AREA HISTORY:  First Church of the United Brethren, York County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Kathy Francis

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History of York County, Pennsylvania.  John Gibson, Historical Editor.
Chicago: F. A. Battey Publishing Co., 1886.
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FIRST CHURCH OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST – Page 544

In 1840 the Mission Society in connection with the Otterbein Church at 
Baltimore, established a mission in York, and sent Rev. Christian S. Crider to 
begin the work; at the same time, the Methodist Episcopal congregation of York, 
offered their old church for sale.  It was located on the site of the present 
United Brethren Church, and was bought for $1,500.  Peter Rahauser, of Dover; 
Adam Strayer, of Winterstown, and Jacob Ehrhart, of York Township, were chosen 
as trustees of the York Church.  There were, at that time, no members of this 
denomination in York.  Rev. Crider soon organized a congregation, and ministered 
to it for two and one-half years, and was succeeded by Rev. Jacob Rhinehart, who 
remained two years, during which time a parsonage was built.  Rev. Enoch Hoffman 
succeeded, remaining two years.  In 1847 Rev. J. C. Smith, now a highly 
respected citizen of York, became pastor.  He found a membership of fifty 
persons.  At the expiration of four years, the congregation increased to 125 
members, through his efficient labors.  In 1851 Rev. W. B. Wagner assumed 
charge, remained three years, and was followed by Rev. W. B. Raber for three 
years.  He was an able clergyman.  Rev. J. C. Smith became pastor again in 1857, 
remained four years.  When he retired there were 237 members.  Rev. Samuel 
Enterline, succeeded for two years, and Rev. Jacob Erb two years, until 1866, 
when Rev. J. C. Smith became pastor a third time.  During this pastorate, a new 
church was built at a cost of $13,000.  The building committee were Charles 
Lafean, Rev. D. Eberly, Jacob Allison, Henry Licking and Rev. Smith.  There were 
then 357 members.  Rev. W. B. Raber was called a second time, and was followed 
by Rev. J. P. Smith, a very successful revivalist, and he, by Rev. J. P. Miller, 
an active worker.  Under him the church was remodeled at a cost of $1,500.  Rev. 
J. R. Meredith was next called; he remained three years, and in 1885 Rev. I. H. 
Albright was chosen.  The church membership under him is about 400.  So far as 
is known, Dr. Ehrhart was chosen superintendent of the first Sunday-school in 
this church.  D. W. Crider is the present superintendent, and H. Y. Kottcamp, 
assistant.  The membership in 1885 is 410.