Local History: XLIII - EASTON - Part V : Davis's 1877 History of Northampton Co, PA

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                                  HISTORY

                                    OF

                       NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.


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181 (cont.)

                    THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

                       By REV. FRANK E. MILLER.

  It is now almost one hundred and thirty-three years since the gospel was 
first preached in the regions round about Easton by a Presbyterian 
minister. On the twelfth of May, 1744, the Rev. David Brainerd, a 
licentiate of the Congregationalist Church, but subsequently ordained by 
the Presbytery of Newark, took up his abode within the Forks of the 
Delaware. For about in year previous, Mr. Brainerd had been laboring as a 
missionary among the Indians, between  Stockbridge and Albany, under the 
direction of "The American Correspondents of the Society in Scotland for 
Propagating Christian Knowledge." The Correspondents thinking there was a 
wider opportunity for usefulness in Pennsylvania, directed their missionary 
to go to the Indians on the Delaware. Mr. Brainerd left Stockbride, Mass., 
on a Thursday, May 3d, 1744, and traveled southward through Sheffield and 
Salisbury, to Sharon; on to Fishkill: crossed the Hudson, touched at 
Goshen; then "across the woods through a desolate still hideous country"; 
and on the second Saturday after leaving Stockbridge, "he came to a 
settlement of Irish and Dutch people, about twelve miles above the Fork of 
the Delaware." This joint was afterwards known as the Irish settlement, 
sometimes as Craig's settlement, and is now called Bath. Brainerd built his 
cabin, and made his headquarters in what is now Lower Mount Bethel 
township, near the mouth of Martins Creek. From this point, as a base of 
operations, he itinerated through the surrounding country, preaching 
sometimes to the, scattered white settlers, but most frequently to the 
Indians. He officiated quite often at the Irish settlement, and 
occasionally at Greenwich, N. J. : but his work was mainly among the red 
men; and in the prosecution of his honors, he pushed southward in New 
Jersey, beyond Trenton, and northward and westward to the Susquehanna. His 
trip to the Susquehanna was not made in "a parlor car," I quote from his 
diary:

  "October 2d, 1744.-Set out on my journey from the Forks, of the Delaware. 
Traveled about twenty-five miles, and lodged in one of the last houses on 
our road; after which there was nothing but a hideous and howling 
wilderness.

  "October 3d.-We went on our way into the wilderness, and found the
most difficult and dangerous traveling, by far, that ever any of us had 
seen. We had scarcely anything else but lofty mountains, deep valley and 
hideous rocks, to make our way through. However, I felt some sweetness, in 
divine things part of the day, and had my mind intensely engaged in 
meditation on it divine subject. Near night, the beast on which I rode, 
hung one of her legs, in the rocks, and fell down under me; but, through 
divine goodness, I was not hurt. However, she broke her leg; and being in 
such a hideous place, and near thirty miles from any house, I saw nothing 
that could be done to preserve her life, and so was obliged to kill her, 
and to prosecute my journey on foot. This accident made me admire the 
divine goodness to me, that my bones were not broken, and the multitude of 
them filled with strong pain. Just at dark we kindled a fire, cut up a few 
bushes, and made it shelter over our beads to save us from the frost, which 
was very hard that night; and committing ourselves to God by prayer, we 
laid down and slept quietly." That was Brainerd's experience on a journey 
to the Susquehanna.

 In his day, there was no such place as Easton, our town not attaining to
the dignity of a name until 1751; but there were German settlers here as
early as 1737-39; and to these he probably refers in his diary of
February 20th, 1746. "Preached to a small assembly of High Dutch people who 
had seldom heard the gospel preached, and were, some of them at least, very 
ignorant; but numbers of them have lately been put upon all inquiry after 
the way of salvation, with thoughtfulness. They gave much attention, and 
some of them were much affected under the word, and afterwards. said, as I 
was informed that they never had been so much enlightened about the way of 
salvation in their whole lives before. They requested me to tarry with them 
or to come again and preach to them. It grieved me, that I could not comply 
with their request. I could not but be affected with their circumstances, 
for they were as sheep not having a shepherd."


182 


  The twenty-fourth of February 1746, saw the conclusion of Brainerd's
labors in the Forks of the Delaware. He removed to Crosswicks, N.J. His
work was among a people who were even then receding before advancing
civilization, and, as a consequence, we see nothing about us today which is
the direct outcome of Brainerd's efforts. Nevertheless, no man better 
deserves mention. The Church, since the Reformation, has not produced a 
more devout and devoted soldier of the cross. His labors, both in spirit 
and in multitude, were truly apostolic.

  For fifty years after the departure of Brainerd, the High Dutch had 
things pretty much to themselves in Easton.  They constituted an 
overwhelming majority of the population. The first church organizations 
were the Lutheran and German Reformed denominations, and the preaching of 
the gospel was in it foreign tongue. By degrees, the English inhabitants 
increased in numbers, and in 1794, mainly through their instrumentality, 
the Union Academy was incorporated. The academy building furnished a place 
where religious services in the English language might be held with 
regularity. The people were not slow to avail themselves of the 
opportunity. There is to be found in the records of the trustees of the 
Academy, under date of July 21st, 1778, the following minutes: "Resolved, 
that permission be given the present English teacher in the Academy to hold 
meetings for worship in said house, at any time which shall not interfere 
with the schools; he being responsible for the proper care of the house on 
such occasions". In the archives of our church, there is a paper, yellow 
with age, but still in good preservation, written in a full, fair, round 
band, as clear and as plain as print, which reads on this wise:

                       THE CONSTITUTION OF 
                    EASTON RELIGIOUS SOCIETY.

  "The People, Frequenters to hear Divine Worship at Easton Union Academy, 
DO, this Twelfth Day of August, 1798, form themselves into a Society to be 
called the Easton Religious Society; And DO Ordain and Establish this 
Constitution for the good Order and Government of the same."

  Article 1st provides, that the meetings be held in the Union Academy
until the twenty-fifth of March, 1799.

  Article 2d says that the Society meet twice on the Lord's Day, and at such 
Hours as may be intimated; That the services of the Day be neither too 
brief, nor too prolix; to consist of singing two or three Psalms or Hymns, 
a short prayer or two, a small portion of Scripture to be read, with it 
Sermon, twice a day; the Sermons that are read, to be such as set forth the 
Doctrines Of Gospel in the utmost purity.

  By Article 3d, all persons, children excepted, who should frequent the 
Society four times in a year, were esteemed members.

  Article 4th provides, that Mr. Andrew Mein be requested to accept the 
appointment to officiate, in the Administration of the Divine Functions, 
until the twenty-fifth of March, 1799, with Desire and Permission to 
request and employ Any Person to his assistance that he may approve of.

  Articles 5th, 6th, and 7th, relate to the management of the Society, 
which was vested in seven persons, and provides for their election, 
meetings, etc.

  The last Article, 8th, declares that the members of the Society 
subscribe, Quarterly, One Quarter of a Dollar for the purchase of Books, 
and other necessary Purposes; and that Mr. Mein be Treasurer.

  Mr. Andrew Mein was the forementioned "English Teacher in the Academy," 
and his "Religious Society" was the mother of our Church. How long he 
continued to conduct services "neither too brief nor too prolix," and to 
read sermons, which set forth "the doctrines of the gospel in their utmost 
purity," there is DO means of determining. Except the formal and dignified 
constitution, there is no record of the Easton Religious Society. It is 
probable that the organization led an uncertain life, and finally ceased to 
have any recognized existence; while at the same time it is likely that, at 
intervals, there were religious meetings held of an independent character, 
at which the services were conducted in the English language.

  The official records of our church begin with April, 1811. The first 
entry is as follows: "A number of the Inhabitants of the Borough of Easton, 
having convened in said Borough to take into consideration the most 
eligible mode of procuring a Teacher for their children, and a Preacher of 
the Word of Gott in the English Language, it was, after deliberation, 
thought most advisable to request the Presbytery of New Brunswick, to grant 
them supplies for the ensuing summer, out of which supplies it was expected 
one might be selected for the purposes aforesaid." Dr. John Cooper, and Mr. 
John Ewing, were appointed a committee to present this request to the 
Presbytery of New Brunswick. They appeared before that body, April 1811. 
The petition was granted, and Mr. Stephen Boyer, a licentiate, "was 
appointed to preach two years, as a stated supply to the English citizens 
in the Borough of Easton. The Presbytery believing that the regular 
ordination of Mr. Buyer, to the work of the gospel ministry, would 
contribute much to his usefulness and success, in building up a church in 
Easton, therefore, on motion resolved, that Presbytery meet at Easton on 
the first Wednesday in November next, for the purpose of ordaining Mr. 
Boyer to the work of the ministry."1  Mr. Boyer's ministrations were 
acceptable to the people, and on the nineteenth of August, 1811, they made 
out a formal call for his services, inviting him to settle for two years, 
and fixing the salary at four hundred dollars per annum, to be paid 
half-yearly. The call was subscribed by forty-seven persons; was prosecuted 
before the Presbytery of New Brunswick by James Hays and John Ewing, and 
Mr. Boyer signified his acceptance thereof. Presbytery met in Easton, 
November 6th, 1811; Mr. Boyer preached from the text assigned: Ps. 89: 15; 
"Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound; they shall walk 0 Lord 
in the light of thy countenance. "The day following, November 7th, he was 
ordained to the gospel ministry in the (German) Reformed Church, still 
standing on North Third street. He held his Sabbath service in the court 
house, and during the week taught "a select class," in the south room, 
tipper story of the academy building.

  The congregation next proceeded to perfect its organization by the 
election of proper officers. At a meeting held in the court house, 
March 10th, 1812, John Cooper in the chair, and Joseph Burke, Secretary, 
the following persons were chosen Trustees:
John Green
Absalom Reeder
Benjamin Green
Benjamin Hinds
John Ewing
Samuel R. Finley
Joseph Burke 
on the twenty-first of December, 1812, Thomas Bullman, Joseph Burke, Samuel 
R. Finley, and Benjamin Green, were elected to serve as Elders. On January 
11th, 1814, Thomas Bullman is recorded on the minutes of the Presybytery of 
New Brunswick, as the Elder from the Easton church; and in May of the same 
year, the church appears, for the first time, on the minutes of the General 
Assembly. Mr. Boyer continued teaching and preaching, in Easton, until the 
spring of 1814, when he removed to Columbia, Pa., having been stated 
supply, for this congregation, a little less than three years. There is no 
material available for anything like a sketch of his life. He is described, 
by those who remember him, as stout, full-faced, and cleanly shaven; 
complexion dark, with features like an Indian. He was a good, sound 
preacher, and successful in his work. During his short stay, there were 
about thirty, whose hearts the Lord opened, that they attended unto the 
things which were spoken, and who made a public profession of their faith 
in the Saviour of sinners.

  After the removal of Mr. Boyer, the congregation was served by 
Presbyterian supplies until the autumn of 1816, when application wits made 
to the Presbytery of New Brunswick, for the ministerial services of Mr. 
David Bishop, a licentiate of that Presbytery, The request was favorably 
considered by the parties interested, and, on November 13th, 1816, Mr. 
Bishop was ordained to the work of the gospel ministry. As in the former 
case, the congregation secured the (German) Reformed Church, on Third 
street, for the ordination services, That the Occasion was one of more than 
ordinary interest, may be inferred from the fact, that Drs. Alexander and 
Miller, of Princeton Seminary, were present, and participated in the 
exercises. Mr. Bishop's salary was three hundred and fifty dollars per 
annum, payable in half-yearly installments, The original memorandum of 
money received on subscription, by Eseck Howell, for support of Mr. Bishop 
in 1816-17, shows that John Green paid sixteen dollars; Eseck Howell, 
fourteen dollars; Thos. McKeen, ten dollars, and Absalom Reeder, ten 
dollars; others paid smaller sums, down to one dollar. In all, there are 
sixty-seven names. John Stewart is the only person, on that subscription, 
who is still worshiping with us The total amount received, was two hundred 
and thirty-six dollars. The next years subscription, dated 
November 15th, 1817, shows ninety-four names, and contributions to the  
amount of three hundred and fifty-nine dollars, indicative of a very 
encouraging growth.  The subscriptions were not always reliable, and the 
salary was paid with irregularity, Mr. Bishop supplemented his income by 
outside preaching work at Mount Bethel and Durham, and by teaching a 
classical school in the Academy.

  Up to this time, the congregation though fully organized ecclesiastically, 
had no legal status; it was not incorporated, steps had been taken in that 
direction in Mr. Boyer's day, as is evident from an old draft of a 
constitution and bylaws, which is among our church papers. From some cause, 
the Act of Incorporation was not then passed; but the document is 
interesting, as showing the extreme formality with which business was 
transacted in those times. The proposed provisions for the election of 
trustees were most elaborate, and the rules for their deliberation very 
rigid and precise. The congregation, in things temporal, was probably 
governed by this constitution for some years. At a meeting held in the 
Academy, December 15th, 1817, Messrs. McKeen, Kennedy, and Burke, were 
appointed to draft a constitution. Subsequently, January 3d, 1818, Eseck 
Howell and Absalom Reeder, were added to the committee. The committee 
reported on January 13th, 1818, a constitution which was adopted, and 
ordered to be forwarded to Mr. Rogers, at Harrisburg, in order to have the 
congregation incorporated. On January 22d, 1818, Mr. Rogers, "in his 
place," presented bill No. 76, Senate File, and the Presbyterian 
congregation, in the Borough of Easton, was "erected into one body, 
politic, and corporate, in deed and in law." 
The first Trustees under the charter were: 
John Green
William Kennedy
Eseck Howell
Robert Inness
Joseph Burke
Absalom Reeder
Benjamin Green
Ralph Tyndall
Jesse M. Howell

 Section fifth, of the charter, provides that the said Trustees shall have 
power and authority to make, have, and use, one common seal, with such 
device, and inscription as they shall think proper; and the same to break 
and alter at their pleasure. In accordance with this provision, the 
Trustees procured a seal, which is circular in shape, and just within the 
circumference, are, the words, "First Presbyterian Congregation of Easton;" 
a little above the centre is a dove snaring heavenward, the clouds already 
enwrapping her while from her wings, are radiated beams of light.

________________________________________________________________________

1. Extract from the minutes, Presbytery of New Brunswick.


183


  When Mr. Bishop entered upon his duties, services were still held in the 
court house; but the place not being entirely adapted for such purposes, 
and objections being made on the part of certain persons to its use by the 
congregation, it became evident, that if the organization was to thrive, it 
must have a property of its own. Efforts had been made to this end some 
years before. On the seventeenth of July, 1813, a letter was presented to 
the Trustees of the Academy, from Messrs. Reeder, Bullman, and B. Green, 
Trustees of the English Presbyterian Church, praying for a lot of ground 
for building a house thereon for the use of public worship. The Trustees of 
the Academy very sensibly resolved, "that it is inexpedient to grant the 
English Presbyterian Congregation any ground. "Finding that they must 
depend upon themselves, on the sixth of July, 1815, a subscription paper 
was drawn up "for the purpose of purchasing a lot or lots in the Borough of 
Easton, and erecting a church thereon; and for a burying ground for the 
First Presbyterian Congregation, in the said Borough of Easton. The 
enterprise progressed slowly but steadily. On the sixth of December, 1817, 
John Green, Hill Hutchinson, Ralph Tyndall, and Moses Davis, a committee 
previously appointed, reported that a building (brick), 45 x 55 feet, would 
cost $7,000; 45 x 50 feet, $6,500; 40 x 50 feet, $6,000. It was unanimously 
resolved to build it house, not less than 40 x 50 feet; though, if thought 
best by the building committee, it might be larger; due regard being had to 
the funds.

  After considerable discussion concerning a site, the present location, 
Second and Bushkill, was finally selected.  On the sixth of March, 1818, 
Benjamin Green, in consideration of five hundred dollars, sold lot 288, of 
the town plot, to the Trustees of the Church; though on account of the 
minority of certain heirs, the title was not formally executed until
May 20th, 1829. On the thirtieth of April 1818, Abraham Ealer, and Mary, 
his wife, in consideration of four hundred dollars, deeded to the First 
Presbyterian Church, lot 287, fifty-five feet front on Bushkill street. 
Possessed of these two lots, the congregation proceeded to build, The 
original building, committee, was John Green, Absalom Reeder, John Cooper, 
Ralph Tyndal, Moses. Davis, and Thomas McKeen. The foundation was dug by "a 
frolic," on a Saturday afternoon; John Bowes burned the brick; Daniel 
Quigley and Hill Hutchinson, laid the brick; Ralph Tyndall, did the 
carpenter work; Major Stroup, the plastering; and Louis and John Gano, the 
painting, The building was 45 x 50 feet, fronting on Bushkill street, and 
standing back from the pavement, some twelve feet. The pulpit was between 
the doors as at present, and a gallery extended around three sides of the 
room, there were forty-four pews on the lower floor, and twenty-seven in 
the gallery; and the total cost was 86,000 and upwards." Thomas McKeen, 
Joseph Burke, and James Hays, were it committee, to secure subscriptions. 
The subscription list embraces two hundred and ten names; the amounts, 
ranging from five hundred dollars down to fifty cents. The total was 
$5,878.15; giving an average subscription of twenty-seven dollars and 
ninety-nine cents.  Among the contributors are to be found the names of 
Rev. Robert Finley, and Rev. Thomas Pomp.

  Mr. Bishop gave one hundred dollars-thus teaching liberality by example,
as well as by precept-and "A. Calvinist, of Wilkesbarre," gave, forty-five
dollars, Thirty-four of the subscribers were females; twenty-six persons
paid their subscription "in hauling;" three, "in labor;"  five proved 
"insolvent," some others were rather slow pay, and the Trustees resolved 
that Benjamin Green and Ralph Tyndall, be a committee to put into the hands
of Jacob Weygandt Esq., all the outstanding subscriptions, in every case
where the subscriber is able to pay, and refuses, or neglect to pay;
"though if they were willing, but unable to pay immediately, Squire Weygandt 
was authorized to take their note for sixty days; otherwise, to proceed 
against them as the law directs; and thus the law was brought in to develop 
grace.

  The church being completed, was solemnly dedicated to the worship of 
Almighty God, August 22d, 1819. Mr. Bishop preached from Exodus xx:24, 
latter clause. The Trustees put a valuation on the pews, rating them from 
forty to sixty five dollars in the gallery, and from ninety to one hundred 
and twenty on the lower floor; and August 28th, 1819, they were sold to the 
highest bidder, subject to the annual assessment for the support of the 
minister.  On that occasion, William White acted as auctioneer. In the 
course of five years, the congregation had so increased that the house was 
too small to accommodate the hearers. Accordingly, a subscription was 
started for the enlargement of the building, December 5th, 1825 $1,531 were 
subscribed; work was, commenced in the spring of 1826, and the house was 
extended twenty feet to the rear; the step in the floor of the present 
building marking the new addition. Twenty-eight pews were gained on the 
lower floor, which were rated from sixty to one hundred and twenty dollars. 
During the enlargement, the congregation worshiped in the Reformed Church, 
on Third street, by the courtesy of the official Boards of the Lutheran and 
Reformed Congregations. This improvement left the congregation with a debt, 
for the liquidation of which, the Trustees, February ]at, 1828, raised a 
loan by the issue of stock certificate, in shares of twenty-five dollars, 
redeemable at any time after the last of March, 1833, or sooner, at the 
option of the Trusts; and hearing interest at the rate of four per cent., 
payable semi-annually. The books show that forty-eight of these shares 
were, taken. In 1846, the congregation again found itself in cramped 
quarters, and to make more room, the church was brought forward twelve feet 
to the pavement, The building committee consisted of George Hensel, John 
Dickson, James McKeen, and Joseph Dawes. $1,095 were subscribed towards the 
alteration. Twenty new pews were gained, with it valuation of from 
ninety-five to one hundred and twenty dollars, During the improvement, the 
congregation worshiped in Christ's Lutheran Church; and a suitable minute 
is on our record, acknowledging the kindness of the pastor and officer, of 
Christ's Church. The work of enlargement being completed, a sermon 
appropriate to the occasion was preached on the Sabbath evening of the 
reopening, December 27th, 1846, by the pastor, Dr. Gray, from
Haggai ii: 7. During the following week, the new, pews were all sold, some 
of them for sixty dollars more than their valuation. The church building 
stands, today, pretty much the same, in form and appearance, its, after the 
alteration in 1846. There has been no material change in the last thirty years.

  On the first of April, 1845, Philip H. Mattes, and Catharine, his wife, 
in consideration of $1,040, deeded to the First Presbyterian Church of 
Easton, lots Nos. 285 and 286, beginning twenty-one feet east of Sitgreaves 
street, and extending eastwardly on Bushkill street, eighty-nine feet. When 
the church was last enlarged, the congregation erected on one of these lots 
it brick session-room, 30 x 60 feet, at, a cost of about $1,400. In 1869, 
the building was remodeled, enlarged, a second story added, and completed 
as it stands today. In 1852, Colonel Thomas McKeen proposed to give $4,200 
toward, the erection of a parsonage on the remaining lot, provided the 
congregation would raise six hundred mid fifty dollars additional, 
necessary for the completion of the building, The offer was accepted, and 
the parsonage was built. This conclude the history of the church, so far 
as concerns its property.

  Mr. Bishop continued stated supply of the First Church until his death, 
He died of consumption, on Sunday morning, Aug. 19th, 1822, having labored 
five years and six months. His remain, were buried in the rear of the 
church, but afterwards disinterred, and they now lie in our beautiful 
cemetery, He was born at Ringoes, N. J. and, at his death, was in his 
thirty-first year. He was of Presbyterian ancestry, as far back as can he 
traced. His paternal grandfather was William Bishop, a native of Liverpool, 
Eng.; born November 4th, 1719; died at Greenwich, N. J., April 13th, 1761 a 
true and devoted Christian. His, father, David Bishop, Sr., was born July 
29th, 1751, and during his boyhood, served in the British navy. He 
afterwards engaged in mercantile pursuits. On the seventeenth of 
October, 1773, he married Anna Schenck, of Holland stock; subsequently 
settled in Hunterdon county, N. J., and was a member of the old Kingwood 
Church. He served in the patriot army during the Revolutionary War, 
participating in various engagements, and gaining the rank of colonel. At 
the close of the war, he removed to Ringoes, and was an elder in the First 
Amwell Church. Colonel Bishop was a mail of active piety, devoting himself 
heartily to every good work. He built the Amwell Academy at his own 
expense. His hospitality was famous, and his house was "a ministers howl."   
"When the ear heard him then it blessed, and when the eye saw him, it gave 
witness to him, because be delivered the poor that cried, and the 
fatherless, and him that had none to help." From such parentage came the 
Rev. David Bishop, the youngest, but one, of nine children. Of his boyhood 
nothing is known. He graduated at Princeton, September 1810. Among his 
classmates were Abel P. Upshur, of Virginia, and George Al. Dallas, of 
Pennsylvania. 


184


  In 1811, he was appointed Superintendent of the Trenton Academy, and 
continued there until 1815; receiving a salary of eight hundred and fifty 
to one thousand dollars per annum; a very unusual salary, in those days, 
for a youth of twenty. He studied theology with Dr. Woodhull, of Freehold; 
was licensed by the Presbytery of New Brunswick, and in April, 1815, was 
engaged as assistant to the Rev. J. F. Armstrong, in the First Church, 
Trenton. In the autumn of 1815, he married Sarah Caroline Prall, daughter 
of John Prall, a revolutionary officer, of Prallsville, N. J.

  When Mr. Bishop removed to Easton, he entered upon an uninviting field.
The congregation was small, without a house of worship, and the moral 
reputation of the town was bad; some persons-envious outsiders 
possibly-calling it Sodom, and like flattering names. He rented and lived 
in the German Reformed parsonage, then standing on the northwest corner of
Second and Spring Garden streets, on the site now occupied by the residence
of Henry Fulmer. His garden extended to Sitgreave alley; and the only
other house in the block was at the corner of Spring Garden and Third 
streets, now occupied by Joseph S. Rodenbough. He was well qualified for 
his work, and entered upon it with zeal. His preparation had been thorough, 
and his scholarship, especially in the Latin language, was full and 
accurate. He was a man of strong convictions, and vigorously proclaimed 
vigorous doctrines. A neighboring minister, somewhat lax in theology and 
morals, remonstrated with Mr. Bishop, predicting that such "horrific 
preaching" would empty his church; but it seemed to have the contrary 
effect, for the congregation increased. Withal, he was not a bigot, but 
kindly and liberal; and used to exchange with the Episcopal minister, with 
whom he was on especially friendly terms, and one Christmas day they 
communed together. To the poor and the lowly, he was unusually attentive; 
and his work among the colored people of the community was long remembered.

  Mr. Bishop was considered one of the best preachers in the Presbytery of 
Newton; earnest fit manner, practical, and yet spiritual in thought. As an 
illustration of his style of composition, and also of the customs and 
habits of his time, I quote from one of his sermons, on the observance of 
the Sabbath. Speaking of how the Sabbath should be kept, he says: 
"Collecting at taverns and toppling-houses on this day,
is a shameful profanation of it. I should be sorry to think that any of 
you, my friends, would ever countenance such a demoralizing, and God-
provoking practice. But I have good reason to believe that such is the case 
with some of our neighbors. Almost every Sabbath brings some of them by my 
door-ah! how it pains my heart when I think of the destructive nature of 
the errand. If there is no law to reach such practices, Christians, and the 
friends of morals and good order, ought to take every occasion to speak of 
inch things, to the shame and disgrace of those guilty." Mr. Bishop was a 
good temperance man. Speaking of lounging and sleeping on the Sabbath, he 
declare, with pungency, "the Sabbath of mere physical rest is the Sabbath 
of brutes." I could not but think, as I read the sermon, how easy it would 
be, to compile from it a first-rate tract on Sabbath observance. He was a 
man not given to pleasuring, yet not gloomy and forbidding. "Pious without 
austerity, he united all the cheerfulness of the companion, and the polish 
of the gentleman, with the simplicity of the Christian. "He was tall-five 
feet ten inches-and well proportioned; hair dark and very abundant; 
altogether giving him a striking and handsome appearance. He was cut down 
when apparently entering upon a career of usefulness. During his brief 
ministry, his influence was decided and beneficial; and it did not cease 
with his life. Among subsequent additions to the church, there were those 
who attributed their conversion to his labors and example. "He was active, 
laborious, faithful, and carried with him, to the grave, the purest 
affections of the people of his charge."

   After the death of Mr. Bishop, the congregation was served by 
Presbyterial supplies, until September, 1822, when Mr. John Gray, a 
licentiate of the Associate Reformed Presbytery of New York, was invited to 
preach, on trial, and his ministrations proving acceptable, he was 
requested to remain one year, as stated supply. The work thus begun in 
uncertainty was prolonged forty-four years and seven months. His pastorate, 
in respect to continuance, is not paralleled by any other in this section. 
Mr. Gray took up the work which Mr. Bishop had laid down, and carried it on 
with marvelous success. The present enlargement of the house of worship 
attests a substantial growth. The congregation was numerous, and 
financially strong; and the church was not merely the First Presbyterian 
Church of Easton, but it was the first Church in the community as a pastor 
in this borough said to me, "it was the metropolitan church of the county." 
Dr. Gray was the agent, under the providence of God, in bringing about such 
results. He was so long identified with the organization that the history 
of the church is, to a great extent, the history of the man; and much that 
has been previously written, concerning the development of the congregation 
and its acquisition of property, really belongs to his career, as it was 
accomplished under his ministry.

  Rev. John Gray, D.D., was born in the county of Monegan, Ireland, 
December 1798. He punned his academic course at the University of Glasgow, 
and studied theology under the famous Dr. John Dick. He was licensed by the 
Presbytery of Monegaro, October 7th, 1820; he married Miss Jane Lewers, a 
woman of unusual poetic talent, which gained recognition on both sides of 
the Atlantic. The day after the wedding, they sailed for the province of 
New Brunswick. The voyage proved disastrous. The vessel was shipwrecked; 
and after tossing about for six or eight months on the ocean, suffering 
hunger and thirst, and being in additional danger from a mutinous crew, the 
passengers landed on the Island of Bermuda. From thence they again sailed, 
and after another stormy passage reached their destination. Mr. Gray 
preached in the province of New Brunswick some eighteen months; but the 
climate proving too severe, he removed to New York City, and finally took 
up his residence in Easton, September, 1822. December 3d, 1822, he was 
ordained by the Presbytery of Newton, he received a salary of three hundred 
and fifty dollars, payable semi-annually, and supplemented it by serving 
the Lower Mount Bethel Church, a portion of the time, till December, 1829. 
In 1823, the salary was increased to four hundred dollars; in 1824, to four 
hundred and fifty dollars; in 1828, to six hundred dollars in 1829, to 
eight hundred dollars; in 1843, to nine hundred dollars; in 1846, to one 
thousand dollars, to which the parsonage was afterwards added; and at that 
figure the salary stood until his death. After serving six years as supply, 
the congregation made him a formal call, September 15th, 1828, and he was 
regularly installed by the Presbytery of Newton. He thus became the first 
pastor of the church; his predecessors having been stated supplies. In the 
spring of 1866, his health failed to such a degree, that he was constrained 
to call for an assistant.  Rev. M. A. Depue served in that capacity for a 
year, and on his removal to Boston, Dr. Gray, still failing in health, 
offered his resignation, which was formally accepted April 15th, 1867, with 
expressions of regret, sympathy, and affection. He preached, for the last 
time, on the first Sabbath of April 1867. He survived, in great physical 
weakness, until January 1868, when "he fell asleep."

  In appearance, Dr. Gray was tall and shapely, always neatly dressed. In 
his bearing there was a mingling of dignity and urbanity. His sermons were  
ornate in style, and pathetic in tone; his manner of delivery was 
deliberate, solemn, tender. I quote the conclusion of a sermon on I Samuel 
vii: 12, preached December 23d, 1849, the twenty-seventh anniversary of his 
ministry: "And now, beloved friends, long before twenty-seven years more 
pass by, but few of us will be here. Soundly shall I sleep in the grave to 
which you will bear me, and I shall hear no more the voice of praise or 
blame. Another, a better, and wiser minister may teach you in my stead; but 
one who loves you more, or more sincerely desires your salvation, shall not 
stand in this desk.  Let us, then, in raising this day our Ebenezer, 
determine, that as the grave will soon separate us, to love each other with 
the tenderness that the heart feels when, returning from the graveyard, we 
look on the vacant chair, where the loved one shall never sit again! And 
let its love the bleeding, dying Lamb, with a new and warmer and deeper 
love-a love kindled in Gethsemane, in that midnight of the Saviours' 
sorrows-a love fanned into a flame by that doleful, dying cry, my God, my 
God, wily hast thou forsaken me and then, with this love in our hearts, 
when death comes for us, we shall leave you with joy; and while you fill up 
our grave, or weep over our corpse, you will say-'but he died in Jesus.'  
It is now eight years since these words found their fulfillment; and I bear 
glad testimony that, by many in the congregation, he is still held in 
honored remembrance.

  Dr. Gray was succeeded in the pastorate by the Rev. W. A. Kerr, a graduate 
of Washington and Jefferson College, of Allegheny Seminary, and a 
licentiate of the Presbytery of Carlisle. He was called, September 6th, 
1867; ordained and installed, November 19th. He was a young man of fine 
oratorical talents, an interesting and attractive preacher. He rapidly 
attained popularity, and gathered large and admiring audiences. He resigned 
August 1870, after a pastorate of three years, and removed to Williamsport.
The present pastor was called December 28th, 1870; assumed charge, 
February 1st, 1871; was installed May 1st, by a committee of the Presbytery 
of Lehigh; Rev. D. S. Banks, presided; Rev. W.C. Cattell, D. D., preached 
the sermon. Rev. J. Belville, D.D., delivered the charge to the pastor; and 
Rev. C. Earle the charge to the people. Of the work of the past six years, 
it does not become the writer to speak.


185

  Next to the preaching of the Word, the most efficient agency for good in
connection with the church, has been the Sabbath school. Indeed, the 
Sabbath-school preceded the church as an organization. On the twenty-fourth
of July, 1809, Samuel R. Finley and Joseph Burke, presented a communication 
to the Trustees of the Academy, asking the use of a room for Sabbath
school purposes. The work was carried on for some time, but there are Do
records in the case. In this school, in addition to the scriptures, the 
pupils were instructed in writing. When Mr. Bishop came on the field, there 
was no organization, In 1816, he revived the school, and put it on a 
substantial basis; it has met uninterruptedly from that day to this. Down 
to 1828, the school was, divided into two departments, the male and the 
female, each under a superintendent, and conducted in separate rooms. In 
1824, the expenses of the school were four dollars and seventy-nine cents. 
In 1825, there were one hundred and sixty pupils, and the expenses were 
thirty-nine dollars and forty-seven and a half cents; and this seems to 
have been about the average for a number of years. On the fourth of 
December 1864, the infant class was organized under the care of Mrs. 
Margaret E. Eckard wife of Rev. J. R. Eckard, D.D., and ever since has 
continued an interesting feature of the school. On the first of last April, 
there was an average attendance of two hundred; and the church gave for the 
support of the school, one hundred and thirty-eight dollars; which was 
rather below the average contribution. The preceding year there were given 
two hundred and thirty-nine dollars. In April, 1812, the church reported 
fourteen members to the Presbytery of New Brunswick, In 1814, in, Dario 
appears for the first time on the minutes, of the General Assembly, but 
there is no report. In 1818, the Theological Seminary (Princeton), received 
thirty-eight dollars and  sixty-five cents, the first recorded benevolent 
contribution from the church. In 1820, it gave two dollars to the Education 
Fund, and two dollars and fifty-two cents, to the Missionary Fund. In 1825, 
there, were ninety-six communicants, and the total benevolent contribution 
was  seventeen dollars. The church attained its maximum membership under 
the pastorate of Dr. Gray, in 1849, when it reported four hundred and nine 
members, The largest number of additions in any one year, was during the 
past twelve months, when eighty-four were added under the present 
pastorate. The largest benevolent contribution, in any one year, was in 
1870, when the church gave $2,615, under the pastorate of Mr. Kerr. The 
church numbers, at present three hundred and forty-seven members, The early 
records are somewhat imperfect, and the following figures, probably do not, 
in every particular, tell the whole story.  The books show 1,204 baptisms; 
1,362 communicants; six hundred and thirteen marriages; and eighty-five 
funerals, since April 16th, 1871. I recognize among the communicants, 
thirty-eight ministers of the gospel; and there are probably others, with 
whom I am not acquainted. In the list are to be found the well known names 
of Professor William H. Greco, of Princeton; and Professor Charles Elliott, 
of Chicago.

  The income of the church, in early days, was somewhat precarious, and
cannot be traced with accuracy. For the year ending April 1st, 1821, it
was about four hundred and thirty dollars. For the year ending 
April 1st, 1876, it was $3,000. The most interesting indication of an 
increasing financial strength, is to be found in an improvement in the 
congregations style of living and doing. In times past, John Stewart, 
Benjamin Hinds, and James Wilson, took turns in standing before the pulpit 
and leading the music. In 1827, all organ was purchased; in 1829, the 
organist received fifty dollars for his services; in 1830, the organ was 
pronounced worthless, and a new one was procured; in 1832, a musical 
instructor was engaged, who should meet the congregation statedly, and 
teach music; in 1841, one hundred dollars was appropriated for securing a 
choir; and finally by exchange of the old instrument and the proceeds of a 
fair, the present organ was obtained. In 1832, the congregation discarded 
stoves, and put in furnaces; the same year, inside blinds were placed to 
the windows, the, aisles were carpeted, and seats "with backs", were made 
for the sessions-room. In 1817, meetings were announced to be held "at 
early candle-light;" in 1829, the congregation paid twenty-five dollars for  
"one cast-steel triangle, hammer, etc.," by aid of which the people were 
summoned to worship; later to the same year, a bell was purchased.  In an 
expense book for 1816, "kept by me, D. Quigley," there are numerous debits 
to candles, at twenty cents apiece; in 1819, the congregation owned sixteen 
candlesticks, valued at five dollars; in 1822, there were bought of Burke & 
Mixsell, one and a half dozen of japanned lamps, with brass, tops; in 1850, 
the Trustees rose up in their might, and after wrestling with the question 
of light, resolved to use only whale-oil for lighting the sanctuary; in 
1851, gas was introduced.

  As the organization grew in strength, it sent out an influence, which has 
been felt even beyond the borders of this community. Our own Lafayette
College, so beautiful for situation, so famous and prosperous, is the child 
of this church. The first meeting for the founding of the College was held 
December 27th, 1824, at the house of William White, a member of the 
congregation. Elder Thomas McKean, presided at that meeting, and was for 
many years Treasurer of the College; Elder James, Al. Porter was Professor 
of Jurisprudence and Political Economy, and for twenty-five years President 
of the Board of Trustees; Joel Jones, a member of the church, was the first 
Secretary of the Board; Dr. Gray, served thirteen year as a Trustee; and 
Elder Jesse M. Howell was also one of the original Trustees. In 1848, a 
number of persons were dismissed to form a Second Presbyterian Church, 
which was disbanded in 1851, and those interested therein, formed the 
present American Reformed Church. March 5th, 1853, thirty-four persons were 
dismissed to form the Brainerd Church; and on December 11th, 1833, twenty 
persons were dismissed to organize the First Presbyterian Church of 
Phillipsburg. Thus the First Church, of Easton, is the Mother of one 
College and three flourishing congregations; and she wishes all her 
children, grace, mercy, and peace.

  It will be observed that the church is the outcome entirely of a lay 
movement. It did not spring up under the fostering care of some neighboring 
pastor or congregation, but it originated in the pious efforts of laymen, 
who sought to secure the ordinances of the gospel for themselves and their 
children. In view of this fact, I had intended to give sketches of certain 
men, who were, to the various pastors, what Aaron and Hur were to Moses, in 
the battle with Amalek; but such a plan would swell this history, which was 
intended to be brief, to a volume. I can only mention them. There was Elder 
Bullman, our first representative at Presbytery in 1814, who, in his old 
age, was so deaf that he sat up in the pulpit by the minister, the better 
to bear the word. There was John Green, President of the Board of Trustees 
from the organization of the church, until age and infirmity compelled his 
resignation in 1847, having served thirty-six years. There was Colonel 
Thomas McKeen, for a long while the financial prop of the church, and the 
benefactor of every good cause. There was Jesse M. Howell, described to me 
by an old acquaintance, as being "as good a man as ever lived; the life and 
soul of the Sunday-school". There was - but I forbear. The time, would fail 
me to tell of all those who have wrought righteousness in our midst; and 
obtained a good report.

  I prepare to lay aside my pen with a consciousness of many imperfections 
in this effort to write a history of our church, Records are defective; 
data inaccessible; and besides, tell me, who can properly portray the 
wonder of Gods providence and grace? There have been sixty-six years of 
faithful, successful work for the Master. The Church, today, stands strong, 
united, prosperous. May the Lord ever bless his people, and fill his house 
with His glory.


                         TRINITY CHURCH.

  The services of the Protestant Episcopal Church were first regularly per
formed in this borough by Hon. Samuel Sitgreaves and Mr. John Dolby,
lay readers, They began in a private house-still standing-on the north
east corner of Third and Spring Garden streets, (the family residents of 
Mr. Sitgreaves), in the year 1818, and continued for more than a year, or 
until the Rev. John Rodney, deacon, was sent here as missionary by, the 
"Society for the Advancement of Christianity to Pennsylvania."

  On the eleventh of February, 1819, a parish was organized at a meeting of 
male adults, comprising eleven persons attached to the doctrine, 
discipline, and worship of the Protestant Episcopal Church. The Rev. John 
Rodhey was duly elected to the rectorate of the new parish, the title of 
which was determined as " Trinity Church of the Borough of Easton."

  In the month of April, 1820, the cornerstone of a building to
"Trinity Church," was laid, upon a lot of ground fronting on Spring Garden 
street, between Pomfret and Fermor street; which lot, was generously 
presented to the parish by Hon. Samuel Sitgreaves, for that purpose.

  The new House of God was finished in the month Of October, following, and 
on the twenty-fifth of that mouth was consecrated to the worship and 
service of the Blessed Trinity, by the Right Reverend Dr. White-first 
Bishop of Pennsylvania-assisted by the Rev. Messrs. Jackson Kemper 
(afterwards Bishop of Wisconsin), Charles M, Dupuy; Hon. Samuel Sitgreaves; 
and Rev John Rodney, the rector, who, on the following day, was advanced to 
the priesthood.

The first vestry consisted of six persons, viz.:
Rev. John Rodney, rector;
Hon. Samuel Sitgreaves, Rectors Warden and Treasurer
John Dolby, Esq., Church Warden and Secretary
Messrs. Thomas Sletor, John Rose,
Davis, and Richard Collier.


186


  The Rev. John Rodney resigned the rectorate, September 21st, 1825, and was 
succeeded, for about a year, by the Rev. Samuel Bowman, who was afterwards 
Bishop of Pennsylvania, and in succession to whom the Rev. Samuel 
Sitgreaves, Jr., held the rectorate for four months.

  The rectors who followed were, in order and tenure: 

Rev. John A. Hicks, March 30th, 1827, to April 18th, 1831

Rev. Frederick W. Beasley, June 27th, 1831, to August 21st, 1833

Rev. Joshua M. Rogers, November 28th, 1833, to December 26th, 1850

Rev. Joseph L. Elsegood, June 27th, 1851, to September 21st, 1868

Rev. J. Saunders Reed, to November 22d, 1873

Rev. William Bryce Morrow, May 30th, 1874, who is the present incumbent.

  On Sunday, May 2d, 1869, divine service was held for the last time in the 
church erected in 1820, which was immediately after torn down, to give 
place to a new structure, The old church-well known as the "White Church," 
from the color of its walls-had been built after the model of a rural 
parish church in England, a drawing of which was brought to the 
congregation by Hon. Samuel Sitgreaves, United States Commissioner to 
England, under the Jay Treaty Surrounded by its green sward, and shaded by 
large and handsome trees, the "White Church" was beautiful and picturesque 
and greatly admired by the townspeople and all visitors, as one of the most 
lovely and attractive features of the borough. Its demolition was a cause 
of deep and abiding regret to many who had worshiped within it, walls from 
their youth to old age.

  The building which took its place was destroyed by fire on the afternoon 
of Saturday, March 8th, 1873. It was rebuilt, with a chapel added to the 
west side, and opened for divine service on Trinity Sunday, 1874, at the 
commencement of the present rectors incumbency; and on Thursday in Easter 
week, 1876, being entirely free from debt, it was consecrated by the Right 
Rev M. A. De Wolf Howe, D. D. LL.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Central 
Pennsylvania; assisted by the rector, a large number of the clergy of the 
diocese, and many visiting clergy from other jurisdictions of the Church, 
The present building is a very handsome Gothic structure, of granite; 
lofty, and finely proportioned, with a tower upon the east side. It stands 
at the corner of Spring Garden and Sitgreaves streets.


               ST. JOHNS EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH.

  Among the earliest to preach the gospel, in the Forks of the Delaware, 
were the Evangelical Lutherans. As early as 1763, the Lutherans had 
purchased a house for #400 ($1,066), the upper story of which was to be 
used for preaching. The house was said to he what was more recently known 
as the Washington Hotel. In June, A. D. 1763, the Rev. Mr. Hausili received 
and accepted a call from Easton-removing hither from Reading, Pa. he 
remained until probably the year 1769. He was succeeded by the Rev.
Christian Streit, A. D 1769, He it was who commenced the first church 
record of baptism, etc., and of vestry meeting which the congregation now 
possess-whatever else they may have had, if any, being lost. The names of 
the first vestry recorded, AD 1770, were: Elders, Melchoir Stecher and 
Frederick Ruhn; Warden or Deacons, Michael Lehr, Frederick Gwinner, 
Johannes Ries, and Conrad Ihrie. There were thirty communicants recorded, 
A. D. 1769. It was during the pastorship of the Rev. Christian Streit, that 
the Union Church-held in common by the Lutheran and Reformed-was, built. It 
is the same which is now the property of the German Reformed, the Lutherans 
having disposed of their right in it and the property belonging to it, to 
the Reformed, for the sum of $1,600.

  In the  year 1830, the Lutheran Congregation resolved to wait no longer,
in order to effect a separation of property with the Reformed brethren, but
to build a church, irrespective thereof, Consequently, on the thirty-first 
of May, of that year, the cornerstone was laid of the church now used by 
them, situated in Ferry street, below Third, This church cost about 
$18,000, including the organ-which cost $2,000. The church was consecrated, 
January 1st, 1832 by the name of St. Johns Evangelical Lutheran Church. The
Sunday-school, as a distinct Lutheran school, was organized July 26th,
and opened August 5th, A.D 1832. 

   The following are the names of the successive pastors of the Lutheran Church:
 
Rev. John Justus Jacob Birkinstock, from 1740 to 1748

Henry Melchoir Muhlenberg

Nicholas Kurtz, 1749

Rudolph Schrenk from 1749 to 1754

>From 1755 to 1758, three years vacant

A catechet from 1758 to 1762

Rev. Hausili (one year vacant), 1763 to 1769

Christian Streit from 1769 to 1779

Frederick Ernt from 1780 to 1782;

Solomon Friederici from 1782 to 1798; 

Henry Augustus Schmidt from 1799 to 1801

Christian F. L. Endress (one year excepted), 1801 to 1815

John P. Hecht from 1815 to 1845

John W. Richards from 1845 to 1851

C F. Schaffer from 1851 to 1856

Benjamin Sadder from 1856 to 1862

B. M. Schmucker from 1862 to 1867

Edmund Belmur from 1868 to 1874

J. R. Groff from 1874 to 1877, the present pastor


                            METHODISM IN EASTON.

[Being extracts from a sermon preached by REV. J. S. & J. MCCONNELL, in the 
Easton M. E. Church, on Sunday morning, March 14th, 1875.]

  The earliest record I have been able to find, of preaching by Methodist, 
in this vicinity, shows that, in 1802, Johnson Dunham was appointed to 
Northampton, then belonging to the Philadelphia Conference. During 1802,
J. Dunham was sent to Kent Circuit, and Henry Boehm removed from Kent to 
Northampton. In 1803, Northampton was abandoned, as a district Circuit, and 
the few appointments in it were added to the Bristol Circuit.

  In 1810, another effort was made to occupy Northampton, in the 
neighborhood of Easton; David Bartine was the preacher in charge. The 
circuit was weak, and the next year had to be joined with Antalany-a name 
now almost forgotten, and a territory not easily located-but from the 
similarity of the name of one of the present townships of Berks county-
Onteelawnee -I am inclined to believe that it embraced that part of Berks 
county east of the Schuylkill River, probably including the present county 
of Lehigh.

  Daniel Ashton and W. W. Foulks, who were appointed to Northampton and 
Antalany, in 1811, frequently visited Easton. In the home of Mrs. Wagner, 
grandmother of Daniel W. Conklin, these men found a welcome, and a place to 
preach the doctrines of the gospel as understood and taught by Methodist.

  In 1813, Mrs. Wagner was happily converted to God, in her own home, in 
the midst of her family. For several years, the preachers, appointed to 
Bristol Circuit, or Northampton Circuit, continued to visit Easton, but it 
does not appear that services were held regularly by them.

  In 1813, Maiming Force baptized it son of Mrs. Wagner, whose name was 
Absalom. On the twenty-seventh of July, 1820, William Colbert baptized a 
daughter.

   From a sketch prepared by the late George W. Wagner, I have learned the 
particulars of the conversion of Philip Reese.

  He was a member of the Lutheran Church. His business was that of 
transporting merchandise, by boat, between Easton and Philadelphia. In 
1825, he visited his sister, who lived near Berwick, on the Susquehanna 
River. She was a Methodist. Succeeded in making deep impressions upon his 
mind. One evening, shortly after his visit, while in deepest agony of his 
soul he struggled for deliverance, his "burden rolled off," and the "Lord 
spoke peace to his seat." He was inexpressibly happy; but for some time he 
did not find any person who had experienced it like precious blessing. At 
last, at a camp-meeting, he found a kindred spirit, and at once resolved 
that the Methodists should be his people, and their God his God.

  He invited the preachers to come to his house. Meetings were held, more 
or less regularly, by the preachers of Warren Circuit, and with variable 
success, until some time in 1826, when the first class-meeting was formed, 
and William Down, who had been a Methodist, in England, was appointed 
leader.

  David Best and James Dandy were the preachers in that and the following 
year.

   The name, of the members as they appear upon the class-book, for the 
year 1827, are as follows,: 
William Down

Hannah Down

Philip Reese

Mary Reese

Mary Bell

Ann Gano

Cornelius Moore

John Moore

Sarah Moore

Margaret Wagner

Mary A. Wagner

Esther Wagner

Maria Tilton

Alexander W. Patterson

Gen. W. Wagner

Luther Carter

Eliza Carter

Robert Van Dyke

Sidney Down

Jane Down

George S. Moore

Daniel B. Wagner

Sophia Reese

Margaret Wilhelm

Sarah Ann Wagner

Margaret Oliver

Berman Heckman

Hiram Hess

Peter Schooley

John Bell

Sally Ann Schooley

The second class was formed in the latter part of July, or early part of 
August, 1827.

  It is rather a singular circumstance that the first class of the Easton 
Methodist Episcopal Church should have been formed in Phillipsburg, but we 
must remember that it was done for mutual accommodation. Many who joined 
the class were residents of Easton, and they held meetings for exhortation 
and prayer with great regularity.

  The Old Academy on what was then called "School House Hill," was secured 
for the preachers. Crowds attended the services; a gracious revival of 
religion followed; but the Trustees of the Academy becoming apprehensive of 
the strength of the building, not being sufficient to bear the weight of 
the multitudes who flocked to it, the little society was compelled to 
vacate.


187

For a time, by the courtesy of the county officials, tire court house was 
used as a preaching place; then an old red storehouse, situated near the 
junction of Walnut and Northampton streets.

  This was the birthplace of many souls, as well as a precious Bethel to 
the original members of the society.  In addition to the preaching of the 
regular pastors, the society enjoyed the occasional visits and service of 
their Presiding Elders Lawrence McCombs, a mighty man of God; George 
Banghart, whose name is pretentious in all this region of country; John Emory, 
afterwards one of the Bishops of the Church; Joseph Rusting, John Dempster, 
George Lane, and others "whose names are written in Heaven."

  After some time, the society moved to a tinkers shop, on Sitgreaves street.

  In 1828, James, Long and Pharaoh Ogden were the preachers, the 
appointment being a part of Warren Circuit.

  Mrs., Anne M. Heckman is the only survivor, now with us, of those who were 
then received into the church fellowship.

  In 1829, Jacob Hevener and Joseph Chattel were the preachers, and in 
1830, Thomas Millard and James V. Potts The appointment was then a part of 
Lehigh Circuit.

  In 1831, Easton appears for the first time in "Minutes of the Annual 
Conferences of the Methodist Episcopal Church," as a separate and distinct 
charge. It has appeared annually ever since. The struggle for existence has 
long since ceased. The little one may not have become a thousand, and yet I 
am not sure that it has not.

  In 1831, Thomas Millard was appointed pastor. On the second of April, 
1832, the present church lot was purchased from Martha Moore and Euphemia 
Wall, sister, of Samuel Moore, Esq.; on the lot, and included in the 
purchase was a long, but narrow, frame building, which had been used for an 
armory or barracks during the War of 1812.

  This building was utilized as a place of worship, and also for the 
residence of a family for several years. Because of its strange proportions 
and elevated position, resting as it did upon props, people called it "The 
Sawmill."

  Here Joseph McCool and Abraham K. Street, preached in 1832; George F. 
Brown, in 1833; and John Bishop Hagany, whose praise was in all the 
churches, in 1834, and part of 1835.

  The first, regular church edifice was erected in 1835, under the 
supervision of the pastor J. B. Hagany, and continued to be used until the 
spring of 1853, when it was destroyed by fire.

  The Presiding Elders, in the order named, who officiated there were:
Geo. Banghart
James Smith
Solomon Higgins
James H, McFarland
Elijah Miller
Robert Gerry
Joseph Castle

The pastors were: 
Vincent Sheppard, in 1836
James V. Potts, in 1837
George Lacey, in 1838
John S, Inskip, in 1839 and 1840
Samuel Higgins, in 1841
Elijah Miller, in 1842 and 1843
Christopher J. Crouch, in 1844
Pennel Coombs, in 1840 and 1846
Joseph Mason, in 1847 and 1848
William Bishop, in 1849 and 1850
John Le Roy Taft, in 1851 and 1852
Jas. Rush Anderson, in 1853 and 1854
William Bishop, in 1855 and 1856. 

The last named preached but it few times before the building wag destroyed 
by fire.

  The present building was erected during 1855, and dedicated shortly after 
the conference of 1856.

  Jesse T. Peck, now one of the bishops, and Henry Cox, officiated at the 
dedicatory service.

In 1857 and 1858, the church was served by John Chew Thomas

in 1859 and 1860, by Michael D. Kurtz

in 1861 and 1862, by Henry F. Hurn

in 1863 and 1864, by James H. Lightbourne

in 1865 and 1866, by Francis Hodgson

in 1868, and 1869, by Joseph S. Cook

in 1870 and 1871, by Joseph Welch

in 1872, 1873, and 1874, by John S. Janes McConnell

in 1875 and 1876, by William L. Gray

The Presiding Elders, since 1857, were: 

Penuel Coombe

David W. Bartine

Joseph Mason

William Cooper

William B. Wood


                           BAPTIST CHURCH.

The Baptists though occupying a prominent position in the great Christian 
family, were almost unknown in Easton prior to 1836. Rev. Joseph Matthias, 
a Baptist minister from Hilltown, Bucks county, in his itinerations, would 
often stop and preach in the court house, as occasion might offer; but 
these were all the Baptist services held in Easton. On one of his 
periodical visit he become acquainted with Margaret Hill, recently from 
Norristown, N.J,  Eleanor Ihrie, from Kentucky; and Amos Rodgers, from 
Tompkins county, N Y., each members of different and distant Baptist 
churches, but who had lived in Easton for a considerable time, unknown to
each other. Henceforth the ministrations of Joseph Matthias, John P. 
Thompson, John S. Jenkins and others, were quite frequent.

  On the second Sabbath in December, 1836, Rev. Joseph Matthias baptized 
three persons in the Delaware river, in the presence of a vast, concourse 
of spectators. On the fifth Lords day in January following, Rev. Matthias 
again visited the little flock; preached in the house of Ezekiel Hill, and 
administered the Lords Supper. Shortly after this, Rev. Thomas Ritchie, of 
Perth Amboy, N. J., removed to Easton, and preached here and at Mount 
Bethel, Stroudsburg, and other place.

  On the twenty-sixth of September, 1837, a council convened in a school 
house near the corner of Fourth and Washington streets, a church covenant 
was adopted; and a church, consisting of six members, regularly constituted 
and set apart as a separate and independent Baptist church. Other persons 
soon united with them; some by letter, and others by baptism.

  In 1841, Rev. Joseph R. Morris was elected pastor. He was succeeded by 
Rev. Marshall M. Everts, in 1842.  In 1845, William B. Tolan, a member of 
the church, a young man of fine talents and address, was ordained to the 
gospel ministry, and became pastor of the church.

  Upon his accession to the pastorate, it was, felt that a more commodious 
house, was needed. Accordingly, a lot was purchased on Ferry street, above 
Fourth, and a house of worship erected thereon.

  In the fall of 1848, Rev John C. Harrison was called to the pastoral care 
of the church, and continued with it nearly eight years.  Dr. Harrison was 
a man of fine culture and ability, but not well adopted to that portion of 
the community with which he came in contact; consequently, the church 
increased but very little under his ministration. The congregation became 
very small, and was unable to support a pastor; and for several years they 
were like sheep without a shepherd.

  In 1860, Rev. Joseph L. Sagebeer became their pastor, but served only a 
short time, and was succeeded by Rev. Samuel Skinner; and he, in turn, by 
Rev J.  N. Folwell. During the pastorate of Mr. Folwell, the church moved 
into the Universalist house, below Third street, and subsequently sold 
their own property to the colored people, Mr. Folwell resigned in the 
spring of 1865; from which time until the first of January, 1870, the 
congregation was without a pastor.

  In the beginning of 1870, Rev. Andrew Armstrong, of Frenchtown, N. J., 
was called to take charge of the little band that bad held together through 
so many trials and discouragements, and it, is mainly due to his influence, 
untiring energy, and perseverance, that the church is now in a prosperous 
condition, and owns its present commodious house of worship, at the corner 
of Walnut and Ferry streets.


                    ST. BERNARD'S CATHOLIC CHURCH.

  The first Catholic church in Easton was built in 1836, and dedicated the 
same year by Bishop Kendrick, afterwards Archbishop of Baltimore. Prior to 
this time, meetings were held in different private houses, as circumstances 
required.

  The first pastor was Rev. Fitzpatrick, who was succeeded by the 
following, in succession Revs. Herzog, Maloney, Brady, and Thomas Reardon, 
the present pastor, The first church, built of stone, was rebuilt and 
enlarged in 1867.



                  PICTURE OF ST. BERNARD'S APPEARS HERE.
            [Picture is labled St Barnard's, which is incorrect, 
             according to the USGenWeb County coordinator.] 



  As it was being finished, an accident, from carelessness or otherwise, on 
the part, of one of the workmen who was soldering at the bottom of the 
spire, upset the portable furnace, from which the church took fire, and, in 
spite of the united effort of the whole fire department of the borough, was 
entirely consumed, Within ten days, the members and friends of the church 
had raised $2,000, which was presented to the pastor to aid in rebuilding, 
and in a short time the present large and commodious edifice on South Fifth 
street was erected. In the early days of the church, services were not 
held regularly, as the pastor often had to attend meetings in Lehigh, 
Bucks, and Monroe counties, in this State, as well as Warren and Hunterdon, 
in New Jersey.
  At the time of the building of the first church, the congregation was 
small, only numbering about one hundred in all, and was composed almost 
entirely of Germans and Irish. Since that time, the membership has been 
steadily increasing, until it now numbers about 2,000, of which nearly two-
thirds are native born.

  A view of the present church building will be found on another page.


188 


                             JEWISH SYNAGOGUE.

                             BY LEVI ROSENBAUM

  The Jewish Congregation was first started in Easton, in 1839, and chartered 
Nov. 24th, 1842, with the following members:
 
Henry Rosenfeld

Michael Lederer

Solomon Rohda

Samuel Bachenheimer

Moses Cohn

Solomon Scheit

Samuel Able

Adolph Hirich

Louis Bachenheimer

M. Gardner

Wolf Rosenbaum

Emanuel Scheif

Isaac Menline

In 1842-Jewish Calendar 5,602 -a lot of land, 40 x 100 feet, on South Sixth 
Street (on which stands the present Synagogue), was purchased for four 
hundred dollars, of Charles Kitchen and Andrew J. Reeder, assignees of 
Christian I. Hutter; and the first church building contracted for and built 
by Matthias Seiple, the same year, at a cost of $2,400. The first 
officiating Rabbi was Rev. Manis Cohn, succeeded by Rev. Mr. Gling, Rev. 
Mr. Putzel, and others.

  About the year 1850, a division occurred, in the congregation, and another 
Synagogue was established; but it was in existence only a short time.

  The increase of membership, in the congregation, had been such that, in
it was, accordingly, contracted to Messrs. Hensler Brothers who finished 
the work the following year, at a total cost of $5,600. With the dedication 
of the new Synagogue, the reformed mode of worship was introduced, as 
adopted by the Conference of Rabbis, at Cleveland, Ohio, by Rev. Dr. J. M. 
Wise, Of Cincinnati, who also performed the rites of dedication.

  The interior of the Synagogue is plain but neat. The Ark containing the 
scrolls of the law, surmounted by the two tablets of testimony, is in the 
east. In front of the Ark, which is curtained, is the pulpit, and below 
this the reading desk; the whole on a platform, elevated a few feet from 
the floor of the building. The choir gallery is in the west, and the pews, 
fifty-three in number, with a seating capacity of about three hundred, 
running from north to south, and on either side of the Holy Ark, running 
east and west.

  Divine services, are held regularly every Friday evening and Saturday 
morning, and all Jewish holidays are conducted in the Hebrew and German 
languages, interspersed with Hebrew and German hymns, by the choir. The 
sermons are in either the German or English languages, according to 
circumstances.

  The spiritual affairs of the congregation, who at present number about 
two hundred and fifty-five souls, are and have been, for the put four 
years, under the leadership of Rev. Jacob S. Jacobson, formerly of the 
Washington Hebrew Congregation, at Washington, D. C.

  The religious school attached to the congregation, wherein is taught 
Religious and Bible History, together with the Hebrew and German languages, 
is attended by about seventy-five pupils. The teachers are seven in number, 
under the superintendence of the minister. The annual income of the church 
is about $1,600, and the expenses about the same. Value of church property $10,000.

  The congregation have two burying-grounds, one on South Sixth street, 
formerly John street, presented to the trustees by the heirs of Michael 
Hart. The other is on Walnut street, and extends back to Washington street.

  There are several Jewish Societies, either directly or indirectly, 
connected with the congregation. The first is a secret society, viz: 
Judea Lodge, No. 30, I. O. B. B.  (Independent Order B'nai B'rith, or Sons 
of the Covenant, a Society spread all over the United States, a sort of 
Mutual Benefit Society), with a membership of about fifty, all males over 
the age of twenty-one, and a capital of about $94,000. 

  The "Kranken und Leichenwache Verein," organized in 1857, having for its 
object the taking care and nursing of the sick and poor of the 
congregation, and defraying funeral expenses of indigent persons, with a 
membership of about forty, and a present capital of seven hundred dollars; 
the Ladies Benevolent Society, "Esrath Nashim," organized in 1870, its 
object being similar to the former, with a membership (composed of ladies 
over the age of twenty-one), and a present capital of six hundred dollars; 
the "Concordia Club," composed of young men only, of the Jewish 
faith-active and honorary members, about twenty-five. Their object is 
social intercourse and literary entertainment. Organized November 4th, 1873.


              CHRIST'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH.

                      By REV. J. HEILIG

Christ's Evangelical Church was built in 1843. It was connected with the 
General Synod of the Lutheran Church in the United States, until 1870, 
when it was received into the "German Evangelical Lutheran Ministerium of 
Pennsylvania and the adjacent States," a district Synod of the General Council. 

The first pastor was the Rev. George Diehl, D. D., who served the 
congregation from September 1st, 1843, to July 1st, 1851

Rev. Charles Smith served from September 1st, 1851, until July 1st, 1854

Rev. Emanuel Greenwald, D.D., from October 29th, 1854, until April 21st, 1867. 

Rev. William P. Ruthrauff served from August 1st, 1867, until April 1st, 1870

Rev. William Ashmead Schaeffer served from September 1st, 1870, until the 
fall of 1876, when compelled by serious illness to withdraw from the active 
duties of the ministry, he was retired by the congregation, and Rev. J. 
Heilig was elected as pastor, pro tem., November 1st, 1876. Mr. Schaeffier 
finally resigned in February, 1877, and at this time the Rev. J. Heilig is 
the pastor. Its present membership numbers about two hundred and seventy-
five. The church is located at the northwest corner of Fourth and Ferry 
streets, with a large and commodious parsonage adjoining.

  This church has also a Colored Lutheran Church under its control and 
management, of which Rev. Wm. O. Cornman is acting pastor. This church 
building is on Ferry street, above Fourth.

  Christ's Church is also associated with St. John's Lutheran Church, and St. 
Luke's Mission, in Twelfth near Ferry streets. It is managed and conducted 
by the pastors and members of the two societies.


                          UNIVERSALIST CHURCH.

The first meetings of the Universalists, of Easton, were held in the year 
1846, it what was known is the Guards Armory, in Second street, at which 
time there were about twenty members. In 1847, a church edifice was 
erected by the congregation, in Ferry street, at a cost of 84,000, The 
first regular pastor was Rev. Herman Burr, who supplied the pulpit about 
three years, when he was succeeded by Rev. J. Galiger, who remained with 
the congregation about six years. Rev. Galiger was followed by Rev. James 
Schrigley, who remained but a short time, being followed by Rev. J. B. 
Heath, who remained with the congregation until 1873. From 1873 to 1874, 
the church was without a pastor. In November, 1874, Mrs. A. C. Bowles 
received a call, to take charge of the congregation, which was accepted, 
and being duly installed, has remained with the congregation up to the 
present time.


               TRINITY CHURCH OF THE EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION.

The first services of this society were held in the year 1848, in a private
house, by Rev. M. Sindlinger, a preacher on the Northampton Circuit. He was
followed at intervals by 
Reverends J. Hess
D. Weiand
S. G. Rhoads
C. Hummed
M. Goebel
Jacob Gross
F. Krecker
W. Yost, all preached on the circuit.

  In 1854, the small congregation became a mission, with Rev. I. Yeakel, 
pastor, and meetings were held in the basement of the "West Ward Academy."
Under the supervision of Rev. I. Yeakel, the present church, on Northampton 
street, was built in 1855, and styled "Trinity Church of the Evangelical 
Association". Mr. Yeakel was succeeded by Rev. W. L. Reber, and in 1858, the 
society was constituted a selfsupporting station. The following pastors 
have served in succession since:
W. L. Reber
J. Yeakel
J. Koehl
L. Hess
B. F. Bohner
C. B. Fliehr
G. Scarf
S. Breifogel
I. Hess
J. Koehl.

The church at the present time (1877) has a membership of one hundred and 
twenty-seven, The Sabbath-school numbers one hundred and thirty scholar, 
and twenty-eight teachers. The parsonage adjoins the church on the west.


                      THE AMERICAN REFORMED CHURCH.

                          BY REV. C. H. EDGAR.

  This church is connected with the Synod of the Reformed Church in 
America, which until 1867 was styled "The Reformed Protestant Dutch Church."

  The history of this congregation, although distinct, has a relation to 
another enterprise undertaken, in 1848, as a Presbyterian organization in 
connection with the Presbytery of Newton.  That was called the "Second 
Presbyterian Church, of the Borough of Easton." Not meeting the favor and 
aid needed and expected, that "Second Presbyterian Church" sought and 
obtained a dissolution by Presbytery, in April, 1851. Almost immediately 
after this failure, the necessity for church extension being still felt by 
many judicious persons, and especially by those foremost in the first 
enterprise, the organization of this-the "American Reformed" congregation 
was effected by the Classis of New Brunswick. This took place
 July 26th, 1851, in the schoolroom of Rev. John Vanderveer, D.D. The 
congregation held their religious services (until their own house of 
worship was built) in Christ Lutheran Church.

  Their first church edifice was on North Fifth (then Juliana) street; it 
was dedicated July 1852. Rev. James H. M. Knox, D.D. was the first pastor. 
He was installed in the autumn of 1851; and by his own request, the 
relation was dissolved in the summer of 1853. The Rev. Cornelius H. Edgar, 
D.D., was called from the Presbyterian Church of Bridge Hatupton, Long 
Island, and installed in October, 1853, and continues in office at the 
present time, 1876.

After using their first church edifice until 1870, the congregation sold it 
to "Zion Evangelical Church," and built the beautiful commodious brownstone 
edifice on Spring Garden street, between Fourth and Bank streets, which was 
dedicated in March, 1852, and which they now occupy.

  They own large property, consisting of their house of worship, a large 
parsonage, on the corner of Fourth street, and several tenements on Bank 
street, Their list of members began with thirty-six; the entire number on 
the roll (deceased, removed, and present) is three hundred and thirty-five. 
There have been in this congregation from the beginning, and are now 
connected with it many of the most prominent citizens of Easton, and 
profession and students of Lafayette College. It is characterized by 
wealth, intelligence, orthodoxy, steadiness, harmony, and works of 
beneficence.

  It is Calvinistic in doctrine, and Presbyterian in government.


189

                       THE BRAINERD CHURCH OF EASTON.

  Was a colony from the First Presbyterian Church. Thirty-six members, of 
that church formed its original membership. On October 5th, 1852, they, 
with the session of the Mother church, united in an application for 
organization to the Second Presbytery of Philadelphia, which was granted, 
and on March 8th, 1853, the committee of Presbytery appointed for the 
purpose, met in the First Presbyterian Church. The way being clear, the 
organization was completed. Messrs. John Stewart and Isaac N. Carpenter 
having been elected elders, and Messrs. James McKeen, John Pollock, and 
William Hummel, deacons. Preparations were immediately made for the 
erection of a new edifice, and while this was in progress, the congregation 
worshiped in the old church, assembling as a separate congregation only in 
the afternoon of the Sabbath, the preaching of the gospel and the 
administration of the sacraments, taking place under ministers of their own 
appointment, until the new building was sufficiently completed for their 
use, This was begun in the summer of 1853. The first service in it, was the 
celebration of the Lord's Supper, in the lecture-room on September 3d, 1854. 
It was dedicated on October 17th, 1854.

  The building stands in Spring Garden street, on the northeast corner of
Sitgreave, street, between Second and Third streets. Its front is of 
trimmed Trenton stone, with a spire one hundred and seventy-five feet high, 
and of Gothic design, The lower story is divided into a large lecture and 
Sunday-school-room, together with four smaller rooms. The main 
audience-room, on the second-story, has seventy-eight pews, and at the 
street end, there is a choir loft, furnished with an organ of moderate 
size. The cost was about $32,000. It has been several times refitted, but 
no material change has been made in its divisions or arrangements.

  Rev. G. Wilson McPhail, D.D, was installed pastor on the day of 
dedication, and continued in this relation until April 1862, a period of 
seven years and a half.  While here, he was, also, during a considerable 
portion of his pastorate, the President of LAFAYETTE COLLEGE.

  Rev. Alfred H. Kellogg, a licentiate of the Central Presbytery of 
Philadelphia, was called as his Successor and ordained pastor, 
October 22d, 1862. He continued until April 1865, accepting the call of the 
University Place Church, in New York, at, the end of two years and a half
He was succeeded by the Rev D. Stuart Banks, in April, 1866, who after
a successful pastorate of nearly seven years, removed to Marquette, 
Michigan, preaching his last sermon here in February, 1873.

  Rev. Jacob Weidman, from the Presbytery of Philadelphia, North, was 
installed June 5th, 1873, and continues at the present time.

  The church has steadily grown in strength of organization and numbers. 
Its eldership has been increased at several times, and now consists of 
Messrs. E. J. Fox
John Pollock
James Long
Samuel Boileau
W. K. Woolverton.

It has numbered on its rolls the successive presidents of LAFAYETTE 
COLLEGE, and a large proportion of its professors and students. The 
Sabbath-school Scrolls about two hundred and fifty children, whose work and 
liberality is fostered in the Juvenile Missionary Society, by means of 
which they have contributed about $4,500 to the Home Mission cause within 
the past ten years. The ladies of the congregation are organized for 
benevolent labor into the Pastoral Aid Society, through which they 
contribute money and clothing in aid of Home and Foreign Missions, and 
local or casual charities. The last report to the General Assembly, shows a 
membership of two hundred and eight.


               FIRST COLORED EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH.

  The above Church was organized in February, 1866, by Rev. D. W. Greenville. 
The first church officers were: one elder, one deacon, and one trustee, and 
it had a total membership of twelve. The church building located on Ferry 
Street, formerly belonged to the Baptist Society of this borough. The 
present membership is thirty.


                ST. PAUL'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH.

  The first meeting preliminary to the organization of this church, was 
held April 17th, 1868, in the Baptist house of worship, on Ferry street, 
near Second street, The difficulties attending the settlement of the 
synodical relations, of Christ Church bad estranged many of its members, 
and this first meeting was called by them merely for consultation. But, 
when so many were found anxious to organize themselves into a congregation, 
it was resolved at once to rent a building, and procure preacher, -until 
they could determine whether or not to effect a permanent organization, 
Accordingly, all necessary, steps were taken at the first meeting, and St. 
Paul's Religious Society was formed.

  The Baptist congregation kindly consented to grant them the use of their 
church on alternate Sabbaths. The two congregations continued thus to 
occupy the same building until the dedication of their new church.

  The number of members who withdrew from Christ Church, and entered into 
this organization, was fifty-four. Shortly after, however, quite a large 
number were received by certificate from the same church, The Rev. Dr. 
Theophilus Stork, of Philadelphia, preached the first sermon, 
May 24th, 1868. The Rev. Dr. Pohlman, President of the General Synod, 
followed, and officiated at the opening of the Sabbath-school, 
May 31st, 1868. Supplies for the pulpit were thus obtained until 
August 13th of that year, when, at a congregational meeting, the Rev. 
Joseph H. Barclay, D.D., was unanimously elected pastor; who entered upon 
his duties November 1st, 1868.

  It was on  the same evening after the installation of the new pastor that 
the congregation of St. Paul's unanimously resolved:
First, We need a church.
Second, We will build a church.

  On the twenty-eighth of December, Captain John Eyerman, chairman of the 
committee appointed for the purpose, reported that they had purchased two 
properties on North Fourth street. On which the church was to be built.
The necessary funds were speedily raised. The congregation, was chartered 
as St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church of Easton, Pa." A building 
committee was appointed consisting of Messrs. John Eyerman, Henry Bender, 
C. E. Hecht, David Wyatt, and D. B. Miller. A contract was made with Bellick 
& Lerch, carpenters and builders, who, in March, 1869, began the erection 
of the building, which was dedicated in January, 1870, The dimensions of 
the church are 44 x 90 feet. Lecture and school-rooms are in the basement. 
A fine organ, of the Hook & Hastings (Boston) make, was presented by the 
late Edward H. Eyerman. It has two banks of keys, pedals, and twenty stops, 
and cost $2,500, The bell was presented by Mrs. E. H. Eyerman.

  In September, 1872, the first pastor, Rev. J. H. Barclay, D.D., resigned, 
and was succeeded by Rev. H. W. McKnight, who was unanimously elected to 
succeed Dr. Barclay, and is (1877) the present pastor.

  Under Dr. Barclay's ministration, a Mission on College Hill was 
established, and is now all organized, self-sustaining congregation, called 
"St. Peter's (Sixth) Evangelical Lutheran Church, of Easton." The Third 
Church, to-day, numbers over two hundred members. The Sabbath-school 
numbers nearly three hundred scholars. The first superintendent was Henry 
Bender, who was succeeded, in 1874, by C. E. Hecht, the present 
superintendent. This congregation is under the control or advice of the 
Synod of East Pennsylvania. Services are held on the Sabbath, both morning 
and evening, Lecture Service on Wednesday evenings. Sabbath-school at 
9 A. M.; and Young Peoples prayer meeting at 5.30 P. M., every Sabbath.


190


                              BETHEL MISSION.

  Bethel Mission (English Evangelical) Church, Ferry street, near Ninth,
was organized as a mission on the twenty-second day of March, 1869. The
society (then numbering but nine members) held its first meetings in a 
private house on Northampton street, between Sixth and Seventh streets. The
chapel now used, was dedicated to the service of God on the sixth day of
November 1869. The building was erected and furnished at a cost of about
$6,000, most of which was paid at its completion. The first, pastor of this
church was Rev. L. N. Worman, under whose administration the church
was erected. He served two years, being then the full term allowed at one
place by Conference. He was succeeded by Rev. S. L. Wiest, who, under
the new arrangement of General Conference, officiated for three years. He
was followed by Rev. C. L. Sayler, the present pastor. The present 
membership is ninety-five. The Sunday-school connected therewith was 
organized in November, 1869. It contains a hundred and seventy-five 
scholars, It" a library of over four hundred volumes.

  Since the erection of this church (the first church edifice erected 
beyond Seventh street), three other churches of different denominations 
have been erected in this portion of the town.


                 ST. PETER'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH.

  Through the efforts of members of St. Paul's Church, living on College
Hill, a chapel was erected on Porter street, in 1870, and duly dedicated to
the Triune God, in which the Sunday-school was established, and meetings
held from time to time. In the month of July, 1874, a meeting was held in
the chapel, at which it was determined to organize a new congregation. At
the same meeting officers were elected, and were installed in the latter 
part of July, by Rev. H. W. McKnight, pastor of St. Paul's. On the 
twenty-seventh of August, a call was sent to Rev. W. H. Dunbar, a recent 
graduate of the Lutheran Theological Seminary, at Gettysburg. The call was
accepted, and the new pastor found himself in charge of a congregation of
about twenty members, which number rapidly increased.

  During the year 1875, a new church building was erected, on the corner of 
Lehigh and Porter streets, on land presented by John Eyerman, of St. Paul's 
Church, and was consecrated to the service of God, January 16th, 1876, Rev. 
F. W. Conrad, D.D., of Philadelphia, editor of the Lutheran Observer, 
preaching the dedicatory sermon to a large audience. At the second 
communion service, in the new church, about one year after its 
organization, the membership was one hundred and twenty. He first pastor is 
still in charge of the church, Services are regularly held on Sunday 
morning and evening.


                           ZION'S LUTHERAN CHURCH.

In 1870, a Dumber of the members of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church 
withdrew, and purchased, of the Dutch Reformed Society, the church building 
they now own and occupy on North Fifth street. After rebuilding and 
refurnishing, the church was occupied by them under the name of Zion's 
Lutheran Church. Since that time the membership has steadily increased, 
until it numbers in all about seven hundred. Rev. Philip Pfateicher, the 
present pastor, has been with the society since its commencement, and much 
of the present prosperity of the church is due to his untiring zeal. The 
services are conducted in the German language.


                       ST. MARK'S REFORMED CHURCH.

  Situated corner of Tenth and Lehigh streets. Building, 46 x 72 feet, 
built of brick, with main audience-room and basement for Sunday-school and 
weekly lectures. Building erected in the years 1871-72, by the Third street 
Reformed Church, at a cost of $16,000, and conveyed to St. Mark's Reformed 
Congregation in May, 1875, subject to a mortgage of $3,500. 




            PICTURE OF ST. MARK'S REFORMED CHURCH APPEARS HERE.




  The congregation was organized July 27th, 1872, and incorporated May 6th, 
1873, with eleven members. From the time of organization until the calling 
of a regular pastor, a period of nine months, the congregation was served 
by the Rev. Dr. Porter, a Reformed minister and Professor of Lafayette 
College. The first regular pastor, Rev. Geo. H. Johnston, formerly of 
Somerset, Pa., commenced his labors April 11th, 1873, and continued until 
December 1st, 1875, a period of two years and eight months, when he 
resigned, to take charge of the Green Street Reformed Church, Philadelphia, 
from which time until August 1st, 1876, the congregation was again without 
it pastor-at which time the second and present pastor, Rev. I. O. Stein, 
commenced his labors. The present membership is about one hundred and 
fifty, with a flourishing Sunday-school.


                    GRACE REFORMED CHURCH, COLLEGE HILL.

  This chapel was completed in the year 1876, and dedicated the same year 
by Rev. B. Y. Heisler, the present pastor, The church edifice was built of 
wood, at a cost of about $2,000. The church membership numbers about forty.


                    YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.
 
  Among the many organizations for the dissemination and advancement of 
religious principles, throughout our land, none are more worthy or 
deserving, of public gratitude than the Young Men's Christian Association.
This organization, in Easton, was established February 1st, 1869, under the 
official management of the following gentlemen: 
Samuel L. Fisher, President
E. H. Stewart, 1st Vice-President
J. Hay, 2d Vice-President
W. Scott, 3d Vice-President
F. S. Bixler, Recording Secretary
Selden J. Coffin, Corresponding Secretary
J. D. Patterson, Treasurer.
This Association commenced its religious work with forty-one enrolled 
members, The first meetings were held in Noble Block, corner of Third 
street and Centre Square, in which place they held meetings two years.  
When they removed to Drakes building, Third street, where they met for one 
year, at the end of which time they again removed to the building known as 
the Mixsell property, corner of Northampton and Sitgreaves streets, where 
they still have their meetings. The Association have a free reading-room 
and library adjoining, their service-room, where several of the county 
papers, and .New York and Philadelphia dailies, with various 
denominational papers, are kept on file. These, together with their library 
of standard and miscellaneous books, are free to all who desire to read at 
their rooms. The furniture of the rooms is of the plain and substantial 
class. Choice scriptural mottoes beautify the walls and give the room a 
decidedly pleasant appearance. The Association now have about one hundred 
and seventy enrolled members.



                             CEMETERIES.

  The ancient places, of interment, in the town, in use before the 
establishment of the cemetery on the Bushkill, are:

                        THE OLD BURIAL GROUND

  Of the Third Street Reformed Church, located at the corner of Fifth and 
Church streets, donated to the society by the Penn heirs, and in which 
Win. Parsons, the father ofthe town, was buried in 1757.


                         THE ST. JOHNS CEMETERY.

Of the St. Johns Lutheran Church, on Ferry street, between Fourth and Bank 
streets, in which GEORGE TAYLOR was buried, but more recently removed to 
the Easton Cemetery.


                   THE PRESBYTERIAN BURYING GROUND.

In the church enclosure, at the comer of Second and Bushkill streets, and 
extending to the creek, in which are many very old interments.


                   THE ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CEMETERY

Adjoining the church, corner of Fifth and Lehigh streets.


                        THE HEBREW CEMETERY.

On South Sixth Street, donated to the trustees for cemetery purposes, by 
heirs of Michael Hart, the son of the first Hebrew who settled in Easton.
Since the opening of the beautiful cemetery grounds at Seventh street, most 
of the Protestant interments have been made there, and many transfers have 
been made to it from the old burial-places.


                           EASTON CEMETERY.

The project to establish a public cemetery at Easton, originated with Dr. 
Traill Green, in the year 1849, when a paper, drafted by him, and setting 
forth the intent and general features of the plan, was circulated among the 
citizens, receiving one hundred, and twenty-two signatures. The following 
is a copy of the agreement and call:
                                            "EASTON, March 15th, 1849

  The subscribers being convinced that only very limited provision can be, 
made for interment within the Borough of Easton, and persuaded that many 
advantages would be secured to themselves, and the future inhabitants of 
the borough, by establishing a cemetery at a convenient point in the 
neighborhood, do hereby agree to unite in forming a public cemetery to be 
located in the country.

  "The following are the conditions on which the work contemplated is 
undertaken:

  "1st. As soon as a sufficient number of names has been procured, a 
meeting ball be called to appoint a committee to select the grounds, which 
shall be of such dimensions as the subscribers shall direct.

  "2d. An architect familiar with cemetery improvements shall be called to 
examine the ground selected by the committee, and having obtained his 
opinion, said committee shall report to the subscribers at a general 
meeting.

  "3d. Managers shall then be elected to proceed to the purchase of the 
grounds, and attend to the business of the company, as shall be directed by 
a constitution hereafter framed.

  "4th. No speculation in lots or in the affairs of the Company shall be 
permitted, the object being to furnish all with suitable burial lot-, and 
to enclose and keep in permanent order and beauty, the cemetery by the 
proceeds of the sale of lots."


191


  A meeting of the subscribers was held April 2d, 1849, and a committee
was appointed to examine, and report on the eligibility of, different, 
grounds in the vicinity ofthe borough, as a location for the proposed 
cemetery. This committee attended to the duty, and made report at a meeting 
held on the twelfth of May, following. From a number of locations reported, 
the meeting by unanimous vote, made choice of one, the property of Mr. 
David D. Wagener; and Wm. L. Sebring, Washington McCartney, and A. McCox,
were appointed a committee, to purchase the same, at a price not exceeding
six thousand dollars. One week afterwards (May 19th), the committee 
reported that the purchase had been made, by agreement, at the price named.

  In the meantime, an Act of Incorporation had been passed, and approved 
April 5th, 1849, as follows:
"Be it enacted that
Traill Green

John J. Burke

Samuel Ludwig

Samuel Drinkhouse

John Green, Jr.

Philip Mixsell

Edward F. Stewart

George Field

Thomas T. Miller

Theodore Mixsell

Jacob Weygandt

Samuel Moore

Peter S. Michler

George W. Housel, and their associates, be, and they are hereby created and 
erected, into a body politic and corporate in law, by the name, style, and 
title of THE EASTON CEMETERY, and by that name shall have perpetual 
succession, and all the other incidents to a corporation, with power to 
hold any quantity of real estate, not, exceeding fifty acres, within the 
County of Northampton, for cemetery purposes; and to make, ordain, pass and 
put in execution, all such by-laws, rules, and regulations, as shall be 
necessary, for conducting the business of the said corporation, not 
contrary to the Constitution and Laws of the United States, and of this 
Commonwealth, or to this Act; add generally, to do all Acts necessary for 
the improvement and ornament, of the grounds-the disposal of burial plots, 
and tire due management still regulation of the affairs thereof."

  A conveyance of the Wagoner tract having been executed, and delivered,
Messrs. Traill Green and William L. Sebring were, on the twenty-fourth of
October, 1849, empowered to contract with Michael Butz for a few acres 
adjoining like Wagoner purchase: this being necessary to the symmetry of 
the grounds. The contract was made at the rate of $175.00 per acre, and 
conveyance of the same was duly made. The land thus obtained-being not far 
from forty-three acres-comprised the present grounds of the cemetery, a 
short mile to the northwest of the Public Square. The greater part, is a 
high plateau, abruptly raised above the Bushkill Creek, which here, makes a 
sharp bend, and forms the northern and southeastern boundaries of the 
cemetery.

  The site is a beautiful one by nature, and the grounds have received a 
good degree of artificial improvement and ornamentation, by the laying out 
and grading of avenues and walks, and the planting of evergreen and 
deciduous trees, and shrubbery. A neat and appropriate chapel stands in the 
central portion of the enclosure, and a superintendent's house is at the 
Seventh street, gate.

 The number of interments is about, four thousand, of which, many were 
transferred from the old cemeteries  among these are some whose 
inscriptions bear date as old as 1760. There are at least, one hundred 
monuments, noticeable for their beauty; the most prominent, in point of 
location, design, and association, being that of GEORGE TAYLOR Easton's 
Signer of the Declaration-"BORN 1716-DIED 1781" standing southeast of the 
chapel, on the table-land towards the town. An inscription upon white 
marble, tells where rest the ashes, of COL. THOMAS McKEEN-born June 26th, 
1763, died November 25th 1858,-showing a life, of more than ninety-five 
years duration. A square monument of white marble, standing on a base, of 
gray stone, marks the resting-place of JAMES MADISON PORTER-born
 January 6th, 1793-died November 11th, 1862-not having reached extreme old 
age. Upon a horizontal slab, we read, ANDREW H. REEDER-born 
July 12th, 1807-died July 5th, 1864-not much past the prime of life. Away 
in a secluded nook, in the extreme northeastern portion of the grounds, 
another distinguished name is found inscribed on a chaste and beautiful 
monument:

                    JAMES H. COFFIN, L. L. D.,
                    BORN SEPTEMBER 6TH, 1806,
                    DIED FEBRUARY 6TH, 1873



              PICTURE OF JAMES H. COFFIN L.L. D. APPEARS HERE


                   Professor in Lafayette College. For
                   Twenty-seven year's member of the
                   National Academy of Sciences. Author
                   Of "Wind of the Globe"-the labor of
                   Over thirty years-and of other 
                   scientific works.

                     An original contributor to science;
                   an enthusiastic teacher, an earnest
                   Christian.


Few burial-grounds occupy so lovely a site, or bear upon their tablets such 
a shining roll of names, as does the Easton Cemetery.


                        COOKE'S FURNITURE FACTORY.

[This sketch should have been classified under head of "Manufacturing 
Industries" but was omitted by mistake.]

  The Location upon which this well-known establishment stands is probably 
the oldest in town being occupied prior to 1800, by John Titus, father of 
L. Titus. Later, the business, was carried on by David Gosner, father of A. 
and D. Gosner, who, in 1848, erected the main factory, just in the rear of 
the store. In 1851, it became the property of David Garris, and, after his 
decease, was purchased by E. B. Hopkins, who disposed of it to the
present owner, A. D. Cooke. The establishment, as at present arranged, 
furnishes, when in full operation, employment for one hundred men. The 
machinery is, all operated by steam-power, and is fitted for the 
manufacture of all kinds of furniture needed to stock it well-assorted 
store, of all the articles here kept, all but cane-seated chairs, and a few 
patented articles, are made in the factory. In addition to the retail 
trade, a large whole-sale business is done in Wilmington, Reading, 
Philadelphia, New York, Elmira, Newark, and many other points.  Some, idea 
of the magnitude of the works can be obtained when we say that they are one 
hundred and fifty feet in depth, and have a floor-room of over 30,000 feet.  
A view can be found in, another portion of the work.





End of Part V