or its 
reinvestment never to be diminished or used for any other purpose, and if it 
should be taken for any other purpose, then the principal sum as aforesaid to 
revert to my estate and to descent to my residuary legatee hereinafter named.

And the trustees aforesaid and their successors, in consideration of the said 
bequest, are to keep up my own lot and the lot of my deceased father and his 
vault in the burying ground attached to said church in good order and in proper 
condition.

And should the Littlestown Savings Institution, from any cause whatsoever, 
discontinue its business, then the trustees as aforesaid, or their successors, 
shall reinvest the money realized from said shares of stock in some other good 
interest-bearing investment and the interest thereon to be paid annually as 
above directed to the pastor of said congregation, or his successor, for the 
purpose aforesaid, but the principal always to remain unused for any other 
purpose.”

Mr. Rider died May 4, 1887, and his will was probated May 11, 1887.  The 
Register of Wills in compliance with the law notified the trustees of the above 
bequest.  The following was their reply:

                                      Littlestown, June 23, 1887.
To I. Stonesifer, Register.

Dear Sir:  At a special meeting of the board of trustees of St. Aloysius 
congregation, Thursday 23d June, it was resolved:  That the within bequest of 
Wm. Rider, deceased, late of Littlestown Borough, be not accepted.
                             [Signed]          T. J. Crotty, Pres.
E. F. Shorb, Sec.

This was filed June 25, 1887, in the Register’s office.

The stock was appraised at $31 per share, the 160 shares amounting to $4960.  
Under the law this reverted to Miss Joanna Rider, the residuary legatee.  While 
in equity and law it became her absolute property, Miss Rider determined that 
her uncle’s generosity and will should be carried into effect as fully as she 
could have it done.  With this purpose in view, and desiring to show her 
gratitude to her beneficent uncle, and to at the same time use for religious 
purposes a part of the wealth which had come from him to her, she determined to 
add to this bequest sufficient to insure the building of a new Catholic church 
in Littlestown.  To her everlasting credit let it be known that through her 
generous gift of over $10,000 the magnificent new church of Saint Aloysius is 
now completed.

The pastor and people approved of the laudable undertaking, and after several 
meeting and mature deliberations it was decided to make the building of the new 
church a congregational matter.  A contract was entered into with John W. Eline 
for the erection of the building for $13,980.  J. W. Bell, of York, was the 
architect.  Work was begun May 7, 1892, after the old church was torn down.  
During the building of the new church services were held in the Catholic school 
house.

The following notice of the laying of the corner-stone was inserted in The Adams 
County Independent of June 11, 1887:  

“The blessing of the corner-stone of Saint Aloysius R. C. church, Littlestown, 
Pa., will take place next Sunday, June 12th, at 3.30 P.M.  Right Rev. Thomas 
McGovern, D. D., Bishop of Harrisburg, assisted by a large number of priests, 
with the usual grand ceremonies of the Catholic Church, will officiate.  The 
Bishop will be escorted from Gettysburg by the officers and members of St. 
Francis Beneficial Society.  On the arrival of the Bishop and his escort, the 
united societies of the Holy Trinity of McSherrystown and of St. Aloysius of 
Littlestown will meet them at the end of Gettysburg street and march to the 
church, accompanied by Grand Army Band of Gettysburg and McSherrystown Band.  
Soon after the arrival of the Bishop the sacred ceremonies of the blessing of 
the corner-stone will commence.  The music during the ceremonies will be 
rendered by the choir of St. Aloysius church, assisted by the Littlestown 
orchestra.  The musical selections for the occasion are:  “Lauda Sion,” by 
Lambilotte; “Quid Retribuam,” by the same author, and the hymn “Come Holy 
Spirit;” closing with the “Laudate,” &c.  The sermon will be preached by the 
Rev. Father Hayes, of Conowago.  The Right Rev. Bishop will give a short 
exhortation to the assembled people.

Dimensions of the new church are:  length 114x55 and 44 feet; height of tower 94 
feet; height of church 52 feet; width of sanctuary 26 feet; width of vestibule 
12 feet.  Style Gothic.  All are gladly and cordially welcome to attend these 
singularly impressive ceremonies, and a contribution is expected to be given 
cheerfully by all who are called on by the collectors appointed by the rector 
for the occasion.
                                     T. J. Crotty, Rector.

The corner-stone of the new church was blessed and placed June 12th, 1892, by 
the Rt. Rev. Thomas McGovern, Bishop of Harrisburg.  It was the grandest 
occasion Littlestown ever saw, about 5000 persons being present.  Bishop 
McGovern accompanied by Rev. Edward P. Allen, President of Mt. St. Mary’s 
College, at Emmittsburg, and Very Rev. Joseph A. Boll of Gettysburg arrived 
about 3 o’clock P. M.  They were met at the edge of town by the various 
societies and the parade was formed and led off in the following manner:  The 
Grand Army Band of Gettysburg were followed by the St. Francis Xavier’s C. B. 
Society of Gettysburg (48 members) wearing a neat drab helmet hat ornamented 
with a blue cross and the letters S. F. B. S.  Prof. Martin F. Power was Chief 
Marshal, George E. Stock and Edward Gowen were Assistant Marshals.  Their 
beautiful banner was carried by E. P. Wisotzkey, and a large American Flag by 
John E. Hamilton.  The Holy Trinity R. C. P. A. of McSherrystown came next, with 
86 men, under control of Augustus Eckenrode as Marshal and J. H. Krichten as 
Assistant.  They were accompanied by the McSherrystown band, and carried a 
beautiful silk American flag.  The Saint Aloysius C. B. Society of Littlestown, 
with 40 members, under James Cretin, came next.  The lines separated at the 
square at the Rt. Rev. Bishop passed through while the men stood with uncovered 
heads.  The parade continued down Baltimore street and returned to the church.

After the blessing of the stone, other services were held at the rear of the 
church.  The choir composed of Misses Emma Shorb, Mary C. McSherry, Helen Kuhns, 
Sallie Martin, Mary A. Spalding, Ellen Buddy and Mrs. Joseph Livers, soprano, 
Mrs. Joseph Bittinger, alto, and David C. Smith of Conowago, Harry Martin, Harry 
and William Weaver and Theodore Eline, were assisted by Dr. E. K. Foreman, 
flute, Dr. J. W. Hickey, cornet, Walter Lefever, 1st violin, Al. Collins, 2d 
violin, A. J. Smith, 3d violin, and Ithrium Swartz double bass.

The music was grand and beautiful.  Rev. Thomas W. Hayes, S. J., Superior at 
Conowago, preached from the text, “Go teach all Nations.”  The Rt. Rev. Bishop 
then congratulated the congregation and the pastor on their good work and highly 
praised Miss Rider’s liberality.

The following in golden letters is carven on the corner-stone

A.	D. †. 1892.
“AD MAJOREM
 DEI GLORIAM.”

On the side is the date of laying, June 12th.  The box in the corner-stone 
contains the names of Pope Leo XIII., President Harrison, Governor Pattison, the 
names of the clergymen who took part in the ceremonies, as follows:  Rt. Rev. 
Thomas McGovern, Bishop of Harrisburg, Very Rev. E. P. Allen, D. D., President 
of Mt. St. Mary’s College, Emmittsburg, Md., V. Rev. Jos. A. Boll, V. F., 
Gettysburg, Rev. T. W. Hayes, S. J., Conowago, Rev. Leo Brand, S. J., 
McSherrystown, Very Rev. M. J. McBride, Bonneauville, Rev. Lewis E. Kummerant, 
Phillipsburg, Rev. Wm. Hooman, Hanover, Rev. Pius Hemler, New Oxford, and 
Messrs. John N. Codori and William Martin, Seminarians, Mt. St. Mary’s Seminary, 
Emmittsburg.  It also contains the names of the building committee, Hon. William 
McSherry, James G. Spalding, Dr. E. K. Foreman, John A. Shorb and James E. 
Cretin, also the coins of 1892 and copies of Gettysburg Compiler, Star and 
Sentinel, Adams County Independent, Catholic Standard, and New York Freeman’s 
Journal, societies present and names of John W. Eline contractor, and Geo. W. 
Bell architect.

The grounds were beautifully decorated.  Over the entrance was a large arch 
having the word “Welcome” in bright flowers.  The Papal and American flags added 
to the decorations.  A large picture of the proposed church hung in the arch.  
After the exercises the bands sernaded the Bishop at Fr. Crotty’s residence.  
The Gettysburg Society was much admired for their excellent marching and 
drilling.  

DESCRIPTION OF PRESENT CHURCH.

The congregation of St. Aloysius of Littlestown have one of the most valuable 
and beautiful church properties in the county.  Their ground begins at the 
corner of Myer’s alley and Baltimore street; and runs with said alley West, 262 
feet to M. street; thence with said street, south 174 feet; thence east, about 
240 feet, to lot of the U. B. Church; thence at right angles, thence east to a 
corner; thence fronting on Baltimore street 120 feet; and contains about one 
acre of land.  Upon this lot are built, the church, parochial dwelling and the 
school house.  The church is located about 100 feet back from the street and is 
unconnected with the other buildings.  The architecture is Gothic, the material 
brick, trimmed with red sand-stone.  Its outside width is 55 feet 6 inches and 
its length 114 feet.  The outside height from the ground to the peak of the roof 
is 52 feet and the outside walls are 25 feet.  The tower is 94 feet high and 14 
feet square and is located at the left hand corner; within it hangs a sweet-
toned bell weighing 2090 pounds, the gift of Mrs. Anna Felix; which was blessed 
by Very Rev. Joseph A. Boll, Nov. 23d, 1892.  As the visitor approaches the 
church from the front he is attracted by the three gilt crosses surmounting 
respectively the tower, the centre, and the right hand peaks, as they glitter 
under the beautiful sunlight.  Entering the building through the two decorated 
and massive doors, that guard the approach, from the right hand corner, we are 
soon within one of the vestibules-a room 12x15 feet.  Here falls upon the gaze 
of the astonished beholder a charming memorial window of Cathedral glass, 
Venetian jeweled, 15 feet high and 5 wide - the gift of James Spalding, Jr.  
With this glimpse, no wonder the eye is prepared to take in the grandeur of this 
magnificent edifice.  Scarcely have the doors closed upon him before the visitor 
reaches a little chapel, lighted up by a similar window, capped by a chaste 
emblem, a Bishop’s mitre in gold, surrounded by red and blue and purple.  As we 
follow its bright colors from the top to its base we find that it is the gift of 
the Right Reverend Thomas McGovern, Bishop of Harrisburg.  Passing on a little 
further, we come to another window the gift of John W. Eline and wife.  The 
emblem is a cross, crown, and palm upon a blue field.  The next window is the 
gift of Pius P. Fink.  The sacred nails and the crown of thorns form the cap in 
colors of red and green.  Joseph L. Shorb, Esq., deceased, is kindly remembered 
by a memorial window having for its emblem a white dove on a field of blue 
surrounded by a circle of olive yellow and red opal.  The next window is the 
gift of the Rosary Society.  The Sacred Heart entwined by a wreath within a 
golden circle, with a blue edge, forms the design.  This window does not extend 
as far down as the others, but forms the background for one of the 
confessionals.

Crossing over to the other side, immediately opposite is a similar window over 
the other confessional, the gift of the Sodality.  Its emblem is the sacred 
heart of Mary pierced with a sword.  Like the window opposite, it is on a field 
of gold surrounded with blue.  Then comes a window to the memory of John and 
Caroline Rider - the parents of her who so generously contributed to the 
building of this church.  The letters I. H. S. form a monogram with a cross in a 
blue circle.

Francis S. and William O’Bold very generously donated the next window.  The 
first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, Alpha and Omega (meaning God is 
the Beginning and the End) form a monogram with a cross encircled with a red 
wreath as the design of this window.

The keys of heaven in a blue circle form the emblem of the next window which is 
the gift of William Kuhns.

The shadows which fall from the window presented by the Very Reverend Joseph A. 
Boll, of Gettysburg, Rural Dean, mingle with those cast by the window of the Rt. 
Rev. Bishop which is directly opposite.  The emblem of his generous gift is a 
chalice in gold from which rises the Sacred Host surrounded by a red circle.  
Within the chapel, which this window lights, is placed the beautiful baptismal 
font of carved oak, the gift of Mrs. Clara Smith.  Crossing over to the centre 
aisle at each corner stands a marbleized vase representing an angel holding a 
holy-water basin ornamented with a neat alms-box.  Going on then to the centre 
of the church, - which is 42 feet wide and 57 long from sanctuary to vestibule, 
containing two side aisles of three feet each and a centre one of five, with 
walls 23 feet from floor to ceiling and a distance of 32 from floor to pitch, - 
a grand view is had of the interior.  Standing in the centre aisle on each side 
are ranged 36 comfortable pews of ash wood.  The distance from the last pew to 
the vestibule is 10 feet; and from the first pew to the sanctuary rail is 5½ 
feet.  The confessionals are on either side near the sanctuary.  They are built 
outside of the church walls and are concealed by massive carved Gothic doors.  
The church is heated by a furnace and lighted with gasoline.  Very neat 
chandeliers and gas jets are fitted into the walls.  The ceiling is octagonal, 
and in addition to the windows already described there are six former windows 
near the ceiling of colored glass.  The main windows number 18 and they are all 
composed of Cathedral glass.  The body of the window’s are without any special 
design.  Bright colors of red, blue, green and purple form circles intertwining 
circles, and one color mingles with another, leaving upon the eye a vision of 
beauty.  Looking from the centre towards the entrance a large choir loft extends 
nearly across the front over the vestibules.  As the eye is looking in that 
direction thousands of varied colored rays play before the vision.  Another 
glance and the beautiful Rose window, the gift of Rev. Pius P. Hemler, pastor of 
the Immaculate Conception, of New Oxford, Penn’a, breaks upon the view in all 
its splendor.  The visitor is about to leave; but as he turns to go he sees one 
bright color chasing another across the floor of the sanctuary.  A close 
examination show that hidden from the public view two little gems of windows on 
either side are quietly lighting up the sanctuary with their bright colors.  The 
one to the right represents a pelican feeding its young, and is surrounded by a 
circle of red and blue, while that to the left is a white lamb bearing a cross, 
encircled with a wreath of red clover.  The location shows the modesty of the 
donors.  The first is the gift of Rev. John Hollern, of the Cathedral, at 
Harrisburg; the other is the donation of the pastor, Rev. Thomas J. Crotty.

The Sanctuary is raised about 12 inches above the church floor and is approached 
by two steps.  It is separated from the body of the church by ornamental panels 
of ash, two feet high, surmounted by a railing of cherry.  It has the form of a 
double Gothic arch, and is 32 feet high, 22 deep, and 44 wide.  Within its 
enclosure the main altar stands on a platform reached by three steps of 5 inches 
each.  The altar is 20 feet high, 16 wide, and 5 deep.  It is made of white 
pine, painted white and ornamented with gilt.  The base is three feet high, and 
within it will be placed a gilt representation of the Lord in the tomb.  The 
altar is Gothic, and has four panels adorned with roses and wheat in raised 
carving.  At each side will be angels on fluted pillars.  It is in every respect 
a magnificent piece of art.  Cross and turrets add to the beauty of the 
tabernacle.  It is the gift of Miss Joanna Rider.

To the right of the main altar stands that of the Blessed Virgin.  It is made of 
the same material as the main altar, and finished in the same style and colors.  
The base is 7 feet long, 3 feet 3 inches wide, and 3 feet 8 inches high.  It has 
three multiform platform panels.  On the centre panel there will be a raised 
monogram, formed of the letters A M; and on the other panels there will be 
raised carvings of roses and lilies.  The top is surmounted by a beautiful 
canopy, for the statue of the Blessed Virgin.  The total height is 15 feet.  It 
is the gift of the Misses McSherry, as a memorial of their mother, Eliza T. 
McSherry, deceased.

St. Joseph’s Altar is to the left and nearly resembles that of the Blessed 
Virgin.  It has upon its base, in relief, I. H. S.  Miss Joanna Shorb is the 
generous donor, and it is a memorial of her brother, Jos. L. Shorb, deceased.  
The parish is already the owner of beautiful statues of the Blessed Virgin and 
of St. Joseph, which add very much to the beauty of their respective altars by 
their presence in the canopies.

Passing down the centre aisle, then turning to the right, you come to the 
southern exit.  Coming out to the vestibule, the large window to the right is 
the gift of James G. Spalding, Sr., Esq., and is like that of his son already 
described.  The winding steps lead to the belfry and choir loft.  Stepping into 
the centre vestibule we find it beautifully lit up by the light from three 
magnificent windows.  The first is the gift of J. Augustus Smith, the next a 
memorial window erected by Misses Sarah and Emma Shorb, in memory of their 
father, Alexander C. Shorb, deceased, and the other was donated by Miss Joanna 
Shorb, as a memorial to her parents, John and Mary Shorb, deceased.

No one who has made a visit to this church can come away without being impressed 
with its beauty and simplicity, and as the generous donor kneels within its 
walls the words of the Psalmist become verified:  “I have loved, oh Lord, the 
beauty of Thy House and the place where Thy Glory dwelleth!”

The parochial residence is a two-story brick house.  It is located about 30 feet 
back from Baltimore street and is surrounded with grass and paths and flowers 
and trees.  It contains twelve rooms and has heat, water and gasoline 
throughout.  In every respect it is a modern house, built of the best material 
and presents a fine appearance.  From its bay windows a fine view of the streets 
may be had and its porches bespeak for the visitor the hospitality of its 
occupant.

The school house is of brick - one story high.  Its length is about 48 feet and 
its width about 24 feet.

The parish has no defined boundaries.  By common consent it extends to the 
Maryland line on the south, - a distance from the church of two miles and a 
half, - and to about midway between Littlestown and Taneytown, a distance of 
about five miles; in the direction, of Gettysburg about four miles, towards Two 
Taverns, - an uncertain point, from which Gettysburg, Bonneauville, Littlestown 
and Emmittsburg all draw; - and to Flat Bush the dividing line, - about three 
miles - between Bonneauville and Conowago; and to about three miles towards 
Hanover.  There have never been any serious disputes about the parish lines.  
All the adjoining clergy are on friendly terms with the pastor at Littlestown; 
and the people of the different parishes mingle freely.

SOCIETIES.

On the first Sunday of June, 1844, it seems that the joint Society of the Rosary 
and Sanctuary was established.  Mrs. Grace R. Smith was the Treasurer, the 
amount of collections at that date was $8.27½.

Some time afterwards “The Library Association of St. Aloysius” was formed.  Wm. 
McSherry was the President, Henry Spalding, Vice-president, Jacob Klunk, 
Librarian, and Edward Spalding, Secretary and Treasurer.  Many of the books had 
been the property of the Rosary Society, and others were presented by members 
and friends.  The society was reorganized in Sept. 1887, and has about 600 
volumes.  The Library is kept in the centre vestibule of the new church.

“The Holy Childhood” was organized for the benefit of Missions in China, and a 
branch established in Littlestown about 1862.  There was also the “Bona Mores” 
Society, at the meetings of which, held once a month, prayers were said by the 
priest to obtain a good and happy death for its members.

There are at present the Blessed Virgin Sodality, Sacred Heart League, Rosary, 
and Sanctuary societies.  The St. Aloysius Catholic Beneficial Society was 
organized June 1st, 1892, with 46 members and the following officers:  Dr. E. K. 
Foreman, President; James D. Spalding, Vice-president; A. J. Smith, Secretary; 
J. Aug. Smith, Treasurer; James Cretin, Marshal; Bernard Bauhaus, Assistant 
Secretary; Frank Dietz, Messenger.  The Sodality has about 60 members, the 
League was organized in 1889.  The Sanctuary Society has 100 members.

THE SCHOOL.

The Catholics of Littlestown although burdened with heavy contributions, by 
reason of building a new church, were early willing to assume the expense of 
maintaining a parochial school.  The following letter, written, no doubt, at the 
instance of the trustees, was the first step towards this end.

                                      Littlestown, Feb. 25th, 1840.
Rev’d Sir:  The Sisters’ School at McSherrystown is doing well.  They have their 
house well filled with boarders, and will not have room to accommodate but few, 
if any, more boarders, without they have an additional room built which (1) 
suppose will be difficult for them to have done.  Dr. Joseph A. Shorb, Joseph 
Fink, Henry Spalding myself and others, think that if we could procure two 
Sisters to attend at this place, we could raise a sufficient number of scholars.  
We would rent a home for them.  We have church here twice a month, once on 
Sunday and once on week days, and, if required, would make arrangements to have 
the Sisters taken to Conowago Church on the remaining Sundays and Holidays.  If 
you think that two Sisters could be spared for the purpose of teaching, you will 
please to inform us, and we will call on you after having made arrangements for 
their accommodation.
                               Very respectfully yours, &c.,
                                         James McSherry. 

The above letter was written to Fr. Hickey; and the following is his reply.

                                      Emmittsburg, 2d March, 1840.
Dear Sir:  Yr letter of the 25th ult has been rec’d and its contents read to our 
little Council.  The Sisters are not able to comply with yr request of a school 
for Littlestown.  It will be with much difficulty that the other establishment 
of MacSherry’s Town can be continued.  The establishments already existing are 
too numerous for us to keep supplied with Sisters; so that we could not think of 
undertaking a new one.  Besides if we find ourselves able to undertake any new 
one, we have already many prior applications; some of which are promised in case 
we get able.  There w’d also be objection on account of the distance from the 
residence of a clergyman.

                                      Yr obt servant, 
                                                   John F. Hickey.

Nothing further was done in this matter until 1867.  This year a brick one-story 
school house, about 24x36, was built in the rear of the church, on the land 
bought from Ephraim Myers in 1862.  A fair was held in the school house from 
which the sum of $1000 was realized.  This sum was set apart for a school fund, 
and the annual interest appropriated towards the support of the school.  It is 
now in the parochial dwelling.  An entertainment was given in Eph. Myers Hall, 
under the direction of Fr. De Neckere, and the proceeds used for school 
purposes.  Miss Mary Coale Wilson was the first teacher.  The school opened Nov. 
18th, 1867, with about 121 scholars - fifty-five boys and sixty-five girls.  The 
school was thoroughly religious.  The classes began with prayer, and on 
Wednesday and Friday afternoon some one of the scholars said the beads to which 
the whole school answered.  It was usual to have one of the boys read aloud some 
book on etiquette, or on some entertaining or religious subject while the girls 
were engaged in sewing.  Miss Wilson was a very popular and efficent teacher, 
and gave universal satisfaction.  She taught until June 23d, 1869.  The girls 
sat together and the boy together.  The latter used the church basement for 
play-ground in bad weather, the girls the school house.

Miss Wilson was succeeded as teacher by Miss Ellen Heath, who took charge of the 
school September 4th, 1870, and continued in charge until October 1871.  The 
average number of pupils under her control was about 90.  Miss Heath was a 
daughter of Judge Robert Heath, of Edenton, N. C., and had been educated at St. 
Joseph’s Academy, Emmittsburg, Md.  She brought to her school-work the same 
refined manners which one is accustomed to in a ladies’ parlor.  Her language 
and manner always showed her gentle training and had a most beneficial effect 
upon her scholars.  She afterwards became the wife of Dr. E. F. Shorb, and now 
presides with charming grace over her Washington home.

Mr. Joseph Smith was the next teacher.  He introduced the study of Latin into 
the school, for such as desired to take lessons.  He remained in control from 
Oct. 1st, 1871, to 1873, and was followed by Frank Addelsperger.

Miss Mary Fink took charge of the school about 1875, and taught until 1877.

On October 1st, 1877, Anthony J. Smith became the teacher.  At this time he had 
twenty-eight pupils.  During the second and third year of his term the number of 
pupils increased to sixty, and the fourth and fifth year the number reached 83.  
Mr. Smith was the teacher for five years - a fact which speaks well for him and 
proved that he gave universal satisfaction.

Miss Margaret Delaney taught the school from 1882 to 1884, with much success.  
She afterewards had charge of the Parochial school at New Oxford, Penna.  She 
married a Mr. Robinson, and is now living in Baltimore.  Miss Delaney is 
favorably remembered at Littlestown, where she has many friends, also in New 
Oxford.

Mrs. Emma Shorb of Littlestown became the assistant to Mr. A. J. Smith in 1880, 
and held the position of assistant teacher until 1884, when she became 
principal, and had charge as such until 1887.  She then resumed her former 
relation to the school and has been the assistant teacher ever since, including 
the present time.  From Sept. 1884 to Jan. 1885 she was assisted by Miss Jennie 
Eline, in teaching.  During Miss Shorb’s principalship calisthenics were 
introduced.  She has always been a general favorite with her scholars, who love 
her for her kindness, and by her fidelity to duty she has won and deserves the 
praise and gratitude of all the patrons of the school.  Her education was begun 
as one of the first pupils of the school over which she now presides, and was 
completed by her attendance at St. Joseph’s Academy, McSherrystown.

Cromwell J. Ford, of Winchester, Va., took charge of the school in September, 
1887, and taught it until April, 1888.

He was followed by Maxwell C. Drennan, a graduate of the London University, and 
a native of Penzance, England.  Mr. Drennan possessed unusual ability, and 
freely gave his scholars the benefit of his superior knowledge until June, 1890.  
During Mr. Drennan’s term, the school gave an exhibition in Mehring’s Hall.  He 
introduced short-hand, algebra, and had a class of drilled boys.

Mr. John F. Maguire was the next teacher.  He was born in the County of Leitrim, 
Ireland, on the 7th day of July, 1864.  He attended the National schools until 
he was twelve years of age when he was sent to a Boarding school in Glasgow, 
Scotland.  He remained there for five years; after which he went to Hammersmith 
Training College, London, where he procured a teacher’s permanent certificate 
valid in any part of the British realm.  During the following five years he 
taught school in London and Glasgow.  He came to New York City in July, 1880, 
and taught school in the State of New Jersey untill 1890.  In September of that 
year he came to Littlestown and began teaching the parochial school, and taught 
it for two years.  During that time he had about 40 pupils.  Mr. Maguire brought 
with him many of the characteristics of his native land.  While his wit caused 
many a happy laugh, his knowledge lightened many a task for his pupils.  Always 
light-hearted and hopeful he was gladly welcomed in every home.  He is now 
engaged in teaching the parochial school at New Oxford and is giving universal 
satisfaction. 

Mr. Andrew J. Smith is the present teacher.  He is a native of New Jersey and a 
graduate of Seaton Hall College, in that State.  He brings to his work a well 
trained mind, stored with immense knowledge of persons and places.  His pen 
moves as rapidly as his brain thinks, and the result is that he has become very 
proficient in expressing his thoughts in elegant language.  He is a genial 
companion and has the confidence and respect of his school.  There are about 78 
names on the list.  As the school house is used for a church during the building 
of the new one.  The basement of the United Brethren Church has been used for 
school purposes during this session.

None can read the above statements without concluding that pastor and people, 
teacher and pupil have been and are doing their work well, that the heart and 
the brain may both be equally trained to do life’s duties faithfully. 

THE CEMETERY.

It will be remembered that the plot bought from Joseph Flauth, in 1791, 
contained three-quarters of an acre “to be converted into a Roman Catholic 
Church or Chapel and Burying Ground for the congregation aforesaid.”  The Chapel 
stood in the front corner, and the graves were back and to the right of it.  It 
was many years before the ground was generally used for sepulture.  Dr. Ephraim 
Davis, who died October 15th, 1831, is said to have been the first adult buried 
there.  Prior to that the burials took place at Conowago.  When the brick church 
was built, in 1841, it was located much further back from the road than the old 
chapel had been, and the result was to give more space for graves in the front.  
A wide gateway led from the street to the church yard, and a broad walk extended 
to the church door, dividing the ground into two parts.  On either side were 
graves, and as friends and relatives passed through this “city of the dead” to 
enter the church of the Living God, they could not but be reminded of their duty 
to pray for the repose of the souls of the faithful departed, and especially 
those of this congregation.

In the year 1852 deeds were first given for burial lots.  About this time the 
vaults of Dr. Joseph A. Shorb, Pius P. Fink and Wm. McSherry were built.  The 
first was at the left and the others to the right of the church.  Most of the 
graves were marked by tombstones, and members of the same family were buried 
side by side.

October 4th, 1885, a new cemetery meeting was held by the congregation.  William 
McSherry was made Chairman, and John A. Shorb was chosen Secretary.  Joseph 
Bittinger, Anthony J. Smith, James G. Spalding, John F. McSherry, and Pius P. 
Fink were appointed a committee to consider the question to secure ground for a 
cemetery; and also for a parsonage.  Oct. 11th, they reported in favor of 
building a parsonage on the church lot and a postponement of the cemetery 
question.

In May, 1886, a tract of 5 acres was bought from John A. Swope for $450 and 
title taken in the name of the Rt. Rev. J. F. Shannahan, Bishop of Harrisburg, 
in trust for the congregation of St. Aloysius of Littlestown.  It is nearly a 
mile from the church, and on a hill overlooking the town and the country for 
miles around.  It was laid out in lots, separated by avenues and walks, for a 
cemetery, and consecrated as such by Rev. Paul Huber, C. S. S. R. of Baltimore, 
October 24th, 1886.  Those who had been buried in the old grave-yard were 
removed to the new cemetery; and all burials take place there now.  Francis 
Martin was the first who died after the new cemetery was used and he was buried 
in it 1886.  A large memorial cross lifts its broad arms as the signal that 
those who are buried under its shadow died in the Catholic faith.  A suitable 
gate-way marks the entrance to the cemetery.  The lots are well kept, and fine 
monuments and tablets show that the dead are not forgotten.  The casual visitor 
will generally see the new graves strewn with flowers placed by loving hands.  
Here all are equal and there is but little outward appearances to show where lie 
the rich or where the poor, and as they mingled in life so they sleep in death.  
But few are here whom the world called great; and yet beneath the rough exterior 
once beat many warm hearts who faithfully served their fellowmen and loved their 
God and now rest with him.  The following list includes some of the older 
members of the congregation who are buried here.  Some were brought from 
Conowago - as Patrick McSherry and his wife Catharine, whose ashes are now 
mingled with that of so many of their descendants who sleep with them.

Dr. Ephraim Davis died Oct. 15, 1831, aged 49 years.  Elizabeth M. Davis, b. 
Nov. 1, 1787, d. Feb. 26, 1873.  Jacob Rider d. Dec. 23, 1853, age 74-1-8.  
Caroline, wife of John Rider, b. March 26, 1819, d. Jan. 25, 1851.  Wm. Rider d. 
May 4, 1887, age 72-3-24.  Jacob Baumgardner, b. Oct. 25, 1787, d. March 20, 
1869.  Magdalene, wife of Jacob Baumgardner, b. Feb. 16, 1783, d. August 4, 
1853.  John Baumgardner d. Jan. 16, 1853, age 62-4-24.  Margaret Baumgardner d. 
Feb. 11, 1861, age 68-1-3.  Jacob Baumgardner, b. Nov. 15, 1765, d. Sept. 9, 
1846.  Samuel Baumgardner d. Sept. 6, 1849, age 56-2-7.  Barbara, wife of Samuel 
Baumgardner, d. Sept. 10, 1878, age 92-5-3.  Sarah Will (daughter of Catharine 
and Patrick McSherry), b. Feb. 22, 1778, d. Oct. 24, 1833.  Catharine McSherry, 
wife of Patrick, d. Nov. 7, 1812, age 70.  Patrick McSherry d. July 13, 1795, 
age 70.  Patrick McSherry (of John) d. Feb. 10, 1874, age 83.  Mary, wife of 
Patrick McSherry, (of John) d. June 26, 1860, age 66.  Margaretta, wife of John 
McSherry, d. July 26, 1849, age 86.  Elizabeth, wife of John Rimbach, d. Jan. 
17, 1879, age 81.  Elizabeth, daughter of Conrad Allwine, and wife of Jacob 
Weirick, b. Jan. 17, 1787, d. March 25, 1851.  Jacob Weirick, b. June 24, 1783, 
d. May 7, 1859.  Mary Lansinger d. Sept. 4, 1863, age 82.  Sebastian O’Bold, b. 
Feb. 22, 1794, d. Nov. 5, 1875.  Catharine, wife of Sebastian O’Bold, b. Feb. 7, 
1793, d. June 19, 1863.  Catharine, wife of Wm. Goulden, b. July 11, 1788, d. 
Aug. 10, 1861.  Joseph Fink, d. Oct. 31, 1866, age 71.  Esther Fink d. April 14, 
1877, age 78-3-2.  Jacob Fink d. Oct. 30, 1868, age 70-9-22.  Magdalene, wife of 
Henry Fink, April 12, 1842, age 86.  Mary M., wife of Pius P. Fink, d. Jan. 14, 
1890, age 73-10-18.  Anthony Shorb d. June 26, 1800, age 42-6.  Dr. Joseph A. 
Shorb d. Sept. 25, 1855, aged 62-6-6.  John Eline, b. July 15, 1786, d. March 
11, 1861.  Henry Spalding d. Feb. 26, 1867, 77-5-24.  George Lawrence, b. Aug. 
12, 1807, d. Sept. 1, 1873.  Catharine, wife of George Lawrence d. Nov. 5, 1886, 
age 84.  Peter Kase d. March 15, 1849, age 82.  Magdalene, wife of Peter Kase, 
d. April 28, 1846 age 80.  Catharine, wife of Moritz Budy, d. Sept. 30, 1866, 
age 79-11-12.  Moritz Buddy d. Sept. 15, 1855, age 75-7.  John Shorb d. Feb. 5, 
1847, age 61-4-12.  Mary, wife of John Shorb d. Feb. 15, 1835, age 42-7-5.  
Mary, wife of Anthony Shorb d. September 5, 1837, age 85.  Josiah Baumgardner, 
b. October 15, 1807, d. December 15, 1873.  John Felix, b. August 15, 1807, d 
July 23, 1875.  Andrew Wilt, b. May 11, 1792, d. Feb. 26, 1853.  Anna, wife of 
Andrew Wilt, d. Feb. 8, 1862, age 67-5.  Catharine, wife of John Rider, b. Sept. 
7, 1788, d. Dec. 26, 1862.  John Rider, b. Aug. 18, 1776, d. Sept. 29, 1844.  
Catharine, wife of James Plunkert, d. Aug. 26, 1846, age 56-1-3.  Barbara, wife 
of John Diehl, b. May 4, 1792, d. April 10, 1869.  Mary E., wife of Andrew 
McSherry, d. Sept. 23, 1866, age 82.  Margarette A., wife of Wm. Staub, b. Dec. 
29, 1820, d. June 18, 1854.  Anna Mary, wife of Wm. Staub, d. Aug. 22, 1891, age 
79-8-7.  John Staub, b. July 1789, d. June 30, 1852.  Maria Margaret, wife of 
John Staub, b. May 27, 1783, d. April 8, 1855.  Henry Weaver d. April 1, 1865, 
age 68-13 days.  “Here lies Anna Ulrick, born in Germany, K. R. Bairen, July 20, 
1797, died April 24, 1858.”  Valentine Ulrick, b. Oct. 12, 1804, d. Feb. 15, 
1882.  Andrew Riffle, Sr., d. April 27, 1844, age 53.  Andrew Riffle, Jr., d. 
Dec. 2, 1843, age 21.  Grace R. Smith d. June 5, 1859, age 86.  Jacob Orndorff, 
b. Feb. 27, 1799, d. Nov. 22, 1873.  Elizabeth, wife of Jacob Gouker, b. May 5, 
1805, d. May 9, 1871.