Chester County PA Archives News.....Jesse B. KNIPE Ministry, 1879-1883 File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Barbara Rightnour [barright@comcast.net] ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/pafiles.htm ************************************************ Daily Local West Chester April 4 1879 An Aged clergyman – Rev Jesse D Knipe of West Pikeland was in town yesterday. The old gentleman is looking better than we have seen him for many years. He tells us that he is now 75 years of age and has been in the ministry fifty-two years, forty-eight of which he has had charge of one of the Pikeland Churches. The old gentleman contemplated resigning a year or two ago on account of his age, but was dissuaded from doing so by the members of his congregation, who wished him to continue to preach for them the full half century, which he finally agreed to do provided his life and health were soared to him. From present appearances he looks as if he might serve his flock for many more years to come. Daily Local West Chester August 19 1880 Fifty years in the Harness – On the 30th of September next Rev Jesse B Knipe pastor of Pikeland, St Paul's and St Vincent Churches, should he live will have been an ordained preacher for fifty years. It has been suggested by the Phoenixville Journal that this venerable and worthy gentleman be remembered on that day, that the event be celebrated in a becoming manner in some grove, or elsewhere on Thursday September 30th. We second the motion. Daily Local West Chester Pennsylvania April 13 1883 A very pleasant item – According to a preconcerted arrangement among the ministers of the Reformed Church in Chester County, they met at the residence of Rev Jesse B Knipe on Wednesday morning socially to spend the day with him and mutually to share the enjoyment with each other. All who were invited however could not be present. Rev D W Ebbert of Spring City was detained on account of sickness and Rev J H A Bomberger, D D, by duties connected with the opening session of Ursinus College. These were absent in body, only for their expressions of regret gave abundant evidence that they were present in spirit. The letter from Dr Bomberger in particular was full of soul and fraternal affection. The "better half" of the ministry was also well represented and at the proper time enhanced the enjoyment by pleasing the palate with things more material though not so enduring; besides giving to our gathering that something inexpressible which can only be defined by its absence. Before separating short addresses expressive of regard and esteem for their aged Father in Israel, signifying their appreciation of his life fraught with labor bright in example and ripe with fruits were made by Revs. Sorber, Thompson and Mauger, after all had joined in singing: "Blest be the tie that binds," and Rev Stambaugh had offered a prayer. Father Knipe's response was characteristic, full of paternal counsel and encouragement, affection and blessing. After receiving his fatherly benediction, the party dispersed, feeling that the day had been well spent; resolving still more deeply to live the life of the righteous that their last end may be like his praising God from whom blessings flow for this living example of his loving kindness and tender mercy; praying that he may yet be graciously spared to let his "light so shine before men" that they see his good works and glorify their father which is in heaven' and that eventually they might meet again where parting shall be no more forever.