Church: A History of the  First Evangelical and Reformed Church

Contributed by Roxie Kline

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"A History of the  First Evangelical and Reformed Church (United Church of Christ) Formerly Known as Jerusalem Church, 
Commonly known as The White Church, Schuylkill Haven Pennsylvania" Compiled and written by Dale Schimpf

Page nineteen: "The pulpit Mr. KLEIN described as an 'old-fashioned beer glass' type, high, with a flight of steps 
leading to it. Like the old ones elsewhere in the county's two oldest churches, it was probably what
architects call a 'wine-glass pulpit'.

              [Picture]

"What is a matter of surprise to me is that, at this early age, 'The Old White Church' possessed a pipe organ. 
A Mr. RICK from Cressona was the regular organist. Miss Rosie KLINE, a daughter of Jacob KLINE, one of the parras 
(ministers), was the substitute. She practiced every Saturday after noon, with Emma BUTZ working the bellows 
of the organ. Rose KLINE became Mrs. Morgan BITTLE and died in 1946 near the hundred mark. Emma BUTZ became 
Mrs. Lucian KERN and was still healthy at 92, living in Orwigsburg in 1947. 
(Mrs. KERN since died Wednesday, January 7, 1948,aged 92 years.)

"The Reverends Jacob KLINE and JACOBY were the preachers---KLINE,
Reformed; JACOBY, Lutheran. There were 'Forestayers in di Kerrich'---men who stood forward next to 
the preachers and directed the business of the church.



Page 71:
                   [Picture]

The Rev. Jacob Kline was born near Centreport, Pennsylvania, August 24,1805. In his early years he migrated 
to Schuylkill County. He was elected paster of the congregation October 22, 1854, and resigned the pastorate 
January 9, 1881. He was married to Sophia Cook on November 4,1826. They were blessed with ten children, but 
all except four died before their father. He was familiary known as "Father Kline" and lived at the corner of 
Main and Haven Streets. During his life he preached 3250 regular sermons, performed 810 marriages, and administered to
12,537 communicants. He died July 7, 1889.