LOCAL HISTORY: Tarring S. Davis, History of Blair County, Volume I, 1931, Blair County, PA - Chapter 15 Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Judy Banja Copyright 2005. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/blair/ html file: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/blair/1picts/davis/tdavis1.htm _______________________________________________ A HISTORY OF BLAIR COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA UNDER EDITORIAL SUPERVISION OF TARRING S. DAVIS LUCILE SHENK, ASSOCIATE EDITOR HARRISBURG: NATIONAL HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION, INC., 1931 VOLUME I CHAPTER XV CHURCHES 208 BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY PRESBYTERIAN IN the foregoing chapter, Judge Dean's account of the religious organizations that were established and throve in this county during pioneer days is so complete as to warrant little comment. However, in order to bring the history of some of our outstanding denominations up to date it is essential that more information be added. In September, 1929, the First Presbyterian Church edifice in Hollidaysburg was the center of the 60th anniversary of that house of worship. Other buildings were used previously, from 1788, when Presbyterian families first worshipped together in a tent at the Blue Spring. On the occasion of these exercises the Honorable Plymouth W. Snyder, a ruling elder of the congregation since 1908, prepared and read a history of the First Church, and incidentally referred to the organization of other Blair County Presbyterian congregations which were branches of the Hollidaysburg Church. This history, produced by Mr. Snyder, subsequently appeared in issues of the Altoona Mirror, in September, 1929, and the following material has been taken from his articles: "We have frequently asked why the old log churches were built in the cemetery. The answer is: In 1788, when worship commenced in the tent by the Blue Spring, Hollidaysburg was but a clearing in the virgin forest and Frankstown was a prosperous village. The only highway was the Kittanning warpath which touched the northern part of the future Hollidaysburg and ran to Frankstown, whence it branched off to Assunepachla, the Indian village near where Brua's mill now stands. "The first highway built by the state and federal government about 1780 came down from near Lilly to Newry, also a prosperous village, and ran south of Hollidaysburg to Frankstown and continued east via Canoe Creek. The turnpike which was built by a stock company and was a toll road, was not built through this section until 1819. "Hence the church was located in the old cemetery because it was at the head of Scotch Valley, near Frankstown, hard by the Kittanning warpath and one mile by the path over the hill to the clearing at Hollidaysburg. This path entered the forest at what is now the corner of Allegheny and Penn Streets. Mrs. Mary Donnelson Hopkins told the writer that when a girl she walked this path to church many times. "The forefathers of this church certainly left footprints through the long years since 1788, when they lit the fires of Christian worship and fellowship on the altar of faith in the tent by the Blue Spring near Frankstown. "In starting the history we cannot do better than quote from an historical sermon preached by the fifth pastor of this church, Rev. David X. Junkin, D.D., on March 25, 1860: The pioneers of Pennsylvania were a race better adapted CHURCHES 209 to make history than to write it. The axe, the grubbing hoe and rifle were implements with which they were more familiar than with the pen. Having to struggle with the forest, the wild beast and with savage men, they performed the heroic deeds that history records, but leaving them unrecorded themselves, it is with difficulty that we rescue from the dim traditions, and the few imperfect records of the past, deeds that ought to be recorded in imperishable lines. * * * *'" "The physical development of a country - the felling of the forest, the building of houses and of towns, the defense of the frontier by the hardy bravery of the pioneer, the burning of dwellings and the slaughter of families by a savage foe are events that make a noise, attract attention, impress themselves upon the memory of men and are easily collected and placed on record; but the quiet rearing of the first family altars - the first gatherings for social worship, the early readings of the Holy Book, the first quiet advent of the Christian minister - these, because less exciting are less likely to be remembered. We can ascertain when the Hollidays, the Roddys, the Moores, the Lowrys, the Smiths, the McDougals, the McCunes, the Blairs, the Deans, the Garbers and others began to lay the foundation of society here. We can hear the giants of the forest crashing and falling before the strokes of their axes; we can hear the crack of their rifles as they defended their homes against savage assailants, but we cannot tell when the first hymn was sung amid these hills and the first prayer offered to the true God, and the first gospel announcement made by Heaven's ambassador to the hardy pioneers. "One thing we know: that Presbyterians were the first civilized men that took possession of the valley of the Juniata, and of this particular part of it, and that Presbyterianism was its primitive religion. The first comers encountered the sterner hardships of forest life and the appalling dangers of savage hostility, and they baptized this soil with Presbyterian blood. Whatever else the Scotch-Irish immigrant might leave behind, his Bible and catechism must be brought along. "During these troublous times the public worship of God was not wanting. The first worship and preaching of the gospel in this vicinity was by Rev. Charles Beatty, chaplain of Col. Armstrong's regiment, the companies of which rendezvoused at Beaver Dam, above McCahan's Mill. He was grandfather of Rev. Charles C. Beatty, D.D., of Steubenville. "The first worship offered to the true God by inhabitants of the Upper Juniata, was private and family worship. No church organization was effected, so far as we can learn, till after the war of Independence. But previous to that time ministers of the Presbyterian Church visited this region and preached the Gospel, baptized the children, and it is believed on several occasions administered the other sacraments. "The first sermon preached in this region, to the inhabitants, was preached by Rev. Dr. King, of Mercersburg, in Franklin County, at the house of William Holliday (on the farm of Harry Mattern, by the old Holliday burying ground). The date of this I have not been able to ascertain. Mr. King was sent out as a supply from the Presbytery of Carlisle, and it was probably about 1770-1772. 210 BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY Rev. Mr. McDougal, from Path Valley, also came sometimes as a supply. After the close of the war, James Smith, Sr., the grandfather of the present generation, also a Scotch-Irishman and a Presbyterian, came in and settled where his descendants still live, having bought lands from Roddy, an older settler; and about the same time others of the same faith, and from 1784 onward, supplies of preaching were more frequent. A tent, as it was called, was erected near the Blue Spring, below Joseph Hileman's (now the property of Alex Drass) and there the worship of God was for a considerable time maintained, beneath the shelter of the grand old forest that still sighs amid the storm. "That narrow dell and those sturdy oaks often resounded with the messages of mercy, and with the songs of Zion, and the voice of prayer, and often beneath that forest's shade, was the long white table spread, upon which were served to the followers of the Lamb, the symbols of his dying love. There did McDougal and Rev. John Johnston, of Huntingdon, and Rev. Mathew Stevens, of Shaver's Creek, and the venerable David Bard and others, preach the Gospel of God's grace. "Rev. David Bard came in 1788, and settled here. He had previously ministered at Bedford. He was born at Leesburg, Va., educated chiefly there, where he married. He preached for a season in York (now Adams) County on what is called 'Carroll's Tract.' Thence he migrated to Bedford, and after a few years, to this place, Williamsburg and Sinking Valley. "It was whilst the family lived in that vicinity, that his brother, Richard Bard, with his wife and seven others, were captured by a band of Indians, at Bard's, afterwards Marshall's Mill. One man was killed soon after the surrender, Thomas Potter; on the second day Samuel Hunter was killed on the top of Tuscarora Mountain; on the evening of the fifth day, Mr. Bard made his escape and after terrible hardships reached home; but Mrs. Bard and the others were carried down the Ohio and detained in a long and terrible captivity. "The party with the prisoners passed over this ground and through Blair's Gap, and after his escape, which was made west of the mountains, Mr. Bard passed over this, the future scene of his brother's labors. He was to receive $100 salary. He served this church, Williamsburg and Sinking Valley, during part of his stay. The congregation was not formally organized as a church until after Mr. Bard's arrival. "He was elected a member of congress the next year after his arrival, the first congress under the constitution, and was elected continuously for twenty-two years, serving as national legislator in the winter season and preaching the gospel in the summer. In those times men of education and practical wisdom fitting them for such positions were not numerous, and it was not then considered an essential qualification for a congressman that he should stand aloof from Christianity. * * * The venerable Bard died at Alexandria, suddenly, on his way home from congress, about 1812. "Most of the time of his pastorate Mr. Bard lived near to this place, but at the time of his death his residence was in Sinking Valley, where he lies buried. His house was a place of entertainment for traveling ministers on their journeys CHURCHES 211 to and from the west. Often did these heralds of the gospel spend days at his hospitable home and whilst they tarried, Mrs. Bard would have their linen washed, their clothes mended, and their stockings darned, and when they departed she would replenish their saddle-bags with biscuits and other provisions to refresh them by the way. "An incident in his history shows that the spirit of political intolerance is not confined to any age, but is common to every period of human history. Mr. Bard was an anti-federalist, Republican, or, as now denominated, Democrat. On one occasion, during the French Revolution, riding with some neighbors past the precipitous rocks that skirt the road between Alexandria and Huntingdon, he playfully remarked, 'what a fine position those rocks would be for Napoleon to plant artillery.' This utterance was interpreted by the Federalists as indicating too strong a sympathy with the French Revolution and a measure of 'disloyalty' to the administration of the elder Adams, and some days afterwards Mr. Bard was arrested, taken to Huntingdon and detained a short time as a prisoner. "I have said that the church was not fully organized until after Mr. Bard came. It was fully organized then. Thomas Blair (for whom Blair's Gap and Blair's Run are named and the father of John Blair for whom Blair County is named), Thomas McCune and James Smith were the first ruling elders of this church. George Gibson was elected but declined being ordained. After Mr. Bard's death there were several years of vacancy and the congregation fell into a disorganized state, but in 1816, Rev. James Galbraith, who had previously labored in Indiana County, was settled as pastor of this church for two-thirds of his time and at Williamsburg, one-third. "We are fortunate in having the original minutes of this important meeting as they were written by John Blair, clerk of the session. In due course Rev. David Galbraith was regularly ordained as pastor of the churches at Frankstown and Williamsburg. He continued the pastorate until 1834. He was a good man and served us faithfully for eighteen years. "In 1790, a round log house of worship was built upon the ground where the old part of the present graveyard is. This house was burned by the woods taking fire and in 1818 was succeeded by the house of beautifully hewn logs which was occupied until this structure (the old brick church in Hollidaysburg) was erected in 1834-35 during the ministry of Mr. Dunlap. "This new log church in the cemetery must have been of generous proportions because a gallery was planned for it as will be seen by the original minutes. "After the accession of Mr. Galbraith to the pastoral office in 1816, Messrs. John Blair, James Robison, James Smith, Isaac Rosebaugh and Joseph Patton were chosen and ordained ruling elders. Alexander Fulton and Alexander Waugh had been appointed about the year 1800. "And at periods subsequent to 1820 and prior to 1841, Alexander Knox, Thomas B. Moore, John B. Riddle and John G. McKee were inducted into that office but, the records being lost I was not able to ascertain the precise dates. 212 BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY John Lytle was ordained an elder, September 4, 1841, and on August 7, 1842, Jonathan Hamilton, John McCartney, Joseph Smith, Charles Wilson, William C. McCormick and Samuel Moore were ordained elders, and William W. Ward, James W. Robertson, Allen McGlathery, Philip Hileman, William Shomo and William Condron were ordained deacons. And on October 1, of the same year, Philip Winters and Daniel Gibboney were ordained deacons, and at more recent dates John P. Jones, Paul Graff, Joseph Irvin, Samuel Smith, Joseph Roberson, James Alexander and Joseph Blackburn have been inducted to that office. "Since the accession of the present pastor, James D. Rea, Joseph Dysart, William R. Finley, Thomas Smith and Robert Hamilton have been inducted into the office of ruling elder, whilst the congregation have been deprived, during the same period, of the services of four ruling elders, two by removal and two by death. "In 1845, a difficulty arose, growing out of the temperance reformation, which resulted in the separation of a number of families from the congregation, and in the organization of the church of East Freedom, which built their place of worship in Duncansville. "In 1852, the church of Altoona was organized out of this church, and has received, first and last, some 130 members by dismissal from this congregation. "Mr. Galbraith was born in 1773, the son of Robert Galbraith, Esq., a lawyer in Pittsburgh. He was ordained in 1810 and was pastor of the Mahoning Church in Indiana County until he came here. He was a well educated man, a great reader, a good historian and possessing a remarkable memory. He was very companionable and was widely known. His preaching was instructive, he was faithful and zealous, conservative and loyal to the standards of the church. No wonder that such a man as he did such good work for our young and struggling church. "He lived for a time in Hollidaysburg, in a log house later owned by Thomas Rooney, who used it for a weave shop. It stood well back from Union Street. Years afterwards the court house was built and the log house then was on the alley. "In 1829, the Sunday School was organized. The first superintendent was Robert Williams, who served over twenty-two years. "In 1834, Mr. Galbraith was succeeded by John A. Dunlap, a licentiate commissioned by the board of domestic missions. On account of feeble health he was not ordained as pastor but served the congregation for three years. In 1837, he went to Cincinnati and became the co-editor with Rev. William D. Smith of the 'Presbyterian of the West.' "In 1836, the congregation bought two lots at the northwest corner of Penn and Walnut Streets and the erection of a commodious brick structure was commenced. It is deeply regretted that no records can be found to tell of the action of the trustees and congregation leading to this forward step. We know it was necessary. Owing to the building of the Juniata Canal and Allegheny Portage Railroad, Hollidaysburg was looked upon as a coming city and to keep pace the CHURCHES 213 congregation must abandon the log church in the cemetery. Of the tent and the two log churches nothing further of interest than already recorded need be said, but the first Presbyterian church building erected in Hollidaysburg, and known to the present generation as the 'old church' deserves more than a passing notice. "Thomas Moore, Peter Hewit and John Lytle were the building committee. The writer can find no records showing who was the architect and builder, or what the building cost. "The building was built of brick. It faced the south, and had a high basement and was surmounted by an ornamental cupola and weather vane. The main auditorium was entered from a recessed open vestibule. The gallery extended around the front and sides of the auditorium, while the pulpit was placed at the north wall flanked on either side by large Gothic windows. There were five similar windows on each side of the church. There were two aisles, and the pews were arranged in a center block and two rows along the walls on each side under the gallery. "Two blocks of pews, one on either side of and facing the pulpit, were placed at the north end of the church. These were often referred to as the 'amen corner.' "The pulpit of colonial design was an artistic and beautiful piece of work. It was elevated about six feet above the church floor and was reached by a flight of winding stairs on each side. The swelled front, the carpeted steps, with polished hand rails and neat turned balusters, the little doors at the top, the raised cushion covered with red velvet with fringe and tassels, on which rested the Holy Bible, all combined in presenting a very neat and rich appearance. Under the pulpit a little panelled door opened to a closet in which the silver communion service was kept. On the broad pulpit railing to the minister's right a water pitcher and 'goblet' were placed; nor was this unnecessary for in the early days it required an hour or more to expound the word and deliver the message. "The pews had doors which were always closed after the occupants entered. These doors were secured by little wooden turn buttons. "The gallery, like the pulpit, was of colonial design, with heavy top rail, panelled base and turned balusters. It had a steep pitch from the walls and was supported by plain Ionic wooden columns placed at the ends of the wall pews. "The woodwork was painted white. At the windows were green Venetian blinds. The arches above the square of the windows were decorated with radiating slats, the semi-circular point from whence they sprung was painted with a face, which was often facetiously referred to as the 'rising sun.' "A transept was formed by a broad aisle in front of the pulpit, and here stood the long communion tables. In the early days the congregation 'kept the sacred feast' at these tables, and they were filled repeatedly until all had partaken; the communicants on leaving the tables returned to their pews, where they sat reverently until the solemn service closed with a hymn and benediction. "The building was heated by four large 'cannon' stoves, placed in the aisles, 214 BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY whose smoke pipes rose perpendicularly twenty-five feet to the ceilings and entered the chimneys in the garret. The Sunday School was held in the basement, and in front of the low entrance door was a well with its old-fashioned pump. "The infant school was located in the gallery in the southeast corner of the auditorium. "The choir occupied the center of the south gallery, opposite the pulpit and the first musical instrument was a 'melodeon' afterward replaced by a cabinet organ. "This beautiful old church served the congregation for thirty-one years, during the pastorates of Doctors of Divinity Gibson, McKinney, Junkin, and the first seven years of Dr. Barron. The old building has passed away but the hallowed memories and tender associations connected with it will long endure. "The old building, however, was not as substantial as it appeared, and ever and anon the subject of a new house of worship was discussed. In 1868, the new movement began to take shape. The congregation intended to worship in the old church until the following spring, but the walls furnishing fresh evidences of weakness, many were found unwilling to venture the presence of a large assembly in the building. "On Sabbath, December 6, 1868, the roof was covered with a heavy snow, and various members of the congregation assembling for worship pronounced it unsafe, and the building was abandoned. "On the following Sabbath, December 13th, the congregation commenced worshipping in the court house, which they continued to occupy until the completion of the new chapel, June 5, 1870. "When the congregation worshipped in the log churches in the cemetery the hours of worship were a long sermon in the morning and then recess for luncheon, which in bad weather was eaten in the church and in good weather outside under the trees. Drinking water was obtained from a spring in the lower part of the cemetery, which I believe is still flowing. After luncheon the call to worship was sounded and a short sermon was delivered. When we moved into the new church in Hollidaysburg morning service was held at 11 o'clock and evening service at 'early candle light.' "In 1838, a call was extended to Rev. William Gibson, D.D., of Philadelphia. He accepted and served for three years, resigning in 1841. He was in his day a typical Presbyterian minister. He was known for his orthodoxy, was sound in his faith and teachings. His massive form was for many years a familiar sight on the Presbyterian floor. He wrote a history of the Presbytery of Huntingdon which was published in 1874. His last charge was the church at Duncansville. He retired in 1880 and the act was made the occasion of the churches in the Presbytery manifesting their affection for him and appreciation of his services by a visitation to his home in November, 1880, and the presentation of a purse containing over $1,500. He died at Duncansville in October, 1883. "In 1841, Rev. David McKinney, D.D., was called. He served for eleven years until 1852 when he resigned to assume the management of the 'Presby- CHURCHES 215 terian Banner,' published in Pittsburgh. The Banner is still a highly successful publication. "Dr. McKinney's name was eminent in the church. He was studious, industrious and erudite. His sermons were models of composition and in their teaching of the gospel were analytic, clear and strong. For many years he delivered three sermons every Sabbath, preaching on alternate Sunday afternoons at Scotch Valley, Duncansville, and in the old Union Church (which was erected before Altoona was even a village) and stood near the site of the old White Hall Hotel. He died in Sewickley, Pa., in 1879. During Dr. McKinney's pastorate Jonathan Hamilton, John McCartney, Joseph Smith, Charles Wilson, William C. McCormick and Samuel Moore were elected and ordained ruling elders. "In 1844, the congregation decided to incorporate. This was, they thought, necessary for business reasons and because we were called by some the Frankstown Church and by others the Hollidaysburg Church. Accordingly a petition was presented to the court praying for a charter. The charter was granted by Judge Adams, of Huntingdon County, August 15, 1844. "The corporate name which has been changed is: 'The First Presbyterian congregation of Hollidaysburg in communion with the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America.' * * * * * "On October 30, 1853, Rev. David X. Junkin, D.D., succeeded Dr. McKinney. He was not installed until January 7, 1854. He came to us from the 'F' Street Church, of Washington, D.C. In September, 1860, he resigned. Subsequently he acted as chaplain in the United States Navy, during the Civil War. He died in Martinsville, W. Va., in 1880. "Dr. Junkin was a highly educated and cultured man. In his preaching he was incisive and eloquent. The resources of his reading and study appeared upon every page of his carefully prepared sermons and his intellectual strength gave a vigor to his thought and language possessed by few ministers of his day. He was quick to discern any encroachment upon his rights and the rights and teachings of his church of which he was a zealous defender, but he was genial and sunny and the warmth of his manner and the graces of his conversation won him deserved admiration from all who met him. "During his pastorate, James D. Rea, Joseph Dysart, Dr. William R. Findley, Thomas Smith and Robert R. Hamilton were elected and ordained ruling elders. "After the departure of Dr. Junkin, the pulpit was supplied by Rev. David Sterett, of Carlisle, until August, 1861, when Rev. David H. Barron, D.D., of the Mount Pleasant Church in Redstone Presbytery was elected pastor. Although his ministry began in September he was not installed until November 12, 1861, Revs. George W. Thompson, George W. Zahnisser, David Sterett, D.D., and David X. Junkin, being present. Dr. Barron received the honorary degree of D.D., from Washington and Jefferson College in 1885. "During his long pastorate, Hon. Samuel S. Blair, Dr. Crawford Irwin, Hon. Augustus S. Landis, Robert Riddle, Professor James A. Stewart, John Cree, 216 BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY Robert W. Smith, Esq., William P. Smith, T. Todd Hileman, J. A. B. Melvin and Richard Roelofs were elected and ordained ruling elders. "We cannot better record this excellent man's virtues than by quoting from the minutes of the church session: 'Rev. David H. Barron, D.D., the faithful pastor of this church for more than forty-one years, died at the parsonage, corner of Walnut and Penn Streets, Saturday morning, January 3, 1903, at 6:30 o'clock, after an illness of a few days duration, from pneumonia. Dr. Barron was a son of John and Jane C. Barron, and was born at Pine Grove Mills, Centre County, Pa., August 19, 1828, being in his seventy-fifth year at the time of his death. "'In 1852, he entered Jefferson College at Canonsburg, Washington County, from which he was graduated as a member of the class of 1855. Immediately upon graduation he entered the Allegheny Theological Seminary from which he was graduated in April, 1857. He was ordained by the Redstone Presbytery in 1858. In the same year he was called to assume pastoral charge of the Presbyterian Church at Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County, and served that congregation until 1861. "'He was for three years a director of the Western Theological Seminary, his alma mater. He was largely instrumental in founding the Young Ladies' Seminary of this town in 1866, and he gave valued service in the undertaking of erecting the new church edifice and parsonage. "'The Huntingdon Presbytery appropriately celebrated in this church, on October 3, 1901, the fortieth anniversary of Dr. Barron's pastorate. The main audience room was crowded with members of the Presbytery, the congregation and townspeople on this occasion. Among the speakers who paid tribute to Dr. Barron for his faithfulness as a pastor and worth as a man, were Justice John Dean, of the state supreme court; Justice James A. Beaver, of the superior court; Rev. J. E. Denniston, of State College and Rev. Joseph Waugh of Washington, Pa. Rev. J. H. Mathers, D.D., of Bellwood, in behalf of the congregation and friends, presented Dr. Barron with a purse containing $2,307. "'Twelve hundred mourning friends attended the funeral of this beloved man, in the church, on Tuesday afternoon, January 6th, at 2 o'clock. There was complete suspension of business throughout the town. The stores and public schools were closed, and the people, irrespective of church or creed, joined in paying the last tribute of respect to a notable life. "'We recall with tender memory his ripe scholarship, his fervent piety illumined by a student's zeal; his wonderful faculty of impressing on our minds, by precept and example, the duty to church and the scriptures; the purity, integrity, dignity and devotion of his character; his loyalty to God, to God's revealed word, to the doctrines of the Christian Church; to the creed and institution of the Presbyterian denomination; the unfailing kindliness, courtesy and sympathy of his heart toward all the brethren in Christ of whatever name.' "After hearing different preachers, the congregation at a special meeting, held April 13, 1903, called Rev. Edwin M. Bowman, of Braddock, Pa., to fill the pulpit. CHURCHES 217 "Mr. Bowman accepted the call, and was installed on Tuesday evening, June 30, 1903, the following committee appointed by the Presbytery officiating: Rev. A. F. Walker, Rev. D. K. Freeman, D.D., Rev. H. H. Stiles, D.D., and Rev. W. W. Waddells. "Mr. Bowman was an earnest and hard working pastor. His pleasant manner and kindly ways endeared him to the congregation and earned for him many warm and devoted friends. "After ministering for four years he, at a special meeting of the congregation called for the purpose, tendered his resignation. "Rev. R. P. Miller, of the Presbyterian Church of Philipsburg, moderated the meeting, which was large, completely filling the chapel. A committee was appointed to go to the manse and ask Mr. Bowman to withdraw his resignation. This he felt unable to do, and the resignation to take effect May 1st was reluctantly accepted. "Presbytery appointed Rev. James E. Irvine, Ph.D., of the Third Presbyterian Church of Altoona, moderator of session, who on Sabbath, May 5th, preached the sermon and declared the pulpit vacant. "Immediately after services the session met and appointed Mr. Irvine to secure supplies. Rev. William S. Miller, of Pittsburgh, was secured and continued to act until February, 1908, when at a congregational meeting held on the 12th of that month a call was extended to Rev. William S. Miller to become pastor. This call was accepted, and on Wednesday evening, April 15th, by arrangement of Presbytery, he was solemnly installed before a large congregation. Rev. James E. Irvine, Ph.D., presided and proposed the constitutional questions; Professor David R. Breed, D.D., of the Western Theological Seminary, preached the sermon; Rev. N. H. Fife, D.D., delivered the charge to the pastor; Rev. J. Allison Platts, Ph.D., delivered the charge to the people, and the Rev. S. L. Boston offered the prayer of installation. "On account of the decreased number of the session owing to death and removals from town, it was deemed advisable to have an election for elders. A congregational meeting was held on Monday evening, July 22, 1908, and Harry A. Jacobs, J. Luden Henry, Charles H. Smith, Robert E. Brawley, and Plymouth W. Snyder were elected ruling elders. They were duly installed in September following. "On June 10, 1908, the following were added to the board of deacons: J. Dysart Hemphill, Charles H. Reed, Isaac H. Irwin, Esq., and William McKillip." Rev. T. Stacy Capers is the present pastor. Many of the early religious gatherings in Altoona met in the Union school-house and church on Sixteenth Street. The Presbyterians first used this building in 1841 when Rev. David McKinney, of Hollidaysburg, held afternoon services there once a month. When Altoona was founded, and the number of adherents to the Presbyterian doctrines increased, a church was erected there on Eleventh Avenue between Twelfth and Thirteenth Streets, and arrangements made with the Hollidaysburg pastor to conduct services there on alternate Sundays. This 218 BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY was after 1850 when there were seventy communicants in Altoona. Two years later a petition was directed to the Presbytery of Huntingdon asking that Altoona be recognized as a separate congregation. The Presbytery admitted Altoona's congregation, and on November 8, 1852, the First Presbyterian Church of this city was organized. The first elders were Jonathan Hamilton and John McCartney, of the Hollidaysburg congregation, and John Hutchinson, G. D. Thomas and James L. Gwin. Supplies served the First Church until 1854 when Rev. A. B. Clarke was called to the pastorate in November of that year. Later ministers have been Revs. R. M. Wallace, M. N. Cornelius, John W. Bain, D.D., Harry L. Bowlby. In 1855, the building occupied by the Mechanics' Library of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company since 1904, was erected, and the original house of worship sold. In the latter year the church at the corner of Fourteenth Avenue and Twelfth Street was built by the congregation. The almost unprecedented growth of Presbyterianism here made the need for additional congregations evident as early as 1869. Second Church was organized in June of that year, with forty-seven members. Some of those who ministered here were Revs. Stuart Mitchell, W. J. Chichester, Samuel W. Duffield, J. L. Russell, Arthur W. Spooner and Henry Howard Stiles, the present pastor. A chapel and church building were completed in 1871 and 1876, respectively, located on Eighth Avenue between Thirteenth and Fourteenth Streets. The Third Presbyterian Church originated in a small Sunday School after 1888. In 1889, Third Church was organized after the Presbytery of Huntingdon had been appealed to for recognition. For a time the worshippers met in the Church of the Brethren, at Sixth Avenue and Fifth Street. Messrs. Robert Stewart, J. D. Irvin, J. M. Hennaman and Dr. A. L. Feltwell were the first elders, and Messrs. Wesley Reed, John H. Keefer and Harry S. McFarlin, the deacons. Rev. James E. Irvine, Ph.D., was the first minister, and he continued in that capacity for more than twenty years. A small building had been constructed for the embryo church, before the Presbytery organized it. Located at Fifth Avenue and Second Street, it was soon found to be inadequate for the needs of the congregation. Accordingly, in 1890, the building was enlarged, and in 1893, a manse was constructed on an adjoining lot. In 1911, the old site was the scene of the erection of a large, modern church. The Broad Avenue Presbyterian Church is the outgrowth of missionary endeavors of members of the First and Second Churches. It began with a chapel that was built on property purchased on the corner of Broad and Twenty-fourth Streets. The church was organized in September, 1892, and the following clergymen have since served: Revs. Joseph Brown Turner, Howard N. Campbell, Robert Bruce Beattie, Walter L. Whallon. During Rev. Campbell's ministry the original chapel was razed and a white stone church took its place. The Juniata Presbyterian Church was also founded in 1892. The members met in a hall for a time, and under their first pastor, Rev. Emil Lewy, a Hebrew who became an adherent of the Presbyterian faith, the church expanded, and in CHURCHES 219 1894 a house of worship was dedicated. Other ministers to this congregation were Revs. H. G. Moody and Albert Allen Bird. The Presbyterians have been very successful in Altoona. Llyswen and South Altoona have supported a church, at Ward and Logan Avenues, for nearly thirty years. The Revs. E. P. Benedict and R. L. Hallett have been the faithful ministers here. The latter has served since 1909. At present there are seven Presbyterian churches in the city, one of which is located in the Juniata section, and another in Llyswen. The Logan Valley Presbyterian Church at Bellwood antedates Altoona First Church. It was founded in 1837 and a building was constructed near Tipton in 1845. Twenty years later a Presbyterian church was erected near Bell's Mills and in less than two decades after that, in 1883 to be exact, the congregations of the earlier churches made Bellwood the center of their activities and put up a church building. In Duncansville, the Presbyterian Church was the second house of worship to be erected in that village. That was in 1847 and Rev. White was the first pastor. In Martinsburg the influence of the German stock, who settled the cove, is felt. The Presbyterians erected a church building here in 1837 and rebuilt it in 1888, but have never had as great a following in this cove town as they have had in Hollidaysburg and other northern county towns. The First Presbyterian Church of Tyrone originally held its meetings in a United Brethren Church building in 1857. At the same time the communicants were building a church of their own. For ten years the future of this organization seemed doubtful, and the members did not acquire the services of a full-time pastor until 1867. After that the growth was gratifying to the earnest workers, and by the beginning of the new century there were approximately seven hundred members. Some of the ministers here have been: Revs. J. C. Clark, S. M. Moyer, J. R. Davies, H. G. Furbay and A. J. Weisley. A fine building was provided in 1882, and the increase in membership made it necessary to expand in 1891, when the original building, located on Thirteenth Street, was enlarged. It has been estimated that itinerant preachers in the Presbyterian faith served Williamsburg inhabitants as early as 1770. Revs. John King and McDonigal were among those who conducted services in the homes of adherents to the faith in those early days. The Williamsburg Church is an off-shoot of an organization that became effective in Hart's Log Valley in 1784. Reference has been made to the services of Rev. James Galbraith at Hollidaysburg and Williamsburg. It was he who formally organized Presbyterianism in the latter community early in May, 1816. The communicants used the Union Church building, frequently called the "Baptist Church," as did the other denominations of the locality. Jacob Ake, Williamsburg's founder, made gifts of lots to each denomination for the purpose of establishing churches. The first Presbyterian Church here was subsequently erected after 1824. In 1839, two lots were purchased and a new building planned. It was completed in 1841 and remodeled in 1860. 220 BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY Harry P. Hays in an article that appeared in the "Altoona Tribune," on October 9, 1930, reviewed the steps that led up to the establishment of a marker on the site of the First Presbyterian Church in Blair County. It follows in detail: "In the days when Frankstown, the oldest town in this part of the state, was a struggling little settlement in the midst of the virgin forest that covered the land, a sturdy little band of Presbyterian pioneers established the first church to be erected in this region. "Previously the worshipping was done in the open forest, the first congregation gathering, in 1788, at the Blue Spring, at the foot of Lock Mountain, in Frankstown Township, later using a tent for a place of worship. 'Presbyterians were the first civilized people that came into the Juniata Valley, and Presbyterianism was the primitive religion,' says Hon. Plymouth W. Snyder, local historian. These pioneers were very religious people, carrying their Bibles wherever they went. Before the establishment of congregations, there was private worship among the families, a number of which often joined in worship in the forest. "In 1790, when Hollidaysburg was merely a clearing in the vast forest, and Frankstown a prosperous village the first church of this section was built in the old part of what is now the Hollidaysburg Presbyterian cemetery. It was a round log structure, and was destroyed in a forest fire in 1818, and in its place a more modern church was erected of hewn logs, which was used until the erection of the old brick church in Hollidaysburg, in 1834-35, that after being in use for a number of years, was replaced by the present handsome and modern structure. "The new log church was a much better structure than the original one. It was built of selected logs, neatly hewn, and was much larger and equipped with a gallery. When Hollidaysburg surpassed Frankstown in growth, the log church was abandoned and the brick church built in the town. "One can see in the imagination the hardy men, women and children of that early day, either walking or riding horseback over the rough trails to the little log church in the cemetery, carrying their rifles for protection from the skulking red men that infested the land; the rare beauty of the vast wilderness, with its sea of waving verdure, inhabited by wild creatures of all kinds; the silvery ripple of the brooks and songs of birds filling them with joy unspeakable, forming a beautiful setting for the Holy Sabbath. "During the three-fold anniversary of the Hollidaysburg Presbyterian Church last fall, J. Denniston Hartman, of the Hartman Ganister Company, offered to present the congregation with a natural boulder from one of his quarries, with which to mark the site of the old log church, and his very generous offer was gladly accepted. "Very few people, with the exception of the older ones, knew the location of the old church, and many never even knew that there was ever a church in the cemetery. It stood in the old section, and workmen in excavating recently for the placing of a cement foundation for the stone, uncovered the old foundation of the log church. Accordingly the boulder was set up in the middle of the site, CHURCHES 221 this work being done several days ago. The massive stone was taken from the ganister quarries at Loysburg, Bedford County, and weighs eleven tons. It is ten feet, five and one-half inches in height, and varies in width from two to five feet, tapering beautifully toward the top. It is composed of 98 per cent pure silica and makes a handsome monument for the purpose. The west side of the stone contains a bronze tablet bearing this inscription: "'This boulder marks the site of the Fist Presbyterian Church, organized in 1788, by the Frankstown congregation. It was built of unhewn logs and was the first church for public worship in all this region. It was destroyed by fire in 1818 and was replaced by a larger structure of hewn logs, and used by the congregation until the erection of the Hollidaysburg Church, in 1836-1837. The Sunday School was organized here in 1829.'" In reviewing the activities of Presbyterianism in this county one fact is outstanding. That is, the length of service to one congregation that characterizes the lives of many of the Presbyterian clergy. Under these circumstances the Christian minister has an opportunity to become something more than a transient or itinerant preacher. He can grow with his community, and become vitally identified with every movement, social, civic and intellectual, thus creating about himself a sphere of influence that can result in unlimited good. ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH The Roman Catholic Church has played a vital part in shaping the characters and ideals of many of our citizens since the latter part of the 18th Century. Statistical material is limited, but from a variety of sources it has been learned that inhabitants of the Sinking Valley were ministered to by priests of the Roman Church before 1800. These valiant men made the long, tedious journey from Bedford to the northeastern section of Blair County to care for the spiritual needs of the settlers there, who were adherents to that faith. But it was Prince Demetrius Gallitzin, Priest of the Roman Catholic Church, who organized, served, and accomplished effectively, the first missionary work of his church in this vicinity. Gallitzin, named in his honor, is just over the western border of Blair in Cambria County. Newry, founded by Patrick Cassidy, and, next to Frankstown, the oldest settlement in our county, became the home of many Roman Catholic communicants. Here Prince Gallitzin centered his activities that culminated in the erection of a church in 1816. The prince was Newry's first priest, and he became a familiar figure in the little village. Dr. Aristide Rodrique, of Hollidaysburg, was one of his closest friends and admirers. Prince Gallitzin died in 1841, but the results of his efforts can be seen daily by a visitor to Newry, when the many children from surrounding communities go to and from the parochial school there. A successor to the prince, Rev. James Bradley, served the Newry parish for half a century after 1832, and became a prominent and much loved citizen of the community. The work of Prince Gallitzin was not confined to Newry, but extended to every section of 222 BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY the county, indeed to every community in Central Pennsylvania where residents were in need of his spiritual guidance. Altoona is honored to claim Prince Gallitzin as the first pastor to serve here. Long before the village was founded, when the land upon which our city now expands was farm land, he ministered here. The great opportunity for development of this church came when the Pennsylvania Railroad Company made this mountain community one of the centers for its operations. Many Roman Catholics were employed in construction work, on the road bed itself, and in the numerous buildings that were needed. Rev. Father John Walsh, who conducted the church at Hollidaysburg, first ministered to the newcomers. As the numbers increased it became advisable to organize a parish and erect a suitable church. Father Bradley, of Newry; Father Walsh, of Hollidaysburg, and Father Neuper officiated at various ceremonies before 1853. In that year, St. John's, the first Roman Catholic Church in our city, was completed, and Rev. John Tuigg, of Pittsburgh, was appointed the first resident priest. Under his guidance the church grew. He purchased a residence for himself, ground for a cemetery, and in 1862 enlarged the original church building. A parochial school had been established earlier, and a convent was planned and the cornerstone laid in 1867. Three years later, the Sisters of Charity, Mother Seton foundation, were installed as directors of the school. Mother Aloysia and Mother Regina were early Mother Superiors. Father Tuigg's services were in such great demand that it became necessary in 1871 to assign Father Martin Murphy to assist him. In 1875, a splendid new church was dedicated by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Domenec. The remarkable services of Father Tuigg, and the great regard with which he was held by the laity and clergy culminated in his appointment by the holy father as Bishop of Pittsburgh in 1876. The development of Catholicism in Altoona necessitated the division of the original diocese, and the subsequent transfer of Bishop Domenec to the new see of Allegheny. Bishop Tuigg served for thirteen years, after which ill-health caused him to return to St. John's, where he died in 1889. In 1876, Bishop Tuigg appointed Father Walsh, of Hollidaysburg, to succeed him at St. John's. The convent provided for education for girls but no such provision had been made for the boys, so that Father Walsh lent his efforts to develop better facilities for them. In 1878, after the property at the corner of Sixth Avenue and Eleventh Street had been secured and a building constructed, the Brothers of St. Francis from Loretto took charge of the new institution. They continued in this work until the Sisters of Charity gave instruction to boys as well as girls. Father Walsh continued at St. John's for four years, or until his death in June, 1880. Father Thomas Ryan, of Gallitzin, was his successor, and because of his advanced age his services covered a period of three years. He accomplished much, nevertheless, his monumental service being the construction of a splendid school for boys in connection with St. John's. After his death in 1883, Bishop Tuigg, who had returned to Altoona because of ill health, conducted the affairs of the parish with the assistance of Father Thomas Briley, Father N. J. O'Reilly and Father Thomas B. Smith. Rev. E. A. Bush CHURCHES 223 was named rector of St. John's by Bishop Phelan. In 1894, Rev. Morgan M. Sheedy succeeded him. Father Sheedy has worked untiringly in the interests of his congregation. In addition, he has identified himself with the finest constructive social movements in the state and nation. As an educator and public speaker he has become outstanding in the church that he represents. St. Mary's German Catholic Church developed almost contemporarily with St. John's. It was organized in 1860, and before that time the communicants, who finally made up its congregation, were identified with the older church. The Benedictine Fathers, Clemens, Manus and Wendelin, were among the priests who served members in the German tongue before the organization of the church. This service was rendered at St. John's. Father Charles Schuller was assigned to work among the German members. Later pastors were Fathers Michael Bierl, George Kirchner, F. Rottensteiner, John Rosswog, F. Deuermeyer, John A. Schell and Dominic Zwickert. The church building was in the process of construction from 1860, when the cornerstone was laid, until 1874, when it was completed under Father Schell's pastorate. The Sisters of St. Agnes have had charge of a parochial school that was established shortly after the parish was organized. St. Mary's has been notably successful and several pastors now fulfill the greatly increased responsibilities. St. Mark's Roman Catholic Church was established in 1890 when Rev. N. J. O'Reilly, who had been connected with St. John's for several years, secured ground for a church site at Sixth Avenue and Fourth Street. The need for this new center is obvious when one considers that twenty years later the communicants at St. Mark's numbered 1,800. Father O'Reilly was responsible for the construction and organization of a parochial school in addition to the original church building. The Sisters of Mercy conduct the school. Father O'Reilly engaged in extensive missionary work that resulted in the establishment of the Church of the Holy Rosary in Juniata about 1901, of which Rev. George K. Bigley became the first pastor. The Church of the Sacred Heart is located in the eastern section of Altoona, at Sixth Avenue and Twentieth Street, where it was established under the direction of Rev. Thomas P. Smith, 1890. A year later the building was completed and dedicated by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Phelan. A parochial school with many pupils is conducted by the Sisters of the order of St. Joseph. Father Smith, after his ordination, assisted Father Ryan at St. John's for several years. His twin brother, Rev. Matthew Smith, became his assistant at the Church of the Sacred Heart, a unique incident in church annals. The Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel was organized to care for the Italian population of Altoona. Before 1906, many of them attended St. Mark's, but it soon became evident that their numbers were great enough to warrant the erection of a separate church. As a result, the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel was organized, and property at the corner of Eighth Avenue and Eleventh Street obtained. This was in a period of business depression, and the expense of remodeling the structure on the property for church purposes placed a heavy 224 BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY burden upon the pastors, Father Pento, Father William Cavallo, Father Nicholas Capaldo, Father Jerome Zazarra and Father Andrew DeSanti. The Very Rev. Jerome Zazarra, T.O.R., D.D., has been untiring in his efforts here. He is a native of Manoppello, Italy, and after intensive study he was ordained a priest in the Church of St. Appolinarius in Rome, and remained in the Georgian University for two years afterwards, receiving the degree of doctor of theology there in 1908. He came to St. Francis College, Loretto, in 1910, to teach theology and philosophy. It is due to his influence that a program for improvements in the course of study was adopted. Trinity College, Sioux City, Iowa, grew through his efforts, as did the many improvements at the Franciscan College, Spalding, Nebraska. Father Zazarra continues his great work here, for the splendid church edifice in which members of Our Lady of Mount Carmel worship is another monument to his devoted service. Another Roman Catholic church here is the Church of the Immaculate Conception, organized at the beginning of the century. Rev. George J. Bock is the pastor. In 1907, Rev. Michael Canole came to Altoona from Ahrenfelt to become rector of the newly created parish of St. Leo. Since then, a church, school, convent and residence have been erected in the parish, which now numbers 160 families who are devoted to their spiritual leader. Rev. Joseph H. Farran was summoned to Altoona in 1923 to organize the parish of Our Lady of Lourdes. He has continued as pastor and through his efforts the convent was established. Rev. John J. McAllister became rector of St. Rose of Lima parish in 1925 and has faithfully built up the congregation. Prince Gallitzin ministered to Catholic families in Hollidaysburg as early as 1796. For a long time, however, Presbyterianism was the dominating religion of the community. But when the canal and Portage Railroad made Hollidaysburg a junction, Catholic families came in large numbers. Other priests followed Gallitzin, and for a time Hollidaysburg was included in the Newry congregation under Rev. James Bradley. In 1831, Prince Gallitzin and Bishop Kendrick considered the advisability of making Hollidaysburg a separate parish. This was not accomplished until a house of worship was completed in 1844 under Father Bradley. In 1845, Rev. R. A. Wilson was assigned to the parish and was later succeeded by Rev. John C. Brady. A parsonage was erected in 1851 and the Sisters of Mercy began instructing the children in a parochial school, in 1854. In 1901, Rev. George Bock became pastor at St. Michael's Church here. The German members of the congregation were accustomed to services in their native language, so in 1862, some of the enterprising representatives built a church of their own. Rev. George Kirchner became the first pastor. Later, a parsonage and school building were constructed, and in 1879 a building more adaptable to the needs of young people took the place of the old school. In January, 1923, Rev. Michael Vincent Murphy was called to be pastor at St. Mary's Church, and his duties have become so extensive that in 1927 Father William Flynn was appointed his assistant. Rev. James Bradley, of Newry, visited members of the Catholic faith in Tyrone CHURCHES 225 in 1851. In the spring of 1854 the first church built there by Roman Catholics was dedicated. Rev. J. C. Farran served as pastor for a long time, during which the communicant members increased rapidly, until it was deemed advisable to construct a new church edifice. This was considered in 1880, and by 1896 the church center, which covers a city square and includes rectory, convent, church building and parochial school, was dedicated. In 1930, Rev. James A. Tolan assumed leadership of the parish and he is ably assisted in his work by Rev. Gerald A. Deeghan. Judge Dean, in the article reviewed in the preceding chapter, referred to an old graveyard at Williamsburg which was maintained by members of the Roman Catholic Church. More recently Bishop McCort of the Altoona Diocese encouraged the establishment of a church in this community, and his efforts resulted in the organization of St. Mary's at Williamsburg. It will be observed that many of the older churches of the county were organized under Bishops Phelan and Domenec of the Pittsburgh Diocese. The churches of this vicinity remained under the jurisdiction of the see of Pittsburgh until 1901, when the increased number of parishes made it imperative that the diocese be divided. Accordingly, the Altoona Diocese was created by Pope Leo XIII, and Bishop Eugene A. Garvey, D.D., of Pittston, was named bishop. The counties of Cambria, Bedford, Blair, Huntingdon and Somerset, originally in the see of Pittsburgh, and Centre, Clinton and Fulton Counties of the Harrisburg Diocese, were combined to form the see of Altoona. The day of the formal installation of the bishop was one of great rejoicing. Under his guidance a residence was erected for him near St. John's Church, which became the procathedral of the diocese. Missions, new churches and a fine orphanage at Cresson are a few of the results of his labors. In March, 1920, Rev. John Joseph McCort became bishop of the Altoona Diocese. Before his appointment to be head of the see of Altoona, Bishop McCort devoted his time to the social and intellectual welfare of members of the Roman Catholic Churches in Philadelphia. Misericordia Hospital, in the latter city, St. Vincent's Home for Girls, and the West Philadelphia Catholic High School for Boys are examples of his tremendous capacity for organization and administration. The eleven years that have elapsed since he was called to lead the Altoona Diocese have been filled with many noteworthy accomplishments. In addition to completing St. Joseph's Home for Infants and erecting high schools in Johnstown and Altoona, twelve new parishes have been organized in the see. They are, Our Mother of Sorrows, Johnstown; Our Lady of Mercy, Johnstown; St. Francis, Johnstown; St. John's, Altoona; Our Lady of Lourdes, Altoona; Most Precious Blood, Emigh Run; Holy Child Jesus, Windber; Sacred Heart, Bakerton; The Assumption, Conemaugh; Holy Redeemer, Revloc; St. Catherine, Mt. Union; St. Mary's, Williamsburg. In Altoona the great cathedral church that is under construction at present was begun at Bishop McCort's suggestion. 226 BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY Of the ninety churches in Altoona there are twelve Roman Catholic ones in the city proper, and one each at Lakemont, Roselawn and Eldorado. Convents have been established in connection with Our Lady of Lourdes, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Sacred Heart, St. John's, St. Leo's, in Altoona; and at St. Michael's, in Hollidaysburg. Three other convents, St. Agnes, and Sts. Peter and Paul, in Altoona, and St. Mark's, in Hollidaysburg, have also been organized. OTHER DENOMINATIONS The Lutheran, Methodist, United Brethren, Baptist and German Baptists or Brethren in Christ denominations have done effective work throughout the county. In the southeast section, the pietistic sects have been notably predominant. There are ten Lutheran congregations in Altoona now; twelve Methodist ones, with one congregation in each of the following suburbs: Lakemont, Llyswen and Eldorado; nine United Brethren congregations in Altoona, one at Lakemont and one at Wehnwood; six Baptist churches in Altoona; five Brethren churches in Altoona. The first church to be established on the site of Altoona was Lutheran, organized in 1834. After the city was founded a church was erected and dedicated on Eleventh Avenue, in 1854. It has been enlarged on several occasions to meet the growing needs of the denomination and from it all of the other Lutheran churches in Altoona developed. In 1824, a Lutheran minister named Reichart, aided by Brethren and Mennonites established a union church at Geeseytown. By 1838 many of the members had become residents of Hollidaysburg, so that the First Lutheran Church of that town was dedicated in 1838. It continues to prosper. In Martinsburg many Germans of Lutheran faith settled. Before they secured the use of a Reformed church there in 1832, the members met in private houses. After 1834, they erected a church of their own. In 1852 and in 1894, new church buildings were provided to meet the increased needs of the congregation. In 1785, Lutheran ministers are said to have come from Harrisburg to conduct services in homes of their members at Frankstown and Newry. In the latter community, Patrick Cassidy, although a Roman Catholic, donated land for a Lutheran church in 1801. A log structure was subsequently erected. The Lutheran Church at Roaring Spring was established in 1851. In 1855, Rev. Joseph Fichtner, who had served at Martinsburg, secured land for a church from George B. Spang, an outstanding member of the church and community. The Roaring Spring Church has been served at intervals before 1885 by pastors from both the Martinsburg and Newry circuits. A new church building was erected in 1887 and rebuilt in 1906. The present membership is about five hundred. The Lutheran Church in Tyrone was organized in 1872, and the first house of worship erected in 1882. In 1904, a larger church building was constructed. The Lutheran Church at Williamsburg used a union church for their meeting-place before 1823. From that time until 1835 they used a Reformed Lutheran Church, and the following year built their own church, which they CHURCHES 227 used up to 1880. In the latter year, and again in 1907, newer buildings were constructed. Eighteen members comprised Altoona's first Methodist congregation in 1850. Many additional members came with the erection of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company's yards. In 1867, the growth of the town made the erection of another Methodist church on the east side of the railroad feasible. Consequently, the Eighth Avenue Church evolved. Four years later the Chestnut Avenue Church developed, when members of the First Church were of different opinions as to the suitability of using an organ in religious services, and the objectors withdrew to form the Chestnut Avenue Church. In 1883, the Fifth Avenue Church was established to serve the Methodists of the eastern section of the city. A Sunday School, organized in 1889, resulted in the Walnut Avenue Church. In 1890, the Fairview Church was built. It originated in a class-meeting in Calvert's Hall, and became a charge of what was then known as the North Altoona circuit. A Methodist Mission for Italians had its inception in 1904. Excellent kindergarten and Sunday School work has characterized its activities. At present there are two African Methodist churches here. The Sixteenth Street A. M. E. Church was established in 1858. Rev. James Brads of the Williamsburg Methodist charge met a class of eight Methodists at Bellwood in 1844. Today the congregation is flourishing, and is one of the most active in the county. Duncansville supports a Methodist Church, too. A hundred years ago members of this denomination held services in Hollidaysburg under Rev. Thomas Thornton. Since then many ministers have served the growing congregation here. The circuit riders accomplished very effective work for Methodism in the vicinity of Martinsburg. There Daniel Bloom, Henry Bridenthal, David Byers, James Graham, Burdine Blake and Jonathan Graham formed a class after 1819. In 1830, a small church was built and it was succeeded by a new edifice in 1844, which served the needs of the members until 1908, when a more modern structure was provided. It was at Roaring Spring and Williamsburg, however, that Methodism had its first and most effective centers. In 1802, Rev. Jacob Gruber, a preacher of the Huntingdon circuit, served this community and Williamsburg. The Methodist Class first met in one of Peter Shoenberger buildings at Rodman in 1830. In 1865 and 1866, a great spiritual revival was conducted here by Rev. John A. J. Williams, which resulted in a great increase in membership and the erection of a local church. The cornerstone of a new church was laid in 1898 under the pastorate of Rev. E. H. Wallace. In 1916, when Rev. Edwin L. Eslinger was pastor, the building was remodeled. The spiritual growth of the community and this church has complemented the splendid material development of Roaring Spring. The Methodists met at the houses of members in Tyrone in 1851. The first church was erected in 1855. Thirty years later a new one took its place. The Columbia Avenue Church was organized as a class in 1871, and the membership increased rapidly, so that the small chapel that was first in use was replaced in 1885 by a more spacious building. An African M. E. Church was established here in 1888, and a chapel built in 1894. 228 BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY Williamsburg seems to have been the original center of many denominations in Blair County. Its proximity to Huntingdon County, and its location on the canal may be some of the reasons. Mr. Ake, proprietor of Williamsburg, is said to have been a Methodist. It is known that about 1800 he arranged the second story of his house to be used for meetings of that denomination. The Methodists assisted in the construction of the union church here in 1816 and in 1831 built a separate house of worship. In 1854, another church was built. The Williamsburg circuit included Williamsburg, Hopewell, Loysburg, Woodbury and Sarah Furnace. The United Brethren Church in Pennsylvania has performed an excellent purpose for the generations not far removed from the pietistic sects, such as the Brethren and Mennonites. As an institution it has become a connecting link between the "plain" people and denominations that are more formal. It originated in differences of opinion among ministers of the Reformed, Brethren and Mennonite faiths. No two United Brethren congregations are the same, and it can be compared to the Methodist Church in this respect as in others. About 1816, United Brethren congregations held services in the Sinking Valley. Since then the Allegheny Conference has been formed with the Antis Church the first organized congregation. This church was located at Elizabeth Furnace and the first building was dedicated in 1834. In 1894, it was razed and Bellwood became the congregational center. The First United Brethren Church of Altoona was served for a long time by the same pastor who presided at Antis. As early as 1844 the camp meetings, revivals and regular services were held on farms that have since made way for the growing city, and in the union church. The first effective organization of this denomination in Altoona occurred in 1851. Rev. William Beighel had charge of the churches on the circuit. For a time the members met in a school house and in an old Baptist Church. In 1856, Rev. Speck became the pastor and he laid plans for a church building. A house of worship was erected by the actual labor of the members who gave their time to the movement after their regular work of the day was done. The building they created continued in use, though it underwent alterations, for forty-two years. In 1863, a parsonage was constructed and in 1899 a new church building was dedicated. Missionary endeavors of First Church members resulted in the establishment of the Second United Brethren Church in 1888, at Fifth Avenue and Third Street. For a time one board of trustees managed the affairs of both churches, and in 1889 the Second Church became a separate entity. Since that time the building has been enlarged and modern equipment installed. This congregation in its turn became the mother of the Third Church, in the eastern section of Altoona. In the locality known as Greenwood another United Brethren Church grew up. Now there are ten churches of this denomination in Altoona and its suburbs. In Bellwood the formal organization of a United Brethren Church took place in 1891 and a building to meet the needs of the congregation was erected. In 1909, a parsonage was provided. The denomination had other churches throughout the county. Some of them were abandoned when the CHURCHES 229 character of the communities in which they served, changed. Others continue to serve rural citizens at cross-roads and small, remote settlements. The Pleasant Valley Baptist Church was the first organized congregation of that denomination in Altoona. Services were first held in the union church in 1842 and this practice continued for more than a decade. In 1853, a brick building was constructed and continued in use until 1871, when a more commodious edifice was erected. A parsonage was provided in 1881. Some of the leading citizens of Blair County were affiliated with this church. Outstanding among them was one of the pastors, Dr. A. K. Bell, whose son, Martin Bell, became judge of the Blair County Courts. A Baptist congregation for members of the colored race was the result of the enterprising work of leaders of the first church. It was effected in 1873 and a building was erected on Seventeenth Street in 1876. Thirty years later the property was disposed of and a church erected at Fifth Avenue and Twenty-second Street. Two other churches, Memorial and Calvary, have both developed through the efforts of members of the older church. In Bellwood, a Baptist Church was organized in 1837 and a building for church purposes erected. It was destroyed by fire in 1853, and then the congregation used the Baptist Church at Tipton until another one was completed at Bellwood in 1856. The Altoona and Tyrone congregations grew out of the Bellwood congregation. The Baptists accomplished effective work in Duncansville in 1844. They erected the first church building there. The members in the community dwindled and the work of the denomination terminated in 1855. The Presbyterians met with a similar experience in Duncansville after 1847. In Hollidaysburg the Baptists organized in 1833. Members from Williamsburg formed the nucleus for this congregation, probably coming to the future county-seat when the work on the canal and Portage Railroad gave impetus to business in this locality. A brick church was erected in 1836, and ten years later another edifice took its place. It has been remodeled at various times and became the center for a very active congregation. The Tyrone Baptists organized in 1870 and erected a church in the same year. The denomination met with difficulties, and for a time the members were few in number and were unable to support a pastor. Toward the end of the century conditions changed, and a thriving congregation developed. A Baptist church was organized at Williamsburg in 1829. The number of communicants was always small, and in 1862 the congregation no longer continued to function as part of the Juniata Association. The building, which was the old union church erected in 1816, was dismantled and sold by the trustees. The Church of the Brethren was known as the German Baptist Church before 1908. Members were commonly called Dunkards, and still are for that matter. They are very often confused, because of their plain garb that many of them affect, with Mennonites, Amish, and, even in some instances, with Quakers. Judge Dean's account of the experiences of their pioneer ancestors in our county has been given. Other references to the Dunkard massacres in the cove region appear in earlier chapters. The denomination had its origin in Germany at the 230 BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY beginning of the 18th Century, and many adherents to its principles migrated to the United States in the years that followed, before the American Revolution. The eastern counties of Pennsylvania, Berks, Bucks, Lancaster, Lebanon and Dauphin, have prospered greatly through the thrift and hard work of these people. Huntingdon is the site of one of the educational institutions, Juniata College, that has been fostered by this denomination. Intellectual attainments are sought for the benefits that may accrue to the individual, not from a material standpoint, but from spiritual and cultural ones. Jesse Sell gives an excellent account of the activities of this denomination in his "History of Blair County and Representative Citizens," upon which it would be difficult to improve. Their members settled first in the vicinity of Morrison's Cove, and services were held in homes under the leadership of inspired laymen. In Clover Creek and Logan Valley, groups of German Baptist families met. In the former section a meeting-house was erected at the beginning of the 19th Century. The church at Geeseytown which the Lutherans used for a time before the Hollidaysburg congregation was organized, was erected by that denomination, the Brethren and Mennonites, as a joint project, and was also in use early in the century. In Altoona, German Baptists met in 1870, and by 1874 prepared a meeting-house on the property at the corner of Sixth Avenue and Fifth Street. About ten years later another structure took its place. There are now four Brethren Meeting-Houses in Altoona, one of which is located in Juniata. Hollidaysburg, Martinsburg, Roaring Spring and Tyrone, all maintain congregations. In Martinsburg, although the membership has always been large, a meeting-house was not erected until 1870. Fredericksburg, a rural community two miles east of Martinsburg, is the real center of the sect in this vicinity. The predominating occupation of the members is agriculture, and consequently the largest congregations are in rural settlements. A home for aged members is located in Martinsburg. The Clover Creek Church built a house for worship south of Roaring Spring in 1877. The community grew so rapidly that before much time elapsed about half the congregation lived in the town. The situation became unsatisfactory, so in 1910 measures were taken to conduct separate services in Roaring Spring, and a building was erected on property obtained at the corner of Bloomfield Street and California Avenue. There are more than two hundred members in the congregation. Although meetings were held in Tyrone at an early date, the informality of the services, and the lay ministers who led them, make it difficult to establish exact dates. An organization was formed in 1894, and subsequently a meeting-house and parsonage were constructed. Scattered through the pages of any local history may be found the names of many adherents to this faith, who have left the mark of their influence upon institutions that will stand the most difficult tests of time. The Disciples of Christ, or the Christian Church as it is better known, is the result of the efforts of the Campbellites, followers of Alexander Campbell, who was a leading Presbyterian clergyman of Southwestern Pennsylvania at the CHURCHES 231 beginning of the 19th Century. One congregation of this denomination maintains its activities in Altoona. It was organized in this city in 1892. The Westmoreland Classis of the Reformed Church established a mission in Altoona in 1863. Later it came under the jurisdiction of the Mercersburg Classis until the Juniata Classis was formed. After 1872, this congregation became self- supporting. The church building was completed in 1873, although it had been in use before that time. Christ Reformed Church, as it came to be known, was rebuilt in 1902. Trinity Reformed Church is an offspring of Christ Reformed Church Sabbath School, and was organized in 1888 as a separate congregation under the Juniata Classis. In 1895, the church auditorium was completed, and the following year, the parsonage. Andrew Carnegie was the donor of a fine pipe organ, given in memory of his associations while working for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company here. St. Paul's Reformed Church, in Juniata, evolved from the mission work of Trinity Church in 1906. The next year a church building was erected. Grace Reformed Church developed from a nucleus of members from both Christ and Trinity congregations in 1898. The church building was constructed in 1905 at Eighth Avenue and Twenty-third Street. There are now five Reformed churches in Altoona, one of which is in Juniata. The first Reformed Church in the vicinity of Martinsburg was a rude log structure erected in 1804 or 1805. It was located a mile and a half southwest of the town. The ministers who served here had scattered congregations all over Huntingdon and Bedford Counties then. In 1832, a frame building was erected, and in 1858 a substantial brick one. A parsonage was built in 1853 and another one in 1874. The church has undergone alterations at different times. Christ Reformed Church in Roaring Spring was dedicated in 1904. It is an outgrowth of a Sunday School established by Mrs. C. E. Yingling at her home here. A church building and parsonage were erected, the latter in 1909, and a building fund for the church was developed. Mr. Sell is of the opinion that the oldest church in Williamsburg may have been a German Reformed Church, located on the old graveyard in East Second Street. The Church of God has two congregations in Altoona and one in Lakemont. The first was organized here in 1862, and since then a church has been established in Hollidaysburg. Martinsburg became the center for the activities of this denomination in 1830, and an organization was effected in 1842. In Roaring Spring a church was established in 1881. In addition to these denominations, Altoona has the following churches: Apostolic, one; Christian Science, one; Church of the Living God, one; Episcopal, two; Evangelical, four; Greek Catholic, four; Mennonites, two; Protestant Episcopal, one; Seventh Day Adventist, one; United Presbyterian, one; Hebrews, two. The following undenominational institutions have centers here: Altoona Pentecostal Tabernacle, Altoona Rescue Mission, Brethren in Christ Mission, Bedford Street Gospel Mission, Christian and Missionary Alliance, Fairview Union Chapel, Faith Tabernacle, Gospel Center, Faith Tabernacle Congregation, 232 BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY Fairview Union Chapel, Juniata Gospel Mission, St. Barnabas Mission, St. Paul's Union Chapel and the Salvation Army. Hollidaysburg has an Episcopal Church; Martinsburg has Progressive and River Brethren; Roaring Spring has a Mennonite Meeting-House; Tyrone, a Free Methodist Congregation, and a Protestant Episcopal Church in addition to the others mentioned earlier.