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Middletown Pennsylvania Early Church History


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Middletown Early Churches

St. Peter's Lutheran Church is the oldest in the borough. The lot numbered 135 upon which the old (the first) church edifice stands, including the graveyard in the rear, was purchased from George Fisher, and Hannah, his wife, as appears from a deed bearing date September 18, 1764, to Peter Woltz, George Frey, and Deterick Schob, all of Lower Paxtang (now Swatara) township, Lancaster (now Dauphin) county, Province of Pennsylvania. The purchase money was seven shillings and sixpence, with additional rent of one grain of wheat every year, to be delivered annually on the ist day of May. The deed was acknowledged before Justice John Allison, and attested by Joseph Greenwood and Henry Renick. It is written on parchment, and is yet in a good state of preservation. It is recorded in Lancaster county. In Deed Book M., page 395, by Edward Shippen, recorder. It bears the old Provincial seal of Lancaster county. In the same year a petition was sent to John Penn, then lieutenant-governor of the Province, praying for the privilege of erecting a church, and also for the privilege of collecting funds for the same purpose. Whereupon privilege was granted by license dated September 28, 1764, to Christian Roth and David Ettley to raise by subscription twelve hundred pounds In the ^pace of three years. Mr. Ettley walked to Philadelphia on his collecting tour. The document bears the autograph of John Penn, and is countersigned by Joseph Shippen, his secretary. There are no papers showing how much money was raised. It appears from the terms of the license, dated September 28, 1764, granting the above privilege, that the members were then very poor, and that many were driven from their homes by the hostile Indians. Middletown then contained but a few houses, and a great part of Dauphin and Lancaster counties was then a wilderness. The forests were peopled by Indians, and the settlers could not go outside their homes unarmed' with any degree of safety. Whenever the people went to the store, mill, or even the church, they armed themselves. They would stack their arms inside the church, and station one person at the door as sentinel to warn the others of approaching danger.

The church edifice was built In 1767. The cornerstone was laid by Justice Colonel James Burd, in presence of Revs. Theophllus Engeland, N. Harnell, Conrad Bucher, and the church wardens and elders, John Christ. Roth, John Metzgar, George Philip Shaage, Gottlieb David Ettley, and Jacob King, together with the building committee, which consisted of George Frey, Frederick Zeppernick, and Conrad Wolfley. I here was placed in the corner-stone a German Bible, printed at Halle in 1763 ; the shorter Catechism of Martin Luther, printed in Philadelphia in 1764; three wafers; a half pint bottle of wine, and some money in Pennsylvania currency. The lot upon which the lecture room stood was transferred by the executors of George Frey and Jacob King, by a deed bearing date October 7, 1807, tO' the trustees of the church, viz.: John Metzgar, Philip Ettele, John Blattenberger, Jacob Wolttey, Christian Esenhauer, and Marks Snyder. On March 10, 1807, application was made by the congregation for a charter of incorporation. On the 21st of the same month, Governor Thomas McKean authorized Timothy Alatlack, master of the rolls, to issue the charter prayed for by the petitioners, who were Ludwick Wolfley, Valentine Weyrick, Martin Hemperley, Nicholas Shuler, George Shalkey, Frederick — , George Schneegaus, Christian Spayd, George Lauman, James Metzgar, Jacob Snyder, John Smuller, John Croll, John Heppich, John Blattenberger, Jr., Christian Laurentz, David Ettele, George Schuler, Matthias Wolf. In 18 13 the steeple was built. For this purpose twelve hundred and eleven dollars and thirty-five cents was subscribed by one hundred and ninety-three different persons, whose names are all on record, and among whom are the ancestors of many of the prominent families of the town. The first floor of the church was of brick, and in 1830 the present floor was laid. In 1835 the lecture room was built, and in 1861 an addition was made to accommodate the increasing number of Sunday-school scholars. In 1844 the second roof was put on the church, and in 1850 its interior was remodeled. At this time the pulpit was erected on the north side, between the two large windows, and about midway between the floor and the ceiling, and was reached by a narrow flight of steps. There were two entrances, one on the south side, which on the remodeling of the edifice was closed. The building was remodeled while Rev. Dr. Baum had charge of the congregation, and the work was done by Major Rehrer. In 1855 ^^^ 1856 the parsonage was built. This old stone church is now used only at stated times, mostly at funerals of aged persons who wish the funeral services to be held in its sacred walls, an elegant new church edifice having been completed on another lot, and dedicated in 1879.

On September 4, 1867, the church celebrated its centennial anniversary, at which were present many distinguished clergymen of the Lutheran and other denominations and persons prominent in the State. At this centennial anniversary^ George Smuller sent one hundred grains of choice selected wheat to Hon. Robert J. Fisher, of New York, the oldest of the legal heirs and representatives of George Fisher, who laid out the town, and of whom the church lot was purchased, as full satisfaction of one clause in the original deed requiring a rental of one grain of wheat to be paid annually. The wheat was contained in a silk bag worked by Miss Carrie Smuller. The old church lot is two hundred by fifty feet. When "St. Peter's Kirche" (as it was denominated by a lettered stone still in its front over the door) was dedicated in 1767 the members consisted of sixty-six old and sixty-three young persons. It was built of red sandstone, was two stories in height, and had a gallery on the east, south, and west sides, the pulpit occupying the north side. There was a second entrance fronting on High street, which was reached through the yard in front and staircase leading from each door to the gallery, meeting at the southeast corner. The windows were small, with quite small panes of glass. The bricks in the floor were nine inches square. The pews were narrow, with high, straight backs. When the house was finally warmed, it was done by two large stoves capable of taking in a vast amount of fuel, consisting of ordinary cordwood four feet in length. The pulpit was small and supported by a post eight or ten feet high, and reached bv a narrow stairway. Over it was a sounding board. A pipe-organ at one time occupied a portion of one side of thd gallery. In August, 1793, the congregation secured the adjoining lot. No. 134, of Jacob Gross and wife, who made a conveyance thereof to George Frey and Jacob King for the consideration of three pounds in hand and a yearly rent of one grain of wheat to be paid annually on May ist. By mistake the deed was made to Frey and King individually, but when they died their trustees and executors — John Landis, Charles Fisher, William Crabb and John Cassel for Frey's estate, and Jacob Snyder and Daniel Erisman for King's — conveyed it to the trustees of the church. In 1826, Jane Hannegan (Flannagan) sold lot No. 133 to the congregation, so that the old church and cemetery now comprises three lots — Nos. 133, 134, and 135. When the brick floor was replaced by a wooden one, in 1830, the straight-back pews gave way to others of a more comfortable character, and a new pulpit was erected, beneath which was an alcove or recess, into which the pastor could retire and leave his wrappings before entering the sanctuary. It had steps on either side, and a semicircular railing hung with velvet inclosed it. The reading-desk was also covered with velvet. The alterations were superintended by Jacob Heppich. In the remodeling of 1850, the whole inside wood-work — pews, gallery, and all — was removed. The windows, which were formerly in two tiers, were made into one, and the doorway facing High street was converted into a window. The pulpit was erected at the west end, and the galleries extended around the other three sides. A vestibule was made, from which inclosed stairways led to the gallery and shut off the cold from the auditorium. A parsonage was erected on High street, near the old church, in 1855. In 1872 the congregation purchased the lots on Union street, on which its second and beautiful edifice was built, imd dedicated in 1879. The following have served as pastors of this church: Rev. Theophilus Engeland, from 1767-73; Rev. T. F. Illing, 1773-88; Rev. J. Kurtz, 1788-93; Rev. P. Pentz, 1793-95; Rev. H. Nliller, 1795-1803; Rev. T. F. Shcaft, 1803-12; Rev. George Lochman, D. D., 18 12-15; Rev. A. H. Lochman, D. D., i8i5;^Rev. J. Van Hoff, 1830-34; Rev. P. Saline, 1834-37; Rev. S. D. Finckle, 1837- 44; Rev. J. Voghbaugh, 1844-47; Rev. L. Gerhart, 1847-48; Rev. W. M. Baum, D. D., 1848-53; Rev. Benjamin Saddler, 1853-56; Rev. C. J. Ehrehart, 1856-1865; Rev. Peter Ruby, 1865-72; Rev. John W. Finkbinder, 1873- 1883; Rev. H. C. Holloway, 1884-88; Rev. F. W. Staley, 1888-1904; Rev. S. T. Micholas, 1904 and is the present pastor.


Methodist Episcopal Church

The Methodist Episcopal Church is a very old organization at Middletown, itinerants visiting the place one hundred and twenty-five years ago. The first Methodist preaching in this count}', and prior to that at Halifax, by twenty-one years, was at this point.

The early ministers encountered great difficulties both physical and moral. Malaria brought siclcness, and bad roads obstructed travel, even on horseback. Roads were indicated by "blazing" trees and burning brush. There were no bridges, and high waters frequent.

C. H. Hutchinson, an old settler, and the local historian at Middletown, says: "In spring the circuit-rider was often knee-deep In mud; and in winter, if without a compass, hopelessly adrift in the snow. The cabins where they could lodge were few ; some of them with the latchstring pulled in, some of them the resorts of horse-thieves and desperadoes. In some sections the Indian prowled with wolf-like ferocity. The rude hospitality of the settler was given with a warm heart, but often with dirty hands. The rough blanket which was laid over the itinerant sleeper, was often biting with vermin, or the worst forms of cutaneous disease. Often he was hungry', sometimes asking a blessing upon a crust of bread, sometimes for days without as much as that. Asbury's meage pittance of sixty-four dollars a year, was a fair sample of a preacher's pay. But the moral difficulties which confronted them were greater than the physical. Their position from 1770 to 1784 was one of peculiar peril, Wesley pronounced disloyalty a sin, and the Methodist preachers here were held responsible for his opinions; they were all supposed to be tories, and were known to be opposed to slavery."

As early as 1780 there was a preaching place of "York Circuit" then extending over a large scope of country, including parts of several counties, the preachers crossing the river a few miles below Middletown. Services were held at the dwelling house of Dr. Romer then occupied by Eli Rigg, an early Methodist of the town. These itinerants sometimes did not come oftener than three months, but when roads and "no preventing Providence" occurred the circuit was supplied once in four weeks. Early in the Nineteenth century Middletown became a part of Dauphin Circuit.

March 12, 18 14, Arnold S. Johns, Eli Rigg, Andrew Alexander, John Funk, and William Foulk, trustees of the Methodist Episcopal congregation of Middletown, purchased of Philip Ettla a lot of ground at the northern extremity of Union street, containing seven hundred and thirty square yards, for sixty dollars. (This lot had been sold to Ettla, June 22nd, 1793, by Frederick Zeppernick for £3, and was part of a tract of sixty acres deeded to Zeppernlck March 5th, 1767, by George Fisher and wife.) A small frame church was erected on this lot shortly afterwards, and was dedicated in the year 18 16, by Rev. John Goforth, preacher In charge of Dauphin Circuit. Here the Methodists worshipped for about forty years. This was the second church edifice erected in Middletown. In 1839 the building was remodeled and improved. Rev. Curry preached the sermon at the re-opening.

At that time this location was not far from the centre of the town, but after the canal and railroad were constructed, that part of Middletown, which was then called Portsmouth, began to grow, and the larger part of the members residing in that vicinity, in 185 1 the corner-stone of a new church edifice was laid on Ann street, above Catherine.

Dauphin Circuit was sub-divided In 1856 and Middletown was taken from it; also Hummelstown and other points, which formed a new circuit. Rev. George R. Rakestraw was made pastor. He found an unfinished church, heavily encumbered and with about twenty members ; but by dint of earnest effort, In which he was supported by a small congregation, a satisfactory arrangement was made with the contractor, Mr. George Rodfong. The building was finished and dedicated May loth, 1854, Rev. D. W. Bartine officiating.

In 1857 Middletowni was taken from the Circuit and made a station with Rev. George G. Rakestraw as its first pastor. During this year an act of incorporation was procured from the Dauphin county court, the name being the Middletown Methodist Episcopal Church.

In 1883, the church building becoming too small, a larger, better one was planned, under trustees — Thomas Fairman, Seymour Raymond, Benj. S. Peters, George W. Ettele, John Fratts, John Atkinson and A. S. Matherson, who purchased lot No. 298, at the southeast corner of Ann and Catherine streets, of Adam Baumbach, for $2,500.

August 3rd, 1883, the corner-stone was laid in the presence of a very large concourse of people, with Masonic ceremonies. In it were placed a Bible; a Methodist Episcopal hymn book. Year book, and discipline; a copy of the Christian Advocate, Our Church Monthly, Middletown Press, Middletown Journal, names of the members of the church and Sunday schools, history of the three church buildings, and a programme of the exercises.

The church was dedicated by Bishop Bowman, D. D., LL. D., on Sunday, April 27, 1884. It is a fine structure, built of brick, trimmed with Gettysburg gray granite; is two stories high and roofed with a superior grade of slate. It is 50x85 feet. Its interior finish is exquisite. A handsome mellow-toned pipe organ is among the costly furnishings. Automatic ventilators in the basement give an even temperature at all times. The architect was William Miller, of Harrisburg, and the builder, William Starry.

The pastors of the church have been: 1856-58, George E. Rakestraw; 1858-60, S. W. Kurtz; i860, William B. Gregg; 1861- 63, J. S. Lame; 1863-65, J. M. Wheeler; 1865-67, S. T. Kemble; 1867-69, Allen Johns; 1869, L. B. Hughes; 1870-72, J. Montgomery; 1872-74, T. B. Miller; 1874-77, S. G. Grove; 1877-79, J. T. Swindells; 1879-82, W. H. Fries; 1882-85, L. B. Brown; 1885-86, M. L. Graves; 1886, David McKee; 1890, Wm. Rink; 1891, S. H. Evans; 1895, Wm. Ridgway; 1898, J. T. Gray; 1900, W. H. Pickop; 1902-05, R. H. Crawford; 1906, W. E. Yeager; 1907, A. J. Amthor. The society owns a good parsonage at No. 105 North Union street.


Presbyterian Church

While the first settlers were among the people at Middletown, there was no attempt to establish a church there for many years. The Lebanon A^alley, Hanover, Derry and Paxton churches seemed to supply their needs. Later, the' Conewago Presbyterian Church was built at Gainsburg, four miles distant. The builder was killed by falling from the roof, and was buried in 1745, in the graveyard attached. Revs. N. R. Snowden and James R. Sharon frequently preached in the Lutheran Church at Middletown. There was an early organization that went down, for the records show that June 7, 1802, James Russell and wife conveyed lot No. 94 in Middletown to William Crabb, John McCammon and Edward Crouch, as "trustees of the English Presbyterian Congregation of Middletown," to be used as a burying ground. There seems to have been no move toward a re-organization until 1850. April 10 of that year the Presbytery at Carlisle arranged for establishing a church here. October 29, 1850, the Presbytery met at Middletown when a petition signed by Daniel Kendig, Sarah Kendig, Robert F. Snoddy, Edward Burgett, Dr. B. J. Wiestling, Matilda E. Wiestling, Mary E. Wilt and Davis Thompson was presented asking for the organization of a church. The elders then elected were Dr. Wiestling, Daniel Kendig and Edward Burgett. Thus was formed the first regular Church since the pioneer society had expired nearly fifty years before. Rev. John Cross solicted funds for the building of a church. He was called, installed pastor, and died suddenly, August 1851, while raising funds. The building was erected on Union street in 1852, Rev. O. O. McClean being pastor from that year to 1854. The Church above named was a neat brick building, with a basement. The congregation was incorporated August 28, 1858. As time passed by and the church grew in strength, a new edifice was demanded and in 1889 a beautiful brown-stone edifice was erected and still serves the congregation.


Other Churches

United Brethren Church: In 1852 this denomination erected a frame building in which to worship. It was on Duck (below Water) street. The church has steadily increased, and is now among the strongest of the city. About 1880 they purchased Christ Church, which had been built in 1838. For many years it was only a circuit, but long since became a prosperous station. The first pastor was H. C. Phillips. In 1892 a fine brick edifice was built which still accommodates the large congregation.

Church of God (Bethel): In 1824 or 1825 Rev. John Winebrenner, a minister of the German Reformed church, but who had withdrawn therefrom, entertained and preached views on experimental religion which differed somewhat from those held by the church, resided at Harrisburg. At the request of the friends of a Mrs. Black, who had been at one time a member of his congregation, and who had died on the farm of the late George Fisher, Mr. Winebrenner came to Middletown to preach the funeral sermon. The feeling against him was so strong that some of the older citizens refused to have anything to do with him, on the ground that he was not a minister in good standing in any church. John McCammon, howevxr, on being asked whether he would walk with Mr. Winebrenner on the occasion, cheerfully consented, and they were afterwards warm friends. The funeral services were held in the Lutheran church, and some of the young men of the town were so favorably impressed with Mr. Winebrenner that they invited him to preach. The doors of the Lutheran church were, however, closed against him, but Mrs. Flannagan, who had charge of the Ebenezer Methodist meeting-house, opened that building to him, and under his ministrations a great revival commenced. He continued preaching alternately with the Methodist circuit preachers for several years until about 1832, when his friends deemed it advisable to have an edifice of their own. In the meantime, however, some friends of Mr. Winebrenner residing in Harrisburg, Middletown, and vicinity met at Linglestown and organized a new church or sect, adopting the doctrines taught by iVlr. Winebrenner, and styled themselves the "Church of God," but for many years they were generally known as "Winebrennarians." Mr. Winebrenner always disapproved of this term, and all his followers are now known as members of the "Church of God." The first members of this congregation, in 1827, were Susanna Smuller, Bare, Elizabeth King, Jacob Rife, Joshua Heppich, Jacob Benner, John Benner, Henry Siple, Joseph Ross, George Smuller, George Etter, Conrad Seabauch, George Baker, John McFarland, Eliza Longhead, and Eve Crist. The first elders (1827) were Joshua Heppich and John McFarland. The first church edifice of this new denomination ever built was erected in Middletown in 1832, on lot No. 23, on the east side of Main cross street (now L'^nion), about midway betAveen Water Street and Centre Square. It was a frame structure, lathed and plastered on the outside. There were tvvo entrances at the front, reached by high stairs or steps. The pulpit was placed between the doors at the end of the building toward the street, and those entering faced the audience. At one time a day school was taught by Samuel Dennis in the basement. In 1852 this building was enlarged and the whole cased with brick and a vestibule and gallery provided. But the remodeling did not prove to be successful and was hardly looked upon as safe. In June, 1873, ^ committee examined its condition and reported favorable to building a new church. The lot selected is the northeast corner of Spring and Water streets and cost $1,200. In November, 1873, $8,000 had been subscribed; ground was broken June 9, 1874, and the cornerstone laid July 8. In the winter of 1875-76 the main audience room was thrown open for a great union meeting then in progress. It is a brick structure, with a steeple being one hundred and sixty feet high, as originally made. The roof is of slate. The walls are frescoed, and stained glass make beautiful the windows.

Among its pastors have been Elders John Winebrenner, Smitmer, Kyle, Edward West, McCartney, Croll, Mackey, William Miller, Joseph Adams, Jacob Flake, William Mooney, A. Swartz, Edward H. Thomas, William Mullineux, A. Snyder, D. A. L. Laverty, and B. F. Beck. Since 1867 the pastors have been: 1867, J. Stamm; 1867-70, J. Keller; 1870-72, J. Haifleigh; 1872-75, George Sigler; 1875-77, W. L. Jones; 1877-79, J. Miller; 1879- 80, W. P. Winbigler; 1880-83, D. C. Shoop; 1883, W. L. Lockwood; 1885,0. H. Betts; 1888, G. W. Getz; 1891J. M. Carvell; 1893, C. I. Behney; 1894, J. H. Esterline; 1896, George Sigler; 1903, W. J. Schaner, the present pastor.

Christ Church. — In 1835 a schism occurred in St. Peter's Lutheran church, under its pastor. Rev. Peter Sahm. A great religious revival was in progress in the town, and meetings were nightly held in the lecture-room, which was always well filled. Many members of the church made a profession of a change of heart. This was an innovation, and some of the more conservative members looked upon the movement as heretical. Finally the opposition to the meetings became so great that many of the members left the church and started a new congregation, called Christ Church. They erected their church edifice in 1838, at the corner of Duck and Water streets, and continued to worship there for many years. The membership gradually declined owing to deaths and removals, until it was no longer able to support a pastor, and finally those remaining connected themselves with other churches. The church edifice was sold to the LInited Brethren denomination.

St. Mary's Catholic Church. — The earliest Catholics in the vicinity of Middletown, that we have any record of, were: Henrietta Brandon, John Luck, John McCristal, Bernard Mooney, Patrick Boyle, John McGuigan and their families. They were occasionally visited, after 1795, by priests from Elizabethtown and Conewago.

In 1846-47 there were but three Catholic families in town, viz, : Those of Patrick O'Donnel, Richard McGranigan and Luke Norton, although in the neighborhood were the Doughertys, Sweenys, Witmans, Youtzs, Cannons, McGarveys, Bradleys, Hollands, Gross, Flynns, McCanns, McMillans, AUwineis, Schaeffers, &c., some of whom had been settled here for many years. In the absence of any priest these families would ride, drive, or the male members, cane in hand, would walk to Elizabethtown or Harrisburg to church. Services were first held at private houses (notably at Luke Norton's), then at the brick school house on Furnace Hill, and afterwards at the old school house on the southwest corner of Ann and Wood streets.

In 1857 a lot was secured, and Father John McCosker began to collect means to build upon it.

The corner stone of "St. Mary of the Seven Dolors" was laid Sunday, Sept. 20, 1857, by Rt. Rev. John Newman, bishop of the diocese of Philadelphia, assisted by Doctor O'Hara, Rev. John McCosker, and several other priests. Dr. O'Hara, (afterwards Bishop of Scranton, Pennsylvania), preached the sermon of this occasion, and also at the consecration of the church.

It is located on high ground, at the western end of Ann street, above Lawrence ; is a brick structure, of gothic style, with an organ gallery. Edward Hodnett built it for nine thousand dollars. It was opened for divine service in the spring of 1859, Rev. John, McCosker officiating. In 1861 Father McCosker was appointed chaplain of the Fifty-fifth regiment, Pennsylvania volunteers, which was assigned to duty in South Carolina. Before starting on his journe}^ he was presented with a handsome sword and belt by James Young. He served faithfully until, overcome by hardship and disease, he returned to Philadelphia and soon afterward died.

In November, 1861, Rev. Hugh McGorian, who had been on the missions in Australia and Van Dieman's Land, came to America, and was appointed pastor of Middletown and Elizabethtown. February 19, 1864, he died. His successors, (each surviving a short time), were: Revs. R. V. O'Connor, Eugene Sullivan, Thos. Walsh and Patrick McSwiggan. Rev. J. J. Mcllvaine came next.

His successors were: P. J. Numan, Charles McMonigle, J. J. Mcllvaine (again), J. C. Foin, James A. Huber, C. Kenny, B. J. Campbell, James M. Barr, P. G. Costigan, S. Clement Burger, L. Stein, and H. M. Herzog, who is serving in 1907.

In 1757, in answer to a request of the Governor for a statement of the number of Catholics in the province of Pennsylvania, Father Farmer counted those in Lancaster county (then embracing Dauphin), Germans, men, 108; women, 94; Irish, men, 22; women, 27.