History: Local: Chapter XXV - Part II: Church History : Bean's 1884 History of Montgomery Co, PA Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Susan Walters USGENWEB NOTICE: Printing this file by non-commercial individuals and libraries is encouraged, as long as all notices and submitter information is included. Any other use, including copying files to other sites requires permission from the submitters PRIOR to uploading to any other sites. We encourage links to the state and county table of contents. บบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบ BEAN'S HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA บบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบ 382 (cont.) CHURCH HISTORY METHODISM IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY. -Owing to the migratory character of the clergymen of this denomination, the local history of the several Methodist Churches of the county has heretofore been difficult to obtain. Through the kindly interest taken in the preparation of this work by the Rev. J. S. Hughes, now located at Pottstown, and who deservedly enjoys the reputation of being the historian of the denomination in Eastern Pennsylvania, we are enabled to insert the following condensed account of the several Methodist Churches located in the county: BETHEL METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. -About the year 1770 a little stone chapel was erected on the Skippack road, about a mile west of Belfry Station, in Worcester township, chiefly through the agency of a Christian gentleman by the name of Hans Supplee. Shortly after its erection the newly arrived missionaries from Great Britain, who were then preaching in Philadelphia, were invited to come out into this sparsely settled community, to hold divine service in the new chapel, which invitation was cheerfully accepted, and a small, but devout society was soon afterward established. The edifice was first called Supplee's Chapel, but for many years has been known as the Bethel Methodist Episcopal Church. Rev. Joseph Pilmore, one of Wesley's first missionaries to America, preached in this humble edifice and it is quite probable that Rev. Richard Boardman, another of those early missionaries, held religious services upon this historic spot. Thus, only thirty years after Methodism originated in Great Britain, and only four years after the Rev. Philip Embury began preaching in his own house in the city of New York, and about the same time that Pilmore, Boardman and others were preaching, to large open air congregations on the streets and in the public squares of Philadelphia, Methodism was planted in this county. For many years during its history this church was quite flourishing, and multitudes were converted through its instrumentality. Some of the first Methodists of the nation sleep in the old graveyard adjoining. It is held in veneration as One of the first landmarks of American Methodism. The present edifice was erected in 1845. Under the pastorate of Rev. T. T. Mutchler it was remodeled in the year 1873. UNION METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. This church was erected in the year 1814. For some time it was used as a union church, but for many years it has been occupied exclusively by the Methodist Episcopal denomination. For quite a period during its earlier history it was a flourishing society, but for several years its membership has been seriously decimated by deaths, removals and other causes. The building was remodeled in the year 1882, under the laborious pastorate of Rev. G. S. Schaffer, and now has a seating capacity for two hundred and fifty persons. The property is valued at two thousand dollars. Messrs. Charles De Prefountain, George Schaeff and Thomas Stogdale are the trustees. The Sunday school, which has recently been reorganized, is under the superintendency of Mr. Charles De Prefoutain. FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, NORRISTOWN. A few adherents of Methodism had found their way to Norristown as early as the year 1825, but it was not until about 1830, as nearly as call be ascertained, that preachers of the surrounding circuit 383 made occasional visits to the town, preaching as opportunity afforded. In the year 1832 the first Methodist class was formed, under the pastorate of Rev. John Findley, composed of eight persons, namely: John Supplee, Eliza Supplee, David Vaughn, Rebecca Haldeman, Mary Jones, Sarah Jones, Mary Yarnall and Elizabeth Hodgkins. In the year 1834 a lot on the Main Street, near Arch, was purchased, and a stone church immediately erected, the lecture-room of which was dedicated on the first day of the year 1835, Rev. Joseph Lybrand preaching the dedicatory sermon. At the following session of the Conference Rev. William K. Goentner was appointed pastor. For several years the society, while favored with the sympathy of the better class of the community, was destined to encounter the hostility of the ruffianism of the town, an element at that time surprisingly large. Not with these great discouragement, the church during its first two decades succeeded in gathering into its communion more than two hundred members In the year 1857 a new edifice, fifty by seventy feet, was commenced on De Kalb Street, near Marshall. The cornerstone was laid on Saturday afternoon August 15th. On which occasion addresses were delivered by Rev. Newton Heston and Rev. James E. Meredith, The dedication took place on Sabbath, November 21, 1858, Bishop Levi Scott preaching in the morning, Rev. Newton Heston in the afternoon and Rev. J. R. Anderson in the evening. The society has erected a commodious parsonage next door to this church at a cost of about five thousand dollars. The names of the pastors are the following, in the order of their appointments: 1832, Rev. John Findley; 1833-34, Rev. John Woolson; 1835, Rev. William K. Goentner; 1836-37, Rev. Henry G. King; 1838-39, Rev. John Lednum; 1840, Rev. John A. Roche 1841-42, Rev. David Shields; 1843, Rev. Robert McNamee; 1844, Rev. William Bishop; 1845, Rev. John D. Curtis; 1846, Rev. Daniel Patterson; 1847, Rev. Joseph J. Elsegood; 184&49, Rev. T. C. Murphy; 1850-51, Rev. P. J. Cox; 1852-53, Rev. Henry S. Atmore; 1854, Rev. Joshua Humphries; 1855-56, Rev. M. H. Sisty; 1857-58, Rev. J. S. Cook; 18,59, Rev. Joseph McCaskey; 1860, Rev. William Major 1861-62, Rev. John F. Boone; 1863-64, Rev. Samuel Irwin; 1865, Rev. J. Pastorfield, 1866-68, Rev. William Mullin; 1869-70, Rev. William McCombs; 1871-73, Rev. T. W. Simpers; 1874-76, Rev. T. C. Murphy, D.D.; 1877-79, Rev. T. W. Simpers; 1880-82, Rev. J. S. Hughes; 1883, Rev. William L. Gray; 1884. Rev. S. H. C. Smith. During the history of this church over fifteen hundred persons have been connected with its membership. Its property, including parsonage, is valued at twenty-five thousand dollars. Its present membership includes three hundred and twelve communicants. The well-organized Sunday school numbers three hundred and seventy scholars. CHELTENHAM METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. -The first sermon preached by a Methodist minister in this community was delivered by Rev. Mr. Ireland in the yard of the schoolhouse, the prejudice against Methodism being so intense that lie was not permitted to occupy the building. Soon after, in 1817, Messrs. Samuel Beek and John Engle, members of the Germantown Methodist Episcopal Church, walked to Milltown and held prayer-meetings in the house of Mr. Richard Drake, a member of the Oxford Protestant Episcopal Church, where meetings were held every two weeks until the family removed from the village. In 1832, Rev. J. Nicholson, a preacher on the Germantown Circuit, established preaching services in the schoolhouse, which became a regular appointment on the circuit. In 1842 Milestown Circuit was formed, comprising the following appointments: Milestown, St. James (Olney), Harmer Hill and Milltown (Cheltenham). The church edifice was erected in 1845, under the pastorate of Rev. H. E. Gilroy. An excellent parsonage wag built in 1853. The church building was considerably enlarged in 1854 during the charge of Rev. S. Townsend. In the year, 1863 Cheltenham was made at station, with Rev. George W. Lybrand as its pastor, the last year of whose term was blessed with an extensive revival. The first Quarterly Conference of the church as a separate charge was held May 11, 1863, Rev. David Bartine, the presiding elder, presiding. The Conference was composed of the following persons: Rev. George W. Lybrand, Matthew Rogers, Thomas Lockard, John Milnes, Thomas Roland, Sr., Amasa Helleman, Philip Eisenbrey, Samuel Rhodes, Isaac Gilham, .Stephen Sees, George K. Heller and George Gayde. The following ministers have since served the church in the order of their appointment: Rev. M. A. Day, Rev. John B. Maddux, Rev. D. C. Patterson, Rev. H. E. Gilroy, Rev. M. D. Kurtz, Rev. T. W. Simpers, Rev. William Mullin and the present pastor, Rev. T. C. Pearson, under whose ministry the church has enjoyed great prosperity. The society numbers one hundred and sixty-six members, and the Sunday-school about one hundred and forty scholars. The church property is valued at six thousand six hundred dollars. HARMER HILL METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. -In the year 1832 a schoolhouse near the site of the present church was secured for the purpose of holding religious services, and thereafter became a regular appointment on the circuit with which it was connected. A year or two after this date, Dr. Bolton generously donated half an acre of ground to the society for the purpose of holding a church edifice thereon. A stone church, one story high, was immediately erected under the pastoral care and direction of Rev. J. L. Taft. Among the ministers who have served the church during its history may be mentioned the names of Rev. J. L. Taft, Rev. G. W. Maclaughlin, Rev. John W. Arthur, Rev. H. R. Calloway, Rev. D. 384 W. Bartine, Rev. Gasaway Oram, Rev. James B. Ayars year a lot sixty by one hundred and fifty feet, on this Rev. Christopher J. Crouch, Rev. Pennell Coomb, Main Street, the site of the present church, was purchased. Mahlon H, Sisty. In later years the charge has been under the pastoral care of Rev. Matthias Barnhill, Rev. J. Homer Brittain, Rev. E. 0. Yerkes. Rev. William Howell, Rev. Absalom I. Collom, Rev. H. C. McBride, Rev. John Wesley Harkins, Rev. Abel Howard, Rev. W. L. McDowell, Rev. Richard Turner, Rev. John R. Bailey, Rev. Edward Townsend and the present successful pastor, Rev. George L. Schafer. For many years the church was connected with Milestown Methodist Episcopal Church, but since 1865 it has been associated with Jarrettown. The membership numbers about fifty persons. The Sunday school is composed of eighteen officers and teachers and about one hundred scholars. HATBORO' METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. -The original Methodist Church of Hatboro', a substantial stone structure forty feet front by fifty feet deep, was built and presented to the congregation by Joseph and Deborah Lehman in the year 1837. Recently a more modern edifice bas superseded the first building. The church has one hundred and fifty-three communicants and about one hundred Sunday-school scholars. Rev. P. J. Cox is the present pastor. FAIRVIEW METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH forms part of the Hatboro' charge, and is under the same pastor. POTTSTOWN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. -In the spring of 1836 three members of the Methodist Episcopal Church namely William Boat and Samuel Hamilton, local preachers, and Thomas M. Miles, an exhorter moved to Pine Iron Works, a few miles from Pottstown and soon afterwards began to conduct religious meetings in this place. A few Methodist forgemen from Coventryville and Glasgow also held divine services in the town at about the same time. The place of meeting was the old academy, on Chestnut Street, between Hanover and Penn Streets. Preaching usually took place at the close of the session of the Union Sabbath-school, conducted in the same building. Some of the illustrious itinerants of that day occasionally preached in this historic building, among whom, as is well remembered by some of the older residents, was the eloquent Rev. George Cookman. At the Conference of 1838 Rev. John A. Roche and Rev. M. D. Kurtz were appointed to Reading and Pottsgrove Missions. At the first Quarterly Conference, however, it was arranged that Mr. Kurtz should have special charge of the mission at this place. Finding a few Methodists in the town, he organized them into a class, which became the, nucleus of the future society. The services are this time were held in the academy above-mentioned. Mr. Kurtz the first pastor, takes pleasure in acknowledging the sympathy and substantial support of a number of families of the Protestant Episcopal church, among which he mentions the names of Potts, Rutter, Hobart and others. During the beginning of the purchase of Mr. Charles Clay for the sum of eighty dollars. The cornerstone of the church was laid in August of that summer, the pastor being assisted by Rev. R. Thomas, of Harmony, Philadelphia, and Rev. John Allen, of Asbury, West Philadelphia. The preaching took place in an orchard at Chestnut and Charlotte Streets. Preaching services were held in the same place also the following Sabbath in the presence of large congregations. The church was a two-story structure, was built of stone, at a cost of twelve hundred dollars. The basement was finished during the year 1838. The audience room was completed during the next year, but was not dedicated until the month of May 1840. Rev. T. J. Thompson preached the dedicatory sermon and Rev. J. Harmer, the pastor, conducted the financial effort. The subscriptions on the occasion amounted to two hundred dollars. The Trustees at this period, were Dr. Fort, Edmund Wells, a faithful friend to the church, John H. Dougherty, Samuel Hockley, David Slykes, J. Essick, Elijah Dearolf and T. M. Miles. The class was then in charge of J. H. Dougherty, and was composed with others, of Catherine Vangeaser, Phoebe Trimble, Mrs. George Hawkins, Mrs. J. H. Dougherty and Anna Haldeman. Mr. Harmer served the charge successfully for two years. In 1842, Rev. James Flannery assumed the pastorate. During the first year of his term a remarkable revival occurred, which resulted in the conversion of about seventy persons, many of whom became members of the church, among the number being Frederick Mintzer, George Hawkins, Henry Lessig, William Sheron, Rebecca Haldeman, Mary Haldeman, Sarah Armstrong nee Lewis, Christiana Nagle, Rebecca Vanhorn and Mary March nee Roberts. For the next score of years the church continued to be an appointment on the Pottstown Circuit, sharing, with a number of other places, the divided attention of the successive pastors, in consequence of which, with the fact that the population increased comparatively little, the growth of the society was quite limited. At the Conference of 1867 the church was constituted a separate charge, and Rev. William Swindells was appointed pastor. The corner-stone of the present edifice was laid on Saturday, June 12, 1869, by the Rev. William McCombs assisted by the pastor, Rev. William Swindells and other ministers who were present, Mr. McCombs, having preached the sermon on the occasion. The lecture-room was dedicated on Sabbath, December 19, 1869. Rev. R. L. Dashiell, D.D., president of Dickinson College, preached in the morning, Rev. T. A. Fernley, of Reading, in the afternoon, and Rev. R. Humphries, of Philadelphia, in the evening. The auditorium was dedicated two years later, on Sabbath, December 10, 1871, during the pastorate of Rev. S. W. Kurtz, Rev. Dr. Dashiell preaching: in the forenoon, Rev. S. W. Thomas in the afternoon and Rev. 385 William Swindells in the evening. The edifice is forty-five feet front by ninety-five feet in depth, and is built of Chester County gray sand stone. The style of the building is Gothic. The front is stir, mounted by five sand stone pinnacles. The ceiling to the apex is twenty-nine feet. The cost of the building is twenty thousand dollars. In the autumn of 1883, under the pastorate of Rev. J. S. Hughes, a chapel thirty-eight by fifty feet was erected on the rear of the lot, connecting with the church, to afford further accommodation for the growing Sabbath-school, which was dedicated by the pastor on Sabbath December 3, of the same year, Rev. S. W. Kurtz preaching both morning and evening. During the summer of 1884, under the same pastorate, a handsome and commodious parsonage was erected on the lot adjoining the church. A dwelling for the Janitor was also built the same year. The entire church property is valued at thirty-two thousand five hundred dollars. The membership of the church is four hundred and forty- seven. The Sunday school numbers eight hundred scholars. The trustees are I Messrs. James Maxwell, S. M. Bunting, Thomas Searles, A. R. Merrill, L. B. Reffisnyder, William J. Binder, William B. Stanford, C. C. Armpriester and A. W. Shick. The following ministers have served the church since it was made a separate charge in 1867; Rev. William Swindells, Rev. S. W. Kurtz, Rev. .K. D Kurtz, Rev. Noble Frame, Rev. T. S. Thomas, Rev. J. S. Cook, Rev. G. S. Broadbent and Rev. J. S. Hughes. LOWER MERION METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. -Lower Merion Methodist Episcopal Church was organized from a class held in Fritz schoolhouse in the year 1840. Rev. James B. Ayars and Rev. Henry G. King were among the first preachers who held religious services at this place as an appointment on Radnor Circuit The following are the names of the original board of trustees: John L. Rohman, William A. Fisher, Leonard Richard, Dr. James Anderson, Aaron Smith, William Rudolph, Lewis Free, Maurice Llewellyn and Isaac W. Anderson. The board was organized at its first meeting, September, 16, 1840, with the following result: John L. Rohman was elected president, Isaac W. Anderson secretary and Aaron Smith treasurer. The lot, a donation from Dr. James Anderson, was surveyed on Monday, September 21, 1840. The church, a substantial one-story stone building, was dedicated on Sabbath, August 7, 1841. Among the first pastors, were Rev. Richard Greenbank, D.D., Rev. Thomas Sumption, Rev. John Edwards and Rev. M. D. Kurtz. In the year 1854 the church became a separate charge, with Rev. Lewis C. Pettit as pastor. Among other ministers who served the church at various times may be mentioned Rev. J. Lindemuth, Rev. William H. Fries, Rev. Stearns Patterson, Rev. J. L. Taft, Rev. T. B. Neely, Rev. C. J. Crouch, Rev. M. Barnhill, Rev. H. H. Davis, Rev. William Marshall, Rev. William M. Gilbert, Rev. John W. Wright, Rev. N. Turner, Rev. J. D. Fox, Rev. E. J. McKeever, Rev. Charles Roads, Rev. J. W. Bradley, Rev. George Alcorn, and Rev. A. M. Strayhorne the present pastor. During Rev. T. B. Neely's pastorate an effort was made to remodel and enlarge the edifice, which resulted in the addition of another story and space for two classrooms in the basement. The church was rededicated in 1866 by Bishop Matthew Simpson. The improvements cost nearly eight thousand dollars. During the pastorate of Rev. N. Turner, a mortgage of one thousand dollars was paid. During the charge of Rev. Charles Roads two thousand two hundred dollars was paid on the indebtedness of the church. Among those not members who have rendered effective service to the church are William A. Simpson, William A. Fisher, Dr. W. B. Trites, Hon. W. H. Sutton and others. The Sunday school was organized in May 1840. The only superintendents have been John L. Rohman, John P. Rohman, John N. Rohman, Matthew J. Edwards and Walter W. Hood. The following are the names of the present board of trustees: John N. Rohman, Walter W. Hood, Charles Wilson, John Stirk, William Katz, M. F. Bicking and M. J. Edwards, who is also the church historian. The membership numbers about seventy persons, and the Sunday-school about one hundred scholars. The church property is valued at six thousand dollars. EVANSBURG METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. -Evansburg Methodist Episcopal Church, located on the Germantown pike, in the village of Evansburg, Lower Providence township, is a plain, substantial structure, thirty-five by forty-five feet, erected in the year 1841, under the pastorate of Rev. William K. Goentner. The first class was organized in the year 1836, composed in part of the following members: George Wolf, Eliza Wolf, Ezekiel Bard, John Rosenberry, John Baker, Mary Bard, Sarah Bard and Christiana Bard. Among the first leaders were Ezekiel Bard, George Wolf and John Baker. The class met for some time at the house of George Wolf, whose daughter, Mrs. Rebecca Fry, is the oldest member of the church. Among the older pastors may be mentioned the names of Revs. William K. Goentner, Robert McNamee, Henry G. King, James Flannery, J. L. Taft, John Lednum, H. D. Mauger, J. J. Elsegood, J. H. Wythes, G. W. Lybrand, D. R. Thomas, J. Hand, J. H. Turner, William Boswell, E. Reed, L. B. Beckley, N. W. Bennum, W. T. Magee, Jacob Slichter, William M. Ridgway, R. Owen, E. Townsend, G. L. Schaffer, Henry Frankland and J. G. Bickerton. A number of extensive revivals have occurred in the society, and useful members in many of the surrounding Methodist Churches were converted in this church. The membership numbers about forty persons and the Sunday school is composed of about seventy-five scholars. The church property is valued at three thousand dollars. Rev. Samuel Gracy is the present pastor. 386 MONTGOMERY SQUARE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. -The first religious meetings held at this place under the auspices of Methodism were conducted in an old schoolhouse. A Presbyterian gentleman by the name of Woodward donated the lot on which the church was erected and two hundred dollars toward the building fund. The church was dedicated in the year 1842, under the pastorate of Rev. William K. Goentner. The trustees at this time were Messrs. Benjamin Kulp, William Coulaton, Thomas Rogers, Lewis Stagner and John Giffin. Rev. John A. Roche and Rev. David Shields officiated on the day of dedication. In the spring of 1857 the church became a separate charge, having been for a number of years, connected with Bethel Circuit. The following are the names of the successive pastors from the formation of the society: Rev. Henry G. King, Rev. James Flannery, Rev. William K. Getner, Rev. James Harmer, Rev. H. R. Calloway, Rev. G. W. Lybrand, Rev. James Hand, Rev. J. H. Turner, Rev. William L. Boswell, Rev. Joseph Elsegood, Rev. James Smith, Rev. E. Reed, Rev. L. B. Beckley, Rev, W. C. Best, Rev. L. B. Hughes, Rev. J. King, Rev. G. Miles, Rev. S. B. Best, Rev. S. T. Kemble, Rev. 0. W. Landreth, Rev. J. C. Gregg, Rev. D. W. Gordon, Rev. L. Dobson, Rev. H. H. Davis, Rev. H. F. Isett, Rev. H. W. Sebring, Rev. D. F. Unangst Rev. G. Reed, Rev. J. W. Bradley, Rev. J. Bawden, Rev. H. B. Mauger, Rev. S. E. Morell, Rev. N. B. Rockhill, Rev. 0. E. Stogden and Rev. J. W. Perkinpine. The trustees are Messrs. Julius Schlimme, John McKinlay, Simon Kulp, Oliver Kulp, William Shepherd, E. Kratz and J. T. Wright. CONSHOHOCKEN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. -The first Methodist sermon preached in Conshohocken was in the year 1848, by Rev. T. C. Murphy, who was then stationed at the First Methodist Episcopal Church, Norristown. His example was followed by other itinerant and local preachers of Norristown and Manayunk, who held occasional services in the open air. In the year 1853, at the last Quarterly Conference of Radnor Circuit, Rev. T. J. Thompson, presiding elder of South Philadelphia District, appointed Mr. Joseph Lees a committee to visit Conshohocken and secure a preaching place, with a view of establishing Methodism in the town. He, in company with Messrs. William Rudolph and John Major, a Methodist living in the town, rented Temperance Hall for a place of worship. At the Annual Conference of 1854 Merion Square was separated from Radnor Circuit, and, with Conshohocken, became a separate charge, Rev. Lewis C. Pettit being appointed pastor. He served the church very, successfully for two years. During the first year he preached in the Presbyterian Church, the hall rented being too small for the increasing congregations. A remarkable revival occurred at this time, as the result of which one hundred and thirty persons joined the Presbyterian Church, and although no record remain of those who connected themselves with the Methodist Society, it is reasonable to suppose that their number exceeded that which united with the Presbyterian Church. Some of these early converts are still members of the society. The church labored under great disadvantages for want of a suitable house of worship. At the Annual Conference of 1856, Rev. Reuben Owen was appointed pastor of Merion Square and Conshohocken, with his residence at the latter place. At a meeting of the board of trustees Rev. Reuben Owen, Messrs. Joseph Lees and Jacob Thomas were appointed a committee to purchase a lot for the erection of a church. On October 28th of the same year the committee reported the purchase of a lot at the corner of Elm and Lafayette Streets, of Mr. James Wills, of Norristown, for the sum of two thousand dollars. At the Conference of 1857 Conshohocken became a separate charge, and Rev. Reuben Owen reappointed its pastor. The cornerstone of the church was laid on August 1st of the same year, the following ministers being present: Revs. Reuben Owen, J. R. Anderson, William Taylor (of California), J. Humphriss, A. Cookman, A. W. Milby, J. S. Cook, J. Lindemuth and W. C. Best. On January 10, 1858, the lecture- room, though unfinished, was first occupied for public worship. In the spring of 1858, Rev. T. B. Miller was appointed pastor and served the church for two years. In 1859, Rev. J. Lindemuth WRS appointed pastor and remained two years. In 1861, Rev. W. W. Wythe was placed in charge and served the congregation one year. In 1862, Rev. George Heacock was appointed pastor and remained one year. In 1863, Rev. J. O'Neill was made preacher in charge and served the church two years, In 1865, Rev. Reuben Owen was appointed for the second time and remained in charge for three years, during which term the church was finished and a parsonage was erected. The church cost sixteen thousand dollars, and was dedicated on October 10, 1867. Bishop Matthew Simpson preaching in the morning and Rev. J. Walker Jackson in the evening. The debt was raised on this occasion. The parsonage was built in 1867, at a cost of three thousand two hundred dollars. In 1868, Rev. S. G. Hare was appointed pastor and remained three years. He was followed by Rev. A. M. Wiggins, who was appointed in 1871 and served the charge for three years. In 1874, Rev. Reuben Owen was appointed pastor for the third time, and remained for two years. During the last year the church was favored with an extensive revival, through which over one hundred persons joined the church. In 1876, Rev. D. L. Patterson was appointed and remained two years. In 1878, Rev. B. H. Sanderlin was placed in charge, but on account of declining health remained but one year. In 1879, Rev. W. C. Johnson became pastor and served the church with great acceptability for three years. During his pastorate an extensive revival took place, and the debt on the parsonage was con- 387 siderably reduced. In 1882, Rev. Samuel Pancoast became pastor, and served the charge for the term of two years. Rev. J. P. Miller, late of Philadelphia, is the present pastor. The church numbers one hundred and twenty-four members. The Sunday school is composed of thirty officers and teachers and two hundred and eighty-one scholars. The church property, including the parsonage, is valued at twenty-two thousand dollars. OAK STREET METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, NORRISTOWN. -This church was organized June 23, 1854. One hundred and five persons had, a short time previous to this date, withdrawn, by certificate from the First Methodist Episcopal Church, which was then located on the Main Street, nearly all on whom united with this society. The congregation at first worshiped in Airy Street Hall. The first meeting of the board of trustees was held June 23, 1854. The members constituting the board are as follows: F. G. Irving, president; William A. Ruddach, secretary; H. Bainbridge, treasurer; A. Irving, C. Stout, H. D. Weller, James Fries, R. Essick and J. Bender. The first Quarterly Conference was held in the above-named hall July 31, 1854, presided over by Rev. John D. Curtis, presiding elder of the Reading District. Rev. John F. Meredith was the first pastor. A lot having already been secured on the south side of Oak Street, west of De Kalb Street, at the second meeting of the board of trustees it was resolved to erect a church building fifty by seventy feet, and a building committee was immediately appointed, consisting of the pastor, Rev. J. F. Meredith, C. Briggs, F. G. Irving, Stephen Bawden and W. A. Rudach(?). The contract was awarded to S. Groff and L. Zimmerman. The lecture-room was finished in September, 1855. The audience-room was dedicated March 21, 1858, Bishop Edward R. Ames preaching in the morning and Dr. John Price Durbin in the afternoon. The following is the list of pastors who have served the church since its organization: Rev. J. F. Meredith, Rev. J. Y. Ashton, Rev. J. H. Lightburn, Rev. John Thompson, Rev. Benjamin F. Price, Rev. John W. Arthur, Rev. Gasway Oram, Rev. George Cummins, Rev. James E. Meredith, Rev. Nathan B. Durell, Rev. Michael D. Kurtz, Rev. John Dyson, Rev. Michael A. Day and Rev. G. W. F. Graff. Rev. L. B. Beckley and Rev. J. L. Taft, supernumerary preachers, have also been connected with this church. The presiding elders who have had ecclesiastical jurisdiction over the church from time to time are the following: Rev. John D. Curtis, Rev. James Cunningham, Rev. Thomas Jefferson Thompson, Rev. William L. Gray, Rev. Joseph Castle, D.D., Rev. William H. Elliott, Rev. Peter J. Cox, Rev. John F. Chaplain, D.D., Rev. William Swindells and Rev. Joseph Welch. Three members of the Philadelphia Conference have entered the ministry from this church, namely: Rev. William Swindells, Rev. David Wesley Gordon and Rev. John T. Swindells. The society numbers one hundred and ninety-eight members. The Sunday-school numbers thirty officers and teachers and one hundred and eighty-five scholars. The church property, including parsonage, is valued at nineteen thousand dollars. KULPSVILLE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. -In the spring of 1862, Rev. William M. Ridgway and Rev. David W. Gordon, preachers on the Perkiomen Circuit, were invited by the residents of Kulpsville to establish stated preaching service in that community. Accordingly, Kulpsville Hall was secured for that purpose, where divine worship was conducted for several months. A lot for a church and burial ground was generously donated by Mr. William R. Bechtel, then a resident of the village, but a member of the church at Bethel. The church is a neat brick structure, one story high, and was dedicated in the autumn of 1862 by Bishop Levi Scott, assisted by the pastors. During the entire history it has been connected with Bethel Circuit, formerly called Perkiomen. Among the ministers who have served the church, besides the pastors before mentioned, are Rev. William T. Magee, Dr. R. Owen, Rev. H. F. Isett, Rev. E. Townsend, Rev. G. L. Schaffer, Rev. H. U, Sebring, Rev. L. D. McClintock, Rev. H. Frankland and Rev. T. T. Mutchler. The Sunday school is under the superintendency of Mr. Edward Zimmerman and numbers one hundred and fifty scholars. The church membership, although not large, is steadily increasing. The property is valued at two thousand dollars. JARRETTOWN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. -In the year 1844, Rev. A. Manship, then stationed at Chestnut Hill, with the assistance of Rev. William McCombs and Rev. Peter Eisenbry, held a largely attended woods meeting near Jarrettown, which resulted in a deep religious interest in the community. A German, a friend of Methodism, by the name of Weisman, opened his house for divine worship, in which preaching services were regularly conducted. In this house a class was formed, both Mr. Weisman and his wife becoming members. Mr. Weisman also offered to donate a lot of ground and sufficient stone for the erection of a church edifice, but for some reason the project was not carried out. In 1863, two Methodists in the community, Messrs. John De Prefountain and William Megargee, resolved to utilize an abandoned platform, which had been, used by the young people of the town for dancing purposes, for religious meetings, on which a pulpit was erected, and seats were placed for the accommodation of the congregation. Rev. George Bickley, Sr., Rev. Richard Branen and Rev. George Bickley, Jr., conducted preaching services here during the entire summer months. During the following winter meetings were held in the schoolhouse at Jarrettown. In the spring of 1865 this appointment was joined with Harmer Hill Methodist Episcopal Church, with Rev. W. P. Howell as pastor. In the autumn of this year a successful revival was held in the private house formerly occu- 388 pied by Mr. Weisman, which resulted in about thirty accessions to the church. In the year 1866, under the pastorate of Rev. H. C. McBride than an acre of ground on the Limekiln pike, a short distance below the village, was purchased and a stone church, thirty-five by fifty feet, was erected at a cost of three thousand dollars. Mr. Robert Taylor donated the stone for the same. The edifice was dedicated on Sabbath, September 16, 1866, Rev. A. Manship officiating. Mr. Andrew Bickley, a member of Harmer Hill, rendered valuable service during the progress of the building, not only in counsel and labor, but also in generous contributions. The present membership is about ninety, with an efficient Sunday-school of at least one hundred scholars. The following are the names of the. present board of trustees: F. Houpt, Albert De Prefountain, Samuel Houpt, N. Barns, John Rodemie, and H. Marshall. The church has greatly improved under the present pastorate of Rev. G. L. Schaffer. JENKINTOWN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. -This church had its genesis in the old lyceum building of the borough. In 1866, Rev. S. A. Heilner, pastor of Milestown Church, preached occasionally in this edifice at the solicitation of three members of the Methodist Church, namely: Professor J. W. Redpath, Mr. Samuel McBride and Mr. Howard Krewson. In the summer of 1867, Mr. Redpath purchased, in the name of the above-mentioned trustees, the old schoolhouse located on corner of West, Avenue and Leedom Street. The structure was remodeled, and on September 14, 1867, was dedicated as a, Methodist Episcopal Church, to the worship of God, by Rev. R. H. Pattison, D.D., Rev. J. Walker Jackson, D.D., and Rev. A. Manship also officiated on the same occasion. Rev. S. Heilner was appointed pastor. The Sabbath school was organized November 3, 1867; eight teachers and thirty scholars are being enrolled. Professor J. Redpath was elected superintendent, and has filled the office to the present time. Under the pastorate of Rev. T. K. Peterson, Rev. William Swindells laid the cornerstone of a new church, October 1, 1879. The church was dedicated December 28, 1897 Rev. A. 0. Kynett, D.D. The edifice of brick, thirty-six by sixty feet, will accommodate about four hundred persons. The following named ministers in turn have served the charge from its organization to the present: Rev. S. A. Heilner, Rev. C. H. Bickley, and Rev. A. I. Collom, Rev. J. A. Cooper, Rev. R. Turner, Rev. J. H. Brittain, Rev. W. Wisegarver, Rev. M. Barnhill, Rev. E. C. Yerkes, Rev. T. K. Peterson, Rev. R. McKay, Rev. W. Pickop and Rev. G. Bickley Burns, the present pastor and historian of the church. The society numbers about seventy members and the Sunday-school one hundred scholars. The church property is worth about three thousand dollars. LANSDALE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. -In the latter part of the year 1870, at the earnest solicitation of several prominent, citizen the Rev. H. U. Sebring then pastor of the adjoining charge, came to Lansdale and established services. Previous to this there had been neither church organization nor preaching-place in the town. A society was immediately organized and a board of trustees at once appointed, consisting of the following persons: Jacobs, M.D., J. Pierce, Asa Thomas, I. D. Heebner, D. Heebner and A. B. Hackman. The following persons were appointed a building committee: J. N. Jacobs, M.D., J. Pierce and I. D. Heebner. In the spring of 1871 a church edifice was commenced, under the pastoral charge of Rev. H. U. Sebring. The lecture room was dedicated July 14, 1872. While Rev. William H. Smith was pastor the audience-room was completed and dedicated on Sabbath, December 23, 1877. In 1882 the trustees purchased an adjoining lot with the view of enlarging the present church building, increased accommodations, being required by the growing Sabbath-school and congregation. The church property is valued at six thousand dollars. The society, although of such recent origin, numbers about one hundred and twenty-five members The present trustees are T. T. Riddington, I. D. Heebner, T. Riddington, Jr., Henry J. Smith, J. Ansty, J. Cooper, William Richardson, J. W. Moyer and William Prince. The Sabbath-school numbers two hundred and thirty scholars and is in charge of Mr. I. D. Heebner. Rev. J. G. Bickerton is the present pastor. HAWE AVENUE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, NORRISTOWN. -The Sunday-school of the Haws Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church was organized June 20, 1875, by Rev. M. D. Kurtz and a committee which had been appointed by the Oak Street Methodist Episcopal Quarterly Conference at the house of Mrs. Janette Richards, on Chain Street. The following persons were present: Sarah Smith, Elias Keisen, Dr. A. R. Tyson, Mary Perkenpine, Amelia Groff, Mary M. Johnson and Mary Sidwell. The following persons were elected officers of the school: Frank H. Thompson, superintendent; Charles R. Fox, assistant superintendent; J. Howard Richards, librarian ; Jacob C. Byer, treasurer; and Abner S. Johnson, secretary. The school was formally opened in Chain Street schoolhouse, on Sabbath, July 18, 1875, thirty-two scholars being present. The first board of trustees of the church was organized July 27, 1875, by Rev. M. D. Kurtz, and consisted of Frank H. Thompson, C. R. Fox, Jacob Byer, John Custer and Abner S. Johnson. The following were elected officers of the board: Abner S. Johnson, president, and John Custer secretary. A lot on the corner of Haws Avenue and Marshall Street, one hundred and sixty by one hundred and twenty feet was secured at the cost of two thousand dollars, and preparations were immediately commenced to build a Gothic stone chapel fifty-one by thirty-two feet, one story high. Rev. M. D. Kurtz laid the corner stone on September 26, 1875 by Rev. T. A. Fernley. The chapel erected at a cost of 389 three thousand dollars was dedicated January 2, 1876, Bishop Matthew Simpson, Rev. Dr. A. G. Kynett and Rev. M. D. Kurtz conducting the dedicatory services throughout the day. The following pastors have served the church in the order of their appointments Rev. M. D. Kurtz, 1875-76; Rev. Howard T. Quigg, 1877-78; Rev. Henry Isett, 1879-80-81; Rev. William H. Smith, 1882-83; Rev. F. H. Moore, 1884. The church property is valued at six thousand five hundred dollars. The membership numbers one hundred and two persons, The well-organized and flourishing Sabbath-school numbers in officers, teachers and scholars one hundred and sixty. ST. LUKE'S METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, BRYN MAWR. -On the 24th day of August, 1876, a meeting of persons in favor of establishing a Methodist Episcopal Church at Bryn Mawr was held at the house of Mrs. V. V. Crawford, Lower Merion township, Bishop Matthew Simpson presiding. It was determined to secure a lot and commence the erection of a church subscriptions to the amount of two thousand five hundred dollars were raised at this meeting, which sum at subsequent meetings was increased to four thousand dollars. A committee, consisting of D. M. Boyd, W. H. Sutton, W. A. Fisher, A. Crawford Anderson, Dr. D. H. Bradley and Jacob Danley, purchased a lot on the corner of Penn Street and Montgomery Avenue, one hundred and fifty feet front by three hundred feet deep, at a cost of two thousand dollars, of which one thousand dollars was donated by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. A building committee was appointed on the 11th day of April, 1877, consisting of Dr. D. H. Bradley, W. H. Sutton, A. S. Cline, J. H. Clemmens and I. W. Anderson. Ground was broken on the 29th of 1877. The cornerstone was laid October 1, 1877, by Bishop Matthew Simpson, assisted by Rev. George Cummins, P.E., and Rev. J. Y. Ashton. The dedicatory services were held June 29, 1878, Bishop Simpson preaching in the morning, Rev. Dr. C. H. Fowler in the afternoon and Rev. William H. Miller, of the Presbyterian Church, in the evening. Rev. T. C. Pearson, the pastor, also rendered valuable service during the day. The entire cost of the edifice was eight thousand seven hundred and fifty dollars of which amount four thousand two hundred dollars were subscribed on the day of dedication, leaving the property without any encumbrance. The Sunday-school, which is under the superintendency of Hon. W. H. Sutton, began to hold its sessions in Temperance Hall in the fall of 1878, and was formed largely from the Union Sunday-school, that had been conducted by Mr. William A. Fisher since 1851, and which had been the cradle of a number of churches of the various denominations in the community. The following ministers have served the church in the order of their appointments: Rev. T. C. Pearson, Rev. A. S. Wilson, Rev. F. H. Moore and Rev. J. D. Martin, the present pastor. The membership number, one hundred and ten persons. The Sunday-school has a membership of about seventy scholars. The church property is valued at eleven thousand dollars. ROYER'S FORD METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. -In the early part of the year 1879, a Methodist class was formed in this borough in connection with the Spring City Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Simeon Keim was appointed leader. At first the clam was held at the homes of its various members. At a meeting of the male members of the parent church, called by Rev. J. B. Graff, pastor, May 6, 1881, it was resolved to build a chapel. Messrs. John Bisbing, William S. Essick, Maurice Sheeler, Allen Rogers and S. B. Latshaw were subsequently appointed a building committee. A lot seventy-five by two hundred feet, on the corner of Airy and Church Streets, was donated by Mr. Danniel Latshaw. The cornerstone was laid September 21, 1881, Rev. William Swindells, Rev. G. D. Carrow, D.D., Rev. G. S. Broadbent, Rev. John Bell, Rev. William Bamford, Rev. J. B. Graff, Rev. James Swindells and Rev. Samuel Gracy officiating on the occasion. On Sabbath, March 5, 1882, Bishop Matthew Simpson deleted the church. Rev. J. B. Bickerton preached in the afternoon and Rev. William Swindells in the evening. The building is thirty-two by fifty-two feet, and was erected at a cost of three thousand three hundred and forty-three dollars. The Sabbath-school was organized April 6, 1882, when Rev. N. D. McComas was elected superintendent; W. S. Essick, assistant superintendent; Harry Ayres, secretary; Joshua J. Nix, treasurer; S. B. Latshaw, librarian and Jacob Latshaw, assistant-librarian. The school is in a flourishing condition and numbers hundred and fifty scholars. The present trustees are Matuice Sheeler, Jacob R. Weikel, John Fenkbinder, E. A. Bickel, Andrew Cumming, John A. Keiter, John B. Gracy, Jesse G. Yeager and S. B. Latshaw. NORTH WALES METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. -Among the more recent enterprises of the Methodist denomination in the county is the, church at North Wales, which, although quite young, shows signs of great promise for the future. The society has already become self-supporting and numbers one hundred members, and has a Sabbath-school of over one hundred and fifty scholars. Rev. H. Hen is the pastor. In all there are twenty-one Methodist Episcopal Churches in the county, five of which have been established during the last ten years, and about half of which have been formed during the last twenty years. The membership of the church has increased at least one hundred and fifty percent for the latter period, and the number of Sabbath-school scholars at about the same rate. EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION OR GERMAN METHODIST. -There are thirteen churches of this branch of Methodism in the County, as follows: Norristown Church: Pastor, Rev. F. P. Lehr; 390 value of property, $7000; members, 116; Sunday-school scholars, 118. Plymouth Church: Pastor, Rev. W. H. Hershey; value of property, $10,000; members, 81; Sunday-school scholars, 186. Trappe Circuit (three churches): Pastor, Rev. J. W. Rozer; value of property, $8900; members, 183, Sunday-school scholars; 223. Montgomery Circuit (five churches): Pastor, Rev. J. S. Newhart; value of property, $10,000; members, 211; Sunday-school scholars, 271. Lansdale and Hatfield Churches. Pastor, Rev. G. Knoble; value of property, $5000; members, 74; Sunday-school scholars, 160. Pottstown Church: Pastor, Rev. J. F. Heisler; value of property, $3000; members, 130; Sunday-school scholars, 168. There are four colored Methodist churches in the county, - two in Norristown, one in Pottstown and one in Conshohocken. The various branches of Methodism are represented by thirty-eight churches, valued at two hundred and twenty-six thousand dollars. The following epitome of the religious thought of the period, as it found expression in the several Christian denominations on the centennial Sabbath (September 7, 1884) in municipal history, is chronicled as a matter of general interest in connection with this chapter. In response to the following circular, the editor received the annexed condensed statement from the reverend gentlemen whose names appear therewith: "NORRISTOWN, PA., August 16, 1884. "DEAR SIR: "September 7, 1884, to the last Sabbath in the first century of Montgomery County as a municipality. Please forward to the undersigned the passage of Scripture, book, chapter and verse from which you speak on that day, with your name of church, meetinghouse and denomination, estimated number of congregation on the day named, with a synopsis of the sermon not exceeding twenty-five words. We hope this request will be promptly complied with, as we desire to epitomize the religious thought of the county in the closing chapters of our history. "Truly your friend, "Theo. W. Bean, "Editor 'History of Montgomery County, Pa.'" St. James' Episcopal Church, Lower Providence. Rector, Rev. J. L. Heysinger. Text, Numbers xxiii. 23: "What hath God wrought." Synopsis of sermon: 1, Prosperity is due to God's blessing and should excite gratitude; 2, A century of prosperity has marked our local history; 3, Observations on our parish and church for a century past. Number of congregation present, seventy-five. St. John's Episcopal Church, Norristown. Rector, Rev. Isaac Gibson. Text, St. John iv, 38: "Other men labored and ye are entered into their labors " Synopsis: "While celebrating the centennial of Montgomery County we should make prominent the works of our forefathers, for they laid the foundations of our greatness. Estimated attendance, three hundred and fifty. Calvary Protestant Episcopal Church, Conshohocken. Rector, Rev. A. B. Atkins, D.D., Text, St. Matthew, v. 16: "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works." The rector spoke of the light and power of Christian example. The true Christian is a lighted lamp shining in a dark world. He must shine always and everywhere, in church, at home, in the place of business. Number of congregation present, two hundred and fifty. St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran (six cornered) Church, Pennsburg. Pastor, Rev. 0. F. Waage. Text, St. Matthew viii. 23-24. Subject, "Christ our refuge in the tempests of life." Estimated number present, five hundred. Huber's, at Niantic and Swamp, at New Hanover, (Lutheran). Pastor, Rev. L. Groh. Text, St. Luke x. 23-24. Synopsis of sermon: 1. What our eyes see -gospel results materially and spiritually; 2, Who, did not see? -prophets, kings before Christ, our fathers; 3. Why we see -through God's goodness. Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Transfiguration, Pottstown. Pastor, B. M. Schmucker. Text, Psalm xlviii. 12-14. Synopsis of sermon. 1, Annals of Lutheran Church in this county. First settlements of Lutherans; 2, Congregations, formations, statistics; 3, Biographies of eminent ministers. Estimated attendance, two hundred and fifty. Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Pottstown. Pastor, D. K. Kepner: Text, St. Luke x. 23-27. Theme, "Good Samaritan Love:" 1, Whom it profits; 2, How it manifests itself; 3, Whence it comes. Thema, " Der hohe Werth des Christlichen Glaubens:" 1, Sieg im Kampf mit der Sunde; 2. Freude im Schmerz der Erde; 3, Ruhe in der Unruh des Lebens; 4, Licht in der Nacht der Trubsal; 5, Leben durch den Tod; 6. Himmlischen Lohn nach irdischer Arbeit. Estimated attendance, five hundred. Lutheran Churches, Whitemarsh and Upper Dublin. Pastor, Rev. Matthias Sheeleigh. Text, Psalm xxxiv. 11-12: "The Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. 0 Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in Thee!" Synopsis: Happy choice of waiting On the Lord; what the Lord is to his people, will do for I them, and the blessedness he assures to them. Attendance, two hundred. St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church, North Wales, Pa. Rev. George D. Foust, pastor. Text, Psalm lxxxix. 15: "Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound; they shall walk, 0 Lord, in the light of thy countenance." The increasing population of our county, its fertile fields, the thrift and intelligence of its citizens, its numerous schools, its venerable churches, all show the God of nations has watched over our interests iu the past. If we have come to a knowledge of the glad tidings of grace in Christ and walk in the light of the Sun of righteousness, the closing of this first century will be like a brilliant sunset, prophetic of the rich and fragrant dawning of a new century with many blessings in store for us. 391 New Goshenhoppen Reformed Church. Pastor, Rev. C. Z. Weiser. Text, St. Luke x. 23: "Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see." Theme: Christ, the Ideal Man; and Christianity, His civilization Zion's Reformed Church, Pottstown. Pastor, Rev. C. S. Wieand. Text, St. Luke x. 25-37. Parable of Good Samaritan. Synopsis of sermon mankind a traveler, robbed and wounded by Satan; Christ the Good Samaritan; Church of Christ the inn; Christian ministry the host; imitate the Good Samaritan. Pleasantville Reformed Church. Pastor, Rev. Uriah Weidner. Text, St. Matthew xi. 29. Synopsis of sermon, -A call for scholars: 1, Christ has opened a great school; 2, Not a compulsory education; 3, The competency of the teacher; 4, The qualifications the teacher expresses, meek and lowly; 5, The diploma given the graduate is rest. Number in attendance, two hundred and seventy-five. Trinity Reformed Church, Pottstown. Pastor, L. Kryder Evans. Text, Exodus xx. 2, 3: Synopsis of sermon: God had delivered Israel from bondage and they were now to be raised to the privilege of a nation; God's covenant promises made to Abraham are now ratified; loyalty and obedience would keep them in possession of the land; the same God that made Israel of old a mighty nation has also made us what we are as a people. Number in attendance three hundred. St. Luke's Reformed Church, Trappe. Pastor, H. T. Spangler. Text, Jeremiah vi. 16: "Stand ye in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls." Line of thought: Only walking in the good old paths revealed by God's word, the true standard for all ages, as did the fathers, will insure the peace and safety of the sons. Estimated congregation, two hundred and twenty-five. Bethel Methodist Episcopal Church. Pastor, Rev. T. T. Mutchler, M.D. Text, St. Matthew vii. 11: "If ye then being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask Him." Synopsis of sermon: 1, God's disposition to give good things, how great; 2, Man's need of good things known by experience; 3, Good things God will give to them that ask Him. Number in attendance, fifty. Methodist Episcopal Church, North Wales. Pastor, Rev. Henry Hess. Text, 2 Peter i. 18: "And this voice which came from heaven we heard when we were with him in the holy mount." Theme: Transfiguration of Christ: Peter writes to remind them of the evidence of Christianity; heard a voice on mount: circumstance of the same; purposes of transfiguration, 1, glory of Redeemer, (2,) supreme lawgiver only (3) Redeemer. Number present, two hundred and fifty. Methodist Episcopal Church, Montgomery Square. Pastor, J. Wesley Perkinpine. Text, Proverbs xxiii. 10: "Remove not the old landmark." The speaker showed some few advancements made in the county during the century, how that human landmarks crumble and fall, but the landmark of salvation has continued all through the century in building churches and giving blessings to mankind. Number present, two hundred. First Methodist Episcopal Church, Norristown. Pastor, Rev. S. H. C. Smith. Text, Psalm xcvii. 1: "The Lord reigneth, let the earth rejoice. Topic: The avowed purpose and legitimate tendency of the Christian relation is to originate those virtues which are confessed to be the only foundation of all true and public elevation, and which also are the safeguards of freedom and felicity. Number of congregation, three hundred. Oak Street Methodist Episcopal Church, Norristown. Pastor, Rev. G. W. F. Graff. Centennial services afternoon of September 7, 1884, conducted by the pastor -Scriptural lesson, Esther i.; addresses of an historic character were made by the pastor, by William H. Ortlip, J. H. Crankshaw and others. Estimated attendance, three hundred and fifty. St. Luke's Methodist Episcopal Church, Bryn Mawr. Pastor, J. D. Martin. Text., Hebrews iv. 14. Theme: "The Priesthood of Christ." -The Jewish high priest typical of Christ: 1, Superiority of Christ, He was sinless, His offering once for all, His priesthood in heaven; 2, He purifieth the conscience. Number in attendance, eighty. First Presbyterian Church, Norristown. Pastor Rev. Wm. B. Noble. Text 1 Kings. xix. 8: "And he arose and did eat and drink and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb, in the mount of God." Estimated attendance, three hundred and fifty. Central Presbyterian Church, Norristown. Pastor, Rev. J. McAskie. Text, Psalm xxxvii. 3: "Trust in the Lord and do well, so shalt thou dwell in the land and verily thou shalt be fed." Synopsis of sermon: 1, Confidence in God is a nation's stability, the old dynasties perished for lack of it; 2, Confidence in God implies (1) knowledge of him, (2) obedience to his laws; 3, Confidence in God is essential to true prosperity, verity thou shalt be fed there will be a bountiful provision for the physical, the intellectual and spiritual nature of man. Number in attendance, three hundred and fifty. Centennial Presbyterian Church, Jeffersonville. Pastor, Rev. Charles Collins. Text, Deuteronomy xxxii. 7: "Remember the days of old; consider the years of many generation; ask thy father, and. he will show thee; thy elders and they will tell thee." Synopsis of discourse: 1, That a remembrance of the past is well calculated to awaken our gratitude; 2, That a becoming remembrance of the past gives encouragement for the future; 3, That God's faithful- 392 peas in, the past should abundantly inspire us with trust. Estimated number present, one hundred. Baptist Church, Norristown. Pastor, Rev. N. B. Randall. Theme: "The outlook, or the century before us." The speaker made mention of the fact that our fathers had a new government to found, a new society to create and new homes to build. Notwithstanding the many dangers which, all admit, we believe that the age before us will be a grander one than any century which has preceded it; for, 1, It will be an age of abundant wealth and leisure; 2, It will be remarkable for mental culture and practical discovery; 3,,The century before us will witness the universal diffusion of the gospel. Estimated number in attendance, three hundred and fifty. Baptist Church, North Wales. Pastor, Rev. J. A. Aldred. Text, Deuteronomy xxii. 22: Subject; Earthquakes, a theme suggested by the earthquake visitation of August 10, 1884: "The text teaches us: 1,That the earth is treasured or stored with fire; 2, That God kindled this fire; 3, That I He did so as a token of his righteous anger against the sinful and rebellious race of men who dwell on the earth's surface 4, That these fires lie deep down and below the bases of the mountains which they set on fire and excite to volcanic action; 5, These spasmodic beats and convulsive throbs Are constantly reminding as of man full and persistent rebellion against his Maker." Number in attendance, two hundred. Church of the, Evangelical Association, Lansdale, and Pastor, Rev. G. C. Knobel. Text, Psalm cxli. 4 And let me not eat of their dainties Synopsis; of sermon: 1, The circumstances in which this psalm was written (1 Samuel, 27); 2, The Christian of today often finds himself in" Gath; 3, The lesson to be learned from David's resolution, Number present, forty (evening service). Church of the Evangelical Association, Hatfield. Pastor, Rev. G. C. Knobel. Text, Philippians iv. 6, 7. Synopsis of sermon : 1, How are we to understand the apostles injunction, " Be careful (Anxious) for nothing? " 2, The means to be used in order to accomplish this; 3, The happy results. Number present, fifty (morning service). Evangelical Church, Pottstown. Pastor, Rev. S. F. Heisler. Text, Hebrews iv. 16: "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace, to help in time of need." Synopsis of sermon (preached in German): 1, The throne of grace as compared with the mercy seat; 2, The manner of approach, with boldness; 3, The motive prompting, viz., to obtain mercy and find grace. Number present, one hundred and fifty. German Baptist or Dunker Church, Skippack (Detwiler's Meeting-House). Minister, Isaac Kulp. Text, 2 Cor. xii. 1. Synopsis of sermon: 1, Paul's; reasons of defiance; 2, Paul's opinion about religious, boastings; 3, Paul's only allowable boastings, Gottshall's Mennonite, Meetinghouse, Schwenksville. Pastor, Bishop Moses Gotshall. Text, Colosians ii. 7: "And be ye established in the faith as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving." Synopsis of sermon:1, The only way to salvation is (a) the firmness of faith in the Saviour and (b) belief in the pure teachings of the gospel , 2, He only who possesses this faith can be truly thankful. Number of congregation, one hundred And fifty. Lower Mennonite Church, East Perkiomen, Pastor, Bishop Amos K. Bean. Text, Isaiah xxviii. 17. Theme "The Sinner Warned: 1, Through preaching, sickness tribulation, etc., the sinner is many times convinced of the necessity of seeking a suitable refuge; 2, There is great danger of sinners seeking a false refuge by simply laying off gross sins and connecting themselves with the visible church; 3, Jesus Christ is the true refuge in whom we are perfectly safe in the hour of death. Number present, one hundred and fifty. Trinity Christian Church, Collegeville. Pastor, Rev. J. H. Hendricks, A.M. Text, and Ephesians iv. 13. Theme: Christian Manhood Synopsis of sermon: 1, Wherein Christian manhood consists(a) being possessed of Jesus' communicable attributes, (b) the life. conformed to Jesus' life, 1 the personal embodiment of all conceivable moral excellence; 2, How it is attained; (a) Gods part in the work, (b) man's part in the work; 3, Its supreme value(a) it is man's highest dignity and happiness, (b) it is society's richest boon, (e) proclaims the richest of divine grace. Number present, two hundred and fifty. Friends' Meeting, Abington. Alvin Haines and Rachel A. Mather spoke at this meeting on September 7, 1884.