CHURCH: Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Franklintown, York County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Abby Bowman

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http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
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History of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of West Pennsylvania of the United 
Lutheran Church in America, 1825-1925

Edited by Adam Stump, D.D. and Henry Anstadt, D.D.

Published by the Action of the Synod in Celebration of Its Centennial,
Printed For The Synod By J. R. Kerr & Bro., Chambersburg, Penna.,1925 
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Pg 457-459

EMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH,
FRANKLINTOWN, PENNA.
(Dillsburg Charge)

REV. GEORGE A. LIVINGSTON, PASTOR

June 12th, 1882, the first meeting was held to consider the erection of a 
Lutheran church in Franklintown, Pa.  Mr. Jacob Lau was elected temporary 
chairman, and P. R. Lehmer temporary secretary.  An effort was then made to 
raise the necessary funds.  May 30th, 1883, another meeting was held at which 
time Rev. Henry Seifert was elected permanent chairman and P. R. Lehmer, 
secretary.  The Building Committee was then elected, namely:  John Klugh, P. R. 
Lehmer, Willaim Straley.  June 12th, 1884, Jacob Lau and Fredrich Murry were 
added to the Building Committee.

At a meeting held July 13th, 1883, John Klugh donated ground on Water Street 
upon which to build the church.  The cornerstone of the new church was laid July 
19th, 1884; the following taking part in the service:  Revs. Henry Seifert, Adam 
Stump, and A. E. Ehart.  May 16th, 1886, the church was dedicated.  The 
following ministers had part in the service:  Revs. Henry Seifert, D. Sell, E. 
D. Weigel and A. E. Ehart.

Forty-six members were enrolled when the church was organized.  The first 
Council was elected March 24th, 1887, at which time the new pastor, Rev. W. L. 
Heisler, presided.  The council elected were as follows:  Trustees, William 
Straley, P. R. Lehmer and Fredrich Murry; Elders, John Klugh and Allen Kline; 
Deacons, D. B. Baker and W. H. Strickler.

March 31st, 1887, the congregation adopted a constitution.  June 18th, 1887, it 
was received into the Clear Spring Charge composed of Salem, Bermudian, St. 
John's and Chestnut Grove.  January 21st, 1888, there was a readjustment of the 
charge, Bermudian, Chestnut Grove and York Springs to be known as the York 
Spring Charge; and Salem, Emanuel, St. John's and St. Paul's of Dillsburg to 
form a charge to be known as the Clear Springs Charge.  October 17th, 1887, 
Emmanuel of Franklintown was received into the West Pennsylvania Synod.  The 
Charter was granted in 1887.

The first Sunday School was held December 27th, 1885, and now has a membership 
of 98.  This congregation has always been connected with the Clear Springs 
Charge, now known as the Dillsburg Charge.  The congregation now has a 
membership of 73; it also has a Ladies' Aid Society and a Christian Endeavor 
Society.  In 1923 the congregation secured modern pews to take the place of the 
old board pews, and all the wood work of the inside of the church has been 
revarnished.

The present council consists of the following men:  John Chronister, James Lau, 
Harrison Byers, Jacob Peterman, George Arnold and Lewis Lau.

The following pastors have served the Church:  Rev. Henry Seifert, 1883-1887; 
Rev. W. L. Heisler, 1887-1891; Rev. W. S. T. Metzgar, 1891-1899; Rev. A. R. 
Longanecker, 1899-1902; Rev. H. E. Zimmerman, 1903-1905; Rev. J. T. Fox, 1905-
1907; Rev. Ira W. Trostel, 1907-1913; Rev. George H. Eveler, 1913-1922; Rev. G. 
A. Livingston, 1922-- .