CHURCH: Part 2:  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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BIOGRAPHIES.

Our Patron Saint, Aloysius Gonzaga, son of Ferdinand Gonzaga, Prince of the Holy 
Empire and Marquis of Castiglione, and of Martha Tanna Santena, lady of Honor to 
Isabelle, wife of Phillip II., of Spain, was born in the Castle of Castiglione, 
Italy, in the diocese of Brescia, March 9th, 1568.  His father designed him for 
the Army; but before he was twelve years old Aloysius decided to become a 
religious.  At the age of thirteen and a-half years he was made a page at the 
Court of King Philip of Spain.  He soon after determined to become a Jesuit.  
His father strongly objected to his choice, but at last consented.  In November, 
1585, he formally renounced his right to the title and estate of the Marquisate 
of Castiglione in favor of his younger brother, Ralph.  He entered the Novitiate 
of the Jesuits at St. Andrew’s in Rome, November 25th, 1585, when nearly 18 
years old.  On the 20th of November 1587, he made his religious vows, and soon 
after received minor orders.  He was taken sick in March, while attending in a 
hospital during a pestilence in Rome, and died “a little after midnight between 
the 20th and 21st days of June, the Octave of Corpus Christi that year, 1591, 
being twenty-three years, three months and eleven days old, of which he had 
lived five years and almost seven months in the society.”  “He was buried in the 
church of the Annunciation belonging to the Jesuits of the Roman College.  A 
rich chapel being afterwards built in the church, under his name, his relicts 
were translated into it.  St. Aloysius was beatified by (Pope) Gregory XV, in 
1621, and Canonized by (Pope) Benedict XIII., 1726,” who conferred upon him the 
title of Patron of Christian Youth.  His young lips early pronounced the holy 
names of the Blessed Virgin and her Divine Son.

His characteristics were tenderness for the poor, devotion to the Mother of God, 
great humility, obedience, love of the Blessed Eucharist, and absolute purity.  
He is the Patron Saint of Youth and of Chastity.  He is usually represented as 
kneeling before a skeleton holding in his hand a lily and a crucifix.  From what 
we know of his life we may well believe he is now very near to the Throne of 
Grace, and as we bend our head and kneel in prayer in this sacred edifice, we 
may confidently ask of him in the words of his Litany, “The delight of the 
Blessed Virgin, pray for us,” and thank God that he has given us a patron and 
model who so nearly fulfilled his diving will in all things!

Reverend James Pellentz, S. J., was born in Germany, January 19th, 1727.  He 
became a Jesuit in 1744, and was professed in 1756.  He arrived in Maryland from 
England in June 1758.  Soon after his arrival he was sent to Conowago.  From 
this place he attended the Missions of Frederick and Hagerstown, in Maryland, 
and Carlisle and Lancaster in Pennsylvania.  As early as 1784 “he had procured a 
small building for a church in the neighboring village of Littlestown.”  Thus he 
became the first pastor of what is now the congregation of St. Aloysius.  In 
1768 he succeeded Fr. James Frombach as Superior at Conowago.  According to a 
letter written to Bishop Carroll in 1785, he had purchased some of the present 
chapel farm from Mr. Digges.  He also gave Rev. Luke Geisler, S. J., about four 
hundred dollars “for a house in Carlisle to keep service in,” and about one 
hundred and fifty dollars for a house at Standing Stone.  In 1785 he began to 
build the stone church of the Sacred Heart at Conowago, which was finished the 
next year.  He also built the parsonage there and the farm buildings.  He 
attended the First Council held at Baltimore, in 1791, and was Vicar General to 
Bishop Carroll.  It is very likely that in this capacity and as its first pastor 
he dedicated the church property in Littlestown purchased from Joseph Flauth in 
1791.  The record of his death at Conowago says:  “On the 13th of March of the 
year 1800, at half-past seven, A. M., died James Pellentz, and was buried on the 
15th.  He died in peace by the grace of him who by his death regenerated him.  
Not death, but life, rather should it be called.  The name of Pellentz has many 
claims to consideration.  A stranger in a foreign land, he erected this house 
and church (at Conowago), and with zeal and devotion he made it the object of 
his life to gather men within the fold of the church.”

We are told that “he was a Missionary of the most exemplary piety, of untiring 
zeal, of the most agreeable and fascinating manners, and certainly possessed of 
uncommon influence not only over his own flock but also possessing the 
affections and confidence of persons of other religious denominations.  “Those 
few without distinction of religious creeds who have survived him and who were 
personally acquainted with him speak in the most exalted terms of his character, 
and by them his memory is held in the highest veneration.”  Let us continue to 
preserve with gratitude the memory of our first pastor and the founder of this 
congregation, and offer our humble prayers that God may grant that pastor and 
people may meet in heaven.

Father D. Stanislaus Cerfoumont was likely a pastor at Littlestown.  He was a 
Jesuit, and also a Franciscan, from Liege.  His name appears among the priests 
who attended the First Council at Baltimore.  He was a Missionary priest for 
nineteen years, and died at Conowago August 2d, 1804, aged 53 years.  It is said 
he collected many of the old books of the library at the chapel. 

Rev. Francis Xavier Brosius was born in Germany.  He came to the United States 
with Demetrius A. Gallitzin, and landed at Baltimore in Oct., 1792.  He was at 
St. Peter’s Church in that city Nov. 5th of the same year.  It seems he was at 
Conowago from 1792 to 1804, when he became pastor at St. John’s Baltimore.  He 
opened a school at Conowago about 1800.  From 1807 to 1813 he was at Mount Airy, 
eight miles from Philadelphia; where he had a school.  Lancaster seems to have 
been under his care in 1796.  It is more than likely that he frequently said 
mass at Littlestown.  He died in Europe.

Demetrius Augustin Gallitzen was the son of Prince Gallitzen, of St. Petersburg, 
Russia, and was born at Hague, Holland, December 22d, 1770.  When but two years 
of age he was commissioned officer of the Guard, by Catharine, Empress of 
Russia.  He became a Catholic at the age of 17 years.  In 1792 he was appointed 
Aid-de-Came to the Austrian General Von Lillien.  He adopted the name of his 
mother Schmet and sailed from Rotterdam with Rev. Fr. Felix Brosius August 18th, 
1792, and arrived at Baltimore October 28th of this year.  He entered the 
Sulpitian Seminary there and was ordained Priest March 18th, 1795, being the 
second priest ordained in the United States.  He was sent to Conowago, and while 
stationed there he visited Littlestown and other Missions, including Taneytown, 
Md.  In 1799 he went to Cambria county, Penn’a, where he founded the famous 
Mission of Loretto.  In 1810 James McSherry, a representative in the 
Pennsylvania Legislature, had a law passed allowing Father Smith to assume again 
his name of Gallitzin.  Fr. Gallitzin received great sums of money from Russian 
and spent it all in he cause of religion.  He died at Loretto, May 6th, 1840.  
By many he is considered a Saint.  He was a most pious and humble Missionary and 
won many souls for God.  He has been described as being 5 feet 9 inches high, of 
slender figure, dark eyes and hair, and a large nose.  He was a fine horse-back 
rider.

Father John Nicholas Mertz is a name yet handed down as one of the attending 
priests at Littlestown.  He was born at Bondorf, April 26, 1764, and ordained at 
Treves, March 23, 1791.  He was a missionary secular priest.  He was at Conowago 
from about 1803 to 1805, and also from 1826 to 1829.  He labored in 
Pennsylvania, Maryland and New York, and died Aug. 10, 1844.  “He always wore 
the peculiar clerical costume of his country of a century ago – three-cornered 
cap, black cravat, long brown coat, knee-breeches and shoe-buckles.”  He was a 
famous preacher.

Adolphus Lewis De Barth was born at Münster in the province of Upper Rhine, Nov. 
1, 1764.  His father was Count De Barth.  He entered the Seminary at Strasburg, 
and was ordained in 1790.  He officiated in the lower counties of Maryland and 
came to Lancaster about 1795.  An entry in his own writing at Conowago says:  
“Lewis Barth arrived here January 16th, 1704.”  He seems to have had charge of 
the accounts from that time, off and on.  In October 1806 he returned to 
Lancaster where he remained about four months when he again went to Conowago.  
St. Patrick’s, at Carlisle, was built under his control in 1806, and the corner-
stone of St. Patrick’s, in York, was laid in 1810.  He was Vicar General to 
Bishop Egan; and administrator of the Diocese of Philadelphia from 1814 to 1820.  
He was pastor at Littlestown in 1818 and until 1828, with intermissions.  In 
1820 he became Superior at Conowago where he remained until 1828 when he was 
stationed at St. John’s Church Baltimore.  He was there for ten years.  It is 
generally supposed that he was not a Jesuit, but their records show that he 
entered their society July 1815.  He was one of the incorporators, in 1804, of 
the Order of Hermits of St. Augustine in Penn’a.  His residence, is given at St. 
Mary’s Church, Phila., in 1720, according to the will of Rev. Mathews Carr, 
dated Sept. 3d, 1820.  He was several times offered the appointment to the 
Bishoprick of Philadelphia but decline the honor.  In 1838 he retired to 
Georgetown College where he died on the 15th of October 1844.  He is buried in 
the Trinity Church Grounds.  Father De Barth, or L. Barth as he often signed his 
name, is well and pleasantly remembered at Littlestown.  He was a learned and 
pious priest who served both his God and his fellowman with fidelity unto the 
end of his life.

Father Matthew Lekeu was born in Belgium, March 25th, 1788.  He became a Jesuit 
August 2d, 1816, having been a secular priest.  He came to Conowago May 25th, 
1817 and was there until about 1842.  About 1846 he removed to Belgium and soon 
after left the order, it is said.  Fr. Griffin of St. Charles’ College says:  
“He was a kind and hospitable man, and strived to make every one around him 
happy.”  He was a short thickset man, and a good preacher.  He is well 
remembered as a pastor at Littlestown.

Rev. Michael Dougherty was born in Ireland, Aug. 15th, 1791.  He entered the 
Society of Jesus on the 30th of Nov. 1819.  In 1729 he came to Conowago and 
remained there until about 1844 when he was sent to New Town, Maryland.  He was 
ordained in 1826, and sent to Georgetown, D. C.  He became pastor at Littlestown 
about the year he came to Conowago.  He was also pastor and built the church at 
Gettysburg in 1831.  He returned to Conowago in 1848, and died there August 
21st, 1863.  He was pastor at Littlestown in 1840, and built the brick church in 
1841, torn down in 1892.  He also attended there in 1854.  His salary, from May 
1833 to May 1834, at Littlestown, was $40.  He attended once a month and it was 
paid in advance.

Rev. J. Roger Dietz came to Conowago about 1842 and had charge of Gettysburg and 
the Mountain congregations.  He began the church records at Littlestown in 1844.  
He died at Conowago in 1860.  He was a very pious priest.  He was at Bohemia in 
1846, at Wheeling 1849.  His last baptism at Littlestown was Nov. 19th 1848.  He 
built the sacristy-addition to the church, about 1845.

Father James Cotting was a native of Switzerland, and was born May 23d, 1812.  
He became a Jesuit March 27th, 1837, and was ordained March 28th, 1840.  He 
landed in the United States in August, 1840.  In 1843 he built the first German 
church, St. Joseph’s, in St. Louis, Missouri, a few years after he built two 
more churches in that State.  He came to Conowago August 18th, 1849.  He built 
the Gettysburg Church in 1851 and the York church in 1852.  During these two 
years he also attended at Littlestown.  He was sent to Newton, Md., in 1853.  At 
the time of his death his home was a White-Marsh, Md., but at his request he was 
taken to Georgetown College, where he died June 27th, 1892, and is buried.  “He 
was above the medium height and very stout.”  Fr. Cotting was a genial companion 
and a very popular priest.  He was a great church-builder.  In addition to above 
he built St. Joseph’s in Charles county, and Brook’s Chapel, in Prince George’s 
county, Maryland.  For several years he had charge of the Indians in the West.  
For the last thirty years he labored among the colored people in the South.

Rev. Peter Manns was born in the diocese of Limburg, Province of the Rhine, 
Germany, June 25th, 1810.  He became a Jesuit March 20th, 1853, and was ordained 
June 17th following.  Sept. 1853 found Fr. Manns at Conowago.  His first record 
of baptism at Littlestown is 1859.  He attended there until 1863, and again from 
1866 to 1869 jointly with Fr. De Neckere.  He was pastor at Hanover from 1864 to 
1877, where he opened a Catholic school, and built an addition to the church.  
Paradise was also under his charge from time to time.  Although Fr. Manns is 
over 82 years, he still attends to his priestly duties at Conowago where he has 
been for over thirty years.  He is a great friend of the parochial schools.  His 
zeal is unabated.  He has followed the law of the Gospel all his life and is 
ready for his reward.

Father Xavier De Neckere was born in the diocese of Bruges, Flanders, Feb. 2d, 
1810.  He was of noble birth and gave up much of this world’s pleasures that he 
might more faithfully serve his God.  He became a Jesuit Sept. 16th, 1844, in 
Ghent.  In the year 1847 he came to Conowago.  His first entry of baptism at 
Littlestown is Feb. 18th, 1849.  He seems to have been in attendance there until 
1854.  He returned again in 1857, when he was absent two years, at Frederick.  
He built the church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary at New Oxford, in 1852, and 
served as its pastor until 1879, with a short intermission.  He established a 
parochial school there in 1862 – among the first in the county.  Fr. De Neckere 
was also pastor of Saint Ignatius’ Church, Buchanan Valley, from 1853 to 1858.  
He succeeded Fr. Cotting as pastor of St. Francis Xavier’s at Gettysburg in 1853 
to 1858.  Paradise was also under his care from about 1860.  When he first came 
to Conowago he also attended St. Patrick’s at York.  In all these places Fr. De 
Neckere is still remembered and loved.  November 17th, 1861, finds him at 
Littlestown again where he remained until the date of his death, which occurred 
Jan. 4th, 1879.  Thus would the world sum up the life of this devoted priest, 
but to us, who knew him from our earliest childhood, memory recalls many of his 
noble deeds.  Whether as a humble teacher gathering about him at his Conowago 
home young men whom he sought to train for the priesthood as early as 1847, or 
as prefect and instructor in Latin “in a free school for girls with the Sisters, 
and for boys at Conowago” in 1858, or as promoter of parochial schools, his 
active brain worked in unison with his kind heart.  

None who ever saw can forget the grandeur and magnificence with which he caused 
the Feast of Corpus Christi to be celebrated at Conowago.  How banners, statues, 
emblems, flowers and wreaths added to the beauty of the procession of young men 
and women and beautiful children who preceded the approach of the Blessed 
Sacrament while incense and prayer and music blended in honor of the Festal day.  
And how piously each head uncovered, and knee bent, as the Lord and Saviour was 
carried by holy hands from the church to the altars on the way and in the woods!  
How beautiful flowers were cast upon the way and fragrant perfume filled the air 
while the beautiful notes of the Tantum Ergo ascended towards the clear-blue 
heavens!  For thus he loved to praise his Master.
Who have not seen him at the bed-side of the sick and poor pointing to his 
Saviour upon the cross, to recall how little our sufferings are compared with 
those of the World’s Redeemer?  Who has not heard him console the afflicted and 
heart-broken – speaking to them of hope and love – teaching them to call upon 
Mary the mother of God, whose heart was pierced with sorrow, who hears and aids 
all who seek her help?  Recall his gentleness as he placed his hands upon the 
heads of your children and gave them God’s blessing.  Who are not proud now that 
they knew good Father De Neckere?

How he charmed you with his eloquent words and graceful gestures, as he warned 
you from the altar to avoid evil, or plead with you to become again a pure child 
of God!

With what grandeur he intoned the music of the mass and how sweetly fell the 
evening service from his lips!  Prayer was ever in his heart.  In the hours of 
triumph he prayed in gratitude, in trials for support.  With him nothing was too 
good or grand where God’s glory was concerned.  Nothing too laborious to win 
souls.

He worked all his days for his master and died in his service.  His life won for 
you and your children untold blessings.  Let them not forget their benefactor.  
After doing all he could to lead you to heaven he gave up his life upon the spot 
whereon God’s altar is now erected.  Although the sad train that followed him 
from his couch of death to his humble grave at Conowago has long since returned 
and the draped church in which he died has given place to a grander structure, 
let us still keep his memory fresh, and as we gather within this church let us 
offer a little prayer for Father De Neckere who so long and faithfully served 
this congregation – that he may be at rest, - and that from his home in heaven 
he will obtain God’s blessing for us and our children. 

Father George Villeger was born at Aargon, Switzerland, September 14, 1808.  He 
entered the Society of Jesus Oct. 4, 1838.  In 1843 he came to the United 
States, and was ordained at Georgetown College, together with Revs. Milesius 
Gibbons, Michael Topper, and John Aiken, by Archbishop Eccleston, July 22, 1844.  
His first field was in Maryland.  He came to Conowago in 1847.  He was at 
Littlestown occasionally in 1856-7, during most of this time he was pastor at 
Paradise.  He was pastor at Bohemia, from Sept. 1859 to 1878.  On the 25th of 
January 1879 he came to Littlestown to take Fr. De Neckere’s place, and 
continued as Pastor until the day of his death, September 20, 1882.  He died at 
Conowago and is buried there.  In form he was short and stout; forehead broad 
and high.  He was a fine preacher, a good scholar and a clear controversialist.  
His “Letters to a Protestant Minister by a Catholic Priest,” are ably written 
and have been printed in book form.  He was an earnest and pious priest.  His 
manner was gentle, his voice pleasant and in all he said or did he was as 
innocent as a child.  He did not wrong and never suspected others of doing so.  
His funeral was attended by the Trustees and members of St. Aloysius Church.  
The trustees acted as his pall-bearers.

Rev. Ignatius Renaud, S. J., is a French-Canadian of about fifty years of age.  
He took charge of the Littlestown Church, Sept. 17, 1882, and was its pastor 
until August 2, 1885.  During that time he made his home with the family of Mrs. 
Alex. C. Shorb.  Like all his predecessors his residence was at Conowago.  He 
came on Saturday and remained until Monday, visiting the school, and also on 
Thursday for the same purpose.  He was the last Jesuit who had charge of the 
congregation.  He was a good preacher, and is said to have been well liked, and 
had a pleasant manner.  He is now at the Jesuit Church, Philadelphia, Pa.

Rev. James J. Gormley was born in County Longford in the Province of Leinster, 
Ireland, January 6th, 1849, and was educated at St. Mels’ College, Longford All 
Hallows, Dublin, and at Niagara University, in New York State.  He was ordained 
at Harrisburg, Penn’a by Rt. Rev. Jeremiah F. Shannahan, Bishop of Harrisburg, 
on the feast of St. Andrew, Nov. 30th, 1875.  In January 1876 he was appointed 
assistant at St. John’s Church in Bellefonte, Centre county, and left there in 
August for Columbian.  From Columbia he was sent to Lancaster, and after three 
months he was again sent to Columbia in 1877; thence he was sent to Drumore 
township, Lancaster county, to establish St. Catharine’s Parish, where he 
remained until Nov. 1878.  From this place he went to St. Patrick’s Church 
Carlisle, Cumberland county, where at last he found a resting place for four 
years.  Father Gormley mad a great many improvements at Carlisle.  He left St. 
Patrick’s clear of debt; and with a surplus in the treasury of about $1000 for 
the purpose of building a new house.  In October, 1882, he was transferred to 
St. Joseph’s Bonneauville, Adams county, Pa.  He made many changes for the 
better in both the parochial dwelling and the church here.  It was while he was 
pastor at this place that, in August 1884, - he was requested by Rt. Rev. Bishop 
Shannahan to take charge of the Littlestown parish until such time as he could 
get a suitable resident pastor for that place.  He attended there about eight 
months.  He was promoted to St. Joseph’s Church, Renovo, Clinton county, Penn’a, 
May 21st, 1888, and has been there ever since.  At the time of his departure 
Bonneauville church was entirely free from debt.

Fr. Gormley has been a faithful follower of the Apostles-his journey through 
life has been like unto theirs, going forth to preach the Gospel unto all 
nations.  Wheresoever his Superior thought best to send him, he went without 
protest or a murmur.  Nowhere did he come without receiving a warm and hearty 
welcome, and from no place did he go without being followed by the prayers and 
good wishes of all who knew him.  Like a true and loved father, he was welcomed 
to every home, and youth and old age alike gathered in friendship about his 
chair to hear his happy laugh and to see the lightness of his heart pictured in 
his smiling face.  He is now busily engaged in erecting a magnificent church at 
Renovo which will cost from $30,000 to $40,000; the corner-stone of which was 
laid with great ceremony on Aug. 15th, 1892.  The Clinton County Evening News 
thus speaks of Fr. Gormley in its issue of Aug. 20th, 1892:  “Rev. Gormley has 
had charge of St. Joseph’s congregation since May, 1888, and in the four years 
of his pastorate here he had done boundless good for his people.  When he came 
to Renovo the church was in debt several thousand dollars.  Rev. Gormley has not 
only paid off that debt in its entirety, but has erected the foundations of a 
new church at a cost of six or seven thousand dollars, every dollar of which has 
been paid.”  A priest so loved, wherever he is sent, as Fr. Gormley, must 
possess unusual qualities of mind and heart.  We of St. Aloysius congregation of 
Littlestown fully appreciate his work as our first secular pastor-we being for 
more than a century previously served by the Jesuits-and with gratitude remember 
his good work among us.  If it should ever happen that Fr. Gormley be called to 
a new field of labor, we trust his path will lead towards our homes where we can 
welcome him in all the fulness of our hearts as our companion and friend, who 
will share our joys and pleasures; as our father and guide, to whom we can go 
with our sorrows and troubles, knowing that his great heart will beat in 
sympathy with us, and that his own bright smile will make brighter our pathway 
through life.

Rev. Thomas Joseph Crotty was born in West Hempfield Township, near Henry Clay 
Furnace, Lancaster county, Penn’a, October 31st, 1858.  He attended the public 
schools until he was thirteen years of age, when he became a pupil of St. 
Peter’s Parochial High school of Columbia, Pa., remaining there three years.  At 
the age of sixteen years he entered St. Charles’ College, Howard county, Md., 
where he stayed until June, 1878, when he went to St. Vincent’s Monastery, 
Westmoreland Co., Penn’a, where he studied four years.  In October, 1883, he was 
transferred to the Seminary at Sylvan Heights, Harrisburg, Pa., he and Francis 
Seubert being the two first students of that new Seminary.  In a few months they 
were joined there by William J. Burke, Jerome Klonowski, Francis Broeckle, all 
of whom became priests, and by Edw. Dwyer.  He was ordained June 22d, 1884, by 
Bishop Jeremiah J. Shannahan, being the first student ordained from Sylvan 
Heights, and his the first ordination that took place in the Harrisburg 
Cathedral, which was solemnized by a Pontifical Mass.  He said his first Mass 
June 29th, 1884, at St. Peter’s Church, Columbia.  As assistant to Fr. Mark 
O’Neil, pastor of St. Mary’s Help of Christians, Lykens, Penn’a, he remained 
there until March, 1885.  He was appointed pastor of St. Aloysius Church, 
Littlestown, Pa., and entered upon his pastorate March 9th, 1885.

For a century the Catholics of Littlestown had been under the charge of the 
Jesuits of Conowago.  It was not an easy task for a young priest to follow the 
pious and learned Jesuits as pastor of souls.  Father Crotty surpassed all 
expectations, and by his true piety and constant study soon gave evidence of his 
fitness to follow his learned predecessors.  He has reached the hearts of his 
parishioners and won their confidence, their love, and their gratitude.  No 
priest is more highly esteemed, and in no congregation are priest and people 
more closely united in amicable relations that Fr. Crotty and his faithful flock 
at Littlestown.  In 1887 he erected one of the finest houses in the county, 
which he occupies as the parochial dwelling.  This was handsomely furnished and, 
to the credit of pastor and people, there is no debt.  He has just completed a 
magnificent church which will stand for years as a memorial of the energy of the 
pastor and the generosity of his people, and as proof of their love for God and 
Religion.

Fr. Crotty’s congregation consists of about four hundred souls.  Like a true 
shepherd he watches with fatherly solicitude over those intrusted to his care.  
He has done much for their good which is visible to the eyes of men, and many 
things not known to them which will bring God’s blessing upon the good priest 
and his flock.

Basil Anthony Shorb, the son of John Shorb and Mary (Beecher) Shorb, was born in 
Union township, near Littlestown, Pa., October 16th, 1810.  He was educated at 
Mt. St. Mary’s College and Seminary, Emmittsburg, Md.  Bishop John B. Purcell 
ordained him to the Priest-hood, Dec., 1834, at Cincinnati, Ohio.  He remained 
in that State until 1842.  In 1840 he was in charge of the congregations at 
Canal, Fulton, and Chippeway, Ohio.  In 1846 we find him at St. Peter’s, 
Columbia - 1849 as pastor of Chapel, Bradford Co., and St. Bonaventura’s, 
Susquehanna Co., Pa.  In 1850 he was at St. Basil’s Sullivan Co., and 
Wilkesbarre Chapel, Penn’a.  He was also at St. Mary’s in York, and we find him 
also at Chambersburg, Reading, Milton, and Towanda.

“In October 1854 the Rev. Basil Shorb became resident pastor (Summit Hill, 
Carbon Co., Pa.), and built a pastoral residence, so called.  Its architecture 
was in strict accordance with the church, and would never have been attributed 
to Michael Angelo.  Rev. Mr. Shorb found some old pecuniary claims against the 
church from the time of Father Hannigan, but as these were not considered 
strictly canonical, he defeated the claimants in courts.  In August 1858, having 
release the church by successful litigation, Father Shorb returned as pastor to 
his native place in Adams county.”  U. S. Hist. Mag., Vol. 1. p. 388.

He was pastor of St. Francis Xavier’s, Gettysburg, from Nov. 15th, 1858, until 
Feb. 24th, 1860.  He was also in charge of St. Ignatius, in the Mountain, and 
the Immaculate Conception, Fairfield, from 1858 to Feb. 24th, 1860 - they with 
Gettysburg forming one charge.  On the 2d day of Nov. 1859, Alexander C. Shorb -
the father of Miss Sarah Shorb, Fr. Crotty’s housekeeper, and of Miss Emma, the 
assistant school-teacher - with his wife Mary gave the lot of ground in 
Bonneauville on which Fr. Basil Shorb built St. Joseph’s Church, mainly by his 
own means, and those of his relations.  The corner stone was laid August 1st, 
1859.  Fr. Shorb became the pastor and continued so until his death, April 4th, 
1871.  He is buried in the cemetery attached to the church which his liberality 
erected.  He was a very devout and charitable priest, and we trust is enjoying 
the reward of his faithful service.

Father Florence J. Sullivan was born “between Littlestown, Penn’a and Taneytown, 
Md.  *   *  He was brought up in Adams county, Penn’a, near Conowago.  Fr. Lewis 
De Barth baptized him at Littlestown in 1823.  He was at the Novitiate 
Frederick, a short time, and went to California in 1849, where he was ordained 
and has been ever since.  He is at Santa Clara College, California.  His mother 
died at Conowago in 1878, aged 84.  Father Sullivan is a devoted priest, and 
quite a scholar.  He translated the Stabat Mater, some hymns, psalms, and 
prayers for the dead.  He has published a beautiful treatise on the life and 
virtues of St. Ignatius.  He is a Jesuit.  His sister, Madam Bowles, joined the 
Ladies of The Sacred Heart after her husbands’ death, about 1840.  He has 
another sister in the same Order at Detroit, who was born in Adams county about 
1825.”  (Reiley’s Conowago.)

Rev. James Duncan was born in York, York county, Penn’a, about 1833.  When a boy 
of about ten years, he was, through the influence of the McAleers and that of 
Frs. Shorb and Dietz, taken into the family of John Shorb, Esq., of Adams 
county.  Mr. Shorb was a very kind man and cared for young Duncan with the 
affection of a father.  After the death of this estimable gentleman, Mr. Duncan 
became in turn a member of the family of Pius P. Fink and Samuel J. Shorb.  It 
was through the care of these gentlemen that this poor boy grew to manhood, and 
received the instruction which afterwards became the foundation of his clerical 
studies.  After he had arrived at the age of maturity he left the State of his 
birth and entered the Confederate Army.  We next find him as a student at St. 
Charles’ College, in Maryland, and after a short course at St. Mary’s Seminary, 
Baltimore, Md., he was ordained a priest by Bishop Gibbons, now Cardinal, and 
sent to the South.  This was about 1871.  He remained there for some years; and 
afterwards was appointed chaplain at St. Agnes’ Hospital in Baltimore.  In 1885 
his mind began to fail, and through the liberality of his home friends, he was 
cared for at Mount Hope, near Baltimore, where he died that year, and is buried.

Fr. Duncan was the son of a Protestant father and a Catholic mother.  He was a 
member of the Littlestown Catholic Church, and much of his life was passed in 
that parish.  He was a very meek and pious priest, doing his duty the best he 
knew how.

The baptismal record contains the names of J. B. Catani, 1849, Michael Haering, 
1853, Al. Zanalit, 1854, Ernest Reiter and P. J. Creighton, 1856-7, George 
Haller, 1859, Thomas M. Sheerin, 1873, Alexius L. Jamison, 1886, D. F. Haugh, 
1878, J. B. Emig, 1879 and J. A. Doonan, 1879.  These were all Jesuits.

Littlestown has been fortunate in the attendance of learned and eloquent priests 
- as pastors and occasional visitors.  Of the secular clergy there is one who 
for many years has been a frequent and welcome quest, and without mention of 
whom this history would be incomplete.  My memory pictures him as the one who 
gathered the children about him, at the Fair held in the school-house in 1867, 
and then with a twinkle in his eye cast up handfuls of candy to see them 
struggle for it.  All who knew him then still remember kind, generous Fr. Boll.  
And as time has dealt lightly with him, only bringing weight and honors - his 
heart has grown as large as his body, and his clerical dignity has only added to 
his affection for Littlestown.  Old and young alike know him well, and extend to 
him a cordial greeting.  As Rural Dean he has given us his watchful care.  His 
interest in the building of the new church has been intense.  As the 
representative of the Rt. Rev. Bishop it was his pleasant duty to bless the bell 
of the new church.  The beautiful memorial window which he presented stands as 
proof of his liberality and affection towards the people of Littlestown.  That 
God may bless him with health and a long life should be our wish in return for 
what he has done for us.  We trust for many years to come, the Very Reverend 
Joseph A. Boll of Gettysburg will continue to be, as in the past, our constant 
and welcome visitor.  

No apology is needed for introducing into this history the name of Joanna Rider.  
She was born in Mountpleasant township, Adams county, Pa., on Christmas day, 
1843; and was baptized at Conowago Chapel, Dec. 27th, 1843, by Rev. Father 
Joseph Roger Dietz, S. J.  Her god-mother was Eva Fisher.  She was a daughter of 
John Rider, a farmer, and of Caroline (McSherry) Rider, a lineal descendant of 
Patrick McSherry, the first.  Miss Joanna attended the common schools of the 
neighborhood in which she lived, and the catechism class attached to the 
Littlestown church to which she and her parents belonged, and where she was 
confirmed, and made her First Communion under Father Michael Dougherty, S. J.  
She enjoyed the usual advantages of other young persons of her age and social 
position.  Her parents were humble but respectable people and she shared with 
them their lot in life.  Her mother died Jan. 25th, 1851, aged 31 years.  About 
eleven years of her life were spent by Miss Rider in the family of her sister, 
Mrs. Charles E. Hemler, and during this period she attended St. Joseph’s Church 
at Bonneauville.  Afterwards she became a member of the family of her aunt 
Elizabeth, the wife of her uncle, William Rider.  She assisted them in the 
household duties, and after the death of her aunt she became the head of her 
uncle’s household.  On his death, May 4th, 1887, she was made his residuary 
legatee of about forty thousand dollars.

Her uncle’s confidence was not misplaced.  From the time she had the benefit of 
his bounty, his niece devoted much of her wealth to charitable purposes.  It is 
no longer a secret that she has given over $10,000 towards building the new 
church of St. Aloysius which has just been completed through her generosity.  
Her heart is easily touched by the appeal of the poor and distressed, and she is 
known far and wide as a liberal contributor to benevolent objects.  She lives in 
a modest house in the borough of Littlestown and seldom appears upon the streets 
unless upon some errand of charity or religion.  In her manner she is very 
unassuming, and only values her money by the amount of good that it will 
purchase for others, and the greater love it will acquire for Religion and God.  
She is small in stature, but her greatness consists in her charity and good 
deeds.



MEMORIALS AND OBITUARIES.

Patrick McSherry was born in Ireland in 1725.  He married Catharine Gartland, of 
Armagh.  They emigrated to America about 1760.  Patrick became a large land 
owner.  In 1763 he bought the land on which McSherrystown, which he laid out 
that year, is now built.  He was then living in Mountpleasant township.  In a 
deed given in 1765 he calls himself a farmer.  He owned lots Nos. 15, 16 and 17 
on King street, Petersburg, (Littlestown) in 1765, the year it was laid out.  It 
would seem that he was a man of some importance, and certainly was a trusted 
patriot in the cause of Independence, for he was a member of “The Committee of 
Safety” for York county, appointed Nov. 3d, 1774.  He was one of the trustees to 
whom the property was conveyed in 1791 on which the first Catholic Church of 
Littlestown was located.  He was a merchant there in later years.  He was the 
father of Edward, Mary, John, Patrick, Barnabas, Catharine, Hugh, Val, Else, 
Joseph, James and Sarah.

He died July 13th, 1795, and was buried at Conowago.  His remains were 
afterwards removed to Littlestown and interred beside those of his wife.  He was 
70 years of age.  His wife Catharine died Nov. 7th, 1813, and is buried at 
Littlestown.

Some friendly hand penned the following obituary which appeared in the 
Gettysburg Centinel:  “Departed this life on the 7th inst. (1813) in the 
seventy-third year of her age, Mrs. McSherry of Petersburg, Adams county - 
mother of our present worthy representative in the State Legislature.  She was a 
lady of exemplary Christian and moral virtues.  May the souls of the faithful 
rest in peace, amen.”

“Died in Littlestown on Saturday evening the 15th inst, in the 55th year of his 
age Dr. Ephraim Davis, an able and skillful physician for many years.  He lived 
respected and died lamented, leaving a disconsolate widow and a family of 
children to bewail their irreparable loss.  He died with Christian peace and 
tranquility of mind, with resignation to the will of his Heavenly Father and 
trusting entirely to the mercy of a crucified Saviour for salvation and 
acceptance with God.  His remains were interred in the Catholic burying ground, 
attended by a large assembly of friends and acquaintances who tenderly 
sympathized with the weeping relatives and gave every testimony in their power 
of their respect for his character.” – Communication in Gettysburg Compiler, 
Oct. 25th, 1831.

He was the father of Mrs. Catharine Grover, Mrs. Louisa J. Shorb, and sister Ann 
Alexius and Annie E. Donahue (wife of Patrick-editor of Pilot).  He was trustee 
of the church as early as 1818, and continued so until his death.
                             ____________________

John Shorb was born Feb. 7th, 1814.  He was the son of Anthony Shorb, who 
married Miss O’Bold.  He was a farmer, and married Miss Mary Beecher.  They were 
the parents of Basil A., (the priest) Joseph L., Alexander C., Samuel J., 
Edward, Matilda M., (who married Pius P. Fink) Sallie and Joanna.  He was 
Justice of the Peace for many years.  In 1823 he was elected as County 
Commissioner.  After the death of his wife, Mary, he married Mrs. Susan 
Stonesifer and they had one son, James E., a prominent business man of St. 
Louis.

His wife Mary died Feb. 15, 1835; both she and her husband are buried at 
Littlestown.  Mr. Shorb was a very honest and kind man.  He was for many years a 
trustee of the Church.  He died Feb. 5, 1847.  His children all became useful 
members of society and prominent in their respective callings.
                             ____________________

“When a good man dies, the sorrow of those who mourn his loss is sweetened and 
consoled by the hope that he has passed from the trials and tribulations of this 
world to the enjoyment of eternal peace and joy in the next.  If a whole life, 
reaching beyond three score years and ten, spent in the devout practice of the 
duties of his religion; if a charity as broad as the sorrows and sufferings of 
his neighbors; if a purity of heart as stainless as that of a child; if 
prudence, if humility, if justice to all, can give evidence of a heart 
worshiping God in trust and sincerity, and of final perseverance to the end, 
then is the soul of the deceased with god.  Such, in one word, was the character 
of James M’Sherry.  All who knew him loved and respected him; this love and this 
respect he won for himself by his blameless life, his kindness of heart, his 
forgiving disposition, his noble frankness, and his sterling honesty.  Whatever 
part in life was confided to him, he made it a solemn duty to perform diligently 
and well.  He had the almost unbounded confidence of his fellow citizens.  It 
was not won by eloquence, for he was no orator; it was not won by the arts of 
popularity - he used none but his good deeds.  It was the willing tribute of 
those who knew him, to his innate worth.

“He was born on the 29th of July, 1776, in the neighborhood where he lived and 
died.  At the age of 31, he was elected to the Legislature of the State by the 
people of Adams county, and his business habits and the confidence of the people 
secured his re-election six times in succession, until the year 1813 when he was 
chosen by the people of York and Adams counties to represent them in the Senate 
of the State.  The result of his election proved that the esteem of his fellow 
citizens rose above party, in the warmest party times.  Mr. M’Sherry was a 
Federalist.  York county had then recently given a Democratic majority of nearly 
1,800 for Gov. Snyder, while the usual Federal majority of Adams county was 
seldom over eight or ten hundred:  yet such was his popularity in the upper part 
of York county and in the Borough of York, as well as in Adams, that he overcame 
the immense disparity, and was returned to the Senate.  He remained in the 
Senate four years until 1817.  Whilst a member of the Senate and free from 
militia duty, when Baltimore was menaced by a foreign foe, he volunteered as a 
private in the Rev. Mr. M’Clean’s Company of Horse, which was raised in 
Gettysburg, and remained with the troop in service until he was discharged.

“After ten years of uninterrupted application to the duties of a Senator and 
Legislator, he retired to enjoy the happiness of a domestic life, having married 
in June 1816.  In 1821 he was elected to Congress from the district composed of 
the counties of Adams, Franklin, Cumberland and Perry, which he faithfully 
represented until the year 1823.  In 1824, he was again returned to the State 
Legislature as a delegate from Adams county, where he served for six successive 
years.  He was again elected to that office in 1834-5 and 1835-6.  As the last 
and crowning proof of the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens, he was 
chosen, with Thaddeus Stevens, Esq., to represent Adams county in the convention 
which met and sat in Harrisburg and afterwards in Philadelphia, in the year 
1837-38, to reform the Constitution of the State.  Upon the adjournment of this 
body, he determined to retire from public life, conscious that he had fulfilled 
the part of an upright man and good citizen, and no solicitations could 
afterwards induce him to accept any nomination.  He spent the last years of his 
life in a constant preparation to meet his God, as his preceding years had been 
passed in the endeavor to fulfil His commands.  He withdrew from all business to 
look into his own heart and purify it for the awful change from life to death, 
which he felt must soon await him.  When that hour came, perhaps it had few 
terrors for him; at least it had its consolations.  How comforting, then, was it 
not for him to look back over a long life spent in doing good to those around 
him, in succoring the distressed, in comforting the afflicted, in performing 
faithfully the duties of his station as legislator, citizen, husband, father, 
friend, and, most of all, as a Christian?  On Friday, the 26th of January, he 
was attacked by asthma; and on Saturday, the 3d of February, at a few minutes 
before eight o’clock, P. M., having received the last consolations of his 
religion, he passed gently to repose, without pain and without a struggle, 
having conferred his blessing upon his children and grand-children and 
bequeathed to them the richest legacy on earth, a name untarnished and the 
unblemished character of three and seventy years of life well spent.  May he 
rest in peace.”

The above was published as a communication in the Gettysburg Centinel, Feb 1843.  
His funeral services were conducted by clergymen from Conowago and Mt. St. 
Mary’s College.         

On the day of his funeral all places of business were closed at his late home, 
and his neighbors and friends all came to pay their last tribute of love and 
respect to him whom they loved in life and kindly remembered in death.  His 
memory still lives and his good deeds are not forgotten.

Joseph A. Shorb, M. D., was born in York county, Penn’a.  He was a son of 
Anthony Shorb.  He married Miss Louisa J. Davis.  They were the parents of 
fourteen children, among whom were Mrs. Maria L. Kinzer, Dr. Ed. F. Shorb of 
Washington, and J. Augustus Shorb of Hagerstown.  The last two are the only 
living children.

Dr. Shorb was for many years a trustee of the Littlestown Church; and took an 
active part in the building of the church of 1841.  He was a distinguished and 
successful physician and practiced his profession in Littlestown for over 
thirty-five years.  He died September 25, 1855, aged 62 years 6 months 6 days, 
and was buried at Littlestown in his vault; which was the first erected there.
                             ____________________

“On the 2d instant Dr. S. G. Kinzer, of Littlestown, died aged 26 years 4 months 
and 26 days.  His loss will be deeply felt by his many warmly attached friends.

              Too soon has the day of his destiny passed,
              But we’ll dream of its brilliancy on to the last;
              And tho’ the young sun of his talents be set,
              Its rays seem to linger and shine ‘round us yet.

Communication in Compiler, May 11th, 1863, signed J. H., Emmittsburg.
                             ____________________

“Died at her residence, in Littlestown, on Sunday morning, Jan. 23d, 1870, Mrs. 
Maria L. Kinzer, widow of the late Dr. Samuel G. Kinzer, and daughter of Dr. 
Joseph A. Shorb, deceased.  When the death of this amiable lady was announced to 
one of here friends, his exclamation was, “who will supply Mrs. Kinzer’s place?”  
How true!  Who will supply her place in her devoted love and fondness for her 
dear orphan boy?  Who will supply her place in her almost motherly care and 
affection for her beloved brothers?  Who will supply her place when friends and 
acquaintances look for that sweet, pleasant smile which was ever ready to 
welcome their approach?  Who will supply her place in her kind words to the 
suffering, and in her generous charity to the poor?  And Oh!  Who will supply 
her place in the pious zeal with which she at all times labored to adorn the 
house of the Lord and the altar whereon his glory dwelleth?

“She will be sadly missed indeed!  But may we not hope that God will bless the 
many lessons of virtue and religion instilled by her into the youthful heart of 
her boy, and that the sacred fidelity with which she always discharged her 
religious duties will be doubly rewarded both in herself and others by the good 
example she has left them?  Mrs. Kinzer was distinguished for her genuine 
sincerity, for her kind and generous disposition; these gained for her the 
esteem of all who knew her, remarkably manifested by the crowds of sympathizing 
friends who came to take a last fond look on her whom they so tenderly loved 
when living, and with tearful eyes and sorrowing hearts joined in paying the 
last tribute of respect to her memory.

“Friend of many years, farewell!  Though gone from us, the recollections of your 
many virtues, of your many acts of kind charity and love will ever remain with 
us a sweet memento of the past!

“Fond mother, dear sister, sincere friend, farewell!”  - Communication in 
Compiler, Jan. 1870. 

Dr. John Shorb Kinzer of Littlestown, died of physical prostration on Friday, 
the 8th instant, aged 26 years 7 months and 26 days.  He was the son of Dr. 
Samuel G. Kinzer and Maria Shorb; received a thorough education at Mt. St. 
Mary’s College, graduating with the highest honors of his class in 1881, (June 
26th, 1878.)  Three years later (March 3d, 1881) he obtained his diploma in 
medicine from the University of Maryland.  He subsequently commenced practice in 
Littlestown and continued until his death, having his home from early youth in 
the family of Hon. William McSherry, his guardian.  The remains were interred in 
the new Catholic Cemetery of Littlestown yesterday, the attendance being very 
large.  His loss by death is the first among the membership of the Alpha Fire 
Company.  Dr. Kinzer was a bright, genial and kind-hearted gentleman and will 
long be remembered for his generous acts.” – Compiler July 12, 1887.
                             ____________________

We are pained to announce the death of Joseph Fink, Esq., which occurred 
somewhat suddenly at his residence at Littlestown, on Wednesday morning last.  
Mr. Fink was a leading citizen of the county, few enjoying a larger measure of 
general respect.  He occupied a seat in the Board of County Commissioners about 
twenty years ago, and filled the office in a most acceptable manner.  Living 
respected, he died lamented.  May he rest in peace. – Compiler, Nov. 5, 1866.

He was the son of Henry Fink and Magdalena Henry.  He was a farmer.  He married 
Esther Parr and they were the parents of Pius P., Joseph, Sylvester, Henry and 
Margaret L., (wife of James G. Spalding).  He was a Justice of the Peace for 
many years; County Auditor in 1833, and County Commissioner in 1845.  He died 
Oct. 31, 1866, aged 71 years.

“Died on the 26th of February last, at Ash Grove, Adams county, Penn’a, Henry 
Spalding, Esq., in the 78th year of his age.

“When one is taken from our midst who during a long life has been an example, to 
those who knew him, of every virtue which should adorn the Christian, it is fit 
and proper that some tribute should be paid to his memory.  Henry Spalding was 
born in Frederick county, Md., on the 2d day of September, 1789, and resided in 
Adams county, Pa., for nearly forty years.  During that long period by his kind 
and gentle manners, by his noble and generous disposition, by his unostentatious 
charities to the poor, by his heart-felt sympathy and aid ever freely given 
wherever there was difficulty or distress, he gained for himself the love and 
affection of all who knew him.

“Though for the past few years infirmities of years and failing healthy rapidly 
weakened his strength, yet no one approached him without meeting from him a kind 
and cheerful smile of welcome.  His words were truth, and the man has not lived 
who guarded more sacredly the trust committed to his charge than did Henry 
Spalding.  As a man, he was upright and honest; as a father of loving children, 
kind and affectionate, and he carried with him to the grave a character of which 
they may well be proud.  But in the hour of trial and grief, their comfort and 
consolation is that during his long life he was exact and conscientious, even to 
the moment of his death in the faithful discharge of those duties and 
obligations imposed upon him by that church of which he was such an edifying 
member.  “Well done thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of 
the Lord.”  May he rest in peace. – Communication in Compiler, March 18th, 1867.

For many years he was a director in the Bank of Gettysburg, and the 
Superintendent of the Gettysburg and Petersburg Turnpike.  He was a good scholar 
and wrote several stories for the local papers.  He was an incorporator of the 
church in 1850, and a trustee for many years before and after that date.
                             ____________________   

“To the memory of Mrs. Eliza T. McSherry, wife of William McSherry, Esq., of 
Littlestown, Pa., and daughter of our venerated fellow citizen, Dr. McSherry of 
Martinsburg.  The recent death of this excellent lady who departed this life, on 
the 25th day of March, at her residence near Littlestown, has carried sorrow to 
the hearts of many of our citizens who knew her in her youthful days, who have 
always rejoiced to welcome her, in her visits to her native place.  She was best 
known to those who could remember her fine acquirements as a scholar and who had 
the opportunities of tracing her up through life as wife, mother, daughter and 
friend.  She was modest, retiring, while dignified and quiet in her manners and 
deportment.  Her ‘voice was not heard in the streets,’ her presence not found in 
the scenes of gaiety and dissipation, but she was a fair and faithful example of 
the wise matron so beautifully portrayed in the last chapter of the book of 
Proverbs.  ‘She opened her mouth with wisdom and in her tongue was the law of 
kindness.’  She had left nine children, - ‘They rise up and call her blessed, ’-
‘her husband also, and he praiseth her.’

“She died as she lived - calm, self-poised, resting upon her God and Saviour, 
and desiring, when she inquired and was told she would probably die, that 
nothing of worldly care or concern should interfere with her holy meditations 
and last devotions.  She was a consistent member of the church of her fathers – 
The Roman Catholic Church – and died in that Communion.

“One of her neighbors once told a relative of hers (whom he did not know to be 
related to her):  ‘Mrs. McSherry! Ah, yes, she always makes peace wherever she 
goes’ – and now in a higher sense, may she rest in peace, Amen!” – From the 
Martinsburg New Era, April 2d, 1868.

Mrs. McSherry did not need the aid of her distinguished ancestry to win for 
herself the admiration and love of those who knew her.  Her intelligence, 
beauty, refinement, and kindness of heart indicated superior origin.  She was of 
a family distinguished for service to church and state.  On her father’s side 
she was a descendant of Samuel Lilly, the first, who came from Bristol, England, 
and settled in Conowago, Penn’a, in 1730; her mother’s ancestry goes back to the 
days of Charles Calvert, Lord Baltimore, to whom they were related.  She was the 
daughter of Richard McSherry, the second, a distinguished physician, of 
Martinsburg, Virginia, and Ann Catharine King, a daughter of George King, a 
prominent merchant, of Georgetown, D. C.  She was born in Martinsburg, Jan. 5th, 
1827.  Her mother died when her daughter was about ten years old.  She was 
educated at the Academy of the Visitation, Georgetown, D. C., where she 
graduated.  On Tuesday, October 15th, 1844, she was married to Wm. McSherry, 
(not a relative), a young lawyer, of Adams county, Pa.  He was then twenty-
three, and she was not yet eighteen years of age.  If any marriage was ever 
happy and perfect, this one was.  Both parties were young, well educated, and of 
high social standing.  The young wife, yet blushing from her graduating honors, 
was beautiful in her bridal array.  Her every movement, full of grace, added 
charm to her rounded form.  Intelligence and affection beamed from her dark 
eyes; and her black hair gracefully encircled her fair brow, while the blush of 
health added beauty to her dimpled cheeks.  Her many charms, with her youth and 
beauty, at once gained for her many friends in her new Pennsylvania home.  Her 
practical charity, so quietly bestowed, soon won for her the friendship of the 
poor and needy.  For nearly a quarter of a century no domestic trial had come to 
mar the pleasure of those two who had started out together to share the joys and 
sorrows of life.  She, who had come to the happy home with the flowers of May 
but three short years ago, was with the roses of June to fade and die.  Lilly 
was the youngest child and yet the first to be called away.  She joined the 
Angels, June 18th, 1866.  The mother’s grief was too deep for human consolation; 
but mother and child were not long to be separated.  Death too soon called again 
to break up the once happy home.  Amid the snows of March, 1868, the 25th, - the 
anniversary of Gabriel’s salutation to the Virgin Mary, “blessed art thou among 
women,” – the angel child welcomed its sainted mother to everlasting happiness.
                             ____________________

“Died on Saturday the 20th inst. at the residence of his son-in-law, in Mount 
Pleasant township, Adams county, Mr. Jacob Baumgardner, aged 82 years, 5 months 
and 20 days.  We sorrowfully mourn the death of a kind and affectionate father,   
*   *   A midnight pall has cast a shadow over our hearts, which cannot be 
dispelled; but we must say farewell, and leave him rest where the pale moonbeams 
are shining gently over his much loved grave where our dear father is sleeping – 
in the time-honored grave-yard in Littlestown where our other dear relatives and 
friends now rest in peace.” – B. F. Hagarman, in Compiler, March 26th, 1869.
                             ____________________

“Rev. F. X. Deneckere, S. J., died at Littlestown, where he had gone in 
discharge of his ministerial duties, on Wednesday the 8th inst., at 5 o’clock, 
P. M.  The deceased was born in Belgium, Feb. 3d, 1810, came to this country 
nearly forty years ago, and in 1848 was sent to Conowago Church where he resided 
almost uninterruptedly ever since.  His duties as missionary priest called him 
to nearly every portion of this county where in he was widely known and 
universally respected.  Father Deneckere was gifted with talents of a very high 
order trained and cultivated by life-long study; as a pulpit orator he had few 
equals, and withal he was thoroughly and sincerely devoted to the work to which 
his life was given up.  His remains were interred at Conowago Church on Friday 
morning the 11th inst., in the presence of a large concourse of people assembled 
to pay the last tribute of respect and affection to the memory of him who had 
labored for them without ceasing throughout so many silent years; whose labor 
for them, indeed, only ended with his life.” – Compiler, Jan. 16th, 1879.

“Death of Father Deneckere.  Epiphany, 1879, Rev. F. X. Deneckere sick at 
Littlestown; Father Enders went up to see him.  Saturday, Jan. 4th, 1879, was a 
piercing cold day – raining, blowing and freezing.  Father Enders Superior did 
not want Father Deneckere to go, but he drove to Littlestown, and was nearly 
frozen when he got there.  He lost his way or was confused and benumbed by the 
icy rain and cold; and stopping to ask the road, would not allow those who 
directed him to go along and drive, saying it was too cold for them to be out.  
He would not remain with any of his congregation at Littlestown, but went to the 
church where he had his sleeping apartment in one of the sacristies.  There he 
was found sick and was properly cared for.  Father Enders arrived the next day 
and administered the Sacraments.  He died Wednesday, Jan. 8th, 1879.  His 
remains were put in a neat coffin and placed before the altar.  Thursday 
afternoon he was taken to Conowago, and interred in a vault under the altar 
Friday morning at 9 o’clock during High Mass of Requiem.  Father Casey said the 
Mass and Father Enders made a few remarks.   * * *  He would fulfil the dying 
request of the late beloved Father, namely to beg for him of the congregation 
and all with whom he came in contact during his life, pardon for any offence he 
may have given them, and to ask all to pray for him.

“Father Deneckere was a devoted teacher, and though advised by his superior to 
give up his school on account of his increasing age and infirmities, he would 
not, but gave lessons yet to one poor boy even up to his death.  He loved his 
school next to his sacred calling, saying that if he gained one addition to the 
priesthood, all his labors would be fully repaid.

“Eternal rest give unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him!  
May he rest in peace.  Rev. F. X. Deneckere was a student all his life, and 
while he taught his boys at Conowago, he himself took lessons in German from 
Father Enders, to perfect himself more in that language.  Besides French, his 
mother-tongue, he spoke English and Latin as well, and was a good Greek scholar. 
– Reily’s Conowago, p. 175.
                             ____________________

Among the oldest families of the Littlestown congregation is that of Rider.  
Paul Rider was a trustee of the church as early as 1819.  He had been preceded 
by Jacob Rider, who was the father of William the subject of this sketch.

William Rider was born in Adams county, Pa., Jan. 20, 1814.  He was a farmer, 
and in early life married to Elizabeth Weirick.  Their only child, Sylvester, 
died in early manhood.  Mr. Rider was an industrious man and a careful manager.  
He was for twenty years a director in the Littlestown Savings Institution, 
having been one of its founders in 1867.  He was also a director of the 
Littlestown Railroad Company.  For many years he was a trustee of the Catholic 
Church at Littlestown, and held that position at the time of his death, May 4, 
1887.  His funeral services were conducted by the pastor, Rev. T. J. Crotty 
assisted by Rev. J. J. Gormley, and he was buried in the Catholic Cemetery at 
Littlestown.  He was quite well off, and left the bulk of his estate to his 
niece, Miss Joanna Rider, who is devoting much of it to charitable purposes.
                             ____________________

Death of Mrs. Louisa Long.  None who knew Louisa McSherry as she grew from 
childhood to womanhood can forget the beauty of her face and the gentleness of 
her manner.  No wonder that the young plasterer, Andrew Long, sought her in 
marriage as the choice of his heart.  To the young seamstress the world appeared 
bright as she started out in the battle of life with her young husband, and so 
for years it was.  But time brought sorrows and trials.  One by one her loved 
children were called away and laid to rest in the humble Catholic burying 
ground.  The mother’s heart was almost broken, and yet she did not murmur at her 
loss, for she knew their pure souls were with God offering up their prayers that 
she might some day join them.  This was her wish and so she went through life 
doing her duty well, and, thus while mourning for the dead, she never forgot to 
care for those who were left to her.  She was ever faithful to her religion and 
observed its precepts unto the end.  Like her husband she had come from old and 
respectable stock.  She was the daughter of Andrew McSherry and Eve Norbeck, his 
wife.  She married Andrew Long in 1844; and although he was not of her faith, 
she had all her children baptized in the Catholic Church, and those who are dead 
now lie by her side in the Catholic Cemetery where she is buried, having died 
May 6, 1891, aged 75 years.  May she rest in peace.  She was never possessed of 
much worldly wealth and yet she left to her children a legacy of untold worth – 
a life well spent, an example of patience in trials, confidence in God, fidelity 
to duty, which, if followed by them, will again unite father and mother and 
children in Heaven.
                             ____________________

“Died on Wednesday, Feb. 10th, 1892 of pneumonia, Mrs. Matilda Starr, beloved 
wife of A. P. Starr, and mother of Mary Alverta Barker, Sarah Virginia Starr, 
and Wm. F. Starr.  She had been sick but a few days, and relatives and friends 
were indulging the fond hope that she would soon be well.  God willed otherwise.  
Hope of returning health faded from the hearts of dear ones as they sorrowfully 
watched the progress of the fever weakening the delicate frame.  In the early 
hours of Wednesday morning, noiselessly, hovering over the prostrate body, 
lately anointed by the sacred rites of God’s Holy Church, came the angel of 
death, whispering to the soul, fortified by the reception of Holy Communion, 
‘Come, Christian soul, to the reward promised to those who love and serve God.’  
Surrounded by the members of the family, she expired without a struggle.  ‘Her 
guardian angel came, he struck God’s lightning from her eyes, and bore him back 
the flame.’  Mrs. Starr was loved by all, like all true Christian mothers, at 
home is where she was loved the best, and where her character shone the 
brightest.  She was the household adored, and loved one; here is where she will 
be most missed, and here is where her memory will last longest, to be an 
inspiration to virtue for her husband and children; especially that of self-
sacrifice.  In the name of her friends we tender our heartfelt condolence to her 
bereaved husband, her much grieved children, her sorrowing relatives, and join 
the prayer that the soul of their beloved parent and sister may meet forever in 
the peace of the Beloved.  Her age was almost seventy years.  The funeral took 
place from St. Aloysius Church, Friday morning at 9 o’clock.  Interment at St. 
Aloysius cemetery, near town.” – Communication in the Adams County Independent, 
Feb. 13th, 1892.
                             ____________________
“In remembrance of Joseph L. Shorb, Esq., who died at his residence in 
Littlestown on Sunday morning at 9 o’clock, May 22nd, after a very long illness, 
borne with Christian resignation, aged 80 years, 2 months and 3 days.

“When death takes from a community a person whose entire life, of more than four 
score years, has been passed in the centre of the community, and who has been a 
prominent character thereof, from the days of youth to a ripe old age, loved, 
honored and respected by all who have known him, it is but just and proper that 
some slight tribute should be paid to his memory.  Any words of praise, any 
eulogy upon the virtues and good qualities of the deceased can be of no avail to 
him now, as he rests in his cold, silent grave; but the recollection of the 
rectitude of purpose which governed and directed all his actions, of his high 
and honorable sense of right and wrong, and of his earnest maintenance of 
correct principles, which gained for him the respect and love of admiring 
friends, may and should induce those who survive him to follow his example.  In 
the discharge of all his duties, whether they related to the church of which he 
was a most exemplary member, whether in the discharge of duties of public office 
entrusted to him by his fellow citizens, or in the fulfillment of the various 
duties of life, which brought him in contact with all classes of society, he was 
strictly precise and honest in every particular.  An enemy to deception and 
fraud of any kind, wherever he saw an indication of it, he hesitated not to 
prevent it, if possible, with scathing rebuke; and yet he had a kind and 
sympathizing heart, for when difficulties arose between neighbors and unkind 
angry passions threatened worrying law-suits and brought them before him, in his 
official capacity, this just and honest magistrate, with kindness of heart and 
love of peace and good will which neighbors should entertain towards each other, 
appealed to their better judgments and by the reasoning of his good, sound, 
solid sense, curbed their bitter feelings towards each other, persuaded them to 
settle their difficulties and induced those who had entered his office as angry 
foes, to depart as friends.  He was kind and charitable to the poor and 
distressed, not for the purpose of show and display, but actuated by the very 
best of motives, and if the number of these acts of charity were written down 
and exhibited to the world it would doubtless cause surprise to many of his most 
intimate friends and acquaintances.

“Joseph L. Shorb was born and reared on the farm owned by his father, John 
Shorb, in Union township, Adams county, Pa., and was engaged in farming 
operations, very efficiently and successfully, for a period of more than forty 
years.  On the 14th of April, 1846, he was appointed a Justice of the Peace for 
Union township for five years, by Francis R. Shunk, one of Pennsylvania’s most 
distinguished Governors.  After the expiration of this term of office, having 
discharged the duties of his appointment with such universal satisfaction to the 
public, he was re-elected term after term, to serve them in this capacity for a 
period of forty years.

“Whenever his services could be secured he was called upon to act as executor, 
administrator, guardian or trustee for the settlement of estates, and the just 
and faithful manner in which he fulfilled all these trusts proved that these 
confidences were not misplaced.  The late learned and holy Bishop Shanahan, of 
Harrisburg, relied so much upon his sound judgment and discreet management that 
he did not hesitate to give him the entire control and supervision of a 
plantation on the Susquehanna River, above Harrisburg, which has been bequeathed 
to the church by one of the members of his Diocese.  He was oftentimes solicited 
by the political party of which he was a prominent and influential member, to 
become a candidate for a seat in the Legislature of Pennsylvania, and on several 
occasions was strongly urged to accept the nomination for Associate Judge of the 
county.  He firmly refused to accept any of these positions.  He was always 
active and zealous in the organization of all undertakings which were expected 
to result in the welfare and prosperity of the public.  He took a prominent part 
in the building of the Littlestown Railroad, and was a director of the company 
from its organization to the time of its passing into the hands of the 
Pennsylvania Railroad Company, a period of more than thirty years.  He was also 
much interested in the establishment of the Littlestown Savings Institution, and 
acted as president thereof for eighteen years, and at the time of his death was 
one of the trustees of the St. Aloysius Catholic Church.  In the discharge of 
the various duties of these positions on every occasion he display that energy 
of character and strict adherence to honorable principle, which so forcibly 
marked every act of his life.

“During his severe illness of many years, and almost up to the hour of his 
death, he took a deep interest in public affairs and displayed much anxiety for 
the welfare of his country and his fellowman.

“He was an earnest and devout Catholic; devoted to his religion and never 
ashamed or afraid to acknowledge the faith of his forefathers.  Human respect 
had no place in his heart, for the writer of this humble tribute has seen him on 
several occasions, when preparing for the night’s rest, whilst away from his 
home in company of others, some of whom were strangers to him, kneeling down by 
the side of his bed, thanking Almighty God for his mercies during the day and 
asking His protection for the night.  During his illness, as when in health, he 
regularly received the Holy Sacraments of the church and when the last hour 
came, having received the last consoling rites of his holy religion, with hopes 
resting on the mercies of his Lord, he died in peace with God and man.  During 
his long illness he was patiently nursed and soothed in his pains and sufferings 
by his loving sisters, devoted brother, and many sympathizing relatives and 
friends.

The funeral services took place on Tuesday, May 24.  Requiem Mass was sung by 
the Rev. Father Crotty, pastor of St. Aloysius Church, who had most faithfully 
attended him during his illness.

“The Right Rev. Bishop McGovern, of Harrisburg, Very Rev. Joseph A. Boll, of 
Gettysburg, Rev. Father Shanahan, of Harrisburg, Father McBride, of Bonneauville 
and Father Hooman, of St. Joseph’s Church, Hanover, were present as a mark of 
respect to their departed friend.  His remains were conveyed to and interred in 
the cemetery of St. Aloysius Catholic Church, accompanied by a large number of 
true sympathizing friends.

“The funeral discourse was preached by Bishop McGovern.  It was beautiful and 
impressive; intended rather for the living than the dead, and yet no higher 
praise and no more beautiful eulogy could be bestowed upon any one than was 
passed upon the deceased when the Bishop said, ‘In my intercourse with Joseph L. 
Shorb I always found him a saintly, upright man, who walked in the ways of God.”  
No grander or more consoling epitaph can be engraven on the tablet erected to 
the memory of Joseph L. Shorb, than those beautiful words.  May he rest in 
peace.
                    A Friend.”

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CONGREGATION.

The congregation has been, as a rule, composed of men and women in humble life.  
Most of them followed farming, and yet nearly all the trades and occupations 
have been filled by some of them.  In early days education was not as general as 
at present.  The introduction of the Catholic schools has done much to advance 
the intellectual and social standing of members of the Catholic Church.  The 
older families of the congregation by thrift have obtained for themselves many 
comforts and advantages that their fathers did not possess.  The members of St. 
Aloysius congregation are yet poor, but most of them own their own homes, and 
are industrious and contented.  What they lack in the good of this world they 
make up by their fidelity to their duties as Catholics and citizens.

Liberality towards the support of religion and devotion to their church have 
always been among their good qualities.

While this applies to nearly all, tradition and history have handed down the 
names of the following who are entitled to special mention as benefactors:  
Mathias Baker and Mary his wife, who in 1791 gave the lot of ground for the 
nominal sum of $1.22, which was afterwards sold for church purposes for $60.06; 
Mrs. Catharine McSherry, who gave among other things, her white silk wedding 
dress which was made into church vestments and used as late as 1862 – she died, 
1813.  James McSherry, Sarah Will, and Dr. Ephraim Davis, who each gave silver 
candlesticks; James McSherry, Jr., who painted and donated the altar piece – a 
large oil painting 5 x 7 feet – The Crucifixion; Samuel Baumgardner, a liberal 
donor; Henry Eckenrode, of Berwick township who bequeathed $100 in 1846; Samuel 
Weirich, who gave a legacy of $50 to the church in 1856; George W. Lawrence of 
Mt. Joy township, whose bequest under his will of 1860 of $1000 amounted to 
$565.29, was paid 1888, and Anna Mary Staub, of Littlestown, from whose estate 
$743.50 was received in 1892.

There may be many others whose gifts and names are unknown.  Besides these a 
reference to the preceding pages will show great liberality on the part of the 
past and present members who have contributed so generously towards the erection 
and maintenance of church and school.

Among the most distinguished members who are now dead were Patrick McSherry, 
James McSherry (who was an honor to his church and country) Joseph Fink, Joseph 
L. Shorb and Wm. Rider.  The congregation has produced a number of citizens 
distinguished in their walks of life.  Among those who became physicians are 
Ephraim Davis, Joseph A. Shorb, John Grover, Wm. Guinn, E. F. Shorb, Samuel G. 
Kinzer, Richard McSherry, John S. Kinzer, Basil J. Shorb, and E. K. Foreman, who 
is now the only Catholic physician in the congregation.  C. E. Eckenrode and 
John W. Hickey were dentists, the latter now at Littlestown.  The lawyers were 
James McSherry, Jr., William McSherry, and William McSherry, Jr.  Some of the 
businessmen were Joseph Fink, John A. Shorb, Bernard and Joseph Bauhaus, Wm. 
Kuhns, J. Augustus Smith, H. A. and Howard Spalding, and A. J. Smith.  The 
farming community embraces Peter Neiderer, Andrew Kuhn, Jr., Joseph H. Kuhn, Wm. 
A. Smith, Joseph A. Eckenrode, Eli Eckenrode, Levi Murrin, Pius P. Fink, George 
L. Sneeringer, Basil P. Fink, Pius Hemler, Edward Kuhn, Henry Rider, Edward A. 
Groft, James G. Spalding, John W. Hemler, Henry W. Budy, Andrew Kuhn, Pius L. 
Kuhn, Sylvester Aumen, Francis Arentz, Aloysius Marshall, John Budy, and others.  
Among the mechanics are James Cretin, John W. Eline, John F. McSherry, George W. 
Steffy, James R. McSherry, Peter Rider, James D. Spalding, Peter Gouker, Francis 
Eline, John Ulrick, John H. Eline, Edward M. Spalding and Wm. F. Eline.  Peter 
Grau is gate keeper for Gettysburg and Petersburg Turnpike Co.  Miss Magdalene 
Weaver joined the Sisters of St. Joseph, and became Superioress at McSherrystown 
in 1868, Madam Bowles (Miss Sullivan) became a Sister of the Sacred Heart, 
Sallie Ann Davis, daughter of Ephraim Davis was a sister of Charity, known as 
Sr. Mary Gregory, Harriet C. Shorb became Sister Ann Alexis, Miss Emily Fink was 
a Sister of Charity, known as Sister Emiline, Miss Tillie Martin is now Sister 
Norberta, and a Miss Ulrick is also a member of a religious order.

The Priests were Florence J. Sullivan, who was baptized by Fr. De Barth at 
Littlestown, 1823, Basil A. Shorb and James Duncan.  There are at present 
studying, with the view of becoming priests, Martin Steffy and Edward J. 
Spalding.

As is usual in country congregations, many of its members are oliged to seek new 
homes and fields of labor.  This has been so of this one.  Among its former 
members who have become distinguished in their calling in life are Sylvester and 
Joseph Fink, prominent merchants in Baltimore, John A. McSherry, Austin J. 
Kuhns, and Joseph Kuhns of the same city; James Shorb, of St. Louis, Joseph 
Kuhns (of Paul) of New York City; James McSherry, a distinguished lawyer and 
author, of Frederick, J. V. Eckenrode and Edmond F. Smith of Maryland, J. 
Augustus Shorb of Hagerstown, Dr. E. F. Shorb of Washington, Wm. And Francis 
O’Bold of the same place, Jacob Klunk, Esq., who was elected sheriff of this 
county in 1869, and died in 1885.

There was one who, in her way, for more than a half century, was a benefactor to 
many of the congregation of St. Aloysius.  This was Miss Fanny Weems who taught 
a private school, and had for her pupils the children of two generations.  She 
has long since been called to her reward.

The family which has furnished the most prominent members of those who were once 
attendants at the Littlestown Church, is that of William and Mary Shriver of the 
Union Mills, Md.

Mrs. Shriver passed her childhood in Littlestown, and has always had a warm 
affection for the town and church of her youth.  Her maiden name was Mary 
Owings, and she sprung from good old Catholic stock.  Her husband was a 
descendant of the Schrivers, who were the earliest settlers of the vicinity of 
Littlestown.  He was of a Protestant family, but became a devout and sincere 
member of the church of his wife.  Among their children their was not one who 
did not attain prominence.  Many of them were baptized at Littlestown, and they, 
too, have pleasant associations with this place.  Benjamin F. and Herbert are 
among the largest canners of fruit in the country.  The latter has also been 
highly honored in public life by his election to the Maryland Senate.  John and 
William are well known and respected, while Columbus is President of the 
Metropolitan Bank of Baltimore, and Keyser is a prominent business man of the 
same city.

Of the daughters Emma is a sister of Charity, and Mollie and Sallie are doing 
their life’s work well making all around them as happy as themselves.  

Although the dear old mother has seen more than eighty summers, she still 
presides with charming hospitality over the homestead at Union Mills, and 
receives the visitor with a sweet smile and a cordial welcome to her model 
Catholic home.

It would be a pleasure to follow each member present and past of the 
congregation in their path through life, but want of knowledge and lack of space 
forbid.

There is only one place where all will be known of the congregation of St. 
Aloysius and may God grant that we may all meet there – in Heaven.

Within eight months after the work began, skilled laborers had erected out of 
the materials furnished by a generous people, the beautiful church of St. 
Aloysius.

All admired its architecture; and while the exterior charmed the eye, the 
interior also touched the heart.  But as yet it was only a beautiful building.  
The ceremonies which would change it from an ordinary edifice into a Temple of 
the Living God were yet to be performed.  The day of dedication at last arrived.  
On Wednesday, January 25th, 1893, the morning sun painted the eastern sky with 
golden splendor.  The sweet-toned bell of St. Aloysius rang out its glad notes 
upon the frosty morning air summoning all to leave their daily labor and come to 
witness the dedication of a new church to the service of their Heavenly Father.

Soon after 10 o’clock the beautiful ceremony began.  The Right Reverend Thomas 
McGovern, Bishop of Harrisburg, clothed in his purple cassock, entered the 
church from the parsonage and passed up the right-hand aisle followed by the 
clergy, in black cassocks, carrying on their left arm white surplices, viz:  
Very Rev. James J. Russell, V. F. of St. Peter’s Columbia, Penn’s, Very Reverend 
Joseph A. Boll, V. F., of St. Francis Xavier’s, Gettysburg, Penn’a, Very Rev. 
Adam Christ, V. F., of St. Mary’s, Lebanon, Penn’a, Very Rev. Adam Christ, V. 
F., of St. Mary’s, Lebanon, Penn’a, Reverend Doctor Denis J. Stafford of St. 
Peter’s, Baltimore, Rev. John T. Whelan, Secretary to Cardinal Gibbons, of the 
Cathedral, Baltimore, Very Reverend Michael J. McBride of St. Joseph’s, 
Bonneauville, Pa., Rev. Charles Bart of St. Ann’s, Baltimore, Rev. Timothy 
O’Leary, S. J., Superior at Conowago, Penn’a, Rev. Francis Seubert, of St. 
Lawrence, and Revs. John Hollern and Wm. Hooman of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, 
Harrisburg, Penn’a, Rev. Theodore Meade, of St. Joseph’s, Taneytown, Md., Rev. 
Leo Brand, S. J., of Conowago, and Revs. Jules C. Foin, of St. Joseph’s, 
Hanover, Pius P. Hemler, of Immaculate Conception, New Oxford, Anthony Kaul, of 
St. Anthony’s, Lancaster, and T. J. Crotty, St. Aloysius, Littlestown, Penn’a.

They all entered the sacristy, except the Bishop who remained kneeling in the 
sanctuary.  Soon after they came out robed for the ceremonies.  The Bishop 
retired to the place in the sanctuary provided for his throne and was there 
assisted to robe himself for the ceremony of blessing the church.  The 
procession was led by Maurice Spalding the cross-bearer, followed by Francis 
Steffy, John Bittinger, Edward Livers, and Edward Martin as acolytes, carrying 
lighted candles, they being the altar boys; then came the priests, two by two, 
followed by the Bishop.  The procession passed down the centre aisle and out the 
church, going around it; while the Bishop blessed the walls, the clergy sang 
hymns, recited prayers and chanted the litany.  The same ceremonies took place 
inside the church, the procession preceding the Bishop up and down the aisles 
while he sprinkled was with holy-water.  All returned again to the sanctuary.  
The ceremony of dedication is over, Bishop, priest, and people have offered the 
handiwork of men as a gift to their Lord and Saviour.  They have prayed to him 
to accept, to purify and to bless this house erected to his glory.  And now in 
the appropriate words of the liturgy:  “Here may the priests offer Thee (God) 
sacrifices of praise.  Here may the faithful people fulfill their vows.  Here 
may the burdens of sinners be removed, and the faithful who have fallen by sin, 
be restored to grace.”

Bishop and priests are now robed for the Pontifical High Mass.  The Bishop is 
the celebrant, Fr. Russell the assistant priest, Fr. Foin the Deacon and Fr. 
Christ the Sub-Deacon of the Mass, Frs. O’Leary and Elbert are the Deacons of 
Honor, while Fr. Seubert is Master of Ceremonies and Fr. Kaul the second Master 
of Ceremonies.  They all leave the Bishop’s throne and move to the foot of the 
altar.  From silver censer rises the fragrance of frankincense; then is heard in 
clear full notes the Angel’s song, “Gloria in Excelsis Deo,” and for the first 
time the sacrifice of Calvary is begun in the new church of St. Aloysius.  The 
well-trained choir take up the glad refrain, “et in terra pax hominibus bonć 
voluntatis,” and fill the church with sweetest melody.  There is a pause, and 
then a black-haired priest passes to the Bishop’s throne and holding in his hand 
the Book of Truth bends knee and head to receive a blessing before he begins the 
Gospel of the day.  His ringing voice has scarcely ceased to echo until from 
choir loft is heard the beautiful “Veni Creator Spiritus.”  Then there comes the 
youthful orator of the occasion to beg the Bishop’s blessing that he may speak 
the words of Truth and Wisdom.  The Rev. Doctor Stafford has scarcely begun his 
discourse before all realize that he is a great orator.  He took for his text:  
“Go forth and teach All Nations, and behold I am with you until the end of the 
World.”  The eloquent preacher in beautiful language, with graceful gesture, and 
unanswerable argument portrayed the unity, universality and truth of the 
Catholic faith.  Her opponents died, but the Catholic Church for twenty 
centuries lived to sing a requiem over their graves.  She has met in battle 
array emperors, kings, princes and nations, that no longer live, save in 
history, while she has conquered and survives them all.  No human power aids her 
in the cause of her faith – any yet all countries and people are subject to her 
dominion, for she is the Mother of Trust, the Teacher of Morals, the only 
recognized Interpreter of God’s Word.  Her strength is in her unity, and her 
catholicity.  She began with God and will live as long as God needs her service.  
Her faith and doctrines are the same to-day as they were yesterday, and they 
will continue unchanged until time shall become eternity.  He referred in 
beautiful words to the dedication of the new church.  All who heard him sound 
his praise, and whether of his faith or not, were charmed by the beauty of his 
diction and his manner of speaking.  The sermon being finished, the services 
were resumed.  Soon is heard the soft notes of a tinkling bell when from the 
choir sounds forth the appropriate words “Holy, Lord God of Sabaoth, the heavens 
and the earth are full of thy glory!”  All is silent now.  Every knee and head 
is bent as sacred hands hold aloft the Consecrated Host.  For the first time 
within this now sacred place the people adore their Lord and God!  The last 
“Dominus Vobiscum” has been said.  Then the Rt. Rev. Bishop, holding his 
shepherd’s crook and arrayed in all the insignia of his sacred office, turns 
from the altar towards the people, and in clear ringing notes sings forth, 
“Blessed be the name of the Lord!” to which the choir responds “from henceforth, 
now, and forever.”  Then with uplifted hands he gives the kneeling congregation 
the pontifical blessing.  He then returns to his throne and un-robes, afterwards 
the procession leaves the sanctuary and the morning exercises are over.               

The evening service began at seven o’clock.  The contrast between the exterior 
and interior of the church was more apparent than in the morning.

Without, the ground is covered with pure snow; within, the scene resembles a 
summer garden.  For weeks loving hands have guarded bright flowers that they 
might adorn with beauty the new church, and to-day they have brought their 
offerings of love.  In the midst of Winter natural flowers, - roses and lilies, 
- mingle their bright colors upon the altar and fill the new House of Prayer 
with their fragrance, while hundreds of bright lights, beautifully arranged, add 
to the grandeur and glory of the occasion.  The Pontifical Vespers were sung 
with unusual melody.  The Bishop was the celebrant, Fr. Boll assistant priest, 
Fr. Foin Deacon, Fr. Hemler, Sub-Deacon, Frs. Kaul and Christ, Deacons of honor.  
As the echoes of the last psalm died away the Rt. Rev. Bishop ascended the altar 
steps and in a sitting position, clad in his robes of office addressed the 
people from his chair.  He said that he had reason to congratulate the 
congregation of St. Aloysius upon the completion of their beautiful church.  
That it was a great pleasure for him to be present; that they had done a great 
work during the past year, that their good works were manifest; and that he 
returned to them his sincere thanks.  He said they had one of the nicest 
churches in the Diocese, that it was a gem.  He referred to the fact that 
Pontifical Solemn Mass had been said for the first time in Littlestown to-day.  
He spoke in praise of a life of virginity, and said that virgins could sing a 
song in Heaven that none others could sing, because they were virgins.  That the 
ceremonies of the church are the drapery of Revelation.  He said that many 
persons are opposed to the Catholic Church because they do not examine her 
doctrines; many because faith is wanting on their part.  He said faith is the 
assent of the mind to a doctrine we cannot see and prove.  It is a divine gift 
given by God to those who are worthy to receive it.  He referred in the highest 
terms to the “learned preacher of to-day” (Fr. Stafford); that he had 
graphically and learned maintained the true doctrine of the Catholic Church.  He 
said people would consult the best lawyers on the construction of a State law, 
and yet they take their individual interpretation of the diving law, not 
inquiring from those who ought to know how to interpret it – the Catholic 
Church.  God said to his apostles, “Go teach all truth, and the Holy Ghost will 
overshadow you.”  How could they teach error?  There could have been no mistake 
of doctrine and therefore no error to reform in the 16th century.  That Catholic 
Rome is the seat of learning, of the arts, of painting, music, sculpture and 
oratory.  The exercises closed with solemn Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.  
Nothing that ever occurred in Littlestown can compare with the magnificence and 
grandeur of this day’s ceremonies.  The church was well filled at both the 
morning and evening service.

The music was beautiful beyond description.  Lambilotte’s Mass in D was sung.  
Professor Nugent, the organist of St. Ann’s Baltimore, presided at the organ 
during the morning service.  Professor Anthony J. Smith, the regular organist, 
had charge of the choir.  Walter Lefever was the violinist, Dr. E. K. Foreman, 
accompanied on the flute, and Dr. John W. Hickey played the cornet and Ithriam 
Swartz the bass-horn.  The choir was composed of Misses Emma Shorb, Hellen 
Kuhns, Mary C. McSherry, Sallie Martin, Mary A. Spalding, Sallie Weaver, Mrs. 
Anna Livers, Mrs. Sarah Bittinger, E. K. Foreman, Wm. Weaver, John Foreman, 
Harry Martin, Harry Weaver, and Theodore Eline, the regular singers.  They were 
assisted by professor Nugent, of Baltimore, and Miss Julia Wadsworth, of 
Emmittsburg.

The solos were “Quoniam,” “Crucifixus” and “Benedictus,” by Prof. Nugent, 
“Kyrie,” by John Foreman, “Agnus Dei,” bass by Harry Martin, tenor by Wm. 
Weaver.  Miss E. Shorb sang “Christe,” “Et in terra” and “Et incarnates,” as 
soprano, Mrs. Livers, “Bonć voluntatis” and “Benedictus,” soprano, Miss Kuhns, 
tenor solo “Benedictus.”  The offertory was by Verdi, “Jesu Dei Vivi,” sung by 
Mrs. Livers, Misses Shorb, Wadsworth and Prof, Nugent.  The choir and school 
sang, at the end of the Mass, ”We Praise Thee, O Lord.  Professor Anthony J. 
Smith presided as organist at the evening service.  The usual Vespers were well 
rendered.  The hymn was “Vivat Pastor Bonus.”  Every detail of the exercises was 
well executed and the chanting of the litany by Fr. Bart received favorable 
comment.  The occasion was a happy one for the Catholics of St. Aloysius Church.

Their building is an ornament to the town, and cost about $20,000.  May the 
prayer addressed to God at its dedication be granted:  “May the unvanquished 
cross be on this enduring threshold.  May the portals be sealed with the 
inscription of thy grace, and through the multitude of thy tender mercy may 
those who visit this house have peace with plenty, sobriety with moderation, and 
affluence with compassion.  May all disquietude and misfortune be far removed 
from this place.  May want and pestilence and disease and weakness and every 
attack of evil spirits be always dispelled at thy coming:  that the grace of thy 
visitation, abundantly bestowed on this place, may abide within all the 
boundaries and in all parts of this house,   *   *  may be always here the 
gladness of peace, the grace of hospitality, the abundance of frugality, the 
reverence of devotion and the plenitude of salvation.  And when thy holy name is 
invoked, may the abundance of all good things ensue, and may the assaults of the 
wicked be put to flight.  May we deserve to have with us the angel of Peace, of 
Chastity, of Charity and of Truth, to guard, to protect, and to defend us always 
from all evil.”

THE BEAUTY OF THY HOUSE.

I.

Like soaring prayer, in golden glory gleam
Three crosses, from fair Gothic spires upspringing,
Faith’s sign, sun-kissed, the world and heaven between,
A “Sursum Corda” to earth’s lowness bringing.
And hearts are lifted up in joy to-day,
For He, whose troth is pledged to be alway 
With men until the utmost bound of time,
     A new-built altar throne
Ascends, love-moved, to be the Guest Divine,
     Emmanuel, our own!
From belfry tower a summons glad is ringing,
And we, responsive to its sweet call, come
     To greet the Dedication of Thy Home.
        Amid the mystic singing
Of unseen angel choirs, whose anthem notes
Of praise and thanks reverberate through space,
     A melody of jubilation floats
       Throughout the Holy Place,
Whilst softly swells from soulful organ’s tone,
In hallowed sweetness up to Heaven’s throne,
The Gloria’s rapture-song, exultant cry
Of hosts celestial heard in Bethlehem’s sky.
     “Gratias agimus tibi,”
     We give our thanks to Thee,
For thy great glory, God most high!

II.

With holy rite and consecrating prayer,
Anointed hands have blessed They dwelling-place,
Upraised by loving hearts, whose crowning grace
Of joy and hope fulfilled, will be to share
Thy Sacramental Presence here, till done
Life’s service, and the unveiled vision won
And seen, - more clear to beatific view
Than crystal light, whose radiance passes through,
     And bright revealing, as sunbeams stealing
Through jewels’ hearts, the windows’ mellowed glow.
The rays fall soft, on host aloft,
And emblemed chalice, opal-gemmed, below, - 
     Devotion’s symbols that beguile       
     The soul to thought, awhile
Soft footsteps follow down the aisle
That leads by Mary’s, Joseph’s hallowed shrine,
Unto Faith’s second Calvary divine,
     The altar of love’s sacrifice
Whose offering can alone suffice
For sin, and man upraise to heights sublime.

III.

Thrice holy ground Thy Temple rests upon,
With three-fold benedictions consecrate;
It bears a century’s past of faith, begun
By champions of God’s Word, who now, elate
With joy, smile down from Heaven’s eternal dome
On those who strive to follow where they led,
To build on Charity’s broad base, Truth’s home.
O- softened chord of tender melody, ye dead,
Who in our grateful thought forever live,
As minor tones but sweeten harmony,
A heart-deep note of requiem we give
For you, who years agone found resting place
In this, God’s Acre once, whose hallowed grace
Remains e’en now, - as incense when the light
Of Benediction’s gone, still hovers near
The Tabernacle, - so thy memory dear.
From noble past, the present church expands;
Perhaps the future great, with strengthened hands
And widening powers, of loftier fanes may tell
Than this of ours – to grow is ever well,
If lowly hearts and simple faith, apace,
Give life to outward show of grandeur’s grace.

IV.

“Ad majorem Dei gloriam,” the crest
Of saints, on golden-lettered corner-stone
To cross-crowned point of towering steeple: - 
“Ad majorem Dei gloriam,” carol blest,
“All for thy greater glory” glad intone
Accordant hearts of pastor and of people.
Saint Aloysius, this the ringing song
That made thy pure life’s music clear and strong;
Dear patron saint, perpetuate thy care
And loving blessing on the House of prayer.
Henceforth ‘twill be a blessed Nazareth
Of peace, where sin and sorrow, life and death,
May solace find, whose door will e’er unclose
To those who knock, though bring they joys or woes.
Here wait a laving font for child new-born;
A nuptial blessing on the bridal morn;
A priestly power to pluck away sin’s thorn;
A torch of Faith whose friendly light will gleam
Across the coffin-lid till death shall seem
A sweet fulfillment of Hope’s perfect dream.

The closing psalm of Solemn Vesper-song,
“Laudate Dominum,” in chorus strong
Re-echoes through the vaulted aisles,
Whilst slowly the procession files
From incense – clouded altar-steps away;
Sweek canticle of praise, forever stay
Within our souls, the keynote of Life’s day!
                          Mary Catharine McSherry.

Dedication of St. Aloysius Church,
  Littlestown, Pa., Jan. 25th, 1893.


APPENDIX.

NAMES OF PRIESTS WHO ATTENDED ST. ALOYSIUS CHURCH.

James Pellentz, 1784-1800                Adam Britt, 1822
Stanislaus Cerfoumont, 1791-1804         Wm. O’Brien, 1824
Paul Dominic Ertzen, 1791-1793           Michael Dougherty, 1828-1843, 1854-1855
Francis X. Brosius, 1792-1804            C. Paul Kohlman, 1828-1835
Demetrius A. Gallitzin, 1797-1799        Ferdinand Helias, 1834-1835
Lewis De Barth, 1804-1828,               Nicholas Steinbacher, 1839
   with intermission                     Milesius Gibbons, 1847-1849
Nicholas Mertz, 1803-1805, 1826-1829     J. Roger Dietz, 1843-1845
Francis Roloff, 1808-1810                F. X. Kendeler, 1843-1845
Adam Marshall, 1817-1819                 George Villiger, 1855-1856, 1879-1882
Mathew Lekeu, 1817-1843                  F. X. De Neckere, 1849-1854, 1857-1859, 
Maximillian Rautzan, 1818                  1861-1879
Vincent Phillip Mayerhoffer, 1819        Ernestus Reiter, 1856-1858
P. J. Dwin, 1822                         Peter Manns, 1859, 1863
                                         Ignatius Renaud, 1882-1884
                                         J. J. Gormley, 1884-1885
                                         T. J. Crotty, 1885. 

PEW HOLDERS, APRIL 1ST, 1845.

Pew. Left Centre Aisle.                    Pew. Right Centre Aisle. 
  1   James McSherry                         2   Jacob Baumgardner 
  3   Henry Spalding                         4   Joseph Fink
 5   Pius Sneeringer                        6   Henry Hemler
 7   John Shorb                             8   Sebastian O’Bold
 9   Jacob Rider, Jos. Rider, Jr.          10   Dr. Jos. A. Shorb
11   Jno. Rider, And. M’Sherry             12   Dr. Jos. A. Shorb
13   Patrick McSherry                      14   Jacob Becker
15   Edward McSherry                       16   Frank Budy 
17   Wm. Adelsperger                       18   Samuel Weirick
19   Wm. Staub                             20   John Rinedollar
21   Thomas Simpson                        22   George Groft
23   Jacob Baumgardner (Md.)               24   Lewis Elliot
25   George Gouger                         26   Jacob Crouse
27   John McSherry.                        28   Jeremiah McSherry

 Pew. Right Side Aisle.                     Pew.  Left Side Aisle.
1	Peter K. Noel                          1  Michael R. Nusser
2	Andrew Little                          2  Ellen and Mary Guinn
3	Mrs. Grace R. Smith                    3  John Orndorff
4	Wm. Lansinger                          4  John Eline
5	Jno. J. Topper                         5  Jacob Orndorff
6	Mrs. Gulden                            6  Vacant
7	----- Goulden, J. Klunk                7  Alex Shorb  
8	Mrs. Wm. (Mary) Shriver                8  Nicholas Chrismer
9	Sam’l Weirick, Wm. Rider               9  Vacant
10	Jacob Marshall                        10  Michael Fuhman, Vincent Pecker 
11	Joseph Riffle                         11  Jacob and Lawrence Fox
12	George Becker                         12  Valentine Ulrick    
13	Anthony Wivel                         13  Henry Weaver
14	John Bolin                            14  E. Heidler


PEW HOLDERS, 1853.

Pew. Left Centre Aisle.                    Pew. Right Centre Aisle. 
  1   Jacob Baumgardner                      2   Joseph A. Shorb 
  3   Henry Spalding                         4   Joseph Fink
 5   Joseph L. Shorb                        6   Henry Hemler
 7   Wm. McSherry                           8   Sebastian O’Bold
 9   Francis Eline                         10   Alexander C. Shorb
11   Joseph Rider                          12   Mrs. Wm. Gulden
13   Jno. Eckenroth                        14   John Budy
15   John Else                             16   Peter Orndorff 
17   Patrick McSherry                      18   Wm. Kuhns
19   Mrs. A. Wilt                          20   George Hemler
21   Peter R. Noel                         22   John Rider
23   Jacob Hart                            24   Wm. Lansinger
25   Mrs. Jacob Orndorff                   26   Jos. Arentz
27   Valentine Ulrick                      28   Barnabas Aumen
                                           29   Odd pew.  M. Fuhrman

Pew. Left Side Aisle.                   Pew. Right Side Aisle. 
  5   Andrew McSherry                     1   John Orndorff 
  6   Josiah Baumgardner                  2   Jacob Weirick
 7   John A. Eckenrode                   3   Wm. McSherry
 8   John Glassen                        4   John Burke
10   David Goulden                       5   Mrs. Mary Shriver
11   Wm. Staub                           6   ______ Bushey and Fink
12   John Bolin                          7   Wm. Rider 
13   Andy Chambers                       8  Lewis Norbeck
                                         9  Wm. Goulden 
                                        10  Charles Weirick
                                        11  Jacob Althoff
                                        12  Jacob Baker
                                        13  Jacob Klunk
                                        14  Jos. Riffle

LETTER TO CATHOLIC MIRROR, BALTIMORE.
               Littlestown, PA., April 5th, 1868.

To the Editors of the Mirror:  Although not a regular correspondent of your 
truly interesting and worthy paper, yet I hope it will not be out of place for 
me to make a few remarks on the progress of our Catholic schools.  Our school 
has been opened the past year, and the good proceeding from it is most 
remarkable.  Instead of having the little ones running the streets exposed to 
the great dangers of the age, we have the advantage not only of having them 
taught the arts and sciences of the world, but that all-important science, our 
holy religion!

Our congregation is attended by the Rev. Fathers, S. J., from the congregation 
of the Sacred Heart, Conowago, and we have Mass once a fort-night, consequently 
our children have not the advantages which those of the city have.  Yet under 
the wise guidance, undaunted zeal, and untiring efforts of our beloved Pastor, 
Rev. Father De Neckere, assisted by the worthy teacher Miss Mary Wilson, we 
witnessed on last Sunday one of the most beautiful and edifying ceremonies that 
ever took place in our little church.  The children have been preparing for 
First Holy Communion, and on Sunday were permitted to approach the Holy of 
Holies.  The great devotion and devout attention with which the children 
received their Loving Saviour showed that they were sufficiently instructed and 
knew well whom they were about to receive.  First the boys with lighted tapers 
in hand, denoting their true faith, received, and were followed by the young 
ladies robed in white.  Indeed all were edified and sensibly affected by the 
great attention of the children as we as the animated and instructive discourse 
of our esteemed Pastor.  The order of the afternoon ceremonies was of a most 
interesting nature.  First the boys proceeded to the altar where the renewal of 
the baptismal vows was read by Richard McSherry, and each in presence of the 
whole congregation, made a most solemn declaration of faith and renewal of 
sacred baptismal vows.  Then passing in procession around the church and 
arriving at the altar of our Blessed Mother, one of the young ladies, (Miss 
Annie Steffy) in the name of all of her companions, made a most beautiful act 
of consecration, offering their pure young hearts to our Queen and Mother ever 
ready to assist the needy.  Then followed the benediction of the Blessed 
Sacrament, so calm and beautiful!  The swelling notes of the organ, and the 
whole choir, led by our former organist, Professor Smith, indeed all, seemed to 
partake of that glorious spirit suitable for the anniversary of that triumphant 
ascent of our Divine Lord into Jerusalem.  In conclusion I would say our people 
owe a just debt of gratitude to the Rev. Fathers whose great zeal and 
persevering efforts established those schools – our midst, and although they 
met with some opposition from – few who did not know their real value, we are 
happy to see –at even those seeing the good results, are becoming the 
supporters of that which they are beginning to see will go far to approve 
Catholic school instructions.             Amisus S. 

NAMES OF THE FIRST PUPILS OF THE PAROCHIAL SCHOOL OPENED NOV. 18, 1867.

BOYS.
Jos. Bittinger                           George Rusher                           
William Smith                            Jacob Rusher
-arry Rider                              Ed. Smith
-os. Goulden                             William Smith
Wm. Goulden                              William Kuhn
Aloysius Marshall                        John Kuhn  
Jos. Marshall                            Andrew Kuhn
Harry Spaulding – of John                John Yantis
Chas. Spaulding – of John                Harry Saltzgiver
Wm. Spaulding – of John                  Charles Eckenrode
Wm. Spaulding – of James                 Aug. Eckenrode
Jas. Spaulding – of James                V. Eckenrode
Basil P. Fink                            Harry Buddy
Sam’l Fink – of William                  John Weaver - Flatbush
Pius Fink – of William                   Ignatius Weaver - Flatbush 
Jos. Anthony                             James Weaver
William Anthony                          John Steffy
Richard McSherry                         A. Long
William McSherry                         Albert Brady
James McSherry – of John                 John Hemler  
John S. Kinzer                           Jerome Hemler
James P. Staub                           George Hemler
John H. Eline                            John Bolin
Ed. Eline                                Francis Bolin
William Eline                            J. Aumen
Joseph Ulrick                            B. Aumen
Jacob Murrin                             Adam Sell
James Murrin                                     TOTAL 55.


GIRLS.
Celia Spalding – of John                 Mary Fox 
Annie Spalding – of John                 Laura Saltzgiver
Carrie Spalding – of John                Beckie Heidler
Emma Eckenrode                           Mary Buddy
Mary Eckenrode                           Sarah Buddy
Martha Weaver – Flat Bush                Annie Buddy
Celia Weaver – Flat Bush                 Mollie O’Shannessey
Sarah Weaver – Flat Bush                 Jennie Kuhns
Josephine Hemler                         Maggie Steffy
Agnus Hemler                             Annie Steffy
Kate Hemler                              Lizzie Kuhns
Rose Hemler                              Martha Kuhns
Annie Eline                              Hellen Kuhns 
Mollie Eline                             Laura Long
Jennie Eline                             Mary Long
Kate Fink                                Mary Murrin 
Jennie Fink                              Cecelia Murrin
Margaret Wyman                           Kate Ulrick 
Maggie Goulden – of David                Mary Ulrick
Laura Goulden – of David                 Josephine Marshall 
Sallie Goulden – of David                Anna Marshall
Mary Goulden – of David                  Sarah Marshall
Annie Bair                               Mary Marshall
Lydia Bair                               Anna Staub
Mary Brady                               Anna V. McSherry
Amanda Resser                            Lizzie Rider – of Polly
Mary Dougherty                           Mary Rider – of Polly
Maggie Walter                            Emma Rider – of Polly
Mary McSherry                            Sarah Rider – of Peter
Maggie McSherry                          Annie Rider – of Peter
Emma Shorb                               Mary Rider – of Peter
Martha Shorb, on hill                    Lucy Spaulding – of James
Sophia Yantis                            Annie Spaulding – of James 
                                                 TOTAL 66.

LIST OF PEW HOLDERS IN THE NEW CHURCH, JAN. 2, 1893.

Pew.  Centre Aisle
1	Wm. McSherry
2	Joanna Rider, Mary Eline
3	Mrs. Elizabeth Hemler, Annie Spalding
4	Dr. E. K. Foreman
5	Sallie C. Steffy, Mrs. Annie Starr
6	Mrs. Mary Kuhns, Mrs. Anna Felix
7	John W. Eline
8	Joanna Shorb, Mrs. Mary A. Shorb
9	John A. Shorb, Mrs. Catharine Grover
10	J. Augustus Smith, Nicholas Smith
11	James D. Spalding, Chas. Eckenrode
12	Wm. Kuhns, Harry Weaver
13	James G. Spalding
14	Peter Funk, Vincent Weaver
15	Jos. W. Bittinger
16	Edward M. Spalding
17	Eli Eckenrode
18	John Buddy
19	Joseph J. Fink, Dr. J. W. Hickey
20	John F. McSherry, James Robert McSherry
21	Pius Hemler
22	Mrs. Loretto Martin, Mrs. Mary Weikert
23	Vacant
24	Aloysius Marshall
25	John Bolin, Ed. Bolin
26	William Smith
27	Henry A. Rider, Peter Rider
28	James Cratin, John Ulrick
29	Ed. Aumen, Sylvester Aumen, B. Aumen
30	Christian Welsh. 

Pew. Right Side Aisle.
31	Joseph Livers
32	Vacant
33	Wm. McSherry
34	Pius P. Fink, Basil P. Fink
35	Vacant
36	Joseph Bauhaus, Charles E. Smith 
37	George Sneeringer, Andrew Kuhn, Jr.
38	Ed. Kuhn, Andrew Kuhn, Sr.
39	James Donohue, J. Adams
40	William Weaver
41	Joseph Eckenrode
42	Peter Gouker, Aaron Else
43	Peter Neiderer, John Weisman
44	Mrs. Margaret Fox, Levi Murrin, Aloysius Fox
45	Frank Deitz, John Cretin
46	Harry and Howard Spalding
47	Amanda Nace, Henrietta and Harriet Goulden
48	Vacant
49	Vacant
50	Vacant
51	Anthony J. Smith
52	Harry Buddy, Mrs. Mary A. Blocher 
53	Vacant
54	Vacant
55	Ed. Groft, George W. Steffy                                                    
56	Frank I. Eline, John H. Eline, Wm. Eline
57	Sarah Rusher, Olivia Classon
58	Joseph Kuhn, Oscar Gouger
59	Joseph Anthony
60	Frank Smith
61	Augustus Matthews
62	William Anthony and ----- Breighner
63	Peter Grau
64	Vincent Eckenrode
65	Charles Bolin
66	John E. Lingg
67	Samuel Reineman
68	Hiram Gross.

In addition to the description of the church, as given on page 26, add that it 
was approached by broad high granite steps, guarded with iron railings.  Over 
the entrance was the choir.  The walls were about 18 feet high, and in the 
ceiling was a circle surrounded with plaster angel heads.  The walls were white, 
and without ornament except the stations, which were framed pictures.  There 
were three aisles.  The Sanctuary was about 15 feet deep and 40 wide.  The 
centre altar was white and gilt, on each side were wooden pillars upon which 
kneeling angels were placed.  Two angels also guarded the tabernacle.  The altar 
picture was an oil painting 5 by 7 feet of the Crucifixion.  On the wall within 
the arch of the sanctuary were oil painting of St. Aloysius and Blessed John 
Berchmans.  The altar was approached by three steps, and was high, plain yet 
chaste; under the altar was a large gilt form of Christ in the tomb which was 
enclosed with glass, and opened to view on great festivals.  To the left of the 
main altar was the Blessed Virgin’s, upon which stood a gilt statue of the 
Mother of God.  To the right on a pedestal stood a marble statue of St. Joseph, 
while in the sanctuary was a statue of St. Aloysius.  Back of the sanctuary were 
the sacristy, library, and priest’s room.  The church was lighted with lamps, 
and for many years heated by stoves, in later years by a furnace.

During the Corpus Christi processions at Conowago, the members of St. Aloysius 
congregation always took part.

About twice a year German sermons were preached.

We had Benediction after late mass and also in the evening.  During Holy Week 
the services began Wednesday evening.  Fr. Deneckere and Mr. Smith alternated in 
singing the Lamentations, etc.  During the month of May he would read the May 
prayers and give some instruction; and in his absence the congregation would 
assemble on week days in the evening, when some one say the prayers and read the 
selection for the evening, and the choir would render suitable music.  On 
occasions of funerals the priest, accompanied by the altar boys bearing the 
cross, lights, holy water, and censer would go to the church gate to meet the 
funeral procession.  Another custom was to bless the throats of the congregation 
on the feast of the Purification.  On occasions of First Communion the boys and 
girls would go in procession in the church and renew their baptismal vows at the 
font and altar.  It was customary for the boys to take the name of Aloysius, and 
the girls that of Mary, in Confirmation.  In Lent some member read the 
“Stations” on Fridays.  For many years it was, and is yet, customary to toll the 
church bell to announce the death, or funeral of any member of the congregation.  
Mrs. Catharine Grover had charge of the altar and church for over forty years; 
for the last twenty of that period she was assisted by Miss Mary Eline who now 
has charge of the altar.

In 1886 a fine representation of the stable of Bethlehem was a feature of the 
Christmas decorations.

John F. McSherry collects the pew rents, and George W. Steffy is the bell ringer 
and sexton, (1893.)  The first baptism in the new church was that of Genevieve 
Catharine, daughter of James R. and Elizabeth C. McSherry, Jan. 27th, 1893; and 
the first funeral that of Mrs. Margaret Nace, aged 94 years, who was buried 
Monday, Jan. 30th.










CONTENTS.

                                                        Page   
Dedication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             3   
Preface  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             5         
Sketch of Littlestown  . . . . . . . . . . . .             7
History of the Church, 1741-1800 . . . . . . .            11 
                       1800-1825 . . . . . . .            16
                       1825-1850 . . . . . . .            21
                       1850-1884 . . . . . . .            31
                       1884-1892 . . . . . . .            37
Description of present Church  . . . . . . . .            45
Societies  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            51
The School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            52
The Cemetery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            57

BIOGRAPHIES.
St. Aloysius . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            61
Rev. James Pellentz  . . . . . . . . . . . . .            62
Rev. D. S. Cerfoumont  . . . . . . . . . . . .            64
Rev. F. X. Brosius . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            64
Rev. D. A. Gallitzin . . . . . . . . . . . . .            64
Rev. John N. Mertz . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            65
Rev. A. L. DeBarth . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            65
Rev. M. Lekeu  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            66
Rev. M. Doughtery  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            67
Rev. J. R. Dietz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            67
Rev. J. Cotting  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            67
Rev. P. Manns  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            68
Rev. F. X. De Neckere  . . . . . . . . . . . .            68
Rev. Geo. Villiger . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            71
Rev. Ignatius Renaud . . . . . . . . . . . . .            72
Rev. J. J. Gormley . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            72
Rev. T. J. Crotty  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            74
Rev. B. A. Shorb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            76
Rev. Florence J. Sullivan  . . . . . . . . . .            77
Rev. James Duncan  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            77
Rev. J. A. Boll  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            78
Miss Joanna Rider  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            79

MEMORIALS AND OBITUARIES.
Patrick McSherry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            81
Catharine McSherry . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            81
Ephraim Davis  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            81
John Shorb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            82
James McSherry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            83
Joseph A. Shorb  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            86
Dr. S. G. Kinzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            86
Mrs. Maria L. Kinzer . . . . . . . . . . . . .            86
Dr. John S. Kinzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            87
Joseph Fink  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            88
Henry Spalding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            89
Mrs. E. T. McSherry  . . . . . . . . . . . . .            90
Jacob Baumgardner  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            92
Rev. F. X. De Neckere  . . . . . . . . . . . .            93
Wm. Rider  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            94
Mrs. Louisa Long . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            95
Mrs. Matilda Starr . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            96
Joseph L. Shorb  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            97
Characteristics of Congregation  . . . . . . .           101
Dedication of the Church . . . . . . . . . . .           106
Poem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           113

APPENDIX:
List of Priests  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           117
Pew Holders of 1845  . . . . . . . . . . . . .           118
Pew Holders of 1853  . . . . . . . . . . . . .           119
Letter to Catholic Mirror  . . . . . . . . . .           120
Names of first pupils of school  . . . . . . .           121
Pew holders, January, 1893 . . . . . . . . . .           124
General Notes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           125