HISTORY: Annals of Harrisburg, 1858, pages 271-294, Dauphin County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Judith Bookwalter Copyright 2008. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/dauphin/ _________________________________________ ANNALS OF HARRISBURG Annals, Comprising Memoirs, Incidents and Statistics of Harrisburg, From the Period of Its First Settlement, For the Past, the Present, and the Future. Compiled by George H. Morgan. Harrisburg: Published by Geo. A. Brooks, 1858. Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1858, By George A. Brooks, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. 271 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. THE CHURCHES OF HARRISBURG. GERMAN REFORMED SALEM CHURCH. - Previous to the erection of any regular church building in the borough, the citizens occasionally worshiped in a small one story log school house, which stood at the foot of Capitol Hill, at the corner of Third and Walnut streets. The community at that early day being made up of all denominations, the original subscription paper for "the first church," read for the "use of the subscribers," and long after the erection of the house, clergymen of different denominations officiated in it, by permission, as opportunity occurred. The undertaking was, however, by those who professed the doctrines of Ulric Zwingli and Martin Luther; and the church was owned and occupied stately, only by the German Reformed and Evangelical Lutheran congregations, and was erected on a lot given by John Harris* to them for that purpose, situated at the corner of Chestnut and Third streets, extending two hundred and ten feet on the latter street to Cherry alley. The "first church" stood until the year 1854, at the corner of Third street and Cherry alley. It was built of logs, subsequently weather-boarded, two stories high, with a front of thirty-five feet five inches, and a depth of thirty feet five inches. The original subscription for the erection of this church, reads as follows: "We, the subscribers, do each of us promise to pay, or cause to be paid, unto John Norton, Christian Gunckel, George Redig and Henry Bruner, or their order, on demand, the sum annexed to each of our names, respectively, to be held and appropriated by the said John Norton, Christian Gunckel, George Redig and Henry Bruner, in purchasing materials for, and in building a *After the death of Mr. Harris, his heirs released, for five shillings, all their right and title to the lot, to the trustees of the Reformed and Lutheran churches, as will appear from the record in the Recorder's office. 272 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. Church and School House, in some convenient part of the town of Harrisburg, for the use of the subscribers. In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands, with the sums annexed, this 12th day of March, Anno Domini, 1787." [Here follows the names of persons whose subscriptions ranged from L 2 to 1 shilling.] From the first church book in possession of the German Reformed church, it appears that the first pastor of the said church was Rev. A. Hautz, and that Rev. T. D. Schaeffer, who then resided in or near Carlisle, preached stately for the Lutheran congregation of Harrisburg. The first date in the book alluded to is October 18, 1788, and is in the handwriting of Rev. T. D. Schaeffer; and the entries on the second page are evidently in the handwriting of Rev. A. Hautz. Both congregations appear to have been united in their temporal affairs, and all church regulations from the year 1787 to 1795. Rev. A. Hautz was the first stationed pastor of the German Reformed Church, and the first resident pastor settled in Harrisburg. Those chose by mutual agreement their own church offices, as appears by the first record of an election held September 12, 1790, which is as follows: German Reformed. - George Hoyer, Henry Bruner, Trustees; Jacob Zollinger, George Hatz, Elders; Jacob Staely, Jacob Welschans, Deacons. Lutheran. - John Dentzel, George Rettig, Trustees; Christian Kunckel, John Hacker, Elders; Michael Von Keuen, John Ebert, Deacon. The elections of 1792 and 1793, are also recorded. The next congregational entry in the church book is in 1795, and is as follows: "Im Jahr 1795, wurden die zwey Gemeinden in Harrisburg, naemlich die Reformirt und Lutherisch von einander Sebarirt, und waehlten auf Reformirter Seite zum Kirehenrath. Trustees - George Hoyer, Henrich Brunner; Aelesten - Ja- 273 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. cob Shultz, Simon Schneider; Vorsteher - Henry Liphart, Johannes Pfeiffer." The fact of the separation of the two churches in 1795 is further established by the Lutheran church book, which commences in the year 1795 - the first entries in which, are made by Rev. Henry Mueller, who had then settled in Harrisburg, as the first stationed pastor of the Lutheran church. The two congregations, however, still continued to worship in the same building until 1814, when the Lutherans purchased ground in Fourth street, between Market and Chestnut streets, and erected a handsome brick church and school house adjoining. In 1795 the "old church" was wainscoted, and sundry repairs made; and in 1804 the vestries of the churches did much to render the building comfortable; a pulpit was erected and galleries put up on three sides; the sides were plastered, and the exterior weather-boarded and painted white. These improvements were finished in 1805. On the 28th of March, 1812, Rev. Philip Glonninger, Geo. Hoyer, Frederick Kelker, Nicholas Ott and Frederick Boas, purchased a lot adjoining the old church property from Joseph Allen, for $1,400, for the exclusive use of the German Reformed Church. On the 13th of July, 1813, the Lutherans formally proposed a division of the church property, upon certain conditions, to which, however, their Reformed brethren would not agree. On June 17, 1815, a second proposition was made by the Lutherans, that the German Reformed church should purchase an undivided half of the new Lutheran church, in Fourth street. This occasioned considerable discussion, but the majority of the Reformed disapproved the measure; and the result was, that on the first of April, 1816, the German Reformed congregation purchased for $1,000, the whole interest of the Lutherans in the old church lot, corner of Third and Chesnut 274 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. streets, and buildings thereon erected. On the 3d of July, 1818, the German Reformed congregation became a body corporate, under the title of "The German Reformed Salem Church of Harrisburg." The following are the signers to the articles of incorporation: Vestry. - Christian Schaeffer, John Zinn, Trustees; George Witherholt, John Kelker, Elders; John Horter, John S. Weistling, George Kunkel, Jacob Hise, Deacons; M. Rahm, A Dorsheimer, George Hoyer, Henry George, Jacob Mish, Jacob Cunkle, Jacob Hoyer, Jacob Bucher, George Snyder, Frederick Beisel, Joseph Doll, John Fleming, Henry Fry, Henry Welshover, Jacob Balsley, Frederick Kelker, David S. Forney, Jacob Steinman, Jacob Greenawalt, Peter Bachman, Jacob Kunkle, Samuel C. Weistling, Jr., Samuel Swartz, Conrad Knepley, Michael Derstein, Nicholas Ott, John Horn, David Beisel, Peter Snyder, Daniel Snyder, john A. Stehley, Members. On the 15th of January, 1821, a meeting of the members was held in the old church, at which Frederick Kelker presided, and John S. Weistling acted as secretary, at which it was resolved to erect a new church of suitable dimensions, to front on Chestnut street. The following persons were appointed to collect subscriptions for the purpose: Jacob Bucher, John Kelker, John Zinn, John S. Weistling, Rev. John Winebrenner, John Horter, Frederick Kelker, and Conrad Knepley. Three weeks afterwards, viz: February 5, 1821, the committee reported six thousand and six dollars in cash and subscriptions, and the vestry were requested to contract for the erection of a new church. On the 8th of March, 1821, the vestry, by their building committee, Jacob Bucher, John Kelker and John Zinn, contracted with Messrs. Samuel Pool and Henry V. Wilson, for the erection of a brick church, sixty feet front and seventy-five feet deep, to be surmounted with a tower one hundred and ten 275 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. feet to the top of the wood work, all to be completed by July 1st, 1822, for the sum of $8,000. To carry the plan into execution, the old log school house and the brick house, both of which stood on the church lots, were town down. The church building was immediately commenced, and carried on with dispatch. The corner-stone was laid on June 11, 1821, with appropriate ceremonies. On the 21st of June, 1822, the bell, weighing six hundred and sixty-seven pounds, which had been procured in London, at an expense of three hundred and forty-six dollars and fifty-six and a half cents, was taken to the church and placed in the tower. The following inscriptions are upon it: "T. Mears, of London, February, 1822." "May all whom I may summon to the grave, the blessings of a well spent life receive." The church was finished August 1, 1822, and on the fourth day of the same month, dedicated to Jehovah. The total cost of the church per settlement made Feb. 15, 1823, was $8,537 54, exclusive of bell. No repairs or additions were made to the church property of any importance until 1827, when the "old church" in Third street was altered, by extending an upper floor from the eastern to the western gallery, thus converting the interior into two large rooms. The upper one was used for a long time by the Sabbath school, and the lower as a day school. They were subsequently both occupied by the common schools until 1854, when the building was torn down, and four brick dwelling houses erected on its site by the congregations. In the summer of 1841, the old pulpit of the brick church was removed, and its place supplied by one of modern style; the walls, too, were painted, and sundry other improvements made. In the same year the congregation also erected a spacious lecture room, one story high, twenty-eight by fifty-four feet, with thirteen feet ceiling. This building stands a little in the rear of the church, and has since been extended to Cherry 276 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. alley, making a spacious room of twenty-eight by ninety-one feet. In 1855 the interior of the church was handsomely frescoed by George Seiling, the celebrated Fresco Painter of Reading, and in January, 1856, the splendid organ which now adorns it, purchased from Jardine & Son, New York, was erected. It is worthy of mention that the "Confirmation table," which in days of old, stood before the pulpit in the first church, now constitutes the altar in the present Sabbath school room, and is in good preservation; around this table were confirmed many of the grandfathers and fathers of the present generation. It is made of black walnut, and has been in use more than seventy years. We append the following memoranda: Rev. Daniel Gans, pastor. Residence, Chestnut street, between Front and Second, south side. Preaching every Sabbath morning at 10 1/2 o'clock, and at 7 o'clock in the evening. Communion on the second Sabbath of each January, April, July and October. Catechetical class for adults every Monday evening, and for juveniles every Tuesday evening, in the lecture room. Lecture every Wednesday evening. Monthly Concert for Missions the first Monday evening of every month, in the Lecture Room. Choir meets in the church every Saturday evening for rehearsal. The two Sabbath schools meet at 1 1/2 P. M. _____ THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH. - This congregation worshiped in the same church, which, with their German Reformed brethren, they had united in erecting in 1787, from the period of its erection until 1814, when they purchased a lot on Fourth street, between Market and Chestnut streets, and erected thereon a handsome brick church, and adjoining the same, in 1822, a large two story brick school house. In 1816 they sold their interest in the old church property on Third street to the German Reformed church for one thousand dol- 277 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. lars. The first record in their oldest church book is in 1795, by the Rev. Henry Mueller, who was their first stationed pastor. To the articles of church government, written out at length in the first part of said book, the first few pages of which are unfortunately lost, the following signatures appear. These persons may, therefore, be considered as the founders of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Harrisburg, viz: Benjamin Kurtz, Henry Sailor, George Pfeiffer, Matthias Hutman, George Jauss, George Hartman, Frederick Youse, Johannes Ebert, John Shoch, George Zeigler, Martin Krieger, George Seidel, George Scheile, George Emerich, Peter Walter, Casper Schmidt, Stephen Horning, George Buks, Balthazer Sees, John Fager, Peter Bricker, Christopher Suess, John Mytinger, Bernhard Geiger, Peter Brua. The church and school house erected in 1814, were destroyed by fire on Sabbath evening, October 20, 1838. [See page 206.] It is worthy of note, that on the morning following, before the smouldering ruins were extinguished, the then pastor, Rev. Samuel Sprecher, together with the vestry, and a number of the members of the church, met on the spot, appointed committees and adopted other measures for the speedy erection of the large and beautiful church which the congregation now occupy. Universal sympathy was felt, and liberal donations were made by sister denominations. In 1839 the building was finished, and dedicated to the worship of God on the 10th day of November of that year. The building is sixty-four feet front and eighty-four feet deep, and has a large lecture and several Sabbath school rooms in the basement story. It is of brick, covered with composition, and painted in imitation of marble. The cupola contains two fine bells. The pastors of the church from its foundation up to the year 1843, preached both in the German and English languages, with the exception of the first two, who ministered in the German language alone. In consequence of the increase of both the 278 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. German and English branches of the church, an amicable separation was effected in 1843, when the German portion organized a new church. Rev. Charles A. Hay, pastor. Residence in Walnut street, between Third and Fourth. Preaching every Sabbath at 10 1/2 o'clock in the morning, and 7 o'clock in the evening. Lecture on Wednesday evening. Sabbath school at 1 1/2, P. M. _____ THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. - In the year 1794, the Presbyterians in this neighborhood attended at, and were to a great extent united with the Paxton church, a short distance from the town. Paxton and Derry churches were organized on the 15th day of November, A. D. 1732. The first pastor of these two churches was Rev. Mr. Bertram, a native of Ireland. He was succeeded, in 1737, by Rev. John Elder, also from Ireland, who officiated until his death in 1792. After Harrisburg was laid out in 1785, the population increased, and the residents found considerable difficulty in attending church at Paxton. They accordingly invited traveling preachers to officiate for them on several occasions. Rev. Mr. Elder regarded Harrisburg as justly in his district, and did not favor this movement. In 1786, the citizens of Harrisburg and others united in a petition to the Presbytery of Carlisle, then recently formed, to be organized into a distinct body. The facts of the case were laid before the Presbytery, both by Rev. Mr. Elder and by a representation of the citizens. A committee was appointed to investigate the matter, with power to grant the prayer of the petitioners if it should be thought advisable. The committee consisted of Dr. Davidson and Mr. Waugh. In June, 1787, the committee offered articles of agreement, one of which was that the Presbytery of Paxton should have two places of worship - one at Harrisburg, and one at Paxton. 279 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. The articles were accepted with permission to call a colleague to Mr. Elder, but notwithstanding their existence, Rev. Mr. Elder continued sole pastor up to the time of his death. In 1794, the church in Harrisburg was organized, and Moses Gillmore, Adam Boyd and Samuel Weir ordained as ruling elders thereof. After Rev. Mr. Elder's death, Rev. N. R. Snowden was installed as pastor over the congregation of Paxton, Derry and Harrisburg. In October 1795, he applied for a dissolution of his pastoral relations with the Derry church. This was granted. In April, 1796, Rev. Mr. Snowden officiated at Harrisburg alone, but he was afterwards permitted to preach at Middletown. In 1799, a room in the Court House was obtained for worship, the congregation having previously occupied an apartment over the old jail. On the 7th of June, 1804, the congregation purchased a lot at the corner of Second street and Cherry alley, for the sum of L 400, and contracted soon after for the erection of a church with Mr. Glass. At what time the corner-stone of the first edifice was laid, the compiler could not ascertain. It was opened for Divine worship on Sunday and Monday, the 12th and 13th of February, 1809, at which time Rev. James Buchanan was installed as pastor, Rev. Mr. Snowden having retired from his pastoral relation with the congregation on the 25th of June, 1805. The house was built of brick, forty-five by sixty feet; and in 1816 an addition was added to the front, which was occupied by the Sabbath school and used as a lecture room. Rev. James Buchanan continued pastor of the church until September 10, 1815, when he likewise retired. The church then remained without a regular pastor for a few years. On the second Sabbath of September, 1818, Rev. William R. DeWitt, of the Presbytery of New York, delivered his first sermon to the congregation. He shortly afterwards received a call from the congregation, which he accepted; and he was regularly installed 280 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. pastor of the church on the 12th of November, 1819. He still continues in this relation. The congregation obtained a legal charter in 1818. In 1838 the division took place in the general church. The Presbytery of Harrisburg was formed in connection with the New School General Assembly, and this church became a part of that Presbytery. During the winter of 1840-1, the trustees repurchased of the heirs of Robert Sloan a part of the original church lot, which had been sold to that gentleman, and on which he had erected a three story brick house. In the spring of 1841 the old church was torn down, and a beautiful new edifice erected, which was dedicated to Divine worship on the 13 of February, 1842. It was constructed of brick, covered with white cement. Its dimensions were sixty-three by eighty-four feet, and adorned in front with a portico, supported by pillars of the Corinthian order - an exact copy of the front of the celebrated Choragic monument of Lysicrates, at Athens. The basement story was above ground, and contained a lecture room, a Sabbath school room, and a studio designed for the pastor. The audience chamber, with the galleries, was capable of seating about one thousand persons. The pulpit was of fine polished Italian marble, and the whole structure was regarded as one of the most handsome in the borough. In July, 1854, Rev. Thomas H. Robinson was called to act as a colleague of Rev. Dr. DeWitt, and on the 21st of January, 1855, he was duly installed. On the night of the 31st of March, 1858, a fire (the work of an incendiary) broke out in a small stable in the rear of the church, which spread with great rapidity to several adjoining frame buildings, during the conflagration of which the heavy wood Cornish of the church caught fire, which quickly communicated to the roof, and before the progress of the flames could be arrested the entire building was destroyed. 281 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. After the destruction of the church building, a part of the congregation withdrew, and formed another church. The original congregation, under the pastoral charge of Revs. DeWitt and Robinson, worshiped in Brant's City Hall, Market street. Preaching every Sabbath at 10 1/2 o'clock in the morning, and 7 o'clock in the evening. Lecture every Wednesday evening. Monthly concert of prayer on the evening of the first Monday of every month; and prayer meeting every Monday evening, in the Lutheran church. Sabbath school at 1 1/2 o'clock in the afternoon, in the upper room of the Court House. A splendid new building for the accommodation of the congregation is now (1858) in progress of construction at the south-east corner of Second street and Market Square, under the direction of the architect, Mr. J. C. Hoxie, of Philadelphia. From the plans and specifications furnished by this gentleman, we find that the general style of the structure is a rich Romanesque, in size one hundred and thirty-three feet by sixty-six, exclusive of projections. The front of the building will be on Second street. It will have three entrances from that street, with one at the side, leading to the lecture and Sabbath school rooms, which occupy a distinct part of the building in the rear. There are two turrets on the front part of the building, besides the steeple, which will be located on the upper corner of the building, and will be one hundred and ninety-three feet in height. A number of minarets will adorn the sides, all of which will combine to give the building a very rich appearance. There will be a clock with four faces on the steeple, ninety feet above the ground. The audience room will be seventy-six by fifty-eight feet in size, and contain one hundred and forty pews, the pews to be a good distance apart. There will be no gallery, except a small one for the choir, and the ceiling of the church will be ornamented by paneling and stucco work. The height of the walls, at the lower corners of the roof, will be thirty-two feet, 282 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. and to the cone of the roof in front, fifty-six feet. The main Sabbath school room will be over the lecture room, before spoken of, in the rear part of the building. The cappings of the windows, (of which there will be a large number,) turrets, &c., will be either of brown stone or iron. The entire cost of the building is expected to be from $20,000 to $25,000, and when completed it will undoubtedly be one of the finest structures in the interior of the State. The ceremony of laying the corner-stone of the above building took place on Tuesday afternoon, the 26th of October, 1858, in the presence of a large collection of people. We condense from the daily papers of the borough a description of the ceremonies observed on that occasion: The hour appointed for the ceremony was two o'clock, but before that time a large number of persons were in attendance. For the accommodations of ladies, chairs had been placed upon a platform constructed over the cellar of the building. Upon this platform a stand had been erected for the officiating clergymen, and a portion of the space was reserved for members of the Sunday School, and young ladies from the Seminary of Mrs. Dickson, and the Pennsylvania Female College. Every available part of the neighboring pavements was crowded with spectators, and many of the windows in the square also had their occupants. A few minutes after two o'clock the reverend gentlemen intending to participate mounted the platform. The proceedings were opened by anthem singing by the choir. Rev. Mr. Hutchins then delivered a fervent and appropriate prayer, invoking the blessing of Providence upon the enterprise, and asking that the devotion of the members might never diminish. A portion of the 15th Parish hymn was then sung, commencing: "Glory to God on high, Let Heaven and Earth reply - Praise ye his name. 283 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. His love and grace adore, Who all our sorrows bore, Sing loud forevermore. Worthy the Lamb." Rev. Wm. R. DeWitt next proceeded to read from a manuscript a recital of the principal events, in chronological order, which had marked the existence of the church from the beginning of the eighteenth century to the present time; at the conclusion of which he proceeded to the corner-stone, and after seeing that the same was properly adjusted, he was handed a Mason's mallet, with which he gave the stone a slight blow, and then declared it laid. The stone was properly squared, and contained on one side a cavity about twelve inches in length by five inches in height and depth. In this cavity the following articles were placed, enclosed in a leaden box: - A copy of the Bible; Confession of Faith; Psalm and Hymn Book; History of the Church; Covenant of the Church; list of pastors, elders and members of the church, trustees and building committee, architect, contractor and builders; the various religious periodicals; a copy of the Daily and Weekly Telegraph, Union and Vaterland Woechter; and also copies of the Philadelphia and New York papers. The concluding ceremonies were as follows: - Prayer by Rev. Dr. DeWitt. Music by children of the Sunday School. Hymn 530, Parish hymns. Address by Rev. E. E. Adams, of Philadelphia. Address by Rev. T. H. Robinson. Collection. Music - Hymn 132, Parish hymns. Doxology sung by the congregation. Benediction. The newly organized church, at present under no particular pastoral charge, worship in the State Senate Chamber. Preaching every Sabbath, at 10 o'clock in the morning and 6 in the evening. Prayer meeting every Thursday evening at 7 1/2 o'clock, in the lecture room of the Baptist church, corner of Second 284 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. and Pine streets. Monthly concert of prayer for missions, on the first Monday evening of every month, in the same place. Sunday school at 8 1/2 o'clock, A. M., in the lecture room of the German Reformed church, Chestnut street. In the summer of 1858, the congregation purchased a lot one hundred and five by eighty-two, at the corner of Pine and Third streets, upon which in the year 1859, will be constructed a handsome church edifice of limestone, in the style of Gothic which prevailed in the beginning of the fourteenth century. The extreme length of the building is one hundred and five feet, and its width in the rear sixty-seven feet. That part devoted to the lecture and Sabbath school rooms is in the rear, and projects beyond the side of the main building. The tower of the main building, projecting from its Third street side, imparts to the whole pile, breadth and peculiarity, and is admired for its grace and massiveness. It is surmounted with a spire, and the combined height of the two is one hundred and sixty feet. The front of the building on Pine street is of great symmetry and variety; and while it has the desirable look of solidity, it is made pleasing and lively by a sufficiency without redundancy of ornaments. The main audience room, and the lower floor of the lecture room, are about two feet above the level of the pavement. The principal entrances to the audience room are through two large door-ways in the lower section of the main tower on Third street, and a door-way opposite, entered from Pine street. There are also two other entrances, one through the small tower of the lecture room, and another through the session room. The lecture and school room are entered through a large and commodious door on Third street. The construction of that part of the building containing these, was commenced in the fall of 1858, and completed in the early part of 1859. The windows are of light stained glass, which gives a very pleasant and cheerful effect. The roof is constructed of open 285 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. timber, collar braced, and has a span of fifty-three feet. The principal timbers are moulded, and painted in colors harmonizing with the rich stained glass of the windows. An opening immediately beneath the roof along the entire length of the audience room furnishes proper ventilation. The pews in the audience room are divided by four aisles running parallel with Third street, and two running parallel with Pine street, and will seat comfortably six hundred persons. The choir gallery projects beyond the side of the main building, to the right of the pulpit. Under this gallery are the session room and pastor's study. All the wood work of the interior, excepting the roof, is grained in imitation of oak, which adds much to the general effect, and supports the air of solidity and durability which characterizes the whole structure. Te architect of the building was Luther M. Simon, of Harrisburg. _____ METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. - The records of this church show that as early as 1802, Harrisburg was visited in circuit, stately, by Rev. Jacob Gruber. The first society was formed in 1810. In October, 1818, the following persons constituted the church, viz: John Funk, William Mitchell, Jane Mitchell, John Bond, Rebecca Bond, Harriet Henry, Amelia Henry, William Musgrave, B. Barret, John Hosler, Alex. Buffington, John Rigg, Jane Wood, E. Wood, Louisa Power, Jacob M. Awl, Aurora Callender, Mary M'Michael, George Linketter, John Burkett. At this period, Rev. Mr. M'Allister, on behalf of the congregation, purchased the small two story brick dwelling house which stood until the fall of 1858 on the north-west side of Pine street, a few doors from Third street, which, after being altered for the purpose was used by the congregation, until it was sold 286 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. by the Sheriff to satisfy a mortgage which existed on it previous to its purchase by that body. After vacating this building, the congregation worshipped in the small one story log house, still standing on the south-east side of Locust street, between Second street and River alley, and subsequently in the school house of Mr. M'Ginnis, a one story frame building, which formerly stood in Raspberry alley, east of Chestnut street, on the lot now owned by Mr. Jacob Miley. In 1820 the congregation erected the brick building at the eastern corner of South and Second streets, at an expense of $1,500. Trustees at that time, John Bond, James Gallagher and John Funk. This church was dedicated in December, 1820. Preachers then on this circuit, Rev. J. Gruber and H. G. King. It continued to be a circuit church until 1834, when Rev. Francis Hogdson became the first stationed pastor. The society then consisted of one hundred and seventy-five members. A few years after the erection of the church building, some evil disposed persons entered it at night, and, with an augur, bored holes in the sills of the pulpit, which they filled with powder and ignited by slow matches, the explosion of which shattered that structure into fragments. Although a reward of $100 was offered by the Governor, and one of similar amount by the Town Council, the perpetrators of the deed were never discovered. Universal sympathy was extended to the congregation by the citizens of the borough, and liberal donations of money made, which not only enabled the congregation to construct a new pulpit, but to pay an onerous debt on the church building itself, for which the trustees were bondsmen. The old church being inconveniently small, the society, in 1837, commenced the erection of its present large and commodious building, in Locust street. Its size is sixty feet six inches front by seventy- three feet deep, and cost $9,459 24. It was dedicated in August, 1838, and remodeled in 1852. Pastor, Rev. 287 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. D. W. Bartine. Residence in Walnut street near Second. - Preaching every Sabbath at 10 in the morning and 7 1/2 in the evening. Lecture every Thursday evening. Communion first Sabbath of every month, immediately after morning service. - Baptism, last Sabbath of every month, immediately before preaching. Class-meetings in the basement of the church on Sabbath afternoon at 3 o'clock, and on Monday, Tuesday and Friday evenings. Sabbath school at 1 1/2 o'clock in the afternoon, in the basement. Infant school and Bible Class at the same hour. _____ PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL (ST. STEPHEN'S) CHURCH. - This congregation was established May 16, 1826, by the following persons, who then constituted its members: George B. Fisher, John B. Cox, William Mileham, William Putnam, James Woodman, James S. Buchanan, James Peacock, Samuel Bryan, Alexander C. Wilson, John E. Forster and John De Pui. In 1827 the congregation erected a neat and substantial brick building, of the Gothic order, on Front street, a short distance below Pine, in size forty feet front by sixty feet deep, at a cost of $5,000. A lofty square brick tower surmounts the front of the edifice, in which is one of the finest bells in the borough. A superior toned organ is also attached to the church, whose melodious strains give good effect to the beautiful services of the congregation. The Rectory of the church is on Front street, above Pine - Rev. Robert A. Castleman, Rector. Regular Sabbath service, morning and evening. On first Sunday of each month, communication in morning, children catechized in the afternoon, and service at evening. Lecture on Wednesday evening; Bible Class on Monday evening; Sabbath school, morning and afternoon. All pews free for strangers. 288 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. ST. PATRICK'S CATHOLIC CHURCH. - This edifice was erected in the year 1826, by Rev. Michael Curren. It is a very neat building, with a tower and large bell, situated on State street, between Second and Third streets. It was consecrated October 2, 1827, by Right Rev. Henry Conwell, then Bishop of the diocese of Philadelphia. Its original size was about fifty by seventy-five feet, and cost from $6,000 to $7,000. It has since been enlarged and otherwise improved. Rev. Michael Curren was its first pastor, who was succeeded by Rev. John Foley, who held charge of it only a few months. The latter was succeeded by the present incumbent, Rev. Pierce Maher. Preaching every Sabbath at 10 1/2 o'clock, A. M., and 3 P. M. Sabbath school at 9 A. M. Mass on Sunday at 8 1/2, A. M., and during the week at 6 1/2, A. M. _____ CHURCH OF GOD. - A congregation, with the above title, under the pastoral care of Rev. John Winebrenner, in the year 1827, erected the brick edifice, which stood until the summer of 1858, in Mulberry street, between Front street and River alley, on the lot now occupied by the South Ward public school building, and worshipped therein until a few years ago, when it built and removed to the new brick structure at the corner of Fourth street and Strawberry alley, which it at present occupies. The compiler has been unable to procure any further particulars. Pastor, Rev. James Colder. Preaching every Sabbath at 10 A. M., and 7 1/2 P. M. Lecture every Thursday evening. Ordinances administered on the first Sabbath of January, April, July and October. Class-meetings on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, and Sabbath afternoon. Sabbath school at 1 1/2 P. M. 289 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. - Rev. Dyer A. Nichols, under the direction of the Pennsylvania Baptist Board of Missions, arrived in Harrisburg on the 19th of February, 1830. He sought out a few of the same faith. After sundry meetings in private houses, they agreed in council, on the 22nd of March, 1830, to hold a meeting in the Unitarian church, which then stood where the Methodist church now stands, in Locust street, near Third, for the purpose of constitution themselves into a church. That meeting was held on the 2nd of April, 1830. Nine persons attended, viz: Rev. Dyer A. Nichols, Griffith E. Roberts, Mary Berry, Abigail Rittenhouse, Ann Wilkinson, Thos. Corbitt, Julia Thompson, and Fanny Phillips. The meeting was opened with prayer by Rev. D. A. Nichols, and these individuals constituted themselves the "First Baptist Mission Church, of Harrisburg." The first baptism took place on the 4th of July, 1830; persons baptized - Levi L. Tate and Linn Banks. On the 9th of September following, the congregation had increased to twenty-one. Rev. Dyer A. Nichols continued in pastoral charge until September 30, 1830. In the fall of 1830 the congregation commenced the erection of a church on Front street, between Walnut and Locust streets, which was completed in August, 1831. It is a neat edifice of brick, forty by fifty feet, with a fine school room in the basement. The original founders were William Griffith, Rev. D. A. Nichols, Griffith E. Roberts, and Jeremiah Reese; cost of lot and erection of buildings, $6,700; a large portion of which was contributed by a worthy member of the church. The building was dedicated to worship August 18, 1831, and on the 30th of September, of the same year, Rev. George J. Miles, of Centre county, Pa., took pastoral charge of the church, which he retained until February 24, 1835. The congregation, several years ago, vacated the church building on Front street, and commenced the erection of a large 290 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. and commodious brick edifice at the east corner of Second and Pine streets. The building is now (1858) under roof, but in other respects remains incomplete, owing to pecuniary considerations. The lecture room in the basement, however, has been fitted up for the accommodation of the congregation, and divine services are held therein regularly every Sabbath, under the pastoral charge of Rev. Green Miles. _____ THE GERMAN LUTHERAN ST. MICHAEL'S CHURCH. - The difficulties in relation to divine service, in the English and German languages, existing in the Evangelical Lutheran Zion's church led, (as has been previously stated,) to an amicable separation between the English and German members in the fall of 1842. After a number of preliminary meetings, the German portion who seceded from the church, formally organized, and on the 8th of January, 1843; founded the present German Lutheran St. Michael's church. At this meeting Rev. G. Mertz, was chosen pastor of the congregation; on the 22nd February following, a committee was appointed to draft rules for their government, which were adopted on the 6th of July, 1843. As the congregation had no church building of their own, they worshipped at times in the Court House, old Methodist church, and in the German Reformed church and lecture room. The congregation soon took measures to secure a building, and having purchased of the late Thomas Elder, Esq., a lot in Second street, below Meadow lane, a building committee, consisting of John G. Jauss, Christian Maeyer, Jacob Boger, Jacob Reever and John Gastrock, was appointed, with authority also to collect funds. With their accustomed liberality towards all good objects, the citizens of Harrisburg assisted their German brethren, and several mechanics generously contributed in work and materials. Rev. G. Mertz's term having expired, the con- 291 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. gregation called Rev. J. Vogelbach, then residing in Philadelphia, who was installed on the 21st of July, 1844. Soon after this, the building committee contracted with Messrs. Jones and Zimmerman for the erection of the church. The corner-stone was laid on the 4th of May, 1844, and on the 15th of September following the house was dedicated to the worship of God. During the building of the church, extreme difficulties were experienced, and often it was supposed that the enterprise would have to be abandoned. At this juncture, with a praiseworthy self-denial, four of the members, viz: Messrs. John G. Jauss, Christian Maeyer, Jacob Boger and Frederick Gauch, advanced each one hundred and fifty dollars, making six hundred dollars in all, to enable the church to succeed. The church is a handsome brick building thirty-eight by sixty feet, with basement story; has a front gallery, organ and Gothic windows - cost with the lot, about $4,000. In 1844 the congregation was incorporated, and by the articles of incorporation, it is ordained that Divine service shall be performed in the German language only. Pastor in 1858, Rev. W. S. Porr. Preaching every Sabbath at 10 o'clock, A. M., and 7 o'clock, P. M. _____ UNITED BRETHREN. - This society was established about ten years ago; but we had no means of obtaining particulars of its early history. It owns, and worships in the old Baptist church building, on Front street, near Locust, and is at present in a very flourishing condition. The pastor of the congregation is Rev. I. Carpenter. Residence in North street, near Third. Preaching every Sabbath at 10 o'clock in the morning and 7 in the evening. Lecture every Thursday evening. Sabbath school at 1 ª in the afternoon. 292 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION. - A society with this title, was established a few years ago, and at present its members are pretty numerous. The congregation worship in the lower story of the Sons of Temperance Hall, corner of Second and South streets, under the pastoral care of Rev. G. Marquet. Preach-every Sabbath at 10 A. M., and 7 P. M. Sabbath school, English and German, at 1 o'clock, P. M. _____ OHAF SHOLEM CONGREGATION OF JEWS, worship every Saturday at the synagogue in the second story of Duncan's building, Third street. The congregation is large and respectable. L. Bernhard is Rabbi; A. Rapp, President, and Joseph Newman, Treasurer of the congregation. We could obtain no further particulars. _____ WESLEYAN UNION (COLORED) CHURCH. - This congregation was organized under the pastoral care of Rev. Jacob D. Richardson, on the 20th of August, 1829. The organization took place in a log building, which was standing until a few years ago, at the corner of Third and Mulberry streets. The congregation, at present, worship in a plain, but neat church, at the corner of Tanner's alley and South street, to which they removed November 24, 1839. Present pastor, Rev. James A. Jones; residence, Tanner's alley. Preaching every Sabbath morning at 10 o'clock, 2 1/2 P. M., and in the evening at 7 1/2 o'clock. Class-meetings on Monday and Friday evenings, and on Sunday at noon. Lecture or discussion on Wednesday evening of each week. _____ BETHEL. - A congregation of colored people, with this title, worship in a small building near Short street, above Walnut. Preaching at 10 o'clock in the morning, and at 2 1/2 in the afternoon, and 7 in the evening. 293 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, (COLORED). - About the 10th of September, 1857, Mr. Joseph C. Bristill, at the instance of M. M'Kinney, Esq., of Harrisburg, called the attention of Rev. C. W. Gardner, of Philadelphia, to the necessity of forming an additional Presbyterian church in Harrisburg. Induced by this representation, Rev. Mr. Gardner, visited Harrisburg on the 20th of September and conferred with Rev'ds Dr. DeWitt and Robinson, and other prominent Presbyterians of the First church upon the subject, who experienced a lively interest in the matter, and promised to extend liberal aid to the enterprise, provided a suitable place for worship could be procured. The great financial troubles which, at this period, prevailed throughout the country, however, caused a suspension of the project until the spring of 1858, at which time several members of the proposed congregation rented the large and commodious room on the second story of the brick building at the south-west corner of Walnut street and River alley, which was fitted up as a place of worship for the congregation, who convened to hold Divine services therein, regularly, every Sabbath, under the direction of Rev'ds DeWitt and Robinson. A Sunday school was also organized and placed under the superintendance of Mordecai M'Kinney, Esq. The congregation, thus formed, invited Rev. C. W. Gardner, who had returned to Philadelphia, to undertake its pastoral charge. This gentleman accepted the invitation, and arrived in Harrisburg on the 9th of April, 1858. On Sunday, the 11th of April, he preached his first sermon. On the 14th of October, 1858, the congregation sent a petition to the Harrisburg Presbytery asking to be regularly organized, which was granted; and on the 27th of the same month a committee of the Presbytery met at the church, in Walnut street, to perform that duty. Rev. William R. DeWitt presided. An appropriate sermon 294 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. was delivered by Rev. Dr. Wing, of Carlisle, and an impressive prayer offered to the Throne of Grace by Rev. James Colder, of Harrisburg. At 7 o'clock P. M., the following named persons were duly organized a church, viz: Jeremiah Kelley, Hannah Kelley, Hiram Baker, Nancy Christy, Matilda Greenly, Zillah Galloway, Sarah Hawkins, Curry Taylor, Elizabeth Taylor, Wm. White, Sarah Kelley, and Hannah Humphreys, all of whom were received on profession, except Nancy Christy, who presented a certificate from the Presbyterian church of Mercersburg, Pa. Jeremiah Kelley and Hiram Baker, were respectively ordained as ruling elders. After the ceremonies, addresses were delivered by Rev'ds DeWitt, Wing and Davis. The church made immediate application to the Presbytery to be supplied with ministerial services for the ensuing six months; whereupon Rev. C. W. Gardner was unanimously chosen as pastor. The congregation worship every Sabbath at 10 1/2 A. M., and 7 P. M. Sabbath school at 2 1/2 P. M.